I have said time and time again when a deal didn't work out that it wasn't "meant to be".  While I do not believe that all of our future is predetermined, after all each of us has "free will" to choose yes or no in any given situation. Last week one of the agents in my office was working with a client and I had to take over when the agent was called away because of a serious medical problem with her mother.  The client was looking at a foreclosure listing.  There were questions at hand that no one could answer.  The agent said it was 5 acres, the REO website said it was 9 acres and the previous security deed said it was 23 acres.  Now I may not be a genious, but land doesn't shrink.  I suppose it is possible that the previous owner could have gotten the bank to release part of the acrea... 01/17/2009

In the past year my husband adopted a puppy from our local shelter.  I was and have always been a "cat" lover.  But quickly I feel in love with Donald's little puppy.  He got his puppy at the end of March last year and mid April he had to leave unexpectedly for a funeral in California.  His young nephew passed away.  So there I sat with a puppy.  I took Glen to work with me and quickly became VERY attached to a puppy.  He traveled back and forth in a laundry basket while my husband had to be away.  He comes running now when Donald calls Glen.  He ignores me when I say his name, but when I say "Come here mama's little puppy" he will step over anything or anyone who gets in his way and run to me. In June of last year we also by way of rescue became the proud parents of an 8 month old blac... 01/12/2009

Before you make a major purchase you do research... don't you?  You look on line? Do you get more than one bid to get your house painted?  Do you ask questions? It has long been a standard practice for seller to "interview me" as their listing agent. I sometimes know I'm in competition and I don't mind at all. Sellers have gotten educated and ask all kinds of  important questions like: Where do you advertise? What kind of internet presence do you have? What search terms will my listing come up under? What is your commission? Will I get feedback from showings? Now that it is common practice for agents in Georgia to also represent buyers, if you are a buyer you may need to ask some questions before you choose an agent as well.  I'd be more than happy to let you "interview" me for I show ... 01/07/2009

If you have visited beautiful Lake Sinclair, don't you want to come home to live?  If  you haven't visited beautiful Lake Sinclair... there's not been a better time to invest in property here in recent years than it is right now.  Prices are down a little and it's really a beautiful lake with over 15,000 acres and over 400 miles of shoreline.  Come on home to Lake Sinclair.  Call me and I'll be happy to help you find a week end get-a-way, retirement home or just a place to live and call home.   706-485-9668 Tammy Lankford, Broker/Owner Call me today for all your Lake Sinclair real estate needs. 01/03/2009

Recently I read a post on designated and dual agency that led me to writing this post. I want to explain a little to you the buyer or you the seller who might be searching for the right brokerage firm on Lake Sinclair to list or assist you in finding a home.I will be the first to admit that when buyer's agency arrived on the scene I was one of the biggest skeptics around.  When I entered the real estate profession agents represented sellers and sellers only.  After all the seller was paying the commission so he seemed entitle to have the representation.  There was agency and sub agency.  And, then the dual agency came into being and my first thought was... How can you be loyal to your "husband" and your "boyfriend" at the same time?But when buyers learned they could have representation ... 01/02/2009

No it isn't, but trust me when I tell you it is right around the corner. The first Saturday in June is very special in Putnam County.  While Georgia isn't the leader in the dairy industry in the country, Putnam County is the leader in the industry in the State of Georgia. And on the first Saturday of June every year we celebrate. The day is filled with wonderful activities and we even have cows on the court house square. Activities for the day include:8:00 a.m.     Road Races -sponsored by the Farmers and                                          Merchants Bank   9:00 a.m.    Booths open on and around the Courthouse Square 10:00 a.m.  Parade     Platform Program - Speakers and Honoring the Dairy Family of the year. 11:00 - 1:30  Barbecue                   On the Courthouse Square under t... 12/30/2008

Lake Sinclair is located just a little more than an hour from Atlanta Georgia and well, it's Georgia's best kept secret.  So if you are looking for a wonderful lot to build a home on, don't tell anyone, just rush right down to Lake Sinclair and snap up this lot before someone else does. It's a great lot...  after all this could be your view and who wouldn't want to sit on a porch and enjoy looking at this all afternoon. The lot is ready to build on: has driveway in place has some clearing has dock in place meets requirements of shoreline for max dock and boathouse from Georgia Power 1.5 acres 195 feet of shoreline private community boat launch lot in next door The private boat launch lot next door is for this community only.  There will never be a house built on the lot next door and it... 12/29/2008

  The oldest Mound in the state of Georgia is Rock Eagle.  There is actually two rock bird mounds in the state and guess what?  Both of them are located right here in Putnam County. Rock Eagle has a wonderful 4-H camp and retreat area build around it.  There are trails, lakes, camping, cabins, a water park, putt-putt golf, and so much more. The rock mounds are between 1000 and 3000 years old.  Many of the rocks are thought to have been drug into place because they are much too large for one person to have carried.  There are also clays mixed in the the rocks that had to be brought into this area because those types of clays are not native to Putnam County. The height of the bird from head to tail is 120 feet.  The wing span is 125 feet across. It's located right off 441 North of Eatonto... 12/23/2008

I got a phone call at my office today from someone who claimedto be with AT&T.  Turns out that is a lie.  She informed me that I was going to get two bills unless I told her I wanted to "stay with AT&T" after the "recent" merger with BellSouth.  I told her I was under contract and wanted my long distance plan to stay the same.  She said after recent changes that couldn't happen.  I asked her what the new rate was going to be and to explain the changes.  She got made because I was asking questions???  She yelled at  me I was going to start getting two bills and hung up on me. I didn't fall off the turnip truck THIS morning!!    Naturally someone from a company (so I thought because she said so) that I do business with hanging up on me didn't sit well with me.  I looked up and called AT&T... 12/22/2008

 This house is a fantastic buy and is located in a wonderful cove.  Crooked Creek is the area and if you have every visited Lake Sinclair its location is wonderful.  Crooked Creek cove is just a few short miles from 441.  And it's worth the drive.  The water is beautiful and the neighbors are great. The price is right too.  This beautiful 1800 sq. ft. home on Lake Sinclair is listed for $399,700.  It is truly an amazing buy at this price.  This same floor plan sold last year near-by for $469,000. The lot is nearly level with just a very gentle slope to the water.  And the view is fantastic.  The home has many great features like solid surface counter tops, custom built cabinets, a ventless gas log fireplace, Master suite on main floor, tile shower in master bath plus large garden tub. P... 12/19/2008

Recently I posted about the new issue with the new FEMA maps around Lake Sinclair in Putnam County. It has taken a few weeks, but finally I think the issue is resolved.  The answers you may be looking for are below in the UPDATE part of this post. For years and years Baldwin and Hancock counties have been mapped by FEMA and if you  had a dwelling below the 343 ft. above sea level mark you had to have flood insurance if your lender required it.  If you were above that line, you could get certicication you were not in a flood plane. Well there are new maps for Putnam County, the problem is there is no "magic" number.  No contour line to be marked on your plat map to prove you are above said line to your lender.  I have in the past week had several phone calls from my clients or neighbors/... 12/17/2008

Putnam County is one of the 10 best places to retire in Georgia.  Retire in Georgia Magazine You can follow the link to read the entire article.  I of course have always known this is a wonderful place to retire.  The proeprty taxes are low.  We have great medical care locally, nice shopping locally and are only about an hour from Macon and Atlanta. I was a bit put off by the mistake I found in the article claiming the 3,400 acres of lakes in this area for swimming and fishing and boating.  They were missing a zero as the actual number of acres for the combined Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee is over 34,000 acres.  Lake Sinclair and Eatonton and Milledgeville have a lot to offer.  Two local colleges add much to the culture here.  Check out the Capitals Columns and Culture website to see j... 12/15/2008

Now is really the time to purchase.  The interest rates are nearing a 20 year low.  Prices are lower on Lake Sinclair than they have been in the past 3 years.  Long term investments in property are the safest place to grow your money.   The price of this wonderful site built cabin is just $265,000.  It is really a bargain at this price. There are two bedrooms and 1 and half baths.    There is plenty of parking and it is nestled among beautiful hardwood trees and located in a cul-de-sac for it is a great place for kids to play.   There is large deck with a great view of the lake.   Roomy and open great room with fireplace.    New seawall and landcaping in place.  Single enclosed boathouse and dock.  This is a wonderful bargain.   706-485-9668 Tammy Lankford, Broker/Owner Call me today fo... 12/13/2008

There are currently 155 lake front properties on Lake Sinclair in Putnam County on the market.  I also have what is only my personal opinion of what you can expect in each price range category. Under $100,000. there are currently 7 listings.  Something will be missing... water depth, frontage or view Don't expect great water in this price range as it does not exist.  $100,001. to $200,000. Currently 17 listings. You can expect a good lot in this price range with good water, but if it happens to have a dwelling don't expect it to be upscale $200.001. to $250,000. Currently 23 listings You can begin to have some better expectations in this price range of a nice weekender on great water. $250,001. to $300,000.  There are currently 39 listings (the most currently in any price range shown)  ... 12/08/2008

January 16th and 17th The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber at the plaza will transform into the wild and monantic area of the roaring 20's.  Each night will be filled with dinner, dancing and murder? Yes, Murder! This will be the second annual Murder Mystery dinner.  "Murder at the Juice Joint" Who will get murdered?  It could be the owner Rosie Marie, the crooked police chief, the blacklisted bootlegger, the swanky singer, or even the cigarette girl.   Go to the chamber of Commerce in Eatonton at the Plaza to get your tickets.  They sell out fast, so hurry.  With murder on the menu it will be a night to remember. Call or email the chamber of commerce for more details: 706-485-7701 epchamber@eatonton.com   art from   706-485-9668 Tammy Lankford, Broker/Owner Call me today for all your Lake Sincl... 12/05/2008

I want to share more about my local area with readers.  Today's tidbit is a fact that I actually learned a few years ago from my daughter.  She was working on a report for school and came across the fact that Georgia has no natural lakes.  That's right ... EVERY lake in Georgia is man made.  Now this of course does not include the swamps down in south Georgia which are now protected wet lands, but who would have built a swamp?  Lake Sinclair is Georgia's third largest lake.  It is approximately 15,330 acres and has 417 miles of shoreline. It was the first lake to be involved in Georgia Power's pumped storage project.  The water is pumped from Lake Sinclair up stream to Lake Oconee for reuse.  That resource more than doubles the energy potential of Lake Oconee and Sinclair.Putnam Beach i... 12/02/2008

Cyber Monday comes to the real estate market in Putnam County!  That's right folks there's a sale on real estate and our sellers have slashed prices.343 Bluegill Road has been reduced to $229,000.  An incredible buy for waterfront lots alone, much less with this 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath manufactured home on it.241 Bluegill Road- $274,800.New Construction builders sale.  Amazing price well below the appraised value.Forest Hill Drive$289,900.  Reduced by $40,000.  The sellers would love for you to celebrate Christmas in this home.Pinewood Drive$399,700.Another New Construction and in Crooked Creek Cove.Priced $60,000 less than the last sales price on this same floor plan in the same cove.Hurry!Shoreline Court!$349,900.  This is an amazing view and a new house for this price.Santa has been slashi... 12/01/2008

I usually take my puppy for a walk every evening just around dusk this time of year.  Not much traffic in my neighborhood, so I take my time and enjoy the walk myself.  Today there was a little more nip in the air than usual. In fact it was down right cold.  Now I know cold is relative term.  My sister in law lives in Minot, ND and when I tell her it's cold because it's 60 degrees, she usually repliess with "bite me".  It wasn't really as dark as this photo makes it look like.  You can see the sky a little in the top of the picture, but the woods didn't really look that dark until I uploaded the picture to my computer.  I thought the color was pretty and the stump interesting when I took the shot, but now at home looking at it, I see the darkness of winter swallowing up fall.  I will be... 11/15/2008

First of all, this is going to give away my age,  but when I was a little girl in Eatonton Georgia there was still segregation.  In the 1 screen movie theater in town African Americans and Caucasians were not allowed to sit together.  African-Americans had to sit in the balcony.  Just so everyone knows this theater has been long ago closed.  My point in bringing this up is I always wanted to sit in the balcony and was never allowed.  So when I read the details about the new Spotlight Theater I was so excited. I am going to get to sit in the balcony.  With whom ever I want I might add.  This new 8 screen theater with stadium seating and a VIP balcony.  Yup I can be a VIP... I'm sure of it. The location of the new theater is near the I-20 Greensboro exit, very near the Reynolds Plantation... 11/08/2008

For years and years Baldwin and Hancock counties have been mapped by FEMA and if you  had a dwelling below the 343 ft. above sea level mark you had to have flood insurance if your lender required it.  If you were above that line, you could get certicication you were not in a flood plane. Well there are new maps for Putnam County, the problem is there is no "magic" number.  No contour line to be marked on your plat map to prove you are above said line to your lender.  I have in the past week had several phone calls from my clients or neighbors/friends of my clients asking for information because they have received letters from their respective lenders giving them only 45 days to buy flood insurance or prove they don't need it. So far what I have is not much... but folks.... I'm the kind ... 11/07/2008