Image by stevehdc via Flickr Each year, during the third weekend in October, Scots gather in the meadow at Stone Mountain Park.  For 37 years the Stone Mountain Highland Games have not only provided cool athletic competition, but also a great musical performances and social interactions. I have been to a few of the events over the years and enjoyed watching athletic events like the Caber Toss (this is throwing a telephone pole, kids…), the Hammer Throw and the Sheaf Toss. I’m also a sucker for bagpipe music. Hit up the Stone Mountain Highland Games website for more info.  Events start Friday evening and continue through Sunday.  There IS an additional charge to get into the meadow, aside from the park’s entry fee.   from LilburnDwellings.com 10/14/2009

The Gwinnett County Library System is reviewing the plan it had for several of its library branches; Lilburn, Snellville and Dacula. According to the News article on the Library’s website, they are moving to a Regional Service Model.  Under that model, the three mentioned libraries would become “Computer Libraries” and would have “Customers will be able to use computers for longer periods of time, return books, pick up holds, get library cards and use a photocopier at the computer access Library locations. These library centers will continue to be staffed by librarians and other staff qualified to address information and reference questions. You will still be able to browse the entire collection online and request delivery of materials to the pick up location of your choice.” The way I ... 10/11/2009

We've all been there...  Travelling across country or even out of the country...  We have to eat.  There are two basic choices.  Do we experiment and try something local?  Maybe hit up a "Mom & Pop" place with purely local fare...  Or there is the chain...  We know what they serve, we have their menus memorized.  No matter where you go, the #2 at McDonald's is a Double Cheeseburger.  If it isn't #2, it is still nearby.  And no matter where you go, NO food critic is going to drop out of the sky and think that his #2 is the most exceptional thing EVER.  If it is perfect, it is ok...  Just ok.  And I like a Double Cheeseburger with a few McDonalad's fries...  But what about the Court of Two Sisters in NOLA?  Or the Country Pump somewhere in rural MN?  Moab Brewery in Moab, UT?  Fat Matt's ... 10/11/2009

For the last 35 years, local crafters and entertainers have gathered at Lilburn’s City Park to display their crafts and entertain the spectators and shoppers…  For the 36th Annual event this year, it will be no different… and don’t forget to bring an appetite as well.  If you like craft and art shows, as well as good festival food and a variety of music, you should fit right in. There are a few things to keep in mind: The event is FREE Parking is FREE The shuttle from the parking area is FREE The easiest way to park is to use the shopping center at the corner of US29 and Killian Hill/Indian Trail or park at First Baptist Church. 9:00AM is the start time There are usually over 200 exhibitors and vendors There WILL be lots of kid focused activities There will be some street restrictions ... 10/08/2009

I just posted this up on my LilburnDwellings blog.  I got a email from Senator Chambliss today outlining options for those in the Atlanta area that have been affected by the floods last week.  It details some of the resources available to those that suffered non-insured damages from the floods. Remember, don’t delay… Here is the link. 10/01/2009

We Invite you to visit the Best Georgia real estate school in the State.  Our Real Estate School is a fully accredited Georgia real estate school and one of the nations leading full service online Real Estate Schools in Georgia. We offer the best prices for Georgia online real estate courses available.  Instructors are ready and available to assist you with all your Georgia Real Estate School Courses and GA real estate license. Our online Georgia real estate school offers pre and post licensing and continuing education for Georgia  Real Estate, Appraisal, Home Inspection, Mortgage Broker, Land Surveyor, Engineer, Personal Finance, Professional Development, Counselor, Social Work, Tax Assessor, funeral director services, consumer education and legal CEU. The Rowlett Career School is Part... 09/28/2009

The October issue of Realtor Magazine (our industry magazine) had an interesting article about dispelling myths while educating first time home buyers.  The third point was about the realities of "bargains". There are absolutely some bargains in the market...  But, often those properties that are the real bargains are NOT the ones that have rock-bottom prices.  The HECK you say... Really...  I have been in some pretty cheap properties in the last few months.  It seems that a house priced at $25,000 in a neighborhood or $150,000 homes would be a slam-dunk, right?  That deal starts to look WAY less attractive when the issues get added up...  roof mold floor coverings appliances plumbing fixtures electical fixtures copper wire copper plumbing landscaping (not to make it pretty, but to stop... 09/24/2009

The October issue of Realtor Magazine (our industry magazine) had an interesting article about dispelling myths while educating first time home buyers.  The second point was about excessive caution, and buyer, especially new buyers, wanting to see "everything on the market". I have to admit... the writer at Realtor Magazine got another solid base hit.  I have worked with buyers that wanted to see a LOT of houses... even houses that really didn't suit their purposes... even houses that they KNEW didn't suit their purposes prior to wanting to see them.  And there are a LOT of houses on the market.  While inventories are down around 25% from last year, there are still about 80,000 homes on the market in the Atlanta Metro area.  Generally, in ANY given price range and area there are scores ... 09/24/2009

The October issue of Realtor Magazine (our industry magazine) had an interesting article about dispelling myths while educating first time home buyers.  The first point was about the weakness of the housing market.  They are absolutely correct that we can't flip on the TV, radio or computer, nor pick up a newspaper or magazine... or even sit in a restaurant without hearing about the tremendous "Buyer's Market" taking place right now.  Quickly, the common wisdom is that since there are few buyers in the market, the ones that are there can beat sellers into incredible deals...  Of course, there is some truth to that.  There aren't as many buyers in the Gwinnett County and Lilburn, GA markets as there were a few years ago... at least buyers that can get financing.  BUT... in some segments,... 09/23/2009

I wrote a post not long ago about how water (uncontrolled) can destroy your house, and how simple things like gutters and paint can protect your investment.  But this isn't abut anything so trivial...  If you haven't been paying attention to the news... or you aren't reading this post in mid to late September (2009), we are having some serious water issues here in Atlanta.  The words 100 year flood are making the rounds... and I have NO reason to not believe that.  I have been here 20 years and have never seen anything like this.  While out and about today, I saw displaced roads, flooded creeks and rivers flowing over bridges.  Those things all happen sometimes, but the word is that there are several HUNDRED roads closed from flooding.  And the rain hasn't stopped.  Here is the importan... 09/21/2009

Yep... another plan.  But, as a home owner, there are a lot of things to keep up with.  Air filter changes, painting and gutter cleaning.  Those are just some of the tasks that we need to schedule... and then there is caulking, raking, trimming shrubs and fertilizing the lawn.  That isn't even including things like updating the amenities inyour home...  Sure, every once in a while we think it might be nice to redo the kitchen or the bathroom.  Maybe there is a thought about expanding the garage, building a deck or opening up a wall.  It could be adding a skylight or getting new windows... even adding insulation.  The point is that there are a LOT of things that we, as home owners, need to keep up with... or that we want to change.  And a great tool for that is a longer term plan for the... 09/20/2009

Water is essential for life.  Without it, everything dies.  But... sometimes it can be a pain in the butt... like when it is in the wrong place in the house... or outside of the house... I have a buyer that is under contract on a beautiful home... or more accurately, a home that could be beautiful.  But it has problems.  Water.  The biggest issue is one that people usually don't think of... Gutters There are several damaged gutters around the house, and some that we suspect are clogged.  Furthermore, the downspouts are in less than great condition... blocked, broken or poorly moving water away from the house.  This has led to damaged window and door frames, as the water has caused rot in several places.  It has also led to damage to carpet in the basement, erosion around the deck suppor... 09/17/2009

There are always great things happening in Lilburn... September 19th, 2009 - Community Garage Sale in the Overflow Parking Lot across from the Lilburn City Park - 9am to 2pm October 10th, 2009 - Lilburn DazeFestival in the Lilburn City Park - 9am to 5pm October 12th, 2009 - City Council Meeting in the Auditorium at Lilburn City Hall - 7:30pm October 17th, 2009 - Community Garage Sale in the Overflow Parking Lot across from the Lilburn City Park - 9am to 2pm October 24th, 2009 - Get Fit Lilburn in Old Town Lilburn and at Lilburn City Park - 4:30pm to 8:30pm November 8th, 2009 - Veteran's Day Celebration in Lilburn City Park - 3pm to 5pm For more details on what is happening in Lilburn, check out CityOfLilburn.com.  There is a registration required to set up a table in the garages sales o... 09/15/2009

I'm not a "Bug Guy" and I don't play one on TV.  But, as a real estate agent, I get asked about bugs a lot.  More specifically, I get asked about termites... ok, actually about termite damage and termite bonds.  We joke (ok, actually the Bug Guys joke) that here in the south there are homes that have been infested and homes that will be infested.  There are NO homes that won't get a termite visit.  And I can say from experience that they might be right...  And of course, as soon as my buyer finds a house and we start delving further into it... like the seller's disclosure, the question comes up about the different bond types that are available.  Basically, there are two types...  Repair Bonds Retreatment Bonds And there are two major distinctions between them.  price coverage Repair bon... 09/14/2009

Maybe...  Maybe not...  Make no mistake, there are some deals in the market.  And combined with the $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit (FTHBTC), this can be a great time to buy a first home.  Interest rates have remained low... despite a LOT of predictions to the contrary.  In fact, with a projected deficit THIS year of $1.8T for the federal government, there is still an expectation that rates will have to rise because of the pressure on the available investors.  In fact, that would be the case laid out by those that say THIS is the time.  The FTHBTC is coming to a close on December 1st.  And while that is almost two months away, in the world of home search and financing, two months can go by pretty quickly.  On the other hand... There are some points that would suggest that for som... 09/12/2009

No, we don't need to call OSHA...  But there IS a danger we real estate agents face almost every day... a hidden danger that can wreak havoc in our regular lives.  I held an open house at one of my listings today, 590 Baltimore Ave in Lilburn, GA.  And while rushing out of the house for the 7 minute drive, I forgot to grab some reference paperwork.  As soon as I arrived and began unpacking by laptop and setting up my office for the afternoon, I realized that I hadn't grabbed the needed papers.  I called the lovely and talented Mrs. GarageGuy, and asked her to bring them to me... not knowing that I was about to infect her with the condition I have fought as long as I have been an agent...  That's right, house envy... Of course, I told her to look around and see what she thought.  She had... 09/06/2009

I visited a home recently that had an interesting mix of over and under updated features. Overall, the home was quite beautiful.  The finishes were well done and attractive.  Honestly, it showed better than the photos... and that is a good thing, the photos weren't bad. The yard was amazing.  The only issue I could find is that it would require too much care for MY lifestyle, but it was wonderful to walk around the paths and see the ponds, gardens and various areas. But then there was the kitchen...  1990 called and they want their kitchen back...  It didn't live up to the rest of the house. What to do? If you are selling your home, and you want to maximize the price and minimize the time on market, the Kitchen is the MOST important room to use to WOW your buyer.  The next most importan... 09/05/2009

Image via Wikipedia Ok, mold has NEVER just been for bread and cheese.  and while it can be useful stuff… when it is penicillin… the rest of the time, it is NOT something we want in our bodies. So, Mold and Real Estate? I’m seeing it more and more.  Actually, it started a few years ago, but as more foreclosures come on the market, mold gets to be a bigger issue. In some homes it is a minor issue… a little musty smell that can be handled with a couple of filter changes in the HVAC and a good cleaning.  There are even some homes that don’t seem to have any mold smells present. But in other homes it is a MAJOR problem.  We aren’t talking about a little smell, we are talking about unhealthy levels of toxins… and in some cases, they could cause serious respiratory distress, or worse.  In th... 09/04/2009

I recently took some buyers out looking at houses in an area with a lot of bankrupt subdivisions.  The houses were, in many cases, quite attractive and priced very competitively. But there are a lot of considerations that buyers need to weigh before buying a home in a subdivision where the developer has gone out of business... We'll start with the dangers... The amenities may not be complete... and they may NEVER be complete.  If you are buying a property because of the pool or tennis facilities, and those items aren't there, they might never be built. There is NO telling what might be built on the currently vacant lots... The bank that gets control of the lots wants to SELL them.  And they likely aren't going to quiz the buyer as to their plans for the neighborhood.  Your 5,000 square ... 09/03/2009

Image via Wikipedia That's right... Buyers are looking at homes, and they still have a choice. Don't get me wrong, there is competition among Buyers for some homes, but the competition goes both ways. Buyers that don't snap up the deal fast enough might find that they lose it to another Buyer.  And Sellers that don't accept solid offers might find that they lose the Buyer to another Home (Seller).   from Lane's "other" blog... 08/30/2009