curry blog.

FHA LOAN LIMITS REINSTATED

Congress recently approved restoring FHA’s previous loan limits through 2013 at 125% of local area median home prices up to a maximum of $729,750 in the highest-cost markets. Those limits previously expired September 30. Continue reading FHA LOAN LIMITS REINSTATED…

Looking Forward to 2011

The new year is well underway with 2010 in the past.   Last year was definitely a year of challenges leaving many people anticipating the new year… fresh starts, new beginnings. 

It’s great to have a positive attitude.  Better economic times WILL come.  In the meantime, what an opportunity to  polish skills, learn new things, and strengthen accountability practices to create new and improve existing relationships, both personal and business.   Last year, a combination of these was put into action prior to and with the launch of Curry Companies’ website.  The site will continue to be a work in progress providing visitors with a wealth of information pertaining to what Curry does best—Insurance, Construction, and Real Estate.  In addition, the Helpful Links provides contact information for area attorneys, banks, city governments, hospitals, schools, and even veterinarians, just to  name a few.  Most recently added is a Video Library that answers just about any real estate-related question ever asked. And, in keeping with the times, Click to Call and Click to Text features are now available from the site, and you can join Curry Real Estate on Facebook and Twitter. 

Curry Companies has come out of its comfort zone and is embracing technology.  However, no one can dismiss the need for face-to-face meetings for building stronger relationships and connections.  Therefore, as Curry Companies continues into 2011 providing the technology people have come to expect, our door will always remain open, and customers and clients will continue to be warmly greeted with friendly smiles and a polite, “How may we help you?”.

HOUSING MARKET UPDATE

This blog entry is to answer what has become a popular question directed to the real estate agents here at Curry Real Estate:  “How’s the real estate market doing?”

Home sales reached a peak back in 2007, and shortly thereafter, started its downward spiral nationwide.  Here in the Heart of Georgia, the housing market hasn’t suffered to the extent larger cities have but, it has been in a decline; there’s no denying it.   We’re fast approaching the end of 2010, and home sales this year have been intermittent, and that’s okay.  Recovery will not be overnight.    National Association of REALTORS® chief economist, Lawrence Yum, recently stated “A housing recovery is taking place but will be choppy at times…”  He went on to say, “the overall direction should be a gradual rising trend in home sales.”    

The decline in the housing market won’t last forever.  Recent national press reports are letting people know that it’s a great time to buy a home because of the strong buyers’ market especially for families ready to settle down.  The savings today’s buyers are receiving are not a one-time benefit.  Fixed rate mortgages are staying around 4% for 30 year conventional.  Buyers with super-low fixed rate mortgages like this will save money every year they are living in their home.   Buying a home during this time will  be a tremendous investment and can help build wealth over the long-term.   Knight Kiplinger, Economic Journalist, stated in a recent column, “With your expectations duly tempered…go ahead and buy.  In a few years, you just might be pleasantly surprised.”   We could not have said it any better.

For more information or to see available houses for sale, please call one of our REALTORS®, at 478-272-2335, or visit CurryRealEstate.com.

The Heart of Georgia is The Place To Be

What’s so great about living in the Heart of Georgia area?  Most of us who have the privilege of living here will say it’s the people.  That’s right; good ole Southern Hospitality at its best! 

But that’s not all there is to appreciate . . . There are 12 counties that make up what we refer to as the Heart of Georgia.  They are: Laurens (Dublin), Bleckley (Cochran), Dodge (Eastman), Emanuel (Swainsboro), Johnson (Wrightsville) Telfair (McRae), Treutlen (Soperton), Montgomery (Mt. Vernon), Twiggs (Jeffersonville), Wheeler (Alamo), Wilkinson (Irwinton), and Washington (Sandersville).  And Curry Companies has listings throughout the Heart of Georgia.  

Continue reading The Heart of Georgia is The Place To Be…

Save Time and Hassle: Get Pre-Approved!

So you’ve decided to stop paying rent, or perhaps you still live with your parents and have decided it’s time to leave their nest and start your own.  The best place to begin is by examining your finances.   When you have your financing arranged before you start looking for your home, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle.  

First: take stock of your income and expenses, both current and projected, to get an idea of what you think you can comfortably manage to pay each month. 

Second: shop for your loan.  Check with local banks and/or a mortgage broker. You should compare interest rates, broker fees, points, prepayment penalties, loan application fees, etc.  After you’ve decided which mortgage “store” you want to use, ask to be “pre-approved. ”

Now that you’re approved for your home loan, call a REALTOR(R) and go shopping at CurryCompanies.com.

TO BUY or NOT TO BUY: That Is The Question

No one can deny the housing market, nation-wide, has been in a slump the past several months and recovery has been slow to take place.  However, what has taken place has created a Buyers’ Market – an ideal time to buy.

Most areas, including ours, have an abundance of available houses for sale.  According to the National Association of REALTORS, available homes are at a 15-year high. When housing inventory is high, it puts sellers in a position that necessitates competitive pricing.

Not only is the supply of available houses high, mortgage interest rates have remained at record lows. (Check out FreddieMac for average mortgage rates.)

Buyers who are pre-approved have incredible negotiating power, and financing options are available for those with a steady income and good credit.

It’s a simple equation: Motivated Seller + Low Mortgage Rate + Qualified Buyer = A Happy Homeowner.

Whether you are listing a home or look to buy a home, we’d like to help.  Visit us at CurryCompanies.com for all of your Real Estate needs.

Selling Your Home Starts with Curb Appeal

If you watch a lot of HGTV, you hear the term “curb appeal” often.  Great curb appeal is crucial when trying to sell your home.  After all, the yard and the front of your home are the first things a prospective buyer will see, and first impressions are very important. You want your property to stand out from the competition – inside and out.

Here are a few simple items from Curry Residential to keep in mind when it comes to increasing the curb appeal of your home.

• Keep lawn mowed and water it as needed to keep it green
• Add fresh mulch to shrubbery and flower beds
• Edge the driveways and walkways
• Keep shrubbery trimmed
• Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door and replace the hardware if needed
• Pressure wash dirty siding
• Make your front porch inviting by adding a pot of fresh colorful flowers
• Keep trash cans, bicycles, and gardening tools stowed away

Great curb appeal may make the difference whether a buyer keeps driving or anxiously steps inside.  See the Curry Companies website for more Tips about selling your home.