Tag Archives : real estate

In this exclusive interview, Joanne Curtin sits down with one of the brightest stars on the Curtin Team, Agent/ Partner Shari Sautner. Shari’s journey in the real estate industry has been nothing short of remarkable, and in this spotlight interview, she shares her insights, experiences, and the key role that joining the Curtin Team has played in her business’s impressive growth.

Shari Sautner, a dynamic and passionate real estate agent, has made significant strides in the industry since becoming a part of the Curtin Team. With her dedication, knowledge, and commitment to providing exceptional service, Shari has not only thrived but also set a shining example for aspiring real estate professionals.

In this candid conversation, Joanne delves into Shari’s personal and professional journey, exploring the pivotal moments that have shaped her career. From the early days of building her client base to the strategies and support that the Curtin Team has provided, Shari shares invaluable tips, insights, and real-world experiences that have led to her remarkable success.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the Curtin Team YouTube channel to stay updated on more enriching content like this!

Joanne Curtin Interviews Curtin Team Agent Partner, Shari Sautner

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

In the heart of a bustling city lies the promise of a dynamic future, shaped by the vision, determination, and leadership of its residents and officials. Roswell, a city known for its vibrant community and rich history, stands at a crossroads where possibilities are endless. Joanne Curtin, sits down with Mayor Kurt Wilson, a visionary leader committed to propelling Roswell into a new era of prosperity. This candid conversation is about the city’s future trajectory, the challenges it faces, and the timeless principles of leadership that will guide its journey towards an even brighter future.

Joanne: Thank you for having me over today. I am admiring your wall of photos here. Can you tell me more about it?

Mayor Wilson: I am glad you’re here. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve enjoyed your “Behind The Curtin” videos. These photos on the wall are all people that have had an impact on me.

Joanne: I think it’s great that you reflected on who to put up there. That’s awesome, because you don’t get where you’re going without learning from others. So, if you could have dinner any of these people, who would you invite?

Mayor Wilson: That’s a great question. I would probably be more contemporary oriented than historically oriented. I definitely would talk to Mother Theresa. Everything I read about her is authentic, honest, and courageous. She’s an incredible warrior who has this great courage most of wish we had and she’s challenging her faith all the time. And Johnny Carson, of course. My dad was Carson’s doppelganger, they looked like twins.

Joanne: Most of our clients are in the area we like to call “The Platinum Triangle”, that’s Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton. I’m curious about what you think sets Roswell apart from Alpharetta and Milton?

Mayor Wilson: I love my sister cities, let’s start there. I routinely have the mayors of Alpharetta and Milton over to my home. I believe in personal engagement because we are all in this together. Roswell has been successful in part because it won the geographic lottery. It was once the crown jewel of North Fulton County. Now, I acknowledge that Alpharetta has grown and they have some advantages over us, take for example the number of exits off the 400. Whereas Milton has stuck to their vision of being made up of mostly single-family homes. And that works for them.

The city of Roswell is 42 square miles, that’s it. And 65% of that is made up of single- family homes. We’re looking at the other 35% that, until now, did not have a viable long term economic strategic narrative. How do we get ahead in terms of industry? We can’t chase manufacturing businesses that we don’t have the room for. And without an intentional strategy, someone else was going to make the strategy for us – the state, the federal government, Fulton county. When I came in to office it was clear to me that Roswell needed to be a city of 120,000 people in 20 years. We are currently at 96,000. That means the city of Roswell is going to be very intentional. In other words, the development community is not going to come to us. We’re going to do the placemaking for the development community. As I said, we have limited space, 42 square miles, and because we have limited space we have scarcity. So, we’re about to use that to our economic advantage. The city is already heavily invested in zero based budgeting. That means we’re really serious about how we spend our money and reimagining how each department works and what services to provide, from an entrepreneur perspective. We are looking at what we do well, and what we don’t do so well.

Joanne: Since you’ve been in office, what’s something you are most proud of?

Mayor Wilson: All credit goes to God and my team. I am proud to say we’ve gotten more done in 12 months that has been done in 20 years. We have the best in class police force focused on de-escalation, a full-time fire department, and passage of the $180 million dollar bond overwhelmingly approved by voters.

I am a big believer that we’re building our organization in a different way. I hope we are building a political legacy and leadership that will last beyond my term. The question we ask ourselves is “what’s the right thing to do for the city of Roswell?” I hope the legacy is an organization that is highly competent, highly effective.

Joanne: You talked about looking at things done well and things that need improving. Is there something in particular that you’re working on?

Mayor Wilson: Communication is the hardest thing for us. We’re a fairly static organization and it seems we’re always playing defense. The challenge is to reach people with consistent, authentic, and sophisticated messaging.

I really believe that leadership has responsibility, not just for governing, but for bringing rational discussion into the marketplace. The overwhelming majority of us want to have sober discussions with healthy skepticism. I hope we heal the acrimony that has overtaken our political debates.

Roswell is a great place to live, There’s an unbelievable quality of life here. And I want to people who live here to really know that, to enjoy it, and to celebrate it.

Joanne: We love Roswell. In 2017, Tom and I started a 501c3 non-profit, Curtin Team Cares. We are committed to helping local families and organizations where help is needed most. Currently we are actively working with the Children’s Development Academy of Roswell (CDA). Are there any other organizations in Roswell that you feel others should know about?

Mayor Wilson: I love our community and I love CDA with the leadership of Maggie DeCan. I believe in the mission of CDA [www.cdakids.org]. We have so many great charities that operate in Roswell. HomeStretch [www.homestretch.org], North Fulton Community Charities [www.nfcchelp.org] with Sandy Holiday at the helm, Sunny and Ranney [www.sunneyandranney.com], and can’t forget The Cottage School [www.cottageschool.org]. The Cottage School has a beautiful mission and has really helped save students and their families.

Joanne: Since we’re in the South, I’m sure you know that people are just as interested in where you are from as who you are for.

Mayor Wilson: You saved the toughest question for last. Well, I grew up in Huntsville, Alabama where half the town loves Alabama and the other half loves Auburn. I went to college at Ole Miss. And then I moved to Georgia and I’m still learning how to respond whenever someone says, “Go Dawgs!”. I love the Braves. So, I guess, I root for everyone. How’s that for a politician’s response?

Joanne: (laughs) Okay. That’s a fair answer. It’s been pleasure talking to you today. I am excited to hear about the new developments in Roswell that will soon be announced. We’ll have to meet up again so we can talk more about them.

Mayor Wilson: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure talking to you. Roswell is a remarkable place and I’m looking forward to its bright future.

Joanne Curtin sits down with the dynamic Christy Smith, Director of Sales. Christy shares her unique perspective on market trends, work/life balance, and the importance of building strong client relationships. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, agent, or simply interested in the world of real estate, this interview promises to provide you with keen insights and a deeper understanding of the sales process.

Enjoy this insightful conversation where Joanne and Christy discuss all things related to real estate sales, strategies for success, and the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. With Christy’s extensive experience and leadership in sales, you’re in for a wealth of valuable tips and advice that can help both seasoned professionals and newcomers navigate the real estate world.

Christy shares her unique perspective on market trends, work/life balance, and the importance of building strong client relationships. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, agent, or simply interested in the world of real estate, this interview promises to provide you with keen insights and a deeper understanding of the sales process.

Throughout the interview, you’ll discover how Curtin Team’s approach to real estate has contributed to their outstanding reputation and success in the field.

So, whether you’re looking to enhance your sales skills, gain insights into the real estate industry, or simply enjoy a captivating conversation, make sure to hit that play button and join us for this enlightening interview with Christy Smith. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the Curtin Team channel to stay updated on more enriching content like this!

Joanne Curtin Interviews Curtin Team Director of Sales, Christy Smith

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 7 – A Net Zero New Home in Roswell Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Joanne Curtin, Wynn Tierney, net zero home consultant, and Steven Sanders-Myers, Brightwater net zero engineer, discuss the newest Brightwater Homes project, a neighborhood of new construction, net zero homes in Roswell.

Joanne: Thank you for sitting down with me. What made you choose to build in Roswell?

Steven: It was part of our overall 2025 plan, and the Barrington neighborhood was ready for new construction, so we got to work here.

Joanne: What is “Net Zero”?

Steven: Net zero energy is as much energy that is needed to operate the house. That energy is generated onsite with solar arrays and we are generating the same amount of energy that’s needed to run the house. So basically “net zero” means nothing on the meter. You produce as much as you need.

Joanne: What is the main benefit of a net zero home?

Steven: Livability is the biggest benefit. These homes are designed and built to be more energy efficient using better systems and better construction methods. The home is built as a more complete structure with an extremely efficient HVAC. It is better able to control the temperature and humidity coming in to the home. It exceeds all of the code minimums by a large margin. Your HVAC is your biggest energy user. So that’s something that we’re really keen on.

Joanne: So, what does this home have that we all need?

Steven: Cost efficiency is the reason many builders use when they build to code minimums. But in the long run, there are better ways to spend your dollars to build a product that is going to give you a much more comfortable home. Again, the elements that we use to create a better envelope for the house include the HVAC, insulation, and construction techniques save you money over time. The other things people can do in their current homes is add low flow toilets, upgrade to highly rated Energy Saver appliances and even replace their current lightbulbs with energy efficient bulbs.

Joanne: Talk to me a little bit about how you used a designer with this community.

Steven: We actually use energy modeling and an energy designer. We have our architecture team designing the floor plan and the exterior. Then we have a designer work on all the interior finishes. Our buyers will go through a detailed process to curate a specific package for them.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in these homes?

Wynn: I always like the kitchens and the sculleries. With the advent of everyone working from home, you’ve got more people in the kitchen at different times. Some people want an extra sink or dishwasher, some want a wine fridge or an appliance garage.

I also like our FROGS (finished room over garage). They can be more versatile than a finished basement, providing extra guest, work, or workout space.

Joanne: What are you hearing from buyers? What do they like?

Wynn: Our buyers love our new curated design process. We get to know the family and their likes and dislikes and what they need. We ask questions about the music they like, the food they eat, if they like to entertain, etc. We try to get a complete picture of their tastes without overwhelming them. We then create a unique curated package of design choices and materials that fit such as Modern or Timeless Elegance. It is more than a visit to a showroom with basic choices.

Joanne: What are buyers splurging on? Are they being too frugal in some areas?

Wynn: We see buyers upgrading materials in the primary bathroom, such as tile, and we see higher end appliances in the kitchen.

Since we build these homes at such an elite level, there really isn’t a reason to scrimp on anything. If anything, people with basements sometimes choose not to finish every room right away.

Joanne: What have you learned from this process?

Steven: I have been researching net zero homes and techniques for a while but to actually see it in reality is great. There are so many extra things that are done beyond a standard new construction build. For example, window glazing that is required to meet Energy Star standards. Our technical team and energy advisors are here on site to make sure the homes are as efficient as possible. Our goal is the top HERS rating of zero (most efficient). HERS (Home Energy Rating System) is a national standard for demonstrating a home’s energy efficiency. The average home is between 100 and 130.

Also, there is a big debate about building a house too tight. This could lead to moisture build up and mold growth. That is why we install fresh air flow ventilation sized appropriately per cubic feet. Our homes are “healthy homes” for that reason.

Joanne: Is there anything else you’d like to see added to these homes?

Steven: There are strict guidelines from the city of Roswell about water flow calculations and so the footprint of the home, porches, and sidewalks limit the size of the backyard pools that can be installed. As a solution, some buyers are installing smaller splash pools.

Joanne: What is the next Brightwater project after this?

Wynn: “Aster” is coming soon. That is a 24 -home neighborhood off of Cox Road. And then we have the next phase of “Sweet Apple” off of Ebenezer Rd.

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 5 – A Fixer Upper in A Golf Community in Milton, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Aleisha and Chris Porto live in Milton, Georgia with their two children. Recently, Aleisha and Chris renovated a home in the golf community of White Columns.

Joanne: So, where did you and Chris live before you moved to this house?

Aleisha: We lived a mile from downtown Roswell in a smaller home. It was a good first home.

Joanne: What made you want to move?

Aleisha: We had updated almost every single square foot of our old home. And we had people knocking at the door asking to buy our house. A young couple made an amazing offer on our house. And I really connected with her.

We needed a bigger house. We have two very active boys and we had no backyard. And so that was really what started it and then it slowly progressed from looking in Roswell to Milton. Our design studio is in Milton and a lot of our clients are in Milton, so I know the area well. And the more we looked, the more we loved these homes with larger lots.

Joanne: And what made you pick this house specifically?

Aleisha: Our realtor appeared genuinely taken aback when she discovered that we had different plans in mind. Initially, she was eager to showcase the stunning homes, particularly the new builds, such as those in Toll Brothers and Milton Overlook. But then we started contemplating the value we would receive for our investment. And we both have professional expertise in home design. My husband possesses excellent handyman skills, while I have a clear vision for what I want to achieve with our future home.

I expressed my desire to explore homes that required some fixing up but had already undergone updates. Our realtor proceeded to show us a few options, and one in particular caught our interest. However, after conducting an inspection, we realized that the required repairs would far outweigh any aesthetic improvements. The house’s structural elements needed attention, leading us to ultimately walk away from that opportunity.

During my search, I stumbled upon another house that piqued my curiosity. Since my husband, Chris, was out of town, I enlisted the help of my dad, who, like my husband, is quite skilled in handy work. Chris even asked my dad to assess certain aspects like plumbing, HVAC, and so on while he was there.

Upon entering the house, it was immediately apparent that it was in a state of disarray. Nevertheless, I made a conscious effort to overlook the mess and focus on the layout and potential. In fact, I walked straight through the house to the back deck, where I laid eyes on the backyard. It was exactly what we had envisioned when considering a location like Milton—a spacious yard perfect for entertaining, with ample grass space and even a pool. It checked all the boxes: a desirable neighborhood, a backyard that met our criteria, and a reputable school district, not to mention the ideal number of rooms.

Joanne: How did you improve the value of the house?

Aleisha: Firstly, we prioritized the essential tasks and checked them off the list. The HVAC system required replacement, and the pool pump needed fixing. We hired someone to repair the large fridge instead of replacing it, considering the cost. Additionally, we had to re-service and level the septic system. We removed some dangerous trees, including a beautiful one that was planted in the wrong spot and too close to the roof in front of the house.

We also had to inspect and replace some missing boards on the back deck, and fix the completely dilapidated under decking to ensure proper drainage during rainfall. This was crucial because the previous work was not done correctly, causing water damage.

To increase the property value, we added hardwood floors in the upstairs catwalk, the downstairs sitting room, and the main staircase. We also refinished all the floors and redid the entire stair system, including the spindles, bolsters, and handrails.

We made significant changes to the house, including replacing every light fixture and fan and updating all the lighting. We also repainted every surface inside and outside the house. In addition, we removed several outdated archways that didn’t make much sense in their placement. To create a more modern look, we opened up our columns and updated all of them. We also removed some of the dated wall niches and completed a lot of drywall work, as there were numerous holes in the walls. We also added new carpet.

When we first inspected the house, we were impressed with the state-of-the-art appliances. We were delighted to find that the original owners had installed high-quality Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, as well as a top-of-the-line whole-home humidifier system. The pool was also well-maintained, heated, and equipped with a saltwater system. However, the upkeep of the property had been neglected, so we had to restore and update it to bring it back to its former glory.

The kitchen had a fantastic layout, and the previous owners had expanded it, which was well-done. Overall, the floorplan of the house was great, but it required some much-needed TLC and updating to bring it up to standard. So, we gave it the love and care it deserved.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in the house?

Aleisha: The home has a slightly more open concept, typical of homes built in the early 2000s. As you enter, there is a formal sitting room or office and a dining room, but I appreciate that the living room is not immediately visible. The space is a little narrow, but the living room and kitchen merge into a large, open area, which is the main part of the house. I focused most of my design efforts on the kitchen, which I believe is the heart of the home. While the other rooms still needed attention, I knew that we had to renovate the kitchen while redoing the floors and painting everything. I’m thrilled with the outcome.

Joanne: What does your home offer that you feel you absolutely needed? You hinted at it earlier when you walked in and saw the mess and went straight to the backyard. What aspects of your home do you think other people might need that you have incorporated?

Aleisha: To be honest, what we have is a space that is both kid-friendly and perfect for entertaining, whether it’s adults or children. We can now host families with young kids and they have plenty to do while the adults enjoy the space as well. This was a big concern for us when we had young kids, wanting to have friends over with kids and not being able to keep an eye on them while still enjoying adult time. We wanted a space where we could all hang out and have fun while knowing the kids are safe, and that’s exactly what we have now.

Joanne: As a designer, you have a great advantage in terms of knowledge and expertise. Can you share some of your elements that you incorporated into your home?

Aleisha: To be honest, lighting played a crucial role in transforming our home. Whenever someone buys a new house or plans to update it, they often prioritize the furnishings and decor. However, creating a cohesive lighting plan that complements the overall design and style of the home is equally important. That’s why I spent a lot of time planning and selecting the right lighting fixtures for both the interior and exterior of our home. From the porch lanterns to the lighting in every room, I wanted to ensure that it all flowed together seamlessly.

Joanne: What is a splurge that you feel like you couldn’t live without in your house?

Aleisha: The splurge that I believe was totally worth it was the addition of the floor-to-ceiling limestone fireplace. While there were other options such as installing a mantel or creating a wall to add height, we decided to bring in a team of stonemasons to hand-cut each piece of limestone specifically for our fireplace. As a designer, I was able to guide the process and determine the placement of each piece. The result is a stunning 20-foot limestone fireplace that adds a touch of elegance to the space. Although we could have chosen a different route, I believe the investment was worth it in the end.

Joanne: Throughout this entire process, what have you learned as both the client and the designer?

Aleisha: Living outside of the house during the renovation process was a nice break, but as a designer and client, I always emphasize to my clients the importance of being present and checking in regularly. Even though we weren’t physically living in the home, I was here every day, working and overseeing the progress of the contractors. Contractors may not always understand your vision, so it’s important to communicate clearly and often. I found that constant communication with the contractors, general manager, and tradespeople was like holding hands and made a huge difference. I learned that things will inevitably change during the process, so it’s important to be adaptable and open to pivoting as needed.

Joanne: What would you do different?

Aleisha: I would have devoted more time to carefully selecting and vetting my contractors. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were unable to meet with potential contractors and had to start work immediately after closing on the house. Since it was a foreclosure, there was uncertainty as to whether we would even be able to secure the property. This put us under a lot of stress and we ended up hiring some contractors who did subpar work. At the time, we just wanted to move in and put these issues behind us, but in hindsight, I wish we had taken the time to properly vet our contractors before signing any contracts with them. We now have to go back and fix some of the shoddy paintwork and other problems that could have been avoided if we had more time to plan and select our contractors carefully.

Joanne: What would you like to do next?

Aleisha: I am considering investing a bit more into our backyard, which happens to be my favorite place. Although we have primarily focused on furnishing the interior with any extra funds we had, our outdoor furniture is currently outdated and mostly comprised of hand-me-downs. As we spend most of our time in the warmer months entertaining in the backyard with friends and neighbors, it would be lovely to spruce it up with beautiful outdoor furniture and custom grill for an outdoor kitchen. Making it a more inviting and enjoyable space to spend time in.

Joanne: What do you think are some things that you should not skimp on? If people are considering home renovation or buying a fixer upper? What should they not skimp on?

Aleisha: One valuable lesson I learned is to never skimp on the expertise of tradespeople involved in renovations or moving. It’s crucial to hire professionals you trust and who are knowledgeable in their field. Even when receiving quotes from painters, I inquire about the paint they plan to use because opting for cheap, generic options may end up costing more in the long run. I always recommend high-quality paint brands like Benjamin Moore or Farrow & Ball to my clients, as store-matched colors are not the same as the original quality. Cheaper quotes from contractors may be due to the use of low-quality paint, which can lead to poor results and may not last as long. This is especially important for families with children who require durable and easy-to-clean paint that won’t yellow over time.

Joanne: Speaking of materials, you mentioned using limestone for the fireplace, and I’m curious about the materials you used for your staircase and flooring. Did you replace any materials, and if so, what did you choose as replacements?

Aleisha: We removed the leopard carpet in the basement staircase and added real hardwood floors that match the existing red oak floors. We also added iron spindles to the staircase and continued the red oak upstairs in the two rooms where we removed the carpet. Initially, I wanted to bleach the floors for a more modern look, but I decided against it and went with a 50/50 blend of a darker stain with a matte finish, which is better for kids and dogs. We also used marble in the kitchen but opted for a granite that looks like soapstone on the island for durability. For the fireplace, we used limestone and had a cabinet maker custom create new doors, a vent hood, a kitchen table, and a mantel to match my desired style.

Tom Curtin, CEO of the Curtin Team, and Ben and Candice Thorton from Capital Mortgage Solutions, LLC, actively discuss cooperative buying and aiding first-time homebuyers. They dispel myths regarding down payments and explore alternative financing methods. It is revealed that a primary residence can be purchased with as little as a 5% down payment, and some loan programs mandate even less. Furthermore, they delve into the possibility of gift funds, which parents, friends, or close family members can offer. Conventional guidelines dictate that gift funds must originate from a direct family member or fiancé. 401k loans are also an option for individuals who lack a family member or employer to help with the down payment. Borrowing from a 401k to make a down payment on a home has no impact on the debt-to-income ratio.

Check out our previous blog post about the real cost of waiting to buy –
https://www.curtinteam.com/the-real-cost-of-waiting/

Tom and Joanne Curtin discuss the history of the Curtin Team and how the lessons they learned have propelled them forward to build a successful real estate business in Roswell, Georgia. They discuss their success in real estate investments and outline steps they took to get there. They talk about how they committed fully to the decision to invest in real estate and emphasize taking action instead of waiting for the “perfect” opportunity.

Selling a home is a big decision, and one of the most important aspects of the process is determining the right price. Unfortunately, some sellers make the mistake of pricing their homes too high, which can lead to a host of problems down the line. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why people price their homes too high when they sell them, and the potential consequences of doing so.

1. Testing the Market
One of the most common reasons why people price their homes too high is because they want to “test the market.” In other words, they want to see if there are any buyers out there who are willing to pay more than what they think their home is worth. While this may seem like a logical strategy, it can backfire in a big way. Overpricing your home can make it less appealing to buyers who are looking in your price range, and it can also turn off potential buyers who might be willing to pay more for a home that is priced appropriately. For example, a home that is worth $600K and the list price was $600K, it would be more likely to get that amount. However, if you listed a home that was only worth $575K for $600K, price reductions might eventually lead to a sale price of only $540K.

2. Leaving Room for Negotiations
Another reason why people may overprice their homes is that they want to leave room for negotiations. They may assume that buyers will try to negotiate the price down, so they start with a higher price in order to end up at the price they really want. However, this strategy can also be counterproductive. If your home is significantly overpriced, buyers may not even bother making an offer, or they may assume that you’re not serious about selling.

3. Believing a Higher List Price Will Result in a Higher Sale Price
Some sellers mistakenly believe that if they list their home at a higher price, they will end up selling it for more money. However, this is not necessarily the case. Buyers are savvy, and they will typically do their research to determine what a home is really worth. If your home is priced much higher than other similar homes in the area, buyers may simply choose to look elsewhere.

4. Misinformed About the Market
Finally, some sellers may overprice their homes because they are misinformed about the market. They may have received bad advice from a friend, neighbor, or another realtor who is not familiar with the local market conditions. It’s important to work with a realtor who has experience selling homes in your area and who can provide you with accurate information about pricing and market trends.

So, what are the consequences of overpricing your home? The most obvious consequence is that your home may sit on the market for longer than it should. This can lead to a variety of problems, including:
• Reduced interest from buyers
• Fewer showings
• Lowball offers
• A lower eventual sales price

In addition, if your home sits on the market for too long, it can start to develop a stigma. Buyers may assume that there is something wrong with the home, or they may wonder why it hasn’t sold yet. This can make it even more difficult to sell the home in the future.

In conclusion, pricing your home appropriately is crucial if you want to sell it quickly and for a fair price. While it may be tempting to overprice your home for any of the reasons mentioned above, it’s important to resist the urge and work with a realtor who can provide you with accurate information about pricing and market conditions. By doing so, you can avoid the pitfalls of overpricing and increase your chances of a successful sale.

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 4 – Downsizing to a Townhome in Roswell, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Lucy Hintz lives in Roswell, Georgia. She recently downsized to a townhome near Canton Street. She divides her time between her home in Roswell and her second home in the Bahamas.

Joanne: Where did you live before moving to Roswell? What made you choose a new townhome?

Lucy: I have lived in Roswell, in a single-family home. But I had always wanted to live in a walking, shopping, dining community. I’ve always wanted to live near downtown Roswell. Another thing is, my husband had cancer, so we knew that it was time for us to get out of the responsibility of the really big house. We were also looking for a turn key we could have without overwhelming issues.

Joanne: What specifically about this property did you like?

Lucy: When we moved in to this unit, our basement was not finished so we had an opportunity to create what we wanted. We have another full bedroom and bathroom down there. I have grandkids, so when they come there is lots of space. I also have a fabulous deck so the outdoor space is awesome too.

Joanne: What did you do to improve your property?

Lucy: We’ve done a lot of things. We changed the wood floors on the main level, which is a beautiful upgrade. My kitchen was solid white, and I’ve taken the island and painted it to a dramatic blue. We finished the basement in full and built a patio outside with stones and made it home. We also put in bookshelves on both sides of the fireplace with separate beer and wine coolers. And we added a built-in bar with quartz countertop.

Joanne: Did you work with a designer?

Lucy: No, this is all us. We had a lot of people that worked for us at our former home. And I purchased the art at local interior design stores.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in the house?

Lucy: It would be the deck. We open up the French doors on the main level, where we can have a breeze and enjoy bringing the outdoors in.

Joanne: What were some of your favorite places to buy home furnishings?

Lucy: We got rid of everything from the old house. All the furniture came from Arhaus. For the art, I went everywhere from Kudzu to 13 Hub. I used Carpet Depot for flooring.

Joanne: What’s one splurge in your home you could not live without?

Lucy: I splurged on this whole house. My bed and the bedding came from Arhaus and it was a big splurge. Arhaus had a wonderful sales representative. And I don’t know if a lot of people are like me, but I stick with people who are helpful and good at what they do.

Joanne: What have you learned from this process of moving from a big house?

Lucy: It’s not as difficult to let go of things as we think it is. And to use an estate sale group was key. And I’m not just tooting the horn for you, but finding a realtor that really understood what we were trying to do was so important. Previously we had trouble selling our home. Your team are the ones who really transformed it. It was a matter of 30 days and we had an offer on that house.

Living in a neighborhood means we all just look after each other. I think when you’re looking for a different place in life, it’s important that you are in a community that’s similar, that has a lot of the same interests that you.

Joanne: Is there anything you would do different that someone else could learn from?

Lucy: I guess I would say, I think it would have been better to finish the basement prior to moving in.

Joanne: Is there any advice on what you think should not be skimped on?

Lucy: I just think once you find your home, make it your home. Don’t wait because whatever you put off is something you’ll never get around to, something else will take priority.

New home construction has come a long way in recent years with a focus on space design, energy efficiency, and environmentally-friendly materials. Here are the latest features in new home construction:

Large Mud Rooms (aka Family Foyers) – Large mud rooms have extended their footprint in new homes. Previously, mud rooms were often limited to just a hallway with a built-in, but now they are taking on a larger role by accommodating seating, sometimes with a desk to pay bills, and drop zone for mail. Think about it as a room to hide all the mess when you or your children walk in the door – there’s a place to drop shoes, coats, backpacks, laptops, papers, mail and even to take a minute to sit and relax before entering the main house. All of this is usually hidden behind a sliding door to create separation and the ability to close off this area from guests seeing the mess.

Heated floors – Heated floors are especially popular in the primary bathroom. Making cold tile warm in the winter is a game changer! Heated floors operate on a timed thermostat so you can program the heat to match your schedule. Waking up and the bathroom is already toasted, no longer cringing when your bare feet hit the cold floor and scrambling to get your slippers on. Once you have them, you’ll never want to be without them.

A Hidden Room – Childhood dreams come true! Having a hidden room to relax and unwind or to safely retreat into if needed, these rooms are being added behind bookshelves just like in the movies! Often found in an office, a walk-in closet, or primary bedroom, hidden rooms can serve a variety of purposes like hiding a prized and valuable collection, a hidden entertainment area, or a reading and relaxing spot. Another example is the understairs space that often goes unused, which can be turned into a hidden fun playroom for kids. We’ve even seen a hidden hatch door in the floor that led to a wine room underground. The possibilities are endless.

Environmentally Friendly – Environmentally-friendly building has become a favorite for energy efficiency, with an attainable and clear ROI and because of increased environmental awareness. Homeowners want to be a better steward of the planet, and this not only saves homeowners money on energy bills, but it also helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the home. There are many ways builders are incorporating this into their plans, such as:

● Solar: Your builder can prepare the roof when built for solar panels. Installing mounts and preparing for wiring during construction will save you money for when you do install solar panels in the future.
● EV Ready: Your builder can ensure that your home has enough electrical service in your garage and install chargers during construction.
● Battery Ready: Equipping your home with solar batteries allows you to capture the energy produced with solar (instead of or in addition to sending it back to the grid) and then use it as you need it, either during a power outage or on cloudy days when solar may not be sufficient.
● Geothermal Systems: According to the US Department of Energy, a Geothermal heat pump can mean a 25%-50% reduction in energy consumed compared to a traditional system that uses air. In addition to the electricity savings, geothermal systems are eco-friendly because they don’t burn gas during operation. And because there’s no combustion, there’s no admission of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gasses. Because these systems are much quieter to operate, it also saves on noise pollution. If the builder is already digging for a septic for your home, ask about the possibility of adding geothermal during the dig.

There has been a significant shift towards the use of environmentally-friendly building materials. This includes the use of recycled materials, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes. Eco-friendly building materials cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve natural resources; all while improving water and air quality. Examples are Low-Formaldehyde Insulation, Low-VOC Drywall Adhesives, Low-VOC Paints and Carpets, ENERGY STAR® Low-E Windows, low-flow plumbing fixtures, dual flush toilets and LED lighting packages.

Hidden Outlets – These can be an afterthought, but with planning ahead and smart design, your outlets don’t have to take away from your beautiful kitchen backsplash. Electrical outlets can be placed under the cabinets so they remain hidden from view and still easy to access. There are also countertop pop-up outlets that only appear when needed or removable tile plates that can keep the outlet masked when not in use. With the amount of device charging we need now, consider a charging station drawer. This drawer will have a power strip at the back of it and you can keep unsightly wires and devices out of view while charging. Perfect in the kitchen, bathroom and built-in desk drawers.

Large Kitchen Island – Kitchens are the heart and center of the home. Large kitchen islands serve a multitude of roles, from prep station to homework spot to eating area. Large kitchen islands have an aesthetic impact on the room as well. Popular design trends include the waterfall edge where the countertop continues down the side of the island all the way to the floor or the simpler English cottage style with tongue and groove paneling. Large dramatic hanging light pendants and gorgeous sink hardware help showcase the island as a centerpiece of the kitchen.

Floating vanities – Floating vanities add a contemporary feel and modern look. These shorter base cabinets appear to “float” on the wall instead of sitting directly on the floor. They can make small spaces look larger and open up the room. The downside is less storage space. To add to the floating visual, under-cabinet lighting is a popular added feature, this lighting below the floating cabinetry also adds to the “floating” appearance of the vanity.

Dog Wash Station – Dog owners are spending more and more on their dogs every year. A recent survey cited that one of the main reasons Millennials purchased a home was because of their dogs. So, it’s no surprise that new features specifically for dogs are becoming standard. We’re even seeing dog watering stations with a faucet to refill the water bowl.
Locating a dog bath in a mud room, laundry room ,or garage is a practical solution, especially if your space has exterior access. Putting everything you need right by an exterior entrance; your home will remain better protected from tracked-in dirt. Ideally your wash station has a faucet with a handheld sprayer attachment and drain area. Plus, it’s more versatile than you might think. You can use it not only for your furry friends, it’s also great for washing off muddy kids or dirty shoes.

Built-In Speakers Inside & Out – Bring on the tunes! If you already know where you want to put the sound system and entertainment center, talk to your builder about installing built-in speakers in those rooms. You’ll save yourself valuable floor or wall space and have the luxury of having your house literally filled with music.

Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one, these trends are worth considering to stay ahead of the curve and to optimize your space in a modern, fashionable way.