Al Maxwell - Real Estate Agent -

It seems like RADON testing is getting more popular in Georgia. The EPA certainly has a lot of information about it and I don't question whether it's a health problem or not. The research makes sense.

My concern is more about the proper way of testing and the companies administering the testing. There are several ways to test. There are kits from Home Depot that are inexpensive, but take proper placement in the home and then must be mailed away for the results. Time is the issue, especially if the data is needed in order to meet a real estate deadline.

Most inspectors use the electronic measuring devices. They are set up for about 48 hours in the home and then the data is downloaded and printed out. The placement of the device is critical. If the unit is on the floor or close to the floor, then the levels of radon will register higher than normal.

I had one inspector who set the machine up in the basement totally in the correct manner, turned out the light in the room and closed the door. He did not know that the light switch also was wired to the wall plug and so when he turned out the light, he turned off the machine. His results showed high levels of radon. (not sure how or why) We had it retested with TWO different mcahines, plugged into TWO DIFFERENT wall plugs and the results proved it was lower and at a safe level.

Many of the inspectors who buy these machines have had minimum training. I sugegst that you go the EPA website and read about radon BEFORE the home is inspected. That way you will have the right questions and know more about the process.

Marietta, Georgia - One of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids!

Based on a recent study by BUSINESS WEEK magazine, Marietta was found to be #2 in the state for raising your kids. The study was based on towns/cities with at least 50,000 residents and median income of between $40,000 and $100,000.

They factored in SCHOOL PERFORMANCE, HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES, NUMBER OF SCHOOLS, CRIME RATE, AIR QUALITY, JOB GROWTH, MUSEUMS, PARKS AND OTHER AMENITIES AND DIVERSITY.

The most important factor was AFFORDABILITY, and with the economy that we are in, you may just want to consider moving here!

Here is the link to the whole article:

BUSINESS WEEK LINK

If you have an interest in MARIETTA, and would like to know more, please contact me at 770-988-3453 or through this website.

We all know that the media has had a field day with REAL ESTATE for a while now. While things are down, it's never as bad as the media portrays, and I feel that the newspapers are the worst. Big articles when the news is gloomy and a 2 line mention on page 16 when things are good.

With all of that said, here are some misconceptions in the marketplace. This is primarily for buyers as you are out looking at homes.

HOMES ARE ACTUALLY SELLING: Don't assume that if you find one that you like, that it will be available in a week or two. The good ones go quickly. In a market that is down 20%, remember that 80% of the people are still buying. Know the market well enough to recognize a deal and pounce on it when you find it.

CAN YOU GET A STEAL?: Many buyers feel that they have the power to negotiate way below asking price. This can be true sometimes, but not usually. Many people are not as desperate as the media makes it sound. The homes that look like true "steals' are most likely going to need lots of repair and work. There's usually a reason that the house is priced at $100,000 in a $200,000 neighborhood. (it's because the house needs about $100,000 in repairs)

NOT ALL HOMES FOR SALE ARE "DISTRESS" PROPERTIES: With all of the hype about FORECLOSURES, don't assume that they all are. Talk to your agent about tjhe difference in Pre-Foreclosure, Foreclosures and bank owned properties. Many people are still "testing the market" to see if they can get what they want. They don't need to sell, but would like to.

NOT ALL HOMES THAT HAVE BEEN ON THE MARKET FOR A WHILE ARE WILLING TO DEAL: It's interesting how many people associate "DAYS ON MARKET" to "LEVEL OF DESPERATION." They say things like, "It's been on the market for a year, so they must be really ngotiable on this price!" The truth is that many times the opposite is true. The house has not sold because they WOULD NOT NEGOTIATE. They may have had multiple offers and not willing to discount the home by a dollar, and lost the sale.

That's all for now. If you see a deal, buy it fast. Don't over-analyze the market. Look for the deals, but know what you are buying.

Here is a link I want to share:

http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html

It's the page that takes you to the "CITIZEN'S GUIDE" to radon. While we don't have serious radon problems in Georgia, there are pockets of the metro that have elevated levels. This multi-page brochure is in color, it's free and can be printed for your use. It's provided by the EPA and is very well done.

I suggest you read it because there is a lot of confusion and mis-information flotaing around about Radon gas.

You can't see it, smell it or taste it, yet it's a big health risk at high levels.

Check it out and give to all of your clients...That's my suggestion....

We got an e-mail yesterday and many of the types of loans that we are all accustomed to seeing are no longer as easy to get. There appears to be limited 100% loans and especially for those with borderline credit scores. If you have excellent credit and have some money to put down, you should be OK.

Just don't expect (1) no money down, (2) 90-100% loan AND a great interest rate. You can probably get ONE or TWO, but not all three of these.

It's still and EXCELLENT time to buy. Check with Coldwell Banker or another reputable lender and check on what kind of loan that you can get.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------