POWER STRUGGLE HELEN AND THE REST OF WHITE COUNTY

As I mentioned in my last blog, there are dramatic differences in Cleveland/White County and Helen/White County. Always have been, always will be it appears. Witness the recent power struggle between the Sheriff of White County and the Fire Chef of Helen. It appears that a 911 call came in and Helen Fire Chief Bert Smith was responding. It was 2 a.m. and there was a road check being held by the White County Sheriff's Dept. It appears that the Fire Chief did not stop, but went around the check point and proceeded to his emergency destination to assist a Helen resident who later died. Evidently there is no cooperation or communication regarding the events happening in the area. ACTUALLY, THE SHERIFF OF WHITE COUNTY ARRESTED THE HELEN FIRE CHIEF! Yep, you read that correctly, The Fire Chief was arrested by the White County Sheriff, for "blowing through the checkpoint". Of course you would think there would be more communication between the powers that be, however the case in point proves that egos have no regard for consequences. Maybe it is time for changes??? Don't forget you can express your opinions very well at the polls! And do write your letters to the editor. There is power in the written word!

Opinion Poll Helen/White County, GA

The results of an online opinion poll conducted by the White County Newspaper are not surprising to me. What does surprise me is the low number of participants. Visions for White County include of course the City of Helen. Since our area is frequently touted as a "retirement" community it is interesting to see that the 259 people who answered the survey do not see our area as a retiree haven. Only 1.9% had that vision. An overwhelming 47.1% want to see growth slowed and want to keep the rural character! Of course the same 13.9% who wanted to see upscale retail stores and restaurants wanted to see steady population and job growth! Only 0.8% wanted to concentrate on visitors in the community. Now that in light of the people who visit to see Xavier Roberts popular Babyland General Hospital, home of the Cabbage Patch dolls. Xavier probably would not be surprised by the 0.8% figure, and I know the City of Helen in general would not be surprised. The dismissal of tourism/visitors as inconsequential will not surprise many businesses in the county who have tried to thrive. It takes support from the local residents to make an area inviting whether visiting for a day or for a week. When the locals are apathetic, the visitors can sense it. White County has long been divided, there is White County/Cleveland and there is White County/Helen and never the twain shall meet it seems!
Anyone keeping up with events could not help but notice the "power struggle" between the Helen Fire Chief and the Sheriff of White County a few weeks back. Actually that is a story for another time. Despite everything, Helen has a lot to offer as does the rest of White County, call me for your Real Estate needs. Or go to my website http://www.flynntaylor.com/ for real estate offerings on a 24/7 basis!

Helen Ga Housing Market

The spin and choice of statistics used by the newspapers and television reports concerning the mortgage and real estate market smack of sensationalism and hyperbole. Yes, there are challenges in both markets and yes, the time old supply vs. demand, prices and length of time to sell are not the same as two years ago. But does the bad news outweigh the good news? NO!
Lower interest rates, listings priced to sell go a long way to making this a good time to buy.

Most pronounced foreclosure problems exist in California, Florida, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. States with the highest levels of speculation during the boom years and then there is the unemployment in the midwest, which is significant.

The problems in the mortgage and real estate market do exist, the situtation, for the most part is much more positive than the national media portrays it!

Helen -Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race

Helen - Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race is coming up fast. You can still be in Helen in time to witness the marvelous balloons as they prepare for lift off! There are cabins to rent if you are a first time visitor, however if you have been here before you might want to think about purchasing a vacation home. Just let me know if you need assistance in this area. I am happy to help. Flynn Gentry-Taylor, Realtor, ABR,CRS,GRI, Keller Williams Lanier Partners serving Helen, Cleveland and Sautee in White County, GA, a perfect retirement/vacation/second home mecca in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also serving Clarkesville, Cornelia, Demorest, Mt. Airy in Habersham County, GA. I can help you with Lake properties on Lake Burton and Lake Rabun in Rabun County, GA also. Enjoy the fun at Swiss Alpine Helen's Balloon Race in June of 2008. Visit my website www.FlynnTaylor.com to see all available listings in this area. (If you are flying in we also have two airstrips available to you, on in White Co., and one in Habersham Co. You can email me at Flynn@FlynnTaylor.com or call me at 705 839 8841