Is it time to find your Dream Home?

The current market is extremely low on inventory. Having access to the most up to date database in Georgia can be greatly beneficial in your search. Contact me and I can help get you set up with your own portal web page to search the FMLS (First Multiple Listing Service).  No worries, it’s a free service!  🙂

1 – To set up your personal portal, I will need to know a few specifics to start things off:

• your e-mail address
• your preferred area(s)
• a maximum price
• type of home – ranch, traditional 2 story, etc.
• your must haves; # of bedrooms, # of bathrooms, preferred school district, basement, 2 car garage, etc.  Click here to Submit your info.

2 – Once we have your portal set up with your preferred criteria, you will receive listings directly to your inbox. You will be able to tag the ones you are interested in and then I will schedule a viewing for us. I’ll research the history of the home, and as your Realtor, I can disclose to you all pertinent information.

3 – You will need to provide a pre-approval from your lender before we can schedule and view homes. If you don’t have a lender in mind, I’ve listed a few below. Once you provide them with their requested information, a turn around time is generally within the day.  It’s a free service!

4 – When you find your dream home, and you’re ready to make an offer, I’ll do a cost comparison on homes recently sold in the area to ensure that our offer is on target, prepare all paperwork and negotiate any needed counter offers to get the best possible deal for you. Once binding, I work closely with you through your due diligence period scheduling inspections and being your liaison for all correspondence between the seller/listing agent and the closing attorney. I’ll also schedule and assist with your final walk through to ensure all agreed upon contracted items have been addressed, attend the closing with you, and then hug you goodbye before you walk away with the keys to your new dream home. I’m here to do the hard work for you, so that you don’t have to. Partnering with you, as your Realtor, my goal is to guide you through the process of one of the greatest and most rewarding decisions in life – becoming a new Home Owner!

STEP 1 – FINDING A HOME, WORKING WITH A REALTOR

Working with a REALTOR is one of the best decisions you can make when it comes to purchasing a home. Adhering to a state governed Code of Ethics paired with a Buyer’s Brokerage Agreement, as your REALTOR, I can provide complete representation throughout the process with full disclosure of all properties. My services are generally FREE to the Buyer, as the Seller is usually the responsible party paying commission at closing. 

STEP 2 – CREDIT SCORES

If you will need a loan to purchase your new home, one of the first things you’ll need to do before beginning your house search is to check your credit score. Most lenders will require a score of at least 580 or higher to qualify you for a loan. Checking your score first and correcting any issues will be to your advantage. Loan interest rates are based on a number of factors, one being your credit score. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate. Debt to income ratios are also important, so it is best to pay down any credit cards before house hunting.

Credit Karma is just one of several companies that offers a free credit check. They also send you updates as your score improves, along with tidbits on how to continue improving your scores. Most lenders will also work with you and give you helpful advice on how to correct and improve your credit scores.

STEP 3 – MORTGAGE LENDERS & HOME LOAN PROGRAMS 

When searching for a lender, it’s always best to check with several before making a final decision. There are many varied loans available and not all lenders offer the same options, programs and terms. Veterans, first time buyers, etc. may have additional options. Shopping around can help ensure that you’ll get the best deal for your specific needs. Below are just a few lenders and programs that you may want to check out. Once you have a letter of pre-approval from a lender we can start home shopping, but you have the option (for a limited time) of changing your final decision on lenders even after we go binding on a home.  

Documents generally required for getting a pre-approval letter from a lender might include a copy of:  Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Mortgage Statement, Most Recent Bank Statements, Pay Stubs, Property Tax Bill, Retirement and/or Investment Statement, Tax Return (1040), and a W-2 for the past 2 years or a 1099.

Metro Brokers Financial Inc. – Aaron Fink, Sr. Loan Officer, 678-906-8663

Caliber Home Loans – Nikki Vinluan, Loan Consultant, 706-380-3512

ALCOVA Mortgage, LLC – Lindsay Frangie, Branch Partner, 404-451-8429

Bay Equity Home Loans – Erica Brown Sr Loan Officer, 770-906-7786

There are many programs and options, all with varying qualifications. Check out Home Partners of America, CHENOA, and TRIO.  You can also check to see if there are down payment assistance options here:

Below are just a few of the costs you might expect when purchasing a home. You’ll need to save up your nest egg prior to house hunting. 

Ernest Money – Is generally paid after you go binding on a home. It is considered somewhat a good faith small down payment showing the seller that you have serious intentions of purchasing the home. It is usually 1% of the selling price, generally held by the buyer’s broker in escrow, and then is deducted from your total due at closing.

Home Inspection – $350 & up depending on home location and square footage. Once you go binding on your dream home, you will want to have it inspected during due diligence to see if it has any minor and/or major issues.

Down Payment – There are many various loan types, but unless you qualify for zero down payment with USDA, CHENOA, etc., you can expect your down payment to be 3-5% of the home sale price.

Closing Costs – Negotiating can sometimes result with the Seller contributing a portion, but otherwise you can expect to pay about 3.5% of the loan amount for your lender closing costs. 

Home Owners Insurance – Varies based on home value and insurance carrier company. Check with your lender for details. 

** NOTE:  PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ANY MAJOR PURCHASES PRIOR TO CLOSING ON YOUR HOME. **

This can result in a last minute bank decline of loan approval and a CANCELLATION of your closing. The mortgage lender will check, and recheck your monetary transactions several times, all the way up through closing day. So please do not purchase any large items, i.e. furniture for the new home, a car, boat, etc., nor should you open a new line of CREDIT until AFTER closing on your home. When in doubt, always ask your Lender and/or your REALTOR.

**Please remember to list me as your REALTOR when contacting loan officers, and filling out applications.** 

Thank you!  🙂

 Contact Us with any questions.