Lorrie Thomas w/ REMAX Town & Country -My BLOG- Cherokee County, Cobb County, and North Metro Atlanta Homes for Sale, Home Values, and Market Reports

Home for Sale in The Shoals at Arbor Hills - 325 Edwards Brook Lane Canton, Ga. 30115

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:57:32 -0500

Home for Sale in The Shoals at Arbor Hill

Canton, Ga. Cherokee County

Visit: www.TheShoalsAtArborHill.com

Price: $1,100,000
Type: Residential
Style: 2 Story
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6
Size: 5,800 sq. ft.

View Listing Details >>

You'll fall in love with the Beautiful Chathambilt 'Southern Colonial' graciously situated on a 2+acre cul-de-sac lot. Upon Entering the Grand Foyer Welcomes you with an enchanting Crystal Chandelier, Dining Room with Coffered ceiling, Spacious Study with rich paneling & full bath, Grandroom with Fireplace, Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Island, Sub-zero refrigerator, Custom Cabinets & Breakfast room, Vaulted Keeping room with custom wood ceiling & beams. Lots of luxury at a great value!

Lorrie Thomas

RE/MAX

6124 Hickory Flat Hwy, Suite E
Canton, Georgia
United States

Phone:	770-720-4300
Cell:	678-778-6020
Fax:	678-496-4696

Send Me an Email

Visit my website at http://www.hickoryflathomes.com/

Does this home meet your needs...
If not, I have access to many more that I would love to show you. Please feel free to visit my website and try out my unique home search tool that will help you find the perfect home for you. Better yet, give me a call! I'd be happy to assist you in your home purchase. My contact information is listed above.

Status of the Housing Market in Atlanta area (UP!)

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:41:09 -0500

After reading the following article it was so informative that I just had to pass this good info along. It is quite a long read so I've highlighted (in bold) some of the key elements to pay attention to. So, as you can see after reading below, the Real Estate market isn't as bad as the media is making it out to be !

Sorting Out Atlanta's Housing Market

by Seth Weissman and Dan Forsman

While the sky may be falling in other housing markets, it is certainly not falling in Atlanta's. However, the old saying that all real estate markets are local has certainly gotten lost in the shuffle of the bad news coming out of our national press.
   A housing bubble definitely existed in some housing markets in the United States and we are now paying the price for that bubble having burst. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, between 2001 and 2006, housing values doubled and tripled in parts of Florida, California and Nevada. While the thought that housing values in these markets may now fall anywhere from 10% to 40% sounds scary, the reality is less so when you put it into context. If a house in Las Vegas worth $500,000 in 2001 was worth $1,200,000 in 2006, even a 30% decline in value leaves the house today worth $840,000. That rate of appreciation is none too shabby for buyers in these markets if they purchased in 2001. Unfortunately, if you purchased at the peak of the market in 2006, you would not now be in the best shape. Of course, this is only the case if you have to sell your property in a down market. If you do not have to sell, you have not gained or lost anything other than possibly your sense of financial well-being.
   Atlanta's real estate market never had the kind of run-up in prices seen in bubble markets. Between 2001 and 2006, our home prices increased by a much more modest 30% or so. This means that a $200,000 house in 2001 was likely worth $260,000 in 2006. While this $60,000 increase in value may not seem like much over five years, as a rate of return on the cash investment most buyers put into their properties, it is quite significant. The point is that housing is still a tremendous long term builder of wealth for those who can stay put in their homes for awhile and ride out the periodic ups and downs in the market.
   The bubble markets where prices skyrocketed are now seeing the greatest price declines. Housing markets like Atlanta's where the prices increased at a more normal rate are seeing much smaller price declines. For all the bad news, home prices in the Atlanta region have only fallen around 4.8% over the last year (according to the S&P/Case Shiller Index) as compared to other markets where prices have been in a free fall.
   While the number of overall home sales has fallen dramatically in our region over the past year, home prices should not fall anywhere near as much. There are two reasons for this. First, while housing is a commodity with an investment value, it is also a place where people live. The majority of home moves are discretionary. If the market is unfavorable to make such a move, buyers and sellers considering a discretionary move simply sit it out on the sidelines. This can cause a decline in the number of homes sold without having much of an effect on prices. The second reason home prices in the Atlanta region are somewhat immune to a larger price drop is that our metro area has a safety net that does not exist in most other metro areas. Specifically, according to Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce statistics, our metro Atlanta region adds about 150,000 people per year 60% of whom move here. Between 2000-2006, our region added 856,266 people, a growth rate that was the highest in the nation. Some two million additional people are expected to move here over the next 12 years. That's the equivalent of the entire city of Denver relocating to Atlanta during that time frame. With so many new families moving to our region, the demand for housing will remain strong and prices will continue to appreciate.
   Even with slightly more than 100,000 homes on the market today it won't take long for that inventory to be absorbed based on our current rate of growth. This is particularly the case since the number of new homes being constructed in our region is falling so dramatically. Since the fourth quarter of 1994, permits for new homes are down almost 60% according to the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association.
   Homeowners who see that their homes are worth less than they were a year ago often feel poor and have a hard time selling their homes for less even though they can get an equally good deal in purchasing another home. It's the same logic that causes investors to hold onto an underperforming stock rather than cutting their losses and investing in a stock with a greater likelihood of outperforming the market. However, savvy sellers who can overcome their angst and see the big picture have a great opportunity to presently improve both the location and quality of their housing investment.
   The two wildcards in our housing market are foreclosures and the ability to get mortgage financing. While there have been irresponsible lending practices in the mortgage market over the last decade, it is still surprisingly easy to get a mortgage today if you have decent credit. Good credit appears to even be trumping the lack of a large down payment. Like it or not, buyers with bad credit have been shoved out of the market and this is and will dampen sales in some markets. The effect of this will not, however, be uniform and will disproportionately affect areas with large numbers of starter homes that buyers with marginal credit purchase often purchase.
   In 2001, the foreclosure rate for the metro Atlanta region was a 1.1% of all homes. By the end of 2007, that rate had increased to 2.7%. Moreover, recent reports indicate that 6% of all mortgages in Georgia statewide were over 30 days past due. While foreclosures will stress our market, it must be remembered again that our region, just like our nation, is also not a monolithic housing market. Some local housing markets within our region are doing far better than others and will continue to do so. Foreclosures are by no means evenly disbursed but are unfortunately, concentrated in certain neighborhoods and locations within our region.
   While irresponsible lending practices played a huge role in the high number of foreclosures, mortgage fraud also accounts for a larger part of the problem than most experts like to admit. The U.S. Department of the Treasury reported that between 1997 and 2005 mortgage fraud increased by 1,411%. For several years running, Atlanta led the nation in instances of mortgage fraud. Billons of dollars were literally stolen from investors in these mortgages leaving numerous foreclosures and devastated neighborhoods in their wake.
What will the future bring? Housing in areas without large concentrations of foreclosures and starter homes should be seeing housing prices stabilizing as demand catches up with supply.
   As crazy as it may seem, there may even be a shortage of housing in desirable areas over a 3-5 year window if the number of new housing starts does not increase. Areas hard hit by foreclosures and mortgage fraud will unfortunately limp along and in some cases may never recover from the excesses and abuses of the last seven years. The difficult challenge for government over the next decade will be to figure out how to restore health to neighborhoods where housing demand was artificially created through lending abuses and fraud. Hopefully, there will be unique opportunities to absorb this excess supply for decent affordable work force housing in the metro area. If this does not occur rich neighborhoods will likely get richer and the poor neighborhoods will likely get poorer.
   As REALTORS® like to remind people, smart housing decisions tend to boil down to a focus on location, location, and location. Buying in a good location will always pay dividends over the long haul. While there are many factors that make a neighborhood desirable, some of the more important ones include good schools, low tax rates, good access to work centers and shopping and low crime rates.
   Demographic changes are also reshaping our region's housing and re-defining somewhat what is considered a great place to live. Our city is urbanizing at a remarkable pace. This is driven by the three horsemen of traffic congestion, an aging population and changes in consumer preferences.
   While there are a lot of condominium units presently on the market in Atlanta, there was a reason that all of those condominiums were built in the first place - they were filling (and will continue to fill) a demand at either end of the demographic spectrum. Condominiums are perfect for aging baby boomers seeking to downsize and enjoy maintenance free living. They are also the housing of choice for busy young professionals who in many cases cannot yet afford single family homes in intown neighborhoods. While developers may have gotten a bit ahead of themselves in developing mixed-use and condominium developments, the smart money is still on the long term demand for this type of housing growing exponentially.
   Residential real estate markets have always been cyclical. The only difference this time around is that the sizes of the swings have been larger and the scope of the downturn has been national rather than limited to certain niche markets. Housing prices will recover and in a few years, due to the health of our economy, will likely be much higher than prices at the peak of the previous cycle.
   A strong buyer's market and low interest rates are allowing buyers who buy now to get unbelievable deals. As the spring market starts to gain momentum, some of the best deals will be gone. The advice of "buy low, sell high" has never been more apt than at this time in Atlanta's housing market.
   Atlanta and Dallas (the other city benefiting from huge population increases) will likely lead the nation out of the real estate recession. It is always darkest right before the dawn. Dawn is breaking in many segments of our market and buyers should act accordingly.

Seth Weissman is a senior partner in the law firm of Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco, P.C. and serves as general counsel to the Georgia Association of REALTORS®. Dan Forsman is President and CEO of Prudential Georgia Realty.

If you are interested in selling your existing home and finding one of these great deals that are available today, contact me for a free consultation. ~Lorrie Thomas

What is a Short Sale and Do I qualify for one?

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:49:55 -0500

I recently came across this article and I wanted to share it since these are indeed the most commonly asked questions regarding Short Sales. With the media contstantly talking about the foreclosure rates up, the term Short Sale is becoming more and more used. However, most people have many questions about what a Short Sale actually is and if they qualify for one. Below are the most common questions, but if you have any additional questions that you need answered do not hesitate to contact me with your questions.

Top 10 Seller Short Sale Questions Answered
Most Common Questions A Seller Will Ask You; by Tim and Julie Harris

Number 10
I can't make my house payments, but I do have an ability to pay back all or part of the negative equity. Also, I want to preserve my credit score...is a short sale right for me?
Probably, not. In cases where the seller can pay back all or part of the negative equity (usually to the 2nd lien holder), it makes sense for them to work out a repayment plan. The lender will then release the lien and allow the home to close.

Number 9
If I pay mortgage insurance and default on my loan, why wouldn't that cover the deficiency amount?
The mortgage insurance is not there for your protection, just the mortgage lender's.

Number 8
Do I have to have my home "Approved" by the lender prior to offering it for sale as a short sale?
No. Technically speaking there is no such thing as being "Short Sale Approved." The actual approval only happens with an accepted offer.

Number 7
I just missed a payment and I know I will miss more...how long does the foreclosure process take and is there time to do a short sale?
The foreclosure process takes differing times depending on your state. In the Midwest a foreclosure can take over a year. In California its taking 6+ months. Generally speaking a well priced short sale being processed by an educated short sale listing agent will sell and close in less than 120 days.

Number 6
Will I still have to pay property taxes if I do a short sale?
Property taxes will always have to be paid as part of any accepted short sale. Whether it's you or the lender, it depends on their policies and the specific agreement you reach while negotiating the short sale.

Number 5
I owe more than my home is worth and I can't make the payment. Do I have to somehow qualify for a short sale?
The simple answer is NO. If someone can't make their payment and they are otherwise insolvent, they qualify for a short sale. Note: insolvent simply means their total debts are great than their assets.

Number 4
Do I have to pay income taxes...I have heard that I will get a 1099. Will the loss the bank takes be treated as a taxable gain to me...the seller...is this true?
It WAS true, now it's not. Consult your Tax Attorney or Qualified CPA. Very recently the tax law was modified and now most people who do a short sale will have no taxes due.

Number 3
How do you, my listing agent get paid...who pays your commission?
The bank will pay the commission along with all the other usual closing costs.

Number 2
Do I have to miss a payment to do a Short Sale?
No. Late last year most major lenders started accepting short sale offers from sellers who have never missed a payment.

Number 1
I want to do a short sale and have a 2nd mortgage, does this make me ineligible?
No. Both of your lenders will need to be satisfied in some way to complete the short sale. If your first lender will be paid off by the sale, then you just negotiate the terms with the second lender. Most short sales do involve 1st and 2nd lien holders.
Source: Broker/Agent News, April 2, 2008

If you have any additional questions please contact me!

Lorrie Thomas, Realtor ~ RE/MAX Town & Country

Who says the market is down?

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:19:02 -0500

2007 Home Sales were Fifth Highest on Record !

Existing-home sales declined in December following several months of stable activity. Even so, total sales in 2007 were the fifth highest on record, NAR says. Total existing-home sales, including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, slipped 2.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million units in December from a pace of 5 million in November. For all of 2007 there were 5,652,000 existing-home sales, the fifth highest year on record. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says the market is experiencing uncharacteristic weakness. "Home sales remain weak despite improved affordability conditions in many parts of the country, but we could get a quick boost to the market if loan limits are raised in combination with the bold cut in the Fed funds rate," he says. "Home prices are lower, mortgage interest rates continue to decline and incomes are higher, but many potential buyers are delaying a purchase." Source: National Association of REALTORS®

So, if you are a potential buyer who is delaying a purchase, STOP Procrastinating! NOW, is the time to buy! Prices are down and so are interest rates, so it is a great time to make an investment in Real Estate. In some cases even if you cannot make a lot of money on the sale of your current home (for example if you only break even), there is still a lot of potential to sell and find a great deal on another home with a lot of equity already there.

Call me today and I can help you locate some of these awesome deals!

Lorrie Thomas, Realtor ~ RE/MAX Town & Country

Homes of The Future are here today!

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Thu, 08 May 2008 23:07:02 -0500

Shearer’s Farm is an Exclusive Enclave of fifteen Hi-Tech Luxury homes built by Collier-Edwards Building Group and personalized to meet each individual homeowner’s needs. All homes in Shearer’s Farm are built pre-wired with the ability to integrate all of the latest high tech features. Having this wiring already in place for the future will greatly increase the resale value of these homes because they won’t be left behind with the changing times.

Virtual Tour
Website www.HiTechLuxuryHomes.com
Click Here to view the Buyer Full Page Report for the home at 3814 Ballard Drive
Click Here to view the Buyer Full Page Report for the home at 500 Baxter Way

Lorrie Thomas, Realtor | RE/MAX Town & Country | lthomas@remax.net | 678-778-6020

3814 Ballard Drive, Marietta, GA

Smart Homes of The Future

6 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $889,900

Year Built	2008
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	6
Bathrooms	5 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	.75 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Shearer’s Farm is an Exclusive Enclave of fifteen Hi-Tech Luxury homes built by Collier-Edwards Building Group and personalized to meet each individual homeowner’s needs. Each home is situated on a ¾ acre lot located, just off Casteel Road in the wonderful area of West Cobb, within a mile of The Avenues on Dallas Hwy 120.

All homes in Shearer’s Farm are built pre-wired with the ability to integrate all of the latest high tech features. Having this wiring already in place for the future will greatly increase the resale value of these homes because they won’t be left behind with the changing times. But we don’t think you’ll want to leave anytime soon after having your Dream Home built to fit your unique needs.

Select from many of Frank Betz or Garrell Associates versatile home plans with a minimum of 3500 sq.ft, and then we will work with you to personalize each home specifically for you. Choose to have a complete technology package which can include a range of features where the possibilities are endless, from automated lighting control to bathroom floors that are preprogrammed to warm for you at a specific time each morning. You’ll enjoy waking to gentle music and then it fades out as the television automatically turns on to your traffic and weather channel so that you can prepare for your day. Imagine the time you would save searching for the remote! You can have the capabilities to log on to your computer at the office and visually check on your kids to make sure they have started on their homework after they’ve arrived at home. Or have the lights turn off in an empty room after a predetermined amount of time, and turn on upon entry. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

You may also elect to have your basement completely finished with the ultimate High Tech Media Theater Room, Recreation Room with Second Kitchen and Bar area, Private Office, Exercise Room, Play Room for the kids, and a full Guest Suite.

Another option you may choose is to have an Outdoor Living Sanctuary for dining and entertaining, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, fire pit with flagstone gathering area, and a luxurious salt water pool with a waterfall cascading into the hot tub. Plus when the hot tub is integrated with the latest smart home technology, you’ll have the ability to send a message from your phone to your home and have the hot tub bubbling at a warm 98 degrees and awaiting your arrival.

Shearer’s Farm is part of ”The RE/MAXCollection” of fine homes, with marketing provided by RE/MAX Town & Country

Visit www.HiTechLuxuryHomes.com for more info

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances
Attic	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Gated property

Secured entry

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Lorrie Thomas, Realtor

RE/MAX Town & Country

lthomas@remax.net

678-778-6020

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 8, 2008, 6:48pm PDT

909 Pinecrest Canton Ga. Charming Home For Sale only $112k

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:56:17 -0500

Perfect for First Time Homebuyers! Only $112,000! Almost an acre lot and No HOA!

Click Here for the complete Buyer Full Page report

Lorrie Thomas, Realtor | RE/MAX Town & Country | 678-778-6020

909 Pinecrest, Canton, GA

Convenient Location! No HOA!

2 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $112,000

Year Built	2000
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Covered spaces
Lot Size	.75 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Lovely home situated on a 3/4 acre lot with NO HOA! You'll enjoy relaxing in the porch swing on the Large Front Porch! Secluded setting in a HOT growing area of Holly Springs! only 8/10ths of a mile to I575!

Perfect for first time homebuyers!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Family room	Attic	Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Covered parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Private 3/4acre Lot in convenient Location!

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Lorrie Thomas, Realtor

RE/MAX Town & Country

678-778-6020

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 8, 2008, 5:30pm PDT

Click Here to view the Buyer's Full Report: Buyer Full Page

Haunted Home For Sale

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:02:53 -0500

Haunted Home For Sale !

Catchy title, huh! Well, , , Would you buy a Haunted House?

Well it might not be any where near Halloween, but I watched that new episode last night of something like Ghost Hunters (but it wasn't actually Ghost Hunters) about the ghost children and the shadow people that they photographed. Click here to view the most amazing photo of the "shadow people" on Zombie Rd and click here to view more info on the shadow people of Zombie Rd.

Did you know that you can buy a whole ghost town (only 3 hrs from Las Vegas) for only $249,900. The name of the Town is Modena. It is a modern ghost town and popular spot for UFO sightings, and ghost hunters.
Spain's most haunted house has been put up for sale. The owner claimed that faces appeared on the concrete floor in the kitchen, she then chipped away at the floor to get rid of it but soon a dozen other faces appeared. Possibly the restless souls of her past family members that were massacred during the Spain's Civil War? Maybe. There was a trench dug in which bones from a 13th century graveyard were found. The strange thing was there were no skulls found.
Home for Sale w/ a special clause in the purchase and sale agreement, the new owner must agree to letting the ghost stay. The owners of home in Wales had that special requirement when selling their home. In Casper Wyoming you can buy a haunted Bed & Breakfast. Fortunately, the ghosts are not malicious and the Bed & Breakfast has a happy feel.

The Goldfield Hotel in Goldfield Nevada was sold by county auction for $360,000. This hotel has been featured in many tv shows about america's most haunted places. Many psychics claim that it is sitting over the seventh gate to hell due to it's location. Read the complete article for all the interesting details.

Do you know of a haunted home in the North Metro Atlanta area? If so, please share your story by leaving a comment. Thanks!

Lorrie Thomas REMAX TOWN & COUNTRY APRIL TOP PERFORMER FOR THE HICKORY FLAT OFFICE

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:28:58 -0500

Here I am in the Top Perfomers ad in the Cherokee Ledger

Secrets to Give Your House Model Home Appeal

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:57:46 -0500

Four Secrets to Give Your House Model Home Appeal
(ARA) – Ah, the model home – it’s not just a selling tool for builders. In many ways, model homes are the perfect portrait of the American Dream, with their manicured lawns, gourmet kitchens and designer window treatments. The model home is what we all aspire to have our homes look like.

The reality, however, can be far different from the ideal; living in the perfection of a model home may not be realistic for most of us. The good news is there are many ways you can borrow some model home tricks for your own abode – and boost your home’s value, and your enjoyment of it, in the process.

Here are five tricks model home makers and decorators use to create the feeling of real estate Nirvana:

* Curb appeal is king. If you mother didn’t tell you this while growing up, home shopping or selling will certainly teach you the lesson: first impressions count. Nothing sends buyers running for cover faster than a shabby exterior, so power wash siding every spring and take care of needed repairs like dangling shutters or peeling paint. Keep the grass mowed and flowers flourishing during the summer. If you don’t have a green thumb, plant easy-care flowers like petunias to add pizzazz to your landscaping.

* Add designer touches that impart the biggest impact for the least amount of money, such as a wallpaper mural. Custom murals are all the rage in design circles and are popping up in model homes across the country. But hiring someone to paint a custom mural is probably out of the budget for most of us. Wallpaper murals, like those manufactured by Murals Your Way, can provide the same designer effect at a fraction of the cost. What’s more, installation is quick and easy. Most homeowners can tackle the project on their own.. Check out www.muralsyourway.com to learn more.

* Keep the rooms clean. If you’re selling your house, keeping rooms clean and clutter-free is a priority. Homebuyers rank dirty rooms at the top of their turn-offs list. If you’re just living in your home, keeping it clean will make it a more healthful, comfortable place to live. In addition to your regular house chores, don’t forget often overlooked tasks like cleaning the carpets and windows.

* Invest your renovation dollars wisely. Most families spend the greatest amount of their time in the kitchen and bath. It’s no surprise, then, that upgrades to these rooms consistently deliver the highest payoffs in terms of increased value and homeowner enjoyment. You’ll almost never see a model home with a common kitchen or a boring bath. If you want to evoke the drama of a model home in your own domicile, invest your remodeling budget in these two important rooms.

Recreating model home techniques in your own house can help maximize resale value and your enjoyment – and bring your abode that much closer to the ideal of the American Dream.
Courtesy of ARAcontent

For more information or to find Local Home Staging companies that can assist you with getting your home ready for the market contact me today. I work with Home Stagers to maximize your homes potential and give it the edge over other homes on the market.

Foreclosure? claim the mortgage tax forgiveness on your 2007 tax return!

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:20:33 -0500

Facing Foreclosure? You May be Eligible for Tax Relief
(ARA) – When your home is losing value and your family is facing the financial stress of foreclosure, the last thing you need is to be hit with an enormous tax bill. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 helps protect Americans facing foreclosure from higher taxes while they attempt to refinance a home mortgage.

This temporary act creates a three-year window for some homeowners to refinance their mortgage and pay no taxes on any debt forgiveness that they receive. This means if the value of your home drops and your bank or lender forgives a portion of your mortgage, the federal government won’t treat that amount as taxable income. This exclusion only applies to discharges made after 2006 and before 2010. Additionally, the basis of the principal residence must be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount excluded from gross income.

“To claim mortgage tax forgiveness on your 2007 tax return, taxpayers need to complete IRS Form 982 – Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness (and Section 1082 Basis Adjustment),” says Stephanie Behrends of 2nd Story Software, makers of the popular TaxACT tax preparation software and online services. However, because it wasn’t until late December that lawmakers signed this legislation into law, the IRS only just started accepting the Form via e-file on March 3.

“TaxACT Standard, our completely free tax preparation program that prepares federal income tax returns, and our premium TaxACT Deluxe software edition both include Form 982 as part of the software package,” she adds. Because not all taxpayers whose homes have been foreclosed are eligible to claim mortgage tax forgiveness, it may be necessary to consult a tax professional or attorney prior to submitting Form 982 to the IRS.

More information regarding The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 can be found at www.IRS.gov. Use key word “Form 982.” Information regarding TaxACT can be found by visiting www.TaxACT.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent

If you are facing foreclosure contact me to learn about all of your options. Call today before it's too late, I can work with your lender to usually postpone foreclosure.

Go Green! Contact me to find Green Homes in the Atlanta Metro area

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:08:37 -0500

It’s Easy Living Green
(ARA) - Everywhere you turn, there’s something “green” – whether it’s a commercial for a hybrid car or a reminder to pick up reusable bags at the local grocery store. The green movement is under way and concerned Americans are looking for ways to do their part to reduce energy use and pollution, and preserve natural resources.

Whether by changing their daily routines like biking to work instead of driving, or taking up a new hobby like planting trees in the community park, more and more Americans are going green. One aspect of the multifaceted greening of America is the building and buying of “green” or eco-friendly homes.

According to a recent survey conducted for McGraw-Hill Research and Analytics, consumers list environmental concerns among the top three reasons to purchase a green home, along with lower operating costs and health benefits for occupants. Across the country, homebuilders and homebuyers are realizing the benefits of green building and living, from reduced construction waste to better indoor air quality. Homes planned by green developers can also reduce utility bills by more than 50 percent, minimize pollution and demands on infrastructure, and provide greater environmental protection.

“It’s amazing how small steps can add up to big results,” says Fred Maas, president and CEO of Black Mountain Ranch LLC, the developer of Del Sur – a new green 1,800-acre master-planned residential community in San Diego, Calif. “For example, tankless water heaters are as much as 50 percent more efficient than conventional water heaters – and heating hot water is second only to heating and cooling in terms of residential energy use. If every household in the United States converted to high-efficiency, tankless water heaters, America could save the equivalent of 300 million barrels of oil a year and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 150 million tons.”

Similarly, replacing just one light bulb in each American home with an efficient compact fluorescent bulb could save enough energy to light more than three million homes for an entire year. This could save more than $600 million in annual energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to removing more than 800,000 cars from America’s roads.

Residents of the Del Sur community are learning firsthand the advantages of green home features. Del Sur used its unique size and buying power – 2,500 market-rate homes and 469 low- and moderate-income homes – to negotiate lower prices for solar, tankless hot water and weather-based irrigation systems, making these energy-saving, environmentally-friendly features more affordable for homebuyers.

“All things being equal, homebuyers want to go green, but they don’t want to pay a fortune to do so – and they shouldn’t have to. Our vision of sustainability is to integrate a core set of ‘attainable’ green elements into our homes that do their part for the environment and increase value and savings for the consumer,” says Maas.

By providing homebuyers with green features at lower costs, homebuilders can help to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and preserve the environment without putting all of the burden on the homeowner. By taking advantage of available tax credits and incentives, it is possible to equip homes with solar photovoltaic technology to generate electricity at a reasonable cost, greatly reducing homeowners’ electric bills.

“Our homeowners with solar power can draw power from the grid at night and make the meter spin backwards during the day,” says Maas. “Some have cut their electric bills to nearly zero. When homeowners realize the savings, they really get a kick out of showing their new energy bills to neighbors and friends in the community.”

“When I see American families living the Southern California lifestyle in 3,000-plus-square-foot homes with gourmet kitchens and all the latest appliances – and their monthly electric bill is close to zero – I know there’s no barrier to America going green,” says Maas. “We’re doing it here in San Diego and I think that, community-by-community, the entire nation can go green.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent
Contact me to find out where to find Green Homes in the Atlanta metro area.

Market Report for Kennesaw GA

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:59:00 -0500

Several different factors will determine how much activity your home will receive when listed for sale. Such as Price, Location, # of Bedrooms, and definitely MARKETING.

For example, if you have a home for sale in Kennesaw within a price range of under $200,000 with at least 3 bedrooms, you have a highly sought after home and you should receive lots of activity on your home. However, if you do not have your home listed with a Realtor and do not have many quality photos and virtual tours or even video on the websites that buyers are typically searching on, then you may not be receiving the amount of activity that you should be.

Here is an example of the activity from a home that I recently had listed for sale in Kennesaw. (Click on the photo to view)

(Please do not consider this a solicitation if your home is already listed with a Realtor. However, if your home has recently expired after being listed and you would like to get the maximum exposure that your home deserves please contact me to market your home using my Internet marketing plan)

909 Pinecrest Rd. - Homes for Sale in Canton GA Holly Springs

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:38:24 -0500

Click here to access the Buyer Full Page report. Call Lorrie to view 678-778-6020

Canton Ga Homes for Sale - VIDEO of 312 Blake Drive in Copper Hills Canton Georgia

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 23:02:49 -0500

Click here for the Buyer Full Page report.

also visit www.312BlakeDrive.com ~call Lorrie to view 678-778-6020

Seller Says Bring Offers! Reduced $20k! Tucked away on a Wooded Cul-de-sac Lot this home has Hardwood floors, Gourment Kitchen w/ Island & Granite Countertops,Keeping Room w/ Stacked Stone FP & Walk-In Pantry. almost 2acre wooded lot backs up to 20+acre nature preserve.

Master On Main, Double Vanity, Sep Tub/Shower, Jetted Garden Tub, Vaulted Ceilings, Gourmet Kitchen, Breakfast Bar, Breakfast Room, Island, Keeping Room, Walk-in Pantry, Separate Dinig Room, Concrete Siding, Rough Sawn, 2 Car Garage, Auto Garage Door, Kitchen Level, Side/Rear Entry, # of Fireplaces: 2, Basement: Bath/Stubbed, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Full, Interior Entry, Lot Desc: Wooded, Lot Dimensions: 1.73 acres

I hope you enjoyed the video preview of 312 Blake Drive, call me to schedule a visit to this home today!

If I squint real hard, I think it's a couch in the living room. What do you see?

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:55:01 -0600

To view the complete Virtual Tour of the Best Worst Photos in Real Estate click here or on the photo below

Do you have an Internet Marketing Plan? Realbird.com and Point2agent.com

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:01:16 -0600

as an agent marketing homes for sale, Do you have an Internet Marketing Plan? If not, how will you survive in today's real estate market? That is where most buyers turn first, so that is where you want your listings to be.

Two secrets that I've been sharing with other agents at my office, and thought I'd share here also, is Realbird.com and also point2agent.com They both give you the ability to create an individual property website for every one of your listings, then all you have to do is buy a domain name and have it point to either of the properties webpage that you've created.

The major advantage to using the Realbird.com site is that it gives you some great tools/widgets to use, including one really awesome feature that allows you to copy and paste some code into a craigslist post and your craigslist posts will look like this, click here to view. They look much better than just the standard craigslist posting. Plus it's so easy to do. Just cut and paste!

Between utilizing these two websites my listings get syndicated to over 30+ other websites where potential buyers are searching for homes.

If you are a Home owner that is considering selling your home, contact me to learn more about my complete Internet Marketing Plan. My Internet Marketing Plan helps get your home more exposure which ensures a quicker sale in todays overflooded market.

Lorrie Thomas, Realtor *cell (678) 496-4696

RE/MAX Town & Country *office (770) 720-4300 ext. 232

Website: www.1outstandingAgent.com

Knowledge is Power!

Foreclosures Cobb & Cherokee County GA Foreclosure Homes For Sale

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:54:27 -0600

With the state of the economy everyone seems to be saying, " Where should I invest my money??? "

It's all gloom and doom on the news. Everything is down, down, down! Oh, noooo!

Well, that's right! Everything is down, down, down! Mortgage rates are at all time lows!

And the Foreclosure rate is up! Now, think about it, we hear this and it's stated as if it's a bad thing. Hmmm, let's think about this, Mortgage rates down, Foreclosure rates up, Mortgage rates down, Foreclosure rates up, Mortgage rates down, Foreclosure rates up, Mortgage rates down, Foreclosure rates up, Mortgage rates down, Foreclosure rates up, are you beginning to see an idea forming???

It sounds to me as if it's a great time to invest in foreclosure homes for sale. While the economy is down and the mortgage rates are at all time lows to take advantage of the best deals!

YOU can help to turn the economy around and do a good deed by buying a foreclosure home, fixing it up, and helping a family get into the home by flipping it back out onto the market for sale as a Lease Purchase option or Rent to Own, until they can get their own mortgage. What a great way to give back to the community! It's a win win situation, you need somewhere to invest your money, everything else is down, what better place to invest! Then when the pendulum swings back the other way, and the home prices start rising up and up again, you will have a great amount of equity in your investment properties.

Contact Lorrie Thomas (Preforeclosure and Short Sale Specialist) to obtain Free Buyer's Representation and start locating your foreclosure home for your investment today! Foreclosures Cobb & Cherokee County GA Foreclosure Homes For Sale

Home of "Mansion Madam" (aka Melissa Wolf) For Sale Sugarloaf Country Club Homes For Sale

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:44:04 -0600

Home of "Mansion Madam" (aka Melissa Wolf) For Sale ~ Sugarloaf Country Club Homes For Sale

Click here to view the Buyer Full Page Report ~ Need more info? Call Lorrie for Free Buyer's Representation

Wow! Your chance to own a piece of provocative history!

Click here to view the Virtual Tour of the "Mansion Madam's" Home for Sale

Contact Lorrie Thomas for free Buyer's Representation and to schedule an appointment to view the home

Home of "Mansion Madam" (aka Melissa Wolf) For Sale ~ Sugarloaf Country Club Homes For Sale

Sandy Springs OPEN HOUSE April 13th Atlanta Ga Sandy Springs Homes for Sale

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:28:15 -0600

Sandy Springs Homes For Sale - Atlanta Ga Homes for Sale

OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY June 1, 2008 2-5pm Directions: Buyer Full PageReport

Spacious Family Home - Magnificent Renovation! Just Completed and NEVER LIVED IN!

The Ultimate Family Home with 3 finished levels. Finished Daylight Terrace level complete with Full Bath can be used as In-law/Teen Suite, or use as a Recreation room and Media/Theater Room!

Awesome Kitchen with Top of the Line Appliances & Beautiful Finishes thru-out. Incredible Open Fenced Backyard. Lots of square footage for the money! ALL Large Rooms! Oversized Master Suite with Large closet & Ritz Carlton Quality Bath room. All New Fixtures and Hardware throughout the home.

New Hardwood Floors throughout the entire of home, with exception of the Kitchen and Baths which have new Travertine Tile Floors.

NOTHING COMPARES! Lowest priced home in subdivision! Great deal for the area!

Great Location in the Atlanta area! Must see! There is not a finer home and better lot at this price. Perfect family Neighborhood filled with kids and close to to public and all private schools. In heart of Sandy Springs.

Click here for the Buyer Full Page Report / Click Here to view the Complete Virtual Tour

Contact Lorrie Thomas for Free Buyer's Representation (678) 778-6020

(or check back here to see when the next Open House is scheduled)

OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY June 1, 2008 2-5pm Directions: Buyer Full Page Report

Sandy Springs Homes For Sale - Atlanta Ga Homes for Sale - Fulton County Georgia

Places to visit & Things to do in Cherokee, Cobb County and Surrounding areas

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:05:32 -0600

Below is a list of Places to Visit and Things to do in Cherokee County, Cobb County, and the surrounding areas. If you are moving to the area contact me for information on local homes for sale. ~Lorrie Thomas RE/MAX Town & Country

Welcome to Olde Towne Woodstock http://www.oldetownewoodstock.com/www/default.aspx
and also http://woodstockdowntown.net/
info on the Woodstock Downtown project http://www.tunspan.com/cutsheets/Urban%20Design%20and%20Town%20Planning/Downtown%20Woodstock.pdf
Cherokee Batting Range http://www.cherokeebatting.com/
Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
Kennesaw Mountain http://www.nps.gov/kemo Most complete Civil War battlefield of the 1864 Atlanta Campaign. The 2889-acre site hosts living history demonstrations from Memorial Day-Labor Day, the largest commemorating the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain's anniversary (June 27, 1864). Activities range from birdwalks to Civil War clothing exhibits, including an 18-minute film and new state-of-the-art museum.
Barrett Parkway http://walkscore.com/get-score.php?street=barretty+parkway+kennesaw+ga & Town Center Mall
Hickory Flat Public Library - 2740 E Cherokee Drive Canton, GA 30115
Movies http://movies.go.com/movietimes/theaters?zip=30189&radius=20
GTC Cherokee 16 Cinemas - 355 Cinema View Drive Woodstock, GA 30189
AMC Barrett Commons 24 - 2600 Cobb Place Ln. NW Kennesaw, GA 30144
Regal Town 16 - 2795 Town Center Drive Kennesaw, GA 30144
Carmike Riverstone 15 - 1395 Riverstone Parkway Canton, GA 30114

Dixie Speedway is a 3/8-mile banked clay oval that hosts stock car racing. Everything from National Event to Weekly Races, Bombers, Sportsman, Cruiser Cars, and the Superfast 600 Horsepowered Late Models that headline the feature event each week. There's even a chance for the fans to test their skill in one on one, single lap spectator racing with the only qualifications needed: your car, helmet, seat belt, plus a roll bar. Location: 150 Dixie Drive Woodstock, GA 30189
Cagle's Dairy Farm Tours Georgia's only producer/processing dairy. Children and adults visit the baby animal facilitiy, milk Ms. Rosy and see the milk processing plant/facilities after visiting the cows on a hayride. See how milk gets from the cow to you in about one and one/half hours. All milk produced on the farm is processed at the farm before delivery to customers. $7.00 each two years and over. Check out date availability, special events in the Spring and Fall on http://www.caglesdairy.com/ or call 770 345-5591 Location: 362 Stringer Road Canton, GA 30115

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area http://www.nps.gov/chat
The Recreation Area lies within four counties, north and northeast of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It consists of 16 land units along a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River. In addition to providing recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, picnicking, and boating, the park contains a wide variety of natural habitats, flora and fauna, nineteenth century historic sites, and Native American archeological sites.

Cherokee County Community Links http://www.cherokeega.com/cherokee_community.cfm
Cherokee County "A great place to live, work, and play" http://www.cherokeega.com/
Georgia's Online Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Guide http://www.n-georgia.com/cherokee_co.htm (Horseback riding, Bike Trails, Covered Bridges, Waterfalls, County Parks, State Parks, Festivals and Events)

Ice Skating Rink http://www.iceforum.com/
Roller Skating Rink & Playzone http://sparklesrollerrinks.com/kennesaw.htm

SpeedZone Atlanta - 3005 George Busby Parkway Kennesaw, GA 30144

Attractions: Slick Trax, Turbo Track, Grand Prix Track, Top Eliminator Dragsters, gameroom, and restaurant

Cherokee Little Theater

84 North St, Canton, GA - (770) 704-9909Directions

Lake Allatoona http://allatoona.sam.usace.army.mil/
http://www.greatlakesofgeorgia.com/allatoona/
http://www.notatlanta.org/allatoona.html
http://www.parkmarine.com/ Boat Rentals

Georgia's Ancient Indian City - Etowah Indian Mounds http://www.notatlanta.org/indian_city.html and while you are visiting the Indian Mounds you may see something in the foreground releasing steam into the air out of gigantic smoke stacks, it's The Bowen Plant http://georgiapower.com/about/pdf/Plant%20Bowen%20brochure.pdf

Dobbins Air Force Base (in Marietta) http://www.dobbins.afrc.af.mil/library/atlantaafweek/index.asp

Booth Western Art Museum (in Cartersville) http://www.boothmuseum.org/aboutus.htm

Georgia Aquarium http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

Fernbank Museum of Natural History http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/ & IMAX

World of Coca-Cola Museum http://www.woccatlanta.com/

Cobb Galleria Calendar of Events http://www.cobbgalleria.com/calendar/calendar.cfm

Turner Field "Home of The Braves" http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/national/turner.htm

The Fox Theatre http://www.foxtheatre.org/

Cobb Enery Performing Arts Centre http://www.cobbenergycentre.com/ (events such as, Gordon Lightfoot, David Copperfield, Lord of the Dance, and much more...)

Hi-Tech Luxury Homes aka SMART HOMES ~ West Cobb Marietta Ga ~ Atlanta Luxury Homes

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:39:30 -0600

If you haven't heard about SMART HOMES, you may ask, "What is a SMART HOME?" Well, read on and learn more about what the future holds for New Homes.

Modeled after Bill Gates own personal home, these High Tech Luxury Homes are a great investment, economical, and energy efficient.

Imagine... it is a Friday night in the middle of winter and your plane has just arrived at the airport and you are about to drive home. While you were away your homes thermostat was turned down to 65 and you would like to turn it up to 74 and have your hot tub bubbling at a nice 98 degrees for your arrival.

On your way there, you send your home a text message, which will activate the heating, so the place is nice and warm by the time you arrive.

As you pull into the driveway the home recognizes your vehicle and opens the garage door for you. The kitchen light automatically turns on because you have it preprogrammed to activate upon your entry.

You enter your home and take your luggage up to your bedroom. You sit down to relax for a moment, and cannot remember if you closed the garage door. No problem, you check your digital control screen in the bedroom and are able to view the garage. The door is closed. However, if it was left open you have the capabilities with the touch of a button to close it from your bedroom.

Have you heard the latest news? Collier-Edwards Building Group is building these Hi-Tech Luxury Homes in the Atlanta Area. Shearer's Farm, an Exclusive Enclave of only 15 homes located in West Cobb County, Marietta Ga. There are still lots available for you to have your very own Personalized Hi-Tech Smart Home built. Choose from many custom home plans, and have them personalized to fit your needs and personal taste.

As an article recently stated in Realtor Magazine . . . "Buyers need to take into account what the future holds five to 10 years down the road as new technology is incorporated into homes, because you don't want your home to be behind the times," says Stephen Melman, National Association of Home Builders' director of economic services.

Experts predict the average home in the next 10 years will include structured wiring systems, multizone controlled heating and air conditioning, and, in many, a remote-controlled fireplace, according to a 2007 NAHB survey of 60 architects, designers, and housing experts. Homes of more than 4,000 square feet likely will have even more: voice-operated thermostats, whole home control automation systems, automatic blinds, sensor-operated faucets, and burglar, fire, and toxic gas monitors.

The features offering the highest profit potentials when selling a high-tech home are multiroom audio systems and automated lighting controls, according to a CEA study. Indeed, home owners expect multiroom audio systems to net more than a 100 percent return when they sell, the study finds. to read the complete article Click Here

Buy SMART! Make a Smart Investment, buy a SMART HOME! Look into the value these high tech homes today. Come and visit Shearer's Farm, located within minutes of The Avenue in West Cobb. Casteel Rd. @ Dallas Hwy

www.HiTechLuxuryHomes.com www.ShearersFarm.com

BLOG.HiTechLuxuryHomes.com

Ribbon Cutting for Swift-Cantrell Park Kennesaw Ga

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 21:01:32 -0600

Today, Saturday December 15th, the Ribbon Cutting was held for the NEW Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw. This ceremony officially opened the Swift-Cantrell Park to the citizens of Kennesaw. (Click here for a link to the Master Plan) or (Click here to view project updates)

The ceremony was a "soft-opening" of the park and a larger scale celebration is scheduled for March 8th. Today Mayor Leonard Church and members of the Kennesaw City Council spoke briefly then cut the ribbon to officially open the Swift-Cantrell Park.

This opening marks the only first phase of the park's development, which is not yet complete. Still to come in the first phase is several picnic pavillion shelters. Already the first phase includes recreation areas, paved parking areas, restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, a paved perimeter trail of 1mile, and a half mile inner loop trail.

The Swift-Cantrell Park will help to improve the community and the property values in the wonderful City of Kennesaw.

If you are moving to the area, or know anyone who may be moving to the area, please view the Featured Home I have listed for Sale in Kennesaw, (4/2/1 plus bonus room, Hardwood Floors, Fenced Wooded Backyard, and more, a great deal at only $169,900). Within walking distance of the New Swift-Cantrell Park, and nearby Downtown Kennesaw. Very convenient to CVS & Publix Shopping Center, Hwy41, Old Hwy41, I-75, Barrett Parkway, Schools, K.S.U., Kennesaw Mountain, Shopping & Restaurants. Great Location! Contact me to view.

City of Kennesaw, Ga... A Great Place to Live! SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS!

If you would like to Sell A Home in Cherokee County, Canton, Holly Springs, Woodstock, Hickory Flat, Cobb County, Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cartersville, or surrounding areas, Contact Me for a free, no obligation, Market Analysis of your home. Contact me today, to learn more about my Internet Marketing Plan that I use to sell your home in today's rapidly changing market.

If you are looking for Cherokee County Homes for Sale, Canton Homes for Sale, Holly Springs Homes for Sale, Woodstock Homes for Sale, Hickory Flat Homes for Sale, Cobb County Homes for Sale, Acworth Homes for Sale, Kennesaw Homes for Sale, Marietta Homes for Sale, Roswell Homes for Sale, Alpharetta Homes for Sale, Cartersville Homes for Sale, Cherokee County Estate Homes, Foreclosures, or homes for sale in surrounding areas, Contact Me for Free Buyer's Representation, to protect your best interests when buying a home. Don't search the hard way, Contact me today!

My general service areas are Cherokee County, Cobb County, Canton, Hickory Flat, Holly Springs, Ball Ground, Cartersville, Woodstock, Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta, Acworth, Kennesaw, and other surrounding areas. I am licensed to sell homes anywhere in the state of Georgia. I generally work in the counties of Cherokee, Cobb, Bartow, Paulding, Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, but if outside my service area, Contact me and I can refer you to another reputable RE/MAX Realtor.

80 degrees on Christmas! Santa may be too hot to wear his suit....

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:15:11 -0600

80 Degrees on Christmas!

Well, maybe not in Atlanta, but it certainly felt like it today!

It hit a record high of 77degrees today December 10th!

It was HOT!

If this weather keeps up Santa may not be able to wear his suit! He may be in his birthday suit!

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap.....

Now here's a Santa for Hotlanta!

Here's a little list, (Better Check it Twice!) of fun things to do in the Atlanta area this Holiday Season:

A Christmas Carol

Ice Skating Rink at Cenntenial Olympic Park

More fun at Cenntenial Olympic Park

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker

Holiday in Lights

It's Snowing in Atlantic Station

Lake Lanier Islands Magical Nights of Lights

Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights

Visit North Georgia's Santa Claus

Be sure and check back here from time to time until Christmas, I will be posting any other points of interest that I can find!

Happy Holidays!

Announcing MOLLY MCGRORY New Owner of REMAX Town and Country of Hickory Flat & REMAX Town and Country of Woodstock Office

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:13:24 -0600

Announcing RE/MAX TOWN & COUNTRY Of Hickory Flats New Owner/Manager Molly McGrory

And NOW Owner of RE/MAX TOWN & COUNTRY of Woodstock also!

Click Here to watch Molly do the Christmas Elf Shuffle!

Molly McGrory, Owner of the RE/MAX TOWN & COUNTRY OF Bridgemill and RE/MAX TOWN & COUNTRY RIVERSTONE is now the proud new owner of the RE/MAX TOWN & COUNTRY Office at Hickory Flats. And NOW Owner of RE/MAX TOWN & COUNTRY of Woodstock also!

RE/MAX TOWN & COUNTRY is the place to go when Buying or Selling a home!

Real Estate Service like You've Never Experienced Before:

Molly McGrory Named the 2005 Broker-Manager of the Year

Molly McGrory was recently named the 2005 RE/MAX Broker Manager of the Year. Molly McGrory is the Broker/Manager for RE/MAX Town and Country -Riverstone located in Canton, Georgia. RE/MAX of Georgia announced the Broker Manager award at the RE/MAX regional reception held in Las Vegas earlier this month.

The Broker Manager of the Year Award is presented to the Broker Manager that has excelled in growth and who has an overall commitment to the RE/MAX system and image, community service, recruiting, office management, office design and sales impact on the community.

"To be presented with this award on a regional level is quite an accomplishment," says Don Dowd, Regional Director for RE/MAX of Georgia. "The region has greatly benefited from Broker/Manager's expertise and looks forward to the continued success of RE/MAX Town and Country - Riverstone."

Molly McGrory joined the RE/MAX system in 1999. Since that time, the associates at RE/MAX Town and Country - Riverstone have helped thousands of families buy or sell their homes. Molly McGrory is a member of the Cherokee, Paulding and Atlanta Commerical Board of Realtors, Woman's Council of Realtors, RE/MAX Platinum Club, and has Achieved Hall of Fame Status with RE/MAX International and serves on the board of Directors for the Cherokee Assoc. of Realtors.

"I'm delighted to be given this prestigious award on behalf of all of us at RE/MAX who are dedicated to enhancing the communities in which we live and work," concluded Molly McGrory, (Broker/Owner) of RE/MAX Town & Country. "Aligning with RE/MAX of Georgia has allowed us to attach ourselves to a standard of professionalism and has given us the resources we need to succeed in today's housing market."

________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Lorrie Thomas, Realtor, at RE/MAX Town & Country of Hickory Flats for your Real Estate needs!

SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS!

Have you seen the MORTGAGE RATES today??? Down, Down, Down

Lorrie Thomas (REMAX Town & Country) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:58:02 -0600

If you are even just considering buying a home, Check Out the Mortgage Rates!

The mortgage rates are at their lowest in 2 years! It's a great time to purchase a home with these low rates!

Plus many builders are offering wonderful incentives, many investor owned homes would like to liquidate their homes before the end of the year, and there are many many foreclosures available.

The first thing you should do when thinking about purchasing a home is to get prequalified, and with rates at an all time low, now is the time to talk to your Mortgage Professional about prequalification.

Now is a great time to buy!

--
Oh and by the way, I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

Lorrie Thomas, Realtor
RE/MAX Town & Country of Hickory Flat
6124 Hickory Flat Hwy Suite E Canton, Ga. 30115
Cell (678) 778-6020 / Office (770) 720-4300
Direct/Voicemail/Fax (678) 496-4own
Website: http://www.ahelpfulrealtor.com/