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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>
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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!
 ]]> </description>
            <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!
 ]]> </description>
            <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. 
 ]]> </description>
            <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.


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:14:05 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/harvest-moon-wine-cruise-at-lake-lanier-islands-resort.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/harvest-moon-wine-cruise-at-lake-lanier-islands-resort.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Harvest Moon Wine Cruise at Lake Lanier Islands Resort</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
While reading one of our favorite local magazines, Points North, we read about a Lake Lanier cruise, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  This quaint wine cruise holds 40 guests and cruises around the lake for 2 hours. While enjoying the Harvest Moon Wine Cruise, you will sip on hard-to-find wines from top West Coast vintners and taste some delectable hors d'oeuvres all while listing to live acoustic music.


We're always looking for new and exciting things to do in the Atlanta area!  Let us know if you attend this cruise!!


Check-in for the event begins Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 6 p.m., with boat departure scheduled for 6:30 p.m.


The cost is $30 per person or $50 per couple.


Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling  770-945-8787 ext. 6148


Website information
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            <pubDate>Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:48:28 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/dunwoody-music-festival-october-22-23-2011.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/dunwoody-music-festival-october-22-23-2011.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Dunwoody Music Festival October 22 - 23, 2011</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Love this time of year and all the festivals and activities found all over the Atlanta area!  The Dunwoody Music Festival is held at Brook Run Park on October 22 - 23, 2011.  Headline concert is The Starts of 80's Rock which will be playing all of our favorite 80's music!!


General admission $5.00 per day at the gate.  General concert seating $12.95


Music starts at 11am and lasts through 10:30am on Saturday.  Sunday you can enjoy music from noon - 6pm.


Brook Run Park4770 North Peachtree RoadDunwoody, GA 30338


Website for more information:  http://dunwoodycommerce.org/content/dunwoody-music-festival


Let us know if you go!!


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:00:54 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/uncle-shucks-pumpkin-patch-and-corn-maze.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/uncle-shucks-pumpkin-patch-and-corn-maze.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Uncle Shuck's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch located in Dawnsonville, Ga. has reopened again this year for the 10th year in a row!  They offer multiple maze trails, hayrides, bonfires, climbing goats and lots of pumpkins. 


They are open every day in October and every weekend in November, through November 20th.  Check out their website for additional information and pricing:  http://www.uncleshucks.com/


Location:4520 Highway 53 EDawsonville, GA 305341-888-OSHUCKSor (770) 772-6223


If you go for a visit, let us know about your experience!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:50:55 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/roswell-junior-womans-club-helps-support-domestic-violence-awareness.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/roswell-junior-womans-club-helps-support-domestic-violence-awareness.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>Roswell Junior Woman's Club Helps Support Domestic Violence Awareness</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Roswell Junior Woman’s Club will be collecting new woman’s large pajamas to be provided to women in domestic violence shelters.  Pajamas can be dropped off at the Roswell Junior Woman’s Club table at Alive After Five (downtown Roswell, Canton Street) on Thursday October 20, 2011.


The Roswell Junior Woman's Club (RJWC) www.roswelljuniors.org is a volunteer organization made up of women from Roswell and surrounding areas dedicated to serving their community. The club annually provides more than 2,500 volunteer hours and $10,000 for community projects.


RJWC is member of the Georgia Federation of Women's Clubs (GaFWC). GaFWC is part of an international organization, The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), representing more than 11 million women in 55 countries around the world.


Please consider making a donation to this cause.  Maria has been a member of this club for 6 years - if you would like information on becoming a member, feel free to contact her at anytime!


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:25:56 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/north-fulton-and-forsyth-counties-have-the-best-schools-in-the-state-of-ga.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.sherryandmariateam.com/blog/north-fulton-and-forsyth-counties-have-the-best-schools-in-the-state-of-ga.html</link>
            <author>info@sherryandmariateam.com (Sherry &amp; Maria Team)</author>
            <title>North Fulton and Forsyth Counties have the Best Schools in the State of GA!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Do We Have the Best Schools in the State?


 


Yes we do!! The rankings for elementary schools in GA will show you that. In Forsyth and North Fulton Counties, here are the rankings of the best elementary schools.


#2           Sharon Elementary, Suwanee, Forsyth County


#5           Dave’s Creek Elementary, Cumming, Forsyth County


#6           Haw Creek Elementary, Cumming, Forsyth County


#7           Big Creek Elementary, Cumming, Forsyth County


#8           Findley Oaks Elementary, Alpharetta, Fulton County


#9           Birmingham Falls Elementary, Milton, Fulton County


#10         Crabapple Crossing Elementary, Alpharetta, Fulton County


#12         Shakerag Elementary, Johns Creek, Fulton County


#13         Brookwood Elementary, Cumming, Forsyth County


#14         Mountain Park, Roswell, Fulton County


#16         Settles Bridge, Suwanee, Forsyth County


#20         State Bridge Crossing, Alpharetta, Fulton County


Yes, 12 of the top 20 schools are in Forsyth or North Fulton! Congratulations to all of the teachers, principals, parents, volunteers and of course smart students that made that possible!!


In addition, 11 of the top 20 middle schools are located in Forsyth and North Fulton!


**Rankings compiled by www.schooldigger.com and based on student/teacher ratios and testing scores.
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            <pubDate>Sat, 20 Aug 2011 11:32:52 -0500</pubDate>
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