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    August 24th, 2010

    Hunting for a bargain condo in Buckhead?  Your search is over once you check out this new listing in popular Peachtree Hills neighborhood.  It is a beautiful  two bedroom condo with an upgraded kitchen w/stainless appliances, subway backsplash and freshly painted white cabinetry. The bath has also been upgraded with new tile flooring, vanity and fixtures. Enjoy entertaining on your rear private patio.  Location is perfect. Walk to restaurants (Paul’s and Tree house) and shopping.    PRICED AT $125,000!

    Please don’t hesitate to contact Anna Stephens, your Buckhead Realtor, at annastephens@dorseyalston.com to find out more about this condo or any of your real estate needs. 

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    June 18th, 2010

    I am excited to tell you about my upcoming listing in the Wildwood neighborhood in Buckhead.  It is a 5 bedroom 3 and a half bath home walking distance to Morris Brandon Elementary that will be priced at $599,000.  Some of the features include: renovated kitchen with stainless and granite,  kitchen is open to family room, separate living room with fireplace and separate dining room.  True master suite with his and hers walk in closets, master bath features carerra marble counter tops, deep soaking tub, separate shower and high end fixtures, mudroom, finished daylight basement with large media room/playroom, large finished storage closet, 2 bedrooms with a jack and jill renovated bath with travertine tile, profesional landscaping, fenced in back yard, 2 car covered parking and much more.  This is a lot of space and upgrades for the money in this popular  Buckhead neighborhood.  Please contact me annastephens@dorseyalston.com for more information.

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    May 21st, 2010

    There are several benefits to usings a Buyer’s Agent/ Realtor in your home buying process.  Many first time home buyers do not realize that it is the listing agent that pays the buyer’s agent their commission, so there is no cost to a buyer in using an agent.  Here are just a few of the things that I can help you with being your Buyer’s Agent.  (Please be sure to check out the “Meet Anna Page” for more information on my real estate background. ) I look forward to helping you find your next home.

    1. 1. I represent you! Remember: The listing agent represents the seller, NOT the buyer.
    2. 2. As your Buyer Agent, I can help you define your �wish list� for your ideal home. I can also save you time by previewing the homes in advance.
    3. FMLS vs. the Internet: I have access to the FMLS system! I can help you prospect and gain information that you cannot find on the Internet. (Often times the listings provided on the Internet are either sold or expired listings)
    4. Buying a new home vs. buying a resale. I can help you find the pros and cons of each type.
    5. For Sale Buy Owner: I can help you with these listings too! (Remember, no representation without me!)
    6. Statistics on average Sale Price vs. List Price.
    7. Red Flags: I will make you aware of any Red Flags during the sale.
    8. The Buying Process: From formulating your offer through post closing activities, I will help make the process run smoothly by explaining and reviewing the Purchase and Sale agreement with you.
    9. The negotiation process: My understanding of neighborhood statistics, ratios and (Days on the Market) will help us prepare for making and negotiating a great contract!
    10. Working with the mortgage lender. If you have not been pre-approved, I can get you in touch with several lenders to shop rates.
    11. Homeowner Insurance
    12. The Home Inspection Process. I will recommend inspectors for you and attend the inspection with you.
    13. Survey
    14. Termite Letter (Buyer’s Agents Responsibility) and maintaining a Termite Bond (your choice).
    15. Coordinating the closing.
    16. Educate you on the benefits of Title Insurance.
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    April 30th, 2010

    Prime Ashford Park location 3 bedrooms 2 baths. Hardwoods througout, enlarged master suite, updated kitchen, brand new roof, fenced in backyard. Enlarged 3rd bedroom makes great second family room. Neighborhood tennis & playground.Walking dist. to all the great shopping & restaurants.  Original Price $350k now priced at $335k contact me at annastephens@dorseyalston.com for more information or to set up a time to view this home.

    Brought to you by your Buckhead Bargainer and Buckhead Realtor!

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    April 26th, 2010

    Time is running out don’t miss your chance to take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer $8000 tax credit.  And don’t forget as your local Atlanta Realtor I am ready and available to help you take advantage of this credit.  I have seen tons of great inventory hit the market in the past 2 months at great prices! Feel free to email me at annastephens@dorseyalston.com to get your home search started today.

    5 Frequently Asked Questions About the Tax Credit

  • Who is eligible to claim the $8,000 tax credit?
    First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home—new or resale—are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner. A limited exception exists for certain contract for deed purchases and installment sale purchases. See the IRS website for more detail.However, the law also allows home sales occurring by June 30, 2010 to qualify, provided they are due to a binding sales contract in force on or before April 30, 2010.Persons who are claimed as dependents by other taxpayers or who are under age 18 are not qualified for the tax credit program.
  • What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
    The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, IRS Notice 2009-12 allows unmarried joint purchasers to allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.
  • How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
    The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
  • Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
    Yes. For sales occuring after November 6, 2009, the income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; the limit is $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $145,000 (single) or $245,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.
  • SOURCE: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq1.php

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    April 15th, 2010

    I have exclusive access to this Peachtree Hills Charmer!  It has 3 bedrooms 2 baths, a renovated kitchen, great back yard, enclosed sun porch perfect for an office and an entertaining deck.

    You will not find this home on the Internet.  It is priced in the $400s.  If you are not currently working with a buyers agent please contact me at annastephens@dorseyalston.com for more info on this home or to set up a showing.

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    April 5th, 2010
    1. Consider the curb appeal.  
    Landscaping is nice, but not in everyone’s budget. At minimum, lawns should be freshly mowed, and leaves raked. Consider a hanging or potted plant for the entrance. Sweep the porch, deck and all walk ways and ensure garbage and recycling are tucked neatly away from the front of the house. Scrub your front door, porch, outside railings and steps. This is cheaper than repainting and makes a world of difference. Once the outside entrance is clean, decide if the paint really needs a touch up. 
    2. Get rid of clutter! 
    Pick one closet or area at a time so the task isn’t as daunting. Look at every item with a very critical eye and ask yourself why you’re keeping it.  Consider donating your clutter, selling it at a garage sale or renting a cheap storage unit while your house is on the market.   
    3. Find a fix-it person. 
    Ensure cupboards open and shut and that no taps are dripping. Look in all rooms for things you never got around to fixing and decide which ones might be distracting to potential buyers. No, it’s not OK for door handles to fall off, even if you have learned to ignore it!  Not to worry I have a great list of handymen on the cheap! 
    4. Clean, clean and clean again. 

    Most mortals can’t live in a spotless environment all the time. This can be one of the more stressful aspects of having your home on the market— but it’s worth the effort to sell your home for top dollar.   

    5. Let in some light. 

    It might be mood lighting to you, but if you’re trying to sell your home, keep it bright! Dimly lit rooms tend to look small and dingy— especially during the day. If you have a particularly dark room, consider investing in a floor lamp that will bounce light off the ceiling.    

    6. Neutralize.  

    Neutral colors sell.  It’s a fact.  Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality.  Potential buyers walking through your home want to imagine themselves as the owners.  If you use styles or colors they would never select, you’ve just turned them off.  Staying high-quality, but neutral is safest.  On the topic of neutralize if you have pets you may need to look into neutralizing the odors a can of Kills paint as a primer works wonders.

    7. De-Personalize.  

    Remove objects that your potential buyers won’t be able to identify with.  For example, political and religious items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because they cannot “imagine” your home as their home.  Buying a home is an emotional decision, and you want potential buyers to make an emotional connection with your home by being able to “see” themselves in it.

     8. Replace Hardware.  

    It’s amazing how small adjustments can make huge differences. Whether you’re cash-strapped or have big bucks to spend, the simple act of replacing hardware around the house is a wise tip for home staging. Focus especially on the handles and knobs in the kitchen and at entranceways. The kitchen is a primary focal point of the house and is often the most important room to prospective buyers so changing cabinet hardware and a light fixture can make a big impact. 

    9. Fresh Flowers 

    You don’t need to spend a fortune to have fresh flowers throughout your home. Even a daisy in a bud vase brightens a bathroom counter. Ask your florist which blooms last a week. You can also use potted flowering plants that are in season for a low-cost solution. Don’t use plastic or obviously fake flowers, especially in an expensive home! 

    10. Call Anna Stephens, Buckhead Realtor.   

    Call me for specific ideas of how to help show off the best aspects of your home. As an experienced Realtor in the Buckhead area I take pride in going the extra mile for all of my clients.  I take part in the home staging process from start to finish! My email is annastephens@dorseyalston.com and my phone number is 404-444-6114.

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    February 23rd, 2010

    Wow!  In case you thought I had a typo in the price I do not.  I typically wait until Friday to post great deals and values on Buckhead Real Estate but this one could not wait as it will be Under Contract for sure by Friday.  This is a 3 Bedroom 2 Bath home in popular Peachtree Park for only $240k!!! 

    In case you are not familiar with the area that is an incredible deal for that neighborhood.  It is a foreclosure and sold as is.  I am experienced with Short Sales and Foreclosures so if you are interested in seeing this one and working with an experienced agent reach out to me ASAP at bargainsinbuckhead@gmail.com so we can go check this one out.

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    February 23rd, 2010

    The Homestead Exemption deadline is right around the corner, April 1st, 2010.  This is a great opportunity for those who have recently purchased a home to easily save money on their property taxes.  It is an easy 2 page form you can download and print from your tax county tax assesors website and mail in.  Click here to go the fulton county tax assesors website.

    A homestead exemption is a reduction in homeowners’ property taxes. To qualify, the homeowner must apply for this exemption on or before April 1st. Once granted, this exemption is automatically renewed each year as long as they continually occupy the home under the same ownership. The home must be your legal residence for all purposes including the registration of your vehicles and the filing of your income tax. You cannot file for homestead exemption on rental property, vacant land or on more than one property.

    To qualify for any exemption, you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1, 2010.

    If you have any questions about filing for homestead exemption or other real estate questions feel free to shoot me an email at bargainsinbuckhead@gmail.com

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    February 16th, 2010

    I am excited about a new computer program that I now have access to through Dorsey Alston Realtors where I can pull specific statistical reports for your specific neighborhood, school district or general area.   This report is very helpful in showing you the most up to date housing trends as they relate to your area.  The data is displayed in easy to read graphs and charts. I have had many past clients email to request information on what is going on in their neighborhood right now, and so I thought it would be great to offer you the same services.  Please email me at bargainsinbuckhead@gmail.com if you would like to request a FREE report.

    Sincerely,  Anna

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