Caterpillar, Inc. Sets Up a Large Manufacturing Plant in GA

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It seems just like yesterday that manufacturing giant Caterpillar, Inc. announced its plans to build its newest plant in our region, specifically in Bogart GA. Today, the plant has already been erected and several steps implemented toward the final goal.

The company plans to create 1,400 new jobs through this plant, which will primarily be building mini-excavators (at first) as well as small track tile bulldozers. The total employment goal is through 2020, with 300 local hires to take place during this year and the remaining new jobs gradually built up leading up to the year 2020.

Currently, there are about 60 to 65 employees already on the job or in the process of hiring, including executive management members that have transferred to the area. To apply for employment with Caterpillar, Inc. community members are encouraged to log onto the company’s employment website www.jointeamcaterpillar.com.

Once in production, the near 9000 square foot facility and its manufactured goods will help to stimulate the local and regional economies with new jobs as well as lots of spin-off suppliers and business. Operation expected to begin by the fourth quarter of this year, business analysts and local economists predict a strong ripple effect that will reverberate throughout this and surrounding communities.
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If you or someone you know are considering relocating to this area – contact our office today. We would love to help you find your new home and help you get settled!

5 Ways to Protect Yourself as a Home Buyer

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Investing time upfront to find the right people to work with and steps to take will make the home-buying process a breeze.  Here are five steps we highly recommend taking.  You’ll be glad you did.

1.  Find a true home-buying adviser.  This person will be looking out for you and puts your best interest ahead of getting you into a home quickly. An agent will ultimately save you time.  This trusted adviser will also build a strategy so that you won't have to do the work, they will do it for you.

2.  Get preapproved with a lender.  If you take this step, the seller may take your offer more seriously than an offer from another prospective buyer who has not met with a loan officer. By speaking with a mortgage lender, you’ll find out your finance options, which include several loan programs with different rates and mortgage insurance.  It will also allow you to figure out a general price range so you end up with a payment you are comfortable with.  Before you decide on how much you want to spend, be sure to think about what type of lifestyle you want to lead.  Only you know how much you will feel comfortable borrowing, but keep in mind you want to be able to still go to the mall and out to eat as well.  Remember, a general rule of thumb is to borrow no more than 28% of your pre-tax income.  The 28% represents your house payment, taxes and insurance.  If you have debt, such as student and car loans, this number should not go above 36%.

3.  Do a home inspection.  These professionals can inspect the home and do other inspections, whether it’s looking for termites, checking a septic tank, surveying to mark property lines.  Hiring an inspector is the single most important initial investment you’re going to make into the home-buying process. It’s all about information.  Make sure you have an inspector who’s not afraid to get down and dirty:  crawl in tight areas, look at the foundation, dig into places in the home you might not see with the naked eye.  The bottom line?  Getting a home inspection is a very, very good investment. You’ll have all the information you need to move forward to negotiate repairs or walk away.  Either way, you save yourself a lot of time and money if you know exactly what the house needs.  

4.  Get title insurance.  Although you have clear title when you purchase the property, the title insurance protects your interests in the title in the event something arises later.  It’s a one-time fee, but you’re covered as long as you own the property.  It’s kind of like any other insurance:  you probably won’t need it but you’ll be glad you bought it.  

5.  Consider a home warranty.  People have very different opinions on warranties—they love them or they hate them.  A warranty limits your risk in case something breaks down or needs replacing.

Give me a call so I can tell you where to be positioned and how to be successful in this market.  Please contact me at (706) 621-6085 or visit justinwoodall.com.  We’d be happy to assist you.