During the initial interview, you’ll share your expectations and learn about the process of buying a home.  You’ll obtain valuable market knowledge about areas, prices, financing, your qualifications, and normal procedures. Considering your wants, abilities, and needs, you decide on price, size, style, and area. At this point, we will begin the search to find your new home.

Helpful Buyer Blogs:

10 ways to know you've found the perfect Augusta, GA Home

Home Buyer Search Information Form

2. Financing

A strategy for a successful purchase is to apply for pre-approval prior to finding a home.  Negotiating a contract with a loan commitment can be advantageous to you.

There are specific things necessary to make a loan application and assembling them can take some time.  It is recommended to use the enclosed list.

Helpful Mortgage Blogs:

Building Wealth Through Mortgages

Closing Cost Explained

Items Needed for a Mortgage Application

3. Formulating an Offer

When you find the right home, you will want to make an offer to purchase it.  This is done in writing specifying every detail that is part of the agreement.  There are standard pre-printed forms that I will assist you in completing.

The last step is to assemble all of the loan papers at the settlement.  You will need to pay the balance of your down payment and your closing costs at this time.  Usually, a cashier’s check is required for these funds.

Helpful Contract Blog:

Real Estate Negotiation 101

Don't let the process or the question, "Where do I start?" I am always available to answer any questions you may have. It's a chance to take advantage of the BEST buyer's market we've seen!

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Purchasing a home can save you money very quickly. FIRST, you'll save on taxes because the interest on your home mortgage is tax deductible. If you rent, your landlord gets the break.

SECOND, you'll save on interest payments while keeping the great tax advantage.

For example if you are paying $900 per month in rent, you are paying a portion of this towards your landlord's property taxes and mortgage loan interest. Your landlord can write this amount off. You derive absolutely no tax break. When you own a home, you now reduce your taxes for the mortgage interest and for your property taxes. Your interest is always the highest during the early years of your loan, so your overall write-off is largest during these early years.

Paying rent is like throwing your money out the car window each month. You pay it out and never see it again. With home ownership you receive loan interest write-off, and gain money over the years from the increased value of your home. Over a ten year period, on an initial purchase price of $100,000, you could gain over $100,000 in tax advantages and appreciation based on an 8% mortgage interest rate and 5% per year increase in home values.

On both the 15 year and 30 year loans, your interest deduction is highest in the first few years of the loan, so your tax deduction is highest then, too. Remember, if you plan to move or refinance after 5 years, you will maximize your tax deductions. Keep in mind that as you pre-pay part of your loan to reduce the interest expense, you also reduce your tax deduction. How long you plan to keep your current mortgage loan can help determine which type of loan, and which payment strategy, is ideal for you.

Have questions? Give us a call. We are happy to help.

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See Augusta GA Housing Prices aren't ALL Bad!

Web Video below - Should I buy a home in 2012?

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The most expensive apartment ever sold in Manhattan went for a cool $88 million this week.

The penthouse apartment on Central Park West was formerly owned by Citigroup founder Sanford Weill. It was bought for the original asking price in a deal that closed Feb. 15. 

The apartment was bought through a trust under the name of Ekatarina Rybolovleva, the 22-year-old daughter of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The 4-bedroom apartment has a wraparound terrace, windowed chef's kitchen and roof garden. It's approximately 6,744 square feet with 4 1/2 baths and an oval-shaped master bedroom, according to the listing on realtor Brown Harris Stevens' website.

In addition to the record price, the transaction also marks the highest price per square foot ever paid in Manhattan at over $13,000. The previous record residential sale in Manhattan was the $53-million purchase of a townhouse on East 75th street, near Fifth Avenue by J. Christopher Flowers in Oct. 2006, Jonathan Miller, president and CEO of Miller Samuel, a New York appraisal firm. But, the former Goldman Sachs partner later sold that property in 2011 for $36.5 million, resulting in a 31% loss.

Weill had much better luck with his real-estate investment. He bought the apartment in Sept. 2007 for $42.4 million, according to public records, more than doubling his money on the place.

"The fact that this property sold does not say much for where the market is going, it represents a very narrow sliver of the market, which is essentially a trophy property market," noted Miller. 

CNN Money answers - Should I buy a home in 2012?

"That [segment of the] market is performing well, aided by foreign buyers and wealthy individuals," he added.

Overall, Manhattan home prices averaged $1.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to Brown Harris Stevens' most recent data. The median price, which measures the middle of the market and is less impacted by the very high end, fell 8% to $785,000 in the fourth quarter, down from $850,000 in the previous period.

Correction: An earlier version said Weill got a 50% return on the apartment but he actually more than doubled his money.

Link to web article - http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/16/real_estate/record_sale_manhattan/

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Link to Property Details - 5146 Fairington Drive

• First, a good real estate agent will never talk you into buying a house.
• Second, your sixth sense will kick in and you will just know it.
• Third, you will want to sleep on it. Don't.

10 Ways to Know You've Found the Perfect Augusta GA Home

• You Want to Go In

  Part of the excitement of looking at homes is not knowing which could be your new home when you pull up to the curb.

   

• The House "Grabs" You the Moment You Enter

  Within 3 seconds of entering the house, you will know whether it feels warm and comforting. 

• You Don't Feel Grossed Out in the Bathroom

  Sometimes buyers feel so uncomfortable near a bathroom that they won't walk into the room. 

   

• You Are Possessive About the House

  Maybe your agent points out a flaw and says, "There is a stain in the kitchen sink," and you want to slap her face for saying something so mean about this house. 

   

• You Begin to Arrange your Furniture

  If you walk into the master bedroom and immediately see your bed against a particular wall, this might be your house. If you find yourself thinking that the living room window is a perfect spot to put a tree come Christmas, you're already hooked.

   

• You Can See Yourself Painting a Wall Your Favorite Color

  Perhaps deep purple is not your favorite color. Maybe it's blue. Maybe you're thinking those purple walls in the kid's room would look better in a blue jean color. In fact, you might even know the name of the paint color you plan to use.

   

• The House has Your Basic Wants and Needs

  The dynamics might not hit every bullet point on your list, but it meets the basic requirements. The house has the number of rooms and space you need. Maybe it doesn't have a garage, and in a flash of enlightenment you realize that buying a house with a garage is not important. Maybe you suddenly realize you could build a garage.

   

• You Want to Stop Looking at Other Homes

  All of the other homes you've been looking at no longer appeal to you. The homes on that list you've been carrying around seem insignificant. Moreover, the homes you had previously rated a #8 have now fallen to a #2 rating. The homes you have seen pale in comparison. You would feel like a traitor if you went to see other homes.

   

• You Can't Wait to Brag About This House to Your Friends

  It would not be unusual for you to snap a few photos and text message your best friend before you've finished touring the home. You feel excited. The excitement seems to manifest itself. You shoot more photographs.

   

• Every Thought in Your Mind Tells You to Buy That House

  Except for that nagging little thought that wonders if you should sleep on it, every other thought in your head says this is the perfect house for you. You are consumed. You can't think about anything else apart from owning this house.

And one of my most recent clients would add, you don't want to leave the house!

It's tough for buyers to 'pick' a home in today's Augusta GA real estate market, but a with a good agent to guide you some of guess work is done for you. If you are ready to start your search Caroline Ashe is just a call or click away. Let's get house hunting!

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2012 Georgia's Young Professional Network (YPN) Young Achiever!

The selection process is calculated on categories such as business accomplishments, local and national REALTOR association involvement, civic activities and overall REALTOR spirit.

What's is the Young Professionals Network (YPN)?

Georgia's Young Professional Network (YPN) is a way to connect with other young professionals and learn about events and resources that can boost your career. Georgia's (YPN) chapter was colonized in October 2009 and seeks to energize and nurture the future of the real estate industry in Georgia by:

1. Encouraging a new generation of leaders by identifying young REALTORS® who wish to become involved with the Association at a younger age and to stay active throughout their real estate careers.
2. Increasing the professionalism of REALTORS® through proper continuing education from the beginning of their real estate career.
3. Staying on the cutting edge of technology through continuing education courses, seminars, and guest speakers.
4. Helping to develop and maintain a sense of community and camaraderie for young REALTORS® throughout Georgia.

REALTOR® Magazine launched the Young Professional Network in 2006. YPN is a member-driven organization that helps young real estate professionals excel in their careers by giving them the tools and encouragement to become involved in four core areas:

1. REALTOR® associations. Attend REALTOR® conferences and pursue leadership roles with their local, state, and national associations.
2. Real estate industry. Take an active role in policy discussions and advocacy issues; be informed about the latest industry news and trends.
3. Peers. Network and learn from one another by attending events, participating in online communication, and seeking out mentoring opportunities.
4. Community. Become exceptional members of their community by setting a high level of REALTOR® professionalism and volunteering for causes they feel passionate about.

The YPN Achiever's Award will be handed out in Atlanta on January 11th. Caroline would like to thank all of her clients, business partners and fellow agents for their support and help in achieving this award.
 

I can't speak for other agents, but here are my theories:

1. I believe no matter what a buyer's circumstances are, NO ONE likes to move during the holidays. SO that begs me to think that buyers out looking during the holidays must be pretty serious. SO why not try and sell when the pool of ready buyers may be higher.

2. If you follow all your neighbors and take your home off the market for the holidays what have you gained, nothing? If you stick it out, don't you think your direct competition would be less if the neighbors are off the market and you stay on?

3. Did you know that many military make a move during the holidays? With our area having Fort Gordon, it's smart to be on the market in December and January.

4. And my favorite part of the question, "Shouldn't we just wait until January to list our home?" Think about it. Would you prefer to be on the market a month earlier than every other home seller that has that same thought? Get your home one the market and beat the January rush!

Bottom line is it's a buyer's market. Seller's need to give themselves time to sell. So get in the game!

Do you have specific selling questions? I'd be happy to answer anything on your mind. Call me at 706-589-1360 or 

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Congratulations Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate!

Tommy Blanchard's acceptance speech - giving his employees and associates all the credit.

Thank you Mr. Blanchard!

Augusta GA Real Estate Market Update

I had a great opportunity yesterday to be interviewed by a writer for the Wall Street Journal about how Augusta GA's real estate market has changed in the last 5 years. I was excited to be asked, but that meant I had some homework to do!

In preparation for the interview, I dug deep into the real estate market in Augusta which includes Columbia, Richmond, McDuffie, Burke and some of Aiken counties. The interview was short and sweet, but what it allowed me to do was really look at the market and how it's changed since 2006 and more importantly allows me to now share this real estate market information with you.

The Augusta area is different in we area still putting new construction homes on the ground. Some markets our size and bigger haven't seen a new construction home in years! This poses some good and negative effects on the area's local market.

The good is simple - we are thriving, growing and moving homes. Builders wouldn't build if they weren't selling homes. The negative is in the resale sector. Resale homes are up against stiff competition when it comes to new construction which drives days on the market (DOM) longer and inventory levels higher. This combination also has an effect on the selling prices of resale homes because they MUST be priced perfect in comparison to new construction and that usually means lower than newer homes.

Percentage of Change since 2006:

• Total Inventory increase - +157% (yikes!)
• DOM (Days on the Market) - +22%
• Price per square foot -  -26% ($85 in 2006/$68 in 2011)
• # of units SOLD -  -26.2%
• Average SOLD Sales Price -  -4.5%
• Median Price -  +1% ($138k in 2006/$141k in 2011) This was a surprise!

So in our market (and I assume in other markets as well) we learn to take the good and the not so good. Yes, these numbers are averages of the entire market and there are "pockets" of the area doing worse than others, but as a whole, Augusta is fortunate to have a stable real estate market.

Do you have questions about your "pocket" in the Augusta real estate market? I'd be happy to zero in on your particular area and answer any questions you might have. Call me at 706-589-1360 or

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*data used was compiled using MLS information from the Greater Augusta MLS.

I hear...feel the cooler breezes and I watch the leaves chase each other around like children on a playground. I smile amazed and thankful. The fall season brings the closing of a fun filled summer, shorter days to bring you home to family and most importantly fall helps Mother Earth rest a moment in preparation for winter where she renews our plant. Fall is here, enjoy..savor it and remember that spring and new beginnings are not far away.

Enjoy one of my favorite songs when I think of the wonder of seasons Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring.

If you are in the process of buying your first home, you may be wondering whether or not you need a home inspection. Especially if you have contracted with a real estate agent to act as a buyer's agent on your behalf or are considering buying a new home, you may have doubts as to whether the expense associated with having a home inspection is necessary. You may also be afraid to ask for a home inspection for fear of offending the sellers or their real estate agent. You may think bringing up the subject of a home inspection might endanger the sale or make the seller less likely to negotiate with you. All of these concerns are common among potential home buyers, and all of them need to be addressed before you move forward.·

An Agent’s Insights Might Not Be Enough

A real estate agent, who is working for you, as opposed to a listing agent who legally works for the seller, is called a buyer's agent and is legally required to look out for your interests and share any negative information they may have about the home. While this is an excellent thing, it doesn't go quite far enough when it comes to identifying structural defects. Your agent is not trained to recognize problems and won't be entering the crawl space or climbing onto the roof looking for problems like a home inspector might. New homes aren't immune to problems, either, and a home inspector can point out shoddy building practices before it is too late.
 

What A Home Inspector Might Look For

A home inspector can point out defects such as basement leaks, worn-out roofs, rotting floor supports or insect damage that will end up costing you thousands of dollars to fix if you discover them after the closing. Home inspectors can also identify potential trouble spots and make you aware of sub-par construction or repairs that are going to lead to high maintenance costs down the road. Home inspectors often are the ones who identify the presence of dangerous substances or conditions, such as lead paint, asbestos or radon. Sometimes they earn their fees almost instantly by giving you ammunition to use to negotiate a lower sales price based on their findings.

It’s Not Personal

Although it may be difficult to mention to the sweet, elderly seller that you suspect defects in her precious home, and even more difficult to bring the subject up with her hard-driving listing agent, the truth is that you can order a home inspection without ever doing either. This is not a social arrangement; it is a business deal, and your buyer's agent is an expert at handling this part of the transaction for you. He or she will inform the seller that there will be an inspection, and he or she will also handle the negotiations if the report comes back with negative information.·

You needn't worry that requesting a home inspection will make the sellers change their mind about selling the house to you. Your seller is in this to sell their home and make a profit. Few people will allow their pride to cost them the sale of their house, and, in any case, your agent will handle all the face-to-face negotiations. Besides, do you really want to pay too much for a home, however nice it may be? Skipping the home inspection can result in just that, and being upside down in a mortgage is a position no one wants to be in. Your home is your biggest investment, and it pays to know exactly what you are investing in before you put your money on the line.

In my professional opinion, a home inspection is a MUST! It's the only thing that will truly tell you what you are buying and if you will be inheriting any problems with the home. If you need help with some reputable Augusta home inspectors, please let me know. I'd be happy to provide a few names.

If you are looking for help with your next move to or from or in and around the Augusta, GA area, I'm your agent! Call me today to get started!

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Here are several questions to consider when planning your house hunt. I give this to potential buyers to use in determining where to start in their home search. I hope you find it helpful.

 Home Buyers - Home Search Information 

My website also offers other Buyer Resources to help in your home buying adventure! 

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Peek at Properties - Click Here

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Peek at Properties - Click Here

For those faithful followers of my other blog you will know it pains me to post these bad MLS photos. What's worse is all of these are from right here from the Augusta MLS. (big sigh) I really thought our market was immune from these photo strikes, but alas I was wrong. As always no names....no address BUT if this is your home...CALL ME QUICK!

Check out other editions of Bad MLS Photos HERE!

For Sale: Vine covered mailbox or Stately Brick Home?

You tell me??

Hmmm trying but still not the best angle...and the toilet seats up!

Taking a little off the top today!

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Of course, I can only speak from my experiences, but I believe good realtors have some of the same practices.

As a buyer, you should:

• Give your agent detailed feedback on your likes and dislikes. As your agent we are looking for your 'hot' buttons and feedback helps us search and find exactly what you are looking for in a new home.
• Take notes. We all shop by comparison and it helps to jot down a reminder or two about each home.
• Ask questions. If you are thinking it, it must be a valid concern. The rule no question is a stupid question applies here.
• Make a pros and cons list for each home you like.
• Have a 2nd favorite home. This helps you as a buyer stay calm and keep emotions at a minimum during negotiations. If you have options you are less likely to pay more than you would for a home or give up on something that you wanted in a home.

As your Realtor, I will:

• Look for defects that are noticeable with the naked eye, roof leaks on the ceiling, broken fixtures, plumbing issues, etc...
• Point out any potential concerns that may effect the resale marketability. For example undesirable floor plan design, neighborhood condition and location, pricing vs. comparable sales in the area. The important item to remember is the home you purchase is an investment and needs to be looked at that way too, not just I LOVE this house no matter what other factors might be brought up.
• I am the voice of reason and help buyers not make a decision completely on emotions.
• A good realtor helps you see the pros and cons of each home.

Tips for viewing homes are just that tips, but just keep in mind it is a process and one you as a buyer have an active role in. As a realtor, I want it to be a fun time and a time you will look back and say, "I'd like to do that again with Caroline!"

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By far candy corn is my favorite Halloween candy and maybe my favorite candy of any holiday! More than marshmallow peeps at Easter, candy hearts at Valentines Day and so much more than candy canes at Christmas! A friend of mine said last week she heard someone on the radio talking about the history of the candy corn and it got me thinking...I'd like to know more about my favorite candy of all time!

The history of the candy corn begins in the 1880's with the Wunderle Candy Company of Philadelphia being the first person to make a candy corn. Commercial production of this delicious treat began in 1898 with the Goelitz Confectionery Company, later known as the Jelly Belly Candy Company...hmmm that sounds familiar too. Still today this company is the oldest manufacturer of candy corn.

I found the ingredients of the tasty candy corn to be simple, yet brilliant consisting of sugar, water, corn syrup and marshmallow for an easy bite.

Candy Corn Quick Facts:

• 9,000 tons of candy corn produced annually that's roughly 8.3 billion kernels!
• October 30th is National Candy Corn Day (wow it's own day and it's TOMORROW!)
• One candy corn is 3.57 calories (thank goodness I've eaten two bags since the beginning of October!)

History Channel Video - How Candy Corn is Made

Are you a first time homebuyer needing guidance on where to begin? Or do you fill overwhelmed by the process? Caroline Ashe would be happy to help!

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Statistics show that the best opportunity to sell your home is often within the first few weeks of putting it on the market. This can be good news, or bad, depending on your motivation. Some homes sell right away, while others sit on the market for months without a single offer.

To maximize your selling opportunity, it is important that your home be priced right. What is the right price? Many factors will determine your home's best asking price. Our current real estate market has a lot to do with it. Using sound judgment, research, and experience, a good agent can help you determine the right price for your home. They will help you evaluate your location, the recent sold data, current market trends, and your home's special features that set it apart from the competition.

"What's wrong with pricing my home a little high?" Price your home too high and most buyers won't even bother looking at it. Over priced homes tend to sell the competition first. This scares away many qualified buyers simply because they can elsewhere and get more house for the money. As the house sits on the market, people will shy away from it thinking there must be something wrong with the home.

"Should I under-price my home?" Price it too low and you could lose thousands of dollars. There are times when you will attract multiple bidders making multiple offers, but this is only recommended when you need a faster-than-average sale.

In most circumstances, pricing your home correctly from the very beginning will net you the best results in both time and money. To find out your home's perfect selling price, contact me or log on for a No Obligation Market Review  I can take the guesswork out the entire process and suggest an accurate market price for your home. It has never been easier!

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