Wednesday, November 5, 2014

The Advantages Of Selling Your Home During The Holiday Season.










 If your like many homeowners you think selling your home in the spring is the ideal time to capture buyers. In a way your right most buyers began there search in the spring. One reason may be because of tax time. Using there tax return for down payment or closing cost associated with the home purchase can be a great way to secure the home. Another reason may be due to the kids being out of school for spring break and the upcoming summer vacation. 


       Did you ever think that the reason some buyers began there search in the spring is because there are limited homes to choose from during the fall and winter season. Many sellers have followed suit and listed there home in the spring because that is what everyone else does. They may never stop to think about the benefits that are presented when you think outside the box. 
                 Here are a few good reasons that selling in the off season may be beneficial. 

 Many buyers relocate for job offers. They may have a limited amount of time to find a home, close on the home and settle in before they began working for the new company. These buyers are wonderful for a seller to work with because they are motivated. They need to find a home and settle in quickly.
     You have less competition during the off season months. This is a huge advantage for the savvy seller because it means you may be able to secure a higher purchase price.

 Most buyers began there home search online. If your home is on market and what their looking for their going to call there agent to make an appointment to view it. In today's market buyers understand the phrase (if you snooze you loose!)

What home doesn't look great decorated for the holiday season. Most buyers are in good cheer during the holiday season. The aroma of vanilla and cinnamon bring a warm fuzzy feeling that can be enhanced as soon as they turn on your block and see your home illuminating with holiday lights. Makes them feel as if Santa made a special stop just for them. 

 The fall and winter season is also a great time to turn up the heat, blaze up the fireplace & walk barefoot across those heated floors. Show off those features that make your home spectacular which can't be showcased in the summer months.

Lending institutions may also slow down a bit during the off season meaning you get to the closing table faster. 

Selling your home sooner can also help you and your family transition and free you up to by your next home. All the money you save by selling the home sooner can be put toward your next purchase. You may only have to pay for an additional 3 months of mortgage payments instead of 6 months. For example 900 x 3 =2700  / 900 x 6 = 5400. Which would you rather?  The additional money paid could have been put toward your closing cost. If you wait you would still have to pay your mortgage while you occupy the home and whatever closing cost or additional fees have to be paid during the sell. 



  Remember the early bird gets the worm. Standout from the crowd and beat the competition!
                 As always thank you for reading my blogs. I value your questions, answers and opinions. I know your days are busy early mornings and late nights. I am humbled and grateful that you take the time out to read my blogs, visit my website or leave comments. 

              Prosperity and happiness is what I want for you. You have one life live it to the fullest!

                         Morrishia Dooley-Real Estate Adviser /Associate Broker
                                               Solid Source Realty
                                               Office-770-475-1130 ext 3815
                                               Direct- 678-886-8353
                                               Website- www.galleryofdwellings.com
                                               Email-thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com
                                               Blog-therealestateavenue.blogspot.com
                                               
                                              

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Ways To Save Space In Your Home...



           No matter where you live we all have a tendency to accumulate unused items. Thus robbing us of much needed living space. When you have a situation where there is more than one person living in the home space is not a small commodity but a necessity. 

          When A seller puts his or her home on market one of the first things buyers look for is space.  Is the home big enough to fit all of there belongings and is there space for there family to grow. This is a very important question considering most families will stay in there home for at least 5 years.

           One of the most efficient things you can do is de-clutter. You can make this a two week project breaking the cluttered areas down into sections. This will keep the task from being to overwhelming.
       
             Purchase a small file box and label the tabs to coincide with your important documents you will be storing. All other documents that are out dated or no longer needed discard by shredding them. Do this to ensure that your personal information is safeguarded.

               Instead of your home television set on the floor mount it on the wall. This will free up usable floor space allowing the room to be navigated through more easily. It will also aid in showing the size of the room and help buyers mentally place there furniture in the room.

               For those conventional sellers a wall bed is a very easy way to bring space to a room. It can literally transform your bedroom into a convenient home office space or sitting area.

               Nets are a great way to scoop up the children's toys off the floor so they can have room to move and play. You can place there stuffed animals, balls and anything light weight into the nets. It also makes for easy clean-up after playtime.


             Ottomans are wonderful for storing personal belongings. They come in all shapes and sizes not only adding extra hiding places for treasures but adding a decorative touch to a particular space. If you run out of seats these versatile must haves can be an instant lounge.


        
 Kitchen cabinet space no matter how much you have you always seem to need more. Add additional cabinet space by investing in hanging racks for your pots and pans. It will keep you more organized during your cooking spells and add an extra little space for snacks.


                                   As always thank you for reading my blogs. If you have a question on need assistance please don't hesitate to give me a call. If I don't know the answer to your question together we will find someone that does...

                             




                           Stay blessed, forget the stress because your destined for success!

                                                                                 



Morrishia Dooley-Associate Broker & Real Estate Adviser
Solid Source Realty
O-770-475-1130 ext-3815
Direct- 678-886-8353
email- thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com
website-www.galleryofdwellings.com
BLOG-therealestateavenue.blogspot.com
2006 Agent Of The Year!
Thank you for choosing me to be your preferred Realtor for you & your loved ones

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Tips To Avoid A Home Buying Nightmare!





    Buying a home is vastly different from buying a new car or shopping for the perfect living room to accent your home. It takes great planning and care. For many buyers it can be a very stressful and turbulent time in there life if there not prepared ahead of time on what to expect. There are financial obligations as well as the added pressure to find a reasonably sound home that will increase in value over time.

First thing is first the best thing you can do to help you navigate the waters is to find a good Realtor. Assuming your reading this blog your ahead of the game because you have the name, email, and phone number of a great one. (How dare you look confused, you know I am talking about Morrishia Dooley!) Not only have I been helping sellers sale there homes successfully for over a decade. I also have assisted countless buyers in finding the perfect home to fit there lifestyle. Many of my sellers and buyers have worked with me repeatedly over the years because they know my number never changes and neither does my work ethic. There are many homes for sale with different types of financing and a vast amount of programs that you may be eligible for. Just to name a few HUD Homes, Homepath, Homesteps, NSP, Good Neighbor Next Door, USDA and the list goes on and on. Your realtor can direct you to a lender that has expertise in this field assuming you have not already secured financing They can also offer some input on what to expect when dealing with a some of the programs. We all love surprises however, surprises are the one thing you don't need when buying a home. You want to know the details of your loan upfront.

       Secondly sit down with the person that will be actively taking part in this venture with you. Talk about what features are important. Take out a sheet of paper make a column for your wants and needs. This is very important because a need is something that in many cases may not be negotiable such as a third bedroom. Or a home that has a two car garage and a small storage area. A buyer can be a little more flexible on a want. A want may include granite counter tops, cathedral ceilings, sunroom, jetted tub or low hanging chandeliers. Things that may not be considered deal breakers.

Narrow down the cities you want to live in. The broader the range the more confusing it can become. Is there a centralized place you both would like to be near? Begin with that area and broaden your search outward from that point. If your moving from another state talk to your agent about what is important to you. Whether it is a great school, welcoming church, a place more geared to a single lifestyle or more family oriented, your agent will be able to help you find the resources to make an informed decision









Last but not least trusting your instinct. You know what is right for you and your family. Remember home is where the heart is. Whether you seek the mansion on the hill or the cottage at the end of the street. Choose what your vision of the perfect home is. Listen to other peoples input if its good advice but make sure the final choice is yours. Your imagination and love can flourish within those walls and a loved home is a well kept home.





As always thank you for reading my blogs. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Link with me on facebook and twitter. Remember if I don't know the answer, together we will find someone that does.
                                                           
      Morrishia Dooley-Associate Broker
Solid Source Realty
     Office -770-475-1130 ext -3815
Direct`678-886-8353
        Email-     thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com
   Blog-   therealestateavenue.blogspot.com
                             Facebook-   https://www.facebook.com/MorrishiaDooley
Twitter-https://twitter.com/mddwellings

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

The No Down Payment Loan





                                  In the Market for A home? It's true that most loans require the buyer to bring money to the closing table to cover there down payment. Fha normally requires a 3.5% down payment. Conventional loans can require as much as 20% down in some cases. However for those that qualify and don't mind living a little outside the box there is another option. This option not only helps you forgo the down payment but comes equipped with a few other perks as well.

                              The loan is the  Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan program or for short the USDA LOAN. This loan is primarily used to assist low income families or individuals obtaining houses in rural areas. You can find homes that qualify for this loan in most counties such as Henry, Clayton, Cobb, Newton, Gwinnett and other surrounding counties. The best way to tell if a home qualifies for this type of loan is to ask your lender or you can go on the USDA website and enter in the address.
       
                             Funds for this program can be used to renovate, build or repair a home. You can also use the funds to relocate a home & to purchase and to prepare sites. You must be able to qualify for the program income wise and the home you choose must be one that qualifies for the program. Families and individuals must still be able to afford the mortgage payment on the home to include the taxes & insurance. This is generally about 24% of an applicants income. .

                         First time home buyers are great candidates for this program but repeat buyers can also benefit from this loan.  Loan terms are up to 33 years fixed however, they can go as high as 38 years with an applicant who's income is below 60% of the ( AMI ). This is due to the applicant having difficulty affording a loan with a 30 year term. Buyers can receive a gift from family members or non-family members toward the purchase of the home with a gift letter. If you are a w-2 employee you can be eligible for this loan right away in most cases. Less than 2 years on a job may dis-qualify you from using bonus income to obtain the loan. Self employed applicants must supply two years of tax returns.

                                          A few additional benefits for this loan





No down payment required
Lenders have the flexibility to offer great loan terms without requiring great credit
The terms of the loans are 30 year fixed or over.
There is no prepayment penalty meaning you can pay this loan off early. 
Properties being sold must meet the minimum standards.
The seller can pay closing cost or if the home can appraise the cost can be rolled in. 
You can also finance your Upfront Mortgage Insurance.

  To learn more about this loan give me a call. and I will help you locate a lender familiar with this type of loan. This is a great way to get your dream home. I have included a few links below that may help answer additional questions.

http://themortgagereports.com/6689/usda-loan-mortgage-guidelines
http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do


Morrishia Dooley-Associate Broker
Solid Source Realty
O-770-475-1130 ext-3815
Direct- 678-886-8353
email- thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com
website-www.galleryofdwellings.com
BLOG-therealestateavenue.blogspot.com
2006 Agent Of The Year!
Thank you for choosing me to be your preferred Realtor for you & your loved ones

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Who Needs A Home Warranty??








                                It's the Holiday season your preparing dinner for 15 and setting up the guest rooms for your relatives. You have spent a small fortune on making sure the refrigerator is stocked with holiday sweets & treats. Turned up the fireplace to enhance the ambiance of the holiday season and cleaned the carpets in every room. Your feeling good and with the roast simmering in the oven your ahead of schedule. You decide to take off your apron and sit down on the couch for a little rest & relaxation. Life is good and today your at the top of your game.....
                              All of a sudden you hear your dishwasher make a strange noise and before you can stop it suds and hot water began seeping from under it all over the kitchen floor. As you begin to clean up the mess you notice you do not hear the soft hum the refrigerator normally makes. You make your way across the kitchen and open the refrigerator door to your dismay its hot inside. Your Chocolate Moose Dessert has melted all over the Banana Cream Pie you slaved over. From experience you know bad things usually come in 3's so your not surprised to see your dog in the bathroom barking uncontrollably at the toilet he usually drinks from. Its overflowing and to make matters worse its soaked the carpet in the hallway.
                             
                            You have to get the water up and stop the overflow as quickly as possible so you run to the linen closet for a towel. You click the light switch and the breakers go out. Since you have an electric stove that roast you were cooking won't be well done but under cooked. While standing there deciding what to do a flashback of the previous holiday season makes you cringe. That Thanksgiving you cooked your first turkey for the family. The look on their faces as you tried to carve that golden brown frozen turkey still haunts you. If only someone would have told you it would take longer than an hour to cook a 30 pound bird, even if it did brown fast... You have reached your breaking point if one more thing breaks down your going to jump off the roof!
                          Not knowing that your home and the appliances in it are alive and have plotted against you because you failed to protect them with a home warranty the que is given for the microwave to explode open and the water tank to burst.

                          As you stand there moments later on the roof ledge preparing to jump because of the circus happening around you. Sparks coming out of your chimney, the garage door opening and closing & water high as the windows your suddenly jolted back to reality by the doorbell. The cat got out and the neighbor was returning him. You put the cat on his mat and head to the computer. You type in- home warranty companies....

                       Although everything may not break down at the same time in your home. I can almost guarantee if something does go awry it will most likely be at the most inconvenient time financially & personally. Wreaking havoc on your well made plans. The cost of a home warranty is often less than replacing or repairing a single item.

 Standard 1 year warranty   -$375-$425 
 Piece Of Mind Priceless  - $
 Rainy Day Fund   -Untouched    

The basic coverage to look for in a home warranty
Plumbing           Water Heater             Attic & Exhaust Fans
Electrical            Kitchen Appliances  Central Vacuum System
Ceiling Fans

Look for warranties that also include optional coverage on
Central Air Conditioning -Ducted
Duct Work        Garage Door Openers
Heating              Pool & Spa Equipment

There are many different plans out there and since I am not an expert on the components they may cover I have included a few companies that are.

 First American Home Buyers Protection-1800-444-9030
American Home Shield -1855-354-2955
Old Republic Home Protection- 1800-445-6999
Liberty Home Protection- 1866-735-9423
             

   As always if you have any questions feel free to call if I don't know the answer I will find someone that does..
                                                 
                           

                                                                 Morrishia Dooley
                                                              Solid Source Realty 
                                                         Office- 770-475-1130 ext 3815
                                                              Direct- 678-886-8353
                                                               housechiq@gmail.com
                                           Facebook-www.facebook.com/morrishiadooley

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Reverse Mortgages | Consumer Information

This is a great article I located about Reverse Mortgages. It is complete information on the various types of reverse mortgages and the loan features. This is may be a great option for your loved one. It is a long article but worth reading if you have a loved one struggling. I find this may be a good option to alleviate the financial stress and remain in there home....
           If you’re 62 or older – and looking for money to finance a home improvement, pay off your current mortgage, supplement your retirement income, or pay for healthcare expenses – you may be considering a reverse mortgage. It’s a product that allows you to convert part of the equity in your home into cash without having to sell your home or pay additional monthly bills. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to understand how reverse mortgages work, the types of reverse mortgages available, and how to get the best deal. In a “regular” mortgage, you make monthly payments to the lender. In a “reverse” mortgage, you receive money from the lender, and generally don’t have to pay it back for as long as you live in your home. The loan is repaid when you die, sell your home, or when your home is no longer your primary residence. The proceeds of a reverse mortgage generally are tax-free, and many reverse mortgages have no income restrictions.

                    Types of Reverse Mortgages

There are three types of reverse mortgages:
  • single-purpose reverse mortgages, offered by some state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations
  • federally-insured reverse mortgages, known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • proprietary reverse mortgages, private loans that are backed by the companies that develop them
Single-purpose reverse mortgages are the least expensive option. They are not available everywhere and can be used for only one purpose, which is specified by the government or nonprofit lender. For example, the lender might say the loan may be used only to pay for home repairs, improvements, or property taxes. Most homeowners with low or moderate income can qualify for these loans. HECMs and proprietary reverse mortgages may be more expensive than traditional home loans, and the upfront costs can be high. That’s important to consider, especially if you plan to stay in your home for just a short time or borrow a small amount. HECM loans are widely available, have no income or medical requirements, and can be used for any purpose. Before applying for a HECM, you must meet with a counselor from an independent government-approved housing counseling agency. Some lenders offering proprietary reverse mortgages also require counseling. The counselor is required to explain the loan’s costs and financial implications, and possible alternatives to a HECM, like government and nonprofit programs or a single-purpose or proprietary reverse mortgage. 

The counselor also should be able to help you compare the costs of different types of reverse mortgages and tell you how different payment options, fees, and other costs affect the total cost of the loan over time. You can visit HUD for a list of counselors or call the agency at 1-800-569-4287. Most counseling agencies charge around $125 for their services. The fee can be paid from the loan proceeds, but you cannot be turned away if you can’t afford the fee. How much you can borrow with a HECM or proprietary reverse mortgage depends on several factors, including your age, the type of reverse mortgage you select, the appraised value of your home, and current interest rates. In general, the older you are, the more equity you have in your home, and the less you owe on it, the more money you can get.
The HECM lets you choose among several payment options. You can select:
  • a “term” option – fixed monthly cash advances for a specific time. a “tenure” option – fixed monthly cash advances for as long as you live in your home. a line of credit that lets you draw down the loan proceeds at any time in amounts you choose until you have used up the line of credit. a combination of monthly payments and a line of credit.
You can change your payment option any time for about $20. HECMs generally provide bigger loan advances at a lower total cost compared with proprietary loans. But if you own a higher-valued home, you may get a bigger loan advance from a proprietary reverse mortgage. So if your home has a higher appraised value and you have a small mortgage, you may qualify for more funds.

Loan Features

Reverse mortgage loan advances are not taxable, and generally don’t affect your Social Security or Medicare benefits. You retain the title to your home, and you don’t have to make monthly repayments. The loan must be repaid when the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or no longer lives in the home as a principal residence. In the HECM program, a borrower can live in a nursing home or other medical facility for up to 12 consecutive months before the loan must be repaid. If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, be aware that:

Getting a Good Deal

If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, shop around. Compare your options and the terms various lenders offer. Learn as much as you can about reverse mortgages before you talk to a counselor or lender. That can help inform the questions you ask that could lead to a better deal.
  • If you want to make a home repair or improvement – or you need help paying your property taxes – find out if you qualify for any low-cost single-purpose loans in your area. Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) generally know about these programs. To find the nearest agency, visit www.eldercare.gov or call 1-800-677-1116. Ask about “loan or grant programs for home repairs or improvements,” or “property tax deferral” or “property tax postponement” programs, and how to apply. All HECM lenders must follow HUD rules. And while the mortgage insurance premium is the same from lender to lender, most loan costs, including the origination fee, interest rate, closing costs, and servicing fees vary among lenders. 
  • If you live in a higher-valued home, you may be able to borrow more with a proprietary reverse mortgage, but the more you borrow, the higher your costs.
  • The best way to see key differences between a HECM and a proprietary loan is to do a side-by-side comparison of costs and benefits. Many HECM counselors and lenders can give you this important information. No matter what type of reverse mortgage you’re considering, understand all the conditions that could make the loan due and payable. Ask a counselor or lender to explain the Total Annual Loan Cost (TALC) rates: they show the projected annual average cost of a reverse mortgage, including all the itemized costs.

Be Wary of Sales Pitches

Some sellers may offer you goods or services, like home improvement services, and then suggest that a reverse mortgage would be an easy way to pay for them. If you decide you need what’s being offered, shop around before deciding on any particular seller. Keep in mind that the total cost of the product or service is the price the seller quotes plus the costs – and fees – tied to getting the reverse mortgage.Some who offer reverse mortgages may pressure you to buy other financial products, like an annuity or long term care insurance. Resist that pressure. You don’t have to buy any products or services to get a reverse mortgage (except to maintain the adequate homeowners or hazard insurance that HUD and other lenders require). In fact, in some situations, it’s illegal to require you to buy other products to get a reverse mortgage. The bottom line: If you don’t understand the cost or features of a reverse mortgage or any other product offered to you – or if there is pressure or urgency to complete the deal – walk away and take your business elsewhere. Consider seeking the advice of a family member, friend, or someone else you trust.
Your Right to Cancel
With most reverse mortgages, you have at least three business days after closing to cancel the deal for any reason, without penalty. To cancel, you must notify the lender in writing. Send your letter by certified mail, and ask for a return receipt. That will allow you to document what the lender received and when. Keep copies of your correspondence and any enclosures. After you cancel, the lender has 20 days to return any money you’ve paid up to then for the financing.
Reporting Possible Fraud
If you suspect that someone involved in the transaction may be violating the law, let the counselor, lender, or loan servicer know. Then, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, your state Attorney General’s office, or your state banking regulatory agency. Whether a reverse mortgage is right for you is a big question. Consider all your options. You may qualify for less costly alternatives. The following organizations have more information:
Reverse Mortgage Education Project AARP Foundation 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 200491-800-209-8085 U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)451 7th Street, SWWashington, DC 204101-800-CALL-FHA (1-800-225-5342) Here is the link to the website and also you can find this article and information there http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0192-reverse-mortgages#.UjWlZqHl0ww.blogger

This option may give your loved one there freedom back. 


As always contact me with questions and if I can't answer it I will make sure I find someone that can!!

Morrishia Dooley-Associate Broker 
Solid Source Realty
770-475-1130-ext 3815
678-886-8353-direct
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Earnest Money-Let The Buyer Beware.....




   Earnest Money has become one important component in most real estate contracts. It is the assurance the buyer gives to a seller to show that they are serious about buying there home. When a seller puts there home on the market to sell they are looking for the best terms, highest net and fastest closing time frame. Once the home is under contract it is taken off market and put into pending status. This normally halts the activity on the property while it is under contract. Any interested buyers other than the buyer under contract with the seller can now only be entertained as back-ups. Should your contract fall through it gives the back-up offers a chance to be in first position to purchase the home.

                              A contract can have a life span of 30 days up to an astounding 120 days or more depending on the type of sale it is or the terms of the contract. Most short sales can be very lengthy and cause the home to be off market actively for months. Even if the home is a regular home purchase with no special circumstances such as a Foreclosure, Estate Sale, or a Divorce Sale it can still be at least 45 days before it escrows. Keep in mind the entire time the home is not being marketed to additional buyers because the seller has committed to the buyer that won the contract.
                 
                                 This is where earnest money comes into play. The buyer offers earnest money of usually 500.00 or more to solidify the contract.  It is an act of good faith towards the seller. Earnest Money assures the seller that he/she is taking there home off market for a willing, ready and hopefully an able buyer.
In some cases 500.00 is sufficient for earnest money. In a market where there are multiple buyers bidding on one home or if the seller has already had a bad experience with another buyer, they may raise earnest money to 1% of the purchase price or more. It can be a hefty price tag and is normally paid per the contract guidelines once the home is under a binding agreement.

                         Earnest money is one of the first expenses buyers encounter when buying a home. If you have not been informed by your agent or lender during your buyers consultation it can hit you by complete surprise. Also if you do not perform to the terms of the contract or fail to secure your loan to purchase the home before your financing contingency is up, you may be in danger of losing your earnest money to the seller. There is also a due diligence period that a buyer uses to get an inspection, find out about the HOA Covenants Codes & Restrictions, conduct a survey or anything you choose to use that time for to find out if this is the right home for you. All of these are conducted at your own expense. However, if you fail to inform the seller before your due diligence period ends that you no longer want the home ect, than you may be in danger of losing your earnest money to the seller as well. 

                           It is so important to work with an agent that can help you navigate through the process. To let you know which contingencies in the contract apply to your circumstances. Also to inform you when your in danger of losing your earnest money. Or when you need to put an amendment to the contract in play to safeguard your earnest money.





                            I will cover some of the contingencies that apply directly to earnest money in another blog but if you have questions feel free to contact me. Of course I am not a lawyer so any legal questions will be directed to an attorney that can help you.

                                                                  Knowledge is power!

                                                         Morrishia Dooley-Associate Broker 
                                                                   Solid Source Realty
                                                        770-475-1130 EXT 3815-OFFICE 
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The Late Night Whatifs Of A Real Estate Transaction

     When I was in 3rd grade one of my favorites authors was Shel Silverstein. He had a collection of funny poems that not only entertained ...