atlanta | 1st Time Home Buyer ATL

Renting vs. buying: Where do you land?

You’ve always been told that owning a home is the ultimate American dream.

Imagine renovating your master bath into a mini spa or choosing your favorite appliances for your dream kitchen. Or just getting to repaint whatever room you want. Plus, there’s the potential for financial gain when you own.

But renting has its own advantages: flexibility, a smaller financial commitment and the chance to try before you buy.

So when do you know it’s time to take the plunge on a purchase? Answer these questions to see which side of the rent vs. buy debate you might land on:

Why do you want to buy?
Sure, owning a home might be the great American dream — but is it your dream?

For some, the idea of a home where you can raise a family, be close to schools and build a community is enticing. For others, buying is a great investment. But for many, it’s about freedom: the ability to keep pets, renovate and be independent.

Will you stay in the area?
No one has a crystal ball — but knowing how long you plan to live in an area can help as you consider the pros and cons of buying. Generally, longer stays align with purchasing.

If the thought of travel fills you with more passion than the idea of settling down in your dream property, you may not be ready for your forever home. But there’s always the possibility of turning your house into an investment property.

What can you afford?
While renting usually costs less in the short term than purchasing property, owning a home can build long-term net worth. A rent vs. buy calculator can help you understand the costs of each option.

Don’t have the deposit for your dream home now? That doesn’t mean you can’t buy. We can work together to find affordable homes, and there are plenty of low or no down payment mortgage options.

Have questions about buying or financing your purchase? Let’s discuss your next steps.

Why Photos are an Essential Part of Selling your Home

So you’re ready to put your home for sale…There’s so much to do to get ready that taking pictures is usually forgotten or pushed to the side. I’m here to say that not considering the picture-taking process as important is misguided. Here are 4 good reasons why good pictures are important when selling your home.

No photos mean no traffic The biggest sin on the photo-front is having no pictures of your home. The first thing that buyer’s agents and buyers do when filtering through home search results is cross off any homes without any pictures. If you don’t have any photos up to show your home then you are immediately eliminating your home from being an option. This is for a number of reasons, but mostly because home buyers think that there are no photos because there is something wrong with the house that the listing agent or owner doesn’t want them to see. Not exactly the impression you want to send when selling your home!
If you don’t care, they won’t either Another drawback to having a few pictures or less is that buyers think that if you didn’t care enough about your home to take quality pictures, then why should they care about your home? Buyers may even take it to mean that if the owner didn’t take care of this easy step, what easy home maintenance issues weren’t taken care of either. It’s a stretch, but buyers are looking for any reason to back out. Don’t give them a chance!
Make the Short List With so much inventory available in the Atlanta real estate market, buyers and agents don’t have time to waste searching out the homes that don’t supply good pictures. This is a way (along with price) that buyers are filtering their search results to end up with a more palatable list of homes to go out and visit.
Wine and Dine Online Almost 9 out of 10 home buyers start the home buying process online searching for their new home. If you don’t have any pictures of your home, your home is not getting their attention. Good photos grab buyers by the throat and politely insist that they come check it out in person. This is even more important in the Atlanta real estate market vs other real estate markets because in Atlanta over 97% of residents have access to a high-speed internet connection. This means that buyers are doing their legwork online and doing their initial viewings virtually. If you don’t have photos readily accessible, buyers don’t have the time or desire to seek them out and you better believe that they have plenty of other homes for sale to choose from…

Good photos make rooms seem bigger and more open, they make “life” at your home seem better. Great pictures are an underrated selling tool in your home selling toolbox. Take full advantage of them and show off your home to the people that want to see it!

Home Improvement Tips to Make Your Home Safer and Last Longer

Atlanta homes need to withstand summer heat and humidity as well as colder temperatures. Now is a great time to ensure your house – especially the exterior – is in tip-top shape. Without proper maintenance, homeowners may be looking at both safety issues and expensive repairs, particularly when it comes to their roofs, siding, windows and HVAC systems. Here are a few ways Atlanta homeowners can increase their home’s safety and longevity:

Roofing

The roof protects against extreme weather, as well as insects, animals, and falling debris. Because of the price tag associated with roofing maintenance though, it is often overlooked until it’s too late. With proper care, most roofs can last up to 20 years – saving you money and headaches in the long run. We suggest:

Visually inspecting the roof from the ground twice a year. Look for curling, cracked or buckling shingles, and replace if needed
Call an expert to clean the gutters, especially before a big storm
Trim overhanging tree limbs
Check the insulation and call an expert if you see moss or algae
Consider replacement if your roof is more than 20 years old

Siding

Siding protects the home from harsh elements. To maintain its integrity, replace damaged siding before harm spreads and causes more expensive structural problems.

Brick or stone siding is especially popular in Atlanta homes because both are durable. However, these siding types tend to be heavy and may lead to cracking mortar or deterioration. Consider replacing with vinyl siding, which is a more weather-resistant, lower-maintenance option.

Windows

Windows are a vital part of protecting your home from the elements. Older windows found in many Atlanta homes simply can’t keep up with harsh weather and aren’t as energy efficient. Consider having new windows installed or having existing ones re-glazed, which helps form a seal between the glass and wood.

Regular window maintenance also protects against mold or wood rot. Caulk windows and make sure to scrape away old caulk to ensure the new caulking adheres for a good seal. If you notice any of the following, contact an expert about replacing:

Drafts
Leaking air and water
Excessive heat to the touch
High utility bills
Difficulty locking
Failure to stay open without support
Old or ripped screens – or no screens at all
Dry rot
Worn-out caulking

HVAC

Many Atlanta homes are known to experience cool areas in one part of the home but warmer areas in others. This is likely due to split-level construction, which can result in poorly-designed ducts. Consider replacing the ducts if possible, and if not, we suggest HVAC maintenance as the best way to ensure your home remains comfortable year-round.

Most HVAC systems last about 10 to 14 years if serviced regularly. If yours is aging and has required more than one major repair in the last two years, it may be time for an upgrade. If the system doesn’t need replacing, make sure to clean the entire duct system, coils and blower to keep it operating properly. Replace HVAC filters as frequently as the owner manual recommends.

Still having problems? The HVAC system might be the wrong size. If it’s too small, air won’t circulate properly, but if it’s too big, the system will turn on and off, which increases energy bills and creates hot and cold spots in the home. To avoid this, call a professional for regular inspections, tune-ups or sizing and replacement needs.

Sears Home Services knows just how essential it is for an Atlanta home to maintain its Southern charm. If you need a professional, Sears has been in America’s homes for over 100 years and has specialists in Atlanta that can help with many home improvement needs, from windows, roofing and siding replacement to HVAC repair, maintenance, and replacement services. For more tips on improving your home, visit the Knowledge Center at SearsHomeServices.com.

Do you need a property inspection?

5 Types of Home Inspections to Know

Most buyers and sellers know that a home inspection is an essential part of the purchase process. But in real estate, there’s more than just one type of inspection to consider. In fact, there are dozens.

Whether you’re purchasing a new home or investment property, selling your current home or trying to build equity in the house you’re already in, here are the top five inspections you should know about.

Prepurchase inspections are the most common. They include a full assessment of a property’s systems and structure, and they offer the buyer a full report of any repairs or issues that need attention. The buyer can use this report as a negotiating tool to have the seller address any repairs before closing or to lower the sales price to reflect the necessary repair costs.

Prelisting inspections are performed to give sellers a checklist of repairs to consider before listing the home. They can also help them gauge how much to list their property for, given its condition.

Feature-specific inspections are performed on a home’s various features or systems. Some examples include inspections for swimming pools, septic tanks, and wells.

Termite or wood-destroying insect inspections are needed if wood-eating pests are common in your area. Damage from these bugs can lead to costly repairs. Often, a buyer’s inspector will recommend a termite inspection if they see specific signs of damage.

Municipal or COO inspections are required by municipalities to show that a newly constructed home or a home that has undergone major renovations is fit for occupancy. A municipal inspector will focus on the home’s electrical, plumbing, building, and fire code compliance to issue a certificate of occupancy. Get in touch today if you’d like to learn more about a specific inspection process and how it could impact the value of your home.

Make Your Own Household Cleaning Products

Whether you’re looking for greener ways to clean your home or you just want to save money at the store, there are simple household cleaning products you can make on your own. Use the recipes, tips, and precautions below to help you get started.

All Purpose Cleaner
Create your own inexpensive and effective all-purpose cleaner with liquid castile soap, tea tree oil, vodka, washing soda (not baking soda) and white vinegar. Boil the vinegar in the microwave, mix in the remaining ingredients according to the recipe and put the solution in a spray bottle for easy cleaning.

Laundry Detergent Avoid questionable foaming agents and heavy fragrance by making your own laundry detergent. Measure the correct amounts of soap flakes or grated bar soap, borax and washing soda, and store in an airtight container.

Tips to Keep In Mind

Avoid mix-ups by labeling and dating each cleaning product when it’s made.
Add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and lemon to scent your homemade cleaning solutions.
Substitute vodka for vinegar if you want a lighter smell.
Before using a homemade cleaner on delicate surfaces like hardwood floors or marble, first test it in a small, hidden area.

What to Avoid

Do not mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar. The dangerous combination can damage your respiratory system.
Keep hydrogen peroxide and vinegar separate at all times. Together they create peracetic acid, a highly corrosive compound that can lead to chemical burns.
Don’t use vinegar on reactive metal surfaces like aluminum or cast iron.
Refrain from using large amounts of any cleaning solution, homemade or store-bought, in unventilated areas.

When mixed and used properly, homemade cleaning solutions can work as well as, if not better than, commercial cleaners, plus they’re also easier on your wallet. Make sure you know the basics before you make your own cleaning products.

How to Create a Master Bedroom Retreat

Turn Your Bedroom Into a Sanctuary

Since we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, we should place high importance on the look and feel of the master bedroom. Follow these tips to transform one of the most important rooms of your home into a relaxing sanctuary.

What to Bring In

• Neutral Colors — Light, neutral hues like creams, taupes, grays, and blues provide a tranquil atmosphere. Use soft, coordinating colors for your bedding and walls.

• Soft Lighting — Overhead lighting can sometimes be harsh or too concentrated. Create a soothing mood with soft, balanced lighting throughout the room. Add lamps 1o brighten dark corners and illuminate each side of the bed.

• Window Treatments — A sense of privacy is essential to any sanctuary. Window treatments offer coverage from the outside world and can be a beautiful design element If outside lighting disrupts your sleep, consider blackout curtains.

What to Take Out

• Outdated Bedding — A relaxing bedroom begins with a comfortable bed. Most experts recommend replacing your mattress every eight years. Pillows should be replaced every two to three years or every six months if you have asthma or allergies.

• Excess Furniture — Get back to basics by paring down your bedroom to just the essentials. Most people require little more than a bed frame, a couple of matching nightstands and a dresser or chest of drawers. Anything more can quickly become clutter.

• Unnecessary Electronics — From more sleep to better family relationships, there are numerous benefits of having a technology-free bedroom. Reserve your master bedroom for rest and relaxation, and keep electronics out.

Makeover your master bedroom into a serene space you look forward to at the end of a long day. These tips can help you get started.

3 Options for Displaying a Collection

Are you a collector? Whether you have a passion for art, photographs, action figures or something else entirely, here are some options for displaying your memorabilia.

Mount it on a wall

Family photos and art pieces are commonplace, even among those who don’t consider themselves collectors. Fortunately, there’s no storage of creative ways to display wall art.

The trick is to focus on the frames, For instance, one method is to use frames of the same color but of varying sizes and designs. This creates visual interest and unites the collection. Figurines and other small items with depth can be housed similarly using shadow boxes or a divided case.

Hang artwork at eye level for optimal visual appeal. For museum-quality results, keep the center point of your display collection between 57 and 63 inches from the floor.

Showcase it on shelves

Curio cabinets and other types of shelving work well for arranging collections and giving individual pieces a chance to stand out. Whether you’re into vintage dishes or figurines, consider grouping your collection according to color or pattern.

If you have glass or crystal items, sunny windows are ideal spots for your display. And avoid overloading shelves; open space can make a visual impact.

Arrange it on furniture

When it comes to displaying eclectic items or combining collections, look to the top of your favorite furniture pieces. On the surface of a credenza or console table, mix tall and short items as well as various shapes and textures along a horizontal line, similar to a cityscape.

What if you want to keep the seller’s furniture?

When you buy a pre-owned home, do you know what will come with the house? Do you get to keep all the appliances, the art on the walls or the outdoor pizza oven on the patio?

Determining what will stay with the home and what will go with the previous owner will vary by seller and contract. Here’s how to determine what conveys with the home you’re considering, as well as tips to safeguard yourself when negotiating those extra items.

1. Check the listing. Start at square one and look at the original listing. Hopefully, the seller specified the items included in their home’s asking price.

2. Know the screwdriver rule. For the most part, if it takes a screwdriver to remove, it’s considered a part of the home. This includes shelves, light fixtures, and even curtain rods. But, if it’s hung on a nail, it’s removable and likely not included in the sale.

3. Negotiate with the seller. If there’s something you’re interested in that isn’t part of the listing, we can negotiate with the seller.

4. Talk to your lender. If the seller agrees to include big-ticket items, you’ll want to tell your mortgage lender. Depending on the type of loan you have, it could affect the appraisal or change the value of the property.

So, unless the seller specified the washer and dryer in the listing, you should assume they’re not included. As for the pizza oven? If it’s built into the patio, it’s probably already built into the listing price.

Have more questions about what’s included with a home? Get in touch today.

Is it time to replace your front door?

Your front door is one of the first things guests notice when visiting your home. In addition to providing security and protection, your front door can make a bold statement and reflect your personal style.

But whether or not your current front door matches your home’s interior and your taste, if you feel a draft, see any cracks or hear squeaky joints or scraping sounds, it may be time to replace it. Consider your options with some of the most common front door materials and features.

Materials

Wood: Though beautiful, solid wood doors are expensive and sensitive to the elements. Some modern wood doors come with steel cores to minimize warping and reduce cost.
Fiberglass: A durable and cost-effective option is a fiberglass composite door. Their foam cores are good insulators, and they can withstand harsh climates.
Steel: Strong but subject to dents, steel doors are the least expensive of the three. They have shorter lifespans and aren’t well-suited for extreme climates, but depending on their core, they can be energy efficient

Styles

There are multiple styles to choose from, including:

• Solid panel doors

• Arched doors

• Dutch or split doors

• Double doors

• Decorative doors with glass inserts

• Frosted glass doors with ornamental wrought iron overlaid for added security

You could even complement your front door with sidelights or a transom window while also letting in more outside light

Colors

The color of your front door should depend mostly on the exterior style and colors of your house, your personal taste and the type of door chosen. If your house is mostly neutral in color, don’t be afraid to go bold with your front door.

Use these tips to help make your front door an inviting entrance that not only offers protection from the elements but also reflects your personal style.

4 Tips for Competing With Cash Buyers

You can compete with all-cash offers. Here’s how.

In today’s hot market, bidding wars have become the norm. With many out-of-state buyers and property investors looking for a great deal, all-cash offers are also becoming common.

A cash offer can seem tempting for sellers since it offers the possibility of a faster closing. But despite this perk, cash buyers don’t always win. Many times, they make low offers or demand costly extras, both of which will mean lost cash for the seller.

Want to boost your chances of getting the home you want when competing with cash buyers? Here are some things to consider:

1. Include a preapproval letter. Get your financial documents in order, find a mortgage lender and get preapproved. Additionally, a note from your lender stating that you’re a well-qualified buyer can go a long way.

2. Work with a fast-moving lender. Average closing times vary significantly from lender to lender. Choosing one known for fast transactions shows sellers that you’re willing to move at their pace. Get in touch if you’d like a referral to a trusted lender.

3. Offer more earnest money or a bigger down payment. More money down means you’re serious about purchasing their home, which gives sellers more confidence in your offer.

4. Make an appropriate offer. We’ll discuss local comps to assess the home’s value, allowing you to make a solid bid right off the bat. Low offers are likely to be dismissed without a second glance.

Are you planning to purchase a new home soon? Get in touch today to discuss the right strategy for your home search.

Your GaPeach & YellowJacket Atlanta Realtor, Your referral is the greatest compliment.

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