Tag Archives: Luxury Homes North Atlanta

Tips For Purchasing a Luxury Home

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

Mountain Crest


MOUNTAIN CREST by Lennar

7630562014AvalonFrontwebAs the second largest homebuilder in the United States, the Lennar Corporation has announced that they are securing the permits to build a large neighborhood of houses and townhomes just West of Cumming.

As part of Forsyth County, the Georgia division of the Miami-based company says the new division—covering 444 acres and entitled Mountain Crest—will consist of 572 single-family homes and 124 townhouses along Chamblee Gap Road.

The project, which will hopefully connect to the Big Creek Greenway’s trail network, has a completion date of 2022; however, the first initial phases are expected to be open by 2016.

FamilyRm2-EDG-LindenThe actual development calls for 1.6 units per acre, but Lennar is promising an unprecedented 200 acres of green space within the community.

For now, Lennar is going through the process of getting approval through the county, as well as the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (which is required for all developments with 300+ lots).  Once all comments are addressed through the GMRC, Lennar will be looking to reduce the area’s required commercial and office use from 25% to zero, while also reducing the stream buffer from 50 feet to 25 feet.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to seeing this wonderful new development become a reality!

Lennar-sized

Featured Neighborhood: Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is a luxurious, gated community located in Johns Creek. Just 30 miles outside of Atlanta and 20 miles from Lake Lanier, this area offers residents numerous amenities and recreational opportunities, including the Atlanta Athletic Club and the Country Club of the South.

Greenwich

With homes built by the respected builders, Traton Homes, these estates will have stunning architectural exterior and interior design, including four sides of exterior detail, elegant yet functional features and 3 car-side entry garages. Gourmet kitchens will be garnished with stainless steel appliances and granite countertop; hardwood flooring will spread throughout the homes and each owner’s suite will be equipped with a luxurious bath and walk in closet.

Greenwich 2

Johns Creek is a diverse community that is proud of its impeccable public safety, various national park services and exceptional public schools. In fact, the children of Greenwich Park will attend the finest public schools in Georgia, including State Bridge Crossing Elementary, Autrey Mill Middle and Johns Creek High Schools.

With easy access to I85, I285, 141 and GA400, Johns Creek offers its residents the perfect balance between rural and city life. Johns Creek national park services include the Chattahoochee River, National Recreation Area, Autry Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center and the Johns Creek Art Center. Music lovers will also take note of the 45-acre Encore Park, which includes the 12,000 seat Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, the summer home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and venue for top musical acts.

Each of the 21 Greenwich estate homes rest on 1/3 acre to 3/4 acre lots, and prices are in the $800,000’s. For more information about this fabulous community, please contact me.

Marie Dinsmore, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

The Dinsmore Real Estate Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com

Marie@DinsmoreTeam.com | 770-712-7789

 

The New RE/MAX App Is Here!

Now you can search for homes just like Realtors do, using MLS.   If you are in the market for a home, or just curious as to what homes in your area are selling for or what features they have, simply text DINSMORETEAM to 678-929-2100 to receive this powerful, free tool.

Remax App Demo

With the new app, in a few taps of the screen users can:

  • Download and enjoy it free of charge on your mobile phone or iPad.
  • Instantly search by your current location, city, zip code, or draw your own search area on the map.
  • Search by type of home desired, price, square footage, year built, # beds/baths, and much more!
  • View all photos of the home saved to MLS.
  • Quickly zoom and navigate neighborhoods with interactive “balloon view” maps.
  • Generate turn-by-turn driving directions from your current location to properties that interest you.
  • Save your favorite listings.
  • Easily share properties for sale with friends and family.

Marie Dinsmore, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

The Dinsmore Real Estate Team  |  www.dinsmoreteam.com

Marie@DinsmoreTeam.com  | 770-712-7789

Even With A Newly Built Home, You Still Need A Buyer’s Agent.

Close up of a welcome mat in front of an inviting house With the accessibility of today’s housing via the internet, many home shoppers may feel that they don’t need a buyer’s agent to help them find their dream property.   And for newly built homes, while you can do a lot of the legwork yourself, in the end you won’t be saving either money or time.

Plain and simple, even though the buyer’s agent works for you and not the seller, the seller is the one who will wind up paying for your agent upon closing.  Therefore, the first question you should be asking yourself is, “Why would I pass on a service that is in essence…FREE?”

In today’s market, most new homes are being built by national builders who employ salaried agents to sell their properties who don’t always have your best interest in their heart.  Generally, the first thing a seller’s agent will want to know about you is whether or not you have representation – if you don’t, the commission that they would normally have to split with your agent will go directly into their pocket.

With this, a selling agent is obviously interested in getting you to pay top-dollar for their property; however, a buyer’s agent will help counteract this by taking note of other similar sales in the area and making sure you aren’t paying too much.  In essence, your buyer’s agent is there to buffer you and negotiate on your behalf so that by the time you close, your house has not only been properly inspected, but has also been placed in perfect condition.

Similarly, when it comes to financing, a good agent will help you walk through the process of finding a solid mortgage company who can give you options which fit your lifestyle.  While the agent employed by the builder may also come ready with financing through a partnered company, it’s important to remember that they may not be looking to help you find the best solutions.

In short, when entering into a real estate transaction, it’s important to have someone in your corner who will make sure that you are taken care of throughout the entire process.   The Dinsmore Team can help you find the right mortgage lender, closing attorney and help you find your perfect home.

Marie Dinsmore, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

The Dinsmore Real Estate Team  |  www.dinsmoreteam.com

Marie@DinsmoreTeam.com  | 770-712-7789