Marie Dinsmore Receives Highest Trulia Honor for 2014

Feb 15, 2015 8:25 am
Written by
0 Comments

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

Feb 5, 2015 11:27 pm
Written by
0 Comments

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

Jan 30, 2015 2:26 pm
Written by
0 Comments

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

 

 

Marie Dinsmore Earns RE/MAX Platinum Club Award

Jan 25, 2015 8:13 am
Written by
0 Comments

1394632456When it comes to doing your job and doing it well, there’s nothing like the feeling of receiving an award which truly recognizes all of your hard work and dedication.  Therefore, as we gear up for the spring real estate season, it is with abounding joy that I announce my inclusion into the RE/MAX Platinum Club for Realtors©.

RE/MAX Club Awards are individual awards that are based on levels of annual commission from January 1st through December 31st and are distributed based upon single year commission reports.  As one of the highest designations within the company, the Platinum Club recognizes those agents who have earned anywhere from $250,000-$499,999 in gross commissions.

While I’ve taken great pride in winning the Million Dollar Club every year since 2003—meaning I have consistently sold more than $1 million dollars-worth of property—this designation, which I previously earned in 2005, truly pushes me to continue on my quest to raise the bar for the real estate industry, my clients, and the community.

At the end of the day, I offer my customers a level of experienced understanding and keen attention to detail that are truly second-to-none. If you are looking for the services of a seasoned agent, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I’m looking forward to making 2015 another successful year and I cannot wait to help make your dreams come true along the way.

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

How Much Do You Know About the Radon Levels in Your Home?

Jan 23, 2015 10:07 pm
Written by
0 Comments

georgiaradonmapDid you know that January is Radon Action Month?  No?  Well, are you even sure what radon is?  If you’re like a lot of people, you may have heard about the hazards of radon in passing; however, whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, it’s important to be aware of what it is and why it matters to your life.

Plain and simple, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released by rock, soil, and water, which can build up to dangerous levels within any home.  In the past, many people believed that homes built upon slab foundations were immune to this odorless, invisible gas; however, it’s important to note that it can be found within old or new homes, well-sealed or drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Breathing radon can greatly increase your risk of lung cancer, which has actually made it the number one cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke.  In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes more than 20,000 deaths from lung cancer in the U.S. each year.

With this, it’s important to note that not only has radon been found in every state, but its levels can vary greatly between homes within the same area.  In the United States, the average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air), while the average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L.  According to the EPA, it is recommended that people consider fixing their homes if their radon levels sit between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.

If it is discovered that your home contains high levels of radon, it’s not only possible to fix the problem, but it can be done for about the same cost as other common home repairs.  While your personal situation will still depend upon how your home was built and how you use it, it’s important to note that testing for it is incredibly easy and incredibly worthwhile.

If you have questions about the process or you’re concerned about your home, I would love to put you in touch with a qualified inspector who can help keep you and your family safe.

Please do not hesitate to contact me.

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

Featured Neighborhood: The Preserve at Wild Rose

Jan 19, 2015 11:58 am
Written by
0 Comments

5373327_0If you’re in the market for a beautiful craftsman-style home, The Preserve at Wild Rose in North Forsyth County is a brand new community that boasts 51 gorgeous, large wooded homesites that start in the high $200’s.

Built by Martin Associates Homebuilders & Fidelis Signature Homes, the neighborhood includes a large playground, kid-friendly swimming pool, and a neighborhood association, as well as close proximity to the North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville and Lake Sidney Lanier.

While open floor plans, gourmet kitchens with granite, and formal dining rooms come standard in each home, additional homesite features include options such as stainless steel appliances, coffered ceilings, larger closets, and upstairs lofts.  With this, for homebuyers who are looking for a property with a bit more storage, several homes also offer an unfinished basement option, as well as secondary bedrooms that can be converted into a playroom or study.

The-Shoal-Creek-home-planFor buyers with children, the local schools include Chestatee Elementary, North Forsyth Middle School, and North Forsyth High School, as well as Covenant Christian Academy, Horizon Christian Academy, Ivy League Montessori School, and McGinnis Woods Country Day School.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to tour the community, I would love to set up a time to show you the area and answer any questions you may have.  Please feel free to contact me or, if you would like to speak with one of The Preserve’s associates, contact Jennifer Baxter at 678-469-1413 or click here to visit their website.

Happy house hunting!

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