543 Foreclosed properties were on the MLS site yesterday.  These are the properties listed with agents to be sold.  This does not include the properties banks own that have not been put out on the open market.  I have been reviewing some of these properties this week and have noticed a few things that you will need to keep in mind if you are thinking of purchasing a foreclosed property.

Is the house really finished or finished up to a point?  Does it have all the trim work, appliances, mirrors, closet features?  If not what is the cost of doing all this extra work before you can move in? Do the doors and windows shut?  I have been in several homes where the doors were propped against ...

Each time you hear the news that the interest rates are climbing you should think about why you are waiting.  A point it really doesn't matter, right????

Yes it matters.  The new lending rules have gotten stricter on the ratios you can have for debt to income, 38% Max.  When you factor in taxes and insurance sometimes a point can be the difference between you getting the property you want or having to settle for your second choice.

On at purchase price of $100,000 at 4.875% (todays rate) your payment would be $529.21 before taxes and insurance are added.  If the rates were 5.875% your payment would be $591.54.  This is based on a 30 year fixed conventional rate.  If your credit score is...

The first snow of 2011 came on January 10th.  Since then we have been off the road and in front of the fireplace watching the flames and enjoying the view through the window.

We usually get 2-3 snows per year of 2-3 inches.  This one is at 7.5 inches so we got a years worth of snow the with the first one.  Enjoy the pictures of the snow and know that we have all 4 seasons here, so we have some snow and some summer days at 100*.  We also have a spring that last more than 4 days and a fall with beautiful colors for over a month.

 

For all your real estate needs, winter, summer, fall or spring, call Gwen Fowler-Brown at 864-638-3599.

May God richly bless you and your family this Christmas!!

Show up.  Just show up.  Advice I received from a very young age. 

If you want to get ahead of the "just show ups" you need to just show up and do what you are suppose to do:  hand in your homework on time and do it right the first time. In life we usually don't get the "do over."

When you are hiring an agent, you need someone who will show up and do the job.  Many agents feel that all they have to do is show up, put your property out for other agents and a sign in the yard and their job is done.

During this recession, you have to show up, be available and be thinking beyond what the local pack is doing to get property sold.  You have to read what is happening to other agents and what ...

2nd Thursday of each month is the books sale for the Oconee Public Library in Walhalla.  The library takes donations all month long and then on the 2nd Thursday, they sell anything that is not needed for their circulation.

You can find best sellers, old books, how to books, travel books and maps, childrens books as well as home school books and magazines.  The library sale hours are from 9AM to 5PM.  The books are very reasonalby priced.  Donations of books or purchase from these sales goes back to the library fund to help buy more books and equipment for the system.

Our library system was established in May, 1948.  They have expanded to include a book mobile, 4 branches and extended ho...

Santa arrives in Walhalla tonight.  He will be on the last float in our annual Christmas Parade.  The parade starts at 5pm. Lineup is on South Church Street, and the parade route follows Main Street to the First Baptist Church parking lot on John Street.  You will need to be on the street by 4:30 to get the best seats.  Bands, politicians and fire trucks will also be in the parade.  Come enjoy the downtown at night. 

The Steak House will be offering 10% discount to celebrate Santa's arrival.  Some of the best fried chicken in the south.  Great desserts and wonderful atmosphere with all the Christmas decorations.  Go by for dinner or just for dessert and coffee, you will be glad you did.

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At this point in time, there are many properties available for sale.  Some are foreclosures or bank owned but most are personal property of sellers.  All these sellers, banks and owners, want offers.  Simple...just throw a number out there, right???  In this market you or your agent must do their homework to get the best buy for the money.

Start with looking at how long the property has been on the market...3 days--the seller would like an offer, but will be less likely to look at a low offer.  3 weeks they are starting to get antsy.  The buyers agent will not know how many offers they have had or if they have had any showings.  3 months--the sellers want action. Between 60 and 90 days w...

The elections are over. The interest rates are on the rise.  The week before Thanksgiving the rates went up 1/4 point.  Gas prices have stabilized and I expect to see the interest rates to continue up till the economy recovers. 

 If you are waiting to buy because you want the lowest prices, you will need to wait longer.  If you want low prices and a low interest rate, now is the time to buy.  Our inventory is good, rates are better than they were when my parents bought their 1st home in the 60's.

1/4 point on interest rates does not sound like a lot till you start qualifying for a loan.  Call me if you need a list of lenders to contact.  We have local lenders as well as mortgage compani...