Dickinson Merry - Listing Guide 2023

George C. Blanchard and Francis A. Calhoun founded Blanchard and Calhoun in 1919 as a residential and commercial brokerage, property management, and insurance business. A few years later, Mr. Calhoun sold his ownership to George Blanchard, however; the company name Blanchard and Calhoun remained. In 1945, Thomas M. Blanchard, Sr. returned from World War II and joined Blanchard and Calhoun. The company was soon reorganized into two companies: Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company and Blanchard and Calhoun Mortgage Company, with insurance and property management operating as departments within the real estate company.

In 1972, Blanchard and Calhoun Mortgage Company was sold to NCNB. Realizing the importance of having a mortgage company to compliment the real estate and insurance functions, Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company formed Augusta Mortgage Company as a subsidiary in 1976. Blanchard and Calhoun Commercial Corporation was formed in 1987 to focus on commercial real estate development and brokerage services. In 1997 Blanchard and Calhoun Insurance Agency, Inc. was incorporated.

In 1985, Thomas M. Blanchard, Jr., grandson of founder George Blanchard, was named President of Blanchard and Calhoun. Today, Thomas M. Blanchard, III is continuing the mission of Blanchard and Calhoun as President. Carey Blanchard Daniel also serves as a Marketing Consultant to the company. For over four generations, the Blanchard and Calhoun Family of Businesses has become synonymous with Augusta and its development of residential and commercial communities. From the residential or commercial real estate transaction, property management, development, relocation, personal or commercial insurance, and mortgage lending, Blanchard and Calhoun is the only company to provide Augusta with a truly comprehensive list of services. Having served the Augusta area longer than any other local real estate company, our firm is committed to providing our clients and customers continuing, lifetime service in all aspects of property ownership.

Blanchard and Calhoun compliments the real estate transaction by providing Insurance and Mortgage Lending services for any real estate transaction, with our “Family of Business” concept. We have been in business for over 100 years and will continue to be committed to Augusta, its history and its future.

Blanchard and Calhoun has celebrated over 100 years of service. The company has grown and developed into a multi-faceted organization through its “Family of Businesses”, which now includes Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company, Augusta Mortgage Company and Blanchard and Calhoun Insurance Agency, relocation, personal or commercial insurance, and mortgage lending, Blanchard and Calhoun is the only company to provide the CSRA with a truly comprehensive list of services. Having served the Augusta area longer than any other local real estate company, our firm is committed to providing our clients and customers continuing, lifetime service in all aspects of property ownership.

Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company is one of the area’s largest independent real estate agencies with over 165 agents and several branch offices to serve all of your real estate needs. The company continues to be ranked one of the largest independent real estate companies in the United States as well as one of the top 500 brokers in the United States by Real Trends Magazine. Blanchard and Calhoun has also received the prestigious Georgia Family Business Award by Cox Family Enterprises and Georgia Trend Magazine in 2011 for outstanding company performance in the medium business category of 50-250 employees.

Blanchard and Calhoun’s Property Management Department manages over 350 single family homes, over 1000 apartment units, and over 100 commercial properties, shopping centers, office and industrial parks, and homeowner associations. Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate also has a full service Relocation Department to help assist families, individuals and corporate groups relocating to or from virtually any community in the United States and abroad.

Although Blanchard and Calhoun has grown tremendously and experienced many changes, the company’s commitment to quality customer service remains strong. At Blanchard and Calhoun, our firm is committed to providing our clients and customers continuing, lifetime service in all aspects of property ownership.

Blanchard and Calhoun is committed to continuing to serve the real estate needs of the Greater Augusta area and the needs of our community.

George C. Blanchard

Thomas M. Blanchard, Sr. Thomas M. Blanchard, Jr. Carey B. Daniel

Thomas M. Blanchard, III

Our focus is on the quality approach instead of quantity for marketing and selling. We are not convinced that bigger is always better. By controlling our size we can act and react to your real estate needs with greater speed and efficiency. A real estate decision can be one of your most important decisions. Only with all the facts can you make a wise decision. We will not tell you what we think you want to hear, but instead will tell you what you need to hear. We want you to trust us.

In our century of service, we’ve run across some of our community’s most interesting people, places and things. Blanchard and Calhoun is one of the South’s oldest independent real estate companies. Founded in 1919 in Augusta, Georgia, this year marks a century of service to our community. Our Family of Businesses offers real estate, insurance and mortgage services across Augusta’s River Region.

Without a doubt, our company’s most valuable assets are its agents. They have all embraced our mission and promote the values of Blanchard and Calhoun. Our agents integrate technology with outstanding sales techniques, but never lose sight of expert personal attention to their clients. They are well-trained and attuned to current market trends and technology.

B&C agents are professionals who take pride in earning the trust of the clients and producing desired results. They are the best educated and most professional agents in the area.

Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company is one of the areas largest independent real estate agencies with over 165 agents and four branch offices to serve all of your real estate needs. All our agents are licensed and are members of the Greater Augusta Association of Realtors, Georgia & South Carolina Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.

OUR VISION

To be the leading team of real estate professionals committed to quality, service and results.

OUR VALUES

Accountability Integrity • Teamwork Exceptional Service Productivity Trustworthiness

OUR MISSION

To be a unique company where clients and associates come first.

WHY HAVE A REAL ESTATE AGENT?

Agents Know What to Look For

Our real estate agents will pinpoint properties for you based on your wish list. We take pride in knowing the houses on the market and finding the one that fits your needs and budget.

Agents Have Extensive Market Knowledge

Our agents understand current market trends and are familiar with all aspects of the housing market. We can also identify comparable real estate and pass this info on to you to make an informed decision.

Our local agents know which neighborhoods are near great schools, have had the greatest increase in market value, and much more.

Agents Have Professional Networks

Our agents are professionals at networking. Many will have a list of trusted and preferred providers who have been successful in the past, including inspectors, appraisers, real estate lawyers, and mortgage professionals.

Agents Spot Potential Problems

Our agents have keen eyes for identifying potential problems that might normally go unnoticed. They will recommend a home inspection on each property so that you are made aware of any issues that exist. Whether you’re the buyer or seller, you need to understand the best approach to fix the issues.

Agents Provide Valuable Price Guidance

Our agents can typically estimate the price on a home as soon as they see the property and know whether a specific house is over priced or under priced. Performing comparative market analysis to evaluate the home value, they help sellers decide on a realistic listing price and help buyers make an appropriate offer on a house.

Agents Have Superior Negotiating Skills

Our agents are skilled negotiators as they have years of negotiation experience. They know what normally works and what does not. It’s our agent’s job to always strive to get you the best possible terms.

Agents Provide Home Staging Advice

Home staging is all about making it easier for buyers to see themselves living in the house. Our agents are pros when it comes to staging homes for sale and makes them look great to attract the right buyer.

Agents Have Access to Off-Market Listings

The best way to find off-market properties is by working with one of our real estate agents who have access to both listed and off-market properties.

Agents Know the Best Marketing Techniques

Our agents know and implement the most effective marketing strategies that will get houses in front of potential buyers and attract people for open houses. Our agents also know what to focus on when marketing a property and are equipped with all the marketing materials provided by our marketing team.

Agents Save Time and Energy

Our agents make the process easier for you by handling open houses and showings, filtering phone calls, identifying serious buyers, and much more. Our agents also do all the leg-work in finding you the perfect home. We handle all the paperwork, including contract documents, requests, offers and counteroffers, settlement statements, federal and state-mandated disclosures, and more.

Reasons to Hire Me As Your Real Estate Professional

PAPERWORK

I will help with all disclosures and paperwork necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment.

EXPERIENCE NEGOTIATIONS

I am well educated in and experienced with the entire sales process.

I will act as a “buffer” in negotiations with all parties throughout the entire transaction.

PRICING

I will help you understand today’s real estate values when setting the price on a listing or on an offer to purchase.

UNDERSTANDING OF CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS

I will simply and effectively explain today’s real estate headlines and decipher what they mean to you.

PRICE IT RIGHT

It’s important to thoroughly evaluate the market to determine the market value of your home.

Here’s why:

• Properties that are priced right from the beginning typically sell for more in the end.

• If you price your home too high, the home will stay on the market longer. The longer a home stays on the market, the less it will be shown.

• Your property attracts the most interest when it is first listed, so it is crucial to price it correctly initially.

Why Pricing It Right Is Critical

Asking Price Percent of Buyers

Should we price it higher just to see what happens?

Setting a very high price just to “see what we get” is never a good idea. Setting an unreasonably high price usually results in longer time on the market, which does not look good to buyers and will frustrate you. Many sellers ask about the price that Zillow or other real estate websites give for their home. These are not reliable because these sites are only taking into consideration very general demographics. Our job is to determine the perfect listing price to get your home sold for the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time.

MAXIMUM EXPOSURE

OUR EXPERIENCED DESIGN TEAM CREATES FULL COLOR BROCHURES, FLYERS, AND ENDLESS MARKETING MATERIALS INCLUDING SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT TO ENHANCE THE ENTIRE HOME BUYING OR SELLING EXPERIENCE.

SOCIAL MEDIA SHARING

WE ARE VERY ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO ENGAGE POTENTIAL BUYERS. IT OFFERS ANOTHER AVENUE TO GET YOUR HOME IN FRONT OF PEOPLE AND SPREAD THE WORD.

BLANCHARD & CALHOUN REAL ESTATE COMPANY WEBSITE

OUR WEBSITE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REVAMPED AND IS CONSTANTLY BEING IMPROVED TO MAKE IT EASIER THAN EVER FOR BUYERS TO FIND A NEW HOME.

BLANCHARD & CALHOUN HOMES APP

OUR MOBILE FRIENDLY APP PROVIDES ALL THE INFORMATION AND CONTACTS YOU NEED AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.

LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES OF THE WORLD® AFFILIATED WITH OVER 550 FIRMS IN OVER 70 COUNTRIES ALLOWING US TO MOVE YOU ANYWHERE.

MARKET ANALYSIS & RESEARCH

WE COMPARE YOUR PROPERTY TO OTHERS IN YOUR AREA WHICH HAVE SOLD RECENTLY, AND THOSE STILL FOR SALE TO GET AN INDICATION OF WHAT YOUR PROPERTY WILL APPRAISE FOR.

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION (SEO)

WE MONITOR AND MANAGE OPTIMIZATIONS MADE TO OUR WEBSITE’S CONTENT TO HELP GOOGLE UNDERSTAND OUR RELEVANCE TO A SPECIFIC SEARCH TERM OR TOPIC. STAYING ON TOP IS ACHIEVED BY HELPING OUR AGENTS SHOW UP IN THE SEARCH ENGINES WHEN PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO HELP THEM BUY OR SELL A PROPERTY.

PROPERTY CONDITION & STAGING

YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION.

Today’s buyers will give your home about 3 seconds in a photo & 30 seconds in person to decide if they like it! Often a small investment in the time and money will give your home a competitive advantage compared to others at the time of showing.

GENERAL

• Make those minor repairs - no matter how minor.

• Whatever the season, do some spring cleaning.

• Have a yard sale or pack away in boxes those items that clutter.

• Create the illusion of spaciousness.

• Give your rooms a light, bright look by changing the light bulbs.

• Use color & lighting to draw attention to your home’s best-selling features.

• Disguise unsightly views - remove heavy curtains and let the light in.

• Eliminate unpleasant odors.

• Accessories can make or break a room - avoid clutter.

FRONT DOOR & PORCH

• Create a welcoming spot in color - flowerpots, paint front door.

• Invest in a new doormat.

• Open curtains; make sure those windows are clean.

ENTRY HALL

• Create a dramatic focal point - e.g., flowers, poinsettia, antiques.

• Add spaciousness with well-placed mirror.

• Improve floor appearance here, if nowhere else (except kitchen).

• Clean out your coat closet.

LAUNDRY ROOM

• Make it cheerful and appealing.

• Double duty - corner table or chair, sewing area, set the stage.

LIVING & FAMILY ROOMS

• Treat these rooms as if they were stage settings - games in a room suggests good family life, a guitar is warm, add a dictionary or half finished crossword puzzle - let the buyer imagine living in your home.

• Highlight your fireplace, decorating the mantle or above it with a picture.

• Improve traffic flows in these rooms.

• Draw attention to exposed beams or a cathedral ceiling.

• Don’t let the TV dominate or be the focal point of the room.

KITCHEN

• Use props to set the scene - open cookbook, basket of fresh fruit, etc.

• Make it smell great - bake bread, bowl of lemons, free coffee, cinnamon sticks, etc.

• Expand your counter space, store small appliances away, and use a movable cart.

• Create more storage space - neat organized shelves, hanging pot rack.

• Accent kitchen windows - plants, bird feeder outside window.

• Make smaller kitchens appear larger - repaint white (walls recede), light curtains, mirror.

STAIRWAYS

• Make them safe - lighting, clutter-free, rail, carpet or runners secure.

• Add visual interest - plant stand on landing, wallpaper can narrow.

• Improve appearance of stair treads, clean or paint.

BEDROOMS

• Create a bedroom “suite” effect (“bigger is better”)

• Avoid busy patterns, create a cozy sitting area.

• Tackle your closets, de-clutter, clear floor, organize shelves.

• Add storage boxes under the bed if you need more storage.

BATHROOMS

• Create a look - plants, glass bowl of shells, pictures, fresh towels, magazine rack, etc.

• Invest in a new shower curtain and/or bath mat.

• Improve (not replace) your floor covering, scrub and clean.

• Put out fresh towels and soap.

BASEMENT

• Make it as pleasant as possible, deodorize.

• Increase wattage of all bulbs to brighten up.

• Set it up as a game room or teen room - pingpong table, bright posters.

• Highlight a workbench area, dust, clean and organize.

DRIVEWAY & GARAGE

• Fix up driveways for the first impression impact. Clean up any stains and oil spills. Tip for cleaning your cement driveway: try any high-powered liquid drain cleaner and sweep those oil spills away.

• Enlarge and improve appearance of garage with lights, clear floor, and organized shelves.

YARD & LANDSCAPING

• Avoid an overgrown, unkempt look - prune, cut lawn, and edge carefully.

• Mark property boundaries if fences or lines don’t exist.

• Use flowering plants to dress up your yard.

• Draw attention to special trees - flowers at base to draw eye in.

• Play up flat areas - badminton set or volleyball net.

• Set up a backyard living/dining area - picnic table or rocking chairs.

770.880.5619 | 706.868.1000

HOME SELLING CHECKLIST FOR HOMEOWNERS

INTERVIEW LISTING AGENTS: Homeowners must make a point out of interviewing prospective listing agents. A truly great listing agent will know exactly how to market a property in a respective market.

PRICE YOUR HOME TO SELL: The listing agent will conduct a comparative market analysis to determine the perfect selling price. Determining a perfect price is like walking a fine line; you don’t want to go too big or too small.

MAKE SMALL REPAIRS AND UPGRADES: Take the time to make minor improvements and repairs. Small repairs can significantly add to the perceived value of the home.

CONSIDER AN INSPECTION: Schedule a pre-listing inspection. Doing so will identify any shortcomings or areas that need to be addressed.

CLEAN AND DECLUTTER: The best way to gain attention is to create a neutral living space. Remove furniture and decor until you feel the living space is as neutral as possible.

MAINTAIN A SHOW-READY APPEARANCE: Be sure to maintain an immaculate aesthetic throughout the home. Clean up any messes and go the extra mile to rid the home of anything that may be unsightly: dust, trash, clutter, etc.

GET READY TO MOVE: Make the necessary preparations to move out on time. That means lining up movers and everything else required to switch homes.

HOME SELLING CHECKLIST FOR AGENTS

PRESENT A COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS: Present the sellers with a local comparative market analysis to identify nearby homes that have recently sold, and for how much. The analysis will help determine a price point for their own home.

SET A PURCHASE PRICE: It’s better to set the price slightly lower than expected, as to generate a bidding war and drive up interest.

GO OVER THE MARKETING PLAN: Go over the marketing plan with the sellers and give them an idea of what to expect. Listen to suggestions, but know that this is your area of expertise.

CONDUCT A WALKTHROUGH: Conduct a thorough walkthrough of the property with clients to discuss selling points and identify issues that need to be addressed.

PROVIDE A CHECKLIST: Provide the sellers with a checklist on how to best prepare the property for selling.

SHOW THE PROPERTY: Show the property to perspective buyers, and be sure to highlight special features and selling points.

NEGOTIATE WITH BUYERS: Help negotiate with sellers to settle on a price that everyone likes.

ASSIST WITH THE CLOSING PROCESS: Inform clients of what to expect during the closing process so they will be more efficient at the closing table.