Looking to buy your first home?  There are dozens of creative ways newlyweds and other first time buyers may need to cut back on daily costs and unexpected expenses.  But don’t get caught off guard or feel daunted by the task of saving for a home down payment.  Here are a few easily manageable options for saving.

1. Raise your credit score. – Part of your home loan interest rate will be determined by your credit score.  Lower scores mean higher interest rates.  Know your credit score and pay off any outstanding debts or contact creditors to remove any outdated items that may be tarnishing your good name.  Clean credit is the #1 thing you’ll want to have before you even start saving.
2. Don’t be late!  – The second part of #1, paying bills on time is a simple and responsible step you can take to keep your credit score clean.
3. Get pre-approved. – Visit with your local banker to get a pre-approval quote.  They can analyze your finances with you and determine what size of a loan you may be able to receive.  This will also help you determine how much you will need to come up with for your down payment and that will help you with the next step…
4. Setting your budget. – Use your pre-approval amount as a baseline.  It will also benefit you to investigate available loan programs and then sit down with your banker again to outline your budget, including cutting all possible expenses.
5. Understand what owning vs. renting means. – One of the benefits of renting is that when the pipes burst or the water-heater dies, the landlord is responsible for repairs.  First time homeowners can often underestimate all the additional expenses they will need to prepare to cover.  Don’t under-budget for the unexpected.  Make sure your budget includes a savings account devoted just to extras and repairs, so you don’t risk falling into a financial hole right after you move in.  Getting into a “save, save, save” mindset early on will only offer extra comfort and preparedness when the time comes to buy.

Combine and practice all these strategies and you’ll be well on your way filling your down payment piggy bank.

Seasoned home buyers and first time home buyers have something in common. It may take a while to find your home.

In fact it could take months. According to the 2012 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a report compiled by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the average home buyer spends twelve weeks or almost three months in their home search and considered ten homes.

While that may seem like a short length of time to some, most home buyers are anxious to move the process along. Working with a seasoned, local real estate agent can help you to do just that.

The benefits of using your neighborhood agent as a resource are multiple and many are outlined below.

• A local agent knows neighborhoods.
• A local agent has MLS access, but often has tips on preview properties that are not yet listed.
• A local agent has already toured area homes and can lead to you to the one that best suits you.
• A local agent canvasses community homes and may know of homeowners who are considering selling their home and need a reason, YOU.
• A local agent understands your neighborhood market AND current pricing trends.
• A local agent has a wealth of community resources and contacts.
• A local agent is easy to find and review online, making it easy to ask others about how quickly they found their home and how hard their agent worked to get it.
• A local agent is easy to meet so you can get your questions answered.

Click here to read other tips suggested by the Federal Trade Commission on how to select a real estate professional to represent you and your home needs and then call us.  Our team of local agents can find you new your home.

Looking for Cobb County Homes for Sale? Connie Carlson can show you the best homes for sale in Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Vinings CALL 678.631.1812 or CLICK HERE to email for more info.

Meet Kayla and Brandon.  They just purchased their first home in Marietta, GA.  In this video they share their experience working with Lori Pugh, Buyer Specialist with the Connie Carlson Team.  Druing their home search they ran into some obstacles.  Take a look and see how Lori helped Kayla and Brandon overcome the home buying obstacles of today’s real estate market.

Be prepared to say “Wow” when you see this restored Contemporary home in the esteemed Vinings North Subdivision in the Smyrna/Vinings area outside of Atlanta.

Some of the features of the home include a three-level deck overlooking a professionally terraced and landscaping back yard that is perfect for relaxing with the family – tons of privacy.

The interior is equally impressive.  The great room has a vaulted ceiling, stone wood-burning fireplace, and new track lighting.  A separate dining room is perfect for entertaining.  The kitchen features floor-to-ceiling windows in the breakfast area, vintage cabinetry and stainless appliances.  The terrace level is finished and features hardwood floors, tongue-and-grove wood ceiling with beamed ceiling, entertaining bar, laundry room, and a large bedroom with full bathroom.  Upstairs you will find three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

If you are interested in seeing this Vinings North home before it is too late…Call Connie today at 678-488-9646!

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 4272538 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Move Right Into This 3 bedroom Mableton Ranch Home For Sale – Only $65,000!!!

6012 Ridge Drive, Mableton, GA 30126

6012 Ridge Drive, Mableton, GA Grainger Hills

Before I begin describing the features of this Mableton Ranch Home, lets talk about the investment potential this home offers.  At 100% financing, 5% interest, considering taxes and insurance, your monthly payment would be about $450.   I just did a search on the MLS and 3 bedroom Mableton Ranch homes are renting for about $900+/- a month.  That means a profit of $5400 a year – that is an 8% annual return on a $65,000 investment!!!  This isn’t Rocket Science – easy math – easy money…

And it just keeps getting better because this 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath Mableton Ranch Home is READY TO MOVE IN (and it is Pottery Barn cute)!! This Mableton Ranch home is perfect for a investor-rental home (check out the split-bedroom/roommate plan) or a starter home.

As soon as I entered the front door I noticed the beautiful hardwood floors and the upgraded tile flooring.  One of the former bedrooms was converted into a home office or den so you have this large space and a generously sized living room.

The master bedroom is huge for a home at this price!!! It features wood floors and a separate oversized master bathroom.  On the opposite side of the home are two additional bedrooms (one of which has its own half bath).

The bright and cheery kitchen has been updated with white cabinets and a separate dining area.

What are you waiting for?  This Mableton Ranch Home won’t last long.  Get additional information on 6012 Ridge Drive, Mableton, GA 30126

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 4257040 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.