The Gurley Team

Brought to you by THE GURLEY TEAM Office: 770-475-1130Cell: 770-596-5965Melanie@TheGurleyTeam.comMaking it happen…for YOUwww.TheGurleyTeam.com   Solid Source Realty GA10900 Crabapple RdRoswell, GA 30075

Embracing Your “New” Old Home The charm, the character, the cracks in the foundation? Older homes offer unique beauty and personality, but some buyers hesitate to consider them due to a fear of problems associated with old construction. Sidestep surprises with a thorough inspection so your “new” old house can become the home you’ve always wanted. Here are common issues to look for before purchasing.Lead PaintIf built before 1978, a house may have lead paint. It’s usually found on floors, window frames, doors, and trim. A certified inspector can detect this type of paint and recommend approved resources for its safe removal.Inefficient WindowsOlder properties often have windows with wood rot and leaky single-pane glass. Today, you can find new windows with faux leaded glass and beautiful beveled designs that uphold your home’s aesthetic integrity. This is great news for those who love the vintage look.Outdated HVAC UnitsProblems with the HVAC system can pose a serious fire hazard, especially if it hasn’t been maintained properly. Surprisingly, replacing your old equipment with an energy-efficient HVAC unit isn’t necessarily a budget-breaker. Plus, it can help you save on utility bills for years to come.Foundation and Structural IssuesThe older the home, the more closely you should scrutinize its foundation and structure. Over time, even the most solidly built houses can form cracks. Always check for other telltale signs of structural issues, such as doors and windows that jam easily, visible wall cracks, cracked tile, and uneven floors.Bottom line: If you’ve done your homework and hired the right inspectors, purchasing an older house can be a dream come true as well as a wise investment. Print This Article Also in this issue… What Can Be Negotiated When Buying a Home? Apps To Help Newcomers Feel at Home Homeownership Rate Is Increasing Home Size Trending Downward

What Can Be Negotiated When Buying a Home? During the process of purchasing a house, the proven negotiating skills of a real estate professional will save you time, money and aggravation. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.First, shop for the most competitive mortgage rates. Ask brokers how they calculate their offer and discuss ways to reduce closing costs. Choose the best deal and get pre-approved.Prioritize what you want in a house. Once you find a few you like, fine-tune that list of priorities.Make a note of anything you want to buy from the seller, like an outdoor playscape, lawn mower or oversized plant. You can also negotiate a home warranty, deep-cleaning or any number of inspections.Timing can be a valuable negotiating tool. Work out the best dates for your closing and occupancy. Sellers who need to move quickly will favor offers from buyers with a more flexible move-in date. Print This Article Apps To Help Newcomers Feel at Home Finding your way around a new neighborhood takes time. Thankfully, smartphone apps make adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings a faster and less intimidating endeavor. Here are some that can smooth your transition so you’ll feel right at home in no time. These and many others are available for free on iOS and Android.Try AroundMe for quick answers on where to find the cheapest gas, nearest post office or best grocery stores.Patch connects you to “everything local.” Get breaking news and reviews of local shops and restaurants. Patch is available in over 1,000 communities, with new ones joining every month.Connect with your neighbors on Nextdoor. Introduce yourself and ask for advice on local businesses, services and events. You’ll have to verify your identity before joining, and once you’re a member, you’ll have an option to send messages to other members.Meetup focuses on interest-based networking. Easily connect with people in your area who have similar interests either virtually or in person. Print This Article Homeownership Rate Is Increasing The U.S. homeownership rate is 65.5%, the highest since 2012, according to Census.gov. This rate reflects the percentage of properties that are occupied by the owners. First-time buyers made up 34% of home purchases in 2021, up 3% from the previous year.Homeownership peaked at 69.2% in 2004. It bottomed out in 2016 at 63.4%, the lowest it had been since 1965 (63%).A National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) report on 2021 buying trends said that Gen Xers purchased the most expensive houses, with a median price of $320,000. Conversely, younger millennials bought the least expensive homes, with a median price of $250,000. NAR reported 15% of all buyers purchased newly built houses, compared to 85% who bought resale homes. Print This Article Home Size Trending Downward Is it just your imagination, or are houses in the U.S. getting smaller? As a matter of fact, the average size of a single-family home has decreased. Based on U.S. Census data, the average size of a single-family home has decreased from 2,700 square feet in 2015 to 2,500 in 2022.According to EyeOnHousing.org, “Home size rose from 2009 to 2015 as entry-level new construction was constrained.” In 2016, starter home construction began to increase, resulting in lower average square footage.While Americans still want space to work and study from home, a smaller house with a space-maximizing floor plan might be a wise choice. And despite the recent decline in home size, today’s average newly built property is close to 1,000 square feet larger than its 1970s-built counterpart. Print This Article

New Listing in Mableton GA

https://matrix.fmlsd.mlsmatrix.com/matrix/shared/cxyblbNgnYc/3560NEWMACLANDRoad

FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR OF
3420 NORTHGATE LANE, DULUTH GA 30096
http://www.propertypanorama.com/instaview-tour/fmls/5300233
This is an adorable 3 BEDROOM/ 2 BATH  ranch home, priced to sell, located near the very charming down town Duluth area. You will love this community and home as it has been very loved and cared for by its owner.  Check out the link above and see for yourself! 
For questions and to schedule a personal tour, please call Melanie Gurley at 770-596-5965.

JUST LISTED IN WILD MEADOWS SUBDIVISIONCUMMING, GA 30028FORSYTH COUNTY
LISTED AT $179,900
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is lovely in every way!  The home owners have taken great care to maintain it.  The exterior and interior have been painted recently.  The landscape oozes charm appeal.  The location is perfect,  on a culdesac with a privacy fence and plenty of back yard space.  The interior looks like a MODEL home!  Check out the link below to take a virtual tour of the wonderful home!
For more information, please contact Melanie Gurley at 770-596-5965.
http://instatour.propertypanorama.com/instaview/fmls/5263648

The Gurley Team has just listed this beautiful executive home in Crooked Creek subdivision of Milton GA.   This home has been beautifully renovated and improved to the level of a million+ dollar home but without the expensive price tag!

Priced at $729,900 this 5 bedroom, 4 and 1/2 bathrooms has newly refinished hardwoods throughout the main level, gourmet kitchen (custom cabinetry, Miele appliances, Viking refrigerator, soft close drawers, granite counters), incredible master bath (quartz surround, travertine fllors, chromo therapy tub, granite counters, custom cabinetry vanities, heated toilet, seemless shower with multiple shower heads/pressure) AND a walk in closet beyond anything you’ve seen before-!- Coffer ceiling, fireplace, 2 story high custom shelving, custom granite dresser.  The list goes on and on!
Finished basement has a full kitchen with granite counters & faux finished cabinetry, media room, game room and beautiful wine cellar!
Backyard overlooks the 8th green and a beautiful pebble stone pool with water fall.
Additional features:
Surround sound throughout home and backyard
Mesquito misting sytem and pest control system
New Double Life Warranty vinyl windows throughout entire home
All new French double doors (exterior)
New Double Front exquisite iron doors.
Three Car Garage
Two Fireplaces
Formal Dining Room (seats 12+)
Formal Living Room
Keeping with Room
Master on Main Level, 3 bedrooms on 2nd level & 1 bedroom on Terrace level
Fabulous neighborhood amenities (golf, tennis, swimming, basketball, club house- tennis teams and swimming teams!)
**Home has been recently appraised by D.S. Murphy and is priced to accordingly!**
CLICK LINK BELOW TO TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR:
http://instatour.propertypanorama.com/instaview/fmls/5252014
For more information, please call Melanie Gurley at 770-596-5965 or email at Melanie@TheGurleyTeam.com

Wonderful lake home on Lake Lanier, one mile from GA 400, exit 15, located next to Bald Ridge Marina.  Lake access, lake view and move in ready.  You cannot beat this price! This home is well maintained with hard wood floors, newer carpet in bedrooms, vaulted family room with stone fire place, updated kitchen (granite counters + all appliances included!), and walk out to deck overlooking Lake Lanier.
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, full unfinished basement with 2 double garages (perfect for boats!).
Please visit the link below for a virtual tour of 2020 Driftwood Circle, Cumming, GA 30041:
http://instatour.propertypanorama.com/instaview/fmls/5242843
For more infomation please contact Melanie Gurley:
Direct: 770-596-5965
Email: Melanie@TheGurleyTeam.com
www.TheGurleyTeam.com
www.CummingHomes.org
www.MelanieGurley.com

The Gurley Team has just listed this beautiful home in Margate Subdivision. The asking price is $328,900.  This home boasts 6 bedrooms & 4 full baths.  It has a fully finished basement, 2 deck levels, .7 acre all level yard, side entry garage, fully updated kitchen with granite, stainless appliances & custom cherry cabinetry.  The home has been very well maintained.  A newer roof, 4 sides Hardiplank siding, new hardwoods on second level, and more!
This home has great curb appeal and is located off a quiet culdesac.  Fabulous Schools and awesome location!
Call Melanie Gurley for more details! 770-596-5965

NEW LISTING IN CUMMING! $89,000
2100 Driftwood Circle, Cumming GA 30041
Adorable 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Contemporary Ranch.
Low maintenance vinyl siding, hardwood floors, newer carpet, deck and unfinished basement & charming circular driveway.
Located just outside Bald Ridge Marina, Lake Lanier.
Call Melanie Gurley for more information: 770-596-5965