Archive for the 'Professional Associate reVIEWS' Category
Do I Really Need To Use A Real Estate Agent?
May 7th, 2008Categories: North Georgia Real Estate VIEWS, Professional Associate reVIEWS
Byron Wyndham of Wyndham & Associates often comes up on The Front Porch to share his Views on Real Estate Law and his vast experience in the Real Estate industry. This article talks about why you should use a Realtor when searching for your next North Georgia Mountain Cabin For Sale in Ellijay, Blue Ridge or Blairsville.
I have written in this blog about how business practices differ in the mountains than in many metropolitan areas. Today, I want to address an issue that is present in both the North Georgia Mountains and in more urban areas. I often hear the question, “Do I need a real estate agent to buy a house?”.
The easy answer is “Yes, why don’t you go ahead and use an agent since it won’t cost you anything because the Seller pays the agent’s commission.” While that statement is true, an agent does more than simply find a Buyer a property that the Buyer wants to buy.
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Do You Have Gas? Or Do You Have To Pay For It?
March 7th, 2008Categories: North Georgia Cabin Buyer's reVIEWS, North Georgia Real Estate VIEWS, Professional Associate reVIEWS
It has been a while since we have heard from one of my associates, Byron Wyndham. This is not at all his fault, I have to take most, if not all of the blame. He actually sent me the article for this post several weeks ago. Byron is a Real Estate attorney here in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Should you have any legal questions pertaining to North Georgia Real Estate, you should give the good folks at J. Byron Wyndham & Associates a call. Their number is 706.258.6222.
I’ve been trying to point out how buying property in the
Most homes in the
It is often used for the furnace, hot water heater, stove, clothes dryer, gas grill and the generator. You don’t often think about the propane because the gas company usually has you on a regular schedule and the tank is just filled. You may not be aware of the gas company having been at your house until you get the bill for the refill.
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What Interest Rate Are You Paying On Your North Georgia Mountain Cabin?
February 23rd, 2008Categories: Mortgage & Finance reVIEWS, Professional Associate reVIEWS
I would like to introduce a very good friend of mine that I have known for quiet some time, Tracie Griffith. Tracie is a loan officer and the branch manager of All Source Mortgage in Blue Ridge, Ga. Tracie provides excellent customer service and she knows and values the the lending business. Tracie has taken such good care of my clients, and I too value her business and I am proud to have her as part of such an awesome team of professionals that provide first class services and products to my clients.
I have asked Tracie to provide some weekly tips that I hope you will find very helpful in your search not only your next North Georgia Mountain Home or Cabin, but any and all of your lending needs.
Here are the Interest Rates and Programs that are available to you for as of Friday February 22, 2008
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The Best on The Vine - Week of January 18th
January 19th, 2008Categories: Professional Associate reVIEWS
I have been given the honor of hosting “The Best on The Vine” this week from my Tomato friend Charles Woodall of Dothan Home Search in Dothan, Alabama. I really couldn’t believe that he actually asked me if I would host….are you kidding me? I was about ready to steal your idea there Charles. I can only hope that I can do as good of a job as you have done week in and week out for quite some time now. I want to thank you for this opportunity.
So, some of you reading this article may be asking…..what exactly is he talking about, “The Best on The Vine?” When you become a client of Jim Cronin and the Real Estate Tomato you join an elite group of Real Estate bloggers, better known as “The Vine.” We are students and graduates of the The Real Estate Tomato, one of the top sites for Real Estate Blogging Advice and services to get you up and blogging in no time at all. If you are thinking of starting a blog, or you are already blogging, you need to contact these guys….they are the BEST! Unsurpassed advice, training, and one on one coaching in the business.
And now, for the Best on The Vine for the week of January 18th….
Jennifer Klaussen with The Arlington Dirt is giving the Arlington Virginia Buyer’s 7 Truths that will help them steer clear through the Purchase of a short sale property.
There is some great advice on the dangers of mortgage fraud and how to prevent foreclosures from Tracey Thomas over in the Pumpkin City with her Blog Calabasas.
If you have a loved one or friend that is 62 years of age or older, Jennifer Steck has asked an associate of hers in the lending business to explain in her Central Denver Blog a basic understanding of Reverse Mortgages and the value they bring to a certain homeowners.
Marty Van Diest in the Valley Market of Wasilla, Alaska is making sure that 
his readers are #1 in the #2 business….well when it comes to Septic Tanks that is. He explains 2 great concerns if you don’t have the convenience of a public sewer system.
There is a lot of “Buzz” over at The Silver Bee with 8 great reasons to list and sell your home during the winter months…..especially in the Silver Spring, MD. real estate market.
William Johnson has Volumes of Real Estate Savvy, however the Real Estate Textbook of choice this week is focused on the possible changes we might face in the years ahead as Real Estate agents in this industry.
Scott Montgomery, reporter for the Real Estate Post gets us the inside scoop on declining real estate markets and how to advise our customers and clients who are looking to buy and sell in the Arlington, VA. area and 
other markets facing this problem.
Are you frazzled about selling your home? Go over to the Cincy Blog, Kathy Koops has Three Great Alternatives to selling your home in a shifting market.
If you have the “Time” and a good appetite, Maggie Dokic with The Blog That Ate Miami has some great advice on how Chasing Down the Market Never Works, and how important it is to pricing them in the market the moment they hit the market.
Finally, nearby here in the North Georgia Mountains is the Scenic City Scoop on Chattanooga, TN. Andy Hodes has some great tips on Staging your home for Attracting the Right Buyer for your home.
Again, I want to thank Charles for this amazing opportunity to share my choice for “The Best of The Vine.” If you are interested in hosting this article, please contact Charles Woodall.
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First Thing Everyone Ought To Know About An Appraisal!
December 13th, 2007Categories: Mortgage & Finance reVIEWS, North Georgia Real Estate VIEWS, Professional Associate reVIEWS
Have you ever wondered just exactly what an appraisal is, or what components make up an appraisal? This weeks phone calls have consisted mostly of folks wanting a Realtors advice of what to do when they receive a disappointing appraisal.
What some home owners or buyer’s sometimes don’t understand is that there are many guidelines that Appraisers must follow that are set forth by companies like FannieMae and governmental organizations like the Georgia Real Estate Commission. I have asked a business associate and good friend of mine Jason Farmer who owns Mountain Gateway Appraisal to prepare for me some of those guidelines to share with my readers that are common concerns of those involved in a real estate transaction here in the North Georgia Mountain Real Estate market for a future post. I want to introduce this series of posts with a simplistic answer to exactly what an appraisal is before we look into those guidelines.
A home purchase is the largest, single investment most people will ever make. Whether it’s a primary residence, a second vacation home or an investment, the purchase of real property is a complex financial transaction that requires multiple parties to pull it all off.
Most of the people involved are very familiar. The Realtor is the most common face of the transaction. The mortgage company provides the financial capital necessary to fund the transaction. The closing attorney ensures that all aspects of the transaction are completed and that a clear title passes from the seller to the buyer.
So who makes sure the value of the property is in line with the amount being paid?
There are too many people exposed in the real estate process to let such a transaction proceed without ensuring that the value of the property is commensurate with the amount being paid.
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WARNING: Inspect The Water Before You Buy Your Mountain Cabin!
December 7th, 2007Categories: North Georgia Cabin Buyer's reVIEWS, North Georgia Real Estate VIEWS, Professional Associate reVIEWS
Here is some more great legal advice from J. Byron Wyndham and Associates at Law.
It’s really true that it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Although I have been handling real estate closings on the computer ever since the PC and the software have been around, there are still things in the computer world that I don’t understand. Blogs are one of them.
I certainly understand about writing a journal and even putting it on a web site. But how does anyone find it? There are millions of web sites and to have one web site “blog” and somehow people find it??
Wells and water are obviously very important and essential in a home in the mountains.
I should have noted that testing and inspection should also be part of the negotiation and contract process. If your well is in a community that has a community well, you may not need to have it inspected. I live in a neighborhood with 107 lots and 45 houses. We pay a community water fee and support the community with 8 wells. Obviously, a problem with the well will be handled by the Owners Association. However, if you are buying a lot that has it’s own well, or a lot that is sharing a well with only a small number of people, then the liability if the well fails is higher. You want to have a professional inspect the system prior to buying the property or speak with the professional who is servicing the well. Very few people actually maintain their wells themselves. There are many well companies in the mountains that drill and maintain wells. Any well will have someone maintaining it that you should be able to speak with.
Testing the well is an issue that has rarely been addressed in many transactions in the mountains.
I am often amazed that very few people actually think of having the wells tested. My community tests the wells every quarter and we have also installed chlorinators to help keep the system clear of bacteria. But I have also spoken with many people who say that they have lived here their whole life and have never had their well tested. It seems to be a matter of personal preference. It is just one more item to consider and discuss with your real estate agent as you negotiate a contract. The condition of the well can be a made a contingency of the contract.
Thanks again for all your comments.
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What Everybody Ought To Know About Water In The Mountains
November 19th, 2007Categories: North Georgia Cabin Buyer's reVIEWS, North Georgia Real Estate VIEWS, Professional Associate reVIEWS
Legal Advice from J. Byron Wyndham and Associates
I am often asked about the difference between buying property and living only in the mountains, and owning mountain property but living in a metropolitan area. Aside from the fresh air, bubbling streams, and beautiful mountain views, there are some other differences that people in the mountains take for granted, which visitors or part-time owners may not notice.
We have recently been enduring a terrible drought in Georgia. Virtually the whole state is under a watering ban that includes watering for yards, for washing cars, and for other personal purposes.
However, the ban does not apply to most of the mountain area of north Georgia. Why??
Most visitors are unaware that residents of the mountain areas in Georgia obtain their water from wells. We rely on the water table to supply us with water. Even though there may not be a government-issued watering ban, in times of drought wells can also be affected.
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It’s Cold, It’s Wet, It’s Gray….It’s Perfect!
November 3rd, 2007Categories: North Georgia Real Estate VIEWS, Professional Associate reVIEWS
I have asked a good friend and business associate Byron Wyndham of J. Byron Wyndham and Associates Attorneys at Law to work with me in providing my readers with weekly advice on Real Estate Law in the North Georgia Mountains.
J. Byron Wyndham is an attorney with over 25 years experience in Georgia real estate law. He has represented buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and lenders within his practice. A graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia, he began his practice in 1973. He has endeavored to work with all parties required in the purchase of a new home with a professional and understanding attitude and demeanor.
Although I have asked Byron to share with my readers advice on Real Estate Law, Byron thought it best that he break into the blogosphere with what he feels is his favorite time of year in the North Georgia Mountains. I told him I would let it slide just this one time, next time I would have to fire him! Byron truly does have a passion for mountain living, and he like so many, feels very fortunate to be able to work and live in such a beautiful place. Byron is seldom seen around town without a big ol’ smile on his face. I hope you enjoy his prelude to what I am sure will be very valuable information in his weekly real estate tips and advice in future posts on the Porch.
It’s Cold, It’s Wet, It’s Gray….It’s Perfect!
Many people do not come to the mountains in the winter. They think it would be like going to Buffalo and being stuck in the ultimate experience of cold and the snow. They are sure that they would get snowed in, lose heat, electricity and not be able to get out and go home. They believe the perfect time to visit the mountains is in the spring, summer and fall when all is green or colorful. Read the rest of this entry »
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