Who Do You Use.... Realtor or real estate agent?

   Well you are ready to sell some property… who do I use. I have access to a real estate agent and a Realtor. Let’s define a Realtor - The term REALTOR® identifies a licensed professional in real estate who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. Not all licensed real estate brokers and salespersons are members of the National Association, and only those who are can identify themselves as REALTORS®. Realtors conduct their business and activities in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics. For example, as agents in a real estate transaction, licensed brokers and salespersons are prohibited by law from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. 

   Well a picture is worth a thousand words, so study the picture closely. Being a Realtor does not make you any smarter, more motivated or cause you to possess any other attributes that makes you better. What being a Realtor does is put you in a group of professionals that work together in the selling of real property. In addition, Realtors have to operate within a Code of Ethics that real estate agents do not have to abide by. They belong to the National Association of Realtors and their State Association of Realtors and a local board.

   Let's examine the Georgia MLS portion of the graph for comparison sake. These numbers represent Dollar Volume for 2011 for the Georgia MLS (multiple listing service). The Georgia MLS is made up of both Realtors which make up 57% of the members  and non-Realtors who make up 43% of the members. NOW LISTEN CAREFULLY….. the Realtors are responsible for 85% of the dollar volume. They are more successful, generally more pro-active in their local boards and therefore list and sell more real estate. NOW, who would you like to work with !!!!

For Information on Buying or Selling Land contact G. Kent Morris, ALC, RF at      (706) 457-0090

I Would Like To Build A Pond On My Property!!

I have had many discussions and questions about ponds. If you own a large tract of land, it is very nice having the opportunity to fish. It just adds one more activity to the list of fun things to do on your property. Activities might include hunting, riding ATVs, camping, hiking and fishing. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors!

Landowners are always looking for ways to add value and recreational opportunities to their property. I am asked often about ponds so  I decided to talk to an expect and contacted David Beall, Outdoor Direction, LLC. David’s phone number is (706) 289-1874. Obviously regulation tends to be the big issue and many contractors have been regulated out of business. Here are some points of interest:

·         If the pond is less than 10 acres, a permit has to be issued by the Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NCRS). They can issue an ‘agricultural exemption permit’. These ponds can be used to irrigate crops and food plots.

·         If  the pond is over 10 acres a permit has to be issued from the Army Corp of Engineers. These permits can  take forever and the ‘sky is the limit’ on cost. After all, you are dealing with the Federal Government. Mitigation is required. Wetland mitigation is the creation or restoration of wetlands, done to mitigate for onsite or offsite impacts to wetlands. In other words you may be required to purchase wetland mitigation credits for disturbing an existing wetlands caused by constructing the pond.

·         In addition, if the dam is over 25’ tall and backs up 100 acre feet of water, a permit must be issued by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) in Georgia.

 In talking to many landowners and contractors, it appears as though an estimated cost of $10,000 - $15,000 per acre covers most ponds. Bear in mind that cost can vary greatly from site to site.

One important point…. Land with existing ponds and lake will increase in value!!

For Information on Buying or Selling Land contact G. Kent Morris, ALC, RF at      (706) 457-0090