Top Things To Do In Atlanta In April!

This weekend we jump into #April and plenty of fun #ATL events and festivals. Check 'em out in our guide!

http://www.atlanta.net/Blog/Top-Things-To-Do-In-Atlanta-In-April/

Documents Needed For Mortgage

Here are all the documents needed for mortgage applications, so that you're fully prepared before you even see a lender!

Dream Home

What do you all think of this stately study, featuring wood panel walls and bamboo hardwoods?

Burn calories and work off stress in this user-friendly home gym that offers top-notch equipment and exercise accessories in a stylish setting with a great view of the backyard. What do you think?

As we know, the beautiful house is not about its price. The house architecture is the most important thing for its beautiful impression. You can get your own dream house by defining the house architecture theme. The serene layout with its chic appearance is also a good element that actually will bring nice accent. Beautiful is not always expensive. By using chic and compact layout on house design, you can still have mesmerizing home style with fabulous appearance. Are you ready to dream again?

Atlanta Restaurant Week

Atlanta Restaurant Week partner restaurants offer prix fixe menus, giving ALL of Atlanta an opportunity to try places they've never been.

THE 7 BEST OUTDOOR DATE IDEAS IN AND AROUND ATLANTA

Is that special someone an outdoorsy-type? Here are some fun date ideas in Atlanta's great outdoors.

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  The Atlanta Botanical Garden is the perfect setting for an outdoor date. (JR P, flickr)

Atlanta seems to grow bigger all the time -- but that doesn't mean its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts has diminished by any stretch. Forests actually cover more than 67 percent of Georgia, and heaps of those green tracts are within a short drive of the city, some of them even within Atlanta proper. For outdoor lovers with romantic aspirations, that means there's a slew of spots perfect for dates, whether you're just getting to know each other or are longtime partners. Take the clichés out of dating and head into nature -- into the sunshine, among the trees, on the river or if you're feeling extra adventurous, miles above it all. And if you’re looking for some traditional romantic activities around Atlanta after your outing, click here for some ideas.

1. Take a bike tour of Atlanta.

A bike tour is a great way to get to know the city better. (Basheer Tome)

Whether you're interested in Atlanta's incredible history or its new artistic future, there's a perfectly plotted bike tour that's ideal for anyone who wants to know more about the city. Bicycle Tours of Atlanta offers an 8-mile trip, which usually lasts about 3 hours, covering Inman Park, the Old Fourth Ward, the King Historic District, Cabbagetown, the Carter Center and Little Five Points. You’ll hop off and on the Atlanta BeltLine throughout as you learn more about these diverse neighborhoods. It’s a great way to discover new finds as you pedal past historic civil rights landmarks, striking murals and modern architectural gems. Want another option? ATL-Cruzers offer offers electric bikes for rent, and you can take guided tours of the city from ATL-Cruzers via bikes, electric cars and Segways.

2. Smell the roses at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

You can spend hours exploring Atlanta Botanical Garden. (JR P, flickr)

One of the city's most beloved natural attractions, Atlanta Botanical Garden features carnivorous plants, an edible garden, a massive display of orchids and the treetop-lined, 600-foot-long Kendeda Canopy Walk, just to name a few of the highlights. Keep an eye on the calendar for special events like cocktail nights, gardening workshops, film screenings and pop-up markets.

3. Ride horseback through forested trails.

Canton offers some of the best horseback riding in the state. (Nancy Anne L. Merolle, flickr)

In Canton, Ga., less than an hour northwest of the city, you'll find the best horseback riding in the state -- at least according to Georgia Frontiers. The self-proclaimed cowboy who opened the park makes it his mission to treat city dwellers to a slice of excitement and down-home fun on his Western-style rides through 150 acres of wooded trails.

4. Take an outdoor tour of film and TV landmarks.

Take a walking tour that highlights film and TV shows produced around Atlanta. (Ed Schipul, flickr)

More than 700 movies and 20 TV shows have been filmed in the Atlanta area since the 1970s, and movie buffs and TV lovers can choose from a number of tours that highlight filming locations in and around Atlanta. Atlanta Movie Tours features three different zombie-themed tours that highlight "The Walking Dead," including both former filming locations and active spots where you might catch a glimpse of the production in process. Other options include a "Gone With the Wind" tour and a Hero Tour focused on Marvel movies like "Ant-Man" and "Captain America: Civil War."

5. Get a bird's-eye view of the city.

Balloons Over Georgia will give you a new perspective on Atlanta. (skeeze, pixabay)
Want a guaranteed awe-inspiring view? Aim high -- literally. Balloons Over Georgia, headquartered about 40 miles north of the city in Cumming, Ga., will take you up to several thousand feet high to enjoy a spectacular look at Lake Lanier, Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain and, of course, the Atlanta skyline. Check the weather before booking -- on a clear day, the view from up in the balloon will stretch to nearly 50 miles.

6. Stand-up paddle boarding on the Chattahoochee.

Stand-up paddle boarding can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors together. (Steve Harwood, flickr)

Challenge each other with a full-blown workout -- or don't, and take it easy instead. Stand-up paddle boarding can be as intense or as laid-back as you like on the Chattahoochee River, where there are calm stretches of water to simply enjoy the journey and soak up the sunlight and surrounding lush greenery. Try the Nantahala Outdoor Center at the Powers Ferry entrance, only about 20 minutes north of downtown, for a reliable rental and a 3.5-mile float (or intense sprint, if you prefer).

7. Take a day trip to the mountains. 

The mountains north of Atlanta offer an endless number of adventures. (Robert Aberegg, flickr)

Head up north -- only about 90 miles -- for an array of incredible hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are so many paths to choose from, but some of the highlights include the Appalachian Trail, such as the hike from Three Forks to Long Creek Falls, where you’ll find a spectacularly steep waterfall. Explore the huge 270-foot long swinging bridge over the Toccoa River or put yourself to the test by climbing some high peaks, including Brasstown Bald, the state's tallest mountain. Get a different view from North Georgia Canopy Tours -- just an hour north of downtown -- which offers three different above-the-ground tours on its 136-acre forested property. You’ll enjoy zip lining, rappelling and rope climbing up among the trees. This region of Georgia offers a treasure trove of memorable outdoor date options.

Candler Park Music + Food Festival

This summer in #Atlanta sounds exciting! Look at that line-up!!! #CPMusicFoodFest

Selling A Home "As-Is"

Fixer-uppers can be a challenge  to market. Many prospective home buyers are looking for a move-in ready home that will be reliable. Some people are turned off by the idea of having to invest time and money in renovations, and the fear of the unknown is enough to have them overlook any properties that are being sold as-is. Despite the number of homeowners who disregard any fixer-uppers, there is a lot of potential in selling a home as-is. If you’re looking to sell your home quickly, then listing it as-is could be the right option for you. With the right marketing knowledge, you can find qualified buyers, market a fixer-upper at the right price and get it sold quickly and for more money. Contact me today if you have questions about listing your home "As-Is". 

Why a Good Home Appraisal is Important

A good home appraisal is one of the most important components of getting approved for a mortgage. This appraisal ultimately decides just how much a bank is willing to lend to you, and a bad appraisal can kill your plans for a new home faster than a bad credit score. A home appraisal is the best way for a lender to see if they wont lose their seat on the deal.

The lender wants to make sure that they have an asset that they can sell to get their money back in case of default. The home appraisal is also a way for you to see if the home you are wanting is overpriced or not.

Lets say that John Doe wants to secure a mortgage on a home that cost $180,000. His credit score is very good, yet the home only appraises for $150,000.

Will John get his loan? You better believe he won't. The sale price will have to be lowered for the lender to consider to loan John the money. This is also a warning for John, that the home that he is trying to secure may be overpriced.

So what does an appraiser look for?

An appraisal usually starts with an inspection of the inside and outside of your home, as well as sale and ask prices for comparable homes in the area.The appraiser will create a report for the lender that includes:

• An explanation of how the appraiser determined the value of the property
• The size and condition of the house and other permanent fixtures, along with a description of any improvements that have been made and the materials used
• Statements regarding serious structural problems, such as wet basements and cracked foundations
• Notes about the surrounding area, such as new or established development, rural acreage, and so on
• Evaluation of recent market trends of the area that may affect the value
• Comparative market analysis that supports the appraisal: maps, photographs and sketches

An important thing to note is that, an appraiser is not a home inspector. An appraiser will make note of obvious issues but does not inspect the home to see if it is up to code. For this you will actually need to hire someone to do a home inspection to avoid any costly nightmares in the future if something is wrong with the house.

How much is this going to cost me?

Appraisals typically cost in the range of $300- $400. This price can change though depending on the location of the property, square footage of the home, or property type. The appraiser’s fees are usually included in the closing costs of the home, unless a deal on the property is not made.

Is it time to throw in the towel if the appraisal is too low?

First you need to see why the appraisal was low. It could be something that the homeowner could correct, or the home could be overpriced. If it is overpriced see if the homeowner would come down on their price. You can also request another appraisal on the home, keep in mind that you are the one paying for these appraisals.

As a seller what can you do to make up for a bad appraisal?

The first thing you need to do is see why it was appraised lower, it could be because of maintenance or repairs. If this is the case, you can get another appraisal after they have been fixed. Another way to increase the appraisal price is cosmetics, especially in an older home. New paint, appliances, carpet and replacement windows are all ways to add to the value of your home.

How Low Supply & High Demand Impacts the Real Estate Market

How Low Supply & High Demand Impacts the Real Estate Market: The concept of Supply & Demand is a simple one. The best time to sell something is when the supply of that item is low & the demand for that item is high! Anything under a 6-month supply is a Seller’s Market! There has not been a 6-months inventory supply since August 2012! Buyer Demand continues to outpace Seller Supply!

When selling your home, the highest offer is not always the best offer

If you're lucky enough to get multiple offers on your home, take the time to really review each one and don't fixate solely on the offer price. If you don't delve below the surface, your smooth sailing  home sale might be sunk by a bad offer iceberg. Sometimes less is more.

In a slow market, you anxiously wait for an offer, any offer, to come your way. In a hot market, offers pour in the door and now you have to decide which one of the bunch is the best one. We’re only human and 9 out of 10 human sellers will automatically want to grab the offer with the highest price scribbled on it.

But not so fast!

At first look, that highest price offer might look great, but you need to dive a little deeper to see what lies below the surface. You have to look at the WHOLE OFFER to see what the buyer is really offering you.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5K

It's about that time of year! Spring is in the air, Dogwood Festival is around the corner, and what a great way to get out in the neighborhood and burn calories at the same time! 

When it comes to an open house, it is all about presentation. Here are 6 home turn-offs you should avoid.

Home-ownership > Renting

4 Great Reasons to Buy This Spring!

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.9% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 4.8% over the next year. The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase

Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have remained around 4% over the last couple months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting that rates will increase by at least a half a percentage point this time next year. An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. A year from now, your housing expense will increase if a mortgage is necessary to buy your next home.

3. Either Way, You are Paying a Mortgage

There are some renters who have not yet purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage - either yours or your landlord’s. As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of ‘forced savings’ that allows you to build equity in your home that you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee your landlord is the person with that equity. Are you ready to put your housing cost to work for you?

4. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life

The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise. But what if they weren’t? Would you wait? Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide if it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe now is the time to buy.

If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.

This is an ideal opportunity to get involved in shaping the future of Downtown.

Don't Let Your Luck Run Out

The “Cost of Waiting to Buy” is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices and interest rates were to increase over a period of time. Freddie Mac predicts that interest rates will increase to 4.8% by this time next year, while home prices are predicted to appreciate by 4.8% according to CoreLogic. Waiting until next year to buy could cost you thousands of dollars a year for the life of your mortgage! Start your search now: timgrissett.com

Smart Ways to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

It's a goal as cherished as early retirement. Everyone who buys a home for keeps dreams of the day they make their last house payment. Sadly, the majority of homeowners in the U.S. never even get close. However, there are some smart ways, some tried and true, some you may not have thought about, that will allow you to pay off your mortgage early.

Old-fashioned methods can work. The difficulty is disciplining yourself to actually follow through. Step one to paying off your mortgage early is to make a plan. Keep in mind that Rome wasn't built in a day and you are not going to pay off your mortgage in a few months, maybe not even in a couple of years. But here are some smart ways to go about paying off early.

Make Savings Automatic. Saying you are setting aside $200 per month for your payoff amount (above and beyond your regular monthly payments) sounds good, but it only works if you actually do it. Open up a savings account just for your remaining balance, and make that monthly percentage automatic.

Put Extra Away. Saving every month is a great start. But when you get that income tax refund, instead of going on a shopping spree, put it in your payoff savings account. Any extra money — a bonus, a lottery ticket win, a small inheritance — should all largely go to your payoff savings account.

Ditch the Waste. All work and no play makes you a very dull boy or girl, so ditching the waste doesn't mean cutting off your cable, although that could add up to a couple thousand dollars a year. It means buy some Folgers instead of stopping at Starbucks every morning for a cup of Joe.

Think about it; $4 a day, five days a week, for 52 weeks each year. That's over a thousand dollars a year just for a cup of coffee you could make at home for a few cents a week. Here are some other wasteful expenses you can ditch and how much you could save each year.

• Your Unused Gym Membership – or even your used one — is $40 or $50 dollars a month. That adds up over time. You can exercise at home for free, and modest home equipment will pay for itself.
• The Latest Gadgets – Changing your cell phone plan alone can save you around $100 per month.
• Cook a Meal – Fast food, the movies, sit-down restaurants — they all eat up $100 a week out of your budget. That's right, you're talking potentially over $5,000 per year you could be saving just by eating in and streaming a movie instead of paying $15 per ticket at the box office.
• Carpool and Walk – If your corner store is literally down the street, walk or ride a bike, don't drive. When you go to work, find a carpool. You'll be surprised how much money you can save on transportation with just those two ideas.

New Construction Design Trends to Watch This Year

Like many industries, the construction industry is slow to change and evolve. Many trends and technologies have been slowly increasing in popularity over the years, but 2017 is expected to be the year that some of these new techniques and design trends start to take over a larger share of the construction market. In particular, these new trends reflect the homeowner's desire to improve his or her work-life balance. 

Trend #1: Off-site or Modular Construction Techniques

Modular or prefabricated construction has been around for a while, but it has been rising in popularity recently due to increasing labor and time constrictions as well as concerns about quality control. It is often cheaper, easier and more consistent to use prefabricated building materials. Since saving time and money is a priority with many architects and developers, many construction experts agree that prefabricated materials are often the way to go.

Trend #2: Communal Spaces

People are tending to live farther from their families and spend more time at work and surfing the web and using social media. Because of these factors, people are starting to look for more opportunities to interact with their neighbors. Builders are capitalizing on this desire in their designs by including spaces such as neighborhood clubhouses, large outdoor decks adjacent to the pool area or game rooms. These communal spaces are usually within easy walking distance of the homes and can be used for all kinds of meetings and events, from neighborhood gatherings to family reunions and more.

Trend #3: Paint Color of the Year: Taupe

While white is still the most popular color to paint the walls of a home, taupe has replaced gray as the second-most popular color. Compared with gray, taupe has a warmer tone, something that tends to make a room more inviting. This color pairs well with hardwood floors and is expected to become widely used in exterior decorating as well as interior decorating. 

Trend #4: Work Hard, Play Hard

As a whole, Americans are spending more time at work and less time relaxing. Second careers or other part-time jobs have extended many people's working years, delaying retirement. Because of this, it is becoming more important for homeowners of all ages to have easily accessible recreational opportunities.

Buyers place a premium on homes or neighborhoods with putting greens, tennis or bocce ball courts, and other amenities such as outdoor kitchens or pizza ovens. New-construction homes and neighborhoods are being designed with this in mind, increasing the number of readily available green spaces and other functional outdoor areas.

This desire to further blend socialization and recreation with individual homes and neighborhoods is expected to impact new home designs and community plans throughout 2017 and into the future.

MLS #5810795

FHA

With so many first time home buyer options, first time home buyers are being approved at mortgage rates that are extremely enticing. Can you believe you can still get a new mortgage for less than 4.0% (depending on your credit score, credit history, etc. But even if yours isn’t perfect, you can often still get an historically low interest rate. HAPPY NEWS!) Things could change soon. These may be the lowest home loan interest rates we’ll see in a long time. That means affordability is high and this is the time to take advantage of them.

What Is The Difference Between An Appraisal & A Home Inspection?

An appraisal and a home inspection are each a report based on an inspection of a property, but the appraisal is for the purpose of determining current market value, and the inspection is used to identify any issues with the condition of the home. Both are essential elements of a home purchase, while an appraisal is also required and ordered by the lender.

When you will need to borrow money to purchase a home, the mortgage lender hires a real estate appraiser. The goal is to provide an accurate estimate of the home's overall value. The value is determined by comparing the home in question to recent sales of comparable homes in the area. In order to make an accurate assessment, appraisers analyze similar properties in the market area that have recently been sold. Other factors include the home's condition, the neighborhood, and how long comparable homes have been on the market.

Before approving a home loan application the lender wants to ensure that the home's value is equal to or greater than the amount being financed and fits the requirements of the loan program. If the loan program allows up to 80% of the value of the property to be borrowed than the appraisal must show that the home's value is at least 20% greater than the loan amount.

Although the lender orders the appraisal, more often than not it will be paid for by the borrower. The appraisal fee usually is added to the application fee or closing fees associated with the loan. Typically the fees are non-refundable by the financial institution regardless if the loan is approved or denied.

A home inspection is a detailed examination of a home's overall condition. Home inspectors are hired by the prospective homebuyer and work on their behalf. The goal of a home inspection is to ensure that there are no major defects within any of the home's structural or systems features.

Although home inspections are not always required, they are strongly recommended. A typical home inspection will investigate the following areas: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation, basement, foundation, roof, attic, ceilings, floors, and doors. If issues are discovered during the inspection, the buyer and seller will negotiate over how they will be handled. The seller could offer a price reduction or repair contingency, the buyer could agree to take care of the repairs after the purchase, or some combination of the two if multiple items are identified.

When you select a home inspector, make sure they have several years of local experience and are licensed and/or certified. Even new homes should be inspected to uncover any safety concerns, construction defects or maintenance issues.