Shawna Woodward

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

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,

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to all those owners out there who still have super-low interest rates! You have managed to survive this crazy real estate market unscathed, but why stop there when you can leverage this opportunity to build equity rapidly and position yourself for future financial gains? In this article, we’ll explore savvy strategies to pay off your mortgage loan quickly, maximize your equity, and prepare for a potential surge in home sales and prices when interest rates inevitably come back down. Let’s start with the obvious, making extra payments towards the

Welcome to spring in Augusta, Georgia! As the weather finally begins to warm up, it’s the perfect time to explore the current trends shaping the local real estate landscape. Whether you’re considering buying or selling a home, understanding the market dynamics can help you make informed decisions and achieve your real estate goals. Here’s a closer look at what I’ve uncovered this week in our area. In the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), there are currently 1,729 homes listed for sale, with 1,278 homes pending sale or under contract. The

Editor’s note: In today’s world, there are apps for everything, including home buying. ABD thought it is timely to revisit those options in the Best of Real Talk Real Estate. When you consider making a change, you’ll go straight to the internet to begin researching options. Real estate search apps have taken first place in every aspect of the home buying, renting, and selling process. In an effort to help you make an informed decision, I’ve decided to share my realtor’s perspective on a few of the most popular options.

Every April, the city of Augusta, Georgia, transforms into a hub of excitement and prestige as it plays host to one of the most prestigious events in the golfing world: the Masters Tournament. With thousands of visitors flocking to Augusta to witness the iconic tournament, local homeowners have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the influx of guests by renting out their personal homes. If you’ve ever considered renting out your home for the Masters Golf Tournament, here is what you need to know. Renting out your home during the