Sandy Springs, GA

Susan Jackson, Associate Broker

Featured Lisitng

Exquisite Sandy Springs Home

This six bedroom, five and a half bathroom competitively priced home is conveniently located in Sandy Springs, Ga. The construction is chiseled stone and brick. The home is professionally landscaped in both the front and back yards and has a water efficient sprinkler system. The builders were very careful in maintaining trees original to the property during construction. The spacious deck has a stone floor and a patio underneath. The side entrance garage is built for three cars and is equipped with openers.

The gourmet kitchen has granite counter tops, under the counter microwave draw, over the stove pot filler, island with a prep sink and pantry. The eat in ktichen looks out onto the deck. The dining room is banquet size and has a butler's pantry. The spacious family room has a fireplace with built ins, decorative ceiling fan and also looks out onto deck.

The master bedroom is a suite, it contains a fireplace and a sitting area. The spa like master bathroom has a jetted tub, separate shower with a seat and additional shower heads. The oversized master closet is a room unto inself. The secondary bedrooms are sizable and have bathrooms. The laundry room is on the second floor with the bedrooms.

The terrance level has a media room and additional rooms to use as you please.

This exquisite home is located near restaurants, shopping, entertainment and transportation.

The offered price is $750,000

For Additional information contact: Susan Jackson, Associate Broker Phone: 770-551-5852 or email: sjackson@kstrealty.com

The 203(k) lets an owner-occupant borrow money for both the purchase and renovation in one loan, and put down only 3.5 percent.

The program requires the use of credentialed contractors and can include cosmetic improvements as well as major renovations like replacing plumbing or electrical. Completing the application process requires patience, says Nancy Hammock, an associate with RE/MAX Properties in Western Springs, Ill.

But in this lending environment, more homebuyers are finding 203(k)s worth the hassle. In fiscal 2008, the government insured about 6,700 of the 203(k) loans. This year, more than 11,000 loans have already been insured, according to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Need more information about getting this type of loan? Contact 404.444.5777 or places2love@gmail.com. Happy House Hunting!

Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Ellen Podmolik (08/14/2009)

You can sell your home in this market! I cannot stress enough how vital it is that your home shows well, especially in this market so that you can sell it - this market is a price war but also a beauty contest so make your home the most appealing. I have had buyers again and again see homes that are similar in design and they choose the more expensive of the bunch simply because it showed the best - and yes, that is in this current market.

Here are some inexpensive ways to make your home a great show:

1. Add a touch of color. Use fresh or silk flowers to breathe life and color into the main rooms. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room.

2. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels, and fancy guest soaps.

3. Does it smell fresh? Set out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a homey smell. Make sure that there are no lingering scents from cigarettes or pets.

4. Help them envision living there. Set the table with pretty dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture themselves there. For example, in the basement lay out a chess game.

5. Beautify the entrance. Buy a fresh doormat with a pretty pattern or a clever saying.

6. Make the rooms feel bigger. Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of spaciousness.

7. Accentuate counter space. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter space.

8. Lay logs in the fireplace. Or put a basket of flowers there if it's not in use.

9. Depersonalize the rooms. Put away family photos, mementos, and distinctive artwork. Potential buyers have to be able to imagine themselves in your home, and it helps them imagine fitting in if they have a depersonalized canvas before them.

10. The lawn should sparkle. Turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes to make the lawn sparkle.

Source: August 2009 FMLS Newsletter, Tips for Your Sellers: Making a Home Irresistible
for an Open House

Location. "A" real estate locations are in areas where there is little land left to build on and the neighborhood has a certain prestige.

No-frills design with quality construction. Look for three or four parking spaces per 1,000 square feet, no more than 15 percent of space devoted to common areas, and simple but visually pleasing design.

Few or no vacancies. Buildings with lots of small offices are easier to keep full than those that rely on renting out entire floors to one tenant - do not put all your eggs in one basket/tenant.

Potential for appreciation. Older buildings with lower rents have the most upside potential. As leases expire, the new owner can raise the rent.

Available financing. Find a financial pro to help negotiate the right provisions.

Sale price based on existing income. Avoid buying based on projected income because that may never materialize.

Want more advice on investing in real estate or need help finding a financial pro? Contact places2love@gmail.com or 404.444.5777 for more information. Happy Investing!

Source: Miami Herald, Matthew Haggman (08/03/2009)

Looking for an effective way to advertise your business? How about putting your business in front of 30,000 potential customers without having to spend a ton of money?

The Sandy Springs/Perimeter Guidebook 2009-2010might just be the advertising vehicle you are looking for! The 2009-2010 Guide will be released in September and will be displayed at various retail locations, restaurants and hotels. For information about advertising in the Guide contact Brian Botkin with Publication Management Inc. at 404.255.5603 ext. 19 or by email, bbotkin@pubman.net.

Source: Sandy Springs Community News, July 24, 2009