Becky's Blog

Updated Websites for Cherokee County GA and Lake Arrowhead GA

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:07:59 -0500

Check out Lake Arrowhead GA which has new pictures of the trails and amenities as well as new Waleska and Canton GA area info. There is a great selection of Lake Arrowhead lakefront homes and lots for sale and prices are the best in several years!!

My Cherokee County GA website has updated information on my team, as well as an updated resume of my background as the #1 agent in Cherokee County. Although my team has strong sales, we especially are proud of being ranked in the top 1/3 of 1% in customer satisfaction surveys after closings!! Selling 700 homes in the past 6 years is quite an accomplishment, but doing it with such strong satisfaction from my clients says it all! Even though the market is tough, I still love this business and I love helping my clients achieve their real estate goals.

For Woodstock Golf Home buyers, check out the best Woodstock Golf Course homes in Bradshaw Farm!

Cherokee County Georgia Award Winning Realtor

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:51:45 -0500

I recently received an award for being the #1 selling residential agent in Cherokee County, for the third year in a row, which is of course a huge honor. I had been kind of bummed about my sales in 2008 since they were down from 2007, but after seeing how much all agents were down in sales, I felt grateful to have had such a good year in such a challenging market.

After 13+ years being in the real estate business, including closing 700+ transactions in the past 6 years, I consider my "top" award to be the ERA National Customer Satisfaction Award. This award is based on HAPPY CLIENTS and is based on results of surveys sent to clients by ERA after closings.

Only 61 agents out of 20,000 got this award in 2008, and I consider it a high honor to be able to not only sell a lot of real estate, but to do it in a way that makes my clients rank me in the top tier of customer service.

My goal is to be worthy of the referrals of my clients' family and friends! I am proud of the team I have built, with a strong emphasis on customer service, cutting edge technology, and extensive marketing and management of listings.

My website has all Cherokee County Georgia Real Estate on it, so buyers may search the entire MLS or just my listings. Having an easy to use website that allows buyers to sign up for instant email updates is a great service that buyers appreciate.

2009 First Time Home Buyer $8000 Tax Credit

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:40:27 -0600

The 2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit is like $8000 in FREE MONEY to first time home buyers! I have loaded details of the credit on my primary Cherokee County GA website under the documents tab.

The credit is for first time primary resident home buyers or people who have not had an ownership interest in a home for 3 years. The home must be purchased in 2009, on or before December 1, 2009, to qualify. A home purchased for $80,000 or more qualifies for the full $8000 amount. If the house costs less than $80,000, the credit is 10% of the cost.

This tax credit is especially valuable to home purchasers because it is a "refundable" credit, which simply means the home buyer gets the full amount, even if it exceeds their tax liability. Another key feature is home buyers can file for this credit on their 2008 tax returns which are due by April 15 of this year, or they can file an amended return and get their refund later this year instead of waiting until next year.

The Q & A document on my website is courtesy of ERA Mortgage, Becky Dabbs, who does a great job with loans. Becky Dabbs can be reached at ERA Sunrise Realty in Canton, GA at 770-720-1515.

For the convenience of my clients, this Q & A document is also available on my other websites, including Lake Arrowhead, Waleska, GA and Bradshaw Farm Homes, Woodstock GA.

Please tell anyone you know that this is a GREAT time for first time buyers to get a FANTASTIC DEAL, and LOW INTEREST RATE, and now, an extra $8000! As word gets out, homes will get more picked over and sellers will negotiate less generously since their homes are in greater demand, so the sooner the better to get a great selection of homes AND a great deal!

iPhone Technology is Awesome

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:59:29 -0600

I recently got an iPhone to replace my Treo. My Treo was OK but not as user friendly as I would like and the built-in Supra Key was frustrating, slow and often had software issues.

The iPhone auto set up my email (I only had to add my password) and I was able to use it from day one without even reading the user guide.

Email is a snap and I signed up for MobileMe for one year ($99/yr) so that my contacts and calendar are instanting in sync in real time. Same for contacts - no sync is required.

The visual voicemail is very efficient. No more listening to every single message just to see who calls. I get a list of messages with the phone number and/or name of the caller and simply touch and listen in whatever order I want. I also don't have to listen to my greeting or enter a password to get into my voicemail box.

If I am on a call, and another one comes in, the screen lights up with the incoming caller ID info, and 3 touch screen buttons appear - ignore/send to voicemail, put 1st call on hold and answer 2nd call, or hang up with 1st call and answer 2nd call. It is great for juggling calls.

I like the touch screen concept and being able to jump directly where I want to instead of scrolling through multiple menus to get where I want to go.

Texting is efficient, with a history of all texts maintained on the phone so I can remember who I am talking with as well as the history of our conversation. The touchscreen keyboard is a little different but I was used to it within an hour and love it now.

The screen is double the size of my Treo and most Blackberries so for a 40+ year old, it helps a lot to SEE everything!! Websites and pdfs (like contracts that come in via my efax) are easy to read and can be seen in landscape or portrait and zooming in or out is a simple touch ("pinch") on the screen - no menus needed!

It is intuitive, super easy and the downloadable apps give me a great real estate calculator and other tools like touch speed dial buttons to customize my phone.

For me, this is a great work machine and has been the best technology decision I have made in a long time!

Becky Babcock, ERA Sunrise Realty

www.BeckysRealEstate.com

Comparing 2008 to 2007

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:50:06 -0600

Sales declined again this past year, comparing 2008 to 2007. The lower price ranges market remaining stable and the higher price ranges have the greatest declines. Sales in the 300K+ range declined 45%, in the 225K-300K range, by 43% and in the 150-225K range by 39%. Under 150K remained stable, with about the same volume of sales in 2008 as in 2007.

Foreclosures and Short Sales continue to account for about 50% of all closings in Cherokee County.

Second home buyers and retirees who typically buy in North Georgia Mountain and Lake Communities like Lake Arrowhead found their 401K nest eggs lose so much value they were more likely to postpone their home purchases and even postpone their retirement in 2008, resulting in a 50% decline in sales in that community.

Georgia Golf Communities, which are appealing to retirees as well as families, saw moderate to signficant declines in values from 2007 to 2008, with an average decline of 10.5% per a recent AJC report. The Bradshaw Farm Golf Club Community as well as BridgeMill, Eagle Watch, Towne Lake, and Woodmont have seen prices decline as well.

Looking ahead to 2009, interest rates are below 5% which has increased buyer calls, showings, and offers lately. I have negotiated one offer to a binding contract and am in the process of negotiating two more offers, and January is supposed to be the slowest month of the year!

The media oftens influences public perception, which in turn changes reality, and with the media's positive spin on the Obama presidency, many expect it to help consumer confidence.

Cherokee County Market in 2008

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:46:04 -0600

Overall sales in Cherokee County for 2008 are going to come in lower than the 2007 market, which was also down from 2006.

What this means to sellers is that choosing an agent becomes even more critical. In 2005, many opportunists entered real estate, thinking it was easy, but now many of those agents are leaving the business. Real estate is more than order taking! It takes experience & negotiation skills, extensive marketing, and thorough follow up. The rate of deals falling through is greater than ever before, so experience in holding a sale together is also critical.

Be sure to ask these 5 basic questions before hiring an agent:

(1) Are you a Full Time experienced agent and available daytime and evenings, including weekends to handle inquiries from both buyers and other agents regarding my home?

(2) Do you have a strong presence on the internet since 80% of buyers look for homes on the internet, and do you get email inquiries on your phone so buyers and other agents get help ASAP when interested in your listings?

(3) Do you continue to market in print even in this tough economy, including color flyers, magazines and newspapers?

(4) How do you tap the relocation market, which feeds some of the best buyers to the north metro Atlanta market?

(5) What kind of RESULTS and TRACK RECORD show your capabilities?

Check out my marketing plan on my website, www.beckysrealestate.com. As the #1 resale agent in Cherokee County the last two years, plus the #1 agent in sales in both Lake Arrowhead and Bradshaw Farm, I know what it takes in this tough market to get attention and showings for my listings, which ultimately results in sales!

Bradshaw Farm Homes Woodstock GA

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:37:19 -0600

I have launched a specialty website to focus on Bradshaw Farm Homes for sale in Woodstock, GA. Located in SE Cherokee just 30 miles north of Atlanta, this golf, swim, and tennis community is an easy drive to Fulton or Cobb. The schools, Hickory Flat Elementary, Dean Rusk Middle, and Sequoyah High School, are award winning & nationally ranked, and only 2 miles from the neighborhood, We have called Bradshaw Farm home for 11 years, and it has been a great place to raise a family. The Bradshaw Farm Golf Club features 27 award winning holes, with picturesque views of the original silos from the Bradshaw's Farm. There are two swimming pools, tennis centers and playgrounds, with one pool having a water slide and mushroom water fall for toddlers to play in only an inch or two of water.

The web site is www.BradshawFarmHomes.com.

Lake Arrowhead GA Update

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:11:47 -0500

The new Lake Arrowhead Highlands Golf Course is OPEN! It is a beautiful course, with 18 championship holes meandering through the mountains and along beautiful creeks.

Boat rentals are now available: pontoons, sail boats, paddle boats and fishing boats!

The county and developer have signed a joint development agreement to build a new fire station inside Lake Arrowhead.

The Lake Arrowhead Chapel is a wonderful part of the community, supporting many worthwhile causes with their upcoming charity golf tournament, which I am proud to sponsor.

Several of the new Lake Arrowhead hiking trails are open and they are fantastic, like being in the Blue Ridge mountains, with mossy covered rocks, wide noisy creeks, mountain laurel, and ferns.

I recently partnered with McGarry & Spencer homes to sell their model home and spec homes INSIDE Lake Arrowhead. My team will have the model home open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Of course, we will help all buyers find just the right fit, showcasing All Becky's Listings (new & resale).

Cherokee County GA Foreclosures

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:41:26 -0500

I never would have guessed our local Cherokee County Georgia real estate market would end up with more foreclosures every month (about 250) than actual sales every month (about 200). It is just a sign of the times. The entire Atlanta Area Real Estate market is suffering a similar fate, although areas with great inventories of new homes seem to struggle the most.

Some of the real estate deals are incredible, with homes costing less than an SUV! Many people are trying to diversify their investments, by purchasing investment or second home properties, especially with all the turmoil on wall street. At least real estate is a tangible asset that won't dissolve into nothing overnight!

My website has a special section with all Cherokee Foreclosures, making it super easy to search them and sign up for auto email updates of new listings.

As discouraging as the market is for sellers, there are some proven ways to make a sale likely in this market! Marketing with great photos and descriptions of the house, putting a home in move-in condition, and pricing it based on today's market creates a recipe for success.

Best Lake & Mountain Getaway in North GA

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:17:23 -0500

Check out Lake Arrowhead in NW Cherokee County for awesome lake, mountain, and golf homes in the North GA Mountains. The gated community is perfect for 1st or 2nd homes, with 8000+ acres of wooded wilderness, hiking trails and awesome amenities. It is common to see wildlife and the lake is the largest private lake in GA, with beautiful blue, crystal clear water. With interest rates low, prices low, and the selection great, it is a fantastic time to invest in real estate, whether for a 1st or 2nd home.

Cherokee County GA 1st Quarter Results: 2008 versus 2007

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:07:07 -0500

Sales across Cherokee County for the first quarter fell 34% from 2007 to 2008. In January to March 2007, there were 851 closings in Cherokee County, versus 558 sales for the same period in 2008. Additionally, the foreclosure rate in Cherokee County doubled from March 2008 to April 2008, which will result in further pressure for prices to decline.

Recent interest rate reductions and the BEST prices and DEALS for real estate in 20 years, plus the spring market will bring out buyers, making it critical for sellers to know what to do to stand out among the masses of homes on the market! Professional Marketing, condition, and price are critical. Offering a home as a "lease purchase" can also open more doors, especially with buyers who need to sell in another state before they can buy in GA. I have recently done two lease purchase contracts in Bradshaw Farm and one in Lake Arrowhead. Getting a sizeable upfront non-refundable deposit, plus adequate rent to cover carrying costs, will give a seller either a sale in 12 months or buy some time until the market improves if the buyer doesn't end up closing....either option might be a win-win for a buyer and seller in this market!

Cherokee County Real Estate Recap for 2007

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:46:43 -0500

Although 2007 was certainly a tough year for real estate sales, my team worked more hours and spent more money on marketing in order to remain the #1 residential resale agent team in Cherokee County.

Real Estate is not a "one man" (or "one woman") show.....it is a collective team effort. I am proud of the hard work of my team members and the support of my ERA Sunrise Realty broker, David Johnson, and owner, David Moody. ERA Sunrise Realty focuses on building long term client and agent relationships that help everyone achieve their goals. They are known for cutting edge technology and lead generation which is very important as real estate becomes more internet driven.

As we enter 2008, the market started off slow in January and February, but March and April are coming in at a fantastic pace, so check out my Cherokee County Real Estate Website and find some great deals on homes while interest rates are still super low!

Lake Arrowhead Boat Tours

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:32:57 -0500

As the beautiful spring season arrives, I want to let other agents and buyers know that I offer pontoon boat tours of Lake Arrowhead GA to help agents and their clients see the community from the water! It is so awesome to meander along the shoreline as the mountain laurel blooms, watching deer in the woods and turtles basking on rocks. Sometimes even a blue heron will land nearby. It sounds almost too good to be true, but when you visit the gated community (plan in advance for access!) you will see for yourself why Lake Arrowhead Homes are in such demand! As a property owner myself, I can vouch for the peace and serenity of owning a lake or mountain or golf home! With interest rates as low as they are, and prices more competitive than ever, now is a fantastic time to buy!

Bradshaw Farm Home Sales

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:25:27 -0500

Bradshaw Farm Home sales are slower than usual, in part due to intense price competition from new home construction with drastic price reductions. Although new homes have instant appeal, there is something to be said for an established neighborhood, with a classic Chatham-Cousins look. Bradshaw Farm has 620 custom homes along creeks, cul-de-sacs, and a meandering golf course with 27 holes. As a resident for 10 years & the #1 selling Bradshaw Farm agent, I love promoting the Bradshaw Farm lifestyle! Visit my Metro Atlanta Home Website where I have a search "by subdivision" option.

Lake Arrowhead GA

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:55:38 -0600

Lake Arrowhead is an 8200 acre mountain, lake and golf community in Cherokee County, one hour north of Atlanta. Visit http://www.lake-arrowhead-ga.com/ for lots of information for buyers and agents interested in our beautiful community. This lake allows pontoon and ski boats and because it is gated with no public access, it is less crowded. Water levels are constant year round, since it is a private lake and not used for flood control or power generation. Lake homes are 35-50 ft from the water's edge. It is the southern most tip of the Blue Ridge mountain range, with gorgeous views of mountains surrounding the lake.

I am happy to provide a boat tour to agents and clients who want to experience Lake Arrowhead from the water! My parents have lived at Lake Arrowhead for over 20 years, and my husband and I bought a lake front home there a few years ago. We have had a great time with family and friends at the lake, and I enjoy helping others discover the serenity of mountain and lake living!

www.lake-arrowhead-ga.com

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:48:08 -0600

My new Lake Arrowhead website www.lake-arrowhead-ga.com gives lots of information for buyers and agents interested in our beautiful mountain, lake and golf community. I am happy to provide a boat tour to agents and clients who want to experience Lake Arrowhead from the water! My parents have lived at Lake Arrowhead for over 20 years, and my husband and I bought a lake front home there a few years ago. We have had a great time with family and friends at the lake, and think being in a gated community is great, and more secure for 2nd home owners who are not there all the time.

Bradshaw Farm Golf Homes Woodstock GA

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:24:03 -0600

As a resident of Bradshaw Farm since 1997, I can vouch for how great a neighborhood it is! Everyone is warm and friendly and helps out their neighbors. People wave when you drive by, and there are lots of clubs and activities and ways to be involved.

Being located between GA 400 and I-575 also makes it an ideal location, with multiple options for commuting to the north metro Atlanta area. For information on Bradshaw Farm, visit http://www.bradshawfarmhomes.com/. Information on the Golf Club is at http://www.bradshawfarmgc.com/. The golf course has 27 holes, with gorgeous panoramic views, with lots of creeks and lakes. To search for homes by the name of the subdivision, including by Bradshaw Farm, visit http://www.beckysrealestate.com/.

Cherokee County GA Real Estate

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:16:20 -0600

www.BeckysRealEstate.com includes all my listings plus the entire MLS for the metro Atlanta area. It also allows visitors to register for automatic email updates of new listings matching their criteria. I specialize in Cherokee County GA Real Estate and surrounding areas, including Woodstock, Canton, Waleska, Ball Ground, Holly Springs, and other nearby counties including North Fulton, Forsyth, Cobb, and Pickens

Lake Arrowhead GA Homes for Sale

Becky Babcock (ERA Sunrise Realty) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:08:43 -0600

I have just completed my new web site for Lake Arrowhead located in Waleska in Cherokee County, GA. The site is www.lake-arrowhead-ga.com. I love marketing and selling properties at Lake Arrowhead! The buyers and sellers are friendly and the natural mountain and lake environment is gorgeous!

As a gated community only 1 hour north of Atlanta, it is great for a first or second home. My family owns a lake front home in the community, and I often take buyers out for a boat tour to check out the property from the vantage point of the water! I will gladly take any fellow REALTORS out on my boat with their clients, too, because it really helps both agents and buyers see what Lake Arrowhead has to offer!

Since there is no corp of engineers line, homes are 35-50 ft from the water's edge. The lake maintains full pool year round since it is not used for power generation or flood control. There is also a golf course, tennis courts, pool, and lots more within the community.

It is only 5 minutes from Waleska and 12-15 minutes from Canton, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and other things to do!