About Lake Oconee news. (Greensboro, GA) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 15, 2017)
Friday, December 15, 2017 Lake Oconee News Page B5 LAKE COUNTRY Food and Wine Festival Donates to Ferst Foundation The Greene and Putnam County chapters ofThe Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy received a $6,500 donation from the 2017 Lake Oconee Food and Wine Festival. These local chapters are very grateful for this support from the festival. The Ferst Foundation pro vides a free book monthly to children from birth to age 5 who are registered with the Ferst Foundation literacy program. Parents living in Greene or Putnam counties can register their children for these free books at www. ferstfoundation.org. The 2018 Food and Wine Festival will be held at the Ritz Carlton March 23-25. Tickets are on sale now at www.oconeefoodandwine. com. Tasteyourway through hundreds of wines, spirits and gourmet samples from Georgia’s finest chefs, stroll through the market place, and dance the night away at the launch party. Pick and choosetheeventsyouwantto j oin or get the whole package andmakethe entire weekend amazing. Pictured left to right: Amy Ferman, festival leadership committee; Diana O'Keefe, Greene County Ferst chair; Cathy Mize, Putnam County Ferst Chair; Tara Rocker and Dana Vick, festival leadership committee. Contributed GREENE COUNTY CMS FBLA officers attend leadership conference Eight officers of the Anita White Carson Middle School (CMS) Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) attendedthe Georgia FBLA Middle Level Fall Leadership Conference. The conference was held Wednesday, November 15 at the Classic Center in Athens. CMS members in attendance included Aiden Turner, Karina Rocha, Jai’lyn Armour, Jayla Harris, Elbe Webb, Mariah Leslie, Austin Martinez and Eric Surgick. They were accom panied by Tanya Morgan, FBLA adviser. Theconference began with an opening general session that included a dynamic message from keynote speaker Stephen Mackey. He spoke on the topic of “How to be Successful in the Game of Life.” Mackey entertained and educated the audience by reminding them that “access without action is worthless.” After \ rlg® . ■ aM \ ■ ■ ttmL 1 fga, 'St -ricz; ' m /^, 1 I X M Sf. iSfe. | 1 ' ■ M W Ji 1 1 B \ I f f 1 - 1- « 1 ij. R P A | H ij \ H ..— Contributed Anita White Carson Middle School FBLA officers Aiden Turner, Mariah Leslie, Karina Rocha, Eric Surgick, Jai'lyn Armour, Ellie Webb, Jayla Harris and Austin Martinez pose for a picture in front of the University of Georgia arch following a tour of the university. the opening session, CMS FBLA officers and other middle level members from across the state attended leadership tracks, toured the University of Georgia and participated in a Monopoly Tournament. The Monopoly Tournament helped raise moneyfor the Disaster Relief Fund for FBLA chapters in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in their recovery from Hurricane Irma. Georgia FBLA raised more than $5,000 in this relief effort. The CMS Chapter of FBLA donated approximately $300 by par ticipating in the Monopoly Tournament and hosting a blue jeans day at CMS. LAKE COUNTRY Forbes wins Super Raffle 48 Greene ft Dutn^m d Contributed The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties is excited to announce that week 48 winner Chuck Forbes will receive a $300 gift certificate from Aurum Jewelers. In business at Lake Oconee for over ten years, Aurum Jewelry and Art is a place of delight to the senses featuring exquisite jewelry, art, and unique gifts in a wide price range. Come discover this beautiful shop and find a true treasure. Aurum specializes in fine jewelry, jewelry repair, art, special orders, jewelry design and jewelry appraisals. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm and is located at 1051 Parkside Commons No.l. Their phone number is 706-454-0444. Pictured from left are Rotarians Donna O'Neal and Margie Forbes and winner Chuck Forbes. WELLS FARGO The path to your future is rarely a straight shot To navigate life’s twisty paths and sometimes stormy markets, you need an investment approach built on both adaptive technology and old-fashioned one-on-ones. Find out how an Envision® plan can help you plan for tomorrow, today. Call when you’re ready to talk. The Newsom / Ware Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Pat Ware, CFP® Vice President - Investment Officer 1031 Parkside CmnsSte 102 Greensboro, GA 30642 Direct: (706)453-2663 pat.ware@wellsfargoadvisors.com Richard Newsom Jr. Vice President - Investment Officer 1031 Parkside CmnsSte 102 Greensboro, GA 30642 Direct: (706) 453-2663 richard.newsom@wellsfargoadvisors.com wellsfargoadvisors.com Investment and Insurance Products: ► NOT FDIC Insured ► NO Bank Guarantee ► MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CHOOSING THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT Alyce Vining Realtor/Appraiser Each time you buy or sell real estate, choosing the right agent will be one of the most crucial decisions you make through the process. As independent contractors, each agent runs his/ her business differently and offers varying levels of services and expertise. It’s not a one- size-fits-all scenario. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right agent for you. It is paramount to work with a local agent. Your agent should have extensive, current knowledge of the local market. An out-of- area agent simply doesn’t have the knowledge to ensure his/her client is making a sound purchase. And, if you’re selling, why would you not use a local expert who is best at selling the area? In addition, only members have access to the local MLS. Bet your out-of-area agent didn’t tell you that! Some agents utilize multiple MLSs. Some only use one. Ask about this, too, as it will have an impact on the exposure of your property. What is his/her experience in the local marketplace? Is your agent full-time and focused on real estate? Thriving, not just surviving, speaks volumes to the success he/she will have in reaching your goals. Experience doesn’t only involve time; the number of transactions is important for real situational experience. Negotiating is an essential skill in real estate sales and is developed through being involved in multiple and varying situations. The agent you have in your corner can make the difference in the sale price, the terms involved and how long your property is on the market. How extensive is his/her marketing campaign for listings? Does he/she employ a professional photographer? Provide aerials and videos? What print publications are used and what are their distribution? What is your agent’s internet presence? Today, over 90% of Buyers search for property online. Your agent needs to have expansive internet and social media presence to ensure your property is reaching the most potential Buyers. Perform your own search to see how strong your agent’s presence is and how his/her listings are represented. Not only do you want your property marketed with the broadest reach, but in the most professional manner. This will make a lasting impression with Buyers and make your property stand out among its competition. With what type of brokerage firm is your agent affiliated? Using a firm with global, national, and regional recognition is important, especially in our market, because they provide a broader reach to find potential Buyers and have access to an international network of cooperating agents who are currently working with Buyers. The independent companies simply cannot offer that kind of exposure, nor the abundance of marketing tools, extensive education, and support for their agents so they can provide the highest level of service to their Clients. Does the agent list and sell properties throughout your market or is he/she tied to a single community? This is an important question in our marketplace and one which is often overlooked. If you are selling your property, you want an agent who is going to do just that... sell YOUR specific property— not just the community. Which do you think that agent is more motivated to sell—your resale property or new company inventory? If you are buying, you may think you want to live in a certain community, but how can you be sure if you do not compare? Working with an agent who can show you properties in all communities and educate you on the pros and cons of each, from a neutral position, ensures you leave no stone unturned when searching for your perfect property. Lastly, what is your agent’s reputation? Speak to past clients; ask people in your community. If you are uncomfortable going this far, look at online reviews. An agent has no control over what their past clients say about them online. Reviews will give you a good idea of the experience you can expect to have with that agent. Selling or purchasing real estate is a big deal. For most, it’s the largest investment they’ll make in their lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to carefully consider who will represent you through the process... after all, who you choose to work with in real estate makes all the difference! The Vining Group, Lake Oconee’s preferred real estate team, are experts in the local market. Call them today if you re looking to list or buy your real estate 706-686-5033 www.LakeOconee.realty J2ate Oconee's Ocsi in JI eafEstate Group
