Edwin Gerace's Real Estate Blog

Thursday, December 6, 2007

New Construction

Buying a new home is a tough task, and is in the need of a professional for help through the process. I personally have sold millions of real estate in new construction so I have seen allot, but not all. When buying a new home their are over 10,000 people that are involved in building your home from the man that delivers your studs to the bank person that approves the draws to attorney helping with the transaction to the landscaper. So it is a great to have someone looking out for you. When buying a new home from any builder, I would strongly suggest to have a Realtor in your corner ( Doesn't cost you, the seller pays all the fees). If using a Realtor in your transaction doesn't cost, why wouldn't you not want free representation ( extra set of eyes protecting your largest investment). I am not implying that building can be risky and someone is out to get the consumer. But like I stated prior there are allot of people and allot of variables in the equation, so some free assistance is a good idea to have. I have represented builders that built starter homes, move up homes, executive homes, and condominium community. So I have seen allot of stuff over the years. And the one constant is that everyone has needs and concerns and they are different and working hands on and verifying all items stated in the contract is the only way make sure everything is done correctly.Some Ideas1- Consult a REALTOR2- Find a professional ( CSP = Certified New Homes Specialist)3- Talk with more than one builder if doing custom home ( have a Realtor go with you) 4- Buying a Tract or National Builder home Read Contract and talk with past clients5- Check around the area for issues ( school, water,sewer, topo)6- Custom builders can offer set prices or cost plus ( fairest way, everyone wins)7- Do some homework on your Lot 8- Do some homework on your BuilderEdwin Geracewww.EdwinGerace.com www.609sold.com Look forward to hearing about your questions and comments. Edwin Gerace is answering questions and fielding comments about real estate. He will be able to guide you with answers or location for answers. Talk to you soon

Build Now Buy Now

Build NOW buy NOW Campaign
A Note from Earl McLeod

Buy Now Build Now is brought to you by the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia, Greater Columbia Association of REALTORS and participating members in partnership with the National Association of Home Builders. The program is designed to give you all the information needed to begin the process of finding your dream home.
Right now is a terrific time to buy a home. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to move-up to a larger home, it’s a GREAT time to be a buyer in Columbia. Here are the top 10 reasons why you need to buy in Columbia now.It is a Buyer’s Market right now!• Build Wealth• Live the American Dream• Location…Location…Location!• Possibility for tax deductions• Interest rates remain low and 100% financing is available• Get a Return on your Investment• Housing Choice• Green building techniques and products translate into savings• Columbia remains a hot market

Friday, November 30, 2007

Mortgage in Real Estate

Mortgage Side of Real Estate
Mortgage side of the real estate transaction is critical to home ownership. I see many people going to the internet for rate comparison and information. I am very internet savoy and use it as a tool but I would strongly suggest not make it the only tool. I have many clients that use the mortgage person that their friend or family used, due to the customer service, or a particular loan programs for that buyer. That is a very good way to do it too, but not always the best avenue since that person used that used that mortgage professional for a certain reason that might not fit for your specific needs. What I do suggest is talk to several persons for ideas and suggestions since their are 1,000's of mortgage loan types and finding the one that fits you might take a professional to find. But be careful if you talk to 2 persons, and if rate is an issue then get those rates from the Mortgage professional on the same day so you can compare apples to apples. Things that are important when talking to a mortgage professional1- Rate2- Down Payment required by lender3- Closing Cost ( request a good faith estimate) 4- Type of Mortgage5- Early Payment penalties or change in interest rate

Mortgage in Real Estate

Mortgage Side of Real Estate
Mortgage side of the real estate transaction is critical to home ownership. I see many people going to the internet for rate comparison and information. I am very internet savoy and use it as a tool but I would strongly suggest not make it the only tool. I have many clients that use the mortgage person that their friend or family used, due to the customer service, or a particular loan programs for that buyer. That is a very good way to do it too, but not always the best avenue since that person used that used that mortgage professional for a certain reason that might not fit for your specific needs. What I do suggest is talk to several persons for ideas and suggestions since their are 1,000's of mortgage loan types and finding the one that fits you might take a professional to find. But be careful if you talk to 2 persons, and if rate is an issue then get those rates from the Mortgage professional on the same day so you can compare apples to apples. Things that are important when talking to a mortgage professional1- Rate2- Down Payment required by lender3- Closing Cost ( request a good faith estimate) 4- Type of Mortgage5- Early Payment penalties or change in interest rate

Monday, November 12, 2007

Lexington SC a Great Place to Live and Work
Lake Murray is a True jewell. Offering year around activities and great views. I moved to Lexington via West Columbia South Carolina from Cincinnatti, OH. The reason for the move was due to weather. I like many other persons from above the Mason Dixen Line grew tierd of the snow. I now can play outside with my family all year around. The summers are hot ( 100 degrees or better) but that is ok since I can wear shorts 9-10 months out of the year. My daughter struggles with the thoughts of no snow and is not sure what it looks like, but to relieve her we travel 3 hours to my parents home in Johnson City Tennessee. Lexington location is ideal, 3 hours your in Atlanta, 2 hours your in Ashville 3 Hours your in Floriday and 15 min your in the capital city of Columbia. With Large interstates such as I-20 I-26 and I-77 it ideal for traveling to and from Columbia. Columbia Airport is growing and offering more flights daily, and your 1.5 hours from Charolette Airprot as well.Some Great Links about Lexington Include http://www.lexingtonsc.org/, Lake Management, Lexington County, Town of LexingtonLexington area Links: Lexington Weather Lexington Profile State Paper and much moreCome visit us and see our Lake Murray.Edwin Geracehttp://www.609sold.com/ http://www.withedyouwin.com/

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Welcome to Edwin Gerace's Blog

Thank you for taking time to read my blog. My Name is Edwin Gerace a Realtor with Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors in Lexington South Carolina. I can be reached at 803-609-SOLDI am going to try to post and have postings from professionals in the industry so you can interact with questions and comments about an assorted amount of topics. I see every day people that have questions and are hesitating to get involved in a real estate transaction due to fear or uncertainty. I want to offer is a open forum for people to ask questions and get answers to real estate question that they have. I as well want to give people a taste or an Idea about my wonderful city I live in, called Lexington SC. I work in Lexington, Play in Lexington, My wife and my daughter are here as well. I am very pro-Lexington, South Carolina for many reasons. Some reasons are Great Climate ( except august), Great Location to larger cities, Great people and friendly environment. And Much More. I will hope to have people write about their experiences of this wonderful city and surrounding area which will breed questions and comments about the Metro Columbia area. Talk to you soon, Edwin Gerace, CSP, ASR

Edwin Gerace's Lexington SC Real Estate Blog

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Lexington, SC, United States
Edwin Gerace is Realtor with Holiday Builders in Lexington South Carolina. Edwin specializes in New Construction and 1st Time Home Buyers. Edwin is very active in Lexington South Carolina and is knowledgeable about the surroundings. Edwin is very active in his profession and community such as: On active committees with the Columbia Home Builders, active and on committees with Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Town of Lexington Performing Arts Center, Green Building Council of HBA, LORADAC, State Association of Realtors on State and Local Level, and many other community oriented service groups.
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