Things to do in Middle Georgia this Summer, Part V After the adrenaline rush of Part IV, this installment slows things back down a tad so the entire family can jump in and have fun.  As always, these venues are within a short driving distance from middle Georgia so pack up the kids for a day trip and have more fun while summer lasts.   High Falls State Park, Jackson GA - Pack a picnic lunch, check out the waterfall, enjoy a canoe or kayak ride, or just chill out by hiking or fishing.  If you still have time, rent a pedal boat, play miniature golf, go swimming in the pool (not allowed in the river), go geocaching, or take one of the guided tours or nature classes.  While you are at it, scout out the area and come back for a weekend tent or RV stay.   Family fun and high adventure await y... 07/10/2011

Just prior to a recent closing, the soon-to-be homeowner asked me, "What proves I own this house?"  Good question, that I answered this way... In Georgia, at closing the transfer of title/deed is signed over to you by the seller.  Because you have a mortgage, the title/deed is held by the lender.  Within 30 days after closing you should receive a copy of the warranty deed.  The warranty deed is a guarantee made by the seller that the title is clear and they have authority to sell the property.  Keep your copy of the warranty deed in a safe place. I also recommended that 60 days after closing the buyer should check the county courthouse records to make sure the title has been recorded in their name.  Many offices now provide the ability to perform this check online. As a failsafe in-case... 01/12/2011

Have you noticed...the home buying process is like trying to have a baby.  Inter-personal interaction, quickly followed by hope, queasiness, angst, and finally joy. Agent/buyer conception is where ownership anticipation and home search repetition reign supreme.  Can we look in both the mornings and evenings?  How about all day?  Agents will clear their calendars and assist anytime their services are needed. Found your dream house?  Welcome to the euphoric "can't believe this is about to be our home" stage where six-leaf clovers and lottery wins are possible.  It's perfect for us.  Nothing can possibly go wrong, right? But wait...negotiation problems, issues with the home inspection, and appraisal anxiety quickly turn your future love nest into a room spinning, stomach churning, nausea i... 10/19/2010

Join the fight against breast cancer by donating and/or participating in the annual Race for the Cure on Saturday, Oct. 23rd, 8:00a, at Central City Park in Macon, GA.  For team reservations, registration, and additional race information, visit the event sponsor Central Georgia Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure or call (478) 390-4828. Price is $25 per participant with special packages for children. All registered breast cancer survivors are encouraged to pickup/wear their complimentary pink survivor t-shirt and cap during the event.  Preceding the Race for the Cure, on Friday, Oct. 22nd in Porter Auditorium at Wesleyan College in Macon, GA, singer/songwriter Candy Coburn will perform a benefit concert honoring all breast cancer survivors.  Concert tickets are $10 and are avai... 10/03/2010

 Sellers, are you "guilty" of any of the following: Failure to keep up with repairs (Faucet leaking? Shingles missing? Siding torn? Window broke?) Overpricing (Price your home based on your Realtor® suggestions.  They are your market experts) Did not update interior (Brass is out, so is wallpaper.  Don't be offended, just make the changes.  Don't know where to start...visit model homes and see what builders are doing) Let landscaping get out of control (Trim hedges, mow/weed-eat/edge, use mulch, plant flowers, fix broken borders, etc.) Too emotionally attached (Do you REALLY want to sell?  Keep the memories and let the house go)  House too personalized (Remove family photos, offensive material, trophies, your taxidermy collection, etc. Don't make potential buyers look past your keepsake... 09/22/2010