Archive for January, 2009
Great Ranch Near UGA / Athens – Apalachee Falls
Posted By Matt Hermes on January 27th, 2009
This home is in perfect condition and built on the largest ranch plan in neighborhood. Original owner added additional square footage in building process.
Large level fenced yard. This one is worth a look.
Close to new shopping and UGA.
May I Show You Tampa Florida During the Super Bowl
Posted By Rick Frissell on January 26th, 2009
The idea for this blog began when I got an email from our local association of Realtors® (GTAR) announcing that there was a need for chauffeurs for Super Bowl week.
“Drivers are needed as chauffeurs for VIP, entertainers, NFL players/Cheerleaders and celebrities.” Wow! What a blog I thought. I sent a communication of my interest in working that week. After all, who would I possibly meet and why not make some needed money at the same time.
I submited my paper work and was invited to an orientation. Paperwork, background check (FBI) and drug test and you’re hired. So they tell you to come back for training, which will be on January 26th and at that time you have a car assigned to you, a dispatch radio, a gas card and notification that you are on call 24×7 for the next week.
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You Might Be A First-time Homebuyer….Yeah, Even You!!
Posted By DeWayne Davis, REALTOR(R), Suwanee on January 23rd, 2009
Are you a first-time homebuyer? Don’t be too quick to answer that question, because you might be very surprised to find out that you actually are a first-time homebuyer. The correct answer to this question could actually qualify you for up to $7,500 (interest-free loan) from Uncle Sam.
Before I go any further, let me clearly disclose that I am not an expert tax or financial adviser so after reading this short post you may need to consult a professional tax adviser before proceeding.
Now, are you really a first-time homebuyer? Well according the federal government and the Internal Revenue Service, you qualify as a first-time homebuyer if you meet the following definition:
Taxpayers who owned a main home at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase are not eligible for the credit. This means that first-time homebuyers and those who have not owned a home in the three years prior to a purchase can qualify for the credit. IRS Website FAQ Link
So, if you (and/or your spouse) have not owned a home during the last three years, then you qualify as a first-time homebuyers and are eligible for the new Tax Credit of up to $7500 if you purchase a home before July 1, 2009. This definition may include many different families who under various circumstances have NOT purchased or owned a home during the past three years. The family may have relocated and have been renting a home for the past three years while deciding where, when and how to purchase a new home. Individuals or families may have gone through some life change circumstances which have prevented them from purchasing or owning a home during the last three years, such as divorce, financial or medical struggles, unstable employment, etc. For these individuals, as well as individuals who have never purchased a home, the new Tax Credit program can offer a substantial financial benefit along with lower-priced homes and lower mortgage interest rates. Please note that in my opening paragraph I referred to the Tax Credit as an “interest-free loan,” because this is money that does have to be paid back to the federal government over the next fifteen years without any interest. (i.e. – $500/year for 15 years = $7500)
Don’t let the words “first-time” cause you to ignore a potentially great opportunity!
Support the Creativity of Gwinnett Student Photographers
Posted By DeWayne Davis, REALTOR(R), Suwanee on January 23rd, 2009
Tomorrow afternoon the Hudgens Center for the Arts at the Gwinnett Center will hold a reception to open their new exhibit, “Shutter Sense and Non-sense.” The exhibit features almost 900 creative photographic images taken by 285 students from both public and private schools throughout Gwinnett county as part of this fourth annual photography competition. This year’s competition included middle school students for the first time.
The free exhibit opens with tomorrow’s reception at 1:00 PM followed by the awards presentations at 2:00 and will continue on display for the public in Kistner Gallery and Fowler Rotunda until mid-March. For more information you can read Heather Darenberg’s article in today’s Gwinnett Daily Post or visit ArtsGwinnett.org.
Local Elementary Schools Support “Relay for Life”
Posted By DeWayne Davis, REALTOR(R), Suwanee on January 23rd, 2009
Staff members and students at Sycamore Elementary School have been raising money and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life” campaign for the past three years with a friendly school versus school basketball game. For the past two years, Sycamore Elementary School played Sugar Hill Elementary School in the big annual event, but this year’s competition is between Sycamore and Suwanee Elementary Schools. The big game will begin at 2:00 PM on Saturday (1/24) in the old gym at North Gwinnett High School. Tickets at the gates will cost $4 for adults and $3 for children with all proceeds will be donated to the “Relay For Life” fund.
Mark Lukehart, a third-grade teacher and “Relay For Life” coordinator at Sycamore, has been heavily involved in the event every year and loves to see the students, staff, parents and community get involved to create the “big-game” atmosphere for such a worthy cause. The game will have all the festivities of a big high-school or college rivalry game, including consessions, banners and signs, national anthem, presentation of the colors by North Gwinnett High School Junior Air Force ROTC and special half-time free-throw competition between the opposing school principals. Check out this article in Tuesday’s Gwinnett Daily Post (by Heath Hamacher).
