Painted Baby Dresser

http://teresacjohnson.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/baby-present-for-my-niece/

What is there to do at the Gainesville, Georgia Parks?

Are you interested in having Fun and a way to be Healty in Hall County, Georgia? Gainesville, Georgia Parks offers more opportunity for Fun than you can imagine!

What is there to do at the Gainesville, Georgia Parks?
Mother Son Dinner Under the Stars. Tueday, October 17
The Great Candy Cane Hunt, December 1, 2007
Travel Camps
Art Gallery Tours for Children
Art Club for Children
Outdoor Preschool Programs
Kid Chefs
Good Manners Classes
Pee Wee Sports
Tennis Classes and Tournaments
Adult Softball Leagues
Yoga and Exercise Classes
Dancing
Senior Programs
Art for Adults
Piano Classes
Quilting Bee Club
Digital Photography
Senior Trips
Women's Health
Gainesville City School Athletics
Allen Creek Soccer Complex
Lake Lanier Rowing Club
Sprint Racing Program
Recreational Paddling
Dragon Boats
Kayaks and Canoes Rentals
Boathouse and Venue Rentals
Fair Street Neighborhood Center
City Park Stadium Field House
Longwood Cove Ecosystem Restoration Project
Martha Hope Cabin
Frances Meadows Center
The Gainesville Parks are:
Allen Creek Soccer Complex located at 2500 Allen Creek Road, 678-45-6502
Butler Community Center located at 1350 Athens Street.
City Park Complex located at 830 Green Street.
Clarks Bridge Park located at 3105 Clarks Bridge Road.
Desota Park located at 1142 Desota Street.
Engine 209 Park located at 312 Jesse Jewell Parkway.
Fair Street Neighborhood Center located at 1018 Hunter Street.
Frances Meadows Center located 1501 jesse Jewell Pkwy.
Holly Park located at 2603 Old Thompson Bridge Road.
Ivey Terrace Park located at 607 Ridgewood Terrace.
Kenwood Park located at 725 Kenwood Drive.
Lanier Point Park located at 1530 Lee Waldrip Road.
Linwood Nature Preserve located at 160 Springview Drive.
Longwood Park located at 20 Pearl Nix Parkway.
Myrtle Street Park located at 854 Myrtle Street.
Poultry Park located at 444 Jesse Jewell Parkway.
Riverside Park located at 1267 Riverside Drive.
Rock Creek Park located at 223 Northside Drive.
Roper Park located at 171 Virginia Circle.
South Side Park located at One Positive Place Drive.
Wessell Park located at 493 Holly Drive.
Wilshire Trails Park located at 849 Wilshire Road.

Teresa Johnson & Associates; RE/MAX Greater Atlanta; Serving the Metro Area of Atlanta,GA http://www.atlantahomestore.com/; (770) 888-0021; TeresaJohnson@remax.net/

Time to get your home ready to sell! Ideas to help you get the most money for your home!

Time to get your home ready to sell! Ideas to help you get the most money for your home!

Teresa Johnson and Associates; RE/MAX Greater Atlanta 770-888-0021; http://www.atlantahomestore.com/
1.
Kitchen: Stove, refrigerator, sink, floors and cabinets should be spotless. Updating to Stainless steel can help sell your home quicker. Pack extra pots and pans. Stage the kitchen by adding new "pretty" kitchen towels and flowers. Consider a fresh coat of paint. Add table linen and new chair cushions to kitchen table.
2.
Cabinets, Counters and Work space: All areas should be clear of clutter. If you don't need it-pack it or throw it away! Counter space that you can see is very important! Dated kitchen cabinets can be stained or painted. Add new up to dated hardware.
3.
Bathrooms: Clean and Orderly. Remove and put away all personal items in small boxes in the closet when not in use. Must be neat, spotless and fresh. Add new plush towels, flowers, decorative soaps and candles. Change out dated lighting with new light fixtures. Clean yucky shower door. Repair broken putty around tub and sink. Get rid of mold by mixing a spray bottle with one part water and one part bleach. Spray it on the mold and it will disappear. Clean coat of paint adds a lot of appeal!
4.
Closets: Untidy or overcrowded closets suggest inadequate storage space. Line up shoes. Fold clothes. Hang up clothes. Change the light bulb to a higher watt.
5.
Lawns, fences, and yard: Remove clutter, cut grass, edge walks, trim hedges, weed gardens. Plant seasonal flowers and put down mulch. Paint fences. Remove firewood away from the house and fence. Place a bench or birdbath in yard with flowers.
6.
Front of house: Paint, fix or wash eaves, steps, porches, screens and/or front door. Place a new doormat and flower pots on the porch. Clean or replace the brass kick plate on the door. The porch and entry should always be clean and swept.
7.
Exterior: Curb appeal is very important. The outside of the home is the first impression that a buyer has of house. Stand across the street and look at the home from the eyes of a buyer. How is the paint? Is it neutral? Can you see the home through the bushes or trees? How is the drive and landscaping? Stage the front porch and front door. How are the shutters? Replace rusted or broken mailbox. Remove all the cobwebs. Clean side or back door, gutters, wash windows. Stage deck or back porch with table with linens, plates and lights.
8.
Plumbing: Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets.
9.
Heating/cooling: Clean exterior of unit, change filters; contact your gas company for inspection.
10.
Lights: Replace all burned out bulbs, faulty switches; clean chandelier bulbs. Leave lights on in each room so that the home shows well.
11.
Halls and stairs: Remove any clutter to give a wider appearance. Replace broken stairs or wood rails. Fix creaky floors.
12.
Hardware: Oil hinges; tighten door knobs and faucets.
13.
Flooring: Clean or replace carpets where necessary; keep all other flooring vacuumed and clean at all times. Replace any floor coverings which are damage or dated. Hardwood floors are a plus. Buyers want homes that are ready to move into quickly.
14.
Interior: Paint or wallpaper interior rooms where necessary. Leave soft music playing. Pack all personal pictures so that the prospective buyer will see themselves living in the home. Pack (or have a yard sale) all collections, valuables, and knickknacks so that the buyer will look at the home not the collections. Store all excess furniture. De-clutter! Less is best. Consider replacing artwork. Set the dining room table with a pretty flower arrangement, linen, and china. Remove the cobwebs. Consider neutral paint.
15.
Driveway and Garage: Clean oil stains from concrete drives; patch and seal asphalt drives. Clean the garage. Do not leave out the cars, motor homes, boats, garbage cans or children's toys. Fix any sagging garage doors.
16.
Children's room: Pack posters, toys, scary pets (snakes, etc.),and clutter. Keep the room clean.
17.
Drapes: Open them in the daytime; close them at night.
18.
Fireplace: Clean all soot with stiff nylon scrub brush, rubber gloves, Tri-Sodium Phosphate or soap and water and a plastic bucket. Wait 24 hours after your last fire and remove any ashes, Place the ashes in a lidded metal container. Dust the fireplace mantle and screen. If the screen is rusted either replace or spray paint with a heat-resistant spray paint. Use window cleaner to remove any buildup from the glass doors.
19.
Master Bedroom: Should be appeal to both male and female. The walls should be a neutral color. Add a bed tray with a coffee cup and saucer and a vase with a flower. Add new pillows with different fabric textures.
20.
Odors: Strong cooking, smoking, or pet odors can ruin a sale. Use potpourri packages throughout the home. If you are a smoker, we strongly suggest cleaning all carpets and drapes, then smoke outside of the home until home is sold. Get rid of animal odors.
21.
Disassociate yourself from the home: Say "goodbye" to the home. picture yourself in your new home.
22/
For all showings, please be out of the house. This will help prospective buyers feel more comfortable while looking at your home.

10 Reasons to Buy a Home- Do Not Rent!

10 Reasons to Buy a Home- Do Not Rent!







Buy a Home because:

1. You have deductions on your income taxes. Take off the interest and property tax from your tax return. Pay taxes on the reduce income amount!


2. You are the Boss! No Landlord!


3. Your house payment will not go up. Your rent does go up each year!


4. You can change the color of the walls without asking. Decorate, Decorate, Decorate!


5. Long term appreciation. Your home is a investment. Rentals do not appreciate because you do not own them!


6. Peace and Quite! No one is walking above you!


7. You do not have to pay a security deposit for a Pet!


8. Less chance of your neighbor catching your home on fire. Greater chance of fire in Rental!


9. It is always temporary to Rent!


10. Your home is your castle. When the world is upside down, home is an emotional comfort and a haven.

Teresa Johnson at REMAX Greater Atlanta; 770-888-0021; www.AtlantaHomeStore.com

14 Steps to Home Ownership for the First Time Buyer!

14 Steps to Home Ownership for the First Time Buyer!

Buying a home for the first time can be very exciting and nerve racking! Many people have so many people giving them "tips", they can hardly make a decision! The list of documents that you have to get for the mortgage lender seems never ending. What about closing! You have to go to an attorney's office and sign a stack of documents. You are nervous. Have you made the right decision? Where is the door to get away!

Maybe the following bullet points will make the process easier! I have a team of wonderful, caring and helpful agents who want you to have a good buying experience. We explain, explain, explain. Ask away! Call us today, we are there to help you. To get started read below.

1. Contact a Mortgage Lender and get the process started! Hannah Johnson, Home Advantage Mortgage 770-888-1511, can help you or recommend you to someone who can help you. No obligation. She can tell you what price home you can qualify for, what your payments will be, and what your credit score is. When applying for a loan the credit report and appraisal fees (around $350) are usually collected. If you need to work on your credit, she can give you ideas on what to do to pull your report score up. She will provide you a "good faith" estimate. You will know before you look for a home what price and payment are right for you. There are many loans to pick from including FHA, VA (if you are a veteran), and Conventional. There are some basic questions and answers on her website http://www.atlantaloanstore.com/ . How do I know how much house I can afford? What is the difference between a fixed-rate loan and an adjustable-rate loan? How is an index and margin used in an ARM? How do I know which type of mortgage is best for me? What does my mortgage payment include? How much cash will I need to purchase a home?


2. Call Teresa Johnson and Associates at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta 770-888-0021; TeresaJohnson@remax.net . Look at property only with a qualified Buyer Agent. As a buyer agent, we work for your behalf. We will show you properties that fit your criteria. Once we find a property we negotiate and write all offers on current contract forms provided by the Georgia Association of REALTORS and written by attorneys. We will negotiate with the seller to pay our commission. We will negotiate all needed contingencies including financing and inspections.


3. You would need to meet the financial time supplications of our purchase and sales contract, you would need to make sure that your mortgage lender has totally qualify you for your loan. This means that you have given the the lender all requested documents, have had the mortgage appraiser complete the appraisal, and have the underwriter approve the loan. This loan approval should be written and a copy should be given to your agent. The agent should be working closely with the lender during this process to assure that there are no surprises that may cause you not to receive financing or lose your deposits.


4. After the terms of the contract are agreed upon, we strongly encourage anyone buying a home to purchase a Home Inspection from a qualified and insured Home Inspector. I prefer that they be a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). By joining this organization they have the opportunity to become more informed, maintain certain standards of practice and adherence to a strict code of ethics. What homes need to be inspected? All homes including New and Resales! The inspector will not only provide valuable expert technical knowledge but can also provide general information on how to service and maintain their equipment. This helps the home buyer have less problems in the future because they are educated about the products which are installed in their home. The ASHI association provides a Virtual Home Inspection for the consumer which is a tour of what a Home Inspector will evaluate when inspecting a home.


5. The purchaser should purchase a Termite Letter as a part of the inspection. Any repairs should be negotiated with the removal of the Inspection contingency. Many agents argue that it should be the responsibility of the Seller to provide a Termite Letter. I would encourage the purchaser to hire their own Termite company.


6. We also recommend that you purchase a current survey. This is optional, but recommended.


7. Seek an Homeowners Insurance Policy. This policy should cover the cost of rebuilding the home in case of fire or natural disaster. This is something that you should shop around for on your own. The policy payment receipt should be provided to the closing attorney.


8. Set up utilities for your new home. The agent can provide you with a list of utility companies. You should contact those companies for is needed in having the utilities set up in your name on a certain date.


9. Plan your move. Do you need a mover or a friend with a truck?


10. Be prepare to purchase Buyer's Title Insurance at the closing- This covers you, the buyer, in the event that the title is not clear. This is usually optional, but recommended.


11. You will select a walk-through date. This is the last chance you have to make sure all items listed on the inspection list have been repaired.


12. Be flexible if a problem or delay arises. Your agent will keep you informed. You may have to sign additional contract amendments.


13. For the closing, here is a list of some of the items that the buyer, the seller and the lender need to bring. The lender needs to give the purchaser the RESPA, Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement, the mortgage, the mortgage note, any escrow accounts required for the buyer, and the check for the seller. The seller needs final tax bills, any documents required to clear the title, driver's license, and keys to the house. The buyer needs to bring a cashier's check for the remainder of the down payment, plus the balance due for any other payments (you will be informed of the amount), any documents required by the lender, and you may need your check book for small dollar amounts.


14. CONGRATULATIONS! You have gone to closing, signed all the closing papers, and have paid the amount required to close. You are now the proud owners of your first home!
    
    

Aunt Henrietta- My Hero!

Aunt Henrietta- My Hero!

My husband's aunt, Henrietta Kinney, lived in North Carolina. She was born in Madison county, Georgia. Recently, at 89 years old. she passed away and joined so many that she had comforted who had already gone to Heaven. For the last 30 years, I received wonderful greeting cards from Aunt Henry. She always included a brief note, a wonderful scripture and a praise. What a wonderful ministry she had in so many lives. She always put others in front of herself. She visited the nursing home, cooked for the sick, grew a garden, and always "Praised the Lord"! She sent hundreds of birthday and anniversary cards. I ask her one time if she had a file box (she didn't use a computer) with reminders of whose birthday was when! She said no that she would think of a date and could remember whose birthday or anniversary that was on that date. If one of her friends or relative was sick, she would mail or bring a cake. Then she sent "Thank you" cards to anyone who may have taken care of her friend or relative. When my daughter was sick with cancer, she sent a small gift every week. I would love to care as much as Aunt Henry. I cherish the cards, pictures and notes from her. I saved everyone!

Teresa Johnson & Associates; RE/MAX Greater Atlanta; Serving the Metro Area of Atlanta,GA http://www.atlantahomestore.com/; (770) 888-0021; TeresaJohnson@remax.net/

30 Important Questions...The Expired Listings Survey.

30 Important Questions... The Expired Listings Survey

Why Do Homes Not Sell?

1. Why did your listing or home not sell?



2. What could have been done differently?



3. Was the price incorrect? Was the price adjusted during the listing period? Was the home listed with the agent because they quoted the "highest price"?



4. Was the home listing with the "listing agent" because the agent was
   "a friend"? If so did that make it easier or harder to work with that person?



5. Had the "listing agent' sold many homes?



6. Had the "listing agent" have negotiation training? What designations did the agent hold?



7. What did the "listing agent" past customer think about that agents abilities? Would they use that agent again?



8. Was the home listed because the agent offered the lowest commission? Or did that matter? Did the "listing agent" compare the relationship of "Price" to "Time to Sell".



9. Was a market analyze prepared with "up to date information" at the listing presentation?



10. Were market updates provided during the listing period?



11. How long was the home listed?



12. Did the agent hold an open house and invite the neighborhood?



13. Was the listing adverted on the Internet or in print?



14. Were there "flyers" available in the house and on the street? Were the flyers in Color?



15. Was the house "staged"?



16. Was there regular "feedback" from other agents given to the homeowner?



17. Did the agent list and forget the home? Did they just wait for the home to sell by another agent?



18. Was the newspaper classified used?



19. What websites were used to advertise the listings?



20. Was the agent "full time" or "part time"?



21. Was the agent "experienced"?



22. Was the agent with a real estate company known for selling homes? What is their market share in the community?



23. Did the agent have paid staff to service the listing?



24. Did the agent "prequalify" all prospective purchasers with an experience lender?



25. Did the agent promote the home to other agents in their community?



26. Did the agent explain "agency" on the initial meeting?



27. Did the agent offer a "marketing" plan?



28. Is the agent a "Broker"?



29. Does the agent return phone calls in a timely manner?



30. Does the agent offer a visual tour of the home?

Any ideas on this list? Did I cover all areas? What are your thoughts on "Expired" Listings?

Teresa Johnson & Associates; RE/MAX Greater Atlanta; Serving the Metro Area of Atlanta,GA http://www.atlantahomestore.com/; (770) 888-0021; TeresaJohnson@remax.net/

Listings that have "Expired" on our Multiple Listing Service!

Listings that have "Expired" on our Multiple Listing Service!

In our market there are many homes that have been listed by local agents for a certain time period and have not "Sold". The expired home owners are discouraged when their homes "expires". They wanted their homes to sell so that they could go on with their plans. Was there something wrong with their homes? Did the agent not advertise the listing correctly? What happened!

Many times there is nothing wrong with the house. What I find is there are a few factors that MUST be correct before the listing is signed. The agent must take time to get the price correct. The agent must be trained in staging a home and preparing it for sale. The home must be listed for the correct amount of time. The home must be expose in the right "Internet" sites. What are these factors? Does the agent have the knowledge to "correctly" place the listing in the MLS for the home to sell? Listing a Home to Sell is an art. Not every REALTOR who carries a license has that gift. Not only is it a gift but the know how comes from years of knowledge.

Does every home we list sell before the expiration period? No. We must evaluate, evaluate, evaluate the home during the listing period and take into account new listings, showing feedback and the local market. We can miss selling a home because we have the home overpriced by $2000 or there my be too many weeds in the yard. Sometimes it is hard to share that information with a seller. We must to sell the home.

Our team has been very successful in selling "Expired Listings". If you find yourself in this position give us a try. We care and sell 10 to 30 homes a month!

Teresa Johnson & Associates; RE/MAX Greater Atlanta; Serving the Metro Area of Atlanta,GA http://www.atlantahomestore.com/; (770) 888-0021; TeresaJohnson@remax.net/

Should there be a National MLS?

Should there be a National MLS?

In the Atlanta, Georgia area there are two Multiple Listing Services (MLS). We have to list our properties on both sites. As an agent you have to have both systems to compete. Both systems cost money and increase our expense but do not necessarily increase our exposure. What to do?

There is a move to go towards a national MLS. That might be the way to go. Many of the options being considered are REALTOR.com. Our listings automatically are posted on that site from our MLS. I pay extra every month so that my listings are featured, enhanced and so that the virtual tour is available. MarketLinx already manages approximately 90% of the MLS in the marketplace. This company provides the software for local MLS's. Other national MLS options could come from Zillow, Point2, Oodle, Edgeio, Propsmart, BackPage or Live Deal.

Would the consumer be better served by a national MLS system or by a local MLS system?

Dawsonville, Georgia- A Great Place to Live or Visit!

Dawsonville, Georgia- A Great Place to Live or Visit!

My family sold their home at Martin's Landing in Roswell and moved to Dawsonville, Georgia twenty five years ago. They bought land for $1,500 an acre. The people in Dawson county have always been warm and friendly. Never have they made my folks feel like an "outsider". They attended church in town and my grandparents are buried off the square.

The old town square is historical and a crossroads to Amicalola Falls, Dahlonga, Cummings, and Gainesville, Ga. The center of the square houses the historical Courthouse and jailhouse, shops, stores and a restaurant or two.

To shop you wind east on Highway 53 to Interstate 400. You find grocery stores, restaurants, Wal-mart, Home Depot, Dawson 400 Cinema, and the Dawsonville Premium Outlet Mall.

Other attractions in Dawson County are:

• Amicalola State Park and Lodge


• Appalachian Trail


• Bradley's Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees


• Burt's Pumpkin Farm


• Dawson Art Council


• Dawson 400 Cinema


• Dawsonville Pool Room


• Kangaroo Conservation Center


• Lake Lanier


• Len Foote Hike Inn


• Old Jail


• Old Courthouse


• Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze

If you are looking to buy a home is this great community. We would appreciate your call!

Teresa Johnson & Associates; RE/MAX Greater Atlanta; Serving the Metro Area of Atlanta,GA http://www.atlantahomestore.com/; (770) 888-0021; TeresaJohnson@remax.net/

Who needs a Home Inspection?

I strongly encourage anyone buying a home to purchase a Home Inspection from a qualified and insured Home Inspector. I prefer that they be a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). By joining this organization they have the opportunity to become more informed, maintain certain standards of practice and adherence to a strict code of ethics. What homes need to be inspected? All homes including New and Resales!

The inspector will not only provide valuable expert technical knowledge but can also provide general information on how to service and maintain their equipment. This helps the home buyer have less problems in the future because they are educated about the products which are installed in their home.

The ASHI association provides a Virtual Home Inspection for the consumer which is a tour of what a Home Inspector will evaluate when inspecting a home.

A great site to look at which will scare you into using a home inspector is Home Inspection Nightmares. This article shows 23 posts with pictures of "you won't believe it" inspection items including a "Dog Head" holding up a kitchen floor. These articles were part of This Old House website.

Teresa Johnson & Associates; RE/MAX Greater Atlanta; Serving the Metro Area of Atlanta,GA http://www.atlantahomestore.com/; (770) 888-0021; TeresaJohnson@remax.net/