Mike's Blog

The New and Improved Home Buyer Tax Credit

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:39:40 -0600

Thought this was a great (& quick) summation of the new/extended tax credit that was just passed by Congress yesterday...

Via Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Exclusive Buyer Broker (The Buyers' Counsel):

The much-anticipated extension to the home buyer tax credit has finally been approved. The Senate's vote yesterday resulted in a 98-0 win and today it was passed in the house. The bill now moves to the President's desk for a final signature.

First-time home buyers have been eligible for tax credits of up to $8,000 since last January as part of this year's economic stimulus package. The newly backed program will expand the credit to include existing home owners.

Under the revised program, those who have owned a home for at least five years will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase their next home.  To qualify, buyers will have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30.

The maximum purchase price on a home will be $800,000 with vacation homes not eligible. Income limitations are $125,000 for single tax payers and $225,000 for joint filers.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have been lobbying hard for the extension and expansion of the tax credit. NAR claims that so far, about 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the program and they estimated that 350,000 of these buyers would not have otherwise purchased.

The tax credit is also set to be extended for another year for military personnel serving outside of the United States until June 30, 2011.

Senator Johnny Isakson, who heavily pushed for the extension, along with his own version that would have increased the credit to $15,000 stated, "This is probably the last extension."

But, is this really true? When April 2011 comes around and the housing market is still not in full recovery mode, will the politicians be able to let this go and actually come to an end, or could it possibly become a more permanent subsidy?

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Copyright 2009 - Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, TheBuyersCounsel - 800-392-1446  - E-mail

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6th Month In A Row - Pending Sales Rise Again

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:01:51 -0500

Anyone remotely interested in the real estate market has undoubtedtly heard that we've been on a bit of a roll lately.

Well, this month, the trend continues...Pending home sales index (calculated on contracts signed in July) rose another 3.2% this month. As I have said before, we're not out of the woods just yet. As the expression goes, "One month does not a trend make," but we have definitely seen a consistent trend in the market since early 2009.

For some perspective...

- Our current index is 12.0% higher than the level experienced last July

- The index has not been this high since June of 2007
(which is the month prior to activity really starting to drop off a few years ago)

"How are things locally?" you may ask. Quite well...
Here are the statistics on the Pending Home Sales Index by region:

- The Northeast declined 3.0% but is 4.7% higher than July 2008

- The Midwest slipped 2.0% but is 8.1% above a year ago.

- The South rose 3.1% and is 12.0% above July 2008.

- The West jumped 12.1% and is 20.0% above a year ago.

If you've been waiting to buy towards the end of the year in order to take advantage of the tax credits that expire at the end of November, (NAR estimates that b/t 1.8 - 2.0 million first-time buyers will take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit - resulting in around 350,000 additional sales that would not have occurred w/out the credit), you better get going...

As reported by RISMEDIA, "Buyers have little time to act because they must complete the transaction by November 30, 2009 to qualify for the credit. Unless extended, contracts signed but not completed by that date will not be eligible- it is taking approximately two months to complete home sales in the current market."

For the full article by RISMEDIA, click here

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Sellers, Are You Ready For Some...wait for it.............GOOD NEWS????!!!!

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:22:22 -0500

First, let me be clear...everything is relative in this market.

Good news isn't exactly what it used to be, but considering the L O N G, steady decline in home prices over the last 3 years, any mention of news about an increase in home prices is music to the ears of most homeowners/sellers.

Again, it's important to note that home prices are still in decline when compared to last year, but the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices (the leading measure of home prices in the United States), actually reported that the U.S. National Home Price Index improved in the second quarter of 2009.

There's still a 14.9% decline in the 2nd quarter of 2009 versus the 2nd quarter of 2008, but last quarter's decline was over 19%.

As you know if you've read my previous blogs or watched the news lately, home sales have increased each month for the last 5 months. Are we at or near the bottom? Maybe. Maybe Not. However, there's no denying that this is a good sign. If this continues for a few months, and the economy continues to steadily improve as it appears to be doing, there's no question that it will be a very positive step in the direction of recovery...

Click below to read the full artice...

Here are some recent articles of interest (click on the artice title to see the full story):

Existing home sales rise for fourth straight month

5 Months in a Row...Pending Home Sales Rise Again

Treasurys down after home sales top forecasts - Bernanke says economy leveling out

Home sales rise as housing market tries a comeback

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Just how is the market this summer?

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:18:31 -0500

People ask me all the time...
How's the market? Are people buying? Can someone actually sell their home in this market?

First, my 2 cents worth...There have definitely been some encouraging signs of late and this summer has been a busy time, but we're still a long ways from a "healthy market." Are we "at the bottom?" That is the million dollar question. Many economists and prognosticators have boldly claimed that the worst is behind us and real estate is "on the way back up." My personal opinion - no. I think we're certainly at or near the bottom, but I believe the bottom will be around for a while. I think prices will continue to drop to some degree, although I certainly believe they will drop much less rapidly than they have over the last 6/12/18 months.

Here's the main difference I've witnessed between this winter and this summer...
This winter, a home that was listed in decent condition at a rock-bottom price may still sit and sit and sit on the market as few people were actually signing on the bottom line and purchasing homes. This summer, a similar home is under contract in 15 days or less (often with multiple offers). Does this mean there's huge demand/competition for decent homes? Not necessarily. However, if the home is well-priced, in good condition, and in a good location, then yes, these homes are in high demand.

It's a beauty competition out there. Those with the looks, talent and charisma get the prize; everyone else falls by the wayside. Do we remember the names of the 1^st runner-ups in the Miss America contests or the teams that lost the Superbowl/NBA Finals/World Series? Probably not. Will a 2^nd tier home "win the prize" and receive offers (offers worth consideration, anyway) in our market? Probably not. Buyers have gotten very, very, very picky (as well they should). If they find a home with so much as a beauty mark (unless the home is priced 20% or 30%...or more...below market value), they're likely looking elsewhere. Why wouldn't they?

The biggest problem I see with this...the average seller just doesn't understand that selling their home in today's market requires nothing less than a minor miracle. Most sellers just can't (or don't want to) understand that their competition isn't their neighbor down the street who "doesn't have as nice a yard" or "doesn't have a half-bath on the main level." Their true competition is the 100 foreclosures/short sales/corporate-owned properties within a 5-mile radius that are 30% cheaper.

Secondly, in addition to my personal experience/opinion, as you who read my blog already know, I like to show you the cold, hard facts and let you make your own judgments. June and July have actually been very good months relative to the market of late. This is certainly encouraging, but we've still got a ways to go...

OK - on to the facts...

The National Association of Realtors reported that pending home sales rose in June for the fifth straight month in the US. This was the 5^th consecutive month that pending home sales rose. A rise in five consecutive months has not happened in 6 years (July 2003). The results were far better than analysts expected.

Also, for the first time in five years, home re-sales have risen for three months in a row, increasing almost 4 percent in June. "The housing market is healing and the patient is getting healthier at an accelerating pace," said economist Joel L. Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors Inc.

Here in the South, we have experienced the biggest increase. The pending home sales index jumped 7.1% to 100.7 in the South (compared to only 2.9% to 100.4 in the West, 0.4% to 81.2 in the Northeast, and 0.8% to 89.9 in the Midwest).

click here to see the entire article

Sales of new homes also posted their largest monthly gain in nearly eight years in June. The Commerce Department reported that sales of new single-family homes rose 11% in June (economists only expected a 3% increase).

click here to see the entire article

Remember, the 1^st time homeowner tax credits (and other credits) will be expiring soon. Click below for a current run-down of the available credits...

And finally, a word of caution regarding the tax credits. If you claim eligibility, you better make sure you're on the up-and-up (because the IRS is going to do their part to make sure you are)...

see the article here

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Up to $9,600 in tax credits when you buy a home before December 2009!!!

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:24:16 -0500

Boy, I wish the government had been giving me up to $9,600 when i bought my first house.

Congress passed the $8,000 tax credit for 1st-time homebuyers in February as part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In May, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed HB 261, which allows all Georgia residents who purchase an eligible home to receive up to a $1,800 credit.

The biggest surprise I have about both of these programs...how many potential homebuyers still don't know about them. Well, I'm here to try and fix that problem.

Find everything you could want to know about the $1,800 Georgia Credit here

Find everything you could want to know about the National $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Credit here.

If you want to see all the info about both programs on one single page, just click here

The most important bit of information about each of these programs...

They expire on November 31, 2009!!!

Take advantage of them while you can!!!

Remember...with interest rates at historic lows (although they've risen dramatically at the end of May), your mortgage payment will be very, very low in comparison to your payment on the same house a year ago. With up to $9,600 back, that would pay your mortgage (at a 4.5% interest rate) on a $160,000 house for your 1st full year!

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Potential $15,000 Credit for All New Homeowners when you Buy!!!

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:55:13 -0600

If you're a potential homebuyer or homeseller and you don't know already, the US Senate unanimously approved an admendment (proposed by Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson) to the stimulas package on Wednesday.

This amendment would allow anyone who buys a home in 2009 to receive a tax credit of 10 percent of the value of the home the buy, up to a $15,000 limit. This means that if you buy a home that costs more than $150,000, you will receive a $15,000 gift from Uncle Sam! If your new home costs less than $150,000, you will receive a credit for 10% of the purchase price of your home (i.e. a $120,000 home will allow for a $1,200 tax credit). Read more on this story here...

SHOULD THIS PASS, THIS IS TRULY A HISTORIC EVENT FOR THE HOUSING INDUSTRY!

Regardless of how you feel about the stimulus package as a whole, this is certainly a part of the package that can benefit you greatly as it relates to buying a new home (and will subsequently benefit sellers who are eager to sell their home).

As you may remember from last fall (covered in my blog on 8/2/08 - click here to visit that article), the current law provides for a $7,500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers only - and it has to be re-paid over a 15-year period. This new law would allow ANYONE who purchases a home to receive up to $15,000...and it never has to be re-paid!!! It's cash in your pocket - to do with as you please!

This comes after a very good December in national real estate news. Hard to believe, huh? Well, let's see how January & February (two of the traditionally slowest months in real estate) perform.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Pending Home Sales Index for December 2008 (based on the number of contracts signed for that month), rose 6.3%, to a level that is 2.1% higher than it was in December of 2007.

Also, even more noteworthy, the NAR's Housing Affordability index (which shows the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income) rose 10.9 percent in December to a value of 158.8. This value is THE HIGHEST ON RECORD since the statistics began in 1970!!! This indicates that homes have never been more affordable (at least since 1970) than they are today. See the full article here... With home prices as low as they can be and interest rates lower than they've ever been before, homes simply can't be any more affordable!

Is the economy weak now? Yes. Is housing looking more promising as each day passes? Potentially. January & February will be pivotal - let's see how it goes...

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me!

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Real Estate 2009 - Tears of Joy or Tears of Happiness?

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:30:14 -0600

Boy, oh boy - watching the news is not a fun thing anymore, huh?

The economy stinks, the stock market stinks, jobs are being lost, the sky is falling! So how's the real estate market? It's somewhat the same as anything else...If you have to sell something (products/goods, stocks, a home, etc.) it's going to be tough for you to find a buyer. Is it impossible? No - but are you going to get top-dollar? You better believe you're not.

However, there is a bright side...if you walk into a department store these days, you're likely to get an unbelievable deal on darn near everything in the store! If you want to buy stocks, you're going to get an incredible deal. If you want to buy a car (ESPECIALLY AN AMERICAN-MADE CAR), you're going to get a better deal on that car than you have ever been able to get in your lifetime.

THE SAME IS TRUE FOR REAL ESTATE.

Supply is at an all time high, so you have much more to choose from than you would if the market didn't favor buyers.

Sellers are more motivated than they've ever been in history to sell their home. Banks are overrun with foreclosures and are willing to give them away for (relatively speaking) pennies on the dollar. Many builders are in rough shape and are willing to negotiate their prices/terms much more so than at any time in recent history.

Interest rates are at an all-time low. A few months ago, I was writing that interest rates were at "near-historic" lows, but now they're truly lower than at any time in history. The National Association of Realtors is reporting that just before Christmas, Freddie Mac said the national 30-year rate fell to 5.19 percent - the lowest on record since the series began in 1971 (but guess what? they're even lower for us in Georgia!).

Because interest rates are so low, you can afford a much more expensive house than you could've just a few months ago. For instance, let's say you want your principal and interest to be around $1,050.00 a month. If your interest rate is 6%, you can purchase a $175,000 house. However, if your rate is only 4.5%, you can purchase a $208,000 home and you'll have the same $1,050.00 monthly P & I payment! As you probably know, that extra $33,000 will get you quite a better/bigger/nicer home. Even greater, because the market is so strong for buyers right now, you're going to get a home that's actually worth much more than $208,000...and when the market comes back, you'll be able to sell that home (should you choose to) at or above market value and cash in on your investment!

Of course, if you just want to take advantage of the low rates and save money when you buy a house, you can buy your $175,000 house and your payment would only be $866.00! That's a savings of $184.00 a month (or $2,200 a year)!

Let's review: Here's a brief summary of the advantages you will enjoy if you buy while interest rates are low and supply is high as compared to high interest rates and low supply...

Low interest rates and high supply...

You can get a $208,000 home at 4.5% for the same monthly payment as you would've paid for a $175,000 home at 6%.

Because supply is so high and sellers are selling at deep discounts (especially in the foreclosure or short sale market), you'll likely get a $230,000 or $240,000 (or more) home for your $208,000 purchase price. When you later try to sell the home, you will be in a very good situation.

However, if the conditions are reversed and interest rates are high and supply was low...

You would only be able to afford a $175,000 home for the same monthly payment at a 6% interest rate.

In a market where supply is low, sellers have the advantage and can get top-dollar for their home. Even if you buy a $208,000 home, you're likely to get a home that's actually only worth $190,000-$200,000. When you later try to sell the home, you're going to be in trouble.

OH BY THE WAY, DID YOU SEE THAT FORBES JUST DECLARED ATLANTA TO BE ONE OF THE TOP 10 CITIES IN THE NATION IN THEIR "BEST LONG-TERM HOUSING BETS" LIST LAST MONTH?

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New Listing in Flowery Branch

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:28:08 -0500

WOW!

You'll love this one!!!

See www.4910HollandView.com (no log-in or personal info required) for complete information, tons of photos, interactive maps/driving directions, local/area & school info, etc.

Impeccable 5 bed, 2 full bath home in upscale Flowery Branch neighborhood. Outstanding location - extremely convenient to I-985& I-85! Wow-factor kitchen w/granite countertops, stainless steel appliances & tile backsplash. Dine in the formal dining room, breakfast nook, or breakfast bar. Owners have taken all the steps to perfect the inside and out for the sale of this home - new concrete (Hardiplank) siding, new A/C system, new exterior and interior paint, & new hot water heater! Enormous 5th bedroom or office/bonus/rec/media room offers great flexibility! Spacious 3-car garage and huge laundry room! Over .6 acre lot w/level play area and great patio. Only minutes from Flowery Branch High School and the Atlanta Falcons/Georgia Force training facility.

click here to visit my website

New Listing in Flowery Branch

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:23:53 -0500

Wow!

You'll love this home - just listed last week!

See www.4910HollandView.com (no log-in or personal info required) for complete information, tons of photos, interactive maps/driving directions, local/area & school info, etc.

click here to visit my website

New Listing in Flowery Branch

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:22:00 -0500

Wow!

You'll love this home - just listed last week!

See www.4910HollandView.com (no log-in or personal info required) for complete information, tons of photos, interactive maps/driving directions, local/area & school info, etc.

click here to visit my website

Great Listing in Jackson County - only $129,000!!!

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:24:58 -0500

Welcome to 114 Albert Lane - Just Reduced to $129,000!

Easily one of the best values in all of Jackson County!!! This home has been pre-inspected and new carpet has been installed!

Check out www.114Albert.com for complete information, pictures, virtual tour, interactive map & driving directions, school links, community links, etc.

This home is on a corner lot (over 3/4 of an acre)! The backyard is fenced, level, and wooded for privacy!

There are 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a finished bonus room, and 2-car auto garage!!!

The neighborhood's great and there are no HOA fees!

Click here to visit my website

Jefferson Dragons up for FOX5 Team of the Week!

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:11:55 -0500

In case you haven't heard...our very own high school football team, the Jefferson Dragons has been selected as one of the 5 teams in the state that's in the running for the Fox5 Team of the Week.

If you're a Dragons fan, you can vote for your team. You may vote as many times as you'd like between now and Tuesday at 3pm (but only one time per hour per computer).

Click Here to Vote for the Jefferson Dragons!!!

P.S. Feel free to encourage MANY others to cast votes as well .....

To pass along this link to others, just copy and paste the following link into your e-mail...

http://activerain.com/blogsview/713452/Jefferson-Dragons-up-for

Go Dragons!

Click here to visit my webpage

A little more Prudential Georgia Realty bragging (please excuse me)...

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:01:24 -0500

Well, they say it ain't (please excuse the poor grammar) bragging if it's true, so here goes...

Prudential Georgia Realty Represents More Buyers in Georgia than any other real estate company!

Trendgraphix reports that Prudential Georgia Realty is #1 in buyer sales volume for August 2008. In addition, Prudential had the highest increase in year-to-year marketshare for overall units and sales volume plus buyer units and buyer sales volume. For the past year, Prudential Georgia Realty has consistently outperformed the market with increased marketshare. Click here for more info!!!

Buyers, if you only read one thing, read this: BUYERS NEVER HAVE TO PAY COMMISSION!!!

Most buyers I meet simply don't know that they can use a Realtor such as myself
to help them in their home search.

Only sellers pay Realtors when a home is sold, and they do so from the proceeds of the sale of their home. If a seller has listed his home with another Realtor, they have already agreed to pay a percentage of their proceeds from the sale of their home to their Realtor...as well as the Realtor that represents the buyer that buys the home. Also, the benefits of having a Realtor represent you in aspects such as negotiation, price, constructing all the elements of the contract, home warranty information, etc. need not be mentioned. As a buyer, you get all the services that I can provide for you, and you do so completely free of charge. This is one reason I enjoy working with buyers, because I can simply assist you in your home-buying experience while the seller of the home pays me to do so. That's right - the seller pays me to help you get the best deal possible!!! Hard to believe, huh? So whether you choose to use me or another agent, please use someone for your own benefit.

Finally, if you're just searching on-line, I want to make sure that you know there are many things I can do to save you time and effort, such as sending you all the homes that meet your criteria in one simple e-mail that you can save (to keep you from having to spend so much time searching online) and I will get you "plugged in" to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) so that it e-mails you the moment any new homes are added that meet your criteria. You'll see that you can organize the listings into "Likes," "Possibilities," and "Dislikes." You can also make notes directly on each listing that I will be able to see - such as "Mike, I'd like more information on this home" or "Mike, I'd like to go see this home with you tomorrow morning."

Remember, I'm a NO HASSLE Realtor - I only go as fast as you want me to, so don't worry that you'll ever be pressured by myself or anyone on my team!

It's my personal guarantee!!!

Click Here to Visit My Website

Market Update for September 2008

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:35:06 -0500

As you probably know if you're keeping yourself informed, things have changed a little in the past few weeks.

I thought you might want to see some articles from this week on the National Association of Realtors' website that give you an idea of the market conditions as they stand right now.

Mortgage Rates Drop Below 6%

Fannie, Freddie Takeover Keeps Mortgages Flowing

Will Fannie and Freddie Bailout Make a Difference?

NAR Forecast: Home Sales to Hold Steady

ZIPs Where Property Is Selling Fastest (and yes, Atlanta's in the top 10!!!)

Unfinished Homes Can Be a Great Find

Why This Autumn is a Great Time to Buy

Remember, if you don't already know, MORTGAGE RATES DROPPED A HALF A PERCENT THIS WEEK!!! Go back and read my blogs from this spring & summer where I kept telling you that rates would rise - now the government's intervention into Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac has brought rates down again! If you're going to buy, BUY NOW!!!

Remember, Forbes.com has Atlanta in the Top 10 Cities to buy a home - see the article here - Forbes.com's quote: "The South made a nice showing with Charlotte, N.C., Jacksonville, Flo., and Atlanta, Ga., making our list. Charlotte and Jacksonville have surged in price by 12.9% and 8%, respectively. Atlanta has seen huge amounts of growth and remains reasonable with a median home price of $172,000."

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Another reason to let me list your home...

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:21:08 -0500

I know I just blogged/bragged about the benefits of Prudential Georgia Realty last week, but you'll have to forgive me if I do it again...

We just got another award or two this week...

J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Prudential Real Estate "Highest in Satisfaction for Home Sellers among National Full-Service Real Estate Firms" in the 2008 Home Buyer/Seller Study!!!

Also, Prudential just received a Consumers' Choice Award for Executive Home Sales in Metro Atlanta. That makes 5 years in a row that consumers voted and recognized Prudential for delivering exceptional value and service to our clients.

For more information on these awards, click here!!!

Click here to Visit my Website

Thinking about moving to Georgia?

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:00:24 -0500

Here's a bit of a glimpse of what you're in for...

How you know you're from Georgia.

1. You can properly pronounce Chickamauga, DeKalb, Dahlonega, and Smyrna.

2. You think people who complain about the heat in their states are sissies.

3. A tornado warning siren is your signal to go out in the yard and look for a funnel.

4. You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by the
distance to the door, but by the availability of shade.

5. Stores don't have bags or shopping carts, they have sacks and buggies.

6. You've seen people wear bib overalls at weddings and funerals.

7. You think everyone from a bigger city has an accent.

8. You measure distance in minutes.

9. You go to the lake because you think it is like going to the ocean.

10. You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.

11. You know cow pies are not made of beef.

12. Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.

13. You know someone who has a belt buckle bigger than your fist.

14. You aren't surprised to find movie rental, ammunition, beer, and bait all in the
same store.

15. A Mercedes Benz isn't a status symbol. A Chevy Silverado Extended Bed Crew Cab is.

16. You know everything goes better with Ranch dressing.

17. You learned how to shoot a gun before you learned how to multiply.

18. You want to go back to Georgia, where everything is normal.

And finally:

19. You are 100% Georgian if you have ever had this conversation:
"You wanna coke?"
"Yeah."
"What kind?"
"Dr Pepper."

Want to use all available technology to sell your home in Georgia?

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:11:39 -0500

Prudential Georgia Realty, in my opinion, offers the most resources for their agents to use in selling/marketing homes. If there was another company that I felt offered more...I'd be there.

Most in the public don't understand that successful real estate agents can virtually work for any company they choose. Why wouldn't a company want to bring a successful agent on-board? Agents who are able to produce...make money for their real estate company.

Why have I chosen to work at Prudential Georgia Realty? One of the biggest reasons is the amount of resources (especially those relating to technology) that are available to Prudential agents as it relates to marketing a home.

Want to see an example of what I'm talking about?

Prudential Georgia Realty just got the top national story on Inman News this week. Inman is one of the leading national providers of news for the real estate industry. The article recognizes Dan Forsman, President & CEO for his insight and facts about the Atlanta real estate market.

To see the article, click on the image above

Prudential Georgia Realty has been named a Consumers Choice Award winner each year since 2004 and was classified as the 36th largest real estate firm in the U.S., based on 2006 closed transactions.

In today's market, agents need to take advantage of every resource available to them.

Remember, your home is the biggest financial investment you have!!!

If you want to see some of the tools I use in selling homes, just click here

Great New Listing in Winder!

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:47:06 -0500

This one is an Absolutely Incredible Value!

Stunning 4 Bedroom, 3,5 Bath All-Brick Home on Full Basement in Upscale Neighborhood with Large Lots, Sidewalks, Streetlights & Private Pool & Tennis Amenities Only Minutes From Downtown Winder...Convenient To I-85, 316, & 129.

Click on the Picture Below to see it's Webpage!

.76 Acre Lot w/Fenced, Level Backyard! Absolutely Move-In Ready! Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Security System, Fireplace, 3-Car Side-Entry Garage W/Auto Openers! Original Owner - Lived in Less than 1 year!

Want even more info?

The Living Room Features Never-Been Used Fireplace W/Gas Starter, Hardwood Floors, Modern Ceiling Fan & Light Fixture, 2" Plantation-Style Blinds, View Of Kitchen And Dining Room, Access To Rear Deck & Backyard, Wrought-Iron Stair Balusters, Oversize Crown Molding & Baseboards.

The Stunning Kitchen Features Double-Bowl Under Mount Sink, Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Double Stove, Kitchen Island w/Interchangeable Jenn-Air Stove/Grill, Tons Of Cabinets & Counter Space, Pantry, Recessed Lighting, Breakfast Bar, Breakfast Area w/Bowed Window Wall & View Of Backyard.

Want more info??? Separate Formal Dining Room w/Chair Rail & Shadow Box Molding. Enormous Media Room/Study/Bonus Wired For Surround Sound. Covered Rocking Chair Front Porch & Rear Deck. Full Unfinished Basement Stubbed For Bath w/Workbench & Storage. Privacy Fence w/Gates Around Private, Flat, Backyard w/Fire Pit, Playground, Garden, Over 3/4 Of An Acre. 5-Zone Sprinkler System.

Large Master Suite On Main Floor W/Trey Ceiling & Ceiling Fan. Master Bath w/Double Sinks, Separate Jetted Tub & Oversized Shower w/Custom Tile, Walk-In Closet, Tile Floor. Oversized Guest Bedrooms w/Walk-In Closets & Hidden Attic Storage. 1 Guest Bedroom Even Has It's Own Private Full Bathroom - Perfect for a Teen/In-Law Suite! Neutral Colors Throughout.

Separate Large Laundry Room w/Tile Floor. Separate Zoned A/C System. Seller Offers One-Year Home Warranty. Immaculate Condition - Absolutely Move-In Ready. Upscale Neighborhood w/Large Lots, Sidewalks, Streetlights & Private Amenities Only Minutes From Downtown Winder...Convenient To I-85, 316, & 129.

FOR A FULLY NARRATED VIDEO TOUR OF THIS HOME, CLICK HERE!!!!

See www.36StIves.com for Narrated Video Tour, Complete Information, and over 100 photos!!!

Click here to visit my website

Want a break from reading blogs and looking for houses?

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:59:22 -0500

Every now and then, you just need a break!!!

Here is one of the neatest games I've seen on-line. It's really more of a riddle than it is a game, so whether you're 18 or 81, I bet you'll love it!

When you click on the link, the instructions will be in Chinese - you just need to read the rules below and click on the big blue circle when you're ready to begin.

The group consists of a mother and her 2 daughters, a father and his two sons, and a policeman with a thief.

Your mission is to get all the people from one side of the river to the other, by use of the raft.

Here are the rules:

Only the Adults (mom, dad, & policeman) can operate the raft.
Dad can not be on the same side of the river with the daughters unless the Mom is there, too.
Mom can not be on the same side of the river with the sons unless the Dad is there, too.
The thief can not be alone with any of the family (parents or children) unless the policeman is there, too.
The raft can carry no more than 2 people at a time.

To put people on the raft, just click on them. To take people off the raft, just click on them again. To send the raft across to the other side, click on either lever with the red ball at the top.

Good Luck and Enjoy!!!

Click Here for the River Raft Game

P.S. If this takes you over an hour to complete, don't blame me!!! Once you figure it out, you won't believe how easy it is!!!

To send this link around to all your buddies (or anyone you want to get super-frustrated while you laugh at them hysterically), just send them this link:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/627087/Want-a-break-from

Enjoy!

Want a breakdown of the provisions of the new Housing bill?

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:43:38 -0500

Let's face it - few people want to take the time to go through the legal jargon of any type of legislation, but the new Housing & Economic Recovery Act is worth investigating.

For a great summary of the provisions of the bill, check out the following article from the National Association of Realtors:

Summary of Key Provisions of H.R. 3221 - The Housing Stimulus Bill

This should get you started, but please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions regarding this bill.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, this bill could have a serious impact on your next real estate transaction. Educate yourself and use it to your advantage!!! Those who don't will come out on the short end of the stick.

One potentially negative impact of the Housing Rescue Bill

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:37:30 -0500

A bill that was designed to help the national real estate market may, in fact, have a serious negative impact - and that negative impact may be felt very soon.

One provision of the bill is the elimination of down payment assistance programs like Nehemiah and Ameridream.

Many buyers don't even know that these programs are available, but they are often the difference between a buyer being able to buy a house or not! These programs have allowed for a "gift" of up to 6% of the final contract sales towards buyers' downpayments and/or closing costs. For more information on down payment assistance, click here. As it stands right now, these programs will be eliminated in less than 2 months.

For a great blog on this subject, click here

If you are planning on buying a home relatively soon and you don't have at least a 3.5% down payment, it will certainly be in your best interests to close on your new home before October 1!

Please feel free to call/e-mail me with any questions. This is most likely the most important aspect of the Housing & Economic Recovery Bill.

President Signs Housing Rescue Bill - what does that mean to you?

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:42:44 -0500

If you've been keeping in touch with the local or national real estate news, you'll know that President Bush Signed the Housing Rescue Bill earlier this week.

With a name like "The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008," this bill certainly promises a lot.

The biggest provision of this bill may very well be the $7,500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers (or those that haven't owned a home in the last three years). This is not a gift...it's an interest-free loan that is repaid over 15 years (at $500 a year), but it is certainly something that can benefit many homebuyers immediately.

Want to do a little research on this bill and see how it could possibly help you?

Here are a few articles on various websites that have been posted recently.

As you will see, different sources have different perspectives regarding this bill...

USA Today - Housing rescue bill may fall short; who benefits?

CNN Money - How housing rescue bill can help you

Fox Business - President Bush Signs Housing Rescue Bill

CNN Money - Bush signs housing rescue law

MSNBC - President Bush signs massive housing bill

My advice? Read up on all the articles (in spite of any personal/political opinions of the sources you may have) to get all the perspectives and talk with a local Realtor and trusted mortgage lender.

Revisit this subject in the upcoming weeks/months. This bill is a HUGE one - let's see how it works!

Keep yourself informed - it could save or cost you a ton!

It took a miracle, but rates dropped a little last week

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:22:07 -0500

Could it be that the Housing Rescue Bill has already shown one positive effect?

Mortgage rates actually dropped a little last week. They had been steadily rising in recent months.

The Housing Rescue Bill was signed on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. The NAR reports that "Analysts attribute the decrease in mortgage rates to the housing bill that recently was signed into law."

For the complete article and specific rate droppages, click on the link below.

http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008080101?OpenDocument

Will the Housing Rescue Bill help? We'll see. There's a lot to it, no doubt.

Time will tell, but it would appear that some positive changes are possible from this bill.

Interest Rates Rise Again

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:14:21 -0500

Attention all On-The-Fence-Buyers: Interest Rates are Rising Again. If you're worried that home prices might fall a little and you're waiting for them to hit "rock-bottom" before you buy, you may wait long enough to get a high interest rate that completely offsets the money you saved on the purchase price.

Check out the following article - Freddie Mac reports the 30-year interest rate is at it's highest level since last August.

http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008072501?OpenDocument

Don't take my word for it...Talk to a local mortgage lender today. Ask them to give you a report that shows your estimated monthly payment at several different interest rates and make the decision for yourself.

Spectacular New Listing In Jefferson

Mike Kinlaw (Prudential Georgia Realty) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:50:40 -0500

You're going to love this one! Great for 1st Time Homeowners, Young Professionals, Empty Nesters & More!!!

357 Jefferson Walk Circle, Jefferson, GA 30549
www.357Jefferson.com

3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Bathrooms, 2 Car Auto Garage, & 3/4 of an Acre!!!

See www.357Jefferson.com for complete details!

Wonderful Neighborhood with Jefferson City Schools, Sidewalks, Streetlights, Pool, Convenient to Shopping!!!

One-story Ranch w/Stepless Entry!

Original Owner that's taken all the steps to keep this home in wonderful condition!

Formal Dining Room & Breakfast Nook

Beautiful Rear Patio w/Private Backyard!

3/4 Acre Lot!

Seller offers a one-year home warranty at no cost to buyer!

Call or e-mail me today!

678-858-2439

Mike@MikeKinlaw.com