Carol Owen is now an associate broker with the Peachtree City/Fayette County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Owen, who jointed the Bullard organization as a result of the merger with Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty Associates, has a bachelor of science degree from Auburn University. She has also been a Delta flight attendant.

Active in real estate since 1979, she is a member of the Fayette County Board of Realtors, has earned the GRI designation, and is licensed as a certified state-registered appraiser.

She and her husband Michael W. Williams are residents of Peachtree City and are members of First Baptist Church of Peachtree City.

Harrison Miller is now a sales associate with the Peachtree City/Fayette County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty

Miller, who has been in real estate since 1993, rejoined the Bullard organization as a result of the merger with Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty Associates. During his previous time with Bullard, he was named to the Metro South Association of Realtors Million Dollar Club and Bronze Society. He is currently a member of the Fayette County Board of Realtors and the Georgia and National Associations of Realtors, and he has earned the Certified Buyer Representative designation and is a Cendant Mobility Referral Specialist and Referral Marketing Specialist.

Miller also currently has an IT contract agreement with Emory University.

A Fayette County resident, he is married to Mercedes R. Miller, and they have a 15-year-old son, Julian.

He is a member of Salem Bible Church in Atlanta.

Park Springs Members Participate in Mountain Park Elementary School Study Buddy Program

Members of Park Springs, a residential community offering a continuum of care in Stone Mountain, are imparting their wisdom on their younger neighbors. Mountain Park Elementary School is just two and a quarter miles away from Park Springs and several members have made the 30-minute weekly commitment to help children who need individual help with their reading through the Study Buddy Literacy Program.

“We try to make the program flexible to promote participation,” said Ruth Wilkes, parent, PTA member at Mountain Park Elementary School and organizer of the Study Buddy Program. “Anyone that can read, listen and offer an encouraging word is qualified to be a Study Buddy, and with Park Springs so close it seemed a natural fit. I was thrilled when several members agreed to serve as buddies.”

Several Park Springs members interested in participating in the program attended an orientation session on September 5th at Mountain Park Elementary. The volunteers were greeted with a warm reception and light refreshments. Each of them was able to choose the age of the child or children with whom they would like to be buddies, and the time per week up to an hour that they would be able to spend with their new buddies. At the end of the orientation several children participating in the program were introduced to the Park Springs members.
“Upon first meeting us they were shy, but seemed excited to see us,” said Fran Dubner, Park Springs Member and Study Buddy volunteer. “The orientation session convinced us that we could provide a useful service to the children and the school. Each of us as Park Springs volunteers look forward to our assignments and the prospect of the friendships we will develop with our new Buddies at Mountain Park Elementary School.”

The Southeast's premier residential community offering a continuum of care, Park Springs enhances life for active seniors by providing independent residences alongside extensive amenities and on-site wellness and private health care facilities. The 398-home campus-style community is situated on 54 acres surrounded by Stone Mountain Park. A 64-suite health center provides assisted living, skilled nursing and dementia/Alzheimer's care. The campus style community boasts a 50,000 square foot clubhouse serving meals in four themed dining rooms daily and a 12,000 square foot fitness center with an indoor swimming pool. The Seniors Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders named Park Springs a Platinum winner. Park Springs is developed by Isakson-Barnhart. For more information on Park Springs, call 770-879-5006, 800-267-7126 or visit www.parkspringscommunities.com.

Isakson Barnhart is Georgia’s developer of award-winning residential communities for those ages 62 and better. Partner E. Andrew (Andy) Isakson first founded the company in 1982 and partnered with David Barnhart in 1987. The company has established itself as one of the most respected in Atlanta’s competitive commercial real estate market. The company’s vision to provide amenity-rich, independent living for discerning adults was born out of the personal experiences of the family of Ed and Julia Isakson after their difficult search for a community that would provide their parents with an active lifestyle combined with on-site health care. This mission manifested itself in Park Springs™, the company’s flagship property in Stone Mountain, Ga. Park Springs™ is nationally recognized by the 50+ Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders as the recipient of the 2005 Platinum Award in the CCRC Overall Community category for large CCRCs (200 or more units), as well as the Gold Award for Interior Design. In 2006, the same group awarded Peachtree Hills Place the Silver Award for CCRC On the Boards – Large, rating the Buckhead community above all other entrants.
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Brookhaven at Johns Creek Announces Grand Opening Festivities

Jim Chapman Communities announces the Grand Opening of its newest active adult community, Brookhaven at Johns Creek. Combining a perfect location with one level ranch homes designed just for the active adult, Brookhaven at Johns Creek brings active adult living to one of metro Atlanta’s newest cities. Homeowners at this new community enjoy the privacy of a gated community, the luxury of low maintenance living and the convenience of a prime location in an exciting new city. Festivities will be held Oct. 15-16 to celebrate the Grand Opening of its models and amenity complex.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m., Oct. 15. The Johns Creek and Greater North Fulton Chambers of Commerce will be present to conduct the ribbon cutting ceremony. Local government officials have been invited to personally join Jim Chapman for this event, including Mike Bodker, Mayor of Johns Creek, members of the Johns Creek City Council and Fulton County elected officials. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees will be invited to the Grand Clubhouse for lunch and refreshments.

Local real estate agents will be invited to a “Margaritas, Models and Meet the Artist” exclusive preview cocktail party on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. to view the four new fully furnished models and the 5,000 square foot clubhouse. Local artist Chris Glennon will be on hand to personally showcase her work, which will be on display throughout the models and clubhouse. A special artist original will also be raffled off during the event.

Brookhaven at Johns Creek features Jim Chapman Communities' national award winning two and three bedroom ranch condominiums as well as its newly designed three and four bedroom ranch-style single family homes. Bonus rooms with full baths and exciting outdoor living spaces are available in all plans. All homes are brick and stone construction with inviting front porches, vaulted ceilings and oversized master suites.

Residents will enjoy incredible amenities not seen before in an infill active adult community in Atlanta including two lighted tennis courts, a nine foot wide, asphalt paved walking trail, large heated pool, gardening center, bocce courts, croquet courts and a 5,000 square foot Grand Clubhouse with exercise room and kitchen. Planned activities will range from themed parties and holiday get-togethers to excursions with the JCC Travel Club, all coordinated by a full-time Lifestyles Director, Tamara Hesse.

Brookhaven at Johns Creek is in the highly sought-after North Fulton area. This desirable location is between many high-end country club communities and one mile to the new Emory-Johns Creek Hospital. Brookhaven at Johns Creek is located between Peachtree Parkway (GA 141) and McGinnis Ferry Road on Technology Circle. From Atlanta take I-85 North to I-285 West and Exit 31B, (GA 141 North-Cumming/Dahlonega). Bear left on GA 141 North to Johns Creek. Turn right on McGinnis Ferry Road, and then right on Technology Circle. Community is approximately one-half mile on left.

An Atlanta-based builder and developer, Jim Chapman began building custom homes in Buckhead in 1998. Today, Jim Chapman Communities applies to the active adult market the same quality and service standards Jim Chapman developed while building luxury homes. Jim Chapman Communities currently builds elegant yet affordable one-level ranch condominiums and detached homes in communities across metro Atlanta including Douglas, Gwinnett, Cobb, Fulton and Forsyth counties. Planning and delivering extraordinary communities designed for the active adult lifestyle, Jim Chapman Communities offers Well-Earned Elegance for today’s active adults. For more information on Jim Chapman Communities, call (770) 319-7474 or visit www.JimChapmanCommunities.com.
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Sharp Residential Launches New Website

Sharp Residential received the one of the top three numerical scores in Atlanta in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 New-Home Customer Satisfaction Study(sm), and as a part of their continuous efforts to continue to improve the home buying experience, they have revamped their Web site. The site now has more photos, more virtual tours, and more ways for homebuyers to find their perfect Sharp Residential home.

“We know that the majority of buyers shop on-line before they get in their cars to visit our homes, especially now with gas prices so high, and we want to make their virtual experience as enjoyable and informational as their face-to-face meetings with our agents,” said Tom Sharp, president of Sharp Residential. “We want buyers to be able to browse our current inventory and as we start new communities and new homes within our existing communities we want them to be able to get to know us and see our progress on-line.”

The Sharp Residential Web site is still found at www.sharpresidential.com but now it has more amazing photos on the homepage welcoming buyers in to the site to tour homes. With more information on each page fewer clicks will allow buyers to shop for their perfect floorplan, kitchen or neighborhood. Detailed Information can be accessed from multiple directions. Visitors don’t have to dig for neighborhood information, design center, photos and pricing. Plus, once visitors select a neighborhood they can view floor plans, neighborhood site plans, available homes, relocation information and comprehensive community information to help make home buying decisions easier.

One of the biggest advantages of visiting the Sharp Residential Web site is the fact that buyers have the opportunity to contact the builder for even more information on each and every page. Sharp also puts all special incentives they are offering as well as current news on the company on the home page.

For over 17 years, Sharp Residential, headed by Tom Sharp, has offered exceptional homes with a wealth of luxurious features in neighborhoods throughout metro Atlanta. Designing homes for the way people want to live, Sharp Residential has established a reputation of integrity – earning recognition on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s annual list of the Top 25 Homebuilders since 2004 and ranking in the top 200 on Professional Builder magazine’s list of the Top 400 Homebuilders in the country. Priced from the $200’s to $800’s, the quality and features of the homes set them apart from the rest. Customers come first at Sharp Residential, where an emphasis is placed on the homebuyer’s individual desires. J.D. Power and Associates ranked Sharp Residential among the top three in customer satisfaction with new-home builders in Atlanta in 2008. The experienced team of builders and the support staff take pride in designing homes for the way people want to live, customizing each home with individual characteristics. Building homes and neighborhoods to suit any lifestyle, Sharp Residential has quickly grown to become one of Atlanta’s leading developers and builders, building in Paulding, Cobb, Forsyth, and Cherokee counties, as well as the City of Atlanta. Discover the Sharp Difference - call 770-518-4896 or visit the Web site at www.Sharp-Residential.com.

Sharp Residential received the one of the top three numerical scores in Atlanta in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 New-Home Customer Satisfaction Study(sm). Study based on 50,837 total responses in 33 markets, measuring 22 builders in Atlanta (Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Spalding and Walton counties) and measures opinions of consumers who purchased a new home in 2007. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in March-July 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit www.jdpower.com.
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Two-Thirds of Struggling Homeowners Meet Key Criteria for Housing Bill Relief, According to Survey by CCCS of Greater Atlanta

PRNewswire/ -- Almost two-thirds of homeowners who called Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta for foreclosure prevention counseling in recent months appear to meet the threshold requirements for relief under the new federal housing bill that took effect Oct. 1, according to a recent survey of those homeowners.

Of 591 people surveyed in late September, 381 of them, or 64.6 percent, said they met five key eligibility criteria for the mortgage refinancing program.

On July 30, President Bush signed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The law created a new program called Hope for Homeowners intended to help families save their homes from foreclosure. Mortgage lenders participating in the program can allow "at risk" borrowers to refinance their current mortgage into a new fixed-rate loan insured by the FHA. Lenders' participation in the program is voluntary.

"Our survey results indicate this new FHA program holds the potential to help a large number of Americans struggling to pay their mortgage," said Suzanne Boas, president of CCCS of Greater Atlanta. "Not everyone will be able to meet the terms. But if someone meets the basic criteria laid out in the housing bill, it would be worth a phone call to their lender to ask about the FHA program."

Homeowners must meet several requirements to be considered for the program. People who called CCCS of Greater Atlanta in July and August trying to avoid foreclosure were surveyed about these requirements by email from Sept. 19-23.

To be counted among the 64.6 percent of survey takers who appear to meet the threshold criteria, people needed to indicate that they live in the home with the problem mortgage; their mortgage was originated before January 2008; they didn't have an existing home equity line or other second mortgage; they did not own another home and they spend at least 31 percent of their gross monthly income on mortgage debt.

From those surveyed, the top challenge to participation in the FHA program is paying off a home equity loan or second mortgage. Thirty-five percent of respondents reported that their home secures more than one loan.

A second mortgage or home equity loan must be paid before a homeowner can qualify for the refinance program. It is possible to pay off the second mortgage through proceeds from the new FHA loan. That could be difficult if the first and second mortgage are held by different lenders because only the primary loan qualifies for the FHA program.

Also, nearly 20 percent of respondents say they don't spend at least 31 percent of their gross monthly income on their mortgage -- a threshold required by the FHA refinance program.

Borrowers who qualify for the FHA program are responsible for paying loan origination fees, as well as an insurance premium to FHA equal to 1.5 percent of the principal annually.

There are several other conditions:

-- The borrower must certify there was no misrepresentation in their application for the existing loan.

-- The borrower must agree to share both initial equity and future appreciation with The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD).

-- The equity sharing agreement provides that if the house is sold within the first year, 100 percent of the initial equity (generally 10 percent of the value of the property at origination) will go to FHA. After 1 year, FHA is entitled to 90 percent of the initial equity. The percentage keeps dropping in 10 percent increments to 50 percent after the fifth year, where it stays.

-- In addition to the initial equity which is a fixed amount, 50 percent of any future appreciation of the property must be paid to HUD when the property is sold.

-- The FHA loan will be a 30-year fixed rate mortgage and may not exceed 90 percent of the current appraised value of the property. An additional 3 percent mortgage insurance premium will be financed in the mortgage making the initial loan to value 87 percent.

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Down Payment Assistance Now Available for Northeast Georgia Home Buyers

PRNewswire/ -- The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, The IMPACT! Group, The Brand Banking Company and a network of local builders are partnering to provide down payment assistance for consumers who buy a home in Northeast Georgia.

Tough economic times and the recent turmoil in the mortgage market have made it harder to secure mortgage loans. For buyers without funds for a down payment, the dream of home ownership has become even more elusive.

"This is a 'win-win' proposition. The Northeast Georgia Down Payment Assistance Program will benefit consumers who want to buy a house in our local communities. It will also strengthen the overall economic climate -- which benefits every business and every resident," explains Judy Waters, executive director, Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia.

Today's announcement comes at a critical time. The nation's largest privately funded down payment assistance program, The Nehemiah Program, will be eliminated on October 1, 2008. The Northeast Georgia Down Payment Assistance program will fill that void for area home buyers.

The Northeast Georgia Down Payment Assistance Program is not restricted to first-time home buyers and does not require repayment. This is in contrast to the recently enacted Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, which offers a $7,500 tax credit to qualified first-time buyers. Those funds are then paid back over a 15-year period.

"Brand Bank has been a vital part of building our community for more than 100 years, so we're pleased to be a part of this innovative program to foster home ownership," says Bartow Morgan, Jr., CEO, Brand Bank. "We will be making market-rate mortgage loans to qualified buyers who are eager to build their home and their future in Northeast Georgia."

The IMPACT! Group, a local nonprofit community development corporation, will help provide the down payment assistance along with education and credit counseling to homebuyers who want an objective advisor to help them through the process. "Our HomeOwnership Center provides home buyers with the tools they need to achieve sustainable homeownership. We are very excited to work with Brand Bank and the Community Foundation on this innovative program," says Marina Peed, executive director, The IMPACT! Group.

For more information about The Northeast Georgia Down Payment Assistance Program, call 770-963-3044 or log on to www.thebrandbank.com and click the program link for a list of eligible homes.

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Brookhaven at Johns Creek Holds Grand Opening Weekend Festivities

Jim Chapman Communities announces the Grand Opening of its newest active adult community, Brookhaven at Johns Creek. Combining a perfect location with one level ranch homes designed just for the active adult, Brookhaven at Johns Creek brings active adult living to one of metro Atlanta’s newest cities. Homeowners at this new community enjoy the privacy of a gated community; the luxury of low maintenance living and the convenience of location. A weekend of festivities will be held, Oct. 16-19, to celebrate the completion of the community.

Local real estate agents will be invited to a “Margaritas, Models and Meet the Artist” exclusive preview cocktail party on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. to view the four new models and the 5,000 square foot clubhouse. Local artist Chris Glennon will be on hand to personally showcase her work, which will be on display throughout the models and clubhouse. A special artist original will also be raffled off during the weekend.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place the morning of Saturday, Oct. 18. An invitation only Meet and Greet will also be held that day for prospective homebuyers who have previously visited the community. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided by the builder.

An Open House will be held, Sunday, Oct. 19th. Jim Chapman, President of Jim Chapman Communities will be on hand to offer personal, builder-guided tours through the community, models and clubhouse.

Brookhaven at Johns Creek features Jim Chapman Communities’ signature, 2 and 3 bedroom quad ranch condos as well as two- to four-bedroom single family home floor plans. Bonus rooms with full baths and great rooms with fireplaces and kitchens are available. All homes are all-brick and stone construction with inviting front porches, vaulted ceilings and oversized master suites.

Residents will enjoy the two lighted tennis courts and walking trails, a beautiful heated pool, outdoor fireplace and clubhouse with exercise room and kitchen, as well as activities such as themed parties, holiday get-togethers and planned excursions, coordinated by a full-time Lifestyles Director. Brookhaven at Johns Creek is 100 percent fenced for security with a gated entrance with remote openers.

Brookhaven at Johns Creek is in the highly sought-after North Fulton area. This desirable location is between many high-end country club communities and one mile to new Emory-Johns Creek Hospital. Brookhaven at Johns Creek is located between Peachtree Parkway (GA 141) and McGinnis Ferry Road on Technology Circle. From Atlanta take I-85 North to I-285 West and Exit 31B, (GA 141 North-Cumming/Dahlonega). Bear left on GA 141 North to Johns Creek. Turn right on Johns Creek Parkway, and right on Technology Circle. Community is approximately one-half mile on right.

An Atlanta-based builder and developer, Jim Chapman began building custom homes in Buckhead in 1998. Today, Jim Chapman Communities applies to the active adult market the same quality and service standards Jim Chapman developed while building luxury homes. Jim Chapman Communities currently builds elegant yet affordable one-level ranch condominiums and detached homes in communities across metro Atlanta including Douglas, Gwinnett, Cobb, Fulton and Forsyth counties. Planning and delivering extraordinary communities designed for the active adult lifestyle, Jim Chapman Communities offers Well-Earned Elegance for today’s active adults. For more information on Jim Chapman Communities, call (770) 319-7474 or visit www.JimChapmanCommunities.com.
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Lake Logan Martin Home Sites, Development Land to Sell at Auction

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ten home sites in the Rushing Springs subdivision on Lake Logan Martin will sell at absolute auction Thursday, Sept. 25. All of the home sites have water views and access to the lake through a community boat launch.

In an absolute auction, the property sells to the highest bidder with no minimum bid or reserve.

Also selling at absolute auction will be a waterfront 2.1± acre tract located within Rushing Springs and a 25± acre development property with frontage on Valley Road in Talladega.

“Because the Rushing Springs developer has chosen to reduce inventory in a sluggish market, this may be the best chance ever to purchase property at an attractive price on Lake Logan Martin,” said Warren Ward, president of Albert Burney Auction Company, which will manage the sale. “Those bidding on the 10 Rushing Springs properties may choose from 22 different lots, including one that is located directly on the water. These are ideal for builders or for individuals who plan to build homes on the lake,” said Ward.

The auction will be held at 6 p.m. at the Budget Inn, 65600 Alabama Highway 77 in Talladega.

Albert Burney representatives will be on site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sept. 19 through the sale day on Sept. 25.

Individuals interested in additional information about the property and auction may contact Albert Burney Auction Company at 800.434.1654 or visit the company’s web site at www.albertburney.com.

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Harvey Is Jackson Offices Top Producer

Linda Harvey was announced as August Agent of the Month for the Jackson/Butts County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

No. 2 producer for the office was Ray Bitrick, and Julie Epperson was No. 3.

Harvey, a Butts County resident, received her training through the MLS Training Institute and Bullard College, and she has over 20 years of experience in real estate. A member of the Metro South Association of Realtors and the Georgia and National Associations of Realtors, she is a graduate of Jonesboro High School. In 2005, she was a member of the Bullard Bronze Society.

In the past, she has been a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher at Emmanual Baptist Church and was active in the Women's Auxiliary of Rockdale Hospital.

Her family includes two daughters, one son, and six grandsons.
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Sprayberry Named Individual Agent Leader in Henry

Jan Sprayberry has been selected as August Individual Agent Leader for the McDonough/Henry County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Other top individual producers for the office during the month were Tammi Lamb, No. 2, and Brooks Brackett, No. 3.

Sprayberry, who resides in Stockbridge, has worked in real estate for over 20 years, joining the Bullard Realty organization in 1989.

An Active Life Member of the Million Dollar Club, she has earned membership in Bullard's President's Club and President's Relocation Club and was the company's top closing agent in incoming referrals during 1995 and top agent in outgoing referrals in 1997 and 2001. In companywide standings, she was the first runner-up in production in 1996 and second runner-up the previous year. In previous years, when she was with the Jonesboro/Clayton office, she either led the office in production or was near the top on a number of occasions. She was No. 2 individual producer for the McDonough office in 2006.

She also was awarded membership in Coldwell Banker's International Diamond Society in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005 and was named to the President's Circle in 1998, 1999 and 2003. In 2006 and 2007, she was a member of the Bullard Bronze Society.
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Waldrop Announced as Individual Agent Leader for Conyers Office

For the second time this year, Brenda Waldrop was named Individual Agent Leader for the Conyers/Rockdale County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty. The latest award was for August.

Sheri Sears was the No. 2 individual producer for the Conyers office during the month, and Jacqueline Papallo was No. 3 for the office.

Waldrop, who initiated her real estate career more than 39 years ago, has an associate broker's license and has earned the GRI (Graduate, Realtors Institute), CBR (Certified Buyer Representative) and CRS�(Certified Residential Specialist) designations. She completed Coldwell Banker University, and she has received the Certified Relocation Specialist, Certified Corporate Property Specialist and Certified Residential Marketing Specialist designations from Coldwell Banker.

Her experience in real estate includes marketing new and resale residential properties, lot and land sales and development, commercial/industrial property sales, serving as a relocation and corporate relocation director, and representing mortgage lenders and insurance firms as a REO (real estate owned) specialist.

A Silver Phoenix Award recipient, and a Silver Million Dollar Club Member of East Metro Board of Realtors, she has earned the Coldwell Banker Multi-Million Dollar Club Award. Her Coldwell Banker recognition also includes the International Sterling Society, International Diamond Society, and International President's Circle. Among current agents at Coldwell Banker Bullard's Conyers/Rockdale County office, she was the Top Producer in 2004, 2005, and 2007 and No. 2 in 2006. She was also named Top Relocation Agent for 2007 by Bullard's Relocation Department, as well as being selected to the company's President's Relocation Club.

A Rockdale County resident, Waldrop has been a board member and has chaired or been a member of numerous committees for her Board of Realtors. She is a member of Union Grove Baptist Church.
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Mattox Cited as Individual Agent Leader for Jonesboro Office

Sherry Mattox has been named August Individual Agent Leader for the Jonesboro/Clayton County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

No. 2 individual producer for the Jonesboro office during the month was Shonda Sims, and Sharron Williams was No. 3.

Mattox has been involved in real estate since January of 1995, affiliating with Coldwell Banker Bullard in April of that year. She received her training through the MLS Training Institute. Holder of the RePro designation from the Metro South Association of Realtors, she has been a Million Dollar Club member, has received membership in Coldwell Banker's International Sterling Society in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006, and qualified for the International Diamond Society in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2007. Mattox was recognized as the Jonesboro office's Top Individual Producer for 2006 and was No. 2 in 2007.

She also previously served as her company�s outgoing referral coordinator for several years, handling third party listings for Cendant Mobility in Clayton and Henry Counties, and she is currently a member of the 'A' Team for Bullard Realty's Relocation Department.

How To Save Your Home From Foreclosure

(StatePoint) America's foreclosure crisis continues to hit home among families nationwide.

Approximately one million properties now are in some stage of foreclosure and a million more are in danger of joining them, say industry experts.

To put things in perspective, one in every 464 U.S. households received a foreclosure notice during a recent month, according to RealtyTrac Inc., a national database of foreclosure properties. And if conditions don't improve dramatically, that number will rise to one in every 33 households over the next two years, according to a report by The Pew Charitable Trust.

"What it all comes down to is if families are going to save their homes, they'll have to do it themselves," says Lloyd Segal, author of the new book, "Stop Foreclosure Now: The Complete Guide to Saving Your Home and Your Credit" (AMACOM).

There are several keys to save your home from foreclosure, according to Segal.

Move Fast To Deal With Your Lender:

Many wait until days before a foreclosure sale by their lender, at which point there's not much to be done.

"The most important thing when you fall behind on mortgage payments and you know you can't keep up, is to contact your lender," stresses Segal.

Call your lender and speak with the loan modification or foreclosure department. Speak with somebody in a position of authority.

Ask about modifying your loan. There are different types of modifications, including moving debt to the end of the loan's life or lowering your interest rate and payments temporarily until you can get back on track.

"You've already broken your promise, so be honest about your predicament: Did you lose your job, get divorced or have an illness? If you say it's only going to take a short period to get back on track with payments and it'll take longer, you're only hurting yourself," he says.

Is Your Home Worth Saving?

Determine if you have any equity in your house or an overwhelming emotional attachment to it.

"Equity" refers to the market value of your property less the balance owed on liens against it and the costs of sale. If you have equity, it is economically worth saving. Be sure you correctly value your home, taking into account any declining local property values.

If you have no equity but an emotional commitment, you still may wish to save your home. If you have no equity or emotional attachment, consider selling as an alternative to foreclosure.

Refinance Before Foreclosure Hits:

Refinancing consists of obtaining a loan from a new lender to pay your existing lender. You can do this to pay off your foreclosure lender entirely or simply bring your loan current.

If your credit is good or you have equity in your property you should be able to refinance, even if foreclosure proceedings already have begun.

After foreclosure has begun, refinancing lenders will demand higher interest rates and charge fees for the loan.

Other Ways To Stop Foreclosure:

Active military personnel and their families (and anyone who co-signed a loan with them) are protected from foreclosure, allowing for temporary suspension of collection actions. You can even get a property back if it was sold or reduce your current loan rate.

For its part, bankruptcy will put an immediate halt on foreclosure, but usually only for a temporary period. Moreover, bankruptcy will harm your credit for the future.

If the foreclosure itself is defective, you might be able to get it halted. In most cases, you will have to consult an attorney to see if the loan violated any laws or if the lender made a mistake in the foreclosure process - such as filing papers incorrectly or not giving you the required time before next steps.

For more tips, read Segal's new book, "Stop Foreclosure Now."

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News to Use in Fayette, Coweta, Atlanta and all of Georgia

Real Estate Course in Griffin Begins on Monday, October 6

The Coldwell Banker Bullard Advantage School of Real Estate in cooperation with Griffin Technical College will conduct the 75-hour real estate salesperson’s course in Griffin beginning Monday, October 6.

The eight-week course is required by the Georgia Real Estate Commission for a person to take the state real estate salesperson's licensing exam. Held in conjunction with Griffin Technical College, it will take place at the college at 501 Varsity Rd. in Griffin.

Classes will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 until 9:15 p.m. The instructor will be Joe T. Lane.

The cost of the course is $450.00 plus books, and payment must be made in full upon registration. Those interested in taking the course should call Stephanie Fenton, director of career development for Coldwell Banker Bullard, at 770-477-6400, Ext. 229, for information about registration and materials.
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Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
http://www.georgiafrontpage.com/
http://www.artsacrossgeorgia.com/
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