Tag Archives: Cumming Homes

Featured Neighborhood: Fieldstone Preserve by Lennar Homes

Magnolia-C-elevLocated in Cumming, just minutes from GA 400 and GA 20, Fieldstone Preserve is positioned within a scenic wooded setting that is perfect for families who desire a fun-filled lifestyle.  With expansive homes starting in the low $400s, this upscale community offers both resort-style amenities—to include a clubhouse and fitness center, as well as five swimming pools, 12 tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, basketball court, walking trails, and a private lake—as well as gracious executive homes ranging from 2,886 to 4,353 square feet.

Built by Lennar, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, this beautiful community boasts homes that are bedecked with classic exterior features such as traditional brick and three-car garages, as well as poured, reinforced concrete foundations, rear patios or decks, and professionally landscaped yards.

Inside, all homes come standard with crown molding, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, recessed lighting, spacious walk-in closets, and energy efficient construction.  In addition, buyers will be pleased to discover elegant two-story foyers, hardwood flooring, brushed nickel fixtures, and cultured marble vanities in all full secondary baths.

For families with school-aged children, Fieldstone Preserve is located within Forsyth County, which features some of the best schools in Georgia.  The closest schools include the award-winning West Forsyth High School, as well as Vickery Middle School, and Kelly Mill Elementary.

While perfect for buyers looking to live away from the bustle of Atlanta and everyday life, Fieldstone Preserve is still conveniently located within a few miles of a host of restaurants, shops, and recreational activities, to include The Collection at Forsyth, Northpoint Mall, Vickery Village, and gorgeous Lake Sydney Lanier.

If you’d like to know more or are interested in scheduling a viewing, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I’d love to show you the neighborhood and hopefully help you discover the home of your dreams!

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

What Exactly Do Real Estate Agents Do?

bigstock_Female_Real_Estate_Agent_Handi_6207483“You hire them to help you sell or buy a home, right?”

While defining the role of a real estate agent may seem somewhat cut and dry, the truth of the matter is that many people lack a true understanding of what agents actually do during the buying or selling process.

In short, yes, a real estate agent is someone who helps you either sell or purchase a property (which may or may not include an actual structure).  However, their actual job involves everything from property valuation and the use of successful marketing techniques to negotiation and home organization.

With this, a truly great agent is someone who not only knows the immediate area, but who keeps up with local and regional market activity, as well as industry news.  In addition, they continually research active, pending, and sold listings in an effort to understand pricing trends so that their clients are better equipped to remain competitive within the market.

Furthermore, while it’s one thing to simply list a home and hope it sells, successful agents are able to assist with everything from staging advice to making recommendations for professional cleaners, painters, and contractors.  Generally speaking, most house hunters are looking for certain things when they tour available properties, so real estate agents come armed with an understanding of buyer behavior and the types of home attributes that will garner positive attention.

Therefore, even if you’re not looking to buy or sell at the current moment, real estate agents are a fantastic resource when looking to understand current housing trends, what your home is worth, or what you can do to prepare for the market.

With that being said, if you have questions, don’t be afraid to make contact with an agent who can share a bit of their knowledge with you.  Yes, they assist with the buying or selling process, but more than anything, real estate agents comprise a wide network of individuals who have an abundance of professional connections to assist you with anything you may need.

To learn more about what an agent can do for you, please contact me.  I’d love to help you along the way.

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

 

 

Featured Neighborhood: The Preserve at Wild Rose

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

Prevent & Thaw Frozen Pipes This Winter

frozen-pipes-620x400Generally speaking, the winters here in Georgia remain somewhat mild in relation to other areas within the U.S.; however—as evidenced by the icy weather last January—even in the South, deep freezes do happen.

Sadly, not all houses are built the same, particularly those situated in warmer climates.  Here in Georgia, since freezing temperatures tend to be the exception rather than the rule, most homes are built with water pipes which are located in unprotected, uninsulated parts of the structure; however, aside from general construction differences, variation can even be found within the homeowners themselves, since people generally accustomed to warmer weather tend to be less aware of freezing problems.

Therefore, since frozen pipes can often be an extremely messy and expensive problem, it’s important to understand why it happens and how to make sure it doesn’t happen in your home.

WHY DO PIPES FREEZE?

For anyone who has ever put a can of soda in the freezer to watch what the expanding, frozen liquid does to the actual can, it’s helpful to think of the pipes in your home the same way.  Water expands as it freezes, which puts extreme pressure on whatever medium is holding it in—to include both metal and plastic piping.

Thus, the pipes that pose the greatest risk for homeowners are, as previously mentioned, ones that are exposed to severe cold without protection—i.e. outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and unheated interior lines in areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages, as well as pipes that run along exterior walls with little or no insulation.

HOW TO PREVENT FROZEN PIPES IN ADVANCE

Before the really cold weather sets in, consider following these recommendations:

1. Drain all water from swimming pool and water sprinkler lines following the manufacturer’s directions.  Also, avoid the use of antifreeze in these lines unless directed by a professional, since antifreeze is not only environmentally harmful, but particularly dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.

2. Remove and drain all hoses that are used outside, and close the inside valves supplying your outdoor house bibs.  Open the outside house bib so the water can drain and allow it to remain open so any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing it to break.

3. Take note of other sections in your home where water pipes may be located in unheated areas.  Whether the piping is for hot or cold water, insulate them for protection.

4. Consider using specific products for pipe insulation such as pipe sleeves or heat tape.  If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money, even newspaper wrappings can provide some degree of protection in exposed areas.

STEPS TO TAKE DURING COLD WEATHER

1. If your water supply lines are in the garage, keep the garage door closed to protect your pipes from the elements.

2. When the temperatures take a drastic dip (particularly 20° F or lower), let the faucet drip with cold water.  Running water, even if it’s only a trickle, can help stop the pipes from freezing.

3. If you plan on traveling or being away from your home for an extended period of time, make a point to leave the heat on (set to no lower than 55° F).

TO THAW ALREADY FROZEN PIPES

If you attempt to turn on the faucet and only a trickle comes out—or nothing at all—it’s safe to say that the pipe is probably frozen.  To remedy the situation, consider the following:

1. Keep the faucet open as you begin treating the pipe.  Once things begin to thaw, continued running water will help the ice melt faster.

2. Apply heat directly to the pipe through the use of an electronic heating pad, hair dryer, or portable space heater.  Towels soaked in hot water can also be used to wrap around the pipes; however, avoid using any methods that involve an open flame.

3. Check all additional water sources in the home to see if there are other frozen pipes.  If there appears to be a frozen area that you either cannot access or cannot thaw, call a licensed plumber for assistance.

PROTECTION FOR THE FUTURE

Sure, deep freezes are rare here in Georgia, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occur.  Plain and simple, it only takes one really cold day for a burst pipe to create a horribly expensive mess, so it’s wise to consider not only adding insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces, but to maintain higher temperatures in these areas.  Furthermore, if you’re planning a remodel, speak with the contractor about the possibility of relocating certain exposed pipes.

Protecting your home is important, especially if you’re attempting to sell it and it’s sitting vacant.  Don’t let that possible sale turn into a nightmare of water damage and foundation work.

If you have any questions or would like the referral of an experienced, reputable plumber, please feel free to contact me.

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