Front Porch View is the newest Tomato Blog in Northeast Georgia and I’d like to welcome them to the blog scene by highlighting some great real estate insight on buying your next mountain home. The Top 10 ‘Got to Know’s" post is a great place to start when considering buying a mountain home. I have highlighted the post below, but left out some important color and insights, so be sure to check out the entire post over at The Front Porch View.
10. I’ve got to know….Does it have a “knock your socks off” mountain view? Fall Mountain View
Let’s face it, folks come to the mountains because of those views! That is usually the first question Buyer’s ask when calling or dropping in and asking about a specific property.
“Some like to have that “top of the world” view while others prefer to be in a valley looking up at the mountains.”
9. I’ve got to know…does it have a creek or is it on a lake?
If it doesn’t have a view, it’s got to have water. Having a creek, river or lake on or near the property is another key feature when buying your mountain home. Whether you like to fish, canoe, or just sit on the front porch with your hazelnut latte and enjoy the sound of rushing water, having your property near water is almost a must in place of those mountain views!
8. I’ve got to know…What’s going to be over there?
“Unless you are purchasing a home or cabin that borders the National Forest Service you just can’t be sure.”
7. I’ve got to know…is it paved all of the way?
It seems that most real estate buyer’s that are coming to the mountains these days want a little more added convenience for their “drive back in the woods.”
6. I’ve got to know…how much maintenance is required on a log home?
My typical answer to this questions is quiet simple, keep it clean! No really it is all relevant to the type of home, whether it be a true log home, or a log sided home. A true log home in my opinion has much more upkeep than a home that has log siding. For instance, a true log home will “check,” or crack. Even the most properly kiln dried center cut logs can check. This requires that the homeowner, or in most cases here in our mountains, the “cabin-owner” would need to be sure that those cracks in the logs are properly caulked with a special log caulking available at anyone of our home supply stores in town.
“Another important tip I like to give my client’s is that pressure washing once a year with a light bleach solution really keeps your mountain home looking and feeling good.”
5. I’ve got to know…should I be worried that it is on a septic system?
Absolutely not. Most folks are just simply scared of the unknown when it come to septic tank systems.
“Septic systems are an efficient and inexpensive alternative to a traditional sewage system that most folks are used too.”
4. I’ve got to know…if we don’t have public utilities, how’s the water?
“Today developers work closely with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to provide homeowners with good clean water. Most developments today have a DNR approved water system and they are owned and maintained by the developer.”
However it is sometimes controlled by the Home Owners Association (HOA) or sold to an outside contractor. A homeowner on average can expect to pay between $300.00 to $350.00 for all of the water they can use within reason for the entire year.
3. I’ve got to know…how much are the property taxes per year?
Our county property taxes are are based upon an estimation of the fair market value of the property which is performed by the Georgia County Tax Assessors. It is suggested that the purchase price be used for purposes of tax planning.
“The taxes are then computed based upon 40% of the appraised or estimated value and then multiplied by the millage rate which is currently 20.169 in Fannin County.”
2. I’ve got to know…how much will my homeowners insurance policy be?
Homeowners insurance here in North Georgia is sometimes a tough one to answer. There are many variables that need to be taken into consideration such as the closest Volunteer Fire Station, whether or not the subject property is in the flood plain, will it be in a rental program, type of construction and many others.
“I like to leave it up to the experts to give the quotes, however a typical North Georgia Mountain Homes annual insurance policy should be under $1000.00.”
1. I’ve got to know…just how far are we from the nearest Wal-Mart?
You’re in luck…from Blue Ridge you can go either North to Murphy, NC. or head South to Ellijay. Both are “Super Wal-Marts”24 Hours Sign and they are opened 24 hrs.
“I can assure you, they are the only place around here that’s open 24 hours besides the Waffle House of course.”
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Be sure to consider Sassafras Mountain when you drive to Ellijay to begin your search for your next mountain home!
