Charlie Ragonesi 706- 579-1098

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.

The big rain yesterday effected us in Big Canoe. But now I think the rain that hurt so many South of us has left. The weather is wonderful. I posted one of the falls in Big Canoe a couple of days ago. Here is what we look like today on Lake Petit

It is late September in our mountains but all is still green and beautiful. If you are looking for a mountain get-a-way that has boating ,fishing, hiking,tennis,golf,theater,fitness center,or a place to do nothing at all consider affordable beautiful Big Canoe at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains.

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.

Many of you saw the pictures of the relentless Rain in the Southeast. Atlanta was devastated in many areas. We in Big Canoe, only 45 miles to the North of the suburbs had a lot of rain too. Many of you have seen the pictures and the terrible damage. We have all contributed to help those who are flooded. But in the mist of devastation there is also beauty.

The picture below captures the beauty of the Upper Falls at Big Canoe. So along with the tragedy come blessings as well. The roar of the water was amazing

Here are some things to think about when talking to folks about a reverse mortgage. These things can HELP you in your efforts to find folks a home and add value to your service.

Quickly, remember must be 62 years old or older. Must have equity in the home. Currently pretty much FHA is the only one doing these today. You can never owe more than the value of the home So here goes;

1 A reverse mortgage can be used on a primary residence. A person is behind in their payments. Or they are all paid up and living on a fixed income. If that income is not adequate for repairs and living in general a reverse mortgage can supply needed funds.

2 A person moving to be closer to family or into any type of 55 plus community can use a reverse mortgage.

Buyer Bob has sold his house and wants to be closer to the grown children. He has been in the house for 35 years and is a widower. He is totally paid on his mortgage and is walking out with 225k in cash from the sale of his home. Problem is all the 55 plus communities near his children have homes starting at 250k. Bob does not want a mortgage. So Bob can either buy something for less money OR do a reverse mortgage. If Bob is 75 then the equity on 250k home would be about 140k today. Bob only needs 110K of his walking away money, plus closing costs, to buy this home. He WILL NEVER HAVE A PAYMENT. What this means for Bob is he bought a house that he would not normally have been able to buy without a mortgage, AND he did not use his entire nest egg. So he has money left over to be independent with. Have you made Bob happy ?

3 Buyer Bob and Wife Susie would love a second home in the Mountains. But they cannot afford a Mortgage. They love there home of 30 years . What can a reverse mortgage do for them ?

Bob and Susie have their eye on a 150k cabin in the mountains. Their home is worth 250K. They are all paid up. They take a reverse mortgage for 150k in equity. They buy the cabin for cash. They still do not have a mortgage payment on their primary home. Nor do they have a mortgage on their vacation home since they paid cash. They now own 2 homes mortgage free. Yes that's right If you are in a vacation or retirement destination it is important to know this

These are 3 examples, 2 of which can boost your business using a reverse mortgage. You can also provide high quality service to your clients. Call us at All Mountain Realty here in the North Georgia Mountains. We are your Real Estate professionals