Branded_Buyer Guide Diane Smith

BUYER GUIDE

OUR VISION

Our vision is to bring innovative business strategies that will help our people and our company grow in this ever-changing real estate industry.

OUR VALUES

w Family and Community – we believe in family and supporting our community. We, along with all our employees and associates, will work to support and serve the CSRA to the best of our abilities.

w Trust and Integrity – we will always represent our clients and customers in a sincere, just, honorable, and confidential manner.

w Loyalty and Legacy – we will work to maintain and build superior relationships with our associates and customers and to ensure we always do what is right!

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide superior leadership, experience and knowledge to our agents, staff, and clients by promoting honest and ethical business practices in all areas of real estate.

WHY CHOOSE

BLANCHARD & CALHOUN?

Our focus is on the quality approach instead of quantity for marketing and selling. We are not convinced that bigger is always better. By controlling our size we can act and react to your real estate needs with greater speed and efficiency. A real estate decision can be one of your most important decisions. Only with all the facts can you make a wise decision. We will not tell you what we think you want to hear, but instead will tell you what you need to hear. Your trust and our reputation is everything!

In our century of service, we’ve run across some of our community’s most interesting people, places and things. Blanchard and Calhoun is one of the South’s oldest independent real estate companies. Founded in 1919 in Augusta, Georgia, this marks over a century of service to our community. Our Family of Businesses offers real estate, insurance and mortgage services across the CSRA.

Without a doubt, our company’s most valuable assets are our agents. They have all embraced our mission and promote the values of Blanchard and Calhoun. Our agents integrate technology with outstanding sales techniques, but never lose sight of expert personal attention to their clients. They are well-trained and attuned to current market trends and technology.

Blanchard and Calhoun agents are professionals who take pride in earning the trust of their clients and producing desired results. They are the best educated and most professional agents in the area. We are proud to be consistent in service, quality and professionalism.

Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company is one of the areas largest independent real estate agencies with over 165 agents and four branch offices to serve all of your real estate needs. All our agents are licensed and are members of the Greater Augusta Association of Realtors, Georgia Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.

PAST & PRESENT

George C. Blanchard and Francis A. Calhoun founded Blanchard and Calhoun in 1919 as a residential and commercial brokerage, property management, and insurance business. A few years later, Mr. Calhoun sold his ownership to George Blanchard, however; the company name Blanchard and Calhoun remained. In 1945, Thomas M. Blanchard, Sr. returned from World War II and joined Blanchard and Calhoun. The company was soon reorganized into two companies: Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company and Blanchard and Calhoun Mortgage Company, with insurance and property management operating as departments within the real estate company.

In 1972, Blanchard and Calhoun Mortgage Company was sold to NCNB. Realizing the importance of having a mortgage company to compliment the real estate and insurance functions, Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company formed Augusta Mortgage Company as a subsidiary in 1976. Blanchard and Calhoun Commercial Corporation was formed in 1987 to focus on commercial real estate development and brokerage services. In 1997 Blanchard and Calhoun Insurance Agency, Inc. was incorporated.

In 1985, Thomas M. Blanchard, Jr., grandson of founder George Blanchard, was named President of Blanchard and Calhoun. Today, Thomas M. Blanchard, III is continuing the mission of Blanchard and Calhoun as President. Carey Blanchard Daniel also serves as a Marketing Consultant to the company. For over four generations, the Blanchard and Calhoun Family of Businesses has become synonymous with Augusta and its development of residential and commercial communities. From the residential or commercial real estate transaction, property management, development, relocation, personal or commercial insurance, and mortgage lending, Blanchard and Calhoun is the only company to provide Augusta with a truly comprehensive list of services. Having served the Augusta area longer than any other local real estate company, our firm is committed to providing our clients and customers continuing, lifetime service in all aspects of property ownership.

Blanchard and Calhoun compliments the real estate transaction by providing Insurance and Mortgage Lending services for any real estate transaction, with our “Family of Business” concept. We have been in business for over 100 years and will continue to be committed to Augusta, its history and its future.

Blanchard and Calhoun has celebrated over 100 years of service. The company has grown and developed into a multi-faceted organization through its “Family of Businesses”, which now includes Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company, Augusta Mortgage Company and Blanchard and Calhoun Insurance Agency, relocation, personal or commercial insurance, and mortgage lending, Blanchard and Calhoun is the only company to provide the CSRA with a truly comprehensive list of services. Having served the Augusta area longer than any other local real estate company, our firm is committed to providing our clients and customers continuing, lifetime service in all aspects of property ownership.

Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company is one of the area’s largest independent real estate agencies with over 165 agents and several branch offices to serve all of your real estate needs. The company continues to be ranked one of the largest independent real estate companies in the United States as well as one of the top 500 brokers in the United States by Real Trends Magazine. Blanchard and Calhoun has also received the prestigious Georgia Family Business Award by Cox Family Enterprises and Georgia Trend Magazine in 2011 for outstanding company performance in the medium business category of 50-250 employees.

Blanchard and Calhoun’s Property Management Department manages over 350 single family homes, over 1000 apartment units, and over 100 commercial properties, shopping centers, office and industrial parks, and homeowner associations. Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate also has a full service Relocation Department to help assist families, individuals and corporate groups relocating to or from virtually any community in the United States and abroad.

Although Blanchard and Calhoun has grown tremendously and experienced many changes, the company’s commitment to quality customer service remains strong. At Blanchard and Calhoun, our firm is committed to providing our clients and customers continuing, lifetime service in all aspects of property ownership.

Blanchard and Calhoun is committed to continuing to serve the real estate needs of the Greater Augusta area and the needs of our community.

Life is divided into three terms - that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future.

- William Wordsworth

Thomas M. Blanchard, Jr.

Carey B. Daniel

Thomas M. Blanchard, III

George C. Blanchard

Thomas M. Blanchard, Sr.

MORE THAN A BUSINESS. WE’RE A FAMILY OF BUSINESSES.

Relocation Services

We can help you move literally anywhere! Moving somewhere new and you don’t know where to start? Let’s talk.

HEROES®

A free real estate rebate program offered to the heroes in the Military, Medical industries when they purchase or sell a home through the program.

In-House Mortgage Lender

Our Mortgage Lenders are always on call ready to answer any questions you have.

In-House Insurance Agency

You’ve worked hard for all that you’ve earned, let us help you keep it safe and protected.

Nationally Syndicated Website

Our REALTOR® listings automatically syndicate to several nationally known real estate search engines like Zillow, Realtor.com, and many MORE!

Longevity

Blanchard & Calhoun has been in business for over 100 years and continues to serve the real estate needs of our CSRA community through Sales and Purchase, Commercial Real Estate, and Property Management of Residential and Commercial Properties.

Luxury Portfolio®

The largest global network of premier locally branded companies who promote their luxury home listings through the exclusive nationally recognized marketing platforms they provide for their members.

Diverse Tech Stack

Our agents are trained in several tech programs that are designed for complete approvals and agreements in hours on any device and be able to quickly and securely access and sign documents through the transaction process.

Professional Social Media Management

Our professional marketing team develops unique-to-your property stunning graphics to ensure your home is exposed to the entire market of homebuyers.

The Blanchard & Calhoun Phone App

Our app combines smooth mobile property search with a text message interface where users can chat and view listings all in one place.

Investing in Augusta’s Future Since 1919

If you’re looking for commercial real estate in Augusta, Georgia and the CSRA, we have a great selection of commercial listings for lease and for sale. Whether you need office space, warehouse space, a development site, an apartment building, or a mixed-use facility, we can help you find the right property for your business.

Asset Management

We strive to maximize value by reducing overhead and increasing profit for single investors to large, diverse portfolios.

Property Management

Our portfolio currently consists of single family homes, multifamily units, numerous HOAs, & millions of square feet of commercial leasing space.

Sales & Acquisitions

Whether you are buying or selling, we work hard for our clients to ensure their best interests are top priority. We will walk through every aspect of the transaction with you.

Site Selection

We help clients obtain the best location based on in-depth research and feasibility studies.

Leasing

We provide lease structuring and negotiations to partner the best tenant with the most suitable property for their needs.

Construction & Land Development

Blanchard & Calhoun has been closely involved with the development & growth of the CSRA in many roles since 1919 with a strong commitment to establishing new ideas that give priority to conservation and community organization.

LOCAL EXPERTISE.

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) is the home of the world’s market-leading independent residential brokerages in 70 countries, with 550 firms and 135,000 sales associates producing 1.1 million global transactions.

Our by-invitation-only network is based on the unparalleled performance and trusted relationships that result in exceptional client experiences.

Blanchard and Calhoun’s affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® allows us to compete against any brand – whether a local company or a national franchise. When competing against a national franchise organization, it is important to point out that, while our firm is the leader in the local real estate market, we are also affiliated with the organization that produces more home sales than any national franchise.

More Global Website Exposure for Listings

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® enhances our local marketing exposure with a global reach. The website, LeadingRE.com, leverages affiliate website traffic with IDX to give consumers access to more than two million homes around the world. Because our listings are posted on LeadingRE.com, they are featured not only locally, but also from the websites of over 550 top real estate firms.

Marketing Your Listings Online Everyday

Traffic to our award-winning website continues to increase, drawing home buyers by the thousands every day from Google,™ Yahoo!,® Bing,™ and other popular search engines, ensuring that listings are seen by a relevant audience.

WE CAN HELP YOU MOVE ACROSS THE STREET OR ACROSS THE WORLD

LUXURY PORTFOLIO INTERNATIONAL®

Luxury Portfolio International® is a powerful luxury property marketing program designed to:

• Deliver national/international exposure to your $749,900+ property listings.

• Attract out-of-area buyers to Blanchard and Calhoun.

• Give you access to additional marketing resources.

• Connect the most powerful luxury firms and associates.

• Share the latest information about today’s luxury consumer. Another benefit of being featured on www.luxuryportfolio.com is that the website attracts over 3 million high-net-worth consumers annually, from over 200 countries/territories each month, giving our listing(s) unprecedented exposure to a global audience.

Blanchard and Calhoun markets all of its client’s listings priced $749,900 and above on the Luxury Portfolio International® website. Luxury Portfolio is the luxury face of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, the largest global network of over 550 premier locally branded companies dominated by many of the world’s most powerful independent luxury brokerages.

Luxury Portfolio International® Magazine – This magazine features tons of luxury content, property features, design trends and more, and has significant US and International distribution. The magazine is mailed directly to a select group of high end consumers, as well as shared by top brokerages around the world with their affluent buyers and sellers. It can also be purchased at bookstores and newsstands in 60+ countries, found in select international firstclass airline lounges and more.

LuxeTrends® – Our regular e-newsletter highlights the latest items to know in all facets of the luxury world.

Luxury Portfolio Blog – The goal of the blog is to uncover the luxury world’s uncommon and unusual and help identify them as, or even before, they become trends. As a result, we are recognized by Elite Choice as having one of the top 125 luxury blogs, and are regularly mentioned on CNNmoney.com.

My Luxury Portfolio - Agents and clients have access to an interactive way to receive search results based on preferences. You will receive automatic email updates on searches including new additions and price changes.

All homes showcased on www.luxuryportfolio.com also receive automatic exposure on partner sites:

• WSJ.com

• countrylife.co.uk (UK/Euro audience)

• Juwai.com (Asia)

• LeadingRE.com

• youtube.com (LuxeTours™)

TAKING CARE OF THOSE THAT TAKE CARE OF US.

LeadingRE Heroes® is a free real estate reward benefit program that allows you to earn a rebate when you buy or sell a home.

With Augusta, Georgia being the home to the Fort Gordon Military Base, the Cyber Command Center, and world renowned Educational and Medical institutions, it makes sense that individuals in those fields continue to move to our wonderful community.

As a thank you to the heroes who keep our various communities moving forward, Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company, through our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, now offers the LeadingRE Heroes®. When you buy or sell a home through the LeadingRE Heroes program, you’ll receive a credit or rebate* based on the actual sales price – not a fixed amount based on a range of values – and you’ll receive your rebate at settlement!

Formerly known as the Military on the Move (MOM®) program, this rebate program still honors Military (active duty, retired, discharged, military family members, Department of Defense civil service employees), but in addition it now includes active Doctors and/or nurses, and first responders (firemen, police, EMTs).

Qualifying members may receive a substantial rebate at closing.

KEY ROLES OF A REAL ESTATE AGENT

The agent’s primary tasks are to help set the right price and then get buyers in the door. Agents have access to the most up-to-date information about recent sales of comparable homes (“comps”) and competing listings in your neighborhood. “The market is shifting every day. It’s the agent’s job to keep abreast of those changes,” says Ryan Fitzpatrick, director of sales for New York real estate agency CORE.

A good agent will also market your home aggressively. That means recommending staging techniques to make the place look great, maximizing the listing with professional-quality photographs, and showing the house to prospective buyers. Most important, the agent will vet potential buyers so you can deal only with serious prospects.

Once you’ve found a buyer, the agent will negotiate counteroffers, track the paperwork, and generally hand-hold through the most nerve-racking part of the process.

Blanchard and Calhoun is the only company to provide the CSRA with a truly comprehensive list of services.

ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A REAL ESTATE AGENT

1 2

Agents Know What to Look For

Our real estate agents will pinpoint properties for you based on your wish list. We take pride in knowing the houses on the market and finding the one that fits your needs and budget.

Agents Have Extensive Market Knowledge

Our agents understand current market trends and are familiar with all aspects of the housing market. We can also identify comparable real estate and pass this info on to you to make an informed decision. Our local agents know which neighborhoods are near great schools, have had the greatest increase in market value, and much more.

Agents Have Professional Networks

Our agents are professionals at networking. Many will have a list of trusted and preferred providers who have been successful in the past, including inspectors, appraisers, real estate lawyers, and mortgage professionals.

Agents Spot Potential Problems

Our agents have keen eyes for identifying potential problems that might normally go unnoticed. They will recommend a home inspection on each property so that you are made aware of any issues that exist. Whether you’re the buyer or seller, you need to understand the best approach to fix the issues.

Agents Provide Valuable Price Guidance

Our agents can typically estimate the price on a home as soon as they see the property and know whether a specific house is over priced or under priced. Performing comparative market analysis to evaluate the home value, they help sellers decide on a realistic listing price and help buyers make an appropriate offer on a house.

Agents Have Superior Negotiating Skills

Our agents are skilled negotiators as they have years of negotiation experience. They know what normally works and what does not. It’s our agent’s job to always strive to get you the best possible terms.

Agents Provide Home Staging Advice

Home staging is all about making it easier for buyers to see themselves living in the house. Our agents are pros when it comes to staging homes for sale and makes them look great to attract the right buyer.

Agents Have Access to Off-Market Listings

The best way to find off-market properties is by working with one of our real estate agents who have access to both listed and off-market properties.

Agents Know the Best Marketing Techniques

Our agents know and implement the most effective marketing strategies that will get houses in front of potential buyers and attract people for open houses. Our agents also know what to focus on when marketing a property and are equipped with all the marketing materials provided by our marketing team.

Agents Save Time and Energy

Our agents make the process easier for you by handling open houses and showings, filtering phone calls, identifying serious buyers, and much more. Our agents also do all the leg-work in finding you the perfect home. We handle all the paperwork, including contract documents, requests, offers and counteroffers, settlement statements, federal and state-mandated disclosures, and more.

NEGOTIATING WITH A BUYER

Negotiations are just one of the many things our real estate agents do for our clients.

Our agents are skilled negotiators and know that there are times to negotiate the purchase price, closing costs, or repairs from the inspection report. Remember, your agent is fighting to get you the best possible terms and get you into your dream home as quickly as possible without taking short-cuts or sacrificing quality service.

Learning how to negotiate a home price involves learning how to be: firm, patient, nonchalant and not emotionally invested... during the offer negotiation process.

That’s where our agents come in to apply their expertise and experience to reassure you that you are being taken care of and confirm that your expectations are being met.

What makes us different?

• All of our agents are REALTORS® who follow a code of ethics that include honesty and integrity, which helps them make decisions based on professionalism that creates mutual trust.

• We pride ourselves in protecting and promoting the interests of our clients by cooperating with all parties involved in the home buying process.

• All agreements and transactions are in writing in clear and understandable language expressing the specific terms, conditions, obligations and commitments of the parties.

• We act as a mediary between you and the seller.

REAL ESTATE TERMS

Financing

It is important not to just get pre-qualified but to also discuss with the lender what your closing costs and pre-paids will be at closing in addition to your down payment. These are essential elements needed when writing an offer.

*Many times when we talk about “Closing Costs,” we are referring to Closing Costs & Pre-Paids combined. Depending on the type of loan and the down payment amount, this determines how much the seller is allowed to pay in closing costs on your behalf.*

Closing Costs

Lender origination fees, attorney fees, title search, title insurance, etc.

Pre-Paids

Homeowner’s Insurance and property taxes are prorated at closing and a certain amount of each is prepaid at that time to the escrow account.

Earnest Money

Earnest money is considered “good faith” money and is applied to closing costs or any costs at closing.

Appraisal

The lender will order the appraisal and they will ask you to pay for it when it is ordered; it could be in the $400-$600 range. Most cash buyers will want an appraisal too, just to be sure the home is valued at or near purchase price.

Home Inspection

The buyer’s responsibility. Fee varies based on the square footage of the house, can be in the $300-$400 range depending on types of inspection.

Termite Inspection

The buyer’s responsibility, but many times if the house is under a termite bond, the seller may provide for free per the contract. For VA loans, the buyer cannot pay for the termite inspection.

Binding Contract

Offer accepted by the seller > contract is signed & finalized.

Due Dilligence

Due dilligence is an option period where the buyer satisfies him or herself as to the condition of the property. During due diligence, the buyer performs inspections on the property. The types of inspections vary by property type. A licensed home inspector generally inspects the home first. Based on the outcome of inspections, buyers may either walk away without penalty or ask the seller for repair work, closing cost credits, or a reduction in the sale price due to flaws that were uncovered. Sellers can either agree to all of the buyers requests, offer a modified solution back to the buyer or decline to make any amends. Buyer can continue to negotiate, accept the seller’s position, or walk away, again without penalty. Buyer may also negotiate for a home warranty that covers major appliances from failure for a time period after the sale typically one year.

Financial Contingency

A financing contingency is a clause in a home purchase and sale agreement that expresses that your offer is contingent on being able to secure financing for the house.

Appraisal Contingency

Specifically, an appraisal contingency means that if your home doesn’t appraise for the amount you’ve agreed to pay, you can walk away from the deal with your earnest money. An appraisal determines the fair market value of the home you’d like to buy.

HOME INSPECTOR

Getting a qualified home inspector can be an important first step. A home inspector is a qualified professional who visually inspects the structure and components of a home and looks for any immediate or potential problems, then provides a written report to you with a description of problem areas and may also include recommendations for further evaluation.

Visit National Institute of Building Inspectors (http://nibi.com/), and/or the American Society of Home Inspectors (http://www.nachi.org/).

Items examined during a typical home inspection include:

Structural elements: Construction of visible foundation, evidence of sagging or bowing of the structure, and window alignment.

Safety: Operating fire and carbon monoxide alarms, fire sprinklers, condition of stairs, hand and guardrails, and garage door openers.

Grounds: Leaks from septic tank, proper drainage, and condition of the house’s driveways, fences, and sidewalks.

Roof: Condition of shingles, any repairs/patches to roofs, clear vents, damage to chimneys, and properly working gutters.

Exterior surfaces: Correct clearance between ground and siding material, condition of exterior paint or siding, and properly working lights and electrical outlets.

Attic: Sufficient insulation, proper ventilation, and any sign of leaking or water damage.

Interior plumbing: Damaged or leaking pipes, proper hot water temperature, as well as functioning toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers.

Electrical system: Up-to-code condition and type of visible wiring, and proper function of circuit breakers, outlets, light fixtures, and fans.

Appliances: Proper function of stove, dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer, and all other appliances.

Heating and cooling systems: Condition of furnace, air conditioning (temperature permitting), water heater, chimney, and fireplace.

Basement: Solid foundation, walls, and floors, with no signs of water intrusion or damage.

Garage: Solid foundation, windows, ceiling, framing, and roof; working garage door opener; up-to-code electrical system; and proper function of outlets.

THE CLOSING

The closing process itself generally takes place at one table, where buyers and sellers sign all documents related to their loan & transaction.

Here’s an example of what can generally be expected of the closing process;

As part of the preparation for closing, the attorney or title company performs a title search to determine if there are any liens or assessments

Provided the title is deemed ‘clear,’ the closing proceeds as planned and the attorney issues a title commitment. All paperwork for changing the title/deed and title insurance is prepared, and a final closing date is confirmed with all parties.

A final cash figure for what a buyer needs to bring to the closing is calculated. This is based not only on a mortgage’s closing costs but also factors like property taxes, HOA dues, attorney fees, etc.

A final walk-through will often be performed the day of or before closing to verify the property is in the same condition it was when the process began and that all repairs agreed upon have been completed.

At the closing table, the buyer (and seller) sign all closing documents, including the Closing Disclosure, and the final loan documents.

Buyer pays the remaining funds on their down payment to the attorney or a representative of the title company who is acting as the closing agent.

The attorney records the transaction and deed with the appropriate municipality.

Buyer receives the keys from the seller or seller’s agent, and unless indicated differently in the contract, officially takes possession of the property.

SELLING FACTORS

Market Conditions

Buyers or sellers market

Quantity of inventory

Average days on market

Economics & Social Influences

Interest rates

Political environment

Labor market

Vacancy rates

Area Influences

What is the area doing?

Are there any special considerations?

What is the highest and best use of the property?

Condition of Home

Necessary repairs

Additional repairs

Value differential

Buyer perception

Pricing and the length of time on market are directly correlated - homes priced closer to their true “market value” will sell faster and closer to their asking price. For a successful sale, your financial and timing goals and expectations must be in balance with market factors.

“HOMES PRICED APPROPRIATELY SELL CLOSER TO THEIR LIST PRICE IN A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.”

BLANCHARD & CALHOUN LOCATIONS

WEST AUGUSTA

RESIDENTIAL OFFICE

601 SCOTT NIXON MEMORIAL DRIVE

AUGUSTA, GA 30907

706.863.8953

WAYNESBORO

RESIDENTIAL OFFICE

636 LIBERTY STREET

WAYNESBORO, GA 30830

706.554.6097

EVANS

RESIDENTIAL OFFICE

1202 TOWN PARK LANE, SUITE 201

EVANS, GA 30809

706.868.1000

AIKEN

RESIDENTIAL OFFICE

THE MILL ON PARK

237 PARK AVENUE, SUITE 216

AIKEN, SC 30809

803.643.1018

CORPORATE OFFICE

INCLUDING COMMERCIAL & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

237 DAVIS ROAD

AUGUSTA, GA 30907

706.722.7331