Blue Ridge Market Update by The Petrillo Group

Last Updated May 2008 - Click here for printable version

Aerial view of our officeHello Lake Blue Ridge neighbor! The Petrillo Group is gearing up for another great year on Lake Blue Ridge as well as another strong real estate year. This will be our third summer in our lakeside office. If you have not stopped by to visit us yet, please feel free to at any time. We are located on Marina Drive, just before you get to the Lake Blue Ridge Marina.

As I sit here on a cold, rainy winter day I think to myself how fortunate we are to be finally getting some welcomed precipitation! Currently the lake level is on track for what it should be at this time of year. Yeah!!!! The forecast is calling for more rain and I think we should see normal lake levels this Spring. Keep doing your rain dances, it's working! We are looking forward to the first warm days to kick off the 2008 boat and water ski season.

In this issue of Lake News, we will update you on the state of our real estate market, both county-wide and on Lake Blue Ridge. We'll also showcase local events that are going to take place and feature our lake front listings at the time of publication. As always, if you would like to discuss any of these issues further or have any questions, please don't hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email.

KRISTY PETRILLO IS TOP PRODUCING AGENT FOR 2007!

Kristy Petrillo has been named #1 !! After 5.5 years of selling real estate in the North Georgia Mountains, Kristy became the top producing agent in the entire North East GA Board of Realtors. The Board consists of over 1,200 agents! She was awarded the 9 Million Dollar Club Award, a Lifetime Million Dollar Club Award and the prestigious RE/MAX Chairman's Club Award for 2007. In addition, Kristy was also awarded by RE/MAX for being the number 7 agent out of over 5,000 in the state of Georgia. Kristy will be accepting her awards at this year's Real Estate Banquet in Hiawassee and at the RE/MAX Convention in Las Vegas.

This has been a goal of Kristy's ever since she started selling real estate in 2003. When asked how she accomplished this, her answer was very simple: "A Positive Attitude and Customer Service." When everyone was complaining about how bad the real estate market was, Kristy kept a positive attitude, stayed focused and increased her marketing. She remained focused on what has made her successful and stuck to a plan. A majority of Kristy's business is from past clients and referrals from satisfied customers.

PRO WATER SKI TOURNAMENT COMING TO NORTH GA
May 30-June 1

The H2Osmosis Pro Swerve, the first stop of the Master Craft Pro Water Ski Tour is making Whitestone Lakes Estates, located in Ellijay, GA, its home. The world's top slalom water skiers will be traveling to the North Georgia Mountains in hopes of taking home their piece of the $40,000+ cash prize. The Petrillo Group is a proud sponsor of this prestigious event. For more information about the event, visit www.h2oskievents.com or call H2Osmosis Sports, 706.253.7902. For more information about property for sale in Whitestone Lake Estates or details about the event, please call AJ @ 770-853-5280.

Meet The Petrillo Group

A graduate of Clemson University, Kristy majored in Finance and Marketing and applies these skills to assist her customers in their real estate investment strategies. She is currently the topproducing real estate agent in all of North GA out of 1200 agents. As a competitive waterskier, Kristy is very familiar with Lake Blue Ridge and many of the surrounding lake properties. She works closely with local land developers and always has the inside track on large tracts of land and lake property available for sale but possibly not listed. She also has several of her own vacation rentals both on and off the lake, long term rental properties, and can give first hand knowledge of what it takes to be successful in the rental business. If she's not hard at work selling and listing houses, you'll find Kristy skiing on the lake, wakeboarding with friends or cruising the lake on the pontoon boat enjoying wine and cheese with the Berrys. 770-843-0310

A graduate of Clemson University, AJ majored in Graphic Communications and Business. He is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Producer Club. Before his real estate career, AJ sold printing and advertising in Atlanta. His love for the lake, mountains and real estate brought him to North GA. When AJ is not selling real estate, you can find him on the lake training for upcoming national waterski tournaments, his next triathlon or in Utah snow skiing. 770-853-5280

GO WITH THE LAKE FRONT EXPERTS

Our office overlooks Lake Blue RidgeThe Petrillo Group has sold more Lake Front Property in the last 3 years than any other agent. We have a special affi nity for Lake Blue Ridge and the surrounding mountains. With its magnificent scenery, year-round recreation and strong sense of history and community, we are so fortunate to live and work here. Let us share with you our passion and knowledge of the lake and surrounding area, along with our real estate expertise. We take great pride in representing all types of property, including Lake front, riverfront, mountain views, raw land or cabins.

We live here, love it here, and would like nothing better than to assist you with your real estate needs on Lake Blue Ridge and the surrounding mountains.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Here is a glance of some upcoming events in our area:

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks, Marina, on or near July 4th.
Live music and food beginning at 4 p.m. Food provided by the Masonic Lodge.

New Water Ski Shop in North GA
H2Osmosis Water Sports Outfitters

Everything you need on the water, in one stop. Water Skis, Wake Boards, Kayaks, Accessories, Apparel, and More!!!
Serving the Greater Blue Ridge Area. New Location in Talking Rock. just off 515.
352 Carns Mill Road
706.253.7902
www.h2osmosis.com
www.h2oproshop.com
15% off your first purchase at H2Osmosis

10th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAKE BLUE RIDGE CLEAN UP

The Petrillo Group is a proud sponsor of the Lake Blue Ridge Clean Up to be held on Saturday May 17th, 2008. This will be the 10th anniversary of the clean up. Beverly Prince, one of the organizers, said that the group of volunteers usually collects over 3,000 pounds of garbage and trash from around the shoreline. The Lake Blue Ridge Clean Up is looking for sponsors and volunteers for this year's event. Lunch and dinner are provided for all of the volunteers and the fi rst 50 people to show up get a free T-shirt. The clean up begins at Morganton Point at 10:00am. For more information about this great event please call 706-273-3236. The Blue Ridge Water Ski Club is the primary organizer of this event and has been keeping Lake Blue Ridge clean for many, many years. Thank you to everyone who has helped keep our beautiful lake clean!

Volunteers working hard to keep our
lake clean

AJ hanging out with the clean up
organizers, Tommy and Beverly Prince

LAKE BLUE RIDGE SALES UP IN 2007

Even though the lake level was down most of the summer, lake sales were up! Traditionally waterfront property is not as affected by a slower market as other real estate. This was true for Lake Blue Ridge in 2007. We saw an increase of 39% from 2006 to 2007 in the median sales price of Lake Front property. Not bad for a nation-wide real estate slow down! The median sales price in 2006 was $845,000 and the median sales price in 2007 was $1,175,000. Total volume in sales dollar was up 38.31% from 2006 to 2007. Total sales volume in 2006 was $12,369,000 and was $17,108,000 in 2007.

See below for complete statistics and comparisons from 2006-2007 of Lake Front Property on Lake Blue Ridge. All statistics were taken from the North East GA Board of Realtors MLS. For a free market analysis of what your property is worth, please contact the Petrillo Group. 706-258-5524

LAKE FRONT VACATION RENTALS

Tired of unwanted house guests? Send them to one of our get-a-ways on the lake!

Indigo Cove · Direct Lake Front, Starting at $350/night	Deep Water Lodge · Direct Lake Front, Starting at $175/night 770-853-5280

LAKE FRONT PROPERTY FOR SALE

	Pine Point · Lake Blue Ridge Retreat! Dip your toes in the clean, clear water from your dockbeside this Craftsman style paradise. Living room features a floor to ceiling truemasonry fireplace, dining room and gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops andmission style cabinets; 2 Large Guest Rooms, Master Suite with room for sitting area and office, 3 full baths featuring antique furniture pieces, oversized loft, 2 laundry rooms. Private bunk room and game area provide plenty of room for family & guests.Outdoor areas include 2 large covered patios overlooking the lake and a Detached 2-car garage lets you store everything you need for outdoor living right on the bank.Truly a Custom Craftsman Style Masterpiece. #159793 Offered at $1,650,000
	Hazelwood Point · True Lake Front Log Home with Expansive Views of Lake Blue Ridge nestled on a private level lot with DEEP WATER. Large kitchen with stainless steel appliances,open floor plan with walls of windows overlooking the lake, Stacked Stone floor to ceiling wood burning fireplace, 4 Bedrooms and Huge Loft Area with Main Level Master Bedroom, Full Finished Terrace Level features a pool table and hottub. Oversized decks with screened-in eating area are ideal for entertaining. 2 CarGarage, Deep Water Boat Dock and Boat Lift. Hurry....lake season is just around the corner! #164476 Offered at $1,490,000
	Chief Lane · Lake Front Cabin in the Aska Adventure Area! 4 Bed/2 Bath/ Pool Table and Game area, Hot Tub, Large Screened in Porch, Wood Burning Fireplace on a DEEP WATER Lot with a great dock and deck at the water's edge. This is your Quintessential Lake Cabin! Multiple levels of decks for entertaining, steps down to the lake, nestled in the woods like a tree house, established rental history, grossed 35K in 2006, at this price it won't last long! #157165 Offered at $699,900
	Lake Cove · Gentle Lake Front building lot with Septic and well installed, huge building area, private dock and close to town. Beautiful Lake and Mountain Views, an easy walkto the lake. All the work has been done and the lot is ready to be built on. Owner ismotivated and lot is priced well below appraisal. Own your piece of Lake Blue Ridge at a steal of a price! #154763 Offered at $574,900
	Misty Mountain · Lake Blue Ridge Access with shared dock. Just a short walk to the beautiful waters of Lake Blue Ridge tucked amongst mountain laurel and rhododendron sits this 3 bedroom 2 bath home with large game loft. All wood inside and out, the cabin features lots of outdoor entertaining space, screened-in wrap around porch, largekitchen and living area with wood burning fireplace, master located on the main level with large Jacuzzi tub and separate shower. Upper level features a great Jack and Jill floor plan with 2 bedrooms split by a full bath. Steps away from USFS. #140904 Offered at $484,900
	Hideaway Place · The Least Expensive way to have a home on Lake Blue Ridge with your own personal Boat Slip. This 2 Bedroom 2.5 Bath townhome comes complete with a finishedbasement w/ kitchenette and full bath, Main level features Amazing Lake Views, Stone Fireplace, Large Deck, Hot Tub, Large Master Bedroom. The Best Deal on the Lake! #137077 Offered at $419,000

PERSONAL CHEF SERVICES OFFERED IN BLUE RIDGE

Enjoy your Blue Ridge lake house or cabin in style with a first class, personalized culinary experience. Chef Jenna Schreiber will coordinate an extravagant dinner party, a romantic dinner for two, or feed the family a healthy, delicious supper. No affair is too big or small.

• Customized Menus
• Dinner Parties
• Lakeside Picnics
• Prepared Meals
• Personal Shopping

Chef Jenna and her team will organize all of your culinary needs.
Call or email for a custom consultation. 706.889.6607 or 843.345.2694

PETRILLOS COMPETE IN 2007 WATER SKI NATIONALS

Kristy and AJ Petrillo competed in the 2007 Water Ski Nationals held in Bakersfield, CA last August. This is the largest water ski tournament in the world. Kristy finished an impressive 3rd in the jump event, and AJ finished 6th in the overall event consisting of Slalom, Trick and Jump.

Kristy and AJ are gearing up for another great season of competition and have qualified for the 2008 National competition to be held in West Palm Beach, FL. For more information about getting involved in local tournaments and for a schedule of events, please contact AJ at 770-853-5280.