A GUIDE TO RENTING OR BUYING IN ATLANTA Prepared Especially for:
Emory Residents CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
February 16, 2021 Emory General Surgery Residents
Congratulations on your recent match at Emory! I am very excited to help in your transition to Atlanta and provide you with helpful information to make the best decision on your next home. Whether you are looking to rent or buy, I will be able to help educate you on the different neighborhoods in and around the city, and guide you in making the best financial decision for you at this time. You will receive competent and professional service when you select me and Harry Norman, Realtors® to assist you in your search for a new home. We have assisted many families in this area in their search for their ideal home, and I have personally worked with other Emory residents and fellows in finding their next nest. With an in-depth understand of what this next chapter entails, my goal is to add another layer of support to make this process as easy, fun, and stress-free as possible. This packet includes information on me and Harry Norman, Realtors® that will confirm my qualifications as well as information to help start the process of deciding what type of living will make most sense for you at this time. I look forward to getting to know you and your family, finding a place to call home, and making the process stress free for your busy lifestyle. Sincerely,
Carrie Cala REALTORS®
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
WHY SHOULD YOU USE A REALTOR®? Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge as it relates to the process of buying and selling real estate. They are committed to serving all parties of a transaction honestly and all REALTOR® business practices are monitored at local Board levels, where arbitration and disciplinary systems are in place to address complaints from the public or other Board Members. When selling a home, your Harry Norman, REALTORS® sales associate will give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including terms of competing properties. This is a key factor in selling your home at the best price in the least amount of time. Between an initial sales agreement and settlement, questions may arise. Your trusted Harry Norman, REALTORS® sales associate is the best person to answer these questions and to help resolve unforeseen issues and move the transaction towards settlement.
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
ATLANTA’S PREMIER FULL SERVICE REALTORS®
Proudly serving Atlanta since 1930, Harry Norman, REALTORS® is Atlanta’s first and one of the most successful residential real estate firms. Harry Norman is a member of HomeServices of America, Inc,™ the largest full-service residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States.
AS ATLANTA’S PREMIER FULL-SERVICE REALTORS,® WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING: Serving Atlanta since 1930 • 18 convenient sales offices throughout Georgia More than 1,000 professional full-time sales associates and staff • Accredited international specialists Atlanta’s first and most successful relocation division • Specialized residential real estate marketing & public relations team • Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC mortgage services • HN Insurance Services • Leasing support services • Unsurpassed sales associate training • Leading edge technology • Campbell & Brannon Township Title services • Member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® • Member of Luxury Portfolio International® • Board of Regents Atlanta, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate • Exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate • Affiliate of Mayfair International Realty
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
CLIENT LEVEL SERVICES • Fairness, honesty and care in answering your questions
• Tell a buyer if a property may be overpriced
• Explain all forms and agreements
• Disclosing known material defects regarding the property
• Keep your confidences confidential, except as required by law
• Assist you in making an objective comparison of competing properties
• Arrange property showings
• Develop a negotiating strategy
• Expose potentially unlisted properties to you through our InstaList app
• Prepare an offer with your best interests in mind
• Give advice and counsel • Provide you with a CMA to help decide what price to offer • Tell you how long the property has been on the market • Indicate when the seller may take less than the listed price
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
• Use negotiating techniques that attempt to get the seller to accept your offer • Advise you during the inspection process • Promote your best interests throughout the process
POINTS OF INTEREST LOCATION MAP 7 3
285
285 400
19
75
85
BUCKHEAD
400
75 19
85
NORTH DRUID HILLS
6
1
754
78
VIRGINIA HIGHLAND
MIDTOWN
2
20 85
OLD FOURTH WARD
5
NORTH DECATUR
DRUID HILLS /EMORY
78
20
DECATUR
EAST ATLANTA
POINTS OF INTEREST 3 285
7
1. Emory University Hospital - Main
285 1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 400
75
2. Grady Memorial 19 Hospital
80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30308
3. Emory St. Joes Hospital
5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342
4. Emory University Hospital - Midtown
85
BUCKHEAD 550 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
5. CHOA - Egleston 400 1405 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 75 6. Atlanta VA Medical Center NORTH DRUID HILLS 19 85 GA 30033 6 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, 5
7. Emory Johns Creek Hospital
NORTH DECATUR
1 6325 Hospital Pkwy, Johns Creek, GA 30097
754
78
VIRGINIA HIGHLAND
MIDTOWN
2
20 85
OLD FOURTH WARD
DRUID HILLS /EMORY
CARRIE CALA DECATUR 78
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
20
EAST ATLANTA
Harry Norman, REALTORS® The Intown Office | 1518 Monroe Drive NE, Suite E | Atlanta, GA 30324 | HarryNorman.com/Intown Above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. If your home is currently listed for sale this is not intended as a solicitation.
REAL ESTATE BUZZ COVID-19 IS CREATING A SURGE IN RELOCATION According to Pew Research, 22% of US adults say they have relocated or know someone who has, due to the pandemic. Source: PewResearch.org
THE COST OF OWNING IS DECLINING WHILE THE COST OF RENTING CLIMBS Buyers are spending on average 15.9% of their income on owning a home. Renters are spending on average 27.8% of their income on renting. Source: MYKCM.com
WHAT CURRENT BUYERS WANT MOST: 1. More space (15.7%) 2. Better outdoor space (13.6%) 3. Updated kitchen (13.3%) Source: Realtor.com
HOME BUYERS ARE MOVING AWAY FROM OPEN FLOORPLANS With more people working from home, buyers are looking for more space and privacy. A recent Harris Poll found 27% of potential home buyers would consider moving to a home with more rooms after spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: TheHarrisPoll.com
U.S. HOMEOWNERSHIP COULD CLIMB TO 16-YEAR HIGH The homeownership rate could reach 70% by the end of 2021. Source: Redfin.com
NEW OUTDOOR HOME FEATURES ON-TREND IN 2021 “Social” front yards, herb gardens, and large glass sliding doors are landscaping features home buyers have their eyes on. Source: Magazine Realtor
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
THINKING ABOUT BUYING A HOME IN 2021? EXPERTS SAY IT’S THE RIGHT TIME!
METRO ATLANTA NAMED A TOP 10 HOUSING MARKET DURING AND POST COVID-19 NAR recognized Atlanta for resilience and positive indicators: the highest share of workers working from home, strong net migration, and market recovery.
ATLANTA’S COMMERCIAL EXPANSION IS SET TO CONTINUE
IT’S MORE AFFORDABLE TO BUY A HOME TODAY THAN ANY TIME IN THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.
Home Depot is creating 3 new distribution centers. This will bring 1,000 jobs to the Atlanta area over the next 18 months. multigenerational home versus 11% prior. Source: Marketwatch.com
The share of equity-rich homes jumped from 17.5% in the first quarter to 20% in the second quarter. The biggest increase for the South and Midwest.
Historically low interest rates push housing affordability index 10 points higher than 2019.
Source: NAR
HOMES IN GEORGIA ARE BECOMING MORE EQUITY-RICH
Source: NAR Housing Affordability Index
Source: Magazine Realtor
HISTORICALLY LOW MORTGAGE RATES PREDICTED TO CONTINUE IN 2021
THE COST OF OWNING A HOME IS DECLINING WHILE THE COST OF RENTING CLIMBS
Economists and analysts are anticipating rates will remain low into 2021, with some predicting this will last for another year.
Buyers are spending on average 15.9% of their income on owning a home. Renters are spending on average 27.8% of their income on renting.
Source: Magazine Realtor
OWNING A HOME IS BOOSTING YOUR NET WORTH The net worth of a homeowner is now 40 times greater than renters. Source: Keeping Current Matters
Source: MYKCM.com
TECHNOLOGY GROWTH CONTINUES IN ATL GA Tech filed plans for giant expansion of its Technology Enterprise Park including residential, industrial, commercial, and office space. Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
THE HOME BUYING PROCESS
We will guide you through each step of the purchase of your new home.
Review Buying Process with your HNR Associate
Loan Approval
Contingencies Removed
Meet with your Prosperity Mortgage Consultant to discuss the approval process
Due Diligence Period (Home Inspections and Survey; Financing and Appraisal Contingencies)
Order Homeowners Insurance
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
Get pre-approved for your home mortgage
Provide additional documentation to finalize the loan approval
Schedule utilities to be turned on
Determine price range and time frame
Negotiations and Contract Acceptance
Procure certified check or wire funds for closing
Determine your home criteria
Make the offer
Final walk-through
Start the home search and viewing process
CLOSING!
MOVING DAY!
MORTGAGE BASICS Although each individual home financing package has its own variety of features, the concept of a mortgage is really quite simple: a mortgage is a loan to help you finance a home. Your lender advances you a certain amount of money, which you repay over a specified period of time.
Rates, Points and Loan Fees
Your Monthly Mortgage Payment
The total cost of your mortgage is determined by a number of different factors, most notably the interest rate, discount points and loan fees. The expenses that contribute to the cost of your loan can be expressed as the annual percentage rate (APR).
Mortgage payments can generally be divided into four parts: principal, interest, taxes and insurance.
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••
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Interest Rate refers to the percentage of your outstanding loan balance that you pay the lender each month as part of the cost of borrowing money. Your interest rate will be based on the current overall rate environment, as well as your financial profile and the specific features of your loan. Discount Points allow you to “buy down” your interest rate at closing. One point equals 1% of your loan amount. The more points you pay, the lower your interest rate will be and the less you will have to pay each month. Loan Fees are up-front charges to cover the cost of originating, processing and closing your loan, among other things. An origination point is a loan fee that equals 1% of your loan amount.
When considering a loan, keep in mind that rates, points and fees should be considered together. The interest rate alone only tells part of the story.
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Principal refers to the amount of money you borrow to buy a home, and to the outstanding loan balance at any point during the mortgage term.
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Interest is the cost of borrowing money. As noted above, the amount of interest you pay each month is determined by your interest rate.
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Taxes assessed by your local government will likely be collected by your lender as part of your monthly payments and then paid annually or semi-annually on your behalf. This process is known as an escrow.
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Insurance, like property taxes, is normally collected by the lender in an escrow account. Insurance offers financial protection and has two major components: »
Homeowner’s Insurance, also called hazard insurance, protects you against damage to your property caused by fire, wind or other hazards.
»
Mortgage Insurance provides partial protection to your lender in the event that you fail to repay your mortgage. Whether you must pay mortgage insurance usually depends on the loan and the size of your down payment. Information provided by
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
PRE-APPROVAL VS. PRE-QUALIFICATION A pre-approval indicates that a lender has taken a detailed look into your financial background and has committed to lend you a certain amount of money, pending specific property details and verification of financial details. Because pre-approval entails a credit check and a review of supporting documentation, it’s more powerful than a pre-qualification letter, which generally only estimates what you can afford based on information you have provided.
ADVANTAGES OF BEING PRE-APPROVED: Pre-approval offers a number of advantages over waiting to apply for a mortgage until after you have found a home. It entitles you to: 1. Shop for a home with the confidence of knowing you are conditionally approved for the price range for which you are looking. 2. Take advantage of the preference most home sellers have for pre-approved buyers. With a pre-approval, sellers know they have a conditionally-approved buyer qualified to purchase their home. This often will give you an advantage over an unapproved buyer when more than one contract is presented. 3. Strengthen your negotiating position. 4. Allow your sales associate to structure the financing portion of the contract based on your financial needs. 5. Obtain a quicker closing date. 6. Discover possible qualification issues early in the home buying process, minimizing last minute surprises. When searching for a new home, the last thing you want to be concerned with is the financing. A pre-approval helps remove much of the stress and anxiety during the home buying process by giving you the confidence that the financing will be in place. Information provided by
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
SECURE YOUR HOME WITH OUR
Medical Doctor Loan
PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO MEDICAL DOCTORS, DENTISTS, OPTOMETRISTS, OPHTHALMOLOGISTS and OSTEOPATHS
Whether you have years of experience, or are a recent graduate with just a contract for employment, we have a home loan program designed to fit your needs! • NO Mortgage Insurance required! • No limit on the length of time out of residency • Student loans deferred at least 1 year may be excluded from debt-to-income qualifications • Qualify using future income with an employment contract and a start date within 60 days of closing • Up to 100% financing to $850,000 with a minimum credit qualifying score of 740 • Up to 95% to $1,500,000 with a minimum credit qualifying score of 720 • Up to 90% to $1,000,000 with a minimum credit qualifying score of 700 • Available in VA, DC, MD, GA, IN, TN • Licensed Medical Residents, Interns and Fellows also eligible • Fixed and Adjustable Rate Options • Purchase and Rate & Term Refinance transactions available
CONTACT YOUR MORTGAGE LENDING SPECIALIST TODAY!
Michael Anthony NMLS: 100515 | Loan Officer O: (678) 385-4920 | C: (678) 488-0653 michael.anthony@atlanticunionbank.com 141 Village Pkwy., Bldg. 5 Ste. 100, Marietta, GA 30067 AtlanticUnionBank.com/MichaelAnthony
Atlantic Union Bank NMLS ID: 551889 | www.AUBHomeLoans.com Atlantic Union Bank NMLS ID # 551889 (nmlsconsumeraccess.org). This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Other restrictions may apply. All loans, credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms, rates, data, programs, information and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all loans or products are available in all states. Owner-occupied residences only (single family homes, Fannie/Freddie warrantable condos and townhomes). Borrower(s) may only have one (1) Medical Doctor Loan Program serviced by Atlantic Union Bank at any time. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
Home Ownership Made Easy for You Regions’ Doctor Mortgage Program You have unique financial needs. Whether you are a seasoned physician or just beginning residency, our Doctor Mortgage Program is designed with you in mind. This top-class loan program meets the special demands of physicians seeking home financing on their primary residence. Your benefits include: • Minimum cash required with our No Down Payment Options up to $750,000 and 5% down up to $1,000,000 • Ability to exclude certain deferred student loan payments from the debt-to-income calculation • Ability to close your loan before you begin employment • Available regardless of how long you have been practicing • Reduced monthly payments since monthly Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is not required Contact me today to learn more about Regions’ Doctor Mortgage Program. Jeff Prior
NMLS #546525 Mortgage Loan Officer 1900 5th Avenue N Birmingham, AL 35203 jeff.prior@regions.com Regions Mortgage Chairman’s Club Member 205-492-3410
regionsmortgage.com
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© 2020 Regions Bank. Member FDIC. NMLS# 174490. All loans subject to qualification, required documentation, and credit approval. Certain exclusions may apply. Loan terms and availability subject to change. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank. (07/19)
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR LOAN APPLICATION* INCOME W-2 forms from the last two years Federal tax returns, all pages, for the past two years for self-employed or commissioned income sources A copy of the lease agreement(s) for rental property A complete copy of the divorce settlement agreement (if using income to qualify) Year-to-date pay stub Pension/Social Security: Current year award letter. Copy of most recent check or, if direct deposit,
a copy of the most recent bank statement showing receipt of funds Self-employed: Year-to-date Profit & Loss Statement Self-employed: Corporate/Partnership Tax returns for the past two years
ASSETS The two most recent bank/brokerage statements, all pages, for all accounts
LIABILITIES Credit card account numbers, lender’s name, balances and minimum payments Car loan: Lender’s name, account number, payment and balance Mortgage loans: Lender’s name, account number, payment and balance for each loan Landlord’s name, address and telephone number dating back two years Complete copy of divorce/settlement agreement
OTHER ITEMS Application fee A copy of the fully executed contract on your home A copy of the relocation agreement (if applicable) Alimony/Child Support/Note Income. Copy of note receivable or divorce decree/paternity award.
Six months cancelled checks or deposit slips showing receipt* (to use income to qualify, it must continue for a minimum of three years)
* Alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income need not be revealed if the borrower or co-borrower does not choose to have it considered for repaying the loan. Information provided by
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
HN INSURANCE SERVICES
Careful planning is essential for a prosperous future - whether it is for your retirement, your children’s education, or a life long dream you hope to achieve. You must begin preparing now in order to reap the long-term benefits of your hard work. We are proud to offer insurance and financial products to help achieve your goals. From traditional life insurance, disability and long-term care insurance to a variety of investments and savings plans for retirement and college funding, our financial specialists can help you create the plan that is right for your family. Our specialists can help you identify your needs and make your options easy to understand. With a variety of companies from which to choose, we can help put together a plan to fit any need and budget. Don’t leave your family’s security at risk. Our goals are simple and straightforward. We want to make your insurance purchase easier and your coverage fit your needs by simplifying the process of obtaining the proper insurance protection. HN Insurance Services exists solely to serve the insurance needs of the Harry Norman, REALTORS® organization. As part of their team of trusted advisors, we work closely with the real estate agents and mortgage representatives to make the insurance component of your home buying experience easier.
INSURANCE POLICIES
FINANCIAL SERVICES
• Homeowner
• Life Insurance
• Automobile
• Disability Insurance
• Valuable Articles • Dwelling Fire • Watercraft • Umbrella Liability • Business Package
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
• Long-Term Care Insurance • Retirement Fund Planning • College Fund Planning • Business Continuation Planning • Mutual Funds • Annuities
CORPORATE RELOCATION IMPACT Atlanta is the #1 relocation city. Harry Norman, REALTORS® offers first-class service to our relocation clients, including coordinated group moves, special services and short-term living arrangements. We work with over 800 companies throughout the United States and globally, including many Fortune 500 employers. Below is a sampling of some of the businesses for whom we provide relocation services.
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
18 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
Blairsville
Blue Ridge
Luxury Lake & Mountain
Ellijay
Big Canoe
The Collection at Forsyth Woodstock Historic Marietta Buckhead Northwest
North Fulton Atlanta North East Cobb Atlanta Perimeter Buckhead Intown
Aerotropolis Savannah Peachtree City
A network of more than 1,000 sales associates and staff in 18 sales offices of Harry Norman, REALTORS® throughout Atlanta, North Georgia, and Savannah. Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC mortgage consultants are located in Harry Norman, REALTORS® sales offices in order to provide you with immediate, personal and professional service.
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com
FAMILY OF SERVICES Our Family is Here to Serve Your Family — The Harry Norman, REALTORS® Family of Services When purchasing a home, customers can count on Prosperity Home Mortgage’s extensive resources and capabilities to address their unique financing requirements. Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC is focused on value as well as quality. Therefore, they offer practical rate, term and closing options so our customers can effectively optimize tax advantages and leverage their capital. For more information, visit: PHMLoans.com.
SERVICES
As an independent insurance agency, HN Insurance Services represents a carefully selected group of nationally known insurance companies. HN Insurance’s independence allows their professional insurance agents the flexibility to shop and compare a wide variety of insurance and financial products for customers. Existing solely to serve the needs of the Harry Norman, REALTORS® organization, HN Insurance Services is a part of our team of trusted advisers. For more information, call 404-943-1899 or visit HNInsurance.com. Township Title Services offers quality title services for buyers and sellers while providing a smooth closing experience. A strategic joint venture alliance between Harry Norman, REALTORS® and Campbell & Brannon, LLC, Township Title Services was created to provide buyers and sellers with the vast knowledge, skills, and experience of the Township Title attorneys and staff. Campbell & Brannon, LLC is a law firm at the forefront of real estate law and litigation in metro Atlanta and Georgia. Township Title shares a customer service philosophy with Harry Norman, REALTORS® which supports serving the client first and foremost. For more information, call 404-504-8700 or visit CampbellAndBrannon.com. Get the peace of mind an American Home Shield Home Warranty provides. Harry Norman, REALTORS® has partnered with American Home Shield to offer comprehensive and affordable home warranty coverage, with unmatched customer service. American Home Shield has over 35 years of experience. Whether you are buying or selling a home, an American Home Shield home warranty eliminates the uncertainty of unplanned expenses for repair or replacement of covered items and limits your exposure to a reasonable deductible. For more information, visit HarryNorman.com/HomeWarranty. 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW) is the leading home warranty company offering both structural warranties for new construction homes and systems and appliances home warranties for new and existing homes. With nearly 40 years of industry-leading experience and over 5.8 million homes covered through their complete line of warranties, service contracts and risk management products, 2-10 HBW prides itself on providing unparalleled coverage and exceptional experiences for homeowners. For more information, visit 2-10.com.
IN CONCLUSION
When you choose Carrie Cala you will receive: � Excellent service and support. � A market analysis of your new home. � A winning search plan. � Every effort to find your perfect home. � The resources of Harry Norman, REALTORS®.
Start the Search Now with Carrie Cala!
CARRIE CALA
C: 770-833-1635 O: 404-897-5558 Carrie.Cala@HarryNorman.com