Heritage Realty - Winder, GA

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83 E. May St.
Winder, GA
30680
770-867-6121

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a REALTOR?
What are the advantages of using a real estate professional to help me buy a home?
How do I select the right real estate agent?
What is the difference between being prequalified and preapproved for a loan?
What is a contingency?
What is a seller disclosure?
What is a survey?

What is a REALTOR?
A REALTOR® is an agent or agency that belongs to the local or state board of REALTORS® and is affiliated with the "National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Not all agencies and salespersons are Realtors®. They follow a strict Code of Ethics beyond state license laws. Heritage Realty is a member of The Walton Barrow Board of Realtors®.

What are the advantages of using a real estate professional to help me buy a home?
Buying a home is certainly one of the most rewarding experiences most of us ever have; it's also one of the most challenging. If you're buying for the first time, the process may seem overwhelming. And even if you've been through it several times, every move is different and presents new challenges. One clear advantage of enlisting the help of sales professional is simply that you don't have to go through it alone. A good sales professional has the background and skills to help you through each step of the process, and make the experience of finding, buying and moving into your new home as smooth, quick and enjoyable as it can be. Another advantage is that a sales professional represents a valuable source of information about market trends; communities and neighborhoods; and especially homes for sale throughout the area. Remember, not every home seller runs an ad in the local paper or puts a sign up in the yard. In fact, many homes actually sell before there is ever a need to advertise them. The market expertise a sales professional offers you is augmented by access to complete, regularly updated information about every home listed by area sales professionals through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). As you'll see in the following questions, such professional expertise and services can be of considerable help throughout the buying process.

How do I select the right real estate agent?
Start by asking family and friends if they can recommend an agent. Compile a list of several agents and talk to each before choosing one. Look for an agent who listens well and understands your needs, and whose judgment you trust. The ideal agent knows the local area well and has resources and contacts to help you in your search. Overall, you want to choose an agent that makes you feel comfortable and can provide all the knowledge and services you need.

What is the difference between being prequalified and preapproved for a loan?
The difference between being prequalified and preapproved is simple:

If you're prequalified it means that you POTENTIALLY could get a loan for the amount stated to you, assuming that all of the information given was accurate and true.

If you're preapproved, it means that you have undergone the extensive financial check - which includes looking at your credit history, previous tax returns and verifying your employment - and the lender is willing to give you a loan. You're APPROVED! So, they give you a letter that states such and it is valid for a approximately 60 days thereafter.

Notwithstanding the above, you will have an accurate figure which shows the maximum amount that you are approved for. Most sellers prefer buyers that have been preapproved because they know that there will not be any problems with the purchase of their home.

What is a contingency?
A contingency is a provision included in a sales contract stating that certain events must occur or certain conditions must be met before the contract is valid.

What is a seller disclosure?
A seller disclosure is a form required by most states. Georgia law does not require a sellers disclosure; however, it is a good idea to have the seller provide one. The seller uses this form to disclose any known defects of the home. Seller disclosures are not provided when the property is a foreclsoure or the seller has not occupied the property.

What is a Survey?
A survey is an examination of a property's boundaries to determine the quantity of land, location of improvements, and other information. Usually the surveyor includes a map or drawing of the legal boundaries of the property.