Holiday safety tips for your home.

The holiday season is a great time to draw attention to your home. Decorating your home with Christmas lights, burning candles and inviting guest into your home makes the season magical. Its so easy to get lost in the holiday spirit we sometimes forget to be safe. To keep your family safe this holiday try these 10 tips..


1. Don't forget to make sure electrical connectors are off the ground and away from metal rain gutters when your hanging your lights. Use plastic clips to avoid using metal nails or insulated tape will do the trick.

2. Connecting more than one extension cord can be a hazard, use a single cord that is able to reach the outlet without stretching, that can't get easily tangled.

3.A fresh cut tree is more resistant from ignition let that be your first option.  When purchasing an artificial tree look for those labeled (flame resistant)

4. Make sure all smoke detectors are working and test them monthly.

5. It's a great idea to install a Carbon Monoxide monitor in your home.

6. If your gas fireplace has not been inspected by a qualified service provider, the glass panel is broken or cracked do not use it.

7. Cut off all lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

8. A good way to prevent CO hazards in your home is to always have a qualified heating contractor perform a yearly maintenance check of your furnace and venting system, and clean or replace your furnace filter frequently during the cold months.

9. When entertaining guest provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays, and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.

10. Use your homes burglar alarm system when your not home. If your planning to leave for the holidays never discuss plans with strangers and get a trusted neighbor to keep a eye on your home.

Have a fun, happy and safe holiday!

Morrishia Dooley
Belpointe Real Estate Company
678-886-8353
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate.com

This months featured subdivision (SPRINGFIELD ESTATES)

Springfield Estates subdivision is located in Hampton Georgia. The homes are exquisitely crafted and most upgrades are included as a standard feature. The home prices start in the $170's a great deal and as an added bonus the smallest plan still features a 4bedrm. There are an array of  plans to choose from every buyer will find one that they love.

The Donavan - 4bed /2.5 bath, centrally located kitchen with access to a breakfast room
The Richmond - 4bed /3 bath, guest bedroom on main level & upstairs loft
The Concord - 4bed /3.5 bath, a master suite on the main floor
The Jefferson - 4bed /3 bath, huge owners suite and sitting area

The Oakwood - 5bed /4 bath, spacious kitchen opening to breakfast rm and family rm w/fp
The Rosewood - 5bed /4 bath, kitchen with adjoining breakfast rm that leads to sunken fm rm
The Northpoint - 5bed /4.5 bath, spacious kitchen, private owners bath with walk-in closet
The Northview - 5bed / 4.5 bath, kitchen overlooks keeping rm and breakfast area
The Waverly - 4bed /4 bath  dining rm with separate serving rm has a 5th bedroom option

All of the home plans are two-stories and a few of the plans accommodate those that prefer to have a master or bedroom on the main.

Some of the custom interior features include..
*stainless steel appliances
*coffered ceiling in dining rm*
*crafted cabinetry  with  42" wall cabinets and crown
*vaulted or trey ceilings in secondary bedrooms
*staircase with stained oak handrail & iron balusters
*cultural marble tops in all bathrooms
*hardwood foyer


lets not forget to mention the exterior features..
*4 sided brick
*hardi siding
*steel reinforced poured concrete foundations
*architectural shingles
*concrete patio
*arched single glass front entry door

If you would like to know more about this subdivision or would like to visit the sales center give me a call to set up an appointment.
I have had the pleasure of meeting one of the sales consultants Mrs. Gibson and not only was she welcoming but extremely knowledgeable about all of the homes features that unfortunately could not be mentioned here. There are flyers on site that you can take with you that will give you all the highlights of each plan and what this wonderful community has to offer.

January 2012 Belpointe Real Estate with a guest speaker from nbsp;& Merrill Lynch will be holding a free seminar in the Springfield subdivision on (HOW TO GET 100% FINANCING IN THIS MARKET) after the seminar we will feature a tour of this great subdivision. Give me a call to reserve a seat.

Morrishia Dooley
Belpointe Real Estate Company
678-886-8353
678-405-2793- Fax
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate.com

READY TO PURCHASE A HOME? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE LOAN

The loan process can be a monstrous experience for most first time buyers. Many lenders have different pre-qualification standards and a seemingly endless process to take you through.  However, with a little credit knowledge and preparation before you speak with a lender buying your first home can be a breeze.

Here are the basics most lenders will ask for on your initial meeting.

  * Most recent 30 days worth of pay stubs, 
  * Last 2 years of w2 or tax returns for the self employed
  * 2 months of bank statements of all your accounts
  * Copy of your social security card and drivers license 
  * Name and contact information for your landlord or leasing center
  * Your debts and assets

This information aids the lender in knowing your maximum purchase price, your debt to income ratio and if you are able to purchase a home at this time. If you are unable to purchase at this time they are able to assist you by giving tips and pointers on what you need to do now to buy in the near future.

A few tips about your credit -
* Even if you have paid an account in full it is not removed from your payment history.
Collections accounts can remain on your account for 7 years from the date of the accounts last activity.
Credit accounts paid as agreed by you can remain on your history for up to ten years. For those accounts you have defaulted on they may be seen for as long as 7 years.
Courthouse Records vary in the amount of time according to the account. Judgements with the exception of a few are 7 years form the date filed.  Bankruptcy chapter 13 can remain 10 years from the date filed whether the are non-discharged or non-dismissed.  Chapter 7 and 11 may remain 10 years after the date filed.
Tax liens that are paid remain for up to 7 years and unpaid tax liens are indefinite

One of the most important things you can do is safe guard your credit. Pull your credit history once a year to make sure it is in good standing. Georgia residents are allowed one free report each year by going online to one of the credit bureaus and answering a few personal questions. Or you can have your credit report mailed to you.

You can order your annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com
or call


Equifax:1-800-685-1111; equifax.com 
Experian: 1-888-397-3742; experian.com
Trans Union: 1-800-916-8800; transunion.com



If  you would like to know more about the loan process and would like to speak with a licensed lender about what you need to do to get started give me a call and I will be more than happy to help you find one.
As always call to sign up for our newsletters helpful tips and great information and the best part is it's free.

Morrishia Dooley
Belpointe Real Estate Company
678-886-8353
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate.com

HOLIDAY SPARKLE WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

The holidays are fast approaching accompanied by good food and guest. How do you get your home ready for the holiday season without going broke. Instead of breaking open your piggy bank and retrieving the sock under your mattress try these tips instead.

clean clean clean, cleaning your home is one of the most effective ways of enhancing its beauty. Focus on the areas that will give the homes appearance an immediate boost such as...

*Wiping down all walls and baseboards, pay close attention to light fixtures and the area next to the door handles. This is where most fingerprints and grime is found.
*Scrub all corners of the home where dirt can easily build up
*Dust your home and knock down all cobwebs
*Wipe down all blinds and wash the curtains.
*Clean all windows
*Polish those hardwoods until they shine
*Don't forget to pay special attention to those bathrooms

Another way to showcase your home is to declutter. Excess clutter makes the home look small and uncomfortable.

*Donate all those old magazines to a school or community center.
*Clothes that no longer fit can be donated to a local shelter or church.
*Furniture that is worn out toss it, it only aids in making the home look untidy.








Add a few touches

*Nothing adds decor like a few fresh flowers around the home. Sunny Daisies, beautiful red roses and pink carnations demand to be noticed in a positive way.
*Slip covers on the couches is an inexpensive way to change the entire look of the room
*Throw rugs give an added bit of character

with these small changes and tips your home will be a holiday beauty!

Morrishia Dooley
Belpointe Real Estate Company
678-886-8353
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate@yahoo.com

BELTLINE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If  your a resident of Georgia by now you have heard about the Beltline. The BeltLine is a former railway corridor that circles Atlanta. Transit, parks, walking & bike trails will make-up the Beltline. The project will connect 45 different neighborhoods, redefining the meaning of historic preservation and a more effective way of utilizing green space.
To make housing more affordable the Beltline Affordable Housing Trust Fund was created to assist homebuyers with down payment assistance.  The programs allows buyers to receive up to 30% of the sales price at a zero percent interest rate as a soft second.  What is a soft second? A soft second mortgage is a second mortgage with subsidized affordable rates, which is usually combined with a traditional first mortgage. To be eligible for the soft second mortgage the first mortgage must be a conventional, FHA or VA 30-year fixed.
                                                                                                                          Map of the Beltline
Below are the program highlights

The first time homebuyer requirement is waived for borrowers moving into a target area within the incorporated city limits of Atlanta.
The current residence must be sold prior to closing on the new home.
Borrowers moving into a non-target area must be first time homebuyers.
Maximum purchase price cannot exceed $252,890.
The property must be owner occupied.
Single-family detached homes, Townhomes and condo are the eligible properties to receive program benefits.
The deferred loan requires no payments and is forgiven if borrower occupies the property for at least 15 years.
Loan proceeds may not be used to pay-off other loans, advances or consumer debts.
A $1000.00 administration fee is charged to the borrower at the closing.
Buyers must attend an ADA -approved homebuying seminar.

Maximum limits for 2011 are as followed

Households of 1 to 2 people- $68,300
3 or more - $78,545

Mortgage assistant amounts-

City of Atlanta, Fulton County, APS Employees-  30% of the Purchase Price up to $50,000
Current City of Atlanta Beltline Overlay Residents- 30% of the Purchase Price up to $50,000
Eligible Homebuyers- 20% of the Purchase Price up to $50,000

If you would like to know more about this program or would like to be signed up for an ADA seminar give me a call. Don't forget to visit the website at www.belpointerealestate.com for helpful tips and other valuable information. Also email or call me to sign up for our monthly newsletter get informed with today's trends in real estate is free and very informative. Knowledge is power!

REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Morrishia Dooley
direct-678-886-8353
office-678-365-3153
email-dooleymorr26@yahoo.com