Top Local Realtor - Forsyth County Real Estate in Cumming GA

Cumming, GA Real Estate Inspections Needn’t Spark Jitters

Don’t Get Burned – Get a Home Inspection on Your Next PurchaseAs worrisome physical symptoms go, house inspection jitters should not be worrisome in the least. Neither Cumming, GA home buyers or their counterparts (Cumming, GA home sellers) need be troubled if they find themselves awaiting the house inspector with mounting anxiety: these are perfectly normal symptoms. My advice echoes HGTV’s prescription for a “Drama-Free Real Estate Rx”—in their words, “Don’t Freak Out.”
The utter normalcy for pre-inspection jitters is indisputable—as is their cause. If you are the seller, you can be perfectly satisfied that you have done everything possible to ensure that your Cumming, GA home is in tip-top shape, and yet be aware that some totally unknown malady (that only a sharp-eyed house inspector could ever uncover) might be lurking. If you are the buyer, you’ve found the house you’ve been searching for, but know that all the plans you’ve set into motion could be derailed by some unanticipated dire structural finding.
With so much on the line, the house inspection is usually viewed as the last possible monkey wrench that could be thrown into the works of the deal. Jitters are appropriate.
The prescription for real estate inspection jitters is to realize that although deal-killing inspections are certainly possible, they aren’t all that likely. The reason is that almost any set of negative findings can be dealt with rationally: in terms of dollars and cents. Your Cumming, GA real estate agent (hopefully me!) is expert at doing away with post-inspection jitters. If the problems are so minor that they don’t bother the buyer, the jitters disappear all by themselves.
If more major items are in play, contractor bids can be gathered and compared, and the probable costs factored into a renegotiation which results in a deal that seems fair to all. The most frequent result is the calm knowledge that the house inspection jitters were quickly put to rest via a mature and rational solution: freak-out not warranted.
Helping buyers and sellers appraise the results of Cumming, GA real estate inspections is only one part of how I can help you when it comes to the very important project of buying or selling Cumming, GA properties. I hope you’ll consider 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.

South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
 Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

 

Real Estate 2018: What to Expect

 

2018 Real estate market report - what to expectAs we head into a new year, the most common question we receive is, “What’s the outlook for real estate in 2018?”
It’s not just potential buyers and sellers who are curious; homeowners also want reassurance their home’s value is going up. The good news is that a strong U.S. economy, coupled with low unemployment rates, is expected to drive continued real estate growth in 2018. However, changes on the horizon could significantly impact you if you plan to buy, sell or refinance this year. (Print Report)

 

HOME VALUES WILL CONTINUE TO RISE
Get ready for another strong year! U.S. home values and sales volume will continue to rise in 2018.
Experts agree that home prices will increase in 2018, but predict a slower rate of appreciation than 2017, which clocked in at nearly 7 percent nationwide. National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun predicts a growth rate this year of 5.5 percent,1 while Freddie Mac’s September Outlook Report forecasts a rate of 4.9 percent. Either way, all indicators point towards continued growth in 2018.2
What does it mean for you? If you’re a current homeowner, congratulations! Real estate proves once again to be a solid investment over the long term. And if you’re considering selling this year, there’s never been a better time. Contact us to request a free Comparative Market Analysis to find out how much you can expect your home to sell for under current market conditions.
If you’re in the market to buy this year, there’s good news for you, too. Although prices continue to rise, the rate of appreciation has slowed. Still, don’t wait any longer. Prices will continue to go up, so you’ll pay more six months from now than you would today. Call us to setup a free, no-obligation property search and get notified about listings that meet your criteria as soon as (or before) they hit the market.

 

NEW CONSTRUCTION WILL MAKE REAL ESTATE MORE ACCESSIBLE
Lack of inventory in the housing market has been a primary impediment to homeownership for many Americans. “Ten years ago, the problem in the housing market was lack of buyers,” says Yun. “Today, the problem is lack of sellers. Inventory levels are near historic lows.”3
Yun also notes, “The lack of inventory has pushed up home prices by 48 percent from the low point in 2011, while wage growth over the same period has been only 15 percent. Despite improving confidence [in 2017] from renters that now is a good time to buy a home, the inability for them to do so is causing them to miss out on the significant wealth gains that homeowners have benefitted from through rising home values.”1
The good news? Yun expects a 9.4 percentage point increase in single-family new home construction starts.4
Economists at Freddie Mac make a similar prediction. “Existing home sales are unlikely to increase much going forward. Limited inventory will remain a consistent problem … Growth in home sales will be primarily driven by new home sales, which should continue to grind higher with single-family construction.”2
Robert Dietz, chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders, agrees. “The markets that are going to grow are ones where builders can add that entry level product.”5
What does it mean for you? If you’ve been frustrated by lack of inventory in the past, 2018 may bring new opportunities for you to find a budget-friendly home that suits your needs. Give us a call to discuss options for new construction in our area.
 
MILLENNIALS WILL MOVE TO THE SUBURBS
The new entry-level construction will come with a catch though … it will be located in the suburbs, where the availability of land and fewer zoning requirements make it more cost-effective to build. Economists predict that’s where millennials and first-time buyers will flock for the greater variety of homes at affordable prices.6
Rising home prices, a sluggish job market, and an increase in student loan debt made homeownership largely unattainable for many millennials in past years. However, there’s significant evidence that this trend is turning around. For the fourth year a row, the National Association of Realtors’ 2017 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends survey found that millennials were the largest group of homebuyers.7
As millennials age, they are settling down and having families, which has prompted an increasing demand for larger but affordable homes. Thus, many are flocking to the suburbs, with 57 percent of millennial buyers opting for a suburban location.
What does it mean for you? If you’re a millennial who has been priced out of urban living, or is looking for more space for your growing family, a number of suburbs in our area have a lot to offer. We can point you towards the communities that will best meet your needs.
And if you’re a suburban homeowner with plans to sell, give us a call. We know how to market your home to millennials … and can help you sell quickly for top dollar by appealing to this growing market segment!
 
BOOMERANG BUYERS WILL RETURN TO THE MARKET
“Boomerang buyers” comprise the nearly 10 million Americans who lost their homes to foreclosure or short sales during the housing recession of 2006 to 2014.
According to MyFico.com, a foreclosure remains on a credit report for seven years. It takes many boomerang buyers at least that long to raise their credit score and save up enough cash to qualify for a new mortgage.8
With this “seven-year window” in mind, RealtyTrac predicts that the largest wave of boomerang buyers – more than 1.3 million – will be eligible to re-enter the housing market in 2018.9
Markets likely to see the highest influx of boomerang buyers are those that had a high percentage of foreclosures AND have remained affordable. The majority of boomerang buyers are middle-class Gen Xers or Baby Boomers. Expect to see even more competition for entry-level homes in those markets.
What does it mean for you? If you’re a boomerang buyer, we understand your unique circumstances. We can help you navigate the real estate process and write competitive offers that will play to your strengths. Contact us to discuss your options.
 
NEW TAX LEGISLATION WILL IMPACT HOMEOWNER DEDUCTIONS
 
The “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” passed at the end of 2017 nearly doubles the standard deduction, so far fewer Americans are expected to itemize this year. For those who do, however, it could mean less homeowner deductions are available than in the past.
Previously, homeowners could deduct interest paid on the first $1 million of mortgage debt, but that threshold has been lowered to $750,000 for new mortgages. (Existing mortgages will not be impacted.)
Additionally, taxpayers will no longer be able to fully deduct state and local property taxes plus income or sales taxes. The new legislation restricts this deduction to $10,000. It also eliminates the deduction for moving expenses (except for members of the Armed Forces) and interest on home equity loans unless the proceeds are used to substantially improve the residence.10
It’s yet to be seen how the tax bill will impact the real estate market overall. While some economists predict a price reduction in certain markets, Republican lawmakers project the bill will increase take-home pay and stimulate the economy overall. According to Realtor.com Senior Economist Joseph Kirchner, “Some house hunters—particularly wealthy buyers—will see an increase in after-tax income, making an already tough housing market even more competitive. This increased demand could drive prices up even higher than they are already.”11
What does it mean for you? If you’re an existing homeowner, be sure to consult a tax professional if you’re concerned about the impact the new tax bill could have on you.
And if you’re planning to buy or sell this year, we can help you determine how the tax bill could affect demand in your current or target neighborhood and price range.

 

INTEREST RATES WILL RISE
No one knows exactly what will happen with mortgage rates this year, but the Mortgage Bankers Association anticipates the Federal Reserve will raise rates three times in 2018, with Freddie Mac’s 30-year fixed rate mortgage reaching 4.8 percent by the end of Q4, up from around 4 percent at the end of 2017.12
 
Kiplinger.com Economist David Payne also predicts interests rates will rise this year, with short-term rates outpacing long-term rates as the Fed aims to curb inflation in a tightening job market. He predicts the bank prime rate that home equity loans are based on will increase from 4.25 percent to 5 percent by the end of 2018. 13
What does it mean for you? If you’re in the market to buy, act now. Rising interest rates will decrease your purchasing power, so act quickly before interest rates go up. Give us a call today to get your home search started.
And if you’re a current homeowner who is considering refinancing or a home equity loan, don’t wait. We can help you estimate your property’s fair market value so you’ll be prepared before contacting a lender.
2018 ACTION PLAN
If you plan to BUY this year:
 
  1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. If you plan to finance part of your home purchase, getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you a jump-start on the paperwork and provide an advantage over other buyers in a competitive market. The added bonus: you will find out how much you can afford to borrow and budget accordingly.
  2. Create your wish list. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? How far are you willing to commute to work? What’s most important to you in a home? We can set up a customized search that meets your criteria to help you find the perfect home for you.
  3. Come to our office. The buying process can be tricky. We’d love to guide you through it. We can help you find a home that fits your needs and budget, all at no cost to you. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today!
 
If you plan to SELL this year:
 
  1. Call us for a FREE Comparative Market Analysis. A CMA not only gives you the current market value of your home, it’ll also show how your home compares to others in the area. This will help us determine which repairs and upgrades may be required to get top dollar for your property … and it will help us price your home correctly once you’re ready to list.
  2. Prep your home for the market. Most buyers want a home they can move into right away, without having to make extensive repairs and upgrades. We can help you determine which ones are worth the time and expense to deliver maximum results.
  3. Start decluttering. Help your buyers see themselves in your home by packing up personal items and things you don’t use regularly and storing them in an attic or storage locker. This will make your home appear larger, make it easier to stage … and get you one step closer to moving when the time comes!
 

WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

 

While national real estate numbers and predictions can provide a “big-picture” outlook for the year, real estate is local. And as local market experts, we can guide you through the ins and outs of our market, and the local issues that are likely to drive home values in your particular neighborhood.

If you have specific questions, or would like more information about where we see real estate headed in our area, please give us a call! We’d love to discuss how issues here at home are likely to impact your desire to buy or a sell a home this year. (Print the report)

 

 


Sources:

  1. Inman News – https://www.inman.com/2017/11/03/what-to-expect-from-the-2018-housing-market/
  2. Freddie Mac September Outlook Report – http://www.freddiemac.com/research/outlook/20170921_looking_ahead_to_2018.html
  3. org – https://www.marketplace.org/2017/07/05/economy/tight-inventory-slows-housing-market-down-0
  4. National Association of Realtors Press Release – https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/existing-home-sales-to-grow-37-percent-in-2018-but-inventory-shortages-and-tax-reform-effects-loom-300549447.html
  5. Fox Business News – http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/11/27/entry-level-buyers-drive-solid-new-home-sales.html
  6. Zillow Research – https://www.zillow.com/research/2018-predictions-17217/
  7. National Association of Realtors’ Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report – https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends
  8. com – https://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/questions/foreclosure-fico-score-affect.aspx
  9. RealtyTrac – http://www.realtytrac.com/news/foreclosure-trends/boomerang-buyers/
  10. National Association of Realtors – https://www.nar.realtor/taxes/tax-reform/the-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-what-it-means-for-homeowners-and-real-estate-professionals
  11. com – https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/tax-cuts-survey/
  12. Mortgage Bankers Association Economic Forecast – https://www.mba.org/news-research-and-resources/research-and-economics/forecasts-and-commentary
  13. Kiplinger Economic Forecast – https://www.kiplinger.com/article/business/T019-C000-S010-interest-rate-forecast.html#iOf4mkSFvvTmi2wr.99

 

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.
South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
 Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Organizing Your Home in 2023 – Pantry

Have you decided that this is the year you’re finally going to get your home organized?  I’ll admit that I have just a touch of OCD, so organizing my pantry is a must!
Last week we got started with the 10-Day Simplification Challenge.  It went well, so I am moving on!
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing interesting articles I find about getting organized and how these suggestions have worked for me.
This article regarding organizing your kitchen pantry is excellent.  I’ve already done mine and, based on the amount of expired food I found in ours, I’m surprised that someone in the family hasn’t already died of botulism… 🙂

 

 

If you missed those challenges, please check them out here:
Organizing Your Home – Getting Started
Organizing Your Home – Linen Closet
Organizing Your Home – Kitchen Cabinets
Organizing Your Home – Kitchen Drawers

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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

First House Buyers Guidance…and a Quiz!

National Association of Realtors logoMy organization—the National Association of REALTORS®—offers a wide range of guidance for Cumming, GA families who have decided it’s time to land their first house. With more than a century’s worth of experience, you’d expect nothing less.
Last week I happened across an article the NAR had distilled that looked like a must-read for anyone who is just starting out on the path to buying their first Cumming, GA house. Its title was “8 Critical Things to Do Before Buying a Home”—but it could just as well have been “8 Critical Things to Do Before Buying Your First Cumming, GA House.” Each of the eight was apt—and important to mull over—but it’s the kind of list that’s awfully easy to read without giving much thought to the individual items.
The challenge was to come up with an interesting way to share the ideas with you. The article put the “8 critical things” in order—so I decided to make a game out of them: a quiz.
See if you can guess what was the order—from first to last—that the NAR presented them in. I don’t know that the order I’d choose would match theirs exactly …but see how well yours does:
-A. Amass a down payment
-B. Go mortgage shopping
-C. Ponder the future (*I love this one: wait till you see where the NAR put it!)
-D. Crunch your numbers
-E. Know your credit score
-F. Get educated
-G. Ballpark your closing costs
-H. Interview at least three real estate agents
The NAR’s answers are at the bottom, but I have a minor addition for Cumming, GA first house buyers: if you’re just getting started, you can get a head start right now by giving me a call. There’s never an obligation, but I’m always happy to discuss where you are and the options you might already have. In any case, later—when it comes to action H.— you’ll definitely have a head start!
Answer:
D, E, A, F, H, B, C

 

 

 

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.

South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
 Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Organizing Your Home in 2023 – Getting Started

Have you decided that this is the year you’re finally going to get your home organized?  I’ll admit that I have just a touch of OCD, so organizing my home is a must!
Our son graduates from college next year – and we have decided that downsizing is definitely in our future – so this is going to be a must for my family.
I’ll be honest, the downsizing portion of this exercise has proven to be a much bigger challenge than I expected, only because we will be transitioning to a home that provides approximately half the storage space we have now.
I started with my closet – because we all know that half of the things there are never worn… and then began moving on to the rest of the house.
Over the next few days I will be sharing interesting articles I find about getting organized and how these suggestions have worked for me.
If you’re not ready to jump in feet first, this 10-Day Simplification Challenge is a great way to get started!

 

 

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

 

CHECKOUT THESE CHALLENGES TOO
Organizing Your Home – Pantry
Organizing Your Home – Linen Closet
Organizing Your Home – Kitchen Cabinets
Organizing Your Home – Kitchen Drawers
Better Homes and Gardens – Organizing Tips For Your Home

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

Cumming, GA Home Appraisals Play Catch-Up with Market

Current news about the continuing moderate rise in home values will certainly bring a smile to Cumming, GA homeowners. But, as seems to be true for just about everything, there can also be some unintended consequences.
One group so affected are the folks who labor in the home loan industry—particularly when it comes to home appraisals. Cumming, GA appraisals come into the forefront when lenders are formulating their mortgage offers. Home appraisals are professional estimates of the value of the homes being collateralized. Lenders count on their accuracy to backstop a loan—to make its value recoverable in the event a borrower fails to repay.
That’s why steady rises in Cumming, GA home values have one consequence that’s less than helpful. It’s a non-issue as long as enough similar local homes have changed hands in recent months since Cumming, GA home appraisals depend heavily on comparable sales to establish realistic property values. But if the buying and selling of nearby properties happen to have been sluggish, the only comparable sales numbers will reflect older transactions. And they might not fully reflect current market upsurges.
The possible result is that the amount agreed upon by buyer and seller might be higher than the appraiser sees reflected in the comparables—and even seemingly minute differences can be enough to quash a mortgage.
Since lenders really do like to create home loan offers that make buying possible, they do their best to keep track of the phenomenon. The disparity is formalized by Quicken Loans with their HPPI (Home Price Perception Index). The HPPI measures the difference between what homeowners seeking to refinance their home believe it is worth versus what appraisers can verify.
The very good news (at least nationally) is that the trend has turned toward harmony between the appraisers’ opinions and those of current and future homeowners. The numbers are different in every locale, but the move toward agreement is widespread. By the middle of last month, the gap had narrowed for the fifth month in a row—and is now within 1% of agreement.
Cumming, GA home appraisals and mortgage offers are important elements in the home-buying process—but there are many more. It’s my job to help buyers and sellers put all the pieces together to ensure that the final transaction progresses along smooth, rational, and predictable lines. I hope you’ll call me!

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

I specialize in Real Estate sales in the following Forsyth County, North Fulton County and East Cobb cities: Cumming, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Milton, and Roswell. Other areas are serviced by request.

South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
 Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Mountain Crest Homes For Sale Cumming GA Real Estate 30040

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

.

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

Topics – homes for sale in Mountain Crest, listings in Mountain Crest, house listings in Mountain Crest, houses for sale in Mountain Crest, sell my house in Mountain Crest, real estate agent in Mountain Crest, agent who works in Mountain Crest, agent that sells in Mountain Crest, Bridlewood, Saddlebrook, Horsemens Run, Martingale, Stablegate, Carriage Cove, Gated, Active Adult, 55+, 55 and over

 

Gayle Barton, Realtor –  Berkshire Hathaway Georgia Properties


Cumming, GA Real Estate Negotiations: Beyond Game Theory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Basic Concepts of Cumming, GA Real Estate Negotiations

How Should a Seller Respond to A Low Ball Offer?

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

 

 

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

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.

South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
 Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Cumming, GA Pet-Friendly Homes Might Have an Advantage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
 Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

Forsyth County Home Listing Photos Set the Stage for the Sale

Some key preparations for the marketing of any Forsyth County home actually start well before the first showing or open house: they take place in the hours before the Forsyth County listing photos are taken. Those Forsyth County listing photos will become the definitive beauty shots—the equivalent of the glamorous depictions that grace product packaging.
Manufacturers know very well the import of how their product looks on the carton, jar or bag. It’s why top commercial photographers rely on “product stylists” (they’re the experts who sort through 100 bags of potato chips to come up with the two or three that will photograph perfectly).
Forsyth County listing photos no longer have anything to do with 20th-century cameras or film. But it’s not just the move to digital that’s responsible for creating a higher quality Forsyth County listing photos. To guarantee you maximize the quality of your own Forsyth County home’s listing photos, it remains a team effort…and you’re on the team. Four elements are called for:
1. Equipment: Even now, the technology behind photo equipment is advancing rapidly. What used to require compliments of hot lamps, stands, and even a reflector or two can now be accomplished with a single travel case of lightweight equipment. Still vital: the “eye” of the knowledgeable pro behind the lens. Professional photography is a MUST.  Do not settle for less!
2. Patience: For the critical exterior shot, Mother Nature controls most of the timing. The photographers creating the best Forsyth County listing photos don’t just take weather into account—they factor in the house’s orientation and the time of day that will show it to its best advantage, and plan accordingly.
3. Homeowner prep:  The National Association of Realtor®’s real estate photo tutorial emphasizes how important homeowners can be on the big day because “little things can make—or break—listing photos.” Examples are paying special attention to blinds, bedspreads and shower curtains – as well as removing any and all unnecessary knick-knacks. (I provide my listing client’s with a step-by-step photoshoot prep list – please contact me if you have questions!)
4. The digital finale: It used to be that fine photo correcting was a time-consuming art practiced mainly in the production studios of national publications. That’s no longer the case. Digital images can be quickly refined via ubiquitous photo processing software that makes retouching and image enhancing part of the professional’s everyday bag of tricks.
Starting out with dynamic listing photos is important—as are the many steps to follow.
When it’s your time to list, I hope you’ll allow me to demonstrate the personal care that makes selling your Forsyth County home a low-stress experience!

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

 

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

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.

South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
 Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate

CLICK HERE TO GET PRE-APPROVED

Get-Preapproved Patrick Quinn, Lender Prosperity Mortgage

Interesting Real Estate Story of the Day

RSS Current Blog Post

  • Cloze Appoints Jose Perez as General Manager, Partnerships
    Above, Jose Perez Cloze, a provider of AI-powered sales and marketing software for real estate brokerages, has announced the appointment of Jose Perez as the company’s new General Manager of Partnerships. Perez will draw upon his 30-year career at both notable real estate brands and proptech companies to expand Cloze’s reach within regional, national and… […]

Meet Gayle

My clients needs are my number one priority and putting them first is how I distinguish myself from other agents in my area.
Read more>>

  Cell: 404 710 0204

Connect with Me

Gayle Barton Team Real Estate Customer and Client Appreciation Drawing
Join Berkshire Hathaway Georgia Properties - Real Estate Agent

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