Posts with tag 'Mortgage'

One of the most important decisions you'll have to make when remodeling or adding on to your home is finding the right contractor for your job. After all, you're putting a whole lot of trust into one person by giving them a lot of money and letting them and their crew in your home. You also expect them to deliver solid and satisfactory results without major confrontations. With that in mind, our real estate agents have compiled five questions to ask potential contractors that can help you find the best fit for your project.

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
   A resounding yes is the answer you want to hear in response to this question. A license shows you that the contractor is qualified for the job you're looking to have completed and keeps up to speed on code changes and best practices. Having a surety bond is a security that if the contractor does not complete the job, you're protected by the surety company. The contractor should have general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance to protect you from liability if something in your home is damaged or someone is injured while working on your property. Don't just take their word for it; ask for copies to ensure the contractor is current on credentials. If they can't provide papers, that should raise a red flag.

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Beer Day is coming, and our real estate agents know some places around Atlanta where you can celebrate.

Believe it or not, beer has been around for thousands and thousands of years. It far predates coffee, and many of the traditions around beer have been passed down intact since oldest antiquity. At different times, brewing beer was considered a feminine or masculine art. Medieval monks were often dedicated to the craft.

After all this time, the resurgence in craft brewing has shown that there's still more to learn when it comes to beer. Homes for sale in Atlanta benefit from a vigorous brewing culture with lots of local startups. Some have become known around the United States, while others remain among the area's best-kept secret.

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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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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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