My Latest Listing: Stepless Ranch in Cumming

What do they think of my house?

This is the questions that I always hear after another agent has shown one of my listings. And in most cases, it is a fairly easy question to answer. I used to have to call the other agent and ask them what their client thought about the house and relay that information to the owners at which time it becomes a comment twice removed from the person who made it.

Welcome to the age of the Internet and technology! For a couple of months now I have been using a new service called HomeFeedback. What a difference this makes in getting first hand information from potential buyers into the hands of owners.

When an agent uses the GE Supra electronic key to access one of my listing, I get an email telling me who, what, when and where. I then add that agent into the Homefeedback system which then emails a list of questions about the property and request feedback from the potential buyers. It only takes an agent a couple of minutes to complete and voila! instant feedback that I can send to my owners.

'What if the agent doesn't respond?' you ask? Well, the system tries three time and after the third request for feedback, it emails both me and my clients and informs us that the feedback has been requested and the agent did not respond.

What does it really mean to a seller to have this information? Higher response to feedback request means sellers will have access to information as to what the market really thinks about their property, price and terms - thereby enabling them to make timely decisions about any modifications they need to make to get their home sold.

That can make the difference between "for sale" and "SOLD"! Call me today and let me put this powerful technology to work for you. Michael Bradford 770-862-8002

Some Tips For Moving Day

Some friends of mine are about to move a loved one out of their house due to illness. It made me think of the things I've learned from my many moves and my experience helping other people move. I want to share these tips with them and with you.

1. Keep a box of ziplock bags with you. They are so helpful when it comes to holding small things you come across. For example, when you are taking a bed frame apart, you can drop all of the screws and washers and other small parts into the bag and label.
2. Keep a few permanent markers in your pocket. You can use these to label boxes, bags and all kinds of other things. A ballpoint pen is also nice to have.
3. Box cutters or scissors are a necessity. You WILL need to get into a box that you've already sealed.
4. If you have little ones, you may want to cut the stress level way down by hiring a babysitter.
5. Keep a cleaning supply caddy for the last minute messes. You will be surprised at how dirty your house will get as you move. You should also have a new roll of paper towels and a few trash bags.
6. Try to keep important papers and your checkbook/money together in a safe place that you can easily access. Do not let these items get packed and go with movers. They should stay with you.
7. Spring for new boxes all the same size. They pack easier, store easier and you can always resell them. While you're at it, buy some foam padding, styro-peanuts and other things that will protect your valuables.

If you'd like for me to send an e-mail to you that has more comprehensive moving tips, send an e-mail to me at michaelbradford@comcast.net. Or, you can call me at 770-862-8002.

Now's the time to buy!

Who knew wolves could be so smart!

Give me a call today - let's find your dream home.

770.862.8002

Real Estate Tip #2

Ready to buy a house? Before you get in the car with your agent, a call to your bank, credit union or mortgage broker is a great place to start. We have all heard the news that foreclosures are at an all time high. Don't become a statistic! Learn about what programs are available and how much house you can buy before you find the home of your dreams. The National Association of Realtors has put together information designed to help you. Please visit the NAR web site for more information.

Don't let what happened to this house happen to yours! Ask your Realtor for help navigating the waters of home ownership.

Welcome to My Humble Blog

I am starting this blog for one reason: I want to inform people about as much as I can regarding the healthy real estate market in Cherokee County, Georgia. I am actively listing and selling homes. I also buy homes from people who do not want to list them. I usually rehab these homes and sell them or rent them out. I hope this blog will be a useful and entertaining place for you to visit.

Come Back Soon!

-Michael