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

The Cumming, Georgia Fair & Near By Homes

The Cumming, Georgia Fair & Near By Homes

The Cumming, Georgia Fair and Festival, established in 1995, is an 11 day fun filled event. This fall fair is very affordable with free daily attractions, free concerts, discount days and free living history exhibits. The Fair also offers a 1900’s rural town and a Heritage Village with demonstrations of farm machinery such as a cotton gin, corn mill, syrup mill, chicken house, and a cider press. Also, one will find at the Fair an amazing 44,000 square foot covered arena with a permanent seating capacity of 3,051 and expanded seating of 6,000. Held in October,  The Cumming, Georgia Fair and Festival is a family treat! The 2015 Fair is coming this October 8-18th!

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. A part of Forsyth County, Cumming is know to be popular due to its closeness to downtown Atlanta and the commuter appeal for people working in Atlanta. 

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 up to $200,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $201,000 - $300,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $301,000 - $400,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $401,000 - $500,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $501,000 - $600,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $601,000 - $700,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $701,000 - $800,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $801,000 - $900,000
Cumming Homes For Sale - LUXURY 

Do you live in Cumming and considering selling and finding yourself a new Cumming home? But you wonder what your home value is? Fill out the form and find out now!

For more information on Cumming, Georgia and the homes available contact:

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team
Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta
5780 Windward Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30005
www.mevhomes.com
678-929-6529

The Cumming, Georgia Fair & Near By  Homes

Georgia Homes Near Milton High School

Georgia Homes Near Milton High School

Milton High School is one of many high schools in the Fulton County area. The school is located between Birmingham Hwy and Freemanville Road. The current campus opened in 2005 and in 2008 was named a National School of Excellence. To learn about Milton High Schools history click HERE.

Milton, Georgia, established in 2006, estimates its area to be about 23,000 acres. From Great schools to Equestrian Estates, Milton offers convenience to all the major nearby cities of Cumming, Canton, Atlanta, Johns Creek, Alpharetta and more. 

Convenient to the GA 400 and the West side of North Atlanta traveling towards Cobb and Cherokee County as well.

Georgia Homes Near Milton High School

Milton Georgia Homes for Sale up to $200,000
Milton Georgia Homes for Sale $201,000 - $300,000
Milton Georgia Homes for Sale $301,000 - $400,000
Milton Georgia Homes for Sale $401,000 - $500,000
Milton Georgia Homes for Sale $501,000 - $600,000
Milton Georgia Homes for Sale $601,000 - $700,000
Milton Georgia Homes for Sale $701,000 - $800,000
Milton Georgia Homes for Sale $801,000 - $900,000
Milton Georgia Homes for Sale LUXURY

If you live in Milton, Georgia and would like an up-to-date valuation of your Milton Georgia home, click on the image below or:

Get Your Milton Georgia Home Value Now!

Search All Homes For Sale Alpharetta, Ga Homes for Sale Milton Homes for Sale Roswell Homes for Sale Cumming Homes for Sale What is Your Home Worth? Homes Close to Where You Work Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta 678.820.6889 mary@mevhomes.com

Researching North Atlanta Neighborhoods

Researching North Atlanta Neighborhoods

One of the things that frustrates both clients and REALTORS® is that due to Fair Housing laws, we are prohibited from commenting on whether or not a neighborhood is “safe.” The web, however, fills that void nicely with a variety of tools when Researching North Atlanta Neighborhoods. One tool that’s very useful: CrimeReports.com. Just enter an address and the map populates with recent crime data, including police calls and arrests.

Another valuable tool as you narrow the search is the local police department. Just give them a call or check online to get the rundown on crime.

One more useful site as you are getting to know the area is the sex offender registry.

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRIES:
Georgia Sex Offender Registry http://gbi.georgia.gov/georgia-sex-offender-registry



OTHER SITES - Researching North Atlanta Neighborhoods:

Alpharetta Police - http://www.road-police.com/police/Georgia/Alpharetta/property_3131/police.html
Cumming Police - http://cummingpd.net/
Duluth Police - http://www.duluthga.net/departments/police_departments/index.php
Dunwoody Police - http://dunwoodyga.gov/index.php?section=dunwoodypd
Johns Creek Police - http://www.johnscreekga.gov/Services/police.aspx
Milton Police - http://www.cityofmiltonga.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={62F4A19F-4962-4217-B250-C9AA3B138F41}
Roswell Police - http://roswellpolice.com/pd/
Sandy Springs Police - http://sandyspringspolice.org/
Suwanee Police - http://www.suwanee.com/cityhall.policedepartment.php

For additional information on neighborhoods in the North Atlanta area, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty today - 678.929.6529.

Researching North Atlanta Neighborhoods

Welcome to Creekstone Estates Cumming Georgia

Welcome To Creekstone Estates Cumming Georgia

Creekstone Estates Cumming Georgia is a family friendly community with luxurious homes in a variety of sizes and styles.  Creekstone Estates was created in 2001 and presently has a few remaining construction lots available.  The community offers approximately 350 stunning homes on 370 acres. With homes in the $700,000's to $1.5 million+ range, Creekstone Estates offers families an excellent neighborhood to call home.

Residents in Creekstone Estates Cumming Georgia are able to enjoy remarkable amenities to make lifelong memories including an 8,000 square foot Clubhouse, 11 lighted tennis courts with Tennis Pro and Pro Shop, an Activities & Tennis Director, a fresh water lake, Jr. Olympic pool, fitness center, play field, tot lot, and outdoor athletic court.

Creekstone Estates Cumming Georgia is located in Cumming in South Forsyth County, just off GA400 at exit #13. The location is ideal with great shopping ("The Collection") and parks (Sharon Springs Park) close by.  The public South Forsyth County school district is highly rated. South Forsyth High schools was voted by Newsweek in 2012 as one of America's best schools.  

Forsyth County is considered one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.  The county's proximity to Atlanta and its appeal as a commuter area for people working in the Atlanta area is what makes the area popular. High earning professionals increased the average income to a point where Forbes.com named it as the 13th wealthiest county in the United States in terms of median household income for 2008. It is also considered the wealthiest county in the state of Georgia, and one of the wealthiest counties in the nation. 

For more information on Creekstone Estates Cumming Georgia, contact

 The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta.  
678.929.6529
5780 Windward Parkway Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30005


Creekstone Estates Cumming Georgia

Alpharetta Georgia Community of Lake Windward

Alpharetta Georgia Community of Lake Windward

Lake Windward in Alpharetta Georgia is gorgeous! Imagine living in a private lake community with fantastic tennis that produces club level fun and competition. Windward has one of the top golf courses in Georgia along with swimming and diving pools. The community also offers a sports park for basketball, volleyball, softball and more. Windward is set in a 3,400 acre community among rolling, wooded hills in North Fulton County. Conveniently located near Georgia 400 in Alpharetta, Windward is just 15 miles north of I-285 and 26 miles from downtown Atlanta.  Alpharetta Georgia Community of Lake Windward is home to some of the best public and private schools in North Atlanta. 

Windward has homes in over forty neighborhoods, that offer a variety of home styles and prices.  The residential neighborhoods of Windward have been designed to take full advantage of the breathtaking lake and the Golf Club of Georgia.

The Windward Lake Club is a private club, located within Windward on the southwest section of the lake.  The club offers a Tennis Center, Swim Center, Marina and programs designed for all ages and abilities.
The Tennis Center is home to Windward Tennis Academy.  The tennis facility has 20 lighted tennis courts and members participate on over 50 USTA and ALTA league teams that encompass all levels of play.  The tennis staff is among the best in the nation with 10 certified professionals.

The Swim Center includes a 150-foot water slide, zero-depth children's pool, spray park, eight lane lap pool, and diving well. Children ages 5-18 may participate in swim and dive teams that compete in the North Fulton Swim Association meets.

The Marina is for Windward-resident club members and includes 30 land storage racks and 100 docking slips.

The Golf Club of Georgia was established for the enthusiastic golfer or executive who desires to use an elite club for business entertaining. Membership at The Golf Club of Georgia provides an uncompromising golf experience. Members also enjoy award-winning dining, tennis, swimming, and social privileges at their sister club, Horseshoe Bend Country Club, located nearby in Roswell.

The two Arthur Hills-designed courses, Lakeside and Creekside, are distinctly different from each other, offering the golfer enormous architectural, aesthetic and strategic variety. The Lakeside Course, a more traditional modern layout with demanding, firm and fast greens, was honored in 1991 by Golf Digest as "Best New Private Course" in America and annually hosts The United States Collegiate Championship. Creekside, which opened in 1993, is a target-style course reminiscent of the South Carolina Low Country.

Alpharetta Georgia Community of Lake Windward Take a tour of Lake Windward and then contact us to find out all that the community has to offer.

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta
5780 Windward Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
678.929.6529. 

Alpharetta Georgia Community of Lake Windward

Hire a North Atlanta Home Inspector

Hire a North Atlanta Home Inspector

If you are thinking that you might sell your home in the next year, consider this, most buyers will hire a home inspector that will inspect your home for any and all issues. Wiring, foundation, installation, etc. In the case of a Home Inspection, you do not want to be surprised!

When you accept an offer on your home, you want to close the deal with as little hassle as possible. More and more North Atlanta home owners will hire a North Atlanta home inspector and provide a home inspection report to buyers as this can make buyers more ready to make an offer on your home, especially if they are considering other homes that do not have a home inspection. The other benefit for you though is that you can use the home inspection as a 'What do I need to do' guide if you find something major. Please keep in mind that home inspection reports will be detailed and may startle you initially similar to reviewing your results from a physical if the doctor is not present!

If you make the wise investment to hire a North Atlanta home inspector, have me come over after you get it to review it with you and I can give you advice on what is common in our market and what is not. Every market is different, so just because you see something that looks scary on the inspection report, does not necessarily mean you need to fix it. But either way, you can be assured that buyers will get an inspection done and you do not want to be surprised by this when you are trying to get the home sold.

This is based on my real world experience both selling homes for homeowners and helping buyers buy homes. Aside from marketing your home and generating buyer leads for it to the maximum extent in the market, negotiating the highest price possible for you home, we want to get your home sold fast and with the fewest issues as possible. I am in the area constantly with clients, so if you need me to come over for a few minutes to give any real world advice from a buyers perspective just let me know. Using my experience and knowledge now, BEFORE you are ready to sell, will go a long way in getting your more money, faster and easier when you ARE READY to sell.

Hire a North Atlanta Home Inspector

What's Your North Atlanta Home Worth?

Search All Homes For Sale Alpharetta, Ga Homes for Sale Milton Homes for Sale Roswell Homes for Sale Cumming Homes for Sale What is Your Home Worth? Homes Close to Where You Work Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team KWLS 678.820.6889 mary@mevhomes.com

Warm Weather Brings Home Buyers To Atlanta

Warm Weather Brings Home Buyers To Atlanta

According to Penske Truck Rental's 2014 report, Atlanta is the number one moving destination! Warmth and sunshine is one of the many features that attracts people to Atlanta, Georgia. 

Penske’s 2014 top moving destinations list is compiled via analysis of its one-way consumer truck rental reservations made. Penske Truck Rental's top 10 moving destinations for 2014 include:

1. Atlanta
2. Tampa/Sarasota
3. Dallas/Fort Worth
4. Phoenix
5. Orlando
6. Seattle
7. Denver
8. Houston
9. Chicago
10. Las Vegas

Atlanta is one of the primary cities of the South. The city and surrounding suburbs offer Southern charm and hospitality.

There is a lot to explore, including trendy boutiques, theaters, museums and historic parks. From the charming towns of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Cumming to the shores of Lake Lanier, Atlanta has everything for the young graduate to the seasoned business executive to the active family.

Atlanta is also known for it's many Fortune 500 companies including The Home Depot, UPS, The Coca-Cola Company and Delta Airlines. The city and suburbs are a terrific destination for the business traveler or the active vacation family with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the world’s largest airport—along with access to I-75, and I-85.

Location, location, location

Where you buy in the Atlanta area not only affects the home's current and future value, but it also affects your lifestyle. As your real estate agent, The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team with Keller Williams Realty of North Atlanta will be able to conduct a more targeted home search if you outline your preferences in neighborhoods and nearby amenities. Here's a checklist of items you should consider:

* Urban, suburban or rural
* Commute time
* School districts
* Desirable neighborhoods
* Proximity to the airport
* Proximity to restaurants and retail
* Access to major highways and thoroughfares
* Access to public transportation
* Health care facilities
* Parks and recreation
* Length of time you plan to live in the home

To find out more about the area, view available properties, or gain relocation assistance, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty in North Atlanta today! They are located at  5780 Windward Parkway Suite 100 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 678.929.6529

 

 

 

Warm Weather Brings Home Buyers To Atlanta

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team Has Sold a N. Atlanta Home in Only 1 Day as Home Values Have Increased

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team has sold a N. Atlanta home in only one day as home values have increased this spring. 

This property, a 5 bedroom and 4 bath home, took only one day to sell at $516,000.  This home, located at 385 Wilde Green Drive in Roswell, Georgia, produced multiple buyer interest within days of listing.
 
“The North Atlanta Estate Market is improving daily,” says Mary Ellen Vanaken, owner of The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty. “Home prices have increased and we are seeing multiple offers within minutes sometimes of putting a home on the market in North Atlanta.  North Atlanta home values are continuing to increase as home inventory remains low. It is definitely still a sellers market" say Vanaken.

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team is real estate team in Alparetta, Georgia with Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta and is owned by Mary Ellen Vanaken realtor. The  Team specializes in Luxury Real Estate in the North Fulton and Forsyth County areas of Georgia.

When it comes to buying or selling a home in the North Atlanta area, it pays to have the right information so you can make informed real estate decisions for you and your family. The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team website – mevhomes.com- is a valuable resource for local home buyers and sellers. Search homes for sale, featured listings, community resources, and tips to ease your real estate moves. Visit the team online today!

Office: 678.568.2566

Email: mary@mevhomes.com

Website: mevhomes.com