I posted a USDA/Rural Development blog last week that provided the general requirements for USDA qualification in Houston County GA. Below are more specific Middle Georgia requirements for the USDA Rural Development and USDA Rural Development Direct Mortgage programs.  Funded up to 100% of appraised value  If sufficient value, closing costs/prepaids can be rolled into loan amount Property and household eligibility is required Check your USDA Income and Property Eligibility  Income for all persons over 18 who will be living in the home determines eligibility Houston County, GA 1-4 persons in household - Maximum income is $75,500 5-8 persons in household - Maximum income is $99,750 Peach County, GA 1-4 persons in household - Maximum income is $73,600 5-8 persons in household - Maximum inc... 10/02/2010

 ColdwellBanker SSK in Warner Robins GA is hosting two Open Houses this Sunday (3 Oct) in the local community.  Locations/Times/Hosts are listed below.  Come out, meet the agents, and preview your future home. 202 Lasso Drive (Warner Robins), 2-5pm, Shabreia Mackey95 Sweet Bay (Warner Robins), 2-4pm, Amy Wilkes  10/01/2010

Looking for something to do in Gordon GA on Oct 2nd?  As part of the towns 125th birthday celebration, participate in the 11th Annual Fall Line Festival 5K.  The event starts at 8:00a "On The Green" in downtown Gordon, winds through adjoining neighborhoods, and finishes on Main Street.Cost is $20 on race day.  For only $5 more, you can enjoy the "Fun Run" directly after the Fall Line Festival 5K is over.Stay around after the race and enjoy a classic car show, arts and crafts, free entertainment, antique tractor events, activities for kids, food, and a piece of the free birthday cake.  This event is a Run and See Georgia Grand Prix race and part of the Macon Tracks Piedmont Sports Medicine Race Series.    09/29/2010

The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program provides an affordable way for low-to-moderate income Georgia individuals and families to purchase a home. The program provides a 30-year fixed, low-interest rate mortgage loan.Also available with the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program are down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible buyers.For more details about this program and others available to qualified buyers, contact your Warner Robins Realtor at Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA  09/29/2010

I have been looking for a good clone/backup software ever since my laptop hard drive crashed last month and the Microsoft pre-installed backup/restore utility was unable to recover my data.  I was fortunate enough to run across an AR blog post by Dusty Carr that mentioned Acronis as a good cloning tool.  I did my research, compared the product with other software, and ended up purchasing a copy of Acronis True Image Home 2011.   After using the Acronis software for the last 2 weeks, I absolutely love it!  I was able to clone my existing laptop (OS, settings, files...EVERYTHING) in just under an hour onto an external hard drive.  I then loaded that image on my backup laptop in under 30 minutes.  Within 90 minutes I had 2 identical PCs and an "extra" copy of my system/files on the externa... 09/28/2010

Warner Robins Homes for sale: New construction in Warner Robins, GA Posted on September 27, 2010 by Ethan Hutten Houston County, GA has approximately 163 active new construction listings in the local MLS.  Prices of these homes for sale in the Warner Robins area range from $99,000 to $725,000.   112 Great Oak Way, Warner Robins, GA $155,000   The number of new homes available in Warner Robins is actually much higher, if you include homes built over 1 yr ago that never sold, and several new communities that do not list homes in the local MLS.  209 Piedmont Lane, Bonaire, GA $173,900   With a large inventory of unsold new homes, many builders are motivated to move their inventory quickly.  In addition to very affordable prices, builders are also throwing in free upgrades, flat screen TVs,... 09/27/2010

So far I am the first real estate agent in the Warner Robins market to utilize QR codes and starting to see very positive results.  If your looking for a REALTOR in the Warner Robins area to market your home with a balance of traditional methods and cutting edge new technologies please contact me at: ethanhutten@gmail.com or visit my website at Warner Robins Homes For Sale. This morning I came across this article with some great suggestion on how to utilize this new technology. via AGENTGENIOUS.COM: Top 10 ways to use QR codes in your real estate marketing   "....#1- Sign riders.I was already purchasing a sign rider for each listing with the property URL on it, so I added a QR code for the url, as well. #2- Newspaper.I had the local media come do a story on what QR Codes are and how I a... 09/27/2010

The Warner Robins Museum of Aviation will host the 18th Annual Wings and Wheels Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show on October 9th. Admission is free and the gates are open from 9:00a to 5:00p. Attendees can also win prizes, bid in a silent auction, check out the food and car-related vendors, and visit the museum.Oldies disc jockey Tommy Landrum and Ann Hansen (Lowes Toyota TV/Radio personality and former drag bike participant) will be on-site.    Vehicle registration is $20 prior to Oct. 1st and $25 after that date.  For early registration, click on either site listed above.All Active Duty, Active Reserve or National Guard military members receive a $5 registration discount.Vehicles for sale may enter a non-competitive Car Corral for $10. There are expected to be over 250 vehicles and over ... 09/27/2010

 Sellers, are you "guilty" of any of the following: Failure to keep up with repairs (Faucet leaking? Shingles missing? Siding torn? Window broke?) Overpricing (Price your home based on your Realtor® suggestions.  They are your market experts) Did not update interior (Brass is out, so is wallpaper.  Don't be offended, just make the changes.  Don't know where to start...visit model homes and see what builders are doing) Let landscaping get out of control (Trim hedges, mow/weed-eat/edge, use mulch, plant flowers, fix broken borders, etc.) Too emotionally attached (Do you REALLY want to sell?  Keep the memories and let the house go)  House too personalized (Remove family photos, offensive material, trophies, your taxidermy collection, etc. Don't make potential buyers look past your keepsake... 09/22/2010

ColdwellBanker SSK in Warner Robins GA is hosting eight Open House this Sunday (26 Sep) in the local community.  Locations/Times/Hosts are listed below. 120 Cheshire Drive (Warner Robins), 2-4pm, Kathy Sellers109 Emberly Lane (Warner Robins), 2-5pm, Amy Wilkes 114 Yarrow Blvd (Bonaire), 2-4pm, Shabreia Mackey15B JW Edwards Drive (Byron), 2-4pm, Amanda McCranie204 Ellen Court (Warner Robins), 3-5pm, De Markham220 Fairways Drive (Warner Robins), 2:30-4:30pm, Donn Lewis106 American Blvd (Warner Robins), 2-4pm, John RallsLot 24 Will Way (Byron), 2-4pm, Donna Lewis 09/22/2010

The Georgia National Fairgrounds The fairgrounds in Perry will be opening on October 7th at 3 p.m. I ordered some advance midway tickets online because they are much cheaper if you buy them in advance. I also signed up to receive the fairgrounds newsletter by email. I added a link on my website for anyone wishing to look at the upcoming events, dates, shows, and schedules.     Here is the link for more information: http://www.johncobbmiddlega.com/Warner_Robins_GA_Homes_%7C_Houses_for_Sale_in_Warner_Robins_Georgia_homes_for_sale.shtml     09/22/2010

Runners delight!  Macon GA is hosting two 5K runs on 25 Sep.The first race is the 1st Annual All About Animals Rescue Run, starts at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 8:00a, and costs $20 to race.  The existing shelter is having to vacate it's current location by Oct. 1st.  The proceeds from this run will help fund a new animal shelter.The second race is the Juanita June Diabetes Awareness 5K.  It starts at New Hope International at 9:00a.  Cost is your donation...the organizers hope to raise $25,000 to help fight Diabetes.Bring your family, walk if you can't run, and support either/both of these outstanding causes!  09/21/2010

Robins Air Force Base is hosting the 21st Annual Georgia Invitational Golf Tournament on 23 Sep.  The 2-day tournament is sponsored by the Warner Robins Museum of Aviation.  Play starts at noon on the 23rd and 8:00a and 1:30p on the 24th at the Pine Oaks Golf Course.  Participants will play 3 rounds over the 2 days with prizes after each round.  The foursomes will play a scramble format. The single player fee is $250.  For full details, call 478-926-6870.  Over the years, the tournament has raised over $5M for the Museum of Aviation.  This year, U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss will be the Honorary Tournament Chairman.  Prizes include over $30K in golf equipment to the top foursomes.    09/20/2010

EXIT Success Realty (Warner Robins, GA) officially launched the "Homes for Heroes" program Saturday, at the Museum of Aviation, in Warner Robins, GA.  The Homes For Heroes program offers huge savings for Local "Heroes" when buying or selling a home. Heroes are defined as military personnel, teachers, firefighters, police officers, and health care workers.   The program is absolutely free for heroes who serve our nation and its communities everyday. A hero simply registers on-line and immediately starts receiving substantial rebates, savings and discounts from REALTORS, lenders and real estate service providers. Affiliated REALTORS will donate 25% of their gross commission to the Hero when they purchase or sell a home. In addition, Heroes will not pay more than a 1/2% loan origination f... 09/20/2010

When moving with kids, below are some quick tips for before, during, and after the move.  The smoother the transition, the quicker your kids will adjust and accept the new home and community. Before the Move Communicate with your kids.  Tell them why, how, when, and where you are moving.  They will be anxious so help alleviate their concerns and fears by talking them through the process.     Get them involved.  Let them sort their own stuff, clean their room, prepare signs for a yard sale, and even mark the boxes that will go in their room. Provide information about the new community to spark their interest (i.e. parks, sports, school/community programs, etc.). Let them prepare a list of the features their new room could have.  If feasible/practical, take them with you on the house hunt... 09/20/2010

Run in today's Run & See Georgia Grand Prix event.  This event includes a 5K and 10K starting at 08:00a and a Fun Run at 08:30a.  The race begins at Northway Church on Zebulon Road in Macon.  Cost is $15. All monies raised benefit families affected by medical illness.  Free childcare is available for the race participants.  After the race, enjoy a free kids festival with large inflatables, face painting, games, & concessions.   09/17/2010

The Warner Robins Demons have yet to score this season and are currently 0-2 in 1-AAAA play.  They suit up on the road at Colquitt County (Moultrie, GA) tonight at 7:30.  With 4 state titles, and 2 national championships, this proud program is expecting a turn for the best.The 1-AAAA Northside Eagles are undefeated (2-0) and have outscored their opponents 73-0 so far this season.  They play Lakeside tonight, in Lakeside GA, at 7:30.  The Eagles won back-to-back state titles in 2006-2007 and have been in the hunt each season since (state runner-up in 2009).The Houston County Bears, also in 1-AAAA, are 2-0 on the season and play away at Americus tonight (7:30).  The team has yet to gain state/national recognition but has a strong squad this season.Veterans High School is a brand new publi... 09/17/2010

The 2010 Georgia Golden Olympics will be held in Warner Robins Georgia on 22-25 Sept.  The event is the Georgia qualifier for the 2011 National Competition (seniors) scheduled for June 16-30, 2011 in Houston, Texas.   The competition is open to all persons aged 50 and older.  Events  include cycling, swimming, 5Ks (run, walk, and race walk), track and field, and much more.  There are several age divisions and levels of ability to make it a fun and competitive event for all.  Medals will be awarded for each age category too. For more details, contact the event coordinator at (770) 867-3603 or goldenolympics.ga@gmail.com.   09/15/2010

  ColdwellBanker SSK in Warner Robins GA is hosting five Open House this Sunday (19 Sep) in the local community.  Locations/Times/Hosts are listed below. 120 Cheshire Drive (Warner Robins), 2-4pm, Kathy Sellers102 Halidon Drive (Warner Robins), 2-4pm, Ilia Durham 211 Covington Cove (Byron), 12-1:30pm, Juanson Pitt97 Haven Crest (Bonaire), 3-5pm, De Markham124 Fernwood Drive (Warner Robins), 2-4pm, Trinette Rosales   09/13/2010

What:  Summer Bash 2010When: Saturday, Sep 25 4:00p to 8:00pWhere: Robins AFB, GA. (Robins Park, located on the corner of Warner Robins and Ninth Streets)The event brings a variety of entertainment for all family members to include attractions, face painting, games, prize drawings, and rides. Armbands are $5 and provide unlimited access to all games and rides.  Summer Bash is open to all base ID cardholders. Prizes include a 42" HDTV, blue ray DVD player, laptop, gas grill, tent, camera, IPod, and more. Entertainment will include the Air Force Reserve Generations band.  Summer Bash is the Services Division's annual customer appreciation program and provides the Robins community one last opportunity for some fun in the sun.  Sponsors for this year's event include Robins Federal Credit Un... 09/12/2010