Are you ready for....(drumroll, please!)....EXTREME COUPONING???

Extreme Couponing?  Huh????

That's what I said too...until I read Rana Cash's article in the AJC about workshops that are SOLD OUT across the metro area to teach how you can maximize savings with coupons and learn about the 6-8 week cycles that supermarkets use.

It's interesting how frugal is now sexy.  Get your scissors ready, folks!

The group is called Southern Savers and you can email them directly at southernsavers@bellsouth.net to sign up for a class.  Some tips she suggests:  keeping a log of the lowest prices you’ve seen, or the most you’ll pay, is important. Manufacturer coupon inserts are in a rotation of about 30 days or as soon as one set expires. Another tip she shared is to look at the amount of savings the grocery store advertises on the shelf.  If they don't bother to do the math, then it's not worth purchasing because it's not a great deal.

Click here to learn more and read the article in it's entirety:  EXTREME COUPONING

Financial Planning with Roger S. Green - A Women's Council of REALTORS' Education Event

(Roger S. Green -left- with JJ Ortega from Showhomes of Atlanta and Judy Harper, WCR Atlanta Chapter President for 2010)

Roger Green was on site to teach a class yesterday for our Women's Council of REALTORS' education session on Financial Planning. Let me tell you something: this man is a guru. He is amazing with how he teaches, the mathematical deductions he can complete in the blink of an eye, the historical market knowledge he can relay and the caring you can see from the moment you meet him. This is not advertisement of his services, just a true account of what I perceived when I met this father of six!

His view of the recovery:
- Housing will probably take another 12 months to show recovery in Atlanta
- New home demand will be coming back
- Inventory has decreased tremendously!
- Residential lots will take a longer to recover.
- Do not pay off your mortgage early if you are in a rate in the 4% range. The mortgage tax deductions you'll get will far outweigh the difference. Take the extra money and put it into growth opportunities....And MORE!

He holds a long list of accolades but what I like most about him was his nature to serve his clients. A tenet I hold valuable. Visit him on his website at: www.rogersgreen.com. He offers a free consultation and I also have 2 packets left from the class. So if you want it, email me or post a comment below and I will follow up with you accordingly.

Big, THANK YOU, to Showhomes of Atlanta. We love using them for our vacant listings. It is free to the homeowner and your home is show-ready 24/7. You can learn more at www.showhomesofatlanta.com.

Check out Labor Day happenings!

We've got a great list of event happenings in the Atlanta area for Labor Day.

Check out the PDF of events on the link below:

http://www.box.net/shared/krysrpsfir

Have a safe holiday weekend! Thank our troops for their service! And, don't forget that we are here for your real estate needs.

Ready to increase energy efficiency in your home AND get a tax credit?

There's still time!

Don't let your money fly out the window!

First step: Make sure that the investment is worth it. The credit maxes out at $5,000.

Second step: Get an energy audit so you can truly see where the deficiencies are. Contact me today for a list of reputable energy audit vendors at: atlantamaven@gmail.com

Third step: Make sure the replacements you are selecting qualify.

Fourth step: Purchase and install

Fifth step: Claim your tax credit on IRS Form 5695 for 2009 and 2010 only.

Learn the specifics in the PDF on the following link:

http://www.box.net/shared/cmoac83bz6

OMG, Ladies....Designer 'Gently Used' Bags for great prices!

I'm not ALL real estate folks!  I enjoy a lot in this thing called life....peace and quiet, sunsets, hanging with the hubster and family, cupcakes, laying out by the pool, a nice glass of vino...and the list goes on and on...you get the point!  But another one of my loves is the smell of fresh leather.  There is absolutely nothing like it.

So, when I found this website that joins nice prices with gently used, authentic purses, I had to share.  Just because you're saving for that next home downpayment doesn't mean you can start another fund for that new purse that will go with everything!

Check it out:  http://www.fashionphile.com/



How come no one ever told me about this website?????

Just finished an inspiring book I wanted to share....

"Crush It:  Cash in on Your Passion" by Gary Vaynerchuck was a fun and inspiring read.  He takes the question of what your passion is or what hobby you wish you could indulge in all day and translates that desire into making an income source and creating a better quality of life by enjoying your work.

This book outlines the author's journey as a young man turning his father's wine business  into a $40 million dollar company.  He discusses how now is the perfect time to try your hand at the business you've always dreamed of with all of the various new forms of instantaneous communication and free resources.

Do you have a dream?  Ready to open that bakery, discuss your love of photography or have an affinity for legos?  Find out how to cash in on that passion.  The book is full of strategies, tips and resources and well worth the $19.99 retail price.

And, don't forget, my passion is real estate and if you need assistance on the domestic or international frontier:  I'm here!  Call my office at 404.309.1098 to discuss how I can help you find the right home to house all those plans.

Ciao for now!

Short Sales: To Do or Not? Foreclosure is not the only option

Short sales are very tricky.

Some people view this as a way to walk away from your home. That is not the intention of a short sale.

The reality is that a lot of people are experiencing financial hardships and with rates adjusting, some mortgages are becoming too much for homeowners. People have seen increases as much as $2,000 in their monthly mortgage payment.

Short sales are negotiated when the lender agrees to accept a sales price less than the mortgage amount. If this is the route you need to pursue, we fight vigourously to assist you.

Remember:

• Short sales are a timely process. This is very important to understand upfront.
• Real estate is limited and will always be in demand.
• Like life, real estate is cyclical. If you can hang on...do so. Preserve your credit rating and do what the house was intended for: live in it!
• Look at renting the property out. Let tenants pay your mortgage down while you move in with parents, friends or find lower priced living accomodations.
• Interest in mortgage loans is tax-deductible which will allow you to still reap a tremendous benefit.

If you would like to discuss your options, fill out our Short Sale Information Sheet on the following PDF: http://www.box.net/shared/uh1xxmpdca and email it to atlantamaven@gmail.com or fax to 404.238.9604.

We look forward to assisting you explore your options.