Posts

Containing the Clutter

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The busy season of real estate season is here and it's only going to get busier as the summer rolls in. Before everything gets too hectic, now is a great time to sit down and get yourself organized as we head into the summer months.  Whether it's perfecting your filing system, updating your calendars, or changing your regular routine, even small adjustments to your organization can mean big differences to your productivity.  We've organized a few tips  for you on where you can save time and contain the clutter -  Filing System From listings to contracts to termite letters and everything in between, real estate agents have a lot of paperwork to keep up with, so a filing system is key.  There are a number of ways to approach your filing, but there are a few main categories you should keep in mind including buyers, sellers, legal documents and administrative processes.  Depending on your preference, you can sort listings by neighborhood or by cl...

Keep Learning in Real Estate

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If you've been in the real estate industry long, you know there's always something changing. Whether it's a new law, a changing market, or just changing styles, it's always important to be informed and keep track of what's up-and-coming. If you're wondering where to look first, we've rounded up a few resources for you to check out so you can stay in the know. Organizations There are numerous real estate organizations out there to keep you connected and informed. The Georgia Association of Realtors   provides educational classes both in the classroom and on-line, and their website offers various articles and research including statewide housing statistics published every month. Check out their schedule of classes here  and you can also sign up for the Georgia Realtor magazine published seasonally. Local county organization are also a great way to continue learning and be in-the-know. The Cobb Association of Realtors  provides continuing education...

Explore Your Neighborhood - Spring Break Edition

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Spring break is next week, but you don't have to go out of town to have a great time! Plan a stay-cation in your neighborhood this spring break! There are plenty of festivals, gardens, and spring break specials to explore and we've compiled a list of spring fun just for you! Festivals With the warmer temperatures on the way, it's time to fling into festival season! Celebrate the seasonal blooms at the 82nd annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival April 13th and 14th. With food trucks, live entertainment and local artisan booths, there is plenty to explore underneath the blooming dogwoods at Piedmont Park. In Norcross, Art on the Chattahoochee , held April 15, will feature food trucks, live entertainment, vendors, and a kids art space a chalk contest. Lemonade Days will be in Dunwoody from April 18th through 22 and will include carnival rides, a 5K, and the popular Dunwoody Idol competition. Many local cities and downtowns have also started their First Friday events, ...

Spring Cleaning Suggestions

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Despite this Georgia cold snap that has us bundling up in sweaters and coats, spring is quickly approaching! Be ready for the warmer weather by getting ahead on your spring cleaning! Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to have your home shining like new and ready for the spring season. Around the House Spring cleaning isn't just a time for loading the laundry and vacuuming the floors on the weekends - it's a great time to do a deep clean in all areas of the house, and get to some of those spots you don't always clean. Start by dusting all areas of your home, and don't forget those hard to reach areas like the ceiling fans, tops of cabinets, doorways, and baseboards. Deep clean your floors by cleaning carpets and waxing hardwood floors and tile, and consider refinishing and cleaning the grout on tile floors. After you've cleaned the dryer, let it help you clean your drapes by running them through a gentle drying cycle with a damp cloth to attract...

Out of this World Open Houses

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Showing a home can be a daunting task. How do you work with the empty space? How are potential buyers going to find out about your home? What do you do once they walk in the door? Hosting an open house requires a lot of work and preparation but can be worth it when just the right person walks in the door and falls in love with the space. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a new agent on the block, it's always helpful to learn some new tricks or refresh yourself on some tips, so we've compiled a few ideas to make your open house out of this world. Advertise The only way potential buyers will walk in the door is if they know it's open. Of course, yard signs are a great way to advertise a day or two before your open house. A variety of signs can help draw clients, so consider including other information besides just "open house." If you have giveaways or refreshments, consider adding that to your advertisement. You never know what will draw people in, ...

Let's Make Change - HB 410

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Important changes could be coming to the real estate industry, but not without your help.  The Georgia General Assembly is currently reviewing House Bill 410, a bill aimed at lowering fees that can be charged for an HOA status letter when a property is being sold.  The bill will prohibit fees from being "in excess o f one-twelfth of the current annual dues" for the property, and an additional, expedited fee to deliver the letter within three business days may not exceed $15 according to the proposed bill. As many agents, realtors, and industry professionals know, Homeowner's Association letters can run upwards of $150, with expedited fees adding another $50 - $100 to the total cost. This proposed bill could save clients quite literally hundreds of dollars, but it may not go anywhere if local officials aren't made aware of it's importance and need for their constituents. We are encouraging professionals in the industry to reach out to their local off...

A Final Farewell - Real Estate Radio Atlanta ends after 5 years

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An era in radio is coming to an end, as Real Estate Radio Atlanta's final show will air this Sunday. The show, hosted by Susan Pryor and David Perrie, has aired on News Radio 106.7 every Sunday for the past five years, bringing together hard-working, industry professionals to discuss the real estate market and educate the consumer on their most important investment, their home. In 2013, Susan Pryor, Branch Manager of Benchmark Mortgage in East Cobb, started the show after learning about the Real Estate Radio Network, a nationwide group of realtors dedicated to "delivering the timely truth" about local markets over the radio. She flew out to San Diego to learn more about, liked the idea, and brought it back to Georgia. "Susan called me up one day and said she was starting a radio show," David Perrie said. "She told me I was going to be on it, and I said 'okay', and she said 'no, you're going to be on it every week', so I sa...