Summary: First‑Time Home‑Buying Tips From Homelogic                                        (see full article linked below summary)

1. Do your homework
   Define what matters most—budget, neighborhood, school district, must‑have features—before diving into listings.

2. Find the right agent
   Choose a buyer’s agent you trust—someone who listens, understands your needs, and can guide you through the process. 

3. Choose a lender & get pre‑approved
   Interview multiple lenders, understand your loan options, provide income documentation, and secure pre‑approval so you're ready to act fast. 

4. Start house‑hunting
   Use listings and open houses to narrow your choices. Visit with your agent to evaluate each home carefully. 

5. Make an offer & negotiate
   With your agent's help, craft a competitive offer that fits your budget and market conditions. Expect counteroffers and negotiate contingencies. 

6. Home inspection & appraisal
   Hire a qualified inspector to uncover any issues and negotiate repairs if needed. The lender will appraise the home to confirm its value supports the loan. 

7. Close the deal
   Finalize financing, sign the closing documents, pay the remaining costs, and collect the keys—then celebrate!

https://www.houselogic.com/buy/how-to-buy-step-by-step/first-time-home-buying-tips/

Cliff Johnson, Real Estate Agent                                                    

www.stonemountaingeorgiahomes.com

The Georgia Dream Peach Advantage Loan Program further expands access to affordable homeownership opportunities across Georgia. 

 https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/home-ownership/georgia-dream-mortgage-products/peach-advantage-loan-program

Why Buy a Home Despite High Interest Rates?

 Why Buy a Home Despite High Interest Rates?

In a housing market where interest rates are soaring, the prospect of buying a home might seem daunting to many prospective homeowners. However, contrary to common belief, high interest rates don't necessarily translate to a bad time for purchasing property. In fact, this could be the perfect opportunity to buy your dream home. These are 3 compelling reasons why now might just be the right time to make that investment:

1. Tax Benefits:Homeownership comes with various tax benefits, including deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and even certain home improvements. These deductions can help offset the impact of higher interest rates, making homeownership more financially advantageous in the long run.

2. Less Competition: In a market with high-interest rates, there is less competition among buyers. Many individuals may be deterred by the prospect of higher mortgage payments, leading to fewer bidding wars and potentially lower home prices. This presents an excellent opportunity for buyers to negotiate favorable deals and secure their desired property without facing intense competition from other buyers. Moreover, sellers may be more inclined to negotiate on price or offer other incentives to close the deal in a slower market.

3. Investment in Future Appreciation: Real estate has historically proven to be a solid investment, often appreciating in value over time. Despite high-interest rates, purchasing a home now could still yield substantial returns in the future. As the economy strengthens and demand for housing continues to grow, property values may increase, providing homeowners with significant equity. Additionally, owning a home offers the potential for rental income or the ability to leverage the property for other investments, further enhancing its long-term value.

In conclusion, while high-interest rates may seem like a deterrent to homebuyers, they present unique opportunities for those willing to seize them. By locking in a fixed-rate mortgage, taking advantage of decreased competition, and recognizing the potential for future appreciation, buyers can position themselves for success in the real estate market, even amidst challenging economic conditions.

Cliff Johnson, HomeSmart, (678)495-6050, www.stonemountaingeorgiahomes.com

Downpayment Assistance in Georgia

Downpayment assistance in Georgia  

https://www.workforce-resource.com/dpr/pmt/FMLS/CLIFFORD_JOHNSON

Cliff Johnson, 678-495-6050, Real Estate Agent

www.stonemountaingeorgiahomes.com

Want to sell your home fast?

I can sell your home fast. Call or e-mail me for free information about the value of your home.

Cliff Johnson
Solid Source Realty
(678)495-6050
CliffJ2007@gmail.com



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Buy a Home in Stone Mountain Georgia!

Buy a Home in Stone Mountain Georgia!

www.stonemountaingeorgiahomes.com

Buying a home in Stone Mountain Georgia has its advantages—close to nature, laid back lifestyle, and myriad establishments. The best thing about residing in Stone Mountain is that you get to be surrounded by parks. Your connection to Mother Nature will never be broken. Here are some of the known parks in Stone Mountain:

1. Medlock Park. Situated at 735 Ridge Avenue, Medlock Park has on-site parking, a playground for kids, several basketball courts, tennis courts, restrooms, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a football field. What a perfect place to play the all-American game of football or just watch it as locals participate.

2. Leila Mason Park. Located at 5510 Stillhouse Road, Leila Mason Park is equipped with basketball court, a children’s playground, a ball field, on-site parking, restrooms, and three pavilions with picnic tables. You and your family can spend time here for picnics and playtime.

3. McCurdy Park. This is a park at 5190 West Mountain Street that caters to those who love to play baseball. There are three baseball fields here, plus a children’s playground, on-site parking, restrooms, and two pavilions with picnic tables.

4. V.F.W. Park. At 888 Gordon Street, you will find a park, which is home to the community garden, a ball field, on-site parking, and restrooms. You can walk your dogs or even have good run here if it is near your new home.

5. Stone Mountain Park. This is the centerpiece of Stone Mountain, GA. Living here would give you access to this most-visited place every single day. Here are the main reasons for visiting this beloved park:

a. Watch live shows, dine, and shop at the Crossroads

b. View choreographed pyrotechnics and laser lights at the Lasershow Spectacular at Mountainvision.

c. Marvel at the historical faces carved into the mountain—Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson.

d. Throw a party organized by the professional organizers at Stone Mountain Park

e. Other attractions such as The Great Barn, Scenic Railroad, and Geyser Towers

Imagine enjoying all these parks and attractions just a walking distance or a short drive away from your new home. Buying a home in Stone Mountain Georgia has never been so exciting!



Cliff Johnson, Real Estate Agent

www.stonemountaingeorgiahomes.com

(678)495-6050

Curb Appeal is Important When Selling Real Estate

Curb Appeal is Important When Selling Real Estate First impressions matter most. This is one concept that many homeowners trying to sell their homes and first time property investors trying to sell or rent property fail to understand. Curb appeal is the first impression when it comes to a house. This is the place that you as an investor or seller want those driving buy to think of as home. For this reason you should pay careful attention and spend some degree of time and effort making the outside of the home inviting and appealing to potential buyers or renters. One of the first things that people will notice is crumbling paint and bland or tired and faded colors on the exterior. Vinyl siding is often inviting because it is easily cleaned and reinvigorated. It also happens to be fairly low maintenance, which often appeals to buyers and renters alike. There are those however who will argue that siding detracts from the potential personality of a home. To each his or her own in this as it is a personal decision on behalf of the buyer and the seller. Regardless a clean and crisp paint job or siding makes a much better impression than an apparent state of disrepair. Remember those first impressions are important. If the outside of the home is rather unimpressive potential buyers are quite likely to discover the diamond that is the inside of your home. Another thing you can do to add curb appeal is to plant low maintenance flowers and plants around the exterior of your home. You do not want to invest in plants that require constant care nor do you want to seriously invest in plants that are going to grow out of control and look unwieldy. At least you do not want to plant these around the exterior of your home that is facing the road. Bushes and climbing vines do well in many cases along fences that surround the property however or as a dividing privacy line between your property and neighboring properties. If you live in an area that isn't conducive to green grass you may want to consider some sort of hybrid that can thrive with less water or choose some form of landscaping that doesn't rely on large open patches of grass in order to be beautiful such as landscaping then that is probably a wise idea. The point is to make the house as attractive on the outside as you hope those viewing the property will find the inside. Another thing to keep in mind when making the upgrades is to clean the sidewalks and driveway if it is concrete. It is amazing what a high power pressure washer can do to your sidewalks, driveway, and/or front porch. Don't stop there however; take the time to make sure your doors and windows are clean as well. These little things often make the biggest impression. If you care properly for the exterior of your home and keep it nice and shiny chances are (in the buyer's mind) that you will have taken the same care of the inside of the home that they are quite possibly now considering. Taking the extra time to insure that the outside of your home is attractive to buyers can translate into higher and quicker offers than neglecting the essential real estate between the front door and the curb. Do not overlook this powerful piece of advice and you should enjoy a little more success in your efforts to sell your home or investment property.