Janet Weidmann

My sense of things in the Atlanta market is that we will remain in a 'bargain market' for all of 2009. But what better time to buy! Sellers are competing for Buyers in today's market which means homes must be priced agressively for market conditions . There are plenty of Buyers out there 'circling the wagons' and waiting patiently for the right price adjustment. Slow 'sales activity' indicates a continued high level of Buyer price resistance in the current market. When a home is priced correctly, we often have multiple offers on the table.

The Economic Stimulus package set forth with a tax credit to home buyers in 2009 will likely stimulate our seasonal activity for a brief period of time. I believe that when the freeze on foreclosures is lifted we will have a large number of property floreclosures glutting the market, contributing to an already difficult year for property sellers but an outstanding one for buyers! I would sell in the spring market when historically the highest value is recieved and then buy while the interest rates continue to drop.

Sales prices in 2008, driven down by Buyer price resitance and forclosure sales is at levels unseen since 2003 in certain micromarkets. Resale prices have dropped 12.4% in 2008. New homes are giving away plenty of incentives but Builders are reluctant to drastically drop prices so the rate of price decline is much less than Resales. What you don't recieve in a drastic price reduction is seen in the buyer incentives such as finished out basements, or even a pool.

Time will tell but again I believe optimistically that there are many deals to be made and Atlanta is still one of the best places to live in the U.S.A. Cost of living and quality of life is fabulous ~ even the traffic problems have improved dramatically! It's a great place to call home!

Check out www.WOW.AtlantaHomes.com for more Atlanta links and home news!

Janet

Just ran across an awesome community in Johns Creek w/ Courtyards, walking paths, Community Gardens, Tennis & Swim and Clubhouse. It is just getting started.... Called Brookhaven. Very upscale in feeling. It's only about a 1/2 mile walk to shops restaurants too! WOW!

WOW I would love to invite this builder to do same project on my listing over on Nesbit Ferry Rd. 9 prime acres of level land in close proximity to churches, boutique shops, fresh market groceries!

Janet WEidmann (Team Leader)

Hi Everyone,

Each year we send out a page that explains how to file for your Homestead Exemption in the state of Georgia. What is a Homestead Exemption? By definition each county government gives certain exemptions to its citizens, which are applied against the property tax assessment to lower your real property tax bill.

The requirements for the Basic Homestead exemption are as follows:

1. Filing is only required once, NOT every year.

2. You must occupy the property as your principle residence

3. You must have all cars owned by you, registered in the county where you are filing

4. You or your spouse can not be claiming homestead in another city, county or state.

NOTES:

A. Other exemptions are available in some counties for Senior Citizens & Disabled Persons (such as Cobb and Forsyth Counties)

B. If applying by mail we suggest you send the application via cerified mail

C. If in the future you change the way title to the property is held you must re-file for the Homestead Exemption.

Homestead Exemption Law Amended:

The Georgia Legislature recently modified the Homestead Exemption Law.

I. What are the changes?

The new law provides for year round filing of the Georgia Homestead Exemption. On June 1, 2005 new homeowners were able to apply for their homestead exemption immediately upon receipt of their warranty deed, which is customarily mailed ot them after recording at the county office has taken place. However, exemptions must be filed by certain deadlines to apply to the current tax year. The deadlines by county are shown below as well as the contact information per county.

II What documents are needed in filing?

The Warranty Deed will be needed. If you can't locate your filed Warranty Deed (also called the Security Deed) then call the attorney from the closing. They should provide you a copy.

III Questions upon Filing: The property owner making the return will be asked these questions:

A. Present and previous ownership

B. Description of Property

C. Kind of Title held (ie. Right of survivorship)

D. Name of Mortage company and loan amount, if any.

Let us hear from you all.... please respond to this blog so we can see if this is of value to you all!!!

Many thanks in advance .... Happy New Year 2009!

Our Best Always,

Janet Weidmann (team leader)