Loganville, Dacula and Bethlehem Real Estate - The Rains Team

Good news potential home buyers!! The first time home buyer tax credit has been extended into 2010 and now there’s even a tax credit for those current home owners looking to purchase a home as well!

First Time Home Buyer Extended Tax Credit Basics:

• The $8,000 tax credit has been extended until April 30, 2010. As long as you have a written, binding contract in force by that date you have until July 1, 2010 to close.

• You will not have to repay this credit as long as you live in the home as your primary residence for three years or more.

• Eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, town homes and co-ops.

• You qualify as a first time home buyer if you or your spouse has not owned a home during the previous three years.

• Income limits have been increased: single buyers are now eligible with income limits of up to $125,000 and married couples are eligible with income limits up to $225,000

• This extension was put into effect on November 7, 2009

Current Home Owner Tax Credit Basics:

• Current home owners can get a credit of up to $6,500 when they sell their primary residence and purchase another home during the November 7, 2009 to April 30, 2010 time frame

• You qualify to get the credit if you’ve used the home being sold as your principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight

• The other factors such as which homes qualify, whether or not you have to repay the credit and the income limits are the same as the first time home buyer tax credit.

Now it’s a great time to buy in Georgia whether you’re a first time home buyer or one who’s lived in your home for at least five consecutive years. I would love to help you buy a new home or sell your current one! 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: 404.357.2231!

(Please note, information in this post was obtained from the article written by the National Association of REALTORS and can be found at this link: The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit.)

Also, if you have specific questions as to how this tax credit pertains to you or if you want more details please contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800.829.1040

Last week I helped another home buyer successfully purchase their first home. It was a great little home perfect for their needs and I’m very excited and happy for him. I know that it’ll be a place where he’ll create many happy memories. In addition…I’m thrilled that he purchased it in time to receive the $8,000 tax credit! I can only imagine how happy he’ll be when he receives that awesome check in the mail.

If you’re considering purchasing a home, now’s the time…especially if you’re a first-time home buyer! I would be honored to help you through the very important and sometimes overwhelming home buying process. Please don’t hesitate to contact me!

 Natural beauty surrounds you in this distinctive custom home. The approximately 5,000 square foot home is situated on 84 gorgeous acres.

The home has a custom gourmet kitchen featuring granite countertops, Lyptus hardwood cabinets (a Brazilian wood) and stainless steel appliances. In addition to the oven in the kitchen, there are 2 more ovens around the corner in the laundry room…perfect for easily preparing the Thankgsiving meal or entertaining friends.

This beautiful and elegant dining room can comfortably seat 14 people at the table. There’s also plenty of room for a sofa and two chairs on one side of the room and a large sideboard on the other side. The hand-painted mural was done by a local artist and really adds a unique touch to the room. The large, gorgeous chandelier is over 100 years old and is originally from a department store in Salt Lake City.

Come relax for a while in this comfy screened-in patio adjacent to the kitchen and family room. Cozy up to the stacked-stone fireplace during the winter months or just enjoy the view of the woods…you may even spot a turkey or deer! It’s the perfect little spot to savor your morning coffee.

This hand-carpentered study is made entirely of birch wood and features a custom-designed stained glass window. The built-in shelving and cabinets provide plenty of storage space for your books and other memorabilia. It makes an elegant office or a great place to relax with a book.

Upstairs, the veranda is spacious and offers a peaceful place to cuddle up and enjoy the day. It overlooks the four horse pastures and provides a beautiful place to take in some sunshine and fresh air.

 You’ll think you’re at a 5 star resort when relaxing by this heated saltwater pool. It’s designed like a lagoon and is surrounded by professional landscaping. The guest house is fully complete with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, full bath, changing room and pool equipment storage room.

This property truly has it all! It also includes a barn with 6 horse stalls, a complete apartment for living quarters, hay loft, tack and feed room and more. There are also four fenced horse pastures. Beautiful upland woods with food plots throughout to attract wildlife. 1,000 feet of river front property on the Flint River, an old wooden train trestle on the back corner of the land and the property backs up to a 600 acre farm. Whatever you’re looking for, I’m sure you could find it here!

Listed at: $1,650,000. Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Also, be sure to view the virtual tour; it really shows off the amazing features of this estate.

Click to watch the Virtual Tour

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, trust and respect to other real estate professionals.

7. Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.

8. Do not prospect at other REALTORS open houses or similar events.

9. Return keys promptly.

10. Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.

11. To be successful in the business, mutual respect is essential.

12. Real estate is a reputation business. What you do today may affect your reputation - and business - for years to come.

In the first part of this short series I explained what the Georgia property taxes are based on, how the assessed value is determined and what a millage rate is. Today I’m going to discuss the homestead exemption and how to appeal tax assessments.

If you want to catch up on the first part, click the link: All About Georgia Property Taxes: Part 1

If you are shopping for a home why not take a look at this beautiful 3 bedroom and 3 bath home for sale in Monroe, Georgia. It’s located a large 2.5 acre lot and also has an 18′x20′ shop on the property.

 Come sit on the large rocking chair front porch and cool off with a glass of sweet tea. Or enjoy the stacked stone fireplace and built-in shelving in the family room.

You’ll love the over-sized master bedroom with its trey ceiling. And the master bath is spacious and features dual vanities, a garden tub, separate shower and walk-in closet.

For more photos or information about this property, please visit:

www.3834MountCarmelChurchRd.com

If you are a Georgia homeowner, especially a first-time home owner, you may be curious to learn more about the property taxes you’re required to pay. In this first part, I’ll explain some general information about Georgia property taxes, how the valuation and assessment process works and what a millage rate is.

1. Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.




2. Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied.




3. When showing property, keep all members of the group together.




4. Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.




5. Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination.




6. When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating, cooling, drapes, etc). If you think something is amiss (e.g. vandalism) contact the listing broker immediately.




7. Be considerate of the seller’s property. Do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke, dispose of trash, use bathing or sleeping facilities, or bring pets. Leave the house as you found it unless instructed otherwise.




8. Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.

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It’s a great time to buy a home in Georgia, whether you’re a first-time home buyer or not, and I would love to walk you through this process. 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: 404.357.2231!

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 situations, such as pets, are handled appropriately.
8. Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules.
9. Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.
10. Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.
11. When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock - and announce yourself loudly - before entering. Knock and announce yourself loudly before entering any closed room.
12. Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and drive a clean car.
13. If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before using the telephone or bathroom.
14. Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.
15. Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood.
16. Be aware of and respect cultural differences.
17. Show courtesy and respect to everyone.
18. Be aware of - and meet - all deadlines.
19. Promise only what you can deliver - and keep your promises.
20. Identify your REALTOR® and your professional status in contacts with the public.
21. Do not tell people what you think - tell them what you know.

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It’s a great time to buy a home in Georgia, whether you’re a first-time home buyer or not, and I would love to walk you through this process. 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: 404.357.2231!

The $1,800 tax credit is only available for six months; you must close on a home between June 1 and November 30, 2009 to receive this credit. Here are the other important details:

• AMOUNT: the credit is equal to either 1.2% of the purchase price or $1,800, whichever is lesser
• WHO QUALIFIES: this credit is for ANYONE purchasing a home between the deadline–NOT just first-time home buyers!
• HOW DO YOU RECEIVE IT?: You may claim one-third of the credit available in each taxable year, and may carry forward unclaimed amounts–essentially, you’ll receive this credit over the course of the next 3 years

Also, there aren’t any income restraints to this credit and as I mentioned before, this is not limited to just first-time home buyers. You just have to buy a single-family property within the time period.

Representative Ron Stephens said this about the bill: “I’m proud of Governor Purdue for signing this legislation, and I’m proud to have brought it before the state legislature. This bill will put people to work, reduce the inventory of unsold homes, and kick start Georgia’s economy.”

To determine the specific forms you need to use to obtain this credit, please contact your tax professional.

If you are a first-time home buyer and would like to learn more about the $8,000 federal tax credit, please read this article:
Understanding the New $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

It’s a great time to buy a home in Georgia, whether you’re a first-time home buyer or not, and I would love to walk you through this process. 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!

(The information from this post was obtained from this article)