Category Archives: News

Marie Dinsmore Receives New “Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)” Certification

Monday, 14 December 2015 14:12
Written by
0 Comments

cne_logo_cmykMarie Dinsmore has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation from the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI).  The CNE designation is earned by real estate professionals who have successfully completed formal negotiation training over the course of two days.  In regards to negotiation skills, gents who receive this certification are among the top agents in the country.

With professional negotiation skills, agents are able to help clients obtain better results when selling or purchasing a home.  CNE agents have a higher skill level, which enables them to 1) communicate more effectively to uncover desired information, 2) help clients understand their options, 3) work collaboratively with others, and 4) resolve deadlocks.  CNE agents also have a thorough understanding of how to effectively negotiate to help their clients achieve their goals.

The Real Estate Negotiation Institute is the leading negotiation training and coaching company in the real estate industry.  Collectively, the Real Estate Negotiation Institute’s instructors have over 300 years of real estate and negotiation experience.  Tom Hayman, the CEO and Co-Founder of the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, asserts, “Any buyer or seller who hires a CNE agent can feel confident that they have one of the best trained negotiators in the real estate industry.  They will not only achieve superior results, but will have better resolution of all issues when under the representation of a CNE agent.”

Marie Dinsmore is a Realtor with RE/MAX® All Properties in Cumming, Georgia who specializes in luxury homes, estate properties, and estate homes in the North Georgia area.  These types of properties require keen attention to detail, as well as an experienced understanding of the needs required by the buyers and sellers in this highly specialized division of the market.  It is this client focus which has made Dinsmore a top producer for years, along with her belief in hard work, dedication to her customers, and a true passion for the real estate sector.  In 2014, she was given The Best of Trulia Top Agent Award, The Five Star Professional Award, and named RE/MAX® All Properties Top Sales Associate for 2014.

Individuals in North Georgia who are looking for a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) who is also a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) can contact Marie Dinsmore at 770.712.7789 or visit www.DinsmoreTeam.com.

For more information about the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, please visit www.theRENI.com.

###

Featured Neighborhood: Vickery in Cumming, GA

Friday, 13 November 2015 05:37
Written by
0 Comments

SR1_5389f-1030x607If you haven’t already heard about the homes in Vickery, you need to!  Known for its rich architectural character and stunning live-work-play setting, this charming development features sweeping green views, striking courtyards, an abundance of parks, and sprawling front porches.

With homes produced by John Wieland, one of the nation’s top homebuilders, each property boasts innovative floorplans, gorgeous exteriors, and specialty craftsmanship that you simply will not find anywhere else.  With that, if you’re tired of the look of cookie cutter neighborhoods, you’ll be thrilled to feast your eyes upon one-of-a-kind designs that vary from one home to the next.

Homeowners in Vickery also enjoy access to a myriad of shops and dining (within walking distance), as well as the Forsyth County YMCA at Vickery Village, an expansive community pool, tennis and basketball courts, and a beautiful neighborhood pond.

Each home comes standard with:

  • 10′ Ceilings on the Main Floor, 9′ on Second
  • Whole House Wireless Access Point for a Wi-Fi Ready Home
  • Built-in Mobile Device Charging Station
  • Tile Shower with Bench in Owner’s Spa and Main Floor Baths (per plan)
  • Smooth Wood Shelving in Owner’s Closet and Pantry
  • Recessed Lighting in Hallways and Common Spaces
  • 30-Year Architectural Shingles and Rot Resistant Exterior Trim
  • Radiant Barrier Roof Sheathing by TechShield® for Energy Efficiency
  • Beautifully Crafted Architecturally Controlled Exterior with Boral® Brick, Fiber Cement Siding or Natural Stacked Stone per Elevation
  • 10′ Smooth Finish Ceilings on First Floor with 5¼” Crown Molding in Foyer, Living, Great Room, Dining, Kitchen and Powder Room and 9′ Smooth Finish Ceilings on Second Floor with 5¼” Crown Molding in Owner’s Suite
  • Pre-finished 5″ Hardwood Flooring by Shaw® in Foyer, Powder Room, Kitchen, Breakfast, Keeping, Living, Great Room, Dining and First Floor Hall
  • Oak Stair Treads with Painted Risers
  • Low-VOC Carpet by Shaw® or Mohawk®
  • Tile Flooring in Owner’s Bath, Secondary Baths and Laundry
  • Ventless Gas Fireplace with Slate, Marble or Brick Surround and Wood Mantle
  • ENERGY STAR® Stainless Steel KitchenAid® Appliances including Cooktop, Vent Hood, Microwave and Oven, Dishwasher and Disposal
  • Granite Countertops with Eased Edge
  • Tile Backsplash
  • Durable Double Bowl Stainless Steel Undermount Sink with Stainless Moen® Camerist Faucet
  • Recessed, Pendant and Under Cabinet Lighting

SCHOOLS

Vickery Creek Elementary School – Within Walking Distance — Ranked 10 out of 10 by GreatSchoolsTM
Grades PreK-5
6280 Post Road
Cumming, GA 30040
(770) 346-0040

Vickery Creek Middle School – Within Walking Distance — Ranked 10 out of 10 by GreatSchoolsTM
Grades 6-8
6240 Post Road
Cumming, GA 30040
(770) 667-2580

West Forsyth High School — Ranked 9 out of 10 by GreatSchoolsTM
Grades 9-12
4155 Drew Road
Cumming, GA 30040
(770) 888-3470

If you would like to learn more about this truly unique community or would like to schedule a showing, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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

 

Featured Neighborhood: Provence in Cumming, GA

Saturday, 17 October 2015 07:47
Written by
0 Comments


provence_wilmington_front_dusk_webFeaturing just over 200 home sites in desirable South Forsyth County, this impressive swim and tennis community is the perfect place to create memories for years to come.  Combined with great schools, low county taxes, and amazing amenities, this picturesque community is nothing short of amazing.

Starting in the mid-$400s, each home includes striking exterior details with full brick sides and patios or decks off the main level, as well as architectural shingles and glass, and professionally landscaped yards.  Inside, you’ll find trey ceilings and two-piece crown molding, as well as columns, arches, and a fireplace with slate surround.

provence_wilmington_kitchenThe kitchen comes standard with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and beautifully-designed recessed lighting, as well as a spacious island and tile backsplash.  In the master, you’ll find a soaker garden tub with a wood-trimmed skirt board, as well as raised height vanities, spacious walk-in closets, and cultured granite countertops.

For buyers interested in energy efficiency, it’s worth noting that each home meets the Environments for Living Program Platinum Performance Standards, which allows homeowners to save up to 42% of annual energy usage.  In addition, each home also includes elongated water-saving commodes and high-efficiency gas, heating, and electric cooling systems, as well as programmable thermostats on each floor and Whirlpool energy efficient appliances.

SCHOOLS:provence_wilmington_fountain

Shiloh Point Elementary

8145 Majors Road

Cumming, GA 30041

678-341-6481

 

provence_wilmington_basement_gameroom_web

Piney Grove Middle School

8135 Majors Road

Cumming, GA 30041

678-965-5010

 

notting_hill_brunswick_basementSouth Forsyth High School

585 Peachtree Parkway

Cumming, GA 30041

770-781-2264

 

SHOPPING: 

The Collection at Forsyth

North Georgia Premium Outlets

Northpoint Mall

Mall of Georgia

 

HOSPITALS:

Northside Forsyth

Northside Hospital

North Fulton Hospital

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Forsyth

 

If you’d like to schedule a showing or would like to learn more about this beautiful neighborhood, please feel free to contact me.

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

The Future: Selling Your Home Online?

Thursday, 24 September 2015 21:56
Written by
0 Comments

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

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

Friday, 07 August 2015 15:20
Written by
0 Comments

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