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www.MOVINGCALLUS.com
The Moving Call Us Team is here to serve all of your Real Estate needs!
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OUR AWARD-WINNING TEAM OF CARING PROFESSIONALS
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Amie & Paul Bozeman, Team Owners/Realtors
TEAM OWNERS/REALTORS®
REVIEWS
- Amie and Paul are awesome! Amie was extremely helpful and reliable. She and Paul really cared about us and understood our home sell needs. Amie’s strategy for marketing our home was unbelievably fast and easy! We had multiple offers in 3 days. Amie and Paul are great to work with. Their honesty and integrity made this experience a breeze. We can’t recommend they highly enough! They will handle all of our home sells in the future! Thank you so much Amie & Paul!
mswrly - I am so happy I choose Amie as my realtor. Selling a home can be a stressful process, but with Amie she made the process much easier. Amie worked hard to present all options to me and helped me to make the best decisions for my needs. Amie works excellent at negations for her clients. Her knowledge of the industry is excellent, and she made sure that, I, the client was protected on all legal sides when dealing with contracts. Amie was easy to work with, her response time was flawless, and she brings much peace to the process. I highly recommend Amie, rather you are looking to sell or buy.angieblue52775
- Working with Amie and her team was great. We bought our first home in GA with them in 2017. 2020 we sold it for our asking price and am going through the process of building our dream home with their team. I would highly recommend them.lindalbradburn
Our BLOGS
Income Properties Are Trending, But Is Landlord Life for You?
If the thought of investing your money into brick and mortar—or perhaps some stylishly-painted siding—excites you, join the club. Investing in real estate has long been one of Americans' favorite ways to grow their wealth. In fact, over 70% of single-family rental properties are currently owned by individual investors rather than corporations, according to Census data.1 Moreover, a decade's worth of Bankrate surveys has found that Americans often prefer real estate for long-term wealth building over other investments. According to Bankrate's latest survey, for example, Americans have historically embraced real estate, in part, because of the strong return on investment it can offer—especially to investors willing to stick with a property over time.2 It’s also a popular way to hedge against inflation since both rental income and property values tend to rise in tandem with overall prices.3 Now, as higher interest rates continue to push priced-out homebuyers to the sidelines, a new crop of “mom and pop” investors are eyeing the mushrooming rental market as a potential goldmine.4 Interest in buying a home to both live in and rent is also on the rise, especially amongst cash-strapped buyers looking to supplement their mortgage payments.5 But how do you know if you’re well-suited to take advantage of these real estate investment opportunities? Here are three signs that owning a rental property could be right for you. 1. YOU'RE A HOMEBUYER WHO WANTS HELP COVERING THE MORTGAGE If you're looking for a creative way to buy a home without overspending, “house hacking” could be the answer. Increasingly popular with first-time homebuyers and budget-conscious investors, house hacking simply means buying a home that you intend to live in while renting out a portion of it to one or more tenants.5 House hacking also tends to be easier to break into than traditional real estate investing since you don't need as high a credit score or as large a down payment to qualify for a mortgage. In fact, some government-backed mortgage programs will let you buy a primary residence with little to no money down.6 Buying a home you don't plan to live in, by contrast, may require you to put down as much as 15% to 25% to qualify for a loan.7 If you house hack, the money you collect for rent each month can help cover your mortgage and other homeownership expenses. Depending on your setup, you may also be able to save on utility bills by splitting them with your tenant or tacking a portion onto their monthly rent. Another major advantage of house hacking is that it entitles you to certain tax benefits and deductions available only to landlords.8 When it's time to start your search, we can help you find a property that's ideal for house hacking, such as a house with a walkout basement, a multifamily unit, or a home with enough outdoor space to build an accessory dwelling unit or garage apartment. 2. YOU'RE AN INVESTOR LOOKING FOR STEADY AND RELIABLE INCOME If you’re not crazy about the idea of a live-in tenant but still desire an additional stream of income, a dedicated long-term rental property could be a better option for you. Besides the monthly proceeds, purchasing a rental home can also add diversity and long-term stability to your investment portfolio and help you build wealth over time.9 According to data from the Federal Reserve, real estate owners have historically prospered. In early 2020, for example, the median home was worth almost triple what it was 30 years prior. Then, during the pandemic-era real estate boom, average home prices grew at an especially frenzied clip, climbing by nearly 50%, on average, in just two and a half years.10 However, the rate of appreciation can be hard to predict, so it’s prudent to invest in a property that also offers positive cash flow, which means the rent you take in exceeds your expenses. This strategy helps to ensure that you’ll put money in your pocket each month, even if the property’s value takes time to grow. While today’s higher mortgage rates can make it more challenging for landlords to turn a profit, investment opportunities aren’t reserved for cash buyers. In fact, currently, almost 60% of real estate investors take out a loan to finance their purchase, according to Thomas Malone, an economist at the real estate data firm CoreLogic.4 He also notes that more small investors are stepping in to meet demand for rental housing, which has grown since many would-be buyers remain priced out of the purchase market.4 If you want to explore opportunities for a residential rental property that's good for your wallet and attractive to renters, we can help. Reach out with questions or to schedule a free consultation. 3. YOU'RE AN EXPERIENCED INVESTOR LOOKING TO MAXIMIZE YOUR POTENTIAL RETURNS Another increasingly popular way to draw income from an investment property is to convert it to a short-term vacation rental. But beware: This strategy can be riskier as some municipalities have tightened rental restrictions and others are suffering from market oversaturation.11,12 With that said, if you're an experienced investor who can afford to take on some uncertainty, then investing in a short-term rental could make sense for you. If you find the right property, for example, you could earn significantly more renting it short-term on a platform like Airbnb than if you rented the home to a long-term tenant.11 The key is to keep it occupied as much as possible at a premium nightly rate. To do that, you’ll need some marketing savvy, hospitality skills, and business acumen. Of course, you can always hire a professional property manager, but you’ll need to factor the cost into your budget. The vacation rental market enjoyed a boom during the pandemic, and some inexperienced investors are finding they bit off more than they can chew. As a result, there's an opportunity to snap up some of these properties, but you'll need some cash on hand and a willingness to learn the business.12 We can help you scout opportunities in our local market or, if you’re interested in investing in another area, we can refer you to an agent there for assistance. BOTTOMLINE Investing in real estate can be a great way to build your wealth long-term and earn some extra income. But to make the most of your investment, it pays to be strategic. Call us for a consultation so we can discuss your goals and budget. We'll help you discover neighborhoods with the best income potential, point out the homes most suited to renting, and help you brainstorm the best investment strategy for you. Before you take the plunge, make sure you can answer “YES” to these three questions: 1. Are you ready to be a landlord? Owning a rental property can take a lot of time and energy. You're not just buying passive income, you're also building sweat equity since the time you spend maintaining, marketing, and managing your rental can add up quickly. So be prepared to do some soul-searching to ensure you’ll not only flourish as a landlord, but actually enjoy it. If you want to invest in real estate but aren’t prepared to put in the day-to-day effort required, we can refer you to a property management service for help. 2. Can you afford to invest in real estate? The last thing you want is to get over-extended with your new real estate venture. Besides the cost of purchasing the property, you’ll need to consider additional expenses, like property taxes, insurance, administrative costs, and maintenance and repairs. You will also need a cash reserve for unexpected issues or potential vacancies. We can help you run the numbers to determine whether you can charge enough rent to offset your expenditures. 3. Have you found the right income property? Even if you’ve got your finances in order and are emotionally ready to invest, your success as a landlord will also depend on the property you buy. The criteria for a good rental home and a good family home are often different, so it’s important to lean on professionals for advice. We can help you find an ideal rental property, taking into account your budget, risk appetite, and investment goals. If you decide to invest in a different area, we'll connect you with an agent who's more plugged into that community. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: PR Newswire -https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/census-data-show-individuals-continue-to-own-largest-share-of-single-family-rental-homes-301725024.html Bankrate -https://www.bankrate.com/investing/survey-favorite-long-term-investment-2022/ Forbes -https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/04/14/why-income-generating-real-estate-is-the-best-hedge-against-inflation/?sh=1081ce921746 MarketWatch -https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/another-challenge-for-homebuyers-more-investors-are-snapping-up-homes-and-40-of-them-are-using-cash/ar-AA1foWSB Realtor.com -https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/on-the-house-house-hacking-your-way-into-your-first-home/ NerdWallet -https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/government-home-loans LendingTree -https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/down-payment-for-rental-property/ Quicken Loans -https://www.quickenloans.com/learn/house-hacking Investors Business Daily -https://www.investors.com/etfs-and-funds/personal-finance/rental-properties-investing-experts/ St. Louis Fed FRED Economic Data -https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPUS Story by J.P. Morgan -https://story.jpmorgan.com/real-estate-news/thinking-about-investing-in-short-term-rentals-heres-what-to-know Skift -https://skift.com/2023/07/21/short-term-rental-saturation-leads-to-a-correction-and-lots-of-home-sales/
Downsize Your Home, Rightsize Your Life: How to Choose the Ideal Smaller Home
When you've lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space. Take it from the downsizers who’ve been there: Although living small might require some adjustments, it can also be liberating––especially if you're in a stage of life where past responsibilities have given way to new possibilities and adventures. In fact, many downsizers report feeling invigorated by the change, according to real estate journalist and author Sheri Koones. “It scares people to think of moving into a smaller space,” said Koones to the Associated Press. “But every single person I interviewed who has made the transition says they are so happy they did.”1 The key is to find somewhere you can live well and move around comfortably, without feeling overly restricted. If you like the idea of aging in place or are already in your golden years, you may also want to look for signs that a new home can conveniently age with you. With that in mind, we recommend focusing your search around three key factors: desired lifestyle, optimal design, and long-term accessibility. Read on for specific tips, then call us for a free consultation. We can help you identify the types of homes that are best suited to living large with less. Do you have a loved one whose housing needs have changed? Share this information to help start a conversation about the benefits of downsizing. DESIRED LIFESTYLE The best part of downsizing is the lifestyle you unlock when you trade square footage for convenience. With fewer chores and home maintenance tasks to worry about, you can instead channel your energy into other pursuits. For example, instead of spending your afternoons working in the yard or cleaning, you can catch up on the news, read a bestseller, start a new craft project, or pursue other hobbies. You may even be able to travel or spend more time with friends and family. Research shows that individuals over the age of 65 report more life satisfaction when they have the opportunity to spend time around children, talk with friends, socialize in community centers, volunteer, or engage in hobbies. But that can be hard to do regularly when you've got a home that needs constant attention or you live far from your community.2 As you compare potential homes, keep in mind the type of lifestyle you envision. Do you plan to travel? If so, a home with extra security, such as a condominium or gated community, may give you some welcome peace of mind. Or do you plan to have friends and family stay overnight? In that case, you may want to look for a floor plan with flex space or a property that has access to separate guest suites. Alternatively, a senior community that offers catered meals and housekeeping may be a better choice if you or a spouse need extra support. Action item: Grab a pen and take some time to envision what your ideal future might look like. Write down the activities and hobbies you hope to add to your life or continue with going forward, as well as the chores and responsibilities you'd love to drop. We can use those answers to help shape your house hunt. LONG-TERM ACCESSIBILITY Buying a home that you can age well in can be a great way to boost your health prospects and happiness. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homeowners who age in place instead of in an institutional environment not only save money over time, they also enjoy greater health and emotional benefits.4 Aging in place is also popular. According to survey findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, the vast majority of adults between the ages of 50 and 80 would prefer to age in their own homes.5 But even though many adults want to age in place, only 34% of surveyed adults currently live in a home with the features to make it possible.5 If you're already in the second half of your life, then it's smart to prioritize accessibility now, even if you're highly mobile. Choosing an accessible home will improve your odds of staying put for longer. Plus, you never know when you might need an accessible light switch, handrails in the bathroom, or a seat in the shower, says Sheri Koones. “Yes, older people with disabilities need them, but even younger people break a leg skiing, or have situations where they want a barrier-free shower.”1 As you consider your options, try to imagine what your needs might be as you get older and be proactive in identifying potential obstacles, recommends the National Council on Aging (NCOA).6 For example, a single-level home or one with wide enough stairs for a stair lift or access to an elevator may be a more practical choice than a home with lots of narrow stairs. Alternatively, a home with at least one ground-level bedroom and bathroom may also work well for you. Consider your needs outside the home, as well: If you frequently visit the doctor, grocery store, or community center, for example, then you may benefit from choosing a property nearby. Action item: Review the checklist below, adapted from the National Institute on Aging’s home safety worksheet, or download the full version from the agency’s website.7 Highlight the items that are most important to you. We can reference these guidelines as we consider potential homes and suggest ways to adapt a property to meet your current or future requirements. HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST 7 ☐ If a walker or wheelchair is needed, can the entrances to the house be modified — perhaps by putting in a ramp to the front door? ☐ Are there any tripping hazards at exterior entrances or inside the house? ☐ Are the hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair if needed? ☐ Does the home have at least one ground-floor bedroom and bathroom? ☐ Are there any staircases, and if so, could they accommodate a stair lift? ☐ Is the house well-lit, inside and out, particularly at the top and bottom of stairs? ☐ Could handrails be installed on both sides of the staircase? ☐ Is there at least one stairway handrail that extends beyond the first and last steps on each flight of stairs? ☐ Are outdoor steps sturdy and textured to prevent falls in wet or icy weather? ☐ Are there grab bars near toilets and in the tub or shower? ☐ Have a shower stool and hand-held shower head been installed to make bathing easier? ☐ Is the water heater set at 120° F to avoid scalding tap water? ☐ Are there safety knobs and an automatic shut-off switch on the stove? ☐ Have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms been installed near the kitchen and in all bedrooms? ☐ Are there secure locks on all outside doors and windows? BOTTOMLINE You don't have to compromise on comfort to downsize successfully. We can help you strategize your next move and identify the best new home for you—whether that's a smaller home for rent or another one to call your own. We take pride in offering a full-service real estate experience and assisting our clients through all stages of the real estate journey. And we’ll go the extra mile to maximize your current home's sales price so that you’re set up for financial security. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: Associated Press (AP) - https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-f094372b46bae82020c174907eb953c0 Healthcare (Basel) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10671417/ Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/02/07/make-small-room-appear-larger/ HUD User - https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/fall13/highlight2.html National Poll on Healthy Aging - https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more/report/older-adults-preparedness-age-place National Council on Aging (NCOA) - https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/medical-alert-systems/downsizing-for-aging-in-place/ National Institute of Health (NIH) - https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/worksheet-home-safety-checklist_1.pdf
Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households
Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks. The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to germs and allergens.1 Plus, researchers have found that organized, uncluttered homes have quantifiable mental health benefits, too, including reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and increased productivity.2 The reality is, we enjoy our homes more when they are in good order. It’s much easier to relax without piles of unopened mail or a messy kitchen reminding us of work to be done. And don’t we all feel more inclined to entertain family and friends when our homes are well-kept? That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite tactics—from overall strategies to little tips and tricks—for keeping things tidy without spending all our spare time cleaning. Set a Schedule for Daily and Weekly Cleaning We’ve all been there—you put off vacuuming or mopping your floor for a few days, only to realize that weeks have passed. Creating a cleaning schedule that works for you is the best way to stay on top of things and avoid overwhelm. Here are a few of our favorite strategies: Designate a day of the week for each task—then, add them to your calendar so you can’t forget. Create a shared schedule that assigns specific responsibilities to each member of the household. Post it in a prominent place, like on the refrigerator, or create a shared digital calendar. Carve out 15 minutes a day for cleaning and decluttering. Set a timer on your phone and get as much done as you can before it goes off. It may take some trial and error to find the tactics that work best for you. The most important thing is to make a habit of cleaning so that clutter and grime don’t have a chance to build. And if you’d like some professional help, reach out for a referral to one of our favorite cleaning services! Tackle Bigger Chores Seasonally Many home care tasks are seasonal by nature and only need to be completed once or twice a year. But when we don’t have a plan to tackle them, it’s all too easy to put them off. Here are a few tips to stay on top of these chores: Mark days on your calendar in advance to attend to annual or semi-annual chores, like cleaning gutters, washing windows, turning mattresses, and shampooing carpets. Schedule just one primary task each weekend instead of blocking out a full two days. This will help ensure a good balance between chores and relaxation. Designate a date two to four times a year, depending on your lifestyle, to put away out-of-season items like clothes, holiday decorations, and sporting goods. Take some time to sort through your seasonal items when you pack them away. Then you can toss, sell, or donate items that you no longer need or enjoy. Remember—breaking down these larger tasks can make them less overwhelming. If you space them out so that you can handle them one by one, even the most time-consuming chores become a lot more manageable. And since all your time is valuable, don't hesitate to delegate these larger home care tasks to professionals. Give us a call for a list of our recommended service providers. Reduce the Barriers to Cleaning Set yourself up for success by ensuring you have the tools on hand to tackle small tasks with ease. Here are a few ways to make your cleaning supplies more accessible: Store a broom, dustpan, and vacuum on each floor of your home so they’re easy to reach. Stash containers of disinfecting and glass wipes under every sink for a mid-week wipe-down. Place extra bags beneath the liner of your garbage pails, so you’ll have a replacement ready when you take out the trash. Keep a paper shredder and recycling bin handy so you can dispose of unwanted mail as it’s opened. By strategically placing your tools and supplies in the locations where you’re most likely to need them, you’ll make cleaning less of a chore and more of a habit. Stop the Clutter Before It Starts From coats to shoes to mail, it’s all too easy to find clutter taking over your home. Once these piles start to form, they can feel overwhelming—which only makes it harder to address them. To avoid this problem, stop the clutter before it starts. Assign every item a home and create storage spaces and “drop zones” in key locations.3 Here are a few ideas to get you started: Install coat hooks and shoe racks in the entryway for easy access. Add a key caddy or shelf for essential items to get you out the door. Hang a letter bin to capture mail and newspapers as soon as you walk into the house. Place a donation box in each closet for items you no longer want or need. It can take a little time to get in the habit of returning items to their assigned space. But once you do, staying on top of clutter will become far more manageable. Are you considering a larger organizational upgrade, like a custom closet or pantry system? Reach out for a free consultation to find out how the investment could impact the value of your home! Tackle Small Tasks Right Away Sometimes, the mental load of thinking about a chore you need to do is worse than the chore itself. Plus, handling small tasks right away can reduce the need for lengthy cleaning sessions.3 Try working these changes into your routine: Learn to clean as you cook, rather than piling it all up for later. As you wait for water to boil or food to cook through, wash the bowls and utensils you used for prep. Hang bath towels on a bar immediately after use. By allowing them to properly air dry, you can cut down on the frequency of laundering. Bring items with you when you leave a room. For example, return plates and cups to the kitchen right away rather than letting them stack up in your home office. Take out the trash when you leave for work, school drop-off, or errands. This will save you the time and hassle of a second trip. If you implement these small changes, your home will stay neater—and you’ll minimize the number of dedicated cleaning sessions you need to take on each week. Embrace an Evening “Shutdown” Routine Kitchens can get dirty and cluttered fast. But a few minutes spent cleaning up each evening can prevent the mess from getting out of control.4 Imagine your kitchen is a restaurant and you’re tidying it up before closing down for the night. These simple steps will prepare you for the morning rush: Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, stove, microwave, and sink. Then toss your soiled washcloth in the hamper and lay out a fresh one for tomorrow. Load and run the dishwasher every night so you can empty it the next morning. Prepare for breakfast by programming your coffee pot and setting out some grab-and-go options. We all know it can be hard to find the energy for chores in the evening. But if you complete these small tasks each night, you’ll start the next day off right in a tidy, clean kitchen. Think Outside of the Box When It Comes to Storage Most of us have limited storage space. Unfortunately, without the right spots to stash our items, it’s easy to become disorganized. But we’ve found that using household items in innovative ways can help keep mess and clutter under control.5 Here are a few of our favorite swaps: Place a magazine file in your kitchen for cookbooks, takeout menus, and meal kit cards. Hang a pocket-style shoe organizer inside your pantry door to store granola bars, spice jars, and other small items. Separate dress and athletic socks by turning an old shoe box into a drawer divider. Repurpose jam jars by using them to store office supplies or bathroom essentials. Store out-of-season clothes inside rarely-used suitcases, so all that space doesn’t go to waste. A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to making the most of your space. Just be sure that you’re creating systems you can stick with and not putting things where you might forget about them later! WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOME Keeping your home clean and organized can be a continuous struggle—there’s no need to feel ashamed of that. But taking the time to implement systems that work for you can make life more pleasant and less stressful in the long run. Remember, we’re not just here to help you buy or sell a home. We want you to love living in it, too. Reach out if you need referrals for house cleaners, window washers, or other service providers that can help you make the most of your space. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: Healthline -https://www.healthline.com/health-news/5-health-benefits-of-spring-cleaning Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/mental-health-clean-home/ My Domaine - https://www.mydomaine.com/house-cleaning-schedule Housewife How-Tos - https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/10-tips-to-keeping-a-clean-house/ Better Homes and Gardens - https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/projects/simple-solutions/
RECENTLY SOLD BY US
- 1/47 47
3 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,588 SqFt$271,500 9.5%
$299,990
1370 Grayland Hills DR, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Listed by Amie Bozeman of PEND Realty, LLC
Single Family Home
- 1/47 47
3 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,588 SqFt$271,500 9.5%
$299,990
5 Beds 5 Baths 0.8 Acres Lot$950,000 20.8%
$1,200,000
4650 Windswept WAY, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Listed by Amy Scott of Chris McCall Realty
Single Family Home
