Category Archives : General

We’re back with the Second Annual Curtin Team Home Refresh Project! We’re giving a Roswell School District employee a well-deserved home makeover. Know someone who could use a little extra support? Nominations are open until July 15th! Let’s come together and make a difference.

Submit your nomination here: https://www.curtinteam.com/curtin-team-cares/curtin-team-roswell-home-refresh/

24 years ago, Tom and I started our business. Tom was sitting in a $5 plastic chair from Food Lion. After some initial success, we could have clearly bought a chair but we were using what we had, reinvesting in our business and education. I’ll never forget when the arm broke off and was flapping around.

I couldn’t find the picture of Tom sitting in the chair (probably for the best)
Here’s the thing — it’s easy to get caught up in how things look. None of that matters if you’re not doing the work. Lead with revenue. Earn the right to upgrade. And until then? Sit in the $5 chair!

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My first love language? Words of affirmation. My second? Strategy.
Tom and I are always buying, always studying the market, always thinking five steps ahead. But even for us, it’s not always easy.
I know so many of you feel the same way. You’re sitting in a house with a sweet 2.5% interest rate, thinking, Why would I give this up? You want more space, a better location, a fresh start—but that low rate feels like golden handcuffs. And the fear of making the wrong move? It’s real.
But here’s what I know: fear keeps people stuck, and stuck people don’t build wealth.
If rates drop, that dream home you’ve been waiting for? It just got further out of reach. And if you’re holding out for the perfect time to sell? The second inventory rises, we’re back to price wars and beauty pageants.
This market isn’t about waiting—it’s about strategy! The people who win aren’t the ones sitting on the sidelines, hoping for perfect conditions. They’re the ones who understand the game, make smart moves, and position themselves for the future.
Even when it feels scary, t r u s t. Because no one builds wealth or changes their life by waiting for permission. – Joanne

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Joanne Curtin from Roswell, Georgia knows that the current real estate market may be tough to handle but if you follow your DREAM and have support – YOU CAN SUCCEED TOO!
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#realestateinvesting #FinancialFreedom #Curtinteam #TopRealtorInRoswell #JoanneCurtin #realestate #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateInvestor #InvestmentProperty #RealEstateTips #CashFlowProperties #WealthBuilding #RealEstateEducation #followyourdreams

As shared in the second edition of Your First Home, written by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan:

“Buying a home is a big decision – particularly your first home – but it is one of the best choices anyone can make. It’s a place that is entirely your own. Something you can paint, renovate, and live a full life in. Secondly, the reality is that homes are an incredible way to accumulate generational wealth. Because home isn’t only where your heart is, it’s where your money is, too. There are few places you will treasure more than your home and no place that will add more to your personal treasury.”

While the prospect of homeownership is exciting, it can also be filled with complexities as you embark on the journey for the very first time. Yet, have no fear! If you’d like to receive a copy of the book that contains a complete guide to first-time homebuying, Your First Home, fill out this form and we will get a copy to you!

Click HERE To Receive Your Free Guide

Deciding to Buy

First-time homebuyer fears can range from “I can’t afford to buy a home” to “I can’t buy a home because my credit score is too bad.” While it can be natural to have these thoughts, it’s important to face fears with facts. Let’s take affordability, for instance.

Fear #1: “I can’t afford to buy a home now.”

Fact: Until you do the math, you don’t know what you can or can’t afford.

If you are currently paying rent, generally you can afford to buy. From a financial point of view, in the United States, the tax savings on mortgage interest alone usually make up most of the difference between your rent and mortgage payments – the tax write-offs you get at the end of the year will generally help you save a lot of money.

Additionally, depending on your credit score, you can end up affording more than you realize. The credit scores used for mortgage lending take on a much larger picture of your overall credit score.

Although there may be a higher initial cost to buying a house, if you’re planning on staying in one place for a few years, the equity you build can end up being a financial boon. And did you know that even if you’ve owned a home, you might still be considered a “first-time” buyer? Under many programs, the definition of a first-time homebuyer includes someone who’s never owned a home or who hasn’t owned a home in the past three years.

Fear #2: “I should wait until the real estate market gets better.”

Fact: There is never a wrong time to buy the right home.

Whether “right” means the right price or the right property for you, waiting for the perfect market timing seldom works to your advantage. If you don’t believe us, look back to the Great Recession when the bubble around the housing market burst, GDP declined 4.5%, and unemployment rose to around 9.5%. But like those who endured the Great Depression, those who lived through the Great Recession made it through and benefited from an era of financial growth. In fact, immediately following the Great Recession, the United States entered the longest period of rising prices and general prosperity since World War II.

In the end, there are two ways to make money in real estate: timing and time. Either you happen upon the right moment to purchase before prices appreciate, or you hold it long enough for appreciation to make your investment worthwhile. If you miss the first, you can most certainly count on the second.

Fear #3: “I don’t have the money for a down payment.”

Fact: There are a variety of down-payment options available to you.

While many believe that buying a home requires a substantial down payment, as much as 20%, this is seldom true. You can buy with as little as 5% down – sometimes even less. Moreover, most states have down-payment assistance programs that can help.

House-hacking is also a great way to make homeownership more affordable. This involves purchasing a property and leasing out a bedroom or unit to offset your mortgage. Alternatively, platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo can generate income to cover your mortgage while you’re away.

Fear #4: “I can’t buy a home because my credit score isn’t good.”

Fact: A less-than-perfect credit score won’t necessarily prevent you from buying a home.

A poor credit score shouldn’t stop you from talking to lenders. A good loan officer or mortgage specialist can help resolve credit challenges, sometimes by consolidating debts or referring you to a credit counselor.

If you have no credit history because you’re new to the workforce or haven’t made purchases on credit, alternative solutions exist. A cosigner (such as a parent) can help, or lenders may consider alternative forms of credit history like rent and utility payments.

As real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran advises:

“The perfect time to buy a house? When you can afford the down payment–not when you’re waiting for the ‘perfect’ market. Houses went up 4% this last year. They’re even going to go up more next year. So you’re not really saving anything by waiting.”

The pattern will continue: Prices will rise. Interest rates won’t drop drastically. The sooner you buy, the better.

Finding Your Agent

The legal, financing, and regulatory aspects of real estate transactions are complex. To navigate them successfully, finding a licensed real estate agent is crucial. A good agent serves as an advocate for your interests, ensuring a smooth and informed process.

What a Real Estate Agent Does:

Educates you about the market
Analyzes your wants and needs
Guides you to homes that fit your criteria
Coordinates with professionals like inspectors and lenders
Negotiates on your behalf
Manages paperwork and deadlines
Solves any problems that arise
Questions to ask when choosing an agent:

Why did you become a real estate agent?
Why should I work with you?
What process will you use to help me find the right home?
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Securing Financing

While owning a home is exciting, mortgages can seem daunting. However, the basics come down to four key factors:

Down Payment: You don’t necessarily need 20% down; assistance programs exist.
Interest Rate: Lower rates save you money in the long run.
Term: 15, 20, or 30-year loans impact your equity-building and payments.
Loan Type: Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages affect long-term costs.
Shape

Homeownership is one of the best financial decisions you can make. While fears exist, facts reveal that buying a home is more achievable than many realize. The sooner you start, the more wealth you build over time. If you’re ready to take the leap, our team at the Curtin Team is here to guide you every step of the way!

Have questions? Click HERE to receive information on our next live Home Buyer Workshop where you can learn more and get all your questions answered.

I have a masters in early childhood education. I spent 5 years teaching during the day and working nights at a restaurant. Then, in 2001, I quit!
But here’s the thing—I didn’t just quit to escape; I quit to build something better.
It’s okay to run away from something that isn’t serving you. But never quit unless you’re running toward something greater.
That decision changed my life. Because wealth, freedom, and success aren’t found in playing it safe—they’re built by those willing to bet on themselves.
Go make a move and level up! — Joanne

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Hey y’all, it’s Joanne! I just got back from Keller Williams’ Family Reunion, where Gary Keller gave his annual Vision Speech—breaking down what’s happening in the housing market and what it means for all of us. And let me tell you, there’s a lot to unpack!

Now, I know the headlines can be overwhelming, and you might be wondering:
“Is now a good time to buy or sell? Should I wait? What’s next?”
So, let’s talk about it in real terms—because while the market is shifting, there’s still plenty of opportunity out there.

Where We Are Now: The Big Picture
The real estate market is definitely feeling a slowdown, with home sales projected to be around 4.2 million in 2025—the lowest we’ve seen in nearly 30 years. That’s a big shift from what we got used to in the past decade. Now, historically, when the market dips like this, it takes about three to four years to fully bounce back, which means we may not see things feel truly ‘normal’ again until 2026 or later.

KWFR 2025

But before you panic—let’s put things in perspective.

Home prices are still strong overall, and while we saw some crazy price jumps after the pandemic, things are trending back toward affordability. In other words, real estate is still one of the best investments you can make—it’s just about knowing how to navigate today’s market.

2025 KWFR

For Buyers: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying, here’s some good news for you:

Price Stability – Even though the number of homes sold is lower, the overall market is still moving. In fact, 2024 saw $2.2 trillion in home sales—making it the third-best year on record. That tells us that home values aren’t falling off a cliff.

More Negotiation Power – We’re seeing more price reductions—from 24% of listings in early 2024 to 31% in early 2025. That means more room to negotiate and better deals for buyers! And as more inventory hits the market, that trend should continue.

Real Estate is a Long-Term Game – If you’re waiting for the “perfect” time to buy—you might be waiting forever. The truth is, real estate appreciates over time, and the sooner you get in, the better your long-term returns. Like Jay Papasan (one of the smartest guys in the business) said, “Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait.”

Bottom line? If you find the right home at the right price and it fits your budget, don’t be afraid to go for it!

For Sellers: What to Expect

If you’re thinking about selling, you can still win in this market—you just have to be strategic.

Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell – With fewer buyers in the market, homes aren’t flying off the shelves overnight like they did a couple of years ago. That means pricing right from the start is more important than ever. Overpricing will just cause your home to sit longer and force price cuts later.

Less Transactions, More Volume – There are fewer deals happening, but when they do, they’re still moving big dollar amounts. This means there’s still demand, but buyers are being more selective—so you’ve got to stand out.

Stay Positive & Work with the Right Agent – The long-term outlook is still strong for real estate. Home values hold steady over time, and working with an experienced agent (hi!) can help you price, market, and sell your home the right way.

Final Thoughts: There’s Still Opportunity!

I know the market feels uncertain right now, but here’s the truth: there’s never a “bad” time to buy or sell—only a bad strategy.

If you’re buying, now’s the time to negotiate strong and take advantage of price reductions. If you’re selling, it’s all about smart pricing and great marketing to attract serious buyers.

The best thing you can do? Stay informed, get good advice, and don’t let fear make your decisions for you. If you have questions, we’re here to help—whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of it all.

Maximizing Your Home’s ROI: Smart Improvement Choices

Deciding which home improvements to make isn’t always just about return on investment (ROI). If you’re upgrading your home to enhance your own living experience, it’s difficult to quantify that value. However, if your goal is strictly resale, it’s essential to evaluate your choices carefully. There’s a lot of misleading information out there—from HGTV shows suggesting things like “This kitchen cost $20K, and the seller got back $40K when they sold” to social media claims that a new garage door can bring a 194% ROI or a new front door brings 188% ROI. These figures are misleading and often overlook crucial variables. To help you make informed decisions, we’re offering some expert insight.

Prioritize Routine Maintenance

The best way to protect and enhance your home’s value is by staying on top of routine maintenance. Not only does this bring peace of mind while you live there, but it also prevents buyers from significantly discounting their offers due to perceived neglect. If you’ve maintained some aspects of your home but ignored others, buyers may assume the worst and believe there are other surprises awaiting them, which they will factor into their offer price. If you’re handy and can handle basic maintenance and upgrades yourself, your sweat equity will give you the best chance at a positive ROI.

Manage Your Expectations

Most renovations don’t yield a positive ROI if you plan to sell immediately unless you’re going from zero renovations to 100% (more on that later). If you’re planning to sell soon after a major remodel, it’s best to keep expectations in check. The key is to make your home as functional and appealing as possible for you and your family while maintaining realistic financial expectations. Renovations differ from maintenance—if something is broken, it should be repaired or replaced before selling as a general rule.

Avoid Partial Upgrades

If your home hasn’t been updated in decades, doing one-off renovations—like upgrading a single bathroom or installing a brand-new front door—won’t necessarily translate into a higher sale price, at least not enough to cover what you just spent. Buyers typically fall into two categories: those looking for a complete renovation project at a bargain price or those willing to pay a premium for a fully updated home. Partial upgrades often fail to deliver a strong ROI because they leave lingering work for the next owner.

A home that is 100% move-in ready will attract the highest offers. Buyers will pay a premium if they feel like everything is complete (maintenance) and up to current aesthetic standards. However, once updates fall below that threshold, buyers hesitate to pay a premium. Once you go below 100% and there are still some updates or projects left to do, you lose the ROI.

Think of it like buying a car—new vehicles lose value the moment they leave the lot. Similarly, buyers often pay 20%-25% more for a brand-new home versus a resale home, reinforcing the importance of a fully updated property.

The Power of Paint

If there’s one cost-effective upgrade that offers a strong impact, it’s a fresh coat of paint. However, color choice matters significantly. The wrong shade can turn buyers away, so it’s wise to consult an experienced Realtor or designer before making a final decision. Fresh paint in the wrong color can result in a negative ROI.

Final Thoughts

Before making any major home improvements, consider whether they align with your long-term goals. If you plan to sell soon, focus on maintenance, full-scale updates rather than partial ones, and simple yet impactful changes like painting. Always consult professionals to ensure you’re making the best choices for maximum ROI.

Ready to Sell Your Home in 2025? Start Preparing Today!

Thinking about selling your home in 2025? Whether you’re aiming for a spring or summer sale, starting your prep work now will make the process smoother and more profitable. With years of experience helping homeowners maximize their home’s value, we’ve gathered actionable tips to help you get started and attract the right buyers.

1. Declutter and Organize
Clutter can make your home feel smaller and less appealing to buyers, so now is the time to tackle it! Pretend you’re moving next month and ask yourself: What will you keep, donate, sell, or toss? Here’s how to break it down:

– Go Room by Room: Start on the top floor and work your way down, designating one area for items you’re storing.
– Sort Your Belongings: Create piles for donation, sale, and storage. Facebook Marketplace is a great option for selling items quickly.
– Rent a Storage Unit: If you want to keep certain items but don’t want them visible to buyers, store them offsite.
– Organize Closets: Buyers love to peek inside closets, so keep them neat and spacious-looking.
By decluttering early, you’ll reduce stress and make your home more inviting to potential buyers.

2. Enhance Curb Appeal
Your yard is the first thing buyers see, so take advantage of the winter months to prepare your landscaping. Small improvements now can make a big impact later:

– Prune Shrubs and Trees: Trim back overgrown bushes and trees to create a polished look by summer.
– Clear Dead Plants and Branches: Use the cooler months to clean up debris—it’s easier without bugs or summer heat!
– Plan for Spring: Think about adding vibrant flowers or fresh mulch when warmer weather arrives.
A well-maintained yard creates a welcoming first impression that buyers won’t forget.

3. Address Repairs Early
Even small issues can deter buyers, so it’s essential to tackle repairs now. Starting early gives you time to address problems without feeling rushed.

– Fix What’s Broken: Take care of leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles before buyers see them.
– Schedule a Pre-Sale Inspection: This proactive step helps you identify and fix potential deal-breakers before they become a problem.
– Plan for Larger Repairs: Start getting quotes and scheduling bigger projects, like roof repairs or HVAC updates, before the spring rush.
Addressing these issues ahead of time makes your home more appealing and helps avoid surprises during negotiations.

4. Invest in Strategic Updates
Updates can boost your home’s value, but it’s crucial to make smart choices. Avoid unnecessary costs by focusing on what buyers want.

– Consult Us First: We’ll help you identify updates that offer the best return on investment and connect you with trusted contractors.
– Make Small Updates Now: Refresh light fixtures, faucets, and countertops to add modern touches.
– Plan for Larger Projects: Wait for warmer weather to tackle exterior painting or other outdoor projects, but start lining up contractors now.
Strategic updates ensure your home stands out without breaking the bank.

5. Deep Clean for a Fresh Start
A clean home signals to buyers that it’s been well-maintained. Start deep cleaning now to make upkeep easier as your listing date approaches:

– Clean One Area at a Time: Focus on one room or floor each week to stay organized.
– Don’t Skip Details: Wash linens, clean appliances, scrub grout, and polish wood surfaces. Pay special attention to baseboards, blinds, and windows.
– Maintain Regular Cleaning: Once your home is deep-cleaned, it’s much easier to stay on top of routine tasks.
A sparkling clean home leaves a lasting impression on buyers.

The Bottom Line
Selling your home takes time and preparation, but the results are worth it. Starting early reduces stress and ensures your home is in its best shape to attract buyers and maximize value.

The Curtin Team is here to guide you every step of the way—from decluttering tips to trusted contractor recommendations. Let’s work together to make your selling journey seamless and successful!

Ready to get started? Reach out today for personalized advice or to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to help your home shine!

‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions! Joanne and I began our New Year’s Day by reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for 2025. I wanted to share some strategies and questions to make your goal-setting process more meaningful. Before diving into the details, let’s explore a few methods to ensure your resolutions truly stick.

Proven Strategies for Goal-Setting Success
Did you know that writing your goals down can increase your chances of achieving them by 40% to 50%? There’s something powerful about putting pen to paper—it engages your subconscious mind and helps clarify what you genuinely want. Typing on your phone or computer just isn’t the same! Once you’ve written your goals, share them with someone who can hold you accountable. Talking about your plans with a trusted friend or partner makes it much more likely you’ll follow through, especially if they check in on your progress.
Now that you’re ready to write down your goals and share them, there’s an important first step to take: reflection. It’s a step many of us skip, but it’s essential for setting intentions that truly matter.

A Crucial First Step: Reflect on the Past
Before you start setting goals, take some time to reflect on 2024. This step not only helps you identify areas for growth but also allows you to build on the successes and lessons of the past year. Joanne and I started our reflection with these two simple but impactful questions:

1. What brought you joy in 2024? Take a positive approach by recalling the moments and people that made you happy. Looking through the photos on your phone can help jog your memory and remind you of what you’d like to continue or expand in 2025.
2. What were your biggest challenges in 2024, and what did you learn from them? Reflecting on difficulties can reveal your resilience and highlight valuable lessons. Recognizing your growth can inspire you to set ambitious but achievable goals for the year ahead.

A Look Further Back: Your Biggest Memory of 2023
Here’s a fun challenge: try to recall your most significant memory from 2023. It’s surprising how quickly memories fade! Reflecting on this can help you focus on what truly matters for 2025. Before you start scrolling through old photos, take a moment to see what comes to mind naturally—it’s a great way to gauge what made the biggest impact on you.

Clarifying Your Vision for 2025
Once you’ve reflected on the past, it’s time to look ahead. Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
* What problems do you most want to solve? Identify small, actionable habits to address these problems. For example, if you want to stop snacking late at night, consider setting an alarm as a reminder or replacing the habit with something positive, like reading a book upstairs away from the kitchen.
* What discipline do you need support with?
* Which relationships need your focus in 2025?
Finally, take a moment to imagine your perfect day in 2025. Create two versions: one for a weekday and one for a weekend. Be realistic—your perfect day should reflect your current responsibilities and lifestyle. For instance, if driving your daughter to school is part of your routine, include that in your weekday scenario. Add as much detail as possible, from the time you wake up to when you go to bed.

Turning Reflection into Action
After answering these questions, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you want to achieve. Writing out your goals in specific categories can be helpful—think financial, business, personal, relationships, spiritual, and health. But remember, goals don’t have to be long lists of bullet points. Lately, Joanne and I have focused on setting goals that bring us joy and bring us closer to living our perfect day more often.
As a couple, supporting each other’s aspirations has deepened our connection. Helping Joanne achieve her goals brings me happiness, and together, we prioritize who we’re becoming, not just what we’re accomplishing.

Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet
The start of a new year is a chance to reflect, dream, and take action. Whether you’re tackling big goals or small habits, I hope these strategies help you approach 2025 with clarity and purpose. Here’s to a year filled with growth, joy, and meaningful progress!