Barry's Real Estate Blog

For more information or to schedule a tour of the home, please contact Barry Wolfert at 770-656-7551 or email me.

1730 Tappahannock Trail, Marietta, GA 30062

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Beautiful traditional style, Williamscraft built home with rocking chair porch.  This 5 bedroom, 4 full bathroom home features tons of space and is much bigger than it looks.  Built in 2001, this all hardiplank sided home is located in the Hamilton section of the East Park subdivision in Marietta (East Cobb).

The East Park subdivision is located off Allgood Road in Marietta and offers easy access to I-75 via Roswell Road/120 Loop or Sandy Plains Road.

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

Overview of the Area:

East Park is a master planned community on 362 homesites in East Cobb with the quaint old-fashioned charm of Colonial Virginia. Homes have been designed to use the best of this rich architectural heritage. The community of East Park also revives traditional town planning concepts by including green parks and sidewalks. It's a place where brisk morning walks or relaxed evening strolls will give you the opportunity to greet your neighbors.

There's something for the everyone to enjoy at East Park including Resort Style Pool, Clubhouse, Tennis Center and gathering Gazebo.

This location is convenient to downtown Marietta and Marietta Square.

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 Sawyer Road Elementary, Marietta Middle and Marietta High School, which has an International Baccalaureate program.

Overview of Exterior:

This home has a classic traditional style look including a rocking chair front porch. The house sits near the end of a cul-de-sac street. The backyard is private and includes a fully fenced backyard.

Overview of Main Floor:

Upon entering the house, you will find hardwood floors throughout the main level.  There is a bedroom and full bath on the main floor.  The kitchen is open and looks directly into the family room with built-in bookshelves surrounding a fireplace.  The breakfast area overlooks the backyard through a bay window. The deck is off the family room and also overlooks the private, fenced backyard.

The main level also features a separate large dining room as well as a laundry room with lots of cabinet storage.

Overview of Upper Floor:

The home has a large master located with a trey ceiling.  Off the master is large separate office or study that is currently being used as an additional bedroom.  This space can be closed off from the master bedroom using the French doors. This office/study is unique to this home and allows this house to actually offer a 6th bedroom if desired.

There are two additional large bedrooms upstairs.   One bedroom has an extra playroom as well.  There is also a full 2nd bathroom with double sink vanity.

Overview of Terrace Level:

This home offers a fully finished basement/terrace level.  There are several rooms including a bedroom, full bathroom, music room, and large open media room.  The 53" TV is also included in the sale of the home.

Price:

This home is currently being offered at $369,000.

Enjoy,

The Voice of North Atlanta Real Estate

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Back on Febrary 22, 2009, I posted my concerns regarding H.B. 261.  While good intentioned, that bill had the potential to cause more harm than good.  I applaud the Georgia Assembly for taking matters into their own hands and considering and creating a bill that will get the Georgia housing market back on track.

H.B. 261 went through some revisions and passed the House yesterday 162-4.  I believe the changes in the bill make it a much more effective stimulus tool and could re-start the stalled Georgia housing market.

The key features of the bill, as I understand them are outlined as follows:

• Applies to new or previously occupied single family homes
• Can be used by owner occupied or investment related properties
• Tax credit will be in effect for 6 months and apply to homes closed on in that period
• Credit shall equal 1.2% of the purchase price but not to exceed $3,600
• Credit shall not exceed $1,200 per calendar with any balance being applied to the following year's tax liability for a maximum of two additional years
• If tax liability is less than the credit, the balance will be forfeit

What Does This All Mean?

First of all, this tax credit is good for ALL  buyers not just first-time home buyers as is the case with the federal goverment's $8000 Tax Credit.  Also, this tax credit is a direct reduction of taxes owed which is like the federal credit.  If you are a first time buyer, you can qualify for both of these credits resulting in a maximum of $11,600 in tax credits.  That's a nice chunk of change even if you have to wait three years to get it all.

Since this credit is not limited to owner occupied homes, investors can take advantage of the tax credit and help reduce our excess inventory.  If you combine already discounted prices with historically low interest rates and this tax credit, now becomes a very compelling time to buy a home or rental property.

One of my major problems with the first draft of this bill was that it limited the purchase price of the home to $40,000 to $300,000.  Now, that restriction is gone which will help all homeowners as well as buyers.

Overall, I give a lot of credit to the sponsors of this bill: State Rep. Ron Stephens,164th, State Rep. Tom Dickson, 6th, State Rep. Cecily Hill, 180th, State Rep.Terry Barnard, 166th, State Rep.Jay Neal, 1st, and  State Rep. Butch Parrish, 156th.

I encourage you to read the bill for yourself here. It's only 1.5 pages!

As always, things can change.  The bill is before the Senate and may get altered.  Hopefully, it will be passed and signed into law quickly by Governor Perdue.  If things change, I'll be there to let you know what happens.

Write your representatives and urge them to pass this bill.  You can find your legislator here.

Related Posts:

First Time Home Buyers To Get $8000 Tax Credit On 2009 Home Purchase

Georgia House Considering It's Own Housing Tax Credit Stimulus - H.B. 261

General Information for Buyers

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ASK THE EXPERTS will be an occasional feature where I interview industry professionals and get their insight to the most commonly asked questions in their field.

This post features Brodie Brown with Browntree Inspections and Scott Berlyoung with Alpha Home Services.  I asked both of them to provide answers to these questions.  Click on read the rest of the story for the full interview.

1)      What does an inspector do?

Scott: An ASHI Residential inspector completes a visual review of the general house, lot and all systems keeping safety and health in mind. A New Home Code inspection has the added value of checking state building codes using the ICC, NEC and others as the Georgia qualification for minimum building standards.

Brodie:  He does a visual, point in time inspection of a property and then conveys the information to a home buyer or seller.  The inspection is meant to give the buyer the information they need to make a more informed purchase decision.

2)      How long does an inspection take?

Scott: Most inspections take a half day, or about 4 hours depending on house size and the number of systems to run, e.g. more than one kitchen or 3 HVAC units may require 4-6 hours. A new home framing inspection may take only 2-3 hours again depending on the size of the construction.

Brodie: The average inspection will take between 2 to 4 hours.

3)      Do you guarantee your work?

Scott: Yes, we guarantee all our work and customer satisfaction.

Brodie:  I guarantee customer satisfaction.  If a customer attends the inspection and decides that they are not satisfied, I will refund 100% of the fee they paid.  My inspection is not a guarantee on the house or items in the house.

4)      What do you inspect in a home?

Scott: The home is reviewed from outside in, top to bottom so that all plumbing and moisture concerns can be properly checked. All systems are run and normal controls are opened including electric panels, water mains, and furnace controls.

We request all buyers to accompany the inspector and learn about the home, asking questions along the way. Our camera brings pictures from roof tops and the bottom of crawl spaces where most people don't visit.

Brodie: I inspect everything that affects the normal, safe operation of the house.  i.e. structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.

5) Should I get a Radon test?

Scott: Radon should always be considered and tested if a previous test is not available. Radon is on the property disclosure for family health and value of all Georgia property. The test is simple; we use quick turn around electronic monitors to speed the process.

Brodie: The EPA recommends that a Radon test be done on all new purchases.  You don't know if you have a Radon problem unless you test.

6) What's an ASHI certification?

Scott: ASHI, or the American Society of Home Inspectors is the leading national certification group for professional residential inspectors. An ASHI inspector has passed some of the highest qualifications and must maintain over 20 hours of yearly study to maintain membership.

Brodie: ASHI certified inspectors meet the following requirements:

1. pass a test on the ASHI code of ethics and standards
2. the inspector agrees to follow those ethics and standards
3. pass the national home inspectors exam
4. submit their reports to be review by ASHI to ensure they contain the proper information
5. submit an affidavit of at least 250 fee paid inspections
6. complete 20 hrs of continuing education per year.

7) Can you also repair any problems you find?

Scott: The standards of practice for an ASHI inspector do not allow this conflict of interest. We may not directly refer or conduct a business that is contingent on the outcome or sale of the home.

Brodie: No, that can be seen as a conflict of interest.

8) How much does an inspection cost?

Scott: An average ASHI half day inspection costs $375 and has many benefits, always well worth the time and money for an individuals largest life investment.

Brodie: It depends on the details of the house.  The average cost is around $300.00

9) Can I pay you at the closing?

Scott:  Typically, we get paid at the end of the inspection.  However, in special situations, we will retain a credit card number but get paid at the closing. In these case, we do charge a service fee in addition to the inspection fee.

Brodie: No, the inspection needs to be paid at the time of the inspection.  Paying at the closing may give the appearance that the inspector being paid depended on the closing being finalized.

10) Do I have to have an inspection?

Scott: No one is required to inspect their homes for safety and value, but it is always strongly advised for all the above reasons.

Brodie: You do not, but it is highly recommended.  You need to know what you are buying, both the good and the not so good.

Do you have more questions? Simply post your comments and questions below.

Related Posts:

10 Tips for First Time Home Buyers

10 Common Mortgage and Financing Related Questions Answered By The Experts

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287 Shaded Oaks Lane, Marietta, GA 30067

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Great location, excellent condition and an affordable price!  This is a fantastic fully updated townhome with 2 large bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.  Located in the Marietta section of East Cobb in the Shaded Oaks complex off Powers Ferry Road.  This community is tucked away in a quiet, tree shaded area that provides both affordability and accessibility.

Overview of the Area:

This home is convenient to the several major roadways in Cobb including Powers Ferry Road, Roswell Road/120 Loop, Delk Road, Cobb Parkway/Highway 41 and I-75.  The townhome is located in the highly sought after Cobb County school system.  The schools are Powers Ferry Elementary, East Cobb Middle and Wheeler High School which is a Magnet School for Science and Math.

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

Overview of Main Floor:

As you enter the home, you'll notice the light colored wood floors throughout.  The entire townhome is painted in light pastel colors creating a bright and warm interior space.  The main floor half bath has a lovely antique styled vanity as well as tile floor.

The kitchen has been completely updated with granite countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and newer lighting fixtures.  The kitchen has a breakfast area with a bay window that brings in lots of sunlight.

The living room is visible from the kitchen and features a large fireplace and beautiful mantel.  The main floor also has a large laundry room with extra storage.  Accessible from the living room access to the backyard with a deck and exterior storage room.

Overview of Upper Floor:

Two large bedrooms are upstairs.  Each bedroom has wood floors, their own walk-in closet and private bath making this home ideal for roommates as well as an individual or small famiy.   Both bathrooms have updated vanities, tile floors and a tub/shower combination.

Miscellaneous:

This townhome comes with two assigned parking spaces. HOA dues are $75 per month.

Price:

This townhome home is currently being offer at $134,500.  Given the upgrades and excellent condition, this home is turnkey and ready for new owners.

Enjoy,

The Voice of North Atlanta Real Estate

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The Cobb County School District is considering moving the starting date from August 10 to August 17 for the Fall 2009 school year.  Many are asking where the extra five days are going to come from.  The state mandates at least 180 days of instruction.  State school Superintendent Kathy Cox has said calendars are a local decision. A bill to require a later start date for all public schools failed in the state Legislature in 2005.

Time for standardized tests has to be factored in, along with time for state high school graduation tests. Teacher work days, Advanced Placement exams and block scheduling also must be considered.  Many districts are now off the week of Thanksgiving. In the past, schools had high rates of absenteeism on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. Absentee rates are monitored and used with test scores to determine if public schools comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act.  According to some board members, it's possible for the district to start school later than other metro districts and still finish the first semester before the holiday break. But a later start date could mean:

• A shorter break at Thanksgiving. Currently, students have the entire week off

• A delayed start to the holiday break. Most districts are off the entire week of Christmas, which falls on a Friday this year

In addition to the later start date, Cobb school board member John Crooks wants the school year to end before Memorial Day. And many, including Crooks, contend the first semester should be completed before the winter holidays.

"I think it's fair to students, especially high school students, that they have a winter break. A clean break," said Sanderson, Cobb's superintendent.

Paulding County plans to start on Aug. 17, but the first semester won't be completed until January, according to district spokesperson Sharon Roper.

While many metro districts will start the 2009-10 school year on the same day, the last day of school varies, based on such factors as the number of student holidays and teacher planning days. Some districts have a week off for Thanksgiving, and some have a week-long break in mid-February.

2009-2010 School Start and End Dates

District First day Last day

Atlanta                       Aug. 10       June 4
Cherokee                   Aug. 3         May 28
Clayton                      Aug. 10       May 28
DeKalb                      Aug. 10        May 21
Fayette                      Aug. 10        May 28
Forsyth                     Aug. 10         May 28
Fulton                       Aug. 10        May 21
Gwinnett                  Aug. 10        May 26
Marietta                   Aug. 10        May 21
Paulding                   Aug. 17        June 4

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Read about some upcoming events and things to do in and around Cobb County.

Commissioner Lee and Chairman Olens host town hall meeting

District 3 Commissioner Tim Lee will host a joint town hall meeting with Chairman Sam Olens 7 p.m., Thursday, March 5, at Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta. Residents are encouraged to attend this meeting and discuss progress made around the county. It is also an excellent time to express ideas and ask questions. For more information, call 770-528-3317.

Cobb libraries offer one-stop shop for job seekers

The CobbWorks Mobile Career Center, a free job resource, will be available at select Cobb County public libraries in March and April. This partnership was formed to make job searching tools accessible to the community. The portable facility is a bus filled with 12 computer stations were residents can complete an online job search, resume and cover letter. The computers have Internet access, allowing people to search from local, state and national jobs. Professional job counselors from CobbWorks will be available to help individuals plan job searches, apply for jobs, develop resumes and cover letters and answer career development questions. Visitors to the mobile career center can continue their work inside libraries where they can access newspaper classifieds, use computers and check out books on job hunting and career management. Services are free and printing is available from computers and copy machines for 10 cents per page. The career center will be available:

Tuesday, March 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
South Cobb Regional Library
805 Clay Road, Mableton

Wednesday, March 4, 2-4 p.m.
Central Library
266 Roswell St., Marietta

Tuesday, March 17, 2-4 p.m.
Merchant's Walk Library
1315 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta

Thursday, March 19, 2-4 p.m.
Merchant's Walk Library
1315 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta

Tuesday, April 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Stratton Library
1100 Powder Springs Road, Marietta

Participants should bring a thumb drive to save their work and a notebook to take notes. Services are provided on a first-come, first-service basis and computer usage at the mobile career center is unlimited unless there is a line. Then it is limited to one hour sessions. The bus is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call CobbWorks at 770-528-4300.

Still time to order plants during annual 4-H sale

The Cobb County 4-H Club is having its annual plant sale. This year's assortment includes blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, crape myrtles, edgeworthia, helleborous, heuchera and Spring Bouquet Viburnum. Prepaid orders will be accepted through Wednesday, March 11. The order form is available at cobbextension.com or by calling 770-528-4076. Plants may be picked up at Jim Miller Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 21.

In addition, a free seminar on growing and caring for blueberries and blackberries will be conducted by Cobb Extension agent Steve Brady 7-8:30 p.m., Monday, March 9, at the Cobb County Water Lab, 662 South Cobb Drive, Marietta. For more information, or for free brochures outlining the care of these plants, call 770-528-4070.

Book sale offers great deals for the whole family

The Cobb County Public Library will host its semi-annual book sale March 6-8 at Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. The event will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Items for sale include soft cover and hard back books, magazines, computer programs and comic books. Prices range from 10 cents to $2. Proceeds from the sale go toward purchasing new books and materials for the library system. Last year, book sales generated more than $50,000 which allowed library staff to purchase new books, CDs and DVDs. For more information, or to volunteer to assist with setting up the sale, call 770-528-2342. For more information, visit cobbcounty.org/Library.

Your opinion needed on how to Keep Cobb Beautiful

Keep Cobb Beautiful needs public input on important environmental issues. Whether it's recycling, greenspace, litter prevention or something else, KCB is seeking your thoughts and ideas. A quick online survey will help the organization serve the needs of Cobb's residents better. To participate, visit cobbcounty.org/KCB.

Public meeting planned for Bullard-Stockton property

A public input meeting for the Bullard-Stockton property master plan will be held 7-8:30 p.m., Monday, March 9, at the West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs. The meeting will be an open house format where residents can view various displays around the room, ask questions, provide feedback and discuss planning for future development of this passive recreation area. Representatives from Cobb County government, Cobb Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department and the planning firm Lose & Associates will be available.

Commissioner Goreham hosts town hall for residents

District 1 Commissioner Helen Goreham will host a town hall meeting for her constituents 7 p.m., Thursday, March 12, at West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about progress made in the community and share questions and thoughts with the commissioner. For more information, call 770-528-3313 or visit cobbcounty.org/boc.

Event highlights local leaders during Women's History Month

The League of Women Voters Marietta-Cobb and the YWCA of Northwest Georgia will host the first "Celebrating History Through Her Story" event 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 14, at the Workforce Development and Conference Center at Chattahoochee Tech. This year's focus will be on first elected women officials in Cobb with a panel including Victoria Chastain, the first female mayor of the City of Marietta; The Honorable Dorothy Robinson, the first female elected Superior Court Judge of Cobb County Judicial Circuit; Lynda Coker, first femal state representative from Cobb; Barbara Williams, first female Cobb County commissioner; and Alisha Thomas-Morgan, first African American female state representative from Cobb. The event will be a highlight of Women's History Month and there is no charge to attend. If you would like more information or to reserve your seat because space is limited, contact Holly Comer, at 770-423-3562 or E-mail her at hcomer@ywcanwga.com.

Learn how to preserve historic properties at workshop

Cobb County, in cooperation with local partners, will host a workshop about historic properties 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, March 14, in the Social Sciences building of Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw. The workshop will educate participants on ways to preserve and maintain Cobb's historic buildings. Topics include the National Register, local historic designation, tax benefits and standards for rehabilitation. There is a $5 fee, which includes lunch. Because of limited seating, registration is required by 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 11. For questions and registration, contact Mandy Elliott at 770-528-2010 or mandy.elliott@cobbcounty.org. For a complete workshop schedule, visit cobbcounty.org/CommunityDevelopment.

Road closure alert for Concord Road

Concord Road will be closed to thru traffic between Hurt Road and South Hurt Road through June 3. Closure is necessary to replace the bridge over Silver Comet Trail. For detour information, click here  or visit dot.cobbcountyga.gov/road_rept.htm.

Latest recreation newsletter now available online

The March edition of Recreation Cobb eNews is now available online with valuable information for the public, including details on The 2009 Hunt and other upcoming events at various facilities. The newsletter is available at prca.cobbcountyga.gov/newsletter/2009-03.htm.

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Attention first time home buyers (you know who you are, don't you?).  Now is the time to take advantage of lower house prices, low interest rates and an amazing $8000 tax credit.  But don't wait too long, the tax credit ends November 30, 2009 and interest rates and prices won't stay low forever.  For more tips, read the rest of the story.

1) Are you a first time home buyer? It may sound like an easy question but you can actually qualify to be a first time home buyer if you have not owned a home in the last 3 years.  Of course, of you've never owned a home before, you're covered.  Knowing this is important as you can take advantage of the current $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit.

2) Credit check. If it's been a while since you last saw your credit report, that is the first thing you should do.  You can go to annualcreditreport.com or myfico.com.  Most "free" credit reports will show you the accounts listed in your name and if they are late but the reports do not typically provide you with your credit score.

For a nominal fee, you can buy your credit reports with the scores.  It's good to have both since lenders will typically look at the middle and lower scores more than the high score.  In this credit market, you really need to be above a 625 to have a decent chance at a loan.

3) Make a budget. If you've been renting for a while, you may be used to having some of your utilities, cable or other services included in your rent.  When you buy, all of these expenses are yours so you need to make sure you can afford a house.

Here's a list of items renters typically forget to budget for:  homeowner's insurance; pest control; water/gas/electric/cable; trash pickup; yard maintenance; homeowner's dues; general maintenance and repairs (light bulbs to missing roof shingles).

4) What is your motivation for buying? This question is important because it determines your motivation.  Home buyers move for all kinds of reasons.  And, any reason is valid if it motivates you.  You may have to make concessions in price or location to find the right house so knowing and remembering why you're doing this is important.

5) How long will you live there? Your time frame in a house can impact whether a certain house is a good buy or a risk.  If you're moving into an area that's ready to explode with growth but you only plan to be there for a year or two, what happens if that growth doesn't occur?  Will you be stuck in a house that is losing value instead of gaining it?  If you're time frame is longer (5-7 years) the likelihood that you will gain a benefit increases.

6) Get an agent. Most home buyers don't realize that houses listed with a broker (and this represents the vast majority) will share their commission with the buyer's agent  - resulting in no cost to the buyer!   Let me repeat this.  If a house is listed with an agent, the seller is paying a commission that includes the buyer's agent.  The seller is paying for you to be represented whether you are or not.

Since we are addressing buyers who have either never bought a house or have been out of the market for at least three years, you need an agent who can guide and assist you through the process.

A buyer's agent works for the buyer.  The listing agent works for the seller.

The key knowledge you want in an agent includes: knowledge of the current market, how to negotiate an offer, how to write a contract, has relationships with suppliers and vendors such as lenders, inspectors, handymen, etc.

7) Get pre-approved by a lender. Even after you've made a budget and decided you're motivated to buy, the next step is to get pre-approved by a local lender.  The old days of a pre-qualification are over.  You need to choose a lender and get fully pre-approved before you go you looking for a house.  Your agent should be able to recommend lenders to you.

If not, I would consider changing agents.  Also, a local lender is preferred especially if you ask that they accompany you to the closing.  Should something go wrong (and it often does), you want your lender there to handle the problem immediately.  Read about 10 Common Mortgage and Financing Related Questions.

8) When should you start this process? Many renters wait until they get 2-3 months out from the end of their lease.  This is a mistake.  Should you discover an issue on your credit report or determine that you're not ready to cover all of the costs of home ownership, you need to know that now.  This way you can take care of these issues so that when your lease expires, you can make the move.

The current $8000 first time home buyer tax credit will expire on November 30, 2009.  It would a tragedy to miss this opportunity because you didn't give yourself enough time.

9) Down payments. With a good credit score and decent income, you can possibly qualify for a FHA loan which only requires 3.5% down payment - that's only $7000 on a $200,000 home.  And, if you need help getting that down payment, you can get a gift from a long-time friend or family member.

If you're a veteran and have full VA benefits, you may qualify for 100% financing with no down payment.  There are also programs through HUD which require only $100 down.

Of course, the more you can put down, the lower your mortgage payment will be and the more likely you are to be able to secure a loan at a better interest rate.

10) Taxes. What does home buying have to do with taxes?  Everything.  One reason home ownership is attractive is that you will get a tax break on the home mortgage interest you pay.  You don't get that on a car loan or almost any other type of loan.  So, instead of paying rent with after tax dollars that you never see again, your mortgage not only allows you to live in a home, you will be able to write off the interest you pay.  Check with a tax professional if you have any questions about this.

What now?  So, you've decided to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit, you're motivated, you've checked your credit, run a budget and ready to start.  My advice is to contact a real estate agent in the area you want to look.  If you're looking in the North Atlanta area, contact me here.

Regardless of who you use, this a great time to buy because prices are down and interest rates are low.  If you buy now and hold on was the market recovers, you will enjoy watching your wealth build as your home appreciates.

Relates Posts:

Search for Homes and Home Buyer Information

HUD - Common Questions For First Time Home Buyers

10 Keys To Making A Successful Offer On A Foreclosure

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