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Dawsonville, GA Real Estate News

 Governor Perdue has signed HB 261,  creating a Georgia income tax credit up for the purchase of an eligible single-family residence.  Although we are happy that the tax credit made it to the signing table, there were a few changes from the original bill that was passed by the Senate. The credit is limited to eligible purchases made between June 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009.  If you have already closed on your home purchase this year, you will not receive the credit. The credit can be claimed only one time per taxpayer.  The final version of the bill contains an amendment to clarify condominiums and residences occupied at the time of sale are eligible for the credit.  In addition, eligible single family residences include : - new single family residences - previously occupied residence...
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I've been in the real estate business for more than a decade. I have worked for a broker who would not allow any adjustments to commissions, and broker's who let me charge whatever I wanted. One broker I worked for actually had a discount listing option and I admit that I used it a few times.  So, I preface by saying that in some very rare cases, it may be necessary to have such an option available. However, my theory about commissions is that the clients could care less..as long as they get what they want and are happy with the services they received from you. Yesterday on the way home from a closing, my client said to me " I know you don't make alot of money on this, and I just want to thank you for everything you have done for me. I appreciate it so much. And, give me another busines...
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Sometimes things don't turn out exactly the way we like, but if you are the kind of person that always looks for the positive in the situation you will appreciate this update. When Saxby Chambliss worked so very hard to pass the $15,000 Federal Tax Credit we were so proud that it did at least reach the House floor. However, as you know the credit we wound up with is the $8,000 tax credit only available to first time home buyers (which is anyone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years )  We were disappointed that the original amount was changed, but we are happy that we did get the $8,000. Senator Chip Pearson worked very hard to get the Georgia House Bill 261 $3,600 tax credit for Georgians, and again we were disappointed that the amount was reduced. The Georgia Tax Credit for Home...
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I just got word that Bill 261 for a $3600 tax credit for Georgia residents has just.....PASSED THE SENATE!!! This will be in addition to the federal tax credit and available to ALL HOMEBUYERS...not just first time homebuyers in the state of Georgia! I do not know at this moment if the bill passed as it was originally written, or if changes were made. As soon as I get the details, I will update! What awesome news today. Special thanks to our State Senator Chip Pearson for his efforts in helping get this bill passed. Senator Pearson has been working alongside the Georgia Home Builders Association and local associations to get this kind of legislation passed and aid in the housing recovery. I would ask that everyone reading this post please email Senator Pearson and thank him for his hard ...
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By Alan Grizzle, Full Time Realtor, Lifelong Resident of Dahlonega
(Chestatee Real Estate)
Things seem to be picking up. Some of my listings are getting shown. I spent the day showing two different buyers. My website http://www.AlanGrizzle.com is getting a lot of traffic. One of todays buyers came from it. They are ready and would like to buy a mobile home on land for $65,000. It nees to be in Dawsonville or Cumming Georgia. I expect to get a lease purchase signed tomorrow afternoon. We have a new program for land. We have sellers who are willing to owner finance with a low down payment. We take the commission in payments over 35 months to allow someone to buy a lot for little money down. This is great for someone who would like to start paying on a lot to build on later. Please let me know if you know someone who may be interested. I can be reached at AlanGrizzle@AlanGrizzle...
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The phones have been ringing! Buyers are looking! Homes for Sale are going under contract. I faxed an offer on a foreclosure property last weekend that already had at least one offer on the table. Another one I called about had 4 offers pending review by the seller. What does this all mean to you the buyer, and how can you get a great deal on a home? Is there really a secret way to get on the 'inside track' , or is there really an 'inside track' in the first place?  First I'm going to tell you that there is no secret. However, there are some tips that I can share with you to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date information and are able to find that 'great deal' that you are searching for. Follow this Do and Don't information and you will be on your way to finding your own GREAT D...
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By Erin Shawver
(Solid Source Realty GA)
As the leading advocate for homeownership, the National Association of REALTORS® aggressively supports the mortgage interest deduction (MID) because it helps people become and remain homeowners. The MID has been part of the federal tax code since it was first enacted in 1913. A home purchase - the largest investment most families will ever make - builds family wealth, provides tax revenues for local governments and stimulates growth in all housing-related industries. According the most recent IRS tax return data available, 63 percent of the families who claim the MID earn between $50,000 and $200,000 per year. While in any particular year only about one-third of taxpayers itemize, of the taxpayers who do itemize deductions, more than 81 percent take the MID. NAR strongly opposes any att...
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By Kimberly Luna
I didn't watch the awards show last evening. However, I did pause there for a few moments to see 2 awards given for best costume and best art design. The show seemed a bit boring and trivial to me, no offense to you if you are a die hard awards show fan. I believe that people should be free to create movies, and have entire evenings dedicated to awarding the participants for their achievements. I also believe that if an entertainer/actor earns millions of dollars in their pursuits, it is theirs to do as they please. I love to hear stories of these people giving back to worthy causes and providing much needed dollars to help those in need. And whether they hoard or give, it's really none of my business. This is a free country. Having said that, I couldn't help but wonder how many million...
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Do you feel confused about tax credits? Did it seem to you that every day of the week last week produced a different description of the facts? It's time to clear up the confusion! From careful examination of the facts, I believe I can truthfully explain to you what the tax credits for homebuyers in the new stimulus plan really means to you. The Stimulus Plan contains a new tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Essentially, first-time homebuyers within certain income limits who purchase a home in 2009 before December 1, 2009 will receive a tax credit of up to $8,000. The program is similar to the $7,500 tax credit which applied to home purchases made in 2008 after    April 9. While the Senate version originally included a $15,000 tax credit for all homebuyers, to lower the cost of the St...
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By Kimberly Luna
  As a member of the Home Builders Association, we have been discussing and promoting the bill introduced by Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., to advance a $15,000 homebuyers tax break, with the intent to help revive the housing industry.   I am so happy to report that the Senate voted Wednesday night to give a tax break of up to $15,000 to homebuyers. The proposal would allow a tax credit of 10 percent of the value of new or existing residences, up to a $15,000 limit. (Current law provides for a $7,500 tax break for the purchase of new homes only) Of course this bill could be changed as the measure makes its way through Congress over the next 10 days or so, but it's baby steps in the right direction. I realize that it's not going to help those who are struggling now to keep their homes. I th...
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This is my first day back after a wicked 'bout with the flu. It hit me suddenly and without warning. Once I finally relented to the fact that I was sick, the only thing I could think about was that TV commercial where the doctor tells the woman she has the flu and she's sorting through her day-planner looking for somewhere to schedule it. She finally replies to the doctor that she doesn't have any room in her schedule for the flu. Life is like that isn't it? You're going along all wrapped up in your day to day business and then, WHAM! , something unexpected and unplanned causes you to put everything on hold. Your first response is to fight it, get angry, or 'pitch a hissy fit'. But eventually you have to give in and deal with it. You realize that what you thought was so important really...
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If you listen to the media, they would have you to believe that there are foreclosure properties on every corner. Since most of our news comes from Atlanta, you have to remember that real estate is local. What has happened in Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties does not reflect on Dawson County. The number of foreclosure properties in Dawson is not even percentage wise anything close to areas such as Gwinnett County. However there ARE and HAVE BEEN foreclosure properties in Dawson County, and there will continue to be as the economy remains unstable. What does this mean to you, a homeowner? If there have been foreclosure properties in your neighborhood, this may have affected the value of your home. If you question the assessed value of your home on your property tax bill, you can file ...
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STATE SENATOR CHIP PEARSON, who has been reappointed as Chairman of the Senate Economic Development Committee by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. The reappointment was announced last week. (Senator Pearson serves Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, Union, and part of Forsyth and White Counties.) I'm excited to have Senator Pearson on our side in these trying times.  In a statement to the press Senator Pearson says that the state's housing market may be a good place to start, and a catalyst to get past this downturn. Senator Pearson says he will push to cut unnecessary red tape and regulations in the lending industry to allow more people to purchase homes. At a recent meeting with members of the state Senate and House Economic Development Committees, several options...
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There's alot of talk these days about agent safety. I've noticed that as the economic crunch goes on, crime is on the rise. Being near the metro Atlanta area, the daily news is full of tales of robbery, home invasions and the like. Recently, a couple in the metro Atlanta area robbed three different real estate agents within 2-3 days. Why? Agents are not being as safe as they should be. I know there are many 'macho' men reading this and thinking that "This is for the women." Did you know that statistics show that more MEN are actually killed in robberies than women? So Listen Up! Living and working in Dawsonville, GA is not like "the big city". Crime here is very low, and I could easily forget to be a safe agent. However, crime can occur anywhere at any time and you should always practic...
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By Kimberly Luna
It's hard to believe, but 2008 is coming to an end. As we look ahead to 2009 with anticipation and excitement, we also may find ourselves wondering where the time has gone! I believe that nothing is ever lost. Time is not lost, because what has passed lives on and gives us wisdom. Someone asked me yesterday why people wait until they are 'old' to make life changing decisions, and why don't they do the smart things earlier? I say it's never too late to make your life better. This is not a dress rehearsal. You must make the most of every moment and never look back, only look ahead! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening, the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you fail...
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This is for those of you who, like me, have suffered a loss in your life. Maybe your loss was years ago, and you still feel sad during this 'Season of Joy'. For me, it was to be my only child. I lost him on December 14, 1999. A close friend of mine lost her father-in-law suddenly about 2 weeks ago. And this week, our County Manager's mother-in-law passed away from a sudden illness.  My dear friend and 'partner in crime', Julie,  is feeling a tremendous loss this year without her mother, who passed away earlier this year. I hope this blesses your heart, as it has mine.                        My first Christmas in Heaven I see the countless Christmas trees, around the world. With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away your t...
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By Terry Cooksey, Associate Broker
(Keller Williams Realty Community Partners)
First of all, a BIG shout-out of Thanks to Kimberly Wilson for her constant encouragement. She really is the one that got me blogging. One of my first attempts in this arena dealt with something very near and dear to my heart. Family pets, or the current rash of "Displaced Family Pets". Well here we go again, old softie has some more pet friendly information to share with you. The Dawson County Humane Society held another one of their fund raisers this past Sunday, Pet photos with Santa Clause. My wife Lynda was the photographer for this event, she normally takes pictures of small children at Day Care Facilities and Pre-Schools. But Sunday was different, Lynda & I do not have children, so on Sunday our little family of rescued dogs were to have their "special moment" with with Santa. I ...
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By Kimberly Luna
What an interesting weekend! So much happened to get my mind on 'speed dial' I debated on my topic this morning. On Saturday, the sentencing for Brian Nichols was completed. Brian Nichols was convicted of the Fulton County courthouse shooting THREE YEARS ago. I'm not even going to get into the aspects of the trial or the who's or why's of the entire ordeal or why he should or should not have gotten the death penalty. My attention to the outcome and the reason I became glued to the TV to watch as the sentences were read was to see Brian Nichols reaction to it all. I watched his facial movements, expressions, hand gestures, and where he was staring with his cold, dark eyes. Of course I wondered what he was thinking. Was he sorry? Was he remorseful? It was hard to tell. So I let my mind wo...
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By Craig Warren, Farms/Land /Estates
( Complete Contractors, Inc.)
Lets start with how the REAL Estate commission actually breaks down.Real estate agent commissions or realtor commissions are fees paid to thelisting (representing the house for sale) and selling (representing thebuyer of the house) agent at the close of a real estate sales transaction.These fees can vary from one real estate deal to the next, or real estateagency, or market region. Realtor commissions are usually determined by thereal estate office, agency, or market region.Commissions are shared between the listing and selling (buyer) agents.Furthermore, the "house" or real estate agency for each agent gets a cut. Anaverage commission breakdown as follows:House sales price: $200,000Commission percentage: 6%Total commission: $12,000 (6% of $200,000)Listing agent percentage: 3% (of $200,...
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WHEN? Now is the time. Now is the best time. To BUY..that is! WHY? Interest rates fell sharply last week to a little over 5% ! That, combined with the fact that many sellers are desperately trying to sell their homes before the new year starts- the prices are terrific! HOW? All of Dawson and Lumpkin County qualifies for the Rural Development Loan Program! Don't just assume that no one is buying and that you can't either. This government backed program is terrific and can help you buy a home with little or no money down!What? What should you do now? Don't hesitate! Call me today and let's see if we can help you get a great deal on a home of your own!Where? I have properties available in Forsyth, Dawson & Lumpkin Counties, from under $100,000 to over $375,000. Don't listen to the media's...
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