home buyers: Understanding Escrow When Financing a Home Purchase - 09/03/14 04:00 AM
 
Understanding Escrow Accounts
 
(1 comments)

home buyers: But the Internet Said My House is Worth... - 09/03/14 12:17 AM
 
This morning, once again, I have several articles flooding my email inbox about the status of the housing market.  And as usual, each article conflicts with another.  Well, hello Confusion!   I feel so bad for the home buyer and seller these days with all the various media outlets constantly spewing information which hardly ever seems to agree from one source to another.
 
Housing is up, no it’s down; building is up, no building is down – up/down, up/down; well, you get the drift.  I even read a recent article calling 2004 through 2014 the “lost decade” stating that prices … (6 comments)

home buyers: Dear Prospective Buyers - It's Really Not Personal - It's Business - 06/14/14 11:06 PM

Another Active Rain Blogger, Kathleen Daniels wrote on a topic that is often misunderstood by the prospective home buyer.  Most Realtors are serious about their business, at least they better be, or they more than likely are not going to last in real estate for very long.  But, in reality, many buyers are not necessarily serious about purchasing a home.  So, the points Kathleen makes are very valid.
 
It's our place to help educate the consumer so that we can ensure a successful transaction and positive experience for everyone.  Of course, we want buyers to see the homes of their … (1 comments)

home buyers: You can show this house but the guys will be naked I'm talking AWKWARD - 06/05/14 10:09 PM

This is a great  "Awkward Moments" story by BY RICHARD & BETH WITT
Real Estate Broker Owner with RE/MAX Wittney Estates 516-795-6900 www.longislandrealestatesearch.com.   It falls into the category of "it's funny now, but wasn't then"...  Today, if this happened, it would be trending worldwide.  Talk about exposure for your property - sorry, pun intended!  Naked Guys???
So this might not be the most awkward thing that ever happened to me in the 35 years that I've been in the real estate business but for sure it is the most memorable thing.
There was a house on the market for sale that was … (1 comments)

home buyers: Tips to Improve Credit Scores for 2014 - 02/23/14 09:43 PM
These days, most people know just home important a credit score can be.  Not only is the ability to obtain financing affected by credit scores but even employment. Many people, given the state of the economy over the last several years have felt a negative impact in some way which in turn, may have damaged their credit score.

"A credit score of 620 and below for example, would mean that the person looking to borrow would be categorized as a "sub-prime" borrower, whereas a credit score of 720 would mean that the borrow would be eligible for more favorable loan conditions."
(0 comments)

home buyers: Existing Home or Buy New - North Georgia Real Estate - 09/28/12 10:20 PM
North Georgia, Blue Ridge Real Estate, Home Improvement, Home Buyers, Real Estate Listings
 
Adding on to an Existing Home vs. Purchasing another Home
 
There are a few things to consider, including cost, individual needs, and what will add value down the road. Also important: your emotional attachment to the existing home.An addition is most likely less expensive than building a new home and can offer a “new” home without the heartache of moving, but home prices are very low and interest rates the lowest in generations, so purchasing may be a viable option.Other considerations:
Can you finance the home … (2 comments)

home buyers: I Thought a Buyer Would Snap up my Cabin - Four Things to Consider - 04/15/12 01:11 AM
 Home Sellers, Marketing, Home Buyers, Housing Market, Real Estate, Economy
You have a nice cabin in the mountains but life is ever changing and now you either want or need to sell it.  You feel confident that the cabin will appeal to a lot of prospective buyers so you think it should sell fairly quickly and you can get on with your life.  After all, you love the cabin and therefore, most everyone else will too.
But, “what if” it doesn’t sell right away?
Have a backup plan in case it takes longer than you expect for your cabin to sell … (5 comments)

home buyers: Why Now is the Time to Buy in the North Georgia Mountains - 4Q 2011 - 10/11/11 06:55 AM

 
The North Georgia real estate market (speaking specifically to the Blue Ridge area) consisting of Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union and Towns counties has navigated rough and even unchartered waters for the last four years.  Factors such as being primarily a secondary home market with a high percentage of vacation homes, uncertainty in the economy and a high unemployment rate compared to the state average contributed to holding down sales.  All factors caused secondary homebuyers to take a much harder look before purchasing additional housing.
In contrast, exceptionally low interest rates, high inventory and in many cases, some very good … (1 comments)

home buyers: Home Buyers Establish Your Purchasing Power Upfront - 03/18/11 12:16 AM
 
North Georgia Real Estate, Blue Ridge Mountains, Home buying, Home Loans, Credit Scores, Pre-Qualify
 
The first order of business for any homebuyer when thinking about purchasing their first home or their fifth home is to make sure your credit is in good shape.  You may think everything is fine but if you haven't checked your credit report lately with the three main credit bureaus, you could be in for a big surprise.  It's essential to repair any damage and clear up any discrepancies before you start shopping.  
 
Know your credit score and find out how much you … (2 comments)

home buyers: What North Georgia Home Buyers and Sellers Want to Know - 02/27/11 01:14 AM
North Georgia, Blue Ridge Real Estate, Home Values, Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Residential Real Estate
 
 
(6 comments)

home buyers: Sellers Want to Know - Why Isn't my House Selling? - 02/01/11 02:12 PM
North Georgia, Blue Ridge Real Estate, Home Values, Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Residential Real Estate
 
 
(12 comments)

home buyers: Benefits Home Buyers and Sellers Should Know About FHA Loans - 01/16/11 09:48 PM
North Georgia Mountains, Blue Ridge Real Estate, FHA Loans, Mortgages, Home Buyers and Sellers, Financing
 
The housing market can be at best confusing when it comes to financing.  FHA Pros, LLC developed a list of facts regarding the benefits of FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans since buyer interest in this loan option has gone from virtually zero to 87% or more.  Even with the rapid increase in popularity, many buyers and sellers too, still don't know these important benefits.
 Watch this quick video for more detail (narrated by Donna Yates).
 

 
 
 
 
MOVE 2 NORTH GEORGIA … (2 comments)

home buyers: What Home Buyers Should Know About Earnest Money Deposits - 06/10/10 07:26 AM

 
 
It's important for buyers to understand "Earnest Money" deposit since payments made before closing may not be treated the same in all transactions. How the Earnest Money will be handled is usually spelled out in the purchase and sales contract. You (the buyer) should consult with an attorney if you do not understand the purpose or disposition of payment terms or any other terms in the contract.
 
 
 
Let's start with some basic questions and answers about Earnest Money payments:
What is Earnest Money?
It is good faith money that the buyer usually gives to the seller's … (6 comments)

home buyers: North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains - Homebuyer Tax Credit - 01/30/10 05:36 AM
North Georgia Mountains | Blue Ridge Real Estate | Expanded Tax Credit for Homeowners
 



Now Applies to Existing Homeowners who Qualify
The US government has extended the tax credit and expanded it so that existing homeowners can also take advantage of this great opportunity.  So if you are new to the real estate market, or have owned a home for 5 out of the past 8 years - you may qualify!  Let me help you take advantage of the new tax credit.  I'm ready to answer your questions and to help you find your dream home … (4 comments)

home buyers: "Fall" for North Georgia - Places to Go, People to See, Things to Do - October 2008 Edited - 10/02/08 04:24 AM
 

(15 comments)

home buyers: Price Is Right - Blue Ridge Mountains - 08/15/08 12:43 PM

 
The North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain real estate market is primarily a second home, discretionary market.  This fact alone could cause mountain properties to take longer to sell than properties in primary markets because a buyer who already owns a home must choose to spend money to buy a second home in an uncertain economy. 
 
The overall real estate market (consisting of Fannin, Gilmer, Towns and Union Counties) is being called stable by some local appraisors.  Have We Hit Bottom ?  Well, we won't really know until prices start going up. 
 
One of the challenges currently facing Realtors in assisting home sellers … (16 comments)

home buyers: Video Walkthru of Adorable Dovetail Log Cabin in McCaysville - 08/06/08 02:59 PM
This video was made to showcase some of the best features of this adorable, cozy dovetail log cabin. In town living but far enough from town to have privacy. The video will show the Toccoa River which is just across the road from the cabin and also shows the quaint mountain town of McCaysville.

The cabin was constructed in 2006, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, great room, eat-in kitchen, large laundry room, living on main level, two covered porches, full unfin walk-out basement stubbed for 3rd bath. Large, private lot with small branch bordering property. Fully furnished, includes washer and … (20 comments)

home buyers: Buying a Home in North Georgia Just Got Easier - 05/15/08 12:39 AM

As a licensed Georgia Realtor with Mountain Investments of North Georgia, I have the opportunity to work on a daily basis with a team of professionals providing an array of services for the home buyer. Take financing for example: I network with several experienced mortgage representatives who can help you make smart financing decisions and get the mortgage that is right for your lifestyle.
Although, I primarily work with second home buyers in my market area of Blue Ridge, I have a great desire to help first time homebuyers too. I believe first time home buyers have been left … (8 comments)

home buyers: Something Home Buyers Should Consider - 05/08/08 02:38 PM
Home buyers - thinking about a Move 2 North Georgia or maybe a second home in the cool North Georgia Mountains? Please take a minute and think about this...
As a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia, I feel it is very important for home buyers to understand buyer representation and give serious consideration to entering into a Buyer's Agency Agreement with a trusted Realtor. Without buyer representation, the default is for the real estate professional to represent the seller (not the buyer) in all dealings with the buyer.
So what is buyer representation and why is it important for the buyer … (9 comments)

home buyers: Use Reason and Logic to Buy Real Estate in the Current Economy Edited - 02/29/08 07:38 PM
 
Ignore the news and tune out the chatter "the sky is falling" is easier said than done.  If we are not in a recession, then we act like we are.  We have allowed fear to become the overiding factor causing many to do nothing when it comes to investing in real estate.  One should remember that real estate is a long term investment and has proven to be one of the best investments overall.  Of course, there should be some skepticism and caution given the current outlook of our economy, but skepticism and caution should be tempered with reason and logic and not become out … (30 comments)

 
Donna Yates, Blue Ridge Mountains (BHGRE - Metro Brokers)

Donna Yates

Blue Ridge Mountains

Blue Ridge, GA

More about me…

BHGRE - Metro Brokers

Address: 801-A East Main St., Blue Ridge, GA, 30513

Office: (706) 633-0644

Mobile: (706) 633-0644



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