Tag Archives: Home Buying

Mortgage Rates are Rising, So It’s Time to Buy!

Monday, 08 June 2015 17:21
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mortgage ratesWhile most of us are happy to see the end of the foreclosure crisis and an improved national economy, the truth of the matter is that, while buyers were able to land some amazing deals during the recession, their current situation isn’t looking as promising.  Plain and simple, in the majority of markets, the number of people searching for homes far exceeds the available inventory, which means many buyers are having a difficult time finding a home that truly meets their needs.

In the last few years, buyers were able to score big with low mortgage rates; however, the real estate industry—as well as the federal government—made no secret of the fact that rates were expected to go up in 2015.

As it stands right now, mortgages are up 30 to 40 points from last year’s low.  While the actual math behind these numbers may prove confusing, suffice it to say that a higher mortgage rate will increase your monthly payment, which may potentially limit the type of home you can purchase.  Present numbers would suggest that most buyers can expect an additional $40 on their monthly statement, which may prove to be a lot for many middle- and lower-income households.

Therefore, if your goal is to secure a suitable home at the lowest price possible, it’s worth entering the real estate market sooner rather than later since rates are expected to keep going up.  To get things moving, it’s important to utilize the services of an experienced real estate agent, as well as a reputable mortgage lender who can help you look for discounts, government programs, and other savings during the application process.

With increasing mortgage rates, you’ll need all the savings you can get, so surrounding yourself with a solid team is extremely important.

To learn more about finding your dream home before the mortgage rates get even higher, please feel free to contact me.  I’d love to offer my advice or provide you with referrals for several qualified mortgage professionals.

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

Increase Your Home’s Exposure: Marketing to Millennials

Friday, 01 May 2015 15:08
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180717315Marketing your home is all about universal appeal, which means you’ve probably heard an abundance of advice imploring you to “de-personalize” your space and to paint in neutral colors.  However, while following such guidance is important, there’s also something to be said for targeting large sections of the population who are in a position to buy.

Enter the Millennial—someone who reached adulthood around the year 2000, putting them in their early-to-mid thirties.  While this generation may seem like a bit of a tough sell, especially since studies have shown that they’re much more open to the idea of choosing a lease over a mortgage, dismissing their purchase potential could be a costly mistake.

Plain and simple, many Millennials are looking to buy their first home, so if you’re looking to tap into their market, you’ll need to advertise, stage, and prep your home in a way that will appeal to their demographic.

HIGHLIGHT THE RIGHT FEATURES.  While generations of years past may have fixed their sights on things like two-car garages and extra storage space, Millennials tend to favor homes with open floor plans, media rooms, hardwood floors, and granite countertops.  By specifically marketing these features, chances are good that you’ll grab the attention of younger buyers.

MAKE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD A SELLING POINT.  For many Millennials, the neighborhood matters just as much as the home, so make a point to emphasize your close proximity to desirable locations such as malls, restaurants, major cities, and schools.  Simply knowing that your house is located within a convenient location will increase its appeal and cast an otherwise unremarkable home in a new light.

GO GREEN.  It’s no secret that younger generations tend to place more emphasis on being environmentally-conscious, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that this emphasis also comes into play when searching for the right house.

Most builders already use eco-friendly materials and products in newly built homes, but if your property is a bit older, you may want to consider making a few upgrades to stay competitive.  Simply replacing single-pane windows with double-pane glass can go a long way, as can adding water efficient shower heads.

LESS CLUTTER, THINK CLEAN.  While modern architecture tends to be popular with younger buyers, your house doesn’t need to have a minimalist design to maintain its appeal.  Make a point to clear out your personal clutter and remind yourself that less is more.  Your goal is to make your home appear as open and light as possible, so consider home staging that will create clean, crisp surroundings.

GET ONLINE.  Younger buyers live in a technological world, so if you want your home to be seen, it needs to be there as well.  Personal websites, Twitter, and Facebook are great places to advertise if you’re looking to increase exposure, so don’t be afraid to get online.

If you’d like to learn more about how to increase your home’s universal appeal for all ages, please feel free to contact me.  I’d love to put a little money in your pocket!

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

What’s the Difference Between a Buyer’s and Seller’s Market?

Friday, 24 April 2015 01:25
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realtor-4As the spring real estate season starts to get underway, it appears that the market is showing favor to home sellers. However, while the terms “buyer’s market” or “seller’s market” may be something we regularly hear about, especially in regards to the state of the economy, truly understanding what each expression means is important.

Generally speaking, the above terms signify what you can expect when moving ahead with a real estate transaction.

A buyer’s market occurs when you have more supply than demand, which is what occurred after the housing bubble collapsed in 2007. When this happens, since there are more people looking to sell houses than people looking to buy them, many homeowners wind up accepting less money than their homes are worth and in some cases, may even find themselves offering incentives just to secure an interested buyer.

While this obviously presents a problem for sellers, this type of market is fantastic for buyers who—if they have the money—can find themselves in possession of a fantastic home for thousands below the asking price.

On the other hand, a seller’s market is just the opposite because it indicates that the demand is larger than the supply. In healthy economies, people have more money to spend, which means sellers may see several buyers competing for their property. When this happens, prices tend to go up since people are willing to pay more for what they want.

In this case, sellers are definitely the faction that comes out on top because they are more likely to see a great return on their home investment.

Even so, when considering the buying or selling process in your particular location, it’s important to remember that there may be fluctuation within the same state—or even the same county—which is worth thinking about if you’re considering a relocation. In other words, while your current home may be listed in a so-called “buyer’s market,” the area where you’d like to move may be considered a “seller’s market.” When this happens, you may wind up paying more money than if you were to sell your home at an advantage and buy in a location where you’d also buy at an advantage.

As with anything in life, real estate tends to have a natural ebb and flow so market’s never last forever. While experts try, it’s often difficult to predict what a market will do with 100% accuracy, so when deciding when to buy or sell, it’s worth speaking to an experienced real estate agent who can offer some insight into the local area.

At the current time, North Georgia (particularly the Cumming, Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, and Gainesville) appears to be a seller’s market, so if you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now is the time to do it!

If you’d like more information or would like to obtain a free estimate of what your home is worth, please contact me.

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

Special Home Buying Considerations for Families with Children

Saturday, 28 March 2015 00:29
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norris-familyAs a single person, you can be free to be a bit creative when it comes to buying a home, especially since too much space can be a burden.  However, if you’re starting the buying process with a few kids in tow, you may find yourself in a situation that’s a bit more complex.

Children not only need a safe place to lay their heads at the end of the day, but space to play and express their individuality.

Therefore, to assess a home’s kid-friendly potential, home buyers with children or those planning to start a family should consider the following tips:

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF SIZE.  For families, size is one of the most vital considerations since children need an abundance of space to run and play.  Until you have kids, you never fully appreciate how much room they are capable of consuming—along with the amount of constant destruction they can leave in their wake—so making sure you purchase a home with extra square footage is important.

PRACTICALITY.  When taking the size of a home into account, don’t forget to put a little thought into how it fits with your family’s lifestyle.

-Is there enough closet space for everyone’s things?

-Will your entire family be able to fit into the kitchen or dining room at meal times?

-Is the yard large enough to help your children burn off a bit of steam?

-Is there a mud room or laundry room for your children’s dirty clothes or muddy sports equipment?

-How many bathrooms will you need?

SAFETY.  There’s something to be said for feeling like you don’t have to worry about your children at all times.  When looking for a home, search for someplace that will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your kids are safe, both inside and outside the home.  Particular considerations may include the layout and fixtures, as well as the possibility of furniture placement.

If you’d like to be able to supervise them without having to move from room to room, you’ll probably want to make sure your new home has an open floor plan and if there’s a pool, you’ll probably want to make sure it’s surrounded by a fence.

With this, you may also want to check with your agent to see the location of the nearest hospital and to assess additional safety concerns such as local traffic levels, violent crime rates, and sources of pollution.  Additionally, Georgia contracts allow you to check for registered sex offenders, which can be done through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website (www.gbi.georgia.gov).

LOCATION.  Even if you’ve already decided that the area is safe enough for your standards, location is still important because your children will need to attend the local schools.  Take notice of their distance from your potential home and pinpoint things like after-school child centers and local parks.

Additional considerations may involve the location of the nearest hospital for emergencies, as well as entertainment ventures such as nearby restaurants, stores, and movie theaters.

In the end, if the home buying process feels like a lot—especially if you’re trying to do it with four or five other people in mind—consider starting with a list of items that are essential for your family and go from there.

If you need help, don’t be afraid to hire the services of an experienced Realtor who can organize your wish list and help you search for the perfect home.

For assistance, please call me.  I’d love to help your family find the property of their dreams.

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

Featured Neighborhood: Gables at Stoney Point in Cumming, GA

Friday, 13 March 2015 22:44
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176202979404479_gablesmodela_copyLocated just above the affluent Johns Creek corporate corridor, The Gables at Stoney Point sits within driving distance of some of Forsyth County’s finest schools, medical facilities, and shopping ventures.  With convenient access to GA 400—and subsequently the bustling city of Atlanta—this established, private community of only 77 homes is surrounded by acres of forested space and quality craftsmanship.

Starting in the mid-high $500’s, this beautiful gated community comes complete with a private club that includes a two-story clubhouse and pool, as well as perfectly manicured cul-de-sac streets and professionally landscaped yards.

Outside, each home includes a wood deck or patio and premium wood entry doors, along with 30-year architectural shingles and a variety of high-end exterior materials—to include 3-sides brick, real stone, and shake & siding veneers.

Inside, each home has been designed with an open floor plan and comes standard with stunning hardwood floors, two 42-inch fireplaces, granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, and spacious walk-in closets.

SCHOOLS:  (Award-winning Forsyth County Schools)

S1907694181427359GablesSitePlan2outh Forsyth High School

Piney Grove Middle School

Shiloh Point Elementary

 

SHOPPING:

 

North Point Mall

Avalon

The Collection at Forsyth

North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall

Mall of Georgia

 

If you’re interested in learning more about this community or seeing what homes are still available, feel free to visit their website at www.SRHomes.com/Gables-At-Stoney-Point or contact me to set up a viewing.

 

Marie Dinsmore | The Dinsmore Team | www.DinsmoreTeam.com | 678-455-3048