Susan Jennings Sells New Construction Home in Cumming Georgia Lake Community

Susan Jennings, of The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta, recently sold the new construction property located on Plainsman Circle in Cumming, Georgia.

The home sits in the community of Settlers Lake. Homes in this community are being built by builder D.R. Horton Homes.  Close to Highway 400 and the North Georgia Outlets, in Forsyth County, Settlers Lake offers fabulous amenities, community activities, top schools and new construction homes!

Settlers Lake homes are sunny with open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, tile back splashes, and stunning hardwood floors.

Homeowners enjoy lake side access and amenities including a clubhouse, swimming pool, playground, basketball courts, and tennis courts.

Children who live in Settlers Lake attend the following schools: Silver City Elementary, North Forsyth Middle, and North Forsyth High School.

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team recently listed and sold the homeowners previous home. That home sold quickly and so in turn the client had to find temporary housing for a few weeks until their new home in Settlers Lake was completed.  The Settlers Lake home has a lake view, five bedrooms, a three car garage and a level lot.  The reasons why Jennings client chose their new home was the sunny open floor plan and generous square footage for the price of the home.  The final selling price of this home was $287,489.  The home features hardwoods throughout the first floor, a chef's kitchen with large walk in pantry, granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances.  The wife's favorite features of the home are the stacked stone fireplaces in both the family room and the master bedroom sitting area. The second floor loft area overlooking the formal living room will be a great place space for their grand children.

Taylor Morrison has announced that they will soon be building in this community. For Settlers Lake Available Homes click HERE.

For more information on buying a new construction home, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta. www.northatlantaluxury.com

Hong Kong Investor Purchases Second Hidden Forest Town Home

Hong Kong Investor Purchases Second Hidden Forest Town Home

Susan Jennings, of The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta, sold the property located on Canary Lane. This town home is located in the sought after Alpharetta, Georgia community of Hidden Forest. This beautiful town home is the former model home.

The four bedroom home sold for $294,00. Jennings states “this is the second investment property that this client has bought from us since August.  He and his wife are from Hong Kong and feel strongly about the potential of the Alpharetta area market.  They are seeking a third property in the area and are so happy with our services that they have shared our contact information with at least two other friends of theirs in Hong Kong that we hope to work with soon. The two previous properties, that we sold in Hidden Forest, both rented within days of closing for more than we originally expected. Both of these properties are under the property management services of OnPoint Residential, an Alpharetta based company, owned by Johann Berenguer.  Johann is well respected in the real estate market and even though he knows dozens of Realtors in the area he chose me as his realtor for the purchase of his own home last summer."

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team have also sold at least two other homes in Hidden Forest which have show significant appreciation in the last year and are owner occupied.  The attraction to the community by so many is that quality of the construction, open floor plans, proximity to exit 11 of GA 400, and customer service provided by Taylor Morrison's sales and building teams.

The gated community of Hidden Forest is located in Fulton County Georgia in the town of Alpharetta. The property offers town homes and single homes with community amenities such as a swimming pool and pet park. An easy drive from Georgia Highway 400, off Morris Road. Children who live in Hidden Forest attend the following schools: Manning Oaks Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School and the sought after Alpharetta High School.

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team http://www.northatlantaluxury.com specializes in the luxury home communities of Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs. The team works with relocation's, international buyers, and first time buyers.

North Atlanta Home Mortgage Process

North Atlanta Home Mortgage Process

You're ready to buy your dream home, your first home or that vacation home, and need assistance. To make that dream come true you may need a mortgage loan. A mortgage loan is used by home buyers to acquire funds to buy real estate.

The North Atlanta Home Mortgage Process in acquiring a loan includes the following

1. Financial pre-qualification or pre-approval - This helps you lock in a rate, know what your home payments will be, while being presented to the home seller in a positive light. Steps include

- application and interview
- buyer provides pertinent documentation, including verification of employment
- credit report is requested
- appraisal scheduled for current home owned, if any

Now your ready to begin your Home Search 

 

2. Underwriting - Your loan package is submitted to the underwriter for approval. This occurs between days 21 or 30.

3. Loan Approval - Once approved you will receive a formal authorization to get the loan from the bank. All parties are notified of approval and the loan documents are completed and sent to the title company.

4. Title Company - A title company becomes involved by examining and insuring title claims for real estate, on behalf of its customers.  A title exam, insurance, and title survey will be conducted. And you (the borrower) come into the loan company for final signatures (or at settlement).

5. Funding occurs when the lender reviews the loan package and funds are transferred

During the North Atlanta Home Mortgage Process, keep in mind "The 10 Commandments When Applying For A Mortgage"

1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self employed, or quit your job.
2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it!).
3. Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.
4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing.
5. Thou shalt not omit debits or liabilities from your loan applications.
6. Thou shalt not buy furniture.
7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.
8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer.
9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts.
10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.

For more information on the North Atlanta Home Mortgage Process, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team - Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta. 5780 Windward Parkway, Suite 100 Alpharetta GA 30005 www.northatlantaluxury.com 678.929.6529

North Atlanta Home Mortgage Process

North Atlanta Mortgage Lender Checklists

North Atlanta Mortgage Lender Checklists

North Atlanta Mortgage Lender Checklists by The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team - Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta.

You have found that perfect home, the one you've dreamed about. Before you begin packing your bags, you may possibly need a mortgage loan to assist in purchasing that home. Below are two check lists to assist you with the mortgage loan process.

What You Need For A Mortgage Loan Application

1. W-2 Forms - or business tax return forms if you are self-employed - for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan.
2. Copies of at least one pay stub for each person signing the loan.
3. Account number for all for your credit card and the amounts for any outstanding balances.
4. Copies of tow to four month of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts.
5. Lender, loan number and amount owed on other installment loans such as student loans and car loans.
6. Addresses where you've lived for the last five to seven years with name of landlord if applicable.
7. Copies of brokerage account statements for tow to four months, as well as a lit of any other major assets of value, such as a boat,  rv, or stocks and/or bonds not held in a brokerage account.
8. Copies of your most recent 401K or other retirement account statement.
9. Documentation to verify additional income, such as child support or a pension.
10. Copies of personal tax forms for the last tow to three years.

Questions To Ask Your Mortgage Lender

1. What are the most popular mortgages you offer? Why are they so popular?
2. Which type of mortgage plan do you think would be best for me? Why?
3. Are your rates, ters fees, and closing costs negotiable?
4. Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so who much wiill it cost and how long will it be required?
5. Who will service the loan - your bank or another company?
6. What escrow requirements do you have?
7. How long will this loan be in a lock-in period? Will I be able to obtain a lower rate if it drops during this period?
8. How long will the loan approval process take?
9. How long will it take to close the loan?
10. Are there any charges or penalties for prepaying the loan?

For more information on purchasing a home in the North Atlanta area, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team - Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta. 5780 Windward Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30005 www.northatlantaluxury.com 678.929.6529

North Atlanta Mortgage Lender Checklists

The Cumming Acquatic Center & Near By Homes

 The Cumming Acquatic Center & Near By Homes

The Cumming Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-art aquatic facility, in located in the North Cumming area and has two indoor pools for competition and instruction.

 

The Center is home to a USA diving club and 3 year-round USA swim teams. Also several Forsyth County high school swim teams and one high school dive team practice at the facility.

The outdoor leisure pool is a family favorite and opens only during the summer months of May through September. Kids will love the slide, lazy river, and play structure. Parents and adults love the outdoor area complete with four cabanas and three giant umbrellas for shade.

Cumming, Georgia provides a growing business community, mixed with a small town ambiance within thirty minutes to the city of Atlanta. Here, businesses and residents alike, enjoy a friendly community complete with a thriving economy and a school system known for its excellence.

Cumming, Georgia is a part of Forsyth County, a county known to be a very affluent due to its closeness to downtown Atlanta and the commuter appeal for people working in Atlanta.

During the recent suburban expansion and rising housing prices of surrounding counties, a large amount of affluent professionals moved to Forsyth County and specifically Cumming, Georgia.

Cumming, Georgia's nearness to Atlanta and the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with bordering the 37,000 acre Lake Sidney Lanier makes the city a perfect place to live and do business. As the area remains one of the fastest growing communities in the nation, and with a School System that ranks among the highest, it is no wonder people love to live here.

Cumming Georgia Homes For Sale

Cumming Homes For Sale Under $300,000
Cumming Homes For Sale$300,000 - $500,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $500,000 - $800,000
Cumming Homes For Sale  $800,000 - $1Million
Cumming Homes For Sale Over $1Million

For more information on Cumming, Georgia and the great homes NOW available contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team, Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta, 5780 Windward Parkway Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30005 www.northatlantaluxury.com

The Cumming Acquatic Center & Near By Homes

Dacula Holly Glen Home - Open House Saturday February 6th

Dacula Holly Glen Home - Open House Saturday February 6th

This family home ready for you! Come see what it has to offer.

Located at 3377 Holly Glen Drive in the subdivision of Holly Glen provides 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths.  The homes modern kitchen displays granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and double glass doors leading to a backyard deck. The new homeowner will love the stunning hardwood floors that flow throughout the dining room and kitchen. The stone stacked fireplace and built in bookcases draw you into the inviting family room. The Master Suite is relaxing as it includes an oversized tiled shower & jet tub in the bathroom.

Priced at $314,900, the home is close to Gwinnett parks and facilities and a short drive to Old Town Dacula.

TOUR THE HOME BUY CLICKING ON THE PICTURE BELOW:

Dacula: The City of Dacula is well know for its superior educational system. The Gwinnett County Public Schools is considered to be a premier  system producing students that achieve in higher education. Children who live the subdivision of Holly Glen attend the following schools:
Dacula Elementary School, Dacula Middle School, and Dacula High School.

The City of Dacula has a hometown feel with wonderful southern hospitality. This is a great family friendly community with great amenities and shopping. 

Join us SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH 1:00PM-3:00PM - 3377 HOLLY GLEN DRIVE, DACULA, GA 30019.

For a private showing and more details on the home and the surround area Contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta. 5780 Windward Parkway, Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30005 www.northatlantaluxury.com

Popular Town Homes In Alpharetta Georgia

This past month The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team helped to sell a great Townhome in Alpharetta, Georgia.  

The property, located on Canary Lane, is located in the sought after Townhome community of Hidden Forest in Alpharetta, Georgia 30004. This beautiful Townhome is an end unit with an open large kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an island for gourmet meal preparation. Hardwood floors throughout the main level and the family room fireplace draw you into this sun filled home. The master suite is relaxing with a sitting area for reading and a large master bath is complete with a tiled shower and double sinks. The homeowner is thrilled with an upstairs laundry room convenient for keeping everyone’s wardrobes at the ready

The home sold for $274,000 by Susan Jennings of The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta. www.northatlantahomes.com.  Jennings states “the purchaser is an investment buyer from Hong Kong who is ready to continue with the purchase of future investment property in the North Atlanta area. He was thrilled with the community style and location close to many of Alpharetta’s amenities and access to Georgia Highway 400.”

The community of Hidden Forest is located in Fulton County Georgia in the town of Alpharetta. An easy drive from Georgia Highway 400, off Morris Road. Children who live in Hidden Forest attend the following schools: Manning Oaks Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School and the sought after Alpharetta High School.

Gated Hidden Forest amenities include a Homeowners Association, pool and pet park. 

ALPHARETTA GEORGIA TOWNHOMES FOR SALE - $200,000's - click picture below to see what is on the market today! 

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team (www.northatlantaluxury.com) specializes in the luxury home communities of Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs. The team works with relocations, international buyers, and first time buyers.

North Atlanta Mortgage Pre-qualification And Pre-Approval

North Atlanta Mortgage Pre-qualification And Pre-Approval

Many buyers apply for a loan and obtain approval before they find the home they want to buy. Why?

Pre-qualifying will help you in the following ways:
1. Generally, interest rates are locked in for a set period of time.
2. You will know in advance exactly what your payments will be on offers you choose to make.
3. You wont' waste time considering homes you cannot afford.

Pre-approval will help you in the following ways:
1. A seller may choose to make concessions if they know that your financing is secure. You are like a cash buyer, and this may make your offer more competitive.
2. You can select the best loan package without being under pressure.

How Much Home Can You Afford?

There are three key factors to consider:
1. The downpayment
2. Your ability for a mortgage
3. The closing costs associated with your transaction

Down Payment Requirements

Most loans require a down payment of 3.5% to 5.0% depending on the type and terms of the loan. If you are able to come up with a 20% to 25% down payment, you may be eligible to take advantage of special fast track programs and possible elimination mortgage insurance.

Closing Costs

You will be required to pay fees for loan processing and other closing costs. These fees must be paid in full at the final settlement, unless you are able to include them in your financing. Typically, total
 closing costs will range form 2% to 5% of your mortgage loan.

Qualifying for the Mortgage

Most lenders require that your monthly payment range from 25% to 28% of your gross monthly income. Your mortgage payment to the lender includes the following items:
1. the principal on the loan (P)
2. the interest on the loan (I)
3. property taxes (T)
4. homeowners insurance (I)

Your total PITI and all debts (from installments to revolving charge accounts) should range from 33% to 38% of your gross monthly income.

These key factors determine your ability to secure a home loan:
1. credit report
2. assets
3. income
4. property value

For more information on Financing and Mortgages and Relocating to North Atlanta, Georgia click HERE.

Now that your are ready to purchase your North Atlanta home, contact your North Atlanta Luxury real estate team - The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams. 5780 Windward Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta GA 30005 www.northatlantaluxury.com

North Atlanta Mortgage Pre-qualification And Pre-Approval