Fall is a wonderful time in Athens. Leaves are changing colors, summer temperatures are moderating, and we can open the windows and enjoy the fresh air, between the air-conditining and heating seasons. And, their is University of Georgia football. The normal game day madness is only going to grow this year after Sports Illustrated picked the Dawgs ad the pre-season #1. Hotels are filled with UGA alumni and visiting team fans. The traffic downtown and near the stadium is like L.A. during rush hour. Noisy game fanatics fill the restaurants and watering holes. But, if you are relocating to the Athens area, it is still a great time to find that special home you are looking for. Houses will still be for sale. Sellers will still open their homes to potential buyers. Deals can be made. You jus... 06/06/2008

Shoal Creek Farms – Country Living – Close to the City                           Deer, squirrels, rabbits, cardinals, and other wildlife are what you will share this community of 2500 to 4500 square foot homes with. Most of the homes are situated on 1 to 2 acre lots, some with lake-frontage. There are several larger lots ranging in size from 2 to15 acres spread throughout the slightly more than one square mile of development. Home prices range from about $275,000 to about $425,000 except for the significantly larger lots. It is a quiet country setting but only 5 minutes to shopping, 12 minutes to the University of Georgia and 15 minutes from the restaurants, business, shopping and night life of downtown Athens. Along with areas of native woodlands, there is a picturesque lake that all r... 06/06/2008

Shoal Creek Farms – Country Living – Close to the City                          Deer, squirrels, rabbits, cardinals, and other wildlife are what you will share this community of 2500 to 4500 square foot homes with. Most of the homes are situated on 1 to 2 acre lots, some with lake-frontage. There are several larger lots ranging in size from 2 to15 acres spread throughout the slightly more than one square mile of development. Home prices range from about $275,000 to about $425,000 except for the significantly larger lots. It is a quiet country setting but only 5 minutes to shopping, 12 minutes to the University of Georgia and 15 minutes from the restaurants, business, shopping and night life of downtown Athens. Along with areas of native woodlands, there is a picturesque lake that all re... 06/03/2008

If you are traveling to Athens,  GA,  whether for business,  relocation , to attend a  UGA game  or  just  to visit,  there  are a number of  excellent restaurants  you might enjoy. My wife's favorite food is Mexican. (Ok, I admit, I enjoy it also). That is why we were so glad to discover Agua Linda Mexican Restaurant's recent opening at the junction of Timothy Rd and Atlanta Highway The staff is friendly, courteous and efficient. You will be greeted as you come in and quickly seated in the fair sized dining room (OK, sometimes there is a wait; it is a very popular spot, especially on Mariachi Wednesday). Or, if you prefer, you can seat yourself at the bar or one of its’ bistro tables, where, Oscar will pour you an excellent Margarita (rocks, no salt for me) or your refreshment of choic... 05/27/2008

Yep, that's so, at least according to the Athens Area Association of Realtors. The last month has shown a significant upturn in listing and buying activities. This mirrors the activity we have seen at the office I work out of, Keller Williams Realty of Greater Athens. Athens (and it's surrounding areas) has not suffered the same severe downturn in value that some of Georgia and other parts of the country have (yes, it's true, the news isn't all bad out there, no matter what you have read in the papers or seen on tv). Average home sales prices here have risen about 1%, or so, over the last year. Yes, volume has been down, average DOM (days on market) is still high, and, there have been more foreclosures than normal (for this area while not approaching the terrible problems of many areas)... 05/14/2008

Congratulations to Athens, Georgia on being named # 33 of the top 50 "Green Cities in the United States.  Popular Science published their updated list of green cities in February 2008, based on judging of 4 components including electricity, transportation, green living, and recycling  + green perspective. Interested in finding out more information on living  green, building green, and green real estate techniques?  Check out some of the links below:Greener BuildingsGreen StridesGreen By Design     Being "Green" makes Athens, GA a great place to call home! 04/08/2008

Are you looking for the "#1 Small Metro Area for Relocating Families"?  Or maybe the "Best Place to Retire"?  Or one of the "Seven Cool Cities"?  How about living in one of the top "50 Green Cities"?  Consider moving to Athens, Georgia!  I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself.  I'm Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker of Success Realty and a Relocation Services Specialist.  Perhaps most importantly, I'm a native of Athens, Georgia and I'm ideally suited to help you relocate to this area. Georgia may be best know for the "5 P's" - peaches, peanuts, pine trees, poultry, and pecans, but I know that Athens has something for everyone.  Whether your are looking for the diverse cultural opportunities that the University of Georgia brings to Athens or outdoor recreation opportunities for young ... 04/04/2008

Coming up at the Classic Center are: The Robert Osborne Film Festival April 10-13  The Very Hungry Caterpillar  May 1Athens Symphony Concerts  May 9-10 For more information contact the Classic Center at 706-357-4444 or www.ClassicCenter.com Congratulations to the UGA Gymdogs for winning the SEC Championship!!UGA hosts the NCAA Championships April 24-26.  Go to georgiadogs.com where you can purchase tickets while supplies last.    04/03/2008

The media has been spreading some good news for us in Athens, GA.   The Athens Banner Herald had an article published on February 28 that confirms that Athens will be ahead of the rest of the state in economic growth this year. More specifically the article states that we should have DOUBLE the rate of academic growth vs. the rest of the state. Read the rest of the article here.    Even more news:  According to the March edition of Atlanta Magazine: Athens & its nearby town of Watkinsville are in the top ten for price change in the state AND increase in number of homes sold in 2007 vs. 2006. This data was provided to Atlanta Magazine by Smart Numbers and data is listed below: Athens Zip Code 30601 saw an average home price increase from 2006 to 2007 of 12%Athens Zip Code 30606 saw an i... 03/31/2008

 More good news:  Although Georgia as a state is still designated as "At Risk", USA Today reports Athens, Georgia as an "expansion area"!  The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight reports a 2.6% gain for home values in Georgia in 2007.  USA Today reminds us that "Businesses and consumers not in areas most affected by the housing boom and bust are not escaping the effects of the housing slump entirely...", mostly due to tightening in the availability of mortgage money due to high forelcosure and secondary lender closures.  03/13/2008

It's been an interesting few weeks in the mortgage market with rates fluctuating and the scary, but thankfully temporary, disappearance of 100% financing in Georgia due to being rated a "declining market" for the entire state by several risk management (PMI) companies.  However, spring market is just around the corner and happily, buyers are leaving their winter hibernation behind and starting to search for homes in Athens, Georgia.In a recently released report from Georgia State University's Economic Forecasting Center, it's predicted that  Athens, Georgia will avoid a full recession this year and grow at twice the rate of the rest of the state of Georgia.  It's predicted that Athens will add 1.6% more jobs than the rest of the state's predicted 0.8%.  The growth can be attributed in a... 03/08/2008

Congratulations on your decision to consider relocating to Athens, Georgia - "The Classic City of the South". Georgia may be best know for the "5 P's" - peaches, peanuts, pine trees, poultry, and pecans, but I know that Athens has something for everyone.  Whether your are looking for the diverse cultural opportunities that the University of Georgia brings to Athens or outdoor recreation opportunities for young families and retirees...you'll find it in Athens!Athens, Georgia has two unique residents that no one else can claim:The tree that owns itself, actually the son of the tree has now inherited the lot!The only double barrel cannon in the world -We hope you will consider joining our two especially unique residents in calling Athens, Georgia home!To help you plan you visit or move to ... 03/04/2008

 "Athens-Clarke County had been named the second safest city in Georgia, behind only the metropolitan Atlanta community of Roswell, in the Kansas-based Morgan Quitno Press annual ranking. The ranking, based on FBI crime statistics, further noted that Athens-Clarke is the 136th safest city in the country, up significantly from last year's 158th-place showing."  Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on 11/06/06 Georgia's Sex Offender Registry PageInformation on crime statistics in the Athens, GA metro including the counties of Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison & Oconee:  GBI Crime Statistics for Clarke County during 2005Number of crimes by offenseMonthMurderRapeRobberyAssaultBurglaryLarcenyVehicle TheftJanuary158159437727February 037166034525March 038175540031April 1310157440825May ... 02/28/2008

If you, like me, really dislike staying in a cold, impersonal hotel room and are feeling adventurous, you may want to explore the world of Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Locations in and around Athens, Georgia when you come to visit or shop for real estate in Athens, GA.Here are some of the Bed & Breakfast locations in and around Athens, Georgia:Grand Oaks Bed & Breakfast, formerly know as the Nicholson House is a an 1820's Historic Inn about 5 miles from downtown Athens, GA.  "Located on 34 splendid acres and well off the road, the rocking chairson the verandah beckon you to relax and unwind with the sights and sounds of nature. The grounds boast springs with a nature walk through the majestic forest, a secluded lake, and vast rolling fields. Congenial deer and wildlife abound. Don't miss the e... 02/28/2008

Let us help you make your decision to consider a move to the "Classic City of the South", Athens, Georgia.  Athens, GA has received a great deal of recent, national attention, including:Athens: One of Seven Cool Cities, Kiplingers Personal Finance, October 2005 Athens: One of Five Best Places to Retire 2005, Money Magazine, October 11 & November 2006! Athens Named One of AmericanStyle Magazine's Top 25 Arts Destinations for 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 Athens Ranks 34th Nationally in Quality-of-Life by 'Cities Ranked & Rated' Rolling Stone magazine names Athens America's #1 College Music Scene, 2/20/03 Featured in LA Times Sunday Travel Section, 6/15/03 Featured in Washington Post Sunday Travel Section, 6/29/03 Featured in Country Discoveries Magazine, Summer 2003. Featured in South... 02/28/2008

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) acts a central warehouse of homes for sale in Athens Georgia and many of the surrounding areas.  Through agreements in place, the 100+- companies with  800+- agents in the area share information about homes for sale.  The Athens MLS took a huge technology leap with our new provider and we now have many more tools available to help you with your home search!What does this mean to someone searching for a home in Athens, Georgia?  A more friendly, comprehensive experience for those exploring what homes are available in the Athens area and a better way for Athens Georgia real estate agents to serve our clients, both buyers and sellers.  Those of you who have visited before will notice that there is now one link (to the right) to search for homes, land or c... 02/20/2008

It's Valentines Day 2008 so here are a few of the things I love about Athens, Georgia!The Athens, Georgia real estate market has remained mostly stable with appreciation in most areas!In Athens, Georgia and the surrounding area we have great Bed and Breakfast Accomodations - what a romantic get away or special treat for a visit!Athens was named the second safest city in Georgia!There is always something to do that is fun in Athens, Georgia!Great neighborhoods like Five Points are found in Athens, Georgia!We love our University of Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Georgia!We love the University of Georgia for the diversity and cultural opportunities it brings to Athens, Georgia! Now - please tell me what you love about  Athens, Georgia! For relocation and general information (including school ... 02/13/2008

Whoo Hoo! An early spring has been predicted by General Beau Lee, Georgia's Official Weather Prognosticator, who lives in luxury at the Yellow river Game Ranchin Lilburn, Georgia.I'm so glad he didn't see his shadow - I'm ready for warmer weather!The phones are ringing off the hook, with potential buyers getting an early start on searching for homes in the Athens, Georgia area, this week.  So I am predicting an early spring market for Athens, Georgia area real estate, also!Happy Groundhog Day!           02/02/2008

Planning a quick trip to Athens, Georgia or considering relocation to the Classic City of the South?  Here is a list of links to information to help make planning your visit even easier!The Flagpole's Restaurant Guide is one of the most all inclusive list with great reviews included.  Find all things food here!  Their main page will also lead you to tons of information on art and music events. Explore these before heading to Athens!  Visiting in June?  Don't miss AthFest, our "annual music and arts festival in downtown Athens, Georgia that largely showcases the Athens area musical and artistic community".The Athens Welcome Center has tons of brochures, including 5 self guided tours.  Alternatively you can join the Historic Tour which is a "90 minute guided tour of Athens that departs da... 01/25/2008

The Holidays are over and I've recuperated - have you?  It's been kind of nice to snuggle up in the house during the cold snap the last few days, catch up on some great books and enjoy my family, but now I'm searching for something fun to do in Athens, GA - the Classic City of the South!  Here are my picks for the next couple of weeks!  The Indigo Girls are coming to the Classic Center for a cool concert!  Tickets are $25.00 and on sale now!On January 26th, 2008, the Thistle & Kudzu Scottish Society presents a celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns including haggis (this may be the best opportunity for your kids to learn about the Scottish culture in this area), dinner, bagpipe music, Scottish dance and more!  What a cool fun and learning activity for kids and adults!  Ticke... 01/25/2008