**HOME OWNERSHIP MATTERS**

from {here}

While reading through the latest issue of REALTOR Magazine, I stumbled on an intriguing article entitled "Home Ownership & The American Dream". It seems that Americans are finding it less important to actually own their home, they do not see the value. However, when polled 96% of respondents felt that owning a home was a better financial decision than renting. This year, NAR (The National Association of REALTORS) has launched a campaign to remind Americans of the value in home ownership, and it's direct relation to the values and principles our country was built on. The best part of the article to me was a quote from Martha Stewart. She began by quoting Samuel Johnson, and then added her thoughts. :

"To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition. Our families and our homes are the center of American life. And everything we do is to make those homes--and the lives in them--more beautiful, more comfortable, more functional, and more full of life and light and joy for those we love. At the end of the day, that is the American Dream. All the rest is window dressing."

Thank you, Martha, for your beautiful words! THAT makes sense. 

The entire article can be found {here}.

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Cute, Cozy Home in Valdosta, GA

It's a breath of fresh air when you enter this lovely home in Valdosta, Ga. Located just off of I-75 in a Lowndes County neighborhood, it's quaintness makes it perfect.

Don't you just love the traditional feel with the classic, inviting red front door saying "Welcome, Come on in."?!

Beautifully designed and custom built, this home is more than you'd expect! It's all about style and class. Check out the great room with hardwood floors that flows nicely into the kitchen and breakfast area.

The kitchen is nice with lots of windows to let the light shine in, and cabinets for storage space.

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath jewel is waiting for you! Upgraded and already fenced, don't wait too long!

Take a look at this great back porch and well kept back yard!

Priced at only $129,000, she's ready to see what you'll experience in this beautiful home!

Click here to see a Narrated e-Tour!

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Ok, I'm not crazy. I promise to come at you live and in person ASAP. Technical difficulties are preventing progress now, but soon, it'll be my face on your screen! :)

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Monthly Market Report: September 2010

It's that time again! I've got the numbers for September, and I'm ready to...report.

In September 2010, Lowndes County saw just over at 18% decrease in combined dollar amount of units sold compared to that of August 2010. However, when compared to September 2009, the area saw about a 1% decrease of the same. In September 2010, only ONE unit less was sold in Lowndes County when compared to September 2009.

While we did see a decrease in number, 1% ain't too shabby. (if you'll allow my Southern expression) We expect a bit of decrease when we move to the cooler months. Folks get busy with homework, football games, PTO, and LIFE, and just find themselves a little too busy to worry about purchasing their next home. A large decrease between August and September is pretty regular and expected. The "Summer Selling Season" has officially ended, and the itch seems to subside for many people.

In Lowndes County last month, agents listed 5% more homes this year than last, but again, it's nothing to get your feathers ruffled over.

Now is the time to invest in real estate, now is the time to buy! House payments are cheaper than rent, and they make you money in the long run!

...Oh, and FYI: Lowest interest rate I've seen came to me this week:

                                    2.375%!

 Yes, that's right. Seriously, it's almost free!

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The First Step in Buying a Home

Are you or someone you know thinking of buying a home?? Well, let's get right down to it and make sure you know what comes FIRST when looking into the process.

(here)

After the preliminary personal finances are worked out and you have come to the conclusion that this is the best decision for you, then comes the important part!

Before looking at homes, before deciding on a Realtor, before walking up and peering in someone's window...Go talk to a Mortgage Lender! This is so important to get done very early on in the process of purchasing a home. Many Realtors require that you have a Pre-Approval Letter available for them before they begin showing you property. While this may seem a bit annoying, think of it from our perspective. We could spend days, weeks, or months showing you properties all over creation, and then come to find out something is not quite right with your credit and you can't purchase a home for 6 months!! That is a lot of wasted time for the agent, for you as the buyer looking at homes that probably won't be available in 6 months, and for the sellers who had to get their home ready and get out so that you could view it.

When you sit down with the mortgage lender, they will be able to tell you how much of a home you can afford. They'll be able to break down monthly payments for you based on different price levels to make sure you feel comfortable with the price range that you are in. You may be able to afford a $250,000 home, but wouldn't want to spend that much on a monthly payment. So, it's best to lay it out and get a few details before looking at homes that you really would rather not purchase.

Once you have had the appropriate discussions with the lender, get a copy of the Pre-Approval Letter and find the Realtor that you would like to work with! Then, it's time to find the home of your dreams!

Just remember, First Things First: Talk to at least one Mortgage Lender BEFORE looking at homes! It makes the process easier for everyone involved and ensures you a much better experience!

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