John Mulkey, Housing Guru

As many homeowners have discovered, selling a home is much more than signing a listing agreement. In today’s housing market, sellers are competing with foreclosures, short sales and neighbors willing to forgo the profits common in past years. Those serious about selling understand the demands of the market and the expectations of buyers looking to capitalize on the best values in a decade.

Recently my daughter found a building lot near her present home that was being offered for sale by a local bank. And as the selling price seemed very attractive, she and her husband decided that it was time to build a new home. Building a new home, however, would necessitate the sale of their present one, a home I built for them 14 years ago. (Some of you may have noticed a sharp decline in my posting and commenting during the past few weeks, and my absence has been due to my efforts to help my daughter meet the demands of today’s housing market.)

Having once worked in my construction business and being very familiar with marketing homes, my daughter asked me to assist her in preparing her home for sale. While we both felt that the location of the home, a prestigious East Cobb neighborhood of Marietta, GA, should provide a selling advantage, we were also aware that most of today’s buyers are looking for the best deals on “move-in” ready homes.

Although the home has had several upgrades during the past several years, we knew it was critical that it compare favorably to new homes being offered in the surrounding area, and we spent the several weeks making the necessary changes, minor upgrades and repairs that we felt would place the home above the competition. With our updating complete, the home was listed this week, and we hope to soon see a positive result of our efforts.

Those interested in seeing the results of our labor can take a “VIRTUAL TOUR” of the home. And those considering moving to Metro Atlanta, and specifically the East Cobb area, who are interested in a great home in a great location can contact Donna King for further information.

Selling a home is much more than signing a listing agreement. Anyone thinking of selling and interested in applying the tips we used in preparing this home for sale should read the following articles:

Preparing Your Home For Sale

10 Tips To Help Sell Your Home That Won’t Break The Bank

Must Do Repairs Prior To Sale

Staging Your Home

10 Don'ts in Selling Your Home

The Housing Guru: The expert source for all your housing questions—now featuring daily updates of Today’s Housing News

Lake Arrowhead Georgia Supports the Wounded Warrior Project

As a part of the Independence Day celebrations held in Lake Arrowhead Georgia, the neighborhood sponsored a Salute to our Military on Friday July 1^st. The focus of the event was to honor our men and women in the military and their service to our country.

Honoring all those currently in military service as well as all who have served in the past—the event provided an opportunity for Lake Arrowhead homeowners and visitors to contribute to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “to honor and empower wounded warriors.”

Lake Arrowhead owners and their guests were encouraged to contribute to WWP, and collection buckets were placed around the park. One of the highlights of the event was the U.S. Marine fly-in of a Super Cobra Gunship. Both children and adults enjoyed getting a close up view of an actual attack helicopter and learning more about its use in protecting our nation and supporting our troops on the battlefield.

We salute the all those who currently serve in our military, those who served in the past, and those who gave their lives to protect our country. A great way to show our support and appreciation is to contribute to the Wounded Warrior Project to help those who have been injured in their service. Click on this LINK to learn more about WWP and how you can support its programs.

Visit the website for the Wounded Warrior Project and leave a generous contribution. Do your part to give to those who have given so much.

Though I am a Georgia native, I have yet to see some of the state’s more unusual points of interest; and a couple of weeks ago I decided to make a short trip to Elberton GA and visit the Georgia Guidestones, one of the state’s lesser known but more controversial attractions. Often referred to as America’s Stonehenge, yet centuries younger, the Georgia Guidestones are just as mysterious, with little known about the forces or individuals behind their construction.

Located on an obscure hilltop near Elberton GA, the Guidestones were erected in 1980, but there is scarce information about who funded the project or why. Below I’ve listed a brief history of the Georgia Guidestones:

The story of the monument begins in June, 1979 when a man calling himself, R. C. Christian (a name he admitted was not his own) entered Elberton Granite Finishing Company and described an elaborate monument he desired to have constructed. Requesting five stone monoliths approximately 20 ft high with a single, connecting granite capstone, Christian ordered that each side be inscribed with information he would provide outlining ten guides for humanity, and that the guides were to be translated into 8 languages. Additionally, he also indicated that shorter inscriptions in Classical Greek, Sanskrit, Babylonian cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphics be placed on the capstone.

The inscriptions on the Guidestones read as follows:

Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature

Guide reproduction wisely—improving fitness and diversity

Unite humanity with a living new language

Rule passion—faith—tradition—and all things with tempered reason

Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts

Let all nations rule internally resolving external disputes in a world court.

Avoid petty and useless officials

Balance personal rights with social duties

Prize truth—beauty—love—seeking harmony with the infinite

Be not a cancer on the earth—Leave room for nature—Leave room for nature

The stones are astronomically aligned and there is an eye-level slit cut into one stone allowing viewers to see the rising sun at the summer and winter solstices. There is also a two-inch hole that is cut at an angle of 34 degrees and which points to the north celestial pole. A hole in the capstone acts as both clock and calendar, allowing sunlight to pass through forming a spot of light at the base which indicates high noon and the day of the year.

Nearby, a raised granite marker provides a brief history of the Guidestones, and closer to the monument an additional slab was placed at ground level. The second tablet describes the Guidestones and the languages used on them. The marker also lists various facts about the size, weight, and astronomical features of the stones and the date the Guidestones were erected. An inscription also states that a time capsule was buried under the slab, but the dates showing when the capsule was buried and when it is to be opened have been left blank, so it is unclear whether or not the capsule is actually there. There is also an inscription that states:

LET THESE BE
GUIDESTONES
TO AN AGE
OF REASON

Most of those in opposition to the monument find the first “guide” the most objectionable, for if humanity is to be maintained at 500 million, then more than 6 billion people must somehow be eliminated. Such a sobering thought raises questions as to how the builders felt such a reduction in population might be accomplished. But the objections don’t end with the prospect of population control; many are concerned about the reference to a world court and a universal language.

Although much has been written about the Georgia Guidestones, they remain shrouded in mystery more than thirty years following their construction. And while some view them as a curse, erected by a satanic or other sinister group; others see them as pointing to a better, more harmonious future. Whatever their purpose and whoever their sponsors may be, the Guidestones continue to attract visitors to Elbert County and this quiet Georgia community.

After recently completing a successful photographic session, which included both traditional “head shots” as well as construction site photos, I’m pleased to recommend Teryl Jackson Photography, the professional’s choice in north Georgia. Having previously used snap shots and vacation photos for my website and blogs, I was ready to secure the services of a professional photographer, one with the creativity and flexibility to meet the ever-changing needs of my business. I found those attributes and more in Teryl Jackson Photography, a gifted photo professional, located in Marietta, GA.

Those in need of a true photo professional in the Metro Atlanta area are in for a special treat when they engage the services of Teryl Jackson. With educational training that includes graphic design, communications and cinematography, and with two decades of work as a photographer, Teryl has the depth of experience and the training to meet the needs of the most demanding client. A review of her portfolio and client list provides ample testimony to both her talent and service.

I heartily recommend the services of Teryl Jackson Photography, the professional’s choice in north Georgia, and have included some examples of her work.

The Housing Guru: The expert source for all your housing questions

Homeowners in the Waleska, Canton, Cartersville, and Jasper, GA areas who are in need of tree services, have a valuable resource in the services of Tim Jones and the talented crew of T. J.’s Tree Service & Stump Removal, Inc. Those who have suffered storm damage, have dead or dying trees, or who just want to “clear the air,” will be delighted in the skill and professionalism offered by T. J.’s, north Georgia’s home grown, tree removal experts.

A third generation tree cutter, T. J.’s Tree Service & Stump Removal offers 24 hour storm response and will do those small jobs too dangerous for most homeowners. Licensed and insured, T. J. also has the equipment to tackle the largest jobs, including mass clearing or the removal of stands of insect damaged trees. With a bucket truck, chipper, stump grinder, dump truck, bob cat, and log splitter, T. J.’s offers both the tools and the attitude to get the job done—and to get it done right.

And if your clearing plans include grading work, T. J. can help with that too. With access to front-end loaders, track hoes, and Bobcats, T. J.’s Tree Service & Stump Removal is north Georgia’s answer to those needing a full-service tree removal company.

T.J.'s Tree Service & Stump Removal

PHONE: 770-479-5992