7 Reasons to Own Your Home
Tax Breaks The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home. Appreciation Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing. Equity Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home. Savings Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax. Predictability Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase. Freedom The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home. Stability Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.
Tax Benefits of Homeownership
The tax deductions you’re eligible to take for mortgage interest and property taxes greatly increase the financial benefits of homeownership. Here’s how it works. Assume: $9,877 = Mortgage interest paid (a loan of $150,000 for 30 years, at 7 percent, using year-five interest) $2,700 = Property taxes (at 1.5 percent on $180,000 assessed value) ______ $12,577 = Total deduction Then, multiply your total deduction by your tax rate. For example, at a 28 percent tax rate: 12,577 x 0.28 = $3,521.56 $3,521.56 = Amount you have lowered your federal income tax (at 28 percent tax rate) Note: Mortgage interest may not be deductible on loans over $1.1 million. In addition, deductions are decreased when total income reaches a certain level. West Atlanta Real Estate Experts List! Buy! Sell! This is not your ordinary Brokerage. Unlike most real estate companies that force you to do things one way or their way, we believe you should have choices to pick and choose what best fits your individual needs.We are always looking for new ways to make and West Atlanta real estate more efficient AND without sacrificing quality or service. If you’re looking to buy a home in West Atlanta or sell your existing West Atlanta property, we will be happy to take care of your real estate needs. Our mission is to provide outstanding customer service while utilizing the best practices and systems available.For more information about List! Buy! Save! real estate services and how we can best serve you, please fill out the online contact form or give us call today!Chip Hurst Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta 770.294.9976 Mobile Hurstch@bellsouth.net www.WestAtlantaRealEstate.com
Ten Tips for Taking the Stress out of Buying a Home in West Atlanta
Buying a home in West Atlanta should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home,keep these 10 tips in mind for making the process as peaceful as possible. Find a West Atlanta Real Estate Agent you Connect With Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality. There’s No Right Time to Buy a Home in West Atlanta GA Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long. Don’t Ask for Too Many Opinions Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family – the people who will be living in the home. Accept That No House is Ever Perfect If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go. Don’t Try to Be a Killer Negotiator Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take. Remember, Your Home doesn’t Exist in a Vacuum Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life. Plan Ahead Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers. Factor in Maintenance and Repair Costs Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you are buying a new home in West Atlanta , there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate. A Little Buyer’s Remorse is Inevitable Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home in West Atlanta, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased. Choose a West Atlanta Home for Sale because You Love It Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live. West Atlanta, GA Real Estate Expert List! Buy! Sell! This is not your ordinary West Atlanta real estate brokerage. Unlike most real estate companies that force you to do things one way or their way, we believe you should have choices to pick and choose what best fits your individual needs. We are always looking for new ways to make and West Atlanta real estate more efficient AND without sacrificing quality or service. If you’re looking to buy a home in West Atlanta or sell your existing West Atlanta property, we will be happy to take care of your real estate needs. Our mission is to provide outstanding customer service while utilizing the best practices and systems available. For more information about List! Buy! Sell! West Atlanta real estate services and how we can best serve you, please fill out the online contact form or give us call today! Chip Hurst Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta 770.294.9976 Mobile Chip.Hurst@WestAtlantaRealEstate.com www.WestAtlantaRealEstate.com Map of West Atlanta, GA View Larger Map
Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®
Not all West Atlanta real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are nine reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®: 1). You’ll have an Expert to Guide You Through the Process Buying or selling a home in West Atlanta usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. 2). Get Objective Information and Opinions when Buying or Selling West Atlanta Property REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the West Atlanta property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell? 3). Find the Best West Atlanta Property out There Sometimes the West Atlanta real estate property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available West Atlanta properties. 4). Benefit from Their Negotiating Experience There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the West Atlanta property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required. 5). West Atlanta Property Marketing Power West Atlanta real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property. 6). Real Estate has Its own Language If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language. 7). REALTORS® have Done it Before Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical. 8). Buying and Selling West Atlanta Property is Emotional A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you. 9). Ethical Treatment Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years. West Atlanta, GA Real Estate Experts List! Buy! Sell! This is not your ordinary West Atlanta real estate brokerage. Unlike most real estate companies that force you to do things one way or their way, we believe you should have choices to pick and choose what best fits your individual needs. We are always looking for new ways to make and West Atlanta real estate more efficient AND without sacrificing quality or service. If you’re looking to buy a home in West Atlanta or sell your existing West Atlanta property, we will be happy to take care of your real estate needs. Our mission is to provide outstanding customer service while utilizing the best practices and systems available. For more information about List! Buy! Sell! West Atlanta real estate services and how we can best serve you, please fill out the online contact form or give us call today! Chip Hurst Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta 770.294.9976 Mobile Chip.Hurst@WestAtlantaRealEstate.com www.WestAtlantaRealEstate.com Map of West Atlanta, GA View Larger Map
Moving to Atlanta? Consider Going West!
Atlanta has so much to offer as a big city but if you are relocating to Atlanta it can be a little overwhelming on where to choose your next home. Home to the proclaimed busiest airport in the world, several fortune 500 companies, major sporting teams and great infrastructure are some of the economic reasons you might be relocating to Atlanta. In your search for your next home here, you may study the layout of the city, proximity to your job, review schools, study commute patterns among other factors to help you make your decisions. West Atlanta Real Estate focuses on the quieter less congested area of town that residents desire but still located close enough to downtown Atlanta, Atlanta Hartsfield airport, major shopping, excellent healthcare facilities and a great local university. West Atlanta Real Estate West Atlanta Real Estate focuses in the areas of west and south Cobb County, Douglas County, Carroll County, Paulding County, Haralson County, Heard County going to the Alabama state line. Below is a brief synopsis of the general cities with the selling area. These locations follow the west side of Atlanta going out to the I-20 corridoor towards: Cobb County Real Estate Smyrna, Ga – Smyrna is located about 10 miles NW of the Atlanta City limits. A popular choice for residents for it’s short commute to many parts of Atlanta and it’s proximity to I-285, Smyrna is just that location, location, location. A newly redisigned downtown area has new restaurants, shops and bustling small town feel with being near everything. Some of the local businesses are Glock, IBM and UCB Pharmaceuticals. Austell, Ga – Austell features a suburban feel also with a short commute, good shopping, restaurants and nice neighborhoods. Located in the southern part of Cobb County, it is near large industrial and warehousing district of the Fulton Industrial area near I-20. Local businesses are Cobb Wellstar Hospital and Carustar Industries. Powder Springs, Ga – Located just north of Austell about 5 miles, it sits off the East West Connector in southern Cobb county. The East West Connector is a widely used commuter pass through for downtown Atlanta commutes. Residents commute to all points of Atlanta but is conveniently near Marietta and Douglasville. Douglas County Real Estate Douglasville, Ga – Just a little further west, Douglasville is bisected by interstate 1-20. Many residents commute to Atlanta daily choosing the easy commute of about 35 minutes to the city and also its short commute to the Hartsfield International Airport. Surrounded by the convieniences of the big city with shopping and restaurants, it boasts the area’s largest regional mall, Arbor Place as well as the Douglasville Maxmimum One Realty of Greater Atlanta. Paulding County Real Estate Dallas, Ga – Dallas is the county seat of Paulding county. The county experienced huge growth in the recent years and Paulding County Georgia is ranked 7th (2007 Census) in population growth among the United States. Being the 2nd Fastest growing county in Georgia. Also the 2nd fastest growing county in Metro Atlanta. Many upscale but yet affordable developments were built in recent years along with great infrastructure and schools. Located in the heart of Paulding county most commuters travel highway 278 which is a direct route to I-20 and the Hartsfield International Airport. Hiram, Ga – Hiram also experienced huge growth recently. A suburban feel with shopping and restaurants nearby. Great access to highway 278 and highway 92 give its appeal. Area residents like home town feel, schools and shopping. Carroll County Real Estate Villa Rica, Ga – Villa Rica sits in the northern section of Carroll County off I-20. A 45 minute commute to Atlanta and Hartsfield International Airport, most residents like the country feel and much less congestions. Shoppers find their needs in either Douglasville, Carrollton or Villa Rica and enjoy the small town atmosphere. Carrollton, Ga – Carrollton is considered an economic hub for the west Georgia area. Headquartered to large corporations like Southwire, Greenway Medical and it also houses facilities for Wal-Mart.com, Sony and Airtran. Carrollton is also a college town that is home to the University of West Georgia which has about 11,300 enrolled for the past five years. An exceptional school district for the city of Carrollton, it draws students from all parts of the county for its academic and athletic status. Haralson County Real Estate Bremen, Ga – Bremen is in Haralson County just north of interstate 20 towards the Alabama border. Bremen has been long known for its textile mills that have been in operation for many years. Many of the mills have moved operations oversees but the small town feel is still very much alive and well. A rural atmosphere with a small town is what draws its residents. Bremen city also features a highly touted school system that draws many students from other areas. West Atlanta Real Estate Experts List! Buy! Sell! This is not your ordinary Brokerage. Unlike most real estate companies that force you to do things one way or their way, we believe you should have choices to pick and choose what best fits your individual needs. We are always looking for new ways to make and West Atlanta real estate more efficient AND without sacrificing quality or service. If you’re looking to buy a home in West Atlanta or sell your existing West Atlanta property, we will be happy to take care of your real estate needs. Our mission is to provide outstanding customer service while utilizing the best practices and systems available. For more information about West Atlanta Real Estate services and how we can best serve you, please fill out the online contact form or give us call today! Chip Hurst Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta 770.294.9976 Mobile Hurstch@bellsouth.net www.WestAtlantaRealEstate.com Map of West Atlanta, Georgia View Larger Map
Maximum One Realty First Time Home Buyers Information
Maximum Home Realty offers free information for first time home buyers in a downloadable format – everything you need to know about buying a home in West Atlanta, GA. Home Buying Packet [gview file=”http://www.westatlantarealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Home-Buying-Packet.pdf” height=”1200″ width=”800″] West Atlanta, GA Real Estate Experts List! Buy! Sell! This is not your ordinary West Atlanta real estate brokerage. Unlike most real estate companies that force you to do things one way or their way, we believe you should have choices to pick and choose what best fits your individual needs. We are always looking for new ways to make and West Atlanta real estate more efficient AND without sacrificing quality or service. If you’re looking to buy a home in West Atlanta or sell your existing West Atlanta property, we will be happy to take care of your real estate needs. Our mission is to provide outstanding customer service while utilizing the best practices and systems available. For more information about List! Buy! Sell! West Atlanta real estate services and how we can best serve you, please fill out the online contact form or give us call today! Chip Hurst Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta 770.294.9976 Mobile Chip.Hurst@WestAtlantaRealEstate.com www.WestAtlantaRealEstate.com
Fairfield Plantation wants to Keep Their Local Precinct
Some Fairfield Plantation residents are protesting Carroll County’s plan to close Fairfield’s voting precinct and move voters there to nearby precincts in Sandhill and Hulett. Becky Deese, the c… via Fairfield wants to keep precinct FairField Plantation Villa Rica, GA Real Estate Expert List! Buy! Sell! This is not your ordinary West Atlanta real estate brokerage. Unlike most real estate companies that force you to do things one way or their way, we believe you should have choices to pick and choose what best fits your individual needs. We are always looking for new ways to make and West Atlanta real estate more efficient AND without sacrificing quality or service. If you’re looking to buy a home in West Atlanta or sell your existing West Atlanta property, we will be happy to take care of your real estate needs. Our mission is to provide outstanding customer service while utilizing the best practices and systems available. For more information about List! Buy! Sell! West Atlanta real estate services and how we can best serve you, please fill out the online contact form or give us call today! Chip Hurst Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta 770.294.9976 Mobile Chip.Hurst@WestAtlantaRealEstate.com www.WestAtlantaRealEstate.com Map of FairField Plantation Villa Rica, GA View Larger Map
Caroll County, GA New Home Sales Continue to Dip but Resales are On the Rise
I read an interesting article today in the Times- Georgian about new home sales continuing to dip but resales are on the rise. “The new home market is nearly non-existent in Carroll County, but sales of pre-existing homes is looking up, according to a local real estate official. This news mirrors a Monday U.S. Department of Commerce report that new home sales fell to a six-month low in August and are on pace for the worst year since the government began keeping records a half century ago. In Carroll County only 17 building permits for new home construction have been issued so far this year, according to the county’s Codes and Community Development office.” Current Caroll County, GA new home sales are on the down from last year this time as depicted in this graph below. Caroll County, GA Real Estate Expert List! Buy! Sell! This is not your ordinary West Atlanta real estate brokerage. Unlike most real estate companies that force you to do things one way or their way, we believe you should have choices to pick and choose what best fits your individual needs. We are always looking for new ways to make and West Atlanta real estate more efficient AND without sacrificing quality or service. If you’re looking to buy a home in West Atlanta or sell your existing West Atlanta property, we will be happy to take care of your real estate needs. Our mission is to provide outstanding customer service while utilizing the best practices and systems available. For more information about List! Buy! Sell! West Atlanta real estate services and how we can best serve you, please fill out the online contact form or give us call today! Chip Hurst Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta 770.294.9976 Mobile Chip.Hurst@WestAtlantaRealEstate.com www.WestAtlantaRealEstate.com Carroll County, GA Map View Larger Map
Mini Horse Farm on 9.85 acres near Douglasville and Carrollton
Are Your A Horse Lover? Listed at $199,900 Calling all cowboys! Recently listed in West Atlanta and only 40 minutes that Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, 15 minutes to Douglasville, Ga and 25 minutes to Carrollton, Ga. Home features a beautiful tract of land that backs up to a large timber tract that provides a buffer and peace and quiet. Sitting on rolling hills, this 9.85 acres mini horse farm is fully enclosed with barbed wire fence and can have two separate pastures. The amenites include a stable that can hold 2 horses, a bunk house, a pole barn and a storage building. The interior is an updated farm house that has a front and back covered porch, large country kitchen with granite tops, large breakfast area, masonary fireplace, large island, pantry, hardwood floors and pine tongue and groove ceiling. The main floor also features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, optional rooms that can pose as a study or bedroom. There is a large bonus room over the garage and there is an unfinished basement. The exterior is made of white easy maintained vinyl siding with wooden decks and porches. The utilites serving the home are a deep well and electrical furnace and air conditioner. This home is serviced by a septic tank. This home is in Carroll County, Ga and sits just yards from the Douglas County line surrounded by like properties on similar sized lots sitting in a rural area off of Hwy 5 on Mt. Zion Church Rd before the St Andrews Golf community. West Atlanta Real Estate Experts List! Buy! Sell! This is not your ordinary Brokerage. Unlike most real estate companies that force you to do things one way or their way, we believe you should have choices to pick and choose what best fits your individual needs. We are always looking for new ways to make and West Atlanta real estate more efficient AND without sacrificing quality or service. If you’re looking to buy a home in West Atlanta or sell your existing West Atlanta property, we will be happy to take care of your real estate needs. Our mission is to provide outstanding customer service while utilizing the best practices and systems available. For more information about West Atlanta Real Estate services and how we can best serve you, please fill out the online contact form or give us call today! Chip Hurst Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta 770.294.9976 Mobile Hurstch@bellsouth.net www.WestAtlantaRealEstate.com Map of 284 Mt Zion Church Rd, Whitesburg, Ga30185 View Larger Map
The Appraisal Contingency
Do I Need An Appraisal Contingency With the current state of the real estate market, you as a buyer, can be on the not so friendly end of the appraiser’s opinion on the home you are trying to purchase. So what are your options of an appraisal the misses the mark? Will the lender still lend the money? Is the deal dead if the home does not appraise? On every real estate transaction I put together when representing the buyer, I make sure we have an appraisal contingency in place. What does it do? The appraisal contingency makes the offer subject to the appraisal meaning that if the house does not appraise for the contract price then the lender won’t lend the money and you can’t buy the house. That wouldn’t be a good thing. In our Georgia Realtor contracts, it allows for our appraisal contingency to have a certain amount of time to complete an appraisal. I usually ask for a comfortable amount of time to have the appraisal ordered, performed and then reviewed by the lender and their underwriters. When asking for the time initially in negotiating a deal you need to allow for the negotiation time as well as a few weeks afterward but before the closing date. So if we are going to close in 45 days then we would try to have the seller agree to a 30-40 day time period for our appraisal. With the lending regulations that have changed recently, lenders can’t typically choose the appraiser and neither can you if you are financing the deal. That appraiser is usually on the lender’s approved list and only one will do your appraisal. The appraisal will be ordered by your lender so you don’t have to make the call. Once the appraisal has been completed you will know really quickly if there is appraisal issues from your lender and here is where action is necessary on you as the buyer. If the appraisal is very low there may be an impasse and the seller may never agree to reduce that low but it will depend on the seller’s motivation as to whether additional negotiations are going to take place. How Does The Appraisal Contingency Safegaurds You 1. Allowing your lender to order and obtain the appraisal within a time limit 2. Safeguarding your earnest money or deposit if the appraisal is low and you need to terminate 3. Allowing the seller time to match or renegotiate the contract on other terms in the deal 4. Allowing the buyer the option to go with the lower appraisal and make up the difference with their cash 5. Finally, allowing the buyer to terminate the deal if seller is unwilling to match or renegotiate West Atlanta Real Estate Experts List! Buy! Sell! This is not your ordinary Brokerage. Unlike most real estate companies that force you to do things one way or their way, we believe you should have choices to pick and choose what best fits your individual needs. We are always looking for new ways to make and West Atlanta real estate more efficient AND without sacrificing quality or service. If you’re looking to buy a home in West Atlanta or sell your existing West Atlanta property, we will be happy to take care of your real estate needs. Our mission is to provide outstanding customer service while utilizing the best practices and systems available. For more information about West Atlanta Real Estate services and how we can best serve you, please fill out the online contact form or give us call today! Chip Hurst Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta 770.294.9976 Mobile Hurstch@bellsouth.net www.WestAtlantaRealEstate.com