Altimese Dees

If you are in the market to purchase a home, but are having trouble finding the money for a down payment, please take note of the following tips:

1. How can homebuyers find money for a down payment?

• Start a special savings account. Contribute a certain amount per pay check. Also, deposit any money received from your federal income tax return into that savings account.
• If you are expecting an annual bonus, set aside that money as well.
• Use your tax sheltered funds, such as your 401K, Tax Shelter Annuity, Individual Retirement Account, Profit-Sharing or Stock Ownership Plan at your place of employment. Be sure to consult with your financial advisor before making this move.
• Secure gifts from family members and/or friends.
• You may qualify for other county and state grant programs that are currently available.

On another note, The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is currently offering a $100 down program if you purchase a HUD home and are an owner-occupant buyer.

2. Are there any 100 percent programs available to buy a house?

The market changes by the day. To my knowledge, the only 100 percent program available is a VA Loan, which is a loan guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you a veteran, contact the VA to see if you have any available benefits.

3. Are there any grant programs available to assist homebuyers with the down payment?

The Georgia Dream Program is a grant provided by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Under this program, you must be a 1^st time homebuyer or have not owned a home within the past 3 years. There are also income limitations to qualify.

4. Are there any special home programs available for teachers or public safety workers?

The Georgia Dream Program offers additional benefits for those in the fields of education, public safety, including the military and health care.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development also offers a special home program for law enforcement officers and teachers (Officer/Teacher Next Door Program) for the purchase of a HUD home.

5. Who can qualify for the new $7500 federal tax credit?

First time homebuyers who purchase a principle residence on April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009 are eligible. If you (and your spouse, if married) have not owned your principle residence for a 3 year period before your purchase, and you have never taken advantage of the DC first-time homebuyer credit, you should qualify as a first-time homebuyer. Like all tax credits, it will directly reduce the total amount of taxes you owe. When you file your taxes, for the year you purchased your home (2008 or 2009), you will be able to subtract the amount of the credit from your Federal income tax liability, increasing the size of your refund or reducing the amount you owe. Be sure to consult with your tax advisor for more information. (Source for information: The National Association of Realtors®).

If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact me at 678-644-1712 (direct); or email: altmd3@aol.com.

Altimese L. Dees is Broker / Owner of The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC. For more than a decade, Altimese has been studying and consulting individuals, families, investors and corporations on topics related to real estate, housing and mortgage financing. She is an associate broker for RE/MAX Advantage in McDonough. Altimese serves as a local director of the Metro South Association of Realtors®, and a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., MECCA Chapter. She can be reached by calling 678-644 -1712, or email: altmd3@ aol.com.

First of all, revitalization means ‘to give life to.'¹ I was born and raised in Atlanta, and over the years I have seen old, less attractive communities come alive again - a true renaissance! Kirkwood, Little Five Points, East Lake, Grant Park, West End and Glenwood Park are excellent examples of revitalized communities. Property values in these areas grew tremendously after their rebirth.

I envision a renaissance for neighborhoods in Clayton. We can start by renovating abandoned and foreclosed properties. In fact, a government grant was recently issued to the county for this cause. Planning for its use is currently underway.

Moreover, people want lifestyle centers that are mixed use with retail on the ground floor and office, housing or hotel space above. Residents want communities with lush landscaping, green space, play areas, improved transit and walkable communities. These characteristics bring people together and create a sense of community.²

As a Realtor®, I am in search of skilled investors and developers (residential and commercial), who would like to take part in Clayton's renaissance. Now is an excellent time to buy. Clayton County is positioned to become a more desirable place in which to live because of its close proximity to the airport and downtown Atlanta; easy access to major interstates; reasonably priced land and real estate; and available green spaces.

Special government grants and incentives may be available for these types of projects. If other communities across Atlanta can do it, so can we.

Again I ask, "What would it take to revitalize our community?" The answer is quite simple- an investment in Clayton County and a buy-in from local, state and federal government officials. This vision of an improved community won't happen overnight. It has to be planted and nurtured. For revitalization begins in our hearts.

¹ Definition as defined by Webster's Dictionary

² Characteristics of Smart Growth

Altimese L. Dees is Broker/ Owner of The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC. For more than a decade, Altimese has been studying and consulting individuals, families, investors and corporations on topics related to real estate, housing and mortgage financing. She is an associate broker for RE/MAX Advantage in McDonough. Altimese serves as a local director of the Metro South Association of Realtors®, and a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., MECCA Chapter. She can be reached by calling 678-644-1712, or email: altmd3@aol.com.

By now, everyone knows that this country is going through some tough economic times. Hopefully, economic strategists and financial experts are putting their minds together to create a plan that will make things better - fast!

However, if everyone knows that times are tough...and that businesses are closing...and that people are getting laid off everyday...and that money is tight...why are commercial properties in Atlanta and surrounding areas still so expensive? In a down market, you must reduce the price, whether selling or leasing, to attract a buyer or tenant. Otherwise, you run the risk of allowing the space to sit vacant for a very long time.

Some businesses that have been in existence for the past 5, 10 or 20 years are now closing their doors. They are simply not making the same amount of money that they were making, due to people not spending the way that they used to spend.

Many businesses have decided to close their offices and work out of their homes. This may not be a viable option for some if your business requires walk-in traffic (check with your county business development office for laws pertaining to working out of your home).

As a Realtor®, I am in search of affordable retail space and office space (Class A - C) for existing small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in our city. If you own commercial space that is just sitting, please call me at 678-644-1712.

Together, we can help small businesses achieve, even in a sour economy.

Altimese L. Dees is Broker/ Owner of The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC. For more than a decade, Altimese has been studying and consulting individuals, families, investors and corporations on topics related to real estate, housing and mortgage financing. She is an associate broker for RE/MAX Advantage in McDonough. Altimese serves as a local director of the Metro South Association of Realtors®, and a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., MECCA Chapter. She can be reached by calling 678-644-1712, or email: altmd3@aol.com.

I hope that the worst is over for Clayton County. I am looking forward to reduced crime and an improved school system, among other things. An improved school system in my mind involves: (1) a board that functions in accordance to its rules and regulations, with our children's best interests at heart; (2) committed teachers who realize that they have a challenging position, but who have a heart and an earnest desire to teach our children and inspire them to become the very best that they can be; (3) diligent principals and staff members who pay close attention to detail to ensure that every child gets what he or she needs, and that all operations run as smoothly as possible; (4) loving parents that take responsibility for their children, teach them right from wrong, and reinforce the lessons that are being taught at school; and (5) hard working students who will obey the rules of the land, get a good education and aspire to make a difference in our ever-changing world.

We each have a ‘continuous' part in bringing healing to our community. Crime prevention and creating good schools are only the beginning.

As a Realtor®, my vision for the county also includes economic development (bringing new businesses into the community) and smart growth initiatives (revitalizing old neighborhoods, making existing commercial infrastructure attractive to businesses and residents, and creating desirable mixed-use developments with green space that create a sense of place).

If we work together, I believe that we can and will achieve great success. Please join me in ‘bringing healing to our community.'

Altimese L. Dees is Broker/ Owner of The Real Estate Gallery of Georgia, LLC. For more than a decade, Altimese has been studying and consulting individuals, families, investors and corporations on topics related to real estate, housing and mortgage financing. She is an associate broker for RE/MAX Advantage in McDonough. Altimese serves as a local director of the Metro South Association of Realtors®, and a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., MECCA Chapter. She can be reached by calling 678-644-1712, or email: altmd3@aol.com.