VOL 1 ISSUE 1
Forsyth and North Fulton
AREA INFO AND HOME TOURS PRESENTED
BY:
John Heath & Your Results Team
678.908.7002
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EXPERIENCE GEORGIA’S
BEST SERVICE
YOUR HOME SOLD IN 90 DAYS OR WE PAY YOU! • Top 1% of Real Estate Teams In Metro Atlanta COMMUNITIES MAGAZINE • Top 20 Team in The State of Georgia RE/MAX INTERNATIONAL • Top Partner In Education Award FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS
678.908.7002
www.NorthGAHomeFinder.com John Heath & Your Results Team is focused on giving our clients the best possible home buying or selling experience. We believe that to best serve our clients it is important to treat their real estate needs as if they were our own. We listen carefully to understand your real estate goals and work hard to create solutions that make sense for you. Whether you are new to the market or an experienced investor, we have the expertise, proven track record, and resources to help you achieve your real estate goals. Whether you are selling your own home or searching for a new place in Georgia to call your own, we will work hard to make sure that you are completely satisfied. We have the knowledge, experience, and dedication that it takes to get the results you are looking for. John and his team also pride themselves on serving and investing in the local community. John has been honored to serve on the Executive Committees and/ or Boards of Directors for several local non-profits including; the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Lanier Forsyth, Leadership Forsyth, Mentor Me North Georgia, The Place of Forsyth County and the 400 North Board of Realtors.
John Heath
GRI, SFR, CDPE, e-Pro, REALTOR® TEAM LEADER Marketing, Vendor Mgt. Community Relations
Lianna Frantz REALTOR® Listing & Buyer Specialist
678-438-5728
678-908-7002
Becky Gorczyca Associate Broker Listing & Buyer Specialist New Construction
John Heath, Sr.
770-616-0726
SRES, ABR, CDPE REALTOR® Listing & Buyer Specialist Certified Senior Specialist Foreclosure Prevention
Nelson Logan
Lora Zibman
Associate Broker, CDPE Listing & Buyer Specialist Foreclosure Prevention Technology Specialist
770-367-0086
Marketing Coordinator Feedback Coordinator
678-978-3093
Why Hire One Agent, When You Can Hire An
ENTIRE TEAM
of Professional Realtors? Call Us Today To Discuss How We Can Show You Georgia’s Best!
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R E A D W H AT O T H E R S
HAVE TO SAY!
GIVING BACK
Refer Your Friends & Family to
We will donate $1,000 to your favorite School Program, Church, Park & Rec ea or other approved on- rofit rogra . As one of the areas top real estate teams, John Heath & “Your Results Team” believe in investing in our community, our children and our schools with both our time and our money. Your Results Team has already given nearly $70,000 to area schools and youth mentoring programs through sponsorships, donations and our unique referral rewards program. Please help us reach our goal of $100,000 by 2015.
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John Heath is the consummate professional when it comes to real estate. Patience, dedication, and tireless commitment are three characteristics that stand out with John. After spending 18 months trying to find a home in an overstocked and declining market, John was successful in helping us close a home that fit our interests and needs. Additionally, John is a phenomenal partner with the Forsyth County Schools donating both his time and resources to a partnership that we value deeply. I can highly recommend John as someone you can trust in the real estate business. TOP QUALITIES: GREAT RESULTS, PERSONABLE, EXPERT Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans Superintendent of Schools FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS
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Your Partners In Education Call John at (678)908-7002 or email at JHeathRealty@hotmail.com • www.NorthGAHomeFinder.com
Name of Person Moving: Contact Info: PLEASE MAKE $1,000 DONATION TO: Organization Name: Program Name: Donation made in the name of: *DONATOIN MADE UPON CLOSING OF REFERRED CLIENT’S PROPERTY
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Being a licensed real estate agent in both Alabama and Florida, I knew what qualities I wanted when looking for a Realtor to sell my home in Alpharetta, Georgia. After a few interviews, I met John Heath, Sr., and knew that his professionalism, knowledge, and expertise were unmatched. During a buyer’s market, John sold my home within two weeks and at full market price?.no easy task. The negotiations were seamless and uncomplicated. If you are looking for Results then John should be your Realtor! Nancy Wilkerson - Licensed Florida Real Estate Agent
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We had our house listed for several months when Nelson Logan took over the listing. When we first sat down, Nelson went over our goals in selling the house. Then, after finding out about our goals, Nelson presented the market data about our subdivision and discussed with us what changes he thought would better help us to reach our goals. After agreeing to let Nelson make the changes and we received an offer to buy our home the following week. We negotiated and accepted one of the offers and are happy to say that with Nelson’s help, we reached the goals that we set. We would happily recommend hiring Nelson Logan of John Heath and Your Results Team to anyone who is looking to buy or sell real estate in Forsyth County area. Ken and Jackie - Cumming, Georgia
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My husband and I found Lianna by clicking on a house on Zillow that we wanted to learn more about. Within an hour of asking for additional information, Lianna called us and answered all of our questions. Over the next few months, Lianna went above and beyond in helping us with our home purchase. We were first time home buyers, needed a lot of hand holding and she was patient and professional throughout the entire process and always returned our calls promptly. My husband and I agree that Lianna and Your Results Team are the only Realtors that we will ever buy a house from. JENNA, ALPHARETTA
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5
summer safety
1
helmet safety
The helmet should be snug and not slide around once it’s put in place. Try adjusting the straps.
The front and back straps should form a V just below the ear.
4 5
for
The front edge of the helmet should be two finger widths above the eyebrows. If it’s too far forward, the helmet could block your vision; if it’s too far back, you might not be protected properly.
2 3
tips
The front straps should be vertical and slightly in front of the ears. The rear straps should be more horizontal and behind the ear.
When you open your mouth, the chin strap should be snug. When your mouth is closed, one finger should be able to fit between your chin and the chin strap.
We know accidents happen. When your pediatrician is unavailable, the pediatric teams at our Urgent Care Centers are standing by for your child’s minor summer injuries and illnesses from broken bones to insect stings. Visit us at choa.org/summersafety. ©2014 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inc. All rights reserved. COUT 957757.ms.6/14
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F O R S Y T H PA R K S & R E C
BIG CREEK EXPANSION FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT WWW.FORSYTHCO.COM/PARKS or Call Us at 770-781-2215
Work began in November to extend the Big Creek Greenway multi-use trail in Forsyth County. The approximately 2.85-mile extension of the trail will start at the Bethelview Road trail head and continue along Big Creek before running parallel to Kelly Mill Road and ending at Johnson Road. Currently, the Big Creek Greenway spans approximately 6.8 miles in Forsyth County, from McFarland Parkway to Bethelview Road. When the extension is completed, which is slated for late 2014, the trail will span approximately 9.65 miles in Forsyth County. The project is funded by the 2008 voter-approved Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond.
What is a Greenway? A greenway is a linear park. It is about conservation, recreation, environmental education and alternative transportation. Our greenway is an investment in the future of Forsyth County, a county with open green spaces for people as well as natural areas for plants and animals. The Big Creek Greenway in Forsyth County is a 12-foot wide concrete
Where can the Greenway be accessed? • Trail Head - 5120 Bethelview Road offers bathrooms and parking • Trail Head - Exit 12, east of Highway 400 on McFarland Parkway offers parking for approximately 50 vehicles and portable bathrooms. • Trail Head - Fowler Park at 4110 Carolene Way offers parking and bathrooms. (Visitors should follow the Big Creek Greenway signs inside the park to access parking. Please do not park along Carolene Way.) • Trail Head - Union Hill Road offers parking for approximately 25 vehicles. These areas will be open from dawn to dusk. Nearby residents are encouraged to walk or cycle to these locations.
and boardwalk path meandering through the deciduous woods along the Big Creek. The greenway offers an ideal setting for walking, jogging, biking and inline skating. ResultsRemax_005.ParksREc2.indd 1
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John Heath & Your Results Team
F E AT U R E D
PROPERTY
24 HOUR HOTLINE 1-866-841-6412 X 3093 OR TEXT T11899231 TO 85377
BROWNS BRIDGE ROAD, Cumming, GA 30041
$880,000 5 Bedrooms, 5 Full Bathrooms MLS# 5293517 • FORSYTH COUNTY • 3 CAR GARAGE
Custom designed open and updated master on main two story on over one acre in an upscale community. One of a kind 5 bedroom, 5 bath, 5 car garage parking lake home with very gentle(no steps) walk on grass to “never dry” water and dock. Fantastic year round views, in ground heated pool, professionally finished terrace level and less than 10 minutes from GA Hwy 400 from either exit 16 or 17. If you are looking for the perfect lake home, don’t miss seeing this one. Shown by appointment only.
Call Today for Your Private Tour. John Heath Sr. 770-367-0086
All Properties Office: 678.455.3048 www.northgahomefinder.com ResultsRemax_006.FeaturedPage.indd 1
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C A L L T O D AY T O V I E W O U R Get Details Instantly! Text Property Code to 85377
AVAILABLE LISTINGS 24 HOUR INFO HOTLINE, CALL 1-866-841-6412 ENTER PROPERTY PHONE ID FOR MORE DETAILS!
R T E D UNTRAC ON
C
$335,000
$189,900
CUMMING - 5BR/3.5BA Finished Basement, Lambert HS Text ID: T11919705 Phone ID: 3061
CUMMING - 3BR/3BA Ranch, S/T N’hood, NFHS Text ID: T11919704 Phone ID: 3092
D L O
S
$395,000
$900,000
CUMMING - 4BR/4.5BA Finished Basement, Pool, WFHS Text ID: T11889023 Phone ID: 3080
$219,900
CUMMING - 6BR/6.5BA Gated, Finished Terrace Level Text ID: T11889019
$200,000
CUMMING - 5BR/3.5BA Finished Basement, Large Lot Text ID: T11891712 Phone ID: 3058h
CUMMING - 5BR/3BA Over an Acre lot with creek Text ID: T11891721 Phone ID: 3061
$440,000 CUMMING - 5BR/4BA 4 Side Brick, 3 Car Garage, Basement Text ID: T11889022 Phone ID: 3037
D L O
S
$210,000
CUMMING - 4BR/2.5BA S/T n’Hood, Finished Basement Text ID: T11889025 Phone ID: 3068
$860,000 LAKE LANIER - 5BR/5BA Water Dock, 5 Car Garage, Pool Text ID: T11899231 Phone ID: 3093
FREE REPORT $285,000
$175,000
CUMMING - 4BR/3.5BA Finished Basement, Vickery M & WFHS Text ID: T11914720 Phone ID: 3057
CUMMING - 3BR/2.5BA Like New in great S/T n’hood Text ID: T11914728 Phone ID: 3066
27 TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME CALL 1-866-841-6413 & USE REPORT ID #1023
All Properties Office: 678.455.3048 www.northgahomefinder.com ResultsRemax_008.ListingPage.indd 1
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C A L L T O D AY T O V I E W O U R Get Details Instantly! Text Property Code to 85377
AVAILABLE LISTINGS
$285,000
24 HOUR INFO HOTLINE, CALL 1-866-841-6412 ENTER PROPERTY PHONE ID FOR MORE DETAILS!
$300,000
CUMMING - 4BR/3BA S/T n’hood, Vickery E/M & WFHS Text ID: T11919707 Phone ID: 3052
CUMMING - 4BR/2.5BA Great S/T n’hood, Lambert HS Text ID: T11922835 Phone ID: 3118
$249,900
$899,000 ALPHARETTA - COMMERCIAL 1.4+ acres, frontage on Hwy 9 near Windward Text ID: T11923953 Phone ID: 3010
$169,900 CUMMING - 3BR/2.5BA Great S/T n’hood, Fenced Yard Text ID: T11919706 Phone ID: 3015
$199,900
CUMMING - POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL High Traffic Location, 3 bldgs Text ID: T11914719 Phone ID: 3086
LAND - DAWSONVILLE Build Your Dream Home, Approx. 9 Acres Text ID: T11927164 Phone ID: 3103
WHEN IT’S URGENT CARE, YOU CAN STILL GET CHILDREN’S CARE. Minor illnesses and injuries can happen at any time. When they do, you don’t have to settle for anything less than our doctors and nurses, who are specially trained to care for your child. For Urgent Care Center wait times,* text CHOA to 4ER411 (437411) or visit choa.org/wait.
* Wait times are updated every 15 minutes and are estimates based on the average time it takes for a patient to be placed in an exam room. Standard messaging fees will apply for texting. ©2014 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.
CHILDREN’S AT FORSYTH – 410 PEACHTREE PKWY., CUMMING CHILDREN’S AT NORTH POINT – 3795 MANSELL ROAD, ALPHARETTA ResultsRemax_009.CHOATysHALF.indd 1
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SPOTLIGHT ON
FORSYTH COUNTY PARKS FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT WWW.FORSYTHCO.COM/PARKS or Call Us at 770-781-2215
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3 Caney Creek Preserve 4 Central Park Charleston Park
7 Chestatee Community Building 8 Coal Mountain Park
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11 Haw Creek Park 12 Joint Venture Park at Daves Creek 13 Midway Park
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15 Poole's Mill Park 16 Sawnee Mountain Park 17 Sawnee Mountain Preserve 18 Shady Grove Campground 19 Sharon Springs Park
FORSYTH COUNTY PARKS
Dance Camps - June/July Gymnastics Camps - June/July
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PROGRAMS AVAILABLE:
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20 Six Mile Park 21 South Forsyth Soccer Complex 22 Windermere Park 23 Young Deer Creek Park
Outdoor Adventure Camps - June/July Speciality Camps - June/July All Sports Camps - June/July Baseball Camps - June/July Cheerleading Camps - June/July Basketball Camps - June/July Lacross Camps - June/July Football Camps - June/July Soccer Camps - June Only Softball Camps - June Only Speed & Agility Camps - June/July Tennis Camps - June/July Volleyball Camps - June/July Wrestling Camps - June Only Adventure & Nature Camps - June - August
Got Kids? We’ve Got Stuff to Do!
Visit www.forsythforfamilies.com for up todate local information filled with fun, family friendly things to go in Forsyth County! ResultsRemax_010.ParksREc.indd 1
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SPOTLIGHT ON
FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS
Teachers of The Year!
Forsyth County Schools would like to recognize our “Teacher of the Year” awards for the 2013-2014 school year. These candidates have shown an exceptional dedication and knowledge as well as these skills: • plans to continue in active teaching status • inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn • possesses the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues • plays an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school • is poised and articulate Big Creek Elementary ...........................Heather Smith - 5th Grade Brookwood Elementary.........................Heidi Morea - 5th Grade Chattahoochee Elementary..................Julie Landers - 5th Grade Chestatee Elementary............................Craig Ahrens - 5th Grade Coal Mountain Elementary ...................Kristie Hubbard - Kindergarten Cumming Elementary ............................Lisa Milligan - 4th Grade Daves Creek Elementary .......................Christine Stroer - 3rd Grade Haw Creek Elementary ..........................Jessica Jacobs - 5th Grade Johns Creek Elementary .......................Ginger Breyo - Gifted Kelly Mill Elementary ..............................Shannon Grindle - Special Education Mashburn Elementary............................Traci Wallace - Gifted Matt Elementary ......................................Rikki Comella - 4th Grade Midway Elementary................................Kim Benton - 4th Grade Sawnee Elementary................................Jennifer Worful - 2nd Grade Settles Bridge Elementary.....................Tara Stewart - Special Education Sharon Elementary..................................Karen Elz - 4th Grade Shiloh Point Elementary.........................Maggie Tompkins - Kindergarten Silver City Elementary ............................Julie Auten - EIP Vickery Creek Elementary .....................Tracey Varrone - Academic Support Specialist Whitlow Elementary ...............................Brenda Mahoney - Science Specials Gateway Academy..................................Jane Basler - Special Education Lakeside Middle .....................................Amy Poulsen - Math Liberty Middle ..........................................Amber Harbin - Special Education Little Mill Middle ......................................Jeff Woods - Gifted North Forsyth Middle .............................Nick Sexton - Language Arts Otwell Middle ..........................................Lacey Gooch - Math Piney Grove Middle ................................Kristen Deuschle - Media Specialist, 2014 FC TOTY Riverwatch Middle ..................................Eryne Graves - Math South Forsyth Middle .............................Megan Connelly - Social Studies Vickery Creek Middle .............................Courtney Mallory - Langage Arts Forsyth Central High ...............................David Johnson - STEM Academy Engineering Lambert High ...........................................Lisa Robinson-Lazaro - Spanish North Forsyth High..................................Judy Austin - English South Forsyth High..................................Carrie Paulson - Math West Forsyth High ...................................Ken Rockelein -Science
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Forsyth County Schools is proud to be one of the top districts in Georgia and the United States. This success has been accomplished through dedication to our mission and a commitment to continuous improvement through the cooperative efforts of all stakeholders. The district’s 2013-2016 Strategic Plan supports achieving our vision. With clear goals and outcomes, the plan describes our priorities and provides a strong Path to Greatness. BELIEFS: Trust among all stakeholders is vital. Expectations influence accomplishments because everyone has the capacity to learn. A school-community partnership is essential. Change creates opportunity. High-performing leadership makes visions reality. WHO WE SERVE Forsyth County Schools’ primary customer is the individual student. The district works collaboratively with other customers, such as staff, parents, citizens and businesses, to support the primary customer. Visit our website at http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us to download a brochure on our strategic plan; our path to greatness, as well as few other information about Forsyth County Schools.
6/19/14 1:30 PM
Why Have One Private Club When You Can Join four?
Premier Golf Membership
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
• Every day golf privileges at Polo, Windermere and Olde Atlanta • Reciprocity benefits including TPC Passport Program, Canongate Clubs in Georgia and PlayAway • Driving range included at Polo, Windermere and Olde Atlanta • Full use of swim, tennis and fitness facilities at Polo Golf and Country Club • Junior golf, tennis and swimming programs • Full dining and social privileges at Polo, Windermere and Olde Atlanta • No food and beverage minimums • Charging privileges • Membership privileges include the primary member’s spouse and any children who are younger than the age of 24 and living at home. • Monday through Thursday golf privileges at The Manor Golf & Country Club
Two Million Reasons to Join! Polo is currently undergoing a comprehensive $2 million capital improvement plan to include the following and much more: • Renovating greenside bunkers using Perma Bunker technology • Compleat interior renovation of club house to include large member bar area an ne tness cente • Resurfacing of tennis courts • Additional pool furniture including cabanas at the adult pool
This means the entire family has access to golf, pool, tennis, fitness and social privileges.
For more information or to join, please Call Sabrina at 678-877-0201 www.pologolfcc.com Children using the benefits must be dependent and under the age of 24. Information is subject to change. Other restrictions may apply.
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WECLOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD What makes a house a home is the people inside, their interactions with each other, that sense of belonging to a family. The same is true with country clubs. Clubs can offer the greatest amenity packages around, but if there is no programming that engages the members and gives them a sense of belonging, there really is no member experience. That is certainly not the case at Polo Golf and Country Club, which has a year-round event planner whose sole focus is on engaging the members with a variety of social programming for all ages that utilizes all of Polo’s outstanding amenities, including the golf course, two swimming pools, a tennis center, a fitness center and a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse. Located in North Atlanta, Polo Golf & Country Club members experience country club living with access to championship golf, extensive amenities and benefits, uncompromising service and a year-round social calendar for the entire family. This member experience has been further enhanced with Sequoia Golf’s $2 million capital improvement plan. Now, with the acquisition of The Manor Golf & Country Club, members have unprecedented access to golf at not three private clubs but four.
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Joining Polo Golf and Country Club is one of the best decisions my wife and I have made. We have experienced first-hand that the most rewarding feature of a private golf club is its members, and the Polo members are the friendliest golfers we have ever met. If you love the game of golf, you will fit right in. - POLO MEMBER
These substantial new investments, coupled with Polo’s already existing firstclass amenities and benefits, are causing Polo Golf & Country Club to become known as one of Georgia’s finest clubs.
The Manor is an incredible club featuring Georgia’s only Tom Watson designed course and a spectacular European-style clubhouse built in 2010. Sequoia Golf’s acquisition of The Manor has brought new membership privileges to Polo members. With the Polo Premier Golf Membership, members not only experience full membership benefits at Polo, Windermere Golf Club and Olde Atlanta Golf Club but also weekday golf access at The Manor. Beginning 2013, the comprehensive $2 million capital improvement plan is underway with more than 50 percent of this amount planned for upgrading the playability and enhancing the overall aesthetics of the course. The rest of the capital improvement plan is focused on renovating the interior of the clubhouse, adding a new fitness center and upgrading the swim and tennis facilities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SCHEDULE A TOUR PLEASE CALL
Sabrina at 678-877-0201 • www.pologolfcc.com ResultsRemax_013.Sequoia2.indd 1
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PRESENTED
BY:
John Heath & Your Results Team
1 0 W AY S T O G E T T H E
HOME YOU WANT
Rates may soon rising, banks are still operating under tight
6. Know how much you can afford
Here are 10 ways to improve your chances of getting in the market and getting the home you want.
And stick to it, even if it’s tough to find a house you like. Busting your budget won’t pay off in the end if it’s a constant struggle to keep up with your mortgage payments. “The rule of thumb is that you can buy housing that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary,” said CNN Money. “But you’ll do better to use one of many calculators available online to get a better handle on how your income, debts, and expenses affect what you can afford.”
1. Know what to expect from the process
7. Know how monthly payments really work
No two real estate transactions are exactly the same, but buyers who have an idea of how things work will have a leg up. “Buying your first home is one of the most important decisions of your life,” said MSN. “Yet most people lack in-depth knowledge of the process.” Working with an agent you can trust is key. And while you might be tempted to use the lady down the street who just got her license or your brother-in-law’s cousin’s stepbrother, your best bet is to ask for referrals from your core group and interview a few. After all, there are hundreds of thousands of dollars and the American dream at stake.
About those calculators…many real estate sites and online calculators calculate principal and interest only, but as a homeowner, you will also pay insurance and taxes. If you put less than 20 percent down, you will also have to add in private mortgage insurance. And if you are in a planned community, you need to account for homeowners association (HOA) dues as well. Make sure you ask your agent about HOA fees, and ask your lender to do a calculation including everything you will pay on a monthly basis. You can also try this one.
2. Know the market
8. Know how to win friends and influence people
In real estate, things can change quickly. Make sure you keep up on what’s happening with mortgage rates as well as home sales and prices in your target neighborhood. You’ll also want to know if any homes are in default - this will shed some light on neighborhood stability, and may also uncover a great real estate deal for you.
Nothing tests the patience like losing out on the home you’ve fallen in love with (unless it’s losing out on 2 or 3 or 10 - hey, it’s tough out there for a first-time buyer.) A good agent should be able to reach out to his or her network to potentially find you a home that is not currently on the market or help you stand apart. But you can also take it into your own hands! Try a little tenderness, and you just might get ahead. After all, not EVERYTHING is about the bottom line. “To stand out from the pack, an increasing number of buyers are taking the old-fashioned approach and penning a love letter to sellers telling them what they adore about the house and why they are the best suitor to end up with it,” said MSN. Sometimes, all it takes is a little something extra to take you from frustrated homebuyer to happy homeowner, and making a personal connection with a seller who may be overwhelmed with offers can only help.
lending conditions, inventory is shrinking, and competition for wellpriced homes, especially in the first-time buyer range, is fierce. Are you being shut out of the real estate market?
3. Know your neighborhood That abandoned house on the corner might be a great deal, but as for neighborhood charm…well, how do you feel about a real-life Breaking Bad situation going on across the street? You don’t want to end up on the news as a witness to a drive by, so make sure you consider more than price when narrowing down neighborhoods. How are the schools? Great Schools can give you some insight, but you’ll also to simply ask those who live in the area. If you don’t know anyone, reaching out to your contacts through social media is a good way to make use of your extended network. You’ll also want info on area crime rates, which your agent should be able to provide. The local police department can also give you some information. Finally, you’ll want to check registered sex offenders in the area, which you can do on a site like Family Watchdog. 4. Know your credit score Minimum scores needed to qualify for a mortgage vary depending on the type of loan, the lender, the going rates, the amount of money you are putting down…it’s a complicated equation your lender can help explain. For an FHA loan, which is what many first-time buyers use because of the more relaxed requirements, buyers typically need a “minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for the low down payment advantage, which is currently at around 3.5 percent,” said FHA. Buyers should know that a score that low in combination with the minimum down payment may result in a more complicated loan approval process and a higher rate. And “borrowers need, in general for a conventional mortgage, a minimum FICO score of about 650,” said Huffington Post. “Remember, the higher your credit score, the lower your mortgage interest rate will be.” 5. Know how much it really costs to buy a house Down payments are one thing. Have you factored in any upfront fees you are expected to pay? Your earnest money required to show the seller good faith? How about your closing costs? These will vary depending on your lender and your loan, but closing costs are usually between three and five percent of your loan amount, which can be a hefty and sometimes unexpected output of cash on top of everything else you just paid.
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9. Know how to play hardball Is somebody who’s working for you underperforming instead of overdelivering? Go back to that whole “working for you” thing. If you remember that your realtor, your lender, and your title company are all there to help you - but they’re being paid to do so - it’ll be easier to have a tough conversation if and when necessary. 10. Know when to cut and run - and how An inexperienced, overly busy/inattentive, unethical or abusive agent or lender can turn what should be a joyous experience into a disaster. If you reach the point where it’s time to move on, heed this advice from MSN: “Once you’re ready to break up with your agent, make sure you have this dissolution in writing. That protects you from paying unnecessary commission and keeps the agent from continuing to work on your behalf after you’ve moved on. Make sure you have the agent revise a contract of representation if you signed one to make it clear that the relationship has been cancelled.” WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI MAY 22, 2014 COPYRIGHT © 2014 REALTY TIMES®.
FREE INDUSTRY REPORT SIX MISTAKES BUYERS MAKE CALL 1-866-841-6413 & USE REPORT ID #1004
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LO Lic: GA - 38718 - 20973 NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System) ID 2611 • AL - Lic# 21566 • AK - Lic#AK2611 • AR - Lic#103947 - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. 3940 N Ravenswood, Chicago IL 60613 866-934-7283 • AZ - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - 14811 N. Kierland Blvd., Ste. 100, Scottsdale, AZ, 85254 Mortgage Banker License # BK-0907078 • CA - Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight, Division of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act #413-0699 • CO - Regulated by the Division of Real Estate, 773-290-0505 • CT - Lic #17196 • DE Lic # 9436 • DC - Lic #MLB 2611 • FL - Lic# MLD618 • GA - Residential Mortgage Licensee #20973 - 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 • HI - Lic#HI-2611 • ID - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Lic #MBL-5827 • IL - Residential Mortgage Licensee – Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation, 3940 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 MB.0005932 • IN - Lic #11060 & #10332 • IA - Lic #MBK-2005-0132 • KS - Licensed Mortgage Company - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. – License #MC.0001530 • KY - Mortgage Company Lic #MC20335 • LA - Lic #RML2866 • ME - Lic #SLM1302 • MD - Lic #13181 • MA - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Broker License MC 2611 • MI - Lic #FR-0018846 & SR-0018847 • MN - Lic #MO 20526478 • MS - Guaranteed Rate, 3940 Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60613 - Licensed by the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, Lic # 2611 • MO - Guaranteed Rate Lic # 10-1744 • MT - Lic#2611 • NJ - Licensed in NJ: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NJ Department of Banking & Insurance • NE - Lic #1811 • NV - Lic #3162 & 3161 • NH - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • NM - Lic #01995 • NY - Licensed Mortgage Banker — NYS Department of Financial Services - 3940 N Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60613 Lic # B500887 • NC - Lic #L-109803 • ND - Lic #MB101818 • OH - Lic #MBMB.850069.000 and Lic #SM.501367.000 - 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 • OK - Lic # MB001713 • OR - Lic #ML-3836 - - 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 • PA - Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities Lic #20371 • RI - Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker Lic # 20102681LB • SC - Lic #MLS-2611 • SD - Lic# ML.04997 • TN - Lic #109179 • TX - Lic #50426 & Lic # 47207 • UT - Lic #7495184 • VT - Lic #LL6100 & MB930 • VA Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - Licensed by Virginia State Corporation Commission, License # MC-3769 • WA - Lic #CL-2611 • WI - Lic #27394BA & 2611BR • WV - Lic #ML-30469 & MB-30098 • WY - Lic#2247
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