Jennifer Mahota's Blog

Get Maximum Exposure This Summer

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Wed, 30 May 2012 08:48:05 -0700

New Park in the Neighborhood

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:48:34 -0700

Forsyth County is planning a new park that will border SaddleBrook Glen S/D along Caney Road on what is called the Harrison Property. It will be located along the north and east sides of Caney Road just west of the intersection of Caney Road and Brookwood Road. View a Map

According to their Facebook page, it should open this summer. The Brookwood Farmer's Market will move to the park on Friday June 15.

My Forsyth Favorites vs My Favorites

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Fri, 11 May 2012 07:30:38 -0700

In the April edition of My Forsyth Magazine, they give their list of favorites around town - I will compare them to my list below:

All-Around Restaurant - Marlows. I will accept that

Fine Dining - Tam's Backstage - AGREE

Coffee - Starbucks - ok but not many others

Doughnuts - Dutch Monkey - yum but Dunkin Donuts is cheap and a classic

Ice Cream - Menchie's - Nope, still Brusters for me

Pizza - Mellow Mushroom - OK but why don't they have coupons like all the others? Cheap alternative is Marco's

Sandwiches - Lenny's - never been there but I hear it's great. Love Jack's Deli but I think that might be in Fulton - it's on McGinnis Ferry but on the OTHER side from St Marlow's.

Realtor - Re/Max - I TAKE OFFENSE AT THIS!!! Keller Williams all the way!

Lawn Care - TruGreen - Hmmm...King Green gives great service too

Boutique - Francesca's - yeah if you are 21 and under. I think a combination of all the boutiques in the Avenues would suffice

Florist - Funky Mountain Flowers and Gifts - Yep

Grocery - Publix - is there another in our county? Sorry Kroger...

Tire - Kauffman - cough cough. Dekalb Tire has great service.

Fitness Complex - BodyPlex - I don't know - I am way too busy selling houses to work out at the gym...it's P90X all the way for me!

Golf - Lanier - this is a surprise to me. I can't offer an opinion though

Private School - Pinecrest Academy. - Public schools...

Reduced Competition for Sellers

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:06:56 -0700

I have noticed while taking out buyers lately that there are not so many homes to choose from these days. The trend is noticed by other agents talking around the office that our area is indeed in a seller's market. How can this be? Well - it appears it is not just our area.

There was an article in the WSJ this week claiming that there are 6.3 months of housing inventory nationwide, down from 11 months in 2008. We agents like 6 months worth of inventory - it balances the market. So this is good news.

It is however, causing some stunned buyes to have to enter into a bidding war for their dream home. That's ok and it's all good! I hope this trend continues!

You can read more about this by looking on www.online.wsj.com.

Big News for Forsyth County Schools

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:48:51 -0700

The superintendent of Forsyth County Schools, Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans, gave a talk at our weekly meeting today. He had a lot of great things to say including that their goal is to make Lambert High School the top ranked high school in the state within 3 years. I think they are on the path towards that - rapidly.

Just released was an article showing top honors to Forsyth County schools for percentage of graduates. The average for the state is 67.4%. Take a look at Forsyth's schools:

Lambert HS: 97.49%

South Forsyth HS: 89.06%

West Forsyth HS: 88.84%

North Forsyth HS: 82.33%

Forsyth Central HS: 79.67%

Average Total - 86.27%

This is the highest county percentage rate in the state!

Did you know Sawnee EMC was offering this discount card?

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:28:26 -0700

With Sawnee EMC's new program called Co-op Connection, you can get diiscounts on products and services from participating local and national pharmacies by simply showing your discount card. This is what the card looks like and you can print it out at www.sawnee.com/marketing.

Also cards were delivered to Sawnee customers in their February bill. I did a search on the pharmacy providers that accept the card and am pleasantly surprised. Below is a list for the 30041 zipcode. Sawnee announced this month that they have added savings on lab and imaging services, chiropractic, dental, vision and hearing care. Discounts vary but range from 10-60% savings in some cases. To get more details go to http://www.connections.coop/healthysavings.php

WAL-MART PHARMACY	1500 MARKETPLACE BLVD.
WALGREEN DRUG STORE	1780 TRAMMEL DR
RITE AID PHARMACY	1455 PEACHTREE PKWY
CVS PHARMACY	1230 BUFORD HIGHWAY
RITE AID PHARMACY	2820 KEITH BRIDGE RD
LAKESIDE PHARMACY	1100 NORTHSIDE FORSYTH DR
HOME CARE PHARMACY FORSYTH	1200 NORTHSIDE FORSYTH DR
WALGREENS PHARMACY	3290 KEITH BRIDGE RD
TARGET PHARMACY	1525 MARKETPLACE BLVD
CVS PHARMACY	450 PEACHTREE PKWY
INGLES PHARMACY	1090 BUFORD HWY
WALGREENS PHARMACY	2595 PEACHTREE PKWY
CVS PHARMACY	3095 OLD ATLANTA RD
KROGER PHARMACY	1595 PEACHTREE PARKWAY
KROGER PHARMACY	2655 FREEDOM PARKWAY
SAWNEE DRUG CO	2515 BUSINESS DR
KMART PHARMACY	1605 HIGHWAY 13
RITE AID PHARMACY	1550 US HIGHWAY 23
SHERWOODS DRUG SHOP INC	4700 NELSON BROGOON BLVD
CVS PHARMACY	1950 BUFORD HWY
WALGREENS DRUG STORE	4397 SUDDERTH RD
JOHNSONS HOMETOWN PHARAMCY INC	85 E MAIN ST
KROGER PHARMACY	1605 BUFORD HIGHWAY
KROGER PHARMACY	6001 HWY 20
GOODSON PHARMACY	116 W MAPLE ST
RITE AID PHARMACY 11696	2323 CANTON HIGHWAY
CVS PHARMACY	603 CANTON ROAD
GEORGIA HIGHLANDS MEDICAL SERVICES INC	260 ELM ST
CVS PHARMACY	4895 POST RD
CVS PHARMACY	5510 CASTLEBERRY RD
KROGER PHARMACY	2345 BETHELVIEW
RITE AID PHARMACY	3330 HAMILTON MILL ROAD
WALGREENS	2630 BRASELTON HWY
COSTCO PHARMACY	1550 mall of georgia blvd ne
WAL-MART PHARMACY	3795 BUFORD DRIVE
SAMS PHARMACY	3383 BUFORD DRIVE
CVS PHARMACY	2605 HAMILTON MILL RD
TARGET PHARMACY	3205 WOODWARD CROSSING BLVD
WAL-MART PHARMACY	3250 SARDIS CHURCH ROAD
KROGER PHARMACY	3300 HAMILTON MILL RD
RITE AID PHARMACY	5915 SPOUT SPRINGS ROAD
TARGET PHARMACY	5865 SPOUT SPRINGS RD
INGLES PHARMACY	4260 WINDER HWY
KROGER PHARMACY	4025 WINDER HWY
DIXIE CITY PHARMACY	4251 H WINDER HWY
CVS PHARMACY	7395 SPOUT SPRINGS RD
WALGREENS #12811	5963 SPOUT SPRINGS RD
KROGER PHARMACY	7380 SPOUT SPRINGS ROAD
YOO PHARMACY	1299 OLD PEACHTREE RD
TARGET PHARMACY	2625 PEACHTREE PKWY

So Jennifer, How's the Market Lately? Part Two

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:31:24 -0700

Taken directly from Keller Williams Realty Inc:

Interest Rates:

Another slight drop for mortgage rates as they continue to set historically low records. With homes being so affordable and the economy continuing its recovery, home prices are stabilizing, as increased sales are expected. NAR President Moe Veissi stated, "The American dream of home ownership is alive and well. We have a large pent-up demand, and household formation is likely to return to normal as the job market steadily improves. More buyers coming into the market mean additional benefits for the overall economy. When people buy homes, they stimulate a lot of related goods and services."

View This Month in Real Estate Video here

So Jennifer, How's the Market Lately? Part Three

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:31:05 -0700

Home Sales

Existing home sales continued their rise, up 5% in December, to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.61 million. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, said, "The pattern of home sales in recent months demonstrates a market in recovery. Record-low mortgage interest rates, job growth, and bargain home prices are giving more consumers the confidence they need to enter the market."

Home Prices

Homes prices for December were down 2.6% from a year ago, at a median price of $164,500. One factor contributing to lower prices has been the high level of distressed properties being sold. In December, these properties began to show signs of price stabilization and increase. Foreclosures were selling at 22%, a 2% increase from a year ago, and average prices for short sales prices had risen by 3%.

Inventory

The housing inventory dropped 9.2% in December to a 6.2-month supply, or 2.38 million homes, at the current level of sales. These are the lowest inventory levels of homes for sale since March of 2005. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, said, "The inventory supply suggests many markets will see prices stabilize or grow moderately in the near future."

Brought to you by KW Research. For additional graphs and details, please see the This Month in Real Estate PowerPoint Report.

The opinions expressed in This Month in Real Estate are intended to supplement opinions on real estate expressed by local and national media, local real estate agents and other expert sources. You should not treat any opinion expressed on This Month in Real Estate as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of opinion. Keller Williams Realty, Inc., does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of information, and provides said information without warranties of any kind. All information presented herein is intended and should be used for educational purposes only. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. All investments involve some degree of risk. Keller Williams Realty, Inc., will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in This Month in Real Estate.

CummingClicker

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:30:29 -0700

Have you heard about this neat website, www.cummingclicker.com?

I was browsing n Facebook one day looking for interesting information about Forsyth county to share and saw their page - CummingClicker.

The website has a section for business advertising, coupons, and job postings. Most Facebook status updates are new job postings on their site.

There are alot of pages on Facebook about Cumming and Forsyth County...check it out.

Growth in Forsyth County Chart

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:30:10 -0700

I saw this on Focus on Forsyth Facebook Page. I don't know if it's accurate but thought it was interesting to see. It gives you an idea of Forsyth County's growth - WOW!

Unless you have no money or are just plain stupid...

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:29:50 -0700

Have you heard that phrase lately? Well it is in reference to buying real estate as investment properties. It is simple supply and demand really. Buy low. That is the #1 phrase they teach in investment property school.

And it is apparently followed by Warren Buffet himself. In an recent interview he was quoted as saying he'd "buy up 'a couple hundred thousand' single family homes if it were practical to do so". Buffett says along with equities, single-family homes are a very attractive investment right now.

And I agree!

source: http://m.cnbc.com/us_news/46538421//1?refresh=true

If You are a Seller...

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:29:30 -0700

March 2012 -

The housing market shows signs of transitioning from a buyers' market to a more balanced one. This means that home owners should start to see prices stabilize and begin to grow, presenting more favorable opportunities for those looking to sell their homes. In regards to the number of homes on the market, a key indicator of the health of the housing market, Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, "The broad inventory condition can be described as moving into a rough balance, not favoring buyers or sellers."

Source: National Association of Realtors and KW Research

Adventures for Kids

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:29:09 -0700

I was just messing around on Facebook this morning and found this page - Kid Ventures Atlanta. Well you know how Facebook changed their pages to the new Timeline look? I find that so difficult to view - especially the business pages - which I probably have just as many as I do friends. Anyhow, so I clicked on their website to get information. It is http://www.kidventuresatlanta.com/.

What this company does is plan field trip adventures in the North Fulton area. It is run by 2 Moms that strive to engage their kids in fun educational activites. You can add your name to their list so you can see what adventures they are planning that month.

Here is an example copied from their webpage:

Diamond Girlz Day Spa Monday April 2nd 2:00 - Johns Creek

Wed, 2012-03-14 09:26 — admin

$15.00

Do you have a little Diva in the house??? She will love getting pampered at the newly renovated Diamond Girlz Day Spa! She will receive a manicure and glittler make-up application. While she is waiting, she can take a turning dancing to all the laest hits on Just Dance 3 in the funky dance room! This event is $15 per child.

How great is that? And what a way to meet other people. I love this idea and wish something like this was available to me as a young mom - especially in the summer.

Check it out!

Spring Cleaning Ideas

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:28:48 -0700

It's Spring Cleaning Time!

10 easy ways to spruce of your home inside and out:

1. Wipe down exterior furniture - You will have to do this multiple times to actually get rid of the pollen. Sturdy cushions could also use a good pressure washing.

2. Scrub the grill with warm water and dish soap

3. Weed the garden - Weeds are already plentiful given our mild winter

4. Wash driveway and walks - pressure washing again...

5. Wash those pesky windows! If you clean on a cloudy day, you will see streaks better.

6. Scrub sealed countertops, sinks stainless steel and silver with a lemon scrub: 1/2 C baking soda and few drops of liquid soap. Mix into paste. Spread onto the inside of a half a lemon. Use the lemon like a sponge. Wipe.

7. Declutter the garage. This is an ongoing project for those of use with kids.

8. Detail the deck - I heard Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner works good. Spray it on, leave for 10 min then rinse.

9. Clean out gutters - wait, didn't we just do this in the fall? YES!

10. Switch to "green" Earth friendly products.

source: Lowes Creative Ideas

So Jennifer, How's the Market Lately?

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:43:51 -0800

Funny you should ask! The next few posts will be directly from Keller Williams Realty Inc and will show the latest and greatest trends in real esate:

2012 is off to a promising start. Mortgage rates continue to drop and have remained under 4% for nearly two months. Home sales are strengthening and pending home sales, a measure to gauge future sales, are at their highest levels since March 2010.

Job growth has been increasing for most of 2011, with unemployment dropping to 8.4%. As more people are getting jobs, consumer confidence has also been increasing. However, underemployment continues to be a problem for a stronger recovery. The underemployment rate is 18.1%, and there are still a significant number of people working part time, who would like to have full-time work.

Even with substantial national improvements, this continues to be a "one neighborhood at a time" recovery. Payroll jobs were up in 25 states, but down in 24, demonstrating the delicate state of the U.S. economy. Global factors such as the European debt crisis are also complicating a more robust recovery. Strong guidance is needed from local and global leaders to continue this growth, as well as allow for business to maintain momentum toward building and expanding upon the opportunities that exist.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Association of Realtors

Poor Economy is a Plus for Cumming

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:18:31 -0800

Because of economic pressures, the University System of Georgia has lost a bilion dollars in state funding over the last four years. They have since decided to blend eight universities into four.

One of those 4 universities is the blended campus of North Georgia College and State University and Gainesville State College that will serve Forsyth County and surrounding communities in Cumming. It will be located next door to the Cumming Aquatic Center, off Pilgrim Mill Road.

The new facility, called "University Center Ga. 400 facility" is expected to be completed in July, 2012 and begin to hold classes in fall 2012. The campus will be able to accommodate about 15,000 students and will offer a range of two- and four-year undergraduate programs, graduate programs and professional development.

I have heard a little bit of concern about this venture but both current campuses will remain as-is with North GA's Dahlonega campus having a strong residential focus and Gainesville State's commuter base.

This new campus will add jobs and give students another avenue of study - both pluses for our county. For more information visit the Campus Consolidation Website.

Vacant Homes May Need Special Insurance?

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:11:45 -0700

Do you need Vacant Home Insurance?

If you are planning on moving out of your home before you sell it, you may need special homeowners insurance. Many homeowners policies have a "vacancy clause" that's triggered if the home owner is gone for an extended period of time. Like if you move first then put your home on the market. That's because empty homes are more likely to have break-ins and there's a greater risk of small problems growing into big problems. "While an extra policy might cost more, it could save you money down the road," says Jane L. Cline, NAIC President. So don't get left with sizeable repairs on top of the other costs to sell your home. Check your homeowners policy today. Then call me to help you market your home. Courtesy: www.realtor.org. October 2010.

Forsyth County New Millage Rate

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:29:05 -0700

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners adopted an increase in the county's millage rate during a special called meeting Thursday, July 22, at a rate lower than the advertised, proposed increase. The vote followed the third of three public hearings held regarding the millage rate.

The approved Maintenance and Operation rate is 4.734 mills, up from 3.834 mills in 2009. The approved Fire rate is 1.975 mills, up from 1.841 mills in 2009. The increase in these rates was approved to help offset projected deficits in the county's 2011 preliminary budget and the Fire Department's 2011 preliminary budget.

The approved Bond rate is 0.947 mills, down from 1.196 mills in 2009. The reduced Bond millage rate reflects the debt service requirements for bonds in 2011.

These approved rates represent a total county millage increase of 0.785 mills, compared to the advertised, proposed total increase of 1.48 mills.

The millage rates adopted July 22 will fund the county's 2011 budget, which will be adopted toward the end of 2010.

So what does this do to my tax bill you might ask? Well, if you take last years tax bill to get the following values: fair market value and assessed value. Then use the new millage rate of 24.719 mills. Here is how to do the calculation:

Fair Market Value (F.M.V.) X 40% = Assessed Value

Assessed Value X .024719 = Tax.

Also remember that your Fair Market Value may go down this year. Property values as a whole have gone down and when you get your notice of value please make sure you take note of where your value is. Also remember that for the 2010 tax bill values are based on sales from 1/1/2009 to 12/31/2009 not today's sales. Please let me know if I can assist you once you get your letter of value.

New Listing in Saddlebrook Glen in Cumming, GA!

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:14:05 -0700

Gorgeous Brick Beauty in South Forsyth County on a large level fenced lot. Fresh neutral interior paint and updated lighting fixtures makes this home shine. Large master suite with sitting area, his/hers closet, and lots of natural light. The master bath has gorgeous neutral tile and marble counters. The secondary bedrooms are a generous size too with guest bathroom centrally located with double vanity. Exterior painted 2 years ago and new roof in 2009. Professional landscaping completes this home to make it somewhere for you to call home.

Check out all of the fabulous homes in Cumming GA at www.searchhomesforsalecummingga.com and get packing!

Forclosures: Be Aware of the Possible Tax

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:43:43 -0700

CAN THE IRS TAX YOUR LOSS?

A lot of homeowners today are deciding to walk away from their house that is loosing value. You should be aware of the possible tax implications if you do a foreclosure. The IRS can consider the cancelled debt as a form of income and tax you on that in some cases. While debt used to buy or build a home might be exempt, debt from a cash-out refinance that was not used for the house is not. So if you took cash out of your home to fund your child's college tuition, buy a car, take a vacation or pay off credit card debt then that part of the mortgage might be taxable as income. It is always best to check with a real estate attorney or accountant before walking away from a mortgage that you might be upside down on before walking away from the house or even doing a short sale. I am always in favor of being aware of all the consequences before you take action.

Saddlebrook Glen/ Cumming GA

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:42:50 -0700

One of the most desirable areas to live is South Forsyth County. Its schools have won many awards and the county has great parks, shopping, restaurants, and so much more. One of the great subdivisions which is located in South Forsyth County in Cumming GA is Saddlebrook Glen.

It is a swim/tennis community with a community playground, street lights, and sidewalks. The homeowners association recently changed the pool to a salt water pool which is so much better for your skin and eyes. This community is located near a large tract of land which will become another great county park in the future. It is also centrally located near The Avenues of Forsyth, Emory Hospital of Johns Creek, Northside Forsyth Hospital and so much more.

This community is slated for Big Creek Elementary, Piney Grove Middle, and South Forsyth High School. Big Creek was named as a winner in the 2009 Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) and earned the GOLD AWARD for outstanding student achievement.

In the area of schools that show the most progress or greatest gains in student achievement (from the 2008 to the 2009 school year),Piney Grove garnered a GOLD award. And in the area of schools that show excellence in student achievement with highperformance on their 2009 CRCT scores, Piney Grove earned a BRONZE award.

Newsweek has again recognized FCS' South Forsyth High School students and staff as one of the America's Best High Schools for 2010. According to Newsweek, they "pick the best high schools in the country based on how hard school staffs work to challenge students with advanced placement college-level courses and tests. Just over 1600 schools-only six percent of all the public schools in the U.S.-made the list". South Forsyth HS was named #199.

Saddlebrook Glen is a great place to call home.

Search for your new home at www.searchhomesforsalecummingga.com.

10.5% Increase in closings for SFR in May 2010

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:22:31 -0700

According to Steve Palm of Smart Numbers there was a 10.5% increase in single family detached home closings in May 2010 over May 2009. However, under contracts declined from April to May 2010 probably due to the tax credit. Home prices have stayed flat in most areas.

For May 2010 for the area located in the Cumming GA South Forsyth County east of GA 400 the average Sales Price was $301,175 and average days on market was 92.8 days. The active inventory in that area also dropped during May.

For the area located in Cumming GA South Forsyth County west of GA 400 the average Sales Price was $252,943 and average days on market was 99.3 days. The active inventory in that area increased during the month of May.

For the area located in Cumming GA North Forsyth County the average Sales Price was $193,501 and average days on market was 97.2 days. There was a slight increase in the number of active listings during the month of May.

Overall, there was an increase in the number of homes sold and average sales price in Forsyth County in May 2010 vs. May 2009.

If you are looking for a home in Cumming GA or have a home to sell in Cumming GA go to www.searchhomesforsalecummingga.com to check out all homes in the area or see what homes are selling for in your subdivision. Happy Hunting:)

Interest Rates are Low- Why Wait to Buy?

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:39:40 -0700

Wait no more. Are you searching for a home in Cumming GA? The interest rates are at an all time low and maybe going lower. Housing prices are still extremely low. This is the best time to buy or sell to buy a larger home in Cumming GA. Search for your next home at www.searchhomesforsalecummingga.com Check out these interest rates:

30 Year Fixed:

4.750% 0.00 Points

30Yr Fixed NO PMI:

5.125% 0.00 Points

FHA 30 Year Fixed:

4.750% 0.00 Points

FHA 5 Year ARM:

3.375% 0.00 Points

5 Year ARM Conv.

3.250% 0.00 Points

7 Year ARM Conv.

3.750% 0.00 Points

Jumbo 7 Year ARM:

4.750% 0.00 Points

The DOW has now fallen almost 1000 points over the last month and could be heading for lower levels in the near future. The DOW's problems are good news for rates as money is flowing from the stock market into the bond market driving rates to 50 year lows. The 10 year treasury (a barometer for fixed rates) is now standing at 3.32% which is almost .75% lower than several months ago. If the DOW continues to fall, 4.5% 30 year fixed rates could become a reality before the 4th of July. Rates at that level should certainly give a boost to home sales!!!

Information provided Courtesy of Jeff Morris with Suntrust Mortgage. You can reach Jeff at 770-842-3480.

Interest rates are subject to change without notice.

Are Home Prices Ever Going to Improve in Georgia?

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Tue, 18 May 2010 10:01:29 -0700

A lot of todays homeowners would like to move but can not afford to make that move because what they paid for their home a few years ago is not what they can sell it for today. What is keeping Georgia's home prices down? Foreclosures continue to service as a major source of declining home values on residential real estate in Georgia. They keep the market from rebounding. At the end of 2009, 2.68% of all housing units in Georgia were in foreclosure, according to statistics compiled by Realty Trac. That number is up about 24% from the end of 2008 and up 80% from the end of 2007. It is the 7th highest foreclosure rate in the U.S. The following counties had the highest foreclosure rates in Georgia:

Newton with 7.42%
Walton with 6.46%
Henry with 6.02%.

Cumming, GA has continued to have a very low rate of foreclosures. While Forsyth County still has foreclosures, it has managed to stay stable with its home values over the past 6 months.

When will the foreclosures taper off so my home value will stablize and begin to rise again? Roger Tutterrow, professor of economics at Mercer University, says it all hinges on employment. "We need to see that the recovery has some legs with respect to job creation, and this isn't happening yet in Georgia," says Roger Tutterrow. Tutterrow explains that foreclosures tend to peak during the later stages of a recession and on into the recovery, which helps explain why foreclosures aren't slowing despite the fact that the recession is over. With the move of NCR's corporate headquarters from Ohio to hear in Georgia, we should see an influx of buyers for our homes as well as the creation of some jobs. It will just take time to weed through all the foreclosures and create some new jobs. All the signs are positive that we are heading in the right direction. At least NCR thinks so- they moved their company here.

Are you thinking of buying or selling your home in Cumming, GA or Metro Atlanta GA? Go to www.searchhomesforsalecummingga.com to search for all homes for sale in Metro Atlanta. If you want to find out what your home is worth go www.jennifermahota.com and go to the box labeled "Market Snapshot" and fill out the info. You will receive an amazing report of sales in your neighborhood/area as well as current homes for sale.

Build Value in Your Home Without Emptying Your Wallet!

Jennifer Mahota (Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners) — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:59:03 -0700

Are you considering putting your home on the market in Cumming GA and wondering what can you do to spruce it up without spending a lot of money? Well wonder no more. The following is a list of a few things that can make your home sparkle and stand out above the competition:

Curb Appeal: You have to get people to come in the front door to win them over. If your home doesn't look appealing on the exterior the buyers won't make it through the front door. Keep your yard neatly cut and maintained, fill beds with fresh mulch or pinestraw, keep all shrubs trimmed to at least the halfway point of the bottom window pane, and add some color by planting a few flowers or adding a planter at the front door. Add an accent color by painting your front door a different color from the shutters.
Paint: It is a very economical fix and can make all the difference. You want to be careful with your color choice so you appeal to the most buyers as possible. Always go with warm neutral tones. Your Realtor can help you with recommending some choices. Also, freshly painted trim and molding can make your home look very clean.
The Kitchen: The kitchen is a huge part in everyones home. You can add new countertops (granite, silestone, corian) or a tile backsplash and instantly update your kitchen. Another inexpensive upgrade is replacing cabinet hardware with brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze. Your Realtor can always help you with these choices to make your home appeal to the most buyers.

All of these can be accomplished very quickly and very inexpensively. Its amazing what a few minor improvements can do to a home's aesthetic appeal and value. If you have a home to sell call me and I would be happy to help you determine what would make your home show its best.