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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Here's your chance - a true DEAL in ALL Greenbrier Schools! Spotless home offering extra large great room with soaring ceilings, spacious kitchen and breakfast area all on a easy-step ranch design. Updated painting, nice moldings, tile flooring in the kitchen and baths. Private Owner's Suite offering a stylish private bath with dual closets and separate shower and garden tub. Beautiful BIG backyard which bloom in all the colors of spring and summer! 2 Car oversized garage that offers room for cars, workbench and extra storage. You make the call to tour this home...we'll make it easy to buy! Call soon! 3BD/2BA Over 1,800sqft

Mortgage Information - CLICK HERE!

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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Magnificent custom home in Columbia County's award-winning community Canterbury Farms. Soaring ceilings start with a stunning 2 story foyer! The oohs and ahhs continue from room to room with this home's many designer touches including granite counters, stainless appliances & stained cabinets in the oversized central kitchen offering loads of cabinet space. Sparkling hardwoods floors are underfoot throughout the entire main level with exception of guest bedroom and study. Upper level has three bedrooms and loft area plus a massive 23'x20' owner's suite with relaxing private owner's bath. The special features continue outside with a shady screen porch, sprinkler system front and back, fenced backyard with gorgeous panoramic views of private pond! This home is BETTER than NEW with the finishing touches complete also offering blinds throughout and established landscaping. Best of all...IT CAN BE YOURS with one call. $3,000 CLOSING COST PAID! 5BD/3 Full Baths 3228sqft. Energy star home.

Mortgage Information - CLICK HERE!

Fantastic home in a prime Evans location! Walking distance to River Ridge Elementary School. Home is fresh and bright with new paint, beautiful flooring throughout, shady screen porch, large rear patio and fenced in rear yard! A warm feel welcomes you home with soaring ceilings in the great room, gas log fireplace and loads of natural light pouring in. Formal Dining room, bright breakfast area and spacious kitchen with breakfast bar are conveniently designed together for today's family. Separate laundry room with cabinet storage. Refrigerator, Washer and Dryer STAY! This home is a BEAUTY and priced oh so well...just move in! Opportunity is screaming....CALL TODAY! 3BD/2BA 1,500sqft.

Think lush greenery, vine covered porches and your own serene setting to call home. A marvelous ranch design with updated kitchen, hardwood floors throughout and oversized bedrooms. A step-down formal living room opens up to this homes full length screened in porch. Great room offers stately built-in bookcases and a wood burning fireplace. Natural light pours in this home through its several large bay windows. A unique home nestled in the popular Woodbridge community in the center of Evans closing to top rated schools and shopping! The Woodbridge community offers a large central pond for residents, wooded acreage lots, park and pool. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths and 2 Half Baths, 2,800sqft. 1.48 wooded lot. Wanting something different? Look no further...CALL SOON!

Link to Property Details - 5146 Fairington Drive

Almost NEW with room to grow! Home offers partially finished basement. Priced to move this fresh home features an open kitchen/great room design, stained cabinets, kitchen island and gleaming hardwood floors. It's said, 'let there be light' and this home has lots of natural light flooding it's rooms! Beautiful 2 story foyer welcomes family and friends. All bedrooms offer large closest, laundry room boast cabinetry for storage and secondary bath has a convenient double vanity. Partially finished basement offers rec room, bedroom and bath and extra large storage room. HVAC unit has been install, bath is partially finished, sheetrock installed. Basement just needs your finishing touches! Wonderfully wooded view out the rear yard giving this home popular privacy. Enjoy this homes rear yard from it's wooded deck or patio. Privacy fenced. 2 car garage. 4BD/2.5BA 2,200sqft. New construction does not compare to this one...a must see if you want QUALITY and VALUE! Make your move TODAY!

Mortgage Information - CLICK HERE!

• 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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Popular Knob Hill on a budget! This home has something for everyone - is the kitchen your room? You will enjoy granite countertops, tile backsplash, newer appliances and an open design to the great room! Is the great room your space? Take in this home's 2 story great room offering stone gas fireplace, hardwood floors and wrought iron accents on staircase! Upstairs if you need more room this home boast a large bonus room in addition to it's 4 bedrooms. A unique design with owner's suite and secondary bedroom/bath on the main level. For the outdoor lover Cornerstone Place offers easy maintenance, yet lavish landscaping. Rear yard allows access to one of Knob Hill's parks as an extension of this home's yard - best of both! Entertain family and friends on the rear deck and stylish pergola. This home has that 'feel' you've been searching for! Make your plans to tour today! 4BD+ BONUS/3BA 2,500SQFT.

Mortgage Information - Click Here!

Nearly NEW Plus some EXTRA the new units don't offer! Well maintained end townhome with single car garage offering extra computer/office area, upgraded refrigerator STAYS and an outdoor area to enjoy that includes full landscaping w/ sprinkler and covered patio. Other upgrades include front storm door and walk in showers. Nearly NEW plus some for the same $$ as new! Don't pass on this home, CALL TODAY! 2BD/2BA +office +single garage 1,350sqft. Association fee covers front lawn maintenance.

WOW price in Park Ridge! Wide open floor plan offers soaring ceilings and hardwood flooring throughout! Single story design. Updated kitchen with granite counter tops. Freshly painted. High ceilings continue in bedrooms for that open feel. Flex space off great room perfect for sitting room, home office or kids toy room! Outside you will find a relaxing screened porch and private rear yard. Sidewalk lined community in the very heart of Evans close to schools and shopping. Can you hear? Opportunity is knocking, make your plans to see TODAY! 4bd/2ba approx. 2,300sqft.

Mortgage Information - Click Here!

A Stunner inside and out! This home's southern front porch welcomes you entering into a 2-story foyer. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout main level. Owner's Suite on first floor offers a bright and relaxing private bath with separate tub and shower. Home's design offers formal dining, breakfast room and great room. Updated kitchen with popular granite counter tops and convenient breakfast bar for on-the-go mornings! Separate laundry room with cabinet storage. Enjoy this home's outdoor living space with a screen porch that offers casual seating and TV hookup! A shady pergola for those sunny days by the refreshing kidney-shaped in ground pool! Fenced rear yard. 2 car garage. A lot for the money in all Greenbrier Schools! Make you appointment to tour TODAY! 4bd/2ba 2,500SQFT.

Mortgage Information - Click Here!

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.