Talking Rock GA, Heritage Days Festival This Weekend: 10/15/11 & 10/16/11. 

Don't forget to come out and support this annual Pickens County event, in the quaint rural setting of Talking Rock, GA. Crafts, antiques, food, live music, rides, and more. Free parking and entry. The Heritage Days Festival is this Saturday & Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days . . . and it's pretty easy to find. Just go to Talking Rock, GA, and there you are! 

For more info you can visit the Talking Rock Heritage Days web page here.

Looks like the weather is going to be great, the leaves are changing up here in the mountains, and it's just a great excuse to get out and grab some fresh air and exercise.

Pickens Georgia Real Estate Report: Home Sales Data for 2nd Quarter 2011.

Some good 2nd quarter news on the real estate front for Jasper, GA. Home sales volume for the three-month period was up notably over both the previous quarter and against the same period in the prior year. The number of houses sold jumped to 85, versus 65 in the second quarter 2010, and only 53 for first quarter 2011.

On the downside, (unfortunately there is one of those), median and average prices continued to fall, and in all likelihood contributed to the increase in sales.  Average sale price of homes in Pickens County fell from $206,250 in Q2 of 2010, to around $160,635 in Q2 2011. Median sale price declined from $156,000 to $118,700. These numbers are lower than for Q1 2011 as well.

Also noteworthy is the surge in the number of homes sold that were listed as either foreclosures or pre-foreclosures / short sales. These REO and other distressed property sales accounted for approximately 61% of sales -- well above for any prior period.

Inventory dipped from my previous market report, coming in at 488 homes for sale in Pickens County, GA, at this writing. There is currently only a trickle of homes coming to market that aren't bank-owned, as more sellers move to the sidelines hoping to wait out the storm, (more on that in another post).

It's great to see some positive movement in Jasper home sales, now it is a matter of watching for some stabilization in prices. . .

Feel free to contact me for specifics on your neighborhood, or to check comps on your home.

(All sales data obtained and compiled from First Multiple Listing Service records and is believed accurate, but is not warranted.)

The number of Pickens County, Georgia, homes, land lots, commercial properties, and other real esate, reported as being scheduled for foreclosure action and sold at auction on the courthouse steps in Jasper on the first Tuesday in September, after appearing to pull back in August, surged back up for September.

The number of properties of various types listed as facing foreclosure next month alone, here in Jasper, Big Canoe, Talking Rock and surrounding areas, climbed back up to 55, (after dropping to 38 in August), which seems like a lot for a small county like Pickens. As has been the case for the past several months, not all are home foreclosures, with land and commercial real estate working their way into the mix as well, and in some cases there are multiple actions against a single party.

Regardless of property type or the number of parties involved, it is hard to escape or ignore the impact of these bank repossessions on the community and the families that live here. We can only hope to see some relief in months to come. 

Jasper GA real estate data -- home sales stats for 1st quarter 2011.

Note: Due to the relatively low number of monthly home sales in Pickens County GA, I am switching my monthly sales reports to a quarterly format, which might hopefully provide a less volatile reading of what's going in terms of home sales volume and prices.

No real surprises for first-quarter 2011. Flat sales volume, with declines in median and average sale prices. While our number of houses sold came pretty close to matching that of 1st quarter 2010, with 53 home sales, just one shy of the prior year's 54, the median sale price dropped for that period from $164,900 to $130,000. The average sale price dropped from $184,430 to $162,182.

Foreclosures and short sales were a big factor in the pricing pressure. Again, no surprises there. The number of pre-foreclosures and bank-owned properties sold rose from a total of around 37% of sales, to 43% of total sales.

With 516 homes for sale in Jasper, GA, and surrounding Pickens County communities, as of this writing, we are  faced with a challenging 22- to 24-months worth of inventory to liquidate. On the positive side, the fact that sales volume doesn't appear to be declining might help keep this inventory manageable. Unfortunately, the inventory level, and with the percentage of REO's and short sales climbing to almost 14% of total inventory, prices coiuld remain soft for the short term, at least.

There are some signs that the low prices and rates are starting to attract homebuyers, (and yes, even investors, particularly as rental demand increases), so perhaps we'll see begin to see some stronger buying to help offer price support, but expect that support to be concentrated more in the lower price points, where first time homebuyers and real estate investors are more likely to be focused.

(All sales data obtained and compiled from First Multiple Listing Service records and is believed accurate, but is not warranted.)

*** SORRY, THIS LISTING IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE ***

Lakefront Home with Swimming Pool and Guest Apartment on 2+ Acres for Sale in beautiful Jasper, Pickens County, GA -- the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.

Ever dream of escaping it all? Of sunsets on the lake, cooling breezes, and refreshing dips in the pool on a hot summer day? Then this is the place for you!

 
Here is a rare opportunity to own a spacious North Georgia lakefront home on two meandering acres, with lake frontage and your own personal dock on a private 20-acre lake (+/-). What picture perfect setting for an evening stroll at the water's edge, an afternoon fishing with the kids or grand-kids, or some time in a boat or kayak, meandering across clean, spring fed waters. Gorgeous views of the lake and grassy shoreline can be savored from many rooms in the home – the kitchen, dining room, master bathroom, guest room, and the bright and cheery sun room, all provide pleasant views. Or take advantage of the breezy covered porch, where cold drinks and fiery sunsets go hand in hand.

As if such tranquility alone is not enough, the clear blue in-ground swimming pool offers a breathtaking vantage point from which to enjoy the lake's pristine beauty, as well. A great spot to catch some afternoon sun or unwind at the end of the day. And thinking of entertaining? What better place than here, with a fun pool house / bar area, that includes a brick, built-in wood-fired grill / cooker! No need to go inside, all your hosting needs right here – refrigerator, guest bathroom, and plenty of space for tables and chairs on the pool deck.

The main house is equally user-friendly, with large rooms, tons of storage space, and a comfortable floor plan. From the broad fireplace centered in a expansive living room, to the informal dining room overlooking the lake, it is a home designed for casual living and good times, particularly the cozy, window-wrapped sun room – perfect for coffee with friends, or a some alone time with a good book and a calming view.

The roomy kitchen is a light and airy workspace, with built-in oven and cooktop, plenty of cabinet space, and a convenient breakfast bar. Open to the dining room, and graced with a view of the lake, this is a kitchen sure to please.

Also on the main level are a foyer, guest bathroom and bonus room with built-in shelving, ideal for a study / library / office / den, while the upstairs area offers two secondary bedrooms, a second guest bathroom, a full laundry room, and a huge master suite.The master suite a includes a built-in TV cabinet and shelves, a good-size walk-in closet, ceiling fan, and private bathroom overlooking the lake. Double-vanities, a shower stall, extra closet space, and a jetted tub enclosure with picture windows for views on either side, make the master bathroom your own personal escape.

In addition to the main home, this remarkable property comes equipped with a separate guest apartment, which includes two rooms, walk-in laundry room and closet, a full second kitchen, and open living room area. So many options for how to use the space -- In-law suite, teen suite, guest cottage, media center, game room, studio – whatever your needs. It even has its own one-car drive-under garage, and huge amounts of extra basement storage.

Aside from the apartment garage, this home also comes with a two-car detached garage, and an attached two-car carport, so parking and storage are not an issue. Neither is space. On two-acres, surrounded by trees and bordered by the lake, the yard is a semi-private haven, that goes from level to a gentle slope toward the lake. And across the street is nothing but pasture and distant mountain views.

Truly an amazing find!

To top it all off, this is not some isolated property on the side of a mountain. It is just off South Main Street, practically within walking distance of downtown Jasper, GA, (five-minutes by car, about thirty by foot), and has all the conveniences of city living with city sewer, public water, and natural gas serving the property. The best of both worlds. Don't miss this out on this unique Pickens County, Georgia, waterfront home with swimming pool and acreage.

Call or Email Trent for more details, or view a full Virtual Tour here.

FOR SALE: 479 MONTVIEW DRIVE, JASPER GA 30143.   ONLY $395,000!   MLS# 4262563

For Sale by Broker:

Trent D Cluley
Keller Williams Realty - Select Partners
770-757-3399
678-493-2100
www.PickensGeorgiaRealEstate.com

What is ALEC?

ALEC is the American Legislative Exchange Council.  A "non-profit" organization consisting of thousands of political and corporate leaders who gather to jointly draft ("ghostwrite") model bills for submission by legislators at the state level.

ALEC is not some secret society. It has been around for a while and openly lists its membership and noble sounding goals on its website. But, there are those who argue that there is more than what appears on the surface. The Center for Media and Democracy, by way of PRWatch.org and corresponding wiki, AlecExposed.org have made approximately 800 of these "model" bills available for review. Their site explores the deeper significance of the politico-corporate relationship within this group, and the possible impact of the players involved.  

Why do we care?

Anytime you have millions of dollars in corporate influence holding hands under the table with the people whom we elected to make laws directly affecting our lives, there is cause for concern. The reality of lobbying and corruption in public office is an established fact, but this is a step beyond lobbying. This is putting words in the mouths, ("bills on the floor") of our elected representatives, by the very corporations whom they are often tasked with reigning in! Not all bills make it, but enough appear to do so to raise a red flag.

Do we care?  

We should.

I am strongly opposed to government involvement in most aspects of my life and business, even those programs or regulations that actually benefit me personally in the long run. I would much rather allow the free market to run its course, and as such, ALEC's claim to be Jeffersonian in their efforts to reduce big government, should appeal to me. And, in reading through some of the "proposed" legislation likely to have an impact on real estate and financing, I find myself agreeing with some of the draft proposals presented, such as preventing local governments from imposing stricter financing regulations or making it tougher to implement legislation affecting the cost of housing.  You can read some of the housing and finance specific proposed bills here.

But, that's not the issue. Regardless of whether I personally agree or disagree with the model legislation voted on by the members, whether I like or dislike the corporations involved, and whether or not I'm a supporter of the various office holders who are members, has little bearing on the real issue. And that is the separation of corporate interests and elected office. Regardless of SCOTUS and their Citizens United decision, my opinion is that private money and public office should be like oil and water.

With that in mind, a list of politicians who are, or have been, members of ALEC, are available here on SourceWatch.org. You can see for yourself which of your state's legislators are members. Perhaps it is time to make our voices heard and let them know whom they actually represent, (hint -- and it's not big business)!

What are your thoughts? Is this just democracy in action, or undue influence by a select few?

The Preserve at Sharp Mountain in Jasper, Georgia, is throwing open its gates this Sunday, April 17, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., to welcome you to a community-wide open house, showcasing the scenic beauty of this upscale neighborhood and the variety of homes and land for sale.

Take a driving tour to see for yourself the numerous opportunities available among the more than 50-lots available for sale, starting at under $22,000, for a 3-acre lot! These estate lots range in size from a 3-acre minimum to 28-acres plus, and with more than 2/3 of these gorgeous lots priced under $100,000 (and most priced under $200,000), there are plenty of bargains to be had, even on larger lot sizes!

With several parks, a community lodge, walking trails, waterfalls, creeks, and breathtaking views, The Preserve at Sharp Mountain has something to offer every taste. Whether a private 15+ acre space to call your own; an open, level spot to build a single-level home; the sounds of a rippling creek outside your back door, or a mountaintop perch overlooking the distant horizon, The Preserve has it all. And with sensible restrictions and architectural controls, the sanctity of your shady retreat among the oaks, mountain laurel, and dogwoods, is sure to be protected.

For those looking for something a little more immediate, there are also a number of resale homes currently available for sale in The Preserve at Sharp Mountain, ranging in price from the low $400's to over $1 million, so be sure to inquire about these opportunities as well.

Light refreshments will be served at the community lodge, where information about available properties will be available, as well as details on available options for lot financing, so feel free to stop by and grab a map, a snack, and some no pressure info about the ideal lot for you.

After you leave be sure to stop by Sharp Mountain Vineyards just outside the main gate for fruit/dessert and a wine tasting. This is also the weekend of ArtFest in Jasper, so why not make a day of it?

If you have any questions, or want more information about any of the lots or homes for sale in The Preserve at Sharp Mountain, feel free to use the email link below or in the sidebar to contact me.

Trent Cluley
Keller Williams Realty - Select Partners
770.757.3399
www.TrentCluley.com

Other participating agents / offices:

Sherstin Batista
Century 21 Lindsey & Pauley
404.567.9633

Connie Sims
Century 21 Lindsey & Pauley
770.894.2828

Susan Walker
Beechler Realty Group
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers
678-313-7386

Christel Cramer
Prudential GA Realty
770.894.1904

Barry Hardison
Century 21 Lindsey & Pauley
404.218.7539

Donna & Arthur Beazley
Solid Source Realty Georgia
770.861.4650 

Sponsored by: Sharon Wofford / Wells Fargo Home Mortgage , Ron & Jody Rathgeb / Sharp Mountain Vineyards, and Century 21 Lindsey and Pauley

A brief snapshot of real estate market activity in Pickens County, Georgia, for November and December, 2010, shows continued relative stability in terms of sales volume and price, with no noteworthy signs of improvement, but also with no indication that conditions are deteriorating in any major way at this time. Prices continue to struggle in the face of distress sales, but declines are more limited than we were seeing.

Comparisons for both November and December reflect year-on-year number of homes sold remaining pretty close to level (23 for November and 12 for December). November 2010, average sale price declined to $205,734, from 221,278 in November 2009, while December 2010, improved slightly to $227,837, from $221,435 in the prior year. Median sales prices reflected a similar pattern, with November dropping to a median sales price of $143,000, and December climbing dramatically to $218,750.

Foreclosures and short sales in Pickens County, GA, continue to weigh on the market. Fifty-percent of December's sales were some form of distress sale (up from 40% in December 2009), and came in at 35% of sales in November (up from 23% in November 2009). A quick look at inventory makes it unlikely that this will change in the immediate future. While overall inventory is down--only 464 homes for sale in the Jasper, Georgia, area as of this writing--the percentage of those reported as bank-owned / REO, or pre-foreclosure / short sales, has climbed to almost 15% of total inventory. Based on the number of homes and land lots that were scheduled for foreclosure auction on the courthouse steps the first Tuesday of March, there will be even more distress sales coming to market before long.

While month-to-month snapshots such as this reflect the roller coaster nature of real estate sales, in which it is easy to see sales volume more than double in a month-to-month comparison (and quite often this seems to be the case), and see average prices jump or drop significantly month-to-month, it is always important to keep the bigger picture in mind. While homes sales and prices have definitely taken a hit from their peak 4- or 5-years ago, the last couple of years overall have shown far more stability in the number of homes sold and the average / median prices reached. Unfortunately, while consistent, this now reduced sales volume and high inventory continues to keep number of days on market lengthy, and can create pricing pressure on those needing to sell quickly.

Even our much lower inventory point going into March (which is likely to increase as spring sellers homes are added to the MLS), it would require 21- to 22-months to deplete, versus the 6-months that is considered a "balanced" market. For those wanting / needing to sell, having your home show ready and well-priced will continue to be critical. For buyers, there are plenty of opportunities, but the best deals move very quickly, and it is not unusual to see full price offers and multiple offers, so make sure you are pre-qualified for financing and ready to move swiftly.

 Feel free to contact me for more detailed info or data about your neighborhood or area.

(All sales data obtained and compiled from First Multiple Listing Service records and is believed accurate, but is not warranted.)