Georgia RealEstateRama

EUGENE, OR - June 7, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- IDX, Inc. is proud to welcome Judy Hardy of LoveThoseMountains Realty to the team of real estate professionals choosing to update their real estate website with IDX Broker software. The Internet Data Exchange (IDX) technology pulls raw listing data from the Northeast Georgia MLS (NEGMLS) and displays it directly on Hardy's website, giving her the most comprehensive listings in the area. Her website now boasts a user-friendly and thorough database of listings to meet every potential buyers' needs.

ATLANTA, GA - June 7, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers’ (R-Woodstock) much anticipated Property Tax Assessment and Appeals Reform Bill (SB346) was signed into law today by Gov. Sonny Perdue. The bill is aimed at ensuring all Georgia properties are properly assessed at Fair Market Value and that property owners have guaranteed rights to appeal

EUGENE, OR - May 25, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- With new accounts being added daily, IDX, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Ronald Refec and Realty Smart, LLC to the growing number of real estate agents and brokers who are revolutionizing their professional websites by making searching for a home online simpler and easier. The new customizable IDX solution blends data from the Georgia MLS (GAMLS) and Refec's own listings to supply his clients with the most up-to-date and thorough Atlanta area listings database online

ATLANTA, GA - May 24, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Georgia’s mortgage loan originators now have additional time to comply with the federal S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 certification regulations thanks to the efforts of Sen. Donzella James (D-College Park). James, and loan originators from her district, met with the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance this week to propose an extension for certification requirements from April 31, 2010 to July 31, 2010. James worked diligently to extend the deadline after learning that many of her constituents were unaware of the new federal requirements.

May 20, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (Department) has just received confirmation from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the federal administrator of the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, that individuals may continue to conduct business as mortgage loan originators without being licensed until the close of business on July 31, 2010. Therefore, in an effort to minimize possible interruptions in employment the Department will allow loan originators lawfully employed by Georgia mortgage brokers and lenders to continue to work in the industry until the close of business on July 31, 2010, unless they have been notified otherwise by the Department

ATLANTA, GA - May 17, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- In an effort to prevent countless mortgage loan originators from losing their jobs, State Sen. Donzella James (D-College Park) will host a press conference on Tuesday, May 18 to announce her efforts to secure an extension of the certification deadline that is threatening to put Georgians out of work. In January, loan originators were given only two months to comply with new federal certification requirements, and James is encouraging the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance to grant an extension until the end of this year.

ATLANTA, GA - May 11, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Georgia Property Taxpayer Committee has selected Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) as their 2010 Legislator of the Year because of his dedication and service to Georgia’s property owners.

The House passed the bipartisan Home Star Energy Retrofit Act (H.R. 5019). May 7, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- This bill will provide immediate incentives for consumers who renovate their homes to become more energy-efficient. Home Star will create an estimated 168,000 American jobs in construction, manufacturing and retail and save about 3 million American families an estimated $200-500 per year on their energy bills. The reduction in energy usage will reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

May 6, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is considering changes relating to the marketing of recreational opportunities on lands owned and managed by the Department. These changes may include: charging fees at DNR-managed properties and facilities, classification of DNR-managed properties, and diversifying recreational opportunities on DNR-managed properties. The Department has scheduled four (4) public meetings across the state to provide the public an opportunity to offer input on these changes for consideration. Those interested are encouraged to bring these meetings to the attention of others that also may be interested in participating

ATLANTA, GA - April 30, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Georgia’s property owners triumphed in the General Assembly today with the Georgia House and Senate overwhelmingly passing Senate Bill 346. Championed and authored by Senate Majority Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), the Property Tax Assessment and Appeals reform bill is aimed at ensuring all Georgia properties are properly assessed at Fair Market Value and that property owners have guaranteed rights to appeal. This is the most sweeping overhaul of the Georgia property tax system in decades

Atlanta, GA - April 29, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On April 28, 2010, an Order to Cease and Desist issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) to H.O.P.E. Alliance d/b/a Home Ownership Protection Education Alliance, Inc. d/b/a www.helpnowalliance.org located at 13660 Wright Circle, Tampa, Florida 33626 became final.This Order to Cease and Desist was issued by the Department after it obtained evidence that H.O.P.E. Alliance d/b/a Home Ownership Protection Education Alliance, Inc. d/b/a www.helpnowalliance.org engaged in residential mortgage brokering/lending activities without a license or under an applicable exemption in violation of O.C.G.A. § 7-1-1002

EUGENE, OR - April 21, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- IDX, Inc. is excited to welcome Costigan Real Estate Group's very own Mike Costigan, in joining the ever growing database of real estate agents and brokers choosing to upgrade and personalize their websites, with use of custom IDX Broker software. Residing in Marietta, Georgia, Costigan is a part of the Georgia MLS (GAMLS). Potential home buyers browsing Costigan's website can now easily search an infinite amount of properties in the GAMLS surrounding areas, and create custom searches, in order to best fit their personal property needs. By incorporating the this custom IDX solution, Costigan's site now provides search options and Multiple Listing Service (MLS) listings that are displayed in a seamlessly integrated and easily searchable format.

ATLANTA, GA - April 16, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On the eve of national tax day, the Georgia General Assembly has passed major tax relief, HB 1055 called by some the “Georgia Taxpayer Relief Act of 2010”. The measure eliminates retirement income tax on Georgia seniors and eliminates the state property tax. Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) lead the efforts in the Senate to help add the tax elimination measures to HB 1055

Dunwoody, GA - April 8, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Real estate professional Gloria Jean Hecking was presented with Member of the Year honors for the Atlanta chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors during its January luncheon at the Capitol City Grill in Buckhead

April 1, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Making Home Affordable Program has been expanded to reach more homeowners who need help with their mortgages. Many Georgians are still struggling to keep up with their payments. Congressman Scott will continue to support policies to help homeowners turn the corner.