The Realtor Glenn

09/17/2026

We have a new listing in Clayton Terrace which is 'intown' Clayton. It's a 3/1.5 on a large double lot which is quite unusual for this residential neighborhood which affords the next owner a large backyard to enjoy for privacy, co****le, building a patio or whatever else they can imagine. It has historically been used by our client as a long-term rental so it's a good option as an investment property. Appliances convey which includes a washer/dryer so it's nearly turnkey for a first-time home buyer. Link below to Georgia MLS listing information including the Seller's Property Disclosure. Public water/sewer.

09/17/2026

I do a lot of continuing education- it's just my thing. My personality isn't all that great so perhaps I try to make up for it with technical competence. I always feel like it's my ethical and moral obligation to KNOW as much as I can. Well, for obvious reasons I won't say who but one of my instructors warned people about getting 'emotionally involved' in representing a client. While I understand that you don't want to allow anything that would compromise your objectivity or present a potential conflict of interest, I think that you have to develop empathy with your clients in order to represent them to the best of your ability. I feel like I have enough emotional IQ that I can use 'getting emotionally invested' as a motivator without compromising my objectivity. My opinion is that this IS a business (so to speak), but it's really a very personal and critically important matter for my clients so I try to meet them where they are. Buying or selling is going to be emotional for them, so I try to remain calm, cool & collected when they're 'falling apart'. As I learned in the Army you never complain (we had more colorful language) down- you either rely on your peers/colleagues or your boss and you try to be constructive. Anyway, I'm not letting go of my humanity. I like where it leads me when I cling to it.

09/13/2026

09/02/2026

If you're not a Realtor® you wouldn't know that September is Realtor® Safety Month. Among the many things that the general public fails to appreciate about agents is the 'risk' they take in showing homes and land, in particular when they are not in areas with good cell phone coverage, working odds hours, etc. Unfortunately, the world has some bad people in it and nefarious actors can sometimes view agents as targets. They think we're what we call in the security industry a 'soft' target. But for what it's worth, that's not the case. As an industry and in large thanks to our associations like Georgia Association of REALTORS® agents are prepared physically & emotionally. My broker is a former police officer so he's chalk full of wisdom. Agents use a 'layered' approach to safety and always have contingency plans in place. We receive specialized training in order to develop and implement best practices. We look out for one another. So spread the word- agents are prepared to protect themselves. If they ask you for identification, please understand that's not only for their safety but for yours. They will gladly reciprocate and share their drivers license and Georgia real estate license. When I meet clients for the first time, I generally forewarn them that I'm going to ask to see identification. If you're not okay with a simple request that helps prevent land fraud in addition to ensuring the safety of the agent and the security of the property (yes, theft can be a thing) then I would suggest you get your own license and take a stroll down the narrow path we walk everyday. It's not quite as thin as the blue line, but it's narrow. When you hear someone criticize all agents, consider their motive. Stereotypes are never helpful, and yes, our industry- like every other, has some bad actors. But we that's why we have a Code Of Ethics so that we can hold someone accountable for unethical behavior. Successful agents earn a good living, just like professionals in any service industry that consistently deliver value for their clients. So while the context for safety month is largely about physical safety, I will go further in defending most of my colleagues not only for their courage and commitment, but their ability to look and act the part while being ready to demonstrate proportionate response if you want to test their mettle. I guess I am making September the unofficial realtor appreciation month, unilaterally :-)

08/28/2026

Given all of the factors affecting housing affordability, we (all of us) should be asking our local elected officials what they are doing to relieve the pressure of ever-increasing property taxes and moving that burden from residents to all users of public infrastructure and services via local option sales-tax initiatives (of some other alternative). It's bad enough that property taxes are a tax on unrealized gains (you have to pay for what you have not benefited from), but to combine this with increases that FAR outpace the rate of inflation seems worse that bad public policy. In my county, the attorney openly admits that the only reason they want people to file for a building permit is so that they can raise the taxes of the folks that are foolish enough to improve their property. The tax assessor locally uses 'sold' homes as a justification to increase the fair market value- often doubling taxes the year after the sale. And apparently even putting your home on the market may induce an increase in the fair market value- even if it DOESN'T sell (explain that one to me)! Like a lot of North Georgians, I live in a community with a lot of tourism and people just passing through. Why do I have to pay for the infrastructure and services they use via property tax while they pay nothing other than sales tax and perhaps hotel/motel tax? If the government can't afford to provide services based on fiscal constraints why can't they restrain themselves instead of just raising my taxes? I assume they don't realize that they're taxing people out of the homes and land that they supposedly own, but don't really because at any time the mighty pen can tax you and then you have to try and fight it (which may cost you even more as you retain counsel to represent you at a board of equalization). Why are some high end properties that are valued in the millions only being given fair market values of 40% of recent sales price when the rest of us get 90-100% (I have data to prove this is happening)? That's what I would call UNFAIR market value! Property taxes should not be the means by which local governments oppress its citizens. It's time to close the 'tax and spend' loophole of local property taxes and support statewide legislation that eliminates local property taxes in favor of some more equitable and less arbitrary means to raise money and return the burden of accountability back on elected officials and public sector administrators. I think I speak for most people when I say that we're tired of being penalized for being homeowners. It's no wonder so many young people are cynical about achieving the American Dream. Property taxes have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and that has become the American Nightmare. Note: this opinion is my own and does not represent the opinion of my real estate broker, professional association or anyone else for that matter.

08/20/2026

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law and there are five key areas NAR will be watching as implementation moves forward. From building more homes to expanding access to homeownership and encouraging innovation, the legislation takes aim at America’s housing shortage. See how it will impact housing: https://www.nar.realtor/news/washington-report/on-the-21st-century-road-again

08/18/2026

08/11/2026

Seemingly EVERYONE is concerned about data centers, and as if life as a potential buyer wasn't complex enough already now this is something for most to contemplate (and unaware sellers could be in for a surprise). Check out this report- some interesting findings. Yet another reason to retain someone (hint: ME) that is paying attention to the market, active as it relates to local and state politics/policy, and has access to the resources that are needed to make an informed decision. Georgia is one of the state's that has experienced the most growth, and North Georgia is not immune. Local governments are struggling with their land use and zoning in the context of data centers, and the issues related to water supply (environmental and capacity).

America's data center boom is swinging into lower-income, more rural communities. New research tracks a decade of expansion and what it means for home prices, property tax, and housing stock.

08/10/2026

Yet another example of state policy that was influenced in large part from your Realtor® community, especially yours truly, our Advocacy team @ Georgia REALTORS Governmental Affairs and Georgia Mountains and Lakes Georgia Mountains & Lakes Realtors Association