Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Easy Steps for Preparing Your Atlanta Home for a Great Showing

Your Atlanta home may be like all the other homes on the block, but there are things you can do to make it stand out from the crowd!

With an ever-increasing inventory of metro Atlanta homes on the market, sellers must become creative if they want to make their house shine. Thus, the question you must ask yourself is: What can I do to make sure my Atlanta house is memorable to buyers?

The following tips will guide you as you prepare to sell your Atlanta home and plan for its first showing:

Clean it! Although this may sound like a no-brainer, it is extremely important to clean, and I mean a good, thorough cleaning. That means wiping down walls, cleaning windows, scrubbing out the refrigerator and sweeping off the front porch. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home, and that certainly can't be done if there's a ring around your bathtub.

Clear out the clutter. Your kids' pile of toys in the corner of the living room does only one thing: it detracts from the room and makes buyers feel like they have entered a toy store instead of a living room. Don't forget the closets as you clear out the clutter, too. Your closets should be neat and organized and the contents should not attack buyers if they open the closet door. There is no quicker way to leave the buyer with the impression of a cluttered home with not enough storage than with messy closets, crammed with stuff.

Open all blinds and curtains and allow the natural light to come shining in. And, if weather permits, open the windows and let fresh air circulate throughout the home. It gives the impression of openness and space, and quickly eliminates the odor from last night's fish dinner.

While you're at it, turn on the lights in every room. A well lit space will give buyers a sense of comfort and hominess, and instantly create a feeling of spaciousness.

If you have a fireplace, light it. This is a great way to add instant ambience.

Add splashes of color with fresh flowers. It may be cold and raining outside, but a vase of fresh flowers in the entryway or dining room can give your home an instant facelift.

Take Rover or Fluffy with you, and hide evidence of the litter box and food dishes. It is important to understand that not everyone loves animals, and having your frisky dog jump on buyers as they enter the front door (or barking incessantly from behind a closed door) will not leave a positive first impression.

No dishes in the sink! And no shoes by the front door! These small details may seem rather insignificant, but in the end they can all add to a buyers' overall impression of your home.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Tips for Choosing an Atlanta Real Estate Agent

The real estate agent you choose for your Atlanta real estate agent transaction may make all the difference in the deal you get. The right agent will make sure you get the best price on your transaction and ensure the entire process goes as smoothly as possible. We have four tips for choosing the best Atlanta real estate agent for your needs.

Buying or Selling?

You may choose a different Atlanta real estate agent based on whether you are buying or selling your home. A buyer's agent represents the best interests of the buyer, in terms of getting the best price and terms. By the same token, the seller's agent may keep information about the home to himself, if it might negatively impact the sale of the home. Make sure you choose an agent that best represents your end of the sale.

Experience

While Atlanta real estate experience is important, it is even more essential for the real estate agent you choose to have experience in your particular community or neighborhood. The real estate industry tends to be inundated with newcomers that boast little experience in the actual market, so make sure the agent you choose has the necessary experience to get you the best deal possible.

Education and Credentials

Licensing is crucial when choosing an Atlanta real estate agent for your home purchase or sale. This professional will be responsible for ensuring that every piece of paper that goes into your closing is 100 percent accurate. He will also help you get the best deal and minimize your hassles along the way. Those who make Atlanta real estate a full-time profession – and have the professional credentials to prove it – will usually be your best bet in negotiating your own Atlanta real estate transaction.

Qualifications

The Atlanta real estate agent you choose should have passed at least 15, eight-hour courses and passed examinations in Georgia to prove that they are qualified to handle your real estate transaction. In addition, the agent should belong to a multiple listing service and hold certain real estate distinctions to illustrate her commitment and experience. Real estate agents should work a minimum of 30 hours each week to be considered full-time Atlanta real estate agents as well.

Choosing the right Atlanta real estate agent makes all the difference in the success of the sale or purchase of your home. By following these tips, you can make the most of your next Atlanta real estate transaction.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

When is the Right Time to Purchase your First Piece of Atlanta Real Estate?

The price of homes for sale in Atlanta along with mortgage rates are at the lowest levels in years, could this be the right time to make a purchase?

Owning a home is undoubtedly one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. However, it may also be one of the best decisions ever made, both in terms of finances and security.

Aside from being financially prepared to purchase a home, you may consider other factors as well when deciding whether purchasing a home should be in your near future.
  • Make a check payable to your future.  Instead of a writing a rent check to a landlord each month, you can instead invest your money in a strong, long-term home investment. Some individuals look to owning a home simply because they want their money to start working for them, instead of essentially throwing it away in rent.
  • Evaluate the tax advantages.  Think in terms of tax deductions when considering the financial aspects of purchasing a home. Most homeowners itemize their home deductions on their tax returns and deduct such things as home mortgage insurance, property real estate taxes, state income taxes, personal property taxes and even moving expenses.
  • Consider all the financial aspects.  Don’t just consider the cost of the home when considering your monthly budget and whether you will come out ahead by buying instead of renting. In other words, compare not only the principal and interest on the loan, but also such things as homeowner’s insurance, taxes, and in some cases, private mortgage insurance.
  • Calculate all buying costs.  When considering your costs, don’t forget to also factor in closing costs, related fees like the title insurance fee, the survey, the loan origination fee, attorney fees, and even points on the loan.
  • Make room for repair and maintenance.  Your monthly household budget, as a homeowner, will also include maintenance and repair on the home.  It may also include costs associated with updating or remodeling the home to best suit your needs and wants.
  • Enjoy long-term equity.  Don’t forget the beauty of long-term equity when determining if owning a home is right for you.  Although the economy over the last few years has left many people in precarious situations regarding their homes, the truth is that owning a home is still one of the best financial decisions you can make. In addition, lenders have dramatically changed their lending requirements from the real estate boom and bust, which means your loan terms for a new home should be decidedly more conservative.
To speak with a professional Atlanta Realtor, contact Tina Fountain Realtors at 404-842-1555