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How Personality Factors into Forsyth County Real Estate Investing

Although the title of her article was “What Will You Do with Your Investment Property?” marketing writer Lynn Pineda’s piece came down to a dissection of a simpler binary choice. It took on the Forsyth County real estate investor’s elemental decision: flip or rent? And rather than concentrating on the run-of-the-mill financial analysis you’d expect, it smartly recognized the other dimension that should enter into that choice: the investor’s personality.

Most investors who buy Forsyth County homes do so with a strategy already in place. The purchase is usually propelled by the value proposition the property represents: a potential for profit that’s evident from the start. The attractive arithmetic may have been based on a fix-and-flip analysis, or on a traditional rental analysis. Especially for first-time investors, the ultimate success of the endeavor (and probably whether it becomes the first of many to follow) will probably also be determined by how well the temperament of the investor aligns with the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy. A breakdown of the advantages for each makes the point:

For the fix-and-flip strategy, the advantages are well-publicized. Author Pineda lists “Quick Money,” “No Long-Term Commitment,” “No Need to Deal with Tenants,” “Moving On to the Next Project,” and “Forced Appreciation” (that is, making improvements that increase value before selling).

For the renting out strategy, the advantages are quite different. Listed are “Long-Term Rental Income,” “Paying for the Mortgage,” “Ease of Financing,” “Natural Appreciation,” and “Growing Your Portfolio.”

Although an investor might choose either direction, the author suspects that different personalities are more likely to be comfortable with one or the other. There are those who are naturally drawn to “quick cash” versus those “attracted to long-term income.” Likewise, some investors welcome the “passive income” model versus others eager to “roll up their sleeves” to dive into new rehab frays.

Her thesis is that choosing the appropriate personality-appealing niche makes succeeding (and enjoying) the entire process much more likely—something that’s hard to argue with.

And with so many Forsyth County real estate investment possibilities out there right now, it’s also true that it’s a great time to give me a call!

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

What Surprising Feature May Cinch Homes for Sale Success?

When it comes to features that differentiate some Cumming, GA homes for sale from other similar offerings, one that’s increasingly noteworthy out is pet-friendliness. Suitability for pets used to be thought of as a strictly second-tier consideration—but that day has passed. It may not rule the roost—but evidence is mounting that its importance is on the rise.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my dogs – but this trend has even been a surprise to me!

“It’s an animal house when buying, selling and renovating,” according to a 2016 study from the National Association of Realtors^®. “This becomes apparent in the sacrifices pet owners are willing to make” when it comes to buying and selling their homes. The NAR has put a good deal of research into the subject—and for good reason. A more recent study last year found that 80% of home buyers own pets—and 87% of those say that their needs are important or very important in their home search process.

Owners planning to put up their own Cumming, GA homes for sale may be able to take advantage of this widening phenomenon. Especially if they are pet owners themselves, an emphasis on their property’s proven pet-welcoming features like a “fully fenced yard” or “invisible fencing” can be a magnet for pet owners. In bygone eras, doors once thought to have been compromised by cat portals are now often highlighted. More than a few carefully staged photos show tell-tale signs of pet inhabitants. You can see Tabitha or Ruff’s pet bed right there next to the roaring fireplace (and sometimes the star him- or herself can be seen snoozing therein). That shouldn’t be too surprising to anyone who watches TV—where it seems like nearly half the commercials feature dogs or cats—even when there’s no logical connection with the product.

More surprising is what owners of all different kinds of pets had to say. These included rodents, fish, and reptiles—yet they insisted they would “pass up a dream home if it didn’t meet their pets’ needs.” Since the needs of caged and aquariumed animals wouldn’t seem to be much affected by their home’s architecture, that might be taken with a grain of salt. More convincing was the feedback from dog-owners, 90% of whom said they would pass on an otherwise perfect home if it fell short in Fido-friendliness.

Different features matter more to some buyers than to others—but the pet element is definitely on the rise. Highlighting the appeal factors that are most important to each individual prospect is part of how I work to ensure that “SOLD” signs swiftly grace my clients’ Cumming, GA homes for sale. Call me!

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

What are the “Unknowns” for Budgeting Retirement Housing?

If your retirement planning includes transitioning to a new home, one of the first orders of business will be to settle on a reasonable budget for housing in retirement. The most reliable yardstick is thought to be a percentage of your income—but that’s not necessarily easy to pin down for retirees. As mystery novel detectives might say, a good start is sorting out what you know—and what you don’t know.

WHAT YOU KNOW: housing tops the spending category for homeowners—retirement age or any other. Even if a mortgage has been paid off, monthly expenditures include Alpharetta property taxes, repairs, maintenance, utilities, and supplies. According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, across all states and all income groups, the monthly expenditures average $1,657. That amounts to about 27% of gross incomes—a percentage that falls in line with the often-cited expert advice that sets 30% as the prudent maximum.

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW: you may not be certain of your income in retirement. This is increasingly the case as more and more retirement age seniors pursue at least some kind of business activity. That means the income side of the ledger may have to be an estimate. Too, if a variable mortgage is part of the picture, it’s uncertain exactly what future interest rate adjustments might be—although there will almost always be a cap on the maximum. Another uncertainty is what Forsyth County’s future property tax rates will be (but we do have a say on that one, come election day). Thankfully, Forsyth County does provide an excellent Tax Exemption for seniors!

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW THAT YOU DON’T KNOW: Whether the averages (especially since the universal benchmarks are for all states and all income groups) are satisfactory guides for Forsyth County retirees.

Check out this handy Real Estate Planning Guide

Writer D. Yochim looked at typical retirees’ spending patterns and found that for households headed by persons 65 or older, expenses “were lower than the Bureau” averages indicate. They differ from the working population in meaningful ways—for instance, transportation expenses ran one-third less. MarketWatch agrees: it pegs retiree food costs at 20% below working-age households. These findings point to a different “prudent” maximum—which is why some argue that for retirees, the budget percentage can be more like 35%.

Whatever budget estimate you finally settle on, I’d be honored to help you sort through the Forsyth County properties that qualify. Do give me a call!

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

DIYing Your Home – 2020

Stuck at Home? This is the perfect time to tackle some of the small home projects that you’ve been putting off.

Check out these Challenges Designed to Help You Get Started!

Organizing Your Home – Getting Started

Organizing Your Home – Kitchen Cabinets

Organizing Your Home – Linen Closet

Organizing Your Home – Kitchen Drawers

Organizing Your Home – Pantry

Future Inventory of Cumming, Ga Homes May Surprise

There is a shift underway—an unexpected one—that may affect the supply of Cumming, Ga homes for sale. Experts project housing needs based upon measurable data. But sometimes, unexpected trends materialize…

The frequently cited nationwide housing shortage is largely ascribed to a falloff in builders willing to enter the market—a phenomenon that’s backed up by housing starts statistics which continue to register feeble readings. But now there is another phenomenon—one that has more to do with a cultural shift linked to the growing population of senior citizens.

That demographic bulge has been long expected—it triggered a considerable wave of nursing home construction. Yet those nursing home facilities are beginning to experience something totally unexpected: a falloff in demand.

That’s exactly what’s happening across the country, according to Professor Timothy Bickmore of Northeastern University. The Wall Street Journal estimates that “developers and senior-housing companies have spent billions” within the past five years to provide housing and associated support for the expected arrival of many of the 72,000,000 Boomers (those born between 1946 and 64). That’s one out of every five Americans.

Elderly population up, nursing home population…lagging? What the-???-

The surprise has to do with the advent of technologies that make it easier for elderly homeowners to stay in their homes. Typical Cumming, Ga residents probably didn’t use to think of older folks as heading the pack of early adopters, but that was before the Baby Boomers began to qualify for senior discounts. Boomers were present for (and many, created) the computer age we’re living in—so it does make sense that they might be ready, willing, and able to adapt to electronic change.

Those developments are part of new “aging-in-place” technologies. They include products and services like sensors that respond to changes in medical conditions—and malleable house fixtures that can be adjusted as residents age. Prof. Bickmore has been studying “chatbots”—automated virtual assistants programmed to substitute for overworked healthcare professionals. In one hospital trial, discharge interviews for departing patents were conducted by a “virtual nurse” which assembled the patient’s records on the fly to create appropriate homecare instructions. The patients liked the virtual nurse—70% chose it as a low-stress improvement over the human alternative!

If the raft of baby boomers do use technology to stay in their Cumming, Ga homes longer than expected, a housing inventory crunch may ultimately result. Fortunately, though, in the here-and-now, you will still find a good number of attractive Cumming, Ga offerings. Call me for a rundown!

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

Are Huge Changes Sweeping the U.S. Housing Market?

The National Association of Realtors^®is a sunny organization whose pronouncements can be relied upon to promote (you guessed it) real estate. Like any gigantic organization (we have more than a million dues-paying members), the NAR tends to be cautious in its public pronouncements. But in last Wednesday’s article about the course of residential real estate in 2020, South Forsyth County readers would have found the kind of sweeping statement that makes people think twice. “Is that really so?” “If that’s true, what then?”

The statement was this: the decade just past “has been the most consequential stretch in American real estate history…one that fundamentally altered the landscape.”

Quite a pronouncement.

There followed a quick summary of the decade just past, making a convincing case that so much has changed that it might as well be part of “a different landscape.” Ten years ago, “many homeowners were desperately hoping to hang onto their homes” and, “buyers were struggling with newly skittish lenders.” The turnaround in those crucial elements is undeniable, yes, but reversals in conditions happen regularly. What makes this decade’s about-face “the most consequential” ever?

Their answer boils down to the scope of the recovery combined with a dearth of entry-level housing starts. The recovery has meant a sustained, robust rebound in existing house values, but unaccompanied by the resurgence of entry-level builders who were stricken from the scene. Even as price rises are finally leveling out, the starter house inventory remains strikingly sparse.

This is happening as major demographic changes take place. Baby boomers and GenXers aren’t deciding to exit their homes in numbers that match previous generations—at precisely the moment that millennials are stepping up to become the most active group in the housing market…and there are 71 million of them!

According to the author, what it all adds up to is, among other things, a lot of competition for housing by young families deciding to have kids. This raft of buyers is resulting in a new reality. Among possible outcomes: high prices in coastal metros could see an increase in buyers’ willingness to settle down in less pricey environs.

Whether or not such shifts really will be among the most consequential in American history is far from certain. But today’s buyers are paying close attention to bottom lines—and sellers looking for speedy results are aware of it. Call me for up-to-the-hour details on what this fall has produced in our South Forsyth County 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

Forsyth County Home Buyer Query: What’s the Ideal House Size?

A few years ago, the Realtor^® website weighed in with some ideas addressing a question that Forsyth County house hunters face all the time: what house size should they be aiming for?

I have one approach, but the Realtor.com team took another tack—posing five questions buyers should ask themselves. Here they are:

How long do you intend to live in the new house—and what will your family size be during that period?
Ask yourself, “do you really want to clean a large house?”
How expensive will it be to furnish?
Will maintenance costs strain your budget?
How important are your personal preferences? For instance, your desire for “coziness” may trump your wish for extra rooms to accommodate guests.

The five questions are all relevant—but there is a more concrete approach to dealing with your ideal Forsyth County house size:

Step 1: Measure your current living quarters. Get out the tape measure, list each room and measure it, wall to wall. Don’t bother with the hallways. Now, next to each room, mark a “+” for rooms that you’ve found to be unnecessarily large, “-” for those that have proved to be uncomfortably small, and “=” for those that have proved to be about right.

Step 2: If you have experienced the need for an additional room or rooms, note them at the bottom of your list. If you currently have superfluous rooms, “X” beside them.

Step 3: You have probably already figured out what Part 3 is going to be—use all that information to make a mental checklist for your ideal Forsyth County house size. Note that I haven’t recommended adding them all up to get a single “square footage” number to match with the listings’ single figure. What will be more meaningful are the individual room sizes and the number of bedrooms and baths. Listings’ single “sq ft” number often includes less essential spaces. That number is more useful as a ballpark to compare listing-to-listing.

Even if it turns out that your room calculations point you toward unaffordably large properties, knowing what your own experience suggests will provide reference points that can’t help but make your house hunting efforts more productive.

There’s also another way guaranteed to yield productive house hunting: call me!

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

The “Extra Step” That Will Help Sell Your Cumming GA House

Once you’ve decided it’s time to sell your Cumming GA house, you will have looked over the listings of neighboring properties and taken all the necessary steps to see that your own home stacks up well beside them. Before you go on the market, there’s one extra step that can make a sizeable difference in what happens next.

Now, if you have already recruited an experienced Cumming GA agent, this next step may not be necessary. But if you are still in the pre-consultation stage, having already brightened and lightened and de-cluttered, etc., here’s the immediate extra step that will serve you well:

Don’t even think about anything connected with your plans to sell the house for a few days. Do anything else. Disconnect from real estate entirely. In other words, try to take a clean break from everything connected with selling your house.

Then, reenergized and with an open mind, imagine you are one of the house hunters who will soon be crossing your threshold as actual home buyers will be doing before long. Pretend you have just come from another house showing. You may have set up another appointment, too, so you won’t dawdle (but don’t rush, either—give it, say, 20 minutes).

And put yourself in a slightly skeptical frame of mind. Assume a slightly critical mindset; many prospective buyers will be suspicious of the possibility of hidden flaws. It’s why minor blemishes can generate undue concern. These are the “hidden dissuaders.”

The object of this pretend showing is to identify such blemishes. You may know that a long-standing stain on the kids’ bedroom ceiling isn’t anything to worry about (it’s been there forever)—but to a prospective buyer who spots it, that comfortable knowledge doesn’t exist. They see “potential roof leak”
If the utility mechanicals are tucked away in a dim, hard-to-examine corner, they could invite unnecessary apprehension. Adding simple overhead lighting will solve that—and help you spot the cobwebs you need to get rid of, too!
The scratches on the foyer flooring may be only natural for a house that’s been lived in—but if they’re too obvious, they can create a mood-killing first impression. Often, a few simple touchups can eliminate them all together.

Bottom line: after you’ve succeeded in making the obvious fixes, it will be money in the bank to attend to the minor flaws that were invisible before you readied the property.

If you’ve already enlisted me to be your Realtor^®, this particular exercise won’t be necessary. Together we’ll have discovered economical ways to do away with the hidden dissuaders before your listing goes online.

THINKING OF SELLING?? No need for stress – CALL ME so we can walk through which upgrades will give you the most bang for your buck. I have great resources to help you get started!

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

Sliding vs. Swinging Windows: What Works Best for Your Home?

Windows are unique in that they effect both your interior and exterior décor choices. This dual role makes selecting the right windows much trickier because you need for them to look good from both sides – to create the the exterior style of your home (curb appeal) while blending with your interior design.

Luckily, there’s one major design decision that’ll help you narrow your choices from the start: do you prefer sliding or swinging windows? Check out the remainder of this article by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for The House Designers®, for some points to keep in mind as you plan the windows for 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

Will Your Remodel Pay Off? The Best (and Worst) Ways to Spend Your Budget

Most new homeowners have something about their property that they want to change. And, as family needs and design trends shift over time, many will eventually choose to remodel. Some homeowners make updates to their property before listing it to maximize their potential sales revenue.

Whatever your reasons are for taking on a home improvement project, it’s wise to consider how the money you invest will impact your home’s value.

We’ve taken a look at six popular home renovations and identified those that—on average—have the best and worst returns on investment. So before you lift a hammer or hire a contractor, take a look at this list and see if your remodeling efforts will reward you when it comes time to sell.

RENOVATIONS THAT PAY OFF

These three common home improvement projects not only add function and style to your home, but they also offer a strong return on investment. Making strategic upgrades to your property will help you increase its value over time.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is often referred to as the “heart of the home,” and for good reason. Traditionally used for preparing food, it has morphed into so much more. Many of us now eat our family meals in the kitchen, it serves as a favorite spot for homework and kids’ art projects, and it’s the place guests tend to gather when we host events.

Because we spend so much time in our kitchens, it’s natural that we will eventually want to make updates and upgrades to better suit our needs and changing style preferences.

Luckily, a minor kitchen remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, it has an average 80.5% return on investment.¹

The key to making a kitchen remodel payoff is to keep it modest in scale. Spend too much on custom or high-end selections, and you are less likely to recoup your investment. Instead, make an effort to keep your existing layout if it works for you and your family. Paint or reface cabinets instead of replacing them. Update countertops with low-maintenance quartz and swap out old light fixtures with modern alternatives. Replace outdated appliances with energy-efficient models. The average cost for a minor kitchen remodel is $22,500, and it’s likely to recoup more than $18,000 at resale.¹

Wood Deck Addition

A deck addition is a popular way to extend and enhance the use of your outdoor space. It’s the perfect spot for grilling, dining alfresco, and entertaining. In fact, 81% of surveyed homeowners said they have a greater desire to be home since completing a deck addition.²

For a 16 x 20-foot wood deck, you can expect to spend around $13,000. Fortunately, the money you invest offers an average return of 76%.¹

Decks made of composite material are a popular alternative these days, as they don’t require the regular sanding and staining that wood decks need. However, at an average cost of $19,000 for a 16 x 20-foot composite deck, they are significantly more expensive. Plus, the expected return on investment is only 69%.¹Still, if you plan to hire someone to provide regular maintenance to a wood deck, then a composite deck may offer cost savings over time.

Siding Replacement

Everyone knows good curb appeal is important when selling your home. And while it may not be the most exciting way to spend your remodeling budget, new siding can make a big impression on buyers … and your selling price.

Your home’s exterior is one of the first things buyers see when they view your home. It sets the tone for what they are going to see inside. It also gives an impression of how well the property has been maintained. Worn, peeling, or rotted siding can be a major red flag for buyers.

Replacing 1,250 square feet of siding costs around $16,000 and will net you an average of 76% at resale.¹

For an even greater impact, consider replacing a portion of your siding with manufactured stone veneer. It can have a dramatic effect on the visual appeal of your home. A 300 square foot area will run you around $8,900, but you can expect to see a nearly 95% return when it comes time to sell.¹

RENOVATIONS WITH WEAK RETURNS

These three popular remodeling projects are homeowner favorites. However, don’t expect to see a high rate of return at resale. Instead, consider them an investment in your current quality of life. Just make sure you’ll be living in the home long enough to make them worthwhile.

Major Kitchen Remodel

If there’s one room the majority of homeowners dream about making over, it’s their kitchen. From custom cabinetry to high-end appliances, the possibilities are endless. But those dreams can come at a cost.

An upscale kitchen remodel with high-end cabinetry and countertops, commercial-grade appliances, and designer features can cost upwards of $130,000. And unfortunately, you’ll only get back around 60% at resale. Even a mid-range kitchen remodel that includes new semi-custom wood cabinets, laminate countertops, and energy-efficient appliances could run you around $66,000 and net you a mere 62% at resale.¹

Of course, an outdated or non-functional kitchen could turn buyers off from your home completely … and keep you from enjoying it yourself! So if your kitchen needs a major remodel, you shouldn’t necessarily scrap your plans. Just go in with the realization that you may only get back a fraction of what you invest. Then you can decide which upgrades are worth the splurge.

In-ground Pool

Few additions deliver more entertainment or enjoyment than an in-ground pool. It brings families and friends together, provides a break from the summer heat, and offers a fun and convenient way to stay fit. Plus, you’ll be the envy of your neighbors! But before you dive into a pool addition, consider whether the benefits outweigh the (substantial) costs.

The average expense to install a standard 18 x 36-foot in-ground pool is $57,500. And the estimated return at resale is only or 43%.² In addition to the installation cost, plan to spend money each year on maintenance, repairs, and additional insurance.

However, 92% of surveyed homeowners said they “have a greater desire to be home” since installing a pool, and 83% have “an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home.” For you and your family, the perks of a pool may be priceless.²

Master Suite Addition

If you own a house built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it lacks a master suite, which is a feature that has become commonplace in most newly constructed homes.³

Master bedrooms have evolved from a simple place to sleep into a homeowner’s retreat—often featuring a sitting area, his-and-hers walk-in closets, and an attached bathroom with double vanities, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower.

And master suite additions have become increasingly popular—both in homes that lack one as well as those with aging owners who can no longer accommodate stairs to an upper-level bedroom.

But what’s the typical return at resale? Unfortunately, a master suite addition offers one of the lowest returns of any remodeling project. With a median cost of $125,000, most sellers will only recoup around 52% of their investment. Nevertheless, in a survey of homeowners, the majority were satisfied with their decision to add a master suite, giving it a “Joy Score” of 10 out of 10.⁴

WEIGHING COST VS. BENEFIT

It’s always wise to enter into a remodeling project with knowledge of how it will impact your home’s value. In most cases, upscale or highly-customized upgrades are less likely to offer a high rate of return. That said, home renovations that improve your quality of life and enhance your enjoyment may be worthwhile no matter the cost.

Sources:

2019 Cost vs. Value Report –
https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/
NAR’ Remodeling Impact Report – https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2018-05-remodeling-impact-outdoor-features-05-23-2018.pdf
Zillow –
https://www.zillow.com/blog/evolution-of-the-master-bedroom-48286/
House Logic –
https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/bedroom-closet/master-suite-addition-return-investment/

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

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For the renting out strategy, the advantages are quite different. Listed are “Long-Term Rental Income,” “Paying for the Mortgage,” “Ease of Financing,” “Natural Appreciation,” and “Growing Your Portfolio.”

Her thesis is that choosing the appropriate personality-appealing niche makes succeeding (and enjoying) the entire process much more likely—something that’s hard to argue with.

And with so many Forsyth County real estate investment possibilities out there right now, it’s also true that it’s a great time to give me a call!

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my dogs – but this trend has even been a surprise to me!

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW THAT YOU DON’T KNOW: Whether the averages (especially since the universal benchmarks are for all states and all income groups) are satisfactory guides for Forsyth County retirees.

Check out this handy Real Estate Planning Guide

Whatever budget estimate you finally settle on, I’d be honored to help you sort through the Forsyth County properties that qualify. Do give me a call!

Stuck at Home? This is the perfect time to tackle some of the small home projects that you’ve been putting off.

Check out these Challenges Designed to Help You Get Started!

There is a shift underway—an unexpected one—that may affect the supply of Cumming, Ga homes for sale. Experts project housing needs based upon measurable data. But sometimes, unexpected trends materialize…

That demographic bulge has been long expected—it triggered a considerable wave of nursing home construction. Yet those nursing home facilities are beginning to experience something totally unexpected: a falloff in demand.

Elderly population up, nursing home population…lagging? What the-???-

If the raft of baby boomers do use technology to stay in their Cumming, Ga homes longer than expected, a housing inventory crunch may ultimately result. Fortunately, though, in the here-and-now, you will still find a good number of attractive Cumming, Ga offerings. Call me for a rundown!

The statement was this: the decade just past “has been the most consequential stretch in American real estate history…one that fundamentally altered the landscape.”

Quite a pronouncement.

A few years ago, the Realtor® website weighed in with some ideas addressing a question that Forsyth County house hunters face all the time: what house size should they be aiming for?

I have one approach, but the Realtor.com team took another tack—posing five questions buyers should ask themselves. Here they are:

How long do you intend to live in the new house—and what will your family size be during that period?

Ask yourself, “do you really want to clean a large house?”

How expensive will it be to furnish?

Will maintenance costs strain your budget?

How important are your personal preferences? For instance, your desire for “coziness” may trump your wish for extra rooms to accommodate guests.

The five questions are all relevant—but there is a more concrete approach to dealing with your ideal Forsyth County house size:

Step 2: If you have experienced the need for an additional room or rooms, note them at the bottom of your list. If you currently have superfluous rooms, “X” beside them.

Even if it turns out that your room calculations point you toward unaffordably large properties, knowing what your own experience suggests will provide reference points that can’t help but make your house hunting efforts more productive.

There’s also another way guaranteed to yield productive house hunting: call me!

Now, if you have already recruited an experienced Cumming GA agent, this next step may not be necessary. But if you are still in the pre-consultation stage, having already brightened and lightened and de-cluttered, etc., here’s the immediate extra step that will serve you well:

Don’t even think about anything connected with your plans to sell the house for a few days. Do anything else. Disconnect from real estate entirely. In other words, try to take a clean break from everything connected with selling your house.

And put yourself in a slightly skeptical frame of mind. Assume a slightly critical mindset; many prospective buyers will be suspicious of the possibility of hidden flaws. It’s why minor blemishes can generate undue concern. These are the “hidden dissuaders.”

If the utility mechanicals are tucked away in a dim, hard-to-examine corner, they could invite unnecessary apprehension. Adding simple overhead lighting will solve that—and help you spot the cobwebs you need to get rid of, too!

The scratches on the foyer flooring may be only natural for a house that’s been lived in—but if they’re too obvious, they can create a mood-killing first impression. Often, a few simple touchups can eliminate them all together.

Bottom line: after you’ve succeeded in making the obvious fixes, it will be money in the bank to attend to the minor flaws that were invisible before you readied the property.

If you’ve already enlisted me to be your Realtor®, this particular exercise won’t be necessary. Together we’ll have discovered economical ways to do away with the hidden dissuaders before your listing goes online.

THINKING OF SELLING?? No need for stress – CALL ME so we can walk through which upgrades will give you the most bang for your buck. I have great resources to help you get started!

Most new homeowners have something about their property that they want to change. And, as family needs and design trends shift over time, many will eventually choose to remodel. Some homeowners make updates to their property before listing it to maximize their potential sales revenue.

Whatever your reasons are for taking on a home improvement project, it’s wise to consider how the money you invest will impact your home’s value.

We’ve taken a look at six popular home renovations and identified those that—on average—have the best and worst returns on investment. So before you lift a hammer or hire a contractor, take a look at this list and see if your remodeling efforts will reward you when it comes time to sell.

RENOVATIONS THAT PAY OFF

These three common home improvement projects not only add function and style to your home, but they also offer a strong return on investment. Making strategic upgrades to your property will help you increase its value over time.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

Because we spend so much time in our kitchens, it’s natural that we will eventually want to make updates and upgrades to better suit our needs and changing style preferences.

Luckily, a minor kitchen remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, it has an average 80.5% return on investment.1

Wood Deck Addition

A deck addition is a popular way to extend and enhance the use of your outdoor space. It’s the perfect spot for grilling, dining alfresco, and entertaining. In fact, 81% of surveyed homeowners said they have a greater desire to be home since completing a deck addition.2

For a 16 x 20-foot wood deck, you can expect to spend around $13,000. Fortunately, the money you invest offers an average return of 76%.1

Siding Replacement

Everyone knows good curb appeal is important when selling your home. And while it may not be the most exciting way to spend your remodeling budget, new siding can make a big impression on buyers … and your selling price.

Your home’s exterior is one of the first things buyers see when they view your home. It sets the tone for what they are going to see inside. It also gives an impression of how well the property has been maintained. Worn, peeling, or rotted siding can be a major red flag for buyers.

Replacing 1,250 square feet of siding costs around $16,000 and will net you an average of 76% at resale.1

For an even greater impact, consider replacing a portion of your siding with manufactured stone veneer. It can have a dramatic effect on the visual appeal of your home. A 300 square foot area will run you around $8,900, but you can expect to see a nearly 95% return when it comes time to sell.1

RENOVATIONS WITH WEAK RETURNS

These three popular remodeling projects are homeowner favorites. However, don’t expect to see a high rate of return at resale. Instead, consider them an investment in your current quality of life. Just make sure you’ll be living in the home long enough to make them worthwhile.

Major Kitchen Remodel

If there’s one room the majority of homeowners dream about making over, it’s their kitchen. From custom cabinetry to high-end appliances, the possibilities are endless. But those dreams can come at a cost.

In-ground Pool

The average expense to install a standard 18 x 36-foot in-ground pool is $57,500. And the estimated return at resale is only or 43%.2 In addition to the installation cost, plan to spend money each year on maintenance, repairs, and additional insurance.

However, 92% of surveyed homeowners said they “have a greater desire to be home” since installing a pool, and 83% have “an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home.” For you and your family, the perks of a pool may be priceless.2

Master Suite Addition

If you own a house built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it lacks a master suite, which is a feature that has become commonplace in most newly constructed homes.3

Master bedrooms have evolved from a simple place to sleep into a homeowner’s retreat—often featuring a sitting area, his-and-hers walk-in closets, and an attached bathroom with double vanities, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower.

A few years ago, the Realtor^® website weighed in with some ideas addressing a question that Forsyth County house hunters face all the time: what house size should they be aiming for?

If you’ve already enlisted me to be your Realtor^®, this particular exercise won’t be necessary. Together we’ll have discovered economical ways to do away with the hidden dissuaders before your listing goes online.

Luckily, a minor kitchen remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, it has an average 80.5% return on investment.¹

A deck addition is a popular way to extend and enhance the use of your outdoor space. It’s the perfect spot for grilling, dining alfresco, and entertaining. In fact, 81% of surveyed homeowners said they have a greater desire to be home since completing a deck addition.²

For a 16 x 20-foot wood deck, you can expect to spend around $13,000. Fortunately, the money you invest offers an average return of 76%.¹

Replacing 1,250 square feet of siding costs around $16,000 and will net you an average of 76% at resale.¹

For an even greater impact, consider replacing a portion of your siding with manufactured stone veneer. It can have a dramatic effect on the visual appeal of your home. A 300 square foot area will run you around $8,900, but you can expect to see a nearly 95% return when it comes time to sell.¹

The average expense to install a standard 18 x 36-foot in-ground pool is $57,500. And the estimated return at resale is only or 43%.² In addition to the installation cost, plan to spend money each year on maintenance, repairs, and additional insurance.

However, 92% of surveyed homeowners said they “have a greater desire to be home” since installing a pool, and 83% have “an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home.” For you and your family, the perks of a pool may be priceless.²

If you own a house built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it lacks a master suite, which is a feature that has become commonplace in most newly constructed homes.³