Tax Bills Are Now Out For DeKalb County, GA - 07/25/10 05:24 PM
The 2010 DeKalb County tax bills are now out.  If they are not already there, they should be arriving in homeowner's mailboxes shortly.  Property tax bills are mailed during July of each year to the owner of record as of January 1st. Important DeKalb Deadlines to Remember April 1 ...................... File Property Tax Returns/Declaring Values April 1 ...................... Application for Current Year Exemption July 1 ....................... First Installment Payable August 31 ................. Late Charges Begin to Apply for Payments Received After This Date September 15 ............ Atlanta City Taxes Due October 1 ................. Second Installment Payable November 15 ............. Late Charges … (3 comments)

Don't Screw Up Your Loan With Untraceable Deposits - 07/23/10 09:33 PM
When buying a home, be very careful when making deposits into your account.  Cash deposits are generally looked upon as a big no-no.
 
Via Sally Dunbar Fair Oaks Homes for Sale (Lyon Real Estate, Fair Oaks ('burb of Sacramento) CA):
Dang! It just happened again! My buyer's daughter transferred $20K into their account, because they're really buying the condo for the daughter with her money. (The daughter has bad credit, but a wad of money, so Mom and Dad are making the purchase for her). 
Now we need to show proof of where the money came from - which means copies of the original check, copies of … (2 comments)

Do You Like Haunted Houses? - 07/22/10 10:48 PM
If you thought that you had a tough listing to sell, try this one. 
 
Via Gayle Barton (ERA The Real Estate Connection):
Well, this may be your chance to find out.
The Dutch-colonial home better known as the "Amityville Horror house" is on the market!  (For a measly $1.15M)
http://www.powersiteblog.com/2010/05/26/amityville-horror-house-up-for-sale
Can you imagine filling out the disclosure form on this one???  Too bad it's not closer to Halloween. I bet they'd get more viewings.....
 
 
 
Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email gaylebarton@tds.net if I can provide you with more information about this property or if I … (2 comments)

Home Buyers, Don't be Offended... Just get Pre-Qualified. - 07/22/10 09:29 AM
If you are planning on purchasing a home, a Pre-Qualification is a must.  Otherwise, agents and sellers will not take you seriously. 
 

Via Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946:
Home Buyers, Don't be Offended... Just get Pre-Qualified. 
Save Yourself Some Time.  It Really Is For Your Own Good.  
 
I've "lost" more showings due to one particular reason, more than any other.  In fact, 90% of the time if I "lose" a showing, it's due to this reason.  A buyer does not want to get pre-qualified. 
 
 
I live and work in an area that is … (0 comments)

Buy an Alabama Second / Vacation With as Little as 10% Down. - 07/21/10 11:16 PM
 
Buy an Alabama Second / Vacation with as little as 10% down.  Fannie Mae's HomePath® mortgage program is specifically for Fannie Mae REO properties.  Prospect Mortgage is pleased to be the nation's largest retail HomePath® mortgage lender.  Only a handful of lenders nationwide were selected to participate in Fannie Mae's special financing program. 
 
 
 
 
HomePath® Financing Highlights

Low down payment and fixed rate mortgage terms (30 & 15 Yr fixed-rate options) Up to 90% financing for Second / Vacation home for up to 4 financed properties Borrowers purchasing a Second / Vacation home with maximum 75% … (1 comments)

D-I-V-O-R-C-E and N-E-W M-O-R-T-G-A-G-E - 07/18/10 07:07 PM
If you are divorced and your spouse has not yet refinanced or sold the home, there are a few important things to be aware of.   A judge has no legal authority to release one party from a debt obligation without that creditor's approval.  Until that loan is refinanced or the home is sold, all original parties are fully liable for the debt.  The generally accepted rule is 12 months of canceled checks showing the other co-signer has been making the payments are required.  FHA does allow for the divorce decree to suffice.  
This is not an underwriter or a lender being unreasonable.  They are … (1 comments)

Can You Live in 89 Square Feet? - 07/18/10 06:23 PM
Could you live in a house this small?
 
Via Rich Edgley (Greater Chicagoland Home Inspection):
I read an article the other day about a gentleman named Jay Shafer, who gave up living in his 4000 square foot home to live in a hand built 89 square foot house.  Amazingly, by taking some of the design styles that Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated into his architecture, Jay was able to build a house that has all the amenities needed without all the extra "stuff" that others tend to collect over the years.  The house, he lovingly calls "Tumbleweed" has a kitchen, bath, bedroom, living area … (6 comments)

How Do I Know if a Condo Project is FHA Approved? - 07/15/10 09:46 PM
How Do I Know if a Condo Project is FHA Approved?If you are interested in a condo and you will be using FHA financing, the project must be FHA approved.  To find out if a condo has been FHA approved, you can visit the Condominium Page on the HUD website.  There are a variety of ways to search to a project.  You can search by:
City Zip code (I find that trying the zip code first is usually the easiest option) Condo name Condo ID You may also need to search each approval method:
HRAP/DELRAP: New HUD Review and Approval Process … (4 comments)

Alabama Investors Can Purchase With as Little as 10% Down - 07/15/10 09:08 PM
Investors in Alabama are now able to purchase properties with as little as 10% down.  Fannie Mae's HomePath® mortgage program is specifically for Fannie Mae REO properties.  Prospect Mortgage is pleased to be the nation's largest retail HomePath® mortgage lender.  Only a handful of lenders nationwide were selected to participate in Fannie Mae's special financing program. 
 
HomePath® Financing Highlights

Low down payment and fixed rate mortgage terms (30 & 15 Yr fixed-rate options) Up to 90% financing for Investment Properties for up to 4 financed properties Borrowers purchasing an investment property with maximum 75% LTV/CLTV can own up to … (0 comments)

Kathy Griffin Devastated by the Levi Johnston - Bristol Palin Engagement - 07/15/10 08:24 PM
Kathy Griffin give her reaction.
Tickets are still available for her 2 Atlanta shows on August 14th. 
 

Via Stewart Penn - Los Angeles Condo Specialist (Penn Properties):
Kathy Griffin ("My Life On The D-list") is smart, outrageously witty, and totally unique.
Controversial, wicked and sometimes plain vulgar ... you either hate her or love her. I think she's brilliant!
She embraced the "Levi Johnston / Bristol Palin / Sarah Palin fiasco" with enthusiasm and shamelessly exploited the situation to develop an ongoing comedic storyline and even attended a Hollywood award ceremony with Johnston, teasing that they were a "couple". 
It … (7 comments)

NEVER Pressure Wash A Deck! - 07/15/10 07:38 PM
Here are some great tips on what not to do to your deck. 
 
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
I tell my neighbors.  I tell my clients.  I tell everybody who will listen.  NEVER pressure wash a deck!  When the pressure-wash companies send their college kids to knock on my door to "wash" my deck, I tell them why they should not be doing that to decks!  When I see their trucks*, they advertise cleaning decks, patios, siding, roofs - you name it!  Don't do it!

The older the deck, the worse the wood reacts to pressure washing.  … (3 comments)

HomePath Financing - Buy a Home in Alabama With Only 3% Down - 07/14/10 10:21 PM
Buy a new home in Alabama with as little as 3% down.  Fannie Mae's HomePath® mortgage program is specifically for Fannie Mae REO properties.  Prospect Mortgage is pleased to be the nation's largest retail HomePath® mortgage lender.  Only a handful of lenders nationwide were selected to participate in this special financing program. 
HomePath® Financing Highlights
This special financing is available exclusively on Fannie Mae homes with the HomePath® logo.  Fannie Mae has properties available all over Alabama including: Anniston, Athens, Auburn, Bessemer, Birmingham, Boaz, Bridgeport, Clayton, Decatur, Dothan, Fairfield, Fairhope, Florence, Forestdale, Foley, Fort Payne, Gasden, Gulf Shores, Homewood, Hoover, Jasper, … (3 comments)

203(k) and the Realtor - 07/14/10 10:01 PM
Working with a team who knows and understands the 203K process is critical.  Make sure that your lender doesn't only offer the Streamline version.  Should the project end up requiring a Consultant K, you don't want to have to change lenders and have to start all over.
Chris is a great resource to keep the process on track. 
 
Via Christopher Colvin (Gravity Architects & Consulting):
FHA 203(k) ~This is the most important program in your life...
As a Realtor, you want to help SELL the house - and when you see one that needs work, or is in disrepair, a walk-thru … (0 comments)

FHA 203(k)~ The Best Program Available For Distressed Property - 07/14/10 09:56 PM
Here is a great explanation from Chris on some important aspects of the 203K loan program. 
 
Via Christopher Colvin (Gravity Architects & Consulting):
Going 203(k)? GREAT! But it's time to make a call...
The very first thing to do is call the 203(k) Consultant.  The 203(k) Consultant is your guide into the loan, and will assemble the FHA/HUD package to get you past underwriting. As a professional 203(k) Consultant, I handle a lot of these loans, which is your assurance that I know exactly what to provide to the Lender and how to work with the Contractor. Unfortunately, its been my … (0 comments)

HomePath Financing - Buy a Home in Georgia With Only 3% Down - 07/14/10 09:51 PM
Buy a new home with as little as 3% down.  Fannie Mae's HomePath® mortgage program is specifically for Fannie Mae REO properties.  Prospect Mortgage is pleased to be the nation's largest retail HomePath® mortgage lender.  Only a handful of lenders nationwide were selected to participate in this special financing program. 
HomePath® Financing Highlights
This special financing is available exclusively on Fannie Mae homes with the HomePath® logo.  Fannie Mae has properties available all over Georgia including: Acworth, Albany, Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Austell, Avondale Estates, Blairsville, Bloomingdale, Blue Ridge, Bogart, Brunswick, Buckhead, Buford, Canton, Carrollton, Cartersville, Chatsworth, Clayton, College Park, Columbus, … (0 comments)

NAR Addresses an Important Issue - Thanks to a Blogger on Active Rain - 07/14/10 09:07 PM
NAR takes an important stance.
 
Via Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Buyer Broker (The Buyers' Counsel):
NAR Addresses an Important Issue - Thanks to a Blogger on Active Rain
 
An article in this month's Realtor Magazine in the "Real Life" section discusses the fact that the issue of sexual orientation is finally being addressed in the  Code of Ethics. This turn of events is largely credited to a blog post written by an Active Rain member. 
In December 2007 Eric Kodner wrote an important post that pointed out the fact the Realtor® Code of Ethics has seriously neglected the issue of sexual orientation discrimination while Active … (0 comments)

Georgia Investors Can Purchase With as Little as 10% Down - 07/13/10 11:02 PM

 
Investors in Georgia are now able to purchase properties with as little as 10% down.  Fannie Mae's HomePath® mortgage program is specifically for Fannie Mae REO properties.  Prospect Mortgage is pleased to be the nation's largest retail HomePath® mortgage lender.  Only a handful of lenders nationwide were selected to participate in Fannie Mae's special financing program. 
 
HomePath® Financing Highlights
This special financing is available exclusively on Fannie Mae homes with the HomePath® logo.  Fannie Mae has properties available all over Georgia including: Acworth, Albany, Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Austell, Avondale Estates, Blairsville, Bloomingdale, Blue Ridge, Bogart, Brunswick, Buckhead, … (0 comments)

The Georgia Back to School Tax Weekend Gets Doesn't Get a Passing Grade - 07/12/10 10:04 PM
There will be no sales tax relief for Back to School shoppers this year.  This past weekend, Georgia State Legislators did not renew the tax break.  A $2 million budget deficit was sited as the reason for the weekend being eliminated.  The tax free weekend has been an annual event since 2002.  Each year, the weekend proved to be very popular with parents and retailers alike.  For those days, there was no sales tax on items from select categories.  They included select apparel items, school supplies and select electronics, such as computers and printers.  Many other consumers also took advantage of … (2 comments)

Did You Know That You Can Lose Your Home for Not Paying Your HOA Dues???? - 07/11/10 10:14 PM

Being late on your HOA due payments could cost you your home.  I read a very interesting article on this topic today.  Some home owners across the country are facing foreclosure, but not from action by their mortgage company.  Home Owners Associations (HOA's) are the latest to pursue the foreclosure option to attempt to get delinquent home owners to pay up.   Some home owners are viewing their HOA due payments as optional.  Quite the opposite is true though.  If you live in a community with a mandatory HOA, then your dues are just that, mandatory.  Your HOA payments can … (6 comments)

DCA Announces Lower Interest Rate on GA Dream Down Payment Assistance Program - 07/11/10 04:30 PM
The Department of Community Affairs has just lowered the interest rate on the GA Dream Down Payment Assistance Program.  To find out the current interest rate, just click here. 
New interest rates take effect every Thursday at 5:01 pm.
 
Georgia Dream First Mortgage Loan Financing
30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Conventional, FHA, USDA-RD, or VA programs available Up to 100% financing (Additional household income restrictions apply) The GA Dream program is for credit eligible first time home buyers or buyers who have not owned a home in the past 3 years or for buyers purchasing in a targeted county.
To … (0 comments)

DCA Announces Lower Interest Rate on GA Dream Recovery Down Payment Assistance Program - 07/11/10 03:57 PM
The Department of Community Affairs has just lowered the interest rate on the GA Dream Recovery Down Payment Assistance Program.  To find out the current interest rate, just click here. 
New interest rates take effect every Thursday at 5:01 pm.
 
There are some TEMPORARY revisions to the GA Dream Recovery (formerly Plus) Down Payment Assistance Program.
FOR A LIMITED TIME THERE ARE SPECIAL GUIDELINES FOR HOME BUYERS PURCHASING IN COUNTIES DESIGNATED AS DISASTER AREAS  
Twenty One (21) GA counties have been designated as Federal Disaster Areas as a result of the recent floods.
The counties are Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Crawford, Dawson, DeKalb, … (2 comments)

Buy a HUD Home in Georgia for Only $100 Down - 07/11/10 03:26 PM
Buy a HUD Home in Georgia for   Only $100 Down
HUD is currently offering it's $100 Down Payment program on it's Georgia REO properties.  Don't miss out on this GREAT opportunity to purchase a home.  For a limited time, you can purchase a Georgia HUD Owned property using a FHA loan with only $100 down.  The $100 down is instead of the normal 3.5% down payment requirement that is typically required for an FHA loan.  This offer is valid for owner-occupants only.
HUD homes are currently available in nearly every GA county.  To start searching for a HUD home in Georgia, … (0 comments)

Little touches that make up big differnces - 07/10/10 09:47 AM
Here are some great tips on refreshing your home.  Sometimes it just takes a few changes to give an area a whole new look.
 
Via Manny Munir (Century21 Professional Group):
You are probably already aware of the major things you need to do around your home to get it ready for sale. These include getting rid of clutter, doing minor repairs, and making everything clean and tidy so every room is as much of a showcase as possible.  But there are a myriad of little touch ups you can do that you may not have thought of before... touch ups that can make a … (2 comments)

Studio Movie Grill - Alpharetta, GA is NOW OPEN - 07/09/10 09:51 PM
Studio Movie Grill in Alpharetta, GA is now open.  SMG just entered the Georgia market with the opening of their newest theater located at 2880 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022. 
Studio Movie Grill has a full dining and drink menu with a full-service staff.  You can place your food and drink order and have it delivered without ever leaving your seat.  With their online ticketing feature, you can even reserve your seat locations in advance. 
When you sign up for a free enewsletter, you will receive two free movie passes.
Visit Studio Movie Grill online or call (770) 992-8411 for more details.
… (0 comments)

You cannot always predict what will engage your readers -- or featured posts! - 07/07/10 09:34 PM
As Erica says, you just never know what post will catch someone's attention.
 
Via Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate:
This is going to be a short, lighthearted post tonight. I write blogs here several times a week, and also post on other sites. I write for AgentGenius as well, and have 4 other blogs of my own on wordpress.
The funny thing I noticed is sometimes you work your tail off on a blog post -- you spend hours formulating your thoughts, writing it, finding the perfect photo, and making it perfect. You agonize over it, make … (0 comments)

Georgia Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program - 07/04/10 06:24 PM
Funds are still available.  Many Georgia residents have still not taken advantage of the appliance rebates current going on. The rebates range from $25 to $199 for a qualified purchases in the State Energy Efficient Appliance Program. Early this year, Georgia received approximately $8.6 million in funds to offer in the form of rebates.
Rebate Funds Remaining as of 07/04/10: $1,414,395  
 
See my previous post on this topic at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1495766/appliance-rebate-program-georgia-limited-time-offer - Don't miss out!!!!
 


… (0 comments)

Who's Calling The Shots on ActiveRain - The New "Called Shots" Feature - 07/04/10 08:53 AM
What does the "Called Shot" line mean?  Read on to find out.
 
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
We have a new feature which I'm sure many of you have already noticed on your "MY HOME" pages. 

Since we released the new "SUGGEST" for feature button, we've been getting a really good response from members helping us to find and report suggested content for the ActiveRain Feature Board.  You'll notice today that we've placed a new metric "CALLED SHOTS" counter in the status area of each members "my home" page. This little tracker tool will tally a total of how many posts … (3 comments)

Midtown Festival Of The Arts Coming To Atlanta September 25-26! - 07/03/10 11:53 AM
There is a new festival coming to Midtown in September.  This will be the first time that Peachtree St will be closed for a festival. 
Via Thomas Ramon Realty Midtown Atlanta Real Estate:
Midtown Festival of the Arts Is Coming to Atlanta September 25-26
 
ATLANTA - JULY 1, 2010
Atlanta area residents and visitors will enjoy a new regional arts event this fall when the debut Midtown Festival of the Arts opens September 25-26.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and festival organizers today officially announced the details for the new neighborhood arts festival which will celebrate Midtown Atlanta's diverse arts and entertainment offerings. … (1 comments)

No More Texting While Driving in Georgia - 07/01/10 10:23 PM
Beginning today, the ban on texting while driving goes into effect.  This ban also includes checking e-mail, sending text messages and using the Internet.  Drivers caught behind the wheel may face a $150 fine.  They will also get 1 point added to their driver's license.
Being stopped at a traffic signal or stop sign does not give you a pass to text.  
Georgia State Patrol troopers said that they will give drivers a 30 day adjustment period to get used to the restrictions.  Strict enforcement of the ban will begin by August 1st.
Teen drivers under 18 are … (7 comments)

Considering Strategic Default? Consider This - 07/01/10 09:21 PM
Sellers beware......Fannie Mae will be watching you. 
Via Stephanie Reynolds (AgentsOfPossibility.com, REALTOR, GRI, ePro at CMI, Inc. ):
Considering Strategic Default? Consider This
There has been a long debate over Strategic Default over the last few years. Many discussions from both sides of the equation, some are for, some are against.
Back in November I wrote a post about Strategic Default. The post raised the moral question as to if Strategic Default was the way to get out from an underwater mortgage. Would the Strategic Default be the wave of the future? Would Strategic Default be the best decision financially for a family? 
There have … (2 comments)

 

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