The Real Estate Guide (July Edition)

HARRY NORMAN REAL ESTATE GUIDEJULY 2014 EDITION

Give us a call TODAY to have YOUR home featured in our next edition!

Office: (770) 497-2000 | www.HNRForsyth.com

F O R S Y T H / L A K E L A N I E RThe above information is believed to be accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. Forsyth Office 770-497-2000 Robert Aiken, Broker. If your home is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal Housing Opportunity. www.harrynorman.com

6423 Grand Marina CircleListed by: Christina Abunassar (919-389-8317)

R E A L E S TAT E G U I D EF O R S Y T H / L A K E L A N I E R

w w w . h a r r y n o r m a n f o r s y t h . c o m

HARRY NORMAN REAL ESTATE GUIDE

HARRY NORMAN’S DEDICATED TEAM OF BUSINESS PARTNERS

FAMILY OF SERVICES

MORTGAGE & LENDING

Chase HinsonHOMESERVICES LENDING(404) [email protected]

TITLE & CLOSING

Bristow AndersonCAMPBELL & BRANNON(404) [email protected]

INSURANCE

Shelby EdmundsHN INSURANCE(678) [email protected]

HOME WARRANTY

LaDonna HockerAMERICAN HOMESHIELD(678) [email protected]

EXTERMINATORS

Gary ZimmermanARROW EXTERMINATORS(770) [email protected]

HOME INSPECTIONS

Shane GauthierBUYERS PROTEC. GROUP(404) [email protected]

APPRAISALS

Scott MurphyD.S. MURPHY(678) [email protected]

MOVERS

BULLDOG MOVERS(404) 602-0442www.bulldogmovers.net

PROP. MANAGEMENT

David TheurerALL COUNTY PROP. MANG.(770) [email protected]

GENERAL CONTRACT.

Robert EstesATLANTA CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION(678) 524-4495www.atlantaconstruction.net

,

CHASE HINSONHome Mortgage Consultant

NMLSR ID 673316

Phone: (404) 558-0283www.hsl-ga.com/chase-hinson

(678) 553-5281

PAGE 1

SECOND OPINIONIt pays to compare!

Already pre-approved? Receive a $50 reward card when you present a pre-approval to HomeServices Lending (pictured in the ad below) from another lender and we’ll provide you with our own pre-approval decision to ensure you are getting the home financing options that help meet your needs.

This will not affect your credit score!

HARRY NORMAN REAL ESTATE GUIDEPAGE 2

Mortgage rates have been low for years now. Ever since the meltdown in 2008 and 2009, rates have steadily fallen and remained low. This has been by design through the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve. We hit historic lows in 2012 and the first half of 2013. In mid-2013, mortgage rates began to rise at a faster pace than we had seen in years. According to Freddie Mac, average monthly mortgage rates based on commitment letters went from 3.45% (paying 0.8 points) in April of

The chart below represents analyzing data that affects the Cumming, GA area. The information offers a look at sales activity for the month of May along with current and past year to date statistics. They are based upon new listings in the area as recorded in FMLS, the average listing price, the average selling price, how many homes actually sold, and how long those homes averaged on the market. The chart below is part of our monthly Market Tracker Report and calculations based on Residential Detached data from FMLS. You can sign up for this report to receive monthly market trends via e-mail FREE (without ever having to speak to an agent) by going to: www.harrynorman.com/markettracker.aspx

INTEREST RATES STAYING STEADY FOR 2ND HALF: A GREAT TIME TO BUYArticle by: Chase Hinson, Honservices Lending

steadier as the trend of foreclosures and short sales has slowed significantly. Also, lenders have consistently required higher down payments so that consumers have more “skin in the game”. This is a good thing for the consumers, the lending institutions, as well as our economic future. Home values have become much more stable but they are not rising at the ridiculous pace of the pre-recession years. On top of all of this, mortgage rates have fallen again! I’ll admit, I was skeptical that rates would drop significantly again. According to USA Today, Freddie Mac’s average 30-year mortgage rate fell to 4.14% and the average 15-year mortgage fell to 3.22%. This has resulted amid continuing decreases in the Fed’s quantitative easing program which has kept rates low for the past few years. Also, the increases in home values have tapered off since 2013. This trend means one thing. This is a great time to buy and sell. Inventory is still low giving sellers more control over the market but buying power is extremely high right now. With rates at historic lows and steady home values, consumers can afford more. It seems as though many consumers are still hesitant concerning the ongoing economic recovery but how much of that is in our control? Consumer should remain fiscally responsible moving forward but they could risk losing out on a great time to invest in the residential real estate market. Rates will go up again but the outlook is that they will stay relatively low for the remainder of 2014. First time homebuyers and other consumers, who had been scared away from real estate, need to get into the market and fast!

2013 to a year-end high of 4.46% (paying 0.7 points) in December of 2013. Understandably, people began to think that rates were on the rise for good as we come out of this recession. Mortgage business slowed tremendously as rates have risen. Mortgage refinances had been carrying the industry through the recession and slow housing market, but with rising rates that was soon to dry up. These rising rates and rising home values made it more difficult for new buyers to get into the housing market for the first time. For a while it appeared as though consumers had become desensitized by the historic low rates but can there be a better time to buy a home?We have seen home values become much

CUMMING MARKET TRENDS FOR MAY 2014


6423 GRAND MARINA CIR.Gainesville, GA

5 Bedroom / 4 Full Bath / 2 Half BathOffered at: $975,000

Incredible executive home w/exceptional views of Lake Lanier in prestigious, gated, resort-style Marina Bay. Home offers library with fireplace, master suite on main with fireplace, steam shower, sitting room, coffee bar, huge closet w/built-ins. Gourmet kitchen features built-in fridge, granite, stainless steel appliances, open to breakfast and keeping room with fireplace. Gleaming hardwoods throughout main. Formal dining with 12+ seating. Four additional beds upstairs including princess suite. Bonus room. Terrace level with rec room, family, kitchen and half bath. Four fireplaces total! Move in ready!

Listed By: Christina Abunassar | Phone: (919) 389-8317

OTHER HOMES LISTED:6447 Grand Marina Circle, Gainesville,GAOffered at: $695,000

6669 Marina Court., Gainesville,GAOffered at: $630,000

6447 GRAND MARINA CIRCLE

6669 MARINA COURT

PAGE 3


LILBURN, GA5260 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road 3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $295,000Custom built, 4-sided brick home on 1+/- acre, fenced, level lot.

Jody "Jay" Green: (770) 861-7771

DAWSONVILLE, GA113 Aplomdo Lane West3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $192,900Home offers a large entry foyer and an open floor plan. Custom deck and back yard area!

Matt Thaxton: (770) 366-9506

CLAYTON, GA152 Bywater Trail 5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $790,000No detail overlooked, escape the city life to your very own 9+/- acre mountain retreat.

Terry Cooksey: (770) 503-4167

SUWANEE, GA950 David Trace5 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $255,000Lovely home with open floorplan on finished basement and large private fenced yard.

Johnson & Flynn Team: (770) 883-7792

BRASELTON, GA5571 Ridgemoor Drive4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $329,900Vacation every day at your own resort! This home is perfect and shows like a model!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

GAINESVILLE, GA6423 Grand Marina Circle5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $975,000Executive home with views of Lake Lanier in prestigious gated, resort-style Marina Bay.

Christina Abunassar: (919) 389-8317

CUMMING, GA1670 Independence Trail4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $263,000Beautiful home in a fabulous swim-tennis neighborhood. Close to everything.

Barry Slaton: (678) 859-4040

CUMMING, GA106 Hickory Knoll4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $324,900RARE home in the city limits of Cumming. Home offers so much, with tons of upgrades.

Matt Thaxton: (770) 366-9506

CUMMING, GA6090 Riley Road 4 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $1,259,000Country estate with 18+/- acres of mostly pasture with creeks and two ponds.



JASPER, GA2129 Grandview Road 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath | Offered at: $899,90047+/- acre horse farm with 4 stall barn and fully equipped one bedroom apartment.


GAINESVILLE, GA3540 Cub Circle5 Bedroom / 5 Bath | Offered at: $449,900Deep water in private section of the lake with unbelievable covered double slip party dock

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

GAINESVILLE, GA5726 Ridgewater Circle5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $324,900Beautiful custom home on Lake Lanier. Home offers a very open floor plan!

Matt Thaxton: (770) 366-9506

CUMMING, GA3595 Magnolia Walk Trail2 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $118,000Bright and spacious, cathedral ceiling in the master, and includes kitchen appliances.

Cynthia Love: (801) 918-9560

CUMMING, GA4460 Sunbonnet Road 7 Bedroom / 4 Bath | Offered at: $319,000Three levels with third level having loft area! Home plan is a rare find in this neighborhood!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

CUMMING, GA38 Chestatee View3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $164,900Great lake neighborhood. No HOA rules or fees. Lots of privacy and nice trees!


CUMMING, GA3525 Magnolia Walk Trail2 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $139,900Large bedrooms with their own full baths. End unit with impressive space throughout.

Cynthia Love: (801) 918-9560

GAINESVILLE, GA5040 Elrod Road3 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $649,900Adorable Cape Cod style home with horse farm on 8.5+/- acres.

The Wesley Team: (404) 451-3692

CUMMING, GA6105 Overlook Park Drive 5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $469,000Stunning estate home with private rear yard in Lake Forest Waterside section.

Pete Clay: (678) 492-3559


EXISTING-HOME SALES HEAT UP IN MAY, INVENTORY LEVELS IMPROVE

bodes well for slower price growth and greater affordability, but the amount of homes for sale is still modestly below a balanced market. Therefore, new home construction is still needed to keep prices and housing supply healthy in the long run,” Yun added.

Earlier this month, NAR reported new home construction activity is currently insufficient in most of the U.S., and some states could face persistent housing shortages and affordability issues unless housing starts increase to match up with local job creation.

Distressed homes – foreclosures and short sales – accounted for 11 percent of May sales, down from 18 percent in May 2013. Eight percent of May sales were foreclosures and three percent were short sales. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 18 percent below market value in May, while short sales were discounted 11 percent.

The percent share of first-time buyers continued to underperform, representing less than one- third of all buyers at 27 percent in May, down from 29 percent in April; they were 29 percent in April 2013.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 4.19 percent

in May from 4.34 percent in April, and is the lowest since June 2013 (4.07 percent).

NAR President Steve Brown, co-owner of Irongate, Inc., Realtors® in Dayton, Ohio, said housing fundamentals are showing slight improvement in markets across the country. “Many potential buyers were left on the sidelines beginning last summer as affordability declined amidst rising home prices and interest rates,” he said. “The temporary pause in rising interest rates and more homes for sale is good news – especially for first-time home buyers – who likely have a better chance in upcoming months to make a competitive offer that’s in return accepted by the seller.”

The median time on market for all homes was 47 days in May, down from 48 days in April; it was 41 days on market in May 2013. Short sales were on the market for a median of 125 days in May, while foreclosures typically sold in 57 days and non-distressed homes took 44 days. Forty-one percent of homes sold in May were on the market for less than a month.

All-cash sales comprised 32 percent of transactions in May, unchanged from last month and down from 33 percent in May 2013. Individual investors, who account for many cash sales, purchased 16 percent of homes in May, down from 18 percent in April; they were 18 percent in May 2013. Sixty-eight percent of investors paid cash in May.

Single-family home sales rose 5.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.30 million in May from 4.07 million in April, but remain 5.7 percent below the 4.56 million pace a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $213,600 in May, up 4.9 percent from May 2013.

Existing condominium and co-op sales remained unchanged in May from April (as well as May 2013) at an annual rate of 590,000 units. The median existing condo price was $212,300 in May, which is 6.6 percent higher than a year ago.

Regionally, existing-home sales in the South increased 5.7 percent to an annual level of 2.05 million in May, but are down 0.5 percent from May 2013. The median price in the South was $184,800, up 4.4 percent from a year ago.

Existing-home sales rose strongly in May and inventory gains continued to help moderate price growth, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All four regions of the country experienced sales gains compared to a month earlier.

Total existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 4.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million in May from an upwardly-revised 4.66 million in April, but remain 5.0 percent below the 5.15 million-unit level in May 2013. The 4.9 percent month-over-month gain in May was the highest monthly rise since August 2011 (5.5 percent).

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said current sales activity is rebounding after the lackluster first quarter. “Home buyers are benefiting from slower price growth due to the much-needed, rising inventory levels seen since the beginning of the year,” he said. “Moreover, sales were helped by the improving job market and the temporary but slight decline in mortgage rates.”

Total housing inventory at the end of May climbed 2.2 percent to 2.28 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 5.6-month supply at the current sales pace, down slightly from 5.7 months in April. Unsold inventory is 6.0 percent higher than a year ago, when there were 2.15 million existing homes available for sale.

The median existing-home price for all housing types in May was $213,400, which is 5.1 percent above May 2013. “Rising inventory


Sea-Salted Limoncello PopsMAKES 6-8 LARGE ICE POPS

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cup water2/3 cup sugar

Zest from 1 large lemonPinch of sea salt

1 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice1/2 cup Villa Massa Limoncello

1 teaspoon flaked sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a large saucepan, combine water and sugar over low heat. Heat just until sugar has dissolved. Grate lemon zest on top. Add pinch of sea salt, stir and allow to cool to room temperature. Once cool, add lemon juice and Limoncello. Stir and pour into ice pop molds. Cover molds with aluminum foil and freeze for 2 hours.

After 2 hours, make a slit in foil and place sticks into molds. Freeze an additional 6 hours or overnight. To remove, run molds under warm water for 2-3 seconds. Melting will occur quickly, so don’t run under water for any longer than 2-3 seconds. Just prior to eating, sprinkle with sea salt and serve.

AMARETTO CAPPUCCINO GRANITAMAKES 6-8 LARGE ICE POPS

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups Nescafe Dolce Gusto Skinny CappuccinoCooled 2 ounces Amaretto Liqueur

1/4 cup crushed almonds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare two cappuccinos and let cool slightly. Add to blender with amaretto and whip on high for 1-2 minutes until frothy. Pour into shallow freezer-safe dish and cover. Let set for 3-4 hours, stirring a few times with a fork to mix and make fluffy. Before serving, fold in crushed almonds. When ready, scoop into dishes and top with almonds.

PAGE 7

Grown-Up Twists on Classic Summer Treats Your House?


CUMMING, GA7002 Dickerson Road4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $294,900HUGE family room, formal dining room, half bath on the main, and big custom kitchen.

Matt Thaxton: (770) 366-9506

DAWSONVILLE, GA47 Oak Grove Lane5 Bedroom / 5 Bath | Offered at: $849,900Gated home on Lake Lanier with 100 feet of water frontage and party dock on deep water!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

CUMMING, GA5570 Burruss Road4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $800,000Beautiful home with open floorplan, as well as additional 2 bed / 3 bath guest house.

Mike Garcia: (770) 231-9908

ALPHARETTA, GA13666 Aventide Lane2 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $165,000Home in popular Avensong Swim/Tennis Community with private fenced yard!

Jody "Jay" Green: (770) 861-7771

JASPER, GA19 Sweetwater Trail 3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $288,900Large log home on 6+/- acres, totally surrounded by trees, a nature lover's delight.


DOUGLASVILLE, GA5448 Punkintown Road 5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $289,000Upgraded ranch in private tranquil setting w/ finished basement on 5+/- wooded acres.


MARIETTA, GA2339 Milstead Circle4 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $219,900Enjoy great sunset views over Lake from your home on a high wooded knoll.

Barry Slaton: (678) 859-4040

GAINESVILLE, GA6669 Marina Court7 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $630,000Amazing cul-de-sac home in gated Marina Bay. Impeccable details throughout!


NORCROSS, GA3427 Kiveton Drive #05 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $320,000Beautiful townhome with largest floor plan and large basement in this gated community.

Mike Burnett: (678) 372-2741


CUMMING, GA6745 Low County Road5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $519,900Vickery home located across the street from woods, so lots of privacy and parking!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

DAWSONVILLE, GA2144 Frank Bruce Road3 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $949,000Great country living. Nature lover's dream. 10+/- acres offers complete privacy!

Mike Garcia: (770) 231-9908

CUMMING, GA6095 Wellington Drive4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $405,000Beautiful and well maintained Polo G&CC ranch style home with room for pool!

Carroll Cunningham: (706) 429-6437

DAWSONVILLE, GA288 Harbour Ridge Drive5 Bedroom / 5 Bath | Offered at: $349,000Master on main level and private wooded lot. Home features a finished basement and deck!

Barry Slaton: (678) 859-4040

GAINESVILLE, GA2786 Vaughn Drive3.5+/- Acres | Offered at: $850,000Beautiful lot on desirable Lake Lanier. Level lot with few trees to obstruct views of water.


CANTON, GA975 Old Lathemtown Road5 Bedroom / 6.5 Bath | Offered at: $1,295,000Obie Award winning country estate located in desirable equestrian community.

Marie Sir: (404) 520-5263

CUMMING, GA5860 Shady Grove Lane5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $425,000Fantastic home on large, level lot, with fenced yard! Home also features 10 foot plus ceilings!

Ken Klosinski: (770) 406-0508

SAUTEE, GA980 Woodbrier6 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $675,000Beautiful home with long-range mountain views from almost every room!


CUMMING, GA4410 Fourth Rail Lane4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $282,900Open floor plan, hardwoods throughout main, basement, and upgrades galore!

Matt Thaxton: (770) 366-9506


Appliance manufacturers are providing home owners with modern finishes to their kitchen appliances, and some of the offerings have even been touted as the “new stainless steel.”

Appliance makers are in the search for a potential successor to stainless steel, which some designers say will eventually wear out its welcome. But so far, no introductions have touched upon the popularity of stainless steel, and stainless isn’t likely to be doomed to the same fate as 1970s avocado-colored appliances anytime soon.

Still, some home owners have complained about the annoyance of fingerprint smudges and the upkeep in keeping their stainless polished. Eventually, that annoyance may tempt them to look more closely at some of the alternatives popping up in the last two years. Some appliance makers are choosing to still channel the stainless look in their alternatives so that home owners could even make a gradual switch. Other manufactures, however, are opting to offer more bold alternatives.

Whirlpool introduced last year its White Ice collection of appliances, and at the time called

In a recovering market, some sellers might be tempted to try and sell their home on their own (FSBO) without using the services of a real estate professional. The real estate agent is a trained and experienced negotiator. In most cases, the seller is not. The seller must realize the ability to negotiate will determine whether they get the best deal for themselves and their family.

Here is a list of some of the people with whom the seller must be prepared to negotiate if they decide to FSBO: The buyer who wants the best deal possible, the buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer, the buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country), the home inspection companies which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house, the termite company if there are challenges, the buyer’s lender if the structure of the mortgage requires the sellers’ participation, the appraiser if there is a question of value, the title company if there are challenges with certificates of occupancy (CO) or other permits, the town or municipality if you need to get the COs permits mentioned above, the buyer’s buyer in case there are challenges on the house your buyer is selling, and maybe event your bank in the case of a short sale.

Do you have the tools to be a great negotiator? If not, you may want to consider a REALTOR®. Although some "For Sale By Owners" think they are saving money by bypassing the listing agent in their home selling process, most of the time, they actually will lose more money in the negotiation stages and could potentially lose a buyer all together due to lack of knowledge of the real estate game.

ARE STAINLESS APPLIANCES OUT?

FSBO'S MUST BE READY TO NEGOTIATE!

white “the new stainless.” The glossy white appliances feature silver accents. Whirlpool also offers a Black Ice version — black appliances with silver accents.

General Electric is offering up slate as an alternative. The low-gloss gray finish is “inspired by the rich texture of stone” and “provides a warm, inviting alternative to stainless steel,” GE says on its website. GE also notes that the dark matte finish hides fingerprints, smudges, and dirt.

Viking Range Corp., which was a pioneer in stainless with its debut in 1987 of a stainless steel open-burner range, is providing home owners a colorful array of options with appliances. It has 24 color alternatives, from cinnamon, wasabi, kettle black and Dijon to plum, sea grass, and cobalt blue. Or, the company’s graphite gray may be a little less bold for more home owners who are looking to make a switch from stainless.

Could any of these finishes have the potential to dethrone home owners’ love for stainless steel one day? What are your thoughts?


DAWSONVILLE, GA26 Deans Drive5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $337,500Custom built home in quiet subdivision on 2+/- acre lot with rocking chair front porch.

Barry Slaton: (678) 859-4040

CUMMING, GA5495 Williams Shores Drive3 Bedroom / 4 Bath | Offered at: $564,900Great South Lake location with outstanding open water views from every room!


CUMMING, GA4810 Saddle Horn Way5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $449,900Master on the main, fenced yard, rocking chair front porch and $47,000 in upgrades!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

BALL GROUND, GA303 Taylor Leigh Court4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $242,900Adorable craftsman home that is loaded with upgrades and close to 575!


CUMMING, GA4180 Sinclair Shores Road6 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $1,597,500High quality finishes. Spectacular south lake views with grand architecture design.

Trish Thompson: (770) 823-4669

GAINESVILLE, GA6447 Grand Marina Bay4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $695,000Lake Lanier home in Marina Bay with incred-ible views and upgrades galore!


CUMMING, GA4265 Evans Farm Drive4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $289,900Move in ready w/ master on main in great area and in swim/tennis neighborhood!


CUMMING, GA1585 Hidden Creek Point4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $308,000Thorngate subdivision! Gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors and open info family room!

Kerry Neel: (404) 353-9121

GAINESVILLE, GA214 Lake Pointe Drive4 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $899,000Grand, elegant, European lake front estate. Incredible setting and views!



A gray area. Certainly not the first expression you think of when you think of beautiful, distinctive interior design. But gray is the new neutral in interior design.

Gray is the hot new “in” color. It’s recently taken front and center, upstaging it’s neutral cousins, taupe, beige and ivory. Gray is the little black dress for your home. It’s the new must have essential color that’s modern and edgy yet timeless and classic. It’s the perfect chameleon as it suits just about every room, every mood and every setting. It highlights great lines and makes a great foil for distinctive accents. It sets off bold colors and textures or is equally at home highlighting classic, clean accents. You can hide behind it or you can stand in front of it and let it shine. In color psychology, gray is the color that represents peace and balance. It is calm and safe. It is practical, simple and reliable. It’s the classic. It is the perfect neutral. Why then have we not seen more of this fabulous color, a perfect blend of black and white, that somewhere in the middle color, until very recently?

Grays really are the perfect neutral. They range the gamut from casual elegance to utmost sophistication. Lighter, softer shades have a more feminine feel while the darker, heavier shades have a stronger, more masculine effect. Pair several shades of gray together to achieve a more complex, layered effect.

Grays themselves are very complex as hues and undertones take on shades of pink, blue, lavenders and greens that all add an extra layer of complexity, sophistication and energy. Some grays are reminiscent of the beautiful old cathedrals of Europe, evoking a sense of history, longevity and strength. Other grays are more modern in feel and tone with a more modern and industrial flair. Those grays with green and blue undertones may bring us back the sea… those with pink and taupe undertones have a much warmer effect. One cannot refer to this color as simply gray, as it is so much more than that!

With hues from nearly white to nearly black, there’s a color in the spectrum for everyone, no

ORANGE IS NOT THE NEW BLACK... GREY IS!matter lifestyle, location, or personality. Grey offers a much greater, deeper dimension than her neutral counterparts. Tans, beiges and whites have been overdone over the years. These colors are best left to trench coats today. Homes that are merely beige or varieties of the shade look as though they’ve been copied from the pages of various mail order catalogs. And wouldn’t you know it, most of them have. Let’s have a little individuality – let’s set ourselves apart from the crowd. And even if “everyone else is doing it” each shade of grey is so unique on it’s own that your color will be as individual as you are. Whether you love to be bold or you are more color shy, there’s a shade of gray that’s perfect for you.

When painting walls grey think of the tone that you’re trying to set… the mood you hope to evoke. A pale grey in eggshell reflects a softer atmosphere – like puffy clouds in the sky which is quite feminine in feel, and would suit a bedroom, family room even a boy’s nursery. Conversely, a pale grey in a gloss is much more contemporary, lending itself to a stainless steel, modern and edgier look. This is a great look for an office or a kitchen. Darker, warmer, flatter grays, like a wool suit, are perfectly

suited to a library or master bedroom suite, whereas a charcoal in high gloss, has a much more elegant, sophisticated and dramatic effect and is well suited for a parlor, dining room or living room.

Gray has so many natural and wonderful undertones that really come to life in the right lighting. Take advantage of your natural light resources to emphasize and play up the natural tones as they change with the lighting over the course of the day. Be sure to have more than one overhead light in your space, two sources or more will adequately light your space. Enhance your lighting with sconces and well placed and proportionately sized lamps. This shadow colored hue is a color that really benefits from being well lit.

In conclusion, with all shades from nearly white to nearly black, there’s a shade of grey certain to please everyone’s palate. Whether you’re style is classic, eclectic, modern, traditional or transitional there’s a shade for you. Whether you’re a collector, a minimalist – whether you’re cautious or edgy, there’s a shade just for you. Whether you’re reserved or outgoing and gregarious, there’s a shade just for you. Whether you prefer softer, calmer neutrals or bigger, bolder colors, there’s a shade of gray just for you.

PAGE 12


GAINESVILLE, GA4825 Tomacheche Trail4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $1,400,000Great opportunity to own a gated private estate. Priced below appraised value.


CUMMING, GA227 Oak Forest Drive5 Bedroom / 5 Bath | Offered at: $399,900One of the largest plans in the subdivision. Both guest and master suite on main level!

Tom Stocks: (678) 283-9570

GAINESVILLE, GA3865 Cochran Road4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $775,000Unparalleled privacy on Lake Lanier. Contemporary home with 2.57+/- acres.


GAINESVILLE, GA4150 Arthur Miller Road3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $2,950,000Gated contemporary EQUESTRIAN FARM with 15 stall barn!


CUMMING, GA0 Settingdown Road 3.5+/- acres | Offered at: $79,000Build your custom dream home on 3.5 acres with babbling brooks and lots of privacy.

Kerry Neel: (404) 353-9121

GAINESVILLE, GA2264 Lake Ranch Court4 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $929,900Great location convenient to Gainesville, Dawson and Forsyth Counties.

Denise Wesley: (404) 451-3692

CLEVELAND, GA0 Aviation Boulevard4 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath | Offered at: $25,000Build your own hangar with an apartment to enjoy the beautiful mountains from above!

Mike Garcia: (77) 231-9908

WHITE, GA2475 White Road4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $419,900Meticulously maintained home with master on main, full basement on 5+/- private acres.


PAGE 13

CUMMING, GA7105 Bannister Park Lane3 Bedroom / 2 Bath | Offered at: $162,900Home with 1.3+/- acres and cul-de-sac access. Full finished daylight basement.

Matt Thaxton: (770) 366-9506


CUMMING, GA6080 Bridge Fair Road4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $274,900Open floor plan, kitchen newly remodeled, freshly painted interior, and basement!

Kerry Neel: (404) 353-9121

DAWSONVILLE, GA1732 Perimeter Road3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath | Offered at: $149,900Residential or Commerical... it's your choice! Open floor plan and large level lot!


CUMMING, GA1510 Moorings Way4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $1,200,000Level lot home with easy walk to dock with sun bathing deck in quiet deep water cove.

Kristy Scott: (404) 645-6902

CUMMING, GA6530 Roundhill Court8 Bedroom / 7 Bath | Offered at: $615,000Drastically reduced! Exceptional home located near golf, stables, and more!

Mike Garcia: (77) 231-9908

YOUNG HARRIS, GA4431 Furman Gribble Road 4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath | Offered at: $699,000Custom home with the highest level of craftsmanship and beautiful mountain views!


GAINESVILLE, GA3080 Wallace Road 7 Bedroom / 4 Bath | Offered at: $575,000Subdivide and develop or use as a horse farm. Rambling ranch on 7.98+/- acres!

Pete Clay: (678) 492-3559

GAINESVILLE, GA6690 Old Still Path2 Bedroom / 2 Bath | Offered at: $117,900Charming 2 bedroom 2 bathroom home on private lot.

Matt Thaxton: (770) 366-9506

CUMMING, GA0 McCoy Circle 9.17+/- acres | Offered at: $239,900Beautiful land, awesome location. Perfect place to build your dream home.

Trudy D. Taylor: (770) 883-8640

LYERLY, GA100 Rivermont Road4 Bedroom / 3 Bath | Offered at: $799,00036+/- acre income producing Equestrian Estate with 12-stall barn and custom home!



Harry Norman, REALTORS® Forsyth/Lake Lanier OfficeOffice: (770) 497-2000 | www.HNRForsyth.com

The above information is believed to be accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. Forsyth Office 770-497-2000 Robert Aiken, Broker. If your home is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal Housing Opportunity. www.harrynorman.com

20142014JULY 18 • 19 • 20

Benefit Horse ShowWILLS PARK EQUESTRIAN CENTER

ALPHARETTA, GA

w w w . h a r r y n o r m a n f o r s y t h . c o m

2 GHJA & SHJG RATED SHOWS2 Days of Double-Point Classics & MONEY PRIZES!

EVENT FEATURING: Horse Show, Pony Rides, Magician,

Art Show, Face Panting, Concessions, Pet Adoptions, Live Music, Vendors, Raffles,

Silent Auction, and so much more!

13TH ANNUAL

PUBLIC & FAMILY FUN

EVENT!

The Real Estate Guide (July Edition)

Documents

Transcript of The Real Estate Guide (July Edition)