Wednesday, October 20, 2010

What having babies and home buying have in common...

Have you noticed...the home buying process is like trying to have a baby. Inter-personal interaction, quickly followed by hope, queasiness, angst, and finally joy.

Agent/buyer conception is where ownership anticipation and home search repetition reign supreme. Can we look in both the mornings and evenings? How about all day? Agents will clear their calendars and assist anytime their services are needed.

Found your dream house? Welcome to the euphoric "can't believe this is about to be our home" stage where six-leaf clovers and lottery wins are possible. It's perfect for us. Nothing can possibly go wrong, right?

But wait...negotiation problems, issues with the home inspection, and appraisal anxiety quickly turn your future love nest into a room spinning, stomach churning, nausea induced train ride...destination unknown.

Finally, issues resolved. Woot, woot, this baby will soon be ours. Did we ask for the fridge? Will Suzie Condo come with all her fixtures? Sure hope the seller leaves Johnny Craftsman's gutters.

Huh? Wrong letterhead, missing documents...underwriting has hit a snag; closing delayed! No worries, our agent is like the Oak Tree in the front yard...strong, firmly planted, and able to withstand banking/lawyer storms...she'll save the day!

Signing day. Aren't they the cutest eaves you've ever seen? Such strong columns! With a 2-year home warranty, this baby is healthy! Life is good.

Unbeknownst to our intrepid homeowners, the terrible twos, adolescence, and the dreaded teenage years are just a cracked foundation away.

Looking for a professional real estate agent to lead you through the home purchase life-cycle? Call a local Realtor® today!


Anita Clark Realtor LLC

Your Warner Robins Realtor®

(478) 953-8595 (O)

(478) 960-8055 (C)

Email: anita@cbssk.com

Web: http://www.anitaclarkrealtor.com

Blog: http://www.activerain.com/blogs/anitaclark

Monday, October 11, 2010

Stigmatized Properties - Do You Disclose?

What do murder, suicide, paranormal activity, sexual deviation, cult activity, famous adulteries and divorces, misfortune, violent crimes, and AIDS (see note), have in common? 

All have the potential to ruin a real estate deal because of the public perception associated with being a stigmatized property. According to the National Association of Realtors®, stigmatized properties "are homes where a real or rumored event occurred that didn't physically affect the property but could adversely impact its desirability". 

Since Caveat Emptor (let the buyer beware) has been the generally accepted property law doctrine for buying pre-existing homes in the U.S. (exceptions include seller hiding material defects or making misrepresentations), does the seller have to disclose the non-material stigma? Is the agent/broker bound to disclose this information to prospective buyers? The answer to both is murky clear...Maybe, based on the state you live in. 

Currently, the majority of states have passed laws affecting stigmatized property disclosure but consensus has not been realized. For instance, in Georgia, no disclosure is required unless the buyer (or buyers' agent) specifically asks for the information (Georgia Code 44-1-16). Some states require phenomena get reported, others only require that murder be disclosed, some states call for other variations, while still others have no provisions at all. The rules are often confusing with factors such as community ethics, consumer perception, and religious beliefs having an impact. When in doubt, and authorized, it's usually best to disclose the information, even at the risk of losing the sale. 

If you decide to list or show a stigmatized property, here are a few general guidelines to follow:

1. Check with your real estate commission to determine your state's disclosure laws

2. When statutory guidance does not exist, separate fact from fiction, and determine the impact disclosure will have on the buyer, seller, and price of the property

3. Consider not taking or retaining a listing when the seller refuses to disclose stigmatized information and/or prohibits you from discussing it

4. Always maintain trust with your buyers by disclosing facts. In instances where disclosure is not mandatory or prohibited, it's usually wise to provide the information anyway.

It's widely reported that stigmatized properties are often unsellable or sell for a fraction of their listed price, even several years after the incident and subsequent media attention. While this is often true for highly publicized stigmatized listings, most properties only see a short-term reduction in purchase price. According to a 2000 Wright State University study performed on over 100 stigmatized homes, the properties sold for only 3% less than comparable listings but stayed on the market 45% longer. As the old adage goes, "time does heal all wounds". 

Famous stigmatized properties include the home sensationalized in the movie The Amityville Horror (112 Ocean Ave), the Lalaurie Mansion in New Orleans (recently owned by actor Nicholas Cage), the Ackley house in Nyack NY, the LA property where Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were murdered, The Ramsey house (JonBenet), the CA compound where 39 Heaven's Gate cult members committed suicide, and even disgraced financier Bernie Madoff's houses. 

While most stigmatized homes are less appealing to potential buyers, a few do benefit from the notoriety. For instance, The home of Heidi Fleiss (Hollywood Madame) sold for its asking price (appraised for more) and the Lizzie Borden residence in MA is now a successful Bed & Breakfast (with Lizzie Borden gift shop) that publicizes and allows guests to sleep in the rooms where the axe murders took place (Note: Lizzie was acquitted). 

The takeaway...

1. As a buyer, always ask whether a property is stigmatized. If it is, ask why

2. As a seller, disclose everything that affects buyer willingness to purchase the home or changes the amount they are willing to pay

3. As an agent, disclose everything you're allowed to. Losing a potential sale is not worth losing your license over. 

Note: HIV patients are identified as disabled according to the Americans with Disabilities Act and are now protected from discrimination under the Federal Housing Act. Disclosing a person has AIDS is breaking the law. 

Anita Clark Realtor LLC

Your Warner Robins Realtor®

(478) 953-8595 (O)

(478) 960-8055 (C)

Email: Your Warner Robins Realtor

Web: Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Blog: Warner Robins Realtor Blog

Homes for Sale Warner Robins GA | Homes in Warner Robins | Military Relocations to Robins AFB | Realtor Warner Robins GA | Warner Robins GA Localism | Houses in Warner Robins | Warner Robins MLS Search | Robins AFB Realtor | Homes for Sale in Middle Georgia | Warner Robins Real Estate

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Things to do in Byron GA - Battle of Byron Fall Festival and Chili Fest

C'mon out to Jailhouse Park in Byron GA on 23 Oct for the 2nd Annual Battle of Byron Fall Festival and Chili Battle!

The event starts at 2:00pm and includes a chile contest ($300 grand prize), hayride, ghost tour, jail n' bail, arts and crafts, pumpkin carving and pie contests, as well as a host of other activities.

Musical entertainment is provided by the JJ Weeks Band, starting at 4:30pm in Jailhouse Alley.

If you have a mouth watering chili recipe, pull out the pots, blend up the spices, and brew up a batch! 

For more details, contact the event coordinator at (478) 956-2409. 

Halloween and Fall Festivals in Houston County GA

October is a busy month in Houston County GA with many Halloween Haunted Houses and Fall/Harvest Festivals across the county.  

Halloween Events

What: A Walk Through Bedlam

Where: 327 Mary Lane, Warner Robins GA

When: Oct 31, 7:30pm

Cost: Free

Info: Yard haunt brought to you for the shear pleasure of scaring you

What: Perry Haunted Barn

Where: 2235 U.S. Hwy 41N, Perry GA, (478) 973-2921

When: Oct 15-16, 22-23, 25-31, 8:00pm-Midnight all dates

Cost: $10 adults, $5 children 12 and under

Info: Constumes welcome.  Benefits the Humane Society

What: Firefighters Trail of Horror

Where: Fire Station 1, 6711 Peach Parkway, Byron GA, (478) 956-3642

When: Oct 30-31, 7:00pm

Cost: $5 advance, $6 at the door

Info: Quarter-mile trail.  Fundraiser for Peach County Fire Department Explorer Post 900

 

What: Spooky Science After Dark

Where: Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base (478) 926-5558

When: Oct 30, 6:00pm-9:00pm

Cost: $30

Info: Grades 3-6.  Pre-registration required.

What: Trick or Treat

Where: Captain Jack's Crab Shack & Billiards, 1229 Russell Parkway, Warner Robins GA (478) 788-5000

When: Oct 31, 6:00pm-9:00pm

Cost: Free

Info: Small haunted house for kids.  Car enthusiasts will bring candy.  Donations accepted for Kids Yule Love.

Fall/Harvest Festival Events

What: Fall Festival

Where: Friendship Baptist Church, 1322 Feagin Mill Road, Warner Robins GA (478) 953-9509

When: Oct 31, 5:00pm-8:00pm

Cost: Free

Info: Fun, and Food for all ages. Guest evangelist is B. B. Angelo. Costumes appropriate for a positive Christian witness.

What: Harvest Festival

Where: Central Baptist Church, 1120 Lake Joy Road, Warner Robins GA (478) 953-9319

When: Oct 30, 2:00pm-5:00pm

Cost: $2 per person, $10 max per family

Info: Fun for all ages.

What: Harvest Family Fun Night

Where: Harvest Church, 3322 Hwy 41N, Warner Robins GA (478) 923-8822

When: Oct 30, after 6:00pm service

Cost: $2 per person, $10 max per family

Info: Fun and fellowship.  You bring your family and friends and Harvest will provide the food and fun.

What: Fall Festival

Where: First United Methodist Church, 205 N. Davis Drive, Warner Robins GA (478) 923-3737

When: Oct 30, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Cost: Unknown

Info: Games for all ages, including a cookie walk.  Trunk-n-Treat in the parking lot.  Prize for best decorated trunk.

What: Neighborhood Block Party/Fall Festival

Where: Trinity United Methodist Church, 129 S. Houston Road, Warner Robins GA (478) 923-3797

When: Oct 31, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Cost: Free

Info: Inflatable obstacle course, moonwalk, hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and Trunk or Treating! Costumes are welcome (not too scary).

Homes for Sale in Perry GA - Residential Properties in Perry GA

Perry Georgia Buyers...did you know there are currently 158 Multiple Listing Service residential Homes for Sale in Perry GA, priced from $23,000 to $725,000.

With such a wide selection of available properties, and very low interest rates, this is the perfect time to buy your first home, next house, or last property in Perry GA.

To view all Perry Georgia Real Estate For Sale, please visit Perry GA Homes for Sale.

Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA: Golf Course Living in Warner Robins GA - Build You...

Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA: Golf Course Living in Warner Robins GA - Build You...: "Located just off the 4th tee on the prestigious Huntington Woods section of Stathams Landing, this is the perfect location for your firs..."

Golf Course Living in Warner Robins GA - Build Your Dream Home

Located just off the 4th tee on the prestigious Huntington Woods section of Stathams Landing, this is the perfect location for your first, next, or last home. 

Follow the links to view the Visual Tour and/or more property details for 255 Falcon Crest, Warner Robins GA at Homes For Sale in Warner Robins GA.

Started and developed by McGlamry Properties, Stathams Landing subdivision is located in Warner Robins GA, just south of Robins Air Force Base.  Prices in this upscale neighborhood typically range from $180K - $390K.   

The public Landings Golf Club, situated in the Statham's Landing neighborhood, has a renovated clubhouse, a 27-hole course, largest putting green in middle GA, and 5 sets of tees (from 4875 - 7001 yards) to challenge all golfing skill levels.  Co-located are a swimming pool and tennis courts to provide entertainment for all family members.    

255 Falcon Crest - Warner Robins GA      

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA: Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA - Warner Robins...

Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA: Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA - Warner Robins...: "Warner Robins GA Buyers...there are currently 494 MLS residential Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA, priced from $12,500 to $595,000.With..."

Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA - Warner Robins Real Estate

Warner Robins GA Buyers...there are currently 494 MLS residential Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA, priced from $12,500 to $595,000.

With such a wide selection of available properties and very low interest rates, this is the perfect time to buy your first home, next house, or last property in Warner Robins GA.

To view all Warner Robins GA Real Estate, please visit Warner Robins Real Estate.

If you're moving to Georgia, relocating to Warner Robins, or just moving around town, it doesn't get much better than the International City. 

Warner Robins gets its International City nickname due to the number of residents from around the world brought here because of Robins Air Force Base.    

Welcome Home to Warner Robins!

Anita Clark Realtor LLC             

Your Warner Robins Realtor®

(478) 953-8595 (O)

(478) 960-8055 (C)

Email: anita@cbssk.com

Web: http://www.anitaclarkrealtor.com

Blog: http://www.activerain.com/blogs/anitaclark

Homes for Sale Warner Robins GA | Homes in Warner Robins | Military Relocations to Robins AFB | Realtor Warner Robins GA | Warner Robins GA Localism | Houses in Warner Robins | Warner Robins MLS Search | Robins AFB Realtor | Homes for Sale in Middle Georgia | Warner Robins Real Estate

Things to do in Warner Robins GA - Fall Festival at Lane Southern Orcharnds

Sponsored by the Chick-Fil-A on Highway 96 in Warner Robins GA, Lane Southern Orchards is having a Fall Family Festival on Tuesday Oct 26th from 5:00p to 8:00p.

Come in costume as the family with the most creative costume theme wins a prize. The event features a bounce house, face painting, mini-corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and pictures with the "eat more Chik-N" cows.

In addition to this event, Lane Southern Orchards caters to tourists, groups, and families looking to tour the packing house, sample the peach cobbler, or peruse the shop for trinkets. No matter when during the year you arrive, they always have farm fresh grapefruit, oranges, peaches, and pecans available.

My favorite is a bowl of their peach ice cream!

Located just outside of Fort Valley in middle Georgia, Lane Southern Orchards is a 4th generation family operation. They have 2,100 acres of pecans, 2,700 acres of peach trees, and grow over 30 varieties of peaches each year.

The company was founded in 1908 as the Diamond Fruit Farm by John David Duke. The original packinghouse was build in 1942 and is now a state-of-the-art facility.

If you're visiting middle Georgia, new to the area, or a long-time resident, Lane Southern Orchards is certainly worth visiting.

Anita Clark Realtor LLC

Your Warner Robins Realtor®

(478) 953-8595 (O)

(478) 960-8055 (C)

Email: Your Warner Robins Realtor

Web: Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Blog: Warner Robins Realtor Blog

Homes for Sale Warner Robins GA | Homes in Warner Robins | Military Relocations to Robins AFB | Realtor Warner Robins GA | Warner Robins GA Localism | Houses in Warner Robins | Warner Robins MLS Search | Robins AFB Realtor | Homes for Sale in Middle Georgia | Warner Robins Real Estate

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Things to do in Middle GA - Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (Breast Cancer)

Join the fight against breast cancer by donating and/or participating in the annual Race for the Cure on Saturday, Oct. 23rd, 8:00a, at Central City Park in Macon, GA.

For team reservations, registration, and additional race information, visit the event sponsor Central Georgia Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure or call (478) 390-4828.

Price is $25 per participant with special packages for children.

All registered breast cancer survivors are encouraged to pickup/wear their complimentary pink survivor t-shirt and cap during the event.

Preceding the Race for the Cure, on Friday, Oct. 22nd in Porter Auditorium at Wesleyan College in Macon, GA, singer/songwriter Candy Coburn will perform a benefit concert honoring all breast cancer survivors.

Concert tickets are $10 and are available at the Central Georgia Susan G. Komen for the Cure website. All breast cancer survivors who register for the Race for the Cure will receive one complimentary ticket and priority survivor seating.

What is Susan G. Komen for the Cure?

It's a global breast cancer movement started in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker who promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything she could to end breast cancer. To date, the organization is the world's largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to curing breast cancer with over $1.3 billion dollars raised.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 200,000 women in the U.S. and 1.3 million worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Somewhere in the world, every 69 seconds, a woman dies of breast cancer.

Please come out and participate, or support via donations, this worthwhile cause. You can make a difference!

Anita Clark Realtor LLC

Your Warner Robins Realtor®

(478) 953-8595 (O)

(478) 960-8055 (C)

Email: Your Warner Robins Realtor

Web: Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Blog: Warner Robins Realtor Blog

Homes for Sale Warner Robins GA | Homes in Warner Robins | Military Relocations to Robins AFB | Realtor Warner Robins GA | Warner Robins GA Localism | Houses in Warner Robins | Warner Robins MLS Search | Robins AFB Realtor | Homes for Sale in Middle Georgia | Warner Robins Real Estate

Saturday, October 2, 2010

USDA /Rural Housing Requirements in Middle Georgia

I posted a USDA/Rural Development blog last week that provided the general requirements for USDA qualification in Houston County GA.

Below are more specific Middle Georgia requirements for the USDA Rural Development and USDA Rural Development Direct Mortgage programs.

- Funded up to 100% of appraised value
-- If sufficient value, closing costs/prepaids can be rolled into loan amount
- Property and household eligibility is required
-- Check your USDA Income and Property Eligibility
- Income for all persons over 18 who will be living in the home determines eligibility
-- Houston County, GA
--- 1-4 persons in household - Maximum income is $75,500
--- 5-8 persons in household - Maximum income is $99,750
-- Peach County, GA
--- 1-4 persons in household - Maximum income is $73,600
--- 5-8 persons in household - Maximum income is $97,150
-- Children and daycare expenses are income exemptions
- HUD/FHA appraisal is required
- Rates are competitive
- No Private Mortgage Insurance required
- 3.5% Guarantee Fee (like FHA and VA funding fees) can be added, giving 103.5% Loan-To-Value
- Only NEW manufactured homes, on FHA approved foundations, are eligible
- 4% seller contribution at 100% Loan-To-Value
- Credit score of 620+ preferred, but not an automatic turn-down if below
- Pools require a special waiver
- Usually takes longer to process and close

For more details, contact PHH Mortgage at 478-997-9454.

Anita Clark Realtor LLC

Your Warner Robins Realtor®

(478) 953-8595 (O)

(478) 960-8055 (C)

Email: Your Warner Robins Realtor

Web: Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Blog: Warner Robins Realtor Blog

Homes for Sale Warner Robins GA | Homes in Warner Robins | Military Relocations to Robins AFB | Realtor Warner Robins GA | Warner Robins GA Localism | Houses in Warner Robins | Warner Robins MLS Search | Robins AFB Realtor | Homes for Sale in Middle Georgia | Warner Robins Real Estate