JYB Realty Blog
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8
Applying for a Mortgage When You're Self-Employed
Our real estate agents show Atlanta homes for sale to self-employed buyers all the time! Yes, the mortgage approval process is more stringent for people who are self-employed. But no, it's not impossible to achieve your goals. It just requires a little bit more preparation. Mortgage lenders take a wide variety of factors into account when making a decision. In the long run, their focus is on ensuring buyers are financially stable and can repay loans with no issue. Some of the key factors they look at include:
- Employment history
- Length of residence at current address
- Credit history
- Current debt
- Monthly income
Self-employed people have all of these things, naturally. However, some of the information might be harder to pull together and present in a way lenders are willing to accept. Likewise, they may have questions about long-term financial stability, depending on occupation.
Luckily, there are steps self-employed buyers can take to make things easier. Let's look at them now.
1
(Grocery) Shop Local at These 6 Farmers Markets Around Atlanta
One of the best things about summertime in Atlanta is the return of the farmers markets. Our real estate agents love making meals with fresh ingredients and supporting local farmers and vendors. Stop by these area farmers markets and you'll see for yourself exactly why they're so popular.
- Peachtree Road Farmers Market: 2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta
Currently in its 13th season, the Peachtree Road Farmers Market is one of the state's largest producer-only markets. Since everything sold here is raised, grown, or made directly by the seller, you can feel confident you're getting great quality products at honest prices. This market is home to over 50 weekly vendors. There's also live music and a chef demo every week at 10 a.m. The market is open on Saturday mornings from March 2nd through December 14th.
25
Buying a Home? Use This Final Walk-Through Checklist
So here you are, in the home stretch of the home-buying process, having put in your time shopping Atlanta homes for sale and found the one that is just right for you. You've put an offer on it and had it accepted. Your financing is in place, the home inspection completed, and a closing date is scheduled. That means that it's time for the final walk-through to make sure everything is in order before you sign on the dotted line at the closing table.
You're sure to be excited at this point and eager to get past the formalities and into your new home, but it's essential to realize that the final walk-through isn't just a formality. It is an important step in ensuring that you get what you bargained for in your purchase agreement, and our real estate agents would certainly tell you that it's one to take very seriously. To help you make the most of it, we've put together a helpful final walk-through checklist for home buyers.
- Pack up a few things to take with you – To do a thorough job with your final walk-through, you'll need to take a few key documents and items along. These include your final purchase contract and home inspection summary to refer to as you check up on things, a notepad to list any concerns you may have, and a phone and charger, so you're able to take pictures and check outlets. It's also a good idea to take your real estate agent along for guidance during your walk-through.
17
6 Places to Get the Scoop on Summer's Favorite Treat
There are so many things to love about summertime in Atlanta! From fun summer festivals and picnics in the park, to wet and wild fun at local splash pads and water playgrounds, there's never a shortage of ways to enjoy the gorgeous weather.
When our real estate agents and their prospective buyers are ready to take a break from exploring the best Atlanta homes for sale, they like to stop by some of the area's most popular ice cream shops for a sweet treat. While there are a ton of choices, a few places always come out on top. Check out these six local favorites so you can decide which one deserves the top spot on your list.
- Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream: 1198 Howell Mill Road
Located in the Westside Provisions District, Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream serves up hand-crafted ice cream made from whole ingredients and the milk of grass-pastured cows. With exciting flavors like Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, Pistachio and Honey, and Fluffernutter Pie, you're guaranteed never to get bored!
10
Choosing an Atlanta Neighborhood: HOA Pros and Cons
One of the reasons that Atlanta is known as "The Hollywood of the South" arises from the many beautiful and well-manicured homes that are nestled within the landscape. More than a few of the Atlanta homes for sale in the city's finest neighborhoods feature exceptionally maintained lawns, lush parks, and everything from golf courses and swimming pools, to tennis courts and clubhouses.
As you might expect, a fair number of these homes and condos are overseen by homeowners associations (HOAs). There are pros and cons to HOAs, and you should be aware of these before you purchase your next home.
The Pros of an HOA in Atlanta
Your HOA will set rules regarding landscaping in the community. These rules govern what kinds of trees, grasses, shrubbery, etc. you can plant. This helps establish a uniform atmosphere that is visually appealing. The HOA will maintain the common areas such as parks and easements, and in many cases, they will also maintain the landscaping on your property, which means you won't have to worry about mowing, trimming, or weeding ever again.
HOAs will also serve as a mediator when your neighbor puts their car up on blocks, plays the radio too loud, or has a dog that won't stop barking into the wee hours of the morning. All you have to do is file a complaint or a request for help, and they will help resolve the problem.