Marian Mercer

Hi Sherri - Trulia pulls real estate listings from the local multi-listing system when they're entered. I'm not sure if they offer an independent entry system for private home-owners. I know that I was able to manually input my listings prior to Trulia offering the cooperation with the multi-listing.

Marketing is very important with so many houses competing against one another in our market. I have developed a comprehensive marketing plan for my sellers that appears to be successful in conjunction with correct pricing and curb appeal. If you decide that you would like to list your property, I will be happy to discuss different options with you.

Good luck!

Marian Mercer, Realtor
Southern Homes and Land Real Estate
201 Business Park, Suites 301 & 302
Rincon, GA 31326
Marian@SouthernHomesandLand.com - Thu Oct 23 2008, 08:30

Hi Allyson. Pooler is in West Chatham County. I will post a link at the bottom of my answer so that you can take a tour of what they have to offer. Bryan county, Effingham county and Bulloch county are all out-lying areas near Pooler, and all three have strong educational programs. I have a friend that heads the special needs division at Richmond Hill High School, I can give you his number if you wish to discuss their programs.

Also, Autism is considered a handicap by the State of Georgia Department of Community Affairs. They have a loan program available that offers up to $20,000 worth of downpayment and closing cost assistance, in addition to 100% financing. If you would like to consider this loan program for your financing, please give me a call and I can give you additional information.

Good luck to you,

Marian Mercer, Realtor
Southern Homes and Land Real Estate
(912) 536-8945 - cell
Marian@southernhomesandland.com - email - Sat Aug 2 2008, 20:40

Susan,

The great state of Georgia has a wonderful loan program for you called First Choice. It is sponsored by the Department of Community Affairs, and it is geared towards low-income home buyers that will have someone with a disability living in their household. This loan program can provide you with 100% financing and offers downpayment and closing cost assistance - a home that needs rehabilitation is not necessary. A lot of lenders, however, are slow to recommend this program to buyers because it does have a slightly higher interest rate (and it limits the amount of money a loan officer/mortgage broker can earn). I know of a couple of banks in our local area that can help if you would like to give me a call. Also, if you are interested in purchasing a home in Savannah, there are additional incentive programs available there as well.

Good luck to you!
Marian Mercer, Realtor
Southern Homes and Land Real Estate
Rincon, GA 31326
(912) 536-8945
Marian@southernhomesandland.com - Fri Aug 1 2008, 19:22

Debi,

I have found the most success with RealtyTRAC . I subscribe to their website and get alerts during various stages of the foreclosure process. I noticed today that Trulia is starting to post "pre-foreclosures" as well. But as Susan pointed out, the courthouse would have the most accurate records.

Good luck!

Marian Mercer, Realtor
Southern Homes and Land Real Estate
201 Commerce Park
Rincon, GA 31326
(912) 826-4663
(912) 536-8945 - cell
Marian@southernhomesandland.com - Mon Jul 21 2008, 17:11

Maricela,

The answer to your question comes down to two things: Pricing, and the uniqueness of the property.

I have seen homes in this current market go to contract within ten days (just yesterday, I tried to show a house that was just listed July 8th). What did these homes have going for it? Correct pricing, and the homes themselves had something above and beyond their competition. In the particular case of the home yesterday, it had an above-average sized lot and master suite.

There are homes out there that I refer to as "cookie-cutter homes". These homes are built in tract neighborhoods - same or very similar floor-plans as the neighbors, with no uniqueness or upgrades. If you had one of these homes, I would tell you, hands-down, to rent right now. But considering your upgrades, let's get some clarification that can help you make a decision. Ask yourself the following questions to help you decide:

Was your home a "good deal" when you bought it, providing you with some equity initially? Typically, it takes 3-5 years to achieve any real equity in a home if it was purchased at market price. Because your home was purchased a year ago, it is doubtful that you have had time to gain any substantial equity, particularly in this market, unless it was a great bargain to begin with.

Is there new construction in your neighborhood, by one or two specific builders? If there is a large amount of new construction in your area (like a phase II or phase II of a subdivision), my advice would be to not compete against the builder. Most of the time, builders have much more leeway in pricing and incentives than normal homeowners. This can create a bidding war where you would be compelled to compete and most likely not come out as the winner.

What are the upgrades in your home? You mentioned hardwood floors, those are definitey a plus in today's market. But the refrigerator? Not so much. Refrigerators aren't usually a major player in a buyer's decision to purchase a home. The etc. etc. you mentioned? That would depend - have you painted with tasteful decorator colors? Have you added professional trim or molding? Is there something that you have added (or that was there originally) that would give this home the edge over others currently on the market? Maybe a screened-in porch or a privacy-fenced yard? Look for the uniqueness of your home and then compare it to others on the market. What made you decide on that home versus the others that you saw? Play up these attributes as much as you can.

That all being said, I can offer you a comparative market analysis (CMA) that will give you a price point at which your home should sell in a reasonable amount of time. This analysis is free of charge and obligation, but it should help you determine whether to sell or rent. I regularly sell homes in the Pooler area and I am familiar with the market there.

Please let me know if I can be of any assistance,

Marian Mercer, Realtor
Southern Homes and Land Real Estate
(912) 826-4663
(912) 536-8945 - cell
marian@southernhomesandland.com - Sun Jul 20 2008, 07:24