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Real Estate Report November Special Section

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North Atlanta’s

Sponsored Section • real estate report

November 2015

Sponsored Section • AppenMediaGroup.com | November 2015

News and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.

Looking to buy a home? 5 mortgage steps you need to know Brought to you by: Harry Norman Forsyth Office The home loan process can seem intimidating, especially for a first-time homebuyer. It is not a simple process, but it doesn't have to be too complicated. There are many resources available to help you prepare for your home buying journey, and your mortgage lender can answer the questions you have throughout the process. "We're finding that many of our customers come into the home loan process with limited knowledge of how the home loan process works," says Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance. "It's important to take the time to familiarize yourself with the process so you know what to expect." Here are some of the key steps to the home loan process, as well as some tips to help you understand what you can expect: 1. Preparation and self-assessment Before you dive head-first into buying a home, make sure that you know how much you can afford. The first step is to calculate your "debt-toincome ratio." You can do this by add-

ing up your current monthly bills then subtracting your total current income. This will help you determine whether you can afford a mortgage payment, and if so, what amount might fit into your budget. Using an online mortgage calculator is a good way to help you determine what the estimated cost of your monthly mortgage payment will be. Doing these calculations first will help you assess your resources and determine your budget to purchase a home. 2. The loan application Download a blank loan application ahead of time so you can look it over and familiarize yourself with it. This will give you an idea of the information you need when completing and submitting the application. The necessary documents may include: proof of income, proof of employment for the past two years, proof of identity, proof of residency and your social security card. 3. Origination and Underwriting Origination - The loan officer will review your financing options, work with you to complete the credit application and create the loan account. Underwriting - An underwriter will review the application and determine

the level of credit risk you represent based on your credit score, income, existing debt and down payment. You may be asked to provide additional information about your finances during this step. 4. Satisfying loan conditions and full loan approval In this step, you will receive a "conditions to approval" list from your lender, which outlines the tasks you must complete before the loan can be closed. For example, the lender may ask for additional documentation to verify income, savings or emergency funds or other proof that you can afford to repay the loan. At this point in the process the lender may offer a conditional loan approval and start the document verification process. If you accept the conditional loan approval offer, once all conditions have been met, the lender will issue a full loan approval. 5. Processing Once you've selected your dream home, you'll sign a purchase agreement with the seller. The purchase agreement tells the lender how much you have agreed to pay to purchase the home. The lender may then have the home appraised and will provide you with a

copy of the appraisal. 6. Closing In the final step of the process, the lender works with a title company to obtain and review a title report and then finalize your title on the home. The titling company receives a closing package, which contains the documents that need to be signed, recorded and become part of your mortgage loan file. At the closing, you will sign all closing documents and pay any closing costs. The lender then receives all of this signed paperwork to complete the process. It goes without saying that you should consult with your real estate consultant who can also help you with your options. They will be able to put you in touch with an expert who can provide home lending services. Our Forsyth/Lake Lanier office for Harry Norman, REALTORS® can be reached at 770-497-2000 or visit us at www.HarryNorman.com. Harry Norman, REALTORS® 1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041 Used with permission, © Brandpoint, 2015.

Fabulous Forsyth & Fulton County Locations! Live in One of These Prestigious Counties with Fantastic School Systems, Recreation and Much More Fulton County ManorView (Milton) Phase III Now Open 770-663-0027 Homes from the low $600s

$15,000 Use How You Choose – PLUS –

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Waived 1% Origination Fee Through RMC Mortgage®

Forsyth County Madison (Cumming) Final Opportunity 404-969-9446 Homes from the mid $400s Briarcrest (Alpharetta) Final Opportunity 678-463-0341 Homes from the low $400s

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Woodbury Preserve (Cumming) Coming Soon 678-463-0341

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CalAtlanticHomes.com

In the Atlanta division, promotion available on To-Be Built home agreements written between November 1, 2015 and November 30, 2015. Promotion described applies to communities within the Atlanta Division of CalAtlantic Homes being marketed under the Ryland Homes brand. To receive some or all of the available incentive, buyer may be required to finance through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and close through a Ryland Homes preferred closing attorney. Incentives available may vary by community, product and home. Promotion may not be combined with other available promotions or incentives and may not be available on all homes. Substitutions may not be made. Buyers of To-Be-Built New homes are eligible to receive “$15,000” use how you choose; can be used towards Design Center Options, lot premiums, finished basement, and other structural options. Homes already under contract prior to this offer are not eligible. Buyers on To-be Built Homes are also eligible to receive “$5,000” in Closing Cost assistance. Closing cost assistance is available from Ryland Homes. Amount of closing cost assistance will vary by product and community, and is subject to applicable contribution limitations. For all financing promotions, see a RMC Mortgage® Corporation Loan Officer for details. Buyers financing through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and who complete a loan application by November 30, 2015 on above promotion are also eligible to receive waived 1% Origination Fee (value amount is 1% of mortgage amount). RMC Mortgage® Corporation may withdraw this offer and change without notice. Please contact a RMC Mortgage® Corporation Loan Officer for details. RMC Mortgage® Corporation is located at 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30022 and is a Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, license number 24225 and NMLS number 203897. Photographs are for illustration only. This ad is not an offer or the solicitation of an offer for the purchase of a new home. This information is not directed to residents of any state that requires registration or permit issuance prior to the publication of such information. For complete details on restrictions and limitations, please contact a Ryland Homes Sales Counselor. © 2015 CalAtlantic Group, Inc. RA1953

November 2015

Real estate report • Sponsored Section

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Harry Norman, REALTORS® Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office

1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041 | O: 770-497-2000 | www.HarryNorman.com The above information is believed to be accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. )RUV\WK 2I¿FH .DUHQ 3DWH 693 %URNHU ,I \RXU KRPH LV FXUUHQWO\ OLVWHG IRU VDOH WKLV LV QRW LQWHQGHG DV D VROLFLWDWLRQ (TXDO +RXVLQJ 2SSRUWXQLW\ ZZZ KDUU\QRUPDQ FRP

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Sponsored Section • real estate report

November 2015

Three questions for first timers to consider (NAPSI)—If you or someone you care about is like many renters, you may be wondering if the time to buy a home is now. According to the experts at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the answer may be “yes.” Interest rates remain low and job growth is holding steady, leading to the strongest year of existing-home sales since 2007. While renting is a shortterm decision and usually involves signing a yearlong lease, homeowners typically stay in their home around eight to 10 years before selling. That’s why, when determining what you want in your first home, it’s important to think about how your life may be different at least five years from now. What To Ask Consider these three questions if you’re taking the exciting leap to homeownership: 1. What can you afford? Analyze your financial situation. Have all current debt obligations—credit cards, student loans—been repaid on time? Find out what you’re qualified to borrow by visiting a lender and getting a preapproval. 2. Do you want a walkable community or leafy suburb? A recent survey by NAR and Portland State University found that 79 percent of participants place importance on being within easy walking distance of places. Having lots of dining

and shopping options outside your door is popular but often comes with trade-offs. Consider this: If kids are in your short-term future, you might prefer a large single-family home with a yard to a similarly priced but smaller town house or condo. 3. Would you prefer shiny and customized or a resale with more character? Buying new or used may come down to your wallet. The most recent median price for newly built homes was $292,700, compared to $228,700 for existing homes, according to NAR. A new home comes with such perks as being move-in ready and giving you the option of customizing the interior. On the other hand, an existing home may have architectural charm and original hardwood flooring but you may have to compromise on some features when buying a resale. Once you’ve made your decision, to ensure a smoother buying experience, find a Realtor with expertise working with clients in your desired area. You’ll get invaluable insight on local market conditions and have a guiding hand through the complex process of closing on your first home. Where To Get Help To find a Realtor, enter the zip code of the area you want to live in, at www.realtor.com/ realestateagents.

November 2015

Real estate report • Sponsored Section

JENNY DOYLE c. 404.840.7354 | o. 770.442.7300

appenmediagroup.com 5

REAL ESTATE IN METRO

ATLANTA

jennydoyle@atlantaﬁnehomes.com jennydoyle.com | sothebysrealty.com

“‘FIVE-STAR REALTOR®’ - TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT IN ATLANTA” - Atlanta Magazine, 2014 “TOP 10 OF ATLANTA AND METRO ATLANTA LUXURY REAL ESTATE AGENTS” - THE ATLANTAN Magazine, 2013, 2014, 2015 “‘NATIONAL REALTOR® OF THE YEAR’ - USA/CANADA, 2012” - The National Real Estate Stagers Association (RESA)

MILTON - 1975 DRUMMOND POND ROAD

BUCKHEAD - 3037 TOWERVIEW DRIVE

JOHNS CREEK - 9175 PRESTWICK CLUB DRIVE

$1,295,000 | UNDER CONTRACT

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$695,000 | UNDER CONTRACT

CUMMING - 6335 SUNBRIAR DRIVE

MILTON - 785 FOXHOLLOW RUN

MILTON - 15990 MANOR CLUB DRIVE

$675,000 | Polo Golf & Country Club

GREYSTONE ESTATES | SOLD

Manor Golf & Country Club | UNDER CONTRACT

CONSISTENTLY TOP 1% OF ATLANTA AGENTS • CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST ATLANTA BOARD OF REALTORS ® MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR SALES CLUB • RESIDENT OF MILTON

Jenny Doyle’s listing package includes luxury real estate signage, professional real estate photography, lifestyle photography, videography, optional 2-3 hour staging consultation, optional pre-appraisal with Atlanta’s top appraisal company and exposure in top-of-the-line publications such as

THE ATLANTAN, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Contact me today to see your home featured here next month.

©MMXV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s Sot International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty alty Affiliates Affiliat LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Opportun Artwork by Melissa Payne Baker, used with permission.

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Sponsored Section • real estate report

November 2015

Buying a move-in-ready home vs. a fixer upper Brought to you by: BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Before purchasing a home, most homebuyers have the ideal living space already planned out. However, when trying to search through multiple choices in the market, it is easier for a buyer to become overwhelmed. Homebuyers are faced with many important decisions throughout the process, including choosing

between a move-in-ready home and a fixer upper. There are many pros and cons for each and the decision depends on the rawlings buyer’s needs and vision to create the perfect living space. New homes have the advantage of being reliable and structurally sound. Also, having a home that is movein-ready typically guarantees

an easier transition into a new living space. Saving up for a move-in-ready home can be quite daunting; it will obviously be more expensive as everything in the home is already customized for comfortable living. A down side for some buyers is that there is no room for creativity once you have bought a home already renovated with new appliances and painted rooms. Many of the move-in-ready homes are designed much like many other modern homes around the neighborhood.

Changing seasons ...

A fixer upper has the potential to become a dream home for a lot less, if the buyers are up for the challenge! A fixer upper can essentially be a blank canvas for a creative buyer. However, depending on the amount of repairs a house may need and how imaginative the buyer is, a fixer upper can require a substantial amount of renovation. In some cases there can also be structural surprises that can cost the buyers more than they have

changing addresses.

L U X U RY R E A L E S TAT E I N N O R T H AT L A N TA

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Offered for $1,100,000 6 bedrooms | 7 full and 2 half bathrooms A 10,000 +/- sq. ft. sanctuary situated on 2.9 +/- acres.

BIG CANOE

21 S SANDERLIN MTN DRIVE

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38 SALACOA CREEK ROAD NE

Offered for $480,000 4 bedrooms | 3 full and 1 half bathrooms 10 +/- acres with amazing views from your pool and three stall barn.

BIG CANOE

472 RED FOX DRIVE

BIG CANOE

1087 WOODLAND TRACE

Offered for $375,000 3 bedrooms | 3 full and 1 half bathrooms The inviting front porch welcomes you to your mountain getaway.

BIG CANOE

395 WEDGEWOOD DRIVE

Offered for $625,000 5 bedrooms | 4 full and 2 half bathrooms

Offered for $749,000 5 bedrooms | 4 full and 1 half bathrooms

Offered for $399,000 4 bedrooms | 4 full and 1 half bathrooms

Mountain top home with fabulous northern views of the mountains.

The perfect home for entertaining featuring a music room and a formal living room.

An impressive home which includes a billiard room, theater room and workshop.

BABS PRICE c. 404.697.2008 o. 770.442.7300 babsprice@atlantafinehomes.com babsprice.atlantafinehomes.com

AT L A N TA F I N E H O M E S . C O M | S O T H E B Y S R E A LT Y. C O M © MMXV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

planned in their budget. Bottom line is that a new home that requires little to no renovation can save a buyer time by just unpacking and moving in within just a few days. While on the other hand a fixer upper can take extra time, but can also have a distinguishable and attractive appeal for a lot less. The decision can only be made based off of the buyer’s individual skills, amount of money and allotted time.

November 2015

Real estate report â€˘ Sponsored Section

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CYNTHIA CHANDLEE c. 770.826.8276 | o. 770.442.7300

cynthiachandlee@atlantafinehomes.com atlantafinehomes.com | sir.com 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 400 Alpharetta, Georgia 30009

Milton. $1,399,000 520 Tullamore Way

Milton. $659,900 16625 Freemanville Road

Milton. $1,120,000 2570 Mountain Road

Alpharetta. $1,400,000 5340 Drew Road

Â‹ 00;9 6RWKHE\ÂˇV ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ $IĂ€OLDWHV ,QF $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG (TXDO +RXVLQJ 2SSRUWXQLW\ (DFK 2IĂ€FH ,V ,QGHSHQGHQWO\ 2ZQHG $QG 2SHUDWHG

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Sponsored Section • real estate report

November 2015

A passionate commitment to unsurpassed service Since 1977, Crye-Leike, REALTORS® has delivered a passionate commitment to unsurpassed service in our communities. Today this passion has enabled Crye-Leike to become the 6th largest real estate firm in the nation. Crye-Leike has a network of more than 3,000 licensed Realtors and 115 offices located throughout a nine-state region in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. Crye-Leike is an innova-

tive, full service real estate company that is goal driven, integrity based. Crye-Leike is dedicated to engaging customers before, during and after the home owning process. Crye-Leike’s commitment to unsurpassed service requires our agents to exceed expectations by constantly improving their relationships with clients, responding quickly to their customer needs all while conducting business with integrity and trust. Crye-Leike agents believe it is their responsibility to give back to our industry and

our communities as they help people find their way home. Believing the real estate business is local, each CryeLeike region has its own headquarters and leadership team in order to offer a full menu of services with the highest level of customer service. From the beginning, Harold Crye and Dick Leike have known that great training makes great associates. Crye-Leike makes substantial investments to provide agents with the latest and most advanced technological tools in order to give them a competi-

tive advantage over the competition. Crye-Leike is the only real estate company in the region with a large team of in-house information technology specialists, dynamic marketing teams and top-level trainers who are readily available to provide technical support and personal training to all sales associates. Crye-Leike provides opportunities for its 3,000 agents to learn from nationally-recognized speakers and trainers during the company’s annual conference in Destin, FL, to help keep Crye-Leike associ-

ates informed up on the latest trends and developments in the real estate industry. Homeownership is a powerful part of life. Crye-Leike, REALTORS® help people own where their heart lives. Striving to exceed the expectations of their customers though every transaction, moving them forward. Across the Crye-Leike regions our goal is to lead the way in customer service, relocation, production, technology, education and charitable giving. Working together, good things happen.

Saving money in a seller’s market (NAPSI)—If you’re planning—or even just dreaming—of buying your first home, a few tips and trends may prove intriguing. According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices are up and accelerating because there are more buyers than homes for sale. Here are three tips for firsttime buyers looking to purchase in this seller’s market: Know your budget and stay within it: Before you start shopping, find out what you can afford with a preapproval from a lender so you know how much money you can borrow. When determining your budget, consider the other costs of home ownership, including taxes, insurance and utilities. When listings are scarce, home prices tend to rise as bidding wars drive them higher. Don’t get caught up competing against other buyers and counteroffering above what you can comfortably afford. Winning a bidding war could feel like losing if you end up spending above your means. Stay patient and walk away if the price surpasses your budget. Identify needs versus wants: No home is perfect and many people have to compromise on features when buying

an existing home. At the same time, you don’t want to end up settling for a house you don’t love. Separate and maintain your focus on what you really want in a home against what you can live with (or without). A home in a certain school district or close to your job most likely falls into the former while a kitchen with a fancy backsplash is something you can add at a later date. Work with a Realtor who knows the area: When housing supply is tight, an attractively priced home will likely draw multiple offers. Find a Realtor with experience serving clients in your desired area. He or she can provide invaluable market information, including how fast homes are selling and for what price. A Realtor can also help you with a negotiation strategy to make your offer stand out. To find one, go to www.realtor. com/realestateagents and enter the zip code of the area where you want to buy. Buying a home is arguably the most important financial decision you’ll make in your life. Working with a Realtor and following this advice can give you the advantage you need.

November 2015

Real estate report â€˘ Sponsored Section

appenmediagroup.com 9

The Milton Real Estate Specialist

ACTIVE Stonebrook Farms, Milton $469,000

ACTIVE Wolf Willow Close, Milton $629,000

ACTIVE Kentworth Circle, Milton $455,000

UNDER CONTRACT Hopewell Springs, Milton $695,000

UNDER CONTRACT Manorview Drive, Milton $690,000

SOLD Majestic Cove, Milton $669,000

SOLD Cogburn Lane, Milton $579,000

SOLD Autumn Close, Milton $589,000

SOLD Kentworth Circle, Milton $439,000

SOLD Gleneagle Terrace $999,999

SOLD Tolhouse Court, Milton $985,000

SOLD Manor Bridge Drive, Milton $1,490,000

Atlanta Magazine

Over 200 Milton Homes Sold. No one knows Milton better!

All listing clients receive complimentary; professional photography, home warranty, staging consultation, pre-listing inspection, comparative market analysis, appraisal (if needed), interactive digital floor plan, custom virtual tour website and the most comprehensive print and online marketing available.

MIKE STEVENS

770-905-7053 (cell)

mike@northatlantateam.com www.movetomilton.com www.crookedcreekhomesales.com

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Sponsored Section • real estate report

November 2015

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