Tag Archives: Forsyth County Homes

Six Pricing Mistakes Sellers Should Avoid

Friday, 14 November 2014 18:18
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house-for-sale1When attempting to sell your home, the goal is to garner as much money for your investment as possible; however, the catch-22 is that one of the key factors to actually encouraging interest on your property is to offer a fair price.  Therefore, if you are serious about finding the right buyer, establishing a solid pricing strategy is an absolute must.

With this in mind, it’s important to start by being aware of the six common pricing mistakes that all sellers should attempt to avoid.

1.) OVERPRICING FROM THE START: Sure, you obviously love your home and feel that it’s the best property on the block; however, while it may seem natural to start with a listing price that is relative to the value you see, making the mistake of overpricing your home at the outset could deter potential buyers—especially if recent sales and other neighborhood factors fail to justify your starting point.  In addition, since multiple price reductions tend to keep properties on the market for longer periods of time, you may be setting yourself up for avoidable frustration.

2.) LEAVING OUT POTENTIAL BUYERS IN ONLINE SEARCHES: When perusing through online listings, the first parameter that most buyers use to narrow their options is price.  For example, if a buyer’s target price range is $250,000 to $300,000, your home will never get seen if it’s listed at $305,000.  While that last $5000 may be important to you, it’s probably wise to settle upon $300,000 so changes are better that you’ll capture buyers in the ranges above and below your price.

Ultimately, what you decide upon is up to you and your agent, but if you’re already teetering on your price anyway, having a bit of flexibility might be worth considering.

3.) NOT TAKING RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES INTO ACCOUNT: While it may seem logical to base your starting price off of what other homes are listed for in your area, it’s important to understand that in order to generate buyer interest, you should consider final sale prices instead.  Having a solid understanding of the recent sales in your neighborhood will not only help you to see the bigger picture, but bring you some peace of mind as well.

4.) GETTING TOO CREATIVE WITH YOUR ASKING PRICE: When shopping retail, there’s a reason prices tend to include round, easy numbers—i.e. $15.99, $220.00, $6.50—instead of complex combinations like $15.26 or $219.82.  In order to generate interest, you’ll want to make things easy for potential buyers by selecting a price that’s memorable and inviting.  Listing your home for $512,477 instead of $512,000 may not only give potential buyers pause, but divert unnecessary attention from your property to you, the seller.

5.) NOT BEING OPEN TO NEGOTIATION: Plain and simple, negotiation is a two-way street, which means finding a bit of common ground is important.  The quickest way to kill a sale is to refuse to budge in regards to your asking price or the other conditions involved in the final agreement.  Instead of digging your heels in from the very beginning, ask yourself whether you’d rather wait a long time to get your full asking price, or whether you’d like to close as soon as possible.  By thinking in those terms, you’re more likely to see the benefit in making a few concessions.

6.) IGNORING YOUR AGENT’S INSIGHTS: The first step in selling your home for an acceptable price is to not only select an experienced agent, but to listen to their advice.  Helping you sell your home is about more than simply placing it online or putting signs in the yard—it’s about looking at your individual situation from all angles, to include your home’s features, the local market, recent sales, and more.  Therefore, if you want to make an informed decision, make a point to listen to the information being provided.

If you would like to know more or if you want to begin the selling process, please feel free to contact me.  I’d love to hear from you.

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

 

Prevent & Thaw Frozen Pipes This Winter

Thursday, 06 November 2014 19:32
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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

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

Saturday, 04 October 2014 00:36
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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

Tips For Purchasing a Luxury Home

Monday, 22 September 2014 10:28
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Luxury Home Pool ShotIf you’ve worked hard for years in an effort to accrue a certain income level, then at some point, you’re likely to want to invest your hard-earned money into a lavish home that you and your family can enjoy.  Whether it’s a modern high-rise condo or a sprawling golf course estate, there are a few items that should be considered before purchasing a luxury home.

1.) UNDERSTAND THE SEARCH PROCESS: While most buyers have the option of perusing home listings on large real estate search engines, the house hunting process can be somewhat different if you’re looking to buy within the luxury market.  Often times, in an effort to protect the seller’s privacy, many high-end homes go unlisted and tend to be found through the Realtor’s personal connections instead of the MLS.

2.) DON’T PLACE TOO MUCH WEIGHT ON PHOTOS: Surprisingly, large homes don’t always show well in photos, especially since many of the details which make them truly amazing are better seen in person.  If you’re concerned about what is around the property, perform a search on Google Earth to get a better idea of what the area looks like, but when it comes to viewing the home itself, make a point to go beyond the pictures.

3.) WORK WITH A LOCAL EXPERT: While this is important in any real estate transaction, it’s even more important when you’re considering a luxury home.  Plain and simple, working with a knowledgeable Realtor is critical since most high-end properties offer viewings by appointment only.  By selecting a buyer’s agent who not only knows the area but has an abundance of connections, you’re more likely to have success.

4.) DOCUMENTATION IS VITAL: Even though the housing market has begun to turn around, there is still a great deal of scrutiny in the luxury market, which means financial documentation is imperative.  Generally speaking, most people who are able to afford high-end properties are working with accountants and money managers who have diligently sheltered their money; however, while this may be important wealth protection, it makes things difficult when banks are pushing for income verification.

5.) HIRE SMART ADVISORS: Since you’re the one purchasing the home, you want to be the one making the ultimate decisions; however, it’s important to have reliable advisors to help you along the way.  If you’re working with both a financial planner and a Realtor, you’ll want to make sure they’re on the same page.  Good advisors will not make your decisions for you, but they will keep you from making rash decisions that may hurt you in the long run.

In regards to hiring the proper Realtor, don’t make the mistake of assuming that all agents are the same.  Just like any other industry, real estate professionals tend to have varying specialties, so when it comes to working with someone, it’s a good idea to consider Realtors who are Certified Home Luxury Marketing Specialists (CHLMS).  This designation, which is given by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (www.luxuryhomemarketing.com), helps buyers feel confident that they’ve selected an agent who has documented performance in the top 10% of their market and has also successfully demonstrated their expertise in the luxury home field.

In the end, making a purchase within the luxury home market is obviously not something you just want to jump into without a lot of planning and preparation.  Purchasing a home is a massive investment for anyone; however, there’s something to be said for spending the amount of money that most high-end homes require.  Don’t get caught up in the excitement—think smart, hire smart, and make sure you’ve dotted your “I’s” and crossed all of your “t’s.”

If you’d like to speak with a Certified Home Luxury Marketing Specialist in your area, you can search for members through their website at www.luxuryhomemarketing.com, or you can contact me at your earliest convenience.

Marie Dinsmore, Certified Home Luxury Marketing Specialist | The Dinsmore Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com | 770-712-7789

Featured Neighborhood: Marseille

Friday, 11 July 2014 00:26
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MARSEILLE-SUBDIVISION

MARSEILLE by Edward Andrews Homes

Located in Cumming just off Post Road, the Marseille development is a beautiful oasis of gracious, craftsman-style homes in a lush, natural setting.

112512-HF-cover_4With low tax rates and access to a whole host of amenities such as a sparkling pool and a welcoming cabana area with tennis courts, this striking neighborhood also sits within easy driving distance to an abundance of restaurants and shopping, as well as Atlanta Highway, GA 20, and GA 400.

It’s important to note that since Marseille is located within Forsyth County, residents will also have access to some of the best schools in the state—which include Sawnee Elementary, Liberty Middle, and West Forsyth High School.

While all of their homes come standard with gourmet kitchens, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, media rooms, three car garages, and hardwoods in the kitchen and breakfast areas, what truly sets them apart is the control they provide their homebuyers.

CUSTOMIZED, REIMAGINED

112512-HF-cover_5Built by Edwards Andrews Homes, the Marseille development is unique in that they allow each customer to be at the center of the building process with a level of optimized flexibility that other standard builders cannot provide.

Additionally, through their preferred lending groups they offer $5000 in closing costs, which represents their conviction that custom home building doesn’t have to involve a complex process.  Instead, they want their buyers to feel like they’re joining forces with a true building partner who takes pride in helping each customer discover a home that reflects their individual tastes and needs.

 

OVERVIEW

Schools                                           Amenities                      Points of Interest

ELEMENTARY—Sawnee              Pool                                    Forsyth Avenues

MIDDLE—Liberty                          Tennis Courts                   North Georgia Premium Outlets

HIGH—West Forsyth                     Large Cabana                   GA 20, GA 400, Atlanta Hwy

 

CONTACT

Marie Dinsmore, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

The Dinsmore Real Estate Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com

Marie@DinsmoreTeam.com | 770-712-7789