Whether this is your first closing or if you have been through this before, closing on a purchase of a home can be stressful and all the paperwork can seem overwhelming. However, there are several things that you can do prior to the actual closing day that will help to ensure that your real estate transaction will go smoothly.

• Review the Documents. A day or two before closing, you should review your final closing statement or HUD-1 Statement, whichever is used in your area of the country. Take the time to go over all the calculations and be certain that you are given credit for all your deposits and any other credits due to you from the seller or for other items agreed upon between buyer and seller. Go over all the lender and title and escrow fees, to be sure they are what you had been told and that you agree to them. It is always a good idea to check the math calculations on the closing statement.
• Do a final walk through inspection. In addition to the paperwork which you must review and verify, you should reinspect the property once again just prior to closing. Make sure that your contract allows you to examine the property within 24 hours prior to closing. This is the buyer’s last chance to make sure that everything works, and that the seller has vacated the house, leaving the appliances or property in agreed upon terms. If, during the walk-through, the buyers find major problems or violations of the purchase contract, they have the right to hold up the settlement until things are fixed.
• Gather all necessary documents and receipts. Take time to arrange and organize all the items you are to take with you to the actual closing, you do not want to forget something and delay the closing. It is a good idea to create a file folder so you have everything in one place. Some items to remember to bring along are: your drivers license, proof of homeowners insurance-bring the insurance policy and paid receipt, personal checks are not accepted for closing costs so be sure to bring a cashiers check or money order in the correct amount.
• Check and Double-Check. The most important thing to remember is that before closing you want to be certain that all the conditions of the purchase contract have been met. You want to be sure that all directions given to the closing agent have been performed. Before signing your name to any closing documents, check and double check that everything is correct, interest rate, fees charged and condition of the property.

The holiday season is officially upon us! The Parks & Recreation Department has a lot of fun planned for kids of all ages! Come have breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 8. Breakfast will be served at the following times: at 9:00, 10:00, or 11:00 AM. The event will be located at The Civic Center on 3540 Broad Street.

All kids who still believe in the magic of Santa Clause are welcome! Enjoy breakfast compliments of McDonald’s of Chamblee, storytellers, arts & crafts, and a visit with the big man himself. A complimentary polaroid of your child and Santa is provided but feel free to take your own photos as well. Because Santa is very busy this time of year so only the first 300 children to make a reservation will be able to have breakfast with him. We will begin taking reservations on November 5. Please call 770-986-5016 to make yours!

Parents, come get your last minute shopping done while the kids create their own gifts at Santa’s workshop! Arts & crafts, games, snacks, and a holiday movie will all be provided. The cost is $25 per day or $40 for both days. Get the kids out of the house and into the Christmas Spirit! The workshop will be held Saturday, December 22 and Monday, December 24 from 8:00am – 4:00pm at Keswick Community Building – 3496 Keswick Drive.

Register for the workshops at the Civic Center located at 3540 Broad Street. Children must have registered and be prepaid to attend!

Please call at 770-986-5016 for more information on any of these events.

Join us for the Wines Of The World And Band Of America event Saturday, November 17, from 7- 10 PM, at Oglethorpe University, Lupton Hall. This event promises not only to be a great time but also a great way to support the City of Chamblee and to help us kick off an awesome Centennial year for the city!

Advance tickets are $35 each, $65 per couple, and $20 for veterans and seniors 65 years of age or older. They may be purchased at the Chamblee City Hall during business hours through November 15, sorry no credit card purchases. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on November 17th for $40 each, $70 per couple,and $25 for veterans and seniors 65 years of age or older (cash or check only).

For more information please call 770.986.5010 ext 315 or visit online at http://www.chambleega.com/
Fine wine will be provided from 7-8 P.M. by Nectar, a wine café & Palate Café And Wine Bar.
Band Of America in concert from 8:15-10:00 P.M. There will be plenty of free parking.

We hope to see you there!

When it comes time to purchase a home, financing is what comes to mind to many potential homeowners, especially first-time home buyers. One of the biggest concerns is obtaining money for a down payment. A 2002 Fannie Mae National Housing Survey revealed widespread assumptions holding back potential homeowners needlessly. One of the biggest is that buyers need 20 percent of the purchase price as a down payment to purchase a home. However, with all the selection and availabilty of so many different programs, most require little or no down payment.

Both federal and local government programs offer assistance to eligible home buyers and most states have a housing finance agency, usually located in the state capital, which offers assistance. There are also programs available specifically for the first time home-buyer, the self-employed and for those with bad credit scores or previous bankruptcy. Below are just a few of the programs out there that can help make your dream of owning a house a reality.

• A Veteran’s Administration (VA) Loan lets eligible military personnel finance up to 100 percent of a home, even if your credit is imperfect. You can also be eligible for a fixed interest rate that is as good as, or better than conventional mortgage rates.
• The Mortgage Credit Certificate program allows first-time home buyers to take advantage of a special federal income tax credit. This program allows buyers credit in qualifying for the tax advantage they’ll receive after they purchase the home.
• An FHA (The Federal Housing Administration) Loan requires less than three percent as a down payment. FHA-insured loans offer many benefits and protection such as easy qualification and home protection. Should you encounter hard times after buying your home, the FHA has many options to help you keep you in your home and avoid foreclosure.

These are just a few of the many programs and types of financing options available. With so many programs to choose from it is always a good decision to consult with a qualified professional before making a decision to make sure that the program is right for you and fits in your budget.