Why Forsyth County, GA Sellers May Benefit from Listing Early
If this is going to be a year of upheaval, the rules for when Forsyth County, GA listings are best initiated might be primed to fly out the window. There’s no guarantee that 2022’s Forsyth County, GA listing performance will bend the rules, but if the National Association of Realtor® is right, it’s a definite possibility.
History has long demonstrated that the most opportune time of year to add your home to the Forsyth County, GA listings is during the peak spring and summer seasons. And, when you look at the volume of home sales through most years, results in those months do look impressive. There are exceptions, but for the most part, spring and summer regularly excel in sales volume.
The Realtor® website ran an article in their Trends area headlining that “This Year, Sellers May Benefit from Listing Early.” Their reasoning was short and sweet—citing recent facts, then drawing a conclusion that’s the opposite of what they seem to indicate. Here are the facts:
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Supply. It’s a fact that from one end of the country to the other, the residential inventory (supply) is starkly reduced. According to the NAR, “Inventory levels at the beginning of the year are at multiyear lows.” Thus, homeowners who list now “face very little competition.”
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Demand. Even though the late fall and winter months have traditionally shown weak demand, the threat of mortgage rate hikes—then the actual rises—may have been all that was needed to instill a growing sense of urgency among buyers. Early results reflect buyer demand that’s “abnormally strong” for this time of year.
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Optimism. With consumer confidence at a 15-year high, once the spring buying season gets going in earnest, Forsyth County, GA buyers might find themselves in “buying competition” that will “get fierce.”
These trends are all well-documented. Yet at first blush, they seem to argue against listing your home now. After all, wouldn’t it still make sense for to follow the traditional dictum—to hold off until that fierce competition takes hold? The answer that flips such a conclusion is found in the fourth fact:
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Sellers Will be Buyers. Overwhelmingly, national surveys suggest that the homeowners behind most Forsyth County, GA listings will also become buyers once they have sold. In fact, an estimated 85% of American home sellers plan to buy another home! If that’s correct, it’s not surprising that they’ll be grateful if they are quick to sell into this winter’s market. That will not only help them get a jump on the crowd come springtime—it will also lengthen the odds that they can cash in on mortgage rates before they rise substantially. All of a sudden, the net advantage to listing early could be substantial!
The short takeaway is that simply accepting the old common wisdom warrants a second look in 2022. If you are one of our Forsyth County, GA homeowners who automatically presumed the wisdom of waiting a while longer to join the Forsyth County, GA listings, it might pay to reassess. Give me a call if you’d like to discuss how your plans fit into today’s broader residential picture—and how to take maximum advantage.
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
Don’t Forget to Apply for the Forsyth County Homestead Exemption
If you purchased a new home in Forsyth County, GA which acts as your primary residence, you won’t want to forget to apply for your Homestead exemption before April 1st.
The Homestead Exemption allows for a partial exemption on a portion of the assessed value of your primary home which lowers the amount of property tax you owe. If you do not apply before April 1st you will wait a full year before your application is processed.
TO FILE IN PERSON YOU WILL NEED:
· DRIVER’S LICENSE OR STATE ISSUED ID: Address on your license must match the address of the property. (If the address on your driver’s license does not match the property address, you must supply your Forsyth County motor vehicle registration or voter registration.)
· COPY OF RECORDED WARRANTY DEED
· IF YOU MOVED HERE FROM ANOTHER STATE OR COUNTY AND STILL OWN YOUR PREVIOUS HOME, YOU MUST PROVIDE PROOF FROM THAT JURISDICTION STATING THAT YOUR PREVIOUS EXEMPTION HAS BEEN REMOVED.
Link to Forsyth County Information Page
WHERE TO FILE:
FORSYTH COUNTY TAX ASSESSORS
110 E. MAIN STREET, SUITE 260
CUMMING, GA 30040
Click here to FILE ONLINE
OFFICE HOURS:
8:30 – 5:00
MONDAY – FRIDAY
770-781-2106
NOTE: Regular and Floating homestead application are available for download On Tax Forms link. Please note: The application must be notarized, and required documents as shown above must be attached. A notary is available in the county office at no charge.
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
5 Simple Cumming, GA Appraisal Readiness Tips
You’ve probably heard the wry old saying: “Nothing clears the mind like the prospect of being hanged at dawn.” For some homeowners, you could add an equally wry modern Cumming, GA real estate version: “Nothing clears the mind like having a real estate appraiser drop by for a look-see.”
I’d like to counter that notion—with proper preparation, there’s really not much to worry over when the Cumming, GA real estate appraiser is scheduled to make an appearance. The stress level can be lowered by keeping a few simple ideas in mind:
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Appraisals aren’t showings: However, appraisers are people too and will have normal, human reactions in the same way buyers do. While experienced Cumming, GA appraisers aren’t looking for a 100% clutter-free, immaculate show-stopper of a home (they will be concentrating on physical details like square footage and structural and mechanical features), they will likely “feel” more value in a beautifully presented home than in a filthy cluttered one. Prepare your home for the appraiser in the same way you would any buyer showing (lights and all!).
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Paperwork is a plus: If they are available, dig out any floor plans or location plats you may have filed away. Also, the age of your home is one thing, but updated features can boost the end appraisal value. If you prepare a list of improvements and the years in which they were completed, it will make the appraiser’s job that much easier—and if you had a pre-listing appraisal completed on your Cumming, GA home – share that as well.
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Curb appeal is no exception: Appraisals aren’t showings, but no one—even the professional who prepares your Cumming, GA appraisal—is immune to the “first impression” effect. Condition is a factor in any appraisal, so it will be worthwhile to be sure the front lawn is mowed and plantings trimmed. If the front doorway is in need of a paint refresher, it will be effort worth making.
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Consideration helps: The appraiser’s job is part physical, so being considerate of that part of the appraisal process will be appreciated. Be sure that obstructions are cleared, that rooms are appropriately heated and cooled—and that Lassie and Garfield aren’t allowed to pester.
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New good news is good news: If there have been positive changes in the neighborhood, it can’t hurt to let the appraiser know about them. Cumming, GA may be part of a rising market, but appraisers don’t speculate on future values. Supplying some positive neighborhood developments can be persuasive.
If you are setting out on your own Cumming, GA house hunt, I hope you’ll give me a call to help focus your search. And if you’re readying to sell your own Cumming, GA property (which puts you in the soon-to-be-visited-by-the-appraiser category) the same applies. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call!
This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.
I specialize in Real Estate sales in the following Forsyth County and North Fulton County cities: Cumming, Suwanee, Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek. Other north metro-Atlanta suburbs are serviced by request, so please call.
Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate
Forsyth County GA Real Estate Market Update Video
Video – Forsyth County Real Estate Market Update. Just click the video below for the latest real estate market update for Cumming, GA. You may also view additional real estate market reports for Cumming, Suwanee, Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek and many other markets in the metro area.
See your home’s current value – Quick, Easy and FREE!
Click here to view Homes for Sale in Cumming, GA or Forsyth County.
This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.
I specialize in Real Estate sales in the following Forsyth County and North Fulton County cities: Cumming, Suwanee, Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek. Other north metro-Atlanta suburbs are serviced by request, so please call.
Gayle Barton Forsyth County Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate | Mountain Crest Homes For Sale
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | Forsyth County Real Estate
Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice. All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.
Gayle Barton South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate
5 Reasons to Sell Before the Selling Season Picks Up
A common thought in real estate is never list your home in the winter offseason. Perpetuated by industry experts, agents and repeat sellers alike, this saying encourages many would-be sellers to wait until the spring peak to list their homes. However, studies show that homes listed in the winter offseason not only sell faster than those in the spring, but sellers often net more above their asking price at this time.1 Don’t wait until spring to sell. If you’ve been thinking of selling your home, here are five compelling reasons to list now.
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Take advantage of low inventory. Since most sellers are waiting until spring to list, local inventory falls during the offseason. However, there are still motivated buyers who are ready to move now and don’t want to wait that long to purchase a home. According to the National Association of Realtors, 55 percent of all buyers purchased their home at the time they did because “it was just the right time.”2 These eager buyers may flock to your home. You may not need to try as hard to make your home stand out in the sea of other similar homes. With less competition, more buyers, some of whom may have otherwise overlooked your home if you listed during the peak, will express an interest to buy. While you’ll likely have fewer showings in the offseason, buyers who do visit will be more serious about writing an offer. Your home will likely sell faster than it would have during the peak season.
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Set a higher listing price. Homes sold during the offseason sell at a higher price, on average, than those sold during the spring and summer peak. There are many reasons for this. First, motivated buyers are willing to pay closer to the asking price for a home. Second, homes are more likely to be priced right and reflect the economics of not only the local market, but the neighborhood as well. Often, homes listed during the peak may be priced to compete with other homes in the area and neighborhood. Sellers may be pressured to sell for less than the list price in order to encourage buyers to choose their home out of the others on the market.
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You’ll receive more attention. While our team always strives to give you the personal attention you deserve, when you list during the offseason, we’re able to work more closely with you to ensure your home is prepared for its debut on the market. We can also take more time to answer your questions, address your concerns and prepare you and your home for the sale.
Additionally, if you’d like to hire a tradesperson to handle routine maintenance or undertake a minor home renovation before you list, you may be able to take advantage of flexible scheduling and cheaper rates. Many of these professionals experience a winter offseason as well, and will be able to focus their time and attention on you and your project.
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Easier to maintain curb appeal. Curb appeal is intended to attract the buyers who are just driving by as well as those who saw your home online and wanted to see it in-person. It sets the stage for what interested buyers can expect when they step foot in the home during a showing or open house. If you list your home during the peak of the selling season, you may exhaust your time your energy maintaining curb appeal. You’ll likely spend most of your free time mowing the lawn, weeding, trimming shrubs and hedges, planting flowers in pots and in flowerbeds, pulling spent blooms and watering it all to ensure it looks lush and healthy on a daily basis. After all, a lush landscape will attract potential buyers and set your home apart from other similar homes in the area.
The offseason eliminates the pressure to maintain a picture-perfect front landscape. Since most grass, shrubs and plants go dormant at this time of year, you’ll have less to maintain. If you live in an area that experiences a traditional winter, your landscape will be covered with snow. Even if you live in a milder climate, you may not have to mow as often, if at all. It’s still important to ensure your exterior appears well-tended, so make sure your walkway and front porch remains free of snow, ice and debris.
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Tap into the life changes of buyers. Many buyers receive employee raises and bonuses at the end of the year. If they’ve been saving to buy a home, this extra money may allow them to reach their goal for a down payment and put them on the path to becoming a homeowner. Additionally, companies often hire new employees and relocate current ones during the first quarter of the year, creating a strong demand for housing. If you live in an area that’s home to a large company or has a strong corporate presence, this may be the perfect time to list.
Thinking of Listing in the Offseason? 3 Things to Do Before You List
Get your home ready to list by following these tips.
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Schedule maintenance. Buyers, especially first-time buyers, want a home they can move into right away; they don’t want to repair the roof or the furnace or replace windows with blown thermal seals before they move in. Do the scheduled maintenance and make repairs before you list your home for sale.
In some cases, it may help to have an inspector do a pre-inspection of your home. A pre-inspection will make you aware of any major, potentially deal-killing, issues that will have to be addressed before you list. It also gives you an idea of minor issues that a potential seller may want repaired. Overall, it helps you to accurately price your home and may protect you from claims a buyer might make later.3
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Create light. Balance out the lack of natural light outdoors by turning the lights on inside. Since people naturally tend to buy emotionally, turning on the lights helps create a sense of warmth and coziness. Light a fire in the fireplace, if you have one, fill your home with the scents of the season, such as vanilla or fresh baked cookies, and put a throw blanket on your sofa.
If you plan to paint the interior of your home before you list, consider an off-white shade to create consistency throughout your home and make the space feel larger and brighter. If you have photos of your garden or the home’s exterior in the spring or summer, display them so interested buyers can get a glimpse of what the home looks like in other seasons..
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Give your home a thorough cleaning. Cleaning puts your home in its best light. Clean and polish all the horizontal surfaces of your home, including countertops, window sills and baseboards; have the curtains dry cleaned or otherwise laundered; wash windows, glass doors and their tracks; vacuum carpeting and polish all wood surfaces, including the floor.
Additionally, this is a great time to pack any personal items and family photos as well as sort through your belongings and donate items you no longer use. This not only eliminates any clutter, but it also gives you less to pack and move when you sell.
If you’re thinking of selling, give us a call! We’d love to help you position your home to sell in our 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 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
Sources: Time, October 30, 2015
National Association of REALTORS, 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
Forbes, August, 27, 2013
10 Ways to Make the Most of an Unused Side Yard
Do you have an unused side yard that could use some pizzazz?
Often times in the Cumming GA real estate market I see these areas being treated more like alleyways than usable yard space but, occasionally, I will see a homeowner using their property to its fullest by making this space into a private courtyard or secluded dining area.
Whether you are looking to expend your outdoor entertainment area, or you have your Cumming GA home for sale and are looking for ideas to turn your side yard into a more sellable outdoor living space, I believe that this article by Beck Harris on Houzz will prove to be an excellent resource.
10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Side Yard
Becky Harris , Houzz Contributor
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.
Have questions about making your home more marketable? Call, text or email your questions to me directly. I’d be happy to provide my professional opinion!
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 South 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
Blog topic: Houzz, side yard, landscaping, landscaping ideas, landscape,landscape ideas,landscape design, courtyard
What Can Make your Home Sell Faster and for More Money?
The short answer… the features it offers! But, it’s what your agent does to help promote those features that really makes all the difference.
We all know that new or updated homes sell more quickly than outdated homes or those in need of repair or lacking upgrades. But, did you know that certain updates offer more bang for your buck, and that the words used to describe them can have a significant impact on how quickly your home sells and the amount that it sells for?
I always provide my Forsyth County home sellers with a high quality, professional photography and video package, but sometimes photos just aren’t enough to tell the whole story of your home.
If you have a newer home, or one that you have spent your time and hard earned money updating, you want to hire an agent who understands how to determine which buyers are most likely to purchase a property in your neighborhood and how to market your home directly to them!
Right now, certain keywords act as hot buttons for buyers…. especially with first-time or Millennial buyers. And, if your home has been updated to include certain feature, these keywords must be included in the MLS description (which then feeds out to services like Realtor.com or Zillow.com) if you want to create a major buzz around your property.
Promoting a home with a “sliding barn door” or one that offers a kitchen with Shaker-style cabinets, a farm sink or Subway tiles creates a mind picture for the buyer straight out of HGTV. This connection then leads them to believe that the home being described offers more value than, perhaps, the next listing they look at which uses old or a clichéd descriptions like updated, one-of-kind décor (what does that even mean?).
Words matter when you are attempting to connect a buyer to a property, so make sure that when you put your Forsyth County home on the market you hire a marketing professional, not just a listing agent!
Because Marketing Matters! Check out our SELLING STRATEGY.
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 South 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.
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
How to Safely Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
We all love stainless steel for its cool, sleek look and functionality, and I can tell you that we see a lot of it here in the Forsyth County real estate market, but we also know that it can be difficult to keep clean.
Whether you have a little or a lot of it in your busy home, you’ll be interested in what experts suggest we do about those smudges and fingerprints, and how to care for and clean one of the hardest-working surfaces in the house.
Whether you just want to keep your home spic & span, or you have a Forsyth County home for sale so you are looking for ideas to help you keep it “show ready” at a moment’s notice, I believe that this article by Bonnie McCarthy on Houzz will prove to be an excellent resource.
How to Keep Your Stainless Steel Clean
Bonnie McCarthy, Houzz Contributor
Blog topic: Houzz, how to clean stainless steel appliances
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.
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
8 Cool Twists on the Guest Room-Office Combo
Many of us simply don’t have space for both a dedicated office and a dedicated guest room, but we all seem to need both of these spaces.
Often times in the Cumming GA real estate market I see these areas be mixed, though not always to best potential.
Whether you need a space to do double duty all of the time, or you have a Cumming GA home for sale and are looking for ideas of how to make your property appear more spacious to homebuyers, I believe that this article by Laura Gaskill on Houzz will prove to be an excellent resource.
8 Twists on the Guest Room-Office Combo
Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor
Thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise! I’d be happy to preview your home and help you find the best way to prepare for today’s market!
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.
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
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