You can do ANYTHING with the Internet

This is a true story.

Yesterday, we had a man come into our office who was driving a street-sweeping machine.  He handed his cellphone to our DOFI (Director of First Impressions) and has a colleague of his explain that the person standing in front of her did not speak English, was from Poland, was named (we’ll say Paul, for ease) and needed some help.  Then the person on the phone said Thank You and hung up.

Well, language barriers can sometimes be tall.  Our DOFI tried to figure out what he wanted, but could only make out what she thought was “banco” or something similar.  She smartly got on Google and found a Polish translation program that helped her understand that he was looking for a loan (which we don’t do, obviously, being a Keller Williams office) because he was remodeling his home.  After finally getting back in touch with the original phone caller, we were able to confirm that we couldn’t help him and send him on his way.

After that, I asked around regarding language software and found out that the BBC has a great online site for simple communication.  Here’s the one for Spanish: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/

Yes, you can do anything on the internet.

15 Year Fixed Rate Loan Program….Is It Really The Right Choice…….

“With 15 year fixed rates meandering in the low 3% range, many borrowers are choosing 15 year fixed rate loans.  However, is this really the right move???

Let’s compare a 30 year fixed rate payment with a 15 year fixed rate payment on a $200,000 loan amount.  The payment on a 15 year fixed rate, at 3%, would be around $1,381 per month as compared to a 30 year fixed rate at 3.875% which would yield a payment of around $940 per month.  The difference in payments is about $440 per month!!!  I understand that after taxes you will save over $60,000 in interest by choosing the 15 year fixed rate however, is there a better use of the $440 per month savings utilizing the 30 year fixed rate???

Let’s start with several ideas.  You could take the additional $440 per month and add it to your retirement account each month which would grow to over $78,000 in 10 years assuming a modest 6% return.  Over 20 years this money would grow to an amount over $255,000.  You could also use the $440 per savings for a college fund. In just 5 years you would have put away over $26,000 plus the return on your investment.  The savings could also be used to retire credit card debt are at rates well above 13% and provide no tax deductions.  However, you could simply put the money away in savings and have it available for a “rainy” day.  Life is not predictable and certainly not in our current economic times.  The bottom line is that is much easier to make a $940 per month payment as opposed to $1381 per month payment if there is a change in your employment or other unexpected expenditures arise.

I am not saying that a 15 year fixed rate is not good for some clients but I believe I have shown that there are other options for your $$$!!!

Have a Great President’s Weekend!!”

by: DC Aiken, VP

Community & Southern Bank

dc.aiken@thecsbank.com

770-499-5555 direct

 

Why selling slow costs you money.

The data presented here shows without a doubt that if you’re priced too high or your home isn’t in selling condition, it costs you more the longer it’s on the market.

Selling Tips: Appealing to First Time Buyers

Selling Tips: Home Condition

Better Condition means more $$

Forsyth County rankings.

These numbers are from 2010.  It usually takes a little while to compile them for each year.  Here are some of the highlights:

#1 most affluent community in the State of Georgia (US Census)

#6 fastest growing county in America (CNN Money)

#7 fastest growing town (Cumming, Georgia) in America (Forbes Magazine)

#100 best community for young people in America (America’s Promise / Alliance for Youth)

 

Our unemployment rate has continually been lower than both the Atlanta, Georgia and US rates.  The number of companies taking a look at the Cumming, Forsyth County, Georgia area both in the U.S. and abroad has been very steady and succesful, with a lot of credit going to the Cumming / Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.

If you are thinking about moving into the area, you may be shocked by a few things compared to your current home.  First, the people are very friendly.  We have traffic like any other growing area, but folks will let you change lanes, etc.  Second, the majority of commercial / retail / homes are somewhat new, in that they were constructed since 1999.  Third, the opportunities for local businesses are strong.  There are some great options for all kinds of office / industrial / manufacturing / warehouse space all over the county.  Fourth, you will find that folks south of Cumming think we live “way out there”, when in reality, with no traffic, I can get to downtown Atlanta for sporting and theater events in 30 minutes.  Fifth, if you have kids, this is an absolutely phenomenal place to live.  The activities options for all ages are significant, with a nice mix of public and private options.  The parks are well-run and clean.

I have a good friend who told me a couple of years ago that we live in “Disney” land.  After thinking about it, he’s mostly correct.  The worries about crime, pollution, traffic, economic conditions, etc. that I’ve had while living in other places have melted away as I’ve become a true Forsythian.

In final, projections say that Forsyth County is adding approximately 1,000 new jobs each year.  That’s a sign of a healthy and smart-growing community.

“Official Notice” scam?

From the Forsyth County Sherriff’s Office: “Though this appears to be an official document from a government agency or a government-contracted company, it’s actually a solicitation attempt from a private company. An alert resident in a Neighborhood Watch subdivision let us know about it. The wording is strong and is meant to scare subjects into calling immediately…don’t be fooled.”

This Month in Real Estate – Feb. 2012

Advice for Renters Re: Pets

I just finished working last year with a client who had a cat.  This person was young and single, and had a little baggage in the form of a cat.  At first, he was looking for a home to purchase, but due to location uncertainty with work, decided to rent instead.

First, we had real trouble finding landlords who would allow pets.  I would say that only about 20-30% of the available properties listed pets as allowable.

From the landlord’s side, most of these investors and owners aren’t anti-pet, but they are anti no-profit.  A single animal, if it’s the kind that is not trained, or is old and incontinent, can cause easily $5,000 to $10,000 dollars in damage, even if it’s only the fact that the smell will not come out of the house.  A months’ rent in damage deposit just won’t cover the costs of getting the home back into shape to rent again or to sell.

So, here’s my advice if you are just out of college.  DON’T GET A PET !  First of all, you need to be flexible with your finances in the early part of your working career.  Second, it obviously limits your opportunities for rental, which could hinder your career if you need to be in an area where you can network with other young professionals.  Third, it can hurt your dating life.  A lot more people than you might think are allergic to animals.  I’m just saying…