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.

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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Chamblee Signal -Official Newsletter of Chamblee, GA May June 2019

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Chamblee Official Newsletter Chamble SignalChamblee is a great community located along the Gold line of MARTA, North and slightly East of Midtown Atlanta. Once upon a time it was a sleepy town with it’s main street an example of what it was…Peachtree Industrial Blvd. But times have changed, and the Chamblee Signal -Official Newsletter of Chamblee is a great city publication about what’s happening in the city.

Here are the highlights of the May-June, 2019 issue:

Community Involvement in Comp Plan

A Comprehensive Plan is one of the most important documents any city can have in place. It’s the “road map” of where the city is headed in the future….the “vision” if you will. The first round of meetings referenced in the Signal happened earlier this month. You can learn more about the upcoming meetings and this process at OneChamblee.com 

Facade Grant Program

Started by the Chamblee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) five years ago, this program is instrumental to the revitalizing and redevelopment of the Downtown Chamblee area. You can learn more about the DDA at DowntownChamblee.com

2019 National Wiffle Championship

Ahhhh…..don’t really know what to say. Best read the Signal, and you will find a link to it below. 

PDK – A Hub for Business

Indeed, the SECOND busiest airport in GEORGIA sits right in Chamblee….Dekalb_peachtree, also known as PDK. While the airport primarily serves private aircraft, Ultimate Air Shuttle provides scheduled passenger service to Cleveland, Ohio and Charlotte, NC. 

Chamblee Dining on the Rise

Along with the new apartment buildings and Peachtree Station Shopping Center comes more dining options. From Bad Daddy’s Burgers to Chronic Tacos, Gu’s Kitchen, La Garde, The Alden and more….residents and visitors alike have many new dining options, and more will certainly follow as the Downtown area redevelops and the new apartment buildings open up. 

For all the stories in the  Chamblee Signal -Official Newsletter of Chamblee, GA May June 2019, CLICK HERE!

If you are looking to purchase a new or existing home in Chamblee, give us a call at 770.713.1505. We’d be delighted to show you all the neighborhoods and various living options available to you! Or you can contact us here!

What Is Mortgage Insurance?

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PMI and Why I Have it On my MortgageAs you look to purchase your new home, you are going to see one of the costs of borrowing money will be mortgage insurance, or private mortgage insurance (PMI) Most likely, this will occur due to your amount of down payment and the interest rate on your mortgage. Let’s take a look.

Benefits of Mortgage Insurance

  • Flexible premium payment options (your lender may have numerous options available)
  • Premium Payments are temporary – PMI can be cancelled once your home reaches an 80% loan to value ratio
  • Ability to buy your home sooner with as little as 3% down payment (this will depend on other factors)

FAQ’s about Mortgage Insurance

How much does PM cost?

The amount will vary based on your loan terms. You need less PMI with 15% down payment than you do with a 3% down payment. And it depends on the type of mortgage and other factors. Your TEAM Lender can provide you with specific payment amounts. 

Won’t PMI Increase my mortgage payment?

While there is an added cost to PMI, it’s a small percentage of your overall mortgage payment. Most of it will be determined by your interest rate, and the loan amount.

Do I pay PMI for the entire time I have a Mortgage?

Thankfully, no! YOu can request to have PMI removed from your mortgage when your loan balance hits 80% of your original appraised value. Additionally, the FHPA (Federal Homeowners Protection Act) requires that mortgage insurance be automatically cancelled when your balance reaches 78%. This law may or may not apply to your mortgage….and you will want to discuss this with your lender. 

At your closing (we like to call it a Celebration!) your lender must provide you with information about the mortgage insurance on the loan, and the conditions when you can cancel it. Furthermore, each year after you close, your lender must send you a reminder about PMI and that you can make that cancellation request once the conditions have been met. 

Why do Lenders need Protection?

One need not look any further than the housing crash for this answer! But, to be more specific, it protects your mortgage company or bank if you are unable to continue making mortgage payments. 

Studies have shown that homeowners with less than 20% invested in a home are more likely to default. It makes a loan with a lower down payment a higher risk. This should not be read that ALL home buyers with less than 20% are going to be a problem!! But you know how statistics work……not always in your favor. And you should not let this deter you from buying a home. MANY buyers buy with less than 20% as a down payment. 

How Do I Pay PMI?

It is usually a part of your monthly payment, but can be paid in a single premium and financed as part of your mortgage. Again, your TEAM Lender can answer these questions, based on your specific situation. 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has more information about Mortgage Insurance HERE.

And one of our TEAM Lenders, Movement Mortgage has a great article HERE.

Every Buyer and their situation, and every mortgage can be different. This is why we strongly encourage you to meet with a lender early on in your home search process to know what your specific situation is. Your lender can look at numerous options for you, and even suggest ways to lower these amounts. 

We always say that it is OUR job to help you find the right home at the best possible price and terms, but it is your LENDER that helps you pay for it. 

NEW! Fulton County Homestead Exemption

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NEW! Fulton County Homestead Exemption NEW!

Homestead ExemptionThere is a NEW Senior Homestead Tax Exemption available for homeowners who are 65 or older, regardless of income, if your primary residence is in Fulton County.

This new age-based exemption was passed in November 2018 and is in addition to base homestead exemption but it requires an application (by April 1) to take effect in most cases to increase the amount of your homestead exemption and effectively lower total property taxes. The deadline to file for this new Senior Homestead Tax Exemption (or for any homestead exemption) is Monday April 1, 2019, to qualify for property tax relief in the current year.

Standard Rule: If primary residence then owner may qualify to exempt up to $30,000 of their home’s assessed value.

NEW IN FULTON – Homeowners over the age of 65 are now eligible for a new senior homestead exemption. It increases the base homestead exemption from $30,000 to $50,000. All homeowners over the age of 65 qualify, regardless of income.

ACTION NEEDED: If Owner already has another 65 and older homestead exemption, this will automatically apply. If not, they must apply online, in person, or by the April 1 deadline.

The following steps will help you file your homestead exemption online:

1. Go to: https://fultonassessor.org

2. Click on “Property Search”

3. Click on “Address Search”

4. Key in the property address, but leave off the suffix (ex: for 123 Main Street, you would enter 123 Main)

5. Click “Search” 6. When results are returned, click on the property owner’s name to be directed to the property profile.

7. On the Profile page, in the lower right-hand corner, the page will provide the Fulton County exemption code (FUL Exep Code).

8. If the FUL Exep Code ends in “S”, the property owner does not need to file (ex: HF01S), but if it does not end in “S,” the property owner will need to file by April 1.

9. To file, visit the following: https://fultonassessor.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2019/01/2019-HomesteadApplication-Revised.pdf to print out the form to take to the Assessor’s Office.

10. To file online, visit: https://iassmartfile.fultoncountyga.gov/

11. Either “Create an Account” or “Login”

12. Click “Homestead Exemption”

To file, the property owner will need the following information:

a. Georgia Driver’s License or valid Georgia identification (Owner and Spouse)

b. Social Security Number (Owner and Spouse)

c. Registration for all vehicles owned (vehicles must be registered to Fulton County)

d. Recorded Deed (for new owners only)

e. Trust Document and Affidavit (if the property is held in trust).

 

For further assistance, call (404) 612-6440 x 4 or visit:

Peachtree Center North Tower (Main Office) 235 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30303

Fulton County Government Center 141 Pryor Street, Suite 1018 Atlanta, GA 30303-3487

Alpharetta Service Center 11575 Maxwell Road Alpharetta, GA 30009

North Service Center 7741 Roswell Road NE, Suite 210 Atlanta, GA 30350

South Service Center 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Suite 224 College Park, GA 30349

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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