Which Renovations Should You Be Making On Your Augusta Home?

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If you’re about to sell in Augusta, you might consider some repairs or projects that will add value to your home and also add appeal to prospective buyers. When it comes to major remodels, you should only undertake them if you plan to enjoy them while living in your home. A big trend is outdoor kitchens and living areas, and buyers seem to love them right now.

The catch here is that if you tailor these big remodels specifically to your own needs, buyers will not appreciate them as much and will not be willing to pay extra for them. That means that you’ll spend a lot of money and get no return on it. Don’t count on getting every cent back, so do enjoy these renovations while you can, but don’t forget about the resale value.

Kitchen renovations are always great, but they don’t always have to be major projects. Installing new appliances, cabinets, or countertops will usually do the trick. Just be sure tha4.14t your updates are modern. Nobody enjoys a ‘vintage’ kitchen.

The bathroom and kitchen are areas buyers will focus a lot of attention, so any small updates go a long way while selling your home. Please don’t hesitate to contact Ann Marie if you have any questions about how you can add value to your home without spending unnecessary money.


The Riverwood Plantation Properties

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Today, we’re talking about Riverwood Plantation. It’s a place that certainly has some gorgeous properties available for sale. With 1200 completed homes, prospective buyers are able to find something that meets their needs. Look forward to 2000 homes once the development is finished.

It’s a traditional planned community set up so that individuals and families can really enjoy their lives within the area. There’s a pool, community center, sidewalks, and three local schools. With the new bypass, it’s convenient to get downtown in no time. You don’t even have to leave the neighborhood for Publix, your favorite restaurants, and even the orthodontist. Riverwood is also an award winning community two years running:

  • 2014 – Community of the Year – Marketing Strategies, Best Selling Community, Best Community Amenities, Best Community Entrance, Best Website for a Community, Best Sales Promotion.
  • 2015 – Community of the Year – Marketing Strategies, Best Website for a Community, Best Community Amenities, Best Special Sales Promotion.
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The market is great for Riverwood Plantation. People in completely different places in their lives have already been able to settle in. For instance, Ann Marie recently sold a property to a client’s parents that relocated, after their child did.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Augusta or the surrounding area, contact Ann Marie by phone or email today. She’d be happy to serve your local real estate interests!


We’ve Got a Luxury Auction Coming Up!

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We are very excited to be visiting with you today. We are delighted to be joined by Scott Kirk of Interluxe – Luxury Property Marketplace to talk about the purchase of 4407 Ferry Landing. We wanted to talk to him a little bit about the home, the auction process, and why someone would want to purchase a home through an online auction. Let’s answer that last question first.

One reason why a buyer would want to participate in an online auction is because it’s a fantastic opportunity for a buyer to name their own price. It’s not necessarily what the seller wants or what it’s listed for, but what the buyers are going to pay for it. This is a first-class property in pristine condition right on the Savannah River. It was built in 2006 and Scott and his team are extremely proud to represent the property.3.11.16

Another reason to get excited about this property is that the seller is highly motivated. This is often hard to determine in the luxury market. It’s a very exciting time of year in Augusta with the Masters coming up next month. We expect a lot of interest in this property going forward. It’s a deep-water lot in Columbia County, which has great schools and hospitals.

An interesting fact about Interluxe Properties is that 100% of the listings sold through their platform are worked on in cooperation with listing agents. Scott strongly encourages any buyer interested in this property to hire a buyer agent to navigate them through the sale. Buyer’s agents are fully protected and compensated. Ann Marie would be delighted to represent you and help you get this magnificent property at a great price!

We are very much looking forward to the auction. If you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Property being offered by the seller. Listing agent is not engaging in auctioneering activities. Interluxe is not acting in the capacity of a broker or auctioneer and provides advertising and online bidding services only. For full terms please visit www.interluxe.com/termsofuse.


What Can You Do to Avoid a Long and Stressful Augusta Home Sale?

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Decluttering is one of the least expensive, but most effective, things you can do to get your home ready for the market. It is crucial that you let go of your home’s look when selling. This will help keep potential buyers focused on the features and benefits of the house, not your things!
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We recommend getting three boxes: a “throw away” one, a “give away” one, and a “put away” one. You need to put them all in one room and start filling them until you have a pile to go out to each area. Essentially, you need to edit your home in order to present a clean, clear picture of it.

Sometimes it takes just a few tweaks here and there to make your home a whole lot more appealing. Plus, it can be quite liberating getting rid of some of your things! 

If you would like Ann Marie’s help getting the selling process started, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! She would love to give you a hand in any way possible!


Why Does it Make Sense to Invest in Augusta?

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After over 30 years of experience in Augusta real estate, Ann Marie believes investing in a home in the area is a no-brainer. Her family has been in real estate since the 1950’s, and Augusta real estate has continued to improve over time. 2.8.16

Augusta has such a broad and varied economy, it isn’t reliant on one single segment of jobs. Throughout the years, the area has had stable, reliable employers that have given buyers the confidence to invest in the area and not worry about the ups and downs you might see in other markets. Augusta has fared very well in the grand scheme of things.

Investing in Augusta real estate means a solid investment in your future. Homes here will always have resale value, because there will always be buyers looking to invest in the area.

For more information about Augusta real estate or if you have any questions, give Ann Marie a call or send her an email. She can’t wait to hear from you!


Highgate: Augusta’s Once-in-a-Generation Home

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We are excited to let you know that we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity for you. The Historic Highgate Estate, known for it’s tall gated fences, is now for sale! This home is part of Augusta’s history, in the most convenient, prestigious and delightful location, and even has its architectural history and charms documented in the Smithsonian Institute!

This property is only a block away from Episcopal Dayschool, Applebee Library, Woodlawn Methodist, Church of the Good Shepherd, and Reid Memorial Presbyterian. You’re also nearby the Augusta Country Club for all of your entertainment needs.

This beautifully-restored home is an absolute treasure to Augusta. We’re experiencing a nice state of growth in the area due to the United States Military Cyber Command, and the growth of Augusta University.

On the property at Highgate, you will find majestic gardens, multiple porches, a summer guest house, a pool, and top-tier landscaping and hardscaping.2.3

We could spend hours telling you about the treasure that is this home. It’s chronicled in Augusta history, and is even documented in the Smithsonian Institute. This is your chance to become part of history!

Please contact Ann Marie today if you would like to see this home. These photos don’t do it any justice.

She looks forward to hearing from you!


How to Approach Selling Your Parents’ Home

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Today we are going to address a topic that’s often difficult to discuss. Nevertheless, it’s an important conversation to have. People age, it’s a fact of life. As your parents and other relatives get older, you have to make some very difficult life decisions. One of them is related to the home. Should you sell it? Maintain it? How do we help someone in a situation like this?

There are a lot of factors that come into play in this situation, as well as unique family dynamics. That’s why we choose to take a professional approach. A home is a large investment, and you want to protect it to the best of your ability. It really helps to have a plan and process in place when you have to make a decision like this.

Each case is different. Sometimes you might just need to maintain the home or make a few upgrades in order for your family to be more comfortable. Sometimes the best decision is to 1.26sell for the most money possible for all parties involved with the least amount of inconvenience.

We know the process is difficult, and have been through it ourselves. We know how important it is that things are handled professionally and with compassion. If you have any questions for us or are going through a situation like this, give us a call or send us an email. Let’s start a conversation. It’s important to have someone to talk to during this difficult situation that will help you objectively find the best solution.


How the Masters Tournament Affects Augusta Real Estate

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Every April, there’s a golf tournament that attracts a few hundred thousand people to town. It actually impacts the local real estate market. In fact, many people rent their homes for the Masters Tournament. Ann Marie’s daughter works in the Masters housing business, so we have exclusive insight on the niche market.

Clients often ask how much their home goes for if they decide to rent it out. We often notice a bedroom with a bathroom connected inside typically goes for more than those without. We see people adding bathrooms to market to this audience.1.5.16

Additionally, we notice Augusta homeowners get a head-start if they rent in April. They know how to prepare even the exterior of their home to add curb appeal.

We’ve noticed rental prices increase. In certain areas of town, we’ve even examined a pattern taking place. For instance, six months worth of rent can cover your home mortgage entirely, depending on your neighborhood. That’s huge.

Augusta is a hospitable town, too. Beyond the profits, renting your home is a fun thing to do. Visitors seem to enjoy our lifestyle.

If you have any questions, give us a call today!


Match Day Is an Important Event in Augusta Real Estate

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Spring is right around the corner, so today we are going to take a moment to talk about Match Day, an important time of year for real estate here in Augusta. Match Day is an annual rite of passage for medical students, a day when they learn which U.S. residency programs they will train at for the next three to seven years.

Many of them end up right here in Augusta, which is why it’s such an important time of year for real estate agents. It’s a fun little sub-market because we sell a lot of homes in the historic parts of town, and every year it’s fun for us to help out those people who are doing their residencies in Augusta. There is a great opportunity here to buy a home because our housing is so affordable right now. It’s the perfect time to get a real estate education, as well as finish your medical education.

Not everybody should buy, of course, but in Augusta, with such a rich medical history, it’s a great place to start the journey of homeownership. We really enjoy helping people make good real estate decisions right now, so they can move on properly in the future.

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A lot of times, we help students sell their homes after their residency so they can move up and get a nicer home, regardless of where they are going to

be moving. Having that equity after you finish your residency is huge, and can make your next home purchase much more affordable.

We can help you on either side of the transaction, whether you are just starting your residency, or finishing it up. If you have any questions about our market, or about how you can buy affordably in Augusta, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you!


Prepare for Heavy Rainfall in Augusta

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Rain, rain go away! It’s been a record year for rainfall in this area over the past year.  How does all of this extra water and run off impact the real estate business?

Lately, we have found a lot of water related issues in homes that had not seen any kind of moisture issues in the past. There are some simple things you need to keep in mind to prevent water damage from happening. For instance, ensure the gutters are cleaned and soil is graded away from your house. These simple steps will save you money in the long run.12.30.15

As a buyer, if any water damage gets caught during the home inspection, take a common sense approach. This is a seasonal issue, and there are things you can do to repair or prevent damage that aren’t expensive. Pay attention to your professional home inspector and other professionals on how the problems can be addressed.

By working with professionals, you can determine which water issues are long term problems and which can be prevented in the future. Home inspectors, termite inspectors, and real estate professionals can guide you on how to handle any moisture issues on your property.

If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!