atlanta real estate: Radon and the controversy
- 11/25/09 02:00 AM
It seems like RADON testing is getting more popular in Georgia. The EPA certainly has a lot of information about it and I don't question whether it's a health problem or not. The research makes sense. My concern is more about the proper way of testing and the companies administering the testing. There are several ways to test. There are kits from Home Depot that are inexpensive, but take proper placement in the home and then must be mailed away for the results. Time is the issue, especially if the data is needed in order to meet a real estate deadline. … (3 comments)
atlanta real estate: $8,000 tax credit
- 06/01/09 03:23 PM
If you are a first time home purchaser there is a huge incentive and financial boost to buy a home. For a limted time, the federal government will give you an $8,000 TAX CREDIT. This means that you could amend your 2008 tax returns and receive a check for the full amount. If you'd like to use this for a down payment, there are some restrictions, but check with your Realtor or Mortgage advisor for the latest updates. In some states, there are also state tax incentives that can be added in addition to the $8,000 federal incentive. I was working … (0 comments)
atlanta real estate: Marietta, Georgia - One of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids!
- 11/24/08 11:39 PM
Marietta, Georgia - One of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids! Based on a recent study by BUSINESS WEEK magazine, Marietta was found to be #2 in the state for raising your kids. The study was based on towns/cities with at least 50,000 residents and median income of between $40,000 and $100,000. They factored in SCHOOL PERFORMANCE, HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES, NUMBER OF SCHOOLS, CRIME RATE, AIR QUALITY, JOB GROWTH, MUSEUMS, PARKS AND OTHER AMENITIES AND DIVERSITY. The most important factor was AFFORDABILITY, and with the economy that we are in, you may just want to consider moving here! Here is the … (4 comments)
atlanta real estate: Radon update- what you really need to know
- 10/29/08 09:01 AM
Here is a link I want to share: http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html It's the page that takes you to the "CITIZEN'S GUIDE" to radon. While we don't have serious radon problems in Georgia, there are pockets of the metro that have elevated levels. This multi-page brochure is in color, it's free and can be printed for your use. It's provided by the EPA and is very well done. I suggest you read it because there is a lot of confusion and mis-information flotaing around about Radon gas. You can't see it, smell it or taste it, yet it's a big health risk at high … (0 comments)
atlanta real estate: Do you have an I-Phone?
- 02/11/08 05:15 AM
I have a family member who really wants an I-Phone. I have read several reviews on line and the feedback is very mixed. Some say it needs improvements and others say that they could not live wirthout it. Because this is such a great community, I'm curious if any of you have one and what you think. I will be glad to accept negative or positive comments. Either is fine. I know that you are very busy and I appreciate your time with some feedback... Thanks!!! … (1 comments)
atlanta real estate: David Copperfield wouldn't make it in real estate
- 02/02/08 04:41 AM
I was talking to a friend of mine who is thinking of moving back to the Atlanta area. In the discussion about getting a Realtor in his home state, he said.."You know the last agent we had was so impressive in her presentation. Very professional and buttoned up. Then after she listed our home, WE HARDLY EVER HEARD FROM HER!" It hurts me deeply when I hear these kind of stories. This type of business conduct is just not acceptable. Part of our overall responsibility is as agents is...COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE. I know that this can be hard, especially when there's not much to report. … (9 comments)
atlanta real estate: The attraction of "Foreclosure"
- 01/23/08 11:51 PM
I'm amazed, well not really, that people think that Foreclosures are the way to go. The media makes one think that there are incredible pristene mansions available for pennies on the dollar. The homes are just sitting there, waiting for a new owner to take over the payments. Most don't realize the difference in buying a home PRE or POST foreclosure. It's like the difference in baseball and basketball. Both sports use balls, and that's about the only similarity. PRE foreclosre means that you will bid on the property at the courthouse steps. You must show up early in the morning and wait … (2 comments)
atlanta real estate: Balancing too much follow up with not enough
- 01/22/08 07:32 AM
One thing that I have learned about this business is that people only move as quickly as they want to. It was hard for me to adjust to the fact that some like to take months, or even years when buying a home. Then there are others who want to have "action" as soon as humanly possible. I attempt to get their feedback regarding their time frame to buy or sell, but I've found that sometimes humans do not know their own needs and/or desires. I think that we have all lost a client along the way, because they felt like we did … (5 comments)
atlanta real estate: May be time to buy that NICER home!
- 01/18/08 12:33 AM
This is an ideal time to UPGRADE to a nicer/larger home, as long as you stay in the same market or move to an area with better deals in real estate. For example, let's just say that you are going to stay in the same area. Let's assume that your dream home has all of a sudden dropped 20% in value and you are very concerned. Your stomach tightens, you start praying more often and have an extra glass of wine at night. Your home that you paid $300,000 for is currently worth about $240,000. Ouch! Where will that difference come from, … (3 comments)
atlanta real estate: Now is a great time to sell - There are buyers looking for your home
- 01/15/08 11:58 PM
I have a couple who has been looking since October of last year. They have not found what they want and continue to look. They expected that after the first of the year that many homes would go on (or back on) the market. Unfortunately, the "pickings have been slim" yet they are very eager to buy. If you are thinking about selling your home, please be aware that there are SOME VERY MOTOVATED buyers looking aggressively. The are motivated because INTEREST RATES ARE THE LOWEST IN TWO YEARS and they currently rent. I also have a couple re-locating from the midwest and … (2 comments)
atlanta real estate: Does your GPS steer you wrong?
- 01/15/08 12:07 AM
There was an interesting story on Good Morning America today about GPS systems and the errors that they have. It went into detail about how GPS systems work and when the data is wrong, it can take you to the incorrect location. I think that it was a little dramatic, and overstated. There was one man who's GPS system took him down the wrong road and his car was hit by a TRAIN! Come on folks, you do have to use a little common sense when using these things. They are not fool proof and the programmers certainly can't keep up … (15 comments)
atlanta real estate: The New Georgia Association of Realtors 2008 Contract - Part 2
- 01/08/08 11:43 PM
In continuing with the changes for 2008, here are some more revisions in the real estate contract for Georgia: Paragraph 3-"Purchase Price and Method of Payment" has changed. It replaces paragraph 2 AND 6 of the other contracts. It Eliminates the financing contingency, but don't worry; there is now a new "Financing Contingency Exhibit" if you want to use it. Closing Costs-The new contract changes the allocation of closing costs. Now the buyer pays all closing costs INCLUDING TRANSFER TAX. The Seller, if agreed upon, will make a single financial contribution. Also, the taxes can be re-prorated if both parties agree. Paragraph 6- Closing … (2 comments)
atlanta real estate: Will you be in or out for 2008?
- 01/02/08 01:26 AM
One thing that I find peculiar about Real Estate is how many people work from their home. I don't know of any other major industry that has such a large percentage of the work force who works primarily out of their home. I do have a home office, but work primarily out of the broker office. Here are some of the reasons that I work mostly at the "office-office." I am more focused on workBetter access to computers,printers,copiers,faxes, etc.Networking with other agentsBetter access to my brokerSupplies that are part of my contract with the company, such as paper,staples, etc,etc.More space to spread outAccess to … (1 comments)
atlanta real estate: The true secret to the Stock Market (and Real Estate)
- 12/31/07 03:09 AM
When I was a young boy admiring my father talk about his investments and profits, I inquisitively asked him, "What is the secret to making money in the stock market?" He looked at me for a moment, leaned down to me and cupped his hand behind my ear and whispered, so that no one else could hear him, "But low and sell high." I was thrilled. Like learning the whereabouts of a hidden treasure, I now knew the true secrets to becoming wealthy in the world of stocks and bonds. Obviously with time, I figured out that following his advice was a little … (4 comments)
atlanta real estate: Don't be an EEYORE
- 12/28/07 03:10 AM
You know EEYORE from the Winnie the Pooh cartoons. He's always having a bad day! Always expecting the worst and never feeling good about anything. I know you have at least one EEYORE in your office! I have several. And I avoid them like the plague! Hanging out with EEYORES frequently turns you into an EEYORE! This is the last thing that you want or need. As the saying goes, "Misery loves company" and so does EEYORE! You have a much better chance of hitting your goals in 2008 if you avoid EEYORE! Seek out the positiove people around you. Best of luck in … (2 comments)
atlanta real estate: Get AMBER ALERTS on your cell phone
- 12/24/07 02:25 AM
This organization...WIRELESS AMBER ALERTS...allows you to sign up for free Amber alerts in your area. It's primarily for the notofication of abducted children. It's a free service and cooperatively funded by cell companies and other organizations. Even if you have no interest as a realtor, you may want to pass this along to youyr clients as a suggestion. http://wirelessamberalerts.adcouncil.org/howwirelessamberalertswork.htm Check it out and read the details.. … (0 comments)
atlanta real estate: Are you in favor of the FAIR TAX?
- 12/17/07 11:57 PM
Lots of talk about the Fair Tax. Neil Boortz, the talk show host, has written a book about it and I suggest that you read it. It will be the discussion of politics for a while, in my opinion. http://www.fairtax.org/site/PageServer I have mixed feelings about it, but generally support it. The basic gist is that you would no longer pay any INCOME TAXES, but pay a tax on things when you buy them. With no Income Tax, we would have no need for the IRS, which would save our country zillions of dollars. Also each business has "embedded tax costs" which would lower the cost of providing … (6 comments)
atlanta real estate: Have you Georgia Agents seen the new GAR contract???
- 12/11/07 07:41 AM
Have you seen the proposed 2008 GAR contracts? The current draft which is circulating is VERY different than contracts before. 1. There is no "INSPECT AND REPAIRS" section. All offers will be under DUE DILIGENCE or AS IS. 2. There is no FINANCING CONTINGENCY. There is a new APPRAISAL CONTINGENCY, which is optional. 3. Inspection is certainly allowed, but since there is no INSPECT/REPAIR option, there's no need to define what defective or unsafe is. As always, I'm sure that there will be classes offered by various instructors in the area...
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It seems like RADON testing is getting more popular in Georgia. The EPA certainly has a lot of information about it and I don't question whether it's a health problem or not. The research makes sense.
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