The Harrison High School district provides education for west Cobb County and east Paulding County; home buyers can find many homes for sale in the Harrison high school district. The prices vary greatly from the low $100’s to well over a million dollars. There are 3 bedroom, 4 bedroom, 5 bedroom and 6 bedroom homes for sale in the Harrison high school district; this district services Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth and Powder Springs, GA.
By researching online, home buyers can get a good feel for the real estate market before actually visiting homes; however, real estate is a touch and feel product, so only up close scrutiny will really discern what is the best choice for one’s housing needs.
Disclaimer: This real estate blog post is intended to be informational reading only; you may not copy, use and/or redistribute this real estate information without prior expressed consent from: Stephen Graham - Associate Broker - Realty Professionals, Inc (770) 491.1494 - All Rights Reserved
Lenders have established limits on the amount of concessions a buyer may receive in a real estate transaction from interested parties. Obviously, lenders don’t want to finance a lot of fluff in the sales price. However, what about the inducement aspect of concessions? And, is the $8,000 tax credit an inducement that lenders should be concerned with?
Let’s say one is buying a $225,000 home and obtaining an FHA loan; the minimum down payment would be roughly $7,900 ($225,000 X 3.5% = $7,875 rounded up). At the end of the year, the buyer receives $8,000, which is recouping the down payment and making an extra $100 dollars. The home buyer has no stake in the property now, and is actually earning money to buy a home. Whether in this example or any other, the home buyer is being induced into a real estate transaction by means of this $8,000 tax credit.
For the lenders out there, with all sincerity, please explain how this is not an inducement equivalent to other IPC’s (Interested Party Concessions). It’s very obvious the government is not an interested party per lender guidelines, but it does have an interest in getting people to buy homes through inducements. Help me to understand for consistency’s sake.
Disclaimer: This real estate blog post is intended to be informational reading only, not legal advice; you may not copy, use and/or redistribute this real estate information without prior expressed consent from: Stephen Graham - Associate Broker - Realty Professionals, Inc (770) 491.1494 - All Rights Reserved
Do you have a website that offers a drip e-mail campaign? Drip e-mails are good for providing newsletters, information and other tips to those who register on your website. If you have this option, you may consider placing short excerpts of relevant blog posts in drip e-mails with a caption of "read more" at the end; then, place links to the full stories of those blog posts. I'm sure most of us put a substantial amount of thought and time into developing blog posts that are meant to be informative to consumers; and, posts that offer insight into our area of knowledge.
For example, I work with mostly new home buyers. Given that, some of my website visitors would be interested in the new home walkthrough process. Therefore, I can create a drip e-mail titled "Can you handle a new home walkthrough?". The body of the e-mail would provide a text excerpt of:
What is a walk through? When buying a new construction home, you should contractually have an opportunity to meet with your home builder, or one of their representatives, to thoroughly examine your house before closing. This process is called a walkthrough. This is not, however, what is commonly know as a private inspection that is performed by certified professionals; these are two separate events. A home buyer should hire a qualified new construction inspector just shortly before this meeting to inspect the roof, the mechanicals, the attic area and many other areas that take a trained eye to observe. Afterward, your inspection company will provide a report of its findings... Read more about a new home walkthrough.
Not only would this technique benefit our website visitors, but it can increase readership of our blog posts, too. So, what are you waiting for? Turn your Rain into drips...
Disclaimer: This real estate blog post is intended to be informational reading only; you may not copy, use and/or redistribute this real estate information without prior expressed consent from: Stephen Graham - Associate Broker - Realty Professionals, Inc (770) 491.1494 - All Rights Reserved
I have been working with my buyer-clients for about a month now. We have made a couple of unsuccessful offers during the process. As we began to hone in on a particular resale home, a listing agent from a new home community called my buyers directly; this doesn't bother me at all. We had already submitted an offer on one of her other listings within the same community; regrettably, someone else offered more to buy that house. But, to continue the story, the listing agent began to promote her new home listings after some objections about one of them. She mentioned the potential for the owner (a bank) to work with them on some things of concern. This call prompted the buyers to go back to the community to look at one of the listings again, and to look at a completely different one, too. Guess what? That phone call is two steps away from a contract on that second home.
Follow up works. Had she not have followed up, they might be buying another home. If this is a regular practice of this listing agent, then her efforts may well prove to be fruitful in this case; and, I am sure it has worked in other cases. She can surely justify her commission to any seller.
Disclaimer: This real estate blog post is intended to be informational reading only, not legal advice; you may not copy, use and/or redistribute this real estate information without prior expressed consent from: Stephen Graham - Associate Broker - Realty Professionals, Inc (770) 491.1494 - All Rights Reserved
With the advent of the internet, searching for and browsing through a detailed directory of Woodstock Georgia new homes is relatively simple. Years ago, however, it was much more difficult for home buyers to extract rich content and information to make a home purchase. Though it may be simple to get information, the process of learning what all that information means may not be.
To magnify this point, you will probably notice dips in the lawns around the perimeter of new homes in Woodstock, Ga when touring them; and, you might even feel that the home builders need to consider regrading the lots of those lawns to even everything out. However, there is a purpose to those dips, which are called swales. These dips create low spots in the landscaping that allow rain water to channel away from the foundations; and then, the rain water is gradually led away to the appropriate location. This is particularly important during heavy rain, which seems to be more prevalent in Georgia these days. You now have the information about swales, but have the swales been properly graded so that the rain water does not pond in one spot? Only an observation when it's actually raining can answer that question.
Buying Woodstock, Georgia new homes is comprised of many details like this. Home builders have a strong advantage over buyers, insomuch as new construction is their area of expertise. What's more, they have usually handled a multitude of real estate transactions, which makes them more versed with negotiations; thus, home buyers need to level the playing field.
Disclaimer: This new homes real estate blog post is intended to be informational reading only, not legal advice. Each real estate transaction is unique unto itself, so this content may or may not apply. Hence, you may not copy, use and/or redistribute this real estate information about new homes, tips and/or ideas without prior expressed consent from the author. All Rights Reserved
Stephen Graham - Associate Broker - Realty Professionals, Inc (770) 491.1494
What is a walk through? When buying a new construction home, you should contractually have an opportunity to meet with your home builder, or one of their representatives, to thoroughly examine your house before closing. This process is called a walkthrough. This is not, however, what is commonly know as a private inspection that is performed by certified professionals; these are two separate events. A home buyer should hire a qualified new construction inspector just shortly before this meeting to inspect the roof, the mechanicals, the attic area and many other areas that take a trained eye to observe. Afterward, your inspection company will provide a report of its findings.
When you attend your new home walk through, you will be able to provide a copy of this inspection report to the builder. This is a very delicate moment. Oftentimes, some home builders tend to minimize the inspector’s findings. Whether it’s from being insulted about their workmanship or just plain ole pride, it happens. In some of these cases, the builders will say that they will take care of everything, but neglect to fully do that; this could be a ploy that is attributed to the buyer’s potential inexperience of construction matters; or, the builders disagree with the inspectors' findings and become evasive toward the buyers. Notwithstanding, when these things happen, this is when a versed new homes buyer’s agent can be of great benefit. This person has a good grasp of what the inspection report is conveying and all those tactics that are used to avoid properly taking corrective measures to address the issues that have been outlined by the home inspection. Home builders may try to minimize these problems, but they are important to a home buyer.
Now, back to the new construction walkthrough. It can take generally anywhere from one hour to several hours; take precautions to prevent the home builder form rushing you along. I am not suggesting dragging your feet, but don’t be shortchanged. One should use this opportunity to look for defects and imperfections in the hardwood flooring, countertops, carpeting, paint, drywall, appliances, cabinets, windows, tubs, showers, tiles and so forth. The general rule of thumb is a six-foot rule; if you stand in the middle of the room and see an imperfection, it should be corrected. Items that can only be observed by eyeballing them from six inches away would not apply. However, this is just a general rule. Your buyer’s agent can be of great help understanding this too.
Now that you have begun to notice problems, the builder should be highlighting these areas with either painter’s tape (blue tape) or writing them down on a walk through list. All major items should be referenced in the walk through list. For those items marked with blue tape, try to remember them so you can inspect them later; taking photos with your camera phone might be a good idea. The home buyer should walk around the outside of the home too. On occasions, I have seen the mailbox missing, so check for that. In addition, look at the landscaping. Is there any dead vegetation? If so, get it replaced because landscaping usually isn’t warranted after closing. On the exterior of the home, look for paint over spray, damaged siding, sloppy brickwork (mortar) and poorly sealed crevices.
Once the new home walk through is finished, the builder may require that you sign the list and give you a copy. You should have a second opportunity to “walk” the house again just before closing to ensure that all items were taken care of. All too often, some of these items may need to be finished after closing because of time constraints. If this is the case, try to put a timeline in an amendment for those items to be finished; or alternatively, do not close until they have been finished, but you may be limited by the terms of the new construction sales contract. If you choose the later option, it’s best to clearly spell that out in writing when you first sign a new home contract to purchase. The provisions in the sales contract generally prevail in such matters.
Disclaimer: This new homes real estate blog post is intended to be informational reading only, not legal advice. Each real estate transaction is unique unto itself, so this content may or may not apply. Hence, you may not copy, use and/or redistribute this real estate information about new homes, tips and/or ideas without prior expressed consent from the author. All Rights Reserved
Stephen Graham - Associate Broker - Realty Professionals, Inc (770) 491.1494
By traveling north on Highway 400, a home buyer will find a lot of new home communities in Forsyth County Georgia; this is one of the richest counties in the U.S in 2008. The cities are comprised of Cumming, Coal Mountain, Chestatee, Silver City, Daves Creek, Friendship, Big Creek, Brookwood, Midway and Milton.
To find new homes in Forsyth County GA, simply click to search:
Recently, some home buyers bought an inventory home (spec home) in Forsyth County. The private new home inspection (learn more) revealed that the attic area above the entire master bedroom was missing its blown-in insulation. This oversight was caused most likely because there was a separation in the attic area that precluded access to the master bedroom area. A shuttle hole had been installed in the walk-in closet to gain access, but the insulators overlooked it; and, the superintendent did not catch it. This would most likely have had a dire effect on heating and cooling. When buying a new home, be sure to exercise due diligence; take nothing for granted.
There are many new home subdivisions, developments and communities with differing styles, architecture, floor plans and price points. With a plethora of choices, designs and home builders, a home buyer should be patient in the home shopping process. There are pre-construction new homes to be built with the home buyer’s selections, options and upgrades; or alternatively, the home buyer can select an inventory new home that is ready to occupy almost immediately. The latter scenario usually provides for a better deal on price and terms.
Disclaimer: This new homes real estate blog post is intended to be informational reading only, not legal advice. Each real estate transaction is unique unto itself, so this content may or may not apply. Hence, you may not copy, use and/or redistribute this real estate information about new homes, tips and/or ideas without prior expressed consent from the author. All Rights Reserved
Stephen Graham - Associate Broker - Realty Professionals, Inc (770) 491.1494
As a one of the more popular parts of greater Atlanta, the area of North Fulton County, Ga (Georgia) is filled with many new homes & communities. It takes a north bound commute on Hwy 400 or Roswell Rd to access this nice area of Atlanta. Home builders offer varying styles, models, floor plans and neighborhoods. Finding these subdivisions online is simple:
Once a home buyer starts to visit these communities, one should:
Evaluate the topography of the lots
Get a feel for the neighborhood
Assess the architecture of the new homes
Pay attention to the location of detention ponds
Through diligence, buying new homes in N. Fulton, Ga county can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Take your time and visit as many communities as possible to finalize your decision. Before visiting neighborhoods, you should read up engaging a buyer advocate.
Disclaimer: This new homes real estate blog post is intended to be informational reading only, not legal advice. Each real estate transaction is unique unto itself, so this content may or may not apply. Hence, you may not copy, use and/or redistribute this real estate information about new homes, tips and/or ideas without prior expressed consent from the author. All Rights Reserved
Stephen Graham - Associate Broker - Realty Professionals, Inc (770) 491.1494
Within many cities of this large county, Cobb County provides good access to Atlanta. New homes, communities, developments & neighborhoods abound throughout Cobb County GA. Home builders offer a variety of floor plans, models, styles and architecture -- basement and slab lots included. Finding these new homes in Cobb County Georgia can be easily found online. New homes & subdivisions of Cobb County are in the cities of Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, Austell, Smyrna, Vinings & Mableton.
Not too long ago, my buyer-clients were approaching the completion and closing for their new home in Cobb County, GA. The final new home orientation walkthrough (read more) was scheduled by the home builders' office. Shortly before that meeting, I directed the home buyers to an inspection company, with a good knowledge of new construction matters, to perform an evaluation of the workmanship by means of an independent home inspection (learn more). While not dire, the findings exposed toe board holes and protruding nails on the roof; such things can certainly lead to leaks. The proper corrective measure is to seal those holes, usually with roofing cement, to prevent possible leaks. So, what is the big deal? A good number of home inspectors do not get on the roof, because of insurance purposes, to identify the many roofing problems that I have witnessed over the years. These types of issues are simply passed along to the new home buyers, unless they are properly identified.
By delving into the details, home buyers can research home builders and communities -- whether they are builders of townhomes, condos, lofts or single family new homes. Buying brand new homes in Cobb County, Georgia can be a satisfying experience; one should extrapolate all the details of a new construction purchase to avoid pitfalls that are not common knowledge.
Stephen Graham serves as a buyer's agent for new and resale homes in Cobb County GA (Lassiter, Pope, Walton, Sprayberry, Harrision, Kennesaw Mountain, North Cobb, Allatoona, Campbell, Hillgrove, McEachern, Osborne, Pebblebrook and South Cobb High School districts) (Awtrey, Barber, Campbell, Smitha, Garrett, Griffen, Hightower Trail, Lindley, Lost Mountain, Lovinggood, Cooper, Tapp, Daniell, Dickerson, Dodgen, Durham, East Cobb, Flyod, Mabry, McCleskey, McClure, Palmer, Pine Mountain and Simpson Middle School districts) (Acworth, East Side, Addison, Fair Oaks, Eastvalley, Ford, Argyle, Frey, Baker, Garrison Mill, Bells Ferry, Green Acres, Belmont Hills, Harmony Leland, Big Shanty, Hayes Intermediate, Hayes Primary, Birney, Blackwell, Brown, Brumby, Bryant, Hollydale, Keheley, Bullard, Chalker, Kemp, Kennesaw, Cheatham Hill, Kincaid, Clarksdale, Kings Springs, Clay, Sanders, Compton, LaBelle, Sedalia, Davis, Shallowford Falls, Lewis, Mableton, Sky View, Dowell, Sope Creek, McCall, Still, Due West, Teasley, Milford, Timber Ridge, Mount Bethel, Mountain View, Murdock, Varner, Nicholson, Nickajack, Norton Park, Pickett's Mill, Pitner, Tritt, Powder Springs, Riverside, Powers Ferry, Rocky Mount, Russell and Vaughn Elementary School districts) of 30127, 30068, 30066, 30062, 30060, 30144, 30152, 30101, 30102, 30080, 30082, 30126, 30106, 30168, 30064, 30090, 30067 and 30339.
Disclaimer: This new homes real estate blog post is intended to be informational reading only, not legal advice. Each real estate transaction is unique unto itself, so this content may or may not apply. Hence, you may not copy, use and/or redistribute this real estate information about new homes, tips and/or ideas without prior expressed consent from the author. All Rights Reserved
Stephen Graham - Associate Broker - Buyers Agent - Realty Professionals, Inc (770) 491.1494
With town homes starting in the 180's, Austell GA provides good access to the east-west connector, Vinings & Smyrna; single family homes start in the 180's too. Different home builders offer varying styles, elevations, floor plans & models in Austell.
The process of searching, comparing and finding new homes in Austell, Georgia is simply accomplished by a new home directory dedicated to only new homes. These communities are accessible via a map of Austell, Georgia.
Upon visitation to new home communities in Austell, get a feel for the surroundings.
Do the neighbors take care of their properties? Has the home builder enforced HOA requirements? Are there many vacant new homes?
Through diligence, a home buyer can evaluate Austell new homes to the betterment of their new home purchase; additional savings, by means of a home buyer's rebate, are available too. Home buyers need to work with professionals who are looking out for them as well.
Disclaimer: This new homes real estate blog post is intended to be informational reading only, not legal advice. Each real estate transaction is unique unto itself, so this content may or may not apply. Hence, you may not copy, use and/or redistribute this real estate information about new homes, tips and/or ideas without prior expressed consent from the author. All Rights Reserved
Stephen Graham - Associate Broker - Realty Professionals, Inc (770) 491.1494
This blog is a source for obtaining information about real estate and marketing concepts; and, Georgia new homes and communities
The information on this real estate and new homes blog is general in nature; it is the opinion of the author only; it is not legal advice and nor should it be construed as such. All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
The 
Lenders have established limits on the amount of concessions a buyer may receive in a real estate transaction from interested parties. Obviously, lenders don’t want to finance a lot of fluff in the sales price. However, what about the inducement aspect of concessions? And, is the 
Do you have a website that offers a drip e-mail campaign? Drip e-mails are good for providing newsletters, information and other tips to those who register on your website. If you have this option, you may consider placing short excerpts of relevant blog posts in drip e-mails with a caption of "read more" at the end; then, place links to the full stories of those blog posts. I'm sure most of us put a substantial amount of thought and time into developing blog posts that are meant to be informative to consumers; and, posts that offer insight into our area of knowledge.
I have been working with my buyer-clients for about a month now. We have made a couple of unsuccessful offers during the process. As we began to hone in on a particular resale home, a listing agent from a new home community called my buyers directly; this doesn't bother me at all. We had already submitted an offer on one of her other listings within the same community; regrettably, someone else offered more to buy that house. But, to continue the story, the listing agent began to promote her new home listings after some objections about one of them. She mentioned the potential for the owner (a bank) to work with them on some things of concern. This call prompted the buyers to go back to the community to look at one of the listings again, and to look at a completely different one, too. Guess what? That phone call is two steps away from a contract on that second home.
The process of searching, comparing and finding 
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