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!

Home Buying: The Process!

Step 1: Check your credit report & score!  Your lender will and you don't want to be blind sighted by negative information that can hinder your ability to purchase a home.  Any discrepancies or misreported information need to be corrected. 

Step 2: Figure out how much you can afford.  A pre-qualification can be obtained by a lender using self reported information about your debts and income.  This pre-qualification does not guarantee you approval for a mortgage loan but can serve as a guideline for the amount you can be approved for.  A pre-approval is even better as your loan officer will pull your credit and verify your income to give an even more accurate depiction of what your buying power is for your home search.  

Step 3: Find the right lender and real estate agent.  I will provide you a list of local lending professionals and we already know I am the agent that will meet your real estate need!  If you are outside of Georgia, no problem, I am part of an international network of brokers that are ready to work for you!

Step 4: Look for the right home.  It is VERY important to have the discussion with your agent FIRST to discuss what you NEED from your home as well as what you WANT in your new home so that you can view the best homes on the market for you.  

Step 5: Make an Offer on the home that meets your needs!  Making an offer is both scary and exciting.  Your agent will provide you with quality comparative homes to ensure that your price is fairly negotiated and help you schedule your inspections once your offer is approved!

Step 6: Get the right mortgage for your situation.  All mortgage loans are not created equal!  It is important to be discussing your current financial needs and future financial goals with your loan officer to ensure that your loan, like your new home, will meet your needs. 

Step 7: Close on your home. Closing day brings a rush of feelings but there is still work to be done.  Be sure that you have thoroughly reviewed all deed, title, and warranty documents prior to signing.  Also ensure that your lending documents match what was previously discussed between you and your loan officer!

Step 8: Move In!

Why you, as the buyer, should attend the open house!

The way real estate is being sold has evolved along with technology over the last 20 years.  Home searches now begin online and home buyers are given many visuals to include photos, home tours and documents galore in an attempt to lure them to their next dream home.  Add to that, the availability of tax records and it's an easy misconception to think you know what you need to know to tour the home with YOUR agent and write an offer.  However, attending the open house hosted by the LISTING AGENT can provide valuable insight into the home, the maintenance it requires and the benefits of living there.

The benefits of attending an open house include:

1. Meeting your new neighbors!  Often times, neighbors will visit an open house merely to see what the home has to offer in comparison to theirs.  It is a great time to ask them questions about the neighborhood from their perspective and gain insight only a resident can provide!
2. If you stop by toward the end of the open house, you can see how many families (competition) have stopped by and you can use this information to potentially gauge the interest level in not only this home but in the surrounding community. 
3. You can ask the listing agent about recent repairs or renovations, where the water heater or HVAC systems are located, or even about the sale history of the home...information not typically presented in the sales listing. 

When looking for a home, make open houses a part of the process so you can gleam information beyond the limited information provided on promotional flyers!  Increase your knowledge of the home and the surrounding area in an effort to be a more informed buyer!  I hope to see you at our next open house!

A Day in the Life of a Real Estate Agent

HGTV has many shows which feature agents whisking clients from home to home on their ultimate dream quest or contractors and agent teams turning trash to treasure - but those days are not all that exists in the life of a real estate agent!

I do tour many homes on a daily basis...from my laptop.  My days consist of searching for the right home to fit the needs of my current clients and customers and much of that happens before we even get in the car!  Let's take it a step back...before I get my current customers and/or clients, I have to find a way to reach them and prove to them I am the agent best suited to fulfill their real estate needs.

My day starts like so many working adults.  Email, coffee, and social media.  I aim to ensure I am responsive to those who have reached out to me and up to date on the lives of those important to me... all while having my branding and real estate image present.  I send out branded emails, happy birthday images and scour my news feed for anyone suggesting an impending real estate need.

The next task to be conquered are phone calls.  I want to talk to my vendors, customers, clients and those who know me best to remind them I am here and accessible in real life beyond our Facebook likes, tweets and Instagram posts and to reiterate that although the real estate market has gone digital, I remain a real person who can empathize with their real needs.

From here, my day can go one of three ways...I can make my way to the office to get insight into what other successful agents are up to so I can mimic their efforts, I can immerse myself in the local community to show my continued involvement or I can meet up with clients and customers to tour homes, discuss contracts, or make adjustments to the work we already have underway (I really like this option :-))

Despite the route my day takes, I always have time for your real estate questions or referrals and I always welcome you to make yourself part of my schedule!  If you have a real estate related question or need, do not hesitate to contact me!

What moves you?

In this country, families move, on average, every 5-7 years.  This is a change from times past when families stayed in the same home 30 or more years.  Even for those who do, their day to move comes at some point too!  Lets us explore the top reasons people move. 

1. Home is too small.  Many people have families that grow beyond their "starter home"
2. Upgrade.  If it's not family growth, it's financial growth that compels a family to move to a "bigger and better" home. 
3. Purchase error.  Some owners believe they made the wrong decision when initially buying a home.  They felt as if they could life without something but later decided that just wasn't true.
4. Job transfer.  Whether it is to the other side of the state or the other side of the world, relocation can be a necessity to maintain a job or get a better one.
5. Personal relationships.  New marriages or ending marriages is a reason why people have a need to move.
6. Neighborhood changes.  Especially for those who like to remain long term, the neighborhood around them may change economically, socially or physically prompting a move.
7. Empty nest.  Once children are gone from the house, the owners may desire a smaller space.
8. Family.  As we age, there is often a desire to be closer to relatives.  Alternately, if there is a fractured family, some members may move to put distance between them and retain the harmony.
9. Retirement.  Active Adult communities have amenities designed for people over 55 and can be very attractive living enviroments.
10. Health Problems.  Physical ailments that limit mobility can encourage a move from a two story home to a one story home.
11. Deferred maintenance.  Instead of replacing a roof on the decline or a furnace system, some people may opt to simply buy a new house and leave the maintenance to someone else.
12. Home improvement enthusiasts.  Some people enjoy the challenge of rehabbing homes and once they have achieved their goal in one home, it is time to move on to the next.
13. Cash in equity.  Some home owners would rather have the cash their home is worth in their pockets.
14. Lifestyle change.  Travel, less responsibility and the pursuit of personal interests is more appealing than home ownership to some.

What prompted you to sell your last home?  What will prompt you to sell your current home?  Remember, if you have plans to sell your current home or are looking to buy, give me a call for a cost free no obligation consultation!

Lifestyles are my business. Eagles Landing is my lifestyle.

If you have ventured near Southern Atlanta, you have inevitably heard of Eagles Landing.  Eagles Landing is a collection of suburban neighborhoods that offer accessibility to healthcare, shopping, dining and of course Atlanta! 

From the first time home buyer to the retiree, Eagles Landing has what you are looking for.  As the image above indicates, Eagles Landing is my lifestyle too so I know first hand the allure of this community and the amenities that make each neighborhood unique.  For example, if you like golf communities, Eagles Landing Country Club is for you, should you desire a waterfront home, Lakeside can accommodate you and should you need just the basics like a community pool and tennis court, then...well...wait they all offer those options :-)

I would love to show you why Eagles Landing is home!

Try Before You Buy...A Good Idea for Real Estate?

Buying a home is one of the largest purchases many will make in their lifetime and the decision about which home is right is made via an internet search, a few pictures and an hour, if that, walking around a property you don't know much about.  Afterwards, you sign a barrage of legally binding documents including those accepting ownership over an unknown property and thousands of dollars of  debt.

The way we approach real estate sales has evolved from open houses & print ads to virtual tours and online photos, but have you ever thought about what's next?  What if the search for home became a full immersion experience to help you better assess how your family could function in a space and even how the space makes you feel?  The opportunity to spend a night or even a weekend in a home you are considering purchasing would create opportunities for your family to fall in love with not just the staged environment set out for you, but with the true charm and aura there. 

Would you pay to spend a night or a weekend in the home you are pursuing?  What ideas do you have for what real estate sales will look like in the future? 

Giving Your Dream An Address!

1. American Dream

   The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States, the set of ideals (Democracy, Rights, Liberty, Opportunity, and Equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. (wikipedia)

I am a firm believer that we can all affect change should we decide to do so.  The decision I have made is to assist in the pursuit of the dream of home ownership.  My mission has always been to give back and I have been fortunate enough to forge partnerships that allow me to do so while earning a living for my family.  I have the resources and relationships to enhance an individuals buying power and empower them to literally own a portion of the world around them.  

Should you need to give your credit score a lift, check out the tips featured in my video, 6 Tips to Improve Your Credit Rating.  Should your need be a little more extensive, give me a call at 470-955-7802 and I can link you with a knowledgeable mortgage professional who can map out how to make you home buyer ready no matter where you are (physically or credit score wise).  

6 Tips to Improve Your Credit Rating

I have made a decision to be the resource you need to own your portion of the American dream; however, you must make the decision to take responsibility over that opportunity which is available to you.  I certainly hope to hear from you so we can get started toward our goal of Giving Your Dream An Address!

Jump!

I often start conversations inquiring about the person with whom I am speaking; so as of late, I have begun offering more insight into who I am...an attempt to be more fair I presume!

My favorite part to offer up is the fact that I am married to a US Army veteran who I am proud of for both his service to a country I love and his dedication to the family WE created.  He has proven to be an amazing battle buddy and has provided much support throughout the years.

I am a business woman, wife, mom, daughter and sister to people who love me and support each cause I undertake.  That support has given me the courage I have needed to "jump" in each phase of my life.  I had to "jump" after undergrad and accept a job 700 miles from home.  I had to "jump" two years later as my family relocated via military assignment another 900 miles, then back 1200 miles to the side of the country where we started.  In 2012, our family had to "jump" when my husband was discharged from the military and my childcare business was forced to close.  My most recent "jump"... leaving my full time salaried job to pursue the career I wanted in real estate.  Each jump has reinforced in me to not allow fear to dictate the next phase because although there is a chance something could go wrong, there is just the same chance that it can go right beyond what you have ever dreamed.

My challenge to you is simple.  "Jump!"  The next phase for you can be greater than what you dreamed but you will need to gather the courage to create an updraft on which you can soar...how do you do that? Jump.