Mike Kelly, GRI's Blog

Wordless Wednesday - 3 inches of snow fall in Georgia Mountains...Schools are Closed...

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:14:28 -0800

When you were a teenager, did you do THIS?

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:41:35 -0800

As the employer of young folks in their 20's and the grandparent of 11grandchildren, I am continually amazed by their seemingly endless knowledge of the computer and what you can do with it. Photoshop a picture? No problem (I didn't even know Photoshop was a verb!). Use a Excel worksheet? Sure thing. I've long accepted the fact that even if I worked at it 24/7 I would never be as adept or use a computer as effortlessly as they do. However, having accepted that, I was still a little surprised to find that my 13 year old granddaughter had set up her own website reviewing movies!

This was her own idea. She and the rest of her family go to the movies pretty much every weekend (sometimes more than once) so she knows what she's talking about when it comes to movies. But I was amazed at the depth of her reviews - much more than "I liked it a lot!" Not only are they much more computer savvy, but they're far ahead of me in blogging and social networking.

I wonder what the next generation will be like???

Wordless Wednesday (Ouch!)

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:22:09 -0700

Plans A - D For Closing the Deal!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:20:18 -0700

Recently, I was talking to my daughter who is a Realtor in Seattle. She was telling me that with the economic downturn it gets harder and harder to close on a contract. However, she added that she had come up with four plans that have helped her to close:

A) Find financing for the buyer

B) Find financing for the buyer

C) Find financing for the buyer

D) Find another house for the buyer

Oh, so true!

Fostering Mental Health: Count yourself lucky if you have a sister!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:44:59 -0700

According to a recent study done by psychologists at UK's University of Ulster, people who have sisters are more likely to be happy and well-adjusted. In general, girls are more expressive than boys, and researchers found that girls tend to foster communication among family members, which can promote family harmony and individual mental health. In stressful times, such as the present economic downturn, sisters serve as a calming influence on the entire family. Girls encourage more open communication while boys tend to internalize problems. As the parents of four daughters, my wife Ruth and I can say that these conclusions are correct about 90% of the time. One little tip: keep the box of Kleenex close by! The communication can morph into different forms!

IDEAL BUSINESS FOR A COUPLE TO OWN AND OPERATE!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:27:23 -0700

2749 Pappy's Plaza .66 Acres Offered at $549,000

The Riverwalk Restaurant provides riverside dining just minutes from Blairsville, GA on heavily travelled Hwy 19/129 South. It is close to the Appalachian Trail, Vogel State Park and Brasstown Bald. The restaurant is located in Pappy's Plaza, which itself is a major tourist attraction in the area. Blairsville and the surrounding area are rapidly growing with a full-time population of 25,000, which swells to 60,000 in season.

Wordless Wednesday - Why we stop feeding the birds when winter's over

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:51:34 -0700

LAKESIDE HOME WITH PRIVATE BOAT RAMP, DOCK AND 150 FOOT SEAWALL!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:41:59 -0700

3243 Daisy Log Road 17+/- Acres Offered at $1,950,000

Lakeside country estate on 17 acres with breathtaking views of mountains, lake and pasture! This unique 4BR/3.5BA contemporary home on three levels features an ensuite master on main level, kitchen with breakfast nook, separate dining room, great room with cathedral ceiling and floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace. Green features include energy efficient appliances, extra insulation and thermal pane windows. There are other amenties, both inside and out, too numerous to mention. If you want to live in rusric luxury, this may be the home for you!

Fire Engines can do more than putting out fires!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:59:00 -0700

I've always wanted my own fire engine. Not the kiddie car type, but a full size red fire engine with sirens, hoses, ladders...the whole works. So when I heard that there was a 1936 Maxim fire engine for sale in North Georgia, I hesitated only a short time before I gave into temptation and made it mine.

Now as all of you who have acquired fire engines know, the next big question is: what on earth am I going to do with it? Fortunately, I own a real estate company that will take any good publicity it can get. Suddenly my 1936 Maxim Fire Engine was slated to become a drawing card for Mike Kelly Realty.

Getting the fire engine ready to meet the public took a lot of work. The brakes didn't work, the choke had to be set just right before the engine would start and plumes of black smoke poured out of the exhaust. I and my riders - hesitant ones at that - jolted around and bounced up and down until I figured out how to work the clutch. And, since the fire engine, after all, was built in 1936, there was no power steering! Do you know how hard it is to get a fire engine to go where you want it to go without power steering?

Eventually, though, we took care of all the problems, polished up the brass and chrome, added a CD player and we were good to go.

Our debut onto the Blairsville scene took place at the Blairsville Memorial Day Parade a few years back. I drove the fire engine and members of our company sat in the back wearing fire hats and waving flags. It all went very smoothly, except for some overheating of the engine at the end of the parade.

Since then the fire engine has been a big hit in our town. On nice days, it sits in our parking lot, where passersby stop to examine it, sit in it, pretend to drive it, take pictures and even come into our office to ask if they can have a ride (generally, the answer is yes). I've been invited to take the fire engine to church festivals, grand openings, fund raisers and car rallies. I've even transported a whole birthday party to the local ice cream store!

The moral of this story is: if there is something you really want but can't justify getting it, figure out a way to make it work for you. That way you'll avoid the guilt!

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY WITH OPTIONS!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:38:31 -0700

7.5 Acres Offered at $499,000

Long-term lease or Owner-Financing available! Property is adjacent to the proposed Lowe's in Hiawassee, Georgia. The property has 7 septic tanks, city water, 2 trailers and a bathhouse. Upper acreage has a private bored well. Proerty is bordered on the back side by Crooked Creek. THIS IS AN IDEAL COMMERCIAL LOCATION which is just a minute to Lake Chatuge, entertaining and tourist attractions!

From Fishes to Riches! Own your own business in the North Georgia Mountains!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:18:53 -0700

Tropical Stream Aquatics Offered at $29,900

This business is actually a combination of 2 businesses: a well-equipped retail store with the latest equipment for displaying both fresh- and salt-water fish and stocked with the best home and commercial fish tanks, equipment and food. The second business is an aquarium maintenance business; services include installing and maintaining commercial aquariums. Owner will provide training and contacts.

Attention Investors! Own your own apartment building in Blairsville, Georgia!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:36:08 -0700

4-unit Apartment Building Offered at $255,000

This is a good-looking brick 4-unit building located close to the center of town. It is occupied and has had major renovation in three of the four apartments. Amenities include a common picnic area, large parking area, handicap facilities, hi-speed Internet ,washer/dryer hookups and satellite dish. Located in a pleasantly wooded area yet less than 1 mile to downtown.

INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN ENTREPRENEUR!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:55:06 -0700

Cohutta Water Bottling Offered at $3,000,000

Attention all entrepreneurs! This is your opportunity to take advantage of the explosion of bottled water consumption in the United States. Did you know that more than half of all Americans drink some form of bottled water? This plant is a major supplier of 5-gallon containers of bottled water to commercial distributors in Georgia. This sale, which is a turnkey operation, includes 34.72 acres of land, 14,600 square foot plant, state-of-the-art equipment, 1 tractor truck and 5 trailers. Pure spring water from an owned water source is on the property. Management and staff will stay if desired.

Riverfront Lot with Fifth Wheel for sale in the mountains!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:02:38 -0700

Built 2003 .14 Acre Offered at $159,000

Beautiful river lot in popular RV park that comes with a Fifth Wheel already in place! Relax and enjoy the fishing in the river and in the lake on the park grounds. The home is a 1BR/1BA with a porch and comes furnished. This is a great way to enjoy your vacation - little maintenance required!

A GREAT VIEW FOR A LITTLE MONEY!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:40:59 -0700

Built in 1999 3.3 Acres Offered at $119,900

This 3BR/2BA manufactured home is located on 3.3 wooded acres. This mountainside parcel is all hardwoods and is private and secluded with abundant wildlife. Some trees can be cleared for an even better view. The like-new double-wide is a Fleetwood mobile home with a split floor plan and plenty of storage. This would be a great starter home or vacation getaway!

RIVERFRONT RV LOT FOR SALE IN THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:21:58 -0700

.18 Acre Offered at $75,000

This lot sits on the edge of the Nottely River in Blairsville, GA. Park your RV, grab your fishing pole, sit back and enjoy the North Georgia Mountains! The park also has a fishing lake and is close to Vogel State Park and other area attractions.

THINK YOU CAN'T AFFORD A MOUNTAIN GETAWAY? YES YOU CAN!!!

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:20:05 -0700

Year Built 1997 Offered at $39,90O

Opportunity comes knocking! RV Lot and 1997 Dutchmen RV for sale in Blairsville, Georgia. This 1BR/1BA RV has rarely been used and is in excellent condition. It can sleep up to 6 and has an outdoor firepit and good-sized driveway for parking. The .24 acre lot, one of the largest in Choestoe Valley RV Park, has fruit -bearing pear and plum trees. The community laundry is located by the bathhouse, which has separate male/female showers/baths. $300/year maintenance fee covers water, grounds maintenance and wireless Internet for the entire park. WHAT A DEAL!

758 Summit Way Blairsville, Georgia

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:25:49 -0700

Built in 2003 .76 Acres Offered at $239,900

PEACEFUL, YET CLOSE TO TOWN! You can have it all with this immaculate 2 story home only a few miles from the center of Blairsville. It features 3 Bedrooms and 3 .5 Baths on a full, unfinished basement with tall ceilings should you wish to expand. Great open, light, flowing floor plan with extras like a woodburning fireplace, main floor office with French doors and 2 levels of shady back yard decks. The master bedroom suite has a bath with jetted tub, separate shower, dual vanity and large linen closet. There are many dogwood trees on the property. This is a good value for the money!

4661 Birchwood Drive Blairsville, Georgia 30512

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:59:25 -0700

Built in 1997 3.1 Acres Offered at $189,900

ENJOY PEACE AND QUIET on this large, hardwooded lot that borders Dooley Creek! This 2 Bedroom/ 2 Bath home is located on 3.1 acres with natural, low-maintenance landscaping. All lots are at least 3 acres in this great neighborhood with walking and hiking trails and where wildlife abounds. It is convenient to Blairsville, Murphy and Blue Ridge. OWNER WILL CONSIDER ALL OFFERS.

4 Carrier Bluff Okatie South Carolina 29909

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:59:57 -0700

Built in 2000 Offered at $1,100,000

FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP AVAILABLE! This outstanding home, located in the heart of South Carolina's Low Country, is PERFECT for a multi-family vacation home or a corporate retreat. Breathtaking views of marsh and deep water can be seen from four of the FIVE porches that this home features! It is located in an upscale, gated community which has a community pool, tennis courts, fitness center and an 18-hole Greg Norman golf course. All furniture is included with this amazing house. A $60,000 golf club membership is also included. CALL FOR DETAILS ON FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP POSSIBILITIES!

8410 Nottely Circle Blairsville, Georgia 30512

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:32:29 -0700

Built in 1994 1.07 Acres Offered at $169,000

ATTENTION FIRST TIME HOMEOWNERS! If you are thinking about buying a home in this down market, lease this home for a year before buying it! This 2 bedroom 2.5 bath home is has a private location in a nice neighborhood. Features include a new roof (2009), fenced yard for children and/or pets, under house garage and a large workshop. The property is beautifully landscaped with flowering trees and shrubs. Part of the rent will be applied to the purchase price. THIS IS A DEAL!!

8410 Nottely Circle Blairsville, Georgia 30512

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:15:40 -0700

Built in 1994 1.07 Acres Offered at $169,000

6180 Saddle Ridge Drive Blairsville, Georgia 30512

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:49:32 -0700

Built in 1999 1.69 Acres Offered at $359,000

THIS IS A DREAM HOUSE FOR AN EXTENDED FAMILY! This 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home has recently renovated upstairs and down and professionally decorated throughout. Features include formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, sunroom and large deck for outdoor entertaining. The lower level has bedroom and bath, living area, complete kitchen and outside access. The property comes with an American Home Shield one-year warranty. If a home for an extended family is what you're looking for, this may be the one for you!

3636 Dillard Road Blairsville, Georgia 30512

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:32:06 -0700

Built in 1995 Offered at $1,500,000

EXQUISITE EXECUTIVE HOME SURROUNDED BY 36.5 ACRES OF ROLLING MEADOWS AND WOODS! This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home was built using top-of-the-line materials and appliances. It is in exellent condition and is being offered for the first time by the original owner. Features include formal living and dining rooms, 4 master-sized bedrooms, den, breakfast area, large stone patio for entertaining...the list goes on and on. Once you see this home, you'll never want to leave!

3636 Dillard Road Blairsville, Georgia 30512

Mike Kelly, GRI (Mike Kelly Realty ) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:24:24 -0700

Built in 1995 Offered at $1,500,000

EXQUISITE EXECUTIVE HOME SET IN 36.5 ACRES OF PRIVACY! This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home was built with top-of -the-line materials and appliances. It is in excellent condition and is being offered for the first time by the original owner. Features include formal living and dining rooms, 4 master-sized bedrooms, elegant foyer, eat-in kitchen, stone patio for entertaining...the list goes on and on. Once you see this home, you will never want to leave it!