Tag Archives: Cumming Real Estate

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

Marseille Final Lots Available – Cumming, GA

112512-HF-cover_4If you’ve had your eye on the Marseille neighborhood in Cumming, GA, but have found yourself putting off serious consideration, the time has come to start making some decisions!  Earlier this month, Edward Andrews Homes announced the marketing of the remaining ten homes within the Marseille community, and with an abundance of high-end appliances and luxurious materials, each one is a steal at just $399 to $480K.

Most of the original homes within this neighborhood closed within in the mid to high $500’s, so you don’t want to let this pricing pass you by.  Below is a list of the remaining homesites for your consideration.

HOMESITE 1– This Camellia floor plan includes a basement, as well as a keeping room, Jack & Jill secondary bath, a closed-in media room, and a FANTASTIC backyard!  With an elegantly upgraded interior and a craftsman fill, this home is one of the best values in the community.  For a limited time, buyers will still have the option to change the flooring, tile, or paint colors—$459,000.

Marseille-forsyth-georgia-camellia-master-bathroom-1024x682HOMESITE 29- Located within the second phase, this wooded homesite is still in the pre-planning stage but will be built with an Orchid layout that includes a basement, a keeping room, and a closed media room.  Additionally, since EA Homes values a customized experience, buyers will still be able to pick their colors for a limited time—$454,900.

HOMESITE 49- If you’re looking for a home that includes a useable backyard, as well as a beautiful front porch and basement, then this is the homesite for you.  This particular house was designed with the Camellia layout and also boasts a keeping room, a closed-in media room, a truly amazing master closet, and an abundance of beautiful upgrades—$469,900.

HOMESITE 50- If you want a home with curb appeal, this house comes equipped with a large front and side yard, as well as a basement.  While still in the pre-planning stages, this home also features a Burton floor plan, which is one of Marseille’s most desirable options, and for a limited time, is open for buyers who would like to select their upgrades—$474,900.

HOMESITE 59- Featuring a stunning stone covered entryway and custom hanging light fixture, this Orchid basement plan includes a keeping and media room, as well as an upgraded professional landscaping package which lends itself to a truly serene home—$449,900.

Marseille-forsyth-georgia-camellia-kitchen-dark-cabinets-1024x682HOMESITE 62- If you’re looking for a home with a master on the main floor, this is the last remaining home featuring this option in the division.  Featuring a Woodruff layout which includes a large basement, beautiful open floor plan, five bedrooms, and a closed-in media room, this gem of a house is located on a premium lot with an abundance of privacy and a rolling creek—$479,900.

HOMESITE 67- If you want a home which you can fully customize to meet your needs, this Camellia basement layout is still in the pre-planning stages and is available for buyers looking to select their own colors, upgrades, and other options—$474,900.

HOMESITE 100- As the last slab homesite within the community, this lot will feature an Orchid layout, which includes an amazing backyard, as well as a keeping room and close-in media space.  If you’re looking for value, then this is the home for you—$399,900.

If you want to learn more about any of these homes or would like to schedule a viewing, I’d love to assist you with the process.  When it comes to new subdivisions, while it’s always possible to work directly with the builder’s agents, it’s always a wise idea to work with an experienced Realtor who can make sure your interests and needs are being protected.

Please feel free to contact me for more information.

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

So, You’ve Bought an Imperfect House – Learn How to Deal With It

After months—and possibly even years—of planning, searching, and organizing, you’ve finally done it—you’ve signed the paperwork and left with the keys to your new home; however, unless your purchase is totally move-in ready, you’re just getting started.

renovation-businessIf you’ve decided to close on a house that could use a little bit of TLC, it’s important to understand the amount of money and effort it will take to make your home something you are truly happy with.  At the very least, a little paint will help spruce things up; however, in all reality, if there’s updating to be done, it may take more than a new color scheme.

Still, if this is your first house, it’s important to go into the process with realistic expectations about what kinds of time and money will be involved, as well as what you can reasonably expect for a final result.

To help you along the way, here are a few tips to make the process easier:

1.)  CAPITALIZE ON AN EMPTY HOUSE: While it may not be possible to delay your move-in date, if it’s even in the realm of possibilities, it presents a great opportunity to begin the transformation process without having to worry about getting your things covered with renovation dust.

2.) DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP: In our individualistic culture, many of us feel that we have to deal with things on our own, but what’s the point of having friends and family if you can’t exercise a bit of reciprocity when you need a few extra hands?  When it’s time to paint, turn it into a fun party with food and drinks, and chances are good that no one will mind the work.

3.) RELY ON EXPERTISE: There are times when pride can be a good thing; however, if you’re not totally sure what you’re doing, it’s important to swallow it when you need to admit that you cannot get the job done without the advice of your local hardware pro.  Don’t be shy about asking questions—that’s what they’re there for!

4.) HAVE PATIENCE: Yes, renovating your home—especially when you’re attempting to do it on your own—takes work, but if you attempt to rush or try to go beyond your comfort level, you’re likely to make mistakes.  Don’t risk making bad decisions when a little patience would have saved you a botched design.

5.) ORGANIZATION, ORGANIZATION: When you’re attempting to leave your old home, move into your new one, and manage renovations, staying organized is clearly easier said than done, but it doesn’t mean it’s not extremely important.  To get started, make a point of keeping all of your receipts in one place, registering new appliances and electronics, and filing for rebates within the first five days of making a purchase.  It might be tempting to postpone these tasks in the chaos of getting settled, but all that will do is lose you money in the long run.

If you’re considering a move, I’d love to help you get things going.

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