Take-aways from the 2013 Homeownership Summit

In a previous post I shared that I attended the 2013 Homeownership Summit in Lawrenceville, GA which was free to the public. Even as an agent, I found the information shared very informative. If you were unable to attend, here are my take-aways. *I encourage you to attend opportunities like this to educate yourself on important life matters.

 
CREDIT / BUDGET / BUYING HELP
There are several organizations that will help you get in a position to buy. Most are free or at little cost. 

CREDIT REPAIR
Be very wary of any company promising to repair your credit. The only person that can truly repair your credit is YOU!  Companies may be able to direct you on what to do or negotiate with your creditors but they can't guarantee anything.  

CREDIT REPORT / SCORES
You should be reviewing this at least annually. You can access your credit report from each bureau free once a year (technically you can view it 3 times a year if you do one at a time). The frequency may be more depending on where you live. In Georgia, it is 2 times a year.

Viewing your Credit Score is not free.  

DOWN-PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Aside from the standard Georgia Dream, there are also programs for Protectors, Educators and Health Care Workers (PEN) and Families with members who are disabled (CHOICE).

HUD
HUD Listings- Access to listings is always free. Don't ever pay a company or site to view  them! 

The $100 down program is still available.

LOANS
There are several types of loan programs available. Some are dependent on you and others on the geographics of where you want to live. Speak to different lenders to see which makes the most sense for your situation.

MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
The HomeSafe Georgia program provides Mortgage Assistance. If you meet their qualifications they will loan you money to catch up on your mortgage. After 5 years of occupancy, the loan is forgiven. View their site for details. This is a statewide program and they have $$$ available.

MORTGAGE TROUBLE
At the first sign of mortgage trouble, take action! Do not wait until you get a foreclosure notice. Contact your lender immediately. There are also several companies that can assist you with this. There are also several SCAMS! They take your money, make false promises, and do very little if anything besides waste time. By the time you realize that option isn't working, it is too late. 

There may be hope for your situation, but passivity will not result in an effective resolution. It will take consistent action. And remember... no one will be on top of things like you.  If you fax something, verify it has been received and follow-up to make sure things are moving along.

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Do you have a real estate need? 

If you have a real estate need or know someone that does, I can help. Not local? No problem! Call me at (404) 857-2508 to see how I can assist. Don't go it alone! 

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Natasha Liburd Bazile is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Atlanta and the Lead Home Stager with Heart of Decor in Georgia (virtual services available). 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.NatashaKnowsATLHomes.com -  Email - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Rented in Loganville, GA

From the moment I listed this house for rent, my phone rang off the hook with people calling and texting about it. It is a huge home, well kept, and in a very desirable school district. Needless to say, an application was submitted within days and in this case, the early bird got the worm!

Below you'll see me with the excited tenant and relieved homeowner. On another note... while you won't find that the majority of  real estate agents work with rentals (Why? Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post), I do offer this service primarily to sellers I have been in contact with in the past. This was exactly the case with this rental. 

During the course of working with the homeowners, we've grown very found of each other and I am so happy I was able to help them move on to the next chapter of their lives. And as a bonus, the new tenants have an ideal home, in their must-have school district, and in the nick of time. Definitely a WIN-WIN!

Need more info on renting? 
Be sure to check out this blog post -

When Leasing/Renting is a good option for HOMEOWNERS & RENTERS

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Do you have a real estate need or have questions about leasing your home? 
Contact me at (404) 857-2508.

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Natasha Liburd Bazile is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Atlanta and the Lead Home Stager with Heart of Decor in Georgia (virtual services available). 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.NatashaKnowsATLHomes.com -  Email - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Home Buying Experience in Dacula, GA

Obstacles: The loan process. My friend from high school is a Mortgage Professional in California. On her blog, she wrote "I often make a joke with clients telling them that we will ask for everything other than DNA to pre-approve them for a loan". While it is quite funny, it may honestly feel that way for some. Since the real estate market debacle a few years ago, the guidelines and requirements for securing a mortgage loan are a lot tougher so be prepared.

Process: The buyers were patient and kept their eyes on the prize. Most importantly they were timely with their responses. This is a must when applying for a loan! Even if you are asked for the same document 3 times... provide it. It will pay off in the end.

Reward: These pictures say it all! No words needed...

If you are looking to purchase a home or need more information regarding your particular market, give me a call (404) 857-2508. For your FREE Homebuyer's Guide, be sure to subscribe at the top right.

As always, I appreciate your referrals :-). Talk to you soon and have a positive and prosperous day!

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Natasha Liburd Bazile is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Atlanta and the Lead Home Stager with Heart of Decor in Georgia (virtual services available). She prides herself in being a guide to her clients and finds fulfillment in helping them achieve their goals.