Atlanta Realtor  

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• On Demand Episodes           64418          

  Date / Time: 6/16/2009 8:39 PM UTC

  10 Ways to Save Time and Money When You Search for a Brand New House

  One out of every four home buyers choose a brand new house, even though most of the houses on the market are resales. There are certainly advantages to buying a resale home, such as lower prices, mature trees and landscaping, and the simple fact that most of the bugs and defects of the house have been worked out years before. Still, some people desire a new home for many reasons, such as greater energy efficiency, modern amenities and floor plans, and the simple fact that everything is absolutely brand-spanking new.
  Here are ten things you should know before you visit your first model home:
  
  1. Contact a real estate agent.
  Sit down with them and define what you want in a new home, and what you can afford. Your agent then should be able to provide a proper listing that will narrow your search and save time. And if you’re planning on selling your existing home, they can help you determine how much cash you will have after the sale to put a down payment on a new home, and help you budget accordingly.
  
  2. Know the difference between sellers’ agents and buyers’ agents.
  When buying a new home, it’s important to know that the sellers’ agents represent the builder, and have their best interests in mind. By hiring a buyers’ agent, you can feel confident that someone knowledgeable is on your side, and will help you negotiate the best deal possible. A buyers’ agent should also be very knowledgeable about home construction, warranties, overall building quality, finance options and even lot selection.
  
  3. Find a builder that is right for your needs.
  Some builders specialize in different aspects in home construction, and may have different priorities when it comes to overall workmanship, the quality of materials, or innovative floor plans. Others may specialize in offering the most value for the money, or offer outstanding warranties on all of their work. Define your own priorities when it comes to buying a brand-new house, and find a builder who shares the same priorities.
  
  4. Do your homework on the builder of your new home.
  Research and find out about the builder’s history and reputation. Find out if they are financially secure. Obtain "spec sheets" on everything from energy efficiency and floor plans to lot availability and delivery*.
  
  5. Learn as much as possible about the neighborhood.
  Find out about the surrounding community, and investigate such amenities as nearby shopping centers and public parks. Ask the local land-use officials if they have any plans for other construction in the near future. Investigate your commute to work, varying the times and noting the flow of traffic throughout the day.
  
  6. Find out about options and upgrades to your new home.
  Options such as additional powder rooms, sun rooms, or upgrades to the kitchen such as granite counters and upscale appliances can definitely add to the resale value of your home. Ask about builder incentives, which can involve free upgrades to your new home, or a discount off the final price. At the same time, note that major upgrades such as finished basements, decks and extensive landscaping can usually be done at a later time, for a lot less money.
  
  7. Know how to negotiate with the builder.
  When it comes to new homes, builders usually allow some room for negotiating the price of options and upgrades, especially if a home has already been completed but hasn’t yet sold. You can also negotiate for "premium lots" with better views, since the lots originally cost the builder the same amount of money when they purchased the land. Most builders will offer some sort of incentive to close a sale faster.
  
  8. Make sure the contract meets your standards.
  Protect yourself during the sale by placing the deposit in escrow, having all your upgrades and options detailed in writing, and having a guarantee that you will be able to visit the lot freely during construction. Ask for 30-day notice on the closing date, and request a specific explanation on all warranties from both the builder and other manufacturers. Having everything spelled out in writing will help prevent any discrepancies with the builder after the house is completed.
  
  9. Explore your financing options.
  Many builders who represent larger companies can offer special financing packages designed to get as many people into the new neighborhood as possible. Be sure to compare the terms with other lending institutions, since there is fierce competition in this area. You can also shop around for the best prices in appraisals, inspections, surveys, closing costs and attorneys.
  
  10. Don’t expect everything to be perfect.
  Building a new home is a complicated venture, and sometimes small things fall between the cracks. Hire a building inspector before you take delivery on your new home, and come up with a "punch list" for everything that needs to be fixed. Make sure the builder commits to making everything perfect in your new home.
  • Tags:
  • home buying; Real Es
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• Date / Time: 6/16/2009 7:32 PM UTC

  JOBS THAT WILL NEVER GO AWAY

  JOBS THAT WILL NEVER GO AWAY

  Choosing a career path can be challenging. Half of all college students change their majors at least once as they travel the sometimes bumpy road that will lead right degree. If you want to follow your dreams as well as provide for a certain future, take heart. As long as human beings continue to inhabit the planet, there are many worthwhile and fulfilling jobs that will never go away.
  
  Accountant As long as there are taxes, there will be a need for skilled accountants to work with clients, helping them keep their books in order. While accounting technology becomes more sophisticated, many accountants also assist clients with the technological aspects of record keeping and tax preparation. An online degree can prepare you for this field by providing accounting coursework and career training. Many assistant accountants begin with training and an associate's degree. Armed with a bachelor's degree in accounting, you could make an average annual salary of $63,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
  
  Computer Support SpecialistIf you thrive on helping your friends and family solve their computer woes, consider becoming a computer support specialist. With computers playing such an important part of daily life, computer support specialists provide their clients much needed technical assistance. As a computer support specialist, you will meet with clients in person or answer questions remotely, via Internet, or on the phone. Many computer support specialists either have a bachelor's degree in computer science or an associate's degree in a computer-related program. In 2007, computer support specialists made an average annual salary of $45,300, according to the BLS.
  
  Entrepreneur To be an entrepreneur you need to be an independent, outgoing risk taker as you establish your own business or company. Although it may be hard to know whether a business will succeed, there will always be a need for a variety of goods and services and businesses to supply them. An online degree in business can help make your dreams a reality, as you earn your associate's or bachelor's degree. Although salaries can vary greatly with the self-employed, small business owners made an average annual wage of $36,000 to $75,095 in 2008, according to Pay Scale.
  
  Mechanic As anyone who commutes or runs to the store knows, we live in a nation of automobiles. If you know the make and model of every automobile that zips by and have an interest in what's under the hood, consider becoming an automotive service technician or mechanic. Automotive service technicians and mechanics diagnose problems with cars and light trucks and fix them. Mechanics need to be analytical, good problem solvers, and willing to work with computerized diagnostic tools and programs as well as traditional tools. You can also specialize in an area such as brakes or cooling systems. Online career training can get you started. Programs range from six months to two years. Mechanics made an average annual salary of $36,480 in 2007, according to the BLS.
  
  ParamedicParamedics make life and death decisions, assessing injuries and providing emergency medical care. To be a paramedic you have to be agile, strong, and be willing to work under pressure. Although the hours can be long, many paramedics find great satisfaction in helping others. An EMT paramedic has usually taken courses in anatomy and physiology and completed a one-to-two-year program -- or the equivalent of an associate's degree. Basic and intermediate certification can get you started in this fast paced, much needed career. According to the BLS, paramedics earned an average of $30,870 annually in 2007.
  
  Teacher As long as human beings continue to have children, there will be a need for teachers. If you enjoy working with young children and want to teach, you can make $50,040 on average annually if you are an elementary school teacher, and $52,450 annually if you are a secondary teacher, according to the BLS. Elementary teachers have the pleasure of teaching all subjects. Secondary teachers also get to follow their bliss. By focusing on specific certification areas, secondary teachers specialize in the subjects they want to teach. Many online programs can get you started towards a bachelor's degree in education and certification.
  Whatever your calling may be, with the right degree and career training, your career prospects for these much-needed jobs can help keep you from becoming outsourced or even worse, obsolete
  • Tags:
  • Jobs; Career;
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• Date / Time: 6/9/2009 7:29 PM UTC

  Are you at risk of foreclosure and losing your home?Foreclosure doesn't happen overnight

  
  

  
  
  
  
  

  Are you at risk of foreclosure and losing your home?Foreclosure doesn't happen overnight
  Information by State Esta página en español Print version
  

  
  
  

  Have you missed your house payment? Search for a HUD-approved housing counselor, or Call Toll Free (800) 569-4287 to find a Housing Counselor near you, or Call the HOPE NOW Alliance at (888) 995-HOPE.

  
  

  
  
  
  1. Haven't missed a house payment yet, but afraid you might?
  
  
  2. Has your financial situation changed due to a mortgage payment increase, loss of job, divorce, medical expenses, increase in taxes or other reasons?
  
  
  3. Is your credit card debt becoming unmanageable?
  
  
  4. Are you using your credit cards to buy groceries?
  
  
  5. Is it becoming difficult to pay all your monthly bills on time?
     If it’s becoming harder to make your house payment each month:Contact a HUD-approved Housing Counselor, or Call Toll Free (800) 569-4287 to find a Housing Counselor near you. Read our Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure.

  
  

  Few people think they will lose their home, they think they have more time. Here's how it happens. Note: Timeline varies by state.

  
  
  

  
  
  
  • First month missed payment – your lender will contact you by letter or phone. A housing counselor can help.
  
  
  
  • Second month missed payment – your lender is likely to begin calling you to discuss why you have not made your payments. It is important that you take their phone calls. Talk to your lender and explain your situation and what you are trying to do to resolve it. At this time, you still may be able to make one payment to prevent yourself from falling three months behind. A housing counselor can help.
  
  
  
  • Third month missed payment – after the third payment is missed, you will receive a letter from you lender stating the amount you are delinquent, and that you have 30 days to bring your mortgage current. This is called a "Demand Letter" or "Notice to Accelerate". If you do not pay the specified amount or make some type of arrangements by the given date, the lender may begin foreclosure proceedings. They are unlikely to accept less than the total due without arrangements being made if you receive this letter. You still have time to work something out with your lender. A housing counselor can still help.
    Fourth month missed payment – now you are nearing the end of time allowed in your Demand or Notice to Accelerate Letter. When the 30 days ends, if you have not paid the full amount or worked our arrangements you will be referred to your lender's attorneys. You will incur all attorney fees as part of your delinquency. A housing counselor can still help you.

  
  

  Sheriff's or Public Trustee's Sale – the attorney will schedule a Sale. This is the actual day of foreclosure. You may be notified of the date by mail, a notice is taped to your door, and the sale may be advertised in a local paper. The time between the Demand or Notice to Accelerate Letter and the actual Sale varies by state. In some states it can be as quick as 2-3 months. This is not the move-out date, but the end is near. You have until the date of sale to make arrangements with your lender, or pay the total amount owed, including attorney fees.

  
  

  Redemption Period – after the sale date, you may enter a redemption period. You will be notified of your time frame on the same notice that your state uses for your Sheriff's or Public Trustee's Sale.

  
  Important: Stay in contact with your lender and get assistance as early as possible. All dates are estimated, and vary according to your state and your mortgage company.
  • Tags:
  • Foreclosure
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