Real Estate Gallery Blog

Finding the Money to Purchase a Home

Altimese Dees (The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:20:37 -0800

If you are in the market to purchase a home, but are having trouble finding the money for a down payment, please take note of the following tips: 1. How can homebuyers find money for a down payment? Start a special savings account. Contribute a certain amount per pay check. Also, deposit any money received from your federal income tax return into that savings account. If you are expecting an annual bonus, set aside that money as well. Use your tax sheltered funds, such as your 401K, Tax Shelter Annuity, Individual Retirement Account, Profit-Sharing or Stock Ownership Plan at your place of employment. Be sure to consult with your financial advisor before making this move. Secure gifts from family members and/or friends. You may qualify for other county and state grant programs that are currently available. On another note, The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is currently offering a $100 down program if you purchase a HUD home and are an owner-occupant buyer. 2. Are there any 100 percent programs available to buy a house? The market changes by the day. To my knowledge, the only 100 percent program available is a VA Loan, which is a loan guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you a veteran, contact the VA to see if you have any available benefits. 3. Are there any grant programs available to assist homebuyers with the down payment? The Georgia Dream Program is a grant provided by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Under this program, you must be a 1st time homebuyer or have not owned a home within the past 3 years. There are also income limitations to qualify. 4. Are there any special home programs available for teachers or public safety workers? The Georgia Dream Program offers additional benefits for those in the fields of education, public safety, including the military and health care. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development also offers a special home program for law enforcement officers and teachers (Officer/Teacher Next Door Program) for the purchase of a HUD home. 5. Who can qualify for the new $7500 federal tax credit? First time homebuyers who purchase a principle residence on April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009 are eligible. If you (and your spouse, if married) have not owned your principle residence for a 3 year period before your purchase, and you have never taken advantage of the DC first-time homebuyer credit, you should qualify as a first-time homebuyer. Like all tax credits, it will directly reduce the total amount of taxes you owe. When you file your taxes, for the year you purchased your home (2008 or 2009), you will be able to subtract the amount of the credit from your Federal income tax liability, increasing the size of your refund or reducing the amount you owe. Be sure to consult with your tax advisor for more information. (Source for information: The National Association of Realtors®). If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact me at 678-644-1712 (direct); or email: altmd3@aol.com. Altimese L. Dees is Broker / Owner of The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC. For more than a decade, Altimese has been studying and consulting individuals, families, investors and corporations on topics related to real estate, housing and mortgage financing. She is an associate broker for RE/MAX Advantage in McDonough. Altimese serves as a local director of the Metro South Association of Realtors®, and a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., MECCA Chapter. She can be reached by calling 678-644 -1712, or email: altmd3@ aol.com.

Clayton County, GA -- What would it take to revitalize our community?

Altimese Dees (The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:54:20 -0800

First of all, revitalization means ‘to give life to.'¹ I was born and raised in Atlanta, and over the years I have seen old, less attractive communities come alive again - a true renaissance! Kirkwood, Little Five Points, East Lake, Grant Park, West End and Glenwood Park are excellent examples of revitalized communities. Property values in these areas grew tremendously after their rebirth. I envision a renaissance for neighborhoods in Clayton. We can start by renovating abandoned and foreclosed properties. In fact, a government grant was recently issued to the county for this cause. Planning for its use is currently underway. Moreover, people want lifestyle centers that are mixed use with retail on the ground floor and office, housing or hotel space above. Residents want communities with lush landscaping, green space, play areas, improved transit and walkable communities. These characteristics bring people together and create a sense of community.2 As a Realtor®, I am in search of skilled investors and developers (residential and commercial), who would like to take part in Clayton's renaissance. Now is an excellent time to buy. Clayton County is positioned to become a more desirable place in which to live because of its close proximity to the airport and downtown Atlanta; easy access to major interstates; reasonably priced land and real estate; and available green spaces. Special government grants and incentives may be available for these types of projects. If other communities across Atlanta can do it, so can we. Again I ask, "What would it take to revitalize our community?" The answer is quite simple- an investment in Clayton County and a buy-in from local, state and federal government officials. This vision of an improved community won't happen overnight. It has to be planted and nurtured. For revitalization begins in our hearts. ¹ Definition as defined by Webster's Dictionary 2 Characteristics of Smart Growth Altimese L. Dees is Broker/ Owner of The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC. For more than a decade, Altimese has been studying and consulting individuals, families, investors and corporations on topics related to real estate, housing and mortgage financing. She is an associate broker for RE/MAX Advantage in McDonough. Altimese serves as a local director of the Metro South Association of Realtors®, and a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., MECCA Chapter. She can be reached by calling 678-644-1712, or email: altmd3@aol.com.

In Search of Affordable Commercial Properties in Metro Atlanta

Altimese Dees (The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:22:57 -0800

By now, everyone knows that this country is going through some tough economic times. Hopefully, economic strategists and financial experts are putting their minds together to create a plan that will make things better - fast! However, if everyone knows that times are tough...and that businesses are closing...and that people are getting laid off everyday...and that money is tight...why are commercial properties in Atlanta and surrounding areas still so expensive? In a down market, you must reduce the price, whether selling or leasing, to attract a buyer or tenant. Otherwise, you run the risk of allowing the space to sit vacant for a very long time. Some businesses that have been in existence for the past 5, 10 or 20 years are now closing their doors. They are simply not making the same amount of money that they were making, due to people not spending the way that they used to spend. Many businesses have decided to close their offices and work out of their homes. This may not be a viable option for some if your business requires walk-in traffic (check with your county business development office for laws pertaining to working out of your home). As a Realtor®, I am in search of affordable retail space and office space (Class A - C) for existing small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in our city. If you own commercial space that is just sitting, please call me at 678-644-1712. Together, we can help small businesses achieve, even in a sour economy. Altimese L. Dees is Broker/ Owner of The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC. For more than a decade, Altimese has been studying and consulting individuals, families, investors and corporations on topics related to real estate, housing and mortgage financing. She is an associate broker for RE/MAX Advantage in McDonough. Altimese serves as a local director of the Metro South Association of Realtors®, and a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., MECCA Chapter. She can be reached by calling 678-644-1712, or email: altmd3@aol.com.

Clayton County, GA -- How can we bring healing to our community?

Altimese Dees (The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:04:57 -0800

I hope that the worst is over for Clayton County. I am looking forward to reduced crime and an improved school system, among other things. An improved school system in my mind involves: (1) a board that functions in accordance to its rules and regulations, with our children's best interests at heart; (2) committed teachers who realize that they have a challenging position, but who have a heart and an earnest desire to teach our children and inspire them to become the very best that they can be; (3) diligent principals and staff members who pay close attention to detail to ensure that every child gets what he or she needs, and that all operations run as smoothly as possible; (4) loving parents that take responsibility for their children, teach them right from wrong, and reinforce the lessons that are being taught at school; and (5) hard working students who will obey the rules of the land, get a good education and aspire to make a difference in our ever-changing world. We each have a ‘continuous' part in bringing healing to our community. Crime prevention and creating good schools are only the beginning. As a Realtor®, my vision for the county also includes economic development (bringing new businesses into the community) and smart growth initiatives (revitalizing old neighborhoods, making existing commercial infrastructure attractive to businesses and residents, and creating desirable mixed-use developments with green space that create a sense of place). If we work together, I believe that we can and will achieve great success. Please join me in ‘bringing healing to our community.' Altimese L. Dees is Broker/ Owner of The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC. For more than a decade, Altimese has been studying and consulting individuals, families, investors and corporations on topics related to real estate, housing and mortgage financing. She is an associate broker for RE/MAX Advantage in McDonough. Altimese serves as a local director of the Metro South Association of Realtors®, and a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., MECCA Chapter. She can be reached by calling 678-644-1712, or email: altmd3@aol.com.

Wanted: Properties for Rent in Atlanta

Altimese Dees (The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:05:37 -0700

If you or someone that you know have a vacant property available for rent in Atlanta or surrounding areas, please call me as soon as possible. I have a pool of applicants that can move quickly. Also, landlords may be eligible to receive a signing bonus from a government entity. Please pass the word. Call Altimese Dees, RE/MAX Advantage, 678-644-1712. Email: altmd3@aol.com, Website: www.MyRealEstateAtlanta.com.

Clayton County Schools Going Back to the Basics and Getting Down to Business

Altimese Dees (The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 04:50:24 -0700

Altimese meets with Clayton County Schools Interim Superintendent, Dr. Gloria DuncanI don't know about you, but I feel better about Clayton County Schools now that Dr. Gloria Duncan has been appointed Interim Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Duncan has been in the county for over 30 years so she knows what the issues are. In fact, she most recently served as Principal for Riverdale High School. I was privileged to meet with Dr. Duncan today for the very first time, myself and four other Realtors. After sitting down with her and discussing the serious issues at hand, I was immediately impressed and felt a calming in my spirit that she was the right person for the job.During Dr. Duncan's first four weeks on the job, already she has met with every teacher in the county. I like the way she puts it, "I've taken the shackles off the teachers and have empowered them to teach," said Duncan. Her vision is that teachers will teach "according to a student's learning style and needs - not by scripts."In our meeting, Dr. Duncan discussed several plans for the system. The plans that are most vivid in my mind are:Realigning the system's efforts and making sure that teachers are teaching students what will be tested, in accordance to the Georgia Performance Standards.Giving student assessments every three months and monitoring if expectations are being met for that period of time; if not, provide immediate remediation.Putting in place a research department to go through last year's test scores to find the areas where the teacher's focus should be.Consulting with local school systems that have been successful with Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), such as Rockdale County, and finding the keys to their success.Putting training programs in place for principals and assistant principals; and identifying teachers who need help in classroom management and making sure that they get the coaching that they need. Administrative training is also planned guiding administrators through the day-to-day activities of a school.Moving the bad apples out of the schools and transferring them to the Alternative Program; adding more teachers, psychologists and counselors to meet those students needs. Also, looking for additional space for students to go when they have been suspended from school, instead of having those students roam the streets.Improving the communications gap from school to the media and community; making sure that the positives are being communicated and improvements are being made. Addressing the overcrowding of our schools by identifying those students who live outside of the county, but attending our schools using false addresses.Seeking assistance from Clayton County Police to monitor our communities in the mornings and afternoons when children are coming and leaving school.I am thankful to have received the information that I received today. I was enlightened by the discussion with Dr. Duncan and my fellow agents as we came to the realization that a school system has to be run like a corporation. Dr. Duncan is the Chief Operating Officer; the school board is the Board of Directors; the teachers and staff members are the employees; the customer is the student. Difficult decisions must be made. But, at the end of the day the entire operation and all focus should be centered around the customer - The Student.I feel better now and I'm looking forward to an improved school system. As Dr. Duncan says proudly the new Clayton County Schools motto: "Moving On, Moving Up and Reaching Goals."photo: left to right- Dr. Gloria Duncan, Superintendent of Clayton County Schools with Altimese Dees, Associate Broker for RE/MAX Advantage - Jonesboro

U.S. Bankruptcy Real Estate Sale Offers Below Market Pricing

Altimese Dees (The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:59:14 -0700

Deals, deals and more deals...I receive many calls from buyers and investors asking for a listing of bank foreclosures, but people, you may be overlooking, what I call, 'bankruptcy treasures'. Priced below market, these properties are usually located in well established neighborhoods and many need only minor repairs. Compare and save $$$. Bankruptcy properties are 'sold as is,' subject to bankruptcy court approval and offered for a limited time only.The following are my current inventory of homes:4358 Greenwillow Way, Conley, GA, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, split-level, large yard, big house for the money, $89,500.1834 Broad Ave., East Point, GA, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath cottage in Semmes Park, bonus room, new siding, screened front porch, 2-car detached garage, fenced b'yard, $114,900.1556 Carriage Lane, Jonesboro, GA, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath ranch, vaulted ceilings, fireplace, b'ful hardwood floors, updated kitchen with island, $114,900.522 Flint Ridge Court, Jonesboro, GA, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath ranch, fireplace, large level lot, 2-car garage, $132,900.1695 Cheryl Leigh Drive, Riverdale, GA, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath split level with sunroom, bonus room, 2-car garage, $156,000.In addition to my bankruptcy treasures, pre-foreclosures allow investors and first-time homebuyers to purchase BEFORE the property is sold on the courthouse steps. These properties are 'sold as is' and subject to bank approval. The following are my current inventory of homes:138 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., 6 bedrooms, 2 baths, Victorian-style home, high ceilings, 2 fireplaces, hardwood floors, formerly used as a boarding house, close to AUC campus, $154,900.191 Players Circle, Fayetteville, GA, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath ranch, fireplace, 2-car garage, located in the beautiful Rivers Edge (Swim, Tennis, Lake and Golf Community), $119,900.Photos of these properties are available on my website: www.altimesedees.com. Please fax offers to: Altimese Dees, RE/MAX Advantage, 770-473-2013. Investors -- if you would like to join my Investors Club and receive future notifications of bankruptcy sales, pre-foreclosures and foreclosures, please send an email to: altmd3@aol.com.

Clayton County Schools Need Help

Altimese Dees (The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC) — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 15:25:59 -0700

As a community, we must change the reality of Clayton County schools. I am a Realtor and I am tired of hearing statements like, "We're moving because of the school system," or "Just face it, the school system stinks." I have tried to contain myself, but now, it's time to get vocal. No more quiet little Altimese Dees as it relates to the school system. Now, I want results!Clayton County is such a wonderful place in which to live. Just today, I took my boys (Jammie - 9 and Darian - 2) exploring through our county. My boys love the outdoors, so today, we went to Reynolds Nature Preserve. It was our first visit and we enjoyed our walk through nature. My boys enjoyed running and laughing, while I embraced the peaceful atmosphere - away from city life.The day was going well until I received a phone call from my aunt. She gave me the news that the AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) reports were out. In a nutshell, Clayton County Schools as a whole did not make AYP this year: Out of 59 schools, 40 schools met AYP (67.8%); 19 schools did not meet AYP (32.2%). http://www.gadoe.org/ayp2007/overview.asp?SchoolID=631-0000-b-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-8-0-0According to a Clayton County Public Schools information sheet, $7,543.39 was spent per student for the 2006-07 year; the total number of students during this same period was 52,400. According to research compiled for the Special Town Hall Meeting for Realtors, our neighboring counties (DeKalb, Henry, Fulton, Fayette and Gwinnett) are spending less money per student, but receiving better results. This data tells me that MONEY is not the issue.So my question is, what's really going on? And, more importantly, what are we, as a community, going to do about it? We can no longer sit back and let the pieces fall where they may. Now, we must make a point to be seen in the Board meetings and in the schools. We must express our concerns and volunteer to help where needed. Each of us has something unique and special to give. Clayton County has many good qualities - beautiful houses with nice size lots (get more house for the money); close proximity to the airport and downtown Atlanta; and great people who live and work here. My hope is that the Clayton County Board of Education will make tough decisions that will undoubtedly improve education. I am praying for skilled and certified teachers who love what they do and are committed to our children's education. I envision leaders with a "no nonsense approach to our children's education." We, as parents and/or residents, must get involved. Please support Clayton County Schools!

Operation Save Clayton County, Georgia

Altimese Dees (The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:22:14 -0700

Clayton County, Georgia is a wonderful place to live. I've lived in the county now for about 13 years. Clayton County is only 15-20 minutes from downtown Atlanta and is within close proximity to Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport; in fact, a portion of the airport lies within this county. The biggest advantage of this county, in my opinion, is its 'affordability'. The property taxes are lower and an individual or family can buy a larger house for less money than its neighboring counties. It's also common to have a house with a good amount of land. There are also many beautiful areas and sights to see.Unfortunately, reports of crime and low test scores in some of its schools have had a negative impact on the county. My hope is that the school system, city and county officials and the community at large will ban together to fight crime and to improve education so that Clayton County will become a more desirable place in which to live.As a Realtor, I enjoy selling 'good real estate' - properties that have stood the test of time. Clayton County has some beautiful homes. I've had the privilege to list many homes in Clayton that were of quality construction with beautiful land. In my mission to save the integrity and property values in Clayton County, I recently coordinated a Special Town Hall Meeting for Realtors. In this meeting, school and county officials gave the vision and plans for the new Clayton County, which will include improved schools, reduced crime, new mixed-use developments and desirable shopping areas. These plans will hopefully begin soon. Please join me in my mission to save Clayton County and if you are looking to move to South Atlanta, consider Clayton County, the beautiful.

The Homebuying Market Has Changed

Altimese Dees (The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 14:27:26 -0700

Sellers, please take note that the homebuying market has changed. Yesterday, I read that there are approximately 99,500 homes on the market in Georgia. A large percentage of that are new homes. Sellers, when listing your house for sale, please make sure that it is prepared properly. The competition is steep. Many buyers want new houses or an older home in 'brand new' condition. Also, make sure that it's priced right so that it will attract the right buyers. If it's priced too high, it's sure to sit for a very long time.