Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
-
Hiring a contractor is a crucial part of any building or remodeling project you plan to start at your home. When I remodeled my bathroom, I had to make sure I hired the right person because I was trying to save money.
This article will show you how to hire a contractor in Atlanta.
Hiring a contractor for a home improvement or construction project is an important decision. It’s also essential to set a budget and stick to it, while allowing for a contingency fund to cover any unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process.
Define Your Project
Before you can hire someone to come to your home, you need to have a clearly defined idea of what you want accomplished.
Clearly define the scope of your project. Understand what work you want to be done, the materials you prefer, and any specific design or functionality requirements. This will be essential when communicating with potential contractors.
Do Your Research
Don’t just hire the first contractor you find online. Interview multiple contractors to find the best one that is available and works for you.
- Contact several contractors to discuss your project. Ask about their experience, previous projects, and whether they have worked on similar projects.
- Request references and follow up with those references to gauge the contractor’s reliability and work quality.
Get Recommendations From People You Know
Some associate of yours has likely gotten some renovation work done before. You just have to solicit them for advice and recommendations.
- Seek recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers who have had similar work done. Personal recommendations are valuable.
- Online Searches: Use online resources, such as review websites like Yelp, Angie’s List, or the Better Business Bureau to find contractors in your area.
- Trade Associations and Unions: Check with local trade associations, such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), for reputable contractors.
Here are some sites you need to check to find contractors:
- Angi
- Google Reviews
- Craigslist
Before You Hire a Contractor
Always take the extra time it takes to check for licensing and insurance.
Verify that the contractor is licensed and insured to work in your area. Contact your local licensing board to confirm their credentials.
Request a copy of their insurance certificates to ensure they have liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you in case of accidents or damage on your property.
- Get Detailed Quotes:
- Ask for written estimates from the contractors you are considering. Make sure the estimates are detailed, including labor, materials, and a timeline for the project.
- Beware of significantly low bids, as they may indicate subpar materials or work quality.
- Check for Permits and Contracts:
- Ensure the contractor will obtain any necessary permits for the project. It’s essential that they comply with local building codes.
- Sign a detailed contract that includes project specifics, payment schedule, start and completion dates, and warranties. Read and understand the contract before signing.
Agree On a Payment Schedule
Everyone likes to know when they’re getting paid, so it would be a mutual benefit to discuss a payment schedule.
You’ll want to avoid paying the full cost upfront. A common practice is to make an initial down payment, with the remaining payments scheduled based on project milestones.
Also, never make the final payment until you are satisfied with the completed work.
Continually Give Your Opinion
To stay on the same page, always strive to maintain open and clear communication with the contractor throughout the project. Regular updates and addressing any concerns promptly are crucial.
- Document Everything:
- Keep records of all documents, including contracts, receipts, and communications with the contractor. These can be important in case of disputes or issues.
Make a Final Inspection
The contractor expects you to give the final go-ahead on the project, so don’t be shy about having an opinion on even the smallest things.
Once the work is completed, do a final inspection to ensure that everything is up to your satisfaction. Address any issues promptly.
- Review and Feedback: Consider leaving a review or providing feedback on the contractor’s performance, as this can help others in the future.
No matter if you have an expensive home or an average home, remember that choosing the right contractor is essential for the success of your project.
Final Word
You’re spending your own money, so make sure your contractor and yourself are on the same page at all times.
Remember to get a more accurate estimate for your specific bathroom remodel, it’s a good idea to consult with local contractors and obtain multiple quotes. The complexity of the project and your location will have a significant impact on the final cost.
Take your time, do your due diligence, and don’t rush into a decision. Hiring a reputable and qualified contractor can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
-
Are you an Atlanta entrepreneur who needs an office? More office leasing space is about to be available in Atlanta, Georgia.
CP Group, a prominent owner-operator of commercial real estate throughout the country and the largest privately-owned office landlord in Georgia, today announced that it has executed over 17,000 square feet of leasing activity across two new leases at 3225 Cumberland – a 220,000-square-foot, nine-story Class A office building located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Cumberland Office Space Available
Steam Logistics, a fully integrated third-party logistics provider, which relocated from another office park in the Cumberland-Galleria submarket to sign a lease for 10,900 square feet of office space. Paul Hanna of JLL represented the tenant.
National Endovascular Associates, a management company for interventional radiology practices, which signed a lease for 6,144 square feet of office space. Bill Langley of DT Spade represented the tenant.
Kevin Driver and Parker Welton of Stream Realty Partners represented the landlord in both transactions.“We are excited to welcome these two leading firms to the property and very happy they chose 3225 Cumberland as their new home in Atlanta,” Scott Barr, Senior Vice President at CP Group, says in a press release. “Great companies like these continue to value strategically-located, amenitized office environments, and our portfolio is well-positioned to meet that need.”
Amenities at 3225 Cumberland include multiple walkable restaurants, a newly renovated grab-and-go market; a fitness center; shared conference rooms exclusively available for tenant use; a transportation lounge; and 24/7 onsite security. Additionally, 3225 Cumberland is surrounded by 25 miles of walking and biking trails.
3225 Cumberland is located in the Cumberland-Galleria submarket — one of Atlanta’s most institutional office markets — and offers unobstructed views of the Atlanta skyline. Its ideal location also affords tenants easy access to I-75 and I-285, as well as a range of dining options and lifestyle amenities; Truist Park and The Battery (home of the Atlanta Braves); the Cobb Galleria Convention Center; and the Cobb Energy Centre for the Performing Arts.
Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
More Articles From AtlantaFi:
-
Heirs property can be a blessing or curse depending on how it’s administered. The documentary Gaining Ground talks about this in detail.
If your relatives are holding onto a piece of property of Georgia, there are some strategies you should consider putting into place to keep it.Acres of land that have been passed down to relatives and the rest of the family is called “heirs property.”
The truth is that it may be easy for someone outside the family is get their hands on your land.
Although you may love the concept of heirs property, it can be a legal headache if you don’t know how to handle it.
In this article, we’ll discuss what heirs property is and how you can protect yourself legally.
What is Heirs Property?
Heirs property is an arrangement where no descendent is clearly designated as the legal heir. This means that multiple descendants all have an equal right to the land, which can cause confusion in the courts.
In fact, many judges will view heirs property as a legally unstable situation. That’s why they are more likely to side with a clear claimant of the land, who can prove a percentage of ownership.
How Is Heirs Property Created?
Heirs property is not something that is designed, but it ends up like that as a matter of circumstance. Here are some ways that heir’s property is created.
- The owner dies and doesn’t have a will
- The owner has a will but divides the land among relatives
The result is that you end up with a “fractured” title, which means that the land has no clear owner.
Who Qualifies For Heir’s Property?
if you’re wondering who can qualify for heirs property, it typically falls to immediate heirs who are family members. They include:
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Other close relatives
All the heirs of the property have the same rights and an equitable say in what happens to the estate, so it’s important to be of one accord.The downside is that all heirs are also fair game for any creditors that may be owed a debt.Can Siblings Force The Sale Of Heirs Property?
It’s very important that siblings of inherited property be on the same page when it comes to their plans for the land. Divisions can become evident when one or another heir wants to sell and one doesn’t.
The only way for one heir to execute their rights to the land over another is if they go to court. One heir can’t force another to sell the property against their will.
One heir can choose to buy out the other though, which is quite common.
How To Handle Heirs Property
If your relative has died and they didn’t leave a will and testament, here are some ways to handle heirs property.Create A Land Management Entity
Many families have created business entities that serve as land management companies for the land. This can be done by forming an LLC, which has the legal right of executor.Once you have a land management company, you have a strong position to represent yourself across several legal avenues.Consolidate Ownership
Have a family meeting in which you ask other family members to consolidate ownership to one family member. This is usually the best course of action, but it may be a tough sell for dysfunctional families.Once ownership is consolidated, the appointed family member can represent the various interests of the group. This usually works best in legal settings.File An Affidavit
See if your state allows for descendants to file an affidavit of heirship. This can be used to prove land ownership.Again, having the proper paperwork is so necessary when contesting and proving land ownership.Final Thoughts
If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve inherited property along with other family members, remember that you can work it out.You need to make sure you get out of any heir’s property arrangement because it doesn’t protect you or the land.If you want to know how to buy land in Georgia, here’s a guide.Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
More Articles From AtlantaFi:
-
If you have dry hair, keeping it moisturized can be a challenge for a busy person. The good news is that it can be done with top-notch products.
This article will tell you all about how to moisturize dry hair and the products you can use.
You may be wondering why your hair is so dry in the first place. Many hair follicles suffer from something low porosity, which can make hair super-brittle and eventually break.
What Is Low Porosity Hair?
Low porosity hair refers to hair that has difficulty absorbing and retaining moisture due to its tightly closed cuticles. The cuticles are the outermost layer of the hair shaft, and in low porosity hair, these cuticles are tightly packed together, making it challenging for water or products to penetrate the hair shaft. As a result, moisture tends to sit on the hair’s surface rather than being absorbed, leading to a dry and often dull appearance.
Of course, you know that using heatless methods to elongate and loosen curls, resulting in a stretched or straighter appearance, is a great way to get your hair ready to be moisturized. This can include techniques like banding (wrapping hair sections with elastic bands), African threading, or twist-outs using larger twists.
Now let’s look at the best ways to moisturize your hair:
Best Hair Moisturizers
Sheamoisture Hydration Hair Milk for Dry Hair
Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Pomade
Okay Black Jamaican Castor Oil Moisture & Curling Sorbet
Regardless of the method chosen, it’s crucial to prioritize hair health and minimize heat damage. Make sure to use a heat protectant product before applying heat, avoid excessive heat exposure, and regularly deep condition and moisturize your hair to maintain its health and minimize breakage.
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Body Moisturizer
Oligo Professionnel Blacklight Nourishing Conditioner
Briogeo Superfoods Avocado and Kiwi Mega Moisture
Final Word
Consider consulting with a professional hairstylist or researching specific techniques tailored to your hair type and texture. They can provide personalized advice and recommend the best approach for straightening your hair while maintaining its health and integrity.
The Atlanta hair industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, with more than 8 million people getting groomed each month.
But you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.
-
Looking for an affordable home in Atlanta can be a full-time job these days. And when you think about it, I guess that’s what Realtors are for. But an interesting trend has been happening in Georgia’s largest city of late: Home prices have been falling.
Are Atlanta Home Prices Dropping?
In an unexpected development, Atlanta home prices have recently dropped, although it’s not the only city experiencing a dip.
One reason why home prices may be falling in Atlanta is that it was a prominent market for ibuyers, who have largely gone out of business or pivoted into other commerce segments.
Real estate investors bought nearly 50% fewer homes in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year, according to a recent RedFin study. That figure represents the largest annual decline ever.
“While investors have pumped the brakes on home purchases, they’re still scooping up a bigger share of homes than they were before the pandemic, which can create challenges for individual buyers at a time when there are so few homes for sale,” said Redfin Senior Economist Sheharyar Bokhari. “Investors have gravitated toward more affordable properties due to still-high housing costs and rising mortgage rates, which has left first-time homebuyers with fewer starter homes to choose from.”
Should You Still Buy A Home In Atlanta?
We all know that when a market is red-hot, prices are inflated. Atlanta is one of the hottest real estate markets in the nation, so the recent price drops sting a little bit.
At the same time, if you’re looking to buy a home, you should think about doing so when prices are dropping. Why? Because it’s going to save you money.
If you’re an investor, you know that it typically is a good investment to purchase when the pricing is low. Experienced investors know that investing is a long-term endeavor.
Should You Still Sell A Home In Atlanta?
When you’re trying to sell a home in a down market, the key to success is to move it as quick as possible. Usually that means you’re going to have to make a very attractive offer when it comes to pricing.
If your home is priced below some of the comparable structures, you’ll know pretty quickly by the interest you draw. Depending on your competition, you may need to adjust the price after a month or so to gain some traction.Don’t underestimate the power of upgrading your home’s curb appeal as well as making minor cosmetic fixes.Where Are Home Prices Falling?
Here are the largest decline among the 40 metros Redfin analyzed in the first quarter of 2023:
- Nassau County, New York | -67.9%
- Atlanta | -66%
- Charlotte, NC | -66%
- Phoenix | -64.2%
- Nashville, TN | -60.4%
Las Vegas, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Tampa, FL and Orlando, FL, all saw home price declines of more than 50%, the report says.
Overall, investors bought $27.5 billion worth of homes in U.S. metropolitan areas in the first quarter, says RedFin. That’s a decrease of 46.3% from $51.2 billion one year earlier and down 12.4% from $31.4 billion one quarter earlier. The typical home investors purchased cost $427,901, which means little changed from the prior quarter and a year earlier.
Final Word
Given how much homes cost in Atlanta, if you’re an investor, this may be a great time to buy. On the other hand, if you’re selling a home, you may get less than you anticipated.
-
Do you and your landlord have an understanding? That’s what you’ll need if you plan on renting an apartment in Atlanta, Georgia.
After all, owning a home is just a dream for many people. If you’re interested in renting an apartment or home, you need to know how to do it and keep your shirt on. Otherwise, you could give away some key concessions to your landlord.
In this article, we’re going to go over how you can rent an apartment in the city. There are some affordable options to choose from.
Here’s How To Rent An Apartment In Atlanta
If you want to rent an apartment in Atlanta and don’t know where to start, here are the steps:
1. Shop Around
First thing you need to do before you rent an apartment in Atlanta is find one. To do that, you can use a number of online services to help find an apartment in Atlanta:
If you don’t already know, apartments on the northside, in places like Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell and Alpharetta are more expensive.
Midtown Atlanta apartments have gone up in price dramatically over the last few years as well. The most affordable apartments will be a short distance from downtown in either east Atlanta or the westside next to West Midtown.
Once you make a list of Atlanta apartments you want to check out from one of the services above, you can begin to make appointments to visit.
You’ll want to pay special attention to the amenities that each apartment offers. You may put a big emphasis on on-site laundry facilities, a pool, a courtyard, lounge and other things.
2. Have Your Finances in Order
Before you begin to schedule visits, you need to have your financials in order. Landlords don’t just let you move in, you’ll need a credit check. The idea behind this is that you have to show income stability.
Get a free credit report at annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
When you get the credit reports, go over them with a finetooth comb to make sure they’re accurate.
If you see a discrepancy on your credit report, here’s how to dispute it:
Not only will you need to have your first and last month’s rent in your account (as we’ll get into), but you’ll need to have more money on hand for some incidentals.
3. Visit The Apartment
When you visit the apartment, make sure you the age of the building and style is to your liking. Feel the walls so that you can gauge whether they’re thin and well built.
Look out for loud neighbors and other things that may affect your ability to have a good night’s rest.
If you like what you see, make an offer.
4. Negotiate Your Rent
You don’t have to accept what the landlord offers. See if you can negotiate. If you sign a two-year lease rather than one year, you may be able to get a better deal. You won’t know what’s capable until you ask.
If the leasing agent can’t make any concessions, see if you can get the hookup on parking or a one-month discount in lieu of a move-in special.
Here are some methods on negotiating your rent.
5. Sign The Dotted Line
When you sign the lease, you may need to have a list of references. These should be people you’ve contacted ahead of time who will have only good things to say about you.
Their input will be what decides your worthiness.
Before you sign your lease, you need to know what to expect as far as charges and fees. Here are some of the charges you may be asked to pay:
- Rental application fee
- Security deposit
- Last month’s rent
- Move-in fee or finders fee
Depending on where you rent your place and your specific circumstances, you may also be asked to pay a pet fee or even parking space fee.
Before you sign an apartment lease, read this.
Once you pay what you owe, your landlord or leasing agent will hand over the keys to your new apartment. Remember to keep it down and always be considerate of your neighbors.
What if you have bad credit?
How To Rent An Apartment With Bad Credit
The first thing you need to do is look for apartments that don’t do credit checks on potential tenants.
You’re also going to want to entice the landlord by offering to pay more upfront or even every month.
So, to recap, if you have bad credit, the way to rent an apartment is:
- Find apartments with no credit checks
- Offer to pay more upfront
Atlanta is a great place to live.
Up next: The best Airbnbs in Atlanta
Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.More Articles From AtlantaFi:
-
Atlanta has tons of apartments popping up here and there. The Beverly by Alta, one of the most anticipated apartment buildings in the city, is currently being built in Buckhead.
The luxury community has begun the wood framing stage, according to a news release from Wood Partners, the real estate developer. If you’re wondering how much apartment you can afford, you should see if The Beverly by Alta is in your budget.
What To Know About The Beverly By Alta
The Beverly By Alta aims to be the premiere place for upscale millennials in Atlanta. The apartments will offer 291 units comprised of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts with custom-designed floorplans.
Read our guide on how to rent an apartment in Atlanta.
Designed with a modern, luxurious feel in mind, residents will be welcomed home to light-filled, open floorplans, warm tones and sleek features.
Each home will also boast an array of high-end finishes including luxurious kitchens featuring stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, quartz countertops and designer tile backsplash, as well as full size in-unit washer and dryer sets, spacious balconies and wood-style flooring in the main living spaces.
On site, apartment residents of The Beverly by Alta will also be able to take advantage of the community’s best-in-class amenities, including a resort-style pool featuring cabanas and lounge chairs, outdoor pavilions, outdoor yoga deck, outdoor coworking space, grilling stations and outdoor fire pits, pool lounge, library, poker room, golf simulator, and an on-site dog park and wash area.
Inside the clubhouse, residents will have access to a 24-hour fitness center and yoga studio, rentable private day offices and a TV lounge.
When Will The Beverly By Alta Open In Atlanta?
The community is set to open in early 2024 with pre-leasing set to begin at the end of 2023.
The Beverly by Alta is the perfect residential community for young professionals, placing them within minutes of the city’s main interstates.
Where Is The Beverly By Alta Located?
The Beverly By Alta is located at 3314 Piedmont Road in Atlanta’s highly sought after Buckhead neighborhood. Here is a map to help you find it.
The community’s prime location offers direct routes to all areas of the city, as well as many of the area’s top employers including Salesforce, Atlanta Tech Village, Coca-Cola, Google and more.Residents will also have access to several major dining and entertainment areas—including Buckhead Village District, Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza, as well as popular outdoor attractions such as Chastain Park, Fetch Dog Park, Bobby Jones Golf Course, and the PATH400 greenway trail with four access points throughout the heart of Buckhead.
Final Word
“Wood Partners is excited to announce The Beverly by Alta, a new community designed for residents to experience luxurious and comfortable living in the center of one of Atlanta’s most in demand neighborhoods,” said Bennett Sands, Managing Director at Wood Partners. “As an Atlanta-based organization, we are thrilled to continue expanding our footprint right in our back yard while contributing to the on-going boom in growth and development taking place throughout the city.”
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
More Articles From AtlantaFi:
-
Atlanta movie mogul Tyler Perry continues to expand his local empire in Georgia. This time, the Why Did I Get Married? star has bought more land parcels adjacent to his movie studio in southwest Atlanta.
The acreage, a short drive from East Point and College Park, Georgia, has a lot in store for the public.
What Is Tyler Perry Planning For Southwest Atlanta?
Perry’s recent $8.4 million purchase of 37 additional acres next to his namesake studios come with some bodacious plans, according to news reports.
Perry plans to use the land parcels to transform the area into an entertainment, retail, and restaurant district that would include shops, a movie theater and more.
The businesses would be a welcome addition to rejuvenate what has been a long-forgotten area when it comes to amenities and basic food stores.
How Did Perry Get The Fort McPherson Property?
In 2014, Perry was wrestling with the idea of building a new movie studio and moving it to Douglas County, but then Mayor Kasim Reed was adamant that he stay in the city.
The two worked out a deal in which Perry would buy 330 acres at Fort McPherson for $30 million, which was characterized as a super-bargain at the time.
After securing two-third of the old Army base and redeveloping it, Perry threw a lavish grand opening for Tyler Perry Studios in October 2019, introducing movie stars and the public to the studio’s 12 sound stages.
Also tucked away in the deal was an option to buy the 37 additional acres at the base, which Perry was given a “right of first refusal.”
In June 2021, megachurch leader Bishop T.D. Jakes’ T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures struck a deal to purchase 94 acres at Fort Mac as well. Separately, Perry also was approved to buy the additional 37 acres on the site.
‘I’m looking forward to collaborating with my friend T.D. Jakes on his separate but adjacent project,’ Perry said in a news release at the time. “Today is a good day. I’m grateful for the opportunity this gives Tyler Perry Studios to extend our footprint in Atlanta and create more opportunities for the people of Southwest Atlanta with restaurants, entertainment venues, and other business opportunities.”
What Will Be Built At Fort McPherson?
According to a masterplan proposed by the T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures group, the Fort Mac site will include the following sections:
- Historic cultural district
- Historic business district
- Tyler Perry Studios entertainment district
- Entertainment district extension
- Residential village and more
Courtesy of T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, LLC” Jakes was enthusiastic about the deal as well, saying, “My cultural fluency results from having grown up in a community like the Atlanta communities surrounding Fort McPherson. In my travels across all of America, I see too many Black and Brown working-class people still falling victim to the continued gentrification of our neighborhoods. I’m extremely excited about the accessible ownership options that will exist for future residents of this multigenerational community. This project will bring solutions to the quality-of-life problems and elevate the lives of the Atlantans that will live, work and play there.”
Final Word
Perry, who joined his friend Oprah Winfrey in achieving billionaire status in recent years, continues to build upon his movie and TV success with lucrative deals with Amazon Studios and Netflix.
He’s also in the middle of completing his mansion in the Atlanta suburbs. The property, which is located in Douglas County, Georgia encompasses more than 800 acres, making it one of the largest pieces of in-tact land available in all of metro Atlanta.
-
The Atlanta real estate market is poised for a comeback this year. To make sure your home sells, you’ve got to spruce it up in a creative way.
This article will show you some great ideas on how to spruce up your home’s curb appeal so that it entices potential buyers.
Here Are 6 Awesome Curb Appeal Ideas
Selling a home in Atlanta, or any large city right now, can be chaotic.
Cut Your Grass
This one is obvious, but in the warmer months, your lawn can get out of control rather quickly. Keep a lawnmower on the property so you or a lawn maintenance worker can get to work keeping your grass cut.
It may not seem like much, but having a well-manicured lawn adds points to your home’s overall appearance. Want to save gas? Check out this electric mower.
Trim Your Hedges
Always make sure your hedges, trees and shrubs are trimmed to compliment your home. The last thing a potential buyer wants to see are wayward vines and branches encroaching on the porch or walkway.
Take the time to invest in some shears so that you can cut your shrubs and other things out of the way.
Get Your Home A Paint Job
PermaWhite Exnterior Semi-Gloss
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders to a drab house looking for some life. Look for colors that give the illusion of width and height rather than opting for your personal favorite.
If you can’t afford to get your home painted, think about some new ways to accent your exterior with house plants that add color.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Another cosmetic thing that detracts from your home’s appearance is a gutter or roof filled with leaves.
Can’t get on a ladder to clean your roof’s gutters? Hire someone that can get the job done.
Remove The Clutter
If you’re one of those homeowners who keep old soda cans, vases or other contraptions on the porch, consider removing them before your potential buyer arrives.
Again, you don’t want clutter to steal attention away from your home’s true character.
Pressure Wash Your Concrete
If you have a concrete walkway or driveway, consider getting it pressure washed to get rid of the stain. Your home can really shine once you give your walkway or the sidewalk in front of your home a once over.
Bottom Line
It could cost you a lot of money if you missed out on the sale of your home just because you didn’t tidy things up around the property. In essence, clean up.
The time and energy you spend into boosting your curb appeal will be more than worth it in the long run.
Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.More Articles From AtlantaFi:
-
If you’re shopping for a home in Atlanta, one of the questions you need to think about is how much house you can afford.
The question is one that needs to be weighed seriously because all you have to do is visit the steps of the Fulton, DeKalb or Cobb County courthouse to see foreclosure auctions in action.
Here’s How Much House You Can Afford In Atlanta (Calculator)
People buy more house than they need for several reasons:
- Bad advice from Realtors
- Keeping up with the Joneses
- Resale purposes
Let’s talk about each of these a little bit before we move into what homes cost in Atlanta:
Bad advice from Realtors
Real estate agents play a vital role in the homebuying process, but you have to know when they’re in and out of their lane.
A Realtor has no business telling you how much house you can afford. That’s what a lender is for. A Realtor should only advise you on what type of home you want.
Still, many people listen to Realtors who are out to make a buck. Some of them will tell you that you can afford the home by this strategy and that strategy, but the truth is, it may be a bad deal.
Keeping up the Joneses
This is the worse reason to buy a big house: To keep up with your neighbors, friends or other family members.
If you are vain enough to buy a huge home because of someone else’s situation, then you’re the type that will end up with bad credit because you’re paying too much for your home, car and appliances.
Resale Purposes
Some potential home shoppers want to buy a home because they think that appreciation is going to let them double or triple their money (again, bad advice).
That’s not the reason you should buy a home. You should purchase a home because you like it, the way it looks, feels and speaks to your sensibilities.
The resale market is too unpredictable to base such a big purchase on, especially if you’re not a seasoned investor.
So, how much home can you afford? Here’s how to find out:
Multiply Your Annual Income
To find out how much home you can afford, you would multiply your annual income by two or three.
Let’s say you make: $50,000 a year. That means you could afford a home that costs anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000.
Of course, this will be affected by two things:
- Interest rate: The percentage that is paid by borrowers for the money that they borrow.
- Credit score: A three-digit number that indicates to banks and other lenders how likely you are to repay debt.
Here Are 5 Ways To Determine How Much Home You Can Afford
Answer these questions:
- 1. How much is your annual income?
- 2. How much is your downpayment?
- 3. What ZIP code do you want to live in?
- 4. How much are your monthly expenses (food, clothing, mortgage, etc)?
- 5. What is your credit score?
Here’s a mortgage calculator to help you:
How Can I Calculate How Much Home I Can Afford?
Other Factors That Determine How Much Home You Can Afford
Another factor that will indicate how much house you can afford is your expense-to-income ratio.
Front-End Ratio
This is how much your monthly expenses are vs. how much income you bring in. Banks like this number, commonly called a “front-end ratio,” to be between 28 and 30%.
Your mortgage lender will look for your mortgage payment and PMI (private mortgage insurance) to all be around 28% of your income.
Debt-To-Income Ratio
You’ll also need to have a relatively low debt-to-income ratio to get the home you want. This means that the amount of debt you’ve borrowed and paying back is not gobbling up most of your income.
Banks like your debt-to-income ratio to be around 36% typically.
Are You A Veteran?
If you have served your country, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans and grants to help you buy, refinance or renovate your home.
For ex-military and their surviving spouses, the VA guarantees part of the loan, meaning they will cover a portion of the loan if you default. Learn more here.
30-Year-Loan Or 15-Year Fixed?
If you have a choice, you may be wondering which is better: A 30-year mortgage or a 15-year mortgage?
The truth is that both have their advantages. A 30-year mortgage would typically mean a lower monthly bill because the payments are spread out over more years.
The bad part is that you’ll pay a lot more in interest over those years.
For a 15-year fixed, the interest rate is lower and you’ll pay off the principal faster.
The bottom line is if you can afford to do a 15-year mortgage, you should!