Real Estate Report, May 2015

Appen Media Group

Real Estate Report May Special Section

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North Atlanta’s

Sponsored Section • real estate report

May 2015

Sponsored Section • AppenMediaGroup.com | May 2015

News and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.

One smart update can upgrade your entire home Brought to you by Harry Norman Realtors®, Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office If your home is 10 years old or older, your garage door is probably a plain-Jane raised-panel steel door that adds little or nothing to the overall design of your house.

So why not make an improvement? In the last decade, the garage door industry has generated stunning new designs that can transform the curb appeal of your home from boring to exciting.

Large area = big impact “When something consumes such a large part of the front of the house, it should not be generic; it should be special,” says Michael Walsh, a syndicated home-improvement columnist. “It should improve the looks of the house, not detract from it.”

A better-looking garage door can actually parlay into a more-valuable home. One nationwide study of real estate professionals by StrataMark revealed that an attractive new garage door can add as much as 4 percent to the home’s selling price. That adds $10,000 to the value of a $250,000 home, which means that a new garage door can easily pay for itself.

Two new designs that dazzle Chris Long, long-time editor of Door & Operator Industry, a garage door trade magazine, identifies two new garage door designs that are hot right now: woodgrain prints and carriage house styles.

A woodgrain print is a steel garage door that looks so much like wood, you need to thump on it to realize it’s actually durable steel. This technological

breakthrough by steel coating companies brings big benefits for garage door buyers.

“The rich wood-look of these doors is gorgeous,” says Long. “Plus, since they’re made of steel, they’re incredibly durable and require almost no maintenance.”

The other popular new design is the carriage house style. These attractive doors open just like your old door, but they look like the side-hinged, swing-out doors of the charming carriage houses of yesteryear.

Quick design tips Since both of these new designs come in dozens of attractive styles, here are a few tips to select the one that integrates best with the personality of your home. Design experts advise you to select a door that matches with three exterior features of your home: colors, lines, and shapes.

“The color of your garage door should complement the overall house color as well as the window trim colors,” says Gale Steves, former editor-in-chief of Home magazine.

Then look at the lines on your home exterior. Are they horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or curved? Today’s garage door styles can provide excellent matches for any of these architectural features.

Finally, consider the shapes of elements on your home, particularly the window panes. Are they arched, square, or small rectangles? Matching the panes on the house with the garage is not that difficult, given the wide variety of garage door window designs now available.

Cool choosing tools

Thanks to new technology, you don’t need to guess at the right door design. Most garage door manufacturers now offer door designer tools on their websites.

Many door dealers also have similar software on a computer tablet they bring to your home. You just upload a photo of your own home and drop in any of hundreds of door designs to see exactly how it would look on your home.

A good starting place is GarageWowNow.com, a non-commercial website that features dozens of garage door photos from many manufacturers. It also includes a find-a-dealer function that helps you find qualified dealers in your area.

Your new garage door is not only a perfect spring home improvement project, it’s a smart investment.

Celebrity designer Chayse Dacoda says, “You are investing in the single largest moving part on your home, which is going to affect its appearance for at least the next 20 years.”

Harry Norman Realtors®, Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office 1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041 770-497-2000 Used with permission, © Brandpoint, 2015.

OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST “From start to finish, our agent was a joy to work with.

We probably looked at 80 homes and were considering 6 of them, for those 6 we needed to secure additional information which included researching land ownership, securing contractors for remodeling and triple checking tax amounts. All of this is what I would consider above and beyond the call of duty and all was completed with an amazing attitude and professional results. Harry Norman’s reputation grows as a result of agents like her. The stress of moving and purchasing a new home was much more manageable due to our agent and her dedication. ~Jeffrey & Elizabeth G.

“Our agent is the consummate real estate pro. Suberb communication including nights and weekends.

Marketing techniques are outstanding (photography, staging, curb appeal, realistic pricing, incredible attention to details). She is a true real estate consultant, not simply a seller ... there is a difference!” ~Scott & Debbie M.

Feel good about coming home! www.HarryNorman.com/NorthFulton

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May 2015

Real estate report • Sponsored Section

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The information contained herein is believed accurate, but is not warranted. Offers subject to errors, omissions, prior sale and withdrawals without notice.

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May 2015

Milton Home Sales Report Q1 2015 Big increase in number of homes sold in Q1 By: Mike Stevens, Principal North Atlanta Real Estate Team Despite a decrease in the number of homes available for sale this year, the Milton housing market is off to a great start in 2015! There was a 16% increase in the number of homes sold in Q1 2015 vs.

Q1 2014, (165 homes in 2015 vs 142 homes in 2014) selling 12% faster (94 days vs.

82 days) and for a 3% higher average sales price (479,000 vs 493,000). Note: These are all averages and the sales result for every home will depend greatly on the condition of the home, the location within the community and proper marketing and pricing.

Although sales in April got off to a very slow start because of Spring Break, the Easter Holiday and all the rain, there is great activity 1/3 of the way in second quarter. As of April 30 there are 590 homes currently listed for sale with 192 of those pending and 398 still active. That means almost 1/3 of all listings are currently under contract. We have not seen results like this since the peak of the market in 2007.

The absorption rate for the first 4 month of the year, which is one of the main numbers used by economists to determine the stevens health of the market, is calculated by dividing the number of homes currently available for sale, by the average number of homes sold per month. This shows a 6.6 month supply of homes, which is a very healthy number, and the lower it drops the more home values rise. I expect the absorption rate at the end of Q2 to be lower, which means home values should continue the upward trend we have had now for nearly 3 years.

There are an amazing 34 different communities in the area with new construction homes available. Sales of new homes are up 210% from the same period in 2014. 25% of all homes in the Milton area currently listed for sale are new or currently under construction.

Some will be sold without ever being listed in the MLS meaning that number is actually even higher.

The area of sales is defined by all homes districted to Milton and Cambridge High Schools.

Mike Stevens is a 15 year resident of Milton and leading Milton Residential Real Estate Specialist with RE/MAX Around Atlanta. Mike can be reached at 770-905-7053 or www.MoveToMilton.com

MILTON HOME SALES Q1 2015 Q1 2014 2015 Change

# SOLD 142 165 16%

#NEW 10 31 210%

AVG $ 479K 494K 3%

DOM 94 82 -12%

Four steps to price your home (NAPSI)—Pricing your home for sale is one of life's major financial decisions. What's too little, what's too much?

When researching selling a house or condo, consumers often anxiously turn to the Internet, neighbors and Realtors to come up with a good estimate. But is it the right price?

The National Association of Realtors reports that over 15 percent of home sales are delayed, renegotiated or canceled due to home appraisals falling short of the contract price. To get the best value from your home, here are tips to look out for.

• Online house estimates can vary widely and are often based on incorrect square footage and lot size.

• Banks approve loans

based on an accurate appraisal, not a "guesstimate."

• Home improvements and updated cosmetics make the difference in what a buyer will pay.

• It's smart to stage your home; buyers want to see themselves, not you, living there.

To receive the true value for their property, sellers and Realtors can get a pre-appraisal report before pricing a home. A certified appraiser measures, inspects and studies the local comparable market activity so that sellers get the most accurate price and feel confident to move forward in selling their home.

For more information on pre-appraisal reports, go to Housefax.com or call (877) 598-6634.

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Visit ryland.com for more information.

In the Atlanta division, on accepted purchase agreements on homes that are signed between January 1, 2015 and January 31, 2015 are eligible to receive $15,000 in Flex Cash; can be used towards MyStyle® Design Center Options and/or closing costs when using RMC Mortgage® and/or lot premiums, finished basement, etc. Incentive offer does not apply to contracts written prior to January 1, 2015. The following communities are excluded from the $15,000 incentive, Bethany Crossing, Bridleton, ManorView and Marketplace Commons. Individual promotions may vary by community. Certain included features may not be available on all plans. Value of package, and products, may vary by community and plan. Homes already under contract prior to this offer are not eligible. Plus for New to-be built homes, buyer eligible to receive up to $5,000 toward closing costs. Individual incentives may vary by community. Closing cost assistance available from Ryland Homes to those financing through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and closing with a closing attorney selected by Ryland. Amount of closing cost assistance may vary by product and community, and is subject to applicable contribution limitations. For all financing promotions, see a RMC Mortgage® Corporation Loan Officer for details. RMC Mortgage® Corporation is located at 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30022 and is a Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, license number 24225 and NMLS number 203897. Buyers also eligible to receive Waived 1% Origination Fee through RMC Mortgage®; average value of $4,000 which is based on a $400,000 loan amount. The waived origination fee through RMC Mortgage® Corporation is subject to cancellation or change without notice. Buyers must make a loan application by January 31, 2014 with RMC Mortgage® Corporation (NMLS# 203897) a Georgia Residential Mortgage Lender Licensee #24225. *Buyers must also close with RMC Mortgage® Corporation. Please contact your RMC Mortgage® Corporation Representative for exact quotes. Prices, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice. Ryland reserves the right to modify or cancel these offers at any time. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion or incentives. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. See a Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. © 2015 The Ryland Group, Inc.

May 2015

Real estate report • Sponsored Section

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The Milton Real Estate Specialist

ACTIVE Majestic Cove $685,000

ACTIVE Chipping Wood Court $650,000

UNDER CONTRACT Creek Club Drive $620,000

SOLD Golf Vista Court $900,000

SOLD Creek Club Drive $535,000 $

SOLD Heron Rum $650,000

Atlanta Magazine

UNDER CONTRACT Manor Bridge Drive $1,490,000

UNDER CONTRACT Tolhouse Court $985,000

SOLD East Bluff $865,000

SOLD Drummond Pond $1,200,000

SOLD Autumn Close $589,000

SOLD Alpha Woods Drive $599,000

Over 200 Milton Homes Sold.

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All listing clients receive complimentary; professional photography, home warranty, staging consultation, pre-listing inspection, comparative market analysis, appraisal (if needed), interactive digital floor plan, custom virtual tour website and the most comprehensive print and online marketing available.

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mike@northatlantateam.com www.movetomilton.com www.crookedcreekhomesales.com

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May 2015

Put your home’s best foot forward By: Mary Jane Egan, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International When your home is on the market you give prospective buyers the chance to see your home as their home.

Staging a home is a way to highlight its best features as well as downplay its weaknesses to appeal to the greatest possible audience. This will minimize the amount of time the home spends on the market and maximize the sale price.

Elevate your property into a stunning showpiece that buyers are eager to purchase with these easy and affordable home-staging tips.

De-Clutter The most important thing you can do to prepare your home for sale is to get rid of the clutter. One of the major contributors to a cluttered look is having too much furniture.

Take a hard look at what you have and ask yourself what you can live without. The house will look much bigger with less furniture.

Clean A clean home tells your potential buyers your home has been well maintained. Buyers want to feel sanitary and fresh when viewing their potential new home, so take the time to make sure countertops sparkle, the carpets and rugs are vacuumed and the trash is taken out before each showing.

Paint Painting rooms a fresh neutral color can help tone down any dated finishes. These days the definition of neutral extends way beyond beige, from warm tans to soft bluegreens. A variety of colors in an earth-toned palette will give your home memorable warmth and charm. Paint is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to make your home seem spacious and give it a clean feel.

Kitchen As the saying goes, kitchens sell houses. The lighting in the kitchen plays a big role in distinguishing the overall feel, so if you have florescent lighting, updating to a mounted fixture is a must. If you need to update the dated cabinets, try a fresh coat of paint or stain for a like-new look. Keep the countertops clear by storing away extra appliances like coffeemakers and toasters before showings.

Bathroom After the kitchen, the bathroom is the biggest selling point of your house. Ensure your bathroom has a spa-like appeal by placing a stack of rolled-up towels by the tub and basket of soaps and lotions by the sink. Consider hanging a new framed mirror over the sink or swapping out faucets and light fixtures for a like-new look.

Living Room Reposition the couch and chairs into cozy conversational groups and place pieces so that the traffic flow in a room is obvious. It will make the space more user-friendly and open up the room to add visual square footage. Remember you are giving buyers a chance to see your home as their home, so remove any portraits or other items that will remind them of you. Mixing the right

accessories can also make the room more inviting, so group accessories by color, shape, texture or some other unifying element.

Bedrooms Create a relaxing bedroom with luxurious linens and soft colors. Make your bed an inviting focal point with an updated bedding set. Choose simple patterns or play it safe with a white duvet and color-coordinated throw pillows. Removing any excess furniture will help the room appear as spacious as possible.

Closets By cleaning out your closets, you are showing off your storage space, which is a high priority for most buyers. Organize and display a minimal amount of clothing to showcase the closet’s space.

Overall, when staging your home remember to stage each room for one purpose. You might use your dining room as a home office or playroom, but buyers will respond better to the space if you stage it with a dining table and chairs. Even nooks and crannies are valuable square footage, so play them up. Put your home’s best foot forward by using these staging tips to showcase your property and convince buyers this is the home for them.

At Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, we are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional experience throughout the buying and selling process. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Article adapted from Realty Times.

May 2015

Real estate report • Sponsored Section

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2015 Home Design Trends Brought to you by: Suzanne Close and Robin Ives Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International With all the new home development going on in Atlanta, we’re seeing the most current trends in design. Everyone wants to be on the cutting edge, and this is one way to distinguish one home from another. Many new fads are geared to saving on energy as well as maintenance, as homeowners are tired of being tied down to home improvement every weekend.

One of the most apparent trends in home design is happening outdoors. Courtyards are in high demand, both in city homes as well as suburban. With outdoor fireplaces, comfortable seating and even soothing water features, courtyards are a simple but elegant way for home owners to make a great first impression. The need for outdoor living continues from the beginning of the decade, with more emphasis on small dipping pools and cozy seating areas. A minimal outdoor kitchen with a mini fridge and counter space is easy to add and keeps the party outdoors.

Interior trends are more of the same, but with minor tweaks. Game rooms and

home theaters have surged in popularity this year. Game rooms typically offer game or billiards tables, mini refrigerators or a wet bar and perhaps a children's area with board games and junior-sized seating. The home theater has become elaborate with stadium-style seating, large popcorn machines, huge movie screens and state-of-the-art equipment. And you thought that was so ‘yesterday’! The children who grew up in these homes in the 90’s are now looking for a similar experience for their families.

Stainless kitchens continue to grow in popularity. But today, refrigerators, ovens, cook tops and even microwaves have now gone high-tech. The induction cook top of the future is now becoming a mainstay.

Induction cooking uses 40% less energy than gas, and when the burner is turned off, the stovetop is immediately cooled.

Chefs have jumped onboard and won’t turn back. We’re seeing refrigerators with TV screens and microwaves that ‘sense’ how long something needs to be reheated.

Buyers are evaluating every detail before purchasing, including the monthly utilities and costs of homeownership.

Many builders, like Cadmus Construction, are focused on

keeping these as minimal as possible.

Along with including the above amenities desired by today’s homeowner, they work with the environment to keep expenses low. From integrated solar panels to low flow plumbing to rain harvesting to smart home features, their Ecocraft Hybrid Homes are great examples of the national trends happening. They are currently developing a community, Weatherford Place, off Canton Street in Roswell, and welcome inquiries. Designed and Built to Nature’s Code.

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SUZANNE CLOSE + ROBIN IVES sc. 770.335.1880 ri. 770.870.4009 o. 770.442.7300 suzanneclose@atlantafinehomes.com robinives@atlantafinehomes.com atlantafinehomes.com | sothebysrealty.com ©MMXV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Sponsored Section • real estate report

May 2015

Is it the right time to sell my house?

By: Jennifer Pino, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty In real estate, timing is very important. You may wonder how you will know when it is the right time to sell your home. First of all, ask yourself why you want to move. Does the home no longer meet your needs? Has your family grown, or have the kids gone away to college? Has there been a change in income which makes an upgrade possible, or do you need to reduce expenses? There are many valid reasons for wanting to move. Defining “why” you desire the change is important in deciding the next step.

If you are a “move-up” buyer looking for a more expensive home, it may not matter if you have not made the gains you hoped prior to selling your current home. If your home is worth less than you paid for it because the market is at a lower point than it was when you purchased it, you must remember that you are also purchasing your “moveup” property in a down market as well.

Consider the fact that the more expensive new home you desire would have been even more expensive when the market was higher. Housing prices rise and fall in percentages. If you wait for your current home value to rise by 10% prior to selling, then you can estimate that the more expensive home you are after will also rise by 10%. You would actually be better off paying 10% less on a more expensive home than you

EXCEPTIONAL

REAL ESTATE SERVICES FROM A TRUSTED ADVISOR.

would waiting for the 10% gain on your current, less expensive property.

If you are downsizing and looking to reduce expenses, you would want to consider how much money you owe on your property. pino If you sell your home now, do you owe more than it is worth?

If you do, you can consider that the housing market has made very healthy gains in the last two years, and all indications point to a continuation of steady recovery.

Consult with a REALTOR® to perform a comparative market analysis on your home which will compare your home against sold properties in your area to come up with a reasonable expected range of value. With the help of your REALTOR®, you should be able to gauge how long you will need to stay in your current home to break even or make a profit. You may be closer than you think to the break-even point, and your REALTOR® can give you great advice about what to begin thinking about or doing to prepare your home for sale until the timing is right.

When you have determined that the time is right to transition to a new property, consider the timing of the local market. Peaks of activity and pricing are typically seen in spring and summer prior to the beginning of the school year. Since 2013, North Fulton

has seen the busy spring market start earlier and earlier. Even as early as January, buyers have been out looking for property and the first sellers to hit the market have benefitted from the lack of competition. Once school begins, the activity drops with a low point over the holiday months of November and December. If you have already de-

cided you are ready to move, what are you waiting for? Now is the best time to earn the biggest return on your investment.

For any of your real estate needs, please contact Jennifer Pino at Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, 305-310-6114, jenniferpino@atlantafinehomes.com.

D E D I C AT E D T O T H E

EX TRAO RDINARY “Wow, my wife and I are thrilled to be under contract after receiving multiple offers in four days. Jennifer’s expertise and professionalism delivered maximum value for our home. We are grateful for her services as we move on to a new and exciting chapter in our lives.”

- James S. Campbell

The spring market is underway! If you are considering selling your home, please contact me so I can show you how my expertise, paired with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, can help get you top dollar for your home and in the quickest time possible!

2014 Best Be of Trulia Top Age Agent Award

JENNIFER PINO REAL ESTATE ADVISOR, NORTH ATLANTA c. 305.310.6114 o. 770.442.7300 jenniferpino@atlantafinehomes.com ©MMXV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company.

All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

May 2015

Real estate report • Sponsored Section

Bill Rawlings has been nominated as a candidate for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2015 Man & Woman of the Year

Making a difference By: Bill Rawlings Vice President/Managing Broker Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty I want to personally invite you to be a part of something truly life-changing.

I am proud to be nominated as a candidate for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2015 Man & Woman of the Year, and I need your help.

Blood cancer research can be the gateway to curing other cancers. Since its inception in 1949, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has invested more than a billion dollars in research to find the cause and cure for blood cancers. This research has led to groundbreaking treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplantation, which are vital to treating blood cancers and many other forms of cancer. It is heartbreaking to see the ravages cancer has taken on many of our loved ones.

Do you know that leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer in children under the age of 20? It is because of this that I was inspired to accept this nomination, in honor of some dear friends who have been touched by cancer.

On April 2, I began working towards the goal of raising $100,000. That number seems overwhelming, but it would not be possible to even target without the support of generous, community-minded donors like you.

So, I invite you to consider joining me in this cause so that you, too, can make a difference in someone else’s life.

With your support of a tax-deductible contribution, LLS can continue funding critical research in the fight against blood cancers as well as provide outstanding patient services.

To make a secure online contribution, please visit rawlings.somedayistodaylls.com.

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Sponsored Section • real estate report

May 2015

Understanding escheatment and how to keep your property safe

by Cynthia Nisley (NAPSI)—If you have a bank account, are holding uncashed checks, own stock, are heir to an insurance policy or have property in a safe-deposit box, there are steps you can take to help protect your property from escheatment.

“Escheatment” is the term that describes how “abandoned,” “unclaimed” or “lost” property is turned over to the state. If the property owner cannot be found or hasn’t demonstrated an interest in the asset, the U.S. state where the holder lives can take custody of those belongings.

If the owner or heir comes forward, he or she can claim it back from the state but early withdrawal penalties or market losses may significantly affect the asset’s value and the funds may not be immediately available.

You may say, “But I haven’t abandoned my property. I don’t have anything to worry about.”

That’s not necessarily so.

Consider the case of an employee of a fast-growing technology company who held stock certificates with a face value of nearly $500,000. He kept the certificates in a safe and intended to use the funds for his kids’ college education.

Unknown to him, his stock had been escheated due to returned mail and lack of contact. His nest egg was ruined and he was able to claim just under $20,000, the amount the state sold his stock for at the time of escheatment.

Here are a few similar scenarios that can happen to anyone: • If you don’t cash dividend checks, those checks and associated stock may be escheated unless you have made contact with the transfer agent. Since most states sell shares immediately, you will lose out on any market gains, dividends or stock splits that occur after the shares are sold.

• If you move and do not update your address with your financial institution (such as a bank), it will mark your account as “lost” once it receives two pieces of undeliverable mail from the post office. After three to five years, depending on the state, your assets will be escheated unless you make contact with the institution.

• If you have a safe-deposit box and never access it or make contact with your bank, the contents of the box may be turned over to the state and sold at auction. You could claim back the cash value—but not the valuables themselves.

So how can you protect your assets? Staying in contact with your financial institutions is the key to protecting

your property. To actively show interest in all your assets: 1. Keep a list of all the financial institutions you deal with, such as a bank or transfer agent, and contact them at least once per year. This can be as simple as accessing your account online, calling in to the customer service center, cashing a check, updating your address, changing a beneficiary or voting a proxy.

2. Keep your address updated with all your financial institutions if you move.

3. Consolidate accounts, to make it easier to maintain contact and keep track of your assets.

4. If you receive a notice alerting you to the fact that your account is considered “inactive” or “abandoned,” respond immediately. Note

that service providers such as Georgeson may contact you, offering to provide assistance in helping prevent escheatment of an inactive or abandoned account. You have the option to use the service or handle it yourself directly with your financial institution—the service provider should disclose all options.

5. Make sure that your heirs know which stocks you own and where you have financial accounts.

To find out if any of your property has been escheated, visit www.missingmoney. com and search participating states’ records by the property owner’s name, or for contact information for nonparticipating states.

Ms. Nisley is Senior Vice President, Georgeson Inc.

May 2015

Real estate report • Sponsored Section

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How to purchase your first home in 2015 (NAPSI)—The American dream of homeownership may not be as hard to attain as many people seem to fear. A few intriguing facts and hints can help.

The Facts While existing home sales have risen recently, the National Association of Realtors’ annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that the share of first-time buyers recently fell to its lowest level (33 percent) in nearly three decades.

Many first-time buyers experience obstacles on the path to homeownership, including difficulty saving for a down payment and tight credit conditions.

The Hints Consider these tips: • Find and work with an expert Realtor who knows the neighborhood. Nothing can replace the local knowledge and real insight that professional Realtors can provide to firsttime buyers as they navigate the complex home buying process.

According to the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, while most home buyers in the

past year began their home search online, 90 percent ended up purchasing their home through an agent.

Realtors are not only the source of online real estate data, they also use their unparalleled local market knowledge and resources to help close the deal for buyers and sellers.

• Meet with a lender to determine how much you can afford. Last year, the median price a first-time buyer spent on a home was $169,000.

Chances are, you don’t have that amount of cash lying around. That’s why 95 percent of first-time buyers who bought a home in the past year financed their purchase.

Find out what you can afford with a preapproval from a lender. A lender will check your credit history, current debt obligations and other expenses to determine the amount of money you’re qualified to borrow at a specific interest rate.

Don’t forget to consider the other costs of homeownership, such as taxes, insurance and utilities.

• Identify your housing wish list. Although 46 per-

Tips to help you sell your house (NAPSI)—If you’re considering putting your home on the market in the coming months, there are a few tips you should follow.

House sales generally peak around June and July, with many families beginning their home search in the spring, in hopes of settling into their new home in time for the next school year.

It’s wise to work with a Realtor. According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors, 88 percent of recent homesellers used an agent. A Realtor can provide expert advice and counsel on the selling process, including listing your house on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), marketing it to prospective buyers and accepting offers and negotiating on your behalf.

To find a Realtor nearby, go to www.realtor.com/realestateagents.

Know your neighborhood when setting your asking price.

Realtors have real insights in the markets where they do business. A Realtor is your best source for accurate, up-to-date information and comparable properties to help you determine a competitive listing price for your home. He or she will give you an idea of how long homes are staying on the market and at what price they’re selling. While it’s im-

portant to get the best possible deal for your home, a Realtor will help you understand the importance of pricing your house appropriately. Overpricing your home could lead to it staying on the market too long—compelling you to compromise on the asking price or terms.

Decide on how to market your home. Given the mass amounts of information available today to consumers, the days of just placing an ad in your local newspaper and putting a “For Sale” sign in front of your yard are over. A Realtor® can place your listing on the MLS and work with you to decide other ways to market your home. Marketing your listing on a popular real estate website such as www.realtor. com will ensure your listing is generating the most eyeballs from interested buyers.

If you’re looking to sell your home as quickly and easily as possible, you could use the real insights you’ll get having a Realtor help you through the process of finding interested buyers and eventually closing the deal.

cent of first-time buyers got a single-family home in the suburbs, you may prefer a condo in an urban environment near public transportation.

Regardless of your preferences, identifying and sharing your wish list can help your Realtor focus on the right home for you, scan listings and connect with those who represent sellers to zero in on homes for sale that meet your budget and criteria.

Keep this advice in mind and you may soon find yourself waking up in the home of your dreams.

12 appenmediagroup.com

Sponsored Section • real estate report

May 2015