Athens Recycling Info - Please Recycle!

Athens has a great curbside recycling program.  For info on what's accepted, drop off lcoations, etc, click HERE.

Area Utility Services/Providers

Moving into a new place?  There are many choices when it comes to phone/gas/tv/internet.  You usually only have one choice in water or power.  Click HERE for a guide to local utility services & providers. 

What do I do if my Landlord gets Foreclosured on?

If your landlord loses his house - your rental home - in foreclosure the bank becomes your landlord (or a rental agent they assign).  You have rights!  The Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act was passed in 2009, and can be seen here, or a Full Version of the law here.

What is Homestead Exemption (H.E.) and how do I get it?

In every county in Georgia, including Athens-Clarke, if you live in the house you own then you get a reduction of your property tax bill.  It basically rewards home ownership because in general people who are homeowners are more stable than transient renters (remember I said in general).

In Athens-Clarke County, in order to get H.E. for the year you buy your house, you must close on it between Jan 1 & March 1 and bring your warranty deed to the Tax Commissioner's office and fill out a H.E. form.  If you close after March 1st, you can fill it out anytime before the end of the year to get H.E. for the following year's property taxes.  The law changed with the passage of SB393 in the 2003-04 Georgia Legislative Session.

Call 706-613-3120 for the Athens Tax Commissioner, or visit their website HERE.

What are the Athens Animal Control Laws?

Athens has a law for everything.  Click here for a link to ACC's Animal Control page.  It can also be found on my Athens Links Section under Athens Laws - see Title 4 (Public Health). 

Did your property taxes go up in 2009?  Here's why.

In a nutshell, the reason is because of changes to a 1999 state law, called the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant that provides state funds to offset residential propety taxes. In Clarke County, that means the aveage homeowner has to pay around $200 more in property taxes this year than in 2008.

With a huge 2009 budget deficit, the state couldn't afford to fund it this year, but it has not gone away forever.  House Bill 143 (HB 143) passed in 2009, ties the Grant to state revenue going forward (the 1999 version had no stops in place).  When state revenue grows 3% over inflation when compared to the most recent grant year, the grant will be provided. And remember, this law can be changed, too.  But it's the law as of November 2009.   

Got Questions????

Email Info@OffCampusRealty.com to get answers to your real estate questions.

Credit Cards = Bad Debt!

Generally speaking, your credit card balances should be 1/3 of your limit or less.  Anything over that is thought to negatively affect your credit score.  Here's a neat calculator to help you figure out how to get to that level in regular payments.

Flourescent Light Bulbs are great, but Dangerous! And cannot be thrown in the trash.

Athens Flourscent Bulb Recycling Link.  They save $$, they last longer, and more and more people are converting to them.  I have them in my house.  But did you know they contain mercury that is hazardous to your health?  And they CANNOT go in the trash like a normal light bulb?  If one breaks, don't vacuum it up or it will spread dangerous vapors in the air, click HERE for the EPA's cleanup recommendations.  Please DO NOT throw them in the trash. 

Georgia's New Super Speeder Law

Do you have a lead foot?  As of Jan 1, 2010, Georgia has tougher speeding laws for so called 'super speeders'.  HB 160 created an additional $200 'fee' to be added to your fine.  NOTE:  The extra fine from the state isn't applied to your local ticket & fine.  It is mailed SEPARATELY to the address you have on record with the DMV.  If you don't get it, and therefore is not paid, you could have a warrant out for your arrest!  Make sure your address is current.  To read the new rules click HERE.

The 2010 Version of Cash for Clunkers

Last time it was cars, this time Appliances.  Replace your appliances in your home with Energy Star appliances and get $$ back from the government.  Starts Feb 12, 2010 in Georgia. 

Here are the Links  - Georgia Info and US Dept of Energy.