Feb
03rd
2012
Four Quick Tips for Getting A Home Ready To Sell!
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Tags: home selling, listing a home
Do you want to get your home sold quickly and for the highest amount of money? I am sure you do! Here are a few tips that will help you get this done
1. Make sure that your home is SUPER CLEAN Make it shine from top to bottom and don't forget to clean your windows and carpets, as well It needs to SMELL clean, too. If you have "doggy odor" or "kitty litter odor" it is going to be a real turn off to potential buyers
2. Clear out the clutter. Get rid of furniture if you need to - rent a storage unit - but too much furniture makes a home feel smaller and claustrophobic. Remove unnecessary items from countertops, bathtubs, and shower stalls. And by the way, make sure your bathroo...
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Mar
17th
2011
Open House in ION
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: International Real Estate
Please come to my Open House tomorrow Friday, the 18th, at 37 Eastlake in Ion in Mt Pleasant, SC
11:00 to 1:00
Champagne and light appetizers served! Listed at $740,000
37 EASTLAKE RD1105939 - Residential
Mount Pleasant, SC
Charming lake front home featuring full porches to enjoy the mature trees and lake views. Expanded driveway leads you into Charleston-like fenced courtyard with fountain and luscious landscaping with automatic irrigation system and accent lighting. The open floor plan from living, dining and totally renovated kitchen affords easy entertaining. Enjoy a cool drink as you watch the sunset over the lake or relax in front of the gas log fireplace. There is a separat...
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Jan
07th
2011
Rent vs Buy!?!?!
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
In an article from CNN Money earlier this week, they looked at this issue as we are entering 2011
Here is what they said "Perhaps not surprisingly, ti makes more financial sense to rent than buy today in many US cities...
BUT that may finally be changing. Moody's chief economist Mark Zandi expects the trend to reverse this year in many major cities
By mid 2011 and certainly by end of 2011, buying will be superior to renting in most parts of the country." Zandi says.
As one person recently said "Rents are just like adjustable mortgage rates. They adjust often and most times they adjust upwards."
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Aug
10th
2010
Protecting against the pitfalls of financing your home
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
As everyone knows, the whole financing and lending process has changed and continues to change. Here are a few things that might be helpful to you as you prepare to purchase a home
Tighter, and in some cases still-evolving, loan underwriting standards make it more critical than ever for buyers to make sure they're financially qualified for the purchase.
If your lender gives you a prequalification rather than a preapproval, push harder. WHat you need is a prequalification letter - and the only way to obtain that is to make sure that your lender has verified - to their satisfaction - all of your income and assets. And be prepared to full explanations for all The paperwork is time...
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Jul
22nd
2010
Real Estate Scams
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Scam artists have come up with yet another scam to try to cheat homeowners, realtors an even attorneys
I have personally jus
1988 MINOTT ST1011500 - Residential
Charleston, SC
4 bedroom home with gorgeous views of the Intracoastal Waterway from den, kitchen,bedrooms and screened porch! Undergoing renovations now - new kitchen with all new appliances. Private gated point of Riverland Terrace. This home even boasts a lovely swimming pool!
1988 MINOTT ST1011500 - Residential
Charleston, SC
4 bedroom home with gorgeous views of the Intracoastal Waterway from den, kitchen,bedrooms and screened porch! Undergoing renovations now - new kitchen with all new appliances. Private gate...
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Jul
14th
2010
Should I buy a home now??
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
224 RABBIT RUN LN1011485 - Residential
Summerville, SC
Wonderful mini estate on 7 acres - 3 lots - on a pond with a small dock! The home has a swimming pool and a fountain. There is a "state of the art" electronic "smart house" remote controlled system which runs the televisions, stereo system, lights and six security cameras. A subzero refrigerator, bread warmer, eight gas burner stove, wine cooler. Italian marble floor tiles and countertops which were imported from Milan, Italy. A planetarium for the children with a loft and fiberoptic lights on the ceilings. Extensive mahogany panelling and 3 wall safes. A hand carved spiral staircase also graces the library. This home is truly a ...
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Jul
07th
2010
45 Fenwick
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
45 FENWICK DR1017037 - Residential
Charleston, SC
Beautiful hardwood floors, rich moldings and recessed lighting are some of the many amenities of this beautiful home. The entrance hall opens in to the living room which has a cozy fireplace with a wood mantle and is tiled. The kitchen is gracious and well kept, perfect for entertaining; has a fabulous pantry. There is a formal dining area. The Master bedroom suite has large walk in closet and a lovely ceramic tile bathroom with double sinks and marble vanity. This home offers three other bedrooms as well. The hardi-plank exterior was added by the present owner. This home is very well maintained and also has a large deck and lovely ba...
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Apr
15th
2010
Short Sales
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Of course, everyone these days is curious about a short sale and the procedure
Here are a few items that may be interesting
Each potential short sale is considered on a case by case basis
A borrower whose mortgage payments are up to date will NOT be considered for a short sale unless there is proof of iminent hardship
Any possible tax implications must be reviewed by the seller's tax attorney and/or tax accountant or CPA
This must be an arm's length transaction. The seller's family members may not make the purchase. This would also include any business associates.
If you are considering selling your home as a short sale, please contact me for further help.
I would be more than happ...
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Mar
03rd
2010
Short Sale vs Foreclosure
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
In a foreclosure a homeowner who loses a home to foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage for a period of 5 years
In a short sale the homeowner who successfully negotiates and closes a short sale will be eligible for a Fanie Mae backed mortgage after only 2 years
A short sale is not reported on a credit report and is therefore not a challenge to employment
Sometimes in a successful short sale, it is possible to convince the lender to give up the right to pursue a deficiency judgement against the homeowner
PLEASE call me if you would like to purchase a short sale or bank owned property OR if you need help with the sale of your home!
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Jan
24th
2010
Low Cost Remodeling Projects!
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Here are some low cost remodeling ideas for you
Install granite tile instead of a slab.
Everyone seems to be hot for granite kitchen countertops these days
Rather than a slab - which can be about a $5000.00 upgrade depending on the size of your countertop - use granite tiles. Putting in 12 inch granite tiles can cost about $300.00 in materials for the same size countertop . Then just add the cost of labor on top of that unless you are a do it yourselfer!
Adding or replacing bathroom tile can make your bath look lots cleaner than it looked. Inexpensive tiles can do the trick - $1.00 to $2.00 per tiles - and this goes for backsplashes in the kitchen, too!
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Jan
15th
2010
What's the short on short sales???
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Do you know how a short sale got its name?
When the owner accepts an offer for his house that is for LESS than what he owes - and the bank accepts it - it is called a "short sale" The sale price is short of the full amount of the mortgage
Now, do you know why short sales fail? Here are some interesting numbers
1. 4% fail because the buyer cannot get finance
2. 4% fail because the appraisal does not support the sale price
3. 10% fail becuase the second lien holder won't sign off
4. 67% fail because of red tape/indecision on the part of the LENDER!!
If you are a buyer or a seller in this short sale or foreclosure situation, make sure your Realtor is knowledgable in this area. S...
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Jan
14th
2010
New Statistics for Charleston, SC
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Interesting new statistics for the Charleston, SC area.
Downtown Charleston has 45 months worth of inventory right now. The normal or neutral real estate market has 6 months worth of inventory.
Mt Pleasant, SC has a little over 21 months worth of inventory
West Ashley area has a little over 20 months worth of inventory
What does this say to us?
If you have a home that you truly want to sell, you must price it to sell.
You must price your home to sell and you must have it looking better than anyone else's if possible! Usually, you only get one shot with a potential buyer .
A good realtor can price your home to sell within 30 to 60 days
Please call me if you want your to get your ho...
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Dec
14th
2009
Charleston Real Estate Soars!
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Good news on the "home front"!
The Charleston area residential real estate market continues to show signs of a strong recovery, according to the latest data from the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors.
As of December 10, the increase in sales was an unprecedented 80% and the third consecutive month of increases.
This type of activity is uncharacteristic for November and likely attributable to the passing of the original homebuyer tax credit. This tax credit has been extended, by the way, to April 30, 2010 and expanded to include provisions for existing homeowners.
Inventory is at this year's lowest level.
Charleston County showed the greatest gains in the region during the mo...
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Nov
20th
2009
Home Warranty
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Just to let you all know... if you hire me to market and sell your home, you WILL get a home warranty put on your home at no charge to you. Now, this may make quite a difference for you - all you have to do when you have a problem with items covered under the warranty is pick up the phone, call one number and pay a small fee for the home visit.
For those of you who fell in love with the property I had for sale on Seabrook Island... it is now under contract!
But if you are interested, I will be delighted to find another for you!
Have a great weekend and please check out my latest listing near Folly Beach at Seaside Plantation. A 3 bedroom home in fabulous condition and PRICED TO SEL...
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Nov
09th
2009
Home Buyer Tax Credit
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Great news for the first time home buyer! The tax credit has been extended!
Remember that this tax credit is good for the first time home buyer and is a tax credit up to $8,000.00
Something new, too!
If you have lived in your home for 5 consecutive years (of the past 8 years) you may qualify for a $6500.00 tax credit if you sell your home and buy a new one! Wow!
So, if you are thinking of moving, NOW is the time!!
All contracts must be in effect by April 30, 2010
Call me and I will give you the details
Or check out my website www.georgiabellhomes.com and email me your questions
Have a wonderful day!
169 KING ST 2926922 - Residential
Charleston, SC
This is a fabulous unit!! The ...
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Nov
06th
2009
Boeing is coming!
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
407 HUDSON LN West2801386 - Residential
Folly Beach, SC
This is truly a gem of a house - it has never been rented and is in fabulous condition.A custom built home that overlooks the marsh and is only two blocks from the ocean... in the evening you can sit on your back deck and actually hear the ocean breakers! It has maple hardwood floors, solid surface countertops in the kitchen, spacious rooms and so much privacy! There is a new energy efficient tankless water heater and even the garage has been enclosed and there are insulated rooms there as well! Beautiful home, beautiful condition! What a find! The yard and garden are in wonderful condition, too - and the playset can either rema...
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Oct
21st
2009
Charleston South Carolina in the news!
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Well, we are certainly in the right place at the right time!
Conde Nast - the luxury travel magazine - has named our beautiful city as the second most fabulous place to visit (and live)
We are second only to San Francisco, California and frankly, I find that debatable...
I have been to San Francisco - it is beautiful - but, honestly, Charleston is far more livable and far more desirable. Of course, that is only my opinion... but I hear from those out on the West Coast that they LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, Charleston, SC
Our restaurants are simply outstanding - delightful cuisine, 5 star service, friendly staff etc etc
And how about the gracious hotel personnel... smiling faces and always helpf...
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Oct
14th
2009
International Real Estate Report
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: International Real Estate
169 KING ST 2926922 - Residential
Charleston, SC
This is a fabulous unit!! The interior has just been redone and it looks gorgeous! Please take a look at our pictures - you will fall in love with this unit! The regime fee is beyond reasonable, and this is a location to die for! Just park your car (yes, it DOES have off street parking! and it is covered!) and walk to everything downtown! Two outside seating areas - one upstairs and one downstairs...In wonderful condition and a great pied-a-terre or full time home. A very private area - tucked away - in the heart of lovely downtown.
Abu Dhabi is projected to be the strongest performing market in the MENA region (middle East/Nort...
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Sep
25th
2009
Shouldn't I wait to buy? Isn't it too soon to buy right now?
Posted By: Georgia Bell In: General
Many buyer's are in a paralyis by analysis mode right now. Afraid that the market is going lower and believing that there are just so manyproperties on the market right now, they don't feel any urgency to buy now
If you are feeling that way, I think I can help you
If, for example, you are looking at Charleston, SC to purchase a property., I can get facts and more facts for you - including statistics that will be helpful - to help you have a firm grasp on the market. Armed with figures and facts, you can feel much more certainty about your purchase.
Low interest rates is so much more important right now than mst people/buyers realize...Rates are now at late-1950's levels They have now...
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