What to Do When Bad Weather Hits on the Day of Your Showing

Do you like piña coladas? 

“Definitely.”

Do you like getting caught in the rain? 

“Not on open house days!”

Although rainy days are not generally what you’d look forward to on the day of your house showing, it’s time to change your thinking! 

Showing your home on a gloomy day can actually benefit you in two ways. The first being that it gives you a chance to create an appeal and provide a comfort level in your home that may not have been present before. The second benefit is that your potential buyers immediately become segmented into two categories: “I’m here and ready to buy,” or “I’m not coming and I’m probably not all that interested.”

So, when it comes to your open house day, don’t cancel. Just pivot! 

Prepare for rain. 

Clean out the gutters and avoid the look of flooding or clogged storm drains. The last thing potential buyers want to see when pulling into your driveway are puddles of water surrounding your house. 

Make your home warm and bright. 

Turn the front lights on! Show that you are inviting them into a bright and happy atmosphere before they even get out of their cars. 

Making your home bright and cheery can also translate to the inside of your home, so next, focus on the appeal. Try making your home feel a bit cozier with blankets and comfortable seating. 

Lastly, show your appreciation for the potential buyers; hand out some warm tea or coffee to put your prospects in a happy, house-hunting mood. Add a sign for a personal touch labeled “we know it’s a rainy day out. We want to thank you for coming!”

Add a welcome mat for buyers to wipe their feet.

Make sure you have a mat on the inside and the outside of your front door, so that you give your buyers two chances to wipe their feet. Make a cute sign with the words “please wipe your feet. It’s muddy out there!” 

If you want to go above and beyond on rain and mud protection, place a basket full of plastic rain booties, commonly seen with HVAC workers, at the front door to encourage prospects to slip a cover over their shoes upon entering. 

Think about the positives.

Rainy days are the one of best days for an open house! If you think about it, more people are willing to CANCEL on a beautiful day than they are on a gloomy day. Families especially would be more likely to go to a park or spend time outdoors on a good-weather day, rather than spend time inside looking at homes.

Plus, if they’re showing up, they mean business. These buyers are ready to buy and are serious about finding their dream home. Don’t let them miss the opportunity to make your current home their next home.

How to Do Memorial Day the Regency Way: Food, Fun, and Home for the Holiday

Memorial Day is a special day for honoring the military and the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country. 

On this day in 2020, we show our respect and appreciation for these amazing, impactful individuals surrounded by those we love. 

Unlike our usual plans like hosting a party, hanging out at the neighborhood pool with good company, or attending a fireworks show, most of us will be at home and unfortunately, away from friends and family. 

Although we might feel limited to staying indoors or staying away from others for safety, we don’t have to act limited in how we choose to celebrate this year. In fact, there are a lot of ways to give thanks to and show admiration on this holiday, and it starts with food, patriotic decorations, and fun, meaningful entertainment. 

Food with Memorial Day spirit

Grill out

We know it may not be with everyone you love this year, but grilling out is still an awesome way to spend time with family, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate Memorial Day.

Grab a new grilling guide or find a great meat marinade for the steaks on a killer cooking website, like this one on AllRecipes.com! You’ll be cooking up good memories in no time. 

Drinks, Snacks, & Desserts

I think we’re all familiar with using the Red, White, and Blue colors to create fun drinks, snacks, and desserts for a holiday like this. 

If you’re out of ideas, peek at some patriotic desserts on Pinterest or choose a fun drink recipe that calls for strawberries and/or blueberries. 

Appreciate the quality time you are able to spend with those you love! Make cooking and preparing fun. Bring your kids in on it or talk your partner into keeping you company, and enjoy decorating in colors. 

Patriotic Decorations  

Home

The day of and days surrounding Memorial Day lots of citizens choose to show their respect through patriotic decorations. 

Show your appreciation and respect by proudly flying a flag in your yard. Spruce up your mailbox with some red, white, and blue decorations and let people know you are honoring the holiday as neighbors drive by. Put a sign on your front door to express your patriotism. 

Fun & Meaningful Entertainment

Fireworks 

Fireworks are always very popular on this day. You may not be setting up a blanket to watch in the park, but your front yard sure is a great alternative. Grab a variety box and enjoy a beautiful show when the sun goes down.

Send letters to soldiers

Spend time with your close friends and family while you write and design letters to give to our country’s soldiers. Include your name, a few kind words, and a ‘thank you.’ Just one letter sent can make someone braver, happier, and felt more appreciated.

National Memorial Day concert- link

Feel connected to your fellow supportive citizens. Tune into the National Memorial Day concert on PBS. 

This concert has become an American tradition to honor the military service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform, and their loving families. 

Donate to Military Families

You and your family can choose to make a great impact on a family’s life through donations. It doesn’t have to be much, as a little goes a long way and it’s the thought that counts. 

Military families will be forever grateful for you.

RE/MAX Regency’s Ideas for Celebrating Mother’s Day at Home

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Mother’s Day will be a bit different this year.

We all want to celebrate in the best way – the way that makes her feel the most loved and appreciated. And while the usual way may include restaurant reservations or annual family gatherings, some of us are unable to make those things happen and are now planning for an at-home or virtual celebration.

Celebrating at-home or virtually may not be what you originally hoped or planned for, but you sure can think creatively and plan out a great day together.

Here are our favorite ideas to spruce up your Mother’s Day plans at home!

Send her a week’s worth of mail

Let her know you’re thinking of her all week long by sending her a card to open every day! Choose from funny, sweet, entertaining, thinking-of-you, and more; make it a week of fun surprises. If you live too far for cards to arrive soon enough, customize a fun e-card and send her emails throughout the week.

Treat her to breakfast in bed.

Turn on the coffee pot and whip up her favorite meal. If you don’t feel confident in your cooking skills or aren’t staying at her house, order some yummy food through Uber Eats or Door Dash!

Surprise her with a home improvement project.

Can you think of something in the house she’s been talking about changing or updating, or something she wishes she had? Maybe she’s mentioned repainting the bathroom or getting a new kitchen table…? Turn this into a task you can tackle together! Grab your tools and essentials at your local Home Depot, and use the curbside checkout service for safe shopping. Head home to start your new project!

If you two are not much of builders, just get outdoors! Right now in Georgia, it is prime planting season for many vegetables and fruits. Make a list of you and your mom’s favorites and grab the seeds, pots, and fresh soil from – you guessed it – your local Home Depot.

Watch her favorite movie.

Instead of taking her out to see a new movie, bring the theater home and watch her favorite movie. Break out the popcorn and enjoy. For the full effect of a theater, wait until nighttime, turn out the lights, and crank up the surround sound!

Just remember that no matter what your plans are, what you buy or make or eat, you are making an awesome memory

5 Tips for Up-and-Coming Real Estate Agents

Before taking on your first prospective buyer, you want to be confident and know that all of your ends are tied. This includes nailing down your ideal clients and local area, and having a solid marketing plan.

The goal is to create a memorable buying or selling experience with your clients, with the hope of repeat business and referrals, while expressing the unmatched value that you bring to the real estate market. That way, even after the house has been bought or sold, you are able to maintain a great relationship with your client as well as build a credible, solid reputation in your area.

Before Your First Buyer/Seller

1. Have a niche

That means knowing the local area, the type of buyers interested in this area, and the best marketing strategy to bring the two together. To do this, you’ll determine your ideal client; know their income, their lifestyle, and their likes and dislikes in a home. To finish, you should stay informed and up-to-date on demographics, local schools, property prices, etc. that match the interests and habits of your ideal client.

2. Establish a plan

Have a plan in place for marketing when it comes to selling a home. Whether it’s online, through social media, or with print or traditional signage, you need to spread the word that the listing exists… better yet, that you are giving it your all to sell your clients’ property! The more you feel confident in selling the property and in the property itself, the faster you will build a great reputation and receive solid referrals.

3. Be honest and open

Listen and really try to understand your client’s needs and wants. Apply these findings when you are showing or selling a home; give your clients what they want and are expecting. Remind yourself to narrow down the options and avoid wasting time with properties that you know your clients are not and will not be interested in.

After Your First Buyer/Seller

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for a testimonial

This is your chance to start your portfolio, build credibility, and receive honest feedback all in one. If you made a good impression, your clients will love to support you and tell others about the value you can bring when buying or selling a home.

5. Don’t forget to stay in touch

This is one of the most important aspects of being a real estate agent. Your buyer/seller relationship means everything in terms of your value and reputation. It represents your ability to go beyond the sale, and really connect with your clients. Stay in contact by checking in on your “just-moved-in” clients and asking how they are adjusting. Reach out to your “just-sold” clients and find out how the transition was from one home to another.

Newly Listed! Fine Homes North of Atlanta

As we’ve shared here before, Suwanee and north Atlanta offer Southern living at it’s finest.  On the banks of the Chattahoochee, not far from beautiful Lake Sydney Lanier, the area is a nature lover’s paradise.  Beyond the pines and through the hardwoods, you’ll discover you’re not far from the shops, restaurants, and entertainment unique to Suwanee. But what exactly do you have access to when you live locally?

You’ll find a broad range of homes for sale in and around the north Atlanta area.   Families flocking here often enjoy the easy camaraderie of a swim/tennis community, or the privacy of a secluded lot.  Homes are very affordable and chock-full of upgrades.  Here are just a few locally listed homes that have plenty to offer.

6415 Grand Magnolia Drive, in Sugar Hill, is listed at $329,900. This beautiful two-story boasts an open, welcoming floor plan,  extensive decks overlooking a fenced and private back yard, and many extras.  Your address will put you minutes from Lake Lanier, the perfect place for recreation and entertainment.  The Mall of Georgia is also close by, with Macy’s and Nordstrom, JC Penney, and Belk.  Convenient to schools and both 400 and I-985, it’s only one of the fine homes for sale north of Atlanta.

Families seeking a spacious showcase should also consider 1021 White Cloud Ridge in Snellville.  With all the features of a stately Southern home and a wonderful location in the Bright Water community, this hope offers a custom design, fresh paint and hardware, along with plenty of upgrades such as an in-law suite with a wet bar and a pristine media room.  And, with 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, it’s a bargain among our homes for sale at $469,900.

We offer hundreds of homes for sale in and around north Atlanta. Take a look through our listings and contact one of our agents. We’ll find your perfect home among our homes for sale.

All images via Coldwell Banker RMR

Visitor’s Guide to Suwanee: 3 Things for Your Guests to Know

Because of its prime location, Suwanee is often considered one of America’s ten best towns for families.  Whether you crave time in nature, excellent dining and shopping options, or free community events, Suwanee has something for you. But something you might not have considered is that Suwanee is also a wonderful place to welcome your guests to as well. So once you’ve decided to make the move to Suwanee, plan to have an extra room for those guests! Here are just a few of the reasons our homeowners’ guests coming back for visits to Suwanee.

Award-Winning Parks

With more than five parks, Suwanee is known for its beautiful scenery.  Between all the parks that are available, the activities in which you can participate are numerous.  From nature hikes to jogging to playground fun to picnics to flying kites, your options are truly endless.  If you love to be outdoors, then Suwanee is the place for you.

Downtown Fun

If you’re visiting Suwanee, you can’t miss Town Center Park.  As the “front yard” of the city, Town Center Park is located downtown and boasts several attractions.  It’s the perfect place to dine, shop, and meet up with friends.  It also holds the Big Splash interactive fountain, so there’s truly something for everyone in the family.  In addition to the boutiques and restaurants you’ll find right downtown, another perk of living in or visiting Suwanee is that you’re also close to the Mall of Georgia and other major retail locations.

Entertainment at Its Finest

Town Center Park is not only home to multiple shopping and dining sites, but it is also the community gathering place for residents of Suwanee.  Suwanee hosts more than 40 events a year, most of which take place at Town Center Park.  The best part?  The majority of them are free!  From concerts to festivals to fashion shows, you’ll never be bored when you live in Suwanee.

There is plenty of great entertainment around Suwanee. Whether you take your guests to watch football games, catch up with them in a restaurant with a fabulous ambiance, or show them the highlights of the city, we’re happy to help you find more ways to make Suwanee home!

Ready to move and be a part of this community?  Give the agents at Coldwell Banker RMR a call today!

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Credit Scores: How They Actually Affect Homebuying

Buying a home can be a daunting process, especially if you’re worried about your credit. When it comes to the world of credit scores and home-buying, many people are confused regarding what’s needed in order to obtain a mortgage. Some don’t even bother with trying to buy a home because they believe it’s impossible for them. However, there are plenty of ways to get into your own home; it just takes some effort and a skilled team behind you. Here are some things you should know before you let credit scores intimidate you.

How does credit affect buying a home?

How much do you really know about your credit score?

Before you begin the home-buying process, you need to understand credit scores and what they mean to lenders. A perfect credit score is 850, while anything lower than 500 could get you dismissed. While having a score of 850 is impossible, you should aim for a 760 or above, which is considered top-tier. However, there are other factors that lenders take into consideration. Credit history, for example, is something that lenders take very seriously. Whether you have a high or low credit score, your history will play a big role in the lender’s decision. If you’ve been late paying bills within the last two years, lenders may hesitate to give you a loan. Another factor lenders consider is debt-to-income ratio, how much you make each month compared to how much you owe. It’s important to keep in mind that lenders look at all three of these elements when considering you for a home loan.

Is it possible to qualify for a home loan with poor credit?

If you just read the above paragraph and found yourself thinking you can’t get a home loan, don’t! There are resources available to not only help you improve your credit score, but also to get you into your own home. You can qualify by doing the following:

• Preparing for a high interest rate
• Proving a steady income
• Getting rid of or reducing other debts
• Saving for a down payment
• Having a co-signer.

In addition, you can search for loan programs that cater to people with low credit scores. For example, FHA loans often have less strict requirements to qualify. Otherwise, contact a local lender (we have several we can recommend) and ask them about credit repair programs. This might take longer, but you’ll benefit with lower interest rates.

At Coldwell Banker RMR in Gwinnett County, we have relationships with lenders and can get you into a house with less than perfect credit. Give us a call at (678) 318-7900 to get started!

 

Image via Stuart Miles

Suwanee Fest Comes to Town Center Park in September

The first ever two-day Suwanee Fest is coming to Town Center Park September 20 and 21.  Previously known as the Suwanee Day festival, the annual event has made headlines for 30 years.  Having been so successful in the past, the Suwanee Day festival has grown drastically from its 75 attendants back in 1984.  Because of this growth, this year the festival will take place over the course of two days.  With live music, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, a parade, and much more, this event is sure to be one for the books!

Heroes – Red, White & You                                                                      

To kick off the weekend, there will be a parade themed “Heroes – Red, White & You” beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.  The parade will feature decorated floats, entertainers, marching bands, and local youth.  Parade entrants have the chance to win cash prizes in various categories, such as most creative and most entertaining.  The registration deadline is September 10, so act fast if you want to be a part of the excitement!

Entertainment Buzz

Over the course of the weekend, more than 12 performance groups will take the stage to show you a good time.  Everyone from Reptile Man to a Jimmy Buffett tribute band will be there, making for an eclectic line-up.  What’s even better is that each performance is open to the public – for free.  Here’s a taste of what you have to look forward to:

• All Stars Performing Arts
• Stone Mountain Chorus
• Colby Dee
• 15 Minutes of Fame
• Gwinnett School of Rock
• Tiger Martial Arts

Location, Location, Location

What better place to hold this well-known festival than at the award-winning Suwanee Town Center? It’s the place to be!  It represents the sense of community and home that residents have come to know and love.  With various events held at Town Center Park each year, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to call Suwanee home.  Local entertainment, as well as lots of green space, makes Town Center Park a valued asset to citizens.

Whether you live in the area or just near it, you don’t want to miss Suwanee Fest!  With so many things to do and see, it will surely be a weekend to remember.  For more information, check out Suwanee Fest’s event site.

 

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Suwanee Ranks as One of the Best Places to Raise Kids

Choosing a place to raise your family is not an easy decision.  In fact, it’s one of the most difficult – and important – ones you’ll ever make.  There are several factors to consider, which can quickly become overwhelming.  However, if you’re looking for a fun, safe place to raise your children, look no farther than Suwanee, Georgia.  With top-rated schools, plenty of parks, and a close proximity to Atlanta, this town has everything you need to feel right at home. In fact, HGTV even highlighted Suwanee as one of the best places to raise kids. Check out the video and exciting information below to see how Suwanee continuously makes headlines.  

Top-Notch Schools                                          

With some of the highest ranked schools in the state, Suwanee provides a strong educational foundation for your children.  For example, Suwanee Elementary ranked better than 90.4 percent of elementary schools in Georgia, according to School Digger.  Suwanee also boasts five public schools with a Great Schools rating of 10, the highest possible rating.  In addition, Gwinnett County Public Schools won the 2010 Broad Prize, which is the largest education award in the country and is given to school districts that show the greatest student improvement and performance.

An Abundance of Green Space

One of the things residents are most proud of is the amount of parks and green space available.  In 2001, voters approved an open space initiative in order to make the creation of more green space possible.  With several parks, a Big Splash fountain, and a greenway trail, there is no shortage of outdoor activities.  One park in particular, Town Center Park, boasts ten beautiful acres.  Residents consider this area their “front yard.”  Concerts, running, walking, and picnicking are just a few of your options at Town Center Park, as well as at the other parks in town.

A Short Drive to Atlanta

Parks are great for weekends, but in your search for a new hometown you probably also want to consider the distance to the nearest large city, whether for work or play.  Suwanee excels in this area, as well.  With only 33 miles between the town and Atlanta, you can enjoy a short 35-minute drive into the city.  Whether you work in Atlanta and are concerned about the commute, or you simply want the option of driving into the city for a night out, this is an ideal spot.

If you’re searching for a beautiful, community-driven place to raise your family, then consider Suwanee.  Great schools, plenty of parks, and a short commute to Atlanta make this town the perfect spot for today’s family.

http://www.hgtv.com/video/suwanee-georgia-video/index.html

 Image via Suwanee, GA

Stay Alert, Stay Alive!

Why is it that epiphanies always seem to happen on the heels of an accident?  For me, it was a tumble to the ground that resulted in 6 stitches that brought about one  for me.  “Stay alert, stay alive”…4 simple words usually associated more with dangerous activities than merely walking, but still, strong words to live and work by.

Let me further explain.  By staying alert in life, you become open to possibilities and opportunities that may arise.  For example, by simply listening and asking questions, you may find that through simple interactions, people are willing to open up and share about themselves.  It is in those moments of learning outside of one’s self that can actually create opportunities you might not have had if you’d kept your mouth shut.  So stay alert to the people you meet, open yourself up to questioning as well.  It is through these interactions that possibilities arise that could create a situation to further yourself in life and in business (hence the stay alive part).  So the next time you have an opportunity to just smile and say hello to someone, take a chance! You never know what life is going to hand you!