<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Atlanta Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Atlanta Real Estate Blog - a complete Atlanta Home Guide helping local buyers, sellers and investors make informed decisions through insightful market news and analysis.  Because we focus specifically on the eclectic Intown Neighborhoods (Candler Par</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/preparing-for-the-college-years.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/preparing-for-the-college-years.html</link>
            <author>joshua@thekeenteam.com (Joshua Keen)</author>
            <title>Preparing for the College Years</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
A new trend in real estate investment is emerging: parents investing in real estate to fund their children’s college education.


With the decline of the stock market in the past decade, more parents are seeking to invest for their children’s future through other assets, including real estate. These parents believe that the time is right to purchase real estate because of low prices and mortgage rates, and a strong belief that real estate prices will show considerable appreciation by the time their children are in college.


The idea is to purchase a house as an investment property when a child is born or very young. Ideally, a 15-year fixed rate mortgage is used for a property that cash flows in the first year. By the time the child has reached college age the property is paid for and the parents can sell the asset and use the gain to fund college. Not only has the equity in the property grown over 18 years, they’ve benefitted from the yearly cash flow as well.


Here’s how the scenario might play out:


Let’s say our fictional parents purchase a $100,000 house with $20,000 as a down payment. They take out a 15-year mortgage for the balance at 6.75 percent interest. Their mortgage payments are roughly $8,945 for the year (or $708 per month).


If they rent the house out for $1,200 a month and have around $325 per month in expenses (taxes, insurance, repairs), they should see about $2,005 in cash per year from rental income for the first 15 years. From years 16-18, the expense of the mortgage is eliminated, yielding them $10,500 in cash flow annually. Over 18 years the total cash flow equates to $61,575. Note that this conservative estimate does not include potential rent increases that will increase cash flow and will help offset additional property taxes. Nor does it include interest earned if the parents decide to reinvest cash flow.


In 18 years the property will have appreciated, too. The standard rate of appreciation for real estate nationally over the past 40 years has been 3 percent. At that rate the $100,000 property they bought would be worth $170,243 at the time of sale.


The initial $20,000 investment would have earned $150,243 over 18 years - a return of over 13%. Including cash flow, the return is 15%!


While it is difficult to determine what future tuition will be—increases in tuition have spiked dramatically in recent years—a $230,000 ($170,000 sales price + $60,000 in cash flow) cushion should be enough to soften the tuition blow.


Investors aren’t limited to purchasing real estate to fund college; many choose to purchase property during the college years to provide their children with a home and save on room and board.


In a recent survey of real estate agents, 64 percent saw significant number of parents investing in college-town real estate for their children. With increased room and board and the high demand for rental property in college towns, the strategy makes sense.


San Francisco-based parents Katie and Dale have purchased a house with multiple bedrooms for their children, leasing the other bedrooms to other students. Because of the high demand, the rent helps pay the mortgage on the property and the parents plan to sell when their children no longer need the house.


In the long run, these savvy parents are saving money and helping to provide their children with a stable place to live during their college careers.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:13:50 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/how-to-lease-purchase-your-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/how-to-lease-purchase-your-home.html</link>
            <author>joshua@thekeenteam.com (Joshua Keen)</author>
            <title>How to Lease Purchase Your Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Over the last few months I've had a number of past clients ask me whether a "lease purchase" would be viable to help them sell their home. Though it's not right for everyone ... it can be a win-win real estate deal, and it can help solve a serious problem for today's frustrated sellers.


Here's how it works:


In its simplest form, a lease-purchase agreement is nothing more than a written contract to purchase real estate over an extended period of time, typically not exceeding 36 months. It is usually coupled with an agreement to allow the purchaser to occupy the house and pay rent on it while he is completing the purchase.


In contrast, a lease-option agreement is primarily an agreement to rent real estate. That agreement contains a provision granting the renter the option of purchasing the real estate at some point in the future if he so chooses.


Here's why it's working today:


Traditional lenders have tightened underwriting guidelines and raised minimum credit standards, and there are lots of first-time buyers who have been pushed out of today's buying market. A lease containing an option to purchase may give the buyer enough time to get qualified and make the purchase he or she wants.


In today's market, some sellers are willing to compromise on a quick sale in order to get some revenue coming in to help cover the mortgage payment.


Typically, a lease-purchase agreement includes these features:


• A complete rental agreement outlines the relationship between the resident and the owner. This can be the same rental agreement that you might use if you were simply renting for a specific term, then intending to vacate.


• If this is a lease-purchase, there will be a simultaneous contract for the purchase of the property, specifying the price, the "on or before" closing date, and the other terms and conditions of the sale. In this contract, a non-refundable "down payment" is often made from buyer to seller. This down payment is usually applied toward the purchase price.


• If, instead, this is a lease-option, then there may or may not be any "down payment," and it may or may not be refundable, depending on the agreement. As an alternative, the lease-option agreement may specify a more traditional (and refundable) security deposit.


• A common feature of almost all these agreements is a "rent to own" provision. This clause specifies that some portion of each rental payment shall accrue toward a reduction in the purchase price of the property, even if that price has yet to be determined.


A small provision might be a monthly credit of $100, to be accumulated by the owner for use as a credit against the purchase price of the property. A more generous offer might be a credit of $400 per month, allowing the renter to build a sizeable down payment of almost $5,000 for each year of rental.


I have even heard of sellers so highly motivated to cause a sale of their home that they offered a credit of 100 percent of all rents paid as a credit against the purchase price. Obviously, a seller in this category would need sufficient equity in the property to cover such a generous offset. But it would have the further effect of almost guaranteeing an eventual sale. What smart buyer would walk away from a $24,000 credit after two years of renting?


• Another typical feature of these types of contracts is a provision asking the renter/purchaser to inspect the house as they move in and agree to accept it in "as is" condition now. This is to prevent the renter from damaging the house, then asking the seller to make repairs prior to the sale.


• Additionally, the agreement typically also makes the renter responsible for all repairs during the life of the lease and until the purchase occurs. The idea here is that since the buyer is going to buy the house, he can take on the responsibility for upkeep now. However, this provision may not be enforceable under Georgia law, which prevents the owner of residential rentals from transferring the responsibility to repair. I'd better leave that one to the attorneys to sort out.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 26 Feb 2012 16:09:33 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/oakhurst-real-estate-a-look-back-at-2011.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/oakhurst-real-estate-a-look-back-at-2011.html</link>
            <author>joshua@thekeenteam.com (Joshua Keen)</author>
            <title>Oakhurst Real Estate: A look back at 2011</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The 2011 Oakhurst Real Estate market had an uncanny resemblance to the 2010 Oakhurst Real Estate market with a total of 92 homes sold ranging in price at the low end of $125,000 to the high end of $795,000.  That's just 5 more homes than 2010 when a total of 87 homes sold ranging in price from $113,000 to $638,000.   


In 2011, the average Oakhurst home listed for $378,131 and sold in 85 days for 94.35% of list price at $349,252.    That's a slight improvement when compared to 2010 when the average Oakhurst home listed for $368,635 and in 101 days for 94.86% list price at $343,956. 


A quick look at the numbers and we discover the improvement in average sales price is, in large part, because of the higher total sales volume of homes sold above the $500,000 threshold.   Although the exact same number of homes, 14, sold above the half million dollar mark in both 2011 and 2010 -- this segement realized an 11% increase year over year.    In 2011 it accounted for $8.513 million dollars in total sales volume vs. $7.61 million dollars in 2010.


That's good news for small builders who continue to make a push into the Oakhurst and Decatur real estate markets.  A quick drive through Oakhurst Village brings to light a surprising number of homes currently under construction as many small, local builders who withdrew from the market in 2008 started paving the way for their comeback in 2011.  Stoney River Homes, Thrive Homes and others jumped on the new construction bandwagon - driving up lot values and "tear down" home prices to levels not seen since the real estate market crashed in 2008.


Another marked difference in 2011 vs. 2010 was the impact of FHA financing limits on the middle range market (homes priced between $275,000 and $375,000).  


The return of remodeling and new home building bodes well for buyers looking to purchase Intown in the $300,000 to $600,000 price range as Oakhurst continues to build on it's reputation as one of the more stable Intown neighborhoods.  A haven for those looking to put down roots and take advantage of the top rated public schools while maintaining a small, walk-able community vibe that makes it feel like a real neighborhood. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:38:08 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/metro-atlanta-luxury-short-sales.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/metro-atlanta-luxury-short-sales.html</link>
            <author>joshua@thekeenteam.com (Joshua Keen)</author>
            <title>Metro Atlanta Luxury Short Sales</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
A quick look at the short sale market reveals there are several homes in the $1,000,000 plus price range currently listed as potential short sales.  From Luxury Estates to Penthouse Condominiums -- there's a little something for everyone.  And an excellent opportunity for buyers to negotiate deep, deep discounts on preforeclosure listings.  


#atlanta-luxury-short-sales#
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:11:33 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/lien-release-vs-full-satisfaction.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/lien-release-vs-full-satisfaction.html</link>
            <author>joshua@thekeenteam.com (Joshua Keen)</author>
            <title>Lien Release vs Full Satisfaction</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Lien Release vs. Full Satisfaction in Short Sales


When buyers purchase real property, they, and the title company insuring title, will ensure that the property is conveyed free and clear of all liens.  When your lender agrees to a short sale, they are agreeing to release their lien(s) from the property for less money than what is owed so the property can be sold.  So whenever a property is sold in a short sale, the lien is released from the property.  Yet the lender generally has two choices. Lenders can either: 1) Release the lien and declare the debt paid and settled in full (called a "full release and satisfaction") or 2) Release the lien only from the property and still consider you personally liable for any unpaid balance of the loan ("lien release only").  In all situation our negotiators strive to obtain a "Full Release and Satisfaction" of your debt.   Obtaining a full release and satisfaction from your lender is best for you, the obligor, but in some instances the lenders will not allow it.  In fact, sometimes  they present us with two separate amounts, one for a lien release only and another for a full release and satisfaction.


Where does the money go?


Remember, lenders accept short payoffs because they make more money than taking the houses back and selling them later. But in either situation (foreclosure vs. short sale), the lender typically loses large sums of money.  With their loss:






 If Full release and Satisfaction - They can write the loss off on their taxes as a business loss, but they must report it to the IRS and send you a 1099-C for the amount.  IRS says that because you technically received the benefit of the money, and you did not have to pay it back, then it is treated as ordinary income that you need to pay tax on.  However, the Federal Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 has put a moratorium on IRS collecting tax on all foreclosure-related 1099's for primary residences through 2010.  Additionally, the IRS Form 982 which may also release you from paying the tax if you can show you were insolvent.    In all cases you need to consult with your financial advisor or accountant about the tax consequences of foreclosure.  We are neither.






If Lien Release Only -  The lender (or someone they sell the note to) can choose to sue you to collect the difference from you.    The lender has the right in most states to pursue you for the difference between the amount they receive from the sale vs. how much they were owed or just file the 1099.  This amount is often called the "deficiency" or the "shortfall."  They can do this because even though they released the lien, you signed a "promise to pay" when you received the loan.          


They may:






 Ask you to sign a new "soft" promissory note for all or part of the deficiency as a condition for them agreeing to the short payoff.  These notes are usually 0% interest and payable over  3  - 15 years.   






Sell this debt (the deficiency amount) to a collection agency or attorney who can pursue collection efforts, obtain a court judgment against you and garnish your wages or assets. This is generally quite unpleasant but fortunately it is uncommon.






Do nothing.  After absorbing a big loss, sometimes lenders do not want to spend another minute dealing with it.  Thus it is possible you may just receive a 1099.








 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:45:40 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/stuff-to-do-virginia-highlands-summerfest-2011-june-4th-and-5th.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/stuff-to-do-virginia-highlands-summerfest-2011-june-4th-and-5th.html</link>
            <author>adam@realsourcebrokers.com (Adam Keen)</author>
            <title>Stuff to do: Virginia Highlands Summerfest 2011 - June 4th and 5th</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


Saturday, June 4, 2011 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  


 Sunday, June 5, 2011 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m Scenic and historic Virginia Ave. 


(between  North Highland Ave. &amp; Park Drive)


FREE ADMISSION ( Donations to the Va-Hi Civic Assn. are appreciated)


As you can tell from my previous blogs over the last month or so I've been delighted to highlight some of our great city's summer festivals. Each year I find that the festivals get larger and more entertaining, this year's (28th annual) Virginia Highlands Summerfest is no different. Not only has the festival grown in size with the amount of vendors and people over the years, but this year brings a couple better known musical acts as well. Most notably will be Collective Soul's Ed Roland and his new band and the band Marcy Playground. Other musical acts include Decatur's Nathan Beaver, Lera Lynn and The Whiskey Gentry. All 3 are very talented and active local musicians/bands that I've covered regularly on my music blog, beatlanta.com. All of these acts are great for children as well. Besides the wonderful music acts gracing the stage this year, the festival kicks off on Saturday with a  5k race at 8am. After the race kicks off will be a kids under 5 'tot trot' held in Inman Middle School field at 8:45am. You must register for both in advance at www.active.com. The festival's 'kidfest' area will be at howell Park (adjacent to Arcadia) on Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday 12-5. There will also be more than 200 food and arts booths on the various streets around the festival. This is a great family and community event. We'll see you out there. 


 You can find a full schedule and any further information you need here. 


Click here to learn more about Virginia Highlands and other great Atlanta neighborhoods.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2011 17:20:16 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/atlanta-foreclosure-report-april-2011.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/atlanta-foreclosure-report-april-2011.html</link>
            <author>joshua@thekeenteam.com (Joshua Keen)</author>
            <title>Atlanta Foreclosure Report: April 2011</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Foreclosures notices for April 2011 in the Metro Atlanta market dropped by 28% from March 2011 and 18% from April 2010. What does this mean for the foreclosure market here in Atlanta? Well ... as much as we'd like this to mean foreclosures have seen their peak, it's more reasonable to assume the precipitous drop is due to recent changes in lender requirements.


Pervasive problems with improper paperwork led many lenders to slow down the filing process. They're now taking extra steps before advertising properties for foreclosure; making certain to dot all the "i's" and cross all the "t's". Those extra steps, though necessary to protect the legal interests of big banks, are causing homes to sit longer before hitting the market as REOs (real estate owned).


This months totals are the lowest since February 2009 ...


Here's a quick breakdown of the top 5 counties and their totals:


Gwinnett County led with 1,567 total filings. Right behind Gwinnett is Fulton County with 1,463. DeKalb posted 1,240, Cobb 958 and Clayton had just 631.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 14:35:15 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/stuff-to-do-kirkwood-spring-fling-5k-road-race-and-tour-of-homes-saturday-may-14th-all-day-long.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/stuff-to-do-kirkwood-spring-fling-5k-road-race-and-tour-of-homes-saturday-may-14th-all-day-long.html</link>
            <author>adam@realsourcebrokers.com (Adam Keen)</author>
            <title>Stuff to do: Kirkwood Spring Fling, 5k Road Race and Tour of Homes - Saturday, May 14th - all day long</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
*Family Friendly 

The 9th annual Kirkwood Spring Fling kicks off at 8am on Saturday, May 14th with a 5k Road Race. The main festival will last from 10am-11pm - the live music ending around 11pm. The festival includes music, arts and craft booths, food booths, a kids area, a tour of Kirkwood area homes and a 5k race. You can register for the 5k race on the day of the festival for $25. This is only the 2nd year the festival includes a 5k run so come out and make it an event to remember. You can find all the information you need here. 

This year is exciting musically because the headlining act is Atlanta's own Drivin N' Cryin. Drivin N' Cryin have made a national name for themselves over the past 25 years and I think its exciting to have such a big name come to such a localized festival. They will appeal to folks of all ages so I really recommend you head out to see them if you can. Other music acts include Simplified, The Deadfields, The Axis, Brass Knuckle Surfer, Third Candle, Wild Rice Latin Jazz, No Parachute and Snazz. You can find information as well as sample songs of all the bands here. If you love music and the festival atmosphere then I highly recommend you make it out to see this diverse and talented group of bands. 

The Tour of Homes will be on both Saturday and Sunday from 12-6. You can purchase tickets in advance for $12 or $15 the weekend of the festival. You will have access to a wide variety of homes including the brand new Fire Station 18 on Oakview Rd. Its a great chance to get an idea of the homes in the area - especially if you're in the market for a new home or plan on being the market in the future. Plus, who doesn't like going into other peoples homes?&nbsp; 

&nbsp; Click here for all the information you need on the Kirkwood Spring Fling 2011. 

Click here to learn more about Atlanta real estate and Kirkwood real estate. 

&nbsp;
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 15:40:25 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/save-by-not-paying-capital-gain-taxes-on-investment-or-trade-properties-tax-deferred-exchanges.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/save-by-not-paying-capital-gain-taxes-on-investment-or-trade-properties-tax-deferred-exchanges.html</link>
            <author>adam@realsourcebrokers.com (Adam Keen)</author>
            <title>Tax Deferred Exchanges: An Introduction</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
There is a way to defer the taxes on the "sale" of a property being used or held for investment purposes or trade. Its referred to as a Tax Deferred Exchange. You may also hear it called a "Deferred Like-Kind Exchange" or a "Section 1031 Exchange" or a variety of other terms; we're going to stick to tax deferred exchange or TDE. First, let me say that you must use, by law, what is called a "qualified intermediary" to complete a TDE. Its also highly recommended that you have an attorney that can explain the legal aspects of the exchange. In simple terms…you can defer (postpone), and in some cases, eliminate the capital gains tax on an investment property you're selling. The catch? You have to be purchasing a "like-kind property" to "replace" the one you're selling. In short, its the simultaneous to semi-simultaneous swap of one property for another. This allows you to maintain more of your money to put into a replacement property. I'll go into detail on the definition of "like-kind" a bit later.  - A bit of history - Section 1031 refers to the tax code in which you can find the rules and regulations that govern tax deferred exchanges. The ability to defer tax on investment property has been around since the 1920s. However, complexity and convoluted details allowed only the most expert of investors and tax preparers to partake in 1031's use. However, that all changed with the Omnibus Budget Act in 1991. That act clarified the rule's use and opened it up to a wider range of consumers. Since then, TDEs have become much more popular as a tool to defer capital gains tax on investment or trade property. The tax code "provides that no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business, or for investment." The premise of the code being that economic gain has not been obtained in a way that generates immediate funds to pay any tax. It holds that the tax payer's investment is still the same and that only the form has changed.  - Why Choose a Tax Deferred Exchange -If you're an investor by trade or someone who plans on being in the world of investing for some time, then a TDE is the perfect formula for you. You will save 15% on capital gains tax that you would pay in a straight sale-for-profit transaction. Thats 15% more of your money that you have to put into your replacement property. You can then grow your investments at a faster pace.  Simple Example: If you make $100k from a typical property sale, you're going to pay around $15,000 (15%) of that in capital gains tax. You now have $85,000 to invest in more property. Lets make that a TDE. You get $100k from the sale of a property. You now want to buy another investment property. In the example above, your buying power is at $85k. Well, with a TDE, you're buying power is the full $100k (important note: the replacement property must be equal or greater in value to the sold property - more on that below). Thats a very simple example used to illustrate the benefit of a TDE - there may at times be other expenses and taxes involved, depending on your situation. - Requirements of a Tax Deferred Exchange - There are several requirements to complete a TDE. Some are a little harder to convey and will require the expertise of your qualified intermediary (QI) or attorney; I won't go into those details with this blog. I'll touch on some of the basic, but still important factors that one should have knowledge of before entering into the TDE process. *Choose a Qualified Intermediary One of the most important requirements of a TDE is that the transaction MUST be handled by a licensed qualified intermediary, sometimes called a certified exchange specialist. By law, If the funds used in the TDE transaction are not handled by a QI, then everything becomes taxable. You want to make sure that you interview several QIs and get references (from other investors, not your real estate agent, as it could create a conflict) for whoever you choose. You also want to make sure that they are bonded and insured and from a reputable organization whose sole occupation is tax deferred exchanges. ***Find a qualified intermediary experienced in Atlanta Real Estate.***


*Property Must be "like-kind"Another important factor, and perhaps the most important is that the property you're selling and buying must be "like-kind" properties. Both properties must be used or held for a trade, business or for investment purposes. Properties used for your principle residence, 2nd residence or say, a vacation home, do not qualify. The IRS says "like-kind property is property of the same nature, character or class. Quality or grade does not matter." Your guide should be the purpose and price of the replacement property. Why do I say price? Well, that brings us to another important rule. *Price and FundsTwo other key factors involve the price and funds used during the transaction. First, the total purchase price of the replacement "like kind" property must be equal to, or greater than the total net sales price of the relinquished property. Second, all the equity received from the sale of the relinquished property must be used to acquire the replacement, "like kind" property. So, that 100k from above - you must use all of it to purchase your like-kind property. You are not permitted to pocket any of the funds.*Important timelines Two remaining factors I'll discuss are in regard to timelines. There are several different types of TDEs that I won't go into. The most common, that I'm discussing here, is a 'delayed TDE.' That means you sell your first property and then go looking for a replacement property. The Identification Period: That states that you have 45 days from the sale day of your property to find the replacement property. That timeline will not be extended under any circumstances (ie. if it falls on a weekend or Holiday). The Exchange Period: You must close on the replacement property no later than 180 days after closing on your sold property. A highly important note - your 180 days can be cut short by tax day. So, if your 180 day timeline happens to include April, you're 180 day exchange period is up on tax day (usually April 15th, but April 18th this year). Make sure you discuss that with your QI. A couple important notes to discuss with your QI:- You're not limited to just one replacement property...see if purchasing more than one is right for you.


- Will tax day disrupt your timelines. If so, ask about your options.


- Which exchange process is best for your situation.


 


What you've just read is a basic and simple introduction into Tax Deferred Exchanges. There are several different types of exchanges, most involve more experienced investors - your QI is the best source on which is best for you. Note - you want to make sure the QI you choose is an expert on the specific type of exchange you need. There are several great resources for more information on Tax Deferred Exchanges: http://www.1031.org/http://www.1031exchangemadesimple.com/http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179801,00.html


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2011 16:32:21 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/stuff-to-do-sweetwater-420-festival-and-5k-run-2011-april-15-17.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realsourcebrokers.com/blog/stuff-to-do-sweetwater-420-festival-and-5k-run-2011-april-15-17.html</link>
            <author>adam@realsourcebrokers.com (Adam Keen)</author>
            <title>Stuff to do:  Sweetwater 420 Festival and 5k Run (April 15th-17th)</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
*kid friendly*environmentally friendly



Local Atlanta brewery Sweetwater is back again this year with their annual Sweetwater 420 Festival, taking place in Candler Park on April 15-17. The festival has traditionally taken place on just 1 or 2 days but this year they are expanding to a full 3 days of sun, beer, music, art, crafts and many more activities around environmental and greening initiatives. The festival is always in April to coincide with Earth Day and features a variety of booths and companies that exist to draw awareness to environmental and social issues. This year also includes the addition of an adult comedy tent hosted by the newly renovated and improved Relapse Theatre on 14th street.The festival also includes the 7th annual Sweetwater 5k race. They are currently accepting entries but will be limited to just 2000 runners. All proceeds from the 5k race will be donated to the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization, Inc. You can find all the information you need by clicking this link: http://www.candlerpark.org/420/The festival will kickoff on Friday, April 15th at 4:20pm. Some notable bands (both local and national) playing the festival are Galactic (perhaps one of the biggest bands to ever play the festival), 7 Walkers (Featuring Bill Kreutzmann of the Grateful Dead), Dead Confederate (Athens, GA - a big local name to play the festival), Rusted Root (big name - PA reggae band on the rise), and Greensky Bluegrass (not just a bluegrass band, funny enough, but a mix of jazz, bluegrass, roots and jam music from Michigan). Also playing the festival will be Railroad Earth, Arrested Development, Gurufish, Dejablue Grass Band, Gimme Hendrix and many more. There will also be a &quot;Music Matters Rock U Kids&quot; performance by bands Fear of Silence and The Taask. All of the music (bluegrass, reggae, country and jam band driven) is kid friendly but the addition of the Rock U Kids performances guarantees that the kids will have something to listen to that they'll enjoy. There will also be a variety of kid friendly activities and booths (carnival games, etc).&nbsp; I've attended 3 of these Sweetwater Festivals over the years and it always proves to be a great time. You get to try a variety of Sweetwater's many beers and the music is always good and of a great variety. There are tons of families out just to enjoy the sun and great music so the Sweetwater 420 Festiva is not just for lovers of beer. Hope to see you out there!&nbsp; 

When:Friday, April 15th from 4:20 PM to 10 PM.Saturday, April 16th from Noon to 10 PM.Sunday, April 17th from 12:30 PM to 7 PM.Admission:Free admission for great live music, activities, food, and education about how each and every one of us can be a part of the solution! Festival goers who are 21+ and with a valid ID can purchase a $5 wristband to responsibly enjoy beer. Portion of Proceeds from wristband sales are donated to Park Pride (to benefit Candler Park).Venue address:Historic Candler Park 1500 McLendon Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30307. 

More information on the festival can be found at the official festival site: http://sweetwater420fest.com/

&nbsp;
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:20:12 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
