The Lady of Realty: Bethlehem, GA Real Estate: July 2009

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Dear Seller: Are You Sure You Want to Sell Your Home?

The other day I was out showing a Buyer a few houses and the most embarrassing thing happened! We arrived at our final home of the day; I walked to the front door--rang the doorbell and knocked loudly (just in case the Sellers had not left the property yet), retrieved the key from the lock box and let ourselves in...

What we encountered upon entering took me completely by surprise...the stench that flooded our noses was disgusting, no lights what so ever were turned. We creeped in a little further in the living room and about tripped over the mounds and mounds of dirty clothes, toys and other crap haphazardly tossed everywhere.

The place felt so dirty I was hesitant to even turn on the lights! My Buyer and I walked over to the kitchen...we had found the source of the smell!! Stacks and stacks of dirty dishes with leftover food stuck to the plates. Oh gross!

I cautiously looked over at my client to see how he was handling the place--one look at his face and I suggested we leave right then, no need to see the rest of the home! My client wondered aloud as we left "if that's the way they take care of their home, I wonder what maintenance and other repairs they've neglected to take care of." He is absolutely right!

Where is their pride of ownership? Has their agent not explained to them how a home should look for a showing...it's not like I didn't call two days in advance to schedule the appointment!! Do they not want to get their home sold?

I was completely embarrassed that I had chosen to show my client that home!! Especially since we had just come from a home that was perfectly staged and had great curb appeal--the owner of that home is also an agent, but still! Upon entering her home we were greeted by soft, pleasant music, the lights were on and the blinds were opened. It smelled good, but not too overbearing. And except for a few of the closets, it was clutter free! No dirty laundry, no gross dishes, everything in its place so the true features of the home could shine! Now THAT is how every home should look for a showing!

Sellers: If you want your home to sell, make it looks its best for showings! Agents: Please coach your client on what to do before a showing!

(Not an actual photo from the place, we weren't there long enough to take one!)

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It's a great time to buy a home in Georgia, whether you're a first-time home buyer or not, and I would love to walk you through this process. If you are in the market to buy or sell your home in the Bethlehem or Dacula area, I would be happy to assist you! My passion is helping people find their dream home and stepping them through this exciting journey. I serve the Walton, Barrow and Gwinnett county areas. Call or text me today: 404.357.2231!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: Looking Up

If you are in the market to buy or sell your home in the Bethlehem or Dacula area, I would be happy to assist you! My passion is helping people find their dream home and stepping them through this exciting journey. I serve the Walton, Barrow and Gwinnett county areas. Call or text me today! 404.357.2231

Thursday, July 23, 2009

What Do I Need to Know About Getting Pre-Qualified for a Home Loan?

I work with a lot of first-time home buyers, you may be one of them, and I'm asked all the time what is involved with getting pre-qualified for a home loan. To be honest I didn't have all the answers, so I interviewed the loan officer that I trust the most, Kurt Owen from BB&T's Covington, Georgia branch. Here's what he has to say on this topic:

1. What documents do people need to get pre-qualified? For a preq-ualification, it is helpful to have your most recent paystub, bank statements, W-2, and tax returns available. Though no documents are actually collected at this stage, it will help you be more accurate with the lender, which in turn will give them a better idea of what you can qualify for.

2. What are the basic requirements for obtaining a loan? I've always heard you must hold the same job for at least two years, is that true? Requirements vary from loan to loan, but 2 years in the same line of work is preferred. It is not a requirement, though, unless they are self employed, commission paid, or paid with a 1099.

3. What kind of questions do you ask people? Normally, to take a pre-qualification, I ask for: Names, birthdates, social security numbers, address history (2 years), contact numbers, work history (2 years) including addresses phone and pay, family information (married/single/divorced, kids, how many), Asset information (checking, savings, retirement, other), and what they are looking for as a payment. Then, based on the answers given, I may ask follow up questions that could range from child support to gift information for the down payment.

4. Once you're pre-qualified, how long are you approved for? It is important to know that a prequalification is not an approval or even a pre-approval. Pre-qualifications are based on verbal information only, do not set an interest rate, and are not underwritten. However, most major roadblocks can be identified through a prequalification, and they are normally accepted by most agents as an indication that the borrower they are dealing with is, barring an unexpected issue, probably able to obtain financing. For the most part, any lender can issue a prequalification without much of a problem, but it could have many "holes" in it. A true pre-approval means that documents are collected just like an application, and the loan is approved "subject to" an appraisal and identified property.

5. Is there anything else you would like to add to explain how this process works? Most prequalification's can be taken over the phone or in person in about 30 minutes, but leave more time available so that you can ask questions. You should have a response in 24-48 hours after applying for a prequalification, though you should ask the lender for a time estimate. Always tell the lender how much you are comfortable spending and have your prequalification based on that number.

Here's a little information about Kurt so you can get to know him better:

My name is Kurt Owen. I started in the mortgage industry in 2003, but have been with BB&T since 2006. I have lived in the area for 25+ years and have no plans of leaving. We have a wide range of products to service clients with varied needs including FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, Construction/Permanent, and Non Conforming loans. I will work hard to make sure my clients are in a loan they are comfortable with, understand, and can afford. BB&T is safe and strong.

Our mission is "Helping our clients achieve economic success and financial security."

Office: 770.385.2635 E-mail: kowen@BBandT.com

I hope this has increased your knowledge on the pre-qualification process, especially if you're a first-time home buyer in the beginning stages of looking for a home. It's best to get pre-qualified for a loan before you start looking at properties--this will ensure that you don't fall in love with a home that is out of your price point. Kurt would be happy to help you determine how much you can afford and be comfortable with.

If you don't currently have a Realtor and you want to purchase a home, please contact me at 404.357.2231. And if you're a first-time home buyer you still have a few months left to take advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit and the $1,800 Georgia tax credit.

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It's a great time to buy a home in Georgia, whether you're a first-time home buyer or not, and I would love to walk you through this process. If you are in the market to buy or sell your home in the Bethlehem or Dacula area, I would be happy to assist you! My passion is helping people find their dream home and stepping them through this exciting journey. I serve the Walton, Barrow and Gwinnett county areas. Call or text me today: 404.357.2231!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Who Doesn't Love Banana Pudding?

Gooey. Creamy. Tasty. Easy. Those are the words I would use to describe this banana pudding recipe! It's so simple to make yet so delicious that you better watch out or you may eat the whole thing! The great thing about this recipe is that it makes a huge amount. It serves at least 12 people so it's great to take to the next family gathering or the potluck supper at church on Sunday.

INGREDIENTS:

1 bag of vanilla wafers or 2 bags Peperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 Cups milk
1 5-ounce box instant French vanilla pudding
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed

DIRECTIONS:

Line bottom of a 13x9x2-inch dish with cookies and put bananas on top.
Blend milk with pudding mix well with a handheld electric mixer.
Beat cream cheese and condensed milk together in a bowl until smooth; fold in whipped topping.
Add to pudding mixture, stirring until well blended.
Pour mixture over cookies and bananas; cover with remaining cookies.
Refrigerate.
Eat, eat, eat!

Okay, a few quick notes about this recipe: if you want to make a lighter version of this (so you can eat more *smile*) then use skim milk, neufchatel cheese (it's the low-fat version of cream cheese--tastes the same) and light whipped topping. It still tastes the same I promise!

Also, I think that crushing the cookies for the top layer makes the presentation prettier. And I think this recipe is better if it's made a day in advance and has time to chill in the refrigerator for several hours--I believe it makes the texture better because the cookies get soft and gooey.

ENJOY!

You know, I would really enjoy any wonderful dessert recipes you have...leave your best recipe in the comment section please

(This recipe is found in Paula Deen's cookbook: The Lady & Sons: Just Desserts)
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Friday, July 10, 2009

Pathways to Professionalism: Respect for Peers

The following are some professional courtesies that every REALTOR should strive for. Using good manners is important in this business that is built on relationships. These 12 suggestions are all ways that show respect for peers.

1. Identify your REALTOR and professional status in all contacts with other REALTORS.

2. Respond to other agents' calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously.

3. Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients.

4. Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.

5. Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets; security systems; and whether sellers will be present during the showing.

6. Show courtesy, trust and respect to other real estate professionals.

7. Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.

8. Do not prospect at other REALTORS open houses or similar events.

9. Return keys promptly.

10. Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.

11. To be successful in the business, mutual respect is essential.

12. Real estate is a reputation business. What you do today may affect your reputation - and business - for years to come.

If you missed the other two parts of this topic, please click the links:

Respect for Property

Respect for the Public

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Summer Time

Monday, July 6, 2009

All About Georgia Property Taxes: Part 2

In the first part of this short series I explained what the Georgia property taxes are based on, how the assessed value is determined and what a millage rate is. Today I'm going to discuss the homestead exemption and how to appeal tax assessments.

If you want to catch up on the first part, click the link: All About Georgia Property Taxes: Part 1

Homestead Exemption:

In Georgia, the most common exemption people apply for is the Homestead Exemption, which allows Georgia homeowners to receive a reduction in the tax assessed against their primary residence. This exemption and most other exemptions are not automatically given; instead, they require the homeowner to apply for them and the exemption then must be approved.

You may apply for this exemption if you have lived in your home since January 1st of the year in which the tax becomes due and it must be your primary residence. Also, you need to file for this exemption by April 1st or else you'll have to wait until the following year. Once you've been approved for this exemption though you don't have to file for it each year; the only time it would need to be filed again is if ownership of the home changed.

Other exemptions that are available are ones for disabled veterans, housholds that have an income of less than $30,000 annually, and to surviving spouses of firemen or policemen killed while on the job.

Appealing Tax Assessments:

The proper time to appeal a tax assessment is whenever the homeowner receives assessment notice in the mail; it will be marked "This is not a bill." A lot of homeowners will disregard it since it's not a bill, but as soon as you get it in the mail you'll want to go on your county's website and file a property tax return. The deadline for this in most counties is April 1st, but you'll want to check your country's website to be sure.

Once the property tax return is filed, the Board of Assessors will get the property re-appraised. If the Board accepts the lowered value, the assessed value will also be reduced and nothing is left for the homeowner to do. However, if they re-appraise it at a higher value, a new assessment notice will be mailed and the homeowner can then file an appeal.

A reassessment notice will show the previous year's value of the property, the current year's value and a statement saying the owner has 45 days to appeal the assessment. You must make your appeal in writing, to do so simply write a letter to the Board of Assessors. It's best to send this via certiifed mail. In the letter you need to include the property address, the tax identification number and state your reasons for the appeal.

After you've filed your appeal, you should follow it up with a more thorough detailed letter with your reasons to appeal. In addition, it's wise to arrange a meeting with the appraiser assigned to your property to discuss your appeal. However, the more non-confrontational you are with the appraiser, the more likely your meeting will go in your favor.

At the meeting with the appraiser, present your evidence for lowering the value of the home--this could be a settlement statement showing the purchase price of the property, comparable sales information or an appraisal. Other ways to prove your case are if portions of the property are in a flood zone, zoning restrictions or covenants that bring the property's value down.

The Board of Assessors will then make their decision, which must be in writing and will either be: 1. no change to the assessment, 2. a change in the assessment to the amount claimed by the owner and 3. an altogether separate change. If the Board chooses not to make any change to the assessment, they must write both the homeowner and the Board of Equilization stating their reasons for denial; the homeowner can then file an appeal with the Board of Equilization. If they make an altogether different decision, the owner may either accept it or file a written appeal within 21 days to the Board of Equilization.

I hope you've learned a lot more about Georgia property taxes and what it takes to file exemptions and appeals.

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Thursday, July 2, 2009

New Listing: 3 Bed/3 Bath Home for Sale in Monroe, GA on 2.5 Acres

If you are shopping for a home why not take a look at this beautiful 3 bedroom and 3 bath home for sale in Monroe, Georgia. It's located a large 2.5 acre lot and also has an 18'x20' shop on the property.

Come sit on the large rocking chair front porch and cool off with a glass of sweet tea. Or enjoy the stacked stone fireplace and built-in shelving in the family room.

You'll love the over-sized master bedroom with its trey ceiling. And the master bath is spacious and features dual vanities, a garden tub, separate shower and walk-in closet.

For more photos or information about this property, please visit:

www.3834MountCarmelChurchRd.com

Watch the virtual tour:

Make an appointment to view this home; call Anne at 404.357.2231