Category Archives: Atlanta

Atlanta Insulated Concrete Forms

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Over the last several days I have had the priviledge of meeting Bill Brown and examining first hand a project he is working on utilizing Insulated Concrete Forms. The first time I ever saw this type product in use was on HGTV with a room addition project and that has several years ago. Looking at the product you see the best of both construction worlds with concrete and rebar for rigidity and strength and expanded polystyrene for energy efficiency and sound attenuation. These are just some of the key benefits of Isulated Concrete Forms.

With all emphasis being put on ecologically and enviornmentally friendly construction practices in today’s building industry, it seems to make perfect sense for builders and homeowners alike to examine using this technology. While it may be slightly more expensive than traditional methods, the cost could easliy be amortized and recovered via the energy savings.

Insulated Concrete Forms

Atlanta Home Sales

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The real estate market in Atlanta has, like many areas of the country, experienced changes in the last year. Prior to 2007 it seemed as though all a seller need to do in order to sell their home was put a sign in the yard, have the home reasonably priced and make an effort to have it in somewhat show ready condition. Times have certainly changed!

Properly marketing a home for sale is the top priority. Last week I attended a seminar on home sales and marketing and found out some interesting facts. 500% more buyers are likely to find their new home on the internet than in the newspaper and 2400% are more likely to find their new home on the internet than in the free home books. What are these numbers telling us? I think the main thing to be learned from them is that buyers want to look at pictures to see if a prosective home may meet their criteria. Not just one picture but multiple pictures.

This is not to say that homes don’t need to be properly priced and in show ready condition, in addition they must be marketed in innovative ways on the internet with as many pictures as possible. One way to accomplish this is by using an interactive floor plan with “mouse over” icons that show photos of individual rooms as well as a front and rear view of a home. We all remember the old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”, in today’s Atlanta real estate market multiple pictures are worth thousands of words. Without having the right pictures and the right avenues to display them sellers will no doubt experience frustrations with extended time on the market as well as expired listings and then be faced with what some determine as their main marketing advantage, a price reduction.

963 Mason Lee Ave

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Grayson Schools are just one of the many reasons to look at this Loganville, GA address. The kitchen is open the den and features stainless appliances, Corian countertops, stained cabinetry, hardwood flooring and a bright open eating area. The formal dining room and living room are separated by a soaring arched opening. The master suite comes complete with his and hers walk-in closets, a jetted tub, separate shower and double vanities. Also upstairs in this home are 3 additional bedrooms, another full tiled bath and an oversized laundry room. The basement is finished and welcomes you to entertain in the media room or game room and allows you to get those projects completed in the workshop area. Where else can you find this much home for $259,900.

To view photos of this home or any of Mack’s Listings just visit the "Featured Homes" section of his site.

Finishing A Basement

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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

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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

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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.

Atlanta Broker’s Receive Distinguished Service Award

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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!

Atlanta Home Buying Seminar/Workshop

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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

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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.

Buying My First Home – Dream Or Nightmare

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For many people buying their first home is a dream. Unfortunately it can also be a nightmare. Finding the right home is the easy part of the equation. The contracts and negotiations along with the legal ramifications create the uncomfortable part of the transaction for many buyers. To help take away a lot of the confusion a prospective buyer should seek the help of a qualified REALTOR for representation, education and assistance.

Tracy Duke felt this way, that is until she started working with RE/MAX Around Atlanta agents Mack Perry and Diane Jordan. In a little over a month Tracy found her new home, got approved for a mortgage and has now moved in and is no longer paying someone else’s mortgage in the form of rent. Congratulations Tracy!