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Archive for May, 2010
The Home Inspection and Your Thomasville Home for Sale
Friday, May 28th, 2010
The home inspection is one of the most important considerations that can directly impact your Thomasville home for sale.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 84 percent of all residential real estate transactions include a provision for home inspection. The purpose of this inspection is to provide an unbiased, analytical analysis of your Thomasville home for sale. In a sense, this is the purchaser’s opportunity to avoid the “buyer beware” syndrome.
Because of the importance of the home inspection, as the seller, it’s an excellent idea to get your Thomasville home for sale inspected before putting it on the market. That gives you a chance to fix any problems before potential buyers see your home.
How to Choose a Home Inspector
Not every state requires a home inspector to be licensed. Therefore, you need to do your homework before choosing a home inspector.
Well informed buyers and sellers usually ask for inspectors who are members of either the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors.
Additionally, before hiring a home inspector ask for:
♦ A description of the services to be provided: A typical home inspection should include a thorough and itemized written report detailing the home’s structural elements, an exterior evaluation, roofing, plumbing electrical and appliance testing. Outbuildings and garages can also be included in the inspection. Items such as insect and rodent infestation and radon inspections can also be performed.
♦ A list of references: Be sure to contact these references and ask what they thought of the home inspector and whether or not they’d use the inspector again.
Now What?
Okay. Now, the inspection is performed and you’ve received the written report. You have a couple of options to resolve any problems noted in the report:
1. You can fix the problems yourself.
2. You can hire someone to fix the problems.
3. You can reduce the sales price by the estimated cost to fix the problems.
While it’s ultimately your decision, a professional real estate agent can help you determine which option will get your home sold the fastest and for the highest profit.
If you’d like a list of recommendations to the best home inspectors in Thomasville, or want help getting your home sold, give First Thomasville Realty a call at 229-226-6515 or email me at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: Home Inspection
Posted in Home Buyers Tips, Home Sellers Tips | Comments Off
Looking for the Perfect Thomasville Home
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
When you first decide to look for a new home, whether you are a first time buyer, or you currently own your own Thomasville home, it is an exciting experience. Visions of perfection begin to dance in your head. Grand expectations and all of your fondest dreams begin to spring into being. But how do you balance dreams with reality so that you get what you need and maybe some of what you dream of?
Condition Counts
You can get great deals on amazing homes when they need a little repair. However, that is a big trap if you don’t take into consideration how adept you are with a hammer and nails. If home repair isn’t up your alley, that’s not a sin. But, it is unwise to buy a fixer-upper if you’re not into fixing or not financially prepared to hire professionals to do the fixing.
Wide Open Spaces
Rural living or huge parcels of property can be very appealing. The desire to own a big spread with rolling lawns can make you feel like a real land baron—until you have to maintain it. There are other aspects to looking at property removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Lack of convenience that might seem like a good thing will soon become just inconvenient. Consider the trade-offs if your idea of a perfect Thomasville home isn’t exactly in the city.
Don’t Settle
While you need to be realistic if your budget isn’t unlimited, you should not settle for less than what you truly need. Take the time to determine exactly which features are most important to your family. Consider:
♦ Which rooms will be most used
♦ How many people will be living in the house
♦ How many bedrooms you need
♦ How many bathrooms are necessary
Don’t try to squeeze into something that won’t fit those needs. If you have to wait a little while until you can afford a home that is the right size, it will be worth it to avoid the frustration of being dissatisfied with something as important as your Thomasville home.
If you would like more information on what to consider before buying a home, First Thomasville Realty can help. Call us today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: Home Buyers Tips
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Short Sales: A Viable Option for Distressed Thomasville Real Estate
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
I know the words “short sale” may scare you. But please take just a minute to learn why short sales have become a viable option for your Thomasville real estate if you’re considering foreclosure.
Once deemed difficult to get, hard to close and rough on the credit score, corrective measures have been taken to improve the valued short sale. And, the winners are those who understand how short sales work in Thomasville real estate.
If you are faced with a house underwater or considering foreclosure or a short sale option, please understand the game has changed.
Short Sales Before versus Now
In early 2009, the typical short sale had less than a 50% chance of success. Banks were skeptical, unprepared and unwilling to accept losses. No longer!
Thanks to aggressive changes made by the Federal Government, the short sale has become the preferred option for distressed buyers, sellers and lenders.
♦ The administration has thrown incentives to first mortgage holders, second mortgage holders and new lenders.
♦ Primary lien holders in who agree to a short sale can receive as much as $3,000 from the government.
♦ Secondary lien holders, who previously were often asked to step away empty handed, now can receive up to $6,000 for formal releases.
Additionally, there used to be more serious credit devastation for the short sale seller. In some cases, outright releases were not provided. The administration has stepped in to protect these distressed sellers. Today’s short sale has less credit impact on the seller as would the credit impact of a foreclosure.
Now that short sales are a viable option, the market has exploded. Short sales increased by 4% between November, 2009, and February, 2010. Activity will only continue to increase.
If you would like to find out whether a short sale could benefit your distressed Thomasville real estate, give First Thomasville Realty a call now at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: Distressed Property, Foreclosure Options, Sellers Tips, Short Sales
Posted in Home Sellers Tips | Comments Off
Things to Consider When Buying Thomasville Homes
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
Many home buyers walk into prospective Thomasville homes with an “as is” attitude. They fail to consider that the home sellers may be willing to make repairs or updates in order to get the home sold.
This isn’t hard to understand. Most people do not buy Thomasville homes frequently so they aren’t familiar with exactly what they can and cannot ask for. A home isn’t like a car that you might purchase new every few years, or clothes that you shop for all the time and know how to investigate, compare, and price appropriately.
This lack of knowledge is possibly the best reason for seeking the help of a qualified professional REALTOR®. They handle home purchases daily and can help you with what to watch out for, what price to pay and what you can and can’t haggle over. They’ll even handle the negotiations for you.
Let’s get back to repairs, updates or price reductions you may want to have your agent negotiate for you:
♦ Electrical Wiring: Especially in older Thomasville homes the wiring is likely to be old, outdated or even hazardous. Make sure you have the wiring thoroughly inspected. This is not a cheap fix. If there are problems, they should be solved before you purchase, or you should be offered a greatly reduced price to reflect the cost to you of replacement. This is a very important item and even if you accept a price reduction do not be tempted to simply enjoy the extra cost benefits without using it to make the needed repairs. Bad wiring is a fire hazard that can destroy your purchase, not to mention be fatal if not fixed.
♦ Breaker Boxes: Older homes may still have fuse boxes. These are very outdated and some may even use types of fuses that are hard to find. While updating an old fuse box to a breaker switch box isn’t extremely expensive, it should be done by a qualified electrician. This is something that should be done before you buy. It isn’t worth asking for a price reduction, but it also isn’t something you should have to deal with when you move into your new home.
These are just a couple of negotiable items to think about when you look at a prospective purchase.
If you would like more information on things to consider when viewing a home, First Thomasville Realty can help. Contact us today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: Buying an Older home, Home Buyers Tips
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Thomasville Real Estate Agents Sell Ugly Houses, Too!
Monday, May 24th, 2010
So, you’ve decided you want to sell your house. You know it qualifies as one of those “ugly houses,” but you don’t want to do any work to your home. You especially don’t want to do major repairs or updates like replacing all the windows with broken seals.
You may think that means real estate agents will not want to list your home for sale. Think again. Thomasville real estate agents sell ugly houses, too!
Here’s what you should expect if you have an ugly house that you don’t want to make improvements to:
♦ A lower price: Maybe you don’t have the time, energy, money or know how to make improvements to your home. That doesn’t mean it won’t sell, it just means the price has to be low enough to convince a buyer that it’s worth the time and money they’ll have to spend to get it into shape. An experienced Thomasville real estate agent can do the necessary research to come up with the right price to get your home sold.
♦ A smaller number of potential buyers: In today’s market, most homebuyers are looking for that perfect home. The one they can move in to without doing any work. Since your home doesn’t fit that description, you’ll lose those homebuyers. Typically, homes like this will sell to Thomasville real estate investors or buyers who enjoy fixing up houses.
♦ A longer time on the market: Because of the smaller number of potential buyers, it may take a bit longer to sell your home. Because of the lower price, you’ll probably have several lookers, but getting someone to purchase it will most likely take longer than normal.
Don’t say you’re going to sell your house someday, when you get all the repairs and upgrades completed, if you know in your heart that isn’t reality. Sometimes it’s worth taking a lower price and moving on.
Whether your home is gorgeous, ugly or somewhere in between, First Thomasville Realty can help you get it sold. Give us a call today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com for more information.
Tags: Home Sellers Tips, Thomasville Real Estate Agents
Posted in Home Sellers Tips | Comments Off
Congratulations Graduates!
Friday, May 21st, 2010
First Thomasville Realty would like to congratulate all of the local graduates from our local high schools.
Brookwood held its graduation ceremonies last weekend, while Thomasville High School will hold their ceremony this evening, and Thomas County Central High School will hold their graduation exercises on Saturday.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~Attributed to Mark Twain, unconfirmed
Tags: Brookwood, Graduation, Thomas County Central High School, Thomasville High School
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Why Get Pre-approved for a Thomasville Home Loan?
Friday, May 21st, 2010
There are a few things you can do to make the process of buying a new Thomasville home easier and faster. Getting pre-approved for financing is one of them. Here are four advantages of loan pre-approval:
REALTORS® Take You Seriously
When you walk into an agent’s office with pre-approved financing, the agent knows he is not wasting his time showing you homes. If you do not have pre-approved financing be prepared for agents to ask a lot of questions and even possibly request that you get financing in hand. They are not trying to be invasive. They are avoiding “tire kickers” while helping you streamline the process.
Home Sellers Feel More Comfortable Dealing with You
When you have pre-approved financing, sellers are more apt to work with you on price, or other needs, in order to close the deal. They know that there are not going to be contingencies on a loan, or waiting and wondering if you qualify for the loan. They know they don’t have to worry about turning other prospects away and then finding out you haven’t been able to get a loan.
Fast Closings
Getting pre-approved for a loan means no waiting on the biggest of all hurdles before closing. Other items needed to close on a Thomasville home purchase usually move quickly, but loan applications can drag out and require setting a closing date far into the future to allow for the time needed.
Less Stress
Above all else, having your financing in hand before you even begin to look for the perfect Thomasville home makes the entire process less stressful for you. Knowing you have the money to back you up when you find the home of your dreams is much better than finding paradise and having to worry about getting financed and possibly losing it.
If you would like to find out more about pre-approved home loans, we can help. Contact First Thomasville Realty at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: Home Buyers Tips, Pre-Approved Loan
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New Thomasville Home Construction Scheduling Delays
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
Creating a home for your family, from the ground up, can be an exciting experience. But with the numerous steps involved in building a Thomasville home, and the sometimes unexpected setbacks that can plague new construction, it can also be a stressful experience.
Knowing what potential setbacks lurk ahead can help you come up with a realistic schedule for the building of your Thomasville home. Having a good idea of what can go wrong and preparing for the possibility of a setback will help lower your stress and make the process go much smoother.
Following are some of the setbacks commonly experienced in new construction:
♦ Weather: Depending on the stage of the home building process you’re in, rain can cause a work stoppage. If you’re building your home during a time of year when there’s typically a lot of rainfall, you’ll probably have setbacks, especially if you’re just starting the building process during this time.
♦ Building permits: If numerous permits are required before building can begin, there may be a delay. Permits can involve a lot of paperwork and time. Also, agencies which issue permits may not move as quickly as builders and homeowners would prefer.
♦ Reworks: Most people building a home visit the building site frequently to keep an eye on work in progress and make sure that what they’ve asked for is being done. Even when you take this precaution, there are times when things will be done incorrectly. This will slow down work because the incorrect item will need to be removed, reordered (in most cases) and then reinstalled.
These are just a few of the things which can get a Thomasville home building schedule out of whack.
To take some of the pressure off you, hire a professional real estate agent who has experience working with new construction. An agent can keep tabs on the building progress and make sure the work schedule stays as close to the original timeline as possible and follows the new home construction checklist.
If you’re interested in having a new home built, First Thomasville Realty can guide you through the process and make sure you get exactly what you want. Give us a call before you go builder or home hunting at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: First Thomasville Realty, Home Buyers Tips, New Construction, New Construction Checklist
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How to Buy the Right Deck Stain for Your Thomasville Home
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
If your Thomasville home needs a face-lift, you can instantly brighten up the appearance of your house by staining your deck. There are many different types of wood stain sold at home improvement stores. You’ll need to keep a few things in mind when choosing wood stain:
♦ What kind of wood are you staining? Different types of stain are made for different kinds of wood. Some stains are specifically made for pre-treated wood only. Untreated wood requires special care and specific stain and sealant products.
♦ What color deck do you want? Most stains will look like natural wood when dried. You can choose from oak to redwood and even cherry woods to match your Thomasville home.
♦ What are the weather conditions where you live? Since the secondary purpose of most stains is to act as a sealant, you’ll need to pick the type that will be most beneficial to your deck. Some stains protect against ultra-violet rays and others are made to protect against wood rot and mildew.
♦ How much stain do you need to buy? You’ll need to calculate the square footage of your deck to know what quantity of paint to buy. Check the labeling on the stain. Some brands require more than one coat for the best results.
After you’ve chosen the stain for your deck, pick up a few supplies to apply the stain:
♦ Buy work gloves to keep your hands from becoming discolored by the stain.
♦ Most home improvement stores will have paint pans and brushes for sale near the stain.
♦ Because stain is very thin, it tends to drip easily. You may find that a paint pad will apply the stain more efficiently than a paintbrush.
Want more tips on how to improve your Thomasville home’s appearance? Subscribe to the First Thomasville Realty blog now. It’s fast and free.
Tags: Deck Stain, Home Improvement Tips, Homeowners Tips
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How to Deal with Problem Neighbors Near Your Thomasville Home
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
We’ve all had to deal with problem neighbors near our Thomasville homes. The trouble might be a loud late night party or a dog that is always barking at odd hours. It can be hard to fix the problem without causing a lasting rift in the neighborhood. Here are a few tips for getting a peaceful resolution:
Bring it Up Gently
It may be that your neighbor doesn’t realize there is a problem. Try to wait a day or two after the problem occurs and tactfully bring up the trouble you are having. Be sure to speak in a calm and reasonable manner.
If your partying neighbor is not receptive to making a complete change, suggest that they let you know ahead of time when a party is scheduled. Sometimes being able to plan for a disruption can make it easier to bear.
A dog that barks at all the wrong times is harder to fix. If you have a specific reason for needing the dog to be quiet, for instance, you work nights and need to be able to sleep in your Thomasville home during the day; a gentle reminder that the dog is barking excessively may do the trick.
Ask For Help
If you’ve talked with the problem neighbor nicely and are still getting nowhere, try recruiting others in the neighborhood to help solve the dilemma. Sometimes it’s easier to get results when a group is asking for change. The disapproval of the entire neighborhood isn’t something that most people are willing to risk.
Occasionally, there might be that stubborn person who simply refuses to be courteous to anyone nearby. It may seem that you have no options left. Before you give up hope, check with your homeowner’s association, they may have the ability to enforce a change that you cannot.
If at any time you feel that your neighbor is trying to force a confrontation, and may become dangerous, call the local police and ask for help.
Trying a few of these suggestions can be an easy and effective way to bring the peace back to your neighborhood.
Want to find a Thomasville home in a peaceful neighborhood? First Thomasville Realty can help. Call us today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: Homeowners Tips, Problem Neighbors
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Dos and Don’ts of Buying a Thomasville Home in Foreclosure
Monday, May 17th, 2010
Whether you’re looking for an investment property or a home for your family, a foreclosure might be a good deal for you. However, buying a foreclosure is different from buying a home from a seller and requires different considerations.
Before you sign a contract, consider what you should and should not do when buying a Thomasville home in foreclosure.
► DO consider the cost of repairs. Foreclosures are sold “as is.” That means the bank will not make any repairs to the Thomasville home in foreclosure before closing, so you will be responsible for them. For example, if the home needs a new roof, make sure you have enough money to pay for it.
► DO get a home inspection. In a traditional home sale, the seller is required to tell you about any defects or problems they’ve had with the home. However, a bank does not have to supply a disclosure statement because they have not lived in the house and do not have any information about defects. Make sure you hire a professional home inspector to check the structural integrity and condition of the home.
► DO be prepared to wait. Buying a foreclosure usually takes longer than buying through a traditional sale. You will have to look through and sign stacks of paperwork. In some states, banks are required to go through the court system to sell a foreclosure which can take time.
► DON’T buy a home just because the price is low. Banks like to sell their foreclosures as close to market value as possible. If the price is exceptionally low, there’s a reason why. Make sure you know it. Home repairs can easily add up, turning what you thought was a bargain into a money trap.
► DON’T expect to flip the home for a quick profit. Despite what the get-rich-quick-buying-foreclosures crowd tells you, foreclosures don’t automatically mean you’re getting a steal, nor can you always quickly sell them. Buy a foreclosure because it’s an affordable home for you and your family, not as a way to build an overnight fortune.
When you take your time and do your homework, buying a Thomasville home in foreclosure can be a great bargain. First Thomasville Realty can help you find well-priced foreclosures. Call us today at 229-226-6515 or email info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: Buying a Foreclosure, Home Buyers Tips
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5 Tips for Selling Your Thomasville Home on Your Own
Friday, May 14th, 2010
Sometimes sellers want to try to sell their Thomasville homes on their own. That’s called selling your home “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO for short.
If you’d like to give FSBO a try, here are some tips:
1. Prepare your home for sale. Go through your Thomasville home and make a list of repairs that need to be done. Clean your carpets. Repair the grout in the bathroom. Remove dead plants from your yard. Paint the interior. Wash the windows. Make sure you home looks as good as possible.
2. Choose a fair selling price. Look at what the houses in your area are selling for to get an idea. You should hire a professional appraiser to assess your home. Of course you want to make as much money as possible, but you also have to have a reasonable asking price if you want anyone to look at your home.
3. Advertise your home. Put a sign in your front yard. Create a flyer. Post information online. Spread the word to everyone you know. People need to know your home is for sale.
4. Get help with the legal issues. Selling a house involves several legal documents. You need someone to help make sure everything is complete and correct. If you don’t want to work with a real estate agent, consider hiring a real estate lawyer to handle the paperwork.
5. Know when to ask for help. At some point selling your home on your own may not be a good idea. When you feel like you’re in over your head or just frustration, call a professional. A good rule of thumb is to try selling your home as a FSBO for 30 days, then reassess.
If you’re ready to get some professional help selling your home, Place your home in MLS (Multiple Listing Service) by giving First Thomasville Realty a call at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: For Sale By Owner, FSBO, MLS, Sellers Tips
Posted in Home Sellers Tips | Comments Off
Make the Transition to a New Thomasville Home Easy on Your Kids
Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Moving to a new Thomasville home and, in some cases, to a new location all together, can be an exciting event. It can also be a difficult thing, especially for children.
When a move means a new Thomasville home, new school and new friends, children realize they’re leaving their comfort zone for the unknown. This can be frightening, especially to very young children.
Along with packing up boxes and making plans for a move, parents need to spend time thinking about how to make the transition as easy as possible for kids. Following are some suggestions for doing just that:
♦ Make a scrapbook: Let your kids take pictures of friends and places they would like to remember. Then put together a scrapbook you and your kids can take to your new home and look at, especially when homesickness strikes.
♦ Listen to your kids: Children often have fears that they don’t share with their parents. Your children may be very ambivalent about moving, but afraid to say so or don’t know how to put it into words. Take time to discuss the move with your children. Ask them how they feel about the move and then talk out any fears they may have. Don’t dismiss the fear of making new friends by simply saying “of course you’ll make new friends.” Explain that you’ll also be without friends and together you’ll meet new people.
♦ Visit your new Thomasville home: If possible, take your children to the home you’ll be moving into. Let them visit their new school, walk around the neighborhood and play at the local park. Giving them a chance to visit the place they’ll soon call home will help alleviate some of their fears and perhaps even get them excited about the move. If physically visiting your new home isn’t possible, virtually visit it. Help your children explore their new hometown online.
Need to move to a new home? Whether you want to move within Thomasville or you need to relocate to another state, First Thomasville Realty can help. Give us a call today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com for more information.
Tags: Home Buyers Tips, Relocation
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Is a Reverse Mortgage on Your Thomasville Condo a Good Idea?
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
Did you know that cash could be hiding in your Thomasville condo? If you are sixty-two or older, you may be able to qualify for a reverse mortgage, and never have to make a mortgage payment as long as you live in the home. Let me tell you a little more about a reverse mortgage:
A reverse mortgage uses the equity in your Thomasville condo to make payments to you. You aren’t required to make any payments for as long as you live in your home. The loan doesn’t become due until you have not lived in the home for at least twelve months. Your home can pass to your descendents if they refinance the loan themselves. The money can be used for any purpose you want.
Funds are received as a lump sum, a line of credit, or a monthly payment. You’ll have access to more money with the line of credit, but the interest rate is variable. If you decide on a lump sum or a monthly payment, you will have a higher interest rate. The line of credit can be a credit card or like a checking account. You can buy groceries, gas and pay your bills out of this account.
The reverse mortgage process is similar to the conventional mortgage process. The property will need an inspection and appraisal. There are origination fees and closing costs associated with this type of loan.
Who Qualifies for a Reverse Mortgage?
The first requirement is age; only those sixty-two or older are able to qualify. There are no income or credit requirements to be approved for a reverse mortgage. Some lenders even let you roll the down payment and closing costs into the loan, so that you don’t have pay any money up front.
The loan is based on the age of the youngest borrower. The older you are, the more money you will qualify for. The good news is that the money will not affect your Social Security benefits or Medicare.
There are advantages and disadvantages to a reverse mortgage, so be sure to do your homework before making this important decision.
If you have questions about reverse mortgages, or would like to discuss buying or selling a Thomasville condo, give First Thomasville Realty a call today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: Home Sellers Tips, Reverse Mortgage, Thomasville Condos
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Setting the Right Selling Price for Thomasville Real Estate
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
The debate is as old as the real estate industry. Does a low, highly competitive selling price for Thomasville real estate actually generate a faster, more profitable sale than a slightly inflated price with a willingness to negotiate? Yes, it is an age-old debate. Yes, it has never been more important that sellers make informed decisions about their asking price and negotiating strategy.
A seller with an unreasonable opinion of their home’s value is either a wishful thinker or does not have the benefit of an accurate comparative market analysis and a real estate agent who specializes in the area.
Get Real, Know the Facts
When sellers decide to list their home in the Thomasville real estate market, they usually have an opinion of value based on reported sales of similar properties. Consciously or subconsciously, most homeowners follow the real estate activity of surrounding homes.
However, every real estate transaction stands independently. In today’s market, buyers and sellers negotiate to capitalize on tax incentives, green-initiative improvements, closing fees, homeowner credits and local incentives. Thus, the “neighborhood selling price” may not represent the price you can actually get for your home.
Real estate agents use differing strategies to secure listings and set sales prices. Therefore, a seller who requests proposals from three different Thomasville real estate agents may well get three different opinions of value:
1. One agent may want the listing at any price and be willing to accept an owner’s requirement for a high asking price just to land the listing.
2. Another agent may be conservative and encourage a low asking price in the hopes of generating superior demand. This strategy was effective in the boom years of 2006 and 2007.
3. A third agent may combine his knowledge about the property, the neighborhood and today’s real estate market to come up with the optimal listing price.
The Optimal Listing Price
Responsible Thomasville real estate agents view the property from three postures.
1 First we inspect the property, top to bottom. We understand its history, the neighborhood, its strengths and its weaknesses.
2. Next, we do our research. We compile a complete, relevant list of recent sales, a thorough list of properties on the market and a comparable list of recently concluded Thomasville real estate transactions.
3. We balance this information against the cost of new construction. We factor in what improvements might be necessary to stage the home more effectively. And, we use this quantitative analysis, called a comparative market analysis, to recommend a strong selling price designed to garner demand.
This is not a whimsical exercise. This is about establishing the maximum selling price your Thomasville real estate should achieve.
To further discuss how you can realize the greatest real estate value for your home, contact First Thomasville Realty today at 229-226-6515 or by email at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: pricing your home, Sellers Tips, setting the right price
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Renting versus Buying Homes in Thomasville
Monday, May 10th, 2010
Before you start looking for homes in Thomasville, you need to decide whether to rent or buy. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to look at your situation and decide which is best for you.
To help you with that decision, here’s an examination of the pros and cons of renting and buying homes in Thomasville:
♦ Pros of Renting. Maintaining a home properly takes a certain level of time and commitment. When you rent, you are not responsible for the lawn, major repairs or maintenance. If you have to leave the area on short notice, you won’t be tied down to a home that needs to sell in order for you to move.
♦ Pros of Buying. Because of low interest rates and house prices, many renters find that their current rent payments are similar to what their mortgage payments would be. Unlike rent payments, mortgage payments add up and create equity in your home. Additionally, owning your own home provides tax deductions.
♦ Cons of Renting. The most significant con of renting is the fact that you get no tax deduction. If you have to move suddenly, you may have to pay extra money to break the lease. You may even have decorating restrictions, like not putting nails in the walls.
♦ Cons of Buying. To buy a home, you will need a down payment, which can be difficult for some people to acquire. There’s also the possibility that you may lose money on the home if you have to sell it before you’ve built equity in it or if your local market declines in value. Also, it can take considerable time and money to maintain homes in Thomasville.
After you’ve considered all the pros and cons, there’s one more tool we recommend to help you make an informed decision: Use a free online rent versus buy calculator.
If you’d like help deciding whether buying or renting is right for you, give First Thomasville Realty a call today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com . We’ll put together some current home prices to help you determine what your house payments would be, and also help you figure out what you can afford.
Tags: Buy or Rent, Buyers Tips, Buying Verses Renting, Thomasville Homes for Rent
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Happy Mothers Day
Sunday, May 9th, 2010
Mothers are the place that we call home.
On them we rest our heads and close our eyes.
There’s no one else who grants the same soft peace,
Happiness, contentment, sweet release,
Erasing nighttime tears with lullabies,
Restoring the bright sun that makes us bloom.
First Thomasville Realty would like to wish all of our Mothers a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Tags: Mothers Day
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Pavo Georgia’s 23rd Annual Peacock Day
Friday, May 7th, 2010
Pavo Georgia’s Peacock Day features arts and crafts, live entertainment, food, children’s activities, quilts, jewelry and much more! Saturday, May 8th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Pavo Peacock Center on McDonald Street off Hwy. 122
♦ Parade at 11:00 am ~ Grand Marshall, Shonda Knight, WCTV CBS
♦ Live Entertainment 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Grey Brothers Band
♦ Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors and Children’s Activities All Day!
♦ 2010 Peacock Quilt Drawing ~ Tickets $1.00 Donation, available from Pavo Civic Club Members or at Pavo Hardware.
Visit www.peacockday.com for more information or call 229-735-2111.
Tags: Pavo Georgia, Peacock Day
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Thomasville Homes and Lawns: Growing Greener Grass
Friday, May 7th, 2010
If you’re anything like me, you’ve driven through neighborhoods, admiring the Thomasville homes and immaculate lawns. You’ve pictured your dry, brown yard, wondering how these homeowners managed to get their lawns looking so great.
Here are a few tips and tricks that can help achieve that plush, green grass that everyone hopes for:
1. Choose a type of grass seed that’s right for your climate zone.
There are three climate zones: Warm, transitional and cool. Warm season grass is better for lawns in the South, cool season for the North, and transitional for Central. The best bet for the transitional zone is either a mixture of warm and cool season grass or using the same seeds as the warm zone.
2. Plant at the right time.
Throw grass seed on the ground at the right time, and it’ll grow.
♦ Warm zone grasses - sown in the spring, once the soil is warm enough for sprouts to grow.
♦ Cool zone grasses – sown in the fall, generally between August 1 – 15 for the far North, and August 15 – 30 for the warmer areas.
3. Cut at the right height.
No matter what zone the Thomasville homes with gorgeous green lawns are in, you may notice that the lawns all seem to be about the same height. There’s a reason for that. Lawn care experts say you should never cut your grass shorter than two inches.
4. Use the right mower.
You want to use mulching lawnmowers, replacing the blades every season to keep them sharp for cleaner cuts. These lawnmowers turn the clippings into perfect grass-feed, which takes care of about half of the feed for the season.
5. Have a good watering schedule.
The best time to water a lawn is first thing in the morning. You want to water all at once instead of in short spurts, soaking your lawn with about one inch each time you water. Cool zone lawns should be watered whenever it’s been dry for a week. Lawns for warm zone Thomasville homes should be watered twice a week during the summer.
Want to buy a home with a lush lawn? First Thomasville Realty can help. Give us a call today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .
Tags: First Thomasville Realty, Growing Greener Grass, Homeowners Tips
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