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Home Buyer Tips: What Do I Need A Survey For?

One of the things home buyers often overlook is having a survey accomplished for the property they are about to purchase.  Invariably, when the subject comes up I get asked ”What do I need a survey for?”.

A survey is a property map, used to determine the property boundary, easements (allowing a party to use land they do not own for a specific purpose. I.E. a water well or right-of-way), setbacks (distance a property must be from the property lines), location of improvements, and the exact home location within the property boundaries.

What do I need a survey for

To protect your investment in the event there is an encroachment issue or a building setback violation as well as providing you with a blueprint that identifies precisely what you are purchasing and the locations of the structures on the property.

Some of the problems that a survey will identify include:

• Fences/sheds over the property line
• Sprinkler placement issues
• Driveway encroachments
• Structures too close to setback
• Gardens, shrubs, trees planted over the property line
• Septic tanks too close to water wells
• Incorrect deeds/flood zone issues

What to do if there is a survey issue

Determine if the “issue” is worth fighting over.  One foot on the back-end of a large back yard won’t make as much difference as having a garage built partly on the neighbors property (or vice versa).

If you decide there is an issue that needs to be resolved, or it’s decided for you, contact a real estate attorney to determine the next steps and whether adverse possession (property boundary and rights becoming the encroachers) is applicable….In Georgia the right of claim is 7 years but the law is complex so do not assume you have gained or lost property, call an attorney!

Note: If you purchase owner’s title insurance without a survey, the policy exclude coverage for anything a survey would have disclosed.

Buying real estate is a huge investment, and smart buyers who have a survey conducted (on both resale and new construction) put themselves in the best position to act proactively if a property issue arises.

How can middle Georgia home buyers ensure they make informed home purchasing decisions?  Employ the services of a well qualified Warner Robins Real Estate Professional!

As always, Warner Robins real estate information is brought to you as a courtesy by Anita Clark, your Warner Robins Real Estate Consultant.

Home Buyer Tips: Do I Need Title Insurance?

“Do I need title insurance?” is often asked by Houston County GA buyers who are unsure if the extra expense is worth it.  Title insurance provides protection for the policy holder if another entity makes a property title claim.

In Georgia, there are 2 types: Lender Title Insurance and Owner Title Insurance.

• Lender Title Insurance protects the lender, is for the amount financed, and is required as a condition of the loan.
• Owner Title Insurance is optional, a one-time expense, made available at closing, and remains in force as long as you retain an interest in the property (it also remains in effect if heirs retain an interest after the original owner has died)

Do I Need Title Insurance?

Technically, Owner Title Insurance is not required.  However, I recommend all my buyer clients get Owner Title Insurance to ensure they are protected in-case an unknown risk such as forged documents, public record mistakes, title defects, and even back taxes and/or liens comes to light after they have purchased the property.  In some cases, it may be determined they do not legally own the home.  Having Owner Title Insurance will help alleviate title issues that arise, pay for a lawsuit defense if necessary, and protect the buyer from financial loss up to the policy dollar amount.

Note: If the previous owner had Owner’s Title Insurance, there is the possibility the new owner can get a REISSUE rate at a decent discount, with the new policy re-issued in the new owners name.

How can Houston County home buyers ensure they make informed home purchasing decisions?  Employ the services of a well qualified Houston County Real Estate Professional!

As always, Houston County real estate information is brought to you as a courtesy by Anita Clark, your Warner Robins Real Estate Consultant.

Home Buyer Tips: What is a Deed?

One of the frequently asked questions that Houston County Georgia buyers ask me is, “What is a Deed?”

A deed is the document used to transfer property ownership from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee).  A signature by the seller validates the deed and is their declaration they have authority to sell and are giving up their rights to the property.

In Georgia, the transfer of deed occurs at closing.  Within 30 days after closing, the buyer should receive a copy of the warranty deed.  The warranty deed is a guarantee made by the seller that the title is clear and they have authority to sell the property.  Keep your copy of the warranty deed in a safe place.

As a failsafe in-case the buyer defaults on the loan, the bank holds a security deed that transfers title to the lender until the note is fully paid.  Once paid-in-full, the bank releases the title to the homeowner.

Below are typical deeds used in Georgia real estate.  They must be in writing, list both the grantor and grantee, identify the legal property description, indicate the title is being transferred, and contain the grantor’s signature.

• General Warranty Deed – Seller “guarantee” they are the owner of the property, have the right to sell the property, and the property is free of liens.
• Special Warranty Deed – Limits seller liability to only what the deed is specifically granted for, such as the seller stating they are selling property they have legal titleship to sell.
• Quit Claim Deed – Typically used in divorce settlements where a property was jointly owned and one party gives up any interest in the property.  Other uses include transfer of ownership between family members and when the property is placed in a living trust.
• Fiduciary Deed – A deed executed by a trustee or guardian because of an incapication of another adult or when the owner dies and transfer of assets or liquidation must occur.

Before signing any real estate documentation you do not understand, contact a real estate attorney to ensure you know your obligations and the ramifications involved.

As always, Houston County real estate information is brought to you as a courtesy by Anita Clark, your Warner Robins Real Estate Consultant.

Just Sold Home in Bonaire GA 31005 – Morgan Ranch Subdivision

Bonaire GA home buyers and sellers…Another home in the Morgan Ranch Subdivision has just SOLD, courtesy of Anita Clark, Coldwell Banker SSK Realtors in Warner Robins GA.

When ready to start your Houston County GA home search or preparing to list your property, you need a Realtor who knows our local market, will work tirelessly with you, and always has your best interest at heart.

I look forward to helping you buy or sell a Bonaire GA Home, so call me at (478) 960-8055 so we can discuss your real estate options.

As always, visit Homes for Sale in Bonaire GA to preview the complete list of Bonaire Real Estate.

Buyer Tips: Important Steps to Closing after an Accepted Contract

Sometimes one might think that the steps to closing after an accepted contract are easier than having a loan approved. While getting a mortgage loan approved is definitely exciting, the stress does not end there yet. Anyone who has gotten their mortgage loans approved will surely understand that the steps to closing after an accepted contract are definitely the most tedious part before one can finally move in and enjoy their new home.

Finding Warner Robins real estate or a home in Naples  and then a lending company can be quite complicated yet exciting as well. However, unlike in the movies you don’t just hand in the money and get the house keys right away. There are several important steps to closing after an accepted contract that one must consider well in order to avoid delays, forfeiture of earnest money or down payments and worse, facing lawsuits. These steps include getting the home inspected for termites, getting a home insurance, re-inspection of the house for repairs, preparing closing documents, signing closing documents, estimating of closing cost, securing title of the house, recording the deed, disbursing the funds, payment of closing cost, transferring of utilities, and finally the moving in.

The entire steps to closing after an accepted contract may take 30 to 45 days prior to move in. Delays may happen due to several reasons such as marital status change, insurance information missing and expired loan or purchase agreement. One needs the help of sales assistants, attorney and other professionals or experts. This means one has to write down all these steps to ensure the help required is already secured in advance to make sure all the things are done and completed on time. It is also necessary to have a checklist of all these steps to closing after an accepted contract to make sure all of them are settled and the sale is complete without hassle or delay.

Nevertheless, all these steps will ensure that you get the value for your money. You will have to pay for the mortgage loan and it is always great to be paying for something you are definitely satisfied and happy about. Termite inspection, homeowner’s insurance, re-inspection of possible house repairs and even securing of title and transfer of utilities are all to your advantage as the future homeowner. These steps help you find some confidence in your decision in getting such a house and some peace of mind knowing that it is worth your money especially in the long run.

Finally, it is all worth it once you get all these steps monitored, done and completed in due time. You can be sure that the time, money and effort spent on it will all be worth it. You can also include in the scheduling, preparation or planning stage the steps you have to consider once you move in. You cannot totally or fully enjoy your new house if all you have are boxes all over the place. Your family will not fully appreciate it as well if they cannot live in it comfortably. And of course, you have to make sure that the mortgage loan payments are made on time if not earlier so that all your time, money and effort are not wasted. After all, getting a mortgage loan approved and moving into a new home is not the end of the process. Ownership of such a house, without claims or security interest attached to it is the goal.

Price Reduced in Warner Robins GA 31088

103 Spruce Street – Woodland Hills Subdivision

This 1,552sq ft home in the Woodland Hills Subdivision has just had the price reduced. This property is sold as-is.

Now listed at $79,900, this Warner Robins home is ideally situated close to restaurants, stores, and other amenities.

Located at 103 Spruce Street, this 3 BR/1 BA property features hardwood flooring in living areas and bedrooms, vinyl in bath and kitchen, an outbuilding, and a fenced yard.

The Houston County Public Schools for this Warner Robins home are Miller Elementary, Warner Robins Middle, and Warner Robins High School.

If you can envision your family calling this Woodland Hills Subdivision property your home, call me at (478) 960-8055 so we can get you in for a preview.

As always, visit Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA to view a complete list of Warner Robins GA Homes for Sale.

View Just Listed in Warner Robins GA 31088 – Woodland Hills Subdivision in a larger map

Price Reduced in Centerville GA 31028

108 Crestwood Road – Crestwood Estates Subdivision

This 2,956sq ft home in the Crestwood Estates Subdivision has just had the price reduced!

Now listed at $163,500, this home has plenty of space and is ideally situated close to restaurants, stores, and other amenities.

Located at 108 Crestwood Road, this 3 BR/2 BA all-brick property features an in-ground pool, 3 living areas, multiple ovens for entertaining, and a large fenced yard.

The Houston County Public Schools for this Centerville home are Centerville Elementary, Thomson Middle, and Northside High School.

If you can envision your family calling this Crestwood Estates Subdivision property your home, call me at (478) 960-8055 so we can get you in for a preview.

As always, visit Homes for Sale in Centerville GA to view a complete list of Centerville GA Homes for Sale.

View Just Listed in Centerville GA 31028 – Crestwood Estates Subdivision in a larger map