Author: matthewshare

  • A Quick Guide on What to Expect During Your Home Renovation

    Image via https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-standing-on-a-ladder-beside-a-man-7218026/

    Are you considering renovating your home? Whether planning a minor renovation or a large-scale home extension, you should know some vital information before starting. Review these essentials of home renovation from Real Estate for Atlanta to prepare for what’s to come.

    Ideas for Designing Your Home Office

    A comfortable and productive office is essential for remote workers. Plan for upgrades that encourage you to do your best work. For example, invest in sufficient lighting to avoid straining your eyes from staring at a screen all day. Proper illumination is vital if you work long hours, and studies show that adequate lighting is essential for safety and good health.

    Another necessity is comfortable furniture that encourages good posture. Ergonomic furniture can prevent back pain and other issues associated with sitting in an uncomfortable position all day. Accent the space with hints of bright colors, which studies show increase concentration.

    Add a few decorative details that inspire you and elicit joy. These pieces could be anything from a few family photos to a plant or two. Having things that make you happy in your office will help you feel more positive and motivated throughout the workday.

    The Financial Benefits of a Renovation

    Renovations can positively impact your finances. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, strategic renovations can increase its value. Popular renovation projects like kitchen and bathroom remodels make the most significant difference in selling price. Assess the value by analyzing comparable homes in your area and requesting a home value report from an expert.

    You may be able to decrease your energy bills by making your home more energy-efficient. For example, you could add insulation to your attic or replace old windows with energy-efficient models. If you’re planning an extensive renovation, you may be able to avail yourself of tax breaks and other financial incentives.

    Things to Consider Before Renovating

    Create a workable budget. Initial investments to make the home livable will dictate how much you can spend on other aspects of the project. Determine the scope of the project and your timeline. The timeframe affects everything from the contractor you choose to the materials you use. Also, consider the effect on the family, especially if you need to be outside the home for a while or coexist with contractors moving about the living space.

    Review your skills and be realistic about your skills and abilities if you want to DIY a few things. Don’t take on too much work and risk damaging your home or hurting yourself. Also, consider how adjustments affect other systems, such as your HVAC. If your HVAC system is getting up there in years, it might not be able to handle the increased demand that comes with a remodel. If your system is older than 10 years, you might want to consider replacing it before starting any construction.

    HVAC work is best left to a trained professional. They’ll be able to evaluate your current system and give you a good estimate of the cost to repair or replace it with this tool to help HVAC pros. Dedicated software tools can enable your HVAC pro to quickly create estimates, send invoices, and accept online payments. This means that your system will be fully functional faster and within your budget.

    Thoughts About the Exterior of the Home

    The type of material you use for your siding significantly impacts the overall look of your home. You’ll need to decide if you want something that’s low-maintenance or if you’re willing to put in a bit more work to maintain the appearance of your home. Your roof is another critical factor. While looks are vital, proper roofing materials are crucial to efficient insulation and structural protection.

    A home renovation offers many advantages. You have an excellent opportunity to redesign your home office, boost your productivity, and increase your enjoyment of working from home. Review your circumstances and create an ideal plan for your home renovation.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • Here’s How To Make A Move To Atlanta

    Here’s How To Make A Move To Atlanta

    Moving to Atlanta isn’t as hard as people expect. If you want to make your transition as simple as possible, real estate broker Matthew Share presents some info and a few tips that can help.

    A Quick Look at the Cost of Living in Atlanta

    Overall, the cost of living in Atlanta is moderate, falling relatively close to the national average. While that may be enough to leave you feeling confident about a move, particularly if you’re coming from a high-cost state, it’s still wise to look at a few details.

    When it comes to housing, explore what’s currently available in-market in the various suburbs and neighborhoods first to familiarize yourself with what to expect. When buying a home, finding homeowners insurance in Atlanta is important, as it will cover you in case of disaster. Storms are nothing new in the region, and most mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance no matter where you live.

    It’s always a good idea to look into a home warranty. If you want to see if a warranty is worth it, understand that a home warranty is a useful tool for keeping your home budget safe by preventing you from having to pay for major out-of-pocket expenses in the event one or more of your home systems or appliances fails. It’s worthwhile to explore what home warranty options are available and choose the best one for you and your home.

    In terms of monthly expenses, Numbeo notes that you can anticipate spending around $208 for utilities and transportation costs are pretty reasonable, sitting at $5,509 annually for a single adult or $15,012 per year for a family of four. Healthcare runs $2,583 annually for a single adult, with a family of four paying closer to $7,959 per year.

    Compared to many other states, childcare is affordable in Atlanta. You can expect to spend around $7,782 per year for each child. In-state college tuition is also pretty low, sitting at $4,737 per year according to College Tuition Compare.

    Tips for a Successful Move to Atlanta

    Start Making Connections Now

    Having local connections can make your transition easier, giving you a social foundation for when you arrive. Start building relationships by tapping your network. Find out if any of your contacts have connections in Atlanta and request introductions. That gives you someone you can turn to if you have questions or need advice about the city.

    Joining local social media groups can also be wise. Whether they’re social or professional, it’ll give you the inside track on your new city.

    Finding a doctor is also important, as you’ll want medical treatment and prescriptions to go uninterrupted before, during and after the move. This is where telehealth is so helpful — online platforms are now designed to allow you to consult with board-certified physicians to discuss any conditions you may have, as well as get new medications or prescription refills. The benefits of an online doctor include the convenience of connecting anywhere you have an internet connection, and most major insurance providers cover the service.

    Choose to Move Mid-Month and Mid-Week

    If you want the best price on moving services, select a date in the middle of the month. Additionally, opt for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Those are far less popular times to move, so you’ll have an easier time getting your preferred movers and a good price.

    Keep Your Furnishings in Mind When Choosing a Home

    While focusing on the furnishings you own when considering houses seems odd, it’s a wise move. If some of your furniture won’t fit through the doorways, around corners in hallways, or up staircases, you’ll need to either choose a different place or plan on purchasing replacement furniture.

    Make sure to measure any furnishings you’d like to keep and store those metrics in a note on your phone. Then, bring a tape measure with your during property tours, allowing you to determine if your stuff fits.

    As with furnishings, you’ll want to ascertain what items you’ll need in your new home to get settled in ASAP. Many people choose to leave behind larger appliances like refrigerators as part of the selling agreement to reduce the number of large items included in the move, which means you’ll need to start looking for new items before moving day.

    Start Your Job Search Before You Move

    Generally speaking, you want to have a plan for your career before you start the relocation process. Often, it takes weeks or months to land something new. So, if you aren’t in a remote role that can travel with you, start seeking out opportunities two or three months before you plan on heading to your new state.

    If you want a new career once you move, why not launch your own business? You’ll want to start by writing a business plan. With a business plan, you can set the stage for success. In your plan, outline your company description, funding requirements, selling strategy, business structure, and financial projections. That gives you a solid roadmap, increasing your odds of making your dream a reality.

    Moving to Atlanta is exciting, but make sure you have a game plan ready to go. Research the area, hook up with an online doctor, purchase good homeowners insurance and a home warranty, check out home product reviews, and find a place that suits your budget and lifestyle. Atlanta has a lot to offer — it’s up to you to make the most of it. Contact Matthew Share to begin your home search today! 678-520-3113.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • 6 Tips for Buying a Home While Starting a New Business

    6 Tips for Buying a Home While Starting a New Business

    One important consideration when you’re preparing to start your own business is whether the home you’re presently residing in will suffice to sustain both you and your new business. If your home is too small or otherwise inconvenient, this could limit future business success, and make the work of entrepreneurship less invigorating, and more stressful. You want to feel as free and empowered as possible, during that exciting time when you’re getting your business off the ground. So if your house is holding you back, you may want to look at relocation as a serious option. Here are some helpful tips for how to go about this with minimum stress and expense.

    Know what steps go into starting a home business.

    Before you begin house-hunting for a new home for you and your business, make sure you have a clear perspective of what all will go into getting your business launched. Your first step should be to write up a business plan. Next, you should consider different legal structures for businesses and figure out which will work best for you. Read up on any licensing or certification you will need to operate a business in your industry of choice.

    When you’re moving and starting a business, you’ll have a lot on your plate. Keep yourself organized and on track with a monthly planner template. This template allows you to create a visual representation of every deadline you need to meet.

    Know what you want in your new home.

    Take some time to write up a list of what you need and want in a new home, keeping in mind both your business and your personal life. Some details to consider include location, the number of rooms, having enough space, parking access, and zoning for business. You will probably want to find a house where you can set boundaries between your workspace and your personal space, also. 

    Think about the future.

    Keep in mind that your needs right now may not be the same as your needs five years from now. Do you anticipate a lot of business growth? What about changes to your family size? For instance, you may eventually opt to move your business into a commercial building. If you have kids, they will likely move out at some point. If your needs may change in the near future, you may want to rent for now, and buy later. Also, consider whether modifications can be made to the house you buy if your business or living arrangements change.

    Work with a good real estate agent.

    Having a professional and experienced Atlanta realtor like Matthew Share by your side will make house-hunting and buying a lot easier. When you select a real estate professional who understands your specific needs, it’ll be easier to find a home that can accommodate your family and business.

    How to save when purchasing a home.

    You want to go in ready to make a deposit of at least ten percent, so the sooner you can start saving for a down payment, the better. Think about expenses you can cut for the short term, just to have more cash on hand for your purchase. If you’re considering buying a fixer-upper “as is” to save money, make sure it’s a viable investment and not going to end up as a money drain.

    Hire professional movers.

    You’ve got enough on your plate right now, without having to worry about relocating your entire life and business completely on your own. So look for a good moving company in your area that will look over your home before writing up a moving estimate. Don’t hire a mover who won’t give you a contract in writing, or who isn’t insured.

    Though moving while you’re in the process of launching a business may seem like a recipe for extra stress, the effort you put in now can translate into a more efficient and profitable business later on. So if you’re questioning the suitability of your present residence as a business location, consider relocating earlier rather than later.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

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  • Should You Move Closer to Help Your Aging Parents?

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    You may notice that your parents need some assistance with daily tasks as they age. They may be having some health concerns as well. However, is it time for you to move closer to them? How can you tell if you are overstepping your boundaries or a good idea to devote more time to their care?

    Deciding when to live nearby requires many considerations, including how it will affect your life and your parents’ lives. You don’t want them to feel like you are taking away their independence. Ensuring their safety without encroaching on their way of life is tricky because they may need more aid than they are willing to admit.

    Things to Look For

    According to a nationwide survey, one in five Americans provide unpaid care for family members. Look for the following critical signs that may indicate your loved ones need additional support.

    Health Concerns

    If your parents have medical problems that require specific care, they may need someone to assist them. Ask them about their doctor visits and assess whether they take their medications as directed. If they are struggling to maintain good health, it may be time to consider moving closer.

    Confusion

    Pay attention to signs of cognitive decline. Not everyone’s memory is perfect, so some forgetfulness is a normal part of everyday life. However, if they seem disoriented completing daily tasks or become upset when they can’t remember something, this could point to a matter that needs attention.

    Lack of Home Maintenance

    If you see that your parents’ home lacks care, they may feel overwhelmed with the requirements of maintaining their property. Even if you do not move nearby, you can help by hiring a maid service or lawn care company.

    To find reliable services when you aren’t local, search for nearby providers and read online reviews to narrow down your options. Discuss your loved one’s landscaping needs with local contractors to get quotes. Be sure to ask them about any current deals they are offering or potential discounts. Look for house cleaning services from senior care companies to find professionals that understand your parents’ unique needs.

    Other Considerations

    If it seems best to live near your older family members, there are many other details to address in addition to their care needs.

    Thoughtful Conversations

    Discuss your moving plans with your parents to see how they feel about them. Do they want you to live close? You do not want to cause discord or make them think you are taking over their lives. Talk to them about their expectations and yours.

    Manageable Property

    Your senior relatives likely live in a house that is bigger than they need. A large house presents challenges that are difficult to navigate and take significant work to maintain. Perhaps your parents should not be climbing stairs, or maybe they have more rooms than they can take care of effectively. You may need to help them find new living options that better suit their current lifestyle. Or you may only need to make a handful of modifications that allow them to safely remain in their home independently.

    If a smaller home is the best solution, Atlanta real estate expert Matthew Share can assist in helping your parents sell their current home and buy a new home. With a keen awareness of the Atlanta real estate market Matthew can point your relatives toward ideal neighborhoods and properties, and guide them every step of the way.

    Moving Process

    To make your move or theirs more manageable, look into professional moving services to eliminate this major burden. You or your parents are likely to have myriad things on your mind with this life change. Finding ways to minimize tasks will go a long way to easing the process for everyone involved.

    Moving closer to help your older relatives is a complex process that can be taxing and emotional for everyone. When you take the time to ensure you are making the right decision and address the essentials for your parents’ care and your own needs, you will all benefit.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • No Showings, No Open Houses Opens The Door To Thrown Away Equity

    In this day and age of mobile tech and “mash button:  get food delivered instantly”, everyone is looking for instant gratification and an easy way to accomplish everything instantly online.  Because of this, there is no shortage of companies attempting to convince people that they are the “new and easier” way to sell or buy real estate.  But, is it really possible to sell your home for full market value without going through any of the inconveniences associated with a more traditional approach to selling?  Unfortunately, the reality is a resounding NO.  If you really think it through, you don’t need to be a trained expert to see why these claims absolutely have to be unsubstantiated.  For profit companies that are offering to buy your home are not going to live in your home after purchasing it.  They are going to put it back on the market and sell it for more than they bought it for and the difference between what they buy it for and what the final occupying buyer pays is how they make a profit.  In spite of this, it is surprising that these companies seem to be getting so many homeowners to take the bait.  Temporarily, we are in a perfect storm situation to allow these companies to profit from the naivete of many unsuspecting homeowners.  Here is why they have become so popular:

    1.  Homes are consistently selling for MORE than comparable sales substantiate:  When a home seller speaks to a real estate agent to find out what their home might sell for, the agent determines that value by looking at recent sales (“Comps”).  This comps-substantiated value is the price that any responsible listing agent is likely to provide a seller.  However, the sellers that choose the traditional listing route are very frequently ending up with a bidding war on their home and actually selling for more than their list price.  In fact, in the past 12 months, Matthew Share has averaged a sale price of 2.7% above full list price for all of his seller clients.  There are many examples of home sellers who have explored offers from one or more instant offer companies prior to meeting with Matthew (not a good idea by the way – it is better to meet with Matthew Share FIRST) and subsequently listed the property. In every one of these cases, the sellers who listed the traditional way ended up netting a minimum of $10,000 more than they would have had they sold it the “easy” way. Hindsight is always perfect vision.

    2.  The effort and time it takes to sell a home the traditional way is over-exaggerated by instant buy companies advertising.  Here’s the truth:  Most listings these days get multiple offers and sell for ABOVE full price in just a couple of days; so the hassles associated with showings are limited to one weekend only and Open houses are not necessary to cause a sale even the traditional way. To really drive this point home, Real Estate For Atlanta is offering 10 day listing agreements; guaranteeing to sell your home in 10 days or less.

    So, ask yourself:  If I offered to pay you $10,000 to have 24 – 48 hours of people looking at your home, would you take me up on my offer? If so, then why would you give up $10.000 or more of your equity just to avoid that very minimal inconvenience for such a short period of time.

    That said, I will admit that there are some circumstances in which it does make sense for a seller to knowingly leave that money on the table; but that would be limited to very specific and less common scenarios. For this reason, you (and anyone you know) should reach out to Matthew Share as a first step (before contacting any instant offer companies who will try to pressure you with an offer that’s only good for a few days. He will learn about your situation and discuss the pros and cons of ALL of your options (including the instant sale) and help you decide what’s best for you.

  • What to Consider Before Relocating for a Career Change

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    People change careers for a number of reasons. Sometimes they’re unsatisfied or unchallenged at work, while other times they’re looking for more flexibility in their careers. For others, their life goals or values may have changed and they need a job that better aligns with their personal philosophy.

    Whatever your reasons may be for changing careers, there’s a lot more to it than you may have initially thought. If you own your home and you’re relocating to a new city, town, or country, for instance, you’ll need to sell your current house while simultaneously looking for a new place to live. You’ll also need to search for a new job within your desired field.

    To help you prepare for the transition, Matthew Share discusses some of the factors you’ll need to consider when relocating for work. Read on to learn all about selling your home and relocating for a career change!

    Your New Career

    Knowing you’re ready to change careers is just the start. To get ready, use a free resume builder to highlight your experience and qualifications in as neat and professional a manner as possible. Next, in order to successfully make a career shift, you need to consider your reasons for changing careers and start searching for a new job.

    Career Jump has loads of free resources on its website, helping you to choose a career that fits your personality and salary requirements — and allows you to use the transferable skills you’ve gained in your former career. You’ll also find advice on job searches, interviews, cover letters, and career development.

    Your Desired Location

    In addition to choosing a new career path, you’ll need to decide where to relocate to. But finding the right area for you will depend on your home buying budget, transportation needs, and chosen career path. You may not need access to public transport if you’ll be working remotely in your new career, but home affordability may be a big factor if you know you’ll be taking a pay cut or relying on savings until you’ve landed a new job.

    Your New and Existing Home

    As we mentioned above, you’ll need to consider your home buying budget when relocating for a career change — as this number determines how much you can realistically afford to spend on the purchase of a new house. It’s also important to think about the cost of selling your current home, as common fees include:

    • Estate agent fees.
    • Conveyancing costs.
    • Early repayment fees.
    • Home improvement expenses.
    • Energy Performance Certificate fees.
    • Removal costs.

    In addition to considering the cost of selling your existing home, you’ll need to think about your home buying wants and needs. How many bedrooms and bathrooms would you like to have in your new home? Do you need a space for a home office? Are you looking for a home with lots of outdoor space, or would you prefer to buy a house with minimal lawn care and garden maintenance?

    Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, a real estate agent like Matthew Share can help you to list your existing property and find a new home in your desired location. Alternatively, you may choose to buy a new home before listing your existing house — or you could rent out your house to one or more tenants.

    Your Moving Budget

    Once you’ve found a new home in your desired location, it’ll be time to start planning your move. And if your budget allows for it, this is when you would hire a removals company to handle everything from packing and transporting your personal belongings to unpacking them in your new home. Or if you’ve already accepted a job within your chosen field, your new employer may offer a relocation package that covers the cost of hiring a moving company.

    The Bottom Line

    From choosing a new career and moving to a different city, town, or country, to selling your existing house while simultaneously searching for a new home, there are so many factors to consider when relocating for a career change. The more help you can enlist throughout the process, the easier your move and career shift will be!

    Today’s technology-centric real estate market demands an agent like Matthew Share who not only has interpersonal skills but also analytical skills which come into play when gathering and analyzing data to advise their clients. Call 678-520-3113.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • Is an Open House Always a Good Idea? Some Points to Consider

    Real estate pro Matthew Share comes with a unique combination of an undergraduate degree and work experience in marketing and sales and a Master’s degree and work experience in computer information systems, all combined to help you sell or buy your next home. Contact Matthew today! 678-520-3113

    Image courtesy of https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-coat-standing-near-white-concrete-building-7937214/

    Social media and the relative simplicity of do-it-yourself marketing have fueled the recently renewed debate over whether open houses are still necessary to sell a home. While a big part of your real estate agent’s job is promoting the sale of your home, many sellers increasingly supplement their efforts by posting their listing via social media, which often includes a professional-looking logo created by tools like a custom logo maker.

    There’s a lot of downside to having an open house. You have to clean and arrange your house to an extent you’ve probably never had to before, and then you have to keep it that way. If you have pets, it’s necessary to hide them away or ask someone to watch them while you’re showing your house. It can be a very difficult way to live. After all, you can’t put your life on hold while you make a showplace out of your living environment.

    There are other drawbacks, enough to make anyone question whether an open house is ever really worth the effort and the risk of allowing a stream of strangers to wander freely around your house and poke into every corner, no matter how private. Read on for more considerations from real estate expert Matthew Share.

    Burglary

    Open houses are advertised invitations for people who are bent on stealing, not viewing. Inviting strangers into your house is always an iffy prospect. Having people you don’t know wandering at will while you can’t keep a close eye on them is a recipe for theft. The Day points out that there have been many cases of burglary at open houses in the U.S. in recent years.

    Some thieves will use an open house as an opportunity to get familiar with (or “case”) your home, identify how and where they could most easily enter your home, and decide what they want to take. A professional burglar will leave an open house knowing exactly how to break in without getting caught. Some people simply help themselves to small but valuable objects as they pretend to look through your house.

    Prospects Without Prospects

    You put so much time into preparing your home for an open house that you don’t want to focus on prospective buyers who aren’t qualified to buy, either because they haven’t gotten prequalified or because they simply cannot get a home loan. Lots of people just like to look around because they’re curious or because they’re looking for decorating ideas. When it comes to an open house, there’s really no way of weeding out the unqualified prospects who invariably show up.

    Inquisitive Neighbors

    Do you have neighbors you don’t get along with, or know someone nearby you really just don’t want in your house? An open house is an invitation for anyone to come on in. You can’t hire a bouncer to admit some people and turn others away like what happens at exclusive nightclubs. Curious neighbors want to see how you live and what kind of stuff you have in your home, but they’re certainly not there to discuss purchasing your home.

    On the other hand, you may  well be friendly with your neighbors, and it is certainly true that the people on your street might know somebody in the market for a new home or even be interested in moving themselves. If you feel comfortable doing so, consider hosting a “neighbors-only open house” to at least spread the word your house is for sale.

    If you are planning an open house, Zillow notes there are some things to do to get ready in addition to figuring out how you will deal with the problems mentioned above. If you live in an area that is still dealing with a serious outbreak of COVID-19, you may need to adhere to extra safety precautions.

    There’s really no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to open houses. You may do as well or better with a well-targeted and well-presented online approach. Listing your house online, promoting it through your Facebook page, or setting up your own website are all valid and effective tactics.

    Another Option

    If you really want to host an open house, why not consider a virtual open house?  You will still have to stage your living space and keep your pets out of sight, of course. However, allowing people to see your home without physically stepping foot in it will go a long way towards eliminating the opportunities for stealing, time-wasting, and snooping.

    Content Contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • 7 Tips to Help You Sell Your Home During the ‘Off-Season’

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    If you’ve ever sold a home before or have even looked into it, you know that spring is widely considered to be the peak season. Not only will you have more potential buyers, but the days are also longer, the kids are in school, and so on. However, according to Realtor.com, there are also benefits to selling your home in the fall or winter, as buyers are likely to be more motivated, and you can sometimes sell for top dollar since buyers have fewer homes to choose from.

    Usually there’s also less competition on the market, but you’ll want to check on how hot the local market is to better help shape your decisions. In Marietta, for example, it’s taking just 13 days on average to sell a home, compared to 24 days a year earlier. So, don’t wait until next spring comes around to put your home on the market. Here are seven tips from Real Estate For Atlanta to help you sell in the colder months.

    Do Your Landscaping

    Curb appeal still matters in the winter. It’s important to maintain basic landscaping — not just because it looks better, but also because you want your property to be safe for yourself and potential buyers. So, make sure to trim any trees and bushes and discard any limbs lying around your yard.

    Shape Up the Exterior

    Along with basic landscaping, you want the rest of your exterior to look good. Start by pressure washing the siding and windows, and deep clean your porch and entryway. Consider throwing a bright coat of paint on the front door and putting out some seasonal potted plants. You can also add character with DIY decorations, such as chic pedestals and window box displays.

    Declutter

    This part of selling a home is important in all seasons. Go through the entire house and declutter. Purge your belongings and decide what to keep, give away, or throw away. Get rid of any unnecessary furniture, family photos, collectibles, or anything else that crowds the rooms and will make it harder for a buyer to envision themselves in your home.

    Deep Clean

    One great thing about decluttering is that it makes it easier for you to deep clean. Set yourself up a little station with all the necessary cleaning supplies (e.g., sprays, towels, brushes, mops, dusters), and make every nook and cranny in every room sparkle.

    Schedule Maintenance

    During the colder months, buyers will want to know that the heating in your home works properly. Schedule a checkup for your HVAC system and have the maintenance team leave an inspection sticker on the unit. Also, make sure all your windows and doors are adequately sealed, and look for any filters that need to be changed.

    Show with the Sun

    Since the days are shorter during the fall and winter months, it’s best to schedule your showings during the day when possible. That way, potential buyers will have a full view of the property as soon as they drive up. Also, be sure to keep the blinds and drapes drawn to let natural light shine through the interior of the home.

    Add Lighting

    Not everyone will be able to make daytime showings during the workweek, which is why Eveready suggests adding lighting to your property. Landscape lights can add appeal and safety to the driveway, walkways, front and backyards, deck, and so on. It’s always a good idea to put out some extra floor lamps inside the home — even if you only bring them out for showings.

    The colder months can be a great time to sell your home. Just be sure to follow basic home-selling tips, and consider factors like the weather and shorter days when you make preparations. Don’t wait until the warmer months come — sell now!

    Associate Broker Matthew Share at Maximum One Greater Atlanta Realtors comes with a unique combination of an undergraduate degree and work experience in marketing and sales and a Master’s degree and work experience in computer information systems. This ability to be both personable and understanding while at the same time analytical sets him apart from many other agents in the business. Contact him today for your next dream home! 678-520-3113

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • The Getting Started Guide to Real Estate Investing

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    Are you considering diving into real estate investing? Congratulations! This is the first step toward a stronger financial future. As you begin, it’s essential to consider your options and to survey the landscape. First, there are your financial options. Since most people get into real estate investing for the chance to build wealth, financing is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Once you find your financing, the type of property you buy plays into your financial options and what you can do with the property. Ready to learn more? Atlanta Realtor Matthew Share offers the following guidance for those new to real estate investing.

    Getting Real with Money

    Conventional financingoffers the most common option for real estate investing. But you’ll need at least 20% of the investment property’s purchase price for a down payment, as well as a good credit score. Another option is a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loan if you don’t qualify for conventional financing. There is a catch — to be eligible for an FHA loan, the US government requires you to live [there] for a minimum of 12 months. So, either you live in the property for a year then rent it out — or, if you purchase a multi-family property, you could live in one of the units while you rent out the rest.

    Getting help from investors or wealthy individuals through hard money loans or private money loans provides another way to get into the real estate market. A warning, though: Hard money loans are asset-based, so you’ll need to put up collateral.  Lastly, there are home equity loans and lines of credit — essentially, using the equity of your current home as collateral for a second mortgage. While this is a risky move, it does allow you to use this loan for the down payment for the new property mortgage.

    Property Types

    When you stop and think about it, there are plenty of options for getting into rental real estate investing. Choosing the property type involves knowing how much and how you’ll get your financing, what you plan to do with the property, and how much you will be involved (or can afford to hire help) in managing the property. Your options include:

    • Single-family homes
    • Multi-family dwellings
    • Condos and townhomes
    • Commercial real estate

    Single-family homes are great if you’re just getting started as an investor and especially if you plan to live in it for a time. This makes any improvements you make on the property more worthwhile. For instance, putting up fencing around the property is a sound investment when it’s put in place to keep your family safe — and will continue to reap dividends when the time comes that you rent out or sell the property.

    For rental properties, a multi-family dwelling like a small apartment complex may be more feasible. Though it can be harder to get the financing because of the higher purchase cost.

    A condo or townhome offers similar advantages to the multi-family dwelling — plus a homeowner’s association (HOA) and possibly a property management company included. Be careful, though — before you buy, check with the HOA because some may prohibit you from renting out your unit. Having to fork over homeowner dues can also drain on your cash flow. Lastly, commercial property can be much easier to manage and have longer leases in a completely different type of rental property. But while those leases are longer, you may have extended vacancy periods between tenants, so it adds a different type of risk.

    Remember This is a Business

    At the end of the day, managing an investment property comes down to running a business. And as a business owner, you have paperwork and legal issues to attend to. For starters, you’ll want to register your business with the state. There are several entities to choose from, but an LLC will be your best bet. This type of entity ensures your assets are protected and provides additional tax benefits. You’ll also need an LLC operating agreement Georgia designation with the state. Once you finalize your registration, you will receive an EIN number (your tax id), and this enables you to open a bank account or even hire employees when the time comes.

    Whichever way you decide to manage your finances, put together a strong financial plan, and remember that this applies to more than your mortgage. Investigate and research your options to choose what is suitable for your budget, risk comfort levels, and how you want to be connected to your property as the landlord. 

    Are you ready to find the perfect rental property in the Atlanta area? Then connect with real estate expert Matthew Share to guide you through your property search. Call today! 678-520-3113

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • Downsize the Easy Way with These Great Tools and Apps

    Image via Unsplash

    With so much technology available today, it’s tempting to unplug instead of learning every new gadget and app on the market. However, while the learning curve can often feel intimidating, there’s a lot to gain when you take advantage of new technology. Take these downsizing apps and tools for example! Once a dreaded task, modern technology has made the moving process easier than ever. This guide from Real Estate For Atlanta offers insight on how technology can help you sell your old home and settle into a downsized house the easy way, regardless of your age!

    Downsizing Resources

    Downsizing is a daunting task; fortunately, modern technology can help, and the following resource list can help point you in the right direction. So, charge up your smartphone and prepare to take advantage of some of the best sanity-saving tricks.

    Apps for Moving: The Only List You Need

    A great list of resources to use before, during and after your move.

    The Top Apps and Sites for Selling Your Stuff

    Declutter your home (and sell your old things) before putting your home on the market.

    20-Plus Best Places to Sell Stuff Online and Paid Quickly

    If you’re looking to declutter and make money from the items you’re purging, find out what options exist for selling your items online and locally.

    How to Sell Your Home: A Checklist

    Wondering how to slice into your massive task list? No worries! Use this checklist, and then create a feasible timeline to accomplish everything on your list. Consider setting up calendar reminders on your phone to help you stick to your goals.

    Search for Rental Properties Online

    If you’d prefer to rent a new place, as opposed to purchasing one, use websites like Rent.com that can help you find exactly what you need at a price that suits your budget.

    Simple Tips for Impressive Real Estate Photography

    Follow these tips to produce beautiful photos of your home right on your smartphone.

    Work With an Experienced and Skilled Realty Firm

    Maximum One Greater Atlanta Realtors has the knowledge and experience to move your home off the market as quickly as possible and for the best price.

    Downsizing Resources For Seniors

    Seniors face unique challenges when it comes to downsizing: they’re presented with the monumental task of moving on top of physical and emotional factors. Below is a list of resources specific to seniors to help simplify the moving process:

    7 Ways to Make Downsizing as Easy as Possible

    It’s important to approach the moving process with the necessary sensitivity in order to reduce the emotional tension involved.

    Technology Can Help Seniors: Here’s How

    While some seniors embrace technology, others may run from it. Either way, technology can help during the moving process and has many other benefits as well.

    5 Ways Technology is Making Moving Easier

    Basic technology assists the tasks involved with moving; learn how here.

    The Best Phones for Seniors

    If a new phone or plan is required to take full advantage of available technology, you’ll want to first find the phones that are best suited for seniors.

    You may long for simpler times, but doing things “the old-fashioned way” is rarely easier. If you’ve been avoiding downsizing because of the hard work involved in packing up and selling a home, take advantage of these resources. You’ll spend a little time learning the new technology, but it will pale in comparison to the time and stress that you save during your downsize.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org