It’s no secret that rampant foreclosures have created major emotional trauma in the lives of many. It really saddens me to hear about people who have lost their dream home, in which most were looking to spend the rest of their years.

Unfortunately, Georgia is listed among the top ten in foreclosure rates. But in the midst of unscrupulous lending practices, and much distress, the reality of it all is, banks are left with huge inventories, which they are looking to unload.

If you’re in the market to buy a home, LaShawn Parker, an Associate Broker with Ready 2 Move Realty, LLC can help. She is a 12-year veteran in the real estate industry. After graduating from Georgia State University with a BBA in Real Estate, LaShawn has translated her knowledge into experience by working in many aspects of real estate including residential and commercial property management and real estate sales. As a Broker, LaShawn’s specialty is marketing and selling foreclosed homes. She can be reached at 770.833.1488.

Listen to her informative interview regarding foreclosures…

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

Though born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, through coaching and planning for an exciting career, Donna moved to New York City in 1985. She is a graduate of the New York Society for the Deaf School in New York City and the Interpreter Training Program at the College of Staten Island.

Working on Wall Street for 13 years, climbing the corporate ladder from her job as a secretary, Donna eventually moved her way up to Citigroup’s Vice President position in Compliance. But after experiencing 9/11 firsthand, nervously fumbling down 36 flights of stairs in the dark, witnessing the second plane crash into the second tower and watching people jump out of the tower windows, she knew her life would never be the same.

“It was too much to comprehend; New York City was like a huge crematory. The unforgettable smell of death lingered for over a year,” Donna recalls. Seeking more balance in her life, she decided to move to Cobb County in Atlanta in October 2005.

As a top realtor with Metro Brokers GMAC/Real Estate, Donna says, “Putting my clients first includes keeping myself accessible, being an excellent listener as well as a fine communicator, and responding quickly to their needs. In addition, there are qualities that go into being an outstanding real estate professional; integrity, in-depth community and market awareness, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network, all of which are hallmarks of how I work.”

Duplicating the same success she had in New York as a realtor, Donna provides premier service to executives, athletes, business owners, investors, as well as people who are looking to buy their first home. Donna specializes in Elegant Homes, Investment Properties, New Homes and Commercial Sales.

She uses her intrepid negotiation skills to represent both buyers and sellers. Being a woman who knows how to get things done, Donna was chosen out of hundreds of real estate candidates nationally to be in RISMedia Magazine as this year’s crop of 50 Realtors on the Rise who reflect a sizeable showing of quality and premier service to their clients.

When not assisting clients, Donna enjoys reading, traveling, entertaining, hiking with her two dogs and volunteering for a worthy cause.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

If you’re among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.

Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth. Read on to help get your life, and your possessions organized for a peaceful and exciting move.

Make a list.

Write everything down! You’ll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents, or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You’ll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don’t put the list down unless it’s in a place you’ll call Packing Central. This is where you’ll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific — “A-D files” is better than “files”, and “Tulip dishes” rather than “misc. kitchen.”

Have plenty of supplies.

Don’t make me say this twice– you’ll need LOTS of boxes–probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies.

You’ll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household goods. Again, you’ll need more supplies than you think, so get extra, in order for your packing to go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.

Read the rest of this entry »

“If Veda does not sell your home in 89 Days or less, she will buy it herself and/or you pay her nothing!”

Veda Wood has over 12 years of real estate experience and is well respected for her in-depth knowledge of buying, selling, new construction, investment and commercial property. Veda and her team of real estate professionals handle all types of properties that range from starter homes to multi-million dollar estates.

Throughout her career, Veda has continually achieved outstanding sales results and has shown the ability to excel at everything she does. She has earned and received the industry’s highest awards and designations. She believes extraordinary service as well as cutting edge and innovative marketing techniques are the keys to her success.

Extraordinary service equals commitment to detail, enthusiasm, empathy, accountability and the ability to proactively position her clients to achieve their goals whether buying, selling, building, relocating or exchanging real estate. Innovative marketing requires confidence, creativity and the willingness to guarantee your services in writing. She has two such guarantees and has blown away the competition with their success and they are: If Veda does not sell your home in 89 Days or less, she will buy it herself and/or you pay her nothing! This innovative marketing has helped Veda to continue to excel even in what is considered a down economy.

Read the rest of this entry »

In an industry which has left many uncertain about their future, one Realtor remains focused, strong and in charge.

Known as “Atlanta’s Vanna,” Vanessa AllenWhite is one of the top listing and selling Realtors in the State of Georgia. This native Georgian has a passion for people and the business of Real Estate. With over ten successful years in the business, she is one of only 5% of Realtors in the United States with a designation as a Certified Residential Specialist.

Not only is she the Broker/Owner of VanAllenWhite Realty Group, but she’s the CEO/Founder of VanAllenWhite Real Estate Academy, a Real Estate Instructor, Motivational Speaker, and Coach.

Licensed in Georgia and several other states, Ms. AllenWhite has worked with some of the top investors in the United States — she definitely knows how to get things done. Her extensive experience, commitment, and hours of advanced training has helped her earn top-notch credentials in her field, which include the following designations: ABR, ARS, CRS, and GRI.

An “out of the box” thinker, Vanessa has sold several commercial and residential properties in the State of Georgia using innovative and groundbreaking marketing techniques.

Read the rest of this entry »

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

Jackie Scarborough has been a highly successful real estate professional in the metro Atlanta, Clayton, Henry, Dekalb, Fayette and Fulton County market for over 15 years. Her personal goal is to simplify the process of buying and selling real estate, and to satisfy her clients’ needs.

Her extensive experience and proven track record are reasons her clients count on her to get the job done! She uses the latest technology to understand the current market and to make the connections necessary for the success of her clients. Call Jackie today and let her help you take the stress out of your real estate experience. (770) 843-3144

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

Ms. LaVonne Walker has been handling relocations in the metro Atlanta area for more than five years. Tune in to hear important things you should consider BEFORE you relocate. Ms. Walker is an EXPERT in helping people take the stress out of moving. She is an Accredited Buyers’ Representative, a member of the Prudential Honor Society and has been featured in Black Enterprise Magazine.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

Just because there are some challenges in the market, doesn’t mean people aren’t selling or buying homes in metro Atlanta. Real estate deals in metro Atlanta are still being made every single day. Veda Wood, one of our resident experts and business celebrities, shares some inside information about her real estate success during this time which is still ripe with opportunities!

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [8:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

As a top Realtor with Metro Brokers GMAC Realty in metro Atlanta, Donna N. Hogan says, “Putting my clients first includes keeping myself accessible, being an excellent listener as well as a fine communicator, and responding quickly to their needs.” Listen as Donna shares her inspirational journey with us. Look for her on the cover of the 2008 issue of People You Need to Know! Still have questions about real estate? Give Ms. Hogan a call. (404) 787-6599.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

Daisy Barnum, a metro Atlanta real estate broker and president of her own successful real estate firm — tune in to hear how she overcame homelessness, hopelessness, domestic violence and also how she honored her sister’s dying wish to raise her son. Ms. Daisy Barnum, born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is the 12th of 13 children born to the same parents. Her father died when she was just 3 years old. Need some inspiration? This is the show to hear!

When buying a home, there are many small details if overlooked, can easily cost you a fortune and and cause major headaches. Therefore in today’s market, you need an expert. Listen as Veda Wood shares valuable information from Contracts to Inspections that can help you navigate the home buying process so you can spend more time enjoying your Dream Home rather than suffering from buyer’s remorse!

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [0:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player