The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate

Sure – the economy’s tanked, your market stinks, and money’s tight. I get it. So pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get on down South, ya’ll, for two of the best events you’ll attend all year.

If you’re like me, you’re carefully planning where and when to spend not only your money but also your time. These two events will transform your business – and they’re more than worth the money you’ll spend to get there. And these ain’t your momma’s real estate conferences – from events held in bars, karaoke nights, and live Twitter feeds teaching you almost as much as the speakers themselves, you’ll come away with more information than you bargained for — and that’s a good thing!

To continue reading and find out more about these two great events, please click here.

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Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.AtlantaHomeSpotlight.com/
blog: http://www.NorthAtlantaRealtyBlog.com/

Photo Credit: "Compact Calendar Card - Design 3" by Joe Lanman on Flickr.com

Whether you're new to Atlanta or a native, there's always something new to discover. Our great city is vibrant and eclectic, full of vitality and variety - and that's why so many of us love to call it home!

So newbie or native...do you sometimes find yourself yearning for something new to do? Well, how about 365 things to do?

A new blogsite started about 2 weeks ago that will give you just that - 365 things to do in and around Atlanta!

Atlanta: 365 Days, 365 Things To Dowill feature one new thing to do (and occasionally two!) every day.

Who should not visit this site: Those of you who just want the normal, tourist-y things to do, like visiting the World of Coca-Cola and going to a Braves game. While those are cool things to do - definitely! - you can find that information anywhere!

Who SHOULD visit this site:Everyone else! Those of you who want to try a restaurant you've never been to, want to visit a place off the beaten path, find a place in this great Metro Atlanta area that's new and different to you. People who want something a little wacky (a pillow fight in Piedmont Park), a little wild (a comedy improv show) and a little wonderful (contests and free stuff)!

So - whether you've been here a week, a month, or a lifetime...check out 365Atlanta.com! You can also follow on Twitter at @365Atlanta or become a fan on Facebook for updates, contests and more!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.AtlantaHomeSpotlight.com/
blog: http://www.NorthAtlantaRealtyBlog.com/

I had a delightful morning today with a friend of mine, Patrice Ducoffe of Ducoffe Wedding Concierge (doesn't her name just sing with sophistication?). We met at Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee in Roswell, Georgia, to network and learn a little more about each others' businesses.

We realized, while drinking rich African coffee and indulging in delicious (and huge!) muffins that what we do is very comparable. Patrice is a wedding concierge - she is a hands-on wedding coordinator who can do everything for the bride from researching florists and reception venues to reminding her to write her thank you notes. Similarly, as a REALTOR®, I am the concierge of my clients' real estate transactions. I do more than just show homes- I coordinate the transaction from the first contact through the closing (meeting the home inspector, communicating with the attorney and the lender, sometimes more than the buyers themselves) and beyond closing day, including reminding them to file for their Homestead Exemption, wishing them a happy first home anniversary and continuing to provide them with valuable referrals to vendors when they need them. Those vendors who have proven themselves trustworthy and reliable and who have been referred to me by clients who have used their services.

As we discussed my own wedding experience (she can't believe I only paid $36 for my dress, but that's another story for another day!) as well as some of her recent experiences with brides, we also discussed the fact that the vendors we know and refer on a daily basis are a reflection on our own businesses. As the saying goes: a happy client will tell one person, an unhappy client will tell ten! So I constantly monitor the feedback I receive - if a client has been unhappy with a vendor or service provider whose name they got from me, I won't feel comfortable giving out that person's name again. That being said, I know that I can feel good about giving out the names and numbers of my most trusted service providers, from my painters to my electrician to my hardwood flooring contractors, and on and on. If my clients choose another vendor, I ask them to give me feedback about that person, as well as why they chose them (price, personality, referral) - I want to know whether I have another person to add to my list...or not.

Sometimes knowing someone on a personal level is different than knowing them on a professional level, but even though I haven't worked directly with Patrice or had occasion to use her services (sadly, I was married before we met - I wish I'd met her earlier!) I know that Patrice truly loves what she does and has built a fabulous business built on personalized customer service. In our two industries - where stress and strain can often rule the day - knowing that you have someone on your side to be your concierge and confidante can alleviate the anxiety and make the process what it should be - an enjoyable time to remember, whether it's your wedding day or buying your first (or second or third!) home.

ENGAGED? Patrice and six of her preferred vendors and service providers are currently holding a contest called "Lucky in Love." If you're newly engaged and are feeling lucky, log onto her website at www.DucoffeeWeddingConcierge.com and share your "oh-so-romantic, why-I-love-this-guy engagement story. You could WIN a Wedding Giveaway Package worth $3500 which includes a wedding gown from Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique (up to $1000 value), a bridal bouquet from Blossoms Atlanta ($250 value), an engagement photo session from PhotoSynthesis Atlanta ($300 value), a bride's hairstyle from Plum Tree Salon ($250 value), a bridesmaids luncheon from Party Chic ($250 value), wedding favours from Angel Lane Bakery ($250 value), and a month-of-the-wedding coordination by Ducoffee Wedding Concierge ($1250 value). (For a flyer with more info, click here or just visit www.DucoffeWeddingConcierge.com.)

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

A wise friend, Ira Serkes, shared this thought with me today on my Facebook Wall:

So Ira got me thinking - about 92% of my business comes from referrals: from my friends, family and clients. Many of my clients are also my friends - if they aren't my friends before we do business together, by the time we are finished, they have become friends. They stay in my life, becoming a source of future business while remaining, if not close friends, then at least casual friends who are happy to stay in touch via email, Facebook, the occasional phone call. They are, at the risk of sounding cliché, my biggest fans, at least from a professional standpoint. They are the reason my business continues to grow and in large part deserving of thanks for many of my successes!

Therefore, as Ira pointed out,they are not ever in my past. They are just my clients, plain and simple. The ones who end up being "past" clients are the rare ones who do not wish to establish a more personal relationship. Because after all, the business of real estate is more than just business - it's extremely personal. You learn your clients' tastes (and they probably learn about yours, too), their financial situation; you get a first-hand look at a husband and wife's relationship and how they deal with potentially stressful situations; you become their confidante, psychologist, counselor, decorator, negotiator, and - oh yes! REALTOR®! You wear many hats, one of which, if you're lucky, is also friend.

It's one of the many reasons that I love what I do. Every day and every client is different - it's truly a fabulous career and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

It's no secret that times are tough - money is tight and people are cutting back on expenses and spending.

And yet, there are still people out there buying homes. In fact, the federal government's new extended and expanded homebuyer tax credit is making buying a home rather attractive to a large number of potential homeowners out there, who are racing against the clock to get under contract by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30, 2010.

But for many first-time homebuyers, money can be tight - perhaps they have spent months or years saving enough for a down payment for their first home and additional expenses eat further into their savings and liquid assets. There are, however, a number of places NOT to cut costs on your real estate transaction. Yes, buying a home is expensive - probably your single largest investment - but cutting costs on these 5 items can cost you even bigger in the long run.

(This is by no means an exhaustive list - this is simply my opinion of some of the most important expenditures in your real estate transaction. Keep in mind- I am a REALTOR® in Georgia and the laws and requirements may differ widely in other states. Do not consider this post to be legal or financial advice - always consult an attorney or financial planner for legal or financial advice.)

1. Home Inspection - Possibly the single most important expenditure. A home inspection can determine whether there are serious defects with the home that may not be visible to the naked eye or obvious to you or your REALTOR®, such as faulty wiring, unsafe appliances, . You should choose your home inspector wisely, as all home inspectors are not created equal. Seek referrals from your REALTOR® or from friends or family who have recently bought a house and were pleased with their inspector.

2. Owner's Title Insurance - Your REALTOR®, lender and/or your closing attorney or title agent may talk to you about lender's title insurance prior to your closing, or it may just show up on your Settlement Statement, which might leave you bewildered by the charge. Though it is optional, it is an extremely important expenditure, especially in these times of rampant foreclosures, short sales, mortgage fraud, etc. Your homeowners' insurance will protect your physical home and its contents, but it won't protect you against financial loss due to defects in the title of the property, liens on the property, or other aspects of your financial investment. You can be sure that your lender will purchase lender's title insurance, so shouldn't you protect your own interests? You may have options when purchasing your title insurance - you can - and should - discuss those with your closing attorney or closing agent prior to closing.

3. Home Warranty - A home warranty is definitely an optional feature in your home purchase, but it can save you big down the road. In many cases, your REALTOR® may be able to negotiate a home warranty into your purchase contract, asking for the seller to purchase a one-year policy on your behalf. However, if the seller does not agree to purchase a home warranty for you, you can still purchase one for yourself. There are a number of reputable home warranty companies with various policies for you to choose from - from basic policies to those with expanded coverage. After the first year, you will have the option to renew your home warranty each year. Your warranty can cover many defects in the home, such as your hot water heater, air conditioner, furnace - but be sure to read the fine print in your contract so that you understand exactly what your policy covers and doesn't.

4. Radon Inspection - In various parts of the country, radon levels can be high and can seep into homes. Many home inspection companies offer radon inspections, as well, and may give you a package deal if you order it when you order your home inspection. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website has extensive information on radon testing and even provides a map of radon levels across the country. If for no other reason, get a radon test to give yourself and your family peace of mind.

5. Survey - A survey is an official diagram or drawing of your property, including lot lines, public utilities on the property, easements, etc. While some lenders may require a survey, it is often optional. The seller of the home may have a seller from when they bought the house or from much earlier than that, depending on the age of the home. It is always a good idea to get an updated one, whether the seller provides you with one or not. An updated survey can tell you if a neighbor's fence has intruded over your property line or if that dead tree is your liability or the neighbor's, saving you the trouble and hassle of dealing with those issues down the road - and there can be costly issues associated with disputes over property lines and ownership. It's best to get those out of the way before you are the property owner.

Of course, there are many other costs associated with buying a home - you should consult your local REALTOR® with questions about what is the norm in your area. And if you have questions about buying a home in North Georgia and the North Metro Atlanta area in particular, call The Gebhardt Group today. We're happy to answer your questions for you and help you navigate the homebuying process!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/