Emma O'Brien GA Realtor

This is an important step, it’s actually just as important to initially meet with a lender. Pre-approval can save you a lot of time and headaches by eliminating houses outside of your price range, and the disappointment of falling in love with a house only to discover that you don’t qualify for the necessary loan amount.

Do you know how much equity you have in your home? A licensed professional like a realtor can help you determine that value and evaluate whether now is a good time to sell your home. It can be a great financial tool that you can use to help pay for big expenses like a home renovation, high-interest debt consolidation or college expenses. If you need a large amount of cash, you may want to consider borrowing some of the equity you have built up in your home.

A mortgage is a type of loan used to purchase or maintain a home, land, or other types of real estate. The borrower agrees to pay the lender over time, typically in a series of regular payments that are divided into principal and interest. The property then serves as collateral to secure the loan. A borrower must apply for a mortgage through their preferred lender and ensure that they meet several requirements, including minimum credit scores and down payments. Mortgage applications go through an underwriting process before they reach the closing phase. Mortgage types vary based on the needs of the borrower, such as conventional and fixed-rate loans.

When you buy your first home, the list of maintenance can seem overwhelming. Most items on your list only need to be done once or twice a year. Creating a list and how often maintenance is performed can help you to keep track so that you can keep your home running at its best.

Staging is about showcasing a move-in ready home that creates an emotional connection with the buyer. Once engaged, buyers will be more committed and possibly willing to increase their offer, and they may be less likely to change their minds at the last minute or ask for concessions. 82% of buyers' agents said staging helped their clients visualize the property as their home. Sellers should try define each room with a purpose, maximize each space, ensure the home is well lit and neutral, and maintain any outdoor spaces.

Pre-approval shows how much a lender is willing to give. If you start home shopping before finish the pre-approval process, you could get a nasty surprise when you apply for a mortgage and discover you qualify for much less.

Thinking about moving? If you're moving, an expert real estate agent can help you through the process and recommend a relocation specialist in your area. Whether you're selling your current home, buying a new one, or both, I can help!

Before buying a home, you need to wrestle with these two things: your budget and your non-negotiables.⁣

Your budget: Sit down with a reputable bank or mortgage lender to get pre-approved. Plus, a pre-approval letter will strengthen your offers.⁣

Your non-negotiables: These are your “must-haves” in a new home. Need to stay in the same school district? Need a fenced yard for the dog or a guest room for grandma? Keep this list short, but clear. You may need to reference it when the emotions of buying ramp up.⁣

Trying to decide your home style can be overwhelming, figuring out what you’re drawn to versus what works well when trying to achieve a certain vibe in your home. What style do you try to achieve when decorating your home?

What is the 25% rule?

Keep your monthly payment to no more than 25% of your take-home pay. Once you know what affordability looks like, share your boundaries with your real estate agent and develop a plan.

If you are ready to buy, contact me today!

Remodeling and renovating your home can make your home more enjoyable, and— if done right—increase your home’s value along the way. If you are thinking about boosting your home's value, contact me today!

Look up any fees associated with your neighborhood. Examples: HOA Fees, Property Taxes, Gated Community Fees, etc. If you're on the fence or are unsure about whether or not you are qualified to purchase a home, give me a ring; I'd love to help you find out.

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July. If after the holiday weekend you realize you want the freedom of a bigger yard or more home space to entertain, it may be time to find a new home! Give me a call whenever you are ready to take the leap into homeownership

You can still be denied a mortgage even after being pre-approved. Lenders check your credit during pre-approval and again just before closing before giving you the final green light. This means that opening new lines of credit or closing existing lines of credit during this process can lower your credit score and increase your debt-to-income ratio—both key reasons for a lender to deny final approval.

No matter if you are already living in your forever home or you are somewhere along the journey to find it, you should have a space in your home that you can cuddle up with a great book. Where do you go to spend time quiet time in your house, whether to read or just relax?

Are you wondering how to prepare for a home appraisal? If you plan on selling your home or trying to refinance your mortgage, you will need to get your property appraised as part of the process. Here’s a guideline for how that might look!

It's essential to give buyers the opportunity to imagine their own families moving in. Clearing out your personal items and removing any clutter helps greatly with this process. Ready to sell? Contact me today!

Pricing strategy should tower above every other category when it comes to selling quickly because it is far and away the most important factor when selling a home. List with an agent that knows the local market. Contact me today.

Summer is *officially* here which means it is time to make sure you are up to date on your seasonal maintenance. The heat and outside activities can take a toll on your home value. Use this list to keep your home in tip-top shape!

Congratulations to my buyers on the purchase of their first home! In a market saturated with buyers and limited inventory we were able to get the perfect home, UNDER LIST PRICE. I am beyond happy and grateful for the opportunity.

Everyone has their price. If someone knocked on our door today and asked you to name how much you would be willing to sell your home for, what would your response be? How much does that differ from what you paid for it?

If you are in the market to buy a home, it can be extremely helpful to prepare yourself for the process as much as possible. Going into the market with the information you will likely need - your budget, potential costs, and current financial standing - can set you up for success.

🔥 Just Sold! 🔥 Congratulations to my Sellers who listened to everything I suggested before we hit the market. This gorgeous home went under contract in 3 days and closed $50,000 over list price! 🤩
Thinking of selling? I'd love to help!

Emma O'Brien, REALTOR®
470.330.4840.
[email protected]

Homeowners - how long did it take you to find ‘the one?’ Was it the very first house you looked at, or the very last? How many houses did it take for you to choose your dream home?

I am here to help you! If there is anything you are curious about - our current market, what is for sale in your neighborhood, or specifics about buying or selling - today is the day to ask. Share your questions in the comments so you can learn more today!

Do you love crashing into your couch after a long day? Taking a bubble bath in your over-sized tub? Cooking in your kitchen? What is your favorite room in your current house, and why? If you don’t love any of your rooms, share a picture of your dream room!

Whereas some people have clear and compelling reasons for selling their homes or buying a home, others are a little more complicated. If you are considering entering the market but are hesitant, what is holding you back?

One of the most frequently asked questions – How much will it cost to sell my home? Here's the answer: On average, selling your home will cost you around 10% of your home’s sale price. In addition to any market-ready expenses, here are 3 C’s to keep in mind if you're thinking about selling: ⁣Concessions, Commissions, and Capital Gains

While you may be tempted to just tape up samples, you should paint swatches on a wall you intend to change to see how the color and texture appears. This is true for paint swatches for interiors as well as exteriors: You’ll get the best sense of how the color will really look if you paint it directly on the wall.