What Not To Do Before Buying A House

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What Not To Do Before Buying A House

7 things you may want to try and avoid during the home buying process

The home buying process can be an overwhelming time. Often, things you think may not be important during that process could actually effect you along the way. Here are 7 things to try and avoid along your home purchase journey, via KW!

  1. Don’t make a major purchase. This will change your credit score and possibly disqualify you from a mortgage.
  2. Don’t change jobs unless it’s absolutely necessary. A consistent work history is crucial to lenders.
  3. Don’t give earnest money directly to a For Sale By Owner seller.
  4. Don’t forget to switch utilities. Call the utility companies as soon as you have a contract.
  5. Don’t forget to get hazard insurance as long before closing as possible.
  6. Don’t ignore lender requirement. Be absolutely clear on what the lender requires and take care of it.
  7. Do go it alone. A reliable real estate professional will help you with all the details, including ones you didn’t think of.

Have additional questions or ready to begin the home purchase process? Request a contact from Team JWA, or give us a call today!

 

This Month in Real Estate July 2017

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This Month in Real Estate July 2017

Contact us to learn how national numbers compare to your neighborhood in the greater Athens area

(Info via KW)

According to the National Association of Realtors, the median home price for existing homes nationwide has increased 3.2% since last month, and 5.8% since this time last year. Interested in learning more about the current real estate market? Take a look at This Month in Real Estate for the month of July from Keller Williams. Interested in learning how these numbers compare to homes in your neighborhood? We can let you know all about that too! Give us a call today, or request a free home valuation guide customized for your home in the greater Athens area.

 

Summer Lawn Care in the Greater Athens Area

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Summer Lawn Care in the Greater Athens Area

Smart lawn management can keep things nice and healthy

Summer heat here in the greater Athens area can wreak havoc on your lawn. But don’t despair, smart lawn management can help you keep things nice and healthy this year.  Neat and clean landscaping can often complement the look and feel of your home too! (info and photo via KW)

 

 

Here are a few tips:

  • How can you tell if your lawn needs water? Walk across the lawn in the early morning or evening hours. If footprint remain, water is needed.
  • Be sure to water after sunset or before sunrise. Avoid watering when it’s windy or hot outside.
  • Set your mower blade higher – a height of 2 1/2″ to 3″ is ideal. Tall grass encourages deeper root growth and better drought tolerance. And make sure that the blade is sharp. Dull blades thrash the grass, they don’t cut it.
  • Consider mulching your grass. This will return needed nutrients to your yard.

Stay cool out there! For more information on local resources, you can always visit our JWA resource page! And if you or anyone you know need professional real estate advice, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can give us a call, or take a minute to submit a request to contact!

Jennifer Westmoreland and Associates 2017 Oconee School Supply Drive

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Team JWA 2017 Oconee School Supply Drive

Donate supplies in support of our community through July 27th

 

 Jennifer Westmoreland and Associates is happy to help organize the 2017 Oconee school supply drive, to benefit students in need at area schools! We need your help.  Between now and July 27th, simply purchase new school supplies and drop them off at our offices in the school supply donation bin.  We are located at:

1361 Jennings Mill Road, Suite B-100, Watkinsville GA

We will gather all donations and present them to Oconee schools just before school starts.  See the links below for a list of most needed items by school! Interested in volunteering to be a liaison to a school? We’d love your help! Call 706-389-9953.

Looking for additional donation drop off locations? You can now drop off donations at Athens First Bank at Butlers Crossing, Banksouth in Athens on Milledge Ave or in Watkinsville on Hwy 441, Fox’s Pizza Den of Oconee on Hwy 78 and the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to these wonderful community partners!

High Shoals Elementary School

Oconee Elementary School

Rocky Branch Elementary School

Malcom Bridge Elementary School

Colham Ferry Elementary School

Oconee Primary School

Home Care in the Greater Athens Area July 2017

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Home Care in the Greater Athens Area July 2017

Keep your home in top shape with simple tasks throughout the year.

Home Care July 2017

Your home is one of your largest investments. Take care of it with a monthly maintenance calendar. Below are some simple tasks for the month of July to help take care of your home in the greater Athens GA area. Data via KW.

  1. Trim back shrubbery around walls.
  2. Trim tree limbs away from roof.
  3. Remove any yard waste or debris as needed. Keep branches or other clippings around can attract insects.
  4. Check your siding for damage, warping, or rot.
  5. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  6. Check for damage, loose, or missing shingles on your roof.
  7. Check your chimneys for deteriorating bricks and mortar.
  8. Check window and door screens, replace or patch if needed.
  9. Check driveway, walkway, and patios for cracks or deterioration and reseal or repair as necessary.

This Month in Real Estate June 2017

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This Month in Real Estate – June 2017

Monthly Real Estate Trends – Ask About the Athens Area!

Here are some national trends in real estate for the month of June. Interested in what the current market in your neighborhood is like? We’d be happy to sit down with you and review a customized plan based upon your individual market conditions! At Jennifer Westmoreland and Associates, we are a part of the community and make our focus to be the local experts in what’s happening here in the greater Athens area. Submit a request for contact, or give us a call. We look forward to working with you.

Luxury Homes Available in Greater Athens GA

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Luxury Homes Available in Greater Athens GA

In the market for a custom home? Be looking for this luxury home insert!

Are you in the market for your next dream home in the greater Athens area? This monthly luxury home flyer may have just the information you’re looking for to simplify your process! Did you know that Jennifer is the #1 Keller Williams Athens Luxury Home Specialist? The insert can be found in the Real Estate Book of Athens, and we will also share information on these beautiful homes. On one side you’ll find featured homes in the Athens area, and on the other side are featured homes in Oconee area. See a home you like or have additional questions? Please give us a call today, or submit a request for contact! For our sellers, this is also an additional benefit that we offer at Team Jennifer Westmoreland & Associates to find potential buyers for your current home. We look forward to speaking with you soon, with a focus on finding a home that is just right for you.

First Time Homebuyer Series Considerations

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JWA First Time Homebuyer Series – Considerations

9 Considerations for First Time Homebuyer Home Research

So you’re ready to begin the search for your first home. These are exciting times! At Jennifer Westmoreland & Associates, we would love the opportunity to share in this time with you in helping you find a home that is just right for you. Below are 9 considerations when researching homes in the greater Athens GA area. Call today or submit a request for contact and we’ll walk you through each step! (Information via KW)

  1. Before you begin viewing properties, make a list of “must haves.” Consider location, style, age, amenities, etc.
  2. Don’t view too many properties in one day.
  3. When you find a property you like, visit it at different times of the day.
  4. Walk or drive past the property before going inside.
  5. Don’t be put off by interior decoration – it can be changed.
  6. Establish what’s included in the sale – land, furniture, appliances, etc.
  7. Ask why the sellers are moving.
  8. Determine the annual property taxes.
  9. Ask how much utility bills cost each month.

Luxury Upgrades You Desire in Greater Athens

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Upgrades You Desire in Greater Athens

Luxury Buyers Often Prefer Upgrades Over Space (Info via KW)

When it comes to luxury homes, details are so much more than “just the small stuff.” In fact, the distinctive details are often what make certain homes extraordinary. That’s why 94 percent of affluent buyers said they would be willing to sacrifice 1,000 square feet of living space to get their desired upgrades.
Did you know that, at Jennifer Westmoreland and Associates, we are a top luxury specialist at Keller Williams in the Athens area? Understanding the details of luxury living is one of the most important considerations when seeking out a premier property. Our expertise in the luxury home market gives us the knowledge to seek out the certain key details you desire in a property, such as:

 
Smart home technology
Outdoor living amenities like water features and outdoor kitchens
Wine cellars and humidors
Home theaters
Home gyms
Top-of-the-line security systems

 

Finding a property that exceeds your every expectation in the greater Athens GA requires a team with an uncompromising eye for quality and an unending commitment to service. Call us today or submit a request for contact to arrange a personalized consultation.

Village at Kay Place Athens 3 Homes Under Contract Recently

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3 Homes in Kay Place in Athens Under Contract Recently!

New construction at Kay Place in Athens GA could be the location of your next dream home

These 3 beautiful homes have gone under contract this week at the Village at Kay Place! Kay Place, located in the heart of Athens and just minutes from shopping and restaurants on the Westside, can include features like granite countertops, custom cabinetry, master on the main and more!

 

 

 

 

Did you miss out on these Kay Place homes this week? Looking for new construction in the greater Athens area? We have homes available in Kay Place as well as other neighborhoods in our local community. Take a look at our current Village at Kay Place listings, submit a request for contact, or give us a call today! We’d be happy to provide you with custom home listings especially for you.