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!