Blog
QUESTIONS TO ASK When Considering a Condo or HOA
Condominiums, townhomes, and properties located within a homeowner association offer certain perks, but it’s important to consider them in your decision process. How much storage is available? Some properties include storage lockers, but there may not be attics or basements to hold extra belongings. How’s the outdoor space? Your yard may be smaller than you’d... Read More
QUESTIONS TO ASK About the Neighborhood
Where you live should reflect your lifestyle. These questions will help you find the best community for you. Is it close to my favorite spots? Make a list of activities you engage in and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you’re considering to engage in your... Read More
WORKSHEET Define Your Dream Home
Write in your preferences and rate them: 3 = Vital, 2 = Very Important, 1 = Neutral, 0 = Not important LOCATION PREFERENCES RATE Neighborhood School district Near public transportation Near airport Near expressway Near shopping Great views TYPE Single-family / condo / townhome Minimum / maximum property age Willingness to renovate Architectural style Open... Read More
HOW TO Finance a Home, Creatively
Investigate local, state, and national down payment assistance programs. These programs give qualified applicants loans or grants to cover all or part of your required down payment. National programs include the Nehemiah program, Getdownpayment.com, and the American Dream Down Payment Fund from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Explore seller financing. In some cases,... Read More
9691 Bay Meadows Avenue, Fairhope AL
$258,800 4 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,903 Sqft. View the Tour Looking for charm, open floor plan, wood floors, vaulted ceiling, and a fabulous private yard graced with fruit trees? Easily accessible to Highway 181. This home is just for you. Come see it today! Read More
QUESTIONS TO ASK When Choosing a Lender
Loan terms, rates, and products can vary significantly from one company to the next. When shopping around, these are a few things you should ask about. General questions: What are the most popular mortgages you offer? Why are they so popular? Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable? Do you offer discounts for... Read More
Loans & Lending Terms
Term. Mortgages are generally available at 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms. In general, the longer the term, the lower the monthly payment. However, shorter terms mean you pay less interest over the life of the loan. Fixed vs. adjustable interest rates. A fixed rate allows you to lock in a low interest rate as long... Read More
HOW TO Prepare to Finance a Home
Develop a budget: Use receipts and your banking transaction history to create a budget that reflects your actual habits over the last several months. This approach will better factor in unexpected expenses alongside more predictable costs such as utility bills and groceries. You’ll probably spot ways to save, whether it’s cutting out a Starbucks run... Read More
465 Colony Drive Fairhope AL
$693,500 5 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | 3,059 square feet View the Tour One of the larger homes located in the Battles Trace community. This home features five bedrooms and a huge bonus room upstairs. There is a garage that features 2 separate car spaces as well as a hobby garage for your golf cart.... Read More
505 Artesian Spring Drive, Fairhope AL
$798,500 5 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | 3,419 square feet View the Tour If you are looking for perfection, you have found it. Built-in 2016 and one of the largest houses in The Colony, this 5 bedrooms 4 bathroom home is the former model home for Phase II and is loaded with extra features: rear... Read More