Blue Ridge, GA

Oh, the simple pleasures of living in the North Georgia mountains. I came across this actual legal description for a property today:

BEGINNING at the old house place, running southwest to a large Beech tree, continuing the same direction to the top of the mountain and a White Oak tree; thence northwest following high ground to the Stephens property line; thence following the Stephens property line due North to the corner; thence northeast to the branch; thence down branch to ford of branch; thence southeast, following an old road to the starting point, containing 30 acres, more or less

A fellow agent e-mailed this to me today. The video, entitled "How to Buy a Bank Owned Home," is sure to bring a laugh -- perhaps a pained one -- but a laugh, nonetheless. I think we can all relate...no matter which "part" we play.

Enjoy!



  

Home sales in Fannin County are mirroring the national trend -- sales are up, but prices are down. September 2009 saw 33 residential sales, with a median price of $206,000, compared to 27 residential sales and a median sale price of $245,000 in September of last year.

Foreclosures account for about 20% of last month's sales. Since our local MLS didn't have a separate category for foreclosures last September,  it is difficult to ascertain what percentage of last year's sales were foreclosures. However, from personal observation, they are up this year over last year at this time. In my opinion, the increase in sales of foreclosures is part of what is driving prices down.

Another major factor exerting downward pressure on prices is our existing inventory. There are 822 active residential listings on the market today. At current sales levels, it will take about two years for all the homes on the market in Fannin County to be absorbed.

One difference between our area and most others across the country is that our increase in sales is not being driven by first-time homebuyers looking to take advantage of the tax credit by November 30. Our market is overwhelmingly a second-home market, so our sales are not being artificially propped up by the tax incentive. Hopefully, that is a sign that our market truly on the upswing.

That said, our backlog of available inventory, combined with foreclosures continuing to hit the market, point to a buyer's market in Blue Ridge for the foreseeable future. 

	September 2008	September 2009	Variation
Total Units Sold	27	33	20%
Average Days on Market	126	128	1%
Median Sale Price	$245,000	$206,000	-16%

 

 

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
- Albert Camus

The North Georgia mountains provide an ever-changing canvas upon which Mother Nature paints. Perhaps knowing the winter months will bring little opportunity for color, she pulls out all the stops and splashes the autumn canvas with a riot of reds, golds, yellows, and oranges.

Fall is a spectacular time in the North Georgia mountains. The colors rival anything you will find in New England, and, because we don't get early frosts, the leaves -- in all their splendor -- stay on the trees much longer, stretching leaf-watching season through November. The days are usually sunny and bright, and the average temperatures in October are 69 degrees during the day, and 42 degrees at night.

Because of the above-average rainfall we've had this year, experts predict a particularly colorful and long leaf watching season. So, grab your camera and head for the hills!

Here are some great resources for leaf-watchers:

Fall color information for the Chattahoochee - Ocoee National Forests

Georgia Forestry Commission's Fall Color Report

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Fall Leaf Watch 2009

OCTOBER 2009

Oct. 1 - 6 / Quilt Exhibit

Blue Ridge Mountains art Assn. Community Quilt exhibit (706) 632-2144

www.brmaa.com

Oct. 1 – Oct. 30 / Pickin’ in the Park

Downtown Ellijay/Horseshoe Bend park in McCaysville. Local Musician jam gathering. Bluegrass,

country, Gospel and rock-n-Roll 6pm – dark. Free Family Fun! All are Welcome! (706) 635-5961

wilmar225@yahoo.com

Oct. 1 - 10 / Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern

Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN. Fri & Sat nights opens after dark. Terror 206ft underground.

www.hauntedcavern.com

Oct. 2 – 11 / Art

By Yasmina Reza. Blue Ridge Community Theatre. Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm.

A play augmenting what is trulyart and what is more personal than theoretical. A truthful comedy that explores

modern friendships between men. (706) 632-9223 www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com

Oct. 3 & 4 / Fall Festival

John C. Campbell Folk School, Murphy NC. One of the largest and most popular events of its type in the region,

just a short drive from Blue Ridge, GA. A celebration of a rich Appalachian heritage. 35^th annual featuring over

200 craftspeople, continuous music and dance, demonstrations, food and kids activities. 10am – 5pm Sat & Sun.

www.folkschool.org

Oct. 3 / Motorcycle Ride for Angels

Blue ridge, GA. All proceeds benefit the children of Fannin County. Registration starts at 8:30 am. Meal and

prizes upon return. (706) 632-0390 www.rideforangels.com

Oct. 9 – 18 / GA. Mountain Fall Festival

Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, GA. Arts & Craft exhibits. Clogging, singing, demonstrations, pioneer village, kiddie

rides and shows. Featuring the Ole Time Fiddlers Convention. (706) 896-4191

Oct. 15 – Nov 1 / Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern

Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN. Thurs – Sun nights opens after dark. Terror 206ft underground.

www.hauntedcavern.com

Oct 17 & 18 – 24 & 25 / Mountain Harvest Sale

Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market. Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 12pm – 5pm. Arts & Crafts, food & fun. Free admission and

parking. (706) 374-2335

Oct. 24 / Paws in the Park

Downtown Blue ridge city Park. Enjoy a day with your favorite pet. Parade, pet education, demonstrations,

rabies clinic, micro chipping,

contests and prizes and photos with your pet. 10am – 2pm. (706) 632-7311

Oct. 31 / Halloween Safe Zone

Downtown Blue Ridge, GA. Main street closes and trick or treating begins! Food and entertainment, candy

stops, shop to shop. All ages welcome! (706) 632-0547 www.blueridgemountains.com

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