Articles Tagged "Buy a house"

If Santa arrived early with a new key to put under your tree, then there's not much time to get your house in order before you move into your new home. Our real estate agents know the holiday to-do lists seem to grow longer and more challenging when moving is added to the list. The following suggestions will help make your move (and your holidays!) a lot smoother and a little bit merrier.

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In looking for Atlanta homes for sale, some people forego the buying process and build their new house themselves from the ground up. The idea certainly has its appeal. No long searches, no bidding wars, and you can get a brand new home tailored to your exact specifications. However, while good in theory, building a house may not be the best option in practice. Here are a few reasons why buying is better.

• Cost. On average, building a new home costs $34,000 more than buying one. The cost is much less straightforward, too, and always ends up being significantly more than you'd originally anticipated. You never know when, several months into the process, an unexpected obstacle arises, requiring extra money to circumvent. On the other hand, the cost of buying a house can be negotiated. You can always walk away if it's more than you're comfortable paying. In building, walking away often means giving up the money you've already invested in the project as a loss.

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When looking at the most desirable Atlanta homes for sale, it's important to be prepared for bidding wars. A bidding war occurs when a seller attracts multiple qualified bids for a property—and it is happening more and more throughout the Atlanta area. Our real estate agents are here to help.

There are signs that home prices are beginning to plateau in many parts of the United States. Still, it's a seller's market: Low available housing stock and high competition are driving prices thousands of dollars above asking on a regular basis. Buyers need to be prepared for a potentially challenging time.

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Are you thinking about investing in short-term rental properties? Perhaps you've sold your previous home or you're looking to build long-term wealth. Or maybe you're looking to cater to professionals traveling for work and in need of someplace to call home for a few weeks. Whatever the case, there's no denying short-term rental properties like these Atlanta homes for sale are an attractive investment venture.

Thanks to online platforms like Airbnb, short-term rental properties are proving to be attractive investment vehicles. Short-term housing is perfect for those who need somewhere to live for just a few weeks or months, making it an ideal investment in a world of work that's shifting towards the gig economy.

So, how do you find a short-term rental property that works for you? Here's what you need to know.

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Moving can be as disruptive an experience for kids as it is for adults, especially if they're too young to understand why. Older kids also find the transition stressful since they'll be giving up their home, familiar places, friends, and school for new ones. Even when moving into a home as lovely and serene as these Atlanta homes for sale, navigating a big change such as moving has its difficulties.

Kids don't adapt as quickly as adults to change. But there are several ways you can help your kids adjust to a new neighborhood.

1. Talk about what's happening
   The best way to counter moving anxiety is to talk to your kids before the move. Explain where you're moving to and why. How detailed the explanation will depend on how verbal they are. For toddlers and preschoolers, you can use toy trucks and furniture to act out and explain the move.

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You're not alone if you're flipping and flopping over buying a flipped house. Is it a good investment? Bad investment? Safe or risky? Our real estate agents know it's a tough decision. The fact is that some flipped properties can be beautiful opportunities, while others are poisoned fruit to be avoided at all costs. As with any real estate purchase, due diligence and a cautious eye can help you choose the former and avoid the latter.

Atlanta homes for sale are a hot commodity, and many investors are purchasing distressed properties, fixing them up, and selling them for a quick, tidy profit. Some of these individuals devote significant care and attention to every last detail in the process. Wary of potential legal consequences, these individuals go through the home and properly resolve critical issues such as leaking roofs and faulty wiring. They secure the necessary permits and ensure the work is done by qualified, licensed, and insured plumbers, electricians, roofers, etc. But, these individuals and the properties they renovate, restore, and remodel are not the norms.

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A new job. A desire to be closer to family. A change of scenery. There are many reasons why you might be looking to relocate to Atlanta. A cross-country move can be exciting, but it also adds a few more layers to the relocation process. The following tips by our real estate agents will help you avoid the pitfalls of buying a house out of state and ensure the deal goes smoothly.

• Do Your Research
  Whether you're moving 30 miles or 3,000 miles away in a different state, you should do loads of research before making the big purchase. You need to prioritize what's most important to you in order to narrow down your choices. Do you want the shortest commute to work, picturesque scenery, or a high-ranking school district? Fire up Google and discover important details about a community's economic stability, employment potential, local crime rate, weather, schools, amenities, and more.

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Buying an older home can be a one-of-a-kind experience. Our real estate agents understand the sentimental appeal of a home whose walls are filled with history and character. If you're thinking about purchasing older Atlanta homes for sale, there's a lot to consider. We've laid out the pros and cons to help you decide if it's worth it.

The Pros

• Charm and Craftsmanship
  These days, homes are somewhat cookie-cutter in style- they tend to have the same features and feel. Older houses come with plenty of character and charm. From the wide-plank wood floors, balustrades, and ornate stone fireplaces to vintage door knockers, sloping ceilings, and crown moldings in the corners, there are so many fun details to love in an older home.

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The 2021 housing market is a royal flush for sellers – inventory is low, buyer demand is high, and mortgage rates are at historical lows. If you're buying in an extreme seller's market, you're bound to experience stiff competition, and you'll be expected to make quick decisions. In sought-after areas, houses like these Atlanta homes for sale are going under contract in just a matter of days due to competitive bidding.

So here's the question, is this a good time to buy? Yes, if you're ready. The best time to buy a home is when you're ready. Don't let the competition scare you from closing on your dream home.

Extremely low housing inventory has made it difficult for most buyers to lock in a deal. But fret not; with these tips, you'll be able to secure the right home for you.

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Your credit score is more than a number; it is a reflection of your financial health and your ability to service your financial obligations. When you purchase a home, it is a number that is as important as your down payment, income, and assets. Our real estate agents don't want your deal to fall through because of a low FICO Score. Understanding the following can help you prepare your credit for one of the most important investments of your life.

How Lenders Use Credit Scores

Lenders view your FICO Score as a measure of your creditworthiness. The higher your score, the lower the fees and interest rates you will pay. That's because the higher the score, the lower the risk you pose to the lender. Conversely, if you have a lower score, you pose a greater risk and will pay higher fees and interest.

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Our real estate agents know viewing Atlanta homes for sale is an exciting experience! When you visit a new home, you open up a world of possibilities for the future. As exciting as it all is, it's vital not to overlook any of the important steps in the homebuying process. If you approach buying in a methodical way, you'll be more prepared – and more likely to get the home you want.

The most crucial thing many buyers forget about is pre-approval. In fact, you should take care of it before you even look at homes for sale.

What is Pre-Approval and Why Does It Matter?

Pre-approval is an essential step in getting a mortgage loan.

During pre-approval, a lender examines your finances in detail and determines exactly how much money you can qualify for in your loan package. The loan isn't finalized until you select a home, but you receive a letter from your lender showing that they are willing to extend a financing package to you.

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Buying a new home is one of life's most exciting moments, but weeks leading-up to the closing can be stressful at times. On occasion, problems can pop-up at the last minute, so it's often recommended that buyers temper their expectations until the seller hands over the keys. Unfortunately, this can be a lengthy process as average home closings can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.

When it comes to closings, our real estate agents have seen it all. If you're considering one of these Atlanta homes for sale, below are some common problems that can delay closing on a property.

• The Home Inspection
  The home inspection report is one of the most common causes of a delayed closing. Often, a home inspector will uncover an issue or defect that the seller either was not aware of or did not disclose. Upon receiving a home inspection report, you may want to negotiate further with the seller around potential repairs. Luckily, by adding a home inspection contingency to your offer, you'll have the right to back out without penalty if you discover something in the home inspection report that is a major cause for concern.

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You had saved for the down payment and planned to become a first-time homeowner in 2020. And then just like that, the coronavirus pandemic turned the world upside down. Should you still go through with the purchase or put your plans on hold? Navigating the real estate world as a first-time buyer can be confusing and stressful. Add in a layer of the paralyzing stress and uncertainty of the pandemic, and you have many potential buyers with mixed feelings about taking the leap when things are looking grim.

The real estate market is a bit shaken by the pandemic, but you can still explore Atlanta homes for sale. To help you make an informed decision, our real estate agents have compiled a list of 4 reasons why now is actually a good time to buy a first home.

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At Josey Young & Bradley, our real estate agents want to give all our clients the best opportunity to find a home they'll be happy with. In a time of increased buuyer activity and historic low interest rates, more people are finding now is the right time for them to explore Atlanta homes for sale.

Many people wonder, however, if their credit is "good enough" for a mortgage loan.

Your credit history serves as a measure of the risk lenders take if they decide to provide you with a mortgage loan. Your history of paying debts on time is the principal factor that determines credit, although other factors – like how much credit you have total – are also counted.

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At Josey Young & Brady, our real estate agents are working overtime to help clients find the best Atlanta homes for sale. A question we've received more and more often lately is whether it is okay to buy a home "sight unseen" – that is, without visiting it in person first.

As people have gotten cautious about unnecessary travel, it's no surprise they're thinking twice about showings and open houses where they will be around strangers. Naturally, there are pros and cons to consider when you decide whether it's necessary to visit a house.

Naturally, the answer is up to you. However, it's crucial to make an informed choice. Here are some of the biggest "pro" arguments for buying a house sight unseen.

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When you're looking for Atlanta homes for sale, location is one of the most important aspects to look into. Buying a home on a major thoroughfare is often considered highly undesirable, but as with many things, it actually has some silver linings. The drawbacks don't have to deal breakers, but you should be a little more cautious before buying on a road that sees a lot of traffic. To help with your decision, we've highlighted the pros and cons of buying a home on a busier road.

Pros of Buying a Home on a Busier Road

• Close to Public Transportation and Recreation
  Living on a busier road provides easy access to main recreation spots and mass transit that would typically take longer to get to when living in a quieter street. If access to local attractions, bus stations, bike paths, and train stations means a lot to you, living on a busy road could be a real advantage.

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You've looked at many Atlanta homes for sale and finally found one that you love. You probably can't wait to get started with the purchasing process. But you have to make an offer to show to make sure the seller takes the house off the market as you work on different closing aspects. Accepting an offer is a big commitment for a seller. If the buyer backs out of the deal, the seller loses a significant amount of money and time finding another buyer. This is where sellers request earnest money. Read on to learn what earnest money is, when to offer it, and steps you can take to protect your upfront investment.

Understanding Earnest Money

Earnest money is a deposit made to a seller as a good-faith gesture that you mean business when it comes to buying the house. It's a way of you showing the seller that you're serious about closing the deal. Sellers tend to favor these deposits because it gives them peace of mind to proceed to the next steps of the transaction. Earnest money doesn't go to the seller right away. Instead, it is held in an escrow account with an escrow company until closing.

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Gated communities often convey a feeling of safety and luxury, but they aren't necessarily the best choice for every homebuyer. Our real estate agents at Josey Young & Brady Realty can help you find Atlanta homes for sale in a variety of gated communities and understand whether living in a gated neighborhood is the right choice for you.

The following are some of the most important things you should consider if you're thinking about moving into a gated community:

Pros

• Increased safety and security
  While there's no guarantee against crime, gated communities tend to be safer because access is limited.
  
  
• More amenities and social opportunities 
  Gated communities often have pools, green spaces, clubhouses and/or recreation centers that serve as community hubs. Some also have additional perks such as golf courses or tennis courts. They're likely to host community events that help you form bonds with your neighbors and build a strong sense of community.

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Buying a home and selling a home each come with more than their fair share of challenges. But what if you're trying to do both at the same time? Our real estate agents understand that the struggle is real, and we're here to help. 

Before you sell your home or start looking for Atlanta homes for sale, we have a few tips that might take some of the stress out of the equation. One option many homebuyers turn to is a bridge loan, which essentially "bridges" the gap between buying a new home and selling your current residence. There are a lot of benefits as well as some potential drawbacks, but it's an option worth considering. 

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Our real estate agents at Josey Young & Brady Realty can introduce you to Atlanta homes for sale of any size and description to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a starter home or an income property, we will help you navigate our real estate market successfully.

A rental property can be an excellent way to cultivate a reliable income stream for savings or paying the bills. Many people aim to purchase Atlanta properties where the rent they collect will provide most, if not all, of the income they need to pay their mortgage.

What about when dedicating a whole home to renting isn't feasible? Buying a home that has a basement apartment or other rental suite can be a worthwhile alternative.

However, renting out a spare room has its own challenges. Some of these are amplified by having a tenant onsite with your family. It's crucial to know exactly what you're getting into!

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Relocation to Atlanta has exploded in recent years, and if you're planning to do the same, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure your move goes smoothly. With all the hassles involved – from the big physical stuff such as packing, down to the small things like paperwork – it's no surprise that you might forget some things.

With the following tips from our real estate agents, you'll be sure to comb through everything and ensure you don't leave any stone unturned.

1. Changing your address
   When you move, simple things like changing your address can go unforgotten. Ensure that you contact the US Postal Service to update your address, letting them know if you are making a temporary or permanent move. It's also wise to update things like credit card and bank companies, and DMV.

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If you've spent month after month checking out Atlanta homes for sale, you're probably ready for an end-of-the-year break. House hunting takes a lot of time and energy, but there are many reasons to continue your search during the holidays. As the city comes alive with holiday cheer, Atlanta homes seem even more beautiful. If you get tired of your search, you'll have Christmas festivities to keep you in a jolly mood.

Our real estate agents understand that many home buyers and sellers take a holiday break, but that makes home-shopping easier for you. Continuing your home search during the holidays is smart. Here are five reasons why.

1. Inspired Sellers
   While some home sellers abandon their marketing efforts during the holidays, others feel highly motivated to continue. As homeowners deactivate their listings, only the truly inspired home sellers try to connect with serious buyers. Their reasons vary. They could have a job in another city. The family could be downsizing because of a pending retirement or upsizing due to a family addition. Whatever their reason for opening up their home to strangers during the holidays, they'll be receptive to the buyers who show up.
   
   

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Most of us have heard the saying, "The three most important things when buying a house is location, location, location."  However, nowadays, finding a home in a well-respected system district ranks highly in the home buying decision.  Results from a Realtor.com® survey reports people who closed on a home this year found 73% said buying in a good school district was "important" in their search.

Our REALTORS® are ready to help as you search for Atlanta homes for sale, determining which school district and neighborhood might be the right fit for your family.

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