How A Budget Will Improve Your Quality Of Life

Make smart use of your hard earned money. Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Achieving Perfect Credit I'd like to assist you with achieving perfect credit and maintaining a healthy budget with my credit restoration/consultant services. This is a list of reasons why making a budget and sticking to it will help you. A budget will guide you in the direction you want to be headed in financially. A budget lets you control your money, instead of your money controlling you. A budget will tell you if you're living within your means. A budget will help you meet your savings goals. A budget will free up your spare cash for you to use on the things that matter to you. A budget helps your entire family focus on common goals. A budget helps you prepare for emergencies or unanticipated expenses that may otherwise drain you financially. A budget can keep you out of debt or help get you out of debt. A budget will reveal items you may be spending too much money on. A budget will help you sleep better at night so you don't lie awake wondering how you're going to make ends meet. Help me, help you Priscilla Hammond Licensed Real Estate Agent Independent Credit Consultant 404.503.6562  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Add us to your address book  view email in browser

JUST SOLD I85/JIMMY CARTER BLVD IN NORCROSS GWINNETT COUNTY GEORGIA

THIS IS A MARKET TRENDS REPORT FROM ONE OF MY RECENT SALES.
THE CONDO HAS 2 BEDROOMS 2 FULL BATHS AND 1 HALF BATH WITH A ROOMMATE FLOOR PLAN
IT'S LOCATED IN A GREAT AREA OF GWINNETT COUNTY CLOSE TO PARKS AND SHOPPING CENTERS.
THE ORIGINAL LIST PRICE WAS $47,500 AND I NEGOTIATED MY BUYER A STEAL OF A DEAL AT $24,000, I'M PROUD & EXCITED TO SAY THAT WAS THE LOWEST SALES PRICE FOR A UNIT IN THAT COMPLEX FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS, THE NEXT LOWEST WAS $29,900
IT WAS A FORECLOSURE.
IT WAS A CASH SALE THAT CLOSED IN 30 DAYS.
CURRENT MARKET VALUE IS $55,476 AND THE VALUE RANGE IS $45,490-$65,462
MEDIAN HOME VALUE FOR THE ZIP CODE 30093 IS $105,000
THE PERCENTAGE OF FORECLOSURES FOR THE ZIP CODE 30093 WAS 5.5% IN DECEMBER 2010 AND DOWN TO 4% IN NOVEMBER 2011
THE AREA HAS 76% RENTERS AND 24% OWNERS
THIS BLOG POST IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION TO HOMEOWNERS IN NORCROSS GEORGIA AND FOR FUTURE HOME BUYERS
TO SEARCH FOR YOUR OWN CONDO/TOWNHOME IN GWINNETT COUNTY GEORGIA CLICK HERE

IF YOU NEED CREDIT RESTORATION OR THE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT SERVICES, PLEASE CALL
PRISCILLA HAMMOND

404.503.6562

What is FHA Financing?

There are 3 main types of FHA financing, for more details on rates and terms contact a mortgage lender familiar with FHA guidelines.

1. 203 (b) regular FHA loan for homes listed as "IN" insurable on the hudhomestore website.
This means the property doesn't need any required repairs and HUD will insure the loan with the classification of "IN".

2. 203 (b) with repair escrow listed as "IE" insurable with an escrow on the hudhomestore website.
This means the property needs $5,000 or less in repairs to bring it up to FHA's minimum property standards. FHA will insure the loan if the repairs are completed by the Buyer or the Buyer's Agent within 90 days after the closing date.
It is a cost to the Buyer that can be financed with the mortgage loan.
The lender monitors the escrow account and disburses the funds upon satisfactory completion of the repairs.

3. 203 (k) listed as 203k eligible on the hudhomestore website.
This means the home needs more than $5,000 in repairs to bring the property up to FHA's minimum property standards.

4. UI uninsured, this means the property needs more than $5,000 in repairs and is not eligible for an FHA insured loan unless 203k financing can be arranged/approved.

If you're considering buying a home in metro Atlanta GA and need assistance from a great team, call now.

Priscilla Hammond

404.503.6562

MLS listed homes for sale in Georgia

Just Sold I20 and Fairburn Rd in Douglasville GA

This is the market trends report from one of my recent sales.
The home had 3 bedrooms 1 full and one half bathroom.
It's located in a popular area of Douglasville near I20 off the Fairburn Road exit.
It was listed at $34,900 and the sale went through for $33,000. The seller wouldn't bend on the price and the great thing about this sale is that it closed 17 days after we got under contract.
My home buyer got a great deal on this house because the comps come in at $88,317 and the average value range is $68,887-$107,747.
As of September 2011 the median home value for the zip is $80,000 and for the county is $118,000.
The highest number of foreclosures in the last year were in the month of January 2011 right at about 1400 in Douglas County.
The lowest number of foreclosures in the last year were in the month of October 2011 right at about 700 in Douglas County.
A decrease in the number of foreclosures can indicate that ownership is stabilizing.
The area has 64% home owners and 36% renters.
$800-$1,999 is the mortgage payment range with the highest percentage and $500-$749 is the rent range with the highest percentage.
This report is provided as information to homeowners in Douglasville as well as people looking to buy in the area.
To search mls listings of Douglas County foreclosures click here
If you need any assistance buying, selling or renting a home please feel free to contact me.
Priscilla Hammond

404.503.6562

If You're Under Contract To Buy A House-NO BLACK FRIDAY FOR YOU

If you're under contract to buy a home at this time, you may not be able to go Christmas shopping just yet.
One of the clients I have under contract right now just reminded me of that fact by texting me and asking if I think he could go to Black Friday.
I told him I'd try to find out for sure and let him know. But I DO KNOW for a fact that most underwriters will deny a loan that has been pre-qualified/approved if there are changes in the home buyer's financial/credit file.
How big or small the changes can be, I don't know because it would depend on several different factors.
But I know most home buyers wouldn't have wanted to already put in the time, emotions and money that it may take to buy a house and then have your mortgage loan rejected just prior to closing.
If it were me, I'd hold off on the Christmas shopping and maybe use layaway if at all possible, but don't BLOW your home purchase!!!
Just double check with your lender and find out if it will affect your status and your debt-to-income ratio.

Thanks for reading my blog and Happy Holidays to you!!!

Priscilla Hammond

404.503.6562
search MLS listed homes for sale in Georgia with pictures and virtual tours here

Homes Just Reduced in Cherokee County GA

There are 29 homes that are listed in our database in Cherokee County GA that recently had price reductions.
Most of these homes are for sale in Woodstock and Canton Georgia.
The prices range from $50,000-$749,900 and are all single family residences.
If you want more information on the available homes for sale in Cherokee County, call me!
Priscilla Hammond
404.503.6562

Just Sold I20 and Fairburn In Douglasville GA

This is the current market report for one of my recent residential sales.
The home is a 3 bedroom 2 bath on over 11 acres it was listed at $229,900 we negotiated our client a great deal and they bought it for $209,900.
Home sales for the Douglasville GA area were the highest for the year in June, July and August. In September they dropped 25%.
In July the foreclosure rate spiked at 3%  and in October it was 1.5%.
The stats chart shows that Douglasville has approximately 87% home owners and 13% renters.
Average rent payments are $500-$749 and average mortgage payments are $800-$1,999.
Click here to see homes for sale in the 30135 zip code and call me for an honest, dependable and efficient Real Estate Agent.
Priscilla Hammond

404.503.6562

Metro Atlanta GA Condos and Townhomes For Sale

In this blog post I'll give you current details, as of now, regarding Condos and Townhomes for sale in Georgia.

This information is from our GAMLS database. You can click on each county name to go directly to the mls listings from both databases on my real estate website.

In Carroll County GA there are currently 22 active listings for condos and townhomes priced from $17,000-$155,000.

In Cherokee County GA there are currently 88 active listings for condos and townhomes priced from $40,000-$699,000.

In Clayton County GA there are currently 128 active listings for condos and townhomes priced from $10,000-$114,900.

Cobb County had too many results so I had to list them separately, there are 60 new listings for condos and townhomes priced from $14,900-$465,000; there are 15 listings that have had price reductions; there are 6 listings that have been extended; there are 5 listings that are back on the market; there are 613 listings that are active, but do not include those listed above.

Dekalb County had to be narrowed down as well, there are 97 new listings priced from $9,900-$315,000; there are 20 listings that have had price reductions; there are 2 listings that have been extended; there are 6 listings that are back on the market; there are 729 listings that are active, but do not include those listed above.

In Douglas County GA there are currently 30 active listings for condos and townhomes priced from $24,900-$199,900.

Fulton County GA has 221 new listings; 18 listings that have had a price increase; 28 listings that have had a price reduction; 13 listings that have been extended; 11 listings that are back on the market; 1,704 listings that are active and do not include those listed above.

In Gwinnett County GA there are currently 419 active listings for condos and townhomes priced from $15,000-$339,900.

In Henry County GA there are currently 47 active listings for condos and townhomes priced from $18,500-$899,000.

In Newton County GA there are currently 11 active listings for condos and townhomes priced from $32,500-$199,500.

In Paulding County GA there are currently 6 active listings for condos and townhomes priced from $46,000-$100,000.

As always feel free to contact me with questions regarding buying or selling any real estate in Georgia.

Priscilla Hammond

404.503.6562

JUST SOLD! in Kennesaw GA Stilesboro/Mars Hill Area

This is a market trends report from one of my recent home sales.

The home has 4 bedrooms 3 full and 1 half baths with a full finished basement in the area of Mars Hill/Stilesboro Rd in Kennesaw GA 30152. It has a 2 car garage and sits on a 2 acre lot. Original list price was 214K and I negotiated my clients a deal for 179K. Market value at time of purchase was 220K in June 2011

As of August 2011, the median home value for the county (Cobb) is 179K and for the  zip code (30152) is 208K.

The median list price as of September 2011 is 130K for the zip code, 129K for the county and 124K for the city.

The median sales price for September 2011 is 242K for the county, 125K for the city and 130K for the zip.

The recorded sales for September were 17 in the zip code, 46 in the county and 47 in the city.

The median price per square foot in September was $62 per sq ft for the county, $51 per sq ft for the city and $52 per sq ft for the zip code.

The number of foreclosures in September 2011, including pre-foreclosures, REO and auction sales was 149 for the zip and 330 for the city.

The number of households in 2008 was 2,051 the projected number of households for 2013 is 2,461. Actual growth in the last 10 years is 61.88%.

The median home value for the area is $212K, 12% of the homes value 100-150K, 30% of the homes value 150-200K, 44% of the homes value 200-300K, 14% of the homes value 300-500K.

Owner occupancy is showing 100%.

I hope this information may be helpful for current homeowners residing in the area and home buyers seeking to buy in the area.

Feel free to contact me with any questions
Priscilla Hammond

404.503.6562 Call/text

and browse the home listings for sale in Kennesaw GA here

The New Home Buying Process for 2011/2012

My main reason for writing this post is because I'm organized and I like to arrange things to prevent delays, obstacles, frustration, errors, disappointment, etc.

It took a few prospect calls to prompt me to write this to inform home buyers about how the home buying process works in the current market.

Before I begin with the breakdown of what you should do if you want a relatively easy home buying transaction, I have to clarify some myths in the metro Atlanta Georgia home buying market.

1. You and your Agent can tour a neighborhood and just stop at any home that has a "FOR SALE" sign in the yard. That is a myth, you cannot just stop at any home and see the inside. It could be "under contract or pending sale", occupied, have a security system, withdrawn from the market, disqualified for your loan type, have pets inside the house, not in your price range, etc. As your Agent I will call and get all pertinent information on the homes you like from the listings I emailed you and schedule an appointment with you to see the ones that are available for us to see.
2. People aren't buying houses right now. That is the other myth, people are definitely buying houses now. In the last 2 weeks over 418 contracts for just single family residences closed in the immediate metro Atlanta buying area.
3. Homes are over-priced. That's the other myth. So if you see a home listed at $120,000 don't automatically think you should offer $60,000 and win the bid. I know you want a good deal, but these days a lot of the homes are priced below market value to get a quick sale. As your Agent I will run a report to see what the comparables have sold for recently.
4. Don't use a Buyer's Agent because they will manipulate you to spend more money so they can make more commission. That's another myth. If you sign a "Brokerage Agreement" with us, we're legally obligated to act on behalf of your best interests as our client, not our pay. As your Agent all of the duties I perform on your behalf will be in your best interests.

To Simplify Your Home Buying Process

1. Choose an Agent you trust and feel comfortable enough to ask any questions you may have.
2. Get your payment method together, if you have to save up for your down payment, your Agent should have the patience to work with you until you're ready.
3. Based on your pre-qualified price range, choose an area and communicate all other important criteria to your Agent.
4. Choose some homes you like from the listings your Agent has emailed you as well as any you may find on your own.
5. Communicate with your Agent about the homes you'd like to see the inside of so your Agent can coordinate with you to schedule a showing appointment of the homes that are available.
6. If the exterior of the home will be a major factor in your decision, it may be beneficial for you to do a drive-by of the area and see the exterior of the home before your showing appointment, you can begin to eliminate the ones you don't like.
7. You've found one you'd like to place an offer on. Your Agent should get any information that's available to help you decide on how much to offer, as well as any disclosures, covenants, HOA rules, fees, taxes, etc. You should begin to gather the documentation your lender will require for your mortgage loan application and give an earnest money deposit to submit with your offer. Your Agent should ensure that your deposit is returned if the sale does not go through, if it does go through, the deposit is subtracted from your costs at closing.
8. Your offer will be accepted, rejected or countered.
   

   If it's accepted your Agent will begin the inspections process and you should promptly give your lender anything they ask for. If it's rejected-move on to the next home. If it's countered, negotiate until all parties can agree on the terms of the contract.
9. Once your sales contract is signed by all parties, it's official and the deadlines begin. All parties should promptly do their part to comply with the terms of the contract. This is when the teamwork kicks in and if everyone works together with little resistance, the transaction should proceed smoothly.
10. Do not, I repeat, do not change your credit or financial status whatsoever from the time your lender approved you. Don't make any large withdrawals other than your normal household expenses, nor any large deposits or large purchases. Wait until after you have the keys to your new home to buy new furniture, appliances, etc.
11. In most cases you're responsible for paying for the appraisal and inspections so ensure you've saved enough for that as well.
12. Order homeowner's insurance.
13. Your Agent will submit any amendments to the contract if the appraisal comes back low or the inspection reveals additional things that need repaired or replaced.
14. If there are contingencies, such as due diligence, appraisal, finance, etc. your Agent will remove them as they're satisfied.
15. The closing attorney or title company will run a title check and issue title insurance.
16. The final walk-thru of your home, I like to schedule it as close as possible to the closing date and time, usually on the way to the closing if our schedules allow and if not, then the day prior to closing. To make sure the home is in the same condition and hasn't been vandalized.
17. At the closing, you will sign the loan documents and settlement statement in exchange for the keys to your new home.

Congratulations, you've made what could have a been a stressful, frustrating experience a pleasant one for you and your family!

Call me to help make it smooth and easy for you! View homes for sale with no registration required here

Priscilla Hammond

404.503.6562

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Closing trouble ahead? Legislative action only hope for housing issues The Post and Courier, Charleston SC - News, Sports, Entertainment

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Forsyth homeowners win $2.5 million judgment from builder ajc.com

Find a home for sale in Georgia

Would You Work For Free????

I didn't think so, so don't expect me too either! I have bills to pay and a family to provide for too.

In the real estate industry in Georgia lately, I've come across too many people who don't want to provide documentation that they can actually pay for the home they would like me to show them. Or people who get offended when I ask for it.

You can't buy ANY house without proof of funds or a pre-qual letter, so why would I show you a house if you don't show me the funding for it?

Really, it would be like you waking up every morning and getting dressed, going to work and working 8-9 hours a day without knowing if you were going to get paid in the next week or two. You wouldn't do that. For us Real Estate Agents, we don't expect to get paid within that timeframe, but we do expect to get paid.

We actually see and experience more in our industry everyday than what you are aware of.

For example, the many contracts we put in that fall out a day or two before the scheduled closing date. Who's gonna pay us for all the time, effort and work we put into getting that property under contract? You, our broker? No, nobody.

We already have plenty of situations that result in us not being paid and the buyer not wanting to show us their documentation before we start working with them is just a big no no.

You might be saying, well I'll just find an agent who will show me the house. If you do, that's exactly the quality of service that you'll receive from that agent. Poor!

This is a business and we should be respected in that manner. You don't get offended or argue with an attorney when he asks you for a retainer fee; you don't get offended or argue with the doctor when they ask for an insurance card to set an appointment to see you; you don't argue or get offended when they ask for your child's health records to enroll them in school; so you shouldn't argue or get offended with a real estate agent when they ask for documentation to help you buy your most important asset; I take the work I do for my clients very seriously and I'm loyal to a fault, but I will need cooperation from you.