Putting Your Tax Refund on the “Fastest Path to Wealth”
This Tuesday’s tax filing deadline didn’t pass without standing as the annual reminder to all of Forsyth County, GA’s taxpayers that time seems to pass ever more quickly—as do the comings and goings of our earnings. The best estimate is that this year 70% of Americans will have overpaid by close to $3,000—making their tax refund checks the only smile-producing part of the annual ritual.
The Motley Fool financial site offered its insight into how most people plan to spend their refunds—but at least one real estate mogul counseled for a definite ultimate destination for those dollars. Forsyth County, GA real estate could play an important role.
According to the Fool, 38% of respondents will use their refunds to pay off existing debts. Only 11% will direct the cash toward vacations; 5% will splurge on some kind of purchase; an equal number will put the cash toward a major purchase. The largest percentage— 41%— will sock their refund dollars into savings accounts. That’s where the real estate mogul agrees.
The gentleman in question is Sean Conlon, himself a multi-millionaire and host of his own TV show. This time of year, with income tax refund dollars rolling into more than 100 million households, he makes it a point to recall his own point of departure from day work as a janitor into being the owner of his own real estate mortgage company.
He saved. Stuffed every spare dollar into a shoebox until he’d scraped together enough to buy his first house. CNBC quoted Conlon’s dictum last week: “I’m a true believer that you should save every penny…until you can buy your first house.” Forsyth County, GA tax refund checks would more than qualify as major stepping stones toward what Conlon assesses as being “still the fastest path to wealth in this country.”
Another pointed tax refund observation came from a website called Financial Samurai. “Sam” points out that with tax refunds nearing the $3,000 mark, that amounts to nearly 6-7% of typical after-tax income: “a pretty meaningful number.” Since saving (that is, not spending!) $250 a month in that income bracket is difficult for most, the tax refund checks provide a one-shot opportunity to make saving a done deal. The same applies to those in higher brackets. In short, since out of sight is out of mind, Samurai recommends the best course of action for any tax refund check is “to make it disappear.” Into a savings account. Then there’s at least one other relevant tax consideration—one that fattens many a refund check: that whopping mortgage interest tax deduction!
The mogul and the Samurai both have valid points—and Forsyth County, GA real estate opportunities (there are plenty on hand at the moment) certainly fit into that picture. Good reason to give me a call today!
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
How Cumming GA Showings Benefit From an Element of Illusion
Showings—whether here in Cumming GA or anywhere else—can succeed or fail as a result of quite minor details. Appreciating that fact isn’t hard to do when you relate showings to their theatrical first cousins: stage presentations. In important ways, they are quite similar.
Think of what happens when you attend a live play. The audience finds their seats, settle in, and wait for the action to begin. The house lights dim, the stage lights brighten, and the action begins. If all goes without a hitch, the play captures your attention—and it has every chance of successfully casting the spell the author and director intended.
But if one element is jarringly out of place, the whole effort will go kablooey! If a stagehand accidentally wanders onstage, the illusion is wrecked. Likewise, if a drama’s agonizing death scene is perfectly portrayed—up until the moment when the dying actor’s mustache begins to slip—the audience will be hard pressed to stifle giggles.
In a different way, the success of Cumming GA home showings is subject to similar kinds of missteps. The illusion we are after isn’t that of a home that has desirable features and is in great condition—that’s no illusion: it’s real! The illusion part comes when we create the impression that the current owners are not much in residence; that the home—although it may be furnished—presents itself in a neutral kind of way that seems to be awaiting the new owners’ belongings and personal touches.
Showings tend to be most successful if prospective buyers have no trouble envisioning themselves as the comfortable new owners. They may or may not find that the spaces and features will accommodate their family’s needs—that’s not subject to illusion. But showings have the best chance for success if the “stage” is clear of distracting elements. That’s why evidence of pets should be avoided. Strong odors of any kind, likewise (fresh popcorn or newly-baked chocolate chip cookies are prized because they supersede other aromas). Family photos should be removed if at all possible; personal mementos of all kinds stored out of sight, and so forth.
When you appreciate the reasoning behind a showing’s attempted illusion, you can see why most Realtors® advise against decor schemes featuring strong colors. It is also why it’s a good idea for owners to safely vacate the premises with a few minutes to spare. It’s not because the owner is objectionable—it’s that the presence of the owner counteracts the illusion.
The funny thing is that the “illusion” is actually an authentic projection: it’s a mock-up of the reality that will come to pass if the prospect does decide to become the home’s owner.
If you are planning to sell your South Forsyth County GA home soon, here are a few other articles that might be of interest to you as well:
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Should you DYI when Preparing to Sell Your Home?
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Quick (and cheap) Back Yard Staging Tips
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How To Make Your Home Open House Ready
Showings are key parts of a coordinated residential sales effort that begins with the first consultation and continues through closing day. I hope you will remember to call me when you decide it’s time to put your own South Forsyth County GA property on the market!
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
Preparing Your Cumming GA Home for Sale – Should You DIY?
In a time when Dave Ramsey economics reins supreme, we are all looking for ways to make every dollar stretch even further.
And, when your home is on the real estate market, the idea of completing any needed repairs or updates yourself may be tempting. While DIY may be a great way to save money, you have to know which projects are the suitable for homeowner completion and which DIY projects may end up costing you much more in the end!
Read Full Story: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/contracting/when-it-pays-to-do-it-yourself
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
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.
For Forsyth County Homeowners 55 and Over: a Practical Issue
While much attention is directed at the mass of youthful first-time homebuyers, the Millennials and GenXers aren’t the only groups who are having a substantial influence on the direction of Forsyth County’s real estate market. Whether they are tagged “mature,” “aging,” or downright “elderly,” the 55 and over crowd comprise an increasingly influential part of the marketplace. They are also facing some challenges when it comes to housing—and where there are challenges, people with solutions stand to profit.
Last month, Freddie Mac—the quasi-governmental entity that studies changing directions in the nation’s real estate market—published an eye-opening look at what’s been going on with our older homeowners. They conducted a survey that queried a representative sample of 4,886 homeowners aged 55 and older.
One finding that everyone in Forsyth County would probably expect was that the majority (about 2/3) of respondents hope to stay in their current homes. That proportion of the population hasn’t changed much over time. Another finding that no one in Forsyth County would be awfully surprised to hear was that a similar number—the same two-thirds—admitted that their present residences aren’t accessible to anyone with arthritis or limited mobility (not to mention the wheelchair-bound).
In other words, the wish and the reality are, at least for the moment, not entirely in sync. The real estate solution boils down to the issue of retrofitting. Eighteen percent said they had never given retrofitting a thought, but most of the others who have considered it are weighing how they will finance what can cost thousands of dollars. A third said they will rely on savings to create a home where they will be able to “age in place;” 26% plan to use HELOCs or bank loans; and a smaller percentages will rely on cash-out refi’s, reverse mortgages, or family loans.
Freddie Mac didn’t provide a prescriptive commentary on the likely real estate repercussions of this aging in place phenomenon, but it seems as if Forsyth County contractors and sub-contractors will find themselves with a developing remodel category as the ranks of Forsyth County’s retirement-aged continue to grow. As far as Forsyth County’s real estate market is concerned, homes that are easily retrofitted should attract more of the 55+ crowd—as will single-level and ranch-style residences. Styles like multi-story Victorians which are generally associated with Gramma and Grandpop…well, perhaps not so much.
Aging in place is something to which even youthful homeowners should give some thought—particularly if the greater plan is to live and work in Forsyth County for the long haul.
When you add to this the fact that Forsyth County offers a very generous property tax exemption to seniors, it is no wonder we are seeing more homeowners choose to stay put.
Whenever real estate plans are under consideration, I hope you’ll give me a call to discuss how I can help!
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
April Is a Good Time to List Cumming, GA Real Estate
It’s April—a time of year when area homeowners who haven’t yet added their homes to the Cumming, GA real estate listings may have a legitimate question about whether it’s too late to benefit from the spring selling season. This year, they may also be concerned that the rise in mortgage interest rates could discourage prospective buyers.
The answer to the first question is a qualified not—not too late! The only qualification has to do with the condition of the property itself. If it can be put into sound showable condition within a month or so, this is an excellent time to jump into the Cumming, GA real estate listings—for a number of reasons.
We won’t know the actual foot traffic numbers for Cumming, GA until after the dust has settled at the end of summer, but we do know for certain that the law of supply and demand points to this year being a standout for sellers. In large part, because the economic outlook has been building optimism for months, early signs point to strengthening buying interest. Realtors® across the nation report that last month’s buyer traffic was either strong or moderate.
The index number for December through February was all the way up to 70 (that’s at the top of the chart)—up from 57 just a few months back. At the same time, the volume of new listings remained weak in most areas: down to 41 from 48. That would negate the most common argument for delaying entry into Cumming, GA’s real estate listings—that is, the fear of getting lost in the shuffle as the real estate season peaks. If the number of listings continues to lag, that worry disappears. When demand is up and supply down, everyone from high school economics teachers to Warren Buffet agree there’s no better time to jump into the market.
As for the other concern—the Fed’s having raised borrowing rates—so far it hasn’t seemed to discourage buyers. The analysts at Housingwire offer three reasons why that might be happening. First, most potential homebuyers believe rates will rise further, prompting them to act sooner rather than later. Second, any slackening in mortgage applications will prompt lenders to relax the tight lending standards that have tended to depress the market. Lastly (this is a good one!), lenders had already factored in last month’s rate hike—so actual home loan rates aren’t likely to rise further for a while.
The long and the short of it is that for anyone hesitating to add their home to this spring’s Cumming, GA real estate listings, it’s not only NOT TOO LATE—it’s also an excellent idea. Another excellent idea is to give me a call ASAP: the Cumming, GA real estate listings await!
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
Will House Sales in Forsyth County Match Rising U.S. Rate?
Forsyth County GA home sales usually respond in the seasonal pattern that is familiar in most other areas. Spring and summer lead the way for weather-related, financial, school scheduling and other family-related reasons. From now into well past June (and sometimes even July), house sales activity can be counted on to peak. Those are the normal expectations.
But when any segment of U.S. home sales numbers quadruple expectations even before spring bulbs see daylight, that’s worthy of special attention. That was the case last Thursday when the Commerce Department reported that in February, purchases of newly built homes rose by more than 6%. Since The Wall Street Journal’s panel of experts had forecast 1.4%, it drew headlines.
In fact, this was the second month in a row for sharp rises in U.S. new home sales—and what could be a bright sign for Forsyth County GA’s own prospects as the spring selling season begins. Press reports were, to put it mildly, enthusiastic:
- MartketWatch: “New-home sales roar to a 7-month high”
- Reuters: “…strength in housing should underpin economic growth”
- ABC News: “Americans…snapping up new homes at the fastest pace since July”
- Bloomberg: “U.S. New-Home Sales Climbed to a Seven-Month High”
- CNBC: “[Sales] were the highest since July of last year—and that was the best number since January of 2008”
Bloomberg’s Michelle Jamrisko deduced from the house sales rise that the impact from the recent rise in borrowing costs was, at most, “modest.” That sentiment was echoed by the Realtor, which quoted the National Association of Housing’s chief economist. “The uptick in mortgage interest rates,” he said, “is having a minimal effect.”
We’ll have to wait and see whether that is true vis-à-vis the impact of mortgage interest rates on Forsyth County GA’s own home sales market. They might be either “modest” or “minimal”—or the prospect of continuing hikes might induce more Forsyth County GA prospects to get busy sooner rather than later. If “sooner” describes your own inclination, I hope you’ll decide to put thought into action by giving 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, 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
Forsyth County GA Real Estate Mortgage Rates Yo-Yo Again
Keeping an eye on Forsyth County mortgage rates is a useful pastime for anyone who tracks local home sales because of the immediate effect they have on affordability. It can’t get much more immediate than the “projected monthly payment” numbers that calculators come up with alongside an online listing. Those instant calculations include tax and insurance estimates, but those change rarely. The mortgage rates, are always on the move.
Last Thursday, the Washington Post’s headline ran above a photo of Freddie Mac’s massive DC headquarters:
“Mortgage rates fall amid fears of rising inflation.”
That kind of news is always good for Forsyth County home buyers and sellers. Not the “rising inflation” part, of course—but the other part. Lower mortgage rates mean better bargains for buyers who become motivated to strike a deal sooner rather than later.
But then, Friday afternoon brought Bankrate’s headline:
“Mortgage rates increase for Friday.”
Anyone accustomed to following the mortgage interest rate gyrations wouldn’t have been surprised. It meant that the mortgage rate yo-yo was behaving pretty much as expected. Logic indicates that The Post’s inflation fears had probably not disappeared overnight, so their reasoning behind Thursday’s move had likely been overly presumptive. (When rates rise or fall, writers don’t like to admit there’s no story explaining why).
The reasons behind the up and down were probably elusive—something like the normal ebbs and flows of national and international capital flows. If anyone has ever been able to sort all that out, they’re keeping mum about it.
It does seem that Forsyth County mortgage rates are beginning to follow a more predictable pattern than has been true for a while. Despite daily ups and downs—which are usually pretty microscopic—the drift has been gradual but notable, and supports two reasonable generalizations:
- Forsyth County mortgage rates are drifting upward. A chart would show that, when you step back and ignore the day-to-day ups and downs, except for a divot in mid-December, the trend has been slightly skyward since the middle of November.
- Forsyth County mortgage rates are still a bargain by all historical measures.
What this means for prospective buyers as we enter the spring selling season is, in short, pretty good news. Buying now means locking in Forsyth County mortgage rates that are still historically affordable.
But first things first—the right home has to be found, and the right price agreed upon. That’s where giving me a call comes in!
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
6 Ways to Zero in on the Lowest Forsyth County Mortgage Rates
Without knowing it, many people develop something akin to a split personality when it comes to buying a home. In the beginning, as they pursue their ideal Forsyth County house, they automatically assume an unabashedly active role. Nobody has to tell them that they’re the boss in the process—since they are the customer, they correctly expect to be in total command of the house hunting process. They develop their unique wish list and ultimately decide which property best satisfies it.
But then a split can develop… The active, in-charge commander often does an about-face when it comes to the nuts and bolts of the next step: securing the lowest Forsyth County real estate mortgage rate. Upon entering the realm of what seems to be a monolithic and largely inscrutable home loan industry, the formerly active, energetic house hunter turns passive, hoping for approval with fingers crossed.
To some degree, that’s not an unreasonable stance, since home loan terms are based on hard numbers already set in stone: income and expense records, payment histories, and credit score numbers. But in truth, the best way to secure the lowest mortgage rate for a new Forsyth County real estate home loan is to start early and actively to create the scenario you’re hoping for. Here are six ways to make it happen:
- First, as soon as possible and well before any house hunting begins, check for errors in your credit report. They can and should be corrected, but since the process can take months, here’s where being proactive early pays off.
- Stay on top of those credit accounts. Continue to use credit cards, but keep the balances below 30% of their maximum (better yet: below 20%).
- As you approach application time, keep your documents and reports up-to-date. Quick responses to document requests speed the process, and having everything at hand makes your part of the work much easier.
- Watch the market. Rates change frequently, and keeping an eye on their movement from week to week will build your confidence in being able to recognize an opportune moment to tap the lowest mortgage rates.
- Be wary of loans advertised as “no-cost.” The Brooklyn Bridge is not for sale, either: loans cost something to develop, and those costs will always be paid by the borrower. The bottom line lowest mortgage rates are best represented by the APR percentage, which summarizes the total cost, including fees, in a single number.
- Be prepared to shop. Whether you tap a savvy area mortgage broker for help or go it alone, tracking down the lowest mortgage rates in Forsyth County is doable. The home loan industry really isn’t as monolithic as it might seem.
There shouldn’t be a split between actively seeking your dream house—then merely passively hoping for favorable loan terms to come your way. Starting early is one key—and teaming with an experienced real estate professional is the other. That’s right—you guessed it: 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
Barton Team Client Reviews
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! She did an initial walkthrough of the house and told us what we needed to update vs. leave as is. This saved us so much time and $$ in getting the house ready for the market. Her recommendations were spot on. Her pre-marketing plan was outstanding which resulted in having showings booked prior to it going on the market. Photography and video of the house were outstanding. As the offers came in, she summarized each offer, pointed out any risks, and negotiated hard for the best deal possible working until the wee hours of Saturday night and into Sunday mid-day. The offer she negotiated well exceeded anything that we could have imagined. She is professional, organized, business savvy, and was sensitive to the fact that my mother had recently passed. I can say this without any hesitation. NO ONE will work harder for you.
Linda L. – Suwanee
Gayle has helped us sell two of our homes and both times her professionalism and market expertise have contributed to a smooth and fulfilling real estate experience. Her affable nature, attention to details and willingness to go above and beyond are some of the traits that separate her from the other realtors. It is evident that she is passionate about her work and that reflects in her commitment to stay connected and offer advice long after the deal is done. Given the opportunity, we would not hesitate to work with Gayle again for she will surely get the job done!
Sonia & Satish D. – Cumming
I had an absolute 5 star experience working with Gayle and her team when selling my home in Alpharetta this past June/July 2022. Gayle helped me every step of the way with absolute professionalism and enthusiasm for her job and helping me get well over asking price for my home. Gayle has more than 30+ years in the Real Estate business and has pretty much been there, done that and seen it all! A wealth of knowledge and experience. Gayle made a highly stressful and emotional process of selling my home, easy and stress free and always answered my calls and responded to texts immediately when I had a question or didn’t understand something which reassured me a lot. Right from our initial introduction meeting through to closing, Gayle was an absolute rock star and I can’t THANK her enough. I highly recommend Gayle Barton to anyone looking to buy or sell a home. I would not look any further and give Gayle a call, you won’t regret it!
Stuart P. – Alpharetta
We are very happy to have worked with Gayle Barton on selling our home in Georgia. She is very thorough and knows what she is doing when selling your home. She goes above and beyond expectations to get your top dollars. She is very pleasant to speak with and is a great listener to your needs. We have sold homes in our past but she is by far the best Realtor we have worked with and should be the standard for all realtors to look up to. If you are looking to Sell/Buy a home, we would definitely recommend Gayle for the job. Thank you Gayle!
Nelson S. – Cumming
We bought a home during the hardest buyer’s market in recent history with Gayle. She is very detail oriented, fast to respond and always thoughtful of all ways to look after you as a client. She brought up many concerns and things to consider such as many things not up to code during our home tours, septic and radon inspections, wood rot, termites. She was also very good with communicating with sellers agents to see what the seller was looking for. I would definitely contact Gayle again for future real estate needs or refer her to friends and family.
Joy & Yohei N. – Buford
Gayle is honest and straightforward. Her knowledge of what works as well as her network allowed us to feel more secure in the pricing of our home. We knew we were making the right decision going to market in the pre-spring market with her assurance, the marketing materials were excellent and the pre-listing mailings to her network were super effective. Our house sold to one of the pre-listing showing appointments, and Gayle was very supportive in the negotiations, knowledgeable of the entire process and really flexible working with us.
John C. – Johns Creek
Gayle was wonderful to work with! She is very knowledgeable and professional, and it is very obvious she cares about finding her clients a home they’ll be happy in, and not just in making a sale. She helped us navigate the process of both buying and selling a home and alleviated any burdens that she could! She has an excellent marketing approach, and I believe that her strategies in both showing our home and tips for us in preparing our home for sale were what got us an offer so quickly. We had already found our next home, so we were thrilled to received MULTIPLE offers within days of our open house, many over our asking price. I would highly recommend Gayle to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
Morgan J. – Cumming
Realtors are all over the place, but great realtors like Gayle are a rare commodity! She is attentive to the details of her clients and ensures that the established path is followed. She walked the process with me in selecting a lot and assisting throughout the building process. She anticipated my every question and stood in to assist when I could not be present. Gayle is by far more than a realtor; she is a part of the family!
Nickolas B – Dawsonville
I would highly recommend Gayle Barton to anyone I know. We interviewed many, many agents before selecting Gayle to sell our home and farm. We feel that taking the extra time looking for the right agent paid off in so many ways. We got a much higher price for our home than we would have imagined. Gayle goes by the book, never cuts corners, and her integrity is exceptional. And was laso so very patient when showing us many homes. We feel that having such a knowledgeable agent lowered our stress level from what is already such a high stress life event. Truly, I can’t say enough about Gayle’s professionalism and how she conducts business. We feel blessed we found someone to guide us step by step through this difficult process of selling and buying a new home. Thank you again for all you did in helping us sell our home, and especially too, for all your patience in finding us the right home to buy!
Gail & Dexter C. – Cumming
t was a pleasure to work with Gayle selling our home. Her local knowledge and expertise through the whole process guided us to an extremely satisfying experience. She is never pushy and always exhibits a smile and pleasing personality. The paperwork flowed seamlessly. We would recommend Gayle to anyone looking for a highly qualified and likable agent to represent them.
Jerry C. & David E. – Suwanee
We have moved over a dozen times through the years in different parts of the country and abroad working with numerous agents and Gayle is among the best we have worked with. Gayle is very well organized and lays out a clear timeline of events up front in the selling and buying process. She does her job in a courteous, pleasant way and communicates often and in timely manner. No need to follow up with Gayle– she makes things happen. No surprises. We highly recommend Gayle.
Hope C. – Johns Creek
Gayle was exactly what we needed in our recent move to Forsyth County. Knowledgeable, professional, and personable to say the least. Probably her best trait was being able to keep us sane in such a strange housing market
Raul R. – Suwanee
Gayle did a fantastic job selling our home. She explained the demographics, area competition as well as the process of how we would sell our home. Her pictures were fantastic and the video virtual tour was hands down the best that we have ever seen. Her premarketing plan was so good that we had appointments waiting to see the home the day it listed. We got an over list and a full price offer on day one and a total of 7 offers in 4 days, including two over list. Gayle knew how to price us “in the market” so that it drove those full and over list offers from day one. We cannot recommend Gayle with any more fervor, she was awesome and will be for you as well.
Jason W. – Cumming
Gayle was a wonderful realtor for our family! She worked hard to ensure we found just the right home. Gayle was knowledgeable, friendly and assertive. She showed persistence and was always available to help us get through the new build process.
Lauren K. – Cumming
Gayle promised me that we would find a home and she delivered! Relocating to the Cumming area from Ohio, Gayle made the home search experience so easy. She was so generous with her expertise/time and that is an understatement. She quickly understood the type of home I was looking to purchase. Her expertise about Lake Lanier and Cumming was helpful (especially to me, because I did not know the area well).
Gayle was responsive and tactical during the whole process and kept my privacy which I appreciate (it’s a competitive market out there right now, and I’m so thankful that I got to work with someone who’s a master at her craft and could get the negotiations completed on time). Though I’ve been in my home for several weeks now, she keeps in contact with me to make sure that all the details are taken care of, her team is extremely professional and responsive, they worked very well with my loan agent and attorneys. She kept me updated on items that needed to be covered by us which was extremely helpful having lost my father during the few days leading up to the closing. I could not have had a better home buying experience. 🙂 Thank you Gayle!
Larry & Kelly L. – Cumming
It is obvious that Gayle found what she loves to do and she does it very well! I don’t think our family could have found a better realtor to help achieve a sale on our home. Her advice was spot on and we accomplished our goal in a very short period of time. Gayle is not only a real professional in her field but was a true friend throughout the entire process. Gayle symbolizes professionalism and integrity at is best.
Jonathan M. – Cumming
We chose Gayle to be out seller agent primarily because of her professional presentation and immediate appreciation for out need to sell. Gayle was always quick to contact us during negotiations and always available for questions on our part. In my opinion, Gayle went well beyond the pail in “educating ” and supporting the buying agent throughout the entire process; most impressive! I highly recommend Gayle to anyone who is in need of a knowledgeable and professional Agent to help sell their home; she’s terrific.
Gary S. – Cumming
Gayle listed and sold my Dad’s house for him in Cumming, GA. My Dad is 85 and doesn’t hear very well anymore, so we required an agent that was not only very thorough, but also had a great deal of patience. Gayle understands the market and what needs to be done to properly prepare a home for listing. Always on time and never misses a beat – I would not hesitate to use her services again in the future. Buying or selling in Forsyth or North Fulton County? Call Gayle.
Andy T. – Cumming
Gayle was fantastic to work with. She was extremely knowledgeable about our area and understood our needs to help assess a value for our home to get it sold quickly and at the highest price possible. The pictures and video for our home were professionally done, paperwork was reviewed and corrected when other agents made mistakes, and when we had two offers she had the second agree as a backup offer and worked through all the details. I would definitely recommend Gayle to anyone looking for an experienced and knowledgeable realtor and would absolutely use her services in the future if we buy in the area again.
Kerry U. – Cumming
We were happy to have Gayle Barton as our Realtor when selling our town home. She marketed our property professionally and sold within thirty day period. She helped us make educated decisions and answered all our queries in short span of time. She was there at every step to guide us through the selling process. In our opinion, Gayle Barton is the BEST and we will not hesitate use her expertise again.
Ananda M. – Cumming
Gayle was so responsive and knowledgeable about our sale! She made it very easy on us and removed the stress from our real estate transaction. Thank you Gayle!
Kristen M. – Roswell
This review doesn’t say it all. As a former Broker-associate in a large company in California, I knew I had to select a Realtor to sell my house. I would never go FISBO. Gayle was our second agent. Just amazing! We were too close to the house to see how to make it saleable which the first agent just didn’t know how. But Gayle sure does! She’s a pro at staging, gave us what we should do to make buyers like our house, and did that ever work! And, she’s a full time pro who makes the process easy to understand and really smooth. It was great working with a professional who is also very personable and tells it like it is. We needed that. Yes, she sold our house and helped us buy another one. A great experience all around.. and we’d DEFINITELY recommend her!
Bob & Helen M. – Cumming
Gayle worked with us buying 2 houses and selling 2 houses. Gayle used top photographers and “pre” advertised our homes. We received multiple offers. Gayle was also instrumental in negotiating fantastic deals on the homes we purchased. She IS the Realtor you want to work with. She Gets The Job Done!!
Cheryl S. – Canton
Gayle was very responsive and helpful during the whole process. She made this as simple as possible even when I had to close from a different state. Great insight and provided much-needed guidance.
David M. – Sugar Hill
Gayle as our realtor has made me and my wife’s experience with building our first home simply wonderful. Any issues we had with the builder during the building period or any questions we had that would arise, she was always right there. Gayle has definitely been our Guiding light threw this sometimes confusing and winding road of purchasing a home.
Terry & Nikki W. – Cumming
Working with Gayle was a joy. She sold our home and helped us find the perfect new home. During that time she kept us informed and up to date. If we had questions she would answer them or find the answer for us. She takes an interest in her clients and makes them feel like they are number one in importance. Her calming spirit is a delight.
Jim & Marsha K. – Cumming
Gayle Barton was by far the most helpful agent my husband and I have ever had the pleasure to work with. We built a home in Forsyth County in Georgia & in the process, she respectfully represented us far more then we could have imagined. She had to go to bat with our builder a few times, and hit home runs for us every time. Gayle was patient with our family throughout the process. There was a time when we had some doubts, she was there showing us other homes to assure us we were in fact making the right decision. She knows the area very well. Gayle is prompt in returning calls, emails and texts. She is warm, friendly and inviting, and is quite humorous, which made tough times easier. I literally can’t say enough wonderful things about our agent. When you get a chance to work with her, you’ll understand as well!! Our family, including our 3 year daughter whom loved Gayle too, highly highly recommends Gayle Barton for all real estate needs. We thank her from the bottom of our hearts!
Rebecca C. – Cumming
We liked Gayle’s work so much the first time we purchased a home with her that we came back for more three years later. She is very knowledgeable, efficient and honest in her dealings. Her high energy and tireless work ethic make her a joy to work with. She treats her clients with respect and listens to her clients concerns and preferences. We would highly recommend Gayle to anyone.
Keith & Linda G – Mineral Bluff
Gayle was an excellent realtor, and it was a pleasure finding our new home with her. She was very friendly and efficient, and she did a great job negotiating for us. We always felt we were well taken care of and that she had our best interest in mind. She was also very prompt with response to any questions and communications. It was nice to know we could completely rely on her. She knows her job very well, and we could not recommend her more!
Brian O. – Cumming
As a multi-time home buyer I found Gayle to be very knowledgeable about the area and very attentive in listening to our wants and needs when making the decision on which homes to preview. Gayle was also very helpful in providing local recommendations for mortgage professionals and home inspectors. Her follow up was excellent on any issues that pertained to utilities, and questions we had for the seller.
Gayle made our relocation extremely smooth and trouble free and will be my choice again should I have to relocate in the future.
Willie P. – Cumming
Gayle deserves the highest recommendations. We greatly enjoyed the entire shopping and purchase process with her as our realtor. She was able to provide custom lists of homes for us to review prior to our visit. The active market and our tastes allowed us to quickly narrow down the homes we were interested in. She arranged several showings of both existing homes and new constructions and her vast experience was obvious when we discussed purchase options. Even after our closing she has continued to be super responsive to questions and has helped with every request. We are most pleased and again can highly recommend her.
Brian M. – Cumming
My husband and I have bought and sold homes a number of times during our 33 years of marriage. Never have we had a better, more knowledgeable or more responsive agent than Gayle Barton. We have and will continue to recommend Gayle to friends and family for all of their real estate needs. We could not have been more pleased with every aspect of her work on our behalf. SHE IS ONE IN A MILLION!!
Jane L. – Cumming
My wife and I were relocating due to a new job. Finding a home in a brand new state/city can be very challenging. We also had a tight timeline. We worked with Gayle remotely ahead of time selecting potential area/houses and with her knowledge of the market/area she was able to help us to narrow/define the area. She dedicated multiple days with us and prescheduled all the showings for consecutive days. Within one weeks time in GA we are able to select an awesome house that we now love. She was a big help in every step of the process. We highly recommend Gayle!
Bryan S. – Canton
When we first moved to Georgia, Gayle Barton helped us find a great rental. When it was time to buy a home, we immediately contacted Gayle to be our agent!
She was fantastic! Working with Gayle feels like the perfect mix of working with a friend and a professional realtor. She is easy to speak to and listens to your every concern to better understand your needs. We always felt that we were being cared for and represented well.
Gayle is extremely knowledgeable about the area and always had great feedback and information about the properties… such as future local developments, proximity to areas of interest, and property values. She was always honest about costs and expectations depending on the area and neighborhood.
Gayle got us everything we wanted and made sure that we left the experience with nothing but happy home buying memories! Thank you, Gayle!!!
Ashlee S. – Cumming
I contacted Gayle at the last minute to help us with an offer on a new home. Not only was Gayle extremely responsive, she got us in touch with a lender who was able to secure financing in a very short amount of time. Throughout the entire process, she was fantastic to work with. Based on that process, we decided to use her to list our existing home. Within the first week, over 20 families saw our home and we had an offer within the first 10 days. Gayle was patient, walked us through the entire process, and provided guidance at the appropriate time. We are going to use her again to list our parent’s house and are looking forward to working with her. I would strongly recommend Gayle to anyone either looking to buy or sell a home.
Ryan G. – Cumming
Our home wasn’t for sale, she had a client that wanted to live in our subdivision. She sold our home and sold us a new home! Gayle makes things happen. She is the most professional agent we have ever been involved with. I highly recommend her to anyone who is thinking of selling or buying a home.
Janie T. – Cumming
My husband and I were very impressed with Gayle’s knowledge in the industry and the professionalism that she showed during the entire process. We would highly recommend her!
Julianne C. – Cumming
We were moving to a new area that we did not know and Gayle did a great job in giving us a total perspective of the area. She know Forsyth County! She was always well prepared and was very aware and receptive of our needs and found the house that we were looking for. She is very strong on follow-up and responds quickly. She was always available to us for house hunting. She works in a very positive and professional manner. She just did a great job, we highly recommend her.
Ed S. – Cumming
I’m very happy to give Gayle my highest recommendation. She is extremely knowledgeable, diligent, responsive and very patient with her clients. I found working with her a joy and felt she was there to help during every step of the process. Gayle is a true professional and she loves her job!!
Cassie M. – Cumming
Working with Gayle has been a wonderful experience. She has been helpful through the entire process of selling our house. She was always available and quick to respond. She helps walk you through the process of offers/counter offers and gives sound advice. I highly recommend her as an agent and know I would use her again if needed. Our house sold in two weeks!
Anne W. – Cumming
Sadly, Zillow limits the number of stars I am able to allot, so 5 will have to do. After just closing on my new (first) home, I can say without a doubt that I will not even consider another realtor if I end up moving in the future. I had already referred Gayle to several coworkers before I even closed on the home. She met and exceeded my expectations every step of the way. Making every possible attempt to meet all of my demands, both the home search and following in person meetings were a breeze. Every bit of communication was prompt, usually faster than even my significant other’s. As the buyer, Gayle was able to negotiate far better terms than I had even considered possible. All this of her own behest, no less. Do yourself a favor and at least give her a shot.
Cody B. – Cumming
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