In This Market Your Home Must Look Like a MODEL HOME!

I was invited into three homes this week.

Each visit was to determine the overall condition and marketability of the home for each Seller.

Two of the three properties, as far as I am concerned, are a long way from being ready to be marketed and listed for sale! The third property was a perfect 10!

I can not stress enough to those who are considering the possible sale of their current home, how important it is that your home be deep cleaned, spit shined and polished. The closets must be organized and linen closets must be orderly with towels perfectly folded! I don't care what price range you are in. Whether you are in the $100,000 to $200,000 price range or the $800,000 to $1 million plus, your home must resemble a model home!

Start with the outside, make sure the curb appeal is dazzling! Are your shrubs, bushes, landscaping perfectly trimmed and quaffed? Is the lawn mowed and curb edged to perfection? Are there basketballs left on the front walk or skate-boards in the driveway? Everything needs to be put away in its special place.

The front door kick plate needs to sparkle and the front door should be painted to get rid of any nicks or chips in the paint. Your windows -- in every room -- must be washed and cleaned to resemble a Windex commercial! No water droplets, dirt. The windows should gleam!

Please make sure that all cob webs are cleared. Get a professional with an appropriate ladder or scaffolding equipment to clean your two-story foyer, the entry way light, fan window over the front door and corners of the hallway or entryway.

Believe it or not buyers see everything! Every imperfection! Every cob web! They will look in your closets and junk drawers. If you have been a poor house-keeper, that is a huge turn-off to home buyers! I can promise that if your home does not make an exemplary first impression, Buyers will not buy your home!

Call me to get an idea of what you need to do in and around the outside of your house to get it into "show shape". I can be reached anytime at 770-399-8108.

In the meantime, here is another video that I hope will help you in determining what needs to be done around your house to get it ready for marketing and the ultimate sale.

Choosing Your Neighborhood

For many home buyers, choosing a neighborhood is the mots difficult part of the decision to buy a home. This is true even if they already own a home and they are trying to decide where to live next.

When home buyers tackle the "location, location, location" issue, it's smart to prioritize various neighborhood features, then start looking for homes in areas that match most of your criteria. Here are a few things to consider when you are trying to determine the best neighborhood for you and your family.

Transportation
In Atlanta, this might be the most important consideration. Check the length of your commute to work from your neighborhood of choice. Do streets get clogged at rush hour or before 6AM? We don't have the efficient mass transit system that many cities have, however, a good question is to consider mass transit availability or is the neighbrohood within walking distance or reasonable driving distance of transportation. In a consumer study, 79 percent of respondents said that a top priority in deciding where to live is having a commute time under 45 minutes. Seventy-five percent also wanted easy access to highways. Many respondents want to ensure that if one artery is clogged up with bumper-to-bumper traffic during their commute, that there are alternatives and options available on other highways or back roads.

What's close by
Research nearby schools, restaurants, places of worship and parks. Seventy-two percent of survey respondents ranked sidewalks and places to walk as a top priority when considering where to live.

Costs
In addition to the costs of mortgage, insurance, and home maintenance, consider local property taxes and homeowner association fees, if applicable. If homes in your preferred neighborhoods are out of your price range, consider condominiums or town houses.

Future
Try to imagine what the neighborhood will look like in 10 years, 15 years or 20 years. Will you still want to live there, or do you expect to move before then? Will it be desireable to future buyer?

Before committing to the neighborhood, visit it at different times of day and night. Park your car and get out and walk the neighborhood. Try to talk to as many local residents as possible.

Once you've prioritized all your neighborhood amenities and features, you'll find its much easier to focus your home search. Remember the neighborhood is usually as important to the value of a home as what's under it's roof.

If You Are A Home Buyer in 2010!

It's Hard to believe but here we are at the end of February.

If you are a first time home buyer and expecting to take advantage of the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, the deadline time is approaching. In order to qualify for the tax credit, you must have property under contract by April 30th.

Oh...that's easy, you say.

Well, maybe and maybe not.

You'll probably be fine if you expect to purchase a traditional re-sale property. However, if you have your sights on purchasing a foreclosure, short sale or HUD home, you may be cutting yourself short on time. These days the foreclosing banks typically take longer to accept or reject offers on their properties. It could be a very stressful time waiting for a bank to confirm your offer.

Whether you are a 1st timer, or you've been around the block a few times and ready for your 2nd, 3rd or even 4th home, I look forward to guiding you throughout the process.

Call me anytime at 770-399-8108 or e-mail me at sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com. I'm Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind! -- Sara Hibbard

Spring Is Coming! Learn How To Save Water & Create a Water Conserving Landscape

If you live in Georgia, you know that we have had many years of a severe drout situation. During the last year we have been lucky enough to receive the rainfall and necessary precipation to begin to alleviate our drout.

Inspite of our water restrictions in Georgia, your garden doesn't need to be a water hog. There is information readily available on how to build a beautiful garden with xeriscaping a low-water landscape concept in mind.

As a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers, Realtor, I am lucky to have access to a plethora of information researched and written and practiced by Better Homes and Gardens.

Like me, I suspect that you have at one time or another dreamt of having a big and beautiful garden, but spending your season attached to a watering can isn't part of the picture. You can create that lush landscape and save on water if you put some proper plans into place. Using native plants and designing water zones in your garden, you can do your part to be water-wise.

What Is Xeriscaping?
The word may not be familiar to you, but it’s a concept that is fairly simple to embrace. Xeriscaping, in a nutshell, means using more native foliage and less water during their growing season maintenance. The idea developed in the harsher growing area of the Southwest and Mountain West and it quickly found a big following. The end product will save you time and money. All it takes is some proper planning before you begin planting.

One of the biggest challenges for gardeners considering xeriscaping is to shift the style of plants they can use. If you've always wanted to grow a garden full of natives, a xeriscape plan will give you that opportunity.

Choosing Native Plants
One key to xeriscaping is using native plants. They're most adapted to your climate and can handle extremes in weather patterns.
If you live in a typically dry area, such as Arizona or New Mexico, native plants like cactus, yucca, and penstemon are some of the best choices. But don't take this to mean that these are the only kinds of plants you can enjoy in a xeriscape. Whether you live in the Southwest or upper Midwest, native perennials including rattlesnake master (Eryngium), purple coneflower (Echinacea), and goldenrod (Solidago) are just the ticket to a lush, colorfully styled xeriscape.



Just because these plants are water-wise, it doesn't necessarily mean they are drought proof. In the worst dry spells even these reliable plants can suffer from water stress. That's why it's important that your xeriscape not exclude water entirely. You may need to water your plantings during severe droughts.

Be Aware of Other Plants
Keep an eye out for other plants that are well adapted to your region. There may be plenty of other plants that can take your climate's conditions. For example, in areas with warm, dry summers, many Mediterranean plants thrive.

Hydrozoning
A technique you might try when laying out your xeriscape is hydrozoning. This means organizing plants in your landscape based on their watering needs. Can't live without petunias and other bedding plants? No worries. Group these plants closest to the house (or water source) in their own area so you can maximize your watering efforts without giving water to plants that don't need it.

As you move farther away from the water source your plantings should require less water. The fringes of your property become home to the toughest, water-wise plants you can find. (Note: While tough, these plants will need watering during the first season to get established.) By hydrozoning you manage water use in the overall design of your landscape -- so you don't end up with a hodgepodge of drought-tolerant and thirsty plants.

Marvelous Mulch
Adding mulch to your plantings will further aid water conservation. Mulch locks moisture in the soil and allows plants to use it more efficiently. There is a mulch for every style of landscape. From gravel to shredded bark, mulch also reduces weeds, meaning that yet another chore -- weeding -- gets crossed off the list of things to do.

Lawn Ideas
Hydrozoning doesn't have to be limited to your ornamental plants. You can also plan for a xeric lawn. Choose heat-tolerant, drought tolerant varieties, such as native buffalograss.
Don't worry if you can't find drought-tolerant lawn grasses for your area. You can also keep a traditional watered lawn, especially if you have children or pets who play in the area. Just be wise about watering it: When planning your lawn, consider that narrow strips or oddly shaped areas of turf will be difficult to irrigate. Go for larger, blocky shapes to maximize your irrigation efforts.

More Benefits
Don't be surprised if your water-wise landscape cuts your outdoor chores by half. You'll spend less time mowing and watering. It also saves you money on gas, oil, and maintenance costs.

Xeric landscapes also attract more wildlife since you are using plants found in your region. Your garden will become a haven for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

If you think xeriscaping is right for you, use this checklist to make sure you've covered all the steps:

1. Plan it out! Take time to assess your landscape. Have a soil test done, especially in newly developed areas, to know what you are dealing with. Think about the slope of your property and where different hydrozones will go.
2. Go native! Native plants are a key strategy to xeriscaping. Check out our recommendations of good native plants for your garden. Talk to your region's native plant society for more information about growing natives in your backyard.
3. It's a regional thing. Think about where you live and how your region impacts your garden style. Giving your landscape a sense of place not only makes economic sense but the local wildlife will also appreciate it.
4. Don't forget the grass. Your lawn can go water-wise too! Plan for irrigation-friendly areas of turf or use grasses that need less water.
5. Mulch it! Mulches are great for conserving water. Choose one that looks good with the plants you've chosen for your landscape.
6. Relax and enjoy. Your investments will pay off soon. Enjoy your eco-friendly landscape and teach your friends and neighbors about its benefits.

Supply Of Available Homes Drops Again In January

This might be hard to believe, but, we are now in the process of starting to experience supply and demand problems in the Atlanta metro real estate market.

Months supply saw significant declines throughout the third and fourth quarters of 2009, and 2010 is on pace to continue that trend. In January, the months supply of inventory for metro Atlanta dropped again to 9.1 months according to SmartNumbers, an Atlanta company that provides Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers with months supply data.

SmartNumbers also recorded a continued increase in closings. Combined with the reduced inventory numbers for metro Atlanta, 2010 is poised for an improved real estate market.

Call me to inquire about the actual numbers in your community or county. I am happy to share the current information with anyone interested in learning the lastest information.

Your Credit Influences Your Home Financing Options

How Credit Influences Your Home Financing Options

One of the most important steps in buying a home is financing the purchase. Your credit is one of the first things that lenders examine when considering you for a loan. Making payments on time is the most important way to establish good credit. A pattern or history of frequent late payments can lead to a poor credit score that could negatively affect your ability to be approved for future loans, or result in home financing at a higher interest rate. Likewise, having a good credit score will let you secure a home loan at a lower interest rate.

Your credit report
When you are being considered for a home loan mortgage lenders will review your credit report, which displays your credit history and credit score. Your credit score, also called credit rating is based on a summary of your overall credit history. It is shown as a number that provides lenders with a fast and objective way to predict how likely you are to repay a loan.

Lenders use your credit report to decide on
* Whether or not to approve you for a loan
* The type of loan for which you qualify
* The interest rate to charge you

The importance of good credit
Your credit history will follow you throughout your life. Therefore, making good credit decisions along the way will help a great deal when you're ready to realize the dream of home ownership.

Getting a copy of your credit report
Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 you're entitled to a free copy of your report, once a year, from each of the three credit reporting agencies -- EQUIFAX, EXPERIAN and TRANSUNION. Your free credit report should tell you whats in your file both outstanding debts and those you've paid off along with how well you've kept up with your payments and who has seen the information.

Please call me with any questions you may have OR if you would like to have a referral to a qualified lender. I can be reached anytime at 770-399-8108.

I'm Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Friday Night and I Feel Good!

I don't mean to crow, but I have had a very good week.

I have a buyer client under a Binding Agreement for a property that we are scheduled to close on March 5th baring no surprises during our inspection scheduled for tomorrow morning.

I met with Seller clients in Lawrenceville today and accepted their request to list and market their property. The listing will show up as active next week. Earlier in the week I agreed to market the Woodstock town house of another seller client. That property is already listed in the FMLS and GA-MLS. And, I received telephone calls tonight from a Buyer Client planing to relocate to Georgia from Florida and another relocating to Georgia from NYC.

The market is picking up and many are taking advantage of the tax breaks, still low interest rates, and homes that are truly priced to sell.

Please feel free to contact me with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. I look forward to answering your many questions and assisting you further when the time is right for you.

Enjoy your weekend.

Staging Your Home To Sell -- Around The Yard

Earlier in the week I discussed the necessity to Stage Your Home To Sell It and how important curb appeal is when potential buyers are out doing a drive by.

Yes, Really! Believe me Buyers do drive buys all the time!

You want your home to look presentable both inside and out every day. Don't forget that the outside of your home is the first thing that potential buyers see and they determine whether they want a tour, by curb appeal alone! That means keeping the drive way or front side walk free of newspapers and coupon circulars. It means keeping the lawn looking great --- meaning no weeds and sharp clean edging and trimming around the curbs, drive way, planting beds and side walks. Get the house power washed and while your're power washing make sure you do the side walks, drive ways, porches and patios too! It means keeping the yard free of leaves, skate boards, bicycles and anything else that could be seen by potential buyers as an eye sore. Have a conversation with the whole family and get everyone's commitment to do their part to keep both the outside and inside of your home looking great for potential buyers whenever they might arrive.

Here is the video I discussed the other day about Staging the Yard. Enjoy it and think about how some of Stephen's tips can be helpful for your individual situation. Whether you are planning to buy, sell or both, please feel free to call me anytime with your questions. I can be reached at 770-399-8108. I'm Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! -- Sara Hibbard

62,863 Homes On The Market In Metro Atlanta Today!

You've seen the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers billboards located on the metro Atlanta highways.

The billboards reveal the number of homes on the market each day or feature messages on the local housing market. In addition to keeping up with current real estate inventory, the billboards have become water cooler fodder for commuters on their way to work each day.

Last year on Aprils Fools day signs revealed a sense of humor, when they displayed the impossible: ONLY 1 LEFT!

Today, as I write this at 2:46PM, the sign says 62,863 Homes For Sale Today. By the way, current inventory is significantly less than it was a year ago today or even two or three years ago today.

It might interest you to know that according to the FMLS this afternoon, there are currently 5,681 single family homes PENDING SALE in the metro Atlanta area. They range in price from an "Investor Special" needing a new roof and totally new interior for $4,500 to a $5.6 million estate at Sugar Loaf Country Club beaming with elegance and sophistication.

Needless to say homes are selling! I had two closings during the month of January. Many agents had more. Buyers are looking for deals and they are buying. Although the true number of homes sold during January will not be available for several more days as many closings still need to be reported to the FMLS and County Tax Records, however, as I write this at 3:07PM, the FMLS is reporting 1,591 homes sold in the metro area in January. The prices of homes sold ranged from $6,000 for a bungalow Investment Special to $1.8 Million for a home in excellent condition with tons of amenities and swimming pool in Tuxedo Park.

Call me with your questions about the statistics in your city, county, neighborhood. I am always available to answer your many questions and concerns regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process.

I can be reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail me at sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com. I look forward to serving your real estate needs when the time is right for you.

Welcome to the new Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers!

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers

In case you haven't heard yet, Metro Brokers / GMAC Real Estate, the largest real estate company in Georgia, became Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers on December 7, 2009.

A new year and a new chapter in the life of Metro Brokers has begun and I couldn't be happier or more proud of the real estate company where my license hangs. The news of Metro Brokers affiliation with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has turned the real estate industry on its heels. We are the first real estate broker to run dual brands. For the residential brand, we are now Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers. For our commercial brand we are now Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers.

With 2300 agents in 29 offices strategically located around the Atlanta metro area, as part of the BHGRE Metro Brokers team, I offer my clients best in class services and marketing vehicles for selling their homes for the most money in the least amount of time. Likewise, I can offer my Buyer clients convenient hours matching their schedules since our offices are accessable 24 hours a day. Our 29 offices serve as meeting places when we are out looking at property too.

I look forward to meeting you and assisting you with all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. In the meantime, I invite you to visit me at www.sarahibbard.com, www.sarahibbardrealestate.com or www.woodstockga-homes.com. My websites are packed with tons of pertinent information for your needs as a home buyer or home seller in the Atlanta metro area. You will also have the opportunity to search ALL HOMES on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area at my websites. I'm Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

I look forward to meeting you and assisting you with all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. In the meantime, I invite you to visit me at www.sarahibbard.com, www.sarahibbardrealestate.com or www.woodstockga-homes.com. My websites are packed with tons of pertinent information for your needs as a home buyer or home seller in the Atlanta metro area. You will also have the opportunity to search ALL HOMES on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area at my websites. I'm Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Sara Hibbard

sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com

Staging Your Home To Sell It!

If you are planning to sell your home, you might want to consider having it "staged" to best showcase its finest features.

Over the weekend I was asked by a potentional Seller client to give my opionion of market value on a home they would like to sell within the near future.

Of course, I always welcome the opportunity to work with both buyers and sellers. However, I am often amazed at the condition of some properties when I arrive. Regardless of the condition of their home, Sellers always expect to receive top dollar -- even in a down real estate market.

Often, I am amazed when Sellers begin to show me their home with gutters overflowing with leaves, skate boards, bikes and balls left on walkways, rows of shoes left inside the front door, dishes piled in the sink, newspapers discarded on the family room floor and beds left unmade. Before I agree to list and market any property, I have clients pledge to keep their property in tip-top "show shape" at all times. I have every family member pledge that they will do all they can to make their home shine every day.

Believe it or not, buyers contemplating your home will probably drive by it several times before they are sufficiently interested in requesting a visit and tour. You want to make sure the curb appeal invites and entices them to request a tour. Once they decide to visit the property you will have only one opportunity to impress them. It all starts with curb appeal.

When considering the possibility of listing your home for sale, make sure that the outside is in tip-top shape. Make sure you keep it that way at all times. You never know how often the drive bys will occur, but believe me, it will be often.

To best illustrate what the little things that can be done outside to appeal to potential buyers, take a look at this Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers video. This will help you determine what needs to be done in your own yard to help give it great curb appeal.

Call me anytime with your questions on how to dress your home up putting it in the best "show shape" possible. After all, you get only one chance to impress a buyer.