Charlie Ragonesi Big Canoe Realestate's Blog

The Mountain Real Estate Report

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:13:08 -0600

Through out the North Georgia Mountains every Thursday after the noon news we broadcast the Mountain Real estate report. If you are in Pickens, Gilmer, Cherokee, or Dawson Counties you can hear us live on WYYZ Radio. If you miss the show you can hear us here on ActiveRain or on our web site www.allmountainrealty.com. The mountain real estate Report is brings real estate information to it's listeners . We provide tips and strategies on buying , selling and investing in our beautiful North Georgia Mountains. Enjoy the show

The Plundering and looting of the Housing Industry

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:56:02 -0600

I think it is high time, or maybe past time that we put the current so called housing crisis in perspective. The cause of the current crisis was the looting of value and equity by financial institutions. Financial institutions went in with CDO's and all kinds of exotic ways to make money in an area that had plenty of money in it. They looted it. They plundered it. And in the end they got Uncle Sam to save them from collapse when things went wrong. Like the story of the Goose that laid the golden egg these greedy folks in the end killed the goose. In the end they walked away with bonuses, bail outs, or just faded back into the wood work like the worms that they are waiting for the next opportunity to plunder and loot.

The story does not stop there. In order to protect themselves when they were exposed to the light they started the spin. People got loans that never should have. People are not responsible and are walking away. We couldn't see it coming. Some of this is true. BUT WHO LENT THEM THE MONEY !!!! Who changed loans at the closing table? Who backed securities with things called derivatives so that they did not have to be regulated if they called it insurance? The same financial institutions that today say do not regulate us. Part of their spin is to say free markets are really the right way to go . Yet it is those "free" markets that caused the problems. Maybe we should de-regulate everything and go back to the good old days when companies could put copper sulfate in canned peas to keep them green?

Governments role in this is NOT to be in the banking business but to act as a counter balance to the power of the lobbies and advocate on behalf of the people. Governement both Republican and Democrat failed. The Federal Reserve failed as well.

In the end the continuing and ongoing pain in our business and all the businesses that it effects has it's roots in the financial industry. This is not a housing crisis. This is a crisis of greed and unregulated business doing unto us whatever they think they can get away with to make a buck. When things got tough financial institutions went running to the very folks who should have protected us, and begged for protection themselves !

I need to say this because every day as I try to make a living in this industry I know it is 10 times harder thanks to the greedy financial folks who caused this crisis. I do not know about you but I tend to not look with a kind eye at folks who have taken my source of income and plundered it.

Who says Realtors are Dumb ?

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:37:08 -0600

Here in Big Canoe we are a hearty bunch. We boat and do things outdoors year round. Even though today might not be the best day to go canoeing that does not stop us from utilizing the paddles.

My son who is getting ready to go into the Coast Guard , and my wife in my sheepskin coat have figured out a way to "shovel" a deck. You have to consider the weight of the snow sometimes on a high deck. I am taking the photos. Who says Realtors are dumb !!!!!

You want to see what when ??!!

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:52:10 -0600

Once again we are having snow in the North Georgia Mountains. I have been here 22 years and have not seen a winter like this. So I am not showing property today that is for sure. But in case you think I am wimping out here is what it looks like where I live.

It is really really pretty. But nobody is going anywhere today and by the way it is still coming down

The netting you see is Deer netting as we have to keep them off the plants we want to keep. Think you know what gated communities are like. Think again. Enjoy the peace and beauty of the North Georgia Mountains in the gated community of Big Canoe.

Bent Tree Caravan

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:31:24 -0600

Today I was on a home Caravan in Bent Tree. This is a great community with many amenities. The fees are good as well. There were homes with GIANT views in Great shape in the low 200,000s We at All Mountain Realty work in Bent Tree. If you are looking for a mountain home I cannot imagine a better time to buy. For more information please contact us. We work well on referrals as well

Mountain update

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:27:57 -0600

Home sales in the mountains so far this year are flat. But a lot of that can be attributed to the more than usual snow and ice. I think this is going to be a great year for mountain sales.

Dalton Ga, the carpet capital of America , is starting to rebound and hiring may be back on soon. This will put pressure on prices in the 150000 to 200000 range.

People are starting to be able to sell their homes in other areas . This means that mountain property sales , in the second most popular destination, after ocean property, will start to heat up again.

If you are looking to find that mountain home consider the folks at All Mountain Realty. Let us help you find the value you are looking for .

The Mountain Real Estate Report

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:42:31 -0600

What would the North Georgia Mountains be without the Mountain Real Estate report? Poorer for the experience says I !! Ha. This week we cover a great new listing that can be had for a great price. we also cover why winter is a great time to look at mountain property and homes. We talk about new contract changes in Georgia and the role of the Realtor as well. The Mountain Real Estate report is heard every Thursday on Wyyz Radio and on line her at ActiveRain as well as on our web site www.allmountainrealty.com Enjoy !!!

Mountain Weather North Georgia

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:29:12 -0600

For many of you you have seen on TV the devastation that the ice storms this year caused. If you are in Big Canoe near the top or on Monument Road in Pickens and Dawson County you have seen downed power lines and snapped trees. It almost looks like a tornado has gone through the area. This brinks me to the point of the post.

When you are choosing a location you do not have to live on the tip top of a mountain. I am at 2500 feet and have a great view as well as cool and wonderful summers. Last summer we ran our A/C for the total of a week. So when you are considering the mountains consider North Georgia and consider 1 ridge down from the top. On those windy or stormy winter days you will be glad you did. .Here is the view I am talking about.

I don't know about you but this kind of view and some shelter from high winds 600 feet above me keeps me very happy

Buying in Big Canoe, Jasper, or in the North Georgia Mountains

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:13:16 -0600

If you are considering buying in Big Canoe,Jasper or anywhere in the North Georgia Mountains consider working with the pro's at All Mountain Realty. The reasons start with our name.

We named our company with Mountain living in mind. We have trained on Mountain buying and truly listen to you. We work to provide information to help you make a good decision when searching for your mountain home.

Here is how I look at it. In all the mountain counties we service there are less than 100,000 people. What this means is we will probably run into each other at a fair or in the grocery store. You in effect become our neighbors. So more than helping you find a home or land we work to find you the home that gives you a great big smile when you see me in the store. I cannot begin to tell you how rewarding it is to see someone who I have helped find a home and see them smile or even give me a hug. Ladies all I ask is you quickly tell my wife that I am getting the hug because I helped you find a home !!

The folks at All Mountain Realty have my shared vision. This is why we are ALL MOUNTAIN REALTY and our slogan is "Capturing the Spirit of the Mountains." I look forward to helping you enjoy our mountains and calling you neighbor.

The Mountain Real Estate Report

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:23:52 -0600

The Mountain Real Estate Report is heard every Thursday on WYYZ Radio . Broadcast out of Jasper Georgia. This weeks show focuses on tips for SELLING your home. If you are in Big Canoe, Bent Tree, Talking Rock Creek, or any of our mountain communities and are looking to sell your home then this show is a must listen for you. All Mountain Realty is proud to be bringing you valuable information whether you are buying ,selling , or investing in our North Georgia Mountains. You can visit us on line at www.allmountainrealty.com to listen to past shows that may be of interest to you. Thank you for listening and enjoy.

The Mountain Real Estate Report

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:42:02 -0600

The Mountain Real Estate report is aired every Thursday on WYYZ Radio as well as being simulcast on the web. In this weeks show we talk about the latest market numbers. We also have some 401K investing ideas. We couple this with some public service messages . So we cover a wide range this week in today's real estate market. Hope you enjoy the show

Look at the Market !!!! Seller and Realtor Advice

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:45:34 -0600

Often times we work with Sellers who are, very rightly so, house proud. Being house proud is important. But you must look at values. So for example if you need new kitchen counter tops and your home is in the 200k and under price range then you are not going to get your money out of replacing the old ones with granite. Use a great new ( less expensive) laminate instead.

The point is talk to you Realtor about your market and sprucing up. This is more true today than ever due to the new way we do appraisals.

If you are a Realtor approach your sellers as follows: "What you are doing is great. It is beautiful. I wish you were working on my house. But understand, if you are doing this for pride then go ahead. If you are doing it to increase the value of your home then look at less expensive alternatives."

Helping sellers in this tough market save money on upgrades and repairs is a valuable service we as Realtors provide. So do not over look this when taking to people about listing. The folks at All Mountain Realty address this issue in all our listing presentations

Rules for working with a Realtor. It's as easy as 1,2, 3

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:04:51 -0600

Have you ever ordered something or tried to get an update about something and never gotten a call back? It is real frustrating and discourteous isn't it?

Rule 1 If you have decided on another way to go call your Realtor back when they call you. Let them know. Instead of thinking I do not want to make this person angry you actually will make them happy you have updated them and shown them the same courtesy you would want shown to you.

Have you ever been in a store and had a clerk ask you if you need help? Did you tell them not to spend time with you as are only looking?

Rule 2 If you are only looking tell the Realtor up front just like you did the clerk. Let the Realtor decide if they want to spend time with you. You may find the Realtor can put you on an email drip and send you valuable information with out being in front of you all the time.

Have you ever bought something , got it home and had no idea how to make it work?

Rule 3 Talk to your Realtor . Ask them questions. You are making a BIG purchase. Use the professional. I bet if you buy an electric drill for 30 dollars you ask a bunch of questions. Shouldn't you use a Realtor and ask a bunch of questions if you are spending 300,000 dollars?

Use these 3 rules and you and your Realtor will have a good experience together. Good working relationships lead to happy buyers and sellers. It is as easy as 1,2,3

The Mountain Real Estate Report

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:06:54 -0600

The Mountain Real Estate Report is heard every Thursday on WYYZ in Jasper. This weeks show goes into walking away from a home. We examine and have strong opinions about walking away if your ONLY reason is you are up side down on your mortgage. We hope you enjoy. We also talk about some great listings near the end of the show.

The Mountain Real Estate Report

Charlie- All Mountain Realty — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:20:16 -0600

This week we have a show that might interest many on ActiveRain as well as consumers in general. We interview the current President of our local board of Realtors. Our board is very active in our mountains and gives back t our community. You may find some things we do that could be incorporated locally with you. Enjoy the show