Author Archive
NAR Expected Attendance for 2008
Posted By Matt Fagioli on October 24th, 2008
NAR attendance for 2008 Orlando
Since Diamond Dwellings is exhibiting at the NAR conference in Orlando, we received an exhibitor update email a week or so ago about expected attendance. I think these numbers cause some mis-information because - at first glance - it looks like they are suggesting very low attendance. But, when you do the math and follow their logic about expected on site registration, the number are actually 90% or more of the 2004 high numbers. Bottom line is that about 22,000 are expected (as of the Oct 2nd projections) Here’s the breakdown of attendance:
Gwinnett Early Voting is Going on Now!
Posted By Matt Fagioli on October 23rd, 2008
Just an update to the post here from Matt Hermes. Matt’s post indicated that the early voting would happen starting on the 27th. But, there is advanced voting going on right now! We’re still trying to nail down all the details so that we can share them here too!
I think the confusion arose because next week there will be expanded locations for the “advanced voting” but this week you can already vote in Grayson at:
455 GRAYSON HWY, STE 200, LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. VOTING HOURS ARE 9A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
So far, this Gwinnett County site seems to be the best info.
Warren Buffett says “Buy” (and buy American)
Posted By Matt Fagioli on October 21st, 2008
Warren Buffett wrote an article on Friday in the New York Times. It’s very simple, direct, and to the point which is typical of his style for sure. Here’s a quote from the article that gets to the heart of it…
A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. And most certainly, fear is now widespread, gripping even seasoned investors. To be sure, investors are right to be wary of highly leveraged entities or businesses in weak competitive positions. But fears regarding the long-term prosperity of the nation’s many sound companies make no sense.
He makes his point using examples from history including the depression of the 1930s. During that season, “the bottom” of the market happened 9 to 12 months BEFORE most people actually “felt good” about it. The market had risen over 30% before most investors re-entered the market.
Buffett’s article was focused on stock investments in US companies, but the same logic clearly applies to real estate investments as well. This is one of the most difficult times in the last 100 years of US history, BUT you can make huge gains in this market if you make your wise investments now.
Hamilton Mill & Gwinnett County are no exceptions. If you look forward 5 t 7 years from now, home values in Gwinnett will have likely doubled from their current levels. If you are in a position to look at the long term at all, a huge gain awaits.
Here’s a link to the entire Warren Buffett Article.
$140k List Price Blows Away The Market near Hamilton Mill
Posted By Matt Fagioli on October 20th, 2008
Huntington West Ranch
If you’re interested in investing in Gwinnett County real estate, there are really some great opportunities out there right now.
I’ve been spending LOTS of time evaluating property for investors & other bargain shopping home buyers these days. It seems that much of the product that is actually moving in this crazy market is priced below $200k and then it’s priced WELL below it’s true market value.
Today I found this 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch in Huntington West — right around the corner from Hamilton Mill. It’s on an awesome wooded lot with huge potential. The interior needs a good bit of work, but that’s very appropriately presented in the $140k listing price - well below the $180ish average in the neighborhood.
We talk to buyers and renters all the time who really want to stay in Mill Creek High School district or more specifically, they will often ask for either Puckett’s Mill Elementary or Duncan Creek Elementary School.
This home would also likely qualify for the FHA “fix-er-up” programs that allow you to build repairs and improvements right into the loan. These programs are really great for getting a deal like this done and creating a decent move-in condition for the buyer or investor (and subsequent renter).
This listing is still active and I’m happy to share additional insight as needed.
Cartoonist Cal Warlick will be at Fast Frame next Saturday
Posted By Matt Fagioli on October 18th, 2008
Fast Frame in Dacula at Hamilton Mill
Fast Frame here at Hamilton Mill is expecting a special guest next Saturday (the 25th). Illustrator Cal Warlick will be at the store signing prints and talking with fans. Mr. Warlick is famous for his sports prints including lots of college football images (like the Georgia Bulldog print below). This is a great opportunity to pick up a pretty unique Christmas gift for the sports fan(s) in your family.
Click on the TalkShoe button to hear store owner Dan Weeden (Fast Frame) talking about the big event.
Cal Warlick
btw, the number of the store is 678.541.0105
