A recent article by Megan Leonhardt in CNBC “Make It” stated that 70% of millennials who are purchasing homes, have regrets. Wow, that’s a lot of regrets. In a survey by Bank of the West, 4 out of 10 millennials felt they made poor financial choices. Some took money out of retirement funds for their down payment. Some, underestimated on-going costs while others, discovered damages after the sale that were costly. Some found the house did not really work for their family.

Having worked with lots of millennials, Diana and I have discovered, many millennials are coming to the table thinking they are prepared. And to be honest they have done a lot of homework, on line or listened to a friend who had a totally different experience. There are a few problems with this. To begin, all online information is not always true. Take Zillow for instance– there are homes showing they are on the market but, they sold years (that’s right–years) earlier. We have had many calls from listings that closed years ago. Also, forget the Zillow Zestimate–it is not always true. Have a realtor® do his/her homework and look at true comps–it’s what we do–part of our job. A Zestimate does not consider “stressed” sales, updated vs fixer uppers. Zestimates don’t even consider areas other than city or county. We’re not sure where they get their numbers.

Listening to a friend is not really the best way to get information. Though a friend can tell you their experience–every buyer/seller has different circumstances. Everyone has a different experience and no two can be compared. One point in your credit score can change everything about your loan. Location can change your loan–some loans are not offered in some locations–for instance USDA is only offered in certain areas. Your downpayment can change your loan. Trust your lender and answer things honestly. In fact, talking to a lender to find out how much you can afford before looking is very important. It is also important to make sure everything is in order. This is why a realtor® is so important. They can refer you to a reputable lender. We work with different lenders on a daily basis. In fact, Diana and I have a few who we recommend depending on needs. For instance, we have a lender who is a great hand holder–she will  walk you through each step and guide you like you are her son or daughter. Then we have one who will still guide you but, she is a little more direct. They are both awesome but they suit different buyer needs. So, millennials–continue to do your homework but be sure to listen to your lender and realtor.

The survey also showed that half–that’s right, half, of the millennial buyers were not happy with their home. Wow, that is a lot. Perhaps they did not make a want/need list. This is tough because, our millennial buyers have all been happy so we are not sure why the survey had such a high percentage of disappointed homeowners. Maybe all millennials need to use me and Diana. Because, not only do you have to listen to your realtor® but, your realtor® has to listen to you. As long as you open up to us, we will find your home. What we can’t do is read your mind.

As for damages that were discovered after the sale.  Make sure you have a home inspection so you don’t have surprises after the closing. Even if you are purchasing a home that is being sold “as is” you will want to do a home inspection so you are prepared for the cost of repairs.

Diana and I welcome millennials and love working with them. We also have been very successful and had no regrets from our millennial clients. Maybe the millennials need to call us.

There is so much to talk about with real estate but, we would like to know what you are thinking? What kind of questions do you have for me and Diana. We have been around a long time and we love to help.

Are you looking to buy and do not know where to start? Are you thinking about selling but now sure how to go about it? Thinking of investing? Maybe downsizing? Maybe you are thinking about getting your license. We want to know. Ask us questions or tell us what you would like to hear.

Wondering what people are looking for as far as style and decor? What are the latest colors–we are still looking at lighter colors and more neutral colors but, that doesn’t mean you can’t be bold.

This is going to be short because we want to hear from our readers. Ask us questions.

The real estate market is forever changing and with that comes a change in what I need to do with my business. So, it is back to general real estate for me and my wonderful partner, Diana Stowe. Though we love new homes, there are not any opportunities close to where we live. Therefore we have decided to give up the 3-4 hours drive time and work closer to home. We look forward to helping buyers and sellers as they begin a new venture.

With each of us having 20+ years in the business we know a few things. Seriously, we do. We work as a team so we can maximize our service to our clients. So if you are looking to buy or sell a home, you can count on us to work with you to a smooth and happy closing.

I am very excited to have moved my license to Engel & Völkers and working with Traton Homes. Traton is a local builder who has been building homes in the Atlanta market for 46 years with outstanding reputation for altogether more!! A family run business that has earned respect and admiration from their peers but most importantly confidence from thousands of homeowners .You cannot ask for more than that in a home builder–can you? You can learn all about Traton by clicking on the Traton name.

Diana Stowe and I will be working at Woodland Parc in Smyna within walking distance of the new Braves Stadium and Battery Park. Our office at Woodland Parc is officially open so don’t hesitate to stop by to visit us. With prices starting in the low $400’s these are going to go fast. With such easy access to the interstate, you can be anywhere in no time. Walk to shopping and restaurants. We are so excited to be working for Traton in this new community. Don’t wait to visit us to  take a virtual tour click here now.

These are 3 story, 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths with 2 car garages, oversized decks and best of all, built by Traton Homes. Check out our floor plans and give us a call.

Looking for a home today is so different from the days when we first obtained our real estate licenses. There was no internet back then. Everything was print ads or in a book. That’s right, the multiple listing server was in a book and there were no pictures. We actually had to read the description. Print ads did often provide pictures but just the front view of the home. We counted highly on written descriptions.

Today we have so many websites to visit to find a home. The biggest problem with that is accuracy. Some websites do not update daily.  Surprisingly some update on a weekly or monthly basis. In addition to the multitude of websites that feature all the homes for sale, buyers have access to all kind of information that may or may not be true. Or it might be true in one state but not in another. The internet can be a help and it can be a hinderance. We have found less people trust us (real estate agents/REALTORS®). They believe what they read on the internet or what their friends and family tell them. Recently we had a buyer tell us that their parents did not have to do something (something that today is required) when they bought a home. Well it happens their parents bought a home more than 30 years ago. The entire process has changed in 30 years so, it might be best to listen to someone who has had recent experience in the industry. Lending rules and guidelines change constantly and relying on someone who obtained a loan even 3 years ago could lead you in the wrong direction.

We would like to meet to explain to our buyers the process–it rarely happens but, when someone takes the time to let us explain how things work–we have a much smoother transaction. Most people think looking at homes and then “picking” one is pretty much it. If only that was the case. Looking at homes is the easy part. It is all the things in between that can become frustrating. In fact, looking for the home can also become frustrating. We have discovered, finding that home is like finding your wedding dress. Once you find it, STOP looking. Seriously, you will always find something you like. The problem with that is when do you stop? How do you stop? How much time do you have? Don’t waste it.

Once you find a home, make your offer. Not that you have to “jump” but, don’t wait to see some more and then find the one you really liked was bought by someone else. Or don’t wait until your favorite has another offer and then you are in a bidding war. We know this is not easy but, we firmly believe a pre-showing consultation with your REALTOR® will help you make decisions that will place you in your dream home. This is your dream and we want to make it happen. Trust us and we will find your dream home

Do not hesitate or you will miss out. This one will go fast!! Going live this coming Friday. For a sneak preview, give me a call 678-618-9688

This fabulous home in Dallas will be on the market next week. 4 Bedroom 3 Bath home has beautiful commercial grade hardwood floors, exotic granite countertops and a bedroom on the main. Keep your eyes and ears open for this one, you won’t want to miss out.

#forsaleindallas #propertypros #BHHSGeorgia #buyerswanted