Appen Media Group
Real Estate Report November Special Section
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North Atlanta’s
Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 2014
Sponsored Section • AppenMediaGroup.com | November 2014
News and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.
LEED … The Way to Green, Healthy and Cost Effective Living By Denise Donahue Cadmus Environmental Design What is LEED for Homes? LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) green home certification system that
assures homes are designed and built as energy efficient, resource responsible and high performance, healthy environments. LEED is the most rigorous national home certification system with clearly established benchmarks and ratings. What is special about a
LEED home? Compared to a conventional home, a LEED home is built for minimal impact and uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; is smartly located and is healthier. What are the benefits of
a LEED home? Physical, Financial and Environmental Health LEED homes are designed and built to save residents money on energy and water bills. The average LEED Platinum home can demand 60% less energy than an IECC (Intl Conservation Energy Code) built home and require much less energy and water than conventionally built, older homes which means tens thousands of dollars in utility cost savings in just a 10-year period. LEED Platinum (the highest standard) homes can virtually eliminate your carbon footprint with offsets that counteract your daily commute, extended travel and typical living demands. LEED homes will protect your physical health with controlled indoor air and water quality assurance with sealed building envelopes, structured/sealed/filtered HVAC systems, plumbing systems, trace/0 VOCs, radon mitigation (a leading cause of breast cancer) and moisture control methodologies. LEED homes protect your financial health with low cost operation and maintenance and much higher return on investment. *Re-sales of existing green homes have sold for an average of 30% more than con-
ventional homes. How is the quality of a LEED home assured? The strength of the LEED program is a comprehensive prescriptive method backed by rigorous, third party verification and documentation. A series of on-site inspections, ensure integration of prescribed materials and methodologies. Program directives include location, site and plan development, energy modeling and details within the entire building envelope from foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical systems and fixtures to ongoing operations. On-site testing results in the collection of data for measurable performance ratings and documentation; all third party inspected, rated and only when all criteria has been met, then certified. *Earth Advantage Institute (June 8, 2011). Certified Homes Outperform Non-Certified Homes for Fourth Year. For more information on LEED for Homes - 202-8287422 - leedinfo@usgbc.org
November 2014
real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 3
ryland.com
ManorView
Grand Opening! Homes From the $ 590’s to the Low $700’s Purchase a New Home and Receive:
Community Features: • Gated Community Located in Prestigious City of Milton • Offering New Home Designs and 71 Minimum 1-Acre Basement Homesites • Select Homesites Border The Manor Golf Course and the ManorView Lake • 3-Car Side Entry Garages or 2-Car Side Entry Garages with Additional 3rd Garage Per Plan • 2.5 Miles to Atlanta Hwy. (Hwy. 9), 6.5 Miles to GA 400 and Convenient to Shopping, Fine Dining and Entertainment • The Manor Golf and Country Club Close By • Easy Access to Fowler Park, Big Creek Greenway and Birmingham Park • Community is Bordered By the City of Alpharetta to the South, Forsyth County to the East and Cherokee County to the North and West
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For more information, please call Frank Allen at 678-672-0862 or visit ryland.com.
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In the Atlanta division, ManorView community only, homebuyers for to-be built homes on accepted purchase agreements signed between November 1, 2014 and November 30, 2014 are eligible to receive $25,000 in Flex Cash; can be used towards MyStyle® Design Center Options and/or closing costs when using RMC Mortgage® and/or lot premiums, finished basement, etc. Buyer also eligible to receive up to $5,000 toward closing costs. Closing cost assistance available from Ryland Homes to those financing through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and closing with a closing attorney selected by Ryland. Amount of closing cost assistance may vary by product and community, and is subject to applicable contribution limitations. For all financing promotions, see a RMC Mortgage® Corporation Loan Officer for details. RMC Mortgage® Corporation is located at 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30022 and is a Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, license number 24225 and NMLS number 203897. Ryland reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time. Prices, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only. Ryland’s promotion may not be combined with any other promotion or incentives. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. See a Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. © 2014 The Ryland Group, Inc.
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Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 2014
Remodeling Resale Value By: Pam Santoro, Harry Norman Realtor When remodeling a house, ask yourself if you are doing it solely for your enjoyment or are you doing it with a resale buyer in mind. Sometimes we upgrade a house because we love the neighborhood and the house is showing its age. Kitchen and bathroom remodels will earn you the most return on your investment provided they are done with the current design trends and a neutral pallet. Outdoor living spaces offer an opportunity to show off a spectacular yard and home by expanding the entertainment area. Fresh pine straw,
mulch and Fall flowers make a house warm and inviting. Buyers prefer wood floors over carpet. Removing dated wall paper and painting neutral colors will make a house appear more spacious and Santoro appealing to buyers. Last but not least, location is important To learn more about purchasing a new home or the value of your current home, please feel free to contact me at 678-656-6627 or pam.santoro@harrynorman.com.
ryland.com
Fabulous Forsyth & Fulton County Locations! Live in One of These Prestigious Counties with Fantastic School Systems, Recreation and Much More! Fulton County Cedar Park
(Milton) 678-867-6782 Homes From the High $500’s
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$15,000 Flex Cash – PLUS –
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(Milton) 678-672-0862 Homes From the High $500’s
Forsyth County Arbors at LakeView
(Cumming) 470-297-8190 Homes From the $310’s
Bethany Crossing
Briarcrest
(Alpharetta) 470-253-8825 Homes From the $330’s
Bridleton
(Suwanee) 470-385-6616 Homes From the Mid $400’s
Madison
(Cumming) 678-672-0862 Homes From the High $400’s
Shiloh Pointe - Coming Soon!
Marketplace Commons Now Selling! (Cumming) 678-513-1481 Homes From the Low $300’s
The Summit at Shiloh (Alpharetta) 470-253-8825 Homes From the High $300’s
Seneca (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes From the Low $400’s
(Cumming) 470-297-8006
(Alpharetta) 770-569-2004 Homes From the Low $400’s
Visit ryland.com for more information.
In the Atlanta division, on accepted purchase agreements signed between November 1, 2014 and November 30, 2014 are eligible to receive $15,000 in Flex Cash; can be used towards MyStyle® Design Center Options and/or closing costs when using RMC Mortgage® and/or lot premiums, finished basement, etc. Incentive offer does not apply to contracts written prior to November 1, 2014. The following communities are excluded from the $15,000 incentive, Bethany Crossing, Bridleton, ManorView and Marketplace Commons. Individual promotions may vary by community. Certain included features may not be available on all plans. Value of package, and products, may vary by community and plan. Homes already under contract prior to this offer are not eligible. Plus for New to-be built homes, buyer eligible to receive up to $5,000 toward closing costs. Individual incentives may vary by community. Closing cost assistance available from Ryland Homes to those financing through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and closing with a closing attorney selected by Ryland. Amount of closing cost assistance may vary by product and community, and is subject to applicable contribution limitations. For all financing promotions, see a RMC Mortgage® Corporation Loan Officer for details. RMC Mortgage® Corporation is located at 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30022 and is a Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, license number 24225 and NMLS number 203897. Buyers also eligible to receive Waived 1% Origination Fee through RMC Mortgage®; average value of $4,000 which is based on a $400,000 loan amount. The waived origination fee through RMC Mortgage® Corporation is subject to cancellation or change without notice. Buyers must make a loan application by November 30, 2014 with RMC Mortgage® Corporation (NMLS# 203897) a Georgia Residential Mortgage Lender Licensee #24225. *Buyers must also close with RMC Mortgage® Corporation. Please contact your RMC Mortgage® Corporation Representative for exact quotes. Prices, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice. Ryland reserves the right to modify or cancel these offers at any time. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion or incentives. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. See a Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. © 2014 The Ryland Group, Inc.
November 2014
real estate report • Sponsored Section
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*PURCHASE INCENTIVE: Save up to $20,000 on select townhomes in Deerfield Green that close by 11/21/14. Lennar ennar nnar reserves thee right to cancel ppromotion romotion at any time. Promotion offer may not bee available in all ccommunities, ommunities, andd is valid only on featured homes as determined by Lennar, is not valid with any other offer, and is subject to change or substitution without notice. Offer and incentives are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. See a Lennar New Home Consultant for details. Models shown do not reflect any ethnic/ racial preference. Copyright Š 2014 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar and the Lennar logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 10/14
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Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 2014
• Everything you need as you look to buy or sell in the City of Milton • Search every listing in Milton • List your home with the Milton Specialist • Free seller valuations • Milton’s leading brokerage
Featured Neighborhoods
Crooked Creek
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Perfect Home Finder
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Buying a home? Why not take a few minutes to fill out a form to describe your ‘dream’ home and see if we can’t find a matching property?
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40+ Page Buyer Guide
No matter what your real estate goals are, we’ve got exclusive tips and extensive industry knowledge you can immensely benefit from.
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MIKE STEVENS
Milton Home Specialist 770-905-7053 (cell) mike@northatlantateam.com www.movetomilton.com www.crookedcreekhomesales.com
What’s my Home Worth?
Want to know what your home is worth? Let our experts prepare a free home analysis for your Milton area home!
NORTH FULTON OFFICE | 678-461-8700 | North Point Parkway, Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | www.harrynorman.com
November 2014
real estate report • Sponsored Section
Millennial mortgage myths debunked A new light on homeownership (NAPSI)—The American Dream may have looked like more of a nightmare to the millions of millennials who entered the workforce in recent years—but there could be good news. This generation, born between 1981 and the early 2000s, has a desire to pursue passion over traditional expectations. Dreams of white picket fences have been replaced by a strong desire to invest in the future. This shift, however, means many millennials pay rent instead of a mortgage. “Millennials have been swayed to believe that homeownership means a financial burden and stress,” said mortgage lender Joel Gurman. “The reality is our current housing market, paired with the financial opportunities made possible by generationally low interest rates, have opened up homeownership to many people and have actually proven renting to be an expensive and unnecessary burden.” Here are five mortgage myths and actualities for millennials: 1. Buying a home is more expensive than renting: Unlike rent money, a mortgage payment goes toward ownership. Home prices have stabilized recently and rates remain near record lows, making payments quite affordable while gaining valuable equity. 2. I need a larger payment: Millennials often assume their limited years’ worth of savings won’t equal a large enough down payment on a home. The reality is, with standard Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-insured loans, a down payment as low as 5 percent is enough, while FHA-insured loans only require 3.5 percent. 3. My credit score is too low: With the stresses of credit card debt and student loans, millennials often struggle to maintain a desirable credit score. Fortunately, several programs, including the FHA mortgage, offer favorable credit
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4. The process is complicated and confusing: With their busy lives, millennials often assume the process of buying a home is too burdensome. Mortgage lenders today are making it as seamless as possible through technology, accessibility and mobile apps such as MyQL by Quicken Loans, the nation’s second largest retail mortgage lender, which allows clients to upload supporting documents and check the status of their loan
5. Homeowners must take on a 30-year payment: Thirty years can seem overwhelming for the millennial with a lifestyle fueled by the ability to be free. In reality, many lenders offer terms ranging from eight to 30 years, for as much flexibility as desired. Of the positive outlook for millennials, Gurman adds, “The future of our housing economy looks bright for millennials looking to reevaluate their current financial hopes and dreams.”
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Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 2014
Get a return on your kitchen remodel investment Remodeling projects always bring up a certain question: is this going to increase the value of the home? No one wants to jeopardize the value of their home, especially when the potential for resale is in the air. On a list of remodeling projects that bring a high return on investment (ROI), kitchens come in near the top. So, with that being said… why are kitchen remodels so dang popular? Well, we believe it’s because it’s the center of attention and life happens there. Newer model homes incorporate the kitchen and living space with one as an extension of the other. This can usually be referred to as an “open floorplan.” Kitchen nooks with tables and overhang counters with enough space to eat a meal are popular as new kitchen formats bring the cook back into the party. Instead of being relegated to another part of the house and separated by a wall, the cook gets the chance to interact with
people while preparing meals. Having enough space so that the party never has to leave the kitchen is what people are interested Panter in when looking at new home designs, and many people are capitalizing on that trend by creating a similar space in their existing homes. Given the size and scope of pretty much any kitchen, remodeling can be a costly affair. Countertops, appliances, flooring—all of these things add up. Especially when considering any additions that might be included, such as an island. While the cost to renovate the kitchen is higher than some other rooms in the house, the potential to recover it as part of the sale is high, too. The national average cost for a kitchen remodel is around $65,000, but that’s also not
taking into consideration the variation of costs of living from region to region. Luckily, the average cost for a kitchen remodel in Georgia is just shy of $25,000. Ok, so now you’re ready to remodel your kitchen… a popular question among many is, “what aspects should I consider?” Well, that’s an easy question. Keep it simple! Think about what people want (for resale purposes). There’s no point in spending money to remodel something that potential buyers don’t care about. Real estate agents say that kitchens are one of the first rooms people look at, and when they do, they want to see if the countertops and appliances are updated. A more modern look shows well with potential buyers, so upgrading for both functionality and aesthetics is a viable consideration. Yes, you have to live in the house now and, of course, want to enjoy your new kitchen, but instead of personalizing every detail, perhaps consider choosing more neutral items such as the countertop, cabinets, and appliances that everyone would love. You can still bring your personality into your kitchen with the color of paint you use on the walls and accessories such as chair covers, hand towels, mats, placemats, and more! That turquoise stove and lime green backsplash may be the best thing since sliced bread to you, but the older couple who is looking to buy
your home may not be so thrilled about the vibrant modern feel of the most popular room in the house. Another aspect to consider when remodeling your home is to be careful not to spend so much on your kitchen remodel that the price of the house skyrockets. Potential buyers will love the kitchen, but may not make an offer if the house is priced way over the others in the area... especially if the rest of the house doesn’t match the new and improved kitchen. Make sure you keep renovation costs moderate so that the house can remain at a competitive price. Sometimes, less is more, and not everything in the space needs to be replaced. Some things qualify: if the kitchen has older appliances, replacing them is a smart decision. Likewise, if the countertops show wear and should be replaced, do so. But if the kitchen is in good working order, nothing else really needs to be done aside from changing the lighting or paint for a new look. A little bit goes a long way. For some people, a budget of $25,000 is just out of the question for a kitchen renovation. If that’s the case for you, there are several things you can do yourself that will give your kitchen a fresh design and a more updated feel. For instance: replace the knobs on the cabinets, paint the cabinets, add a backsplash, change the wall paint, install
lights under the cabinets, or even add an island can make a huge difference in the feel of the room. If your budget can stand a little more renovation, some other minor kitchen remodeling items you could consider are: refacing cabinets and hardware, replacing older laminate countertops with newer laminate styles and adding energy-efficient technology. These renovations will cost about $15,000 to $20,000. It may seem like a lot, but the ROI hovers at around 70%. These numbers make kitchens the best room to remodel in the entire house from a ROI perspective. People like the look of new things, and while potential buyers don’t necessarily want flashy… sleek and streamlined is always a good aesthetic to aim for. Model homes are full of fancy kitchens, so a resale kitchen has to be appealing, or else the home might be passed over. Upgrading the kitchen is a great way to give the whole home a lift. For more information about remodeling returns on investments for resale, contact Harry Norman, REALTORS Forsyth/ Lake Lanier Office and speak to one of our highly trained real estate professionals… or feel free to stop by! We can be reached via phone at (770) 497-2000 or you can visit our website at www.harrynormanlakelanier.com for even more DIY and home improvement tips and tricks!
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real estate report • Sponsored Section
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Selling your home quickly By BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty When it comes to selling your home quickly and for its highest value, it is not just about “location, location, location” ... it is also about curb appeal. Once you get a potential buyer through the front door, the mission then turns to keeping their attention. You want to be cautious about the amount of money you put into getting your home ready to sell because not every project ensures you will see a return on your investment. Now is not the time to start on projects that you have always wanted to tackle. You are looking to sell, so instead, think about what will be universally appealing to today’s buyer. Take some time to attend an open house in your neighborhood and look at homes similar to yours. Clean. Declutter. These cost little money and go a long way to create a positive first impression. Paint everything with neutral tones, including the walls, ceilings, front door and mailbox. New paint will immediately freshen things up any place where your
Landscaping Maintenance Retaining Walls Hardscapes Lighting Irrigation
250OFF
$
Any job of $3500 or more. Cannot combine with other offers. Expires in 10 days
RUCKER landscaping
Tad Carter • 678.648.2012 Many Local References
home looks tired. Do some landscaping. Update you fixtures. Gold and brass are out now. It is amazing how the smallest of Rawlings details can instantly modernize your home. Help buyers see the potential of each room. If you have an odd space, staging it will help a buyer visualize its best use. Remove your curtains and window
treatments, unless they are modern or high-end. The more light you can let into the room, the better. Lastly, de-personalize. It is not easy, especially if you have lived there a long time and you are more attached than you would like for this process. A buyer can image themselves in the home once you remove family photos, and your magnets from the refrigerator. If you follow these suggestions, you will potentially boost your home’s selling price and decrease the amount of time it stays on the market.
As always, my team and I are always available to assist you in any way we can. We
are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional real estate experience.
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Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 2014