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(picture taken at the beginning of festival)
1st Annual POPLAR FOREST WINE FESTIVAL
THOMAS JEFFERSON'S SUMMER RETREAT
FOREST, VA (suburb of Lynchburg, VA near my home)
(late afternoon shot as Festival was ending)
SHADOWS CREEPING UP ON MR. JEFFERSON'S LAWN
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS?
MR. JEFFERSON DID NOT WANT TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE "PRIVYS" FROM THE HOUSE SO HE BUILT THEM AND THEN HID THEM WITH BERMS.
THE SUNSETS OVER ONE OF THE BARNS AT POPLAR FOREST
"A MORSEL OF OF GENUINE HISTORY IS A THING SO RARE AS TO BE ALWAYS VALUABLE"
THOMAS JEFFERSON speaking of POPLAR FOREST
KATHY MYERS CARSON, ABR, GRI
RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC - LYNCHBURG, VA
434-660-4025
kcarson@jetbroadband.com
Follow me on TWITTER @ KATHY CARSON
Friend me on FACE BOOK - KATHY CARSON
"CALL MY SELL!!"
HOME BUYERS GUIDE - STEP 7
ITEMS YOU WILL NEED FOR YOUR LOAN APPLICATION
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Residence Address for the last 2 years
Divorcee Decree (if applicable)
Drivers License for ALL Applicants
EMPLOYMENT
Employer Names and Addresses last 2 years
Gross Monthly Income
Copies of the last 2 years W-2 Forms
Pay Stubs Covering a full 30 day period (indicate Year To Date)
If your pay stubs are on-line you must access & be able to supply to Lender
Verification of Additional Sources of Income
If Self-employed
2 years 1040 Tax Returns
Current Year profit & loss statement
BANKING
Last 2 months of Bank Statements or Passbook Savings
Showing names, addresses, account number and account balance
MISCELLANEOUS
Info on all Cash Assets, Stocks, Bonds, Real Estate, Life Insurance
Veterans: Certificate of Eligibility
Check for Credit Report and Appraisal Fees - Approximately $400.00
VA - VHDA - FHA - USDA Loans require more intensive paperwork -
Your Lender will advise you of these additional requirements.
THE REQUIRED PAPERWORK MUST BE GIVEN TO YOUR LENDER IMMEDIATELY - IF YOUR LENDER CALLS YOU TO REQUEST OTHER INFORMATION - YOU MUST PROVIDE THIS IMMEDIATELY.
KATHY MYERS CARSON, ABR, GRI
RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC - LYNCHBURG, VA
434-660-4025
kcarson@jetbroadband.com
Follow me on TWITTER @ KATHY CARSON
Friend me on FACE BOOK - KATHY CARSON
"CALL MY SELL!!"
HOME BUYER GUIDE - STEP 6
STEP 6: THE CLOSING
•· A Closing Date is set - this date is not set in stone. The date can be moved forward for many reasons, do not get upset about this - it is normal.
•· You are given a HUD Statement by either the Closing Agent or by me. This will detail all of the expenditures for the transaction - for the most part this will be very much like the GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE given to you by your MORTGAGE LENDER at the time you made your application for the loan.
•· We conduct a Walk-Through a day or so before the closing. We make sure everything is the same as it was on the day that you made your offer to purchase the house, "no better, no worse."
•· On the DAY OF CLOSING - We meet at the Closing agency or Attorney's Office.
•· You will bring a Certified Check made out to the Closing Co or Attorney for the exact amount of the Closing Costs.
•· You sign a ton of papers.
•· You get the KEYS & YOU ARE A HOMEOWNER!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
KATHY MYERS CARSON, ABR, GRI
RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC - LYNCHBURG, VA
434-660-4025
kcarson@jetbroadband.com
Follow me on TWITTER @ KATHY CARSON
Friend me on FACE BOOK - KATHY CARSON
"CALL MY SELL
HOME BUYER GUIDE - STEP 5
STEP 5 : MOVING TO CLOSING
YOUR NEXT STEPS - AFTER RATIFICATION OF YOUR CONTRACT (SELLER ACCEPTANCE) & THE HOME INSPECTION IS COMPLETED:
•1. Call your INSURANCE AGENT immediately. Your agent needs the address of the property and other information from you regarding your life style. Do you own a dog listed as an aggressive dog? Information about the house that can cause a rate differential: a pool, how close is the nearest fire hydrant, how close is the Fire Dept from property, etc.
•2. Call your MORTGAGE LENDER to make your formal MORTGAGE LOAN APPLICATION, . You will need to document everything - (see the ITEMS YOU NEED FOR YOUR LOAN APPLICATION). You will receive a Good Faith Estimate which will list the address of the property you have under contract & for the exact loan amount. The Good Faith Estimate will give you information on all of the fees associated with your loan, your closing costs and the estimated amount you will need the day your house closes. It will also include information on your Loan Payment Amount - Principle, Interest, Real Estate taxes and Homeowners Ins
•3. Closing Co or Attorney - you will need to choose who you want to "CLOSE" your Real Estate Transaction. Your Lender and I can advise buy you make the decision.
•4. Utility Changes - you need to contact the electric co, water/sewer co, gas co, etc & change the utilities over to your name effective the date of closing. If you have never had utilities in your name before you will need to register & possibly make a deposit for service. You also need to investigate the Television & Internet Connecting Cos to determine who you want to deliver this service.
SO - What's Going On Behind the Scenes
"The Invisible Stuff - you don't see"
•Ø The LENDER prepares your file & sends it to the Underwriter. The Lender is required to jump through all kinds of hoops during this phase & sometimes you have to help them - so - don't be surprised when the Lender calls your for more info - get it to them ASAP!!
•Ø The Appraisal is done
•Ø The Home Owners Insurance Agent is inspecting the property and working to get the rates for the Mortgage Lender and Closer
•Ø The Home Owners Association Package is ordered & delivered if applicable
•Ø The Termite, Well & Septic inspections are being done and results being reported to the Realtors & Closers
•Ø The Title for the Property is being researched.
•Ø The New Deed is being prepared
Both REALTORS are in the background making sure everything is being done in a timely manner and ironing out the wrinkles as they appear.
KATHY MYERS CARSON, ABR, GRI
RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC - LYNCHBURG, VA
434-660-4025
kcarson@jetbroadband.com
Follow me on TWITTER @ KATHY CARSON
Friend me on FACE BOOK - KATHY CARSON
"CALL MY SELL
BLOWING DANDELIONS - A CHILD'S SIMPLE PLEASURE
BRYLAN NEVER MISSES A CHANCE TO SCATTER THE "FUZZIES" INTO THE AIR!
BRANTLEY RUNS TO THE SEED HEADS AND BLOWS HER LITTLE HEART OUT!
MAYBE OUR YARD WON'T BE DANDELION/WEED-FREE NEXT SUMMER
BUT
THE MEMORIES ARE WORTH THE WEEDS!
KATHY MYERS CARSON, ABR, GRI
RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC - LYNCHBURG, VA
434-660-4025
kcarson@jetbroadband.com
Follow me on TWITTER @ KATHY CARSON
Friend me on FACE BOOK - KATHY CARSON
"CALL MY SELL!!"
Shirley Cicero wrote this original Blog. This is an excellent explanation that describes the difference between a REALTOR and a Real Estate Agent. I am working with a young woman right now that was working with a Real Estate Agent and in the first 15 minutes of our meeting she told me that I had told her more about buying a house than the RE Agt did in a month of looking at homes. It is our responsibility to live the Code of Ethics as I strive to do everyday. THANKS FOR A GREAT POST SHIRLEY - by re-posting I hope the word spreads! Via Shirley Cicero (Coldwell Banker North Metro): People use the terms REALTOR® and real estate agent interchangeably, but that is incorrect.
There are differences between REALTORS® and real estate agents. They are not the same. Although both are licensed to sell real estate, the basic difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR® is a REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.
There is a Code of Ethics that is strictly enforced. While there is no evidence onor guarantee that all REALTORS® are morally and ethically better than unaffiliated real estate agents, it is an attempt by the industry to regulate.
Did you know there was a difference and now that you do would you be more inclined to use a REALTOR®?
Here are 17 things that a REALTOR® promises to do that non-affiliates do not:
#1) Pledge to put the interests of buyers and sellers ahead of their own and to treat all parties honestly.
#2) Shall refrain from exaggerating, misrepresenting or concealing material facts; and is obligated to investigate and disclose when situations reasonably warrant.
#3) Shall cooperate with other brokers / agents when it is in the best interests of the client to do so.
#4) Have a duty to disclose if they represent family members who own or are about to buy real estate, or if they themselves are a principal in a real estate transaction, that they are licensed to sell real estate.
#5) Shall not provide professional services in a transction where the agent has a present or contemplated interest without disclosing that interest.
#6) Shall not collect any commissions without the seller's knowledge nor accept fees from a third-party without the seller's express consent.
#7) Shall refuse fees from more than one party without all parties' informed consent.
#8) Shall not co-mingle client funds with their own.
#9) Shall attempt to ensure that all written documents are easy to understand and will give everybody a copy of what they sign.
#10) Shall not discriminate in any fashion for any reason on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
#11) Expects agents to be competent, to conform to standards of practice and to refuse to provide services for which they are unqualified.
#12) Must engage in truth in advertising.
#13) Shall not practice law unless they are a lawyer.
#14) Shall cooperate if charges are brought against them and present all evidence requested.
#15) Agree not to bad mouth competition and agree not to file unfounded ethics complaints.
#16) Shall not solicit another REALTOR'S client nor interfere in a contractual relationship.
#17) Shall submit to arbitration to settle matters and not seek legal remedies in the judicial system.
HOME BUYERS GUIDE - STEP 4
STEP 4 : MAKING AN OFFER
•· You find "THE HOUSE"
•· I do a Market Analysis - Real Estate is not a Science.
A property is only worth what you are willing to pay & what the Seller is willing to sell the property for.
•· You decide on an OFFER for the house. We write an OFFER & you make a monetary deposit (good faith deposit).
•· The Negotiation process starts - I contact the Listing Realtor and we negotiate for the benefit of our respective clients.
•· Once we come to an agreement between the SELLER & the BUYER we RATIFY the CONTRACT - everything is signed.
•· The Home Inspection is done - & - Negotiating starts again. Again the 2 Realtors are negotiating on behalf of their clients - we come to an agreement and the process continues to closing.
MAKING AN OFFER WILL REQUIRE THESE PAYMENTS UP FRONT:
1 - Good Faith Deposit - This is your money and is deposited in the Real Estate Co's Escrow Account when your offer to purchase is accepted by the Seller. (this is your money & will be credited to your bottom line at closing - thus reducing the amount you owe at closing by the amount you deposit.)
2 - Appraisal Fee - This fee is paid to the Mortgage Lender at the time of Loan Application (This is part of the closing costs so if the Seller pays pre-paids this fee will be put there and potentially can reduce the amount you owe at closing by the amount you pay for the appraisal.) (This amount varies depending on your location but in Lynchburg, VA it will be around $400)
3 - Home Inspection - Paid to the Home Inspector at the time of inspection (Price varies as to your location but in Lynchburg, VA it is around $275 to $325 depending on size of house & Inspector)
4 - Radon Test -Paid to the Home Inspector at the time of the test. (I always recommend a Radon Test - go online & read about Radon) (Price varies as to your location but in Lynchburg, VA it is around $125.00 to $200.00 depending on size of house & Inspector)
5 - Well Tests - Paid to the well inspector at the time of the inspection. (if you are buying a house with a well - I always advise a Well-Flow & Lead Test - this measures the amount of water recovery for the well - "can you take a shower & run the DW at the same time" and the amount of lead that is in the water) (Price varies as to your location but in the Lynchburg, VA area this will run about $300 to $400 depending on the Co you choose)
What are you going through at home?
This is a major Life Decision so you are going to be nervous. You will probably have Buyer's Remorse and you will question your decision - This is Normal!
You will have sleepless nights - This is Normal!
These conditions will pass!! Ask yourself - What is the Worst that can happen? You buy the house & realize you have made a mistake - so we'll sell it - not good but not the end of the world!! You will live!
KATHY MYERS CARSON, ABR, GRI
RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC - LYNCHBURG, VA
434-660-4025
kcarson@jetbroadband.com
Follow me on TWITTER @ KATHY CARSON
Friend me on FACE BOOK - KATHY CARSON
"CALL MY SELL
HOME BUYER GUIDE - STEP 3
STEP THREE: "THE HOUSE"
The Home Looking & Buying Process:
•· We try to give sellers a 24 hour notice that we want to see the house - we do this in an organized way.
•· I can show you any house in Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell Counties & the City of Lynchburg, if it is listed for sale in the Lynchburg Area Multiple Listing Service.
•· I will strive to find you the best house possible at the best price possible for your situation as it is at the present. There is NO PERFECT HOUSE - even if you built it you would want to change it before you moved in - so you have to learn to compromise your expectations.
•· I will never pressure you to make an offer on a house.
•· COMMUNICATION - we must have total communication between us if this is to be a fun and successful venture. If you Love a house then say so - if you Hate a house say so. This will help me to show you houses you are truly interested in. Your time is valuable and so is mine.
NOW YOU DECIDE - AND COMMUNICATE TO YOUR REALTOR:
•1. What is move in condition to you?
•2. How much money do you have to fix up a house?
•3. Where do you want to live?
•4. I also find it helpful for my clients to give me the 3 Items regarding a house that they will not compromise on.
KATHY MYERS CARSON, ABR, GRI
RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC - LYNCHBURG, VA
434-660-4025
kcarson@jetbroadband.com
Follow me on TWITTER @ KATHY CARSON
Friend me on FACE BOOK - KATHY CARSON
"CALL MY SELL
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Kathy Carson Lynchburg, VA, REALTOR VA HOMES - LYNCHBURG, BEDFORD, CAMPBELL
Lynchburg,
VA
More about me…
RE/MAX 1st Olympic, ABR, GRI
Address: 20395 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA, 24502
Office Phone: (434) 660-4025
Cell Phone: (434) 660-4025
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