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        <title>Sherry and Maria Team Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Welcome to The Sherry and Maria Real Estate Team Blog where you will find up to date information about Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Milton and Cumming real estate and homes for sale.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/welcome-marc-lintz-to-the-team.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/welcome-marc-lintz-to-the-team.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Welcome Marc Lintz to the team!!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Well it's taken us years of looking for the right person but we are so pleased to announce that Marc Lintz has joined our team as a full time buyers agent. He really loves his job and it shows! He has more energy than almost anyone I've seen and it's contagious! His wife is an actress and the kids have gotten the bug as well. I thought it would be fun to share their story here so you can learn more about him. You can also visit www.lintzkids.com. Help us welcome Marc Lintz to the team!! Here's a little story about his family that he's written...


My Life in a Nutshell


by Marc Lintz


 


I remember the day, oh 20 years ago now, that my new wife, Kelly, announced that she would be leaving her nice, safe, steady paycheck desk job to pursue her dream of being a professional actress.  Wait!  I thought.  One self employed person in any family (me!) is quite enough thank you very much!   But as my wife has never been one to take no for an answer (Just shut up and help me run lines for this Snuggly commercial!)  and I have never been someone to settle into the status quo, I went with it.  And boy, oh boy, has it been exciting!  Never a dull moment.  One new adventure after another finding our soaring destinies!   (Translation: a hair raising, sometimes terrifying ride punctuated by the seemingly endless question "So….ya got anything coming in this month!?")


 


I spent the next few years running my computer rental company and she tap danced her way onto many commercials, industrials and sometimes even the occasional role on television.  Her first television role was on America's Most Wanted.  Remember that show?  Where they do dramatic re-enactments of a crime scene in order for the public to try to help catch the perpetrator?  So, Kelly gets cast as the murder victim and it's a good week in our house.  Until the day before the shoot, her agent, Traci (think Roseanne Barr if she were representing actors), called and said "Honey, I got good news and bad news!  The good news is….they caught that heinous criminal!"  That's great Kelly exclaimed, so what's the bad………….news?   Then she began shrieking expletives.  I realized that, obviously, if they caught the criminal already…..no need to shoot the episode.  There went her first role on tv!!!  I had the great honor of listening to her spew curses at the guy for the entire next week (What kinda criminal IS that guy!?  He can't stay on the lam for just ONE MORE WEEK!???  IDIOT!!!)  But I'm a very good husband, so I endured patiently and nodded a LOT and said things like, don't worry sweetheart, there are lots more criminals in the sea….or something like that.


 


But, it wasn't always tears and depression.  Kelly did end up doing pretty well for someone who had never set foot in Los Angeles.  She racked up some film credits (The Mist) and had recurring roles on several different network television shows (Surface, One Tree Hill, Army Wives).  I got out of the computer business when I realized that my true passion was helping people find a great place to live (or get out of places that they no longer wanted to live….) and I absolutely have found something I love to do.  Kelly said that real estate is the perfect job for me because it combines the two skills in which I am the most talented:  talking to people, and being on the computer!  Very true.  I really do enjoy getting to know new people and I am passionate about finding great houses for them.  It's just fun.  And when your work is fun, you're never working!


 


This would be a great place for the story to ride off into the sunset, but wait, there's more!  For just $19.95, you can hear about what happened next!  Kidding, I will tell you for absolutely free.  Along come the four Lintz kids, Mackenzie (15), Madison (13), Matt (11) and Macsen (7).   Somewhere along the line they all said "Hey, wouldn't it be GREAT if we all decided to get into an unsteady career where you're never sure when or IF your next job is going to happen and you might end up living with your parents forever!!?"  "Yeah!", they all replied to themselves, "That would be AWESOME!!!!"  So the Lintz kids hit the Atlanta entertainment market with a vengeance.  Lo and behold, they had a great teacher, so the jobs started actually coming in!    Commercials first, and then finally, they began to land on television and in film.  Matt began to really hit his stride first with roles in television shows like Army Wives, Memphis Beat and a starring role opposite Lucy Hale in A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song.  His little brother followed with roles in Hall Pass and What to Expect When You're Expecting.  They both just played brothers in the Hallmark movie "A Smile as Big as the Moon".   


 


Their sisters were determined to not be shown up and so Mackenzie said to Madison, "I know, you land a role in the highest rated cable show in history and I'LL land a role in the highest grossing movie of all time, K?" Madi shouted gleefully in response,  "K, let's DO this!"   And believe it or not, friends and readers, this actually happened.   Madison went on to play the tragic role of Sophia on AMC's "The Walking Dead,"  and Mackenzie fought her way (literally) onto the set of The Hunger Games as one of the ill-fated tributes.  Both were chances of a life time. (Note: the above events didn't happen EXACTLY in that order, and were stated that way simply for story enhancement)


 


At present, the Lintz kids just got back from 2 months in the jaws of Satan, I mean Los Angeles where they were doing this crazy thing called "auditioning for pilot season".  To all the lay people out there, that means auditioning for all the new shows that MAY or may NOT make it onto the networks next season.  Madison landed a role on the ABC pilot "American Judy" and we are waiting to see if it gets "picked up" for the fall line up.  We should find out if that will happen in May.  Until then, we will continue to build our little acting dynasty.  So watch out Barrymores, Bridges, Fannings, and Arquettes.   Because the Lintz's ARE COMING!


 


And hopefully, I'll sell a house or two while we wait for that to happen.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 15:36:46 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/roswells-colors-festival-of-arts-on-saturday-sunday-may-12-may-13-2012-at-the-historic-town-square.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/roswells-colors-festival-of-arts-on-saturday-sunday-may-12-may-13-2012-at-the-historic-town-square.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Roswell's Colors Festival of Arts on Saturday &amp; Sunday, May 12 - May 13, 2012 at the Historic Town Square</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You really must check out this festival!  This is the 22nd annual Colors Festival of Arts held in the downtown area of Roswell around the historic town square.  


Artists come from all over the Southeast to participate by showing off their talents in fine arts and original crafts.  What better weekend for this to be help - Mother's Day!  Just stop by, shop around and you're sure to find a unique gift for a special Mother that you know.


The Roswell Junior Women's Club along with the Visitor's Center help put this festival together and have been doing so together for years.  


Admission is FREE and there is also a Free shuttle service from Roswell City Hall.


Hours are from 10am - 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, May 12 - 13, 2012


For more information, you can go to: www.visitroswellga.com/festival-arts.html


Hope to see you there!


 


 


 
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            <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 17:48:43 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/legoland-discovery-center-opens-in-atlanta-on-saturday-march-17-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/legoland-discovery-center-opens-in-atlanta-on-saturday-march-17-2012.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>LEGOLAND Discovery Center Opens in Atlanta on Saturday, March 17, 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The time has finally arrived and the new LEGOLAND Discovery Center will open in Atlanta (in the Phipps Plaza) on Saturday, March 17, 2012.  


With over 2 million Lego bricks at LEGOLAND, you're sure to see lots of interesting creations!


Here's the highlights:


*You'll be able to take a guided tour of the LEGO Factory to see how the plastic is turned into the LEGO bricks.* EGO 4D cinema*Kingdom Quest keeps score as you ride through on a chariot and fight off the skeletons and trolls to save the princess using your mounted laser*Miniland - made up of 1.5 million LEGOS*LEGO Racers: Built and Test - create shapes and vehicles and put them to the racing test*Merlin's Apprentice ride*LEGO fire academy*LEGO Construction Site*Master Model Builder - hands on training to learn how to build models*LEGO shop*DUPLO Village for the younger ages*Earthquake Tables - build a tall tower and watch as the plates move beneath your tower to test the strength of your tower*LEGO Friends - perform on stage with your own microphone


There's also a cafe to grab a quite bite to eat as well as birthday rooms to use with parties.


Hope you enjoy your visit to Atlanta's very own LEGOLAND Discovery Center!  The Sherry &amp; Maria Team would love to hear your reviews.


Enjoy!


 


 


 


 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:58:26 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/cumming-real-estate-market-conditions.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/cumming-real-estate-market-conditions.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Cumming Real Estate Market Conditions</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ok, here's the short form- Sales are up, Rates are low, Why are you reading this post instead of buying!! ;)


February 2012 Cumming Real Estate Market Conditions


Stats:


884 Homes for Sale with an average list price of $336,341


308 Homes Under Contract/Pending


112 Homes Sold in Cumming in February 2012


Average days on Market of 118


Average Sale price of $247,682


Inventory on hand = 7.9 Months


It is true that prices haven't really seen an increase yet, but that's coming because the good homes, well maintained and updated, are selling quickly! It is primarily the homes that are not updated or on what buyers view as bad lots that are selling below market. Foreclosures are down so there isn't as much competition to traditional resales. Builders like Ashton Woods and Sharp are building again in communities across North Fulton and Forsyth! That's great news for buyers- more options. If you're ready to start looking and take advantage of a great market, call us or email us today. Info@sherryandmariateam.com.  Check out our current listings at www.sherryandmariateam.com/listings.php   Happy Hunting!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:20:22 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/cracker-barrel-cumming-georgia-opened-today.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/cracker-barrel-cumming-georgia-opened-today.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Cracker Barrel Cumming Georgia Opened Today!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
It's official!  The new Cracker Barrel located at the  intersection of Georgia 400 and Highway 20 in the Tri-County Plaza opened at 6am today, Monday, March 5, 2012.


Since this is the south, we might as well "mosey" on down to check out the new location.  What could be better than being able to grab a good home cooked meal and shop at the same time.  This Cumming, Georgia location also features larger tables and remodeled bathrooms (new prototypes).


Let us know what you think!
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            <pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:23:03 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/january-2012-north-atlanta-real-estate-market-conditions.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/january-2012-north-atlanta-real-estate-market-conditions.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>January 2012 North Atlanta Real Estate Market Conditions</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ It's been a while since we've had a start to a year like this one! The market is showing signs of rebounding in North Atlanta, buyers are out looking and inventory is lower than we've seen in years! These are all good signs. The residential market is down to 6 to 8 months of inventory on hand. Some of these homes have been around for a while and either need work or are overpriced but good inventory that is priced well is selling quickly! Do yourself a favor, if you've been sitting on the fence deciding when to sell, now is the time! Give us a call so we can tell you how to get the most out of your home. Call Sherry at 678-283-1710. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:37:36 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/why-atlanta-area-listings-are-failing.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/why-atlanta-area-listings-are-failing.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Why Atlanta Area Listings are Failing</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Why Over Half of All Listings are Failing!


By Sherry Ajluni


You see signs go up in your neighborhood and then come back down. Did it sell? Did it rent? What happened? Chances are it either didn’t sell or they had to rent. Right now over half of all listings are expiring (failing). Some will relist and try again, others will lease their homes out in hopes of trying again when the market improves. What should you do? There’s no right answer for everyone, and honestly some homes are harder to sell than others but every home will sell. Price and condition and marketing have to all meet. If the home is not updated but priced the same as others in the area that are updated, guess what, buyers will go for the ones that are updated!


With only 15-20% of homes in each price point going under contract, competition is fierce. Your home needs to be in the top 15% of all homes in that price range. The location of the home and lot are variables you can’t change, so you have to set pricing accordingly. A home with a private, level backyard will sell faster than one that is exposed or sloping. A home that has granite in the Kitchen and updated fixtures will sell faster than one that does not. The only way to offset these conditions seen as negatives to buyers is to price at a discount so that someone is willing to do the work themselves in the case of updating, or put up with a sloping backyard. The quickest and highest priced sales now are updated homes. If you can afford to do the updating, do it! It will pay off. Just ask us first what to do, what colors to use, etc. All of that is very important and you can waste money on things that don’t add value to buyers. Our professional stager can give you a warm color palette that will really appeal to today’s buyers.


The third part of that equation is marketing and it is even more important now than ever before! Professional staging and photography can really make a difference. The buyer’s first impression is what your home looks like online so it needs to look perfect and be exposed on every real estate search engine available! It costs the agents a lot of money to do the job right and some are not able to compete but you need one that can. This isn’t a market for the faint of heart but it is a market you can take advantage of, especially if you are “buying up” (selling a less expensive home and buying a more expensive home). What you make up on the buy side can be tremendous!


The good news is that unit sales were up in 2011 and inventory levels are some of the lowest I’ve seen right now, so whether you need to move or just looking to take advantage of lower prices and great rates on the buy side (below 4% now), now is the time to list! Late spring will see increased inventory. Call or email us if you’re looking to make a move! We promise to give you solid honest advice to make the right decision for you and your family. Never high pressure, no obligation, we’re just here to help! Here’s to a happy and healthy 2012!
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            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:54:02 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/short-sale-update-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/short-sale-update-2012.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Short Sale Update 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Short Sale Update 2012


By Sherry Ajluni


Short sales were up in 2011 and foreclosure sales were down. Short sales (a sale where the bank is shorted or given less than what was due) are getting easier to get closed. Banks are learning and setting up short sale departments and attempting to streamline the process to get answers back to agents and attorneys faster. There are still many questions about short sales and a lot of misinformation. Please select your real estate agent very carefully on a short sale. They need to be highly experienced and certified in short sales. There is a long learning curve and the more they know, the more they will be able to push the sale through the bank process to get a timely answer so the buyer doesn’t get impatient and terminate the contract. Sherry and Maria are experienced, certified short sale agents. 


We have many frequently asked questions on our website at www.sherryandmariateam.com/short-sale.php


The good news is that all banks we have worked with in 2011 released the deficiency balance, meaning the difference between what was owed and what was received. They accepted payment as “paid in full for less than full” and agreed to not come after the borrower for a deficiency judgment. This is really important! When you are in a hardship and need to sell your home, you don’t want the bank coming after you a year or more later for the balance due. 


If you are struggling to make payments, have to move for a job relocation, have medical or other bills making it difficult to afford your mortgage, and your home is not worth what you owe on it, you may qualify for a short sale. If you want to know for sure, please call or email us to set up a confidential meeting. We’re here to help you move on!
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            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:50:44 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/carrabbas-italian-grill-restaurant-submitted-plans-to-build-a-restaurant-at-the-avenue-forsyth.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/carrabbas-italian-grill-restaurant-submitted-plans-to-build-a-restaurant-at-the-avenue-forsyth.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Carrabba's Italian Grill restaurant submitted plans to build a restaurant at the Avenue Forsyth</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We've been hearing this for quite some time and now it's official.  Carrabba's submitted their plans on January 2, 2012 to build a restaurant at the Avenue Forsyth!  Can't tell you how happy that makes me as that is one of my favorite restaurants!  


Of course, this is a very good sign of a recovering market!  Carrabba's reported a 6.3 increase in sales for their 3rd quarter 2011. 


On January 11, 2012, Forsyth Planning &amp; Zoning will review the plans which were submitted. 


All I can say is when they open, you must try their Spiedino Di Mare (shrimp and scallops lightly breaded with a lemon butter sauce) for your main course and their Sausage and Lentil soup as your appetizer!   


~Maria


 Information gathered from northfulton.com article. 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:54:59 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/halloween-events-around-the-metro-atlanta-area.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/halloween-events-around-the-metro-atlanta-area.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Halloween Events around the Metro Atlanta Area</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Looking for family friendly things to do for Halloween around the Metro Atlanta area?


Here's a list of activities you may want to look into:


Roswell - Oct 28 &amp; 29th at the Chattahoochee Nature Center: crafts, wildlife, bonfire, GUIDED NITE HIKE! Check out the website at http://www.chattnaturecenter.org/halloween-hikes.html


Zoo Atlanta - Oct 29 &amp; 30th 10am - 3pm: hay maze, sweets, ride on candy express zoo and more!  Website for more information: www.zooatlanta.org


Downtown Decatur - Oct 30th:HomeGrown Halloween Parade and Monsters’ Ball, costume parade, music, story time.  Check out website: www.homegrowndecatur.com


Duluth - Oct 29th 3-8pm: Halloween on the Green: www.duluthga.net  as well as Train or Treat Festival, Oct 29th at 10am: costume contests, crafts and more www.srmduluth.org.


Georgia Aquarium - "Georgia A-Scary-Um" on Oct 29 and 30th: costume contests, trick or treat stations, spooky music, arts and crafts and more! www.georgiaaquarium.org


Museum of Natural History - Oct 29th 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. "BOO-seum":  games, crafts, face painting, treats. www.fernbankmuseum.org.


 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:14:05 -0500</pubDate>
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