Georgia Real Estate | North Georgia Real Estate | Blue Ridge Mountains | Donna Yates, Realtor
Peak leaf season was last weekend (October 24/25) in the North Georgia Mountains and this weekend is time to set clocks back one hour on Saturday night (Fall back).
Lots of changes going on right now with transition from summer to fall, leaves turning and daylight savings time ending. So, are there any changes going on in the real estate market, let's take a look:
On the National Level
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) who employ many economists report existing sales bounced back in September mostly due to the first time homebuyers tax credit. This has been a welcomed change. The tax credit is due to expire but we expect it will be extended and will change to allow buyers who were not eligible in the current version to be eligible in the new expanded version. There was a 9.4% jump in sales nationwide. This was the highest sales level in two years, another welcomed change. However, the market is still underperforming, some homes are selling for less than what it would cost to build them now, but there are early signs of price stabilization.
The Average Mortgage rate for conventional, fixed is 5.06% as of October 30, 2009. This is the lowest rate in 30 years and is down 1 percentage point from one year ago. Distress properties (foreclosures or those properties about to go into foreclosure) continue to distort pricing.
On the Regional Level
In the South, home sales rose 9% in September. North Carolina reported 19 out of 1000 homes or 1.9%
are in foreclosure with Georgia reporting a 3.4% foreclosure rate primarily due to the Atlanta Metro market. Also, Georgia is a non-judicial foreclosure state which means, it's easier for banks and lending institutions to foreclose and they tend to pull the trigger a bit faster. Average sales price is $153,000, down 7.6% from one year ago and consumer confidence inched down in September.
On the Local Level
We are seeing stability over the last several months. Tourism has picked up in our area and internet traffic has increased, so we are experiencing a gradual improvement.
We are seeing a change in the type of loan buyers are seeking. We haven't seen many FHA Loans in our market area in the past but there has been an uptick. FHA requires a lower down payment and a different type of appraisal. For the seller that means, the appraiser will look for potential maintenance issues in addition to the standard appraisal that is typically done.
Per Northeast Georgia Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service which covers 6 counties and a few areas from outside of these counties - Gilmer, Fannin, Union, Towns, Clay, Cherokee NC, and a small part of Tennesee reports the following as of October 30, 2009:
Total properties currently for sale (includes residential, commercial and land) = 13,600, with 4,104 residential, 9,099 land and 387 foreclosures.
Month to date Closings: 113 residential; 50 land; 41 foreclosures
A very small percentage of residential properties sold and closed = 2.8%
Only one half of 1% of vacant land sold and closed (very low) and foreclosures that sold and closed made up 10%. This shows that sellers are still in competition with banks.
SOLD (Residential Sales by Price Point)
Under $100k = 20 sales / 17%
$100k to $200k = 62 sales / 55% - (Most active price point that is attracting the most buyers past 4 months)
$200k to $300k = 21 sales / 18%
$300k to $400k = 5 sales / 4%
$400k to $500k = 3 sales / 3%
Above $500k = 2 sales / 3%.
The average price on residential properties equals $182,899 or 79% of original list price; Land: $51,000 = 69.9% of list price and Foreclosures: $109,000 = 78% of list price (includes both homes and land). Foreclosures are selling on average 86 days which is 4 times better than any other segment of the market.
For sellers who do not have to sell, this is probably not the best time to be selling your home. We do not expect to see a recovery in prices anytime soon. Reduced, Reduced, Reduced ! How many sellers have reduced and feel they've gone as low as they can go, well, this is what banks are doing. They are reducing prices in order to "dump" properties and buyers who have been straddling the fence are first looking at foreclosures. Banks are scheduling automatic reductions at certain price points at certain intervals to move their inventory and even generate a bidding war in some cases. Traditional sellers are in competition with banks and sellers who really need to sell may need to consider the same strategy the bank has until they reach a price point that is attracting the most buyers. Overall, most of the changes we are seeing in the marketplace are positive and we are optimistically cautious.
Minutes from Monthly Meeting held by broker/owner June Slusser of CB High Country Realty
Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
706-633-0644 cell 706-632-7311 office
www.move2northgeorgia.net
www.cbhighcountry.com/re/donnayates
donna@ellijay.com
Georgia Real Estate | North Georgia Real Estate | Blue Ridge Mountains | Donna Yates, Realtor
Shechinah Ridge - Mineral Bluff
Mineral Bluff - Yellowstone Log
Granny Lake - Creekfront - Ellijay
Ridges Over the Lake - Blue Ridge
Lake Blue Ridge Waterfront Cottage - Won't find anything priced this low on Lake Blue Ridge
Prime Land for Development - Ellijay - 57.07 Acres
Graceful Giants are Dying - Georgia's Hemlocks are Dying
Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
706-633-0644 cell 706-632-7311 x252 office
274 West Main Street
Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
www.move2northgeorgia.net
donna@ellijay.com
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains | Southern Appalachian Mountains | Eastern and Carolina Hemlocks Trees | Environment | Ecosystems
Georgia's Hemlock Trees - Our Graceful Giants are dying
Our native Eastern and Carolina Hemlocks are being attacked and killed by an invasive insect pest, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. 
The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is a serious pest of hemlock trees in Georgia. It is an aphid like insect that feeds on eastern and Carolina hemlock trees. The result of this feeding is eventual tree mortality. The very existence of the eastern and Carolina hemlock species is greatly threatened by HWA. It was accidentally introduced to the U.S. over fifty years ago and has been spreading up and down the entire Appalachian Mountain chain ever since. The infestation into Georgia has been steadily gaining momentum.
Hemlocks are found throughout north Georgia, and you may have them on your property. Almost all of these beautiful trees will die in the next few years unless action is taken soon.
BUT GOOD NEWS - HELP IS AVAILABLE !
Save Georgia's Hemlocks, a recently formed volunteer organization, is implementing a new Hemlock Help
for Homeowners program with the goal of helping north Georgia property owners save as many of your Hemlocks as possible for the lowest possible cost. Launched first in Rabun County, the program is being deployed across north Georgia on a county by county basis.
Hemlock Clinics are free and open to the public unless specifically noted in the schedule below. They typically last about 90 minutes and include:
Slide presentation on the problem with the Hemlock woolly adelgid, the options for homeowners to save their Hemlocks at the lowest possible cost, and the services available through the Hemlock Help for Homeowners program for all of north Georgia
Save Georgia's Hemlocks will be glad to schedule special presentations for homeowner associations, conservation and recreation organizations, schools, churches, and other community groups. Call the Hemlock Help Line 706-429-8010 to set up a time.
| Date | Activity |
| Thursday, 7 p.m. October 15 |
Hemlock Clinic -- free and open to the public. Location is County Courthouse, 48 River Street, Hiawassee in Towns County. |
| Saturday, 10 a.m. October 17 |
Hemlock Clinic -- free and open to the public. Location is Pearson Pond Llama Ranch, 242 Llama Lane (Charles Lane), Ellijay in Gilmer County. For driving directions, visit www.pearsonpond.com. |
| October/November | A Hemlock Clinic will be scheduled in Fannin County. Notice will be posted here and in the local newspapers. |
| November | Follow-up Hemlock Clinics will be scheduled in Rabun, Habersham, and White Counties. Notice will be posted here and in the local newspapers. |
Why Care?
This is a very serious issue in North Georgia with broad environmental and economical implications. This infestation has the potential to affect every personal property owner and our beautiful National Forests. It's an issue that really warrants attention from anyone who loves the North Georgia Mountains. We cannot afford to lose these graceful giants. They are crucial to the ecology and hydrology of mountain ecosystems. By all reports, these beautiful trees are declining much faster than expected.
Hemlock Trees Dying Rapidly, Affecting Forest Carbon Cycle
ScienceDaily (Mar. 10, 2009) - New research by U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) scientists and partners suggests the hemlock woolly adelgid is killing hemlock trees faster than expected in the southern Appalachians and rapidly altering the carbon cycle of these forests. SRS researchers and cooperators from the University of Georgia published the findings in the most recent issue of the journal Ecosystems.
Source: Science Daily
Whether you have property here or just come for a short visit to enjoy the natural beauty of the ancient Appalachian Mountains, this issue is important to everyone. Property owners can help by taking care of their own hemlocks, be alert to signs of infestation; help neighbors save their trees and join the fight. This is going to require a unified effort to solve the problem. For those nature lovers who do not own property here, you can still help by joining the fight, spread the word through your email contacts, friends and family, volunteer or even get training to treat trees professionally and/or make a donation. Contact Dr. Mark Shearer or Donna Shearer at 706-429-8010
More Information on Save Georgia's Hemlocks can be found by clicking the links below:
Young Harris College Hemlock Project
University of Georgia
For information on professionally treating your Hemlocks call the Hemlock Help Line at 706-429-8010.
Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
706-633-0644 cell 706-632-7311 x252 office
274 West Main Street
Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
www.move2northgeorgia.net
donna@ellijay.com
Edited November 21, 2009
North Georgia Real Estate | Blue Ridge Mountains | Single Family Residential Homes for Sale - North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains | Move 2 North Georgia | Donna Yates Sells Real Estate
SEPTEMBER Market Report - as of October 8, 2009 (Fannin, Gilmer, Union and Towns)
Fannin County (Blue Ridge, Morganton, Epworth, McCaysville, Mineral Bluff, Aska)
Active: 818
Contingent: 22
Pending: 39
Foreclosures: 41
Sold: 269 YTD
Gilmer County (Ellijay, East Ellijay, Cherry Log)
Active: 684
Contingent: 12
Pending: 48
Foreclosures: 32
Sold: 242 YTD
Union County (Blairsville)
Active: 694
Contingent: 16
Pending: 43
Foreclosures: 30
Sold: 228 YTD
Towns County (Young Harris, Hiawassee)
Active: 518
Contingent: 5
Pending: 20
Foreclosures: 21
Sold: 94 YTD
Housing Permits:
Fannin: 14
Gilmer: 14
Union: 14
TOTAL - all counties combined listed below - As of October 4, 2009
Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns; Polk TN, Cherokee; Clay NC
Total Closed: 181 (slightly down from August = 213) (All counties in NE GA MLS)
Residential: 131
Land: 47
Commercial: 3
Foreclosures: 37
New Construction is outselling Existing (Re-sales)
Completed New Construction - Sold - List to Sales Price: 91.54%
Under Construction - Sold - List to Sales Price: 94.62%
Re-Sale - Sold - List to Sales Price: 89.95%
Key Notes:
Data source: Northeast Georgia Multiple Listing Service. All data is deemed accurate but is not guaranteed.
Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Real Estate
Serving Pickens, Fannin, Gilmer, Union, and Towns Counties
Cell Phone: 706-633-0644
Office: 706-632-7311 x252
Around the Mountains with Donna
Move 2 North Georgia
email: donna@ellijay.com
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
274 West Main Street
Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
Coldwell Banker earns the prestigious J. D. Powers Award for 2009
North Georgia | Hiawassee, Towns County | Lake Chatuge | Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Leaves are already changing colors and with all the rain lately, we are on tap for a beautiful display of fall colors so are your ready for a Georgia Mountain Autumn Adventure? If you are
then put the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on your "must do" list. A beautiful park situated along the banks of Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, Towns County is just two hours from Atlanta GA, Chattanooga TN, Greenville SC, and Asheville NC. Here you will enjoy a good time for the entire family with a wide variety of unique venues.
Hiawassee located in Towns County Georgia held its first mountain fair in 1950. It started out as a three-day agricultural expo in the local high school and was host to 2000 attendees. But it didn't take long for the event to outgrow their original location. The Towns County Lions Club along with great local support, secured a large tract of land along the banks of Lake Chatuge and in 1978, this site known as the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds hosted its first Georgia Mountain Fair with more than 100,000 visitors annually.
The Georgia Mountain Fair is the premier event for North Georgia offering a variety of entertainment venues such as art festivals, country gospel, world class bluegrass and rock'n'roll. Coming soon:
October 24, 2009
Three Dog Night - Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Visit: Three Dog Night
and
October 31, 2009
Willie Nelson - Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Visit: Willie's Place
FALL FESTIVAL
FAIRGROUNDS MAP
GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FAIRGROUND EVENTS
Places to Stay
The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge
Lake Chatuge Lodge
Brasstown Valley Resort
Old Clayton Inn
Campgrounds
Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Real Estate
Serving Pickens, Fannin, Gilmer, Union, and Towns Counties
Cell Phone: 706-633-0644
Around the Mountains with Donna
Move 2 North Georgia
email: donna@ellijay.com
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
Office: 706-632-7311 x252
274 West Main Street
Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
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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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