Archive for May, 2009
Atlanta “Shoes For The Soul”
Posted By Matt Hermes on May 27th, 2009
My eight year old daughter McClain and I were looking at a tennis magazine this afternoon and came across an article about “Going Green” and one of the articles mentioned donating used tennis shoes back to the manufacturer to recycle into new tennis shoes.
Gwinnett County – Shoes for the Soul
Posted By Matt Hermes on May 26th, 2009
Hi Everyone,
This afternoon my eight year old daughter McClain and I were looking at a tennis magazine and came across an article about “going Green” and one of the articles mentioned donating used tennis shoes back to the manufacturer to recycle into new tennis shoes.
I got to thinking that instead of giving these used shoes to the manufacturer, why not give them to folks that need them that may not even have any shoes. So, with McClain’s help we came up with the name “Shoes for the Soul” and we are trying to come up with 1,000 pairs of tennis shoes / sneakers by July 1st to donate to those in need.
In the Hamilton Mill subdivision alone there are over 2,100 households and if we can collect a pair of shoes for every other home we can more than meet our goal, plus with the other friends and family we have in other areas of Atlanta, I think we can make it. McClain has higher asperations and feels we can get 2,000 pairs.
We have not figured out exactly who we will be donating these tennis shoes to, but I have some ideas and will be making a decision shortly.
So here is the ask: Can you take a minute or two to go through your closets and locate a lonely pair of tennis shoes that need a new home? If so, please let me know and McClain and I will be happy to come pick them up from you. So what do you say, do you have a pair or two of kids or adult shoes you can donate to us?
We will keep a weekly update on our progress to let you know where we are in meeting our goal. If you would like to help, please let me know and we will get you involved. Hopefully we will need additional storage space, help with transportation, etc.
Also, please pass this email onto anyone you think might be able to contribute. I have a limited email list and would appreciate anyone passing this onto your contacts.
Thanks in advance for all your help and look forward to a weekly update.
Exceptionalism
Posted By Lane Bailey on May 25th, 2009
There are a lot of real estate agents. The NAR reports over 1.2 million members, and the Atlanta area alone has more than 40,000. It is hard to NOT know a real estate agent. Regardless of where I go and who I talk with, they know an agent. Today at the cell phone store, the clerk helping me has an agent for a Mother-in-Law. There are three in my small neighborhood. There are at least two at my son’s pre-school.
The fact is that is is hard to turn around without bumping into one of us.
And there are agents that make it even worse.
Read the rest of this page »
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue Signs Housing Tax Credit
Posted By Matt Hermes on May 22nd, 2009
Governor Sonny Perdue recently signed House Bill 261, which provides a $1,800 tax credit for home purchases. The credit, which would be taken over three years, takes effect immediately and is meant to spur activity in the housing market.
The signing and passing of this bill is yet another needed boost to the struggling real estate market in Georgia and will continue to gain positive moves towards a market rebound which is currently in process.
“The housing tax credit is a strategic investment that strikes at the root of this economic downturn. Much of the financial turmoil we have seen stems from a severe downturn in housing,” Governor Perdue said. “Families interested in buying a home will now have an additional incentive to act.”
The bill provides an income tax credit for the purchase of a single family residence during the next six months. The amount of the credit will be the lesser of $1,800 or 1.2 percent of the purchase price. A taxpayer may claim one-third of the credit available in each taxable year, and may carry forward unclaimed amounts.
For first time homebuyers, the state credit would be in addition to the federal tax credit authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The federal credit gives first-time homebuyers a credit equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $8,000. The state credit is available to all buyers for six months.
“Jumpstarting the housing industry will mean more money flowing through our economy and more customers for Georgia’s real estate professionals, appraisers, closing attorneys, and others who depend so heavily on regular market activity. This bill is a signal that we are doing all we can to spur Georgia’s economy and lead the nation in financial recovery,” said Rep. Larry O’Neal.
Goergia Governor Sonny Perdue Signs Housing Tax Credit
Posted By Matt Hermes on May 22nd, 2009
Governor Sonny Perdue recently signed House Bill 261, which provides a $1,800 tax credit for home purchases. The credit, which would be taken over three years, takes effect immediately and is meant to spur activity in the housing market.
The signing and passing of this bill is yet another needed boost to the struggling real estate market in Georgia and will continue to gain positive moves towards a market rebound which is currently in process.
“The housing tax credit is a strategic investment that strikes at the root of this economic downturn. Much of the financial turmoil we have seen stems from a severe downturn in housing,” Governor Perdue said. “Families interested in buying a home will now have an additional incentive to act.”
The bill provides an income tax credit for the purchase of a single family residence during the next six months. The amount of the credit will be the lesser of $1,800 or 1.2 percent of the purchase price. A taxpayer may claim one-third of the credit available in each taxable year, and may carry forward unclaimed amounts.
For first time homebuyers, the state credit would be in addition to the federal tax credit authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The federal credit gives first-time homebuyers a credit equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $8,000. The state credit is available to all buyers for six months.
“Jumpstarting the housing industry will mean more money flowing through our economy and more customers for Georgia’s real estate professionals, appraisers, closing attorneys, and others who depend so heavily on regular market activity. This bill is a signal that we are doing all we can to spur Georgia’s economy and lead the nation in financial recovery,” said Rep. Larry O’Neal.
