The Georgia Water Stewardship Act

The Georgia Water Stewardship Act signed by Governor Sonny Perdue went into effect in June of 2010. The bill allows daily outdoor watering for purposes of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants from 4:00pm – 10:00am.

All other outdoor water usage like washing cars and pressure washing is to follow the watering schedule based on street address shown below:

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – Even Addresses can Water

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday – Odd Addresses can Water

Friday – No other Outdoor Watering Is Permitted

Frequently asked questions about outdoor water use:

I heard I can water my yard every day. Is that true?
Yes. Citizens in Georgia can now water any day of the week, regardless of your address, between 4:00pm and 10:00am.

Can I also wash my car or pressure wash my house any day?
No. The new state law only relates to landscape uses. The odd/even schedule remains in place for all other outdoor uses.

Are parks included in the new schedule?
Sports fields and parks are exempt from the hourly restrictions. These areas may be watered any time or day.

If I put in new landscape, do I have to water between 4:00pm and 10:00am?
No. Newly installed landscape is also exempt from the hourly restrictions for the first 30 days following installation.

What about drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation is completely exempt from the outdoor rules. It may be used any time or day.

What exemptions exist to the new hourly restrictions?

•    Commercial Agriculture
•    Alternative sources of water (grey water, rain water, condensate, etc.)
•    Irrigation of food gardens
•    Irrigation of newly installed or reseeded turf for the first 30 days following installation
•    Drip irrigation or soaker hoses
•    Water from a private well
•    Irrigation of plants for sale
•    Irrigation of athletic fields, golf courses, or public recreational turf
•    Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems
•    Hydro seeding

Are professional pressure washers hired to wash my house subject to restrictions based on my address?
No. Commercial businesses are exempt from day of the week restrictions.

Can I have a charity car wash on any day regardless of the address?
No. Unfortunately, charity car washes, like at home car washes, are subject to the odd/even schedule. This is determined by the address of the facility hosting the car wash. Partnering with a professional car wash is exempt from the odd/even schedule due to the company’s professional exemption.

For more information on exemptions and forms to submit violations, visit the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources’ water conservation webpage through www.gwinnettcounty.com.

More information can be found on the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources‘ water conservation webpage.

Congratulations go out to The Providence Group, an Atlanta area builder, who has sold 102 homes in the last 90 days. The Providence Group currently operates in 12 communities and is actively building in Woodbridge Crossing, The Highlands at Centennial and Highlands of Sandy Springs.

The recent success of The Providence Group can be attributed to two main factors, first and foremost they build a quality product. The second factor is the current “Absolute Sale At Bank Prices” promotion. This promotion affords purchasers the opportunity to acquire a Providence Group property with Short Sale Pricing while taking advantage of the Federal First Time Buyer Tax Credit along with the State of Georgia Tax Credit. (Remember to check with your tax advisor regarding your qualification for these programs)

According to Ginny Bryant, Director of Sale and Marketing, now is an exciting time for The Providence Group. They feel as though they have turned the corner on this market and are looking forward to the next few months and next year. Ginny I agree with you. Even though the Atlanta market is not there yet, it looks like we can come out of ICU and proceed towards a healthy recovery. Congratulations again Providence Group, Y’all Done Good!

Could the new homes market in Grayson Georgia be taking a new direction? Hargrove Custom Homes has elected to explore the advantages of a massive internet marketing campaign verses the typical agent sitting the subdivision approach with one of their properties, 2635 Chestnut Walk Drive in the Heritage at Grayson subdivision.

Let’s examine the many attributes of this new home in Grayson Georgia. As you drive up to the home the first few things that you notice are that the exterior is four (4) sides’ brick, the front porch is very inviting and the home has a deep three (3) car garage. The entire lawn is professionally landscaped with Bermuda Sod and it has an in ground irrigation system.

Entering the main living level of this Grayson executive home from the garage you will pass by the oversized Laundry Room and the walk in Pantry as you enter the Breakfast Room and the Gourmet Kitchen. Granite counter tops are through out the kitchen including the integrated Breakfast Bar. Currently you can select your appliances which include built-in double ovens, dishwasher and microwave. Because the Kitchen is typically one of the primary gathering places when entertaining, a Keeping Room with a stone fireplace has been included for your convenience. Just a short step or two out from the Keeping Room and Breakfast Room the Screened Porch invites you to enjoy your morning coffee or a late afternoon beverage as you unwind from your day.

Continuing with the features of the main level we now enter the oversized Formal Dining Room and then cross through the foyer into what has to be considered the most versatile room in the home. It could be utilized as a Formal Living Room, a Home Office or and additional Bedroom on the main living level, after all it adjoins a full tiled bathroom. As with the Keeping Room, the Vaulted Den also features a Fireplace with a gas starter.

Last but not least on the main level is the Master Suite. As it has been pointed out in other features of this home the Master Suite is an elegant retreat for the owners. The Master Bath is appointed with Granite counter tops, a Jetted Tub, separate shower and an oversized walk-in closet.

The upstairs living area is ideal for the students in the family. One of the bedrooms has its own private bath while the other two bedrooms share a Jack-N-Jill bath. The Loft area has a built-in desk and study center that is set up for the technology center that all students need.

Should you desire future expansion, this Grayson Home also comes with a full basement that is stubbed for another bath.

Homes in Heritage at Grayson are service by some of Gwinnett Counties top performing schools:

Grayson Elementary School
McConnell Middle School
Grayson High School

For additional information on this home along with all the photos just follow the following link, Grayson New Home. Your can view a Virtual Tour also.

Statistics for single family detached homes in the Gwinnett County real estate market for the month of January 2009 are in. Gwinnett County is divided into six different areas and we will examine each area and then look at the county as a whole.

Area 61

Area 61 is that section of the county that is North of I-85 and West of Pleasant Hill Road. Area 61 includes Norcross, Berkeley Lake and part of Duluth. In the resale segment of the market there were 26 properties ranging in price from $59,900 to $524,000 that went under contract and 7 properties that closed ranging in price from $68,000 to $400,000. In the new construction segment of the market 1 home priced at $437,900 went under contract and there were no closings in the new construction category.

Area 62

Area 62 is the section of the county that is North of Pleasant Hill Road and North of I-85. Area 62 includes Buford, Sugar Hill, part of Duluth and part of Suwanee. In the resale segment of the market there were 78 properties ranging in price from $35,900 to $772,900 that went under contract and 8 properties that closed ranging in price from $140,000 to $471,000. In the new construction segment of the market 19 properties went under contract ranging in price from $165,900 to $1,399,900 and 9 properties closed ranging in price from $179,900 to $1,300,000.

Area 63

Area 63 is the section of the county that is South of I-85, Northeast of Hwy. 120 and North of Hwy. 29. Area 63 includes parts of Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee and Dacula. In the resale segment of the market there were 68 properties ranging in price from $58,900 to $383,900 that went under contract and 13 properties that closed ranging in price from $83,000 to $329,000. In the new construction segment of the market 18 properties went under contract ranging in price from $184,300 to $484,900 and 6 properties closed ranging in price from $195,000 to $350,000.

Area 64

Area 64 is the section of the county that is South of I-85, Southwest of Hwy. 120, West of Hwy. 124 and North of Hwy. 78. Area 64 includes Lilburn along with parts of Lawrenceville and Snellville. In the resale segment of the market there were 107 properties ranging in price from $48,900 to $529,000 that went under contract and 15 properties that closed ranging in price from $40,000 to $515,000. In the new construction segment of the market 6 properties went under contract ranging in price from $150,000 to $619,900 and there were no closings.

Area 65

Area 65 is the section of the county that is South and East of Hwy. 78 and Hwy. 124, and South and West of Hwy. 20. Area 65 includes Grayson along with parts of Snellville and Lawrenceville. In the resale segment of the market there were 75 properties ranging in price from $33,900 to $350,000 that went under contract and 11 properties that closed ranging in price from $52,000 to $328,000. In the new construction segment of the market 11 properties went under contract ranging in price from $163,900 to $474,900 and 2 properties closed ranging in price from $176,240 to $195,000.

Area 66

Area 66 is that section of the county that is East of Hwy. 20 and South of Hwy. 29. Area 66 includes parts of Dacula and Lawrenceville. In the resale segment of the market there were 52 properties ranging in price from $65,000 to $449,900 that went under contract and 8 properties that closed ranging in price from $95,000 to $430,000. In the new construction segment of the market 14 properties went under contract ranging in price from $164,510 to $399,824 and 1 properties closed at a price of $360,000.

Gwinnett County Summary

For the month of January 2009, real estate sales for single family detached homes in Gwinnett County looked like this:
•    406 Resale Properties Went Under Contract
•     62 Resale Properties Closed
•     69 New Construction Properties Went Under Contract
•     18 New Construction Properties Closed.

Gwinnett County may well be on it’s way toward recovery in the real estate sector. Recenty several clients have asked when we would hit the bottom in the real estate market in Gwinnett County. My responce was that we probably would not know we have hit bottom until we had 2 to 3 months of positive data to enlighten us. Compared to December of 2008 in January 2009 properties that went under contract in Gwinnett County increased by 41.79 percent. Couple that with December 2008 showing an increase over November 2008 and a very positive trend is imerging. It is difficult to predict whether or not this trend will continue but with interest rates being at historically low levels it would seem to make sense.

The Isakson/Lieberman Amendment

News out of our nation’s capital is providing perspective buyers with reason to celebrate and look ahead in the housing market. We have all heard of the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” that President Obama wants enacted immediately. An amendment to benefit buyers of primary residences was introduced by Senator Isakson (R-GA) and Senator Lieberman (ID-CT).

Comments from Senator Lieberman, “The rapid decline in housing prices lies at the heart of the economic crisis.”  “Real economic growth will not resume until housing values stabilize and American families once again have faith and confidence that the most valuable asset they own – their home – is safe and secure. This kind of credit could repay dividends many times over by increasing housing values, creating construction jobs, and generating state and federal tax revenue.”

The amendment was met with bipartisan support and was approved. The important provision in the amendment was the establishment of up to a $15,000 tax credit for buyer’s purchasing their primary residence.

How Does It Work?

The calculation for how to determine how much your tax credit would be is performed in this manner. Your will get a tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of the residence up to a maximum of $15,000. One of the nice provisions of the amendment is that the tax payer may choose to take the credit all in the first year or it can be split between two (2) years. One very positive feature, as opposed to the First Time Buyer Tax Credit of last year, is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid.

What Is The Timeframe?

Upon enactment of the legislation a buyer will have one year in which to complete their purchase. This sounds like a long time but in reality now is the time to start looking. The housing inventory is at a peak and your best selection for that home that meets your exact requirements may be right now.

What Are The Drawbacks?

The only drawback or downside to this amendment is that if the residence is sold or is not utilized as the primary residence in the first two years, the tax credit must be repaid. There are of course circumstances where this repayment would not apply.

Last week, while attending a continuing education class, I along with the other attendees saw on a listing the classification for a HERS Index. One student in the class asked, what is a HERS Index? No one was able to answer the question. As is usually, when a question like this arises there will be research done and a blog post to follow that answers the question. This is no exception.

After doing a Google search, the first site that I visited in my quest for information on a HERS Index/Rating was the Energy Star site. What I found was that a HERS rating is a scoring system that involves an analysis of a homes construction plans along with on site inspections and testing. Upon review of the plans the “Energy Rater” uses an energy efficiency software package to analyze the design of the home. The Rater will then make recommendations to the builder that will identify energy efficiency improvements that will ensure that the home will meet Energy Star performance guidelines.

Onsite inspections are made by the “Energy Rater” along with the input from the original plan review are used to generate the HERS Index. The on site inspections typically include a blower door test that tests for leaks in the house and a duct test that test for leaks in the duct work.

So now we know what HERS stands for: Home Energy Rating System.

But What Do The Numbers Mean?

Based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code, a home built to these standards will have a Hers Index of 100. The lower the Hers Index the more energy efficient the home is. A 1 point decrease in the HERS Index equals a 1% saving in energy consumption compared to the standard. A home with a HERS Index of 85 would be 15% more efficient than the standard.

Who Does The Testing?

The second site that I went to while searching for information was the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) site. From their site we get the RESNET Mission Statement:
•    The Residential Energy Services Network’s (RESNET®) mission is to ensure the success of the building energy performance certification industry, set the standards of quality, and increase the opportunity for ownership of high performance buildings.

Certified Rater’s must complete training by a RESNET Accredited Training provider and pass a test to be certified. After certification, the Raters then begin their work of examining plans and helping builders construct more energy efficient homes.

Statistics for single family detached homes in the Gwinnett County real estate market for the month of December 2008 are in. Gwinnett County is divided into six different areas and we will examine each area and then look at the county as a whole.

Area 61

Area 61 is that section of the county that is North of I-85 and West of Pleasant Hill Road. Area 61 includes Norcross, Berkeley Lake and part of Duluth. In the resale segment of the market there were 15 properties ranging in price from $64,900 to $490,000 that went under contract and 8 properties that closed ranging in price from $82,000 to $341,700. In the new construction segment of the market 1 home priced at $304,900 went under contract and there were no closings in the new construction category.

Area 62

Area 62 is the section of the county that is North of Pleasant Hill Road and North of I-85. Area 62 includes Buford, Sugar Hill, part of Duluth and part of Suwanee. In the resale segment of the market there were 59 properties ranging in price from $39,900 to $1,399,900 that went under contract and 26 properties that closed ranging in price from $60,000 to $1,250,000. In the new construction segment of the market 16 properties went under contract ranging in price from $179,900 to $1,190,000 and 15 properties closed ranging in price from $197,000 to $5,500,000.

Area 63

Area 63 is the section of the county that is South of I-85, Northeast of Hwy. 120 and North of Hwy. 29. Area 63 includes parts of Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee and Dacula. In the resale segment of the market there were 48 properties ranging in price from $74,900 to $469,900 that went under contract and 27 properties that closed ranging in price from $70,000 to $357,505. In the new construction segment of the market 11 properties went under contract ranging in price from $159,900 to $659,900 and 4 properties closed ranging in price from $180,000 to $350,000.

Area 64

Area 64 is the section of the county that is South of I-85, Southwest of Hwy. 120, West of Hwy. 124 and North of Hwy. 78. Area 64 includes Lilburn along with parts of Lawrenceville and Snellville. In the resale segment of the market there were 78 properties ranging in price from $54,500 to $419,900 that went under contract and 18 properties that closed ranging in price from $58,900 to $319,600. In the new construction segment of the market 3 properties went under contract ranging in price from $224,900 to $289,995 and 2 properties closed ranging in price from $225,000 to $671,500.

Area 65

Area 65 is the section of the county that is South and East of Hwy. 78 and Hwy. 124, and South and West of Hwy. 20. Area 65 includes Grayson along with parts of Snellville and Lawrenceville. In the resale segment of the market there were 53 properties ranging in price from $49,900 to $429,900 that went under contract and 12 properties that closed ranging in price from $61,500 to $623,333. In the new construction segment of the market 9 properties went under contract ranging in price from $164,900 to $299,900 and 8 properties closed ranging in price from $132,000 to $249,900.

Area 66

Area 66 is that section of the county that is East of Hwy. 20 and South of Hwy. 29. Area 66 includes parts of Dacula and Lawrenceville. In the resale segment of the market there were 30 properties ranging in price from $85,900 to $274,900 that went under contract and 11 properties that closed ranging in price from $104,500 to $552,000. In the new construction segment of the market 12 properties went under contract ranging in price from $159,900 to $450,000 and 3 properties closed ranging in price from $210,000 to $248,500.

Gwinnett County Summary

For the month of December 2008, real estate sales for single family detached homes in Gwinnett County looked like this:
•    283 Resale Properties Went Under Contract
•    102 Resale Properties Closed
•     52 New Construction Properties Went Under Contract
•     32 New Construction Properties Closed.

Moving toward recovery in the real estate market is not an easy task. Gwinnett County has taken a substantial step toward recovery in December. Closing for both resale and new construction are up for the month compared to last month. With interest rates being  extremely low and home prices having leveled out buyers seem to now be ready to take advantage of the market.

Builder Short Sales

A builder doing a short sale on a new construction property is just plain scary. What you as a buyer are being told, in a not so subtle way, is that the builder is probably not going to be able to cover any warranty work that needs to be performed on your new home. Having that builder backed warranty for the first year is a huge financial advantage. Getting a home warranty can rectify some of your exposure however many of the items that need to be corrected in that first year are cosmetic items that a home warranty does not cover. After all, the appliances are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. I have yet to see a new construction home that does not have settling cracks and nail pops during that builder warranty period. Now, I don’t want you to think that I’m saying not to buy a Builder Short Sale. I’m just saying that you need to buy it at a price that makes it worthwhile to take on the additional financial risk.

Is It A Tough Market?

Sure the market is tough for the new home builders right now. It’s tough for everyone. Everything involved in our economy is tough. These tough times require that you, as an educated buyer, demand certain things from your agent. Possibly the most important thing that an agent can do for a buyer in today’s market is share the knowledge about builders and construction techniques that has been obtained through years of hard work. Not only the sharing of knowledge, but also the ability to obtain current information about the prospective builder’s financial status and prospects for the future. No one wants to be in a situation where they purchase a home today and the builder is gone tomorrow.

Educated Buyers Work With Business People

In the past the thought was that “If you build it they will come”. To some degree that was accurate. In today’s market educated buyers are working with builders and agents that treat their business as a business. The builders and agents that will survive in this market are businesspeople that operate and act like businesspeople.

Don’t Scare Me

The thought of one of my buyers purchasing a home from a builder via a short sale scares the mess out of me. I take pride in protecting my buyer’s best interest. I just don’t think this type transaction is a good fit for buyers who don’t understand the additional financial risks involved.

Recently there has been a considerable amount of conversation regarding the Reverse Mortgage. Today I had the opportunity to attend a continuing education class totally on Reverse Mortgages. Due to some misunderstandings by myself among many others I thought it my responsibility to provide the facts and let you the educated consumers decide if this could be a good match for you and your situation. This forum may not answer each and every question that you have concerning a reverse mortgage but I promise together we will get you the answers to help you with your decision.

What Is A Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a loan against your primary residence that you Do Not have to repay for as long as you live in your home. Through a reverse mortgage you turn the equity in your home into cash without having to sell your home or repay the loan. The funds that you receive can be done in one of several ways or possibly a combination of several of the ways:
•    A lump sum distribution at closing
•    A monthly cash advance
•    A credit line for you to draw from as you need the funds

What Are The Requirements?

Qualification for a reverse mortgage is totally different from what we are all used to in qualifying for any type of loan. First of you do not have to have an income. Remember you do not make a monthly payment so you do not have to have an income. What about a credit score? It doesn’t matter. Your credit report will be accessed but only to verify that you do not have any federal tax liens against you. If you do have federal tax liens they must be cleared in order for the reverse mortgage to go into effect. They can possibly be cleared with funds at closing from the proceeds of your equity. What you do have to have is age. The minimum age requirement is 62.

What About The Horror Stories?

We all hear horror stories of people being taken advantage of. Many times these horror stories involve unscrupulous vultures taking advantage of senior citizens. This could be an arena for that to occur in were it not for an ethics commitment by concerned lenders. Understand first that a true reverse mortgage is a FHA Insured Mortgage. Until maximum amounts exceed $417,000 they will continue to be FHA. Equally important is the fact that lenders that are truly concerned with your wellbeing will be members of NRMLA, the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. Under the NRMLA Code of Ethics members are held responsible for the actions or failure to act by officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives. This Code of Ethics focuses on the following values:
•    Fairness
•    Confidentiality
•    Integrity
•    Competence
•    Diligence
•    Professionalism

To insure compliance “secret shopper type” calls are made to participating lenders.

What About Purchasing a Home?

Currently the reverse mortgage product is only available for the refinance of an existing primary residence. This is changing as this article is being written. One of the provisions of HR3221 – Housing and Economic Recovery Act is that effective on January 1, 2009 a reverse mortgage can be used to purchase a primary residence. So after the first of the year it will be possible to utilize this product for either a refinance or a purchase.

More To Come

This is the first in a series of articles on Reverse Mortgages. Stay tuned for insight into ways to use a reverse mortgage, pitfalls of reverse mortgages, costs associated with reverse mortgages and any additional pertinent information that will help in understanding this product.

Here is the update on The New Gwinnett Trash Plan

In 2004 Gwinnett County charged Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, along with it’s Citizens Solid Waste Advisory Board, to develope a solid waste management plan as required by Georgia law. The purpose of the law is to establish a long term plan of action to provide for improved garbage disposal and increased recycling in the state.

Gwinnett County Residential Trash Pick Up Plan Announced

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful has announced the details regarding the new residential trash pick up plan for Gwinnett County. The county has been divided into six areas with Advanced Disposal Services Atlanta, LLC handling the three northern areas and Waste Pro of Georgia, Inc. handling the three southern areas. This plan goes into effect on January 2, 2009 and encompasses all residents of unincorporated Gwinnett County. Each residence will receive 2 of the 95 gallon wheeled carts, one for trash and the other for recyclables.

How Much Will It Cost

Initially, and through June 30, 2009, the service providers will bill the residents at a rate of $20.45 per month. Then beginning in July residents will stop receiving bills from the providers and a once a year payment, of $214.32 or $17.86 per month, will be paid when the property taxes are paid. This fixed rate will remain in force at least until December 31, 2010. After that time any fee increases must be justified by the provider and brought in front of the Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful Board and would have to receive support from the board. Yard waste pick up is optional and will be billed at a rate of $10.00 per month.

One Benefit

One of the benefits that I forsee from this program is the reduced number of garbage collection trucks and trash out by the curb on various days of the week. Currently in many subdivisions there are multiple providers for trash removal which creates collections on different days along with trash being put out on different days. By going to this plan there will only be one day of the week that trash will be visible at the street.

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful has set up a web page for Frequently Asked Questions regarding this plan.