Fannin Regional Hospital sponsors a Healthy Woman event occassionally and the latest one was a real
treat. Chef Hans Rueffert, renowned Southern Chef, and Sara Auman, local gourmet aficionado teamed
up to prepare some wonderful healthy dishes at the well appointed kitchen located in Town and Country
Furniture in Blue Ridge where cooking shows are occassionally videoed here. This beautiful store offers
quality rustic furniture and accessories for local log cabin owners.
Menu
Red Bean and Chickpea Salad
Dried Fruit and Nut Salad with Minted Yogurt
Rainbow Trout with Orange-Mustard Grenoble
Chef Hans Rueffert 
If you haven't heard of Chef Hans Rueffert, you are really missing out, not only on great cooking ideas and techniques but a truly moving story of his battle with cancer. Hans grew up in Jasper Georgia over their family restaurant, the Woodbridge Inn. (Great place to eat by the way, put it on your list). Hans host his own cooking show and was selected out of 10,000 applicants to be one of the 8 finalist (the only Southerner in the finals) to compete on Food Channel's "The Next Food Network Star." Hans finished third in the competition. Check out his cookbooks and his blog.
Sara Auman
For great gourmet goodies, visit Proprietress Sara Auman at her upscale boutique "Out of the Blue" located in downtown Blue Ridge. Sara will introduce visitors to varied selection of the finest wines and foods from all over the world. Shop for fine French table linens, hand-painted Italian ceramics and furniture. This is the kind of gallery one will find in New York, Atlanta or Miami. Not what one would expect in our quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge at the foothills of the ancient Applalachians. Pleasantly unexpected!
Click Here for Healthy Woman Upcoming programs in June Fannin Regional Hospital Resource
If you would like a copy of the recipes Hans and Sara prepared, email me donna@ellijay.com
Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor
Specializing in North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain Real Estate
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
706-632-7311 x252 office
706-633-0644 cell (direct)
Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
"Your best interest above mine, Everytime!"
NORTH GEORGIA EVENTS, FESTIVALS AND HAPPENINGS FOR SPRING 2009
Fannin County, Georgia
April 11, 2009 through April 18, 2009
Blue Ridge Spring Fest
Blue Ridge Farmers Market
Arts and crafts sale, Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5 p.m.,
sponsored by Fannin County Explorer Post 401.
706-946-6003
April 11, 2009 through April 12, 2009
Blue Ridge Spring Fest
Old Farmers Market on East 1st Street
4rth Annual Arts and Crafts Sale from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
706-946-6003
April 18, 2009 through April 19, 2009
Blue Ridge Spring Fest
Old Farmers Market on East 1st Street
4rth Annual Arts and Crafts Sale from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
706-946-6003
May 8, 2009 through May 31, 2009
Comedy / "Harvey"
Blue Ridge Mountains
An Eccentric Comedy by Mary Chase. Elwood P. Dowd is perhaps one of the most-loved characters of stage in the 20th century. Elwood is polite and cheerful and always friendly toward any strangers he m ight encounter. He has just one problematic character trait: his best friend is an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit! The fun begins as his sister and niece try to have him committed. A fun filled evening of entertainment. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday's at 2:00 P.M. Admission is only $15.00, senior, child and group discounts are available.
706-632-9223
May 9, 2009
Georgia Mountain Classic Car Show
Downtown Blue Ridge
More than 200 Classic cars. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. judging at 1:00 p.m. and awards ceremony 4:30 p.m. Door prizes and trophies for the top 25 trucks and trophies for the top 50 cars. Enjoy a nice stroll around downtown Historic Blue Ridge!
706-632-3656
May 16, 2009
Smokie Mountains Melodies Chorus
Fannin County Performing Arts Center
This is a chapter of the Sweet Adelines International with approximately 40 members singing four part harmony; They are presenting Front Row Center 2009, concert will begin at 7:00 p.m.
706-632-7445
May 23, 2009 through May 24, 2009
33rd Annual Arts in the Park Festival
Downtown Historic Blue Ridge
33rd Annual Festival, Features over 200 arts, crafts and food booths. The best in mountain crafts and fine arts, artist's demonstrations, music and dance. Arts in the Park has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.
706-632-2144
Hope to see you in the mountains!
Donna Yates
Georgia Realtor
706-633-0644 cell
www.move2northgeorgia.net
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
706-632-7311 x252
donna@ellijay.com
Georgia Real Estate, North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Foreclosures, Short Sales,
Bank Owned, and Pre-Foreclosures
Contact Donna@ellijay.com or call 706-633-0644 cell
Don't Miss It, Visit Soon!
40 Deloris Drive, Fannin County
Bank Foreclosure, Built 2007, Extraordinary Prow front new log home, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, year round mountain view, enormous decks on all levels, spacious outdoor entertainment area w/stack stone wood burning fireplace, jetted tub in master, upgraded lighting throughout, basement stubbed for additional bath, beautiful natural setting on 1.509 acres
1.509 acres, $299,000
Unparalleled Lifestyle in the North Georgia Mountains!
636 Bell Road, Fannin County
Bank Foreclosure, Built 1986 Updated, Charming Log Sided Home, beautiful private setting with plenty of deck and hot tub ready. Home affords maximum privacy fronting beautiful Hot House Creek. Space for your own gazebo or garden. Basement is partially finished, large great room w/wood burning fireplace. Spacious master features jetted tub and separate tiled shower, Concrete drive, plenty of level ground, detached garage/workshop w/custom stone work connecting the home. Ideal country setting!
10.238 acres $383,000
Make a great investment in the Mountains!
Old State Road 2, Fannin County
Bank Foreclosure, ACREAGE!!! 28.12 acres wtih Mountain View
Beautiful wooded property climbing to ridge line, small, quaint community in highly desirable area. Picturesque setting with large pond featuring gazebo and small dock. Two close but separated parces, one = 19.57 acres and the other parcek is 8.55 acres. Please ask for plat. Selling by parcel may be an option. Electric available, branch frontage, private easement
28.12 acres, $475,000
Beautiful Appointments, Great Price Point!
L29 Forest Trail, Fannin County
Bank Foreclosure in Prestigious Ridges Over The Lake (Blue Ridge), access through National Forest wtih stunning views of Lake Blue Ridge. Long range mountain views from every deck. Great room w/stone wood burning fireplace. Entertain in oversized terrace level great room, granite, upgraded glass top drop in oven, private breakfast deck, security system, built in vac, snuggle master on main wtih gas log fireplace, Exceptional Value!
1.89 acres, $349,000
Endless Retail Possibilities!
3153 Blue Ridge Highway, Fannin County - Commercial
Bank Foreclosure, Built 1981, Large parking area, 4500 sf building, formerly operated as a BP Gas Outlet and convenience store. Many features still in place including kitchen equipment, shelving and walk in refrigerator w/glass doors for display. Busy Hwy 5 location. Convenient to Blue Ridge and McCaysville/Copperhill Tennessee.
.41 acre $349,000
Vacant Lots
Bank Foreclosure - Beautiful lot tucked away nicely in a seasoned gated community wtih full amenities. Modern weight facilities, indoor swimming pool, tennis court, walking trails, duck pond, game room. Coosawattee River access, access property by all paved roads. This beautiful lot is located just 1/4 mile from the main recreation center that includes the indoor swimming pool, weight facility, game room tennis and basketball courts, plus putt putt facility. .63 acre Eagle Mountain Resort, Gilmer County $9,000
Bank Foreclosure - Level lot in highly sought after Coosawattee River Resort, gated community with full amenities. Modern weight facilities, indoor swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, walking trails, duck pond, game room, Coosawattee River access, mostly paved roads.
.82 acre Pacer Ct., Gilmer County $19,900
Brought to you by Donna Yates, Coldwell Banker High Country Realty 
706-633-0644 cell 706-632-7311 x252 office
email: donna@ellijay.com
www.move2northgeorgia.net
www.donnayates.net
www.mynorthgeorgia.net
How long has your home been on the market? Three months, six months, it's not surprising if it's been on the market even longer but it is time to take a very serious and hard look at what it is going to take to get your property sold. Perhaps, you've reduced the price a couple of times and you're asking yourself, "how much lower?" It is a buyer's market afterall, and therefore, they do have an advantage but that should not mean you have to accept an unreasonable and unrealistic offer. Be prepared for a buyer who might very well present a very low offer, even as much as 10% or more below the listing price.
First and very importantly, Do Not Be Offended, Do Not Take It Personally. Instead, view the offer as an opportunity to begin discussion and start negotiations. Do not slam the door - Negotiate!
Remember offers are a negotiation game and recognize that the buyer is serious by even making an offer. (That's important to keep in mind, the buyer is serious or there would be no offer.) Assess your own goals and determine how much you really need from the sale in order to meet your needs.
Have your Realtor keep a check on market conditions and try to determine if something has happened in the market to cause a buyer to make such a low offer. It is just as important for you, the seller, to keep a check on inventory in your own neighborhood. How are similar homes priced? How does your home compare to the other homes in your neighborhood. Are you too high?
Negotiate!!! Keep it going as long as possible. Trust your Realtor and clearly communicate your limitations. If you are facing financial distress, be open with your Realtor who is working on your behalf to provide professional guidance and get the best possible price. Let your Realtor know if you may need to do a short sale, talk about your payoff if you think you may be headed for foreclosure. You and your Realtor could very well work out a listing price that will get your property sold to ward off any serious financial trouble. Work together and ensure the selling agent that you do want to work with them. Stay engaged in the process as long as possible. Make your final offer but keep in mind that you do not want to lose a buyer over a couple of thousand dollars. Also, the selling agent should remind the buyer of the same thing. The difference in a mortgage payment is very small if the deal comes down to a few thousand dollars difference.
And probably the most difficult thing to do is to be patient with the process. In a market where inventory is higher than normal and foreclosures have increased the levels even more, selling takes time. Work together to reach a fair and reasonable deal. This is good advice for buyers too - work with sellers to reach a fair and reasonable deal. Understand that not everyone is desperate to sell and what is happening in one market is not at all, what might be happening in another market. Let the actual sales data tell the story and then make your decision based on tangible market information, this goes for both buyers and sellers.
Sellers should also consider other options rather than always reducing the price. If your property is priced right, consider offering a Home Warranty for the buyer or paying a certain amount toward closing costs.
CLICK HERE: NORTH GEORGIA FORECLOSURES, BANK OWNED PROPERTIES
Donna Yates
Georgia Realtor
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
706-633-0644 cell
800-307-0777 x252 office
email: donna@ellijay.com
websites: www.move2northgeorgia.net | www.buynorthgeorgiarealestate.net
Realtors at Coldwell Banker High Country Realty consistently demonstrate strong negotiation skills. The average list to sales ratio is consistently higher among Coldwell Banker High Country Realtors when compared with other similar companies. This is a strong indicator of great negotiating skills.
I have seen a few posts on Active Rain about the recent article published on Yahoo entitled, "15 Companies that might not survive in 2009", not to mention a few caring agents from other companies also emailed the article to me.
In this article, the privately owned Realogy Corp. was named which is the biggest real-estate brokerage firm in the United States. Below is the paragraph taken from the yahoo post regarding Realogy Corp in particular.
"Realogy Corp. (Privately owned; about 13,000 employees). It's the biggest real-estate brokerage firm in the country, but that's a bad thing when there are double-digit declines in both sales and prices, as there were in 2009. Realogy, which includes the Coldwell Banker, ERA, and Sotheby's franchises, also carries a high debt load, dating to its purchase by the Apollo Group in 2007 - the very moment when the housing market was starting to invert from a soaring ride into a sickening nosedive. Realogy has been trying to refinance much of its debt, prompting lawsuits. One deal was denied by a judge in December, reducing the firm's already tight wiggle room." Source: Yahoo.com Written by Rick Newman February 6, 2009
Click the link to read the article in full: 15 Companies that might not survive 2009
What I haven't seen and perhaps it is posted somewhere on Active Rain and I just haven't found it yet is the other side of the story, afterall it's only fair to hear both sides.
As for my company, Coldwell Banker High Country Realty located in downtown Blue Ridge, we are doing quite well and I have the actual sales data from our lcoal MLS to prove it. For example, the average sold price in January 2009 was $160,771 but Coldwell Banker High Country Realty's average sold was $194,522. The list to sales ratio in January was 82.60% and Coldwell Banker High Country Realty's list to sales ratio was 87.8%.
No doubt, 2009 is going to be another challenging year for many independents, corporates and Real Estate Professionals. Whose not feeling the affects of our economy these days? There is one thing of which I am certain, it is going to get better for all of us.
Quoted below is the Realogy's President and Ceo's response in it's entirety (with permission to reprint):
February 9, 2009
Dear Coldwell Banker® Broker/Owners and Sales Associates:
Earlier today we saw a business writer's blog post get picked up as a "news" report pertaining to the financial condition of a number of companies, including our parent company, Realogy. This coverage generally focused on the long-term debt and viability of these companies.
Although Realogy is currently in a quiet period and we cannot release certain financial information in advance of our fourth quarter 2008 earnings call in March, we certainly could have addressed the fundamentals had this reporter taken the time to attempt to carry out his due diligence by contacting Realogy for the facts.
I want to point out a number of "silver linings" for Realogy that clearly have not been taken into consideration by either the media or the financial ratings agencies:
Please also remember that private equity funds managed by Apollo Management and co-investors originally invested $2 billion in our company. Apollo has a substantial ongoing interest in the success of Realogy. Our senior management team is highly confident of Apollo's commitment to Realogy. If there is any question as to Apollo's overall financial strength, one need only look to Apollo's success in raising approximately $15 billion in capital last month for its newest investment fund.
As to the future of the industry, we are encouraged that Congress and the White House appreciate the importance of stimulating housing. We have actively engaged in lobbying the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Treasury Department on this critical aspect of our economy. In due course, we believe the government will act to provide the proper stimulus for our industry.
We look forward to the recovery in housing that we all know is inevitable. Thank you in advance for your hard work, patience and commitment to Coldwell Banker.
Sincerely,
Alex Perriello
President & CEO
Realogy Franchise Group
Donna Yates
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
706-633-0644 cell
706-632-7311 x252 office
800-307-0777 x252 toll free
www.move2northgeorgia.net
donna@ellijay.com
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Georgia Realtor assisting home buyers and sellers with North Georgia Homes nationwide. Specializing in real estate in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.
Photos: Top left to right to bottom left to right: Lake Blue Ridge, Toccoa River, Toccoa River, Rusty Bridge near Horsehoe Bend Park, Blue Ridge Scenic Train, Steel Bridge in McCaysville/Copperhill North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains, where you can experience a lifestyle of relaxation at your own leisurely pace when you live or vacation here. This will become your mountain paradise because of the natural beauty of the ancient Appalachian (Blue Ridge) Mountains. Flowing white water rivers and streams, dramatic waterfalls and serene crystal blue lakes combined with the friendliness and charm that comes with the essence of small towns will provide the escape you've been dreaming of. It's all about lifestyle!
Welcome to the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains! Whether a visitor, resident or thinking about retiring to our mountains, take a trip with me by reading my blogs on Active Rain. Read about the latest local news and information, real estate market conditions and fun happenings and events throughout North Georgia. Find additional links and resources through my blogs and website: http://www.move2northgeorgia.net/ to help you plan your visit and/or "move 2 North Georgia". My primary market areas in which I am proud to serve: City Zip Code City Zip Code City Zip Code City Zip Code City Zip Code 30513 30536 30540 30512 30514 30582 30143 30560 30539 30546 30175 30559 30705 30541 30555 
Sellers in the North Georgia Mountains
Buyers in the North Georgia Mountains
About -----> Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor
The North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains and real estate are my passion! I feel very fortunate to have both. I strive to be a reliable, hard-working Realtor® who is dedicated to the real estate profession full-time.
Brief resume: Mercer University, Early Childhood Education; BellSouth Telecommunications - career in management, retired; Fannin County School System -Technology. Member of: National Association of Realtors, Georgia Association of Realtors, Northeast Georgia Board.
My goal for both home buyers and home sellers in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains is to build trusting relationships that will last far beyond closing. Real estate is a business, MY business and therefore, my clients and/or customers can be assured that they will be contacted in a timely manner and receive the utmost degree of integrity and ethics.
Respect for my clients and/or customers, their families, their hopes and dreams matter to me. Your real estate experience should be fair, honest and as smooth as possible because your satisfaction means much more to me than "just making the deal". I have a keen sense of responsibility and I am cautious - not to be mistaken for pessimism but instead positive thinking with a lot of reality checks!
This is a very competitive industry and you have many choices in real estate agents. Therefore, you have my personal commitment to earning your business through unremitting devotion and highly professional, personalized service to meet your needs. Please choose carefully.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential. Winston Churchill
Thank you for your time and interest!
Testimonials: It occurred to me recently to scan actual handwritten cards I've received from my clients and also picture their North Georgia Mountain home if applicable. So this section is "still under construction". More to come very soon...
A follow up from the Pooles:
"Hello Donna:
We are all doing fine, and we're surely enjoying this new home. I know Joe is ever so eager to get to the outside work that desperately needs to be done, and that work will start in the spring. But the inside is pretty much settled in, and it is surely feeling like home. We would love to have you and your husband come by for a visit! We surely know who to recommend whenever they need a realtor. Jacqueline Poole"
Update: Since the note above, Lisa and Jordan referred a couple to me who want a mountain escape too.
Nothing is more rewarding to me in my profession than to help families realize their dreams by assisting them with finding their dream home. Mr. Carrillo was looking for vacant lots for him and his wife and other family members. They wanted to relocate to Georgia and build their dream homes in the near future. We found three great lots very close to town and close to each other which will be conducive to their personal needs and future venture of starting a family business . Mr. Carrillo's sister has recently had the construction of her dream home completed and is getting settled in. She is loving Georgia and her new home. I got the pleasure to preview her new home recently along with a darling couple whom Mr. Carrillo had referred to me. The home is beautiful and it was a great experience for me to see their dreams becoming reality. Mr. Carrillo has been very kind to send three referrals to me since our association and one turned into another successful closing. He was a super client and I feel I made wonderful friends in the process. I referred Mr. Carrillo to one of our own Active Rainers - James Coogan, Realtor to help him in his search for the ideal commercial property because I felt James could better serve Mr. Carrillo in the commercial arena.
"James, I have to tell you Donna went above and beyond her job description to help us out. I am not saying I expect that from you but it was really nice of her. She was able to help us out and for that reason I wanted to deal with her. ... she would try to recommend someone she felt was trust worthily. She picked you and I already feel she picked the right person. Let's hope we can get something started and start a great friend ship along the way. Thank you Franco Carrillo"
"...I'm still learning how to "blog". I checked out some of yours last nite and they are great! I was also pleasantly surprised to see the ones on God, the Bible and several others. It is always great to find another christian real estate agent! You sound like someone I would want to work with! Thanks Patty Ledford, Realtor and Active Rain Member
A nice note from past clients Jill and Noel. I sold them a lot in a beautiful resort community in late 2007. Jill was expecting her second child at the time. They are a darling couple that Mr. Carrillo referred to me along with two other referrals. Summer and John are also another couple who purchased a lot through me in the same resort and have since built their dream home. It's always such a kick for me to hear from past clients about what's happening in their lives. Jill and Noel's two boys pictured at the right.
Our new year started off great - the baby, Andrew, came two weeks early on the 29th, and New Year's Day we came home from the hospital. It has been a great year so far! I know that Summer and John are very happy there. ...we hope your holidays were quiet and peaceful and full of family and loved ones. We will definitely keep your number handy for our future in Blue Ridge/Gilmer, as well as let others know! We've already talked to some of our friends here about contacting you. Thanks again, and Happy New Year! Jill
I had the great pleasure of meeting many new clients in 2007 and making new friends as a result. Barry, Jackie and Joshua are an exceptional family and it was a sheer joy for me to get to know them. They bought their mountain home with plans to relocate in the near future. They were my first sale for 2007 ! What a joy it was to assist them with their real estate needs. I received a beautiful Christmas card from them with their photo. They write:
Praise God! His Son has come to save us! We'll be up for Christmas. Stop by if you're showing the blue roof house! We are so happy with our cabin and grateful for His blessings to us, including you. Love, Barry, Jackie, Joshua (Raisin and Percy say "hi")
Thanks donna, you seem to be able to look in our hearts and know what we want. thanks, eddie and linda
thanks denise...don't know if donna told you, but we are looking to retire up there soon...by the
way, donna is a super person. we plan to buy from her when the time is right. eddie and linda
A recent email from a current customer with whom I'm working. They have plans to relocate to North Georgia in the near future and I'm delighted to help them with their move 2 North Georgia.
hi Donna!!! you are doing great.. we love the attention that you are giving us. we are realizing that we do want to move up near you, and we are gonna make that happen... The Herrins
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