Donna Kaye Mauldin - Realtor at Leading Edge Real Estate Group

07/24/2024

02/02/2023

Call me before you contact a builder... it's good to have a strategy to protect you through the process😮

02/01/2023

www.TeamAlabama-TennesseeHomes.com

01/31/2023

White has recently become one of the most popular color choices for homeowners, and for good reason. From the warm creamy undertones to the bold cooler shades, white literally goes with everything. Not to mention, white has an amazing way of making any space feel clean and new again.

However, choosing the right hue for your and your space’s needs can be shockingly difficult. With so many nuances and undertones available, white isn’t just white anymore. While every space is different, I've put together a few of my favorite white paint colors to try out yourself.

→ Swipe to see more!

01/26/2023

Getting a mortgage can be stressful … bank statements, credit scores, interest rates, loan estimates, and closing disclosures can really put a dent in the excitement of buying a home. That’s why I've put together a list of dos and don'ts of the mortgage process, to help you cut through the noise and get back to the fun part!

Make sure that you do NOT:

• Buy a car
• Get married or divorced
• Change professions or start your own business
• Change bank accounts
• Make any large purchases (appliances, furniture, etc.)
• Throw away documents
• Incur any late payments
• Open or apply for any new credit cards
• Overwhelm yourself by trying to understand everything on your own. Ask questions and lean on your agent and lender!

Make sure that you DO:

• Keep all accounts current, including mortgage, car loans, credit cards, etc.
• Contact your lender anytime a question may arise
• Make all payments on or before due dates on all accounts, even if the account is being paid off with your new loan
• Return phone calls and emails promptly from your agent, loan officer, Settlement Company, or anyone else involved in your transaction ASAP!

If you're thinking about starting the pre-approval process, I'd be happy to recommend a few of my trusted lenders — just shoot me a message!

01/25/2023

I'm curious... do you consider a home's energy efficiency when searching?

01/20/2023

Doors... Curtains... It's all the same! 🤣🤣🤣

01/10/2023

There's been a shift in the housing market... the volatility of interest rates has slowed down the market and created increased price sensitivity among many buyers. Paired with the low inventory, many buyers have questioned whether or not this is the year to buy a home. I'm here to tell you that this market is our new normal for the unforeseen future. Experts and economists are expecting interest rates to continue to fluctuate, and the inventory shortage to remain, as a result of the imbalance of supply and demand.

In this ever-evolving market, it's more important than ever to have a knowledgeable agent on your side to help guide you and educate you through the most important transaction of your life.

Remember, the media is NOT your local housing market expert. There’s no such thing as the “right” time to buy or sell. So the next time the media's "scare tactics" make you doubt if now is the right time to make a move, send me a message, and let's chat about your specific goals. I always have my finger on the pulse of what is going on in the market, and would love to help you achieve your dream of homeownership this year!

01/09/2023

Over the last few years, most of us have spent more time in our homes, and it has changed the way we view our spaces, both aesthetically and functionally. Let’s kick off the new year by diving into the home design trends that are predicted to be huge in 2023 according to designers:

→ RICH, SATURATED HUES.
In 2023, we are moving away from lighter, neutral palettes (and all things gray). Warm, saturated hues are making a comeback, and not just on the walls. Colorful home décor accents, rugs, and pillows add elements of coziness and dimension and a moody vibe. After years of bright whites and cool grays dominating design, people are looking for a more soothing palette that invites warmth and coziness

→ VINTAGE IS BACK.
Vintage furniture and decor are great ways to add character to your home and are much better for the environment. Whether it’s a vintage lighting fixture or antique furniture, people are mixing their new furnishings with vintage more than ever before. Not only is shopping vintage an efficient and sustainable option, but it also adds personality to a space.

→ WALLPAPERED BATHROOMS.
Bathrooms are a place of refuge and serenity and also a place to really project your personality. Powder rooms specifically are a great place to play around with bold patterns and colors. Nervous to commit? Peel-and-stick wallpaper is huge right now and is an easy DIY project.

→ WARM WOOD ACCENTS.
Environmental awareness has been on the rise in every single aspect of our lives, and interior design is no exception. The use of warmer wood tones and natural materials in furniture, molding, and home design will continue to rise in 2023. The use of natural materials such as bamboo, cork, sisal and wood can add texture and character to a space.

What trends in home design are you loving right now? Need help or ideas? Reach out. I’d love to chat and connect you with professionals in our areas who can help!



www.TeamAlabama-TennesseeHomes.com

01/05/2023

Are you curious as to whether or not buying a home is within reach? It's important that you feel confident about how much house you can afford before you hit the ground running and start home shopping. The first step in househunting is getting pre-approved, but in case you're not quite ready to commit, I've outlined a few guidelines that can provide a starting point for answering the question: how much home can I afford?

Most financial experts say housing expenses should be no more than 25% of your total pre-tax (gross) income. This includes your monthly principal and interest mortgage payment, homeowners insurance, property taxes, PMI payments (if applicable), and any HOA/Condo fees.

For example, if your salary is $65,000 per year, your gross monthly income is $5,416 ($65,000 / 12). Therefore, your total housing costs (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) shouldn’t exceed $1,354 per month (25% of $5,416).
It's important to also keep in mind that your total debt should be under 36% of your total pre-tax income. This includes housing costs mentioned above as well as any credit card payments, car loans, personal loans, and student loans. This means your total new monthly payment AND all of your monthly debt should not exceed $1,949 a month (36% of $5,416).

If you have a lot of debt, it may be best to try and pay off some credit cards or other loans first before purchasing a home. It's also important to remember that lenders are qualifying you based on your GROSS, pre-taxable income, which is typically not your take-home pay, so you should put together a budget to ensure that you are going to be comfortable with your new mortgage payment, and not end up "house poor". Don’t forget to factor in other expenses such as utilities, ongoing home maintenance, and homeowner’s insurance.

If you think it may be time to take the leap and start your home-buying journey, send me a message. I would love to put you in touch with one of my trusted lenders!


www.TeamAlabama-TennesseeHomes.com