Barry's Real Estate Blog

 Stimulus, stimulus, stimulus.  It seems that Congress is finally going to do something that actually help the American people and economy.  Right now, several stimulus packages are being debated.   Here are the current amendments being considered:

$15,000 Tax Credit

This amendment was offered by Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), with Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) as a co-sponsor that would extend and expand the home buyer tax credit.
As it currently stands, the Senate has voted and passed an amendment to the economic stimulus package that will give up to $15,000 tax credit towards a new home.
The proposed amendment details are as follows:

• A tax credit in the amount of $15,000 or 10 percent of the purchase price (whichever is less), with the option to utilize all in one year or spread out over two years
• The tax credit is available to all purchases of any home from date of enactment for one full year
• Able to claim the credit against the 2008 tax return
• Buyers must occupy the homes for two years as their principle residence or face recapture
• Purchases of homes by investors are ineligible
• Sunsets the previous $7,500 Housing Tax credit on the date of enactment
• The tax credit may be used in conjunction with the mortgage revenue bond and mortgage credit certificate programs (unlike the current $7,500 credit)
• It will cost approximately $20 billion over ten years

Reference Information on the $7500 stimulus package passed in 2008

• This is credit up to 10% of the purchase price, so there's no incentive to purchase anything more than a $75,000 home.
  How many homes for less than $75,000 have you seen in your market?
• It is a tax credit, not a grant so It doesn't come off the purchase price either. It is strictly a federal income tax credit that isn't realized until the eligible purchasers file their tax returns.
• There's a list of stipulations to even qualify for the credit - including a "modified adjusted gross income" of no more than $75,000 and less than $150,000 for married couples.
• Ths credit is temporary and has to be repaid. In the initial year, if someone's tax liability is not at least $7,500, they only get to realize the credit up to that amount. In year two, the new homeowner has a tax liability of $500 to begin repaying the loan and continues for up to 15 years.
• If you sell the home before the 15 years are up, you will have to repay the balance, if there is any gain over the original purchase price.  The payment on the tax credit is not due until 2010 or when your tax return is filed.  The payment of the tax credit, if you claimed $7,500, would be $500 per year until it is paid.

Amendment #353 ... "Fix Housing First Act"

• Today Senator Ensign (R-NV) will offer amendment #353 ... "Fix Housing First Act" ... which is broader and include a mortgage rate buy down program which could lower mortgage rates to as low as 4%.   The interest rate buy-down would really help all home owners.

Permanently Increase FHA loan limits

• Last year,  Congress increased the FHA mortgage limit in high cost areas for a single-family home to $729,750 from the current $362,790.
  In effect, the FHA loan limit was the same as the conventional loan limit - which was raised from $417,000 to $729,750.
• The purpose of the increase is to lower borrowing costs for home buyers in high cost areas such as California and New York.
  By raising loan limits the definition of a "jumbo" loan has changed. Where before a $500,000 mortgage was an example of "jumbo" financing - and thus priced between .75 percent to almost 1 percent higher than a "conventional" loan - under the new system that same $500,000 mortgage would itself be an example of "conventional" financing and thus not subject to the higher cost of jumbo financing.
• Lower loan costs, it is hoped, will bring more buyers into the marketplace, increase demand, stop price declines and reduce the current inventory of unsold homes.
• In 2009, the loan limits reverted back to their original levels.

These links refer back to the sources used in this post:

http://www.housingstimuluspackage.com/

http://www.FixHousingFirst.com/

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2009/02/05/isakson_stimulus_homebuyer.html

http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/hr_3221_key_provisions

Click here to email your Senators and Representatives and urge them to support these amendments

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4170 Blackland Drive, Marietta, GA 30067

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Great location, excellent schools and an amazing backyard with pool and hot tub make this home an entertainer's dream.  This is a fantastic Cape Cod style home built in 1973 with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.  Located in the Marietta section of East Cobb, this home is off Woodlawn Drive near Paper Mill Road and has easy access to Sandy Springs and Atlanta via Johnson Ferry Road as well as I-285 and I-75.

 Overview of the Area:

It is located just a few miles from the The Avenues of East Cobb with its pedestrian focused, village like setting that includes retail and restaurants.  The schools are Sope Creek Elementary, Dickerson Middle and Walton High School, all part of the Cobb County School District.

Click here for a map of this home's location.

Overview of Exterior:

This home has the classic Cape Cod styled look including a front porch that overlooks the private and shaded front yard.  The house sits above the street giving it seclusion without feeling isolated.  The backyard is beautifully landscaped creates a natural setting around the pool.  In addition, there is a deck off the sunroom.  There is also a side yard which can be used as a play area.

Overview of Main Floor:

As you enter the home thru the sunroom, you'll notice the bright sunlight that comes thru the wall of windows in the sunroom and breakfast area.  There are lovely hardwood floors throughout the homes.   Off the breakfast area is the update kitchen that includes granite counters, maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances and tile backsplash.

Off the kitchen is access to the large laundry room.that lead through dining room and into the updated kitchen.  The main floor also has a roomy family room with fireplace as well as a formal living room that can be used as an office and closed off using the French doors

The kitchen was recently updated with new maple cabinets, canned lighting, new granite countertops and tile backsplash.  Off the kitchen is the breakfast area which provides access to the deck.  The deck has a gas line connected to the house and ready for a grille.  Also accessible from the kitchen is the laundry room.

Also on the main level is the family room with cozy fireplace, a separate dining room and an office.  The master bedroom is on the main level and features a wall of built-in drawers and storage.  There is also a sitting room off the master that offers direct access to the hot tub and pool deck.

Overview of Upper Floor:

After ascending the stairs, you will find two, large bedrooms on the upper level plus a small office room.  The two bedrooms are on opposite ends of a hall and share a full bathroom. Both of these rooms feature views of front, back and side yards.

This home also features a loft area that overlooks the kitchen and is perfect for a playroom or work out area.  The loft also offers built-in shelves for storage.

Overview of Terrace Level:

This home offers a full finished basement with a full bathroom as well as a large, cedar lined closet.  The basement also has a large bedroom and built-in bookshelves.

Price:

This home is currently being offered at $475,000.  Lease/Purchase is an option at $1900/month.  Call Agent for details.

Enjoy,

The Voice of North Atlanta Real Estate

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In an effort to get the Republican support needed to pass the Stimulus Bill, the size of the bill had to be reduced to under $800 billion.  One of the victims of this reduction was the $15,000 tax credit introduced by GA Senator Johnny Isakson.

The revised bill still includes an $8,000 tax credit (up from the $7,500 credit currently in place) and also removes the payback requirement.  However, the tax credit is now only available to first-time homebuyers which includes anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years.  The credit will be available until the end of November 2009.

Some good news is that it appears that the high loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are still included as well as FHA loan guarantee programs.  The higher loan limits will raise the ceiling on what is considered a "jumbo" loan and allow people in higher priced areas to not be penalized with a higher interest rate or limited loan availability.

By revising the $15,000 tax credit amendment, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost will be reduced from $35.5 billion to $6.6 billion.

While not everything that the industry was hoping for, the National Association of Realtors nevertheless welcomed the more limited expansion of the tax credit.  Eliminating the repayment provision on the first-time homebuyer tax credit could drive more than 200,000 additional home sales, NAR President Charles McMillan said in a statement, which will help stabilize home values. The National Association of Home Builders had estimated a $15,000 tax break for all homebuyers would have generated nearly 500,000 home sales.

McMillan said the compromise bill will also reinstate the $729,750 loan limit in high-cost areas for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA loan guarantee programs that was in place throughout much of 2008, which he said would help reduce inventory and improve liquidity in the overall mortgage market.

The Obama administration is also planning to launch a program to subsidize mortgage payments for troubled borrowers who can pass a standardized re-appraisal and affordability test.  Reuters reported that the Obama administration has shelved a plan for the government to stand behind low-cost mortgages with rates between 4 percent and 4.5 percent.

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SPLOST is short for Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. Every five years, Cobb County resident have been voting to increase the county's sales tax by one percent or 1¢.  Cobb already has one of the lower sales taxes in the metro area.  The normal tax is 5 percent + 1 percent for the SPLOST totalling the current 6 percent.  When the SPLOST expires the new SPLOST (if approved by voters) replaces the expiring one percent keeping the tax the same.

One of the reasons the SPLOST is popular is that residents from other counties who make purchase in Cobb contribute to the fund.  So, the county is financing it's needs with non-residents money.  Of course, the majority comes from Cobb County residents but it doesn't hurt to have others help.

The last SPLOST vote was in September 2008 and will run until 2013.  This was the third consecutive SPLOST to be approved by voters.  The total tax collected over the five year period is expected to be $825-$850 million.  The Cobb County school system, with 106,000 students, is expected to get $798 million. Some of the projects financed with these funds include:

• $226 million: For maintenance and renovation, including $4.4 million for playground equipment and resurfacing, $1.6 million for stadium lighting and sound,
  and $879,000 on special clocks.
• $213 million: For additions to 56 schools and four other buildings.
• Just over half of the Marietta system's share of $59 million would pay off debt, and $10 million would be used to fund additions and renovations for the 8,000 students in the district.

UPDATE ON PROJECTS

TRANSPORTATION

As of February 2009, 239 transportation projects are underway or completed.
Highlights include:

• 20 school zone improvement projects valued at
• $5 million
• 28 bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects valued at $14 million
• 31 intersection safety and operational improvements valued at $19.5 million
• 22 thoroughfare and roadway safety improvement projects valued at $68.4 million
• 220 miles of road resurfacing valued at $35.9 million
• View Map of Current Construction Locations

Currently DOT has approximately 30 major projects in design and 60 projects planned to bid during 2009. Here is a closer look at three major projects in various stages of construction on Cobb County's roads right now: Due West Road Area Improvements, Jiles Road and Windy Hill Road/Macland Road Connector.

Due West Road Area Improvements

This project makes corridor improvements on Due West Road/Acworth Due West Road from south of Old Hamilton Road to just north of Burnt Hickory Road to the west. Construction is currently underway with anticipated completion by the end of fall. Significant improvements made throughout this corridor include:

• Addition of turn lanes throughout the project limits and widening of the existing roadway; most notably including dual left turns from Due West Road northbound to
  Due West Road westbound;
• Addition of "bike friendly" lanes between Burnt Hickory Road to the south and north;
• The new Old Hamilton Road and the new Burnt Hickory Road intersection will be a four-way signalized intersection at Due West Road and will continue across on new alignment to form a new connection with Burnt Hickory Road;
• The existing signal at the intersection of Burnt Hickory Road and Due West Road will have its signal removed and Burnt Hickory Road will no longer be accessible at this location with the intersection relocated to Old Hamilton Road.

Jiles Road Widening - Phase I and II

Jiles Road Phase I will widen the existing Jiles Road to a four-lane divided section between Baker Road and Cherokee Street. This will facilitate traffic on Jiles Road to and from Interstate 75 as well as relieve congestion near the intersection of Jiles Road and Cherokee Street.

Phase I construction will begin shortly and will maintain access to all businesses throughout construction. Construction is anticipated to continue through the spring. Phase II is well into design and will extend improvements through Legacy Park towards Old US 41 and US 41. Construction for Phase II is anticipated to begin in early 2010.

Continued Progress on Windy Hill Road/Macland Road Connector

The Windy Hill Road/Macland Road Connector is currently under construction and will provide a new four-lane roadway from the intersection of Macland Road and Powder Springs Road to the existing intersection at Windy Hill Road and Austell Road. This roadway will significantly reduce travel times as well as congestion on Powder Springs Road and neighboring Callaway Road, County Services Parkway, Austell Road and Milford Church Road.

After the groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 30, dirt has been moving on this project. Phase I of this project includes the construction of a bridge where the new Connector will pass under the existing Callaway Road near Jim R. Miller Park and construction of a new bridge and future roadway over Olley Creek. To build the Callaway bridge without closing Callaway Road, it was necessary to relocate the existing roadway in front of the park. Phase I construction impacting the park and Callaway Bridge will be completed near the end of this summer, just before the next North Georgia State Fair.

Planning Updates

January Bike Ped Workshops Generate Citizen Input
Cobb County Department of Transportation recently hosted three public workshops to provide information on the current conditions for walking and biking throughout the county's roadways. These workshops were very well attended by Cobb residents and generated several hundred responses to DOT staff. This input will help the Board of Commissioners set priorities for public investment in pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

If you were unable to attend the January Workshops, there is still time to provide your comments. Please view the PowerPoint presentation on the DOT Web site and fill out the accompanying questionnaire. Due to the overwhelming response, the deadline to receive comments has been extended to the end of February. For more information about the workshop, please view the DOT Video on Demand.

Cobb County Begins Austell Road Access Management Study
The Cobb County Department of Transportation is spearheading an effort to examine access management along Austell Road and has selected a consultant team to conduct the Austell Road Access Management Study. The first opportunity for the public to learn more about the project will be at a community meeting held on Tuesday, Feb.17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the South Cobb Government Center, 4700 Austell Road in Austell, Georgia.

Access Management methods are designed to improve operational efficiency of roadways without adding lane capacity. The Austell Road Access Management Study will provide an opportunity to distinguish between different levels of access control on the arterial network, while at the same time maintaining the predominant role of Austell Road to move through traffic safely and efficiently. In addition to improvements benefiting vehicular traffic, the study also has potential benefits for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users. Consideration of alternative travel modes and integration of solutions to address their needs are vital to the success of the Austell Road Access Management Study.
For more information, please contact the Planning Division, planning@cobbcounty.org , 770-528-1679 or on the DOT Web site.

Projects Under Construction

Austell Road at East-West Connector

Construction will begin shortly on the Austell Road at East-West Connector intersection and will continue throughout 2009. Improvements to this intersection will include addition of thru lanes on the East-West Connector and dual turn lanes to all legs of the intersection.

Maxham Road

Maxham Road construction will continue until the end of summer 2009. This project will ultimately be two lanes in each direction with a raised median between Old Alabama Road and Veterans Memorial Highway. The existing bridge over Buttermilk Creek will be widened without closing the roadway and sidewalk will be added to the west side to the roadway. Work is currently beginning on the bridge widening.

Garrett Road Bridge over Powder Springs Creek

This project replaced the old bridge over Powder Springs Creek and has been designed to improve the safety of the curve on the bridge. Garrett Road Bridge recently opened to through traffic after being closed since last summer.

Holly Springs Bridge

Construction has just begun on this project which will replace the existing bridge over Sewell Creek Tributary with a "bottomless" culvert. This replacement will require a roadway detour that will go into effect from March until July, reopening before school begins in August.

Post Oak Tritt Road

Construction continues on this roadway safety operational project which will widen the existing roadway, adding curb, gutter and sidewalk on one side of the roadway from Murdock Road to the Fulton County line. This project includes replacement of two existing bridges with a culvert and a bridge. The bridge replacement near Post Oak Square Subdivision will require a summer road closure with the roadway expected to be open to traffic before school opens in fall.
Projects on the Horizon

Allgood Road

Allgood Road is currently being designed for improvement between Scufflegrit Road and East Piedmont Road. Proposed improvements will include addition of sidewalk where it is currently missing on the north side of the roadway and on the south side from Scufflegrit Road to Mount Paran Church. Where new curb and gutter is necessary, the roadway will be widened. Groover Road will be revised to tie into Allgood Road at a 90 degree angle and two hillcuts, near Rockcrest Drive and Smithwood Drive, will improve safety and visibility. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer and will require some roadway closures.

Noonday Creek Trail

This project will construct a 10′ trail from the Kennesaw Mountain National Battleground Park visitor's center to Bells Ferry Road where it crosses Noonday Creek.  Click here to view a map . This multi-phased project is funded through a variety of sources (including SPLOST, federal, local, and Town Center CID funds). Expect to see construction this March beginning at Cobb Parkway and running along Vaughn Road and Barrett Lakes Blvd with other phases of the project continuing construction through mid-2010. Future plans to extend the trail to the Cherokee County line will add another proposed four miles to the nearly six mile trail project.

JUDICIAL

Jail Expansion

On July 31, 2007, county officials broke ground for the $110 million expansion of the Cobb County Adult Detention Center. The project continues on time and within budget. The housing tower's skeletal structure is complete and interior walls, elevators, cells and utilities are being installed. The building exterior panels are also being installed. Construction of the Visitor Building has been completed. Visitation and bonding functions will be shifted to the Visitor Building at the end of the year. The Administration Building is scheduled for completion in April and the housing tower at the end of the year. Renovation and expansion of the laundry area has been completed and renovation and expansion of the kitchen area is underway. When finished, the jail expansion will add more than 320,000 square feet and 1,152 beds to the facility, bringing its capacity to 3,077 prisoners.

PUBLIC SAFETY

New Courthouse

SPLOST funds of $55 million will enable the building of a new courthouse that will combine all of the county's court services on one campus and allow Juvenile Court to move to downtown Marietta. The new building will also provide a larger jury assembly room to house jurors.

Cobb County has entered into a design build contract with Turner Construction and the company has verified programming completed last summer by the Facility Group. The Board of Commissioners expanded the size of the new courthouse to include an additional floor for future growth and building elevations have been updated to show the added floor. Design development drawings have been finalized and approved by various large courthouse departments, including the district attorney, sheriff, superior court judges and the clerk's office. Construction design drawings are being developed for construction purposes and the county has acquired necessary permits to fill the open creek on the courthouse site.

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3532 Nettle Lane, Roswell, GA 30075

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Great location, excellent schools and an affordable price!  This is a fantastic 3 sided brick built in 1985 with 5 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.  Located in the Roswell section of East Cobb in the Hedgerow II subdivision off Mabry Road.  Hedgerow has a total 276 homes separated into five sections and offers swim and tennis amenities.

Overview of the Area:

This home is convenient to the major roadways in East Cobb including Shallowford Road, Johnson Ferry Road, Sandy Plains Road as well as I-75 and GA-400.  It is located just a few miles from the The Avenues of East Cobb with its pedestrian focused, village like setting that includes retail and restaurants.  The schools are Shallowford Falls Elementary, Simpson Middle and Lassiter High School, all part of the Cobb County School District.

This home is also located less than four miles from the Mountain View Aquatic Center, Harrison Park, and the Mountain View Branch of the Cobb County Library System.

Click here for a map of this home's location.

Overview of Exterior:

Featuring 3 sides of brick, this home has the classic traditional styled look.The front yard is easy to maintain and level. The backyard is wooded and private. In addition, there is a newly rebuilt deck off the kitchen with a stainless steel grille that can be negotiated into the sale.

Overview of Main Floor:

As you enter the home, you'll notice the deep, dark hardwood floors that lead through dining room and into the updated kitchen.  The main floor also has a roomy family room with fireplace as well as a formal living room.  The main level has been freshly painted and all of the poly pipe was replaced with copper in 2008.

The kitchen was recently updated with light colored maple cabinets, new lighting and appliances.  Off the kitchen is the breakfast area which provides access to the newly rebuilt deck.  The deck has a stainless steel grille that can be negotiated into the purchase.  Also accessible from the kitchen is the laundry room, garage (stepless at kitchen level) and back staircase.

Overview of Upper Floor:

After ascending either the front or rear stairs, you will find 5 oversized bedrooms.  The master is located away from the other bedrooms.  The 5th bedroom is a large bonus room with access to the rear stairs for complete privacy.

Overview of Terrace Level:

This home offers a complete unfinished, daylight basement.  The basement is ready to be finished.

Miscellaneous:

The seller is willing to negotiate the stainless steel grille, washer, dryer, refrigerator and workshop equipment as part of the purchase based on an acceptable offer.   This home also has a full repair and retreat termite bond.  HOA membership is also optional.

Price:

This home is currently being offer at $309,000.  This price reflects a true buying opportunity for this location and school district.  Other similar homes in the area are priced well into the upper $300,000 to lower $400,000 range.

Enjoy,

The Voice of North Atlanta Real Estate

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4952 Fairhaven Way, Roswell, GA 30075

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Great location, excellent schools and an affordable price!  This is a fantastic John Weiland built, brick front home built in 1991 with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.  Located in the Roswell section of East Cobb in the Carriage Park subdivision off Shallowford Road.  Carriage Park also offers swim and tennis amenities.

Overview of the Area:

This home is convenient to the major roadways in East Cobb including Shallowford Road, Johnson Ferry Road, Sandy Plains Road as well as I-75 and GA-400.  It is located just a few miles from the The Avenues of East Cobb with its pedestrian focused, village like setting that includes retail and restaurants.  The schools are Tritt Elementary, Hightower Trail Middle and Pope High School, all part of the Cobb County School District.

Click here for a map of this home's location.

Overview of Exterior:

This beautiful home has a brand new roof and had the exterior repainted in 2008.  In addition, the driveway is flat and at the kitchen level for easy access. The backyard is wooded and private, includes a playset and gazebo and is fenced.  There is also a large deck off the breakfast area.

Overview of Main Floor:

As you enter the home, you'll notice the two story entry with hardwood floors and lots of sunlight.  Off the entry is an office.   Opposite the office is the formal living room and dining room. 

 The kitchen is large with lots of counter space and opens to the two story great room.  The kitchen also features an island with cooktop and second sink.  Off the kitchen is the breakfast area which overlooks the deck outside.  Off the great room is a beautiful sunroom with sides of windows.  The sunroom looks out to the backyard and can be closed off from the great room with french doors.

The two story great room has a fireplace and a HUGE flat screen TV which is included with the house. The laundry room is also located on the main floor.

Overview of Upper Floor:

After ascending either the front or rear stairs, you will find 4 bedrooms.  The large master bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and separate his and her closets.  The master bathroom offers a jacuzzi tub and separate tile shower with frameless glass enclosure and double vanities.

Miscellaneous:

This homes has a full repair and retreat termite bond.  There is also a security system as well as in ground irrigation. Sellers are being transferred and are very motivated.

Price:

This home is currently being offer at $425,000.  This price reflects a true buying opportunity for this location and school district.  Other similar homes in the area are priced well into the upper $400,000 to mid $500,000 range.

Enjoy,

The Voice of North Atlanta Real Estate

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3146 Clifton Springs Court, Decatur, GA 30034

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This home was bought out of foreclosure unfinished.  The seller is a top in-town remodeler who completed the construction and is now offering the home for sale.  This beautiful home offers lots of open space with high ceilings, hardwoods floors and a full basement.

Located in near Flat Shoals Road, this home is convenient to I-20 and I-285.

Overview of the Area:

This home is located just inside I-285 near I-20 and is convenient to Sugar Creek Golf Course and Gresham Recreation Center Park.  The schools are Oakview Elementary, Cedar Grove Middle and Cedar Grove High School, all part of the Dekalb County School District.

Click here for a map of this home's location.

Overview of Exterior:

This home features a European traditional style with stucco and brick on the front.  Located on a quiet, dead end street, this home has lots of space and offers 5 bedrooms plus 3.5 bathrooms.

Overview of Main Floor:

As you enter the home, you'll notice the beautiful two story entry and hardwood floors. Off the entry is the formal dining room on one side. The great room directly ahead of the entry area and offers lots of windows and light

The kitchen and family rooms are located adjacent to the great room and are part of the open floor plan.  There is also a deck running the length of the back of the house which is accessible from the breakfast area.

Also on the main level is the master bedroom and bathroom.  The master bathroom has a separate jacuzzi tub and shower plus double sink vanity.

The laundry room is also located on the main floor.

Overview of Upper Floor:

After ascending the stairs to the upper level, you will see 4 additional bedrooms.  All of the bedrooms are large.  Two bedrooms share a jack and jill bathroom while the other bedroom has a private bathroom.

Two bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom while the 3rd bedroom has a private full bathroom.

Overview of Terrace Level:

This home offers a complete unfinished, daylight basement with level walk out access to the backyard.  The basement is ready to be finished.

Price:

This home was originally sold for over $425,000 before it went into foreclosure.  It is currently being offer at $255,000.  The seller will also include a $1500 refrigerator allowance and will paint two rooms to the buyers prefered colors.  This price reflects a true buying opportunity.

Enjoy,

The Voice of North Atlanta Real Estate

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3502 Owens Valley Trace, Kennesaw, GA 30152

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This home offers a lot of square footage for the price.  Built in 2003, this is a brick front home located in the Treymoore subdivision with swim and tennis amenities.  The home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms plus a huge basement.

This home offers a lot of square footage for the price.  Built in 2003, this is a brick front home located in the Treymoore subdivision with swim and tennis amenities.  The home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms plus a huge basement.

Located in Kennesaw off Jim Owens Lane, this home combines upscale living with an affordable price.

Overview of the Area:

This home is convenient to the major roadways including Stilesboro Road, Kennesaw Due West Road, Highway 41/Cobb Parkway, and I-75.  The schools are Lewis Elementary, McClure Middle and Allatoona High School (this school is new and info is not available yet), all part of the Cobb County School District.

Town Center Mall, The Avenues of West Cobb, Marietta Square, and Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park are all within 20 minutes.

Click here for a map of this home's location.

Overview of Exterior:

This is a classic brick front, traditional style home located on a cul de sac lot with a huge backyard.  This home has lots of space and offers 4 bedrooms plus 3.5 bathrooms.

Overview of Main Floor:

As you enter the home, you'll notice the beautiful two story entry and hardwood floors. Off the entry is the formal living room on one side and dining room on the other.  Located down the hallway is a dedicated office with french doors.

Next to the office is the two story great room with fireplace and wall of windows.  Directly off this room is the large open kitchen and breakfast area.  The kitchen has solid surface countertops, large island and a newer oven and microwave.

There is a deck off the breakfast area that overlooks the large backyard. The laundry room is also located on the main floor.

Overview of Upper Floor:

After ascending the stairs to the upper level, you will see 4 bedrooms.  The master bedroom is HUGE and has a large sitting area.  The master bathroom has a separate jacuzzi tub and shower plus separate vanities.

Two bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom while the 3rd bedroom has a private full bathroom.

Overview of Terrace Level:

This home offers a complete unfinished, daylight basement with level walk out access to the backyard.  The basement is ready to be finished.

Price:

This home is currently being offer at $309,000.  This price reflects a true buying opportunity.  Other similar homes in the area are priced into the mid to upper $300,000 range.

Enjoy,

The Voice of North Atlanta Real Estate

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One of the nice benefits of living and working in Cobb County is our effective county government.  Cobb has one of the areas lowest tax rates yet still manages to be on the cutting edge of services and programs.  The County Commission consists of five District Commissioner and one Chairman.  Together, they have continued to make Cobb County one of the best areas to live in metropolitan Atlanta.

The Commission just released their 2008 Annual Report.  Here are some of the highlights:

• Opened 33-acre Hubert Park Soccer Complex
• Opened 7 acre Pitner Road Dog Park
• Broke ground on Macland Road - Windy Hill Road connector
• Instituted burglar alarm registration to reduce false alarm alerts
• Preserved 300 acres of land for public use through a $40 million parks bond approved by voters

The County also completed 34% of the 260 total DOT projects as part of the last SPLOST.  In addition, 31 percent of the projects are currently under construction.  You can read about all the accomplishments and on-going efforts in the annual report.

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(reprinted from Atlanta Business Chronicle)

Georgia had the second-lowest 30-year fixed mortgage rates last week, according to real estate Web site Zillow.com

For the week ended Jan. 4, rates on 30-year fixed mortgages were lowest in Arizona (4.97 percent) and Georgia (4.99 percent), according to the Zillow Mortgage Rate Monitor.

For the second week in a row, Georgia was the state with the second-lowest average mortgage rate last week, according to real estate Web site Zillow.com.   Georgia's average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was at 4.81 percent for the week ending Jan. 11, compared with 4.99 percent for the week ending Jan. 4.

North Carolina saw the biggest increase in the average rate last week, increasing from 4.99 percent to 5.09 percent. Arizona had the lowest average rate at 4.97 percent, and Maryland had the highest, at 5.26 percent

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