The overwhelming majority of properties that I sell here in Blue Ridge are vacation homes. With the historically low mortgage rates we are seeing right now, I have been asked by several of my clients if it makes sense to refinance. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' answer. Second-homes are considered riskier investments, so rates are slightly higher -- typically a quarter of a percentage point. But, if the home is rented more than two weeks out of the year it is considered an investment property and lending requirements become much more stringent and will undoubtedly be subject to higher rates. It can be confusing to know what your best option is when it comes to refinancing a second home, or if it is even a viable option. Hopefully, this article in today's New York Times can help provide... 08/23/2012

What to do in the Blue Ridge, GA mountains...Mercier Orchards   We're fortunate to live in Murphy, NC and be just minutes to the TN and GA state lines.  One of our favorite stops to make over in the Blue Ridge, GA area is at the Mercier Orchards for their famous Fried Pies. They have all kinds of flavors like... Peach, Guava, Cherry, etc... but Apple is still my favorite. Of course we usually leave with a box of fried pies and some Apple Bread and Cider too.       Mercier Orchards is a family owned and operated apple orchard. Started back in 1943 by Bill & Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating 69 years of fruitful harvests. You’ll see Miss Adele in the store and back in the kitchen sometimes too! And my oh my has it grown over the years as they are always adding new items a... 06/15/2012

   A great afternoon in downtown Blue Ridge, GA and don’t be surprised as you stroll down the sidewalks and see Lady Liberty. The former Fannin County Courthouse used to be here in this building, but as Blue Ridge, GA has grown they built a new courthouse just down from this site. Lady Liberty now stands out to greet the passers-by and welcome everyone to the Blue Ridge Arts Association and Gallery.  There is always plenty to do in this historic downtown area filled with great restaurants, galleries, tons of antique shops and an assortment of other furniture, gift, clothing, toys, businesses and more. And let's not forget the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway  For more information about mountain living in north GA, western NC or east TNLee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team ~ www.LeeAn... 06/09/2012

LOCAL BLUE RIDGE RESTAURANTS   Print a Map for Blue Ridge Restaurants     Breakfast/Lunch Bumble Bee's Cafe5850 Appalachian HighwayBlue Ridge, GA30513(706) 946-2337     Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner   SerenityGarden Café (Try the homemade soups!) 657 East Main Street Blue Ridge, GA30513 (706) 258-4949   Village Restaurant (Country Cooking) 4131 East 1st Street ValleyVillageShopping Center Blue Ridge, GA30513 (706) 632-2277     Lunch/Dinner   Angelina's Gourmet Market & Deli(Menus/Info)(Try the Club Panini sandwich)3640 East First StreetBlue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 632-3354       Blue Jeans Pizza & Pasta Factory 11 Mountain Street Blue Ridge, GA30513 (706) 632-6503       Blue Ridge Brewery(Menus/Info) 187 Depot Street Blue Ridge, GA (706) 632-6611     Blue Ridge Mountain Bar-B-Que(Menus/Info)3870... 05/23/2012

We attended a very special birthday at Dewar Wildlife in the north GA mountains today for Joe. At 49 years old, Joe is the third oldest male gorilla in a zoo setting and is Dewar Wildlife's iconic resident. Joe started life in Cameroon, Africa and has spent time in several zoos in the USA, but came to this wildlife facility in 2003 and in spite of his advanced age, enjoys tour visitors and the tranquility of the North Georgia Mountains. He certainly didn’t mind our group of 13 joining him in his Villa for his fruit birthday cake either!Dewar Wildlife (DW) is an advanced holding facility situated on 100 acres in the North Georgia (Blue Ridge) mountains for zoo gorillas that have special needs with potential facilities for gorillas and keepers in a private, secluded and temperate climate.... 04/04/2012

Go To the Drive-In, the Swan Theatre in Blue Ridge, GA, established in 1955One of only three remaining drive-in theaters in Georgia, the Swan offers first run movies on weekends. Call 706-632-5235 to see what's playing or see the Swan website at www.swan-drive-in.com. Located at 651 Summit Street in Blue Ridge, GA They have "The Hunger Games" playing this weekend (March 30th - April 1st, 2012) Admission:Adults $7.00 Children ages 4-11 $4.00 Under 4 Free  Cash ONLY 03/30/2012

We had the pleasure of attending the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce After Hours this week held at The Art Center Galleries On West Main in downtown Blue Ridge, GA. It was a fabulous evening filled with a festive atmosphere, touring and learning more about the Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association with Executive Director, Sarah Verner.  The vision of The Art Center is to act as an economic stimulus to put Blue Ridge, GA on the map as one of the Top Art Towns in the Nation. And that's just what they’ve done and the results have benefited the entire community. The estimated audience each year is 30,000+. The Art Center depends on its membership to keep it strong and its programs growing. They have tripled their membership in three years and have 1,000+ members - a solid, growing team of ... 12/23/2011

Visit Santa's Station and his Elvesin the downtown Blue Ridge, GA Mountains!  You’ll find Santa’s Station right in the center of downtown Blue Ridge across from Depot and City Park. You can visit with Santa and enjoy a cup of hot cider and a famous fried pie from Mercier Orchards. You’ll also want to check for the special select times to join the Elves from Home Depot to build a craft too.   Santa will be there Friday, December 23rd from 2 to 7 p.m.and Saturday,  December 24th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Home Depot Workshop Friday, December 23rd from 4 to 7 p.m.and Saturday, December 24th from 4 to 7 p.m.  Ho Ho Ho and a Merry Christmas to All! 12/21/2011

  I love this time of year in the North Georgia mountains! Early Fall through December brings a wonderful feeling ofsheer delight. Beautiful changing leaves easily segway to a Christmas transformation turning our downtown Blue Ridge into a picturesque Christmas Village. It's as though you step into a Norman Rockwell painting. The atmosphere is full of Christmas cheer as our unique gift galleries and antique stores get decked out in holiday fashion.  Visitors will find festive restaurants and shops offering Christmas sales.  I encourage visitors to buy local and buy American.  Beautiful shops are filled with wonderful arts and crafts handcrafted by talented local artists. Free shuttle rides to the stores on East and West Main Streets are available on weekends. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railw... 12/06/2011

Consider Buying a Blue Ridge Mountain Cabin as an Investment Property November 4, 2011 By Gayle Barton (Edit) Did you know that it is possible to buy a second home in the north Georgia mountains and then use it as an investment property / vacation rental when you’re not there? View the virtual tour of one log cabin that is perfect for use as a vacation rental for sale or checkout the online photos and information.   *** DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE ***Priced at only $229,900   This pretty log home is located in the popular ASKA ADVENTURE AREA of Blue Ridge, GA known for its peaceful setting, pretty mountain views, fun outdoor activities and abundant wildlife. This cabin is located in a popular log home area close to town offering a mixture of rentals and second homes. The 2-story family r... 12/02/2011

Santa's not the only one making a list and checking it twice. Turns out prospective buyers may cross your home off their list if you get a little too carried away with the tinsel and holly. According to an article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, simplicity is the key for home sellers when decorating for the holidays. Save the outdoor laser light displays and rotating hot pink aluminum Christmas tree for next year. If you hope to have a contract on your house by year's end, less is more. Bah, humbug... 11/18/2011

We have been so blessed in our lives and, on this beautiful Sunday morning, I have to share one of my favorite blessings.  It may sound silly, but it’s the simple fact that Bill and I get to work together.   Every day, day-in and day-out, and we love it.    Yesterday with beautiful weather and no clients, we took the opportunity to preview a couple of homes we needed to look at as well as continue our search for a “satellite office” - an RV to park at the lake (another post indeed).  We drove past a park with this gorgeous view and, without even having to ask him to, Bill whipped around and went back because he just knew I wanted that shot!   Sorry, I’ve never been one you would consider “speechless” but I hope you enjoy the view as much as we enjoyed our day together.   Cyndi   11/06/2011

After posting the pictures of Fall Colors at Lake Blue Ridge I started experimenting with one of the pictures. Changing the effects I used and creating totally different looks.   It made me think about houses and how the one house can look different to different people.  We look at a house with “filters” and everyone has a different set of them.  One buyer may look at a house with the “filter” of needing a home large enough for their growing family. While another buyer may look at the same house with the “filter” of loving to cook and wanting a big kitchen.  Yet another may look at a house with the “filter” or wanting something that is turn-key, ready to move in and not change a thing. To each of these individuals this house will look different based on their circumstances, their wants... 10/30/2011

  Earlier this week Bill and I had an appointment to view a home.  Getting there involved 3 miles down a (fortunately) well-maintained US Forestry Service Road.  The scenery down this winding road through the forest was incredible.  If Bill had stopped for every “oohhh and ahhhh” that I wanted to photograph, we would still be there.   Amazingly, this single lane gravel road ended at a huge wrought iron subdivision gate.  After passing through we were amazed at the beautiful million dollar homes - and the million dollar views. Unfortunately, it was a overcast and not the best day for taking long range view shots. However, one can truly understand why they call these the Blue Ridge Mountains! We hope you enjoy these shots of the Fall Colors at Lake Blue Ridge Georgia.     If you have ever... 10/30/2011

  Visit Coldwell Banker High Country's Booth 11 on Saturday and Sunday. Drawing for two $50.00 gift cards.  Winners will be notified on Monday.  Visit Donna at 3pm on Saturday and 10am on Sunday. The North Georgia market is a very opportunistic market for buyers and sellers. Let me help you find affordable land and cabin packages and super buys for lake, river and creek front homes.Visit: www.move2northgeorgia.net   When do you think you will be making your next real estate move? Call, Text or email Donna Today ! 706-633-0644 direct EMAIL DONNA    10/13/2011

Harvest On Main in Blue Ridge, GA offers the glow from the lodge atmosphere, a setting perfect for casual dining. Here you’ll find a lodge setting right in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge with a roaring fireplace, open kitchen and southern hospitality. You might even be fortunate enough to be there one evening when a special musical guest is performing.   And of course you’ll find creative and wonderful ly prepared dishes as Harvest On Main showcases local, sustainable products and regional artisan flavors. Creative American Cuisine with a Southern Twang and a Staff that’s knowledgeable and friendly.   Make sure to stop by Harvest On Main for a delightful dining experience. Located at 576 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Call for reservations 706.946.6164  Harvestonmain@gmail.c... 07/20/2011

North Georgia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Real Estate, July 4th Holiday Celebrations, Festivals & Events Lots of July 4th happenings in Blue Ridge this weekend! The parade in downtown Blue Ridge was this morning and was so much fun! Small towns really know how to celebrate. Lots of great fun for family and friends and doesn't end here. See the list of events going on all weekend long and throughout July! Have a safe and happy July 4th ! Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - Rail excursions at 11am daily from the Depot in downtown Blue Ridge, closed on Wednesday. Early evening trains on Saturdays. Call 877-413-8724 or book online at www.brscenic.com Mercier Orchards - U pick events in season, wagon rides and bakery classes for the kids. Fresh fruit in season and more. Open 7am to 8pm. Call 7... 07/02/2011

   Today many of us in the Coldwell Banker High Country office in Murphy, NC headed down to Blue Ridge, GA for the Northeast Georgia Board of Realtors Annual Membership Meeting. This months meeting was a Picnic in the downtown Blue Ridge City Park. There couldn't have been a better location for the Coldwell Banker High Country Blue Ridge office to attend since they just walked down the block.    We had hot dogs, coleslaw, baked beans and homemade potato chips catered by The Whistle Stop Grill. They even had veggie burgers, which Carol truly appreciated. It was a little windy and chilly but the grill was keeping a lot of us warm. Great entertainment with singer Michael Kennedy and DJ Lori Pluger and lots of prizes given away. Coldwell Banker High Country donated a Kindle for the grand dr... 05/17/2011

North Georgia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Bumblee's Cafe in Blue Ridge, Local Dining, Restaurants Beach Party Weekend April 1st - 2nd – 3rd at BumbleBee’s Cafe RIBS – Chicken -  Seafood - pork - burgers - dogs - soups – salads - and above all ………fun!!!     FEATURED LISTINGS Donna YatesAssociate Broker, GRI706-633-0644 Mobile My Fax Toll Free: 866-859-5454North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountainswww.move2northgeorgia.netwww.blueridgemountains.activerain.com EMAIL DONNA Coldwell Banker High Country Realty 706-632-7311   The North Georgia market is a very opportunistic market for buyers and sellers. Here you will find affordable land and cabin packages and super buys for lake, river and creek front homes. When do you think you will be making your next real estate move? Call Donna Today ! 706-633-0644   03/28/2011

North Georgia Mountains, Blue Ridge Theater, Around the Mountains with Donna Around the Mountains with DonnaCHECK IT OUT The Blue Ridge Community Theater"you won't stop laughing"CAUGHT IN THE NET by Ray Cooney Blue Ridge, GA Fri ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT ! Feb 11/11 Sun Mar 6/11www.BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com SHOW TIMES and TICKET INFORMATION Feb. 25-27 and March 4-6Friday & Saturday 7:30PM Sunday Matinee 2:00PM Reservations recommended. Call 706- 632-9223 BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE! The North Georgia real estate market is a very opportunisitc market for buyers and sellers. I help buyers establish their purchasing power, understand tax advantages, financing alternatives and investment aspects of homeownership. I help sellers in the sale and marketing of their home. I am your MLS listings exper... 02/25/2011