It seems that the housing stimulus proposal that Johnny Isakson’s was able to get added in the Senate stimulus bill was scaled back significantly in the conference committee.

The latest information indicates that a home purchased as a primary residence before the end of August 2009 will qualify the buyer for a $8000 tax credit.

I will be sure to stay on top of this story and let you know if it actually gets signed into law.  All the best,  Jeff

Things are moving fast in Washington so I thought I would update my blog from yesterday. The legislation that Senator Isakson proposed for a housing market stimulus has been included in the Senate stimulus (spending) bill as of last night. See article from the AJC

Before I go off on another rant I just wanted to say thank you to Senator Isakson’s staff for being so helpful. I called his Washington D.C. office to get some information straight from the source. I spoke to James Bostic (one of his aides) in Washington and Andrew from his GA office. They were both very polite and responsive.

They both informed me that Senator Isakson has not decided at this point if he will be supporting the stimulus bill that now includes his housing proposal. Frankly I am doubtful that he will oppose the bill now that it includes his baby but one can always hope. Read the rest of this entry »

It appears Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson does not believe in free markets and limited government.  I read few news articles about the housing proposal that he is trying to push into the latest stimulus bill at a cost of $20 billion dollars.  The following description of his proposal is taken from an article found here:

“Specifically, Isakson’s Fix Housing First Homebuyer Tax Credit legislation would also enhance the existing homebuyer tax credit by:

• Extending the eligibility period for the credit to December 31, 2009;
• Increasing the credit amount to 10 percent  of the home price capped at 3.5 percent of FHA loan limits (geographically dependent) – ranging between approximately $10,000 and $22,000;
• “Monetizing” the credit so it is available at time of closing; and
• Allowing the credit to be used in conjunction with mortgages financed by state or local bonds.”

I read the full article and I bet he is right, it would spur some activity in the housing market but at what cost? Not only does it cost $20 billion but what happens to the market as soon as the incentive runs out in 11 months?  I guess sales and prices will slide back again using the same logic he uses to support his ill conceived proposal. Read the rest of this entry »

Many of the people I see ask me how the Alpharetta and Johns Creek real estate market is performing as the new year gets underway.  So, do you want the good news or bad news first? I’d rather give you the bad news first, so we can end on a positive note.

The Bad News

• January 2009 sales are down 50% compared to sales at this point in January 2008
• Homes prices are softer than this time last year (good news if you are a buyer)
• Financial markets are still uncertain which works against large decisions such as home purchases

The Good News

• Interest rates are fantastic!  (it is time to refinance or make a new purchase to take advantage of this temporary situation)
• We are closer to a turn-around than we were a year ago
• Prices for home repairs and services are attractive (shop around and you will be happily surprised)
• The slow market has weeded out many substandard real estate agents, loan officers and closing attorneys
• Spring is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to position your home to sell this year

I tend to focus on the positive. Right now is the time for action. Whether you are a buyer or seller the time for you is now. Read the rest of this entry »

Sandra Gifford

Education is the cornerstone of any community’s future. While local government attends to the infrastructure to serve our people and the legislators craft laws to protect them, Sandra Gifford and her peers are educating and preparing the next generation of local leaders. Ms. Gifford has been a teacher for 23 years and is currently teaching 2nd grade Ocee Elementary and has been at Ocee since it opened in 2000. Previously, she substituted for five years at other Fulton Schools, so she is familiar with a number of schools in the district.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Ocee Elementary?
I enjoy working with such a dedicated group of teachers. The facility itself is a beautiful, well designed location for educating children.

What are some of North Fulton District’s strong points?
The North Fulton Schools still have a band and orchestra program that starts when the children are young and I believe this type of training is important to a well-rounded education. Other schools have phased these programs out. Read the rest of this entry »