Where Nature Trails, Splash Pads, Playgrounds and Festivals Take the Spotlight in Blairsville, GA

Located on Highway 515 about one mile West of the heart of Blairsville, GA is the well-known and family-friendly Meeks Park. Established in 1992, and named after Bill Meeks, the park is home to some of the North Georgia Mountains most scenic walking trails, playgrounds, ball fields and picnic areas. Meeks Park is also popular for hosting annual festivals, as well as for its refreshing splash pad and pool area.

Meeks Park provides a great recreation area for students, faculty and staff of North Georgia Technical College students, but locals as well as visitors from all over the country enjoy all the park offers the community. Regardless of the activity that brings you to Meeks Park, or to Union County, GA, you will leave refreshed by everything this beautiful park offers.

Facilities Quick-look

Athletic and recreational facilities at Meeks Park include a playground, a swimming pool, a splash pad, a basketball court, a disk golf course, a skateboard park, tennis courts, seven ball fields, four batting cages, canoe and kayak launch points, paved and unpaved nature trails, a riverside gazebo, picnic areas, fishing areas and plenty of opportunity for school field trips, family trips to the park, reunions and local events.

Nature Pathways and Walking Trails

Aside from the picturesque backdrop of the North Georgia Mountains, part of the appeal of Meeks Park comes from Butternut creek and the Nottely River which both wind through the park and lend it a charming character. The water follows the walking trails, creating that peaceful environment for which the Blue Ridge Mountains are known. Regardless of your fitness level, Meeks Park has a trail to fit your interests. Nature trails through wooded areas, gentle hills, more vigorous hills and paved walking/jogging areas can all be found within the park’s perimeter. Trails can be combined and modified to create a gentle 1-mile walk to a more rigorous 4.62-mile workout. Those who are partial to hiking National Forest Trails will find the wooded area to their liking, while those seeking a gentler low-impact walk will enjoy following the path across from the playground beside the waterway. Make sure to take a look at the sculpture by local resident Al Garnto whose work is sure to interest even the smallest of visitors.

Canine Visitors

Although the park welcomes hikers, walkers, joggers and bikers, it does not welcome dogs on its grounds. They can, however, find plenty of room to enjoy themselves at the Union County Dog Park located across from Meeks Park directly behind Georgia Technical College. While still a part of the Meek Park Trails system, this 1.18 mile trail goes through a wooded area that includes a pavilion near the Nottely River.

If you’re looking for a place your furry friend can run free, the Union County Dog Park also has a fenced off-leash area with two pens and doggie drinking fountain. In order to keep the park clean, you can pick up doggie clean-up bags at the park. The Dog Park is free to all canine visitors and their owners.

Pavilions

There are several pavilions available for use at Meeks Park. They make a great area to hold birthday parties, family reunions or field trips. You will need to reserve a pavilion through the Recreation Department prior to use and the cost of reservation ranges between $35 - $50.

All Things Water

The swimming pool and splash pad are located behind the upper baseball fields just inside the entrance to Meeks Park. This area provides endless Summer entertainment and includes amenities such as a concession area, lounge chairs, tables, restrooms and showers.

The pool also offers adult water aerobics classes, youth swimming lessons and tiny tot swimming lessons. It also offers the opportunity to have Meeks Park host your summer pool party. Whether you are looking to have a party, swim for fun or take part in an aerobics class or swimming lessons, you will need to contact the Recreation Department for fees and membership information.

Camping, Boat Ramps and Lake Access

The Poteete Creek Campground is a 59-site campground situated on beautiful Nottely Lake that boasts beautiful lake and mountain views. This area also provides access to a swimming beach, boat ramp, and a bathhouse with showers, among other amenities. Access to the area requires a fee, and more information can be found on the Poteete Creek Campground website.

Festivals

Meeks Park hosts some of North Georgia’s most popular festivals. Each year, visitors are entertained at the Butternut Creek Festival, the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games, and the Sorghum Festival.

Batting Cages

While the Meeks Park batting cages are free, they must be reserved prior to use. Reservations can be made through the batting cage web page.

Adult Classes and Activities

Meeks Park hosts several adult classes and activities. These include regular aerobics, step aerobics, Zumba, line dancing, strength classes, yoga and more. For more information about the classes and sessions available, visit their web page.

Youth Athletic Programs

Meeks Park is home to several organized sports offered through the Union County Recreation Department. These are offered to the public and include baseball, softball, basketball, football, cheerleading and cross country. Visit Union County Parks and Recreation for more information.

At almost 5,000 feet above sea level, Brasstown Bald Recreation Area & Visitor Center in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is the highest point in Georgia. Owned by the US Forest Service and just a short drive from Hiawassee, Young Harris, Blairsville and Helen, GA, Brasstown Bald offers visitors 360-degree viewing opportunities of the surrounding areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and sometimes the Atlanta skyline can all be seen from the Visitor Center’s observation deck.

In addition to the spectacular views, visitors to the Bald can also enjoy an afternoon of hiking on one of three trailheads, visiting the natural science and history museum or picnicking in one of the many scenic picnic areas. Area schools can also participate in all that Brasstown Bald has to offer by scheduling a field trip tailored to your class age, size and interests. There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Bald!

Opportunities to Enjoy Brasstown Bald

Educational Programs

Educational programs are a priority at Brasstown Bald Recreation and Visitor Center. While there, you can participate in several programs geared towards different learning goals. These programs encompass studying the local history, understanding the local culture, discovering the role of environmental science in the Bald’s current and historical settings, and participating in fun activities designed for children of all ages.

Students, homeschoolers and visitors to Brasstown Bald can take part in these daily educational opportunities. Brasstown Bald’s visitor center hosts a free scavenger hunt that encourages young minds to stay alert as they make their way around the museum’s various exhibits. Children 10 and older can also participate in the Brasstown Bald Junior Ranger Program, which encompasses learning about Brasstown Bald and the surrounding Appalachia history, environment and culture. Once children/students have completed the activities that are a part of this program, they will have the opportunity to be sworn in as a Junior Ranger of Brasstown Bald.

Mountaintop Theater

The mountaintop theater is a favorite of Brasstown Bald as it shows visitors a picturesque view of the seasonal changes the mountain encounters. Each season showcases a unique view of the Bald. Fall is rich with crisp, colorful leaves, while Spring and Summer show vibrant shades of green foliage complemented by bright, sunny skies. Winter is especially worth seeing at the theater as the roads to access Brasstown Bald are often closed in Winter due to inclement weather. The video offers the views that many are unable to see in person. The theater’s video shows the Bald in the very best light and at peak viewing points throughout the year. Regardless of how the weather turns out on the day you plan your visit, Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center has two webcams which stream live feeds. These are available to view at your convenience any time of the day or night.

While informational panels are positioned on the observation deck to assist you in identifying what you are seeing, staff members are also prepared to answer any questions you may have. The visitor center is open daily from 10am – 5pm, mid-March through December, weather permitting. Although the general store stocked with locally-made products, elevator, shuttle service, restrooms and visitor center close at 5pm, visitors are welcome to enjoy the observation deck and hiking trails 24/7. Public parking is still available, as is the use of a single pit toilet, once visiting hours have ended.

Events at Brasstown Bald

The Brasstown Bald Visitor Center hosts several activities throughout the year that might be of interest to you during your travels. Some require booking reservations prior to the event. Be sure to check the calendar for a list of events and book accordingly.

Some educational events/programs that might be of interest to you include:

• A Cradle of Forestry field trip that engages students in learning about their National Forests. There are trips designed to correlate with NC state curriculum standards. These also act in accordance to US Forest Service guidelines. Trips are available for all grade levels and programs of study. See the School Field Trips page for specific information regarding the programs offered at Brasstown Bald.
• The Cradle of Forestry’s Educational Resources page which provides information for enhancing your National Park experiences. These range from Smokey the Bear to Environmental Education informational sites that come with useful links to further resource materials.
• Examples of Brasstown Bald’s programs and events include titles such “Tap into Your Forest” and “Lessons from a Black Bear: Myths and Relationships”. For more unique titles that might pique your specific interests, visit the Cradle of Forestry website.

Hiking at Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald boasts three trailheads – Arkaquah, Jack’s Knob, and the Wagon Train. The trailheads for each are located adjacent to the parking lot for easy access. The Arkaquah Foot Trail is 5.5 miles long and ends at Track Rock Gap. Jack’s Knob Foot Trial is 4.5 miles long. This trial leads into the Appalachian Trail and might be of interest to those who enjoy hiking along the AT. The Wagon Train Foot Trail is 5.8 miles long and leads to Wagon Train Road. This trail ends at Young Harris College. The walk from the parking lot to the Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center is paved, but steep. For those willing to give it a try, the trail is a ½ mile long. For those who would prefer to view the Bald without the hike, there is a shuttle bus available. The bus is operated by a concessionaire and requires a fee.

The US Forest Service warns that some GPS units might bring you to the wrong location. This is because there is no physical address for the property. They provide longitude and latitude coordinates, as well as maps and detailed directions coming from Blairsville, GA on their website. There are many places to stay in the area, all of which might have you coming from different directions. Be sure to check directions before leaving for the Bald.

Whether you are coming to the Bald for sightseeing, educational tours, field trips, hiking or picnicking, Brasstown Bald offers something for everyone. With 360 degree views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and city skylines, your trip will be well worth the visit.

The year 2020 will certainly be one to remember, with new realities and norms that changed the way we live. This year’s real estate market is certainly no exception to that shift, with historic highlights continuing to break records and challenge what many thought possible in the housing market. Here’s a look at four key areas that are fundamentally defining the market this year.

Housing Market Recovery

The economy was intentionally put on pause this spring in response to the COVID-19 health crisis. Many aspects of the common real estate transaction were placed on hold at the same time. Thankfully, technology and innovation helped the industry power forward, and business gradually ramped back up as shelter-in-place orders were lifted.

The result? Total transformation of the market from rock-bottom lows to exceptional highs. Today, the housing recovery is being called truly remarkable by many experts and is far exceeding expectations. From pending home sales to purchase applications, buyers are back in business and homes are selling – fast.

According to the Housing Market Recovery Index by realtor.com, the market has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, and has regained the strength we remember from February of this year (See graph below):

Record-Breaking Mortgage Rates

Historically low mortgage rates are another 2020 game-changer. Today’s low rate is one of the big motivating factors bringing buyers back into the market. The average rate reached an all-time low on multiple occasions this year, and it continues to hover in record-low territory.

When rates are this low, buyers have a huge opportunity to get more for their money when purchasing a home, something many are eager to find while continuing to spend more time than expected at home this year, and likely beyond.

Continued Home Price Appreciation

One of the key drivers of home price appreciation this year is historically low inventory. Inventory was low going into the pandemic, and it is still sitting well below the level needed for a normal market. Although sellers are slowly making their way back into the game, buyers are scooping up homes faster than they’re coming up for sale.

This is a classic supply and demand scenario, forcing home prices to rise. Selling something when there is a higher demand for what is available naturally bumps up the price. If you’re ready to sell your house today, this may be the optimal time to make your move. As Bill Banfield, EVP of Capital Markets at Quicken Loans, notes:

“The pandemic has not stopped the consistent home price growth we have witnessed in recent years.”

Increasing Affordability

Even as home prices continue to rise, affordability is working in favor of today’s homebuyers. According to many experts, rates this low are off-setting rising home prices, which increases buyer purchasing power – an opportunity not to be missed, especially if your family’s needs have changed. If you now need space for a home office, gym, virtual classroom, and more, it may be time to reconsider your current house.

According to Mortgage News Daily:

“Those shopping for a home can afford 10 percent more home than they could have one year ago while keeping their monthly payment unchanged. This translates into nearly $32,000 more buying power.”

Bottom Line

With mortgage rates hitting historic lows, home prices appreciating, affordability rising, and the market recovering like no other, 2020 has been quite a year for real estate – perhaps one we’ve never seen before and may never see again. Let’s connect today if you’re ready to take advantage of this year’s record-breaking opportunities.

Today is a day for you and your hard work! It is a day to celebrate each other and to share happiness. Happy Labor Day to the workers of every field! The world is built on their contribution and all of them deserve equal respect from us!

The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging times of our lives. A worldwide pandemic, a recession causing historic unemployment, and a level of social unrest perhaps never seen before have all changed the way we live. Only the real estate market seems to be unaffected, as a new forecast projects there may be more homes purchased this year than last year.

As we come to the end of this tumultuous year, we’re preparing for perhaps the most contentious presidential election of the century. Today, it’s important to look at the impact past presidential election years have had on the real estate market.

Is there a drop-off in home sales during a presidential election year?

BTIG, a research and analysis company, looked at new home sales from 1963 through 2019 in their report titled One House, Two House, Red House, Blue House. They noted that in non-presidential years, there is a -9.8% decrease in November compared to October. This is the normal seasonality of the market, with a slowdown in activity that’s usually seen in fall and winter.

However, it also revealed that in presidential election years, the typical drop increases to -15%. The report explains why:

“This may indicate that potential homebuyers may become more cautious in the face of national election uncertainty.”

Are those sales lost forever?

No. BTIG determined:

“This caution is temporary, and ultimately results in deferred sales, as the economy, jobs, interest rates and consumer confidence all have far more meaningful roles in the home purchase decision than a Presidential election result in the months that follow.”

In a separate study done by Meyers Research & Zonda, Ali Wolf, Chief Economist, agrees that those purchases are just delayed until after the election:

“History suggests that the slowdown is largely concentrated in the month of November. In fact, the year after a presidential election is the best of the four-year cycle. This suggests that demand for new housing is not lost because of election uncertainty, rather it gets pushed out to the following year.”

Will it matter who is elected?

To some degree, but not in the overall number of home sales. As mentioned above, consumer confidence plays a significant role in a family’s desire to buy a home. How may consumer confidence impact the housing market post-election? The BTIG report covered that as well:

“A change in administration might benefit trailing blue county housing dynamics. The re-election of President Trump could continue to propel red county outperformance.”

Again, overall sales should not be impacted in a significant way.

Bottom Line

If mortgage rates remain near all-time lows, the economy continues to recover, and unemployment continues to decrease, the real estate market should remain strong up to and past the election.

With so few houses for sale today and low mortgage rates driving buyer activity, bidding wars are becoming more common. Multiple-offer scenarios are heating up, so it’s important to get pre-approved before you start your search. This way, you can put your best foot forward – quickly and efficiently – if you’re planning to buy a home this season.

Javier Vivas, Director of Economic Research at realtor.com, explains:

“COVID-19 has accelerated earlier trends, bringing even more buyers than the market can handle. In many markets, fierce competition, bidding wars, and multiple offer scenarios may be the common theme in the weeks to come.”

Here are three things you can do to make your offer a competitive one when you’re ready to make your move.

1. Be Ready

A recent survey shows that only 52% of active homebuyers obtained a pre-approval letter before they began their home search. That means about half of active buyers missed out on this key part of the process.

Buyers who are pre-approved are definitely a step ahead when it’s time to make an offer. Having a pre-approval letter indicating you’re a qualified buyer shows sellers you’re serious. It’s often a deciding factor that can tip the scale in your direction if there’s more than one offer on a home. It’s best to contact a mortgage professional to start your pre-approval process early, so you’re in the best position right from the start of your home search.

2. Present Your Best Offer

In a highly competitive market, it’s common for sellers to pick a date and time to review all offers on a house at one time. If this is the case, you may not have an opportunity to negotiate back and forth with the sellers. As a matter of fact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) notes:

“Not only are properties selling quickly, but they are also getting more offers. On average, REALTORS® reported nearly three offers per sold property in July 2020.”

Make sure the offer you’re presenting is the best one the sellers receive. A real estate professional can help you make sure your offer is a fair and highly competitive one.

3. Act Fast

With existing homes going like hotcakes, there’s no time to waste in the process. NAR reports how the speed of home sales is ramping up:

“Properties typically remained on the market for 22 days in July, seasonally down from 24 days in June and from 29 days in July 2019. Sixty-eight percent of homes sold in July 2020 were on the market for less than a month.”

In addition, NAR notes:

“Total existing-home sales…jumped 24.7% from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.86 million in July. The previous record monthly increase in sales was 20.7% in June of this year. Sales as a whole rose year-over-year, up 8.7% from a year ago (5.39 million in July 2019).”

As you can see, the market is gaining steam. For two consecutive months houses have sold very quickly. Essentially, you may not have time to sleep on it or shop around when you find a home you love. Chances are, someone else loves it too. If you take your time, it may not be available when you’re ready to commit.

Bottom Line

The housing market is very strong right now, and buyers are scooping up available homes faster than they’re coming to market. If you’re planning to purchase a home this year, let’s connect to discuss the trends in our current area, so you’re ready to compete – and win.

Finding the right home to purchase today is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers. With so few homes for sale and construction of newly built homes ramping up, you may be wondering if you should consider new construction in your search process. It’s a great question to ask, and one to look at from the pros and cons of what it means to buy a new home versus an existing one. Here are a few things to consider when making the best decision for your family.

New Construction

When buying a new home, you can often choose more energy-efficient options. New appliances, new windows, a new roof, etc. These can all help lower your energy costs, which can add up to significant savings over time. With programs like ENERGY STAR, your home also helps protect the environment and reduces your carbon footprint.

Lower maintenance that comes with a newer home is another great benefit. When you have a new home, you likely won’t have as many little repairs to tackle, like leaky faucets, shutters to paint, and other odd jobs around the house. With new construction, you’ll also have warranty options that may cover portions of your investment for the first few years.

Another solid benefit to new construction is customization. Do you want a mudroom, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, hardwood floors, an office, or a multipurpose room to homeschool your children? These items can be customized to your specific needs during the design phase. With an existing home, you’re buying something that’s already completed, so if you want to make changes, you may need to hire a contractor to help get your home ready for your family.

Existing Home

When buying an existing home, you can negotiate with the current homeowner on price, which is something you generally don’t get to do with a builder. Builders know their material and construction costs, and they have a price set for the model you’re buying. So, if you want to negotiate, then maybe an existing home will be best.

For many families, having an established neighborhood is also important. Some buyers like to know the neighbors, if it’s family-friendly, and traffic patterns before making a commitment. When you buy new construction, you won’t have a full view of some of those details until the lots around you are sold.

Finally, timing comes into play. With an existing home, you can move in based on the timeline you agree to with the sellers. With new construction, you need to wait for the house to be built. Depending on the time of the year you’re buying and the region you’re in, the weather can also be a factor in the timeframe. This is something really important to keep in mind, especially if you need to move sooner rather than later. Over the past few months with COVID-19 and social distancing regulations, some areas for new construction have been delayed.

Bottom Line

Whether you want to buy a newly built home or one that’s already established, both are great options. They each have their pros and cons, and every family will have different circumstances driving their decision. If you have questions and want to know more about the options in our area, let’s connect today so you can feel confident making a decision about your next home.

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