Tuesday, July 28, 2015

It's Hard to Imagine

With mortgage rates below 5% since 2009, you’d think any homeowner who should refinance would have already. However, it is estimated, there are approximately 6.5 million borrowers who would benefit with significant monthly savings by refinancing. iStock_000064771413_300.jpg

Rodney Anderson of Supreme Lending, on his weekly radio program, described a recent pipeline meeting where they reviewed every pending mortgage application his company was processing. They had seven refinancing applicants whose current mortgage was over 9% and twelve with a rate between 7% and 9%.

“Some 550,000 American homeowners with a mortgage could save $500 or more each month by refinancing at today’s rates. Over three million could save at least $200 per month.” said Ben Graboske, CTO with Black Knight Financial Services.

Getting a lower interest rate should be reason enough but eliminating the mortgage insurance should make the decision a no brainer. With increased home values, the loan-to-value ratio may no longer require mortgage insurance which would add additional savings.

Homeowners need solid information about what their home is worth and whether they’d benefit from refinancing. The most reliable solution is to talk with a qualified mortgage professional. The internet is a great place for generalized info but each person’s situation is unique. Call if you'd like a recommendation of a trusted mortgage professional or would like to know what your home is worth.


Tuesday, July 21, 2015

What's Stopping You?

The majority of tenants say they’d like to own a home but continue to pay rent and missing out on financial and emotional advantages. There seems to still be a lot of misinformation in the marketplace. Questions2.jpg

There are a number of programs for low or no down payment options. Veterans can get into a home with no down payment or closing costs. In qualifying areas, USDA has zero down payment programs. FHA requires 3.5% down payment and there are conventional programs for as little as 3% and 5% down.

People with credit issues need expert opinions about their specific situation. Borrowers with bankruptcies or foreclosures may be eligible to purchase again after certain periods of time. There are short-term fixes for some types of credit problems. There is an extended list of individual issues that a skilled mortgage professional may be able to overcome.

Most tenants realize considerably lower cost of housing by owning once the appreciation, amortization and tax savings are considered. The savings in the first year alone could easily be more than the down payment required.

Plug in your own numbers in a Rent vs. Own to see what your real cost of housing may be. Contact us for a recommendation of a mortgage professional who can give you accurate information about your situation.

Rent vs Own InTouch 7-15.png


Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Build Equity Faster

Equity is an asset and an appreciating home is an investment. While some people have resolved themselves that a mortgage payment is a normal part of life, others have set goals to get their home paid for as soon as possible. There are several strategies that will work but they all require persistent vigilance. 44969574_250.jpg

A shorter term mortgage such as 20, 15 or even 10 years will not only pay off sooner, it will generally have a lower interest rate. A recent comparison at Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed a 30 year fixed-rate mortgage at 4.04% compared to a 15 year fixed-rate at 3.20%. The fees for the shorter term were even .1% less. The shorter term with the lower rate would have a higher payment but some people consider it forced savings.

Additional principal contributions to any length fixed-rate mortgage will save interest, build equity and shorten the term of the loan. Some homeowners may apply lump sums at various times during the year such as when bonuses are paid or a tax refund is received.

Other owners might increase their payment by $100, $200 or more each month. Setting the increased payment through electronic banking would insure that you consistently make the extra amount.

Bi-weekly payments make 26 half-payments in a year which equals 13 full-payments. Because of the frequency, it reduces the interest that is due. This might work well for borrowers who are paid every two weeks but could present cash flow problems for those who are paid on schedules that don’t coincide.

Making one extra payment a year will have almost the same effect as a bi-weekly payment. The 13th payment would be completely applied to principal.

Before embarking on one of these strategies, it would be wise to verify with your lender that it complies with their policies. Check out the Equity Accelerator to see how it could affect your loan.


Tuesday, July 7, 2015

For Sale in Loganville, GA - 5/3.5 Ranch w/ Basement & Teen Suite


FOR SALE in Loganville, GA

3545 Bulloch lake rd. 
Loganville, Ga 30052

$305,000





See Virtual Tour


Contact me at (404) 857-2508 to schedule a showing. 
Hurry... It is priced to sell and won't last long!

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Natasha Bazile is a Realtor & Home Stager. She prides herself in being a guide to her clients and finds fulfillment in helping them achieve their goals.

Direct Phone: (404) 857-2508 
www.SoldbyNat.com Email - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Three M's of Homeownership

Among the many reasons people have to own home, they include having a place of their own, to raise a family and to share with friends. Additional benefits include security, investment, peace, pride and enjoyment. home maintenance 250.jpg

Together with the benefits come the responsibility to take care of the home for its livability and viability as a sound decision. A homeowner’s concerns can be broken down into three areas.

The maintenance on the property is something that every homeowner deals with. Changing filters are easy to handle yourself. Other things might require a skilled professional but identifying the “right” one can be challenging.

Minimizing expenses can reduce the cost of living in the home. It’s good to recognize when a repair is appropriate compared to a replacement. Reputable and reasonable service providers are key to keeping expense low.

Managing debt and risk becomes the financial side of the effort. Taking advantage of low interest rates or shorter terms for refinancing, making additional principal contributions are just a few ways to manage debt. Home warranty programs and homeowner insurance tips can reduce risk.

We sincerely want to be a resource for you not only when you buy or sell but all of the years in between. It is actually the reason we send this newsletter to you.


Monday, July 6, 2015

Buying New Construction ~ Do I need an agent? - SOLDbyNat.com in Winder, GA

TIP at the end...

CONGRATS! CONGRATS! CONGRATS!


I had to do an extra happy dance for this one!

Why? Let me bring you up to speed on this one...

So, I met this fantastic family several months back when I helped them sell their home. 

*Back-story- They bought in a rush when they were expecting their 1st child, didn't care for their agent (they did all the work), quickly realized they bought more home than they needed (weekends were spent doing yard work), and the layout of the home didn't work for them (they only really utilized the main floor).

When they contacted me, they didn't realize I'd sell their home as quickly as I did. Nevertheless, they were really good sports about it! They were just happy I got it SOLD and to have made a nice little profit in just a years' time! 

Fast forward a few months and they are ready to buy. They know what they what... New construction. We set out and find the perfect house. Easy enough right? Wrong! We ended having the most peculiar encounter with the on-site agent who was extremely negative from the very first encounter. I'd like to say, things went uphill from there, but it didn't. I can, however, say that WE CLOSED! In the end, it all worked out and they love their new house! THANK THE LORD! I could spend time going into details about the negatives, but what good would it do? It all worked out and that is what matters!

My take-away / TIP from this...

Whether buying resale or new construction, ALWAYS have a real estate agent representing YOUR interests. Remember, the on-site agent is representing the builder. PLUS- When buying, you don't pay your agent, the builder/seller normally does. It doesn't cost you anything! It can actually cost you not to!

Looking to SELL or BUY a home? Don't go it alone!
Let's chat and see if we'd be a good fit for each other. 
Call (404) 857-2508 or email me.


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Natasha Bazile is a Realtor & Home Stager. She prides herself in being a guide to her clients and finds fulfillment in helping them achieve their goals.

Direct Phone: (404) 857-2508 
www.SoldbyNat.com Email - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Home Seller TIP ~ Just Do It! (1st Impressions) - SOLDbyNat.com in Snellville, GA

Congratulations to my clients and relieved sellers!


This 3rd time homeowner actually passed her home on to a 1st time homeowner. Isn't that a great story. More memories will be created in a great home :-)!

Home Seller TIP - Just Do It! 

(First Impressions)



Looking to SELL a home? I'd love to interview for the job!
Please check out the Clients & Testimonials tab and
Call (404) 857-2508 or email me.

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Natasha Bazile is a Realtor & Home Stager. She prides herself in being a guide to her clients and finds fulfillment in helping them achieve their goals.

Direct Phone: (404) 857-2508 
www.SoldbyNat.com Email - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Buying a Home ~ Make a MUST / PLUS List - SOLDbyNat.com in Decatur, GA

Congratulations to my client and new homeowner!


I met this young lady a couple of years ago in line at Ross chatting about hair and I couldn't be happier to see her achieve her goal of homeownership. See the video below to hear why homeownership is so important to her... 


*BTW- This young lady is super creative! She's the one who designed my logo!

FRUSTRATING HOME SEARCH?

One nugget I suggested when the home search got rocky (that ultimately helped her get crystal clear) was to create a MUST/PLUS List

Why would a home search get rocky you ask? Well... Buying a house is one of the biggest purchases most people make, so it can be emotionally trying. Not to mention, when buying, people often get input from family, friends, and just about everyone under the sun. Then add to it the overload of information and homes they are viewing online and the beautifully staged homes they are seeing in-person. It is very easy to lose site of the BIG PICTURE and chose a house that is appealing, rather than a house that is truly a good fit!

THE SOLUTION - Whether regrouping or starting off right from the beginning, I suggest you make a list and get very clear about what it is you want. What does you ideal & realistic house look like right now? Make a MUST & PLUS list. 

For example:
MUST (no negotiation)
1- Safe Neighborhood
2- Enough space
3-Within budget
4- Move in ready or Not more than $3k in upfront costs
5- 25 miles or less to work

PLUS (good, but not a deal-breaker)
1- Big backyard
2- Basement



Once you have your list, STICK TO IT (within reason of course). When you see a house and you think you like it or someone gives you their opinion, compare that house to your list. 

This should help keep you focused. 

So what nuggets have helped you during your home search? 

Looking to BUY a home? Don't go it alone!
Let's chat and see if we'd be a good fit for each other. 
Call (404) 857-2508 or email me.
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Natasha Bazile is a Realtor & Home Stager. She prides herself in being a guide to her clients and finds fulfillment in helping them achieve their goals.

Direct Phone: (404) 857-2508 
www.SoldbyNat.com Email - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube