The following are some professional courtesies that every REALTOR should strive for. Using good manners is important in this business that is built on relationships. These 12 suggestions are all ways that show respect for peers. 1.      Identify your REALTOR and professional status in all contacts with other REALTORS. 2.      Respond to other agents' calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously. 3.      Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients. 4.      Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing. 5.      Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets; security systems; and whether sellers will be present during the showing. 6.      Show courtesy, tru... 07/10/2009

Photos ©2009 Anne Rains Photography, All Rights Reserved. If you are in the market to buy or sell your home in the Bethlehem or Dacula area, I would be happy to assist you! My passion is helping people find their dream home and stepping them through this exciting journey. I serve the Walton, Barrow and Gwinnett county areas. Call or text me today! 07/08/2009

Last month, I closed on a property located in Loganville, GA, representing the buyer.  The property was brand new construction; the bank had foreclosed on over one-third of the subdivision. Even though it was a foreclosure, the bank agreed to pay for: $5,000 in closing costs$   480 for a home warranty$   330 for HOA transfer and assessment fees$   300 to install two new windows that had been broken$   400 for a termite bond As we were closing, the attorney saw those numbers on the HUD and told my client that he might have had a good advocate in the process, and my client agreed with him.  When the closing had ended, the attorney turned to my client and told him that he had closed that morning on a house in the same subdivision, with the same floorplan, for a price $35,000 higher than we... 06/20/2009

The following are some professional courtesies that every REALTOR should strive for. Using good manners is important in this business that is built on relationships. These 21 suggestions are all ways that show respect for the public. 1.      Follow the "Golden Rule" - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 2.      Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information. 3.      Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible. 4.      Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing. 5.      If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant. 6.      Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion. 7.      When entering a property, ensure that unexpected situati... 06/08/2009

A Charleston, South Carolina Steeple Photos ©2009 Anne Rains Photography, All Rights Reserved. If you are in the market to buy or sell your home in the Bethlehem or Dacula area, I would be happy to assist you! My passion is helping people find their dream home and stepping them through this exciting journey. I serve the Walton, Barrow and Gwinnett county areas. Call or text me today! 06/03/2009

Here's a funny story to bring a smile to your day. A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. Asshe lay her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope andlistened to the bird's chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, "I'm so sorry, your Duck Cuddles has passed away".The distressed owner wailed, "Are you sure??" "Yes, I am sure. The duckis dead," he replied. "How can you be so sure," she protested. "I meanyou haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in acoma or something."   The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left theroom, and returned a few moments later with a black Labrador Retriever.As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hindlegs, put its front paws on the examination table ... 06/02/2009

Wordless Wednesday...sorry for the delay! I titled this A Street with a Story to Tell because this beautiful cobblestone street is very old and is part of Savannah, Georgia's River Street. It's a really neat street that runs beside the water and has several shops, restaurants and hotels to enjoy. Photos ©2009 Anne Rains Photography, All Rights Reserved. If you are in the market to buy or sell your home in the Bethlehem or Dacula area, I would be happy to assist you! My passion is helping people find their dream home and stepping them through this exciting journey. I serve the Walton, Barrow and Gwinnett county areas. Call or text me today! 05/21/2009

Spring is my favorite time of the year. Why? Because I absolutely love flowers and I'm really starting to get interested in planting and gardening--basically trying to make my yard be the best it can be. However, I'm a newlywed and don't have a ton of extra dough to put into creating a spectacularly landscaped yard. That is why I love the Loganville Grower's Outlet! Not only do they have a huge selection of flowers and plants of all kinds, but they have fabulous prices. For instance, today I bought one of my favorite flowers, Gerbera Daisies, for only $1 a piece!! Just the other day I was in Lowe's and these same plants were $3.83!! So you know what I did, I bought 15 plants today and only spent $15!!  Another reason why I love the Loganville Grower's Outlet is because the plants are he... 05/18/2009

  Photos ©2009 Anne Rains Photography, All Rights Reserved. If you are in the market to buy or sell your home in the Bethlehem or Dacula area, I would be happy to assist you! My passion is helping people find their dream home and stepping them through this exciting journey. I serve the Walton, Barrow and Gwinnett county areas. Call or text me today! 05/06/2009

I received these helpful tips in an e-mail and I thought my readers would find this useful as well. Who knew there were so many uses for a dryer sheet?! You'll be suprised at the variety of things a little sheet of Bounce can be used for.  It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them.  It also repels mice.    To freshen the air in your car - Place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.    Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust  from resettling   It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don't get opened too often.   It repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.   Eliminate static electricity from your television (or computer... 05/05/2009

"SHORT SALE" VS. FORECLOSURETEN CONSIDERATIONS FORECLOSURE •1.      More legal costs •2.      Recovery of lesser amount •3.      More non-performing loans •4.      Higher reserve requirements •5.      Possible negative impact on salability of existing loans to secondary market •6.      More R.E.O. marketing costs •7.      Negative perception by public •8.      Possible extensive property repairs •9.      Marketing challenge of extensive inventory •10.  Likely lower appraisal value can have negative impact on neighborhood & community SHORT SALE •1.      Fewer legal costs •2.      Greater recovery ratio •3.      Fewer non-performing loans •4.      Lower reserves •5.      Existing loans more marketable to secondary market •6.      Fewer R.E.O. marketing costs •7.      Fewer repairs likely ... 04/04/2009

Borrowers Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure Are Asking:1. What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.2. Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for a modification?No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income... 02/25/2009

Everyone loves watching a sporting event, right? Well, come on out and support your local high school basketball games...only 1 more game left until the tournaments start. Here's the line-up for the high schools in both the Walton and Barrow counties... Photo by: laffy4k WALTON COUNTY: Loganville High School: *Varsity Girls: Next game: Today, February 3, 2009 6:00 p.m. Playing away at Heritage High School Location: 2400 Granade Road SW, Conyers, GA 30094 Current statistics: won 17 games out of 24 *Varsity Boys: Next game: Today, February 3, 2009 7:30 p.m. Playing away at Heritage High School Current statistics: won 14 games out of 24 *JV Girls: Next game: Today, February 3, 2009 4:30 p.m. Playing away at Heritage High School *JV Boys: Next game: Saturday, February 7, 2009 Noon Playing a... 02/03/2009

Located in the Willow Wind Park Subdivision, this 1-1/2 story home features 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathes. Get all the information including pictures by visiting 554 Willowwind Drive. 11/24/2008

Forbes Magazine made some great predictions for Atlanta Home Builders and residents in September. Some markets like Las Vegas and Phoenix are expected to decrease by 50%. Atlanta is predicted to see significant increases in 2009. This reiterates that now is a great time to buy real estate in and around Atlanta. Discounts on new homes are incredible at this time too. I know of several upscale subdivisions where they are selling for more $125,000 than they were a year ago. They won't last forever! Although Forbes does list the number of foreclosures in Atlanta in early 2008, our continued steady job growth rates promise to to end our housing slump. In fact, next years prices are predicted to increase by 32.5% for single family homes around the metro Atlanta area. Multi-family home prices ... 11/19/2008

Foreclosure Homes For Sale In Georgia Fulton, North Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, County Georgia. Cities of Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Duluth, Buford, Lawrenceville, Dacula, Grayson, Snellville, Loganville, Suwanee, Norcross, Winder, Nov 10th 2008 This list is updated daily with Homes added to MLS in the last 24 hours Due to the nature of Foreclosure Homes and Short Sale Home, Buyers should act quickly ! For all Your Real Estate Needs Call ! Eric Reid, Managing Broker Renaissance Realty Group Inc.Office: 404-921-2067 x 102 Fax: 770-513-4443 Short Sale list click here Foreclosure list click here 11/10/2008

Foreclosures at Auction The foreclosure auction is the most commonly known way in which a foreclosure can be purchased. If the homeowner does not reinstate their mortgage, the property goes to a public auction, where anyone can bid. Auctions can be tough because they sometimes, you may not ahve time to fully inspect the property and title You MUST take time to do research and analysis of the property before you make that first bid, because once bought you own it, for better or worse. Auction are sometimes offer some of the best discounts, often ranging up to 50% below market value, and avoid some of the trouble of negotiating with a homeowner for a good price. Before you go to auction due you homework or hire a trusted Realtor to help you do your Homework in checking title and liens, ar... 10/21/2008

Foreclosure Homes For Sale In Georgia DAILY REPORT Foreclosure Homes / Short Sale Homes List Updated Oct 17th 2008 Fulton, North Fulton, DeKalb, County Georgia. Cities of Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Duluth, Buford, Lawrenceville, Dacula, Grayson, Snellville, Loganville, Suwanee, Norcross, Winder, This list is updated daily with Homes added to MLS in the last 24 hours Due to the nature of Foreclosure Homes and Short Sale Home, Buyers should act quickly ! For all Your Real Estate Needs Call ! Eric Reid, Managing Broker Renaissance Realty Group Inc.Office: 404-921-2067 x 102 Fax: 770-513-4443  Short Sale list click here Foreclosure list click here   10/17/2008

HUD Homes:The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a federal agency that insures home loans to homeowners through its Federal Housing Administration (FHA). When a property owner defaults on a HUD insured home loan, HUD purchases the home from the lender and sells it to the public at auction or through a traditional real estate listing agent or service. With the high rate of FHA insured loans buyers are seeing more and more HUD home for sale signs. These home sales offer a great opportunity to purchase a quality home adn below traditional resale homes. Looking to buy a HUD / Foreclosure or Pre-Forclosure talk to someone that know how to get you the best deal intodays market. Call Renaissance Realty Group 09/13/2008

Loganville is Red, White and Blue today!  Loganville is celebrating the 4th in style !!!! It started with a Parade down mainstreet and is ending with fireworks.  The homeowner is the Tara Subdivisions are celebrating with the Tara HOA Social Committe hosting a Sundae Socail and Dessert Pot luck  from 7-9pm.  This is a great opportunity for the homeowners to share this holiday with their neighbors. The Oasis Church will also be putting on the best firework display in Loganville. I hope to see everyone there. It is a great day in Loganville! Happy 4th of July to all !!! Renee Coakley   07/04/2008