October 30, 2008
Luxury Lawrenceville Homes For Sale for a Fraction of What you Might Expect to Pay…
Luxury Lawrenceville Homes For Sale for a Fraction of What you Might Expect to Pay…
For those of you that live in Atlanta, you know how extremely LARGE and spread out the city is. While a good number of people spend top dollar to live “in town,” there are really SEVERAL different “towns” that comprise Atlanta. Certain people like the “mountain feel” of Woodstock Homes and Kennesaw Homes, some people go for the “in town feeling” found in Oakhurst Homes, Kirkwood Homes and Cabbage Town, yet others truly appreciate the “safe, family-style feeling” that’s close to everything you need and still very AFFORDABLE….and this can only be found in Lawrenceville Homes…..
Lawrenceville is located just Northeast of the city off Exit 85 or 316 and is basically known to ATLantans as its own ENTITY. Located near the Mall of Georgia, one of the largest malls in the United States, this city HAS IT ALL!!! Great shopping, dinning, safe neighborhoods, great school districts, and the peace and quite you most often can’t find in town.
What’s even more amazing are the GORGEOUS HOMES being sold at ROCK BOTTOM PRICES. Atlanta’s GOOD DEALS don’t ONLY reside in the Atlanta foreclosure and Atlanta short sale arena, they also lie in regular sellers who are practically GIVING their homes away….
So, don’t forget to SHOP FOR ALL YOUR OPPORTUNITIES, especially when looking for Lawrenceville Homes…
Below is JUST THAT OPPORTUNITY!!!!
This Amazing Lawrenceville home allows you to enjoy luxury living at a fraction of the cost you might expect to pay. Located in a VERY prestigious swim/tennis community, this home has IT ALL. Welcome home to your gleaming hardwood floors in the foyer and kitchen, which overlooks the living room with marble fireplace.
PRIVACY-GALORE with your own private, wooded back yard.
Upstairs you will find three spacious bedrooms and a LAVISH master suite with sitting area and bathroom paradise.
Other great features:
- Custom-built closets
- HUGE master suite with private area
- Separate whirl pool tub and shower
- His/her’s vanities
- Two-story 30ft++ foyer entrance with crown molding throughout
- Bright/cheerful kitchen that opens up to the den
- Custom paneling and trimming throughout….
October 27, 2008
Atlanta Short Sales: The Facts
Atlanta Short Sales: The Facts
When a property is labeled as a “short sale” this means that the buyer is in default on their mortgage payments and has asked the lender to work with them in accepting less money than is owed on the current mortgage.
Although the seller is still technically in possession of the property, it is the lender who will determine whether or not the home will sell. The lender will require the owner to submit a “hardship” application proving that the seller does not have the financial capacity to pay for the home or make up the difference in what the home might sell for versus what is owed
.
Once approved, the lender orders a BPO (broker price opinion) or an appraisal to determine what price would be fair for them to accept knowing they are going to take a loss.
Buying an Atlanta home that is labeled a short sale at a good price is possible, but generally not without some challenges.
Typical issues you will encounter in negotiating an Atlanta short sale:
- Time for acceptance-Quite often, lenders can take 30 days or more to respond to an offer due to the approval process they must go through once an offer is received. In the meantime, all the other buyers are snagging up the good deals!!!
- Lack of firm pricing decisions- I have seen many homes listed at “incredible” prices and labeled
short sales, only to find out that the price was never even in reason of being accepted by the bank. The approval process can very frequently result in even “full price” offers being rejected. Sellers and lenders are under no legal obligation to accept even a full price offer. They can change their mind at any time and they often do. - Sometimes the short sale hasn’t even been approved it was just the seller/agent may have been trying to just create interest and get an offer to see if the lender would act on it.
In the end, this creates frustration for everyone from the lender to the buyer, and the purchaser. A lot of time and effort goes into something that a good portion of the time will never be put together.
Be wary of something that looks too good to be true and make sure you deal with a realtor that understands the short sale process. Having representation doesn’t cost you a thing, but it could end up saving you a fortune.
October 26, 2008
REDC Atlanta Home Auction Leaves Today!!! BUT, THE GOOD DEALS DON’T!!!!!
REDC Atlanta Home Auction Leaves Today!!! BUT, THE GOOD DEALS DON’T!!!!!
So, the last day of the REDC Atlanta Home Auction is today. Many thought the past few weekends were going to bring them their deals of a lifetime, but several people bought homes only to find out that they didn’t get what they paid for and often OVERPAID in many cases (not to mention all the work that will have to go into them being livable again).
Actually, I had two people call me this weekend after they went to the auction and said that their bids were not accepted by the bank. Therefore, they spent all their time at the auction, and made sure they were pre-approved, followed all the auction guidelines only to find out they never had a chance of getting that home at the price they were willing to pay for it….kinda sounds similar to what’s happening in Atlanta short sales too.
As an owner of 5 properties bought at the REDC auction, I know first hand the good, bad and UGLY about buying auction homes. I also know that on 4 out of 5 properties, I over paid!!!! Those mistakes cost me, but I will never make them again and have spent the last 5 months correcting those errors by seeking the ABSOLUTE BEST POSSIBLE WAY to buy houses for under market value….And, I have to admit, I’ve gotten VERY good at it. Just see what some of my past clients are experiencing.
BUT, DON’T DESPAIR, despite that the Atlanta Home Auction has left, the Atlanta Home Deals HAVE NOT…..for now!!!!
Atlanta real estate saw a 1.5% increase in home prices from last month to this month after a seven month decline. This is indicative that we are at or near the bottom of the Atlanta Housing Market.
There are still record number of Atlanta foreclosures and Atlanta Short Sales still on the market….Oh, yeah, and there’s still record number of distressed properties just WAITING to get picked up by the savvy Atlanta home buyer.
There’s still time to capatalize on the GREAT buying opportunity the Atlanta real estate market currently offers. So, GET EDUCATED and PROCRASTINATE LATER. You don’t want to be a part of the “shoulda, woulda, coulda” group when these deals are no longer available!!!!!!
October 24, 2008
100% Financing Option Now Available for Atlanta Home Purchases!!!
100% Financing Option Now Available for Atlanta Home Purchases!!!
Did you miss out on Down Payment Assistance?? We’ll there’s ANOTHER way!!!
· 95/5 Financing on Atlanta Homes, Atlanta Townhomes, Atlanta Condos—you name it!!! (the 5% down payment is a 20 year, fixed rate 2nd that we have available.)
· Seller is allowed to pay up to 3% toward buyer’s closing cost and pre-paids.
· No minimum out of pocket required for buyer.
· Not a First Time Homebuyer Program (but buyer cannot own a home at time of application.)
· Credit scores must be 620+ (and must run through automation underwriting, i.e., DU or LP)
· Income of borrowers on loan can go up to $67,100 **If you’ve heard of higher income limits elsewhere, that is potentially outdated info, this figure is a recent change.
· Max DTI (Debt to Income) is 45%.
Lending laws change daily, especially in the real estate market. Make sure you work with a stellar atlanta real estate agent that knows about the current changes in lending laws and works with the most qualified mortgage brokers to get them for you.
The REDC Auctions Atlanta Foreclosures–The ATLANTA HOME AUCTION CONTINUES!!!
The REDC Home Auction is Back in Atlanta This Weekend…The ATLANTA HOME AUCTION CONTINUES!!!
The REDC (www.ushomeauction.com) will be auctioning off its last round of Atlanta homes this weekend at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Having bought several properties at an auction, I learned that the “labels” aren’t always what they appear to be. Bottom line, I ended up overpaying for my properties because I thought ALL auction properties were good deals. If you haven’t already done so, YOU MUST read my blog about the 10 Biggest Mistakes Buyers Make in Today’s Market, of which Mistake Number 7 is trying to find your bargain at an auction.
Nevertheless, I attended their latest auction to offer support to buyers who wanted information on the process and make sure I was up-to-date with what was happening in the Atlanta home auction market.
Not surprisingly, 95% of the people I spoke with and interviewed were disappointed with “deals” they thought they would get, the mark up fees, and the overall the auction process. Mr. Jay Canon explains he felt that he was paying “retail” prices and didn’t see the value in buying a property and having to bid against 200 other people to get it.
I always encourage my buyers to attend the auctions FOR FUN!!! BUT DON’T EXPECT TO FIND YOUR DEAL OF A LIFETIME!!! One thing is certain DEALS OF A LIFETIME are out there…..TONS OF THEM… And, if you REALLY want a good deal, call me and let me show you how to offer in on the property NO ONE’S offering on, instead of putting you in a room with hundreds of other buyers all going after the same one.
Here’s a little taste of what you would expect to find at an auction.
REDC-Real Estate Disposition Corporation
Lender Foreclosure Home Auction in Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta Area Homes: October, 25 2008
- Atlanta Area Homes: October 26, 2008
P.S. Did you know you can buy properties “auction-style” ONLINE from auction houses that are not as popular and have many less people bidding on them??? I can help show you how to find your deal of a lifetime!
October 18, 2008
Going to The Atlanta Home Auction Today??
Going to The Atlanta Home Auction Today??
Today hundreds will flock to the REDC Home Auction in the hopes to find their “deal of a lifetime.” As I’ve said time and time again, there are deals of a lifetime everywhere!! Don’t be surprised if you don’t find them at the auction today. And, if you haven’t read my blog about auctions, READ THIS, before you go!!!
If you’re going to be at the Cobb Galleria today, I would love the opportunity to meet with you in person. I’ll be there educate buyers on the auction process, so call me on my cell at 678-463-3173 if you would like some free advice.
October 17, 2008
1400+ Homes MUST BE SOLD!!! The ATLANTA HOME AUCTION STARTS THIS WEEKEND!!!
1400+ Homes MUST BE SOLD!!! The ATLANTA HOME AUCTION STARTS THIS WEEKEND!!!
That’s right! The REDC Home Auction is coming back to Atlanta this Saturday, October 18.
Many will flock to this event in the hopes that they will strike it rich with their “deal of a lifetime”!!!
As an owner of FOUR properties bought at the REDC auction, can I please give you one, tiny, little piece of advice…..go, BUT DON’T EXPECT TO FIND YOUR DEAL OF A LIFETIME!! If you haven’t already done so, YOU MUST read my blog about the 10 Biggest Mistakes Buyers Make in Today’s Market, of which Mistake Number 7 is trying to find your bargain at an auction.
Don’t get me wrong, I got a fairly decent price on the four properties I bought at the REDC Home Auction. But, by the time you add the auction fees, lender fees, closing costs, repairs (of which all of my homes needed between $10,000-30,000 worth of work), I realized that if I just would have been better off buying the home down the street directly from Mr. & Mrs. Seller……and FOR LESS.
Just a little mistake I made that I have the privilege of sharing with you, so you don’t make the same mistake. See too many times we get caught up in the labels of “auctions, foreclosures and short sales” and miss unbelievable buying opportunities that are staring us in the face.
Now you HAVE to read my blog about auctions…….Here are a Few Other Recommendations if you Plan to Buy at an Auction:
- Do Your DUE DILIGENCE-no inspection contingencies here, you get what you get and sometimes that can be substantial. Do your research BEFORE you bid.
- DON’T let your emotions take control-decide your highest and best bid BEFORE you go and don’t go over it under ANY circumstances.
- Practice PATIENCE throughout the entire process-from the winning bid, to the paper work to closing, you will need patience. Imagine how busy the closing attorney’s are with over 1,400 Atlanta homes being sold.
- Despite everything if you still want to buy at an auction, GET A QUALIFIED REALTOR to represent
you, just like my clients in this picture to the right did before they went to the REDC Auction. It’s great to have a non-biased, non-emotional third party representative there to help you, as well as walk you through the process and paperwork.One thing is certain DEALS OF A LIFETIME are out there…..TONS OF THEM… And, if you REALLY want a good deal, call me and let me show you how to offer in on the property NO ONE’S offering on, instead of putting you in a room with hundreds of other buyers all going after the same one.If you are looking for a qualified realtor that understands the Atlanta home auction process, then CALL ME at 678-463-3173 immediately. I’ll be happy to represent you FREE. BUT, don’t wait!! I will need to make sure that you are registered properly!
REDC-Real Estate Disposition Corporation
Lender Foreclosure Home Auction in Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta & Northeast, GA Real Estate: October 18, 2008
- Atlanta & Northwest, GA Real Estate: October 19, 2008
- Atlanta & Midwest, GA Real Estate: October 20, 2008
- Southern Georgia Real Estate: October 21, 2008
- Atlanta Area Homes: October, 25 2008
- Atlanta Area Homes: October 26, 2008
P.S. Did you know you can buy properties “auction-style” ONLINE from auction houses that are not as popular and have many less people bidding on them??? I can help you with that as well!
Atlanta Short Sales!!! Nothing Short About A Short Sale!!!
One of the most common questions I’m asked is “What is a Short Sale?”
When a property is labeled as a “short sale” this means that the buyer is in default on their mortgage payments and has asked the lender to work with them in accepting less money than is owed on the current mortgage. Although the seller is still technically in possession of the property, it is the lender who will determine whether or not the home will sell. The lender will require the owner to submit a “hardship” application proving that the seller does not have the financial capacity to pay for the home or make up the difference in what the home might sell for versus what is owed. Once approved, the lender orders a BPO (broker price opinion) or an appraisal to determine what price would be fair for them to 
accept knowing they are going to take a loss.
Buying a home that is labeled a short sale at a good price is possible, but generally not without some challenges. Typical issues you will encounter are primarily time for acceptance and lack of firm pricing decisions. Quite often, lenders can take 30 days or more to respond to an offer due to the approval process they must go through once an offer is received. I’ve seen short sales in Atlanta take up to 6 months before there is a response. This lengthy and exhausting approval process can very frequently result in even “full price” offers being rejected. Sellers and lenders are under no legal obligation to accept even a full price offer. They can change their mind at any time and they often do. If you haven’t read my series on the 10 Biggest Mistake Buyers Make in Today’s Market, than at least read Mistake #5.
I’ve seen many homes listed at “incredible” prices and labeled short sales, only to find out that the price was never even in reason of being accepted by the bank. The seller/agent may have been trying to just create interest and get an offer to see if the lender would act on it. In the end, this creates frustration for everyone from the lender to the buyer, and the purchaser.
If you DO decide that a short sale is an option that you would like to pursue, be sure to get a qualified Atlanta realtor who understands the process, the best way to present your offer and the skills to know how to follow up with the bank and other agent….I’ve dealt with many short sales in my career and would be happy to pass along my findings. Katerina Gasset also specializes in short sales in Wellington, Florida and Chris Canzano is THE short sale specialist for SWFL.
There are still several Atlanta short sales on the market right now. But, what’s even better are overall there are STILL just a ton of GREAT ATLANTA HOME DEALS right now whether they are short sales, foreclosures or just MOTIVATED SELLERS. I know the economy seems scarce, but Atlanta never saw the over-inflation of home prices the way other areas did and therefore is already starting to stabilize. Home prices increased 1.5% last month. Expect this trend to continue. No one’s going to ring a bell at the bottom!!
So, get in on one of the biggest discount sales events this country has
October 13, 2008
1400+ Homes MUST BE SOLD!!! The ATLANTA HOME AUCTION STARTS THIS WEEKEND!!!
1400+ Homes MUST BE SOLD!!! The ATLANTA HOME AUCTION STARTS THIS WEEKEND!!!
That’s right! The REDC Home Auction is coming back to Atlanta this Saturday, October 18.
Many will flock to this event in the hopes that they will strike it rich with their “deal of a lifetime”!!!
As an owner of FOUR properties bought at the REDC auction, can I please give you one, tiny, little piece of advice…..go, BUT DON’T EXPECT TO FIND YOUR DEAL OF A LIFETIME!! If you haven’t already done so, YOU MUST read my blog about the 10 Biggest Mistakes Buyers Make in Today’s Market, of which Mistake Number 7 is trying to find your bargain at an auction.
Don’t get me wrong, I got a fairly decent price on the four properties I bought at the REDC Home Auction. But, by the time you add the auction fees, lender fees, closing costs, repairs (of which all of my homes needed between $10,000-30,000 worth of work), I realized that if I just would have been better off buying the home down the street directly from Mr. & Mrs. Seller……and FOR LESS.
Just a little mistake I made that I have the privilege of sharing with you, so you don’t make the same mistake. See too many times we get caught up in the labels of “auctions, foreclosures and short sales” and miss unbelievable buying opportunities that are staring us in the face.
Now you HAVE to read my blog about auctions…….
Here are a Few Other Recommendations if you Plan to Buy at an Auction:
- Do Your DUE DILIGENCE-no inspection contingencies here, you get what you get and sometimes that can be substantial. Do your research BEFORE you bid.
- DON’T let your emotions take control-decide your highest and best bid BEFORE you go and don’t go over it under ANY circumstances.
- Practice PATIENCE throughout the entire process-from the winning bid, to the paper work to closing, you will need patience. Imagine how busy the closing attorney’s are with over 1,400 Atlanta homes being sold.
- Despite everything if you still want to buy at an auction, GET A QUALIFIED REALTOR to represent you, just like my clients in this picture to the right did before they went to the REDC Auction. It’s great to have a non-biased, non-emotional third party representative there to help you, as well as
walk you through the process and paperwork.
One thing is certain DEALS OF A LIFETIME are out there…..TONS OF THEM… And, if you REALLY want a good deal, call me and let me show you how to offer in on the property NO ONE’S offering on, instead of putting you in a room with hundreds of other buyers all going after the same one.
If you are looking for a qualified realtor that understands the Atlanta home auction process, then CALL ME at 678-463-3173 immediately. I’ll be happy to represent you FREE. BUT, don’t wait!! I will need to make sure that you are registered properly!
REDC-Real Estate Disposition Corporation
Lender Foreclosure Home Auction in Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta & Northeast, GA Real Estate: October 18, 2008
- Atlanta & Northwest, GA Real Estate: October 19, 2008
- Atlanta & Midwest, GA Real Estate: October 20, 2008
- Southern Georgia Real Estate: October 21, 2008
- Atlanta Area Homes: October, 25 2008
- Atlanta Area Homes: October 26, 2008
P.S. Did you know you can buy properties “auction-style” ONLINE from auction houses that are not as popular and have many less people bidding on them??? I can help you with that as well!
October 10, 2008
Is This an Atlanta Foreclosure or An Atlanta Auction???
IS THIS A FORECLOSURE OR AN AUCTION???
I am working with SEVERAL buyers who want “a good deal.” Depsite that I bring them deals of a lifetime, they bring me what they consider “good deals” to be…..FORECLOSURES that they find on the internet. Now, I am a specialized Atlanta foreclosure real estate agent and very familiar with all of the special stipulations that go into foreclosure contracts, as well as the long winded addendums.
Because I have such extensive knowledge in dealing with foreclosures, as well as the proper way to write the contracts so that my offers get accepted, I have closed many foreclosure deals this year.
Lately, I have another word to describe today’s Atlanta foreclosure homes…..its called…………AUCTION HOUSES!!
In the past two weeks I have put 3 offers in on foreclosures and ALL of them came back with the dreaded “we have multiple offers on this property and we are requesting your client to submit their highest and best.” The banks are now having bidding wars on their properties. Actually, this has been happening for quite some time, but buyers are becoming more aware of it.
Buyers then get frustrated of having to go back and forth on multiple counters and addendums. They get stressed because they want “a good deal” and if they pay a penny more than $30,000 off asking price or even what the bank is asking (despite its priced low in comparison to the rest of the neighborhood), then they feel they are being cheated.
Do yourself a favor look at foreclosures, but don’t rule out regular ol’ OVER-PRICED HOMES that no one is bidding on. Stop following the LABELS! The banks DO want to get rid of their inventory and YES they will negotiate a little. BUT, if you are bidding against SEVERAL other people, you will NOT get the “good deal” you were envisioning.
P.S. A note on auctions….If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE READ MY BLOG ABOUT AUCTIONS..Its one of the 10 Biggest Mistakes Buyers Make in Today’s Atlanta Real Estate Market (and Other Markets Too)!!!
And, if you DO decide to go to an auction…..
PLEASE DON’T GO WITHOUT A QUALIFIED REALTOR REPRESENTING YOU!!!
Winter Baserva's Atlanta Real Estate Weblog 