Sharon Brown
Realtor
Atlanta Communities Real Estate
Your NW Metro Atlanta real estate resource.
Direct: 7709999783
Office: 770.240.2000
Email: sharon@sharonsdreamhomes.com
Website: sharonbrown.atlcommunities.com/
199 S. Erwin Street, Cartersville, GA 30120
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<h2><span style="color:hsl( 230, 48%, 60% );"><strong>5 Things to Prioritize in Your Home Search</strong></span></h2><p>I understand that buying a home is a personal journey toward finding a place where memories are made for years to come. With my expertise in the real estate market, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.</p><p>Here are five essential factors to consider when searching for your next home. </p><h3><span style="color:hsl( 230, 48%, 60% );">1. Location </span></h3><p>As you search for property, consider the many factors that contribute to the allure of a location. Proximity to work, school(s), family, etc. undoubtedly are key considerations. Additionally, proximity to other locations, such as healthcare facilities and public transportation can further contribute to the convenience of home location. </p><h3><span style="color:hsl( 230, 48%, 60% );">2. Neighborhood Amenities</span></h3><p>When searching for the perfect home, consider the neighborhood amenities that significantly enhance your quality of life. One of the first questions to ask yourself is what type of neighborhood atmosphere best suits your lifestyle preferences. Are you drawn to the excitement and convenience of being close to bustling urban centers with a plethora of activities? Or do you cherish the tranquility and charm of a quieter, more quaint area where neighbors greet each other with a friendly smile?</p><p>Assessing the neighborhood's amenities goes beyond just the fun things to do; it's about evaluating the overall livability of the area. Walkability is a crucial factor for many homebuyers, as it promotes a healthy lifestyle and fosters a sense of community and connectivity. A neighborhood with sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly streets encourages outdoor activity and social interaction, making it an attractive option for many.</p><p>Safety is another paramount consideration when evaluating neighborhoods. Access to well-lit streets and low crime rates can provide peace of mind and enhance your overall living experience. </p><h3><span style="color:hsl( 230, 48%, 60% );">3. School Districts</span></h3><p>The quality of the local school district is often a top priority when searching for a home. Choosing the right school district can significantly impact your children's educational journey and your property's value and resale potential.</p><p>There are many top-rated school districts in the metro Atlanta area and are renowned for their academic excellence, dedicated teachers, and robust extracurricular programs. Many districts consistently receive high marks for student achievement, graduation rates, and college readiness, making them highly sought-after by families seeking the best education for their children.</p><p>The quality of the local school district can also directly impact property values. Homes within highly rated school districts often command higher prices and experience greater appreciation over time. Plus, the school district's reputation can attract a larger pool of prospective buyers, increasing demand for homes in the area and potentially resulting in faster sales and higher resale values.</p><h3><span style="color:hsl( 230, 48%, 60% );">4. Property Features and Size</span></h3><p>One of the most critical aspects to consider when buying a home is the features and size of the house itself. Every buyer has unique preferences and needs, making it essential to prioritize features that align with your lifestyle and future plans.</p><p>Whether you prefer open-concept designs for seamless entertaining or intimate rooms for quiet relaxation, the layout of your home sets the stage for daily activities and interactions. Consider factors such as the flow between rooms, the placement of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the overall functionality of the space to ensure it meets your specific requirements.</p><p>The number of bedrooms and bathrooms is another crucial consideration, particularly for growing families or those who frequently host guests. Having adequate bedrooms ensures everyone has their own space, and multiple bathrooms can streamline morning routines and enhance convenience.</p><p>Lot size, basement space and garage capacity are also factors to weigh when evaluating properties. A large lot offers more outdoor space for gardening, recreation, and outdoor entertaining, while a basement provides additional storage or potential living space. Garages are prized for their utility, providing shelter for vehicles, storage for belongings, and workspace for hobbies or projects.</p><h3><span style="color:hsl( 230, 48%, 60% );">5. Budget</span></h3><p>Before diving headfirst into your property search, it's crucial to establish a realistic budget. Understanding your financial options and setting clear parameters can help narrow your options and ensure a more efficient home-buying process.</p><p>Affordability goes beyond the sticker price of a property. It's essential to factor in additional coss such as property taxes, insurance, homeowner's association fees, and maintenance expenses. Property taxes can vary significantly depending on the location and value of the home, so be sure to research tax rates in the areas you're considering. </p><p>Working with a reputable lender or financial advisor can help you determine a realistic budget based on your income, expenses, and financial goals. They can also guide you on mortgage options, down payment requirements, and financing terms to help you make informed decisions about your home purchase.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:19px;">There are some necessary real estate terms you should know when moving forward in your initial home-buying process, and have no fear, we’ve compiled some of the most important ones right here. Refer back to these to feel sure and ready when speaking with agents and industry professionals.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>15 Important Real Estate Terms Every Homebuyer Should Know</strong></span></p><p><strong>#1. Appraisal</strong><br> </p><p>An approximation of a home’s current value based on a range of factors, such as the price of similar properties in the area.</p><p><strong>#2. Closing</strong></p><p>The final step of a real estate transaction, when a property is finally transferred from the seller to the buyer.</p><p><strong>#3. Closing Costs</strong></p><p>The costs and fees that come along with the purchase of a property. While these vary by state, and even by sale, most closing costs cover fees like: </p><ul><li>The application fee to process your loan request</li><li>The cost of your home’s appraisal</li><li>Attorney fees required to close on a housing loan</li><li>Closing fees due to the escrow company</li><li>Homeowners insurance fees</li><li>And more! </li></ul><p>Since these fees are often an addition of a number of small, little items that add up throughout the closing process, I will review these items with you when purchasing a home or selling.</p><p><strong>#4. Equity</strong></p><p>Your home’s equity is the portion of your home that you own free and clear, which (if you purchased your home with a loan) you’ve already paid off, either in your down payment or in your monthly mortgage payments.</p><p>To calculate your home’s equity, subtract your outstanding loan balance from the current market value of your property. Home equity will increase as you pay down your loan or the market value of your home increases.</p><p><strong>#5. Lender</strong></p><p>In real estate, the lender refers to the mortgage broker, financial institution, or private group lending money to a buyer to purchase property with the expectation the loan will be repaid with interest, in agreed upon increments, by a certain date.</p><p><strong>#6. Mortgage</strong></p><p>A mortgage is the agreement between a borrower and a lender. It is the legal agreement that gives the lender the right to the borrower’s property if the borrower is unable to make loan payments (with interest) within an agreed upon timeline.</p><p><strong>#7. Pre-approval</strong></p><p>Before submitting an offer on a home it is a good idea to get pre-approved. This means a lender has checked your credit, verified your information, and approved you for up to a specific loan amount for a period of up to 90 days.</p><p><strong>#8. Refinance</strong></p><p>Refinancing replaces an existing loan with a new one. Debt is not eliminated when a borrower refinances. Instead, it typically offers better terms, including a lower interest rate, lower monthly mortgage payments, or a faster loan term.</p><p><strong>#9. Title</strong></p><p>A home’s title represents the rights to the property. Those rights are transferred from the seller to the buyer during a real estate transaction and give the buyer legal rights to the property upon closing.</p><p><strong>#10 Transfer tax</strong></p><p>A tax that is charged by a state, county, or city when ownership of a property is transferred.</p><p> </p>
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Videos
Home Selling Process
Secret for a Stress Free Transaction
Buy vs. Rent
6 Tips for Selling a Home
6 Reasons to Own a Home
For Buyers
Buying - Home Search Checklist and Worksheets
Home Buyer Checklist
Final-Walk-Through-Checklist
For Sellers
Selling - Preparing Your Home Worksheet
Selling - Determining a Timeline for Selling
Selling - Features and Upgrades Worksheet
Selling - Home Showing Guidelines
Selling - Increasing Your Home's Marketability Worksheet
Selling - Photographer's Checklist
Selling - Vacant Homes Utility Checklist
Selling - a Pre-Inspection Checklist
Selling - C.L.U.E. Property Request Form
Selling - Preparing Your Home for Appraisal
Attorney Fee Schedules
Hartman Law 2024 Fee Schedule
Campbell and Brannon 2024 Fee Schedule
Cook and James 2024 Fee Schedule
Thomas and Brown 2024 Fee Schedule
Documents
Filing For Homestead Exemption 2025
Vendor List 2025
How Real Estate Professionals are Compensated
Cost vs Value 2024
