All Blog Entries by NorthGaLife.com Team

I am a licensed REALTOR and developed the web presence of The NorthGaLife.com Team and The GulfShoresLife.com Team.

I serve as website administrator for both sites and work with the buyer agents on both teams encouraging timely and helpful followup with persons searching for real estate on Lake Lanier in Northeast GA and on the Alabama Gulf Coast. 

The quote I try to share with all of our agents is "People love to buy and hate to be sold. Help people buy and they will love you, try to sell them and they will hate you".  Thanks to Jeffery Gitomer for putting that thought into words! 

There are currently 8 blog entries published by NorthGaLife.com Team.

How will an Increase in Mortgage Rates Affect Me?

Sunday, January 24th, 2010 at 7:37pm. 221 Views, 0 Comments.

To understand the effects of mortgage rates, we have to first understand how they work.  Mortgage rates are based off of Mortgage Backed Securities. 

Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) are basically investments in mortgage loans.  MBS’s represent mortgage bonds and are made up of pools of mortgages.  MBS’s are traded just like stocks and their value fluctuates on a daily basis.  Rates are constantly changing just like stocks.  Throughout a trading day, rates are changing up and down.

In January of 2009 The Federal Reserve announced that they would buy up $500 billion dollars in Mortgage Backed Securities. 

This would drive mortgages rates down, which it did.  Then in March of 2009 The Fed realized that they will need to keep rates low, much longer, so…

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Lake Lanier Real Estate News

Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 7:33am. 234 Views, 0 Comments.

Shore to Shore

Lake Lanier GA and AL Gulf Coast Real Estate News


December, 20, 2009

In this Issue:

The NorthGaLife.com Team World: December activity strong

The GulfShoresLife.com Team World: December activity strong

Special Report: Are you prepared for survival?

Featured Article: Focus on investments you control

Recommended Resources: “Confessions of a Real Estate Mini-Mogul”

The NorthGaLife.com Team world

The NorthGaLife.com Team is seeing more buyer activity.  It seems that the Alabama Gulf Coast vacation market locked up much sooner than the Atlanta metro area and also is coming out of that lockup a little sooner.  More than likely this is the difference in buyer behaviors for primary homes versus vacation / second home buyers. None the…

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Get preapproved for a loan in GA! Why should you get pre-approved for a mortgage?

Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 1:44pm. 274 Views, 1 Comments.

Why should you get pre-approved for a mortgage? 

Get preapproved for a loan in GAGetting a pre-approval letter gives you substantial leverage. 

Sellers immediately see you as a serious buyer.  Not only will you know the exact price range you can afford, you'll be able to negotiate a better deal and move faster when you see a house you like.   You'll need to supply information to verify your income, credit history, debts and assets. Lender’s will then issue a letter stating that your mortgage is pre-approved for a certain dollar amount. This will also make the job of your realtor easier. That way they won't show you homes that are out of your comfort zone.  

Different lenders have different versions of what a pre-approval means. 

Pre-approval can mean as…

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Laurel Springs Subdivision, Suwanee, GA

Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 3:26pm. 392 Views, 0 Comments.

Laurel Springs is a gated community located in Suwanee on 630 acres of rolling hills that was once farmland.  

Laurel Spring's 800 homes are mostly traditional, and are set against a country backdrop with abundant natural beauty combined with immaculate landscaping.  Equidistant from both I-85 and GA400, this community is conveniently located yet still feels like a getaway.  The Fulton county location also affords residents an attractive tax rate.

Winner if the "Best Amenities" nod from the Greater Atlanta Homebuilder's Association, Laurel Springs has no shortage of things to do.  

Homes are priced from the $300s to over $1 million and are on large lots for a community of this type (from 1/2 to 1 acre.)  Laurel Springs has five…

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On the Beach! Santa Cruz, California or Orange Beach, Alabama?

Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 6:08am. 130 Views, 0 Comments.

Life on the Beach!

Beach properties

The Santa Cruz ocean view real estate market is still one of interest for much the same reasons that Orange Beach real estate is.

It is the soothing and calming effect that the ocean has on our souls, especially in these turbulent times. While the Orange Beach ocean view real estate market is quite a bit different from the Santa Cruz or Rio Del Mar ocean view real estate market, they share a commonality of being more affordable than they have been in years.

Affordability of Beach property:

On the Beach in Alabama

While the higher end is still expensive the asking prices have come down and there is more available to choose from. This leads to better discounts for those looking to buy. The better…

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A Primer on Government Mortgage Programs

Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 9:56am. 138 Views, 2 Comments.

A Primer on Government Mortgage Programs

Government mortgage programs are often overlooked by both home buyers and mortgage professionals because of the stigma of having too much red tape. Today this sentiment is fading because other financing options are drying up and home buyers are part of an enevitable "flight to quality." Below is a short primer on each type of the governemts there most popular loan types--USDA, FHA, and VA mortgages.

FHA Loan Program

Federal Housing Administration Loans, commonly called an FHA Mortgage, are geared toward middle income and first time home buyers. FHA loans are made my normal mortgage lenders but given a favorable guarantee from the FHA so the lender gets paid back a portion of the loan amount…

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Lake Lanier Real Estate on the "New" NorthGaLife.com!

Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 4:59pm. 114 Views, 0 Comments.

The NorthGaLife.com Team has just taken their new site live!

Be sure to stop by and check out the specialized searches for:

  • Lake Lanier Homes 

  • GA Luxury Homes

  • GA Specialty Properties

Take a look around and let us know what you think about our new search functionality!

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Looking for Boating Properties? Try Lake Lanier, GA and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL

Saturday, September 26th, 2009 at 2:41pm. 78 Views, 0 Comments.

Looking for Boating Properties?  Try Lake Lanier, GA and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL

I am the tech coordinator for The NorthGaLife.com Team and The GulfShoresLife.com Team.  I'm testing out the new blogging platform and getting it ready to rock!

Please visit our sites to find boating properties and let us know how you like them and how we might improve!

  • Lake Lanier Real Estate

  • Gulf Shores Real Estate

Condos in Orange Beach, Alabama

 

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Recent Blog Posts

Great Deal in Flowery Branch, GA

Check out this great deal in lake community. Home is in Four Seasons on Lanier with community pool. West Hall High school dis... Add Comment Read More

How will an Increase in Mortgage Rates Affect Me?

To understand the effects of mortgage rates, we have to first understand how they work.  Mortgage rates are based off of... Add Comment Read More

Lake Lanier Real Estate News

Shore to Shore Lake Lanier GA and AL Gulf Coast Real Estate NewsDecember, 20, 2009In this Issue:The NorthGaLife.com Team... Add Comment Read More
THIS MONTH IN REAL ESTATE




This Month in Real Estate is a monthly video news series that offers an inside look at the national real estate market. Each edition provides a snapshot of the numbers and trends that drive the real estate market, as well as expert opinion and analysis. For information on your local real estate conditions, please contact your Keller Williams agent.

Our NorthGaLife.com Team:

Ryan Kowalske
Cell: 678-895-6055
Fax: 678-922-7571

Juli Bowman
Phone: 770-503-7070 x413
Cell: 770-519-0323
Fax: 678-922-7571

Whitney Wood
Cell: 404-454-5750
Fax: 678-922-7571

Laura Carter
The NorthGaLife.com Team
Keller Williams Realty
Lanier Partners
631 Dawsonville Highway
Gainesville,Georgia 30501

Visit our sister site - Gulf Shores Condos

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We're always on the lookout for talented real estate agents to join our growing team.

Contact Us

What is going on with the Alabama Gulf Coast Condo Market from Cal Carter on Vimeo.

You really should watch the video above if you are in the market to buy a beach condo!

Gulf Shores Real Estate

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