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    Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring

    Spring is usually the busiest season in the housing market. Many buyers wait until then to make their move, believing it’s the best time to find a home. However, that isn’t always the case when you factor in the competition you could face with other buyers at that time of year. If you’re ready to buy a home, here’s why it makes sense to move before the spring market picks up.

    Spring Should Bring a Wave of Buyers to the Market

    In most years, the housing market goes through predictable seasonal trends in activity. Winter is typically a quiet point in the year, while spring sees a surge of buyers begin their search. And experts project that this year will be no exception.

    Right now, buyer demand is low due to a combination of normal seasonal trends and a reaction to last year’s rise in mortgage rates. But rates have started to come down since last November, which has more and more potential buyers planning to jump into the market. That means right now is a sweet spot if you’re in a good position to buy, before more buyers reappear. Affordability is beginning to improve, but demand is still low — for now. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shares:

    “. . . expect sales to pick up again soon since mortgage rates have markedly declined after peaking late last year.”

    If you’re ready to buy a home, right now is the best time to do so before your competition grows and more buyers enter the market.

    Today’s Sellers Are Motivated

    Low demand from buyers often means sellers are more motivated to work with you, and that can set you up to buy a home on your terms. In fact, sellers have been more willing to negotiate this winter because there are fewer buyers in the market. According to a recent article from Forbes:

    “. . . sellers gave concessions to buyers in 41.9% of home sales in the fourth quarter of last year.”

    But keep in mind, the advantages buyers have this winter won’t last forever. The competition you face could be greater if you wait until spring to make a move, and increased buyer demand means sellers will have less motivation to negotiate with you. Be sure to work with a trusted real estate professional to learn what you can expect in your local market right now.

    Bottom Line

    If you’re in a good position to make a move, it may make sense to move before spring. Working with our team of expert real estate advisors is the best way to learn about the current market and what it means for you. Let’s connect today to determine the best plan to achieve your homebuying goals. The Sheila Davis Group 770-235-6907 – Lake Lanier’s #1 Realtors

    Posted in: Buying a Lake home, Media Sheila Davis Group, Our Blog, Selling your home Tagged: #1 Realtor on Lake Lanier

    Homebuyer loan requests jump 25% as mortgage rates continue to fall

    January 18, 2023  BY MATT CARTER   Inman Connect

    Two months of declining mortgage rates have finally got the attention of homebuyers, with demand for purchase loans jumping 25 percent last week as rates continued to descend toward 6 percent, according to a weekly survey of lenders by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

    “Mortgage application activity rebounded strongly in the first full week of January, with both refinance and purchase activity increasing by double-digit percentages compared to last week, which included the New Year’s holiday observance,” said MBA Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni, in a statement. “Despite these gains, refinance activity remains more than 80 percent below last year’s pace and purchase volume remains 35 percent below year-ago levels.”

    Mortgage rates in decline

    According to loan lock data tracked by Optimal Blue, rates on 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgages hit a 2022 high of 7.16 percent on Oct. 24. Mortgage rates have been in a general downward trend since then, hitting a 2023 low of 6.15 percent on Thursday, Jan. 12.

    Rates have eased in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s Dec. 14 decision to slow the pace of short-term interest rate hikes, and more recent data that suggests inflation may be easing.

    “Mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since September 2022, and about a percentage point below the peak mortgage rate last fall,” Fratantoni said. “As we enter the beginning of the spring buying season, lower mortgage rates and more homes on the market will help affordability for first-time homebuyers.”

    For the week ending Jan. 13, the MBA reported average rates for the following types of loans:

    • For 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgages (loan balances of $726,200 or less), rates averaged 6.23, down from 6.42 percent the week before. With points decreasing to 0.67 from 0.73 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent loan-to-value ratio (LTV) loans, the effective rate also decreased.
    • Rates for 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgages (loan balances greater than $726,200) averaged 6.08 percent, essentially unchanged from 6.09 percent the week before. With points decreasing to 0.4 from 0.66 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans, the effective rate decreased.
    • For 30-year fixed-rate FHA mortgages, rates averaged 6.26 percent, down from 6.39 percent the week before. Although points increased to 1.05 from 1.03 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans, the effective rate decreased.
    • Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, rates averaged 5.58, down from 5.94 percent the week before. With points decreasing to 0.54 from 0.62 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans, the effective rate also decreased.
    • For 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), rates averaged 5.31 percent down from 5.37 percent the week before. Although points increased to 0.74 from 0.72 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans, the effective rate decreased.

    With the drop in rates, requests for ARM loans accounted for just 6.6 percent of all mortgage applications, down from 11.8 percent during the week ending Oct. 28.

    Requests for FHA loans accounted for 13 percent of last week’s applications, down from 13.4 percent the week before. VA loan applications accounted for 11.8 percent of loan requests, down from 13.2 percent the week before.

    As always, please give us a call if you would like to discuss your situation and how we can help you with your real estate goals!  or contact us here and we will give you a call!

    Posted in: Buying a Lake home, Featured Posts, Media, Media Sheila Davis Group, Our Blog, Selling your home Tagged: Home buyer demand, Home seller, mortgage rates

    New year, new listing: 10 ways to update your home to sell that won’t break the bank

    Here is a great article about Home updates that you can make to prepare your home to list to sell that shouldn’t break the bank! You are welcome to call us to discuss whether an upgrade option would benefit your sale or not and get a free no-obligation market analysis of your home. Give us a call today! 770-235-6907 Sheila Davis Group LakeLaniersFinest.com


    SOURCE INMAN CONNECT  BY ANTOINETTE FARGO 01/19/2023

    Whether it’s a brand-new listing or last year’s listing that’s still languishing on the market, these updates will make it look like new.

    This time last year, the market was so lively that many listing agents had only to pop a few photos on the MLS and multiple potential buyers would beat a path to the front door. What a difference a year makes. Now, many markets have cooled down and buyers are more discerning about what they’ll accept.

    Whether you are working with a seller to get ready for this spring’s market, you have an expired listing you want to reintroduce to the market, or you’re seeing a current listing languish a little longer than it should without any offers, a cost-effective refresh may be just the solution.

    Remember, buyers today are paying more due to higher interest rates, so they’re less likely to feel like taking on an outdated property. When presented with a freshened-up space that’s move-in ready, they’ll be more apt to sit up and take notice.

    The updates on this list range from the practically free to those that can be accomplished for a few hundred dollars. Check for these items when you’re walking through during your next listing consultation and use them to formulate a spruce-up plan prior to launch.

    1. Spruce up the yard and driveway

    Pressure wash walkways, maybe add a skim coat to the driveway, pull weeds from between pavers and plant a few colorful plants. This curb appeal upgrade will say welcome faster than you can at open houses or private showings.

    2. Clean the windows

    Nothing says “Come in” like a clear view into a beautiful door or front entryway window. It shows you care for the home from the moment someone walks up. In addition, it enhances the views from inside the house so they show at their best.

    3. Add a fresh coat of paint

    Whether it’s a touch-up on the garage and front door, a new coat on the trim or a neutral color on the interior, make sure things look fresh and clean. This is also the time to check for wood rot on trim work and replace as needed.

    4. Paint that dingy old wood

    Yes, paint it! The mantle, the banister, the stair risers or that old wood trim around windows and doors. If it is a wood color that cannot be re-stained reasonably, then paint it. It will look fresh and move-in ready for the new buyer, not to mention give the home a complete update.

    5. Update door hardware

    Change the door hardware on cabinets, entry doors or interior doors. Update with a matte black, gold or brushed nickel and change the feel of the home with a few turns of a screwdriver and as little as a few dollars each.

    6. Update faucets

    Change out those old kitchen faucets with a gorgeous new faucet from your local hardware store. Some cost as little as $20 and will immediately update any kitchen or bathroom. Re-do them all for a minimal investment and get a huge bang for your buck. Choose matte black, champagne or timeless chrome for a bit of shine.

    7. Add a backsplash

    Put in a backsplash already! I know, you’ve been meaning to for years. Well, now is the time. For a few dollars per square foot, white subway tile will go a long way to give the buyer an up-to-date feel. Choose a mesh-mounted Carrera mosaic which comes pre-cut and is an easy DIY fix that may take a few hours but will impress everyone who walks through.

    8. Replace countertops

    Hold on, it doesn’t have to be expensive. A nice butcher block is cost-effective and will completely change a kitchen from old and needing a remodel to “I can live with this” or “I love that” from a buyer. Even a new marble-like laminate will update and modernize in a flash.

    9. Update light fixtures

    Install new light fixtures or spray paint the old ones. Change that old chandelier out for a nice off-the-shelf fixture that sheds new light into the home. Remember to change the key areas in the main entry, living area, kitchen and bathrooms. If you have an old 80’s fixture, remove the glass, spray paint it and breathe new life into the space. Don’t forget ceiling fans. Spray paint those too, body and blades. Whether all white or a black body with white blades, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

    10. Update flooring

    Replace the carpet or flooring. If you have the funds, paint and carpet go a long way toward making a space look new and move-in ready. Even an entry grade carpet is better than dirty, dingy stains. Sheet vinyl or peel and stick is better than peeling old mauve vinyl from ’96!

    Antoinette Fargo is the co-founder and creative director of DOORA Collective + DOORA Design in Ventura, California.

    Posted in: Our Blog, Selling your home Tagged: preparing to sell your home, selling your home

    Is It Time To Sell Your Second Home?

    Is It Time To Sell Your Second Home?

    During the pandemic, second homes became popular because of the rise in work-from-home flexibility. That’s because owning a second home, especially in the luxury market, allowed those homeowners to spend more time in their favorite places or with different home features. Keep in mind, a luxury home isn’t only defined by price. In a recent article, Investopedia shares additional factors that push a home into this category: location, such as a home on the water or in a desirable city, and features, the things that make the home itself feel luxurious.

    A recent report from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) explains just how much remote work impacted the demand for second and luxury homes:

    “The unprecedented ten-fold increase towards remote work since the pandemic is an historic development that will continue to fuel second home demand for many years to come.”

    But what if you bought a second home that you no longer use? If you’re now shifting back into the office or are seeing your priorities and needs change, you may find you’re not utilizing your second home as much. If so, it may be time to sell it.

    And if you own what’s considered a luxury home, buyer demand for it may be even greater. In another report, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing explains:

    “. . . the last few years have left their legacy for the luxury market. While it might only represent a small percentage of the overall real estate market, luxury homeownership’s influence is growing. Not only has the purchase of homes valued over $1 million (a figure considered by the National Association of Realtors to be a benchmark for luxury) tripled from 2.6% to 6.5% since 2018, but demand for multiple luxury properties has soared over the last two years.

    This phenomenal increase has been driven by a growing affluent demographic who consider owning a luxury property a necessity in their asset portfolio. All indications are that this trend is here to stay, albeit that demand is set to return to a more sustainable level.”

    If you own a luxury second home that isn’t being used as much anymore, now’s the time to sell. There are still buyers in the market who are looking for a home like yours today.

    Bottom Line

    Let’s connect to explore the benefits of selling your second home this year. Give us a call today at 770-235-6907.

    Posted in: Our Blog, Selling your home Tagged: 2nd Home, Best Lake Lanier Realtors, Homes for sale, Just Listed on Lake Lanier, Sell Lake home, sell my home

    Why Staging Matters, Even in a Seller’s Market, From NAR “National Association of Realtors”

    The Sheila Davis Group stages many of our homes using the services of an Interior Designer, Malinda O’Brien with White Dog Home.
     (photos are from 3639 N River Rd, Gainesville which was staged, listed and under contract within 3 days!)
    Homes may be selling faster, but the right style can help earn the highest ROI.
     
    “Many homes are going under contract the first weekend they’re listed—and sometimes without any preparation for the market. Still, real estate professionals can’t promise sellers their property will stand out and receive the highest offers unless buyers fall in love with the home. That’s where staging makes a big difference! In what ways does staging capture buyers’ hearts for a successful, top-dollar sale? Let us explain.
    Help Buyers Emotionally Connect -Staging is about showcasing an engaging, move-in ready home that creates an emotional connection with the buyer. Updating décor with on-trend, inviting style—particularly in living rooms, primary bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms—can make a memorable impression. Once engaged, buyers will be more committed and possibly willing to increase their offer, and they may be less likely to change their minds at the last minute or ask for concessions.
    Eighty-two percent of buyers’ agents said staging helped their clients visualize the property as their home, according to the National Association of REALTORS® 2021 Profile of Home Staging.
    Increase Perceived Value – With staging, you minimize the negatives and accentuate the positives of a property to make the best impression. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing to remove any potential distractions. Then, add a coat of neutral wall color to brighten the space, remove dated window treatments, and strategically arrange furniture and remove bulky pieces. These simple updates will help play up the home’s unique features and increase the perceived value.
    More than a quarter of buyers are more willing to overlook property faults if a home is staged, according to NAR’s 2021 Profile of Home Staging.
    Help Buyers Better “Visualize” a Vacant Home – There is no question that a dark, empty property will not get the same attention as one filled with on-trend, engaging furnishings and accessories. Not only does it instantly help buyers visualize their furniture in the space and how it will match their lifestyle, but it also creates a more spacious and inviting room.
    Create Quality Online Images to Peak Interest – You only get one chance to make a first impression. Nearly all—99%—of millennial home buyers start their search online, according to NAR’s data. Even in a hot market, staging a photo-ready property can directly influence a buyer’s decision to see the home in person and submit an offer.
    Stats Show Staging Is Worth the Investment – Staging is an investment that helps maximize the rate of return on the sale of the property—and usually costs less than the first price reduction. With an average investment of 1% of the sale price into staging, about 75% of sellers saw an ROI of 5% to 15% over asking price, according to data from the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA).
    A recent survey from the International Association of Home Staging Professionals shows that staging helps sell homes three to 30 times faster than the nonstaged competition. Further, staging can help increase the sale price by up to 20% on average.
    For sellers who decide not to stage, the IAHSP survey also shows that the average price reduction on a home was five to 20 times more than what the staging investment would have been.
    (Originally published September 27, 2021)

    Posted in: Featured Posts, Our Blog, Selling your home Tagged: Home staging, Lake Lanier, List your home, Real Estate, Sell your home, Top Realtor

    NEW PRICE REDUCTION! 1957 River View Drive, Gainesville Lake Lanier lot Ready to build!

    lake lanier lot for sale waterfront with dock slip
    https://www.sheiladavisco.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/FB-VIDEO-NEW-PRICE-1957-Riverview-Dr-LOT.mp4

    NEW PRICE REDUCTION! 1957 River View Drive, Gainesville 1.01 acre, 123 feet waterfront plus comes with a Covered dock space at the community Dock! Now $190,000, FMLS #7024100, Jennifer Anderson 770-356-2629  Build your Dream home here on this premium 1 acre lot that comes with a deeded covered single slip at the community’s boat dock. Located in North Hall’s Old River Pointe luxury lake subdivision, this lot offers 123 feet of lake frontage. The lot is in a private cul-de-sac of seven custom homes and offers vista views from either side of the bridge. Trees were left on the lot border for privacy. Conveniently located to downtown Gainesville, excellent public & private schools, Laurel Park, Atlanta Botanical Gardens North, Olympic Rowing Venue, Don Carter Park and more.

    Posted in: Featured Posts, Lake Lanier, Lake Lanier Lots for sale, Our Blog Tagged: dock, Gainesville GA, Lake Lanier, lots

    NEW LUXURY LAKE LANIER LISTING

    ✨COMING SOON!✨ 4759 Fowler Drive, Cumming SOUTH LAKE LANIER! STUNNING LAKE VIEWS, ELEGANT CUSTOM HOME, 3 BR GUEST COTTAGE PLUS TWO DOCKS! ?South Lake premier location in sought after Cumming, Forsyth County. Unique PRIVATE secluded setting. Exquisite owner architect designed and custom-built 4 BR home with outstanding quality and craftsmanship. Enjoy AMAZING SUNRISE VIEWS overlooking beautiful Young Deer Creek! The DEEP-water private dock location is set back from the main lake with peaceful area for kayaking and swimming. Offered at $2,700,000 ⚓️ Contact Sheila Davis 770-235-6907 for additional information.

    https://www.sheiladavisco.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/COMING-SOON-4759-FOWLER-DR-NEW-MP4-FB.mp4

     

    Posted in: Featured Posts, Just Listed by The Sheila Davis Group, Our Blog Tagged: Lake Lanier homes for sale, Lake Lanier Neighborhood, Lake Lanier Realtor, Luxury home, Sheila Davis Group, waterfront

    Lake Lanier Real Estate 1st Quarter 2022 Market Update

    The spring lake market is fast paced! Don’t go it alone! Give us a call for expert help with selling or buying! Sheila Davis Group Lake Lanier Real Estate 770-235-6907

    Posted in: Featured Posts, Our Blog, Selling your home Tagged: Best Lake Lanier Realtors, Boats, Buford, Community dock, Cumming, Dawsonville, dock, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Homes for sale, Just Listed on Lake Lanier, Lake Lanier, Lake Lanier homes for sale, Lakehouse, sell my home

    JUST SOLD on Lake Lanier: 2429 North Banks Cove! $799,000

    Best Lake Lanier Realtors Georgia Sheila Davis Group

    JUST SOLD on Lake Lanier: 2429 North Banks Cove! $799,000, ? Congratulations to our Agent Jennifer Anderson and her Buyers from Minnesota on the sale of this Lake home! We have buyers wanting to move to Lake Lanier ? from all over the country. ??
    If you are considering a ?move, would like a free home evaluation, or need help finding your next dream home, please give Jennifer a call at 770-356-2629, Our professional team would ❤️ to help you! or CONTACT US HERE

    Posted in: Featured Posts, Just Sold Sheila Davis Group, Lake Lanier, Our Blog Tagged: dock, Homes for sale, Lake house, Lake Lanier, Lake Lanier Neighborhood, Lake Lanier Realtor, private dock

    Just Listed in Sidney on Lanier neighborhood

    Home for sale Sidney on Lake Lanier Gainesville Georgia
    New to the Market!: 2309 Crystal Court, Gainesville, GA 30506 

    Elegant 6 bedroom, 5 bath Builder’s personal home in the Sidney on Lanier neighborhood with seasonal lake views, a gorgeous pool, outdoor fireplace, finished Terrace level +much more, $1,100,000, FMLS #6952791, Sheila Davis 770-235-6907 Click here for more listing details

    https://www.sheiladavisco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/JL-2309-Crystal-Court.mp4

    Posted in: Featured Posts, Just Listed by The Sheila Davis Group, Our Blog Tagged: Gainesville, Homes for sale, Lake Lanier Neighborhood, Leading Realtor, Sidney on Lanier, Swimming pool

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