Cumming Archives

Why Buyers Need an Expert Agent by Their Side

Sheila Davis Real Estate The process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances. But today’s market is still anything but normal. There continues to be a very limited number of homes for sale, and that’s creating bidding wars and driving home prices back up as buyers compete over the available homes.

Navigating all of this can be daunting if you’re trying to do it alone. That’s why having a skilled expert to guide you through the homebuying process is essential, especially today. Bankrate shares this perspective:

“Advice and guidance from a professional real estate agent can be invaluable, particularly amid a hot or unpredictable housing market.”

Here are just a few of the ways a real estate expert makes a big difference:

Experience – Real estate professionals know the ins and outs of what’s happening today, how it impacts buyers, and how to navigate any hurdles that may pop up.
Education – Knowledge is power when it comes to buying a home. Your advisor will simply and effectively explain market conditions and translate what they mean for you so you can feel confident in your decision.
Negotiations – Your real estate advisor advocates for your best interests. Having an expert on your side provides assistance with the purchase agreement. An agent can also help you negotiate potential seller concessions if the inspection reveals issues with the home.
Contracts – Real estate advisors guide you through the disclosures and contracts necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment.
Pricing – Making an offer and negotiating with a seller can be one of the most difficult and stressful parts of the homebuying process. A skilled agent will help you understand what similar homes are selling for so you have the full picture of what you may want to offer.

All of these reasons combined may be why 86% of recent buyers used an agent according to the latest Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR also has this to say about why an agent is so essential today:

“A great real estate agent will guide you through the home search with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget. Agents are also a great source when you have questions about local amenities, utilities, zoning rules, contractors, and more.”

What’s the Key To Choosing the Right Expert?

It starts with trust. You’ll want to know you can trust the advice they’re giving you, so you need to make sure you’re connected with a true professional. No one can provide perfect advice because it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to happen at every turn – especially in today’s market. But a true professional can give you the best possible advice based on the information and situation at hand.

They’ll help advocate for you throughout the process and coach you on the essential knowledge you need to make confident decisions. That’s exactly what you want and deserve.

Bottom Line

It’s critical to have an expert on your side who is skilled in navigating today’s housing market. If you’re planning to buy a home this year, let’s connect so you have a real estate advisor on your side to give you the best advice and guide you along the way. Give us a call today! Sheila Davis Group 770-235-6907

Powerful Job Market Fuels Homebuyer Demand

The spring housing market has been surprisingly active this year. Even with affordability challenges and a limited number of homes for sale, buyer demand is strong, and getting stronger.

One way we know there are interested buyers right now is because showing traffic is up. Data from the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring homes, makes it clear more people are out looking at homes than there were prior to the pandemic (see graph below):

And though there’s less traffic than the buyer frenzy of the past couple of years, we’re not far off that pace. There are a lot of interested buyers checking out available homes right now.

But why are buyers so active at a time when mortgage rates are higher than they were just last year?

The Job Market Is Growing at a Stronger-Than-Expected Pace

With inflation still high, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) repeatedly hiking the Federal Funds Rate, and a lot of chatter in the media about a recession, it might surprise you just how strong today’s job market is. What might be even more surprising is the fact that it appears to be getting stronger (see graph below):

Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports how many new jobs were added to the U.S. job market. The graph above shows 88,000 more jobs were created in April than in March. In fact, the April numbers beat expert projections. That’s a solid indicator the job market is growing.

Unemployment Is at a Near All-Time Low

Ever since the Fed began fighting inflation, many people expected the low unemployment rate we’ve seen over the past couple of years to rise – but that hasn’t happened.

In fact, what has happened is the unemployment rate has dropped to 3.4% – a 50-year low (see graph below):

With so many people steadily employed and financially stable right now, they’re still able to seriously consider buying a home.

What This Means for You

If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, a market with active buyers is music to your ears. That’s because there’ll be increased interest in your home when you put it on the market, especially at a time when the number of homes for sale is so low.

To get started, your best resource is an experienced real estate agent. They can help you price your house appropriately, navigate the offers you’ll receive, negotiate effectively, and minimize your stress and hassle.

Bottom Line

There are plenty of buyers out there right now trying to find a home that fits their needs. That’s because the job market is strong, and many people have the stable income needed to seriously consider homeownership. To put your house on the market and get in on the action, let’s connect. Sheila Davis 770-235-6907

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

Number of Homes for Sale Up from Last Year, but Below Pre-Pandemic Years

The biggest challenge in the housing market right now, and likely for years to come, is how few homes there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy. That’s why, if you’re thinking about selling your house, this is a great time to do so. Your house would be welcome in a market that has fewer homes for sale than it did in the years leading up to the pandemic.

According to the latest Monthly Housing Market Trends Report from realtor.com:

“There were 65.5% more homes for sale in January compared to the same time in 2022. This means that there were 248,000 more homes available to buy this past month compared to one year ago. While the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2% lower than it was before the pandemic in 2017 to 2019. This means that there are still fewer homes available to buy on a typical day than there were a few years ago.”

The graph below shows how today’s inventory of homes for sale compares to recent years:

What Does This Mean for You?

Fewer homes for sale means buyers have fewer choices than they did prior to the pandemic—and that frustration is leading some to give up on the homebuying process altogether. But with mortgage rates sitting lower than they were at the peak last fall, more buyers are willing to come back into the process—they just need to find homes to buy. This is welcome activity for the spring market, especially if you’re thinking of selling your house.

With a renewed interest in buying a home for many, the New York Times (NYT) reports:

“Home buyers are edging back into the market after being sidelined last year . . .”

So, if you want to take advantage of a sweet spot in the market, this spring could be your shot.

Bottom Line

The housing market needs more homes for sale to meet the demand of today’s buyers. If you’ve thought about selling, now’s the time for us to connect and get ready for you to make a move this spring. Give us a call at The Sheila Davis Group 770-235-6907 and please check out our website at https://www.lakelaniersfinest.com/

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

Just Listed on South Lake Lanier – 7480 Fields Drive

Just Listed on Lanier – 7480 Fields Drive: Rare lakefront grass to water “point lot” with level yard, amazing sunsets and expansive shoreline is lake living at it’s finest! Located on South Lake in Cumming’s Young Deer Creek area just off GA 400, is this clean and well maintained lakeside charming cottage. The slider off of the dining area leads out to the wrap around back deck that offers panoramic views of Lake Lanier. There is plenty of storage room that would offer more space to upgrade to make it your own or tear down to build your dream home. The current boat slip is a single slip covered dock on deep water that has electricity with potential to upgrade the dock size to 32×32. The screened in porch off the kitchen is the perfect spot to wind down after a day on the lake. The patios offer plenty of space to relax and enjoy the day. The backyard has cherry trees, dogwoods, hardwoods and Georgia pines that provide some privacy and offer tranquility of the beautiful view of Lake Lanier. The incredible backyard is amazing for entertaining guests and is big enough to add a pool or outdoor living space. The basement has a kitchenette and bathroom for easy access into the house. Cedar board and batten with brick front exterior. Landscaped front yard with magnolia tree, rose bushes and hydrangeas offer nice curb appeal. Close to Bald Ridge and Port Royale marinas, shopping, restaurants and medical. This is truly a special place to call home!

Available on South Lake Lanier – Cumming, GA

$925,000 • Available on South Lake Lanier just off GA 400, 6 bedrooms, 4.5 bath Craftsman Style home, Private Single-slip oversized dock with a sun porch located in a deep water cove near Bald Ridge Marina. Vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace, walls of windows, Finished Terrace level with a huge family room, workout room & large workshop. Fresh NEW interior paint, 2016 new Kitchen, roof & decks. No HOA. Dock is possibly upgradeable to larger size, Plenty of parking, no garage but room to build one, recently rezoned to new East Forsyth High school, FMLS# 6781498 5455 Linger Longer Road, Jennifer Anderson 770-356-2629 Additional listing Details: https://search.sheiladavisco.com/idx/details/listing/c032/6781498/5455-Linger-Longer-Road-Cumming-GA-30041?widgetReferer=true

Just listed: 5455 Linger Longer Road Cumming

Sheila Davis Real Estate group #1 on Lake Lanier

Just 5 minutes off GA400 on the South end of Lake Lanier this 6 bedroom, 4 bath Craftsman style home is the perfect retreat. $945,500, Vaulted ceiling great room with stacked stone fireplace, bookcases and wall of windows has double doors that lead out to a large back deck with a nice view of the water. Single-slip oversized dock with sun porch located in a no- wake cove with deep water near Bald Ridge Marina, No HOA and Forsyth schools, Agent: Jennifer Anderson (770) 356-2629 Additional Listing information here

Buy now & enjoy Lake Lanier Boating & Lake life this Summer!

Lake Lanier home for sale cumming, ga Sheila Davis group

1005 Timber Lake Trail, Cumming, GA, A 3BR| 3BA Chalet style home for sale with a boathouse in deep-water quiet protected area on the furthest South end of the lake. Close to marinas and restaurants. CORPS approved for 32×32 twin slip dock. | vaulted great room,sold turnkey “as is” with furnishings, Ready for you to buy and make it your own! $549,900 Sheila Davis The Norton Agency 770-235-6907 https://search.sheiladavisco.com/idx/details/listing/c032/6673907/1005-Timber-Lake-Trail-Cumming-GA-30041?widgetReferer=true

Just Listed Turn-key 6BR| 4.5BA Lake Lanier home!

This 6BR| 4.5BA Lake Lanier home checks all the boxes – deep water, flat lot, and views on Young Deer Creek! Beautifully updated home is on a quiet lake street minutes from the Pilgrim Mill exit on 400. Everything you need for lake living is included! All furniture, decor, boat, jet skis, golf cart, hot tub and lake toys are considered in the price. House was completely renovated in 2014 w/amazing details including beams, planked ceilings, hardwood floors and abundant natural light. Located in a highly sought-after south lake location. 3520 Fleming Drive, Cumming, GA 30041 Stephanie Gillespie 770-654-4161 $1,095,000 https://search.sheiladavisco.com/idx/details/listing/c032/6664968/3520-Fleming-Drive-Cumming-GA-30041?widgetReferer=true&fbclid=IwAR1Ghto57E-Cme_zO4LqzwrTi2WnyUNmLpIcmn1pRLilX2wr5j2oNmQDP-w

Just Sold on Lake Lanier by Sheila Davis Group -1225 Timberlake Trail

Lake lanier homes for sale , Sheila Davis Real Estate Group the Norton Agency

Just SOLD on Lanier – 1225 Timberlake Trail, $1,595,000, A ONE OF A KIND 4.6 acre South Lake Lanier estate with 1300 ft of Corps frontage, situated on a grass to water private point! Gated entrance, 2 tracts. Featuring 180 degree views! The grandfathered over-sized dock can accommodate more than 2 boats. There is a concrete patio at water’s edge! Enjoy privacy & large family gatherings at the gunite pool! In the family for over 50 years, the property is just 50+/- feet to water’s edge, incl a vintage 3BR/1 1/2 bath cabin, plus a 1990’s brick guest home w/ 2B/2B and an upstairs master/apartment.

If we can help you with a Lake Lanier property (either buying or selling), give our group a call! 770.235.6907