Thursday, September 15, 2022

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Advisor - September 2022




Three Things to Know about Today’s Housing Market

Housing inventory is low, buyer demand is high. According to Freddie Mac, we’re about 3 million homes short of meeting current housing demand, and the 1.2 million single family housing starts predicted for next year simply aren’t enough for what the National Association of REALTORS® labels a “supply crisis.” Some of the demand is a result of institutional investing opportunities and some of it is the greater ease of living afforded by an influx of work-from-home jobs. Translation: If you’ve been looking for the right window to sell to get top value for your property, this is it. Buyers want to buy ASAP.

Call it a correction, not a crash. The subprime lending that greatly contributed to the 2008 market crash is not the reason for our current market correction, which is slowing the rate of home price appreciation. If current rates hold steady at or around 6%, expect home price appreciation to slow to 4-6%, says research firm AEI Housing. Before this correction, prices were simply appreciating at unsustainable speeds and now, what we’re experiencing is a more balanced market. It’s like the housing market is an endurance athlete and it just ran a long-distance race. Now, having accomplished that epic milestone, it’s sitting and taking a breather, allowing us all to recuperate from the chaos of 2020 and 2021.

Inflation is no reason to put your real estate goals on pause. Think about it this way: You find the home of your dreams, and the mortgage rate is just below 6%, higher than it was several months ago but still historically low. Now, you make the decision - the home is yours and the rate is locked in as a hedge against future inflation. This concept only applies to home buying; rents are subject to inflation and will continue to rise as inflation does.



REAL ESTATE IS YOUR BEST LONG-TERM INVESTMENT

In a recent 2022 Gallup Poll, survey respondents were asked to give their opinion about the very best long-term investment a person can make. They could choose between bonds, cryptocurrency, savings account/CDs, gold, mutual funds/stocks, and real estate. Do you know what people overwhelmingly picked?

Real estate

Of everyone polled, 45% believe real estate is the best long-term investment option. Stocks/mutual funds received only 18%; gold garnered 15%; savings accounts and CDs got 10%; cryptocurrency was at 8%; and 3% of respondents favored bonds. Even if you add up the percentages from the second and third-most popular options (stocks/mutual funds and gold), you still get less than the amount of people who believe in the long-term viability and potential of real estate as a future wealth-builder.

And real estate deserves this top spot on the 2022 Gallup Poll. While the average American gained $64,000 in equity over the last 12 months by owning a home (thanks for the stats, CoreLogic), homeownership also provides financial advantages beyond the sale of price-appreciated property, like tax benefits and passive income for those renting out their space.

A home is a universal need, and that is exactly what makes it such a solid long-term investment. In the short-term, prices can fluctuate, and it’s critical to partner with an experienced real estate professional who can help you navigate the market to secure the best price possible. In the long-term, a home you bought 10 years ago will always be worth more. It’s why Gallup Poll survey respondents chose “real estate” as the best long-term investment over anything else, and why the smartest decision you can make in your future is to buy a home now.



FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME THIS WEEKEND

Ready to start searching listings and hitting open houses? You may have a picture-perfect home in mind, or you may not know where to even start when it comes to imagining your future place to live. It may help to first consider your basic needs and non-negotiables in a home. Begin by considering where you live now — what are your favorite things about your home, and what do you need to change?

SEARCH OPEN HOUSES



Take a few moments and enjoy our collections of The Collective Atlanta and Luxury Mountain and Lake properties. Discover your home away from home, it never hurts to dream.



PEACE OF MIND COVERAGE
Quality coverage and service is top priority at HSA. With over $44 million paid in home warranty claims last year, it pays to have coverage from HSA. For information on how an HSA home warranty can help keep your home up and running, contact your real estate professional or visit onlinehsa.com.

When you are ready to make your next move, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is one of the largest and most successful real estate organizations in the country. We are the undisputed market leader with 29 offices servicing Metro Atlanta, the Southern Crescent, and the North Georgia Mountains and Lakes. As one of the most respected and admired companies in the world, we are here to serve you.


Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends, and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over nineteen years of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Friday, September 09, 2022

Routine Maintenance To Keep Your Water Heater Running

Arthur Prescott
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties



Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends, and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over nineteen years of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home Sales For July 2022! Let's Check Sales Trends!

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home Sales For July 2022!  Let's Check Sales Trends!



The numbers are in for Lake Lanier home sales for the month of July 2022! Here is a brief recap of the home sales as reported in our comparative market analysis that we will provide via SlideShare later in this article.

Lake Lanier waterfront homes sold:  23

The highest home sale price was $7,995,000

The lowest home sale price was $221,650

The average home sold had four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and no half bathrooms

The average original list price was $1,375,083

The average list price after price adjustments was $1,313,083

The average sales price was $1,242,583

Sales price vs list price ratio came in at 91.83 %

Average total days on the market was 66



Our market analysis is generated at the beginning of each month. It is designed to show you Lake Lanier home sales statistics. Each month, we search the First Multiple Listing Service for home sales (closings) based on the following criteria:

Area: All counties with frontage on Lake Lanier. Specifically Forsyth, Dawson, Lumpkin, Hall, and Gwinnett counties.

Status: Sold (Closed Transactions)

Lake Frontage: The home must be a waterfront property on Lake Lanier as described as lake frontage in the First Multiple Listing Ser

Property Category: Our analysis includes only residential detached homes as categorized in FMLS.

This market analysis is deemed to be accurate but is not warranted. It is meant to give a general idea and overview of the current housing market for waterfront homes on Lake Lanier.

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends, and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over nineteen years of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Monday, August 15, 2022

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Real Estate Advisor - August 2022



TODAY’S HOUSING MARKET IS DIFFERENT

During the pandemic, sellers could price their homes higher because demand was so high, and supply was so low. This year, things are shifting. We’re seeing less buyer demand; sellers must recognize this is a different market than it was during the pandemic. That means sellers will need to change their approach to pricing.

The price you set for your house sends a message to potential buyers. If you price it too high, you run the risk of deterring buyers.

When that happens, you may have to lower the price to try to reignite interest in your house when it sits on the market for a while. Be aware that a price drop can be seen as a red flag for some buyers who will wonder what that means about the home or if in fact, it’s still overpriced. Some sellers aren’t adjusting their expectations to today’s market, and realtor.com explains the impact that’s having: “. . . the share of listings with a price cut was nearly double its year-ago level even as it remains well below pre-pandemic levels.”

To avoid the headache of having to lower your price, you’ll want to price it right from the onset. Your real estate advisor can determine that perfect asking price. To find the right price, they balance the value of homes in your neighborhood, current market trends and buyer demand, the condition of your house, and more.

The bottom line is homes priced right are selling quickly in today’s real estate market.



FINDING THE PERFECT HOME

The first step to ensuring you're buying your ideal property is identifying what "perfect" means to you. It may sound obvious, but the easiest way to start is by making a list of your priorities. What is a "must-have," what would be nice, and what isn't important? If you're buying with a partner, make sure you compare lists and decide what can be compromised on and what will be the deal-breakers.

A perfect home isn't just for now; it's for the future, and there are two ways to look at this. Firstly, it's important to visualize whether you can see yourself living and growing there. Try and imagine yourself and your family in each room and whether it feels "right." You also need to look for the potential in the property if you decide to expand or refurbish parts of it. You might not be planning to do this anytime soon, but it's important to know you'll have the option later.

Finally, remember that just because certain aspects of the location won't affect you, it doesn't mean they won't be important to someone else if you decide to sell the property in the future. Even if you don't have children, being in a good school district can add up to 20 percent to your house value.

For any would-be buyers reading this today, take comfort in the fact that the market is softening, and while it does, inventory is picking up. You have more choices for available homes than you had a few months ago – and so does everyone else. Bidding wars for the prospective home buyer are becoming less commonplace.



5 SMART HOME DEVICES THAT SAVE YOU MONEY

Smart-home technology offers entertainment, convenience, and peace of mind, but did you know that it can help lower energy bills and save homeowners money? The average owner spends about $2,000 on energy costs every year, according to Energy Star. By adding just, a handful of cost-effective devices, homeowners can save between 20% and 30% on their energy bills. Here are a few key smart home products:

Thermostats - Nearly half of a typical utility bill goes towards heating and cooling. Installing a smart thermostat can save about 10% a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Smart Switches, Sensors, & Bulbs -Leaving lights on when not in use can be a major drain on your energy bill; about 25% of utility costs are spent on lighting.

Energy Monitoring- By Installing an energy monitoring system homeowners can identify appliances that are quietly adding to their monthly utility bills.

Smart Plugs- Instead of powering down completely, many modern household electronics enter standby mode and continue to draw power even when not in use. This allows them to continue to communicate with other devices, get updates, and load faster.

Smart Sprinkler System - homeowners save money on water bills by creating custom schedules that automatically adjust for local weather and can be monitored via smartphone. Available integrations allow owners to control the water by voice, set up automation, and avoid turning sprinklers on when someone is outside.

Smart-home technology is becoming more widely accepted but still struggles to overcome up-front costs, perceived complexity, and reliance on internet connectivity.






When you join HSA, you have a plan for covered home system and appliance breakdowns, which is especially important in uncertain economic times like these. Contact your real estate professional today to help plan for the unexpected.

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends, and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over nineteen years of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Monday, August 08, 2022

Another Lake Lanier Waterfront Lot Just Sold By Arthur Prescott @ Lake Sidney Lanier Homes! Fantastic waterfront, cove lot on quiet northern end of Lake Lanier!


Fantastic waterfront, cove lot on quiet northern end of Lake Lanier! Build close to water's edge & enjoy beautiful lake views throughout the year! This lot has a very gentle slope to the water and provides easy access for swimming, fishing, kayaking & other recreation. The community boat ramp/launch is located approximately 0.25 miles away. Use the lake now and build when ready with your builder of choice!  Excellent lot, lake access, views & value!  Sale Price:  $45,000

Click Here To See All MLS Listed Waterfront Lots For Sale On Lake Lanier!

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends, and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over nineteen years of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home Sales For June 2022! Let's Check Sales Trends!

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home Sales For June 2022!  Let's Check Sales Trends!



The numbers are in for Lake Lanier home sales for the month of June 2022! Here is a brief recap of the home sales as reported in our comparative market analysis that we will provide via SlideShare later in this article.

Lake Lanier waterfront homes sold:  28

The highest home price sale was $5,420,000

The lowest home price sale was $425,000

The average home sold had four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and one half bathrooms

The average original list price was $1,306,336

The average list price after price adjustments was $1,330,450

The average sales price was $1,288,264

Sales price vs list price ratio came in at 97.0 %

Average total days on the market was 42

Our market analysis is generated at the beginning of each month. It is designed to show you Lake Lanier home sales statistics. Each month, we search the First Multiple Listing Service for home sales (closings) based on the following criteria:

Area: All counties with frontage on Lake Lanier. Specifically Forsyth, Dawson, Lumpkin, Hall, and Gwinnett counties.

Status: Sold (Closed Transactions)

Lake Frontage: The home must be a waterfront property on Lake Lanier as described as lake frontage in the First Multiple Listing Ser

Property Category: Our analysis includes only residential detached homes as categorized in FMLS.

This market analysis is deemed to be accurate but is not warranted. It is meant to give a general idea and overview of the current housing market for waterfront homes on Lake Lanier.

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends, and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over nineteen years of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Please Join Us! Open House This Sunday, June 26 From 1-4 P.M. At 4317 Harold Whelchel Road, Gainesville, GA. On Lake Lanier!

Please Join Us!  Open House This Sunday, June 26, From 1-4 P.M.  At 4317 Harold Whelchel Road, Gainesville, GA. On Lake Lanier!

www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com/7036788

Welcome home to this extraordinary, custom-built, luxury fishing lodge located at the water's edge of scenic Wahoo Creek on the northern end of Lake Lanier! Three waterfront tracts were combined to create this peaceful, idyllic setting with approximately one acre of land and 427 feet of lake frontage just a few steps from the back of the home. Enjoy direct access to the water from an 18x26 single-slip covered dock AND a separate 12x16 swim/platform dock! The exterior of the home is beautifully constructed and features a fantastic outdoor cooking and dining area, as well as a unique, detached office reminiscent of an enclosed tree-house! Inside features rustic, hardwood floors, paneled walls, two fireplaces, marble showers, tankless water heater, central vac, an extensive master suite, 3 additional bedrooms/flex rooms, a whole house generator, an oversized garage, golf cart parking pad, and plenty of guest parking! Lots of options available for creating a larger home, or separating the parcels out to create additional homes! Come experience the Wahoo Creek Fishing Lodge and its unique, peaceful setting! A setting so special, you'll never want to leave!




Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends, and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over nineteen years of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home Sales For May 2022! Let's Check Sales Trends!

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home Sales For May 2022!  Let's Check Sales Trends!



The numbers are in for Lake Lanier home sales for the month of May 2022! Here is a brief recap of the home sales as reported in our comparative market analysis that we will provide via SlideShare later in this article.

Lake Lanier waterfront homes sold:  33

The highest home price sale was $3,479,000

The lowest home price sale was $275,000

The average home sold had four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and one half bathrooms

The average original list price was $1,095,758

The average list price after price adjustments was $1,180,712

The average sales price was $1,140,706

Sales price vs original list price ratio came in at 122.36 %

Average total days on the market was 27

Our market analysis is generated at the beginning of each month. It is designed to show you Lake Lanier home sales statistics. Each month, we search the First Multiple Listing Service for home sales (closings) based on the following criteria:

Area: All counties with frontage on Lake Lanier. Specifically Forsyth, Dawson, Lumpkin, Hall, and Gwinnett counties.

Status: Sold (Closed Transactions)

Lake Frontage: The home must be a waterfront property on Lake Lanier as described as lake frontage in the First Multiple Listing Ser

Property Category: Our analysis includes only residential detached homes as categorized in FMLS.

This market analysis is deemed to be accurate but is not warranted. It is meant to give a general idea and overview of the current housing market for waterfront homes on Lake Lanier.


Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends, and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over nineteen years of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home Sales For April 2022! Let's Check Sales Trends!

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home Sales For April 2022!  Let's Check Sales Trends!



The numbers are in for Lake Lanier home sales for the month of April 2022! Here is a brief recap of the home sales as reported in our comparative market analysis that we will provide via SlideShare later in this article.

Lake Lanier waterfront homes sold:  27

The highest home price sale was $1,825,000

The lowest home price sale was $294,500

The average home sold had four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and no half bathrooms

The average original list price was $1,075,244

The average list price after price adjustments was $1,064,941

The average sales price was $1,051,496

Sales price vs original list price ratio came in at 98.68 %

Average total days on the market was 30

Our market analysis is generated at the beginning of each month. It is designed to show you Lake Lanier home sales statistics. Each month, we search the First Multiple Listing Service for home sales (closings) based on the following criteria:

Area: All counties with frontage on Lake Lanier. Specifically Forsyth, Dawson, Lumpkin, Hall, and Gwinnett counties.

Status: Sold (Closed Transactions)

Lake Frontage: The home must be a waterfront property on Lake Lanier as described as lake frontage in the First Multiple Listing Ser

Property Category: Our analysis includes only residential detached homes as categorized in FMLS.

This market analysis is deemed to be accurate but is not warranted. It is meant to give a general idea and overview of the current housing market for waterfront homes on Lake Lanier.

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends, and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over nineteen years of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Friday, May 13, 2022

Please Join Us! Open House This Sunday, May 15 From 1-4 P.M. At 4317 Harold Whelchel Road, Gainesville, GA. On Lake Lanier!

Please Join Us!  Open House This Sunday, May 15 From 1-4 P.M.  At 4317 Harold Whelchel Road, Gainesville, GA. On Lake Lanier!

www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com/7036788

Welcome home to this extraordinary, custom-built, luxury fishing lodge located at the water's edge of scenic Wahoo Creek on the northern end of Lake Lanier! Three waterfront tracts were combined to create this peaceful, idyllic setting with approximately one acre of land and 427 feet of lake frontage just a few steps from the back of the home. Enjoy direct access to the water from an 18x26 single-slip covered dock AND a separate 12x16 swim/platform dock! The exterior of the home is beautifully constructed and features a fantastic outdoor cooking and dining area, as well as a unique, detached office reminiscent of an enclosed tree-house! Inside features rustic, hardwood floors, paneled walls, two fireplaces, marble showers, tankless water heater, central vac, an extensive master suite, 3 additional bedrooms/flex rooms, a whole house generator, an oversized garage, golf cart parking pad, and plenty of guest parking! Lots of options available for creating a larger home, or separating the parcels out to create additional homes! Come experience the Wahoo Creek Fishing Lodge and its unique, peaceful setting! A setting so special, you'll never want to leave!


Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends, and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over nineteen years of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.