Jasper, GA

OK so let me pose the question. Can you be for fiscal responsibility AND for extension of the real estate tax credit ? Here is the debate. Many are looking at Government spending and saying, "wow we are out of control." If you buy that argument or are even concerned then how can you be for an extension of the tax credit?

Yes I know ther tax credit has helped. We have benefited from it here. But in almost every program somebody benefits. When a program is cut somebody loses. So are you saying, "cut , but not in my back yard?"

I pose this question because sometimes we are so quick to raise our voices against government spending EXCEPT when it effects us. So now that I have posed the question I think I should get off the fence and give my opinion.

I think we should adopt the Senator from Georgia, Johnny Isaksons plan. He calls for 15,000 home buying credit for a primary residence. No other strings. This is a plan, with a reduced number, he was part of during the S&L problem a while back and it worked. I think Congress should say it will sunset after one year period. As painful as it may be we need a control on spending. Even if that spending some times works for us.

Today was the Jasper Georgia Marble Festival. The Apple festival in Ellijay Georgia is going on now too. Fall is a time for festivals in the mountains. We are celebrating great weather , harvests and getting ready for winter. Jasper supplies much of the countries marble and the festival is a lot of fun.

I was having an open house. But before you feel too sorry for me I was right along the parade route .Here are some pictures .

There are folks out waking and floats pulled by pick up trucks

Of course all the local fire departments had trucks in the parade . The kids love to hear the horns.

Of course there were local farmers and floats as well in the Parade. The whole event had a quality about it that said small town. If you saw the movie Doc Hollywood with Michael J Fox you know what I mean.Our mountain communities are great places to visit live and raise families.

My open house got a lot of foot traffic so all in all as open houses go it was good.

Each Thursday as Heard on WYYZ Radio in our North Georgia Mountains we bring you the Mountain Real Estate report. If you are in Big Canoe, Jasper, Ball Ground, Ellijay or one of the many areas the show is broadcast you know how important the information is to you. This week we talk about the wisdom of working locally. Enjoy

This week it is going to get a bit cool in the mountains. Fall is a great time of year. Whether you are in Big Canoe or anywhere in Jasper or the North Georgia Mountains you are thinking, " I am looking forward to that first fire in the fire place. Here are some tips to stay safe.

1 You should have a chimney swept once a year for a fire place.

2 If you use a wood burning stove you can go 2 years EXCEPT if you control the heat and do a slow night burn. The slow burn will build up resins in the chimney. You should clean once a year if you do regulated night burns for heat

3 Avoid burning pine. Pine has a lot of creosote in it. Creosote build up is a major cause of chimney fires.

4 If you use a wood burning stove your first couple of fires should be small ones. The iron needs to expand as it has been sitting cold for a number of months. A roaring fire first time out can lead to a crack in the iron and mean you need to replace that expensive bad boy.

5 Remove those decorative pine cones or any flammable objects from around your fire place or stove. They can flame up and cause a major fire from the heat of your fire.

6 Make sure you have a proper fire screen and fire proof rug in front of your fireplace. You do not want popping embers to ruin a good rug or burn a pretty floor.

Remember the chimney sweep you use will check your pipes for cracks and holes as well as clean the chimney. They should also make sure your chimney is water tight. Often you need re-caulking around the top as the heat drys out Caulk. You do not want to allow rain to come down your pipe.

Chimney fires and flammable materials too close to the heat source are a major cause of house fires as winter approaches. Take a little time to make sure your chimney is clean and in good working order. Look at what is around your fireplace or wood burning stove. I do not want to pull up to your house in my fire gear.

This week the mountain real estate report focused in part on reverse mortgages. I am also including a link to a blog I wrote about this topic this week. Take a moment to read it. Those who did found some ways to use this product for their clients and their business.

link to blog is http://activerain.com/blogsview/1253492/a-reverse-mortgage-for-what-