Al Maxwell - Real Estate Agent -

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.

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With the new 2008 GAR Contract in force, you need to be aware of what constitutes closing costs.

Of this list, the contract designates that the seller pays some of these and the buyer pays some of these.The list is long and as a seller, if you commit to a sum to contribute to the buyer, understand that any and all of the money can be used for the list below.

Costs considered to be "closing costs.

1. Georgia Transfer tax
2. All costs, fees and charges to have the closing attorney search title and prepare:
1. The Warranty deed
2. The owner's affidavit
3. Buyer's Power of Attorney
4. All promissory notes, deeds to secure debt and other loan documents required by any lender providing financing in the transaction.
3. Tax services charges
4. Recording costs
5. Courier fees
6. Overnight delivery fees
7. Document preparation fees
8. Underwriting fees
9. Delivery, copying and handling charges
10. All other costs, fees and charges and amounts to otherwise close this transaction except as they relate to the clearance of title encumbrances and/or defects necessary for Seller to be able to convey good and marketable title to the property.
11. Survey costs
12. Appraisals
13. Insurance (including flood insurance)
14. Inspections
15. Termite Treatment and/or repair guarantee
16. Escrow establishment charges
17. Loan discount points
18. Costs to buy down a loan, and other similar costs.
19. Any expenses resulting from the Seller not being able to attend the closing

So you see, there's a lot...if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me..