Appen Media Group
Real Estate Report February Special Section
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Sponsored Section • real estate report
2 | NorthFulton.com | February 2017
February 2017
Sponsored Section
Is your home ready for springtime buyers? Spring flowers bring out the buyers! Remember, how we live in a home is not necessarily how we show it to sell! Get your house in shape with The Cueny Team’s five tips below. 1. Paint. Check outside around windows and door frames for wood rot, and remove it before repainting. Inside, we recommend neutral colors such as Sherwin William’s Alabaster or Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter. 2. Landscaping. Buyers often fall in love with a home’s outdoor spaces! Make sure the grass is healthy, flowers are planted, and mulch is fresh. Brighten your extended living area with porch swings, furniture, bright cushions, and chiminea fireplaces. These special touches are welcoming and allow buyers to envision themselves in the space. 3. Appliances. Do you have dated kitchen appliances? New appliances will modernize the kitchen and help buyers get over the hump of updating countertops, tile, cabinets, and more. 4. Staging. When buyers walk into a room, they should instantly understand its selling points. Lighting, window treatments, and furniture placement are critical tools to help you highlight features and cam-
ouflage problem areas. 5. Sparkle. Cleanliness seems simple, but is often overlooked by sellers. Unfortunately, buyers notice. Hide any clutter, and make sure the bathrooms, cabinets, baseboards, carpets, and floors are spotless. Feeling overwhelmed or short on time? The Cueny Team can recommend preferred service providers, including careful and affordable movers, a
trusted contractor, creative designer, painter, electrician, and more. Spring market is here. With over 25 years of combined real estate experience, The Cueny Team works with each client to prepare their home for sale. For more ideas and real estate information, please visit us at www.TheCuenyTeam.com.
A ne n ew ew m mii lest le es stt on one e fo f r a te team am m t ha hatt go o es e a bo b ove ve a and nd d b ey e on nd
T H E C U E N Y T E A M T H A N K S Y O U F O R A M O N U M E N TA L Y E A R #1 Team North Atlanta $40 million in sales in 2016 ... and we look forward to creating wonderful results with you in 2017!
ANDREA CUENY + NICOLE MCALUNEY + BONNIE SMITH ac. 404.695.7040
nm. 678.427.8697
bs. 404.713.7713
andreac@atlantafinehomes.com | nicolemcaluney@atlantafinehomes.com | bonniesmith@atlantafinehomes.com AT L A N TA F I N E H O M E S . C O M | S I R . C O M | o . 7 7 0 . 4 4 2 . 7 3 0 0 ©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.
February 2017
real estate report • Sponsored Section
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U N R I VA L E D G L O BA L E X P O S U R E
atlantafinehomes.com sothebysrealty.com
M y c o m p re h e n s i ve m a r ke t i n g p l a n o f fe rs ex p o s u re fo r yo u r h o m e o n t h e m o s t p owe r f u l m e d i a a n d re a l e s t a t e - fo c u s e d we bs i t e s a ro u n d t h e wo r l d . C o n t a c t m e t o d ay t o d i s c u s s m y p rove n m a r ke t i n g s t ra t e g y t o s e l l yo u r h o m e.
MICHELLE PITTMAN c. 404.402.7124 o. 770.442.7300 michellepittman@atlantafinehomes.com 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 400 Alpharetta, Georgia 30009
©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Sponsored Section • real estate report
Five Star Professional
Milton Real Estate Specialist • Top 10 Agent in North Fulton / Alpharetta / Milton • Approved by all Corporate Relocation Companies • Awarded Five Star Professional • 12+ Years Experience in Milton • 100’s of Milton Homes SOLD
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Jan 20, 2017 ★★★★★ by Stan P. Mike is an outstanding REALTOR. He has helped my family buy and sell 4 homes in Milton over the years. Two of the homes needed complete makeovers and Mike managed that entire process for us with his contractors. The homes all sold in days for fantastic prices. Nov 2, 2016 ★★★★★ by Drew E. Michael helped me sell one home and buy a new one at the same time. He was referred to us and we had some reluctance with an unknown agent, but what a pleasure! He got us the right buyer at the right price, and helped us find the perfect fixer upper opportunity. Sep 2, 2016 ★★★★★ by Chris W. Due to many corporate relocations, we have had the opportunity to work with lots of real estate agents over the years. No one compares to Mike Stevens. He sold our Crooked Creek home in 1 day and at a record price. Mike is truly ‘Best in Class.’ He goes above and beyond the call of duty to get the deal done. His expertise and integrity are unmatched.
RE/MAX On Main
301 North Main St. • Alpharetta, Ga 30009
770-905-7053
Mike@NorthAtlantaTeam.com MoveToMilton.com CrookedCreekHomeSales.com
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 will be able to help you choose the look you are trying to achieve. 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
February 2017
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 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.
February 2017
real estate report • Sponsored Section
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Sponsored Section • real estate report
February 2017
The next big thing for smart homes is voice technology By: Kathy Weeks Managing Broker, Alpharetta/North Point Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
The smart home function consumers would most like voice control for is entertainment. So what do consumers want to control using their voice? Entertainment is the clear winner. More than half (57%) of Americans who own smart home products with voice control use the feature to control smart entertainment, such as playing music, or controlling smart TVs and speaker systems. In addition to entertainment, the next three most popular functions being controlled by voice activation for smart home product owners are lighting, security products and shopping (all tied at 33%). There are many reasons why consumers want voice control functionality. The survey also looked at why consumers want voice control. It found that most Americans believe voice control provides a more intuitive user experience and practicality: The most commonly cited benefits for using voice control among respondents were hands-free control at 30%, increased user-friendliness at 17% and flexibility in location at 14%. It’s not surprising that so many Americans want to be able to use their voice to control smart home products,
Your kids may not always listen to you but soon your smart home will. A new survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC and Vivint Smart Home found Americans are ready to embrace using weeks voice control, with an increasing number already using the feature to enhance their lives at home. People who have smart home products want voice control functionality. According to the survey, 72 percent of Americans who have smart home products – controlled remotely by a smartphone, tablet, computer or by a separate automatic system within the home itself – want voice control. And of that group, 81 percent of parents who have smart home products desire to control them with voice activation. The survey also found that 48 percent of Americans with smart home products currently have voice control capability.
because it makes for a much more intuitive user experience. Homeowners are rapidly adapting smart home technology, and any option that makes the experience more seamless is sure to become popular. This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Coldwell Banker Real Estate and Vivint Smart Home from November 14-16 and from November 18-22, 2016, among 4,108 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among which 923 have any smart home products. For the full results of the Coldwell Banker Real Estate/Vivint Smart Home consumer
survey, including demographic breakdowns of Americans with smart home products, and complete survey methodology, visit blog.coldwellbanker.com. For more information about the benefits of smart home technology or if you’re interested in buying or selling a home, contact the Alpharetta/North Point office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. The affiliated sales associates are experts in the Atlanta residential real estate market and can help you achieve your goals. Call 770.642.0399 or visit ColdwellBankerHomes.com to get started today.
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) 770-887-8233 Homes from the upper $300s Arbors II at LakeView (Cumming) 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $300s
For a Limited Time Purchase a To-Be-Built Home and Receive:
10,000
$
Use How You Choose Credits*
PLUS
UP TO
Champions Run I (Suwanee) 770-888-2763 Homes from the low $400s
Champions Run II (Suwanee) 770-888-2763 Homes from the mid $400s
Reserve at LakeView (Cumming) 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $400s
Herrington Glen (Cumming) Model Now Open 678-628-6963 Homes from the mid $400s
Seneca (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the low $400s
Herrington Trace (Cumming) 770-557-2289 Homes from the low $400s Marketplace Commons (Cumming) 770-889-8619 Homes from the low $400s
Seneca lll (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $300s Seneca IV (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $400s Woodbury Preserve (Cumming) 470-321-5702 Homes from the upper $300s
10,000
$
Toward Closing Costs*
For more information, please visit CalAtlanticHomes.com. CalAtlanticHomes.com
*Available only when you close on a To-Be Built home in the Atlanta Division pursuant to a contract you sign on or between 2/1/17-2/28/17. 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. Seller provided Use How You Choose credits may be applied to price reductions, closing costs, upgrades and 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. 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. 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. CAATL012
February 2017
real estate report • Sponsored Section
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ColdwellBankerHomes.com 85,000 Agents | 3,000 Offices on 6 Continents | 110-Year Legacy N
R T DE AC UN NTR CO
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Alpharetta / 5BR/4BA / $635,500 Jill Bernard / 404-867-2760 12005 Castleton Court FMLS# 5786161 on CBHomes.com
Gainesville / 5BR/5.3BA/ $1,650,000 Jenifer Cusick / 404-932-4962 4164 Greyfield Bluff Drive FMLS# 5760626 on CBHomes.com
Jasper / 3BR/2.1BA / $209,900 Melinda McConnell / 404-729-4226 125 Indian Beach Trail FMLS# 5744305 on CBHomes.com
Alpharetta / 5BR/4BA / $519,900 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 4140 Breckenridge Ct – Highlands @ Park Bridge FMLS# 5786447 on CBHomes.com
Roswell / 3BR/2.1BA / $340,000 Susan Craig / 678-656-4909 2630 Camden Glen Court FMLS# 5757423 on CBHomes.com
Alpharetta / 4BR/2.1BA / $300,000 Tarran Craver / 770-597-9118 11845 Leeward Walk Circle FMLS# 5798252 on CBHomes.com
Alpharetta / 5BR/4.1BA / $429,000 Sandra Wilson / 678-520-9102 4950 Oakmont Bend FMLS# 5725239 on CBHomes.com
R DE CT UN NTRA CO
Alpharetta / 5BR/3.1BA / $407,500 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 6349 Kristensen Court – Shiloh Farms FMLS# 5756118 on CBHomes.com
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Contact me today! Johns Creek / 5BR/4.1BA / $685,000 Pam Putnam / 770-335-5118 5445 Chelsen Wood Drive FMLS# 5778609 on CBHomes.com
Berkeley Lake / 4BR/4.1BA / $839,900 Michelle Healy / 678-549-6111 4245 Central River Park FMLS# 5739518 on CBHomes.com
Alpharetta / 2BR/2BA Full / $105,000 Caroline Wilson / 404-518-8669 601 Cypress Pointe Street Search FMLS# 5796544 on CBHomes.com
Kathy Weeks, Managing Broker 704-491-1113
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
February 2017
Crye-Leike continues to grow Now open in Gainesville 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 eleventh office in the Atlanta Metro area at 956A Dawsonville Highway, Suite 301 in Gainesville. Crye-Leike is pleased to welcome Christy Crumbley as the new Managing Broker. Crye-Leike's Gainesville office is currently open for business and ready to assist clients with all of their real estate buying and selling needs in Hall, Lumpkin, Dawson and surrounding counties. The office will host a grand opening ceremony this fall. “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, 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 a nine-state region, 3000 highly skilled Crye-Leike agents sold 31,400 properties. CryeLeike’s sales outperformed the national average in the real estate market. Crye-Leike Atlanta has sales offices in Alpharetta/Roswell, Norcross, Cartersville, Cumming, McDonough, Riverdale, 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.
February 2017
real estate report • Sponsored Section
Weatherford Place Homes work for you! Brought to you by: Suzanne Close and Robin Ives, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Less than 1/10th of a mile (just steps away) to Canton Street, Weatherford Place, the Only Solar Community of EcoCraft Hybrid ™ Homes, features a holistic approach to unsurpassed conservation and cost savings. Award winning architectural design along with advanced construction materials and methodologies put art and science, nature and technology to work for you with fully integrated solar, rain harvesting and energy monitoring systems. When the sun shines... Passive Solar design with charming architectural details reduces energy demand while Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal systems provide FREE electricity and FREE hot water*! And when it rains... Commercial grade standing seam metal roofs collect rainwater via oversized gutters and downspouts tied to 2000 gal underground cisterns serving automated drip irrigation systems resulting in substantial savings in water/ sewer resources and utility costs. Or anytime in real time... Monitor and manage your energy production and use via your smart phone or any web-enabled device. The alternative energy systems qualify you for an immediate savings of +-$30,000. in tax credits which can be taken all at once or over 5 years. In addition, high performance and low maintenance characteristics of these homes offer ongoing savings from lifetime warrantied foundations to roofs that last a lifetime and more.
northfulton.com 9
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SUZANNE CLOSE + ROBIN IVES sc. 770.335.1880 ri. 770.870.4009 o. 770.442.7300 suzanne@atlantafinehomes.com | robinives@atlantafinehomes.com
770-442-3278 DEADLINE for March: February 22
L E A R N M O R E AT W E AT H E R F O R D P L A C E . C O M
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Sponsored Section • real estate report
February 2017
It’s time to de-clutter Brought to you by: Karen Pate, Broker, SVP, Harry Norman REALTORS®
Real estate pros choose top design features Brought to you by: Laura Wedell, Harry Norman Realtors A special Valentine to all buyers and sellers who are in the real estate market this month is finding their perfect home and/or selling one that has most of the features currently in demand. BUILDER Magazine Wedell recently asked real estate professionals to share their thoughts about the top design trends their clients are currently requesting. Here are some of the top design trends that they said are most desirable: • Open layouts • Neutral color schemes • Multigenerational floor plans • First-floor master suites
• No dining rooms • White kitchens • Stain-resistant quartz countertops • Extra-large garages • Big closets • Finished basements with 9-foot high ceilings • Barn sliding doors • A special space for pet care (pet owners LOVE this) If you are thinking about selling your home, now is a great time of year to partner with a professional Realtor® you can trust who will be 100% committed to assist you with your real estate needs, including staging your home to appeal to the most buyers. And if you are in the market to make a change and find your perfect place, as they say, there’s no time like the present! What a Valentine! I’d love to work with you contact me today for a consultation, Laura Wedell 470-585-6126 LauraMarie.Wedell@HarryNorman.com
The best move you’ll ever make.™
When one house closes, the door to your new life opens! Call me today! Laura-Marie Wedell, REALTOR®
Cell: 470-585-6126 Office: (770) 497-2000 Email: LauraMarie.Wedell@harrynorman.com Web: LauraMarieWedell.HarryNorman.com
Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office
1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041 Karen Pate, SVP & Broker. HarryNorman.com
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall? It’s hard to tell these days which season it is with the crazy temperatures. However, this is a great time to think about de-cluttering and organizing your household. Are there pate stacks of papers sitting on your desk? Tools lying all around your garage? Paths in your basement instead of wide open spaces? Even though we throw away, give away, and then some……. we still have stuff. The key is to get organized! Clutter makes us crazy. How much time do you spend searching for those lost items? Have you missed a payment because the bill was buried? Have you purchased something only because you couldn’t find the other? Garage sales are a good way to get rid of unwanted items and make a bit of money. You can also donate items to places such as Goodwill. Here are some things that we can do to make your life better: Garage – This may seem unfathomable but, if at all possible take everything out of the garage. Decide what you want to keep, what should be thrown away and what can be donated. Painting the walls and floor will make it feel much more inviting and helps keep it clean. Good lighting is important for safety and locating your belongings. Now analyze your space. Which walls will work best for which purpose? Think vertical & horizontal! Group like kind items together. Most garages hold garden equipment and tools. Peg board is a great solution for this and it can be painted to add color. Go as high as possible recognizing the things at the top may need a step stool. Invest in drawers and cabinetry which can be installed to create storage space for smaller items. Plastic covered bins are also a great way to store seasonal items. Label……label………label everything! Kitchen – If you have a small kitchen look at the adjoining spaces to see if there is a way to utilize it for kitchen overflow. Perhaps there is an armoire cabinet that you could use? Do you really use all those specialty gadgets? Are your countertops full of clutter? Lining your shelves gives a nice clean appearance and protects your cabinetry from being damaged. Can you add open shelving in any area to give you additional space? Organize items by category. All utensils in drawers with
dividers to keep them organized. Bakeware grouped together. Stack plates, pots and pans with protected sheets in between to keep them from scratching. Get rid of pantry items that are expired or have damaged packaging. These items can be stored in labeled plastic containers for longer shelf life. If there is no expiration date label it with the date you purchased it. Laundry – The best thing you can do for your laundry room is to install cabinets and/or shelves. Look up! See any additional space? The most frequently used items should be lower and others higher up. Creating a folding table is a nice additional feature along with a retractable ironing board. Flooring in the laundry room should be durable to resist spilled detergents. Closets – If your closets have not been customized with some sort of closet system you may want to strongly consider this. There are professionals that offer services to do this or you can try to do it yourself. Permanent shelving & drawers will greatly add to your space. The professional organizer will tell you if you haven’t worn it in 2 years it’s time to give it up. Yikes! Grouping items by color is a neat way to sort your items. Shoes & handbags work best on shelves. This may be the hardest of all but, it is a must! Noteworthy – Throughout your home think about adding shelves, containers, baskets, glass containers to store smaller items. Checklists will greatly help anyone who has a hard time keeping organized! Whether it is your grocery list, packing list for travel, entertaining, pet sitter, etc. these will help you immensely. You will feel better and appreciate your things much more if you are without clutter! Should you need assistance in selling or buying real estate please give us a call. Karen Pate at Harry Norman, REALTORS in the Forsyth/Lake Lanier office. #770-497-2000
February 2017
real estate report • Sponsored Section
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When is the best time to list my home? Brought to you by: Christina Abunassar, Harry Norman Realtor As a Realtor, we hear this question all the time. Potential sellers are always looking for the optimal time to list their home. There are unique advantages to listing at different times of the year, but no Realtor can argue that from spring to mid-summer home sales are at their highest point. Trend report after trend report will show that the greatest pool of buyers abunassar are actively searching during April, May and June. In turn, inventory rises and so does the competition. With more homes to choose from, buyers tend to spend more time looking and weeding out homes for less important reasons than they may have done given fewer choices. Suddenly that slight slope in the backyard makes the potential home a deal breaker when it may have previously been overlooked. According to the 400 North Board’s December 2016 Market Report, the housing supply in Forsyth County increased to 3.2 months, which is well under the 6-month’s supply that is needed for a balanced housing market. In other words, for now INVENTORY IS LOW. Sellers need to take advantage of this small window before additional inventory comes to market. So when asked “when is the best time to list my
home?”, my answer is now. I advise potential sellers to list while competition is still low. Sellers should take advantage of the buyer activity we are currently seeing in the market. Many buyers are frustrated with their limited choices and are just waiting for homes that fit their search criteria to be listed. Might
you be the potential seller holding the key to their dream home? If you are considering selling this spring, let me help you. Let’s get the results you are looking for! Christina can be reached at 919-389-8317 Christina.Abunassar@HarryNorman.com
Christina Abunassar, REALTOR® • Senior Marketing Consultant • Accredited Relocation Specialist • Member 400 N. Board of REALTORS®
“Luxury Service at Any Price Point.”
Cell: (919) 389-8317 | Office: (770) 497-2000 Email: Christina.Abunassar@HarryNorman.com Web: Christina.Abunassar.HarryNorman.com
1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041 | O: 770-497-2000 | HarryNorman.com
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Sponsored Section • real estate report
February 2017
Why investing in real estate is easier than ever (NAPSI)—There is no shortage of reasons why investing in residential real estate can be a good idea: home prices declined during the recent financial crisis, the number of renters has skyrocketed, it’s often considered a stable alternative to the stock market and the list goes on and on. At the same time, residential real estate investing has shifted from a local proposition to one without geographic limitations. That’s because of developments in technology, financing, services and processes that can make it easier for investors to search for opportunities, purchase properties and manage them from afar. In the past, a long-standing issue with the single-family rental sector has been a weak debt market. Investors were generally limited to loans from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which allow a maximum of four and 10 properties, respectively. Even worse was that these loans are highly dependent on the personal income of the borrower, not the income of the real estate. This limited obtaining attractive financing to only the wealthiest of investors. A new lending sector has emerged, however, that can provide financing for inves-
tors of various sizes and neither limits the number of properties available for financing nor underwrites the loan amount based on personal income. Meanwhile, online auction marketplaces, property management software and crowdfunding may help to make more efficient decision—making and investing. “Small investors today don’t have to rely on gut feelings about markets-they’re empowered by highquality market intelligence and have access to a multitude of service providers,” explains Wally Charnoff, CEO of Investability Real Estate, Inc. “Small investors can now diversify their portfolio,” he says, “because they can research, acquire, finance and manage properties from afar.” The single-family residential market can present opportunities for “mom and pop” investors, particularly those who consider five key points: 1. Understand the total costs: Operating expenses and fixed costs, such as taxes, can vary greatly from state to state. Property management fees are generally higher in less populated areas that have little scalability or no competition. Hurricane, flood or earthquake insurance can be expensive but may
not be relevant in all markets. “Investors often look for turnkey properties, which can make condos appealing, but monthly association fees can severely suppress yield and additional assessments could put the property in the red at a moment’s notice,” points out Dennis Cisterna, CRO of Investability Real Estate, Inc. 2. Choose your tenants wisely: If you decide to invest out of your local market (and even in your own market), consider using a property manager to identify and qualify tenants and detail exactly the criteria and standards required. Common metrics are a certain FICO score, no bankruptcy in the last few years and a minimum rent-toincome ratio. Landlord references are also important, as is understanding local laws about tenant selection and advertising for tenants. 3. Know the market as if you lived there: Talk to local brokers, read the local newspaper to understand the economy and visit the area. Identify the drivers behind the housing market and know the history. A healthy, educated workforce and population growth are
generally good indicators of long-term price appreciation. Lower home ownership rates may produce strong yields as there could be a consistent demand for your investment property, but appreciation may be lacking as the market fundamentals are not dynamic enough. 4. Choose either appreciation or yield or a little of both: Deciding which type of market you want to invest in will help with focus. Diversifying can be a reason to look beyond local opportunities. Some markets straddle yield and appreciation, and researching the longterm trend for market dynamics is especially important as these may quickly shift to only yield or appreciation. 5. Know your exit strategy: The number of owner-occupied houses is important because a higher rate of home ownership may make it easier to sell the home. The overall liquidity of the market is also important. Data now exists that can help investors understand the vibrancy of a market even without much buying and selling. Find your next single-family real estate investment at www.investability.com.
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February 2017
real estate report • Sponsored Section
Housing market success in 2017 Brought to you by: BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty It is now 2017 and the spring real estate market is on a rise. This year the market is expected to set a few trends that are going to shape the market as a whole. In 2017, we are expecting a slight rise in interest rawlings rates, more credit, an increase in new home development and the continual rise of the foreign buyer. Rising Interest Rates: The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter of a percent between 0.50% and 0.75% in 2016, what is only the second interest rate rise since 2006. In 2017, we expect to see more increases to the interest rate, but it is still a favorable time to invest in real estate compared to the past. Credit: With the rise of mortgage rates reaching just over 4.15% in midDecember 2016, this allows mortgage credit to be more widely available, due to lending standards being loosened. This in turn will allow for lower fees for
first-time homebuyers. New Homes: Homebuyer demands are increasing, and their wish for new construction is creating a positive impact on the market. The demand for new construction has increased in the past year an entire 5% and is expected to continue to rise throughout 2017. Foreign Buyers: Foreign buyers are one of the United States’s strongest buying groups, due to their outstanding budgets. China has a strong interest in the United States real estate market, as many believe the United States is a safe place to store their wealth. From April 2015 - March 2016, The National Association of REALTORS® reported foreign buyers purchased over $102 billion in residential real estate in the United States. 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://fortune.com/2016/12/14/ federal-reserve-interest-rates-you/ http://fortune.com/2016/12/29/realestate-trends-2017-2/ http://www.cnbc. com/2016/07/06/foreign-buyers-floodus-real-estate-but-buy-cheaper-homes. html
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Sponsored Section • real estate report
February 2017