Real Estate 2

The Albany Herald • www.albanyherald.com • Sunday, September 11, 2011

2 THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 11, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com

The sweet smell of success: Howaroma can help you sell your home(ARA) - If you’re selling your home, you’ve probably heard about the value

of “staging” it. Visually appealing decorative touches and artful arrangementof furnishings can help potential buyers recognize the appeal of your homeand picture themselves living there. To strengthen your staging efforts, don’toverlook the positive power of aroma.

Shopping malls and upscale boutiques use the technique of applying ambi-ent scents in retail spaces to not only make the place smell good, but to elic-it a planned psychological response that is meant to transform all of those“no thanks, just browsing” guests into cash paying customers. You can do thesame to propel sluggish real estate sales.

Known as ambient fragrancing or scent marketing, the practice hasspawned a whole subcategory of experts and products within the traditionalfragrance industry. The result is an exciting new diversification of a catego-ry of goods and services that has been limited to perfume and scented bodycare applications.

Ambient fragrance started to trickle into the real estate market years agowith savvy agents baking cookies or cinnamon rolls in the homes they wereshowing to create a comforting, deliciously scented atmosphere that wasmeant to entice buyers. If you are struggling to sell a home in today’s frozenreal estate market, you may have tried this technique. But with the dismalstate of the economy and the glut of available homes, you are surely going tohave to bake a lot of cookies before a buyer will be impressed enough tomake an offer on your house.

“The essential oils that are used in the practice of aromatherapy offer amore practical and potent way to use scent mar- See Sweet, page 11

THE ALBANY HERALD • REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE • Sunday, September 11, 2011 • www.albanyherald.com 3


(ARA) - Kitchen remodel - two words that whenstrung together often evoke images of a guttedroom, endless dust, a major investment, not to men-tion overdosing on takeout while the cooking spaceis out of commission. Such experiences may be apart of a major kitchen renovation, but smartupdates can create a big impact with less money,time, and drama. Just one or two significantchanges paired with smaller enhancements cangive your space a fresh look.

Replace the countertop and sink

Have your dingy countertops and sink seen betterdays? This is an easy fix for the time- and budget-conscious. Modern countertop options abound, fromtimeless granite to the industrial allure of stainlesssteel, and durable standbys of cement or quartz.

Once you’ve committed to countertop replace-ment, shop around for a new sink. Some countertopmerchants may offer you a new sink with your pur-chase. While freebies are appealing, ask yourself ifthe sink given gratis matches the vision for yourspace. Your sink should be in sync with yourlifestyle, so keep the following points in mind:

The depth, shape and number of bowls shoulddepend on how you work in your kitchen. If youhand wash bulky pots and pans, opt for the popularsingle-basin sink with deep dimensions. Multi-taskers will appreciate multiple bowls. Some newer

styles offer three bowls - two standard-sized basinsand a smaller third one to accommodate a disposal.

Utilitarian as the sink may be, its design is a bigcontributor to the kitchen’s aesthetic, so weigh thisfactor carefully. Apron-front sinks, also known asfarmhouse sinks, can evoke aperiod-style look with their paneldesign. Until recently, installationrequired removing the countertopand building custom cabinetrybelow to accommodate the newsink’s dimensions. The KOHLERWhitehaven self-trimming apron-front kitchen sink makes installa-tion much easier. It’s available intwo apron sizes: A conventional 9-inch apron model (requiring acustom base cabinet), and a 7-inch apron, an ideal retrofitoption for homeowners wantingthe farmhouse look and theroomy 9-inch-deep basin withoutthe cabinetry replacement.

Made of durable KohlerEnameled Cast Iron, the sink isavailable in 16 colors, includingmuch-loved neutrals and bolddesigner hues. Visitwww.kohler.com to learn more.

When it comes to updating your kitchen for afraction of the cost of a full renovation, toss out theold adage of doing “everything but the kitchensink.” Start with the sink and countertops, andyou’ll achieve a whole new look for an affordablecost.

Countertops and sinks: Smart, affordable upgrades that remake your kitchen


INSURANCE COSTS

Based on 1999 Brick Veneer home in Albany. Includesreplacement contents with $300,000 Liability. Has $500

deductible. Compliments of Copelan Insurance Agency, Inc.

Home Contents MonthlyValue Value Premium

$100,000 $80,000 $24

125,000 100,000 28

150,000 120,000 32

175,000 140,000 36

200,000 160,000 40

225,000 180,000 44

250,000 200,000 49

HOW MUCH HOUSE CAN YOU AFFORD?

• Determined by multiplying gross wages by .28, a common method used by lending institutions.•• Determined by multiplying gross wages by .36, a common method used by lending Institutions.

† Based on an average interest rate of 7.5%‡ Based on an average interest rate of 7.25%

This table is intended only as a guide. For more specific information, contact a local lending institution.

House Value15 Year Mortgage

MonthlyGross Income

MaximumMortgage Payment

MaximumMonthly Debt

House Value30 Year Mortgage

MORTGAGE PAYMENTS CALCULATORMonthly interest, interest payments for 30-year, fixed rate mortgage. Escrow payments for taxes, insurance not

included. Payments are rounded to the nearest dollar.

PROPERTY TAXES

Calculations based on 2002 mileage rate -- monthly paymentsmultiply value of home times 40%, multiply answer time mileage ratedivide by twelve for monthly payment

These are ESTIMATED tax rates. They are based upon 2002 millage rates for each cityand county and include school tax. The Homestead Exemption discount is not included.

Monthly Payment Home Value

Albany Leesburg Smithville Dougherty County

Lee County

• •• † ‡

$1,600 448 576 65,164 50,028

1,800 504 648 73,309 56,281

2,000 560 720 81,455 62,535

2,200 616 792 89,600 68,788

2,400 672 864 97,745 75,042

2,600 728 936 105,891 81,295

2,800 784 1,008 114,036 87,549

3,000 840 1,080 122,182 93,802

3,200 896 1,152 130,327 100,056

3,400 952 1,224 138,473 106,309

3,600 1,008 1,296 146,618 112,563

3,800 1,064 1,368 154,764 118,816

4,000 1,120 1,440 162,909 125,070

4,200 1,176 1,512 171,055 131,323

4,400 1,232 1,584 179,200 137,577

4,600 1,288 1,656 187,345 143,830

4,800 1,344 1,728 195,491 150,084

5,000 1,400 1,800 203,636 156,337

5,200 1,456 1,872 211,782 162,591

5,400 1,512 1,944 219,927 168,844

5,600 1,568 2,016 228,073 175,098

5,800 1,624 2,088 236,218 181,351

Mitchell County

4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00% 6.25% 6.50% $50,000 $252 260 268 276 284 292 $300 $308 $316

60,000 309 317 325 333 341 350 360 369 379

70,000 365 373 381 389 397 409 420 431 442

80,000 422 430 438 446 454 467 480 493 506

90,000 479 487 495 503 511 525 540 554 569

100,000 536 544 552 560 568 584 600 616 632

110,000 593 601 609 617 625 641 660 677 695

120,000 649 657 665 673 681 700 719 739 758

130,000 706 714 722 730 738 759 779 800 822

140,000 763 771 779 787 795 817 839 862 885

150,000 820 828 836 844 852 875 899 924 948

160,000 876 884 892 900 908 934 959 985 1011

170,000 933 941 949 957 965 992 1019 1047 1075

180,000 990 998 1006 1014 1022 1050 1079 1108 1138

190,000 1047 1055 1063 1071 1079 1109 1139 1170 1201

200,000 1104 1112 1120 1128 1136 1167 1199 1231 1264

$ 60,000 $ 75 81 $ 75 39 $ 67 49 $ 72 49 $ 59 49 $ 53 19

80,000 104 68 100 52 89 99 96 66 79 32 70 92

100,000 130 86 125 65 112 49 120 82 99 15 88 66

150,000 196 29 188 48 168 73 181 24 148 73 132 99

200,000 261 72 251 31 224 98 241 65 198 31 177 32

250,000 327 15 314 14 281 22 302 06 247 89 221 65

MORTGAGE RATES

30-YEAR FIXED RATE

(No Points)

1-YEAR ADJUSTABLE RATE (No Points) FHA and/or VA (30-Year) FHA and/or VA (15-Year)

LENDER

Subject To Change Upon Short Notice

E LECTRICAL & N ATURAL G AS C OMPANIES City of Albany Georgia Power Mitchell EMC Sumter EMC 883-8330 436-3304 436-0070 759-2291

T ELEPHONE AT&T Residential 888-757-6500

www.att.com Business 866-620-6000

I NTERNET P ROVIDERS AT&T ( Dial-up 800-436-8638) ( DSL 800-263-0241) www.att.com

Plantel 1-800-342-7564 SurfSouth 878-6008

R ECYCLING Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful 430-5257

S CHOOL I NFORMATION Dougherty County Public School System Lee County School System

431-1264 229-903-2100

D AILY N EWSPAPER (circulation dept.) 888-9322

O THER I MPORTANT N UMBERS

Driver’ s License Bureau 430-4251 Automotive Tag Office 431-3255 Voter Registration 431-3247 Correct Time 436-6121

Albany-Dougherty Chamber of Commerce 434-8700

To Advertise in the Real Estate Showcase contact Daniel Bryan at 888-9392

Rates can be reduced with discount points. Rates are subject to change upon short notice, and discou nt points could

change frequently. One discount point is equal to one percentage point of the loan amount and is pai d when the loan

is closed. Most lenders have a variety of programs. ORIGINATION FEE IS NORMALLY ONE ADDITIONAL POINT,

BUT CAN VARY. Maximum amount for conventional loan is $417,000. To Participate in the column, call 888-9333.

For information on specific mortgage programs call The Lender.

30 yr. Rate

15 yr. Rate

Points Points USDA 100% 30 yr.

15-YEAR FIXED RATE

(No Points) Rate Annual

Cap

Life of Loan Cap

Margin

Ameris 229-434-4555

Colony Mortgage Corp 229-436-9000

Assurance Mortgage 229-420-8225

First State Bank of Leesburg 229-759-6622

Flint Community Bank 229-903-1400

Heritage Bank 229-878-2021

Northside Mortgage 229-878-1499

AB&T National Bank 229-446-2265

Suntrust Mortgage Inc. 229-430-5494

Regions Mortgage Inc. 229-434-6817

Synovus Mortgage 229-430-7037

3.75 3.25 - - - - 3.75 0 3.25 0

4.00 3.375 - - - - 4.00 0 3.50 0 4.25

3.875 3.25 - - - - 3.75 0 3.50 0

3.875 3.25 - - - - 3.875 0 3.50 0

3.75 3.25

3.75 3.25 - - - - 3.75 0 3.50 0

3.875 3.25 - - - - 3.75 0 3.25 0

3.75 3.25 3.0 2% 6% 2.75

3.875 3.25 - - - - 3.75 0 0 0

3.99 3.375 - - - - 3.875 0 4.00 0

3.875 3.25 - - - - 3.75 0 3.50 0


KitchenDen with fireplace

Living Room

Guest Bathroom Master BedroomGuest Bedroom

Dining Area Bedroom


TheHouseAppeal

Interior� Bedrooms: 3

� Bathrooms: 2

� Details: Large kitchen with hardwood flooring and new appliances. Customcabinetry and breakfast bar. Built in bookcases, Hardwood flooring.

Exterior� Details: Fenced Back Yard, Screened-in Porch, Storage Building, “FloridaRoom”.

More Information� Square Footage: approx. 1,640� Price: $116,900� Contact: Lavonda Paulk

Office: 229-888-5646Cell: [email protected]

WHERE: 1603 Acker Drive, Albany

quaint home conveniently located in the middle of town, 1603 AckerDrive is both charming and comfortable. Featuring three bedrooms andtwo bathrooms, this lovely home is the ideal starter home for growing fami-lies.

The property includes a beautiful backyard boasting a screened-in porchand storage building. Providing refuge from the sun and bugs, the sizeable“Florida Room” is the perfect place for morning coffee or afternoon naps.The picturesque yard offers plenty of space along with lush shrubbery andtrees.

This property is perfect for a growing family with three bedrooms and twobathrooms. Each bedroom features hardwood floors and ample closet space.Large windows provide plenty of natural light for these spacious rooms. Boththe master bathroom and the guest bathroom include ceramic tile, and themaster bathroom includes a lighted vanity.

The kitchen boasts hardwood flooring, new appliances and custom cabinetrylining the walls. The breakfast bar overlooks the dining space which includeswall to wall carpet and access to the screened-in porch.

Off the dining area is a sunken family room featuring a fireplace and plentyof space for entertaining or spend-ing quality family time. Wall towall carpet and lighted ceilingfans make this the perfect familygathering place.

Alternating hardwood flooring and wall to wall carpeting provide both elegance andcharm to this 1,640 square foot home. This home also includes elegant features such asplantation shutters, large windows for plentiful natural light and lighted ceiling fans.

This lovely property is the ideal place for family. Large rooms and a picturesque back-yard make this quaint residence a wonderful place to begin or raise a family.

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Back Patio

Screened Porch


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tired property,” says Tom Havran,branded products developer withAura Cacia. “Using even tinyamounts of familiar, tempting aro-mas like the oils of cinnamon, clove,vanilla and orange can fill a wholehouse with pleasant ambient fra-grance and make it an attractivepurchase for potential buyers.”

An added bonus is that sinceessential oils are all-natural anddistilled from plants, they are lesslikely to illicit the kind of adversereactions that often come withharshly synthetic wall socket plug-ins or spray fragrances. Learn moreat www.auracacia.com.

Create a warm, comforting atmos-phere that can help put potentialproperty buyers at ease withVanilla Amber Aroma Crystals. Usereal vanilla (such as VanillaPrecious Essentials oil from AuraCacia).

Ingredients:

1 cup coarse-grained, chunky seasalt1 teaspoon jojoba or grapeseed oil(just enough to make the salts glis-ten and gleam)20 drops vanilla Precious Essentialoil10 drops lavender essential oil10 drops sweet orange essential oil

Directions: Mix salt and oils, pour into a

classy-looking dish or bowl and setout on a table. Placing the crystalsin a warm sunny window or near aheat register will help diffuse thedelicious aroma throughout theroom. Stir in additional essentialoils to boost the scent as needed.This recipe sets a restful andromantic mood in the bedroom area.

The light floral/citrus scent ofFresh Flowers and BergamotVacuum Powder will create a cheer-ful, friendly and clean atmosphereto impress visitors. Since you needto vacuum before each propertyshowing anyway, this is a great wayto turn the chore into a smart realestate marketing move.

Ingredients:1 cup baking soda35 drops bergamotessential oil5 drops ylang ylang orneroli essential oil

Directions: Mix baking soda and

essential oils in a can-ister and lightly sprin-kle over carpets thenvacuum.

If baking cookies orapple pie sounds tooinvolved, simply cre-ate an Apple &ampSpice Simmer. Here isan easy way to fill ahouse with the allur-ing, homespun fra-

grance of baked goods without thetoil and mess of baking.

Ingredients:5 dried apple slices5 sticks cinnamon bark (or 2 to 3tablespoons ground cinnamon)1 vanilla bean1 tablespoon whole clovesMedium size pan of simmeringwater (approximately 5 cups)30 drops cinnamon essential oil5 drops clove essential oil5 drops lemon essential oil

Directions: Toss apples slices, cinnamon,

vanilla bean and cloves with essen-

tial oils. Place in simmering wateron the stovetop. Add more waterand oils as needed.

Natural, familiar aromas ofessential oils are more recognizableand appreciated than the harsh andstrange scents of many syntheticfragrances. Using essential oils tocraft your own bit of psychologicalscent marketing could provide a bigreturn on a small investment whenyou finally sell that home. Thehome you need to sell is one ofthousands available in the currentmarket and aromatherapy may giveyou a much needed unique and sur-prising edge.

SweetContinued from page 2


(ARA) - It was supposed to be a community swimmingpool, but many people stayed away because they couldn’ttolerate the biting, nose-curdling odor of chlorine. Othersexperienced breathing and skin problems.So the Evergreen Commons senior center in Holland,

Mich., converted its 65,000-gallon chlorine pool into asalt water pool this summer. People who had stayedaway are now coming back, getting exercise and therapy,while socializing with others.The senior center is hardly alone. Across the country,

traditional chlorine pools are being converted into saltwater pools, sometimes called saline pools . “The minute you walk into the pool area you

notice a big difference,” says Jodi Owczarski,the center’s community relations director.“There is no longer that chemical smell.“People also tell us that the water is much

softer. In the old pool, people said they some-times had to wash twice to get all those chemi-cals off, but in this pool they only have to washonce. All in all, people have been thrilled withthis new system.”Homeowners and pool managers have many

motivations for converting pools from chlorineto salt, including: * Simplified, more convenient maintenance.

Salt water pool owners don’t have to buy, trans-port, store and handle hazardous chlorinechemicals. This saves time and money.* Water that’s gentle on skin, eyes, nose and

hair. Salt water pools have approximately one-tenth the salinity of ocean water and about one-third the salinity of human tears, with no

unpleasant chlorine smell.* A more environmentally friendly approach. Routine

pool maintenance doesn’t involve the handling and stor-age of manufactured chlorine and lessens the need forother potentially hazardous chemicals. “We discovered that a number of people had respira-tory or skin issues with the traditional chemicals youuse in a pool,” Owczarski says. “As we did research on asalt system, we realized it could be much more accom-modating to a wider range of people. We loved the ideathat it was a greener approach and that it’s cost effec-tive.

“We’ll get a quick return on our investment. Oncewe looked into it, this was an easy decision to make.”How do salt water pools work? The short answer is

they use a generator and special pool salt to convertthe salt into mild chlorine that keeps the pool free ofharmful bacteria.The Salt Institute, an authority on the uses and

benefits of salt, provides a more in-depth answer.Both salt water pools and traditional chlorine poolsuse chlorine to sanitize the water.The difference is that salt water pools use a genera-

tor to turn salt into chlorine, releasing it slowly. Thechlorine then sanitizes the pool and con-verts back to salt. The process continues,over and over again, conserving the saltand keeping sanitizer levels balanced. Traditional pools, on the other hand,

require the pool owner to add a large doseof chlorine and other chemicals on a regu-lar basis, which can result in an irritatingodor. Instead of being regenerated, thechlorine is “consumed” as it sanitizes thewater.“It’s a whole lot easier to maintain,” says

Peggy Hayes of Lafayette, La., who con-verted her family pool to a salt water poola few years ago. “We haven’t spent nearlyas much in chemicals. It feels softer whenyou swim and there is no bleaching out ofswimsuits, so clothes last longer.“If anyone is wondering what system to

go with, I’d definitely go with salt water.I’d recommend it to anybody.”

Salt water swimming pools easier to maintain, with no chlorine odor

Real Estate 2

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