Tag Archives: Forsyth County

How to Sell Your Home before the New Year

Friday, 20 November 2015 07:51
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ddfIf you’ve been trying to sell your home with little success, you may be feeling a bit of angst over the approaching winter months.  As most buyers and sellers are aware, the peak selling season for real estate happens during the spring and summer; however, while most industries tend to slow a bit during the holiday season (unless we’re speaking about retailers), the cooler temperatures are not an automatic death sentence for your home.

Plain and simple, there are some definite advantages to selling your home during the fall and winter, especially if you account for the fact that the internet knows no boundaries—or rather, no seasons.  Just as you’re reading this blog online, there are hundreds—if not thousands—of potential buyers utilizing the internet to search for their next home in your area.

With that being said, as the holiday season approaches, we generally become a bit more bogged down with family functions and travel plans, which certainly puts a limit on the amount of spare time we have in our schedules.  Hence, as a seller, it’s worth remembering that a large number of the house hunters on the market from October through January are serious about their desire to find a new home.  When most of us would simply put a halt to the buying process until life slows down after the New Year, dedicated buyers will stay the course.

From here, when it comes to showing your house and making it look as appealing as possible, you simply cannot go wrong with the warmth of holiday decorations and the emotional pull of strings of lights and freshly baked cookies.  Long-story-short, buyers tend to make home purchases based upon emotion, especially when they can envision their life within your home, so there’s no better time to make an emotional connection with your buyers than during the holiday season.

Still, if you’ve reached a point where selling your home is simply what needs to be done regardless of the season, then there’s really no reason to apply the brakes simply because the temperature has taken a dive.

Therefore, if you’re serious about selling before the end of the year, I can help.  With consistently high sales numbers and one of the most recognizable names in the Forsyth County real estate market, I know how to make the holiday season work for you.

Please contact me for more information.  I’d love to hear from you.

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

The Future: Selling Your Home Online?

Thursday, 24 September 2015 21:56
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the-edrms-new-computer-assisted-review-reference-model-explainedYears ago, before the dot-com era really took off, I remember laughing as companies started listing their web addresses at the end of each commercial.  I simply couldn’t believe that all of these businesses were getting online and when it came to being able to actually make purchases with the click of a button, I was amazed.

In the 15-20 years since then, we’ve watched as the world has changed into a connected web of physical storefronts and virtual corporations.  As we’ve gained the ability to be online at any time, we’ve found ourselves trying to balance the good with the bad.

In regards to the real estate industry, the internet has made it easier for consumers to not only look for homes, but to engage with agents and other professionals without leaving the house; however, a line has always been drawn between finding a home online and actually purchasing a home online.  Generally speaking, the brick and mortar business of real estate—with real estate agents at the helm—continues to be the norm.

Still, according to a recent CNBC article, the U.S. market may be primed for a new wave of online-only real estate agents who have found success in the U.K.  Companies like eMoov and HouseSimple have gained a footing through streamlined systems which allow them to charge lower fees for selling a home.

However, after speaking with the National Association of Realtors, the article’s author was told that Americans should be leery of making the transition into a purely digital real estate market, especially since purchasing a home is a lot more complex than “clicking ‘buy’ on a website, like you’d do when purchasing an airline ticket.”

They also make a point to stress the fact that while online companies may save sellers money, they are lacking in their ability to fully understand local markets and will have a hard time helping consumers navigate each step of the transaction process.

At the end of the day, the U.S. real estate industry is all about forging personal connections and providing personal attention.  Utilizing the services of an agent who not only has knowledge about the buying and selling process, but the local area is important if you’re hoping to get the best deal possible.

Yes, the internet has a unique affinity for making things simple when it comes to purchasing a product from anywhere in the world; however, how easy is it to make contact if you have an issue with that product once you’ve purchased it?  The problem with the impersonal nature of dealing with online corporations is that you’re doing business with people who have no real ties to you, your life, or your community.

The vitality of a local real estate agent is often based upon personal referrals, which means your best interests remain the primary concern.  This will not be the case with an online-only agent or company, so it’s worth questioning whether you want to place $200,000+ to someone who has no real ties to your life.

At this point in time, the U.S. market has yet to see a rise in these types of companies, but the wave is coming and homeowners need to be prepared for what types of changes they can expect to see within the industry.

If you’re looking to sell your current property or are on the hunt for something new, I would love give you the personal attention you deserve.  Please contact me for more information.

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

Featured Neighborhood: Danbury Farms in Cumming, GA

Sunday, 16 August 2015 06:20
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LA-Danbury-FarmsFraser-WB142-small-1200x560Just last month, Lennar Atlanta began selling homes in the lovely Danbury Farms neighborhood in Cumming, GA.  These new, single-family homes, which are located in beautiful Forsyth County are located within a swim/tennis community that boasts close proximity to great schools, exciting outdoor/recreational activities, and a fantastic array of dining and shopping options.

Perfect for growing families, Danbury Farms includes 113 homesites that offer everything from first floor guest bedrooms and granite countertops to stainless steel appliances and hardwood flooring.  With the option of homes sized to 3,100 square feet, prices start in the mid-$300s and include the Lennar Homes Everything’s Included® plan, which lets them provide buyers with the most desirable, detail oriented home appointments based upon extensive research into what features homeowners want to see.

Some of the elements include: brick-front exteriors, professionally landscaped yards, grand entryways, cultured marble vanities in baths, brushed nickel features, crown molding, and gourmet kitchens.

SCHOOLS:

Kelly Mill Elementary – 1180 Chamblee Gap Road, (678) 965-4953

Vickery Middle School – 6240 Post Road, (770) 677-2580

West Forsyth High School – 4155 Drew Road, (770) 888-3470

SHOPPING:

North Georgia Premium Outlets – Dawsonville, GA

The Avalon – Alpharetta, GA

The Collection at Forsyth – Cumming, GA

Northpoint Mall – Alpharetta, GA

The Mall of Georgia – Buford, GA

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Sawnee Mountain Preserve – Cumming, GA

Lake Lanier Parks – Cumming, GA

Fowler Park – Cumming, GA

The Big Creek Greenway – Cumming, GA

Haw Creek Park – Cumming, GA

To learn more about this beautiful, family-oriented neighborhood or to schedule a showing, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.  These homes will go fast, so don’t wait!

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

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

It’s a Sellers’ Market: Advice for Buyers and Sellers

Friday, 07 August 2015 15:20
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verico_lozinski_mortgage_corp_21c47bc6_1e78_1bd7_e8ab_31049851a086Real estate season is in full-swing and the Atlanta market has proven itself to be hot for sellers once again.  However, while phrases such as “bidding war” and “multiple offers” may be welcomed by those looking to get rid of their property, similar words may incite a bit of unease in buyers looking to make a speedy purchase.

Still, while it would be easy to assume that, in this climate, sellers can easily field offers with minimal effort, it’s important to remember that both buyers and sellers need to work hard to make the most of the current market.

FOR SELLERS:

Be On Your Game.  Even in a sellers’ market, traditional real estate rules still apply.  In short, sellers must still put their best foot forward if they’d like to get the most for their home.  Houses that are shown in top condition are much more likely to sell—quickly—in a sellers’ market than those that have been haphazardly cleaned and organized.

With that being said, don’t get carried away by assuming that you can overprice your home simply because the market is currently favoring those looking to move.  At the end of the day, buyers will always flock to well-priced homes that show well.  If it’s not priced right or shows poorly, it won’t sell.

Don’t Drag Your Feet.  If you’ve been lucky enough to receive multiple offers on your property, it’s important to move forward with the most qualified buyer.  Waiting too long can cause a loss of momentum, so pay attention to the buyer who is not only working with a local agent and has their loan lined up, but the one who makes an aggressive offer and expresses serious interest in your home.

FOR BUYERS:

Strategize and Plan.  One of the most frustrating things about a sellers’ market is that, as a buyer, even if you’re serious about purchasing and have made a point to secure reputable financing, you may have trouble either finding the right home or getting your bid picked up.  Therefore, since there’s often little you can do in these types of situations, it’s important to make sure that you’ve crossed your t’s and dotted your i’s in advance.  You don’t want to suddenly find yourself in a great position to have your bid selected if you’re not prepared to move through the closing process.

Avoid Resting on Your Laurels.  Sellers’ markets are all about seeing what you want and moving on it.  Truly interested buyers won’t wait for the open house to decide whether they want to make an offer.  If a home enters the market on Monday, you need to be viewing it on Tuesday and if possible, making an offer within a few hours.  If you make the mistake of prudently waiting a week or two, you may find yourself sorely disappointed.

First Impressions Always Count.  Buyers who move quickly show sellers that they mean business.  Remember, no one wants to wait around, so make a point to make your contingencies and timeframes swift, and take as much risk as possible away from the seller.  Consider moving forward with an inspection prior to submitting your offer so that your bid won’t come with contingencies regarding inspections.

In regards to financing, it’s important to consider the state of our current economic climate.  Securing a loan takes longer than it did 10 years ago, so make sure you’re moving to acquire the necessary funds well in advance.  Plain and simple, if you need to ask the seller for an extra month in order to get your finances in order, you’ll have a difficult time competing with someone who can do it in a quarter of the time.

CONCLUSION:

In the end, regardless of the market, both buyers and sellers need to be prepared for the home sale process.  Sure, it may seem stressful; however, if you make a point to surround yourself with a knowledgeable and experienced team of real estate/lending professionals, you’ll be in a better position to get the most out of your investment.

If you’d like some advice or have a home you’d like to list or buy, please feel free to contact me.

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

Why You Need a Realtor When Buying New Construction

Saturday, 11 July 2015 18:30
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new-constructionAs the economy has improved, so too has the construction of new homes.  What were once sad, empty parcels of land are now beautiful new developments, so it’s no surprise that sales in these neighborhoods have increased as buyers have returned to the market.

Building your dream home can be exhilarating, especially if given the opportunity to not only pick your lot and layout, but everything from your interior finishes to your upgrades as well.  While today’s homebuilders work hard to make the process as easy as possible for potential buyers, it’s still important to remember that purchasing a home involves a large financial transaction that can have an abundance of financial implications if handled incorrectly.

Therefore, while most new housing developments have their own agents on site to assist future homeowners in procuring a home, it’s still extremely important for buyers to maintain their own representation as well.

BUILDER REPS HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO THE BUILDER—NOT YOU.

While builder reps help detail things like the difference between various models and floorplans, as well as upgrades and available financing, it’s imperative to remember that those reps are still contractually obligated to place the interests of the builder first.  Therefore, in order to be sure that your total wellbeing is given priority, buyers should seriously consider utilizing the services of an experienced Realtor who can make sure their wants and needs are placed at the forefront of the deal.

While you may think that you can easily go forth without an agent, especially in the hopes that the builder will negotiate the 3% agent fee back into your pocket, the reality is that they’ll probably keep it unless you have the representation of a Realtor who can research how much negotiating can be done.  Without this outside assurance, chances are good that you may find yourself over paying for your property.

FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY.

Real estate transactions involve a good deal of paperwork and legal considerations which can be difficult to navigate if you are not completely sure how the process should work.  If you’re making the decision to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home, you need to make sure that someone is looking out for your best financial interest.  A Realtor will not only be contractually obligated to protect you, but can help you navigate the various clauses, riders, and upgrade options embedded in the final new-construction contract.

SMOOTH NEGOTIATION PROCESS.

Part of the buying process involves the negotiation of terms, upgrade options, and closing costs, as well as selecting the best financing for your needs.  A Realtor will be able to present other attractive options for financing or will be able to work directly with the builder’s lender to secure a better rate for your mortgage.

A GUIDING HAND FROM SEARCH TO CLOSE.

From here, it’s important to remember that buying a new home is more than the fun process of selecting your finishes and signing on the dotted line.  It also involves everything from working with title companies to attending numerous inspections, so it’s worth having a Realtor on your side who can manage the overall process and ensure you’re not missing anything before the home is completely yours.

Therefore, if you’re in the market for a new home and would like some help navigating the waters, I’d love to make my services available.  Please call me for more information or to set up a meeting.

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