Secrets for Selling Your Home by HGTV.

Price it Right: Work with a real estate expert to find out what your home is worth and price your home to attract buyers based on the competition. Keep in mind it’s not always best to be the highest priced property and can lead to multiple offers if your price is attractive.

Half-empty closets: Storage is something every buyer is seeking, and you can never have enough. Remove half of the contents of your closets to showcase how neatly organized they are. Buyers like to peek in closets and cabinets so be sure they’re clean and organized.

Hire the best: Make sure you have a real estate agent who has a proven track record and is tech-savvy.

Remove your pets during showings: Not everyone is an animal lover so if possible, remove evidence of pets inside the home. Pet beds, bowls, toys, litter boxes, etc are best to be put out of sight. It’s best to take your dog for a walk during showings.

Avoid expensive upgrades right before selling: Quick fixes before putting your home on the market pay off but it’s not recommended do huge improvements in the hopes of getting a return on your investment. Fresh paint, clean baseboards, decluttering and fresh window treatments are not expensive and make a big difference.

De-personalize your home: Potential buyers want to picture themselves living in the home so box up family memorabilia. Consult with your agent about staging your home to best showcase it’s features and floor plan.

It’s all about the kitchen: If you’re planning to spend money on any updates prior to selling, the best bang for your buck is to spend money in the kitchen. An outdated kitchen is the first thing buyers will consider when knocking money off of their offer price. Updates don’t have to be expensive it could be paint, replacing an outdated broken appliance or even countertops, which don’t always have to be granite, some solid-surface options are more affordable. The rule is that you will get 85% of your money back on kitchen remodeling but the biggest benefit is that an updated kitchen will attract more buyers.

Be ready: Your house needs to be “show ready” at all times because you never know when you’ll get a request for a showing. Tidy up and put clutter away each day so that you’ll be ready at a moments notice. The rule of thumb is a one-hour notice to show anything longer can deter buyers.

The first impression counts: Buyers have already judged your home before they even walk through the door and you may never have a second chance to make a first impression. 

No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s all about the feeling a buyer gets when arriving at your home, so spruce up the exterior with flowers or plants, a new doormat, etc. curb appeal is very importantl. Entryways are also important when you’re selling, so make it welcoming by putting in a small bench, a vase of fresh-cut flowers or even some cookies.

Sprucing up your Johns Creek home by decluttering means examining your life, going through all of your possessions, deciding what’s important to you, and discarding the rest. It means letting go of the things that no longer serve a purpose in your life so that you can make room for what’s most important to you. Organizing means that everything has a home so that it can be easily found, accessed, used, and put back.

The time that you invest in decluttering and organizing will be returned to you, with dividends, once you’ve created a space that contains only what you really need or truly brings you joy, and everything can be easily found and accessed.

Schedule It 

The first thing that you need to do is to schedule time for decluttering and organizing your space. There are many different scheduling approaches that you can choose from, such as the following:

• Declutter and organize in mini steps
• Declutter and organize in fifteen minute sessions
• Take one hour per day to declutter
• Schedule your decluttering and organizing throughout the year

Scheduling your decluttering time is key!

Designate a Purpose for Each Room in your Johns Creek Home

Walk around your home and decide what activities you would like to carry out in each room, as well as the mood you would like each room to convey. Here are sexamples:

• The den can be designated as a place for the family to gather and watch tv, play games, bond, and have fun. You want this room to convey comfort and enjoyment.
• The bathroom should be treated as a luxurious retreat.
• The kitchen is a place to prepare food and where you’ll sit to enjoy meals with your family.
• Your living room could be a place to entertain guests in an ambiance that is simple yet elegant, as well as serene and functional.

You’re going to organize according to the function you want each room to serve, and how you want each room to “feel”.

Decide Where to Start

Many people are tempted to begin their decluttering and organizational efforts by starting with drawers, the cabinet underneath the bathroom sink, the hallway-closet, and so on. However, you’ll be much more effective if you begin with things that are visible.

First of all, you should start with the room that you use most often. Begin clearing off the visible clutter, such as putting away anything on desktops, tabletops, and countertops that doesn’t belong there, and anything that’s on the floor.  In addition, think of what furniture you can eliminate without sacrificing comfort and livability.

After you’ve cleared off the visible clutter, you’re ready to move on to drawers, shelves, cupboards, cabinets, the linen closet, and so on.  Start at the door and work clockwise around the room.

Once you’re done with the room that you use most often, go on to the second-most-often-used room, then the third, and so on. Remember to concentrate on one room at a time.

Declutter and Organize

You’re going to go through all of your possessions, one by one. For each item you’re going to ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the item serve a key function in your daily life?
• Have you used this item in the past six months?
• Does it have sentimental value?

Create six categories and assign a cardboard box for each category. The categories are as follows:

1. This belongs in another room.

2. This needs to be fixed or cleaned.

3. This will be given away, sold, or donated.

4. This will be thrown out.

5. This is not mine and needs to be returned to its owner.

6. This is a “maybe”. If you can’t bear to toss something out because you might need it later, put it in the “maybe” box.

If you’re decluttering a drawer, cabinet, or shelf, take everything out and put it in front of you where you can see everything.  Sort through the pile and put related items together.  Don’t get bogged down in specific, precise categories, just create simple groups so that it’s easier to get everything organized.

Once you have everything in a group go through each group and decide what to do with each item.  Here are some groups of items you can consider:

As you go through each category decide whether it’s something that will be put back, or if it’s going into one of the six boxes. Then put back the things that you’ve decided to keep, in an orderly manner.  Remember that items which you use frequently should be easily accessible.

Also remember that you need to store items where they are used.  If you frequently use a pair of scissors in your family room, keep it in a drawer nearby, not in the kitchen or in your office at the other side of the house.

In addition, keep a notebook with you so that you can jot down any repairs that need to be made or add incomplete projects to your to do list. Keeping your Johns Creek home decluttered and organized is essential if/when you decide to put it on the market and sell it.

One of the best times to check out a neighborhood you’re interested in potentially moving to is during the holiday season. After all, there’s no place like home for the holidays, so why not check out prospective neighborhoods as you enjoy family time together? We’ve put together  some of the best neighborhoods and light displays in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Cumming and Roswell. 

Ashebrooke Night of Lights in Cumming - Sunday, December 20th at 6pm., 5020 Luke Dr., Cumming
On one amazing night, homeowners in the community of Ashebrooke in Cumming put together their passion and desire to “bring joy, community spirit and lots of lights” to raise money for a good cause. This year the event will benefit two Ashebrooke families in need. Be sure to check out their website to read more http://ashebrooke-nol.com/ about the recipients. Donation buckets will be located throughout the neighborhood. Out of the 310+ properties in Ashebrooke, generally 90% participate! According to the organizers, in past years there have been Santa sightings, falling snow, reindeer, bag pipers and a live nativity scene. The drive through the neighborhood can take an hour or more, but it’s worth it. Ashebrooke is located  near the intersection of Kelly Mill Road and Bethelview Road in Cumming, GA. All traffic must enter at Luke Drive and follow the traffic pattern. Only right turns are permitted on the Night of Lights to ensure the proper flow of traffic. Visitors may not park on the streets or turn around since traffic will be one-way only for the duration of the event. 

Christmas in Castille in Alpharetta (Forsyth County side) - Every Thursday through Sunday until December 21, 6-9pm, weather permitting
Tune your radio to 89.9 FM and experience a phenomenal 15 minute light display with over 59,000 twinkling set to a holiday playlist. Christmas in Castille takes place at a home in the Castille neighborhood in West Forsyth county in Alpharetta. The Castille neighborhood is typically gated, but the gate will be made open each night for the display, which gives you a great opportunity to check out what makes this neighborhood so great. Hours of operation are 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm every Thursday - Sunday. The home is located at 4220 Tivoli Way Alpharetta. http://www.christmasincastille.com/

Emory Hospital, John's Creek, Georgia - Free Drive-through Christmas Light Display in 2020 through December 31st.
If you're looking for a really good drive-through display of Christmas lights, but you don't want to drive out to Lake Lanier or Calaway Gardens to save both time and money, you'll find a beautiful, free Christmas Lights Display on Hospital Parkway in Johns Creek by Emory Hospital.


Starting at the south end of Hospital Parkway, (that is Medlock Parkway) there is nearly 2 miles (one mile in each direction, separated by a wooded median) of displays of Holiday Lights by the Emory John's Creek hospital in Technology Park. It is available free to the public through December 31st. It is sponsored by the Johns Creek Owners Association and Emory Johns Creek Hospital. You can start at either end of Hospital Drive, but you will want to turn around and come back, as there are lights on both sides of the road, which has a wide median with trees and other obstructions. The lights come on at dark.

The route and addresses:
Drive to the Medlock Bridge entrance,
6375 Hospital Pkwy, Johns Creek, GA 30097
turn around and drive to the McGinnis Ferry end of Hospital Parkway:
6300 Hospital Pkwy, Johns Creek, GA 30097

It is a divided 2 lane road with a wide landscaped median, so you need to turn around at the traffic light and return to the starting point to see all of the displays.

Duluth Christmas House in Duluth - Nightly through December 31st PLEASE REMEMBER THAT OUR WALK THROUGH DISPLAY IS NOT OPEN THIS YEAR DUE TO COVID!! IT IS A DRIVE BY ONLY FOR 2020!! 
What started as a childhood passion turned into a reality for Tammie Hernandez of Duluth. Each year she decks her home in Duluth out with Christmas We will also be holding our annual holiday food drive for the community food pantry at First Baptist Duluth. This will be our third year collecting non perishable food items for the church. We will have a plastic bin down by the street in our driveway for those of you that wish to donate this season. They are in need of donations this year more than ever due to the families within our community that have been affected by the pandemic. https://www.facebook.com/duluthschristmashouse/

Santa’s Village in Roswell - Nightly through December 31, 6-9pm
Featuring Christmas characters, trains and lights, Santa’s Village in Roswell is straight out of the things sugarplum fairies are made of. The display includes 8 display settings, each one with a Christmas scene. The garage display is like a picture out of a Norman Rockwell calendar, and will bring back memories of Christmas past. And we have a full life size Nativity, with a telling of the Story of Christmas.

On Friday thru Sunday evenings, and holiday periods, from 6-9PM, weather and crowds permitting, we also provide train rides in the neighborhood.  We run additional weekdays as our schedule permits.

Located at 405 Waverly Hall Drive, it can be reached from the intersection of Woodstock Road (Highway 92) and Bowen Road. Corner landmarks are Target and CVS Pharmacy. Head south one block and turn right on Waverly Hall Drive and go about six tenths of a mile to 405. Santa’s Village is located on the right side - with the displays located in the display trailer and the garage. Please get out of your cars and walk down the driveway to enjoy.

Cost is free, but donations are graciously accepted, with 100% of donations going to purchase Toys for Tots.

We hope to see you and that you enjoy your visit. We even have heaters on colder evenings.

Did you know before he became a top producing Realtor, Eric Robb was a professional chef? He even studied at the Culinary Institute of America. Growing up in New York around big family gatherings, Eric learned how to cook from his self-taught chef grandfather who worked in the restaurant industry for over 10 years. His grandmother was also a baker who could cook some of the best desserts you could ever imagine. Eric worked in a popular South Florida restaurant chain for years, opening three of their restaurants, before making his way to Johns Creek.

Fast forward to the present day, Eric has transferred the hard work, determination, grit and discipline he learned in the kitchen over to Real Estate. With Thanksgiving around the corner next week, we thought it would be fun to share a few of our favorite recipes. Let us know which ones you try at your Johns Creek or Alpharetta Thanksgiving feast.

Side Dish from Katie Holmes: Slow Cooker Creamed Corn from Carlsbad Cravings

Creamed Corn with Ricotta, Rosemary and Bacon will be the best creamed corn you ever ate!  This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is rich, creamy, buttery, seasoned to perfection, SO easy and practically fool proof!  This Creamed Corn will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast or makes an easy side dish for any occasion! Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Ricotta and Bacon - this has to be the BEST CREAMED CORN I've eaten in my entire life! Rich and creamy, seasoned to perfection, SO easy and practically fool proof! Definitely making this every Thanksgiving from now on!

Ingredients:

2pounds frozen corn kernels(2 x 16 oz. packages)
4tablespoons butter, cubed
nonstick cooking spray
Blender Creamed Corn
1cup frozen corn from above listed packages(in directions)
1/2cup heavy cream
4oz. cream cheese, cubed
1cup ricotta cheese
1tablespoon sugar
1tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4teaspoon EACH Rosemary Leaves, Thyme Leaves, Paprika, Onion Powder, Pepper
Dash cayenne pepper(optional)
Garnish
4-6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
green onions, chopped

Instructions:

Lightly spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Remove 1 cup corn from packages to blender and add all remaining corn to slow cooker.
Add all the remaining Blender Creamed Corn ingredients to your blender. Blend until completely smooth. Add to slow cooker along with butter and stir until evenly combined. Cook on HIGH for 2-4 hours or on LOW 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with bacon and green onions (optional).

Main Course Side Dish from Errol Danley: Trisha Yearwood's Sweet Potato Souffle 

A true Southern side, Errol’s sweet potato souffle adapted from Trisha Yearwood is sure to impress your Southern relatives. Recipe adapted from Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen by Trisha Yearwood.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), at room temperature, plus more to grease pan 
• 5 medium sweet potatoes 
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 1/2 cup milk 
• Pinch of salt 
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans 
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed 
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 
• 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), softened

Directions:

• For the souffle:
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Grease a 2 1/2- quart baking dish with butter.
  • Poke the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake on a foil-covered baking sheet until they are soft, 1 hour.
  • When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes, place the flesh in a large mixing bowl and mash until very smooth.
  • Add the eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, milk and salt.
  • Combine well with an electric mixer or hand mixer.
  • Turn the mixture into the baking dish. 
• For the topping:
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the pecans, brown sugar, flour and butter until thoroughly combined.
  • Spoon the mixture over the sweet potatoes, making an even layer.
  • Bake the casserole until slightly browned, 40 minutes.
  • Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Dessert: Apple Pie from Eric Robb

Eric wouldn’t dare share his family’s secret recipe, but here is an apple pie recipe that is pretty close to his heavily guarded one. 

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
  • 3 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 c. Crisco Shortening, cut into 1/2" pieces
  • 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 9 tbsp. ice water (or more, if needed)
• For the Filling
  • 3 1/2 lb. assorted apples (Granny Smith, cored, peeled, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2/3 c. granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp. butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp. water (egg wash)
  • Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Make Crust

• Place flour and butter into freezer for 30 minutes before starting crust process.

• In a large food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt until combined.
• Add butter and pulse until pea-sized and some slightly larger pieces form.
• With the machine running, add vinegar, then ice water into feed tube, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough starts to come together and is moist but not wet and sticky (test by squeezing some with your fingers).
• Mixture will be crumbly.

• Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, form into 2 equal size balls, and flatten into disks (making sure there are no/minimal cracks).

• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until dough is very cold, at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12” circle. Drape over pie dish and gently press to fit (don’t stretch).
• Refrigerate 30 minutes or freeze 10 minutes.


2. Make Filling

• In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Transfer apple mixture into the crust-lined pie dish. Dot all over with butter.


3. Assemble and Bake Pie

• Preheat oven to 425º with a large baking sheet on the middle rack and lightly grease a 9”-x-1.5” pie dish with cooking spray.

• Roll out second disc of dough into a 12” circle and drape over apple filling, trim edges to 1”, tuck overhang up and over itself, and crimp edges. 

• Brush with egg wash and make six 2” slots in the center. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

• Place pie onto preheated baking sheet and bake 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375º and bake until golden and bubbly, 40 minutes more. (If edges begin to look dark, cover with foil.)

• Let cool on a wire rack at least 2 hours before serving.


Dessert: Coca-Cola Cake from Kristine Hoogacker

Nothing is more Georgian for a Thanksgiving dessert more than a classic Coca-Cola cake!

Cake:

• Mix and Combine:
  • 2 cups plain all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups of sugar
•  Bring ingredients below to a boil and pour over the above flour mixture:
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 cup Coke
  • 2 sticks of margarine
• Mix below ingredients with above mixture:
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 2 eggs- slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

• Bake 350 degrees for 4-50 minutes in 19x9x2 greased pan .

Icing:

• 1 stick margarine
• 3 Tablespoons cocoa
• 1/3 cup Coke
  • Mix together and pour over 1 box of confectioner's sugar. Have ready to put on hot cake. 

Every year brings a new set of kitchen ideas to make your space its most stylish and functional. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek new kitchen or you’re looking for some design inspiration for a little spruce up below is this year’s list of design trends. List of the Best Johns Creek Kitchen Design companies as provided by Houzz.

Quality quartz countertops - Marble countertops are still a top kitchen trend however, quartz counters are an increasingly popular alternative. Quartz counters offer a contemporary, upscale look while being durable and easy to care for. 

The dark side - Dark kitchen countertops are also trending from dark, glossy options to deep-toned wood counters, dark countertops contrasts well with lighter kitchen cabinets. 

Wall to Wall - Many kitchens face storage issues, so it's becoming increasingly popular to totally change from open shelving to wall to wall cabinetry.

Clean lined cabinets - The trend towards minimalist kitchen cabinet designs that are nearly seamless with minimal hardware and clean lines continues to be one of the most popular aesthetics for kitchens.

Multi-level islands - Islands will always be popular kitchen trends if you've got the space a kitchen island increases your prep and storage space while adding extra character to a room. More and more kitchen designs are including islands with multi levels.

Warm things up - As much as we love a clean cool kitchen, warm color palettes are definitely making a comeback. From walls to cabinets to backsplashes wine Reds deep greens and rich Browns are gaining in popularity 

Woven light fixtures - If you’re looking to add a bit of a breezy, relaxed feel to your kitchen, woven-style shades are a trend to shine a light on. They add a contemporary, natural feel to the space.

Reclaimed wood - Reclaimed wood adds a rustic touch but can also be quite contemporary if used in a modern kitchen.

Solid choices - No more tiny tiles, slab backsplashes are in. One-piece backsplashes in materials like marble or metal adds a clean, seamless look.

Pops of personality - A new emerging trend is all about bringing some personality to your prep space with patterned,  textured or colored backsplash tiles.

Faucet Fashion - Interesting faucets can make a big impact when it comes to your kitchen design. Contemporary, unusual metals such as copper, matte black or rose gold can change up the look and feel of your kitchen.

Robb Realty Group can help you find the home with the design aesthetic you're looking for or provide you with a property valuation on your current home if you're considering selling.

The 2020 presidential election is right around the corner, and with every election there’s uncertainty. In this year of uncertainty from the pandemic, an election could be causing consumers to question their buying and selling plans.

Consumer confidence falls during political election years however, the real estate market is going strong and as a matter of fact it’s ROCK SOLID! Delaying plans to buy or sell could mean you’re missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime affordability opportunity. 
 
It’s all about consumer confidence and what the economy will do in the midst of the pending election, which directly affects what will happen with real estate. Many aspects of our economy have made a slow and steady recovery, but the housing market’s rebound has been amazing, especially considering the expectation that housing would be crushed. As we’ve seen that hasn’t been the case at all and in fact, after the initial slow down, it came roaring back!

Low-mortgage rates have continued to make home ownership affordable and kept confidence in the real estate industry high, and is driving a record number of buyers into the market. This could potentially cause this year’s housing market to outperform last year’s sales. The presidential election may cause consumers to watch and wait in the weeks to come however, as we saw with the pandemic, the reward of locking in record-low mortgage rates also may continue to outweigh any consumer cautions and drive buyers and sellers to act. Low inventory and high buyer demand puts sellers in a very powerful position!

Halloween Events Around Town

Check event websites for details & updates

Shopping for a mortgage lender is very important and having a mortgage specialists on standby who can hold your hand through the process and walk you through it step-by-step is invaluable. Going through the process with a mortgage specialist that listens to you and answers your questions makes the process of applying for a mortgage for the first time much easier. Click Here to Get the Robb Realty VIP Buyer's Booklet

Ask plenty of questions
If you’re meeting with a mortgage specialist and they start talking about something that you do not fully understand, don’t hesitate for an instant to stop them and ask what they mean or what that specific term means. That mortgage specialist will be able to explain it in simple terms for you. There is no such thing as a stupid question in situations like this and asking a “stupid” question will not affect your mortgage in any way. Good mortgage specialists understand that first time home buyers are going to come in the door without a lot of knowledge about mortgages, and they’re trained to explain everything clearly right off the bat. 

Don’t stress out about the amount of paperwork
Why do mortgage lenders need so much stuff, anyway? The simple answer is legal requirements. Lenders are legally required to document every element of their reasoning for why they chose to offer you a mortgage.

Gather basic documents before applying
The lender will provide you with a list of documents they want up front, so be prepared. Be sure to keep copies of all documents you provide them.

Documents you will need:

• Clear proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or, even better, a passport.
• Copies of your recent tax returns — the last three years are a good starting point.
• Recent pay stubs from your employers, which proves your current employment and current rate of pay. Bring copies of the last three stubs.
• Recent statements from your bank accounts, showing how much you have in those accounts. Bring copies of the last three statements.
• Recent statements from your retirement accounts, showing how much you have saved for retirement. Bring copies of your last three statements.

Having those documents in hand right off the bat will keep them off of the to-do list that the mortgage specialist will give you after your initial meeting.

Be honest about your financial history
You may have a strong desire to avoid mentioning or even to cover up things in your recent financial or employment history that might mark you as a less-than-optimal candidate for a home loan. Here’s the truth: the lending institution is extremely likely to find those things out anyway and being upfront about them gives you an opportunity to put a positive face on them and tell your side of the story. This is particularly important if you are meeting with a financial institution that does manual underwriting, meaning that an actual person looks at your financial and professional situation to determine what mortgage offer you’re eligible for. 

Almost all of us have blemishes in our credit history and our employment history. Trying to hide them does you no favors because those blemishes will likely be discovered when they pull your credit report or look into your employment history. You are far better off being upfront about them.

Are you ready to list your home or start the pre-qualification process in buying a new home? The Robb Realty team of agents and preferred lenders are here to help. Robb Realty website

Anyone living in Johns Creek who is thinking about taking on an investment property should be sure to account for ongoing expenses when calculating the costs of owning and maintaining the home. It is important to plan for the unexpected and also to take into account all known costs when making the decision to buy and how much to spend. You are more likely to get a good return on your investment if you set aside enough money to properly take care of your Johns Creek property.

Be smart in the type of mortgage and insurance that you decide on. If you can, put as much down as possible to reduce the amount of interest you need to pay. Choose a fixed rate mortgage if it is important that your payments do not change, and do your research to make sure you are properly protected by insurance. There are several types of insurance to consider, including building insurance, landlord insurance, and contents insurance. Sit down with a professional, talk about what type of use you expect to have at your property, and decide on the proper coverage.

Make a Budget for Your Property for Repairs and Insurance

Two other costs to keep in mind are maintenance and repair and property management fees. Depending on the condition of the property at the time of purchase, some matters may need to be attended to right away. Other things will pop up at unexpected times. Who knows when the furnace will stop working or the roof will need to be replaced. It could also be a good idea to put a little money into the house and make it nicer so that you could charge a higher rate and make the property more appealing. Lastly, some people living in Johns Creek may prefer to manage their property on their own, but that can be very stressful. A property manager can take care of communicating with tenants, staying on top of maintenance, and being there to take care of issues as they come up. This convenience, however, comes at an added cost and will need to be taken into consideration when calculating ongoing expenses.

For additional tips on buying your first rental property, click here. Our team has experience with investment properties and many of our agents own their income properties. Let us help you make the leap today!

The city of Johns Creek is consistently recognized as one of the most affluent golf communities in the Metro Atlanta area because of its seven champion 18-hole golf courses. Offering over 50,000 yards of golf and recognized by both the U.S. Golf Association and Professional Golfers Association, these private and public courses offer year round golfing because of our mild climate.

Johns Creek has hosted many championships over the years, including the 1976 US Open Championship, the 1981, 2001 and 2011 PGA Championship, the 1990 US Women’s Open, the Champions Tour Nationwide Championship from 1991-1994 and the U.S. Amateur in 2014. These courses were designed by some of the sport’s best, which include Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Thomas Fazio, Joe Lee and Arthur Hills.

The popularity and prestige of these courses consistently produces nationally ranked top area junior golfers from men’s and women’s golf teams at each of the four area high schools in Johns Creek. With the help of the City of Johns Creek, we’ve brought you a breakdown of each golf course located within the city. Call us today for a private VIP home tour within and around these luxurious communities.

Atlanta Athletic Club (private)

Founded in 1898 in downtown Atlanta, the Atlanta Athletic Club moved to Johns Creek in 1967, and is the home club of golf legend Bobby Jones. It offers two 18-hole championship courses (Highlands, Riverside) designed by Robert Trent Jones and one nine-hole, par-3 course. The Atlanta Athletic Club hosted the 2011 PGA Championship.

Country Club of the South (private)

Founded in 1987, the Country Club of the South is a 900-acre, gated residential community with an 18-hole championship course originally designed by Jack Nicklaus. Its 18-hole championship course is 6,950 yards, par 72. Of all the Jack Nicklaus golf courses in Georgia, the Country Club of the South presents one of the most challenging layouts.

Rivermont Golf and Country Club (private)

Founded in 1973, the Rivermont Golf and Country Club's 18-hole course is 6,767 yards, par 72. Originally designed by Joe Lee, the course saw a $3.6 million renovation in 2007 by Michael Riley and offers a relaxed, family friendly retreat from the busyness of Atlanta.

River Pines Golf (public)

Founded in 1990, River Pines is nestled along the Chattahoochee River, and features one 18-hole championship course and one nine-hole, par 3 course. Designed by Denis Griffiths, the 18-hole course is 6,002 yards, par 70. Mike Perpich, a Golf Magazine "Top 100 Instructor," is based at River Pines.

St. Ives Country Club (private)

Founded in 1989 and completely renovated in 1999, St. Ives Country Club is a gated residential community with an 18-hole championship course. Designed by Thomas Fazio, ASGCA, the course is 6,932 yards, par 72.

Standard Club (private)

Founded in 1866, the Standard Club is the oldest golf club in Atlanta. It moved to its present location in Johns Creek in 1987. Its 18-hole championship course (7,075 yards, par 72) was originally designed by Arthur Hills and redesigned in 2005 by Michael Riley. In addition to the golf course, the Standard Club offers a 125,000 sq. foot clubhouse that features 4 indoor air-conditioned tennis courts, 8 outdoor clay courts, 4 outdoor hard courts, a state of the art fitness center, pool complex, racquetball and basketball courts.