Why You Should Always Have a Home Inspection

Here’s why you always need an inspection, even for a brand-new home.

If you’re a homebuyer, there’s one piece of advice you need to get in your head now: Don’t skip that home inspection!

The market has been hot. If you’re buying a new home or one that was built in the last few years, you may be tempted to waive the inspection and buy the home as is to win against other buyers.

A home inspection is always important because you need to know exactly what you’re purchasing. Even a brand-new home can have issues. If something needs attention, you want to be aware of it before you move in.

The choice of who makes repairs has changed drastically. These days, we’re adjusting the paperwork monthly to address these changes. If you have an experienced agent who has seen all kinds of different markets, you’ll be better protected.

Never skip a home inspection. If you have questions about inspections or anything else related to real estate, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Why Buyers Want To Be Pre-Qualified

Why should buyers pre-qualify with a local lender?

Today I’ll give the buyers out there some tips on pre-qualification to help get their dream house.

Everybody talks about how getting pre-qualified is the most important thing to do first. These days, it’s even more important that you get pre-qualified by a local lender. They should be a trusted lender that your agent knows will close on time and who won’t treat you like another file in the pile.

The advantage of having a local lender is two-fold. First, you’ll have an in-person contact who can guide you through the process. We know that interest rates won’t stay this low forever, so you’ll want someone who can advise you on refinancing, when to buy your first house, when to turn it into a rental, etc. Secondly, establishing that relationship will save you from suffering delays. If you’re working with somebody local, they’re going to make sure the job is done right.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at 706-481-3800 and check out AnnMariesMcManus.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

How Rising Lumber Costs Are Impacting New Construction

Here’s how the rising cost of lumber has affected new home construction.

Things have been changing in the new home construction market, and these changes are mainly tied to the rising cost of lumber. In fact, lumber costs have risen by 180% since last spring. In previous blogs, I’ve spoken in depth about our low home inventory levels and high buyer demand. Builders are doing their best to continue construction, but the high costs of lumber are making the process more expensive. On average, the cost to build a new home has increased by $25,000.

It’s been important for both buyers and builders in the new construction market to accurately calculate their costs and stay flexible. Buyers must watch out for price increases they’re unprepared for, and construction delays are always possible due to pricey lumber costs and shipments.

We’re continuing to work with buyers and builders to ensure everyone knows what’s happening with new home construction and why. If you’re looking for more information about a particular neighborhood, or you’d like to know how these changes may affect your situation, feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Home?

Here’s what you need to know to buy a home in our current market.

Now is an exciting time to buy a home because interest rates are wonderful. However, there are things to keep in mind because inventory is low. 

At 0:34 in the video above, you can see a diagram of a triangle that illustrates how you need to choose two of the following to prioritize: location, condition, and price. Consider which two of these are most crucial to you. For example, if it’s in the right location and the right price, are you willing to upgrade its condition? Of course, the well-known adage is ‘location, location, location’ but because of the rising prices, there are many areas in Augusta that are great locations to consider. 

If you have any specific questions about locations, schools, or pricing, call me at (706) 481-3800 or email me, and I’ll be delighted to help you!

Don’t Miss the Summerville Tour of Homes!

Interested in buying? Contact us to view all listings

 

Every October in Summerville there is a tour of homes that is put on by the community to show people what kind of homes are available in the area. If you’re not sure where Summerville is, it’s near the intersection of Walton Way and Milledge Road. From there, Summerville extends for about a mile in all directions.

Summerville is a great community with a diverse group of people living there, and when you go on the home tour, you’ll see why.

The real estate market in Summerville varies widely. You’ll find some homes only blocks from one another that are valued at very different prices. Across the neighborhood, homes can range between $80K to $3 million.10.19.2015

With all of this variance in price, you’ll need someone to help you make decisions when you’re buying or selling. Summerville is a unique and diverse real estate market, and it’s going to be different from street to street.

Summerville tour of home dates: October 24th and 25th

MEGA OPEN HOUSE OF HOMES FOR SALE: sponsored by Ann Marie on November 1st from 2:00-5:00pm. Join us to view these special Summerville homes.

To see historic homes throughout the area, you can go to: https://listings.annmariemcmanus.com/i/historic-homes

 

What Should You Look for in a Lake Property?

Interested in buying? Contact us to view all listings

 

Right now is the time of year that you want to be out enjoying the lake, so we’re going to be talking about lakefront properties and what you need to know about them.

Augusta is a great place to be if you like hunting, fishing, or just relaxing outdoors. When deciding on a lakefront property, you should consider your lifestyle and the location that would benefit that the most.

Location is always important in real estate, but when you’re buying a lakefront property, it’s even more important. The next most important thing is the style of the home5.9.amm. Make a list of things that you really want in your home, and divide them between must-haves and then things that you want, but could also live without.

If you’re interested in buying lakefront property here in Augusta, please don’t hesitate to email Ann Marie. She would love to show you around!