Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Get Your Finances in Order: To-Do List When House-Hunting
It's the beginning of a new year, so let's do better this time around:
1. Develop a household budget. Instead of creating a
budget of what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects
your actual spending habits over the last several months. This approach will
factor in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, as well as predictable
costs such as rent, utility bills, and groceries.
2. Reduce your debt. Lenders generally look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. This figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 and 28 percent of your net household income. So you need to get monthly payments on the rest of your installment debt — car loans, student loans, and revolving balances on credit cards — down to between 8 and 10 percent of your net monthly income.
2. Reduce your debt. Lenders generally look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. This figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 and 28 percent of your net household income. So you need to get monthly payments on the rest of your installment debt — car loans, student loans, and revolving balances on credit cards — down to between 8 and 10 percent of your net monthly income.
3. Look for ways to save. You probably know how much you spend on rent and utilities, but little expenses add up, too. Try writing down everything you spend for one month. You’ll probably spot some great ways to save, whether it’s cutting out that morning trip to Starbucks or eating dinner at home more often.
4. Increase your income. Now’s the time to ask for a raise! If that’s not an option, you may want to consider taking on a second job to get your income at a level high enough to qualify for the home you want.
5. Save for a down payment. Designate a certain amount of money each month to put away in your savings account. Although it’s possible to get a mortgage with only 5 percent down, or even less, you can usually get a better rate if you put down a larger percentage of the total purchase. Aim for a 20 percent down payment.
6. Keep your job. While you don’t need to be in the same job forever to qualify for a home loan, having a job for less than two years may mean you have to pay a higher interest rate.
7. Establish a good credit history. Get a credit card and make payments by the due date. Do the same for all your other bills, too. Pay off the entire balance promptly.
And of course, I would be glad to answer any real-estate related questions.
Laura Grainger
Realtor®
RE/MAX Southern Shores Conway
Saturday, June 25, 2016
1755 Barnhill Road Galivants Ferry, SC 29544
Do you want a big yard with space to roam? Well, here you've found your new home! Located in Galivants Ferry this is a 3BR/2BA with oversized garage on an acre in the country. Unique features include a hobby room and washer/dryer connection in the laundry room on the first floor of the garage; plus upstairs is a large heated/cooled storage space. The main house offers a den off the living room as well as a large dining area in the kitchen, breakfast bar and french doors leading to the garage. Detached storage outside is wired and shelved. Pond towards rear of property is a haven for wildlife. Garden tub in the master bathroom and a walk-in closet. Ceiling fans in all bedrooms. Property is sold "AS-IS" including existing appliances, plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems. Buyer is responsible for all inspections; verification of all data. The buyer and agent must register and submit offers at the auction website detailed in the offer instructions. Contact agent for info. Auction results may take up to 7 calendar days after auction closes. $2000 buyer premium paid at closing. Bank of America associates, household members or business partners prohibited from purchasing.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.00
Price: $139,900
For more information about this property, please contact Laura Grainger at 843-742-1603 or graingerrealestate@gmail.com. You can also text 3710722 to 67299.
See more listings at: http://www.lauragrainger.remaxagent.com/
MLS ID: 1613195
1237 Augustus Drive Conway, SC 29527
Newer 3br/2ba home in NewCastle subdivision with sidewalks and no HOA. All appliances convey with original warranties, plus upgraded washer and dryer. This is the Palace model constructed by Beverly Homes which includes crown molding on the birch cabinets in the kitchen, dual vanity in the master bath, transom windows in both bathrooms, and french doors in the family room. Roof over rear patio is a recent addition and could easily be screened. Other fabulous interior and exterior upgrades- too many to list here! 9ft garage door fits your RV (10ft ceiling inside), keyless entry, front porch, privacy fencing around back and detached storage for the ride-on mower. Handicap accessible ramps at the front and back doors. Close to amenities, Riverwalk in downtown Conway and much more. Welcome home!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.00
Price: $155,000
For more information about this property, please contact Laura Grainger at 843-742-1603 or graingerrealestate@gmail.com. You can also text 3708972 to 67299.
See more listings at: http://www.lauragrainger.remaxagent.com/
MLS ID: 1613166
Thursday, May 26, 2016
3311 New Road Conway, SC 29527
Charming 3br 2ba home on the lake just minutes from downtown Conway. Extensive decorative flower garden in front; veggies and verdant beds all around. Relax on the secluded back patio or the front porch and enjoy the peaceful neighborhood of South Lakes. Inside take advantage of the eat-in kitchen, family room with vaulted ceiling and sunny Carolina room, with gorgeous lake views from the master bedroom also. Large lot edged with fruit trees extends down to the lake. Split bedroom plan includes two full bathrooms and walk-in closets. Transferable security system and current termite bond. Single car garage (oversized) with pull-down attic storage and additional storage shed. Roof and gutter system replaced two years ago. Low HOA fee. Some furniture will convey, including the refridgerator.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.00
Price: $139,900
For more information about this property, please contact Laura Grainger at 843-742-1603 or graingerrealestate@gmail.com. You can also text 3632602 to 67299.
See more listings at: http://www.lauragrainger.remaxagent.com/
MLS ID: 1611002
Saturday, April 30, 2016
612 Bald Eagles Dr Conway, SC 29527
Large 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Aquilla Estates off Hwy 701 South. This home is ready to move in. Open living room with vaulted ceiling, formal dining, split bedroom floor plan. Laminate flooring throughout. Bonus room and attached 2-car garage; Screened rear porch and fenced backyard!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.00
Price: $162,900
For more information about this property, please contact Laura Grainger at 843-742-1603 or graingerrealestate@gmail.com. You can also text 3560772 to 67299.
See more listings at: http://www.lauragrainger.remaxagent.com/
MLS ID: 1523507
1352 White Oak Lane Galivants Ferry, SC 29544
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and sweet smells (think jasmine vines!) of country living on 9 acres of cleared and wooded land in this move-in ready 3BR 2BA mobile home with metal roof and brick foundation. Located in the Aynor school district but outside the city limits, this could be your primary or secondary residence, simply add some personal touches to the interior and then step outside onto the rear deck to enjoy the above-ground pool and the peaceful surroundings. In addition, the large workshop/barn offers a place for your animals, boat or RV, hobby equipment or garden tools. The 2-car carport has an interior workbench, sink and storage shelves and opens to the fenced-in garden area. With practical laminate flooring inside, the kitchen opens to a dining area and the family room. There are ceilings fans in all three generous sized bedrooms and the house is serviced with a septic tank; both city water and a well are available. Book your appointment today for a showing and move in just in time for summer!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.00
Price: $199,900
For more information about this property, please contact Laura Grainger at 843-742-1603 or graingerrealestate@gmail.com. You can also text 3558819 to 67299.
See more listings at: http://www.lauragrainger.remaxagent.com/
MLS ID: 1609163
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