Georgia has it all: mountains, beaches, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the entire United States.  But which areas are the best to raise a family? By asking the following questions you can find your answer fairly quickly.

1. Does the town have good public schools? We measured academic performance with scores from GreatSchools. This non-profit organization compares a given school’s standardized test scores to the state average to obtain a rating on a 1 through 10 scale (10 being the highest score). Higher ratings led to a higher overall score.

2. Can you afford to live there? We looked at both average home prices in each town and ongoing monthly home costs, including mortgage payments, real estate taxes, insurance costs, utilities, fuel and other bills. Lower costs led to a higher overall score.

3. Is the town growing and prospering? We assessed a town’s economy by looking at average household income and income growth over the last decade. Higher income and greater growth led to a higher overall score.

Residents of Evans enjoy a vibrant downtown area, family-friendly festivals and an exciting urban life as a suburb of nearby Augusta, the Garden City. In April, the Masters Golf Tournament comes to the city, drawing over 250,000 visitors to the area every year. Year-round, too, the economy is strong, thanks in part to a growing healthcare industry and research center. Georgia Regents University, for example, maintains a business incubator to help health-care researchers develop their ideas and their entrepreneurship.

For the full article by Mike Anderson, visit www.NerdWallet.com

 

For full story read here.

Many baby boomers who haven’t saved enough to retire well are contemplating delaying retirement. But if working into your 70s isn’t possible (or appealing), moving to a place with a much lower cost of living can help stretch your retirement savings and finance a better quality of life.

A retirement income of $40,000 per year certainly won’t go very far in Honolulu or Miami, but there are plenty of other places where it can fund a comfortable retirement lifestyle. If you’re willing to relocate to a place with a low cost of living and affordable housing, this modest retirement income could give you access to interesting activities and top-notch medical care.

[In Pictures: Best Places to Retire for Under $40,000.]

Producing a retirement income of $40,000 is a realistic goal for many retired couples, even those without a traditional pension. The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker was about $1,230 at the beginning of 2012. For a married couple each receiving the average amount, that’s a retirement income of just under $30,000 per year. Add to that a modest nest egg of $250,000, and that could bring your retirement income to around $40,000 per year, depending on how the money is invested, your drawndown strategy, and the inflation rate.

To find places where retirees can live well on less than $40,000 per year,U.S. News analyzed recently released 2011 Census Bureau data. We screened for places with the lowest housing costs for people age 60 and older, including mortgage payments for people who had one, other housing costs for people who have paid off their mortgage, and the typical rent for renters, as well as the proportion of their budget retirees spend on housing costs. Then, among the places where people age 60 and older spend the least on housing, we picked cities with the best amenities seniors will need, including major medical facilities, services for seniors, colleges, and cultural and outdoor activities.

Augusta, Ga.

The host city of the Masters Tournament is best known for its golf courses. This city on the Savannah River is also home to the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta State University, and a wide variety of art galleries and museums. Housing costs for residents age 60 and older are a median of just $626 for renters, $1,064 for homeowners with a mortgage, and $353 for seniors who have paid off their homes. Augusta public transit costs 60 cents per ride for people 65 and older.

Adapted from Augusta Chronicle article by Jenna Martin and Steve Crawford

A year ago when Dean Dozier was looking for a new place to settle between his home state of Louisiana and his wife’s family in Maryland, the Augusta area seemed like a sensible spot.

It was about mid-way between the two states and the Doziers liked what they had seen while passing through. But more than that, Dozier said he liked the numbers.

“We did a good bit of demographic research,” said Dozier, who worked in emergency management and disaster response for many years before deciding to start his own business. “We started pulling together a lot of numbers on numbers of households, households with kids, disposable income, things like that.”

That research led them to Columbia County, which ranks as one of the fastest growing counties in the country, according to new data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

“From a business standpoint it made a good sense to be in this area,” said Dozier, who started a franchise with Kona Ice, which sells flavored shaved ice from colorful trucks in 41 states.

Booming growth in Columbia County means more customers for his growing business, said Dozier, who expects to add a second truck to the franchise next week.

Few counties in the nation are growing as fast.

The latest census estimates indicate Columbia County’s population has grown by a little more than 6 percent, or about 7,600 people, between 2010 and 2012. Of Georgia’s 159 counties, only three added more people and only one – tiny Bryan County – grew at a slightly faster rate.

Columbia County’s estimated population increased from 124,053 in April 2010 to 131,627 in July 2012, making it the 45th fastest growing U.S. county.

There were nine other Georgia counties and three South Carolina counties on the list, but none in the metro Augusta area.

In Richmond County, the population increased by just 1 percent, from 200,549 to 202,587 residents in the two-year span. Aiken County grew by 1.7 percent, going from 160,106 to 162,812 in estimated total population.

Tammy Shepherd, president and CEO of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, attributed the county’s ongoing boom to good government and good schools.

“The number one driver of growth is the school system,” said Shepherd. “Being one of the top school systems in the state and also having some very good private schools attracts a lot of people to this area.”

Shepherd said the county benefits from a stable economy and a diverse mix of government, military, medical and industrial employers in the metro area that provide good incomes for professionals and skilled laborers alike.

Census estimates put Columbia County’s median household income at about $66,500. That’s about 34 percent higher than the statewide median household income and about 70 percent higher than the median income in Richmond County.

Shepherd said Census figures are a big driver for new business, especially national retail chains and franchisers looking for growing markets. She said growth in neighborhoods over the past decade, even with the economic downturn, has continued to attract new business to Columbia County, especially Evans and Grovetown. Census figures indicate that Columbia County issued about three times the number of building permits than Richmond County in 2012.

“You get the rooftops first and then you get the retail,” she said.

Shepherd, who has lived in the county since 1976, said not many people are familiar with Columbia County outside of the Augusta area, so she has a simple way to explain the surging rate of growth to strangers.

“We build a brand new school every year, add 700 new students every year and have three super Wal-Marts in the county,” she said. “When people come back here after being away a long time they are just in shock about the growth.”

Whether you are a new graduate, starting a family, or planning to retire, you may now be at a point in your life when you are trying to figure out where you want to live. Researchers are trying to make this easier for you to determine.

A recent study conducted by Top Ten Spot weighed several factors in various cities across the United States to determine where the best place is to live. Some factors used to make the determination include availability of jobs, home prices, income levels, and vicinity to families. Although various factors were taken into consideration, the majority of the study focused on economy and jobs, which seemed to be the prime focus of families across the United States.

On top of the list, in tenth place, is Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This city is one of the few cities across that United States that has demonstrated a fairly steady job growth over the last year. This factor is most obvious in the economic conditions of the city and the number of renovations made throughout. Oklahoma City has focused a lot on rebuilding their downtown area, bringing new life to the city.

Seattle, Washington was voted into the ninth spot due to the high level of educated people. Over 50-percent of the citizens of Seattle are educated to a Bachelor degree level. Not only does the high level of education provide various opportunities for the residents, but there is also a steady growth in the economy and business opportunities. Although the city itself may seem like a very busy location, Seattle is also home to over 5500 acres of parks and other natural areas surrounding.

San Diego, California made the number eight position due to the fact that over 40-percent of the population holds a Bachelor’s degree. The city also boosts a 13-percent poverty rate and a relatively low crime rate, which maintains the cities standing as a great social and economic home for most citizens. The city offers great weather year-round, and is not as crowded as some other large cities within the state of California.

Omaha, Nebraska, placed in the number seven spot, is known for being a traditional Midwest town with a modern flare, making it an ideal location for individuals of all age groups. Omaha is located along the Missouri River, which has benefited the city’s economy greatly since 1854. The large number of Native Americans living in the city also establishes a wide variety of music festivals and events all year round.

Honolulu, Hawaii makes the number six spot, primarily based upon the healthy and relaxed lifestyle of the majority of its residents. The economy is based primarily on tourism and the fishing industry. Although property in Honolulu is very expensive, it is ideal for those looking for an extremely active lifestyle on this beautiful island.

Making a mid-place landing in the number five position is the city of Boise, Idaho. This city contains a little over 200,000 residents, with a growing population that has began exploding nearly twenty years ago. The variety of new businesses through the city has established a solid economic growth, providing an excellent option for new graduates looking for a business venture. This city is also ideally placed in the center of various outdoor parks and natural beauty, making it an enjoyable option for individuals and families to celebrate outdoors.

Augusta, Georgia makes it number four position debut due to the fantastic location along the Savannah River and a hint of southern hospitality at its best. The tranquil setting provides a relatively low cost of living, and very inexpensive homes. This area maintains a very low stress job market; however, the relatively low costs makes Augusta a great retirement location.

The popular city of Minneapolis, Minnesota makes its landing in the number three spot of Best American cities to live in. This city offers many incentives for families, boosting a low crime rate and providing various attractions for its residence. The city of Minneapolis is located on waterfront property, providing excellent opportunities for various outdoors activities such as jogging and biking along the 15 miles of trails throughout the city.

The number two spot is home to Austin, Texas. Mostly known for being the home of the University of Texas, Austin provides a vibrant cultural scene hosting various live music events across the city. Being a high tech location, the city offers various job opportunities to any new graduate. Austin is also known for its numerous parks and outdoor locations, as well as the high average income level of residents.

Coming in at the number one position is the city of Boulder, Colorado. This city is home to the University of Colorado. The historical background of the city is highlighted by its scenic location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, providing gorgeous views throughout the city. The lifestyle in Boulder is quite expensive; however, the city tops the annual family income average at around $92,000 per year, mostly driven by high tech sectors.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/341052#ixzz2JZJDS4uy

From Above & Beyond magazine
By Amy Reinink

A little girl wanted to fly, and Re/max Balloon Pilot Kevin Poeppelman made it happen—on a day they’ll both remember.

Poeppelman has conducted hot-air balloon demonstrations for countless groups of kids through the years, but none of them quite like this. For a few hours on a warm Pennsylvania morning, he shared the wonder of hot air ballooning with a dozen children who are blind or visually impaired.

“Ballooning is very visual,” Poeppelman says. “You see a balloon and enjoy its colors, or you appreciate the view from up high. That wasn’t possible for these kids, so I tried to find ways for them to experience the beauty of ballooning. And it turned into a very special day.”

Nancy Altemose, director of services for the Harrisburg, Pa.-based Tri-County Association for the Blind, says the idea for the event came at the end of an annual weeklong summer camp for sight-impaired children, when she asked the kids to suggest activities for the next year’s camp.

One little girl mentioned a hot-air balloon ride. “She has no vision or light perception, so I asked, ‘What appeals to you about that?’” Altemose says.

“I’ve always wanted to fly,” the girl replied. “I just think that getting way up there like the birds would be cool.”

On the day of the program, Poeppelman and his wife, Amy, started by handing out balloons to the kids—ranging in age from 7 to 16—and asking them to blow them up and think about how much pressure it takes to do so.

“I told them that if they could imagine 90,000 of those one-foot diameter balloons put together, they would have a good idea of how big our balloon is—and how much pressure it takes to blow it up,” Poeppelman says.

He also let them stand near the inflater fan, which has a five-horsepower gas propeller that “will blow you over if you stand too close,” he says. “Then Poeppelman led the children over to the balloon itself, and let them touch various parts of it.

Next came the hard part. It’s a very quiet ascent that doesn’t offer much of a sense of motion,” he says. “Generally, when you’re in the basket, you wouldn’t even know you’re off the ground if you weren’t looking.”

Poeppelman focused on the sensation of weightlessness and and let the kids jump up and down in the basket as it ascended. He also chose one child to help him work the panel that activates the burner, and encouraged the others to feel the radiant heat from the balloon and listen to the sound of the burner as it warmed the air trapped inside.

The 9-year-old girl who originally suggested the hot-air balloon visit was the first to go up. As she returned to the ground, Poeppelman says, her first words were, “Can I go up again?”

The joy and wonder of a hot-air balloon ride is something that can last a lifetime, Altemose says.

“When the children conquer something like this, it makes them feel more like a regular kid who can accomplish anything,” she says. “Re/max made that feeling possible.”

What makes selling a home more stressful? Selling it in the middle of winter.

The lawn is brown, the weather can be bad or at least unpredictable and, unlike the longer days of summer, you have less time to show it off during daylight hours. But not everyone has the luxury of waiting until the traditional spring or summer home-buying season to plant that “for sale” sign. And while it’s true that in most areas you’ll probably have fewer buyers during the winter, you will have less competition from other sellers. The season makes staging — the concept of showing your house at its best — even more important. Be prepared to put a little effort into it. “It’s more difficult to make something look really appealing this time of year,” says Ron Phipps, broker with Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. If you do it right, you can really make your house stand out.

Here are a few tips for attracting the winter home buyer:

Keep the yard at bay

The top tip from agents: If the buyer can’t get in easily, the house won’t sell. That means keeping walkways and driveways free fallen leaves and branches or any ice that may come. Just like trimming the lawn in the summer, you want to make the home look like it’s been maintained. If you’re away frequently or live in an area that’s subject to bad weather, it can pay to hire a service to regularly clear the driveway and sidewalks.

Warm it up

If you’re showing during the winter, think “warm, cozy and homey,” says Ken Libby, owner of Stowe Realty in Stowe, Vt., and a regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors. Before a buyer comes through, adjust the thermostat to a warmer temperature to make it welcoming. “Sellers like to turn the temperature down because of heat costs,” says David Ledebuhr, president and owner of Musselman Realty in East Lansing, Mich., and a regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors. “But buyers who come in and aren’t comfortable won’t stay long.” If you have a gas fireplace, turning it on right before the tour can give the house a little ambiance  Libby says. With a wood-burning fireplace, you’ve got to be a little more careful. If the house is vacant, don’t chance it. But if you’re still living there and will be there during the tour, it can be a nice touch. Many times, sellers leave right before the agent and prospective buyers arrive. In that case, adjust the heat to a comfortable temperature and have the hearth set for a fire. Buyers feel the warmth and see the potential, and you don’t have to worry about safety concerns.

Take advantage of natural light

“Encourage showing during the high-daylight hours,” Ledebuhr says. At this time of year, “if you show after work, you’re totally in the dark.” Make the most of the light you do have. Have the curtains and blinds cleaned and open them as wide as possible during daytime showings. Clean all the lamps and built-in fixtures, and replace the bulbs with the highest wattage that they will safely accommodate. Before you show the house, turn on all the lights.

Get the windows washed

“Buyers act on the first impression,” Ledebuhr says. Windows are one thing that many sellers don’t even consider. In winter, that strong southern light can reveal grime and make it look like the home hasn’t been well-maintained.

For helpful tips on DIY window cleaner, follow this link!

Play music softly in the background

To create a little atmosphere, tune the radio to the local classical station. Turn it down so that you barely hear it in the background. “It’s soothing,” says Libby, who finds that soft classical music tends to have the most appeal to buyers. “I think people tend to stay around a little longer and look a little longer.”

Make it comfortable and cozy

Set the scene and help the buyers see themselves living happily in this house. Consider things such as putting a warm throw on the sofa or folding back the thick comforter on the bed. Tap into “the simple things this time of year that make you feel like you’re home,” Phipps says.

Emphasize winter positives

Does your neighborhood association have winter activities every year? What are the perks about living in your home during the winter? Be sure to mention that to the buyers.

Set up timers

You want your home to look warm and welcoming whenever prospective buyers drive past. But you’re not home all the time, so put indoor and outdoor lights on timers, Phipps says. Look at the outside lighting around the door. Is there enough illumination to make it inviting? If not, either get the fixtures changed or have new ones added.

Make it festive

Even if you’re not actually going to be present, greet your buyers as if they were going to be guests at a party, Phipps says. Set up the dinner table with the good china and silver. Have a plate of cookies for your guests, some warm cider or even chilled bottles of water. “First impressions are so powerful,” Phipps says. “If it looks like you’re expecting me and greeting me as company, that’s a powerful impact.”

Give the home a nice aroma

This is a repeat suggestion from autumn, but it’s effective. The No. 1 favorite aroma? “Chocolate-chip cookies,” Libby says. “Just about everybody likes that smell.” Other popular scents: cinnamon rolls, freshly baked bread, apple pie, apple cider or anything with vanilla, cinnamon or yeast. “But don’t overdo it, either,” Ledebuhr says. Scented candles in every room or those plug-in air fresheners can leave buyers wondering what you’re trying to mask. Watch the bad smells, too. Pet smells, smoke and musty odors can cling to curtains and carpets. Ask your real-estate agent or a friend to give it a sniff test. Then clean the house, air it out and replace drapes, carpets or rugs before you show it.

Protect your investment

Some sellers (or their agents) will ask buyers to either remove shoes or slip on paper “booties” over their footwear before touring the house. Many buyers like that, Phipps says. It indicates a “pride of ownership and meticulousness that resonates with buyers,” he says.

Use the season to your advantage

After the holidays are over (and the Christmas and Hanukkah stuff comes down), you can still use winter wreaths and dried arrangements around the door to spark interest. “Anything seasonally appropriate is fun,” Phipps says. In the winter, with the leaves off the trees, you might also have a nice view that isn’t as apparent in the spring and summer months. It’s a great time to sell waterfront properties, Phipps says. “You can see the views better this time of year.”

New and exciting things are happening this fall in Columbia County! After months of anticipation, Augusta area residents will soon be able to sink their teeth into Steak `n Shake’s famous steak burgers. The area’s first Steak `n Shake, located off Jimmy Dyess Parkway, is opening its doors at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Construction on the new Steak `n Shake started in June and took about three months to complete. Since August, 130 employees have been hired. They finished their last day of training Tuesday.

Steak `n Shake will be open from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. until the first of the year, when the hours change to 24/7. The restaurant is renowned for its steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. The menu also includes breakfast items, chili, burger melts, sandwiches, salads and desserts. There are nearly 500 Steak `n Shake restaurants in 22 states across the country. The closest locations to Augusta are Atlanta, Macon and Statesboro.

In another area of town, Columbia County officials have approved plans for improving Blanchard Park with a skateboard park, as well as adding an inclusive playground area behind the Columbia County Library. The playground will be play-appropriate for all children, including those with special needs and physical and cognitive disabilities.

For more information on these topics, visit the Columbia County News-Times.

This is a topic that is coming up more and more for my buyers and sellers. I wish I didn’t have to write a blog about this, but it’s something that we’re all facing, so why not talk about it.
There are two scenarios we’re going to talk about today.
First: buying a short sale. So many buyers call every day and say, “I saw this great deal that just listed on the MLS for $100,000. Everything in the neighborhood is selling for $150,000; I think I want to buy this one.” OH boy, here we go. Time to really explain just how this whole situation will play out.
The unfortunate part about buying a short sale is, you as the buyer are at the mercy of the listing agent. The problem with this is there are too many agents that don’t understand how to get a short sale closed, are working with a “3rd party investor”, or just thought they would list a house at whatever they wanted, and the bank would just magically accept some random low offer, since of course we are Realtors, and we know best. Right????
Wrong. Actually, the listing agent has no control over what the bank will or will not accept, they can only control how they will approach the short sale, what price to list it at, and which offer they will submit. As a listing agent of a short sale, their job is only to market the property at fair market value, and submit the highest and best offer.
Secondly, another huge misconception about short sales is that somehow, buyers and even some agents–yes, I said agents–think that when there is a short sale listed that their offer MUST be submitted to the bank. Because we’ve all heard, “you must submit all offers.” Right? Wrong again. Actually, submitting multiple offers to a bank would slow down the process, not speed it up, and sometimes halt the short sale all together. It’s already hard enough to work with the short sale lender on one offer. Start throwing in more than one, and the bank might go haywire.
So, what do you do about it? If you want to get a great deal on a property, even a short sale, you absolutely can. Actually, I would encourage it. Depending on your particular situation would decide which listing you should consider, and which ones you should stay away from.
There are several different types of short sales on the market. First, there is the already approved short sale. What that means is there was already a preliminary offer that was made on the property, so the bank has already done their appraisal, which means there’s a good chance the agent already knows what price the bank will accept, making it easy to know what offer you can submit, without waiting months for the bank to respond. Then there are the short sales that have just been listed. This usually means the seller hasn’t even been approved for the short sale yet. Which means there certainly hasn’t been an appraisal or anything else done by the bank, which would give you an idea of what they might accept. These short sales are the most drawn out. These are the ones that you hear about that people say, “it took me eight months to close on a short sale.”
The easiest way to figure out the difference between the two scenarios is to do your research, ask questions and find a buyer’s agent who will help you. As an experienced short sale agent, I can assist you in deciding if pursuing a short sale home is your best bet.

Home selling in autumn is the second best time of the year to sell a home. Families have returned from summer vacations. Kids have gone back to school. The holidays aren’t yet upon us, at least not yet in an annoying way. We are set to enjoy 75 to 80 days of normalcy.

Here in the South, we eagerly watch for leaves to explode in vibrant colors as for sale signs pop up in yards. People are happy and relaxed as temperatures begin to cool. Football season begins! It’s not just sweater weather that creates static electricity in autumn; it’s the scurrying of your agent diligently working to sell your home!

Here are a few tips for attracting the autumn home buyer:

Clean Up the Yard

Rake dead leaves and debris in your lawn. Don’t let overgrown shrubbery block the windows or path to the entrance. Cutting bushes and tree limbs will let the sun inside and showcase the exterior of your home. Cut away summer vines and cut down dead flowers.

Create Autumn Curb Appeal

The most popular autumn flowers are the hearty chrysanthemums (or mums) and they bloom for a long time. Marigolds are another good choice. Both mums and marigolds are available in yellow, which is a home selling color. Plant them in pots and place them on the steps or along the sidewalk. For a truly fall-ish atmosphere, accent them with pumpkins.

Dress the Windows

Rain and wind from over the summer months can make your windows dreary and dusty and streaked by autumn. You might not notice smudges, but buyers will, if only on a subconscious level. To sell a home, your windows need to sparkle. Remove screens and spray them down. For helpful tips on DIY window cleaner, follow this link!

Check the HVAC

You want the air inside your home to smell fresh. When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? You can buy 90-day furnace filters. Have the HVAC system checked before you need to turn on the heat. Besides, the buyer will ask a home inspector to look at your HVAC. If you discover problems with your furnace, it’s better to fix them before your home goes on the market.

Clean Out the Fireplace

Ah, nothing smells like autumn more than smoke from a wood-burning fireplace. If you have a gas fireplace, feel free to light it when buyers come through. If the fireplace is filled with cobwebs because it hasn’t been used for months, vacuum it out and wash it down. Or, if it’s still too warm for a fire, clean out the fireplace and place some pretty, fragrant candles inside on a nice stand. The glow will still be appealing and the smell will be divine. Consider autumn scents such as apple, pumpkin spice or mulberry.

Prepare Autumn Dishes

Speaking of autumn scents, you might set out freshly baked pumpkin cupcakes or simmer hot apple cider on the stove. Put a tray of cinnamon sticks on the counter, dotted with whole cloves. If you’re trying to appeal to families with kids, go for freshly baked cookies. Prop open a cookbook to an autumn stew. Fill a bowl with crisp red apples.

Utilize Autumn Accent Colors

You don’t need to dump a lifeless sofa when you can accessorize its dullness with bright red, orange and / or golden yellow pillows. Toss a quilt or autumn-colored throw over a chair. After you’ve cleared away the clutter and depersonalized each room, bring a little bit of autumn hues to each room by placing bold-colored accent pieces in odd groupings such as 3’s and 5’s. Create an autumn centerpiece for the dining room table by arranging pine cones and nuts around orange candles, stick in a few leaves from the yard.

Turn on the Lights

Above all, bring in the light. When days get shorter, the sun sets lower in the horizon and casts wider shadows. Pull up the blinds, push back the drapes on every window. Turn on every light in the house, including appliance lights and closet lights. Brighten darker rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture, and turn off the TV. You want the potential buyers to focus on your beautiful home, not the game score.

Offer Parting Treats

I call showing agents everyday to get feedback from their potential buyers. Gathering buyer feedback can be crucial. And buyers will feel more compelled to leave you some great feedback if you give them something in return. Like tiny packets of candy corn or those snack-sized candy bars – hello, Halloween candy! Or you can go all-out and leave a tray of individually wrapped caramelized apples, tied with a curling ribbon.

For more fall themed inspiration to improve the look of your home, check out Natalie’s Pinterest!

Be sure to keep an eye on our Pinterest boards to see the latest ideas in decor, color schemes, organization techniques, and DIY makeovers!

Visit our boards!

Governor Nathan Deal is touting a new ranking that names Georgia as the fourth-best state to do business. Georgia moves up from tenth in the 2011 ranking from the cable business network CNBC. Deal said the ranking will tell strategic markets around the world “that Georgia is well equipped to help them compete and succeed.” The 2011 ranking is the first time Georgia broke into the top five in four years.

CNBC chalked up Georgia’s success to its solid infrastructure and workforce. The cable news network also cited Georgia’s transportation and logistics system, including the world’s busiest airport, bustling ports and high-quality roads. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also released its Enterprising States report this week, which ranked Georgia first in entrepreneurial activity.

Follow Natalie PTeam on Pinterest for home decor, space saving solutions, and other inspirational ideas for your home!

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Tools and tips to help to get your home sold

I really can’t lower the price. Is there anything else I can do?

This is the most common answer most agents will give you for “Why your home won’t sell”. In today’s market, value or the perception of value, can vary greatly from the listing agent, to the seller, to a potential buyer, or to the 2nd or 3rd agent that takes the listing. A great example of this is a home seller that can’t believe the value of his home was once over $300,000 is now being told by his agent that it’s value is closer to $200,000, and the buyer interested in buying the home sees the value closer to $150,000.

As everyone knows a sellers desire, or lots of times a sellers need, does not determine value. Especially in the eyes of a potential buyer.

So, what’s the answer when you can’t even reach your bottom line? You should have this discussion with your agent the first time you meet. Be open and honest about where you stand, and hopefully your agent will do the same.

So, now what? You bottom line can’t be reached what are your options? Here is what you can do:

1. Don’t sell your home. If you’re determined to get your price, and not willing, or feel like you can’t take less, just stay. You can always try again when the market gets better.
2. Take a loss. That’s the last thing any seller wants to hear. The market is not where it was just one or two years ago, so bringing cash to closing is sometimes the only answer. Make sure your agent shows you a “net to seller” sheet before reducing the price, so you’re not overwhelmed days before the closing with the amount of money you are asked to bring.
3. Do a short sale. If you have to sell your home, and you just don’t have the money to bring to closing you can always talk to an agent specializing in short sales, and see if you could qualify.
4. Lease it. More and more sellers are turning this option into a reality. You can rent your home for a short time until the market turns around, and hopefully this will cover a good portion of your mortgage each month.

The best thing to do is think about all these options even before putting your home on the market.

 

Top 5 Things Buyers Don’t Like About Your House

1. SMELL…

   Overwhelmingly, the #1 complaint among prospective buyers was unpleasant odors in the home. The chief offenders were smoke, pet odors, and strange cooking aromas. Some in the discussion said they turned right around and walked out because they found the smells so oppressive. Most of us are unaware of the ‘peculiar’ odors of our homes because we become immune to the smells – the buyers are not immune to these same odors.

2. CLEANLINESS…

   This one just boggles my mind – the #2 complaint that buyers had about the homes they viewed was that the seller simply did not bother to clean. We’re not talking about home staging (which will help) or even unrealistic expectations of the home being spotless – just simple old-fashioned cleaning. Selling your home can be a bit inconvenient, but when you have advance notice that a buyer is coming to view your home – clean it up!!! At the very least, remove the pile of dirty dishes from the sink.

3. SELLER AT HOME…

   Coming in at #3 is having the owners at home while the buyers are trying to view it. Most buyers felt very uncomfortable with the seller there. Many said they could not take the time to really look at the features of the home because they were in such a hurry to get away from the seller. This is a real problem for FSBOs, as they are usually the ones showing their own home.

4. CLUTTER…

   The #4 complaint is related to the cleanliness point – the dreaded clutter. We have all seen it on the home shows, many buyers have a hard time seeing your home because of all the stuff. When I was selling my small (875 sq. ft.) home, I hauled a big truckload of stuff to a storage facility. How in the world do we accumulate so much stuff?

5. UNFINISHED PROJECTS…

   Unfinished projects take the #5 spot. If you are planning on selling your home, finish up any on-going home improvement projects before placing it on the market. Homes with half-finished painting, flooring, trim, etc. gave buyers a bad overall impression.

Pictures say a thousand words

Preparing your home for the photo shoot is critical. When buyers express their intention to pay an ocular visit to your home, they will be just as pleased with the actual presentation of the property. In preparing your home for the shoot, you initially have to perform basic inspection of its areas. List down the aspects that need immediate replacement or minor repairs. Give primary attention to visible areas like walls, roof, windows, doors and each of the rooms as these are usually the most common parts of the house that are photographed.

Here are a few quick tips once you proceed to the shooting:

1. Highlight the distinct areas in your home.
2. Stage areas in order to create impressive visual impact.
3. Enhance home areas by making them look livable. Adding potted plants in as many areas as you can truly emanate the vibe of a fresh looking and welcoming space.
4. Find the right timing in taking pictures especially of outdoor spaces. This is because you will mostly rely on natural lighting. If you want to create a great silhouette of your house, take pictures a few minutes before sunrise or sunset. Within this period, the skies usually cast a great palette of colors.
5. Tall, long and/or wide shots are preferable to make any space seem bigger.

Through these simple tips in photo shooting, a buyer can better envision himself and his family living in your house. And so that he can almost instantaneously own the house, he will see to it to make a very attractive offer. If that is the case, then it is all the more advantageous for you.

The first consideration in buying a home is comparing your dreams with reality. Put simply, how much house can you afford? Determining a ballpark figure for what you can afford is an important first step in finding your new home – it saves you time by ruling out homes that are out of reach, or too modest.

 

Down Payment

It’s a simple fact: The bigger your down payment, the less you need to borrow to buy your home. Take a look at your assets – savings, stocks, bonds, the equity in your current home – and see what kind of down payment you can make. Remember, lenders prefer to have buyers put down at least 20 percent of the purchase price; if your down payment is less than that, your lender may require you to purchase mortgage insurance.

 

Monthly Payments

Once you decide on your down payment, it’s time to figure out how much you can afford to borrow. The best way to do that is to look at your monthly income to determine what mortgage payment you can afford.

Lenders look at your total debt when figuring out how much you can afford to borrow. After all, if you are carrying a large credit card debt, it’s going to be harder to pay your mortgage at the same time. For example, many lenders think your total debt payments including mortgage shouldn’t be more than 36 percent of your income. The formula is a lot like that for mortgage ratios:

Basic Calculations

Monthly Gross Income x .36 = Maximum Debt Payments

Below is the calculation for our $4,000-a-month household with a monthly debt of $400:

$4,000 x .36 = $1,440 – $400 = $1040 Maximum Mortgage Payment

Two important things to keep in mind when working with these ballpark figures:

1. Your maximum monthly payment includes property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, not just your mortgage. You also may need to purchase mortgage insurance if you are making a down payment of less than 20 percent of the home’s price.
2. The ratios may not fit your family. If you are saving for kids’ college expenses or a new car, for example, you’ll probably want to be more modest about how much you borrow.

If you need help calculating your maximum monthly payment, please contact me anytime.

Here is an easy to use Mortgage Calculator that can also help:

There are several reasons’ that a buyer’s agent is needed. I’m a full time, experienced Realtor that works with buyer’s everyday, so here are a few things that a buyer’s agent does:

Helps you through the negotiating process

This is probably the most important part of having an agent represent you. The seller’s or builder’s agent only represents their interests, not yours. The agent working for the builder or seller has one job, and that is to sell you a home and maximize the profits for their seller. You have to understand everything you’re signing, including addendums to the contract, possible delays, what would happen if your current home doesn’t sell, etc. The most important thing to remember is that a buyer’s agent helps walk you through everything step by step, and works for you, not the seller.

 

A buyer’s agent is at no cost to you

The seller along with the seller’s agent pays the buyer’s agent fee. Many buyers mistakenly believe they would get a better deal if they do not use a buyer’s agent. They assume that since the seller has to pay the agent a commission, they would be willing to pass those savings on to the buyer if they do not use an agent. This is NOT true. In fact seller’s agents charge the same price regardless of weather or not you use an agent.

 

Makes sure you don’t overpay for a home

If you buy your home directly from a seller’s agent, they are only looking out for the seller’s interest. A buyer’s agent will provide you with valuable comparable properties, and give you their opinion of the value.

 

Inspections

A buyer’s agent can guide you through the “multi-stage” process of an independent home inspection, and help you through the inspection reports.

 

Much, much, more

A buyer’s agent is a valuable asset to any home purchase, and should never be considered as an unnecessary part of the process.

 

If you’re looking for a full-time experienced real estate agent, please contact me anytime

 

Augusta has taken its popular property records application to Apple mobile devices, officially unveiling the iPhone and iPad app “Augusta Maps” on Thursday.

The free app, available at the App Store, was created by the city Information Technology department at a cost of about $100 for a software developer license, said IT application developer Jeff Lewis.

The app allows users to search property records by owner, address, subdivision or parcel number for information including land and structure values and size, ownership, recent sales, commission district, voter precinct and even trash-collection days.

The information already was available on the city Web site, but IT decided making it mobile was the way to go.

“That’s the goal of IT, to get it out to the public, to get it to the masses as they use it,” Lewis said. “To be able to put it in their hands where they can actually see it was just a win-win.”

Michele Pearman, the Geo­graphic Information Systems project leader who developed the app with Lewis, said the city’s online property mapping application drives tremendous traffic to the city Web site from a number of users, including local and international developers interested in area properties.

Users include real estate agents, developers, appraisers and even nosy neighbors interested in knowing what a nearby property sold for, Pearman said.

The mobile app adds the capacity to search using GPS for information about the parcel where a user is situated.

Search “Augusta Maps” in the Apple App Store to download the free app on your iPhone or iPad.

Site credit: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/2012-05-31/city-unveils-augusta-maps-mobile-app?v=1338599551