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Do you know someone who has recently bought a Foreclosure?

Matt Hermes — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:41:44 +0000

Have you or someone you know recently purchased a foreclosed home? If so, you may be entitled to a refund from the county in which you live. Please know, I do not provide this service, merely the information that can help you get what is rightfully owed to you. There is a little known exemption that very few people know about and is rarely taken at closing.

On a $300,000 purchase you may be able to receive up to $300 back from the County.

Please feel to contact me for more information.

Matt Hermes

770-402-2819

mattsells@bellsouth.net

“It’s On” Gwinnett County – Southwest Airlines Ad Campaign

Matt Hermes — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:01:21 +0000

Over the past week or so you may have seen Southwest Airlines new commercials with the theme “It’s On”. If you have not I have posted a link to one of the commercials picked up from You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnvOlI7sgdo

This is such a creative ad campaign and one that truly hit home for me. Yes it is “On” now is the time for each of us to drag ourselves up from our bootstraps and get out there and go. The economy is turning and will only move forward if each of us has the attitude that “It’s On”

I laid awake last night for over an hour thinking about that commercial because I was so pumped. I never thought a commercial could get me so fired up to get moving and change the direction we all have been dealing with. We all have been through some pretty rough times over the past couple of years. I do not know of anyone who has not had to deal with some type of hardship recently and now is the time to get moving forward.

So what are you doing to get “It On”?

We all need to change our own attitudes and patterns of the past couple of years and get this country moving in the right direction. No matter what your political or social views are, the fact remains that each of us will contribute to the rise of this country and we need to get “IT ON”.

"It's On" Gwinnett County – Southwest Airlines Ad Campaign

matt hermes — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:01:21 +0000

Over the past week or so you may have seen Southwest Airlines new commercials with the theme “It’s On”. If you have not I have posted a link to one of the commercials picked up from You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnvOlI7sgdo

So what are you doing to get “It On”?

Atlanta “Shoes For The Soul”

Matt Hermes — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:09:47 +0000

My eight year old daughter McClain and I were looking at a tennis magazine this afternoon and came across an article about “Going Green” and one of the articles mentioned donating used tennis shoes back to the manufacturer to recycle into new tennis shoes.

I got to thinking that instead of giving these used shoes to the manufacturer, why not give them to folks that need them that may not even have any shoes. So, with McClain’s help we came up with the name “Shoes for the Soul” and we are trying to come up with 1,000 pairs of tennis shoes / sneakers by July 1st to donate to those in need.

In the Hamilton Mill subdivision alone where we live there are over 2,100 households and if we can collect a pair of shoes for every other home we can more than meet our goal, plus with the other friends and family we have in other areas of Atlanta, I think we can make it. McClain has higher asperations and feels we can get 2,000 pairs.

We have not figured out exactly who we will be donating these tennis shoes to, but I have some ideas and will be making a decision shortly.

So here is the ask: Can you take a minute or two to go through your closets and locate a lonely pair of tennis shoes that need a new home? If so, please let me know and McClain and I will be happy to come pick them up from you. So what do you say, do you have a pair or two of kids or adult shoes you can donate to us?

We will keep a weekly update on our progress to let you know where we are in meeting our goal. If you would like to help, please let me know and we will get you involved. Hopefully we will need additional storage space, help with transportation, etc.

Also, please pass this email onto anyone you think might be able to contribute. I have a limited email list and would appreciate anyone passing this onto your contacts.

Thanks in advance for all your help and look forward to a weekly update.

Atlanta "Shoes For The Soul"

matt hermes — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:09:47 +0000

We have not figured out exactly who we will be donating these tennis shoes to, but I have some ideas and will be making a decision shortly.

Also, please pass this email onto anyone you think might be able to contribute. I have a limited email list and would appreciate anyone passing this onto your contacts.

Thanks in advance for all your help and look forward to a weekly update.

Goergia Governor Sonny Perdue Signs Housing Tax Credit

Matt Hermes — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:14:34 +0000

Governor Sonny Perdue recently signed House Bill 261, which provides a $1,800 tax credit for home purchases. The credit, which would be taken over three years, takes effect immediately and is meant to spur activity in the housing market.

The signing and passing of this bill is yet another needed boost to the struggling real estate market in Georgia and will continue to gain positive moves towards a market rebound which is currently in process.

“The housing tax credit is a strategic investment that strikes at the root of this economic downturn. Much of the financial turmoil we have seen stems from a severe downturn in housing,” Governor Perdue said. “Families interested in buying a home will now have an additional incentive to act.”

The bill provides an income tax credit for the purchase of a single family residence during the next six months. The amount of the credit will be the lesser of $1,800 or 1.2 percent of the purchase price. A taxpayer may claim one-third of the credit available in each taxable year, and may carry forward unclaimed amounts.

For first time homebuyers, the state credit would be in addition to the federal tax credit authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The federal credit gives first-time homebuyers a credit equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $8,000. The state credit is available to all buyers for six months.

“Jumpstarting the housing industry will mean more money flowing through our economy and more customers for Georgia’s real estate professionals, appraisers, closing attorneys, and others who depend so heavily on regular market activity. This bill is a signal that we are doing all we can to spur Georgia’s economy and lead the nation in financial recovery,” said Rep. Larry O’Neal.

Hamilton Mill and Gwinnett County Golf Course Living at its Finest

Matt Hermes — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:18:40 +0000

Looking for that perfect golf course home on one of the finest golf courses in Gwinnett County and the state of Georgia? Set on the 7th tee of the Fred Couples designed Hamilton Mil l golf course, Diamond Dwellings is pleased to offer this masterpiece of design and function located at 3103 Cambridge Hill Drive .

Built in 2006, this home offers the Buyer a rare opportunity to purchase one of the most sought after addresses in Gwinnett County.

The serene and quiet golf course lot offers a wonderful view of the 7th tee box and fairway while relaxing on the open rear deck or screened in porch.

VIRTUAL TOUR

From the two-story Foyer and its magnificent floating dual circular staircase, soaring ceilings, and enormous windows, greet you as you enter this beautiful home. Spectacular and stunning details yet extremely livable, this home creates a wonderful environment for any size family.

The spacious master suite on the main level is joined by a large master bathroom and plenty of closet space. The kitchen and Keeping room

Looking for a kitchen that will be the envy of your friends, well this home has it. Fabulous Gourmet Kitchen! Designer touches include granite countertops, high end appliances, two ovens, microwave and much more. Large Breakfast bar which will comfortably accommodate 5 or more barstools. The Kitchen adjoins the Breakfast Room and overlooks the Keeping Room which features a stack stone fireplace flanked by built-in cabinets.

Looking to entertain? The 12+ seating dining room offers a wonderful view of the large front porch and offers wonderful detail. The two story family room with built in bookshelves and large fireplace make for the perfect gathering place for families or for entertaining.

Four oversized bedrooms on the upper level in this home create a wonderful living experience. Upstairs loft offers space for an informal sitting area or student study/ computer headquarters.

For more information on this one of a kind Hamilton Mill home please give us a call to arrange your private viewing.

Pending Homes Sales Rise Again – South Leads the Pack

Matt Hermes — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:06:23 +0000

Over the past several months, we at Diamond Dwellings have seen a large increase in the amount of pending home sales and along with that a large increase in showings and internet activity on our current inventory.

While this can be partially attributed to the Spring selling season, the number of Buyers that have come to market are now in a buying mode and are ready to buy properties. This is a welcome sign for anyone in the real estate industry and we hope all our local competitors and friends are seeing the same activity as we are.

Now is the time to sell if you are a homeowner that is looking to move up to a larger home. Will you take a “hit” on your current property? Yes, you will, but the savings and appreciation you gain in the new purchase will far outweigh the loss on your current home.

Recent figures from the National Association of Realtors shows continued signs that the current market has bottomed and good things are ahead. Do not miss the chance to get a great deal on a home.

The National Association of Realtors said pending home sales rose from February to March as buyers took advantage of deeply discounted prices and low interest rates.

In the home sales report, the NAR said its seasonally adjusted index of pending sales for previously occupied homes rose 3.2% to 84.6 in March. The index was 1.1% above last year’s levels and has risen two straight months after hitting a record low in January.

The index, which started in 2001, tracks signed contracts to buy previously owned homes. Typically there is a one- to two-month lag between a contract and a done deal, so the index is a barometer for future home sales.

“After nearly three years of freefall, housing activity may have found a floor,” wrote Paul Dales, U.S. economist with Capital Economics in Toronto.

Pending sales were up 8.5% in the South and nearly 4% in the West. They fell 5.7% in the Northeast and 1% in the Midwest.

Huge Drop In New Home Inventory Hints at Market Stabilization

Matt Hermes — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:13:13 +0000

I was looking at one of my favorite blogs this morning (www.positiveeconomicnews.com) and came across this great article on the housing market that I needed to share. The original article was written for Reuters.com.

The supply of unsold new U.S. homes plummeted in March in the biggest drop in more than 45 years, government data showed on Friday, offering hope the distressed housing market is stabilizing.

A separate report on durable goods orders showed weakness persists in manufacturing, and possibly the economy as a whole, but analysts seized on the 5.2 percent drop in housing inventory as a bright spot.

“Housing is probably forming a bottom, because even the supply of homes, the inventories, declined,” said Asha Bangalore, an economist with Northern Trust in Chicago. “I think the housing market is stabilizing.”

As they work on decreasing supply, builders also appear to be holding off on adding new homes. A separate Commerce Department report showed applications for permits to build new homes were off 8.5 percent in March from February and 44.6 percent from March 2008.

That seemed to be the key factor in the reduction in inventories, as buyers have not snatched up increasingly affordable homes despite the median new home price dropping to $201,400 from $208,700. The Commerce Department said March sales slipped 0.6 percent.

But February sales were much stronger than originally thought. The report showed they rose 8.2 percent, compared with the 4.7 percent gain previously registered.

A revision to the March sales numbers will be released next month.

Inventory levels have plunged a record 33.7 percent since March 2008, and the supply of homes available for sale shrank to 10.7 months’ worth in March from February’s 11.2 months.

“What we are seeing on a moving average basis is a gradual improvement from very low numbers in new home sales,” said Kurt Karl, chief U.S. economist for Swiss Re in New York. “It’s not taking off like a rocket, but it’s not looking to be heading south either.”

The March drop brought home sales to a 356,000 annual pace. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast sales at a much slower 340,000.

U.S. equity indices extended their gains after the report was released, while U.S. Treasury debt prices fell. But strong earnings reports from major corporations and the release of a Federal Reserve white paper on criteria for banks’ “stress tests” dominated U.S. markets.

Analysts polled by Reuters expected the drop to be a much steeper 1.5 percent.

Gwinnett County Home Sales Report

Matt Hermes — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:05:05 +0000

In a effort to provide timely and relative information on Gwinnett County home sales, I have provided this information for you as it was taken from the Gwinnett County Tax Commission website.

I was very surprised to see how drastic the change has been in the last year or so.

The number of homes sales is almost half of what it was last year and pricing has dropped considerably. What does this mean to you as a seller or buyer?

If you are buying a home, do not wait, especially if you are a first time buyer. Pricing will never be better and with the low interest rates and the First Time Home Buyer credit available now is the time to get off the fence. Do not wait.

As a Seller, you need to realize that price and condition are key. Price the home too high and you will sit on the market for a very long time. Price it properly and get it sold and you are now able to take advantage of the low prices on your new home. Yes, you will take a “hit” on the sale but you can more than make up for it if you are purchasing another home.

Statistics for Gwinnett County 2008 vs. 2009 Single Family Residence

Time # of Sales Median Sale Price

Feb 2009 368 $168,051

Feb 2008 693 $185,700

Jan 2009 455 $170,000

Jan 2008 826 $189,000