brandi wells: Make One Final Inspection - 08/12/10 01:51 AM
In the sales contract, the sellers of your new home agreed to leave the custom blinds, refrigerator, built-in entertainment system and those fine cabinets and workbench in the garage. But when you show up on moving day, all of those amenities are long gone. Moreover, the lock on the back door is broken; there is a huge gouge in the drywall near the front bathroom.
Although these circumstances are extreme, they could happen, which is why it is important to have a final inspection of the home you are purchasing before the closing. A pre-closing inspection gives you, one last opportunity … (2 comments)

brandi wells: Trouble making the payments? - 01/23/10 11:48 PM
If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payments you may feel as if there are little or no options.  It is a strain both financially and emotionally.  Trying to work through a hard time with your home and the uncertainty of where you and your family will be living in the future can be overwhelming. 
It is important that you take action.  The situation typically will not resolve itself and the sooner you can get some answers the better you will feel.  Call your lender, mortgage company or bank and let them know that you have a hardship which can include:  illness, relocation, … (2 comments)

brandi wells: How to Use the EnergyGuide Label - 01/18/10 07:30 AM
Most of us are energy conscious on some level.  Weather that be "turn the water off while you brush", "close the refrigerator", "why is every light in the house on" or a related remark we tend to care about wasting energy.  Wasting energy, wastes money and that is the bottom line for the majority.  There is a gradual progression toward energy-efficient lighting, appliances, window coverings and other cost conserving items for the average consumer.
Marketing efforts to make you feel better about the choice you've made for your purchase and it's effects on the environment work for some and yet for others it's … (1 comments)

brandi wells: Connect on Facebook- updated listings, news, and more - 12/11/09 10:07 PM
Real Estate - Brandi Wells on Facebook … (1 comments)

brandi wells: Owning a Home Has Its Benefits - 11/30/09 10:06 AM
Opportunity is knocking for those considering homeownership for the first time. Historically low interest rates, lower home prices in most markets and the first-time homebuyer tax credit - part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - brought first-timers to the market in droves throughout the year.
In fact, these consumers represented about half of home sales logged during 2009, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, a significant increase from historic levels. And the favorable conditions that prompted many of these first-time buyers are likely to continue. President Obama in early November signed into law a five-month extension … (4 comments)

brandi wells: I want a house with equity! What's the value of this home? - 11/21/09 10:59 PM
Equity is a position directly related to perceived value in a specific time.  Those who had equity 2 or 3 years ago may now have none.  If the appraiser values it for more than the sale price then the lender will have perceived equity; as the appraisal is specifically for the lender in a specific transaction to determine the collateral value. 
The tax assessor has valued the property at $X, so they would perceive some equity for a sale of a lesser amount.  If the market were to significantly increase or decrease this position would change as well.  Equity is tied … (5 comments)

brandi wells: Short Sale Process - What Should I Ask My Attorney? - 11/21/09 10:50 PM
The short sale process includes many steps that are not in traditional sales.  If you are considering a short sale you will need to contact financial, tax and legal professionals for qualified advice.  A real estate agent with short sale experience is typically preferable as well.  As the seller, you also need to know if your loan is a recourse or non-recourse loan. 
In a recourse loan the borrower retains personal liability for any of the deficiency after a short sale or foreclosure.  The lender reserves their right to pursue the personal assets of the borrower by obtaining a court ordered deficiency judgment.
A non-recourse, the … (24 comments)

brandi wells: Keep your plane at home - Enjoy this private airpark with paved runway and hanger - 10/31/09 09:54 PM
One and a half story home on a basement in an airpark community. The home is located on three private acres with a personal hanger. 40' x 50' hanger includes office and new door. The paved runway and taxi way are convenient and your hanger will allow usage of your plane at a moments notice, without the fees associated with off-site storage. Located in Conyers and within a short drive to an International city this home is ideal for retirees or those wanting a tranquil home enviornment with the luxury of an airpark. … (0 comments)

brandi wells: FHFA Sends Two Reports to Congress on Mortgage Market - 10/31/09 02:26 AM
The reports are quite lengthy but very interesting.  Take a few minutes and read part of a selection that most interests you.  The valuation piece was enlightening.
For Immediate Release   Contact:  Corinne Russell (202)414-6921, Stefanie Mullin (202) 414-6376
October 30, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC - Acting FHFA Director Edward J. DeMarco today sent two reports to Congress pursuant to requirements of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, passed in July 2008. The reports discuss a number of topics, including mortgage risk, Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's housing goal performance, and key developments in the housing market.
The first report, titled "Default Risk … (0 comments)

brandi wells: BENEFITS OF PROPERLY INSTALLED INSULATION - 10/28/09 10:24 PM
Energy efficiency is beneficial for you as cost and comfort.  Owning your home is about you and your family; your needs and preferences.  You want to enjoy your home and get the most bang for your buck in doing so.  Energy efficient items will help you save in cost, you'll feel the comfort and when you get ready to sell the buyer that purchases your home can appreciate these upgrades. 
Whether you've owned your home for awhile or are considering purchasing a home there are readily available items for you to review or inspect and then some not so noticeable items like properly installed … (6 comments)

brandi wells: Condo Listing - 10/23/09 12:33 AM
Are you currently renting?  Are you interested in building some equity?  Do you want to work toward ownership for the same monthly payment as renting?  This 2 bedroom condo is a perfect opportunity.  Landscaping, exterior maintenance, pest control and more are taken care of by the association.  Convenient location to shopping, dining and interstate.  Call for a showing today!

(1 comments)

brandi wells: New Construction - 2940 Philadelphia Rd, Conyers, GA - 10/20/09 11:01 PM
Fabulous two stories, split foyer design, bamboo flooring and two story foyer welcome any visitor. Open living room with fireplace leads to breakfast area. This area exits to upper level deck and opens to the gourmet kitchen. Cabinetry and storage fill this kitchen which showecases granite counter tops, tiled floors and backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. You can enjoy entertaining in the formal dining room with custom trim and natural lighting. The master bedroom has private exit to the upper deck for your personal outdoor coffee/break spot. Spa feeling at home is provided with the luxury master bath including jetted garden … (0 comments)

brandi wells: Neighborhood or Subdivision - What's the Difference? - 10/11/09 12:46 PM

The text book definition of neighborhood is a district or locality characterized by similar or compatible land uses.  Neighborhoods are often identified by a place name and have boundaries composed of major streets, barriers, or abrupt changes in land use.
Examples: 
Residential neighborhoods are often identified with a subdivision, an elementary school attendance zone, a major public facility, such as a college, or a small town within a larger urban area.  Homes in the neighborhood are of similar style, age and value. Commerciall neighborhoods are generally associated with a major road, shopping center or central business district. Industrial neighborhoods are … (0 comments)

brandi wells: Real Estate Lingo - 10/11/09 11:33 AM
As with all industries, real estate professionals have developed a lingo and acronyms to help them communicate with each other more easily. For the first-time homebuyer (and even some veterans), making sense of property listings can sometimes leave you feeling like you're deciphering the DaVinci Code.
Many clients have asked for verification as to the meaning of some of this lingo.  This also includes the categories or subcategories that are on the multiple listing service.  Given the limited amount of space to type remarks, agents usually abbreviate as much as possible sometimes losing the real message.
Let's take a look at … (2 comments)

brandi wells: Gem in Stone Mountain - 3909 Castle Tree Ct, Stone Mountain, GA - 10/09/09 12:27 PM
Enter your new home via the foyer, living, dining room that provides tremendous flexibility. At first glance you are greeted by the welcoming hardwood floors, fireplace and renovated feel of this low maintenance brick ranch. Lead into the kitchen with solid surface counters, new applicances, fixtures and tile floor covering. Adjacent is the breakfast/dining with new double door exit to the rear patio and fenced yard. The master bedroom has a completely remodeled bath with tiled shower. Two additional bedrooms and a bath with spacious vanity area. As an added bonus, the family / recreation room is spacious with bay window, … (0 comments)

brandi wells: Decor and More in this Ranch with Basement - 10/05/09 10:03 PM
Decor and more in this home. Updated floor covering, designer paint, light fixtures and more. Ranch home with foyer entry into living room. Vaulted ceiling, fireplace and exit to deck from this hub of the home. The kitchen has a great work area, storage and breakfast area. Dining room is open and offers a family or entertaining space. It's an open and split bedroom plan. The master with trey ceiling opens to the master bath with double vanity, separate shower, tub and walk in closet. The secondary bedrooms, bath and laundry are on the other side of the living area. The … (2 comments)

brandi wells: Retirement Living - Determining Factors - 10/05/09 03:14 AM
For many, retirement is a time when people shift priorities and put their own needs first. One of the most important choices they need to make is where to live in retirement. Choosing the right community and home is an important and challenging decision.
Ask yourself, do you want to:
• Remain in the home you occupied before retirement?
• Remain close to your present community, but move to a different home?
• Move to another county or state, or to a different climate?
• Move into your present vacation property?
Where to Live
If you lean toward moving to another … (0 comments)

brandi wells: Questions to Ask a Home Inspector - 10/01/09 08:43 AM

 
It is extremely important for you to have the home that you plan to purchase professionally inspected.  The basic process involves a home inspector who is hired by the buyer to perform a thorough investigation of the structure and systems on the buyer's behalf.  The inspection typically takes from 2 - 4 hours and should consist of a check of at least the following items:
 
Interior & Exterior Systems:  Heating & Air, Electrical and Plumbing Foundation and Grounds Foundation Structure including Roof & Attic  
It is not necessary that you be at the home during the entire inspection.  … (0 comments)

brandi wells: Green Can Be Easy - 5 Tips for a Greener Home - 10/01/09 08:10 AM

 
 
Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy-efficient.
 
These catch phrases have become part of our lexicon as we've become more aware of our impact on the environment and our role in protecting it. As a homeowner, there are some simple, inexpensive steps you can take to make your home energy-efficient. Get started on the road to being "green" with these five tips:
Change Your Light Bulbs
By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, you can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse … (3 comments)

brandi wells: ABC's of Closing Costs - 09/28/09 11:33 PM
You've found your dream home, the seller has accepted your offer, your loan has been approved and you're eager to move into your new home. But before you get the key, there's one more step-the closing.
Also called the settlement, the closing is the process of passing ownership of property from seller to buyer. And it can be bewildering. As a buyer, you will sign what seems like endless piles of documents and will have to present a sizeable check for the down payment and various closing costs. It's the fees associated with the closing that many times remains a mystery … (4 comments)