Tom Burke, Realtor

09/22/2026

Fall gets plenty of attention in Blue Ridge because of the scenery, but it can also be one of the best times to evaluate a property.

Once the leaves begin falling, buyers can get a better look at views, privacy, terrain, drainage, roads, and how a home handles cooler weather.

On Lake Blue Ridge, seasonal water-level changes can also reveal things about the shoreline, dock, and usable water that summer listing photos may not show.

I don’t automatically call fall the “best time to buy.” But it may be one of the best times to understand exactly what you’re buying.
In Blue Ridge, you’re often buying much more than the house itself.

You’re also buying the driveway, hillside, trees, view, drainage, and sometimes a dock, well, septic system, or private road.

My goal is simple: help buyers make a great decision.

There’s an obvious reason people love Blue Ridge in the fall. The weather cools off, the leaves change, downtown gets busy, and for a few weeks the mountains put on a pretty spectacular show. If you’re thinking about buying a home here, I like fall for a completely different reason.The mountains...

09/11/2026

If you're moving to North Georgia because you want some land, here's something worth knowing before you start shopping:

Five acres in the mountains can mean a lot of different things.

It might be five beautiful, usable acres surrounding the house. Or it might be a nice homesite with another four acres running straight down the side of the mountain. Both are five acres on the listing, but they're very different properties.

The same goes for privacy. A ten-acre property can have a neighbor surprisingly close if the house sits near the boundary, while a home on two acres can feel completely secluded because of the terrain and tree cover.

And don't assume the tree line or edge of the yard is the property line. When boundaries matter, I want to see the survey rather than guess.

That's why when I'm looking at acreage with buyers around Blue Ridge and Ellijay, my question isn't just "How much land?"
It's "What does the land actually give you?"

Sometimes three great acres are worth a whole lot more than ten acres you can't do anything with.

One of the reasons people move to the North Georgia mountains is land. Maybe you've spent years in a subdivision outside Atlanta, or you're coming from Florida where your neighbor's lanai feels like it's practically attached to yours. Then you start looking around Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Cherry Log or....

09/05/2026

Most people think of Blue Ridge as cabins tucked away in the woods.

This one is a little different.

I recently toured a property on approximately 9.32 acres with fenced pasture, mountain views, a barn and stable setup, and a home that feels much more like a true mountain estate than a typical cabin.

The current listing reports approximately 7,367 square feet, five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, including four oversized primary suites. There’s also a substantial workshop and a lot of outdoor living space.

What I like most about it is the combination of usable land, privacy, mountain scenery and a house big enough for family and friends to really spread out.

That combination is harder to find than people sometimes realize.

I just posted the full walkthrough on YouTube. If you want to see a different side of Blue Ridge real estate, this one is worth a look.

Tom Burke
Mountain Place Realty
Blue Ridge, Georgia

Tour a luxury mountain estate in Blue Ridge, Georgia that offers so...

07/13/2026

"Do I need a Jeep to live in the mountains?"

I hear that question all the time.

The answer might surprise you. Most people don't.

Here's what really matters when it comes to mountain roads, steep driveways, and choosing the right property.

"I Guess I'll Have to Buy a Jeep..."It's funny how often I hear that. Someone starts looking at homes around Blue Ridge or Ellijay, sees a few winding mountain roads online, and assumes they'll need a lifted four-wheel-drive vehicle just to get groceries.The reality is... probably not. Like most thi...

07/07/2026

Most buyers focus on one number: the purchase price.
But that's only part of the story.

Before buying a mountain home, it's important to understand property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and a few hidden costs that don't always show up in the listing.

I put together a guide explaining what it really costs to own a mountain home in North Georgia so you can budget with confidence.

07/06/2026

most people here “septic system “and immediately think expensive problems. The truth? A well-maintained septic system is nothing to be afraid of.

07/06/2026

Is Blue Ridge, Georgia really a great place to live? I get that question all the time.

The answer is yes... if you're looking for mountain views, a slower pace of life, four beautiful seasons, and a community that still feels like a community.

It's not perfect, and it's not for everyone. But for the right buyer, it's an incredible place to call home.

I put together a guide covering both the advantages and the tradeoffs so you can decide if Blue Ridge fits your lifestyle.

It Depends on What You're Looking ForEvery once in a while, someone asks me, "So... what's the catch? It can't be as good as everyone says."Honestly, I usually smile because it's a fair question. Blue Ridge has been featured in countless travel magazines, retirement lists, and "best small towns" art...

07/03/2026

The mountain view gets everyone's attention... and it should.

But after helping buyers throughout Blue Ridge and the surrounding areas, I've learned that the happiest homeowners aren't always the ones who bought the biggest view, they're the ones who understood everything that came with the property.

Things like road maintenance, internet, wells, septic systems, tree growth, and rental restrictions can all make a difference.
If you're thinking about buying a mountain home, I put together a guide covering the questions I wish every buyer knew to ask before making an offer.

One of My Favorite Moments...One of my favorite moments when showing property is watching a buyer step out onto the deck for the first time. They stop talking and they look across the mountains.Somewhere between "Wow..." and "I can picture myself here," they've already started imagining life in Nort...

06/22/2026

Could This Be the Best Location in Blue Ridge?

06/22/2026

Hate people?

What if the ultimate luxury isn't a bigger house but simply privacy?

After helping buyers relocate to Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Cherry Log, Morganton, and the Lake Blue Ridge area, I've noticed a trend. More people are looking for quiet surroundings, dark skies, protected views, and a little distance from the noise and congestion of everyday life.

In my latest article, I explore why privacy has become one of the most sought-after features in today's real estate market and why the North Georgia mountains continue to attract buyers searching for exactly that.

Hate People? You Might Love Living in the North Georgia MountainsMost real estate articles begin by talking about mountain views, outdoor recreation, and charming small towns. Those things are certainly part of the appeal, but after helping buyers relocate to Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Cherry Log, Morgant...