Existing Home Prices & Sales Plummet

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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:

1. Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
2. 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.
3. Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
4. 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.
5. 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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

1. Hip Hop Dance Classes
   
2. Pole Dancing Classes
   
3. 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

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:

1. Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
   
2. 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.
   
3. Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
   
4. 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.
   
5. 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

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

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:

1. Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
2. 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.
3. Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
4. 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.
5. 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

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

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?

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...

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

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

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:

1. Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
2. 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.
3. Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
4. 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.
5. There are people on hand that can help you load heavy furniture into your vehicle. They work for tips so bring cash.
6. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

1. Everything is sold as is. There are no refunds on items purchased.
2. 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.
3. Payment can be made with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
4. 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.
5. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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!