I now understand that hearing the phrase “staging your home” can be a scary thing for a potential home seller to hear come out of their real estate agent’s mouth!  I confess, I never thought I was going to scare you…..I do know you typically have to live in your home while we are getting it sold

 
Industry surveys show that even minimal staging of your home can help it sell 3 months sooner and for an average of 3% more!

The tips in the video are free or inexpensive, isn’t it worth about $50.00 to put your home on the market with it’s pretty face on?

Watkinsville, GA (about 10 minutes south of Athens on Highway 441) will also play host to special Independence Day celebrations, starting Friday 7/3/2009 with First Friday on Main and a free art tour from 6pm to 9pm.  On SAturday the 4th of July the Eagle Tavern will be the site of free watermelon, popcorn, cotton candy & more.  There will also be music, concessions and more from 10 am to 2pm.

There will be fireworks in Athens!  The STAR SPANGLED CLASSIC event in Athens, GA starts at 6:00pm on 7/4/2009 at Bishop Park and includes “concessions, family games, inflatables, patriotic arts and crafts for kids, and music. The community birthday cake, donated by Publix, will be served, as well.” 

The fireworks are scheduled to start at about 9:30pm.  The event is free and open to the public!  Athens, GA has a long history of fireworks at Bishop Park, but they had been cancelled due to budget cuts for 2009.  However, the community has stepped forward and thanks to the following - we are having fireworks in Athens on July 4, 2009!PeachMac, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Presenting Sponsor

• Advanced Asphalt Coating, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
• Athens First Bank & Trust, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
• Jordan, Jones & Goulding, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
• McDonald’s, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
• Silver & Archibald, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
• TSAV, the Star Spangled Classic 2009 Contributing Sponsor
• The Athens Banner Herald, Star Spangled Classic 2009 Media Sponsor
• Magic 102 FM, Star Spangled Classic 2009 Media Sponsor

Rise and shine early Saturday, July 4th 2009 to get a great spot for the Colbert, GA Fourth of July Parade.  The parade features antique cars, tractors, horses, and lots more!  Bring a bag for the candy thrown out to the kids!  Colbert is located about 15 minutes east of AThens off Highway 72 in Colbert.  The parade starts at 9am, with a festival following which features arts & crafts, concessions, and gospel & country music.

Everyone, please be safe and have a Happy Fourth of July 2009!

I’ve had three situations in the last two week with competing offers. 

Many of the the other agents that I talk to in and around Watkinsville are reporting the phones are ringing and seeing the same thing,  Oconee County is gearing up for a rocking real estate market this spring! 

Artist and owner John Winterhawk Johnson or his son Josh will be delighted to help you locate a special piece of pottery art to make your own or surpirse someone special.

60 Ways To Save a new ebook written by Dennis Sheppard and Sharon Migala is packed full of Earth saving AND money saving tips.  Attention is paid to the details and you are sure to find ways to cut cost around your home.

Let me know which tips you find most valuable and what you are planning to implement.

In 1975 there was a similar bill passed that provided a $2,000 tax credit on any new house (back then the average house price was approximately $40,000) that did help to re-stimulate the market.

The proposed tax credit is for 10% of the purchase price or $15,000, whichever is less.      Read more about the plan.

Is this what we need to make the market move again?  Let me know what you think…..

1) Seller’s are desparate - NOT necessarily, nationally only 1 in 10 sellers are in a “distressed” situation.

2) Don’t buy before prices have bottomed - no one can predict the bottom, there are great deals available now!

3) You cannot buy a home today with less than 20% down - WRONG! FHA requires only 3.5% down and Rural Development (which does apply to parts of Oconee County, GA) will loan up to 103% for purchases - so your closing cost can be added to the sales price!

4) Now is the absolute worse time to sell! NOT again this is very local, and our market is still fairly stable. You can also “trade up” easier right now.

5) Before you refinance, shop around. Not always necessary - call your current lender or one I highly recommend: Amy Coile at Classic City Mortgage (706) 559-4482.

I had a chance to indulge in Red Velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, just like my Mom made, over the holidays recently and went back for more.

I knew I should have hidden one  for later when I found myself bribing the kid who was “saving” his - I got half!

I also found something really cute…..little gift cards for a free cupcake to give out to those really “sweet” people in your life.  I bought quite a few of them and am thoroughly enjoying the smiles they bring!

Bee’s Knees has also begun serving sandwiches and light lunches.  I’m looking forward to a trip back soon to try them out.

Whether you are looking for a great wedding present, Georgia Dawg items or just something to say “I love you”…Bee’s Knees has great gift items also!

So the next time you want a sweet bite to delight or you are looking for a great, unique gift - head over to 1880 Epps Bridge Parkway, Athens, GA or give owner Linda Chambers a call at 706-353-3633  to talk to her about custom wedding cake consultations - yes she does those also!  Be sure to tell her I said hello.

Wishing you a great year ahead,