Sally English Atlanta Real Estate: December 2009

Holiday Blues

We have every reason in the world to be joyful this time of year.  Many of us just celebrated a spiritual and material holiday where family members gathered at our side and gifts were exchanged.  New Years Eve is just a day or two away and there will be midnight celebrations and maybe a glass or two of champagne.  Yet those darn holiday blues slip in to nip away at our joy.

Why So Blue?

Probably the biggest ingredient in my blues cocktail is the departure this morning of my daughter who lives in Washington, D.C.  She and her cousin just pulled out of the driveway with their car loaded to the brim with gifts and clothes and goodies.  That last hug and kiss is a bittersweet memory I will have to nurse until our next reunion.

Add a dash of "credit card blues" to the mix.  All my credit card issuers (big banks mostly) sent notices in the mail about the new change in terms that will take place because of the credit reformation act our Congress passed.  It is supposed to protect the consumer but banks saw it as another opportunity to stick it to the little guy.  At least Charles Schab was civil about it and included a real letter explaining why they were making the changes.  Oh yea, these arrived immediately after Christmas.  I also go online and check my credit card spending regularly.  I did overspend a bit this year but it was nothing compared to previous years.  Call that a light blue moment.

Stir in some "take down the Christmas decorations" blues.  Did that yesterday.  I collect Dickens Villages and they had to be packed up.  Took down the tree.  Loaded the Christmas china back in the storage boxes.  My cleaning helper comes tomorrow so I wanted to have it all put away before she arrives.  My college age daughter has three friends coming in town for Passion Twenty Ten  and I want the house to be clean when they arrive.  By the way, the Passion Twenty Ten Conference for 18 to 25 year olds looks fabulous.  That ought to knock any blues out of the park.  Wish I could go!

Finally, I had a "short sale" garnish on the blues cocktail as a short sale I have been working on for months was sidetracked at the last minute when several unexpected liens showed up on the title of the distressed property.  You would not believe the number of issues we had already worked out before coming to yet another obstacle.  Oh well, just roll up your sleeves and dig in.

My Blues Remedy Formula

1. Get busy with work.  Always makes me push those blues aside.

2. Go to work out class at LA Fitness with Joyce: I'll be sucking too much wind to be blue. 

3. Nice walk with Millie, my English Springer Spaniel.  Millie never gets blue.  A wet kiss from Millie cheers up even the deep blue folks in our family.

4. Dinner with the family.  Lots of fun things to talk about in our family.

5. College football on TV...I know, probably a lame thing to most of you........ but it is huge in the South.

6. Good movies just out: Go see Blindside!  I still have Queen Victoria, Invictus and Sherlock Holmes on my list for this week!

7. Watch a DVD.  We pulled out Love Story(not recommended if you are suffering from the blues already!!!!), and The Wedding Date.  Also watched Sound of Music and Father of the Bride on TV.

8. Meditate.  The passage below from Philippians helps me in my meditation:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

HAVE A FABULOUS 2010!

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT PUTTING YOUR HOME ON THE MARKET?

January is traditionally a time when I get phone calls that begin with "we are thinking about putting our home on the market."  It is a simple statement but has lots of ramifications.  Often the families giving me a call may not actually put their home upf for sale for 5 or 6 months.  Some have never put their home on the market.  Most are just thinking about putting their home on the market but have some specific things they need to know.

Number One Question: How Much Is My Home Worth?

This is a market based question that is not easily answered.  Yes, I can give an estimate over the phone.  It will be a down and dirty estimate based on pulling some comparable sales up while we are talking on the phone.  Not the best way to do a market estimate but probably better than just guessing. 

Given time to do a little research I can dramatically improve the reliability of this estimate.  I can gather more information about your home, more thoroughly research the market and use some analytical tools to determine a market based estimate of the value of your home.  Some folks want a sit down formal presentation of this information.  Some just need to know the "number".  Let me know which you are looking for and "so it will be done" to quote my favorite line from The King and I.

I advertise FREE MARKET ANALYSIS and I mean it.  You have no obligation when you request a market valuation. 

If you are facing foreclosure or considering a short sale I would be particularly glad to give you a market opinion.  I understand how stressful the situation can be and I want to help.  You do not have to list the home with me to receive a Market Analysis.

Number Two Question: What Do I Need to Do To My Home To Get It Ready For the Market?

This question almost always involves a visit to your home to "take a look" and walk through the home.  Most of the things we find will be issues you already know about but just needed a little confirmation that a task needed to be tackled.  Some issues may come as a surprise.  I often find home owners have pet peeves about their homes and want to spend money on improvements that really do not have any impact on the marketability of the home.  Home owners are often surprised when I do not make suggestions like "rip out your kitchen and replace it with a new one". 

Having owned, renovated and sold many investment properties over the years, I find smaller cosmetic changes have the most immediate and dramatic effect on a property.  Removing dated wallpaper, fresh paint, organizing storage areas and improving curb appeal are the most cost effective ways to get your home ready for the market.

SEE PREVIOUS SERIES OF POSTS: Are You Ready To Sell Your Home?  Detailed information about how to prepare your home for the marketplace.

Number Three Question: What's The Market Like Right Now?

Some people want the numbers and others just want a shoot form the hip answer.  Most just want to know if real estate in Atlanta has started to move again.  2010 has a lot of promise and opportunity.  Will we see a return to house values of the go go years in 2010?  The answer is "not likely".  Do I anticipate the market will improve?  I am hopeful and we have started to see encouraging signs.  I give you and update when you call!

SALLY ENGLISH AND THE ENGLISH TEAM

Sally English and the English Team specialize in Atlanta homes convenient to Emory University, Centers for Disease Control and the VA Medical Center.  We look forward to hearing from you about your real estate needs.  Call us at 770-939-3174 or email sallyenglish@englishteam.com

Out with 2009 and In with 2010

The New Year's holiday is always full of apprehension for me.  The year ahead is a clean slate filled with opportunity.  But there is always baggage from the year just passed and believe me, 2009 had a ton of baggage. 

If 2009 was a train there would be an engine, a dining car, one passenger car and 20 baggage cars.

LEAVE THE BAGGAGE BEHIND

I am determined to leave the baggage behind as I go in to 2010.  Most of what happened in 2009 was completely out of any individuals' control.  We were being tossed around by market forces that were of enormous magnitude.  Why carry around baggage from events that were beyond control or influence of mere individuals?

BRING ON 2010

2010 is the land of opportunity.  I'm looking forward to launching into the business of 2010 with gusto.  Bring on the complex real estate transactions, foreclosures and short sales.  I'm ready to tackle the big stuff.

Need Atlanta Real Estate Advice?  Call Sally English and The English Team 770-939-3174 or Email us sallyenglish@englishteam.com

BUYING A HOME: BE WILLING TO MAKE COSMETIC IMPROVEMENTS

If you are willing to invest a little time in home improvements, you will find more houses that fit your criteria and get a better deal in the process.  This has always been true in my Atlanta market, but now it is even more so because many sellers do not have the cash on hand necessary to properly prepare their homes for the market.  Minor cosmetic improvements that would dramatically change the appearance of the home, like removing outdated wallpaper and changing out worn carpet, are going undone.  This is particularly true in foreclosures and real estate owned by banks.

Make Improvements After You Purchase Your New Home

It is easier than ever to make cosmetic improvements after you purchase.  Need the whole house painted in two days after the closing and before you move in...not a problem Contractors are looking for work and have flexible schedules.  Want to have the worn out kitchen cabinets yanked out and replaced with custom built modern cabinets with granite counter tops? Again, not a problem.  If contractors can visit the house before closing and take measurements and make out material lists, they can swoop in after closing and make things happen in the blink of an eye.  Gone are the days when contractors had 6 month waiting lists and Cadillac (or Rolls Royce) pricing schedules for home improvements.  Welcome to the :I can come over this afternoon: era of home improvement contractors.

UGLY DUCKLINGS Provide Best Opportunities 

Buyers have lots of options on the market place these days.  Buyers can afford to be picky and if something does not suit them in a home, they just move on to the next house down the street.  The owners of "ugly duckling" homes are left sitting without a lot of attention.  Most of them are wondering why they never get asked to the dance.  Along comes you, the savvy home buyer.  You see that the ugly duckling can be morphed into the lovely swan.  You express some interest in the house.  But you also mention that there are a number of items that need to be changed to meet your standards.  These changes cost money and naturally you would have to reflect these improvements in any offer you make.  Many sellers have sat with the ugly duckling on the market for a year or more.  They appreciate the attention.  Some of them may be ready to give in to the market place and take an offer far outside their comfort zone.  You, the savvy buyer walk into a "deal"

WORTH THE EFFORT To Search For Ugly Ducklings

You are likely to find many great houses that simply need a few cosmetic improvements to meet your needs.  Do a little investigation by talking with several remodeling contractors and vendors about any home improvement costs you foresee.  You'll be able to factor in these costs and make an informed offer that meets both your needs and the seller's needs. 

Home Buying Secrets: Preparation and Flexibility 

Preparation and flexibility are the keys to making wise and informed home-purchasing decisions.  If you do your research, considering both emotional and financial requirements, you'll be a better prepared buyer and get better results.  Remember, finding value is less a function of luck than preparation, so make sure to use all the resources available to you.  And, if you are willing consider options slightly outside your emotional boundaries, you will have a significantly larger pool of homes to consider than otherwise. 

Now, get moving on that home buying decision. Good luck and happy house-hunting!

SALLY ENGLISH AND THE ENGLISH TEAM Are Atlanta Home Buying Experts

Sally English and The English Team specialize in homes convenient to Emory University, Centers for Disease Control and the VA Medical Center.  We specialize in Atlanta Georgia neighborhoods and districts:

Atlanta SCHOOL DISTRICTS WE KNOW: Lakeside High School, Druid Hills High School, Tucker High School, Decatur High School, Milton High School

OUR ATLANTA  NEIGHBORHOODS: Northlake, Decatur, Tucker, Oak Grove, Embry Hills, Evansdale, Briarlake, Mclendon, Henderson, Midvale, Ansley, Druid Hills, Toco Hills, Alpharetta, Briar Vista, Brockett, Dresden, Hawthorne, Idlewood, Laurel Ridge, Livsey, Medlock, Pleasantdale, Sagamore Hills, Smokerise, Chamblee, Peachtree, Sequoyah, Dreden, Shamrock, Cross Keys, Stone Mountain, Smoke Rise, Dunwoody, Lilburn

OUR ZIP CODES: 30345, 30033, 30329, 30084, 30341, 30340, 30004, 30047, 30087, 30088

Craigs List Scam

For the past couple of years I have been posting my listings on Craigslist.  About a year ago I got a call from a frantic woman who wanted to know if one of my listings was for rent.  I told her no, the home is for sale only.  She immediately replied that she had been scammed and had fallen for an offer that was "too good to be true"

My for sale listing had been "cloned" by scammers:

1. The address was exactly the same as my for sale listing

2. The text was copied from my listing

3. The photos were copied from my listing

4. The house was vacant

5. The scammers listed the house "for rent" at a below market monthly rental rate.

The lady I talked too had already given the scammers her credit information and social security number.  She had not given them any money but suspected identity theft was in process.

This has happened to me a couple of times this year.  I have reported the scams to Craigs List.  Each time the scam listing was immediately removed.

AVOID MOVING COMPANY SCAMS

 Recently, we have heard reports of numerous moving company scams where helpless customers are left with huge bills and no furniture.  Many people are shocked to receive bills for thousands of dollars over the original written estimates given to them by moving companies.  And some are finding their furniture and household goods held hostage until they pay.  How could this happen? 

 Tim Walker reports scenarios like those above on his website www.movingscam.com.  His own bill for a move from Sterling, VA to Carson City, NV escalated from the $1,869 quoted in his written estimate to over $5,000 at payment time.  Walker was stunned to find out the moving company was holding his furniture hostage in a warehouse and would not deliver anything until Walker paid the bill in full. 

 After the ordeal, Walker started up his website to educate others about the scams movers use to wring more money out of unsuspecting customers' wallets.

 In a recent article on MSN Money, writer Liz Weston gave some insight on why movers can get away with such behavior. 

 In 1995 Congress eliminated the Interstate Commerce Commission, which formerly regulated the moving industry. In its place, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration now has responsibility for regulating moving companies, but focuses primarily on reducing crashes.  FMCSA has only nine investigators to pursue thousands of complaints against moving companies each year. 

HOW THE SCAM WORKS

A big part of the scam involves quotes that don't really bind the moving company to their price.  When a moving company gives an estimate, they treat it as such - an estimate, not a binding agreement. 

It is suggested that they purposely underestimate the weight or cubic feet for your move just so they can win the bid.  Then, once you sign the agreement, they charge you anything they want to for the actual move. 

At movingscam.com, Walker advises customers to get either a "binding Not-To-Exceed" quote or a "binding estimate".  With both of these quotes, the customer should not have to pay for any weight or cubic feet in excess of the original quote from the moving company.  Though this offers some protection, some customers still find themselves stuck even though they have a binding quote from a moving company.

ADVICE FOR AVOIDING A SCAM 

Walker gives some excellent advice about finding a reputable mover: 

 1.  Do not use the internet as a resource for locating a mover.  Almost all the victims of moving scams located their mover through the internet.  

 2.  If you are able, the best option is to rent a truck and move yourself.

 3.  If you can't physically handle your own move, use the telephone to locate a reputable moving company.  Call local real estate agents or friends who have recently made a similar move.  Check with your company's human resources department or relocation provider for moving company references.  If you need to, pick out a large employer in your community and speak to the person in the human resource department who coordinates moves.

 4.  Call the moving companies and ask them to come to your home and give a quote.  If they will not come to your home, remove them from your list.  When they get to your home, have a list of questions to ask. 

 Remember to ask about the company's name and any aliases they use, as well as how long they have been in business, company address, local phone number, DOT and MC License numbers, web site address, email address.  Get at least three references.  Weston at MSN Money further advises to ask how long the company has been in business under the present owner.

 5.  Call the references.

 6.  Get an in-person, weight-based, binding quote.

 7.  Do not sign a blank contract.  We repeat, do not sign a blank contract

 8.  Go to the moving company's offices and storage facility and see what things look like.  Do the trucks have the correct name painted on the doors?  Is the place organized and clean?

 9.  Do not accept a substitute.  If another company shows up at your door on the day of the move, fire them.

 10.  Do not use a broker who sub-contracts your move to another company.

 11.  Check out the moving company at the Better Business Bureau.  Look up the mover's DOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Safety and Fitness electronics system website http://www.safersys.org  Does the number match the name of the moving company you were given?

 12. Check www.movingscam.com to make sure your moving company is not on"The Black List." 

 If you follow these steps, you'll go a long way toward protecting yourself from a bad scenario next time you move.

BUYING A HOME: DO A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE AREA

Your Realtor can help you determine if an area is going to suit your needs.  Look to make sure the neighborhood and surrounding area has what you're looking for in terms of schools, churches, shopping, dining, etc.  You'll want to ensure you enjoy the area around your new home as much as the home itself.

Atlanta SCHOOL LINKS THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL

Great Schools Website

DeKalb County Schools Websites 

     Lakeside High School

     Tucker High School

     Druid Hills High School

Fulton County Schools Websites

Gwinnett County Schools

City of Atlanta Schools

ATLANTA DINING GUIDES

AJC Dining Guide

Creative Loafing Dining Guide

Blissful Glutton Blog

PLACES OF WORSHIP, TRANSPORTATION AND MORE

English Team Websites "Links" page

GBI Registered Sex Offenders Data Base

If you will have children in your home as residents or visitors, consider searching the GBI's database of registered sex offenders in Georgia 

SALLY ENGLISH AND THE ENGLISH TEAM Are Atlanta Home Buying Experts

Sally English and The English Team specialize in homes convenient to Emory University, Centers for Disease Control and the VA Medical Center.  We specialize in Atlanta Georgia neighborhoods and districts:

SCHOOL DISTRICTS WE KNOW: Lakeside High School, Druid Hills High School, Tucker High School, Decatur High School, Milton High School

OUR NEIGHBORHOODS:Northlake, Decatur, Tucker, Oak Grove, Embry Hills, Evansdale, Briarlake, Mclendon, Henderson, Midvale, Ansley, Druid Hills, Toco Hills, Alpharetta, Briar Vista, Brockett, Dresden, Hawthorne, Idlewood, Laurel Ridge, Livsey, Medlock, Pleasantdale, Sagamore Hills, Smokerise, Chamblee, Peachtree, Sequoyah, Dreden, Shamrock, Cross Keys, Stone Mountain, Smoke Rise, Dunwoody, Lilburn

OUR ZIP CODES: 30345, 30033, 30329, 30084, 30341, 30340, 30004, 30047, 30087, 30088

BUYING A HOME: FIND A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

Yes, I know it is stating the obvious, but obtaining the services of a real estate professional is a step in buying a home.  It is surprising to me that buyers sometimes skip this step.

A professional real estate agent will earn their fee by assisting you in avoiding common real estate mistakes, sifting through all the junk listings on the market and analyzing your specific real estate needs and wants.

Once a "fit" is established with a target property, a real estate professional will negotiate the best deal on that property and make sure you are protected from undesirable outcomes.

SEARCHING FOR PROPERTIES IS STILL A BIG DEAL

Though many consumers have access to Internet databases providing information on houses for sale, Realtors are alerted with detailed information the minute a new listing hits the market through access to computerized multiple listing services.  

NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERTS

Professional Realtors who specialize in a specific neighborhood or area earn their worth with their detailed, street-by-street knowledge of a local market's intricacies.  Comprehensive information about neighborhoods, schools, demographics, and a myriad of other particulars about an area is at their fingertips.  Additionally, if you're looking for information on a specific home, your local Realtor can access foreclosure listings, expired listings, and recent sales not yet in public databases.

SALLY ENGLISH AND THE ENGLISH TEAM

Sally English and The English Team specialize in homes convenient to Emory University, Centers for Disease Control and the VA Medical Center.  We specialize in Atlanta Georgia neighborhoods and districts:

SCHOOL DISTRICTS:Lakeside High School, Druid Hills High School, Tucker High School, Decatur High School, Milton High School

NEIGHBORHOODS:Northlake, Decatur, Tucker, Oak Grove, Embry Hills, Evansdale, Briarlake, Mclendon, Henderson, Midvale, Ansley, Druid Hills, Toco Hills, Alpharetta, Briar Vista, Brockett, Dresden, Hawthorne, Idlewood, Laurel Ridge, Livsey, Medlock, Pleasantdale, Sagamore Hills, Smokerise, Chamblee, Peachtree, Sequoyah, Dreden, Shamrock, Cross Keys, Stone Mountain, Smoke Rise, Dunwoody, Lilburn

ZIP CODES: 30345, 30033, 30329, 30084, 30341, 30340, 30004

BUYING A HOME: ANALYZE YOUR WANTS AND NEEDS

Dream Homes usually have a flaw or two.  How do you figure out and evaluate all the choices home buyers face when buying a home.

Take some time tomake a list of all the attributes you must have in your new home. Once you’ve got a good idea of the things you’d like, you should prioritize the items on the list.

Work your way from absolutely non-negotiable items at the top, down to things that you might be willing to add after purchase with little effort.

Be prepared to seriously evaluate your wants and to compromise if need be, because it’s unlikely you will find a home with all the items on your wish list.

Tradeoffs

A trade off or two will allow you to make the savviest financial decisions when the time comes to purchase a home.

AVOID EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENTuntil after you have negotiated your best financial deal with the seller.  Having a checklist will help you remain objective while the dollars are being negotiated

SALLY ENGLISH IS AN ATLANTA BUYERS AGENT

Sally Englisn and the English team represent buyers in the the home buying process.  We have buyers agency available so you know whose financial interst we represent in the house buying transaction. 

You deserve experienced and successful negotiators. 

Call Sally at 770-939-3174 or email sallyenglish@englishteam.comto find out how you can find a bargain priced home in the Atlanta reaL estate market.

Sally English and The English Team specialize in homes convenient to Emory University, Centers for Disease Control and the VA Medical Center.

BUYING A HOME: GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A MORTGAGE

You took care of business from our first post:

                 BUYING A HOME: Get A Jump On The Competition

by getting a free copy of your credit report and making sure no one had stolen your identity or added an extra credit card or two to your credit history.

Now you need to get prequalified for a mortgage loan so you know how much home you can afford.  Take advantage of all the work you have to do to get your tax return ready by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. 

After you've pulled everything together, make an appointment with a mortgage lender to find out how much money you are eligible to borrow when you purchase a new home.  Once you are pre-qualified for a home loan, you will have a better idea of which homes will fit into your purchasing budget.

Sally's Hint for Home Buyers: Try to buy less home than the Max you qualifiy for with a mortgage lender.  Leave room for unexpected expenses along the way.  You will sleep better at night, I promise!

NEED AN Atlanta MORTGAGE LENDER: Call Sally for Advice 770-939-3174

I work with mortgage lenders every day.  Some do what they say they are going to do, some do not.  DO NOT DEAL WITH AN INTERNET LENDER UNLESS YOU ARE RE-FINANCING YOUR HOME!  Period.  

Internet miss deadlines and make life miserable for borrowers who are purchasing a home.  Trust me on this.  They may promise a quarter or half point less on your loan but they NEVER DELIVER.  Internet lenders will yank you around and you will be sitting at the closing table before you figure it out.  Then you have no real choice.  You either accept their terms or walk away from the great house deal you negotiated.

These guys deliver on Atlanta Mortgage Loans: Jamess Williams and Robbie Crozier at Fairfield Mortgage

CALL SALLY ENGLISH FOR ASSITANCE BUYING AN ATLANTA HOME

Sally English and the English Team specialize in homes and neighborhoods convenient to Emory University, Centers for Disease Control and the VA Medical Center.  Call us at 770-939-3174 or email sallyenglish@englishteam.com

OUR GOAL AS ATLANTA REAL ESTATE AGENTS

We look forward to assisting you with your house buying needs. Our goal is to make you an informed buyer buyer of real estate in the metro Atlanta market. Since 1982 I have assisted families in their quest for well located homes with high financial and emotional value. The English Team looks forward to providing you with the same excellent and professional service hundreds of Atlanta home owners have already experienced. Thanks for joining the English Team.