Real Estate Report, August 2016

Appen Media Group

Real Estate Report August Special Section

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Sponsored Section • Real estate report August 2016

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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Alpharetta By: Kathy Weeks Managing Broker, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Alpharetta So you’ve prepped your home cosmetically in every imaginable way and now you’re ready to hit the market! But before you proceed with putting the “For Sale” sign in the ground, there are several key pieces of information you should consider gathering that many of today’s savvy buyers are going to want to know.

1. Survey - Do you have a copy of a current survey of your home? Buyers want to know about property lines, easements, conservation buffers, if there is room for a pool, if the property line extends to the water behind your home, etc. Having a survey will help eliminate potential concerns for prospective buyers.

2. Floor plan or Appraisal Sketch - Buyers often want to know room dimensions as it helps with determining furniture placement in their new space.

A floor plan sketch, or an appraisal with accurate square footage of the home, will be extremely helpful.

3. Utility Bills - Buyers want to know what they can expect with their future heating and cooling bills.

Review your bills over the last one to two years to

get an estimated average for the various seasons, or call your local utility provider. This information can be very beneficial when a buyer sits down to crunch their total costs of owning a home.

4. Termite Bond - It is common for homes to have some sort of protection plan in place - also known as a bond. Prior to listing your home, obtain a copy of your policy from the provider, know exactly what type you have, how long it is in effect, and up to what dollar amount of coverage it is good for.

5. Insurance - Buyers especially want to know who a seller uses for their homeowners insurance and how much they pay. With homeowners insurance potentially more difficult to obtain in some areas, going through the existing seller’s insurance company can help streamline the process.

6. Product Manuals and Warranty Documents Now is the time to gather the various product manuals for all items that will be staying in the home such as appliances, water heater, heating & cooling system, ceiling fans, pool equipment, etc.

7. Covenants and Restrictions, Neighborhood Rules and Information - A contract may hinge on the buyer’s review of this information, so it is easiest to have it available ahead of time. If you don’t

have these, contact your neighborhood’s association president or management company for assistance in obtaining a copy.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Alpharetta office has affiliated sales associates who are experts in Atlanta’s communities and can help you quickly turn your dream into reality. If you’ve been thinking of putting your house on the market, now is a great time. We have buyers searching for properties right now– we’d love to sell them your home! Contact our office today by calling 770-642-0399.

Fabulous Forsyth & Fulton County Locations!

Live in One of These Prestigious Counties with Fantastic School Systems, Recreation and Much More Fulton County ManorView (Milton) 770-663-0027 Homes from the low $600s to the low $800s Forsyth County Arbors at LakeView (Cumming) 470-297-8190 Homes from the low $300s Arbors II at LakeView (Cumming) 470-297-8190 Homes from the mid $300s Champions Run I (Suwanee) Now Selling 470-385-6616 Homes from the low $400s

Champions Run II (Suwanee) Now Selling 470-385-6616 Homes from the mid $400s Herrington Trace (Cumming) Now Selling 770-557-2289 Homes from the low $400s Marketplace Commons (Cumming) 770-889-8619 Homes from the mid $300s Reserve at LakeView (Cumming) Model Now Open 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $400s

Seneca (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the low $400s Seneca lll (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $300s Shiloh Pointe (Cumming) 770-781-1112 Homes from the mid $300s Woodbury Preserve (Cumming) Model Now Open 678-672-0862 Homes from the upper $300s

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*Available only when you close on a to-be-built home in the Atlanta Division pursuant to a contract you sign on or between 8/1/16-8/31/16. Seller provided “Use How You Choose” credits may be applied to upgrades or options. Upgrades and options available solely through Seller’s Design Center. Availability of items may vary by community. Offer does not have any cash value. Receipt of closing cost credit is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title of Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Seller does not represent/guarantee that the project will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/ school district, that the same school/school district will service the project for any particular period of time. Eligibility requirements (including geographical) may change over time. You should independently confirm which schools/districts serve the project and learn more information about the school district’s boundary change process prior to executing a purchase contract. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278.CAATL012

August 2016

real estate report • Sponsored Section

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Cumming / 4/3.5 / $324,900 Susan O’Neill / 770-317-6381 131 Brook Hollow Lake Trail FMLS # 5683545

Milton / 6/4.1 / $589,900 Melinda McConnell / 404-729-4226 14360 Creek Club Dr FMLS# 5714332

Alpharetta / 5/3.2 / $625,000 Jill Bernard / 404-867-2760 4305 Courageous Wake FMLS# 5711000

Johns Creek / 4/3.5 / $500,000 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 195 Forrest Lake Road, Johns Creek 30022 FMLS# 5718159

Cleveland / $100,000 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 0 Stone Cliff Trace, Cleveland 30528 FMLS# 5680633

Cumming / 5/3.5 / $250,000 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 4815 Roseman Trl, Cumming 30040 FMLS# 5708118

Alpharetta / 5/4.5 / $459,900 Sandra Wilson / 678-520-9102 4950 Oakmont Bend, Alpharetta, 30004 FMLS# 5725239

Lake Lanier / 6/4 / $849,000 Dodie Hamrick / 770-841-6931 3227 Manor Ridge, Gainesville 30506 FMLS# 5661383

Alpharetta / 5/5 / $619,900 Sue Forsythe / 770-630-4901 780 Brookline Trace FMLS# 5713124

Alpharetta/North Point 3800 Mansell Rd., Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | 770.642.0399

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 12132ATL_4/16

Administered by American Home Shield

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Sponsored Section • Real estate report August 2016

Easy curb appeal One of the easiest but often overlooked enhancement to a house to improve the curb appeal is to add or update your exterior shutters. Historically exterior shutters served a purpose by offering light control, ventilation and protection from the elements. Today exterior shutters are mostly decorative.

“Exterior shutters add the finishing touch to a house”, says Hennie DuPreez, CEO of Dupbel Millworks Inc. “But it is important that they are appropriately sized and look like they are supposed to be there.” Whether you’re adding or replacing shutters to add curb appeal or as part of a remodel, consider these tips from Dupbel Millworks Inc., one of the leading shutter manufacturers in North Georgia.

Style: Make sure the style adds visual interest to the house, whether you choose traditional Raised panels, a Board and Batten style, Louvers or one of the more modern styles. Depending on the style you can make your house look more traditional, contemporary or modern. A reputable shutter provider

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Size: One of the biggest mistakes people make with shutters is the size. It is important that the shutters are sized correctly for your windows, while taking into account the features of the house, obstacles that could be present, and the look you are trying to achieve. Your shutters are going to be mostly decorative, but make sure they are sized as if they would be functional and as if they belong there.

Hardware: Traditionally shutters were attached to the window frames with hinges. Today hardware plays an important role in the appearance of your shutters. Various options are available depending on the style of the shutters and the type of windows. Adding hardware adds to the curb appeal and the authentic look. It also put the shutter at a slight angle, adding visual interest and creating better shadow lines that brings out the design features of the shutter style.

Material: Exterior shutters are available in various material and you need to find the right balance between price, how long they will last and the look you are trying to achieve. Vinyl shutters are typically the cheapest option for obvious reasons, wood looks great but do not necessary withstand the elements, and then you have various composite materials that could provide you with the

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authentic look and long lasting criteria.

Installation: Make sure you are confident working on a ladder, or make sure you use a professional crew with the necessary insurance. The installation cost is typically in addition to the price of the shutters and hardware.

Ensure there is a suitable mounting surface and that the window frames are in good shape before installation.Dupbel Millworks Inc. manufactures exteriors shutters using only weather resistant materials. Our core business is shutters made from a composite wood material that is rot, insect and weather resistant.

This is especially important in Georgia’s hot, humid conditions. Although we carry a series of shutters styles, we are fully equipped to help you design the specific look you desire, and every shutters is custom made based on your house, windows and design. We use your house as our showroom, knowing very well how difficult it can be to see what a specific style of shutter will do the look of your home. We come to your house with samples and will help you to choose the perfect style of shutter for your house. Our business is located in Alpharetta, GA and we are proud to serve the residential and commercial market of North Georgia. We are small enough to provide you with personal attention, yet strong enough to handle complex designs and the volume from our commercial customers.

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The above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawls without notice.

August 2016

real estate report • Sponsored Section

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Sponsored Section • Real estate report August 2016

The roadmap to a smart and successful remodel

By John Hogan, Co-owner of the Remodeling Expo Center in Roswell.

404 910 3969 You’re not alone. All North Atlanta homeowners are faced with the same issue; the value of your house has increased but the finish level of your kitchen and bathrooms is now inconsistent with the home’s value.

Homeowners of higher value homes expect current designs and finishes especially in kitchens and bathrooms, and with increasing real estate values; it now makes sound financial sense to remodel.

Selecting the right General Contractor.

1. Interview the GC’s team: designer, project manager and owner. If they can’t make this happen, move on. 2. Drive to the G.C’s office/showroom. If they don’t have one, move on. If they have an office but not a showroom, still move on. Why? You need to know that the G.C. has infrastructure, stability, and resources. Showrooms are costly and only the best and most reliable G.C.’s have them.

2. Documents- The Scope of Work and Drawings.

The output of the design process is a detailed scope of work and construction drawings. Don’t enter into a contract without both and don’t commence any work until every item in the contract is detailed.

The Bathroom Roadmap 1. Larger Tile – Use 12 x 24 or 12 x 12 for small rooms. You will achieve an immediate updated look.

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August 2016

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Sponsored Section • Real estate report August 2016

What is real esta Brought to you by: BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty What is Due Diligence?

Due diligence is a time period given to you as the buyer to investigate the property and make sure that you are satisfied with your purchase before the final transaction of ownership. In the case that there are any defects found in this investigation period, you as the buyer have the opportunity to cancel the purchase or the seller may offer solutions to compensate for the issues found. It is very important to take advantage of the due diligence period and make sure that the purchase you are making is as great on the outside as it is in-between the walls.

Your agent will assist you throughout this process and will advise that you take the following steps during due diligence period: Schedule a Home Inspection: Completing a home inspection during due diligence is one of the most important steps to take. Your agent can recommend a professional home inspector to come through the home and find any major problems that could end up being a problem in the future. The most common problems can be found in the foundation, termites, roof and HVAC, just to name a few. There can also be issues within the neighborhood and surrounding areas, such as being in a flood zone. It is important that an inspector

August 2016

te due diligence? complete as thorough of an examination as possible.

Title Search: Title search allows for you to take legal ownership of the home that you are purchasing. Completing a title search is the best way to find any hidden issues such as unpaid debt and rawlings disputes with the seller in advance before closing.

Homeowners Association Fees & Regulations: Another important detail to review during the due diligence period are Homeowners Association fees and regulations. Although not all neighborhoods and communities have an HOA, those that do often have bylaws and fees, so it is a good idea to see if your lifestyle and meets their regulations and expectations.

Taking these precautionary steps, as well as any others your agent may recommend, ensures that you are fully informed before taking the final steps to prepare for homeownership.

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty agents deliver results. Allow one of our dedicated professionals to assist you by visiting atlantafinehomes.com or calling our office at 770.442.7300.

Article is adapted from: http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/ what-is-due-diligence/

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Sponsored Section • Real estate report August 2016

Staging tips Brought to you by: Donna Augello, Harry Norman Realtors Thinking of Selling, check out a few our Staging Tips: 1. Paint .. Paint … Paint, painting is the biggest bang for your buck. Grays are popular today. Don’t go too dark or too blue. Keeping Ceilings and Trim white for a fresh neutral look.

2. First Impressions – replace the door mat, get rid of cobwebs looming around the side lights, trim shrubs and refresh mulch. Remember this is the door your future buyer will enter.

3. Lighting – I can’t express how important this is. Replace all burned out bulbs and place lamps in as many spaces as possible.

4. If you can change it, Stage it!

Use books, candles, large pottery and floral arrangements to create a fresh focal point on coffee tables, dining tables and bookshelves.

5. Pillows - Different shapes and sizes and lots of colors, . Use them

on Sofas, Chairs and Beds for an easy pop of color.

6. Always remember less is more, less furniture makes a room feel bigger and less clutter on counters makes a room feel cleaner. Oh and Augello as much as it hurts remove family keep sakes from the fridge and put away family photos.

7. Don’t forget the laundry room – Staging is key, no dirty laundry in sight! Use baskets for essentials.

8. Outdoor Spaces – stage as if it were an interior room!

9. Bathrooms – nothing is better than walking into a bathroom that feels like a spa. Use lots of white towels, soaps, orchids and bath salts. Home Goods is my favorite shopping place for these items.

10. For more great staging ideas, give us a call.

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Is your house priced “right” to sell?

By: Melinda McBrayer McBrayer Milton Real Estate www.themiltonteam.com As home prices continue to increase, and bidding wars in Milton and surrounding areas are on the rise, many sellers want to list their homes for the highest price possible. But, listing your home at the “wrong” price can often leave it on the market longer than you’d like. And, it may force you to keep dropping the price making potential buyers suspicious something is wrong with the property. If you want to sell your house quickly – you need to price it right!

Here’s a few things to consider before you decide on your home’s listing price.

DON’T set a listing price based on how much you paid for your home, the remaining balance on your mortgage, or the profit you need to buy something new. The right listing price should always be inline with a professional home valuation based on specific market statistics and analysis that guide what your home is actually worth.

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DO get a home valuation that includes a comparative market analysis of homes recently sold in your neighborhood, homes currently on the market, and those that have been taken off the market because mcbrayer they didn’t sell.

DON’T choose your real estate agent based on who suggests the highest listing price.

Without research to support a higher price, your house may sit on the market longer than you’d like.

DO choose a “local” real estate agent mcbrayer who is actively selling homes in your community, and has the inside track on local market conditions, upcoming city plans, developments, etc. All of these things will impact your home value and how fast it will actually sell.

DON’T ignore the advice given by the listing agent you choose. If they point out items that need to be addressed to sell your house quicker, consider making some improvements or concessions. Your real estate agent is

an industry expert with a single goal: to help you successfully sell your home.

By considering these do’s and don’ts, you’ll be more successful in determining your homes “right” listing price.

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Sponsored Section • Real estate report August 2016

For kitchens and baths, stone really rocks (NAPSI)—Homeowners thinking about creating or remodeling their indoor or outdoor spaces may want to consider these ideas from noted interior designer Courtney Babineaux.

Don’t be afraid to take some risks.

While your space needs to be a combination of both form and function, it also needs to speak to who you are.

Babineaux recommends filling it with things you love, that represent your travels and interests, and make it a place that you can’t wait to get home to.

She also recommends using natural stone wherever possible. Whether interior or exterior, anytime you can use a natural material within a space, you’re giving a feeling of authenticity and uniqueness, very much like a fine piece of art. The color variations and imperfections are not flaws, but rather unique touches that make your space an original.

When designing an interior space, all the elements within that room—natural stone, furnishings, paint, fabrics— should have a harmonious feel in both style and color. Whenever possible, select a hue from the color variation of the stone and use that as an accent shade. For example, if there’s a copper vein in the granite on your kitchen

countertops, add accents such as a copper vent hood.

The stone should also work with the surrounding elements. For example, an exotic granite countertop typically has a lot of color variation, so you may want something more subtle on the floor.

By the same token, the colors should be harmonious. For example, you may want to pair a dark gray or dark greencolored soapstone countertop with a lighter-hued travertine.

Today’s color trends of grays and “greige” are still going strong, and lightcolored stone countertops coordinate well with those shades. Lighter stones also pair well with darker cabinets for a high-contrast look and serve as a nice backdrop for the strategic use of color in fabrics and accessories.

For areas like media rooms, wet bars and powder rooms, where there’s an opportunity to make a statement, you can take more of a style risk, such as backlit natural onyx.

In home design today, Babineaux says, the exterior is often an extension of the interior. Outdoor living spaces are decorated to coordinate with the interior color palette, and the same materials used in the kitchen and family room areas are carried outdoors.

When choosing natural stone for your exterior, you will want to consider materials that hold up to the exposure of natural elements like water, sunlight and freeze-thaw cycling. Consult with knowledgeable staff at your local stone

yard about where and how the stone will be used to assist in making appropriate material choices.

Learn More For further facts and tips, visit www.usenaturalstone.com.

Home improvement from a real estate professional’s opinion By: Karen Pate, Senior Vice-President and Managing Broker Harry Norman Realtors Forsyth/Lake Lanier Let’s face it there are many options for today’s homeowner to make improvements to their home. How do you decide what is the highest priority? Will you get your return on your investment at the time of sale? In my opinion you should think about making the improvements mostly for your personal enjoyment. My suggestion is to make these improvements so you have the time to enjoy it and not just for resale purposes. Often a homeowner will spend hard earned dollars getting their house ready for the market then they wonder why they didn’t do these things earlier. Sometimes they elect to stay because now they love their home again!

If you are thinking about making improvements or even a complete renovation here are four things that are game changers. There are many factors that play into how much you will regain at the time of sale such as what’s going on in the market, the season, etc.

However, will it increase your odds of getting your home sold quicker and

for the most that the market will bear?

The answer to this is yes.

1. Kitchen – The kitchen is the heart of the home! This is the gathering place no matter how big or small your home might be. First your kitchen should function, meaning that all of the essentials are in the right place. i.e. refrigerator, stove/ovens, sinks and counter space. If you are about to replace these items see if it is reasonable to relocate them so that it functions. Try not to go too cheap with the cabinetry & under light the upper cases. Stone is still the most popular for countertops and tile for your backsplash. Some may disagree but, white is still the safest. You can add your color elsewhere. Keep it simple!

2. Master bath – In my opinion if the space is too sterile it doesn’t appeal to me as much as if it feels warm & inviting but, not cluttered. Again, the quality of the cabinetry matters! Tile or stone is the “go to” for flooring & shower enclosures. Stone for the countertops and be sure to give yourself ample mirrors and lighting. A few high end items are heated floors & towel bars, steam showers, rain or multihead showers.

3. Outdoor living space & lighting – has this become ever so popular!

Homeowners are spending a fortune on outdoor living space. Closed in patios, pools w/waterfalls & spa tubs, fireplaces, koi ponds and built-in grilling areas. If your home reaches a certain price point the homebuyer is expecting outdoor living space and mood lighting!

Mood lighting has become much more reasonable due to more sophisticated solar lighting. One thing to remember is that in our market we need to pay attention to the heat and the bugs. No one can give a guarantee as to how much you will recoup when it comes time for sale, however, does it help sell the house? Absolutely! Almost every new home being built has some sort of outdoor living space.

4. Landscaping – For you, your family and your neighbors a wellmanicured and pretty landscaped yard makes everyone happier! If you are limited with your time be certain to take into account the amount of maintenance certain things may require.

There are many ways to create a mostly maintenance free yard. Ask your neighborhood nursery before you buy and remember to pay attention to the

amount of sunlight and moisture your items will need. Add color! If you are creative you can stage/time it so that there is always something blooming.

How beautiful would that be?

If you need additional guidance reach out to your Realtor. If we at Harry Norman, REALTORS® can assist you feel free to call us at Harry Norman, Realtors. Karen Pate, Senior Vice-President and Managing Broker for our Forsyth/Lake Lanier office. #770497-2000

August 2016

real estate report • Sponsored Section

Crye-Leike continues to grow in the atlanta market It’s been eleven years since Harold Crye, CEO of Crye-Leike Real Estate, expanded the company’s footprint into the Atlanta metro area. The fourth largest privately owned real estate company in the nation recently opened its tenth office in the Atlanta Metro area at 1240 Highway 138 SW in Riverdale.

Crye-Leike is pleased to welcome Karen Baxter as the new Managing Broker. Crye-Leike’s Riverdale office is currently open for business and ready to assist clients with all of their real estate buying and selling needs. The office is also in the process of recruiting and interviewing agents to grow its team. It will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony this summer.

“The Atlanta real estate market is strong and greatly improving like many of the markets Crye-Leike serves,” said Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye. “We see a lot of potential for the local market and are very happy to be expanding in and around the Atlanta area with additional offices opening soon in Lawrenceville, Gainesville, Dahlonega and Marietta.”

“Being a full-service real estate brokerage firm, our goal is to make it convenient for our customers and sales associates to utilize all of our services before, during and after a home purchase by offering reliable, efficient and

convenient services for today’s busy lifestyles,” said Steve Brown, president of Crye-Leike Residential Sales.

Crye-Leike Real Estate Services had a great year in 2015 achieving $5.7 billion in sales volume. Over baxter a nine-state region, 3000 highly skilled Crye-Leike agents sold 31,400 properties. Crye-Leike’s sales outperformed the national average in the real estate market. Crye-Leike Atlanta has sales offices in Alpharetta/Roswell, Norcross, Cartersville, Cumming, McDonough, Smyrna/Vinings, Johns Creek and Woodstock in addition to a Residential Property Management, Commercial and Relocation division.

As a full service real estate company, Crye-Leike offers real estate and related services, including: relocation services; commercial business and investment real estate services; property leasing and management services; insurance services; title & closing services; mortgage services; home warranty services; home services; auction services; business brokerage services; REO services for bank-owned & foreclosed properties and real estate schools.

Appen Media Group:

Real Estate Report Monthly

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Sponsored Section • Real estate report August 2016