Are you spooked about buying or selling your house?

Are you spooked about buying or selling your house?  You shouldn't be as long as you have a trusted real estate professional by your side.

From our first meeting where we determine your needs until the closing table, you will be provided with sound guidance.  Buying or Selling a home should be a really exciting time as it marks a transition point in your life.  Allow me to worry about contracts and contract dates while you worry about...well not much!

My service to you begins when we meet and my goal, is to help you meet your goal.  At first meeting, we will be determining either what a home needs to best serve your family or how much money you need to net from the sale of your home...then how to get it!  From home selection, to marketing and from contract negotiations to close, you will not be alone!

Give me a call at 470-955-7802 so that we can ensure your next real estate transaction is a real treat!

HOA 101

When you purchase a home, there’s a good chance you’ll have to pay a homeowners association fee, especially in gated communities, townhouses, condominiums, and other similar planned neighborhoods. The idea is to keep common areas clean and maintained, and there’s usually an HOA board that is responsible for setting the rules and regulations.

Each HOA is different, but most have the same core elements. You’ll typically pay your HOA fees either monthly or annually, and it’s an important factor to consider when you’re weighing your options for a new home. So what is typically included in your HOA fees?

First, the fun stuff Amenities are typically the big perk of living in a community with an HOA. While you lose out on some of the freedom of living without an HOA, you instead get community amenities like a maintained pool, gym, clubhouse, tennis courts, and other amenities. The HOA fees pay for cleaning and maintenance, so—in theory—you’ll always have a clean pool whenever you want to use it.

Protecting the community HOA fees often contribute to insurance for the community amenities, as well as a fund for unexpected repairs to damaged community property—think damage from weather or accidents.

General maintenance Your HOA fees will go toward maintaining the general safety and upkeep of the community. This means things like elevator maintenance for condominiums, snow removal, and trash/recycling services.

Be active in the association There may be a board of directors, but homeowners associations exist for the betterment of the entire community, and every voice matters. HOA meetings—and the amenities they support—provide great opportunities to meet your neighbors and make your community a better place.

What's it worth?

Maybe you're thinking of selling, maybe you're thinking of refinancing, or maybe you're just curious about the market. But the question is, "What is that domicile of your's worth?”

Such a simple question should be returned with a simple answer, right? Well unfortunately, determining the value of your home--or any home for that matter--can be a tricky process. You can go online and nowadays there are endless websites that will promise you a fast answer with fancy charts and graphs. As tempting as it may be to trust this information, be wary of letting a computer program tell you what your largest investment is worth.

The trouble with these websites is that they have little to no local market information. They are not aware that a new park is being built, or that a four-lane highway is being re-routed, or that you've lovingly cared for and maintained your home.

The bottom line is this: If you're serious about getting an informative valuation for your home you should contact a local real estate professional. These professionals work with the actual people who will ultimately determine the value of your home--the home buyer themselves. This is their profession and they will be happy to sit with you and explain the current market conditions that affect your home value.

Home Staging: Does it Make a Difference?

It seems to be universally accepted that home staging will help your home sell faster or for the best price—it’s been the common practice in the real estate business for a long time, and on the surface it seems like a no-brainer. Of course potential buyers will be more interested if a home is properly decorated, right?

That’s not necessarily true, according to a recent academic study. The study surveyed 820 homebuyers by showing them one of six virtual tours of the same property. In some instances the home was decorated with traditional furniture and color schemes, while in others more eccentric furniture and colors were used. In other tours there was no furniture at all, just empty rooms.

The overall results of the study were that staging is unlikely to increase a home’s sale price, and that staging isn’t quite as important as everyone believes.

Of course, real estate trends vary greatly from market to market. If you have questions about staging, talk to your trusted real estate professional.

Three Ways to Ease Your Fears About Making a Move

With low inventory in many markets throughout the country, many homeowners are afraid to sell their homes because they’re concerned that they may not be able to find a new one. This can be a real problem, but if you are seeking to sell—whether to upgrade or find a new neighborhood—there are a few ways to combat the low inventory.

Look to buy first In most markets it is a real mistake to put your home up for sale before you start looking for your new property. Identify the geographic area where you are interested in buying. Even if you don't see anything on Zillow, it doesn't mean you can't or won't find the right home.

Think outside the box Be proactive! Keep in mind that there are probably many people like you who want to make a move but are afraid as well. Have your real estate agent send a letter to the neighborhoods in the geographic areas where you want to live. The letter should be heartfelt and personal while announcing that you are ready to buy a home in that neighborhood. You could find a home to buy that may not even be currently listed or for sale.

Protect yourself legally Each state varies in how the purchase process is conducted. Talk to your real estate professional about adding a clause in the purchase contract for the home you are selling that will enable you to not sell the home if you cannot find a suitable home to buy.

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Living in Henry County

Living in Henry County offers many lifestyle opportunities  Active sophisticated, rural or in between, we really do have it all!  When it comes to where an how you live you're unique and have a right to be particular.  Let my experience as a resident of Henry County GA show you the community from a different vantage point.  A perspective that helps you quickly learn about the best places to live.  Together we can explore which lifestyle represents your best match in Henry County GA.

If you are considering selling your home, learn how a marketing background, coupled with experience and a customized approach draws you the right buyers.  Plus, you won't have to worry about a thing - not one little thing from start to finish.  And, once the sign goes up, you can count on me to still be around, calling you weekly just to check in, or to give you an update.

If you remember only one thing, remember that I'd like to become your favorite resource in Henry County GA by earning that title through hard work and the finest in customer service.  Call today and let's explore the real estate options that best fit your needs, goals and lifestyle.

Understanding the Process!

Real estate is a dynamic field in which each transaction presents new and (sometimes) exciting challenges.  It is not uncommon to navigate this large financial decision with emotions leading the way; however, knowledge of the current market can assist in making decisions that are beneficial for all involved.

Market conditions can change on a whim.  It is important to understand whether we are in a seller's market or buyer's market as that is the biggest factor that will determine whether or not a home sells.  Understanding market conditions allows for conversations about expectations and strategy for success.

Emotions can interfere with a transaction for both buyers and sellers.  It is helpful to have clear benefits for your customer/client to ease their mind about the transaction at hand.  Understanding why they are buying or selling in addition to the benefit they will reap from doing so will diminish stress.

Setting the price is key.  Be sure to understand how any price suggestions were concluded.  Have detailed discussions about the local, recent market activity to better understand what buyers are willing to pay.

Unrealistic home buyers will benefit from a knowledgeable agent.  In addition to market conditions, an agent should be aware of the condition of a home, an estimated cost to bring the home to livable conditions and the type of loan product(s) that will allow for homes in varying stages of construction.
A dream home in a nightmarish location can be a problem too!  This is a time when knowledge of the area can save the day.  Often times, parts of towns have different neighborhoods that have different levels of appeal but similar construction styles.  It is good to know the variety that exists within a specific area in order to move your client/customer closer to their ideal home!