Athens Georgia Real Estate Blog by Michelle DeRepentigny, Success Realty

The Other Shoe Drops - Mortgage Brokers removed from ordering FHA Appraisals!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:14:47 -0500

The dissatisfaction with the HVCC ramifications have been loudly discussed on ActiveRain, now the other shoe drops with HUD's announcement yesterday that mortgage brokers will no longer be able to directly retain the appraiser for FHA transactions as of January 1, 2010.

"New Requirements

Prohibition of mortgage brokers and commission based lender staff from the appraisal process

Historically FHA prohibited mortgagees from accepting appraisal reports completed by an appraiser selected, retained or compensated, in any manner by real estate agents. To ensure appraiser independence, FHA-approved lenders are now prohibited from accepting appraisals prepared by FHA Roster appraisers who are selected, retained or compensated in any manner by a mortgage broker or any member of a lender's staff who is compensated on a commission basis tied to the successful completion of a loan. " Read the entire "Appraiser Independence" mortgagee letter here.

As a GA Certified Residential Appraiser (#6547) and Real Estate Broker, I am all for appraiser independence, however my relationship with my lender/mortgage broker clients has always been based on honesty and unbiased appraisals. It infuriates me that a few bad appraisers, loan officers, and lenders have created such a mess that all honest, ethical appraisers and mortgage brokers must be treated as dishonest and unprofessional.

We Remember that fateful day.

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:40:09 -0500

This morning I, like many of you, woke up thinking about where I was and what I was doing 8 years ago. Below Alan May expresses most poignantly many of the things we all remember. I also remember how we all pulled together, the prayers raised and the relationships mended as we looked inward and loved outwardly.

I have closed comments on this post, if you wish to share your remembrances, please go to Alan's original post by clicking on the link below.

Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston Realtor, North Shore Realtor (Evanston Real Estate, Evanston, IL):

We remember all of those lost in the twin towers on that fateful day.

We remember all of those lost at the Pentagon on that fateful day.

We remember all of those lost in the planes on that fateful day.

We remember all of those heroes, who went against the flow, and pressed toward the twin towers on that fateful day.

We remember all of those heroes, who climbed the stairs in those towers, in full equipment, attempting to save those caught in the twin towers on that fateful day.

We remember those, who by the grace of God escaped from those towers on that fateful day.

We remember those families with holes in their hearts from that fateful day.

We remember those families devastated by the loss of a father, mother, brother, sister, child on that fateful day.

We remember when hate visited our shores on that fateful day.

We remember the victims, we remember the heroes, we remember the survivors.

We remember when September 11th, was just another day on the calendar.

We remember.

ALAN MAY, Realtor®
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate
-------------------------------
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
847.425.3779 Cell: 847.924.3313 Email: Almay@aol.com

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

3846 Whitlow Ridge Drive, Bishop, GA - Oconee County, GA home for sale!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:04:41 -0500

3846 Whitlow Ridge Drive, Bishop, GA - Oconee County, GA home for sale in swim and tennis community!

Wide Open Spaces! The Kingston Plan from Taylor Knox Homes, barely lived in!

Features:

4 bedrooms, one of which can be used as nursery, sitting or office with access from hall and from master bedroom
2 full baths & one 1/2 bath
Spacious formal dining room
Gourmet kitchen with island, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, walk in pantry
Breakfast area for informal dining
Mudroom with built ins
Super living room/great room with built in bookcases open to kitchen
2711 +- square feet of heated living area

Very open living plan and plenty of extra storage in this home. Relax on the large Southern front porch or patio. A beautiful two story entrance and L-shaped staircase with wrought iron is the first view from the front door.

The huge Master Suite has double trey ceiling and an option to convert 4th bedroom to a private sitting room, nursery or office. The master bath features double vanities, separate tub and oversized shower, and full length walk-in closet.

"Picnik Show"

DIRECTIONS to 3846 Whitlow Ridge Drive, Bishop, GA 30621: From Highway 441, South (Watkinsville By-pass), take a right at the red light at mile marker 10 onto New High Shoals Road, take a left at the 4 way stop onto Union Church Road, turn into the 2nd entrance of Whitlow Creek Subdivision, turn left onto Whitlow Ridge Drive, house on right.

Additional Resources for Bishop, GA & surrounding areas of Oconee County, GA:

3846 Whitlow Ridge Drive, Bishop, GA - Oconee County, GA home for sale, for more information or your private showing, please feel free to contact me.

All information believed accurate, but not guaranteed.

Girasoles in Watkinsville, GA serving Mexican- Italian Cuisine

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:32:57 -0500

Girasoles in Watkinsville, GA serving Mexican- Italian Cuisine, or least that's what the sign says...all I know is that it is awesome and delicious! Recently Amy Coile and I had the chance to visit for a fine dining experience in Oconee County!

A sweet hello from award winning head chef Jose Zambrano at table side and a special salad with a four dressing sampler started the meal off perfectly.

Amy had the shrimp and grits that had the best texture and flavor I have EVER tasted, while I had my all time favorite - blackened tuna. The tuna was served with a mango raspberry salsa that was fabulous and sauteed baby vegetables.

And although we were delightfully stuffed, we made room to share a piece of Chocolate Passion Pie.

So if you are looking dining options that are uniquely different, visit Girasoles (which means sunflowers in Spanish) on Main Street (Hwy 441 Business) just at the split of Highway 15 in Watkinsville, GA - you won't be disappointed!

Classic City Mortgage in Athens, GA - Home Loans Made Easy

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:29:24 -0500

Classic City Mortgage in Athens, GA - home loans made easy as possible in these days of economic turmoil. Although there is a lot of gloom and doom in the news every day about the housing market and how hard it is to get a loan, it's my opinion that a good mortgage broker is still worth more than their weight in gold.

As a real estate broker, I have had the opportunity to work with many different mortgage brokers and I've had a long and happy relationship with Amy Anthony Coile of Classic City Mortgage. Amy has extensive experience, and possibly more importantly, the drive and patience needed to smoothly process mortgage loans even in a rough market.

Many of my past clients and I can testify that Amy gives straight answers and exhaust all efforts to get her buyers in a loan that suits them and will benefit them long term as homeowners. Recently, I referred another client who was very satisfied, stating:

"I was so happy to move back to Georgia and you referred me to the perfect lender for my mortgage. Everything was handled smoothly, there were no surprises, and I would never hesitate to send any business to her." P.T. recent relocation to Athens, GA from CA.

What more could a home buyer want? Just as value added freebies a borrower can also expect:

Promptly returned phone calls and emails
A positive, "can do" attitude
Program still offering 100% financing through Rural Development (in certain geographic locations)
FHA loans with as little as 3.5% down payment
A central office location on Milledge Avenue
Friendly, non judgmental counseling and advice on mortgage options

So if you are searching for an Athens, Georgia area home (or looking for the best mortgage refinance), I highly recommend you start the process with a call to Amy Coile at 706-559-4482. You'll be thrilled with the service you receive.

Classic City Mortgage in Athens, GA - home loans made easy!

Amy Coile: on Facebook

on Twitter

Classic City Mortgage website

Classic City Mortgage, Inc.

337 South Milledge Avenue Suite 213 Athens, Georgia 30605

(706) 559-4482 Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #17539

Blonde Boutique in Five Points - Athens, GA

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:00:21 -0500

Blonde boutique in Five Point of Athens, GA - althought the door calls for "blonde" - brunettes and redheads are welcome also. According to Brandy Chandler Blonde "was the only name that seemed perfect from the first moment it popped into my head". Inspired by a visit to a boutique in Colorado, one of Five Points fabulous finds is the boutique located at the Hodgson Terrace building in the heart of Five Point, Athens, Georgia.

Opened in February of 2008, blonde has forged ahead offering clothing lines rarely found in Athens including:

Robert Rodriguez
Kara Janx
Built By Wendy
Diane Von Furstenberg

and other clothing lines inspired to create what Chandler calls " typical, everyday play and work clothing for young and older women".

If you realize blonde is an attitude, not necessarily a haircolor, you'll love a trip to Blonde Boutique in Five Points of Athens, Georiga.

Owners: Brandy and Josh Chandler

Type: Women's clothing boutique

Address: 1260 S. Milledge Ave., Suite E1

Phone: (706) 353-6196

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Web: www.blondeathens.com

Rosario's Trattoria in Watkinsville, GA - Excellent Oconee County GA Dining!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:21:21 -0500

Rosario's Trattoria in Watkinsville, GA - what casual Italian Dining should always be like! Does the photo below make you go "Yum"?

Tiramisu is my absolute favorite desert and Kim & Carl Burdette at the newly opened Rosario's Trattoria in the heart of Watkinsville, GA do an excellent job of preparing it along with many other fabulous deserts.

The proud owners love to share how their dream developed: "Carl and Kim Burdette had a vision to share their love of family and real Italian cuisine with their neighbors in Watkinsville, a bedroom community of Athens, Georgia. Out of that dream was born Rosario's. Created in memory of Kim's beloved grandparents, and especially, her paternal grandfather Rosario Vicchitto. Rosario's, so aptly named, offers a unique blend of homemade dishes from various regions of Italy where Kim's heritage began".

Rosario's features a cozy indoor dining area with tables or high backed booths, but they also have a great covered outdoor deck, perfect for Georgia summer evenings! Kim (above) gave us the grand tour!

Good food & good friends...recently Amy Coile and I had a chance to visit Rosario's and speak to Kim for a few minutes. Carl was super busy in the kitchen preparing for a busy night ahead. Lunch was delicious and I had the opportunity to get some photos of the awesome food to whet your appetite.

Most importantly, "Carl and Kim's wish is for you to enter as strangers and leave as friends ...and never leave hungry" at Rosario's Trattoria in Watkinsville, GA!

Rosario's Trattoria
2061 Hog Mountain Road Suite A
Watkinsville, GA 30677
706-705-1367
Info@RosariosTrattoriaInc.Com

Take a look at Rosario's Trattoria Menu.

Plan a visit to check out this great new Oconee County, Ga restaurant soon - and tell them I said "Hi"!

Five Points Is A Fabulous Athens, GA Community

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:57:45 -0500

Five Points is a fabulous Athens, Georgia community that has historically been one of the most desired neighborhoods near the University of Georgia. Five Points is know to be a "walking community" convenient to shopping, restaurants, entertainment and historically appealing homes.

One of my personal favorites in 5 Points is Jittery Joe's Coffee (photo above) where "Each little brown bean is a labor of love". They also win my "Success Star Award" for "Best Adaptive Use of Real Estate". The Five Points location is housed in a former gas station that was (in my humble opinion) an eyesore. The building is now attractive, funky, fitting and a delight to my eyes!

The community of Five Points borders the south & southwest sides of The University of Georgia and is home to many student rentals and many single family residences. The Friends of Five Points is a association of homeowners from the area whose mission is "... to further the safety and quality of life in the 5 Points area".

The Five Points community is also home to one of Athens Georgia's premier shopping districts. Visit Five Points to view a list of businesses with links and learn more about some of the fanciful boutiques, exclusive interior appointments, great outdoor merchandise and more that abound in Five Points!

There are awesome restaurants in Five Points including:

Five and Ten - home of Athens, Georgia celebrity Chef, Hugh Acheson
Five Points Deli - Their desserts aren't listed on-line, but their cakes, cookies & bar treats are worth the visit and there is free street side parking!

Earth Fare Athens is situated in the heart of Athens, Georgia in 5 Points. They are "...committed to bringing delicious specialty, gourmet and health foods to the University of Georgia (UGA) Campus and the Athens community in a friendly environment". Earth Fare has a huge selection of everything! The deli, cafe and bakery all feature excellent & delicious choices for dining.

The housing styles in Five Points range from eclectic to elegant, below are some examples of Five Points in Athens, Georgia architecture.

Five Points Is A Fabulous Athens, GA Community -

where charm & convenience meet!

(Start your 5 Points in Athens, GA home search by clicking above - choose Area 6)

Bishop GA - The Best of Oconee County!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:15:11 -0500

Bishop, GA - the best of Oconee County offers small town living, just minutes from Watkinsville, GA! Oconee County, GA has been named "One of the Best Place to live in Rural America, by Progressive Farmer, for 2 years in a row.

You can find Bishop, GA in Oconee County just down the road on Highway 441, South of Watkinsville, GA. The offical population of Bishop is only 146, however many more claim home to this town, living in the surrounding area.

Bishop, GA is the home of several farm stands....specializing in locally grown peaches and offering much more!

Bishop is the smallest incorporated community in Oconee County, and bustled during the early 1900's. Today many move to this area for a small town community convenient to Athens & Watkinsville, GA. Bishop is also well know for its'pottery stores, antique stores, and a great used book store.

Below is an example of one of the gorgeous historic homes that can be found in and around Bishop, GA & throughout Oconee County, GA. Although this home is not on the market, you can search for Oconee County, GA real estate here.

Additional Resources for Bishop, GA & surrounding areas of Oconee County, GA:

If you decide that Bishop, GA - the best of Oconee County, Georgia is where you would like to call home, please feel free to contact me or begin your home search below.

Colbert, GA - Offering the Best of Madison County, GA

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:07:34 -0500

Colbert, GA offering the best of Madison County, GA with convenience and country charm!

Whether you are looking for newer construction located near Madison County's only golf course - Sunrise Golf Club, or a home with historic appeal, you'll find what you are searching for in Colbert, GA.

Although the home above is not on the market, it is an example of some of the fabulous architecture you can see in and near Colbert, GA. At this time there are several fabulous homes of historic appeal on the market, you can search here for all Colbert, Ga homes for saleor see a fully renovated, marvelous 100 year old Greek Revival home.

Within the city limits, Colbert's population is 527 people, with an 8.2 percent growth since the 2000 census. There are many areas surrounding the city limits that consider themselves "Colbert, GA" also.

Colbert, Georgia's official flower is the Red Canna Lilly and you'll spot gorgeous plantings throughout the community from late spring to mid summer.

Colbert, Georgia's City Hall is located in central downtown, just off Highway 72, in the former SCL Railroad Depot and is also the site of a Red Train Caboose.

Several towns in Madison County grew up along the railroad when the South was King of Cotton!

Incorporated in 1900, Colbert, Georgia is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has become famous for it's Fourth of July Parade and Crafts Festival, with 10,000+- people attending annually.

Colbert, Georgia, offering the best of Madison County - Additional Resources & Quick Facts:

Average Annual temperature of a mild 63 degrees
Located just 11 miles from downtown Athens, GA - "Classic City of the South"
Located approximately 70 miles from Atlanta, GA
Near the Broad River, a favorite for canoeing with category 2 rapids
Near Watson Mill Bridge State Park, 1020 acres full of amenities
Economic Indicators for Colbert, GA
Madison County School Information

I'd love to help you decide to call Colbert, GA home!

(Click on the button above, 1st choose Area 11 - South Madison County & then choose City - Colbert)

Appleby Mews Condos - Convenient & Affordable in Athens, GA

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:42:32 -0500

Appleby Mews Condos are convenient & affordable in Athens, GA and perfectly situated to delight a student attending the University of Georgia.

By bus, by car or by foot, the UGA Campus and downtown Athens, Georgia are just minutes away.

Gated & fenced - residents enjoy extra security.
Onsite laundry
Onsite pool for playtime and downtime
Onsite USPS mailboxes for each unit
Plenty of onsite parking for residents & guest

Jittery Joe's - fab coffee, Mama's Boy Diner, Dairy Queen, & the Blind Pig Tavern are all within 0.75 miles of Appble Mews Condos!

Appleby Mews Condos in Athens, GA feature two floorplans:

Ground level, 1 story flats have 2 bedrooms and 2 baths.
2nd level 2 story townhomes features 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths

With prices currently as low as $64,900 and ranging to $81,900, it is likely that ownership in Appleby Mews Condos is available for less than the average rent cost per bedroom for UGA student housing! Condo fees are only $110 a month and includes common area maintenance, exterior insurance, and garbage removal.

48 - *which is actually great for Athens!*

Appleby Mews condos are ideal for UGA students, investors, and anyone searching for convenient & affordable Athens, GA real estate. Click here for more Athens, Georgia relocation resources.

Athens, GA Fireworks and area July 4th Celebrations 2009!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:42:01 -0500

The STAR SPANGLED CLASSIC event in Athens, GA starts at 6:00pm on 7/4/2009 at Bishop Park and includes "concessions, family games, inflatables, patriotic arts and crafts for kids, and music. The community birthday cake, donated by Publix, will be served, as well."

The fireworks are scheduled to start at about 9:30pm. The event is free and open to the public! Athens, GA has a long history of fireworks at Bishop Park, but they had been cancelled due to budget cuts for 2009. However, the community has stepped forward and thanks to the following - we are having fireworks in Athens on July 4, 2009!

PeachMac, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Presenting Sponsor
Advanced Asphalt Coating, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
Athens First Bank & Trust, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
Jordan, Jones & Goulding, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
McDonald's, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
Silver & Archibald, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
TSAV, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
The Athens Banner Herald, Star Spangled Classic 2009 Media Sponsor
Magic 102 FM, Star Spangled Classic 2009 Media Sponsor

Rise and shine early Saturday, July 4th 2009 to get a great spot for the Colbert, GA Fourth of July Parade. The parade features antique cars, tractors, horses, and lots more! Bring a bag for the candy thrown out to the kids! Colbert is located about 15 minutes east of AThens off Highway 72 in Colbert. The parade starts at 9am, with a festival following which features arts & crafts, concessions, and gospel & country music.

Watkinsville, GA (about 10 minutes south of Athens on Highway 441) will also play host to special Independence Day celebrations, starting Friday 7/3/2009 with First Friday on Main and a free art tour from 6pm to 9pm. On SAturday the 4th of July the Eagle Tavern will be the site of free watermelon, popcorn, cotton candy & more. There will also be music, concessions and more from 10 am to 2pm.

Everyone, please be safe and have a Happy Fourth of July 2009!

What To Do When 6 Dogs Wake You Up At 4:45 AM

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 23:11:04 -0500

Why.... get dressed and head out the door with a camera of course!

Vintage Coca-Cola sign on a storefront in Colbert, GA.

Painted Christmas Tree on a Colbert, GA storefront.

Red Doors on a Colbert, GA storefront, can you tell red is my favorite color?

Red Canna Lilies are the official Colbert, GA flower.

Fall in Love with Franklin County, Georgia!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Thu, 07 May 2009 01:29:28 -0500

Tucked in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just minutes from Interstate 85 you can find charm, convenience, and a sense of community in Franklin County, Georgia.

Franklin County is home to the cities of Royston, Canon, Lavonia, Franklin Springs, and the county seat of Carnesville.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs awarded Franklin County, Georgia the designation of an "All- Georgia Community".

Royston, GA is the hometown of the 1st inductee to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Ty Cobb and features the Ty Cobb Museum with a treasure trove of baseball history, exhibits, and memorabilia.

Franklin Springs is home to Emmanuel College, a four year Christian Liberal Arts College offering small classes and a unique culture.

Victoria Bryant State Park borders Franklin Springs, GA on Highway 327. The park covers 502 acres, is rich in history and features a public 18 hole golf course, swimming pool, campgrounds, hikiing areas, and picnic sites. Franklin County is also home to Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell.

Whether you are searching for an affordable country home on acreage, a historic charmer, or a lakefront retreat, find your way home to fabulous Franklin County, Georgia...just click here to search for homes in Franklin County, GA. Want more information? Feel free to contact me.

159 Foote McClellan Road, Colbert, GA 30628 - Affordable Madison County Home!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:30:49 -0500

Offered at $103,000

3 Bedrooms PLUS finished bonus room for 4th bedroom or den
2 Baths
Vaulted ceiling
Rock fireplace
Utility Building with electricity & phone
Workshop - some finish need
Partially fenced rear yard
0.94 +- Acres
1764 +- Square Feet

Call Michelle today at 706-207-2502 to schedule your appointment to view.

All information believed accurate, but not guaranteed.

Marketed by Success Realty of Athens, GA (706) 543-1553

GREC #47230.

RETechSouth 2009 - Photos from Hot ATL, GA!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:02:04 -0500

At the end of the day of RETech South 2009, a prominent Real Estate Web 2.0 voice stated "...This was better than Inman" I don't want to out him without permission, but it made me smile for organizers Brad Nix & Matt Fagioli!

It was a great day for seeing "my friends that live in the computer" (I will always remember Teresa Boardman saying this) and meeting new friends IRL!

Snow in March - Athens, Georgia 2009

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:04:55 -0500

It snowed and snowed!

And snowed some more.....

Ths Super Puppy - Samson the White Boxer went out to play -

while the other 4 in the pack huddled under blankets inside.

Spring had just begun to show her colors.

When Mother Nature laughed and officially dumped 8.1 inches of snow on Madison County, Georgia -

And yes I really was without power, water, or anything for 5 days :)

Thankfully, this was a rare occasion for all of us.....See you again in about 10 years Mr. Snowstorm!

National Association of Mortgage Brokers Sues FHFA

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:03:27 -0600

Today, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) issued a press release announcing that they have filed suit against the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the entity that now supervises Government Sponsored Entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac regarding the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC).

Read NAMB's press release here.

Following the Appraisal Institute's memorandum on 2/12/2009, this appears as a bright spot on the horizon for appraisers and mortgage brokers.

Although "appraiser independence" was the original goal for the HVCC, the resulting convolution of new regulations puts the fox in charge of the hen house, by practically forcing secondary market lenders to utilize appraisal managements groups to obtain appraisal reports.

As a note, I fully support appraisal independence and ethical appraisal practices, but I do not support the HVCC in its current form.

Find Fabulous Twitter Friends....

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:03:22 -0600

One of my favorite lenders recently joined Twitter. It can be challenging trying to find great folks to follow. You can try running Tweetdeck or some other Twitter application, but it may take a little while to get comfortable with one of them, so a huge hat tip to Karen Russell PR teacher extraordinaire for passing along the too cool Twitter Mosaic. You can also create a mosaic with your followers from Twitter. Just click on the interesting avatar to get to the owner's Twitter page.

So Amy - here you go, my friends would probably love to be your friends :)

Get your twitter mosaic here.

160 Emerald Circle, Colbert, GA 30628 - Nearly New Oglethorpe County Home for Sale!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 02:50:54 -0600

The elusive REO property in great shape! Offered at $108,900!

This is your opportunity to get the best of both worlds in the Oglethrope County, GA real estate market right now: This home is in really good condition, features large 1.5 acre lot, carport with storage room built in, rear deck & more.

Interior features split bedroom plan, has huge great room, plus den with fireplace; kitchen is open to den area and has some glass fronted cabinets. Seller may install kitchen appliances with acceptable offer!

Contact me today to make this home or search here for other Athens, GA homes!

ERA Classic City Realty - Each office independently owned & operated. All information is believed accurate, but not guaranteed.

3008 Lawton Lane, Athens, GA 30601 - Clarke County Home with Acreage!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 02:23:12 -0600

Offered at $136,800

If this home could speak it would tell you how much it has been loved!

Maintenance has ALWAYS been done as soon as needed on this one owner home.

Huge living spaces with den area off kitchen, gigantic formal dining room, and living room. This home features a split bedroom plan with master suite at one end and 3 bedrooms and 1 bath on other end for a total of four bedrooms and 2 baths!

Lovely, level 3.55+- acre yard has garden spots and plenty of room for everything!

Don't miss the great screen porch, perfect for Georgia summers!

Contact me today to make this home or search here for other Athens, GA homes!

ERA Classic City Realty - Each office independently owned & operated. All information is believed accurate, but not guaranteed.

Holy Cow! Have you seen this speaker list?

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:33:41 -0600

I'm a fan of RE Tech South and learned so much at the conference in Atlanta last year, while getting to meet some of the leading edge real estate technology guys.

But have you seen this 2009 RE Tech South Speaker list?

The Marvelous Missy Caullk
Sacrilicious Ms. Mary McKnight
Our own Active Brad
Everyone's favorite RESPRES - Jeff Turner

And it just goes on.....and on.....with

Housechick Kelley Koehler
Miamism's Inez
AND many more not to be missed folks!

Featuring Labs, Camps, and Stations you are really going to learn something!

Atlanta, Georgia will be hopping on March 20, 2009! Will I see you there?

I will Haunt you - REALLY

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:51:53 -0600

Dear Family,

If you bury me with my cell phone, this is a promise - I will HAUNT you!

I love how technology has allowed me to be more productive, I am addicted to my Blackberry. BUT I am not going to take my cell phone in the grave with me and I really don't want my funeral interrupted by clients (I guess they are former clients by then) calling!

According to the MSNBC article, some people place tech items with their departed love ones for comfort...""I've seen family members place iPod earphones on the decedent and play songs as the casket closed," says Pam Vetter, a Los Angeles funeral planner".

The article goes on to talk about one person who had the cell phone number carved on the headstone.

I'm sorry, that is just strange! I want my eternal rest to be Quiet! What about you?

Watkinsville, Georgia Christmas Parade 2008 Photos!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:57:29 -0600

December 6th started out a little chilly but warmed up nicely when the sun came out - perfect weather for the Watkinsville Christmas parade at 11am.

I got to meet up with one of my favorite mortgage lenders, Amy Coile and her two oh so cute kids - Rylee and Coleman, to watch the parade as it came down Main Street! This year's theme was "Home for the Holidays" and there were many veterans honored.

I took a ton of photos so I decided to break them up into two groups for you - that way they won't take quite as long to load. I don't know how much candy was thrown out to the kids, but it had to be thousands of pounds. The air was FULL of candy when Santa came along on the firetruck!

Here is the slideshow of 1st half of the parade:

Here is the 2nd half of the parade:

The photo below just says it all - this is why I go to parades even though my kids are grown!

It was a fun day and I got to bring home Chicken Mull from the Watkinsville Christian Church for dinner - it was fantastic!

Forgiveness With A Side Of Second Chance!

Michelle DeRepentigny, *Broker * Athens, GA (Success Realty) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:42:04 -0600

It happened the day before Thanksgiving and both humbled me and thrilled me.

You see, I've been a little "off" for the last few months. Earlier this year one of my builder's new construction houses went into foreclosure even after my all out effort to get it sold.

We tried everything, they were even ready to take a loss, the bank wouldn't discuss a short sale but we were willing to go the extra mile. I was ready to sell it with minimal commission and we still could not get an offer. I felt really sick to my stomach for several months ....just waiting on the foreclosure.

I attended the foreclosure sale at the courthouse and bawled my eyes out. See, I had sold them these lots and they had put their faith in my marketing skills.

These guys live near me - I see them at the grocery store and everywhere else nearby. The first time ran into one of them, I hung my head in shame. He came over and made a point of speaking to me....I cried again in the parking lot of the store when I left.

It's haunted me, I failed at my job. So, last week I was nervous about answering the phone when their number showed up on my cell phone but they were calling to give me a gift. They have now listed one of their investment properties with me for sale.

When I met with them, I apologized again AND asked them what the heck they were thinking - listing with me again - after I let them be foreclosed on. The response was simple - "it wasn't your fault, we knew you did everything you could".

It's important to remember that as hard as you try, somethings are beyond your control. You must do the best job you can and keep going.

The sun peeked through the cloud for me that day and this week has been fabulous. I've been blessed with a second chance.

*Athens Georgia Real Estate Blog* by Michelle DeRepentigny, Success Realty