Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Jim Crawford REMAX Greater Atlanta

Georgia Bank Failures - United Security Bank, Sparta, GA Fails

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:05:35 -0600

United Security Bank, Sparta, GA failed this weekend. United Security Bank had $157 million in assets and $150 million in deposits and two branches, one branch operatedas the including the branch in Woodstock, GA that operated as Bank of Woodstock. The bank, of Moultrie, Ga., assumed the assets and deposits of the failed bank. United Security Bank failure is expected to cost the FDIC fund an estimated $58 million. The failure of United Security Bank makes the 21st Georgia bank failure this year>Gerogia has had more bank failures than in any other state.

The FDIC press release:

"On Friday, November 6, 2009, United Security Bank, Sparta, GA (including the branch that operated as the Bank of Woodstock) was closed by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was named Receiver "

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Alpharetta GA Real Estate - Search Homes, Condos, Town Homes, Commercial

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:00:06 -0600

Alpharetta GA is a city in located in north Fulton County, Georgia, 26 miles form the city of Atlanta via the GA 400. The estimated 2008 Alpharetta's population was 49,903. Alpharetta began as a campground, originally known as New Prospect Camp Ground until late 1858. Officially chartered on December 11 1958. The name 'Alpharetta' (supposedly Greek for "first town") served as the county seat of Milton County until the end of 1931 when Milton was merged with Fulton County to avoid bankruptcy during the Great Depression.

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Bad Credit? You Can Get A Mortgage, But You'll Pay Dearly for It!

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:29:24 -0600

Need a mortgage, and have bad credit? You can probably still get a loan, but you are going to pay dearly for it. A loan officer explained the rating system for mortgage rates based on FICO or credit scores and the cost to borrow. While we are used to buyers shopping different lenders for loans, a lot has changed in just a short time. It may be pointless for buyers to shop for better rates if their credit is not the best under this system. It may be like a dog chasing their tail and going nowhere especially if they have bad, damaged or impaired credit. Investors have implemented, "Risk Based Adjustments." Simply stated "Risk Based Adjustments" is the relationship between the an individuals credit score and the loan to value. The higher the credit score the better the LTV. An example: a customer with a 740+ MID FICO will get the best Loan to Value (LTV) adjustment, 95% LTV with no hits to the rates. As the FICO score of the individual applying for the loan goes down so does the Loan to Value, 680-699 scores will be limited to a 90% LTV and a .75 hit to the rate. The lowest acceptable score that will be accepted is the 620 - 639 scores, and even though you can still get the 90% LTV, there is a whopping 2.75 hit to the rate. This confirms that investors are willing to lend, but the customer will pay for it. I thought this was very interesting, and even though I do not make loans, I like to keep abreast of the current trends.

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Real Estate bar Camp RDU in Cary NC Friday November 6, 2009 From 9AM - 4PM

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:27:50 -0600

I am anxiously counting down the moments to the Real Estate bar Camp RDU in Cary NC forward this coming Friday November 6, 2009. I will arrive with my wife Ellen tomorrow evening. I look forward to meeting a lot of new friends and Active Rainers I've not met in person yet! Although I've spone at many reale state conventions, retreats and office get togethers, this will be my first Real Estate bar Camp. I will be participating as a Thought Leader and will be doing a session entitled "Strategizing Internet Profit with Website & Real Estate Blogging" This will be a basics session that will start with the fundamentals of a successful real estate web business in everyday plain language. I am sure I will learn a lot from this session.

Active Rainers - Please Say "Hello" and Identify Yourselves!

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Cash Buyers are Good!

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:53:20 -0600

There are so many novices in real estate today that only understand credit and financing. Forget that for a moment. Financing is harder to get these dasy becaus of rising unemployment, underemployment, and more scutinay from lenders that do not want to take on risk. However, there are still quite a few buyers with cash. Some of these are investors, and persons that feel the money is safer in something that is tangilble like real estate as oppsed to a soft assets in stocks, securities, bonds, and in the banks. So if you have not worked wiht a cash buyer, you need to get ready. Prepare your sellers, let them know that they are not going to offer you full price. You are now dealing with educated buyers that know the true value of properties. They will make a lower bid to test the market, however do not make the fatal mistake of rejecting the offer outright. Counter the cash buyer with a reasonable counter that shows you are willing to negotiate. Do not posture and counter back with a full price offer. It may be your only offer in this market.

Some caveats in dealing with a cash buyer? Yes, of course there are! They tend to be riskier deals if you do not understand the process, and do your homework! They love dealing with new agents, because they can manipulate them because of their lack of knowledge.

Proof of buyers funds or accounts needs to be verifed ASAP! In writing, print and phone call.
Use board standard contracts - never allow them the use their own contracts!
All items must be in writing. Take no verbals on counters etc.
Ask your broker to review the offer and terms with you and homeowner if necessary.
Do not underestimate the cash buyer, they understand the deal better than you.
In negotiations, don't concede too much too quickly. Cash buyers are the ultimate investor and will smell blood in the water and want more concessions.
Focus on a quick close, but have the seller retain possession until the last possible moment. Never allow a pre-occupancy!
Do not allow a substitution or assignment of contract. Next buyer will not be as qualified.
Realize the buyer is not being guided by a real estate professional - most will choose to be unrepresented buyers.
The secret to a cash deal is a quick close!

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Atlanta Country Club Homes | It's A Great Time To Buy Atlanta Luxury Homes | Atlanta Buyer's Market

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:31:03 -0600

Looking for an Atlanta Country Club home for sale? Do you want a great deal? Have you always wanted to buy an Atlanta luxury homes or mansion? Well your wait is over! There may never be a better time to buy an Atlanta country club homea, golf homes or luxury homes than now! Why? Because right now there are quite a few homes for sale in some of Atlanta's finest Country Clubs! It's a buyers market with some great buys for smart luxury home buyers. Some of the Atlanta luxury country club homes are new, have finished basements, swimming pools, luxury foreclosures homes, bank owned homes, that are vacant and have major price reductions, discounts, and buyer incentives to buy! There are some incredible deals for sale right now in Atlanta's best luxury homes gated communities. As of today November 3, 2009 these are the luxury homes currently offered for sale in Atlanta's finest country Clubs:

Chateau Elan Country Club - 122 homes for sale
Country Club of the South - 80 homes for sale
Laurel Springs Golf and Country Club - 32 homes for sale
St Ives Country Club 47 homes for sale
St Marlo Country Club 63 homes for sale
Sugarloaf Golf and Country Club 100 homes for sale
The Manor Golf and Country Club 39 homes for sale

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Let There Be New Light Fixtures

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:11:25 -0600

Success is always in the details. My experience tells me that nothing is more important when selling a home that to pay attention to the light fixtures. I used to specialize in 'expired listings', and nothing ever had a bigger return for the sellers than changing the dated light fixtures. Most other agents never pay attention to it, but nothing will date a home more than light fixtures.

Lighting is subliminal. It is always there, but we never really focus on it. A buyer walking through a great looking home still may feel something is missing...perhaps it is tired lighting that does not yell out "Buy me!"

More often than not... sellers never change the light fixtures in the home since they purchased it. They should, because it's really is a cheap easy fix. So instead...the buyer is left looking at home with very few updates. The home lighting screams out "Cheap!" The builders cheap looking brass fixtures, one light mushrooms, and Hollywood strip bulbs in the master bath actually confirm this. Before it is too late, sellers need to wake up and replace them. They need to walk trhrough their home ans determine what can they change. The cost will be more reasonable than they could believe. It is one of those items that is a must do! Dated fixtures date leave the home without any appeal, and is lost in a time warp of 15 years ago.

For a very reasonable investment, a home can come alive from the entry way, dining and living areas, and even the exterior of the home. Lighting today is very affordable with competing stores like Lowe's, Costo and Home Depot offering some great fixtures at every reasonable prices. Changing dated light fixtures can make a major difference selling a home or not!

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Incorrect and Incomplete MLS Entries Thwart Sales - An Article I Wrote

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:39:02 -0600

A few weeks ago I posted a Blog on this topic on Active Rain, and I decided to turn it into a full article for RealtyTimes.com. This maybe a great article to give to your brokers, and your local MLS. As an active agent...I think we have a responsibility to ensure the listings are entered correctly. All errors are just magnified by IDX.

Incorrect and Incomplete MLS Entries: Chance of Sale is Lost Forever

"Many in real estate delude themselves if a home has the right price it overcomes all objections and will sell if placed in the MLS. I disagree. My proof are the thousands of MLS listings that expire or withdrawn every day without ever selling. Since I specialized in expired listings for a long time I have found there is always a reason why homes do not sell. Contrary to what many believe in our business, it isn't always the price that prevents a sale." Read the Rest of the Story

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Don't Forget to Vote Tomorrow! Tuesday November 3rd

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:25:13 -0600

Tomorrow Tuesday November 3rd is Election Day and I would like to remind all that as citizens in a Republic we have a right to exercise our right to voice an opinion in whom we want to best represent our interests. In the United States, we are represented by our elected representatives. As a nation we broke from Great Britain because we did not have that right. "Taxation without representation is tyranny!" The sad thing that most Americans do not think it is important, and part of the reason the country is in the shape it is in is our own fault. There is a very big price to pay for being apathetic!

There is no election too big or too small where we should not get out and have our say! So Vote, and make your voice heard!

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Snellvile GA - Great Place to Call Home! | Snellville GA homes for Sale and Snellville Real Estate.

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:15:40 -0600

Snellville Georgia Homes for Sale

Snellville Georgia is a great town in Gwinnett county, and is approximately 37 miles from the city of Atlanta. You'll find that Snellville is a young vibrant community. It's a great place to live with affordable housing, great shopping at the Mall of Georgia, easy road access to I-85 and has great Gwinnett county schools. Brookwood High School is known for its fine reputation. Snellville Georgia is also conveniently located not too far from Lake Lanier, and it is a great place to live for those that are boaters, camping, golfing, fishing, and retirees that enjoy the quiet and affordable housing. Nearby areas: Lake Lanier, Snellville, City of Buford, Mall of Georgia.

5 miles

Top Neighborhoods in
Snellville Georgia
Springdale Falls (47)
Norris Lake (31)
Bright Water (17)
Country Club Of Gwinnett (15)
Olde Hickory Village (14)
Havenstone (13)
Mountain Cove (13)
Abington Park (13)
Victoria Highlands (13)
Brookhaven (13

Important numbers to have when you buy a home in Snellville GA in the sought-after Brookwood School System:

City Hall (770) 985-3500
Court Clerks (770) 985-3550
Parks (770) 985-3535
Planning (770) 985-3513
Police (770) 985-3560
Public Works (770) 985-3527
Recycling Center (770) 985-3539
Senior Center (770) 985-3580

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REAL ESTATE BAR CAMP RDU - Friday, November 6, 2009 Cary NC

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:10:59 -0500

Just a note that I am looking forward to attending and speaking at the Real Estate bar Camp RDU in Cary NC this coming Friday November 6, 2009. I feel honored to have been asked to share as a Thought Leader! This will be a great opportunity to meet so many of my Active Rain friends. I will be doing a session on The Internet and Blogging. This is the fundamentals of a successful real estate web business in everyday plain language. I promise, I will not use any "Geek Speak!" I will try to demonstrate from the inceptions of choosing a domain name, to implimentation - the cost effectiveness, driving web traffic, SEO and Blogging for Dollars!

The Internet for over 12 years has provided the bulk of my business, and is the perfect business model for a bad economy.

Click Here for Details!

REAL ESTATE BAR CAMP RDU
Friday, November 6, 2009
9am until 4pm
Venue: Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors
Address: 111 Realtors Way, Cary, NC 27513
View Map

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Don't Forget to Turn Your Clocks Back Tonight!

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:22:13 -0500

"Spring ahead, Fall Back" is the way I used to remember which way to set my clock twice a year as we move to and from Daylight Savings back to Standard time. What's great about the Fall, is that we get to turn our clocks back 1 hour and we get to sleep in an hour later tomorrow morning. Many persons including myself forget to reset all our clocks as the time change takes place at 2:00 am on the first Sunday November 1^st for the United States. If you are in business or have an appointment, it could be a disaster or at least you end up being super early for once in your life.

As well as resetting your clocks, it is a very good idea to re-check all your smoke alarms fire officials remind us to also replace the batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Working smoke detectors can double your chance of survival in a fire.

Again - The change from daylight saving time to Eastern Standard Time occurs at 2 a.m. Sunday November 1, 2009.

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Buying a Home? What's the Rush?

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:22:49 -0500

Many persons interested in buying a home seem not to be in any rush. They are betting that prices will fall further, and that interest rates will remain low. But what happens if rates rise? They have in the past, and the government is now in a position it will have to borrow money to pay for all the spending. How do they do that? They have to make their interest rates attractive to investors. If you have been paying attention to the world markets the dollar is falling, and may no longer be the currency of choice for safety and trade. In the last week or so, Australiaraised it's interest rates and it sent panic into the financial markets. This week it was Norway that raised their rates. This will set off fear in governments around the world. They are all in the same boat financially as we are in the USA. They will also need to attract investors in their bonds, and may want to do so when they can still afford it. As more countries start raising their interest rates for investments, the quicker they will rise as the next nation has to top the previous offering of other countries now paying lower rates. There is no magic here. So shortly we may see other nations start to raise their rates. At that point, the USA will have no choice but to follow. When that happens, a rise in mortgage rates can move even affordable homes beyond the reach and qualifications of many. It can also happen very quickly leaving many would be home owners standing on the sidelines. and their only option is to rent!

The cost to borrow mortgage money even with modest rate increases will increase dramatically. An increase in the the 30 year fixed rate mortgage at 4.5% Principle and Interest (PI) at $1013 / month will rise to $1330 PI / month for a 7% That is an increase of mortgage of $317 PI / month! When you think about it in the 1980's when the markets were not as severe as this one, mortgage rates rose over 7% in less than 7 months. I personally signed on a home at 9.5% in december, and by June 81' the rate was 15.5% - the PITI of a 70K loan was over $1500 / Month!

When you amortize $200,000 borrowed a the different interest rates things change even more dramatically. One of the costs of money, is how long it is borrowed for. So the borrower also has to look at not just the monthly payment, but what about the increased costs of that higher monthly payment over the 30 years term of the mortgage. The Amortization of $200,000.00 spread over 30 years from mortgage rates that start at 4.5% and rise to 7% rises $164,529.87 more interest paid at the 7% loan vs. the 4.5% 30 year fixed rate.

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Who Says it's Difficult to Get Bailouts or a Loan Modification Anyway?

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:38:48 -0500

Who Says it's Difficult to Get Bailouts of Government Aid?

Who says it's difficult to get government aid? Nonsense! I just read a breaking news story about a house committee investigating California congresswomen Laura Richardson and Maxine Waters . It seems as though Congresswoman Richardson lost her home in Sacramento which was sold in foreclosure and then Washington Mutual - who then foreclosed on the property... gave it back to her. The committee is going to examine if she received preferential treatment! EXCUSE ME??? Question her?? Why not arrest her? That is a pretty good deal in my books, but it gets better. Maxine Waters in being investigated for working deal for a troubled Massachusetts-based OneUnited Bank who received $12 million in bailout. Congresswoman Waters never disclosed her husband was once on the board of directors of the bank and still owned stock in it. Just a detail....The bank received $12.5 million in Federal Monies. (Congresswoman Maxine Waters is a senior member of the congressional committee overseeing banking.)

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Welcome to Our Home!

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:08:07 -0500

Does Your Home Say "Welcome?"

There are many things that get buyers into a home other than price. For some the attraction is subliminal and for other signals are very tangible. Buyers are usually drawn and attracted to a specific home. In todays market it may be price that gets them on the hook, but the hook that sells homes is that your home says "Welcome!" Once you have attracted a buyer there is a fatal attraction that must keep drawing the buyer into the home emotionally. From the initial exposure of the the home perhaps from online marketing or a classified ad, the price, the photos and the virtual tour are some of the things that make a buyer call an agent and want to see that one particular home. Once you get the buyer to the home, you cannot dissppoint them.

In this current market anyone can give away a home, and yes price over comes all objections, but there is a high cost for thinking that way. Personally, if you want to give away your home, that's your business. It's your money! I beleive in getting the best possible price and terms when selling a home for our clients. A person handing out free samples all day does not make them a good sales person. Yes, we all know that price may be the final determinant in this market, but getting the buyer into the home is the first step of a long journey. If the home is not inviting from the outside, and has no curb appeal...the buyer will tell their agent to "Keep driving" as they come up to the home! The home owner need not blame anyone but themselves if they get a lot of cancellations and no shows. There is an obvious reason the home is not being shown!

Does your exterior beg buyers to explore more? - Examine your curb appeal! Grass cut, leaves off walkway, no strewn clutter, lawn edged, leaves blown and collected, and exterior paint and glass windows must be cleaned for the buyer to move forward. First impressions count!

Does your interior have buyers running for the exit? Why? Once buyers are inside the home odors, pets, dirty laundry, piles of newspapers, and dust you can write your name in may turn those buyers right back out towards the front door! However good housekeeping will make a big impression. Clean homes sell faster than those that are in need of a good cleaning crew!

Welcome Signals:

Price of home
Terms
Ease of Deal
Curb appeal
Landscaping
Exterior of home
Cleanliness
Upgrades - Kitchen and master bath, flooring.
Upgrades of Appliances - replace dated dishwashers, hot water heaters etc...
Updated mechanics - Heat / Air, Electric, Roof, Plumbing
Maintenance - all sytems in good working order
Marketing
Odors and Scents
Neighborhood
Appearance

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Buyers Agents Should Not Give Feedback!

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:24:07 -0500

Buyers Agents Have No Right To Share Their Buyer Clients Feedback on a Property!

When I read posts and comments on Active Rain, and in my daily work as a buyers agent - requesting feedback for the listing agents and sellers... my stomach turns. Feedback to the listing agent and seller is a leftover from the days that all agents represented the seller's interests as sub-agents. This use of feedback is obsolesent, and outdated probably by 15 years! Since sub-agency pretty much disappeared in the 1990's with the advent of buyers agency...it is totally amazing how many agents do not understand that if they are representing their buyer. They have the same obligations of fiduciary to their buyer clients as a listing agents to the seller. They cannot share anything that could give away their clients position! I would assume in most states, license law does protect the interest of the clients! (In many states even after the obligation of agency ends, that privileged information you hold can never be shared!)

There was a recent lawsuit that has been talked in real estate circles...about where a buyers agent was called for feedback after showing a home. The buyers agent's clients showed no interest in the home at the time...so when called for feedback. The agent trashed the home verbally. Well guess what? A few weeks later his buyers inquired about that home again. When they finally decided to write an offer their lower offers were rejected by the sellers. The seller held out for full price and got it. At the closing table, the buyers asked the seller, why they held firm on their price. The sellers identified their agent and continued blow by blow on why they did not want the home. The seller took it as an insult. The buyers then sued their buyers agent under state license law and won! Surprised? I'm not! the agents should never have shared anything about the property with an agent that does not have their clients interests first! How come no one told you? Most agents are poorly trained by persons that never sold anything in their real estate careers. These are brokers, trainers, and instructors are sharing their ignorance which is only being repeated by those they train. There is an old saying, "Those who can't, teach!"

Think About it!

If on a feedback call a buyer agent says my persons really likes the home... it really means

"They are willing to pay full price!"

If on a feedback call a buyer agent says my persons does not like the home... it really means

"They will offer less than market because..." - giving the listing agents an unfair advantage over the interests of the buyer's client

Before giving feedback, you better really think it through and comply with your state real estate license law! You have no obligation to do so!

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Decatur GA Brick Town Home - Emory University Area! REDUCED 20K! Owner Says Bring All Offers! | Now Only $114,900

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:02:37 -0500

Ellen Crawford | RE/MAX Greater Atlanta | 770-238-0122

771 Jordan Lane, Decatur, GA

Bring all offers! Reduced 20K! Emory Area Brick Townhome. Druid Hills Updated Townhouse Near Public Transportation, CDC, Emory University, Downtown D

2BR/1.5BA Townhouse

offered at $114,900

Year Built	1968
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$125 per month

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. SAVE GAS AND WALK TO MARTA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. OPEN AND SUNNY TOTALLY UPDATED UNIT, GREAT FLOOR PLAN. PRIVATE PATIO. WONDERFUL COMMUNITY WITH EASY ACCESS TO EMORY, AGNES SCOTT, CDC AND DOWNTOWN DECATUR. PERFECT HOME FOR ROOMATE!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor	- Family room
- Office/Den	- Dining room	- Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Laundry area - inside

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Emory University Area - Downtown Decatur GA Near CDC and Agnes Scott University

- Walk to MARTA and Public Transportation

- Brick Townhomes - Totally Updated

- Immaculate Home in 'Mint Condition!

- Update Kitchen, Flooring, Neutral Decor

- Location, Location, Location! Inside the Perimeter!

- Master Bedroom with Trey Ceiling and Ceiling Fan!

- Priced Reduced to Sell!

- First Time Buyers Eligible for $8K Tax Credit!

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Emory University Home	Dining / Eating Area
Kitchen	Kitchen Another View
Living Room	Master Suite

Contact info:

Ellen Crawford

RE/MAX Greater Atlanta

770-238-0122

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 26, 2009, 6:49pm PDT

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Call Agent Before Showing!

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:36:51 -0500

I was showing some homes in the Atlanta area today, and 4 of the 5 homes showed in the Internet as "Owner occupied." "Call agent first before showing" was listed in the private agents instructions in the MLS. What bothered me most is that 5 of the 5 homes were vacant. This just creates unnecessary work for the buyer agent, because as you try to caravan your showing route you are waiting on unresponsive agents. One of the agents said, "My people our out of town this weekend, go ahead and show!" Another said, "1 o'clock...let me get back to you." It is obvious that no one lived in these homes for over 6 months each.

Since our Supra lock boxes notify the agent within moments of a showing, it is puzzling that the agents would do this to be notified when the homes was going to be shown. In my own opinion, it is totally unprofessional, and a waste of everyone's time.

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Staging Doesn't Work!

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:55:47 -0500

Staging Vacant Homes - Who are you really fooling?

It takes more than furniture, art pieces and a few carefully placed articles to sell a home. There are other senses that can give away the facts of the home when no one is living there. Our senses can easily alert us to the most obvious of circumstance. Smells, odors, and a lack of them can tell a lot about the home we are showing. Our eyes lead us to the most minute of details that may alert us the home is vacant or perhaps a divorce is taking place. Many in our industry believe that Staging is the cure all to sell a home. It may be, but you must pay attention to the details. Weekly cleaning, opening windows, getting an exchange of air in the home, flushing toilets, cleaning windows, and placing bleach in sinks may greatly improve your chances of selling a vacant home. Success is always in the details, and if you are going to stage a home please try to pay attention to even the subliminal. It works.

When showing vacant homes this weekend I became quickly aware that none of the homes I was showing were occupied in spite of wha the listing agents tried to imply. It was very obvious they were not occupied at all but rather they were all staged. The reason an experienced agent can advise their clients about the home is that they have been in the business for a number of years. Drawing on their past experience they can easily recognize when a home is lived in or the owners are just away for the weekend. How? By just being very observant and looking closely at the details that are available. There is no magic. A new agent or a novice to real estate may be easily fooled, but that is their own problem. The signals are all very obvious, and all you have to do is pay attention. Here is a partial list of items I would look for.

How to determine homes are not occupied:

Air in home is stale, musty, or a mildew smell
Cobwebs in areas that should be active areas of home
Dust on counter-tops
Stove and oven are just too clean
Lack of any cooking odors
Lack of heat or air conditioning
Stale smells and odors in the the home - there has been no exchange of air in the home.
Toilets flushed or rings in bowl.
Lack of lawn and exterior care.
Lack of clothes in a Master Suite Closet.
Staged Clothes in Master Suite Closets are from another era.
There is no garbage in the receptacles
Lack of perishables in the refrigerator
Leaves on walkways
Noticeable insects or ants activity remains undisturbed - no one has tried to eradicate.
Perishables in Refrigerator are all expired (Milk with an expiration date of August!)
Most homes were staged very poorly with furniture that really did not even belong in a Goodwill store.
Uncut lawn or weeds in landscaping.
News papers on walkways - most especially a lot of wet soggy
Debris on lawns
Unattended water intrusions from storms
Home maintenance that is not addresses - missing roof shingles, overflow from hot water heaters etc.

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Atlanta Home Sales - Whats Selling? Hot Price Ranges are $150,000 to $300,000

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:16:55 -0500

I guess if someone were to ask me what price ranges are selling for Atlanta area homes, I would have to say anything between 150K and 300K. Single family detached homes are the most sought after. New homes would come first on the list provide the subdivision has not stalled. I have also noticed that many agents and home buyers are now avoiding short sales because so many in out area are no approved by the bank. There is just too much uncertainty in buying a short sale. So buyers are being very cautious and looking for the best home for the money in traditional sales. They are also trying to keep the price down as much as possible mostly in the conforming loan price ranges. Schools are also a major factor of consideration for many buyers in their search criteria. Also with the rising price of gasoline, buyers are trying to buy closer in. They are avoiding all risk. Price, Price, Price and Location, location, location are the buyer's buzzwords these days!

Atlanta Area Homes for Sale 150K-300K

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Finally A Funny Real Estate Video

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:57:24 -0500

I just saw this video this evening and it took me totally off guard and I had a fit of laughter. I just had to share this. Let me know what you think! Personally I think we all need to have a good laugh these days. Will Farrell is such a real funny guy!

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Bank Failures Accelerating

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:38:13 -0500

I reported earlier this evening that another GA bank failed tonight, making a total of 20 banks that failed this year in GA, and the 101st bank failure this year in USA. However that was several hours ago and we have had another five banks fail since my last post. This makes a total of 106 banks that failed this year alone nationally! Wow, I hate to go to sleep and read the morning news!

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Another GA Bank Fails │American United Bank of Lawrenceville, GA Fails

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:34:15 -0500

American United Bank of Lawrenceville, GA was closed this evening making it the 101st US bank failure of 2009 and the 20th in GA bank to fail this year. Georgia leads the nation in Bank failures, and 2009 marks the most bank failures seen in the US since 1992. American United Bank of Lawrenceville, GA - was taken over by Ameris Bank of Moultrie, GA which under a loss-share agreement with the FDIC assumed its $111 million in assets and $102 million in deposits. The loss share covers approximately $92 million of the failed bank's assets. The FDIC expects a loss of to its Deposit Insurance Fund of $44 million.

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24 Hour Pharmacies - North Atlanta Area

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:34:34 -0500

Invariably, when people travel, especially with small children - someone gets the sniffles or tummy trouble. If you need a 24 hour pharmacy while on your house hunting trip here in Atlanta, here's some 24 Hour Pharmacies. However, PLEASE call ahead in the event the 24 hour pharmacy has a situation and is not open for some unforeseen reason:

KROGER Grocery Stores:

12460 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-740-2050
400 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Suwanee, GA 30024 770-932-4373

CVS Pharmacies:

895 Holcomb Bridge Road,
Roswell, GA 30076 770-993-0194
North Georgia: 6327 Highway 53 East,
Dawsonville, GA 30054 1-706-216-1303

WALGREENS Pharmacies

120 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114 678-880-0575
427 S. Enota Drive, NE, Gainesville, GA 30501 770-535-3750

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NAR Home Sale Numbers - Bogus, Lies, Propaganda, or Spin?

Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:27:24 -0500

There is news today from the National Association of Realtors NAR that September home sales in the South have risen 9% from a year ago. First of all, I need to say one thing..."REALLY?" I just happen to be Blogging about the most recently released Atlanta real estate trends from statistics that were released on October 21, 2009. So the national headlines read home sales are up in the south, 9%...while I am seeing an "16.8% year-to-year decline!" So is NAR's data... wishful thinking, misinformation, propaganda, spin or just a plain old lie?

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