Buying your own home is the “American Dream” but with the housing crisis and financial instability, some wonder if it is still a reality.  If you are one of those still on the fence about buying consider the following:

1. Over time, the mortgage balance decreases and equity builds regardless of whether the home value increases.
2. The tax advantages of home ownership.  You are able to deduct the mortgage interest and taxes paid on your homes, while there are no tax advantages of renting.
3. As an owner you can modify the home as you wish to meet your needs, while if you are a renter you are limited with the changes you can make.
4. The ability to lock in payments for the next 15-30 years.  Rental agreements usually only last 2-3 years and inflation will cause them to increase.
5. You have the ability to make a profit.  Your home is an investment and after time you can reap the financial benefits when selling your home.
6. The payments will eventually end.  After your mortgage is paid off you will no longer have a payment.  Rent does not end!
7. No landlord.
8. Pride of homeownership.

If you are interested in learning more about advantages of buying a home, click here to contact an Executive Partners Real Estate Agent today!

They say it is a buyer’s market.  What does that mean, exactly? It means that the market has more sellers than buyers.  Lower prices are the result of excess inventory.  Augusta, GA is still a buyer’s market if you are considering a move up.   If now is the right time for you to buy your dream home, here are some things you will want to know before you start looking.

#1 Location: City or suburbs?  Do you want amenities within walking distance?  Close to work? Close to restaurants and shopping?  What neighborhoods or school districts appeal to you? This will help narrow your search.

#2 How much space do you need?  2 or more bedrooms? Do you want a yard? Do you need storage?  A garage?  One story or two? Is there an architectural style or building material that appeals to you? Click here to search Executive Partner’s Real Estate Listings!

#3 Do you have a wish list?  Make sure you make a list the features that you don’t want to live without and another list of features on your wish list. This is the time to get what you want but don’t be too inflexible. Prioritize the features.

#4 What is your budget?  Go to your lender and get a preapproval letter with the amount they will lend.  Keep in mind that home ownership entails maintenance and repair costs. Limit your search to properties that lie within your financial means to avoid the disappointment of falling in love with your ideal home, only to discover it is outside of your price range.  Click here to go to the mortgage calculator on the Executive Partners website.

#5 Do you want to renovate?  Sometimes renovations are required to add your personal touch to make your home “yours”.  You may be able to find a home in the perfect neighborhood with the floor plan that best meets your family’s needs, but there may be things you would like to change.  Keep in mind, cosmetic changes can be made later on down the road to accommodate your budget.

#6 Enlist the help of a realtor.  They will take the information you’ve provided and will help you find your dream home!  To view a complete list of Executive Partners Real Estate Agents click here!

Generation Y, individuals born between 1980 – 2000, have new ideas about home ownership.  An estimated 80 million people comprise this category, thus surpassing the 76 million baby boomers. What do the new generation of home buyers look for when buying a new home?

1. Outdoor spaces for entertaining, including fire pits and outdoor living rooms.
2. Big living spaces for home theaters – used for movies and gaming.
3. Bigger showers instead of tubs
4. No formal dining rooms
5. Close proximity to locations like work, shopping, dining and entertainment
6. Open floor plans
7. Neighborhoods with amenities – with low maintenance yards there is little room for a swimming pool in the backyard.  Many are looking for neighborhoods with a community clubhouse, swimming pool, and a playground.

How do you market to Generation Y Buyers?

1. Be Technologically Savvy – having a website is a must, and it is a plus to include your current home listings.  To view Executive Partners current real estate listings click here.
2. Social Media Outlets – have a Facebook page, Twitter account and blog to show members of Generation Y that you’re current and with the times.   Click here to view the Executive Partners Facebook Page.
3. Timing is Everything – the Generation Y buyer wants information instantly.  Be sure to promptly respond to emails and phone calls from potential buyers or sellers.

If you are interested in buying or selling your home in the Aiken, SC, Augusta, GA or the surrounding area, contact an Executive Partners agent today!  We can help you with your real estate needs!

Don’t miss your last chance to win tickets to the Kick’s 99 Guitar Pull on Monday, November 14^th at the Crown Communities model home in  Allen Farms – sponsored by Executive Partners and Crown Communities!

This year’s lineup of Guitar Pull performers includes Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Corey Smith, Gary Allan, Little Big Town and Jerrod Niemann!

Allen Farms is an exclusive Crown Communities subdivision situated on over 61 acres of land in Columbia County, in the heart of Evans, Georgia.  Allen Farms is immersed between ponds, pastures and over six acres of green space.  Basement sites are available!  Residents of Allen Farms have membership to Farmington Community Center with access to a junior Olympic pool, clubhouse, tennis courts and playground.

In Allen Farms, buyers can choose from home plans ranging from 2200 to over 4000 heated square feet, with new home prices from the $180’s.  To view a complete list of homes for sale in Allen Farms click here!

From 1-20 West to Augusta, take Exit 190, Grovetown.  Turn right on Lewiston Road/GA 388.  Continue straight thru the Columbia Road traffic light onto Hereford Farm Road.  Go approximately 3 miles.  Allen Farms is ahead on the left.

Don’t forget to stop in on Monday, November 14^th from 4-6 pm and enter to win Guitar Pull tickets at Allen Farms!

We’ve listed a couple of key items that are important for you to have when buying a new home.  For more information on buying a home be sure to visit our “Buying a Home” page on our site.

1. Get a copy of your credit report.  If there are any issues it is a good idea to get them cleaned up prior to the loan application.
2. Have Proof of Assets.  These days it is difficult to get a loan with little or no down payment.  Banks want proof of your down payment and the bank statements to prove it.   If you are using an investment account it is best to have that money transferred at least 3 months out.  The banks will want 2-3 months worth of statements to prove the assets are available.  6 months worth of cash is a good estimate for a down payment.
3. Find a loan officer that you want to work with.  Get recommendations from friends and acquaintances.  You are counting on this person to work for you, not against you.  If you need help finding a loan officer be sure to ask an Executive Partners Real Estate Agent for some trusted recommendations!
4. Have copies of everything including 2 years of tax returns, 3 months of bank statements, investment and 401k statements and check stubs.  A two year history of employment will also be necessary.
5. Have a pre-approval letter ready prior to finding the home of your dreams. It usually takes 45 days to go through the entire process.  Having this letter beforehand will also make your offer look more attractive to the seller.
6. Make sure you can afford the house.  Your loan officer will tell you on paper how much the bank will loan you but you need to know how much you can comfortably afford.
7. Negotiate your broker fees.  Ask for a good faith estimate of your fees and closing costs.  See if the “origination fee” is negotiable.

We are here to help you with all of your real estate needs.  If you are in the market to buy a new home be sure to check out our current listings. Contact an Executive Partners Real Estate Agent today for more information before purchasing your new home!

One of Executive Partner’s new home builders, Crown Communities, is currently offering an unbeatable promotion on new construction homes in Georgia and South Carolina!  The Crown Communities “Make Your Move Event” is going on now and they are offering $10,000 to $20,000 in move-in bonus incentives!  With over 20 neighborhoods in the Augusta, Georgia and Aiken, South Carolina area there are plenty of homes to choose from!

New homes by Crown Communities feature gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, oversized owner’s suites, upgraded fixtures, and much more!

You can own a new home for the same price as renting!  The best homes with the biggest savings will move first so contact an Executive Partners Real Estate Agent today!

Click here to contact an Executive Partners Real Estate Agent today!

Lady Antebellum VIP ticket giveaway at Crawford Creek – Sponsored by Crown Communities

Stop in October 25^th from 5p-7p at the Crown Communities model home in Crawford Creek for a chance to win VIP tickets to the sold out Lady Antebellum show on October 28^th in Evans, Georgia.

Tour the model home in Crawford Creek, one of Evans, GA, truly natural communities.  Crawford Creek offers new homes for sale with acres of natural green space and park-like retreats adjacent to nature trails. This active community boasts miles of trails and sidewalks, two playgrounds, a stocked fishing pond, a planned clubhouse and aquatics center.

There are a wide range of home plans and lots available.  Buyers can choose from home plans ranging from 2200 to 4000 square feet.  The neighborhoods offer a variety of lot sizes, many of which back up to natural green space and offer incredible views. Pricing varies from low to mid $200’s.

From I-20 West to Augusta, take Exit 190, Grovetown.  Turn left on Lewiston Road/GA 388. Lewiston Road becomes Hereford Farm Road at the Columbia Road traffic light. Stay straight on Hereford Farm Road. Go approximately 2 miles. Crawford Creek is on the right.  The Crown Communities model home is in the Oconee Section. Last left onto Oconee Circle.  Look for the Crown signs.

Stop in Tuesday, October 25^th, and enter to win the VIP tickets to see Lady Antebellum!

Pillon Custom Homes unveils Premier Elegance in the heart of Evans, in their newest community, Crawford Creek.Model Home is Titan 3, with 2 Owner’s suites on each level. European inspired exteriors, prairie style windows/doors with craftsman style columns, architectural shingles, Hardiplank with brick, stone and shake accents with brick skirts, extensive mill-work package, hardwoods in foyer, ext foyer, kitchen and breakfast included, tiled shower in owner’s suite, gourmet kitchen with gas cook top, covered front stoops with tapered columns, 10×12 covered rear patios, partial finished basement with a full bath, bedroom, and home movie theater with a 106 screen, perfect for those family movie and popcorn nights. Choose a lot and choose your plan! COMING SOON!!!Outstanding amenities center with Clubhouse, Playgrounds, Stocked Fishing Ponds, Trails, and Columbia County’s most exciting Aquatic Center. Walking trails are in place and will be extended to a 7 miles walk around the community.

Executive Partners was lucky enough to be a sponsor of the Kids Fishing Derby held at the Claypit Lakes at Fort Gordon on September 25, 2010.  Wow!  200+ kids and their families showed up before sunrise to see how many fish they could catch!  Trophies were awarded to first, second and third places and door prizes were given out as well.  What a great time!  What a beautiful sunrise!  Look around the ponds and you could see fishing poles in the water all around.  Kids were smiling and their parents were too.  Guaranteed, some child caught their very first fish that day!  Free t-shirts, hotdogs and sodas for the kids.   The next Fishing Derby will be in the spring.  Look for details to come!  Cudos to MWR for putting on this event!  Thanks for letting us be a part of this spectacular day!  Want to see more pics? Visit us on Facebook!  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Executive-Partners/305699126669

Executive Partners is excited to announce the launch of their brand new website, www.epaugusta.com, which was designed to simplify the buying and selling process.  This fresh new website assists in the decision process, whether you’re looking for new construction homes, resale homes, rental properties or commercial, we’ve got you covered with the most up-to-date listings!  We’ve also included some important resources like mortgage calculators and community links, as well as PCS Military Relocation services.  Take some time and explore our new Executive Partners website and experience the advantages of working with an Executive Partner!