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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Thursday, May 27, 2010

Ways To Secure A Georgia First Time Home Buyer Grant Fast

By Brad Johnson

There are some state offices that have had a small pamphlet printed where they tell you how to apply for and quicken a Georgia first time home buyer grant. These pamphlets are especially helpful to find your way around the intricate bureaucracy necessary to get a new home grant. They will explain the hows and whens of the process thoroughly.

The first thing to do is to find out where the grants head office is located in your state. The paperwork will be done in the grants office in the town where you live, but the decisions will not be taken there. Visit their office in your town and ask for the specific formats for each document that you have to present. Make a list of every paper you will need and double check so you do not make any mistakes.

The files that are complete and ready to go are put in a separate pile which is processed immediately. These are given priority and the government wheels start to slowly turn. Clerks somewhere else are assigned to work the different cases and your grant is on the move. These people start to verify your documents one by one.

Information is power, the more you know about the process before starting it, the faster you will get it done. Check out your state web site and download any formats and documents you need to complete. Read them over and bring them with you on your visit so you can get any doubts cleared by the clerk.

Questions like do you need an attorney? Do you have to pay something for the process? These are important things you must know so you come prepared next time you come. The list of necessary documents plus the grant solicitation letter format are also vital.

The most important way to push the process on fast is to provide them with all the documentation they need at the same time. These people have to deal with hundreds, maybe thousands of requests every day, if your file is not complete you will be wasting their time. They will take it and pout it somewhere until you come back and then they will let you know that you are missing documents.

At least a couple of weeks will go by before you come back, time is lost, your incomplete file may be lost I between hundreds of other files. The process will not start until your file is complete so there is no sense in bringing the documents in by lots. Bring everything in one batch and ask the clerk to look them over to see if something is missing.

It is very important that you accelerate the process. Finding out what areas of the city, you and your family qualify for is one way of doing it. Bringing in all the paperwork at the same time is another way to gain time. Information is your best friend when dealing with government procedures. The more you know the faster you will get things done.

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Friday, May 21, 2010

Now Is The Best Time To Acquire Georgia Foreclosures

By Sam Iandimarino

Georgia foreclosures are one of the hottest opportunities for real estate investors. The mortgage crisis has affected every town across the United States. However, the crisis in Georgia is more severe. Thus, there is a tremendous foreclosure market in Georgia.

Investors who are buying foreclosures in Georgia may be able to make a lot of money. But they are also able to help bring neighborhoods back to life. Whether investors sell Georgia foreclosures or rent them out, they are helping to rebuild communities in that area.

There has never been a better time to buy real estate. Interest rates are at an all time low. Buyers want to take advantage of the current rates, so they are looking for good deals on homes. Georgia foreclosures are selling for extremely low prices. With these market conditions, anyone interested in real estate investing or purchasing their first home should consider buying now. Moreover, there are certain grants and special programs for people who are willing to renovate distressed homes in certain areas.

For motivated buyers, there are a variety of opportunities to profit from foreclosed real estate. One way to make money in this market is by quick resale. You may find a property that is in good condition. With a little paint and minor cleanup, this type of property is can be put on the market for resale almost immediately after you buy it. There are other properties that may need minor repairs. Some homes are severely damaged, and need complete renovation. These homes are usually the best bargain. That is, if you do not mind putting in the work or hiring contractors to fix them up.

Rental properties are another way to make money with foreclosed properties. With rental properties, you can pocket a little extra money every month. If you have a mortgage, your renter should be paying enough to cover the mortgage payment, plus some profit for you. You can pocket your monthly profit, but it is a good idea to put some money away for home repairs.

As an investor, you can make money on foreclosed properties by holding on to them for a while. Allow the market value of the home to go up over a period of years. Then you can pull equity out of the property. You could also sell it for a substantial profit over what you originally paid for it. You can pocket the extra money, or use it to add more real estate properties to your portfolio.

If you have never purchased a home before, buying a Georgia foreclosure could be particularly beneficial for you. There are numerous programs available to first time home buyers. For instance, you may be able to get help with your down payment, or a lower interest rate. If you have a low credit score, you may also be able to get financing through special programs for first time home buyers.

Eventually, the real estate market will return to normal, and interest rates will increase. With that said, now is the time to invest in Georgia foreclosures. These homes may be selling for pennies on the dollar now, but sooner or later this incredible real estate market will come to an end.

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Thursday, May 6, 2010

Where To Search Georgia First Time House Buyer Grants

By Terry Brennan

Searching for Georgia first time home buyer grants is easy. You can carry the search online or offline. The place you should start with is the Georgia Dream Home Ownership Program. This program facilitates the home buying process of people in the lower income bracket and those belonging to minority community.

Most of the homes are qualified by the Georgia government for the grant program. This is because these properties are foreclosed and need new homeowners. To be able to participate in this program you have to contact the agency in your home county.

The agency in charge of the Georgia new home buyer grants is Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The grant will be awarded based on the income level and need of the candidate.

Georgia grants come in the form of second mortgage. The biggest difference is you do not have to pay monthly and accrued interest. As a matter of fact, you do not have to repay the loan. The loan turns to a second mortgage once the home is sold. If you are qualified for the grants the loan is erased in 5 to 15 years after buying the house.

If you stay in the house, you are not required to pay back the grant money. The source of funding for the Georgia grants is the federal government. The grant money is given to Department of Community Affairs. This is mentioned under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

The program could provide of up to $14,000 of grant money to qualified recipients. But before you apply, find out if you qualify from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

The procedure in getting a grant begins with the candidate attending an 8 hour education and counseling pertaining to home ownership. The applicant needs to show up in person for these courses. These are not offered online.

You must contact Georgia Dream lender for pre qualification purposes. Your credit history and income will all be part of the things they consider. The income you earn should be 120% lesser than the average earnings in the place you reside.

You do not need to be a first time buyer actually to qualify for the Georgia Dream program. You may own a number of properties already before applying. But if the grant is approved, you must move into the new house within 60 days of grant approval. If you are renting the properties, you should report the money you earn in your application.

People residing in Georgia may apply to federal grants. If you want to avail of federal grants then just pay the US Department of Housing and Urban Development site a visit. You could find a lot of invaluable information there.

This agency offers several grants to first home buyers. If you scroll down you will see the different grants listed according to states. Select the state where you are from like Georgia so you will see the full list of grants.

he site offers all necessary info pertaining to the grant. Application forms are readily available in the site. Read the details in the site so you will have ample information on grants given to first home buyers.

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Georgia Foreclosures: Find The Greatest Georgia Foreclosures

By Jack Bennington

Real estate nearly everywhere is experiencing all sorts of upheaval. Georgia is no different from any other place. It is experiencing a high rate of foreclosures all over the state. But it remains a lovely and highly desirable place to live, and many people would love to do so. Property in many popular areas remains expensive. So successful Georgia foreclosures purchases depend on a bit of knowledge, some luck, and knowing how to find the best foreclosure properties available.

Most people start looking for foreclosure properties on the internet. It is amazing to see how many foreclosure listing site there are for Georgia. Quite frankly, there are hundreds. But this is not necessarily a bad thing, because you will notice very quickly that the sites tend to deal with certain cities or specific geographic regions. This will help your search to be a bit easier than expected.

Finding the area that you like the best may take some time. There are many beautiful places to live and work in Georgia, so it may be difficult to choose. But you can be certain that you will be able to look over rural and city listings. You may be able to find a beach home in Augusta as easily as a city dwelling in Atlanta. Just think about the things you would want most in the area you might live, and then focus on the area that comes closest to your perfect spot.

You will want to find the most comprehensive listing of foreclosures that you can. The best ones include not only the street address and city, but also the lender and contact information. If you can find listings that include photos of the properties, then those listings should be your top of the list ones to head to. Property photos show many things that descriptions cannot. Once you have the photos together, you can compare the properties more easily.

If you are planning to live in the home yourself, you will want to find a foreclosure that is in good shape with minimal work needed to make it move in ready. But you may be a flipper looking for some good properties to quickly fix and resell or rent out. If so, then take a good look at the property to decide whether or not you actually have the skills, time, and tools you will need to fix the property. You will also need to consider your budget. Lots of people are making money by flipping or renting homes, so it is entirely possible to create a new line of work for yourself.

If you have money to invest, and you want to invest it in Georgia, you probably should also consider buying foreclosures to rent as vacation homes. The tourism sector of the state is quite strong due to the many popular tourist destinations it has. Many people come to visit the civil war historical places, or the lake or mountain areas, and of course the beaches always stay popular. You might be able to bring in very nice profits for your rental homes as time goes on.

For some, finding a vacation home is the real reason for considering buying a foreclosure. Tourism is one of the most important parts of the Georgia economy. Georgia remains a popular vacation destination even through difficult financial times. Having a second home there might just be one dream come true.

Georgia is the home base for over 40 Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies. This is a positive indicator of good future economic potential. Property values are not expected to remain low, and foreclosures are not expected to last. Quite valuable properties are on the market at excellent prices now, so you should take the time to find the best of the best now. Georgia foreclosures are available in the major cities and in beautiful tourism areas, so do take advantage of this opportunity while it remains.

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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

How To Make Money With Georgia Foreclosures

By Jack Bennington

With all the foreclosures that are going on these days, there are some real bargains among the Georgia foreclosures. Before you sign the dotted line, you might want to know some information about the foreclosure process so that that dream home does not become your worst nightmare.

On a nationwide basis, pre-foreclosure sales are one of the best ways to find a bargain. In the pre-foreclosure sales, the owner has defaulted on his loan payments but still is in ownership of the property. Often this type of sale allows you to purchase a home for a below market value and for slightly more than the owner owes on the home. It can help the current owner to salvage his credit and get you into a home at a lower price.

In Georgia, homeowners only have 30 days from the notice of default before the property can be foreclosed. This time is longer in other states, so you should be aware of the short fuse when considering pre-foreclosed property in Georgia.

Once the time between the notice and actual foreclosure is passed, the home is foreclosed. Homes are offered for sale at an auction on the courthouse steps of the county courthouse. Purchasing a home through a foreclosure auction is very risky. You will purchase the home sight unseen. You must pay the full amount of your winning bid in cash. You will not be issued any title insurance on the property. While you may get the home at a big bargain, there can be debts due that will come back to bite you when purchasing property in this manner.

If there are no bids on the property or if the bids are for less than the bank is willing to take to settle the debt on the house, then the bank will take possession of the home and list it for sale with a Realtor. Banks with few foreclosures will often list the home for near market value in order to increase their profits. If the bank has several foreclosures, they may be willing to sell the property at a lower price.

Government foreclosures work somewhat differently. These properties had subsidized and guaranteed loans either through the VA or the FHA. After foreclosure, the government owns the homes and bids have to be made through certified Realtors that the government has approved to take the bids.

For the first 45 days the property is listed by the government, only purchasers that intend to live in the home can bid on it. After 45 days, investors can also bid on the property. This additional time can give persons looking for a home to live in an advantage as they are not competing with investors planning to flip the home.

While Georgia foreclosures can offer some bargain prices, there are some things of which you should be aware. Homes sold on the courthouse steps may are a high risk. Pre-foreclosure properties are often a better value than those owned by the bank. Government owned properties have a different procedure for purchase than do other foreclosed properties.

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

Tips And Strategies In Buying Georgia Foreclosures

By Jack Bennington

The high rate of Georgia foreclosures are creating great real estate investment opportunities. Statistics compiled from court and government records by independent investment analysts show that Georgia has one of the highest number of mortgage defaults in the country. There are signs that the recession is ending. The unemployment rate is beginning to slowly improve. It is reasonable to expect that the rate of property defaults will be begin to decrease. However, as long as the number of mortgage defaults stay high properties will be available at bargain prices.

Despite the economy appearing bad right now, there are many financial opportunities caused by the high foreclosure rate in Georgia. For those willing to spend the time and to do their homework, there are many homes on the market that are selling at very cheap prices. In order to profit from these low prices it is crucial to act quickly. These low prices will not last forever.

The courts are required to maintain public records on foreclosure properties because foreclosure is a court proceeding. By going to the courthouse and reviewing court records you can build lists of properties going through the process. In this internet age we live in, most courts have their records on the world wide web. You will be able to do this research from your computer.

There are real estate brokers who specialize in properties that are in default. They can help you find properties that suit your unique situation and investment goals. They are experienced professionals who can help you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes. Real estate brokers are easy to find on the internet. There are also free real estate guides available.

County clerk and county treasurers are a good source for properties that may soon default on their mortgage. Look for properties that are behind in their property taxes. You can contact the property owner yourself. They should be happy to talk to you since you may be able to save them the costs and humiliation of foreclosure. Delinquent property taxes are a clear sign that the property will soon enter into foreclosure.

Some investors will place an ad in local newspapers and on the internet stating that are seeking properties that are in default. This is an effective technique to discover properties. You will have the bargaining advantage as the sellers will be very motivated.

It is important to always have an attorney represent you in real estate transactions. Real estate law is complicated. When there are thousands of dollars at sake you can not afford to make a mistake. Always use a good real estate attorney for your own protection.

Now is the time to make money in Georgia Foreclosures. The real estate market is starting to improve. The recession is ending and the labor market will soon improve. Once the economy recovers the foreclosure rate will decrease. We may never see the number of these great investment opportunities again. The time to act is now.

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Saturday, March 6, 2010

How To Find Georgia Foreclosures

By Helen Burns

If you are searching for a property that is cheap, you might try looking at Georgia foreclosures. These listings are usually well equipped homes and they are offered at rates below their worth. That means that you can get a great deal on a home and walk away with money in your pocket.

Living in Georgia is a state of bliss. There are hundreds of flowering trees and blossoming fruit trees that make it the perfect destination for anyone. This state is well equipped with sunshine and southern hospitality.

The homes in this area are usually Victorian style homes with all of the features and trimmings you would expect to see. There are some other style to choose from too, such as all brick or partial siding homes to pick from. There is a home for every ones particular taste and need.

The first thing that you can do to find a piece of real estate that is being sold cheap, is to contact an agent that specializes in foreclosures. They can let you know where the listings are and help you find a few that meet your criteria.

Many people see money when they buy a distressed home and then resell it. This can be a fast process of a buy and sell swap. The new owners will have no clue that the home was in face a foreclosure and will think that they are just buying a normal home. That leaves you with lots of extra income. Sometimes people buy these houses and then put some home repairs into them, adding some new upgrades can really add to the value already in the home. Whatever option is chosen, there is certainly worth attached to it.

If the home being purchased is for the buyer to live in then it can be a great deal. The new home owner will be able to live in a house and pay just a cheap mortgage leaving extra cash flow for other things. The only drawback to buying a foreclosure home, is the fact that you buy it in an as-is state. That requires you to be responsible for all repairs and unexpected turns that the house may have. For example; if it has mold or mildew and the damage is extensive, there is no way to know until the sale has been made. Even home inspectors are not allowed to get into the home to do a once over, until after the final papers have been written up.

When you take the time needed for a home auction, you can be in for a pleasant surprise. The homes here are put into the auction from agencies, and banks who wish to see them gone. If there are no bidders other than yourself, then you are in luck for a great deal, however if more than one person want the same house, a bidding war can start and cause the price to get quite high.

Georgia foreclosures are a way to have a house or investment property at a great price. The excellent area and people make it the perfect spot to take up residence or simply buy for someone else. Which ever path is taken, the sure fact will be the extra money made.

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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Build A Great Rental Portfolio With Inexpensive Georgia Foreclosures

By Paul Ravinstein

If you are considering investing in real estate, Georgia foreclosures is worth checking out. Georgia is investor friendly, and there is an enormous amount of inexpensive properties on the market there. With so many properties available at cheap prices, Georgia is a great area for landlords. They can purchase these homes and rent them out to earn a good income.

Every state in the U. S. Has been affected by the recession. However, the mortgage crisis hit Georgia more severely than other areas. If you are interesting in buying your first investment property, Georgia foreclosures are a great option. If you already have a portfolio of properties, you can easily expand it by buying in Georgia.

The mortgage crisis has caused so many working adults in Georgia to lose their homes. Many of these individuals and families are now looking for rental properties in their local area. They may also be looking at neighborhoods nearby.

Before launching into the real estate market in Georgia, you should have some money on hand for your investments. If you have that, the steps to buying real estate may not be as tedious as you may think. There are so many properties available in Georgia. With a little legwork, you can find great deals. First, decide on the areas in Georgia that you want to target. Then take a look at different neighborhoods in those areas and see what homes are renting for.

Next, start looking for foreclosed properties in your selected area. You may find that some of the houses need to be fixed up. But these homes are usually the best deals. These properties may have outdated kitchens or bathroom floors. But if you have some money to invest in them, they are worth buying. If you do not want to invest in fixer uppers, you can find foreclosed houses that are in good shape. These homes are usually ready to be rented.

Once you have found your first property, contact the seller and make arrangements to view the property. If you do not live in the area, be sure to ask questions about the property, and request pictures of the interior and exterior of the home. You should also find out about the condition of plumbing, heating and electrical wiring. The condition of the roof is also important.

If you decide to buy the home, you can make an offer to buy the property and submit a formal contract to the seller. If you do not have enough cash on hand to buy the house, contact a lending institution and apply for a loan. Try to get fixed rate financing. With fixed rate loans, your mortgage payment will not change.

Once your financing has been secured, you are ready to go to settlement on your property. With deed in hand, you can put your rental property on the market and rent your home. This entire process starts with taking advantage of Georgia foreclosures, where extremely low priced properties are plentiful.

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