North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Blog by Donna in Blue Ridge

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
(News, Events, Happenings, Real Estate Market Conditions, more...)

~Featured Articles~

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Market Watch February 2008 - 03/08/08  North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Market Watch 2008 Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns and Pickens Counties Single Family Residential Homes Sales for February.  For all counties combined as of March 8, 2008 - There are 2837 active, contingent and 141 pending homes on the market.  The average list price is $336,286 and prices range from $8500 ...

Want to be a Savvy Real Estate Investor?  - February 13, 2008
As a real estate professional, I want to assist clients with opportunities to build assets and maximize their real property investment potential.  A 1031 tax deferred exchange offers investors a great opportunity to build wealth and save taxes.  This could be the right time to consider a 1031 Exchange and start building your investment portfolio.

Did You Know You Can Use an IRA to Invest in Real Estate?  - February 12, 2008 
Did you know you can use a Self-Directed IRA to invest in Real Estate?  The IRS allows you to invest self-directed IRA funds into real estate.  This gives you the power to use retirement funds for tangible investments that YOU control.  As a Georgia Realtor, I am careful not to give legal advice or pretend to be an expert in a field in which I have no expertise.  I will, however, refer clients to the proper authorities and professionals who can give them the assistance they need.  Having said that, this post is in no way giving legal advice of any kind nor do I pretend to be the expert in purchasing real estate through an IRA.  This post is to serve as a general guideline.  You are encouraged to contact a financial planner or qualified intermediary.   There are six rules for a Self Directed IRA...

Selling Your House? But What About Your Neighbor's House? - February 2008

You've done all the things needed to spruce up your home and get it ready for market! Your home really shines and now you are ready to welcome potential home buyers! Except there's just one problem, What about the neighbor's house?  If you have a neighbor who doesn't keep up their home's appearance, it will affect the value of your property negatively...

Remember Going to a Drive-In Theater When You Were a Kid? North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 06 05:55 PM How many of you remember going to a Drive-In Theater when you were a kid? Wikipedia describes a drive-in theater as follows:"A drive-in theater is a form of cinema structure consisting of a large screen, a projection booth, a concession stand and a large parking area for automobiles. The screen can be as simple as a wall that is painted white, or it can be a complex steel truss structure with a complex finish. Within this enclosed area, ...

Looking for True Mountain Flavor? The Cider House Cafe - North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 05 03:58 PM You must put The Cider House Café on your list when visiting the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.  The Cider House Café is located at 2984 Mobile road only three miles west from the old mountain town of McCaysville...  Enjoy real mountain flavor with the home cooked country meals that owners Joe and Mary Jo Dickey serve up.  You can get lunch Monday through Sunday ...

Step Back Into Yesteryear - Explore Historic Downtown Blue Ridge, North Georgia Mountains - Nov 03 10:44 AM Thank you for visiting. Please feel free to leave your comments. For a free brochure of Blue Ridge and the surrounding area, please email me at donna@ellijay.com or visit my website: www.move2northgeorgia.net and complete the contact form. Be sure to tell me that you would like a free brochure and I will get this in the mail to you within 24 hours of your request. I hope to see you in the pristine North Georgia Blue ...

Elegance and Romance of Yesteryear in Downtown Blue Ridge, North Georgia Mountains - Nov 01 08:06 PM
The Victorian House Restaurant in the Mountains of Blue Ridge welcomes you.  This restaurant is recommended by Southern Living Magazine and specializes in steaks, pasta and seafood.  Enjoy the romance of yesteryear in an ambience of true 1900 CIRCA.  Casual elegance, gourmet foods and housemade desserts plus many vintage hats to choose from and wear while you dine will remind you of a time gone by.  Michael (pictured below) and the other fine staff will welcome ...

Low Interest Rates Get You a Cozy Log Cabin Just in Time for Christmas in Dixie! (edited) - Dec 10 06:12 PM  Well, it isn't snowing through the pines just yet but it is Christmas in Dixie and especially with these mortgage rates! Denise Greene, one our newest members on Active Rain and a very fine mortgage consultant sent an update to me today on current mortgage rates that she can provide through Mortgage of America Partners, LLC. Even though the rates edged slightly upward from last week, they are still fantastic! I have a 5.5% interest rate ...

~Homes and Properties for Sale~

It's All About Lifestyle in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 05 05:07 PM
Lynn Ensley is the owner and developer of McCaysville's newest upscale community.   Lynn is also a visionary and thought about "going green" long before it became the thing to do.  This 160 acre wooded preserve will boast some of the most distinctive and stylish mountain homes in Fannin County with a great respect for nature.  Lynn's love for the wildlife in the area is very apparent.  There are 90 spacious one to three acre choice lots ...

Wrapped and Waiting, Just in Time for the Holidays! Lake Blue Ridge Chalet, North Georgia Mountains - Nov 10 05:46 PM  Just in time for the holidays! This one is wrapped and waiting for you!"It's all about Lifestyle"   Brand new, rustic and cozy mountain chalet with nice upgrades. Very easy walk/access to Lake Blue Ridge.  Seasonal view of lake from two covered porches, wrap deck, walk-out basement with covered patio.  Decorator style black interior and exterior accents with upgraded light fixtures...

New North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Chink Log Chalet for Sale - It's All About Lifestyle - Nov 17 07:42 PM

Blue Ridge Skyport, Sugar Creek Blue Ridge North Georgia Mountains - Aug 23 04:22 PM   It's a bird !  It's a plane !  It's a...  Wait, it really is a Plane! It is probably fair to say that the new Blue Ridge Skyport has been somewhat of a secret, even to some local residents in Fannin county.  This new airplane development is located near Sugar Creek in Blue Ridge.  What was once a strip used for drag racing up until the late 1960s is now a pristine, private mountain community with a 3100' landing ...

Active Senior Community - Blue Ridge Georgia - Jun 11 07:03 PM  A new active senior community for 55 and up is underway in Blue Ridge, Georgia.  "The Oaks" - finally, quality homes that are not log!!! Other features such as stone and the actual design of the homes will provide that mountain feel that most people want plus low maintenance!  A model home is now under construction.  Pick your lot and your plan while prices last or bring your own plan.  This community is under one ...

~Luxury Properties~

Nature's Estates Ready for First Release of Luxury Vacation Homes for a Fraction of the Cost - Dec 2007 Nature's Estates Resort & Spa located at Paris Mountain in Mineral Bluff nestled in the  North Georgia Mountains .   Only ten minutes from downtown historic Blue Ridge.  This exclusive gated luxury resort now offering 1/12th shares of fractional deeded ownership in the first release of inventory.  The Heritage is ready for priority reservation for the first 48 reservationists.  Approximately 3300 square feet at $155,000.  Priority reservationists will save approximately $23,000 for the first year by investing now.  This is the ...

Ahhh - First Class All the Way in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains! - Dec 02
Nature's Estates Resort and Spa Community located in Fannin County, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is ready for its      First Release of Inventory !!!There are currently 48 priority reservations ready for sale in 1/12th shares in our Heritage model (this is the smallest of our models, approximately 3300 square feet) at $155,000!  This is the rock bottom pricing for the Heritage and will only be for the first 48 reservationists.  After these...

~Real Estate Market Condtions~

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Market Watch February 2008 - 03/08/08 
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Market Watch 2008 Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns and Pickens Counties Single Family Residential Homes Sales for February.  For all counties combined as of March 8, 2008 - There are 2837 active, contingent and 141 pending homes on the market.  The average list price is $336,286 and prices range from $8500 ...

North Georgia Mountains Market Watch February 8, 2008 - 02/08/08 
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Market Watch 2008Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns and Pickens CountiesSingle Family Residential Homes Mountain Homes For Sale  |  Listing Notifier  |  Home Evaluation  |  Mortgage Calculator
Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor primarily serving the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains is with Mountain Investments of North Georgia located in Blue ...

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Real Estate Market Watch - January 2008 - 02/03/08  
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Market Watch - January 2008 Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor | North Georgia Blue Ridge MountainsFannin | Gilmer | Union | Towns | Pickens Counties
Single Family Residential Home SalesJanuary 2008 compared to January 2007 Data source:  Northeast Georgia Multiple Listing Service as of February 2, 2008.  Average Sold Price was DOWN in January ...

 North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Market Watch (Edited) - Nov 30 02:25 AM   Following are real estate market statistics as reported by the Northeast Georgia Multiple Listing Service for the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.  This market information is comprised of the following counties in Northeast Georgia:  Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, and Pickens and provides a snapshot of current real estate market conditions.  Please bookmark my website:  www.move2northgeorgia.net  to keep informed of ongoing real estate market conditions in the North Georgia Mountains.   All in all, the North Georgia Mountain market ... 

~Buying a Home~

More than Buying a Home, It's Making a Lifestyle Choice in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Oct 02 03:39 AM We are going into our busiest season of the year, Fall in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.  As a Realtor, I can already tell that we are seeing more home buyers now.  Some home buyers held off buying that dream mountain escape thinking prices will go lower and more than likely missed out on the log cabin of their dreams.  Who knows whether prices will go lower? 

Low Interest Rates Get You a Cozy Log Cabin Just in Time for Christmas in Dixie! (edited) - Dec 10 06:12 PM  Well, it isn't snowing through the pines just yet but it is Christmas in Dixie and especially with these mortgage rates! Denise Greene, one our newest members on Active Rain and a very fine mortgage consultant sent an update to me today on current mortgage rates that she can provide through Mortgage of America Partners, LLC. Even though the rates edged slightly upward from last week, they are still fantastic! I have a 5.5% interest rate ...

If I were Your Real Estate Agent and You were my Buyer... North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains  - January 1, 2008  (to the tune of "If I Were a Carpenter")

~Recreation~

Gone Fishin' ... Get Hooked on the North Georgia Mountains - Sep 05 07:54 PM Finally, September is here!  I will miss summer and it did fly by but "stars above" we had some hot temps in August.  Much of the month was over 100 degrees which is very unusual for the cool North Georgia Mountains.  Now the cool mornings and evenings are back and it feels like a cool splash in the lake!  Ahh, refreshing for sure.  With September comes the first hint of autumn color and there's nothing like ...

Canoe Your Way Through the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 10 09:24 AM  Explore Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River.  Canoe & Kayak Ventures located on Aska Road at the Toccoa River Outpost offers:  Learn to Roll  $75Three hours of quality instruction; 1-2 Day Basic Clinic  One day  $125; Two days  $225.  A great introduction to the sport of kayaking.  Learn proper techniques, paddle strokes and river reading.  Two or more qualify for a discount.  Family Kayak Clinic $125 per personThis clinic allows each family ...

Horseback Riding in beautiful Cashes Valley, Blue Ridge - North Georgia Mountains - Jul 23 05:53 PM    "Hold your horses"!  Don't miss Callihan's Adventure Trail Rides of Cashes Valley:    adventure trail rides   Offering 1 hour, 1 1/2 hour and 2 hour rides to accommodate riders from level 1 to the more advanced rider.  1 Hour --- This trail ride is great for adults and children and is classified as level 1.  But it will provide a few obstacles that will excite riders of all ages.  Trails offer beautiful scenic views and is an leisurely ride.  1 1/2 Hour ...

Big Bear Ranch and Trail Rides - Blue Ridge Mountains, North Georgia - Aug 14 06:24 PM   Picture a cool, crisp Blue Ridge Mountain morning.  Listen to the sounds of nature as a flock of sparrows sit above a tall Georgia pine watching the slow trot of your horse gently walking your cares away.  Enjoy the wonderful sights and smells that the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer.  Big Bear Ranch is not called Big Bear for no reason; you never know what you might see while you are riding one of their trusted ...

~Events and Happenings~

What's Happening in North Georgia? 2008 Calendar of Events Feb - June - 02/06/08 09:32 PM 
North Georgia Mountains - 2008 Calendar of Events  February through JuneFannin County, Blue Ridge, and the Copper Basin June  ***   Family Fridays in June.  Ocoee Whitewater Center, Ducktown, Tennessee.  Family conservation education programs each Friday.  Discover animal tracks of the forest and mae your own mold to take home.  Discover the forest ...

Santa Claus Lights Up Blue Ridge ! - Nov 29 08:50 PM Saturday, November 24 was "Light Up Blue Ridge" which officially kicked off the Christmas season for our town. This annual event started a few years ago and is becoming a mountain tradition, drawing more and more visitors each year to the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. This year's celebration drew more than 7000 visitors! It was a beautiful sunny day but on the cold side. I was so thankful to get to enjoy this event ...

Rekindle Fond Christmas Memories and Make New Ones in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 07 11:32 AM Light Up Blue Ridge has become a mountain tradition which kicks off the Christmas season.  Relive the small town celebrations of the past and let the Christmas spirit fill your mind and heart with a fun-filled day of Christmas excitement in downtown Blue Ridge.  Great family fun for all.

Blue Ridge Gone Wild! - Sep 06 07:26 AM  The 8th Annual Wildlife and Nature Art Festival and Outdoor Expo is coming to Blue Ridge on September 15 and 16th.  This is one of the largest wildlife art festivals in North Georgia drawing more than 7000 people last year, thanks to the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Experts in hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, rafting, and biking will be available to provide information in these areas.  The festival will have a wildlife or nature theme ...

~News~

Fannin County Voters Have Their Say - North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 07 06:18 AM   Many of you have been reading my posts about the November 6th election facing Fannin County residents. The resolution to allow liquor by the drink which became a "spirited" (so to speak) issue.  This is a follow-up to report the outcome of the election as reported yesterday evening..  As reported by The News Observer, the referendum was defeated 3871 to 3330 votes with 14 out of 14 precincts reporting. 
Fannin County Faces a Tough ChallengeProposed Ordinance on Liquor ...

Fractional Ownership is Helping Buyers Afford Unbelieveable Luxury Log Cabins in North Georgia Mountains - Oct 23 04:09 PM Fractional ownership, a new way to own a luxury log cabin in the North Georgia Mountains with all the amenities you can possibly imagine. This is not to be confused with the traditional timesharing, although there are some similarities in terms of the concept, there are some very distinct differences.   Meg Davis' Mountain Investments of North Georgia is pioneering this new buying concept for our Blue Ridge Mountains.  You are going to be amazed at what is coming  to ...

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Neighbors Face a Tough Challenge - Oct 17 11:21 AM   Update:  November 7, 2007   The voters of Fannin County voted  3871 to 3330 against passing the resolution to authorize the sale of distilled spirits.  Read the full story as reported  by precinct on the evening of yesterday's vote: The News Observer  "To allow drink or not allow  drink, that is the question" that faces Fannin County voters who will decide on November 6th. Although parts of Fannin are already allowed to sell beer and wine, and those who want ...

North Georgia is Developing Rapidly - Protecting the Public and the Environment - Jul 26 06:32 PM   North Georgia is growing rapidly.  The mountain region was once a sparsely populated area but not anymore!  It's changing and it's changing rapidly.  Georgia's demand for residential and recreational development has now expanded more than one hundred miles from Metro Atlanta.  Raymond King, District Director of Environmental Health tells us how all of this rapid development is affecting our beautiful mountains and how hard the local environmental health department and the communities are working together to preserve ...

A Visit to Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia Might Become a Permanent Stay - Sep 03 05:37 PM   Hemptown Creek near McCaysville in Fannin County, North Georgiais full of history.  This creek is just one of many creeks in Fannin County.  The creek's stone dam was destroyed in a flood that occurred about seventeen years ago.  A section of the stone wall still remains but the rest of the dam is gone, no longer stretching across the creek.  Big chunks of rocks that were left behind serve as a reminder of just how devastating ...

~Places to See - Things to Do~

Campus Restaurant Renovated and Open to the Public - Young Harris College - February 2008

Towns County located in the North Georgia Mountains known for its beautiful mountains, streams, and waterfalls....has the highest mountain peak in Georgia - Brasstown Bald Mountain  (Streaming web cam)....is home to Zell Miller, former Georgia Senator and Governor ...plays hosts to top country music artists from spring to late fall ...is home to the Georgia Mountain Fair  and...is home to Young Harris College founded in 1886

Leatherwood Falls, Hayesville North Carolina - February 2008
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains have many beautiful waterfalls throughout the northeast counties (Fannin, Union, Towns, Gilmer and Pickens).  But I did not know about this waterfall near Hayesville (Clay County) North Carolina called Leatherwood Falls until very recently.  My one regret is that the batteries in my camera were dead.  But that's ok, because I do plan to visit the Falls again. Leatherwood Falls are about twenty-five feet high and has a picnic area, metal walk bridge and a paved track along Fires Creek...

Twin Cities McCaysville and Copperhill where a River Runs Through Them - North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Nov 05 07:48 AM  In the North Georgia Blue Ridge mountains lies twin cities: McCaysville Georgia on the western side of Fannin County, Georgia and Copperhill Tennessee on the eastern side of Polk County Tennessee  A river runs through them - Toccoa and Ocoee River.  McCaysville Georgia and Copperhill Tennessee are twin cities divided only by the Georgia-Tennessee state line. Visitors will see a blue line painted through the town which marks the state line. You can literally have one foot in ...

Everybody's Talking about Talking Rock, North Georgia Mountains - Jul 04 06:48 PM   The small mountain town of Talking Rock is tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in North Georgia.  It is the third smallest town in the state. Talking Rock is full of charm and rich with history of the Trail of Tears and the Civil War.  This town is located in Pickens county but used to be a part of Gilmer county. The Heritage Day Festival  is an annual event, held during the third weekend of October.  Festivities ...

~Archives~

North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Market Watch (Edited) - Nov 30 02:25 AM   Following are real estate market statistics as reported by the Northeast Georgia Multiple Listing Service for the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.  This market information is comprised of the following counties in Northeast Georgia:  Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, and Pickens and provides a snapshot of current real estate market conditions.  Please bookmark my website:  www.move2northgeorgia.net  to keep informed of ongoing real estate market conditions in the North Georgia Mountains.   All in all, the North Georgia Mountain market

 2274 John Call Road, Talking Rock Georgia - Oct 07 09:45 AM   This home has unusual style and distinction with its great architectural details.  It stands apart from the typical style homes you normally see in the northeast Georgia mountain area.  This home is perfect for full time living, large family gatherings, corporate retreat or private estate.  Move In Ready!  No shortage of elbow room, inside and out.  This home for sale is spacious and sits atop three acres overlooking a small lake below.  The acreage is level to gentle, private and wooded.  ...

2274 John Call Road, Talking Rock (Ellijay) North Georgia Mountains - Sep 01 01:27 AM   This home has unusual style and distinction with its great architectural details.  It stands apart from the typical style homes you normally see in the northeast Georgia mountain area.  This home is perfect for full time living, large family gatherings, corporate retreat or private estate.  Move In Ready!  No shortage of elbow room, inside and out.  This home for sale is spacious and sits atop three acres overlooking a small lake below.  The acreage is level to gentle, private and wooded.  ...

Executive Mountain Retreat, Acreage, John Call Road, Talking Rock Georgia, Gilmer county, lake, views - Jul 12 06:42 PM Stunning executive mountain retreat - builder's home for sale in North Georgia Mountains, John Call Road, Talking Rock, Georgia, Gilmer County near Ellijay.  Three beautiful acres, mountain and lake views, end of the road privacy.  Very spacious home with unbelievable architecture.  Nice corporate retreat.  Very distinctive and quite different from the typical log home.  Lake Yukon access  A really MUST SEE!  Five bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms (tiled and/or marble)  Home built in 2005, builder's home, three acres, end of ...

2274 John Call Road Talking Rock North Georgia Mountains - Jun 21 02:11 AM  This home has unusual style and distinction with its great architectural details.  It stands apart from the typical style homes you normally see in the northeast Georgia mountain area.  This home is perfect for full time living, large family gatherings, corporate retreat or private estate.  Move In Ready! No shortage of elbow room, inside and out.  This home for sale is spacious and sits atop three acres overlooking a small lake below.  The acreage is level to gentle, private and wooded.  ...