4816 Hopeton Drive – Oakleigh Subdivision – Powder Springs, GA

A home is more than just 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A home is an important part of your life. A place where special moments are shared with those we love the most and life-long memories are made. Are you curious to know what it is like living at 4816 Hopeton Drive in the Oakleigh Subdivision of Powder Springs, Georgia?  At The Connie Carlson Team we feel the best person to answer that question for you is the current home owner.  When asked what it was like living at 4816 Hopeton Drive, here is what they had to say.

Our highly esteemed subdivision, Oakleigh, is one of the best, if not the best, in the area. Oakleigh home owners have access to a stunning wrap-around porch club house, Olympic-size swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, baseball field, basketball court, beach volleyball, playground, shuffleboard and horseshoes.

Students who live in Oakleigh Subdivision can attend award winning schools such as Kemp Elementary, and the newly constructed Lovinggood Middle and Hillgrove High schools. This is the number one reason we moved to Oakleigh Subdivision and my kids have enjoyed it so much.

We love our home and have created so many wonderful memories here. From the moment we entered this home, we knew it was the one for us. The open floor plan, high ceilings and large windows make the living area feel airy. The fact that the family can be in the kitchen and family room, watching tv, doing homework and cooking and can all see and interact with each other is great!

The kids enjoy their large rooms, and the fact that the master bedroom is on the first floor makes them feel secure. The master bedroom features a huge walk-in closet, and the master bath has a large shower. The hot water heater was recently replaced, so there is plenty of hot water available for a long, luxurious shower. The second floor bonus room has its own full bathroom and makes a nice “man cave” for watching football or hanging out.

One of our favorite features of our home is the fenced back yard. It’s perfect for BBQ’s and parties with friends and family, or just playing with the kids, on a hot summer day. In the spring, it’s relaxing to sit on the terrace and read a book, with a gentle breeze blowing and birds chirping, in the background. The location of the house allows parents to see the school bus coming and know exactly when to pick up the children from the bus stop.

Although they love to cook in their large, updated kitchen, these homeowners hit the town on Friday nights! The Avenue – West Cobb is a great outdoor shopping center featuring restaurants such as Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Aspen Signature Steak House, as well as more casual restaurants. If you head toward Kennesaw, Barrett Parkway offers many restaurants and shopping destinations. No matter which direction you go, you can find something that the whole family will enjoy.

West Cobb is a wonderful area for families to raise their children. Besides the top-rated school districts and easy access to shopping areas, you also have peace of mind with low crime rates and wonderful people that make up the community.

Inventory may be down, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to buy your home. If you have been seeking to purchase a home, in Cobb County, and have been disheartened by the lack of available properties, cheer up, more inventory may be on the way!

According to recent statistics released by Realtor.com, March 2013 saw a 2.36 percent increase in homes being listed for sale nationwide when compared to February 2013, bringing more options back into the housing market and giving you, as a home buyer more chances to find your home. For the Greater Atlanta area, the number of homes being listed for sale has increased by 8.6 percent, since February 2013, as shown here.

And although prices may be slightly higher (the Atlanta average reported by Realtor.com shows a 3.59% increase in the last month), interest rates are still low, with the 30 year fixed averaging 3.43 % with .8 points on April 11th.

Cobb County home sellers can be excited, too, knowing that their property is likely to be showcased during this time when inventory, though moving, is still low. Less home listings also make for quicker sales with eager buyers, and a key number, days on the market, has been reduced because of the above factors, as well. According to Steve Berkowitz, CEO of Move, Inc, “The newest data shows that the outlook is optimistic for the overall real estate recovery.”

Depending on where you live, the overall housing market may be experiencing dramatic change, as well. Take a look at the most recent market reports listed on my website or call me to find out what our local housing market is doing. You’re likely to find that now is the perfect time for you to buy or sell your home!

“What can I do to get my Cobb County home ready?” This question is often posed when someone is ready to sell a home, but it doesn’t have to be. Making your home repairs and upgrades as needed can actually lead to a happier home owning lifestyle and will also mean that you are ready to go, when and if, it is time to sell your home.

Home improvements can be costly, but they don’t have to be. There are many projects that can be done inexpensively and relatively quickly that will deliver huge value.

Take for instance, paint.  Painting a room or the front door of your home instantly brightens that space and can bring a smile to your face whenever you enter the area. While painting can be labor intensive, the actual material cost is quite low, with a gallon of high quality paint costing less than $35.

Painting the outside elements of your home, whether it’s the trim, stucco or fencing, will bring that same joy every time you return or leave your home, as well. And, for exterior walls, painting may actually be more than you need – it’s amazing what power washing can do to illuminate your home! The same could be said for installing additional lighting to your landscaping. Small exterior painting and lighting projects can be done for under $350 and deliver results you can instantly see! {Need someone who does a great job painting in Cobb County? Click HERE}

Perhaps you feel the interior of your home is dated and cramped and would prefer a more open design. If so, you can take on a slightly bigger project and remove a wall or convert an existing wall to a half wall. Check with a contractor to make sure you aren’t removing a bearing wall beforehand, as that could result in a more costly project than originally intended. Another option would be to build or install built in organization systems in your home so that you have more “homes” for your stuff, or better yet, just reduce the amount of stuff you already have. The adage “less is more” will really have you appreciating the space created through clutter removal.

Installing new windows, a tank-less hot water heater, an outdoor eating area, and adding insulation or other energy efficient home items can also improve your satisfaction as a home owner and increase your home’s perceived value when it’s time to sell. These upgrades may initially cost more, however with rebates and available tax credits, may be a very worthwhile expense for your home.

No matter what projects, if any, you decide to do with your home, the key is to enjoy it.  Enjoy it now, enjoy it later, and enjoy the memories that owning your home will allow you to create in the far distant future.  Your home is part of living the American Dream and you need to make sure your dream is the best it can be!

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The Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS) revealed on November 1st by Freddie Mac shows continued lowered interest rates, dipping below last week’s rates. This is good news if you are a Cobb County home owner hoping to sell your home.

Combining those low rates with news of Freddie Mac’s announcement that delegation agreements have been signed with mortgage insurance companies allowing Freddie Mac servicers to approve short sales more easily, may create even more sales than expected in the coming winter months and keep homes at risk of foreclosure available to Cobb County home buyers, too.

Senior Vice President of Servicing and REO at Freddie Mac, Tracy Mooney, is excited about the news as it will allow distressed Cobb County sellers to avoid foreclosure by making short sales a reasonable alternative. “We applaud the nation’s mortgage insurers for committing to work with us and our servicers to help more borrowers obtain short sales and other foreclosure alternatives,” she said. “By paving the way for more borrowers to avoid foreclosure, today’s announcement will support the housing recovery and help reduce taxpayer losses.”

Eligible buyers can currently lock in rates averaging 3.39% (.7 points) on a 30 year fixed rate mortgage or a 2.70% (.7 points) on a 15 year fixed rate loan as reported in the PMMS. The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable rates averaged 2.74% (.6 points) and the 1-year Treasury-indexed adjustable rates logged in at 2.58% (.4 points), showing consistent downward trends across the board.  Interested?  Talk to one of my Preferred Lenders for more details.

If you are a Cobb County home owner looking for a way to avoid foreclosure and are interested in a short sale, now is the time to sell your home. Contact me to discuss the new options made available with these announcements. I’d like to help in any way I can.  To find out more about the Freddie Mac announcement on short sales, click here.

Trends in home buying are based on averages, the medium between extremes. Today’s economy has spurred the need for downsizing and created a market for the so called “tiny home.” However it wasn’t too long ago when every new home buyer was searching for the perfect “McMansion.” Deciding the size of a home, especially your new home, is a very personal decision and many considerations should be taken into account before your purchase.

Ask Yourself the Following Questions When Buying Your New Home

• What are your needs in your new home?
• Do you need space geared to a family or is studio living more your speed?
• Is a guest room (sewing room, office, you fill in the blank) a necessity on a short or long-term basis?
• Do you prefer a one-story or two-story home?
• Do you enjoy cleaning house or prefer a minimalist approach?
• What’s more appealing to you – functional space or white space?
• What’s your lifestyle and how will it play out in your home – more formal or more casual?
• How do you feel when entering friends’ homes?  What impresses YOU?

Asking these questions can more easily direct you to options you may not have contemplated initially when searching for your new home.  Take some time and consult with a real estate agent who knows your area so that when it is time to buy, you can focus on what matters most to you in your new home, other than location, of course.  To see the latest trend in “tiny homes,” visit the Tiny House Blog here.

Want to see some BIG homes.  Check out the Highest Priced Homes in Atlanta.

The West Cobb County housing market has seen tremendous changes over the last 8 months.  As usual, the media is slow to publish the positive trends that we are seeing in the market, and especially in the Cobb County housing market.  It used to be that I had houses for sale but couldn’t find buyers.  Now the tables are turned and we have buyers who can’t find houses.

Around the first of the year, buyers (including local, national and international investors) realized that a combination of historically low interest rates (4% or lower) and low home prices was too good to pass up.  As of the end of June, home sales in West Cobb County were up 18.8%.  In fact, West Cobb’s home sales have been up 6 consecutive quarters so it appears that this is sustainable growth.

Another great indicator of improvement is that we are seeing increased number of sales in all price ranges under $500,000 whereas in the preceding quarters most of the improvement was in the under $200,000 price range.

Despite the increase in number of homes sold, home prices continue to feel the downward pressure from sales of foreclosure properties and short sale properties.  This is especially evident in the under $100,000 price range where 77% of all homes sales were distressed and the $100k-$200k price range where 40% of all homes sold were distressed.  Overall, 47% of homes sold in West Cobb were distressed.  

The median homes sales price dropped 4% primarily because of the significant increase in number of homes sold under $100,000.  In my opinion, we will not witness substantial price appreciation until the market has fewer distressed homes for sale.

Another good sign that the market is improving is that it is taking fewer days for homes to sell.   On average, homes are going under contract in 84 days – which is a 29% decrease over last year.  And, when a home is listed at the correct price it is, on average, going under contract in just 24 days.  If the listing requires a price reduction to get an offer it takes, on average 187 days to get a contract.

Homes that are aggressively priced are experiencing multiple offers and, oftentimes, are selling for more than the list price.  In fact, in the second quarter nearly 1 out of every 5 transactions in Atlanta were for more than the list price.  I called on one listing last month that had 42 offers!  We have investors looking to buy homes that have to make up to 10 offers before the “win” the bid on a property.  There truly are some amazing deals in the marketplace but based on the current demand the window of opportunity is closing fast.

The Atlanta and Cobb County markets have seen significant improvement in months of supply.    According to the National Association of Realtors, when there is a 6 – 7 months supply of homes for sale it is considered a “balanced” market.  If there are less than 6 months of housing inventory (based on the current rate of home sales) then it is considered a seller’s market.  Essentially what this means is that there are more buyers than there are homes for sale.

As of the end of June, it is considered a “seller’s market” in all price categories under $500,000.

For homeowners who have been reluctant to list their home due to the slow market they may now want to try to list and take advantage of the current supply/demand shift while they have less competition and a better advantage.    Also, the effect of distressed properties on selling prices for all properties has been somewhat offset by the lower inventory, so this could be a better time to sell than in many recent periods.

For buyers, the supply/demand relationship has, at least temporarily, shifted to the seller’s advantage.  If that should continue, fast action and realistic offers will be necessary for buyers to capitalize on still low prices for available properties.  The good news is that prices are still historically low and interest rates are too, so the if the right properties is found, this is a very good time to be in the market.

Success Strategies for Sellers

• Choose to factor in the impact of distressed properties competing for buyers in your price range and location when setting initial listing price.
• Re-evaluate market trends continuously to re-assess pricing choice – avoid chasing the market.
• Choose to work with a REALTOR® that knows how to properly present your home in its best light through professional staging and photography and state-of-the art technology and Internet marketing.

Success Strategies for Buyers

• Evaluate the history of the listing to determine the motivation of the seller.  Making a low offer on a desirable property will most likely result in missing out on a great opportunity.  Conversely, making too high of an offer on a home that has been listed for a long period of time could result in paying too much.
• About 40% of the listings on most public websites (i.e Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com) are no longer on the market – and it takes up to 7 days for new listings to hit these sites.  Work with a REALTOR that can provide you up-to-the-minute new listing reports so that you don’t miss out on a great opportunity.
• Be prepared to move quickly.  Have a preapproval letter from a reputable lender or proof of funds letter.  Basically, “if you sleep on it…you might not sleep in it!”

For market information more specific to your home or your buying needs feel free to call Connie Carlson at 678-631-1812 or email her at Connie@LivingInCobb.com.

This report provided by:

Connie Carlson, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty

678-631-1812

eMail: Connie@LivingInCobb.com

On the web:  www.LivingInCobb.com

Market Data Provided By: Chartmaster Services, LLC

Don’t laugh…this is my lame attempt to impersonate an automobile commercial.  All joking aside…there are some SMOKIN’ hot deals in the housing market.  Give us a call if you are ready to take advantage of low prices and below 4% interest rates.

Wow! Wow! Wow!  That was all I could say when I saw the house at 4952 Manna Lane, Powder Springs, Ga in the Covenant Place subdivision.  Since 4952 Manna Lane was model home for Covenant Place it is loaded with just about every upgrade you can imagine.

 The property sits on a combined two lots for a total of  +/- acres.  There is plenty of room to fence in the back yard and install a pool, garden, etc.

•  Dining room seats 12+ and features a coffered ceiling and paneled walls.
•  Great room features hardwood floors, French doors, stone fireplace with gas logs, built in cabinetry, and a coffered ceiling.
• Keeping room off of the kitchen features hardwood floors, a vaulted and beamed ceiling, and a two story, stacked stone fireplace.
• A chefs dream kitchen with granite countertops, custom wood cabinetry, custom tile backsplace, stainless appliances including a 6 burner JennAire professional range.
• Convenient mud-room off the garage.
• Laundry room on the first floor features tile flooring, utility sink, folding area and cabinetry for storage.
• Master bedroom on main level features a stone fireplace and sitting room, French doors to the back, and trey ceiling with lights.
• Master bathroom features dual vanities with limestone countertops and custom cabinets, walk in closet with custom built shelving, tile floors, jetted tub, and large double-head shower.
• Also on the first floor is a full bathroom and a room that can be used as a home office, bedroom, or living room.
• Upstairs you will find a large loft, three large bedrooms and two full bathrooms.
• The basement has been professionally finished and includes a theater room, bar room, recreation room, bedroom, full bathroom, and plenty of storage.
• Intercom stereo system.
• 3 car side entry garage.
• Attractive craftsman style exterior features an artful combination of brick, stone, shake shingles, and concrete siding.
• Covenant Lakes is a beautiful subdivision in Powder Springs and features its own lake.  It is conveniently located near Hwy 278/Thornton Road so residents have easy access to shopping and theaters along the Hiram shopping district and quick access to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, and I-20.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 5010723 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

RealValuator is a program that I have access to that scours hundreds of websites and public documents to track foreclosures before, during and after they are on the market.  These Cobb County Foreclosure Market reports are a great way to see a snap shot of real estate activity in a Cobb County.  Today, I have broken down the data to give you a snapshot of what is happening in the West Cobb County Foreclosure Market.  Specifically we will look at West Marietta Foreclosures, Powder Springs Foreclosures, Kennesaw Foreclosures, Acworth Foreclosures, and Smyrna/Vinings Foreclosures.  Basically, all of the property west of Interstate 75. Today’s Cobb County Foreclosure report focuses on properties with a price range between $50,000 and $2,500,000.

West Cobb County Foreclosure Market Report December 2011

The major trend to notice is the steady decrease in REO sales (244 sales), as compared to the steady amount of Market Sales (1,108 sales). With nearly a 4 to 1 margin, this is an indication that the market is getting closer to a correction where banks are moving less inventory, and the market is set to drive the inventory price.

This is great news for West Cobb home owners because it is an indication that the downward price pressures that we have seen for the last 4 to 5 years may be coming to an end.  In my opinion, lower priced homes are going to experience recover sooner because there is higher demand for these homes and less inventory than the Cobb County homes for sale above $250,000.  If you are in the market to buy a home and you were thinking about pursuing a good foreclosure deal, I recommend you get off your rump and give me a call.  The good deals are becoming fewer and fewer and they are selling faster and faster!!!

YES!  I WANT TO FIND A GOOD COBB COUNTY FORECLOSURE DEAL!  THEN START YOUR SEARCH HERE

4921 Red Cliff Court, Powder Springs, GA

I am excited to announce that I have another wonderful home for sale in Oakleigh Subdivision in Powder Springs, Georgia.  And this one is Great! And it is PRICED-TO-SELL!!!

First of all, let me say that the street presence of this home is fantastic!!!  As an Oakleigh Subdivision resident, I have taken morning walks past this home for years and always admired the big Southern-Living style front porch and brick exterior.  Featuring a side entry garage and brick front this Oakleigh Subdivision home sits majestically on a corner lot.

The interior of this Oakleigh Subdivision home is just as spectacular.

Here is a list of some of the homes features:

• Large kitchen with island, double ovens, gas range, and huge walk in pantry
• Butlers cabinet between kitchen and dining room
• Oversized dining room with chair rail moldings and hardwood floors
• Formal living room with extra crown moldings (this could also make a great Library)
• Two-story great room with wood burning, stack stone fireplace
• 4 bedrooms upstairs with 3 full bathrooms
• Master on the main floor
• Another bedroom (a room with a window and closet) on the terrace level.  However, there are three other rooms that could be used as bedrooms on the terrace level.
• Custom built bar on terrace level
• Media Room on terrace level includes stacked-level seating, projector and screen and is wired for
• French doors into terrace level office room, large bedroom and media room

If you are not familiar with Oakleigh Subdivision, I highly encourage you to check it out.  Oakleigh Subdivision is one of West Cobb’s best kept secrets.  As an Oakleigh Subdivision resident, I can attest to the friendliness of the neighbors and the wonderful amenities we share.  Oakleigh Subdivision residents enjoy an Olympic size swimming pool (and an award winning OakAmber Swim Team) , a “straight off the pages of Southern Living” clubhouse, lighted tennis courts (and competitive ALTA teams), basketball courts, shuffleboard, children’s playground, and an active Oakleigh Home Owners Association.  In addition, Oakleigh Subdivision, is conveniently located near The Avenues of West Cobb shopping district and the Hiram Shopping District.  We even have a few pilots and Delta Employees who live in Oakleigh Subdivision and enjoy the easy access to Hartfield-Jackson International Airport via a back roads route (it takes about 50 minutes to get to the airport from Oakleigh Subdivision !)

Find more homes for sale in Oakleigh Subdivision.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 4267378 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

I welcome you to 4649 Oakleigh Manor Drive in the beautiful Oakleigh Subdivsion in Powder Springs, Georgia.   Located on a quiet cul-de-sac street this home is a Picture of Perfection.

Oakleigh Subdivision Home for Sale

It features an impressive carriage-entry garage with both an inviting front door entrance and a secondary entrance to the kitchen area.  Perfect for the busy family as they come and go and also perfect for entertaining.

This well-built home is loaded with great features including:

• Hardwood floors on most of the first floor
• Master on main with trey ceiling
• Luxurious master bathroom with dual vanities, jetted tub, separate shower and walk-in closet
• Open floor plan is ideal for entertaining because the oversized dining room is open to the vaulted great room
• Great room features gas log/or wood burning fireplace and double French doors to the screen porch
• Very neutral, light and airy color scheme
• Kitchen opens to a keeping room that features another wood burning or gas log fireplace
• Kitchen features cooking island, granite countertops, hardwood floors
• Upstairs you will find three bedrooms.  One of the bedrooms is nearly large enough to call a secondary master.
• The terrace level has been professionally finished and features a large recreation and media room, a bedroom, half bath, office or exercise room and a HUGE storage room.
• One of my favorite features of the home is the screened in porch.  It stretches nearly the entire back of the home and is accessible from the keeping room, great room, or master bedroom.  It provides a magnificent, and relaxing, view of the professionally landscaped backyard.
• This homeowner has a love for gardening and it shows in the perfectly manicured yard, multitude of flowering trees, and flower beds.

If you are not familiar with Oakleigh Subdivision, I highly encourage you to check it out.  Oakleigh Subdivision is one of West Cobb’s best-kept secrets.  As an Oakleigh Subdivision resident, I can attest to the friendliness of the neighbors and the wonderful amenities we share.  Oakleigh Subdivision residents enjoy an Olympic size swimming pool (and an award winning SWIM TEAM) , a “straight off the pages of Southern Living” clubhouse, lighted tennis courts (and competitive ALTA teams), basketball courts, shuffleboard, children’s playground, and an active Home Owners Association.  In addition, Oakleigh Subdivision, is conveniently located near The Avenues of West Cobb shopping district and the Hiram Shopping District.

We even have a few pilots and Delta Employees who live in Oakleigh Subdivision and enjoy the easy access to Hartfield-Jackson International Airport via a back roads route (it takes about 50 minutes to get to the airport from Oakleigh Subdivision !)

In addition to these amenities, residents can attend award-winning public schools.  These include Kemp Elementary, Lovinggood Middle School and Hillgrove High School.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 4255096 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Cobb County Housing Has NEVER Been More AFFORDABLE