Pros and Cons of Renting a Thomasville GA Home

Posted by First Thomasville Realty, Ltd. Wednesday, September 29, 2010 6:55 AM 0 comments
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If you're wondering if it's the right time for you to buy a Thomasville GA home, you might want to think about the pros and cons of renting versus buying. Here are a few of them, which might help you make up your mind:

Let’s first go over the advantages of renting a home.
• You don't have to worry about finding a mortgage lender.
• You don’t lose equity as the real estate market rises and falls; then again, you don’t gain equity either.
• You don’t have to put down as much money up front.
• You have fixed rental fees that won’t fluctuate during the length of your lease.
• All you have to do is leave when your lease is up. You don't have to worry about selling your home.
• You don't have to pay for maintenance of the home.

Now let’s go over the disadvantages of renting.
• Your investment never goes up. You never gain equity.
• You don’t gain an investment, in which you can use the equity for other things as you grow older.
• You're not free to do your own maintenance.
• You can’t decorate or renovate your home any way you want.
• You can’t receive some great tax breaks that go with homeownership.
• It's possible for the home to be sold out from under you - sometimes without warning.

Both renting and buying a Thomasville GA home has its advantages. Whether you buy a home really depends on your personal life, and factors like job stability and personal finances. Some people are more than ready to have a permanent place to call their own, and others just don’t mind moving about.

One thing is sure - most Americans don’t want to spend their entire lifetime renting. At some point, buying a home is going to be a good investment and create equity for your future.

If you're considering buying real estate, there's no better time to do it than now with home prices and interest rates at their lowest in decades. Let First Thomasville Realty show you some of the great home buying opportunities available in today's real estate market. Call us today at (229) 226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .

(SEAL) Senior Chief Petty Officer David B McLendon

Posted by First Thomasville Realty, Ltd. Monday, September 27, 2010 12:48 PM 0 comments

A Georgia sailor was among four Navy personnel who were killed Tuesday during fighting in Afghanistan, the U.S. Department of Defense reported.

 

 

Senior Chief Petty Officer David B. McLendon, 30, of Thomasville, was killed with three other sailors when their helicopter crashed during combat operations in the Zabul province of Afghanistan, the DOD reported. McLendon was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit. 

Senior Chief Petty Officer David B., McLendon, 30, of Thomasville, Ga., Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Adam O. Smith, 26, of Hurland Mo., and Petty Officer 3rd Class (SEAL) Denis C. Miranda, 24, of Toms River, N.J. were among those that perished in the crash. All three were all based at Little Creek. 

 

 

The SEALs are the Navy's special operations arm, consisting of 2,500 men who wear the hard-won trident pin.

 

 

The Sailors were all highly accomplished service members, and recipients of numerous awards and citations. 

McLendon's awards included the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal, Navy Battle "E" Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 

 

 

"On behalf of the entire Naval Special Warfare community -- we extend our sincerest condolences to all the families of our fallen brothers, our Navy SEALs and support tech, Army air crewmen, and coalition personnel," said Rear Adm. Edward Winters, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. "Our prayers are with these families during this very difficult time." 

 

 

"These men bravely and unselfishly answered the nation's call to defend freedom and protect the nation and its allies from terrorism," said Rear Adm. Winters. "The loss of these brave warriors will only strengthen our resolve in the fight against extremism and terror." 

 

 

McLendon was a Navy cryptologic technician assigned to an east coast Naval Special Warfare unit. He entered the Navy in 1998 and was a graduate of Thomas County Central High School in Georgia. During his 12-year Navy career, McLendon served at various Navy commands in Norfolk, Pearl Harbor, and Brunswick, Maine. His fellow service members said they remember McLendon as a consummate Navy professional. McClendon is survived by his wife and parents. 

 

 

"He loved to go fishing," Kelly Lockman said of her brother, who went by his middle name. Lockman said that when he came home in June, he went with family and friends to Turner Field in Atlanta to see the Braves game. "It was the first time he'd been there," she said. The body was to arrive Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, family members said. 

 

 

The Thomasville GA community is rallying around a man described as a warrior and fallen hero.

 

 

Tributes are being planned for David Blake McLendon. Local flags are being flown at half-staff in honor of Senior Chief Petty Officer McLendon, a 1998 Thomas County Central High School graduate, who served in Naval Special Warfare. 

 

 

Services have not been announced. 

 

 

“We just want to line the streets for this guy,” said Bob Hutchinson, a Thomasville resident. "We just need to make people aware so we can honor this man.” Plans are under way to line streets and highways with residents holding American flags along the route from the church where the funeral is conducted to the interment site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hutchinson said all men and women who serve in the military must be shown respect.“This young fellow was a warrior,” Hutchinson said. “This kid is loved. We don’t tell military folks how much we appreciate them.” 

 

 

 

Thomasville resident Pam Clay, who is organizing the flag effort, wants flags to be displayed unobtrusively.

 

 

She wants to “quietly line the streets” in support of the McLendon family and to express gratitude to McLendon.  “He lost his life protecting all of us,” Clay said. “I did not know him, but I would do the same for any fallen hero who is from Thomas County. ”Clay said community response to the flag display has been overwhelming. She has ordered 500 flags to be distributed, and others are purchasing flags, as well. 

 

 

McLendon’s remains were flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. His parents, Mary Ann and David McLendon, traveled to Delaware and were expected to return Friday.

Posted via email from Thomasville Georgia Real Estate Media

Increase The Value Of Your Thomasville Georgia Home In A Few Easy Steps

Posted by First Thomasville Realty, Ltd. Wednesday, September 22, 2010 8:51 AM 0 comments
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To get a Thomasville Georgia home to sell during a buyer’s market, it needs to look better than the other houses on the street. Making just a few quick changes can make all the difference when trying to best the competition. Here are a few things to do to make your home stand out:

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Few things can spruce up a Thomasville Georgia home like a fresh coat of paint. Be sure to pick a neutral color. Potential buyers won’t be able to see themselves decorating and living in the home if they see too much of someone else's personality in the wall color. Most home improvement stores will have color cards you can look through, this will help you find the most neutral color you can live with. While you’re at it, get rid of all the knickknacks and other items that may clutter up your home, and the prospective buyer's mind.

Fix The Flooring

You don’t have to buy new carpet, but you need to make sure it's clean and in good condition. Be honest, if you wouldn’t want to inherit the flooring, no one else will either. If after cleaning and making repairs the carpet does not look up to par, replace it. Repair any gouges in the linoleum or hardwood floors. Don’t let bad flooring ruin your chances of a good sell.

Keep Up The Maintenance

Before selling your home, walk through each room and make a list of what needs to be done. Take note of the little things. Look at the window frames, the caulking in the bathroom, and check out the condition of your gutters. Do they need cleaning or is bigger repair in order?

Have someone come out and inspect your furnace and air conditioner for needed repairs. Even the plumbing should get a once over. The roof of your house needs to be inspected too. Arrange to make repairs as soon as possible.

If you're unable to make these needed repairs, be prepared to lower the price of your Thomasville Georgia home as much as two dollars for every dollar of repair work needed. These simple things can make the difference in a buyer’s market.

Thinking of selling your home? Let First Thomasville Realty help you sell it as fast as possible for the best price. Call us today at (229) 226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .

New Mitchell House Virtual Tour

Posted by First Thomasville Realty, Ltd. Tuesday, September 21, 2010 5:17 AM 0 comments

http://informingyou.info/tours/flash/Mitchell-House_with_Contact.swf

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6 Ways to Save for a Down Payment When Trying to Buy Thomasville GA Homes for Sale

Posted by First Thomasville Realty, Ltd. Wednesday, September 15, 2010 10:48 AM 0 comments
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Preparing to buy Thomasville GA homes for sale can cause much excitement. But before you start daydreaming about all the possibilities, you need to concentrate on ways to save for a down payment.

1. First, pay off debt
One of the best ways to save for a house is to get out of debt first. From credit cards to personal loans, if you're still sending more of your money out of the house than you're keeping in, you need to make a point to significantly cut debt.

2. Get an extra job
Although not glamorous, another job will put money in your pocket to help you buy Thomasville GA homes for sale. Just make sure when you see the fruit of your labor, you set it aside as a down payment for your new home.

3. Got clothes you're not wearing? What about that CD player you never use? Holding a garage sale is an excellent way to quickly rake in cash. Some people make hundreds of dollars!

4. Seek professional help
Even though putting 20% down is ideal, there are many available plans to assist you in coming up with a down payment. Depending on your situation, your down payment could be significantly less. Talk with your real estate agent or a trusted mortgage provider to get professional advice.

5. Get a promotion
While this may seem like an odd way to save for a down payment, it's very practical. Have you helped save your company a lot of money? Did you work especially hard on a big project? Don't let all your talents go to waste. It can't hurt you to simply ask for a raise.

6. Use your tax refund
Instead of buying a new television or washer and dryer set, use your tax refund toward a down payment on your home.

With a bit of effort and focus, before you know it, you'll have your down payment and be on your way to owning your own home.

If you're thinking of buying, now's the time to start working with professional real estate agents. We can recommend a mortgage provider who will help you get the financing that best fits your needs. First Thomasville Realty can also help you find Thomasville homes for sale that fit your budget and criteria. Give us a call today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .

Thomasville First Responders Luncheon

Posted by First Thomasville Realty, Ltd. Friday, September 10, 2010 11:26 AM 0 comments

The Thomasville Area Board of Realtors will once again honor our local First Responders with a luncheon on Friday, September 10th from 11 am until 1 pm.  at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.  Each year since the tragedy on 9/11 Thomasville Realtors have taken this opportunity to say “Thank You” to our First Responders who keep the Thomasville area safe and such a wonderful place to live! 

First Thomasville Realty would like to express our gratitude to each of these outstanding men and women in our community and let you know that we appreciate every sacrifice that you make on behalf of Thomasville and Thomas County.

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3 Tips to Pay Off Your Thomasville GA Home Mortgage Early

Posted by First Thomasville Realty, Ltd. Wednesday, September 8, 2010 9:45 AM 0 comments
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If you own a Thomasville Georgia home, you're probably trying to figure out how you can save money. One of the best ways to add a bit of cash back into your pocket is create a budget, and work on paying off your mortgage early. With a little research and a lot of focus, you can be mortgage free.

1. Make Additional Monthly Payments
One of the easiest ways to pay off your home mortgage is to simply make extra payments towards your principal balance. This helps decrease interest over the years, which helps you pay off your mortgage loan at a faster rate. You could pay as little as $100 extra a month and make a huge difference in the amount of interest you'll pay over the life of your loan. Use a mortgage calculator to check out figures and help you get an idea of how much you could save over the years.

When you make principal only payments, be sure to write a separate check and write "Principal Pre-payment Only" and your account number in the memo area of the check. Also enclose a letter instructing the mortgage company to apply this to pay down your principal balance. If you don't do this, the bank may apply it to your next mortgage payment instead of just to your principal.

2. Pay Bi-Weekly
Another way to pay off your Thomasville GA home mortgage early is to pay twice a month, or bi-weekly. Paying bi-weekly could potentially subtract up to nine years off your loan. You simply make two smaller payments, instead of one big one. Therefore, you save a significant amount of money in interest charges.

However, if your loan company requires that you pay a fee to pay bi-weekly, or if they require that you switch plans whereby you are required to make a bi-monthly payment, don't do it.

Instead, stick with your current monthly payment schedule and simply pay more on your principal each month as described above. This way you'll still save a significant amount of interest, but you won't be locked in to making bi-weekly payments. If you run into a rough patch, you can go back to paying your normal monthly amount. This keeps your options open, rather than being locked in if you converted to the bi-weekly payment plan.

3. Refinance Your Loan
When you refinance, the goal is usually to get a lower mortgage payment. But if you want to pay off your mortgage early, you could refinance, get a lower interest rate, but continue to make the same payments you were initially paying on your previous loan. This would allow you to pay more on your interest charges, and ultimately shorten the life of your loan.

When trying to pay off your Thomasville Georgia home mortgage early, you have several options. Just make sure to thoroughly research all the available plans of action until you find the one that's right for you.

32755 US Hwy 19 North, Meigs, Georgia 31765

Posted by First Thomasville Realty, Ltd. Friday, September 3, 2010 11:31 AM 0 comments

http://informingyou.info/tours/flash/32755-US-Hwy-19-North-901719.swf 

32755 US Hwy 19 North,   Meigs, Georgia   31765

Custom built home on beautiful 46+/- acre Lake Charles.  Owners carefully designed this 4 BR/5.5 BA home with over 6000+/- sq.ft. plus an additional 895 +/- sq.ft. 3 car garage with CHA & surround sound.  Enter through beautiful mahogany front doors to a 2-story foyers w/custom built wrought iron railing on the staircase.  Features include Formal DR; random HW floors; GR with dry stacked stone FP & gas logs; stereo system; hot water on demand; gourmet kitchen with Thermador gas cook top & double ovens, warming drawer, disposal, microwave, dishwasher, sub zero refrigerator, granite countertops; Butlers Pantry w/ice maker & beverage fridge; office with pine ceiling; game room; wrapping room; spacious Master Suite w/luxury bath; backup generator; security system; lots of outdoor space includes a covered porch + 2000sq.ft. of deck; outdoor kitchen; sprinkler system; storm shelter; outdoor fireplace; dock & more!  One of a kind home with fantastic views!  GA R.E. Lic. #251044  MLS#901719  $1,295,000

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32755 US Hwy 19 North

Posted by First Thomasville Realty, Ltd. Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:00 AM 0 comments

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GA R.E. Lic. #251044

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5 Characteristics You Want Your Thomasville Georgia Real Estate Agents to Possess

Posted by First Thomasville Realty, Ltd. Wednesday, September 1, 2010 3:41 AM 0 comments
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When buying a home, of course everyone wants to work with a dynamic real estate agent. But sometimes, it's hard to know not only what talents you want in a real estate agent but also what you really need. While Thomasville Georgia real estate agents differ, there are five traits you definitely want the agent you choose to work with to embody.

1. Marketing skills – You need to work with an agent who knows the ins and outs of real estate marketing. If you have a house to sell, your agent should know how to market your home both online and offline. If you're buying a home, your agent should be aware of the latest and greatest homes on the market.

2. Negotiating flair – Once you decide on a property, you don't want to overspend. A good agent will have the skills to get you the best deal around. With a good negotiator, you can have peace of mind knowing you won't be taken advantage of.

3. Experience – This is understood. If you're working with Thomasville Georgia real estate agents, you want them to be experienced. While there are some good people who are just getting started, nothing beats years of on-the-job training.

4. Good listening skills – If an agent doesn't listen to exactly what you want, then there's no way he or she can give you the service you deserve. An agent with excellent listening skills is necessary if you want your goals met.

5. Dedication – No matter how much experience or skills an agent has, it's essential that you choose someone who is ready to put in the time and commitment needed to get your deal done.

There are many Thomasville Georgia real estate agents from which to choose. And you'll want to interview several agents to figure out the one who's right for you. First Thomasville Realty would be honored if you'd allow one of our excellent agents to interview for the job of representing you as a buyer or seller. To schedule an interview, call First Thomasville Realty today at 229-226-6515 or email us at info@FTRealty.com .

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