Gayle Barton - Your Local Realtor - Forsyth | North Fulton | Dawson | Cherokee | Pickens | Dawson

Do The Quality of Local Schools Determine where You Buy?

 

Are you in the market to purchase a new home?   How will you determine WHERE to buy?
In real estate we have all heard that the key factor for most home buyers in determining which home to buy is “location, location, location”.   While this is usually true, what makes one location better than another?  A short commute time… area attractions… close to family or friends…  all legitimate reasons a buyer might be attracted to a certain area.
However, for a family with school-aged children, their idea of a prime location is usually determined by the quality of the area schools.
I represent both buyers and sellers in many neighborhoods in and around Forsyth County, GA and schools are almost always at the top of the list for my buyers. There are many award-winning public schools in the Forsyth County GA school system, a fact which proves to be a major draw for families buying in this area.
I have had the opportunity to work with both local buyers as well as those transferring in from other areas within the United States and abroad and it seems that, consistently, one of the most critical factors in determining whether to move to a specific area is schools.
Here are several helpful links written about the Forsyth County GA schools:
So, where do schools rank on your decision to move to an area?  What websites do you use to obtain school information?  Need more information about local Cumming GA schools?  Just give me call and I’ll be happy to help you with that!
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 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.

Packing to Move to Your New Cumming GA Home

Gayle Barton, Realtor - Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Moving dayIf you packing to move into a new Cumming GA home, or anywhere across the country, you will definitely want to check out this great “packing plan” by The Joyful Organizer before you start!  Following these great tips will certainly help your move go much more smoothly!
I hope that the practical tips and information I provide on my site will empower you with the information you need to take the critical steps necessary when buying or selling a home. If you did not find the information you’re looking for here, please ask me!  I am always available to 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 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.

Hiking Sawnee Mountain Preserve in Forsyth County GA

Looking fun things to do with the kids in Forsyth County, GA?
Cumming, GA is home to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve which offers over 3 miles of wooded trails that meander past abandoned gold mines (which were dug after the 1829 gold rush) and overlooks the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. Peaks of this ridge actually reach 300 feet higher than Stone Mountain making it one of the highest spots in Metro Atlanta.
All of Sawnee Trails are for foot traffic only (walkers, runners and hikers) and are designed for hikers of all levels. View Map
The main trail, called the Indian Seats Trail, runs through the Preserve with the Yucca Trail and Eaglet Trail serving as short connection trails.  All trails connect and are part of the long-range trail system planned for Sawnee Mountain.
Don’t miss the observation deck which sits at the top of the Indian Seats Trail (approximately 1680ft). The Indian Seats, which are a natural rock formation at the top of the trail system, are believed to have used by Native Americans for ceremonial purposes and offer a beautiful view of the North Georgia Mountains
Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Trail Hours: November – February 6:00 AM-7:00 PM March – October 6:00 AM-9:30 PM
Admission is free of charge.
Please note that pets are not allowed in the Preserve or on the trails
There are two parking areas with trailhead access:
SMP Visitor Center:
4075 Spot Road, Cumming GA 30040 (770-781-2217)
and
2500 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd.

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.

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10 Things to Check BEFORE you Buy Cumming GA Real Estate

Prepare your Cumming GA home for sale by seeing it through a buyer's eyes.
Thinking about buying a home for sale in Cumming GA (or anywhere else, for that matter)?
Be sure to take a look at this list of ten things you will want to check before you buy a home.
Of course, it’s always best to HIRE A PROFESSIONAL home inspector as there are so many things to consider, but this article points out several basic “must do’s” that every new home buyer should consider.
Need a referral for a professional home inspector?  CALL ME… I’ll be glad to provide you with a list.
I hope that the practical tips and information I provide on my site will empower you with the information you need to take the critical steps necessary when buying or selling a home. If you did not find the information you’re looking for here, please ask me!  I am always available to 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 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.

I Know My Real Estate Agent Under Priced My House

Do you believe that your Cumming GA real estate agent underpriced your home?

Home Mortgage RatesA survey by RISMEDIA showed that 76% of home sellers believed that their property was worth more than the listing price recommended by their real estate agent.
Interestingly enough, 68% of the buyers involved in the survey were certain that those same agents had overpriced the listings by as much as 10%.
Who’s right?  Everyone!
Why? Because they all determine “value” in very different ways.
Virtually every seller I’ve worked with in the last two years has honestly believed, deep in their heart, that their home was worth much more than the price at which I (CMA in hand), the multiple real estate agents they interviewed before me, the buyers and the bank appraiser ultimately valued it.  And, to a point, I understand.  These sellers loved their homes and love is blind.
Have you ever looked at a friend’s husband and wondered just exactly what it is that she sees in him??   In your eyes, he’s too tall, too short, too chubby, too skinny, talks too much is or is just too quiet for your taste…  Yet, in her eyes he is the perfect man and the best husband on the planet.  It’s the same with houses!
When you have lived comfortably in a home, raised children in a home and made happy memories in a home, you feel that it is a warm, special place full of love that must be evident to all who enter (not so true!).  Sellers don’t always smell the litter box or see the tattered, outdated wallpaper or that notice the fact that virtually every surface in the house needs to be de-cluttered because they are looking at their home through the eyes of love. They’ve been happy there for years, why wouldn’t everyone else love it too?
When you add to that the fact that the seller remembers EVERY PENNY that has been invested in the property (yep, even ugly carpet costs money…) they place a value on their home that reflects their “total investment” both financial and emotional.
Because of this, I never argue with a seller about the “worth” of their home.  I simply say:  “I’m not telling you that your home is not worth that amount. What I am saying is that the current market simply won’t support that price (black & white numbers of a CMA don’t lie) nor will it appraise for that amount. This is a function of the current market, not a statement about your home!”  And as an added layer of confirmation, for the seller’s comfort, I’m always willing to split the cost of an appraisal with the homeowner if they want a second opinion!
Like the end of any love affair it is a tough step to take, but if a seller can get past the emotional arguments and allow themselves to understand that the buyers who view their home will not be “in love” with their house, and will be seeing it as it truly is (warts and all), they are one step closer to getting their property sold and moving on.
If you are thinking of selling, give me a call today!  I’ll be happy to provide a FREE – no obligation – CMA to help you see what the market value of your home is 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 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.

When Does Paying Off a Credit Card NOT Help Your Credit?

 

real estate mortgage loan -- good credit report
As most homebuyers know, your FICO score (the credit score created by Fair Isaac Corporation) rules your world!
…did you know that the big three credit services base a large part of your credit scores on the “balance due” to “card limit” ratio??
Your FICO credit score will not just determine if  you can get a mortgage, but what interest rate you will pay for it.  And, did you know that that little three digit score can also affect the price of your home and auto insurance?  It can even keep you from getting the job you want!
Your FICO Score is calculated by a mathematical algorithm that evaluates many types of information from your credit report.
We all know that a history of paying bills late can be very detrimental to your score (generally accounts for approximately 35% of your score).  But, did you know that the big three credit services (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian) base a large part of your credit scores on the “balance due” to “card limit” ratio?? This ratio can accounts for approximately 30% of your score!
My husband and I try very hard to live a “debt free” lifestyle.  But, in order to get “reward points” for cash back or air miles, we usually charge everything to a credit card and then pay it off at the end of the month (this also makes it very easy for us track spending and keep our budget under control).  You would think that would mean that we are using zero, or a very small percentage, of our available credit – but that it not how it works!
Here is an example of how the credit services look at this scenario:  If we have a $10,000 limit on our Visa card and we spend $5,100 per month (easy to do when you have monthly business expenses in additional to personal spending) the credit companies consider it to be as if we are using 51% of your available credit… even if you pay it off at the end of the month!  What????   This plan can actually lower our credit score.
Here’s the REASON – the credit services only receive information from your credit card companies once a month, so they never see the paid off balance only the outstanding balance due!
To keep our score from being affected, we have chosen to split our purchases over 2 cards (1 for business and 1 for personal) to guarantee that we never use over 30% of the available credit on any card.
I recommend that you look through the credit cards in your wallet… including all the ones that give you coupons or discounts in a department or home improvement store…. these usually have very low credit limits and this rule applies to them too!
The best advice I can give someone preparing to buy a home in the near future is review your credit report NOW and pay down every credit card to reach a balance due of 50% or less (30% is preferable!).
And… speak to a lender to get pre-approved.
If you are not currently working with a lender and need a referral to a local mortgage pro, give me a call and I’ll gladly provide you with a copy of my “preferred lender” list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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

8 Cool Twists on the Guest Room-Office Combo

Contemporary Home Office by Hong Kong Interior Designers & Decorators Ample DESIGN
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.

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

Does it Make Sense to Retrofit Your Home Before You Sell?

Green upgrades for your home
Does Your Older Home Need To Be Retrofitted Before You Sell It?
More often than not, a newer home will offer more energy efficient features aimed at curbing rising utility costs. So, in order to compete with these homes, you may need to update some features in your home in order to sell it.
On a day-to-day basis I see more buyers asking about “green” features such as tankless water heaters, upgraded insulation (higher R value or spray insulation) and low flow plumbing fixtures.
As builders have begun to make a point of touting these features in their new construction homes, buyers have begun expecting to find them in resale properties as well.
Upgrading an older home can be expensive, but as panelists at a REALTOR Conference & Expo held in Anaheim said, “Green upgrades aimed at energy efficiency continues to get more recognition in the real estate business as more home owners look for ways to curb rising utility costs as well as potentially increase the resale value of their home.”
Add to this the plethora of HGTV programs telling buyers that homes should be fully updated before they even go on the market, it just makes sense to make these updates now, for your own enjoyment, and then reap the benefit should you decide to sell.

 

Here are a few more articles that might help:
Upgrade Your Electrical Plugs with USB Chargers
Despite What Kermit Says, it is Easy Being Green
CES Provides New Ideas for Cumming, GA Homeowners
7 Home Remodeling Ideas to Consider Before Selling
Before You Sell- Fix it or Leave It
Still have questions?  Please reach out to me any time!

 

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

Was Your Home a Good Investment? Use this Calculator to See

I spend my days showing homes for sale in Cumming, GA in South Forsyth county GA and I speak to homeowners every week who are shocked to find out that their home is not worth what they thought it was.
“But I paid $…”
On the other hand, values in our local market have really held strong when compared to the national average so others are pleasantly surprised. It really just depends on a combination of location, date of purchase and updates/upgrades that have been made over the years.
Are you wondering if buying your home was a good investment? You can use this Calculator from CNN Money to find out.
Want an up-to-date market value analysis of your home? Just use this form to provide a bit of info and I’ll share my expertise with you for FREE!
Want to know why you need a CMA or market value analysis before you decide to sell?

See what your home is worth in just seconds

 

 

 

 

 

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

What is a CMA and Why Do You Need One?

 

Determining a suitable list price for your home is one of the most important tasks a listing agent will assist you with. Generally this begins with a CMA.
When a real estate agent says they will be completing a “CMA” on your property, they are referring to a Comparative Market Analysis. A CMA is a detailed market data report prepared specifically for your property.
The CMA process will be completed before your home is listed for sale and should provide you with a reasonable idea of what your home will likely sell for.
The CMA report is created using information about area “comps” (properties which are similar to yours) which have recently sold, are currently active on the market or were recently listed for sale but expired without selling. In the report, adjustments will be made to the price of each comp to account for additional or missing features, upgrades or size discrepancies as compared to your home.
The information provided in a CMA will be very useful in helping you determine an accurate sales price for your home. As an agent, it is my goal to help you get your home sold for the most money possible, in the shortest time possible and with the least hassle possible – and this information can help us do that.
The first step in creating an accurate CMA will involve a quick walk through inspection of your property. This inspection will not take long and need not be extremely detailed. It simply allows us to note specific details about your home (such as special features or upgrades) and assess the overall condition of the property. If you are thinking of making any updates, upgrades or modifications to your home prior to selling, this would be the best time to make us aware of your plans.
Next, we will research several property data sources to obtain information on comparable properties in your local market – including active listings, properties which have sold recently, foreclosures, etc.
Active listings: Tell us what your direct market competition will be.
Sold listings: Tell us what an actual buyer is willing to pay for home similar to yours.
Expired listings: Tell us the price at which a buyer will walk away from a home similar to yours.
The data sources we use include a blend of multiple listing services, tax records and other market trending databases. Additionally, to further enhance the accuracy of our CMA, we utilize a private data source used by many lenders to create a “desktop appraisal” report. This report provides us excellent insight into how a mortgage lender will likely evaluate your property’s value.
The sum of this information will provide the agent an accurate estimate of what your property is worth in the current market. This will be presented to you in the form a “pricing range”. (More aggressive pricing for those in need of an immediate sale – less aggressive pricing if time on the market is not an issue.)
Not only is a CMA important in terms of pricing your home for sale, but buyers often request that their agent complete a CMA on any property they are seriously considering making an offer on to verify that the asking price accurately reflects the current market value.
A CMA is not an appraisal. An appraisal must be performed by a licensed appraiser. You have the right to have a pre-listing appraisal completed on your property by the appraiser of your choice if you feel the value is in question. If the homebuyer is seeking a loan to purchase your home, the buyer’s lender will require one to be completed by an appraiser, sanctioned by them, prior to loan approval.

REQUEST a FREE Market Analysis (CMA) of Your Home

 

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325 Brannon Rd., Suite #200 Cumming GA 30041
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