Author Archives: Marie Dinsmore

Featured Neighborhood: The Hampshires in Milton, GA

13811526-141028If you’re looking for an established swim & tennis community with spacious wooded acreage and rolling landscapes, The Hampshires, by Peachtree Residential Properties, is a true gem.  With 60 homesites boasting houses ranging from 3318 to 4383-square feet, each home includes a basement and has a two-car side-entry garage and tandem third car garage.

Starting in the 600’s, each home is built with three sides brick and sits upon lots that range from one to three acres.  Standard features include expansive kitchen islands with beautiful 13811550-141028granite countertops, upscale stainless steel appliances, crown molding, and stunning hardwoods which complement each home’s light, open floor plan.

Located near superior Northwest and Fulton schools: Birmingham Falls Elementary, Hopewell Middle, and Cambridge High School, this community has close access GA-400 and is just a short drive from The Avalon, The Collection at Forsyth, and Northpoint Mall.

13811552-141028Voted one of the top five safest places to live in Georgia for 2015, Milton was also named the best overall city in Georgia and is actually considered the 9th best city in the Southeast.

If you’d like to know more about this truly beautiful community or would like to schedule a visit, please contact me for more information.  While new communities usually have their own agents on site, it’s important to have the backing of a Realtor who is there to look out for your best interests, rather than the builder’s.

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

Simple Updates to Bring Your 1970s Home into this Century

before-and-after-photos_005Whether you’re looking to move in the next few years or at some unknown point down the road, if you own an older home, it can be challenging to think about entering a housing market that is frequently flooded with new builds.  While there’s something to be said for the quality and integrity of older building materials, as well as the character that comes with etched woodwork and crown molding, if your home was built in the 60s or 70s, chances are good that it’s missing that old-time charm anyway.

What you will find, however, are things like wood paneling, dark flooring, dim lighting, and an abundance of popcorn ceilings.  In essence, things tend to feel a bit tight.  Therefore, if you’re looking to bring a home that’s 40 to 50-years-old into this century, a few tweaks can make a great deal of difference.

GET RID OF DARK PANELING

Homes in this era tend to have lower ceilings which, combined with darker wall coverings, often make people feel as if they’re living in a cave.  To really make things feel open and light, one of the first considerations should involve removing the dark paneling.  While this process definitely requires a bit of effort, it will be well worth it in the end.  If you’re extremely handy or have experience with this type of renovation, it’s certainly a project that can be done without professional help; however, depending upon the condition of your walls beneath the paneling, additional assistance may be required.

If you don’t have the time or money to remove the paneling all-together, consider painting over it with a light color.

BRING IN THE LIGHT

Since low ceilings tend to restrict the amount of light that comes into your home, a great remedy involves the installation of a few skylights.  While this is another project that you may be able to do on your own, it’s probably wise to hire the services of a professional.  Not only can they help make sure the installation is done right—you certainly don’t want rain leaking in—they can help you select the right type of skylights for your home, as well as your budget.

ADDING WINDOWS

Although replacing your existing windows may go a long way towards making your home feel a bit more modern, especially if they’ve become drafty over the years, part of allowing more light into your space may simply involve adding additional windows to certain rooms.

Clearly, this is generally a job for a professional, especially if you’re planning on adding windows or expanding existing ones.  Anytime you mess with your walls, it’s important to have a solid understanding of where your structural supports are, so making sure this project is done correctly is pretty important.

REPLACE YOUR FLOORING

Whether you’re dealing with carpeting, tile, or wood flooring, you’ll add more appeal to your home by replacing any dark flooring with lighter alternatives.  Consider swapping dark carpeting with lighter, more muted tones (e.g. beige, grey, off-white, etc.) and refinish any dark-stained wood with a lighter stain.  If you have an abundance of dated vinyl flooring, you may want to opt for a pale colored tile instead.

SAY GOODBYE TO THE POPCORN CEILINGS

Most homes built during the 60s and 70s have popcorn ceilings, which have a tendency to cause shadows and trap dust.  With that, no matter how well you renovate the rest of your home, they will always scream, “I was built in 1973!”  Therefore, updating your ceilings is wise investment and is something that doesn’t necessarily require the services of a professional painter.  Most people are entirely capable of doing it themselves; however, aside from being messy, it requires the use of certain tools that you simply may not have at home.

For tips on updating the curb appeal of your outdated home, stay tuned for next week’s blog.  As always, if you would like advice or want to know what types of home changes will give you the best bang for your buck, please contact me.  I’m always here to help.

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

Top Questions to Ask Your Realtor

Couple meeting with financial advisor.Oftentimes, a home-selling strategy is only as good as the Realtor working to develop it; however, it’s not uncommon to find sellers who have gotten so lost in the process of cleaning, painting, and prepping their home that they forget to ask some of the most important questions.

While your overall strategy and list price may vary depending upon the season and other variables indicative of the current real estate climate, as you get closer to finalizing your listing, it’s important to ask your agent the following questions.

What is the most I can ask for my home based upon the current market? 

Location obviously plays a huge role in how much you can ask for your home, especially since it’s clearly something that cannot be changed.  With that, unless you plan on undergoing a full-scale remodel before you list, chances are good that your number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage will remain relatively static.  With that being said, it’s important to make a point to discuss a proper listing price with your Realtor and to trust that, given the current market, they will do what’s best.

Based upon the current market and my asking price, when can I expect to field a serious offer?

Clearly, your Realtor cannot see the future, but it’s worth asking for their opinion on how long they think you’ll have to wait for a buyer.  If you’re looking to list your home at the top end of your asking range, you may have to wait longer, so it’s good to understand this dynamic in advance.

What is your strategy regarding open houses?

Just like all markets are different, all Realtors are different, as well.  While some agents refrain from staging open houses in favor of viewings, others feel that open houses are a great way to get your home seen by a lot of potential buyers.

Before assuming that your buyer will conduct business in a certain way, make a point to ask them how they develop their strategy and why they choose to do it that way.

In the end, as with most things in life, communication is key.  If you have questions, it’s important to speak up!  The Realtor/client relationship is just that—a relationship—and most of us understand that healthy, successful relationships are dependent upon open and honest dialogue.

A Realtor’s job is to serve the client, so it’s important to make sure that the handling of your home is done in a way that aligns with your interests.  If you’d like to learn more or would simply like a bit of advice, I’m always available to help.

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

Marie Dinsmore Receives New “Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)” Certification

cne_logo_cmykMarie Dinsmore has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation from the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI).  The CNE designation is earned by real estate professionals who have successfully completed formal negotiation training over the course of two days.  In regards to negotiation skills, gents who receive this certification are among the top agents in the country.

With professional negotiation skills, agents are able to help clients obtain better results when selling or purchasing a home.  CNE agents have a higher skill level, which enables them to 1) communicate more effectively to uncover desired information, 2) help clients understand their options, 3) work collaboratively with others, and 4) resolve deadlocks.  CNE agents also have a thorough understanding of how to effectively negotiate to help their clients achieve their goals.

The Real Estate Negotiation Institute is the leading negotiation training and coaching company in the real estate industry.  Collectively, the Real Estate Negotiation Institute’s instructors have over 300 years of real estate and negotiation experience.  Tom Hayman, the CEO and Co-Founder of the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, asserts, “Any buyer or seller who hires a CNE agent can feel confident that they have one of the best trained negotiators in the real estate industry.  They will not only achieve superior results, but will have better resolution of all issues when under the representation of a CNE agent.”

Marie Dinsmore is a Realtor with RE/MAX® All Properties in Cumming, Georgia who specializes in luxury homes, estate properties, and estate homes in the North Georgia area.  These types of properties require keen attention to detail, as well as an experienced understanding of the needs required by the buyers and sellers in this highly specialized division of the market.  It is this client focus which has made Dinsmore a top producer for years, along with her belief in hard work, dedication to her customers, and a true passion for the real estate sector.  In 2014, she was given The Best of Trulia Top Agent Award, The Five Star Professional Award, and named RE/MAX® All Properties Top Sales Associate for 2014.

Individuals in North Georgia who are looking for a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) who is also a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) can contact Marie Dinsmore at 770.712.7789 or visit www.DinsmoreTeam.com.

For more information about the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, please visit www.theRENI.com.

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Featured Neighborhood: St. Michaels Bay on Lake Lanier in Cumming, GA

Brevard Front 1If you’re in the market for a beautiful home with access to Lake Lanier, this perfectly planned neighborhood is sure to please.  Designed and built by Peachtree Residential Properties, St. Michaels is perfect for active families who are looking for resort-style amenities and the privacy that comes with living in a gated community.

Complete with a private covered marina and courtesy dock, as well as lighted tennis courts, hiking/nature trails, a junior Olympic swimming pool, and luxury clubhouse with fitness center and billiard room, everything you’ll need for a fun weekend just outside your front door.

With homes ranging from $395,900 to $495-900, nothing has been spared.  From three-car garages, gourmet kitchens, and luxurious master retreats to stainless steel appliances, hardwoods, and granite countertops, each house is like walking into a dream.  While some sites have already been built, buyers have the option of customizing their home through our Design Center, which offers professional design services on everything from carpet and tile to countertops and appliances.  Their services are geared towards the client, so you’ll received focused, individual assistance until your home is complete.

Located in North Forsyth County, this stunning development is a short drive from exit 17 on GA-400, with convenient access to an abundance of restaurants and shops.

SCHOOLS

Chestatee Elementary

Little Mill Middle

North Forsyth High School

SHOPPING

The Collection at Forsyth

GA 400 Outlets in Dawsonville

Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville

Hospitals

Northside Forsyth Hospital

Northeast Georgia Health System & Medical Center

If you’d like to schedule a showing or would like to learn more about this beautiful community, please contact me at 770-712-7789.

For free tips on everything from staging and remodeling to the buying and selling process, please stop by the blog on my website.  It’s updated on a weekly basis!

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