Cobb County restricts population density in homes - 07/31/07 02:28 PM
I just saw a clip on Fox News (please don't whine about the source) that Cobb County has passed a new regulation limiting the number of adults living in a home.  The basic restriction is that there needs to be 390 square feet for each adult.  They also limited the number of unrelated adults in a particular household to two. 
The Cobb County Commission says this is the keep property values higher by reducing stacking and de facto rooming houses in the county.  Some activists are complaining that this is aimed at latinos and illegal aliens. 
We'll see how long it … (4 comments)

DeKalb County Limited Building Moratorium - 07/31/07 09:41 AM
I just received this from Jenna Graber, the DeKalb Association of REALTORS PR person.  It was forwarded from the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.  Quoted as follows:
On Tuesday, July 24, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners adopted a 30-day moratorium on the issuance of certificates of appropriateness, land disturbance and building permits respectively for non-conforming multiple lots of record held in common ownership.  The moratorium only impacts these properties and does not prevent a landowner from rezoning land.   The county will seek to amend this process so newly created lots are not smaller than those currently allowed in the existing zoning … (0 comments)

DisneyWorld Bargain Strategy - 07/30/07 10:44 AM
OK, I've already told everyone that Moab, UT is my happy place.  But, there is another place that I really enjoy with my family.  DisneyWorld.
I will be the first person to admit that Walt Disney World (WDW) is not a cheap place to take the family for vacation, but that doesn't mean that one can't maximize their value from the experience.  Although I'm certainly FAR from being a local, and there are plenty of people that have been there more than we have, I thouth I would pass along a few tips that we've picked up from our WDW … (2 comments)

I'm Telling You... The Garage is the NEW Media Room - 07/26/07 03:58 PM
Take a look...
The Chicago Tribune posted a story today about garages.   Here are a couple of excerpts:
Home builders, remodelers and specialized garage-organization companies see that problem as an opportunity to sell you a solution. They have plenty, including more square footage and garage-themed cabinetry. You can even find a fridge specially built for the garage, so you can always have a cold drink at hand when you're working on your wheels.
Around some homes these days, the amount of space devoted to the garage is big, indeed. Three-car garages were included in 20 percent of new homes built … (8 comments)

Do you have a Unique Selling Proposition? - 07/26/07 09:52 AM
I touched on this in another thread, but I think a lot of people thought it was actually about cars, so I am going to go into a little more depth, and be a little less cryptic.  But, the main point of the thread was...
    They are saying that they specialize in EVERYTHING.  If one specializes in everything, they really mean that they             specialize in nothing.  I mean, really.  How can you specialize in everything?  
    Now, let's tie this back to real estate.
    Have you ever seen an ad that said "I specialize in … (5 comments)

Hello, Media... Are You Listening? Real Estate is LOCAL. - 07/25/07 03:12 PM
How many times do we have to hear that the housing market is doing one thing... and that must mean that the whole market is doing the same thing? 
When the price of a barrel of oil goes up, it is a singular commodity moving.  While there are different grades of oil (sweet light crude, heavy crude, rough crude, etc.) they are interconnected.  If one moves, they all move because their value is interconnected.  
When prices move up or down in GA, there is little correlation to prices in Maine.  They aren't interconnected.  There may be a few instances when … (7 comments)

Does this mean I'm GREEN?!? - 07/25/07 02:43 PM
I have been reading a bit about green construction, and green living, and green (yada, yada, yada fading away...)
Let's see.  I changed my lifestyle in part so that I wouldn't have to drive an hour to work every day.  In doing so, I cut the number of miles I drive by quite a bit.  I also cut dramatically the amount of time I spend sitting around with the engine running.  
I've always felt that 78* in the summer for the A/C, and 68* for the heat in the winter was appropriate.  But, is because I'm cheap, and it just … (5 comments)

What is a RE license really worth? - 07/24/07 06:42 PM
I alluded to this here, but didn't really jump into it.  There is another part of the story though...
Let's recap.  I said in the previous post that I thought that real estate licensing requirements (from the state) should be relaxed or eliminated.  Pretty bold, huh?  Here is what I think the exam should look like.
1.  Are you breathing? Y N (if yes, provide proof)
2.  Are you a convicted felon?  Y N (if no, please provide proof)
3.  Are you a citizen or legal resident alien that is allowed to work?  Y N (if yes, please provide proof)
 
… (8 comments)

Maybe it's time to bury dual agency - 07/24/07 05:52 PM
First, let me say that I work for a brokerage that does NOT allow dual agency, but does allow designated agency.
Second, let me say that I work in a state which does allow dual agency, if it is disclosed on the contract to all parties. 
 
But, as I look at the landscape, I see something I don't like.  I don't like the idea of dual agency.  And, further, I think it is time that the NAR step up and stop the practice among its members.  I don't want to see the government take the lead, and I don't want … (8 comments)

We Specialize in European, Asian and American Cars and Trucks - 07/24/07 04:13 PM
I've seen several shops with that very "slogan."  But, what does it mean? 
Nothing.  
It doesn't mean a thing.  Aside from cars and trucks made in Asia, Europe and America, what are there.  I suppose there could be some cars made in Africa (ok, I just checked, and aside from cars that are also manufactured in other countries {Toyotas for example} there are VERY few made there... but Superformance is a VERY cool company) but not in a high enough quantity to be of issue here in Atlanta.  There isn't anything happening in Antarctica... or Greenland... and not many Australian … (2 comments)

The Dirty Little Secret that the FSBO Companies won't tell you. - 07/24/07 08:56 AM
I keep seeing and hearing about "dirty little secrets" that real estate agents won't tell their clients.  Most of them turn out to be pretty stupid points.  However, today while going through my morning routine (dead-heading, so my brain needed something to do) I thought of the dirty little secret that FSBO companies don't tell their customers.  We all know what it is, but many of us just might have never thought of it this way.
They don't care if you sell your house using their service.
That's it.  It doesn't affect their business plan if you sell or don't sell … (24 comments)

What is going to happen to interest rates? - 07/23/07 01:26 PM
OK, the water is chest deep now.  I started wading in here, and I just don't know when to stop. 
So, what do I see happening with interest rates?  Overall, I see them going down.  But, I think they'll go up first.  Was that vague enough that I can claim victory no matter what?  
First, the case for rate rising.  In the short term, I see rates going up a bit.  Not a lot, but somewhat.  We won't even get close to the credit card looking rates that Jimmy Carter left the mortgage market with, but rather people will think … (2 comments)

Are we on the edge of a calamitous housing bubble? - 07/23/07 01:05 PM
Boy, am I going to wade into it this time...
I was wandering through the FOXNews Real Estate section, and came across this feature story.  Reading this, one would think we were seriously in trouble.  "... from San Francisco to San Diego — is predicted to decline 50% in the next five years."  The story goes on to say "... that America's top 40 cities are facing a average 47.2% decline: Boston is 49.4%. Miami 44.8%. New York 44.6%. And Chicago is 27.3% overpriced."
I'm wondering about here in Atlanta.  I'll be going out to get a look at the book, … (6 comments)

Pictures are the first (and maybe last) impression you will give a buyer - 07/19/07 10:04 AM
So, don't screw it up. 
Do you feel like you should rush out and buy this house?


This particular house isn't listed with an agent (to my knowledge), but is FSBO.  But, this is the foot they are putting forward to try to get a buyer.  Unfortunately, I have run across NUMEROUS examples that were as bad, or worse, that WERE listed with agents.
In some other cases, there are problems when moving away from native resolution.

Normally, when one clicks on the picture, a full sized image pops up.  In this case, it doesn't.  
Make sure … (9 comments)

Stone Mountain Park Animal Planet Summer Adventure - 07/18/07 07:19 PM
If you haven't made it over to Stone Mountain Park lately, I would recommend a trip.  This summer, through August 5th, they are hosting the Animal Planet Summer Adventure.  It's pretty cool if you are into animals.  My family is definitely an animal family.  We packed up and made the seven minute trip (are we there yet?... yes) last Saturday. 
Normally we try to avoid going there on the weekend, but because of the show schedules, to see what we wanted we needed to go on the weekend.  There are some cool shows, so it was worth it.  We saw the … (0 comments)

Customer dis-service Pt. II - 07/18/07 05:05 PM
Here is the other one...
There is some infill near where I live.  There are some VERY nice houses being built in the $500k-$600k range.  A couple of these were finished late last year.  Now, the builder is building a small subdivision (I think it will be about 10-12 houses) next door.  The first two houses haven't sold yet, and the new ones are coming along nicely.  
All good so far...  Now the not so good.  
The two completed houses have grass.  Weedy, uncut grass.  No other landscaping.  No pinestraw.  No mulch.  Nothing.  Just weedy, uncut grass and a few … (0 comments)

Customer dis-service Pt. I - 07/18/07 04:49 PM
There are a few things that have my shorts in a bunch... so, here they are.  Careful.  They've been brewing for a little while.
There is a house in my subdivision that has been under contract since February... that's right, February.  It will six months if it closes on time.  This house is listed with a flat-fee company.  The listed price was reasonable (I'll be curious what it actually sold for).  When it went up for sale, it was a well kept house.  Of course, now it looks pretty run down.  The grass was cut once or twice, and is LOADED … (4 comments)

Repairs, Improvements, Upgrades and Resale - 07/17/07 10:29 PM
After posting up about What buyers are looking for yesterday, I got to thinking about an article I wrote on my website a couple of months ago.  I thought it might go well here also.  It is a little more specific about what I am looking for when I am looking at a home from a buyer's perspective.
Many people make improvements or modifications to their homes. Some are made to increase the livability of the house, other are made to increase its value. Still others are made to put the house back into working order.
First, I think that improvement … (0 comments)

I stand corrected. - 07/16/07 07:31 PM
I have been preaching about how a home's value is never related to the needs of the seller or buyer, but rather it is wholly dependent on what the market will bear (a price that a buyer and seller are willing to both agree upon, without extenuating circumstances).  Well, I just had one of my clients call me a few minutes ago and present a situation where that isn't true. 
My client and his wife purchased a home from me around 15 months ago.  Without being too specific, a developer approached them this weekend and wants to buy their home.  He … (1 comments)

What are buyers looking for? - 07/16/07 03:50 PM
The NAR is getting ready to release their 2007 Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences in about a month.  For the REALTORS that don't subscribe to the NAR weekly newsletter, or those that are looking, here is the blurb:
Central air conditioning, walk-in closets, hardwood floors, high-end kitchen appliances, oversized garages and patios were among the features buyers said they would pay more for in a home, according to NAR's soon-to-be-released 2007 Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences. Due out in early August, the report looks what buyers want, what they pay more for and what they end up with when … (2 comments)

Lessons from driving school, Part II - 07/15/07 07:22 PM
The other major concept I learned in driving school had to do with the level of performance.  This is less directly applicable to the outside world, but actually more of an all encompassing concept.  
There are four levels of competence/performance. Let's start from the bottom.
Imperfect/Unconscious (I/U).  Basically, I'm doing it wrong, and I don't even know it.  My performance is bad, but I don't have enough knowledge to know it.  
Imperfect/Conscious (I/C).  I know that I'm not doing it right, but I know what I am supposed to do.  My performance is bad, and I can recognize it. … (0 comments)

Lessons from driving school, Part I - 07/15/07 07:00 PM
I ran across something earlier today that reminded me of driving school and the life lessons that I picked up there. 
When I was a bunch younger, I went to a few high performance driving schools.  They were great learning experiences, and the people that taught were amazing coaches and motivators.  I think that one of the most amazing things about the assistant instructors was that they were providing this motivation and coaching from the passenger seat of a car they weren't in control of... and often the driver wasn't in control of it either. 
The first thing that I picked … (0 comments)

But Wal-Mart does - 07/15/07 10:32 AM
I promised a continuation of my last blog, and here it is.  In the last entry, I talked a bit about limited service and discount brokerage.  This time, it will be more about eliminating agents from the picture.  
OK, here is the shocking statement to start off with.  Buyers and sellers don't need us in order to complete the transaction.  That's right, we are not a necessary ingredient.  Obviously, the buyers and sellers need each other.  They need a real estate attorney to complete the transaction.  Usually, they need a mortgage broker.  That's pretty much it.  They don't need a … (3 comments)

Mercedes-Benz doesn't discount - 07/15/07 10:00 AM
The world has changed.  The question is, "What are we going to do about it?"
Wal-Mart, Target, Harbor Freight Tools, and scores of other discounters are thriving.  But, is that the model that we should pursue?  Is that what our customers really want?  Are we headed for extinction?  With all of the various avenues for information available from valuation websites to transaction advice, are buyers and sellers going to cut us out of the picture?  Should they?
Obviously, the real estate agents among us have opinions about most of these questions.  And they probably line up pretty well.  There are a … (4 comments)

Agent as Buyer - 07/12/07 02:41 PM
Today's blog will be looking at things from a little different perspective. My wife and I are thinking of buying a new house.  So, we've been out looking at houses.  It's tough.  We like our house (like, not love) and we really like where we live.  As we look around, we wonder if we really want to move.  We definitely want more space.  We have a three bedroom house and would like to have a four bedroom house.  We have a two car garage, and really need more space there (I could fill a six car garage).  The yard is a … (3 comments)

Moab! I needed to think about my Happy Place - 07/12/07 02:36 PM
I want to write about my happy place.  Moab, Utah.  I first went out to Moab with a friend back in 1997.  We delivered a Jeep to Salt Lake City, and stopped in Moab for a couple days of 4wheeling before giving it over to the owner.  We had permission... really.  Aside from having a great time driving across the country, we both decided that we loved 4wheeling in Moab.  The scenery is awesome.  The obstacles are incredible, and the traction is amazing.  And there is good food, too.  I've made the trek again... and again... and again.  I went back … (3 comments)

Time to Buy? - 07/12/07 02:31 PM
Time to Buy? It's a buyer's market. No denying it. Now, Atlanta is not like southern California, or DC, or Boston but it is a buyer's market here. Values aren't crashing. Interest rates aren't skyrocketing. Unemployment is at historic lows. Inflation is under control... for the most part. Of course, to listen to some of the media, all of those statements look suspect. So, it's still a buyer's market. What does that mean in the real world? To start with, if you are trying to sell a home, it needs to look its best. It needs to be priced competitively, and … (0 comments)

Real Estate Investing 101 Part 2 - 07/12/07 02:28 PM
Buy and Hold Another tool in the bag of the Real Estate Investor is the "buy and hold  option. Buying and holding a property is a longer term strategy. In this case, one is using the increase in values over time, generally in conjunction with rental income, to increase their personal wealth. The renter is the key to this being a hugely profitable strategy. An example of this would be: $200,000- purchase price ($40k cash, $160k mortgage) $485,000- selling price (after 30 years at a conservative 3%/yr.) $1,500/mo.- carrying cost (this will go up slightly as taxes and insurance increase) $1,600/mo.- … (0 comments)

Real Estate Investing 101 Part 1 - 07/12/07 02:26 PM
Real Estate Investing, 101 Real Estate investing is one of the best tools to build long term wealth and financial security. About 70% of millionaires in the US built their fortunes in Real Estate, so it is obviously an excellent tool. There are several ways to incorporate Real Estate into one’s overall financial picture. Flipping The first method I’ll cover to invest in Real Estate is a shorter term option called "flipping". Basically, flipping a property is buying a property at a below market price and then selling it at a market price. The property may be purchased below market value … (2 comments)

Market update for Gwinnett County, June 2007 - 07/10/07 07:58 PM
Gwinnett County sales comparison for residential real estate. 6/07
 
Here is a look at the residential real estate market for Gwinnett County for the last two years as well as looking at overall trends that will affect investors and “move-up” buyers in the next few months. 
Looking at the numbers up through June of 2007, there are a couple of trends that seem to be materializing.  New listings are up year to date (YTD) about 13% over last year.  May and June are up 11% and 9% respectively over the same period last year.  The trend seems to be new … (1 comments)

An unfortunate stereotype, part II - 07/03/07 07:16 PM
I was talking with a lawyer friend of mine, and the previous blog came up.  He relayed an experience to me that he was involved with. 
In another state (thankfully) there was a case with a Broker that sold a house he owned.  It seems that he lied on the property disclosure, wrote both sides of the sale, fought against the buyers having their own representation... and even against an inspection, and had plenty to hide.  
The buyers are not blameless, but this should never have happened.  
It seems there was a wonderful pond on the rear of the … (1 comments)

An unfortunate stereotype - 07/02/07 08:30 AM
I had an interesting experience yesterday, and I'll get to it in just a moment. 
On TV, or in the movies, I often see derogatory stereotypes of real estate agents.  I see us portrayed as less than intelligent, greedy, and not very scrupled.  We aren't portrayed as dangerous, but rather ineffectual.  It has always bothered me, since in most of my dealings I have dealt with agents that were honest and hard-working.  Of course there have been a few that weren't the brightest bulb on the tree, but they weren't actively working against theirclients or customers.  That changed yesterday. 
I went … (6 comments)

 
Dscn1453 Ambassador_large

Lane Bailey - REALTOR & Car Guy

Suwanee, GA

More about me…

Century 21 Results Realty

Address: 2209 Sharon Rd, Suite 250, Cumming, GA, 30041

Office Phone: (678) 679-1393

Cell Phone: (678) 200-5895

Email Me

GarageHomesUSA Logo

Get great free widgets at Widgetbox! Clicky Web Analytics

Clicky



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find GA real estate agents and Suwanee real estate on ActiveRain.