Geza Csuros

Just a very short note to express my very pleasant surprise - and gratitude! I have recenty had a project which required TVA approval. I have always been ver weary of agencies that we depend on for permitting etc - had some horrifying experiences in Florida! TVA was AWESOME - very acomodating and eager to help!

Thank you guys - an amazing experience!

Geza

I am really a newbie in Blue Ridge - it has only been three years since I started calling this area home - but I have seen some major changes in those three years, especially during the past twelve months or so.

Three years ago - alas a few months ago - downtown was deserted after 5:00 p.m. Stores were very seasonal and there were not many great restaurants to speak of. This is changed now, and changed for the better! It is hard to find a good parking spot nowadays; stores are open later and great restaurants are popping up all over the place.

The reason?

First: much better leadership in the City

Secondly: (would you believe?) wine and beer! Yes, we do have a pouring license now, which brings better restaurants which bring more tourists who will love this area and decide to buy a part or full time home! This will change demographics - for the better I hope - will undoubtedly benefit business, increase the need for services and hence provide so badly needed jobs, income and tax revenue!

I am very excited about the changes - we live in interesting times!

Geza

It seems that the market is improving (at least the North Georgia market is) and my phone is beginning to ring again, which is a positive sign :-). The North Georgia (Blue Ridge) market AND demographics are changing at a very steady space.

Most of my clients already own a home in the Mountains, and are thinking of making the move, and leave the hectic - nobody should have to endure - city life. Their cabins served nothing else but a weekend getaway to this point - size, comfort, lifestyle were not a major issue as we all like to 'rough' it when going fishing or engaging in outdoor activities. Living here full time is a different story.

So how much is really feasible to spend on an addition and where is that fine line between the remodeling and exchanging the property to something more suitable?

The fact is that we all have a million dollar taste and very often a much more limited budget, therefore it is very prudent to establish a budget. Secondly, will the budget allow for changes needed for the lifestyle we have in mind and if we should go ahead and invest in the property, will we be pricing ourselves out of the market, i.e, will the current value of the property plus the additional investment make the property impossible to sell, should the need arise.

I have had enough experience (almost thirty years - as much as I hate to admit to it) that I can put a fairly accurate number to what my clients' needs and requirements are. It is very prudent at this point to consult a Realtor, and get a good idea of the market trends. It might be financially more sensible to put the house on the market and look for something fresh 'out of the box' that would better suite our needs - especially in this economy, where some incredible properties can be purchased for a very reasonable price.

If the decision is to go ahead with the remodel/addition, I often recommend to my clients to get a master plan done with their ultimate goal in mind, and from their master plan come up with a list of priorities. Once the master plan is complete and priorities are set, the project can be phased out in a very organized and intelligent way. We can add the additional square footage; install the new kitchen; fix the bathrooms but perhaps hold off on the pool or the new deck. Having a master plan will allow taking a break from the project and re-address it in a year or so, when market conditions or financial projections (and budget constraints) change. Also, a permit is good for at least a year (different in some areas) and can be extended easily. This way we can avoid having to make changes due to building code

Having a master plan also helps in avoiding change orders - contractors will bid apples to apples and nothing - or very little - is left to guesswork. Most remodel projects go over budget - not as much during construction but when interior finishes are selected. It is very easy to see a light fixture which "will look so much better" but costs $1000 vs $150. Be sensible, know your budget and do research - most importantly, talk with your designer and talk with your Realtor - we know the market, we have the experience and can be invaluable help in the process!

Well, good luck with your projects - just FYI - I welcome questions and will be glad to offer some feedback should you have any questions - no charge of course :-)

I have had many Realtor friends and business associates in the past, and I do have them now. In fact, many times we were able to exchange leads and help each other in the closing of a deal.

I have four different types of customers:

• The ones who own property in this area and are either planning on adding on / enlarging their home for their changed lifestyle
• The customers who have had vacant property for years and have finally decided to build on it o that they can make the move and get away from their hectic city lives.
• The ones who are looking for vacant land so that they can build for above reasons.
• The ones who are buying a home, but would like to make some changes - to make it fit their family, personality and needs.

The latter two normally involve Realtors. Having a customer who is interested in either vacant land or in an excisting home are the customers all Realtors deal with day in and day out. I am sure you all had the buyers who simply cannot make up their minds, because they simply cannot envision their home on a vacant land or who LOVE the house, but wish it was slightly larger, had more storage or just not 'open' enough. The price is right, the location is perfect - they are ready to sign, BUT ....

On many occasion I work hand in hand with Realtors, and help 'nudge' those undecided customers by giving them a visual of what the possibilities are, an approximate cost of what it would cost them to have that dream house. I do this free of charge simply to help an associate as well as to lock in a possible client for myself in the future.

The system works the other way also - I have had customer before whom I had to advise that it will be more economically feasible to sell their existing property and look for something that is more in line with what they are trying to achieve.

So you see - Realtors and Designer can benefit from each other's services. I for one believe in networking - worked for me well in the past!

Happy networking and Happy Thanksgiving!

Geza

Geza Design