Finishing A Basement
March 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Having lived in Atlanta for most of my adult life, I have been exposed to basements and how they can be utilized to create addition space for homeowners. Recently several clients who are relocating to the metro Atlanta area from coastal areas have posed questions about basements and numerous questions about finishing a basement.
Finishing a basement is very similar to most other remodeling projects, with the exception that for this project your contractor should get a building permit from the county. By being permitted, your project will be inspected by the county to make certain that it is being built to current code.
The most important part of a project of this nature is to have a clear mental picture of what you want to do with the various spaces that are creating in the finished basement. You must then communicate to the contractor what you want and the contractor must communicate back with you and make additional suggestions toward refining the space. You should find that after a few conversations with your contractor you are both on the same sheet and the project can begin.
Why Did The Agent Get Mad
March 26, 2007 | 1 Comment
This was a question asked on Saturday at the Home Buyer’s Seminar. Several of the attendee’s had recently visited new home subdivisions on their own and when telling the on site sgent that they were working with a buyer’s agent, stated they really got a cold shoulder. They wanted to know why? Other than the fact that the on site agent would now have to split the commission, there does not seem to be a good answer.
I know many on site agents, and they do not have a problem with a buyer having representation from a buyer’s agent. As a matter of fact, while waiting for a buyer to get to his walk through last week the on site agent told me that she and her partner had written contracts on 10 homes in the new subdivision the previous week. After congratulating her I asked what they attributed their success to. She told me that they had gone to many of the local brokers meetings and promoted the subdivision. She also stated that several agents in her office had inquired as to why they would do this and have to split the commission. Her responce was what I would have expected from her, half of something is better than all of nothing.
With the recent data provided by the National Association of REALTORS showing that new home sales were not only down for last year, but not expected to rebound as quickly as resale home sales this year could shed some light on the question. Possibly the subdivisions that were visited by the attendees were being represented by agents who had experienced the downturn in sales and income in the previous year. Regardless of the situation, my recommendation to all agents is to treat all buyer’s with due respect.
It’s Spring Cleaning Time
March 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment
So much for the indoor projects, spring is here so let’s get outside. A little bit of work now will yield itself to a spring, summer and fall of outdoor beauty. First of all take a walk around your home. Survey the areas that are in need of attention. Do the flower beds need to be cleaned out? Are trees and shrubs in need of pruning? Is it time for the deck or walkways and driveway to be pressure washed? OK, that should be enough to get you started.
Now for some must do projects. Without turning this into a political forum, I must let you know that I am definitely in favor of the death penalty for weeds. Give your lawn a fighting chance by applying a pre-emergent weed control. Also remember that your lawn is very hungry. A slow release fertilizer will help the grass to wake up when it’s time to grow. If you have an irrigation system, check for leaks or broken sprinkler heads. If you manually water, check your sprinklers for proper operation.
Well, have I left out any must do outdoor spring cleaning projects? Let me know what projects you think are most important.
Top Ten Reasons To Love Atlanta Living
March 12, 2007 | 4 Comments
Since there is a top ten list for virtually every imaginable category, I thought it would be interesting to give you my top ten list for Loving Atlanta Living in the spring.
1. Everything is starting to come to life. The dogwood trees and azaleas are full of buds and getting ready to come into full bloom along with the lawns that have been dormant for the winter are beginning to turn green.
2. Neighbors are getting together for cookouts, fellowship and a cold beverage.
3. The longer days seem to bring people outside. Leisurely walks through the neighborhoods or parks aren’t lonely as there are numerous people out getting a little more exercise.
4. More and more joggers are out training for the Peachtree Road Race.
5. Golf is much more enjoyable with the warmer temperatures.
6. Atlanta Braves baseball is back in full swing. Spring training has started and the regular season is just around the corner.
7. The spring NASCAR race at Atlanta International Raceway will help everyone who needs their racing fix in person.
8. The Atlanta Thrashers are making a playoff run.
9. Everyone gets a good laugh out of the Atlanta Falcons inefficiency in the NFL draft.
10. The University of Georgia has brought in another top ten recruiting class.
What are your thoughts?
Atlanta Broker’s Receive Distinguished Service Award
March 6, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Broker/Owner’s of RE/MAX Around Atlanta Partners; Sharon Dover, Barbara Pearson and Charlotte Steed were recognized at the opening general session of the RE/MAX International Convention in Atlanta. Each of these special ladies received the Distinguished Service Award for their service to RE/MAX.
After receiving her award Sharon Dover commented that the award was for all the agents of RE/MAX Around Atlanta. Having known Sharon for over 8 years, her willingness to share the limelight is once again exemplified here. Rather than take the credit for herself, she passes it around for all her agents to share.
Congratulations ladies, Y’all done good!
Home Buying Seminar
March 2, 2007 | 1 Comment
On Saturday March 24, 2007 at 10:00 am a free Home Buying Seminar/Workshop for any prospective home buyer’s in Atlanta will be held in Duluth. All home buyer’s will want to attend this dynamic home buying educational workshop, however space is limited to the first 20 families that register.
Attendees will learn about various loan programs, home inspections and warranties, how to hold title to property and title insurance, your rights as a buyer and so much more.
Please register early as these workshops tend to fill up quickly. For additional information and to register just click here.
RE/MAX Realty Group
March 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Tony Williams, Broker Owner, of RE/MAX Realty Group hosted the Search Engine Optimization Class for REALTORS today.
Tony and 12 of his agents made a commitment to better serve their prospective clients by improving their internet presence. Now that they are armed with the information on how to better position themselves, look out North Atlanta here they come.
RE/MAX Realty Group, long recognized as one of the leading technology real estate brokerages in the metro area, has offices in Marietta and Cartersville, Georgia.
