Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Lease with the Option to Buy!

I'm often asked about Lease Purchase or Rent to Own. Because the cons often outweigh the pros, in the past, I didn't recommend it. 

Until now...Meet Home Partners of America!




How It Works
Home Partners' Lease with a Right to Purchase Program allows you to find a home that you want to rent from them initially, but may also like to buy in the next three to five years. They believe that there are many households who may be thinking about buying a home but for whatever reason would like to rent at the current time. You can lease the home for three to five one-year terms, depending on the state, and you may purchase the home from them at any time at a predetermined price.

1) Apply and Get Approved
Prospective residents start the process by filling out a Pre-Qualification Application that checks key issues.

2) Find A Home

Prospective residents will work with a REALTOR®  (that's ME! :-) to find a home in an approved community.

3) Home Partners Buys the Home, You Lease from Home Partners
Prospective residents will be required to sign a one year Lease for the home as well as a Right to Purchase Agreement.

4) Buy from Home Partners
Home Partners of America buys the home. You lease it and have the right to buy it later if you want to.

CLICK HERE for the Program Summary and VIDEO.

Call me to start on YOUR Path to Homeownership!
(404) 857-2508


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Natasha Bazile is a Financial Educator, 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 

Pay Off Your Mortgage?

Becoming debt free is as much a part of the American Dream as owning a home but there certainly can be conflicting circumstances that make the decision to pay off your mortgage early unclear. 32498400-250.jpg
The advantages of paying off debt early is increased cash flow, less interest paid and a higher credit score. The disadvantages are lower cash flow available as discretionary funds for meals, entertainment and other things. If the ultimate goal is financial security, is it worth the intermediate sacrifice?
Whether you pay off your mortgage early is a personal decision that may be right for one person and not for another. Consider the following before you get started:
Reasons you should
  • Peace of mind knowing that you don’t have a mortgage
  • You’ll save interest regardless of how low your mortgage rate is
  • Lowering your housing costs before you retire
Reasons you shouldn’t
  • You can invest at a higher rate than your mortgage
  • You have other debt at a higher rate than your mortgage that needs to be paid off
  • You might need the money in the future and want to remain liquid
  • You might not qualify for a mortgage currently
  • You should pay off other debt with higher interest rates
  • Your employer has a matching retirement plan that would benefit you more
  • You have more urgent financial needs like emergency fund, life, health and disability insurance
  • You expect high inflation and the value of your mortgage debt will decrease
Use this Mortgage Accelerator to determine how quick you can pay off your mortgage.

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Natasha Bazile is a Financial Educator, 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 

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Two Negotiations

There are two negotiation periods in some home sales. The primary negotiation takes place when the contract is agreed upon that includes the price, closing and possession. Buyers and sellers alike feel relieved once this first round has resulted in an agreement but there may be more negotiations to come if there are contingencies for financing, inspections or other things.Round 1-250.png

The purpose of an inspection is for the buyer to receive an objective evaluation about the condition of the home and its components to identify existing defects and potential problems. The expense for inspections can be several hundred dollars and it’s reasonable for buyers to not want to spend the money before they find out if they can come to terms with the seller. From a different perspective, sellers want to know quickly if the buyer is going to reject the home due to the inspections.

Sometimes, buyers will expect sellers to make all of the repairs listed on the report and this is where the second round of negotiations begins. If the seller refuses, the negotiations can go back and forth until the other party accepts the offer on the table or the contract falls apart.

When purchasing a new home from a builder, it is expected for everything to be in working order; after all, it is new. However, it is reasonable to expect that existing homes, that are not new, have a different standard. While it’s understandable that buyers would want to be aware about major items that are not in “working order”, normal wear and tear of components based on its age should be expected.

In a highly competitive seller’s market, buyers might do whatever they can to get their contract accepted, realizing that there is another place to negotiate when they’re not competing with other buyers’ offers to purchase.

For this to be a WIN-WIN negotiation, both seller and buyer must feel good about the transaction. Neither party should feel that they have been taken advantage of.


Friday, August 19, 2016

SOLDbyNat.com in Atlanta, GA - Investing in Multi-family Units



CONGRATS to this young man for purchasing his 1st Duplex. While the road was bumpy at times, he made a great purchase that will later be a great investment.  

Thinking about investing in real estate? Interested in multi-family homes? Check out this Quickstart Guide! Also check out my Pinterest board for Investing.



Looking to INVEST or SELL an investment property?
Let's talk!
404-857-2508
www.SOLDbyNat.com

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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

SOLDbyNat.com in Lawrenceville, GA - Light Home Staging, To Do or Not To Do?

 Another home SOLD and another client can move on to the next chapter in his life. He will be downsizing and moving closer to work and family. 

For this house, I did light Home Staging. Why? For the following reasons:
  1. I have a small inventory that I make available to my sellers as a part of my marketing package.  No additional cost to my sellers. FYI - For larger projects, I bring in a designer.
  2. The list/market price, nor the DOM (days on market) for homes in the area, justified paying $1,000 a month, for a minimum of 3 months.
  3. I knew the house would sell even if I did nothing; however, I knew warming up the home would make for better pictures, attract more buyers, make buyers feel welcomed, and ultimately lead to a higher sales price. 
Take a look below and you decide. The before pics are on top or to the left. While, it's not a dramatic change, the after photos are warmer. Do you agree? 

*DISCLAIMER - I know full-time Home Stagers will argue that light home staging doesn't work, and to that I'll argue #2 in this case. In other cases, I totally agree! For example: when selling a luxury or higher priced home and in a buyer's market. Also, check out these where I talk about the costs and pros/cons of staging more...

Home Staging - To Stage or Not to Stage?






Looking to SELL your house? Call me for a complimentary Home Evaluation!
404-857-2508
www.SOLDbyNat.com 

What is Your GA Home Worth? - Find out Now! FREE!

SOLDbyNat.com in Alpharetta, GA - Townhouses are back!


While I have SOLD more detached properties, than I have attached, the interest for them is rising again in Georgia. And fast!

Congrats to the buyer of this beautiful townhouse! It's in a great location, well maintained, a has a terrific layout (it feels like you're in a detached house).

Thinking about a townhouse or a condo? Check out...

What You Need to Know When You Buy a Townhouse

courtesy of www.TheNest.com


Looking to BUY or SELL a home (whether detached or attached :)? 
Let's chat and see if we'll be a good fit for each other!
404-857-2508
www.SOLDbyNat.com

Need to work on your Credit? Let's talk about that too.
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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

SOLDbyNat.com in Monroe, GA - Do You Really Want to be a Landlord?



Congrats to this repeat client & friends (who throw the best get-togethers at their home)!

After building and living in this home for many, many years, it was time to move. Instead of selling, they went the route of renting successfully for many years. Finally, the day came when they decided to sell the house (which was one of the nicest split foyer's I've ever seen!). After some patience, this beautiful home SOLD!

I could write a post about "Making Sure You Pick the Right Lender" or "If the Lender starts acting sketchy, RUN!", because the buyer's lender put everyone through an ordeal. Especially the buyers. For example: They were relocating from Florida. They made a trip down to close, only to find out closing would be delayed another week or so. The equaled a trip back to Florida and a trip back to Georgia for the actual closing. SMH...

Instead, I'm going to dedicate this one to Homeowners who are thinking about becoming Landlords. This coming from a Realtor who has leased several properties for owners and has worn the "landlord" hat herself.

Here are

Top Ten Tips for Landlords

Courtesy of www.nolo.com

Here are 5 additional TIPS courtesy of ME...
1) While you want a good tenant (pays on time & takes good care of the house), be realistic. Requiring the tenant have perfect credit is a bit much. 

2) Don't be fooled by appearances. Thoroughly do background checks! I have had a family that I would have sworn would have been great tenants, break the lease, and left the house infested with fleas. Fleas that I unknowingly bought back to my house. It was an ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE!

3) Be VERY clear in the lease. Be OVERLY clear in the lease. For a list of stipulations I put in my leases, email me. I'd be happy to share! Is the tenant responsible for any repairs? For example, repairs $50 and under? If a repair is needed, does the tenant call you 1st or do you want them to have the issue inspected and quoted before calling you? If they caused the damage, how is that handled.

4) At move-out, expect normal wear and tear. These are costs you have to factor in to being a landlord. If there is a scuff on the wall, you can't charge the tenant for repainting the whole house. On the other hand, there are requirements you can put in place for move-out. For example, require the tenant to have the carpet professionally cleaned and provide proof via a receipt.

5) Have a list of RELIABLE vendors on hand should the need arise. A plumber, electrician, handyman, etc. You don't want to have to scramble for these when an emergency arises. If you don't feel like handling any of this, have your property professionally managed.

Looking to SELL or LEASE your house? 
Give me a call!
404-857-2508
www.SOLDbyNat.com

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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

Too Busy To Buy a Home Right Now? You Are Trippin!

Let me start off by saying Congrats to the Buyer & Seller pictured here.

In this transaction, I represented the seller; however, I was very moved by the buyer so I have to give her a special shout out!
At the closing, I learned that this young lady endured the process of buying a home while taking care of family, going to nursing school full-time, and working full-time. Say What??? YES! 

As if the process of buying a home isn't stressful enough (so many variables, so much going on, & so many different emotions), this young lady handled it all and is now a proud homeowner of a great house! KUDOS!

*Side note - If anyone tells you buying a home is a not stressful, they either have Jesus-like composure or they are lying (hahahaha!!!)! I work with people in the thick of the process daily and I recently did it myself. Despite all of the stress, it is SO WORTH IT!!! The benefits of Home Ownership are priceless. Just trust me or Google it ;-).

If you think you are too busy to buy a home right now and you'll just wait until later on, you are TRIPPIN! Interest rates are still at a record low and while prices are climbing, homes are still affordable. Don't miss out on this opportunity! 

If you are looking to BUY or SELL a home, I would love to guide you along your journey! Let's chat and see if we're a good fit for each other. 

Not local? No problem! I can refer you to an amazing agent in another state. 

Need to work on your CREDIT or put a plan in place for you to purchase in the near future, I can assist with that too!

Talk to you soon! 
404-857-2508
www.SOLDbyNat.com


SOLDbyNat.com in Lawrenceville, GA - Home Maintenance, Crawl Spaces, & Mold!


First, let me give a huge CONGRATS to my seller and new friend. I am so happy she can now move on to the next chapter in her life!

Have you even gone to someone's home and wondered how they kept it so clean??? This was the case with this house. Not only that... the seller did an excellent job with maintenance and regular upkeep!

Most people only think of the financial responsibility of paying the mortgage and bills; however, there are other important responsibilities associated with Home Ownership like continual upkeep & maintenance.

You can find a slue of tips, tricks, plans, & schedules online. Check out my Pinterest boards for starters.



Whatever you do, DO NOT not keep putting repairs & maintenance off. If you do, they will pile up until you are too discouraged to do anything and the damage from long-term delay will cost you big time!

To help with this, pre-schedule tasks like changing air filters, pressure washing, and cleaning gutters.

BONUS TIP - If your home is on a crawl space, get it inspected every so often.

I recently worked with a buyer looking at older homes and what we saw when inspecting the crawl spaces was quite interesting... a cat carcass (it had been there so long, it looked like a fossil with hair - straight outta Science class LOL!), snake skin, rat poop, and mold!

Mark Stowers from X-Mold (who I've worked with on several occasions and highly recommend) says crawl spaces can be a breeding ground for all sorts of vermin, mold, and other issues. A crawl space should have proper ventilation and moisture barriers. If you haven't had an inspection done on your crawl space, do so IMMEDIATELY! Why? Because you are breathing in everything that is brewing under there. Ewww!

Here is Mark's contact info. Tell him I sent you :-)

Mark Stowers 770-344-7691, mark@xmold.net, www.xmindustries.com

Looking to SELL or BUY a home? 
Let's get started!
404-857-2508
www.SOLDbyNat.com

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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

VIRTUAL PROPERTIES REALTY IS VOTED... (drumroll please)

Inc. 500 Magazine Unveils 35th Annual List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies: 

VIRTUAL PROPERTIES REALTY IS VOTED AS ONE OF AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING PRIVATE COMPANIES BY Inc. 500 Magazine 2016 

New York, August 17th, 2016 - Inc. 500 Magazine today ranked VIRTUAL PROPERTIES REALTY as one of the most prestigious, most successful companies within today’s American economy’s most dynamic segment— it’s independent small businesses. Companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Domino’s Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well—known names gained their first national exposure as honorees of the same ranking that was bestowed upon Virtual Properties Realty today. 

“A Heartfelt Thank You, to our wonderful Agents and Staff for helping us achieve this exciting, prestigious award and ranking. We could not have done this without you! Let’s take over the Real Estate World!” ~ Karen Burks and Steve Wagner, Owners, Virtual Properties Realty. 

The 2016 Inc. 500 Magazine list, unveiled online at Inc.com and with the top 500 companies featured in the September issue of Inc. http://www.inc.com/profile/virtual-properties-realty, also available on newsstands August 23rd, 2016, is the most competitive crop in the list’s history! 

“This recognition honors real achievement by a founder or a team of them. No one makes this list without building something great– usually from scratch. That’s one of the hardest things to do in business, as every company founder knows. ~ Inc 500 Magazine, President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg

For more information about Virtual Properties Realty, visit www.virtualpropertiesrealty.com


Give me a call about joining VPR as an agent and for any Real Estate Needs at 404-857-2508.


Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Ready for Retirement?

It’s surprising to realize that most people spend more time planning their next vacation or cell phone purchase than they do on their own retirement. Let’s look at a hypothetical situation where you have $35,000 to invest for your retirement in 15 years. Have you compared where you might have the best opportunity?

The safest place to put it might be a certificate of deposit because it’s insured but unfortunately, rates would be less than 2%. The value would grow to $47,233.26 at the end of the 15 year holding period.Where to invest - 250.jpg

Investing in a mutual fund has more risk but also a greater opportunity to earn a higher rate of return. An estimated 7% return would project an accumulated value of $99,713.14.

Using the $35,000 for a 20% down payment and closing costs on a $150,000 rental home could realize much higher proceeds. Using a familiar investment analysis spreadsheet, the $35,000 could grow to a future wealth position of $153,302. This analysis considers leverage, 3% appreciation, re-investing cash flows, 7% sales expenses and paying applicable taxes which the previous examples do not.

The rate of return on these three examples are 2% for the CD, 7% for the mutual fund and a comparable 14.19% return on the rental. As the rate of return increases on investments, additional risk is reasonable.

Most people are much more familiar with homes than they are with mutual funds, bonds and other similar investments. The same REALTOR® who helped you with your home can help you invest in a rental home.


Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Avoid Wasting Time

Time is valuable and no one wants to waste their time (it's one thing you can't get back!).

Most people can’t put their lives on-hold while they’re trying to buy or sell a home. Whether they have a family, a couple or single, life continues and the time constraints of moving can become burdensome.

Your agent is committed to helping you save time while making the experience memorable. They know the process and the potential problem areas and can help you move through them.

To preserve your time and your agent’s, please consider the following:

  • If your plans to buy or sell change, let your agent know.
  • Be on time for appointments or if it is necessary, cancel them with as much notice as possible.
  • Get pre-approved through a trusted mortgage professional.
  • Cooperate with your loan professional by providing all requested documentation.
  • If you go into builder model homes or REALTOR® open houses without your agent, advise them you have an agent (you will still be able to tour the model home or open house). Give them your agent's contact info or business card. *Keep in mind, when buying a home, your agent's services are FREE (99% of the time). Their commission is paid by the seller. *FYI - Not having an agent represent you DOES NOT save you any money!
  • Only talk to the other party through your agent until after closing.
Your agent is working to help you meet your goals. Things work best when it’s like a partnership where each party mutually respects the other and their resources including their time.

If you have a real estate need (whether you're ready to go now or what to plan for a future move), call me. 
I promise not to waste your time!
404-857-2508
www.SOLDbyNat.com

Why is Homeownership Important?
Here's Why!

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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

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Picture This!

Listing photos may be one of the most important marketing efforts that lead to a potential buyer.50557127-250.jpg

Nearly, all buyers use the Internet during the home search process. They usually start looking at homes online before they contact an agent. It’s far more efficient to screen properties by looking at the pictures that have been posted than to make appointments with each homeowner, drive all over town and waste a lot of time looking at homes that would never meet a buyer’s criteria.

  • There needs to be enough pictures of a property to adequately represent the home; most websites allow for at least 24 and more may be needed if it is a large home.
  • Take horizontal shots to accommodate the format of most listing websites.
  • The pictures should be well-lit so that it is easy to see all of the features of the room. Natural light is preferred over the limitations of flash.
  • They should be taken with a wide-angle lens so that you can see the majority of the room in one picture.
  • Large rooms can be taken from different angles to give the buyers a different perspective.
  • Rooms should be set if not staged prior to taking the pictures so they will give the buyer an idea of what the room might look like with their own things in it.
  • Arrange pictures in website to help buyers visualize the floorplan as if walking through it.
  • Think about using a tripod; professionals do to absolutely hold the camera still.
  • They should definitely not be “photoshopped” to modify factual elements like removing power lines.

Everyone occasionally takes a great picture but it doesn’t make them a photographer. Since the photography can be one of the most important marketing efforts, consider using a professional photographer to show the home to its best advantage.