Celebrate this Halloween season by visiting some of the 
local “ghosts” in the area. Here are several places in Metro Atlanta that are rumored to be haunted:
Continue reading "Haunted Real Estate – Atlanta Area ~ posted by Melanie Bailey" »
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- 100 Elaine Dr, Roswell, GA 30075
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Categories
- Atlanta Market Statistics
- Builders / New Construction
- Buyer Tips
- Communities
- Conservation
- Contributing Bloggers
- Current Affairs
- Current Events
- Daily Affirmation
- Decorating
- DIY
- Eco Broker
- Financial
- First Time Buyers
- FUN
- Holiday
- Home Ownership
- Humor
- Investors
- Marketing
- Mortgage
- Outdoors
- Real Estate
- Relocation
- Seller Tips
- Statistics
- Technology
December 01, 2009
Georgia Christmas Tree Farms ~ posted by Melanie Bailey
It's that time of year again! We have compiled a list of Christmas Trees Farms in the area. Happy Holidays!
Continue reading "Georgia Christmas Tree Farms ~ posted by Melanie Bailey" »
October 18, 2009
Jan to Sep 2009 Ashford Chase Home Sales ~ posted by Cynthia Pierce
Please click on the graph to read the details.
Posted by Cynthia Pierce ~ Realtor ~ Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Perimeter
678-298-1589 ~ Realtor@AtlantaAgent.com ~ www.AtlantaAgent.com
Jul - Sep 2009 Ashford Park Home Sales ~ posted by Lisa Vayle
Please click on the graph to read the details.
Posted by Lisa Vayle ~ Realtor ~ Keller Williams Realty First Atlanta ~ 678-283-7001 ~ Lisa@VTeamRealty.com ~ www.VTeamRealty.com
October 01, 2009
2009 Georgia Energy Holiday Oct 1 to Oct 4, 2009 ~ posted by Melanie Bailey
It's a great time to upgrade your appliances or install some low flow products! For the next 4 days, there will be no sales tax on "Energy Star" approved appliances and water efficient products
The energy efficient products eligible for the exemption are as follows:
| air conditioners | ceiling fans |
| fluorescent light bulbs | clothes washers |
| dishwashers | windows (including skylights) |
| refrigerators | programmable thermostats |
| dehumidifiers | doors |
The water efficient products eligible for the exemption are as follows:
| bathroom sink faucets or aerators | |
| high-efficiency toilets and flushing urinals | |
The exemptions are intended for items purchased for non-commercial home or personal use. The exemptions do not apply to:
- products not specifically listed above;
- products with a purchase price over $1,500;
- products purchased for use in a trade or business;
- products that are rented or leased; or
- sales by or to a contractor or retail dealer performing a real property construction contract as a contractor.
For more information or if you have questions, visit Georgia Department of Revenue Website
September 30, 2009
Pick Your Own Pumpkin ~ Georgia Pumpkin Patches ~ posted by Melanie Bailey
GEORGIA PUMPKIN PATCHES
Adams Farm
1486 Georgia Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville, GA ~ 770-461-9395
www.AdamsFarmFayettevilleGa.com
Take delight in finding your own special pumpkin at this farm. Educational tours are also available.
Berry Patch Farms
786 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, GA ~ 770-926-0561
Pick out your pumpkins & take a hayride back to get some apple cider, a homemade fried pie, boiled peanuts and popcorn. Children will also enjoy the playground and baby farm animals.
The Kinsley Family Farmas Tree Farm
7170 Jot-em Down Road, Gainesville, GA ~ 770-887-6028
Celebrate and enjoy the fresh air of the harvest season! Venture around the farm on a scenic hayride, and fire off rounds from the apple cannon! This barn has thousands of pumpkins in all sizes, shapes and colors.
Uncle Bob's Pumpkin Patch
3781 E Happy Valley Circle, Newnan, GA ~ 770-253-8100
Visit this farm to enjoy a hay ride around the farm, find your way through Uncle Bob's tricky crop maze, or to take a stroll on the nature trail through the woods.
Washington Farms
5691 Hog Mountain Rd, Watkinsville, GA ~ 706-769-0627
Enjoy a unique opportunity to stroll out inot a pumpkin patch and choose your own pumpkin. Take a hay ride around the farm and visit the farm animals and try to find your way through our 8.5 acre corn maze!
Yule Forest
3565 Hwy 155 N, Stockbridge, GA ~ 770-954-9356
This pumpkin patch is growing green! Enjoy a hayride, go out and pick your own pumpkin or watch our educational pumpkin movie! Come out and take pleasure in the arrival of the fall season with us!
August 07, 2009
$ 8,000 Refundable Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers - Good for closings through November 30, 2009! ~ posted by Melanie Bailey
First-time homebuyers should begin planning now to take advantage of a tax credit included in the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, commonly referred to as “the stimulus bill”.
The Credit
Applies to home purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
The credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home up to a maximum credit of $8,000.00
Reduces a taxpayer’s tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar.
Is fully refundable, meaning that the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax that they owe.
First-Time Homebuyer and Qualifying Home
A taxpayer is considered a first-time homebuyer if he/she had no present ownership interest in a principal residence in the United States during the three-year period prior to the purchase of the home to which the credit applies. Thus, a prior owner of real estate may qualify if the three-year test is met. If a taxpayer owned a vacation home but not a primary residence within the last three years the taxpayer will be eligible for the credit if purchasing a primary residence.
When and How to Claim the Credit
Eligible homebuyers may claim the credit on their 2008 income tax return for qualifying purchases in 2009. Thus, in certain cases, one may be able to get a refund of the credit shortly after the purchase closes.
Income Limits
The credit is phased out based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). MAGI is your adjusted gross income adjusted for various amounts excluded from income—for example, certain foreign income. For a married couple filing a joint return, the phase-out begins at $150,000. For other taxpayers, the phase-out begins at $75,000. This means the full credit is available for married couples filing a joint return whose MAGI is $150,000 or less and for other taxpayers whose MAGI is $75,000 or less
Credit Recapture
The credit for new homebuyers is recaptured if the home is sold within three years of the date of purchase. Exceptions will be made in certain cases such as sales that occur because of death or divorce.
If you or someone you know may qualify please feel free to contact us Or please pass this along to your friends, family and co-workers so they can take advantage of buying a home before the November 30th deadline.
July 31, 2009
June 12, 2009
May 19, 2009
Jan - Apr 2009 Ashford Park Home Sales ~ posted by Lisa Vayle
Please click on the graph to read the details.
Posted by Lisa Vayle ~ Realtor ~ Keller Williams Realty First Atlanta ~ 678-283-7001 ~ Lisa@VTeamRealty.com ~ www.VTeamRealty.com
Do you Qualify for a First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit? ~ posted by Amanda Nichols
Low fixed interest rates combined with an abundance of affordable for sale housing make this one of the best times in history for first-time home buyers. Add in the fact that you might also qualify for a large tax credit, and the only question left to ask is-what are you waiting for?!
The economic stimulus package that was put in place earlier this year includes a nice incentive for first-time home buyers-a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000. If you're wondering if you qualify for this tax deduction, read on to learn some important points about this limited-time government offering.
Who qualifies?
In addition to being a literal "first-time home buyer"-a person who has never owned a home before-purchasers who have owned in the past can still qualify if they have not owned a residence during the 
three years prior to this new purchase.
Another factor for qualification is salary. If you are single, you qualify for a full tax credit if your income is $75,000 or less. For married couples the limit is a combined income of up to $150,000. Singles or couples who make more than these limits may still qualify for a partial credit.
When do I have to purchase?
The house must be purchased and closing completed on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009 to qualify for the tax credit.
What type of property do I have to buy?
Whether new construction or resale, the tax credit is valid on all primary residences including condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. (Even houseboats qualify!)
Posted by Amanda Nichols ~ Realtor ~ Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Battle
770-490-1563 ~ AmandaNichols@kw.com ~ www.AmandaNichols.com
April 30, 2009
Q1 2009 Sugarloaf County Club Home Sales ~ posted by Pete & Teri Frye
Please click on the graph to read the details.
Posted by Teri & Pete Frye ~ Realtors ~ Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Perimeter
678-298-1611 ~ Frye@kw.com ~ www.TeriFrye.com
Q1 2009 Peachtree Park Home Sales ~ Posted by Amanda Nichols
Please click on the graph to read the details.
Posted by Amanda Nichols ~ Realtor ~ Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Battle
770-490-1563 ~ AmandaNichols@kw.com ~ www.AmandaNichols.com
March 31, 2009
Roswell Riverside Park 2009 Concerts ~ posted by Melanie Bailey
Roswell’s Riverside Park has announced their concert line up and will kick off Saturday, May 2nd. It's a great place to take the kids, friends and go relax and listen to some great music. The best part?? It's FREE!!
Roswell’s Riverside Sounds concert series will kick off on Saturday, May 2 with this year’s theme "A Tribute to Tributes" featuring fantastic tribute bands. These free monthly outdoor concerts are held at Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, May thru October from 7:30-9 p.m.
This year’s line-up includes:
May 2 ~ Friends With You – A John Denver Tribute
June 6 ~ Planet Rock Experience
July 11 ~ Sounds of Essence – The Magic of Motown
August 1 ~ Kingsized – Elvis Memorial Show
September 5 ~ The Return – Vintage 1960’s Beatles
October 3 ~ A1A – The Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band
Riverside Sounds concerts are produced by Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department and are presented by the New 97.1 The River, the Roswell/Alpharetta Neighbor, North Fulton Living Magazine, Lee J. Howard Entertainment and Scroggin & Associates.
January 14, 2009
Tax Deductions Not to Overlook ~ posted by Melanie Bailey
Believe it or not, as taxpayers, we may overlook some seemingly obvious deductions that could save us more of our hard-earned money. Here are some of those items to keep in mind when tax time is looming. Remember, if you're ever unsure about a specific deduction, ask a trusted tax preparer, or visit www.irs.gov for more information.
Vehicle excise tax. If you get a bill from your state or local government charging you a tax for owning a vehicle, you may be able to deduct that tax. You can also get the tax deduction if you lease a vehicle and your finance company bills you for the tax.
Job-hunting expenses. It pays to save your receipts for job-hunting expenses. These expenses are deductible if they were incurred to locate a new job in the same line of work.
Real estate taxes. Also, don't forget taxes you paid indirectly, such as taxes paid through a mortgage escrow account. If you bought a house, check your settlement statement for any taxes which you reimbursed the seller at the closing, too.
Cost of tax preparation.Tax software expenses, preparation fees, and other tax-filing expenses are all deductible on your tax return as a miscellaneous itemized expense. Be careful to deduct them on the return for the year in which you paid the costs.
Estate tax. If the estate of the person who died was large enough to trigger estate tax, find out the amount of estate tax attributable to the IRA distribution. This amount is tax-deductible.
Capital loss carryover.If your capital losses are greater than your capital gains, you won't have to pay tax on the capital gains. If you have a capital loss one year and a capital gain the next year, use your capital loss carryover to reduce your taxes in the later year.
State tax you paid in April with your return. If you owed taxes when you filed your last state tax return, that check you wrote could help you when it's time to pay your next year's taxes.
Reinvested dividends.Often a mutual fund account is set up to automatically reinvest dividends in additional share purchases.
Credit for excess Social Security tax. If you worked for more than one employer during the year, look into the credit for excess Social Security tax.
Non-cash contributions.If you've donated clothes, furniture, or other items to a charity, the value of your donated items is deductible. Always get a written receipt. With non-cash charitable contributions, no receipt means no deduction if you're audited.
New points on refinancing. Any points you pay to refinance your home can be deducted on a monthly basis over the life of the new loan.
Old points on refinancing. Lots of people miss this one. All unamortized points on an old refinancing are deducted in the year of a new refinancing.
Health insurance premiums. Any health insurance premiums you pay are potentially deductible. You have to add these to your total medical expenses, however, and they have to exceed a certain percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI) before they give you any tax benefit. If you're self-employed and not covered by any other employer-paid plan, you can deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums.
Investment and tax expenses. Many of us forget tax planning and investment expenses because they are part of miscellaneous itemized expenses. Expenses to track include your employee business expenses, tax preparation fees and even the portion of your legal or accounting fees relating to tax planning.
Casualty deductions. If the area where you live has been declared a disaster area as the result of a hurricane, flood, wildfire, tornado, etc., you may claim your loss on your next tax return.
Retirement tax credit. This deduction/credit is designed to give moderate and low-income taxpayers an incentive to save for retirement.
January 12, 2009
2008 St Marlo Home Sales ~ posted by Pete & Teri Frye
Please click on the graph to read the details.
Posted by Teri & Pete Frye ~ Realtors ~ Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Perimeter
678-298-1611 ~ Frye@kw.com ~ www.TeriFrye.com
January 07, 2009
2008 Ashford Chase Home Sales ~ posted by Cynthia Pierce
Please click on the graph to read the details.
Posted by Cynthia Pierce ~ Realtor ~ Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Perimeter
678-298-1589 ~ Realtor@AtlantaAgent.com ~ www.AtlantaAgent.com
January 06, 2009
2008 Peachtree Park Home Sales ~ Posted by Amanda Nichols
Please click on the graph to read the details.
Posted by Amanda Nichols ~ Realtor ~ Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Battle
770-490-1563 ~ AmandaNichols@kw.com ~ www.AmandaNichols.com
December 16, 2008
Holiday Home Gift Guide posted by Amanda Nichols
How to Increase Your Home's Value
Not sure what to ask Santa for this year? Why not put presents on your holiday list which add value and convenience to your daily life. This list of home improvement gifts goes beyond tool boxes and electric drills. With these value-added gift ideas you can save energy, save time, and increase your home's value.
Keyless Home Entry
Make losing house keys a thing of the past. Several manufacturers now offer door locks that utilize fingerprint technology. Simply program in your family's fingerprints and you'll never be locked out of your home again. Also, to allow service people and guests temporary entry, a security code keypad is included with many models. Installation is a simple do-it-yourself task. Although it may seem like something from a science fiction film, there's no need to call NASA to get one - they're available nationwide at hardware stores and home centers.
In-Home Safe
Get rid of your safety deposit box and store important documents, jewelry and family treasures in a secure place in your own home. Most in-home safes come with a do-it-yourself bolt down kit for security and offer a degree of fire protection.
Solar Lights
If you want to start making your house more energy efficient and earth friendly, but don't have the money to go totally green, take baby steps this Christmas by putting solar powered outdoor lights on your holiday list. Yard lights and motion sensor security lights offer a low-cost entry into solar-powered home products. On a related note, solar-powered holiday lights are now on the market so you can decorate the tree using eco-friendly LED lights.
Posted by Amanda Nichols ~ Realtor ~ Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Battle
770-490-1563 ~ AmandaNichols@kw.com ~ www.AmandaNichols.com
December 15, 2008
An Invitation to Weatherford Place posted by Mia Hannah
So we approach that time of year where tradition dictates that we might want to reflect on the year past and put some thought into where we want to go in the year to come.
I can honestly say that 2008 has been rewarding indeed. On January 1st I signed up for the course to become EcoBroker Certified and I completed the certification process in the spring. To have the opportunity to bring a passion that I’ve had on a personal level into my professional life has been a real gift in such a . . . shall we say “tumultuous climate”. But my biggest blessing along this path has been becoming the listing agent for Weatherford Place, A Solar Community of Net Zero Energy Homes in Roswell, GA. It is a very unique offering and I’m truly honored to be a part of it.
I would like to invite you - and your children - to come to visit me at Weatherford Place. It does not matter if you are in the market to buy a home. If you are, really great timing J If you are not, it does matter that you know that a place like this actually exists - that the technology is not only available and accessible, but affordable. Why? I can give you two very good reasons – and I believe one of these will appeal to you on some level.
(1) The TOTAL energy bill for the model from October 2007 to October 2008 was less than $150 for the entire year. Not per month . . . for the entire year.
(2) Kennesaw State University is writing curricula for the students in Georgia, for both K thru 12 and college level environmental sciences using the data provided by this LEED Platinum Applicant Neighborhood Development. In other words, curriculum for YOUR children.
#1 is a benefit we can all use. Who here thinks energy bills are going down anytime soon? Like maybe ever?
#2 represents an opportunity Georgia is very lucky to have. In fact, Weatherford Place is the only LEED ND Platinum Applicant in the United States. And it’s right here in Roswell, GA!!
Weatherford Place is open on Wednesdays from 1-5 pm, Sundays from 1-4 pm, and by appointment.
We are located less than ½ mile from Historic Roswell on Minhinette which runs between Woodstock and Crabapple. Put in the address of 1274 Minhinette, Roswell 30075 into your GPS. You can park there and walk across the street to the model.
The tour will take about 30 minutes – we’ve taken the majority of the tour and put it on MP3 players (kind of like at the museum) so that you can walk through in the comfort of your own company - and your kids will love this part too. There is tons of education in this 18 minute multimedia production. I’ll be there to point out neighborhood highlights and answer any questions you might have after or along the way.
So, come in from the cold for warm cider, cookies and conservation at the open hearth of Weatherford Place. Experience first hand the benefits a Green Lifestyle!
Please stay tuned to Mia’s Blog. I’ll continue to add to this invitation with education, technological features and benefits, special opportunities and, oh yeah . . . . did I mention that if you ARE in the market to buy a home there are ONLY 8 of these beautifully green, healthy and carefree homes? Better hurry!
Mia Hannah PReduce Reuse Recycle Best Regards,
December 14, 2008
December 12, 2008
North Georgia Christmas Tree Farms ~ Posted by Melanie Bailey
It's that time of year again! We have compiled a list of Christmas Trees Farms in the area. Happy Holidays!
Continue reading "North Georgia Christmas Tree Farms ~ Posted by Melanie Bailey" »
December 07, 2008
TOP 12 Reasons to SELL YOUR HOME during THE HOLIDAYS posted by Melanie Bailey
1. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until spring to buy, you need to be on the market during the Holidays to capture that market!
2. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons!
3. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays than they do during a working week!
4. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!
5. 5. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays!
6. 6. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!
7. 7. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you!
8. 8. People who look for homes during the Holidays are more serious buyers!
9. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer in early spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low!
10. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year!
11. Even though your house will be on the market, you still have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days around the Holidays!
12. Appraisers look at comparable homes for the past 3-6 months - your winter sales price will be compared to late summer (higher priced) home sales. Spring sales are compared to late winter (lower priced) home sales.
November 26, 2008
TOP 12 Reasons to BUY A HOME during THE HOLIDAYS posted by Melanie Bailey
1. Uncertainty regarding loan programs and limits that may not be available in 2009 or after we have a new President in the White House.
2. Because there are fewer buyers shopping for a home at this time, you may be in a stronger negotiating position.
3. With fewer buyers on the market during the holidays, there may be less multiple offer situations, especially regarding REO properties and Short Sales.
4. The transaction load is lighter for lenders at this time, so your file may be handled quicker, more efficiently, and more accurately. This is true also for Title and Escrow.
5. It’s nice to get a feel for a home when it’s decorated for the holidays.
6. You may have more vacation or free time instead of having to ask off work to look at homes or complete paperwork, signings, etc.
7. You can show your visiting friends and family your prospective new home.
8. With fewer buyers on the market at this time, it may be easier to schedule inspections, etc., allowing you to shorten a contingency period in exchange for a more favorable price or lock in an interest rate on your loan.
9. You’ll be enjoying your new home in the spring as opposed to waiting to move in.
10. January is typically the best time of the year to buy decorating items or home improvement items, as the retail industry doesn’t want a huge slump after the boom in holiday shopping.
11. If you have kids, they can transfer to their new school at the start of the new semester and avoid “getting behind”.
12. What could be a better gift for the family than a NEW HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
November 25, 2008
Georgia Holiday Home Tours ~ Posted by Melanie Bailey
Here are several upcoming home tours:
- The Georgia Club Foundation's Christmas Tour of Homes
- Athens, GA ~ 770-725-8100
- www.TheGeorgiaClub.com
- December 7, 2008
- Two tours: 12:00 - 2:30 pm & 2:30 - 5:00 pm
- $20 per person in advance; $25 at the door
- Tour 5 beautiful homes fully decorated for the holidays. Proceeds benefit several local charities and service organizations
- Marietta, GA ~ 770-429-1115
- www.MariettaPilgrimage.com
- December 6-7, 2008
- Dec 6, 9 am - 6 pm - $15 in advance/$20 at door
- Candlelight Tour, 7 - 9:30 pm - $12 in advance / $15 at door
- Dec 7, 10 am - 6 pm - $15 in advance / $20 at door
- Combination Ticket - $20 in advance / $25 at door
- A favorite holiday tradition for over 20 years, this tour showcases six private historic homes all lovingly restored and decoraed for the season.
- Norcross, GA ~ 770-725-8100
- www.NorcrossTourofHomes.com
- December 6, 2008
- Daytime, 10 am - 5 pm, Candlelight, 6 - 9 pm
- Tickets - $17 through Nov 30th, $20 thereafter
- Parties of 10 or more, $15 per person
- This celebration of the city's charming past is a joyous preface to the holiday season. Tour 6 of Norcross' most beautiful residences, in holiday decor and vibrant with the sounds of live music.
- Douglasville, GA ~ 770-947-5920
- www.ci.Douglasville.ga.us
- December 6-7, 2008
- Dec 6, 6-9 PM
- Dec 7, 1-5 pm
- Tickets are $12 in advance \ $15 the day of
- Tour beautiful historic homes decorated for the holidays
- Savannah, GA ~ 770-725-8100
- www.dnaHolidayTour.com
- December 13, 2008
- Afternoon Tour - 12 - 4 pm; Evening Tour - 5-8 pm
- $30 per person
- Savannah welcomes visitors to the annual Holiday Tour of Historic Homes. Three separate tours of twelve decorated homes are offered.
- Milledgeville, GA ~ 478-445-4545
- www.MilledgevilleCVB.com
- December 2-23, 2008
- Tours from 6 - 8 pm
- $10 per person, $7 seniors, $2 students
- The Old Governor's Mansion will transform itself into a showplace of authentic antebellum Christmas decor. Special events will include candlelight tours of the museum, concerts and much much more.
- Decatur, GA ~
- www.DecaturTourofHomes.com
- December 5 - 6, 5:30 - 9:30 pm
- $20 in advance / $25 at the door
- Take a look inside eight of Decatur's most interesting homes. This year's tour focuses on homes renovated in eco-friendly ways, using "green" materials and techniques to minimize their impact on the Earth.
- Avondale Estates, GA ~ 404-299-9021
- http://www.avondaletourofhomes.com/
- December 14, 2008, 3 - 8 pm
- $15 at event / $12 in advance
- Featuring eight homes that have been restored or renovated to preserve the character of Avondale Estates
- Atlanta, GA ~ 404-688-7501
- http://www.grantpark.org/net/content/news.aspx?s=0.0.35.20
- December 13 - 14, 2008, 6 - 10 pm
- $15 at event / $12 in advance
- The 28th annual tour at St. Paul United Methodist Church includes a "Let It Snow!" winter wonderland for children, artists market, caroling and hayrides.
- Roswell, GA ~ 770-316-7824
- http://www.sweetapplesettlement.com/
- December 5, 2008, noon - 9 pm
- $20 tax deductible ~ benefits AHMEN
- The event includes a candlelight tour of the Five Hearth Farm at Sweet Apple Settlement, holiday shopping, artist show and sale, and a variety of culinary treats.
- Smyrna, GA ~ 770-319-2025
- www.emoryadventist.org
- December 7, 2008, noon - 6 pm
- Tickets are $20
- Five homes in a variety of styles. Benefits the Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital. Admission includes refreshments and an auction at the Community Bank of the South
- Roswell, GA ~ 770-992-1731
- www.bullochhall.org
- November 29, 2008, 5 - 9 pm
- Adults $25 at event / $20 in advance; Children $20 at event / $15 in advance
- Barrington Hall, Smith Plantation Home and Bulloch Hall feature Christmas decorations. Refreshments available at Bulloch Hall.
November 21, 2008
A Change in the Foreclosure Experience? posted by Mia Hannah
I had an interesting experience this past week, I thought I would share – hopefully, if nothing else, you will put some consideration into this topic and begin the education process.
In the last several years I’ve assisted several clients in purchasing foreclosed properties. My stance has always been that just because it is a foreclosure does NOT mean that it is a good deal. I’ve always been very adamant about doing my homework on the numbers and 9 times out of 10, they weren’t good deals. This past year a strategy that I’ve run into several times is the banks offering a foreclosure at an incredibly low price (one that flashes “GOOD DEAL!” in neon), we go through the paces of putting an offer in and get back a fax from the bank stating that there are multiple offers and please submit your best offer. I have yet to win one of those bids because, again, we do it strictly by the numbers and even when offering straight cash, asking price + whatever that still makes it a good deal, there was always someone out there that willing to buy it at a higher price that I would never recommend my client purchase it for – with no disclosures, outdated aesthetics, repairs to be made and little protection.
This past week, I ran across a foreclosure that I thought surely had to be one of those neon signs – but the house was built in 2004, was in beautiful condition, great neighborhood, etc. So we went through the paces, submitted a low offer just to get the lay of the land (ie fax back saying multiple offer) – instead we got a counter back from the bank bumping us up a mere $5,000 and accepting all other terms. Uh, no, I did not get excited – instead I got on the phone and started calling other listing agents around the neighborhood to find out what was wrong with either the neighborhood or the house. I could find nothing. So I began to ponder this deal that seemed “too good to be true” and I started bouncing an idea off the other agents and calling those I knew and respected - without exception, they thought my point had validity.
Barack Obama has said over and over that the economy will be his #1 priority. He has said repeatedly that he is going to put “a hold” on foreclosures and force the banks into renegotiating the terms of those mortgagees in trouble. Banks are already sitting on millions of dollars in foreclosed properties – do you think there is a possibility that they really need to dump whatever they can as fast as they can to minimize their losses? ESPECIALLY now that they have Obama saying that they will be forced into doing business his way? Do you think this might be part of the reason why the market took a very large plunge the day after he got elected? The banks really need to move what they already have. While it has always seemed like an obvious strategy to those of us in real estate we’ve been very frustrated by the banks not being particularly negotiable, hard to work with, and making an already stressful process worse. None of us have liked dealing with banks because we have had so little control when it comes to protecting our client’s interest. But now I have to wonder, based on this experience, if maybe things are turning around and they have been forced into “getting it”.
My thought process goes deeper than I went here, but this blog is already getting too long. Here’s my bottom line point: I am hopeful and I really think that “the bottom” hit last Tuesday. The big boys are now being forced into dealing. This message is NOT to sell you on foreclosures. There are also very good deals out there being offered by smart homeowners. They know that what not-so-smart homeowners perceive as loss is really just a reduction in profit – and it will be made up on the other end!! Warren Buffet is saying now is the time to invest in America
. With the volatility of the stock market, why would you not diversify your investments? If you have the means, get off the fence and invest in real estate! I’ve been saying this for awhile now but I finally feel so strongly about it, that I’m putting it in writing with the hopes that it will at least move your thought process forward.
I’m not asking you to do anything blindly. I AM saying educate yourself!! Keller Williams has a seminar entitled The Millionaire Real Estate Investor. It is a FREE investment seminar that will educate you about the investment mindset and process. Give me a call at 404-317-2352 and I will find out where and when the next one is taking place in the area and we will reserve a seat for you.
Whether you voted Democrat or Republican, it is what it is. Take advantage of what you have in front of you because that is what you have. With all this said, aka The World According to Mia, I’m always available to help you in anyway I can. Please do not hesitate to call me at 404-317-2352 and/or my email is Mia@HomesByMia.com.
Mia Hannah PReduce Reuse Recycle Best Regards,
