FREE MONEY For Those in the Military

For many, the American Dream of home-ownership has become even more desirable with the extremely low housing prices found in today’s real estate market due to the numerous foreclosures. And although the home prices are still at a record low in most parts of the nation, especially here in Metro Atlanta, I do not know anyone that would not like free money to be given towards a home purchase.  What free money?, you ask.  Well, whether you are actively serving in our nation’s military, are in the reserves, are a veteran, are an employee of the Department of Defense, or are employee of the Department of Homeland Security, you may qualify for down-payment assistance up to $5000 towards your next home purchase.

Tornadoes: Is Your Home Protected?

Sadly, many Americans in the last couple of months have experienced the devastation of a tornado, including those here in Georgia.  As we all know, so many things destroyed by a tornado cannot be replaced but your home should not be one of those things.

Need Help with Your Mortgage?

Home-ownership for some in the past few years has gone from being the American Dream to a seemingly never-ending nightmare as the threat of losing not only their house but their home that represents their time, family, and livelihood is imminent.  Are you, or anyone you know, in this position?  Are you feeling overwhelmed by your current mortgage payments or afraid that you may lose your home?  Are you confused as to how you can get help? Well, if you are in Georgia, Rep. David Scott is sponsoring an event that may help you.

How to Get a $7500 Grant Towards Your Home Purchase

Many of us enjoy the investment matching programs offered by various employers, where for every $1 you invest in your retirement, your employer may match you with $1 or some variation.  Many capitalize on such matching programs but what if someone would match the funds you contribute to your home purchase? Here in metro Atlanta, there is such a program through the FHLBank First-time Homebuyer Program (FHP).

Special Mortgage Financing for Medical Professionals

If you are just beginning a career in the medical profession (i.e. licensed and practicing residents, licensed and practicing physicians, dentist, etc.), then there is a new real estate opportunity available for you!  As everyone is aware, in today’s real estate market, a buyer can typically find an extraordinary real estate deal and get mortgage financing as long as they have an established working history and little debt, including student loans.   Now, however, as a medical professional you can now purchase a home even if your employment start date is up to 60 days after your closing. 

Must Have Realtor Apps for the Samsung Tablet

As a Realtor, whose job is at the core mobile by nature, you may have learned that the quintessential device is your tablet.  The Tablet truly is the happy medium of struggling to lug a notebook/laptop around versus squinting with your clients at your mobile phone’s screen of the listing they love.  My tablet of choice, due to its Flash and video chat capabilities, is the Samsung Galaxy Tab. As a mobile device user, you undoubtedly know the basic apps you need such as Gmail, a PDF reader, Facebook, etc. so I won’t waste anytime with the normal apps.  However, there are a few apps that most agents I have learned are not privy to that are a must have on your Tablet, or any other mobile device for that matter, since they are free to download!

To HOA or Not HOA?

Imagine living directly across from the soon-coming (we hope) Streets of Buckhead (Georgia’s version of Rodeo Drive), or being in walking distance to your office on Wall St., or reveling in the sounds of jazz coming from the Detroit Riverfront.  Whether you are in Atlanta, New York, Detroit, or another urban area, townhouses and condos are stylish and maybe the most economical option to allow you to live close to your city’s hustle and bustle.    Moreover, you may love the low-maintenance lifestyle condos and townhouses afford you but there are several questions you should have answered by the Homeowner’s Association (HOA) before making an offer.

Places To Love: HOPE SPRINGS MANOR

Foreclosure, foreclosure, foreclosure!  That seems to be the new mantra attempting to replace location, location, location but in many cases if you have one, the other is excluded.  But what if you can get both?  There are still great real estate foreclosure deals available in some of the most prominent areas of Metro Atlanta.  One such great deal (if townhomes suit your fancy) are the units at Hope Springs Manor that have now been lender foreclosed. 

Buyer Beware: Caveats of REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS

You hear about a great home being offered at a real estate auction for a fraction of what it should sale for.  This must be a great opportunity, right? Not necessarily.  You may remember seeing sitcoms where someone at an auction accidentally coughs, scratches his head, etc. and then ends up purchasing the auction item at a price they did not want.  Then the rest of the TV show we see them scrabbling to get out of the purchase.  Similarly, with real estate auctions, a Buyer can unknowingly sign-up for a purchase they are not prepared to make.  Thus, it is extremely important for Buyers to understand all the terms of that particular auction house before bidding as the process can be significantly different than a typical purchase from a homeowner.

‘Tis the Season to Reassess Your Property Taxes

Whether you recently purchased a home or have been a homeowner for years in Metro Atlanta, 2011 will offer significant benefits for property taxpayers.  Due to the passage of the Georgia Senate Bill 346 earlier this year, reform is finally coming to the values assigned to our homes, which will bring hopefully much needed relief to real estate owners.  

 

Here are highlights of the new and improved revisions for Georgia real estate taxes:

• The sales price establishes Fair Market Value for the next tax year
• All relevant sales, including distressed sales,  will be included when determining Fair Market Value

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