Charlotte in the City

Foreclosures Halted in 23 States

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 20:53:00 +0000

Bank of America and Chase recently announced that they are halting foreclosures in multiple states due to faulty internal practices that may have caused some homes to be foreclosed in error. Unfortunately for Georgia homeowners, this does not apply to our state. The issue is with improper paperwork that was filed in the courts to initiate the foreclosure process. In Georgia, it isn't necessary to take the homeowner to court to foreclose so the assumption is that foreclosures in our state are valid. In reality there are many issues with the process and often the entity foreclosing on a home is not the same entity that actually holds the lien on the property. That's why I feel that Georgia and all other states should be included until there is a closer review of the practices of these mortgage companies.

Click here fore more information.

Foreclosured Condos under $100,000

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 19:51:00 +0000

The link below provides info on available foreclosed condos in the metro Atlanta area. All condos are relatively new and priced at $100,000 or less. The two bedroom townhome shown above is a steal at $40,000. Its an end unit with a one car garage and is located in a gated community. Four years ago it sold for $164,300. That's a difference of more than $120,000.

Foreclosed Condos

Free Museum Admission on September 25th

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 04:46:00 +0000

In recognition of the Sixth Annual Smithsonian Museum Day, 10 museums in the metro area are offering free admission this Saturday. To take advantage of this deal, download the Museum Day Ticket from www.smithsonian.com. This ticket will grant you and one other person access to the museum.

The following museums are currently participating:

Archibald Smith Plantation Home
Art On 5
Barrington Hall
Bulloch Hall
CDC's Global Health Odyssey Museum
Center for Puppetry Arts
Hammonds House Museum
Marietta Museum of History
The Hudgens Center for the Arts
The National Museum of Patriotism

For more information, click here.

Saving Money in Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:28:00 +0000

There are lots of great websites to help you stretch the dollar. My favorites are Groupon, Atlanta on The Cheap, and Half Off Depot. Groupon partners with different businesses to advertise their products or services and the businesses agree to accept discounted rates if enough people buy in advance. (Its a group coupon so to speak, hence the name groupon.) Its a great concept. I've saved hundreds of dollars on dining out, auto maintenance, dance classes, laser hair removal, etc. I love it!

Atlanta on the Cheap is another favorite because it compiles info from different sources so you save time and money. Today there was a great offer for a free symphony concert at the Rialto in celebration of Valentine's Day and Chinese New Years. This is what I did before going out to dinner. It was a great way to spend the day.

Half Off Depot is similar to Groupon but, in addition to daily deals, it offers regular 50% off coupons from different businesses. From meals to massages to auto maintenance, its all on Half Off Depot.

Happy Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:04:00 +0000

Here are flowers and a poem to brighten your day. :)

Resignation by Nikki Giovanni

I love you
because the Earth turns round the sun
because the North wind blows north
sometimes
because the Pope is Catholic
and most Rabbis Jewish
because winters flow into spring
and the air clears after a storm
because only my love for you
despite the charms of gravity
keeps me from falling off the Earth
into another dimension
I love you
because it is the natural order of things
I love you
like the habit I picked up in college
of sleeping through lectures
or saying I'm sorry
when I get stopped for speeding
because I drink a glass of water
in the morning
and chain-smoke cigarettes
all through the day
because I take my coffee Black
and my milk with chocolate
because you keep my feet warm
through my life a mess
I love you
because I don't want it
any other way
I am helpless
in my love for you
It makes me so happy
to hear you call my name
I am amazed you can resist
locking me in an echo chamber
where your voice reverberates
through the four walls
sending me into spasmatic ecstasy
I love you
because it's been so good
for so long
that if I didn't love you
I'd have to be born again
and that is not a theological statement
I am pitiful in my love for you
The Dells tell me Love
is so simple
the thought though of you
sends indescribably delicious multitudinous
thrills throughout and through-in my body
I love you
because no two snowflakes are alike
and it is possible if you stand tippy-toe
to walk between the raindrops
I love you
because I am afraid of the dark
and can't sleep in the light
because I rub my eyes
when I wake up in the morning
and find you there
because you with all your magic powers were
determined that
I should love you
because there was nothing for you but that
I would love you
I love you
because you made me
want to love you
more than I love my privacy
my freedom my commitments
and responsibilities
I love you `cause I changed my life
to love you
because you saw me one friday
afternoon and decided that I would
love you
I love you I love you I love you

Haiti - How You Can Help

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:30:00 +0000

There are currently several relief efforts under way to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. If you want to contribute, please be wise and donate to an organization that is trusted and will use the funds wisely.

To make a contribution to the American Red Cross International Response Fund,

Call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767)

Visit www.redcross.org

Text the word "Haiti" to 90999

(a $10 charge will appear on your cell phone bill)

A Snow Day!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Last night it snowed and the city has been shut down ever since. This is comical to anyone from up north or the midwest but in Atlanta this is a real situation. Icy roads and fast drivers don't mix. I think most people were thankful to have the day off and enjoyed the view. (Check out Atlantic Station covered in snow.)

It won't get above freezing until Monday so take it slow on the roads. They are also predicting more snow next week so you may want to get a DVD or two and keep the refrigerator stocked.

Sign of the Times

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:41:00 +0000

According to Channel 2, Georgia has the 3rd highest rate of bankruptcies behind Nevada and Tennessee. 1 in 50 Georgia households filed for bankruptcy between January and November of 2009. This is 22% higher than the same time frame in 2008.

If you are in a financial bind, my suggestion is that you seek help as soon as possible. Many people turn to bankruptcy to prevent foreclosure. This may not be necessary if you let your lender know what is happening and work out a payment plan. This is easiest when you are not yet behind. If you wait until they have initiated the foreclosure process, they will likely require an initial lump sum payment and you'll be responsible for attorney fees related to the foreclosure filing.

Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:24:00 +0000

Your Home Should Rise Up to Meet You
- Oprah Winfrey

I believe this means that your home is your refuge and should always feel like a warm and inviting place. There should not be a feeling of dread as you think of your messy kitchen, unfinished projects, or your unhappy home. Whatever it takes to clean house, physically and emotionally, let's take action to make it happen.

I found a quick and easy home improvement project that will benefit most people. I believe it will give you more pride in your home and allow you to enjoy it more too.

If you have frameless bathroom mirrors that look dated or unfinished, they can easily be updated without being replaced. What you can do is frame them like you would a piece of art. Take a look at the before and after pictures below.

Its a noticeable improvement and doesn't take much time or money. You can do the same thing with inexpensive molding at Home Depot or Lowe's. (This is the same stuff you'd use for crown molding along your ceilings) You cut the necessary length then attach to the mirror with heavy duty glue and paint. This should cost less than $100. Click here for detailed instructions.

Another option is to buy decorative framing that will come to you appropriately sized to your measurements. This will give you a more polished look but the effect will be about the same. It will take a boring mirror and turn it into a stylish accent for your bathroom. Both MirrorMate and MirrEdge offer this service but the price will be at least 2 or 3 times the cost of the first option. That's because they are doing the measuring, painting, and finishing work for you. All you have to do when you use either of these companies is attach the frames to your mirrors.

I hope this project helps to make your home more enjoyable.

2010

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 03:44:00 +0000

Its official. 2009 was a rough year for a lot of folks but its finally over. Now is the time for fresh starts and new beginnings. Its a time for all of us to feel inspired to put our bad habits behind us and focus on our goals.

One of my goals for the blog is to begin to focus on home improvement. Its a fact that many people are staying in their homes longer and updating them because the value is not there to justify a sale. This year I will include posts on DIY projects that will add value and comfort to your home.

For 2010, there are two important predictions. The first is that prices will increase in the least expensive housing segment. This means that starter homes will become more expensive for first time home buyers. It is also predicted that the best values in real estate will be in high end, luxury homes. Many of these properties have declined significantly in value while the owners have been waiting for the market to rebound. The prediction is that these owners are now tired of waiting and will realize the loss on the sale so that they can take advantage of better real estate deals.

Whether you are buying or selling, don't let this opportunity pass you by. With low interest rates and phenomenal values, there is no reason to sit on the sidelines any longer.

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:03:00 +0000

If you are considering the purchase of a home, you've probably heard about the first time home buyer tax credit. Despite the program name, the tax credit is available to anyone that has not owned a home in the past 3 years, not just those buying a home for the very first time.

Also, the home must be your primary residence and you'll have to file your taxes to receive the tax credit. Many people believe that this money can be used upfront for the purchase of the home but the funds will not actually be available to you until you amend your 2008 tax return or file your 2009 tax return.

Its also important to note that you may not receive the entire $8,000 tax credit. This is because its based on the purchase price of the home. The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of your home. This means you'd have to purchase your home for $80,000 to receive the entire $8,000 tax credit. If you took advantage of the $39,000 foreclosure I posted last week then you would only receive a $3,900 credit if you paid full price for the home.

For more information on the tax credit, check out the following links.
IRS: First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
FAQ about First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Christmas Decorations... Don't Let This Happen To YOU!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:41:00 +0000

I saw this while out taking pictures yesterday. There is a right and a wrong way to do Christmas decorations and this is terribly wrong. The sad part is that they are not finished. There are more decorations on the lawn waiting to be inflated.

I can appreciate showing holiday spirit but you probably need to stop when the neighbors start complaining.

3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Townhome for $39,000

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:25:00 +0000

The housing decline has created amazing opportunities for buyers. Last month, I sold a townhome in the Avalon community in Fairburn for $47,000. That is almost $100,000 less than it originally sold for 3 years ago. It needed carpet and paint but was essentially a new townhome.

Today I learned that another townhome in the community is back on the market. It is also a 3 bedroom townhome and it is in even better condition. Its priced at $39,000. The lower price is due to it not being an end unit and not having a garage or fenced yard like the one sold last month.

Another selling point is that its a HUD property. Anyone buying a HUD home as an owner occupant (not an investor) can purchase with only a $100 down payment. This makes home ownership accessible to everyone.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, click here to send me an email.

FHA Loan Guidelines May Be Changing for the Worse

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:37:00 +0000

There was an informative article in the Washington Post about how FHA is toughening requirements for borrowers. The assumption is that people are walking away from homes because they don't have enough skin in the game. That they were able to get into homes for very little money and it is therefore not much of a personal loss to abandon them.

While this is true for some, I don't think this applies to the majority of people. Most homeowners are emotionally attached to their houses and do not make a strategic decision to foreclose. Its usually the result of a job loss and the resulting loss of income. If loan modifications were readily available, I believe most of these people would remain in their homes.

These are the proposed changes to FHA loan guidelines:

1. Borrowers will contribute more money, possibly 5% instead of 3.5% currently required.
2. The seller contribution will be reduced from 6% to 3%.
3. The borrower's upfront and monthly mortgage insurance premiums will be increased.
4. The minimum credit score will increase.

You can read the article by clicking here.

I am admittedly biased on this topic. I think its a bad idea to make it more difficult for people to borrow money given the current economic conditions. I do, however, recognize that this may potentially be favorable to FHA and mortgage lenders in the long term if it results in fewer foreclosures.

Today is Election Day

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Today is the run off election for Mayor of Atlanta. Tonight either Kasim Reed and Mary Norwood will be elected as our next mayor. If you haven't already voted, there is still time. The polls close at 7pm this evening. You can find out where to vote and what other races are on the ballot by clicking here.

Central City Condos

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:11:00 +0000

Today I toured Central City Condos off of Ralph McGill near Boulevard and I was pleasantly surprised. The development has spacious floor plans with numerous upgrades like granite counters, real hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances. Central City Condos is conveniently located near the Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta Medical Center, and the Georgia Power headquarters. It is also within walking distance of Freedom Parkway.

Click here for more information.

Spelman & Morehouse Glee Club Christmas Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:11:00 +0000

Its the most wonderful time of the year! I love Christmas so this rings true for me. :)

If you are in the holiday spirit, be sure to check out the annual Spelman and Morehouse Glee Club Christmas Concert. Its this Friday through Sunday in the AUC. The concert is free and starts at 8pm each night. Friday and Sunday performances take place at King Chapel on Morehouse's campus while the Saturday performance will take place at Sister's Chapel on Spelman's campus.

Tip: Show up early for the concert as its usually a full house. Your best bet is to go on Friday or Sunday as King Chapel is significantly larger than Sister's Chapel.

Click here fore more information.

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:04:00 +0000

The holiday season is upon us and I am so happy to share it with my friends and family. My mother surprised me this morning by getting up before 5am and going with me to Target. There were about 200 people in line when we got there so we missed out on the 32" HDTV for $264 but we found a few other deals. Remember to dress warmly and be safe as you shop for bargains.

Happy Holidays!

Model Home Furniture Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:32:00 +0000

There is a model home furniture auction tomorrow afternoon at 1pm in Acworth. Preview begins at 11am. 103 Harvest Ridge Raod Acworth, GA 30102

See you there!

Looking for a Fresh Start?

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:29:00 +0000

Relocation.com has an interesting article if you are thinking of making a change. They have ranked the 20 best cities that would appeal to someone looking for a fresh start. They take into account economic growth, home affordability, and community strength.

1. Austin, Texas
2. Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas
3. Charlotte, North Carolina
4. Denver, Colorado
5. Columbus, Ohio (tie)
5. Indianapolis, Indiana (tie)
7. Washington, D.C.-Baltimore, Maryland
8. Atlanta, Georgia
9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
10. Houston, Texas (tie)
10. Les Vegas, Nevada (tie)
10. Seattle, Washington (tie)
13. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota (tie)
13. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (tie)
15. San Antonio, Texas
16. Portland, Oregon
17. Cincinnati, Ohio
18. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
19. Memphis, Tennessee
20. Cleveland, Ohio

7 Reasons You Should Get Off The Fence in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:05:00 +0000

Every day we are bombarded with conflicting information about the economy. Stock market down then up, unemployment up then down, interest rates low but climbing higher... Its a lot to figure out. One thing is clear and its that there has never been a better time to buy a home. If you are on the fence, here are 7 reasons to make your move in 2009:

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 enables first-time homebuyers to qualify for up to an $8,000 in federal tax credit for the purchase of a home.
It's a buyers market! Buyers who are pre-approved have incredible negotiating power. Financing options are available for those with a steady income and good credit.
The recent decline in prices has sellers pricing their homes competitively, allowing your dream home to finally be within reach.
Competitive pricing also means more inventory from which to choose in a variety of locations.
Interest rates are at historical lows - lower rates equal lower payments, or a larger home - you choose.
Builders are offering unprecedented incentives for new homes such as flooring upgrades, new appliances, and discounted financing.
Historically, homes are a solid long-term investment. For the past 40 years, real estate has delivered the most consistent positive return over any investment. When you buy a home, you are building equity and adding to your assets.

The Auctions Are Back

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:02:00 +0000

Its been a few months but there are now two model home furniture auctions scheduled for this weekend. Read on for details:

Saturday, May 2, 2009
Warehouse Auction @ Jason Taylor Moving and Store
1445 Pilgrim Mill Road
Cumming, GA 30040

Preview Begins at 8AM
Auction Begins at 10AM

Directions: Take GA 400 North to exit 16, Pilgrim Mill Rd. Turn left on Pilgrim Mill Rd. Continue to warehouse.

Sunday, May 3, 2009
Overlook @ Hampton Station (Beazer Community)
204 Hampton Station Blvd
Canton, GA 30115

Preview Begins at 12pm
Auction Begins at 2pm

Directions: Take GA 400 North to exit 13, Bethelview Rd. Turn left onto Bethelview Rd. Drive 6.3 miles and turn left on Highway 20, Cumming Highway, and drive another 10.3 miles. The community will be on the left.

Tax Day

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:33:00 +0000

Today is the day I've been putting off. I'm not sure why but for the past few years I've procrastinated when it comes to doing my taxes. I'll be at the post office this afternoon mailing my return. Next year I'll do better. I'll file early and do it electronically.

After I'm done, I'll head to either Cinnabon to get some free tax day bites or I'll go to Maggie Moe's for their e-CONE-mic stimulus package (a free scoop of ice cream today only.) Its cheesy, I know, but I'll still take the freebie. Also, Papa John's is offering a discount on pizza today as well. For the price of a large cheese pizza, you can get 3 toppings for free. Its their 1040 promotion.

If you don't think you'll be able to complete your taxes in time, be sure to file an extension today. You can get the form by clicking here.

Tax Deduction for New Cars

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:52:00 +0000

After doing a lot of research, I bought a new car this weekend. If you're looking to buy a car, you should know that you can deduct the sales tax paid on any new vehicle purchased from February 17th through the end of the year. Click here for details.

A Day at the Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:10:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I attended a real estate auction. This wasn't a foreclosure auction or tax sale on the courthouse steps. This was one of the many auctions that is advertised on tv or billboards throughout the city. These homes have already been foreclosed and the banks that own these properties use auctions to quickly sell their inventory.

The auction can result in a great deal for a buyer but there are a few things you should know.

Inspect the home before the auction. Do your due diligence upfront because there is no negotiating on the price once you have the winning bid.
Don't expect to get the property for the opening bid. Even if the area is undesireable and the starting bid is $500, you can expect the price to jump from $500 to $1,000 to $10,000 in a matter of seconds. This is because the bank that owns the property may be bidding against you because they want to obtain a certain amount for the home.
Don't go it alone. If you are working with a real estate agent, you don't have to abandon them if you purchase a home at an auction. They will still receive a commission and can best advise you on the market value of the home, financing options, etc.

If you are interested in the auction, there is one this Wednesday at the Georgia International Convention by the airport. Click here for details.