The Elegant Augusta Real Estate Blog

Lydia Taylor October 14th, 2008

The news has been bombarded with information on how the economy is falling apart.  With the crumbling economy the news media claims there are no loans out there - even for qualified buyers - to purchase a car, house, or charge anything on your credit card.

Well, I am unable to tell you anything about cars, credit cards, and what in the world the government and Wall Street are doing.  But I can tell you about getting a loan and buying a house.

Local experts support what we here at the Elegant Augusta Real Estate Blog have been saying for a while now.  Last Tuesday night, local news station WJBF Channel 6 held a live local forum speaking with experts in the area… including Patrick G. Blanchard, Vice Chairman of the Board of First Bank of Georgia and Tommy Blanchard, President of Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company.  Mr. Blanchard of First Bank said there were plenty of loans available to purchase a home.  Of course qualifying will be necessary (i.e. have a job and decent credit), but local banks like First Bank, Queensboro, and GB&T still have the same investors and are still working to make sure that you can get a loan on your new home.  Mr. Blanchard of Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Co. is saying that it is a great time to buy.  With extra inventory, historically low interest rates, and stable home values, the Augusta area real estate market is perfect for buyers.

Does this mean that it is a bad time for sellers?  No!  If you get a real estate professional’s help, make sure that the home is as “salable” as possible (looks good, smells good, and is in good repair), and price it right, then selling your home is very possible in our area.

My bailout plan for home buyers:

1.  Turn off the Television, put the remote down, and slowly back away!  With all seriousness, you are hearing from politicians and news broadcasters that have absolutely no expertise in real estate much less real estate in our area.  The broadcasters need and want you to watch and so the more dramatic the better.  Politicians need you to feel good about spending your tax dollars and get you to vote for them again.  So they might not be they best people to listen to for your real estate needs.  With all that being said, each market is distinct and different and the problems that are affecting California and the Midwest are not the same issues that we face here in the CSRA.

2.  Let me get you in touch with one of our fantastic lenders at a local bank.  They will be able to ease your lending fears, give you some great advice on lending programs available, and help you get pre-approved to buy your new home.

3.  Susan MacEwen (my buyer’s agent), or I can help you sift through the hundreds of homes available to find one that fits your needs and budget best.

4.  Once you find the home you desire, we will put together a competitive market analysis to let you know what the home is really worth vs. what the home is listed for.

5.  We will help you put together a comprehensive plan on making a fair (not overpriced) offer to the seller.  And, if you are interested in several homes equally, we can put together a multi-tiered plan together.  Then use that for submitting multiple offers to use that as leverage to get a good deal for you on one home.

6.  Lastly, we will help you through the phases of the home buying process from home inspections to closing day!

My bailout plan for home sellers:

1. You too, please walk away from the television.  You are not doomed to foreclosure and your home value is not tanking overnight.  My own home has increased $17,000 in value in two and a half years.  Your CSRA home likely also has increasing value and we can sell it before you reach the road to foreclosure.

2.  I have unprecedented internet marketing capabilities in the CSRA.  I can contact not only local buyers but buyers across the U.S. and the world!  Finding a buyer usually is not a problem.

3.  I will put together a Competitive Market Analysis to make sure that you are competing fairly in the market.  Proper pricing is fundamental to selling your home.

4.  I will give you tips and suggestions on how to get your home as “salable” as possible.  The goal is to make the property look, smell, and be in the best condition possible.

5.  Give you the best professional service and communication I can.

Life does not stand still and there are tons of reasons why you may be in a position to sell or buy now instead of later.  Do not fear, there are ways to do this without financial ruin.  Real estate is not rocket science, it is about knowing the market and implementing the best techniques to get the job done.  I will be happy to help you with any of your home buying or selling needs.  Please call me at 803-270-5005 or Susan at 706-294-6795.     

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