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Long Term Leases in the North Georgia Community of Big Canoe - Try Before You Buy
By Karin Elliott | May 15, 2008
Many Buyers ask me what neighborhood they should live in. All my buyers are unique, which is why I love living here. Big Canoe is not a run of the mill “have to live here” neighborhood. Somewhere along the line most of my buyers have learned about Big Canoe through “buzz”, meaning that someone knows someone else that lives in Big Canoe, and it’s very interesting. My very funny personal introduction to Big Canoe was when I refused to go on a girl’s retreat up here because I thought it was a kooky tourist attraction!!! Oh how wrong I was! A few years after that my in-laws bought a lot up here and eventually built. I used that time to thoroughly assess this “Big Canoe” and realized that it was just about the best place in the world! When my husband and I chose to take the plunge and leave the comforts of suburbia, we weren’t sure what we’d find in Big Canoe.
After careful thought we decided to lease a home for a year to get to know all the neighborhoods. We leased a home that was very close to the North Gate. It was a very nice home and the rent was even nicer! My first night in the new house truly scared the pants off me!! I had to walk the dogs as I normally did in Duluth, Georgia. It was PITCH dark and the stars were the only thing keeping me from thinking I fell into the abyss. Every leaf that rustled made me jump. I wondered if I made the right decision.
The next day I woke up early, made my coffee and while everyone was sleeping, I sat quietly on the front porch and watched a herd of deer gently pick through the huckleberries in the back yard. It was that moment that I knew Big Canoe was the right place. I loved the house and became famous with my neighbors as the “waver” because whether it was morning, noon, or night I was outside in the driveway with my kids, usually on the phone waving to all the folks driving past the house. I taught the kids to wave when they heard a car so I knew they were aware of it. Most folks could set their clocks to me by what I was drinking; eight to ten AM I drank coffee, ten to five it was a Diet Coke, Five to WHENEVER it was red wine. This was a lot of fun but I felt like a fiddler crab with all the waving.
About a year later I found a wonderful home nestled about 5 miles back with only a handful of regular neighbors that I not only wave to but usually have a “Stop and Chat” with, since we are “hardcore” Big Canoers surrounded by weekenders. This means we can walk our dogs in our PJ’s from Monday till Friday and nobody sees us! I am in Heaven back here but I know it’s not for everyone.
My point to all this is that there is a home for everyone in Big Canoe, but only the Buyer knows where that home is. One suggestion is to spend some time in Big Canoe, as much time as you can spend. Some of my buyers make several trips up here, and others choose to simply lease a home for a year while the explore on their own the many facets of Big Canoe.
Leasing is a new option and a great opportunity for Sellers during this slower market. Buyers are more leery to take the plunge until they truly understand the concept behind Big Canoe. I’m still trying to figure it out but affectionately refer to it as “Vegas with Trees” and a view. People don’t like to move very often and prefer to try something out before they take the plunge. It is a win-win situation when you think about it. The Seller gets relief for a year until the market rebounds and the Tenant (Potential Buyer) gets to learn the ins and outs of Big Canoe.
Many Sellers are not quite ready to lease yet but I have some great homes with flexible Sellers that are willing to lease. Please look at the following homes if you are considering a long term lease before you buy in Big Canoe. Word to the wise: Sellers are more willing to lease if you are pet-free.
- 6260 Columbine Drive has Blue views and space for many guests. Everything as been updated and it is serene from all aspects. Reasonable Listed at $499K the owner is willing to long-term lease. Call for specifics.
- 6099 Indian Pipe is a much smaller and rustic furnished rental with a view and a comfortable price of $950 per month for 6 months or longer.
- 2225 Cherokee Trail has 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths, PLUS it’s close to the gate and it’s only $1,700 per month. Great for commuters and close to the Wildcat Recreational Area/Trails.
These are 3 examples and there are many more that would work for long term rentals. Call me if you think this might be the route for you. Knowing your neighborhood before you buy in it will ensure piece of mind that you made the right choice.
~Karin Elliott is resident of the North Georgia mountain Community of Big Canoe. See all Karin’s Big Canoe Real Estate Listings here. Read more about living in Big Canoe in her blog Life in Big Canoe, Real Estate in the Mountains.
Topics: All Posts, Big Canoe Real Estate |
May 16th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Great article Karin! I am amazed at the current level of interest in long term rentals / leases.
May 16th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
My daughter and son in law are looking for a new primary residence in Big Canoe and I will be spending a lot of time there with them. You know … your blog brings up a good point. Every time they return from Big Canoe, they tell me about how many different styles of homes, lot types, views and neighborhoods there are to consider. I am going to recommend that they read your blog and consider this option.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Thanks for commenting Irene. There are many options right now - not just here in Big Canoe, but all over the North Georgia area. Our main business is listing and selling North Georgia real estate, but individual circumstances vary. Ultimately, our job is to match a client with a home, and if a lease, lease option, or lease purchase makes this happen, I feel we have achieved our goal.
June 5th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Hello,
What an interesting article! My husband & I have sold our Atlanta home & are considering “trying out” a home for a year & may have interest in Big Canoe. Even with our downsizing effort, we still need a fair amount of space.
I would appreciate your forwarding a list of available long term rental properties. Four bedrooms + office area would be ideal, as well as basement storage area,2+car garage. Thanks.
June 5th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Donna - I’m glad you found the article interesting!
Karin will email you some info tonight. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!