Who Is a First-Time Homebuyer?
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a first-time homebuyer is someone who meets any of the following conditions:
• An individual who has not owned a principal residence for three years. A spouse is also considered a first-time homebuyer if he or she meets the above criteria. If you’ve owned a home but your spouse has not, then you can purchase a place together as first-time homebuyers.
• A single parent who has only owned a home with a former spouse while married.
• A displaced homemaker who has only owned with a spouse.
• An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations.
• An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local or model building codes—and which cannot be brought into compliance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure.

What is Earnest Money?
Read more >>

How do I use the Homesnap real estate mobile app?
​See full tutorial here.

What is FMLS?  
FMLS is the most accurate and comprehensive property listings database in Georgia.  FMLS is created, maintained, and paid for by real estate professionals.  

What is a Flat Fee Listing Service?
A Flat Fee MLS Listing Service is a state licensed real estate broker that provides an ‘Entry Only’ service instead of ‘Full Service’. You pay a Flat Fee and they place your listing on the MLS, schedule your open houses and make changes to your listing as you move through the sale process.

How do home sites like Zillow and Redfin get property listings?   
​Home sites such as Zillow, Redfin, and others get their information from our FMLS system. 

I made an offer on a home and my offer was accepted, now what?
Our team will walk you through every step of the process.  Please visit our Home Buyer's Under Contract FAQs  to have an idea of what to expect during the escrow period.   

Do Buyer's need to attend the closing?
Yes but there are exceptions.  Contact your closing attorney for instructions on setting up power of attorney or, mail away closing. 

​Will you inform me of homes from all real estate companies or only Atlanta Communities?
I will keep you informed of all homes. I want to help you find your dream home, which means I need to stay on top of every home that’s available on the market.

​How long will it take to sell my home? 
This is one of the first questions we get from Seller's.  Read more>>

Will My Real Estate Agent attend the home inspection?
This is controversial so I leave it up to the Buyer. Some Buyers feel it may be a distraction for the agent to be there while other Buyers want agents to attend.  Professional Home Inspectors are licensed and insured in the state of GA and work directly for the Buyer.  The home inspection is a time for the buyer and inspector to get to know the home. The inspector will send me a copy of the detailed report usually within 24 hrs of the inspection. There is no substitute for a narrative report documented with digital photos. 

What does "Pending" mean?
When a seller accepts an offer on a home, the listing agent changes its status in the MLS from "Active" to "Pending," meaning the home has an offer, but it hasn't closed yet.

Can you help me find new construction homes?
Yes, I work with most builders and get you the information you need to make a decision. On your first visit with the builder, I will accompany you. By using my services with a new construction home purchase, you will receive the services I offer, as well as those provided by the builder, at no additional cost.
 
How does "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) work?
Homeowners trying to sell their home without agent representation are usually doing so in the hopes of saving the commission. If you see a FSBO and want the advantages of my services, let me contact the owner for you and make an appointment. Most times the homeowner will work with an agent, even though their home is not listed, since the agent is introducing a potential buyer to their property.

How much is VA Funding Fee? Find out here
 
Can we go back through the property again once an offer is made, but before possession?
Yes, I will notify the seller and schedule a convenient time to visit the property again. Immediately before the closing, we do a final walk-through and inspection of the new home.

In Cherokee County, can I raise and keep animals  such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, poultry, ducks, geese, and rabbits?
According to Jeff Watkins, AICP Director of Planning and Zoning (678) 493-6107
AG (General Agricultural) properties have no limits to the number of livestock except that the animals must be kept in safe and humane conditions. Check the link for Residential zoning requirements.  Link to the Planning and Zoning FAQs.​

Do I need a permit if I want to install a manufactured or mobile home in Cherokee County? 
Yes. A building permit for the installation of a manufactured home is required. Cherokee County will verify by review of survey/plat of property and on-site inspections that the home is installed in compliance with building codes and zoning regulations. ​Read more >>>

​Where can I get the forms to have a derelict/abandoned mobile home removed from the property I bought?  ​www.cherokeega.com/.../Abandoned-Mobile-Homes/​

What is the difference between Quartzite and Quartz countertops?
​While quartzite countertops are produced using natural stone, quartz countertops are made using engineered stone. This engineered stone is comprised of about 90% loose quartz. The rest is resins and pigments