We had a fantastic year at Perry Group Properties and look forward to a brand new year! I recently read in the December issue of Forbes magazine an article on "The 2010 Housing Outlook". It reflected on the housing market of 2009 and what we could expect for this coming year. It was wonderful to note they felt "We're moving in the right direction, and that's reasons for optimism."

Happy New Years and may you be blessed abundantly!

This is my favorite time of the year - Christmas. A time to look back and reflect on all the wonderful blessings I have been given. Also, an opportunity to see areas of my life that need some "correcting".

I have been blessed with a family who loves me, warts and all, friends who stand by through thick and thin, a church family who has prayed for me this year through some difficult times with our parents health issues and a wonderful partner, Chip Perry, who always puts God first in his life. I have been blessed with GREAT clients who have made me part of their family. It is a pleasure and pure joy helping them find just the right place to call home.

My passion is volunteering and finding the time to do that in my community. In 2010, I will look for more opportunities to serve, and try to encourage others to reach out to those in need. You don't have to look far to see someone who needs help. As the movie "Pay It Forward" told us, if you help just one person and that person helps one person, what a difference this world would be. Go out today and find that person!

May God continue to bless you in this coming year and remember that Jesus is the reason for this season. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I can't believe another year is almost gone. Why is it that time goes by quickly when you are old and drags by when we are young? My Mother use to tell me this, but I didn't believe her until now. It is though, the time of the year when I step back, relax and enjoy all the festivities. We had a very successful year at Perry Group Properties and look forward to 2010. Whatever holiday you may be celebrating, may you and your family be blessed with health and happiness!

We have a BIG Friday Night coming up. It is the First Annual Casino Night and Fashion Show Fundraiser (Black & Blue & Tennis Shoes) being held at our Clubhouse. Perry Group Properties has sponsored a table and the Fashion Show! The proceeds will be used to purchase an off road "Gator" (all terrain vehicle) for our Emergency Services personnel.

Never a dull moment here in the community of Big Canoe. Our Calendar of Events is jammed with activities for all ages. All you need to do is find time to squeeze them into your schedule.

Come and experience the "good life" here in Big Canoe.

It has been some time since I have last posted a blog. My family has gone through a transition of moving my mother-in-law into our home from Pennsylvania. She is being treated like a queen by us and Hospice and can't believe the beauty of Big Canoe.

This past weekend brought two big events to attend. Big Canoe's Oktoberfest held on Saturday between the rain drops and the annual trip to Burt's Pumpkin Farm. My brother-in-law and his wife journeyed from Germantown, Tennessee to join in the festivities. Let me just say that I would NEVER try going to Burt's on a weekend. There had to be over 2,000 people wandering among the pumpkins. I did mange to inch my way up to the cash register and purchase a delicious pumpkin pie and the ever famous fried apple tarts.

As you can see by the photo, we had a terrific time. Come on by and visit us at Big Canoe. I will be happy to show off this area and perhaps help you select the perfect place for you to call home!

Big Canoe Prepares For Fall Festivals

Big Canoe is preparing for all the Fall Festivals to begin, including our very own Oktoberfest on October 10th. This has to be my favorite time of the year and others agree. According to a survey conducted of our residents on which was their favorite time of the year, 61.5% stated Fall.

Numerous mountain festivals will be held this year. Why not check some of them out and if you are in our neighborhood, give me a call. I would love to show off Big Canoe..

October 3-4 - Marble Festival in Jasper

October 10, 11 17 & 18 - Georgia Mountain Festival - Ellijay

October 17th - Gold Rush Days - Dahlonega

October 1st - November 1st - Oktoberfest - Helen

October 23-25 - Mountain Moonshine Festival - Dawsonville

September 1st - November 15th - Burt's Pumpkin Farm - a favorite of our family!

Selling Homes In Big Canoe!

I must have one of the best jobs around. Selling homes and property in Big Canoe at the same time, living here. Every day I drive through the community, I take time to soak in the beauty that surrounds me.

It is so easy to take all of this for granted. I try to take time to watch the sunlight filter through the trees in the morning, and stop and feel the cool breeze on my face while I am watering the flowers on our deck. How amazing the variety of birds that make Big Canoe their home. The woodpeckers here can be as large as a small dog! No kidding!

Occasionally, some of our residents have been visited by some inquisitive bear. However, there are people who have lived here for years and have not ever seen a bear.

High Profile Car

It's always nice to have a car magnet that shows off the Real Estate company you are associated with. However, I have one advantage up on other realtors here in the community of Big Canoe. My husband has a beautiful SSR that is bright red with yellow flames going down the side. He is a volunteer firefighter here and whenever we drive around, everyone knows it is us. I just recently had one client who wanted to "make an offer on" Sparky, as we appropriately named our vehicle. That is one sale I won't be negotiating. My husband said "No Thank You"!

This 4th of July weekend at the community of Big Canoe in the North Georgia mountains, drew record crowds. One of the reasons could have been the GREAT activities and entertainment that were planned for the holiday. But perhaps, another reason may have been that people are tending to vacaion close to home and not splurge on trips. Their choice in vacation homes may be within one hour driving distance. How perfect Big Canoe is to fill that desire.

Whatever the reason, we were not lacking in a busy schedule of things to do. The outdoor Amphitheater had over 1,00 people attend the free concert featuring the Army Jazz Band, the 4th of July fireworks display brought over 3,000 people out. My husband and I were at our "secret" location viewing the light display. Then on Sunday, Big Canoe Chapel had their Freedom Ring concert. After all this, we needed to take a rest, but in real estate, there is never rest for the weary. We hit the ground running on Monday.

I am proud to state that I live in this GREAT country of America - land of the free!

There is always something happening in the community of Big Canoe. This Friday, July 3rd, the Army Band will be putting on a free concert at the outdoor Terraces as a pre-celebration of the 4th of July. Donations will be accepted for the USO.

My parents met at an USO dance over 60 years ago. I don't know if the USO still holds dances, but I am sure there will be many who may take this occassion to do some dancing under the moonlight.

Please keep our soldiers in your prayers during this holiday and throughout the year.

Open House Safari Tours

We are having a fun time conducting our "Open House Safari Tours" of the beautiful community of Big Canoe. Climb on board and take a trip with us. Check out the ad in the July Issue of Atlanta Magazine - Page 112. Call us to reserve a seat for you!

This has been a very good year so far for Perry Group Properties. With all the news reporting the housing market gloom, our listings are selling and we have sold homes too. Now I am not saying that sales are like they were last year or the year before, but buyers are taking advantage of the home prices at this time.

When people tell me they don't want to sell their house now because they know they are going to have to take a reduced price, I tell them that may be true, but they will do very well on the other side when they purchase another home.

If you are planning a move, do your homework up front first before you call an agent to list your home. Know what you NEED to get out of the sale of your home. Ask your agent to give you a market comparison of what homes have sold for in the past 3 months. Ask them what their marketing strategies are. Most agents are doing the same type of marketing (internet, company web sites, newspapers, networking with other agents), but we do some creative things not used by other companies. Check us out at www.northgeorgialistings.com then call us to discuss either listing your current home or helping you find a place in the community of Big Canoe.

WINE TASTING IN THE COMMUNITY OF BIG CANOE®

There are always fun things going on in our community. On Friday, April 3rd from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. the HOA will sponsor a Wine Tasting at the Swim to benefit the Big Canoe Emergency Response Team (BCERT). Admission price is $30.00 per person to include several varieties of wine as well as appetizers.

This will be an event that is well attended. If not for the wine, then certainly the appetizers!

Yesterday I listed one of the most beautiful view homes in Big Canoe. 5019 Chipmunk Circle, offered at only $650,000 has breathless views that go on and on forever.

The owners did not spare any expense when designing this house. Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, Jeld Wen windows, 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, 2 stacked stone fireplaces, media room and the list goes on and on.

In a different market, this house would certainly be in the $800,000 to $900,000 range. Come and see for yourself. I would love to show you.

Great & Easy Receipe For North Georgia Entertaining

TIRAMISU BOWL

This easy receipe takes only 20 minutes to make and less time to eat - so delicious! Give it a try.

1 Pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese softened
3 Cups of cold milk (I use whole milk)
2 Pkg. (3.4 oz. each) Instant Vanilla Pudding
48 Nilla Wafers
1 Tub COOL WHIP topping, thawed, divide in half
1/2 cup brewed coffee, cool and divide in half
2 Squares semi-sweet chocolate grated (place in microwave for 30 seconds - easier to grate)
1 Cup fresh raspberries (or any kind of berry you like)
2 Tablespoons of Vanilla

Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk and pudding mixes. Stir in 2 cups of COOL WHIP.

Line a 2 1/2 quart bowl with 24 Nilla Wafers, drizzle with 1/4 cup of coffee. (Use a measuring cup to pour).

Top with half the pudding mixture and half of the chocolate. Repeat layers, starting with wafers.

Top with remaining COOL WHIP and raspberries and refrigerate 2 hours before serving. Makes around 16 servings (small) or 8 large servings.

ENJOY!

Lake Sconti in Big Canoe® is the picture perfect setting to build your dream home. Currently, there is one lot available, behind the covered bridge, that can make this a reality.

Come walk the property with me and see if it's what you have been looking for.

Big Canoe's Response To Inclement Weather

As a resident of Big Canoe, I am VERY proud of the employees who make our roads safe during inclement weather. Last night a combination of snow and sleet decended upon us after dark. With close to 100 miles of roads within Big Canoe and elevations as high as 3200 feet, conditions of this nature might cause for unsafe conditions.

However, our road department crews were out sanding the roads making travel safe for our residents. In addition, our family of guards assisted those residents who experienced some slippery spots.

We are blessed to have commited firefighters and Big Canoe Emergency Response volunteers ready to assist in any situation. A big THANK YOU to all our family of employees and volunteers who make this the BEST place to live.

Let It Rain

Well we have had a LOT of rain in the North Georgia mountains the past week. I am not complaining though. It created a multitude of beautiful waterfalls in Big Canoe and the creeks flowed abundantly! The lakes have been down somewhat, but now are brimming to the top.

We have a small water feature in front of our house that is frequently visited by a certain squirrel every day. Living in the woods gives one a whole new meaning of "neighbor". Many of our neighbors have four legs. We all co-exist together in peace. I wish people throughout the world could be more like that.

Today is Sunday and that means going to Big Canoe Chapel. The Chapel has been said to be the "heart beat" of our community. We have close to 1,000 members. It is multi-denominational church. Everyone of every religion is welcome. Come visit us and enjoy the fellowship.

January 3, 2009

My husband and I just returned from a month stay in St. Augustine. That is the longest we have ever been away from Big Canoe and I can tell you I REALLY missed Big Canoe. Nothing can expressed the feeling of being home when we drove into the driveway. Everything was peaceful and quiet. A slow rain was coming down and fog was meandering through the trees. What a sight.

Now don't get me wrong. A little sunshine and warm weather with the beach thrown in as an added treat is nice every now and then. However, when your heart is screaming for the North Georgia mountains, you have to react.

Usually the amount of visitors to our community is increased during the holiday season. It may take you longer to get out the Main Gate due to more cars than normal wandering the roads here, but no one is in a hurry here.

Come visit us sometime. Call me before you come and I will show you around. Have a wonderful day filled with abundant blessings!