Sandy Springs, GA

It's interesting the career paths that we take in life. I started out in the service industry, babysitting and waitressing. Worked in Technology after college and grad school. Stayed home with three lovely children for five years and then became a realtor. I remember an educational video from an IBM job I had that talked about the average person would have seven careers in their lifetime. As well, it stated that one would have a lifetime of learning as they changed careers.

My first lifetime of learning came growing up with very entrepreneurial parents in five states and six cities before I started high school. It was an excellent experience. My fathers last "job" was/still is in real estate in Naples, FL. They were truly ahead of the curve by picking where they wanted to live and finding a career afterwards in 1978. (Just for the record, while they have moved homes 7-8 times there, they have stayed in the town since then!)

My parents were very willing to share information about real estate and making money in real estate. I remember many a college friend I brought home having long conversations with my parents about buying and selling homes and being your own boss. Even though my college and graduate degree where in computer science and business, I took the real estate class and exam during my second year of grad school at Georgia Tech. I passed the state test, but didn't activate a license, as I accepted a job with IBM in New York.

Now, it’s not surprising for me to get the question about why I sell real estate? (And the associate confusion and funny faces that come with that question are a riot, as people realize I have a great education background.) Well, the answer is simple. I love problem solving, puzzles, and people. Working as a programmer or project manager gave me some opportunities in those areas, but real estate allows me to help people problem solve and I really enjoy it. It’s delightful to have a job you can love doing! Life is too short, as you know. I also enjoy having my own small business. It works for me!

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to offer discounts on mortgages that include extra cash for making a home more energy efficient.

These discounts, which are already in effect at some lenders like J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America, include savings on closing costs for homes that have Energy Star appliances.

The Federal Housing Administration is offering a plan through its approved lenders that allows borrowers to add the cost of making efficiency improvements into the mortgage, but the extra money doesn't count toward determining how much loan a borrower can qualify for. For instance, a borrower who adds $5,000 to a $100,000 loan to afford new Energy Star appliances would only have to qualify for $100,000 - not $105,000.

Source: The Wall Street Journal (08/24/2009)

Many individuals love their timeshare property but if that does not describe you and you are desperately trying to get out, here are some tips that may help you. Although it is true timeshares are among the most difficult real estate to resell, it is not impossible. In this economic climate, buyers are rare and management companies will refuse to take the unit back and even threaten debt collection if an owner fails to pay maintenance and management charges.

Here are some suggestions from Lisa Ann Shrier at TimeShareInsights.com for getting out from under an unwanted timeshare:

• Most property managers won't buy back the unit or even take it off an owners' hands without paying anything, but it's worth asking.
• Avoid sales agencies that charge an upfront fee to sell a timeshare. Chances are these deals are going nowhere.
• Advertise the property widely and expect to get no more than 35 cents on the dollar.
• Look for a charity that will take the property as a donation.
• Consider renting the property.

Source: Tribune Media Services, Ed Perkins (08/24/2009)

If you are still trying to decide what your first home purchase will be, you may not have to beat the clock - yippie! Bills to extend the maximum $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, which expires Nov. 30, are pending in both the U.S. House and the Senate.

Senator Christopher J. Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat and chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, is co-sponsor of a bill with Georgia Republican Senator Johnny Isakson that would raise the credit amount to a maximum of $15,000.

Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid of Nevada favors an extension of the current credit. He was quoted by the Las Vegas Sun saying, "It's something we can get done."

Odds are that the credit will be extended and broadened to cover all buyers next year, but the chances of the amount increasing aren't as good, observers say.

Source: Washington Post Writers Group, Kenneth R. Harney (08/22/2009)

Susan Jackson, Associate Broker

Featured Lisitng

Exquisite Sandy Springs Home

This six bedroom, five and a half bathroom competitively priced home is conveniently located in Sandy Springs, Ga. The construction is chiseled stone and brick. The home is professionally landscaped in both the front and back yards and has a water efficient sprinkler system. The builders were very careful in maintaining trees original to the property during construction. The spacious deck has a stone floor and a patio underneath. The side entrance garage is built for three cars and is equipped with openers.

The gourmet kitchen has granite counter tops, under the counter microwave draw, over the stove pot filler, island with a prep sink and pantry. The eat in ktichen looks out onto the deck. The dining room is banquet size and has a butler's pantry. The spacious family room has a fireplace with built ins, decorative ceiling fan and also looks out onto deck.

The master bedroom is a suite, it contains a fireplace and a sitting area. The spa like master bathroom has a jetted tub, separate shower with a seat and additional shower heads. The oversized master closet is a room unto inself. The secondary bedrooms are sizable and have bathrooms. The laundry room is on the second floor with the bedrooms.

The terrance level has a media room and additional rooms to use as you please.

This exquisite home is located near restaurants, shopping, entertainment and transportation.

The offered price is $750,000

For Additional information contact: Susan Jackson, Associate Broker Phone: 770-551-5852 or email: sjackson@kstrealty.com