Cara Caldwell's (caracaldwell) Blog

Save money on the local level, by stimulating the local economy.

Cara Caldwell (Re/Max Communities) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 06:35:24 -0700

Did you know that most of us live within 1.5 hours of a rural area? Did you know that you can save money for your family by shopping in bulk from local farmers. My family shops a local farmer every six months for a 1/2 a side of beef, or a 1/4. This grain fed beef, is natural, delicious, and costs $2.50 per lb! If you have a freezer, and can afford to buy in bulk go for it! Also, check your local area and see what the specialty is for the area. Here in North Atlanta, Chicken Plants can be found. Each plant usually has a little store that sells in bulk... Find deals at a fraction of the cost of retail. Stimulate the local economy and your own! South Georgia is known for peaches! Buy a bushel, and have friends an family participate in canning. It makes for worthwhile family time, while stocking the pantry! Same goes with a home grown vegetable garden. Hours of cultivation with your kids, can produce a freezer or pantry full! There are so many ideas that can be utilized. Think of your area, and what is indigenous to your area-- and go for it!

Are You Participating in this Recession? Buy in your economy, for you!

Cara Caldwell (Re/Max Communities) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 06:29:01 -0700

Many areas around the country are hit hard by this economy. Others have been spared. In some areas of Atlanta, the economy is both good and bad. I find that in areas that are supported by one industry, for example, Peachtree City area- supported largely by the airline industry, things are very slow. More diversified areas such as Alpharetta remain strong with the occassional good deal to be had. When purchasing a home, remember to look for a home in an economy that best serves you. If you know you will be staying in a home for 10 years, purchase in a slow area and get a great deal! If you know that you move every 3-5 years, consider finding a good deal in an area that is more business diversified. You will not get a home for as good of a price, but decline is less likely to hit the more stable area as well.

Dual Agency - What Side of the Fence are You On?

Cara Caldwell (Re/Max Communities) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 06:22:25 -0700

In Georgia, we can work both sides, while still representing only the seller. On our contract be must disclose that we DO represent the seller and we DO NOT represent the buyer. If the buyer does not object, then drive on... Sell the house, do the deal. All confidences are for the seller in this scenerio. In the event I happen to have a buyer "client" that has signed an agency agreement with me, and then I so happen to list a property that they would want to buy-- this becomes disclosed dual agency. In this case it is a tight rope. I disclose the issue, let the parties decide if another agent is needed. I always tell them that we will appoint someone else, if anyone feels it is necessary,at any point in the transaction. This usually keeps the deal rolling. In 13 years I have NEVER needed another agent. I have always handled these things very openly with full disclosure. When you list homes and work with buyers the opportunity on occasion will present itself, both sides of the transaction. Such is the case for me, I have a home listed and received a sign call that developed into an interested buyer. What a fantastic opportunity but one that needed to be treated with caution. In the state of Texas we have the ability to work on both sides of the transaction through what is defined as Intermediary Relationship. There are many responsibilities of this relationship but one clear defining line; you must act as a mediator for both parties, no advice regarding negotiation decisions. You also cannot share any confidences and you must respect the price the seller has the home listed with no suggestion of the value being less. All parties must agree to this relationship and advised of their other representation choices (buyer & seller agents). This is a very difficult balance responsibility when you are on both sides of the transaction. As an agent you have a responsibility to self reflect as to your comfort, knowledge level, ability to strictly adhere to the responsibility of this type of agency. Also this is probably one of the top reasons lawsuits develop over this form of agency and the perception of how the agent professionally handled the transaction. Initially when the opportunity knocks you feel a moment of celebration, commission counting in your head, etc. Step back and reflect ... are you informed and experienced enough to properly handle this type of transaction? If there is any moment of a deep breath and hesitation then you best refer one of the parties to be independently represented by another agent. Make sure both the other agent and the party interview each other for comfort and acceptance. Sometimes that separation of relationships is absolutely the right thing to do. Also you need to keep your broker in the loop for counseling, appointment of other agents, etc. Understand what your state law allows, what your agency stance for what agency types are permitted and become very well informed and comfortable with your professional responsibilities. This is a very sensitive and debated topic in our state for a good reason ... watching out for the best for our consumers. What side of the fence do you feel is best or are you in the middle?

Va Buyers, save time and effort DD214 auto downloaded to loan officer

Cara Caldwell (Re/Max Communities) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:22:07 -0700

IF YOU ARE IN THE MILITARY, AND YOU ARE PURCHASING A HOME DO NOT CALL THE VA FOR YOUR CERTIFICATE! All lenders should be able to automatically download your eligibility certificate! IF YOU CONTACT THE VA, YOU WILL BE STUCK WITH SNAIL MAIL. YOUR PURCHASE WILL BE DELAYED!

Cherokee County Georgia Modified Year Round School

Cara Caldwell (Re/Max Communities) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:19:25 -0700

Recently I had buyers that moved into Cherokee County. Modified year round school is a blessing. Kids get year round breaks, and a good 8 week summer. Cherokee County gives a week off in September, November, December ( 2 weeks), February, and April. Summers are usually June 1 thry August 1 ( ish) Cherokee offers great schools and a fantastic schedule. If you are moving to the area contact me for details.

Home mortgage qualification Rumors Debunked.

Cara Caldwell (Re/Max Communities) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:15:15 -0700

Widely reported: Financing is hard to obtain for buyers! False: For buyers that have a 620 credit score ( which is not htat high) or better, a job, and some assemblance of credit lines are likely to succeed in VA / FHA financing. Widely reported: You NEED 20% down to purchasee a home! False: Buyers with a 620 credit score, or better, a job and appropriate debt to income ratios can qualify with 3.5% down! Widely reported: There are no 100% programs available for 1st time buyers. False: Sort of- There are $100 down HUD programs available for purchase of HUD homes, Grant programs that match funds. There are ways to come into a purchase with almost no down payment if you are willing to hunt and peck through programs!

VA BUYERS! Call me today!

Cara Caldwell (Re/Max Communities) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:06:30 -0700

Cara Caldwell strives to assist all military families with the utmost care and respect. We are a military family, and are here to serve you. I have lenders that are ready, willing, able and competent to assist you and make the VA loan process easier! It is time to buy; VA loans are some of the best financing available. It is silly not to advance your financial position. Call today!

Fannie Mae 10 mortgage limit- did you hear lenders are not observing this rule?

Cara Caldwell (Re/Max Communities) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:03:13 -0700

Recently Fannie Mae revised their guidelines from a 4 mortgage limit to 10 mortgage limit for all qualified buyers. Real experience suggests that lenders in the Atlanta area at least are not observing the new limits. Although Fannie says "go" if you have fewer than 10 mortgaged properties, individual lenders are saying "whoah!" This is a huge problem. We need our investors with cash and the ability to finance to get out and soak up this over supply! Until this happens, real estate markets will continue to limp along.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS- CATTLE CALL-- CAN YOU BELIEVE THE INCENTIVES?

Cara Caldwell (Re/Max Communities) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:27:56 -0700

IF YOU ARE A FIRST TIME BUYER!!!!!!!!!!!! Now is the time to buy your home! DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE ARE 5 TO 1 FIRST TIME BUYER HOME GRANTS? This could be $10K free money in your home! DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS A $7500 TAX CREDIT IN THE WORKS FOR YOUR PURCHASE? DID YOU KNOW THAT FHA LOANS ARE SOME OF THE BEST AND CHEAPEST WAYS TO FINANCE? IF YOU ARE A VETERAN OF A CURRENT WAR-- YOU WILL HAVE A CHEAPER VA FUNDING FEE? The government is trying to help 1st time buyers! Go for it. Prices are low, and financing is good for those who can pass minimal standards. Why pass up an opportunity unlike any other in the past 20 years? WWW.REALESTATESTREET.NET WWW.NORTHWESTATLANTAHOMES.NET

Can you beat the street in Real Estate?

Cara Caldwell (Re/Max Communities) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:22:39 -0700

With Wall Street in a tumble and real estate becoming more affordable, CAN YOU BEAT THE STREET?In a word, yes... There are many areas in Atlanta, and other parts of the country that are on sale right now. A few well placed purchases now, may set your table in the future for a higher net worth. Check out my website and it will begin to tell you the story. www.realestatestreet.net