The Benefits of Home Ownership

Many people get intimidated by what seem like the enormity or purchasing a new home but there are many practical reasons why owning a home is the wisest decision. View Augusta Ga homes if you are interested in home ownership in Augusta GA. Here are 6 reason why its a wise thing to own your own home:

1. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.
2.  Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.
3. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.
4. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. To contact a Realtor in Augusta Ga, view Augusta Ga Realtor.  In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.
5. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
6. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

For more information on home ownership contact:

 

Sherri Melton - Realtor

2013 KW Quadruple Gold Sales Award-Over 11 Million in Sales in 2013

Associate Leadership Council Member 2007 - 2014

Accredited Staging Professional - IAHSP Member

Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners

3633 Wheeler Rd., Suite 125

Augusta, GA 30909

Cell/Text 706.495.1135

www.LiveLoveAugusta.com

www.SherriMelton.info

Augusta Ga Real Estate Expert

Sherri Melton of Melton & Associates is a professional Realtor that is licensed in Georgia and South Carolina who would love to assist you with your real estate needs whether you are buying or selling. For buyers Melton & Associates goal is to help you find your "dream" home for the best price! For sellers her goal is to sell your home in the shortest amount of time for the most amount of money!

Sherri Melton is also an Accredited Staging Professional. It is proven that staged homes sell faster and for more money! You only get one chance to make a great impression on the buyer!

Melton & Associates mission is to help you achieve your goals and exceed your expectations so you would never hesitate to refer us to your friends, family or o-workers!

Melton & Associates was awarded the Top Sales Group and Quadruple Gold Sales Medal from Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners for 2013. Sherri Melton serves on the Culture Committee as Chairperson and on the ALC as well as being in the Top 2% of Sales! We enjoy being involved in giving back to our community and feel it is our privilege to do so! We believe success comes easily when you are of value to others!

 

Sherri Melton - Realtor

2013 KW Quadruple Gold Sales Award-Over 11 Million in Sales in 2013

Associate Leadership Council Member 2007 - 2014

Accredited Staging Professional - IAHSP Member

Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners

3633 Wheeler Rd., Suite 125

Augusta, GA 30909

Cell/Text 706.495.1135

www.LiveLoveAugusta.com

www.SherriMelton.info

The Most Important Decisions in the Home Buying Process

1. Decide to buy.

Although there are many good reasons for you to buy a home, wealth building ranks among the top of the list. We call home ownership the best “accidental investment” most people ever make. But, we believe when it is done right, home ownership becomes an “intentional investment” that lays the foundation for a life of financial security and personal choice. There are solid financial reasons to support your decision to buy a home, and, among these, equity buildup, value appreciation, and tax benefits stand out. For more information about what is in your area, view Augusta Ga Homes.

2. Hire your agent.

The typical real estate transaction involves at least two dozen separate individuals-insurance assessors, mortgage brokers and a number of other individuals whose actions and decisions have to be orchestrated in order to perform in harmony and get a home sale closed. It is the responsibility of your real estate agent to expertly coordinate all the professionals involved in your home purchase and to act as the advocate for you and your interests throughout. View Augusta Ga Realtor for a professional real estate agent.

3. Secure financing.

While you may find the thought of home ownership thrilling, the thought of taking on a mortgage may be downright chilling. Many first-time buyers start out confused about the process or nervous about making such a large financial commitment.

4. Find your home.

You may think that shopping for homes starts with jumping in the car and driving all over town. And it's true that hopping in the car to go look is probably the most exciting part of the home-buying process. However, driving around is fun for only so long-if weeks go by without finding what you're looking for, the fun can fade pretty fast. That's why we say that looking for your home begins with carefully assessing your values, wants, and needs, both for the short and long terms. To find what homes are in your area view, Augusta Ga homes for sale.

For more information on buying a home or any other inquiries contact:

 

Sherri Melton - Realtor

2013 KW Quadruple Gold Sales Award-Over 11 Million in Sales in 2013

Associate Leadership Council Member 2007 - 2014

Accredited Staging Professional - IAHSP Member

Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners

3633 Wheeler Rd., Suite 125

Augusta, GA 30909

Cell/Text 706.495.1135

www.LiveLoveAugusta.com

www.RealEstateinAugusta.com

www.SherriMelton.info

2015 Real Estate Market Forecast

We all wish we could peer into the future and be able to be at the right place at the right time to make the most lucrative decision possible. Unfortunately, until time machines are invented we will have to rely on intelligent forecasts based on the best information possible. Here

1. Mortgages will be easier to obtains. - Mortgage lenders are relaxing the strict lending standards put into place after the housing crisis according to the Federal Reserve. This will allow lower credit scores and higher levels of debt in reaction to low loan volume. To find a lender in your area, view  Augusta Ga Mortgage Lenders.

2. Home values will continue to rise but at a gradual pace. - Analysts and economists from CoreLogic expect home prices to jump 5.7% from July 2014 to July 2015. They also agree that prices will rise at a slower rate in 2015. If you would like the value of your home, view my home value.

2. Mortgage rates will remain below 5% for most of 2015. - Freddie Mac's long-term outlook predicts gradually rising mortgage rates that could possibly reach or exceed 5 % by the end of 2015. To calculate your mortgage, view  mortgage calculator.

4. Foreclosures will continue to decline. - According to RealtyTrac, the number of foreclosed homes will continue to decline as well as the number of foreclosure filings returning to pre-housing-crisis levels for early 2015.

5. Double-digit gains will be limited. - According to Zillow, the largest price gains will be limited to cities in Nevada and California.

For more information contact:

 

Sherri Melton - Realtor

2013 KW Quadruple Gold Sales Award-Over 11 Million in Sales in 2013

Associate Leadership Council Member 2007 - 2014

Accredited Staging Professional - IAHSP Member

Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners

3633 Wheeler Rd., Suite 125

Augusta, GA 30909

Cell/Text 706.495.1135

www.LiveLoveAugusta.com

www.RealEstateinAugusta.com

www.SherriMelton.info

What is Feng Shui & Can it Help Sell My Home

Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment. The term feng shui literally translates as "wind-water" in English. Feng Shui can be used to make your home look the best and appeal to buyers. Here are some tips to help :

1. Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the “mouth of chi” (chi is the “life force” of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. For more information on selling your home, view Augusta Ga properties. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good fortune enter through the front door. It’s also the first impression buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around the front door is swept clean, free of cobwebs and clutter. Make sure all lighting is straight and properly hung. Better yet, light the path leading up to the front door to create an inviting atmosphere.
2. Chi energy can be flushed away wherever there are drains in the home. View Augusta Ga Staging Professional for more information on decorating or staging concepts. To keep the good forces of a home in, always keep the toilet seats down and close the doors to bathrooms.
3. The master bed should be in a place of honor, power, and protection, which is farthest from and facing toward the entryway of the room. It’s even better if you can place the bed diagonally in the farthest corner. Paint the room in colors that promote serenity, relaxation, and romance, such as soft tones of green, blue, and lavender. 
4. The dining room symbolizes the energy and power of family togetherness. Make sure the table is clear and uncluttered during showings. Use an attractive tablecloth to enhance the look of the table while also softening sharp corners.
5. The windows are considered to be the eyes of the home. Getting the windows professionally cleaned will make the home sparkle and ensure that the view will be optimally displayed.

Source: Sell Your Home Faster With Feng Shui, by Holly Ziegler (Dragon Chi Publications, 2001)

For more information on Feng Shui concepts or Augusta Ga real estate contact:

 

Sherri Melton - Realtor

2013 KW Quadruple Gold Sales Award-Over 11 Million in Sales in 2013

Associate Leadership Council Member 2007 - 2014

Accredited Staging Professional - IAHSP Member

Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners

3633 Wheeler Rd., Suite 125

Augusta, GA 30909

Cell/Text 706.495.1135

www.LiveLoveAugusta.com

www.SherriMelton.info

Sherri Melton Evans GA Real Estate Statistics - December 2014

Homes in Evans GA - December 2014

There are currently 381 active homes for sale in Evans GA.

The average listing price for Real Estate in Evans GA during the month of December is $308,522. The median list price in December for single family residential and condo/town home properties in Evans GA is $283,000. If you are interested in homes in Evans Ga, view Evans Ga Homes.

The typical home for sale during the month of December in Evans GA is a 4.27 bedroom, 2.86 bath home built in 2006. 

To break down pricing further we can look at price by bedrooms in Evans GA. During the month of December a 3 bedroom homes average for sale price is $199,448 while a 4 bedroom homes average for sale price is $297,742. The 5 bedroom homes are listing for an average of $345,562. For more listings in Evans Ga, view homes in Evans Ga. 

All market data and statistics are pulled directly from the local MLS data as of December 2014. For more comprehensive Property data, view Evans Ga Market Stats

Evans GA Market Statistics Summary
Total Homes for Sale - 381
Average List Price - $308,522
Median List Price - $283,000

Typical Evans GA Home
4.27 Bedrooms
2.86 Baths
 

Median year Built in 2006

Average Price per Bedroom
3 Bedrooms - $199,448
4 Bedrooms - $297,742
5 Bedrooms - $345,562

 

For more information on homes in Evans, Ga contact:

Sherri Melton - Realtor
2013 KW Quadruple Gold Sales Award-Over 11 Million in Sales in 2013
Associate Leadership Council Member 2007 - 2014
Accredited Staging Professional - IAHSP Member
Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners
3633 Wheeler Rd., Suite 125
Augusta, GA 30909
Cell/Text 706.495.1135
www.LiveLoveAugusta.com
www.SherriMelton.info

Home Buyer Guide

 

 

1. Do your research. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing. For more information on neighborhoods in the Augusta area, view Augusta Ga neighborhoods.
2. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford. To get pre-qualified, view Augusta Ga mortgage lenders.
3. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own. To find a real estate agent, view Augusta Ga Realtor.
4. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.
5. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.
6. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.
7. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment. To get in touch with a Realtor, view Augusta Ga, Realtor.

For more information on buying a home contact:

 

Sherri Melton - Realtor

2013 KW Quadruple Gold Sales Award-Over 11 Million in Sales in 2013

Associate Leadership Council Member 2007 - 2014

Accredited Staging Professional - IAHSP Member

Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners

3633 Wheeler Rd., Suite 125

Augusta, GA 30909

Cell/Text 706.495.1135

www.LiveLoveAugusta.com

www.SherriMelton.info

What To Look For When Buying an Older Home

When the conditions are right, an older home can be a great way to go. If you want to know what homes are available in the Augusta, Ga area, view Augusta Ga Homes. Older homes offer the opportunity for the buyer to pay less upfront and then remodel it the way they want and then sell it for a profit or keep it as there home. There can be hidden dangers that can throw you into a money pit. Don't let this happen to you. Here are five things to watch out for to protect yourself when buying a older home.

Watch out for:

- Lead Paint - Homes built before 1978 could contain lead paint which can be a health hazard if it chips, flakes off or is chalky, most of which will happen during a remodel. By law, sellers are only required to disclose the presence of lead paint if it was specifically tested for which the law doesn't require. Be sure to request testing as a stipulation of the sale. A professional real estate agent will be able to determine if you need new paint. To contact a professional real estate agent in the Augusta area, view Augusta Ga Realtor.

- Asbestos - If you are interested in a house built prior to 1981, it is a good idea to request asbestos testing as a contingency of the sale. Asbestos is a cancer-causing substance that is commonly found in older popcorn ceilings, vinyl tiles, appliance components and insulation. Sometimes even when a popcorn ceiling has been scraped there could be left behind asbestos dust in the vents, be careful.

- Mold - A musty smell can be an indicator of mold. Be on the look out for any evidence of water damage which is a precursor to mold. Telltale sales include wall stains and swollen baseboards but also check for signs that damage has been covered up such as flooring  or walls that don't match the rest of the room. Be sure to be especially attentive to basements, crawl spaces and around water fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms.

- Structural Issues -  It is important that the house has sound structural integrity. A sagging roof or uneven floors would be a sign of structural problems which will be expensive and costly to fix. Make sure the electrical box is not messy which could indicate a problem with the wiring. It is also important that the home be properly ventilated. Poorly ventilated homes can make residents ill and will be costly to remedy. To contact a real estate professional view Augusta Ga Realtor.

- Planning Requirements - Verify any safety standards or building codes before you buy the house. For example, the water department might not allow you to add a bathroom or adding square footage could mean more requirements to meet safe to codes that exceed your budget.

For more questions or comments contact:

 

Sherri Melton - Realtor

2013 KW Quadruple Gold Sales Award-Over 11 Million in Sales in 2013

Associate Leadership Council Member 2007 - 2014

Accredited Staging Professional - IAHSP Member

Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners

3633 Wheeler Rd., Suite 125

Augusta, GA 30909

Cell/Text 706.495.1135

www.LiveLoveAugusta.com

www.SherriMelton.info