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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
Stage to Sell: 7 Proven Steps to Attract Buyers and Boost Offers
Stage to Sell: 7 Proven Steps to Attract Buyers and Boost Offers Selling your home quickly and at the right price takes more than just listing it online. To draw in potential buyers and secure top offers, your home needs to stand out. That’s where home staging comes in. By strategically preparing your home—through redecorating, repairing, and making it look its best—you can make a lasting impression and significantly increase its appeal. The numbers speak for themselves: according to the National Association of Realtors, 81% of buyers’ agents report that staging makes it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living in a home. Moreover, 44% of buyers’ and sellers’ agents say that staging can increase a home’s sales price, and 48% of sellers' agents agree it shortens the time a house spends on the market.1 You can choose to stage your home yourself with advice from your real estate agent or work with a professional stager. Whichever route you take, here are seven essential strategies to transform your home into a buyer’s dream. Step #1: Declutter and Depersonalize The first step in staging is to declutter and depersonalize your home. A recent survey of real estate agents found that this simple step can increase your home’s sale price by 3-5%.2 Ideally, you want to create a clean, neutral canvas where potential buyers can imagine their own lives. Remember that staging isn’t interior design—the goal isn’t to add personal, homey touches but to take them away.3 While you may love having plenty of comfy furniture, family photos, and unique knick-knacks, these items can distract potential sellers and make your home feel smaller.4 Be especially mindful to remove children’s toys and pet items. The task can feel overwhelming, but consider it a head start on packing for your move — and an opportunity to clear out things you no longer need. If you have a lot of belongings, renting a storage unit might be a smart way to keep things tidy while your home is on the market. Step # 2: Deep Clean and Repair A sparkling clean home leaves a fantastic first impression. Deep clean every room, paying special attention to areas that are often overlooked, like baseboards, windows, and appliances. Even minor smudges, scrapes, or signs of pet hair can put off some buyers. Your goal? Make it look like no one has ever lived there!5 Minor repairs are equally important. Fix slight imperfections like chipped paint, regrouting tiles, and replacing worn hardware. These easy cosmetic updates make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home’s value. For example, refinishing hardwood floors can offer a 147% return on investment.6 Need help getting your home spic-and-span? Let us recommend a professional who can help. Step #3: Pick Up a Paintbrush While buyers may repaint after they move in, the color and condition of your walls still have a big impact on their impression of the home as a whole. Neutral tones like beiges and off-whites appeal to the widest range of buyers—and to the friends and relatives who are also weighing on purchasing decisions.7 If your home features bold colors or striking wallpaper, consider a repaint before you list. When choosing paint colors, make sure to think about how they’ll appear in listing photos and videos. Light, neutral shades can make rooms look brighter and more spacious. Repainting is especially important in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Painting outdated cabinets in white or a soft gray can also modernize your space.8 Step #4: Enhance Curb Appeal First impressions matter, and your home's exterior is the first thing buyers will see. That’s why 98% of agents believe that curb appeal is crucial to attracting a buyer.9 Boost your home’s curb appeal by power-washing the exterior and touching up your deck’s varnish.5 You might also consider repainting your front door. Research shows that a freshly painted front door in a classic shade like black or terracotta can increase offers by thousands of dollars.10 And don’t forget landscaping! Keep your lawn tidy, remove dead or dying plants, and consider adding seasonal flowers. Even standard lawn service can lead to a 217% return on investment.9 If you need assistance, we’re happy to offer a referral to landscapers in our area. Step #5: Stage Key Rooms When staging, concentrate on the rooms that matter most to buyers: the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. These spaces have the greatest influence on a buyer’s decision.1 If you’re working with a professional stager, they may bring in furniture and decor.3 If not, make the most of what you have, and don’t worry about how you’d arrange furniture in real life. This is just about showing off the space. Arrange furniture to create an open, inviting flow.5 Use large rugs to make rooms appear bigger and ensure artwork complements rather than overwhelms the space.7 Add pops of color with fresh flowers or simple decor like pillows to bring warmth without personalizing the space too much. Step #6: Put Your Home in Its Best Light Lighting is key to creating a welcoming atmosphere in your home. Natural light in particular makes any room feel more airy and spacious, so it’s essential to make the most of it. First, remove heavy curtains or blinds — if a room feels bare without a window treatment, hang sheer curtains or light-filtering shades to invite the outdoors in. Next, take a look at the landscaping surrounding your home. If overgrown hedges or trees block windows, especially on the ground floor, consider cutting them back or removing them entirely to let in the sunshine. Of course, homes need more than just natural light — and it’s important to use a combination of types of lighting to suit different uses and moods. Experts recommend that each room have three light sources: ambient lighting (think ceiling lights or chandeliers), task lighting (like lamps or under-cabinet lights), and accent lights (like track lighting and picture lights).11 If needed, replace outdated fixtures with more modern options.12 Even swapping out lightbulbs can make a difference—opt for warm, 2700k bulbs to create an inviting glow.7 Have hard-to-reach windows or need help installing new lighting fixtures? We’re happy to refer a professional who can help. Step #7: Show Off Your Work with Photography These days, most buyers will first see your home online, making high-quality photos essential. According to the National Association of Realtors, 89% of agents agree that professional photos are critical to marketing a listing.1 Depending on your home and market, you may also benefit from marketing your property with videos, virtual tours, and even virtual staging, where photo editors swap out furniture and colors to show how your home would look with different decor. Talk to your agent about what makes sense for your situation, and work with them to hire professionals who can capture your staged home in its best light. When it comes time, treat the photo shoot like an open house—everything should be spotless, well-lit, and arranged to show off your home’s best features. BOTTOMLINE Whether or not staging is worth the investment depends on your home’s condition, your desired sale timeline, and your local market. Before committing to professional help or cosmetic upgrades, reach out for a free consultation. We can help you assess the best path forward and connect you with the best professionals to make it happen. 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. References: National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2023-profile-of-home-staging-03-30-2023.pdf Homelight - https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-to-clean-out-a-house-to-sell/ National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/6-things-home-stagers-wish-real-estate-pros-knew-about-staging Coldwell Banker - https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/home-staging-mistakes-to-avoid/ Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/learn/how-to-stage-house-to-sell/ NAR - https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/stub-for-148394 House Beautiful - https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/real-estate/a61712558/how-to-make-your-house-sell-over-asking-according-to-professional-home-stagers/ HGTV - https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/real-estate/15-secrets-of-home-staging-pictures National Association of Realtors - https://cdn.nar.realtor//sites/default/files/documents/2023-03-remodeling-impact-outdoor-features-03-17-2023.pdf Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/learn/what-color-paint-front-door/ Martha Stewart - https://www.marthastewart.com/2126982/how-to-layer-your-lighting Martha Stewart - https://www.marthastewart.com/outdated-lighting-trends-8421744
Multigenerational Home Buying: How to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family
Multigenerational Home Buying: How to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family For many homebuyers, multigenerational living used to be considered an option of last resort: it was a route families took only when they needed to ride out a financial storm or care for ailing family members. But that mindset is on the decline: A growing number of families now say that they are embracing multigenerational living and moving in together by choice. In fact, research by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the share of multigenerational home buyers rose to 14% in 2022––close to an all-time high.1 Buyers cite a multitude of reasons for choosing a multigenerational home, including saving money on living expenses, pooling resources, taking care of very young or aging relatives, and spending more time with family. "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," writes Deputy Chief Economist Jessica Lautz in a blog post about the trend.1 Living with extended family has become especially popular in recent years as younger generations face higher home costs and seniors embrace aging in place. According to Pew Research, the number of Americans living in a home with at least two generations of adults has more than quadrupled since the 1970s.2 For many families, the benefits are substantial. Research shows that people who live in multigenerational homes are healthier and tend to live longer. They also enjoy more financial security. Plus, research by Pew found that people who live with relatives are more likely than not to say that it has been a positive experience.2,3 That's not to say that multigenerational living is easy: It can also be stressful––especially if you choose a home that isn't suited for a larger family. The key to making it work is to pick a home that can accommodate young and old alike without requiring you to sacrifice comfort or privacy.2,4 Here's a closer look at multigenerational living, along with tips for finding a home that's suitable for a diverse group. WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE SHOPPING FOR A MULTIGENERATIONAL HOME Before starting your house hunt, take the time to discuss your house plans as a family so that you're all on the same page. Have you hashed out what you're looking for in a new home? Can you agree on potential compromises? Are there any unaddressed concerns about the move? You may also find it helpful to articulate your "why" for buying a multigenerational home and how each of you might benefit. For some families, multigenerational living is all about caring for relatives and sharing responsibilities. But for others, the goal is to pool resources so that you can purchase a more desirable property or cut down on expenses, like childcare or senior living. For homeowner Jian Huang, she initially bought a multigenerational home to help her aging mother. But she says the purchase also helped her family save a lot of money on expenses––as much as $25,000 to $40,000 a year. “It makes so much sense financially and emotionally that we would not have it any other way,” commented Huang to Apartment Therapy.5 In addition to talking over your short-term wants and needs, you'll also want to weigh long-term issues that could crop up in the future, like accessibility or money concerns. For example, if some family members are nearing retirement, accessibility issues (such as extra-steep stairs or a narrow hallway) could become a problem over time. Similarly, a more luxurious home with extra amenities like a pool may appeal to buyers who have gathered a lot of cash upfront, but it may also require a bigger long-term budget for maintenance and supplies. If you haven't had these discussions yet, set a date in your calendar so that you can talk it over as a group. We can help by interviewing family members individually and advising you on what you can realistically find in today's housing market. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A MULTIGENERATIONAL HOME Once you've settled on what you want and need from a new home, your next step should be to jointly draft a budget so that you'll know what you can afford. To ensure that no one in your family gets accidentally overextended, think holistically when planning your new housing budget and determine what you would need to buy the home––and maintain it. In addition to budget, you'll also want to consider a home's size and what kind of layout you might need. In general, homes that offer ample space for solitude and privacy are thought to be more practical for multigenerational living––especially if there will also be young children.4 However, the ideal layout for your family and the amount of square footage you'll need to be happy long-term will also depend, in part, on family members' personalities. Some people don't mind sharing a bathroom or having bedrooms situated close to one another. But others may find that they need something more separate to relax. Different housing options to consider include: A large home with plenty of rooms and at least one or more ensuite bathrooms. A home with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), such as a basement apartment. A multifamily unit, such as a duplex. For home buyers looking to age in place, a home that offers a separate ground-floor unit, such as a backyard ADU, could be the most comfortable (and the most practical) option, says author Sheri Koones. “It’s a way for many older people to avoid having to go into an expensive assisted living or other facility as they age,” said Koones in an interview with Realtor Magazine.6 Another possibility to consider would be a home you could add onto or retrofit into multiple units. However, building a brand-new accessory unit or renovating an existing space can be pricey. When visiting a property, we'll help you weigh potential costs and estimate whether it's a good investment. We can also connect you with a trusted contractor who specializes in renovations. HOW TO BUY A MULTIGENERATIONAL HOME Buying a home with family can be complicated––especially if you plan to jointly apply for a mortgage. However, depending on your financial resources, you may be surprised to find that it's sometimes easier to qualify for certain mortgages as a group than if you tried to go it alone.7 Talk it over with a mortgage lender or broker and ask for advice on what's best for your situation. We'd be happy to connect you with a professional who understands the nuances of co-buying. Technically, there's no limit to the number of co-borrowers you can have, but some lenders may be more lenient with their lending requirements than others. For example, most conventional lenders will only work with a maximum of four borrowers for a single loan. If you want to buy a home with a larger number of co-borrowers, you may have to look to an alternative lender.7 Your credit will also be an important factor in determining your mortgage qualifications and what you can buy, so have everyone check it as soon as possible. Pulling your credit reports and scores will not only tell you where you stand. It will also alert you to correctable issues with your credit, such as mistakes on your credit reports or too much debt on your cards.8 As you discuss your homebuying budget and strategy, jointly consider the following: Who will be on the mortgage? What about the title? Would including everyone on the mortgage be beneficial for your mortgage rate? For those who don't qualify for the mortgage or have a lower credit score, can you make other arrangements so that they can still financially contribute? Next, consider potential tax and estate planning implications of your home purchase and what might happen if some family members later decide to drop out of the arrangement.9 To ensure you make an informed decision, it's best to speak with a licensed professional. Ask us for a referral to a legal professional or an accountant who can advise you. BOTTOM LINE Multigenerational home buying has grown more popular for a reason: it's a great way to combine resources and buy a supportive home for more than just your immediate family. It can also be a smart lifestyle choice, helping reduce loneliness and promote health and well-being.10 If you're wondering whether multigenerational living is right for you, call us for a consultation. We'd be happy to walk you through potential options and help you envision your own full house. 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: National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/all-in-the-family-multi-generational-home-buying Pew Research Center - https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/03/24/financial-issues-top-the-list-of-reasons-u-s-adults-live-in-multigenerational-homes/ SSM - Population Health -https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5769098/ Better Homes and Gardens - https://www.bhg.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-multigenerational-home-8409277 Apartment Therapy - https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/multigenerational-homes-37412085 Realtor Magazine - https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/home-and-design/all-under-one-roof-trends-in-multigenerational-living Bankrate - https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/how-many-names-can-be-on-a-mortgage/ Experian -https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-credit-score-do-i-need-to-buy-a-house/ Kiplinger - https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/estate-planning-for-multigenerational-living-arrangements Institute for Family Studies - https://ifstudies.org/blog/multigenerational-living-is-it-a-solution-for-our-aging-population
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/
RECENTLY SOLD BY US
- 1/47 47
3 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,588 SqFt$271,500 9.5%
$299,990
1370 Grayland Hills, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Single Family Home
- 1/47 47
3 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,588 SqFt$271,500 9.5%
$299,990
5 Beds 5 Baths 8,503 SqFt$950,000 20.8%
$1,200,000
