This year the ENERGYSTAR and WaterSense tax free holiday is October 1 through October 4. You can purchase any ENERGYSTAR(R) or WaterSensesm appliance or product under $1500 and not pay local or state taxes.  In addition most major retailers (Lowes, Home Depot, Sears) will be running sales.

So, if you are looking to update appliances, insulation, or just stock up on light bulbs OCTOBER 1-4 is the time.  Just look for the ENERGYSTAR and WaterSense labels.  You will save money, energy, water, and be increasing the value of your home!

Just remember to save all documentation of any energy efficient upgrades or changes you make to your home so when it comes time to sell, potential buyers can see what you have done to improve the home.

I just love love love Serenbe and I think this would be a fantastic way to spend the 4th -

5 - 9 p.m.:  July 4th Saturday Dinner at The Hil
A few specials on the menu for the evening:
Riverview Farm Roasted Certified Organic Berkshire Pig with Hil’s BBQ Beans, Texas Toast,
& Serenbe Farms Cole Slaw ($18)
Scallops with Sweet Corn Succotash
Blueberry Pie

Inn at Serenbe July 4th Weekend Special $139/night Subject to availability; two-night minimum.  Call for additional details and reservations: 770.463.2610

The Farmhouse will be open on July 5th for “Fried Chicken Sunday.”

HGTV’s House Hunters Looking for Atlanta Homebuyers and Real Estate Agents

House Hunters is a hit television series from HGTV that follows buyers and their agents on the hunt as they find the perfect house. I am sure you have either seen it or heard of it and this is your opportunity to be featured on it. It’s a great time for House Hunters to come to Atlanta and follow some of our buyers on their home shopping quest. Considering the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit and the recent $1,800 Georgia buyer tax credit that is for all buyers, we have a plethora of shoppers looking for a new home in the Atlanta housing market. It’s going to be a great way to show the nation why our real estate market is so desirable - we have lower housing prices meaning you can get more home for your money.

I previewed this house this week because it seemed like such a great deal…. I thought surely it would be in shambles.  But it’s really in pretty good shape.  I think it’s a great buy. 

It’s listed at $289,000 and bank approved short sale at that list price with $10,000 in closing costs.  Of course I would advise any potential buyer to have the home inspected to check for any potential expensive repairs.  In a short sale such as this one, getting the seller to make any repairs is not going to happen - so a buyer needs to be prepared to make the necessary repairs.  I’m assuming (although assuming makes and ass out of u & me) that the wiring and plumbing has been brought up to reasonably modern standards since the kitchen and bath appear to have been renovated sometime in the ’80s.  (gotta love those cabinets)  And basement access to systems makes renovations easier.  My general sense of the condition of this house was pretty good - paint, roof, structure all seem pretty sound. 

This would be a great first time buyer home or investment property.  Potential to pop up the roof and build on a second story.  Add a carport or garage off of the rear ally.  Landscaping. Refinish hardwoods. Renovate the large laundry area into a master bath?  This small (1044 sf according to the tax records) bungalow has a lot of potential and with a good cleaning is pretty livable right now. 

I love the original craftsman details (hardwoods, front door, fireplace, moldings, glass knobs) and the enormous front porch. 

Call me now for a private showing of this hot listing!

404-936-8382

(this home is listed by Ryan Colwell, KW Peachtree Road 678-862-9333)

Hey -

Better than Recycling is Reusing.  Check out this event this weekend for good deals on previously loved home decor, furnishings & accessories

http://www.greenwithenvyhome.com/

Are we selling a house, a small bedroom, a daybed or a sports affiliation? 

The new Homeowner’s Affordability Stimulus Plan (HASP) refinance loan is specifically catered to those borrowers who are current with their mortgage payments, and need 105% financing in order to take advantage of a lower interest rate.

With property values dropping across the nation, this program will come in extremely handy for those who don’t otherwise have enough equity in their home to refinance.
The number one stipulation for this program is that a borrower can ONLY use his current mortgage lender to take advantage of this program.
This loan is new to everyone in the industry, and is government mandated. Guidelines do not exist for the general loan officer population yet, so all applicants will be submitted to a central website for determining initial eligibility.
A few quick facts about this program:
- primary, vacation, and investment properties are accepted
- 105% loan to current market value
- mortgage insurance continues if currently on loan, and doesn’t continue if not currently on loan
- stated income and stated assets
- no debt-to-income calculations
- verbal verification of employment is necessary
Finally, it’s important to remember that this loan is susceptible to change at any time.

Contact your current lender or call me for more information.

If you currently have an FHA loan and you want a lower mortgage payment, pay attention!
This new loan WILL NOT have:
- an appraisal of any kind
- an appraisal fee
- an up-front fee or application fee of any kind
- an origination fee
- a credit report pulled
- a credit report fee
- a lender fee
- any documentation required for assets, income, or employment

What this loan WILL have is a lower interest rate and a considerably lower payment (in case you haven’t heard, interest rates are amazing!).

Borrowers will need to make sure they are current on their mortgage and be prepared to make their next monthly payment at the closing table (close in May — bring your June payment). The borrower will have a new, lower payment in July.

Call or email me right away if this sounds like an option for you and you would like to potentially save hundreds of dollars every month! 404-936-8382 or carrie@qualters.com

IT’S AN UNBELIEVABLE TIME TO BUY A HOUSE!!! Never before in recorded history have interest rates been low at the same time that home prices have been depressed.  There is an amazing amount of inventory.  There are awesome government incentives for first time buyers (and some for all buyers in the works – stay tuned).

I’ve had a lot of questions about the federal tax credit and have come across several potential first time homebuyers recently that don’t know about this incentive, so here’s a few quick facts:

·         The credit is $8,000 (or 10% of the home price if the purchase price is less than $80,000).

·         The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the property is sold within 3 years. 

·         It is available for purchases between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

·         It is available to purchasers who have not owned a home in the last 3 years (from day of purchase). 

·         There is an income limit for the full tax credit: $75,000 single, $150,000 married.  There is a partial credit available for individuals making $75,000-$95,000 and married couples making $150,000 – $170,000.  The more you make, the less credit you would get – it’s phased for these income ranges. 

·         The purchased property must be a primary residence (the buyer must spend at least 50% of their time in the residence). 

·         The purchased property can be a single family residence, condo or townhome.  Some houseboats and manufactured homes may qualify. 

·         The property must be in the United States.

·         The funds are not available to apply towards closing costs.  However, if a buyer plans on using the tax credit, they can modify their income tax withholding through their employer (decrease withholding to increase take-home income and make more cash available for a 2009 closing).

·         If a buyer already purchased a home in early 2009 and claimed the $7500 loan provided for in the 2008 stimulus package, they can amend their 2008 returns and claim the full $8,000 credit provided for in the 2009 package.