Posted on

New Year, New Opportunities: Atlanta Luxury Real Estate Edition

Happy New Year to you! This is going to be a GREAT year! The beginning of a new year is such a fantastic time to grab hold of your plans, dreams, and goals and put them into action, right?! It’s also a time to think about your plans for your home. Are you considering relocating, upgrading, downsizing or buying an investment property? If so, I’ve got some valuable inside information to help you have greater success in your home transactions this year.

As for the Atlanta real estate market, we are expecting much strength in home listings and purchases this year as the Atlanta job market and overall economy are both very healthy and strong. According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) real estate sales in the Southern states will outpace that of the rest of the nation. Housing inventory is expected to rise for the first time since September 2015, opening up more opportunities for buyers and leading to an increase in home sales over and above 2017’s record breaking year.

As for the luxury market, where I specialize, we see the market looking good as well. Yes, I know the media talks lots about how the new Tax Reform will affect housing and according to our brokerage and NAR alike, the net-net affect of tax reform will be minimal on our strong, healthy housing market. One of our top selling Atlanta Realtors® is quoted as saying “no client has ever based their decision to buy or sell a home on changes in the tax code.” I agree. (If you’d like to read a deeper dive on Tax Reform, visit Beacham’s great article.) So, let’s consider your goals for this year regarding real estate.

Sellers

If you are planning on listing a home for sale this year, let me be the first to advise you that now is the perfect time to get rolling on your plans. Not only does it take time to get your home ready for sale; but also, these 12 weeks before the peak home selling season begins in the spring are the prime time to capture buyer interest as many buyers begin their search online in January. We see significant spikes in web traffic on searches for homes during the month of January.

As a seller you can grab a competitive advantage, which is especially important in the luxury end of the market as the volume of buyers are fewer. So, what can you do right now to begin your preparations?

  1. Begin to Stage and De-clutter – Please give me a call and I’m happy to visit your home, discuss your options and help you begin to think about staging and decluttering your home to make it look its best.
  2. List any needed repairs, maintenance, or improvements – Many of today’s luxury buyers want updates and upgrades done before they move in. But which ones? We can create a plan together to address home improvement items so we can earn top dollar on your sale. I have lots of trusted resources I can recommend to help us each step of the way.
  3. Your Timeline and Next Steps? Once you decide to list your home, you need to think about your timeline, when you’d like to close, what commitments you currently have (i.e., vacations, obligations) that you will need to work around. Also, think through all the scenarios and timing regarding your next move. Will you buy right away or move into a rental? Where will your belongings be stored? We can walk through these details together as we put together a plan for you.

 

Buyers

For those looking to buy, now is a great time to begin your search. In many price-points, inventory has been a challenge for Atlanta home buyers. If you’ve been one of them, consider this time of year your VIP Preview to the peak home buying season. Now is the time you can get in and see homes with fewer buyers in the market. So, what can you do now to prepare to purchase?

  1. Set your budget – Whether you are paying cash or using mortgage financing, now is the time to get your finances in order, see how much you have for a down payment, and call your mortgage advisor to get pre-qualified.
  2. Make your wish list – What are you looking for in a home? What are your non-negotiables? What are your nice-to-haves? What are the neighborhoods and school districts that you’d like to be in? Discuss these with your spouse, partner, or family members and come up with a realistic list.
  3. Determine your timeline – Start thinking about your timeline. Do you have any restrictions or requirements on when you can and/or want to move based on work, school, or planned trips? For example, many families prefer moving in the summer, so kids can start the new school year in their new school. We’ll do our best to find a home and a seller that can work within your timeline.

Whether you plan to list your home or buy this year, now is your prime time to get started! All this month, I will be providing valuable tools for sellers and buyers to jump start your housing plans for this year. Reach out as I’m happy to guide you toward your goals in 2018.

All the best to you this year!

~Jess

Posted on

Holiday Greetings!

For most of us, the endless lists, fighting traffic, and long line of social engagements can make this time of year feel more of a chore than a celebration. It is my wish for you and yours that you can make time this year to enjoy and celebrate your family time together.

My wish is that we all experience this Christmas with the wonder of a child; and soak up those special moments with those dearest to us.

This Christmas, I’m so grateful for each and every one of you and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~Jess

Posted on

Smart Home Technology that Attracts Buyers

Have you been considering upgrading the technology in your home? Need a last minute gift idea? Smart Home Technology can be a nice holiday gift for your home or for that gadget nut you share it with? There seems to be no shortage of new technology and amazing trends happening in home technology. However, how do you know which ones are worth the cost and will add value to your home? I’ve been looking into these questions as I get asked more and more by my clients about home technology. Here’s what I’ve learned so far.

So, what makes a ‘smart’ home smart? In general, it refers to a home that has automation features that are connected to the internet and thus can be controlled by a smartphone. Most people think first of security features like locks, alarms, and cameras as well as comfort features connected to the internet like the thermostats, entertainment, and lighting.

The list of connected comforts one can add to their home seems to be growing longer as technology in the home increases. You’ve may have even heard of entertainment systems and major appliances that you can communicate with from your smartphone. However, not everything will increase the value of your home or help you fetch a better price when you sell. In fact, because technology changes so quickly some smart home technologies can even make your home seem outdated if they are just a couple of years old. So, what are the best smart home technologies that make your home standout with buyers and may even increase its value?

Even though they may not be the sexiest features of home technology, those that provide security, safety, or efficiency – and thus save you money on utilities or insurance – are the ones that are most popular, most often requested by home buyers, and features they are willing to pay more for.

Security

Smart home technology that increases the security of your home is very popular. Internet connected security systems allow homeowners to monitor their homes, see who’s at the door and allow or deny entry, even when they’re far from home. Such technology includes automated lock systems and doorbells with cameras integrated, even internet connected garage doors that can be opened or closed remotely.

Safety

Technology features that increase the safety of your home can certainly protect your family, but they may also save you money on home insurance premiums. For example, most popular technologies include leak detection systems that can monitor your water system and detect a leak. No more fears of the water heater blowing up while you’re on vacation! Other popular products include carbon monoxide, smoke, and radon detectors.

Efficiency

Increasing efficient utility usage can save homeowners lots of money and help the technology pay for itself. The most popular products to increase efficiency include connected thermostats that you can monitor and control from anywhere you have an internet connection. There’s also been amazing advancements in smart watering systems that can help you save on your water bill while maintaining a beautifully landscaped property.

There are so many other amazingly cool technologies and trends in everything from wine storage to smart beds, to smart laundry appliances.  If you have some smart automation that has been particularly impressive in your home, I’d love to hear what your favorite features are.

If you are looking to list or start shopping for a new home in the new year, I’d love to help! Put my expertise as a 3rd generation Atlantan and practicing real estate attorney to work for you.

~Jess

Posted on

Insider Secret: List in January!

Are you planning to list your home in the new year? If so, I’ve got some insider secrets to share with you to help you beat out the competition, get more money for your home and sell it within your desired timeline. It all goes back to the old adage, “the early bird gets the worm.” And in this case, the early birds are shopping for worms – homes – beginning in January. According to the latest research published by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 88 percent of home buyers begin looking for their next home using the Internet – not really a surprise, right?! However, what is surprising is that buyers start researching homes 12 weeks before they commit to a home, making January the prime time they begin shopping in order to close and move during the peak spring and summer market. The trend bears out with our own website! Beacham & Company sees the greatest jump up in website traffic in January! 

Interesting, you say? Year after year we see this trend play out and in the luxury market, taking advantage of the trend is even more important. Luxury homes, on average, spend more days on the market than average priced homes and the buyer pool is generally smaller. So, if you are planning to list your home in 2018, I strongly suggest we get to work making that happen come January.

What are Next Steps?

  1. Make an appointment with a Realtor® – Your first step, once you decide you’d like to explore listing your home in 2018 is to call a Realtor® to discuss your options and talk about your plans. Of course, I’d love the opportunity to put my experience to work for you. As a 3rd generation Atlantan, Real Estate Attorney and Realtor®, I have a unique skill set to better help you find your ideal home and give you that extra edge at the negotiating table.
  2. Prepare to stage your home – Once we’re ready to move forward, we’ll tour your home with an eye for staging it for sale. Whether we decide to hire a professional staging consultant or do it ourselves, we will identify any fixes, improvements or most often, decluttering and shifting around that will accentuate the beauty and functionality of your home.
  3. Prepare to have your home photographed – Compelling photography was identified in NAR’s study (mentioned above) as more important to buyers when browsing your listing than detailed information about your property – including price! We’ve heard about the importance of high quality photography time-and-time again which is why we have phenomenal photographers on staff and take the time to help you prepare to have your home photographed. 

So, if you plan on listing your home in 2018, my insider advice is to consider listing in January to beat the competition and give yourself the best chance to sell within your timeline and for top dollar. We have seen it happen year-after-year that sellers listing in January get a headstart on all those who wait until spring to list. Please, reach out, I’d be happy to answer any questions and discuss your options for listing in the new year.

~Jess

Posted on

My Top Picks for Atlanta Holiday Family Fun

Can you believe we just celebrated Thanksgiving? Oh, how this year has flown by! I hope you enjoyed the holiday with your friends and family. We just love this time of year in our family; everything just seems so much more magical and merry. One of the best ways to make the most of the holidays here in Atlanta is to get out to enjoy some of the unique events we have going on. These five suggestions are on our ‘must-do’ list to go for the holidays are places I love to attend and I hope to see you there!

  1. Nutcracker Ballet at Fox Theatre

If you haven’t taken the family for this Christmas tradition, I suggest you do! This ballet is entertainment for all ages and brings you the wonder and imagination of the holiday. Tickets always sell out fast, so pick a date to take everyone soon!  https://www.atlantaballet.com/performances/nutcracker

  1. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

The Center for Puppetry Arts takes this animated classic and brings it to life. It’s like the TV classic movie has come to life. The kids – and even the adults – just love it! After you see this once, you’ll make this a family tradition. http://www.puppet.org/buy-tickets/2017-18/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/

  1. Breakfast with Santa

Only at the Georgia Aquarium can you see manta rays, sharks of all kinds…and Santa! The pancakes are a secret indulgence that I love eating while our little ones can chat with Santa about everything they want him to bring them. It’s definitely a great day out with the family! http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/explore/events/festival-of-the-season/breakfast-with-santa

  1. Lights at Lake Lanier

If it’s a bit chillier, this is a great experience, and you never have to leave your car. The trees are lit and displays cover a range of holiday themes, including the 12 Days of Christmas. You’ll need to clean off the windows the next day from the kids’ faces pressed up against them! https://lakelanier.com/magical-night-of-lights/

  1. Urban Nutcracker

This cool, urban take on the classic Nutcracker Ballet is a great event to attend if your family is looking for something a little different than the original version. Combining ballet with tap, modern, and jazz dance brings this holiday tradition into the 21st century. I love this because it’s a wonderful modern twist on this family classic. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ballethnics-urban-nutcracker-2017-2nd-performance-saturday-evening-tickets-38607908293

I wish you a magical, joyful holiday season here in Atlanta! My hope is that we all get a chance to enjoy some of these fun traditions that our city has to offer and slow down enough to make some memories this year!

~Jess

Posted on

Exclusive Atlanta Designer Secrets for Holiday Decorating Inspiration

Decorating for the holidays is something I, as an amateur interior decorator, L.O.V.E. but I’m always looking to do something a little different, to change it up and give a new look to my tried and true decorations. Can you relate? I thought who better to ask for advice on freshening up my holiday décor than my friend Katie Walton of Flair Interiors. Katie’s specialty is high end residential design and new construction. Her goal is to “make your home your ultimate place of refuge and relaxation; the place you long to be when you are away, and relish in the comfort of when you return.” I just love that!

So, in thinking about the holidays, here are her recommendations:

 

Add a pop of color, sparkle, or lighting to what you already have

Katie says that for her clients, she doesn’t buy all new décor each year, but instead adds to what they already have. She likes to come up with a unique, surprising addition to make current pieces pop. For example, for one client she took the faux wreaths that they provided the first year and added designer ribbons and lighting. The next year they upgraded the lighting to LED lights on timers and decorative pieces of glitter covered branches for a festive pop of color.

Use fresh, handmade wreaths and garlands for special touch

Speaking of wreaths, the ultimate in luxury, says Katie, is using fresh, handmade wreaths and garland. Look for pieces made with unique greens – in addition to fir – like magnolia leaves, cyprus, and cedar. She loves using fresh greens to decorate and the look and wonderful scent make your home just that much more festive and luxurious.

Add more flameless candles

There’s nothing like the cozy, warm, romantic glow of candlelight and Katie recommends “the more the merrier!” If you already use candles as part of your holiday décor, add more! Of course, flamesless candles are recommended because you can use them just about anywhere and close to flammable items without safety concerns. Also, choose candles with self-timers, she says, so that your home lights up all on its own each evening.

The entrance is your first impression

Katie recommends that we remember the front entrance. It is the first impression of your home and the perfect place to set the tone for the holiday mood inside. She says to frame your doorway with garlands and lights, using wireless lights on timers for a low maintenance, fool-proof holiday light show each evening.

Such great advice! Thank you Katie! I can’t wait to get out and find some lovely new additions that I can incorporate in my holiday décor this year. If you would like to keep up with Katie and see her gorgeous work, please visit her website. She’s also on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

And, please reach out if you are looking to list or buy a luxury home in #Atlanta. As your Realtor®, I would love the opportunity to put my experience as a 3rd generation Atlantan and practicing real estate attorney to work for you.

~Jess

Posted on

Halloween Fun!

Still looking for something new and different to do this Halloween? With the weekend coming and Halloween on a Tuesday, I feel like we have a fun excuse to make plans for the weekend AND for Halloween. Of course, with little ones, we’ll be Trick-or-Treating on Tuesday night, however, a fun date night may be in order for Saturday night! If you’re like me and looking to make some plans, here are some fun ideas I came up with. Maybe we’ll see y’all around town!

  1. Date Night – Adults-only and super scary – The Sleepy Hollow Experience

This spooky production takes place at night at the Serenbe Stables as attendees follow the action. There’s even a real headless horseman. Yikes! I’ve got goosebumps already! The production will be going on through November 5th but sells out so make plans as soon as possible. Get more info and tickets at www.serenbeplayhouse.com.

  1. Date Night – Fun with lots of laughs – The Rocky Horror Show

This live performance is frighteningly funny and great for lots of singing, laughs, and insane audience participation! If you’re not sure what I mean, watch the classic movie with your sweetie before you go. The production is going through November 5th and being held at the Out Front Theatre Company, www.outfronttheatre.com.

  1. Kid-friendly – Fun outside Atlanta – Scarecrow Trail and Pumpkin Fest, North Georgia Zoo

If you are up for a little adventure outside the city, check out the North Georgia Zoo for lots of kid-approved Halloween fun. Every weekend in October they’ve transformed the zoo into scarecrow themed fun with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a petting zoo. Visit http://www.northgeorgiazoo.com/scarecrow-trail–pumpkin-fest.html for more information.

  1. Kid-friendly – Super cool trick-or-treating – Legoland

This is the final weekend that Legoland is hosting its unique take on Halloween with “Brick or Treat.” Stop by for a scavenger hunt, costume contest, and trick or treating…all Legoland style. You can get more information at https://atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/whats-inside/events/brick-or-treat/.

Happy Halloween y’all! Have a great weekend and Halloween night! Do you have any unique and fun ideas for Halloween? Leave a comment below and let us know how you will be spending it.

~Jess

P.S. My passion as a Realtor® is helping folks just like you have an uncomplicated real estate purchase or sale here in Atlanta. As a 3rd generation Atlantan and practicing real estate attorney, my expertise is at your disposal for expert advice and experience. Let me know how I can help you!

Posted on

Been thinking about an investment property?

If you have considered buying an investment property, now is an ideal time here in Atlanta! Now, I’m not a financial advisor, but I think a financial advisor would agree that buying real estate can be a great way to diversify your investments.

As for the rental market in Atlanta, it’s looking good! The rental website Zumper just came out with its most recent report on rental trends in Atlanta and get this, the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom here has gone up 3.7 percent this year to $1,330. Add to that the home price appreciation level sits at 5.28 percent, according to the latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index. With the housing market so favorable and mortgage rates still at great levels, now is a great time to explore whether property investment is right for you. So, if you’re interested, what can you do to begin exploring your options?

1              Run the numbers – First, you’ll need to determine how much you can afford to buy. You may want to make a call to your mortgage loan officer to run some numbers with you based on how much money you have as a down payment and how much loan you could qualify for. Once you know approximately what your monthly costs would be, then you can figure out how much rent you’ll need to make to make have positive cash flow.

2              Start looking at some possible properties – What kind of property you buy is a big decision. There are definitely lots of options, depending on how involved in your property you want to be. Consider whether you’re most interested in an apartment, condo, townhouse or a single-family home? Do you want to own a relatively hands-off apartment? Or are you interested in buying a home and improving it? There are lots of options to consider that I can walk through with you.

3              Create the ideal scenario – Now that we know the financial model that we need to follow, as well as your budget for a property; and you have an idea of the type of landlord you’d like to be as well as the property you’re looking for we can focus in on the local properties on the market. Then we can take a look at potential properties and find just the right investment for you.

So, yes, buying an investment property in Atlanta can be a great way to build wealth for your future. I’m happy to guide you through all the scenarios and properties available as well as walk you through determining your financial model including cash flow and ROI. Let’s work together to help you make the best decision for your financial goals.

~Jess

Posted on

Checklist Before You List

So, you’ve heard that Fall is a great time to list your home for sale and you’ve decided to put your home on the market. What’s next? If you want to earn top-dollar on your sale, you’ll need to get your home in ‘top-dollar’ shape. I would be happy to help you determine what needs to be done and prioritize based on your specific home. However, to get you started, I’ve listed here the checklist that I go over to get a home ready to list:

  1. De-clutter – Box up and clear out any unnecessary items and furniture in your home. You’ll be packing it and moving it all anyway so this is a good chance to get a jump-start.
  2. Refinish hardwood floors – If your hardwood floors need some love, now is the time to schedule a refinish so that they’ll look shiny and new for potential buyers.
  3. Paint interior and exterior – If it’s been more than 10 years since your home’s exterior has been painted or it’s looking weathered, this is a great excuse to get it scheduled and done. For the interior, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way to impressing buyers; and if you can make the walls a basic, light color it will help buyers focus on the home as a whole and not be distracted by paint colors.
  4. Walk through the entire home and critique it like a buyer – Once you’ve decided to sell, you are in the business of making your home as appealing to buyers as possible. Take a walk around your home imagining that you’re viewing it as a buyer.
  5. Take down personal photos and personal items – Removing as many personal effects in your home as possible will enable would-be buyers to see themselves in the home rather than being distracted by your personal photos and mementos.
  6. Steam-clean carpets – If you have any carpeting, make sure it has been professionally cleaned and stains removed.
  7. Organize closets and drawers – Just as you de-cluttered the rest of the home, you need to de-clutter your closets and drawers that buyers will be viewing. The storage spaces will look more expansive and attractive with less stuff in them.
  8. Critique your curb appeal – Go out to the street and take a look at your home. Critique your curb appeal. Is your landscaping well maintained? Is your driveway and sidewalk clean? Is your entryway neat, freshly painted, and welcoming?
  9. Get a professional deep clean of your home – Make your home sparkle for potential buyers by calling in the professionals for a deep clean. It’s worth every dime!
  10. Consider professional staging – Speaking of professionals, having your home professionally staged is a great way to make it stand out with buyers. A good stager can make your home look like a showpiece! In fact, I’m interviewing a local interior designer to get her inside tips for DIY staging for an upcoming blog post, so keep an eye out for that one and make sure you subscribe to the blog so you get notified.

The purpose of this list is to help your home’s beauty shine through. Find ways to highlight your home’s best features, whether it’s your magnificent hardwood floors or the breathtaking view. Connect back to why this home is so special to you to help you prepare it for others to see.

And remember, each home is unique, so I’m happy to review your home with you to prioritize and decide what will make the largest impact for your sale.

~Jess

Posted on

My Favorite Fall Festivals in Atlanta

Some of my favorite weather here happens in the Fall and what better way to get outdoors and enjoy a fun, family day than to go to local festival. Since we have two young daughters, we usually end up at family-friendly events. Here are a few of our favorites that you and your family may enjoy. Hope to see you there!

Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival – September 30-October 29, 2017

Fall would not be complete without attending a pumpkin festival and the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Fest is likely the best there is. Of course it’s all about the kids with storytelling, games, a kid’s carnival, a pumpkin patch and pie-eating contest. For details, visit: www.stonemountainpark.com/Events/Pumpkin-Festival.

Taste of Atlanta – October 20-22, 2017

If you like food, like I do, the Taste of Atlanta is a must-do! It’s a three-day shindig with four live cooking stages and food from over 80 restaurants for sampling. There are local and celebrity chefs as well as lots of demonstrations and great interactive activities for the kiddos. Bon Appetit! For more info visit: www.tasteofatlanta.com

Porches and Pies – October 21, 2017

This is a great local event that benefits local charities. And who doesn’t love pie?! There are also lots of great fun activities for the kids…and grown-ups too with live music and great food and drinks. For more info visit www.porchesandpies.com

Country Living Fair – October 27-29, 2017

Since I love just about anything having to do with home decorating and entertaining, the annual Country Living Fair is always a fun treat. There’s lots to look at and learn as well as great food and drinks. The vendors are a great mix of one of a kind items, antiques, and new trends. They also have lots of decorating and cooking demonstrations as well as live music. For more info visit: www.countryliving.com/life/a4126/country-living-fair-atlanta/.

Enjoy your fall! And remember, Fall is also a perfect time to list your home. December is historically the biggest month for closings between September and March every year. So, if you would like to explore your options and know how much your home is worth, give me a call. I’m happy to help!

~Jess