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Organizing Your Home in 2023 – Getting Started

Have you decided that this is the year you’re finally going to get your home organized? I’ll admit that I have just a touch of OCD, so organizing my home is a must!

Our son graduates from college next year – and we have decided that downsizing is definitely in our future – so this is going to be a must for my family.

I’ll be honest, the downsizing portion of this exercise has proven to be a much bigger challenge than I expected, only because we will be transitioning to a home that provides approximately half the storage space we have now.

I started with my closet – because we all know that half of the things there are never worn… and then began moving on to the rest of the house.

Over the next few days I will be sharing interesting articles I find about getting organized and how these suggestions have worked for me.

If you’re not ready to jump in feet first, this 10-Day Simplification Challenge is a great way to get started!

Get Organized: Take a 10-Day Simplification Challenge

HAPPY HOME ORGANIZING! Feel free to drop me a line to share your successes (I’d love to see photos if you have them) or ask a question.

CHECKOUT THESE CHALLENGES TOO

Organizing Your Home – Pantry

Organizing Your Home – Linen Closet

Organizing Your Home – Kitchen Cabinets

Organizing Your Home – Kitchen Drawers

Better Homes and Gardens – Organizing Tips For Your Home

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 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

Cumming, GA Home Appraisals Play Catch-Up with Market

Current news about the continuing moderate rise in home values will certainly bring a smile to Cumming, GA homeowners. But, as seems to be true for just about everything, there can also be some unintended consequences.

One group so affected are the folks who labor in the home loan industry—particularly when it comes to home appraisals. Cumming, GA appraisals come into the forefront when lenders are formulating their mortgage offers. Home appraisals are professional estimates of the value of the homes being collateralized. Lenders count on their accuracy to backstop a loan—to make its value recoverable in the event a borrower fails to repay.

That’s why steady rises in Cumming, GA home values have one consequence that’s less than helpful. It’s a non-issue as long as enough similar local homes have changed hands in recent months since Cumming, GA home appraisals depend heavily on comparable sales to establish realistic property values. But if the buying and selling of nearby properties happen to have been sluggish, the only comparable sales numbers will reflect older transactions. And they might not fully reflect current market upsurges.

The possible result is that the amount agreed upon by buyer and seller might be higher than the appraiser sees reflected in the comparables—and even seemingly minute differences can be enough to quash a mortgage.

Since lenders really do like to create home loan offers that make buying possible, they do their best to keep track of the phenomenon. The disparity is formalized by Quicken Loans with their HPPI (Home Price Perception Index). The HPPI measures the difference between what homeowners seeking to refinance their home believe it is worth versus what appraisers can verify.

The very good news (at least nationally) is that the trend has turned toward harmony between the appraisers’ opinions and those of current and future homeowners. The numbers are different in every locale, but the move toward agreement is widespread. By the middle of last month, the gap had narrowed for the fifth month in a row—and is now within 1% of agreement.

Cumming, GA home appraisals and mortgage offers are important elements in the home-buying process—but there are many more. It’s my job to help buyers and sellers put all the pieces together to ensure that the final transaction progresses along smooth, rational, and predictable lines. I hope you’ll call me!

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, North Fulton County and East Cobb cities: Cumming, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Milton, and Roswell. Other areas are serviced by request.

Gayle Barton South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Mountain Crest Homes For Sale Cumming GA Real Estate 30040

WHEN BUYING NEW CONSTRUCTION – THE ONSITE AGENT WORKS FOR THE BUILDER! ** CALL TODAY to find out why you need a Buyer’s Agent to protect your interests. The answer may save you $1000’s!

VIEW: Mountain Crest Neighborhood Information

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 the expressed written permission.

Real Estate Listings and Homes For Sale in Mountain Crest Cumming GA Real Estate 30040 South Forsyth County

Neighborhood Listings – Homes For Sale in Mountain Crest Cumming GA Real Estate 30040 South Forsyth County – Central High School (STEM program school)

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Gayle Barton, Realtor – Berkshire Hathaway Georgia Properties

Gayle Barton – South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton – Mountain Crest Real Estate |Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate

Cumming, GA Real Estate Negotiations: Beyond Game Theory

Game theory only sounds like it has something to do with how to win in some weekend sports outing or family board game. It’s a seriously studied logical field that mathematicians delve into. Interestingly, when you study how to develop successful negotiation tactics—Cumming, GA real estate negotiations included—you can look at them via game theory.

There is a problem, though. The further you get into the subject, the more it tends to become more and more abstract. Unless you are someone who looks forward to curling up by a roaring fire with a favorite math textbook, you won’t get very far into game theory before your eyes will begin to glaze over.

In real life, Cumming, GA real estate negotiations are anything but academic exercises, so I can’t recommend spending hours studying “The Prisoner’s Dilemma” or any of the other highly studied game theory games. But even if you’ve been able to stay tuned for only a few of the most rudimentary basics, it seems that in order to develop a winning game plan in any negotiation, there has to be one pre-condition (in game theory, it’s called an assumption).

The assumption that’s necessary for developing a successful negotiation strategy is that all the parties must be rational. They have to be trying to make decisions (game moves) that are intended to benefit themselves. In Cumming, GA real estate negotiations, that usually consists of paying or receiving the least or most money in the most favorable timeframe.

So the takeaway from game theory’s application to Cumming, GA real estate negotiations is both simple and useful in the real world:

First, remain rational yourself. In the course of negotiations, if your thoughtful proposal isn’t accepted, don’t get mad—even if it’s maddening. Stay cool; acknowledge that you’ve considered the response, and develop the best counter that is in your interest. I’ll help!

Second, as much as possible, foster rationality in the other party. Even if they fly off the handle for what seems to be no reason, assume there IS a reason—but it may not be one that’s rational or even directly connected to the bargain under discussion. It can even be due to misconstrued communication. In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to forget that emotions can block self-interest—but even fiery emotions can be quelled when met with calm and reason.

Basic Concepts of Cumming, GA Real Estate Negotiations

How Should a Seller Respond to A Low Ball Offer?

One of the great advantages to having me as your Realtor is the experience I bring to the Cumming, GA real estate negotiations that complete every sale. There are many steps that precede that “endgame” moment—call me whenever you’re ready to discuss getting started!

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

Gayle Barton South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Cumming, GA Pet-Friendly Homes Might Have an Advantage

“Pet-Friendly” is a term that used to be confined to the Cumming, GA Homes for Rent ads and a few open-minded hotel chains. Given the 84+ million American households which now include pets as family members, Cumming, GA homeowners who plan on listing their home for sale anytime soon might include those animal census numbers in their thinking.

There may not yet be an official “Pet-Friendly Home” seal with stringent qualifying requirements, but it might not be such a bad idea. What research there is indicates that most prospective home buyers don’t at first concentrate on their animals’ needs—yet when you add the 36% of dog-owning households to the 30% of cat owners, there’s a high probability that more than a few of potential buyers will be sizing up your property with Fido or Fluffball in mind.

The qualities that make your Cumming, GA home pet-friendly or not begin with landscaping. The ASPCA considers “petscaping” a high priority, so well-maintained traditional or invisible fencing is a good place to start. If you have succeeded in gardening without pesticides, pointing out its organic character will be another plus.

The ASPCA also offers an online database of toxic and non-toxic plants. If your pet-friendly home includes a thoroughly pet-safe yard, it will be worth noting in marketing materials.

Pet-friendly homes are now including some technological advances, too. In addition to various automatic self-replenishing water bowl schemes, there are a variety of pet doors that only open for animals wearing a properly coded transmitter collar.

It’s only fair to mention that the pet-friendly concept can be taken to extremes. Open air cat walks with climbing steps and cat doors into every room might appeal to kitty fanciers, but even they might find the weirdness factor a negative. Along those lines is a proposed Pet-Friendly House Project. Its Gofundme page proposes a “dogs room” complete with 12-inch high bed, open-sided toy closet (the illustrations show a LOT of toys), pet-safe flooring, and a big-screen TV “for watching their favorite characters. ” The Pet-Friendly House’s mudroom has a walk-in doggie shower which, come to think of it, is not a bad idea.

When the time nears to list your own Cumming, GA home, I hope you’ll give me a call to discuss a dynamic, effective marketing plan—pet-friendly or not!

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

Gayle Barton South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Forsyth County Home Listing Photos Set the Stage for the Sale

Some key preparations for the marketing of any Forsyth County home actually start well before the first showing or open house: they take place in the hours before the Forsyth County listing photos are taken. Those Forsyth County listing photos will become the definitive beauty shots—the equivalent of the glamorous depictions that grace product packaging.

Manufacturers know very well the import of how their product looks on the carton, jar or bag. It’s why top commercial photographers rely on “product stylists” (they’re the experts who sort through 100 bags of potato chips to come up with the two or three that will photograph perfectly).

Forsyth County listing photos no longer have anything to do with 20th-century cameras or film. But it’s not just the move to digital that’s responsible for creating a higher quality Forsyth County listing photos. To guarantee you maximize the quality of your own Forsyth County home’s listing photos, it remains a team effort…and you’re on the team. Four elements are called for:

1. Equipment: Even now, the technology behind photo equipment is advancing rapidly. What used to require compliments of hot lamps, stands, and even a reflector or two can now be accomplished with a single travel case of lightweight equipment. Still vital: the “eye” of the knowledgeable pro behind the lens. Professional photography is a MUST. Do not settle for less!
2. Patience: For the critical exterior shot, Mother Nature controls most of the timing. The photographers creating the best Forsyth County listing photos don’t just take weather into account—they factor in the house’s orientation and the time of day that will show it to its best advantage, and plan accordingly.
3. Homeowner prep: The National Association of Realtor®’s real estate photo tutorial emphasizes how important homeowners can be on the big day because “little things can make—or break—listing photos.” Examples are paying special attention to blinds, bedspreads and shower curtains – as well as removing any and all unnecessary knick-knacks. (I provide my listing client’s with a step-by-step photoshoot prep list – please contact me if you have questions!)
4. The digital finale: It used to be that fine photo correcting was a time-consuming art practiced mainly in the production studios of national publications. That’s no longer the case. Digital images can be quickly refined via ubiquitous photo processing software that makes retouching and image enhancing part of the professional’s everyday bag of tricks.
Starting out with dynamic listing photos is important—as are the many steps to follow.

When it’s your time to list, I hope you’ll allow me to demonstrate the personal care that makes selling your Forsyth County home a low-stress experience!

Check out our Marketing Strategy for more details on just what tools we’ll use to market your home!

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

Gayle Barton South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Determine Your Home Buying Power

What’s Your Home Buying Power?

If you’re in the market for a new home or investment property, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “What can we afford?” Many buyers become so caught up in how much they can afford that they don’t realize their total buying power—that is, the total amount of purchasing potential they actually have.

Buying Power Defined
Your buying power is comprised of the total amount of money you have available each month for a mortgage payment. This means the money you have each month after fixed bills and expenses. Any money you’ve saved for a down payment, the proceeds from the sale of your current home, if applicable, and the amount of money you’re qualified to borrow all impact your buying power as well. When you take all of this into account, you may find you are able to purchase a larger home or a home in a more desirable neighborhood, or you might realize you should be looking for homes in a lower price range.

What About Housing Affordability?
Housing affordability is a metric used by real estate experts to assess whether or not the average family earning an average wage could qualify for a mortgage on the average home.1 Although this figure is essential to creating a comprehensive overview of the real estate market, it’s not a factor you should consider in your home search. What may be considered affordable to you based on your income and other factors may be different than what’s affordable to the average buyer.

Why Buying Power Matters
A common misunderstanding is that a home’s list price determines whether or not you can purchase it. Although it’s important to look at the price tag, it’s essential to consider what your monthly payment will be if you own the home. After all, the purchase price doesn’t include the housing-related expenses, such as annual property taxes, homeowner insurance, associated monthly fees and any maintenance or repairs. Figuring out the payment will prevent you from overestimating or underestimating your buying power. After all, you’ll live with your monthly payment, not the sales price.

Once you have clarity on your buying power, you’ll be able to buy the home you want, instead of settling for a home because you feel it’s the only one you can afford. It will also prevent you from becoming “house poor,” a common term for someone who’s put all their money toward the down payment, leaving them nothing left over for fees outside of their monthly house payment. Both scenarios can negatively impact the lifestyle you want to live. Understanding your buying power can help you get the home you want without sacrificing the lifestyle you desire.

If you haven’t sold your current home yet, a Comparative Market Assessment (CMA) will give you a general idea of how much you may get for your home based on what other homes have sold for in your area. Contact our team for a FREE CMA!

Calculating Your Buying Power
You might be wondering, “How do I know what my buying power is?” Buying power is calculated by adding the money you’ve saved for a down payment and/or the money you made from selling your home (minus fees and mortgage payoff) to all of your sources of income and investments that could be used to make your monthly payment. Make sure to include your monthly pay, commissions or tips, dividends from investments, payments from rental properties or other monthly income you receive as well as the loan amount you’re willing to finance and qualify for.

Most lenders advised buyers to spend no more than 35 to 45 percent of their pretax income on housing, meaning all your income and sources of revenue prior to paying taxes. Make sure you factor in not only your mortgage payment, but also property tax and home insurance to the cost of housing. However, other financial experts advise spending no more than a very conservative 25 percent of your after-tax income on your housing expenses. Whether you plan to spend the average, play it conservative or split the difference is up to you.

Traditionally, mortgage lenders have targeted the ideal housing expense amount to be a ratio of 28 percent or less.

However, these figures bring up an important point: you don’t have to spend all of your savings and available monthly income on a mortgage payment. It’s important to set money aside for regular home maintenance, unexpected repairs and monthly fees, such as a condominium or homeowners association fee. While the above ratios are commonly accepted, a lender will look at your total financial picture when they decide how much they’re willing to lend. It may be tempting to take out a large loan in order to purchase the home of your dreams, but keep in mind the less money you have to borrow, the stronger your buying power may be.

4 Things That Impact Buying Power
1. Credit score. A great score can help you lock into a lower interest rate.

2. Debt-to-income ratio. The lower the ratio, the better risk you may be to lenders as long as you have an established credit history.

3. Assets, including the documentation of where the money for the purchase is coming from and the mix of your investments.

4. Down payment. The more you’re able to put down, the less you will have to borrow. With a down payment of 20 percent or more, you won’t have to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) and you may also be able to negotiate a lower interest rate.

How to Save for a Down Payment
If you’re thinking of buying a home one day, one of the first steps to take is to start saving for a down payment. Here are some tips to make saving easier.

First-time buyers:
1. Set a savings goal. One way to figure out how much to save is to use the average sales price for homes that are similar to what you want and figure out your target down payment percentage. For example, if homes are selling for $200,000 in your area and you want to put 20 percent down, you’ll have to save $40,000. Set a goal to save that amount within a specific time frame; just keep in mind the longer you save, the more the average selling price will change. Although the majority of buyers saved for six months or less, 29 percent of all buyers (and 31 percent of first-time buyers) saved for more than two years for a down payment.

2. Cut back on expenses. Review your monthly expenses and look for ways to save. Twenty-nine percent of buyers cut spending on non-essentials items and 22 percent cut spending on entertainment while they were saving for a home. Think about items you can live without or cut back on temporarily while you’re saving.

3. Look for ways to boost your income. Get a side job or sell items online or at a garage sale to increase your income in a short amount of time. Be sure to save any windfalls you get, including your annual income tax refund or work bonuses.

4. Check out home-buying programs. Your state, county or local government may offer special programs, such as grants, for first-time buyers to use.

5. Ask your family. Thirteen percent of all buyers, and 24 percent of first-time buyers, were given money from family or friends to use toward the down payment of their home.

Repeat buyers:
More than 52 percent of repeat buyers used the proceeds from the sale of their primary residence toward the down payment on their next home. Similarly, 76 percent tapped into their savings accounts. If you’re thinking of buying another home, here are more ways to save more money, in addition to the tips listed above:

1. Rent a room. If you have an income flat (or mother-in-law unit) attached to your home, rent it out and channel the income into a high-interest savings account.

2. Make your money work for you. If you don’t plan to buy for at least five years, invest it and let the compound interest work for you. Discuss this option with your financial planner or broker to see if this is ideal for you and your goals.

3. Tap into your 401(k). If you have a 401(k) plan, you may be allowed to borrow a portion of it, the lessor of up to $50,000 or half of its value, for your down payment. Remember, it’s a loan so you’ll have to pay it back. If you leave or lose your job before you’ve repaid the loan, you’ll have between 60 to 90 days to repay the balance or face stiff taxes and penalties.

If you want to buy an investment property
Whether you’re buying a second home or a rental property, here are a couple tips to save for a down payment.

1. Tap into your equity. If you’ve paid off or paid down your mortgage on your primary home, you may be able to tap into your equity to purchase another property. Contact your lender to learn more about a HELOC or home equity loan.

2. Get a partner. Find a friend or relative who’s willing to purchase property with you. Typically, you’ll split the costs and profits equally. Just make sure to work with an attorney to create a partnership agreement to fit your situation.

Work Out Your Buying Potential
What’s your buying potential? Print the Report and fill out the worksheet to get an estimate.

Housing Expense Ratio:
1. Monthly income before taxes $
2. Multiply line 1 by 0.28 X 0.28
3. Monthly mortgage payment (PITI) should not exceed this amount = $
4. Monthly income before taxes $
5. Multiply line 4 by 0.36 X 0.36
6. Total monthly payments on all debts (including mortgage) should not exceed this amount = $
7. Subtract the total monthly payments on all outstanding debts (e.g., car loans, credit cards, student loans, etc.) – $
8. The monthly mortgage payment should not exceed this amount $
9. Look at line 3 and line 8. The lower figure is an estimate of the maximum mortgage payment in consideration of your income and debts.
10. Multiply line 9 by 0.80 X 0.80
11. This equals portion of your mortgage payment that is the principal and interest only $
12. Use the table below to see the size of the loan you may be able to obtain with this monthly mortgage payment.

Source: Iowa State University Extension, What is your house-buying power?

Print the full report to find your monthly payment. Don’t forget to factor in property taxes and insurance. These are often added to your principal and interest of your mortgage payment—the money used to pay down the balance of your loan and the charge for borrowing the money. Since these numbers vary, contact your county assessor’s office for the current property tax rate and your insurer for a home insurance quote. Once you have these figures, divide each by 12 to estimate how much they’ll add to the above payment amounts.

Do you want a clearer picture of your buying power? Would you like to see what kind of homes you can get with your buying power? Give us a call!

Sources: 1. National Association of REALTORS https://www.nar.realtor/topics/housing-affordability-index/methodology 2. Moneyunder30.com https://www.moneyunder30.com/percentage-income-mortgage-payments 3. Credit.com https://www.credit.com/loans/mortgage-questions/how-to-determine-your-monthly-housing-budget/ 4. National Association of REALTORS, 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 5. Iowa State University Extension, What is your house-buying power? https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/pm1460-pdf 6. HSH.com http://www.hsh.com/mopaytable-print.html

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

Gayle Barton South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Selling Your Forsyth County GA Home: Strategic Planning Helps

Selling your Forsyth County GA home is never something you do on a whim. There can be rare situations when the decision to sell is a sudden one that’s forced by unexpected life circumstances (favorable or not)—but selling your Forsyth County GA home is not likely to be the result of some sudden impulse.

Since that’s the case, it follows that most of us will have been aware for some time that we will be selling sooner or later. That gives us some leeway for improving the ultimate results we can expect when an eventual sale takes place. Thinking about that, and acting upon it, constitutes a strategic advantage.

The tactics for selling your Forsyth County GA home will vary when the day comes, depending on market conditions, what comparable properties are the most sought-after at the time, etc. Such factors are somewhat unpredictable, but tactics and strategy are different. Strategy can start anytime. It can start right now!

Here’s an example I came across in an old blog post: Instead of discussing selling your Forsyth County GA home, it dealt with the kind of decision investors make when they are rehabilitating investment properties they intend to rent out. Landlords know there are good tenants and bad tenants, so their best strategy is to develop a property that will retain maximum value in either case. An example is a decision they sometimes have to make when they’ve acquired a home that calls for some rehabbing: should they install carpeting or hardwood flooring?

Most experienced investors tend to go with the hardwood. Not only does it stand up better when it comes to regular wear and tear—it also signals quality to most people. That is also true for carpeting when it’s newly installed, but over time, the effect is lost. A scratched hardwood floor can be refinished, but worn carpeting is a start-over situation. It’s a strategic choice.

When the day arrives when selling your Forsyth County GA home becomes reality, if you have been making similar long-term strategic decisions all along, the results will be rewarding. Preparing for sale will not only require much less effort and expense — it has every likelihood of returning the results every seller hopes for.

Whether selling your Forsyth County GA home is an immediate or distant prospect, you are always welcome to give me a call to discuss any of your own ideas and questions when it comes to any and all Forsyth County GA real estate matters. I’ll be standing by!

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

Gayle Barton South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Equifax Hack Could Affect Forsyth County Mortgage Applicants

When news of the Equifax hack first broke, the credit ratings giant scrambled to minimize fallout from this massive personal information breach. After an initial embarrassing misstep (they tried to have affected consumers sign off on Equifax’s liability), the company moved to ameliorate the hack by offering free ID protection to consumers.

Forsyth County homeowners and potential home buyers had reason to do more than shake their heads at yet another electronic pratfall. In one way or another, most Forsyth County real estate transactions involve creditworthiness appraisals that are managed by the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax is one). That means that among the 143 million consumers it admits could be “potentially impacted” are certainly a lot of current and future Forsyth County home buyers. The stolen information includes names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses—and for hundreds of thousands, credit card numbers. Even some Georgia driver license data figured in the Equifax hack.
Given the obvious potential for identity theft, the company’s Chairman went online to make an unprecedented offer: his firm will furnish a comprehensive package of credit file monitoring and identity theft protection to everyone. Literally.
To every consumer in the United States. For a year. For free.

With few exceptions, it was left to us to take the initiative to take them up on the offer. That factor might shrink the size of the undertaking, but even so, delivering on this scale was unlikely to be accomplished without a few hitches.
Hitch #1: when this many millions of people try to check in on any site, no system can handle it all at once. So contacting this Equifax Trusted ID Premier link results in varying lengths of delay before enrollment can be confirmed.

Hitch #2: because it is now obvious that sophisticated thieves are active in the credit reporting industry, it will be doubly necessary for Equifax to make certain that you are who you say you are. That makes multiple email confirmation back-and-forths unavoidable.
It’s a cinch that Forsyth County residents who decide to sign up for the free protection should also be extra vigilant in monitoring their financial transactions. An additional step is also possible: you can contact any one of the three credit agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian) to request that they place a 90-day “fraud alert” on your file. It’s free, and whichever agency you contact is required to notify the other two. Fraud alerts obligate any lender to contact you before they issue credit in your name. You can renew the alert as many times as you wish—and cancel at any point.

Your credit score is a vital ingredient when it’s time to look for favorable home loan offers, so even before the Equifax hack, it’s always been well worth protecting. Give me a call when questions about this or other Forsyth County real estate matters come up: I’ll be minding the phone!

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

Gayle Barton South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Summer in Cumming, GA Officially Ended on Friday!

Friday was officially the last day of 2017 summer in Cumming, GA, but for most of us, the season has been feeling a lot more like fall ever since Labor Day. It isn’t the weather so much as the psychological factor. Things like the passing of that last summertime three-day weekend and watching Cumming, GA’s seasonal businesses post hour change signs. As the school busses appear every morning, you also don’t have to have kids in school to register what all the activity signals: Cumming, GA’s summer is over.

Pinterest, the internet’s foremost collecting place for everyone’s pictures of everything has scores of pages of photos and drawings with Last Days of Summer themes. Some of them do extract a sigh or two. It may have been decades since you last experienced a cookout with friends as the summer sun sets, or watched a little one discovering that the cold tidewater will get your toes if you don’t back away in time—but the thought that the chance to revisit such moments has slipped away till next year is a sigh-producer for most.
The Pinterest collections had lots of swimming pool and beach pictures (including many dogs-in-swimming-pools, for some reason), as well as barbecue grills and drinks with limes in them. They did a good job of making you wish Cumming, GA’s summer could last just a little bit longer…

On the bright side, since they were also heavy with ice cream and popsicle imagery, it prompted the realization that some Cumming, GA summer attractions won’t be disappearing at all! There’s no law that says Cumming, GA’s autumn won’t include an ice cream cone or two. Besides, it’s a fact that the summertime pastime of racing to get to the bottom of the cone before it melts all over the place is easier to win as the weather gets colder. Another plus is how, before long, autumnal treats like pumpkin-flavored ice cream are going to show up again.

With Cumming, GA’s official Last Day of Summer passing on Friday, those whose favorite season arrives with the fall have only the weekend before it’s here. It will be many months before fall fanciers will have to resort to Pinterest to relive the Last Days of Autumn collections. They will undoubtedly find lots of pictures of high school football games, trees ablaze with orange-gold color, turkeys—but let’s not jump the gun; all that is yet to come!

Traditionally, spring has been the prime time to sell your Cumming GA home, but you may be interested in this article that explains why NOW may the best time to put your home on the market!

Season in and season out, call me whenever Cumming, GA real estate matters need to be attended to!

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, North Fulton County and East Cobb cities: Cumming, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Milton, and Roswell. Other areas are serviced by request.

Gayle Barton South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

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Interesting Real Estate Story of the Day

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Meet Gayle

Cell: 404 710 0204

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

Have you decided that this is the year you’re finally going to get your home organized? I’ll admit that I have just a touch of OCD, so organizing my home is a must!

Our son graduates from college next year – and we have decided that downsizing is definitely in our future – so this is going to be a must for my family.

I’ll be honest, the downsizing portion of this exercise has proven to be a much bigger challenge than I expected, only because we will be transitioning to a home that provides approximately half the storage space we have now.

I started with my closet – because we all know that half of the things there are never worn… and then began moving on to the rest of the house.

Over the next few days I will be sharing interesting articles I find about getting organized and how these suggestions have worked for me.

If you’re not ready to jump in feet first, this 10-Day Simplification Challenge is a great way to get started!

HAPPY HOME ORGANIZING! Feel free to drop me a line to share your successes (I’d love to see photos if you have them) or ask a question.

CHECKOUT THESE CHALLENGES TOO

Current news about the continuing moderate rise in home values will certainly bring a smile to Cumming, GA homeowners. But, as seems to be true for just about everything, there can also be some unintended consequences.

The possible result is that the amount agreed upon by buyer and seller might be higher than the appraiser sees reflected in the comparables—and even seemingly minute differences can be enough to quash a mortgage.

WHEN BUYING NEW CONSTRUCTION – THE ONSITE AGENT WORKS FOR THE BUILDER! ** CALL TODAY to find out why you need a Buyer’s Agent to protect your interests. The answer may save you $1000’s!

So the takeaway from game theory’s application to Cumming, GA real estate negotiations is both simple and useful in the real world:

First, remain rational yourself. In the course of negotiations, if your thoughtful proposal isn’t accepted, don’t get mad—even if it’s maddening. Stay cool; acknowledge that you’ve considered the response, and develop the best counter that is in your interest. I’ll help!

One of the great advantages to having me as your Realtor is the experience I bring to the Cumming, GA real estate negotiations that complete every sale. There are many steps that precede that “endgame” moment—call me whenever you’re ready to discuss getting started!

The ASPCA also offers an online database of toxic and non-toxic plants. If your pet-friendly home includes a thoroughly pet-safe yard, it will be worth noting in marketing materials.

Pet-friendly homes are now including some technological advances, too. In addition to various automatic self-replenishing water bowl schemes, there are a variety of pet doors that only open for animals wearing a properly coded transmitter collar.

When the time nears to list your own Cumming, GA home, I hope you’ll give me a call to discuss a dynamic, effective marketing plan—pet-friendly or not!

Manufacturers know very well the import of how their product looks on the carton, jar or bag. It’s why top commercial photographers rely on “product stylists” (they’re the experts who sort through 100 bags of potato chips to come up with the two or three that will photograph perfectly).

When it’s your time to list, I hope you’ll allow me to demonstrate the personal care that makes selling your Forsyth County home a low-stress experience!

Check out our Marketing Strategy for more details on just what tools we’ll use to market your home!

What’s Your Home Buying Power?

If you haven’t sold your current home yet, a Comparative Market Assessment (CMA) will give you a general idea of how much you may get for your home based on what other homes have sold for in your area. Contact our team for a FREE CMA!

Traditionally, mortgage lenders have targeted the ideal housing expense amount to be a ratio of 28 percent or less.

4 Things That Impact Buying Power 1. Credit score. A great score can help you lock into a lower interest rate.

2. Debt-to-income ratio. The lower the ratio, the better risk you may be to lenders as long as you have an established credit history.

3. Assets, including the documentation of where the money for the purchase is coming from and the mix of your investments.

4. Down payment. The more you’re able to put down, the less you will have to borrow. With a down payment of 20 percent or more, you won’t have to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) and you may also be able to negotiate a lower interest rate.

How to Save for a Down Payment If you’re thinking of buying a home one day, one of the first steps to take is to start saving for a down payment. Here are some tips to make saving easier.

3. Look for ways to boost your income. Get a side job or sell items online or at a garage sale to increase your income in a short amount of time. Be sure to save any windfalls you get, including your annual income tax refund or work bonuses.

4. Check out home-buying programs. Your state, county or local government may offer special programs, such as grants, for first-time buyers to use.

5. Ask your family. Thirteen percent of all buyers, and 24 percent of first-time buyers, were given money from family or friends to use toward the down payment of their home.

1. Rent a room. If you have an income flat (or mother-in-law unit) attached to your home, rent it out and channel the income into a high-interest savings account.

2. Make your money work for you. If you don’t plan to buy for at least five years, invest it and let the compound interest work for you. Discuss this option with your financial planner or broker to see if this is ideal for you and your goals.

If you want to buy an investment property Whether you’re buying a second home or a rental property, here are a couple tips to save for a down payment.

1. Tap into your equity. If you’ve paid off or paid down your mortgage on your primary home, you may be able to tap into your equity to purchase another property. Contact your lender to learn more about a HELOC or home equity loan.

2. Get a partner. Find a friend or relative who’s willing to purchase property with you. Typically, you’ll split the costs and profits equally. Just make sure to work with an attorney to create a partnership agreement to fit your situation.

Work Out Your Buying Potential What’s your buying potential? Print the Report and fill out the worksheet to get an estimate.

Do you want a clearer picture of your buying power? Would you like to see what kind of homes you can get with your buying power? Give us a call!

Whether selling your Forsyth County GA home is an immediate or distant prospect, you are always welcome to give me a call to discuss any of your own ideas and questions when it comes to any and all Forsyth County GA real estate matters. I’ll be standing by!

Your credit score is a vital ingredient when it’s time to look for favorable home loan offers, so even before the Equifax hack, it’s always been well worth protecting. Give me a call when questions about this or other Forsyth County real estate matters come up: I’ll be minding the phone!

Traditionally, spring has been the prime time to sell your Cumming GA home, but you may be interested in this article that explains why NOW may the best time to put your home on the market!

Season in and season out, call me whenever Cumming, GA real estate matters need to be attended to!

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, North Fulton County and East Cobb cities: Cumming, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Milton, and Roswell. Other areas are serviced by request.

CLICK HERE TO GET PRE-APPROVED

Interesting Real Estate Story of the Day

Meet Gayle

Connect with Me

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

4 Things That Impact Buying Power
1. Credit score. A great score can help you lock into a lower interest rate.

How to Save for a Down Payment
If you’re thinking of buying a home one day, one of the first steps to take is to start saving for a down payment. Here are some tips to make saving easier.

If you want to buy an investment property
Whether you’re buying a second home or a rental property, here are a couple tips to save for a down payment.

Work Out Your Buying Potential
What’s your buying potential? Print the Report and fill out the worksheet to get an estimate.

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