Stephanie Johnson, Realtor Professional Realty Group, Inc.

Getting your house ready to sell involves a combination of cleaning, repairing, and staging to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare your home for the market:

1. Clean and Declutter
2. Make Necessary Repairs
3. Enhance Curb Appeal
4. Stage the Home As Needed
5. Set the Right Price
6. Prepare for Showings
7. Work with Professionals

By following these steps, you can enhance your home’s appeal, attract potential buyers, and potentially achieve a quicker sale at a better price.

Did your dream home just come on the market? Act fast! 🏃💨

New listings are up, but they get snapped up almost immediately by eager buyers.

High demand continues to outpace low supply.

So when the right home pops up, be ready to move:
💰Have financing pre-approved
🖼️Review listing photos and info ASAP
🗓️Schedule a showing right away
💨Make an offer fast if it meets your needs

With buyers competing for limited listings, securing your dream home takes preparation and swift action. 🔑

Let's connect to put a plan in place so you don't miss out when the right home hits the market! 🤝📞

Curb appeal is crucial for several reasons, particularly when it comes to selling a home:

1. First Impressions: Curb appeal is the first impression potential buyers have of a property. A well-maintained exterior can create a positive initial impact, making the home more attractive and inviting.

2. Increased Value: Homes with strong curb appeal often have higher perceived value. Buyers are willing to pay more for a property that looks well-cared-for from the outside, as it suggests that the home has been maintained throughout.

Investing time and effort into improving curb appeal can significantly impact the attractiveness and value of your home, making it a worthwhile consideration for both sellers and homeowners looking to enhance their property.

🏡 5 Things To Know Before Selling Your House:

1️⃣ Prepare your home - repairs, cleaning, staging 🛠️
2️⃣ Understand your local market 📊 - Comps, conditions
3️⃣ Hire a real estate agent 👩‍💼 - Guidance and marketing
4️⃣ Be flexible with showings 🚪 - Quicker sales
5️⃣ Price realistically 💰 - To attract buyers

Get the most from your sale by keeping these tips in mind!

Ready to get started? Let's connect! 👋
I'll guide you through a smooth selling process. 🏠

Successfully managing the sale of your current home and the purchase of a new one requires careful planning and coordination. By understanding these aspects and seeking professional help, you can make the process smoother and less stressful. Know that you’re not alone: 71% of buyers are also, simultaneously, sellers. The key to success on both ends of the deal is having a realtor to guide you through. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, the best thing to do is to talk to a pro who can ease your worries. We are here to help you through every step of the journey - let’s talk today!

Read this article to see what the NAR Settlement means for home sellers.

Home Sellers: Here's What the NAR Settlement Means for You NAR’s recent settlement has led to several changes related to broker commissions that benefit sellers. Agents who are REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate this complex process and make the choices that work best for you.

Learn what the recent NAR settlement means for home buyers in this informative article.

Homebuyers: Here's What the NAR Settlement Means for You NAR’s recent settlement has led to several changes that benefit homebuyers. Agents who are REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate your homebuying journey and make the choices that work best for you.

Buyers, this is for you! 👋
Here's what to avoid under contract:

❌ Open new credit cards or loans
❌ Quit or switch jobs
❌ Take on new debt
❌ Make big purchases - cars, furniture, etc
❌ Switch banks

Stick to routine spending habits. 💳
Any major changes could flag your lender. 🚩
We don't want to jeopardize your approval!

Let's chat about dos and don'ts once your offer is accepted. 📝
I'm here to guide you through the entire buying process! 🏡

Skipping a home inspection can be risky for several reasons. Home inspections reveal potential problems that may not be visible during a casual walkthrough. This can include structural issues, electrical or plumbing problems, and issues with the roof or foundation. Identifying issues before purchasing helps you avoid unexpected repair costs. If major problems are found, you might be able to negotiate repairs or a lower purchase price with the seller. Overall, a home inspection is a crucial step in the home-buying process that helps protect your investment and ensures you’re making a well-informed decision.

🔍 Wondering when to start the preapproval process? It's never too early! The sooner, the better! Here's why:

🏦 Preapproval is when a lender reviews your finances and provides a letter stating how much they're willing to lend you for a home. It's a valuable tool that helps you:

💰 Narrow down your search to affordable homes
🏠 Be a competitive buyer in a seller's market

To get pre-approved, gather financial documents like:

💼 Proof of income
💰 Bank statements
📊 Tax returns

The lender will assess your information to determine how much they'll lend and the terms offered.

⏰ Don't wait! Start the preapproval process early and get a head start on your home-buying journey. Reach out for more info or a recommended lender list!

Preparing your kids for a big move can help ease the transition and minimize stress. Here are some tips to help your children adjust to the change:

• Communicate Early: Let your kids know about the move as early as possible. Use age-appropriate language to explain why you’re moving and what they can expect. This helps them process the information gradually.

• Involve Them in the Process: Give your children a sense of control by involving them in the moving process. Let them help with packing their belongings, choose colors for their new room, or even select new furniture if possible.

By addressing your children's needs and feelings during the move, you can help them transition more smoothly and start enjoying their new home.

🏡🔍 What to look for when buying a house:

1️⃣ Location: Consider neighborhood, amenities, schools, and transportation. 🌳🏫🚇
2️⃣ Property condition: Look for signs of structural issues. 💪🔨
3️⃣ Size and layout: Ensure it meets your needs. Space or cozy? 📏🏠
4️⃣ Age and style: Match your preferences. Charm or modern? 🏰🏢
5️⃣ Energy efficiency: Seek energy-saving features. Lower costs, sustainable living. 💡
6️⃣ Price: Stay within budget. Financial comfort is key. 💰
7️⃣ Resale value: Assess the potential for future resale. Location, size, style. 💼💎
8️⃣ Noise level: Consider neighborhood noise. Busy roads, commercial areas. 🚧🔊
9️⃣ Curb appeal: Visual appeal matters. Higher resale value, welcoming home. 🌸🏡
🔟 Future improvements: Plan for desired updates. Space and potential for changes. 🛠️✨
Ready to find your dream home? Contact me today and let's get started! 🤝🏡

Home buyers often place a high value on storage for several reason. Ample storage helps keep a home organized, reducing clutter and making it easier to find and access items. Buyers appreciate the ability to neatly store personal belongings, which enhances the home's overall functionality and appeal. Good storage solutions maximize the use of available space. Features like walk-in closets, built-in shelves, and cabinets make a home feel more spacious and efficient, which is particularly appealing in homes with limited square footage. Overall, ample storage enhances a home's functionality and livability, making it a highly sought-after feature for many buyers.

Are you hesitant to sell your house because you're worried about finding your next home in today's competitive market? 🤔

Newly Built Homes Might Be the Answer! 🏡

Don't miss out on the exciting options of newly built homes in today's market! 🚀 With near-record inventory levels, they offer endless possibilities for your next move. 💼🔑

Newly constructed homes now make up 31% of the available inventory, more than double the average in past decades. 📈✨

Explore this growing market segment to find your dream home. Don't cut out nearly one in three options from your search! 🛑

Reach out and I would love to guide you through the selling and buying process, making your transition to a newly built home a reality. 🤝🏡

📞 Call/Text: 770-363-4424
📧 Email: [email protected]
💻 Website: stephanie-johnson.georgiamls.com
📍 Serving: NW Georgia

There are several myths about buying a home that can mislead prospective buyers. Some of the most common are listed here. While the internet is a great source of information, it will always serve in your best interest to check in with real estate professionals when you aren’t sure. Being aware of these myths can help you make more informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls in the home-buying process.

How long should you stay in a home to make buying worth it? 🏡

💡 Most experts say 5 years is a good rule of thumb.

Why? It takes about 5 years to build equity and see a solid return on your investment. 💰

Of course, consider your personal situation and goals every year. 🗓️

Are you ready for a long-term investment? Or still, figuring out your 5-year plan?

No matter where you are in your journey, I can help weigh the pros and cons so you make an informed decision annually. 🤝

Let's chat! I'm here to help guide your home-buying journey

The time it takes for a home buyer to find a house can vary widely depending on several factors. These can include market conditions, location, price range, and certain personal circumstances. On average, in a balanced market, buyers might find a home within a few weeks to a few months. In highly competitive markets, it might take longer as buyers need to act quickly and may face multiple offers on desirable properties. It’s also not uncommon for buyers to take several months or even over a year to find the right home, especially if they have very specific requirements or are waiting for market conditions to shift.

🏠💰The buyer wants to rent the property during the closing process. Should we say yes?

When faced with this situation, there are important factors to consider before making a decision:

💰 Financial stability of the buyer: Ensure the buyer has the necessary financial means to make rent payments on time, as unpaid rent could cause delays or complications in the closing process.

🏡 Care of the property: Establish clear rules regarding property maintenance to ensure that the property is well-cared for during the rental period. This may include guidelines on maintaining cleanliness and not making any permanent changes to the property.

⚖️ Legal considerations: Consult with a real estate lawyer to understand the legal implications and ensure that the rental arrangement is compliant with relevant laws and protects your rights as the seller.

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of allowing the buyer to rent the property during the closing process before making a decision. If this situation arises during negotiations, I will be there to provide guidance and help you explore your options.

An expired listing isn’t entirely unusual, and some properties may go through more than one listing period before selling. If you’re a seller, an expired listing can be an opportunity to reassess and refine your approach to getting your home sold. If the property is re-listed, there will be a review of feedback from the previous listing period and suggested changes to improve the property’s appeal or pricing. An expired listing often prompts a reassessment of the property’s value and strategy. The seller might need to consider market conditions, buyer feedback, and potential improvements.

Homeownership builds wealth - here's proof over the past 30 years:

The average gain in home equity in the last 5 years was $139,134. 📈

Over 10 years it was $218,505.

And over 30 years, it reached $349,258.

That's over $100k+ in equity in just the last decade alone. 🤑

Experts forecast home values will continue appreciating over the next 5 years too.

As your home grows in value, so does your net worth. 💰 Plus, that wealth can be passed down and change your family legacy.

Let me help you start building home equity this year! I'll guide your journey to becoming a homeowner.

Owning builds financial security through one of the greatest wealth vehicles - your home. Let's connect to get started!

Reach out to learn more about leveraging homeownership to grow generational wealth.

If you're ready to make a move, have you considered building your dream home? 🏡 Here are the perks:

🖌️ Customize every detail to your unique style and needs
✨ Choose the ideal location, lot, layout, finishes, and more
📈 Gain equity from the ground up as you build
🏘️ Include the latest smart home technology if desired
🛠️ Typically get warranties and protections as a new build

With my builder connections, I can help guide the process from blueprint to move-in!

Let's explore available lots, design ideas, and how you can break ground on your perfect custom home.

Whether you want modern or traditional, sprawling or cozy, building new lets you realize your ultimate vision. 🤩

Reach out if you're ready to create your ideal residence from the studs up! Let's chat.

How do we know what the closing costs will be when we close on our home?
What determines your closing costs when selling a home? 🏠 Here's a quick guide:

Closing costs are typically 1-5% of the home's purchase price. 💰
Exact fees depend on the mortgage type, sales price, and other factors. 📝

3+ days before closing, your lender provides a detailed breakdown of all costs. 🖨️
This closing disclosure lists every expense you're responsible for at closing. 📋
Your lender will review your full costs with you beforehand too. 👨‍💼

I'm happy to help explain closing fees and ensure there are no surprises! 🤝

Let's connect to review your unique closing costs estimate. Understanding all the expenses involved is key. 🗓️

Reach out anytime to discuss the closing process! I want to help you have a smooth sale. 🏠

Lenders use your credit score to assess your creditworthiness. A higher credit score indicates to lenders that you are more likely to repay your loan on time. This can improve your chances of getting approved for a mortgage. Generally, borrowers with higher credit scores qualify for lower interest rates, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. By understanding the role of your credit score and taking steps to maintain or improve it, you can enhance your ability to qualify for a mortgage with favorable terms when you're ready to buy a home.

📍 Reduced Price 📍 This recently reduced home at 1115 Union Pacific Way in Cartersville won't last long, so, don't wait to set up a showing! Reach out here or at (770) 363-4424 for more information!

Stephanie Johnson, Realtor
Professional Realty Group
770-363-4424

Just Reduced in Cartersville Welcome to this stunning 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome in the heart of Cartersville! Conveniently located near Hwy 41 and I-75, this modern home offers easy access to shopping, dining, and the local hospital. Step inside to discover a spacious open concept layout, featuring stainless steel applian...

Getting final loan approval means you need to keep your finances and credit in line during the underwriting phase. Don’t open new credit lines or make any major purchases until the paperwork is signed, and avoid changing jobs before closing too, if possible.

Viewing listing photos online is helpful, but isn’t a substitute for visiting homes in person and getting to know the area and its amenities. In some cases, the right neighborhood might be even more important than the home itself. Be specific with your agent about exactly what kinds of homes you want to see, so they can more effectively find options that meet your criteria. And keep an open mind: You may not be able to check off everything on your wish list, so prioritize must-haves over things that are nice to have but not crucial.

The down payment is often considered the biggest home-buying expense, since it’s a large amount that the buyer has to actually pay upfront. But homeownership involves plenty of additional costs that you should be ready for. Before you even close on the purchase, you’ll need to make sure you have enough money set aside to cover closing costs. These fees will vary by state and by individual transaction, but they will almost certainly range into the thousands of dollars.

When looking to purchase properties for short-term investments like Airbnb and VRBO, one of the most important tools for investors is a real estate investment calculator.
A real estate investment calculator is a powerful tool that can analyze the potential return on investment (ROI) for a property. By entering basic info like:

Purchase price 💵
Rental income 💲
Expenses 💸
Expected appreciation 📈

The calculator will automatically estimate the property's ROI over time - doing the heavy lifting for you.

There are several benefits to using a real estate investment calculator for short-term investors:

🤔 Helps determine the feasibility of a potential investment
🖼 Provides a clearer picture of potential costs
🕵️‍♂️ Helps identify potential investment opportunities
🚦Provides a clear exit strategy

Having a reliable real estate investment calculator can give you a clearer picture of your potential returns on investment and help you make informed decisions when purchasing rental properties.
Let me know if you need a rental property calculator - I'm happy to send one your way. This offer is good every year!

Shopping for a mortgage means finding financing for your home purchase with a lender that may offer the best rate, loan options or customer experience. Often, affordability is a major factor in finding the right lender. Your interest rate, fees, closing costs and down payment influence how expensive your mortgage will be and can be influenced, in part, by the lender you choose.

To calculate how much house you can afford, lenders take into account a few primary items, such as your household income, monthly debts (for example, car loan and student loan payments) and the amount of savings available for a down payment. As a home buyer, you’ll want to have a certain level of comfort in understanding your monthly mortgage payments. Depending on your credit score, you may be qualified for a payment that is greater, but housing expenses exceeding 1/3 of your monthly income should be avoided as a rule of thumb.