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

When Should You Buy A New Heating & Cooling System?

2012-03-01T10:04:00.002-08:00

I recently received some information from COBB EMC which addresses the question of when you should consider purchasing a new heating and cooling system.

I am well aware that deciding when to purchase a new system can be difficult for home owners. Energy experts with COBB EMC offer the following considerations and advice that may help you to make the decision and determine if the time is right for you to take the plunge.

If a heating or cooling system is less than 20 years old, it should still have life left in it. Homeowners can expect as many as 20 to 25 years of service from properly installed and maintained heating equipment. To help make this long service life a reality, have your system inspected annually. If it is more than 10 years old, place it on an annual maintenance program. Good preventive maintenance will ensure the system runs safely and efficiently for a long time.

Eventually an older system may need to be replaced. You should replace your heating or cooling system when it is no longer cost effective to keep it in good working order. Your system has reached this point if the following statement is true:

The equipment is unsafe and can't be repaired. An unsafe condition can sometimes develop in an older furnace. This occurs when cracks or leaks develop in the heat exchanger, which keeps the hot exhaust gases separate from the warm air that circulates through the ductwork and house. When there is a leak in the heat exchanger, poisonous gases and carbon monoxide can accumulate in the house.

If your heating or cooling system needs to be replaced, consider an Energy Matters Home Improvement Loan. COBB EMC and GEMC Federal Credit Union have partnered to offer you a fast and economical way to finance energy-efficient home improvements. For more information and lists of COBB EMC - approved contractors and all eligible improvements, call 770-429-2111.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and lives in the north Atlanta metro area. Contact Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara is easily reachable at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara's website at www.SaraHibbard.com.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

FUN "Things To Do" During March in Atlanta Metro Area

2012-02-28T09:45:00.003-08:00

It's The Month Of "GREEN". Spring is here in Atlanta.

It's hard to believe the month of March is upon us.  March is literally chocked full of great things to see and do in the Atlanta metro area with St Patricks Day festivals, spring festivals and much more.  If you live in the area or if you're visiting from out of town, here are a few suggestions on activities for you and your family. Happy Spring as you enjoy all that the Atlanta area has to offer.

5th Annual "Prance Your Paws For a Cause" Dog Show and Expo, March 17th, Villa Rica Civic Center and Sports Complex, Villa Rica, GA. Awards, door prizes, food children's activities to benefit art therapy programs.   www.pranceyourpaws.com. 770-830-5111

Shamrock City, March 17th-18th, Rock City, Lookout Mountain. Festival featuring live Irish music, jig lessons, specialty beer, costumed characters and a green waterfall. www.seerockcity.com. 706-820-2531.

Cherokee Chorale Spring Concert, March 18th, Canton First United Methodist Church, Canton, GA. Members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorale accompany the Cherokee Chorale. www.CherokeeChorale.org. 678-439-8625.

St. Patty's Day Wine Celebration, March 17th and 18th, Three Sisters Vineyards, Dahlonega. Love Irish music, food and wine tastings. www.ThreeSistersVineyards.com. 706-865-9463.

Atlanta Blooms, March 1-31, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta. Enjoy this 2nd annual springtime floral celebration. www.AtlantaBotanicalGarden.org. 404-876-5859.

Elizabeth Chapman and Brenda Smith Exhibit, March 3-31, Gallery 4463, Acworth, GA. Featured paintings and fine jewelry with an artist's reception to follow. www.Gallery4463.com. 404-921-4251.

American Craft Council Show, March 9-11, Cobb Galleria Centre, (Marietta) Atlanta. Handmade one-of-a-kind clothing, furniture, home decor and jewelry. www.CraftCouncil.org/Atlanta. 1-800-836-3470.

Great American Cover-Up Annual Quilt Show, March 10-18, Bulloch Hall, Roswell. More than quilts on display throughout this historic home. www.BullochHall.org. 770-992-1731.

Hunger Walk/Run 2012, March 11, Turner Field, Atlanta. 5K walk to support Atlanta Food Bank's hunger relief efforts. www.aflb.convio.net. 404-892-9822 ext. 1246

Georgia Daffodil Society Annual Show, March 17, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell. www.ChattNatureCenter.org. 770-992-2055.

Spring Atlanta Home Show, March 23-25, Cobb Galleria Center (Marietta) Atlanta. See the largest home remodeling at Atlanta's largest home show.   www.AtlantaHomeShow.com. 770-798-1997.

Wildflower Walks, March 21,24,28,31 at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield, Kennesaw. Enjoy a spring wildflower walk guided by writer and photographer Mary Meyer.  www.nps.gov/kemo. 770-427-4686.

Spring Chicken Run, March 24, Macland Presbyterian Church, Powder Springs. 5k, spirit walk and Tot Trot benefiting the Christian Aid Mission Partnership. www.svcamp.org. 770-819-0662.

Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove, March 28-April 1, The Arena t Gwinnett Center, Duluth. Your favorite Disney animated films come to life on the ice. www.GwinnettCenter.com. 770-813-7600.

Line and Swing Dance Marathon, March 31, Best Friend Park Gym, Norcross. Dance the night away at no matter your skill set. 770-822-5414.

Masterworks: " Gloria!" March 1, Griffin Auditorium, Griffin. Features "Gloria in D" by Vivaldi and "Messa di Gloria" by Puccini. www.GriffinChoralArts.org. 770-468-3072

Callaway Gardens Annual Plant Fair & Sale, March 22-25, Callaway Gardens, Point Mountain. Plants and unique garden items offered by 19 vendors from Georgia, surrounding states. www.CallawayGardens.com. 800-225-5292.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and focuses on providing clients optimum service in purchasing or selling homes in the Atlanta metro area including Canton, Woodstock, Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Acworth and the north Atlanta metro area. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara at www.SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! www.SaraHibbard.com.

Houseplants Have Health Benefits Too

2012-02-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

When you are thinking about adding houseplants to your home, you are probably most focused on adding color and life to your home or office, but did you know there's an even better reason for homeowners to consider adding houseplants to their home decor? According to a recent study, houseplants can actually help to keep your home (and office) healthy too.

Recent NASA findings under the Clean Air Study have discovered that adding houseplants to indoor environments can reduce pollutants in enclosed areas up to 87 percent in just 24 hours. Pike Nurseries (a family run landscaper and design service), summarizes the details of the study and offers plant suggestions for home owners to get started.

According to the Clean Air Study, the three most common toxins that are found in homes and offices are benzine, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene (TCE). These pollutants enter our homes through asbestos, chemical cleaning solutions, synthetic fibers, carpets and insulation. Luckily houseplants offer a simple and beautiful way for homeowners to remove harmful airborne toxins naturally and without much effort.

Everyday houseplants like ferns, peace lilies and orchids have been found to decrease levels of harmful toxins in the immediate environment through the process of photosynthesis. These plants and other common houseplants are able to absorb high concentrations of pollutants that once processed, are harmful to the plant itself. In addition to cleaning the air, houseplants can also help raise humidity levels in the home and decrease stress levels.

Pike Nurseries recommends the following houseplants to help keep homes healthy:

The Ficus: This trendy tree-like houseplant is perfect for year-round greenery, and the braided trunk creates a unique, eye-catching stem. This plant is great for those constantly on-the-go just place the tree near a sunny window and keep the soil moist.
Orchid: Countless varieties give gardeners numerous options, and their bright pops of color are sure to complement any room. Orchids prefer to be pot-bound and placed in bright light, but not direct sunlight.
Peace Lilly: The perfect plant for the forgetful gardener, it can tolerate low light and infrequent watering. Foliage color varies from light to dark green, while beautiful white blooms sprout at the top.
Ferns: The Boston fern is the most common and favorite indoor houseplant because of its long, arching fronds which can grow up to 48 inches wide. They should be kept in bright locations but not in direct sunlight.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and works mainly with home buyers and sellers in the north Atlanta metro area. Sara is also a frequent visitor to and patron of Pike Nurseries especially the Roswell, East Cobb and Woodstock locations. Sara Hibbard looks forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling / relocation process. Sara can be reached at any time at 404-660-2481, Sara@SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! www.SaraHibbard.com

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Time For Another Market Conditions Report

2012-02-22T17:39:00.002-08:00

Submitted By: www.SaraHibbard.com

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday.  Time for Another Market Conditions Report! This week the focus is on the city of Canton, GA.

Once famous for its "Canton Denim," known worldwide for the high-quality denim produced by Canton Cotton Mills which closed in 1979, Canton is now enjoying the greatest economic boom in its history. The City of Canton has a rich heritage. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city has a total area of 14.3 square miles.  The 2008 population estimate for Canton, Georgia was 22,724.

Many projects are underway in the city including new construction, renovation, and revitalization. Canton has received millions of dollars in grants for park and sidewalk improvements in the city. The city's public buses have established routes and carry thousands of passengers throughout the city from residential areas to downtown, shopping areas, the medical district, and job sites. The Historic Canton Theatre on Main Street features plays and other special entertainment events throughout the year, injecting new life into the downtown business district. Streets in the downtown area were recently improved, by the removal of parking spaces, as part of the "Streetscapes" program, bringing brick pavers to sidewalks, lamp posts, lush landscaping and intersection upgrades.

Today, there are 44,599 homes on the market and actively listed in the entire Atlanta metro area including homes for sale in CANTON. Likewise, today, as I write this, there is a total of 648 single family homes available and Actively listed on the market in CANTON.

Actively Listed Properties Available Today In CANTON
The 648 Canton homes thata are actively listed and on the market today range in price from $15,000 for a 1918 vintage buglow with 2 bedrooms/1 full bathroom off Marietta Parkway needing major repairs to $2.650 million for a bank owned 22 acre estate lakefront estate with gourmet kitchen, two story study, master suite w/private living area, morning kitchen, office w/balcony overlooking the lake. Game rm, media rm, wine cellar, indoor pool, spa and many more ameniteis too numerous to mention.  It's also worth noting that there are a total of 70 properties in CANTON priced at or under $100,000.

Pending Sale In CANTON
As of today, there is a total of 218 properties PENDING SALE in Canton.

Homes Sold In CANTON
From January 1st through December 31st 2011, there were 1,166 single family homes sold in CANTON during 2011. These homes ranged in price from $16,900 for a bank-owned 1920 vintage boarded up property on John T Pettit Street with 2 bedrooms/1 full bathroom to $1 million for a European traditional style home in BridgeMill with 6 bedrooms/6 full and 3 half bathrooms and an array of amenties and "bells & whistles" too numerous to mention here.   During the year there were 201 homes sold at or under $100,000.

From December 1st 2011 through today -- February 22, 2012, a total of 203 homes have sold in CANTON. Prices have ranged from $17,000 to $775,000.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in CANTON, GA. If you would like a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) for your home, or if you would like to check the specific statistics of home sales in a specific zip code, school zone, county or city call Sara Hibbard at 404-660-2481 or e-mail her at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara's website at: www.SaraHibbard.com.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and focuses on providing clients optimum service in purchasing or selling homes in the Atlanta metro area including CANTON, GA too. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara at www.SaraHibbard.com.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! www.SaraHibbard.com

Thinking About Purchasing A HUD Home?

2012-02-17T18:31:00.001-08:00

What's a HUD Home?

I get a lot of questions about HUD properties. If you've been thinking about purchasing a HUD home, you probably have a few of the same questions that people ask me every day. The questions I get most often include but are not limited to...

What's A HUD Home?    A HUD home is any residential property acquired by HUD as a result of a foreclosure action on a HUD-insured FHA-mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner and offers it for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.
Do I need a real estate agent to place a bid for me? Yes, only licensed real estate agents can submit bids. In addition to being a HUD listing broker, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers can submit bids, on your behalf, on all HUD homes. I'm a Realtor with BHGRE Metro Brokers, I will of course, be happy to assist you throughout the HUD purchase process. Simply contact me at 404-660-2481 or e-mail me at sara@SaraHibbard.com.

Will HUD make any repairs to the properties? HUD properties are sold as-is with no warranty. After your bid has been accepted, you are strongly encouraged to have a professional inspection done on the property. If there are unexpected surprises relating to the condition of the property, you'll have an opportunity to cancel the contract.

Will HUD give money/credit for needed repairs to the property? No. However, you may wish to utilize an FHA 203K loan to finance repairs on the property. Depending upon the 203K program being utilized, funds may be escrowed for up to $35,000 for repairs to be done after closing. Very few lenders have the expertise necessary to process one of these loans, but Metro Home Mortgage has extensive experience in these programs. Let me know if you are interested in speaking with a Lender, and I will have a qualified HUD lender contact you immediately.

Is an earnest money deposit required? Yes. HUD requires earnest money in the amount of $500 for purchase prices under $49,999 and $1,000 for purchase prices $50,000 and higher. Certified funds are required.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta metro area. In addition to regular re-sale properties Sara is involved with foreclosures, short sales and HUD properties too. Call Sara with your many questions regarding HUD properties or the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the home buying / selling / relocation process.  Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting you throughout the process when the time is right for you.  Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!  Sara is easily reached at 404-660-2481, Sara@SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbard.com.

Always Check References

2012-02-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

So one of your New Year's Resolutions was to remodel your kitchen...or perhaps add an outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles.  Now you're looking around for a qualified contractor to do the work.   But who is capable of completing your vision of the ideal outdoor kitchen -- or whatever job you're considering? Who'll be efficient with their time, clean with their workmanship, and who is capable of starting the job and seeing it through to the finish for a reasonable expenditure?

Before you take steps to remodel with anyone, it's a good idea to check references. Not all contractors are a like. Read, be aware, and learn an important & crucial new fact everybody needs to know before choosing a contractor.

I often say, "technology is a wonderful thing -- when it works". But, recently I've learned that today's technology is steering and misleading some customers into selecting the wrong contractor's, fake company's, or unlicensed contractor's claiming a license without even actually possessing a true business license.

When looking for a contractor, plumber, electrician, appliance store, roofer, kitchen and bath contractors or radiator repair shop, business owners know you look for reviews on line. The problem is.... How do you know they are REAL REVIEWS, and not just cleverly made up reviews by the owner's of the business themselves ????

Here's what you need to do, ( at least with contractor based business's). Forget looking at reviews on line. GET REFERENCES! References are the best and only REAL accurate way of checking on a business.   Ask the business you intend to use for recent references. You want names, addresses and phone numbers that you can call and talk to real people.   Any legitimate business will have many references that have at least the area of town, phone #'s and information available for you to check and verify. Many companies will have lists of verifiable previous customers so that you can pick references and call real people to check a companies credentials.  Don't enter into any agreement with a company that solicited you by walking up to your doorway and asking for your business.

Just a word to the wise!  Have fun with your next household project and don't forget to get references before you start.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta metro area. Call Sara with your many questions at 404-660-2481 or e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! http://www.SaraHibbard.com

Market Statistics That Matter

2012-02-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

Posted By: www.SaraHibbard.com

Market Statistics That Matter

The media is flooding us with all kinds of data regardingthe housing market and much of it is either untrue, riddled with inaccuracy, poorresearch or numbers that simply don’t make sense.

Yes, it’s true we’re just coming out ofperhaps the worst recession of all time, and yes, property values have dippedconsiderably in many areas.

Believe it or not, those of us in Georgia and the Atlantametro area are rather lucky. Although,we witnessed a huge building boom, our home values did not inflate likeother areas of the country such as New England, NYC or the west coast. You can still buy a home or property here andnot break your banking account to find a good home that fits your price range,wallet and lifestyle needs. Although we've experienced our fair share of suffering, we have not suffered like other areas of the country.

And, all market corrections are not necessarily badeither. But that’s another subject foranother day.

Regardless, many publications and the news media in generalcontinue to refer to “average salesprice” (ASP) or “median sale price”(MSP) in their reporting of the housing market. They even use these termsinterchangeably. This is inappropriatefor a market in flux.

When a market is changing, those two indicators are not wiseto use if you’re attempting to get a handle on current market conditions.

My personal observation is just that -- a personal observation and not necessarilybased on any specific data from the National Association of Realtors, or any othergroup. Rather, my information is basedon MLS data locally and from feedback I receive from other agents in my networkaround the country. Local MLS data tells the true story. My research indicatesthat with both, market decline and market recovery, these two indicators trailreal time market conditions by 12 to 24 months depending on price diversity ofthe area being measured.

The reason for this is that in areas where homes varygreatly in price, all price ranges are not impacted the same by currenteconomic market conditions. Prices canalso clearly be improving in many markets where ASP or MSP show a declinebecause the numbers of the sales in specific ranges do not resemble the “bellcurve” upon which most statistical data is based.

If you want a more reliable “real time” measurement -- a local "fact" based measurement ofmarket conditions in your neighborhood, call a Realtor who specializes inrunning market statistics. For the mostaccurate measurement of how the market is fairing in your area you need to lookat local data appropriate for your neighborhood, school district, zip code. If you call me, I'll look back over the last 3 to 6 months. I'll review specific data in your own school district, your own zipcode, your own specific sub-division and neighborhood and with like properties within a 1 mile, 3mile and 5 mile radius of your neighborhood. When I share with you the absorption rate, the days on market (DOM), the%Sold Price/Original List Price as well as the number of homes SOLD, PENDINGand ACTIVE and those EXPIRED and WITHDRAWN from the market, you’ll havea more complete picture of the REALITY of market conditions in yourneighborhood and how it is fairing overall in the recovery. Wouldn't you rather know the "facts" based on current statistics in Lassiter High School district for example (if that's where you live), or your specific zip code rather than what is being spoon fed by the media?

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgiaand works mainly in the north Atlanta metro area. Sara looks forward to answering your manyquestions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general orspecifics regarding the buying / selling / relocation process. Call Sara for a a FREE Market Conditions Report for your specific school district, zip code, sub-division. Sara is available to answer your many questions and concernsanytime at 404-660-2481 or viae-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara’s website at www.SaraHibbard.com.

Sara Hibbard is GladGeorgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday!

2012-02-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

Posted By: http://www.SaraHibbard.com

If It's Wednesday, It Must be Time For Another Market Conditions Report. The week our focus is concentrated on the city of Braselton, GA.

The Town of Braselton has a rich heritage and the unique characteristic of being located not only in Jackson County but also spanning into three additional counties: Hall, Gwinnett, and Barrow. The community is the home to the world class amenity, Chateau Elan Winery and Resort. The resort attracts more than a half a million visitors a year and the adjoining Chateau Elan Golf and Residential community has thrived as part of Braselton. Add to this the excellent business location on the I-85 business corridor and you have a premier live, work, and play community that boasts an excellent quality of life.

Braselton's growth has been rapid in the last two decades. The population increased from 418 in 1990 to 1206 in 2000 and most recently to 7511 in 2010. The city continues to expand as development moves north from Atlanta up Interstate 85. The list of corporate businesses locating in Braselton continues to grow. Braselton's industrial parks are home to Mayfield Dairy, Panoz Auto Development Company, PetCo, Tractor Supply, Dayton Superior, SafeLite, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Year One and Haverty Furniture's Southeast Distribution Center just to name a few.

Braselton’s success can be attributed to several key factors. Obviously the great location along the I-85 corridor provides excellent transportation access. The Town has its own water and sewer infrastructure which is a great benefit to residents and businesses. If you're looking for a community that focuses on small town values, ensuring positive smart future growth, Braselton might be the right place for you and your family to call "home".

So as we look at Braselton today, we look first at the "big picture". Today, in the entire Atlanta metro area including the city of Braselton, there is a total of 45,193 single family homes ACTIVELY listed for sale. Likewise, in Braselton, there is a total of 123 single family homes actively listed for sale today.

ACTIVE Listings In Braselton
Current listing prices range from $38,000 for a Investor Ready 3/2 single wide mobile home with a private drive and rear yard that is just over 2 acres of land to $3.959 million for a magnificent home in the Exclusive Legends of Chateau Elan. This home is on Signature Hole #5 of the Legends Course and situated on 3 acres with all you can ask for: multiple ponds, creek w/bridge, outdoor covered area w/ fireplace, pool, master on main & much, much more! Unbelievable views from every room!!!

PENDING SALE in Braselton
Today, there is a total of 36 homes showing up as PENDING SALE in Braselton. Those homes pending sale are priced from $49,900 for a cute and well maintained 3 bedroom/2 full bathroom ranch style home to $2 million for an old world European masterpiece nestled on private acreage and a wooded lot. This home is loaded with every amenity, upgrade and convenience imaginable including but not limited to 2 gourmet kitchens, theater, spa, home office and much more in is scheduled to close on February 28th.

SOLD Single Family Home Properties in Braselton 1-1-2011 through today February 1, 2012
During the last year 178 homes have been SOLD in Braselton. Sold properties ranged in price from $22,900 for a Fannie Mae Homepath property with 3 bedrooms/ 2 bathroom mobile home on almost 2.5 acres which closed on 1/14/2011 to the highest priced property which sold for $1.435 million in Chateau Elan on 7/26/2011. This 6 full and 7 full and 2 half bathroom elegantly appointed home sold after 337 days on the market. The home was located on the #8 Tee box on private Legends of Chateau Elan. Some of the amenities included a gourmet kitchen, elevator, 8 Fireplaces, Master Suite offering His/hers private baths. The finished lower level offers Mahogany Bar/Wine Cellar/Media Room, swimming pool, elegant outdoor kitchen, 4 car+ garage and much more.

A total of 36 homes have SOLD in Braselton from November 1st through today with prices ranging from $38,600 to $965,000.

As you can clearly see, homes are obviously selling in Braselton, GA.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and focuses on providing clients optimum service in purchasing or selling homes in the Atlanta metro area. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara at www.SaraHibbard.com.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! http://www.SaraHibbard.com

What's On The Horizon For Woodstock?

2012-01-30T18:38:00.000-08:00

What's On The Horizon For Woodstock?

The Woodstock City Council recently unanimously approved variances related to the development of Georgia's newest retail outlet mall, the Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta. Located at the newest interchange to be constructed on Interstate 575 along Ridgewalk Parkway, the project is slated to be around 404,000 square feet of commercial space in Phase I with an option to add an additional 30,000 square feet. The development will include eight out parcels and $75 million in investment.

Ridgewalk Parkway will be expanded from the new interchange to Ridge Trail and is expected to see an increase in traffic as it serves as a gateway to north Woodstock and east Cherokee. It is expected that the improvements to this roadway will both improve traffic flow and increase economic development opportunities for the adjacent Bell Industrial Park and adjacent raw lands. The corridor will also provide improved access to Rope Mill Park and the City's trail system with Blanket's Creek bicycle trails along the Little River. Several hundred-thousand visitors annually bike along the trails. The Outlet will support not only the 205,000 Cherokee County residents but is expected to generate $350 per square foot in sales and create over 7 million annual visits. The proximity to J.J. Biello Park's tennis center and softball complex will provide additional shopping and dining options for out of town guests using these facilities for tournaments.

A mile up the interstate from this interchange will be the home of the Cherokee Aquatic Center, an additional recreation facility that will be utilized to spur tourism in the county. The Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta, a project by Horizon Group Properties, will be the closest retail outlet center to Atlanta and will include 1,200 new jobs, 1,200 construction jobs and up to 1,600 seasonal jobs for Cherokee County.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and has called Woodstock home since building her own home here in 1998. Sara works with home buyers and sellers in the Woodstock, Canton, Roswell, Alpharetta, Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta and north Atlanta metro area. Sara looks forward to answering your many real estate questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached anytime at 404-660-2481. E-mail her at Sara@SaraHibbard.com or visit her websites located at www.SaraHibbard.com, www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com, www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.ShopCantonHomes.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com. Sara is active in social media at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind and www.YouTube.com/GeorgiaRealEstate1.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Time For Another Market Conditions Report

2012-01-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Condition's Wednesday and time to shine the spot light on another great city in the Atlanta metro area. This week we will focus our attention on the city of BLUE RIDGE.

The town of Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. Tourists would ride the train to town, eat dinner at the Blue Ridge Hotel, and take a leisurely walk to the mineral springs after dinner. Today, tourists can still ride the train and take a leisurely walk along Main Street, enjoying the antique and specialty shops, galleries, restaurants and small town atmosphere of Blue Ridge.

I get a lot of calls these days from active adults who are looking to downsize and are considering the Georgia mountains as a place to call home when they retire. They are often surprised when they realize that there isn't a lot to choose from in Blue Ridge. Properties are scarce. Regardless, Blue Ridge is almost always part of the discussion. Interestingly, property values in Blue Ridge have not suffered as a result of the recession.

To give you a frame of reference today, as I write this, there is a total of 47,355 single family homes on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area including homes in Blue Ridge.

Likewise, there is a total of ONLY 32 single family homes on the market and ACTIVELY listed for sale in Blue Ridge. These homes range in price from $149,900 (currently the lowest priced home in Blue Ridge) which is a perfect weekend cabin located in the middle of the Aska Adventure Area. This all wood cabin offers plenty of inside storage and a partial unfinished daylight basement that is perfect for mountain toys, or could easily become a 'Harley Garage'. There are paved roads right up to the driveway. The beautiful and gleaming hardwood floors offer a split floor plan with private baths off both bedrooms. There's a skylight in the Living room. Front and rear Covered Decks. This cabin is beautiful and move-in ready to enjoy today and offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with a to-die for wrap around porch and views of the mountains!

At the other end of the price spectrum is the highest priced property currently available in Blue Ridge. This 27+ acre country estate is priced at $2 million, with incredible long range mountain and Lake Blue Ridge views, it sits high on the hill overlooking fenced pastures and manicured gardens. You can see why this property is the setting for many country weddings! The 6 bedrooms all have their own private baths and there is a cedar sauna on the lower level. A heated, salt water pool off the back terrace has its own cabana perfect for outdoor entertaining. The 3 car garage with tiled floors and a single garage in the lower level gives you all the room you need for any type of vehicle. This property would be perfect and offer great potential for a B&B, restaurant, or equestrian ranch. Perfect for corporate retreats and fund raising events too.

Today there are 5 single family properties in Blue Ridge showing up as PENDING SALE.  These homes are priced from $139,900 to $499,500.

During 2011 and to day, there was a total of 32 homes SOLD in Blue Ridge with prices ranging from $20,000 for a bank-owned property destroyed by fire to $435,000 for an estate with fabulous views.

As you can clearly see, homes might be scarce but they are selling in BLUE RIDGE.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Call Sara with your many real estate questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process.  Sara is easily reachable at any time at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Join Sara on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind. Follow Sara's Blogs at www.GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind.Blogspot.com and www.AtlantaMLSHomesBlog.com. You can find Sara's website at www.GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind.com.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Homeowners’ Associations – Friend or Foe?

2012-01-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

Homeowners’ Associations – Friend or Foe?

You’ve probably heard some horror stories—homeowners’ associations nitpicking about insignificant details, tying up property sales with costly lawsuits, or enforcing expensive and unexpected assessments.

But, homeowners’ associations (also called HOAs) can help protect property values, provide great amenities that you couldn’t afford on your own, get you involved with your community, and keep your neighbors from parking cars on their front lawns.

Research shows that in these economically difficult times, neighborhoods without home owners associations have seen more dramatic drops in property values than neighborhoods with associations.

Whether you love, hate, or don’t know much about homeowners’ associations, if you’re thinking about purchasing a home that is affiliated with one, it’s important to do your research. Before you sign on the dotted line, ask these important questions:

Does this home belong to a homeowners’ association?

This question isn’t as simple as you’d think—HOAs aren’t just for condominiums. Don’t assume that just because you’re looking at a town home, single-family home, or vacation property that you’re in the clear. In fact, according to the Community Association Institute (CAI), four out of five houses built since the late 1990s have an HOA.

Can I see some documentation?

Ask to see the community’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, commonly known as CC&Rs. These documents are the association’s governing rules, and explain protocol and regulations that officers, homeowners, and tenants are expected to follow. In most cases, CC&Rs are legally enforceable.

In addition to reviewing the CC&Rs, ask to see recent meeting minutes and up-to-date financial statements. These documents will let you know if there are any upcoming assessments in the works and help you determine the overall financial health of the organization.

How are the HOA’s finances managed? How much can I expect to spend?

A well-organized HOA should make very clear the financial responsibilities of its members. Are dues billed monthly, quarterly, or yearly? How much are they? Are there late fees? If a homeowner violates a regulation, are there monetary penalties? Are there limits to the dollar amount and frequency of one-time assessments?

What do my dues cover?

Inclusions vary dramatically and it is safe to assume that the lower your dues, the fewer services, amenities, and utilities are included. In a traditional condominium association, dues may likely include water, cable, ground maintenance, trash, sewer, recreational amenities, parking, security, and more.

HOAs in neighborhoods with single-family homes may cover sidewalks, landscaping, and common areas. Ask to see a comprehensive list of what is included.

How do you like the HOA?

Hit the pavement and ask neighbors about the association. How is the leadership elected? Have you had any negative interactions? How common are expensive assessments?

Can I follow all of the rules?

Before you commit to living in an HOA-affiliated building or neighborhood, take an honest look at the rules and make sure that you are comfortable following every single one. Make sure that your lifestyle fits with the HOA’s parameters. For example, if you’re buying vacation property, make sure that the HOA doesn’t have rules limiting or forbidding owners from renting their property.

Homeowners’ associations can be a good influence on your condo or neighborhood, but only if everyone follows the rules. Understanding the rules and responsibilities before committing to a purchase is crucial to happiness in your new HOA-affiliated home.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and happens to serve as President of her neighborhood HOA. Sara works with home buyers and sellers and helps each conquer the moving process. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara's social media sites at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind, www.YouTube.com/GeorgiaRealEstate1 and Blogs at www.GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind.Blogspot.com and www.AtlantaMLSHomesBlog.com. Sara Hibbard's website's are located at www.SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on your Mind!

Gutters & Downspouts: Home Owner Tips

2012-01-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

I was at a house earlier today that had a significant amount of wood rot around windows and doors due to an absence of flashing as well as gutters and downspouts that need attention too.

When I went into the basement, I noticed that a far corner of cinder-block wall appeared wet. I suspect the cause of all these things can be blamed on overflowing gutters and an absence of flashing.

As you know if you are a regular reader of this blog, my daily experiences when I am out and about visiting properties often influence what a write about each day in this blog.

Power Home Remodeling Group offers the following Home Owner Tips.

As you probably know, your home requires maintenance on many areas and your gutters and downspouts are no exception.

Seamless Gutters -- How to Maintain
You should clean out your gutters 2 to 3 times per year and probably more often than that if you live under a group of pine trees. Working to keep your gutters clear of debree will ensure that they stay free flowing and will keep the exterior surfaces from staining.

Every few years you should do a tune up on your gutters and downspouts, such as resecuring and repitching gutters, resealing corners, and reattaching loose downspouts and elbows.

Check to make sure your splash blocks are angled so the water flows away from the foundation of the house. DO NOT angle them towards any walk or driveway since this could cause a slipping hazard.

How To Tell if Your Gutters are Clogged
Are your gutters overflowing?
Is there restricted flow of water from your downspouts?
Do you see ground erosion below the gutter line?
Do you see leaky corners?
Is there discoloration (not dirt, mold or mildew) on the gutters?

Clogged gutters will cause the corners to leak. As a result, the gutters will pull away and eventually fall off. Clogged gutters cause wet basements, mold and mildew, ruined landscaping, and the stagnant water will cause an insect infestation.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and works with several Georgia Inspectors who she says have helped her learn about the various problems affecting properties. Sara actively points out active problems as well as potential problems to her clients while visiting properties. I truly don't want any client of mine to make a bad decision. Sara Hibbard is always happy to answer your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling / relocation process. Feel free to call Sara Hibbard anytime at 404-660-2481 or e-mail Sara at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara's websites at www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com, www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com. Sara is also on Facebookwww.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind and www.YouTube.com/GeorgiaRealEstate1

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Time For Another Market Conditions Report

2012-01-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday and time for another market conditions report. This week the spotlight is on the City of BIG CANOE.

As they say in Big Canoe, time is our most precious gift. Big Canoe's location means you'll spend less time driving to your mountain retreat and more time sharing the pleasures of nature, golf and community with loved ones. Located in the foothills of North Georgia Appalachians, Big Canoe is just one hour north of Atlanta. It's the perfect retreat for the weekend, the summer or forever–because it is so nearby. With nearby highways and excellent communication services, Big Canoe has a growing population of residents who commute to work in Atlanta.

As we begin our focus on Big Canoe, it should be noted today that as I write this there is a total of 46,423 actively listed homes in the entire Atlanta metro area including the City of Big Canoe. Likewise, right now, today in Big Canoe there is a total of 240 actively listed single family homes available and on the market for sale.

Available single family homes in BIG CANOE range in price from $99,000 for a great mountain home built in 1972 on stilts with 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 1 half bathrooms, spiral staircase, and a brand new HVAC system. This is a great little mountain retreat in good condition at a great price. At the opposite end of the price spectrum, the highest priced home in Big Canoe is an incredible mountain home with 6 bedrooms, 6 full and 2 half bathrooms. This home is loaded with elegant details and awe-inspiring views of the north Georgia mountains. This rustic craftsman style home has every architectural detail you can imagine with stone, brick construction, 3+ car garage, gourmet kitchen, keeping room, wine cellar, beautiful wood coiffured ceilings, elevator and much more on more than 2 acres of land -- this home is listed at $2.995 million.

Currently 12 homes are Pending Sale today in Big Canoe. Listing prices of these properties range from $159,900 to $990,000.

From January 1, 2011 through today -- January 18th, 2012, a total of 89 homes were SOLD in Big Canoe. Sold prices ranged from $80,000 to $1.025 million.

Check out the Big Canoe website at http://www.bigcanoe.com/Location

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and works in Big Canoe, as well as the north Atlanta metro area including but not limited to: Canton, Acworth, Alpharetta, Cumming, Woodstock, Ball Ground, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs and Roswell. Sara is ready to answer your many questions regarding Big Canoe and the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached anytime at 404-660-2481 or by e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com.

Visit Sara's websites at www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com, www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.ShopCantonHomes.com, www.SaraHibbardHomes.com and www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com. Find Sara on Facebook too at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Winter Home Maintenance Tips

2012-01-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, even in the Atlanta metro area, where our "winters" are typically very mild, we still need to take care of our biggest investment -- our families and our wallets by following some relatively easy tips on home maintenance and safety.

Home Warranty of America suggests that we need to take care of our heating systems, conserve precious heat, be safe and conduct needed outdoor maintenance too.

Take Care Of Your Heating System
Even though our heating season is relatively short in Atlanta, (I'll probably be back to my air conditioning by the 1st of March); Home Warranty of America says that your heating system runs constantly throughout the cold months so it is important to keep it well-maintained to prevent needed repairs and also keep your system running smoothly.

Remember to change out your HVAC filter each month. Replacing HVAC filters is crucial to keeping your air clean. Filters clean out pollutants such as molds, skin cells and allergens.
Check the gas connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger to ensure safety and efficiency. Improper connections are a fire hazard and a dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes poor burner operation.

Conserve Precious Heat
Proper insulation of your home is critical to ensure proper heating and conservation of heat to make the most of your heating costs this winter.

Inspect the insulation in your attic and crawlspaces. Warm air rises and leaves the house through the roof, so focus your insulation efforts on your ceilings and attics. Areas around recessed lights, the attic hatch and plumbing vents should be sealed as they commonly are the main issue in allowing warm air to escape your home.
Storm windows help heat stay in and cold stay out. If you're on a tight budget and do not already have storm windows, pick up an inexpensive plastic film sheet kit from your local hardware store. These only last one season, but help with insulation efforts. Weather-strip all doors that lead to cold or outside areas.
Close curtains or shades at night and keep them open during the day, especially in rooms that receive a lot of light and sun. Re-arranging your furniture like couches, chairs, tables and beds away from any exterior walls makes your home seem warmer by putting some distance between you and the cold air. This also leaves room for the air to move around better, making it warmer in your house.

Be Safe
The cold and snow of winter can create hazardous conditions. Take a moment to plan ahead and prepare your home and family for the worst of what winter can bring.

Last year those of us living in the Atlanta metro area actually had a few days in January when we were snowed in. Many of us needed salt, but had none. It's a good idea to anticipate that this conceivably could happen again. Stock up on sidewalk salt (for better traction) and apply generously to all walkways and driveways at the first sign of slick conditions.
Most southerners don't have snow shovels. I left mine back in Boston, when I relocated here in February 1994. However, its always good to have a shovel at the ready in case it's needed. And, make sure, if we get some of the white stuff, that when you're shoveling, when you lift a shovel-full of snow, pick up small amounts and lift with your legs, not your back. Do not toss snow over your shoulder or off to the side.

Outdoor Maintenance
Outdoor home care does not end when winter comes. Even in the cold weather months, your yard still needs maintenance to keep your home safe.

Make sure tree and shrub branches are well away from the house and windows. Ice can cause branches to break and damage your home.
Walk around the outside of the house often and do a scan. Check the foundation for small cracks or openings where mice or other pests could take up residence. Seal up any possible entrances to keep these critters out. While outside, clear any snow accumulation off gas meters and away from basement windows and your dryer exhaust vents.

And, finally, thank your lucky stars that you live in the south. As bad as it gets up north, we are lucky that if the weather does take a turn for the worst here, we can be thankful that any bad winter weather is very short lived in the Atlanta metro area and sunny south. You Northerner's....c'mon down. You're gonna love winter in the south!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta metro area and looks forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at: Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara's websites located at www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com, www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com. Sara is also active on Facebook and You Tube at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind.com and www.YouTube.com/GeorgiaRealEstate1.

Keeping Your Carpets Clean & Looking New, Long After They're Not

2012-01-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Popular Atlanta home builder, David Weekly Homes says often the only difference between carpet that looks new and carpet that looks old is -- dirt. If you study dry soil under a microscope you'll see that dirt is composed of particles with razor sharp edges. These edges wreak havoc on carpet fibers.   So if you want to save a ton of money and triple your carpet's life, get rid of the dirt. But, don't "sweep it under the rug." Try these important and time-proven methods to keep your carpet looking new long after it isn't.

Vacuum well and Vacuum often
As a Realtor, I always suggest that when you are buying a new house -- buy a new vacuum cleaner too. Why bring dust and dirt from your old house with you to a new house. Start fresh. When dirt is the enemy a vacuum is your best friend. The best models use dual motors -- one for the suction, the other powers the beater bar. Look for good filtration and a brush height adjustment that fits your carpet. Experts recommend that you vacuum at least twice a week and sometimes more often in high traffic areas or if you have lots of kids and pets.

The two main culprits are right under your feet
Day in and day out, nothing brings more dirt into your home than shoes. One solution is to keep a mat outside the door for brushing off some of the dirt and grime from your soles. Another great idea is to remove your shoes at the door and wear some "indoor-only" slippers around the house. Also, most people don't realize this but, walking around in bare feet is damaging the carpet too.  The soles of your feet have natural oils and when your feet are dirty from walking outside and then back in the house, they are grinding more dirt into your carpets which is even more difficult to remove.

Become a traffic cop of the carpet
Heavily used sections of carpeting will show the most wear over time. This is where area rugs and runners can help. Place them in front of and under heavily used furniture. And speaking of furniture, try redefining traffic patterns by rearranging it occasionally if possible. Because heavy furniture can leave permanent indentations in your carpet, you should always use furniture glides.

Avoid direct sunlight and clean stains immediately
Like your skin, carpet ages faster when it is exposed to UV rays. The more you can protect it from direct sunlight by closing blinds and drapes, the longer it will last.  As for stains, they're easier to remove the sooner you attack them. Start by applying liquid or dry carpet cleaner with a lint-free cloth and blot, never rub. Let the area dry and remove the residue with a plastic scraper. Then, you guessed it, it's time to vacuum.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Occassionally, Sara works with buyers who are interested in purchasing a David Weekly Home or a home from another area builder. Sara is always available to answer your many questions or to organize a tour of homes matching your search criteria. Call Sara anytime at 404-660-2481 or e-mail her at sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara's websites located at www.SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com.  Visit Sara's You Tube and Facebook pages at www.YouTube.com/GeorgiaRealEstate1 and www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind respectively.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Condition's Wednesday!

2012-01-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

If it's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Condition's Wednesday!  Time for another market conditions report! Today the focus is on the city of BALL GROUND, GA.

Ball Ground is a growing community of nearly 1,500 residents located just north of the City of Canton at exit 27 on I-575. In spite of difficult economic times, the City of Ball Ground continues to see continued growth in the number of businesses and jobs within the City.  This can be attributed to the positive business climate in the City, where the philosophy continues to be one of rolling out the red carpet and not the red tape. Ball Ground offers a wide variety of housing choices and lot sizes within the City for new residents, and the city is proud to announce a new 1,200 student capacity Elementary School is under construction and set to open in August of 2012 near the center of downtown Ball Ground.

As I write this, it might interest you to know that today, there is a total of 46,067 single family homes actively listed and on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area including the city of Ball Ground.

Likewise, there is a total of 106 actively listed single family homes on the market today in the city of Ball Ground. Also, it is worth noting for Investor's, a total of only 17 single family homes are listed at or UNDER $100,000 in Ball Ground. Actively listed homes in Ball Ground range in price from $35,000 for a ranch style home needing major repairs on 1.5 acres to $9.8 million for a sprawling home at Hawks Ridge. This is a wonderful family home, but perfect for entertaining. The guest house has 2 bedrooms and the pool house has a stage and full catering kitchen along with a $2M professional recording studio. The property contains 2 pools, multiple outdoor living areas, a tennis court, media room, English pub, excercize room and spa facility. The master is on the opposite side of the house from the guest bedrooms and the helipad is conveniently situated next door. This fabulous home measures 20,000 square feet and sits atop a hill overlooking the golf club on 10 gated acres.

A total of 24 homes are showing up today as Pending Sale in Ball Ground. They range in price from $29,000 for a mobile home to $569,000 for beautiful estate home in prestigous Hawks Ridge Golf Club.  This is a foreclosure home and features 6 bedrooms and 5 full and 1 half bathrooms.

Homes are selling in Ball Ground. During 2011 to the present day from January 1st 2011 through January 11, 2012, a total of 138 homes were SOLD in Ball Ground. Prices ranged from $15,000 to $739,000.  From September 1 through January 11th, 2012 -- today, 62 homes have been sold in Ball Ground.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and works in Cherokee County, Ball Ground, Canton, Woodstock and the north Atlanta metro area including but not limited to: Acworth, Alpharetta, Cumming, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs and Roswell.  Sara is ready to answer your many questions regarding Ball Ground and the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached anytime at 404-660-2481 or by e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com.

Visit Sara's websites at www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com, www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.ShopCantonHomes.com, www.SaraHibbardHomes.com and www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com. Find Sara on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Spit Shining Your House Before You Move

2012-01-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

You're relocating and you feel like your life is in total disarray. You repeatedly ask yourself..."will things ever be normal again?"

Boxes are piled high to the ceiling. The garage is choked with stuff and well...if walls could talk they might imitate a few choice words overheard during the past week.

Yes, you're overwhelmed. You're trying to cope with all the little details involved with moving.

When you're in the midst of a mess -- packing boxes, keeping inventory of what's in each box, cancelling the Cable-TV service, forwarding your mail to the new address, collecting your medical records from the pediatrician, cardiologist, family practitioner and veterinarian, you've got one thing on your mind.

The impending move!  How will everything get done by moving day?

The last thing you're thinking about is cleaning your house and leaving it looking as if no one had ever lived in it.

I understand.

I'm a Realtor.

I watch people go through the process every day, week and month throughout the year. Regardless of whether I am representing the buyer or seller, I know what you're going through. I do my best to offer constructive suggestions on how best to cope and get it all done in an organized fashion. It's no secret the moving process is exhausting for the whole family -- kids, adults, grandma and pets too.

Don't let yourself get so exhausted that you forget to leave your home looking clean, spit shinned and polished for the new home-owners who will be moving in to your "old" home.

When everything is finally moved out and the moving van is leaving your driveway, you've still got work to do. You need to decide if you're going to do the cleaning yourself or hire a cleaning service to clean up after you leave, making the home ready for the next family.

Think about it.  Will the new buyers of your home feel Welcome? Can they move in immediately or will they have to roll up their sleeves, put on haz-mat suits, grab the Pine-sol and start to chip away at your remaining DNA?  Can the new buyers feel safe in putting food immediately into the refrigerator or will they have to clean up old cracked eggs in the egg compartment of the door?  Is the micro-wave clean or will the new buyers find themselves cleaning up a caked-on mess from a week ago last Thursday? What condition did you leave the stove top and oven in? Is the oven screaming for mercy from a recently exploded souffle? Does the stove top demand attention from a boiled over mess?
What about the windows? Are they gleaming and ready for birds from the Windex commercial or are they streaked with years of dirty film, smoke and dust prohibiting a view to the outside world.  How 'bout the bathrooms?   Are the vanities plastered with strands of hair from you comb?  Is your DNA plastered on the counter tops, shower, tube and toilet?  How 'bout the mirror? Is there evidence of toothpaste stains and splatters from the last time your husband flossed his teeth? Are huge cob-webs hanging from the chandelier in your dining room or two-story foyer?  I hope I'm painting the picture for you. These are just a few of the scenes I've witnessed during the past week.

This may sound gross, but believe me, I am repeatedly shocked at the condition that some people leave their homes in as they walk out the door. Evidently they're thinking...out of sight out of mind.

This column is inspired by situations that I run into every day. This week, I have walked through two properties of people who want me to list and market their homes for sale. Both home owners have moved on and relocated to other states. Even after our discussions of what "clean" means, their homes are still not ready to be listed and marketed for sale. And, they've already moved on! In their absence and neglect of responsibility, I will require these homeowners to hire a cleaning service to complete what should have been accomplished before these folks moved and before I put a sign in the yard.

I'll say it again! Home buyers can afford to be picky these days. If your home is not in ship shape, there is no point in listing it for sale. Buyers are looking for any reason to "low-ball" an offer.   The offer you receive on your property will be dependant (in a large part) on the condition you leave it in.  If you are incapable of cleaning and preparing your home for sale, you must get a cleaning service.  Likewise, if you have already sold and closed on your home, please be responsible and leave your home in a positive condition. After all, it all reflects back on you -- the original owner.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara works with home buyers and sellers and helps each conquer the moving process. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara's social media sites at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind, www.YouTube.com/GeorgiaRealEstate1 and Blogs at www.GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind.Blogspot.com and www.AtlantaMLSHomesBlog.com. Sara Hibbard's website's are located at www.SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Time For Another Market Conditions Report

2012-01-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions -- Wednesday!

Happy New Year! As we start the year off on this the first Wednesday of 2012, the spotlight shines on the city of ATLANTA! This includes homes mostly in FULTON County, with some addresses in Dekalb and Cobb Counties too.

Atlanta is the most populous city in the state of Georgia.

According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metro area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States.Atlanta is the county seat of Fulton County, and a small portion of the city extends eastward into Dekalb County too. A small number of Cobb County addresses are counted as Atlanta addresses too.

Today, Atlanta is a major business city and the primary transportation hub of the Southeastern United States (via highway, railroad, and air), with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport earning the distinction of being the world's busiest airport since 1998. With a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$270 billion, Atlanta's economy ranks 15th among world cities and sixth in the nation.

The city is a center for services, finance, information technology, government, and higher education. Atlanta contains the country's third largest concentrationof Fortune 500 companies, and more than 75 percent of Fortune 1000 companies have business operations in the metropolitan area. Metro Atlanta is the world headquarters of corporations such as The Coca - Cola Company, Turner Broadcasting, The Home Depot, AT&T Mobility, UPS and Delta Air Lines. Atlanta is also home to CNN.  As of 2010, Atlanta is the seventh most visited city in the United States, welcoming over 35 million domestic and overseas visitors per year. Atlanta is renowned for its robust cultural institutions, which draw creative people and audiences to the city for theater, the visual arts, and music.

Geographically, the city is marked by its mild weather, rolling hills, and a dense tree coverage that is unique among major U.S. cities. Gentrification of Atlanta's neighborhoods, initially spurred by the 1996 Olympic Games, has intensified in the 21st century, altering the city's demographics, culture, and image.

As I write this, it might interest you to know that today, there is a total of 45,448 single family homes actively listed and on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area including the city of Atlanta. That's down from a total of 52,587 on November 9, 2011.

Likewise, there is a total of 2,941 actively listed single family homes on the market today in the city of Atlanta. Also, it is worth noting for Investor's, a total of 803 single family homes listed at or UNDER $100,000 in the city of Atlanta.

Currently prices range from $4500 for a "fixer-upper" quaint 3 bedroom / 1 bath bungalow home to the highest priced property in the Buckhead area currently listed at $19,9 million. This gated and secure palatial masterpiece, with a premier address on West Paces Ferry Road offers 9 bedrooms with 11 full and 4 half bathrooms, gilded elegance, marble floors, theater, pool, 4+ car garage, on more than 2 acres and amenities too numerous to mention.

Today, there are 902 single family homes Pending Sale in the city of Atlanta. They range in price from $10,000 to $7.9 million.

Homes Are Selling In The City Of Atlanta!

Since November 1st, 2011 -- which was only 65 days ago -- 813 single family homes have SOLD and CLOSED in the city of Atlanta.  The prices ranged from $2,100 for a brick front home with 1 bedroom/1 full bathroom built in 1960 needing major repairs and renovations to $6.5 million for a Bill Baker designed and custom built Georgian perfection on parklike +/- 4acre lot. Brick, stone, and slate construction with impeccable finishings and incredible amenities. Built in 2005, this home offers 13,702 square feet of living space and 7 bedrooms / 8 full and 4 half bathrooms.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in the city of Atlanta!  What are you waiting for? Do you have a New Years Resolution that includes hunting for your "ideal" home?  Call me for a tour of homes in Atlanta or the Atlanta metro area.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and works in the city of Atlanta and the north Atlanta metro area.  Sara is ready to answer your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process.  Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you.  Sara can be reached anytime at 404-660-2481 or by e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara's websites at www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com, www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.ShopCantonHomes.com, www.SaraHibbardHomes.com and www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com.   Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Is a HUD House For You?

2012-01-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been featuring HUD Homes on my You Tube Channel at www.YouTube.com/GeorgiaRealEstate1. During the next few weeks and months, I will be adding more properties.

Check it out.

I'm an approved HUD Realtor and I'm often asked about HUD homes. Some of the questions I receive include (but are not limited to):

What is HUD? The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Please visit www.HUD.gov for additional information.

Do I need a real estate agent to place a bid for me? Yes, only licensed real estate agents can submit bids. In addition to being a HUD listing broker, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers can submit bids, on your behalf, on HUD homes. Simply contact your agent: Sara Hibbard at 404-660-2481, and we’ll begin assisting you immediately.

Do owner-occupants have a priority in bidding? Yes, there is an initial owner-occupant period of 30 days set aside at the beginning of the bid process which is referred to as the “Exclusive” bid period.

What are my financing options? You can use FHA or conventional financing to purchase a HUD home. You may also purchase a property with cash. If FHA financing is utilized, Owner Occupant borrowers have a minimum down payment requirement of only $100.
How can I obtain financing for my property? Metro Home Mortgage offers a full array of financing options including FHA. Contact one of our Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers, loan representatives for a free pre-qualification and review of available programs. Ask Sara for a recommendation to a lender specializing in your area of need.

Will HUD make any repairs to the properties? HUD properties are sold as-is with no warranty. After your bid has been accepted, you are strongly encouraged to have a professional inspection done on the property. If there are unexpected surprises relating to the condition of the property, you will have an opportunity to cancel the contract.

Will HUD give money/credit for needed repairs to the property? No. However, you may wish to utilize an FHA 203K loan to finance repairs on the property. Depending upon the 203K program being utilized, funds may be escrowed for up to $35,000 for repairs to be done after closing. Very few lenders have the expertise necessary to process one of these loans, but Metro Home Mortgage has extensive experience in these programs. Again, Sara Hibbard will be happy to recommend a qualified Mortgage Loan Representative to you. Just ask. Call Sara at 404-660-2481.

Is an earnest money deposit required? Yes. HUD requires earnest money in the amount of $500 for purchase prices under $49,999 and $1,000 for purchase prices $50,000 and higher. Certified funds are required.

Will HUD pay closing costs? Yes. HUD will pay up to 3% of the purchase price in closing costs.

Keep in mind, only licensed Realtors can submit bids on HUD Homes. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers offers clients everything they need – real estate, mortgage, insurance and closing services. Your Realtor, Sara Hibbard is happy to submit bids on your behalf.
If you're interested in considering a HUD property, Sara Hibbard is looking forward to assisting you throughout the process when the time is right for you. Call Sara Hibbard anytime at 404-660-2481 or e-mail her at sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Easy Outdoor Staging Tips to Make the Right First Impression

2012-01-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

If you have a New Years Resolution that includes the possible sale of your current home, it's worth discussing the virtues of the home staging concept. Home staging isn't only for interiors. Staging is also appropriate for the exterior of your home too.

One of the fastest growing real estate considerations in America today is "staging" your house, meaning furnishing, decorating, outdoor clean-ups and ultimately arranging homes in such a way to attract increased buyer interest.

A recent national survey indicated that staged homes sold on average in 13.8 days, while non-staged homes sold in 30.9 days. Because your home is competing with other nearby comparable listings, staging your home is important for getting the best price when you sell. Here are some outdoor staging tips to optimize your curb appeal, give you a competitive edge vs other homes for sale in your area, and sell your home quickly.

Ensure your flowerbeds are turned, weed free, and properly edged. All hedges should be evenly trimmed and the lawn regularly maintained. It’s a clear indication that you are a conscientious homeowner and that you value your home’s appearance. If you’re not into gardening, paying for a quick landscaping job might be well worth the investment.
Check to make sure all outdoor lighting is in good working order. Consider leaving them on slightly longer than normal to encourage potential ‘drive-by’ viewings from interested buyers during the evening hours.
Ensure your front entryway is presentable. A great exterior accent piece is a freshly painted front door, which, when combined with a few seasonal potted plants, will create a more welcoming entranceway for prospective buyers.
Polish the front doorknob or handle and replace a dented or tarnished mailbox. Make sure your home address numbers can be easily seen from the street to facilitate potential viewings.
Check if your aluminum siding or brickwork needs washing or your gutters need cleaning. If dead leaves are spilling over from your eave’s troughs, buyers tend to get a negative impression.
If you have a wood deck, make sure the stain or paint looks fresh. Good-looking patio furniture will contribute to the look of the backyard. If your furniture looks slightly run down, consider purchasing a new set – something you can take with you when you move.
Clean up yard clutter and put away the kids’ outdoor toys to help enhance the size of your yard.
Ask your Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers agent to review the outdoor space and make suggestions that will enhance your home’s appearance

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia. Sara is easily reached anytime at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara's websites at www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.ShopCantonHomes.com, www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com, www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com and www.SaraHibbardHomes.com. Sara's Blog is located at www.AtlantaMLSHomesBlog.com and www.GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind.Blogspot.com. Visit her You Tube channel at www.YouTube.com/GeorgiaRealEstate1 and her Facebook page at www.FaceBook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind. Sara looks forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara looks forward to assisting you throughout the process when the time is right for you. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What's Your New Years Resolution?

2012-01-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

Tis the day to set your New Years Resolution into motion.

This year my New Years Resolution is committed to loosing 30 pounds by my birthday at the end of the April. I'm still out of town as I write this, so I'll plan to start my high-powered work outs and diet as soon as I return to Atlanta -- tomorrow.

That's AFTER I make a stop along the way, at the home of a former client who purchased a home from me in Alpharetta in January 2007. Jim (not his real name) was a first time home buyer back then. Now he has a wife and two of the sweatest little girls you could ever see.

In September, Jim contacted me to let me know he had been laid off from his job in Atlanta. He inquired about the possibility of renting his home out -- assuming he found a new job. He also considered refinancing the property and other alternatives. Jim called me the day after Christmas to say that he had been offered and accepted a new job. His start date is January 12th! He's relocating to Florida. Although he's thankful for the new job, WOW! it all happened too fast. There's a moving van at the house today. They are leaving Georgia for Florida on Tuesday.  They've asked me to list the house for sale. I plan to visit them on my way into town early tomorrow afternoon.

Likewise, while I was visiting my family in Cleveland, Ohio for the holidays, I was able to sell a home which will close in mid-January.  While I was visiting family in Dallas, Texas for Thanksgiving, I sold a home during my 861 mile drive to Dallas.

I feel the momentum!

I suspect, based on my INBOX and the questions I've been receiving during the Christmas and holiday break, that there are lots of folks whose New Years Resolutions revolve around purchasing a home during 2012.

There are so many homes on the market. How can you be sure you are making the right choice? From condos, downtown neighborhoods, suburbs, and country homes, there's a perfect fit for every buyer.

To make the best decision you need to be sure to really give time to your decision making process. Yes, your gut can take you in the right direction, but don't be one of the many buyers that falls prey to listening only to their hearts, ending up biting off more than they can chew.

Some homes take more work than others. This goes double for older homes. The same can be said for many foreclosed houses. The price tag might be appealing or you might love the styling of the home, but keep in mind that much of a homes value is actually in its condition, location and marketability.

These are all good reasons to have an inspection done on any home you are considering buying. Additionally, you should have a clause in your contract that states if the inspection comes back unsatisfactorily that you, the buyer, have the right to end the purchase contract.

Different  homes also come with different lifestyle factors. Some buyers love the idea of  having everything within walking distance. They like spending their extra time meeting friends for dinner, and drinks or perusing the latest art exhibit. Could a condo be a good fit? Possibly.

Perhaps you prefer a more isolated setting. Many people love the idea of country life. Just keep in mind that the further you are from people, the further you will likely be from the grocery stores, hospitals, restaurants, the gym.

Likewise, a suburban lifestyle is appealing to many -- especially families.  Cities expanded to welcome their growing populations that wanted, and could afford, newer homes with their own nearby shopping centers. The negative aspect to the suburbs is sometimes a long commute to work, but many people are willing to swap the inconvenience of a long commute for the positive aspects of excellent school systems.

The real key is to decide what lifestyle is best for you and your family. Once you've decided this fundamental consideration, you'll be able to zero in on the best location. Next, be sure to consider more than just just the price tag of the home. Consider upkeep costs, area taxes, needed repairs and even future saleability. Do your due-diligence. Make sure your Realtor is committed to you and your best interest too. If you'll do these things, you're well on your way to making the right decision about the home that best suits your current needs and lifestyle.

Happy 2012 New Year!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and specializes in assisting home buyers relocating to Georgia, as well as first-timers and 55+ senior buyers. You can visit Sara's websites at www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com, www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com and www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com. Sara can be reached via social media at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind, www.YouTube.com/GeorgiaRealEstate1 and www.AtlantaMLSHomesBlog.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-12-31T13:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2012!

It's hard to believe that it is once again time to watch the ball drop and ring in the New Year!

As we celebrate the close of 2011 and usher in the new year of 2012, my very best wishes are with you and those whom you Love! May you and your family have a very happy, healthy, safe and prosperous New Year in 2012.

When you hear or learn of someones interest to buy or sell real estate in Georgia, please remember them to me.

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

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Visit Sara's many websites at www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.ShopCantonHomes.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com and www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com. Sara also offers a blog at www.AtlantaMLSHomesBlog.com and www.GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind.Blogspot.com. Find Sara on FaceBook at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaRealEstateOnMyMind or You Tube at www.YouTube.com/GeorgiaRealEstate1. Watch this column for regular updates on topics affecting Georgia real estate as well as regular neighborhood statistical updates of sales, pending sales and active properties. Sara is always available to answer your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate markets in general or specifics regarding the buying / relocation / selling process.

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Time For Another Market Conditions Report

2011-11-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions -- Wednesday! Time for another market report.

Last Wednesday, we reported on current activity in ACWORTH. This week the spotlight shines on ALPHARETTA.

Alpharetta is a city in north Fulton County, Georgia, and a northern suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of the most affluent communities in the state. According to the 2010 Census, Alpharetta's population is 57,551. However, during the workday, the city swells to more than 120,000 residents, workers, and visitors, due to the more than 3,600 businesses that are located in the city.

In 2009, Forbes ranked Alpharetta as the number 1 "reloville".

It might interest you to know that as I write this, there is a total of 52,587 total homes on the market and Actively listed today in the entire Atlanta metro area including homes in Alpharetta.

Likewise, as I write this, there is a total of 848 single family homes ACTIVELY listed and on the market in Alpharetta.

Currently there are only 4 single family homes listed and available in Alpharetta UNDER $100,000

Currently, home prices in Alpharetta range from $79,900 for a 1940 vintage ranch style property with 4 bedrooms/3 full bathrooms requiring major renovations to $8.5 million for a classically elegant craftsman style home in Country Club of the South with 7 bedrooms/8 full and 4 half bathrooms. This "dream home exudes perfections in every room and on every level. An elevator, 3 kitchens, 3 laundry rooms, Pellet windows throughout, indoor basketball court, 800 bottle wine cellar, 7 fireplaces, stone outdoor pool, steam showers, saunas, 2-story library, masterfully-done theater, 4+ car garage, gentleman's floor and much more.

Today and as I write this there are 209 homes PENDING SALE in Alpharetta.

To date, and since January 1st, there have been 1,246 homes SOLD in Alpharetta. The highest priced property to sell in Alpharetta during the year, offered 7 bedrooms with 9 full and 2 half bathrooms located in Country Club of the South. This 13,000 square foot beauty with all the bells and whistles was originally listed at $3,995,000. The final sales price was $3,400,000. The property was purchased with 100% cash after 871 days on market (DOM). The property closed on 10/1/2011.

Since September 1st to date, 239 homes have been sold in Alpharetta and since October 1st, 120 homes have sold in Alpharetta.

Obviously, in spite of the doom and gloom you hear in the media, homes are selling in Alpharetta.

What are you waiting for! This could be your "ideal" community and neighborhood. Call me for a tour of an Alpharetta home or questions regarding the Alpharetta and Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the pre-approval/buying/selling/relocation process. Perhaps you need to live in close proximity to a particular school system or zip code. I'll be happy to give you the latest statistics for any area of interest.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area -- including Alpharetta and Roswell. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached any time by calling 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481 or e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Reducing Your Energy Bills This Winter

2011-11-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

With beautiful blue sky's, temps hovering around 75 degrees, no humidity and the brilliant hues of red, yellow and orange foliage, it is hard to believe that holiday season is upon us with Thanksgiving only a little more than 2 weeks away. Even in the Atlanta metro area we will experience "some" winter weather although mild compared to northern winters.

That brings me to today's topic which is Energy. If you're the chosen family member who pays the monthly bills, you probably all ready know the majority of your monthly energy expenses -- outside of gas for your car, is associated with heating or cooling your home. Here are some tips from the experts to save money and reduce your utility bills, and help the environment at the same time.

1) When replacing older appliances, especially refrigerators, consider more energy-efficient, Energy Star appliances.

2) Wrap heating and cooling ducts with duct wrap, or use mastic sealant.

3) Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower and the air - conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting.

(I must admit to you, I am pretty bad with this advice from the experts when it comes to cooling my home. The heat in the south is just too much for me sometimes. My air-conditioner runs most of the year and in the warmest months, admittedly it is set at about 60 degrees. I try to make up for my transgressions in other ways of conservation whenever possible).

Anyway, they say, if you are able to conform to the above advice, that will help you out considerably at bill time because the energy used is 3% to 5% more for each degree above 68 (furnace) or below 78 (air conditioner).

4) Use compact fluorescent lamps or lower wattage bulbs. This is another area I fall short in, because I love to read and I love bright light. I am getting better though.

5) Fix defective plumbing and dripping faucets. A single dripping hot water faucet can waste quite a bit of water every month. That not only increases water bills, but also increases the gas or electric bill for heating the water.

Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions or if you would like a referral to a qualified HVAC contractor, plumber or other type of contractor. I am always happy to help.

Sara Hibbard is a licenced Realtor in the Atlanta metro area serving the areas of Acworth, Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, Roswell and Woodstock. Call Sara if you are considering the possibility of selling your current home, purchasing a new home, or if you have any questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind! Sara is easily reachable at 404-660-2481.

Keep Up With The Jones, But Don't Surpass Them When Remodeling

2011-11-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Dona Dezube of FrontDoor.com says, the secret to sucessful pre-sale home remodeling
is to keep up with the Jones', but never surpass them. Whether you want to make more money than you spend, or just recoup your remodeling expenses when you sell your home, know what's standard in your neighborhood.

Does everyone have laminate kitchen countertops? Splurge on granite and you'll be the envy of your friends, but you won't get your money back at resale. Is your home in a high-end neighborhood? Put in laminate countertops and your house will sell for less than full value, or worse yet, linger on the market for months.

Never be the last homeowner on the block to remodel. Homebuyers will pass up your property in favor of the one down the street where everything is already updated. Your home will sell slowly and for less money.

Before you pick up a hammer, visit real estate open houses and new home communities. Ask the builder to show you a spec home (that's an already built home without the model home's decorative features and upgrades).

"The three main things in real estate are location, location and location," says Nancy Jones, a Realtor with Hunt ERA Real Estate, Williamsville, NY. "Some homes will sell no matter what they look like depending on the location and, of course, the right price. The main things to keep in mind when remodeling are: neutral, clean, and classic. That will always recoup your money."

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara looks forward in working with you to find your ideal home and guiding you throughout the process when the time is right for you. Sara cab be reached any time at 404-660-2481. Or, e-mail Sara at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Bugs!

2011-11-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

As you may know, I am not originally from the south.

I grew up in northeastern Ohio and then went to college in Boston. After my college days, I lived and worked in the Boston market for 18 years.

Yes, I LOVED Boston! I loved the close proximity to Cape Cod and the islands as well as cultivating my love of sailing and scuba diving in the cold waters of New England. I never noticed Bugs in New England. The word "bug" wasn't even part of my vocabulary.

That changed almost immediately when I relocated to Atlanta in February 1994.

Moving to Georgia was somewhat of a "culture shock" for me. The main change was...well...bugs! Now, I'm not exactly "squeamish" about bugs. Truly, I'm not afraid of them nor do I run screaming like a little girl when I see a bug. But, I want you to know that northerners have never seen "bugs" -- like bugs in the south. Southern bugs, look like nothing you've ever laid eyes on. Most are harmless, some are actually cute, but often they defy description.

Up north, people aren't worried about bugs! But, up north, if you see an Orkin Pest Control truck in a neighbor's driveway, there is an immediate assumption by all folks who pass by, that your neighbor must keep a dirty house. After all why else would you have bugs?

Meanwhile, in the sunny south, the sight of a bug truck at your neighbors house is somewhat...well...typical. When I arrived in the south, I did not know or realize that people had relationships with the various Pest Control Companies -- BUG STOP, BUGS BE GONE, ORKIN and others. Everyone has a subscription to a Pest Control Company. These companies make frequent and regular visits to vaccinate homes, gardens and yards from the possibility of various indigenous and phantom pests -- bugs.

Here's a funny story. I wasn't in Atlanta more than 3 weeks, when one night I was amazed, shocked, horrified, embarrassed to find a "familiar" bug on my bedroom floor. I say "familiar" because I had seen pictures in encyclopedias of this particular bug -- but never before, had I actually seen one with my naked eye.

I didn't think anyone would believe me, so I put a garbage can over the bug for safe keeping overnight. When morning arrived,the scorpion on my bedroom floor was dead!

At the time, I was working at a company where there was no office privacy. By that I mean, all employees worked out of cubicles. This was also before most people had cell phones. Being a northerner, I was more embarrassed (than afraid) that my new house seemed to have a bug problem. Not knowing that the presence of bugs is perfectly acceptable in the south, I was anxious to call a pest control company for an immediate remedy to the situation.

My dilemma: I didn't want a new co-worker to over hear my conversation with a bug company. Each day I would wait till the coast was clear before dialing the telephone number for Orkin -- the major pest control company in Atlanta. Several times a day, I would dial 404-555-PEST, and simultaneously a co-worker would show up at the threshold of my cubicle. Immediately, I would hang up. I eventually had to wait for the weekend to make the dreaded call from home.

When Orkin finally arrived at my house to perform their magic, I mentioned how hard it had been to reach them. I told the "bug man" that I had hung up at least 57 times during the week as their receptionist would answer the phone and a cheerful co-worker would show up at my cubicle at the same time. I was totally ashamed and embarrassed! The bug guy said, "that was you!?"

Billy, the bug guy, told me that none of my co-workers would think less of me for being an Orkin client and it certainly wouldn't keep me from winning friends in the office place. As Billy, told me in his southern drawl, "Bugs don't bother me." "Don't let 'em bother you."

I share this story, to tell you that you need not fear southern bugs. If you are planning to relocate to the area, you will probably need a "bug guy" like Billy. Regular treatments typically occur every 6 to 8 weeks or quarterly and will keep you "bug-free". Additionally, the south is known for termites. The question isn't, "are they here?" The question is, when will they arrive?" If you are planning to sell your home or purchase a new one, you will need a termite letter prior to closing.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta metro area. If you need a referral to a termite or pest inspector, Sara Hibbard will be happy to make a recommendation. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or 770-399-8108 or e-mail at sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Time For Another Market Conditions Report!

2011-11-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

If it's Wednesday, it must be market conditions Wednesday and time for another market report. This week, we are back to the beginning of the Alphabet. The focus today is on the city of ACWORTH, GA.

Acworth is a city located predominantly in Cobb County, GA but also holds the distinction of overlapping into three other counties -- Cherokee, Paulding and Bartow Counties. As of the 2010 census, the city had a populations of 20,425. Acworth is located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains along the southeastern banks of Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona on the Etowah River.

The city of Acworth, couldn't be cuter with trendy shops, fine dining and a totally revitalized downtown area, the city of Acworth has had a welcomed face-lift during the last few years. Acworth is steeped in history too. In November 1864, during the American Civil War, the city was burned down by the army of General W.T. Sherman, sparing only a few homes. The city was called "Little Shanty" by the Union troops to contrast it with the next town south, "Big Shanty", since renamed Kennesaw. Today, the Kennesaw Battlefield National Park is a tourist attraction as well as a very popular hiking and biking area for residents and visitors.

In 2011, the filming of several scenes for the new Footloose remake took place in downtown Acworth. The Acworth Presbyterian Church was used as the primary church, and the house of Mayor, Tommy Allegood was used as Julianne Hough's character's home. You know. The same Julianne Hough of Dancing With The Star's fame.

Let's check out the current market conditions for the city of Acworth, Georgia

Today, as I write this there is a total of 56,487 actively listed homes on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area -- including homes for sale in Acworth.

Likewise, as I write this there is a total of 594 single family homes for sale in Acworth today. Of the total 594 homes for sale, there are 104 single family homes listed for sale UNDER $100,000.

Currently home prices range from $5,000 for a seasonal 1 bedroom cottage property needing lots of work at Glade Marina in Bartow County to a stunning executive style property at Island Mills in Acworth on Lake Allatoona. This property is listed at $1.950 million and offers 6 bedrooms/7 full and 1 half bathrooms. The property is located on a deep water lot just 4 miles from Route 75. No expense was spared in this craftsman style home featuring handcrafted exquisite moldings,stone and wood work as well as tile. The finish work is to-die-for! 3-story grand room with huge central fireplace. A gourmet chef's kitchen offers top of the line appliances, granite and tile. Indulge in a steam shower in the Master Bath. The terrace level offers a custom bar and theater.

Currently there are 188 single family homes Pending Sale or Pending Existing Lender Approval in Acworth. They range in price from $40,700 to $617,000.

Since January 1st, 2011 through today, there have been 979 single family homes SOLD in Acworth. They have ranged in price from $10,500 for a ranch style home at Red Top Mountain needing major repair work. This home was sold with the knowledge that the home exhibited significant amounts of mold. This home sold and closed on July 29 after 14 days for 100% cash.

Likewise, the highest priced home to sell in Acworth since January 1st was sold and closed on March 18th after 62 days on the market. This was an incomplete builder foreclosure needing an additional $325,000 of finish work with the buyer needed to take care of out of pocket. The home was originally listed for $3 million, and reduced to $1,250,000. The home closed for a final sales price of $1,078,000. Located in Governor's Towne Club the home was incomplete when purchased but offered a French inspired all stone home. State of the art appliances, center island, hidden pantry, fireside library. Rear stairs to in-law suite.

Homes are continuing to sell in Acworth! There have been 162 homes sold and closed in Acworth since September 1st.

What are you waiting for! This could be your "ideal" community and neighborhood. As you can clearly see, homes are selling in Acworth, GA. Call me for a tour of an Acworth home or questions regarding the Acworth and Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the pre-approval/buying/selling/relocation process.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area -- including Acworth. Sara recently sold a beautiful home in Acworth in the Cobb County area to a young couple who relocated to Georgia from Kentucky. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached any time by calling 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481 or e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

WINK Has Opened In Downtown Woodstock!

2011-11-01T13:40:00.001-07:00

WOW! It's hard to believe Halloween 2011 is a memory and Thanksgiving is quickly approaching with the holidays close behind! 2012 will be here before we know it!

As the year draws to a close, historic downtown Woodstock continues to grow, this time with the addition of WINK, a martini bar that has been in the works for more than a year has finally opened its doors to the public and the Woodstock downtown neighborhood over the weekend. Located between Copper Coin Coffee and Bridal Exchange Boutique, a brand new neon sign is ablaze tonight over the sidewalk.

To get ready for the holidays it is timely that WINK has now opened in Downtown Woodstock. According to Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch, WINK will surely be a new destination to introduce to your thirsty (and hungry) holiday visitors.

Developers Shannon Fannin and Steve Rabb recently told Noel Stogs of Woodstock Towne Lake Patch that WINK is an ultra modern concept bar specializing in martinis and nosh, built around the idea of sophistication that is at once inviting and energetic. Steve Rabb says they created the concept thinking about an older, more mature wine crowd in the evening, and a fun party crowd late at night.

Designed primarily by Shannon Fannin herself, the final layout is representative of things she's drawn from the LA nightclub scene and sexy bars in Atlanta with her own eclectic spin. Wink is quite a departure from previous business endeavors taken on by Fannin and Steve Rabb. Skilled in management and marketing respectively, neither has ever tried their hand at restaurant ownership or management until now. Rabb has spent most of his time as Vice President of the American Cancer Society in Atlanta while Fannin has been in retail for many years.

According to Fannin, the whole idea sprang up from a discussion they had one night while sitting over drinks and dinner at Pure in downtown Woodstock. They were just talking about what Woodstock needs. They discussed the possibility of a wine and desert bar. From there, they began brainstorming and ideas snowballed as they began building concepts.

In the last few years, with the addition of Hedgewood properties and the idea of living and working in downtown Woodstock, restaurants and trendy shops have been springing up everywhere. Meanwhile, Woodstock has even experienced a face lift of its own with local businesses sprucing up their buildings, the completion of a new city center area including revitalized sidewalks, the park area and the completion of long range plans for a vibrant and active downtown Woodstock area much like Roswell and Acworth have experienced.

With WINK now open, Fannin and Rabb hope to offer an elegant evening of gourmet food and wine, signature cocktails, extensive list of imported beverages and a minimalist approach to fine cuisine.

Things aren't all glitz and glamour for Wink's management staff. Community involvement is an important aspect to their business model and philosophy. On Sundays, Wink plans to collaborate with the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, charging admission which will help to fund Elm Street projects, and there is hope of featuring local artists for live music at least once a week. Additionally, a percentage of the proceeds from every Wink signature martini will be donated to the American Cancer Society and breast cancer research.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta metro area and works in Woodstock. The Metro Brokers office in Woodstock is located adjacent to the Woodstock Post Office at 265 Parkway 575 just 2.5 miles to downtown Woodstock. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind. Sara looks forward to answering your many real estate questions when the time is right for you to consider buying or selling real estate in Woodstock, Canton, Acworth, Kennesaw, Roswell, Alpharetta or the north Atlanta metro area. Sara is easily reachable at
404-660-2481.

Movie Shoot Starts Tomorrow In Marietta and Powder Springs!

2011-10-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

If traffic is REALLY AWFUL tomorrow morning around the Marietta Square area, you will be able to attribute your unfortunate commute and grid-lock to the fact that a movie is being produced in Marietta Square and Powder Springs.

According to the Marietta Patch, local roads will be closing today in preparation for Friday's shoot.

Day and night time shooting of "Neighborhood Watch," starring Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Rosemarie DeWitt, Jonah Hill, Will Forte and Richard Ayoade will take place in Marietta and Powder Springs on Friday.

Film crews arrived today in Marietta to give buildings in and adjacent to the Square an aged appearance, paint signs, cover awnings and replace window displays in stores, according to a Marietta City news release earlier this week.

Shots around the Square will be used to portray the fictional All-American city in the Twentieth Century Fox production directed by Akiva Schaffer. Friday evening, crews will turn off lights around the Square and on top of buildings to create a dark, scary, alien-friendly atmosphere. In the movie, Ben Stiller and three other members of his community form a neighborhood watch group, which is the last hope to save the neighborhood and world from being destroyed.

If you need to get to Marietta Square tomorrow, be aware that there will be partial and full closures of parking spaces beginning as early as 6AM Friday morning and full or intermittent lane closures beginning at 3PM.

According to Movie Insider, the movie is scheduled to be released to theaters late in July 2012.

How exciting that a movie is being filmed in Marietta Square. I'm pleased to disclose that a former home-buyer client of mine took the pictures here of the Powder Springs Echo Mill neighborhood which is one of three communities in Powder Springs being used for the filming of Neighborhood Watch. I'm Very Proud of CADY SCHULMAN!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! Call Sara anytime with your many real estate questions. She is easily reached at 404-660-2481.

Kitchens (The Heart Of The Home and The Sale)

2011-10-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

Recently I was showing property in the Alpharetta area.

My client's professed to be huge entertainers. They are relocating to Georgia from Connecticut for their retirement. When I questioned them about what they like to do, among other things, I learned that they LOVE to entertain! They enjoy entertaining throughout holiday time as well as what ever occasion (family, business or social).

One of their "search criteria hot-buttons" was a top of the line kitchen -- since they spend so much time in this area of the home. They "want" and "need" a kitchen with all the bells and whistles. High ceilings with an adjacent Keeping Room and breakfast area.

During our tour of homes, I must admit, I became a little embarrassed at the caliber of kitchens we were seeing during our visits.

The various home owners and Sellers seemed to think it's OK to leave dirty dishes from last night in the kitchen sink or on the counter. Some home owners had obviously taken action to update their kitchens with the latest features and fixtures. However, in several cases, their obviously amateurish skills illustrated their lack of knowledge or capability for the job. This is a huge turnoff to prospective buyers. If you are planning to do a home maker-over make sure you have the capability for the job you are about to jump into.

I don't often do this, but a colleague -- Tisha Gay -- has just completed an article that is right on point and so I share it with you here. Enjoy.

The kitchen is arguably used more than any other room in the house, which makes it the most important room to stage in your home. Potential home buyers are looking for a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is functional.

Buyers want to view it without any unnecessary counter top appliances and clutter. By showcasing your kitchen in the best possible light, you can potentially sell your home faster and; increase the closing price. Even in a slow real estate market, making your kitchen attractive to a buyer could make the difference.

Clean up the kitchen
Studies have shown that one of the dirtiest places in the home is the kitchen. Before you list, pull out those rubber gloves and give everything a good scrub so that the kitchen sparkles. Replace unsightly floor tiles or sand/re-finish the hardwoods. And in a worst-case scenario, consider a complete floor makeover.

Pay special attention to the cabinetry; in older homes, it’s common to see cracks in the beaded caulking between the ceiling and the trim above the cupboards. For less than $10, you can buy a pre-mixed tube of crack filler and make it look like new. Also, to give the kitchen an inexpensive face lift, consider replacing the fixtures – an affordable way to give doors and drawers a second wind.

Clutter is a kitchen killer
Kitchens are the focal point of almost every home. A great rule of thumb for the staging of a kitchen is to leave no more than two appliances on your counter. After you’ve uncluttered the kitchen counter, brighten and soften the space by adding some fresh fruit, new dishtowels, a cookbook, and a plant or flowers.

Modernizing today will help you sell tomorrow
Modernizing your kitchen can help you sell your home for years to come. Renovating your kitchen now will let you enjoy new appliances while boosting the value of your home for the future. While you may want to take specific appliances with you, stainless steel can make almost any kitchen sing.

Another way to add value to your kitchen is to install concealed appliances – hiding the dishwasher and fridge, for example, can really spice up your kitchen for buyers. Also popular are microwaves with convection ovens (prices can vary between $200 to $900 for higher-end stainless built-ins) – another appliance quickly becoming a staple in most modern kitchens.

If you can’t replace appliances, be sure to have them repaired and cleaned. It’s also a good idea to clean your fridge and stove, as buyers will almost always open oven and fridge doors.

Consider replacing your counters, especially if there are stains or cracks. And white counters can leave buyers feeling bland about a kitchen (and ultimately about buying the house). If granite, marble, and corian are not in your budget, there are laminates that look very close to the real thing.

Lighting
Take the time to make sure all the existing light fixtures have working light bulbs. Make sure the blinds are open on all the windows and the under cabinet lighting is on. You may even want to add a small table lamp or two to accent a dark corner.

… And the kitchen sink
Another kitchen remodeling idea is to upgrade your “sinkware.” New faucets, soap dispensers and sinks (whether you are reglazing or replacing altogether) are affordable ways to give the kitchen an immediate facelift. Don’t forget, buyers love to turn on the kitchen faucet when touring a home. They want a spotless sink that looks clean (without a lot of scuff marks or any grime) enough to wash their dishes in.

The kitchen is the most important room and biggest selling feature in your house. Staging it properly can make every potential buyer say, “this could be my kitchen.”

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State Of Georgia. Sara is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or e-mail her at sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

4th Annual Cherokee County Georgia -- PIGNIC!

2011-10-13T07:38:00.001-07:00

I'm a HUGE fan of good barbecue!

I love it when the drippings have created a nice crispy glaze over ribs, pulled pork or chicken.

Oh...man...I'm salivating just writing about the flavors! Add some really good baked beans, maybe some corn on the Cob or fried okra and well....I'm there!

Sometimes I get cravings for good barbeque. No matter how hard I try to curb my cravings, I just can't get them out of my mind! If you're like me and suffer from cravings for good barbeque, you'll want to be in close proximity to Cherokee County Georgia this weekend!

It's time for PIGNIC!

Plan to attend the 4th annual Cherokee Pignic. This event is sponsored by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and will be held once again at Heritage Park in Canton this weekend.

This event starts off Friday evening, October 14th at 4PM. Friday night the focus is on "FAMILY FUN NIGHT". Regular admission is just $5 and children wearing costumes who are 10 years old or younger get in free. Kids 3 years old and younger, of course are free even without a custom. Prizes will be awarded for kids wearing the spookiest or silliest Halloween costumes and presentations.

A movie will also be shown on Friday evening which starts at 7PM.

On Saturday, gates open at 10AM to see a variety of entertainment including blue grass and country music artists and a performance by a clogging group and much more. There will be tons of games for all ages and of course plenty of barbeque to satisfy your appetite. The entire weekend event is "family focused", but that doesn't mean the barbeque competition won't be fierce.

The barbeque competition is divided between the Backyard Burners, Cherokee Pignic's nickname for the recreational cooking team category, and the professional teams. Both categories are currently maxed out for the event with 24 amateur teams and 49 professional teams.

This event has proved to be an excellent event for families and a great place to satisfy your barbeque cravings during the last several years. If you're looking for something to do this weekend to take you away from the typical weekend chores around the house, put the Cherokee Pignic on your calendar and list of
things-to-do this weekend. You'll be glad you did!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and focuses her business in Cherokee County, Georgia. Please call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard is easily reachable at 770-399-8108 OR 404-660-2481. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Condition's Wednesday!

2011-10-12T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today, we shine the spotlight on the City Of Woodstock, GA!

Woodstock has been dubbed the fastest growing city in Cherokee County. Woodstock is where modern amenities meet old Southern charm. The Historic Olde Towne salutes Woodstock's pioneers through vintage shops, constant restoration and old fashioned Southern hospitality. Residents enjoy weekly summer band concerts and a revitalized award winning downtown area. Families enjoy five beautiful city parks. During the summer season demolition derbies and sports car races are well attended at the Dixie Speedway as well as lighting the city Christmas tree in December. Beautiful new homes are plentiful in Woodstock and excellent schools insure that the area is highly sought after by newcomers. Several new builders entered the city in 2010 to complete unfinished projects. Yes, Woodstock continues to boom and bloom!

On a personal note, I have called Woodstock my home since building my home here in 1998! I love the central location Woodstock provides and the easy access to the major highways for commuting. I especially appreciate the fact, that in order to get to the Perimeter area like Dunwoody or perhaps Marietta's Windy Hill area, there are commuting options. Instead of utilizing the major highways, Woodstock offers the opportunity to get to your destination via pleasant back roads rather than using the highways.

To establish a frame of reference, today, as I write this, there is a total of 53,951homes on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area including inventory in Woodstock.

Current Woodstock inventory includes a total of 548 actively listed single family homes and 71 condo/town-homes available today in Woodstock.

Prices range from $39,000 for a ranch style "fixer-upper" 3 bedroom home needing major renovations and repair work to $6.9 million for a 10 bedroom/10 full and 3 half bathroom gated private estate in the North Arnold Mill area. The property sits on more than 10 acres and includes 4 kitchens, 8 fireplaces, fitness center, wine cellar, ballroom, au pair suite, elevator, recording studio, pool and much more. Meanwhile, prices for condo's and town-homes in Woodstock range from $32,500 to $327,100.

As I write this, there are 242 single family homes PENDING SALE in Woodstock with prices ranging from $25,000 to $619,000. There are also 21 condo / town-home properties PENDING SALE today with prices ranging from $50,000 to $229,000.

Since August 1st, 245 single family homes have been SOLD in WOODSTOCK. A total of 865 single family homes have SOLD in Woodstock since January 1st 2011. Likewise, since August 1st, 24 condo/town homes have SOLD in WOODSTOCK. Since January 1st, 96 condo /town homes have SOLD in WOODSTOCK!

As you can clearly see, homes are SELLING in WOODSTOCK!

What are you waiting for? Interest rates have hit record lows! This is an incredible buyer's market! Call me to discuss your unique situation and how I can help you purchase your "ideal" home!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area -- including WOODSTOCK. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached any time by calling 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481 or e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Fire Safety Tips

2011-10-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I was working late at night in my home office. The way my office is set up, my back faces the doorway when I am working at my desk and computer. This helps me concentrate and keeps me from noticing distractions.

On this particular evening I was focused on something -- I forget what -- when all of a sudden I was aware of a high-pitched humming sound coming from somewhere inside the house. Over several minutes the sound became louder and increased in pitch. I finished what I was working on. I got up from my desk to investigate this increasingly loud noise. As I entered the hallway, I quickly realized the whole house was filled with smoke!

This might be a good place to admit that my sense of smell is not exactly what it should be! But I was sure as I made my way through the fog, that there must be an odor and there must be FLAMES somewhere in the house!

Skipping 3 stairs at a time, I raced down the staircase. Running first through the dining room to the kitchen, I expected to find flames! No Flames! Next, I hurdled an ottoman on the way to my master-on-the-main bedroom, tripped over a pair of shoes to the master bathroom. No Flames! I checked the laundry room. The Garage. Closets. No Flames!

I was sweating and close to a state of panic, yet trying hard to keep my wits about me!

Think logically you fool!

I grabbed a phone as I headed outside to check for flames! As I dialed 9 1 1, I ran around the perimeter of the house checking for flames. I was nearly out of breath when the operator asked, "Whats Your Emergency?"

I don't mind admitting to you that I was scared! Really scared! My house was filled with smoke, yet I could not find any obvious reason. The fire department was on their way! I was embarrassed -- yet panicked! I could hear the fire engines coming from miles away!

Within a few minutes, my neighbors along with 3 fire engines, 4 police cruisers, 1 rescue vehicle and about 16 firemen all congregated in my front yard!

OH! And...I almost forgot... the firemen brought hatchets! You tend to become a little concerned when an army of firemen enter your house with hatchets!

After a complete investigation by the Woodstock Fire Department, I learned that my house had experienced a power surge which affected my downstairs 1999 vintage Zenith TV. The power surge had actually caused an electrical fire within the TV. Luckily the TV set had turned itself off when the television began to flame.

It's one of those things you never expect to happen -- a fire -- at my house!

I am pleased to say that the Woodstock Fire Department was wonderful! One fireman told me to "look on the bright side...now you can go shopping for a new TV -- you get to buy new technology!" "How great is that", he said! He even offered to go with me to pick out a new TV!

I still have not replaced the old TV in spite of the fact that it hasn't worked since the evening of the fire. I just closed the door to the armoire where the TV resides still inside. Out of sight. Out of mind.

Occasionally, when I am out showing property, I observe fire hazards in homes I am showing to clients!

Last winter, a homeowner asked me to preview their home as they wanted to me list it for sale. Granted this was in February and it was a cool day when I visited the home. I was very concerned when I entered their kitchen to find 2 unattended burners on their stove in the "On" position and flames shooting three inches above the burners. No pans were on the burners. These people were actually trying to avoid turning on their heat and using the gas heat from the stove to warm their home!

Really! Are you kidding me?

I just learned that this is Fire Prevention Week! I want to thank Cherokee County Firefighters and first responders especially the Woodstock Fire Department!

This is FIRE PREVENTION WEEK! The Cherokee County Fire and EMS offers the following tips for protecting your home and family from fire:

1) Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

2) Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.

3) Have a 3-foot "kid free zone" around open fires and space heaters.

4) Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

5) If you smoke, smoke outside. Use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table.

6) Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

7) Develop a family escape plan which you practice with all family members on a regular basis. Make sure every family member is aware of the escape route and knows what to do in case of a real fire.

8) Equip your home with smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

9) Clean up debree in attics, garages and basements on a regular basis and make sure that paper such as magazines and newspapers don't accumulate. Make sure that gasoline cans and receptacles are properly ventilated.

Be safe! Exercise common sense! Have a wonderful holiday season!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara Hibbard specializes in assisting home buyers and sellers in the Canton, Woodstock, Alpharetta, Roswell, Acworth, Kennesaw and north Atlanta metro area. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying/selling process. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or e-mail her at sara@SaraHibbard.com! Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday!

2011-09-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Today the Market Conditions focus is on WALESKA, GA.

Waleska, which is just 45 minutes northwest of Atlanta by car (in good traffic), is the home of Reinhardt University. Founded in 1883, Reinhardt is a four-year university affiliated with The United Methodist Church. In addition to the main campus, the school has an off-campus site, Reinhardt University's North Fulton Center which is located in Alpharetta and offers select programs of study in Epworth and Cartersville, Georgia as well as online courses too.

As of the 2,000 census, there were 616 people, 107 households and 78 families residing in the city of Waleska. The major neighborhood in Waleska is the gated community of LAKE ARROWHEAD. In fact, on any given day, 99% of all homes on the market in Waleska are located in Lake Arrowhead -- by virtue of the fact that Lake Arrowhead is the main neighborhood in Waleska. If an Active Waleska listing is not located in Lake Arrowhead, it is probably not part of any specific neighborhood.

In Waleska and Lake Arrowhead you are really very close to having it all! Located in the foothills of the north Georgia mountains, this neighborhood was recently awarded the "Community of the Year" by the Atlanta Home Builders Association. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just 40 minutes north of Atlanta's I-285, Lake Arrowhead is a private lake and golf community. Whatever your desire is for rewarding living, it's all here in Lake Arrowhead. New homes, older homes, rustic homes, modern homes, Lake Arrowhead can boast about its 8,000+ carefully protected acres of lush woodlands, gentle waterfalls and crystal clear lake waters. The 540 acre lake is ranked among the best and most clean of all lakes in Georgia. The new Highlands Course offers 18-holes of challenging championship play with a new clubhouse and pro shop and full dining facilities. The new 40 acre swim and activities center is open and a new Jr Olympic size pool too. Check out the basketball, volleyball courts as well as tennis too. Residents enjoy 8+ miles of walking trails and nature trails too. You're actually living in a resort at Lake Arrowhead which is why residents LOVE IT here! And, the deer and wildlife is a sight to behold! Need I say more! Are you thirsty for more yet?

All of that to say, that today in the entire Atlanta metro area there are 56,410 homes actively listed and on the market -- including homes in Waleska and Lake Arrowhead, GA.

Likewise, as I write this there is a total of 75 Actively listed homes for sale today in Waleska. Of the 75 Actively listed Waleska properties 53 are located in Lake Arrowhead, and the remaining 22 actively listed properties are located in other neighborhoods or not any specific neighborhood.

The prices range from $38,900 for a country shack built in 1964 and requiring major work to $899,000 for a wonderful home in a secluded wooded setting on 20+/- acres with 4 bedrooms, 4 full and 1 half bathrooms and an in ground pool. Neither of these homes is in a specific neighborhood.

Currently there are 18 homes Pending Sale or Pending Existing Lender Approval. They range in price from $28,600 to $300,000.

Since January 1st, 2011 through today, there have been 52 homes SOLD in Waleska. They have ranged in price from $38,100 for a mobile home on Little Refuge Road needing major repair work which sold on April 28th after 241 days on the market to $444,000 for a beautiful home in Lake Arrowhead with 4 bedrooms/3 full bathrooms and a private deep water dock. This home was originally listed at $629,000 and sold at 71% SP/OLP%. It closed on May 31st after 645 days on the market. The Seller paid $4400 in closing costs.

During the summer months, May 1st through today, 27 homes have sold in Waleska with prices ranging from $57,000 to $444,000.

Homes are selling in WALESKA. What are you waiting for! This could be your "ideal" community and neighborhood. As you can clearly see, homes are selling in TUCKER, GA. Call me for a tour of a Tucker home or questions regarding the Tucker and Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the pre-approval/buying/selling/relocation process.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area -- including Waleska. Sara recently sold a beautiful home in Waleska to some folks who were relocating to Georgia from the UK. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached any time by calling 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481 or e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Auntie Em Came To Woodstock!

2011-09-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

I love brilliant blue skies! For most of this Labor Day weekend, thats what we had in Georgia!

It hardly seems possible that we are into fall already! Well, I guess it doesn't officially start until September 21st, but the year is evaporating rapidly. Halloween is coming, then Thanksgiving and well shopping....and...Sorry...I digress.

I do hope you and your family were able to enjoy a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

In Woodstock and the Atlanta metro area, the first part of the Labor Day holiday weekend started off to be just beautiful with blue skies, lower humidity and just real pleasant weather. Folks enjoyed parties, neighborhood gatherings, BBQs, boating on Lake Lanier and Allatoona, sports and just enjoying each other’s company.

We've enjoyed a hot summer in Atlanta with very little rain. In fact, as recent as last week the experts were claiming that we are back into drought conditions. Over the weekend, however, yesterday, we may have made up for our lack of summer precipitation. We encountered a rainy and dreary day. Finally, some rain! Then, yesterday afternoon, rain gave way to images of Auntie Em. You know...Overcast skies became very dark and the rain came which yielded to "excitement" with tornado action in the greater Atlanta metro area and some tornado's too in Woodstock and vicinity.

Woodstock experienced some weather patterns that our city officials are calling actual tornado's. Luckily no one was hurt; however, some homes in the north Woodstock area were affected by yesterday's weather conditions. I received the following Press Release from Woodstock City Manager, Jeff Moon this morning. It reads:

Residents of the City of Woodstock affected by yesterday’s tornado are encouraged to contact the Woodstock Building Department at (770)-592-6036 prior to commencing repairs to damaged homes or structures. Permit fees are waived for any storm related repairs. Residents are cautioned to be on the lookout for fly by night businesses and to please ensure that they are dealing with reputable companies for repair work or tree removal.

City of Woodstock residents with downed trees or limbs may place the debris in the right of way in front of their property for removal. Please notify the Public Works Department at (770)-592-6038 if you have trees or limbs ready to be removed. For other questions, please call (770) 592-6000.

Jeff Moon is right! It seems that whenever we have the slightest bit of inclement weather the bottom feeders come out of the wood-work. For example, like many neighborhoods, there is "no soliciting" in my neighborhood. In fact, there is a sign at the main entrance that says clearly NO SOLICITING. Regardless, there are always some companies that will come into the neighborhood to talk residents into spending money on roofing, siding or whatever when it is not needed. I have had contractors show up at my house who say (from a distance) they can tell that my roof has sustained hail damage and I need to replace it. To prove them wrong and to massage my fears, I have had Inspectors walk my roof who tell me that there is nothing wrong with my roof. These companies will also tell you that they can work with your insurance companies to get you a new roof. Be Careful! You don't want to make erroneous insurance claims. Don't forget. When you put your home on the market to sell it, you will have to disclose all insurance claims. Bad claims can ultimately keep you from selling your home. When in doubt, I encourage you to get a 3rd opinion from a licensed Georgia real estate inspector.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara can be easily reached at 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is on Your Mind!

Have A Safe and Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

What do you know about the history of Labor Day?

Yes, it is typically the first Monday of September. The last major holiday of the summer-time ushering us into the great fall season. It's also a great excuse for family and neighborhood gatherings and parties with hamburgers and hot dogs too, but what else do you know about Labor Day?

Labor Day is the first Monday in September and is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), was first in suggesting a day to honor American workers. Research also indicates that Matthew Maguire, secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York.

What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City in accordance with the plans of the central union.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingman's holiday" on that date.

Through the years the nation has given increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill introduced into New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed in Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states -- Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York -- created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade, Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania followed suite. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28th of that year, Congress passed an act moving the first Monday of September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

Wherever you go, whatever you do in observance of Labor Day 2011, have a safe and happy "workingman's holiday" and a wonderful 4th quarter and fall season ahead. Enjoy your last holiday of the Summer of 2011.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481. Check out Sara's websites at www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.ShopCantonHomes.com, www.SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

A Salute To Georgia Students Who Are Motivated & Inspired -- The Washington 2011 Youth Tour

2011-09-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

We are lucky in Georgia and the north Atlanta metro area to have some really great kids! We all know it, and it's time to salute them! Kids who inspire themselves as well as the rest of us who watch their growth and watch them mature throughout their formative years. You might be interested to know that this summer 104 motivated high school students from Georgia, representing 38 electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) including Cobb EMC, answered a call to leadership on the 2011 Washington Youth Tour (WYI), June 9-16th. First of all, for those of you reading this who don't know what the EMC is, the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (GEMC) is the trade association for Georgia's 42 consumer-owned electric utilities. Basically Georgia's not-for-profit electric cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to more than 70% of the state's land area serving 4.5 million residents. Cobb EMC serves homeowners in Cobb and Cherokee County, GA. Anyway, for these Georgia students, the week-long tour began in Atlanta, which included a visit to the Little White House in Warm Springs, GA which was the home of FDR and served as his "Camp David" of the time and was probably where he developed his "New Deal" policies that affected the entire nation. Ultimately the trip culminated in Washington, DC. The experience proved to be a lifetime adventure for the students, who joined more than 1,500 other delegates representing EMCs from 44 other states. From 35 local applicants, this year’s contest winners included: Jacob Davis, Wheeler High School, Marietta, GA, Janvi Chawla, Walton High School, Marietta, GA, and Alexis Fish, home educated also from Cobb County. These three students also received a George R. Ford Scholorship of $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively. The Georgia delegates took the leadership challenge. While in Washington they met with representatives from Georgia's congressional delegation, including Senators Saxby Chambliss, Johnny Isakson and U.S. Representatives John Barrow, Paul Broun, Phil Gingrey, Hank Johnson, John Lewis, Austin Scott, David Scott, Lynn Westmoreland and Rob Woodall. The students also participated in National Youth Day and visited Washington's numerous places of interest including the national monuments -- the Jefferson, Lincoln and FDR memorials, among others--and reflected on the words of leaders who helped make America great. It doesn't take long before students soon realize that freedom isn't free after spending time at the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery, where more than 300,000 people are buried. Since 1964, electric cooperatives across the U.S. have sent more than 50,000 student delegates on the Washington Youth Tour, providing opportunities for leadership development and inspiring students to become strong, motivated leaders within their communities and nation. The picture above shows the local Washington Youth Tour finalist’s just moments before going into their individual interviews with the Cobb EMC Women's Task Force. Earning a youth tour slot is a competitive process that includes both a written test and oral interview. Of course we are proud of all students who participated in Cobb and Cherokee County as well as the entire state of Georgia. Congratulations to Jason Davis, Janvi Chawla and Alexis Fish! We're very proud of you! Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and works predominantly in Cobb, Cherokee, North Fulton, Forsythe and Paulding Counties for both buyers and sellers of residential, business and commercial real estate. Visit Sara Hibbard at www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.ShopCantonHomes.com, www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com, www.SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind and looks forward to assisting you too when the time is right for you. Sara Hibbard is easily reachable at 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481.

PGA Championship In Atlanta This Week

2011-08-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Athletic Club

Yup. I can smell the fresh cut grass already! It's that time of year again when all the big-name golf pros descend on Atlanta, this time, out at The Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, GA. The AAC is a private club and extensive facility in Johns Creek which is an Atlanta suburb located about 23 miles north of the city. It's quite a place and if you've never had the opportunity to attend a PGA event at the club, you'll want to check it out this weekend. The last major golf championship of the season started today out at AAC. The last time the PGA Championship was played here in 2001, David Toms was the winner.

Atlanta has some great neighborhoods and Johns Creek is steeped with great golf course neighborhoods. If you are considering a move to the south and you would like to be in close proximity to a PGA golf course, you might want to visit neighborhoods such as Country Club of the South or St Ives Country Club (both located in John's Creek).

Sara Hibbard is a licenced Realtor in the state of Georgia and specializes in assisting home buyers interested in golf course properties. Sara Hibbard is available to answer your many questions regarding the Atlanta real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is on Your Mind. Enjoy the PGA golf event this weekend out at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

77 Percent of Refinancing Homeowners Maintain or Reduce Mortgage Debt in Second Quarter

2011-08-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

If you are a regular follower of this blog, you know that I occasionally include articles from other sources. One of my favorites is RIS MEDIA. This article is especially appropriate after the recent congressional debates over the past few weeks.

RISMEDIA, August 4, 2011—Freddie Mac released the results of its second quarter refinance analysis showing homeowners who refinance continue to strengthen their fiscal house.
Here is a summary of the results:

• In the second quarter of 2011, 77 percent of homeowners who refinanced their first-lien home mortgage either maintained about the same loan amount or lowered their principal balance by paying-in additional money at the closing table. Of these borrowers, 51 percent maintained about the same loan amount, and 26 percent of refinancing homeowners reduced their principal balance.

• “Cash-out” borrowers, those that increased their loan balance by at least five percent, represented 23 percent of all refinance loans; the average cash-out share during the 1985 to 2010 period was 46 percent.

• The median interest rate reduction for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was about 1 percentage point, or a savings of about 18 percent in interest rate. Over the first year of the refinance loan life, these borrowers will save over $1,550 in interest payments on a $200,000 loan.

• The net dollars of home equity converted to cash as part of a refinance of a conventional, prime-credit home mortgage was an estimated $7.5 billion in the U.S. during the second quarter, similar to the first quarter level but substantially less than during the peak cash-out refinance volume of $83.7 billion during the second quarter of 2006. Taken together over the first two quarters of 2011 and adjusting for inflation, the amount of equity cashed-out was at the lowest level in 15 years, since the second half of 1996.

Among the refinanced loans in Freddie Mac’s analysis, the median value change of the collateral property was a negative 7 percent over the median prior loan life of five years. In comparison, the Freddie Mac House Price Index shows about a 25 percent decline in its U.S. series between March 2006 and March 2011. Thus, borrowers who refinanced in the second quarter owned homes that had held their value better than the average home, or may reflect value-enhancing improvements that owners had made to their homes during the intervening years.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and the Atlanta metro area. Sara Hibbard is always available to answer your many questions. She is easily reachable at 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481. As always, Sara is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind and looks forward to assisting you and your family throughout the process when the time is right for you.

Selling Your Home? Buying A Home? Staying In Your Home? An Inspection Is A Good Idea!

2011-07-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

Selling Your Home? Get a Pre-Sale Inspection.
Most people think a home inspection is something that happens somewhere between making an offer and before closing on a home. But for a number of reasons, more homeowners are choosing to have their own home inspected before putting it on the market.

The reason is simple: uncovering problems early on enables you to fix them, often making it possible to add value to your sale price. An inspection is designed to reveal any potential problems a house may have—and that’s true for both buyers and sellers. Sellers may benefit from gaining this kind of detailed information about their home, so that they can choose to handle problems long before the negotiation process is underway.

Many sellers also report that their buyers feel more comfortable when the information from a pre-sale inspection is shared early on, even if the buyers choose to have their own home inspection as well.

In short, a pre-sale inspection can reduce the chance of a surprise and help speed the closing process, which would otherwise have been delayed by scheduling repairs and having the buyers confirm they were completed properly. Because for buyers, making an offer contingent upon a home inspection is about saving expenses and trouble—not to mention providing confidence in what may well be the biggest investment they ever make.

Even if you’re not a buyer making an offer, or a seller thinking of listing a home in the next few months, a home inspection can provide homeowners with a thorough to-do list for maintenance—or even a little peace of mind.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and regularly councils buyers and sellers as they consider the possibility of selling their homes or purchasing a new one. Sara Hibbard is happy to answer your many questions relating to the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 OR 404-660-2481. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

School Starts Next Week In Georgia

2011-07-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

WOW! It's hard to believe that for the kids, summer is about to come to a screeching halt when they head back to school next week!

I feel sorry for them actually! Really. I do.

I can't imagine being expected to concentrate in class on a beautiful sunny day with temps hovering in the mid 90s to the 100 degree mark.

Admittedly, I'm a transplanted northerner. Growing up in Ohio, we never went back to school until after Labor Day -- typically the first Monday after Labor Day.

None the less, schools in Woodstock and Cherokee County open on August 1st. Cobb County schools will be begin the weeks of August 8 and August 15. Schools in Alpharetta and Roswell will begin around August 15th too.

Have a great (academic) year!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and specializes in assisting home buyers relocating to the area. Please feel free to contact Sara Hibbard with your many questions regarding the real estate market in Georgia, the Atlanta metro area, the buying / selling process or whatever is on your mind. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is on Your Mind and looks forward to assisting you and your family too when the time is right for you folks. Sara can be reached at 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481.

Crape Myrtle Trees

2011-07-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year in the sunny south!

No, really I do!

I'll admit it, I'm a transplanted northerner. Up north we don't have Crape Myrtle Trees. I have grown to enjoy seeing these trees in their splendor every summer!

I love the deep purple Crape Myrtle Trees. Or, how 'bout the deep rose colored Crapes? Even the white Crape Myrtle Trees are truly brilliant. Really I love them all, but I think I am most impressed by the deep purple shade we are seeing all over the north Atlanta metro area and in Woodstock too right now!

Crape Myrtle Trees are blooming all over the metro Atlanta area. Depending on their color, these majestic trees will be blooming through September and beyond.

I spent several days this past week introducing Woodstock and the Atlanta metro area to a new family relocating here from Minneapolis. During our first day visiting property, Rob said, "hey, what do you call that funny tree with the naked tree trunks?". "They're beautiful," he said! I love it when you see a whole bunch of them used in landscaping!

To northerners, seeing the Crape Myrtle Trees for the first time always conjures up a conversation. During winter months, everyone wonders what happened to the tree branches. In summer months admirers always exclaim about the beautiful colors these trees provide as well as questions about the history of the Crape Myrtle Tree.

According to my Georgia Gardening & Landscaping book, Crape Myrtle flowers are born in summer and autumn. The flowers resemble crinkled flowers with a crape-like texture. Colors vary from deep purple to red, rose and white with almost every shade in between. Although no blue-flowered varieties exist, it is toward the blue end of the spectrum that the flowers trend with no sight of orange or yellow except in stamens and pistils. The fruit is a capsule of green and succulent at first, then ripening to dark brown or black dryness. It splits along six or seven lines, and produces smalled winged seeds. The bark of the tree sheds throughout the year and many landscapers keep the trees and branches cut back until growing season.

I took these pictures today and I am sorry to say that my pictures simply do not do justice to the beauty these Crape Myrtle Trees offer the Atlanta area. You'll have to come and see for yourself.

Come to Georgia and check out our Crape Myrtle Trees blooming in full color right now!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and specializes in introducing home buyers relocating to the Atlanta metro area. I look forward to assisting you and your family too when the time is right for you. Please feel free to reach me anytime at 770-399-8108 OR 404-660-2481. Or e-mail me at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. I'm looking forward to guiding you and your family throughout the relocation process when the time is right for you folks.

Disorganized Potential Home Buyers

2011-07-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

I had a closing earlier this week -- finally. Oh...don't get me wrong. I've had many closings this year, but this particular one should have closed two months ago. It has taken many months to get this closed because the buyer has NOT been in the habit of keeping their paperwork, bank records, taxes and finances in the proper order conducive to purchasing property. Can't help it. I picture shoe boxes under the bed and stashes of cash in the mattress.

Several months ago the Buyer came to my office and exclaimed that she wanted to purchase a home as soon as possible. After we looked at 13 properties in two days, she mentioned to me that her "ideal situation" would be to purchase the home she was currently renting.

Martha (not her real name) moved to Atlanta from New Mexico 8 years ago. For the last five years she has been renting a single family home that was ideal for her needs. A low-maintenance postage stamp size lot, 2 car garage, 2000 square feet, beautiful hardwood floors, granite in the kitchen and a huge master bedroom suite with a balcony helped to make this a perfect home.

During the last five years Martha told me she indicated an interest to purchase the home several times to the landlord. Martha's efforts were all to no avail when the landlord repeatedly denied her requests. Before we continued to look at more property, I suggested to Martha that we ask the landlord one more time if they would be willing to sell the property.

BINGO! We hit pay dirt!

Finally, the landlord agreed to sell the property. This was the charm that Martha craved! The first challenge we had to hurdle during our negotiations was that the value of the home had fallen significantly during the current recession in the housing market.

The landlord purchased the property 8 years ago for $245,000. The neighborhood and current appraisal indicated a short sale was necessary. Martha was able to purchase the property as a short sale for $159,000! GREAT NEWS FOR MARTHA! Too bad for the landlord!

Interestingly, the short sale lender agreed to all terms early on! This is the first time I have completed a short sale where the seller's lender was ready to close before the Buyer! No Kidding!

The reason it took the buyer so long to close was because they had no paperwork available. This home buyer never keeps receipts. Never keeps canceled checks or tax records. In fact, this particular client owed the IRS $1000! Every time the Buyers Lender requested information, it took Martha days and weeks to provide the necessary documentation. Often times the documentation was late or incomplete which required the lender to seek rate extensions. We completed four Amendments to Extend the Closing Date. Suffice it to say, we finally closed on Tuesday.

If you are thinking about purchasing property in the near future, I encourage you to be organized! Your lender will be scrutinizing all of your financial accounts from the time of your application through to the day and hour of closing. While you are going through the process, it is necessary that you not purchase any high ticket items or open any additional credit cards or accounts. This could harm your chance of being approved for your mortgage. Additionally, you need to provide all paperwork requested in a timely manner. Your lender and Realtor will be happy to answer your many questions regarding the process. After all, they recognize you don't buy property every day and that the process can be very convoluted at times.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and specializes in assisting home buyers in the north Atlanta metro area. Please contact Sara with your many questions and concerns regarding the real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying, selling and relocation process. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481. e-mail Sara at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Must Be Market Condition's Wednesday!

2011-05-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

Today, the focus is on VININGS, GA

Vinings is a census-designated place and an unincorporated town in Cobb County, Georgia just across the Chattahoochee River from Atlanta. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 9,677. The town is located between the affluent West Paces Ferry section of Buckhead in northwest Atlanta, and suburban Smyrna in Cobb County. The U.S. Postal Service uses "Atlanta" for all Vinings addresses (ZIP CODE 30339) and "Vinings" is, paradoxically listed as "not acceptable".

Home Depot is headquartered just outside Vinings.

For comparative purposes and to give you the "big picture" of the Atlanta real estate landscape today, it might might interest you to know that as I write this at 11:07AM, there is a total of 64,030 homes on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area including both single family and condo/town homes.

Likewise, compare that to only 64 single family homes and 184 condo/town home properties available today in Vinings.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, the 64 Actively Listed single family homes in Vinings range in price from $199,500 to $3.2 million. The lowest priced property at $199,500 was built in 1977. The is available for CASH/REHAB loans only. It is a contemporary style needing a total renovation. The property offers 3 bedrooms/2 full bathrooms and offers 2,524 square feet and a lot size of .508 acres. On the other side of the coin, the highest priced single family home in Vinings is priced at $3.2 million and offers 5 bedrooms and 5 full and 2 half bathrooms. The property is a charming and spacious Cape Cod situated on 5.26 flat acres with over 500 feet of river frontage. Please note this house is NOT in a flood plain. This private oasis featuring large flat grassy fields, hardwoods, walking trails, and barns is ideal for an equestrian center, large scale outdoor entertaining and events, or development into multiple riverfront lots. Perfect for those desiring privacy in the heart of Vinings, and the convenience of being minutes from Buckhead, the Cobb Centre, Cumberland and Galleria Malls and needing quick access to both I-285 and I-75. This house offers an open floor plan with more than 5,000 square feet of heated living space.Truly a beautiful home!

Actively Listed CONDO/TOWN HOME Properties
Currently there are 184 actively listed town home properties in Vinings. They range in price from $49,900 to $2.5 million. The property listed at $49,900 is located in the Parkwood complex and offers 1 bedroom/1 full bathroom on one level with upgrades. This property was built in 2006 and offers gleaming hardwood floors, stainless appliances, granite, and is located on the top level with a balcony.

The highest priced condo is located in the high-rise Aberdeen complex and offers incredible views of the Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, Dunwoody skyline as well as 4 bedrooms/4 full and 1 half bathroom for $2.465 million. All on one level this unit is huge with 4,846 square feet. The required monthly association fee is $1696/month. The master suite offers a beautiful southern fireplace, his/her closets, bath, sitting room and private outdoor terrace. Tons of amenities too numerous to mention.

Believe it or not homes are selling in Vinings!

PENDING SALE
There are 4 single family homes currently listed as Pending Sale in Vinings. These homes range in price from $530,000 to $1.5 million. Likewise, currently there are 28Condo / Town Homes pending sale in Vinings. This units range in price from $67,000 to $489,000.

SOLD
Since January 1st, there have been 17 single family homes SOLD in Vinings. These homes ranged in price from $150,000 for a total renovation property to $1.750 million. Also since January 1st through today there have been a total of 38 condo/town homes sold in Vinings and ranging in price from $63,000 to $662,000.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in VININGS, GA. Call me for a tour of a home in Vinings or questions regarding the Vinings and Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the pre-approval/buying/selling/relocation process.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached any time by calling 770-399-8108 or e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Set The Stage For a Successful Sale

2011-05-01T09:39:00.001-07:00

Set the Stage for a Successful Sale
Want to get top dollar for your home? Start by “staging” your house—sprucing it up to make it as appealing as possible for the largest audience. You don’t need to spend a fortune to make a fantastic first impression on would-be buyers. It’s often the smaller improvements that have the most dramatic impact and ensure a quick sale.

Home-staging basics:

Clean, clean, clean - A sparkling house will show buyers the home has been well-maintained. Clean the carpets, scrub the bathrooms and the kitchen, dust the light fixtures and make sure the windows are spotless. Pay attention to overlooked areas like window sills and the top of the fridge.

Get rid of the clutter - Buyers should easily visualize themselves in the home without being distracted by your stuff. Remove personal photos, trophies, paperwork and knickknacks. Organize all of your rooms and closets to make them look larger, and keep kitchens and bathroom counters cleared of frequently used products.

Brighten the mood - Extra light makes your home more cheerful and inviting. Allow the natural light in by keeping drapes and blinds opened. Make sure all the bulbs in the house work properly, and leave the lights turned on during showings.

Add a coat of paint - Painting can do wonders to refresh the interior of your home. Go with neutral colors, since they have the widest appeal.

Freshen up the place - Minimize the odors in your house. Open the windows for 15-30 minutes each day to air it out. Keep litter boxes clean and avoid cooking greasy or strong-smelling foods that can linger. Some people even bake cookies to create a welcoming atmosphere.

The small investment you make to stage your home is well worth it. According to a 2010 report by the Real Estate Staging Association, homes that are staged can sell 78 percent faster than unstaged houses. Don’t want to do it yourself? A professional home stager can work within your budget and target specific areas to help raise the value of your home without the need for major renovations.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia. Sara is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! Please feel free to contact Sara anytime with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the selling / buying / staging /pre-approval process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to answering your many real estate questions when the time is right for you. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@SaraHibbard.com.

Tis The Season For Yard Sales -- And Downsizing!

2011-04-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember, I have been targeted by the media to buy this or that gadget to make my life, well, seemingly "better". I suspect you have felt the push too for the latest and greatest gizmo's. The new and improved laptop, microwave, toothbrush, car, lawnmower, whatever. Heck... even pharmaceutical companies want us to ask our Doctors, if a pill -- a mighty pill is somehow "right for us"! Really? All the hype for the "stuff" in life makes you feel like you need it. Truth is, we don't need anything! I have always done my best to turn the other way and refuse to act on the hype. I think I do pretty well avoiding the pressure as I have never been an "early adaptor" or someone who needs to acquire a lot of stuff.

Over the weekend, I happened to be driving by a neighborhood where some homes were participating in a yard sale. No! I was not looking to purchase an old book from a yard sale. Rather, over the years, I have come to realize that sometimes when you see a yard sale in progress, that is a sure sign that someone will soon be looking for a Realtor to list their home for sale.

As I sifted through a pile of old (and I mean old) books, I asked what the motivation was for the yard sale. Much to my amazement and surprise, no one on the block was planning to move. Rather, they were downsizing! Yup! Downsizing. You know. Going Green. Purging stuff. Home owner's told me that downsizing has benefits beyond the environmental, from practical, like making housecleaning easier, to psychological -- being literally less anchored to material goods is freeing to the spirit. They told me, their motivation to downsize is a combination of reducing carbon footprints, saving money, feeling more organized and passing on these simple core values to their kids. (Meanwhile, their kids were down at the corner selling lemonade and crackers).

This reminded me of something I read recently. According to the 2010 Study of the American Dream by Metlife, Generation Y is more into making friends than acquiring objects. Nearly 40% of millenials (people born in the 1980s and early 90s) say they already have what they need, up from 26% in 2008. And the number of them who feel growing pressure to buy more and better material goods has dropped almost 20 percentage points since 2006, from 66% to 47%. Young adults aren't the only ones changing and revising their priorities. The same study found that 77% of all ages surveyed now see improving quality of life as being less about money than about improving personal relationships. In addition, 58% say they define the American Dream as family and children, up from 42% in 2006. Couple this with the fact that most Americans still believe the family home is an important financial investment and a huge part of the American Dream. In the past, Atlantan's have lived in their home approximately 5 to 8 years before moving up or down for their lifestyle needs. With the economic situation as it is, we may find Atlantan's purchasing their home with growth in mind and moving less often.

A few suggestions from the sidelines on how to simplify and begin to downsize your life -- and "stuff" -- whether you are planning a move or just want to get in touch with your "green side". In her workshop boot camp, "Overstuffed", Nicole Lynskey suggests that you follow these guidelines:

1. Assess the impact your clutter or your consumption has on you. Think of the size of your home, how much you spend on new stuff, the energy put into acquiring, maintaining and storing your stuff, the time you spend searching for things.

2. Get in touch with what you really long for in life. Do you really want to work part-time? Would changing your purchase habits or moving into a smaller space make these things possible for you?

3. Start with small areas. The more you declutter, the more momentum you will get and the more you will notice things you don't really need.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara Hibbard looks forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying/selling process. Sara can be reached at 770-399-8108 or 404-843-2500. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Must Be Market Condition's Wednesday!

2011-04-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

The spotlight today is on the city of TUCKER, GA.

Another Market Condition's Wednesday report for another popular city location in the Atlanta metro area -- TUCKER.

Tucker is located in Dekalb County, Georgia approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. After the 2000 Census the city boasted a population of 26,532. Although central Tucker, also known as "Main Street Tucker" is laid out as a planned "railroad town," it has never been formally incorporated. Municipal services such as fire, police, water and schools are provided by Dekalb County. If incorporated, Tucker would be the second largest city in the county after Dunwoody. An exploratory committee formed by the Tucker Civic Association researched the possibilities of incorporating Tucker as a new city in 1996 and 1997. The community has maintained a distinctive identity, centered on its public high school, churches, and locally owned and operated businesses such as the Cofer Brothers building supply business, Matthews Cafeteria, Tucker Concrete Company and the Tucker Federal Savings and Loan Association recently merged with RBC Central. Tucker's zip code is 30084.

In 2005, the Atlanta Regional Commission issues Tucker a grant to develop a Livable Cities Initiative (LCI). The LCI study, published in December 2005, will look to reestablish Main Street in Tucker as a central point for the greater Tucker community. The study will help other modes of transportation to and around the commercial core.

It might interest you to know that according to the First Multiple Listing Service, there is a total of 63,653 homes on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area today.

Likewise, according to the FMLS, there are 184 active single family homes available in Tucker today. Also according to the latest FMLS data, there is a total of 75 condo or town home properties available in Tucker today.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Tucker range in price from $40,000 for a 4 bedroom/2 full bathroom "fixer-upper" 1966 vintage property to $949,000 for a luxurious palatial home with 6 bedrooms/6 full and 3 half bathrooms in this estate offering stunning architecture, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, custom gourmet chef's kitchen and much more.

Actively Listed Condo / Town Home Properties
Currently there is a total of 75 condo / town-homes on the market in Tucker. Prices range from $25,000 for an apartment style condo with 2 bedrooms/2 full bathrooms bank-owned property in Bentley Place to $285,000 for a 3 bedroom/3.5 bathroom town home in Avery Hills. Built in 2005, this town home offers granite, hardwoods, stainless appliances and tons of upgrades and amenities too numerous to mention.

Believe it or not homes are selling in TUCKER!

PENDING SALE
Today there are 52 single family homes and 21 town-homes/condos Pending Sale in Tucker, Georgia.

SOLD Properties -- Single Family Homes
From February 1st 2011 to today, there have been 30 single family homes sold and closed in Tucker. Prices have ranged from $27,000 to $380,000.

SOLD Properties -- Condo / Town Homes
From February 1st through today, there have been a total of 7 condo / town homes properties SOLD and closed in Tucker.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in TUCKER, GA. Call me for a tour of a Tucker home or questions regarding the Tucker and Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the pre-approval/buying/selling/relocation process.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached any time by calling 770-399-8108 or e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Mortgage Applications on the Rise

2011-04-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Mortgage applications increased 2.7 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending March 18, 2011. The Market Composite Index -- a measure of mortgage loan application volume -- increased 2.7 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the index increased 2.8 percent compared with the previous week. The Refinance Index increased 2.7 percent from the previous week while the seasonally adjusted Purchase Index increased 2.7 percent from one week earlier. The unadjusted Purchase Index increased 3.0 percent compared with the previous week and was 15.3 percent lower than the same week one year ago.

The four week moving average for the seasonally adjusted Market Index is up 2.5 percent. The four week moving average is up 1.0 percent for the seasonally adjusted Purchase Index, while this average is up 3.3 percent for the Refinance Index.

The refinance share of mortgage activity remained constant at 66.4 percent of total applications, and the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity increased to 5.9 percent from 5.6 percent of total applications.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 4.80 percent from 4.79 percent, with points decreasing to 0.96 from 1.07 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent loan-to-value (LTV) ratio loans. The effective rate decreased from last week.

The average contract interest rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 4.02 percent from 4.03 percent, with points increasing to 0.90 from 0.85 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans. The effective rate increased from last week.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! Call Sara with all your questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling / relocation and pre-approval process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to answering your many questions and assisting you further when the time is right for you. Sara Hibbard can be easily reached at 770-399-8108.

Yes! You Need An Inspection!

2011-04-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

Regardless of whether you are the Buyer or the Seller, if you are my client, I encourage you to have the house inspected.

A home inspection often means the difference between a purchase or no purchase. If you are a home buyer, I will insist that you have the home of your dreams inspected. First of all you need to learn all you can about the house you are about to purchase. With so many homes for sale, inspections have become a huge tool and bargaining chip for further negotiations over price or for the buyer to walk-away from the deal if the house turns out to be a lemon. After a satisfactory inspection, and assuming the buyer still wants to consummate the deal, the inspection also provides a good education for the buyer to learn about the house he is about to purchase. Where the shut-off valves are, how to run the sprinkler system and much more.

Sometimes there are issues with the property. The Buyer's goal is to get the Seller to pay for the repairs OR cut the price of the property to reflect the cost of repairs the buyer will need to do once he gains possession. Often the result of this negotiation depends on the Seller's ability to pay for repairs and the comfort zone of the buyer.

Likewise, if I am representing a Seller, I often recommend that before we even put the property on the market, we have the house inspected. If an inspector finds anything that could be a potential problem down the road, we can be pro-active and hopefully repair the problem windows or wood rot before a prospective buyer comes knocking. This can help to ensure no surprises that could ultimately stand in the way of a prospective buyer. Often times, I find that if we are pro-active and provide the Inspection Report, many buyers decide not to have their own inspection done.

A standard inspection report covers the condition of the heating system, central air-conditioning, internal plumbing, electrical systems, roof, attic, construction, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, appliances, foundation and structural components. I have seen good concise, detailed reports and I have seen some really poor reports that detail hardly anything. I am proud to say that I have several Inspectors that I work with on a regular basis. Inspectors whose opinions and professional integrity I value greatly. Many inspectors don't walk the roof, however, the Inspectors I use, do walk the roof and provide the client an extremely detailed and thorough report. Additionally, the inspectors I recommend are willing to be a resource for the buyer as long as they own the house. This is valuable to a buyer on the day of inspection and for many years to come. As a Realtor I learn something new every time I am with an Inspector.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara Hibbard looks forward to answering your many questions about choosing an inspector or questions regarding the Atlanta real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Call Sara at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Atlanta Metro Residents Rejoicing in the Streets!

2011-04-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hey!

Did you hear the GREAT news?

It seems that overnight, more than 65,000 homes went under contract and are under Binding Agreements today! A potential 65,791 closings are scheduled to occur within the next 3 to 7 months. Although this is wonderful and certainly unprecedented news for the Atlanta real estate market, this development will lead to a new set of challenges in the local housing industry. Real Estate professionals in California, New York and other states are stunned by the news from Atlanta. With a significant lack of supply of homes available, builders will not be able to build homes or develop new neighborhoods fast enough to satisfy buyer demand which in turn will significantly increase the price of housing. Potential seller's who have been holding out putting there homes up for sale, pointed out, that the tide has now turned and Seller's will finally be able to charge whatever they want for their homes and accept only the highest and best offer presented. Think of it!

If you believe that scenario, better check your calendar! I have a few 10 foot square lots at the top of a rock in the mountains, I'd love to unload on you!

Seriously, the above analogy makes current market conditions seem like a piece of cake! In all truthfulness, most agents I talk to these days are very busy. Me included! I feel as though the market is picking up. My phone is ringing constantly. Statistics prove that people are buying homes in the Atlanta metro area. Right now in the Atlanta metro area there is a total of 64,823 homes on the market and showing up as Active listings on April 1st -- no kidding. Likewise, as I write this, there is a total of 9,888 homes that are currently Pending Sale. From January 1st through April 1st, a total of 7,920 homes have SOLD and closed in the Atlanta metro area.

It is a great time to buy a house. Interest rates are still hovering at records lows. Home prices in all price ranges are at record lows to ensure a speedy sale. Buyers still hold all the cards in this market. If you would like the specific statistics for your neighborhood, zip code, school district or street, please feel free to call me. I will be happy to answer all your questions and assist you throughout the process.

In the meantime, Happy April Fools Day! Don't get fooled again!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and focuses on the north Atlanta metro area. Sara is available to answer your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Or, call Sara if you see a home or homes that interest you sufficiently to schedule a visit and tour. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or sara@sarahibbard.com or sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com.

How To Hold an Online Garage Sale

2011-03-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

With Spring’s arrival, you may be thinking about emptying closets and ridding yourself of unwanted items. And if you’re thinking about moving, one important step is to get rid of clutter that may have accumulated around your home.

Organizing a traditional garage sale can be a hassle when you have to gather all your unwanted items, tag inventory, post neighborhood signs and online ads, and then spend your weekend haggling prices. If you don’t have that much time, consider holding your garage sale online.

Swap boards, donation directories and even online auction sites make it easy to do. Craigslist and eBay are the best known of these sites, but there are many to choose from. What’s more, eBay once estimated that the average household has $2,000 worth of unused goods waiting to be sold. You may already be thinking of a few items that should find a new home before you do.

Here’s how to hold a successful online garage sale:

Plan—or Not - The beauty of an online garage sale is that you don’t need to gather all your unwanted belongings at once. Instead you can post them online as soon as you decide to get rid of them.

Price It Right - Search online to learn prices of comparable items. Remember: if you don’t want to lug that item to your next home, it may be worth selling at any price. But if you’re still attached to it, you can set the price a little higher.

Show and Tell - Multiple photos are important—they draw attention to your item over similar ones. Also use them to answer anticipated questions. If you’re selling a piece of furniture, for example, include close-ups of unique details, dings and the upholstery pattern. Also provide detailed written descriptions.

Deliver the Goods - If you’re selling locally and have a vehicle big enough to hold your item, offer to deliver for a small fee. If you’re auctioning the item, you can add a flat shipping fee to the price, or allow buyers to compute and pay for shipping costs.

By getting rid of unwanted items through an online garage sale, you’ll have fewer items to pack when you decide to make a move.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Call or e-mail Sara Hibbard with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling / pre-approval process or if you see a home or homes that interest you sufficiently to schedule a visit and tour. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara looks forward to assisting you throughout the process when the time is right for you.

If Its Wednesday, It Must Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday!

2011-03-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Spotlight today is on STONE MOUNTAIN!

Another Market Condition's Wednesday Report for another popular city in the Atlanta metro area -- STONE MOUNTAIN.

Stone Mountain is a city in eastern Dekalb County, Georgia. The population was 7,145at the 2000 census. It is an outer suburb of the Atlanta metro area. The town is named for nearby Stone Mountain. Stone Mountain harbors plant and animal life found no place in the world. The mountain has contributed to the city's high economy both through its continuing status as a tourist attraction, and its former use as a granite quarry. It is also the site of a famous giant carving commemorating the military leaders of the Confederacy as well as a state park and museum, including a tourist railroad.

It might interest you to know that today, as I write this at 11:51AM on Wednesday, March 30th, there is a total of 65,329 homes on the market and actively listed in the entire Atlanta metro area including Stone Mountain. That's an increase of 3,719 homes entering the market since February 9th when we reviewed the city of Smyrna.

Likewise, according to the First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS), there is a total of 611 single family homes that are Actively listed in Stone Mountain and a total of 56 town-homes/condos in Atively listed in Stone Mountain today!

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Stone Mountain range in price from $13,000 for a 1946 vintage, ranch style, bank owned property with 2 bedrooms/2 full bathroom, requiring a complete renovation on Palmer Drive to $995,000 for a beautifully appointed custom brick home with every imaginable high end feature and located in Ivey Oaks.

It's worth noting that 1/2 or 336 of the 611 single family homes on the market in Stone Mountain are listed under $100,000!

Actively Listed Town Home / Condos
Currently there is a total of 56 town-homes/condos listed as ACTIVE and on the market in in Stone Mountain. These properties range in price from $13,900 for a town home built in 1972 with 3 bedrooms/1 full and 1 half bathroom in the Garden Walk development to $173,900 for a brand new bank-owned ranch style condo with beautiful finishes, hardwood floors and much more. This is a foreclosure property and is brick on 3 sides with cement siding and a 2 car garage.

Believe it or not homes are selling in STONE MOUNTAIN!

PENDING SALE
On March 30th, there are currently a total of 171 single family homes PENDING SALE in Stone Mountain. The single family homes are listed between $15,000 and $125,000. Likewise, 28 town-homes/condos are showing up as Pending Sale in Stone Mountain with prices ranging from $9500 to $130,000.

SOLD Properties -- Single Family Homes
From January 1st 2011 to today, March 30th, 150 homes have SOLD and closed in Stone Mountain. Prices ranged from $17,000 to $510,000.

SOLD Properties -- Town-Homes / Condos
From January 1st 2011 through today, March 30th, 13 properties have sold in Stone Mountain with prices ranging from $14,000 to $66,900.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in STONE MOUNTAIN, GA. Call me for a tour of a Stone Mountain home or questions regarding the Stone Mountain and Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the pre-approval/buying/selling/relocation process.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached any time by calling 770-399-8108 or e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Buyer Beware

2011-03-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

Well...I'm back after a little hiatus. Thanks for your patience as I attempt to continue this blog. (Luckily), I am consumed with several relocating home buyers from out of town as well as several listings. All of which are keeping me on my toes!

Last week I met with a potential first-time home buyer who wants to buy a distressed property. I'll call him John (not his real name). John requested a visit and tour of a distressed property. The home has been on the market for more than a year. The kitchen and living room are the best features of the property. However, after further inspection we found evidence of mold and mildew. Plumbing leaks -- and the water is turned off. Additionally, there is standing water in 3 separate places in the basement. The facade of the house is loaded with wood-rot and the list goes on.

First of all, in spite of what you hear on TV and in the news media, distressed properties are not for "first-timers". Truly, it is Buyer Beware. Typically, I encourage anyone interested in a distressed property to BEWARE. Beware of the unexpected. It wouldn't take much for an unsuspecting buyer to become "house-poor" very quickly in their efforts to remediate a property or fix / repair / replace all the items necessary to bring the property to a livable standard.

I find that most people (unless they have lived it) simply can not imagine the impact on your life and that of your families when you are exposed to mold. There are lots of different kinds of mold. Mold and mold spores in the air can ruin your health very quickly. Children particularly can be adversely affected by mold.

I want everyone considering the possibility of purchasing a distressed property to understand that millions of families face health and safety hazards like mold, lead, pest infestation and the physical deterioration of their homes. It is sad but true that many of these problems are specifically common among some of the nation's most vulnerable populations: children, senior citizens, the disabled and low - income families. However, it is not limited to these groups. You may recall the stories of Johnny Carson's friend and long time side-kick Ed McMahon. His family was devastated by mold. The problem runs in all economic and demographic circles.

To address these widespread issues, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S, Department of Energy and the U.S.Department of Agriculture will host more than 3,000 national health and safety experts in Denver from June 20-23, 2011 at the National Healthy Homes Conference NHHC).

One of the really cool highlights of the NHHC takes place before the actual start of the conference, when HUD and Rebuilding Together rehabilitate 25 homes in a Denver neighborhood. The event, called Building a Healthy Neighborhood, will bring together more than 300 volunteers to make the homes of local families safter and healthier.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is concerned about the welfare of all her clients. Sara strives to ensure that each client has knowledge of the pluses and minues associated with the home they want to buy. Sara also makes certain that her clients obtain the best possible property for the money invested. Properties that either meet or exceed client objectives as well as their search criteria and "needs" and "wants" list. Call Sara Hibbard today for a free Needs Analysis. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting you further with all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached at Sara@SaraHibbard.com or 770-399-8108. For more information, visit Sara's websites located at www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com and www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com.

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday!

2011-02-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

Spotlight on SMYRNA!

Another Market Conditions Wednesday Report for another popular city in the north metro Atlanta area – SMYRNA!

As you may know, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to provide a consistent Market Snap Shot of one of Atlanta’s metro cities each Wednesday all year. With the completion of this one, I’m 6 for 6 in 2011! Hey…only 46 more to go, but who’s counting, right? Well, me. I’m counting.

In 2010, I started spot-lighting individual cities in the Atlanta metro area. As the year progressed, this project didn't get the weekly focus that was originally intended. I’m continuing and attempting to be better in 2011 and I’m still on tract for achieving the goal!

In 2010, we reviewed market conditions affecting the cities of Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Ball Ground, Canton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dallas, Dunwoody, Holly Springs, Hoschton and Kennesaw.

So far in 2011, we started the year with the spot-light on the city of Lawrenceville on January 5th, followed by Marietta on January 12th, Powder Springs was next on January 19th, we reviewed the city of Roswell on January 26th and Sandy Springs on February 2nd. Just scroll back in the archives to review the details of Actives, Pendings and Sold properties on the day each city was reviewed.

Today the spotlight is on the city of SMYRNA.

Smyrna is one of the closest suburbs to Atlanta, located in Cobb County near the northern arc of the perimeter or northern intersection of I-285 and I-75 which is also the site for the popular Cobb Galleria and Cumberland Mall facilities along with high rise office buildings.

The cities of Vinings, Marietta, Mableton, Sandy Springs and the affluent Buckhead area are all close by. At the time of the 2007 census, the population of Smyrna had grown from 40,499 in 2000 to 49,534 in just seven years.

In addition to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, Smyrna also borders the start of the Silver Comet Trail which is popular for bicycling and walking. Some extensions of the trail have been built further into Smyrna to expand the access to the trail. "Market Village" in the city center often has open-air concerts and festivals.

The Atlanta Bread Company has its headquarters in Smyrna as well as Eaton Corporation and IBM. Headquarters for Home Depot, Weather Channel, Cbeyond, and Travelport are all headquartered in the neighboring Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID). One "fun-fact" that most people don't know is that Smyrna was also the site of the world headquarters and offices of the now defunct World Championship Wrestling. A Lockheed Martin plant is located nearby in Marietta as well as Dobbins Air Reserve Base and Naval Air Station.

To give you a frame of reference, it might interest you to know that as I write this there are currently 61,610 homes on the market and actively listed in the entire Atlanta metro area today including homes currently available and on the market in SMYRNA.

Likewise, according to the FMLS, there is a total of 427 single family homes actively listed and on the market in Smyrna today. There are also 323 condo / town homes on the market and actively listed in Smyrna today.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Smyrna range in price from $15,000 for a 3 bedroom/1 full bathroom 1953 vintage ranch style home requiring a complete renovation to $2.2 million for a beautiful family estate on more than 12 acres with 2houses, pool, small lake, fruit and Cyprus trees. This property backs up to a new Super Kroger and could be further developed.

Actively Listed Town Home / Condos
This week in Smyrna there are currently 323 condo / town-home properties actively listed for sale. These homes range in price from $22,900 for a 2 bedroom/1 full and 1half bathroom home at Cumberland Town homes. This property was built in 1984, needs some TLC and updating, but would be ideal for a first time home-buyer who likes to entertain. On the other side of the coin, the highest priced town home property currently listed is Smyrna is located at One Ivy Walk and was built in 2008. This property was originally priced at $725,000 and has been reduced to $699,900. This property offers rare panoramic views of the Buckhead skyline! This is a stunning townhome built by Wieland. It has never been lived in, but was/is owned by foreign investors. Truly brand new! The covered roof top terrace offers an outdoor fireplace, 4th floor flex space, wonderful bricked-in rear courtyard perfect for entertaining. You can walk to shops and restaurants. There are amazing upgrades throughout this "Argonne" town home. Perhaps best of all this town home also offers an Elevator to all levels. This is truly a must see if you are considering a town home in Smyrna!

PENDING SALE
On February 9th, there are currently 90 single family homes Pending Sale in Smyrna. These homes range in price from $65,000 to $395,900. Likewise, there are 53 Condo/Town-Homes Pending Sale today in Smyrna priced from $28,000 to $298,900.

SOLD Properties -- Single Family Homes
From January 1st 2010 through December 31, 2010 a total of 574 single family homes SOLD and Closed in Smyrna. The highest priced home to sell in Smyrna during the year was originally listed at $2.1 million and sold for $1.450 million or 69% SP/OLP%. It closed after 537 days on the market on 6/14/2010. The lowest priced home to sell during the year was an investment property located at Wells sub-division. This 1953 vintage ranch style home with 2 bedrooms / 1 full bathroom needed a total renovation. This home sold on 6/23/2010 after only 6 days on the market for 100% cash. It was originally listed at $18,750 and sold for $17,750.

SOLD Properties -- Condos / Town Homes
From January 1st 2010 through December 31st 2010, a total of 37 condo / town homes were sold in Smyrna. Priced ranged from $17,250 to $685,000.

Single Family Homes Sold In 2011
From January 1st to today, 32 single family homes have sold in Smyrna with prices ranging from $35,900 to $400,000.

Condo Homes Sold in 2011
From January 1st to today, 23 condo / town home properties SOLD and closed in Smyrna. Prices ranged from $18,000, to $295,000.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in Smyrna, GA. Call me for a tour of Smyrna homes or questions regarding the Smyrna or Atlanta metro real estate market.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached any time by calling 770-399-8108 or e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Additional Costs Appear To Be On The Horizon For Borrowers

2011-02-08T14:46:00.001-08:00

I received an e-mail announcement this afternoon that additional costs are coming "soon" for borrowers.

First of all, I am not someone who tries to create a frenzy or rush for products -- that means ANY consumer product -- including mortgage loans.

If you're like me you will take action and do the things you need to do when the time is right for you. Just because costs are going up, doesn't mean that everyone should rush out to make a home purchase now!

However, if you've been on the fence or putting on hold that home loan or refinance, with a wait and see attitude of what's the market going to do next, the longer you wait the more you may end up paying out of pocket. Cost are on the rise -- no doubt. It won't be long and we'll look back at the era of 4% and 5% loans with extreme fondness and say, I remember when mortgage interest rates were...

According to Bloomberg today, reporter James Sterngold writes that additional costs appear to be on the horizon for borrowers as housing finance reform takes center stage. Sterngold says, "Borrowers will need larger down payments than in the bubble years, have higher credit scores, and pay extra fees to cover risks and premiums for federal guarantees on government-backed mortgage bonds. This is all according to the report on Mortgage Finance Overhaul to Raise Costs, Reduce Home-Ownership."

If you can afford to act now, don't get caught up in the trap of paying too much for your mortgage. I noticed today that Government rates have risen to at or above 5%. The conventional loans are hovering around 5%. It's only a matter of time before these rates will rise based on what is happening in Washington. Every time mortgage rates increase 1 point, you can afford $50,000 less house. So for example, if 6 months ago you could afford a $300,000 mortgage loan at 4%, now your buying power is reduced to a $250,000 home at 5% interest.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. If you need a referral to a qualified Mortgage Lender, Sara Hibbard will be happy to introduce you to a lender who specializes in your area of need. Call Sara Hibbard with all your real estate questions and concerns. She is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Condition's Wednesday!

2011-02-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

Spotlight on SANDY SPRINGS!

Another hectic week and it’s Wednesday again!

As you may know, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to provide a consistent Market Snap Shot of one of Atlanta’s metro cities each Wednesday all year. With the completion of this one, I’m 5 for 5 in 2011!

In 2010, I started spot-lighting individual cities in the Atlanta metro area. As the year progressed, this project didn't get the weekly focus that was originally intended. We are continue to do better in 2011 and we are still on tract for achieving the goal!

In 2010, we reviewed market conditions affecting the cities of Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Ball Ground, Canton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dallas, Dunwoody, Holly Springs, Hoschton and Kennesaw. On January 5th we added the city of Lawrenceville to the list. On January 19th we reviewed Marietta and last week we looked at Powder Springs. Last week we spotlighted the city of Roswell.

Today the spotlight is on the city of Sandy Springs.

Sandy Springs, GA is located just north of Atlanta in north Fulton County. The city is situated just south of Roswell and west of Dunwoody and just north of Buckhead.
Sandy Springs is home to the headquarters of more Fortune 500 than anywhere in the state including Atlanta. United Parcel Service (UPS), Newell Rubbermaid, First Data, Global Payments Inc, Mirant Corporation, Spectrum Brands, Wendy’s / Arby’s Group are all based on Sandy Springs. The city is also home to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Intercontinental Hotels Group, IBM Internet Security Systems, Northside Hospital, Porsche Cars North America and Saint Joseph’s Hospital all call Sandy Springs home.

The cities largest business district is the Roswell Road corridor and Perimeter Center (although Perimeter Mall actually lies in adjacent Dekalb County. Perimeter Center, which is actually the biggest edge city in the Atlanta area includes many high-rise buildings including the 570 foot Concourse Towers which are often affectionately referred to by locals as the “King” and “Queen” buildings because of their distinctive architecture and crowns at the top of each building. Just south of the business district and across or inside of I-285, is a major medical center, known by locals as “Pill-Hill” and comprised of Northside Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta and Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

To give you a frame of reference, it might interest you to know that as I write this there are currently 61,823 homes on the market and actively listed in the entire Atlanta metro area today.

Likewise, according to the FMLS, there is a total of 123 single family homes actively listed and on the market in Sandy Springs today. There are also 157 condo / town homes on the market and actively listed in Sandy Springs today.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Sandy Springs range in price from $174,900 for a 3 bedroom/2 full bathroom 1956 vintage ranch style home in excellent condition to $9.5 million for an exceptional New England style lakefront retreat in the heart of Sandy Springs. Some of the remarkable features of the property include a huge chef’s kitchen, vaulted great room with stone fireplace, judges paneling in the library with 2nd fireplace, wet bar and wine room, soaring 3-story foyer, master on the main with a 3rd fireplace, exercise room, full apartment over garages, elevator. Indoor pool with a retractable roof for swimming in any weather. Exclusive gated and very private 11 acre estate on a 7 acre lake. There is something for everyone in this amazing home. Did we mention 6 generous sized bedrooms, 6 full and 2 half bathrooms?

Actively Listed Town Home / Condos
This week in Sandy Springs there are currently 157 condo / town-home properties actively listed for sale. These homes range in price from $18,000 for a 1 bedroom/1 full bathroom on 1-level home in Sandy Springs off of Johnson Ferry Road, built in 1984. This home would be ideal for someone who is downsizing and doesn’t want to do stairs. The highest priced condo / town-home in Sandy Springs is located at Park Towers and offers 4 bedrooms /5 full bathrooms in a fabulous 2-story Pent House suite. The listing price is $599,000.

PENDING SALE
On February 2nd, there are currently 20 single family homes Pending Sale in Sandy Springs. These homes range in price from $274,900 to $929,900. Likewise, there are 18 Condo/Town-Homes Pending Sale today in Sandy Springs priced from $41,100 to $335,000.

SOLD Properties -- Single Family Homes
From January 1st 2010 through December 31, 2010 a total of 142 single family homes SOLD and Closed in Sandy Springs. The highest priced home to sell in Sandy Springs during the year was originally listed at $2.875 million and sold for $2.6 million or 90% SP/OLP%. It closed after 207 days on the market on 12/10/2010. The lowest priced home to sell during the year is located near Northridge Road. This was a 2 bedroom/1 bathroom 1940 vintage cottage style home needing major renovations. It was originally listed at $80,000 and ultimately sold for 81% SP/OLP at $65,000. This home closed after 27 days on the market on 1/28/2010.

Since December 1st through today, 13 single family homes were sold and closed in Sandy Springs. These homes ranged in price from $176,000 to $2.6 million.

SOLD Properties -- Condos / Town Homes
from January 1st 2010 through December 31st 2010, a total of 190 condo / town homes were sold in Roswell. Priced ranged from $15,500 to $250,000.

From January 1st to December 31st 2010 a total of 143 condo / town homes were sold and closed in Sandy Springs. Prices ranged from $8,000 to $409,260.

From December 1st through today, 14 condo / town home properties SOLD and closed in Sandy Springs. Prices ranged from $70,000, to $335,000.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in SANDY SPRINGS, GA. Call me for a tour of Sandy Springs homes or questions regarding the Sandy Springs or Atlanta metro real estate market.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara Hibbard looks forward to answering your many questions and assisting you further when the time is right for you. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at anytime at 770-399-8108. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

New Year’s Resolution: Remodel the Bathroom?

2011-02-01T11:38:00.001-08:00

It’s no secret that bathrooms are a popular room to remodel—because of outdated features, different decorating taste from the previous owners or simply normal wear and tear on a very functional room of your home. If the New Year has you thinking about remodeling a bathroom, here are a few things to consider:

Timely or Timeless Style - Before you remodel, picture what it will look like in a couple years when you sell your home. Will you still enjoy that trendy sink? Make sure future buyers will, too. Otherwise they’ll factor in the cost of their own remodel when making an offer.

Costs—Good News - Right now many contractors are eager for work, and prices are lower for their materials and labor, so now may be an ideal time to make your bathroom more livable.

Resale Value - You may have heard during the housing boom that bath remodels add value to your home. These days you can recoup about 64% of the costs of a minor bathroom remodel, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report.” If your bathroom is especially in need of updates, you may recapture more.

Too Much? Think Small - If you’re not ready for a full remodel, then a fresh coat of paint, new towels and a pretty framed print can do wonders to update your bathroom—and give you a new look for 2011.

Remember: you and your family are the ones using your bathroom on a daily basis, so think about whether it makes you feel good when you brush your teeth every morning.

If you’d like more information about how a remodel can affect the value of your home, please don’t hesitate to call or email.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Call Sara Hibbard with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process or if you would like a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) on your current home. Sara Hibbard is happy to answer your many questions at anytime. Please call her at 770-399-8108 or e-mail here at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If Its Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday!

2011-01-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

Spotlight on ROSWELL!

WOW! The week went fast! I’ve been out showing property all week and wrote a contract this afternoon. Who says the market isn’t moving?

Wednesday again! If you have been following this Blog, you know that one of my New Year’s resolutions is to provide a consistent Market Snap Shot of one of Atlanta’s metro cities each Wednesday all year. With the completion of this one, I’m 4 for 4 in 2011!

In 2010, I started spot-lighting individual cities in the Atlanta metro area. As the year progressed, this project didn't get the weekly focus that was originally intended. I'm proud to say, we're still on track to do better in 2011!

In 2010, we reviewed market conditions affecting the cities of Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Ball Ground, Canton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dallas, Dunwoody, Holly Springs, Hoschton and Kennesaw. On January 5th we added the city of Lawrenceville to the list. On January 19th we reviewed Marietta and last week we looked at Powder Springs.

Today the spotlight is on the city of ROSWELL.

Roswell, GA is centrally located just north of Atlanta in north Fulton County. Some areas of Roswell are actually located in Cobb and Cherokee Counties and pay taxes to those counties rather than Fulton. Roswell is an affluent city with a progressive and small-town feel. The city boasts a strong sense of family and community as well as excellent schools and a truly great park system including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area which is part of the National Park System.

To give you a frame of reference, it might interest you to know that as I write this there are currently 61,411 homes on the market and actively listed in the entire Atlanta metro area today.

Likewise, according to the FMLS, there is a total of 615 single family homes actively listed and on the market in Roswell. There are also 168 condo / town homes on the market and actively listed in Roswell today.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Roswell range in price from $44,900for a 2 bedroom/1 full and 1 half bathroom "fixer-upper" property in Mountain Park built in 1949 to $5.75 million for a beautiful European Traditional estate home on 4+ acres with amenities and comforts too numerous to mention here. It is worth noting that there are ONLY 8 single family homes in Roswell listed under $100,000.

Actively Listed Town Home / Condos
This week in Roswell there are currently 168 condo / town-home properties actively listed for sale. These homes range in price from $29,999 for a 2 bedroom/2 full bathroom 1-level home in the Roswell Springs complex, built in 1980. This home would be ideal for a first time buyer. The property does need a coat of paint but other than that you’ll be free to explore all the Chattahoochee has to offer - trails, parks, water activities & more! It’s a simple and easy pop on GA-400 to get to interstates. Compare that to the highest priced condo/town home property listed in Roswell at $585,000 and located in Founders Mill. Built in 2003, this home offers 4 bedrooms/4 full and 1 half bathrooms in 3,400 square feet. This is an awesome end unit with a 2 car garage. Home features all hardwood floors, theatre room w/ bar, built-ins galore, gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, large private garden, plantation shutters, designer fans and is convenient to walking trails and historic Roswell.

PENDING SALE
On January 26th at 5:12PM, there are currently 106 single family homes Pending Sales in Roswell ranging in price from $80,000 to $539,000. Likewise, there are 20 Condo/Town-Homes Pending Sale today in Roswell priced from $65,000 to $335,000.

SOLD Properties -- Single Family Homes
From January 1st 2010 through December 31, 2010 a total of 879 single family homes SOLD and Closed in Roswell. The highest priced home to sell in Roswell during the year was originally listed at $1.475 million and sold for $1.405 million or 95% SP/OLP%. It closed after 322 days on the market on 4/26/2010. The lowest priced home to sell during the year is located in the Mountain Park area of Roswell. It was originally listed at $15,000 and ultimately sold for more or 105% SP/OLP at $23,000. This was a “fixer-upper” needing major renovations. The home was an adorable fixer upper cottage style home with 3 bedrooms and needed repairs. The buyer paid 100% cash and the property sold after 241 days on the market and closed on 10/29/2010

It is worth noting that during the year there was a total of 16 single family homes sold in Roswell under $100,000.

During the month of December 2010, 60 single family homes were sold and closed in Roswell. These homes ranged in price from $60,000 to $1.12 million.

SOLD Properties -- Condos / Town Homes
Between January 1st 2010 through December 31st 2010, a total of 190 condo / town homes were sold in Roswell. Priced ranged from $15,500 to $250,000.

From December 1st through December 31st, 20 condo / town home properties SOLD and closed in Roswell. Prices ranged from $27,000, to $274,000.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in ROSWELL, GA. Call me for a tour of Roswell homes or questions regarding the Roswell or Atlanta metro real estate market.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is available to answer your many questions at any time. Call Sara at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Pre-Sale Renovation: Home Seller Do’s and Don’ts

2011-01-25T10:06:00.000-08:00

Recently I have seen evidence of too many home improvement and renovation projects gone bad. As a result, this subject has been bugging me for several weeks.

My biggest "pet peeve" might be the "You Can Do It, We Can Help" slogan that Home Depot uses to encourage home owners to do their own home renovations. I love feeling warm and cozy and knowing Home Depot can help me do almost anything around my house. However, unlike some folks, I know my limits. I know when a job is just too big for my capabilities. Too often I see hardwood floors that someone thought they were qualified to install. The problem is the floor looks like an armature did the job. If your project is destined to look and feel amateurish, you need to seek help from a qualified and certified professional contractor.

Don't get me wrong! I love the fact that Home Depot and Lowes have been able to challenge, encourage and guide home-owners through (what should be) simple home renovations. My pet peeve comes when home-owners, in spite of the encouragement they received, didn't know their limitations. Lately I have seen some projects that have gone horribly wrong. But this is another blog subject for another day.

Today, RIS Media has a great article about Home Seller Do's and Don'ts in today’s market. This comes to my mind because of a conversation I had with a lady earlier today. She told me that Realtor's have told her that she must add stainless appliances and granite counter tops to her kitchen. She doesn’t have the money for a huge renovation project. Her home is modest. Not very big -- about 1500 square feet and 15 years old but very well cared for. To suggest that this women needs to spend $8,000 or more on her kitchen is ridiculous in today’s market. Clearing clutter and downsizing furniture will help this lady (and most other sellers) in making their home "show ready" for a speedy sale.

Today's RIS MEDIA article is very timely and for that reason I share it with you now.

Pre-Sale Renovation: Home Seller Do’s and Don’ts

RISMEDIA, January 25, 2011—You’ve probably seen those depressingly cheery home-themed TV shows: a couple needs to sell their house, they have an outdated kitchen, and a designer comes in and proceeds to convince them to renovate the kitchen into a stainless-steel-clad shrine to culinary greatness—for tens of thousands of dollars. In an ideal real estate market, that would add value, but in today’s market, expensive pre-sale renovations, for the most part, aren’t worth it. The numbers bear this out: In general, a home remodel will cost quite a bit more than you’ll get back when you sell; remodels done in 2010 will only recoup 60% of their price when the house is sold, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2010 Remodeling Cost vs. Value survey, done in partnership with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

Two of the areas that potential buyers are often most pressured to remodel before selling are the kitchen and bathroom. Here, we’ll tackle both of those rooms, and let you know what to do—and what to avoid—when considering a pre-sale renovation:

Kitchen
-Don’t put in expensive professional-grade cook’s appliances. You may choose a tricked-out, $10,000 Wolf stove, but the buyer may be a loyalist to Viking. Or, even worse, the potential buyer might be a take-out addict.

-Do, however, service the appliances you have, so that they work perfectly. Clean your oven! And, if you have seriously outdated appliances that can be replaced for $1,000 or less (like swapping a dingy old fridge for a basic new one), that’s a good idea. Similarly, if there are any appliances that you lack, which most buyers consider essential, it makes sense to buy one (like a dishwasher—you can get a nice model for under $1,000).

-Don’t replace your cabinetry entirely—even if it’s a little outdated. It’s just too subjective. You might think sleek, white Scandinavian cabinets are the way to go, but you’ll be in a bind if your potential buyer prefers dark wood.

-Do invest in cabinet refacing if your cabinets are extremely outdated. Many refacing companies will give your cabinets a fresh façade for well under $2,000, and it’s a good investment in creating a positive impression of the room without doing a pricey knock-down.

-Don’t go granite crazy. Or marble. Or etched-Murano-glass-accented tile. Spending thousands of dollars on a new countertop and backsplash is downright dangerous, as there are so many different options these days, it’s impossible to find one that will please most people.

-Do hire a professional cleaning company to come in and make what you have sparkle. While this won’t magically make your tile look magazine-spread-worthy, it will certainly make it look a lot better, as discoloration from age often makes tile look even worse.

Bathroom
-Don’t do expensive tub/shower repairs or replacements. Just like with the big-ticket kitchen fixes, this is a matter of taste. If you put in a round jetted tub, what if the buyer wants square? And is an amethyst-crystal steam shower really something everyone will love?

-Do replace dated bath and shower fixtures; this can be done generally quite inexpensively. For instance, if you have a 30-year-old, tiny showerhead, replacing it with a large, rainwater-style model will lend a subtle spa-like quality without costing a lot.

-Don’t replace your smallish vanity with a new, built-in model. A lot of remodelers emphasize the intrinsically relaxing qualities of having all your toiletries, towels and even reading material beautifully organized in one big unit made of high-end wood, marble and chrome. And it is certainly beautiful. But it’s also a risky choice, and a matter of taste.

-Do freshen up the vanity area. Invest in a big mirror and put bright lights over it. And a few hundred dollars spent on a nice faucet is well worth it, as, like the showerhead, it’s a true basic—and updating the basics, in most homes and markets, is all you should be focusing on.

Other tips for redoing your kitchen and bathroom frugally

Kitchen:
-Declutter your counters. A disorganized kitchen is a buyer-deterrent. Clean up the counters and pare down countertop items to the essentials—toaster, microwave, coffee pot and not much more than that.

-Keep your pantry and cabinetry clutter-free too. You don’t have to alphabetize your cereals—just know that potential buyers will probably open those cabinets, so they won’t want a ladle falling out on their head.

-Give your kitchen table or breakfast bar some life. It’s simple—placemats, a colorful vase or two and a tasteful flower arrangement will reinforce the idea that the kitchen is the heart of the home.

Bathroom:
-If you want to add a little life to the wall, try a simple, straight-lined wood or stainless-steel floating shelf with a few candles on it. It’s an elegant, boutique-hotel touch that doesn’t cost much.

-Toss down a colorful floor mat. Bathrooms are often devoid of color; this is a great way to add that color, and a little warmth.

-Again, clear clutter. Even your beauty essentials shouldn’t be on the counter if you’re in the open house stage.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. To view 9 videos on how to stage every room of your home for sale, visit my website located at www.SaraHibbard.com. These videos are each only about 4 or 5 minutes in length, but you will gain valuable insight on how to stage your home for a speedy sale. Sara Hibbard is available to answer your many questions at any time. Call her at 770-399-8108 OR e-mail Sara at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If Its Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday!

2011-01-19T18:30:00.001-08:00

Here it is Wednesday again. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to provide a consistent Market Snap-Shot of one of Atlanta’s metro cities each Wednesday all year. With the completion of this one, I’m 3 for 3 in 2011! YES! I'm on the right track!

As you may recall, I started spot-lighting individual cities in the Atlanta metro area last year. As the year progressed, this project didn't get the weekly focus that was originally intended. We are still on track to do better in 2011!

In 2010, we reviewed market conditions affecting the cities of Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Ball Ground, Canton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dallas, Dunwoody, Holly Springs, Hoschton and Kennesaw. On January 5th we added the city of Lawrenceville to the list. Last week we focused on the city of Marietta.

Today the spotlight is on the city of POWDER SPRINGS.

Powder Springs, GA is located in Cobb and Paulding Counties. The population was 12,481 at the 2000 census. Census estimates in 2005 showed 14,507 people living in Powder Springs. Geographically the city has a total of 6.3 square miles. Powder Springs offers residents a great trail system including the Silver Comet Trail for hiking, biking and jogging enthusiasts.

To give you a frame of reference, it might interest you to know that as I write this there are currently 60,449 homes on the market and actively listed in the entire Atlanta metro area today.

Likewise, according to the FMLS, there is a total of 553 single family homes actively listed and on the market in Powder Springs. There are also 32 condo / town homes on the market and actively listed in Powder Springs today.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Powder Springs range in price from $11,900 for a 1 bedroom/1 bathroom ranch style "fixer-upper" built in 1954 to $1.57 million for a beautiful 27+ acre estate with rolling pasture, 3+ acre lake, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath cedar home. Bring the horses. This home is perfect for horses with its barn which includes electricity and water. There is an unfinished space upstairs that is framed for an additional 2 bedrooms and a full bath. This area has a new hot water heater and stainless appliances.

Actively Listed Town Home / Condos
This week in Powder Springs there are currently 32 condo / town-home properties actively listed for sale. These homes range in price from $14,900 for a 2 bedroom/2 full bathroom 2-story town home in the Whispering Glen Complex, built in 1984. This home needs work and is currently bank-owned. The highest priced town-home in Powder Springs this week is located in The Haven at Lost Mountain. This move-in ready home with a finished daylight, walk out basement also features a patio and 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The main level is finished with beautiful red oak floors, granite counter tops and exquisite crown molding. This home is currently listed at $263,725.

PENDING SALE
On January 19th at 11:33AM, there are currently 106 single family homes Pending Sales in Powder Springs ranging in price from $25,000 to $950,000. Likewise, there are 5 Condo/Town-Homes Pending Sale today in Powder Springs priced from $14,900 to $169,900.

SOLD Properties -- Single Family Homes
From January 1st 2010 through December 31, 2010 a total of 641 single family homes SOLD and Closed in Powder Springs. The highest priced home to sell in Powder Springs during the year was originally listed at $699,900 and sold for $596,900 or 85% SP/OLP%. It closed after 96 days on the market on 9/30/2010. The lowest priced home to sell during the year was originally listed at $17,900 and sold for $11,500. This was a “fixer-upper” needing major renovations. The home sold for 64% SP/OLP%. The buyer paid 100% cash and the property sold after 15 days on the market and closed on 2/16/2010.

During the month of December 2010, thirty-two single family homes were sold and closed in Powder Springs.

SOLD Properties -- Condos / Town Homes
from January 1st 2010 through December 31st 2010, a total of 36 condo / town homes were sold in Powder Springs. Priced ranged from $15,500 to $250,000.

From December 1st through December 31st, 3 condo / town home properties SOLD and closed in Powder Springs. Prices ranged from $72,000, to $88,000 to $99,900.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in Powder Springs, GA.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara provides a market snap-shot of a single city in the Atlanta metro area each week on Wednesdays. Sara is available to answer your many questions anytime at 770-399-8108 or e-mail Sara at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Housing Industry Readies Mortgage Tax Break Fight

2011-01-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

You better hope and pray that some how the housing industry is able to appeal to Congress to leave their hands off the mortgage interest deduction for home owners. It's hard to imagine but several members of Congress have proposed to end the mortgage interest deduction along with several other housing-related tax breaks. Once again, RIS MEDIA has a pertinent article that affects all home owners and those considering the purchase of home ownership. This is an important subject and I share it with you today. Please encourage and appeal to your congressman to leave the deductions alone.

RISMEDIA, January 18, 2011—(MCT)—The housing industry is girding for a fight in Congress to protect the mortgage interest deduction, along with a number of other housing-related tax breaks. The National Association of Home Builders is putting a high priority on lobbying in favor of the mortgage interest deduction, along with breaks such as the capital-gains exclusion on home sales, and has already created a website, http://www.savemymortgageinterestdeduction.com, to begin rallying public support behind its position.

“This is a huge benefit for 35 million taxpayers a year. And the biggest beneficiaries are middle-class families and younger home buyers,” said Robert Dietz, who oversees tax policy and issues for the NAHB.

The mortgage interest deduction has come under scrutiny before, but housing groups have always united against attempts to do away with it. The National Association of REALTORS® and the Mortgage Bankers Association are two other powerful lobbies that have opposed those efforts in the past.

“There are a couple of sacred cows in the tax code, and the mortgage interest deduction is one of those. Politicians take it on at their own risk,” said J. P. Delmore, the senior federal legislative director for the home builders’ group.

The builders were worried enough about the tax situation that they excluded the media from their recent sessions on tax policy at the 2011 International Builders Show in order to formulate strategy.

In a news conference, Dietz and Delmore touched on at least some of what that strategy will entail. “Without question, we will be very aggressive in the media, and we are prepared to do that,” Delmore said.

Another key point housing groups will focus on is the still-shaky state of the housing market. Although estimates vary widely on what elimination of the mortgage interest deduction could mean to home sales, Dietz said at least one analysis shows home prices falling 15% in that event.

But Delmore believes some sort of tax legislation is likely to advance in Congress either this year or next as lawmakers contend with mounting deficits, a presidential commission’s recommendations for reform and the 2012 expiration of tax breaks that Congress merely extended late last year.

One idea being floated is to replace the interest deduction with a 12% tax credit, but Delmore pointed out that for many middle-class taxpayers in the 25% tax bracket, that would amount to a 50% cut.

And any elimination of the capital-gains exclusion could harm older American homeowners, many of whom bank on the equity in their home to bolster retirement savings and need to sell to cash out, Dietz said.

“Any changes will have a huge impact on current and future homeowners,” Delmore said. “Any tax reform would have to be pushed like the health care reform was pushed, or it will fizzle out.”

Delmore said that President Barack Obama’s upcoming State of the Union address could provide clues as to how much impetus tax reform will get this year. The speech is set for January 25.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara works with folks thinking about buying or selling a home in the north Atlanta metro area. Sara looks forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

What's Next? Analysts Say Rent Increases On The Way

2011-01-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Today, there is a great article in RIS MEDIA that I think will be of interest to many folks renting property. As almost everything, the law of supply and demand affects the rental business too. Those folks who live in apartments could be facing double-digit rent increases in the foreseeable future as a shortage of new multi-family units coupled with a rise in prime renter-age households gives landlords clout they haven't experienced since the mid-1990s, say the development experts. I often share articles that I think will be of interest to folks who read this blog. This one gives us all something to ponder. Here in Atlanta, the rental market is robust and increases have already started to take shape.

RISMEDIA, January 17, 2011 “Demand pressures are building. It’s not bad today because rents have been down the last two years,” said William McLaughlin, an executive vice president with AvalonBay Communities in the Northeast. “But it feels a lot like 1992, when we were coming out of a deep recession…and we ended up seeing double-digit rent increases after that,” he said.

Multifamily developers broke ground on just 114,000 units in the United States in 2010, a figure so low that it wouldn’t account for all the multifamily units lost last year to the wrecking ball or natural disasters, David Crowe, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders, said at the International Builders Show.

Although expected to grow 16% to 133,000 starts in 2011, that number, too, would leave a substantial deficit in the number of units needed to meet expected demand.

“We’re way behind on the typical allocation of household formations, with people living at home, in roommate situations or staying in the school dorm,” Crowe said. “When they start bursting forward, they are going to need a rental place.”

Whether those 18- to 24-year-olds will find a rental place and whether they will be able to afford it in the coming two or three years is in question. Already there are signs the apartment market is tightening, and in some cities, rents are already going up 7% or 8% per year.

“I’ve never seen so much pent-up demand,” said Jay Jacobson, a partner in the Boca Raton, Fla., office of Wood Partners, a national development and investment firm. Jacobson said his company’s portfolio of rental properties has a 96.5% occupancy rate. In Miami, occupancies are running 98%, and some properties are full with waiting lists. Rents have already started to climb, going up an average 4% in 2010, he said. But in some markets, those increases are 7% to 8%.

Even though builders can see the demographic necessity of building more rental units, the process of bringing apartments from the drawing board to completion is an arduous one. “We’d love to build more, but it is just taking longer to get in the ground with them,” McLaughlin said. “If we went in the ground today, we wouldn’t deliver those units until 2012 or 2013. And if we are just looking today and find a piece of ground, it could be 2015 before we could deliver.”

Financing has been a problem for multifamily developers as well. Although a publicly traded REIT such as AvalonBay can secure funding, most other developers are scrambling to secure debt and equity financing as traditional lenders have backed off the sector.

“All the tools that we have known for so many years just went away. We’ve had to get creative,” said Robert Greer, president of Marlton, N.J.-based Michaels Development, which builds affordable rental properties using low-income-housing tax credits. “When we open a 100-unit project, with three- and four-bedroom units, we will have 800 applicants every single time, wherever we are building across the country,” he said. “Without more investors to provide equity and more capital financing, it is going to be very difficult to meet that demand.”

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. If you are currently renting property, AND have good to excellent credit, this might be the right time for you to consider the possibility of purchasing your own home. While interest rates are still low and hovering around 5%, you can afford more home now than you will be able to afford as interest rates increase. Once interest rates begin to rise, for every 1 point increase, your buying power decreases by $50,000. In other words if at 5% today you can afford a $200,000 house, when interest rates rise to 6%, your buying power decreases to a $150,000 house. Call Sara Hibbard with your many questions and to discuss your wish-list. She is easily reached at 770-399-8108.

Rainy Days & Mondays: Visiting Property on a Rainy Day

2011-01-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

I love being a Realtor! I enjoy every facet of the job -- including showing property. I am someone who likes to be "out and about" most of the time anyway, and although showing property is exhausting for some, I actually thrive on visiting and touring homes with my clients. Truly, I enjoy being the "Vanna White" of the metro Atlanta real estate community.

This past week the weather has been anything but ideal for showing property. We have experienced snow and ice in Atlanta which has made it difficult for people to get around. Schools have been closed all week and so too have most businesses. Closings have been scrolling across the TV screen all week and there have been tons of accidents that can be blamed on this weeks ice storm. Regardless, I have some hearty clients who are looking to venture out to visit property on Saturday and Sunday -- regardless of the weather.

Sometimes when we have had a particularly rainy spell, some home buyers, call to say they would rather put off their tour for a sunny day. Home buyers love to visit property on sunny days and most agents prefer showing property on a beautiful day too. Even ugly and distressed properties seem to look better with the sun shining and the birds tweeting a happy song.

I love to stand on the back deck of a home with my client. Silence as we look over the landscape. Everything is quiet, as a bird sings a pretty song. At that moment I love to look at my client and say, "hear that, that's as loud as it gets". My comment is always good for a laugh or two.

Yes, of course, everyone loves to visit property on a beautiful day. However, when someone calls to reschedule their tour due to a rainy forecast, they are typically surprised when I suggest we follow through with our original plans and complete our tour of homes. I believe it is very important for home buyers to see a home in all weather conditions. It is equally important to visit a home at different times of the day or early evening too. Let the rain clouds move in and any home can look completely different than it did on a beautiful day.

Visiting a home on a rainy day or within 24 hours of a down pour gives clues and an education about a house that might be on your "short list". If you want to be informed about the good, bad and ugly aspects of a house you are considering, it is best to visit on a rainy inclement day. Notice pools of standing water on the south side of house? Is there standing water on a sidewalk, driveway or in a window well? Notice how the gutters are reacting to the weather. Are the gutters emptying appropriately or is there a blockage? Notice the soffits underneath the gutters. Is the flashing moving water away from the house or is there missing flashing? What about moisture or leaks in the basement? Did you have to wade through any puddles or standing water to get to the front door? Is the yard landscaped to carry the water away from the house or does it seem to pooling at the foundation? How about drips in the attic or is there evidence of a leak in the roof?

Likewise, it is also advisable that after you have seen a house in daylight, make sure you visit when the sun is lower in the sky. Sometimes shadows or the way low light hits a wall reveals imperfections in walls and ceilings.

Yup! Rainy Days are great times to visit property. I'm ready when you are. Rest assured that regardless of weather conditions on the day of our tour, I will be looking for the imperfections that could influence your decision to purchase. Don't be surprised when I suggest we revisit during low light conditions or when it is pouring rain. After all, I'm looking out for your best interest.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara can be reached anytime at 770-399-8108 or sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Caring For Hardwood Floors

2011-01-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

When you are in and out of houses all day long like I am you simply can't help but notice homes that have been miss-treated. One of my biggest pet peeves is the miss-treatment of hardwood floors. It truly isn't difficult to care for hardwood floors. But too often I see floors that have been "pock-marked" by high heels or the constant clicking of Rover's K-9 toe nails. Or how about the houses where someone has glued a carpet to a beautiful floor, or the floors that are begging for a good cleaning. I'v watched children take a key and literally scratch the guts of a hard wood floor all while the Mother lovingly watched this abuse. Dishwashers and refrigerators have been known to ruin hardwoods -- which is one reason why I do not think kitchens are meant for hardwoods. Yes, I'v seen it all. For that reason and for floor lovers everywhere, I share the following article written by Carla Hill.

Caring for Wood Floors

Hardwoods are a warm and beautiful choice for your home. And while hardwoods are easy to clean, they do require a bit of care and maintenance to keep them beautiful through the years. Here are a few basic things to learn about caring for your floors.

The natural enemy of wood floors are sand, dirt, and grit. They scratch and dull wood floors years before their time. This means regular upkeep is needed. Rugs should be vacuumed and shaken out to be sure that dirt is not tracked around the room. Wet mops, swiffers, and even simple sweeping can keep dirt at bay.

Also guilty for scratching? Furniture. You can buy inexpensive protective pads that adhere to the bottoms of furniture legs. These prevent scratches and indentation when furniture is moved. And be sure to lift heavy items. Pushing or dragging can leave marks.

High-heeled shoes can also be damaging to wood floors. If this is a real concern for you, be sure to ask your guests to remove their shoes upon entering, no matter how fabulous they look!

Another danger can be the sun. Wood may experience discoloration over time if left in direct sunlight. To protect your flooring, consider using shades and drapes from time to time.

Next, don't allow water to stand on the floor. If you spill, be sure to quickly mop it up and dry the wood. It is the same concept as a wet glass leaving a ring behind on your wooden coffee table.

As a general rule, avoid waxes (on urethane finishes), oil soaps, petroleum based products, dust cleaners, and ammonia products when cleaning your wood floors.

Instead, use the correct cleaner, ideally one created specifically for wood floors. The best choice is a damp mop, which cleanses gently. Next, be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines if you have them. By using cleaning products specifically engineered for your hardwoods, you avoid leaving behind an oily residue that can slowly eat away at your woods.

These simple tips can help extend the longevity of your hardwoods! Now you can enjoy their beauty for years to come!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is available for consultation at any time and is easily reached at 770-399-8108. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

If Its Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday!

2011-01-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned last week, one of my New Year’s Resolutions, is to get a momentum going and produce 52 Market Condition Reports for various cities in and around the metro Atlanta area. With this report, I’m 2 for 2! Now if I can just do 50 more reports! If you keep reading them, I’ll keep writing them.

As you may recall, I started spot-lighting individual cities in the Atlanta metro area last year. As the year progressed, this project didn't get the weekly focus that was originally intended. We are still on track to do better in 2011!

In 2010, we reviewed market conditions affecting the cities of Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Ball Ground, Canton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dallas, Dunwoody, Holly Springs, Hoschton and Kennesaw. Last week and for the first week in 2011, we added the city of Lawrenceville to the list.

Today the spotlight is on the city of MARIETTA.

Marietta, GA is located in central Cobb County. Marietta is the county seat. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 58,748, making it one of metro Atlanta’s largest suburbs. Census estimates of 2008 indicate a population of 67,021. Marietta is the third-largest of three principal cities (by population) and is included in the Atlanta -– Sandy Springs -- Marietta, GA metropolitan statistical area. Marietta is steeped in Civil War history and offers lots of cultural attractions. Downtown is the town square and former location of the county courthouse. The square is the site of several cultural productions and public events each year. Theatre in the Square is a professional theater, producing a five-show subscription season as well as summer and holiday shows too. The Strand Theatre has been renovated back to its original design and features classical films and other events. The Marietta Museum of History exhibits the history of the city and county. The museum is home to thousands of artifacts including items from various Marietta residents and businesses. The Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum, also called "Scarlett On the Square", houses a collection of memorabilia related to both the book and the film. Also note worthy and a land mark for directions given by locals in the infamous BIG CHICKEN located on the Cobb Parkway.

To give you a frame of reference, it might interest you to know that as I write this there are currently 60,133 homes on the market and actively listed in the entire Atlanta metro area.

Likewise, according to the FMLS, there is a total of 1,940 single family homes actively listed and on the market in MARIETTA. There are also 393 condo / town homes on the market and actively listed in MARIETTA today.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Marietta range in price from $20,900 for a 3 bedroom/1 bathroom ranch style "fixer-upper" built in 1947 to $5.8 million for a English-Tudor luxury estate on 8.5 acres with 5 bedrooms / 7 full and 2 half bathrooms, 5 car garage, swimming pool and amenities too numerous to mention. This home does hold the distinction of being the showcase home for the 2010 Roswell Woman’s Club Showcase Home Tour.

Actively Listed Town Home / Condos
This week in Marietta there are currently 396 condo / town-home properties actively listed for sale. These homes range in price from $12,900 for a 2 bedroom/1 full and 1 half bathroom 2-story town home in the Viewpoint West complex, built in 1973. This home needs work and is currently bank-owned. The highest priced town-home in Marietta this week is located in River Place along Columns Drive in East Cobb. This exquisite home is available fully furnished for $574,900 and offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. The home features a Chef’s kitchen with top of the line appliances; surround sound and beautiful views of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Center.

PENDING SALE
On January 12th at 10:58AM, there are currently 317 single family homes Pending Sales in Marietta. Likewise, there are 42 Condo/Town-Homes Pending Sale.

SOLD Properties -- Single Family Homes
From January 1st 2010 through January 12, 2011 a total of 2,592 single family homes SOLD and Closed in Marietta. The highest priced home to sell in Marietta during the year was originally listed at $4.5 million and sold for $2.4 million or 53% SP/OLP%. It closed after 194 days on the market on 9/13/2010. The lowest priced home to sell during the year was originally listed at $9,900 and sold for $13,150 after the bank-owned property accepted highest and best offer. This was a “fixer-upper” needing lots of work. The home sold for 133% SP/OLP%. The buyer paid 100% cash and the property sold after 21 days on the market and closed on 2/23/2010.

During the month of December 2010, 213 single family homes were sold and closed in Marietta. Prices ranged from $35,000 to $1 million.

SOLD Properties -- Condos / Town Homes
from January 1st 2010 through January 1st 2011 a total of 378 condo / town homes were sold in Marietta. Priced ranged from $14,500 to $475,000. From November 1st through today,61 condo / town home properties have SOLD and closed in Marietta. Prices ranged from $16,000 to $250,000.

During the month of December 2010, 34 condo/town homes were sold in Marietta. Prices ranged from $16,000 to $260,000.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in MARIETTA.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Call Sara Hibbard for specific information about your neighborhood, city, school district, zip code or additional information about the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard looks forward to answering your many questions and assisting you further when the time is right for you.

7 Habits of Highly Successful Home Buyers / Spenders

2011-01-11T08:15:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been bombarded by people wanting to buy a house. Problem is they either have not saved enough for a down payment, or are not qualified to purchase property due to poor credit history. Did you know that only 1 in every 60 people is actually qualified for a mortgage loan? People seem to be amazed that with the state of the economy, lenders aren't receptive to extending credit their way when they have an apparent history of late utility, rent or vehicle payments.

I often share timely and appropriate articles I see on RIS Media and other sources. Here is one that might say it more eloquently than me. Read on.

RISMEDIA, January 11, 2011—(MCT)—Only occasionally does financial success or failure hinge on a single event: receiving a huge inheritance or going broke because you suffered from an expensive medical problem. More often, prosperity and its lack are born of habits, the seemingly small money decisions we make daily.

Over the years, we’ve interviewed many of the top personal finance gurus, including Suze Orman, Dave Ramsey, David Bach, Clark Howard, Jean Chatzky and others. We’ve asked for spending tips from experts on such diverse topics as buying razor blades for your face and snow tires for your car. And we’ve talked to scores of academics who study why we consumers make the spending choices we do.

Over those hundreds of hours of talking about people and money, themes emerge. We’ll call them the seven habits of highly successful spenders, borrowing shamelessly from a best-selling book’s title. These bits of money wisdom might just help you start 2011 on the right financial foot.

1. Care about spending. Money success has just two components: earning and spending. Earning money—from paychecks, investments or running your own business—is more fun to talk about, but the truth is, you can’t outearn dumb spending. Look at all the millionaire celebrities, sports stars and lottery winners who end up broke.

To use a sports metaphor, earning is like offense, with all the exciting home runs, touchdowns and slam dunks. Controlling household spending is like a team’s defense, duller by comparison. But ask any sports fan which matters more for winning championships. It’s defense, in sports and money management.

And while Ben Franklin said, “A penny saved is a penny earned,” he was vastly underestimating the value of not spending. That’s because income taxes didn’t exist in Franklin’s day. Today, a dollar earned is worth maybe 75 cents or less, after all the taxes and other deductions. But make the effort to save a buck, and the entire 100 cents is yours.

2. Sweat the small (recurring) stuff. You’ll often hear, “It’s not worth my time to clip a 50-cent coupon!” That’s hard to argue with. But it’s also misleading, because nobody advocates clipping a single 50-cent coupon. Supermarket shopping ninjas clip coupons regularly, match them to store sales and stockpile items they use. They can save about 50% on their entire shopping bill.

That still might not sound impressive until you apply that savings to how much an average family of four might spend annually at the supermarket: about $10,000 a year on food, cleaning supplies and personal care products, according to the most recent numbers from the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey. Saving half that, or $5,000, every year starts to sound like real money.

3. Shop it. Fundamental to almost every spending decision is this: Prices on the same products and services often vary, sometimes wildly. If you don’t compare prices, you’re deciding to be powerless as a consumer. That’s especially true today, when it’s so quick and easy to compare prices online.

4. Get fit. Among categories of household spending, three continue to reveal themselves as prime targets for easy, painless cost-cutting. They are food, insurance and telecommunications, or fit. They are recurring expenses for which prices vary widely in competitive marketplaces. Be liberal in defining those categories. For example, food includes eating at home, dining out and work lunches. Insurance includes car and home insurance and buying extended warranties. Telecommunications might include your wireless phone plan, your Internet and TV service.

5. Know thyself. People are different. Money advice that resonates with one person rings hollow with another. But basic, tried-and-true money advice is valuable, so you must figure out how to apply it to your life.

For example, if you’re a born spender who needs to save money, you need to put savings programs on autopilot. Contribute to a 401k at work or set up direct debits from your checking account to a savings or investment account. That gets the money out of your hands before you can spend it. And avoid temptation by staying out of the mall, canceling store catalogs and unsubscribing to retail e-mail. Ultimately, the idea isn’t to change your money personality but to thrive with the one you have.

6. Keep your eye on the prize. We’re bombarded with marketing all day long: online, TV, radio, billboards, magazines. That means we have to continually tell ourselves “no” to spending temptations right in front of us. That takes a lot of discipline. It’s easier if you have specific reasons to say “no.” Those reasons are financial goals. They not only include such goals as saving for retirement or a kid’s college tuition, they also can include a vacation in the tropics, a down payment on a house or a kitchen remodel.

It’s said that to see what’s truly important to a person, look at their calendar and their checkbook. Are you spending time and money the way you truly want to? If not, you need some goal setting.

7. Know there’s no free lunch. Academic studies show that the idea of getting something “free” sparks an intense excitement in the human brain. But few things are truly free.

You pay for “free” financial advice from brokers in the form of commissions and other fees baked into your investment returns. Your “free” cash-back credit card rewards might be costing you. Researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago recently concluded that such cards lead to overspending and debt, dwarfing any cash-back rewards.

And keep in mind the quip that’s often true for “free” online services that have your personal information: “If you’re not paying for it, you’re not the customer; you’re the product being sold.”

These seven habits aren’t the be-all and end-all of money management. Rather, they might be starting points toward a successful 2011 for you and your wallet.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling / pre-approval and pre-qualification process. Sara is easily reached by calling 770-399-8108 or e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com.

Put Your Home On The Market FIRST, Before You Start Looking At Property

2011-01-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend I was showing property to some folks who originally indicated an interest in finding a ranch style home. After gaining a good understanding of their "needs" and "wants" list and the features that would give them a "WOW" factor, we set out to look at property.

Since they are pre-approved to purchase property without selling their own home first, their thought is not to sell their current home, but rent it out instead.

Well, over the weekend we were successful at finding their vision of the "ideal home". It's truly a great ranch style home at a very attractive price tag too! New to the market, it meets all of their needs and expectations. Open floor plan. Great kitchen with stainless appliances, center island, breakfast bar and eat-in kitchen with a large pantry, tons of cabinets and granite counter tops too. The family room offers a beautiful stacked stone hearth and fireplace with hardwood floors. The master bedroom and bathroom offer a private oasis with sitting room, huge his/hers walk-in closets, double trey ceilings, spa tub and separate shower, a bay window and door leading to a beautiful patio and large fenced and level back yard. It's in move-in ready condition with brand new carpet, paint and upgrades. Simply a great house that meets their needs and even offers their Yorkshire Terrier's a room of their own as well as room to romp and chase squirrels.

Ranch style homes are not easy to find in the Atlanta area. For that reason, ranch homes are in great demand and typically don't last very long on the market. While I was subliminally patting myself on the back for once again finding my clients the "diamond-in-the-rough" that would excite them and meet all their expectations, my clients threw me a curve ball.

YES! They are elated about the home, the location, the features, EVERYTHING. They begged me to draw up the paperwork. They want to make an offer on the property. As we were signing the paperwork they pulled a 360 degree turn on me. They decided to make their offer "contingent" on their home selling first and prior to the closing date of the new home.

Although I understand their concern regarding their current house and their desire to free themselves from that financial responsibility before entering into a new mortgage; if they had shared this idea with me first, I would have refused to show them property until their home was on the market and experiencing regular showings each week.

If you are considering the possibility of purchasing a new home and you need to sell your current home before purchasing a new one, you MUST get your home listed FIRST, before visiting property.

I am sorry to say that contingency agreements dependent on the buyer's home selling first, rarely work out in favor of the buyer. Usually, another buyer comes along who can make an immediate move. As a result, the first buyer's offer is rejected and the contingency buyer looses out on their "dream home". I have watched this happen all too often. Then the buyer can never find a property that is equal to or greater than the original property he had his eye on.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is available to answer your questions and consultation at any time. Call Sara at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard looks forward to answering your many questions and assisting you further when the time is right for you. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Potential Buyers Need Help With Their Credit Fitness

2011-01-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Again!

How many resolutions have you made for 2011?

I was at the gym yesterday which is typical for me.

Yes, I'm a regular "gym rat".

I get frustrated with interruptions or if for some reason I am unable to accomplish my daily workout. Each year at this time it is oddly noticeable that even in what are typically "off hours", the gym is loaded with people. It's new people -- people who received a gym membership for Christmas. Their resolution is to "get fit". Their intentions are inspiring. Often, by March or April, it is noticeable the gym is no longer as crowded as it was in January or February. Half of these new folks get acclimated to a gym routine. Kudos to them! And, their schedules have adjusted to the return so they aren't all coming at same time. The other half loses site of the goal. Inspiration dwindles as they fall back to "old ways" or they give up all together. Only to make another resolution next year that will probably be broken yet again.

Just as we must keep our minds and bodies physically fit, we must also keep our credit worthiness physically fit.

Yesterday, I received a call from a first time home buyer. Rita (not her real name) was inquiring about a home in Marietta, GA. I learned Rita and her husband were newly-wed and after a honey-moon in the Bahama's were back in Georgia and ready to start house-hunting. She was sure a home she had just found on-line was perfect for their first home.

When I asked if they were pre-approved for a mortgage yet, Rita avoided the question. She only wanted to talk about the house. Afterall it was the perfect house for starting their life together as a married couple. People get giddy with excitement about picking out counter tops, door knobs and light fixtures. I'll be the first to admit that talking about how you are going to pay for the house is not exactly the "sexy" part of becoming homeowners. I'll save the details of my discussion and consultation with Rita, however, suffice it too say, before you can visit property in 2011 you must be pre-approved and pre-qualified for a mortgage. Again, I realize that "credit fitness" is NOT what people perceive as the "sexy part" of purchasing property, it is imperative to your ability to purchase a home.

Due to current economic conditions, banks are not in a lending mood. You must PROVE to a bank or mortgage institution that you are "worthy" of accepting the responsibility of receiving a mortgage loan. I read somewhere recently that only 1 in every 60 people actually qualifies for a mortgage loan!

Many home buyers now and for many years to come will face tight lending standards. These folks will be required to improve their credit score before they can be prequalified and pre approved for a mortgage. As a consumer, be aware of the following steps you should be taking now to ensure a speedy credit repair to gain lender approval and the best possible rates, when the time is finally right for you to make a move.

Credit Card Wisdom
-Paying revolving credit cards down is generally more beneficial than, for example, paying down student loans, mortgage or auto loans.
-Always leave a 30% or higher gap between what you owe on the card and the card’s limit. Lenders look for this minimum gap.
-Use cards with care even if you pay off balances each month because depending upon statement dates, the lender may see big balances.
-Pay down the cards closest to their limits first for speedier credit repair. The lending bank will then see the “gap” it wants to see.
-Do not ask a creditor to lower credit limits. Generally, carrying smaller balances on several cards is better than one large balance on one card.
-Check your credit card limits to make sure the report is correct. Limits may not be reported on all cards.
-Never make a late payment on credit cards or any loan.

Protesting Items
-Protest any unjust negatives, such as late payments, collections that are not yours, and any items not reported as “paid as agreed,” if you paid on time and in full.
-Protest items listed as unpaid that were included in a bankruptcy, and items older than seven years (10 for bankruptcy).
-Focus first on the larger, newer negatives listed on the report.

It is important not to worry about smaller items like incorrect address information or an old employer listed as current. This is, of course, unless there is the possibility of identity theft or the file is mixed with someone else’s.

This is certainly not an all-inclusive list of the steps that can be taken to improve a credit score, but it is a great start for home buyers who need to focus on their scores before attempting to get preapproved and ultimately purchase a home.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara will be happy to help you contact a Lender who specializes in your area of need. Call Sara Hibbard anytime at 770-399-8108. Visit her websites located at www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com or SaraHibbardHomes.com to research the Atlanta metro area real estate market and mortgage information. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting you too when the time is right for you.

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday!

2011-01-05T07:13:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

One of my New Year's Resolutions, is to give more time to my Market Conditions Wednesday column!

As you may recall, I started spot-lighting individual cities in the Atlanta metro area last year. As the year progressed, this project didn't get the weekly focus that was originally intended. I hope to do better in 2011.

In 2010, we reviewed market conditions affecting the cities of Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Ball Ground, Canton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dallas, Dunwoody, Holly Springs, Hoschton and Kennesaw.

Today the first focus of the year is on the city of LAWRENCEVILLE.

Lawrenceville was incorporated in 1821, making it one of the oldest cities in the metro Atlanta area. According to the most recent census, Lawrenceville has 13.1 square miles. In 2009, there were 29,397 people, 7,484 households and 5,313 families in the city. Children in Lawrenceville attend the Gwinnett Public School System comprised of 8 Elementary Schools, 4 middle schools and 4 high schools.

Lawrenceville is home to one of the premier hospitals in the region, Gwinnett Medical Center. GMC is a non-profit, 500 bed health care network based in Gwinnett County. It comprises two hospitals, plus several supporting medical facilities, with more than 4,300 employees and more than 800 affiliated physicians.

Historically significant buildings in downtown Lawrenceville include Gwinnett Historical Courthouse and Lawrenceville Female Seminary. Also downtown are various landmarks and antique locations. The downtown area includes many restaurants like UPTown Cafe, Corner Stop Cafe, Cosmo's Original Little Italy Pizza and McCray's Tavern on the Square. Downtown also offers valuable living on the square with the new "Cornerstone On The Square" condos and town homes. Lawrenceville's revitalization plan was strengthened in 2005 when the city crafted a unique partnership with the Aurora Theatre (Gwinnett Counties only professional theatre) which relocated from the nearby town of Duluth to a permanent site in downtown Lawrenceville in May 2007 for the opening of it's eleventh season.

To give you a frame of reference, it might interest you to know that as I write this there is currently 58,945 homes on the market and actively listed in the entire Atlanta metro area.

Likewise, according to the FMLS, there is a total of 1,542 single family homes actively listed and on the market in LAWRENCEVILLE. There are also 188 condo / town homes on the market and actively listed in LAWRENCEVILLE today.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Lawrenceville range in price from $25,000 for a 3 bedroom/2 full bathroom ranch style "fixer-upper" built in 1975 to $1.5 million for a luxury estate on 12 acres with a soccer field, 4 barns, 6 pastures, heated pool two kitchens, with 7 bedrooms/8 full and 1 half bathrooms and much more. For those buyers looking for investment property there are more than 400 homes in Lawrenceville listed under $100,000.

Actively Listed Town Home / Condos
This week in Lawrenceville there are currently 188 condo / town-home properties actively listed for sale. These homes range in price from $18,900 for a 2 bedroom/2 full bathroom 2-story town home in the Sandlewood complex. The unit was built in 1974and is currently owned by the Department of Veterans Affairs. At the higher end of the price range there are several newly constructed properties (bank owned) located at Cornerstone on the Square. There are currently three properties listed at $315,000 and one property listed at $299,900.

PENDING SALE
On January 5th at 11:02AM, there are currently 366 single family homes Pending Sales in Lawrenceville. Likewise, there are 49 Condo/Town-Homes Pending Sale.

SOLD Properties -- Single Family Homes
From January 1st 2010 through January 1, 2011 a total of 2,077 single family homes SOLD in Lawrenceville. The highest priced home to sell in Lawrenceville during the year was originally listed at $849,900 and sold for $800,000 or 94% SP/OLP%. It was a 100% cash transaction and closed after 172 days on the market on 8/12/2010. The lowest priced home to sell during the year was originally listed at $21,800 and sold for $21,800 or 100% SP/OLP%. The buyer paid 100% cash and the property sold after 4days on the market and closed on 2/24/2010.

During the month of December 2010, 157 single family homes were sold and closed in Lawrenceville. Priced ranged from $35,000 to $624,000.

SOLD Properties -- Condos / Town Homes
From January 1st 2010 through January 1st 2011 a total of 234 condo / town homes were sold in Lawrenceville. Priced ranged from $16,000 to $180,000.

During the month of December 2010, 18 condo/town homes were sold in Lawrenceville. Prices ranged from $26,500 to $160,000.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in LAWRENCEVILLE.

Sara Hibbard is a licenced Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is available anytime to discuss your needs and wants in a home or answer your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Paint Offers Inexpensive Way for Homeowners To Freshen & Update Their Homes

2011-01-04T07:26:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

With 2011 upon us, is it time for you to think about freshening up your home with paint? Once you do it, you'll feel as though you are living in a brand new home. These winter months are a great time to start updating your home and the simple act of a new paint job can inspire and invigorate the whole family.

RISMedia has a great article out today that I would like to share with you. Read on and think about the possibilities for your home.

RISMEDIA, January 4, 2011—Individual style, mixed with budget-conscious decorating will drive 2011 paint color trends, according to Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert at the Paint Quality Institute.

“There’s no escaping the state of the economy, even for homeowners who want to beautify their homes,” says Zimmer. “Rather than diving into large-scale renovation projects, in the coming year, consumers will search for inexpensive ways to freshen and update their homes. Many will conclude that painting is the perfect solution.”

By incorporating a few new paint colors, either as accent walls or throughout a room, homeowners will be able to enhance their living spaces economically with paint, she says.

Zimmer shares three likely color directions for 2011:

Back to basics
According to Zimmer, “Neutrals provide versatility and allow homeowners to quickly change the look of a room just by adding a few new accessories, without spending time and money to remodel or repaint again. This is the ultimate in practical remodeling, and the time is ripe for it.”

Warm whites, tawny tans, “barely-there” coral, and green are some of the colors that will find their way into countless kitchens, bedrooms, and baths, she predicts.

Well worn hues
Like a pair of favorite jeans, blue will grow in popularity as not just a wall color but also as a ceiling choice. “Well worn hues” are represented by blues across the spectrum, from denim dark to blue-grey.

“Since most blues tend to be calming colors, this hue helps to create a perfect retreat from many of life’s stresses,” says Zimmer. “As a secondary or complementary hue, yellow or yellow-green adds a bit of ‘spunk’ when used in family spaces,” she says.

Shimmer and shine
For thrifty homeowners looking for a bit of sparkle, higher paint sheens and metallic finishes are on the radar for 2011. Don’t be surprised to see spaces such as hallways and living areas painted in a very glossy hue, from top to bottom. Zimmer adds, “More gloss means more reflectivity which means more light. Gloss can subtly create a brighter, more upbeat mood in a home, but at the same time, it adds style and pizzazz.”

Dining rooms and master bed and bath spaces are the perfect areas for this sophisticated choice.

Coupled with the “high shine” trend, gold will return as both an in-demand paint hue and as a key metallic choice.

Zimmer concludes, “Paint color is a homeowner’s best decorating tool. You can change the appearance, the perception of size and even the perception of temperature, through the simple use of paint color.”

For more information, visit www.paintquality.com.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Please contact Sara with all your real estate questions. She is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Pending Home Sales Continue Recovery

2011-01-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

Believe It Or Not! Homes Are Selling In The Atlanta Metro Area!

Today, there is a total of 58,657 homes on the market in the metro Atlanta area. That is down from a total of 63,735 on Friday, December 31st. WOW!

Likewise, there are currently 6,664 homes in the entire Atlanta area showing up today as PENDING SALE. And, there have been 5,132 homes SOLD and CLOSED in the metro Atlanta area since November 1st.

Since I subscribe to RIS MEDIA, I often include timely articles in this BLOG for your review and information. Keeping in mind the above local Atlanta metro statistics, I include the following article for your information. If you have any questions regarding the activity in your specific zip code, school district or sub-division, please feel free to call me. I am always happy to supply that information and discuss your individual needs and wants. Read On and Happy New Year!

RISMEDIA, January 3, 2011—Pending home sales rose again in November 2010, with the broad trend over the past five months indicating a gradual recovery into 2011, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator, rose 3.5% to 92.2 based on contracts signed in November from a downwardly revised 89.1 in October. The index is 5.0% below a reading of 97.0 in November 2009. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said historically high housing affordability is boosting sales activity. “In addition to exceptional affordability conditions, steady improvements in the economy are helping bring buyers into the market,” he said. “But further gains are needed to reach normal levels of sales activity.”

The PHSI in the Northeast increased 1.8% to 72.6 in November but is 6.2% below November 2009. In the Midwest, the index declined 4.2% in November to 78.3 and is 7.7% below a year ago. Pending home sales in the South slipped 1.8% to an index of 91.4 and are 7.2% below November 2009. In the West, the index jumped 18.2% to 123.3 and is 0.4% above a year ago.

“If we add 2 million jobs as expected in 2011, and mortgage rates rise only moderately, we should see existing-home sales rise to a higher, sustainable volume,” Yun said. “Credit remains tight, but if lenders return to more normal, safe underwriting standards for creditworthy buyers, there would be a bigger boost to the housing market and spillover benefits for the broader economy.”

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is forecast to rise gradually to 5.3% around the end of 2011; at the same time, unemployment should drop to 9.2%.

For perspective, Yun said that the U.S. has added 27 million people over the past 10 years. “However, the number of jobs is roughly the same as it was in 2000 when existing-home sales totaled 5.2 million, which appears to be a sustainable figure given the current level of employment,” he explained.

“All the indicator trends are pointing to a gradual housing recovery,” Yun said. “Home price prospects will vary depending largely upon local job market conditions. The national median home price, however, is expected to remain stable even with a continuing flow of distressed properties coming onto the market, as long as there is a steady demand of financially healthy home buyers.”

Existing-home sales are projected to rise about 8% to 5.2 million in 2011 from 4.8 million in 2010, with an additional gain of 4% in 2012. The median existing-home price could rise 0.6% to $173,700 in 2011 from $172,700 in 2010, which was essentially unchanged from 2009.

“As we gradually work off the excess housing inventory, supply levels will eventually come more in-line with historic averages, and could allow home prices to rise modestly in the range of 2-3% in 2012,” Yun said.

New-home sales are estimated to rise 24% to 392,000 in 2011, but would remain well below historic averages, while housing starts are forecast to rise 21% to 716,000.

Yun sees Gross sees Gross Domestic Product growing 2.% in 2011, and the Consumer Price Index rising 2.3%.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara looks forward to assisting you and your family with all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached at 770-399-8108 or via e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara looks forward to answering your questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process.

Does The Crystal Ball Hold The Answers For 2011

2011-01-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

I hear the questions nearly every day.

When Is The Market Going To Get Better?

When Will The Housing Market Turn Around?

If I had a crystal ball, I'd be rich.

I'm also someone who typically sees the glass as half full rather than half empty.

Really it comes down to simple economics and yes, history does repeat itself. When I bought my first house in Massachusetts in the mid - 1980's Jimmy Carter was in the White House. Interest rates, and I'm not kidding here, were 21 percent. People still bought houses when interest rates were high, but as a result we bought relatively cheaper and smaller houses.

The good news is that Georgia has never experienced the housing inflationary values that have always affected New England, New York, California and other areas of the country. As bad as the market may seem, the Atlanta metro area is still a very affordable housing market. You can buy and afford far more house in Georgia than in any of the above mentioned areas. If I had a crystal ball, I suspect (and hope) the ball would continue to indicate that Georgia will continue to offer more affordable housing far into the future.

If you're a potential home buyer now, the Atlanta metro area is still very much a Buyers Market. If you have good credit, you will be very pleased with what you can accomplish as a home buyer. Home prices have come down significantly during the last few years and interest rates are still hovering at record lows. As a result, you can buy more house now, then you will be able to afford in the future. I'm pretty sure the crystal ball will concur.

If you're thinking about buying a home -- this is the time to take action. When interest rates begin to rise -- and sooner or later they will -- they have to based on government spending and economic conditions. For example, if today and at today's interest rate you qualify to afford a $300,000 home, when interest rates begin to rise your buying power will decrease relatively. So as rates begin to rise, you may see your buying power decrease relatively to a $250,000 investment and eventually a $200,000.

I have no idea what interest rates will eventually rise to. I truly hope I am wrong, but I personally think that if history repeats itself and based on current conditions, 21 percent will eventually look like chump change. People will still buy and sell property as they always have regardless of market conditions. We are a society that adapts.

If you are a home seller, and especially if your home has been on the market for several months, it may seem as though there is no end in site. However, you must realize, that the market in Georgia as well as all over the country, is going through a market correction. Values have slipped. Buyers have choices. You may know someone whose home did not appraise for the agreed upon sales price. This is happening with great regularity. As a result the sellers were faced with lowering the price of the house to agree with the appraised value or sit with the appraisal for 6 months to a year.

The good news is that when you finally sell your home (even if at a loss) you will make up for that loss when you purchase your next property. The challenge is to price your home aggressively and appropriately from the moment it goes on the market. Houses that are priced appropriately are selling in the Atlanta metro area. And, if interest rates do go up, Seller's may start to experience a sense of urgency among buyers.

If I only had a crystal ball......

Happy New Year to you and those whom you Love!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara specializes in working with families relocating to the Atlanta metro area and holds national designations in the areas of foreclosure, short sale, HUD and REO properties. Sara can be easily reached at 770-399-8108 or sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

All the best to you and your family in 2011!

Whether you are a potential home buyer, seller or investor, I look forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specific questions regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Please check back often as I discuss real estate trends and issues facing the local real estate market. Especially, check in with me on Wednesdays as I discuss the real estate trends affecting a specific city or town in the Atlanta metro area.

Sara Hibbard is a licenced Realtor in the state of Georgia. Ms Hibbard specializes in assisting home buyers and sellers alike with relocation, foreclosures and short sales. Follow this Blog regularly for answers to all your real estate questions. If there is a subject you would like to learn more about, please forward your inquiries to Sara Hibbard at sara@sarahibbard.com or call Sara at 770-399-8108. Visit Sara at one of these websites: www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com and www.SaraHibbardHomes.com. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting you with all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Happy New Year to you and those whom you love! Here's to a great 2011. May it be a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous new year for you and your family!

More Home Staging Tips

2010-12-18T09:04:00.001-08:00

Home Staging Tips.

This is a topic that has always been important, but is more important in today's market than ever before.

I can't stress enough the importance of making your home look and feel like a model home.

No clutter!

I'll say it again, no clutter anywhere. No clutter on kitchen counter tops. No clutter in closets. No clutter in basements or work areas. No clutter in bathrooms or bedrooms. No clutter in closets or the garage. No clutter!

Why? Because potential home buyers can not visualize themselves living in what is now your house, if they can't see the house. If Buyers are overwhelmed by your clutter, they will turn on their heals and walk out your front door if your house before they have seen the whole house. I see this happen daily! Never mind if your floor plan fits their search criteria to a "t". Potential Buyers will leave if your house is cluttered. They will also leave if your house is a mess. You only have once to make an impression. If buyers can't see past your clutter and mess, you have lost your possibility for a sale.

Earlier this week I received a phone call from an owner who said they needed to sell. They went on to tell me that the home was ready to list and they wanted to get it on the market by Monday. My visit yesterday morning revealed that not only is the house NOT ready to sell, there is at least 6 weeks worth of work that will need to be done to bring the house to a "show ready" condition.

Selling a home in any market is competitive, but it is really competitive now. With an abundance of homes on the market in every conceivable price range, the good ones go quickly. The ones that are cluttered -- stay on the market an eternity, AND they sell for significantly less than the Original List Price (OLP). Therefore, it's essential that Sellers follow some simple, yet extremely important tips when staging their home. By following these tips, you will help to make your home more saleable.

A quicker home sale can be reached by keeping in mind the needs of the home’s most likely buyer and creating a fresh inspiring look just for them, according to Pulte Homes expert Janice Jones, national vice president of merchandising.

“Everyone understands the value of de-cluttering, cleaning and refreshing a home in today’s competitive market,” Jones said. “The difference between a ‘For Sale’ and a ‘Sold’ sign often boils down to effectively staging a home to appeal to young singles, families or empty nesters—the three largest customer segments that are likely to buy your home. Home sellers should have a good idea of the type of buyer who will make an offer and, since everyone likes an updated home, some simple refreshes can achieve an updated look and feel.”

Jones recommends conducting a technology overhaul prior to staging your home. “Old technology will date your home and you seldom have a second chance to make a positive first impression,” she said. “Flat screen TVs, laptop computers, iPods with docking stations and wireless technology have eliminated the need for large bulky entertainment centers or massive desks designed to hide wiring. Once you’ve rid your home of bulky, dated stereos and TVs, it’s time to hone in on attracting prospects.”

Here are a few, additional ideas:

For singles, Jones recommends emphasizing sleeping spaces and the living room, which are critical to this group. “Singles will spend a lot of time in the living room and the bedroom, which are their sanctuaries from the outside world. As a result, there is no need to set the dining room table with place settings,” Jones said. “Instead, focus on a simple TV stand with clean lines, a flat screen TV and candles in the bedroom and bathroom.”

Young families tend to revolve around children. Items that help this demographic envision themselves living in the space include age-appropriate bedding, linens and towels, a bright rug near play areas, and strategically placed toy chests with open tops. Since kids often play or watch TV on the floor, eliminate the coffee table to create a living room that appears larger and more inviting. Jones notes to remember about the garage when staging for families. “Organize children’s toys and sports equipment to showcase the garage’s storage capacity without compromising functionality,” she said.

Empty nesters tend to seek an upgrade in quality features. Upgrading bath accessories like towel bars and toilet paper holders or decorative hanging lights to a better quality and newer style will make an impact. If the budget allows, upgrading the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher can draw in a buyer.

Lighting is also a key feature for this group. Jones advises ensuring living spaces maximize natural light. If lighting is less than ideal, add lamps or a ceiling fan with light fixtures. It’s important to open heavy blinds or window coverings when showing the home.

An absolute “must” for home stagers regardless of which demographic is being targeted is color. Most sellers are instructed to use neutral colors when repainting. However, adding the right punch of color to accent walls can create depth, enhance kitchen cabinets, or bring a boring bathroom to life.

Homeowners can find color in simple accessories, like throw pillows, coffee table books, and decorative canisters. Neutral colors in flooring materials, upholstery pieces and window dressing work well because they enhance brighter accents.

When choosing colors, Jones cautions homeowners to be aware of their sensory impact:

- Red is stimulating and encourages self confidence
- Orange promotes happiness and celebration
- Yellow is uplifting and light-hearted
- Blue is calming in softer tones and promotes clarity in deeper tones
- Green is the color of nature—it feels fresh and rejuvenating
- Aqua is restful while pink is gentle and sweet—making a great pair
- Purple tones bring out a sense of compassion

“The key is to experiment and put yourself in the shoes of the prospective home buyer,” Jones said. “It may be helpful to ask a friend or relative for a brutally honest opinion before and after you start staging. You may be surprised how little changes—with a little budget—can make a huge difference to a prospective buyer.”

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. If you have questions regarding the staging of your home, general questions relating to market conditions affecting your neighborhood or questions regarding the buying / selling process, Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 770-399-8108 OR sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com. To visit Sara Hibbard's websites please go to www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SaraHibbardHomes.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com or www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com.