north atlanta metro area: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
- 09/18/12 01:47 AM
How much is too much?
As agents we always go above and beyond.
My partner and I live in a neighborhood one hour north of Atlanta. We have each lived there for 12 years and have been #1 for resales the past four years.
Here is our scenario:
We have a listing in our neighborhood. Our sellers had lost one contract and were anxious to sell. Homes sell here but at a slower pace.
My partner receives a call from an individual who lives in Atlanta. She has one family member who lives in our neighborhood … (2 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Communications, Still a Real Estate Basic
- 09/09/11 03:23 AM
Yes communications is still a basic in the real estate world!
This is another lesson learned from dealing directly with clients.
Our sellers had asked us to lower the price of their home. Months later we received our FIRST offer! After submitting this offer to our seller we were met with a less than enthusiastic response! Our seller was not coming down off of his price! Matter of fact he had a change of strategy and would be taking the home off of the market!
This was a big breakdown in communications!
Lesson learned: Before I make any changes to any … (0 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: The Norton Agency and its Invest in America Campaign!
- 08/18/11 07:49 AM
We are at an interesting and somewhat frightening era in America. The stock market and world markets change daily and we watch our 401K’s and investments vacillate. With all this in mind, The Norton Agency has launched its new mantra – INVEST IN AMERICA – BUY REAL ESTATE. Despite the down turn in the real estate market over the past four years, it is still one of the best ways to invest your money. Interest rates are at an all time low – 3.75% for FHA and VA and as low as 3.5% for a 15 year Conventional.
… (0 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: When Your Seller Tries to Sell their Home
- 05/16/11 04:04 AM
Quick True Story:The year was 1990, the location Southern New Jersey, I had to sell my home, and the real estate market was bad!
I received a call for a showing. I cleaned the home to the level of an operating room. I was ready. The agent showed with her buyers. They spent a little time walking around and were ready to leave. I met them out front of the home to give them my "sales pitch". I told them about the home and how the neighborhood was great for a family. My sales pitch was so good I could envision the … (0 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Norton Agency Update on Metro Atlanta Market Conditions
- 03/13/11 04:13 AM
Our President Frank Norton Jr gave us a very informative presentation on the housing market at our monthly sales meeting. Barb and I pride ourselves on the knowledge we gain working for The Norton Agency. This knowledge allows us to better serve our clients.
Here are some of the highlights:
•· From 2000 to 2011 Real Estate outperformed the Dow, Nasdaq, and the S&P
•· Pending home sales declined after April 2010 because of the expiration of the first time homebuyer tax credit. However since October 2010 to the present pending home sales have been rising
•· The Norton … (0 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Please Talk to Your Mortgage Professional First
- 02/19/11 09:51 AM
We have been busy the past few weeks. Unfortunately all that work has paid fewer dividends that we had anticipated.
Why?
Buyers cannot qualify for financing.
My partner Barb and I work hard fitting our buyers into the perfect home. There are opportunities that have to be taken advantage of quickly.
We ask that before you start your home search that you speak with a mortgage professional. There are a lot of great programs available but it takes a pro to find the best one for you. At the same time there might be some circumstances where a loan might not be in … (1 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: I am Tired of Solicitors!
- 02/17/11 02:34 PM
This is starting to happen me on a daily basis. I am busy, driiving in my car, spending time with my family or a client, working around my home, taking a real estate class, or just trying to relax.Then the phone rings. I answer anticipating a new client, a listing inquiry, or an offer. Instead: LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE KEYWORDS THAT WE HAVE RESERVED FOR YOU! WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE YOUR CLIENT BASE? IS YOUR WEBSITE RECEIVING ENOUGH HITS?I respond that my business is fine, our team was #2 out of 145 agents for 2010, and my website … (9 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: The Norton Homes for Life Magazine to Increase!
- 02/14/11 01:30 AM
The Norton Agency publishes The Norton Homes for Life Magazine. This publication showcases all of the properties listed by agents at The Norton Agency. This includes properties throughout North Georgia and the Atlanta Metro area!The magazine is circulated in the Gainesville Times, Dawson County Times, and The Forsyth County Times. It is also circulated at local businesses. The circulation tops 10,000 copies.
Frank Norton Jr, the president of the company, announced that we will publish 12 issues a year instead of the current 6.
This is a further indication of our committment to our clients to market their homes as effectively … (0 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: The Foreclosures are Taking a Direct Toll on my Personal Home!
- 02/14/11 01:09 AM
I have to admit that The Wells Team has benefited from the sale of foreclosure properties in the North Atlanta area!
At the same time my level of disappointment is increasing with respect to my own neighborhood.
I purchased my home in 2001. This was well before I entered the real estate industry, before the real estate boom and the real estate bubble.
The results: My home is worth less today based on the same model that sold down the street. It was a foreclosure!
We have 342 homes in our neighborhood. At this time there is only 1 active foreclosure … (1 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Debate on Forsyth County Zoning
- 02/08/11 05:52 AM
Read an article in the Jan 30th AJC concerning Forsyth County and a debate on zoning.
Forsyth County reflects what many counties in Georgia, and nationwide, will be up against when they look at ways to bring in business to help their tax base. Many counties in North Georgia rely on residential for the majority of their property taxes. Forsyth County has quite a few businesses that add money to the tax rolls. However the county experienced a large influx of money as a result of the housing boom.
Now that new housing construction in Forsyth County, as well as, the … (0 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: The AJC Homefinder: A Thing of the Past?
- 02/02/11 01:51 PM
Like many of you I am an "addicted internet browser". The internet has become my sources of knowledge and I know I am not the only one.
Last week my neighbor gave me her Sunday Atlanta Journal and Constitution. It took me a while to realize that it was a newspaper that you read. (It has been a while). I enjoyed the sounds of the paper crumbling as I turned pages, the feel of the paper in my hands, and the fact I could read it without being in a WiFi hotspot!
In the past the AJC Homefinder … (2 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Do You Need a Termite Inspection in Georgia?
- 02/02/11 01:41 PM
What is the word on a termite inspection in Georgia?
Everytime I attend a company real estate meeting I wonder why I am wasting my time. However my broker manages to surprise me each time by bringing in relevant speakers. This meeting was no exception.
We had a representative from Coppermine Pest Control who is also a member of GPCA (Georgia pest Control Authority). He talked to us on changes to the 2011 GAR Purchase and Sale Agreement with its references to a pest inspection.
According to 2005
•· In 2005 HUD issued guidelines that said termite inspections … (0 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Highlights of The Norton Agency Annual Forecast
- 01/23/11 01:39 PM
The 2011 Norton Annual Forecast marked the 24th year of this successful presentation. We had a full house at The Georgia Mountain Center where Frank Norton Jr. shared the 2011 trends.
They are:
Headed to Evolution not Recovery Mythical Multiple Bottoms The First Law of Cash A Paradox of Ownership The Million Dollar Dilemma Medical Overtakes Poultry as #1 Industry Out of the Ashes Rises the Phoenix Phantom Real Estate Our Holographic Government Collapses To The Survivors Belong the Spoils If you would like to read the details about these 10 trends along with an in depth summary of The Norton … (0 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Does a Real Estate Agent in Georgia Have to Follow the Code of Ethics?
- 01/23/11 02:49 AM
The Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) has made some changes to our 2011 real estate contracts. One change I think is very interesting is the acknowledgement of being a local real estate board member.
I want to point this out to my friends, clients, and sphere who are not real estate agents.
On the bottom of our Purchase and Sale Agreement there is a blank to fill in your board membership. If you are not a member of a local Georgia board of realtors you leave the space blank.
What does that mean to you?
If an agent is not a … (1 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: 2011 Norton Agency Annual Forecast is January 20 !
- 12/28/10 03:22 PM
The Norton Agency 2011 Annual Forecast is scheduled for January 20th at The Georgia Mountain Center in Gainesville.
What is the annual forecast?
An opportunity to hear from our President Frank Norton Jr. Frank will give an overview on conditions in the North Georgia area. This includes residential and commercial real estate, business growth, zoning, water, population, and other trends that directly affect the area.
Frank Norton Jr. has a solid reputation in the North Georgia area! His interpretation of statistical data, and general insights, make him a sought after speaker to local government, civic organizations, and fellow real estate professionals!
… (2 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Why we were successful in 2010!
- 12/28/10 02:44 PM
I am not writing this blog to appear on the arrogant side. Rather I wanted to briefly explain why The Wells Team had a great year in a tough real estate market.
There are two reasons:
HARD WORK
In our opinion we outworked our competition. How? 24/7 availability! With a team of two agents and one admin assistant, a phone call or an email was answered quickly.
Doing the extra services that differentiate us from the rest. We have stored furniture, painted doors, replaced lights, painted, located contractors, and done other things to assist our clients.
TEAMWORK
The three … (4 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: We are a part of Dawson County, North Georgia
- 10/21/10 03:00 PM
The Wells Team had the opportunity to participate in the Dawson County Business Expo. The event was sponsored by the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. (The Wells Team is a proud member of the chamber).
The event was a way for local businesses to showcase their talent.
The Wells Team, of The Norton Agency, is proud to call Dawson County Georgia home.
If we can help you look for property in Dawson County, or the North Atlanta Metro area, give us a call.
Check out our website at www.randywellsteam.com
… (1 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Before you list the home: Update or not??????
- 10/01/10 06:52 AM
By now any homeowner should know what is happening in the real estate market. It is on the news daily, in magazines, newspapers, and discussed frequently by the "experts".
HGTV dedicates shows to homeowners who endure ridicule from potential homebuyers on the condition of their home. They in turn spend money and time upgrading their home to ready it for sale. The results are usually positive.
With all of this information available why do many homeowners put up a "wall" when upgrading is discussed on their particular home?
Barb and I have sold over $4 million dollars in real estate for … (2 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Government Mortgage Websites
- 09/27/10 03:50 AM
Do you have questions about government loan programs?Fortunately there are a lot of internet resources available.The websites were compiled by Lou King of Norton Guaranty Mortgage. Lou knows these programs well. You can contact her at 404-310-0646 lou.king@guarantymortgage.comThank you Lou!FHA Mortgage Limits per County https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfmFHA eleigible condos https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfmUSDA property eligibility http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.doReverse Mortgage http://www.reversemortgage.orgMortgage Hardship http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/If you are looking for property in the North Metro Atlanta area give us a call!We are Barb Dumont and Randy Wells of The Wells TeamSee all of our listings at www.randywellsteam.com
… (0 comments)
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north atlanta metro area: Professional Courtesy Seems to be Lacking!
- 09/22/10 04:47 AM
We spent last night with one of our clients updating them on our local market.
They understand what is transpiring in the economy and the housing market. What they do not understand is the lack of courtesy shown by other real estate agents.
The past few showings have frustrated them. A 3pm appointment actually took place at 4:30pm. Another appointment actually transpired over two hours late. Others scheduled and did not show.
Why?
The agent who was 90 minutes late decided to show other vacant properties first. This individual did not put together a plan keeping in mind the inconvenience of our … (4 comments)
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How much is too much?
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