Did the Recent Hailstorms Kill Your Roof? In Need of a Roofer You Can Trust?

"Though rain is essential, the recent precipitation has left some homeowners with a leaky situation.When it comes to roof damage, you may not see a leak immediately. It could takes years before damage affects the interior of your home.If you were hit by strong storms or hail recently, it makes sense to have your roof checked for storm damage and get in line for a roof replacement covered by your insurance company.

There is no need to rush unless you have water pouring in your roof, so take time to research the contractor you choose. If you're not careful, you could get ripped off -- which is the last thing you want to deal with in the aftermath of storm damage. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when shopping for a roofing contractor:

1. Make sure they have valid insurance, plenty of references, and have been in business for as long as the warranties they are offering you.
2. Check with the Better Business Bureau, and log on to the Internet and see if the company has an office (or not).
3. Check to see if the roofer is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State.
4. A down payment shows good faith on your part, but you should never give a roofer a down payment until the materials are delivered to your driveway, and the crew begins working. This proves the contractor can finance or pay for the materials on his own. Limit down payments to 30%-40% of the contract price, so the roofer has good reason to complete your job."

~Kudzu Connection

If all else fails and you cannot find a suitable, affordable, respected roofer, you can contact our office for one of our trusted vendors:

Milicki and Associates

770-874-2022

http://www.milicki.com/

Featured Properties

If you see a property you would like to view or get more information on,

please contact our office at:
770-874-2022
http://www.milicki.com/

115 Summit Lane, Bremen

This is a lovely 4 bedroom, 4 bath home on 1-2 acres. Located in the sought after Bremen school system, this brick home has gorgeous, large rooms and nine foot ceilings. Currently listed at $329,900, this home is an amazing home!

102 Overlook Court, Dallas

What an adorable home? This 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home is perfect for anyone: first time homebuyers, empty nesters, families, etc. The master bedroom and bath is amazing and includes trey ceilings and a jet tub. The gourmet kitchen is also an eat-in kitchen. Listed at $140,000, this home also has a lease purchase option.

356 Academy Drive, Dallas

Located in the city of Dallas, this 1.5 acre lot of land is perfect for any commercial need. It is near the Kroger / QT shopping center on Highway 278. This property is sold as-is, and all utilities are available.

If you see a property you would like to view or get more information on,
please contact our office at: 770-874-2022

http://www.milicki.com/

Helping Home Buyers afford a New Home

The $790 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law by President Barack Obama in February gives first-time home buyers an exciting incentive to enter the housing market-an $8,000 tax credit. Under the new provisions, there is no repayment requirement as long as the buyer remains in the home for three (3) years. For many 2009 purchasers, the new guidelines will mean more money in your pockets come tax time.

Pay particular attention to the timeline: All purchases must take place between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 1, 2009.

Additional Programs available to homebuyers

Depending on where you live many counties have additional incentives - Cobb County has the ‘Cobb County Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)’ program. This is a down payment assistance program that can give you, the buyer, up to $20,000 to assist in buying a home. And you do not have to pay it back, if you complete the guidelines set fort in the program.

Eligibility Requirements

Neighborhood Stabilization Program will help workforce individuals and families realize the dream of home ownership. Buyers may receive contributions for down payment assistance, closing costs, a deferred second mortgage, as well as education on homeownership. In order to be eligible, the buyers must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen, qualified alien or a non-immigrant.
Family Size Maximum Income

1 $59,800
2 $ 68,350
3 $ 76,900
4 $ 85,450

2. Be able to qualify for a mortgage.

3. Attend an 8-hour HUD class.

4. Home must be your primary residence.

5. Meet income qualifications. See chart.

As I mentioned, there are other programs available in counties throughout Georgia. Fulton County, Paulding County, DeKalb County, Etc. In fact, if you have questions about such programs, please contact our office e-mail at information@milicki.com or call 770*874*2022, and we will be happy to assist you in getting the information you need.

We will continue to inform you of other programs that can assist you in getting the best possible deal on real estate. Check our blog regularly!!!

Anita C. Young,
Milicki & Associates
anitayoung@milicki.com
www.Milicki.com

Tax Credit Can Be Used for Down Payment

"Tax Credit Can Be Used for Down Payment"

Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment. Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has been calling for the change.

"We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment," Donovan says. He says FHA's approved lenders will be permitted to "monetize" the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.

During his address at the summit, Donovan went on to say that the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. "I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing," Donovan says. "Since January, we've seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate."

Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely."We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy," said NAR President Charles McMillan. "We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond."

Source: NAR

For more information, you can contact us at www.milicki.com or 770-874-2022.

Featured properties

If you see a property you would like to view or get more information on, please contact our office at:

770-874-2022

www.milicki.com

545 Rangeley Meadows Court, Hampton

This 5 bed, 4 bath home is located in the Hampton Estates. With almost three acres, this home has a great deal of space. Inside, this European, traditional style home has lots of closet space, large bedrooms, custom trim work, and trey ceilings. As a well kept home, it is ready to move in after closing. A formal dining room, large family room, and great floor plan make this home an amazing deal! Currently listed at $243,000, this home will not be on the market long!

1080 New Hope Road, Atlanta

With recent renovations, this two story, traditional home includes hardwood floors on the main level, a new entrance foyer, and a finished basement with built-in bookshelves. To add to the appeal, it has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The exterior is a stucco finish. Along with cathedral ceilings, an inviting entrance, and exterior out building, this property also has almost half an acre of land with it. The current asking price is $134,900.

52 Garner Farm Court, Dallas

Located in the East Paulding school system, this home has a great deal to offer any buyer. A fenced yard, lovely deck, flowering trees and shrubs, and Victorian look create a home environment like no other. A home like this is very rare. The dining room even has bay windows so you can admire the lovely, flowering plants. Trey ceilings and wall-to-wall carpet make this home extremely inviting and cozy. Currently listed at $139,900, this adorable, Victorian home will fly off the market!

It REALLY is a great time to buy real estate!

It’s a Great Time to BUY!!!

You are in the midst of a buyers’ market; there has not been a better time to buy for many years!!!

Mortgage rates are at an all time low well under 6%. We have had rates quoted as low as 3.75%, and FHA loans are set to increase in it lending volume. FHA home loans are a practical alternative for many first time buyers. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures the loan, so your lender can offer you a better deal, offering low down payments, low closing costs and easier credit qualifying.

Also, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was updated in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. For 2009 purchasers the tax credit is now $8000 and does not need to be repaid. The credit is available through December 1, 2009 giving qualified buyers only a short window of opportunity to take advantage of this special program. Also, the Emergency Economic Stability Act enacted on October 3, 2008 will help to improve credit markets and allow housing to lead the economic recovery.

Owning a home is a terrific investment in your future, Sellers are motivated and there is a large inventory of homes available. The inventory of available homes for sale is at a 15 year high. The choice for buyers is nearly unlimited. Sellers are willing to be pliable in the negations for the sales of there properties. This is a TRUE Buyers Market!

Housing Market Facts

NAR (National Association of Realtors) has created a new website www.HousingMarketFacts.com to help consumers find out the latest information about the housing market and the issues that affect you, information specifically for buyers, how to do more research, and learn more about the benefits of homeownership.

Taking Care of You!

Before beginning your home-buying search, talk to a professional about the benefits of Buyer representation. A Realtor acting as your buyers’ agent will promote your interests and guide you through what can be a very multifaceted and sometimes confusing transaction. Speak to several agents and make sure that the one you choose is someone you can work will with. The process of buying a home is very stressful you want someone that will reduce, not add to the stress.

Part of our mission at Milicki & Associates is our pledge to promote a fun, fulfilling and respectful environment, that is open to transformation, innovation and provide personal growth opportunities for all. You might want to speak to one of our Realtors, you can check them out at
www.Milicki.com under buyer information you can click on Find a Realtor tab.

Office Hours Update

At Milicki and Associates, our typical office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Starting Monday, May 18, 2009, we will start our summer hours, which are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Also, the receptionist will be available in our office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays: May 23, June 6, and June 13.

Are you ready to invest in real estate?

Have you been thinking about becoming an investor in the Real Estate Game? Does it sound like the right thing for you? There are several things to consider before taking the big step into Real Estate investing. Take a moment and consider just a few.

Don't let fear stop you. If its fear alone that is holding you back then you're probably missing out on a great opportunity - EVEN IN A DOWN MARKET. Fear is the number one success killer. No matter who you are, you can succumb to fear and lose a lifetime of opportunity.

Don't even think about investing without a business plan. Why do you want to invest? (Write it down) What types of investments do you want to make? (Write it down) What are you going to do with your investments? (Write it down) Moving forward in any business without a plan is a formula for disaster. You'll run the risk of being swept away by emotional impulses if you don't have a plan. Remember if you don’t have a plan you can’t stick to that plan. You can always make minor adjustments along the way but don't deviate from that plan without a great amount of painful consideration.

Use leverage instead of cash. ALWAYS use other people's money even if you think it's too expensive because it's never as expensive as using your own cash. I recently had a first time investor come to me wanting to pay cash for properties. I showed him how it would take only a few deals to completely delete his entire savings. Instead he could leverage what he has and amass a great number of income producing properties in a very short period of time.

One more point that I would like to make, to investors, you must be able to afford to make the payments on the property for a lengthy period of time even if the property is not leased.

Should you seriously considering throwing your hat into the investing ring? You might want to do some serious research. I also recommend that you sit down with a Real Estate Broker that specialize in investment properties and a Lender (banker) that specialize in lending to investors and determine what it is that you want to do and what it is you are able to do.

Investing is not for the weak at heart. But it can be extremely profitable. Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki even the McDonalds Corp. have proven that you can become unbelievably rich through real estate investing. But you must first educate your self and build a team of experts to assist you in reaching your goals.