Building Your Personal Financial Team

Building Your Personal Financial Team

Building Your Personal Financial Team

  Building Your Personal Financial Team as you seek knowledge and clarity of the different financial options as we combat inflation and recession.

 

In this challenging financial environment, we are all seeking advice on wise investment strategies and the safest haven for our money as we try and beat inflation, recession and an overall threatening economic tone.  Having a partner who is versed in the Real Estate Market is essential.  Seek a dedicated full time Real Estate Professional who knows the housing market and makes it a part of their duty to clients to make certain they are properly informed of the ever-changing market.  The Real Estate Market is and always has been one of the safest investment strategies, and being a Professional in this market is beyond being a salesperson.  

Don’t rely on one well-rounded intelligent individual to handle the multiple facets of investment options out there, and let us not allow the negative news influencers to carry us away into no-man’s land.  Real Estate will remain a viable investment with growing population and shortened inventory and resources.  An investment is important in this sector.  Mortgage rates are still low comparing historical rates of the past.  Go into winner-mentality instead of feeling burdened by unreliable and distorted headlines. Build your specialty team with a dynamic Real Estate Professional to handle your Real Estate research and portfolio. Other integral components of your team are your Investment Banker, Business Broker, Mortgage Broker and Insurance Expert.  The right Team built on their individual strengths will help to ensure the best tactical guide of money survival and return on investment.  Contact someone who has their fingers on the pulse of the current Housing Market and Economic facts.

 

Michelle Miller Real Estate at Coldwell Banker High Country Realty provides a wide variety of services to accommodate the needs of sophisticated buyers to first time home owners covering several strong SouthEast Regions; but in particular – the Northeast Georgia Mountain Region from Ellijay to Hiawassee.

Contact Michelle to support your Real Estate needs Professionally and with Integrity.  With her on-ground Construction knowledge and contractual legal experience as a previous Certified General Contractor and Licensed Home Inspector, she gives enormous value to your decision making. She has multiple years as a top producer in the Real Estate sector. 

Currently Licensed in GA & FL.

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Home Winter Preparation & Safety Tips

Home Winter Preparation & Safety Tips

Living in the Mountains at higher elevations and in colder regions in general, there are steps to be aware of to keep your home from damage caused by freezing temperatures. You should also be aware of the safety concerns in keeping your home and loved ones warm. This blog will provide you tips to help start keeping yourself and your home safer during Winter months.

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Monthly Housing Market Update – February 2023

Monthly Housing Market Update – February 2023

Michelle Miller Real Estate at Coldwell Banker High Country Realty

Monthly Housing Market Update

February 2023 

Monthly Housing Market Statistics Update for Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties in North Georgia Mountains.  Data provided by NEGBOR and presented by Michelle Miller Real Estate at Coldwell Banker High Country Realty.

 

Information Includes Individual Monthly Statistics on the following categories:

– New Listed Properties

– Average Sale Price

– Number of Sold Properties

– Average Days on Market

*Michelle Miller is a Global Luxury Property Specialist & Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
Fannin County Georgia Monthly real estate market statistics Monthly Housing Market Update
Union County Georgia Monthly real estate market statistics Monthly Housing Market Update
Towns County Georgia Monthly real estate market statistics Monthly Housing Market Update
Gilmer County Georgia Monthly real estate market statistics Monthly Housing Market Update

Monthly Housing Market Update 

Executive Summary by County / February 2023

FANNIN:  Fannin County is now seeing slowing sales units and also softening prices.  The average transaction value in February was 9% lower than in February 2022.  It doesn’t feel that way on pricing, but that’s what the statistics say.  

UNIONhas seen volumes drop 13% from January, and 50% from a year ago, but prices have held pretty steady.  Not much up, but also not much down, prices are kind of wiggling along level over the course of the last year. 

TOWNShad a small drop in volumes from January, but that was stacked upon other volume declines so that the transaction count in February was 53% lower than February 2022.  While average prices are still down 20% from a year ago, the good news is that prices rose in February 23% from January.  So, the balloon may be reinflating some in Towns.

GILMER – is looking good.  Even though volumes are lower than last year, the February activity leapt by 35% over the very flat January, and also prices are still inching upward.  February average transaction price was also 35% higher than one year ago!

Residential:  Overall, and despite all, the average residence sold in February across our MLS was valued 3.5% higher than in January and 3.2% higher than one year ago, coming in at $462,861.  Even though not ripping in sales units as in the last two years, I’d say those prices reveal a stubbornly strong real estate market in the mountains.  What a great place to invest one’s hard-earned money!

Lots and Land:   The average transaction price of the very broad category of lots and land is now running a little lower than over the past year but the mix of types of land & lots makes such a difference in this statistic that it’s hard to determine a clear trend.  Interestingly, though, the average per acre price in February went up to $15,441, which is 5% higher than January and 4% higher than one year ago. 

 

Rental Statistics for Fannin County / Gilmer County

Information Provided by Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.

FANNIN & GILMER SHORT TERM RENTAL (STR) RANDOM STATS Jan. 2023

Economic Impact in Fannin Co. in 2021 was $272.5 million. The hotel/motel/cabin tax revenues are
already up 17.5% from Nov’21 to Nov’22, so it is expected that the economic impact will come in at least
15% more for 2022; that’s well over $300mm impact –  just in Fannin Co.!

Fannin County Chamber of Commerce wrote recently, “The Coronavirus pandemic actually doubled
overnight visitation from 2019 to 2021. Visitors were drawn to outdoor destinations within driving
distance, and especially to those with vacation rentals.”

I, personally, do not believe the economic impact statistics above include the significant construction impact
just for new rental cabins. The Chamber of Commerce director in Gilmer Co. said she had very recently been
contacted by an investor saying he has plans to construct 15 new cabins in Gilmer Co.

Available units in Nov ’22 for STRs in Fannin was 2,624, up 21% from 2021. (1 yr)
Nights demanded was up 19% and total revenue was up 21.9% .  Available units in Nov ’22 for STRs in Gilmer (including Cherry Log) was 1,515, up 93% from 2020. (2 yrs)

Occupancy rates:

Fannin 2022 = 56%        Gilmer 2022 = 61%
Fannin 2021 = 60%        Gilmer 2021 = 74%

Reduction due to the addition of so many units available.
Huge growth in units available attributed to:

– new units built 

– converted units (residence or second home converted to rental)

– newly reporting units   (prev under the county tax radar, but now counted due to new law in Ga, effective mid-2021, requiring virtual rental company’s like VRBO & AirBnB to report and pay the occupancy taxes)

Click here For Important Local Information & Articles.

Short Term Rental Rules in North Georgia

Short Term Rental Rules in North Georgia

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County Rental Rules for Short Term Vacation Rental Properties.

Blairsville, Suches, Young Harris, Blue Ridge, Cherry Log, Epworth, Mineral Bluff, Morganton, McCaysville

 

The information regarding new Short Term rental rules (ordinances) below is what has been provided to us by Union and Fannin Counties.   Information provided in this blog was provided on March 24, 2023.  There may be changes in these rental rules that have occurred since this printing; so please verify this information with the appropriate local government.  Please contact the County directly with any further information.

For purposes of this blog STR = Short Term Rental.

Go to this link: North GA Counties for a breakdown of what Town belongs to which County in our North Georgia Mountain Region if you are unsure.

Union County Board of Commissioners / Rental Rules Update: 

Individual Short Term Rentals on different pieces of property are subject to a new Union County Short-term Rental Ordinance.  This Ordinance was adopted on March 9, 2023 and will go into effect on April 8, 2023.

The following information can be found at the Union County Short Term Rental Business Center page.   They have done a great job communicating throughout this whole process.

If a single piece of property contains more than one STR, and if all dwellings are owned by the same property owner, the property is considered a Tourist Accommodation and is subject to permitting and regulation by the State Department of Public Health.  Tourist Accommodations follow State guidelines, but are subject to local Union County STR Excise Taxes. To learn more about the Tourist Accommodation permit, download THIS DOCUMENT and/or call (706) 781-3824.

Information needed and how to file for this license:

Contact the Union County Tax Commissioner 706-439-6000. You will need to ask them to register you cabin. 

Items needed:

  • Complete and sign the Hotel-Motel Tax Registration Form to register your rental.
  • The S.A.V.E Affidavit must be signed and notarized verifying you are a United States citizen. This is required by the State of Georgia.
  • Submit a copy of your driver’s license or passport.  Applicant may take a picture with phone or scan in a copy. 
  • Applicant will be asked to upload a copy of the STR property septic permit or evaluation. To request a copy of the septic permit or evaluation, call Environmental Health at (706) 781-3824.
  • Complete STR application which will be available on 4/8/2023 under Step 3 of the Short Term Rental Business Center here.

For a quick overall understanding of Union Counties rental rules, download THIS FAQ DOCUMENT.

Here is a link to the Union County Short Term Rental Ordinance.

 

Fannin County Board of Commissioners / Rental Rules Update:

Each cabin owner who rents a cabin in Fannin County needs to fill out and notarize the Lodging Provider Registration form and send in the administrative fee of $100.00 (unless they already have a Lodging Certificate).  For owners with multiple cabins, only one form needs to be filled out and only one Administrative fee is required. These forms are due by the end of August each year.  Any questions regarding this form or the fee can be directed to Debbie Jackson at the Fannin County Board of Commissioners 706-258-5171.

Here is the Fannin County Ordinance.

The City of Blue Ridge has it’s own Ordinance for Short Term Rental’s and the website to research and retrieve forms is here: City of Blue Ridge STR

“Many localities in areas across the country are considering or adopting ordinances that limit or prevent the ability of property owners to rent out properties on a short-term basis. The dynamics of this issue are complex. The infringement upon property rights is a common theme when local governments limit the use of property. Property ownership includes the right to gain income from property; whereas local governments are granted the legal authority to regulate land use within their jurisdiction by police powers and/or zoning regulations.”

– Sourced from the NAR View the Article Here

Home Winter Preparation & Safety Tips

Home Winter Preparation & Safety Tips

Living in the Mountains at higher elevations and in colder regions in general, there are steps to be aware of to keep your home from damage caused by freezing temperatures. You should also be aware of the safety concerns in keeping your home and loved ones warm. This blog will provide you tips to help start keeping yourself and your home safer during Winter months.

read more

Squirrel Proof Feeder – Keep Them From Eating the Birds Meals

Squirrel Proof Feeder – Keep Them From Eating the Birds Meals

The product featured here is from our partners who compensate us.  This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page.  However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

I got so many inquiries after posting the video below on my Social Media, where folks can get their hands on one of these feeders and enjoy another layer of entertainment to their bird-feeding extravaganza! At the bottom of my blog you will find a link to Amazon where you can buy the squirrel proof feeder. I hope to see more photo’s and videos now of your own back yard squirrel antics!

Add a fantastic, truly squirrel proof feeder to your bird garden. This weight sensitive feeder has features to confuse and keep  squirrels from dining on the bird’s favorite seeds.

– The motorized perch ring is designed to start spinning under the weight of a squirrel to ‘flip’ the squirrel off the bird feeder

– Tube bird feeder holds up to 5 pounds of birdseed and has 4 feeding ports

– Bird feeder is constructed of heavy duty metal base and cap. The seed tube is UV-stabilized polycarbonate and won’t fade

– Internal baffle is desinged to keep seed flowing freely to all four seed port

Droll Yankees has been making their products in the USA since 1969!

Monthly Housing Market Update – February 2023

Monthly Housing Market Update – December 2022

Michelle Miller Real Estate at Coldwell Banker High Country Realty

Monthly Housing Market Update

Monthly Housing Market Statistics Update for Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties in North Georgia Mountains.  Data provided by NEGBOR and presented by Michelle Miller Real Estate at Coldwell Banker High Country Realty.

 

Information Includes Individual Monthly Statistics on the following categories:

– New Listed Properties

– Average Sale Price

– Number of Sold Properties

– Average Days on Market

 

*Michelle Miller is a Global Luxury Property Specialist & Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

Fannin County Georgia Monthly real estate market statistics Monthly Housing Market Update
Union County Georgia Monthly real estate market statistics Monthly Housing Market Update
Towns County Georgia Monthly real estate market statistics Monthly Housing Market Update
Gilmer County Georgia Monthly real estate market statistics Monthly Housing Market Update

Monthly Housing Market Update 

Executive Summary by County / December 2022

FANNIN: Fannin’s total of 65 transactions, while about half of last December’s pace, was exactly the same number as November.  Fannin’s average price, at $503,057, was a little lower than November, but a little higher than  December 2021. 

 UNIONUnion had 45 closings in December as opposed to 52 in November, and which is 37.5% fewer than December of a year ago.  Union County’s average transaction price had climbed and flew high all year, but retreated as the year ended.  Actually the December average of $248,218 was barely higher than December 2021, but in this market with elevating rates and people hearing the word “recession” in the media constantly, that’s really pretty strong.

TOWNSTowns tallied 21 transactions in December vs. 28 in November.  Year-over-year Towns County transactions have dropped significantly, but still the total number for 2022 is only 18.5% fewer than in 2021.   Their average price in December ($338,414) was 23% higher than November and 38.5% higher than last December 2021.

GILMER –Gilmer’s November and December were both about 40% slower than last year’s comparable month.  Interestingly, Gilmer was the reverse of Fannin on average price.  December’s average transaction value ($326,815) was significantly higher in December than in November, but was a little less than in December 2021.  All-in-all, Gilmer should be proud in that it finished December with an average price that was 5.5% higher than the year’s average.

Residential:  The average residence sold in November, across our entire MLS area, was valued at $463,338 and in December sold for $465,807.  Not bad for a “recession”.   So, where can your potential clients find price stability? They should look up into these hills.

 

Rental Statistics for Fannin County / Gilmer County

Information Provided by Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.

FANNIN & GILMER SHORT TERM RENTAL (STR) RANDOM STATS Jan. 2023

Economic Impact in Fannin Co. in 2021 was $272.5 million. The hotel/motel/cabin tax revenues are
already up 17.5% from Nov’21 to Nov’22, so it is expected that the economic impact will come in at least
15% more for 2022; that’s well over $300mm impact –  just in Fannin Co.!

Fannin County Chamber of Commerce wrote recently, “The Coronavirus pandemic actually doubled
overnight visitation from 2019 to 2021. Visitors were drawn to outdoor destinations within driving
distance, and especially to those with vacation rentals.”

I, personally, do not believe the economic impact statistics above include the significant construction impact
just for new rental cabins. The Chamber of Commerce director in Gilmer Co. said she had very recently been
contacted by an investor saying he has plans to construct 15 new cabins in Gilmer Co.

Available units in Nov ’22 for STRs in Fannin was 2,624, up 21% from 2021. (1 yr)
Nights demanded was up 19% and total revenue was up 21.9% .  Available units in Nov ’22 for STRs in Gilmer (including Cherry Log) was 1,515, up 93% from 2020. (2 yrs)

Occupancy rates:

Fannin 2022 = 56%        Gilmer 2022 = 61%
Fannin 2021 = 60%        Gilmer 2021 = 74%

Reduction due to the addition of so many units available.
Huge growth in units available attributed to:

– new units built 

– converted units (residence or second home converted to rental)

– newly reporting units   (prev under the county tax radar, but now counted due to new law in Ga, effective mid-2021, requiring virtual rental company’s like VRBO & AirBnB to report and pay the occupancy taxes)

Click here For Important Local Information & Articles.

Home Winter Preparation & Safety Tips

Home Winter Preparation & Safety Tips

Winter Home Safety Before Cold Weather

  • Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
  • Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing: typically those near or inside outer/exterior walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic.
  • Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).
  • Seal any leaks and openings that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.

Winter Home Safety When the Weather is Predicted to be below 32 degrees

  • Make sure central heat systems are left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.  If you will not be staying at the residence or building, make sure you have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing.  If you cannot be present, the water should drain and shut off the water in your home.  Here is a video to show this process: Click here
  • Make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water in the event that a pipe bursts. Stopping the water flow will minimize the damage to your home.
  • Let hot and cold water trickle at night from any faucet that is in a room where the pipes are in an outside/exterior wall.
  • To help prevent freezing pipes, turn on faucets slightly. Running water will not freeze as quickly.

Protecting Water Pipes from Freezing

To help prevent frozen water pipes in your home or business – follow the simple steps below for suggested tips for Winter Home Safety:

  • Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers
  • Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture
  • Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing
  • Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to any un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.

  • Know where and how to shut off water valves to your home

If Your Pipes Freeze

  • Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water. 
  • Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.
  • Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.

Winter Home Safety If You Lose Electric Service During Winter Months

  • Call your Utility Company to report the downed service and determine area repair schedules. 
  • Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored.
  • Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce the chance of your food spoiling.  Plan what you need to get out before you open the doors.
  • Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning:
  1. Do not operate generators indoors.
  2. Do not use charcoal to cook indoors. 
  3. Do not use your gas oven to heat your home.

Fire Safety

Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and Space Heater Safety Tips:

  • Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup – and then have it professionally cleaned.
  • Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturers instructions.
  • Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors in your home.  Have them tested regularly to make sure they are working correctly. If you are in need of smoke detectors and live in Union County, please fill out a request form here to the Union County Fire Department.
  • Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
  • Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
  • Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces and flames.
  • Always keep a screen around an open flame.
  • As always, be prepared with a well-planned escape route for the entire family.

Staying Toasty Inside your Home or Business

Losing your heat during the Winter is a recipe for tough times. If your heat goes out during a winter storm:

  • You can keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.  Use a sheet to hang over entryways that have no doors, but be mindful that it is not in close proximity to a flammable heating source.
  • Do not plug portable electric heaters of any kind into extension cords or power strips!  Plug directly into wall outlets.
  • Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a winter hat.
  • Eat well-balanced meals.

More Winter Weather Resources:

https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

https://www.michigan.gov/miready/be-informed/winter-prep/winter-weather-and-pets

https://northamericannature.com/how-to-help-wildlife-in-winter/

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/winter/wildlife

https://www.cdc.gov/phpr/documents/hypothermia-frostbite_508.pdf

For Local Information, including articles and resources I have put together in one place – visit this webpage here.

 

Michelle Miller Real Estate at Coldwell Banker High Country Realty Serves North Georgia as both a Buyer & Selling Real Estate Professional.  

Services offered to Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Hiawassee, Clayton, Tiger, Young Harris, Morganton, Mineral Bluff, Ellijay, Cherry Log, Suches, McCaysville & Epworth.

footer image that shows Certifications I have earned in Luxury Home Institute as well as my logo and picture.
Short Term Rental Moratorium for Union County

Short Term Rental Moratorium for Union County

Union County Short Term Rental Moratorium

Time Sensitive Update:
Union County, GA
Vacation Homes/Rental Homes

Union County is enacting a Short Term Rental Moratorium to apply for business licenses. 

Anyone has until August 15, 2022 to submit an application for a business license.   At that time, there will be a 180 day moratorium enacted as a 10 member committee studies the impact and variables associated with Short Term Rental/Vacation rentals on the County.

Here is a link to the Union County Short Term Rental Ordinance; Draft 3 dated 12/15/2022.

 

If you have any further questions, contact the Union County Commissioner’s Office at (706) 439-6000.

 

 

How to Pay for Your Home Improvements

How to Pay for Your Home Improvements

You will probably want to improve your home at some point.

It might be out of necessity if you need a new roof or fence — or you might want more space or additional amenities, like an updated kitchen or a swimming pool.

Whatever the reason for your projects, you will likely need some help paying for them.

Are you planning to make some improvements around the house soon?  Here are four ways to cover the costs.

  • Home Equity to improve your home: You can leverage your home equity to improve your home. Among your options are a home equity loan, cash-out refinance and home equity line of credit (HELOC). The latter, which functions more like a credit card, is a good option if you’re not sure how much you need or if you need cash over an extended period.  Click here to learn more about Home Equity. 
  • Cash Savings: This can be a great way to pay to improve your home or perform some updates — just make sure you’re not draining your emergency fund. You should always have a healthy amount of savings as a homeowner so that you’re ready for maintenance, repairs and other expenses even if you hit a financial snag. 
  • Home Remodeling Loans to improve your home: Renovation and remodeling loans are designed just for this purpose. You can use them to cover repairs, updates and other improvements, then pay the costs back over time as with any other type of loan.  Here is some additional information about home remodeling loans to being your research: click here 
  • Credit Cards: These should be a last resort, since credit cards typically come with higher interest rates than other financing options, like loans and lines of credit mentioned above. 

Are you considering buying a new property instead of doing updates?   Maybe you need a referral to a trusted loan expert?  Get in touch with me today and I will guide you to your goals.  For local links and helpful resources, please click here.

Michelle Miller Real Estate at Coldwell Banker High Country Realty Serves North Georgia as both a Buyer & Selling Real Estate Professional.  

Services offered to Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Hiawassee, Clayton, Tiger, Young Harris, Morganton, Mineral Bluff, Ellijay, Cherry Log, Suches, McCaysville & Epworth.

footer image that shows Certifications I have earned in Luxury Home Institute as well as my logo and picture.