Over the past few months I have been spending more of my time at http://prudentialgeorgia.featuredblog.com/. If you check this site out I think you will find already more of the same style of writing and information, but on a broader scope.
There are multiple ways to subscribe to this feed as well at http://feeds.feedburner.com/PrudentialGeorgiaMetroAtlantaHomes. Thanks for your continued reading interest!
Answer: If you are organized and get everything your lender needs before you go down to 
their office to sign the mortgage application you will save a lot of time and the process will go much smoother (and faster).
You should have: 1) social security numbers handy (preferably your social security card if you can find it) for both you and your spouse if both of you are applying for the mortgage; 2) copies of checking and savings account statements for the most recent six (6) months; 3) statements of any other assets or income such as from another business, rental income, investment accounts and retirement plans; 4) the most recent two pay stubs detailing your earnings or if self employed, your corporate as well as personal tax returns along with all K-1′s ; 5) copies of your last 2 years’ income tax statements (whether self employed or not); and 6) the name and contact information of someone at your work who can verify employment.
http://www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com
Please “Like or Share” this post on Facebook!
Let me start by saying you are by far one of the best realtor’s Pinal and I have worked with. This was our third home and even though it took us about 2&1/2 months from start to finish, you were there every step of the way.
I’d have to say that 3 particular words separate your work from other realtors we’ve worked with 1. Speed 2. Competencies 3. Results. You were always quick to get back with us. You picked up quickly on what we were looking for and were well aware of the Oconee market.
Thanks for all your hard work and follow up. Your resourcefulness in getting answers from everyone involved in the process(from my lenders to the relo folks to the home inspector, etc) helped Pinal and I feel more confident and secure about our decisions and provided more clarity to each step of the buying process. Thank you for all your contractor referrals as well!
You’ve lived up to your closing quotes on all emails: This day and time “Being Just Good Enough Never Is!” You were truly Great! . Thanks again for everything!
Sanjay and Pinal Desai
Regarding the purchase of their new home off Hammond Creek Trail in Old Waverly, Bogart, GA
Answer: The important thing to keep in mind is that most loans have four distinct parts: 
principal, interest, homeowners insurance: the monthly amount to insure the property against loss; and property taxes: the monthly pro-ration of annual county taxes assessed on your property.
Most borrowers get loans for 30 years, although 15 year loans are available. During the lifetime of the loan or mortgage you will pay far more in interest than you will in principal. Based on current rates in the neighborhood of 4 percent, that interest might be double the purchase price of the house over 30 years! In the first few years of a 30 year amortized loan, you will be paying mostly interest in your monthly payments. This means that you will be getting the most tax deductible benefits in the early years as well so don’t fret! In the last 10-15 years of a 30 year loan you’ll be paying mostly principal.
This is the most comprehensive mortgage calculator I have come across online!
http://www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com
Please “Like” this post on Facebook!
Answer: In addition to your mortgage payment (i.e. principal and interest), you will have 
your monthly utility bills. If your utilities have been covered in your rent, this may be new for you. Your real estate broker will be able to help you get information from the seller on how much utilities normally cost.
In addition, you might have homeowner association or condo association dues. You’ll definitely have property taxes, and you also may have city or county taxes. Taxes normally are rolled into your mortgage payment. Again, your broker will be able to help you anticipate these costs and they should be clearly stated in MLS or county records.
http://www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com
Please “Like” this post on Facebook!
Answer: You can finance a home with a loan from a bank, a savings and loan, a credit 
union, a private mortgage company, or various state government lenders. Different lenders can offer quite different interest rates and loan fees; and as you know, a lower interest rate can make a big difference in how much home you can afford. Talk with several lenders before you decide. Most lenders need 3-6 weeks for the whole loan approval process. Your real estate broker will be familiar with lenders in the area and what they’re offering.
Go to www.russtannerloans.com for more information on the process!
http://www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com
Please “Like” this post on Facebook!
You’ve made the decision to make one of the largest investments you’ll ever make in your 
life-buying your first home. You’re excited, but at the same time anxious. Some of the questions you may be asking are: Will I be able to afford the home of my dreams? Do I have enough money for a down payment? Can I get a home inspected before I make an offer?
Rest assured, you are not alone. According to a National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, first-time homebuyers recently accounted for slightly more than 50 percent of the homes purchased. The home buying process can be overwhelming, but if you go into it prepared, your first purchase can be a good experience. Here are some things to consider before making the plunge.
Above all, remember that there are no silly questions. Make sure you understand and are comfortable with every aspect of the transaction. Your Buyer’s Agent can be an invaluable asset in helping you make educated decisions so that your first-home purchase is a rewarding experience. What’s even better, your Buyer’s Agent costs you nothing as he/she is being paid for their time through commissions paid by the seller!
http://www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com
A recent survey of Realtors in university towns around America, done by one real estate brokerage, found that football matters to the local real estate market! A full one in four real estate practitioners said that the success of their local college’s sports teams has an impact on the local market. More importantly the survey also identified the 10 most affordable college towns as well as the 10 least affordable.
The 10 most affordable markets; (average list prices)
1. Ball State University, Muncie, Ind., $105,115
2. University of Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo), Buffalo, N.Y., $117,223
3. University of Memphis, Memphis, Tenn., $135,090
4. University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C., $137,707
5. University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, $139,711
6. Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Mich., $141,964
7. Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, $141,964
8. Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, $153,662
9. University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, $155,286
10. Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, La., $157, 110
Somehow this report left the University of Georgia and Athens, GA out of the picture. For purposes of accuracy I looked into Athens MLS for the NAR Residential Sold Report for the past twelve months through today. What it shows is that the average sale price is $149,650 on homes sold in Athens, GA. The average list price is $200,000. This bumped us right out of the top 10.
As a Valued Customer I have a Special Offer for you! Now through Sears Commercial I am able to provide you with special pricing on the items that make your house a home including;
In addition, you can choose other great products for your home such as:
This unique program features:
Sears Commercial Offers you the ultimate in choice of the top eight (8) selling brands, and has the largest selection of appliances, home electronics, mattresses, and more at special pricing (25-50% off Retail)! Plus, as a client of mine you will receive Concierge services from a Sears Appliance Select Plus consultant to help make just the right decisions for your home. Sears Commercial will also coordinate with you to ensure that your selections fit your new home and deliver on your schedule! From Kenmore, LG, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, GE, Sony and more! Save 25%-50% off Retail as a “Thank You” to my clients!
http://www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com/pgr-home-benefits-plus.aspx
Answer: The best idea is to get pre-qualified or “pre-approved” for a loan. That means 
you go online to a lender’s site and apply for a mortgage before you actually start looking for a home. Then you’ll know exactly how much you can afford to spend, and it will speed the process once you do find the home of your dreams. If you want to make an offer on a short sale or foreclosure, getting a pre-approval letter from a lender is a requirement before they will even consider your offer.
Contact Russ Tanner at www.russtannerloans.com for more information on the pre-approval process.
http://www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com
Please “Like” this post on Facebook!
“It is a wonderful feeling waking up and realizing the house you just slept in is all yours. I was able to experience that feeling due to the diligence of my real estate agent, Hank Bailey. As a first time home buyer in Athens, Hank devoted what appeared to be all of his time and energy into helping me find just the right home. Throughout my home buying process Hank made me feel as if I were his only client.
He had my best interests in mind 24/7. He went above and beyond the duties and responsibilities written in his job description. It was a blessing to work with someone who was so dedicated to helping me find the perfect home. Even after closing on my townhome, Hank was there to help and provide answers to my questions. There are many qualities Hank exudes, which in turn make it so effortless to work with him! Hank is prompt, dependable, and most importantly he is hard working. His quickness to respond to my e-mails, calls, and questions was remarkable. I would recommend Hank to anyone who is looking to purchase a home in the Athens area or wherever!
Thanks again for all you’ve done throughout this process for me! It was such a pleasure working with you and I am greatly appreciative for all your assitance during my home buying process as well as after closing. You’re top notch at what you do! Thanks, Hank!”
Katie Webb, teacher in the Jackson County School System of GA on her first time home purchase in Whitehall Village, Athens, GA
http://www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com
Please “Like” this post on Facebook!
Answer: Well, that depends on a number of factors, including the cost of the house and the 
type of mortgage you get. In general, you need to come up with enough money to cover three costs: earnest money – the deposit you make on the home when you submit your offer, to prove to the seller that you are serious about wanting to buy the house; the down payment, a percentage of the cost of the home that you must pay when you go to settlement; and closing costs, the costs associated with processing the paperwork to buy a house.
When you make an offer on a home, your real estate broker will put your earnest money into an escrow account. If the offer is accepted, your earnest money will be applied to the down payment or closing costs. If your offer is not accepted, your money will be returned to you. The amount of your earnest money varies, but your deposit generally will range from $500-$2,000.
The more money you can put into your down payment, the lower your mortgage payments will be. Some types of loans require 10-20% of the purchase price. That’s why many first-time homebuyers turn to HUD’s FHA loan because they only require only 3.5% down. If you live in a USDA Rural Development area (some of NE Georgia east of Atlanta falls into this category), you might qualify for a 100% loan!
Closing costs will typically pay average 3-4% of the price of your home. These costs cover various fees your lender charges and other processing expenses. When you apply for your loan, your lender will give you an estimate of the closing costs, so you won’t be caught by surprise. As a Buyer’s agent I routinely have these costs factored into the sales price and let the seller pay them so that the Buyer I represent doesn’t have to bring these funds to closing. Essentially as long as the house will appraise with these costs financed into the purchase, the seller can pay these at closing.
http://www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com
Please “Like” this post on Facebook!
The Watkinsville Christmas Parade is scheduled Saturday, December 4th, at 11:00 a.m. on Main Street in downtown Watkinsville, GA! The theme for the 2010 parade is “Have a Holly, Jolly, Christmas!”
The night before, December 3rd, is the Watkinsville Christmas Tree Lighting! This is an annual ceremony that kicks the season off in Watkinsville each year. The festivities start at 7:00 p.m., but if you get there early you can participate with Christmas carols, drinking hot chocolate, and eating candy canes! For the kids, note that Santa’s mailbox and the town Christmas Tree are set up on the lawn of the Eagle Tavern. Santa is sure to be there as well!
http://www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com
Please “Like” this post on Facebook!
Zillow Press Releases Zillow Mortgages Unzipped Blog Weather.com Athens Weather Feeds Athens “Life Unleashed” My Trulia Blog Zillow Loan Rate News
Athens News
TheOconeeLeader.com
