Toni Adcock

About Toni:

I wasn't born at Lake Martin, but I got here as quick as I could! Living at Lake Martin is wonderful and it's great to share the "Crown Jewell of the South" with others. This is a resort, second home, and retirement area. No one HAS to buy property at Lake Martin - they WANT to and my job is to help them find the cabin or the castle of their dreams! As a full time resident, I can provide detailed insight and information to my customers.

Prior to my real estate career, I worked in the airline industry - as a flight attendant, a reservations agent, and I handled complaints! My best skill - I'm a good listener. I'm not afraid to ask questions or to say I don't know but I'll find out! Buyers come to Lake Martin from all over the country. Working with people from out of state presents some special problems; so, the internet and email are helpful. However, I have called clients to tell them "I've found exactly what you want - come now!" Not only have they travelled long distances, they bought the one I suggested.

Areas of Expertise

Education is important. My REALTOR® designations include the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Resort & Second-home Property Specialist (RSPS) and I'm an Associate Broker.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Tips for Buying A Home
Let's talk about Priorities. Before you instruct your REALTOR® to find exactly the right property, make sure you know what is important to you.
1. Location, Location, Location (Some rules never change whether you're buying a lakehouse/second home or permanent residence)

• Consider the importance of view, deep water, protected cove or "slough", steep or flat lot, beach, seawall, boat ramp and pier.
• Do you want a cabin or a castle? Someone has to clean it!
• Maintenance can be an issue if you're a "weekender."
• The property should "fit" your family.
• Make sure you want to drive home to this "home" every time.
• Make sure you're proud to have your friends, family, and co-workers over for dinner or a weekend.
• No "deal" on earth is worth your embarrassment or excuses over why you're where you are. Don't settle for less.

2. The Art of Compromise

• Who really needs to compromise... Everybody.
• There is no perfect house; every house will need some change to be "just right" for you.
• Remember your basic priorities, don't lose a great house over the details.
• Cosmetics are just cosmetics. Paint and carpet can make a whole new world!

3. Surroundings

• Your peaceful enjoyment is important.
• Look at neighboring homes.
• Find out the time & distance to stores, schools, church, etc.

4. The Buck stops here

• Have your financing in order before you shop. Have your REALTOR® refer you to top lenders.
• Ask your agent to prepare a market analysis on your target home - get a recommendation for fair market value. If you negotiate toward that number you're in good shape.
• Remember that the same house costs you more as interest rates increase.

5. Don't mess around

• Have your REALTOR® assist you in becoming educated in the market - know the areas.
• After you've compared several homes that fit, narrow the choices to the best.
• DON'T lose the best choice by procrastinating - if it's the best one for you, it's probably the best one for a competing buyer.

Tips for Selling Your House
Let's do a reality check. Before you invite potential buyers into your home you'd better take a critical look at your property. Many of the improvements you can make to get ready involve few $$ and lots of elbow grease so there are no excuses!
Stick to basics and you'll be ok. Ask your professional REALTOR® to critique your home and to help you with staging for maximum results.
1. What do buyers want? Clean, bright, light, neutral!

• "de-personalize": eliminate clutter & too many family photos
• ever been in a model home? Try to look like that!
• don't distract buyers with an overload of "stuff"
• clean windows and screens, doorways and trim
• touch up paint where needed

2. Does "Curb Appeal" matter? Absolutely !

• keep your yard mowed, edged, and bushes neatly trimmed
• add fresh mulch
• move bikes, toys, and trash cans to an out-of-sight location
• keep porches & overhangs swept and clean - get rid of the spiderwebs

3. Do buyers look at the garage? Afraid so?.

• clean out ... throw away ... de-clutter
• wash the windows
• neatly store the boxes that you've filled from de-cluttering inside!
• organize tools, etc. the way you meant to do when you moved in

4. The "Inside" Tour

• scour bathrooms from top to bottom
• eliminate everything stored on top shelves and floors of closets
• clear your kitchen countertops, take magnets, etc. off the frig
• check out baseboards and dust-covered paddle fans
• clean out cabinets beneath kitchen & bathroom sinks
• keep window blinds open and interior lights on during showings