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Al Maxwell - Real Estate Agent -

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What are considered "Closing Costs" in Georgia

02-22-08
Al Maxwell - Real Estate Agent -

With the new 2008 GAR Contract in force, you need to be aware of what constitutes closing costs.

Of this list, the contract designates that the seller pays some of these and the buyer pays some of these.The list is long and as a seller, if you commit to a sum to contribute to the buyer, understand that any and all of the money can be used for the list below.

Costs considered to be "closing costs.

  1. Georgia Transfer tax
  2. All costs, fees and charges to have the closing attorney search title and prepare:
    1. The Warranty deed
    2. The owner's affidavit
    3. Buyer's Power of Attorney
    4. All promissory notes, deeds to secure debt and other loan documents required by any lender providing financing in the transaction.
  3. Tax services charges
  4. Recording costs
  5. Courier fees
  6. Overnight delivery fees
  7. Document preparation fees
  8. Underwriting fees
  9. Delivery, copying and handling charges
  10. All other costs, fees and charges and amounts to otherwise close this transaction except as they relate to the clearance of title encumbrances and/or defects necessary for Seller to be able to convey good and marketable title to the property.
  11. Survey costs
  12. Appraisals
  13. Insurance (including flood insurance)
  14. Inspections
  15. Termite Treatment and/or repair guarantee
  16. Escrow establishment charges
  17. Loan discount points
  18. Costs to buy down a loan, and other similar costs.
  19. Any expenses resulting from the Seller not being able to attend the closing

So you see, there's a lot...if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me..

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Trade in those gift cards for cash or other stuff!

02-10-08
Al Maxwell - Real Estate Agent -

If you are like many people, you have probably received at least one GIFT CARD in the past year from a friend or relative. They are increasingly more popular and every retailer sells them.

But let's say that you don't realy shop at the retalier on the card. Maybe you would like to get cash for it, or maybe something else. Well now there' a place for this:

SWAP A GIFT!

swapagift.com

You can get cash, Exchange it for Visa, donate to charity or sell it to someone else. Check it out..pretty neat concept!!

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Get some cash for that outdated cell phone

02-09-08
Al Maxwell - Real Estate Agent -

What to do with that old cell phone is always a dilemma. In our household, we seem to store them away in a closet or drawer like one day they'll be worth a lot.

Well, here is a website that buys old phones. It's called:

cellforcash.com

You plug in your phone brand and model and they tell you how much it's worth. I believe that they will also help in the shipping.

Check it out...get rid of the old phone, declutter a little, and make a buck!

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Save on Gas with Mapquest Gas Saver

02-09-08
Al Maxwell - Real Estate Agent -

Since we all spend a lot of money on gas these days, Mapquest has come to the rescue. They now show the different gas prices in your area, and rank them by lowest to highest.

You can plug in your address or zip code, and many of the gas stations will pop up and show you where you can save a penny or two. But hey, a few cents here and there adds up after a a while. Here is an example:

Mapquest Gas Prices

To check your area, go to Mapquest and click the ICON in the upper right hand corner. Hope it helps!

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Be Wary of GUARANTEED HOME SALES

01-24-08
Al Maxwell - Real Estate Agent -

You may have seen the ads..."IF I CAN'T SELL YOUR HOME, I'LL BUY IT!" It sounds like a great offer and certainly worth checking out, right? Well, most ads that sound TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, usually are. This sell line is used to get their foot into the door (and your living room) and then lay out the many strings that are attached to this.

Here's a basic scenario and rules for this program:

1. YOU MUST BUY ONE OF THE AGENTS OTHER LISTINGS: Odds are you probably won't want to buy one of his/her litsings. Most agents carry 3-12 listings. You have to buy one of these homes to qualify.

2. THE "GUARANTEED PRICE" WILL BE PRE-DETERMINED: The "Guaranteed price" may be much lower than what you want for it. You may list it to the general market for $425,000, but the price that is "Guaranteed" may be significantly less. This Guaranteed price will be put in writing.

3. GUARANTEE PROGRAM FEE: Once you agree on a price (above), there will be a FIVE PERCENT GUARANTEED SALE "FEE" which will come off the (low) price that you agreed upon! This nets you 5% less than even the agreed upon price.

4. MAXIMUM ALLOWED PRICE: Many times, they will not take a house priced over $300,000.

As I mentioned, this attrtactive sell line gets them into many homes to lay out the GUARANTEED PLAN. Most home sellers don't go for it, once they see the details, but they go ahead and list under a normal agrement.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

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