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RJ Homes Team
REALTOR® | The Skills You Need and The Integrity You Deserve.
Proudly Serving Cherokee County GA & North Georgia
- Active Adult Communities
- BridgeMill (Canton)
- Prominence Point (Canton)
- Harmony on the Lakes (Holly Springs)
- Great Sky (Canton)
- Prescott Manor (Canton)
- Carmichael Farms (Canton)
- Towne Lake (Woodstock)
- Governor's Preserve (Canton)
- Hickory Bluffs (Canton)
- Creekview High School District
- Cherokee High School District
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RECENTLY SOLD
- 1/40 40
4 Beds 3 Baths 2.5 Acres$410,000 2.8%
$399,000
1426 Rampley TRL, Canton, GA 30114
Vacant Land
- 1/37 37
4 Beds 3 Baths 1,642 SqFt$410,000 2.8%
$399,000
- 1/38 38
2 Beds 1 Bath 1,112 SqFt$200,000 0.1%
$199,900
141 Messer Reece DR, Canton, GA 30115
Single Family Home
OUR BLOGS
Seller Concessions: Getting Your House Sold
For the past few years, it has been mostly a seller's market, with homes flying off the shelves at record speeds and often fetching prices well above asking. However, as the market begins to balance out, sellers may find themselves needing to employ additional strategies to attract buyers. One such strategy is offering seller concessions. Seller concessions are incentives that a seller offers to help close the deal. These can take various forms, such as covering closing costs, providing repair credits, or including home warranties. While these concessions might seem like a hit to your bottom line, they can be a powerful tool in ensuring your house stands out in a more balanced market. Understanding Seller Concessions Seller concessions are essentially financial incentives provided by the seller to make the purchase more attractive to potential buyers. They can cover a range of expenses that buyers would typically pay out-of-pocket. Here are some common types of seller concessions: 1. Closing Cost Assistance: One of the most popular concessions is helping with closing costs. These costs can add up quickly and often come as a surprise to first-time homebuyers. By offering to cover part or all of these expenses, you make your property more appealing. 2. Repair Credits: If your home needs minor repairs or updates, offering repair credits can be beneficial. This allows buyers to address these issues after closing without having to negotiate lower prices during the sale process. 3. Home Warranties: Offering a home warranty provides peace of mind for buyers by covering major systems and appliances for a specified period after purchase. This can be particularly appealing in older homes where buyers might be concerned about potential future repairs. 4. Interest Rate Buydowns: In some cases, sellers might offer to buy down the buyer's mortgage interest rate for the first few years of their loan. This can significantly reduce monthly payments and make the home more affordable. Why Offer Seller Concessions Now? As mentioned earlier, the real estate market is starting to balance out after several years favoring sellers heavily. This shift means that buyers have more options and negotiating power than before. To stay competitive, sellers need to be proactive in making their homes as attractive as possible. Offering concessions can make your property stand out among similar listings and appeal particularly to budget-conscious buyers who might otherwise pass on your home due to upfront costs. ### How Seller Concessions Can Benefit You While it might seem counterintuitive to give away money when you're trying to sell your home for top dollar, there are several ways seller concessions can actually benefit you: 1. Faster Sales: Homes with seller concessions often sell faster because they remove some financial barriers for buyers. 2. Higher Offers: Buyers may be willing to offer closer to your asking price if they know they'll receive financial assistance with closing costs or repairs. 3. Broader Appeal: Offering concessions can widen your pool of potential buyers by making your home accessible to those who might not have enough cash on hand for both down payments and closing costs. Tips for Offering Seller Concessions If you decide that offering concessions is the right move for you, here are some tips: 1. Know Your Limits: Be aware of how much you can afford to offer without significantly impacting your profit margin. 2. Market Research: Understand what types of concessions are common in your area and what potential buyers are looking for. 3. Negotiate Wisely: Use concessions as a negotiating tool rather than an upfront giveaway—offer them strategically based on buyer interest and feedback. In conclusion, while the days of an exclusively seller's market may be behind us for now, there are still plenty of ways to ensure your house sells quickly and at a good price. By understanding and effectively utilizing seller concessions, you can make your property more attractive in this balanced market landscape and achieve a successful sale.
Why Winter Might Be the Best Time to Sell Your Home
Why Winter Might Be the Best Time to Sell Your Home When it comes to selling your home, many people assume that spring and summer are the best seasons to list their property. While it's true that these months bring a surge in activity, winter—especially November—offers unique advantages that can make it an ideal time to sell. Here’s why listing your home during the cooler months might just be the smartest move you make. 1. Serious and Motivated Buyers Winter buyers aren’t just browsing; they’re serious about purchasing. Many are facing life changes such as job relocations, family needs, or tax incentives that push them to buy before the end of the year. Unlike in the spring and summer, when casual "just looking" buyers may flood the market, winter buyers are often working within tight time constraints. They’re motivated to make quick decisions, which can lead to faster closings and offers closer to your asking price. 2. Less Competition Means More Attention One of the biggest advantages of selling in the winter is reduced competition. Many homeowners delay listing their properties, believing the outdated myth that homes don’t sell during the holidays. Fewer homes on the market mean your property will stand out to buyers. You’ll face less competition, giving you the spotlight among the serious buyers still searching for their next home. This exclusivity often results in higher demand for your listing, increasing your chances of getting a great offer. 3. Homes Feel Cozy and Inviting Winter is the perfect time to showcase your home’s cozy charm. A warm, inviting space can create an emotional connection with buyers. Think crackling fireplaces, soft lighting, and festive décor. These small touches can make your property feel like the perfect place to call home, encouraging buyers to envision themselves living there. 4. Market Trends Are on Your Side Historically, real estate activity slows in the winter months, but this doesn’t mean home values drop. In fact, studies show that homes listed in November and December often sell faster and closer to their asking price than at other times of the year. Seasonal trends also show that less expensive homes are more likely to sell during the winter months. If your property falls into this category, you might benefit from the increased attention of motivated buyers in the off-season. 5. End-of-Year Benefits for Buyers Winter buyers often have financial motivations, like utilizing tax benefits before the year ends or taking advantage of seasonal work bonuses. These factors can drive buyers to act quickly and make strong offers on properties that fit their needs. 6. Low Inventory Works in Your Favor Low inventory is one of the most significant factors driving winter sales. When there are fewer homes on the market, yours will naturally attract more attention. This “seller’s market” dynamic can give you greater negotiating power and increase the likelihood of receiving multiple offers. Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until Spring While spring and summer may seem like the obvious time to sell, winter offers advantages that are hard to ignore. Serious buyers, less competition, and market trends all work in your favor, making it a prime time to list your property. If you’re thinking about selling, don’t wait until spring to start the process. Winter buyers are ready to make a move—are you ready to meet them? Contact Robert Clements with RJ Homes Team at Real Broker today at (678) 365-3609 to learn more about selling your home this winter. Let’s make your real estate goals a reality!
Homeowner Q&A with Robert Clements
Homeowner Q&A with Robert Clements Owning a home is a big responsibility, and it’s natural to have questions about managing your property and finances. To help, I’ve answered some of the most common homeowner questions based on my experience as an Associate Broker with RJ Homes Team at Real Broker. Let’s dive in! Q: How do I come up with a post-homeownership financial strategy? A: Start by organizing your finances. Create a list of your monthly bills and their due dates to ensure on-time payments. Budget the remaining funds for essential maintenance, savings, and other expenses. Keeping a clear financial plan helps you manage the ongoing costs of homeownership effectively. Q: What should I know about taxes and homeownership? A: Homeownership comes with significant tax perks. You can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and even points paid on your mortgage at closing from your taxable income. Be sure to consult a tax professional to maximize your savings and understand how these deductions apply to your specific situation. Q: What can I do to maintain good credit after I buy a house? A: It’s normal to see a slight drop in your credit score after taking on a large debt like a home loan. To bounce back, focus on paying your mortgage on time every month. Consistent, timely payments will gradually improve your credit score and reflect positively on your credit history. Q: How do I pick what home update to do first? A: Prioritize updates that address necessary repairs or improve functionality over purely cosmetic changes. Areas like electrical wiring, roofs, or HVAC systems should take precedence if they’re outdated or failing. Consider potential resale value and daily impact when choosing projects, with kitchens and bathrooms often offering the best return on investment. Q: Why might November be a good month to sell my home? A: November is an excellent time to sell because serious buyers are still in the market. They’re often motivated by deadlines like job relocations or the desire to settle before the new year. Plus, with fewer homes on the market, you’ll face less competition. Buyers who are looking now are ready to make offers, often closer to asking price. Q: How do I handle home maintenance as a new homeowner? A: Start with a seasonal maintenance checklist. In the fall, focus on cleaning gutters, inspecting your roof for leaks, and ensuring your HVAC system is in good condition. Staying ahead of regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the road. Q: How can I prepare my home for winter? A: Preparing your home for winter involves sealing drafts around doors and windows, ensuring your heating system is working efficiently, and protecting your plumbing from freezing temperatures. Simple steps like adding weather stripping or insulation can also help save on energy bills. Q: How do I make my mortgage more manageable? A: If you’re looking to reduce financial stress, consider refinancing if rates drop significantly or paying a bit extra toward your principal each month to lower the loan balance over time. Always check with your lender to ensure there are no prepayment penalties. Q: Should I focus on paying off my mortgage early or investing elsewhere? A: It depends on your financial goals. If your mortgage interest rate is low, it may be more beneficial to invest in options that offer a higher return. On the other hand, paying off your mortgage early provides peace of mind and reduces your monthly obligations. A balanced approach is often best. Q: How can I get the most out of my home insurance policy? A: Review your policy annually to ensure it covers any updates or improvements you’ve made to your home. Consider bundling your home and auto insurance for discounts and maintaining a detailed inventory of your belongings to streamline claims if needed. Q: What’s the best way to increase my home’s value before selling? A: Focus on cost-effective improvements that have a high return on investment, like fresh paint, updated light fixtures, or improving curb appeal. Larger projects like remodeling kitchens and bathrooms can also boost your home’s value, but be mindful of your budget. Owning a home comes with plenty of questions, but the good news is, you’re not alone! Whether you’re curious about the market, home maintenance, or selling strategies, I’m here to help. Have more questions? Let’s chat! Contact Robert Clements at (678) 365-3609 or email us for personalized advice.