Carolyn Nungesser

I find the resort remains popular with most home buyers, especially ones that are from Florida. I agree that sales have slowed down in regards to lots as well as the construction of new homes. The resort seems to appeal to so many due to the many features it offers. Not only are you able to access the Coosawattee River but the many amenities including an indoor pool and workout room, are the perfect answer for those that want to spend quality time with family on their vacation getaways. The fact that the 7500 acres is gated seems to add the extra sense of security for so many people that live out of state and don't want to worry that their second home will be safe while they are away. All in all I still believe that the resort offers one of the best bangs for your buck in Gilmer as well as adjoining counties.

Carolyn Nungesser
The Real Estate Connection
706-669-9347 - Mon Apr 7 2008, 10:58

Margaret,

Yes, it is correct that sales are off and Sellers may be willing to concede moderate to great drops in their asking prices in order to move their property. This statement would probably fit most of the country right now.
What I think Sellers need to keep in mind is that there are many variables to consider and not just what you hear of the slow down in the housing market from all the media outlets. You may want to consider 1) Is your area a retirement and second home destination (Ellijay defenitely is) this can make an area more or less susceptible to the ups and downs of the market, in comparison to a strictly urban area for example. 2) Does my property offer something unique? Water frontage, spectacular views?
I agree that the best way to determine a fair market value and see what comparable homes are selling in your area is to contact a local agent. I would not only create a Comparitive Market Analysis based not only on recent home sales but on homes that didn't sell as well as homes currently on the market and their asking prices, etc. but physically visit the property. I would want to then consult with you on what the results of the Market Analysis were in determining a "suggested" price and then my opinion on what I feel the price should be, and then discuss with you as whether it would be wise to wait or go into Spring and Summer with an aggressive marketing plan.

Carolyn Nungesser - Mon Mar 10 2008, 13:37

Luciana,

I have resided in Ellijay since leaving Atlanta in 2003. Though the places James suggested are beautiful, the question of the degree of humidity is relative isn't it? I lived in South Florida and the metro Atlanta area for many years and compared to those places the humidity here is much lower. Just the temperatures from Atlanta which is only an hour or so away are typically 5 or more degrees cooler here.
Since I too wanted to see mountains I chose a home that sits at a higher elevation that affords views as well as cool breezes in the summer that can help delay the use of air conditioning. The first year I was here I used the air less than 10 times! This was unusual, but there is something to be said about mountain breezes, not to mention all the shade my many huge trees afford.
Snow has never been an issue for me here though ice has. I am originally from the New England area and have seen my share of snow, but ice is treacherous no matter where you live. My experience has been that what ice we do get, and it can be worse in higher elevations, is gone by mid day. There was an instance several years ago where an ice storm kept people at home for several days so I have been told, so it can happen, it is just rare.
I hope this will give you some insight into our weather here in the mountains of N GA and I wish you and your husband all the best in your decision.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can assist you in any way.

Carolyn - Mon Mar 10 2008, 10:02

Margaret,

I am a full time realtor in Eliijay and I would love to have the opportunity to assist you in selling your home. I have had a lot of experience with selling second homes that were no longer being used.
I don't think that there is a right or wrong answer in regards to getting an appraisal versus a Comparitive Market Analysis though the latter is free. Sometimes if can be beneficial to state to a potential homebuyer that your home is "below appraisal", but if you aren't planning on pricing it lower than I don't see the advantage.
If you want a no pressure consultation that we can do over the phone, please contact me at 706-669-9347 so that I can go into depth further on the ways I would market your home.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Carolyn Nungesser
The Real Estate Connection - Mon Mar 10 2008, 09:31

Sandy,
I too have had a similar experience trying to "break in" to the world of the REO. Realtor magazine actually addresses this issue in the most recent magazine, and I guess it may be online at their website also. The article gives you 5 steps that you can take to get your foot in the door as well as a few websites to visit where you can join or get more knowledge from conventions, etc.

http://www.reonetwork.com
http://www.reomac.com
http://www.fivestarconference.com
Good Luck! - Thu Mar 6 2008, 07:34