Posts Tagged ‘Buyers Tips’

How to Buy Thomasville Real Estate after a Previous Bankruptcy

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

BankruptcyA past filing of bankruptcy does not mean you can’t buy Thomasville real estate.  Your real estate agent may be able to help you get a mortgage or find other ways to buy a home, if you do get turned down for a traditional mortgage.

Before you meet with your Thomasville real estate agent, here are a few ways to prepare:

♦   Have a copy of your current bank statement
♦   Have written proof of your monthly income
♦   Make a list of all your current monthly bills
♦   Collect all your recent credit card statements
♦   Have a copy of your bankruptcy agreement

Put all this info in a file folder and take it to your meeting.  Your Thomasville real estate agent will appreciate you doing your homework!

If you have straightened out your credit since the bankruptcy, you are in a much better position to get a mortgage. Hopefully, you are currently paying all your monthly bills on time and rebuilding your credit rating.

The bigger your down payment, the easier it will be to get a mortgage.  So, where can you get money for a down payment? 

♦   Have you been having money taken out of your checks and put into a savings?
♦   Do you have any money market accounts?
♦   Do you have money invested in mutual funds?
♦   Do you have certificates of deposit about to come due?
♦  Will you be receiving a bonus from your employer?
♦   How about a friend or relative who would loan you the down payment?

Hopefully, you are now ready to go shopping for your new home. To get started, give First Thomasville Realty a call today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .

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Is Your Thomasville Home Making You Sick?

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

HomeMakingYouSick_webUnexplained headaches and nausea, getting sick more often than normal, showing signs of allergies that have never been there before – your Thomasville home may be making you sick. 

How do you find out if your Thomasville home is making you sick? Look for individual sources of pollution: 

♦    Tobacco smoke – If you’re a smoker, smoke outside. Sitting in a cloud can cause dizziness, nausea and other side effects. These problems are especially harsh if you’re a non-smoker in a home full of smoke. As well, the smoke settles into fabrics and on walls and ceilings for the carcinogens to be released into the air on a regular basis. 

♦    Radon – Because radon is odorless and invisible, the best way to find out if you have a problem is to have a radon test done on your home.  The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend that all homes be tested.  

♦    Asbestos – Pretty much everyone knows that asbestos is a health hazard, but you may not think it’s in your house. If it was built between 1920 and 1978, however, there’s a high possibility. If there’s asbestos in your house, hire a specially trained, licensed contractor to remove it. 

♦    Pesticides – If you have a problem with bugs and use pesticides, you may have a problem with pesticides as well. Many chemical pesticide manufacturers are producing natural pesticide solutions and putting them on the shelves. Symptoms from pesticides include feeling light-headed, dizzy or nauseous.  If you have those, switch to a natural pesticide. 

♦    Mold/mildew – Mold and mildew is a common cause for asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems. A long-term cough, difficulty breathing and excessive morning phlegm may point to mold spores in the air. Have a professional scan your house for mold. It may be expensive to take care of, depending on the size of the problem, but you’ll have a lot less doctor visits and feel better. 

Other issues may be damaging the indoor air quality of your Thomasville home. If you want to make your house healthier, visit the EPA website for more information. 

If you’re looking for a healthy home to buy, First Thomasville Realty can help. Call 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com  for more information.

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Buying a Thomasville Home: Free Credit Reports Not All They Seem

Monday, July 5th, 2010

FreeCreditreport_webYou’ve finally decided that, yes, you can afford to buy a Thomasville home. After years of frugal saving, hard work and patient waiting, the timing is great. You don’t want to wait anymore, so you rush out and start looking for homes. It is, after all, a buyer’s market, and you’re a buyer. 

Now, if you read about real estate, you’ve probably considered your credit. Is my credit strong enough? Is my score high enough? Some go to lenders and request preapproval. A few request prequalification. Many, however, go to the “free” credit score searches. 

Of those who use the credit score searches, some find a Thomasville home they want to buy. They then confidently take their credit reports to the lenders and find out the lenders don’t care about the reports. Others find out that the “free” doesn’t really mean free. 

Generally, these credit reporting services are helpful, but most aren’t free. You sign up to get your report and, in the fine print, you’re agreeing to enroll in services that require a monthly fee. The services you end up paying for can be somewhat helpful.  But many people sign up not knowing what they’re getting into.  If you want those types of monthly services, research the companies and don’t fall for scam sites, because they’re out there. 

Why won’t leaders use the credit reports you take to them?   

They can’t use the credit scores you bring to them. In fact, they’re required to request credit scores on their own. And, the credit reports lenders get may not reflect what you receive from the reporting services you hired.

 Typically, lenders use the median FICO Scores from three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Those FICO Scores may not be the same from bureau to bureau. Some of the “free” credit places provide these scores, but usually from only one bureau rather than all three. 

So what should you do?  

Talk to the lender. Get preapproved, not prequalified. Not only will you find out how good your credit really is, but you’ll also be more attractive to sellers.  And, preapproval tells you exactly how much you can reasonably afford to spend on your new Thomasville home. 

If you’re looking for a beautiful home to call your own, First Thomasville Realty can help. Call us at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com  for more information.

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Cool Your Thomasville Home for Less This Summer

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Cooloffyourhome_webWe’re all trying to live greener lives, but nothing zaps your energy or your will to live greener in your Thomasville home like summer heat.

The summer heat can also assault your wallet.  In fact, you can easily watch your utility bill double during the summer months.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to cool your Thomasville home for less money and less impact on the environment this summer. Here’s how.

1.  Prep your home. Turn off heat-generating lights and appliances.  Don’t use your oven. In the afternoon, close your windows and outside doors and keep window coverings drawn. At other times, use fans to create a cross breeze. 

2.  Raise your thermostat. When you’re not home, raise the thermostat to 80 degrees. Lower it two or three degrees when you are home and use ceiling fans to keep rooms cool. Moving your thermostat from 75 to 80 will lower your consumption by 15%. Your Thomasville home will still feel comfortable, and you will notice significant savings on your next utility bill. 

3.   Take a look at your windows. You’d be surprised to find out how much heat enters your home from old, single pane windows. Newer energy efficient windows with double panes block more heat and keep more cool air inside. If you can’t afford new windows now, at least cover the ones you have with heavy curtains or shades to keep out heat. 

4.  Check for leaks. Leaky duct work and poorly sealed doors can let as much cool air out of your home as an open window. Walk around your home checking under your doors and around your windows to feel for escaping air. Hire a professional to check your air conditioning systems for you. Take the time to have duct leaks repaired and seal air leaks

5.  Dress appropriately. There’s no reason to keep your home so cold that you have to wear extra layers of clothing when you’re inside. Wear light, loose fitting clothing. You’ll be more comfortable in slightly warmer temperatures. Keep light throw blankets handy for anyone who easily gets cold under a ceiling fan. 

Implementing even one or two of these tips in your home can save you money and help the environment. 

Want to buy an energy efficient home?  We can help.  Call First Thomasville Realty today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com  to learn more.

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6 Things to Consider When Looking at Condos in Thomasville

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Peacock Pointe-640Let’s face it.  A lot of people like the idea of the easy lifestyle condos in Thomasville provide.  While there are a multitude of positive reasons to buy a condo, many people are so glamorized by the idea that they fail to make sure condos fit their needs.  

Before you jump in and buy one of the condos in Thomasville, make sure you also consider what some people consider the downside to owning a condo: 

1.  SpaceBuying a condo means sharing an interest in it.  What you own is your personal “box of air.”  The rest of the condo – the common areas – is shared between the other owners. 

2.  Neighbors – Because you share walls and common areas, there’s a high chance that you’ll be able to hear them as they move about their own space.  You’ll run into them more often, and have to coordinate with them in issues regarding the common areas.

3.  Reselling – If you own a condominium and think you might resell it later, be aware that condos in Thomasville are typically more sensitive to the real estate market and take longer to recover than traditional single family homes.

4.  Fees – You’ll have to pay monthly condo fees to take care of the maintenance of the common areas and for amenities you may not use, such as a swimming pool or fitness facility. 

5.  Rules – All condominiums have CC&Rs, or Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions.  The CC&Rs may not fit your lifestyle.  They can include noise level restrictions, types of renovations, owning a pet or even the type of curtains you use.

6.  Association – Instead of property management professionals, the association is made up of homeowners.  It may be weak or inefficient, and you might have to get approval to make renovations or rent out your unit. 

Condos in Thomasville are great to own, but they aren’t for everyone.  Make an informed decision before buying one, and you’ll be a happy owner. 

If you’re looking to buy the perfect condo, We’d love to help.  Call First Thomasville Realty at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com  for more information.

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Top 3 Facts About Using Agents When Selling or Buying Thomasville Homes

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

Top3factsaboutusingagents_webAs you may be aware, there are two primary ways to sell and buy Thomasville homes. One, FSBO (For Sale By Owner), means just what it says – the owner sells the home. The second, of course, is selling the home through a real estate agent. What you may not be aware of is the main reasons why so many choose to hire an agent, whether selling or buying Thomasville homes. 

Should you hire an agent? Of course, I’m going to say yes. However, what I really want you to do is make up your own mind after reading. Only you can answer this question because only you know your situation, but you need to know the facts: 

Fact #1, for buyers – Real estate is one of the biggest areas of fraud in the U.S., and a fraud in which the scammer is less likely to be caught. Instances abound where an unsuspecting buyer has bought a home that still belonged to someone else.  Someone else who had no idea their home was up for sale in the first place. You won’t be able to get your down payment back, because the con artist will be long gone with it. Agents deal directly with the homeowner whose name is on the title.  If a licensed real estate agent represents a home, you know it’s really for sale. 

Fact #2, for sellers – Real estate agents have access to many marketing venues that individuals don’t. FSBO sellers are limited to a few websites on the Internet versus the multitude of websites agents use to advertise homes for sale. With the knowledge agents gain through training and experience, the marketing available to agents, and the resources agents have at their fingertips, you have a much better chance of selling your home with an agent than on your own. If you don’t mind having your home sit on the market for awhile, FSBO may be the way to sell. However, if you need your home to sell sooner rather than later, you need an agent. 

Fact #3, for buyers and sellers – Selling or buying a home isn’t as simple as “yeah, I’ll take it” and throwing money down. Selling real estate includes everything from negotiations and contracts to assessments and legalities. If either side doesn’t complete the steps correctly, actually closing the deal may be impossible. To be blunt, real estate agents are trained to handle the pitfalls of selling or buying a home and ensure that the sale goes smoothly. 

Should you hire an agent to sell or buy Thomasville homes? To First Thomasville Realty, this isn’t the real question. The real question is:   Can you afford not to? 

If you’d like to work with a knowledgeable, experienced agent to buy or sell a home, We’d love to have the opportunity to interview for the job. Call us at 229-226-6515 or email info@FTRealty.com.

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3 Reasons to Have Your Thomasville Home Built With Sustainable Design

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

ReasonsforSustainableDesign_webSome potential homeowners just don’t want a pre-lived in Thomasville home. They’d rather have their house built to their own specifications. They want a home that fits their needs exactly. If this is you, don’t worry; we understand. However, if you want to build a new home, take a good look at the future before you decide on a design. 

The Future of Design

Thinking of the future might bring ideas of fantastic scientific miracles like smart houses that vacuum themselves. While building your Thomasville home, also consider using sustainable design. Here are just a few reasons why sustainable design is a great idea:

1.  Government mandates and incentives – Under the current administration, sustainable design is a big thing. In fact, many cities are passing mandates and offering incentives that encourage green building. In places such as Austin, Houston, Seattle and Portland, sustainable design is no longer a trend; it’s standard practice. Before having your home built, check into the homeowners’ incentives for green building.

2.  Cost of sustainable design – While sustainable design may be a little more costly than standard home building, don’t just assume that it is. Check with green building contractors as well as standard contractors and compare pricing. Keep in mind that the cost of the design is usually paid back with greatly reduced utility bills. Also, remember that it may be easier and cheaper to build a sustainable home rather than remodel one to be green later.

3.  Resale value – Although you may not ever want to move from your home once it’s built, you never know what will happen in the future. A sustainable design can up the resale value of the home by as much as 15%.

Between the government incentives, the cost savings and the resale value, your Thomasville home with a sustainable design may end up being the best investment you ever made! 

If you’re looking for a green home or a contractor to build one, First Thomasville Realty can help. Call us at 229-226-6515 or email info@FTRealty.com  for more information.

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Are You Renting a Thomasville Home for Sale?

Monday, June 21st, 2010

AreYouRenting_webWhile many homes that haven’t sold are being rented instead, some that have been rented out are now up for sale. So what do you do if the house you’re renting becomes a Thomasville home for sale? 

Get a Fresh Perspective

Nobody wants to get kicked out of his or her home. However, if it comes down to it and you have 60 to 90 days left before you have to move from what is now a Thomasville home for sale, look at your options from a fresh perspective. 

♦  If the home has problems and you’ve been responsible for some of the upkeep, it’s no longer your problem. If you still don’t want to buy a home, you can rent somewhere else with a home that has fewer problems than the one you’re moving out of. 

♦  If the rent was high and you’ve been struggling to keep it paid, that’s no longer a problem. If that sounds cold, let me warm it up for you a bit. Many houses are being rented rather than sold, because the owners either don’t want to get rid of them or can’t get rid of them. And, the current economy has caused rent to drop to a more affordable level in many areas. 

♦  If you don’t like the neighborhood or the city and you have a job that can be done elsewhere, start looking. Can you transfer? Does your company have nationwide facilities? This is the perfect time to move to a community more suited to you. 

♦  It may be a buyer’s market, but it’s also a renter’s market. Landlords are lowering rents, raising amenities, offering the first month or two off the rent, adding in utility costs and anything else they can think of to attract renters. If you have a good renting track record and good credit, now is the time to start negotiating for a great deal. 

If you’ve been looking for a Thomasville home for sale to buy, it could just be the one you’re renting!  With the historically low interest rates, you may now qualify to buy the home you’ve previously been renting.  

If you’re looking for the perfect place to buy, we can help. Call First Thomasville Realty at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com  for more information.

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Reports Say, “Yes, You Can Buy a Thomasville Home for Sale!”

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

ReportsSayYes_webIf you’ve been looking at your finances to see if you can afford a Thomasville home for sale, or a home in any area for that matter, a new report from the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo says, “Yes, you can!” 

According to this report, the prices for over 72% of the homes purchased in the first quarter of  2010 were affordable for families making an annual income of $63,800 (the median national income).  One of the main reasons for this is because of the national median price: just $175,000. Adding to that is the still historically low interest and mortgage rates, as well as companies once again beginning to hire new employees.

These affordability numbers are based on 28% or less of a familys take-home pay. 

Many new homeowners agree. The National Association of REALTORS® released the statistics for existing home sales on May 24.  April saw a 7% increase in sales from March, and Freddie Mac reports that 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage commitment rates rose to 5.10% in the same month.

 What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

While this still means slow going for those with a Thomasville home for sale, this means an incredibly hot market for buyers.   With over 4 million homes available for sale, sellers are definitely competing with each other.  In many places across the country, homeowners have dropped their prices 10% to 50%, in an effort to attract attention. 

Can You Afford a Home?

If you’re looking at the real estate market and wondering if you can finally afford the home of your dreams, it’s time to quit wondering. Start doing your research. 

Before you begin shopping for a home, shop around for a lender. Finding a good lender with reasonable rates is one of the best first steps of buying a home. 

Next, get pre-approved for a mortgage.  Pre-approval lets you know how much you really can afford and whether your credit is acceptable for a mortgage. As well, if you do find the home you’ve always wanted, being pre-approved gives you a strong standing in negotiations, because the seller knows you’re seriously looking for a home. 

Finally, if you can afford a Thomasville home for sale and have been waiting for the best time, you’ve reached it. There’s never been a better, more affordable time for buyers in the last 50 years. 

If you’re looking for your dream home, First Thomasville Realty can help. Call us at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com  for more information.

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Guide to Title Insurance for Your Thomasville Real Estate

Friday, June 11th, 2010

FTR Sold SignWhen you buy Thomasville real estate, the real estate attorney will search the public land records to make sure the seller is the legal owner of the property. If the attorney finds a problem like an incorrect deed or a lien on the property, it can be fixed before closing. Most people don’t run into title problems after they buy a home, but it does happen. This is why you should have title insurance.

1.  Types of Title Insurance. Title insurance falls into one of two categories: lender’s title insurance and owner’s title insurance. If you get a loan to buy your Thomasville real estate, your lender will require a lender’s policy based on the amount of your loan. An owner’s policy is purchased at closing and lasts as long as you hold an interest in the property.

2.  What it covers. A basic title insurance policy protects you from any problems with a title that were not found during the title search. Human error can lead to mistakes on public records and forged deeds. This can and does happen. Names and legal descriptions are recorded incorrectly, back taxes may be owed, and people die without wills specifying their heirs.

3.  How it helps you. Say, for example, that you buy a home with a utility easement in the backyard, and the attorney did not disclose this. You may not be able to add on to your home or build a swimming pool in your yard because of this easement. This devalues your property, and the attorney will have to correct this situation for you. In this case, your title insurance will cover the claim and protect your investment.

As your real estate agents, First Thomasville Realty will help take the guesswork out of the closing process. Let us help you find the Thomasville real estate that fits your needs. Call us today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com.

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How to Obtain the Best Possible Contract When Buying Thomasville Real Estate

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Overpriced HomeNo one wishes to pay more than they have to for Thomasville real estate. After all, investment potential is one of the best benefits of home ownership. You intend your residence to go up in value while you own it. The less you give for your home, the more you stand to earn from it. Here are a few hints meant for getting the best possible transaction on your home.

1. Purchase at the best time. You find better Thomasville real estate deals during certain times of the year and market conditions. For example, in a sluggish real estate market, sellers are frequently more willing to negotiate to sell their house. Similarly, pay consideration to the conditions of a region. If you aspire to purchase a house in the south, look during the middle of the summer time while the hot, muggy weather keeps buyers away. The similar is true of New England winters.

2. Hire a Thomasville real estate agent. A real estate agent is usually the easiest means to find a great deal. Brokers have access to hundreds of residences for sale. They understand the home values of the region where they work. Real estate brokers are also trained to negotiate with sellers. Altogether this goes a long way toward finding you the greatest possible real estate contract.

3. Have your credit in order for best loan rates. The healthier your credit score, the better your mortgage stipulations will be. This translates into lower, more affordable payments. If your bank pre-approves your loan, you possess even further bargaining ability with the seller and may obtain a better price or sale conditions.

4. Look at more than just the cost. Just because a home has an desirable sale price does not automatically make it a first-rate deal. Major repairs can certainly add up and cost you additional in the long run. A somewhat elevated priced home in immaculate condition is frequently a better value than one in need of some work.

Right now is a excellent time to contract the Thomasville home of your dreams at a fantastic price. Permit First Thomasville Realty assist you in locating your next home. Telephone us at 229-226-6515 or send an e-mail to us at info@FTRealty.com .

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Renting versus Buying Homes in Thomasville

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Rent_HomeBefore 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.

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Buyer Beware: Worldwide, National, Thomasville Homes and Scams

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Mortgage_Scams

Whether you’re looking at Thomasville homes, homes across the nation or homes abroad, there’s always the possibility of getting caught in a scam. 

Many potential homebuyers and renters choose to go it alone and find the home of their dreams without professional help. While this method of house hunting works for some it definitely doesn’t work for all, and the consequences often far outweigh the benefits. Yes, the same can apply for home sellers as well! 

Real Estate Scams

Here are a few real estate scams to watch out for: 

♦  Down Payment Assistance Programs are wonderful gifts for potential buyers of Thomasville homes. However, there are certain rules that have to be followed for this down payment gift to be legal. For instance, as a gift, the homebuyer doesn’t have to pay it back. Some unscrupulous companies offer Down Payment Assistance Programs but expect the money back. This isn’t a gift; it’s a loan, and illegal if the program is listed as “down payment assistance.” 

♦  Property flipping scams happen when a con artist buys a home and sells it as an investment opportunity with zero down payment, no closing costs, low interest rate, etc. Although it sounds like a great deal, it becomes a scam when the house is severely overpriced and the buyer pays way more than the house is worth. 

♦  Craigslist is an excellent resource for those wanting to buy or sell something. However, it is also a great source for con artists, who have turned their eyes to the real estate market. The scammers take information from legitimate listings on other websites (such as REALTOR® websites) and post it as their own on Craigslist. They often mention that they had to move for some reason, but can still rent/sell the home. All the buyers or renters have to do is send them their personal information and the first month’s rent or down payment.  

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to protect yourself. Be cautious when looking for Thomasville homes or selling them. Always check references and backgrounds. As well, if the home seller is in another country or another state, ask them if they’d be willing to use a local real estate agent.  Then be sure to verify the agent’s credentials. 

If you want to buy or sell a house and need a professional, First Thomasville Realty can help. Call at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com  for more information.

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The Emotional Aspects of Buying a Thomasville Home

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Emotional_Aspects_of_BuyingBuying a Thomasville home can be a challenging process. Along the way you will experience a wide range of emotions. No matter how strongly you feel that you are alone, rest assured that most buyers feel the same way. Here’s a peek at what you can expect when…

1. Looking for a Thomasville home. Creating a wish list for a house that fits within your budget can cause the initial signs of stress. Once that list is created, a new panic may settle in as you wonder if you will find the right home for you within that budget. Expect this panic to increase as you look at more homes.

2. Presenting an offer. No one wants to be rejected, even if it’s about property. Remind yourself that it is perfectly normal to worry about getting an accepted offer and that the sellers are also experiencing a similar feeling of woe at this point. Both sides want the same thing: a signed contract.

3. Signing the contract. Once the contract is signed, a new panic may set in. You may wonder if you got a fair price or if you chose the right property for you. From this point until closing day, you will think about this decision and about all the changes before you. Moving means finding new stores and restaurants and new roads to work. This is called buyer’s remorse. Just remember, it’s a common phenomenon that you’ll get through it.

4. Closing. Once the papers are signed and the check has been turned over to the title company, a sense of finality takes over. You know that there is no turning back at this point and may still wonder if you made the right decision. Again this is perfectly normal and happens to almost everyone.

Don’t navigate the waters home buying on your own. Let us help you find the Thomasville home for you. Call First Thomasville Realty today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com

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Buying Thomasville Real Estate: Money, Mortgages and Closing Costs

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Closing CostsBecause buying Thomasville real estate is one of the most important and expensive purchases you’ll ever make, it’s worth the time to consider ways you can save money. Here are a few ideas on how to save money on your mortgage and closing costs:

Pay Attention

You have to pay attention to how much the Thomasville real estate costs. You have to pay attention to how much the house is worth and how much more you may have to put in the kitty for any repairs that may need to be done. Use these details to negotiate.

Negotiate with the Seller

Negotiating with the seller is expected. You already know you can negotiate on the price of the home, but did you know you can also negotiate who pays the closing costs? In this buyer’s market, it has become common to ask the seller to pay some or all of the closing costs when you purchase a home. Be careful with your negotiations. Many sellers will up the price of the home, if you ask for them to pay closing costs.

Negotiate with your Lender

Negotiating with your lender has become the new norm. In fact, depending on the lender’s Good Faith Estimate and your credit standing, negotiating for a better deal on your mortgage could save you thousands in the long run.

Examine the Good Faith Estimate

A Good Faith Estimate is the estimated settlement costs, or closing costs, your lender will expect you to pay. These can add up to as little as 3% and as much as 5% of the sales price. However, as the name implies, it is only an estimate, and prices are subject to change.

Carefully read your Good Faith Estimate. While some closing costs are usual, such as title insurance, others can be dropped by opting out of a service. Still others are “junk fees,” which you can negotiate for. 

When buying Thomasville real estate, you always want the best deal you can get. The same should be said when picking a mortgage lender. Pay attention to the good faith estimate.  In fact, get one from several lenders and compare them. Don’t let the excitement of buying a home override your good business sense. 

Consider Rolling Closing Costs into your Loan

Many new homeowners roll their closing costs into the loan. However, if there’s a way to pay them at closing, it might be better to do so. Paying them now saves you money because spreading them throughout the life of the loan means shelling out more interest. 

If you’re looking for a great deal on an even better home, let us negotiate for you. Call First Thomasville Realty at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com  for more information.

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2010 Trends for Thomasville Homes

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Real Estate TrendsEven though it may sometimes seem like it, home building and design trends are not conjured up using a crystal ball. They are the result of surveys, observations, lifestyles, socioeconomic issues, entertainment, technology, and most importantly, the needs and desires of buyers.

Here are some of the national and Thomasville homes trends to expect in 2010.

Green is growing.

A study conducted by Burst Media in late December, 2009, found that 90 percent of Web users surveyed have incorporated some aspect of going green into their lives, and overall, they are willing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products.

Homes are getting smaller.

For 2010, home builders say they will focus on lower-priced and smaller homes. More than 95 percent of home builders surveyed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in January said that was the way they saw their businesses evolving.

Single-story homes are in.

Because of the rise in homebuyers who are 55 years of age and older, more single-story Thomasville homes are being purchased. According to NAHB, barely over half of new homes today are built with two stories or more. Two-story homes peaked at about 55 percent of the market in 2006.

Lower cost, more practical homes are being purchased.

In an attempt to respond to consumer demands for practicality, as well as hold the line on prices, home builders surveyed by NAHB are most likely to include these features as standard in their houses this year:

Walk-in closets in the master bedroom

Laundry rooms

Insulated front doors

Great rooms

Energy-efficient windows

Linen closets

Programmable thermostats

Energy-efficient appliances and lighting

Separate shower and tub in master bathrooms

Nine-foot ceilings on the first floor

Here are the features builders said they are least likely to add to houses in 2010. You’ll notice a lot of the items being eliminated are luxury features, as builders try to lower costs.

Outdoor kitchens

Outdoor fireplaces

Sunrooms

Butler’s pantries

Media rooms

Desks in kitchens

Two-story foyers

Multiple shower heads in the master bath

Smaller kitchens

Want to buy one of the new Thomasville homes in 2010? Call First Thomasville Realty today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com to get started.

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FAQs on Tax Credits for Buying Homes for Sale in Thomasville

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Tax Credits for BuyingThousands of potential buyers of homes for sale in Thomasville are now homeowners, thanks to the first-time homebuyer tax credit. You could be eligible for a tax credit if you bought a home in 2009 or plan to buy one before April, 2010. But which one are you eligible for?

If you have two or three hours to spend reading the information about the homebuyer tax credit, you’ll be able to figure out if you’re eligible. But, most people don’t have the time or patience. To shorten your learning curve, here are a few tips, pointers and frequently asked (and answered) questions about the tax credit:

Three Kinds of Homebuyer Tax Credits

There are actually three kinds of tax credits:

1. The original first-time homebuyer tax credit, enacted in 2008, covers the homes for sale Thomasville that went off the market between April 9, 2008 and June 30, 2009. Rather than being a true credit, the money received is actually a 15-year, interest-free loan. In other words, it has to be paid back.

2. The second tax credit, raised from a maximum of $7,500 to $8,000, doesn’t have to be paid back. If you bought a home between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009, you may be eligible.

3. The third homebuyer tax credit, enacted in November 2009, is actually an expansion and extension of the second credit. It extends the deadline of November 30, 2009 to April 30, 2010 and expands the credit to include long-term homeowners who want to buy a new residence.

Tax Credit Qualifications

Just because you buy a home between April 9, 2008, and April 30, 2010, doesn’t mean you automatically qualify. Each homebuyer tax credit has its own eligibility requirements. For instance, the home has to cost less than $800,000, if bought after November 6, 2009. Long-term owners have to have lived in the same home for five consecutive years of the past eight. There are also income requirements, as well as other factors.

Automatic Ineligibility

To receive the homebuyer tax credit, there are a few things you absolutely cannot do. For example, the home you buy has to be a principle residence, which means it’s the one you live in most of the time. You can’t buy it for business. As well, the home you buy has to be in the U.S.

Another

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Thomasville Real Estate Market Gets a Boost with Tax Credit Extension

Monday, January 4th, 2010

5244388-2550x1696-webReal estate aficionados who follow the upswings and dips in the Thomasville real estate market were worried that the end of the first-time homebuyer’s credit would mean an end to housing sales. Sales were up, prices were down and the market seemed to be stabilizing

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DOM

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

4111075-888x2400-webOh, the dreaded/happy DOM question.

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Owning Thomasville Georgia Homes

Friday, November 13th, 2009

tombstoneSome people who are supposedly

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