Articles Tagged "For buyers"

After all of your hard work and careful saving, you're probably starting to look longingly at some of the beautiful Atlanta homes for sale. At this point in the process, a simple error in judgment could derail your plans. Our real estate agents want to help you avoid any such issues. 

• Don't make a major purchase.
  Lenders will check your credit before approving your loan. Buying a new car, furniture, or appliance will impact the loan in more ways than one. Not only will such a purchase lower your FICO score, but it will also increase your debt-to-income ratio or DTI. If your DTI increases to around 43%, you will be considered a risky borrower. If your loan is approved at all, it may be at a higher interest rate. Avoid making such purchases for at least six months to a year before buying a home.

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Our real estate agents want to help you achieve true peace of mind. We're always there for you throughout the process of finding the right Atlanta homes for sale, making a bid, and getting to closing day.

Your real estate agent is your ally from start to finish but doesn't do it all alone. Depending on your situation, there may be other experts on your team. One of the most important ones virtually every buyer needs is a trusted home inspector.

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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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Do the unprecedented events of the last 18 months have you longing for a more peaceful, family-oriented place to call home? You're not alone. Our real estate agents share the compelling reasons that led Realtor.com to name Peachtree City as one of the top 11 family-friendly suburbs in the country.

Peachtree City by the Numbers

• Peachtree City enjoys a robust job market. At a rate of 2%, unemployment is nearly nonexistent and only one-third of the national rate of 6%. In addition, the job market has increased 2.9% over the last year and is projected to grow by 44.1% over the next 10 years, compared to the national estimate of 33.5%.

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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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You may have heard that there is a shortage of real estate available in America, but our real estate agents want to assure you that there are plenty of magnificent Atlanta homes for sale, no matter your price range. But did you know that your credit score can change the affordability of your dream house? Credit scores not only make a difference in the mortgage rate but also in the type of loan for which you can qualify, including the amount of down payment required. Conventional mortgages usually require a minimum score of 620, FHA requires 580, VA and USDA require 640, and jumbo loans 700-740. Unfortunately, how these credit scores are calculated is a mystery to most consumers. Here are few ways to boost your score.

• Don't apply for new credit
  Retailers are always pitching their store cards with promises of money-saving prices and cashback on purchases. Lenders look at your FICO score to determine creditworthiness. Opening new accounts over a short period of time can signal a greater credit risk to lenders. New credit accounts for about 10% of your score.

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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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If you've been thinking about making Atlanta your new home, now is a perfect time! Not only are there many great Atlanta homes for sale, but the cost of living here is also incredibly low. In fact, the city was recently named #12 in a recent article titled "America's 20 Cheapest Cities Where Everyone Wants to Live Right Now." 

What makes the Atlanta area so attractive? Let's take a look! 

• A Look at the Numbers
  As one of the largest metro areas in the country, there's a lot to love about Atlanta. The city offers beautiful, unique neighborhoods, excellent dining opportunities, and comfortable weather. It's also home to some of the country's top-rated colleges, including Emory University, Georgia Tech, Georga State University, and Kennesaw State University. If you love to travel, you'll appreciate being close to Atlanta-Hartsfield International, the world's busiest airport.
  
  It's also super-affordable to live here! The median household income is $71,724, which is $6,000 higher than the average in the United States. The cost of living is also 2.7% lower than the national average.

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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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Deciding whether to purchase a house or a condo can be a tough decision. There are unique benefits to both options - and the best choice ultimately depends on your preference, budget, and where you are in your life. To help you make an informed decision, our real estate agents outlined several advantages of owning a house and a condo.

Three Benefits of Purchasing a Condo

• They're Often Less Expensive
  When all else is equal (market, size, etc.), condos tend to be your cheaper option. If you have a smaller budget, condos will allow you to get by with a smaller down payment and a smaller mortgage payment. However, keep in mind that some condos often have Homeowners Association (HOA) fees ranging anywhere from $100 a month to well over $1,000 per month.

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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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Moving is stressful under the best of circumstances, and it can cause even more anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak. Keeping your family and others safe is paramount as you go through all the tasks associated with a move, and this may take a little more work and planning during these unusual times.

Our real estate agents suggest the following five moving tips to help you stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Research your movers and minimize contact
   In a pre-coronavirus world, you'd probably want to be present as much as possible when movers are giving you an estimate or packing and loading your belongings. Now, however, minimizing contact is best for everyone's health. When you're choosing a mover, ask about contactless moving. Many companies are utilizing technology to do everything from seeing customers' belongings and providing quotes to showing customers the loaded truck.

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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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The mortgage loan application process is quite rigorous - one or several strikes against you and the loan officer decides that you don't qualify. There are many reasons why your request for a loan may have been rejected. Receiving a rejection letter can certainly be a disappointment. But rather than dwell on the unfortunate outcome, use it as a valuable learning experience and correct the problem. Our real estate agents share five possible causes for a mortgage loan denial and what you can do to improve your chances moving forward.

• Down Payment is Too Small
  A down payment shows lenders that you're capable of saving money, and you're serious about investing in your future home. So, a small down payment does little to put their minds at ease. Conventional loans require a down payment anywhere between 5% and 20% of the total value of a home. If you come up with anything less than 20%, chances are very high that you'll receive a denial or be required to pay private mortgage insurance.
  
  How to fix: Start saving early enough so you reach the 20% threshold when submitting your application or wait and give yourself time to save up the funds. You can also use a gift from a relative as long as no repayment is expected. Ensure you're transparent in documenting the source of the money. Finally, you can have the seller pay some of the closing costs.

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Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step on the path to buying a home, and one that every shopper should look into when they get serious about making a purchase. Pre-approval allows you to get a strong idea of the funds you'll have available to spend on your home, makes it easier to plan your budget, and shows sellers that you're a serious buyer. But it's important to be prepared before speaking with lenders, so when is the right time to get pre-approved? Our real estate agents are here to help, with a guide to planning for mortgage pre-approval when shopping for a home.

• Why Pre-Approval Is So Important
  When you're competing with other buyers for Atlanta homes for sale, you want to do everything that you can to make your offer stand out from the pack. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage shows sellers that you have the necessary funds available to back your offer, and gives seller's agents a reason to take your offers seriously. From your perspective, pre-approval provides a firm range for how much home you can afford and allows you to start planning for your purchase with confidence. Overall, a buyer with pre-approval is in a much better position to close the deal.

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As the January approaches, our real estate agents want you to start the New Year on the right foot. Instead of choosing a resolution, we believe it's fun and exciting to try a new hobby. Here are a few popular activities you can try in the New Year.

• Find Your Om at Tough Love Yoga — 1530 Dekalb Ave. NE. Suite D., Atlanta, GA 30307
  Making a resolution to commit to an exercise regiment is a healthy choice but did you know that you can get a great workout in just through stretching? Find your "om" at Tough Love Yoga where you'll learn yoga poses through a variety of lessons. Classes include Deep Stretch, Prenatal Yoga, Basics, Yoga + Meditate. Moms-to-be will enjoy Prenatal Yoga while rockers will love Metal Yoga. There's a class for you at this affordable and accessible yoga studio in Atlanta.

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Our real estate agents at Josey Young & Brady Realty know that buying Atlanta homes for sale starts long before you reach out to us. In fact, many people save up for months or years before they embark on the journey of buying their own home. Even if you only have a few months to get ready, there are steps that will help! Two financial habits are essential to achieving your goals:

• Save up money so that you can easily handle a down payment or closing costs.
• Reduce your debts so you can improve your credit score before getting a loan.

Of these, it's the second one that creates the most confusion! Every time you pay down debt, you are raising your credit score. Your credit score, in turn, is a numerical representation of your good financial habits. It uses a number of factors to help lenders assess the risk in offering you a loan.

There are opportunities to raise your credit score every month. A change of just a few points can give you access to loans on more favorable terms, so knowing how your credit score works is worth the effort. Let's look at some of the best ways to improve your credit before applying for a home loan.

1. Pay Bills on Time
   Most people have predictable income from work and set, monthly due dates for bills. Still, with so many things to keep track of, it's possible to let something slip. Set up a calendar, use a mobile app with reminders, or set up automatic payments to ensure bills get out on time.

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If you're relocating to the metro Atlanta area, you'll be moving to a growing, vibrant city that has a lot to offer. You'll be able to enjoy plenty of entertainment options, green space, a mild climate, and a relatively low cost of living when compared to other parts of the country. Atlanta also has a thriving business climate, so if you're looking for a job, you'll see that many companies are hiring.

As you look for Atlanta homes for sale, you can also check out job openings at some of the city's top employers:

1. Delta Air Lines
   Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has been named the busiest passenger airport for 21 years in a row, so it should come as no surprise that Delta Air Lines is one of Atlanta's top employers. The airline, which is headquartered in Atlanta, has about 34,500 employees in the city, including flight attendants, cargo positions, airport customer service, and information technology. It also earned a spot on Glassdoor's December 2018 list of the best places to work.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Deciding to add your home to the list of Atlanta homes for sale is a big decision. For first-time sellers, it might be almost as big of a decision as buying a home in the first place. After all, selling your home successfully is something that affects your financial well-being and plans for the future. But there are ways to make things less stressful and help you get your home sold.

1. Pick the right agent
   A great agent can take a lot of stress out of the process. Take time to interview at least a few about the success they've recently had selling homes like yours. Make sure to view CMAs and ask about their marketing plan and strategies. Our real estate agents are happy to answer any questions you might have.
   
   

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Are your preparing to purchase a home for the first time? Understanding what's ahead will help you navigate the process of buying for the first time, and applying for a mortgage is one of the most important steps in that process. Before you apply for a mortgage, however, it's a good idea to read what our real estate agents have to say about how to make the process as seamless as possible.

First-Time Buyers: Applying for Your First Mortgage

Let's say you've been browsing Atlanta homes for sale, and you've identified a property that fits both your taste and your budget. If you want to make a serious offer on a home that suits your goals, then applying for a mortgage is a must. Understanding what to expect is key, and will help you navigate the process with confidence.

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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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