Millennials on the Move: Dunwoody in Position to Flourish Post-Covid

Dunwoody in Position to Flourish Post-COVID

The perfect combination of suburban and urban, Dunwoody is attracting Millennials

COVID-19 has already stunned our world and markets, it is also encouraging new ideas for our millennial movers and shakers. While millennials are fleeing the highly populated cities where COVID-19 is the most prevalent; suburban areas such as Dunwoody, are benefiting from their migration both residentially, commercially, & professionally.

Michael Starling, the city’s Economic Development Director, reported to FOX Business, “Dunwoody is a place where people come to work and raise a family, we are transitioning from having primarily retail and offices to more residential development. Now we are becoming more of a mixed-use place.”

Corporate companies are also growing and offering jobs in the area, this hybrid type of development area is appealing for the millennials and Gen Z groups. In fact, they make up 50% of the Dunwoody population with a median resident age of 36. This only further proves the movement and attractiveness of this area with the growing market and it can only go up from here. “The office and housing market are a value compared to living in Atlanta, Dunwoody is an affordable alternative people are looking for, whether it’s by choice or necessity. For a lot of these edge cities like Dunwoody, as growth has occurred, new jobs and employment follow,” Starling said.

Dunwoody has so many incredible attributes already and it just seems to be getting better. COVID-19 has caused a lot of people to reconsider their current residence and Dunwoody seems like the place to live! With a family-friendly environment, an increase in jobs, a more affordable cost of living, access to public transit, and a quick commute to the city – it should be no surprise that the population of residential buyers and more companies are coming to check out what Dunwoody real estate has to offer.

How COVID-19 is Changing Buyer Needs

With people spending more time in their homes than ever before, the “must-haves” of a home today are very different from the “must-haves” of a year ago. Whether it be more room for a home office, a renovated kitchen for more home-cooked meals, or a relaxing backyard escape, potential homebuyers need their homes to match their new lifestyle.

How COVID-19 is Impacting Schools

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 3% of students in the United States were home-schooled during the 2011-12 school year. But a poll taken in May of more than 2,100 parents found that 40% said they were more likely to home-school or virtual school even after certain restrictions were lifted.

As a result, when looking for their next home, one of the top priorities for many families is a designated space for their children to work in. With multiple states requiring different school re-opening strategies, many families will need to accommodate the sudden need for space for students to work in.

Designate a Home Office

Due to COVID-19, working from home has become a viable option for many. As a result, one of the top features that home buyers are looking for today is a designated home office.

Having a proper office space can help remote workers acclimate to their work style and be more productive. Like students, without a designated place to work, it is very easy to become unorganized, distracted, or even stressed. A home office gives homeowners a mini workspace to emulate any on-location position they held in the past.

Aside from the convenience of working from home, a designated home office could potentially increase your home’s estimated value by approximately $10,562 according to the Top Agent Insights Q2 2020 Report by HomeLight.

Find the Perfect Chef’s Kitchen

Although finding a home with a designated workspace is one of the top priorities for potential homebuyers, finding a home with an updated kitchen comes in at a close second.

Sick of buying delivery or ordering take-out, many people have turned to cooking and baking for themselves. New data from Influence Central shows that 88% of consumers are cooking more meals at home in the midst of the pandemic with 49% making meals from scratch. With the new wave of amateur bakers and chefs, having a space to hone their new craft is an addition to homebuyer wish lists.

Finding the Perfect Outdoor Oasis

Until a vaccine is created, many homebuyers are looking for their own outdoor oasis. Instead of outings to crowded cities or trips to the park, many are preferring the comfort of their backyard. The backyard is a journey to relaxation and play and during the midst of this pandemic, it’s the one place that many homebuyers want to escape.

In addition, while landscaping and curb appeal projects have traditionally been the most-recommended for marketability, any home seller who can boast a backyard private oasis will likely catch the attention of a stir-crazy nation.

Contact Us

Even though COVID-19 continues to sweep the nation, life continues to flourish inside of our homes. Families are now spending more time than ever inside in the comfort of their homes. With more time at home, you may be rethinking how your wish list has changed for your dream home. Will you need more space for home learning or an updated kitchen for new, delicious recipes?

Contact us at KarenCannon.com to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect home to fit your changing needs. Explore Dunwoody homes for sale and Sandy Springs home for sale.

Looking Past COVID-19: Ramping Up for What’s Next

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we understand the challenges that are presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. No one could have known that this virus would bring the world to a screeching halt, and we could not have known that 2020 would see a great stock market, good job reports, and growth all stop in a few short months. Even so, we are dedicated to making our clients’ home buying and selling needs our top priority as well as making the process as safe as possible.

There are a few tips here that explain what the road back should look like, and you can even begin to look for new properties, sell with confidence, and work remotely with a Realtor® right now. As the top-rated Dunwoody agents, our team has the expertise to assist our buyers and sellers with everything related to Dunwoody and Sandy Springs real estate including other surrounding locations in North Atlanta.

How Has the Housing Market Changed?

Luckily for the team here at Karen Cannon, Realtors, our hard work and expertise allowed us to remain consistent during the first month of COVID-19 and actually see similar numbers to the same time last year. April and May were also great months for us as everyone kept busy, but we knew that we needed to do something to accommodate all our clients who wanted to buy and sell homes.

We also know that June, July, and August can be busy months in our industry. Some of our clients may be nervous as they look for Dunwoody and Sandy Springs homes, or simply want to search all of North Atlanta. This is why our top-rated Dunwoody agents will offer more than ever to help our clients.

How Have We Improved Virtual Services?

We have expanded our virtual offerings to make sure that every client feels as safe and as comfortable as possible throughout the home buying and selling process. Our team uses specialized tools, technology, and practices to help keep our clients and team members safe during COVID-19.

First, we are always available to meet with each of our clients virtually. Whether it be on Facetime or Zoom, our clients’ comfort and safety will always be our first priority. Next, we offer expanded digital offerings for our listings. Strengthening the digital presence of listed homes through photography, video home tours, 3D virtual tours, aerial photography, floorplans, and virtual staging allows more people to view their dream home from the comfort of their current one.

Interest Rates Are Dropping

Interest rates have been dropping and that makes it even easier to work with one of our professional Realtors®. We can show you how to choose the most appropriate home and help you find financing. We have established relationships with many local and trusted providers and would be more than happy to connect you with the financing provider that best fits your needs. When you work with us, we help you through the entire process, making it as stress-free and seamless as possible.

People Are Already Shopping for Homes

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we know that many people have already been shopping for their next home. Many have been using this time at home to start looking for something that will help them move to the next phase of their life. We understand and are ready to help our clients make the best choice for them.

Are Sandy Springs & Dunwoody Homes Selling?

Dunwoody and Sandy Springs are affluent areas in Northern Atlanta that attract those craving a traditional suburban lifestyle but with close proximity to corporate businesses and commerce. This area is filled with older homes that have the charm you are looking for, planned developments that you will love, and even new construction.

While we may have seen a slight decrease in activity at the initiation of COVID-19, the months of April and May were consistently busy. Now that June has started with the same level of demand, we anticipate that to continue along the same trend.

Reach Out to Karen Cannon, Realtors Today

The housing market is rebounding and we have been extremely active during the pandemic. We are an “essential business” that has been safely operating as people look to sell their homes. We also help first-time home-buyers and people relocating to Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. We ensure that each home closes successfully and we will be with you long after you close on your home. Explore Dunwoody homes for sale and Sandy Springs home for sale today!

Common Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to buying a home, many people lead with their heart. However, getting wrapped up in the emotion of the experience can cause you to overlook some important details. If you aren’t careful, you might make some major mistakes that can delay – or even prevent – closing on the home you’ve chosen. Here are some common home buying mistakes to avoid:

Failing to Get Pre-Approved

In today’s market, heading to the bank or mortgage company to be pre-qualified should be one of your first steps when you start thinking about buying a home. The process is relatively painless and can help you get a realistic picture of what sort of home you can really afford. Pre-qualification also signals to sellers and agents that you’re ready to buy and that you have no interest in wasting their time.

When taking out a home loan, make sure to understand the basic process, how your credit score will be taken into consideration, the avenues where you can get a loan, and the types of loans that are available to you.

Misunderstanding The Total Price Tag

Even if you have an idea of your budget, many homebuyers fail to set a specific price ceiling for the home they can afford. When hunting for homes, ask your lender to discuss closing costs with you – beyond a simple down-payment, there are often other fees associated with getting a loan and can add up quickly.

Inspections, title insurance, and legal fees should all be a part of your budget planning process from the beginning. There’s nothing more upsetting than having an offer accepted and finding out that you can’t pull the cash together to seal the deal.

Skipping the Pre-Purchase Home Inspection

Skimping on your home inspection could seem like a money-saver, but could end up costing you a bundle in future home repairs. You may feel that the money for the inspection would better serve you as part of the down payment, but don’t be tempted to skip it. No matter how nice the house looks, or what the sellers tell you about its condition, always get a house inspected before you buy it. There are so many little details (and potentially major problems) that only a trained professional can spot.

Even if you’re willing to overlook some problems, it’s better to know exactly what you are buying, including any possible issues. A thorough inspection usually costs a few hundred dollars and is worth every penny.

Opting Against A Home Protection Plan

In the event that your home inspector misses a repair or issue with the home prior to your purchase, you can be left with huge repair bills for an unanticipated issue. A home protection plan, which you can arrange through your real estate agent or mortgage company, is a short-term insurance plan to hedge against just this sort of unforeseen issue – usually for a period of one year from the closing date. While they don’t cover every issue of a home, it offers peace of mind and costs are low. The benefits, should you need them, can help.

Failing to Hire a Real Estate Agent

With so many resources for finding homes for sale online, it can be tempting to go it alone. But without a qualified Realtor by your side, you are making yourself vulnerable to being taken advantage of, or not understanding everything in the contract. No one knows the housing marketing or what factors go into a home’s value like a professional real estate agent. When they specialize in the area in which you are looking, a Realtor is familiar with factors like the age of the homes in certain communities, market value, school ratings, traffic and commute details, and accessibility to shopping or public transportation.

All buyers have access to the same real estate websites that you do. As a result, in many markets, homes that show up through these mediums can be snatched up before you can schedule a visit. But with a good agent on your side, you may be shown homes that haven’t even hit the market yet. Armed with your specific requirements, the right agent can have you open the front door for a walk-through before other buyers even know about the property.

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, every agent on our team has been carefully chosen for his or her professionalism, industry knowledge, and connection to the community. We connect buyers and sellers better than anyone because we often know about homes for sale prior to listing. Let us be your advocate throughout the home buying process and help you avoid these common mistakes. We’ll save you time and money, and help you find the home that is perfect for you.

Get started today by exploring Dunwoody real estate, Sandy Springs real estate, and Chamblee real estate.

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Why Professional Photography Is Important When Selling A Home

We’ve all heard the old saying “A picture is worth a thousand words.” And, in real estate, pictures make a huge difference in how quickly you sell your home. Now, thanks to the continued advancement of technology, buyers can have an intimate look into your home they are interested in without ever leaving their couch. And buyers are doing their research, more now than ever before. They are filtering through sites based on location, prices, school districts, square footage, etc. Once they have narrowed down their search to their liking, they are immediately flipping through photos.

Often, the photos are what’s piquing a buyer’s interest in your home and prompting them to take the next step in contacting their real estate agent. That is why it is important to work with a real estate agent in getting professional photography done before putting your home on the market. Your agent should have the expert knowledge and connections to professional photographers to produce images that resonate and appeal to sellers. And the more photos the better, so choosing one or two won’t do the trick! At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we work with the best real estate photographers that have an eye for the right angles, best lighting and provide high-quality photos to capture the best features of your home.

Homes with more photos sell faster, which makes sense because buyers are doing more research than ever before. The more buyers can find ahead of time, the better your chances of getting your home sold quickly. According to the National Association of Realtors 2017 study, Homes with one photo spent an average of 70 days on the market, but a home with 20 photos spent 32 days on the market. Not only do professional photographs help you sell your home quickly, but it can also help you get a better deal, too. For homes in the $200,000-$1 million range, those that include high-quality photography in their listings sell for $3,000-$11,000 more.

And we’re putting an emphasis on the words professional photography because you need high-quality photos. While there are plenty of great HGTV shows with useful information out there, nothing can replace the quality and direction of an agent and a professional real estate photographer. It is often the first impression that buyers have of your home before stepping foot onto the actual property. In fact, 89% of buyers who used the internet to aid their home search found the photos to be very useful. Your agent will have referrals to photographers that specialize in real estate that they have worked with personally.

As time goes on and technology continues to advance, online platforms and visual tools become more robust allowing home buyers more and more insight into a home before ever connecting with the seller or agent. At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we stay on top of the latest trends and constantly look for innovative marketing techniques to help sell our clients home quickly. We take it to the next level with 3D Virtual Tours to let a buyer walk through your home no matter their location.

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we are local real estate experts for Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and North Atlanta. We live, work and play here, and our agents are hand-picked for their connections in the community. Our clients know about homes coming on the market before anyone else. And our highly effective marketing program allows us to shorten the number of days on the market. We’ve even put homes under contract sight unseen!

If you are thinking about selling your home, or are interested in moving into Dunwoody, Sandy Springs or the surrounding areas, call us at 770-352-9658.