Articles and Resources
10 Questions to Ask Lenders
Your relationship with a lender can potentially last 30 years. That’s a long time to be unhappy. To find a lender and loan that fit your needs, ask lending companies:
1. What are the most popular mortgage loans you make? Why?
2. Which type of mortgage plan do you think would suit us? Why?
3. Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable?
4. Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so, how much will it cost, and how long will it be required? PMI is usually required if you put down less than 20 percent. Most lenders will let you discontinue the policy when you reach 20 percent equity by paying down the loan. But you’ll likely have to initiate that change. Lenders are required to cancel your PMI only when you reach 22 percent equity.
5. Who’ll service the loan-your bank or another company?
6. What escrow requirements do you have? Examples: number of days in advance of closing that money has to be deposited; form money must be in, such as cashier’s check.
7. How long is your lock-in period (the time that the quoted interest rate will be honored)? Will I be able to obtain a lower rate if rates drop during this time?
8. How long will the loan approval process take?
9. How long will it take to close the loan?
10. Are there any charges or penalties for prepaying the loan?
Lake Blue Ridge - Blue on Blue
On the north side of the lovely town of Blue Ridge, Georgia is a treat for the eyes, the ears, and the soul. It is the spectacular North Georgia Reservoir known as Lake Blue Ridge.
Resort and Second Home Properties in Georgia
Interest in Georgia's resort and second-home market has cooled, mirroring the national trend, but it is poised for a comeback as baby boomers retire and Floridians show interest in their northern neighbor.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Heading to the North Georgia mountains is always a perfect way to shake off the summer doldrums. To help you ease into this 2007 fall festival season, Blue Ridge is hosting their annual Wildlife & Nature Fine Arts Festival and Expo at the Blue Ridge City Park near down-town the weekend of September 15th and 16th.
2007 Mountain Real Estate
For some Americans in major cities on the coasts, these have been ugly times. Riding a real estate rocket that soared to the stratosphere, they had incredible spikes in home appreciation. But where there's a bubble, there's inevitably a bursting to follow.
Destination Blue Ridge, GA - Prelude
A virtually undiscovererd Georgia town is on the brink of major change. Yes, the secret's getting out about Blue Ridge. Only 90 minutes ffrom Atlanta, the combination of mountain views, lakefront property and access to the river is bringing a new population to town.
Dahlonega, Georgia City of Gold
There is gold in the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to Alabama, but the discovery of rich deposit on Cherockee land in North Georgia prompted the first real gold rush in the United States and led to the forced removal of the Cherokee Tribe to Oklahoma in what is known as the "Trail of Tears."
Living Large on Lake Blue Ridge
Friends and family were the first to point out the obvious disparity to Rick and Janet Williams. I seems their recently completed "weekend home" on Lake Blue Ridge wound up much larger (and grander) than the family home in Atlanta.
Mountain Living - Southern Style
Atlanta residents are forgetting cities like Ft. Lauderdale or Naples and replacing them with the likes of Georgia mountain retreats such as Ellijay, Dahlonega or Blue Ridge.
Light Up Blue Ridge
According to Sonja Striker and Michael Brunson, who are co-chairs of this year's event. Light Up Blue Ridge is the "biggest event of the year [for us], and kicks off the holiday season for visitors and residents alike in our little town."
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