Thu, July 25, 2024

Shawna Woodward

Shawna Woodward

Real Talk Real Estate: Homeowners Insurance Woes

In recent months, I’ve noticed some concerning trends affecting homeowners across the country. You may have faced increasing difficulties in obtaining and retaining your own homeowner’s insurance. These challenges have become particularly pronounced, affecting both new and existing homeowners. After witnessing the rising insurance costs firsthand, I felt we could all use an update on what to expect moving forward. One of the primary issues homeowners face is the rising cost of insurance premiums. Several factors have contributed to this increase, including, a rise in natural disasters, a rise in

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Shawna Woodward

Best of Real Talk Real Estate: Selling a home with pets

I hope that we all share the love of a beloved pet or two. I can admit I am fully pet-crazed and love my fur babies like they are my children. My friends affectionately refer to me as the crazy cat lady! When I am helping buyers and sellers, pets often take center stage with their needs. Those who have pets want to buy a home with a fenced yard for the dogs or a screened porch for the cats. If you are a seller, you are concerned with what

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Shawna Woodward

Real Talk Real Estate: CSRA Market Update

As of mid-July, the real estate market in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) is showing intriguing trends that are essential for buyers and sellers to understand. Current Market Snapshot Homes for Sale: 1,868 Homes Pending Sale: 1,168 Average Days on Market: 100 days for closed sales from April to June Percentage of Asking Price Received: 98.59% Sales Trends The first quarter of 2024 saw a robust 4,115 homes sold. However, the second quarter experienced a noticeable slowdown with only 2,378 homes sold, signaling a deceleration in spring sales. The

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Consumer Stories

Real Talk Real Estate: Rental Fraud: A True Story

Editor’s Note: It seems there is hardly a week that goes by that ABD isn’t writing about a new business starting up in the CSRA. Some of those employees are looking to buy a home and others are seeking rental properties. This seemed an appropriate time to feature a previous column written by Shawna’s daughter who had a rental experience worth sharing. Hi, Augusta Business Daily! My name is Leanna Woodward, yes Woodward, you read that right. I am the daughter of your favorite CSRA realtor and the usual writer

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Shawna Woodward

Real Talk Real Estate: Tips and Tricks for Making a Strong Offer on a Home

Buying a home is an exciting yet complex process. With news of interest rates dropping soon, many potential buyers are eager to take the plunge. Having seen numerous inadequate offers over the years, I want to provide you with a head start to navigate the anticipated market frenzy. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make a compelling offer that will increase your chances of securing your dream home. Include a Pre-Approval letter with your Offer Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This shows

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Shawna Woodward

Real Talk Real Estate: Navigating the Home Inspection: A Guide for Buyers

The home inspection is a crucial part of the home-buying process, impacting both buyers and sellers. While it can be one of the more stressful steps, especially after the physical demands of moving, it’s essential for ensuring that your new home is safe and sound. In my 20 years of experience, I’ve never seen a home inspection that didn’t uncover something. Understanding the terminology and the process will help you make informed decisions without unnecessary worry. When you receive your inspection report, you’ll see terms like defective, deferred maintenance, monitor,

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Shawna Woodward

BEST OF: Real Talk Real Estate: Neighborhood Spotlight: The River Club, North Augusta, South Carolina

Editor’s Note: It’s summertime and the living is easy…especially in North Augusta on the river with a great golf course to boot. In today’s best of real talk real estate column, Re/Max’s Shawna Woodward looks at the River North community. Situated along the Savannah River, in the ever so quaint and growing town of North Augusta, is a community jewel that overlooks downtown Augusta, Georgia. The River Club is a one-of-a-kind community, elevated far above a normal suburban subdivision. The homes here are sandwiched in between the Savannah River and

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Shawna Woodward

Real Talk Real Estate: Understanding Traditional Mortgage Loan Options in Georgia

Understanding the world of mortgage loans can be daunting, especially with the variety of options available to homebuyers in Georgia and the “advertised” interest rates promoted online. Understanding the different traditional mortgage loan types will help you make an informed decision that best suits your financial situation and homeownership goals. The first place to start if you consider buying a home is to secure your financing. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the traditional mortgage loan options available in Georgia. Conventional Loans Conventional loans are not insured or guaranteed by the

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Shawna Woodward

Real Talk Real Estate: Essential Summer Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle

As the summer sun shines brightly and temperatures rise, now is the perfect time to address key home maintenance tasks. Summer offers longer daylight hours and more predictable weather, making it an ideal season for both indoor and outdoor projects. Here are some essential home maintenance items to tackle this summer to keep your property in top shape. Check and Clean Your HVAC System Your air conditioning system works overtime during the summer months. Ensure it runs efficiently by performing the following tasks: Replace Air Filters: Clean or replace your

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Shawna Woodward

Real Talk Real Estate: Choosing the optimal closing date

When purchasing a home, one crucial question you’ll face is, “What day do you want to close?” While this may seem straightforward, selecting the best closing date requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind, particularly for those using traditional mortgage options. The Importance of a Firm Closing Date The closing date in your contract is intended to be a firm commitment for all parties involved. It sets the timeline for everyone to work towards and signifies your agreement to strive to meet this deadline. Popular

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