A home is more than bricks and mortar. A home is an important part of each of our lives. A place where memories are made with those dearest to us. Are you curious about what it is like living at 5981 Edenfield Drive in the Mountain Brook Subdivision of Acworth, Georgia?  At The Connie Carlson Team we feel the best person to answer that question for you is the current homeowner.  When asked what it was like living at this beautiful Acworth home, here is what they had to say.

Our home is perfect for entertaining. The kitchen features an eat-in area that opens to the living room. A new five-burner gas cooktop, high-end stainless steel appliances and convection microwave make whipping up some tasty treats a breeze. The custom pantry with baskets and adjustable storage are every chef’s dream.

Some additional interior features of this four bedroom, three and one-half bath home are a large bedroom/bonus room with a full bathroom that is great for a student or to be used as an in-law suite. The property also has a new hot water heater and low flow toilets. There is an attached, outdoor storage room and beautiful, new insulated carriage garage doors.

The large, beautiful yard is great for relaxing. The fenced backyard features a pergola and back patio sitting area. Flowers that bloom year round and many birds make for peaceful afternoon grilling or a game of catch. Lots of outdoor landscape lighting makes this yard and home glow at night.

Students who live in Mountain Brook Subdivision may attend award-winning schools such as Ford Elementary, and the newly constructed Durham Middle and Harrison High schools.

These homeowners like to spend time at the local YMCA, but during the hot summer months their favorite thing to do is go swimming at Lake Acworth, which is conveniently located just 5 minutes away. A number of popular restaurants are located nearby and two grocery stores are within 1 mile of the property.

West Cobb is a wonderful area in which to live. 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.

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.

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

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.

Be prepared to say “Wow” when you see this restored Contemporary home in the esteemed Vinings North Subdivision in the Smyrna/Vinings area outside of Atlanta.

Some of the features of the home include a three-level deck overlooking a professionally terraced and landscaping back yard that is perfect for relaxing with the family – tons of privacy.

The interior is equally impressive.  The great room has a vaulted ceiling, stone wood-burning fireplace, and new track lighting.  A separate dining room is perfect for entertaining.  The kitchen features floor-to-ceiling windows in the breakfast area, vintage cabinetry and stainless appliances.  The terrace level is finished and features hardwood floors, tongue-and-grove wood ceiling with beamed ceiling, entertaining bar, laundry room, and a large bedroom with full bathroom.  Upstairs you will find three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

If you are interested in seeing this Vinings North home before it is too late…Call Connie today at 678-488-9646!

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 4272538 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

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.

6th Reason Why Now is the Best time to buy a home. (stay tuned in the weeks to come for Five More Reasons)

Want to receive a Free eBook explaining all Seven Reasons to Buy a Home?  Click Here for details.

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Last night I spent two hours scouring homes for sale in Cobb County to find FOUR homes that I felt would be great Cobb County investment opportunities.  To make this list the homes had to be located in either Marietta, Kennesaw Mountain, Hillgrove, Harrison, or Allatoona high school districts AND they needed to be priced considerably lower than other homes in the neighborhood.

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The Beverly Hills of Powder Springs…swimming pools and movie stars!

Wow!  Be prepared to say it when you see this incredible home (at an incredible price) in Hopeland Park, Powder Springs.  You will be living like a movie star with all the upgrades this home has to offer.  For starters, the property features a in-ground, gunite pool with a stone waterfall and diving platform.  The cost to put in a pool like this is well over $60k.

The interior is equally impressive.  The kitchen has been completely renovated with granite countertops, upgraded appliances, and a sunny bayed breakfast room.  The upstairs features 3 bedrooms and a fourth room that serves as a bonus room.  You will find cute built-ins and special touches throughout.

Located in the Hopeland Park subdivision near the intersection of Florence Road and Highway 278 (Thorton Road) you’ll enjoy convenient access to the Hiram Shopping District where you will find such big retail names such as Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Super Target, Best Buy, Marshalls, and dozens of popular restaurants.  With quick access to Highway 278 you’ll be just an easy commute to Interstate 20 and Hartsfield International Airport.

Seriously folks, at just $160,000 this is a dream property.  Don’t dally on this opportunity.. Call me at 678-631-1812 to schedule an appointment today.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 3022197 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

I heard a statistic the other day that First Time Home Buyers represent over 50% of all transactions!  Wow!  Perhaps you didn’t even know that you had the ability to own a home.   Actually, I have help many people who did not even realize that they were qualified to purchase a home.  For instance, one of my clients was renting a home for $850 a month.  I helped them find a similar property and now their cost are just $470 a month.  My question to you is this…what could you do with an extra $4560 a year.

What does this mean long-term?  Well, let’s look at it this way:

Monthly rent = $800
Average annual rent increase = 6%
Total paid over 10 years = $126,536
Total equity/ownership you have in the property = $0

Stop paying your landlords mortgage!  Call me at 678-631-1812 (or complete the form below) and I will share with you my Home Buyer Incentive Program that will save you thousands of dollars.