I figure you've heard enough about how bad the economy and housing market is so I'm going to report some good news! Homes are selling in Gwinnett and surrounding counties. Although the number of sales in November was down from Oct, things are still moving in a period that typically slows every year. This could be attributed to several things but mostly because folks are so busy during the holidays.
"But I just don't want my home to be on the market during Christmas". I hear this a lot during this time of the year but honestly there couldn't be a better time to be on the market. Here's why......Hundreds, if not thousands of sellers have the same thought and they actually pull their home off the market. So their potential buyers become your potential buyers! Less competition means more buyers see your home.
"But Steve, I don't want the added stress of selling a home during the holidays". I understand and believe me, there's always a little stress involved but a good Realtor will keep that to a minimum. After all, Christmas does come around every year and if it meant selling your home and moving on would you sacrifice a little this year? Probably so.
So, I promised some good news about the Gwinnett Real Estate market and here it is. There were 494 homes sold in Gwinnett County in November! Although that number was down from October slightly, it's still a lot of activity folks. Average days on market for November in Gwinnett was 119 days, which is down slightly from Oct.
If you're thinking of selling your home, it can be done! It's a price war and a beauty contest so be prepared for a little work. Let these numbers be your motivation.....wouldn't you like to be one of the 494+ next month?
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Gwinnett Real Estate Reverb | Keeping you informed of the real estate trends in Gwinnett County Georgia
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
North Georgia Mountain Home For Sale | Lake Chatuge View | Foreclosure
This home was originally built for $1.2mil in 2002 and foreclosed for $920k in 2008. You're not going to find a home for sale in Towns County Georgia for a better deal than this. The bank says move it!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Expanded Refi Program Will Allow Up to 125% LTV
News came out recently about an expanded refi program Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be offering that will help underwater homeowners refinance their homes at up to 125% loan to value. This is great news for a lot of people but it still leaves a lot of people out.
I spoke to Chuck Walden, a loan officer with Prospect Mortgage, about this today and here's his explanation of this program.....
"It is basically expansion of the current Fannie Mae Refi Plus and Freddie Mac Open Access loans that allow homeowners to refi if they don’t have any equity or very little. The problem is that Fannie and Freddie allow 125% loan to value (LTV) but most lenders only want to risk going up to 95%. So the program is there, but not available to everyone. If they do expand it and are easier on appraised values and just focus on credit scores and late payments, it will be awesome. BUT, will lenders do what Fannie and Freddie are allowing is another story"
This article from CNN Money talks a little more in detail about the program and the qualifications.
If you have more questions about this or any other mortgage or real estate related issue, please contact Chuck Walden at 678 725 8076 or myself at 404 663 7063
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
I spoke to Chuck Walden, a loan officer with Prospect Mortgage, about this today and here's his explanation of this program.....
"It is basically expansion of the current Fannie Mae Refi Plus and Freddie Mac Open Access loans that allow homeowners to refi if they don’t have any equity or very little. The problem is that Fannie and Freddie allow 125% loan to value (LTV) but most lenders only want to risk going up to 95%. So the program is there, but not available to everyone. If they do expand it and are easier on appraised values and just focus on credit scores and late payments, it will be awesome. BUT, will lenders do what Fannie and Freddie are allowing is another story"
This article from CNN Money talks a little more in detail about the program and the qualifications.
If you have more questions about this or any other mortgage or real estate related issue, please contact Chuck Walden at 678 725 8076 or myself at 404 663 7063
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Third Party Short Sale “Negotiators” | Beware of the Scam!
This is a public service announcement! Beware of law firms soliciting you for short sale representation. I had another instance this week where someone paid an attorney in Florida to help them "negotiate" a short sale. Now they are less than two weeks away from foreclosure and no one is returning their calls. Why? Because they already got paid!!!!
Read my lips....No one can negotiate a short sale for you, not even a Realtor! We can "facilitate" it which means we can process the offer and short sale paperwork but we can't negotiate with your lender. We get paid when it closes and that's why a Realtor is your best bet. These attorneys (most of them are from Florida it seems) don't know your situation and I can promise they don't care. They get their money up front and you get thrown out of the house because they didn't follow up as often or at all with the lender.
Never pay anyone up front, especially an out of state attorney, to help you with your short sale. This is something a local Realtor should be doing but be sure to choose one that's CDPE certified. This means they have the training and certification by the leading short sale training firm most recognized by lenders and banks. This can also hurt you when the bank sees you've paid someone money to help you that you could have paid to them! Trust me, they will look at that sort of thing.
If you need help with avoiding foreclosure, call me NOW! 404 663 7063 Don't wait until the month before the sale date!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
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Read my lips....No one can negotiate a short sale for you, not even a Realtor! We can "facilitate" it which means we can process the offer and short sale paperwork but we can't negotiate with your lender. We get paid when it closes and that's why a Realtor is your best bet. These attorneys (most of them are from Florida it seems) don't know your situation and I can promise they don't care. They get their money up front and you get thrown out of the house because they didn't follow up as often or at all with the lender.
Never pay anyone up front, especially an out of state attorney, to help you with your short sale. This is something a local Realtor should be doing but be sure to choose one that's CDPE certified. This means they have the training and certification by the leading short sale training firm most recognized by lenders and banks. This can also hurt you when the bank sees you've paid someone money to help you that you could have paid to them! Trust me, they will look at that sort of thing.
If you need help with avoiding foreclosure, call me NOW! 404 663 7063 Don't wait until the month before the sale date!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Look Honey, It Has a River of Chocolate and a Money Tree!!!
How many times has this happened to you? You're driving around and find the perfect house....everything you've been looking for plus it has a money tree and a river of chocolate in the back yard! So you call your Realtor to take a look. Yep, this is the one. So you call your lender to get the pre-qualification letter and before the lender can get back to you, a cash buyer swoops in and steals it. Okay, I embellished a little but some lenders really do take an entire day to issue a letter.
I know what's going through your mind...."Steve, there's no such thing as a money tree". Yes, you're correct but it is true that you should have your pre-qualification letter before you look at one house. If you're working with a Realtor, then you shouldn't have this problem since most Realtors will require it before ever taking you to one listing. But, in the event you aren't working with a Realtor, preferably me, at least call a reputable loan officer and get the letter out of the way. This will do two things for you. It will tell you what price range to look at, plus it makes you ready to buy, with no delay.
Sellers want to know they're dealing with a qualified buyer and banks won't even look at an offer without a prequal. And with over 40% of the market bank owned or short sales, this is a must. Trust me, there's no worse feeling than finding the perfect house and losing it because you weren't ready. Do the work up front and good luck!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
I know what's going through your mind...."Steve, there's no such thing as a money tree". Yes, you're correct but it is true that you should have your pre-qualification letter before you look at one house. If you're working with a Realtor, then you shouldn't have this problem since most Realtors will require it before ever taking you to one listing. But, in the event you aren't working with a Realtor, preferably me, at least call a reputable loan officer and get the letter out of the way. This will do two things for you. It will tell you what price range to look at, plus it makes you ready to buy, with no delay.
Sellers want to know they're dealing with a qualified buyer and banks won't even look at an offer without a prequal. And with over 40% of the market bank owned or short sales, this is a must. Trust me, there's no worse feeling than finding the perfect house and losing it because you weren't ready. Do the work up front and good luck!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Flyer Box is Empty? | I Can Remedy That
How many times has this happened? You're driving around on a Sunday afternoon and stop in front of a beautiful house to pull a flyer out of the box and there are none. Frustrating huh? Or you're driving by the listings your Realtor has pulled for you and you see one that you'd like to know more info about but wasn't on your list. Probably no flyers on that one either. Or how about this one.....the flyer box actually has flyers in it, the buyer grabs one and drives off...without talking to anyone....without seeing the house. Probably because the flyer was printed in black and white and didn't highlight the "decorator colors".
As a seller, you want people to be able to get info on your home 24/7. The best way I've found to provide this is by using IVR, or call capture. There are many different systems available and they all cater to the Realtors being able to capture calls from YOUR SIGN. These systems are really powerful and have the ability to track buyers as they call the number on your sign. Their phone number, name (if available) and property address is sent to the listing agent as soon as they dial in. The information they receive is controlled by the agent and can be as little or as much as desired. You can also choose to get info by voice, text or email.
What does this do for you as a seller? It helps your agent talk to potential buyers in real time, when they're on your street. Or better yet, when they're parked in front of the house! This allows the agent to prequalify these buyers on the phone and keeps tire kickers from strolling through your home.
Make sure the agent you hire uses IVR technology. For me, it's proven to be a great tool to increase the number of leads on a listing. The more leads, the better chance to sell your home!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
What does this do for you as a seller? It helps your agent talk to potential buyers in real time, when they're on your street. Or better yet, when they're parked in front of the house! This allows the agent to prequalify these buyers on the phone and keeps tire kickers from strolling through your home.
Make sure the agent you hire uses IVR technology. For me, it's proven to be a great tool to increase the number of leads on a listing. The more leads, the better chance to sell your home!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Stay Updated on Dacula Area Real Estate
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Selling A Home in Dacula? | Some Stats You Should Know
Probably the number one question I get as a Realtor is "How's the real estate market right now in the Gwinnett area?" Contrary to what you hear on the news and read online, the market is recovering albeit very slowly. If you don't study the numbers, you wouldn't know it because all the talking heads want to report is the negative side of things. So I'm going to spread some good news about the local market because.....it's good!
In the last 30 days, there have been 45 sales in 30019. These 45 are across all price points. The chart below breaks it down in the different prices and shows most of these were $225k and under. The average days on market is under 100 days but as you can see some were over 150 days.
In addition, August, July and June sales were up significantly from last year.
What does all this mean to you? It means less inventory, which is competition for your listing. But you have to remember it's still a pricing war and a beauty contest so price your home competitively!
If you'd like to speak with me about these or other stats please contact me. I would be happy to go over a market analysis for your home or neighborhood to help you make an informed decision about listing your home.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
In the last 30 days, there have been 45 sales in 30019. These 45 are across all price points. The chart below breaks it down in the different prices and shows most of these were $225k and under. The average days on market is under 100 days but as you can see some were over 150 days.
| Sold Listings | ||||||||||||||||
| List Price Range | #Listings | Ave DOM | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0 - $99,999 | 11 | 137 | ||||||||||||||
| $100,000 - $124,999 | 9 | 134 | ||||||||||||||
| $125,000 - $149,999 | 10 | 156 | ||||||||||||||
| $175,000 - $199,999 | 3 | 196 | ||||||||||||||
| $200,000 - $224,999 | 4 | 93 | ||||||||||||||
| $250,000 - $274,999 | 1 | 236 | ||||||||||||||
| $275,000 - $299,999 | 1 | 113 | ||||||||||||||
| $300,000 - $349,999 | 4 | 88 | ||||||||||||||
| $350,000 - $399,999 | 1 | 129 | ||||||||||||||
| $1,000,000 - $1,999,999 | 1 | 110 | ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
In addition, August, July and June sales were up significantly from last year.
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| Home sales in Dacula Ga |
What does all this mean to you? It means less inventory, which is competition for your listing. But you have to remember it's still a pricing war and a beauty contest so price your home competitively!
If you'd like to speak with me about these or other stats please contact me. I would be happy to go over a market analysis for your home or neighborhood to help you make an informed decision about listing your home.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking for real estate in Gwinnett County please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Dyer Elementary Holds First Annual "Dyer Dragon Dash"
I have to admit, most school fundraisers are pretty lame. Magazines, wrapping paper, and cookie dough are the most common items our youngsters are peddling these days. It's usually overpriced and under-quality but it's for a good cause and that's why we buy it.
But the PTA at Dyer Elementary did something a little different this year. They held the 1st Annual Dyer Dash, a fun run where the kids ran laps on a track behind the school. They had to complete 25 laps and let me tell you these kids were determined to finish every lap! Each child had a t-shirt with the Dyer Dragon logo on the front and on the back was a numbered circle where each lap was marked off as they completed it. The look on their faces was priceless when you tell them how many laps they had completed. That was the best part of the day!
What impressed me most is the PTA was able to get kids excited about the fundraising AND physical activity! Let's be honest, all kids love recess but not all kids take advantage of it outside of school. There are too many distractions at home with TV and video games that keep kids from getting enough exercise each day. When I was a kid my parents had to drag me inside every night!
So Kudos to the Dyer PTA for doing such a great job getting the kids involved. If you'd like to make a donation, click here for more info.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
But the PTA at Dyer Elementary did something a little different this year. They held the 1st Annual Dyer Dash, a fun run where the kids ran laps on a track behind the school. They had to complete 25 laps and let me tell you these kids were determined to finish every lap! Each child had a t-shirt with the Dyer Dragon logo on the front and on the back was a numbered circle where each lap was marked off as they completed it. The look on their faces was priceless when you tell them how many laps they had completed. That was the best part of the day!
What impressed me most is the PTA was able to get kids excited about the fundraising AND physical activity! Let's be honest, all kids love recess but not all kids take advantage of it outside of school. There are too many distractions at home with TV and video games that keep kids from getting enough exercise each day. When I was a kid my parents had to drag me inside every night!
So Kudos to the Dyer PTA for doing such a great job getting the kids involved. If you'd like to make a donation, click here for more info.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A Lesson in Customer Service
Not very often do I let a bad customer service experience go unnoticed. I realize everyone has bad days but it shouldn't reflect on how you treat others in a business or service environment. This morning I visited one of my favorite breakfast establishments and was shocked at how the person behind the counter acted.
I believed her when she claimed the problem was caused by the night shift not doing what is supposed to be done. Whether or not that is the case it was no reason for her to react the way she did when I told her I wouldn't accept what she had made. This establishment was one that you tell them what you want on it and then watch them build it. One of the advantages is that you can see if something isn't right and something definitely wasn't right. I pointed it out and she did what is commonly referred to as "pitching a fit"!
She threw the sandwich at the trashcan and her face got red. I could tell she was not happy but what was more surprising was that she was going to serve it to me that way. Shocking enough yes but her reaction was what made me think. If I'm having a bad day, does it show in my actions or words? Obviously this person didn't think before she reacted and now she's probably lost my business.....at least in the morning!
No matter how bad your day is going, try to keep it in check. Whether you're in the service business or not, this will help build stronger and better relationships. It also shows how well you react under pressure which could in turn help build your customer base!
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
I believed her when she claimed the problem was caused by the night shift not doing what is supposed to be done. Whether or not that is the case it was no reason for her to react the way she did when I told her I wouldn't accept what she had made. This establishment was one that you tell them what you want on it and then watch them build it. One of the advantages is that you can see if something isn't right and something definitely wasn't right. I pointed it out and she did what is commonly referred to as "pitching a fit"!
She threw the sandwich at the trashcan and her face got red. I could tell she was not happy but what was more surprising was that she was going to serve it to me that way. Shocking enough yes but her reaction was what made me think. If I'm having a bad day, does it show in my actions or words? Obviously this person didn't think before she reacted and now she's probably lost my business.....at least in the morning!
No matter how bad your day is going, try to keep it in check. Whether you're in the service business or not, this will help build stronger and better relationships. It also shows how well you react under pressure which could in turn help build your customer base!
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
What Is A Short Sale?
Someone asked me yesterday "what is a short sale and how does it work"? At first I was a little shocked by the question I guess because 1 out of every 5 homes on the market is a short sale, I thought everyone knew by now. But the reality is, the people that don't know what a short sale is are the ones that need to know!
So as I'm explaining this to the potential client, her eyes light up like she's had an epiphany of some sort. She couldn't believe that the bank would accept less than what's owed on the house. It was as if the financial gods had answered her prayers......that was until I started explaining the ramifications of it.
Consult a tax attorney for a more difinitive answer, but most short sale deficiencies are not forgiven. This doesn't mean it's not the best solution for you. It just means that there will be some tax liabilities for the borrower involved in the bank's acceptance of the deal. In fact, in most cases except for HAFA, the lender will usually ask for a promissary note at closing. This means they want the borrower to pay back some or all of the deficiency usually at little or no interest over a set time period.
How do you know if a short sale is right for your situation? There are several questions that need to be answered and an experienced short sale agent, preferably a CDPE can help you with this.
If you're behind on your mortgage payments, don't wait around for the foreclosure notice! Call me and I'll be happy to assess your situation and help you as much as I can.
You can learn more about the process and find out if you qualify for short sale assistance by visiting http://www.gwinnettforeclosurealternative.com/.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
So as I'm explaining this to the potential client, her eyes light up like she's had an epiphany of some sort. She couldn't believe that the bank would accept less than what's owed on the house. It was as if the financial gods had answered her prayers......that was until I started explaining the ramifications of it.
Consult a tax attorney for a more difinitive answer, but most short sale deficiencies are not forgiven. This doesn't mean it's not the best solution for you. It just means that there will be some tax liabilities for the borrower involved in the bank's acceptance of the deal. In fact, in most cases except for HAFA, the lender will usually ask for a promissary note at closing. This means they want the borrower to pay back some or all of the deficiency usually at little or no interest over a set time period.
How do you know if a short sale is right for your situation? There are several questions that need to be answered and an experienced short sale agent, preferably a CDPE can help you with this.
If you're behind on your mortgage payments, don't wait around for the foreclosure notice! Call me and I'll be happy to assess your situation and help you as much as I can.
You can learn more about the process and find out if you qualify for short sale assistance by visiting http://www.gwinnettforeclosurealternative.com/.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Ahhhh the Smell of Lumber in the Morning!
Until just recently, not a hammer was heard in Gwinnett and Barrow counties. Now I'm seeing new construction all over the place. Seems like builders are finally coming out of the woodwork....no pun intended.
Although the permit numbers were not available at the time of this post, driving around the area you can see new homes going up in subdivisions that were quiet this time last year. I think part of this recent activity is interest rates have stayed very low and continue to get lower with the latest downgrade of the US's credit rating.
Now is the time to buy a new home in Gwinnett County! Low rates, new construction and home prices never seen before. If you're in a position to buy DO IT NOW. Just this week I put a buyer under contract on a new construction home in Dacula originally priced over $220k for $160k! Not all deals are this good but many are.
If you need help finding and securing your dream deal in Gwinnett or Barrow County, call me at 404 663 7063 or email steverider1@gmail.com.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
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| New contruction in Braselton Georgia |
Now is the time to buy a new home in Gwinnett County! Low rates, new construction and home prices never seen before. If you're in a position to buy DO IT NOW. Just this week I put a buyer under contract on a new construction home in Dacula originally priced over $220k for $160k! Not all deals are this good but many are.
If you need help finding and securing your dream deal in Gwinnett or Barrow County, call me at 404 663 7063 or email steverider1@gmail.com.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Gwinnett Schools Start August 8th | A Sad Day for Me
The first day of school was always a sad time for me but this time I'm sad for a different reason. My little girl starts kindergarten Monday at Dyer Elementary. Actually I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, she's growing up too fast. On the other, she's starting a long journey that will increase her learning skills. She's a smart little cookie already, sometimes too smart for her own good!
When I was still in school we didn't start until after Labor Day which made the summer longer. These days, most districts in this area start in early August and I think for some parents, August couldn't come soon enough! You know how kids can get when they're bored! Other counties in the area like Barrow, Hall, Jackson and Walton all start within a few weeks of each other.
Gwinnett schools are rated as some of the best in the state. You can find ratings for all schools in the area by going to www.stevesellsgwinnett.com and clicking on the "market insider" link at the top of the page. Then just enter the zip code and you'll see the ratings for each school. If you're moving to the area and need help finding a home in one of these districts, contact me at 404 663 7063 and I'll be happy to help!
Soon they'll be homework and report cards and lunchboxes! Where has the time gone?!!
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
When I was still in school we didn't start until after Labor Day which made the summer longer. These days, most districts in this area start in early August and I think for some parents, August couldn't come soon enough! You know how kids can get when they're bored! Other counties in the area like Barrow, Hall, Jackson and Walton all start within a few weeks of each other.
Gwinnett schools are rated as some of the best in the state. You can find ratings for all schools in the area by going to www.stevesellsgwinnett.com and clicking on the "market insider" link at the top of the page. Then just enter the zip code and you'll see the ratings for each school. If you're moving to the area and need help finding a home in one of these districts, contact me at 404 663 7063 and I'll be happy to help!
Soon they'll be homework and report cards and lunchboxes! Where has the time gone?!!
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Homeowners Associations in Gwinnett Area Get Greedy
Note to Gwinnett area homeowners associations......your greediness is hurting your neighborhoods! Recently I've seen some outrageous "initiation fees" and "move in fees" for buyers purchasing a home in a subdivision with mandatory HOAs. Some as much as $2500!
I'm not sure if they are thinking long term but charging these fees are killing sales in their neighborhoods. It's obvious this is an attempt to recover fees not paid by defaulting homeowners and/or vacant homes. Even further, they also realize the banks that own these properties will pay these fees just to sell the property and get it off their books. Plain and simple, this is robbery and the big lenders are well aware of it.
First time homebuyers don't have an extra $2500 laying around! So when around 30% of the market are first time buyers, and you handcuff them with this outrageous fee, they are forced to move on to another property. This in turn, hurts sales in the neighborhood which obviously hurts your association.....and your current homeowners as well.
As I mentioned before, the big lenders are aware this is a problem. Freddie Mac has addressed this as recent as yesterday in an annual meeting with local listing agents and brokers according to my broker who attended this meeting. Among other issues, this is one that is costing the tax payers money.
In the case of Freddie Mac, they are run by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. A federal, yes federal agency.....which means tax money is somehow factored into what they do. I'm not an expert on this agency but I can tell you anytime you ask Freddie Mac to pay an HOA initiation fee, in the end this is coming out of YOUR POCKET! So the buyer has to ask the government to pay a fee that the HOA has dreamed up to make up for a shortfall and they pay it.....at least right now they pay it.
This is extortion folks! By these HOAs that know the banks and government run agencies will pay these fees to move the property. I wouldn't look for these agencies and companies to continue this too much longer. Hopefully they will implement a plan to prevent it but in the meantime, hire a strong negotiator/Realtor to work for you.
If you need a stong negotiator to help you purchase your next home, please contact me! I'd be happy to help!
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
I'm not sure if they are thinking long term but charging these fees are killing sales in their neighborhoods. It's obvious this is an attempt to recover fees not paid by defaulting homeowners and/or vacant homes. Even further, they also realize the banks that own these properties will pay these fees just to sell the property and get it off their books. Plain and simple, this is robbery and the big lenders are well aware of it.
First time homebuyers don't have an extra $2500 laying around! So when around 30% of the market are first time buyers, and you handcuff them with this outrageous fee, they are forced to move on to another property. This in turn, hurts sales in the neighborhood which obviously hurts your association.....and your current homeowners as well.
As I mentioned before, the big lenders are aware this is a problem. Freddie Mac has addressed this as recent as yesterday in an annual meeting with local listing agents and brokers according to my broker who attended this meeting. Among other issues, this is one that is costing the tax payers money.
In the case of Freddie Mac, they are run by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. A federal, yes federal agency.....which means tax money is somehow factored into what they do. I'm not an expert on this agency but I can tell you anytime you ask Freddie Mac to pay an HOA initiation fee, in the end this is coming out of YOUR POCKET! So the buyer has to ask the government to pay a fee that the HOA has dreamed up to make up for a shortfall and they pay it.....at least right now they pay it.
This is extortion folks! By these HOAs that know the banks and government run agencies will pay these fees to move the property. I wouldn't look for these agencies and companies to continue this too much longer. Hopefully they will implement a plan to prevent it but in the meantime, hire a strong negotiator/Realtor to work for you.
If you need a stong negotiator to help you purchase your next home, please contact me! I'd be happy to help!
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Beat the Heat in Gwinnett | Cool Things To Do
You know what they say about the weather in Georgia, "If you don't like it, just wait a few minutes" Oh wait, maybe that's Florida. Well unless you live in a cave you know it's been a very hot summer already. No sign of the heat breaking soon so why not find something cool to do?
The Gwinnett area has plenty of indoor or wet activities. If you're new or moving to the area and have no idea what to do, here are a few of my favorites....
Lanier World This one is not officially in Gwinnett county but close enough. Located on Lake Lanier in Gainesville this place has it all. A waterpark with a wave pool and several other waterslides, a beach and restaurants. My family has season passes and we use them regularly. Find out more at http://www.lanierworld.com/
Gwinnett County Parks There are several parks around that have indoor and outdoor pools. Some include waterslides, lazy rivers and playgrounds in the pool. The entry fee is minimal and you can stay as long as you like. Find out more at http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/ and click on the Parks and Recreation link.
Mall of Georgia Regal Theaters You know it's always cold in the movie theater no matter what time of year it is? BINGO! Perfect for a hot summer day. There's also an IMAX theater at this location so check it out. Of course, it's at the mall so you shouldn't have any problems getting the wife and kids to go.
Suwanee Town Center Fountains My daughter loves to run in the fountains at this very hip and cool park in the middle of Suwanee. What's really cool about it is there's always something going on there, and there's several great restaurants surround the park too.
If you're moving to the Gwinnett County area and need help finding a home, I'd be happy to help. Contact me at 404-663-7063 and I'll share a few more of my favorite things to do in Gwinnett!
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
The Gwinnett area has plenty of indoor or wet activities. If you're new or moving to the area and have no idea what to do, here are a few of my favorites....
Lanier World This one is not officially in Gwinnett county but close enough. Located on Lake Lanier in Gainesville this place has it all. A waterpark with a wave pool and several other waterslides, a beach and restaurants. My family has season passes and we use them regularly. Find out more at http://www.lanierworld.com/
Gwinnett County Parks There are several parks around that have indoor and outdoor pools. Some include waterslides, lazy rivers and playgrounds in the pool. The entry fee is minimal and you can stay as long as you like. Find out more at http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/ and click on the Parks and Recreation link.
Mall of Georgia Regal Theaters You know it's always cold in the movie theater no matter what time of year it is? BINGO! Perfect for a hot summer day. There's also an IMAX theater at this location so check it out. Of course, it's at the mall so you shouldn't have any problems getting the wife and kids to go.
Suwanee Town Center Fountains My daughter loves to run in the fountains at this very hip and cool park in the middle of Suwanee. What's really cool about it is there's always something going on there, and there's several great restaurants surround the park too.
If you're moving to the Gwinnett County area and need help finding a home, I'd be happy to help. Contact me at 404-663-7063 and I'll share a few more of my favorite things to do in Gwinnett!
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Why Wasn’t My Offer Accepted? | Realistic Buyers Always Win
I hear this all the time....."I don't want to deal, I want to steal"! Don't get me wrong, I want the best price for everything I purchase too. But when it comes to purchasing a home, there are some things you can do to insure you get the best deal without all the hassle. Most likely the home you make an offer on will be distressed, meaning bank owned or short sale. These are two different kinds of situations but the goal is the same, get this property sold in the least amount of time and for the most the market will allow.
First, make sure you work with a Realtor. Realtors are bound by a code of ethics and will fight to get you the best deal possible. Not all agents are Realtors so look for the "R".
Second, be realistic! Your Realtor® should do the homework for you but make sure the price and condition of the home you like is in line with the sold comps in the neighborhood. The market is over 50% bank owned or short sale properties currently. In some areas more and some less, but overall these are deeply discounted prices to begin with.
Third, listen to your Realtor and make an offer that will get noticed. Again, I want the best price possible too but making an offer of $50k on a $150k house is not smart! It's a huge waste of your time and will most likely not even draw a counteroffer. Working with asset managers on a daily basis I can tell you their thought process is this.....will this offer get this file off my desk with minimal effort? If you submit an offer $100k less than list the answer to that question is no, it will not get that file off their desk. It will create more work for them by having to draft many counteroffers and probably never work out. That is if they even answer it. 99% of the time those offers are met with a counteroffer of list price or not even answered.
Lastly, make the cleanest offer possible. Don't clutter it up with requests for appliances and new carpet and paint. If you're looking at a home missing these items or one that needs lots of work and you don't have the capital, move on! There are plenty of homes on the market that are move-in ready.
If you want to take on the task of renovating a home there are options for renovation financing. 203k is the most popular now and can be used to make repairs and/or updates to $35k. Just be prepared for an extended period to close as these loans are very complex and take time to put together.
There are many other tips I can share with you to make your home buying experience less stressful and successful. If you want to learn more, email at steverider1@gmail.com or call my cell 404 663 7063.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Friday, July 22, 2011
My Addiction to Frozen Yogurt | Dacula Gets New Froyolo
I'm addicted.......not to something illicit or illegal. I'm addicted to.......wait for it.......frozen yogurt. This is a recent finding and probably one that has helped me from becoming a bowling ball again. Some would argue that frozen yogurt is just as bad as ice cream when it comes to nutrional value but I would beg to differ. First just look at the nutrition charts. Secondly, there's no way I could have consumed the same amount of ice cream in the last two months and still fit into my shorts.
Recently a new outlet for my addiction opened in Dacula. Froyolo is the place where I get my fix. Located in the Publix shopping Center on Dacula Rd, this new location is the typical self serve, topping crazy, glass tiles and plastic chairs. But, it's only 3 miles from my house!!!
It's a buffet of frozen yumminess. Grab a cup (I like the medium size because you can fill it to the rim and still have some dignity because it doesn't look like a tub), fill it up with up to 13 flavor choices, get your toppings and pay by weight. That's right, pay by weight. You would think this would keep patrons from overfilling the cup but not me.
If you live in Dacula, like frozen treats, and you don't care if you get addicted, you should try it. There are plenty of frozen yogurt brands out there but this, in my opinion, is the best!
If you're looking to move to Dacula or the Northeast Gwinnett area, go to http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ and click on search properties.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Recently a new outlet for my addiction opened in Dacula. Froyolo is the place where I get my fix. Located in the Publix shopping Center on Dacula Rd, this new location is the typical self serve, topping crazy, glass tiles and plastic chairs. But, it's only 3 miles from my house!!!
It's a buffet of frozen yumminess. Grab a cup (I like the medium size because you can fill it to the rim and still have some dignity because it doesn't look like a tub), fill it up with up to 13 flavor choices, get your toppings and pay by weight. That's right, pay by weight. You would think this would keep patrons from overfilling the cup but not me.
If you live in Dacula, like frozen treats, and you don't care if you get addicted, you should try it. There are plenty of frozen yogurt brands out there but this, in my opinion, is the best!
If you're looking to move to Dacula or the Northeast Gwinnett area, go to http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/ and click on search properties.
www.SteveSellsGwinnett.com Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
HAFA Short Sale | Does That Mean I Only Make It Half Way?
In Georgia, when you hear "HAFA", it could mean a number of things. But it's not a new way to say you're only getting a portion of something, it's an acronym for Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives. This program is allowing some homeowners to short sale their homes and move on with some dignity....and a little money in their pockets.
How does HAFA work? There's lots of criteria for this program and you can read all about it at http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/atj/user/AdditionalGetAction.do?pageId=329491. The benefits are cash in hand when you close and total forgiveness of the deficiency which means the mortgage company can't come after you later on. Of course you have to meet certain requirements to qualify and the link above will explain those requirements.
Here is a summary of the requirements....
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So if you think you might qualify or just have more questions, give me a call or email me. I'd be happy to help!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/
Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
How does HAFA work? There's lots of criteria for this program and you can read all about it at http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/atj/user/AdditionalGetAction.do?pageId=329491. The benefits are cash in hand when you close and total forgiveness of the deficiency which means the mortgage company can't come after you later on. Of course you have to meet certain requirements to qualify and the link above will explain those requirements.
Here is a summary of the requirements....
So if you think you might qualify or just have more questions, give me a call or email me. I'd be happy to help!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/
Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Take Fido with you | Advice for Sellers
The mls listing said..."Courtesy call owner, caution pets".
Most of the time this isn't a problem, the owner takes the dog with them. Or maybe they have a cat that will run out the door if you leave it open. Pets are like members of the family and they are certainly a concern when your house is on the market.
But here's the thing.....you know there's always a thing right? If your dog barks when strangers come to your house even when you're there, don't leave Fido in a cage in the corner of the kitchen!! It's very distracting and not to mention cruel to the dog.
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It's very difficult to sell a house to a buyer when you can't hear them. The dog is barking and it's echoing off the hardwoods and 10ft ceilings and all the buyer wants to know is if the countertops are granite. The dog is growling at the buyer's children and now they're screaming. As you can imagine this does not make for happy buyers nor a good selling environment.
Sellers remember, when you're selling your home it's imperative to give the best first impression, which is usually the view from the curb. But don't let it stop there. Make sure the lights are on, the house is clean, and the dog is not distracting your potential buyers from all the great features your home has to offer.
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/
Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Most of the time this isn't a problem, the owner takes the dog with them. Or maybe they have a cat that will run out the door if you leave it open. Pets are like members of the family and they are certainly a concern when your house is on the market.
But here's the thing.....you know there's always a thing right? If your dog barks when strangers come to your house even when you're there, don't leave Fido in a cage in the corner of the kitchen!! It's very distracting and not to mention cruel to the dog.
Sellers remember, when you're selling your home it's imperative to give the best first impression, which is usually the view from the curb. But don't let it stop there. Make sure the lights are on, the house is clean, and the dog is not distracting your potential buyers from all the great features your home has to offer.
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/
Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Xpress Bus Now Stopping at Hebron Baptist Church
Interesting comments made online about this new Xpress bus stop in Dacula.
http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/dacula/headlines/Xpress_bus_to_stop_at_church_lot_123790459.html
I'm not sure what people are getting all worked up about. It's a bus stop, it's taking cars off the highway! Some are complaining that it will increase crime....how is that so? Will criminals ride the bus to rob me then ride the bus home carrying my flat screen?
Some are complaining about the tax exempt status of Hebron and any money they make on this is free and clear.....that church has done more for this community over the years than any other establisment so why the fuss?
I see it as a good thing. It might not work out, they might not have the interest they need. But it's worth a try and with the high price of gas, it will save you money!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/
Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/dacula/headlines/Xpress_bus_to_stop_at_church_lot_123790459.html
I'm not sure what people are getting all worked up about. It's a bus stop, it's taking cars off the highway! Some are complaining that it will increase crime....how is that so? Will criminals ride the bus to rob me then ride the bus home carrying my flat screen?
Some are complaining about the tax exempt status of Hebron and any money they make on this is free and clear.....that church has done more for this community over the years than any other establisment so why the fuss?
I see it as a good thing. It might not work out, they might not have the interest they need. But it's worth a try and with the high price of gas, it will save you money!
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/
Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Monday, July 11, 2011
July foreclosure notices up 16 percent in metro Atlanta
July foreclosure notices up 16 percent in metro Atlanta
Most of these foreclosures could be prevented if people were educated on their options. Fact, foreclosure stays on your credit rating for a minimum of 7 years. Fact, a short sale stays on your credit rating for 1-3 years. Most people don't realize the late payments hurt your credit more than the short sale itself.
Before you run out of time, contact me about your options. Or if your pride is getting the best of you check out http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/atj/user/AdditionalGetAction.do?pageId=315937. This site contains a lot of information that you wanted to ask about but were too proud or scared to ask. If you're in this situation, it's not a time to be proud.
Call me if you want help with your situation. I'm happy to sit down and discuss what's best for you. Whether it's a loan mod or a short sale, I'll make sure you do what's in your best interest.
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/
Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Most of these foreclosures could be prevented if people were educated on their options. Fact, foreclosure stays on your credit rating for a minimum of 7 years. Fact, a short sale stays on your credit rating for 1-3 years. Most people don't realize the late payments hurt your credit more than the short sale itself.
Before you run out of time, contact me about your options. Or if your pride is getting the best of you check out http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/atj/user/AdditionalGetAction.do?pageId=315937. This site contains a lot of information that you wanted to ask about but were too proud or scared to ask. If you're in this situation, it's not a time to be proud.
Call me if you want help with your situation. I'm happy to sit down and discuss what's best for you. Whether it's a loan mod or a short sale, I'll make sure you do what's in your best interest.
http://www.stevesellsgwinnett.com/
Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Mall of Georgia Fireworks...It's Going to be Hot!
I know, it's Georgia and I shouldn't be surprised but this weekend will be the hottest weather so far this summer. Hopefully that won't stop people from looking at real estate and if you are out and about, be sure to check out some of the great deals I have listed. Check them out here.
There's going to be plenty of choices when it comes to fireworks displays on Monday night but our favorite is the Mall of Georgia show. They have an entire day of festivities leading up to one of the largest shows in the state at dusk. We usually set up early in the lot in front of Nordstrom Rack. I feel it's the best location because it's on a hill overlooking the area where they shoot from. As with most good firework shows, it's always crowded so get there a few hours before dark.
This was from 3 yrs ago...I look cranky because they started the show late and I was hungry!!
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There's going to be plenty of choices when it comes to fireworks displays on Monday night but our favorite is the Mall of Georgia show. They have an entire day of festivities leading up to one of the largest shows in the state at dusk. We usually set up early in the lot in front of Nordstrom Rack. I feel it's the best location because it's on a hill overlooking the area where they shoot from. As with most good firework shows, it's always crowded so get there a few hours before dark.
This was from 3 yrs ago...I look cranky because they started the show late and I was hungry!!
Here is the schedule of events for the 2011 show. Hope to see you there!
Mall Event:
7/4/2011 2:00 PM to 7/4/2011 11:30 PM
Fabulous 4th of July at Mall of Georgia
Fabulous 4th of July Events: Free concerts begin at 2 p.m. in the Village Amphitheatre:
The Ron Jonsons: 2 – 4 p.m.
The Woody’s: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
The Atlanta Groove: 7 – 9 p.m.
Kids Zone opens at 2 p.m.
Prize an Hour Registration begins at 2 p.m.
Fireworks begin at dusk.
Post-fireworks screening of Little Fockers.
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New for 2011 is the Mall of Georgia Beer Garden!!
Enjoy the comfortable outdoor lounge experience, opening at 4 p.m.
Rick Tanner’s Rotisserie Patriotic Concessions:
$7 each for Bratwurst, Hamburgers, Hotdogs and Grilled Chicken Sandwiches.
Choice of Ice Cold Brew for $5/16-ounce glass.
Entry into the Beer Garden is free with purchase of beverage and/or food.
Open to families, but catering specifically to the 21 and older crowd.
See Guest Services for more information or check us out on Facebook!
Steve Rider, CDPE Realtor with Keller Williams Lanier Partners in Braselton Georgia. Covering Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Northeast Georgia. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home in this area please contact me at 404 663 7063 or steverider1@gmail.com.
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