Dahlonega, GA

I told everyone that Ellen and myself were taking off yesterday on election day to get away from all the news. We took a short fay trip up the Georgia 400 to Dahlonega Georgia in Lumpkin county. Dahlonega is a very old historic town in the USA! US Gold coinage was mined and minted there prior to the beginning of the Civil War. It was a great place to get away from all the noise of the news, and just part take in the beauty of the season. We weren't disappointed! Below are some photos I took in Dahlonega Georgia yesterday!

I answered a Q&A writer today. And it strikes me that folks making probably one of their biggest investment decisions do not use a professional Realtor. It just amazes me . For aches and pains you go to a doctor. For a car you go to a mechanic. If you are buying a used car for 2,000 bucks you say, "can I have my mechanic look at it?" But for a 200,000 home you go in blind. Then when things do not go exactly as planned I read your questions here on Active Rain . So I ask myself WHY ??? Let me try to dispel the myths that might prevent you from using a Realtor

1 A Realtor will cost me money. 99 percent of the time the Realtor is paid by the seller. So the professional services your get come at no charge.

2 There is a Realtor I am working with. The listing agent. Ok the listing agent works for .....ready... THE SELLER NOT YOU. A good Realtor will treat you honestly and fairly but will not negotiate a price down on your behalf nor will they do your due diligence. So many times I hear oooh you are not the listing agent I want to work with them. Wrong answer.

3 I will get money off the price if I do not use a Realtor. This is my favorite. I love people who think this when I am the listing agent. Why, because I make more. So please come to my listings without a Realtor.

4 I am working Directly with the builder. This is my second favorite. A builder juggles contracts, workers, and costs. A builder is a formidable force to deal with. They have to be to stay in business. The builders contract is written for who?.... Did you say the builder? then you are starting to get it. More than anything you need a good Realtor to work with you in these situations.

I am focusing on money issue here. Because I am thinking why wouldn't you use a Realtor. The only answer I can think of is, you think it will cost money. It doesn't . In fact when you talk to a Realtor you will soon learn that the valuable services a Realtor provides saves you money !!!! So listen. I do not want to answer your questions after the fact when you ask them. I want you to be informed and not have to come to this network in trouble. So PLEASE , PLEASE , PLEASE think. This is a major investment. use a professional. The price surely is right.

I live 8 miles from the scenic town of Dahlonega Georgia. Dahlonega is a quaint town and home to North Georgia college. The Square in Dahlonega houses the "Gold Museum" and for a small fee you can take a tour. There are restaurants, shops, and a few pubs, bed and breakfast accomodation and the sweet little Holly theater thas shows movies and the occasional stage production.

There is a certain air about Dahlonega that is hard to explain, a certain sense of sophistication mixed with charm. It was in the USA top 5 places to retire, and there is a lovely slow pace of life yet your only about 60 miles from Atlanta. There are gorgeous Golf courses, hiking trails, Trout fishing and if you are retirement age you can take free courses at the college.

Dahlonega Square offers lots of activities throughout the year, featuring Bluegrass and country music, Jazz and military bands at the college campus.

For more information on properties available in this lovely county contact me at 770-337-4819. You can also visit my site to search for properties available at:

www.AlisonGetUsAHome.com

I know All you guys that live up north are probably scoffing at us feeble southerners, but it is bloody cold today!! I moved to Georgia over 20 years ago and remember swimming in the pool in March. It also seems the winters are getting a bit longer or maybe it's just my age. But optimistically thinking of warmer days here is an annual event that you might consider.

If you are thinking of visiting North Georgia this spring don't forget to visit Dahlonega, there is the wonderful spring festival "Bear on the Square" from April 18-20th. Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Jam to the sound of local Blue Grass day and night. This is the 12th annual live country auction of local artists such as Billy Roper. The Bear on the square is a Not-For-Profit cultural arts organization. If you are a guitar enthusiast you may be interested to know that Guitar maker Larrivee Guitars have donated a new guitar which will be available at the Live Country Auction. The Auction will start at 6pm on the opening night, Friday 18th April in the Mainstage Tent in Hancock Park. For more information you can visit www.bearonthesquare.org

Lets hope by then it would have warmed up a bit and we can enjoy a lovely spring weekend in Dahlonega.