Monthly Archives: September 2015

The Future: Selling Your Home Online?

the-edrms-new-computer-assisted-review-reference-model-explainedYears ago, before the dot-com era really took off, I remember laughing as companies started listing their web addresses at the end of each commercial.  I simply couldn’t believe that all of these businesses were getting online and when it came to being able to actually make purchases with the click of a button, I was amazed.

In the 15-20 years since then, we’ve watched as the world has changed into a connected web of physical storefronts and virtual corporations.  As we’ve gained the ability to be online at any time, we’ve found ourselves trying to balance the good with the bad.

In regards to the real estate industry, the internet has made it easier for consumers to not only look for homes, but to engage with agents and other professionals without leaving the house; however, a line has always been drawn between finding a home online and actually purchasing a home online.  Generally speaking, the brick and mortar business of real estate—with real estate agents at the helm—continues to be the norm.

Still, according to a recent CNBC article, the U.S. market may be primed for a new wave of online-only real estate agents who have found success in the U.K.  Companies like eMoov and HouseSimple have gained a footing through streamlined systems which allow them to charge lower fees for selling a home.

However, after speaking with the National Association of Realtors, the article’s author was told that Americans should be leery of making the transition into a purely digital real estate market, especially since purchasing a home is a lot more complex than “clicking ‘buy’ on a website, like you’d do when purchasing an airline ticket.”

They also make a point to stress the fact that while online companies may save sellers money, they are lacking in their ability to fully understand local markets and will have a hard time helping consumers navigate each step of the transaction process.

At the end of the day, the U.S. real estate industry is all about forging personal connections and providing personal attention.  Utilizing the services of an agent who not only has knowledge about the buying and selling process, but the local area is important if you’re hoping to get the best deal possible.

Yes, the internet has a unique affinity for making things simple when it comes to purchasing a product from anywhere in the world; however, how easy is it to make contact if you have an issue with that product once you’ve purchased it?  The problem with the impersonal nature of dealing with online corporations is that you’re doing business with people who have no real ties to you, your life, or your community.

The vitality of a local real estate agent is often based upon personal referrals, which means your best interests remain the primary concern.  This will not be the case with an online-only agent or company, so it’s worth questioning whether you want to place $200,000+ to someone who has no real ties to your life.

At this point in time, the U.S. market has yet to see a rise in these types of companies, but the wave is coming and homeowners need to be prepared for what types of changes they can expect to see within the industry.

If you’re looking to sell your current property or are on the hunt for something new, I would love give you the personal attention you deserve.  Please contact me for more information.

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

Strategies for Tackling Buyer’s Remorse

CLbqPpjXAAASWnqFor some, any major—or even small—purchase will elicit feelings of anxiety, regret, and even doom; however, even though you may be someone who is generally inclined to a bit of hand-wringing, when purchasing a home, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way.

YOU CANNOT CONTROL EVERYTHING

For starters, let’s just address the obvious.  Yes, purchasing a home is a huge commitment, both in terms of finances and time.  Still, while a large part of that process may feel overwhelming and beyond your control, remember try to remember that it is often our need to feel like we must control everything that gets us into trouble.

Instead of fixating on everything that frightens you about owning your new home—or a home in general—remind yourself of all the reasons you made the decision to purchase in the first place.  Whether you were tired of landlords or simply loved the possibility of having a big backyard, chances are good that you put in a lot of time, effort, and money to get to where you are.

As with most things in life, if you spend more time focusing on the good instead of ruminating over the bad, you’re likely to be a much happier person.  Overcoming buyer’s remorse is no different.  Fixate on the possibilities, the potential, and the parts that simply feel like home.

STOP AND THINK

All-too-often, we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed without taking the time to assess what we’re truly feeling.  Where are those thoughts of buyer’s remorse coming from?  Are you afraid that you won’t be able to afford the mortgage?  Is there a lot of work that still needs to be done?  Do you feel like it may be smaller than you expected?

Instead of standing still and continuing to stress, make a list of your worries and start by addressing what you can, one thing at a time.  Take a Saturday to paint the guest room.  Replace the lighting in the kitchen.  By slowly crossing items off your list, you’re likely to feel that sense of dread lift, ever so slightly.

SHOW IT OFF

Hey!  You just bought a home!  That’s great!  …and let’s be honest, it really is great!  Not everyone is in a position to do that—no matter how much they’d like to be—so why not celebrate?

Throw a housewarming party, barbeque, or dinner and gather your loved ones for a celebration.  Chances are better than good that everyone will be more than excited for you, so let a little bit of those good vibes remind you of how fantastic your new place is.

TAKE SOME TIME TO CREATE YOUR SPOT

Part of learning to love something requires finding a bright spot in what may otherwise be somewhat dim.  When you take the time to appreciate one area of your home, chances are good that those warm feelings will spread.

Set aside a few spare moments to just sit in your new space—every day—and appreciate the things you love about your little corner of comfort.  Whether it’s soft light at sunrise or open French doors, let this part of your house feel like home and hopefully, the rest will follow.

If you’d like to find your dream home and want some assistance with the buying process, I’d love to offer my services.  Please feel free to contact me anytime.

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

Featured Neighborhood: Williams Point in Cumming, GA

906735196709632_wp_modelLocated just north of Highway 20 in Forsyth County, this beautiful neighborhood sits amidst the rolling countryside and boasts the kind of charm that you’d expect from an idyllic Southern neighborhood.  Carefully planned by SR Homes, buyers are sure to be enchanted by streets lined with green hedges and historic lanterns, and will enjoy the view of spacious home sites and timeless architectural details.

Each home has been built with an eye for quality and attention to detail, and features an upscale, well-designed interior with open floorplans that are sure to thrill any potential buyer.  In addition, if you’re looking for a place that offers ample amenities and opportunities for relaxation at the end of the day, Williams Point comes with a beautifully designed community area, equipped with a crystal clear pool, tennis courts, and community gathering room.

With only 61 homesites, this neighborhood is perfect for buyers who are looking for that “close-knit” vibe, especially if their goal is to find an escape at the end of the day.

For families, children in this community will be within the highly-ranked Forsyth school district, with easy access to an array of dining, shopping, and recreational activities.  In addition, each home features a design offering between 3000-4000 square feet with large private backyards, so buyers will never have to worry about space being an issue with young children or teenagers.

The community features a zoned irrigation system, with each homesite being professionally landscaped and fitted with features such as 40-year architectural shingles, premium 8-foot wide entry doors, and a variety of exterior options such as brick, cultured stone, and shake and siding veneers.

Inside, buyers are sure to be pleased with an abundance of natural light, 9-foot ceilings, stunning downstairs hardwoods, gourmet kitchens featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, as well as a variety of energy saving features.

SCHOOLS

Matt Elementary School – 3.2 miles

Liberty Middle School – 3.2 miles

West Forsyth High School – 8.2 miles

SHOPPING

Kroger – 2.2 miles

Vickery Village – 6.8 miles

The Collection at Forsyth – 8.7 miles

Cumming Marketplace – 9.5 miles

North Georgia Premium Outlets – 13.1 miles

RECREATION

Poole’s Mill Park – 3.8 miles

Sawnee Mountain Park – 4.1 miles

Big Creek Greenway – 9.2 miles

Fowler Park – 9.6 miles

HOSPITALS

Northside Forsyth Hospital – 10.1 miles

If you’d like to learn more about this beautiful neighborhood or would like to schedule a viewing, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.

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

The Importance of Home Maintenance Records

July2015-Trulia-4-Reasons-You-Absolutely-Need-to-Save-Home-Maintenance-Records-girl-filing-away-papersWhen it comes to our cars, most of us understand that it’s important to save our service records—or at least shove them in the glove compartment—especially if we’re hoping to get top dollar when it comes time to sell.  While your latest oil change might not seem like big news, it may be to a potential buyer who will want to see how well the vehicle has been cared for.

On a larger scale, it’s important to think of your home in the same terms.  While it’s always tempting to throw that pink carbon receipt away from your latest HVAC tune-up or leak repair, consider utilizing a digital or standard filing system to keep track of these types of records.  Here’s why:

POTENTIAL BUYERS: Purchasing a home is a massive financial investment, which means some buyers will be more than meticulous when it comes to assessing the condition of your property.  Due diligence often pays off for buyers, so chances are good that if selling is in your future, you’ll want to be able to give dates for everything from when your gutters were installed to your last carpet cleaning.  You don’t want to get caught off guard with questions that you’re simply unable to answer, so let the receipts do the talking for you.

SAVE YOUR MONEY: Maintenance records are just that—records.  In short, they give you the opportunity to keep track of how often something is being worked on so you gain a better understanding of whether you should continue throwing money into repairs or should simply bite the bullet and purchase a new product.  If you notice that those pink slips are piling up, you might save more money with a replacement.

INSURANCE DISPUTES: Insurance companies make money off of the assumption that you’ll likely pay more for monthly coverage than they’ll ever have to pay in the case of an accident.  In essence, it’s a numbers game that makes them a good bit of money; however, it also creates an environment where their goal is to make sure they compensate you with just enough to cover your costs.

Therefore, if—for example—your insurance company pays for a new roof after damage from a massive storm, it’s possible for them to decide at a later date that they paid you too much money.  Should this happen, they will likely request a portion of their funds back, which means it’s extremely important to maintain control of your receipts and maintenance records in order to dispute their claims.

SETTING FUTURE BUDGETS: Following a set maintenance schedule is an important aspect of homeownership, especially if you’re looking to retain your property value.  While no one enjoys feeling like their constantly shelling out money for appliance checks and minor repairs, having an understanding of how much you’re spending each year can set the stage for the establishment of a yearly maintenance budget.

Instead of getting caught off-guard every time you’re forced to drop a couple hundred dollars on a maintenance issue, use your receipts to establish a yearly estimate of how much you spend on repairs so you never have to feel like your scraping to find the cash to cover them.

For more tips and tricks, please feel free to contact me.  Even if you’re not looking to sell your home or buy something new in the near future, I’m always here to offer advice.

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