Friday, June 18, 2010

Learn All About Georgia First Time Home Buyer Grants And How To Get Them

By Tom Brennand

The mortgage crisis has prompted state and federal agencies to increase their assistance to those who are interested in home ownership. Many individuals desiring to purchase their first home have difficulty with the down payments, which are usually several thousand dollars. But ,special grants are now available to help individuals and families purchase their first home. In this article, you will find out all about Georgia first time home buyer grants.

The state of Georgia was severely affected by the mortgage crisis. As a result, thousands of foreclosed properties are currently on the market. Local and state agencies in Georgia are offering grants to first time home buyers, in an effort to stabilize communities.

The amount of the average grant for Georgia home buyers is two thousand to about ten thousand dollars. Grants may be applied to settlement closing costs. They can also be applied to down payment.

For neighborhood revitalization projects, money is also available. For those who are interested in revitalizing neighborhoods, special grants are being offered. Up to fifty thousand dollars in funding is available for renovation projects that require considerable work.

Grants in Georgia are being offered through several agencies. Organizations on the state, county and federal levels have grant programs. You can get a list of these agencies online. Simply do a search for Georgia first time home buyer grants, and you will find what you need on this topic.

Eligibility requirements for a first time home buyer grants are simple. Two factors are considered in the approval process, your credit and your income. If your credit is not perfect, you can still receive a grant, but you will most likely be required to clean up your credit during the process. In order to qualify for a grant, an applicant must have enough income to afford a mortgage payment.

If you want to request a grant, you will need to submit an application in order to be considered. Some people complete applications on their own. But if you want some help, consider investing in a grant kit that will assist you with the process. Grant keys for home buyers can be purchased online, and they are pretty cheap. If you have some cash available, you may find that purchasing one of the kits helpful.

Now is the best time to buy your first property. Home mortgage rates are extremely low. Low rates can literally save you hundreds of dollars on your mortgage every month. Also, you can get a great deal on a house right now, while homes are cheap. Foreclosed real estate is especially inexpensive. They may need a bit of work, but you can really save on foreclosures. So, doing a little work for the cost savings is probably worth it.

You have now learned all about Georgia first time home buyer grants. For those that want to buy your first home, now is the time to apply for a grant. Grants do not have to be paid back. Eventually, interest rates will go up, and the real estate market will improve. When that happens, the opportunities now available for first time home buyers will most likely come to an end. If you do not act now, you may miss out on this opportunity.

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Thursday, June 17, 2010

Chances Possible With Georgia Foreclosures

By Bill Williams

When searching for a place to live the State of Georgia is an excellent choice. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean one has the opportunity to enjoy its beaches and ocean fishing. In addition, the inland streams offer fishing while the mountains offer winter sports in winter with camping and hiking in the summer. As with the rest of the United States, there have been Georgia foreclosures on various properties.

The opportunity to obtain a home of one's own, while staying within a limited budget, does not happen every day. Today's economic climate has made this opportunity available. Being a homeowner brings satisfaction like none other a person can attain in his or her lifetime. This chance cannot last forever and should be taken advantage of while it is available.

The many counties have attractions that are different. When deciding to purchase a foreclosed home it is always wise to check around and see which area would be more suited to one's personal tastes. There are so many opportunities available it is sometimes difficult to determine which one is best. If interested in sports there is the beach, mountains and speedway. If interested in the arts there are museums. These are just a few of what is possible.

People seeking a higher education might be interested in Atlanta where the University of Georgia is located. Many degrees are offered as well as the possibility of partaking in a research program. Several other interesting colleges can be found including one in Athens.

Many different types of homes are available on the foreclosure market. They can include, but are not limited to, every size of house, including mansions, apartments, condominiums as well as specially styled homes such as a Victorian. It is possible to find almost any type to fit one's personal tastes. As with the purchase of any home, care should be taken to note any possible repairs that need to be made. On occasion the seller will be willing to absorb these costs.

Georgia has many well-known businesses within its borders. These include famous national and international companies. In addition, it has large port activities, farming, manufacturing and other activities. This provides an active avenue for one to join in the main stream of whatever area they are interested in and is especially interesting to an active business executive.

The state has interests for everyone with its museums, vineyards, speedway and other attractions. In addition, places such as President Roosevelt's vacation home, various parks, lakes, and annual events make anyone's free time a pleasure to explore these areas. One can never be bored when a resident of this most interesting part of the United States.

Opportunities such as those available in Georgia foreclosures are a chance to own one's own home, of the type and in a desired location. By consulting a real estate agent they will be able to match a person with a home within their budget. Investigating the various areas of the state and choosing on that suits a person's desires is always the first step in making such a purchase.

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Sunday, June 13, 2010

State Of Georgia Foreclosures Opportunities For First-Time Buyers

By Peter Gibbins

What comes to mind when you think of Georgia? I think of a tall glass of sweet tea, a soft southern lilt, fuzzy peaches, and pecan pie. Georgia has several theme parks and great entertainment, but also has one of the highest rates of foreclosure in the country. Despite the beautiful scenery and southern hospitality, Georgia foreclosures are rising at an alarming rate.

The demand for homes in Georgia may have dampened the spirits of many willing buyers, due to an inaccessible property rates. But, with the advent and rise in foreclosures, today less affluent buyers can also find their dream homes, in this charming southern climate with golf courses, and ocean-side attractions.

There is a bounty of opportunity for house-hunters on the look-out for family homes at attainable prices or investment properties that will help them build their now possible real-estate empire.

These listings present a substantial amount of savings to a home buyer. This means a larger savings for those that know how to research and find deals up to half off of these homes. There are also a wide range of different types of homes available as well. The internet will yield lots of information on how to best find what you're looking for.

Purchasing these homes often comes with a slight hitch. The options are often dependent upon what has caused the hold to the title on the property. If the government holds the title then you may have to purchase the home through a bidding process, which may actually drive the price of the home up.

If you are looking at a property that is held by a bank, then you would have the chance to purchase the home directly through them. There are other foreclosures that you could purchase through an auction house as well.

A good source of information on foreclosed properties is the Foreclosure Data Bank. This sight is tailored to different states and customer needs and lists all the information about a house that a prospective buyer would want to know. This includes information on what process you would need to follow in order to purchase the property.

It's important to note that this market will not stay the same for long, of course. The foreclosures in Georgia have now taken center stage among home buyers. The more homes that are purchased after foreclosure will make the demand even higher, driving prices up. So if you're looking to buy inexpensively, the time is now.

In closing, if you are hunting far and wide for your dream home, look no further than Georgia. Georgia foreclosures will not be available forever and who would want to miss out on such a beautiful state? Remember to do your research and find the property that reflects you and your family the closest. Comparison shop and remember that the early bird gets the worm.

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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Acquiring Marvelous Georgia Foreclosures

By Victor Marsilio

Georgia is located where the Eastern United States borders the Atlantic Ocean. Admitted to the union as the fourth state on January 2, 1788, it was named in honor of King George II of England. The climate is rather warm in summer but is mild most of the year. It has abundant rainfall which makes the state's foliage outstanding. Mountain snow in the winter allows for winter sports. Like the rest of the United States, there have been a large number of Georgia foreclosures on properties.

Many people are attracted to Georgia for different reasons. For those seeking a good education Atlanta offers Georgia State University. This school has 52 undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are dedicated to providing each student who attends the opportunity to fulfill their goals and objectives. The research program is extensive and known throughout the world.

The state is bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic Ocean providing a limitless amount of fun and activities for individuals who may enjoy a vacation site in the area. Whether swimming, camping, enjoying winter sports, fishing, or hiking or participating in other recreational activities, a person can enjoy an active and comfortable lifestyle in an area that has been the fodder for many novels and movies.

People who enjoy fishing and seafood will find many opportunities to enjoy the local and regional fishing holes and close deep sea fishing that is available. There are many popular species of fresh fish to be found in the local lakes and rivers. Ocean fish are available and ocean fishing boats are available for hire. Well known seafood from this area is shipped all over the country. The many recreation and sporting activities available make this an ideal state for individuals who enjoy the out of doors and sporting activities.

There are many foreclosed homes available in Georgia. They include small home, condominiums, large homes, mansions and practically any kind that a person is looking for. These range in price from very, very low to the more expensive. However, in any case they are a bargain that may not be available too much longer.

It is interesting that Georgia is such a diverse state. There are many 500 and 26 Fortune 1000 companies located there as well as headquarters of many famous American Companies. Forty three international facilities of other countries are also headquartered there. This gives a resident access for the latest news on the financial front.

How many times have you heard someone say they would never be able to own a home of their own because of the prices? This dream is now within reach with the many foreclosures on the market. Priced to fit any budget now is the one chance in a lifetime to make a dream come true.

The Georgia foreclosures market offers a once in a lifetime chance to obtain a lovely home at a price within many people's budget. A good real estate person will be able to match a person's desire and budget to a home on the market. This is a opportunity that probably will not come again in this lifetime.

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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Georgia Foreclosures: Alternatives For Those In Default

By Jack Bennington

An increasing number of homeowners in the state of Georgia are losing their homes due to default on the mortgage loans. The number of Georgia foreclosures like those of the entire country are significantly larger than ever before. For homeowners who are in a position of losing a home, the emotional and financial toll is huge. The homeowner may be facing other economic problems due to loss of employment, illness or escalating costs of living.

When Defaults Occur

There can be many reasons why borrowers are having financial difficulties and are unable to make full payment on the mortgage balance. The initial loan may have been poorly structured. The purchase price of the property and the amount borrowed may have been unrealistically high so that the borrower would not be able to make regular payments without giving up other necessities of life, including food, clothing and transportation.

The United States is in a recession. Some areas have been hit harder than others. Georgia homeowners may be suffering from cuts in wages or hours. They may be laid from the job or their employer may have closed the doors. Under these circumstances, financially stressed homeowners may be frozen by fear and unable to make the decision to act to at least identify their options.

What Happens in Foreclosure?

Georgia law allows for either a judicial foreclosure or a non-judicial foreclosures. The non-judicial form is more common, but it also requires to be specifically allowable under the mortgage contract terms or the deed of trust. When the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender must file a preliminary notice of the circumstances as a form of warning to pay or else. The notice includes the amount of default, the property address and the name of the lender.

The borrowers are notified that there is a period of thirty days in which the default of payments can be corrected. Some mortgages are written so that if there is a default on payment, the entire mortgage loan becomes due and payable--not just the past due amount. In the event of non-payment of the default, the foreclosure process begins with publication of foreclosure sale notices. Four weekly notices must appear in a local newspaper prior to the sale, that happens on the first Tuesday of each month at the county courthouse.

Options for the Borrower

The first choice that can be made by the borrower is to correct the default and take the property out of pre-foreclosure. Another choice is to sell the subject property during the thirty day period and find other housing. The final choice is to allow the foreclosure process to play out. Some recent government help has been made available that may affect options open to the borrower. The borrower is responsible for identifying and using such options.

In some financial situations, borrowers under the threat of Georgia foreclosure might be better off to sell the distressed property. This will relieve the borrower of the loan that was too high or poorly structured. The borrower may be able to retain enough equity to allow for obtaining a home with more manageable loan amount and payment terms. With Georgia foreclosures, the worst action that can be done is to do nothing. It's important to educate oneself about choices and to set up an action plan.

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Monday, May 31, 2010

Is It Possible To Save Your Money With Georgia Foreclosures?

By Barry Johnson

If you dream of saving money by purchasing a home on the courthouse steps in a foreclosure auction, that dream may become your worst nightmare. There are plenty of good deals to be found in Georgia Foreclosures, however the risks that are associated with purchasing a home at the sheriff's sale are too great for most persons wanting to buy a home.

When you purchase the property at the auction, there is no chance for inspection of the home. Properties are sold sight unseen. From the legal notice, you may have had an opportunity to view the property, but you will not be able to go into the home or have the normal inspections that go with a home purchase.

One thing does protect most buyers from rushing out to an auction for the property is that properties bought at a foreclosure auction must be paid for with cash or other certified funds. There is no chance of financing the home at the purchase.

Properties that are bought at auction will not have title insurance. This insurance is necessary to protect you from claims against the property that have been recorded at the county recording office. Such claims may include easements, liens, second or even third mortgages against the property. If such claims exist against your new property, they will need to be settled before you can sell the property or obtain a mortgage on it.

There are some good ways to purchase property that has been foreclosed. If you can catch the property in the pre-foreclosure sale, you may get the best bargain, but there are also bargains to be found through bank owned properties.

The best bargains in the pre-foreclosure market are when the homeowner owes less than the current market value of the home. This allows him to sell a home where he has been sent a notice of default before final foreclosure takes place. Homeowners owing less than the market value can use the money you pay for the home to pay off the mortgage and may be able to regain a part of the equity they have in the home. In addition, they save a foreclosure going on their credit record. You are dealing with the property owner and are able to have all the protection of a normal sale of the property.

There are times that housing values drop leaving the owner owing more than the current value of the home. Sometimes a bank will approve a short sale where the property is sold at a price below the value of the loan in order to prevent foreclosure. It should be noted that short sales must have bank approval before they can be completed.

If a home is foreclosed but does not sell at the sheriff's sale, the bank will take possession of the home and list it for sale. Due to the expense of foreclosure, the bank will want to sell the home for near market value. However, if there are several homes that are owned by the bank, they want to get them sold so that their money is freed up once again. Often in this type of market condition, the bank will accept less than market value and save you some money on the purchase of your home.

There are many bargains to be found in Georgia foreclosures. The best place to find those bargains may not be at the courthouse steps for most buyers.

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Saturday, May 29, 2010

Details About How Georgia Foreclosures Are Processed

By Paul Brennan

Like most of the other states, Georgia foreclosures continue to force people out of their homes. If you want to fight a foreclosure and keep your house, it is important to know how foreclosure laws work in your state. Below is a description of the process in Georgia and what you can do to stop foreclosure proceedings on your home.

There are two types of Georgia foreclosures, judicial and non-judicial. Judicial is when the lender takes the homeowner to court to repossess the house. This is usually happens when there is no non-judicial clause on the loan contract or there are problems with the title of the house.

The most common type of foreclosure in Georgia is non-judicial. This is because it allows the banks to avoid court proceedings that might draw out the process. Georgia law does not require banks to let the homeowner know that the house is being put up for sale. However, the mortgage or deed of trust company usually will require them to do that before they do anything with the title of the house.

When the bank must go through the court, they file a petition that lists the default amount owed, the status of the loan and a description of the property. The homeowner then has thirty days to pay what is owed. If at the end of that time period the house is still in arrears then it will be sold.

Non-judicial foreclosure proceedings are started by the lender when they schedule a date for the house to be sold. Thirty days before the sale is to commence they will send the homeowner a notice. In addition, each week for 4 weeks prior they will publish notice of the sale. At any time, the homeowner can stop the sale by paying what is owed plus fees. If the account is still in arrears then the home is sold the first Tuesday of the month.

When defending against a foreclosure it is best to hire a lawyer who can help. A knowledgeable lawyer will have a number of techniques he can use to prevent the bank from taking your home. An effective tactic is to request that the bank prove their ownership of your bank loan.

This is proving difficult for many banks today because a lot of the loans were bought and sold during the housing crisis and many documents were destroyed or lost. Forcing the bank to prove they own your loan note takes time which you can use to resolve your past due payments.

The most important thing to remember when defending against Georgia foreclosures is to remain in your house. Once you move out of your home getting the home back can be next to impossible. Generally banks do not want your house. This can be tough to believe if you're receiving threatening phone calls from collection agents. Really though they just want the money. Work closely with your lawyer to find a solution that gets both you and the bank what you want. A positive resolution.

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