New Job Loss Protection Plan Now Available in Georgia!

Last week Prudential Georgia Realty rolled out a new program designed to get buyers off the fence and under contract. It’s called the Job Loss Protection Plan. (more…)

Posted In: Investment Property, Mortgage Protection, My Listings, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Values, Uncategorized, Unemployment, foreclosure, mortgage, short sale on June 29, 2009 Comments (0)

The “Georgia Dream”

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In my last article I mentioned four programs that can benefit many home buyers. I received several calls about one program that offers a $14,000 forgivable loan program which is called the Georgia Dream Home Ownership Program, also known as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and referred to as NSP Loan. I thought it might be helpful to explain it in detail. (more…)

Posted In: Investment Property, My Listings, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Values, foreclosure, mortgage, short sale, tax on June 12, 2009 Comments (0)

You and Recession … “Just Say NO”

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The late Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, was asked what he planned to do about the recession in 1991. He replied that he planned not to participate. I’d say it worked out pretty well for him. (more…)

Posted In: Commercial Property, Investment Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Values, foreclosure, mortgage, tax on May 17, 2009 Comments (0)

Pickens Real Estate Market … Today

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Recent national headlines boasted a gain in the sale of existing homes. I’ll take any good news they report. This is important because it means we are taking steps to reduce our inventory. However, in Pickens the story is slightly different.  (more…)

Posted In: Commercial Property, Investment Property, Mountain Living, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Values, Uncategorized, foreclosure, mortgage, short sale on May 13, 2009 Comments (0)

Mortgage Financing; Back to the Future

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Most people are comfortable with the idea that the go-go days of 100% loans with no proof of income or documentation of any sort are gone for good. So is your only alternative to come up with a huge down payment to invest in the best buyer market we have seen in years? The answer is no. (more…)

Posted In: Investment Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Values, foreclosure, mortgage, short sale on April 14, 2009 Comments (0)

Local Stimulus In Governor’s Hands

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Another year has gone by for the Georgia State Legislature. It absolutely amazes me how much time they can spend accomplishing so little. (more…)

Posted In: Investment Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Values, foreclosure, short sale, tax on April 7, 2009 Comments (0)

Tax Credit for “First Time” Buyers

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One of the changes in the economic “stimulus” package is the creation of a true tax credit for “First Time” home buyers. The old “credit” effectively was a loan, since it had to be paid back over several years. The revised tax credit for “First Time” home buyers is a little misleading in that a buyer can qualify as a “first time” buyer if he has not owned a home in the last three years (that would include you or your spouse). The credit would be considerably more effective if it applied to all home buyers without all the restrictions, but this is definitely something you should consider taking advantage of if you can qualify. (more…)

Posted In: Investment Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Values, Uncategorized, tax on March 2, 2009 Comments (0)

Will Pickens County Feel Stimulated?

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 By now, most of us have heard about the economic stimulus package. It appears to me that even though our community may or may not derive some benefit from this bill at some point down the road, it will do little to help Pickens County improve our economy in the short run.  (more…)

Posted In: Commercial Property, Investment Property, My Listings, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Values, Uncategorized, foreclosure, land, short sale on February 16, 2009 Comments (4)

Is Your Property Tax Assessment Too High?

Check out all MLS listings at www.RonBarnesRealEstate.com                                                 By Ron BarnesAssociate Broker – Prudential Georgia Realty                                                         Past President - Pickens County Board of Realtors®                                                                                                                                               I do not know anyone who looks forward to paying property taxes. Many people feel they don’t get enough in return for what they pay. (more…)

Posted In: Investment Property, My Listings, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Values, Uncategorized on January 28, 2009 Comments (1)

Eyeing Refinance? The Time is Now

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By Ron BarnesAssociate Broker – Prudential Georgia RealtyPast President - Pickens County Board of Realtors®Many homeowners may feel like burying their head in the sand, an understandable sentiment given the recent shakeup in many markets. But with most interest rates in 2009 hanging around the lowest levels in decades, those playing the “ignorance is bliss” game may be missing out on a rare chance to improve their finances. (more…)

Posted In: Commercial Property, Investment Property, Mountain Living, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Values, Uncategorized, foreclosure, horse farm, land, short sale on January 27, 2009 Comments (4)