Jana Bryant, CDPE's Blog

New Georgia Law changes Property Tax Assessment Procedure

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:38:39 -0700

New Georgia Law changes Property Tax Assessment Procedure

Georgia recently passed "The Property Tax Assessment and Appeals Reform Bill" (Senate Bill 346) on June 7, 2010.

Highlights include:

1. Every property owner will receive an Annual Notice of Assessment and the right to appeal;

2. Every Notice of Assessment must contain the estimated property tax (in dollars);

3. Appeal period has been extended to 45 days;

4. Alternative streamlined appeal option for properties valued over $1,000,000;

5. Automatic taxpayer victory on appeals when government fails to respond within 45 days;

6. Requirement that all relevant sales, including distress sales, be included when determining Fair Market Value (FMV);

7. Requirement that only "current use of property" be used in determining FMV;

8. Taxpayer must be given access to all data used in determining FMV;

9. Sales price establishes FMV for next tax year.

Remember that a reduction in the assessment does not always reduce the actual bill. Other factors such as the millage rate, homestead exemption, and other exemptions will also affect the final tax bill amount.

Short sales and insolvency. Where is the compassion in all of this?

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:26:43 -0700

Okay, so here's the scenario.....

Imagine that you are a seller and you lost your job from a layoff about a year ago. You made house payments until your family's savings was depleted. You went on many interviews but never could land a new position. Then, to add insult to injury, you were involved in an auto accident and now have difficulty getting around; both you and your spouse. You've been in constant contact with your lender and they suggested that you short sale your home. BTW, you are at retirement age. You've lost everything. The only thing you have left are your possessions and you really aren't sure where you will go or how you will pay for it once you get there.

So, you gradually pack your items to prepare for the move all the while, showing your home to prospective buyers that are keen on getting a deal. You know that you paid 30% more than the list price for this home that you loved so much when you purchased it. This home was supposed to have seen you through your retirement. Your world has dissolved before you. You lose more sleep every night while you count every penny that you can scrape together to put into your gas tank each day. Yes, you are depressed and find it difficult to even eat or awaken each day.

Along comes an agent that shows his buyer your home for the second time. You and your spouse leave for each showing though very difficult considering your health. Looks like they may put in an offer. Your agent instructs the selling agent that this is an as-is transaction and has also clearly stated on the listing that whatever the commission the bank honors, will be split. The sale is contingent upon bank approval.

So here comes the offer. The offer asks for $15,000 less than the bargain price of the property plus closing costs. The buyer is also asking for a survey, a septic cleaning, a home warranty, a full-blown pest treatment by a specific company, all pest-related damages to be repaired as determined by an inspection, $2000 in any FHA required repairs, plus 30 days due diligence. The agent also submits commission instructions to the closing attorney for 3% to each party for your agent to sign. Oh, one last thing....the buyer wants your washer and dryer, your refrigerator, and a hot tub that is packed in the basement that actually belongs to someone else. No mention of a short sale stip, no as-is clause.

Please, someone help me understand how agents can submit offers like this with a clear conscience. Do they not realize that sellers that are actually going through the motions of trying to execute a short sale are still involved in the game and that they care? Wouldn't they have moved out in the middle of the night unless they are actually trying to do the right thing? The sellers have lost everything and you want their stuff too?!

Perhaps agents need to watch the videos that we saw in CDPE class of the families being physically removed from their homes. People, this stuff is real! This is a sad time. Can you please try and make this horrible circumstance, less horrible? This is much more than another commission check or opportunity to engage in a hard negotiation.

Sorry for the rant!

SHORT SALE-Bank needs contract now! $145,000-now reduced to $135,000!!

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Sun, 30 May 2010 01:48:05 -0700

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Description

Owner's loss is your gain! Fantastic 3 bedroom 2 bath with finished partial basement with built-in custom bar for fabulous entertaining! Stainless steel appliances, wooded views with complete privacy from 2 wonderful decks. Lot backs up to Etowah River.

Features

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	2
Year Built:	1997
Subdivision:	River Falls
Lot Size:	.39
Garage Size:	2 car
School District:	Cherokee
Square Footage:	1800
Agent Name:	Jana Bryant
Broker:	Keller Williams Select Partners
FMLS:	4049454

Location

189 Colony Circle Canton GA 30114

vFlyer Id: 3353876

Ranch on Basement; Best Deal in Canton! REDUCED!! $165,000!!

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:20:43 -0800

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209 Cambridge Trace	Huge family room with stone fireplace	Oversized master on main with sitting area
Architectural interest	Well equipped kitchen overlooks family room	Large secondary bedrooms will accomodate larger furnishings
Deck overlooks private, wooded yard on over an acre!	Separate shower and extra large soaking tub.

Description

Clean and elegant, this 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch on a basement is all the space you'll need. Full basement with additional laundry connection and utility sink just waiting for you to finish. Beautiful decorator paint colors throughout. Stacked stone gas fireplace. Upgraded fixtures, soaring ceilings and more! You don't wanna miss this one at this price! New schools! Private, wooded lot. Separate dining room. Breakfast room off of kitchen that overlooks backyard.

Features

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	2
Year Built:	2004
Subdivision:	Smithwyck
Lot Size:	1/2 acre +
Garage Size:	2 car
Square Footage:	2096
Agent Name:	Jana Bryant
Broker:	Keller Williams Select Partners
FMLS:	4028943

Location

209 Cambridge Trace Canton GA 30115

vFlyer Id: 3180648

Available Homes in Oakdale Preserve

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:51:29 -0700

Oakdale Preserve

Jana Bryant, 404-409-1351

jana@mindspring.com

Homesite #7 The Brookfield "c"- 5 Bedroom, 5 Bath, Finished Terrace Level reduced $499,900

Family room, formal dining room, keeping room, loft, wrap porch, media, sun room SOLD
Stainless appliance package, real oak hardwoods, iron balusters, Juliet balconies

Homesite #6 The Kingston "b"- 4 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath, Master on Main, Fin. Basement $539,900

Fantastic Screened Porch stretching the length of the home, finished terrace level SOLD
Granite, island w/veg. sink, coffered ceilings in master, additional laundry in master
Loft w/balcony to outside, built ins, stone fireplace

Homesite #5 The Stanford "c"- 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 3 Living Areas, Basement $559,000

Family room, keeping room, study, formal dining room, 2 fireplaces on main level $419,900
Multi-tier decking, daylight terrace level with media room, 2 bedrooms and bath waiting to be finished, stone porch/brick patio

Homesite #8 The Burton "e"- 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, 3 Levels, Huge Media/Game room $379,900

Mudroom, Breakfast area, Family/Keeping has coffered ceilings, private homesite w/ neighbor on only one side
Iron balusters, wood stair treads, gourmet kitchen

Homesite #9 The Burton "d"- 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, Bonus Loft SOLD reduced $449,900

Keeping/family room with stacked stone fireplace and built-ins, dining room with craftsman wainscoting
Island with stainless hood vented to outdoors, coffered master with private terrace for screening, mudroom for family traffic, open floorplan, double shower heads in master bath

Homesite #29 The Burton "b"- 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, Decorated Model, Huge Bonus reduced $469,900

Open floorplan, gourmet kitchen has island and stainless hood vented to outdoors, mudroom, breakfast area with bead board, dining with craftsman wainscoting
Bonus loft with granite surround fireplace and architectural windows, master with coffered ceiling, laundry room upstairs $359,900 SOLD!!

Homesite #24 The Huntington "c"- 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath, 3 Levels, Study Area SOLD!! $519,900

Huge laundry room with sink, linen closet and cabinetry, bonus upper level for study or play
Iron balusters, coffered ceiling in kitchen extending to family/keeping room, stacked stone fireplace, dining with wood architectural wood doors

Double head seamless showers in master

Granite in all baths

Sprinkler Systems

Stainless Appliances

6 Home Renovation Projects with Major Payoffs

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:49:21 -0700

1. Replace your siding
Exterior siding topped the list in Remodeling magazine's 2007 Cost vs. Value report, which compared the construction costs of various projects to estimates of their resale value by members of the National Association of Realtors. Fiber-cement siding replacement came in at No. 1, with an estimated 88.1 percent of the cost recouped, while vinyl siding replacement had the third highest recoupment value at 83.2 percent.

Introduced nearly 100 years ago, fiber-cement siding is back in vogue, with cellulose replacing the asbestos of long-ago versions. The new and improved product is weather-resistant and extremely durable, says Tim Carter, a syndicated columnist who dispenses home improvement advice on his Web site askthebuilder.com.

2. Build a deck
Realtors in the Cost vs. Value survey estimated the average homeowner would recover 85.4 percent of the cost of a new wood deck from resale, giving this project the second highest value in the report. A composite deck addition -- a costlier initial investment -- was estimated to bring a 77.6 percent return.

Adding a deck is a relatively inexpensive way to gain more living space. "You can probably build a deck for $20 a square foot, labor and material," Carter says. "If you were going to put a room on your house, you're probably looking at $150 a square foot."

3. Spice up the kitchen
A minor kitchen renovation ranked fourth in the survey, but in the eyes of Grand Rapids, Mich., Realtor, and immediate past president of the National Association of Realtors, Pat V. Combs, this is the project that "brings the best value for the buck."

Rolling on a new paint color, installing new countertops and putting on new cabinet and drawer handles are three ideas that only take a little out of your pocket but make a big impact, she says.

But if you have your heart set on a total kitchen overhaul at some point, remodeler Hydeck warns it's probably not wise to sink too much money into piecemeal fix-ups in the meantime.

4. Install energy-efficient windows
Combs is not surprised that wood and vinyl window replacements were each given about an 80 percent recoupment value in the Remodeling survey.

"People are very energy-conscious right now," she says. "The cost of heating and cooling a home is important. It's not just the purchase price (that homebuyers consider), it's the cost per month to live in the home."

For energy efficiency, the National Fenestration Rating Council's voluntary certification and ratings system is the gold standard. To qualify for the federal government's Energy Star label, a window must first have the NFRC's stamp of approval on its energy efficiency.

Don't expect a quick return on your investment if you buy replacement windows, which can run upward of $10,000 for the whole house. If lowering your utility bills is your goal, it's important to understand that it can take years for the savings to cover the cost of the windows.

5. Give the bathroom a facelift
Fixing up the bathroom, whether it's an upgrade or simply for maintenance, is another reliable investment. "People like to pamper themselves, and they just don't want to be in a grungy bathroom," Carter says.

A midrange bathroom remodel has an estimated 78 percent resale value, according to the Cost vs. Value report.

6. Crown your walls
Crown molding is near the top of Carter's personal list of easy, inexpensive upgrades with big impacts.

"It just really dresses up a room," says Carter, who estimates that a do-it-yourselfer could outfit a room for less than $100.

"The best analogy I can give is that it's like putting a tie on. When you wear a tie, it's just a simple linear thing that dangles from your neck, but it's very distinctive. Crown molding does the same thing to a room."

Location, location, location
The value of any renovation project you choose depends a great deal on where you live and whether your home is in an entry-level or upscale market.

"Just like all real estate is local, all of these various upgrade projects are localized," Combs says.

Article from Bankrate.com

Oakdale Preserve-Lot 29-Just reduced to 469,900

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:25:55 -0700

This beautiful Craftsman simply has to go!! So many standard features/upgrades to list! These fabulous finishes will not disappoint you and the Smyrna/Vinings location cannot be beat!

Real hardwoods throughout main
Granite countertops
Chef's kitchen with island
2 stacked stone fireplaces
Loft area for study (has fireplace and built-ins)
10ft ceilings on main, 9ft ceilings upstairs
Coffered ceilings on main and in master bedroom
Double head shower in master bath
Master bath with granite and double vanities that are separate
Walk-up attic that could be converted to additional rooms and bath
Side entry garage
4 sided sprinkler system
Mud room
Security alarm

Please stop by this Northstar Community and take a tour of these gorgeous homes. We're here Tuesday-Saturday, 11-6 & Sunday and Monday 1-6. Call 404-409-1351 for more information. No reasonable offer will be refused!

Things to do in Smyrna/Vinings

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:19:30 -0700

Fall Jonquil Festival
Sat., October 25, 2008 - 10 am to 6 pm & Sun. October 26 - 12 pm to 5 pm
200 Village Green Circle
Smyrna, GA 30080
Free: 770-423-1330

Shop the arts and crafts market and experience a wide selections of festival foods as you stroll downtown. Be sure to visit the Featured Artists Market and Fresh Harvest Market. For vendor information, call JRM Management Services 770-423-1330 or visit www.jrmmanagement.com.

Spirit Talk Art Walk Fine Art Festival

The city of Smyrna and the Smyrna Artists' Business Association proudly present the Spirit Talk Art Walk Fine Art Festival. The fall festival is a celebration of fine arts, story telling and street entertainment. Local artists will display their fine art throughout the streets of Market Village. Story tellers, street performers and musician will make this a fun, family event.

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th from 3 PM to 9 PM and will be held along the streets of Market Village.

Fine art painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor etc.)

· Drawing (pen & ink, pencil, charcoal, archival inkjet)

· Printmaking (serigraph, lithograph, archival inkjet)

· Sculpture (metal, clay, stone, wood)

· Photography (wet process, archival inkjet)

· Ceramics (glass, pottery etc.)

Amazing details and beautiful textures......$499,900

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:58:52 -0700

Deducting a Home Office

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:40:37 -0700

Do you qualify for a home-office deduction at tax time? According to an article published by Broker Agent News, the government has lightened up on the stringent stipulations and qualifying parameters that formerly steered home based business owners and employees away from filing for the deduction for fear of being audited. As long as the deducted office expense does not cause your business to suffer a net loss, you could take this deduction fearlessly. Take a look at the article by clicking on the link below and then check with the IRS to see if you qualify.

http://www.brokeragentnews.com/news/residential/2008_3/3_28_2008_jb_1206752379.html

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p587/

CHEROKEE "Land of Opportunity"

Jana Bryant, CDPE (Keller Williams Select Partners) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:48:38 -0700

8 Acres of Level Land in Cherokee

Location: Acworth, Ga

Check this out! 8 level acres of beautiful land zoned R-40 in Cherokee County! All utilities and sewer, within walking distance to Lake Allatoona. Located between Hwy 92 and Kellogg Creek just 1/4 mile from Bells Ferry. Seconds from the newly approved Bells Ferry Corridor project! What an investment!

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Information

Contact Information

Jana Bryant-REALTOR

jana@mindspring.com

404-409-1351

Pricing

Asking Price: $976,000.00

Additional Pricing Information: Bring your offer!

Property Location

6632 Woodstock Rd
Acworth, Ga 30102

Links

My website

Features

Acreage: 8

Zoning: R-40

Sewerage: Yes

Water: Yes

Agent Name: Jana Bryant

Broker: Keller Williams Platinum Partners

MLS #: 02061340

VFLYER ID: 845763