🏠{Real Estate} Market Monday
Question: What is an appraisal and why does it matter?

There is an untapped, terrifying name that wrestlers really need to consider: ‼️The Appraiser‼️(along with The Underwriter, but that's for another day!) Okay, okay, I know I have at least 1 Appraiser reading this & probably {rightfully} upset that they're made the villain. BUT TRULY, one of the biggest hurdles in a real estate transaction often boils down to the appraisal.

👉So what is the point of an appraisal?
Any time a Buyer is getting financing for their home purchase, the lender has to ensure that they're making a good investment. And that's where the appraisal comes in.

There are 2 key pieces to that "good investment":
📍Value: An appraiser looks at recently sold, comparable properties to give their appraised value. Lenders cannot lend more than this amount, so if the value comes in lower than the contract price, negotiations begin as to who is "covering" the difference- Buyer (by bringing more money to closing) or Seller (by reducing the sales price) or a combination of the two.

📍Condition: Depending on the loan type, the Appraiser is also looking to ensure the property meets minimum requirements for a safe, sound, and secure home. For some loan types, this may mean something as seemingly insignificant as peeling paint that must be repaired. For others, the requirements are less strict. If the Appraiser finds a concern with condition, however, it must be remediated (and often re-checked by the Appraiser) before the property can be purchased.

But no worries: With an experienced real estate agent (and lender!) on your side, hurdles like the appraisal are easier to navigate, whether on the buying side or the selling side.

On the hunt for a delicious, casual breakfast? Your classic biscuits, eggs, hash browns, etc? Or looking for a burger, hot dog, sandwich, or other casual dining options for lunch or dinner? Warren's is the place!

Located in Traditions Walk in Hoschton, Warren's has a variety of foods on their menu, all delicious and made-to-order. It's the perfect spot to meet up with friends for breakfast (that's what I did!), or take the family for dinner.

I had a yummy chicken biscuit & hash browns (always my go-to breakfast order!) paired with coffee. Made for the perfect casual breakfast!

Address: 55 Freedom Parkway, Suite 103, Hoschton

For More Information: Check out their FACEBOOK

Check Out the Video: CLICK HERE

What is The Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County?

Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize and reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. We actively seek to enrich the lives of boys and girls through providing quality programs and other resources that lead to new experiences and greater outcomes for their future. ​Boys & Girls Club programs help to foster a sense of belonging, safety & security, knowledge and influence that builds self-confidence and self-esteem.

How can I give through The Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County?

There are a number of ways you can support us, and we are open to any new ideas you may have! The best way to support us is through monetary donations, but we are also always in need of physical donations like copy paper, snacks, craft supplies, games, and office supplies. Volunteer opportunities are limited as safety is our number one priority serving children, but we can arrange for service projects where you can volunteer during times when kids are not present at the club. We also host multiple fundraisers, in person and online, throughout the year. Simply following us on social media and sharing our posts is a HUGE way to support us too!

**And mark your calendars for The Spring Auction on April 17th, 2025 from 6-9PM at Strange Duck Brewing, with all proceeds benefitting The Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County! (See photo above)

Where can I find more information?

Check out THEIR WEBSITE or THEIR FACEBOOK for more information!

🏠{Real Estate} Market Monday
Question: What is Earnest Money?💵

As a Home Buyer, once your contract has been accepted by the Seller, Earnest Money is {almost always} required as a good faith deposit for the contract within 3-5 days.

Typically, Earnest Money is 1% of the sales price of the property, but the Seller can request more or less (often Builders require significantly more for new construction), and this is negotiated within the offer. It can be paid to/held by the Closing Attorney, the Builder, or the Brokerage for either the Buyer's Agent or Seller's Agent.

If all goes well, this Earnest Money is applied as a credit to the Buyer at closing. So it's not gone forever- it gets credited right back to you when you close!

However.... if the contract does NOT close, the Earnest Money is at risk of going to the Seller.... unless.... it is protected by due diligence or a contingency:

1) Due Diligence: While negotiable, most re-sale contracts allow for a Due Diligence period. During this time, a Buyer can back out of the contract for any reason and receive a refund of their Earnest Money.

2) Financing Contingency: While negotiable, most re-sale contracts allow for a Financing Contingency period. If, during this time, the lender determines the Buyer cannot qualify for financing, the Buyer is eligible to receive a refund of their Earnest Money (though some stipulations are thrown in there, too).

3) Appraisal Contingency: While negotiable, most re-sale contracts allow for an Appraisal Contingency. If, during this time, the appraisal comes in below sales price and the Buyers & Sellers are unable to come to an agreement, the Buyer is eligible to receive a refund of their Earnest Money.

4) Home Sale Contingency: If included in the contract (often if the Buyer must sell their home in order to purchase a new home), a Home Sale Contingency protects the Buyer's Earnest Money in the event their current home does not sell. Dates/length of contingency & kick-outs vary depending on how the Contingency is written, so this would need to be discussed with the Buyer's Agent in full.

Note that most Builders of new construction homes have their contracts written so as to not allow most of these contingencies. This varies by Builder, so it's important to review the Builder's contract in full to determine how/if your Earnest Money is protected.

Have questions about what this means for you in your buying journey? Let's chat!

If you want to know my kids' #1 favorite small business in JaxCo, THIS IS IT! The Rig is a Ninja Warriors-style gym packed full with tons of the obstacles you see on American Ninja Warrior. The owners, Glenn & Melissa, are not only incredibly kind people, but they are both repeat contestants on ANW, so they know their stuff!!

The Rig offers classes for ALL age groups (yes, even adults can train to be Ninja Warriors! And y'all- this isn't kids play!) and also host Open Gyms (normally Saturdays & Sundays from 12-2 *Check their Facebook for updates) for $20/person.

They also offer birthday parties! We've done my kids' parties there twice- super easy and SO much fun!

The perfect rainy day activity for the kiddos or an incredible upper-body workout for the adults, you can't beat The Rig. And my oldest would like the world to know that he's a pro at making it up the big wall. Next goal: Make it up without using the ring!

Address: 84 Pearl Industrial Ave, Hoschton
For More Information: Check out their WEBSITE or FACEBOOK
Check Out the Video: CLICK HERE

What is REBOOT Jackson?

Reboot Jackson is a Recovery Community Organization (RCO) in Jackson County founded in 2018. Reboot is staffed by persons in long term recovery who use their experience to provide support and recovery to others impacted by substance use and mental health challenges. Reboot is an acronym for Recovery Empowerment Building Opportunities Of Teamwork and provides resources, services and advocates for individualized paths of recovery.

How can I give through REBOOT Jackson?

With your time: They occasionally need volunteers for their fundraiser events.
With your funding: Monetary donations are always welcome! Their website has an easy link for donations. They also host events like their golf tournament to raise funds.

Where can I find more information?

Their FACEBOOK PAGE has a wealth of information on ways you can get involved!

REBOOT Jackson is hosting the 1st Annual North Georgia Rural Recovery Rally on March 22nd from 12-4PM at Jefferson Church! It will be a wealth of information, resources, and free food from the Recovery community! This is a GREAT way to show support for people in recovery and find numerous resources!

🏠{Real Estate} Market Monday
Question: As a Seller, what kind of questions should I ask a potential real estate agent?

You've decided you're ready to sell, and now you need a real estate agent to help you. As you interview potential agents, here are some key questions to ask:

1) What MLS systems will you list my home on?
We have 2 critical MLS systems where you home should be listed: Georgia MLS & First MLS (FMLS). Athens also has their own MLS that is much smaller. Your home should be listed on both Georgia MLS & FMLS for wider visibility.

2) What photography services do you offer?
First and foremost, a professional photographer is a MUST. My photographer also offers drone photography, virtual tours, and floorplans, all of which can "level-up" the marketing of properties.

3) What can I expect in your communication with me?
Every agent is different in their communication styles, but you want to be sure that how they communicate is sufficient and works for you. Also consider how easy it has been to get ahold of them during your interactions. Ask if you'll be communicating with the agent or their team.

4) How familiar are you with selling homes in this area?
Knowledge of the hyper-local market, intricacies of that area, and ability to highlight the best qualities of the area are important! Unfortunately, an agent who lives & primarily works outside of the area just doesn't have that kind of knowledge. You also want to ensure your agent has adequate experience with the in's and out's of selling a home.

As you consider your agent selection, I would encourage you not to let a suggested list price influence your decision, as that can be inflated to gain favor though it may be an unlikely sales price.

If you're considering selling your home, I'd love to talk with you about how I can serve you in the home selling process! Now is a GREAT time to have those conversations in preparation for the spring & early summer "selling season"!

Do you even live in Jackson County if you've never tried Cream & Shuga??? I say that, but I think it took me a solid 3-4 years of living here before I heard of it. Tucked away in downtown Jefferson, Cream & Shuga is a cafe destination. Coffees, sandwiches, and some delicious treats are their staples. It's located in the old jail, and they've repurposed some of the jail cells as meeting rooms- complete with the old cell doors! It's a great place for a work or personal meet-up, or even just a casual lunch.

What's your go-to lunch or coffee at Cream & Shuga??

Address: 140 Mahaffey Street, Jefferson
For More Information: Visit their WEBSITE or FACEBOOK
Check Out the Video: CLICK HERE

What is Rooted Interiors?

Our mission is to transform lives through design by providing complete interiors, free of charge, to those emerging from homelessness. We custom design and fully furnish havens where individuals and families can plant roots and thrive. Although entering housing is an important step in the journey out of homelessness, a roof, 4 walls and an empty home is not enough. That's where we come in.

How can I give through Rooted Interiors?

With your time: Volunteer opportunities include helping us on the home installation days of packing the furniture and home goods, unloading the truck and setting up everything in the home. Witnessing the families entering into their transformed home is so special and heartwarming. Volunteers can also help organize our units and during our annual events. Volunteers can sign up through Point to see our upcoming Rooting Days (which is what we call our home installation days)

With your funding: We are running a Wheels to Root capital campaign to raise funds for our very own moving truck! Info can be found on our website: www.rootedinteriors.org

With your donations: We accept donations of furniture and home goods- pretty much anything that makes a house a home. We pick up or you can drop off at our storage units in Hoschton.

Where can I find more information?

Website: www.rootedinteriors.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootedinteriorsga

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedinteriorsga