Emory Parc Manor in Decatur GA

Emory Parc Manor in Decatur GA is a wonderful community of 81 single family homes, each different from the next, yet carefully blended. The homes have brick, stone, hardi-plank siding and some have cedar shake. It’s an elegant community with flowering trees in medians and roundabouts. The community green space is park like with a pavilion and benches for meeting friends and neighbors.

Emory Parc Manor was built by Certified Professional Home Builders John Willis and Monte Hewett 2002-2004. If you are not familiar with these Award-Winning builders, then you are in for a treat. They stand behind their work and the craftsmanship and attention to detail are second to none.

Homes in Emory Parc Manor range in price from the high 500’s to the high 600’s. They have 3 to 5 bedrooms. All of the homes have 2 car garages, many of them side or rear entry. Hardwood floors, fabulous built-ins, screened in back porches and kitchens built for entertaining are common here.

DeKalb County’s Mason Mill Park and Tennis Center back up to Emory Parc Manor. Just take a walk down the gentle path to it. Mason Mill Park is 111 acres and includes multi use fields, tennis courts, recreation center, picnic area, lake, trails and dog park.

Emory Parc Manor is in an excellent Decatur, GA location. To get there from I-85 North, turn right on North Druid Hills Rd, turn right on Clairmont Rd, Turn Left on Mason Mill Rd. Emory Parc Manor is convenient to Emory, the CDC and the V.A. Hospital.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in or around Decatur, GA contact local expert and Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

View more of the Georgia Real Estate Voice.  Search for Decatur GA homes for Sale

$8000 Tax Credit for First Time Buyers

There seems to be a lot of misinformation floating around with real estate agents and home buyers on the 2009 Federal Tax Credit of $8000. Here's some of the most commons questions.

Who Qualifies?

• Single people earning less than $75,000 modified adjusted gross income
• Married people earning less than $150,000 a year combined modified adjusted gross income
• First Time Home buyers or people that have not owned a home in the past 3 years
• Investors do not qualify

 When do I have to purchase by? 

• Homes must be purchased and closed by December 1, 2009.

 What kind of home can I buy? 

• Any kind of home, single family, town home, condo, manufactured homes and multifamily as long as it's owner occupied

Do I have to repay the $8,000?  

• There is no payback required if you stay in the home as your primary residence for 3 years. 

What if I'm buying this home with someone else?

• If you are married you both have to be first time home buyers
• If you are not married, only 1 person has to be a first time home buyer, the first time home buyer can claim it on their taxes.

What if we make more than $150,000?

• If you make more than $150,000 there is a phase out portion for couples that earn up to $170,000 a year. So for example, if you earn $160,000 a year you could qualify for half the credit of $4,000.

 Can I use it for down payment?

• This is not a down payment assistance program. You must still come up with your down payment of at least 3.5%.

What if I don't normally owe $8,000 in taxes?

• If your normal tax liability for the year is for example $5,000, you would still get the $8,000 credit.

How is the credit determined?

• The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price to a maximum of $8,000. So, if you buy an $80,000 home, you'd get $8,000. If you buy a $150,000 home you'd get $8,000. If you buy a $50,000 home you'd get $5,000 which is 10% of the purchase price.

I hope that answers some questions.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in or around Atlanta, contact local expert Jen Bowman, Realtor and Broker Associate with Success Realty. 404-456-5024.

View more of the Georgia Real Estate Voice.  Search for Atlanta and Decatur Real Estate

Vote for Hope- Canned Food Drive at the Polls

Voters who cast their ballots in the November 4, 2008 election can be good citizens in more ways than one.  The First Baptist Church of Decatur on Clairmont is organizing a "Vote for Hope" food drive to encourage citizens to contribute non-perishable food items when they go to the polls in Decatur, GA.

Other participating churches in the Vote for Hope food drive include:

• First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Decatur, on West Ponce de Leon Ave
• Hillside Presbyterian Church
• North Decatur United Methodist Church on Church St.
• Oakhurst Baptist Church on East Lake Drive
• St. Phillip AME on Candler Rd.
• Epworth United Methodist Church on McLendon Ave

In addition to the food drive on election day, participating churches will also collect food items from their congregation during their Sunday services on November 2, 2008.

"Vote for Hope" is an opportunity to channel the power of the ballot box to help people in our own neighborhood.  Donated items will be given to the Decatur Emergency Ministries and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. 

Donors can place items in specially marked bins at the entrance to the polls.  Accepted food drive items include: 

• items high in protein such as canned meats, beef stew, chili
• peanut butter
• canned vegetables & canned fruits,
• pasta & sauces
• cereal
• boxed meals
• soups
• dried peas/beans
• rice
• instant potatoes
• fruit juices
• bottled water
• toiletries
• baby products

No glass containers, perishable items or home canned foods, please.

For further information, please contact the First Baptist Church of Decatur at 404-373-1653.

With election day a couple of weeks away, we have plenty of time to go grocery shopping and pick up a few extra items.  Check out the Buy 1 Get 1 free items, that makes it easy.  Thank you for helping our local families in need.

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If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Decatur or metro Atlanta, GA, please call Jen Bowman, Realtor, Success Realty at 404-456-5024.  Visit on the web at www.JenBowman.com.

Sketchworks, Original Comedy in Decatur, GA

The Punchline is not the only place for Comedy in Atlanta. If you haven’t been to a Sketchworks Comedy Show in Decatur, GA yet, now is the time. Be forewarned, this comedy is not for the faint of heart. If you are easily offended, well you will be here. This show is not politically correct and doesn’t discriminate on who they offend. It is all original work and the show changes 4 times a year. Come prepared to laugh, a lot.

Come watch Atlanta's most outrageous actors and writers wreak havoc with all that is sacred. Masterminded in 2001, Sketchworks is an original, cutting-edge sketch comedy troupe featuring some of Atlanta's top working pros.

Sketchworks is part of yourACT, an acting studio with on camera classes for Adults and Children. They offer a variety of on-camera acting classes in Atlanta, as well as special workshops in Voice-Over, Teleprompter, Standup Comedy, Sketch Comedy with Atlanta's premiere Sketch Comedy troupe, Sketchworks, and more… Whether you are a beginner learning the basics, an aspiring actor improving your skills, or a professional working actor looking to stay sharp, yourACT has courses for all levels. For more info on yourACT contact DellaCole and Bob Harter. They can be reached at 404-499-9996.

Opening weekend for Sketchmania starts this Friday October 17.

Show dates are: Fridays &; Saturdays at 8 p.m. October 17 &; 18, October 24 &; 25, October 31 & November 1, November 7 & 8

If you can’t make it Friday, plan to come this Saturday after the Decatur Beer Fest.

There will also be a Sunday Matinee at 5 p.m. on November 2.

Tickets are just $10 Opening Weekend, For all other Shows $15 in advance and $17 at the Door.

Sketchworks is minutes from downtown Atlanta and Decatur!

They are on the Right just past the Kroger Shopping Center on North Decatur Rd going East. It’s in between Dekalb Industrial Way and Ponce de Leon Ave. If you get to Ponce de Leon Ave, you’ve gone too far.

They are located at 3041 N. Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30079. Phone: 404-499-8181

I've heard people say "Laughter is the best medicine". Come out and get yours!

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Jen Bowman is a Realtor with Success Realty serving the Real Estate needs of Decatur and Atlanta, GA.  She can be reached at 404-456-5024 or online at www.JenBowman.com

Decatur, GA REO Market Analysis 3rd Quarter 2008

What's going on with real estate in Decatur, GA?  Well, the good news is that homes are still selling. Here is an analysis of single family homes in Decatur.  

 July 2008 Sold

Homes Sold 152

REO Properties 30

Average Days on Market 72

Original List Price $238,592

List Price $266,152

Sold Price $215,511

Range $26,100-$725,000                                                                        

August 2008 Sold                         

Homes Sold 164

REO properties 55

Average Days on Market 70

Original List Price $243,255

List Price $191,973

Sold Price $183,212

Range $22,500-$824,500

 September 2008 Sold

Homes Sold 85

REO properties 27

Average Days on Market 81

Original List Price $221,443

List Price $208,048

Sold Price $200,591

Range $22,500-$1,025,000

There are currently 1251 single family homes for sale in Decatur, GA which is in Dekalb County. 280 of them are REO or Real Estate Owned, bank owned foreclosures. There are also 314 homes that are pending sales, meaning they are under contract, but not yet closed. Available homes in Decatur range in price from $19,900 to $1,500,000.  Obviously, there is something for everyone from investment to starter homes to high end luxury homes. Now is a great time to buy.

For expert real estate advice and customized property searches in Decatur, GA please contact Jen Bowman, Success Realty at 404-456-5024. Visit online at JenBowman.com.

Down Payment Assistance Still Available in Dekalb County, GA

Did you know that there is Down Payment Assistance available for 1^st Time Home Buyers in Dekalb County? Applications are now being accepted for the DeKalb County First-Time Homebuyer Program, funded by the DeKalb County Community Development Department and administered by the Housing Authority of DeKalb County. 

• How to get a mortgage
• Money for down payment
• Planning for homeownership responsibilities
• Evaluating your ability to afford a home
• Types of financing available
• Budgeting and credit
• Understanding your FICO score
• Avoiding foreclosure

Another things Buyers Need to Know

I recently listed a home in Dekalb County, GA where we have 143 schools and centers, that's not including colleges and universities. I wasn't sure of the particular school that new young residents of the home would go to. So, I did what most real estate agents do. I went to the Local Multiple Listing Service and looked at other listings in the subdivision. I was quite surprised that I found 5 different elementary schools listed for the subdivision. I knew that couldn't be right. So I went to the Dekalb County Schools website and looked it up by address of the home I was listing. The home owner didn't have children in school, so I didn't even ask if she knew the schools.

When you are purchasing a home, you need to know what school your children will attend. You'll need to go here: Dekalb County Schools

Do not just go by what the Listing tells you in regard to the school. 90% of the listings showed incorrect schools in the particular subdivision I was looking at. Yes, 18 out of 20 listings had inaccurate info. As a professional Realtor, I found this shocking. I realize that many homebuyers buy a home in a particular place because of the school. If one of the reasons you are buying a home is based on the school your child will attend, go the extra mile. Verify the school through the School District's website. Due diligence is critical. That is just another reason why a Home Buyer should have representation with a Buyers Agent who can watch out for these things.

Jen Bowman

Success Realty

www.JenBowman.com

404-456-5024 Realtor in Decatur, GA

How to Care for Granite Counters

As a Realtor, when showing a home with granite counters, many people will ask me “How do I take care of them?”

Yes, granite is durable, but it is not bullet proof and will chip. I saw someone try opening a bottle on the edge of a granite countertop once, that is a really bad idea. I chipped my countertop on the edge of my sink, with the handle of a pot. So, what I’m trying to say treat your countertops like family, with love and respect or at least treat them as well as your pets. Always use a cutting board when cutting, chopping, etc. Protect the counter from extremely hot pans (anything over 250 degrees). Use a hot pad or trivet with rubber feet to protect the surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners that will damage the luster of the surface. Also be sure to avoid exposure to strong chemicals such as paint removers, ammonia, metal cleaners, oven cleaners, drain cleaners and nail polish remover. If any of these come in contact with your countertop, quickly flush the surface with lots of soapy water. 

Granite should be sealed every year to protect it from stains. I finally did mine after 3 and a half years. It’s better to do it more often. It’s a 3 step process, clean, polish and seal. I went to the hardware store and bought the 3 piece kit. It was around $25. First step is to clean the counters really well. Make sure it is dry. Then spray it with a thin coat of polish, let it dry to a haze, about 30 minutes, maybe less. Don’t less it dry too long, it will be really difficult to rub off. Get a clean dry cloth, I used a terry cloth towel, to start wiping off the polish. You will begin to see a shine. Get it really shiny, it’s kind of like waxing a car. After I used the terry cloth towel, I went over it with a microfiber cloth. Once it’s perfectly shiny with no polish residue and no lint from your towel, you are ready to apply the sealer. Remember, anything that’s on the counter will be sealed in, so be aware. Spray a fine mist of sealer on the counter, a few minutes later you spray again, without saturating the countertop. Let that dry and wipe it down again. This was the way I did it, but you should follow the manufacturer’s directions on the polish and sealer. Protect your investment and you can enjoy it for years to come.

Jennifer Bowman

Success Realty

404-456-5024

www.JenBowman.com

Dekalb County GA Plumbing Ordinance

On February 26, 2008 Dekalb County approved the Inefficient Plumbing Fixtures Replacement Plan. Any home built prior to 1993 must have low flow toilets and plumbing fixtures installed before the homeowner can obtain water from the county.

Effective June 1, 2008, sellers will be required to disclose the Dekalb County Ordinance when selling their homes. Listing agents in Dekalb should add a notice of this ordinance to the seller's disclosure and/or sales contract. Before the new homeowner can obtain water service, they must provide written proof from a home inspector, licensed plumber, or a Department of Watershed Inspector. This certificate will be required with their application for water service.

Single family homes and condos must meet the following:
1. Toilets that use max 1.6 gallons per flush
2. Shower heads max of 2.5 gallons per minute
3. Lavatory faucets max of 2 gallons per minute
4. Kitchen faucets output of max of 2.2 gallons per minute

Based on average home sales statistics, Dekalb County expects to save 360,000 gallons of water per day by enacting this ordinance and predicts it will take more than 33 years to replace all of the older water guzzling toilets and fixtures.

There are some exemptions to this ordinance which include the following:
1. Foreclosure sales
2. Family sales (spouse to spouse or parents to children)
3. Homes that will be demolished after the sale
4. Circumstances where the cost of replacement would exceed $1,000.00 per toilet

DeKalb County has also enacted a rebate program.There are 2 rebates available: $100.00 rebate for the replacement with High Efficiency toilets (HET's) that use 1.28 gallons or less per flush and $50.00 for "low-flow" (1.6 gallons per flush).  You have 60 days from the date of purchase to apply for the rebate.  Three rebates maximum per household.

Here is the list of qualifying toilets http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/find_het.htm

For more details and to download the application, go to http://www.dekalbwatershed.com/PDF/ToiletRebateProgramGuidelines.pdf

Sellers will have to disclose the Ordinance as part of the disclosure and/or sales contract.  The Georgia Association of Realtors has prepared such a Disclose.

Please note that the Ordinance applies to houses and condos in unincorporated DeKalb County.  The Georgia Association of Realtors advises: "If the property is located within a city in DeKalb County, such as Decatur, Chamblee or Lithonia, the ordinance does not apply.  If Dunwoody becomes a city later on this year, the ordinance will not apply.  However, until that occurs, Dunwoody will remain in unincorporated DeKalb County and as such be subject to the ordinance."

So, if you are a Seller, you have a huge advantage if you install water saving toilets PLUS you will be able to take advantage of the Rebate. The budget is limited, so the Rebates are only available for a limited time!  PLUS, more importantly: Since a Buyer won't be able to receive Water service on the day of closing until he can provide proof that all fixtures are compliant, he/she may even discount the offer or pass on your home after all!

I highly recommend 525 Plumbing.  www.525Plumbing.com  Michael Franklin is a master plumber who's integrity and professional standards are 2nd to none.  They can be reached at 678-665-6945.

My Shameless Plug-I'm a guest on HGTV

My big HGTV (Home and Garden Television) debut has arrived!    45+ hours of taping will be condensed into 22 minutes.  It was truly full of drama, no acting here. I am curious to see what actually gets aired.  I will probably only be in it a minute or 2, we'll see.  The show focuses mainly on the Buyers and Tracy and I did it together.  It's called My First Place, a real estate show showing the experience of a First Time Home Buyer. It will air the first time at 10:30 pm EST on Sunday June 10.  The 2nd time will be on Monday June 11 at 2:30 am. (I won't be up then.) After that it will be reruns. Below is the link from HGTV's website talking about our episode with air dates and times.  By the way, I'm just going to stick to real estate, it's more fun!

Atlanta Tops in Population Growth

This is part of an article found on CNNmoney.com.  Atlanta is a wonderful place to live, 900,000 new residents can't be wrong! For more information on living in Atlanta, go to my website www.JenBowman.com, click on local links for information about schools, weather, local events and of course, real estate listings.

Latest Census stats: See which metro areas had the most growth since 2000.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Atlanta has been the fastest growing metropolitan area in the nation since 2000, with a gain of nearly 900,000 residents to 5.1 million.

Also gaining more than 800,000 residents in the five-year Census Bureau report were Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston. Phoenix gained nearly 790,000. Seven of the top 10 fastest growers were in the South or West.

America's fastest growing city - Atlanta

Others in the top 10 included the New York and Washington, D.C. metro areas, which both gained nearly 500,000, and Chicago, with more than 400,000.

The fastest growers by percentage were all much smaller cities. They were led by St George, Utah, which has increased its population by 39.8 percent since 2000. Greeley, Colorado was next with 31 percent growth and Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, Florida with 29.6 percent.

Top 5 Tips for Getting Your House Ready to Sell

If you are getting your house ready to sell, there is really more than 5 things you should do.  But, then I couldn't call this blog 5 Things....

1. Clear the clutter! Yes, I know it's not clutter to you. It will be a distraction to potential buyers.  I've heard it before, "if they can't see past it...".  I've seen buyers stop to look at your photos, your books, refrigerator magnets, etc.  You want them looking at your house!

2. Clean! Not just a quick cleaning, deep cleaning is needed. We're talking about making sure your front door is even clean.  No dust! Wipe down your cabinet fronts, your doorknobs, wipe scuffs off the walls.  Try Magic Eraser or just mild dish detergent on a non abrasive cloth.  The buyer will think that if your home isn't clean, you must not have maintained it well.  Don't give them any doubts.

3. Curb Appeal, you've seen the shows.  Many buyers will drive by your house before making an appointment to see the interior.  If it's not fabulous from the curb, they won't bother with the inside. Weeds must be pulled, grass trimmed, wipe off the mailbox.  If your mailbox is rusted, spend $30 bucks for a new one and make sure your mailbox is not leaning.  Are your house numbers fresh, clean and visible? 

4. De-Personalize Personal things? Put them away.  I remember when we were selling one of our houses, and my parents came to visit.  My mother asked "Where are all your photos?" I had put them away.  When a potential buyer comes to look at your home, they shouldn't be able to tell who lives there, your race, your religion, your political beliefs.  This way, it's neutral for anyone who comes to your home.  No matter what they're background is, they can more easily see living in your home!

5. Clearing Out  If you know you have too much stuff, be honest with yourself here...clear out. Now is a good time to go through each room, 1 at a time. Do you really need those college notebooks from 15 years ago?  Make a container for Trash, Donate/Sell or Keep.  If you have time, energy and enough stuff, you may want to have a yard sale. Or sell it online for free at www.craigslist.com. Otherwise think about if it's worth moving.  If closets are overstuffed, buyers will think their things won't fit either.

For more tips like this go to my site, www.jenbowman.com, click on buyers/sellers than click on the link for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell. 

Statistics for Dekalb County GA, Metro Atlanta

People are always asking me "What's going on in the Real Estate market?" Well, in Dekalb County, GA there is quite a bit going on.  Spring is here and the real estate market knows it! 

In the month of March we had 1,446 new residential listings. By residential we are just talking about single family homes.  We had 419 new condos to hit the market.  We have a total of 4,913 Active residential listings and 1,875 active Condo listings as of this minute.  Obviously this number changes rapidly.  

Single Family Homes in Dekalb on the market today range from $61,900 to $2,650,000.  Condos today in Dekalb range from $18,900 to $1.5 million.  Average Days on Market is 94 for houses and 77 for condos. 

What does this mean to the Home Seller? It means your home must shine! For tips on getting your Home Ready to Sell, visit my website www.JenBowman.com .  Click on the Buyer/Sellers Link and go to the Tips on Getting Your Home Ready to Sell link.