Monthly Archives: July 2014

Home Buyers: Avoid Counterfeit HVAC Refrigerants

297354Sadly enough, for every high-priced or in-demand product, there is often a market of counterfeit options that leave unsuspecting customers feeling angry and cheated.  While fake purses and watches tend to be a common—and even accepted—part of our society, additional counterfeit products are showing up on the market that fail to be harmless knock-offs.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen the cost of R-22 Freon skyrocket, which has left in its wake a trail of counterfeit and alternative refrigerants capable of damaging your HVAC system.  Therefore, if you find yourself in a position where you’re in need of refrigerant replacement, it’s important to understand the difference.

GENUINE REFRIGERANTS: These have not only been laboratory tested, but they are also approved by the EPA and HVAC manufacturers for use in their equipment.

ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS: While these are approved by the EPA, they are not approved by the manufacturers for use in their equipment.  Although using these refrigerants is completely legal, it can void your manufacturer’s warranty.

COUNTERFEIT REFRIGERANTS: These are 100% illegal to use or sell, which obviously means they have not been approved by either the EPA or equipment manufacturers.  Generally comprised of some form of genuine refrigerant and a concoction of additives, these “cocktails” can be toxic and/or explosive, and generally require specialized hazmat methods for cleanup.

With this in mind, it’s important for home buyers to consider having all HVAC systems checked by a trusted HVAC specialist instead of a standard home inspector.  While general inspections are obviously necessary before purchasing a home, HVAC experts can spot alternative or counterfeit refrigerants, in addition to other potential issues which may require correction before closing.

If you need assistance and would like the referral of a great company, please contact me for more information.

Marie Dinsmore | The Dinsmore Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com | 770-712-7789

Two Years Running: Marie Dinsmore Receives 2014 Five Star Real Estate Award

2014-Five-Star-Professional-AwardFor the second year in a row, The Dinsmore Team is thrilled to announce that Marie Dinsmore has been selected as a Five Star Real Estate Agent award winner.  The Five Star Professional program is now the largest and most widely published venue for real estate awards in North America and is carried out using market-specific research throughout the U.S. and Canada.  With a focus on identifying service professionals who provide quality assistance to their clients, Five Star’s main research objective is to create a list of real estate agents who demonstrate impeccable levels of integrity, professionalism, knowledge, and concern for their clients.

In short, less than 7% of real estate agents in a given market are given this prestigious award.

To qualify, client satisfaction is measured on a yearly basis through recent homebuyer lists, consumer & homebuyer evaluations, agent regulatory history, and license information.  Unlike other awards of this nature, real estate professionals do not pay a fee to be represented in the research, which makes us thrilled to know that what we do on a daily basis matters to our customers.

0611_coverReal estate truly is our passion, so we couldn’t be happier about this latest accolade.  To learn more, Marie is going to be featured in the August issue of Atlanta Magazine and further information about the Five Star Real Estate Award can be found on their website.

Thank you for giving us your confidence and your support.  Referrals truly are the heartbeat of what we do, so we look forward to years of continued service.

Marie Dinsmore, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

The Dinsmore Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com | 770-712-789 | Marie@DinsmoreTeam.com

Mountain Crest


MOUNTAIN CREST by Lennar

7630562014AvalonFrontwebAs the second largest homebuilder in the United States, the Lennar Corporation has announced that they are securing the permits to build a large neighborhood of houses and townhomes just West of Cumming.

As part of Forsyth County, the Georgia division of the Miami-based company says the new division—covering 444 acres and entitled Mountain Crest—will consist of 572 single-family homes and 124 townhouses along Chamblee Gap Road.

The project, which will hopefully connect to the Big Creek Greenway’s trail network, has a completion date of 2022; however, the first initial phases are expected to be open by 2016.

FamilyRm2-EDG-LindenThe actual development calls for 1.6 units per acre, but Lennar is promising an unprecedented 200 acres of green space within the community.

For now, Lennar is going through the process of getting approval through the county, as well as the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (which is required for all developments with 300+ lots).  Once all comments are addressed through the GMRC, Lennar will be looking to reduce the area’s required commercial and office use from 25% to zero, while also reducing the stream buffer from 50 feet to 25 feet.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to seeing this wonderful new development become a reality!

Lennar-sized

Featured Neighborhood: Marseille

MARSEILLE-SUBDIVISION

MARSEILLE by Edward Andrews Homes

Located in Cumming just off Post Road, the Marseille development is a beautiful oasis of gracious, craftsman-style homes in a lush, natural setting.

112512-HF-cover_4With low tax rates and access to a whole host of amenities such as a sparkling pool and a welcoming cabana area with tennis courts, this striking neighborhood also sits within easy driving distance to an abundance of restaurants and shopping, as well as Atlanta Highway, GA 20, and GA 400.

It’s important to note that since Marseille is located within Forsyth County, residents will also have access to some of the best schools in the state—which include Sawnee Elementary, Liberty Middle, and West Forsyth High School.

While all of their homes come standard with gourmet kitchens, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, media rooms, three car garages, and hardwoods in the kitchen and breakfast areas, what truly sets them apart is the control they provide their homebuyers.

CUSTOMIZED, REIMAGINED

112512-HF-cover_5Built by Edwards Andrews Homes, the Marseille development is unique in that they allow each customer to be at the center of the building process with a level of optimized flexibility that other standard builders cannot provide.

Additionally, through their preferred lending groups they offer $5000 in closing costs, which represents their conviction that custom home building doesn’t have to involve a complex process.  Instead, they want their buyers to feel like they’re joining forces with a true building partner who takes pride in helping each customer discover a home that reflects their individual tastes and needs.

 

OVERVIEW

Schools                                           Amenities                      Points of Interest

ELEMENTARY—Sawnee              Pool                                    Forsyth Avenues

MIDDLE—Liberty                          Tennis Courts                   North Georgia Premium Outlets

HIGH—West Forsyth                     Large Cabana                   GA 20, GA 400, Atlanta Hwy

 

CONTACT

Marie Dinsmore, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

The Dinsmore Real Estate Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com

Marie@DinsmoreTeam.com | 770-712-7789

 

 

Buyers: Navigate a Multiple Offer Situation

Desperate couple doing their accountsThere’s nothing like the feeling you get when, after touring what seems like—or might actually be—dozens of houses, you finally find the one.  The minute you enter, you can see your life playing out within its walls and try as you might, you cannot squelch the array of possible paint colors floating through your head.  It has to be yours.  You’re certain it will be…

…until you discover that nine other bidders are waiting in line.

How did that happen?  You’re angry and anxious, especially since you know that you’re attempting to buy in a seller’s market.  After the housing collapse of several years ago, it might seem strange to see buyers without the upper hand, but with less inventory currently on the market, it’s not unusual for sellers to receive upwards of 15-20 offers on a home.

Therefore, if you find yourself in this type of situation, whether you think you stand a chance or not, it’s always a good idea to write an offer anyway.  To help you along, here are a few tips to put you in the best possible position:

1.) DON’T UNDERESTIMATE EXPERIENCE—You wouldn’t go to court with an inexperienced, novice attorney, so why would you bet your financial livelihood on an inexperienced real estate agent?  When it comes to navigating a multiple offer situation, hiring the services of a seasoned Realtor—who is not only familiar with the process, but has a track record of successful closings—is one of the most important steps you can take.

2.) GET PREAPPROVAL—Generally speaking, each offer will undoubtedly be accompanied by a prequalification letter from a lender; however, you can appear to be the strongest buyer by entering negotiations with a loan preapproval letter.

3.) PUT YOUR BEST OFFER FORWARD—Instead of expecting negotiation, write your best offer and make it attractive.  In an effort to determine pricing, a solid Realtor will be able to give you a comparative market analysis, which is important since many sellers intentionally set low prices in an effort to generate multiple offers.  Just because you’re paying above their asking price, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re paying more than the market value.

4.) UNCOVER WHAT’S IMPORTANT—All sellers have certain wants that will help land you in their good graces.  Whether it’s a fast closing or a longer than normal escrow period, ask your Realtor to find out what those hot buttons are and work hard to make them a reality.

5.) DON’T GET HUNG UP ON CONTINGENCIES—While it’s essential to get a home inspection before you close on a property, there’s nothing wrong with tightening the time period a bit.  When it comes to contingencies, you have the power to speed things along, so if your loan is solid, don’t be afraid to waive the loan approval contingency.

In the end, multiple offer situations can be challenging, especially if you’ve found yourself on the losing end of a similar circumstance in the past.  To make yourself the best possible candidate, straighten your affairs and hire a practiced Realtor who can walk you through the steps.

To learn more or to see how I can help you, please feel free to contact me.  I’d love to hear from you.

Marie Dinsmore | The Dinsmore Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com | 770-712-7789