Update on the move to paradise:

I have been so excited that all winter so far we have barely had to turn on the heater at all. It has gotten a little chilly in the early morning hours a few times, but we're back in flip flops by noon! The locals have told me that it has been the mildest winter in a few years. I've been taking credit for that, figuring that God was smiling down and sending rays of Sunshine to my paradise and everyone else was just basking in my sunshine. 

Until yesterday! Oh, the sun was still shining beautiful and bright as ever. But somebody left the freezer door open! Brrrr...we woke up to temperatures in the 20's or low 30's. I'm not sure exactly which one because I didn't find it necessary to purchase an outside thermometer. One more cold day today, and by tomorrow we're right back to the 70's again. Whew! I am so happy for that. 

You're probably wondering what all this has to do with real estate. Well, I was thinking alot yesterday about how things are not always as they seem. Sitting inside looking out my pack patio windows, the sun was as bright as ever. The trees are green, and it beckons you to step outside and smell the salt air. But one step outside the doorway, and it took your breath away. It was absolutely freezing and the wind was bitterly cold. 

In real estate, things are also not what they seem. If you listen to the news reports, you'll believe that every other home on your block is going to foreclose. And you'll think that every foreclosure can be had for pennies on the dollar. And to give credit to some, it may true in some locations. But don't assume that it's that way everywhere. 

Panama City Beach is one of the top 5 locations in the US where prices are actually on the RISE. I've been here less than a full year, and I've already seen the growth. Local Realtor's projections for last year were surpassed by mid-year. Right now we have more buyers than we have homes to show and sell. Foreclosures are listed and go into bidding wars. They sell for over listing price. Homes in the lower price range are being sold rapidly, and we are progressing into the next level of pricing. Last year if I had a client who only wanted to see homes under $90k, I could have shown them homes for two days. And I'm referring to homes within 3 blocks of the beach! But not anymore. That trip would consist of maybe 2-3 homes. 

In many areas, people are still waiting for the market to hit rock bottom. In Panama City Beach, rock bottom has come and gone. If you have ever considered a second home, vacation home, or condo next to the most beautiful beaches in the US, the time has come to act. Call me today and let me show you some fabulous deals , while you can still get them! 

Kimberly Wilson

Every American should see this video. Please email and forward this to all your friends.

I've been feeling a great sadness because the death of Michael Jackson has been the headline on every news program for days and days. It doesn't matter if you are a fan or not, one would think that singing rock music and dancing is the most important thing going on in the entire world.

Give the man his due and let's move on folks. Are we just using his death as an easy escape from the REAL world tragedies? What does it really mean to you and me who gets the children or how much money is left or who the children's parents are?

Is this REALLY the most important thing we should be hearing about constantly?

Today after I posted a blog about my Patriotism, a good friend sent me an email with a video link that has moved me in a way that no pop star could ever move me.

Several weeks ago 3 GAARNG members were killed in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. This video is of the funeral procession of Staff Sargent John Beale, KIA.

He was the first Soldier in Henry County Georgia to be killed in action.

June 11, 2009 they brought his body back and had a caravan from Peachtree City to McDonough, GA.

                 Please watch this video   A REAL AMERICAN HERO   and remember why we are able to

celebrate our freedom.

Freedom isn't Free.

Only 2 People have ever died for you,

Jesus Christ for your soul and

the American Soldier for your freedom.

God Bless America!

It's that time of the year again. July 4th, the day we pay homage to Patriotism and Independence. Of course if you know me or have read many of my blogs, you know that I am as patriotic as they come.

I LOVE AMERICA!

I can't even hear the National Anthem without getting a tear in my eye. Ever since I was a child, my patriotism has been a real soft spot in my heart. I get a quiver inside just to meet and shake hands with a veteran in uniform, or place my hand across my heart and pledge to the flag. My graduation commencement speech was a poem titled "I love America", and I barely got through it without my voice breaking. Click here to read.

I'd like to think that all of us are patriotic every day, not just on July 4th. I usually start every day with a few moments of gratitude and being blessed to be an American has always been on my list.

I realize that the state of our country isn't well at the moment. We do have many issues and it's probably going to get worse before it gets better. But if you do some research you will find that America is still the greatest country in the world, and thousands of people every day do everything possible just to get here- legally and otherwise.

What does it really mean to you? 

I'm excited to announce that Dawson County will host the first ever Dawson Day Extravaganza, complete with Independence Day fireworks at Rock Creek Park.

Gates open at 5:00 pm

Free admission

There will be fun for all ages

Food & Games available while you listen to the 'Frogs' play some of your favorite songs.  

Don't miss this exciting day!

Contact me if you need more information or directions!

Kimberly Wilson, Your Dawsonville Real Estate Specialist...Keeping you in touch and informed!

 Governor Perdue has signed HB 261,  creating a Georgia income tax credit up for the purchase of an eligible single-family residence.  Although we are happy that the tax credit made it to the signing table, there were a few changes from the original bill that was passed by the Senate.

The credit is limited to eligible purchases made between June 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009.  If you have already closed on your home purchase this year, you will not receive the credit. The credit can be claimed only one time per taxpayer. 

The final version of the bill contains an amendment to clarify condominiums and residences occupied at the time of sale are eligible for the credit.  In addition, eligible single family residences include :

- new single family residences

- previously occupied residences that were for sale prior to the May 11, 2009 and are still for sale after May 11, 2009

- owner-occupied residences with respect to which the owner's acquisition debt is in default on or before March 1, 2009 (meaning pre-foreclosure properties)

-residences where a foreclosure has taken place and are owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent (properties owned by the bank)

There has been little debate about the need to stimulate the housing market. However, state budget deficits left approval of HB 261 in serious trouble. It was finally decided to reduce the overall maximum benefit of the tax credit to $1,800 or 1.2 % of the purchase price (whichever is less) spread over three years so that the overall impact to the state was reduced by allowing the credit to be claimed over three  years, while continuing to provide a significant benefit to potential homebuyers.

It is important to note that this is not just for First Time Home Buyers. Anyone purchasing a home may be eligible for this tax credit.

It is also important to note that this is not in lieu of the Federal Tax Credit of $8000 that purchasers may also be eligible to receive.

For specific questions about the tax credits and what it means to you, contact your tax professional.

Now, more than ever is the time to buy. If you have been waiting, wait no more!

Call Kimberly Today!

I am committed to bringing you the latest, most up to date information to help you navigate the real estate market today!

Have you been waiting for an update about the Georgia Tax Credit for homebuyers?

Wait no more, here is the latest.

Yesterday evening while attending a business event, I was able to speak directly to Senator Chip Pearson about it. I asked him why the Governor had not signed the bill into law yet. He said that Governor Purdue is waiting for the April Revenue Figures to come in. Once he can see what the numbers are, he will begin to sign the bills that passed in the order of importance. Unfortunately, if the numbers are low some bills that passed will probably not make it into law this year.

Hopefully, the home buyers tax credit will be one at the top of the list. We firmly believe that the recovery of the housing market will be what propels the economy.

I'm not clear on just how long it will be before the April Revenues are in. Of course, the month isn't over yet. I would think we are looking at towards the end of May at the earliest for a resolution.

If you are in the market to buy, don't let this keep you on the fence. You will be able to take full    advantage of the tax credit as long as you purchase by December.

However, the excess inventory is being sold. Sales are on the rise and as the inventory goes down, prices will go up and bargains will be much harder to locate.

Interest rates are still low and there are great buyer programs available! Waiting could cost you several thousand dollars.

Contact Kimberly Wilson today! I'm committed to keeping you informed and providing you with the most up-to-date information available.

I've been in the real estate business for more than a decade. I have worked for a broker who would not allow any adjustments to commissions, and broker's who let me charge whatever I wanted. One broker I worked for actually had a discount listing option and I admit that I used it a few times.  So, I preface by saying that in some very rare cases, it may be necessary to have such an option available. However, my theory about commissions is that the clients could care less..as long as they get what they want and are happy with the services they received from you.

Yesterday on the way home from a closing, my client said to me " I know you don't make alot of money on this, and I just want to thank you for everything you have done for me. I appreciate it so much. And, give me another business card. I want to give it to my new neighbors who just put their house up for sale by owner. I'm going to tell them how great you are."

We never discussed how much money I made on the deal in literal terms. But of course the commission paid to my company was on the HUD 1 statement. And in spite of this she still felt that the services she received outweighed the compensation I would receive.

We have agents running around trying to "list the masses" and thinking that making a little money on many listings will be better than making a decent commission on just one. You know these people. We call them the 'here's your sign & good luck' agents. If you're like me, you have probably listed a home that expired after the 'here's your sign & good luck' didn't produce a buyer. These agents are missing the whole point.

What is the point? The point is that it's not how many buyers and sellers you get, it's how many you keep.

Do you breeze through their lives, rushing and giving them only half the professionalism they deserve leaving them with a bad attitude when they see your commission on the HUD1 at the closing?

Do they feel like you 'got too much of their money' for what little you did?

Do they express opinions to others that 'realtors make too much money for nothing'?

Or...

Do they ask for more cards and thank you and refer you to their friends, family and co-workers? 

Do they call you when their mother needs to sell her home?

Do they remember your name in 5 years when they are ready to move again?

Referrals, repeat business, clients for life....I'll take that over instant gratification anytime.

Sometimes things don't turn out exactly the way we like, but if you are the kind of person that always looks for the positive in the situation you will appreciate this update.

When Saxby Chambliss worked so very hard to pass the $15,000 Federal Tax Credit we were so proud that it did at least reach the House floor. However, as you know the credit we wound up with is the $8,000 tax credit only available to first time home buyers (which is anyone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years )  We were disappointed that the original amount was changed, but we are happy that we did get the $8,000.

Senator Chip Pearson worked very hard to get the Georgia House Bill 261 $3,600 tax credit for Georgians, and again we were disappointed that the amount was reduced. The Georgia Tax Credit for Home Buyers was debated between the House and the Senate until an agreement was finally reached on Friday giving an $1,800 tax credit (not the $3,600 credit we had hoped for) to Georgians purchasing a home.

So, if we are looking at the glass HALF FULL the GREAT NEWS IS....

• The Tax Credit is for $1,800.
• It is for ANY home buyer in Georgia, not just first time home buyers.
• It will be good for 6 months from the date the Governor signs the bill. (still waiting on that)
• You may be able to qualify for both the Federal AND the Georgia Tax Credits when purchasing a home in Georgia.

For all the details regarding the tax credit and how you can combine both the Federal Tax Credit and the Georgia Tax Credit, please consult with your tax preparer or accountant.

Many other Legislative Priorities were fulfilled last Friday regarding Georgia's economy, job growth, and education. Georgia will be a key state paving the way for economic recovery in the United States. Already we have realized a huge increase in activity in the real estate market here in Dawsonville.

I am committed to bringing you the latest developments in a timely manner.

Contact Kimberly Wilson, Your Available North Georgia Real Estate Specialist

I just got word that Bill 261 for a $3600 tax credit for Georgia residents has just.....PASSED THE SENATE!!!

This will be in addition to the federal tax credit and available to ALL HOMEBUYERS...not just first time homebuyers in the state of Georgia!

I do not know at this moment if the bill passed as it was originally written, or if changes were made. As soon as I get the details, I will update!

What awesome news today. Special thanks to our State Senator Chip Pearson for his efforts in helping get this bill passed. Senator Pearson has been working alongside the Georgia Home Builders Association and local associations to get this kind of legislation passed and aid in the housing recovery. I would ask that everyone reading this post please email Senator Pearson and thank him for his hard work on this bill. You can email him at:  chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov

It's amazing what happens when people cooperate and the 'Powers that be' listen to the people's voice and great things are accomplished.

Contact me for more information and stay tuned for more!

Kimberly Wilson, Your Available Agent keeping you informed with up to the minute information!

 UPDATE:

The bill still has to be signed by Governor Purdue.  Once signed into law, it will only be available for 6 months. In addition, the credit will be divided and used over a 3 year period, not used all at once. I think this is a good thing. It's still a good tax credit amount for three years!

I look for Governor Purdue to sign this bill into law shortly.

Stay tuned!