Tom Burke, Realtor

05/31/2026

Thinking about buying a cabin as an investment in North Georgia?

You’ve probably heard about DSCR loans—and they can be a great option in the right situation.
Instead of focusing on your income,
these loans look at whether the property can generate enough rental income to cover itself.
Sounds simple… but there are a few important details that can make or break a deal.

From what I’ve been seeing around Blue Ridge and Ellijay, this is where a lot of buyers get caught off guard.

I broke it down in a straightforward way so you know what to expect before jumping in.

DSCR Loans for Cabin Investments in North GeorgiaIf you’ve been looking at buying a cabin in Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Cherry Log, Morganton, or around Lake Blue Ridge, and you’re thinking about using it as a short-term rental, you’ve probably come across the term “DSCR loan.”For a lot of buyer...

05/30/2026

Everyone claims to be the #1 Realtor... 🤔
Meanwhile, this guy has actual qualifications:
✅ Loyal
✅ Communicates
✅ Doesn’t ghost you
✅ Knows all the best sniff spots
Honestly, not a bad resume. 😂
On a serious note, there probably isn’t one “best” Realtor for everyone. The goal is finding someone who listens, communicates, and puts your goals first.
MountainLiving RelentlessRepresentation

05/30/2026

Who is the best Realtor in Blue Ridge?

I think that's actually the wrong question. The better question is: Who is the right Realtor for your specific goals?

Buying and selling property in the North Georgia mountains comes with unique considerations. Wells, septic systems, mountain roads, short-term rentals, waterfront regulations, and terrain can all impact your decisions.

I recently published a blog that explains what buyers and sellers should look for when choosing a Realtor in Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Cherry Log, Morganton, and the Lake Blue Ridge area.
Whether you're relocating, investing, looking for a second home, or preparing to sell, asking the right questions can help you find the right fit.

When you're buying or selling property in the North Georgia mountains, one of the first questions you'll eventually ask is, "How do I choose the right Realtor?"If you've spent any time searching online, you've probably seen dozens of agents claiming to be the best Realtor in Blue Ridge GA. The truth...

05/26/2026

Just posted a new luxury home tour from Cherry Log, Georgia.

This one combines mountain modern design, year-round mountain views, protected national forest frontage, and quick access to downtown Blue Ridge — which is a pretty rare combination up here.

4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, walls of glass, outdoor living spaces, and a location just off Aska Road near hiking, the Toccoa River, and Lake Blue Ridge. Definitely one worth seeing.

What happens when you combine mountain modern design, sunset views over protected national forest land, the sound of Stanley Creek below you, and a location ...

05/14/2026

Thinking about buying an Airbnb cabin in Blue Ridge or Ellijay?
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming every area performs the same.

The truth is:�Aska, Morganton, Cherry Log, Lake Blue Ridge, and Ellijay all offer completely different experiences for guests—and that directly affects bookings.

Things like:�
• Privacy�
•Views�
• Accessibility�
• Proximity to downtown�
• Outdoor recreation�
• Road quality

…all play a major role in how a cabin performs as a vacation rental. The right property in the right location can make a huge difference over time.

Not all Airbnb cabins in Blue Ridge perform the same, and a big part of that comes down to location.The challenge is that “Blue Ridge” isn’t one single market. It’s a collection of very different micro-markets, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, guest appeal, and investment considerati...

05/13/2026

One thing that surprises a lot of people visiting Blue Ridge for the first time is just how good the restaurant scene has become.
Years ago, Blue Ridge was viewed mostly as a mountain getaway town. Today, it feels much more like a true lifestyle destination — especially when it comes to upscale dining.

Places like Grace Prime Steakhouse, Ferraro’s, Kurokoi, The Black Sheep, Harvest on Main, and The Falls at Blue Ridge have completely changed expectations for what dining in a North Georgia mountain town can look like. Even Ellijay has stepped up with places like The Butcher and Bottle becoming a destination in its own right.

What I find interesting is how closely this connects to the real estate market. A lot of luxury buyers relocating from Atlanta, Florida, and other larger markets are looking for more than just a cabin. They want an overall lifestyle:
✔️ Great restaurants�
✔️ Lake life�
✔️ Mountain views�
✔️ Walkable downtowns�
✔️ Weekend entertainment�
✔️ Outdoor recreation�
✔️ A slower pace without giving up quality experiences

That combination is a huge reason Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Cherry Log, Morganton, and Lake Blue Ridge continue growing in popularity.
Also… breakfast around here is still tougher than dinner in my opinion, but Bigfoot Biscuit and Yellowphant are both worth checking out.

Blue Ridge has changed dramatically over the last several years. What used to be viewed primarily as a mountain cabin destination now has a dining scene that legitimately competes with much larger markets across the Southeast. For buyers relocating from Atlanta, Florida, or other luxury markets, one...

05/06/2026

Thinking about buying a cabin in Blue Ridge or Ellijay as a short term rental?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to self-manage or hire a property manager.

At first, it seems like an easy choice—why give up 20%–40% of your income? But here’s the catch…

Management doesn’t just affect your expenses, it affects your bookings, your reviews, and your overall performance.
Some owners do incredibly well self-managing. Others find that professional management actually increases their income after fees.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but understanding the tradeoffs is key before you buy.

If you’re buying a short term rental in Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Cherry Log, or Morganton, this is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and one of the most misunderstood.Should you self-manage your cabin… or hire a property manager?Most buyers look at this as a simple math problem: “...

05/05/2026

Most STR buyers focus on income… the smart ones focus on what actually drives performance. Blue Ridge and Ellijay aren’t one-size-fits-all markets.