Cell Phone Numbers Went Public Last Month

Posted at 06:36PM Jan 06, 2010 by Beverly Hart in General  | 

What is December 7th?

Remember Our Heroes

Educate Our Youth

DECEMBER 7

NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
 

Yesterday, December seventh, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,

the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked

by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

...With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding

determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph -

so help us God...

Franklin D. Roosevelt

======================

Posted at 12:36PM Dec 07, 2009 by Beverly Hart in General  | 

Don't Forget to Thank a Veteran or Two, or Ten on Veterans Day!

_{It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,}

    _{Who has given us freedom of religion.}

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,

    Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,

    Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,

    Who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,

    Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,

    Who has given us the right to vote.

Author Unknown 

Visit ThankTen.com to share your Favorite Veteran story!

Posted at 10:55AM Nov 10, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee, general  | 

Ryland Homes is building in Suwanee!!!

Something strange is happening in Suwanee. A new neighborhood, Robert's Landing is coming soon.  Well, I can....it's about time!! Though there are existing New Construction Neighborhoods in Suwanee, I haven't seen any new starts in quite some time. But....it's on the way!

I'm told the pricing will be from the 240's. There will be 46 lots, slab and basement, two and three car garage. Square footage will be between 2700-3500. They will build model homes and start with two spec homes. The schools will be Roberts Elementary (new in 2010), North Gwinnett Middle School and North Gwinnett High School.

Heading North on Buford Hwy, from Suwanee Town Center, just before you get to the new elementary school that's being built is a "coming soon" sign. Over the years, this property has teased us with signs like this and I think it's changed hands a couple of times. But, this time I think it's really going to happen!

If you send a request, I'll keep you up to date on the progress.

Posted at 08:59PM Oct 28, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

Say it ain't so!!

Just reading an article about some lenders (JP Morgan Chase and others)

lobbying the Treasury Dept to allow loan modifications to interest-only

mortgages. Isn't that part of the reason we are where we are today? And,

how could this help a borrower who owes much more than their home is

worth? See "extend and pretend" article.

Hey (some)lenders...."Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again

and expecting different results." Let's let common sense prevail. The

sooner these short sales, foreclosures, etc come on the market and get sold,

the sooner we can return to a more normal market.

Posted at 11:26AM Oct 17, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

Rainy Days and Mondays, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays....

Yesterday, started out as a normal day. My 17 year old was supposed to text as soon as he arrived at school around 8 AM. Around 8:20 he calls instead of text to say the schools were closed. What???!!! Why???!!! Because of the rain. That's a first. Snow closing, yes, rain, no. Little did I know rain would be the topic of the rest of the day. 

Here's a few photos of the flooding in the Suwanee area. A Martin's Farm Rd resident told me this is the highest she's ever seen the creek. Like she said, sometimes she has creekfront property, sometimes she has lakefront property. I'm hoping the water doesn't enter her home as things seemed to be going that way. The most breathtaking and scary thing to me was the walking bridge that goes from Shadowbrook at Town Center to the Suwanee Greenway on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd.

Time to get some quotes on some flood insurance....

. 

Posted at 03:38PM Sep 22, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee, general  | 

Lions and Tigers and Appraisals OH MY!!!

Lions and Tigers and Appraisals - OH MY!!

Appraisals are a real Bear these days.

Take my most recent experience (please).

My buyer was under contract to purchase for 230K. The appraisal (to the surprise of all) came in at 209K. Wow, a $21,000 difference! 

The problem:

The comps used by the appraiser were valid, but it just so happens that most comps were foreclosures, which the appraiser is obligated to use in the analysis, particularly since there weren't any "traditional non stress comps".  So, the seller has a choice - either adjust the price to the appraisal price so the buyer can get the loan, or just not sell to this buyer. Keep in mind, the next buyer may have an appraisal that comes in even lower. And, one more little known secret. IF the first appraisal was for a FHA loan, this FHA appraisal will be assigned to follow the property address for six months. The Seller would then have to sell to a conventional loan buyer in order to generate the new appraisal process. Do you know how many conventional loan buyers are out there? A conventional loan buyer must put 10-20% down vs the FHA buyer who puts 3.5% down. FHA buyers far outweigh the conventional buyer in this market and price range under about 350K.

Here's how we worked it out:

The investor seller agreed to adjust his sales price to 213K, which is still higher than the appraisal price but still allows a profit. The buyer agreed to pay all the closing costs, relieving the seller of the $4K obligation previously agreed and will pay the difference of appraisal price and sales price of 4K. The buyer has a net increase of $4200 after adjustments are made for difference in down payment amount, but will buy the home for 17K less than expected.

Win/Win for everyone. The neighborhood value is helped. The buyer will have a home. The seller/investor will move on to another investment. The lender, closing attorney, realtors, carpet company, granite installers, appliance company, general contractor, HVAC company and countless other related entities will all get paid.  Don't try this with everyone. Reasonable buyers and sellers are required.      

Posted at 04:31PM Sep 10, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

Outrageous in Suwanee!!

Everybody wants to live in Suwanee!

Even Outrageous Interiors, formerly known as Outrageous Bargains of Duluth GA, made the five mile north move. It's located at 335 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, across from the Kroger shopping center.

What a fun interior design store. Fabrics, furniture, window treatments, etc. Stop in see if they have what you are looking for. 

Posted at 09:32AM Aug 26, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee, general  | 

Attention Ruby Forest Residents!

If you live in Ruby Forest and are thinking of selling your home, please call me. I am working with a client who would really like to live in Ruby Forest, but we haven't found just the right home yet. Maybe, it's your home! Call me to find out!

For the people who don't live in Ruby Forest, here's some of the reasons my client loves Ruby Forest:

• backs to George Pierce Park, which connects to award winning Suwanee City Parks
• large lots
• mostly side entry garages
• less than two miles to Suwanee Town Center
• great swim/tennis amenities
• sidewalk community
• birthplace of the original Suwanabee^tm
  
  
  
  
  

Posted at 10:47AM Aug 15, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

I'm a butcher's daughter....

My parents owned and operated a butcher shop in Duluth during the 70's, so I really appreciate Suwanee's very own butcher shop, called Wilkes Meat Market of Suwanee. It's an authentic, old fashioned shop complete with handwritten ads and beautifully displayed cases of high quality meats. Though it's not HUGE like a box store, every square foot is filled with all kinds of surprises. Specialty items, barbecue sauces, marinades, salad dressings, even their own line of sauces. Everything you need to complete a meal - canned goods, fresh vegetables and dairy products, right there, for your convenience.

Hey, you can even stop in at lunch and pick up a home cooked meal for less than five bucks! And, did I say home cooked?

The shop smells delicious and a feast for your eyes as well.

Owned and operated by Cathy and Ronnie Wilkes, it's a family affair.

Their son, Bryan is also involved in running the shop (I sure know what that's like because I worked in my parent's shop so many years ago). It's located in the shopping center, right next to Kroger, at Peachtree Industrial Blvd and Suwanee Dam Rd.

Ronnie tells me their whole beef tenderloin is on special this week for $9.99 lb. And they'll cut it into steaks for free! Their website has lots of other specials and package deals.

Be sure to visit Wilkes Meat Market in Suwanee. You won't be disappointed. You'll experience a trip back in time, plus it's "Home of the Best Meat in Town".

Posted at 10:13PM Aug 04, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee, general  | 

It's Crepe Myrtle Time!!

Every July in Suwanee, we are treated to rows of these beautiful ornamental trees, called crepe myrtle's. They are often used in the medians of two lane roads like you see here.

They come in lots of different colors...white, pink, rose, purple and lavender. I don't know the official names of the colors, but white, pink and red are the most common. I just saw a color I hadn't seen before....a very deep, but bright red. My favorite color is one I don't see often either. A rich vivid purple.

They are also used as landscape accents like below:

Can you guess which nearby city and county seat is called The Crepe Myrtle City? 

 If you see blooming crepe myrtle's, you'll know it's July in Suwanee!!!  

Enjoy!  

Posted at 07:46PM Jul 20, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee, general  | 

Atlanta Real Estate Video, Summer 2009

Please Click The Image To View The Video Report

• Introducing The New Job Loss Protection Program!
• Get The Scoop On Short Sales & Foreclosures!
• Learn Future Trends For Atlanta Home Values? 
• Hear From Senator Johnny Isakson! 
• Discover The Best Programs For Buyers?
• Discover The Best Programs For Sellers? 

Now may be the best time to buy real estate that we will see in our lifetimes.  In Atlanta, housing starts remain at record lows – down over 80% from the peak.  Closings exceeded starts 8 out of the last 9 quarters.  New home inventories are 31% lower than this time last year.  Prices are getting back to levels not seen since the year 2000.  Mortgage rates are at historical lows and expected to rise as the economy recovers and inflationary pressures build.  Many properties are currently priced below their replacement costs.  Costs to build and costs of financing projects will increase as the economy recovers.  Remember, the “bottom” will not be declared until we are well past it.  We believe that we are at or near bottom now.  The federal and state tax credits are expiring this fall.  Is it worth the risk to wait or is it time to take advantage of a great opportunity now?

Ready To Buy, Sell, Invest Or Rent?
Contact Me To Get Started Today!

Posted at 05:33PM Jul 11, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

REO at Ruby Forest

REO...in my business it means Real Estate Owned....properties that go back to the mortgage company or bank after an unsuccessful foreclosure auction.

But when I think of those letters, I always think of REO Speedwagon, my favorite band of all time. OK- You Gen X'ers have probably never heard of them. Click here to find out how the band chose their name.

Anyway, last Saturday night, I'm enjoying a get together at Ruby Forest subdivision and a band called Teacher's Pet is performing by the pool. As they play, I'm daydreaming about some of my favorite bands, Foreigner, Journey and REO Speedwagon. The lady next to me says "hey, did you know that drummer up there is a back up drummer for REO Speedwagon?" 

What???!!! Now, what are the chances that I would run into a backup drummer for my all time favorite band on a Saturday night in Suwanee, GA?

Well, that's what happened. He was a really nice fellow and shared some great stories with us.  Wouldn't it be great if REO Speedwagon came to Suwanee Town Center amphitheater?

Posted at 08:19PM Jun 29, 2009 by Beverly Hart in General  | 

Suwanee's North Gwinnett High School at Top of List

Georgia had a total of 51 high schools that made Newsweek Magazine's "Best U.S. High Schools" list for 2009.

And, North Gwinnett High was at the TOP of the Georgia List at #212. Yet another great reason to live in Suwanee, GA!!

Twelve of the 51 Georgia schools were in Gwinnett County. They are Berkmar, Brookwood, Central Gwinnett, Collins Hill, Dacula, Duluth, Grayson, Mill Creek, Norcross, Parkview and Peachtree Ridge.

Click here to learn more about the Challenge Index, the rating system used to determine the rankings.

Posted at 02:13PM Jun 16, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Town Center  | 

Suwanee's North Gwinnett High School at Top of List

Posted at 03:33PM Jun 15, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Schools  | 

What's That Smell?

If I wasn't completely awake when I got to my office this AM, that quickly changed as soon as I pulled into the parking lot, where my office is located, at Suwanee Town Center. The question became...What is that smell? Believe me folks, it was (is) brutal.

I was meeting a client from Knoxville, TN for the first time. How would I explain this aroma to a new client, who had never been to Suwanee? So, I needed answers. As we were calling the city, my client rounded the building, walked in, and explained to all of us that fertilizer was being applied in the Town Center Park. Being a country boy, he explained that it was a familiar smell, so I was relieved to know that he understood. 

Posted at 09:17PM Jun 10, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Town Center  | 

The Lochness Beaver of Lake Ruby

Wow! What a gorgeous Sunday in Suwanee, GA. Not too hot...not too cold. Just right! As a matter of fact, this May and now into June has been the best Spring I remember for some time. The scent of the gardenia right outside my window. The calm of the water in Lake Ruby, right behind my house. That is of course, except for our resident beaver who warns us sternly, with a whack of his tail to stay away.

Suwanee has four distinct seasons, with the winter being very short. And, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Posted at 12:00PM Jun 08, 2009 by Beverly Hart in General  | 

It's D Day

Today is D Day!!

Do you know a WWII Veteran? If so, today is THE day to call them and thank them for their service. They are our Nation's treasure and collectively one of the reasons we are free today. We owe them a great deal of gratitude. 

I have stood on the cliffs of Pont du Hoc, in France, and it's absolutely inconceivable how our brave men scaled those cliffs to start the beginning of the end of WWII. I will forever be indebted to those men and women, the Greatest Generation. To them, and every Veteran, I say Thank You For Your Service.   

My favorite WWII veteran is Mr. Harold Humphries of Suwanee. He's a delightful, honorable man and a real pleasure to know.

I hope you'll take the time to thank your Veteran(s) today!

Posted at 10:03AM Jun 06, 2009 by Beverly Hart in General  | 

Top Two Reasons Homes Do Not Sell

 TOP TWO REASONS HOMES DO NOT SELL  

1. UNREALISTIC SELLERS

For most of the 15 years I have been selling real estate, the Number One reason homes did not sell was the price, in relation to the condition. Certainly that still applies to today's market. But, many sellers are still living in the hey day of the 2005 market, and aren't fully aware of the current market prices and trends. That's where I come in. Sometimes I feel like the grim reaper, delivering news that is often unexpected and unappreciated. Ahhhh 2005.....those were the days!

2. UNREALISTIC BUYERS

While there is no doubt that this market is overwhelmingly a BUYER'S MARKET, we still do not have to give the houses away....at least not in Suwanee. I'm seeing buyers demand a really ridiculous sales price, often, only to be disappointed by the Seller reaction. These buyers will usually go through this process on four or five properties before their unrealistic expectations are shattered. I'm not saying that there are never any truly unbelievable deals, because there are, but they are few and far between. Hint: many foreclosures are already very competitively priced and that's why they often attract multiple offers.

 

The unrealistic buyers and the unrealistic sellers may have something in common....A Reality Check. Statistics, common sense and mutual goals could have everyone singing Kum Ba Yah all the way to the closing.

Hey, can't we all get along?

 

Posted at 09:02PM Jun 05, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

Georgia Homebuyer Tax Credit Signed into law!

Hot off the press....from the Georgia Association of REALTORS....Georgia Homebuyer Tax Credit was signed into law!

HB 261 was signed into law on May 11, 2009 by Governor Sonny Perdue!  GAR applauds House Sponsor Ron Stephens (Savannah), House Ways and Means Chairman Larry O'Neal (Warner Robins) and Senate Chairman Chip Pearson (Dawsonville) for their tireless efforts in the passage of this important legislation.

Unlike the federal tax credit, the Georgia credit is not limited to first-time homebuyers, and there are no applicable income limits. The amount of the credit is 1.2% of the purchase price up to $1,800 spread over three years.  The credit is only available to buyers of eligible single family residences who close between June 1 and November 30 of 2009. 

Click here to learn more and read Frequently Asked Questions about the Georgia Homebuyer Tax Credit!

Posted at 08:57PM May 26, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

Can you afford it???

URGENT!!! Please see letters below from the Mayor of Suwanee concerning Gwinnett County property tax increases. If you are concerned, the time to act is NOW!!!!

Please pardon this interruption of your Memorial Day weekend, but I assure you it's for an important reason.  You may already be aware that our Gwinnett Commissioners have proposed a 30% property tax increase for Suwanee residents, 30.173% to be exact.    They also plan to take over policing in Suwanee, leaving our police department’s future in doubt.

As Mayor of Suwanee, I would be extremely derelict in my job if I didn't publicize this incredible proposal as much as I could.  Placing this incredible burden on our residents and businesses in this difficult economy is the height of arrogance and I will not stand by and watch it happen without a fight.

State law requires the Commissioners hold 3 public hearings on this mammoth tax increase.  Two of them will be tomorrow, Tuesday, 5/26 at 4:30 and 6:15.  It's quite obvious that the Commissioners wanted to make it as inconvenient as possible for citizens to attend, by scheduling it the day after the Memorial Day holiday.   There is one last hearing on June 2, after which they will vote on this historic tax hike.

As a leader in your neighborhood and our community, I ask you to help publicize this urgent call to send our Commissioners a clear message:  “Do not jack up our taxes just so you can expand county government by 10% this year alone.  And abandon the county policing in cities scheme.  And publishing this year's budget would also be appreciated.”

Time is very short.  Below is my Open Letter to Gwinnett Taxpayers which the Gwinnett Daily Post printed yesterday.  I hope you will read it and pass this email along to as many Gwinnett residents and businesses as you can.   Also, please call the commissioners and express your outrage at their failure to reduce county government

770-822-7010 Charles Bannister
770-822-7001 Shirley Lasseter
770-822-7002 Best Nasuti
770-822-7003 Mike Beaudreau
770 822-7004 Kevin Kenerly

As an elected official myself, I can assure you that they WILL NOT change their minds on this scheme unless a lot of angry citizens show up at these hearings.  I hope to see you tomorrow at GJAC to send a clear message to the Commissioners. 

Dave Williams, Mayor

City of Suwanee

(770) 846-9000

dave@southtrac.com

OPEN LETTER TO GWINNETT TAXPAYERS                      MAY 22, 2009

As mayor of Suwanee, I can attest firsthand that local governments are profoundly affected by these challenging economic times. I can also promise that the Suwanee City Council is doing everything in its power to hold the line on taxes.

People are hurting. Many have lost jobs or taken pay cuts. Businesses are facing unprecedented challenges. Nonprofits are trying to survive. Everyone seems to be doing whatever they can keep costs down. Well, not everyone.

Earlier this week, our Gwinnett County Commissioners announced their plan to raise your property taxes by more than 25 percent - 30 percent if you live in a city - so they can expand their 2009 budget by about 10 percent over their 2008 budget. We don't have the exact figures because they still won't publish the budget they adopted March 3.

You see, even though we're nearly halfway into the fiscal year, without their budget document, the public is being kept in the dark. Our commissioners are ballooning county government in the worst economy anyone can remember.

Forty-three million of this enormous $87 million property tax increase isn't even planned to be spent in 2009 - they're socking it away in something called "working capital reserve." Our commissioners have decided it's better to overtax you and hoard those dollars than for you to pay your mortgage, health care or for your kids'education.

Under the guise of public safety, our commissioners have hatched a curious plan to hire 170 more officers to start patrolling inside cities that are already policed effectively by the cities. This wasteful and dangerous duplication will require another $17 to 20 million of your money in new taxes - can't know for certain without the budget. Sheriff Butch Conway calls their scheme a "terrible mistake."

Growing the size of government in these economic times is exactly the wrong thing for any elected body. It's quite obvious that our commissioners are oblivious to the reality that the rest of us face. We're cutting back, yet they're expanding their county largesse and sending us the bill. And it's going to be a whopper.

State law requires our commissioners hold three public hearings at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center before they set these new tax rates. Two are scheduled for Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day. The third is June 2, after which the county will vote on the new tax rate.

I plan to attend all of them, and hope you will, too.

Have we learned anything from the county's recent "trash plan" episode? This time, will we make our voices heard to our elected commissioners before they take action on this outrageous tax hike?

If not, brace yourself for a doozie of a county tax bill.

Dave Williams, Mayor

City of Suwanee, GA

Click here for Gwinnett Daily Post Article  and opposing views 

Posted at 03:25PM May 26, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

$8000 Buyer Tax Credit Used for Downpayment?

Wow...now here's some great news!

Please see part of a press release dated May 12^th, 2009

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HUD Secretary Announces Monetization of Tax Credit at NAR Real Estate Summit

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2009

Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow homeowners to use the $8,000 tax credit as a downpayment.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More details to follow as I get them, but this should really help to stimulate the housing market.

And, buyers....pay attention. This truly IS your golden...no, platinum opportunity. Don't miss it!!!!

Posted at 08:48AM May 14, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

Attention Suwanee Residents! Do you live in one of these neighborhoods?

Is this you, or someone you know???

You live in one of the following Suwanee neighborhoods…

• Lansfaire, Crofton, Ascot, Rosemoore Lake, River Glen, Stoneridge, Village Grove, Riverwalk or Rivermoore Park
• You are considering selling your home
• You have a basement, finished or unfinished
• At least 5 bedrooms, three baths (not including the finished basement)

If so, please call or email me. I have a very qualified buyer looking to buy a home matching this criteria. So far, we haven't found just the right home, so if you think your home might be a match, call me today!

Posted at 07:25PM Apr 18, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

More Great News for Gwinnett County Public Schools

Gwinnett County Public Schools has been selected as one of five finalists for the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban Education.

The winner of The Broad Prize, will be announced on Sept. 16, 2009, in Washington, D.C. and will receive $1 million in scholarships for high school seniors who will graduate in 2010. The four finalist districts will each receive $250,000 in scholarships. See news release.

See all Gwinnett County Public School 2008-2009 Honors and Awards

Posted at 10:15AM Apr 04, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

And, that's how the fight started.....

Posted at 03:20PM Apr 03, 2009 by Beverly Hart in General  | 

It's a rainy day in Suwanee..

The city of Suwanee was planning on taking the community human aerial art photo for today...but as you can see, the weather is not cooperating. They've rescheduled the event for Sunday, March 29.

Even though they had to move the photo to Sunday, the grand opening ceremony and City Hall open house will be held at 3 pm Saturday as scheduled. 

So, if you decide to stop in the grand opening ceremony and City Hall open house, fell free to stop in our new Prudential office right next door. I'll be here till 4pm. Let's talk about real estate!

Even though the weather is dreary, let's all remember, WE NEED THE RAIN.    That's what I keep telling myself.....

Posted at 11:32AM Mar 28, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

Valentines Day Open House

My office, Prudential Georgia Realty, just moved to a new office at Suwanee Town Center in Suwanee.

To show my appreciation to past and present clients, I held a Valentine's Day Open House. After all, my last name is Heart! Uh, I mean Hart.

Of course, desserts were in order and chocolate was flowing...literally, through the beautiful chocolate fountain.  That was a big hit! Not to mention all sorts of other wonderful desserts.

Thanks to all who stopped by. I really appreciate my past, present and future clients. Who knows, maybe this will become a yearly client appreciation AND chocolate event.....

Posted at 11:48AM Feb 26, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

Collaborative Home Pricing

Pricing a home to sell....that's a real challenge for agents these days.

WHY? Because to coin a phrase from an article I recently read, Collaborative Home Pricing is IN.

What does that mean?

In the past, a good real estate agent would go to the listing appointment, review all the closed comparables with the Seller, and eventually agree on a listing price. OK.

Then, the marketing efforts would produce a buyer with an offer that would eventually be acceptable to both seller and buyer. A meeting of the minds. Yayyy!! Everybody is happy at the moment (usually).

The buyer has their inspection and that is negotiated and most of the time...on to the closing we go.

The dreaded last phase has become the most challenging - the lender and the appraisal. Now, don't get me wrong. This has always been an issue we must overcome. But, the market conditions are changing soooo quickly, that this last phase can and does mean the difference between the home closing or not.

If the appraisal price comes in below the accepted offer price, buyers may ask the seller to adjust their price to the amount of the appraisal. That is, of course, if the buyer has included the Appraisal Contingency with their offer.   If not, then as my former broker always said "there's never a problem, until there's a problem".

Home pricing is Collaborative. Gone are the days when the seller decides what they "need" to sell the home for, or what the buyer is willing to pay. Now, it comes down to what the bank is willing to lend. 

Posted at 09:27PM Feb 04, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

Just My Imagination?

When I was reviewing the statistics for Suwanee Home Sales in December (see main page for more details), I realized there were 20 more home sales compared to December 2007. What?? I checked and rechecked my numbers. To my delight, they were correct.  Further checking showed that there were 32 more sales than November 2008. Really?

The National Association of Realtors is reporting a surprising 6.5 percent rise in home sales from November 2008 to December 2008. Now, it makes sense! It wasn't just my imagination....

Finally....some GOOD NEWS! Even if it's short-lived, it sure is a welcome story.

Take that - Media!!!

Posted at 10:35PM Jan 27, 2009 by Beverly Hart in Suwanee Real Estate  | 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, right?

Well, not to Cameron Atchison and Murphy Weed.

They entered my Suwanabee^TM Coloring Contest and Won! Their "picture" was worth a gift card to Toys R Us. Something tells me that these cute kids would rather have a gift card to Toys R Us than a thousand words.

Congratulations Cameron, for First Prize ($75) and Murphy, for Second Prize ($50)!! 

Stay tuned for information on the next Suwanabee^TM Coloring contest!!! Boys - you can enter and win too!!

Posted at 06:52PM Jan 16, 2009 by Beverly Hart in General  |