Military Relocation

I specialize in assisting military families from PCS (Permanent Change of Station), NAS Atlanta, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem. I work with mortgage brokers who are experienced with the VA Loan program as well as FHA, down-payment assistance, and many other mortgage programs. From begin to end, I can help make your move a pleasurable experience. Contact me today at 678-350-8522 or Contact@ArleenHannibal.com for assistance with all your military relocation needs.

Georgia First Time Home Buyers

Purchasing your first home is a big deal. Of course it's also a bit frightening. It's in your best interest to have a real estate agent looking out for your top interests, and you'll probably want some expert consultation along the way. I am absolutely qualified in Georgia real estate, and would love to provide my expert support with buying your first house.

Not all REALTORS^® are equally qualified to help you find your first home. My dedication to my clients is what sets me apart. Here are some things you can count on when you use me for your first time home purchase.

• I'll lead you through every turn of your home buying process. From finding the perfect house among all the properties available in Georgia, to advising you on the closing costs involved.

• I'm the local expert, and can help you establish a want list of features you want in your community, school district, and your home.

• I'll walk you through the overwhelming financial basics of buying a house, including the assorted mortgages and home buying plans accessible.

• I will make sure you see all the homes that look like a good fit, and keep a close eye on all of the latest listings.

• Rest assured that I'll do everything in my power to drive out all the stress and strain that goes along with purchasing your first home.

Finding the right home for you in Georgia is my business, and I'm ready to go to work for you.

Didn't find the right home for you here? Call me at 678-350-8522 and I'll send you a list of all the properties in the area that meet your needs.

Before You Look at Your First Home

Experienced home buyers know that one of the first-steps in beginning a successful search for a new house is taking a hard, objective look at finances. Determining how much money you can dedicate to the purchase of your new house affects almost every aspect of buying a new home.

Here are the questions that each home buyer should ask:

How much cash is available for a down payment? The amount you have available for a down payment will affect what types of loans for which you can qualify.
Am I ready to write a check for the earnest money? Earnest money is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property. This amount is often forfeited if the buyer decides to withdraw his offer.
How much additional cash will be available to pay for closing costs? There are certain standard costs associated with closing the sale of a house. These fees are split between the buyer and the seller, as spelled out in the sales contract.
What is the maximum monthly mortgage payment that I can afford? Most lenders will use the 28/36 rule to determine the maximum mortgage payment you can afford.

The 28/36 Rule
No more than 28% of your gross income can be applied to your mortgage, real estate taxes and insurance. And no more than 36% of your gross income can be applied to your mortgage expenses plus your regular debt expenses (car payments, credit cards, other loans, etc.).

Ready to buy a short sale?

When a lender and a homeowner agree to release a mortgage for an amount less than what's owed on the property, it's called a short sale. If you have any questions about real estate in Georgia, contact me.

Can I get a bargain on a short sale?

Sometimes. Many people hear the term "short sale" and routinely think of a seller that is in financial trouble and needing to sell their home promptly to prevent further financial problems. This is occasionally the case and can be an opportunity for a buyer to cash in on another's misfortune. More commonly, a lender may consider a short sale even if the seller is current, but property values have fallen. In these instances the reduced price may in fact be closer to true market values instead of below.

What's involved in buying a short sale?

Always do your research before making any offers. Using an experienced REALTOR^®like myself to help you research a property will help you make informed decisions. We can help find out to whom the property is titled, the amount owed to the lender, and whether or not a foreclosure notice has been filed. Obtaining these facts can help you make a decision about how much to offer.
Get a REALTOR^® with short sale expertise. I can aid you in expediting the transaction and ensure that you're protected. Don't permit inexperience to impede the closing process. Let my experience and knowledge work for you.
Even with an experienced real estate agent and under the best circumstances, buying a short sale property will usually take longer than a typical real estate transaction. Be aware that a majority of short sales will not close in less than 30 days. Remember that you're not only having to get approval from the seller, but the lender must also agree to the sale terms. A lot of the time your offer will be seen by a committee for approval, which will add time - sometimes even 2 to 3 months.
Home protection warranties, buyer credits and allowances, and closing cost concessions are usually not negotiable when buying a short sale. The lender will be selling the property as seen which means the lender won't be paying for repairs. Be sure you reserve the right to perform inspections for pests, HVAC, electrical, and other critical areas. when I write an offer, I am looking out for your interests above all else and will always recommend that you make your offer contingent upon the inspection results.

When you're ready to buy, whether it be a short sale or a typical home sale, I can help you. Apply my experience and knowledge of real estate to be confident that you're getting a fair deal and remain protected during the complete process.

Register for my website and let’s start working together.
Remember, whether you are BUYING or SELLING...my specialty is YOU!