Brandi Wells

This is video from this afternoon (9/21/09) at the Yellow River on GA 20 in Milstead/Conyers.  This water is moving in a rush.  It's amazing how strong it is.  You don't get a good feeling of the magnitude and the violent sound; it's similar to the beginning of a Nascar race.....

It's not surprising that two of the most popular rooms for home makeovers are the kitchen and bathroom. When potential homebuyers are searching for homes, they generally are more attracted to homes with updated kitchens and baths. These same rooms rank high in return on remodeling investment at resale, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost-vs-Value 2008-09 Study.

However, both can be pricey ventures. According to the same study, the national average for minor kitchen remodel was $21,246. A sample remodel at this cost includes replacing cabinet fronts, flooring, laminate countertops and oven and cooktop; installing mid-priced sink and faucet, adding wall cover and repainting trim.

The national average for a mid-range bathroom remodel was $15,899, which included replacing fixtures, installing a porcelain-on-steel tub, new shower and ceramic tile flooring.

If you're like many consumers today, you are more budget conscious and may not be able to afford thousands of dollars on a remodeling project. Here are some alternatives that will give your kitchen and bathroom a fresh, modern look without breaking your piggy bank.

KITCHEN

Cabinets

Give your cabinets a fresh look by either refinishing or refacing the fronts at a more economical cost than buying new ones. You can even take the center face out and install a glass front.

Hardware

Replacing your cabinet knobs and drawer pulls, can give your kitchen an entirely new look.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint is always a sure bet. And it is one of the least expensive ways to give a room a makeover. To further transform the room, choose more modern hues, such as a warm yellow or deep red.

Countertops

The price of natural quartz or stone countertops can quickly eat away your kitchen remodeling budget. Less expensive, yet still attractive alternatives are solid surface materials such as Silestone® or granite and ceramic tiles. An even more affordable choice is laminate, which is easy to install yourself and comes in a variety of colors and styles.

Faucets and Sinks

Add a fresh new look by replacing your sink and faucet with a high-arched spout in an updated finish, such as brushed nickel, brushed chrome or stainless steel.

Backsplash

Another option to modernize your kitchen's look is adding a backsplash. But rather than having ceramic tiles, consider creating a mosaic with ceramic or glass or install a faux backsplash panel.

Window treatments

Switch out older valances with options that let the natural light in.

Lighting

By adding under cabinet lights or even track lighting, you can create a dramatic look to your kitchen.

BATHROOM

Paint

As with the kitchen, a new coat of paint is a low-cost way to renew a room's look. Choose a warm color to give the room an intimate feel.

Showerheads

Change out old showerheads with a new rain showerhead.

Hardware

Just as with the kitchen, replacing the knobs and handles can give your vanity a fresh new appearance.

Lighting and Mirrors

In addition to the vanity, the lighting and mirrors above that area can combine to make the perfect focal piece for your bathroom. If changing the vanity is not in your budget, consider swapping out your unframed glass for a more decorative mirror and add a new lighting fixture.

You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to add pizzazz to your kitchen or bath. Just changing one or two elements can make a huge difference in its appeal to you and a potential buyer down the road.

DEER FOREST

Active Listings Summary - 8 available

163 average days on market $228,575 average sale price

Expired Listings Summary - 5 expired

194 average days on market $224,960 average sale price

Under Contract Listings Summary - 1 pending

151 average days on market $190,000 average sale price

Sold Listings Summary -2 sold

77 average days on market $210,450 average sale price

Click here for additional interior/exterior photos, property descriptions and maps

data source GAMLS 03/19/09-09/19/09

Why stop using your tools after the sale?  After all, the current transaction is only the beginning.  You are building relationships for future referrals.  Keeping the client communication after the sale is key to continuing the word of mouth referrals.  Use your visual tours and other resources to provide some added value.  Give your client a visual record of their home and a way for them to send their excitment out to friends and family.

Time is of the essence

Governor Sonny Perdue signed House Bill 261, which provides a $1,800 tax credit for home purchases. The credit, which would be taken over three years, took effect for purchases June 1 and is meant to spur activity in the housing market.

The bill provides an income tax credit for the purchase of a single family residence from June 1 - November 30, 2009. As the timeline for standard purchases has increased, you would need to be under contract respectively 45 days from the deadline (Nov 30). In this case, you've got roughly 4 weeks to find your home, negiotate and get to a binding agreement.

Inspections, appraisal, and contingencies have to be dealt with swiftly. It can be done. Timing and process management by your REALTOR and mortgage planner will be key elements to ensuring you close on your home as expected.

The amount of the credit will be the lesser of $1,800 or 1.2 percent of the purchase price. A taxpayer may claim one-third of the credit available in each taxable year, and may carry forward unclaimed amounts.

For first time homebuyers, the state credit would be in addition to the federal tax credit authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The federal credit gives first-time homebuyers a credit equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $8,000. The state credit is available to all buyers from 6/1/09 to 11/30/09.

GA Dept of Revenue Information Bulletin

This informational bulletin explains the new income tax credit for a taxpayer's purchase of one eligible single-family residence made between June 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike the federal tax credit, the Georgia credit is not limited to first-time homebuyers, and there are no applicable income limits. The credit is only available to buyers of eligible single family residences who close between June 1 and November 30 of this year.