Articles and Resources
A Real Estate Salesperson Can Help You . . .
Locate a suitable property. Although many homes are viewable on the Internet, the salesperson will probably have already seen many of them in person and will quickly be able to help you determine which might be right for you. The salesperson can also schedule and attend showings with you.
Determine what you can afford. How much house you can afford depends on several factors, including your monthly income and cash savings. At today’s interest rates, most buyers can afford a house worth two to three times their annual income. A salesperson can help determine whether you have enough income and downpayment to qualify for a mortgage on the house you want. A salesperson can also link you with sources of downpayment assistance, such as state and local government programs for first-time buyers.
Envision changes. A salesperson can recommend changes that wouldhelp a home fit your needs and provide names of vendors qualified to do the work.
Help find financing. Prequalifying for a loan greatly quickens the buying process. A salesperson can direct you to several reputable lenders before you actually make an offer on a house.
Negotiate a favorable contract. Salespeople often prove their worth during negotiations. Armed with information on comparable sales, the salesperson can help you navigate the world of offers, counteroffers, bidding wars, and contract deadlines. A salesperson helps write the actual offer, too. This includes structuring any contingencies that must be met before the final sale, such as selling a home, obtaining a mortgage, or passing an inspection.
Important note: When you hire a buyer’s agent, be sure the person is a REALTOR®. REALTORS® are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and, therefore, bound by its strict Code of Ethics.
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."
