Home Inspections & Rachael Ray's Mold Issue

I would be lying if I said I don't keep up with celebrity gossip. I subscribe to US Weekly so it's certainly no secret. This blog is in no shape, form, or fashion meant for celebrity gossip, but I when I read this, I knew I wanted to share... the famous Food Network chef cook, Rachael Ray, and her attorney husband are suing the home inspection team that inspected their Long Island, NY property when they purchased it in 2007 for $2.9 million due to a mold & water damage problem that they believe the inspectors were negligent in finding and documenting. Yikes!

Moral of the story: Home inspections are extremely important! Don't just jump online and hire the first home inspector that pops up on Google. Do some homework and look for an inspector that has a great deal of experience, certifications, professional affliations, etc. If you need recommendations, we'll be happy to provide a few. Ask potential inspectors to see a sample report. If possible, attend the home inspection so that you can see your future home through the eyes of a professional. Although you'll be given a written report, it will be helpful to see any issues in person while the inspector is there to explain and you'll have an opportunity to ask questions. Most importantly, don't have a friend or relative do the inspection no matter how "good" they are at "things like that." Not having to pay for an inspection (approx. $275-350) seems like a good idea, but that could cost you thousands in the long run.


If you need a home inspector recommendation for properties in any of the following cities, please let us know! McDonough, GA, Hampton, GA, Stockbridge, GA, Locust Grove, GA, Jonesboro, GA, Morrow, GA, Forest Park, GA, Fayetteville, GA, Peachtree City, GA, Tyrone, GA, Newnan, GA, Jackson, GA, Conyers, GA, Riverdale, GA, Griffin, GA, etc.

Many See a Future in Real Estate!

"Many See a Future in Real Estate"......that's the title of the John Adams article in the Sunday "Homefinder" section of the AJC. In the article John describes a recent meeting he attended with members of the nonprofit Georgia Real Estate Investors Association. This group believes there's money to be made in real estate and they are taking advantage of the depressed prices in the Metro Atlanta Area. We think there's money in it too!

He states that most of the people in attendance were not real estate agents and brokers, or savvy investors, but rather "regular" people who work 9-5 jobs and invest in real estate in the evenings and on weekends...."there were doctors and lawyers, plumbers and painters." We at Stephens and Stephens believe that REAL ESTATE INVESTING IS FOR EVERYONE...well almost everyone.

The below is an excerpt from the article explaining one example of an investment tactic.

"Relatively new homes in nice starter neighborhoods can be had for as little as $40,000. After a total renovation costing perhaps $25,000, the house feels and looks new, and can be rented to a renter-purchaser who hopes to own the home by building good credit. The investor refinances based on the new appraised value, maybe around $100,000 and collects rent with a positive cash flow every month. In a year or two, the renter may buy the house, finalizing a profitable transaction for the investor and helping stabilize the neighborhood through renovation."

Gary Keller, who wrote The Millionaire Investor said it best when he said "Anyone can do it, but not everyone will."

We've worked dozens of investment deals. We can help you understand how investing may be a great money-maker for you. There's plenty of deals, great pricing, and an abundance of available real estate in the Clayton County, Henry County, Fayette County, and other Metro Atlanta areas. Please don't hesitate to call or email so we can make money for you!

ATTENTION SELLERS!

Please notice that the Metro Atlanta area (Clayton County, Henry County, Fayette County, and so on) is not expecting a "recovery" until somewhere between 2015-2025 according to some very reliable economists and resources.

This means that waiting to sell IS NOT THE RIGHT ANSWER, unless you have many many years to wait. If you don't have that kind of time to wait then please don't listen to people who say, "just wait a year or two until prices come back." In a few years prices may be even lower! 

The fact of the matter is we're expecting continued depreciation of approximately 7% as an overall average for Georgia and even more depreciation in areas that are hard hit with foreclosures (hint hint hint hint.....that's us in South Metro Atlanta - Clayton County, Henry County, Fayette County, etc).

If you are considering selling, now many be the time....as much as it hurts! Call us for a free market analysis. There's no pressure. We're here to help!

1st Quarter vs. 2nd Quarter Comparisons: Clayton County, Henry County, Fayette County

2010 1st Quarter vs. 2nd Quarter Real Estate Statistics

for Clayton County, Henry County & Fayette County

These statistics are pulled from the Georgia MLS and are subject to changes, errors and omissions.

4th of July Events in McDonough, Peachtree City, Newnan, Hampton

 Happy 4th of July!

Things to do in Henry County, Fayette County, Coweta County, etc.

Happy 4th of July! We're so thankful for our freedom & appreciate all of our military who continue to make it possible! As you enjoy all of the normal 4th of July festivities, remember our troops! If you're looking for some fun things to do this weekend, here are some ideas:

Georgia Independence Day Festival at Nash Farm

4361 Jonesboro Road, Hampton, GA

July 3rd & 4th from 3pm to Dark, $5 Admission (ages 6+)

Scenes of the Revolution, live music & dancing, living history, kids zone,

festival foods, shopping, pony rides, face painting, rock wall & much more!

Starlight & Fireworks at Panola Mountain State Park

2600 Highway 155, Stockbridge, GA

July 3rd at 7:30pm

Listen to whippoorwills & owls as fireworks shower Atlanta's skyline.

Bring your own flashlights, refreshments & comfortable clothing!

4th of July Parade in Peachtree City

Peachtree City, July 3rd at 9:00am

Peacthree Parkway South in front of Village on the Green Subdivision

and proceeds north to McIntosh Trail, ending at Huddleston Elementary

Ice Cream Social on The McDonough Square

July 4th on the Square, McDonough

Patriotic Entertainment and Free Ice Cream