6.1% gain overall

5% in the south

21% higher than last September

New Construction spending is up .08%

15 year mortgages are hovering in the low 4's

Mortgage applications are up 3%

 

These are great signs that the economy is recovering. However, unemployment is still over 10%.  While all of these figures look good, that 10% has to change in order to truly have a full recovery.

I just read an article that the International Code Council's Residential Building Code Committee (RBCC) has said that in 2011, these will become the standard in all new homes.  This is the council that 48 states use to regulate their building codes. There was debate last week whether this would go through and the council voted for it 7-4. 

I find this to be a very interesting development.  I believe this could help jump start new home sales since consumers are all about safety and security. Or, it could hurt sales by driving up the costs of new houses and making them not as competitive with existing homes.

The article points out there are some safety hazards that need to be considered such as cabling in the home that comes from inferior manufacturers. This could be a fire hazard.

I am also thinking another hazard could be what if the sprinklers go off when you are cooking fatty burgers on the stove which cause an excess of smoke?  Maybe the code should also include ventilation pipes that go out of the kitchen (seen in more high end homes) or down-draft ventilation.

Click here to read the article.

I read a very interesting article on the history of Sesame Street and its impact our society. My generation was one of the first or second generations that got the benefit of Sesame Street. I have fond memories of Big Bird and Cookie Monster. 

Academics quickly began to study the effects of the show very early on and concluded that kids that watched it were better prepared in school. What it really did was help me to do better in school. They discovered that kids like animals and other animal like characters teaching them and got very bored with adults talking.  How ironic is that, considering that is how we educate our kids in this country- adults talking and children listening. I know we have made great strides in the area of hands on learning, but still most of the nuts and bolts are taught the old fashioned way- getting off of my soap box now.

I hope you enjoy the article.

Sesame Street

Condition is so very important when marketing a home.  Taking care of the little things makes a huge difference in the overall impression a home makes.

Wow- being on Facebook this evening has been a trip down memory lane. From a post of my 1993 Pope High School Bands of America Winning Marching Video to a good friend in grade school who suddenly passed yesterday whom I hadn't seen since I was in fifth grade. Jerry was a kind friend, the kind that not many of us had. As one who got picked on and was not popular, I didn't have many true friends. Jerry was one. We hung out and did all the things elementary school kids do. I had lost touch with him since we went to different middle and high schools. It turns out that our paths were very similar with us both becoming musicians. Musicians have a bond with one another even before God has revealed our talent. My sympathy goes out to his family who was always very gracious in having me over. Please watch this short clip of this amazing talent.

Gwinnett County has convened an exploratory committee to explore the possibility of expanding Ronald Reagan Parkway so it connects with 85.  $2 million has been put on the table to explore and plan.  A community meeting was held a few nights ago. Notes from that meeting will be included in a future post.

Ronald Reagan Parkway is one of the nicest roads in Gwinnett. Although less than 10 miles long, it feels like you are driving through the mountains.  The trees that were planted and left up are magnificant this time of year.  Look for a future post on the beauty of the parkway.

Just when you thought it was gone, one of our local banks is now offering 100% financing on some of its foreclosed or short-saled communities.  This is a great opportunity for those who are paying high rent but don't have tons of cash to take advantage of getting into a home with equity and a lower payment then their rent was.

There are also many different programs available for 1st time buyers that give them their down payment or match their downpayment.

We are living in unprecedented times in regards to incentives to purchase a home. Combine these incentives with low interest rates and their has never been a better time to buy or sell.

The tax credit has been extended until 4/30/2010. This means you have until that day to be under contract. You must close by 6/30/2010 to be eligible for the tax credit. For first time buyers, it is $8000 and for existing homeowners who have been in their residences for 5 of the last 8 years and are purchasing a primary residence, the credit is $6500. As always, check with your tax advisor to make sure you are eligible for a credit. 

This credit will help well established communities such as the community around Brookwood High School with move up buyers. With new homes being available from the $190's to $900K, The Brookwood area is sure to see some movement with this new incentive. If you are thinking of moving or upsizing, now is the perfect time.

Seeking a family friendly place to have a relaxing lunch, I decided to go to downtown Lawrenceville. Even though I live just a few short miles from this wonderful area, I seldom take advantage of all of the fantastic dining, shopping, and atmosphere of this great downtown area.

There is a myriad of restauraunts in the "square".  We parked and on one side of the square, we had four choices. One of which I had eaten in before and the others were mysteries. As we walked, there was a nice sign outside of the Corner Stop Cafe letting us know the days specials. When I saw mac and cheese, I knew this was the place for us.

Located in one of the historic buildings in Lawrenceville, the place is just brimming with history. Classic hardwoods adorn the floors. Country style tables and chairs perhaps bring memories of having a great meal with with family in the comfort of your home. On the wall is a banner that lets everyone know they were selected as one of the best places in Lawrenceville to eat lunch.

I got the pot roast and my spouse ordered the country fried steak. Portions were generous. You get your choice of biscuits or corn bread which make for great starters as they come in a basket. You can choose from 2 sides as well. We selected the fried okra and mashed potatoes. My daughter had the "kids' portion of mac and cheese. The size was more adult like than "kid". The portions were huge on all of our meals. We came in very hungry and left full and very satisfied.

For 3 adults and a child, lunch rang in at about $30. This included drinks as well. All in all, I give it a 5 star rating.

Brookwood graduate Amy Robach, now one of the Today Show hosts, returned to Brookwood high school to do a segment on the school. One of her classmates is now one of the teachers and her family still runs the drama department. It was great to see the contrast of how things have changed since she graduated in 1991 versus today and how things have also stayed the same. Click here for the link.

Congratulations to Brookwood High School Teacher of the Year: Joe Cox who has also been named one of the 6 finalists for Gwinnett County's Teacher of the Year.