Real_Estate_Tips — Forsyth County Real Estate in Cumming GA

How To Know Its Time To Sell

According to Realtor® Magazine, a “yes” answer to most of the following questions means you just might be ready to list it:

1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home?
2. Has your income or financial situation changed?
3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood?
4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on?
5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market?
6. Are interest rates attractive?
7. Is the effort and cost of maintaining your current home becoming difficult to manage?

Of course, these questions are not exhaustive and there may be other factors pushing you to sell or hold back. I’d love to chat with you if you have questions about the market or help in determining the right time to make a move.

Source: National Association of Realtors®/Realtor® Magazine, “Questions to Ask When Considering Selling”/span>

Please feel free to call or text me at 404 710 0204 (or drop me an email) if I can provide you with more information about this article, or if I can assist you with buying or selling Forsyth County real estate.

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

I specialize in Real Estate sales in the following Forsyth County and North Fulton County cities: Cumming, Suwanee, Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek. Other north metro-Atlanta suburbs are serviced by request, so please call.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice. All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without expressed written permission.

Home Security and Safety Questions to Consider

You will definitely want to take a moment to checkout this handy home security and safety question checklist from SafeWise Security. It may just save your life… or at least, your property!

Are any of your valuables visible from the street?

Residential burglaries account for nearly 75 percent of all break-ins in America. If you can see valuables inside your home from the street, so can a burglar. Burglars are notorious for “window shopping” so SafeWise encourages you to keep valuables, like cash, jewelry, electronics and guns, out of view.

Are your doors and windows visible from the street or from a neighbors view?

Burglars are always looking for ways to get into your home without being seen. Overgrown shrubs give them the concealment they want to break into your home without the neighbors noticing. Keep shrubs trimmed and be sure to use the yard signs and window decals provided by your home security company to alert potential burglars that your home has help being protected.

Are your doors made of either solid wood or metal clad?

Nearly one third of burglars enter a home through the front door. An old wooden door or a hollow one can be kicked in within seconds. Help beef up your home’s security by installing a windowless solid wood or metal clad door.

Are your entryways and pathways well lit at night?

A dark entrance or pathway is not only a safety hazard, it’s like rolling out the welcome mat for a burglar. SafeWise encourages you to use pathway lighting and motion lighting to illuminate your home’s exterior. Some alarm monitoring providers even offer apps that let you control your home’s lighting from your smartphone.

Is your house number clearly visible from the street?

When an emergency strikes, every second counts. Make sure that police, firefighters, and/or paramedics can quickly find the right house by keeping your house numbers visible. SafeWise advises checking your house numbers quarterly to ensure they haven’t faded or been obstructed by vegetation.

Can you see who’s at the door without opening it?

Opening the door to your home without knowing who’s on the other side can be frightening and dangerous. SafeWise urges home owners to select a quality door that’s equipped with a peep hole. If your home already has a quality door installed, but it doesn’t have a peep hole, you can purchase one and install it in the door. Wide angle peep holes are best because they offer the greatest range of view.

Do you have a cell phone in case of cut telephone wires?

Even if you don’t use a cell phone as your primary means of communication, having one handy is a good safety and security precaution. Some thieves will cut phone lines before they enter the home, so having a charged cell phone to call for help can benefit you.

Do you have a neighbor who has a spare set of keys to your home?

It’s always a good idea for a neighbor to be armed with a set of spare keys should you get locked out or if they need to enter your home in the event of an emergency. Just make sure it’s a neighbor you can trust.

Do you have all your mail held at the post office when you travel?

There are certain things a burglar looks for when he’s casing a neighborhood; an overflowing mailbox is one of them. Have your mail held at the post office if you’re travelling for an extended period of time or have a neighbor/relative pick the mail up for you.

Do you have an emergency escape plan in case of break-in?

A burglar trying to break-in is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. SafeWise believes you can never be too prepared for the unthinkable, so establish and practice an emergency escape plan with your family once or twice a year to make sure everyone is prepared in the case of a break-in.

Do you have any yard signs or window decals that state your home is monitored?

Be sure to display the yard and window decals that your home security company provides you with. SafeWise recommends placing these decals on the windows that face the side and rear of your home, as well as in the front, because 50 percent of the time a burglar enters the home via a window or back door.

Do you have fire extinguishers easily accessible throughout your home?

In 2012, a home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds in America. If a fire were to break out in your home right now, is your fire extinguisher easily accessible and functional? In addition to fire extinguishers, SafeWise suggests adding smoke and fire monitoring to your home security plan so your family will be alerted the moment trouble is detected.

Do you have keyed deadbolt locks installed on all of your doors?

A burglary occurs roughly every 20 seconds in the U.S., outfitting your home’s front and back door with a hardened steel bolt is your first line of defense against a burglar because it makes the door much more difficult to kick in.

Do you have motion-sensor lights installed?

The last thing a burglar wants is the spotlight. Incorporate motion-sensor lighting into your home security plan and you’ll send a strong signal to burglars that you take protecting your home seriously. In addition to securing the perimeter of your home, SafeWise advises also using motion-sensor lighting to secure sheds and garages.

Do you have secondary locks on sliding glass doors or do you secure the door with a dowel on the inside track?

Burglars love sliding doors, especially during the summer when they’re often left unlocked or open. You should know July and August are the two hottest months for break-ins, so be sure your sliding doors are locked, and outfitted with a secondary locking mechanism or dowel to provide additional security.

Do you have secondary locks on your windows?

Windows account for a quarter of all break-in entry points. That’s because they are frequently left unlocked, or outfitted with cheap window locks make them vulnerable to attack. Make it difficult for anyone to get in with help from secondary locks and window sensors.

Do you have timers on your lights?

Daytime burglaries account for nearly 40 percent of all break-ins, but a dark house is practically begging for a break-in. Inexpensive, easy to install, and simple to operate, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have timers on your lights to make your home look occupied while you’re out and about. Alternatively, many home security companies offer apps that let you turn lights on and off right from your smartphone.

Do you keep an inventory of your personal property in case of theft?

In the event of a burglary, you don’t want to forget to include any stolen property on a report for the police or an insurance claim. Keeping an inventory of your personal property helps ensure you are compensated for all losses.

Do you keep medications out of sight?

Keeping medications out of sight means helping keep them out of the hands of burglars who could use your meds themselves or sell them on the street. Keeping your medicines off the counter helps reduce the temptation.

Do you keep your valuables stored in a safety deposit box or safe?

To keep your valuables safe, your best option is to keep them somewhere difficult for potential burglars to reach, such as a safety deposit box or a safe. Both of these can only be opened with a key or combination, so intruders can’t easily access them.

Do you know your neighbors across the street and on all three sides of your home?

Good neighbors look out for each other and share any suspicious activity they’ve noticed around other homes, particularly when someone is out of town or at the office. Knowing your neighbors is crucial for maintaining a sense of security in your area.

Do you leave a house key under your door mat?

Under the door mat is often one of the first hiding places a burglar will check for keys. Your best bet is to leave a spare key with a nearby, trusted neighbor or relative.

Do you lock the gate(s) to your backyard?

About 30 percent of all burglaries occur when a door or window is left open or unlocked, including those in the backyard. Keep the gates to your backyard locked, especially at night and when you are not at home, to help keep chances of burglary to a minimum.

Do you lock up your grills, lawn mowers, bikes, or other outdoor valuables?

Any valuable property that is kept outdoors should be locked up when not in use to keep it from being easily accessible for burglars. If you can put it out of sight and lock it up, that’s even more ideal.

Do you lock all doors at night and every time you leave the house, even if it’s just for a few minutes?

It doesn’t take long for a burglar to break into your home, especially if a door is left unlocked. Even if you’re only leaving home for a moment, it’s important to always lock the door behind you. The same goes for locking the doors at night. Even if you’re home, the doors should be locked.

Do you shred documents with personal information before disposing them?

Even if it’s something like unwanted junk mail, you should always shred any document that may have personal information on it before throwing it in your trash can. This can help you ensure your personal identity is less at risk for being stolen.

Do your doors fit tight in their frames?

While an unlocked door is the most common entry point for a burglar, a flimsy door is another common way to break-in. If your doors do not fit tightly, you should install weather stripping around them to better hold them in place.

Does your neighborhood have a watch program?

A good quality neighborhood watch program is to have a focus on educating neighbors on how to actively look out for one another to prevent or lessen crimes in their area. Burglaries decreased more than 30 percent nationwide throughout the 1990s, thanks to neighborhood watch programs.

Did you have all your doors been rekeyed when you moved in?

If your home or apartment was owned by someone before you, they (or whoever they gave keys to) could still potentially have a key that can unlock your doors. It’s best to rekey your home—which is easier than changing out all of the locks—so only you have all of the copies of the key to your home.

Have there been any break-ins in the neighborhood recently?

If a house in your neighborhood has been broken into, you need to be on higher alert about your own home security. You could face an increased risk of burglary, as burglars may return to the area of a successful break-in and target similar homes nearby.

Have you secured any mail slots, dryer vents, or pet entrances that a burglar could enter through?

Even if you keep all of your doors and windows locked, burglars can still attempt to access locks from a dryer vent, mail slot or pet entrance. It’s important to have some sort of box, cage, or other locking mechanism over these possible entry points to help keep your home as burglar-proof as possible.

Is your home’s exterior well lit?

If you have the right outdoor lighting in place, a well-lit home could help deter burglars from trying to enter your home. It’s easier to be seen with outdoor lighting, so burglars are more likely to stay away from lights and go in search of darker places to target.

Is your street well-lit at night?

In addition to having a well-lit home, having a well-lit neighborhood can be another deterrent for burglars. If the neighborhood is kept well-lit at night, it can help the area be safer to walk around, and burglars are more likely to stay out of the neighborhood as a whole.

Do you have a company that monitors your home alarm system?

Home security providers can offer 24/7 monitoring of your home and can notify you of emergencies in your home, including fire, carbon monoxide, or a burglary, wherever you are. You’ll also have a trained monitoring specialist on the line ready to help you contact the authorities if necessary. Compare alarm monitoring providers to find the right one for you.

Do you have surveillance cameras?

Nine out of ten convicted burglars say they’d avoid targeting a home with video surveillance. If you’re looking to take your home security to the next level, surveillance cameras can be a strong addition to any home security strategy.

Do you have working carbon monoxide detectors?

Each year, more than 150 people die from non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning. SafeWise recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors and test them regularly (once a month) to make sure you’re protected against this invisible danger.

Do you have working smoke detectors?

Three out of five house fire deaths occur in households without working smoke alarms. Make sure to check batteries and test your smoke detector regularly (at least twice a year).

Do you store your ladders and tools in a locked garage or shed?

Don’t give would-be burglars the tools they need to break into your house. Make sure tools, ladders, and any other equipment they could utilize is kept locked away.

Have you installed a home security system?

Homes without security systems are more likely to be burglarized than those with a security system. 60% of convicted burglars say the presence of an alarm would cause them to seek a different home to burglarize. SafeWise recommends reading reviews and comparing security providers to decide which one is right for you.

If you’re like most homeowners, you may not know about all of the things that would make your home vulnerable. Now that you’ve gone through our home security checklist, you can assess possible weaknesses in your home and fix areas that will help burglar-proof your home.

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

Real Estate Seller Mistakes – 8 Things That Turn Off Cumming, GA Homebuyers

Real estate articles that are made up of just lists are now being called “listicles”—and there are certainly plenty of them around. This list that appeared in Bankrate’s “7 things that could turn off homebuyers” is a must read!

The actual listicle may not have been the product of much real research into houses for sale, but it was amusing. In the best social media tradition, I’d like to add a few thoughts in order to come up with a modified/improved “things list” (for starters, here are 8):

8 Things Bound to Offend Cumming, GA Homebuyers

Uncaged animals or “scary pets” such as large, loud dogs or snake & reptiles.
Animal trophies: Better to pack them up. Dead animals can offend some non-Ernest Hemmingway fans.
Flags: An American flag is okay, but Confederate flags just get people thinking about controversy instead of the house.
Sports teams memorabilia: This one is questionable, especially in a nicely understated den or TV room. Trash-talking posters, not so much.
Nudity: The Bankrate article was describing artwork—the point being that for some homebuyers, even tasteful artwork produces a degree of shock value. Universally showable homes strive to avoid shock value.
Mystery rooms: If the idea is to help potential Cumming, GA buyers to picture themselves as owners, then rooms without obvious purpose or worse yet, a locked door, works against the goal.
Odors (bad or exotic ones, that is): Our sense of smell is a powerful memory trigger, and if the lingering aroma of a cigar or onions predominates, it could easily make buyers associate the property with something in their past. Whether the “something” is good or bad is anyone’s guess.
Owners: Even if the potential buyers turn out to be exactly your kind of people, that too is a distraction from the business at hand. It’s hard enough for buyers to visit a series of properties and remember which place had which features—so it’s a relief for them not to have to go through the social niceties of meeting new people—owners included.

This should be a fairly non-controversial list. Once we’ve all agreed that the owners should step out for a walk while the showing is in progress, the rest will be easy to accept. For other proven ways to speed your own Cumming, GA house for sale into the ‘sold’ category, give me a call anytime!

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

Home Seller Warning – Don’t Let This Happen To You

I passed this sign in a Forsyth County neighborhood and was so outraged that I stopped to take a picture of it.

I can’t imagine any home seller settling for this lack of professionalism from the real estate agent they are paying to market their property. It could be that the seller is working with a friend or family member and simply does not want to be “difficult”, but more than likely they simply do not know that they have a right to expect more.

MARKETING MATTERS! Unfortunately, many sellers do not understand the pivotal role professional marketing plays in getting their home sold for the most money possible, in the shortest time possible and with the least hassle possible.

Home buyers began making their judgment about a property’s value from the street. With over 90% of buyers beginning their home search online it is more common than ever for them to use mapping software to drive by a property before requesting a showing appointment. The curb appeal of a property makes a strong psychological impact on every buyer – good or bad – in terms of the perceived value of a property.

What do you think this cheap, hand-printed sign rider says to them about the value of this home? Real estate marketing materials should always be professionally designed and of the highest quality available. Do not settle for less! When interviewing listing agents always ask them to provide an example of their marketing collaterals so you know what to expect.

“While most sellers think they are hiring a listing agent –
what they are really doing is hiring a marketing professional!”

Generally, an agent who uses substandard marketing materials also provides a substandard marketing strategy. Be sure to ask them about their marketing strategy for getting your home sold. (View our marketing strategy)

When you are ready to sell, let us show you how we can position your home to WIN in this market!

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

Update Your Plain Garage Doors With an Easy DIY Project

Have you ever wished that you could update your plain garage doors?

We tackled that project on ours with amazing results! With pre-packaged hardware that we purchased at Home Depot my husband was able to transform the plain, but functional, garage doors on our Forsyth County home into attractive carriage doors.

Before photos - Garage Doors DIY Update Project — Scroll down to see the finished project

This is what we started with – a huge expanse of white… not bad, just a little too plain for a girl who likes her bling. 🙂

I loved the results, and I am so thankful that a friend mentioned this technique to me.

It was a three-car garage so the project did take the majority of the day, but I feel that the effort was well worth while and I loved driving up to our home and enjoying the change.

As a Forsyth County real estate agent, I also know that this type of easy DIY update will add value to your home when you get ready to sell. I often have real estate clients ask me what type of DIY projects they can do to upgrade their home, and I believe this is a great one to choose.

I made the huge mistake of not taking a good “before” photo so I am stuck with a just a stock photo and now I’m sorry! But, you can still see what a major impact this project made to our curb appeal.

If you decide to try this DIY project, I’d love to see your before and after photos, so please send them my way. If you have questions about which easy DIY projects will add value to your home, or if you have Forsyth County real estate you’d like to sell, don’t hesitate to drop me an email or give me a call. I’d love to talk to you!

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

Blog Topics: update plain garage door, easy diy project, update garage doors, what can I do to update my garage doors, how can I update my garage doors, what can I do to make my garage doors look better,garage door, dyi, easy diy,DIY,easy DIY, curb appeal, carriage door, garage door hardware, change my garage door, retrofit
Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice. All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without expressed written permission.

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

Packing to Move to Your New Cumming GA Home

If you packing to move into a new Cumming GA home, or anywhere across the country, you will definitely want to check out this great “packing plan” by The Joyful Organizer before you start! Following these great tips will certainly help your move go much more smoothly!

I hope that the practical tips and information I provide on my site will empower you with the information you need to take the critical steps necessary when buying or selling a home. If you did not find the information you’re looking for here, please ask me! I am always available to help.

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

10 Things to Check BEFORE you Buy Cumming GA Real Estate

Thinking about buying a home for sale in Cumming GA (or anywhere else, for that matter)?

Be sure to take a look at this list of ten things you will want to check before you buy a home.

Of course, it’s always best to HIRE A PROFESSIONAL home inspector as there are so many things to consider, but this article points out several basic “must do’s” that every new home buyer should consider.

Need a referral for a professional home inspector? CALL ME… I’ll be glad to provide you with a list.

I hope that the practical tips and information I provide on my site will empower you with the information you need to take the critical steps necessary when buying or selling a home. If you did not find the information you’re looking for here, please ask me! I am always available to help.

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

Checklist to Prepare for Buying a Home

The media is filled with stories of buyers purchasing properties with little or no down payment, but that is just a small slice of the overall picture. In most cases even a “low down payment loan” will require a 5% down payment, and you will very likely be paying closing costs (which can run upwards of 2.5% of the loan amount) as well. Some loans will allow you to bundle the closing costs into the loan, but not all. (Some state and local governments offer down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers, so you’ll want to check on that.)

Keep in mind that while a low down payment loan may sound like a great idea, it means that you will have a higher monthly payment and that you will be required to qualify for a higher loan amount. In addition, the lender will require private mortgage insurance on the loan which can translate to another hundred dollars, or more, per month being added to your payment.

To put yourself in an ideal purchasing position, you should set aside 20% of the purchase price for a down payment (plus closing costs) Not only will this reduce your monthly loan payment and make qualification much easier, it will remove the need for private mortgage insurance which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

2. Get your credit in order

Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and request a free copy of your credit report (you can do this once per year). Your credit report details your borrowing history which includes information such as whether payments are made on time or are paid late and if any debts have been “written off” by your creditors as unpaid. It important that you read every item in the report to verify that the information is accurate. Be sure to have any errors corrected before you apply for a mortgage.

Lenders depend on these reports when determining not only if they will lend you money, but what interest rate they will charge you for the loan, so it is important that you have the cleanest possible record when applying for a mortgage loan. Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620, but a score of 720+ will help you earn a lower interest rate.

If your credit score is low, the best thing you can do is pay all of your bills on time and pay down any outstanding debt. START NOW!

3. Get prequalified

Once you have the money for your down payment and closing costs set aside, and your credit is in the best possible condition, it is time to speak with a lender.

You will be required to provide the lender with a great deal of documentation which will provide them with proof of your employment status, income, etc… (ex: W-2 forms, pay stubs, 3 months of bank statements, 2 years personal income tax forms). If you are self employed, expect them to require additional proof of business income (P&L, balance sheet, income tax forms for the business)

After reviewing your documentation, the lender will be able to provide you with a letter stating that you have been pre-approved for a specified loan amount. This letter is more important than ever as many sellers will not consider an offer which is not accompanied by a pre-approval letter. In fact, I saw one listing last week that required the letter be forwarded to the listing agent before a showing appointment could be set.

4. Decide how much you can afford to pay each month

Getting pre-qualified is a very important step in preparing to buy a home. However, do not depend on the lender to tell what you can afford. Buyers are often approved for loan amounts with monthly payments much higher than they can comfortably afford to pay. The generally accepted rule is that your home should not exceed 3 times your gross income. However, that “rule” does not take into account your personal lifestyle choices or expenses such as alimony, child support, daycare, etc… You are the best person to decide what amount you can comfortably afford to spend on housing each month. I recommend that you use a spreadsheet to layout a monthly budget and work backward into the amount you can afford to buy.

5. Develop a list of needs & wants for your new home

For most of us, buying a home is by nature an emotionally charged life event. However, it is important that you do your best to separate your emotional needs from logical needs when completing this step.

Start by make a comprehensive wish list for your new home (size, features, special needs requirements, decorative finishes, etc…) and then break the list down to actual NEEDS –vs- WANTS. While granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are most likely high on your “wants” list, items like location, quality of local schools, number of beds/baths, etc.. will certainly place high at the top of the “needs” list. By limiting each list to a maximum of 5 items, you will find it much easier to focus your home search more easily.

6. Decide where you want to live

Determine what your top 3 priorities are in terms of location (commute time, quality of schools, proximity to friends/family, etc..) and have your real estate agent help you target three or four neighborhoods in your price range that meet your criteria. Visit the neighborhoods frequently at different times of day on various days of the week. This will help you get a feel for the “flow” of the area and may make targeting a neighborhood even easier.

7. Help your real estate agent help you!

Your real estate agent is your partner! The more open and honest you are about what is important to you, the more likely it will be that he/she can help you find the perfect home. If you change your mind about something once you’ve seen a few properties tell your agent immediately so they can alter the search plan. Your agent wants you to find a home you feel is perfect for you and your family and working as a team can make that happen!

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

5 Reasons to Sell Before the Selling Season Picks Up

A common thought in real estate is never list your home in the winter offseason. Perpetuated by industry experts, agents and repeat sellers alike, this saying encourages many would-be sellers to wait until the spring peak to list their homes. However, studies show that homes listed in the winter offseason not only sell faster than those in the spring, but sellers often net more above their asking price at this time.¹ Don’t wait until spring to sell. If you’ve been thinking of selling your home, here are five compelling reasons to list now.

Take advantage of low inventory. Since most sellers are waiting until spring to list, local inventory falls during the offseason. However, there are still motivated buyers who are ready to move now and don’t want to wait that long to purchase a home. According to the National Association of Realtors, 55 percent of all buyers purchased their home at the time they did because “it was just the right time.”² These eager buyers may flock to your home. You may not need to try as hard to make your home stand out in the sea of other similar homes. With less competition, more buyers, some of whom may have otherwise overlooked your home if you listed during the peak, will express an interest to buy. While you’ll likely have fewer showings in the offseason, buyers who do visit will be more serious about writing an offer. Your home will likely sell faster than it would have during the peak season.

Set a higher listing price. Homes sold during the offseason sell at a higher price, on average, than those sold during the spring and summer peak. There are many reasons for this. First, motivated buyers are willing to pay closer to the asking price for a home. Second, homes are more likely to be priced right and reflect the economics of not only the local market, but the neighborhood as well. Often, homes listed during the peak may be priced to compete with other homes in the area and neighborhood. Sellers may be pressured to sell for less than the list price in order to encourage buyers to choose their home out of the others on the market.

You’ll receive more attention. While our team always strives to give you the personal attention you deserve, when you list during the offseason, we’re able to work more closely with you to ensure your home is prepared for its debut on the market. We can also take more time to answer your questions, address your concerns and prepare you and your home for the sale.

Additionally, if you’d like to hire a tradesperson to handle routine maintenance or undertake a minor home renovation before you list, you may be able to take advantage of flexible scheduling and cheaper rates. Many of these professionals experience a winter offseason as well, and will be able to focus their time and attention on you and your project.

Easier to maintain curb appeal. Curb appeal is intended to attract the buyers who are just driving by as well as those who saw your home online and wanted to see it in-person. It sets the stage for what interested buyers can expect when they step foot in the home during a showing or open house. If you list your home during the peak of the selling season, you may exhaust your time your energy maintaining curb appeal. You’ll likely spend most of your free time mowing the lawn, weeding, trimming shrubs and hedges, planting flowers in pots and in flowerbeds, pulling spent blooms and watering it all to ensure it looks lush and healthy on a daily basis. After all, a lush landscape will attract potential buyers and set your home apart from other similar homes in the area.

The offseason eliminates the pressure to maintain a picture-perfect front landscape. Since most grass, shrubs and plants go dormant at this time of year, you’ll have less to maintain. If you live in an area that experiences a traditional winter, your landscape will be covered with snow. Even if you live in a milder climate, you may not have to mow as often, if at all. It’s still important to ensure your exterior appears well-tended, so make sure your walkway and front porch remains free of snow, ice and debris.

Tap into the life changes of buyers. Many buyers receive employee raises and bonuses at the end of the year. If they’ve been saving to buy a home, this extra money may allow them to reach their goal for a down payment and put them on the path to becoming a homeowner. Additionally, companies often hire new employees and relocate current ones during the first quarter of the year, creating a strong demand for housing. If you live in an area that’s home to a large company or has a strong corporate presence, this may be the perfect time to list.

Thinking of Listing in the Offseason? 3 Things to Do Before You List

Get your home ready to list by following these tips.

Schedule maintenance. Buyers, especially first-time buyers, want a home they can move into right away; they don’t want to repair the roof or the furnace or replace windows with blown thermal seals before they move in. Do the scheduled maintenance and make repairs before you list your home for sale.

In some cases, it may help to have an inspector do a pre-inspection of your home. A pre-inspection will make you aware of any major, potentially deal-killing, issues that will have to be addressed before you list. It also gives you an idea of minor issues that a potential seller may want repaired. Overall, it helps you to accurately price your home and may protect you from claims a buyer might make later.³

Create light. Balance out the lack of natural light outdoors by turning the lights on inside. Since people naturally tend to buy emotionally, turning on the lights helps create a sense of warmth and coziness. Light a fire in the fireplace, if you have one, fill your home with the scents of the season, such as vanilla or fresh baked cookies, and put a throw blanket on your sofa.

If you plan to paint the interior of your home before you list, consider an off-white shade to create consistency throughout your home and make the space feel larger and brighter. If you have photos of your garden or the home’s exterior in the spring or summer, display them so interested buyers can get a glimpse of what the home looks like in other seasons..

Give your home a thorough cleaning. Cleaning puts your home in its best light. Clean and polish all the horizontal surfaces of your home, including countertops, window sills and baseboards; have the curtains dry cleaned or otherwise laundered; wash windows, glass doors and their tracks; vacuum carpeting and polish all wood surfaces, including the floor.

Additionally, this is a great time to pack any personal items and family photos as well as sort through your belongings and donate items you no longer use. This not only eliminates any clutter, but it also gives you less to pack and move when you sell.

If you’re thinking of selling, give us a call! We’d love to help you position your home to sell in our market.

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

Sources: Time, October 30, 2015
National Association of REALTORS, 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
Forbes, August, 27, 2013

When Does Paying Off a Credit Card NOT Help Your Credit?

As most homebuyers know, your FICO score (the credit score created by Fair Isaac Corporation) rules your world!

…did you know that the big three credit services base a large part of your credit scores on the “balance due” to “card limit” ratio??

Your FICO credit score will not just determine if you can get a mortgage, but what interest rate you will pay for it. And, did you know that that little three digit score can also affect the price of your home and auto insurance? It can even keep you from getting the job you want!

Your FICO Score is calculated by a mathematical algorithm that evaluates many types of information from your credit report.

We all know that a history of paying bills late can be very detrimental to your score (generally accounts for approximately 35% of your score). But, did you know that the big three credit services (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian) base a large part of your credit scores on the “balance due” to “card limit” ratio?? This ratio can accounts for approximately 30% of your score!

My husband and I try very hard to live a “debt free” lifestyle. But, in order to get “reward points” for cash back or air miles, we usually charge everything to a credit card and then pay it off at the end of the month (this also makes it very easy for us track spending and keep our budget under control). You would think that would mean that we are using zero, or a very small percentage, of our available credit – but that it not how it works!

Here is an example of how the credit services look at this scenario: If we have a $10,000 limit on our Visa card and we spend $5,100 per month (easy to do when you have monthly business expenses in additional to personal spending) the credit companies consider it to be as if we are using 51% of your available credit… even if you pay it off at the end of the month! What???? This plan can actually lower our credit score.

Here’s the REASON – the credit services only receive information from your credit card companies once a month, so they never see the paid off balance only the outstanding balance due!

To keep our score from being affected, we have chosen to split our purchases over 2 cards (1 for business and 1 for personal) to guarantee that we never use over 30% of the available credit on any card.

I recommend that you look through the credit cards in your wallet… including all the ones that give you coupons or discounts in a department or home improvement store…. these usually have very low credit limits and this rule applies to them too!

The best advice I can give someone preparing to buy a home in the near future is review your credit report NOW and pay down every credit card to reach a balance due of 50% or less (30% is preferable!).

And… speak to a lender to get pre-approved.

If you are not currently working with a lender and need a referral to a local mortgage pro, give me a call and I’ll gladly provide you with a copy of my “preferred lender” list.

Please feel free to call or text me at 404-710-0204 (or drop me an email) if I can provide you with more information about this article, or if I can assist you with buying or selling your
South Forsyth County real estate.

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

When Does Paying Off a Credit Card NOT Help Your Credit?

As most homebuyers know, your FICO score (the credit score created by Fair Isaac Corporation) rules your world!

…did you know that the big three credit services base a large part of your credit scores on the “balance due” to “card limit” ratio??

Your FICO credit score will not just determine if you can get a mortgage, but what interest rate you will pay for it. And, did you know that that little three digit score can also affect the price of your home and auto insurance? It can even keep you from getting the job you want!

Your FICO Score is calculated by a mathematical algorithm that evaluates many types of information from your credit report.

Here’s the REASON – the credit services only receive information from your credit card companies once a month, so they never see the paid off balance only the outstanding balance due!

To keep our score from being affected, we have chosen to split our purchases over 2 cards (1 for business and 1 for personal) to guarantee that we never use over 30% of the available credit on any card.

I recommend that you look through the credit cards in your wallet… including all the ones that give you coupons or discounts in a department or home improvement store…. these usually have very low credit limits and this rule applies to them too!

The best advice I can give someone preparing to buy a home in the near future is review your credit report NOW and pay down every credit card to reach a balance due of 50% or less (30% is preferable!).

And… speak to a lender to get pre-approved.

If you are not currently working with a lender and need a referral to a local mortgage pro, give me a call and I’ll gladly provide you with a copy of my “preferred lender” list.

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Cell: 404 710 0204

325 Brannon Rd., Suite #200 Cumming GA 30041
770.844.8484

According to Realtor® Magazine, a “yes” answer to most of the following questions means you just might be ready to list it:

Of course, these questions are not exhaustive and there may be other factors pushing you to sell or hold back. I’d love to chat with you if you have questions about the market or help in determining the right time to make a move.

You will definitely want to take a moment to checkout this handy home security and safety question checklist from SafeWise Security. It may just save your life… or at least, your property!

Are any of your valuables visible from the street?

Are your doors and windows visible from the street or from a neighbors view?

Are your doors made of either solid wood or metal clad?

Nearly one third of burglars enter a home through the front door. An old wooden door or a hollow one can be kicked in within seconds. Help beef up your home’s security by installing a windowless solid wood or metal clad door.

Are your entryways and pathways well lit at night?

Is your house number clearly visible from the street?

When an emergency strikes, every second counts. Make sure that police, firefighters, and/or paramedics can quickly find the right house by keeping your house numbers visible. SafeWise advises checking your house numbers quarterly to ensure they haven’t faded or been obstructed by vegetation.

Can you see who’s at the door without opening it?

Do you have a cell phone in case of cut telephone wires?

Even if you don’t use a cell phone as your primary means of communication, having one handy is a good safety and security precaution. Some thieves will cut phone lines before they enter the home, so having a charged cell phone to call for help can benefit you.

Do you have a neighbor who has a spare set of keys to your home?

It’s always a good idea for a neighbor to be armed with a set of spare keys should you get locked out or if they need to enter your home in the event of an emergency. Just make sure it’s a neighbor you can trust.

Do you have all your mail held at the post office when you travel?

There are certain things a burglar looks for when he’s casing a neighborhood; an overflowing mailbox is one of them. Have your mail held at the post office if you’re travelling for an extended period of time or have a neighbor/relative pick the mail up for you.

Do you have an emergency escape plan in case of break-in?

A burglar trying to break-in is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. SafeWise believes you can never be too prepared for the unthinkable, so establish and practice an emergency escape plan with your family once or twice a year to make sure everyone is prepared in the case of a break-in.

Do you have any yard signs or window decals that state your home is monitored?

Do you have fire extinguishers easily accessible throughout your home?

Do you have keyed deadbolt locks installed on all of your doors?

A burglary occurs roughly every 20 seconds in the U.S., outfitting your home’s front and back door with a hardened steel bolt is your first line of defense against a burglar because it makes the door much more difficult to kick in.

Do you have motion-sensor lights installed?

Do you have secondary locks on sliding glass doors or do you secure the door with a dowel on the inside track?

Do you have secondary locks on your windows?

Windows account for a quarter of all break-in entry points. That’s because they are frequently left unlocked, or outfitted with cheap window locks make them vulnerable to attack. Make it difficult for anyone to get in with help from secondary locks and window sensors.

Do you have timers on your lights?

Do you keep an inventory of your personal property in case of theft?

In the event of a burglary, you don’t want to forget to include any stolen property on a report for the police or an insurance claim. Keeping an inventory of your personal property helps ensure you are compensated for all losses.

Do you keep medications out of sight?

Keeping medications out of sight means helping keep them out of the hands of burglars who could use your meds themselves or sell them on the street. Keeping your medicines off the counter helps reduce the temptation.

Do you keep your valuables stored in a safety deposit box or safe?

To keep your valuables safe, your best option is to keep them somewhere difficult for potential burglars to reach, such as a safety deposit box or a safe. Both of these can only be opened with a key or combination, so intruders can’t easily access them.

Do you know your neighbors across the street and on all three sides of your home?

Good neighbors look out for each other and share any suspicious activity they’ve noticed around other homes, particularly when someone is out of town or at the office. Knowing your neighbors is crucial for maintaining a sense of security in your area.

Do you leave a house key under your door mat?

Under the door mat is often one of the first hiding places a burglar will check for keys. Your best bet is to leave a spare key with a nearby, trusted neighbor or relative.

Do you lock the gate(s) to your backyard?

About 30 percent of all burglaries occur when a door or window is left open or unlocked, including those in the backyard. Keep the gates to your backyard locked, especially at night and when you are not at home, to help keep chances of burglary to a minimum.

Do you lock up your grills, lawn mowers, bikes, or other outdoor valuables?

Any valuable property that is kept outdoors should be locked up when not in use to keep it from being easily accessible for burglars. If you can put it out of sight and lock it up, that’s even more ideal.

Do you lock all doors at night and every time you leave the house, even if it’s just for a few minutes?

It doesn’t take long for a burglar to break into your home, especially if a door is left unlocked. Even if you’re only leaving home for a moment, it’s important to always lock the door behind you. The same goes for locking the doors at night. Even if you’re home, the doors should be locked.

Do you shred documents with personal information before disposing them?

Even if it’s something like unwanted junk mail, you should always shred any document that may have personal information on it before throwing it in your trash can. This can help you ensure your personal identity is less at risk for being stolen.

Do your doors fit tight in their frames?

While an unlocked door is the most common entry point for a burglar, a flimsy door is another common way to break-in. If your doors do not fit tightly, you should install weather stripping around them to better hold them in place.

Does your neighborhood have a watch program?

A good quality neighborhood watch program is to have a focus on educating neighbors on how to actively look out for one another to prevent or lessen crimes in their area. Burglaries decreased more than 30 percent nationwide throughout the 1990s, thanks to neighborhood watch programs.

Did you have all your doors been rekeyed when you moved in?

Have there been any break-ins in the neighborhood recently?

If a house in your neighborhood has been broken into, you need to be on higher alert about your own home security. You could face an increased risk of burglary, as burglars may return to the area of a successful break-in and target similar homes nearby.

Have you secured any mail slots, dryer vents, or pet entrances that a burglar could enter through?

Is your home’s exterior well lit?

If you have the right outdoor lighting in place, a well-lit home could help deter burglars from trying to enter your home. It’s easier to be seen with outdoor lighting, so burglars are more likely to stay away from lights and go in search of darker places to target.

Is your street well-lit at night?

In addition to having a well-lit home, having a well-lit neighborhood can be another deterrent for burglars. If the neighborhood is kept well-lit at night, it can help the area be safer to walk around, and burglars are more likely to stay out of the neighborhood as a whole.

Do you have a company that monitors your home alarm system?

Do you have surveillance cameras?

Nine out of ten convicted burglars say they’d avoid targeting a home with video surveillance. If you’re looking to take your home security to the next level, surveillance cameras can be a strong addition to any home security strategy.

Do you have working carbon monoxide detectors?

Each year, more than 150 people die from non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning. SafeWise recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors and test them regularly (once a month) to make sure you’re protected against this invisible danger.

Do you have working smoke detectors?

Three out of five house fire deaths occur in households without working smoke alarms. Make sure to check batteries and test your smoke detector regularly (at least twice a year).

Do you store your ladders and tools in a locked garage or shed?

Don’t give would-be burglars the tools they need to break into your house. Make sure tools, ladders, and any other equipment they could utilize is kept locked away.

Have you installed a home security system?

If you’re like most homeowners, you may not know about all of the things that would make your home vulnerable. Now that you’ve gone through our home security checklist, you can assess possible weaknesses in your home and fix areas that will help burglar-proof your home.

Real estate articles that are made up of just lists are now being called “listicles”—and there are certainly plenty of them around. This list that appeared in Bankrate’s “7 things that could turn off homebuyers” is a must read!

The actual listicle may not have been the product of much real research into houses for sale, but it was amusing. In the best social media tradition, I’d like to add a few thoughts in order to come up with a modified/improved “things list” (for starters, here are 8):

8 Things Bound to Offend Cumming, GA Homebuyers

Uncaged animals or “scary pets” such as large, loud dogs or snake & reptiles.

Animal trophies: Better to pack them up. Dead animals can offend some non-Ernest Hemmingway fans.

Flags: An American flag is okay, but Confederate flags just get people thinking about controversy instead of the house.

Sports teams memorabilia: This one is questionable, especially in a nicely understated den or TV room. Trash-talking posters, not so much.

Nudity: The Bankrate article was describing artwork—the point being that for some homebuyers, even tasteful artwork produces a degree of shock value. Universally showable homes strive to avoid shock value.

Mystery rooms: If the idea is to help potential Cumming, GA buyers to picture themselves as owners, then rooms without obvious purpose or worse yet, a locked door, works against the goal.

Odors (bad or exotic ones, that is): Our sense of smell is a powerful memory trigger, and if the lingering aroma of a cigar or onions predominates, it could easily make buyers associate the property with something in their past. Whether the “something” is good or bad is anyone’s guess.

I passed this sign in a Forsyth County neighborhood and was so outraged that I stopped to take a picture of it.

“While most sellers think they are hiring a listing agent –
what they are really doing is hiring a marketing professional!”