Peggy C.'s Blog

Relocating to Robins AFB?

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:34:50 -0500

Welcome to the beautiful city of Warner Robins, GA! We love our city and take special pride in knowing that EDIMGIAFAD!! Our city loves the U.S. military and the U.S. military loves the city. Just look around town and see all the many signs and banners telling our military families how everyday in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces appreciation day! How many stickers in business' windows have I seen that say "discount to military" ? How many special sales are advertised that say 10% off for military personnel? I am a military spouse and I know all the places in town that offers discounts for me and my family, all because my spouse has chosen a life of sacrifice and committment to his country.

Robins Air Force Base is the home of Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, the 78th Air Base Wing, and more than 60 other units that make up a vital part of the Air Force war fighting team. It is the largest single employer in Georgia, employing a work force of over 25,584 civilian, contractor, and military members. We are proud of our greater community we call Team Robins Plus that includes the remarkable support and friendship we receive from the people of Middle Georgia.

If you are looking to relocated to Warner Robins, GA, you have found a resource to help with your relocating needs. Ask about the schools, restaurants, subdivisions, houses of worship or hotels, and I am sure someone will help answer your question and may even post a picture for you.

0% Down Loans in Warner Robins, GA

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:53:37 -0500

Currently, the 4 most popular loans that we are working the most are the conventional mortgages (3% - 5% down payment), FHA loans (3.5% down payment), VA loans (0% down for qualified veterans), and the USDA loans (0% down)

I personally have seen the most activity since Jan, 2009 with the USDA loans, having buyers that initiated 3 USDA loans, with 1 turning to FHA because of the income restrictions. The other 2 loans closed without much of a hitch, in 3-4 weeks.

The USDA loan program (aka Guaranteed Rural Housing loans) is administered by USDA Rural Development offices. It helps low to moderate income families purchase a home in a rural area with no down payment. Applicants must meet income and credit (min. score of 620) guidelines to qualify. Also, the property must meet USDA guidelines. Most new and existing homes in rural areas that are in good-repair and non-income producing meet the criteria. In middle GA, none of Bibb, but all of Peach and part of Houston is considered rural. In Houston County, the eligible line is drawn from west to east beginning at Sandifur rd, to Hunt Rd, Tidwell Rd, Woodard Rd, straight across the county to Southfield Plantation and Riverbend Plantation. Almost any property south of this line would qualify. (See attached map.) However, there is a website you can check on any particular property. Other rural counties that qualify are Bleckley, Pulaski, Crawford, Dooly and Twiggs.

These are 30 yr. fixed rate mortgages. (Call you local lender for the latest rates) Buyer can borrow up to 102% of the appraised value. (2% of the loan amount is referred to as the "guarantee fee") The 2% guarantee fee can be financed into the loan. There are no other monthly recurring fees charged. Buyer pays payment, interest, insurance and taxes in his monthly payment.

With the IRS offering up to $8,000 first-time buyers credit and the USDA offering 100% loans, now is the perfect time to buy in Warner Robins and Houston County. You can't get the first-time buyers credit until you close, and if you are filing electronically, you can't claim the credit until after March 31, 2009.

There is a Rural Development service center office in Byron that can give you more info by calling 478-956-6495. To apply for a USDA Guarantee loan, ask your local lender. Or call me and I will be happy to help you find a local lender who knows the details about the USDA loans.

Demon Dress Drive - 2009

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:34:30 -0600

Warner Robins High School student council collects dresses to make prom dreams come true.

There are so many formal parties and usually a girl wears a particular dress once. It makes sense to make those little-worn dresses available to high school girls who might not want to pay a few hundred dollars for a dress that they will only wear once. That's why the Warner Robins HS student council collects new and nearly new formal dresses to be sold in the annual Demon Dress Drive.

Once the dresses are collected, they are sold at Warner Robins High School at the Rockin' R Cafe. This years event was held on January 31st. All proceeds from the sale of the dresses was donated to Joanna McAfee Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Thanks to our sponsors, Sharing Elegance, Strato Menswear, Flint Energies and Americom Realty, and many others. Mrs. Hillard and Student council wish to thank all who made this year such a success! They sold twice as many dresses as they did in 2008!

Your Student Council 2008-2009 Lead Serve Unite Inspire

http://www.demondressdrive.com/

2008 was a year to remember.... literally!

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:08:25 -0600

The Houston county real estate market saw a lot of changes in 2008. We certainly saw less closings, fewer buyers and lower incomes for some real estate professionals. Some of our local companies closed up. Some agents gave up their licenses. Others just went broke. May and June were the busiest months. We closed slightly over 200 homes each of those 2 months. December was the slowest, though not dead. We still managed to close 120 homes for December. All together, the entire CGMLS closed a total of........... 2 0 0 8 single family detached homes in 2008!!! This was all for single family detached homes in all counties the Central Georgia MLS covers. The most homes sold was not in any subdivision. But when looking at subdivisions, the most turnover was in Eagle Springs subdivision in Centerville. There are a total of 11 separate "sub-divisions" in this complex. But the most popular (the most sold homes in 2008) is the Grove Pointe subdivision.We closed a total of 39 in Eagle Springs, with 21 being in Grove Pointe. After Eagle Springs in popularity comes The Arbors in Byron. These homes were built between 2006 and 2008. We sold 27 homes there in all of 2008. There is a tie for third place between Rose Hill and Kensington. Both are very popular subdivisions. Fourth place is Southfield Plantation in Bonaire, fifth place goes to Bridlewood in Bonaire, and sixth place is Pembroke. More details on each of these subdivisions at a later date. Happy New Year!!

Quiet country living..... bring the horses

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:30:28 -0500

Quiet Country Neighborhood in Bleckley county GA

Location: Cochran, GA

Serene country living in secluded neighborhood in Bleckley county GA. About 10% wooded, the rest being open and flat. Over 600 ft road frontage, open field behind it. Property sits between 2 new homes, built in 2007 and 2006. Restrictions and covenants. Horses okay. Stick built homes only. 30 minutes to Robins AFB in Warner Robins GA.
Bleckley county schools are best in the state. Only $4900 per acre.

This property can be divided into 2 3-acre tracts.

Information

Contact Information

Peggy Jessup

478-396-5459

Pricing

Asking Price: $33,761.00

Property Location

Wilbur Way
Cochran, GA 31014
View Map

Features

Acreage: 6.89

Zoning: R-Ag

Sewerage: No

Water: No

School District: Bleckley county

Agent Name: Peggy Jessup

Broker: Americom Realty

MLS #: 82413

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (6 Photos)

VFLYER ID: 1582390

2007 Annual Realtor awards banquet

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:19:25 -0600

Feb. 15 the Central Ga Board of Realtors held their annual awards banquet at the Board of Realtors new office and conference center. We had about 150 in attendance, including affiliates. We had a catered Mexican fiesta with lots of good food, mariachi music and pinatas! We honored out first time million dollar producers, our first time lifetime million dollar producers club and the Silver, Eagle and Phoenix awards.

There were about 22 first time million dollar producers, and about 14 who made the first time in the lifetime million dollar producer club. I say "about" because I dont want to miscount anyone. Two agents in my office made the later club, first time in the lifetime million dollar producer club, Terri Jackson and Blair Myers. We are sooo proud of them!

The picture on the left is Pam and Helen.

Nine in the Phoenix award, which means they have been million dollar producers for 10 years.

One for the Eagle award, which is 15 years being a million dollar producer.

And one for the Silver award with 20 years being a million dollar producer.

The picture on the right is Terri, Jody Sewell, our broker and Blair.

Demon Dress Drive

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:32:14 -0600

Warner Robins High School student council collects dresses to make prom dreams come true.

There are so many formal parties in the county and usually a girl wears a particular dress once. It makes sense to make those little-worn dresses available to high school girls who might not want to pay a few hundred dollars for a dress that they will only wear once. That's why the student council is collecting new and nearly new formal dresses, to be sold in the 2nd annual Demon Dress Drive.

Once the dresses are collected, they will be sold at Warner Robins High School. All proceeds from the sale of the dresses will be donated to Houston County Foster Care program. Young women from all schools are welcome to participate in the sale.

This years sale was larger than last year, as there was much more media coverage than before. There were over 60 girls and mothers in line when the doors opened at 10am. The amount of funds raised was doubled from last year. Thanks to our sponsors, Sharing Elegance, Strato Menswear, Flint Energies and Americom Realty.

http://www.demondressdrive.com/

Houston county market stats Feb 2008

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:58:58 -0600

This report is residential properties only, for the entire service area that our MLS covers.

As of Feb, 2008, there are 1,869 residential properties available in our multiple listing service. The average listing price is around $180,00 with DOM at 129 days. Since Jan. 1, we have listed 639 homes and sold 26% of these or 167 homes. These 167 homes that have sold, went for 97% of their listed price. 35% of what was listed has expired.

Last year during this same time period, we were selling 46% of what we had listed, for DOM at 93 days, with only 13% expired. We had listed 1,504 and sold 703. The list price to sale price ratio was 98%.

Market stats Houston county GA

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:56:25 -0600

Currently, we are about 459 less residential properties sold, than last year at this time in Houston county, which is an 18% decrease. We are not experiencing what the rest of the country is feeling right now. But what we are seeing more of is buyers coming into our area, not prepared to purchase right away, because their property is another area has not sold yet. In the past this has not been an issue, but it seems the woes of the rest of the county are effecting us in this small way. But we are finding ways around this, but arranging and finding sellers who are willing to do the lease to purchase option.

Year to date totals are as follows: (Houston county, residential properties only)

                         Jan-Nov. 2006                      Jan-Nov. 2007
sold                            2,494                                 2,035 (18% decrease)
avg. sales price           $154k                                $153k

In Oct. we sold 67 less than last Oct.
In Sept, we sold 95 less than last Sept.
In July, we sold 56 less than last July.
In May, we sold 22 less than last May.

Though sales are a little slower than last year at this time, we are still doing well. The reason? We use all the latest high-tech tools to maximize a home's market exposure. We use virtual tours on all our listings, completely branded, so they are not allowed to be linked in the MLS, but thats okay. We still have the link on Realtor.com, which is much more important for securing potential buyers.

fun sales meeting, working smarter......

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:48:52 -0600

We finally moved to number 20 out of a possible 42, so I feel we are doing wonderful, considering we have only been in business since the first of May. We have moved our sales meeting out of the office and into the community. We have meet at Roberts by the pool, the bowling alley and at IHOP resteraunt. We feel more relaxed and are able to enjoy the discussion and it is not so formal. We all equal contributors to the sales meeting and we all feel safe in expressing our opinions and concerns, something we didnt experience before. We all feel accountable to one other. Helen picked up a new builder over the weekend and listed 5 new construction homes. Robert immediately volunteered to open the houses every Sun and hold open houses. WOW! No one asked him to, he just felt like that is what is needed at this time, plus it will help him acquire buyers. We are all excited at the prospect of the coming year, and every agents' and every companys' volume meter gets set to zero. We are steadily packing the pipeline, excitedly awaiting the outcome in the new year. Our goal is to be in the top 10 companies in volume in the 1st quarter. Not a small feat for a company as small as ours. We are working on recruiting efforts and learning more about ourselves in the process.

New construction in Houston county

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:05:02 -0500

This is an all brick home with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in the Weatherby Plantation, Warner Robins newest upscale community. Large fenced in back yard, with many upgraded features including crown molding, ceiling fans, ornate lighting, granite counter tops, marble and ceramic tile flooring, decorative columns, and sweeping arches, alcoves, and built in desks, this home is offers delightful surprises throughout. Quiet cul-de-sac lot.

Houston county GA market report June 2007

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:55:23 -0500

Houston county, Residental

Well, I have search through the MLS stats and tried to make sense of the numbers. This is my take on the market for Houston county, residential sales only. Even though our MLS covers Houston, Peach, Macon, Pulaski, Bleckley, Twiggs, Dooly, Crawford and south Bibb counties, my research indicates that Houston is the dominant county as far as real estate listings and sales activity, so that is what the below stats reflect. Houston county is mainly Warner Robins, Perry, Centerville, Kathleen, and Bonaire. Some of the smaller counties have real estate offices that do not subscribe to our MLS, so their listings and sales are not reported, therefore; we can't create an accurate picture of their market. Perhaps another day, I will give a report on the other counties.

Since Jan. 07, we have listed 2,283 residential properties, and sold 1,259 of them, a little more than half (55%). Most sold for 98% of their listing price, with an avg. sold price of $152,488, with avg DOM at 91.

11% of the propertites listed since Jan have exprired, with an avg. price of $177,887. (priced too high for the market perhaps?)

For the month of June, the avg. sold price is higher than the overall avg. sold price for the year, so we seem to be getting more for the properties.

For June 2007, we listed 351 and sold 249, about 71% . The avg. sold price was $164,744. So, it looks like our market is slightly off from last year at this time by 2%, because we have less listings and sold a bit less. Sold price hasn't changed much, less than $1,000 .

For June 2006, we listed 409 and sold 298, about 73% . The avg. sold price was $164,010.

Sales are strongest for single family homes and residential building lots. New construction continues to be on the rise, but resale homes are still in high demand.

a big change for me, from International franchise to local independent

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 18:56:16 -0500

I recently left an internationally known franchise for an independent company that has no real estate presence in my area. They have 1 small office in the Atlanta area, but are not recognizable at all to anyone in my service area. But they do have a logo and a website, and seem to be modestly successful in their service area. The owner is around my age. His business model is very different than what we are used to in this area, but it works for them in Atlanta, so it should work for us in Houston county.

I welcomed the change that allowed me to express more of my creative side when acquiring new listings and new buyers, and using the mortgage companies of my choice or my buyer's choice. I want to think for myself and I want to advertise as I want to.

I no longer have to contend with franchise fees, franchise requirements of paperwork, quotas set by the broker and I realize that the franchise affiliation does not make me any better of an agent. I realize that the MLS and the NAR provides me with most of the advantages of the franchises. With IDX, a current website and up-to-date technology, I can compete with the franchises.

I can no longer afford to wait for the franchise name on the sign to do the job for me. Being an agent with an independent company means that I am a pro-active agent and my business depends on me to budget and design a marketing plan that will surpass other agents to get the job done. Again, my livelihood depends on it.

I pay more attention to my own website now, and am most concerned with the content and the marketing of myself, rather than relying on the franchise to market for me. On listing appointments, I focus more on me and my personal statistics. I tell my customers that no matter my affiliation, ultimately it is the other agents I market to, and we all cooperate no matter our company affiliation.

My broker/owner has time to sit down with me, and discuss my concerns and listen to my ideas, and he has the ability to change courses on anything we desire. He sets the commission splits, not the franchise. We are not bound by the franchise requirements, but make our own way as we go. We make decisions based on what is ethical foremost, and secondly, what is going to make money. If we need to change the rate of commission, we will. If we chose to turn away a listing, referral or a buyer, we can.

I am proud to be a part of my company, and if we succeed, I have only myself to thank, and if we fail, again, I only have myself to blame. But I will know that I tried and gave it my all, because I had to. I feel empowered and I know that I am accountable for my own results.

Subdivision website

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 18:40:19 -0500

I am working on the graphics for the community website, as I got the idea of a neighborhood website. So, I bought a new domain name (subdivision name) and am working on the site. I took all the pics yesterday of the subdivision, such as the entrances, street signs, a few homes, and lots of mailboxes. My plan is to have a gathering spot for the neighborhood, where they can see the latest news, find out which homes are selling, and for how much, post a yard sale, post a classified ad, etc. Maybe have some links to the local area, etc. Of course, there will only be 1 real estate agent in town, and that will be me. I am having difficulty making a decision about whether or not to even make it known that me, and agent is sponsoring/creating the site. Will the neighbors be too leary of using the site, for fear of being solicited? What about the 3 other agents who live in the neighborhood? I dont quite know how I am going to handle this right now. I can decide later.

community website

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:55:20 -0500

I had an idea about a community website, kinda like a one-stop website. I bought a domain name. Now I am trying to figure out what content do I want to publish. My husband is active duty Air Force and we live in an Air Force town, where the best jobs are on the base. In the past when my husband has received orders to ship out somewhere, we are always in desparate need of all of the particulars about the new assignment. So, I am thinking there are many families just like us, who will get orders to Robins Air Force base, and want/need to know local info, BEFORE they get to town. The base provides support services, but of course, being a real estate agent, I feel I know the ins and outs of my fair city better than the government does.

My ideas are something like this, virtual tours of the local schools (exterior shots only), the library, Walmart, local churches, etc, links to the pet boarding centers, motels, hardware stores, etc . How about a link to the local job market website? A local dating service, for the airman's first weekend in town, maybe he/she could find a dinner partner. Local newspaper links, resteraunt links, etc. Of course there would only be 1 real estate agent listed. A blog for the locals... that visitors can read to get a feel for the city...

So, I am looking for some ideas. Perhaps I can trade links with these vendors or maybe sell space for advertisors.

Any ideas are welcomed.

IDX is finally here!

Peggy C. Jessup (Americom Realty of Warner Robins) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 10:32:03 -0500

In Houston county, we finally have access to IDX marketing! That means that our MLS is search-able now, through our websites, company and agent-owned. Instead of potential buyers going to every company's website to see their listings, now all companies that opt-in for IDX, have a link on the website to all of the listings. (only the listings of the companies that opted-in. This is a huge technology "move-up" for this area. It certainly levels the playing field more for the smaller companies that may not have many listings of their own. For years, other websites, such as Realtor.com used all of the MLS listings on their website, but the agents nor companies were able to. This is a definite benefit for the entire real estate community in Warner Robins.

In Houston county, we haven't seen much of a slump. Currently, we seem to have more sellers than buyers, but that should be temporary. We have seen buyers from other parts of the country that assume our market is similar to the rest of the nation, and low-ball every home they make an offer on. This won't work in our market.

Nationally, market conditions reflect a chance to breath, as well as a chance for buyers and sellers to reposition themselves to take advantage of the long-term upward trend in housing prices. The current slump in some markets has mainly forced a lot of quick-money speculators out of the housing market, as well as some builders and real estate agents. This may be the make-or-break year for many. For buyers, sagging prices present an opportunity to acquire a more desirable home. You may get a better price on a home that will pay off when the slump ends. For sellers, this may be the time when your home on the market has to be in the best shape ever, and Q-tip clean. Many sellers are offering incentives, such as paying more closing costs, and other items such as appliances. I think the slow down underscores how crucial the role of Realtors have, as sellers realize the challenges of selling their home themselves in a chilled market.