Monday, February 23, 2015

Roswell, GA Home Values Increase With Kitchen/Bath Improvements

Roswell, GA Home Values Increase With Kitchen/Bath Improvements

The following are tips on improving your kitchen and baths will help increase your Roswell, Georgia home's value and get your home sold in the fastest time possible.

Improving the Kitchen



In most homes, buyers will spend the most time in the kitchen. Make sure your kitchen is ready for this. If you have appliances that are dirty or old, get them cleaned spotless or consider replacing them. You do not need to spend a lot of money replacing your stove or refrigerator with top end appliances, but you do not want buyers walking into a kitchen, see a dirty stove or refrigerator and then walking out because of it. And do not forget the drawers and cabinets as buyers will open these! If you need a referral to a good cleaning service, let me know and I can send you a couple of names.

Improving the Bathrooms



Your bathrooms will also get the drill sergeant review from buyers, in particular any master bathrooms. Similar to the kitchen, make sure that any old fixtures are replaced and that the floors, bathtub & shower and walls are CLEAN. You can replace bathroom fixtures easily these days without spending a lot of money. And a fresh coat of paint can go a long way here too. I have seen buyers walk out of houses after walking into dirty old bathrooms.

Roswell, GA Home Values Increase With Kitchen/Bath Improvements.  This is based on our real world experience bothselling homes for homeowners and helping buyers buy homes. Aside from marketing your home andgenerating buyer leads for it to the maximum extent in the market, negotiating the highest price possible for you home, we want to get your home sold fast and with the fewest issues as possible. To find out "how much is my home worth", on the picture below:
http://www.searchallproperties.com/propertyvaluation/mvanaken/Roswell%2C+Georgia-96458?custom=2&autofill=1


To determine how much your Roswell, Georgia home is worth and to get your home sold for the most value contact us today!


The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team 
Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta
5780 Windward Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
678.929.6529

Roswell, GA Home Values Increase With Kitchen/Bath Improvements

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Kitchen and Bathroom Improvements Increase Alpharetta Home Values

Kitchen and Bathroom Improvements Increase Alpharetta Home Values 

The following are tips on improving your kitchen and baths will help increase your home's value and get your home sold in the fastest time possible.

The Kitchen


In most homes, buyers will spend the most time in the kitchen. Make sure your kitchen is ready for this. If you have appliances that are dirty or old, get them cleaned spotless or consider replacing them. You do not need to spend a lot of money replacing your stove or refrigerator with top end appliances, but you do not want buyers walking into a kitchen, see a dirty stove or refrigerator and then walking out because of it. And do not forget the drawers and cabinets as buyers will open these! If you need a referral to a good cleaning service, let me know and I can send you a couple of names.

The Bathrooms


Your bathrooms will also get the drill sergeant review from buyers, in particular any master bathrooms. Similar to the kitchen, make sure that any old fixtures are replaced and that the floors, bathtub & shower and walls are CLEAN. You can replace bathroom fixtures easily these days without spending a lot of money. And a fresh coat of paint can go a long way here too. I have seen buyers walk out of houses after walking into dirty old bathrooms.

Kitchen and bathroom improvements increase Alpharetta home values.  This is based on our real world experience bothselling homes for homeowners and helping buyers buy homes. Aside from marketing your home andgenerating buyer leads for it to the maximum extent in the market, negotiating the highest price possible for you home, we want to get your home sold fast and with the fewest issues as possible. To find out "how much is my home worth", on the picture below:

Kitchen and Bathroom Improvements Increase Alpharetta Home Values

To determine how much your home is worth and to get your home sold for the most value contact us today!
The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team 
Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta
5780 Windward Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
678.929.6529

Kitchen and Bathroom Improvements Increase Alpharetta Home Values

Monday, February 16, 2015

What Counts as an Alpharetta Georgia Home Comp?

What Counts as an Alpharetta Georgia Home Comp?

What Counts as an Alpharetta Georgia Home Comp? By The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team, Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta


From replacing a rusted out bathroom sink to laying flooring, Alpharetta homeowners are hooked on the DIY craze. Some things, however, are better left to professionals. Establishing your Alpharetta, Georgia home's current market value before putting it on the market or pursuing a refinance is one of those things.

To determine the homes value, appraisers and real estate agents will compare your home to those that have recently sold in the area. These are known as "comps". They will adjust the comps' prices up or down, according to how similar each home is to yours.

How a home qualifies as a comp for yours involves status, location, price per square feet, and condition.

Status

The market value of a home is what a knowledgeable and willing buyer will pay it. This figure is reflected in the sales price of recently sold homes. Appraisers and real estate agents use the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database to look for homes that have sold within the past six months. Only real estate licensees that pay an MLS membership fee will have access to this database, so a DIY consumer will find it challenging to locate a full and accurate list of sold properties.

Location

Since location is one of the principal indicators of property value, appraisers and real estate agents look for sold homes that are in close proximity to your property. Some lenders give strict location requirements to appraisers, for example a comp in an urban or suburban area must be no more than one mile away, and rural comps no more than five miles away.

Real estate agents, on the other hand, have a little more leeway and will typically begin their research close to the subject property and then widen the area until they've found three comparable properties that have sold in the past six months.

Neighborhood characteristics that influence a home's value include:
Nearby parks
Proximity to shopping
Neighborhood condition
Traffic, airport or other noise
The quality of the school district
Number of distressed properties in the neighborhood
Declining values or oversupply of homes in the area

Price Per Square Foot

You may see sold homes or homes for sale that list the price per square foot in addition to the price of the home. This figure takes into account only the home's square footage and nothing else. Because it fails to account for the diverse aspects and special features of the house, it isn't an accurate reflection of value. So a larger home will most likely sell for more than a smaller home.

Condition

A homes needed maintenance will bring down the value of a home. Maintenance items of need includes all of the items you have been meaning to fix, but never got around to. Examples include:
Leaky faucets
Cracked windows
Loose or missing hand rails
Structural damage
Overgrown landscaping
Dirty or damaged carpets or other flooring

The Process

Your agent or an appraiser may not find a home that's identical to yours, so he or she will need to make adjustments to the sold prices of the comps to account for the differences. If the comparable home is inferior to your home, value is added to bring it up to par. If the comparable is superior to your property, value is removed.

Here's an example of how this works:

The subject property has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a pool. The comparable property, located three blocks from the subject, sold three weeks ago for $387,500.

The comparable property has three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, but it doesn't have a pool.

The appraiser or agent will deduct value from the comparable for the lack of a pool and add value for the extra half bathroom. The amount to deduct or add depends on the value the local market places on items such as a pool or a half bathroom.

The adjusted price range of the comp will reflect the current market value of your property.

Determining a home's market value requires current, accurate information and some experience with the process. Your real estate agent will not only determine the current market value, but will also give you tips on how to get top dollar for the home.

Find out what your home value is today! Click below:

http://www.searchallproperties.com/propertyvaluation/mvanaken/Alpharetta%2C+Georgia-96456?custom=2


For more information on what counts as an Alpharetta Georgia home comp, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team with Keller Williams Realty of North Atlanta.
5780 Windward Parkway
Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
678.929.6529

What Counts as an Alpharetta Georgia Home Comp?



Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Alpharetta Georgia Provides Excellent Dining Options

Alpharetta Georgia Provides Excellent Dining Options


Alpharetta, Georgia is beyond awesome due to many of the culinary treats available. Home to many popular restaurants such as South Main Kitchen which offers a dining experience that is ingredient driven, to Vinny's on Windward that transports guests straight to Italy, to Pure Taqueria with its authentic Mexican cuisine as well as heavenly margaritas. Dining out in Alpharetta, Georgia is a draw for many homeowners.

With approximately 54,000 residents and located less than 25 miles from Atlanta, Alpharetta offers more than just a thriving culinary scene. Home to luxury accommodations, exciting recreation, trendy entertainment and endless shopping opportunities, Alpharetta is what it says it is.....Awesome! The schools are top rated - both public and private. Alpharetta, Georgia homes are stunning! With golf, swim/tennis and lake homes, you will find a variety to choose from.

Take a visual drive through Alpharetta today by clicking HERE.
Search All Homes For Sale
Alpharetta, Ga Homes for Sale
Milton Homes for Sale
Roswell Homes for Sale
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What is Your Home Worth?
Homes Close to Where You Work
Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale
The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team
Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta
678.820.6889
mary@mevhomes.com

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Warm Weather Brings Home Buyers To Atlanta

Warm Weather Brings Home Buyers To Atlanta

According to Penske Truck Rental's 2014 report, Atlanta is the number one moving destination! Warmth and sunshine is one of the many features that attracts people to Atlanta, Georgia. 

Penske’s 2014 top moving destinations list is compiled via analysis of its one-way consumer truck rental reservations made. Penske Truck Rental's top 10 moving destinations for 2014 include:
  1. Atlanta
  2. Tampa/Sarasota
  3. Dallas/Fort Worth
  4. Phoenix
  5. Orlando
  6. Seattle
  7. Denver
  8. Houston
  9. Chicago
  10. Las Vegas
Atlanta is one of the primary cities of the South. The city and surrounding suburbs offer Southern charm and hospitality.


There is a lot to explore, including trendy boutiques, theaters, museums and historic parks. From the charming towns of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Cumming to the shores of Lake Lanier, Atlanta has everything for the young graduate to the seasoned business executive to the active family.

Atlanta is also known for it's many Fortune 500 companies including The Home Depot, UPS, The Coca-Cola Company and Delta Airlines. The city and suburbs are a terrific destination for the business traveler or the active vacation family with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the world’s largest airport—along with access to I-75, and I-85.

Location, location, location

Where you buy in the Atlanta area not only affects the home's current and future value, but it also affects your lifestyle. As your real estate agent, The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team with Keller Williams Realty of North Atlanta will be able to conduct a more targeted home search if you outline your preferences in neighborhoods and nearby amenities. Here's a checklist of items you should consider:

* Urban, suburban or rural
* Commute time
* School districts
* Desirable neighborhoods
* Proximity to the airport
* Proximity to restaurants and retail
* Access to major highways and thoroughfares
* Access to public transportation
* Health care facilities
* Parks and recreation
* Length of time you plan to live in the home


To find out more about the area, view available properties, or gain relocation assistance, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty in North Atlanta today! They are located at  5780 Windward Parkway Suite 100 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 678.929.6529

 

 

 

Warm Weather Brings Home Buyers To Atlanta

Friday, February 6, 2015

Children Reach High With The Forsyth County YMCA!

Children Reach High With The Forsyth County YMCA!

At the Y, we believe that all people, especially children, deserve an equal chance to reach their full potential.

We know that not all people have the same opportunities to grown and learn. In fact, one in five children, adults and families that come to the Y need financial assistance to be a part of our impactful programs. Your support helps ensure that no one is turned away at the Y.

Children Reach High With The Forsyth County YMCA! This is why I’ve chosen to be a Y Champion for Forsyth YMCA. For years I have been a part of the Y and have seen firsthand how the YMCA changes lives. From the afterschool programs to summer day camps the Y offers so much for so many.  See more below on all our local Y has to offer.

Please make a donation on my page today and help support this fantastic community program! I thank you in advance for support!


Offerings At The YMCA:

Afterschool
YMCA afterschool programs help youth improve academic achievement and stay active while providing parents with affordable, enriching childcare. By using intentional learning strategies specifically for out-of-school time, Y afterschool programs provide children, ages five to 12 years old, with a safe place to receive academic support. Because an active mind needs a healthy body, kids also receive fitness programming through the Y’s signature wellness program, Youth Fit 4 Life.

Early Learning
With a focus on preparing youth for academic success, the Y is committed to early learning programs that ensure children are ready to enter kindergarten and are on track to read to learn by third grade. The Y’s early learning programs help kids become socially, academically and emotionally ready to start school.

Hunger Relief Programs
Each day during the summer, Y staff and volunteers go into our communities to provide nutritious meals to more than 10,000 children in need. During the school year, many kids enrolled in Y afterschool are part of the Backpack Program, where they receive healthy food to take home every Friday afternoon, ensuring they don’t go hungry during the weekend.

Resident Camp
YMCA resident camp empowers young people to build curiosity, responsibility, problem-solving skills, strong work habits, and creativity while fostering a sense of belonging and community. Camp High Harbour gives kids and teens the chance to retreat to the wilderness, play and sleep under the stars, and most importantly, learn valuable life lessons in a camp setting.

Summer Day Camp
YMCA day camp gives children the opportunity to try new activities, have fun and learn while school is out for the summer. Campers are able to explore creativity, teamwork and participate in skills like swimming and youth sports. Through Y day camp, youth stay engaged and active, and parents know their kids are in a safe and positive environment.

Teen Programs
Teen programs at the Y instill confidence and leadership skills that are critical for future success. With mentorship, leadership development, service opportunities, and exposure to higher education and career exploration, Y programs help teens build character, determination and communication skills, preparing them for college and career.

Welcoming Emerging Communities
The Welcoming Emerging Communities program encourages all families to be a part of the Y community. Through the Y’s Early Learning Readiness program, all children, regardless of background, can engage in stimulating experiences that foster social development and improve school readiness. As children progress to elementary school, the Y continues to offer academic support through the afterschool program.

Wellness
The Y gives adults of all ages and abilities the know-how and resources to overcome obstacles to improve their health, well-being and social connectedness. The Y promotes healthy living through programs like THE COACH APPROACH, diabetes prevention, and wellness support for cancer survivors. Adults receive the support, guidance and resources they need to stay healthy.

Youth Sports
The Y is a starting point for many kids to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits. The Y nurtures the potential of children through youth sports programs by strengthening character, engaging families, and building lasting relationships. YMCA youth sports help kids gain self-confidence and build positive relationships that lead to teamwork and good sportsmanship – skills that last a lifetime.

Children Reach High With The Forsyth County YMCA!

Monday, February 2, 2015

Alpharetta Georgia Home Valuations. How to Increase Yours the Most!

Learn how to increase the value of your Alpharetta Georgia Home the most for the least!

A fresh coat of paint will make a room look new and clean and new carpets will make it shine that much more. Be sure to pick a paint color that is neutral as that will appeal to the most people. I have seen many buyers walk into a home with rooms painted the seller's favorite color and just walk out because they hated it!

Buyers also will always look down at the floor when they walk into a room. So be sure that the carpets are clean, and if they are worn, consider getting them replaced. Worn or dirty carpets and badly painted or dirty walls will make a buyer think that there are other issues with your home even if there is not.

If you would like an up-to-date valuation of your Alpharetta Georgia home, and the full "Increase Your Alpharetta Georgia Home the Most for the Least" report that I use to help increase my clients Alpharetta Georgia Homes the most, click on the image below or:

or Call 678.820.6889 to receive your custom property valuation 24 /7. 

http://www.searchallproperties.com/propertyvaluation/mvanaken/Alpharetta%2C+Georgia-96456?custom=2
Search All Homes For Sale
Alpharetta, Ga Homes for Sale
Milton Homes for Sale
Roswell Homes for Sale
Cumming Homes for Sale
What is Your Home Worth?
Homes Close to Where You Work
Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale
The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team
Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta
678.820.6889
mary@mevhomes.com

North Atlanta Home Valuations. How to Increase Yours the Most!

Learn how to increase the value of your North Atlanta Home the most for the least!

A fresh coat of paint will make a room look new and clean and new carpets will make it shine that much more. Be sure to pick a paint color that is neutral as that will appeal to the most people. I have seen many buyers walk into a home with rooms painted the seller's favorite color and just walk out because they hated it!

Buyers also will always look down at the floor when they walk into a room. So be sure that the carpets are clean, and if they are worn, consider getting them replaced. Worn or dirty carpets and badly painted or dirty walls will make a buyer think that there are other issues with your home even if there is not.

If you would like an up-to-date valuation of your North Atlanta home, and the full "Increase Your North Atlanta Home the Most for the Least" report that I use to help increase my clients North Atlanta Homes the most, click on the image below or:

or Call 678.820.6889 to receive your custom property valuation 24 /7.

http://www.searchallproperties.com/propertyvaluation/mvanaken/North+Atlanta-174219

Search All Homes For Sale
Alpharetta, Ga Homes for Sale
Milton Homes for Sale
Roswell Homes for Sale
Cumming Homes for Sale
What is Your Home Worth?
Homes Close to Where You Work
Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale
The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team
Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta
678.820.6889
mary@mevhomes.com