Author Archives: Marie Dinsmore

5 Important Considerations for First-Time Home Buyers

ffdaWhen it comes to finding the perfect home to rent, your job is much easier because the goal is to find a home that “meets my needs right now” instead of “meets my needs for the next 20 years.”  Plain and simple, making the decision to purchase a property is a much bigger commitment than renting, both in terms of finances and length of time that you’ll wind up staying in one place.

With that being said, due to the amount you’ll have to invest in your final decision, it’s important to do a bit of upfront homework so you don’t wind up in a bind down the road.

Therefore, if you’re getting ready to buy your first place, there are five things that should be considered in advance.

1.) ADDITIONS TO YOUR LIFE – While it’s important to shop for a space that meets your current space needs, it’s always wise to assume that you might need to make adjustments at a later date should your family expand.  Even if kids aren’t in the picture, you never know what other types of changes life may throw at you—such as having a parent move in—so it’s wise to think about your need for extra bedrooms, bathrooms, and overall square footage.

2.) KNOW THE HOME’S CONDITION – Sure, you may not be able to afford a lot of upgrades at first; however, the basics should still be in working order.  Before making the final decision to purchase, you’ll want to have the property thoroughly inspected so you don’t find yourself stuck with a complete money pit.  Speak with your real estate agent about this process and feel free to ask for the names of reputable inspectors.

3.) BE CAREFUL OF EXPECTING PERFECTION – Much like a first job, first homes tend to represent a stepping stone to something better, so finding the right place is often a matter of balancing your wants and needs with what you can reasonably afford.  Make a list of “must-haves,” “nice-haves,” and “not necessary to-haves,” and focus on the areas where you don’t mind compromising.  Are you willing to sacrifice a three-car garage for a larger kitchen?  Is the larger home worth it if it’s in a less desirable neighborhood?  Only you can measure the importance of the amenities you’re looking for.

4.) REMEMBER TO ACCOUNT FOR ALL OF THE COSTS OF OWNERSHIP – When you’re renting, things like regular maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of your landlord; however, one of the key aspects of homeownership is that the property becomes yours and yours alone.  Therefore, don’t forget to account for the fact that your budget will need to include those extra living costs such as utilities, trash pick-up, sewage fees, HOA dues, and other routine maintenance costs.  When approving your home loan, your lending will not factor in these extra costs, so it’s important to calculate them in advance.  If you’re unsure of how to do this, speak with your real estate agent to determine the appropriate price range for you.

5.) ALL THINGS HAVE A LIFESPAN – Manmade things break and deteriorate, so it’s important to not only identify a potential home’s flaws before you buy, but to have an understanding of its components.  When will the roof need to be replaced?  How old is the furnace?  What kind of shape are the appliances and carpet in?  Sure, everything may be in working order now, but all homes will need these types of repairs or replacements eventually, so it’s wise to research the expected lifespan of the larger-ticket items in your potential home.

When you’re ready to get the process started, please contact me.  I’d love to help you along the way.

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

2014 RE/MAX All Properties Top Sales Associate of the Year

Marie Dinsmore Named RE/MAX All Properties 2014 Top Sales Associate

Along with being given the 2014 Five Star Professional Real Estate Award, being named to Trulia’s 2014 “Best of” list, and earning the 2014 RE/MAX Platinum Club Award, I am proud to announce that I have rounded out a fantastic year by being named the 2014 RE/MAX All Properties Sales Associate of the Year.

IMG_0016With over $11 million in sales for 2014, this is the second time I’ve been given this amazing honor and I am so thankful to everyone who helped me along the way.  My success is not an individual feat—it is something that is a direct result of the support I have gained from my customers, network family, and friends, and I am unbelievably grateful for all of their blessings.

At the end of the day, real estate is my profession and I am proud of where it has taken me but more than that, I am so thankful for the opportunity it has given me to interact with the community in a way that gives back and builds relationships which go far beyond simply buying and selling.

Thank for this latest honor.  It is truly one of the highlights of my life and career.

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

Marie Dinsmore Receives Highest Trulia Honor for 2014

j2014 was truly a great year for The Dinsmore Team and I am thrilled to announce that I was recently recognized in Trulia’s first annual “Best of Trulia” list.

As the leading online marketplace for home buyers, sellers, renters, and real estate professionals, Trulia has opened up this new program to recognize agents who consistently garner the highest ratings from past clients in an effort to help consumers find and connect with the top agents in their area.

These awards, which are based upon the number of customer reviews an individual agent receives, as well as their client ratings and the number of buy-side or sell-side transactions that were completed in 2014, represents less than 2% of the agents with Trulia profiles in the country.

For consumers, this list offers the opportunity for buyers and sellers to browse top local agents and to see their experience listed in one place, while also allowing potential homeowners to view each agent’s past sales history and customer reviews.

As an agent who has successfully utilized Trulia to market my listings, I am beyond honored to have received so many glowing reviews from my past customers.  At the end of the day, personal recommendations are truly the heartbeat of my business and I am so thankful to have earned your trust.

—here’s to making 2015 just as successful!

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

Featured Neighborhood: Carramore in Cumming

17_5389982_0_1422480313_636x435Located off exit 14 on 400 and within close proximity to The Collection at Forsyth, this beautiful community offers a variety of floor plans starting at 2,800 feet.  With luxury master bathrooms and designer kitchens, homeowners are guaranteed an upscale lifestyle with the option of both basement and non-basement properties.

Situated just minutes from Lake Lanier, Midway Park, Forsyth County Greenway, and a short drive from the North Georgia Premium Outlets, this beautiful subdivision is also located within the award-winning Forsyth County school district and boasts the addition of community gates for added neighborhood security.

Filled with an assortment of beautiful upgrades, each Carramore home comes standard with desirable features such as quality G.E. stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, tray and vaulted ceilings, premium hardwood floors, and a free standing bathtub in the master bath.

Architecturally, each home has designed exterior elevations of brick, stone, and shake, and comes with the option of a side-entry or three-car garage.  In addition, pre-finished aluminum gutters and downspouts protect your foundation, which consists of poured concrete with steel reinforcements.

woodridgeStarting around $400,000 and topping out around $425,000, if you’re interested in taking a look at one of these lovely homes, it’s important to remember that utilizing the services of your own Realtor is important.  While new communities generally have their own buyer’s agents on hand, in order to make sure you get the best deal possible, it’s wise to consider the advice of an agent who is solely in your corner.

If you’d like help, please feel free to contact me.  I’m very familiar with this neighborhood and would love to support you during the buying process.

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

Improve Your Home for Less Than $100

traditional-home-officeWhen most people hear the words “home improvement” or “remodel,” they envision expensive updates and upgrades; however, when it comes to improving the look of your home, it’s important to remember that adding a bit of functionality or beauty doesn’t have to break the bank.
To help you along the way, I’ve created a list of home improvement projects that can be completed for less than $100.

IN NEED OF OFFICE SPACE? USE A CLOSET! – Simple and budget-friendly, this project is as simple as unhinging the closet door and nixing the hanging rods for shelves.  One deep shelf can be used for the actual desktop which 2 shallow shelves can be used for overhead storage.  Add a chair, some boxes for organization, and voila!—a new home office!

SPRING FOR MOUNTED LIGHTING UPGRADES – If you’re dealing with a small space, consider adding a few matching pendant lamps that can either be purchased new or through a furniture consignment or antique store.

4505426383_e53d4fece1DOORWAY DISPLAYS – If you’re looking to create something truly unique, install a shelf above the doorway and paint it to match the trim.  By using the space to display beautiful pieces of décor like pottery or framed antique photos, you’ll add another dimension to your room.

MAXIMIZE YOUR WINDOW SPACE – If you’re someone who loves the look and feel of large windows, install floor length hanging drapes at ceiling height to make smaller windows look longer.

UTILIZE STAINED GLASS – If you’re looking to add a bit of elegance to your bathroom, stained glass is always a popular and beautiful choice; however, it can be challenging to find pieces that will fit your window perfectly.  Therefore, in lieu of spending the money to have a section of stained glass made, try hanging one from chains in front of your existing window for the same effect.

original_Michelle-Hinckley-decorative-shelf-as-bedside-table-in-bedroom_h_lgWALL-MOUNT BEDSIDE TABLE – Another great space-saver is the wall-mount bedside table, which can be easily installed using wood corbels and your choice of material on top.  If you’re looking to get a bit creative, think about using something like a slate roof shingle or a section of antique wood.

ADD A CHAIR RAIL – If you’re looking to bring a bit of color into your bedroom or living room, consider adding a chair rail and painting the wall below a soothing color while adding a bolder hue up top.

Whether you’re looking to sell your home or are simply looking to find further ways to enjoy your space, I’d love to help you with additional tips and tricks to make your home spectacular.

Call or email me.  We’ll talk!

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