Charlotte in the City

Foreclosures Halted in 23 States

2010-10-02T16:53:00.002-04:00

Bank of America and Chase recently announced that they are halting foreclosures in multiple states due to faulty internal practices that may have caused some homes to be foreclosed in error. Unfortunately for Georgia homeowners, this does not apply to our state. The issue is with improper paperwork that was filed in the courts to initiate the foreclosure process. In Georgia, it isn't necessary to take the homeowner to court to foreclose so the assumption is that foreclosures in our state are valid. In reality there are many issues with the process and often the entity foreclosing on a home is not the same entity that actually holds the lien on the property. That's why I feel that Georgia and all other states should be included until there is a closer review of the practices of these mortgage companies.

Click here fore more information.

Foreclosured Condos under $100,000

2010-10-02T15:51:00.000-04:00

The link below provides info on available foreclosed condos in the metro Atlanta area. All condos are relatively new and priced at $100,000 or less. The two bedroom townhome shown above is a steal at $40,000. Its an end unit with a one car garage and is located in a gated community. Four years ago it sold for $164,300. That's a difference of more than $120,000.

Foreclosed Condos

Free Museum Admission on September 25th

2010-09-20T00:46:00.001-04:00

In recognition of the Sixth Annual Smithsonian Museum Day, 10 museums in the metro area are offering free admission this Saturday. To take advantage of this deal, download the Museum Day Ticket from www.smithsonian.com. This ticket will grant you and one other person access to the museum.

The following museums are currently participating:

Archibald Smith Plantation Home
Art On 5
Barrington Hall
Bulloch Hall
CDC's Global Health Odyssey Museum
Center for Puppetry Arts
Hammonds House Museum
Marietta Museum of History
The Hudgens Center for the Arts
The National Museum of Patriotism

For more information, click here.

Saving Money in Atlanta

2010-02-14T23:28:00.000-05:00

There are lots of great websites to help you stretch the dollar. My favorites are Groupon, Atlanta on The Cheap, and Half Off Depot. Groupon partners with different businesses to advertise their products or services and the businesses agree to accept discounted rates if enough people buy in advance. (Its a group coupon so to speak, hence the name groupon.) Its a great concept. I've saved hundreds of dollars on dining out, auto maintenance, dance classes, laser hair removal, etc. I love it!

Atlanta on the Cheap is another favorite because it compiles info from different sources so you save time and money. Today there was a great offer for a free symphony concert at the Rialto in celebration of Valentine's Day and Chinese New Years. This is what I did before going out to dinner. It was a great way to spend the day.

Half Off Depot is similar to Groupon but, in addition to daily deals, it offers regular 50% off coupons from different businesses. From meals to massages to auto maintenance, its all on Half Off Depot.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Here are flowers and a poem to brighten your day. :)

Resignation by Nikki Giovanni

I love you
because the Earth turns round the sun
because the North wind blows north
sometimes
because the Pope is Catholic
and most Rabbis Jewish
because winters flow into spring
and the air clears after a storm
because only my love for you
despite the charms of gravity
keeps me from falling off the Earth
into another dimension
I love you
because it is the natural order of things
I love you
like the habit I picked up in college
of sleeping through lectures
or saying I'm sorry
when I get stopped for speeding
because I drink a glass of water
in the morning
and chain-smoke cigarettes
all through the day
because I take my coffee Black
and my milk with chocolate
because you keep my feet warm
through my life a mess
I love you
because I don't want it
any other way
I am helpless
in my love for you
It makes me so happy
to hear you call my name
I am amazed you can resist
locking me in an echo chamber
where your voice reverberates
through the four walls
sending me into spasmatic ecstasy
I love you
because it's been so good
for so long
that if I didn't love you
I'd have to be born again
and that is not a theological statement
I am pitiful in my love for you
The Dells tell me Love
is so simple
the thought though of you
sends indescribably delicious multitudinous
thrills throughout and through-in my body
I love you
because no two snowflakes are alike
and it is possible if you stand tippy-toe
to walk between the raindrops
I love you
because I am afraid of the dark
and can't sleep in the light
because I rub my eyes
when I wake up in the morning
and find you there
because you with all your magic powers were
determined that
I should love you
because there was nothing for you but that
I would love you
I love you
because you made me
want to love you
more than I love my privacy
my freedom my commitments
and responsibilities
I love you `cause I changed my life
to love you
because you saw me one friday
afternoon and decided that I would
love you
I love you I love you I love you

Haiti - How You Can Help

2010-01-17T17:30:00.000-05:00

There are currently several relief efforts under way to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. If you want to contribute, please be wise and donate to an organization that is trusted and will use the funds wisely.

To make a contribution to the American Red Cross International Response Fund,

Call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767)

Visit www.redcross.org

Text the word "Haiti" to 90999

(a $10 charge will appear on your cell phone bill)

A Snow Day!!!

2010-01-08T22:00:00.002-05:00

Last night it snowed and the city has been shut down ever since. This is comical to anyone from up north or the midwest but in Atlanta this is a real situation. Icy roads and fast drivers don't mix. I think most people were thankful to have the day off and enjoyed the view. (Check out Atlantic Station covered in snow.)

It won't get above freezing until Monday so take it slow on the roads. They are also predicting more snow next week so you may want to get a DVD or two and keep the refrigerator stocked.

Sign of the Times

2010-01-04T12:41:00.001-05:00

According to Channel 2, Georgia has the 3rd highest rate of bankruptcies behind Nevada and Tennessee. 1 in 50 Georgia households filed for bankruptcy between January and November of 2009. This is 22% higher than the same time frame in 2008.

If you are in a financial bind, my suggestion is that you seek help as soon as possible. Many people turn to bankruptcy to prevent foreclosure. This may not be necessary if you let your lender know what is happening and work out a payment plan. This is easiest when you are not yet behind. If you wait until they have initiated the foreclosure process, they will likely require an initial lump sum payment and you'll be responsible for attorney fees related to the foreclosure filing.

Your Home

2010-01-02T03:24:00.002-05:00

Your Home Should Rise Up to Meet You
- Oprah Winfrey

I believe this means that your home is your refuge and should always feel like a warm and inviting place. There should not be a feeling of dread as you think of your messy kitchen, unfinished projects, or your unhappy home. Whatever it takes to clean house, physically and emotionally, let's take action to make it happen.

I found a quick and easy home improvement project that will benefit most people. I believe it will give you more pride in your home and allow you to enjoy it more too.

If you have frameless bathroom mirrors that look dated or unfinished, they can easily be updated without being replaced. What you can do is frame them like you would a piece of art. Take a look at the before and after pictures below.

Its a noticeable improvement and doesn't take much time or money. You can do the same thing with inexpensive molding at Home Depot or Lowe's. (This is the same stuff you'd use for crown molding along your ceilings) You cut the necessary length then attach to the mirror with heavy duty glue and paint. This should cost less than $100. Click here for detailed instructions.

Another option is to buy decorative framing that will come to you appropriately sized to your measurements. This will give you a more polished look but the effect will be about the same. It will take a boring mirror and turn it into a stylish accent for your bathroom. Both MirrorMate and MirrEdge offer this service but the price will be at least 2 or 3 times the cost of the first option. That's because they are doing the measuring, painting, and finishing work for you. All you have to do when you use either of these companies is attach the frames to your mirrors.

I hope this project helps to make your home more enjoyable.

2010

2010-01-01T22:44:00.004-05:00

Its official. 2009 was a rough year for a lot of folks but its finally over. Now is the time for fresh starts and new beginnings. Its a time for all of us to feel inspired to put our bad habits behind us and focus on our goals.

One of my goals for the blog is to begin to focus on home improvement. Its a fact that many people are staying in their homes longer and updating them because the value is not there to justify a sale. This year I will include posts on DIY projects that will add value and comfort to your home.

For 2010, there are two important predictions. The first is that prices will increase in the least expensive housing segment. This means that starter homes will become more expensive for first time home buyers. It is also predicted that the best values in real estate will be in high end, luxury homes. Many of these properties have declined significantly in value while the owners have been waiting for the market to rebound. The prediction is that these owners are now tired of waiting and will realize the loss on the sale so that they can take advantage of better real estate deals.

Whether you are buying or selling, don't let this opportunity pass you by. With low interest rates and phenomenal values, there is no reason to sit on the sidelines any longer.

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-12-17T15:03:00.004-05:00

If you are considering the purchase of a home, you've probably heard about the first time home buyer tax credit. Despite the program name, the tax credit is available to anyone that has not owned a home in the past 3 years, not just those buying a home for the very first time.

Also, the home must be your primary residence and you'll have to file your taxes to receive the tax credit. Many people believe that this money can be used upfront for the purchase of the home but the funds will not actually be available to you until you amend your 2008 tax return or file your 2009 tax return.

Its also important to note that you may not receive the entire $8,000 tax credit. This is because its based on the purchase price of the home. The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of your home. This means you'd have to purchase your home for $80,000 to receive the entire $8,000 tax credit. If you took advantage of the $39,000 foreclosure I posted last week then you would only receive a $3,900 credit if you paid full price for the home.

For more information on the tax credit, check out the following links.
IRS: First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
FAQ about First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Christmas Decorations... Don't Let This Happen To YOU!

2009-12-11T11:41:00.005-05:00

I saw this while out taking pictures yesterday. There is a right and a wrong way to do Christmas decorations and this is terribly wrong. The sad part is that they are not finished. There are more decorations on the lawn waiting to be inflated.

I can appreciate showing holiday spirit but you probably need to stop when the neighbors start complaining.

3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Townhome for $39,000

2009-12-04T01:25:00.009-05:00

The housing decline has created amazing opportunities for buyers. Last month, I sold a townhome in the Avalon community in Fairburn for $47,000. That is almost $100,000 less than it originally sold for 3 years ago. It needed carpet and paint but was essentially a new townhome.

Today I learned that another townhome in the community is back on the market. It is also a 3 bedroom townhome and it is in even better condition. Its priced at $39,000. The lower price is due to it not being an end unit and not having a garage or fenced yard like the one sold last month.

Another selling point is that its a HUD property. Anyone buying a HUD home as an owner occupant (not an investor) can purchase with only a $100 down payment. This makes home ownership accessible to everyone.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, click here to send me an email.

FHA Loan Guidelines May Be Changing for the Worse

2009-12-03T20:37:00.006-05:00

There was an informative article in the Washington Post about how FHA is toughening requirements for borrowers. The assumption is that people are walking away from homes because they don't have enough skin in the game. That they were able to get into homes for very little money and it is therefore not much of a personal loss to abandon them.

While this is true for some, I don't think this applies to the majority of people. Most homeowners are emotionally attached to their houses and do not make a strategic decision to foreclose. Its usually the result of a job loss and the resulting loss of income. If loan modifications were readily available, I believe most of these people would remain in their homes.

These are the proposed changes to FHA loan guidelines:

1. Borrowers will contribute more money, possibly 5% instead of 3.5% currently required.
2. The seller contribution will be reduced from 6% to 3%.
3. The borrower's upfront and monthly mortgage insurance premiums will be increased.
4. The minimum credit score will increase.

You can read the article by clicking here.

I am admittedly biased on this topic. I think its a bad idea to make it more difficult for people to borrow money given the current economic conditions. I do, however, recognize that this may potentially be favorable to FHA and mortgage lenders in the long term if it results in fewer foreclosures.

Today is Election Day

2009-12-01T16:37:00.005-05:00

Today is the run off election for Mayor of Atlanta. Tonight either Kasim Reed and Mary Norwood will be elected as our next mayor. If you haven't already voted, there is still time. The polls close at 7pm this evening. You can find out where to vote and what other races are on the ballot by clicking here.

Central City Condos

2009-12-01T14:11:00.006-05:00

Today I toured Central City Condos off of Ralph McGill near Boulevard and I was pleasantly surprised. The development has spacious floor plans with numerous upgrades like granite counters, real hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances. Central City Condos is conveniently located near the Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta Medical Center, and the Georgia Power headquarters. It is also within walking distance of Freedom Parkway.

Click here for more information.

Spelman & Morehouse Glee Club Christmas Concert

2009-12-01T03:11:00.006-05:00

Its the most wonderful time of the year! I love Christmas so this rings true for me. :)

If you are in the holiday spirit, be sure to check out the annual Spelman and Morehouse Glee Club Christmas Concert. Its this Friday through Sunday in the AUC. The concert is free and starts at 8pm each night. Friday and Sunday performances take place at King Chapel on Morehouse's campus while the Saturday performance will take place at Sister's Chapel on Spelman's campus.

Tip: Show up early for the concert as its usually a full house. Your best bet is to go on Friday or Sunday as King Chapel is significantly larger than Sister's Chapel.

Click here fore more information.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-27T21:04:00.003-05:00

The holiday season is upon us and I am so happy to share it with my friends and family. My mother surprised me this morning by getting up before 5am and going with me to Target. There were about 200 people in line when we got there so we missed out on the 32" HDTV for $264 but we found a few other deals. Remember to dress warmly and be safe as you shop for bargains.

Happy Holidays!

Model Home Furniture Auction

2009-09-11T22:32:00.006-04:00

There is a model home furniture auction tomorrow afternoon at 1pm in Acworth. Preview begins at 11am. 103 Harvest Ridge Raod Acworth, GA 30102

See you there!

Looking for a Fresh Start?

2009-08-22T19:29:00.004-04:00

Relocation.com has an interesting article if you are thinking of making a change. They have ranked the 20 best cities that would appeal to someone looking for a fresh start. They take into account economic growth, home affordability, and community strength.

1. Austin, Texas
2. Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas
3. Charlotte, North Carolina
4. Denver, Colorado
5. Columbus, Ohio (tie)
5. Indianapolis, Indiana (tie)
7. Washington, D.C.-Baltimore, Maryland
8. Atlanta, Georgia
9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
10. Houston, Texas (tie)
10. Les Vegas, Nevada (tie)
10. Seattle, Washington (tie)
13. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota (tie)
13. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (tie)
15. San Antonio, Texas
16. Portland, Oregon
17. Cincinnati, Ohio
18. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
19. Memphis, Tennessee
20. Cleveland, Ohio

7 Reasons You Should Get Off The Fence in 2009

2009-06-08T23:05:00.004-04:00

Every day we are bombarded with conflicting information about the economy. Stock market down then up, unemployment up then down, interest rates low but climbing higher... Its a lot to figure out. One thing is clear and its that there has never been a better time to buy a home. If you are on the fence, here are 7 reasons to make your move in 2009:

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 enables first-time homebuyers to qualify for up to an $8,000 in federal tax credit for the purchase of a home.
It's a buyers market! Buyers who are pre-approved have incredible negotiating power. Financing options are available for those with a steady income and good credit.
The recent decline in prices has sellers pricing their homes competitively, allowing your dream home to finally be within reach.
Competitive pricing also means more inventory from which to choose in a variety of locations.
Interest rates are at historical lows - lower rates equal lower payments, or a larger home - you choose.
Builders are offering unprecedented incentives for new homes such as flooring upgrades, new appliances, and discounted financing.
Historically, homes are a solid long-term investment. For the past 40 years, real estate has delivered the most consistent positive return over any investment. When you buy a home, you are building equity and adding to your assets.

The Auctions Are Back

2009-04-29T10:02:00.004-04:00

Its been a few months but there are now two model home furniture auctions scheduled for this weekend. Read on for details:

Saturday, May 2, 2009
Warehouse Auction @ Jason Taylor Moving and Store
1445 Pilgrim Mill Road
Cumming, GA 30040

Preview Begins at 8AM
Auction Begins at 10AM

Directions: Take GA 400 North to exit 16, Pilgrim Mill Rd. Turn left on Pilgrim Mill Rd. Continue to warehouse.

Sunday, May 3, 2009
Overlook @ Hampton Station (Beazer Community)
204 Hampton Station Blvd
Canton, GA 30115

Preview Begins at 12pm
Auction Begins at 2pm

Directions: Take GA 400 North to exit 13, Bethelview Rd. Turn left onto Bethelview Rd. Drive 6.3 miles and turn left on Highway 20, Cumming Highway, and drive another 10.3 miles. The community will be on the left.

Tax Day

2009-04-15T09:33:00.004-04:00

Today is the day I've been putting off. I'm not sure why but for the past few years I've procrastinated when it comes to doing my taxes. I'll be at the post office this afternoon mailing my return. Next year I'll do better. I'll file early and do it electronically.

After I'm done, I'll head to either Cinnabon to get some free tax day bites or I'll go to Maggie Moe's for their e-CONE-mic stimulus package (a free scoop of ice cream today only.) Its cheesy, I know, but I'll still take the freebie. Also, Papa John's is offering a discount on pizza today as well. For the price of a large cheese pizza, you can get 3 toppings for free. Its their 1040 promotion.

If you don't think you'll be able to complete your taxes in time, be sure to file an extension today. You can get the form by clicking here.

Tax Deduction for New Cars

2009-03-30T15:52:00.004-04:00

After doing a lot of research, I bought a new car this weekend. If you're looking to buy a car, you should know that you can deduct the sales tax paid on any new vehicle purchased from February 17th through the end of the year. Click here for details.

A Day at the Auction

2009-03-15T21:10:00.010-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I attended a real estate auction. This wasn't a foreclosure auction or tax sale on the courthouse steps. This was one of the many auctions that is advertised on tv or billboards throughout the city. These homes have already been foreclosed and the banks that own these properties use auctions to quickly sell their inventory.

The auction can result in a great deal for a buyer but there are a few things you should know.

Inspect the home before the auction. Do your due diligence upfront because there is no negotiating on the price once you have the winning bid.
Don't expect to get the property for the opening bid. Even if the area is undesireable and the starting bid is $500, you can expect the price to jump from $500 to $1,000 to $10,000 in a matter of seconds. This is because the bank that owns the property may be bidding against you because they want to obtain a certain amount for the home.
Don't go it alone. If you are working with a real estate agent, you don't have to abandon them if you purchase a home at an auction. They will still receive a commission and can best advise you on the market value of the home, financing options, etc.

If you are interested in the auction, there is one this Wednesday at the Georgia International Convention by the airport. Click here for details.

Discover the Difference

2009-03-13T11:57:00.004-04:00

Do you ever wonder why some people easily accumulate wealth while others struggle? What exactly is the difference between the two people? I've often questioned this and now I may have an answer.

Jean Chatzky is a financial expert and her new book, The Difference, is about the reasons some succeed financially while others fall short. Its available as a free download for Oprah.com members by following the link below.

Take advantage of this now as its only offered for a limited time.
Download The Difference for free

Affording the essentials is essential

2009-02-03T01:27:00.005-05:00

The Publix weekly circular has a section worth checking out. It features inexpensive grocery items that you can stock up on. For instance, you can get a loaf of bread, a bag of salad, or a chicken leg quarter (per pound) for less than a $1. Add another dollar and you can get a box of cheerios or a 4 pack of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup. Even in the current economic climate, there is no need to go hungry with deals like this.

Click here to check it out.

Thanks to Julian Price for sharing this with me!

Financial Peace

2009-02-01T16:55:00.003-05:00

Like most people, the economy has made me more concerned about finances so I decided a couple of weeks ago to join Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. Its offered at my office and I've found it to be very enjoyable. Its about 2 hours each week. The first hour is Dave Ramsey (via DVD) speaking on different financial topics. The second hour is a group discussion about the topics and any issues we may have taking the necessary steps. There are no complex financial themes here. Mostly common sense and breaking bad habits.

Dave Ramsey has 7 Tips for Financial Peace:

Save $1,000 in an emergency fund
Pay off all debt with the debt snowball
Save 3-6 months of living expenses in savings
Invest 15% of income for retirement
College funding
Pay off your home early
Build wealth and give

Click here for more info on Financial Peace University.

Existing Home Prices & Sales Plummet

2008-12-25T15:45:00.005-05:00

According to the National Association of Realtors, prices for existing homes in the South declined 10.9% in the past year. Also, sales of existing homes in the same area are down 10.6%. The decrease is thought to be the result of deteriorating conditions in the job market, stock market, and consumer confidence.

As a real estate professional, I've seen this firsthand. Its important to note, however, that homes are still selling and any perceived loss in the sale of your current home will likely be recouped in the purchase of your new home. This is because values are down across the board and higher priced homes tend to have greater price concessions than the homes purchased by first time buyers.

If you have a home to sell, you should know that there is a lot of competition for a buyer's attention. Your home needs to stand out. Any items needing repair should be corrected. Any issues that are not addressed will cause your property to sit on the market longer than necessary and will result in a significantly lower price than simply investing in the repairs.

Also, it is the norm for sellers to pay closing costs for the buyer. While it is not a requirement, you should be prepared for this request and factor it into your pricing and budget if possible. Finally, give your home as much exposure as possible. Most buyers start their new home search online so a strong internet presence is a must. Working with a Realtor will also ensure that your home is exposed to the real estate sales community and homes sold by Realtors get a 16% higher price than homes sold by owner.

If you are thinking about selling your home and have questions about the process or need suggestions on how to make your home stand out, feel free to contact me at c_lusby@kw.com.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T13:33:00.004-05:00

Its Christmas Day and I'm happy to be in the company of my loving family. After the gifts are opened and the meal is finished, I will have some much needed free time on my hands. If you are like me, you don't have much of this.

Here are a few ideas on how you can spend your Christmas holiday in Atlanta.

Check out a movie. This is an obvious choice and is a ritual for many on Christmas Day. Its one of the few places that will be open so its a popular choice. Click here for info on the top 10 movies and new releases.

Check out Christmas light displays like the Lights at Life or the Magical Night of Lights at Lake Lanier. Click here for more information.

Bring the family and experience a manmade winter wonderland at Atlantic Station. Through December 31st, experience the 50' Christmas tree and snow at 7pm weeknights and hourly on Saturday and Sunday from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, click here.

Auctions Galore!

2008-12-03T22:22:00.007-05:00

There are 6 auctions coming up in the next two weekends. If you follow the auctions then you know there is normally one auction per month. This is a great opportunity! I'm optimistic about finding the dining table that I've been looking for and a few more things to make my house a home.

Read on for the details...

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Olde Heritage Community

102 Olde Heritage Way

Woodstock, GA 30188

Preview Furniture at 11am

Auction Begins at 1pm

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Stonebridge Community

3495 Dalwood Drive

Suwanee, GA 30024

Preview Furniture at Noon

Auction Begins at 2pm

Monday, December 8, 2008

The Oaks Community

966 Hickory Leaf Ct

Marietta, GA 30067

Preview Furniture at 5pm

Auction Begins at 7pm

Friday, December 12, 2008

Dresden Creek Community

2649 Dresden Place

Atlanta, GA 30319

Preview Furniture at 5pm

Auction Begins at 7pm

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Centennial Lakes Community

915 Silver Lake Drive

Acworth, GA 30102

Preview Furniture at 8am

Auction Begins at 10am

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Hampton Station Community

202 Hampton Station Blvd.

Canton, GA 30114

Preview Furniture at Noon

Auction Begins at 2pm

Vote!

2008-11-01T09:30:00.005-04:00

Wednesday I went downtown and voted. I was one of the thousands of Georgia voters to cast my ballot early. I saw the long lines on tv and decided to get it out of the way. This election is too important to miss. I waited in line for 2 hours. My nephew came back home from college yesterday to cast his ballot and waited in line for 5 hours. He's a sophomore at the University of Kentucky and this was his first election.

If you haven't voted already then your only opportunity is on November 4th. If the turnout is anything like this past week then you should be prepared to wait. Take coffee, something to snack on and a book. The time will pass quickly and you'll feel good about participating in the process.

Rock the Vote!

Furniture Auction on Saturday

2008-10-21T11:18:00.007-04:00

There is another furniture auction this Saturday in Cumming, Georgia. This auction will feature the contents of 4 model homes.

Here are the details:

Parkstone Subdivision

5930, 5940, 5950 & 5960 Bridge Stone Ct

Cumming, Georgia 30028

Auction Begins at 10AM

Preview Begins at 8AM

Directions

From GA 400 North, exit and go left on HWY. 369. Go approximately 4.5 mile and make a right on Bannister Road. Make an immediate left on Elmo Road, Community app. 1 mile on left. Or Take I 75 N to 575 North to Exit 19 (Canton Hwy./GA 20) East on GA 20 app. 8.5 miles. Turn left on Hwy.369 and continue app. 12 miles to Bannister Road and make a left. Make an immediate left on Elmo Road. Community is 1 mile on left.

Furniture Auction This Weekend

2008-10-15T18:29:00.012-04:00

This Sunday there will be a furniture auction in Cumming, Georgia. All of the furniture up for auction was used in a model home in Brandon Hall, a Sharp Residential community. If you've ever been in a model home then you know its usually very stylish furniture, bedding, and art work. This is a great opportunity to buy furnishings for your home at a discount.

Here are the details:

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Brandon Hall

4210 Wykeshire Court

Cumming, GA 30041

Preview Furniture at Noon

Auction Begins at 2PM

Before you go to the auction there are a few things you should know:

Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
There is a 15% buyer's premium on items purchased so if you buy something for $100, it will actually cost you $115 plus tax.
Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
You must take your purchases with you the same day. There are people at the auction for a couple of hours after it ends so you will have time to rent a truck if necessary. Your best bet for a last minute rental is Lowe's or Home Depot. I can also recommend a mover if you don't want to worry about getting a truck.
There are people on hand that can help you load heavy furniture into your vehicle. They work for tips so bring cash.

The furniture pictured above is part of the lot that will be auctioned on Sunday.

Directions:

Take Ga. 400 North to exit 14 (hwy 20). Take Hwy 20 east and go 2 miles to right on Trammel Road. Go 2.5 miles and turn right on Windermere Parkway. Turn into Brandon Hall community (Abingdon Place) which will be on your immediate right. Turn left on Wykeshire Ct. The Castleberry Model home is the first home on the right after the stop signs.

Taste of Atlanta

2008-10-09T23:22:00.005-04:00

The Taste is this weekend! I've been a couple of times with my girlfriends and we always have a good time. Its in Atlantic Station which is the perfect setting for this kind of event. You'll have the opportunity to experience over 70 Atlanta restaurants, see cooking demonstrations, attend wine tastings, and a lot more.

For more information, go to the Taste of Atlanta website.

www.TasteofAtlanta.net

Half Off Mary J Blige Tickets

2008-10-09T22:04:00.006-04:00

With all the negative news about the economy, there is something good coming out of it. Tickets to Sunday's Mary J Blige and Robin Thicke concert will be cut in half due to "tough economic times." I saw Mary with Jay Z earlier this year and she put on a great show.

For more information, click here

Free Wifi

2008-10-09T19:25:00.005-04:00

If you are a professional that works out of the office or just a busy person that likes to stay connected then you may find this site useful.

www.wififreespot.com/ga.html

It tells you where you can find free wireless hotspots in Georgia. A few that are easy to find are at Krystal's, PJs Coffee Shop, Taco Mac, and Slice. Check out the website for others that may be near you.

Advance Voting Starts Today

2008-09-22T17:45:00.003-04:00

Election day is November 4th but you can vote as early as today at select locations throughout the state. For more details on where to vote, click here.

Dialog in the Dark @ Atlantic Station

2008-09-20T09:26:00.004-04:00

There is an exhibit at Atlantic Station that is worth both your time and money. Its Dialog in the Dark and it simulates the experience of being blind. For one hour you are taken through everyday experiences of a blind person. You go through the park, a busy city street, a grocery story, spending money at a restaurant, etc.

You are in the dark for the entire hour and it absolutely challenges your perception of what its like to be blind. Its interesting, frightening, and enlightening at the same time.

For more information, click here.

Furniture Auction TODAY!

2008-09-20T09:05:00.005-04:00

I apologize for the short notice but there is a warehouse auction today. It begins at 10AM and its located at Jason Taylor Moving and Storage at 1445 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

The warehouse auctions are great shopping opportunities as there is usually quite a bit of furniture for sale. There are over a hundred framed pieces of art, a dozen headboards, numerous desks, coffee tables, and more.

For more info on the auction, see my previous post from June.

4th of July

2008-07-04T02:25:00.004-04:00

Today is Independence Day and there are plenty of festivities around the city. You can see concerts, parades, and fireworks or spend time with friends at a cookout. Here are a few ideas if you aren't sure what you want to do.

Watch the fireworks at Centennial Park - This is a family friendly setting as there are children's activities from noon to 5pm. The concerts start at 5 and last until 9:30. The fireworks starts at 9:30. www.centennialpark.com/events/fjuly.html

Watch the fireworks at Lenox - The concert begins at 6pm and the fireworks start at 9:40pm. www.lenoxsquare.com

Watch the parade and fireworks at Atlantic Station - Today is the grand opening of the Millennium Gate. If you've noticed the construction at 17th Street and State near Twelve then you know what I'm talking about. The structure houses a museum that will feature Georgian artists. The ceremony starts at 11am with an orchestra and the parade starts at 12:30. The Millennium Gate is pictured above. www.thegateatlanta.com

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Ford Hapeville Plant

2008-06-12T22:29:00.010-04:00

After several months of speculation, we now know what will become of the Ford Hapeville Plant near the airport. The 122 acre site was recently purchased by Jacoby Development and they've announced plans to develop an "aerotropolis" - an aviation-intensive business district that is expected to include office, retail, restaurant, hotel and airport parking.

The development is expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area. The timeframe for its completion is unclear as it will take about a year to demo the site and perform the necessary environmental clean up. Construction will begin at that time but Jacoby has made it clear that no buildings will go up until tenants are signed.

Demolition of the site may begin as early as next week. The developer is also exploring the possibility of extending MARTA rail service into Hapeville.

Jacoby Development is the same company responsible for converting the old Atlantic Steel Mill into Atlantic Station in midtown Atlanta.

Read on for more information

Ford Sales Hapeville Plant Site to Jacoby Development

Hapeville Ford Plant Sale Closes

Ways to Get in Shape

2008-06-05T16:54:00.016-04:00

Now that summer is here, losing weight is on a lot of our minds. If you are looking to lose a few pounds then read on for my top 3 list. These are all things I've done before and would most likely do again.

Hip Hop Dance Classes
Pole Dancing Classes
Boot Camp

The hip hop dance classes are my favorite. You get a good cardio workout and you don't focus on how hard you are working as you are trying to learn the routine and get the moves right. Check out the Music Video Funk class at Dance 101 to experience this yourself. Its just like it sounds. You learn steps from music videos and its a lot of fun.

Pole dancing comes in second. Its not the intense cardio workout that you'd get from the hip hop classes or bootcamp but its awesome for toning up and it is definitely fun. This isn't practice for the real thing so you won't be taking off any clothes or performing for men in class. Its a safe environment of women only and everyone is very encouraging and supportive. Words don't do it justice. This is something that you have to experience yourself to really appreciate. Click here for more info.

Last on the list is boot camp. This is really not fun at all. Not in the beginning anyway. If you are a couch potato then this workout will be very challenging. My first day was miserable. The next day was better and each day after it improved. I won't lie and say that I enjoyed it but I knew it was good for me. Running, lunges, squats, crunches... You'll do all of this before sunrise and you'll see quick results. There are multiple options around town. American Boot Camp Company offers programs at Piedmont Park, Atlantic Station, Chastain Park, and other locations.

Furniture Auctions This Weekend

2008-06-04T20:52:00.006-04:00

There are two upcoming auctions this weekend at Beazer Homes communities in Acworth and Kennesaw.

Here are the details:
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Canterbury Estates
3931 Nemours Trail
Kennesaw, GA 30152

Preview Furniture at 11AM
Auction Begins at 1PM

Sunday, June 8, 2008
Centennial Lakes
919 Silver Lake Drive
Acworth, GA 30102

Preview Furniture at Noon
Auction Begins at 2PM

Before you go to the auction there are a few things you should know:

Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
There is a 15% buyer's premium on items purchased so if you buy something for $100, it will actually cost you $115 plus tax.
Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
You must take your purchases with you the same day. There are people at the auction for a couple of hours after it ends so you will have time to rent a truck if necessary. Your best bet for a last minute rental is Lowe's or Home Depot. I can also recommend a mover if you don't want to worry about getting a truck.
There are people on hand that can help you load heavy furniture into your vehicle. They work for tips so bring cash.

The photo above is from the auction on Saturday.

Send me an email if you need directions. Maybe I'll see you there. :)

Tribute Lofts Fire Sale

2008-06-01T01:58:00.008-04:00

Tribute Lofts is a condo development off of I-75/85 and Freedom Parkway. I first visited the property about 8 months ago and thought it had a lot to offer. Good intown location, priced well for the market, and nice amenities. I didn't have a buyer for it at the time so I didn't give it much more thought.

I recently learned that Tribute Lofts will be auctioning 40 units next month. The best part is that the beginning bid will be 55% of the market price on select units. That's a starting price of $110,000!

This is an amazing opportunity! Previously the best deal in the development was on 1 bedroom TAD units. With money from the ADA, it was possible to buy 1 bedroom units at $144,000 and 2 bedroom units at $154,000. While this is a great deal, it came with restrictions and required the homeowner to own and reside in the property for several years or incur penalties.

With the auction you can buy inexpensively and without the restrictions. This is an awesome opportunity for those looking for a home and also investors. If you'd like more information, please send me a quick email by clicking here. I have floor plans, details on the registration process, and info on viewing the units.

I'd love to show you how you can find a great home and/or build wealth through real estate.

Furniture Auction on Saturday

2008-05-06T22:24:00.006-04:00

There will be another furniture auction this weekend in Cumming. If you've been to the auction before then you know there are amazing deals. Its definitely worth your time, and gas money, to check this out.

Even if you aren't looking for furniture, there are great deals on art, mirrors, and other decorative items. Check out my previous posts on the auction to see what kind of deals are available.

Here are the details:

Saturday, May 10, 2008
Maristone Subdivision
4750 Maristone Landing View
Cumming, GA 30041

Preview Furniture at 11AM
Auction Begins at 1PM

Here are a few things you should know about the auction:

Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
There is a 15% buyer's premium on items purchased so if you buy something for $100, it will actually cost you $115 plus tax.
Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
You must take your purchases with you the same day. There are people at the auction for a couple of hours after it ends so you will have time to rent a truck if necessary. Your best bet for a last minute rental is Lowe's or Home Depot. I can also recommend a mover if you don't want to worry about getting a truck.
There are people on hand that can help you load heavy furniture into your vehicle. They work for tips so bring cash.

Directions
GA 400 North to exit 12B McFarland Road West. Travel 1 mile to Union Hill Road and turn right. Go 1.4 mile and turn left on Shiloh Road. Go .5 of a mile and Maristone will be on your right.

Screen on the Green

2008-05-05T22:41:00.007-04:00

I love Screen on the Green. I usually meet a few friends at the park and we have a geat time watching old movies. The best part is that its free.

This year it will be held at Centennial Park instead of Piedmont Park. Its starts on Thursday, May 29th and runs for 5 weeks. Here is the schedule:

May 29 — “Jaws” (1975).
June 5 — “Big Momma’s House” (2000).
June 12 — “Chicago” (2002).
June 19 — “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982).
June 26 — Fans’ choice between “Back to the Future” (1985), “Rocky” (1976) or “Footloose” (1984). Moviegoers had the opportunity to vote on these three movies but the winner has not yet been announced.

The Cost of Gas

2008-05-05T21:31:00.009-04:00

I can't get over what it costs to fill up my tank. I remember when it was $45. Now I'm up to $60. Like most people, I'm looking for ways to save money and ease the pain. One thing I try to do is fill up at the less expensive gas stations. My personal favorite is QT but RaceTrac, Kroger, Costco, and BJs are pretty good too.

You can find cheap gas online at Mapquest.com. You can put in your work address or home address or another destination and find information on gas prices in the area. This comes in handy if you will be driving to the other side of town. You can figure out if prices are better at the destination and fill up when you get there.

If you have a diesel vehicle, you can experiment with alternative fuel sources. My sister has been using recycled vegetable oil in her truck for about a year now. Its a real savings and better for the environment as well.

A New American Dream?

2008-04-16T08:47:00.005-04:00

When we hear the phrase American Dream we immediately think of home ownership. According to a recent poll commissioned by Yahoo, the new American Dream may be owning a business. Almost 2/3 of adults surveyed thought about owning their own business in the past year. The most popular reason for wanting to own a business is a desire to be passionate about work. Other reasons include the flexibility of working from home and earning more money.

Given the economy, this isn't surprising. Corporate America doesn't provide the security or benefits that it was once known for. If you are considering a new business endeavor, here are a few resources that may come in handy:

Franchise Opportunities
Ten Steps to Open for Business
Real Entrepreneurs, Real Inspiration

If You Need More Time To Do Your Taxes...

2008-04-11T01:07:00.005-04:00

If you need more time to file your taxes then you may be in luck. In Georgia, people living in counties affected by the tornados last month are granted an automatic extension until May 19th to file taxes. This applies to Bartow, Burke, DeKalb, Floyd, Fulton, Jefferson and Polk counties. You do not have to prove that you were a victim, just that you live in or have a business in one of the affected counties.

For more details, follow these links:
IRS extends deadline for those affected by March tornadoes
Georgia Dept of Revenue offers Relief to Storm Victims

The Wednesday Wind Down is Back

2008-04-04T22:40:00.007-04:00

One of my favorite events in Atlanta is the Wednesday Wind Down at Centennial Park.

Its a free event. You can hear live music in the park and its always a good time. Its each Wednesday from 5:30pm to 8pm and runs from April through September.

There is no free parking in this area so you should expect to pay at least $6 to park at the lots near the CNN Center or you can take MARTA.

For more details you can visit the Wednesday Wind Down website by clicking here.

Model Home Furniture Auctions This Weekend

2008-03-06T09:09:00.017-05:00

There will be two furniture auctions this weekend on Saturday and Sunday at Beazer Homes' Big Creek Township subdivision in Cumming. This is a great opportunity to buy furniture at a discount. Once you go to the auction, you won't want to pay retail again. My friends are hooked and I'm thinking about a 12 step program for at least one of them... (you know who you are)

Be prepared to spend the entire day on Saturday as the contents of three model homes will be auctioned.

Even if you aren't looking for furniture, you can find wall art, mirrors, lamps, vases, and all kinds of decorative items. Check out my previous posts on the auction to see what kind of deals are available.

Here are the details:

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Glen at Big Creek Township

6040, 6050, and 5410 Beaver Ridge Drive

Cumming, GA 30040

Preview Furniture at 8AM

Auction Begins at 10AM

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Glen at Big Creek Township

5415 Falls Landing Drive

Cumming, GA 30040

Preview Furniture at 11AM

Auction Begins at 1PM

Here are a few things you should know about the auction:

Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
There is a 15% buyer's premium on items purchased so if you buy something for $100, it will actually cost you $115 plus tax.
Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
You must take your purchases with you the same day. There are people at the auction for a couple of hours after it ends so you will have time to rent a truck if necessary. Your best bet for a last minute rental is Lowe's or Home Depot.
There are people on hand that can help you load heavy furniture into your vehicle. They work for tips so bring cash.
It takes about two hours to auction the contents of one model home so you should plan on spending 7-8 hours on Saturday if you want to stay until the end. That's an hour to preview, two hours per model home, and another hour to pay for your items and load them into your vehicle.

The furniture pictured above will be sold during the auction this Saturday.

See you there!

Directions
Take GA 400 North to Exit 13 - Bethelview Rd
Turn left on Bethelview Rd
Travel 2 miles
The community will be on the left

3 Reason for Buyers to Act Immediately

2008-02-23T02:39:00.007-05:00

I came across a great article in the AJC recently. It explains why now is the time for buyers to act immediately. There is a link to the article below but I'll summarize it here for you.

Reason 1 - You want to buy a home when sellers are most motivated. Right now there is a surplus of homes and sellers are willing to negotiate. Unless its an unusual circumstance, I would expect the seller to pay closing costs and go the extra mile during the negotiation.

Reason 2 - You want to look for a home when you don't have much competition. If you are shopping for a home now, you are encountering sellers that likely haven't had much foot traffic through their homes. Between the cool weather and the short window of time before it gets dark after work, the buyer pool is generally smaller this time of year than in the spring and summer.

Reason 3 - Interest rates are at historic lows. Buying a home at the current interest rates, will save you money. If you wait, there is a greater chance that you will pay more money for the same home.

For more specifics, you can read the entire article here.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T23:23:00.009-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, I present you with flowers and a poem. Enjoy!

And I Have You written by Nikki Giovanni

Rain has drops

Sun has shine

Moon has beams

That make you mine

Rivers have banks

Sands for shores

Hearts have heartbeats

That make me yours

Needles have eyes

Though pins may prick

Elmer has glue

To make things stick

Winter has Spring

Stockings feet

Pepper has mint

To make it sweet

Teachers have lessons

Soup du jour

Lawyers sue bad folks

Doctors cure

All and all

This much is true

You have me

And I have you

Sterling Oaks Townhomes

2008-02-14T01:35:00.015-05:00

Deal of the Day!

Sterling Oaks townhomes in Brookhaven is offering $40,000 in buyer incentives. This luxury townhome community is gated and features 10' ceilings, granite counters, hardwood flooring, gourmet kitchen, one car garage, and many other features. Its also in a great location as its close to Buckhead, Emory, and I-85.

I think this area is one to watch given its location and the development plans for the area. Last month it was reported that an urban style, mixed use village with up to 1,100 residential units and 40,000 sq ft of ground level retail space is planned for the 26 acres just north of Sterling Oaks.

Sterling Oaks townhomes are priced in the $260,000s.

Click here to send me an email for details.

AJC article on development plans

New Down Payment Assistance Program

2008-02-08T01:14:00.000-05:00

There is a new down payment assistance program offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank. Its available to first time home buyers in the form of a 2nd mortgage that is forgiven after 5 years.

The funds are provided in a 5 to 1 ratio based on the buyer's personal contribution. For instance, if you contribute $500 toward your down payment then you can receive $2,500. If you contribute $2,000, you can receive the maximum amount of $10,000.

This is a great program. Its actually better than the mortgage assistance offered through the Atlanta Development Authority as it can be used anywhere in the state of Georgia and currently has better mortgage interest rates. Homebuyer education classes are required and it is necessary to meet certain income guidelines.

Buy Microsoft Office for $60

2008-02-07T23:57:00.000-05:00

I found out recently that college students can buy the Microsoft Office Suite for the ridiculously low price of $59.95. Anyone that has purchased this before knows that it normally costs a few hundred dollars. ($679 to be exact!) This is a steal!

Actually its the Ultimate Steal. That's what Microsoft has named it anyway. Its a promotion for college students enrolled with at least .5 credit hours. They can download the Office Ultimate 2007 package from the Microsoft website and receive a product key to unlock the software upon payment of the $59.95.

Microsoft Office Ultimate includes 10 different pieces of software: Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Power Point, Publisher, One Note, Accounting Express, InfoPath, and Groove. I've never heard of Groove but I'm familiar with all the other items and they are not cheap. One Note is the only item you can buy for $60.

When I first saw it, I wondered if it was legitimate. There is, however, a link at the top of the page verifying the promotion and providing more details. My nephew is a freshman at the University of Kentucky (Go Wildcats!) and he's already taken advantage of this so I know its the real thing.

This promotion ends April 30th. Follow the link to the Ultimate Steal website for more details.

Update on Furniture Auction

2008-02-06T03:19:00.000-05:00

Three model home communities will be auctioning furnishings this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Beazer Homes' communities in Acworth, Roswell, and Alpharetta are in the close out phase and selling furniture from its model homes.

The deals at these auctions are great. My sister and friends have all been to the auction and they are hooked because you get better deals than you'd find in the store. Even if you aren't looking for furniture, you can find wall art, mirrors, lamps, vases, and all kinds of decorative items. Check out my previous posts on the auction to see what kind of deals are available.

Here are the details:

Friday, February 8, 2008
Creekwood Place
100 Creekwood Trail
Acworth, GA 30102
Preview Furniture at 5PM
Auction Begins at 7PM

Saturday, February 9, 2008
Manchester Place
1001 & 1003 Manchester Way
Roswell, GA 30075
Preview Furniture at 9AM
Auction Begins at 11AM

Sunday, February 10, 2008
Kennewick Place
14199 & 14203 Kennewick Rd
Alpharetta, GA 30004
Preview Furniture at 11AM
Auction Begins at 1PM

Here are a few things you should know about the auction:

Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
There is a 15% buyer's premium on items purchased so if you buy something for $100, it will actually cost you $115 plus tax.
Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
You must take your purchases with you the same day. There are people at the auction for a couple of hours after it ends so you will have time to rent a truck if necessary. Your best bet for a last minute rental is Lowe's or Home Depot.
There are people on hand that can help you load heavy furniture into your vehicle.

The furniture pictured above will be sold during the auction in Alpharetta this Sunday.

See you there!

Model Home Furniture Auction

2008-01-30T20:32:00.000-05:00

I love model home auctions! There are great deals on furniture, accessories, and bedding. Next weekend there will be three more auctions in the Atlanta area.

My sister cleaned up at the model home furniture warehouse auction in December. She bought the table, sconce, vases, and statues shown in the picture. They are quality pieces, too. The table is made of bronze, slate, and granite and she was able to get it for $125. Its affectionately known as the man down under. :)

Here are the details on the auctions:

Friday, February 8th at 7PM
100 Creekwood Trail Acworth, GA 30102 - Creekwood Place subdivision (Beazer Homes)
Preview starts at 5pm.

Saturday, February 9th at 11am
1001 & 1003 Manchester Way Roswell, GA 30075 - Manchester Place (Beazer Homes)
Preview starts at 9am.

There is another auction on Sunday, February 10th but the details are not yet available. Subscribe to my blog and you'll be notified immediately when my blog is updated with the details.

Mosaic At Vinings

2008-01-21T14:17:00.000-05:00

Deal of the Day!

Its certainly a buyer's market. Yesterday's post was about Twelve Centennial Park. That's an awesome deal but this one may be a little better.

Mosaic at Vinings is offering 100% financing with no closing costs, no HOA fees for one year, and no mortgage payment for 6 months. They have eliminated the cost to move into a home and you aren't responsible for any payments for the first 6 months. That's both mortgage and HOA payments. At month 7, you start paying the mortgage but still are not responsible for HOA fees until after the first year.

Mosaic at Vinings is a luxury townhome community located on Spring Rd near Atlanta Road in Smryna. All units have 3 bedrooms and feature granite counters, stainless steel appliances, 2 car garages, and brick exteriors. Most homes start in the $270s but there are a few remaining homes at original pricing at $249,900. These lower priced homes, however, are not eligible for the incentives mentioned above.

Click here to send me an email if you'd like more information on this community or other incentives offered in the area.

Twelve Centennial Park

2008-01-20T22:11:00.000-05:00

Deal of the day!

Twelve Centennial Park is offering an unheard of deal on its condos. Right now you can get seller financing, pay no closing costs, pay no homeowners association fees for 3 years, and, if you aren't satisfied, walk away at the end of 3 years without selling.

This program is not limited to first time home owners or owner occupants. If you are in the market for a second home or investment property, this program is available to you as well.

They've basically addressed any concern you may have about buying a condo right now. If you aren't confident in the market and wondering if a condo will be a good investment, you can buy now and get the tax benefits of owning a home but not have to worry if it will hold its value or be difficult to sell.

This is too good a deal to pass up. Everyone should take a look at this development immediately. Units start in the high $100,000s. Click here to send me an email if you'd like more details.

Let It Snow

2008-01-19T12:22:00.001-05:00

It snowed on my birthday and its snowing again right now. This is rare in Georgia so I'm really enjoying it.

Check out the view from my balcony.

Super Tuesday

2008-01-10T00:44:00.001-05:00

You can't turn on the tv these days without hearing about the primary elections. Clinton vs Obama or McCain vs Huckabee. There is no stand out candidate that has the nomination in the bag. I think that's why there is so much interest in this election. It can go either way and that inspires people to get involved because, for once, their candidate may really have a chance and politics won't be business as usual.

If you'd like to get involved, you should know a few key dates. The first is the primary election in Georgia on Tuesday, February 5th. If you haven't already registered then it is too late to participate in this election but you can register in time for the big election on November 4th.

Click here if you are not sure where to vote. You can enter your name and birthday and find out where you are registered to vote. If you are unable to get to the polls on February 5th, you can vote absentee by mail. Click here to download an application. Another option is advance voting the week prior to the election. You don't need an application to do this. Just show up at one of the specified locations and place your vote. Click here to find out where you can vote in advance.

I'll see you at the polls on Super Tuesday. I'll be working as an election official. This will be my 3rd time. Its kind of boring but it makes me feel like I'm part of the process.

Mortgages Rate Fall Five Days In A Row

2008-01-10T00:06:00.000-05:00

Mortgage rates are at their lowest point in more than 2 years. The 30 year fixed rate average fell to 5.5% while the 15 year fixed rate declined to 5.06%.

This is an ideal time to refinance if you have an adjustable rate loan or a fixed rate loan with a higher interest rate. Its also a great time to buy a new home, investment property, or second home.

Real estate values are depressed so it is likely that you can buy a home for less money today than it would have cost you last year. Combine that with a low interest rate and you are in position to get a really good deal on the purchase of a home.

If you are interested in refinancing or purchasing a home, send me an email at c_lusby@kw.com and I can refer you to a phenomenal mortgage consultant.

Condos of the Future

2008-01-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

The condo of the future will be here sooner than you think. Robotic parking, high speed elevators, solar/wind powered... it will all be a reality next year and its coming to the heart of Atlanta.

Aquarius Tower is the newest addition to Centennial Park. Located across the street from the Aquarium, Aquarius will feature 10' ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, high speed elevators, wireless internet access throughout building, top of the line stainless steel appliances, granite counters, rooftop solar panels, and Georgia's first automated, underground valet parking service.

Construction begins this summer and prices range from $300,000s for a one bedroom unit to $2.5 million for a penthouse.

See the pictures below for a preview of the parking system and rendering of the building.

Over 500 Atlanta Homes Go to Auction

2008-01-06T00:25:00.000-05:00

America's largest auction firm of foreclosed properties, Hudson & Marshall, will auction over 500 homes in metro Atlanta next week valued from $30,000 to $700,000.

If you are familiar with the typical foreclosure process, you know that each month homes are auctioned on the court house steps with minimal opportunity to preview the properties and certified funds (no financing) are required to complete the transacation. What is different about this auction is that you can view these homes in advance and may be able to secure financing for them as well.

If you'd like more information on the process and how to see the properties beforehand send me an email at c_lusby@kw.com

The executive home shown above is one of many that will be auctioned the week of January 15th.

The Road Not Taken

2008-01-02T23:55:00.000-05:00

The new year is a time of reflection for me. I'm not sure if its because the year has changed or that I'll be another year older in January, but I always think back on my life and my choices. I wonder if I made the right decisions and what I could have or should have done differently.

Life is all about choices. In high school, I learned a great poem about making decisions. It's called the Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. It speaks to me when I'm not sure if I should try something new or stay in my comfort zone. Perhaps it will speak to you as well.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T23:14:00.001-05:00

2008 is here and 2007 is but a memory. Last year was a challenging year for many but the new year represents a blank slate, a fresh start. That's what so great about New Year's Resolutions... the optimist in us longs for change and growth.

If last year was a tough one for you financially, you may be concerned about losing your home. If this is the case, the best thing to do is contact your lender. The foreclosure process is expensive and not at all desireable for anyone involved, including the lender. They may want to see your current pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. This is to verify that you have income to make payments. If you have the income but are falling short, a loan modification may be offered to you.

I know this can be intimidating but the alternative is much worse. Keep the lines of communication open. The worst thing that can happen is that they will say no but I'm certain they will try to work with you.

One of my New Year's resolutions is to make better financial decisions. I hope you will do the same.

Happy New Year!

P.S. The pic above is from the peach drop at Underground Atlanta. Its like watching the ball drop in Times Square but we have a big peach instead!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2007-12-25T11:30:00.001-05:00

Good morning and Merry Christmas!

I hope this holiday season finds you in good spirits and surrounded by your loved ones. This is a great time of year to reflect on our blessings and all that we have to be grateful for.

I'm spending the day with my family and have seen many friends in the past few days. I am truly blessed!

One of my friends, Dorothea, gave me an interesting present. Its a statue of Quan Yin, a Buddhist God. This is by far the most unique Christmas present I've received. I must admit that I wasn't familiar with Quan Yin but I did some research online and learned that Quan Yin is known as the Goddess of Mercy and people often look to her for wealth, protection, and children.

Quan Yin is pictured on the right. Perhaps she will bring us all prosperity in the new year!

Back to the Auction!

2007-12-22T01:19:00.000-05:00

I just found out that there will be two more model home furniture auctions before the end of the year. If you haven't been to one of these, you should check it out. I've written two posts about this already. My friend Emma bought a sofa for $75 and my other friend Benita bought a sofa and loveseat for $200 total. The deals are amazing!

The first one is actually a warehouse auction so there should be a lot more stuff than you would normally find at your typically auction. The last time I went to one of these, they were selling boxes of lamps for $25-$40 and artwork in sets of 5 for $20 and up. Great deals!

The warehouse auction is on Saturday, December 29th in Cumming. The second auction is the next day in Atlantic Station.

Here are the details:

Saturday, December 29, 2007
Warehouse Auction
1445 Pilgrim Mill Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
Preview Furniture at 8AM
Auction Begins at 10AM

Sunday, December 30, 2007
Atlantic Station
395 Laurent Street Unit 3
Atlanta, GA 30363
Preview Begins at Noon
Auction Begins at 2PM

Here are a few things you should know about the auction:

Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
There is a 15% buyer's premium on items purchased so if you buy something for $100, it will actually cost you $115 plus tax.
Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
You must take your purchases with you the same day. There are people at the auction for a couple of hours after it ends so you will have time to rent a truck if necessary. Your best bet for a last minute rental is Lowe's or Home Depot. I know a mover that may be available both days if you decide to buy something and don't know how you'll get it home. Let me know if you need the number.
There are people on hand that can help you load heavy furniture into your vehicle.

I'm looking forward to the auction. Hopefully I'll see you there!

4 Days Til Christmas

2007-12-21T23:33:00.001-05:00

I was at the mall on Wednesday and the outlet earlier today and they were packed. You can tell that Christmas is right around the corner. If you have procrastinated with your Christmas shopping, its best to make a list and head out early. Forget about shopping online. Its too late to get anything in time for Christmas.

If you can't stand the idea of going to the mall, try in store pick up. This can be done at stores like Circuit City, Linens N Things, Best Buy, Sears, and Crate and Barrel. This will definitely save you time since you will have paid for everything online. Just head to customer service to pick up your items.

If you have to be out in the stores, wear comfortable shoes and have a plan. The worst part of last minute holiday shopping is roaming around while you try to figure out what to buy.

Model Home Funiture Update!

2007-12-14T12:16:00.000-05:00

My good friend Benita attended the model home furniture auction this past Monday and she got a ridiculous deal on living room furniture. She bought a Bassett sofa and loveseat for $200 total. Talk about exciting! The loveseat is in the picture on the right.

Another auction is in the works before the end of the year. There will be a warehouse auction on Saturday, December 29th. I don't have the details just yet but will post them as soon as I know more.

Hope to see you there!!!

Babyface in Concert!!!

2007-12-14T11:16:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of attending the Babyface concert Wednesday night at the new Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. It was a great concert! Babyface has an incredible collection of songs he has written and produced for himself and many other artists.

The evening started with his opening act, Ayo. She took the stage for about 30 minutes with her acoustic guitar and was awesome. Its not personally my style of music but she is very talented and has a beautiful voice.

Then Babyface took the stage and had everyone singing along. He started out with a song from his new cd, Playlist. Then he went into a few of his older hits like Whip Appeal and Never Keeping Secrets, and then went into a medley of songs he wrote and produced for other artists like Bobby Brown, Boys to Men, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, the Deele, Madonna, Karyn White, TLC, and other artists.

It was a great show. Babyface doesn't tour often so if you get a chance to see him, don't pass it up!

Trump Towers Atlanta

2007-12-07T01:18:00.001-05:00

Earlier today I previewed Trump Towers Atlanta. Okay, that's an overstatement. There isn't anything to see just yet but I toured the sales office, got great info on the development, and saw a "model" of the kitchen and bath.

It goes without saying that its beautiful and comes with great amenities. For instance, there are private elevators to the residences. You will share an elevator with two of your neighbors so it will be much more secure than your typical condo development. Also, all the parking is valet so you won't have to worry about having a decent parking space or the time it takes to maneuver through a 7 story parking garage. If you have groceries or packages, the valet will bring them up for you. Very posh.

The developers are counting on the Trump name to bring in buyers and they may be on to something. So far, they've sold over 80 units in the first tower out of 336. That's pretty good considering they've just opened up a sales office and don't have a true model home. With a starting price right around half a million dollars for a 1,008 sq ft one bedroom unit, its definitely a lifestyle that you are purchasing. Its may also a good investment. An associate of mine had a client that reserved a unit months ago for just under $400,000. That same unit is now selling for $500,000+.

If you are interested in floor plans or more detailed pricing, click here to send me an email.

Housing Assistance for Police Officers

2007-12-03T22:35:00.001-05:00

Are you a cop in the city of Johns Creek? If so, the city has money for you to buy a home. Johns Creek is promoting home ownership for police officers by offering an additional $600 per month for housing.

While this helps offset the cost of housing, it is still out of reach for many in law enforcement as the average home price for the area is about $400,000. There are, however, a few deals if you know where to look. For instance, the 4 bedroom home pictured above is currently listed for $199,000. Click here to send me an email if you'd like more information.

Another option for police officers is the Good Neighbor Next Door Program offered through HUD. A police officer can purchase a HUD home for 50% of the purchase price as long as its located within a revitalization zone and occupy the property for at least 3 years. If you qualify for FHA financing, you can move into your new home with only a $100 down payment and finance your closing costs. This is an incredible deal!

The Good Neighbor Next Door Program is also available to teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. This is a wonderful opportunity available to those whose work makes all our lives better. Keep up the good work!

Model Home Auction!

2007-12-03T20:41:00.000-05:00

Calling all bargain hunters! Three model home communities will be auctioning furnishings this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Paul Thomas Homes' in Dacula, Atlanta, and Suwanee are in the close out phase and selling furniture from its model homes.

This is an awesome opportunity to get great deals on furniture. My good friend, Emma, bought a brand new sofa for $75 at an auction this summer. Even if you aren't looking for furniture, you can find wall art, mirrors, lamps, vases, and all kinds of decorative items.

Here are the details:

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Harbins Landing Estates

1417, 1427 & 1437 Rolling View Way

Dacula, GA 30019

Preview Furniture at 9AM

Auction Begins at 11AM

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Stonewall Manor

5595 Jamerson Drive

Atlanta, GA 30349

Preview Furniture at Noon

Auction Begins at 2PM

Monday, December 10, 2007

Collinswood Park Townhomes

247 Bell Grove Lane

Suwanee, GA 30024

Preview Furniture at 5PM

Auction Begins at 7PM

Here are a few things you should know about the auction:

Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
There is a 15% buyer's premium on items purchased so if you buy something for $100, it will actually cost you $115 plus tax.
Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
You must take your purchases with you the same day. There are people at the auction for a couple of hours after it ends so you will have time to rent a truck if necessary. Your best bet for a last minute rental is Lowe's or Home Depot.
There are people on hand that can help you load heavy furniture into your vehicle.

The furniture pictured above will be sold during the auction in Dacula this Saturday.

See you there!

Thanksgiving Weekend Events!

2007-11-23T20:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Its the day after Thanksgiving and most people here in the States have the day off, making it a long holiday weekend. Looking for something to do? Here are a few suggestions...

Have a good laugh! See D. L Hughley @ Center Stage Friday, November 23, 2007 at 7pm. Another option is Damon Wayans, David Allen Grier, and Tommy Davidson @ Fox Theatre, Saturday, November 24th 7pm.

Go to the movies! Check out This Christmas or Fred Claus.

Go shopping! This is a great time to pick up electronics. Great deals can be found on HDTVs, digital cameras, and GPS units.

Take in the holiday events like Holiday in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Go to Fernbank for Martinis & Imax

Hear some good music – See Patti LaBelle & John Legend in concert at Philips Arena on Sunday, November 25th at 7pm

Hang out at Atlantic Station – See a movie, do some shopping, even play in the man made snow. (The picture above is of the Atlantic Station Christmas Tree)

How to Invest in Real Estate with Your IRA

2007-11-18T01:39:00.000-05:00

Did you know that you can invest your retirement funds in real estate? Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code permits you to purchase land, commercial property, residential property, condos, and more with money from your IRA retirement account.

The first step is establising a self directed IRA. Your typical IRA restricts your investment options to a variety of mutual funds. A self directed IRA allows you to personally choose where the money will be invested. The next step is to purchase the property in the name of the IRA. This means that the property won't actually be held in your name but rather the name of the retirement account where you've contributed your money.

Use caution with this option as the IRS does not allow you to use property owned by your IRA as a personal residence or vacation home. You also cannot lease space in the IRA owned property for your business.

All in all, this is a great way to take advantage of the current buyer's market and prepare for retirement. Click here to read the National Association of Realtor's article on buying real estate in your IRA. You can also send me an email at c_lusby@kw.com if you'd like more information on getting started.

Atlanta is One of the Best Places for Young Professionals

2007-11-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

Forbes.com has named Atlanta as one of the best places for young professionals. The financial website tracked graduates from the country's leading universities and looked at where they ended up 10 years later.

All of the cities listed below received high marks because they had the best business opportunities, the most young and unmarried people, and paid young professionals the most money.

Atlanta ranks number 3 on the list of best places for young professionals! Yet another great reason to call Atlanta home. :)

1. New York city

2. San Francisco

3. Atlanta

4. Los Angeles

5. Washington, D.C.

6. Boston

7. Seattle

8. Minneapolis

9. Philadelphia

10. Denver

Click here to read the Forbes.com article.

On Going Green...

2007-11-12T09:45:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Al Gore and the Inconvenient Truth documentary, there is a heightened awareness of global warming and the impact we have on our planet. As a whole, people want to go green but what exactly does that mean? We know that we should recycle and that hybrid cars are a great idea but is there anything else?

Here are a few ideas that may help you go green. None of them are time consuming or difficult to do.

1. Buy a reusuable shopping bag. This prevents plastic bags from filling landfills. I have a canvas shopping bag that I picked up at Trader Joe's. I take it with me each time I go grocery shopping and it eliminates the need for plastic or paper grocery bags. An added bonus is that Trader Joe's enters me into a raffle each time I shop with the canvas bag. The prize is $25 worth of groceries.

2. Wash your car at a car wash that recycles water. There is a water ban in metro Atlanta so you shouldn't be washing your car yourself anyway. A professional will probably do a better job and if they recycle water then you know they are acting responsibly. Cactus Car Wash is a popular carwash in the city that recycles water. Cactus Car Wash

3. Reconsider public transportation. The cost of gas is rising so its a timely alternative. Give MARTA a try. If MARTA can't get you there, then try a Flex Car. Its a service that allows you to rent a low emmission, fuel efficient vehicle for a few hours at a time. This way you have the benefit of a vehicle without the long term expense. Flex Car

4. Donate your old computer and accessories. Electronic equipment is a significant component in landfills around the world because it is slow to decompose. Instead of throwing away your old pc, monitor, printer, etc; you can donate it to a local school or charity. I did this a few years ago. I gave an old pc to an elementary school and they were very appreciative. It was a win-win situation because they received a free pc and I got the tax write off.

If donating your equipment is not an option, you can recycle it at no charge. One option is Hewlet Packard. They have a recycling program where you receive coupons on the purchase of HP products. Its a great way to save a few bucks on new equipment and also recycle the old. Click here for more details.

5. No list on going green is complete without talk of recycling. If your community doesn't offer recycling services, you can drop off your paper, aluminum, and plastic items at Ikea. Click here to learn more about Ikea's committment to the environment.

For more ideas, check out the 10 Things To Do from the Inconvenient Truth website.

Person to Person Lending

2007-11-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

The internet gives us so many options. Not only can you check movie times, look at houses, and find out about your favorite celebrities; now you can lend money. Its a new trend called person to person lending and the web makes it easy to do.

You go to a lending website and search among borrowers that are looking for loans. I skimmed the Prosper website and found a person looking to consolidate high interest rate credit card debt in anticipation of a new baby. Another person is expanding his business and wants to pay off the company truck. Credit ratings and debt to income ratios are provided so that you can determine the likelihood of being paid back.

Its a great concept. I may try it myself. If so, I'll write another post about it in the future.

Click here to read more about person to person lending.

Person to Person Lending Sites:
http://www.prosper.com/
http://www.lendingclub.com/
http://www.lendingcircle.com/

Atlanta is One of the Best Places To Live Well

2007-11-08T01:58:00.000-05:00

According to Forbes magazine, Atlanta is one of the best places in the country to live well. What does it mean to live well? It means we get high marks for quality of life, arts and leisure, reasonable housing prices, and consistent growth. The city falters when grading the overall cost of living, traffic, and pollution.

For more details, check out the article online Best Places to Live Well

Happy Holidays!

2007-11-07T08:34:00.000-05:00

Wow. Its hard to believe its that time of year already. Halloween was just last week and already there are signs of Christmas all around us. Just go inside Target or any department store and you'll see what I'm talking about. Before Christmas, of course, is Thanksgiving. If you will be traveling for the holiday, now is the time to buy your airline tickets. The closer we get to the holidays, the more expensive it will be to fly.

Happy Holidays!

Loan Modification Can Save Your Home

2007-10-25T08:22:00.000-04:00

You can barely turn on the tv or read the news without hearing about how bad homeowners have it these days. Whether its due to the loss of a job and high interest rate loans, the picture sounds pretty grim. So what do you do if you fall behind? The first step is to contact your lender and let them know what's going on. This isn't something you want to do if you fall behind but there are more options than you know. Countrywide recently agreed to modify the loan terms of tens of thousands of homeowners facing foreclosure. I'd love to think that Countrywide did this from the kindness of its heart but the reality is that foreclosure is very expensive for the lender. The lender incurs the cost of lost mortgage payments, fees associated with foreclosure process, decline or damage to the property, and more. The list goes on and on.

Its more advantageous for them to modify your loan so that you have a payment you can afford rather than go through the foreclosure process. This means your adjustable rate loan may become a fixed rate loan or your 15 year fixed loan may become a 30 year fixed loan. If you think this is an option for you, you should know that your lender will want to verify how much you can actually pay. They will likely want to see your recent pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and a hardship letter explaining how you got into your current situation. Feel free to send me an email if you'd like more information c_lusby@kw.com

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

2007-10-11T17:02:00.000-04:00

Atlanta is home to many celebrities. The house above belongs to superstar Usher Raymond. Its currently listed for sale at $1.9 million. Other well known Atlanta figures have opened their doors to the AJC and allowed the paper to get a peak at how they live. I've compiled a short list below with links to the photos. Enjoy!

Radio Personality Frank Ski

Basketball Player Allen Iverson

Recording Artist Q of 112

Baseball Player Andruw Jones
Mansion Madam

Television Personality Monica Kaufman

Seattle Seahawk Kevin Bentley

Brandon and Brian Casey of Jagged Edge

Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry's New Home Currently Under Construction

Candler Park Tour of Homes

2007-10-09T13:57:00.001-04:00

The 2007 Candler Park Tour of Homes takes place this Sunday and features nine homes, ranging from Craftman style bungalows to modern lofts, and one garden.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the tour. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the following locations: Candler Park Market, Little Five Points Pharmacy, Radial Cafe, Urban Gardener, Intown Hardware, Donna Van Gogh's and Kirkwood Feed & Seed or online via PayPal. Tickets may also be purchased during the Candler Park Fall Festival this weekend for $15 at the Gilded Angel located at 1404 McLendon Avenue in the heart of Candler Park.

Tour Hours: Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. For more information, call 404-522-5455 or visit the website Candler Park Tour of Homes.

Live at Sweet Auburn!

2007-10-09T12:24:00.000-04:00

Renaissance Walk at Sweet Auburn is a great example of the redevelopment plans for the the city of Atlanta. This is a $45 million mixed use development aimed at revitalizing historic Sweet Auburn. Its conveniently located within walking distance of the Apex Museum, the King Center, and Ebenezer Baptist Church.

There is currently TAD (Tax Allocation District) pricing offered on a one bedroom condo. This unit would normally sell for $207,000 but can be purchased for $144,000. This is a discount of $63,000 for the right buyer. The buyer must be either a first time home owner or not have owned property in the last 18 months and will have to meet certain income criteria to be eligible for this pricing.

This is certainly the best deal in town right now! Click here c_lusby@kw.com to contact me for more details.

http://www.liveatsweetauburn.com/

Atlantic Station

2007-10-06T00:37:00.000-04:00

Atlantic Station is Atlanta's own city within the city. This community features over 10,000 homes, 30,000 jobs, and shopping and entertainment for many more.

This area includes trendy restaurants like Strip and Geisha House, a bowling alley, a movie theatre, Ikea, Target, and a park. This month, Atlantic Station will host Oktoberfest, Taste of Atlanta, and a breast cancer awareness walk. There is always something to do in this community and its all within walking distance!

One great feature of Atlantic Station is that its MARTA accessible. There is a free shuttle for the area that runs to and from the Arts Center MARTA station. Once at the station, you can hop on the train to Lenox Mall, downtown Atlanta, Cenntennial Olympic Park, and the airport.

Curious about home prices in Atlantic Station? Feel free to contact me at c_lusby@kw.com for more information. The best deal right now is a one bedroom condo priced at $182,000. Its definitely worth looking into if you work intown and are tired of the commute. Its a great alternative to many other areas as its centrally located. Living in the heart of the city means you can get to most other places in 20 minutes instead of an hour.

Atrocity Within

2007-10-05T23:36:00.000-04:00

My good friend, Adriene, has written her debut novel, Atrocity Within, and its a great read!

Its the story of Elle Corday, an attorney who works her way through college as an escort and is later haunted by her past. The first chapter is available online at Atrocity Within.

Be sure to visit the site to learn more about the book and enter the drawing for a $500 American Express gift card.

Congratulations Adriene Allen! I'm really proud of you!

Halloween in Atlanta

2007-10-04T13:22:00.001-04:00

Atlanta is a great place to experience Halloween. This month, take in a haunted house, tour a historic cemetery, or get spooked at Six Flags. The possibilities are endless. Read on for a few ideas...

Netherworld Haunted House is one of the top haunted houses in country. Admission ranges from $18-$25. Check out http://www.fearworld.com/ for more details.

Six Flags Over Georgia holds Fright Fest every October
Fright Fest

Oakland Cemetery is the final resting place of Atlanta's rich and famous. Tour the site October 26-27th and see its residents return to life and offer insights into local history.
Oakland Cemetery Tour

Check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden for its annual event, Scarecrows in the Garden. This event features original masterpieces by local businesses, organizations, and artists. There is also a costume party for children, Goblins in the Garden, on October 28th. Scarecrows in the Garden

A Halloween favorite of mine is the Peanuts classic, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. You can count on this playing a few times this month. Its showing Friday, October 27th at 8pm on ABC. Check your local tv guide for specific info or pick it up at Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

Now is the Time to Buy

2007-10-04T12:13:00.000-04:00

Real estate is a very hot topic right now. A leading financial expert, Jim Cramer, recently stated that now is the worst time to buy. Jim Cramer may know about stocks and bonds but he doesn't know real estate.

Anyone that is familiar with supply and demand will tell you that now is the best time to buy real estate. Homes are taking longer to sell so there is a larger supply of homes thereby lowering the overall demand. This means that buyers have more leverage than ever before. If this same buyer waits for the market to turn around, he or she is likely to pay a much higher price.

The flipside of this, of course, is that conditions are not as favorable for sellers. If you have a home to sell, all is not lost. Many sellers feel they should wait for the market to turn around before putting their homes up for sale. The downside to this approach is that it works against them when they become buyers themselves. They may realize a better price on the sale of their home if they wait but they will also pay more for the next home.

In reality, "timing the market" doesn't work for the stock market and it doesn't work for real estate either. A home that is priced accurately and shows well will sell in any market.

Invitcus

2007-10-03T02:13:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been feeling nostalgic and thinking of days long gone. Whenever I do this, I remember my favorite poems.

One such poem is Invictus by William Ernest Henley. It speaks of overcoming the odds and remaining true to yourself. I find it encouraging whenever I'm in a challenging situation. Perhaps it will speak to you as well.

Invictus

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

Castleberry Hill's 4th Friday Art & Dine

2007-09-27T02:51:00.001-04:00

Check out Castleberry Hill this Friday for Art & Dine. You can start your night at Castleberry Point Lofts on Nelson Street at 6pm. Drinks and food will be provided by Slice while you preview the loft development. You can also enter a raffle for a chance to win original artwork.

Next stop on the stroll is No Mas Cantina! on Walker Street. They have a 4th Friday Artstroll Special 3 Course Dinner for only $25 per person. (This is a great deal!)

Several galleries are participating in this event. This is an awesome opportunity to check out the art scene and developments in Castleberry Hill.

Click here for more details http://www.castleberryhill.org/artstroll.html

Featured Property

2007-09-25T11:16:00.000-04:00

Today's featured property is a 3 bedroom home in Lithonia, just minutes from Stonecrest Mall and Dekalb Medical System, priced at $75,000. This home has a large backyard and is a great investment for a saavy buyer. You could live in it yourself or rent it out and earn passive income.

Feel free to send me an email at c_lusby@kw.com if you'd like more information on the property.

My Favorite Time of Year

2007-09-22T12:34:00.000-04:00

Fall is my absolute favorite season. This time of year I love to check out the fall festivals and take scenic drives to see the leaves changing colors. Last year, I drove up Georgia 400 past Dahlonega and made a day of it. There are some great scenic drives to take in.

This link Scenic Drives provides details and directions for 5 amazing scenic drives. Enjoy!

Where the deals are...

2007-09-20T23:54:00.000-04:00

I know I said this before but the $35,000 buyer incentive offered by D.R. Horton is, by far, the best deal in town. See my post from September 13th for more details. There are, however, many builders offering incentives to make buying their homes more attractive to someone that may be sitting on the fence. For instance, Tryson Homes will buy your current home if you purchase one of theirs. (This could be a better deal than D.R. Horton if no one wants your home.) Ryland Homes is offering a choice of one of the following: a 1/2 price basement, 40% off upgrades, or $15,000 toward closing costs. Finally, Pulte and Bowen Homes are both offering $10,000 in buyer incentives. This money can be used for upgrades, closing costs, and other expenses. One caveat is that you often are required to use the builder's preferred lender to receive these incentives.

This is truly a great time to be a buyer. The deals are there and builders are certainly motivated.

Grant Park Tour of Homes

2007-09-19T09:32:00.000-04:00

The 2007 Grant Park Tour of Homes takes place this weekend and features 10 historic homes. The tour will provide great info on the history of the homes, as well as, their sustainability and eco-friendliness. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. Tickets can be purchased at Grant Central Pizza, Dakota Blue, Six Feet Under, the Grant Park Conservancy Office, or online at www.grantparktour.org/

Tour Hours: Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. For more information, call 404-349-0005.

Maya Angelou & Iyanla Vanzant on the Hill

2007-09-18T12:13:00.000-04:00

This month marks the 36th anniversary of Hillside Chapel and Truth Center on Cascade Road. Dr. Maya Angelou will honor the church with her presence on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 10:30am. (I'd arrive early to get a good seat.)

Also, Iyanla Vanzant will be at Hillside on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 2pm. Tickets are $36 in advance and $40 at the door. There is a student rate of $30 with valid id. (There is no charge to see Dr. Maya Angelou.)

I hope to see you there! For more details, go to http://www.hillsidechapel.org/

Peachtree Malone Loft Available for Rent

2007-09-15T20:04:00.000-04:00

Today I visited Peachtree Malone lofts. This community is located ITP (inside the perimeter) near 285 and Peachtree Industrial. There is currently an awesome 1 bedroom, 2 bath unit available for rent. Its got great concrete floors and exposed ductwork that everybody loves in lofts. It also has an additional room that can be used as a den, office or really, really, really small bedroom. The community has covered parking and is within walking distance of the MARTA station. The monthly rent is $1,095.

What to do this weekend...

2007-09-13T18:10:00.000-04:00

This weekend there are plenty of options. Stevie Wonder will be at Chastain Park on Friday, September 14th. Lizz Wright will be performing at the Variety Playhouse that same night. Carl Thomas, Tank, Musiq Soulchild, J Holiday, Mario, and others will be performing this weekend at For Sisters Only at the Georgia World Congress Center.