The Real Estate Guide (August Edition)

HARRY NORMAN REAL ESTATE GUIDEAUGUST 2014 EDITION

Give us a call TODAY to have YOUR home featured in our next edition!

Office: (770) 497-2000 | www.HNRForsyth.com

F O R S Y T H / L A K E L A N I E RThe above information is believed to be accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. Forsyth Office 770-497-2000 Robert Aiken, Broker. If your home is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal Housing Opportunity. www.harrynorman.com

975 Old Lathemtown RoadListed by: Marie Sir (404-520-5263)

R E A L E S TAT E G U I D EF O R S Y T H / L A K E L A N I E R

w w w . h a r r y n o r m a n f o r s y t h . c o m

HARRY NORMAN REAL ESTATE GUIDE

HARRY NORMAN’S DEDICATED TEAM OF BUSINESS PARTNERS

FAMILY OF SERVICES

MORTGAGE & LENDING

Chase HinsonHOMESERVICES LENDING(404) [email protected]

TITLE & CLOSING

Bristow AndersonCAMPBELL & BRANNON(404) [email protected]

INSURANCE

Shelby EdmundsHN INSURANCE(678) [email protected]

HOME WARRANTY

LaDonna HockerAMERICAN HOMESHIELD(678) [email protected]

EXTERMINATORS

Nick SandersARROW EXTERMINATORS(770) [email protected]

HOME INSPECTIONS

Shane GauthierBUYERS PROTEC. GROUP(404) [email protected]

APPRAISALS

Scott MurphyD.S. MURPHY(678) [email protected]

MOVERS

BULLDOG MOVERS(404) 602-0442www.bulldogmovers.net

PROP. MANAGEMENT

David TheurerALL COUNTY PROP. MANG.(770) [email protected]

GENERAL CONTRACT.

Robert EstesATLANTA CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION(678) 524-4495www.atlantaconstruction.net

,

CHASE HINSONHome Mortgage Consultant

NMLSR ID 673316

Phone: (404) 558-0283www.hsl-ga.com/chase-hinson

(678) 553-5281

PAGE 1

SECOND OPINIONIt pays to compare!

Already pre-approved? Receive a $50 reward card when you present a pre-approval to HomeServices Lending (pictured in the ad below) from another lender and we’ll provide you with our own pre-approval decision to ensure you are getting the home financing options that help meet your needs.

This will not affect your credit score!

HARRY NORMAN REAL ESTATE GUIDEPAGE 2

Granted, few young people spend much time day-dreaming about buying their first home. They’re naturally preoccupied with academics, athletics, parties, dating and future career possibilities. Nonetheless, there are a number of good reasons to start learning early in life about the costs of buying a home and the responsibilities of homeownership. For example, a college student’s misuse or abuse of credit cards can preclude his or her buying a home later on.

Here are five recommendations for young people who want to position themselves for homeownership:

1. Establish good credit habits and a favorable credit history. Get a credit card and use it

The chart below represents analyzing data that affects the Cumming, GA area. The information offers a look at sales activity for the previous month along with current and past year to date statistics. They are based upon new listings in the area as recorded in FMLS, the average listing price, the average selling price, how many homes actually sold, and how long those homes averaged on the market. The chart below is part of our monthly Market Tracker Report and calculations based on Residential Detached data from FMLS. You can sign up for this report to receive monthly market trends via e-mail FREE (without ever having to speak to an agent) by going to: www.harrynorman.com/markettracker.aspx

HOMEBUYING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: PLAN AHEAD!Article by: Marcie Geffner, Realtor.com

period of time to grow your investments. Open a savings account or a stock brokerage investment account and make regular deposits.

4. Research where you’d like to live. Many young people assume they’ll continue living in their own home town when they get older, but people are more mobile than ever and chances are good you’ll one day live in another city or even another state. Again, the library, bookstore and Web can be excellent resources for information about housing costs and homeownership opportunities around the country.3. Read some books. Your local library and bookstore probably have at least a few shelves of books about financial management and buying a home. Take notes. Make a financial plan for yourself. You can learn a lot about real estate, budgeting and credit on REALTOR.com® too.

5. Tap your real estate agent relatives for advice. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or older cousins in the real estate business can give you good information about the cost of housing in the area where you want to live and what it takes to buy a home. Questions to ask: Is housing affordable in this area? How much money would I need to save in order to buy a home? What advice would you give me about planning my financial future? Would you recommend some books that I might like to read about buying a home? Don’t be shy. If you have a question, ask someone in a position to know the answer.

responsibly. Apply for an automobile loan and make your payments on time every month. If you’re renting an apartment, put your own name on the lease and the utility bills and make sure the rent and the bills are paid every month. If you’re already struggling with credit card debt or have large student loans, take a free workshop from the non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Call (800) 388-2227 for information.

2. Start saving for a down payment and closing costs. It’s possible to purchase a first home in many parts of the country without much in the way of savings. But in high-cost housing areas, starting to save early can be enormously beneficial because you’ll get the advantage of compounding interest and have a longer

CUMMING MARKET TRENDS FOR JULY 2014


975 OLD LATHEMTOWN RD.Canton, GA

5 Bedroom / 6 Full Bath / 2 Half BathOffered at: $1,295,000

Obie Award Winning 12+/- Acre Country Estate located in East Cherokee. Enjoy this luxury home in a private serene setting. This home features a freshly painted exterior and four board fencing, gourmet kitchen w/ Thermador and Subzero appliances, master retreat w/ sitting room, finished terrace level that includes a wet bar and wine cellar, sunroom overlooking Pebbletec pool and spa, wrap around porch w/ tongue-and-groove ceiling, incredible molding and details throughout. Plus, this home is equipped w/ high-tec capabilities and participates in Conservation Use Program.

Listed By: Marie Sir | Phone: (404) 520-5263

PAGE 3


LILBURN, GA5260 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road 3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $295,000Custom built, 4-sided brick home on 1+/- acre, fenced, level lot.

Jody "Jay" Green: (770) 861-7771

CUMMING, GA3830 Wake Robin Way3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $179,9002 story foyer and great room with fireplace. Large, open eat-in kitchen. Great community.

Michelle Flynn: (770) 883-7792

CLAYTON, GA152 Bywater Trail 5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $790,000No detail overlooked, escape the city life to your very own 9+/- acre mountain retreat.

Terry Cooksey: (770) 503-4167

CUMMING, GA5850 Branch Valley Way5 Bedroom / 4 Bath | Offered at: $359,900Exceptional finishes throughout with pro-decorator touches at every turn!

Pete Clay: (678) 492-3559

CUMMING, GA1750 Tuliptree Court4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $239,900Best value in the community! Cul-de-sac lot w/private backyard on over a half acre!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

GAINESVILLE, GA6423 Grand Marina Circle5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $949,000Executive home with views of Lake Lanier in prestigious gated, resort-style Marina Bay.

Christina Abunassar: (919) 389-8317

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA5915 Clipper Bay3 Bedroom / 2 Bath | Offered at: $199,900Home in picturesque neighborhood with granite, hardwoods, and extra garage!

Ken Klosinski: (770) 406-0508

ALPHARETTA, GA481 Grayson Way4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $209,000Spacious end unit townhome with master on main including a huge master bath.


CUMMING, GA6090 Riley Road 4 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $1,259,000Country estate with 18+/- acres of mostly pasture with creeks and two ponds.



JASPER, GA2129 Grandview Road 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath | Offered at: $899,90047+/- acre horse farm with 4 stall barn and fully equipped one bedroom apartment.


CUMMING, GA2340 Briarwood Trail 5 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $289,900Largest floor plan in Habersham! Fantastic renovated home with new paint in and out!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

CUMMING, GA4510 Sundance Circle5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $324,900Home with amazing floorplan in Swim/Ten-nis/Lake Community! Full basement!

Dave Wolfe: (716) 474-7666

DAWSONVILLE, GA138 Riley Road3 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $149,900Largest floor plan available. End unit with level yard and private!

Barry Slaton: (678) 859-4040

SUWANEE, GA815 Cedar Creek Drive3 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $350,000A RANCH, on full finished basement, over ½ acre lot in Lambert School District.

Jill Buysman: (678) 488-6655

DAWSONVILLE, GA38 Chestatee View3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $164,900Great lake neighborhood. No HOA rules or fees. Lots of privacy and nice trees!


CUMMING, GA3525 Magnolia Walk Trail2 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $139,900Large bedrooms with their own full baths. End unit with impressive space throughout.

Cynthia Love: (801) 918-9560

GAINESVILLE, GA5040 Elrod Road3 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $625,000Adorable Cape Cod style home with horse farm on 8.5+/- acres.

The Wesley Team: (404) 451-3692

CUMMING, GA6105 Overlook Park Drive 5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $469,000Stunning estate home with private rear yard in Lake Forest Waterside section.

Pete Clay: (678) 492-3559


EXISTING-HOME SALES HEAT UP IN JULY, INVENTORY LEVELS IMPROVE

price gains.

Total housing inventory at the end of July rose 3.5 percent to 2.37 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 5.5-month supply at the current sales pace. Unsold inventory is 5.8 percent higher than a year ago, when there were 2.24 million existing homes available for sale.

Distressed homes4 – foreclosures and short sales – accounted for 9 percent of July sales, down from 15 percent a year ago and the first time they were in the single-digits since NAR started tracking the category in October 2008. Six percent of July sales were foreclosures and 3 percent were short sales. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 20 percent below market value in July, while short sales were discounted 14 percent.

Yun says the deepest housing wounds suffered during the Great Recession are beginning to fully heal. “To put it in perspective, distressed sales represented an average of 36 percent of sales during all of 2009,” he said. “Fast-forward to today and rising home values are helping owners recover equity and strong job creation are assisting those who may have fallen behind on their mortgage due to unemployment or underemployment.”

All-cash sales in July were 29 percent of transactions, down from 32 percent in June and representing the lowest overall share since January 2013 (28 percent). Individual investors, who account for many cash sales, purchased 16 percent of homes in July, unchanged from last month and July 2013. Sixty-nine percent of investors paid cash in July.

According to Freddie Mac, the average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell for the third consecutive month to 4.13 percent in July from 4.16 percent in June, and remains the lowest rate since June 2013 (4.07 percent).

The percent share of first-time buyers in July rose slightly for the second straight month to 29 percent (28 percent in June), but remain historically low.

NAR President Steve Brown, co-owner of Irongate, Inc., Realtors® in Dayton, Ohio, says the new credit scoring calculation recently announced by Fair Isaac Corp., or FICO, will improve access to homeownership. “NAR supports efforts to broaden access to credit for qualified homebuyers, especially those who have been shut out of the housing market or forced to pay higher interest rates because of flawed credit scores,” he said. “A solid credit score is necessary to keep borrowing costs down.”

The median time on market for all homes was 48 days in July, up from 44 days in June; it was 42 days on market in July 2013. Short sales were on the market for a median of 93 days in July, while foreclosures sold in 58 days and non-distressed homes typically took 45 days. Forty percent of homes sold in July were on the market for less than a month.

Single-family home sales increased 2.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.55 million in July from 4.43 million in June, but remain 4.2 percent below the 4.75 million pace a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $223,900 in July, up 5.1 percent from July 2013.

Existing-home sales in the South rose 3.4 percent to an annual rate of 2.12 million in July, and are now up slightly (0.5 percent) from July 2013. The median price in the South was $192,000, up 5.0 percent from a year ago.

Existing-home sales increased in July to their highest annual pace of the year, and the ongoing decline in distressed sales reached an important milestone, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Total existing-home sales rose 2.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.15 million in July from a slight downwardly-revised 5.03 million in June. Sales are at the highest pace of 2014 and have risen four consecutive months, but remain 4.3 percent below the 5.38 million-unit level from last July, which was the peak of 2013.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says sales momentum is slowly building behind stronger job growth and improving inventory conditions. “The number of houses for sale is higher than a year ago and tamer price increases are giving prospective buyers less hesitation about entering the market,” he said. “More people are buying homes compared to earlier in the year and this trend should continue with interest rates remaining low and apartment rents on the rise.”

Yun does warn that affordability is likely to decline in upcoming years. “Although interest rates have fallen in recent months, median family incomes are still lagging behind price gains, and mortgage rates will inevitably rise with the upcoming changes in monetary policy,” he said.

The median existing-home price for all housing types in July was $222,900, which is 4.9 percent above July 2013. This marks the 29th consecutive month of year-over-year


BLUEBERRY MINT JULEP ICE POPSINGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves1 cup water1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate1/4 cup bourbon

1/2 cup blueberries

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine mint, water, sugar and limeade concentrate in a blender.

2. Cover and blend until evenly combined. Make sure mint is blended into small pieces.

3. Place blended mixture in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar completely.

4. Remove from heat. 5. Stir in bourbon and whole blueberries until well combined.6. Pour mixture into ice-pop molds. 7. Freeze overnight or until completely frozen.

CHOCOLATE BROWNIE PUDDINGINGREDIENTS:

2 sticks unsalted butter4 large eggs, at room temperature

2 cups white sugar3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1/2 cup all-purpose flour2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon Kahluavanilla ice cream, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F, and lightly butter a 9x9 baking dish.

2. Melt butter in a small saucepan and set aside to cool.3. Sift cocoa powder and flour together in a medium bowl and

set aside. 4. In a large stand mixer, beat eggs and sugar on medium-high

for 5-10 minutes, until very thick and light yellow. 5. After 10 minutes, reduce speed to low and add vanilla,

Kahlua and cocoa powder/flour mixture. Mix very slowly until everything is just combined. Slowly pour in cooled butter and mix again until just combined.

6. Pour mixture into baking dish and place on a large baking sheet. Add warm water to baking sheet so water comes up the side of the baking dish.

7. Carefully place into oven, making sure not to slosh water around and bake for 1 hour.

8. When it's time to remove — don't worry — it's going to look like it's under-baked (that's normal). Remove from the water and place in the refrigerator to cool. Serve with ice cream, if desired.

PAGE 7


CUMMING, GA5910 Bentley Way 4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $206,850Home with fenced backyard and numerous upgrades! Freshly painted exterior!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

CUMMING, GA5845 Broadway Lane #393 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $184,900Gorgeous like-new luxury townhome with upgrades galore! Two car garage!

Dave Wolfe: (716) 474-7666

CUMMING, GA5570 Burruss Road4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $800,000Beautiful home with open floorplan, as well as additional 2 bed / 3 bath guest house.

Mike Garcia: (770) 231-9908

ALPHARETTA, GA13666 Aventide Lane2 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $165,000Home in popular Avensong Swim/Tennis Community with private fenced yard!

Jody "Jay" Green: (770) 861-7771

DAWSONVILLE, GA69 Shadow Hills Lane3 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $179,900Delightful newer ranch on finished walk-out basement with full bath.

Pete Clay: (678) 492-3559

DOUGLASVILLE, GA5448 Punkintown Road 5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $289,000Upgraded ranch in private tranquil setting w/ finished basement on 5+/- wooded acres.


DAHLONEGA, GA0 Sam Davis Road150+/- Acres | Offered at: $575,000Great opportunity to own affordable large farm or ranch tract with over 1 mile of river.

Pam Sunderland: (770) 540-9557

GAINESVILLE, GA6669 Marina Court7 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $630,000Amazing cul-de-sac home in gated Marina Bay. Impeccable details throughout!


NORCROSS, GA3427 Kiveton Drive #05 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $320,000Beautiful townhome with largest floor plan and large basement in this gated community.

Mike Burnett: (678) 372-2741


CUMMING, GA6745 Low County Road5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $519,900Vickery home located across the street from woods, so lots of privacy and parking!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

DAWSONVILLE, GA2144 Frank Bruce Road3 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $949,000Great country living. Nature lover's dream. 10+/- acres offers complete privacy!

Mike Garcia: (770) 231-9908

CUMMING, GA6095 Wellington Drive4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $385,500Beautiful and well maintained Polo G&CC ranch style home with room for pool!

Carroll Cunningham: (706) 429-6437

DAWSONVILLE, GA557 Highway Nine North1.5+/- Acres | Offered at: $179,000Great Location! Potential commercial. House could be renovated for small business!

Barry Slaton: (678) 859-4040

GAINESVILLE, GA2786 Vaughn Drive3.5+/- Acres | Offered at: $850,000Beautiful lot on desirable Lake Lanier. Level lot with few trees to obstruct views of water.


CANTON, GA975 Old Lathemtown Road5 Bedroom / 6.5 Bath | Offered at: $1,295,000Obie Award winning country estate located in desirable equestrian community.

Marie Sir: (404) 520-5263

CUMMING, GA5860 Shady Grove Lane5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $424,500Fantastic home on large, level lot, with fenced yard! Home also features 10 foot plus ceilings!


SAUTEE, GA980 Woodbrier6 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $675,000Beautiful home with long-range mountain views from almost every room!


HARTWELL, GA893 Bio Church Road 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath | Offered at: $70,000Perfect weekend getaway! Great for fisher-man! Only 7 miles to Lake Hartwell.

Jill Buysman: (678) 488-6655


Replacing the tile or refinishing the tub can be major bathroom projects, even for accomplished do-it-yourselfers. But when it comes to adding style and pizzazz, it can take just a few good ideas and a weekend or less to turn your frumpy bathroom into a beauty.

From news and lifestyle journal Epoch Times, here are eight good ideas to help get the re-do started:

Frame the mirror – Framing is an old reliable interior decorating trick, and one that works beautifully here. Use a framing kit or re-purpose a few feet of crown molding to update and glamorize your bathroom mirror.

Replace the vanity – Choose a traditional model from the home store or think about using an antique or other stylish dresser as a vanity. Selecting new drawer pulls and changing the sink hardware can also make a huge difference.

Add chic lighting – Have an overhead light fixture? Replace it with a sparkly chandelier

Having a party in your own backyard is a great way to get together with family and friends and enjoy the warm weather. Here are a few simple things you can do to help ensure your party will go smoothly and be remembered. Consider choosing a party theme!

TROPICAL LUAU Give your place an island feel. Decorate the deck and tables with bright flowers, tropical fruits and tiki torches. Ask your guests to wear Hawaiian shirts or flowing skirts and sandals and hand out leis when they arrive. Play island music. To keep the party lively, you can play

limbo or pass out hula-hoops to shake things up. SOUTH OF THE BORDER BASH It’s hard to beat a south of the border fiesta. Set the mood with brightly colored tableware and decorate with red, orange and yellow peppers, maracas, sombreros and piñatas. Put out a big bowl of guacamole with chips and salsa to get started. Serve Tex-Mex food or tacos and Mexican-style roasted corn on the cob with butter, chili pepper, grated cheese and lime. Play mariachi music. SET UP BUFFET TABLES For summer parties, it’s a good idea to keep things casual and put the food and fixings out buffet style. You can set a nice summer table by adding colorful plants, fresh flowers, simple tea lights, decorative paper plates and napkins to make for an easy clean up. SET THE MOOD WITH LIGHTING Try stringing up lanterns and sparking white lights on the deck, on fences and in the trees and shrubs to create some ambience. DON’T LET THE BUGS BITE Before your party, empty any container with standing water. Surround the yard with citronella candles.

Remember, no matter what kind of party you have, the most important thing to do is have a good time!

BATHROOM UPGRADES YOU CAN DO IN A WEEKEND

MAKE YOUR BACKYARD PARTY AN EVENT TO REMEMBER

or another unique fixture to make a stylish statement.

Add some shelving – New shelving over the toilet or elsewhere will add a finished look as well as a handy place to store extra towels and supplies.

Fence in the tub – Refresh the look of an inset tub by fencing it in by adding a decorative wood panel to the front of it.

Jazz up the color – Choose a bold color or a soothing pastel – even a geometric pattern. A new coat of paint and some matching towels can make an eye-popping difference to the bath.

Add a glass shower door – A sleek glass shower door, or a slider in the tub, will give your bathroom a designer feel and create the illusion of more space.

Hang some artwork – Adding a few pieces of attractive wall art is an easy way to make your bathroom look as complete and decorated as the rest of your home.


DAWSONVILLE, GA26 Deans Drive5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $337,500Custom built home in quiet subdivision on 2+/- acre lot with rocking chair front porch.

Barry Slaton: (678) 859-4040

CUMMING, GA5495 Williams Shores Drive3 Bedroom / 4 Bath | Offered at: $564,900Great South Lake location with outstanding open water views from every room!


CUMMING, GA4810 Saddle Horn Way5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $434,900Master on the main, fenced yard, rocking chair front porch and $47,000 in upgrades!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

BALL GROUND, GA303 Taylor Leigh Court4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $242,900Adorable craftsman home that is loaded with upgrades and close to 575!


CUMMING, GA3850 Rivendell Lane3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $234,900High quality finishes. Spectacular south lake views with grand architecture design.

Barbara Cash: (770) 815-8249

GAINESVILLE, GA6447 Grand Marina Bay4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $695,000Lake Lanier home in Marina Bay with incred-ible views and upgrades galore!


CUMMING, GA4265 Evans Farm Drive4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $269,900Move in ready w/ master on main in great area and in swim/tennis neighborhood!

Johnson & Flynn Team: (770) 883-7792

CUMMING, GA1585 Hidden Creek Point4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $308,000Thorngate subdivision! Gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors and open info family room!

Kerry Neel: (404) 353-9121

GAINESVILLE, GA214 Lake Pointe Drive4 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $899,000Grand, elegant, European lake front estate. Incredible setting and views!



When it comes to buying a home, it’s going to be the biggest investment most consumers make in their lifetime, and even a home that’s budget-friendly is going to feel like they’re dropping big bucks. Here are a few of little, affordable luxuries that more buyer love:

1. AUTOMATIONFor a home to automatically anticipate your preferences and living habits, and conduct itself accordingly, is a serious luxury that no longer requires a serious investment. Easily programmable thermostats and smart home systems are now available at very low prices. Check out the Nest Learning Thermostat for one of the most simple-to-use, inexpensive alternatives around. Created by the man who designed the iPod, it learns the temperatures you prefer without any complicated programming process, it can detect when no ones home and change the temperature accordingly, and it is even remote controllable via Wi-Fi and mobile app.

In some areas, home cable companies are now bundling temperature automation and smart home features like remote-controlled lighting, temperatures and security systems and even smoke and carbon monoxide monitors right into the same online dashboard you use to pay your bill or order a movie on-demand.

These next-gen automations are able to be had in the $200 or less range, up front, though the size of the home and number of devices required can send costs upward.

2. NATURE NICETIESThe range of cost for landscaping and creating what many now call outdoor rooms is vast. But there are also dozens of inexpensive projects that can level-up a home’s nature factor, like: installing raised vegetable beds in the backyard; hanging a vertical garden on the kitchen wall; putting in window boxes or outdoor seating; installing a bird bath or planting a new tree. Lush, green anything is a luxury that can cost very little to enjoy for years on end.

3. DELICIOUS DETAILSCustomizing, sprucing and even adding little details can make a tract home feel custom, a condo feel personalized and can even take a

6 AFFORDABLE LUXURIES BUYERS LOVEhome with character and imbue it with your character. These little projects can also be bizarrely high in the aesthetic impact and feeling of polish they add to a home vis-a-vis the relatively low investment of time and money they require.

Consider projects like: Adding crown moldings or baseboards; Adding interior or exterior shutters; Painting moldings, baseboards, mantles and door trims a contrasting color to the surrounding areas; Replacing doors and lighting fixtures; Replacing dated faucets, sinks, toilets and hardware— even recessed lighting soffits and door handles; Painting exterior eaves, doors, trims and fences.

4. SOLAR

A survey by Sunrun revealed that over 40 percent of Americans believe a solar system cost more than $20,000. And get this: eight out of 10 homeowners said they would install a solar system at home if cost wasn’t a factor. Solar is not for everyone, and not even for every home, but in states with sunny, hot summers and energy bills to boot, installing a solar system can create the double luxury of allowing owners to run the home on renewable energy and reduce energy costs in one fell swoop.

In some states, cost isn’t a factor. There’s a new generation of companies who will pay for a solar system, install it on the home for little or nothing, and pay for its maintenance. In turn, the homeowner pays them for the power used.

These arrangements are not available

everywhere, but it’s certainly worth investigating whether you can find a solar service provider in your neck of the woods who can boost the perceived value of the listing.

5.BUILT-INS (OR FAUX ONES)Built-ins like desks, book shelves, closet systems and even kitchen recycling centers feel particularly luxurious because they offer a polished approach to efficient use of the space in a home, and often eliminate the need for bulky pieces of furniture.

You might be surprised to realize how affordable it can be to build a desk or closet organizer into your existing space. Or, get up to speed on all the off-the-shelf built-in alternatives that are on the market, like a kitchen nook dining set in lieu of a built-in banquette. Think creatively: placing a day bed under a window with a bookcase on each end is a fantastic alternative to building a window seat between built-in shelves. Look for built-in alternatives on Craigslist or Freecycle, then have it painted or reupholstered, to get a luxe, custom look at a very low price.

6. DEDICATED SPACESLike custom built-ins, dedicating a space to a particular favorite activity is a special luxury, even if the home is not otherwise especially luxurious. The idea here is to simply dedicate a space to an activity, painting it, installing the appropriate furniture and carving out a place for all the supplies that are involved in that activity. At my house, I just painted the office in bright colors that researchers have found to boost creativity, installing new project tables and bookshelves to facilitate the organization and stand-up work style I prefer. My friend A.G. has turned one bedroom into a room for her menagerie of pets—dogs and birds alike!

PAGE 12


CUMMING, GA65 Pine Lake Drive3 Bedroom / 2 Bath | Offered at: $450,000Enjoy your own mountain retreat in the city limits of Cumming! Complete privacy.


CUMMING, GA227 Oak Forest Drive5 Bedroom / 5 Bath | Offered at: $399,900One of the largest plans in the subdivision. Both guest and master suite on main level!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

GAINESVILLE, GA3865 Cochran Road4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $775,000Unparalleled privacy on Lake Lanier. Contemporary home with 2.57+/- acres.


CUMMING, GA3115 Chimney Cove Lane5 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $349,000Charming Lake Lanier dollhouse. New kitchen and bathrooms. Beautiful rear deck.

Trudy Taylor: (770) 883-8640

CUMMING, GA0 Settingdown Road 3.5+/- acres | Offered at: $79,000Build your custom dream home on 3.5 acres with babbling brooks and lots of privacy.

Kerry Neel: (404) 353-9121

GAINESVILLE, GA2264 Lake Ranch Court4 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $880,000Great location convenient to Gainesville, Dawson and Forsyth Counties.

Denise Wesley: (404) 451-3692

DAWSONVILLE, GA204 Windy Hill Drive4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $430,000This home/farm on 7+/- acres is great for entertaining and close to everything!

Mike Garcia: (770) 231-9908

BUFORD, GA2475 White Road4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $399,900Meticulously maintained home with master on main, full basement on 5+/- private acres.

Marie Sir: (404) 520-5263

PAGE 13

DUNWOODY, GA2191 Brooke Farm Court5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $719,9003 sided brick home with two decks and pri-vate fenced backyard. Renovated kitchen.

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570


CUMMING, GA6080 Bridge Fair Road4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $274,900Open floor plan, kitchen newly remodeled, freshly painted interior, and basement!

Kerry Neel: (404) 353-9121

DAWSONVILLE, GA1732 Perimeter Road3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $149,900Residential or Commerical... it's your choice! Open floor plan and large level lot!


CUMMING, GA1510 Moorings Way4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $1,200,000Level lot home with easy walk to dock with sun bathing deck in quiet deep water cove.

Kristy Scott: (404) 645-6902

CUMMING, GA6530 Roundhill Court8 Bedroom / 7 Bath | Offered at: $600,000Drastically reduced! Exceptional home located near golf, stables, and more!

Mike Garcia: (77) 231-9908

YOUNG HARRIS, GA4431 Furman Gribble Road 4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $699,000Custom home with the highest level of craftsmanship and beautiful mountain views!


GAINESVILLE, GA3080 Wallace Road 7 Bedroom / 4 Bath | Offered at: $625,000Subdivide and develop or use as a horse farm. Rambling ranch on 7.98+/- acres!

Pete Clay: (678) 492-3559

Cumming, GA5315 Bentley Creek Way6 Bedroom / 5.5 Bath | Offered at: $789,900Fantastic home on quiet cul-de-sac with gor-geous pool, spa and fenced in backyard.

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

CUMMING, GA6860 North Glen Drive4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $200,000Well maintained home with partial finished basement with full bath and bedroom.

Mike Burnett: (678) 372-2741

LYERLY, GA100 Rivermont Road4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $799,00036+/- acre income producing Equestrian Estate with 12-stall barn and custom home!



WHY WAIT TO BUY YOUR DREAM HOME?

List your home TODAY with Harry Norman, REALTORS®

Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office and let us find your DREAM home!

Home listed on 500+ WebsitesFREE Home Warranty*

Professional PhotographyMarketing Plan for YOUR Home

Professional FlyersPersonal Marketing Coordinator

for YOUR ListingOpen House/Caravan Opportunities

Social Media MarketingNeighborhood Property Advertisement

FREE Classified Ad in 4 Local Newspapers

FREE Listing in The Real Estate Guide

Don’t miss the market! List your home today!

www.harrynormanlakelanier.com

Harry Norman, REALTORS® Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office | 1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA | (770) 497-2000 | www.hnrforsyth.comThe above information is believed to be accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice.

If your home is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal Housing Opportunity. www.harrynorman.comw w w . h a r r y n o r m a n l a k e l a n i e r . c o m

The Real Estate Guide (August Edition)

Documents

r r y n o r

n f o r s y t h

e rthe

e rw w w

credit score

good credit habits

home financing options

favorable credit history