The idea of gaining a lender’s pre-approval is one of Forsyth County’s house financing’s “no downside” ideas—it can only help. Can’t hurt. Theoretically, even if you belong in the upper reaches of the upper crust, having a bank pre-approval in your hip pocket couldn’t be a mistake.

For instance, suppose you happen to run across one of Forsyth County’s all-time dream homes, for sale at a reasonable asking price. A competing offer has just been received with no lender approval attached, and the owner is reaching for the “SOLD” sign. But, if you are able to whip out a pre-approval letter on the spot, it might be enough to make the seller pause because there’s no need to do further research your suitability a qualified buyer. When making any offer, a pre-approval can only help.

When you team up with an experienced Forsyth County, GA Realtor^® (like me), being able to mention your pre-approval is always a positive that will make a seller that much more willing to make their property available at your convenience. You can bet that it also makes your interest in the property something the seller will court.

When a “to die for” Forsyth County home comes on the market at a competitive price (and there are some of those in this market), it’s bound to draw a crowd. Having a pre-approval in hand is almost the very definition of a “qualified buyer.” Why not be one of those?

Thinking of Buying a New Home?? No need for stress – CALL ME and let’s walk through the steps together. I have great resources to help you get started!

NEED TO GET PREQUALIFIED? Click here to reach my preferred lender.

 

 

 

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

Volumes have been written on the art of negotiating—with more certain to come. Especially in real estate, it will always remain an open-ended discussion because of the infinite variety of personalities, motives, and the properties themselves. Rules are useful as starting points only—especially when it comes to Forsyth County real estate transactions. They require weighty financial decisions rife with seemingly irreversible lifestyle consequences. That’s a combination which combines to make it a tricky proposition to keep emotions off the table.

Success in negotiating the sale of a home can sometimes result after a bad start—but it’s more of a longshot. That’s why it’s generally a good idea to let experienced agents handle the communications since we can communicate the substance of the business discussion without allowing any accidental misunderstandings to derail the proceedings. Both agents aim to conclude a deal that will represent their clients’ best interests—and both know that a win-win is the surest way to see that it happens.

That having been said, it’s also true that some negotiating tactics may inadvertently minimize the chances of success. Most have the effect of needlessly arousing antagonism on the other side. A lowball offer can easily fall into that category. The homeowner is proud of the property; the buyer would like to own the property—an outlandish lowball offer seems to imply that neither is true. Tiny incremental offer increases can have the same effect—if only because of unspoken overtones they convey: “Your time isn’t important;” “We think you will be motivated by this extra thousand dollars;” or “I have more patience than you do.”

Another dubious ploy is the “take it or leave it” first offer or first counter. No matter how skillful the agents may be in keeping tempers cool, “take it or leave it” communicates “I am the boss, here.” In some cases, it can be taken as a challenge. On the other hand, when it comes to requesting minor concessions (like that nice urn by the back gate), it’s hard to avoid them altogether. Piling on an unreasonable number of them, though—especially if they arrive without previous mention—risks creating a speed bump that can turn into a brick wall!

Negotiating your positions on your behalf in a clear and reasonable manner is just one key part of my service. I hope you’ll call!

 

 

 

 

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

Owning a home—whether in Cumming, Georgia, or in any other state—is Americans’ most trusted way to build wealth. That’s the takeaway from Gallup’s poll, conducted last spring. It’s easy to agree with—but surprising for a number of reasons.

First off, the continuing bull stock market has now rewarded investors for a very long time. Thursday ended with the S&P 500 marking yet another all-time record. When “owning a home” has to compete with an alternate investment alternative that’s been on a rampage for years, wouldn’t you expect it to be the peoples’ choice?

There is also the fact that residential real estate price rises have slowed recently, moderating after a sustained stretch of dynamic growth. Whenever trends like that show signs of tapering off, it’s likely to give investors second thoughts. And then there’s the memory of the housing crunch from the last decade—a phenomenon that few have forgotten.

But if our Cumming, GA neighbors are at all typical, “owning a home” is the clear winner as their best long-term investment choice. Despite the record highs notched by Wall Street in 2019, Gallup found that “more Americans continue to believe real estate is a superior long-term investment to stocks”—by 35% to 27%. And savings accounts or CDs aren’t even close (at 15%).

Gallup has been polling the “best investment” question for 17 years, but this year’s April 1^st through 9^th edition found most respondents expecting home prices to continue to rise. Contributing factors are the value investors place on homeownership “above and beyond its likely returns”—chief among them, providing a place to live!

Owning a home in Cumming, GA continues to be the part of the American Dream that’s proved to be the most trusted form of long-term investment. I’ll be standing by to help facilitate any and all your upcoming Cumming, GA real estate endeavors!

 

 

 

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

They never fail to draw web readers—those “Top” lists of ways to get the best results when selling a home. Despite its name, Investopedia is a web site which devotes a fair amount of content to the ins and outs of residential real estate. In addition to the expected “Your Money” section, Cumming, GA homeowners can find a well-populated “Home Ownership” tab. That’s where they’ll come across a Top 7 list of “Ways to Improve your Home’s Sell-ability” by Dr. T.L. Canady.

The Top 7 are in the Selling Your Home section. They are notable for the emphasis they put on removing, subtracting, withdrawing, minimizing, etc. The less-is-more theme is worth bearing in mind for Cumming, GA home sellers looking to get the best result in the shortest time. Here the Investopedia list:

1. Neutrality. “It works for Switzerland,” Dr. Canady points out—and it can almost certainly work for selling your Cumming, GA home, too. Steering clear of brash colors and design themes minimizes the number of buyers who might be put off.

2. Less. Remove as much of everything as is sensible. That succeeds in opening up the space you are selling. Clearing away the dispensable furniture and décor items allows prospects to picture rooms decorated to match their own tastes.

3. Smell. Avoid cooking strong-scented foods for 48 hours before a showing. And, for sure, eliminate pet odors.

4. Details. Making inexpensive refurbishments (with cabinet hardware, light switches, outlet covers, etc.) conveys an impression of freshness without making major expenditures.

5. Curb appeal. Keep the path to the front door clear and inviting—and the door itself perfectly maintained.

6. Personality. Don’t get “too personal” (this one is really pretty close to #1).

7. Repairs. Dig in and take care of them before the first open house or showing…you’ll wind up doing so sooner or later, anyway.

There may not be any new ideas in these “Sell-ability” tips—but given that 6,000,000-plus U.S. homes are sold every year, you wouldn’t expect any important ones to have been overlooked. Not mentioned is the king of all selling-your-home tips: Right-pricing! For details on how to zero in on that one, give me a call!

 

 

 

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

Before a first-timer has experienced the complete home-buying process, given the number of unknowns that seem to be dependent on one another, they’re bound to be at least a little baffled. What if there are unseen problems with the house? What if the home loan company decides not to cooperate? What if—well, who knows what other snags could pop up? Common sense tells them there must be ways to address all the unknowns; otherwise, no one would ever be able to buy a home.

The most common way to deal with the unknown possibilities is to seek the help of an experienced Forsyth County Realtor^® like yours truly. And in fact, the majority of the greatest risk factors can all be tamed by a single concept—one that is built into almost every formal offer to buy. The concept is the “buying contingency”—a built-in fail-safe every homebuying veteran knows well. There are usually multiple contingencies built into every offer to buy. Each one addresses a what-if circumstance that allows the buyer to either opt out or alter the offer. Here are five areas where contingency clauses serve to alleviate buyer anxiety:

1. Financing. If a buyer isn’t planning on paying with cash, a home loan will have to be arranged. If it cannot be arranged in a timely manner, a financing contingency may relieve the buyer of being penalized for the failure to close.

2. Appraisal. This is usually part of the financing situation. If the Forsyth County lender’s appraiser arrives at a value lower than what would warrant a sufficient home loan, this contingency may allow for a renegotiation of the price and/or a cancellation of the deal.

3. Inspection. If the buyer’s professional inspector’s report discloses interior or exterior faults that were previously unknown, depending on the extent of the problems, this contingency addresses what happens next. If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory solution, the buyer can back out of the sale.

4. Title. This contingency addresses possible “clouds” or undisclosed liens or judgments against the property.

5. Home sale. First-timers don’t need to worry about this one—but for existing homeowners, this allows a buyer sufficient time to sell their own home. If no buyer surfaces, it allows the buyer to avoid having to pay for two homes at once. The downside is that the seller may choose a competing offer (even one for a lower sale price) if it doesn’t contain this contingency.

Multiple contingencies are effective ways to relieve buyers of risks that would otherwise prevent a free-flowing market. When you give me the nod to help you find and negotiate your first Forsyth County home, they are among the many details that I’ll be able to clarify as we encounter them. Call!

 

 

 

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

It may just be me, but doesn’t it seem as if the general drift of things is that it’s getting harder and harder to make ends meet? And that younger people are getting the brunt of it?

If that sounds familiar, it could be one generalization that’s no longer quite so valid when it comes to younger adults—specifically, about their prospects for owning their own Cumming, GA homes.

If we are to believe the Pew Research Center, younger American households are doing pretty well. In fact, they’re doing better than their elders were at the same time in their youthful careers. Although you can argue that Cumming, GA homes’ prices have risen as well, when you remember how close today’s home loan interest rates are to historical lows, the outlook for owning Cumming, GA homes is hardly gloomy.

The Washington fact tank’s 2019 study is based on the latest census data. Some of the highpoints:

• Household incomes for those headed by Millennials (ages 22 – 37) are higher than at any time in the past 50 years.

• This is true even after the totals are adjusted for inflation.

• The effect is largely due to women in young adult households being paid more.

• The averages hold true even though slightly fewer young adult households are headed by two earners.

Younger earners aren’t the only ones whose ability to own their homes is looking up. According to the study, Baby Boomers’ household incomes are at record levels, and Gen Xers are matching the previous highs reached by that age group in the year 2000. As for members of the ‘Silent Generation’ (ages 73 – 90), “the income…in this age group cannot be accurately estimated.” It looks like the elders among us know how to keep a secret!

Owning your own Cumming, GA home isn’t just a luxury to be enjoyed now—it’s also the tried-and-true way to build and preserve wealth into the future. I’m here to help with any and all of your Cumming, GA real estate endeavors—call!

 

 

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

It might seem that some actions are perfectly obvious—and that among them are the many things you shouldn’t do immediately before moving to a new Cumming, GA home. Yet, as moving day approaches, the number of tasks that are left to be done have a way of filling up the brain space usually reserved for sound decision-making.

One good example has to do with the living room furniture. It’s definitely one thing you should NOT do before moving:

• Forget to measure the living room.

Making the assumption that all of your present furniture will fit nicely in the new living room is fraught with peril. The movers will want to know where to put the second couch you’ve just paid to have moved.

Ten other leading not-to-dos before moving:

• Buy a puppy (especially a big, energetic one).

• Put off notifying your old utilities/new utilities. (Unpacking by flashlight is ill-advised).

• Not bringing the flashlight.

• Wait until the last minute to notify the post office of your change of mailing address.

• Not labeling the cartons (all of them).

• Not bringing a marking pen to mark any unlabeled cartons after you’ve had to open them to see what’s inside.

• If you’re taking the refrigerator, defrosting it in advance.

• Neglecting to assemble a box of items you’ll need in the first 24 hours in your new home.

• Not keeping a close watch on valuables (jewelry, electronics, documents, and cash).

• Forgetting to take photos of the old place memorializing that it’s “broom clean.”

Moving to a new Cumming, GA home is sure to be an adventure—but whether it’s one you’ll look back upon fondly is largely a function of preparedness. No matter which it turns out to be, I’ll be here awaiting your call re. your next Cumming, GA real estate adventure!

 

 

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

It was the Washington Post’s real estate reporter Michele Lerner who came up with the list of the most important “10 things” house hunters look for when they stop by Forsyth County open houses.

The ‘ten things’ list is a useful one—and every bit as relevant for homeowners selling their own Forsyth County homes. It’s valuable to be aware of which features are bound to get the closest scrutiny in open houses—which are usually preludes for serious shoppers’ later appointment showings.

The list of ten could be shortened into four major categories:

1. Most of the ‘ten things’ will get a nod from any experienced Forsyth County homeowner: they’re the structural elements that everyone who has ever born responsibility for a home will recognize as the most basic. The integrity of roof, basement, foundation, and fireplace are among them, as are the age and apparent condition of the mechanical systems.

2. Some other features like window functionality and appearance of trim and fascia will reveal the quality of craftsmanship and the level of maintenance.

3. Two of the ‘ten things’ dealt with water detective work. Plumbing bears scrutiny, as do evidence of flooding: foundation work, cracks in bricks (not just the mortar), or warping under sinks, cabinets, and vanities.

4. The final group is actually just a single detail—one that was listed first: the front door and its fixtures. That’s important not only from the vital first impression it conveys but also as an indicator of how well the house has been maintained overall. I also think the good old “curb appeal” should be included in this group. After all, it comprises the actual first impression that precedes opening that front door.

Following her list, Michele Lerner notes a rule for Forsyth County open house visitors to bear in mind. It is to remember their own priorities—and thus to be willing to accept a few less-than-perfect details if their own must-have list is satisfied. In other words, don’t demand perfection lest a good house slip through your fingers.

When it comes to following up on an open house visit—or getting your own home into shape for its own Forsyth County open house—being able to rely on the current and ongoing experience of a real estate professional can be decisive. I hope you’ll call me to provide that help!

Here is another article that might be of interest too:

Making Your Home OPEN HOUSE Ready

 

 

 

 

 

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

It’s around this time of year that the bottom line on Cumming, GA utility bills tends to begin to grow larger once again. Power and water consumption can’t help but rise as we bid farewell to Cumming, GA’s mild springtime conditions. Gardens and lawns get thirsty now that the days are growing longer, and once deep summer heatwaves develop, household utility bills report what happens when air conditioners and sprinklers are called into action.

For Cumming, GA householders who’d prefer avoiding a budgetary shock when they open utility bills this July and August, it’s good to recall that some of the most effective expense-cutting activities are also the most straightforward. They are so simple and so obvious, that, paradoxically enough, they’re easy to overlook (at least that’s what the USEIA tells us). Here are some of the most effective cost-trimming actions—they also benefit the environment:

Energy:

• Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs

• Shut down computers

• Use power-miser power strips

• Turn off the lights!!!

• Use cold water (80°) in the laundry (except for synthetics and for sanitizing)

• Eliminate “vampire” power (unplug idle electronics)

• Run the washers (dish- and clothes-) only when fully loaded

Water:

• Water outside only when the sun is low

• Favor baths over showers

• (again) Run appliances only when fully loaded

• Put a few drops of food coloring in toilet tanks: if it begins to appear in the bowl without flushing—fix the slow leak

These points aren’t just economical today—later, when you’re ready to sell your Cumming, Ga home, you’ll be able to show utility bills that demonstrate a house that’s economical to operate. When that time to sell does roll around, calling me is also a simple and effective step you can take!

 

 

 

 

 

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.