It isn't Michael Jacksons Parade...

Every American should see this video. Please email and forward this to all your friends.

I've been feeling a great sadness because the death of Michael Jackson has been the headline on every news program for days and days. It doesn't matter if you are a fan or not, one would think that singing rock music and dancing is the most important thing going on in the entire world.

Give the man his due and let's move on folks. Are we just using his death as an easy escape from the REAL world tragedies? What does it really mean to you and me who gets the children or how much money is left or who the children's parents are?

Is this REALLY the most important thing we should be hearing about constantly?
Today after I posted a blog about my Patriotism, a good friend sent me an email with a video link that has moved me in a way that no pop star could ever move me.

Several weeks ago 3 GAARNG members were killed in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. This video is of the funeral procession of Staff Sargent John Beale, KIA.

He was the first Soldier in Henry County Georgia to be killed in action.
June 11, 2009 they brought his body back and had a caravan from Peachtree City to McDonough, GA.

Please watch this video A REAL AMERICAN HERO and remember why

we are able to celebrate our freedom.

Freedom isn't Free.

Only 2 People have ever died for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul and one for your freedom.

God Bless America!

Georgia Tax Credit Signed by Governor Purdue!

Governor Perdue has signed HB 261, creating a Georgia income tax credit up for the purchase of an eligible single-family residence. Although we are happy that the tax credit made it to the signing table, there were a few changes from the original bill that was passed by the Senate.

The credit is limited to eligible purchases made between June 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009. If you have already closed on your home purchase this year, you will not receive the credit. The credit can be claimed only one time per taxpayer.

The final version of the bill contains an amendment to clarify condominiums and residences occupied at the time of sale are eligible for the credit. In addition, eligible single family residences include :
- new single family residences
- previously occupied residences that were for sale prior to the May 11, 2009 and are still for sale after May 11, 2009
- owner-occupied residences with respect to which the owner's acquisition debt is in default on or before March 1, 2009 (meaning pre-foreclosure properties)
-residences where a foreclosure has taken place and are owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent (properties owned by the bank)

There has been little debate about the need to stimulate the housing market. However, state budget deficits left approval of HB 261 in serious trouble. It was finally decided to reduce the overall maximum benefit of the tax credit to $1,800 or 1.2 % of the purchase price (whichever is less) spread over three years so that the overall impact to the state was reduced by allowing the credit to be claimed over three years, while continuing to provide a significant benefit to potential homebuyers.

It is important to note that this is not just for First Time Home Buyers. Anyone purchasing a home may be eligible for this tax credit.
It is also important to note that this is not in lieu of the Federal Tax Credit of $8000 that purchasers may also be eligible to receive.

For specific questions about the tax credits and what it means to you, contact your tax professional.

Now, more than ever is the time to buy. If you have been waiting, wait no more!

Call Kimberly Today!

I am committed to bringing you the latest, most up to date information to help you navigate the real estate market today!

Tax Credit is on the Way for Georgia!

I just got word that Bill 261 for a $3600 tax credit for Georgia residents has just.....PASSED THE SENATE!!!

This will be in addition to the federal tax credit and available to ALL HOMEBUYERS...not just first time homebuyers in the state of Georgia!

I do not know at this moment if the bill passed as it was originally written, or if changes were made. As soon as I get the details, I will update!

What awesome news today. Special thanks to our State Senator Chip Pearson for his efforts in helping get this bill passed. Senator Pearson has been working alongside the Georgia Home Builders Association and local associations to get this kind of legislation passed and aid in the housing recovery. I would ask that everyone reading this post please email Senator Pearson and thank him for his hard work on this bill. You can email him at: chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov

It's amazing what happens when people cooperate and the 'Powers that be' listen to the people's voice and great things are accomplished.

Contact me for more information and stay tuned for more!

Kimberly Wilson, Your Available Agent keeping you informed with up to the minute information!


UPDATE:

The bill still has to be signed by Governor Purdue. Once signed into law, it will only be available for 6 months. In addition, the credit will be divided and used over a 3 year period, not used all at once. I think this is a good thing. It's still a good tax credit amount for three years!
I look for Governor Purdue to sign this bill into law shortly.

Stay tuned!

Best Advice For Buyers Looking For A Great Deal

The phones have been ringing! Buyers are looking! Homes for Sale are going under contract. I faxed an offer on a foreclosure property last weekend that already had at least one offer on the table. Another one I called about had 4 offers pending review by the seller.

What does this all mean to you the buyer, and how can you get a great deal on a home? Is there really a secret way to get on the 'inside track' , or is there really an 'inside track' in the first place?

First I'm going to tell you that there is no secret. However, there are some tips that I can share with you to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date information and are able to find that 'great deal' that you are searching for. Follow this Do and Don't information and you will be on your way to finding your own GREAT DEAL!

DON'T: Call every Realtor in town asking questions about individual listings. Here's what happens. You call Agent Nancy about a house on Smith Rd. Agent Nancy asks "are you working with an agent." You say NO. Agent Nancy goes to work looking for homes for you. Then, Agent Nancy calls Agent Sandy to inquire about another listing's availability. Agent Sandy says "funny, I just got a call about that a few minutes ago." Eventually YOUR NAME comes up, and Agent Sandy says, HE CALLED ME TOO! I was just sitting here looking for properties for him. What happens now? Both Agent Nancy and Agent Sandy decide you are calling every other agent in town, and lay your name aside and don't call you back. You are no longer taken seriously.

DON'T: Try to do it alone.I realize that many of you are techno-savy, educated and able to purchase a home without anyone's help. However, this is not the time to be stubborn and flex your intelligence. The fact is that in the real estate market today things are happening fast and major changes occur almost every day. Foreclosure properties are listed with agents, not advertised to the general public. In addition, there are many Pre-Foreclosure properties that only an agent would have knowledge of and be able to negotiate a deal for you. Interested in a HUD property? Only AGENTS can represent you to make a bid on a HUD home. And I haven't even mentioned the advantages of having a agent when it comes time for negotiations. Navigating these waters alone would be like representing yourself in a murder trial instead of hiring a defense attorney.

DO: Find a qualified agent that you trust to work for you. It's ok to interview agents. Or, ask a friend for a recommendation. Once you have located an agent that you feel comfortable with, sign a Buyers Brokerage Agreement with that agent.
This agreement ensures the agent that you are trusting them to work for you and that you are not calling other agents. Your agent will make you a top priority and find you what you are looking for. When presented new information on homes, your agent will call you first! It's like having your own "secret agent"!

DO: Listen to the advice your agent offers when it comes time to make an offer. Understanding that if you have entered into this agreement with your agent, they are working for YOU and your best interests. Many people are misled into believing that asking prices are just a figment of the bank's imagination. Please understand that before these properties go back on the market, banks have already hired one or more qualified brokers to make an assessment of the value of the property. Then they will price the property accordingly. Yes, the bank will be inclined to accept a 'reasonable' offer. But folks, 'reasonable' is not $20,000 below the asking price. To make such an offer only wastes everyone's time. It's almost a guarantee that the asking price is still well below the former value of that home. So even at asking price, you will still be in a good position.

What's the bottom line? Hire an agent THAT YOU TRUST, and then TRUST the agent that you hire.

If you're in the North Georgia Area...Call Kimberly Wilson, your Dawsonville Real Estate Specialist!