lake lanier: If you dont want to hear the answer.... - 03/01/12 06:18 PM
Feedback is an important tool in the marketing and sale of a home. The Wells Team places a lot of importance in feedback as we work with our clients. We work hard to get feedback from other agents while we are very forthcoming with feedback on homes that we show buyers.
Recently we were showing higher priced Lake Lanier properties. ($450,000 to $650,000). My partner had a request to give feedback on one such property. Her answers were honest and professional based on her buyers opinion.
Comments included:
Hand prints, from finger paint, on the garage doors Kitchen Counter tops … (5 comments)
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lake lanier: MOLD! A Four Letter Word - 02/04/12 08:13 PM
I bring up the subject of mold because we just dealt with this situation. Please read our prior blog entitled "We Know What We Are Doing".
What I have learned about mold is that the very word sounds off alarm bells with most people. Realtors have placed mold with synthetic stucco and for sale by owner as terms we hate to discuss.
Here is what I will say about mold:
Take the time to check your homeowners insurance to see if you have mold coverage If you suspect mold in your home call at least three certified experts to discuss optionos. … (0 comments)
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lake lanier: We Know What We Are Doing! - 02/04/12 08:11 PM
I have had to emphasize this point for many years: THIS IS OUR PROFESSION.
My partner Barb and I have had the pleasure to work with many well educated, business savvy, experienced clients. Some of them have bought and sold more houses than I have!
However after 7 years of success in this real estate market we can say with confidence that we know what we are doing.
Recently we had a client who was dealing with a possible mold issue in a home that he was lease/purchasing. A water leak occurred in the bathroom (nail in a pipe). The homeowner … (0 comments)
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lake lanier: Time to Make a Move - 02/02/12 12:25 PM
Moving is hard. Whether it is a new job, a transfer, different home, school, or church it is hard to say goodbye.
However moving brings about a new excitement to our life.
After 6.5 years at The Norton Agency of Cumming GA, The Wells Team has made a move. We are now members of Keller Williams Community Partners.
Keller Williams is the largest real estate company in Forsyth County Georgia (North side of Atlanta). We have an office in both Cumming GA and Dawsonville GA. Both of these offices are better located for The Wells Team and our clients. We will … (0 comments)
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lake lanier: The Norton Agency and its Invest in America Campaign! - 08/18/11 02:49 PM
We are at an interesting and somewhat frightening era in America. The stock market and world markets change daily and we watch our 401K’s and investments vacillate. With all this in mind, The Norton Agency has launched its new mantra – INVEST IN AMERICA – BUY REAL ESTATE. Despite the down turn in the real estate market over the past four years, it is still one of the best ways to invest your money. Interest rates are at an all time low – 3.75% for FHA and VA and as low as 3.5% for a 15 year Conventional.
… (0 comments)
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lake lanier: Sometimes you have to throw in the towel - 07/19/11 11:12 PM
This is something all Realtors dread doing: Throwing in the towel! In this case it involved friends/clients of mine who had their home listed with me.
The home appeared to be priced correctly but as time went on that did not appear to be the case. We watched other houses around them go for lower prices. My clients grew more frustrated because buyers would not appreciate all of the extras that were put into the home. (does any buyer appreciate this)
After four months of multiple showings (the most we have ever had), plus two offers that did not work out, … (4 comments)
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lake lanier: Now this is what I call service! - 06/27/11 11:23 PM
I admit it. I have another career besides real estate. Yes I have been an airline pilot for 20 years. I have been in real estate for 6 years. This was a chance to combine the two and give incredible service to a client.
The night my clients were leaving for a two week vacation to England I received an offer on their home. Figures! They really wanted to enjoy their vacation and not endure the stress of constant emails, counteroffers, and the other joys of negotiating.
Instead I happened to be flying to London on a scheduled trip for the … (6 comments)
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lake lanier: I Had to Stop the Bleeding! - 06/01/11 11:21 AM
I have been "preaching" that at times you have to cut your losses and move on when it comes to real estate.
Unfortunately I had to listen to my own advice.
After meeting with my financial planner I decided that I had to take the hit and sell my condo in Florida. From an emotional standpoint it was very difficult, from a financial standpoint it was an even harder decision.
I will be going to closing with cash. That is a very tough pill to swallow.
However my financial planner showed me the situation from a different perspective. The condo would have … (4 comments)
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lake lanier: When Do You Cut Your Losses? - 04/30/11 04:58 PM
Years ago I received some advice from my financial planner. He told me that it is human nature for investors to hesitate selling their stock when the price is going down. They want to wait for the stock to return to its original value and then sell for a profit. It is hard to part with a loser.
The same psychology also affects homeowners as they look at the declining value of their home.
They have equity in their home even though it has decreased. They look at the amount of time it would take to see their home price come back … (3 comments)
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lake lanier: Norton Agency Update on Metro Atlanta Market Conditions - 03/13/11 11:13 AM
Our President Frank Norton Jr gave us a very informative presentation on the housing market at our monthly sales meeting. Barb and I pride ourselves on the knowledge we gain working for The Norton Agency. This knowledge allows us to better serve our clients.
Here are some of the highlights:
•· From 2000 to 2011 Real Estate outperformed the Dow, Nasdaq, and the S&P
•· Pending home sales declined after April 2010 because of the expiration of the first time homebuyer tax credit. However since October 2010 to the present pending home sales have been rising
•· The Norton … (0 comments)
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lake lanier: Please Talk to Your Mortgage Professional First - 02/19/11 05:51 PM
We have been busy the past few weeks. Unfortunately all that work has paid fewer dividends that we had anticipated.
Why?
Buyers cannot qualify for financing.
My partner Barb and I work hard fitting our buyers into the perfect home. There are opportunities that have to be taken advantage of quickly.
We ask that before you start your home search that you speak with a mortgage professional. There are a lot of great programs available but it takes a pro to find the best one for you. At the same time there might be some circumstances where a loan might not be in … (1 comments)
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lake lanier: I am Tired of Solicitors! - 02/17/11 10:34 PM
This is starting to happen me on a daily basis. I am busy, driiving in my car, spending time with my family or a client, working around my home, taking a real estate class, or just trying to relax.Then the phone rings. I answer anticipating a new client, a listing inquiry, or an offer. Instead: LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE KEYWORDS THAT WE HAVE RESERVED FOR YOU! WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE YOUR CLIENT BASE? IS YOUR WEBSITE RECEIVING ENOUGH HITS?I respond that my business is fine, our team was #2 out of 145 agents for 2010, and my website … (9 comments)
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lake lanier: The Norton Homes for Life Magazine to Increase! - 02/14/11 09:30 AM
The Norton Agency publishes The Norton Homes for Life Magazine. This publication showcases all of the properties listed by agents at The Norton Agency. This includes properties throughout North Georgia and the Atlanta Metro area!The magazine is circulated in the Gainesville Times, Dawson County Times, and The Forsyth County Times. It is also circulated at local businesses. The circulation tops 10,000 copies.
Frank Norton Jr, the president of the company, announced that we will publish 12 issues a year instead of the current 6.
This is a further indication of our committment to our clients to market their homes as effectively … (0 comments)
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lake lanier: Debate on Forsyth County Zoning - 02/08/11 01:52 PM
Read an article in the Jan 30th AJC concerning Forsyth County and a debate on zoning.
Forsyth County reflects what many counties in Georgia, and nationwide, will be up against when they look at ways to bring in business to help their tax base. Many counties in North Georgia rely on residential for the majority of their property taxes. Forsyth County has quite a few businesses that add money to the tax rolls. However the county experienced a large influx of money as a result of the housing boom.
Now that new housing construction in Forsyth County, as well as, the … (0 comments)
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lake lanier: The AJC Homefinder: A Thing of the Past? - 02/02/11 09:51 PM
Like many of you I am an "addicted internet browser". The internet has become my sources of knowledge and I know I am not the only one.
Last week my neighbor gave me her Sunday Atlanta Journal and Constitution. It took me a while to realize that it was a newspaper that you read. (It has been a while). I enjoyed the sounds of the paper crumbling as I turned pages, the feel of the paper in my hands, and the fact I could read it without being in a WiFi hotspot!
In the past the AJC Homefinder … (2 comments)
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lake lanier: Do You Need a Termite Inspection in Georgia? - 02/02/11 09:41 PM
What is the word on a termite inspection in Georgia?
Everytime I attend a company real estate meeting I wonder why I am wasting my time. However my broker manages to surprise me each time by bringing in relevant speakers. This meeting was no exception.
We had a representative from Coppermine Pest Control who is also a member of GPCA (Georgia pest Control Authority). He talked to us on changes to the 2011 GAR Purchase and Sale Agreement with its references to a pest inspection.
According to 2005
•· In 2005 HUD issued guidelines that said termite inspections … (0 comments)
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lake lanier: Highlights of The Norton Agency Annual Forecast - 01/23/11 09:39 PM
The 2011 Norton Annual Forecast marked the 24th year of this successful presentation. We had a full house at The Georgia Mountain Center where Frank Norton Jr. shared the 2011 trends.
They are:
Headed to Evolution not Recovery Mythical Multiple Bottoms The First Law of Cash A Paradox of Ownership The Million Dollar Dilemma Medical Overtakes Poultry as #1 Industry Out of the Ashes Rises the Phoenix Phantom Real Estate Our Holographic Government Collapses To The Survivors Belong the Spoils If you would like to read the details about these 10 trends along with an in depth summary of The Norton … (0 comments)
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lake lanier: 2011 Norton Agency Annual Forecast is January 20 ! - 12/28/10 11:22 PM
The Norton Agency 2011 Annual Forecast is scheduled for January 20th at The Georgia Mountain Center in Gainesville.
What is the annual forecast?
An opportunity to hear from our President Frank Norton Jr. Frank will give an overview on conditions in the North Georgia area. This includes residential and commercial real estate, business growth, zoning, water, population, and other trends that directly affect the area.
Frank Norton Jr. has a solid reputation in the North Georgia area! His interpretation of statistical data, and general insights, make him a sought after speaker to local government, civic organizations, and fellow real estate professionals!
… (2 comments)
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lake lanier: Why we were successful in 2010! - 12/28/10 10:44 PM
I am not writing this blog to appear on the arrogant side. Rather I wanted to briefly explain why The Wells Team had a great year in a tough real estate market.
There are two reasons:
HARD WORK
In our opinion we outworked our competition. How? 24/7 availability! With a team of two agents and one admin assistant, a phone call or an email was answered quickly.
Doing the extra services that differentiate us from the rest. We have stored furniture, painted doors, replaced lights, painted, located contractors, and done other things to assist our clients.
TEAMWORK
The three … (4 comments)
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lake lanier: Should you Update and Upgrade Your Home Prior to Selling? - 11/11/10 09:01 PM
Should you update and upgrade your home prior to selling? That is a difficult question to answer but is a question worth examing.
I wanted to lead by example. My family is living in a 10 year old home. During those ten years we have updated the Kitchen, painted, installed new carpet, and additional hardwoods.
We just completed remodeling the Bathroom (my wife designed the entire project). I have attached before and after pictures to show you the difference.
Why do we do it? There are many reasons. Future resale would be one reason. However we did it to enjoy it!
Our … (2 comments)
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