Rabun County, Ga - Lakes Burton, Seed and Rabun & Waterfall at Lake Burton - some of Georgia's best kept secrets!

Lost.....another Veteran of World War II

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:59:11 -0800

Last Thanksgiving, I wrote about my old friend, Mr. Ed, an 88 year old World War II veteran who had just celebrated what we felt was his last Thanksgiving. His poor old body was worn out, but his mind was still good enough to give thanks for Christmas and to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

But, a couple of weeks ago, that tired body gave up the fight and Mr. Ed left us early one morning. He was at home - as usual - with Mrs. Becky, who had cared for him tirelessly and with no thoughts of anything but his well being for the four years of declining health that led to the last day.

His funeral was held on a cold, wet Wednesday morning in Gallatin, Tennessee. Visitation was the previous afternoon and hundreds of his friends and the residents of Gallatin who had known him and his family for 80+ years gathered to pay their respects. His three children were there and most of their children and grandchildren were there, too. Everyone who could come dropped by to pay their respects. It was as it should be. A life well lived honored by those who cared.

Knowing Mr Ed was gone was sad. Seeing his widow weep - she who had spent every night of their 68 years of marriage with him except when he was away at war or she was in the hospital delivering their third and last child - was sad. Hearing the stories of his long life from the lips of his grandchildren who said, "I wish I could hear him tell that story about Sam Houston just one more time" was sad. It was all sad, but underneath there was joy - a celebration of the life that this man lived...his contributions to the freedom of this country and to his community and to his family.

Once the minister concluded his remarks, the Veterans removed the flag of our country from the casket and all three helped to fold it according to tradition. When they were finished, one moved quietly ouside the tent where he lifted a polished trumpet to his lips. The plantive notes of Taps floated above the cold cemetery as the American flag was presented to Mrs. Becky. "Ma'am, this flag is presented to you by a grateful nation." Then, the Vets standing across the way lifted their rifles in response to a command from their leader and fired a 21 gun salute to Mr. Ed.

The tears were flowing down my cheeks and also the cheeks of others who witnessed the ceremony. We weren't sad for Mr Ed - he's in a happier place. Perhaps we were grateful for his contribution to our country and those were tears of gratitude. Perhaps we were sad for ourselves - knowing we had lost another man who helped preserve our freedoms and those were tears of regret.

For many reasons, the tears flowed.

Thank you, Mr. Ed for being an example of a man who loves his God, his country and his family. Were that all men were more like you.

Sleep well.

Farewell, Mr. Ed . If only there were more like you........

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:56:57 -0800

But, a couple of weeks ago, that tired body gave up the fight and Mr. Ed left us early in the morning.

His funeral was held on Wednesday morning in Gallatin, Tennessee. Visitation was the previous afternoon and hundreds of his friends and the residents of Gallatin who had known him and his family for 80 years gathered to pay their respects. His three children were there and most of their children were there,too. Everyone who could come dropped by to pay their respects. It was as it should be. A life well lived honored by those who cared.

Knowing Mr Ed was gone was sad. Seeing his widow - who had spent every night of their 68 years of marriage together except when he was away at war or she was in the hospital delivering their children - with him was sad. Hearing the stories of his long life from the lips of his grandchildren who said, "I wish I could hear him tell that story about Sam Houston just one more time" was sad. It was all sad, but underneath there was joy - a celebration of the life that this man lived...his contributions to the freedom of this country and to his community and to his family.

After the service, family and friends gathered under a tent that had been set up to provide shelter from the rain that had been falling steadily all morning. Funny thing...the rain stopped while the mourners left their cars and walked to the grave site. Over to the right stood four Veterans from the American Legion - all standing at attention and holding rifles. Three more were waiting patiently at the grave. Once the minister concluded his remarks, the Veterans removed the flag of our country from the casket and all three helped to fold it according to tradition. When they were finished, one moved quietly ouside the tent where he lifted a polished trumpet to his lips. The poignant notes of Taps floated above the cold cemetery as the American flag was presented to Mrs. Becky. "Ma'am, this flag is presented to you by a grateful nation." Then, the Vets standing across the way lifted their rifles in response to a command from their leader and fired a 21 gun salute to Mr. Ed.

For many reasons, the tears flowed.

Thank you, Mr. Ed for being an example of a man who loves his God, his country and his family. Were that all men were more like you.

Sleep well.

Mr. Ed's last Thanksgiving.....he used to tell me all about it....

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:32:16 -0800

This will probably be the last Thanksgiving for an old Tennessee friend of mine. He is 88, a veteran of WWII who spent three tours in the Pacific fighting so you and I are able to enjoy all of the freedoms we often take for granted, but which we should be thankful for every day.

When I first met him about 6 years ago, his son told me not to encourage his Dad to talk because he would 'talk my ear off'. Mr. Ed did like to talk to me, but I liked to listen. He was interesting and if I heard a story twice or three times, that was okay. Mr. Ed was a wealth of information about a plethora of subjects and he told me all about it.

He used to tell me stories about Sam Houston , who lived in Gallatin, Tennessee, experienced a brief unhappy marriage and was the governor of the state before he moved to Texas where he ended up beating Santa Anna, securing independance for Texas and became the Governor of Texas. Who knew? Mr.Ed did and he used to tell me all about it.

He met some German prisoners during the war and picked up a bit of their language. He used to greet me each morning at breakfast with 'Gutten Morgen'. That would be followed by a story about the German prisoners and what good, hardworking folks they were. He used to tell me all about it.

There were stories about coaching baseball and his son who won an appointment to the Naval Academy courtesy of hard work and Senator Al Gore, Sr. Stories about his eldest daughter, an accomplished artist whose paintings hung in the Vice Presidential residence when Gore, Jr was living there....stories about his youngest child, a miracle daughter who arrived long after he came home from the war and whose childhood was the only one of his three children that he was there for from the beginning. More stories about local politicians. Even more stories about the many pets he had over the years. He used to tell me all about it.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to have known Mr. Ed and to have been someone with whom he felt comfortable sharing his stories. During this Thanksgiving visit, it has been difficult for him to talk. His health is failing rapidly and his family is doing everything possible to make his last days comfortable. He is proud of his family and told me a couple of days ago that he tried to live his life in a way that he was a good example for his children and grandchildren. He told me all about it.

He has indeed been a good example for his family and I'm blessed to have been a part of his life. This seemed like a good place to tell someone else all about it.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours and thanks to Mr. Ed for his service to our country. That's the one thing he didn't ever tell anyone all about.

Professional Ediquette - Where has it gone?

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:01:25 -0700

I have a great listing of a condominium on Peachtree Street in Atlanta. It belongs to a dear friend of mine and she is ready to have it SOLD!

Agents call to make appointments to show and I ask only one thing. "Will you please give me a call after showing to share some feedback about your buyer's response to seeing the unit?"

The Seller and I would both like to know why the prospective Buyers are not going forward with contract offers. Do they think the unit is too small for the price? Too large for their taste? Is the view not to their liking? Would they rather have a unit on a higher floor? A lower floor? Is the price an objective? Do they not like the wallpaper? Are they looking for a unit with a larger kitchen or more updated bathrooms or larger windows? Would they like to have the furnishings? What can we do to make this unit acceptable to the Buyer?

I'm not asking for much...just a simple phone call or an email would do, but only ONE agent has bothered to give me the courtesy of granting my request for feedback.

If you asked me to give you feedback, I'd gladly respond graciously. It's professional courtesy and plain old good manners.

Need A Laugh? READ THIS POST About Facebook!!!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:49:11 -0700

Yesterday's 'Comment to Share' on Lynda Dunn Hester's Facebook page:

Facebook is a marvelous addition to our lives, but I am concerned about a few of my 'friends' who seem to have been infected with Facebookitis. As Groucho Markz so famously put it when introduced to the lady who had 12 children, 'Lady......, I love my cigar, but I take it out sometimes..."

Best comment was from an old friend, 'J'....

(This was too funny and clever not to share with my Active Rain friends.)

Amen, Lynda! I check FB most days, but I am tempted to take some "friends" off, because they seem to think we all want to know what they had for breakfast, the weather, "it's a wonderful day", etc. continuously. I would settle for a little info and even a lot of humor from friends, but I don't want to erase some good people from my friends list and hurt their feelings. Suffice it to say, I hope breakfast and the weather is just super for everyone, and certainly for the rest of my life, I hope everyone has a good day!

Dear 'J',

As always, you make me laugh!
Guess what....! You can 'hide' people and they'll never know it. If you 'hide' their posts, you won't hurt their feelings AND you will never again have to be exposed to whether or not they are on the way to the gym. I currently have 13 who are hidden. Let me say that not a single one of these who are hidden are anyone I have ever met in person. They are mostly 'friends of friends' whose invitations I accepted when I first got started. I should have realised that if they had nothing better to do than to invite someone they didn't really know to be their 'friend', then they might be suffering from a serious case of Facebookitis. If you need instructions on how to 'hide' posts, let me know!

Dear Lynda,

Good info! Great to talk to you. I'm on the way to lunch. Maybe I'll have a salad. It's sunny, but overcast. I could not find my favorite sock this morning. I love my wife. We are planning a trip to Home Depot. Business is still slow. The kids are great. The grandkids are great. That about covers it for this hour.

I really am laughing out loud and I'm working at home alone!!!!!!

Do you use Active Rain? I'm taking your comments, adding mine and using it for a blog about what not to do on FaceBook.
Make today a great day after you get back from the gym and be sure to let me know how you enjoyed your lunch and if you showed property anytime this morning after you got back from your doctor's appointment. Also, please update me on all 6 of your contracts and how close each is to closing when you finish putting aloe on the sunburn you got at the beach this weekend.
As always,
L

Questionable Marketing...Let the Buyers Beware!!!!!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:16:39 -0700

Last week a local bank foreclosed on a very nice property that was built as a 'spec' home. Originally offered at 3.3 million, the home was marketed while under construction and the listing agent's MLS information showed all sorts of bells and whistles that were included in the purchase price:. Security system, whole house intercom, golf simulator room, temperature controlled wine cellar, flat screen TV and whole house suround sound system, outdoor kitchen, country club membership and on and on.........

Once the foreclosure took place, the bank engaged me as the new listing broker. While accumulating the information for my listing paperwork, I discovered that the former listing agent had been advertising the house for a price below what the bank would have considered accepting ( about $500,000 less). Not only that, but he had advertised the house as completed - even listing the appliances.

The house isn't finished; there are no appliancesinstalled; there is no completed golf simulator room; no 'systems' ar completely installed; there is no temperature controlled wine cellar. Not only could the house never have sold for his advertised price, the builder was incapable of taking the house to the advertised finished state.

Since the agent didn't locate any qualified buyers and his listing ended with the foreclosure, I suppose many readers will say, 'No Harm, No Foul'. However, the information he posted is still available to researching parties. I now have a qualified buyer who has made an offer based on the information he found on the Internet that had been posted by the former listing agent. What a waste of everyone's time!

If the falsified information had never been entered in the Multiple Listing Service, prospective Buyers wouldn't be making offers based on erroneous information.

A conversation with the compliance department of the MLS system gave me no direction about addressing the fact that the agent made an informed decision to post false information.

Has anyone else out there had this experience? If you have, how did you handle it? It is agents like this whose actions harm the reputation of our industry.

Double Your Output: Turn your AR Comment into an AR Blog

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:34:18 -0700

Many AR members write interesting, helpful, thoughtful, knowledgeable blogs. Those same blogs deserve interesting, helpful, thoughtful, knowledgeable responses, but writing those responses takes time. That same time could be used to write a blog.

What's an Active Rainmaker to do?

When you read a post that stimulates you to respond with a comment that could stand on its own as a post - maybe with just a little added introduction - right click and 'copy' your comment before you send it on its way.

Then, go to your home page and 'paste' in what you have already written so you can use the comment you have already spent time writing as the basis for a post of your own.

You'll have accomplished several things:

1. You will have made more than just the normal 'I agree with you' or "This happens in our market, too', type of comment that is so very typical of the blog comments.

2. You will be able to use the work you have already done to make your very own blog post.

3. Obviously, you are exposing the original blog idea to a wider audience by extending the scope of the your different viewpoint, ideas or comments about the original post.

Happy blogging!

Aaaahhhhhhhh, the thrill of negotiation...I'd almost forgotten.

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 11:17:28 -0700

It has been over a year since the last time I was able to help negotiate a purchase and sale. Our local market is largely a secondary home market and my focus is not only secondary homes, but luxury secondary homes....sounded like a great idea three years ago when I opened my new company here in the beautiful north Georgia mountain lakes region! LOL

Things went very well for the first 18 months ...then, nothing...nada. Not that I would wish no sales on anyone else, but it was the entire area...not just me. Ever optimistic, I had a feeling there were buyers who were sophisticated enough to realize the beginning of the end of the downward spiral and that we might see some offers soon.

Happily and gratefully, I am able to report to all of my Active Rain friends and colleagues that things have indeed turned the corner and my last week has been spend negotiating not one, but two - YES, FRIENDS, TWO contract offers. Both are my listings.

Color me excited! And, it is not just the possibility of finally getting a paycheck...although I must admit that IS pretty exciting! You know what has amazed me? The thrill and the 'rush' that comes with the negotiation and helping the two sides reach a meeting of the minds. It helps, of course, that the agents for the buyers are professionals and easy to work with, but WOW!..is it thrilling to see these contracts coming closer and closer to finalization.

I hate to admit, I had forgotten how good it feels.

My prayer today is that every one of you has the opportunity to feel that 'rush' sometime soon!

Have a great Labor Day. I'll be laboring and happy to do so!

How to get 20,000 Points!!!!!!!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:42:08 -0700

It is finally happening - right now as I type ( and you read).....the ceiling is shattered...broken...crumbling all over the Active Rain floor.

560 profile points ( didn't do a very good job the first time I entered information),

1,818 invite points - I invited a bunch of people the same day the new rates went into effect last winter,

12,180 blogging points (two of my blogs have been featured. WOOOOO HOOOO!!),

3,400 comment points ( It's informative and entertaining to read posts and write comments. I want to be like Broker Bryant's wife when I grow up so I can ROARRRRR!!),

0 linking points because evidently you don't get points for linking, but the space remains on the site and makes me feel as though I'm not doing all I can do,

500 bonus points that I got the first week for reading the Active Rain rules and regulations ( or something similar) and ...

1500 'other points' that I have absolutely no idea how I got, I am fixing to go over 20,000 points with the credits that will be awarded for writing this post.

Now that may not sound like much to some of you who have been on Active Rain for a couple of years, but for someone who just got started earlier this year, I'm pretty proud of my 20,000 points and what they represent.

Thanks, Brad Andershon, for helping me out when I first got started and couldn't figure out how to do much of anything.

Thanks, Russell Ray, for encouraging me to stay involved on Active Rain when I took a vacation from it for a couple of weeks. It was nice to be missed.

Thanks, Gerry Khachikian, for starting a contest that I got involved in early on. My math skills didn't allow me to figure out how many members of AR there will be on January 1, 2010, but it was fun to try. Also, thanks for posting the pictures of the pig races in Montana. Everyone should see a pig race!

Thanks, Midori Miller, for talking to me on the phone about a question I had about Florida real estate law. You gave me good insight.

Thanks to Kim Southern, who is truly the voice of a southern lady with her 'Southern Hospitality' blog.

Thanks to Steve, the Ozark agent who is a 'fan' of my company site and who posts such lovely pictures of his homeland.

Thanks to every single one of you who has ever posted a comment on one of my blogs. Each comment was greatly appreciated. It's nice that you took the time to let me know my words were read.

Thanks, Active Rain, to whoever thought up the idea of giving real estate professionals a place to share and to be on stage.

I love the Rain.

Fall Events in Rabun County, Georgia

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:17:39 -0700

Wondering what is going on in Rabun County and what there is to do in the mountains of North East Georgia this late August and September?

Here are some dates and events to write on your calendar.

Lake Rabun Hotel and Restaurant was recently listed on the National Geographic Traveler Magazine's Top Stay List 2009. ( If you haven't had dinner at their restaurant, you have missed a prime dining experience. The food is amazing!!)

Lazy Bear Furniture (rustic and cottage furniture, accessories, lamps, and art) in Dillard now has a wine tasting room and is offering free wine tastings. They serve and sell wine only from The Georgia Winery, the oldest winery in the state of Georgia. For additional information, call 706-746-2168.

Persimmon Creek Vineyards recently had a birth of a new lamb named Daisy who joins their East Friesian sheep herd.

The North Georgia Community Players will be presenting their 7^th annual all children's production (musical) of "The Magical Land of Oz." Performances will be October 17, 23, & 24 at 7:00 p.m. and October 18 and 25 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults and $5 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber, both Rabun County Banks, Regions Bank, Stephens Federal Bank, Community Bank & Trust, Mountain Heritage Bank, and United Community Bank. For information call 706-212-2500.

Tiger Mountain Orchards in Tiger has raspberries at $2.00 per pint (u-pick). Picking is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Call 706-782-3290 for additional information.

Calendar of Events

August 27 - Mountain Physical Therapy will host a Wellness meeting on August 27 at 4:00 p.m. at their location, 1218 N. Main Street in Clayton. The guest speaker will be Mike Addington from Clayton Pharmacy. There is no cost for this event, and it is open to the community.

August 29 - David Phelps (Christian singer and songwriter) at Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (SMCPA) in Franklin, NC. For concert information, call 828-524-1598 or 866-273-4615 or visit their website at www.greatmountainmusic.com.

August 30 - Emile Pandolfi concert at the Rearden Theatre (RGNS). Ticket price is $15.00. For more information, contact the Rabun County Music Festival Association at 706-746-6226 or visit www.rabunmusicfestival.com.

September 1 - Mountain Lakes Medical Center's volunteers are having a jewelry sale fundraiser featuring quality, stylish costume jewelry and accessories on Tuesday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the hospital's main lobby. All jewelry is $5.00. The fundraiser will help raise funds to purchase needed equipment and other necessities for the hospital. For additional information, call 706-782-3100. If you wish to become a volunteer for the hospital, please call 706-212-0230.

September 4 - Carl Hurley and Jeanne Robertson (humorists) at SMCPA.

September 5 - Chonda Pierce (comedian) at SMCPA.

September 12 - The Isaacs (singing group) at SMCPA.

September 12 - Dr. Guy Gober, The Tiger Clinic, is co-sponsoring a PCAR Golf Tournament on September 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The cost is $45.00 per person or $90.00 for a 2-man team. This tournament is to promote September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The proceeds fund local scholarships. For additional information, call 706-782-3572.

September 13 - Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra at the Rearden Theatre (RGNS).

September 18 - Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (musical group) at SMCPA.

September 19th - Tiger Mountain Vineyards will celebrate its 10^th anniversary with a spectacular Harvest Party to honor wine club members and guests. Grape picking begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a picnic, live music at 12:00 p.m., a visiting chef, and more. Check www.tigerwine.com or call 706-782-4777 and find out how to join the wine club and be included! Look for another fall celebration, of the winery's 10^th birthday, on October 17^th which is open to the public--Old Highway 441 Rabun Red Bash.

September 19 - Marie Dunkle, with her Celtic band named Caledonia Swing, will be performing at lunch time on September 19^th at the Mountaineer Festival.

September 22-24 - The Jungle Book at SMCPA.

September 24 - Mountain Lakes Medical Center, in conjunction with Merck Pharmaceuticals, will be holding a free Diabetes Education Class. The class date is September 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The class will be held in the cafeteria at the hospital. If interested, please contact your local physician or Melessa Alley at 706-782-0439 for registration information.

September 26 - Greater Vision (musical group) at SMCPA.

Quick...Call the Real Estate Police!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:13:04 -0700

There is a lot of funny business that goes on in this old world and the real estate industry seems to have more than its share. Just this evening on Active Rain, there have been posts asking how to deal with or what to do about commissions that were advertised, but not paid; agents who use the names of top producers in their blogs in order to get to the top of the search engines; agents working without active licenses...is there no end to the individuals out there who take advantage of ethical, hardworking, responsible licensees?

What are we to do? The answer is there...it always has been, but most of us ( Realtors) are too nice ( or too busy) to call The Real Estate Police.

Calling The Real Estate Police is a little like looking for the Fashion Police. You see someone almost everyday who deserves to be arrested by the Fashion Police, but what can you do? Not much.

On the other hand, you CAN get The Real Estate Police involved because there are as many Real Estate Policeman out there are there are Realtors. Does it take a little time and trouble? Sure it does, but that is a bit of the point. There are forms to be filled out and evidence and witnesses to gather. There are procedures that must be followed to the letter in order to ascertain the rights of all parties are protected. ( Your association executive will help you with all of this. That is an important part of the job.)

The Grievance Committee of your local Board will review your complaint - only to determine that your complaint is valid and that the activity you report seems to be in violation of one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics. Once the Grievance Committee sends the complaint on to the Professional Standards Committee, a hearing will be scheduled that all parties to the complaint will be invited to attend.

A hearing panel of Realtors who are vetted to ensure they have no personal or business relationships with either the complaintant or the defendant will hear from both sides ( each has the exact same opportunity to present their side and any supporting evidence). After all of the stories have been told and the exhibits reviewed, the hearing panel will make a determination about the case. They may recommend education for the offending party or they may find that a fine and a suspension is more in line with the transgression. They might even decide to send the case on to the state real estate commission for further investigation. They might also find that no violation took place, but that is the job of the Real Estate Police - to make an informed decision about the information presented to them.

Is it time consuming to contact the Real Estate Police? Yes.

Will some people think the complaining agent is a 'snitch' to turn in a fellow agent for a violation? Yes.

Is the trouble worth while in order to ensure than those licensees whose actions are unethical - whether dealing with other agents or the public - are stopped from continuing their behavior? Yes! You bet it is!!

If we Realtors don't police our own industry, then who is going to do it? The next time you are cheated out of a commission or the next time you discover someone selling real estate without a license or using your name on their site to capture your Internet business, run into the nearest telephone booth and change from 'Everyday Realtor' into 'The Real Estate Police'. In the long run, the time and effort will all be worth it.

4th of July Fireworks Displays in Rabun County Georgia

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:11:07 -0700

It's time to make a plan about where your family will view the 4th of July fireworks in Rabun County. There are several good choices - in a boat on Lake Burton or Lake Rabun, on the grassy lawn in front of the Rabun Gap-Nachoochee School campus are three of the best.

The fireworks in Rabun Gap are shot from the Dillard House property and can be seen from a 1/2 mile long stretch of Highway 441. Parking is allowed on the sides of the road, but get there early to get a good parking space up front. Or, take a blanket and a picnic basket and have a 4th of July dinner while waiting for darkness to fall and the fireworks show to begin. It is entertaining watching the families who gather on the campus lawn. Little children tumble and twirl holding sparklers and chasing fireflies. It's quite a show!

If you have a boat ( or have friends who do)...you might want to head out to either Lake Rabun or Lake Burton to watch the fireworks displays. In a year that has the 4th falling on any day other than Saturday, the Lake Rabun fireworks are normally shot off on the Saturday before the 4th. The Lake Burton show is normally held on the Saturday after the 4th. This year, fireworks devotees have to choose - Rabun or Burton. It's one or the other since the holiday is on Saturday.

Remember 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' when everyone is mysteriously drawn to the mother ship? The scene on Lake Burton is most reminiscent of that same mysterious draw as dusk falls and boats begin traveling south toward Goat Island. The running lights sparkle green as the boats pass by - an estimated five thousand of them. Many of the boats are decorated with bunting and twinkle lights. Not to be outdone, the boathouses sport American flags and one even hosts a large lighted statue of Lady Liberty in all of her red, white and blue glory.

The boats stop in the basin right in front of Goat Island - home base for the fireworks. They are moored so closely together that it almost seems possible to step from one to the next. Miraculously enough, there are seldom any collisions.

The fireworks begin about 10 minutes after full dark and continue for at least thirty minutes. The lights are exaggerated and reflected in the clear, clean lake water - allowing the best possible fireworks experience.

So, whether you choose a picnic on the campus lawn and people watching or drifting in a boat while watching the colors explode over head, you can't go wrong with choosing Rabun County as the venue for your family to celebrate the fourth of July.

God Bless Rabun County. God Bless America and may God bless you!

Please visit my website at www.rabuncountygahomes4sale.com or www.waterfallatlakeburton.com for directions to area fireworks displays.

Come to the cool and calm north Georgia mountains for a July 4^th your family will always remember!

10 Tips for Getting the Most out of Using Facebook with Active Rain

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:41:12 -0700

Re-blogged by 1 agent

Deidre St. Romain (John Hall & Associates)
previously a featured post - April 29, 2009

10 Tips for Getting the Most out of Using Facebook with Active Rain (edit/delete)

A couple of months ago I posted a blog extolling the virtues of using Facebook in addition to Active Rain. While most blog posts seem to get a few comments when first posted, this post continues to have Active Rain members leave comments and ask questions.

One commenter asked for tips about using Facebook. Thirty minutes later, the reply to him had turned into a blog that may have value to other Active Rain members.

Here are 10 good Facebook tips:

1. In order to reach the most people in the shortest amount of time with the least work, go ahead and let the site use your address book to send invitations to your sphere of influence to join. That will get you started quickly.

2. As you acquire 'friends', take a look through their list of friends and send requests to the people you find there who are also people you know.

3. When you send a friend request to someone, take the time to include a personal note. A short note is fine.

4. Start new groups for people who have common interests. I started one for members of my college sorority who were there in the years from when I was a freshman till I graduated. That encompassed 3 years before and 3 years behind me - 7 years of women who are now scattered all over the US. Many are successful business people. One is the relocation director of a sizeable real estate company in North Carolina. Hopefully, we'll be able to do business soon. I hadn't heard from her in 36 years!! Without Facebook, I might never have been in contact with her again!

5. Do start both a personal and a business page. I did just the one page first and later found a need for the business site, too. That page was just recently started and you can 'become a fan' by visiting 'Luxury Mountain Lakes Real Estate' on Facebook. (Let me know when you start your business page and I'll become a fan of yours!)

6. Please do not enter everything you are doing every day. I have already had to block 4 'friends' who were wearing me out with their numerous posts about their daily activities. Nobody cares whether you are going to the gym every day or not or if you are off to teach yoga again or play tennis or whatever.

7. On the other hand, if you get a new listing or have a closing, share your news. Your real estate friends will leave comments that are supportive and encouraging! We all need that!

8. If you are working in real estate and using Facebook for networking, try to steer clear of the 'Egg Hunts' or the many 'quizzes'. There is no end to the number of items you can 'send' to your friends, but I quickly found those to be annoying and time consuming, so now when I get a request to 'enjoy a drink' or to 'send a smile', I click on 'ignore' and go forward using the site mainly for business.

9. If you get a 'friend' request from someone you don't know, it is best to decline the request. Sometimes, other people who are 'friends' of my real 'friends' send me requests. Again, I learned the hard way that it is better for me to really know the person who makes the request. I don't have to know them personally, but I stick to those I know through various networks or who I have met on Active Rain.

10. The number of friends you amass on Facebook has no correlation to the number of friends in your life. My daughter shared with me that the 20's crowd uses a derogatory term when referring to someone who spends every day on Facebook in an effort to collect more and more 'friends'. If you wonder what it is, send me a message and I'll share it with you.

May Happenings in Georgia's Mountain Lakes Region

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:44:12 -0700

Make plans now to visit the beautiful Mountain Lakes of Rabun County, Georgia!!

Just look at all there is to do!!!!!!!

MAY 2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Continued SPRING POTTERY SHOW "TENNESSEE POTTERS"

Through May - Hambidge Center, 10am - 5 pm

Open Mon-Sat, www.hambidge.org

COMPLIMENTARY HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES

Saturday Afternoons in May through September

The Dillard House www.dillardhouse.com

Weekly ONGOING CLASSES & EXHIBITS

Globe Gallery, www.globegallery.blogspot.com

Center on Warwoman, www.centeronwarwoman.com

Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts, www.georgiaartists.org

May 2 - SECOND ANNUAL WILD AND WOOLLY WINE TASTING

& AUTHOR-FIDDLER FESTIVAL

Tiger Mountain Vineyards

Annual Tiger Mountain benefit for Georgia Forest Watch, environmental guardian of our national

forests and streams. Fiddlers and authors, native plants, too. Wine for the tasting, local breads and cheese, and regional food fare, plus a stellar line-up of Appalachian writers and musicians. For information, please call 706.635.8733. www.gafw.org or www.tigerwine.com

May 2- ANNUAL SPRING FARM DAY

Hillside Orchard Farms

Crafters, Hay Rides, Music, Spring Sale at the Country Store. 706.782.4995

www.hillsideorchard.com

May 2-3 WHITE WATER RELEASES AT TALLULAH GORGE

Tallulah Gorge State Park, www.gastateparks.org/info/tallulah

May 4 - JEWELRY SALE...EVERYTHING $5 OR UNDER

Mountain Lakes Medical Center, 9 am - 4 pm

A fundraising benefit for Mountain Lakes Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary.

For more info, please call Ron Arden, 706.212.0230.

May 4- ANTIQUE AUCTION

Golden Memories Auction Company, 5 pm

www.goldenmemoriesauctions.com, 706.746.6924

May 8- FULL MOON CANOE OUTING

Tallulah Gorge State Park, 7:30 pm

May 9 - FLY CASTING WORKSHOP

Tallulah Gorge State Park, 9:00 am

May 9 - HERBS OF SPRING

Center on Warwoman, 10:00 am - 4 pm

A day with herbalist Patricia Kyritsi Howell learning about medicinal herbs. A great class for herbal beginners, experienced herbalists or anyone interested in native plants of our region.www.wildhealingherbs.com

May 9-10 FULL MOON SUSPENSION BRIDGE HIKE

Tallulah Gorge State Park

9-10 WHITE WATER RELEASES AT TALLULAH GORGE

Tallulah Gorge State Park, www.gastateparks.org/info/tallulah

May 10 - SPECIAL MOTHERS' DAY MENU

The Dillard House

www.dillardhouse.com

May 10 - MOTHERS' DAY BRUNCH

Lake Rabun Hotel

www.lakerabunhotel.com

May 10 - ANNUAL MOTHERS' DAY BRUNCH

Glen Ella Springs Inn & Meeting Place, 11:30 am - 3 pm

Reservations required. www.glenella.com

May 14 - CLAYTON MUSIC, LITERARY AND VISUAL ARTS CLUB

Clayton Rock House, 2 pm

Guests and visitors welcome. For more info, please call Ron Arden, 706.212.0230

May 15 - ART & SOUL

Rearden Theater, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, 7 pm

A showcase of music, dance, visual art, drama and more to benefit F.A.I.T.H.'s Power House for

Kids. Adult tickets $10; child $5

May 15-16 - 30TH ANNUAL ROTARY SPRING TEAM INVITATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP TOURNAMENT

Kingwood Resort, Clayton

May 16-17 WHITE WATER RELEASES AT TALLULAH GORGE

Tallulah Gorge State Park, www.gastateparks.org/info/tallulah

May 16 - AWAKENING OF THE VINES

Tiger Mountain Vineyards, Awaken the Vines at this annual spring festival featuring a gourmet picnic, bonfire of the winter prunings and dancing in the vineyards by the Marching Abominable Feed and Seed Band. Limited to wine club members and guests. Check tigerwine tasters page and find out how to be included. www.tigerwine.com

LAKE RABUN HOTEL "AWAKENING OF THE VINES" PACKAGE

Including room Friday-Saturday and wine dinner at the Lake Rabun Hotel restaurant.

www.lakerabunhotel.com

May 16 GUEST CHEF ROSEMARY RUTLAND

The Beechwood Inn. For details visit: www.beechwoodinn.ws

May 21 - RABUN COUNTY BANDS' ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT

Rabun County High School, 7 pm - No tickets - No reserved seating.

May 22-23 - 6TH ANNUAL LAKEMONT ART WALK

Historic Lakemont, Friday 9 am - 8 pm; Saturday 9 am - 6 pm

www.historiclakemontvillage.com, 706.782.8384

Artists' demonstrations and a trunk show of unusual one-of-a-kind jewelry by Barbara Wilkes;

refreshments and live music. Gallery theme "Putting on the Dog," featuring art about dogs; Grand

opening of Annie's at Alley's

May 23 - PLATTERS FOR POOCHES

Lake Rabun Pavilion, 6 pm - 9 pm

Annual fundraiser for Boggs Mountain Humane Shelter. Hand painted ceramic platters by local

artists, art auction, and the biggest burgers in the South. Western wear; $50 per person;

Reservations required. 706-782-2825

May 23 MEMORIAL HOLIDAY CANOE OUTING

Tallulah Gorge State Park, 9:30 am

May 23 ANNUAL AMERICANA MEMORIAL WEEKEND AUCTION

Golden Memories Auction Company

www.goldenmemoriesauction.com

May 23 SATURDAY AFTERNOON WINE & CHEESE SOCIAL

The Dillard House - continues through 1st weekend in October

With special music, and featuring Georgia wines. www.dillardhouse.com

May 24-25 MEMORIAL HOLIDAY GORGE FLOOR HIKE

Tallulah Gorge State Park, 10:00 am

May 25 - ANNUAL AMERICANA MEMORIAL WEEKEND AUCTION

Golden Memories Auction Company

www.goldenmemoriesauction.com

May 23-June 20 MICHAEL WOODSIDE EXHIBIT

The Root Seller Gallery at Timpson Creek, Artist reception May 23 from 3-5 pm

www.timpsoncreek.com.706.782.5164

Michael Woodside combines photography, graphic design and sketches to produce wonderfully

fantastical nature scenes of our mountains.

10 Tips for Getting the Most out of Using Facebook with Active Rain

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:28:57 -0700

One commenter asked for tips about using Facebook. Thirty minutes later, the reply to him had turned into a blog that may have value to other Active Rain members.

Here are 10 good Facebook tips:

2. As you acquire 'friends', take a look through their list of friends and send requests to the people you find there who are also people you know.

3. When you send a friend request to someone, take the time to include a personal note. A short note is fine.

7. On the other hand, if you get a new listing or have a closing, share your news. Your real estate friends will leave comments that are supportive and encouraging! We all need that!

Incredible Bargain Buy on a 2 Million $ Home in NE Georgia!!!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:08:47 -0700

The builder called yesterday and said "Get an Offer!"

The house had been offered at $2.2 million. That wasn't a bad price considering the size, the finish quality, the views of the mountains and of the lake and the golf course...not to mention the fact that the Purchaser will be able to choose either a golf or a social membership to Waterfall Country Club at no additional cost.

Two level house has an elevator and 4 fireplaces - two are outside. One is on a dining porch off the kitchen and the other is on a sleeping porch off a terrace level bedroom.

Oversized garage - large laundry room- custom cabinetry with a distressed finish - beautiful hardwood floors - tiled baths (four full and one half).

Spacious enteratinment room has full service bar - room for refrigerator, icemaker, dishwasher drawer.

What can it be bought for? You'll never know if you don't make an offer.

Call and come to see or visit my website at www.waterfallatlakeburton.com to see more pictures.

Looking forward to seeing you in the mountains!!

Can someone tell me how to get linking to work?

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:10:43 -0700

If you get points for linking, will you tell me what I am doing wrong or not doing right? I have linked my site to everything I can think of and I have linked my outside websites - inlcuding my facebook site - to my Active Rain site. I have tried going back and forth using the links. It works fine. I have had a friend try it. It works fine. Still no points show up for linking.

Obviously, I don't have a clue about what contitutes linking.

I bet there is a blog out there that has already been written about this, but I haven't found it.

Can you give me some direction?

When is a material relationship established & when should it be disclosed?

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:27:05 -0700

Dear Active Rain Professionals,

I need your help to determine how the majority of real estate professionals would handle the following situation. Put yourself in the place of the agent in this scenario.

You are working with an investor who has instructed you to ‘find good deals'. You call him or run into him occasionally and tell him about several properties that he buys. You know what type of properties he is interested in and you have a good idea of property values in the area where you work. The properties he wants are generally those that he can ‘flip' and you have placed back on the market and ‘re-sold' a couple of properties for him already. There is an opportunity to purchase a lot that you think is well priced, but you are unable to get the mortgage by yourself, so you call this investor and ask him if he would like to partner with you in the purchase. He does and you get the mortgage in both of your names and buy the property for investment. You understand that you can enjoy a long and prosperous relationship with this investor and you continue to be on the ‘look out ‘for properties that he might be interested in.

Questions for the real estate professional:

At this point, would you consider that by the nature of your continued business dealings with the investor that a material business relationship between the two of you has been established?

At what point is a material relationship established? After one transaction in which both the agent and the investor become business partners? After five transactions in which the agent has ‘found good deals' for the investor to buy? After the agent has both sold to the investor and then placed the property back on the market? Never?

At what point do you as the agent begin to disclose to a possible Seller that there is a material business relationship between you and the buyer?

Can you claim you are working as a ‘transaction' agent when you have been given instructions by the investor to ‘find good deals' and conversations you are having with Sellers are in an effort to ‘find a good deal' for the investor?

Please give me your opinions and make certain you let me know in what state you are licensed.

Thanks!

Active Rain has Spring Fever!!!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:48:13 -0700

Lately the blogs have been blah. Some of the most proficient Active Rain bloggers are writing in saying they are bored.

They aren't bored. ....... they simply have...SPRING FEVER!!!!

It's that time of year. The spring flowers are popping out and the natives are restless. The birdies are twittering around ( they were the original twitterers when you really think about it..) and the ground hogs are scampering across the golf course ( I saw two just today). They are skinny from being inside all winter.

A neighbor saw two bald eagles yesterday. The mature one had just captured a fish out of Lake Burton and was holding it in its talons at the top of a tree.

The golf course here likes like it has been covered with emeralds..the grass is really that green!

The weeping cherries are weeping and the tulip trees are covered with their lavender tulip shaped blossoms. The Sarvis trees are blooming all over the mountain sides- little splashes of white amongst the still bare and brown tree trunks.

It's enough to give anyone SPRING FEVER. After all, with all this going on outside, who in the world would want to be inside writing blah blogs on the computer.

It's much better to be out in the RAIN!!!!!

WHY WE SHOULDN't BE INCLUSIVE AND NOT EXCLUSIVE WHEN IT COMES TO JUDGING SPELLING AND GRAMMAR!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:03:27 -0700

An earlier blog got a lot of folks interested and they responded in droves to the question, 'Why can't we be inclusive instead of exclusive when it comes to judging spelling and grammar?" The comments range widely, but it seems there are more folks who feel the same way I do than there are those who think just any old quickly dashed off written word is worthwhile - no bothering with spell check, correct punctuation or at least a stab at it or any attempt at using correct grammar.

I vote for encouraging everyone to write, BUT they should at least TRY to use correct grammar and spelling.

I am an English/Journalism major. Does it make me nuts to experience the carelessness that some bloggers seem to think is okay just because they are typing and not writing longhand? Yes.

Do I want them to stop writing? No

I figure that if they aren't bothered by what looks to the readers as a lack of education, then that's their business. I don't have to read the blogs that are look amazingly illiterate if I don't want to. And it's not so much the ones that read as if they are written by kindergarteners as it is the ones that read as if they were written by rappers. It really doesn't take that much more time to type 'you' instead of 'u'.

Those of us who hold ourselves out to be professionals should take every opportunity to be viewed as professionals. Using the best grammar, punctuation and spelling possible should be what we do - if we are able.

On the other hand, I type so fast that I make mistakes I would never make if I were writing longhand. I re-read everything I write and still don't catch all the mistakes. My spelling is absymal ( did I spell that right?), but I really, really try to use correct English. It's my language - my only language unfortunately) and the least I can do is use it to the best of my ability and hope others will do the same.

Incredible Buy on Lake Burton!!! SERIOUSLY!!!!!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:41:00 -0700

Unheard of opportunity on Lake Burton. Well under one million buys house on fee simple lot in an uncrowded location. Two stall boathouse and separate swim dock. Level, grassy play/picnic area beside lake. There is a house, but it needs some serious TLC or the buyer might want to tear it down and rebuild on a beautiful building site a little further back on the lot.

Priced to sell FAST - $799,000. Couple of pictures and basic info below, but if you'd like to see more, visit www.LuxuryMountainLakesRealEstate.com or give me a call at 770-480-5161.

Thanks for taking a look at this amazing buy. The Seller is serious and has priced this property to sell it!!!

View of lake from picnic area beside boat house.

House needs some serious TLC OR utilize another building site higher up on the lot.

Wooded 3 Acre Lots Overlooking Georgia's Lake Burton

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:44:02 -0700

Oh my goodness! There aren't very many opportunities like this! Perfect site on which to build your dream house in the mountains.

Brand new listing of 14 wooded lots - each with a marvelous view of Lake Burton and the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains. Entire parcel is bordered by either State Park or National Forest.

Road is paved. Underground Utilities. Hardwood Trees. Gated Entrance. Ask about lake access for boating and fishing. Financing offered by Rabun County Bank.

Easy access from paved road - Georgia Highway 197 near LaPrade's Marina.

Call or email for prices, plats and more information about The Ridge at Lake Burton. Also, more information and pictures on the company website - www.luxurymountainlakesrealestate.com

Lynda Hester

Luxury Mountain Lakes Real Estate

770-480-5161

Your mother would be ASHAMED of you!!!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:59:18 -0700

Dear Prospective Buyer,

Last Saturday when you showed up at the subdivision with your two lovely daughters I was happy to spend those two hours with you. I could have been sending notes to people who really do intend to buy property or a house one day, but instead, I stopped what I was doing and spent 2 hours of my day with you.

It was rewarding to be talking with someone who seemed to appreicate what a quality product this is and how this lifestyle perfectly fits into your plans for retirement in a couple of years.

I didn't ask you to come back on Sunday. You asked to make an apointment for the next day because you wanted to come back and bring your sister...remember?? YOU were the one who told me that this was a perfect place for retirement and that you had been looking for something lke this. You set the time for early afternoon - after church and before a late afternoon appointment you already had set in Atlanta.

I gave you my card which has my office AND my cell number on it so if anything came up you could call.

But did you bother?????

Heck no. You let me make appointments to show you houses that you obviously had no intention of coming back to see, AND instead of taking a minute to call and tell me you weren't coming back, you spent your afternoon productively while I wasted my afternoon waiting on your sorry self.

I wish there were a list on the Internet where real estate professionals could post the names and numbers of sorry, rude people like you. Then, when you are finally ready to really look at a house to buy, you should have to put up a hefty non-refundable deposit in order to get a knowledgeable, educated, hardworking real estate professional to spend time working with you.

Shame on you and your inability to practice the most rudimentary good manners. Your mother would be ashamed of you!!!!!

Thanks to The Vent, I now feel better, but don't you bother showing up here again, cause I won't spend another minute on you. I'd rather take 10 small children to Chunky Cheese than spend another afternoon with you.

The Trout Streams Are Full of Water and Fish!!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:09:35 -0700

Trout fishing in the streams and rivers of Northeast Georgia is an experience everyone should have. There is nothing like standing in a cold mountain stream and taking time to enjoy the sound of the cascading water as it tumbles through boulders, around fallen trees and around sharp bends on its way into one of our sparkling mountain lakes.

While purists fly fish, I am happy using my old reliable rod and reel. Pockets full of meal worms, wax worms or giant red wigglers (and yes, sometimes I stoop to using a kernel of corn) I venture forth well armed in an attempt to attract the wily trout.

While native brown and brook trout can still be found occassionally and if one has an idea of where to look, these waterways are stocked by the local hatchery which is located on the shores of Lake Burton at the mouth of Moccassin Creek. Each week, thousands of rainbow trout are released into the various streams and rivers in the area. What a delight to find yourself behind the hatchery truck as it winds its way down a dappled dirt road that curves through the forest following the turns and twists of the river. The truck stops often so the hatchery folks can dip out nets full of trout and toss them twisting and sparkling in the sunlight as if they were studded with multicolored rhinestones.

It only takes a minute for the newly freed fish to adjust to the cold clear currents and settle down where they hang as if suspended by invisible threads just below the surface of the rapidly running water.

We wait for the days after a rain to try our luck because the trout are smart ( smarter than I am!) and I have learned that if I can see them in the clear water, then they can see me and they know I'm up to no good as far as they are concerned. I'd like nothing better than for them to end up on the table as smoked trout spread served with water crackers and capers. ( If you would like the recipe, send me a note in a comment and I'll send it to you since you were kind enough to read this blog.)

And should you possess a pair of waders and don't mind putting your own worms on the hook, I'll show you where the best fishing holes are if you come to visit these beautiful mountains.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I appreciate it and look forward to hearing from you.

Happily enjoying Georgia's Mountain Lakes and so could you if you owned a house here. Call and I'll find just what you're looking for!

Lynda

If you have ever wanted a lake house...now's the time!!!

Lynda Hester (Prudential Georgia Realty - Rabun County, Ga.) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:14:40 -0700

While the mountain lakes of Rabun County, Georgia have long been one of the most desirable second home/vacation spots in the southeast, there has never been more opportunity to find just what you want.

The prices are still holding and that is good for the investment value, but there have never been so many properties to choose from. A normal inventory would be around 30 properties. That is less than 3% of the total lake properties on all three lakes - Burton, Seed and Rabun.

As of this date, there are 100 lakefront properties available and showing in the Rabun County Multiple Listing Service- ranging from 'tear-downs' in the one to two millions to newly built Adirondack mansions offered at over eight million.

One thing is for certain - you don't get much on these pristine mountain lakes for a million dollars.

But, if you have the funds and are ready to make the investment in a lifetime of memories, now is the time to find exactly what you want!

Call me for a package of information and a DVD.