What buyers are looking for......

       

When a buyer enters a home with there agent they instantly know if this is the house they want to call home. In my years as realtor a few things have stood out as a priority to most buyers. 

-Open floor plans are a huge plus for buyers that are looking for a home. It combines the kitchen and other living areas into one large space. Families are able to interact with each other and still cook meals or conduct other household activities. Many open floor plans may feature high ceilings making the space seem even larger.

-Sitting area in the master have become a great selling point. Today's bedrooms have become more functional. A sitting area can be used as an office or a mini lounge. They can also be set up as a small nursery area for newborns. The possibilities are endless making this a wonderful feature in a home.

-Large kitchens with an Island, eat-in area and granite tops. The kitchen has always been the center point of the home. A large amount of time is spent in the kitchen during holidays and gatherings. Cooking, socializing and being together in one central area. A large functional kitchen that stands out with beauty and style will get noticed.

-A separate tub and shower in the master bath is no longer a want but a necessity.

-Another necessity is dual vanities in the master bathroom. Most households have two working adults. The majority of the time morning schedules collide and not having to share a sink can be the answer to a happy morning.

-Large his and her walk-in closets with shelving is a plus. For those guys who have not figured it out yet the larger of the closets belong to us women.

Hardwood flooring is a plus.  If you don't have hardwoods throughout the home a great foyer that showcases your gleaming hardwoods can also make a dramatic statement. A few other honorable mentions are a fenced backyard, 2 car garage, fireplace and a separate living and dining room.

If your home has been loved and cared for and you have many of these features your home should be a top seller. 

If you are thinking about selling your home and want to know what your home may be worth in this market give me a call. 

                                                 
       As always thank you for reading my blogs it's a pleasure to write them for such a great audience!

Morrishia Dooley-Real Estate Adviser/Associate Broker

Solid Source Realty Company

Direct-678-886-8353

Office-770-475-1130 ext 3815

website- www.galleryofdwellings.com

email- thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

blog- therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/mddwellings

To Rent or Not to Rent that is the question......

 

 

                 


A few years ago before the housing crash it was hard to find homeowners willing to rent out there properties. Homes were selling, mortgages were in abundance and for those with less than perfect credit there was always creative financing. There was simply not a need to rent your home out unless you were an investor or a homeowner needing to relocate temporarily and on the fence about selling.

                  Jump into the present and you will find that renting a home is one of the most common request handled by Realtors. What has changed you ask yourself? The answer is almost everything.

                 The biggest change came with the market crash, home values took a nose dive. Sellers where no longer able to sale their homes for what they were worth. The only options available for sellers needing to relocate was to foreclose on the property, short sale it or rent it out.  A foreclosure can devastate your credit and ensure you will not be able to buy a home for years. Short sales even though they are a much better option than a foreclosure are lengthy and you must meet certain guidelines by your individual mortgagor. A few highlights to this option would be that you would be able to buy a home again in 3 years with a FHA loan, 2 Years with a VA loan and 4 year for a conventional loan with a 10% down payment. You may also qualify for relocation assistance.

              








     However for those that do not want to take either of those routes renting may be your best option. A few positive things to take into consideration are as followed

*Your able to count those rental payments as income after reporting it on your tax returns for two years in most cases.

*You will be able to relocate and still have your home mortgage payment covered.

*The property is not left vacant and subject to vandalism

 * You may have a small monthly income if the home is paid for or if the rent payment is more than the monthly mortgage.

 

The cons of renting your home may outweigh the pros for many of you and should also be taken into consideration before making this decision.

*You have to have patience and be able to work with various personality types.

*Finding great tenants that pay on time and take care of the property can be an uphill battle.

*If the tenant loses there income late rent payments are more than likely sure to follow.

*If your home is in an hoa community you will need to make sure the tenant follows the rules.

*Most tenants have pets are you willing to allow pets in your home?

 

The list can go on and on. Before you choose ask questions. If you feel that renting is the best option for you give yourself enough time to find the best tenant possible. Have each prospective tenant fill out a complete application. Check everything written on the application and if possible partner up with a tenant screening company.  Ask for references and call them. This is your home you owe it to yourself to know as much as you can about that applicant.

 

              As always thank you for reading my blogs and let me know if you have any questions.

Morrishia Dooley-Real Estate Adviser/Associate Broker

Solid Source Realty Company

Direct-678-886-8353

Office-770-475-1130 ext 3815

website- www.galleryofdwellings.com

email- thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

blog- therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/mddwellings

From Drab to Fab with Corian Countertops

 

                 

       As many of us can attest to the kitchen is an important centerpiece of every home. It is the central location everyone navigates to during special occasions such as family gatherings, holidays and parties. Therefore it should give the wow effect. Corian Counters have been around for over 40 years. They are manufactured by DuPont. Unlike many of its counterparts Corian comes in an array of colors most notably even stone. You can order it pre-cut and match it to your kitchen's style. This material is available in semi-gloss, matte satin and a very swanky high gloss finish.

                         

Corian is very durable because it is solid all the way through. It does not fall apart or peel because of this reason. If you do happen to see minor imperfections you are able to gently sand it or give it a light scrub to repair it. Mildew and the growth of bacteria cannot readily grow on this surface. This is due to the material being nonporous. This also helps it resist stains.

                        Just like any other material there are things to consider such as the material scratches easily. Placing hot items on the surface for more than a few seconds can damage it. Using sharp utensils to cut with will damage the surface as well. One way to avoid scratching the material is to use a cutting board. A matte finish is recommended in many cases. Corian is expensive and depending on the size of your kitchen may not be the most economical way to beautify your kitchen space.

                        A great way to clean Corian is a little soapy water or a cleaner with an ammonia base. Be very careful not to let the surface remain wet for long periods. A film may appear on the surface and it will lose its luster.

If you have questions about this material or would like to talk to an expert visit your nearest Lowe's or Home Depot.

Morrishia Dooley

Solid Source Realty

0-770-475-1130 ext-3815

Direct-678-886-8353

email-thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

website-ww.galleryofdwellings.com

BLOG-therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

2006 AGENT OF THE YEAR

Thank you for choosing me to be your preferred Realtor for you & your loved ones 

Buyers Market! Going Going Gone!

 

                  Rewind back a few years ago and you may be able to recall the beginning of the housing crash. Sellers where unable to pay off there mortgages because they owed more than the home was worth. Foreclosures were unfortunately very prevalent in almost every community you visited. Lengthy short sales with there grueling paperwork and bank demands were a popular alternative. The housing market was a very grim place the last few years if you were trying to sell your home. The mere thought of putting a home on market for some sellers was just to painful to think about. Many of us could understand there pain.

           Although the drop in home values made it very hard on sellers there was one group that benefited greatly. Savvy buyers who were able to capitalize on the housing downfall. As a Realtor working in the field I was able to see first hand the deals that many buyers were getting on there home purchase. Homes that were once valued at 250,000 may have been sold at 175k or less depending on the current appraisal values.  Programs such as the NSP program or other revitalization programs were actively helping buyers purchase more affordable properties. These homes were sold at a great price and were even refurbished. HUD homes added to buyers receiving homes at a great price by only requiring 100.00 down on FHA loans. It has been a wonderful time for buyers.

   








   Fast Forward eight years and the market has begun to see change once again. The amazing deals that were everywhere have begun to dry up. Builders are coming back and although the homes are beautiful they are a far cry from the prices we were seeing. Sellers no longer have to take the first low ball offer that comes along. They are now in a position to pick and choose. The new language for banks and sellers alike seems to be (highest and best). For those of you that have been in the housing market recently you know exactly what that means. Makes most buyers cringe just reading the words.
      

        The predictions on 
       More houses will flood the market 
      Interest rate will Increase and will be closer to 5% by the end of the year on a 30 year fixed 
      Home prices have to cool off to much to fast may work against the recovery market 


           


       










          If you have questions or are thinking of buying or selling a home give me a call.
                 

Morrishia Dooley-Real Estate Adviser/Associate Broker

Solid Source Realty Company

Direct-678-886-8353

Office-770-475-1130 ext 3815

website- www.galleryofdwellings.com

email- thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

blog- therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/mddwellings

The Advantages Of Selling Your Home During The Holiday Season.

 If your like many homeowners you think selling your home in the spring is the ideal time to capture buyers. In a way your right most buyers began there search in the spring. One reason may be because of tax time. Using there tax return for down payment or closing cost associated with the home purchase can be a great way to secure the home. Another reason may be due to the kids being out of school for spring break and the upcoming summer vacation. 

       Did you ever think that the reason some buyers began there search in the spring is because there are limited homes to choose from during the fall and winter season. Many sellers have followed suit and listed there home in the spring because that is what everyone else does. They may never stop to think about the benefits that are presented when you think outside the box. 

                 Here are a few good reasons that selling in the off season may be beneficial. 

 Many buyers relocate for job offers. They may have a limited amount of time to find a home, close on the home and settle in before they began working for the new company. These buyers are wonderful for a seller to work with because they are motivated. They need to find a home and settle in quickly.

     You have less competition during the off season months. This is a huge advantage for the savvy seller because it means you may be able to secure a higher purchase price.

 Most buyers began there home search online. If your home is on market and what their looking for their going to call there agent to make an appointment to view it. In today's market buyers understand the phrase (if you snooze you loose!)

What home doesn't look great decorated for the holiday season. Most buyers are in good cheer during the holiday season. The aroma of vanilla and cinnamon bring a warm fuzzy feeling that can be enhanced as soon as they turn on your block and see your home illuminating with holiday lights. Makes them feel as if Santa made a special stop just for them. 

 The fall and winter season is also a great time to turn up the heat, blaze up the fireplace & walk barefoot across those heated floors. Show off those features that make your home spectacular which can't be showcased in the summer months.

Lending institutions may also slow down a bit during the off season meaning you get to the closing table faster. 

Selling your home sooner can also help you and your family transition and free you up to by your next home. All the money you save by selling the home sooner can be put toward your next purchase. You may only have to pay for an additional 3 months of mortgage payments instead of 6 months. For example 900 x 3 =2700  / 900 x 6 = 5400. Which would you rather?  The additional money paid could have been put toward your closing cost. If you wait you would still have to pay your mortgage while you occupy the home and whatever closing cost or additional fees have to be paid during the sell. 

  Remember the early bird gets the worm. Standout from the crowd and beat the competition!

                 As always thank you for reading my blogs. I value your questions, answers and opinions. I know your days are busy early mornings and late nights. I am humbled and grateful that you take the time out to read my blogs, visit my website or leave comments. 

              Prosperity and happiness is what I want for you. You have one life live it to the fullest!

                         Morrishia Dooley-Real Estate Adviser /Associate Broker

                                               Solid Source Realty

                                               Office-770-475-1130 ext 3815

                                               Direct- 678-886-8353

                                               Website- www.galleryofdwellings.com

                                               Email-thedwellingspecialist@gmail.com

                                               Blog-therealestateavenue.blogspot.com