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1st Time Home Buyer ATL

Milla Murad | Realtor® | Real Estate | Atlanta | Georgia

  • About
    • Testimonials
    • Write a Testimonial
  • Buy
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    • HomeBuyerGuides
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    • Whats Your Home Worth?
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TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT NEIGHBORHOOD

Have you checked out the neighborhood?

TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT NEIGHBORHOOD - 1st Time Homebuyer ATL

You wouldn’t pick out shoes before choosing an outfit, right? Or buy car accessories without first deciding if you want a truck or a sedan?

Well, house hunting should be treated the same way.

You shouldn’t search for a dream home without vetting neighborhoods or experiencing the new area for yourself. 

If the area doesn’t meet your needs, the property may not provide a dream scenario. So how do you make sure you’ve found the right neighborhood? Keep these details in mind:

Cost of Living
Are the property taxes and HOA fees trending upward? Are there mostly trendy boutiques and high-end businesses in the area, or does it have a good mix of local and national retailers?

Planned commercial development could affect the long-term affordability of the area. However, having more access to retailers and entertainment could enhance your lifestyle.

Commutes and Social Life
How close do you want to be to the friends and family you visit the most? How far are you willing to drive to get to the restaurants, theaters or stores that you frequent?

It’s understandable to prioritize your work commute, but keep in mind the other places you visit on a daily or weekly basis.

Long-Term Goals
How does the community fit into your future goals? Are there good schools, parks or sports leagues for your family?

A thriving community adds to your quality of life. And it’s a good sign for future home values.

Want to try before you buy? Where possible, consider renting a unit in the area for a few days through a short-term rental site. Experiencing the neighborhood like a resident can help you to decide if it fits your current and future needs.

Are you looking for a new home? Get in touch if you’d like to see a neighborhood report.

Posted in: Blog, Real Estate Tagged: Cost of Living, dream home, HOA fees, neighborhood, Planned commercial development, property taxes

Identifying if a fixer-upper is cost efficient

TV shows make finding a profitable fixer-upper seem easy. But in the real world, there are real challenges and decisions to be made.  

Identifying if a fixer upper is cost efficient - 1st Time Homebuyer Atlanta

Whether you’re buying an investment property or a starter home for your family, there are dozens of factors to consider. How much will it cost to renovate? Are home values rising or falling in the neighborhood? How in-demand is the area? 

Want to make sure your purchase isn’t a money pit? Ask yourself these four questions:

1. Does it have good bones?

We want to avoid expensive repairs that would eat into your bottom line. It’s vital to have structural elements like the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical and HVAC system inspected. 

2. Is the price comparable to the area? 

The property may come at a fixer-upper price, but how does it compare to others in the area? Let’s also take a look at new developments or zoning laws that could influence future home values.

3. Does it need special inspections?

Fixer-uppers need to go beyond standard inspections. Things like sewer lines, septic systems and pools age with the property, so it’s important to have each evaluated. 

4. What does your contractor think?

Bringing a contractor on board early is essential when creating your renovation budget. We need to estimate the cost of any aesthetic changes or upgrades to avoid overimproving the home.

Remember, it’s not just the sticker price you want to consider when buying a fixer-upper, but the cost of the entire project. 

Do you need help finding the fixer-upper of your dreams?

Together, we can evaluate the purchase price, factor in repair costs and determine the future resale value of the home. 

If you’ve already got your eye on a fixer-upper, or want help finding a contractor in our area, get in touch today.

Posted in: Blog, Real Estate Tagged: contractor, cost efficient, electrical, expensive repair, fixer-upper, foundation, home purchase, HVAC system, inspection, investment, investment property, neighborhood, plumbing, renovate, roof, septic system, sewer lines, structural element, zoning laws

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Real Estate team of a Real Estate Agent, Lender, Attorney, and Insurance Agent to coach you on 1st time home buying process. Seminars held quarterly.
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TESTIMONIALS

Milla made our first time home buying experience easy! Milla's knowledge of the market and her home buying steps simplified the process. Thank you Milla!

Meghan Hall
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FROM OUR BLOG

4 Tips for Decorating a Small Space

4 Tips for Decorating a Small Space

Whether it’s a cramped bedroom or an office nook, many homes have a small room that’s difficult to decorate.  Do you wish you could add more charm without forgoing square footage? Well, just because your space is limited, it doesn’t mean your style has to be.  Make your tiny area more usable and trendy with […]

CONTACT

Milla Murad, Realtor® Village Realty 3423 Piedmont RD NE ATL,GA 30305
O: 404-965-4080
404-268-5565
MillaMurad@gmail.com
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