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!

Should I List Now Or Wait Until Spring?

It’s that time of year and we know what you’re thinking: is it worth it to list now or wait for spring? While the spring may bring a surplus of buyers, quality is better than quantity. Here’s why we recommend sellers list now.

 

There’s Less Inventory

We understand that listing your home in the winter may sound unorthodox but it can be done successfully. The winter months are a great time to sell because fewer listings are on the market and there is less inventory for buyers to choose from. Most sellers are waiting until spring and summer, which can create a great opportunity for you! 

“Many sellers are hesitant because their yard and trees are not green and nothing is blooming – but that is the case with everyone else – selling or not selling. But it’s best to get out sooner, beat the competition, and potentially have your home stand out to more buyers,” Karen Cannon explains.

Concerned about moving before the school year ends? We’ve been able to help our clients negotiate terms to accommodate their schedules while capitalizing on the time of year and reduced inventory.

 

More Motivated Buyers

If a buyer is house hunting in the winter, they could be more motivated to purchase. Many winter buyers are comprised of empty nesters looking for a change, millennials who’ve been waiting for the right time, and corporate workers transferring into the city for a new job. In fact, January is the most popular month for corporate transfers. 

“We have helped many sellers sell in January/February by helping them prep in December/January. Last year, we sold more homes in Q1 than we had in previous years by helping our clients get a head start in prepping and we’re doing the same thing now,” says Cannon.

If you are looking to sell and buy, it’s ideal to sell now so that when you’re ready to buy you can make a more compelling offer. After the closing, many of our clients have rented their home back from the new owner, allowing them more time to find their next home.  We create a win/win situation for both buyers and sellers to save our clients from having to make a double move.

 

If you’re looking to get ahead of the competition and list your home in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Roswell, and the surrounding Atlanta area, give us a call at 770-352-9658 or send us an email at info@KarenCannon.com. You can check out our current listings here.

house keys and clock

3 Reasons to Buy in the Fall and Winter

Despite the misconception that the fall or winter months aren’t prime times for buying a home, buyers can save a lot of money and even reap some tax benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should buy your home before the new year.

 

Less Buyer Competition

While many buyers have already rushed to buy their home in the spring and summer, coasting into the market during the fall and winter months allows you to appeal to more sellers since they aren’t getting as many offers. Your offer will be among the few that sellers will have to choose from, which can give you an edge. Lenders, appraisers, and inspectors also have more availability after the spring and summer rush, ultimately getting you closer to closing. 

 

More Motivated Sellers

You’ll find that sellers can be more motivated during the fall and winter because their home either has been sitting on the market for months with no luck or they’ve made a sudden decision to sell and need to sell quickly. At the end of the year, many sellers are feeling the pressure of selling their home since most buyers have put their home search on hold until the beginning of the year. 

 

End-of-Year Tax Benefits


Some of the greatest perks about year-end home buying are the tax benefits. Closing on your home by December 31st allows for some sweet mortgage-related deductions. Home loan interest, property taxes, and interest costs can be used as deductible items when filing your taxes and save you hundreds of dollars. While access to these benefits doesn’t disappear on January 1st, but if you want to claim these deductibles as soon as possible it’s best to buy before the new year. According to the National Association of Realtors, new homeowners can deduct a percentage of purchasing expenses in the tax year when the home was purchased.

 

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we are a team of experts who can help you find your dream home even during the holidays. If you’re looking for a home in Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, , and the surrounding Atlanta area, give us a call at 770-352-9658 or send us an email at Info@KarenCannon.com. You can check out our current listings here.

5 Reasons You Should Sell Your Home During the Holidays

Just after reading the title of this blog, you might be thinking something along the lines of “no way, I’ve always heard that spring is the best time to put my house on the market.” Let us be the first to tell you that is no longer the case.

Here’s why putting your home up for sale during the holidays can be a smart move:

 

Low Supply, High Demand

One of the greatest benefits of having your house on the market during the winter is simply the fact that not many people will be doing the same. The majority of homeowners still believe that spring and summer are the best times to sell their home. With greater demand than supply in the colder months, you’ll have less competition and a greater chance of selling your home.

 

Top Agents Know How to Maximize This Time of Year

Expert Realtors understand the advantage of selling a home this time of year and have unique plans and resources to attract the best buyers. Whether buyers are relocating for a job or transferring into a new school, a knowledgeable agent will be able to market to the right buyers and agents.

 

People are Ready to Move 

If people are actively looking for homes during the holidays, there’s a good chance they need to move quickly. Therefore, they are more serious about buying a home. Most of the time, people only want to spend their holidays house hunting if they really need to move. If that’s the case, your odds of being able to sell your home quickly are looking “merry and bright.”

 

Decorated Neighborhood

Last but not least, remember the appearance of your neighborhood. Any potential buyer will be paying attention to the area around the home they’re interested in. With the holidays just around the corner, your neighbors will likely adorn their homes and yards with holiday decorations. The festive decor and hanging lights will have most potential buyers feeling welcome in the neighborhood before they even view your home. If you decorate your listed property, keep a tasteful and simple aesthetic in mind. Overdecorating can make your property feel crowded and unappealing. We recommend adding just a few warm touches to make the home feel cozy.

 

Expedited Transaction Process

There are typically  fewer transactions, loan applications, and home inspections around the holidays. Selling your home this time of year creates the potential for an expedited transaction process. That means a faster turn-around once you have found a committed buyer and a less stressful holiday season for you!

 

If you’re thinking of selling  your home in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or the North Atlanta area, we can help. Give us a call us at 770-352-9658 or email info@KarenCannon.com. You can also check out our current listings here.

6 Home Staging Dos and Don’ts

Properly staging your home can make a huge difference in the time it takes to sell. In a 2019 National Association of Realtors report, a quarter of buyers’ agents said that staging a home increased the buyer’s offer by 1-5% compared to similar homes that weren’t staged. It’s safe to say that going the extra mile is worth the time and money. 

 

DO Enhance Your Curb Appeal

The outside of your home is a potential buyer’s first impression, so you have to make it count. Spruce up your landscaping and your home’s exterior appearance. Plant flowers, mow your lawn, trim the hedges, repaint the shutters and front door, and add a charming welcome mat.

 

DO Declutter

Clutter is your kryptonite when staging. The goal of home staging is for the buyer to imagine themselves living in your home. That’s difficult when rooms are overcrowded with too much furniture and personal belongings. Keep it simple and declutter each room. This will not only help keep the buyer focused on the home’s amenities, but also make your rooms look bigger.

 

Do Remove Personal Items

You are more likely to make a sale if the buyer can visualize themselves in the home. This can be difficult if your listed property feels like your home instead of their home. While you cannot predict the tastes of each individual, you can create a tasteful but neutral aesthetic that is appealing to most buyers. Remove any personal items, artwork, photos, or other decorations that reflect your unique personality and interests. 

 

DON’T Overstage


While staging is important, don’t overdo it. You don’t need to buy a bunch of new furniture and cover every inch of space on the wall. Remember, the goal is to appeal to the most buyers by keeping it simple and spacious. Today’s buyers often prefer neutral paint and uncluttered furniture spaces. This will leave more opportunity for them to easily imagine themselves living in your house. Staging can be as simple as rearranging furniture and displaying tasteful items you already own to present your home favorably online and in-person.

 

DO Focus On The Rooms That Count

Don’t feel the need to perfect every room. The 2019 NARs report also found that staging the living room was found to be most important for buyers, followed by staging the master bedroom, and the kitchen. Focus your energy on making sure these rooms capture buyers’ attention the most.

 

DON’T Do Major Renovations

We understand the pressure is on when selling your home. But most likely, there’s no need to turn your home into an HGTV project. Best practices are to make improvements where they have the most impact like re-painting, replacing old flooring, and updating fixtures.

 

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we offer professional home staging for listings as a value-added service to help our clients sell faster at top dollar. If you’re looking to sell a home in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or the North Atlanta area, give us a call us at 770-352-9658 or send us an email at info@KarenCannon.com. Check out our current listings here.