Archive for the ‘Nashville’ Category

Five Mortgage And Home Buying Shortcuts You Should Know!

08.14.2017 : Posted in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and tagged , , , , , ,

With today’s rates being as low as they are, many potential home buyers are looking for ways to fast track the mortgage process at rocket speeds online or through Apps on their phone.

After all, we do live in a time where we can have almost anything we want on demand through a few clicks. With all of these amazing conveniences, it only makes sense that there are similar shortcuts to buying a home, right?

Wrong!

The purchases mentioned above, are relatively minor compared to the average price of a home. And many first time home buyers don’t realize that mortgage loans are not one-size-fits-all products and each one is tailored to the borrower’s unique financial situation

When you work with a mortgage expert, either face-to-face or over the phone, they can ask you the right questions to help you secure the best mortgage at the best rate, customized to meet your own personal home buying needs.

And while today’s rates remain low, they won’t be forever, so the more prepared you are in advance, the better your chances will be later of securing the best possible mortgage to help you buy the home of your dreams.

Here are five simple steps to make the home buying process as uncomplicated and easy as possible for you.

1. Start saving now!

While some mortgage products require a very low down payment, or no down payment at all, there are costs associated with the buying a home you may not be aware of. Outside of fees associated with closing costs, the home’s inspection, etc., there may also be upgrades or changes you’ll want to make right away, sich as the installation of a wireless AV system.

2. Know your loan options.
FHA, VA, conventional, jumbo… all of these mortgages have their plusses and minuses.

A mortgage expert can help you decide which one is the best option for the home you’re considering and walk you through down payment scenarios and other factors that will affect your monthly mortgage payment.

3. Know in advance what you’re approved for.

Most people have no idea how much a mortgage lender is actually going to loan them until they find a home they like and apply for a loan. Getting approved for a mortgage can take some time and with the limited availability of homes on the market, any delay can cause you to lose out to another buyer who is already working with a lender.

Make sure you have a pre-qualification before you even start window shopping for a home and later, secure a pre-approval before you start meeting with Realtors and home sellers. Many Realtors and sellers won’t meet with potential buyers unless they see a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender.

4. Is anyone else pretending to be you?

Many potential borrowers don’t realize that they’ve been the victims of identity theft until they have had their credit checked by a mortgage lender. ID theft can hurt your credit score and make it very difficult for you to secure a mortgage at a favorable rate.

Overcoming identity theft is a time consuming process and one that does not happen overnight. It’s best to check your credit report at least once a year to see if you’ve been the victim of identity theft and fix any errors you may see before you apply for a mortgage.

5. Connect with a mortgage expert for insider secrets.

Each borrower’s situation is different and there are many other steps a borrower can take to secure the best mortgage at the lowest rate possible. However, these are all based on the individual borrower’s personal situation, the current interest rates and the home they are looking to purchase.

HomeBridge prides itself on taking a personal approach to the mortgage industry. Any of the mortgage loan originators in my office would be happy to discuss your home buying needs with you and there is never an obligation to work with HomeBridge when you do decide the time is right to purchase a home.

About the author:

Jeff Conn is the branch manager for the Cobb office of HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. one of the largest, independent mortgage lenders in the U.S. Appointments with Jeff or someone from his team can be made by calling (770) 373-5500, sending an email to jconn@homebridge.com or by going online to www.homebridge.com/branch/kennesaw/.

Paran Homes Named Builder of the Year by HomeAid Atlanta

02.16.2017 : Posted in Atlanta, Nashville and tagged , , , ,

Southeast Home Builder Recognized for its Support of Nonprofit Organization Devoted to Helping the Homeless, as well as other Local Neighbors in Need

Atlanta, GA, February 16, 2017 – On January 26, Paran Homes was named Builder of the Year by HomeAid Atlanta for its many contributions over the course of 2016. Hosted at the Hyatt Atlanta Perimeter, the awards presentation – which included the recognition of Sherwin-Williams as Trade Partner of the Year and the Atlanta Chapter of Professional Women in Building (PWB) as Volunteer of the Year – took place during the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Installation and Awards Program. Award winners were selected for the gifts of their time and resources, as well as their dedication to furthering HomeAid Atlanta’s mission of “building new lives for Atlanta’s homeless.”

 

Throughout 2016, Paran Homes was proud to serve as an Essentials Drive donor and donation site for collecting diapers, wipes, and formula for homeless babies and their families. The Southeast home builder also served as a sponsor, volunteer, and participant in HomeAid’s annual Housing the Homeless Tournament.  During HomeAid’s “Stock the House” Drive, Paran Homes made a large furniture donation for HomeAid’s newly completed apartment building at Phoenix Pass – a long-term transitional housing complex serving women with children who are experiencing temporary homelessness in the Conyers/Rockdale County community. In addition, the Paran Homes team donated printers to support the administrative efforts of HomeAid and its service provider partners.

 

“We are so proud of our association with HomeAid Atlanta,” said Anne DeLorenzo, Administrative VP – Human Resources for Paran Homes. “It’s a natural fit for us… we’re building homes and they’re rebuilding lives. As we’ve grown in recent years, so has our level of commitment. Our team members are always willing to volunteer and often get so involved that on a recent renovation project on behalf of HomeAid, several of our field guys gave their personal time to see that the job was done. It’s an opportunity to touch people’s lives in a meaningful way – it’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint, new set of cabinets, or picnic table by the playground can bring to a family’s life. We also love the fact that what we give back stays here in Atlanta. We get to see it – not just in our own tangible creations, but also in the faces of our neighbors.”

 

Committed to community involvement at every level, Paran Homes is also happy to show its support to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta Speech School, The Forsyth and Gwinnett Chapters of the Fraternal Order of Police and Toys for Tots. DeLorenzo shared that Paran will continue its support of HomeAid Atlanta in 2017 through participation in an Essentials Drive in May to coincide with Mother’s Day, the upcoming Housing the Homeless Tournament on June 5 and at least two other Care Day events in the Spring and Fall.

 

 

 

About Paran Homes:  Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Metro Atlanta, Paran Homes boasts beautifully crafted homes and imaginative communities in some of the Southeast’s hottest housing markets. With a presence throughout Metro Atlanta, as well as and Nashville, TN, Paran Homes seeks to build houses of uncompromised quality while delivering a stellar customer service experience – from the first community visit to closing. To match the needs and wishes of today’s home buyers, the placement of Paran Homes communities is based on access to great schools, major thoroughfares/interstates, local shopping, dining and entertainment. Beyond the allure of its homes and community locations, many Paran neighborhoods feature resort-like amenities including pools, walking trails, and clubhouses. To learn more about Paran Homes, view available homes and discover current communities throughout the Southeast, visit www.paranhomes.com.

 

About HomeAid Atlanta:  Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization that builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach. HomeAid works in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, as well as community building industry organizations, to assist people experiencing homelessness. To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed over 76 housing, remodel and care day projects at locations that serve victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, and more. Learn more at www.homeaidatlanta.org.

7 Things Every Homeowner Should Know

01.25.2017 : Posted in Atlanta, Nashville

7 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do

Not Everyone is Handy Around the House, but These are Important Skills!

Owning a home can be a dream come true, especially for new buyers who are just settling in. At the same time, being a homeowner comes with huge responsibilities related to maintenance and upkeep. To avoid costly repairs and improve energy efficiency, learn some essential tips for every seasoned and inexperienced homeowner.

  1. Fix a Running Toilet: When toilets run nonstop, water bills skyrocket. Lift the top of the tank and check the flush valve assembly. Try re-positioning it to see if this solves your problem. If you have no luck, you may need to visit the hardware store to buy a new assembly.
  1. Unclog Drains: Harsh chemicals shouldn’t be your first choice. Start by plunging the drain. If this doesn’t work, you can snake the drain with a hanger. After you’ve removed the clog, clean out remaining gunk by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by four cups of boiling water. Finish by pouring in a cup of vinegar to create a chemical reaction that will jar remaining debris loose.
  1. Manipulating your Thermostat: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting thermostats to 78 in summer and 68 degrees in winter for optimal energy efficiency. If you live in a warm, humid climate, do not set your thermostat higher than 80 degrees. Your air conditioner will need to run every now and then to help dehumidify the air and prevent mold problems.
  1. Install Weather-Stripping: You can lower your heating and cooling costs by 15 percent by installing weather-stripping around your doors and operable windows. Measure the perimeter of your windows and doors to determine exactly how much you should buy.
  1. Clearing Gutters: It’s important to clear gutters of leaves, pests and ice dams at least twice a year. If you neglect this important responsibility, you could end up with roof leaks, rotted wood, insect infestations and even foundational problems due to improper drainage.
  1. Dripping Faucets: You can fix a leaky faucet with a few simple steps. Start by turning off the water to the sink and stop up the drain to keep from losing small, essential parts. Dismantle the faucet and add a new rubber washer to seal a compression faucet. If you have a drippy washerless faucet, you may need a new O-ring.
  1. Change your Filters: Maximize furnace efficiency by changing your furnace filter every 60 days. Make sure to choose the right filter for your model. You should also turn off your furnace before removing the service panel. Since every furnace is different, be sure to consult your owner’s manual.

Now that your home is maintained, you should also consider protecting your home and its other systems and appliances with an affordable Home Warranty Service Agreement. Visit 2-10.com to find out how a Service Agreement can protect your plumbing systems, and so much more.

Written by Rebecca Ward: Original Article- http://www.2-10.com/blog/7-things-every-homeowner-know/

Buy vs Rent: Which Option Works Best For You?

01.05.2017 : Posted in Atlanta, Nashville

 

Hand with ball pen is writing the text Buy or Rent on the transparent whiteboard.

Happy New Year! As we move into the year, now is the perfect time to think about buying a home. If you are not sure whether to buy or rent, consider the information below which shows the amount of rent you might pay over the course of 30 years and the economic disadvantages it has when compared to buying.

RENT    5 YEARS    10 YEARS    15 YEARS    20 YEARS    25 YEARS    30 YEARS
$1,000.00    $60,000.00    $120,000.00    $180,000.00    $240,000.00    $300,000.00    $360,000.00
$1,200.00    $72,000.00    $144,000.00    $216,000.00    $288,000.00    $360,000.00    $432,000.00
$1,400.00    $84,000.00    $168,000.00    $252,000.00    $336,000.00    $420,000.00    $504,000.00
$1,600.00    $96,000.00    $192,000.00    $288,000.00    $384,000.00    $480,000.00    $576,000.00
$1,800.00    $108,000.00    $216,000.00    $324,000.00    $432,000.00    $540,000.00    $648,000.00
$2,000.00    $120,000.00    $240,000.00    $360,000.00    $480,000.00    $600,000.00    $720,000.00
$2,200.00    $132,000.00    $264,000.00    $396,000.00    $528,000.00    $660,000.00    $792,000.00
$2,400.00    $144,000.00    $288,000.00    $432,000.00    $576,000.00    $720,000.00    $864,000.00
$2,600.00    $156,000.00    $312,000.00    $468,000.00    $624,000.00    $780,000.00    $936,000.00
$2,800.00    $168,000.00    $336,000.00    $504,000.00    $672,000.00    $840,000.00    $1,008,000.00
$3,000.00    $180,000.00    $360,000.00    $540,000.00    $720,000.00    $900,000.00    $1,080,000.00

RENT:
o    No interest payment deductions
o    Rental amount may increase at any time
o    Landlord approval needed for any changes
o    No capitalization; your money disappears forever
o    Rental is temporary and is often subject to 30 days’ notice

BUY:
o    Excellent deductions for your mortgage interest paid*
o    Mortgage payments could be fixed
o    Decorate and make changes, without prior approval
o    The value of your property will probably increase in time
o    Your house will become a home, not a temporary living situation; you are not at the mercy of a landlord

Equal Housing and Licensed Mortgage Lender NMLS#152859, Haynes NMLS# #209636, State Lic #GA 32048. Office 1805 Old Alabama Road, Suite 315 Roswell, GA 30076, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #33248. *Please consult a tax advisor for information related to specific tax benefits or consequences.

Mortgage Checklist- Do You Have All You Need To Qualify?

12.12.2016 : Posted in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville

As we all know to obtain a mortgage, there is certain documentation needed for loan approval. The documentation required supports the information provided on the application. The more thorough and detailed the application is and having the appropriate documentation upfront will make the approval process more enjoyable and smoother as you lead up to your special day, closing on your new home.

A good time to start gathering your documentation is after you have been pre-qualified with your loan officer. In an effort to help you organize your personal documents to obtain a home loan, the following information is typically required during the loan process:

• Current Pay Stubs (Most recent 30 Days worth of paystubs)
• Tax Returns For The Past Two Years – Including All Schedules With Any Associated W-2s, K-1s, Or 1099s
• Bank Statements For The Past Two Months – All Pages
• Investment Account Statements For The Past Two Months – All Numbered Pages
• Retirement Account Statements For The Past Two Months – All Numbered Pages
• Copy of Driver’s License For All Loan Applicants
• Credit Card Information For Appraisal Order
• Divorce Decree and Marital Settlement Agreement (If Applicable)

If you are self-employed:
• Personal Tax Returns For The Past Two Years – Including All Schedules With Any Associated W-2s, K-1s, Or 1099s
• Business Tax Returns For The Past Two Years – Including All Schedules
• Copy of Business License

If you currently own Real Estate:
• Copy Of Most Recent Mortgage Account Statement For All Properties Owned.
• Home Insurance Policy Information
• Home Equity Account Information (If Applicable)
• Copy of Property Tax Bill For the Most Recent Year

Equal Housing and Licensed Mortgage Lender NMLS#152859, Haynes NMLS# #209636, State Lic#GA 32048. Office 1805 Old Alabama Road, Suite 315 Roswell, GA 30076, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #33248

Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

11.18.2016 : Posted in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville

Buying your first home can be intimidating. With so many factors playing into the process, it can be daunting to know how to approach it. Buying your first home should be exciting, and it can be if you know how to break it down.

 

When considering the purchase of your first home, it’s important to plan thoughtfully for the best location, size of your home, monthly mortgage budget, and your future plans. If you can begin to lay out each of these individually, closing on your home will become much more realistic and foreseeable. To help you in the home buying journey, we’ve prepared what we believe are the 5 most important questions to answer before making the leap into home ownership.

 

What kind of home best suits your needs?

When it comes to houses, there is no such thing as “one size fits all”. Considering the size and needs of your family is very important. How many bedrooms are in the house? When do you need to move in? Are there schools nearby? Make sure to make a checklist of your needs, and look at homes that meet those needs.

 

What features are important for your ideal home to include?

While your needs come first, it is important to also understand your wants before you begin house hunting. If you lay out features and amenities that are important and affordable for you ahead of time, then it will be easier to navigate the homebuying process without getting roped into homes that you can’t afford with benefits you don’t need.

 

How much mortgage do you qualify for?

You can save yourself a lot of headache if you find out how much a lender is willing to loan you before you begin shopping for houses. If you find your perfect home at $300K, but you only get approved for a $200K loan, you are wasting your time and energy, only to leave yourself frustrated and likely unsatisfied with the homes available within your budget..

 

How much house can you afford?

Just because you get approved for a loan doesn’t necessarily mean you can afford to purchase a home at that value. It is important to determine a monthly budget that is affordable, and then do the research to factor in all your monthly costs. What is the rate of your mortgage? How high are property taxes? Are there homeowner’s association fees? These are just a few examples, and do not include the various other insurance costs, increased monthly utility bills, and taxes associated with homeownership.

 

What mortgage works best for you?

Financing your home is very important and should not be overlooked. The ticket price on a home is ultimately not what you will end up paying for it, as mortgage interests rates have a heavy influence on the final cost of a home. It is important to shop around and see what the best financing options are for you to have the lowest monthly and final costs. Interested in additional mortgage information for your location? Speak with one of our affiliates today to learn more.

 

It is important to understand the reality of the market and the home buying process. The more realistic and prepared you are, the easier you will find the home buying process to be. Take these steps and you’ll find that getting handed over your first set of keys isn’t as intimidating as it once looked!