115 Hackberry Drive, Madison

Beautiful new listing in Ashbrooke! Only two years old and absolutely wonderful....

This property is located in a cul-de-sac and has interior brick features, high ceilings and wood floors. The kitchen has granite, wood ceiling accents, stainless appliances and a double oven. The formal dining area has a cedar beam separating it from the spacious great room. All the bedrooms are large with big closets. There is a hall bath for guests, a jack-n-jill bath between two guest rooms and a huge master.

The backyard is huge and there is a covered patio. Very private and quiet. You will be impressed! $315000

Low Low Low

After a long unexplained absense, I'm back to tell you folks that rates are great! They are low, low low. An average 30 year FHA fixed (this is the route that most first time home buyers will go) is just above 4%. Thats the lowest EVER!

The last time rates were ever this low was in the 1950s, and a 30 year loan wasn't even available at that time. Most loans back then were 20 year commitments.

So, folks.... Pleezeee get off that fence. Call a Realtor and stop waiting around.

Got it?

The Best Advice Ever

If one of your goals this year is to make the shift from renter to homeowner, you should begin preparations now for one of the biggest life decisions you will make.

Before you start the home-buying process, make sure you are ready to buy a home that you will live in for at least three to four years. It will take that long to build enough equity to recoup your investment costs. Its ok to imagine a "dream" home or a your "dream" location, but keep in mind that you may need to sift through these dreams to find a community and a home that you can comfortably afford.


Anyone who has watched the news in the past few years can attest that home prices have fallen in most real estate markets, and that interest rates are at historically low levels — both factors that make buying your first home more affordable.

Meet with a lender

Get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan before you look at homes so you can avoid falling in love with a home you cannot afford. You may be surprised to discover you can afford something pricier than you thought since interest rates are so low. Make sure you ask your lender about how much cash you will need for a down payment and closing costs as well as various loan options.

Check your credit score

Lenders base your mortgage qualification on a variety of factors, including your income and assets, your debt-to-income ratio, your savings history and your job stability. But the most important factor is your credit score. Lenders tie the interest rate you must pay to your credit score, so that borrowers with a score of 720 and sometimes 740 and above are the only ones who will pay the lowest mortgage rates. Borrowers with a credit score below 620 may not qualify at all for a mortgage until they can improve their score.

Make a reasonable offer

If you love a house and don't want to lose it, don't make a low-ball offer. Some sellers are willing to negotiate and others are not. A trustworthy realtor can walk you through the process to make sure you are dealt with fairly.

Have a home inspection

Never buy a home without having it inspected. Not only are you looking for serious flaws in the home, but you can learn a lot about what to expect in terms of repairing or replacing systems and appliances as an owner. Let me go one step further. Its great that your Dad's boss has a son who dates a girl who took a plumming class...once. Get a PROFESSIONAL home inspector. Period.

New Listing in Point Clear

Are you renting? Lemme guess... you have a two bed, two bath apartment? Small kitchen, carpet that doesn't really smell pleasant? loud neighbors? Ok, now, I bet your paying around $900 a month or more? WHY?!?!?

550 Post Road #106 just came on the market and its Perrrrrfect! Two large bedrooms, each with its own bath, a half bath downstairs, a large kitchen, complete with new cabinets, enlarged work space, pantry GRANITE, and spacious breakfast area. Large great room with new carpet, revamped fireplace, decorator colors, storage, new window treatments and a gated patio.

Did I mention the pool? Call me today - its only $147,500 and it soooo beats that apartment you are in.

Did you know??

Effective immediately, home builders are required to notify home buyers at the time of initial contract signing if they (the home builder) do not carry general liability insurance.

Make sure your builder carries liability. Its just common sense...

Meet with a Lender

Its a good idea to always get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan before you look at houses. This will prevent falling in love with a home you cannot afford. You may be surprised to discover that you can afford something pricier than you thought since interest rates are so low. Make sure you ask your lender about your variety of loan options and be sure to get an idea of how much cash you will need for a down payment and closing costs.

The bridge over Madison County...

The ongoing project of relocating Hwy 463 is underway. The connection to Hwy 51 is expected to be complete around October and what a difference it will make!

The 1,284 foot bridge will take traffic North of the existing section of Main street and connect Hwy 51 and I-55 with a four-lane Boulvard.

The New bridge will be at least 33 feet tall so that it clears the rail road tracks. Supposedly, it will be visible from all directions! Cool, huh.

Now, lets get that new Kroger finished!