There are many things I love about my job.

Actually there are so many things about my job that I love that I can't really even begin to list them all.

This past weekend I was able to enjoy one of the things I love most though..... going to look at property on a beautiful spring day!

Sunday was the perfect day to be out looking at property. It was one of those perfect spring days in the North Georgia Mountains.

Not to hot.

Not to cold.

Just right!

Close your eyes and feel the warm sunshine on your face, the slight breeze blowing by.

The type of day that makes you take a deep breath and say "aaawwwwweeeee."

And I am blessed enough to be out working on this beautiful day! See why I love my job?

Its as if with Spring the mountains have started to come alive after winter hibernation. The river was bustling with kayakers out enjoying the glorious weather. The Bradford Pear trees are blooming making the drive thru town more beautiful than it already is.

Yes, there are many things I love about my job...........

Come up and join me one weekend soon!

 Tips for a Warm Welcome

According to the groundhog Spring is on its way!  Since the front entry porch is used everyday it's easy to get used to its condition over time or even overlook it as you come and go.  Stop for a moment, examine your front entry porch, and really look at it as a buyer will see it.  What does it need to freshen it up and make it more inviting?  Here are tips for getting your front entry porch in order so it is truly a welcoming statement for your home:

Clean the door - Wipe the door down completely and broom the corners and around the frame to remove any cobwebs.

Repaint, varnish or oil the wood- You'll be amazed by what a fresh new color can do for your door.  If you prefer a natural wood door make sure it is protected with oil or varnish and in good condition. 

Install a new door handle, doorbell, and door knocker - this small investment will add sparkle to your entry - just like an appropriate piece of jewelry brightens a simple outfit.

Clean or update the welcome mat - Select a mat sized appropriately for your door or use two mats if you can't find one big enough for your double doors.

Fill decorative pots or urns with seasonal plantings, use window boxes and/or hang planting baskets - Use window boxes or hang planted baskets to highlight the entry area and add color. 

Freshen or replace the front door light fixture - Be sure your fixture provides enough light for safety and enhancement.

Add seating - If you have room, place a bench, a rocking chair, or other furniture pieces at your front door entry. 

Clean the steps and walkway - depending on the material they're made from, also make sure to keep them repaired, painted, weeded and rut free.

Clean the glass - Keep the glass in your front door or the windows surrounding it sparkling clean. 

The housing market is on the mend in many parts of the country, but media reports about falling prices and foreclosures may still be making you hesitate before taking the plunge and buying a new home. The truth is this: There's never been a better time to buy a home.

Low interest rates, a great supply of houses from which to choose, and motivated sellers are just a few of the reasons why now is a great time to buy. But there are many other advantages to owning a home, rather than renting. Here are just a few:

• The potential to build equity. Sure, there are still reports of falling prices in some parts of the nation. But, in general and over time, you are likely to build equity in your new home. Plus, if you stay in your house long enough, you will ultimately pay off your mortgage and own it outright.
• Tax savings. For many, the interest on a home mortgage, and real estate property taxes, are tax deductable. Rent is not. Check with your financial advisor for more information.
• Control. Want to remodel your home, repaint the exterior or plant some flowers? If you own your own home, you are free to do so, subject only to local zoning ordinances and homeowners association or condominium rules. If you rent, you cannot make these changes unless the landlord agrees.
• Stable housing costs. If you have a fixed rate mortgage, your principal and interest are fixed, and your payments are predictable. But a landlord can raise your rent.
• Pride of ownership. If you purchase a house, it's yours! To many, owning a home is the very epitome of the American dream. And, with a sense of permanence, you will establish roots in your community.

Would you like to learn more about the advantages of home ownership or take advantage of today's opportunities? Give me a call today to learn about available homes in your area.

(Information provided by Century 21)

Florida, as is often the case, is yet again ahead of an interesting real estate phenomenon. Increasing numbers of people are staking claim to abandoned properties and 'renting' them out to folks who might otherwise be homeless. Citing the laws of adverse possession -- more commonly known as squatter's rights -- the 'landlords' hope to eventually own the properties outright by having paid taxes and maintained the properties for a proscribed amount of time. And, they say, in the meantime, they are providing an altruistic service to the community by providing shelter to the needy.

Enterprising and altruistic? Scam artists? Read the article in today's New York Times and decide for yourself.

Autumn has finally arrived in the North Georgia mountains. Chilly mornings and cool, sunny days are welcome after the extended warm and dry summer-like weather we've had this year. I was beginning to wonder if I'd be wearing Christmas t-shirts this year instead of Christmas sweaters.

The North Georgia mountains are primarily a second-home market, so cabins may go largely unused during the heart of the winter months. As we dig our jackets, scarves and hats out in preparation for the cold months ahead, it is important to remember that our cabins need to be properly 'dressed' for the season too. Nothing's worse than arriving at your cabin in anticipation of a relaxing weekend, only to open the door to watery destruction caused by "Atlanta Pipe" because when you were up at the cabin last time, you forgot to unscrew the hose from the faucet before you drove back down to Atlanta and the pipe froze and burst.

My favorite home inspector -- C.B. Moore, with American Heritage Home Inspection -- has prepared a great 'how-to' list to Winterize Your Cabin. For those of you who have neither the time nor the inclination to do the job yourself, just give C.B. a call. He'd love to help!

So, don't forget to wrap that cabin up cause, baby, it's gettin' cold outside!