How to Buy a SHORT SALE

You may be a buyer who has heard the horror stories associated with a Short Sale and may be fearful of them.  However, there is no need to be as Short Sales Can Be Your Best Buy.  The key to navigating a Short Sale is understanding the oddities associated with purchasing a Short Sale to minimize your frustration with the process.

The REAL Houses of Atlanta: REAL Tips to Succeed as a Rookie Investor

If you are new to investing in Atlanta’s hot real estate market, check out the latest episode with critical tips for your success.  Click here to watch:

REAL Tips to Succeed as a Rookie Investor

Bought a Home in 2011? 3 Important Tips to Save Money in 2012

Congratulations on making a great home purchase in 2011 (since real estate prices and rates are at historic lows, I know you received a great deal )!  Now that you have landed a great piece of Georgia real estate, here are some tips to be sure to do in 2012 to maximize your benefits.

The “CONDO CASH” Program

Living in an urban area, such as Atlanta and New York, where you can live/work/play on the same street allows many urban dwellers a luxury of little, if no, commuting.  However, in this economy and real estate market, many would-be condo buyers have faced challenges with purchasing condos (despite the deeply discounted priced units) due to Homeowner Association (HOA) delinquencies by the current/previous owners of the condo.  However, Freddie Mac is hoping to solve this problem.

FREE MONEY For Those in the Military

For many, the American Dream of home-ownership has become even more desirable with the extremely low housing prices found in today’s real estate market due to the numerous foreclosures. And although the home prices are still at a record low in most parts of the nation, especially here in Metro Atlanta, I do not know anyone that would not like free money to be given towards a home purchase.  What free money?, you ask.  Well, whether you are actively serving in our nation’s military, are in the reserves, are a veteran, are an employee of the Department of Defense, or are employee of the Department of Homeland Security, you may qualify for down-payment assistance up to $5000 towards your next home purchase.

How to Get a $7500 Grant Towards Your Home Purchase

Many of us enjoy the investment matching programs offered by various employers, where for every $1 you invest in your retirement, your employer may match you with $1 or some variation.  Many capitalize on such matching programs but what if someone would match the funds you contribute to your home purchase? Here in metro Atlanta, there is such a program through the FHLBank First-time Homebuyer Program (FHP).

Special Mortgage Financing for Medical Professionals

If you are just beginning a career in the medical profession (i.e. licensed and practicing residents, licensed and practicing physicians, dentist, etc.), then there is a new real estate opportunity available for you!  As everyone is aware, in today’s real estate market, a buyer can typically find an extraordinary real estate deal and get mortgage financing as long as they have an established working history and little debt, including student loans.   Now, however, as a medical professional you can now purchase a home even if your employment start date is up to 60 days after your closing. 

Buyer Beware: Caveats of REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS

You hear about a great home being offered at a real estate auction for a fraction of what it should sale for.  This must be a great opportunity, right? Not necessarily.  You may remember seeing sitcoms where someone at an auction accidentally coughs, scratches his head, etc. and then ends up purchasing the auction item at a price they did not want.  Then the rest of the TV show we see them scrabbling to get out of the purchase.  Similarly, with real estate auctions, a Buyer can unknowingly sign-up for a purchase they are not prepared to make.  Thus, it is extremely important for Buyers to understand all the terms of that particular auction house before bidding as the process can be significantly different than a typical purchase from a homeowner.

“Is This A Good Real Estate Deal?”

In this real estate market, there seems to be no end to low-priced homes, whether foreclosures, REOs, short sales, owner financed, etc., but how do you know if it truly is a good deal?  I can see many purchasers salivating over the low prices in this real estate market but don’t pack up and move just yet.  Avoid getting caught in the hype of something being low-priced.  Here are several strategic factors beyond price to consider to help insure your real estate purchase will be a sound investment.

Places To Love: SERRANO CONDOMINIUMS

After much anticipation, Metro Atlanta’s Serrano condos have finally made their grand opening debut.  Deemed as Sandy Springs’ Mediterranean-inspired homes, the Serrano offers condo lovers 13 exquisite floorplans, gated, covered parking with private resident floor access, and amenities galore all at a discounted price.  Conveniently located in the heart of Sandy Springs, GA off Abernathy Rd. 1 block west of GA 400, the Serrano offers you convenience and quick access to Perimeter Mall, Buckhead, Downtown Atlanta, Alpharetta, I-285, GA 400, and I-75, which is a must in Atlanta’s heavy traffic.  (The key in Atlanta’s traffic is to learn the back roads, which from the Serrano you can get downtown, north, east or west without getting on a freeway - having been in Atlanta’s traffic, you know this is a miracle!)

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