Most ’stores’ always carry a full inventory of their entire product line. In the real estate market,  inventory is never the same from day to day. And sometimes, while your Buyers know exactly what they want to buy, a property like the one they want is simply just not for sale, at least right now. Sometimes, it’s just about ‘timing’…

Well, we can’t sit around and just wait for ‘timing’. Sometimes we need to create our own ‘timing’. So today, I picked up the phone and started calling home owners that live in the subdivision that our clients want to move into … Dunwoody Club Forest. In case  you aren’t familiar with Dunwoody Club Forest… its only one of the very best neighborhoods in all of Dunwoody, Georgia - located just off of Mt. Vernon Road, its convenient to everything….its well established - built as one of the premier subdivisions of Dunwoody in the 70’s… and who could argue with its walking distance to Dunwoody Country Club? Not to mention its award winning school system: Vanderlyn Elementary, Peachtree Charter Middle School, Dunwoody Elementary and Dunwoody High School. Tree lined streets, large homes, and just a friendly Southern charm, Dunwoody Club Forest residents enjoy a lifestyle others dream about…simply put - a very nice place to live!

Anyhow… I asked these home owners that I called if they were considering selling … or if they knew of any of their neighbors that were considering selling. At the end of the day, I talked with lots of nice people, but none of whom are planning to move in the near future… although they all did say they’d keep an eye open for me and call me if they heard of anyone thinking of selling…Some laughed and said they were never moving! They love their neighborhood and home that much!

So, if you hear of anyone that’s planning on selling their Dunwoody Club Forest home, call me at 770-676-9158 - it is much appreciated!!

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When a home is not clean, it distracts the buyer from noticing what counts - the best selling features aren’t even noticed  - floor plan, square footage, design elements - because the BUYER is fixated on the dirt and the unpleasant odors and just can’t get past it.

By far, when preparing a home for sale, the best money invested is with a professional cleaning service. Everything needs to be super clean - starting with the kitchen, including the refrigerator, onto the baths, including the grout, the floors and baseboards,  the ceiling fans, window treatments - especially when the curtains hold all sorts of odors - from smoke to pets…

According to the National Association of Realtors, BUYERS are used to seeing as much as 25 percent of available inventory as new. Brand new means clean. That’s the competition, and the closer the home owner / SELLER can get the BUYER to think of the house as new, the likelier the property will sell. 

More than 33 percent of home buyers prefer a home less than 10 years old, yet the typical home purchased by all buyers is 12 years of age. This tells us that condition is very very important. And if you take a community like Dunwoody, where the average age of a home is 30 plus  years, there could be a lot of layers of potential dirt to be dealt with in order to make a home to feel fresh and clean. So here’s the ROI… for every dollar spent on cleaning could mean thousands kept as equity…and who doesn’t want to get the most amount possible on the sale of their home?

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 1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.

 2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer - you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.

3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family - the people who will be living in the home.

 4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.

 5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.

 6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself - room size, kitchen, etc. - that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

 7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

 8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

 9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.

 10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.

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Our kids are very interested in real estate. Guess it is natural really. They see and hear us talk about homes. They ask ‘where is daddy’ and I’ll say ‘at work’. Even our 2 year old knows what work is and he’ll say ‘I go see house’. Funny really, I think we may have a future Realtor.

Everyday, we are asked by friends, neighbors, family, complete strangers, and business associates ‘how’s the market’. It seems that everyone is interested in real estate. Makes sense … people, kids and adults alike, want to know what is happening in their neighborhood - who is moving out and who is moving in? And the number 1 question…What did they get for their house? Not that they are nosy neighbors, but concerned neighbors…how is their neighborhood standing in the real estate shift? Are their home values holding?

And while overall in Atlanta, we are seeing a 10% decrease in sales prices compared to that of a year ago, some pockets are not only holding their value but are gaining in value.

If you are curious what your particular Atlanta neighborhood is doing, give us a call and we’ll give you a complete analysis.  It’s always a good idea to be informed and to know the value of your home. In fact, if you are just interested in keeping up with the JUST SOLD properties in your neighborhood and would like to receive a free email report once per month, let us know and we’ll enroll you to receive your particular neighborhood report, free of charge and no obligation. It’s easy. Just email me  liz@thebankstongroup.com

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Dunwoody is convenient to many grocery stores like Publix on Chamblee Dunwoody, Kroger on Dunwoody Club, and Fresh Market near Mount Vernon and on Chamblee Dunwoody. And Dunwoody offers so many terrific restaurants, too… Wildfire, McCormick and Shmicks, Brio, Cheesecake Factory, Dunwoody Bistro, 48th Street Deli, Max and Erma’s, Shane’s, Chipolte, Mimi’s Cafe, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Taco Mac’s, Flemings, Joey D’s, Goldbergs Bagels and Deli, El Azteca, Seasons 52 …

Dunwoody is home to Perimeter Mall and its top department stores: Macy’s, Nordstroms, Dilliards and just across the street you’ll find Target…and one more hop onto Ashford Dunwoody and you’ll be at Walmart.

If you are considering making Dunwoody your home, you’ll be pleased to know that you have currently over 300 single family homes to chose from… priced between 2.8 million and 250k…some of the most well established, sought after Dunwoody neighborhoods include: Dunwoody Club Forest, Mill Glenn, Dunwoody Station, Northsprings, Village Mill, The Branches, Wyntercreek, Renfroe Lake, Dunwoody North, Redfield, Brookefarm, Ashford Chase, Whitehall, Dunwoody Club Forest West, Little Brooke, Kingsley, Oxford Chase, Meadowlake…

Dunwoody’s real estate market is especially appealing to those buyers who want to have a beautiful home in a great community and also want to have it at a great discount…below are the most current and up to date listings  of Dunwoody foreclosures and short sales. Should you see a property that could be your new home, contact us today…770.676.9158

	Residential Detached					$ 899,000  *
	#:3887920	Active	Broker: PRAY01	Area: 121		Map: 693F4
	205 Bach Ct				Media: 12
	City: ATLANTA		State: GEORGIA		County: FULTON	Zip: 30350-6611
	Subdivision: Sentinel Ferry			Yr Built: 2001		Age Desc: Resale
	Lvls Bdrms Baths Hlf Bth Upper 4 4 0 Main 1 1 2 Lower 1 1 0 Total 6 6 2			Lake: NONE		Waterfront: 0
				Stories: 2 Stories		Elem: DUNWOODY SPRINGS
				Style: Traditional		Middle: SANDY SPRINGS
						High: NORTH SPRINGS
	Directions: GA 400 TO NORTHRIDGE ROAD TO ROBERTS DR LEFT ONTO SPAULDING DR, LEFT ONTO NESBIT FERRY RD GO THRU FRONT GATE TO LEFT ON VERDI LANE TO LEFT ON BACH

	Residential Detached					$ 415,000
	#:3897270	Active	Broker: RMPL01	Area: 121		Map: 692 E5
	335 Spindle Ct				Media: 12
	City: ATLANTA		State: GEORGIA		County: FULTON	Zip: 30350-4124
	Subdivision: SPINDLEWICK			Yr Built: 1983		Age Desc: Resale
	Lvls Bdrms Baths Hlf Bth Upper 4 3 0 Main 0 0 1 Lower 0 0 1 Total 4 3 2			Lake: NONE		Waterfront:
				Stories: 2 Or + Stories		Elem: DUNWOODY SPRINGS
				Style: Tudor		Middle: SANDY SPRINGS
						High: NORTH SPRINGS
	Directions: 400N*EXIT NORTHRIDGE*CROSS NORTHRIDGE & GO SOUTH ON ROBERTS*RIGHT ON SPINDLEWICK DR*LEFT ON SPINDLEWICK CT*HOME ON THE LEFT

	Residential Detached					$ 325,000  *
	#:3668205	Active	Broker: KWAP01	Area: 121		Map: 692F6
	1229 Dunbrooke Ln				Media: 13		#1 - Virtual Tour	Virtual Tour
	City: DUNWOODY		State: GEORGIA		County: DEKALB	Zip: 30338-3224
	Subdivision: None			Yr Built: 1985		Age Desc: Resale
	Lvls Bdrms Baths Hlf Bth Upper 3 2 0 Main 1 1 1 Lower 0 0 0 Total 4 3 1			Lake: NONE		Waterfront:
				Stories: 2 Stories		Elem: AUSTIN
				Style: Cape Cod		Middle: PEACHTREE
						High: DUNWOODY
	Directions: CHAMBLEE-DUNWOODY RD TO ROBERTS, PASS AUSTIN ELEMENTARY, DUNBROOKE LN WILL BE ON YOUR LEFT.

	Residential Detached					$ 300,000  *
	#:3818719	Active	Broker: KWBA01	Area: 121		Map: 740E1
	2609 Briers North Drive				Media: 12
	City: ATLANTA		State: GEORGIA		County: DEKALB	Zip: 30360-2080
	Subdivision: Briers North			Yr Built: 1987		Age Desc: Resale
	Lvls Bdrms Baths Hlf Bth Upper 2 2 0 Main 2 1 1 Lower 0 0 0 Total 4 3 1			Lake: NONE		Waterfront: 0
				Stories: 2 Stories		Elem: CHESNUT
				Style: Traditional		Middle: PEACHTREE
						High: DUNWOODY
	Directions: 285 to Peachtree Industrial North to Tilly Mill. Left on Tilly Mill to right into Briers North to right on Brierwood Place. Go to end of culdesac. Home on right.

	Residential Detached					$ 264,900  *
	#:3802495	Active	Broker: REFC01	Area: 121		Map: 692K4
	7615 BALL MILL ROAD				Media: 12
	City: ATLANTA		State: GEORGIA		County: FULTON	Zip: 30350
	Subdivision: None			Yr Built: 1974		Age Desc: Resale
	Lvls Bdrms Baths Hlf Bth Upper 3 2 0 Main 1 1 1 Lower 1 1 0 Total 5 4 1			Lake: NONE		Waterfront: 0
				Stories: 2 Stories		Elem: DUNWOODY SPRINGS
				Style: Traditional		Middle: SANDY SPRINGS
						High: NORTH SPRINGS
	Directions: 285 EXIT 30. NORTH ON N. PEACHTREE, LEFT ON TILLY MILL. RT. ON MT. VERNON RD. LEFT ON JEFF FERRY, LEFT ON DUNWOODY CLUB. RT. ON CHAPARRAL RD. BECOMES BALL MILL.

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1. Don’t change your employment status. 
2. Don’t make any major purchases (cars, furniture, home theatre systems, vacations, etc.)
3. Don’t increase your credit card debt or miss any payments.
4. Don’t change bank accounts or make undisclosed large deposits.
5. Don’t apply for a credit card, cosign a loan, or make a credit inquiry.
6. Don’t spend money you have set aside for closing - not any!
7. Don’t delay in providing all paperwork asked for by the mortgage company.

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I learned many many things in the class taught by Tony Martinez; my biggest take away is that I now know there is hope for families facing foreclosure and there is a way for me as a Realtor to help them avoid it.

In just talking with some friends over the last few days, I realize that though people may recognize the term ’short sale’, they are a little unclear what it means.  In the CDPE class, short sales were defined as so:

• Property that is or will soon be in some stage of the foreclosure process.
• Property owned by a person or persons who is or are experiencing a period of financial instability.
• Property on which the mortgages total an amount higher than the current value and an owner must sell.
• Property that is in poor physical condition.

In order for the home owner to qualify as a short sell, they must prove hardship. Qualifying hardship reasons are as such:

• Mortgage adjustment /mortgage payment increase
• Loss of job
• Business failure
• Damage to property
• Death of a spouse
• Death of family members
• Severe illness
• Inheritance
• Divorce
• Separation
• Relocation
• Military service
• Insurance or tax increase
• Reduced income
• Too much debt
• Incarceration

For any family going through a hardship, it is no doubt a tough time. A short sale of the property offers a financial solution to the situation and avoids an even larger misfortune of foreclosure.

If you are an Atlanta home owner in need of some relief and help with your mortgage, contact me for a confidential consultation. 

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• Home is too small / too big 
• Job transfer / Relocation / Shorten commute 
• Personal Relationship: getting married / divorced
• Lifestyle change: City life / Country life / Social Clubs / Neighborhood amenities
• Education: School districts
• See family more often / less often
• Finances: Cash in equity / Short sale
• Health concerns: physical restrictions / assisted care
• Empty nest/ Retirement / Downsize / Travel

Contact us for a free consultation to see if the time is right for you to make a move!

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What’s on top of everyone’s minds these days? The economy… And not just the economy but how the current economy influences their job, their savings, and the value of their home.

That’s where we come in …

You might be wondering if buying a home right now is a smart financial decision…The fact is, home ownership is key to building long term wealth, no matter when someone buys. Did you know  that according to National Association of Realtors, over the last 3 decades, studies show that home values have steadily increased, on average more than 6 per cent per year. In fact, 60% of the average American home owner’s wealth comes from their home’s equity.

 My husband and I have been Realtors for the past 7 years, having helped many people buy and sell homes and never have we seen a better time of opportunity for 1^st home buyers, home buyers that want to sell and move up, and investors.

 Take for example the first time home buyer and all that they have in their favor right now: low interest rates (currently below 5% for a conventional 30 year fixed loan), affordable home prices, sellers that are willing to pay closing costs, and the new federal government tax credit of  $8,000.

 

If you have been considering buying a home, now is the time to do it - get out this beautiful Spring weekend in Atlanta and start looking - you’ll be glad you did! 

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