The Front Porch View Blog

Get Out And Vote. At Least You Are Not Shredded Waste!

2008-11-03T12:49:30Z

Let me introduce myself, my name is Chad and I am nothing more than mere shredded paper waste by definition. I was created by holes left in paper, and I became famous in the 2000 United States Presidential Election. Now it is my understanding that there are many forms of chads, there is the pregnant chad, the dimpled chad, and one of my favorites and probably the most famous....the hanging chad.

Now I could sit and wonder why my parents decided to name me after shredded waste, but to give them the benefit of the doubt, I am not sure anyone even knew what a chad was until the previous mentioned Presidential Election. I blame the good old state of Florida for that, and after beating my Georgia Bulldogs over the weekend, well the nicest thing I can say about that is ROLL TIDE!

Read the rest of this entry »

So, How In The World Do You Just Get An Offer?

2008-05-31T16:14:31Z

So, How In The World Do You Just Get An Offer?

May 29th, 2008Categories: North Georgia Cabin Seller's reVIEWS, North Georgia Real Estate VIEWS

It's no surprise to anyone that we are in a Buyer's Market. I have been really concerned with the lack of showings that my client's properties have been receiving, there is no doubt. But what about those that are being shown occasionally? How can I help my client's just get an offer?

1. Price It Right!

In this market you have to be priced at the lower end of your realistic price range. In addition to be one of the lowest price homes in your immediate market, you must offer more than the competition for less. You may ask, "what do you mean more for less?" Maybe you leave the refrigerator instead of taking it, or better yet, in new construction you buy one! Basically you want to be able to have the best home on the market in your price range.

2. Prepare For Showings

Begin preparing for client showings a minimum of 2 weeks before you list the property. Having your North Georgia Mountain Cabin ready for a viewing is crucial for an offer to come in. In a market where less than 10% of the homes are even receiving an offer, you do not want to give them any reason not to want to do so. Read the rest of this entry »

1st Class Motorcycle Tours of the Blue Ridge Mountains

2008-04-08T09:34:59Z

1^st Class Motorcycle Tours and The Copperhead Lodge have teamed up to offer you the ultimate riding experience. The experts at 1st Class Motorcycle Tours will take you on the ride of a lifetime touring the mountains of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Enjoy the breath-taking scenery while testing your riding skills on the twisting mountain roads of the southeastern United States. Rest, Relax and Refuel at The Copperhead Lodge, the nations premier motorcycle resort, located in the ideal destination, the North Georgia Mountains. Copperhead Lodge in Blairsville, Georgia is the ultimate home base offering casual fine dining, comfortable overnight lodging and entertainment and events. 1^st Class Motorcycle Tours and The Copperhead Lodge can also provide you with rental accommodations of a late model motorcycle. Yes, you can rent a bike to tour the mountains making your vacation planning simple and 1^st Class!

Benefits of using them for your Motorcycle Vacation

Their 1^st Class design of your vacation allows you to focus on your riding experience and not the details of having to work with several different companies for your trip. Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome - The Oaks at Blue Ridge - An Active Adult Community

2008-04-04T09:39:51Z

A low-maintenance active adult neighborhood, The Oaks is located five minutes from downtown Blue Ridge Georgia and is walking distance to Tammen Park and the Toccoa River. The nature trail invites bike riders and strollers alike. Paved roads, city water and sewer. It's all here at The Oaks.

The Oaks at Blue Ridge is a 55 and over gated community. There are 24 homes planned for Phase One with 60 total at completion. Lake Blue Ridge is close-by, as well as theRiverstone Medical Campus and Fannin Regional Hospital is less than 5 miles.

At The Oaks, we've focused on feature and paid attention to detail to make living here a pleasure. From the front gate to your front door, this over 55 active adult retirement community creates a beautiful setting to come home to. Outside your home, will be a community center and covered pavillion available to all members. Near the pavillion will be the outdoor BBQ grills, a stone fireplace and picnic tables to enjoy friends and family in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains.

This over 55, active adult, low maintenance community is located again in the small town of Blue Ridge in the North Georgia Mountains. Serene, quaint and charming. The Oaks is located only 2 hours north of Atlanta, 30 miles from Murphy, North Carolina and 85 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Come Celebrate The Times Of Your Life

This is a very unique property here in Blue Ridge. We have very few communities in the mountains that offer the ammenities that The Oaks can offer. If you should have any questions or concerns, or you would like additional information, please don't hesitate to call me at 706.633.8186 or you can email me at ChadL@KW.com. Thank you so much for taking the time to learn a little more about The Oaks.

CADENCE - The Equestrian Community In The North Georgia Mountains

2008-04-02T10:17:34Z

The Cadence Equestrian Community is situated on over 510 acres of rolling meadows, wooded mountain slopes and wetlands. Development of 150 homesites has been thoughtfully planned to preserve over 100 acres of open space, and protect wildlife and other natural treasures.

In addition to the Equestrian Center, amenities include a Lodge with swimming pool, clubhouse & exercise room. The master plan integrates the equestrian lifestyle into everyday life and connects family, friends and nature through the extensive network of riding and hiking trails.

Whether seeking solitude or company, residents will find intimate and imaginative destinations such as a ridge-top pavilion with covered fireplace, a hitching post at a favorite fishing hole, and a bird watching blind at the wetlands boardwalk. And always, just over the fence, they will find the soothing, regal presence of horses. Read the rest of this entry »

The Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race

2008-03-25T15:14:03Z

The Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Site of the 2008 USARA National Championship

In the spring of 1998, the first Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race started as Georgia's first adventure race. Nine years later the race continues to be a favorite of racers throughout the southeast. Teams look forward to a new adventure welcoming spring to Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Organizers of the Tenth Annual Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race on April 12, 2008, promise a challenging contest with lots of surprises and some of the most stunning scenery anywhere - plus the famous Blue Ridge hospitality racers have come to expect and enjoy.

So get your team ready to run, paddle, mountain bike and navigate in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. Up to 100 co-ed teams of three (plus one support person) will run along the forested trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest, paddle on the Toccoa River and/or Lake Blue Ridge, mountain bike steep trails and complete mystery challenges along the way. Although the course changes from year to year, the finish line is still in downtown Blue Ridge City Park, with live music, food and relaxing fun. Come early and enjoy activites throughout the day in the Blue Ridge City Park. The first teams to finish usually come in around 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. You don't want to miss it! Read the rest of this entry »

Agency Relationships....Do You Understand Them?

2008-03-23T20:58:48Z

It's important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transaction. It is equally as important for you to know what agency relationship it is that you have with your salesperson or agent. If it has not been explained to you in a way that you fully understand, or you simply do not know what type of agency relationship it is that you have, if any, then you need to stop and ask before moving forward with your agent.

I suppose that every agent has their own way of working with customers.

I myself like to build a good rapport with my customers, and build a relationship in which I have instilled enough trust in both my knowledge and my abilities to perform the fiduciary duties that are expected of me.

Once I have built that relationship, I then explain the types of agency relationships and make sure that they fully understand all of them. At this point, I am comfortable enough to ask for the customer to now become my client. Once a customer agrees to become a client, the proper paper work is filled and signed, and an agency is then created between the principal (client) and the brokerage. Below are great explanations of the types of relationships you can expect to exist in a real estate transaction and the expectations of those agency relationships.

Sellers Representative (Sellers Agent)

A sellers agent is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract. In the state of Georgia, ALL agents represent the Seller as either the Agent or Sub-Agent unless they have a Buyer's Agency with a client.

We as Agents still are obligated to be Honest and truthful to all parties involved in a transaction.

Agents do however act faithfully and efficiently to their clients. Agents must put the principals best interests above all others including the agent's own; and agents must NOT reveal confidential information to anyone. Confidential information could be a divorce situation, financial constraints, and other information that is confidential to the client and would NOT be to be disclosed. We do however have a duty to disclose to the principal (client) ALL relevant and material information, Read the rest of this entry »

I Don't Believe It Has Any Square Feet!

2008-03-18T20:49:26Z

I will never forget that one beautiful summer like Thanksgiving day at Maw's house. We had just sat down for the feast, and then there was a knock at the door. We weren't too sure who it was, and after a few seconds passes by, my Mom asks me to go see who it is. Well, we had forgotten all about the sign in the front of the house that read...For Sale By Owner. Can you believe that my Grandmother's house was once a FSBO? Anyway, I remember the conversation between Maw and the potential home buyer going something like this...

Buyer: Hello mam, sorry to bother you on Thanksgiving day.

Maw: Oh, that's okay.

Buyer: Can I ask you a few questions, I wouldn't want to just barge in on you, it being Thanksgiving and all.

Maw: Sure.....that'll be fine.

Buyer: How many bedrooms does your home have?

Maw: It's got 4....yeah, it has 4 bedrooms....3 upstairs and 1 downstairs.

Buyer: How many bathrooms?

Maw: It's got 2.....yeah there are 2 bathrooms in my home.

Buyer: Well....can you tell me how many square feet your home has?

Maw: Uhhhh......mmmmm.....sir....it doesn't have any square feet!

I thought I was going to die laughing along with the potential buyer, Maw just because we were, and everyone else that was there on such a memorable Thanksgiving Day. Read the rest of this entry »

Do You Have Gas?...Or Do You Have To Pay For It?

2008-03-07T11:39:36Z

It has been a while since we have heard from one of my associates, Byron Wyndham. This is not at all his fault, I have to take most, if not all of the blame. He actually sent me the article for this post several weeks ago. Byron is a Real Estate attorney here in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Should you have any legal questions pertaining to North Georgia Real Estate, you should give the good folks at J. Byron Wyndham & Associates a call. Their number is 706.258.6222.

I've been trying to point out how buying property in the North Georgia Mountains can be different that just purchasing in a metropolitan area, especially in the Blue Ridge, Ellijay, and Blairsville markets. There was a previous discussion of water and the issues that are involved in getting water to your property. I would now like to address issues concerning propane gas.

Most homes in the North Georgia Mountains use propane for some purpose.

It is often used for the furnace, hot water heater, stove, clothes dryer, gas grill and the generator. You don't often think about the propane because the gas company usually has you on a regular schedule and the tank is just filled. You may not be aware of the gas company having been at your house until you get the bill for the refill.

The propane tank may be purchased or rented. Read the rest of this entry »

TOP STORY: Where Are All The Buyer's?

2008-03-04T13:15:38Z

Keller Williams Realty International came out with a great article this week concerning Buyers, and why most are just not willing to pull the trigger on buying a home in today's market.

I know that activity has made a positve move over the past several weeks. Emails are coming in and the phones are beginning to ring again. Boy....is it a good thing to hear those phones ringing again! This is great information that I wanted to get out to North Georgia Mountain Real Estate Buyer's and Investors. Whether you are looking to buy in Blue Ridge, Blairsville or Ellijay, I hope that you find this information very useful.

It's time to get potential home-owners to go ahead and buy in this so-called "buyer's market"

While today's market plays to their advantage, buyers, who should be swooping in to make the most of reduced housing costs and favorable interest rates, are sitting by, waiting.

It is up to you, as a competent and informed real estate agent, to mobilize your potential buyers to invest in home ownership now. When the market turns, today's bargains will be yesterday's missed opportunities.

While it is conceivable that home prices may drop further, it is likely that these decreased prices will be accompanied by increased financing costs due to rate cuts by the Fed. This means that any money saved on paying less for a house in a few months time will be offset by your client having to pay off their mortgage at a higher interest rate making "playing the waiting game" a waste of time (and very little fun). Read the rest of this entry »

February 2008 North Georgia Mountain Real Estate

2008-03-04T13:11:28Z

Gilmer County had a substantial difference of volume over Fannin and Union Counties mostly due in part to a large parcel of land that sold for $2.2 Million. Read the rest of this entry »

Incredible Price On Mountain View Lot In Wildwood - Blairsville, GA.

2008-03-01T08:46:00Z

Incredible Price on this Mountain View Lot minutes from Blairsville, GA.

Location: Wildwood

This is an incredible price on this Mountain View Lot within the All Paved Development of Wildwood, less than 10 miles from Blairsville, GA. Enjoy great mountain views from this gentle 1.3 acre lot that features several great building locations. Come enjoy the peaceful surroundings and mountain setting in Wildwood.

Photo Gallery

Information

Contact Information

Chad Lariscy

ChadL@KW.com

706-633-8186

Pricing

Asking Price: $45,000

Flexibility: Firm

Property Location

Blairsville, GA 30512

Features

Acreage: 1.3

Sewerage: No

Water: Yes

Subdivision: Wildwood

School District: Union County

Agent Name: Chad Lariscy

Broker: Keller Williams Realty Mountain Properties

MLS #: 164870

Other Details

Gentle Lot

Mountain View

Paved Development

VFLYER ID: 1527047

Incredible Value at 52 Evening Shade Court in Cabin Country

2008-02-28T09:07:12Z

52 evening Shade Court in Cabin Country

Location: Cabin Country

Welcome to Cabin Country, home to 52 Evening Shade Court, a Mountain Cabin with a tremendous amount of value. This log-sided cabin features a private drive with plenty of room for additional parking and a turn-around, and leads to the large 2-Car Carport with beautiful exposed beams and tongue and groove. Step into the spacious full Unfinished Basement stubbed for an additional Full Bath, all just waiting for your special touch and taste. Walk upstairs and fell right at home in this very open floor plan complete with a Great Room, Kitchen and Dining Area, 2 Bedrooms and 2 Full Baths. Just off the front of this mountain cabin, you can greet your guests from the covered front porch, or sit out back on the larger covered rear porch and enjoy mountain living at its best with views of these beautiful mountains in the distance. The Great Room features vaulted ceilings with Cedar Shakes in the gable, and a gorgeous fireplace covered with creek rock and room for all of your electronics on top. Also you will find a perfect mixture of rough sawn boards with tongue and groove along with mountain laurel to make you feel like you are in the woods. The Kitchen and Dining area is open to the Great Room as well and features custom cabinets and a 5 bar. The Master Suite is very unique with its sunken jetted tub, surrounded by creek rock. The Master Bath also has a separate shower and double vanities. The second bedroom is also large and overlooks those great mountain views. This Cabin is complete and ready to for your North Georgia Mountain Dreams!

Photo Gallery

Information

Contact Information

Chad Lariscy

706-633-8186

Pricing

Asking Price: $239,000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Property Location

52 evening Shade Court
Morganton, GA 30560

Features

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: Carport

Year Built: 2008

Subdivision: Cabin Country

Lot Size: .868 Ac

School District: Fannin County

Agent Name: Chad Lriscy

Broker: Keller Williams Realty

MLS #: 163144

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Kitchen Island

Vaulted Ceilings

Basement

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1521033

There Is HOPE For Troubled Borrowers

2008-02-25T20:27:49Z

We all know someone who is having trouble keeping up with their mortgage, it might even be you. We need to let them know that there is help. I was reading an article in National Association of Realtors monthly publication titled Help Troubled Borrowers. If you have talked with these people, then they have probably mentioned that there are a lot of people out there that are calling and offering help. Please advise these folks to call 1.888.995.4673, (1.888.995.HOPE).

President George W. Bush announced sometime in the middle of December that he was going to help people in these defaulting sub-prime mortgages. Here is what you need to know to help anyone you know that is having trouble with paying their mortgages on time, or has experienced a rate increase that has made it near impossible for them to pay.

President Bush's HOPE NOW (HomeOwnership Preservation Foundation) is a voluntary effort by lenders, mortgage investors, and loan officers to help borrowers that are faced with default when their adjustable rate mortgages resets at a higher rate. One of the key parts of Hope Now is the interest rate freeze that would give these borrowers time to work out a possible solution.

Read the rest of this entry »

Spacious Cabin in Blue Ridge Georgia's Aska Adventure Area

2008-02-23T19:38:47Z

Spacious Log Cabin in the Heart of the Aska Adventure Area in Blue Ridge Georgia

Location: Aska Adventure Area

Unbelievable Location in the Heart of the Aska Adventure Area. Outdoor adventure awaits you from hiking to kayaking and to mountain biking to fly fishing, its all around you. This spacious 2 bedroom 2 bath cabin sits on a full unfinished basement with plenty of room to grow. On the main level you will enjoy a very large and open Great Room with Towering Rock Fireplace and Soaring Ceilings overlooking the Dining and Kitchen. There is also a large Bedroom and Full Bath accommodating the Laundry Room on the main level. Upstairs you will find more of the same in the Master Suite featuring vaulted ceilings and a huge master bath complete with Jetted Tub and separate Shower and Double Vanities. You will also find a Private Balcony off of the Master Suite to take in that incredible year around Mountain Views. A gated private drive leads you to the gentle wooded lot on which the cabin is situated. This log cabin also features large 10 foot covered porches that are so warm and inviting. This cabin has it all, just bring the rocking chairs!

Information

Contact Information

Chad Lariscy

ChadL@KW.com

706-633-8186

Pricing

Asking Price: $315,000.00

Flexibility: Firm

Property Location

Central Way
Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Features

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: Driveway

Year Built: 2008

Subdivision: Aska Adventure Area

Lot Size: 1.57

Garage Size: N/A

School District: Fannin County

Agent Name: Chad Lariscy

Broker: Keller Williams Realty Mountain Properties

MLS #: 163545

Attributes

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Kitchen Island

Vaulted Ceilings

Basement

Exterior Amenities

Mountain View

Covered Front Porch

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1455706

Photo Gallery

Side View

Stone Fireplace

10 Foot Front Porch

Great Room

Dining Area

Kitchen Area

Main Level Bedroom

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Mountain View From Private Balcony

Front View

Rear View

Front View

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1455706

Coosawattee River Front Mountain Home - $400,000

2008-02-23T19:35:09Z

241 River Road in Coosawattee River Resort - Ellijay GA.

Location: Coosawattee River Resort

Open the Full Glass French Doors that lead to the Screened Front Porch from the Great Room and enjoy peace like never before, while the sounds of Roaring Rapids from the Coosawattee River echo throughout this rustic but elegant River Front Mountain Home. This stunning home is located just minutes from downtown Ellijay, Ga. situated in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. Enjoy a nice walk along the river from the private road leading to this home, or hang out next to the River in your Private Outdoor Entertainment Area, complete with Horseshoe pit, Hammock, Riverside Benches, and a beautiful Stone Fire Ring for those late night marshmallow roasts. This home features a concrete poured driveway with ample amounts of parking. This home is nestled on a Full Basement that has been partially finished including a Master Sized Bedroom and semi-private Full Bath. The remainder of the basement is awaiting your personal touch and style. Upstairs you will find the Great Room with soaring ceilings and a gorgeous Stacked Stone Fireplace which overlooks the Bright Kitchen complete with dining area. There is another large Bedroom on the main level with semi-private Full Bath which also is home to the Laundry Area. You can also access the screened Front Porch from this Bedroom by opening the French Doors only to be mesmerized by the sounds of the Rushing Waters. Upstairs features a very Spacious Loft just overlooking the Great Room and just off of the Grand Master Suite. Enjoy mountain living at it s finest from this Master Suite. The Master Bath features a separate Shower and step up into the Jetted Tub surrounded by beautiful stacked stone work. The Master Bedroom features a Private Balcony that has been screened in, again to enjoy the serenity sounds of the Coosawattee River. This is an incredible River Front Mountain Home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, I would be so glad to assist you.

Photo Gallery

Information

Contact Information

Chad Lariscy

706-633-8186

Pricing

Asking Price: $400,000.00

Flexibility: Offers Welcomed

Property Location

241 River Road
Ellijay, GA 30540

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

Parking: Driveway

Year Built: 2000

Subdivision: Coosawattee River Resort

Lot Size: .69 Acres

School District: Gilmer County

Agent Name: Chad Lariscy

Broker: Keller Williams Realty Mountain Properties

MLS #: 164742 - 3653486

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Satellite

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Vaulted Ceilings

Basement

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Swimming Pool

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1503412

What Interest Are you Paying On Your North Georgia Mountain Cabin?

2008-02-23T15:09:19Z

I would like to introduce a very good friend of mine that I have known for quiet some time. Tracie Griffith, is a loan officer and branch manager of All Source Mortgage here in Blue Ridge, Ga. Tracie provides excellent customer service and she knows and values the the lending business. Tracie has taken such good care of my clients, and I too value her business and I am proud to have her as part of such an awesome team of professionals that provide first class services and products to my clients.

I have asked Tracie to provide some weekly tips that I hope you will find very helpful in your search not only your next North Georgia Mountain Home or Cabin, but any and all of your lending needs.

Here are the Interest Rates and Programs that are available to you for as of Friday February 22, 2008

Read the rest of this entry »

Alright All You Hawgs....Come To The Copperhead Lodge In Blairsville Georgia!

2008-02-04T15:49:59Z

Copperhead Lodge is a 40 acre resort community located in the North Georgia Mountains

...built by motorcycle enthusiasts for motorcycle enthusiasts. This resort features individual log-style park cabins, a rustic lodge, an outdoor pavilion/amphitheater and swimming pool plus various other amenities all situated in a beautiful mountain setting along a winding creek.

Copperhead Lodge has all paved roads with street lights, underground utilities and city water.

Our lodge overlooks the creek. It is the indoor gathering area for the resort and features: casual fine dining, overnight accommodations, several fireside gathering areas, a members only Club Room, fitness area, riding gear and apparel & sundries shop. The lodge is surrounded by thousands of square feet of covered porches complete with hot tubs and lounging areas. All roads and parking areas are paved. Read the rest of this entry »

January 2008 North Georgia Mountain Real Estate Market Report

2008-02-04T07:48:24Z

It is so hard for me to believe that another month has come and gone. I guess all that stuff I used to hear from my Mom about how time really flies by as you get older really is true. I want to say it is because I am always having fun!

With another month here, it is time for my monthly North Georgia Real Estate Market Report. I gather all of this information that is made available to me through our Northeast Georgia Board of Realtors MLS services. This information is compiled on the first day of each month from the data of the previous month. This information is deemed reliable, however it is not guaranteed.

Please be sure to look over the report, I think you will find it very informative. If however you find that I have left out any information, or you would like to make a suggestion, please contact me from the information found at the conclusion of this article.

The following graph shows exactly where we are with Active listings here in the North Georgia Mountains. There was not much variation from the number of listings we found in December of 2007.

Read the rest of this entry »

December 2007 North Georgia Mountain Real Estate Market Report

2008-01-16T21:11:27Z

The number of ACTIVE listings in the North Georgia Mountain Real Estate Market have actually seen a slight decrease in number over what the market saw in November. This is due to a small increase in the number of SOLD properties in December over the previous month. Also, there have been a lot of folks that have chose to pull their properties off of the market until we see a shift back to a Sellers Market. Read the rest of this entry »

First Thing Everyone Ought To Know About An Appraisal!

2007-12-13T23:26:29Z

Have you ever wondered just exactly what an appraisal is, or what components make up an appraisal? This weeks phone calls have consisted mostly of folks wanting a Realtors advice of what to do when they receive a disappointing appraisal.

What some home owners or buyer's sometimes don't understand is that there are many guidelines that Appraisers must follow that are set forth by companies like FannieMae and governmental organizations like the Georgia Real Estate Commission. I have asked a business associate and good friend of mine Jason Farmer who owns Mountain Gateway Appraisal to prepare for me some of those guidelines to share with my readers that are common concerns of those involved in a real estate transaction here in the North Georgia Mountain Real Estate market for a future post. I want to introduce this series of posts with a simplistic answer to exactly what an appraisal is before we look into those guidelines.

A home purchase is the largest, single investment most people will ever make. Whether it's a primary residence, a second vacation home or an investment, the purchase of real property is a complex financial transaction that requires multiple parties to pull it all off.

Most of the people involved are very familiar. The Realtor is the most common face of the transaction. The mortgage company provides the financial capital necessary to fund the transaction. The closing attorney ensures that all aspects of the transaction are completed and that a clear title passes from the seller to the buyer.

So who makes sure the value of the property is in line with the amount being paid?

There are too many people exposed in the real estate process to let such a transaction proceed without ensuring that the value of the property is commensurate with the amount being paid.

Read the rest of this entry »

The MeMe "Kiss"

2007-12-08T08:50:20Z

Is was like a big ol' smack on the cheek to be MeMe'd by my friend and Blogging Coach Justin Smith. (Read #5..you will understand!)

What? You don't know what a MeMe is? That's okay...I didn't either. So if you would like to know, you can go here!

Here is 5 things you may not know about me:

I have a Beautiful Wife of almost 15 years Kristi, who was actually engaged when we were on our first (un)official date.
I have 2 amazing children, Madison (10) and Bryson (6) with one (unplanned) baby girl on the way. (No name yet..thought we were done!)
I was 36 before I went to my first College Football Game. (Go DAWGS!)
I was named Rotarian of the Year in 2004!
One of the first girls that ever kissed me was a girl by the name of Meme!

I have tagged a few fellow Tomato's in the spirit of keeping the MeMe going. They are:

Cyndee Haydon - SandBarsToSunsets.com

Sandi Bauman - ChicoHomeSearch.net

Kevin Warmath - LivingInAlphareta.com

Thanks Justin.....This has been Fun!