Sweet Home Alpharetta

Alpharetta's Wills Park- Busy on Sunday Morning

2009-09-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

Steve and I were out for our Sunday morning stroll today, and realized how fortunate we are to live within walking distance of Wills Park, a beautiful green space! As we walked down Rucker Road, we decided to include a stop at the Alpharetta Community Garden to check out the changes from summer to fall crops. The gardens were lush and plots were packed with ripe tomatoes and peppers. A new rail fence has been installed around the garden. Hard to believe that just a few months ago this gorgeous, food-producing spot was just another piece of plain ole' grass! Way to go green, Alpharetta!

As we walked around the path in the park, we came upon a canine agility show in the big arena. All shapes and sizes of dogs and their handlers were getting ready to compete. Then, as we headed back toward Greenmont, we noticed that Rucker Road had been blocked off for something. That something turned out to be the IronKids Triathalon! We cheered the elementary-aged bike riders as they rounded the corner to pedal back toward the finish line. Before we got home, we came across a yard sale and a road-side vegetable stand. I think I heard some baseball game announcing in the background, and, of course, the tennis courts were alive with players, too!

It was all great activity, though- one of the many reasons we love it here. Even though we live in one of the largest cities in the United States, there is a lot of small town feel left in Alpharetta.

Look around your yard and neighborhood this week. I bet you'll find a few things that you are grateful for! I am grateful for Wills Park, a huge, diverse green space in the heart of Alpharetta- a place I won't take for granted anymore.

Linda

Honey, I'm Out By the Pool!

2009-08-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

Looking for a super value in a great Alpharetta location? Well, the Alpharetta House Hunter has found a good one for you! This traditional 4-bedroom has been lovingly updated and maintained by the original owner. The kitchen features beautiful cherry cabinets, granite counter tops and a slate floor. In the backyard, you'll find many perennials, a garden space, a huge inground pool AND a fully-operational Tiki Bar! (Your neighbors and friends are going to LOVE you!) Topping it all off is a brand new roof! This is one of the prettiest properties I've seen in a while, and I would love to show it to you, so just give me a call and we'll schedule a time for a private showing. Priced at $310,000.

Remember, if you are a first time home buyer (or haven't owned a home in 3 years), you have until November 30th to qualify for the Federal Tax Credit of $8,000!!
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Call me if you have any questions.

To Our Successful House-Hunting!

Linda
770-286-1560
linda@lindaschultehomes.com

A Sweet Home in....Alpharetta!

2009-07-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

I don't usually write about individual homes in my blog postings, but today I think I will, because I want to tell you all about a sweet little house that I just listed! This house reminds me of the smaller homes that most of us grew up in with its 3 bedrooms, compact size and big, beautiful yard shaded by mature trees.

Located near Alpharetta Elementary, the Library and within walking distance of downtown, 209 Kenneth Drive would be a perfect 1st home, empty-nester downsize or rental property for the savvy investor. Built the old-fashioned way, the house is brick on all four sides and has a big, new deck off the dining room looking out into the private, wooded backyard. Did I mention that there is a full basement underneath it all? You can walk out to the backyard from this level, too!

Come take a look, but don't wait long! Priced at only $169,900, this charming brick home with it's gorgeous yard will go fast.

Alpharetta- a Georgia Green Community

2009-07-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

John Monson of the Alpharetta City Council forwarded the following press release yesterday issued by the Atlanta Regional Commission, and I wanted to share it with you!

The City of Alpharetta has been awarded bronze-level Green Community Certification by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The certification as an ARC Green Community is the result of policies that the City Council adopted earlier this year, along with hard work by our Community Development, Engineering/Public Works and Finance Departments. These efforts have made Alpharetta a recognized leader in environmental stewardship and will have lasting positive impacts on our community. The policies implemented to earn this designation make sound fiscal sense and provide a return on taxpayer dollars in addition to being the right things to do for our environment. Alpharetta is one of only 3 communities in Georgia to earn this designation.

Congratulations to My Sweet Home, Alpharetta! It's a great, GREEN place to live!

A Good Old-Fashioned 4th of July!

2009-07-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

I know I'm prejudiced, but I love my neighbors- and my neighborhood, Greenmont Walk!
Several of the neighbors organized our Second Annual 4th of July Barbecue in the cul de sac, and it was just the perfect way to celebrate the day.
Under the shade of a stately oak tree, friends gathered to share food and fun with a festive, patriotic theme.
Warren did a fabulous job manning the grill, and everyone brought their favorite dish to share. Children played in the safety of the cul de sac and waited excitedly for the sunshine to turn to dusk, so they could light their sparklers. Even Moms and Dads and Grandmas and Grandpas could be seen twirling the brightly lighted magic sticks! Finally, it was time for the Big Fireworks Show to begin. (We are fortunate to be able to watch The Alpharetta Fireworks Display right from our lawn chairs in the cul de sac!) No matter how old we are, when it's time for fireworks, we are all kids again!
Thanks to Warren and Colette, Trey and Jenny and Amy and Tim for organizing such a fun time for everyone. I know the children will remember these special times when families had fun together just hanging around in the backyard!

Alpharetta Girls Night Out!

2009-06-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Attention Ladies!

While strolling through the Alpharetta Farmer's Market this morning, Carol Anderson-Wood of Colonial Bank, stopped making her delicious fresh-squeezed lemonade long enough to tell me about the upcoming GIRLS NIGHT OUT, scheduled for Thursday evening, June 25th from 4-8 p.m. Lots of downtown shops are participating in the fun, including The Cannery, galerie Boutique, Courture Consigner, Twigs & Lace, Savvy Snoot, Ivy Interiors, Southern Comforts, Monfort's Gallery, and Arbor House Interiors. AND there is a FREE Drawing for a $150.00 gift card!

So, gather up your BFF's and head to downtown Alpharetta on Thursday night!

Hope to see you there!

Linda

Real Estate- It's Always Been a Great Investment

2009-05-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

"Real Estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world."

Who said it? Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945)

It just goes to show that we shouldn't be afraid to buy that house or piece of property, especially now when prices are as low as they've been in a long, long time.

Think about it!

Have a wonderful, fun Memorial Day weekend!

Linda

RED DAY- Keller Williams North Atlanta Gives Back

2009-05-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

Watch and listen as Realtors from Keller Williams North Atlanta spend the day on a volunteer Extreme Home Makeover in Alpharetta!

I'm so proud to be part of a company that really cares about our neighbors and neighborhoods.

Breaking News- Georgia State Tax Credit

2009-05-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

You read it here first! Thanks to Christine Witzel, Suntrust Mortgage, for this latest update.

Here is the current HB 261 bill in a nutshell- what it takes to qualify for the added State Tax Credit in addition to the existing Federal Tax Credit.

1) The tax credit applies to single-family homes and condos if purchased as your primary residence.

2) The property must be for sale prior to the effective date and still for sale after the effective date (May 11, 2009) OR

3) The property must be in default on or before March 1, 2009 or has already been foreclosed and is held by a mortgagor.

4) On the first day of the month after the effective date of the law, the purchase of a home meeting the criteria above within the next six months would be eligible for the tax credit.

5) The tax credit is limited to 1.2% of the purchase price or $1,800, whichever is less.

Here is the tricky part-

6) You can only claim, at most, 1/3 of the tax credit in any one year, beginning with your 2009 tax return.

7) One final caveat: If you're purchasing a home, be sure to request a copy of the necessary documents to maintain for your tax records to document how the home qualified for the tax credit, whether it is because it was listed prior to the effective date OR because it was delinquent or had been foreclosed.

8) This is NOT limited to first-time home buyers.

Any questions? e-mail me at Linda@LindaSchulteHomes.com
or contact Christine at www.suntrustmortgage.com/witzel.

REO's, BPO's and other Foreclosure Terminology

2009-04-29T11:08:00.001-07:00

Over the past year or so, those of us in Real Estate have become more and more accustomed to using certain acronyms that describe the current state of affairs in our business. Sadly, 60% of our current inventory of listed homes are considered distressed sales.

Since I just spent two days in class last week to become a specialist in the field of REO's, I thought I would tell you about this all-too-familiar term. REO stands for "Real Estate Owned". These are properties that have gone through the foreclosure process without a successful sale and have gone back to the bank or lender. Typically, the owner has already left the home, because he or she could not afford to pay the monthly mortgage. Now, the bank has the burden to market and sell the property for the highest possible amount. We in Georgia are one of the top 10 states in foreclosure activity.

One of the first things a bank does when taking possession of a foreclosed property is to order what's called a BPO or Broker Price Opinion. The lender may be in California and the property is here in Georgia. The BPO is what gives the lender "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth" about their reacquired asset. A licensed local realtor is hired by the bank to inspect the property, research comparable sales and write up a report including pictures. The realtor is the "local eyes and ears" of the bank. He or she recommends needed repairs, estimates how much those repairs will cost, and tells the bank what is going on in the local real estate market.

Sometimes, this same local Realtor is hired by the bank to manage the property and list it for sale locally. The Realtor is then responsible for getting repairs done while protecting the bank's asset until it sells. The management team might then include a home inspector, a contractor, an attorney, and a landscaper. Sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it?

And you thought Realtors just drove people around to look at houses! Realtors are in a critically important spot right now to help get bank-owned properties sold and back in the hands of individual homeowners. The faster we can do that, the better off we all will be. Our neighborhoods will look better and our cities and counties will be stronger financially.

Enough for today! I will continue with more foreclosure information in my next post.

If you have questions about short sale, foreclosure, or any other confusing real estate situation, please feel free to comment or call or e-mail me.

Linda

Linda@lindaschultehomes.com

770-286-1560

Be a Smart Buyer- Hints for MOVERS and Shakers!

2009-03-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

You've heard everybody saying that it's a great time to buy, right?
It is certainly a buyer's market currently, but you can still make some costly mistakes, if you don't know what you're doing.
Here are a few buyer basics to keep in mind while you're out looking for your dream home.

1) Don't move money around when you're in the process of buying a home. Banks want to see a very stable financial picture, and they need to track where your money has been the past few months. Don't take money out of your 401K and put it into your savings account. It's like fooling yourself into thinking you have more available funds than you really do.

2) Get a pre-approval letter from your lender, not just a pre-qualification. When you have been pre-approved for a certain amount of money, it's like shopping with cash. It puts you in the best possible negotiating position, especially if you are in a bidding war. Sellers want buyers who are ready to close.

3) Keep your credit impeccable. This seems like a no-brainer, but don't charge anything more on your credit card. Lenders will be checking your credit score right up to closing day, and in the long term, you just don't want to start off with too much debt!

4) Watch out for arbitrary fees in your mortgage documents, such as document processing, courier fees, postage, etc. Don't be afraid to check with your realtor and lender about anything you don't understand.

5) Avoid boundary disputes- get a survey. I always advise my clients to buy that extra piece of mind that a survey provides. Just because someone said the property line is "just behind those trees", doesn't make it so. A survey is very good preventive medicine!

6) Don't try to time the market. Nobody knows when the market is at its lowest point. We can only determine the bottom after things start moving upward, and then we're not at the bottom anymore! The best time for you to buy is when you find your perfect home at a price you can afford. Sometimes we make money going IN to a house, and sometimes we make money going OUT. Rarely are we lucky enough to catch both sides of that equation.

I could go on and on with things to keep in mind when you're buying a home, but here is a really good tip.....When you are about to move into a new area, spend some time stalking the neighborhood! No, not illegal stalking, but rather, walking around, checking things out at different times of the day and evening, so you can get a better feel for things.

Can you think of any other good tips? Something that helped you during the buying process?
Please comment! We'd love to hear from you!

Rates are great, so don't be late!

Linda

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-03-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Video: Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers from

National Association of Home Builders

It's Easy Being GREEN

2009-03-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, St Patrick's Day, I had the opportunity to tour a "Green Home", and I was very inspired to bring more "green" into my daily life. The home that we toured featured many energy-saving systems and has been built with local materials, minimizing the footprint of the building process. Listing agent, Mia Hannah, told us that the annual energy bill for this home is $150.00! When you are in the Roswell area, take time to go over and tour Weatherford Place, the community of EcoCraft Homes near Historic Roswell.

The home is open to tour on Wednesdays from 1-5, Sundays, 1-4 or by appointment.

Here are a few simple changes we can make in our daily lives to promote our healthy planet.

1. Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.
2. Reuse your water bottle. Avoid buying bottled water. In fact, reuse everything at least once, especially plastics.
3. Check out your bathroom. Use low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets.
4. Start a compost in your back yard or on your rooftop.
5. Buy foods locally. Check out Eat Local Challenge and FoodRoutes to get started. Buy locally made products and locally produced services.
6. Buy in season.
7. Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs. You'll find more on energy-efficient products and practices at Energy Star.
8. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room. Unplug your cell phone charger from the wall when not using it. Turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not in use (especially overnight).
9. Recycle your newspapers.
10. Car pool. Connect with other commuters at eRideShare.

My father worked for a utility company, and I can still remember him always reminding his four daughters to turn off lights, television sets, curling irons, etc., etc.

I tell people my family was energy conscious long before everybody else caught on!

I would love to hear from any of you who are making green changes in your home.

Linda

Short Sales- A Short Course

2009-03-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months it seems those of us in the Real Estate world have developed a whole new vocabulary full of unfamiliar- and somewhat scary terms. Foreclosure, REO, Short Sale, Loan Modification to name just a few.

Let's start with "Short Sale". Only a couple of years ago, hardly any of us had ever heard this term, and today, unfortunately, it is an all-too-common situation. Nationally, about 11.18% of all mortgages are falling somewhere in the ballpark of "at least 1 past-due payment, all the way up the process to foreclosure. That is a staggering number!

As a Realtor, I wanted to become proficient in handling Short Sales, because I could see that this was the best way to help distressed sellers avoid the devastation of foreclosure and salvage some of their credit rating. Short Sales also help the community by keeping home values up.

So, what is a Short Sale? A Short Sale means that the lender agrees to take less on the sale of a home than is owed in order to avoid the expense of foreclosing on the property. The seller must demonstrate that there has been a hardship, e.g., job loss, medical expense, etc, that is making it impossible for him to keep up the mortgage payments. Sellers must provide documentation of income, expenses, etc., to the lender, and the lender ultimately approves the sale of the home at the lesser price. The seller does not receive any of the proceeds of the sale.

Recently, President Obama has proposed legislation that would help some distressed homeowners to stay in their homes. Some people will be allowed to refinance their mortgages and some will qualify for loan modifications. The specifics of these new laws are not totally clear just yet.

If you are a homeowner who has suffered job loss or other conditions making it very difficult or impossible for you to make your mortgage payment, don't hesitate to contact a knowledgable Realtor or Lender who can help you navigate through the process. Don't avoid the issue. If you are having trouble, talk to someone who can help you.

Enjoy the weekend and the beautiful sunshine!

Linda

Linda's Best Buys: He Who Hesitates has Lost a Super Deal!

2009-03-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Our Buyer's Market continues.......... Atlanta home prices have declined to 2002 levels. Yes, it is a challenging time for sellers, but I still believe that if you price correctly right from the start, (Chasing the market doesn’t work) and make sure your home is in tip-top condition, you can be successful.
Have you thought about “moving up”, but think you can’t sell your present home? This is really a great opportunity! Think about it. If you give up 10% on the sale of your present home valued at $300,000 and then win a 10% concession on the purchase of your $500,000 dream home, you are a winner, since 10% of 500,000 is a lot more than 10% of 300,000!

On the left, a super value at only $149,900 is this contemporary home in an ultra-convenient location. Close to Woodstock, Alpharetta and Roswell with very convenient access to major highways, this home is undergoing a kitchen remodel! If you are a first-time buyer (take advantage of the new $8,000 tax credit) or if you are an investor, no renovations needed!

The home below is a fantastic deal in Wexford. Lakefront, 4-bedroom, 2-bath, hardcoat stucco, master on main, 3-car garage, granite counter tops, ¾ acre lot in a swim/tennis neighborhood. This home has been reduced from $399,000 to $289,900!

I don’t think this one will be around long at this price.

Call me on either one of these great homes, and let’s go take a look. We just might find your dream house- at a DREAM PRICE!!

Home prices are low, Interest rates are low, and inventory is high.

If I was a betting person, I'd say those are pretty good odds!

Think about it and give me a call.

Here's to your "Sweet Home Alpharetta",

Linda

Understanding the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-02-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

We've all been hearing a lot the past couple of weeks about the first-time home buyer tax credit. Here it is in a nutshell for you. Notice that even if you have owned a home previously, you still qualify for this program if you have not owned a home in the past 3 years.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contains a provision to assist / encourage first-time home buyers with a home buyer tax credit of $8,000. Below is a brief synopsis of the program.

Give me a call if you have any questions at all, OR if you would like to go House-Hunting!

Amount of the Credit	Lesser of 10% of the cost of the home or $8,000
Eligible Property	Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence
Refundable	Reduces income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of the tax credit is refunded to the purchaser
Income Restriction	Individuals with an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 ($150,000 for a joint return) can receive the full tax credit amount. The program phases out completely above $95,000 per individual and $170,000 for a joint return.
Who is a first-time buyer?	Any purchaser who has not owned a principal residence in the past three years.
Revenue Bond Financing	Buyers can take advantage of this credit even if local or state bond financing is utilized
Repayment	This credit contains a recapture clause that will require that the entire credit is repaid if the home is sold within three years after purchase.
Effective Dates	For purchases between January 1, 2009 and September 1, 2009

A Night for Telly

2009-02-14T08:06:00.000-08:00

My good friend and colleague, Telly Olympiadis, was seriously injured in an ATV accident last November. Telly, a self-employed contractor and handyman, was hospitalized for several weeks, and he has been wheelchair-bound in his home since then.

Telly's friends have organized a benefit concert, coming up on Saturday evening, February 28th at Trilogy in Marietta featuring live music by THREE great bands from 8:30 pm-12:30 am

http://www.trilogydining.net/ 4930 Davidson Road, Suite 200, Marietta GA 30068

8:30- Fox Trot November
9:30- Kevin Spencer
10:30- The Mixx
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Dinner is available at Trilogy.

Admission is FREE, and donations for Telly and his family will be accepted at the door.

Mike Cohen, who is heading up the event, books bands and said that one of these three is ready to sign a recording deal!

Bring your friends and join us for music, fun and a chance to help a young family!

And Meanwhile, Happy Valentine's Day!

Linda

Calling All First-Time Buyers..... Best Home Sale Ever

2009-02-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

If you are currently renting a house or apartment, now is an excellent time for you to look at all the options available in this buyer's market.

First of all, your present cost of living might really surprise you. If you pay $1,000/month for rented housing, you will have forfeited a whopping $36,000 over the next three years with no equity to show for it. You’re paying the mortgage for the property owner when you could be building equity for yourself.
Tax deductions for home ownership vary, but the IRS dictates that mortgage interest, pre-paid interest and interest on construction loans are all things to consider as tax benefits.

Another important thing to consider is that right now there is an excellent supply of homes for sale at bargain prices in pretty much every price range, AND interest rates are very attractive, too!

On top of all that good news, if you are a renter and don't have to sell a home before you can buy, you are in the absolute best position! Sellers and their agents will be eager to negotiate with you, because they know that you are ready to move and won't have to wait to close until your present home sells.

Whether you are looking for new construction or an older home that could use your personal TLC, let's get out there and do some serious looking! By the time Spring has sprung, you'll be ready to plant your favorite flowers in your own backyard!

Call me soon, so that I can unlock the door to your favorite house!

Linda

Tips for Sellers: How Can I Attract Buyers?

2009-01-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

You're ready to buy your dream home, but you can't seem to attract interested buyers to your present house. (It's a familiar story these days.) Here are some great tips that I saw recently on CNNMoney.com, and I wanted to pass them along to Sweet Home Alpharetta readers!

1) Helping with the Down Payment: Financing is the biggest road block for buyers these days. Even though interest rates are good, buyers do need a down payment now. Financial incentives from the seller are very helpful- and attractive to buyers.

2) Helping with Closing Costs: Closing Costs can amount to as much as 2-3% of the loan amount, so assistance here from seller to buyer can go a long way to sealing the deal for you.

3) Paying Points: Paying the cost of a point to get the buyer's interest rate from 6.5 to 5.5%, for instance, might be just the deal-maker that brings about a win-win for everybody. (You get to move on to your new home!)

4) Home Warranty: A home warranty is like an insurance policy on your home, covering major mechanical systems. Paying for a home warranty, especially on an older home, gives your buyer piece of mind. A good plan costs in the range of $400-$500/year.

5) Gimmicks: Some sellers are resorting to big screen tvs, cars, and exotic vacations to entice buyers, but most experts recommend spending your money on doing repairs on your home, so that potential buyers aren't scared away before they even think about making an offer.

If you have any questions about getting your home ready for sale, I would love to give you a hand. Our present market is challenging for sellers, so you want to have everything covered before entering the competition! Hiring an experienced realtor doesn't cost, it pays!

Have a great week, everybody. I hope you all have a little time to watch some of the Inaugaration Events! It's so exciting, isn't it?

Help for the Organizationally Challenged!

2009-01-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

How Ready Are We for 2009?

OK, I admit it, I am not the world's most organized person. But, the new year seems to be an opportune time to adopt some tried and true principles that should make my life less stressful. My husband is very good about keeping track of where all my "stuff" is, but that shouldn't excuse me from at least attempting some better habits, right? So, if you lean toward messy, like me, maybe one or two of these organizing tips will help you, too!

Now that the holidays are over and a new year has begun, now is the perfect time to make sure we are ready for 2009. Here are five things we all should do this month that will make our lives easier in the months ahead:

1. Clean Out the Clutter: We keep saying we'll do it...so, let's go ahead and do it. Let's spend an hour going through our old files, and shred those receipts, bills, and statements we no longer need, like old ATM receipts and utility bills, paystubs more than a year old, and receipts for things that are not deductible.

2. Get Organized: While we're at it, let's create new files for our 2009 tax-related papers and receipts. Examples of categories include medical expenses, gift and charitable donations, and home improvements.

3. Check the Gift Card Fine Print: If you received gift cards as a present over the holidays, use them soon. Some have expiration dates, or the amount on the card may get reduced over time. In addition, in the current economy, retailers that go out of business may not honor gift cards.

4. Do Some Review: Review various insurance policies - life, home, auto, etc - to make sure the coverage we have is still the best fit for our needs and situation. To save on cash out of pocket, we might even consider raising our deductible to get a lower premium.

5. Do Some Reflection: Take an honest look at our schedule and responsibilities and make sure we are taking the time you need to stay healthy and feel good. Don't feel bad about actually scheduling specific blocks of time to exercise or spend special time with family and friends, to ensure it actually happens. This will make everything else we have to do this year easier...and more enjoyable, too!

Baby steps, baby steps........
Have a great week, everyone!

Linda

New Mileage Rates for 2009

2009-01-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

Here is some new, useful information for the new year from our friends at the IRS.(Thanks, Kathy Vitali of Country Wide!)

If you drive a car, truck or van for work, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced news that impacts you. That's because they have released the new standard mileage rates for 2009.
The rates will be used to calculate deductible costs for driving an automobile for business, charitable, medical and moving purposes. The new mileage rates for business, medical and moving purposes will be slightly lower than the rates for the second half of 2008, which were raised in the middle of last year due to spiking gas prices. The rate for charitable driving, however, is set by law and will remain unchanged from 2008.
Beginning January 1, 2009, the standard mileage rates for 2009 are as follows:
Businesses = 55 cents per mile driven
Medical or moving = 24 cents per mile driven
Charitable organizations = 14 cents per mile driven
Overall, these rates reflect the higher transportation costs compared to a year ago. However, the rates are slightly lower than the second half of 2008 to factor in the recent drop in gasoline prices. While gasoline is a significant factor in the mileage rate, other fixed and variable costs, such as depreciation, also enter the calculation.

But before you calculate your deduction, make sure you qualify. The IRS reminds taxpayers that they cannot use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.

Remember, you don't have to use the standard rate! Although the IRS provides the standard mileage rate for ease and convenience, you're not required to use it. If you choose, you have the option of calculating the actual costs of using your vehicle instead of using the standard mileage rates. So keep that in mind as you calculate your automobile usage for business, medical, moving, or charity driving in 2009!

Have a great first week of the new year, everyone.

Here is a quote that will get us motivated."Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle."Abraham Lincoln

Oh Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Your Branches!

2008-12-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

My Grandma Rose had a beautiful voice and loved to sing to us in German, so I always think of her during this beautiful season of Christmas Carols. One of her favorites was "O Tannenbaum", and I had to smile the other night as we ventured out to the first of the neighborhood holiday parties.

There displayed in all it's glory was an upside-down Christmas Tree! I was absolutely mesmerized! The longer I stood underneath those wide branches (which were on the TOP now), the more I appreciated it! What a cool idea! Why hadn't we thought of this years ago? For so many reasons, this upside-down tree thing makes so much sense! My neighbor's beautiful collection of glass ornaments gleamed like never before, and I could stand right underneath the tree and look up at them hanging three and four on a long, graceful branch!

Instead of looking at the TREE, I was now focused on the ORNAMENTS!

Besides the beauty of this new-fangled invention, there is a practical side to this idea as well! How many times have you struggled to find enough room for the Christmas Tree along with your regular furniture arrangment? Well, think about it! If the pointy end of your tree is on the floor instead of the broad base of branches, there is a LOT more room for chairs again- not to mention all the great conversation that ensues among perfect strangers regarding the pros and cons of this hip new tree!

It's a good thing our tree is already up and decorated for the season, or I think I would be heading out to find this new upside-down version. I guess down is the new UP!

Have you encountered the upside-down tree yet? If so, post a note and let us all know what you think!

Happy Decorating, Everyone!

Linda

Tips from the Home Inspector, Part 2

2008-11-29T10:53:00.000-08:00

Something most people forget is the fireplace. Get your fireplace ready by having it inspected. Creosol can build up in the chimney. Creosol is a resin that can build up in the flue. It’s a by- product of burning wood. Make sure that the damper works and make sure the damper seals when it is closed. You would be surprised how may people forget to close them! Remember, nine out of ten people in Atlanta are not from Atlanta. Fireplaces are common in Georgia but not everywhere else.

Something else you may want to do in preparation for the really cold weather is the garden hose spigots. Do not wait for the freeze warning. Get on a mission and turn them all off. Most houses have a spigot shut off valve on each spigot. Look under the sinks, you may find some valves there. Remember what our science teacher told us. Water is the only substance found in nature that expands when it freezes. This can cause pipes to burst in the walls. This can be an expensive repair, especially if you're not at home when it happens. So, close the valve and drain spigots.

Another thing you may want to look at is the grade of the soil around the house. All summer you have been putting down pine straw. It makes the landscape look good. Unfortunately it hides the ground so you don’t know if it has been changing. The grade should always be away from the house. Get a stick and probe around the house. Next to the wall of the foundation it should have the highest soil, as you move away in a perpendicular line from the house the ground should fall. If it’s not happening, call your landscaper and have him check it and if needed, have him build up the grade. This is a particular situation for new houses. The reason new houses have this situation is the ground is excavated to prepare for the foundation and the molds used to pour the foundation. Once the concrete for the foundation cures, the forms are removed and the soil is returned. The problem is the soil is sometimes not recompacted to its original density. This soil will erode a lot quicker than the surrounding soil. This softer soil will erode and create a negative grade toward your house. Don’t worry, the problem is fixable with more dirt.

During the summer some of our feathered friends will have found your home as attractive as you and may have made their nest in your vents. Now that they're gone, remove those nests. Don’t worry, next year they will build new ones. The problem is that these vents are for your bathrooms, dryer and fireplace.

Now is a good time to trim those shrubs away from the house. The shrubs should be at least 12 inches from the house. Shrubs are attractive, but like all plants they give off moisture and cover the house from the sun. This slows the drying process of the house and can cause algae or mold to form. Remember you’re on a mission.

This time of year is also a great time for taking long, hot showers. So if you want to enjoy a longer hot shower, drain off some of the sediment that accumulated at the bottom of your tank. It acts like an insulator. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions. Another way is to turn off the hot water heater, ( before you do that make sure you know how to light the pilot light, ) or have a good friend who does. Consume all the hot water and then connect a hose to the bottom of the tank and open the valve at the tank and let some water out. You do not have to drain the entire tank. The initial surge should remove most of the sediment. Drain a few gallons, check and make sure the water is coming out clear. then close the valve, reignite the pilot and you're ready for your next hot shower.

By now lots of leaves have fallen. Make sure the Air Cooling Compressors are free of leaves and organic debris. These units are designed to shed water. Some organic material will produce acids as they decay and can cause damage to the units. You can cover them, but all that is really needed in our mild winter is keeping them free of debris and they should be ready when the heat comes back.

Thanks so much, George, for sharing your expertise and valuable home maintenance advice with all of us! If you have any questions about winter home maintenance, give George a call at Athenia Home Inspectors, 404-447-4677 or e-mail him at georgefont5@aol.com.

SAFE Home Alpharetta

2008-11-24T16:33:00.000-08:00

I asked my trusted Home Inspector, George Font, if he would make a guest appearance on Sweet Home Alpharetta to share some very timely information on winter home maintenance. Thank you, George, for the following valuable contribution!

Its that time of the year, time to get firewood for the fireplace and wake up the old furnace after its summer of hibernation. Now if you’re like most of us, you won’t think a thing about it. It’s kind of a yearly ritual, so not a lot a thought goes into it. However, w!e should take some precautions.

Furnace filters should be checked monthly and maintained as necessary. For the best result, seek HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. Although more expensive than regular filters, these will help clean the air while your system is running. A good HEPA filter can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers (µm) in diameter from the air you breathe. This type filter will pick up mold spores, and many air borne allergens. This is the time of year you and your family will spend a lot more time indoors.

For more information goto http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HEPA

If you have a smoke and or Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector, test them now. The process is not very complicated. Most detectors have a self test feature. Follow the manufacturer's suggested testing procedure. It will not take long to do. While you’re at it, replace the batteries. Remember Murphy’s Law!

For more information go to http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pyfff/smkalarm.html.

Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer. It is odorless, tasteless, has no color and kills by robbing your red blood cells of their ability to absorb oxygen. Results are that your organs are gradually suffocated. Your brain is the most sensitive organ to oxygen depravation. So how does that affect you? You start feeling tired and sleepy. Be warned, This does not mean that every time you feel sleepy or tired you have CO poisoning. But to be on the safe side you need to have a CO detector or monitor.

You do not need a security system to install a CO monitor. There are many plug in models available. These are installed on a 110 VAC receptacle and do the job required. Check at Lowes or Home Depot. Make sure you get one that has a battery backup. In the event of a power failure your fireplace may be your best friend. Your fireplace can produce CO emissions in rare occasions or power could be lost to the monitors but not the furnaces. CO monitors are very inexpensive for the work they do and the lives they can save.
When you buy one, follow the manufacturer's recommendation on where best to place them and how to test them.

In our next installment, George will explain creosol and how it builds up in chimneys to create a potentially dangerous situation. Tune in later this week for more Winter Home Maintenance Tips from George, the Home Inspector. George is the owner of Athenia Home Inspectors and is ASHI certified. If you have questions, give him a call at 404-447-4677. He is very patient and never makes you feel dumb when you ask (probably) dumb questions. Believe me, I've had to ask a lot of them! But, I have learned a lot from George over the past couple of years, and so have many home buyers.

George joins me in wishing all of you a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

Linda

Real Estate in Any Language

2008-11-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

As a Realtor, I have the privilege and pleasure of working with people who have come to Atlanta from many countries and cultures. In fact, this opportunity to make friends from so many places and learn about and appreciate their customs, is one of my favorite pieces of the relocation puzzle. The bad part for me, though, is when my clients move back to their home country after their home is sold! As a result of sales this past year, I now have friends in The Netherlands and Columbia, but I have new friends from Pakistan and Ireland, too!
Even in my Keller Williams office of 100 agents, we are a very diverse group of people from many countries. Countries represented among my colleagues include India, Iran, U.K., Italy, Peru, Argentina, New Zealand, and I’m sure several others that I have missed. I’m from Wisconsin, and of course, my friends give me a hard time about my “accent”. “What accent”?

So, my agent friends and I thought it would be fun and educational to put together a panel discussion featuring the agents in our office who have come to us from other countries. Our first Cultural Awareness Panel Discussion was even better than I had hoped, and we all learned so much about each other! Our primary goal was to learn more so that we could make a better impression when working with international clients, but I think we realized that something even more important happened. We began to realize that even though we come from so many places with such different customs, all people need to be listened to and appreciated. We love to feel welcomed and respected. Isn’t it great that a smile is the same in any language?

It's Time to Buy in Atlanta

2008-11-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

Forbes Magazine made some good predictions for Atlanta homebuilders and residents last week. While other cities, like Las Vegas and Phoenix are expected to see home prices decrease by up to 50%, Atlanta is predicted to see significant increases as early as 2009. (This reiterates that NOW is the time to buy Atlanta Real Estate. Discounts on current new home inventory are available now. They won’t last forever!)Although Forbes mentions the number of Atlanta foreclosures in early 2008, our continued steady job growth rate promises an end to our housing slump. In fact, next year home prices are expected to jump up by 32.5% for single family homes around the metro Atlanta area. Multi-family home prices are expected to rise by as much as 18.4% and job growth will remain around the steady 2% yearly increase that has kept Atlanta afloat and the envy of the nation. We are placed at number nine in the group of ten “lucky cities” that are predicted to experience long term recovery that will begin next year. Other cities where home prices are expected to rise include Oklahoma City, Minneapolis, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, Austin, Portland, San Antonio, Charlotte, and Albuquerque. So while times may seem tough now, if we can just hold out for a little while longer, things should be looking up for the economy and the Atlanta housing market once again.

So, as the old saying goes, you might want to "strike while the iron is hot"!

Contact me if you would like to discuss ways to take advantage of the current real estate market. You'll be glad you did!

Have a great day,

Linda

My Family of Heroes

2008-11-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

On this Veteran's Day I got to thinking about all the military people in our family, and it made me very proud! I am definitely in the minority in this patriotic group! From the time I was big enough to reach the rope on the flag pole, my job at our family cabin in Wisconsin was to raise Old Glory as soon as we arrived for the weekend. To this day, I fly the flag at our front door every day of the year. But, that is pretty much as far as my "active duty" extends, except for exercising my right and privilege to vote.

But, I digress. The purpose of this post is to honor all the people in my immediate family who have served in the military. My Grandpa Ross served in the Army in World War I, my dad, Ed Gorman joined the Navy toward the end of World War II. My father-in-law, Don Schulte, is an Army Veteran serving over seas as a cook. In the next generation, my sister, Mary and her husband, Jim, are proud Air Force Veterans, active duty for six years and then serving in the Reserves even beyond their 20 year retirement date. Following along in the family tradition, both of my sons took up the cause. Kyle joined the Army, and Andy is my Navy man, planning to make the Navy his career.

On this Veteran's Day, 2008, I just want to tell you all how proud I am of you!

Gratefully,

Linda

A Sunday Drive to Lookout Mountain

2008-10-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

It was a picture-perfect Autmn day. Azure blue sky, scarlet maple leaves, and 70 degrees- AND it was Sunday afternoon! We hopped in the car with a cooler of snacks and two excited pugs to explore the North Georgia Mountains, specifically, Lookout Mountain! I had heard about a brand new community, Cloudland Station, and wanted to check it out for myself- and for those of you who might like it, too.

Well, we were not disappointed. Dubbed "America's First Cottage Towne", Cloudland Station is like stepping back in time to a simpler, refreshing time where our spirit can be renewed as we take time to enjoy simple things! When is the last time you enjoyed a picnic, a game of kick-the-can, skipping stones in the lake or sitting in a tire swing? This is Cloudland Station!
We toured a model home, and I was enthralled with the fact that even though it was small compared to a typical Atlanta house, it's open plan offered plenty of space and featured top-notch appliances and fixtures.

Only 90 minutes to 2 hours north of Atlanta, Cloudland Station makes the perfect spot for a family getaway weekend/vacation or retirement home community.
I took a few pictures on my camera phone and will post them for you ASAP.
Meanwhile, check things out for yourself at www.CloudlandStation.com.
Let me know if you think you might want to take a drive up there. I will connect with them and set up a personal tour for you! We had a wonderful time and came back feeling refreshed!

Have a great week- and don't forget to take time to enjoy the beautiful Fall colors!

Linda

Mikey & Misha Invite You to PugFest!

2008-10-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

If you love pugs, be sure to head out to the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds for PugFest 2008, the big fundraiser for the Southeast Pug Rescue. Mikey and Misha are already getting excited and preparing their Halloween costumes for the Big Event on Saturday, October 25th.

Just imagine it! Over 700 pugs and their people will be in attendance! There are contests honoring pugs for "most wrinkles", "best kisser", "curliest tail", and "best costume", as well as a Parade of the Adoptees, many vendors, pet pictures, grooming, anything related to pugs and their people.

Tickets are only $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Pugs get in free!

Mikey and Misha say, "See you at PugFest '08"! (That's us, Mikey on the left, and Misha on the right, with our dad, Steve.) We were rescued over a year ago, and now we love being Pampered Pooches!

For more information check out http://www.rescuepug.com/.

Queen for a Week!

2008-09-15T04:08:00.002-07:00

It was quite a week for this “Plain Jane” after being named the lucky winner of a Complete Makeover at the Aging with Attitude Ladies Night Out at our Keller Williams office in Alpharetta!
(Actually, I think they may have picked me, because I needed it the most!)

Anyway, it couldn’t have come at a better time! Even for me, things were going downhill fast. My closet was a disaster, my hair was badly in need of a new style and professional color, and make-up……. Well, let’s not even go there! I’ve never been good at make up, so I just don’t do it at all, most of the time.

First stop on Linda’s Excellent Adventure? Shopping with Jenifer Phillips, Image Consultant and owner of Metamorphysis. After a brief questionnaire and time to get to know each other, Jenifer and I headed for Chico’s where she advised me on colors, style, fit- what a relief to just try things on and let an expert decide! Ladies, this is definitely the way to shop! Within a couple of hours, I had some black basics, a gorgeous, fun jacket with jewelry to match and a good quality pair of black pumps. Jenifer even knows how to get bargains at great stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales! This is truly a science that I must have missed in school.

Next, it was on to Paul Bennett Studio where Paul and his assistant, Ashley, whipped my faded out, red color and overgrown bob into a polished new cut of brown with gold highlights. Where had they been all my life? Now, if I could just have a little more patience with the blow dryer…….

What else you ask? Well, Lindsey Boyd, make up artist extraordinaire, squeezed me in between her own clients on Thursday afternoon to apply everything from concealer to eyelash extensions and a custom mixed lipstick color! By this time I felt like a famous person who has “people”, flitting between my image consultant, my hairdresser and my make-up artist! It really was a metamorphasis!

Thursday night arrived, and finally it was time for the big, surprise unveiling. Jenifer showed everyone my “Before” picture on the screen and then “Voila”, out came the new and improved Linda!
I wish I had had a camera to capture the looks on the faces of my friends and colleagues! They were amazed! Who was this person?

Thank you SO much to Merle Land for coordinating such a fun event , to Jenifer Philips and Paul Bennett and Lindsey Boyd for giving of their time and talents to advise us on looking our best and feeling young and vibrant!

Thought you might like to see “before” and “after”, the metamorphasis of Linda!
Really, I can’t recommend Jenifer and Paul highly enough. If you are in need of a transformation, give them a call. You’ll be very glad you did!

Gleanings from The Wall Street Journal

2008-08-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

As I write this post, the Schulte gang is enjoying a relaxing Friday night at home while glued to the fantastic Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games. What a beautiful celebration! I haven't spotted the United States delegation yet, and I'm anxious to see them march into the stadium.
For the next couple of weeks, the world seems on a higher plane, as we all watch these super athletes compete. The world does seem to come together in peace for a short while, at least.

Back to the Wall Street Journal and this week's article on housing. The Journal's quarterly survey of housing data in 28 major metropolitan areas showed that the supply of homes listed for sale DECLINED from a year earlier in 19 of them! Fortunately for us, Atlanta is one of those 19 cities. Even better is the news that Atlanta's employment outlook is Strong. People are still relocating to the Atlanta metro area for new jobs and job transfers, and that fact has a definite positive impact on our local housing market.

These numbers would probably be even more positive, but many potential buyers remain on the sidelines, because in the new, more stringent mortgage environment, many of them no longer qualify for loans. They are busy cleaning up their credit and saving for a down payment, and those delays are slowing sales. Housing markets are considered balanced when there are about 6 months worth of homes for sale. Most cities are sitting on a much larger supply.
Atlanta, this article reports, has 13.4 months worth of homes to sell. Chicago has 15.4, Detroit has 17.9, and Orlando has 21 months of homes on the market. That, of course, does not promote any sense of urgency in buyers.

As we've been saying, it is a great time to buy, as long as your time frame is longer than 2 years.
Your negotiating power is greater now than it has been in years, and as the numbers indicate, there are lots of homes to choose from!

If you have any questions about buying or selling property in the North Fulton area, I would love to help!

Meanwhile, be sure to take time to sit back and enjoy this infrequent, very special treat- The Summer Olympics.

Linda

A Day of Grace

2008-07-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

....Camp Grace, that is! Yesterday afternoon a few of my Keller Williams colleagues and I drove up into the foothills of the North Georgia mountains to share some time and treats with young campers from Atlanta. The campers and counselors are enjoying a week of outdoor fun at Camp Grace. Keller Williams Realty and its realtors are very involved partners with Camp Grace, raising funds and helping with projects. The goal of yesterday afternoon's adventure was to furnish and serve afternoon snacks to the campers and staff. In true Keller Williams style, realtors from the KW North Atlanta office, along with family members, loaded up three vehicles with cupcakes, cookies, chips and drinks, and headed north on GA 400- until there was no more GA 400! The Camp Director gave the children a guided golf cart tour of the camp while KW folks set up the snack tables.
After shooting some hoops and hula-hooping some hoops with the KW gang, campers lined up for chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, chips and ice-cold juice.
Many big smiles were seen and thank yous heard. We went to give grace, but as often happens, we got more in return, and of course, we made our day- A Great One!
If you would like to learn more about Camp Grace, and find out how you can get involved in a wonderful ministry, go to http://www.visionatlanta.org/.
Linda