Danise Fields Blog

2010-07-13T15:21:00.001-04:00

A Wish List for a Dream Home
by Carla Hill

Your real estate agent may not be your fairy godmother, but they have powers to grant you many of your home buying wishes.

Your first step in finding your dream home? You must develop a strong image in your mind, and a sound list for your agent, of what you want of your dream home.

To make this process a little less daunting, consider these categories:

Location: It has been lauded for years as the most important factor when it comes to the saleability and pricing of home, and it's a good place to start when compiling your wish list. Do you want a short commute to work? Are you looking for a waterfront property? Do you want to be near family? Is there a particular neighborhood you want to make home? These are all important questions that will help your agent narrow their search for your dream home.

Neighborhood: If you are looking for a family home, then you need to research the local schools. Is there a particular school district you want to be in, or perhaps to stay in? Are you wanting a neighborhood within walking distance to shops and restaurants? Or perhaps you prefer something more quiet, or on a cul-de-sac.

Home Styles: Do you prefer large, open floorplans and Modern architecture? Or are you a fan of cozy and functional Country style plans? A Tudor style home is exemplified by tall, narrow windows with small panes and a reminiscence of Medieval looks. Or how about Victorian style homes, which feature elaborate details on the exterior and interior of the home?

Home Features: Not every buyer is seeking the same features. What is it that you desire most? Fireplaces, guest bathrooms, an open floor plan, formal dining, a media room, covered porches, a screened porch, a large finished garage, or a pool? The same concept goes for decorative features, including flooring preferences, crown molding, and exterior siding.

Condition: Are you on the lookout for a fixer-upper? Some buyers thrive on the challenge of restoring a former beauty to its original glory. Or are you the type that wishes for new construction, so you can put your own mark on the property? Also consider the idea of townhomes and condos, which can afford the homeowner even more freedom from maintenance.
Use these categories as a starting point for creating your own wish list. And then pass it on to your own fairy godmother!

Published: July 13, 2010

Welcome Alexia Barmaki from BOA to Duffy Realty!

2010-07-01T15:46:00.003-04:00

Alexia Barmaki has joined Duffy Realty from Bank of America..yeah!

Here are some frequently asked questions right now in the mortgage industry:

How much cash will I need for closing costs?
How much home can I afford?
What types of mortgages are available?
What are the benefits of a 15-year mortgage?
Are there any special programs for first-time homebuyers?
What are the tax advantages of owning a home?
Should I get prequalified for a mortgage before I shop for a home?
How long will it take to get prequalified for a mortgage?
How can I lock my interest rate?
What is an impound/escrow account?
Can I get a loan if I'm not a U.S. citizen or if I live outside the country?
How do I get information on my mortgage?
Can I pay my mortgage online?
When will I receive my year-end statement of interest paid for tax purposes?

Is it legal for us to pay you????

2010-04-25T08:43:00.002-04:00

One of the most unique features of using Duffy Realty as your buyer's agent when you buy any Metro Atlanta home is that we pay our clients for searching online - Cash At Closing!

We find that you are doing the work anyway so this eliminates us having to do it for you. Our buyers report that they search the MLS online to find homes, foreclosures, HUD properties, VA properties and for sale by owner properties. Then, after they find something that they like, they search for tax records and mortgage information for the property.

When you do some of the work that we used to do, we can work with more clients and thus we feel that we should pay you for your time.

Read the Department of Justice’s opinion of the Buyer Cash At Closing program and how it effects buyers:

http://www.justice.gov/atr/public/real_estate/rebates.htm