Bill's Blog

Small Town Charm

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:08:26 -0500

For the past 3 years I have lived in the Beautiful Mountain Town of Blue Ridge, Ga. My wife and I after living in SW Florida for 18 year needed the change in pace a change fromthe heat of the hot humid summers and traffic everywhere. We longed for the country life in the Mountains. My wife and I having licenses in 4 states chose Ga since it was right in the middle of those Four. I really must say after living the real estate crash of the Florida Market, Blue Ridge has be a Blessing. Our market here maintained fairly well while all other markets spiraled down and down. Maybe it is the Small town charm? The Beautiful Mountain Properties? The pristine Lakes, Rivers and Streams that accent this part of the Country, or Maybe its the totally awesome weather during all parts of the year. Its not to hot, not to cold, not a lot of snow or ice, and little or no natural disasters other than a skunk attack or a visit from the infamous "White Tail Gang" I have spoke about in previous blogs. Sometimes I wonder why more people do not find our little town, after all it was voted top 5 places to Vacation in the USA. With low taxes reasonably priced homes and Small Town Charm it is totally one of the greatest Retirement or Investments areas to be found. With a slowing market there are some really good buys out there, but Our industry reports are concluding that our housing inventory is quickly dipping to all time low and stablizing our market. So next time you are thinking about buying a retirement home or just a vacation, try our town of Blue Ridge, GA! For more information, check out our website at www.MountainInvestments.net.

Its About Time!

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:41:01 -0600

Well folks ,

Is the market breaking in your area, cause it sure looks like it is heating up here in the beautiful Georgia Mountains. We have had Investors from all over checking out the steals and deals here in Blue Ridge. One of my clients is considering a large acre property for and awesome hotel and restaurant, and boy are the numbers really working well. The steals and deals are out there. My secret is to be understanding with the sellers, but bring out the realities of the market conditions and be able to explain the numbers on the cost of holding the property till the slump is over. A savvy investor or investment group already have there numbers in mind. Its the creative part of negotiating that works every time.

Georgia State Ethics Commission investigating election in Fannin County GA

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 10:45:38 -0600

According to the Fannin Sentinel Newspaper - Friday, Dec 14, 2007 Edition, the State Ethics Commission is investigating the funding of the Vote No Group involved in the recent alcohol referendum election on November 6, 2007. They have contacted the Fannin Sentinel for copies of advertising submitted to their paper.

The Sentinel spoke to the Ethics Commission media contact, Rick Thompson, who verified that due to the number of complaints they received from Fannin County residents coming into their office, the matter has warranted enough attention to conduct an investigation. The SEC will conduct a routine investigation to determine if the complaints are valid concerning the non-profit organizations activities leading up to the casting of votes on the referendum. The investigation will be on the SEC agenda of the January 24, 2008 and will determine the course of further action. This SEC meeting is open to the public.

According to the Sentinel, the investigation centers on the non-profit, religious organizations that participated in posting "Vote No" yard signs, display advertising, billboards and other forms of communication establishing a position to influence voters to cast a vote on the referendum. It has become apparent the funding for "Vote No" signage and communications is at the crux of the matter.

The results of this investigation could truly shed a different light on the election results here in Fannin County. I know it will stir up both sides again. However, due to the fact that the election was so close, how do you, the public, feel about this? I am interested to hear your opinions!

Fantasitic Vacation Investment in the Blue Ridge Mountains !!!

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:26:21 -0600

Natures Estates Resort & Spa at Paris Mountain WOW ! Have you or your clients ever wanted a second homebut only have 2 to 4 weeks vacation time to use your new home Well here it is . The perfect opportunity is now here. See this rewarding opportunity for Fractional deeded ownership and choose one of the spectacular Million dollar Plus Lodges for less than $275,000.00 and some units under $200,000.00 The amenities are many, and the bonus options are unbelievable. Currently under construction with foundations going in as you read this We are now taking refundable reservations for as little as $1500.00. Fell free to browse the website and contact me for more information Bill Vernay Blue Ridge Mountain Investment Specialists 706-851-5821 for information, reservations and floor-plans. www.naturesestates.com or www.mountaininvestments.net

White Doves fill Blue Ridge Sky !

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:35:49 -0600

Just to add something new to the beautiful skys in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bill Vernay and his father introduced a strain of white dove to the area . These fantastic birds in the homing pigeon family are pure white and are the same type of bird used by the Pope in all Vatican presentaions. The birds are used in weddings, funerals and grand events and symbolize purity, hope, and love.

Feel free to contact me for more info.

Bill

The "White Tail Gang" strikes in Blue Ridge!

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:30:26 -0500

Well, we were attacked at home last night! It was a quiet evening at home. They arrived silently before dawn..sneeking right up to my front door! My 3 dogs never heard them..they slept right through the attack! It was the White Tail Gang of Raccoon Ridge. It is a small gang..only 3 members, but it is amazing how much damage they could do in one evening. It started in my driveway. The trail of destruction included a peach tree, an apple tree, a rose bush and all my lilly plants. They then moved on to my planter next to my front door, where they ate all the oriental lillies and anything that resembled food to them.

Of course I am talking about the neighborhood deer! We love to watch them, just like everyone else, but being pretty new to mountain life, we didn't know that some plants were like ice cream to the deer! None of the things they sell in the store helps to stop them..we have tried sprays, repellant sticks that you put in the ground, even human hair, like some of the locals told us....nothing worked. We now have decided to look up every plant that we buy in the future to determine if they are deer resistant!

So just a note to all of the new residents of Blue Ridge, GA, beware of this gang! Be careful when you choose your landscaping! Or keep up a "food allowance" for your own "Neighborhood Gang"!

Visit the Wolf Creek Vineyards!

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Tue, 15 May 2007 13:57:17 -0500

This past weekend my wife and I went to Wolf Creek Vineyards for Mother's Day brunch. We had a great time! As Realtors, it is sometimes necessary to get away from work for a day and check out the area attractions! The property was beautiful, the buffet was magnificent with ham, roast beef, souffles, trout, salmon, shrimp bisque, etc. We also had a bottle of their newest wine release. If you are in the area of Dahlonega, check out some of these wonderful wineries, such as Stone Mountain Vineyards and Frogtown Winery...you won't be disappointed! Enjoy a wine tasting and a tour of the winery!

Leavenworth WA Real Estate Expert

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Fri, 04 May 2007 10:04:27 -0500

Check out the website for Geordie Romer, a real estate expert from the Washington State area! Geordie has a lot of useful information on his site such as free reports, and information about the local school districts in the Washington area. If you are considering a move to this wonderful area, please consider Geordie Romer..and take a look at this website!

La Pine Oregon Expert

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:49:27 -0500

Hi Everyone,

I have a fellow realtor in the Central Oregon area with a website worth checking out! It's www.centraloregonbuzz.com. I have never realized just how beautiful this area of the country is! You will find a lot of great information at your fingertips! You can search her MLS Listings , or her featured listings. There is more specific area information for places like Sunriver, and Caldera Springs. I look forward to traveling West very soon and would personally like to see this beautiful area of the country!

Phoenix Arizona Mortgage Pro

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:06:36 -0500

Check out the website of Karen George, of National Wholesale Mortgage. Karen prides herself on working with her clients to meet their individual needs. She can handle home mortgage loans in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming or Utah! Karen is also a member of the Better Business Bureau. Karen also gives back to the community through her work with Breast Cancer Research..she will donate $200 to this cause with every loan she funds! Many will find her information about reverse mortgages extremely helpful..there is also information on her site about Living Trusts which is very important in for it's tax benefits and inheretance banefits. Anyone looking for a home mortgage or looking to refinance their property would do well to visit this site and see all that Karen has to offer!

Blue Ridge, GA 511 East Main Street

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:43:36 -0500

Commercial Property On Main Street, in Blue Ridge, GA!!

Up to 5 Separate Rental Units!!

Listed at $894,900.00

Awesome opportunity!! Built in 2000 and made to look like a Victorian, this building can be 5 separate rental units..great for gift shoppes, a bed and breakfast, a restaurant, etc! This has endless possibilities! Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA, this building is right on Main Street. In the central tourist attracting area of town, near the Blue Ridge Mountain Scenic Railway station, in an area of gift shoppes, and antique shopping. For more information, please call Bill Vernay, of Mountain Investments of North GA, Sundance Office. Our office # is 706-946-7111 or cell # 706-851-5821. I can also be reached at VernayWorldnet@aol.com, or check out my website at www.VernayWorldnet.com. Thank You!

Congratulations to The Oaks on their Grand Opening!

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:33:46 -0500

I would like to congratulate "The Oaks", a new active adult community here in beautiful Blue Ridge, GA., on their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on March 17th. The ceremony was attended by many members of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, local real estate offices, banks, and Blue Ridge businessmen. The Oaks is a beautiful gated community, close to downtown Blue Ridge shopping, restaurants, and fun! Please check out their website at www.TheOaksBlueRidge.com or call me, Bill Vernay, for more information, at 706-851-5821 or go to my website at www.VernayWorldnet.com.

Aska Area Photos

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:27:32 -0500

I was out this week and took a few scenic photos around the Aska Adventure Area of Blue Ridge, GA...

These shots were taken just off of Aska Road. It is a beautiful area to drive around. Many of the small back roads have the most beautiful mountain views and scenic area. I will be taking more photos of the Toccoa River area and the mountain views.

I will try to post some more very soon!!!

Sweepstakes entry!!

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 12:21:36 -0500

Hi! This is Bill Vernay! My website company is holding a sweepstakes! Enter for a chance to win money for just visiting my website, www.VernayWorldnet.com! Click on sweepstakes to fill out an entry and check out the rules! Come and visit! Take a chance!! Check out the beautiful area of Blue Ridge, GA while you are on my website..if you like the mountains, you'll like Blue Ridge!

Check out the Aska Adventure Area!

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 14:32:53 -0500

This is a very special area of Blue Ridge, GA! Perfect for the outdoor lover in you! Travel down the 10 miles or so of Aska Road, and you will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the county. The road winds through woods and pastures, and then follows alongside the Toccoa River.

Along the way, you will find a parking area to...

The Aska Trails Area is a 17-mile hiking-mountain biking trail system in the National Forest near Deep Gap on Aska Road in Blue Ridge. Trails range from one to 5.5 miles and vary in difficulty. Trails climb to 3,200 feet with views of mountain ridges and descend to the shores of Lake Blue Ridge. A hiker can expect to hike through forested areas with mature hardwoods and thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron.

Trailheads are located at Deep Gap, Stanley Gap, Shady Falls Road and Forest Road 711 by way of Campbell Camp Road. Parking fee is $2 per vehicle. Bulletin boards at trailheads show maps of the area and the trail system. The Aska Trails system includes the following trails.

Stanley Gap Trail - 5.5 miles
Green Mountain Trail - 4.6 miles
Flat Creek Loop - 5.8 miles
Stanley Gap/Flat Creek Connector - .1 mile
Long Branch Loop - 2.0 miles

The Toccoa River Canoe Trail also runs through the Aska Trails Area.

Traveling down the road, you will follow along the Toccoa River, known for its Trout fishing, canoeing and kayaking. When you get to the Rock Creek Bridge, you will be able to rent a tube and float down the river for about 1.5 hours, then be picked up and brought back to the parking area. There is also a small convenience store for a snack while you are there!

Right in the area, there is a special spot called Stanley Creek Falls. It is about a 1/2 mile hike from a little field on Stanley Creek Road. It is a beautiful multi-level falls about 100 ft tall. It is a beautiful photo spot!

Stay for dinner at the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant..it is right on the river, and a great local restaurant!

I will add more photos as I get them!

Blue Ridge GA - New York Times Article

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 13:18:58 -0500

I recently read this article from the New York Times, and it really reminded me why I moved to this beautiful area. Check it out...let me know if you agree with me! If you are interested in the Blue Ridge Area, please check out my website at http://www.vernayworldnet.com/, call me at 706-851-6356, or email me at VernayWorldnet@aol.com! I would love to show you around the area!

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/09/29/realestate/29havens.html?pagewanted=1

Office Grand Opening!!

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 14:51:17 -0500

Friday, March 23rd from 11:00am to 2:00pm we are having a grand opening party and ribbon cutting ceremony at our new real estate office, Mountain Investments of North Ga.! We are located at the corner of Hwy 5 & Hwy 515 in the center of Blue Ridge, GA. We would love to have anyone interested or considering real estate, log cabins, or investment property in the Blue Ridge, GA mountains to stop by! We will have food, music and fun! The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce will be there for our ribbon cutting, along with the local radio station.

Nightlife in Blue Ridge GA

Bill Vernay (Blue Ridge Mountain Investments Specialists) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:15:56 -0500

As a transplant from Florida, I had to get used to the mountain life. Not a lot happens after 6:00pm! It's not that we need to be out a lot, but after a while you need a little change of pace. Lately my wife and I have gotten "cabin fever" and wandered down to Gilmer County to stop at a couple of fun places. We have found a little local place in Ellijay called Mucho Kaliente which is a restaurant that serves liquor and has karaoke and a DJ in the evenings. The owner and staff are great company. We also stopped nearby at El Rio Mexican Restaurant which has a bar and dancing at night. On the way home one night, we stopped in Cherry Log at a place called the 515 Club. It is a "bring your own" type of place that charges a cover charge to get in. They are not fancy, by any means, but they have a band and a dance floor. The place gets pretty busy, and the crowd seems to be young, lively and fun. I hope in Fannin County that they make some changes in the near future to the liquor laws so that everyone from Atlanta and Florida can have a choice about whether to go out in the evening or stay at home and enjoy the mountains. This change would bring a few more restaurants to the area. I don't believe a change in the liquor laws would cause a drastic change in the area, just bring a few more restaurants to the area and help to keep the area growing and vital.