Shawna Benoit
Associate Broker
Atlanta Communities Real Estate Broker
With over 2 decades' experience, I'm deeply immersed in local real estate. I prioritize personalized guidance, fueled by passion and market insights, delivering exceptional experiences.
Mobile: 678.522.7743
Office: 770.240.2000
Email: Shawna@ShawnaBenoithomes.com
Website: shawnabenoit.atlcommunities.com/
37 New Kent Court
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Buyer Products and Services
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<p><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>Benefits of USDA Home Loans</strong></span></p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>No down payment required</strong>: USDA loans allow for 100% financing, so borrowers can minimize the upfront costs associated with buying a home. </li><li><strong>Flexible credit score requirements</strong>: Borrowers can qualify for a USDA loan with a FICO score as low as 600. </li><li><strong>Relatively low interest rates</strong>: Since USDA loans are backed by the government, lenders can afford to offer exceptionally low interest rates to borrowers in many cases. </li><li><strong>More flexible guidelines</strong>: Even if you’ve gone through bankruptcy or foreclosure, you can get a USDA loan as long as three years have passed. </li><li><strong>Affordable mortgage insurance</strong>: USDA loans come with a low upfront guaranteed fee of 1% and an annual fee guarantee fee (paid monthly) of 0.35%.</li></ul><p>Contact me now to see if you qualify for this great program.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:19px;"><strong>Conventional loan</strong></span></p><p>Conventional loans, the most popular type of mortgage, come in two flavors: conforming and non-conforming.</p><p><span style="font-size:21px;">PROs</span><span style="font-size:19px;"><strong> </strong></span>of conventional loans</p><ul><li>Available from the majority of lenders</li><li>Can be used to finance primary residences, second or vacation homes and investment or rental properties</li><li>Can put down as little as 3% for a conforming, fixed-rate loan</li></ul><p><span style="font-size:21px;">CONs</span><span style="font-size:19px;"><strong> </strong></span>of conventional loans</p><ul><li>Need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify</li><li>Lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratio threshold compared to other types of mortgages</li><li>Need to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums if putting less than 20% down</li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:19px;"><strong>Government-backed loan</strong></span></p><p>The U.S. government isn’t a mortgage lender, but it does play a role in making homeownership accessible to more Americans by backing three main types of mortgages: FHA, VA and USDA </p><p><span style="font-size:21px;">PROs</span><span style="font-size:19px;"><strong> </strong></span>of government-backed loans</p><ul><li>Much more flexible credit and down payment guidelines</li><li>Help borrowers who wouldn’t otherwise qualify</li></ul><p><span style="font-size:21px;">CONs</span><span style="font-size:19px;"><strong> </strong></span>of government-backed loans</p><ul><li>Additional cost for FHA mortgage insurance, VA funding fee and USDA guarantee fees</li><li>Limited to borrowers buying a home priced within FHA loan limits or in a rural area, or servicemembers</li></ul>
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<p><span style="font-size:21px;"><strong>Key Insights</strong></span></p><ul><li>Having a to-do list for getting your house market-ready makes it more manageable and less stressful.</li><li>Decluttering, organizing and cleaning your space are essential to selling.</li><li>Begin working on projects and home updates to get your home ready to list.</li><li>Reach out and connect with me early on in the process to get the most out of their selling expertise.</li></ul><p><span style="font-size:21px;">Goal 1: Declutter</span></p><p>Decluttering can benefit you in a number of ways. It helps you get organized, improves mental health, removes chaos and allows you to appreciate what you have. Selling items no longer needed can also add some extra cash to your bank account. You could also donate items for an extra-good feeling of helping those in need.</p><p><span style="font-size:21px;">Goal 2: Get organized</span></p><p>Getting your home organized can be a big project, but there are a few tips that can help make the process easier. Start by breaking the task down into smaller, manageable steps and setting clear goals. Consider implementing a system for organizing, such as the "one in, one out" rule, and designate a specific place for everything in your home to minimize clutter. Additionally, involve your family in the process to make it a group effort and hold each other accountable.</p><p><span style="font-size:21px;">Goal 3: Deep cleaning</span></p><p>Start cleaning at the top and work your way to the bottom. Clean the tallest items first, then work toward the ground last—dust falls and there is no use in mopping those floors if you are just going to be pushing dirt and crumbs onto it from the countertops. Focus on the most important tasks first—this should be your dirtiest room first. Typically, this is your kitchen and then the bathrooms. Clean these first, as they will take the most motivation, momentum, time and energy.</p><p><span style="font-size:21px;">Goal 4: Complete projects</span></p><p>Whether you decide to DIY or call in the pros, completing these projects before selling a house will help ensure you get the best price possible. Here are a few to consider:</p><ul><li>Apply a fresh coat of paint</li><li>Improve the curb appeal</li><li>Clean out the garage</li><li>Refresh/replace flooring</li><li>Add a backsplash</li><li>Give each room a purpose </li></ul><p><span style="font-size:21px;">Goal 5: Connect with me</span></p><p>Let me help with some guidance and offer pre-listing checklist to take the guess work out of what will help the most and improve your odds of getting a quicker close at a higher value.</p><p> </p>
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<p><span style="font-size:19px;"><strong>SEVEN SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR NEW HOME </strong></span></p><p>When you first move into your new home it is a good idea to take care of a few small things that can make a big difference when it counts. </p><ol><li>Change the locks on all your exterior doors. Unless your house is brand new you never know how many strangers may have a key to your front door.<br> </li><li>Replace the batteries in all the smoke detectors in the house. Record the date in your calendar so you will remember to do the same thing next year!<br> </li><li>Unless your heating/air units are new, have the vents and filters cleaned or replaced.<br> </li><li>Create a fire-hazard plan with your family and conduct a practice drill with the children.<br> </li><li>Replace or clean the exhaust hood filter above the range.<br> </li><li>Check all your electric outlets for loose-fitting plugs, as these can pose a fire hazard. These outlets are inexpensive and fairly easy to replace.<br> </li><li>Have the fireplace chimney cleaned. While you are at it go ahead and install a rain cap and a screen to keep the birds out of your chimney.</li></ol>
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Videos
I Have Georgia Real Estate On My Mind.
37 New Kent Ct. Villa Rica
Shawna's Home Buying Guide
Shawna Benoit
Metro Atlanta Real Estate
The Home Inspection
💰🏠Down Payment Assistance with the Movement Boost🔑💵
2-1 Buydown
You put your home on the market with the anticipation of it selling quickly, and now it's expired.
Home Ownership. It's Still A Good Time To Buy A Home.
What Is Title Insurances? Do I Need It?
How Should I Take Title To My Home?
Fair Housing For All
Are You Thinking About Relocating To Geogia?
Lease purchase program
Down Payment Assistance programs are available!
Selling Your Home Is A Huge Task!
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 - C.L.U.E. Property Request Form
Selling - Preparing Your Home for Appraisal
Selling - a Pre-Inspection Checklist
Selling - Vacant Homes Utility Checklist
Selling - Home Showing Guidelines
Selling - Photographer's Checklist
Selling - Preparing Your Home Worksheet
Selling - Determining a Timeline for Selling
Selling - Increasing Your Home's Marketability Worksheet
Selling - Features and Upgrades Worksheet
Attorney Fee Schedules
Campbell and Brannon 2024 Fee Schedule
Thomas and Brown 2024 Fee Schedule
Cook and James 2024 Fee Schedule
Hartman Law 2024 Fee Schedule
Documents
How Real Estate Professionals are Compensated
Cost vs Value 2023
Cost Vs Value Report Summary 2023
