My sense of things in the Atlanta market is that we will remain in a 'bargain market' for all of 2009. But what better time to buy!  Sellers are competing for Buyers in today's market which means homes must be priced agressively for market conditions .  There are plenty of Buyers out there 'circling the wagons' and waiting patiently for the right price adjustment.  Slow 'sales activity' indicates a continued high level of Buyer price resistance in the current market. When a home is priced correctly, we often have multiple offers on the table. 

The Economic Stimulus package set forth with a tax credit to home buyers in 2009 will likely stimulate our seasonal activity for a brief period of time.  I believe that when the freeze on foreclosures is lifted we will have a large number of property floreclosures glutting the market, contributing to an already difficult year for property sellers but an outstanding one for buyers!  I would sell in the spring market when historically the highest value is recieved and then buy while the interest rates continue to drop. 

Sales prices in 2008, driven down by Buyer price resitance and forclosure sales is at levels unseen since 2003 in certain micromarkets.  Resale prices have dropped 12.4% in 2008. New homes are giving away plenty of incentives but Builders are reluctant to drastically drop prices so the rate of price decline is much less than Resales.  What you don't recieve in a drastic price reduction is seen in the buyer incentives such as finished out basements, or even a pool. 

Time will tell but again I believe optimistically that there are many deals to be made and Atlanta is still one of the best places to live in the U.S.A.  Cost of living and quality of life is fabulous ~ even the traffic problems have improved dramatically!  It's a great place to call home!

Check out www.WOW.AtlantaHomes.com for more Atlanta links and home news!

Janet

Just ran across an awesome community in Johns Creek w/ Courtyards, walking paths, Community Gardens, Tennis & Swim and Clubhouse.  It is just getting started.... Called Brookhaven.  Very upscale in feeling.  It's only about a 1/2 mile walk to shops restaurants too!  WOW!

WOW I would love to invite this builder to do same project on my listing over on Nesbit Ferry Rd.  9 prime acres of level land in close proximity to churches, boutique shops, fresh market groceries!

Janet WEidmann (Team Leader)

As we enter 2009, I have found that we have also entered teh beginning of the refinancing frenzy...and for good reason!  Rates are now the lowest that they've been since 2003 (teetering between 4.5% adn 5%)... which had been the lowest since the 1960's.   If now is not the time for you to move, it might be the time to refinance. 

The primary reason people chose to refinance is to obtain a cheaper interest rate... you do not actually have to take out equity when refinancing, rather you can re-arrange your loan terms to save money.  Because it cost money to refinance (application fees, loan origination fees, appraisal fees, etc) you have to make sure that it makes sense for you.  Consumer advocate, Clark Howard says that you should try refinancing if you are current on your mortgage and have an interst rate of 6% or higher, or have a floating rate.  However, each homeowners's situation is completely different, and there ar a lot of variables that come into play in determining if now is the time for one to refinance or not.  I recommend talking to a lender if you think you might fit the profile... contact Joe Green at the following:  joegreen@synovusmortgage.com He has always had very competitive rates and personal service.

My Best to you all.... Kristin Vari of the WOW Team!

 Hi Everyone,

Each year we send out a page that explains how to file for your Homestead Exemption in the state of Georgia.  What is a Homestead Exemption?  By definition each county government gives certain exemptions to its citizens, which are applied against the property tax assessment to lower your real property tax bill. 

The requirements for the Basic Homestead exemption are as follows:

1. Filing is only required once, NOT every year.

2. You must occupy the property as your principle residence

3. You must have all cars owned by you, registered in the county where you are filing

4. You or your spouse can not be claiming homestead in another city, county or state.

NOTES:

A. Other exemptions are available in some counties for Senior Citizens & Disabled Persons (such as Cobb and Forsyth Counties)

B. If applying by mail we suggest you send the application via cerified mail

C. If in the future you change the way title to the property is held you must re-file for the Homestead Exemption.

Homestead Exemption Law Amended:

The Georgia Legislature recently modified the Homestead Exemption Law.

I. What are the changes?

The new law provides for year round filing of the Georgia Homestead Exemption.  On June 1, 2005 new homeowners were able to apply for their homestead exemption immediately upon receipt of their warranty deed, which is customarily mailed ot them after recording at the county office has taken place.  However, exemptions must be filed by certain deadlines to apply to the current tax year.  The deadlines by county are shown below as well as the contact information per county.

II What documents are needed in filing?

The Warranty Deed will be needed.  If you can't locate your filed Warranty Deed (also called the Security Deed) then call the attorney from the closing.  They should provide you a copy.

III Questions upon Filing:  The property owner making the return will be asked these questions:

A. Present and previous ownership

B. Description of Property

C. Kind of Title held (ie. Right of survivorship)

D. Name of Mortage company and loan amount, if any.

Let us hear from you all.... please respond to this blog so we can see if this is of value to you all!!!

Many thanks in advance .... Happy New Year 2009!

Our Best Always,

Janet Weidmann (team leader)

Hi Everyone,

Ever wonder how you can leverage and stay in touch w/ people you meet and know through the years?  How many weekends are there to "catch up" over a glass of wine and dinner out?!   WOW... we have thought many times about this.... hence our Client Appreciation events.  Traditionally we have 3 Events.  We just had our "Tacky Sweater" Holiday Party which is held at the Dunwoody StageDoor Theater ~ Each year this community theater puts on an AWESOME show!  "Tafetta Christmas" was a wonderful medley of holiday tunes, laughter and fun!  All our guests are invited to wear their Tackiest holiday gear from blinking earrings & Reindeer antlers to tacky socks, and sweaters.  This years prize winners are shown below!  I am in the Santa Hat and Kristin (my partner) is holding the mike.  The winners were: Susan Kracklauer (1st place.. Center photo); Suzanne Wolfe (2nd Place... far left); Mike Barrigan (3rd place...far right).  Carey Sperry (our marketing guru... is far left rear).... WOW What a night!!!

In the Fall Season we have Braves Day Tailgating and A Family Fall Festival w/ Magician, Face & Pumpkin Painting, Games, Treats & so much more. 

All of this helps us to not only say Thanks for the Business but also allows us time to "Catch Up" and say hello. 

If you are in any business or simply a busy individual.... and miss the visits w/ familiar faces... get out and have some fun with a Theme party like above.  Life is a celebration!

Enjoy!

Janet Weidmann

Check this out!  This incredible property makes you feel like you are truly in a Sanctuary.  It feels like you are in the N. Georgia Mountains. The convenience of an easy commute combined with privacy and "Aspen Chic" will WOW you and your family!  There are 4 homes which could make a GREAT Family compound for our Global family, OR an incredible Retreat.  Scroll below for more photos

Tennis and Pool House/ Could be an alternative Amenities Bunk House or Art /Music Studio!!

Below is a photo of the "River House" which could alternate well as a Dining Hall w/ outdoor kitchen, long table seating, Outdoor Fireplace etc etc...

Hi Everyone,

In a down market it is critical to focus on what really makes a difference to sell a listing.  Below are the top 10 marketing suggestions:

1. Stage your home.  Call a professional stager to rearrange or de-clutter.  This is even more important when it is a Buyers Market. 

2. Photograph the home in the best possible light.  Take charge & present the more attractive angles.  Draw a person into the photo w/ depth and color.  Remember, the first impression on the web or listing service is soooo important!  Get yourself a good digital camera and you won't need to be a professional photographer!

3. Price home ahead of the curve. Remember the supply is greater than demand you must be ahead of falling prices. Don't CHASE the market!

4. Create mood and ambience when presenting your home; Turn on the music and bake bread. 

5. Get rid of the cat & candles!  One of the biggest turn offs due to allergies is cats.  The other is candles... prospective buyers think you are hiding something and they are probably right!

6. Hire an inspector & don't procrastinate on the repairs you've put off ~ Buyers love a home that appears well maintained

7. Landscape for Curb Appeal; 1st impressions are as they drive up.  As the Buyers agent fiddles w/ the lock at the front door the Buyer has nothing better to do but scope out the entry way.  A pot of flowers and fresh paint on the door go a long way in creating a first impression

8. Create great marketing pieces for Buyer to take with them.  Make your fliers stand out from the rest w/ heavy card stock.  Remember to add special area interests as well.  Some real estate agents may not be familiar with your area and don't know about the planned biking trails or new fitness center coming in!

9. A Good Virtual Tour will allow Buyers via the internet see more photos; include area interests and community parks or street views

10. Email for feedback and call as a last resort all agents that showed your listing.  It allows you to turn a potential negative into a positive.  Communicate to your clients on a regular basis so they are always tuned in to what is going on. 

I hope this helps! Our Best Always,

Janet Weidmann (Team Leader); The WOW Team

Hello cyber friends,

Since this is my first attempt at blogging I thought it would be nice to introduce our team to everyone.  The WOW stands for Weidmann Or Weidmann.  Our Real Estate Team is 1 branch and Our Remodeling Team, Weidmann Remodeling is the other branch.  The concept is very unique in that we are very much separate companies but work together to help each client with their individual needs.  Often a client doesn't know if they should sell or remodel.  We walk them through the thought process of both.

So do I sell or remodel?  Ah... the $50million dollar question!  With interest rates so low and prices slashed there couldn't be a better time to BUY!  The market is such that only the homes ON sale in great condition are selling.  Our market demands impeccable interiors w/ sale price tags .... this is why "staging" has taken off as a cottage industry.  If your heart is telling you to sell and get a better home while prices and interest rates are both uniquely low then don't be concerned about getting a 'haircut' on your existing home because you will reap the rewards when you buy the next home. 

If however, your location and the bones of your home are both fabulous... then think remodel.  When you update you feel like you have a new home.  If the bones of your house are good you will have the chance to personalize to your lifestyle.  By remodeling your Master Bath and / or Kitchen you can re-coop about 75% of the expense for the project on average. 

 Here are 5 things to remember when you are looking for the best RETURN ON INVESTMENT:

1. Stay within Neighborhood standards for your remodeling projects

2. Appraisal boosters... Additions that add the most value to your home are an extra bath, new office or spare bedroom.

3. Home Maintenance Items... NEW Roof, upgraded windows, & fresh paint which enhances curb appeal

4. Landscaping... Get rid of overgrown shrubs, add seasonal flowers, and replant w/ new shrubs for added value

5. Lifestyle projects... A sun-room, or Game room, a 'Guy cave'... add value but are more important to the homeowner than the overall measurable value of the home.

Hope this helps in defining a little bit of Who we are at the WOW team... perhaps our future integration of HOME articles and REMODELING articles will give you further interest in the 2 industries.  They truly do intersect.

My Best Always,

Janet Weidmann (Team Leader of WOW real estate)