Lake Lanier Archives

Here’s where you can go to celebrate the 4th of July in the Lake Lanier and surrounding area

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
Courtesy of Lakeside on Lanier News

Communities in and around Lake Lanier celebrate Independence Day with hometown fun that shows off their heritage. From greased pole climbing to running 5Ks, vintage music to patriotic pops, tractor parades to boat parades, the shorelines and headwater towns burst with an array of festivities. Here’s a look:
Blairsville

July 4 – Old Fashioned Celebration, Blairsville – 7 a.m. 5K/1-mile fun run, 9:30 a.m. flag raising ceremony, followed by bicycle parade, pedal boat races, greased pole climbing, watermelon eating contest and other family activities at one of the nation’s oldest state parks, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. 5K /fun run $20, $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706 745-2628.
July 4 – Red, White & Blairsville – Food trucks, bounce houses, and fireworks, 7:30-10 p.m., Meeks Park, 11 Pool Lane. www.visitblairsvillega.com.
Braselton
July 4 – Celebrate the 4th, Braselton – Food, music, parade, fireworks; food trucks/family activities, 5 p.m., parade on Ga. 53 begins at 6 p.m., live music 6:30-9:30 p.m.; fireworks between 9-9:30 p.m., Town Green, 9924 Davis St. www.explorebraselton.com.
Buford
Margaritaville Lanier Islands, Buford – Water park, live music, fireworks, 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy. See website for details. www.margaritavilleresorts.com.
Mall of Georgia Family Fun Day, Buford – Village Amphitheatre, 4345 Buford Dr. Details: www.mallofgeorgia.com, 678 482-8788.
Cumming
July 4 – 67th annual Thomas Mashburn Steam Engine Parade/Independence Day Celebration, Cumming – Parade with sports teams, dance academies, antique cars, tractors and steam engines on Tribble Gap Road from Forsyth Central High School to Cumming Fairgrounds. 10 a.m.-noon. Independence Day Celebration with children’s activities, food, vendors, live music, adult beverages, and more 4-10 p.m., fireworks 9:30 p.m. Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. www.cummingfair.net.
July 4 – Run, White & Blue 10K/Fun Run/5K, Cumming – 7:45/8/8:30 a.m., Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way. $25-$45. www.runnersfit.com.
Dahlonega
July 4 – Parade and Celebration, Dahlonega – Firecracker 5K, car show, patriotic parade, free concerts in Hancock Park, food trucks, reading of Declaration of Independence, DJ and fireworks show on University of North Georgia drill field at dusk, For schedule see www.dahlonegadda.org.
Gainesville
July 3- Patriotic Pops Concert, Gainesville – Northwind Symphonic Band performs annual patriotic concert on the lawn, gates open 7 p.m., music starts 8 p.m., Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Sprint St. SW. Bring lawn chairs, picnic; food truck available. $25 individual, $35 per ticket reserve table for 8. www.theartscouncil.net.
July 4 – Laurel Park Celebration, Gainesville – American Legion – Paul E. Bolding Post 7 presents an all-day Fourth of July celebration. Gates open at 9 a.m. with food vendors, kid’s activities, music, splash pad, and more; fireworks at dark visible from numerous points around the north end of Lake Lanier, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy. $ 10 per car. Rain date Aug. 3.
July 6 – Red, White & Boat, Gainesville – Celebration at marina for tenants only, July 6; 9 p.m. fireworks visible from various points on the lake, Gainesville Marina, 2145 Dawsonville Hwy.
Helen
July 4- Annual Fireworks at Dusk, Helen – Bring lawn chairs and blankets, view fireworks from Alpine Village Shoppes and Helen Welcome Center. Arrive before 9 p.m., 1074 Edelweiss Strasse. 706 878-2181, www.helenga.org.
Hiawassee
July 4 – Fireworks at the Fairgrounds, Hiawassee – Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds annual blast in the mountains with live 60s-70s music with Vintage Vixens, 6-8 p.m., fireworks 9:45 p.m. July 4, 1311 Music Hall Rd. www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.
Mountain City
July 6 – July Evening of Fun, Mountain City – Line dancing, snacks & old fashioned games to celebrate Independence Day, 4-6 p.m., Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy. $5 parking. 706-745-2141, www.gastateparks.org.

Sheila Davis Group Lake Lanier Realtors, See our featured listings here. Give us a call for help with buying or selling a Lake Lanier area home 770-235-6907

5332 Point South Drive, Gainesville, GA 30504 ~ Pointe South on Lake Lanier

A unique and rare opportunity to own this elegant lake front home in “Pointe South” One of Lake Lanier’s most private and elegant communities with private docks! Located within close proximity to marinas and lake dining by boat, and close to Flowery Branch/Buford shopping and local restaurants. Enjoy magnificent year-round south lake views and a short, gentle landscaped walk to the private deep water twin slip party dock. Golf cart path in place from home to the dock. Experience privacy in this serene setting and beautiful gardens to enjoy the deer and other native animals and birds in this lakeside area.
This custom beautiful well-built and maintained home with 8,212 square feet has over 4400 +/- square feet on the main level, spacious rooms and lifted ceilings. The main floor features hardwood floors, a two-story foyer with a grand winding staircase to the Terrace level. Main floor Rooms include a formal study with custom millwork, a spacious open concept great room with lake views, French doors and lots of windows, a large center island kitchen with stainless appliances, gas cooktop. The kitchen is open to the fireside keeping room and breakfast room with spectacular lake views and opens to the backside covered porch. Walk out of the great room to the main level stone patio with fireplace, and back porch for relaxing and viewing the lake.
The owner’s suite features a sitting room with fireplace, with French doors to the stone patio, large windows and lake views! There is a spacious vaulted bathroom with skylights, large shower, whirlpool tub, and large custom closet off the laundry room. In addition, there is an additional main level ensuite and a powder room.
The finished daylight terrace level has a spacious family and recreation room, open to a second kitchen, fitness room, plus three ensuites. A secret bonus room upstairs can make a great office or playroom. There are eight exterior cameras, including one at the dock to stay with the home. HOA and covenants. There is a three-car garage with a separate storage room with a side entrance.
$2,495,000, FMLS #7218366 Sheila Davis 📱770-235-6907 additional listing information

2023 Lake Lanier Annual Member Celebration – Sheila Davis Group Signature Sponsors

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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.

We’re in a Sellers’ Market. What Does That Mean?

Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy we saw over a year ago, today’s low supply of homes for sale is still a sellers’ market. But what does that really mean? And why are conditions today so good if you want to list your house?

It starts with the number of homes available for sale. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows housing supply is still astonishingly low. Today, we have a 2.6-month supply of homes at the current sales pace. Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary for a ‘normal’ or ‘neutral’ market in which there are enough homes available for active buyers (see graph below):

What Does This Mean for You?

When the supply of homes for sale is as low as it is right now, it’s much harder for buyers to find one to purchase. That creates increased competition among purchasers and keeps upward pressure on prices. And if buyers know they’re not the only one interested in a home, they’re going to do their best to submit a very attractive offer. As this happens, sellers are positioned to negotiate deals that meet their ideal terms. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, says:

“Inventory levels are still at historic lows. Consequently, multiple offers are returning on a good number of properties.”

Right now, there are still buyers who are ready, willing, and able to purchase a home. If you list your house right now in good condition and at the right price, it could get a lot of attention from competitive buyers.

Bottom Line

Today’s sellers’ market holds great opportunities for homeowners ready to make a move. Listing your house now will maximize your exposure to serious, competitive buyers. Contact us today to discuss how to jumpstart the selling process. Sheila Davis -The Sheila Davis Group 770-235-6907

Could a Multigenerational Home Be the Right Fit for You?

During the pandemic, many of us reexamined the meaning of home for ourselves and our loved ones. Today, that can be seen in the recent rise in multigenerational households. According to Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Economic Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Multi-generational buying may be a home where families live in the same home with elderly parents, children who have boomeranged back home, or other extended family members. While this is not a new concept of living, it is one which has gained recent popularity.”

And citing data from Pew Research Center, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says:

“. . . multigenerational living has made a comeback in recent years, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis and during the pandemic.”

So, if buying a multigenerational home has crossed your mind, you aren’t alone. Depending on what stage of homeownership you’re in, there are different reasons it could be the right fit. The chart below shows responses to a recent survey from NAR about the reasons people have bought a multigenerational home:

Whether your motives are financial or focused on the people you’ll share your home with, a multigenerational home has distinct advantages. It can make homeownership more affordable, and it can help you best support your loved ones. As Lautz explains:

“Multi-generational home buying is a way for families to care for one another, support one another, and often buy a home that may have been previously out of reach. . . . The trend of multigenerational buying appears to be firmly established and one that could expand in the future.”

Bottom Line: If you’re ready to buy a house, consider the opportunities of a multigenerational home. Let’s connect so you can explore your options in our area. The Sheila Davis Group 770-235-6907

| MyKCM

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/

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)

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

lake lanier lot for sale waterfront with dock slip

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.