Answers by Andrew Baker

Hey Melissa, My name is Andrew Baker, REALTOR®, ABR®. I'm in Northeast GA and I have primarily worked with buyers over the last couple of years. I will always recommend my client get a home inspection. And, sincerely, the only exception to that rule is that the buyer feels comfortable not getting one. This really only happens when most of the condition of the home is already known (either really bad or really good). However, I believe what you are referring to is "waiving the inspection period", otherwise known as the "Due Diligence Period." This can be more common in competitive markets, or when submitting an offer on a competitive listing, where multiple offers are already known to exist. Waiving the due diligence period makes your offer more competitive than one that doesn't. The reason being: Earnest Money. Your Earnest Money is typically fully refundable during the due diligence period, unless stated otherwise. This means, during due diligence, you can back out of the contract for any reason you so choose, and/or you can negotiate further without consequence. Without the protection of due diligence, your earnest money is at stake. Even in these scenarios, I still recommend a home inspection. In any scenario, a ~$500 inspection could save you $1000's.

Hey Melissa, My name is Andrew Baker, REALTOR®, ABR®. I'm in Northeast GA and I have primarily worked with buyers over the last couple of years. I grew up in construction, and even owned a construction company for 8 years prior to going full time in Retail Real Estate. I always tell my buyers, "Look for what you can't see." And what I mean by that, is, every house is telling you a story. The kitchen is 10 years newer than the bathrooms. The floor changes here and there. The roof is fairly new. This wall texture changes here but not there. Why is all that? We won't ever "know" the answers, but, asking ourselves the questions starts to train our eyes on the history of the home. We start to see the story. And most of the time, we can follow the trail to an issue that has a) been remedied b) been covered up c) hasn't been remedied nor covered up. And to be fair, it's not always "issues". Maybe you're looking at differences from remodels and reno's. Or additions that happened 50 years prior and were remodeled again 25 years later. But look for "changes" and, if nothing else, let the house tell you a story. Best of luck!

Hey Gigi, My name is Andrew Baker, REALTOR®. I'm in Northeast GA and I would say I regularly get investor interest in my listings, as well as, my own personal home, from out of state investors. Mostly South Carolina, but sometimes Texas and California, most notably.

Hey Alena, My name is Andrew Baker, REALTOR®, ABR®. I'm in Northeast GA and I have primarily worked with buyers over the last couple of years. I want to echo what Jessica said, as well. Find that local agent from a local brokerage that can help you narrow down the market to what's truly available and a best fit for your needs. FHA 3.5% down payment will be your minimum needed cash to close, if your agent can get closing costs and necessary FHA required repairs covered by a seller. That means $200k will be your max purchase price, but really need to be under that, because, it's rare that down payment is all you need. Not to mention, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for any necessary inspections, credit app fee, and appraisal. Hope this helps, Let me know if you have any further questions.

Hey Shirley, My name is Andrew Baker, REALTOR®, PSA®. I would highly recommend finding a local REALTOR® out of a small local brokerage to help you price your home. Someone who really knows the market and knows your specific product, since you are in a niche area with a niche home. Based on a little bit of research Navasota Realty or Bevers Real Estate with Legends Properties, are both great options for you! Best of luck!