Atlanta Condos For Sale

How Much Do You Know About Down Payments?

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How Much Do You Know About Down Payments?

How Much Do You Know About Down Payments? | MyKCM

Whether you’ve owned a home before, or you’re ready to jump into homeownership for the first time, there are always a lot of questions swirling around about what is truly required for a down payment, and how to best source down payment assistance. Let’s tackle these two today.

1. How much do you really need for a down payment?

There is a long-standing misconception about down payment requirements. A survey from Fannie Mae shows only 17% of consumers know the minimum options are actually between 1 – 5% of the purchase price and 40% don’t know how much they need at all.How Much Do You Know About Down Payments? | MyKCMThere are many mortgage loans available that require as little as 3% down for first-time buyers, and some ask for only 3.5% down from repeat buyers. There are even loans available for Veterans that provide 0% down payment options too.

We’ve mentioned recently that you don’t need to come up with a 20% down payment to buy, and we’ve also shared how quickly you can save for a 3% or 10% down payment, depending on where you live. If you’re planning to put down just 3%, the research shows it may be possible in most states to have enough saved for a down payment in less than a year. That puts homeownership in a much closer reach for many potential buyers, maybe even you!

2. How can I get help with my down payment?

Regardless of the loans available, many buyers still need assistance with a down payment. The great news is, there are a lot of ways to tap into down payment assistance options. Here are just a couple of them:

Assistance from Family Members

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) said, “a third of recent first-time buyers received down payment assistance from family members.” They also mentioned, “the average net worth of those aged 75 and over stands at $264,800…They just might offer the boost the next generation needs to become homeowners.”

That means one of the ways to find help with a down payment is to accept a gift from a family member. If this is an option for you, make sure you talk to your loan officer before you accept the money, to ensure you document the process the way it is required by your loan. This way, it will be received properly and you can still potentially qualify.

Down Payment Assistance Programs

The reality is, not everyone has a loved one or a family member who can provide help with a down payment. There are, however, more than 2,500 down payment assistance programs available (by local areas like city, county, or neighborhood), and some of them are even specifically for first-time buyers.

The gap, as mentioned in the same survey, is “only 23% of consumers are familiar with low down payment programs.”

That’s why it is so important to get familiar with these options by doing your homework before you plan to buy a home. Determine what is available in the area where you ultimately want to live, so you have all the details you need to take advantage of the down payment assistance option that is best for your family.

Bottom Line

If buying a home is one of your long-term goals, you may be able to get there sooner than you think by tapping into one of the many down payment assistance programs available.

Learn more about the home buying process by reviewing the articles in our Real Estate Buyers Guide.

Doraville Georgia Newsletter August 9, 2019

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Doraville Georgia Newsletter August 9, 2019

Doraville is what we like to call the “sleeper cell” in real estate. It’s time is coming, and if you want to capture a part of it now’s the time to do it. You’ll find a link below to reach out to me! Let’s find you a part of the next amazing city to live in! 

That all said, we like to keep you up-to-date on happenings in the Doraville area. That’s easier with the Doraville Georgia Newsletter for August 9th, 2019. Here is a recap of what’s enclosed:

August Qualifying Dates for November General and Special Election

This will be a pretty important election in Doraville politics. Joseph Geierman was on the City Council for 1.5 years and decided to step down from that position to run for Mayor. That now opens up BOTH seats from that District for election this year. Not something you see very often. Additionally, there are two other Council Seats up for election. 

Doraville GA Redevelopment Tilly Mill CrossingRedevelopment of Tilly Mill Crossing

If you have lived in or around Doraville, you may know this location more as Friday’s Plaza. Once upon a time it was a bustling shopping center, but voices claim the introduction of the Peachtree Industrial Blvd limited access sent this shopping center to its demise. Maybe it was just bad management…hey Dunwoody is just over the way there. But that is all about to change as 70% or so of the shopping center will be torn down to make way for 30o new apartments!! This is GREAT news for Doraville that has seen no new apartment construction in…..forever! A portion of the shopping center will remain, including the ever popular PawStand. But let’s hope they get creative with the remaining space. This really could be a “mini-destination” with some coffee shop, restaurant and some small local shops. Time will tell.

New Flooring in Fleming Arena

Not much to say here. Not sure how many residents use this facility, but it needed a new floor. 

Tilly Mill Sidewalks Complete — Well Part of them

Doraville Public Works completed installing new sidewalks from Harper Vally Drive to Mill Court. You can’t do all of the sidewalks all at once, but good to see the city making progress on this. 

There is more in the Newsletter and you can find a copy of it HERE!

 

Rents Are Rising Should I Buy?

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Renting vs buying a homeAll over the country, but certainly in Atlanta, renters should be thinking….Rents Are Rising Should I buy?

But first you have to look at why you may be renting a home or condo in the first place. 

There can be any number of reasons a person chooses to rent vs. own their own home:

  • Freedom to transfer to another city quickly for job opportunities
  • Someone else takes care of all the maintenance
  • Someone else pays the real estate taxes (and gets the deduction)
  • Credit issues or debt issues
  • Living in brand new apartment ( not always the case) 
  • Lack of saved money for down payment  — and mis-information about how much that is

That is just some of the reasons you might want to rent. But every year, you “roll the dice” as to how much your rent may go up. Maybe that increase keeps you from saving for that down payment? Or keeps you from doing other things as you feed more money to your monthly housing costs. 

Rents Are Rising Should I Buy?

But when you purchase and OWN your home, you get lots of benefits as well. 

When you own the home, everytime you write that mortgage payment you are working towards paying off your mortgage and building home equity. Not to mention, you get the tax deductions of the cost of purchasing the home (your first year) as well as the property taxes you pay. (All of these things are subject to regulatory changes, so you always want to know what’s new or changed in tax laws) …..and a conversation with your financial advisor and accountant would be in order. But let’s look at the list above and apply them to home ownership:

Rents are Rising Should I buyFreedom to transfer to another city quickly for Job Opportunities

Ok, there is truth to that, but also in the current (2019) market with limited inventory, you may be able to sell your home quicker than you might think. There may be the possibility of renting your home (a condo will have much more restrictive leasing abilities) in case you think you may move back, or if it does not sell in a time frame you have established. 

Someone Else takes care of all the Maintenance

Well, you do become responsible for the maintenance of your home when you are the owner. But this can be looked at in a different way. First, if you purchase a condominium, your HOA fee covers the maintenance of things like the roof, exterior of the building, and any amenities the building has. (Pool, gym, club room, lobby, concierge, etc) You end up primarily responsible for your appliances, and HVAC within your condo. And the expense of repairing or replacing them can be reduced with a home warranty. Also, if you look for a condo that has had the HVAC recently updated, along with the water heater, your expenses, short term, are going to be reduced. 

Now, if you purchase a single family home, then the roof, lawn maintenance and the exterior of your home ARE your responsibility. But with that comes the “freedom” to have your own yard, space, and the ability to personalize your home. (Even in a single family neighborhood, you may have an HOA that will have guidelines about fencing your yard, paint colors or major landscape projects.)

Someone Else Pays the Real Estate Taxes (and gets the benefit!)

Yes, when you own a home or condo, there are property taxes. But you can usually deduct those when you file your income taxes. (Again, we are not accountants or lawyers so ask THAT professional about the impact of these on you personally…every situation is different) 

Also, the interest you pay on your mortgage is tax-deductible! 

Rents are Rising Should I buyCredit or Debt Issues

This can be a bit more tricky. But it’s not to say you can’t buy a home. Credit can be restored (over time) if you’ve had some tough times in the past. And when you get to a certain point, you can purchase, there just may be added costs like a higher interest rate. Debt issues can sometimes be easily fixed by just paying down, or off one credit account. But this is when, and why, we have you meet with a lender to determine your personal situation. We might learn that now isn’t the time for you to buy, but the lender can help you establish a plan to reduce debt and get you to the point you will qualify for a mortgage! 

Living in a Brand New Apartment

Depending on where you live, this might be a real option. In recent years, and in the current market, there are new apartment communities being built in almost every corner of Metro Atlanta. Now, what that monthly rent is…that’s the other story. So you may be living in an older apartment that has not had any recent renovations. But when you purchase a home or condo, you may find one that has recently had a major renovation or at least have things like all new appliances. Much of this will depend on where you are looking to live, what you can afford, and what is on the market!

Lack of saved Money for a Down Payment

One of the biggest misconceptions for home buyers, be you a first time buyer, or buying  your second or third home is the amount of money needed for a down payment. It is not 20% as many people think!!! Again, your situation will vary based on your credit and your debt to income ratio….but there are loan programs with as little as 3% down payment. So, on a $300,000 home or condo, that is $60,000 at 20% and $9,000 at 3%!!! A huge difference! Again, here is why getting that pre-approval with a lender is so important. By going through the application process, they can see what loan programs are available to you! 

Let’s get you started on the path to home ownership and building personal wealth through real estate! 

If you answered No to this question, Please click on the Preferred Vendor list Above once you have completed this form. There you will find contact information and links to our recommended Mortgage Lenders.
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Baby Boomers are Not Moving

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Baby boomers Not movingWere you born between 1946 and 1964? Then you are a Baby Boomer and Baby Boomers are Not Moving! 

What does that mean? In an article that appeared in Housingwire, and according to the Chicago Tribune, these Baby Boomers are a stick in the spokes of the homeowner cycle. And that clog equals some 1.6 million homes that are NOT coming on the market because they have chosen to “age in place” vs. selling and moving to a retirement community or some other community. As a result, these homes are not coming to market for those first time home buyers that are currently looking in the market. It is a form of housing gridlock if you will. 

Baby Boomers Not Moving

In January, Chase released a study which found that 76% of Baby Boomers own their own homes.  Some 66% of those homeowners think that home values will soon rise and an even greater 88% of them have renovation plans within the next 3 years!  And while Baby Boomers think their home is “just right,” a Millennial might look at an older home as a place to throw money as systems, and more, need updating.

Consider Resale When Remodeling 

And as the Boomers make changes to their home, the need to keep resale in mind for the future. You can affect the market appeal of your home with weird changes you make make, to fit your lifestyle. You may be looking at “undoing” some of those changes when you do look to place your home on the market. That wheelchair ramp from the carport, or a retro-fitted bathroom with grab bars may not be quite what today’s buyer is looking for! But hey….if you have historic details…be sure to keep them and not remove! Millennials will get into history and such and overlook the functional issues a home may have. 

But you also have to think long term in the upkeep and if you can afford it…or afford someone to clean house and mow the lawn. Sure, you might enjoy it when you are 55, but when you are 65, or even 70 it could be a real challenge. At least at the homes where you have a large yard to take care of, or lots of space to air condition that you don’t really need…or can’t physically take care of.

If you have been thinking about “aging in place” or maybe downsizing to a smaller home or even a condominium, why not give us a call and we’d be happy to sit down with you and talk about some of your options. 

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Where Are The Photos On My Listing?

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Why Are there no Photos on my ListingThe main reason you hired me (or any real estate agent if you happened to find this article) is to Sell. Your. Home. Right? So you look on a major website and your first question is ….. Where Are The Photos On My Listing?

In marketing your home, it is my job, is to get as many people as I can to “see” your home, certainly by an actual showing on your home with a Buyers’ Agent  to see your home in person. But, there is another critical part of marketing your home…..know what that is?

It’s the photos! 

When we enter your listing into the  Multiple Listing Service (MLS) within 15 minutes, (sometimes less, and sometimes longer), your listing will be seen virtually around the world! Technology….absolutely fabulous, right?  Imagine that a home buyer in Seattle, Washington, looking to relocate to Atlanta, can be on any number of websites, and ..BAM! There is your listing. 

 

Where Are My Listing PhotosAnd before they even begin to read the description, they see ……THIS!

And THAT is the only photo on your listing for not ONE, not TWO, not THREE but FOUR days! Imagine your home is being marketed…..sort of? How is that Seattle buyer going to know if your home is “the one” when they can see nothing!!!!

FOUR DAYS of critical marketing time, that is sort of lost! Sure, a Buyer might remember to come back and look at this…. Or they may find “the one” on the next listing. And with homes going Under Contract in many parts of the Atlanta area in 24-48 HOURS, you are not going to be one of those. 

Even as an AGENT, I rely on the photos to determine if a particular home may meet my Buyers wants and needs. And I try to preview much of the homes and condos that I show. But if there are no listing photos for ME to look at, should  I spend  extra time going to see this home/condo, since I really don’t know what it looks like? Or, did you, Mr/Mrs. Seller just lose a potential showing on your home? 

Where are the photos on my listingOne of my key marketing strategies I review with all my Sellers is that, “You don’t get 50% marketing with me!” We advise our clients, that until we have your photography back from our photographer, your listing will not be entered. When your listing goes live, the photos are immediately entered after that. We want those photos on your listing before that 15 minutes mentioned above ever even passes. Now, it can take us longer as we do all the descriptions  to each photo. And if there are 25-40 photos, that can take some extra time. And you want us to spend that extra time to get that description right. Again, that’s what that buyer in Seattle will be looking at, and reading! 

Once you have completed preparing your home/condo for sale by decluttering, or if vacant, staging the home, we then have the photography done. Depending on scheduling, we hire a photographer or if  there are scheduling issues, we do it ourselves. (Hey, I’m a marketing professional…I’m good at what I do!) When I have those photos available, your listing is entered into the MLS. And not a moment before. Maybe another real estate professional says you need to be on the MLS immediately….I’ll agree to disagree strongly with that! 

So when you are talking with any real estate professional, you should ask/know how they do critical parts of their business (managing your listing) that will have a direct impact on your sale! 

For More Information about marketing your Atlanta home or Condo, please contact us! We’d be happy to discuss our Marketing Plans and how we will do the best for you! 

HOA Rules and Regulations — The Pool

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Pool Rules and Regulations in an HOA CommunityIf you live in a condominium, townhome or single family neighborhood, you very well may have a pool. And we know some of you make regular use of this amenity, and others…well…they saw it the day they looked at the property. But in Hotlanta, a pool is a pretty nice amenity to have. But the HOA Rules and Regulations have to have some rules for the pool. 

And to share with the other 300+ homes in your building. Key word there is….share. Alas, but not everyone gets that part, or even still, not everyone understands what goes on with a pool. 

I thought I’d share some Pool Rules that we picked up from a condo community…with some commentary about each rule. 

Rules at the Pool 
In an effort to help promote safety and overall enjoyment of the pool for all residents, we ask that you please take a moment to familiarize yourself with some of the pool rules listed below. 

No Glass At The Pool – Glass is strictly prohibited in the gated pool area. This means no liquor/beer bottles, no wine bottles/glasses. No glass containers brought in via ice chest, cooler, tote.  No glass, period.  Aside from possible injuries, if glass breaks at the pool, the pool must be closed, completely drained for cleaning, inspected and cleared, then refilled. If this occurs, all costs will be passed along to the responsible party.

WHAT THAT MEANS — It can cost an HOA upwards of $5,000 to drain a pool, clean it, refill it, and have it treated again. Not to mention, the down time where the pool cannot be used AT ALL! Yeah, right smack dab in the middle of Summer Pool Season, your pool gets closed because some yahoo dropped a beer bottle. Moral to the story here — buy it in a can. If if don’t come in a can…your lazy behind will need to go up to your condo when you need a refresh. 

No Smoking At The Pool –  All forms of smoking are strictly prohibited in the gated pool area. There are designated smoking areas located near the planters at the exterior of the gated pool area.

WHAT THAT MEANS  — Not trying to offend any smokers, but it’s not a pretty habit. You got it. We understand. Just do it someplace else. And sadly, many smokers don’t think tossing that butt anywhere is littering…but it is. There are many examples of patio furniture with burn holes in them, and even fires in landscaping from people tossing butts of balconies. How about we not smell the smoke or see butts in the pool. (Well, we wanna see butts in the pool…just not THAT kind!)

Limit 4 Guests Per Unit –  For the enjoyment of all residents at the pool, each resident is allowed a maximum of 4 guests per unit at the pool. Guests must be accompanied by resident at all times. 

WHAT THAT MEANS  — You SHARE this pool. It’s not YOUR POOL. You can’t have a pool party and invite 10 of your friends. Why? Well, how’s about YOU come down to the pool and there is no place to sit, the pool is packed and 60% of those people don’t pay for that pool or pay your HOA fee, but you can’t use the pool? We get it….you’re popular and have lots of friends…but…you are going to limit them here. 

Music At The Pool –  As a courtesy to your neighbors, please keep all portable music devices at a volume that will not disturb others around you.

WHAT THAT MEANS — Whether you are into those noise cancelling headphones (that are now reminiscent of the 1970’s) or use Airpods, your music and your music tastes are…..just that. Your Music. 

Elevators –  Please be mindful of residents living on the xxth floor when going to the pool, or back to the elevators. Please keep all noises to a minimum, so as to not disturb your neighbors. 

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN — Most condo building pools are accessed via some floor that also has (gasp) actual homes and residents living there! So after you have had a few cocktails, we know the volume can go up…and if all your friends (Limit 4 please) are equally happy…well there goes the noise in the hallways. Let’s use our inside voices. 

As a reminder, when consuming alcoholic beverages, please drink responsibly. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN — Just what it says!

Any violations of the above rules and regulations may result in fines to the responsible units. 

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN — A fine. And some communities don’t mess around with their fine schedules. And….there ARE cameras. 

We appreciate everyone’s efforts in helping to maintain the pool as a fun and enjoyable area. 

Do these sound harsh? No. They should be simple common sense, but hey, not all of us have that. So we have to put rules in place so everyone can enjoy the pool!

Thom Abbott

Associate Broker, REALTOR(R)
905 Juniper Street, NE Suite 110
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
770.713.1505 Direct
404.876.4901 Office

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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