Blog

Category: Latest Posts

  • Cities with the most expensive homes in Georgia

    Cities with the most expensive homes in Georgia

    Georgia’s real estate landscape is as diverse as its scenery, with home prices stretching from $518,000 to well over $4.4 million. Even as some areas have eased slightly, the Atlanta metro has seen remarkable growth—up 20% to 43% over the past five years. As someone deeply rooted in North Georgia, I see firsthand how these trends reach beyond Atlanta, shaping sought-after communities like Blue Ridge and the surrounding mountain towns. Whether you’re drawn by the idea of a luxury mountain retreat or the charm of small-town living, understanding these price shifts is key to making confident choices in our evolving market.

    Continue to full article

  • Americans Earning $109,152 Can Afford Homeownership

    Americans Earning $109,152 Can Afford Homeownership

    Home affordability in the U.S. declined for the fifth straight month in June, requiring an annual income of about $109,152 to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced single-family home at $446,400. High home prices and mortgage rates averaging 6.57% continue to limit homeownership. Although affordability improved compared to last year due to rising incomes and slightly lower rates, monthly trends show buying remains challenging for middle-class buyers.

    Continue to full article

  • New on the market in the Aska Adventure Area! This gorgeous 3 bed, 3-1/2 bath, 7-acre creekfront & mountain view property awaits you!

  • US Vacancy Dips, but Stabilized Assets Lag | https://www.michelemovesmountains.com

    US apartment vacancy eased to ~8% in Late-Q2 2026, but most improvement came from newly delivered communities leasing up, not stronger performance across established inventory.
    Quarterly absorption reached ~164K units, topping ~118K new units added, yet stabilized properties still saw vacancy ↑~35 basis points yearly overall nationally.
    High-end four- and five-star apartments captured ~70% of demand, and overall vacancy in that segment improved while stabilized luxury properties faced tougher backfilling.
    The national gap between overall and stabilized vacancy reached ~50 basis points, showing new lease-ups did the heavy lifting as older properties faced leasing pressure.
    Through coming quarters, headline vacancy may keep improving, but existing properties could stay pressured into 2027 as operators emphasize retention, incentives, and repositioning.

  • U.S. At 250: Housing Still Defines the Dream | https://www.michelemovesmountains.com

    As the US celebrates 250 years, housing still stands as part of the American story, linking homeownership with family wealth, economic strength and aspiration.
    Across US history, landmark housing policies expanded homeownership opportunities, helping generations of working Americans purchase homes and build long-term financial stability over time.
    Housing connected household progress with the broader economy, underscoring why owning a home remained central to the American Dream for many families.
    Homeownership has not always looked the same, showing access and experience changed across different periods of US life for American families over time.
    That balance of aspiration and uneven access remains essential context when discussing housing’s role in wealth building, opportunity and long-term stability today.

  • More Renters Enjoy Stability and Choose to Stay

    More Renters Enjoy Stability and Choose to Stay

    Did you know only 37% of renters expect to move in the next 3 years, down from 57% a decade ago? 🏠💸 Rising mortgage costs—not lack of desire—are keeping dreams on hold. Would you move if homeownership felt affordable? Share your thoughts! 👀

    Continue to full article

  • Georgia Offers Unique Opportunities for Young Homebuyers

    Georgia Offers Unique Opportunities for Young Homebuyers

    A recent study found Georgia ranks 39th in the nation for mortgage applications from adults under 35, with just 17.9% of conventional applications in 2025 coming from this age group. Our typical home value sits at $333,559—noticeably higher than states attracting more young buyers, where values tend to be under $300,000. As someone who helps clients explore both the realities and rewards of living in the North Georgia mountains, I see firsthand how price points and local character shape who’s able to make the move. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of mountain views, outdoor adventure, or the sense of community that defines Blue Ridge, understanding these trends is key to making the right decision for your next chapter.

    Continue to full article