Rodney Camren\’s Blog

Have you ever seen those big beautiful homes and wondered œwow that must be nice to live in?   Well, they are nice and now you can have them.     Just like the rest of the homes those big mansion like homes have been reduced in price as well, some to the tune of 60 percent of the original value.   But you say, I currently have a home and can™t sell it.   There is nothing wrong with that, you can rent your current home and move into the home of your dreams!Renting is hot right now.     Every day I get phone calls and emails on my listings asking if the owner would consider leasing or renting their property.     What we are seeing is that most of the people who lost their homes to foreclosures still want to live in a house.     People in homes like the privacy and comfort a home provides versus the bohemian lifestyle of apartment complexes.     Most apartment complexes have flights of stairs to climb when you want to leave or go anywhere, small box like living stacked on top of each other, large open parking lots and frankly too many people stuffed into one little area.   On top of all this you usually hear those others living beside, on top or below you.   You hear the dogs, the kids, the arguments and other unwanted noises.Renters not only pay your mortgage but you could possibly earn enough to have a positive cash flow and extra money for you and your family.   That positive cash flow could very easily lead to financial freedom for you and your family as well.   It could also be reinvested into purchasing more homes and collecting yet more positive cash flow.   You say you don™t want to be a slum lord?   Well, slum lords don™t usually take care of their properties and allow any kind of renter to lease out the property.   So, you set a higher standard and get a better resident renting out your homes.   People respect it and your community will as well.It becomes a win-win situation when you rent your current home and upgrade.     You are helping those who need a place to stay, helping yourself by moving to a bigger home you will enjoy and helping the community by getting one more vacant home out of the system and helping our nation to recovery.

So I am out with a client and her family showing them homes yesterday.   They wanted to see foreclosed homes.   I pulled a range of homes based on their area of interest, price point and specifications they wanted.   This is a young family and new to home buying process.   Foreclosures and Short Sales flood our markets right now and there are more to come.   However, everyone thinks or has been told get a foreclosed home and save a lot of money.   I have to disagree based on several surrounding facts and based on whether you are an investor or moving into the home for yourself.      Generally, there is always a little neglect in home maintenance from a previous owner, whether it is from touching up paint to major cleaning of systems throughout the home.   However, as I continue to show more and more foreclosures and some homes in general I have noticed a complete “I Don’t Care attitude” from not only banks but also resale.  I look at the “days on the market” for each of these homes being sold and it isn’t surprising that most of them are over 200, 300 and even some for longer.   Yes, that is sad but even worse is during that time the home in many cases has sat empty and neglected.   The home is falling apart and deteriorating.   This neglect starts with one home in a neighborhood and then continues to others like a horrible disease.   The disease carries over from homes to a neighborhood in general, then to the schools and eventually the community at large.      When you are out looking at buying a home, especially in this market where homes are sitting for an extended period of time, I suggest you do some due diligence.   When you buy a home you are not just buying the home and the land you are buying the neighborhood, the community and the local schools.   You want a home that you will be able to resale and get your money back.   Be sure to consider homes in a neighborhood that is clean and well maintained.   Sometimes the smaller neighborhoods are more intimate and work together more easily than large neighborhoods of 200 plus homes.   However, neighborhoods of larger numbers have more influence with elected leaders to get things accomplished in a community.        You want to be sure that if you replace a roof on a home that the $12,000 plus you spend will be a good & solid investment.   You can easily spend $40-50k in a home getting it up to livable conditions and be upside down in this market if you are not careful and understand all the key factors of where you live.   If you have children the schools systems are extremely important.   If a school isn’t ranking well among other schools in the area, people won™t be seeking to live there and this decreases your chance of resale with any value.     If your community and their elected leaders choose not to enforce codes and ordinances, this too can bring a decline in your housing market.      If you are in the market to buy a home, wanting a good deal and a solid investment are sure to check into my suggestions.   If you need help doing this, give me a call and we can discuss your options.  

So I am out with a client and her family showing them homes yesterday.   They wanted to see foreclosed homes.   I pulled a range of homes based on their area of interest, price point and specifications they wanted.   This is a young family and new to home buying process.   Foreclosures and Short Sales flood our markets right now and there are more to come.   However, everyone thinks or has been told get a foreclosed home and save a lot of money.   I have to disagree based on several surrounding facts and based on whether you are an investor or moving into the home for yourself.    Generally, there is always a little neglect in home maintenance from a previous owner, whether it is from touching up paint to major cleaning of systems throughout the home.   However, as I continue to show more and more foreclosures and some homes in general I have noticed a complete “I Don’t Care attitude” from not only banks but also resale.  I look at the “days on the market” for each of these homes being sold and it isn’t surprising that most of them are over 200, 300 and even some for longer.   Yes, that is sad but even worse is during that time the home in many cases has sat empty and neglected.   The home is falling apart and deteriorating.   This neglect starts with one home in a neighborhood and then continues to others like a horrible disease.   The disease carries over from homes to a neighborhood in general, then to the schools and eventually the community at large.      When you are out looking at buying a home, especially in this market where homes are sitting for an extended period of time, I suggest you do some due diligence.   When you buy a home you are not just buying the home and the land you are buying the neighborhood, the community and the local schools.   You want a home that you will be able to resale and get your money back.   Be sure to consider homes in a neighborhood that is clean and well maintained.   Sometimes the smaller neighborhoods are more intimate and work together more easily than large neighborhoods of 200 plus homes.   However, neighborhoods of larger numbers have more influence with elected leaders to get things accomplished in a community.      You want to be sure that if you replace a roof on a home that the $12,000 plus you spend will be a good & solid investment.   You can easily spend $40-50k in a home getting it up to livable conditions and be upside down in this market if you are not careful and understand all the key factors of where you live.   If you have children the schools systems are extremely important.   If a school isn’t ranking well among other schools in the area, people won™t be seeking to live there and this decreases your chance of resale with any value.     If your community and their elected leaders choose not to enforce codes and ordinances, this too can bring a decline in your housing market.      If you are in the market to buy a home, wanting a good deal and a solid investment are sure to check into my suggestions.   If you need help doing this, give me a call and we can discuss your options.  

Public Hearings!

Proposed Increase on Property Tax Rates

Tuesday, July 5 (10:00 am and 6:00 pm)& Tuesday, July 12  (10:00 am)  LocationMaloof Auditorium1300 Commerce Dr.DecDeKalb County will host public hearings to discuss a proposed increase in property tax rates on Tuesday, July 5 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on Tuesday, July 12 at 10 a.m. in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur.  The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted millage rates, which will require an increase in property tax rates as listed below.        This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 21.36 mills in the unincorporated area, an increase of 4.50 mills.  These millage rates are prior to the application of the Homestead Exemptions and credits from the Homestead Option Sales Tax.   In 2010, the Board of Commissioners granted a 56.6 percent HOST Credit for County operations and maintenance based upon the use of 97.3 percent of last year’s HOST receipts.   In 2011, the Board of Commissioners has voted to use 80 percent for the HOST Credit.  The hearings are open to the public and citizens are encouraged to attend.      

Thank you for Visiting Lawrenceville Real Estate and Visiting Atlanta Real Estate!  

 It seems with so much informaiton overload in not only the real estate markets but in all markets across the board, it is important we filter some information. Negativity breeds negativity. Have you ever noticed “likes” attract. So, be careful not to become attracted to those things that are always negative or condescending. Because we can get pulled in very quickly and before you realize it, become what we don’t like or become the magnet for negativity.

The same apply’s for real estate. Yes, there are some indicators about the real estate market and those should be adhered to but with caution. Remember the biggest factor about buying or selling real estate is location and it is always local. So, what may be happing in say Kansas City, Missouri is not the same that is happening in Lawrenceville, Georgia or even Atlanta, Georgia for that fact.

I personally believe that when buying or selling real estate you are purchasing or selling more than just the home you live in. Real Estate is about the home (and it’s condition) but also includes, the neighborhood you live in, the city or community surrounding it and the schools in that community. If all of these are contributing and functioning in a healthy manner your probability of a great buy or sale will be a good one. However, if you have any one of these factors in an unhealthy state, you will not see the profitable outcome you were hoping for.

So before you buy or sell, consider those surrounding factors that could determine the value of your home or the future value.

Rodney Camren Gwinnett County’s Best Realtor for 2009 and 2010.   See you at the Closing Table!!

Thank you for Visiting Lawrenceville Real Estate and Visiting Atlanta Real Estate!  

 It seems with so much informaiton overload in not only the real estate markets but in all markets across the board, it is important we filter some information. Negativity breeds negativity. Have you ever noticed “likes” attract. So, be careful not to become attracted to those things that are always negative or condescending. Because we can get pulled in very quickly and before you realize it, become what we don’t like or become the magnet for negativity.

The same apply’s for real estate. Yes, there are some indicators about the real estate market and those should be adhered to but with caution. Remember the biggest factor about buying or selling real estate is location and it is always local. So, what may be happing in say Kansas City, Missouri is not the same that is happening in Lawrenceville, Georgia or even Atlanta, Georgia for that fact.

I personally believe that when buying or selling real estate you are purchasing or selling more than just the home you live in. Real Estate is about the home (and it’s condition) but also includes, the neighborhood you live in, the city or community surrounding it and the schools in that community. If all of these are contributing and functioning in a healthy manner your probability of a great buy or sale will be a good one. However, if you have any one of these factors in an unhealthy state, you will not see the profitable outcome you were hoping for.

So before you buy or sell, consider those surrounding factors that could determine the value of your home or the future value.

Rodney Camren Gwinnett County’s Best Realtor for 2009 and 2010.   See you at the Closing Table!!

This is a very important project.   Please make every effort to attend.  

    On March 28, 2011 at 7:00 P.M., a  public hearing will be held to gather public input on the proposal to two-way Clayton and Perry Streets and a pedestrian crosswalk on Crogan Street.   The project will be funded in part by an LCI Grant.   The meeting will be held at the Old City Hall located at 18 South Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, Georgia.   No official City business will be conducted.

From Tony Powell................

At the March meeting of the Mayor and Council, the first phase of the engineering was approved, but the remainder was made contingent on one more public hearing in a joint meeting with the DDA on  Monday, March 28,   7 PM.    The benefits of the project are the following:

1)           All the lighting and specifically the traffic signals will be replaced to be antique looking structures like the ones in downtown Buford

2)           Clayton and Perry Streets will come off of the State Highway System and will be back under the exclusive control of the City.   We will be able to close these streets at will and not have to have the DOT™s permission for our downtown events.   These street will return to two way traffic flows with green streetscapes

3)           The turn lane from Hwy 124 onto Jackson Street will be lengthened.

4)           The short block turn lanes next to the Post Office will be fixed.

5)           A cross walk will be constructed from the parking deck across Crogan Street to make easy access to the Baptist Church, Sparkles, Honest Alley end of the block.

6)           Most importantly, the traffic signals will be staggered to slow traffic along Pike and Crogan forcing through drivers to use Highway 316, Hurricane Shoals and Sugarloaf rather than going through the center of town.  

The grant is important because the cost of reversing signals and parking places along Perry and Clayton is expensive.   The City is required to pay a portion of the cost of the construction, but our voters have already approved the funding through the 2009 SPLOST.   If we want the Sikes plan to create an urban park environment in our downtown to be a success, we need to show up and support the continued funding of these important projects.   As always, I really appreciate all you are doing for our City.

This is a very important project.   Please make every effort to attend.  

    On March 28, 2011 at 7:00 P.M., a  public hearing will be held to gather public input on the proposal to two-way Clayton and Perry Streets and a pedestrian crosswalk on Crogan Street.   The project will be funded in part by an LCI Grant.   The meeting will be held at the Old City Hall located at 18 South Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, Georgia.   No official City business will be conducted.

From Tony Powell................

At the March meeting of the Mayor and Council, the first phase of the engineering was approved, but the remainder was made contingent on one more public hearing in a joint meeting with the DDA on  Monday, March 28,   7 PM.    The benefits of the project are the following:

1)           All the lighting and specifically the traffic signals will be replaced to be antique looking structures like the ones in downtown Buford

2)           Clayton and Perry Streets will come off of the State Highway System and will be back under the exclusive control of the City.   We will be able to close these streets at will and not have to have the DOT™s permission for our downtown events.   These street will return to two way traffic flows with green streetscapes

3)           The turn lane from Hwy 124 onto Jackson Street will be lengthened.

4)           The short block turn lanes next to the Post Office will be fixed.

5)           A cross walk will be constructed from the parking deck across Crogan Street to make easy access to the Baptist Church, Sparkles, Honest Alley end of the block.

6)           Most importantly, the traffic signals will be staggered to slow traffic along Pike and Crogan forcing through drivers to use Highway 316, Hurricane Shoals and Sugarloaf rather than going through the center of town.  

The grant is important because the cost of reversing signals and parking places along Perry and Clayton is expensive.   The City is required to pay a portion of the cost of the construction, but our voters have already approved the funding through the 2009 SPLOST.   If we want the Sikes plan to create an urban park environment in our downtown to be a success, we need to show up and support the continued funding of these important projects.   As always, I really appreciate all you are doing for our City.

Lawrenceville “ Livin™ the Dream.   Lovin™ the City

By Rodney Camren

Remarkable home buying opportunities can be found throughout all of Gwinnett County. However, none are more promising than those in the county seat, especially the incorporated parts of Lawrenceville.  Within Lawrenceville city limits there are several levels of government and non-profit organizations working together to create a œnew Lawrenceville.    The mayor and Lawrenceville City Council are already looking at plans to move forward with a Lawrenceville City Park designed by the same developers who created Atlanta™s Piedmont Park. They are also finishing up the first and second phases of the Heritage Walking Trails that currently go from Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center through downtown Lawrenceville and up to Rhodes Jordan Park and down Paper Mill Road.  Another positive aspect of living inside the city limits of Lawrenceville is that all of your services are at a lower rate than those of the unincorporated areas.    What makes this even nicer is that your utilities will all come on one bill instead of separate bills at various times of the month.    Lastly, in order to insure your economic well-being, there is a newly hired economic developer to assist with the growth of this community as well as networking events that are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month throughout Lawrenceville.

In addition to the obvious beauty and economic advantages of living in this picturesque city, there are also a number of delightful establishments to visit and events to participate in no matter what time of year you choose to visit.   Besides all of the unique shops on the square you will also find a number of exquisite restaurants where local owners pour their hearts into every dish.   One particularly unusual place to dine is McCray™s Tavern which boasts the only rooftop dining area in Gwinnett County.   Furthermore, the Lawrenceville Tourism and Trade Association (LTTA) is well known for hosting events all year long, such as the Moonlight & Music Festivals, Prelude to the 4th, and the Rockin™ Ribs Festival.    Working alongside the LTTA is a non-profit organization that is œBringing Community Together called New Lawrenceville.   They will be hosting the first annual œSpring Green Festival on St. Patrick™s Day.   This free event which will be held on the lawn of the Gwinnett County courthouse will be a great time to visit Lawrenceville for yourself.

While you are there enjoying the festival make sure to spend some time looking at some of the most well built homes in the county.  Any new construction must be built with integrity and designed to last for years to come.  Not only are the houses themselves a priority for the city but another non-profit organization, the Lawrenceville Neighborhood Alliance (LNA), is working hand in hand with the mayor, city council and the Lawrenceville Police Department to improve the neighborhoods.    The LNA works hard to build a sense of community by forming a Neighborhood Watch program, a website, quarterly newsletter, and an e-mail list.  They also help neighborhoods make physical improvements by enhancing their common areas and signage, holding œclean up weekends, and asking the city to help with sidewalks, playgrounds, lighting, curbs, and gutters.  

Once you have taken the opportunity to explore all of the incredible housing options in Lawrenceville, the LNA can help you with purchasing your home.   They are teaming up with Gwinnett County in their Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) which assists individuals and families in obtaining affordable houses in Gwinnett.   The NSP is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with additional funds coming through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).    The homebuyer must:  1) not currently own a residential property, 2) qualify for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, 3) invest one percent of the purchase price towards buying the home, 4) complete an eight “hour, HUD approved homebuyers course, 5) occupy the home as your principal residence and meet an income limit requirement chart.  If you fulfill these requirements not only do you get the chance to live in an incredible city, you will get help to make that dream a reality!

                       In a city filled with an entire community working together for you, isn™t it time to consider Lawrenceville as your home?   If you take the opportunity to visit and research this city, I have no doubt that you will be welcomed with graciousness into this community.   Come and enjoy a place where you can œLive, Work, Play and Dream!

The State of Georgia allows HOMEOWNERS to claim a Homestead Exemption as atax beneit that could amount to considerable annual savings.   to qualify for the property tax exemption the Homeowner must occupy the residence and file or Homestead Exemption at he county Courthouse or Tax Commisioner's Office in person, on the web or by mail depending on the county in which you reside. Filing deadline ad requiremens vary by county.   For homeowners who have lived in your home a while and want to ask for consideration of lowering your assessed values, now is the time for that as well.

County             Phone Number       Web Address

Cherokee       678-493-6400                               www.cherokeega.com/ccweb/departments/tax

Clarke                 706-613-3125                               http://www.athensclarkecounty.com/~tc/

Clayton             770-477-3311                             http://www.co.clayton.ga.us/tax_commissioner/exemptions.htm

Cobb                     770-528-8600                               www.cobbtax.org/Main/Home.aspx

Coweta             770-254-2670                               www.coweta.ga.us/Resources/taxesandtags.html

Dekalb               404-298-4000                             www.co.dekalb.ga.us/

Douglas           770-920-7272                               www.co.douglas.ga.us/tax/

Forsyth             770-781-2110                               www.forsythco.com/department.asp?DeptID=26

Fulton                 404-224-0102                               www.fultoncountytaxes.org/fultoniwr/

Gwinnett         770-882-8800                               www.gwinnettcounty.com

Hall                         770-531-6720                               www.hallcounty.org/depts/RealProperty/exemption.asp

Henry                 770-954-2470                             www.co.henry.ga.us/TaxCommissioner/TaxCommHomesteadInfo.htm

Paulding         770-443-7606                               www.paulding.gov/gov/taxcommissioner.asp

Rockdale         770-929-4152                               www.rockdalecounty.org/rock.cfm?pid=245

 "Rodney the Realtor"