Installation Tips for Big-Screen TVs - 01/31/10 01:21 PM
Some of us may have been lucky enough to find a big-screen television under the holiday tree a few weeks ago.  Others may have placed their orders in anticipation of next week's Superbowl game.  For many families, the big-screen TV has become the contemporary fireplace - the focal point of the room and the spot where the family gathers. The challenge is to get it Installed to ensure the best viewing without wrecking your home decor.
Ahead of the Super Bowl, the Olympics and Hollywood awards viewing season, here are some tips.
HIDE OR HANG?
Many treat the big-screen television as … (1 comments)

Choose Your Home Remodeling Projects Well - 01/26/10 04:04 PM
In this time of economic uncertainty and upheaval in the housing market, moderation and restraint were the rule for home remodeling projects in 2009. Remodeling magazine reported the cost vs. value for projects in 80 metro areas.
The majority of the 10 remodeling projects with the best return on investment nationally are a testament to pragmatism. Six of the 10 projects-siding and window replacement using a variety of materials-involve home maintenance that costs less than $14,000.
Two more-adding an attic bedroom or a wood deck-reinforce the notion that boosting the amount of livable space in and around your home will attract buyers who … (1 comments)

Home Buyers!! Avoid These Mistakes!! - 01/23/10 11:36 AM
Many prospective buyers who have been sitting on the real estate fence will be thinking more seriously about a home purchase in the year ahead. And why not? Interest rates are still very attractive, prices are still competitive, and more buyers than ever may qualify for a substantial tax credit just for making a purchase.
With a little planning, inexperienced buyers can sidestep some common mistakes and make their home purchase a successful one.
Here are four home-buying mistakes you don't want to make:
● Not getting prequalified by a reputable local lender.
Until you sit down with a reputable lender and … (3 comments)

2010 Kitchen and Bathroom Design Trends - 01/20/10 10:16 AM
Kitchens and bathrooms are two living spaces that are prime for updating.  Recent years have shown an explosion in new design concepts and materials.  If 2010 is the year for you to update one or all of these rooms, here are some recent design concepts that you might consider.
KITCHENS
1. Traditional is the New Contemporary Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige, and … (1 comments)

Green Housing Trends for 2010 - 01/18/10 04:34 PM
The new year ushers in many resolutions for many people, but one that we should all commit to is to follow a more earth friendly lifestyle.  Here are predictions for 2010 "green trends," in no particular order:
Smart Grid and Connected Home Energy Labeling for Homes Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software Buy-In by Financial Community Rightsizing of Homes (goodbye McMansions!) Eco-Districts (think walkable communities with stores) Water Conservation Life cycle Carbon Calculation Net Zero Buildings Energy-Efficient/Sustainable Building Education It's an interesting and possibly accurate list.  Here are reasons why we may see a few of these trends emerge.
Starting from the top, the smart grid … (0 comments)

Big Changes in Light Bulbs - 01/13/10 10:59 AM
If consumers haven't begun buying new fangled and more efficient light bulbs yet, they soon won't have any other choice.
Three-quarters of Americans are unaware federal legislation will phase out incandescent light bulbs starting in 2012, according to the 2nd annual SYLVANIA Socket Survey. The survey also found 74 percent of U.S. households have an energy-saving light bulb, such as halogen (left), compact fluorescent (center) or light-emitting diode (right).
A federal law passed in 2007 will slowly dim out the all-purpose incandescent bulb as we know it, requiring more energy efficient bulbs starting in 2012.
And by 2014, the incandescent light … (1 comments)

2010 Is the Year for Home Ownership - 01/11/10 01:59 PM
2009 has ended with a glimmer of home in the residential real estate market.  Home sales showed an increase over 2008, and there is optimism that the trend will continue into 2010.
Many pundits predict higher interest rates in the months ahead. Yet you can still lock in a 30-year conforming fixed rate loan for around 5 percent. This is a bargain almost any way you look at it.
 If you are in the market for a house, find out if you qualify for the expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit that pays up to $8,000. Even if you didn't qualify before, … (0 comments)

Home Updates that Add the Most Value - 01/08/10 03:46 PM
If your New Year's Resolution is to update your home simply to increase your enjoyment or to prepare it for sale, you certainly want to choose an update that will add the most value.  Consider these projects get the most return on your dollar.
Upgrade Appliances
The kitchen is one room where upgrades almost always bring a large return on investment. However, you don't have to gut your kitchen and tackle a major remodel to add value. One way to improve your kitchen is to simply replace your old appliances. Stainless steel is the current standard, but you don't have to … (6 comments)

Kennesaw Will Cure the Winter Blues! - 01/06/10 01:38 PM
It's cold outside and you may be experiencing a bit of cabin fever.  Don't let it get you down--come to Kennesaw, Georgia and participate in one or more of the fun activities that the city of Kennesaw has to offer.
Registration is ongoing for all classes, workshops and Spring Break camps scheduled between January and May 2010. Many classes begin the week of January 11.Sample adult programs include painting, pottery, aerobics, weight loss, Qigong/Tai Chi, Tae Bo, Zumba, ballroom dance, clogging, CPR, cake decorating, web page design, cooking, and co-ed kickball.Sample youth & teen programs include art, gymnastics, TaeKwon-Do, babysitter's training, Chinese, … (0 comments)

Cobb County Will Pay Home Buyers! - 01/01/10 07:00 PM
Cobb County, Georgia is looking for home buyers. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program provides local governments assistance to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become abandoned within the community. Using grants, Cobb purchases foreclosed or abandoned homes to redevelop and sell to low and middle income individuals and families.
The goal is to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of home values, while helping more people realize the American dream of homeownership. The program is seeking eligible homeowners. An individual can earn up to $59,800 per year and qualify for the program, while a family of four can earn up to … (4 comments)

 
Annes_photo_november_2010 Rainmaker_large

Anne Ortiz

Marietta, GA

More about me…

Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta

Address: 5041 Dallas Highway Suite 700, Powder Springs, GA, 30127

Office Phone: (770) 919-8825

Cell Phone: (678) 656-8356

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog