10/27/2007

Agents, Builders and the general public in Atlanta are showing concern about the slow down of sales in the Atlanta Metro market.  Statistics indicate a slow-down in sales, yet the average sales price is slightly increasing across the board.  The market is innundated with foreclosures which is a result of the mortgage industry crisis.  Market trend forecast:  April 2008 should show substantial increaase in pending sales and closings.  There are many local homeowners just sitting and waiting to sell and eventually, they will be forced to get off the fence and sell.  10/25/2007

Thanks to staging.I received word last night from the home owner that his condo, staged 11 days ago, is now under contract.  I couldn't be more pleased for him.  While I don't have the exact stats on the number of condos for sale in the Atlanta area, I do know that there's a great many of them on the market.   And while the numbers may be alarming high, I had the utmost confidence that once staged, it would show extremely well and would be turned into an inviting and welcoming home.  It's a win-win situation for everyone (home owner, agent and of course, stager). Here's a "before" picture of the master bedroom: Here's the "after" picture: At Georgia Interior Solutions, we take great pride with each of our staging projects.  Our objective, whether the home is large or small, is to have t... 10/23/2007

  Great article yesterday in the Marietta Daily Journal about the current Real Estate Market. With building permits down and a large group of available inventory, it makes it an ideal time to buy real estate.MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL ARTICLEIf anyone is renting, it's even more ideal because they are not having to sell a house to buy another house. Just go straight from renting into ownership.If you need additional information on the available inventory, please contact me via phone or e-mail.   10/22/2007

 BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME One service that we provide is a VIDEO LIBRARY of various topics, all of which can help you in Real Estate. If you are thinking about buying your first home, then I recommend you open this link and watch this informative video.At this site you will also find videos on other topics such as investment properties, mortgages, the importance of location and many others. Coldwell Banker - FIRST TIME HOME BUYER VIDEOI hope that you enjoy this series. If I can ever answer any questions that you nay have, please feel free to call or e-mail me.   10/16/2007

 If you are considering getting a website/domain name, you need to be watchful. While I'm not going to endorse any reputable companies, please be aware there are some out there that are NOT reputable and will rip you off. Since the World Wide Web is truly world-wide, sometimes you just never know who you are dealing with.Do your research. Talk to others. If you want to be very diligent, you can certainly got to the ICANN website-which stands for "Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers."There is a wealth of info on getting the right (and legitimate) web domain. Here's there site:ICANN WEBSITE 10/14/2007

Just a a little humor for you... I was taking some buyers to look at some homes recently. You know the drill..you print out the homes that you think that they will like and then you go through the various "amenities" that each home offers.We found it humorous that one home even promoted the many furnishings including plus in the back yard they are promoting their "COY POND."I guess the fish are just a little more shy than others...   10/14/2007

The homeowner was right... She knew staging would make an impact and it did.I was contacted by an out-of-state client regarding staging her town-home in Atlanta.  As with all of my prospects, I went to see the home first-hand to study the space, determine the pieces (furniture and accessories) and to take "before" pictures.  These "before" & "after" pictures were posted in my blog back in August.  Three weeks later, the owner received an offer and the home is under contract (see testimonial) below.Testimonial from the agent:Once the home had been staged by your company, I got incredibly good feedback on well it showed.  In combination with an effective price and the "wow" effect you helped create, we were under contract within three weeks.   Your efforts were greatly appreciated and I h... 10/14/2007

There are 5 very distinct differences in the two pictures listed below.  Can you spot them?Here's picture #1:  Now... here's picture #2Let's see if you got them right:Wallpaper and border have been removedWalls have been paintedUpdated furniture has been brought inLight fixture has been updatedCan you spot the 5th one?  It's hard to see but sometimes even the "little" changes can make a difference.  Check out the light switch cover in the dining room.  The gold outdated plate has been switched out to a pure white plate to match the trim.As a homeowner, these are the types of changes that truly help separate your home from the others on the market.Atlanta's Premier Home Staging Company,  Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC, takes great pride in helping homeowners, builders and investors with... 10/10/2007

Australian BakeryType: Cafe, Coffee and DessertsAddress: 48 South Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060Phone: (678) 797-6222Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pmDescription: Breakfast & Lunch. Australian style menu and bakery items.URL: http://www.australianbakery.com/Blimpie Subs and SaladsType: Casual DiningAddress: 30 South Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060Phone: (770)421-2447Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pmDescription: Fresh sliced deli sub sandwiches, wraps and salads.URL: http://www.blimpie.com/Blu Greek TavernaType: Fine DiningAddress: 26 Mill Street NW, Marietta, GA 30060Phone: (770)429-4096Hours: Sun-Thurs Lunch 11am-2:30pm, Dinner 5pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat Lunch 11am-2:30pm, Dinner 5pm-11pmDescription: Lunch & Dinner. An upscale tavern with all organic traditional Gr... 10/10/2007

Address: Marietta Welcome Center, 4 Depot Street, Marietta, GA 30060Phone: (770) 881-8011Description: Join us for a lantern-led walk through the historic streets of Marietta and discover other side of this enchanting gem of the south. Experience why antebellum mansions and civil war memorials area not the only reminders of days gone by through a compelling blend of storytelling, history and the supernatural. Tours depart from the Marietta Welcome Center, 4 Depot Street, Marietta, GA rain or shine. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and the walk is under one mile. Private tours and group rates available.Hours: Late spring-late fallAdmission: Admission: $15.00 adults, $10.00 children (12 and under) space is limited and reservations are strongly recommended.URL: http://www.mariettaghostto... 10/10/2007

The efforts you are about to see are truly the results of a team effort - The Homeowner & A Home Stager!I met with this homeowner approximately 4 weeks ago.  We had a very productive conversation that centered on things HE could do to assist in preparing his home for the market.  We also concluded that up-dated furniture and accessories would lend incredible support in how the home showed.  So, with an agreement in hand, I set out to do what I do best; prepare a design plan that would help showcase the features of the home and help his home stand out amongst the others on the market.Prior to arriving this morning, the homeowner had the room painted, the interior shutters removed as well as all of the furniture you see in this "before" picture:Here's the "after" picture: Atlanta's Premie... 10/09/2007

  In this week's Atlanta Business Chronicle, there is an article about the number of homes for sale by banks. The article says that banks here in Atlanta have 12,309 foreclosed properties in the five county metro. The total number of homes for sale is 71,148, so you can see that this is an abnormally high percentage. Here is the link to the article. Atlanta Business Chronicle Article This situation certainly is good news for some and bad news for others. For owners facing foreclosure, this can be a rough situation. There are ways to avoid foreclosure, such as short sales or quick listing sales. If you are in the market to buy, this is a great time to look. Call me if you'd like to learn more of this opportunity to buy some great deals!  10/08/2007

What is PMI and how to get rid of it.What is PMI? It's PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE, or an insurance policy on your mortgage.If you put down less than 20% when you buy a home, lenders normally require this insurance policy. Why? Because buyers who put down 20% or more have a much lower default rate than those who put down less than 20%. There are loan packages out there that "piggy-back" an 80% loan with one or more other loans...like a 80/10/10. Some of these work around paying PMI, but you most likely will pay a higher interest rate on the secondary loans.How to get rid of PMI:1. HAVE IT APPRAISED: If your home has appreciated over time and you think that its value has boosted you above the 80% equity level, you can get it appraised and present this appraisal to the lender. As long as t... 10/05/2007

The Fallacy of "DAYS ON MARKET"I find it interesting that buyers are always curious how long a home has been on the market. Along with all the other stats on a house, this number intrugues many potential buyers.THE PERCEPTION IS: The length of time that the home has been on the market, is proportionate to the motivation level of the seller. They feel that a home that has been on the market for a long period of time might be a better deal than another home. Because after all...they "must be desperate by now!"THE TRUTH IS: Some homes have been on the market a LONG TIME because the sellers WON'T NEGOTIATE DOWN! Some sellers are just not that motivated and therfore "stick to their guns" on the price. That is why it's still for sale...So next time you compare DAYS ON MARKET to the PRICE..be ... 10/02/2007

*** HYNES PARK SUBDIVSION ***What a great location for these homes. Just off of Johnson Ferry, this enclave of 9 custom built homes gives you great access to East Cobb shopping, recreational areas and many choices for dining.Located in the Sope Creek Elementary, Dickerson Middle School and Walton High District, you get excellent schools as a key feature.Cobb County taxes are lower than surrounding counties, with so many amenities.If you would like more information on Hynes Park, please call or e-mail for showings/   10/01/2007

Early on in my staging career, I learned quickly the importance accessories play in the look and feel of a home.  Too few, and I didn't have a finished look.  Too many and I've simply distracted the buyers.  The objective with any home is to ensure the right accessories are used.  As a homeowner, you might want to consider the following three important items:Scale, Balance and Quantity:  Using this single set of before and after pictures, I'll demonstrate the importance of all three: Scale:  The size of the clock and the single candle are not lending support in drawing your eye to one of the biggest features of the room, the fireplace.Balance:  Here we have two items on the mantel.  Both are almost equal to each other in height and there is no balance.Quantity:  The homeowners, with rea... 09/30/2007

 *** Forest Brook Subdivision ***What a great place to call home!This wonderful East Cobb neighborhood is tucked away from the busy streets yet has good access to key roads such as Johnson Ferry and Roswell Road. Also good proximity to I-75 and Highway 400.Forest Brook Subdivision is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in East Cobb, giving you great amenities and schools at a price.Homes in Forest Brook Subdivision division range from the mid 200's to the mid 300s.If you would like to get updated sales or current homes listed for sale, please contact me via e-mail or phone.    09/25/2007

 *** TIFFANY PARK SUBDIVISION ***What a great place to call home!This wonderful East Cobb neighborhood is just off of Lower Roswell Road in a very popular area of Marietta/East Cobb.It is an exclusive enclave of just 21 homes, all custom built with many upgrades and upscale features.It has good access to key roads such as Johnson Ferry and Roswell Road. Also good proximity to I-75 and Highway 400.Homes in Tiffany Park Subdivision range from the mid 900's to over $1 million.If you would like to get updated sales or current homes listed for sale, please contact me via e-mail or phone.    09/25/2007

*** Gentry's Walk of East Cobb *** This quaint East Cobb neighborhood only has 5 homes. If you are looking to not be in a "mega-neighborhood" this may be perfect for you.Gentry's Walk has good access to key roads such as Johnson Ferry and Roswell Road. Also good proximity to I-75 and Highway 400.Homes in Gentry's Walk Subdivision range from the 500's to the 700s.If you would like to get updated sales or current homes listed for sale, please contact me via e-mail or phone.    09/25/2007