Author: Paige Slyman

Housing Investment is back: Now is the time to buy

The housing market in the Atlanta metropolitan area has become one of the best markets in the country due to a shortage of supply, low mortgage rates, and high appreciation in home values.

Because conditions are favorable for buyers, it is imperative that all home buyers work with a skilled and knowledgeable real estate professional that can guide them through the process.

Paige Slyman is an Atlanta real estate expert with over 2 decades serving the area. Known for his extensive industry experience and strategic approach, Paige is sought after for his assistance in serving and protecting clients in the home purchase process. He also specializes in advising clients on which areas to purchase in and NOT to purchase in. By focusing on areas that are forecasted to increase in value, you can ensure that your investment is the best decision for you and your family.

Below are additional points as to why NOW is the time to buy:

Owning is now cheaper than Renting

Over the past few years, the demand for rental homes has increased, due to many factors, including an increase in foreclosures and fewer existing renters making the decision to buy. This has driven up the costs of renting a home tremendously. In fact, often times it can be cheaper to buy your home than rent one from someone else. There is no better time to buy a home and stop renting.

Mortgage rates are at historic lows

Mortgage rates are some of the lowest we have seen in years, however, we cannot assume that they will stay at where they are or fall even more. It is crucial to take advantage of the opportunity now. Right now is the time to buy.

High appreciation in home values

Purchaser sooner rather than later is the key. Home values are on such a rapid rise that waiting until “the right moment” is a bad idea. Being a little early and ahead of the real estate curve gives buyers more leverage. Stop wishing and call Paige Slyman to help you find the home of your dreams.

Give us a call at 770.405.0100 x 2 or email us at paige@paigeslyman.com.

A look at the differences: Why you should hire a Real Estate Broker

In general, most people are under the impression that all real estate professionals have the same level of educational requirements and adhere to the same ethical guidelines; however, this is simply not the case.

In fact, there are three types of real estate professionals: real estate agent, REALTOR® and real estate BROKER. If one were to compare the three types to our education system; the real estate agent is the equivalent of obtaining a bachelors degree, a REALTOR® is the equivalent obtaining a master’s degree and becoming a real estate BROKER is the educational equivalent of earning a doctorate degree in the real estate world. In addition to supplementary education requirements for both REALTORS® and BROKERS, these professionals take an oath to uphold strict ethical guidelines that someone with the title of real estate agent is not required to take.

Statistically, only 18% of all real estate professional have earned the right to have the title of “BROKER.” In addition due to his sales volume he has achieved top 12%. Paige Slyman of Slyman Real Estate is proud to say that he has joined the ranks among the “real estate elite.” The information below is meant to inform you of the differences between the three types of real estate professionals and help you make a more educated decision on choosing the real estate professional that is right for you.

In most states, real estate professionals can only become a real estate BROKER after an extensive period of time serving as a real estate agent or REALTOR® before the real estate profession qualifies to take the additional training required to become a real estate BROKER.

The difference between Real Estate Brokers and Real Estate Agents

Real Estate BROKERS have additional rights and responsibilities to serve the public that real estate agents do not have.  These rights include but are not limited to having the ability to managing other real estate professionals and the right to own and operate their own real estate firm. Of course, as stated earlier in this blog, there are tremendous educational, experience and ethical obligations that also separate a real estate agent from a real estate BROKER.

The difference between Real Estate BROKERS and REALTORS®

Not all REALTORS® can be a real estate BROKER. The reason is because to become a real estate BROKER, one must obtain additional educational requirements and a REALTOR® does not qualify to sit for these educational components to get their brokerage license until they have a certain amount of experience either as a real estate agent or a REALTOR®. At the most basic level, to be a REALTOR® means that the professional is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and have taken the association’s oath to uphold its strict and highly enforced code of ethics and standards of care.  Most real estate BROKERS are members of the National Association of REALTORS®, but the fact is, some are not.

What is the code of ethics taken by REALTOR®?

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is strictly enforced and contains 17 Articles of Standards of Practice that is designed to hold the industry and its professionals to a high level of integrity, ethics and educational requirements.

In closing, when choosing a real estate professional it is crucial that you choose someone that is knowledgeable, experienced and committed to upholding ethical standards that protect you as a home buyer or seller. Paige Slyman has earned the title of real estate BROKER and has proudly taken the ethical oath given by the National Association of REALTORS®.  He has over 2 decades experience honorably serving the Atlanta real estate community with that title. If you hire someone that does not have the title of REALTOR® or real estate BROKER they are NOT bound by the same ethics and guidelines and you are literally putting the biggest investment of your entire life… You’re home… in the hands of someone that has not taken an oath to ensure that you are treated fairly and ethically or with the most education and experience in the real estate market.

Give us a call at 770.405.0100 x 2 or email us at paige@paigeslyman.com.

 

Slyman Real Estate Services Part 2: Selling Your Home

Selling a home can be a daunting task, add into the mix factors such as a down economy and the fact that it is a buyer’s real estate market and it can feel almost impossible. However, with the help of an experienced and trusted real estate professional it doesn’t have to be. Expert REALTOR® Paige Slyman in Marietta, Georgia has a distinguished over 2 decade career guiding metro Atlantans in both the home buying and home selling process.

Deciding to sell your home in a down economy requires careful planning and consideration. It is essential that home sellers are proactive and become informed about what to expect during the home selling process so their home will be a viable contender in the current hyper competitive buyer’s market.

Celebrated for his incredible industry knowledge and real estate know how, Paige Slyman recommends that home seller’s pay particular attention to the following:

-Accurately pricing the home being sold is a fundamental aspect of the selling process. If a seller fails to price the home correctly, it simply will not sell in the down market we’re in. Although it is not easy, sellers must price their home for what it’s worth. One must note that what the home is currently worth is not necessarily the same price as what the seller paid for the home or what the seller thinks the property is worth. An experienced and knowledgeable real estate professional will guide the home seller in developing an appropriate price for the home being sold.

(If a seller is not willing to sell their property for less than what they bought it for, they might be a candidate for property management. Check out our recent blog on our property management services and how this could be a viable option.

-Hiring a reputable and respected REALTOR® is the most effective and efficient way to market a home being sold on the real estate market. Each of Paige Slyman’s listings are viewed online, an average of 14441.28 times per month. In fact, As a result of his innovative marketing strategies, Paige averages 56 customer contacts per month, three times the national average.

-Home sellers must properly stage the home being sold to ensure that it grabs the buyer’s attention. Often times, the difference between getting an offer and not getting an offer depends upon the way the seller presents the home to potential buyers. The basics of home staging are depersonalizing and de-cluttering: packing up personal photographs, family heirlooms, and anything else that might prevent buyers touring the home from dreaming about their new life in the home.

In closing, choosing the right REALTOR® is the most important decision a person selling a home will make. When choosing a REALTOR®, home sellers should consider factors such as experience, industry knowledge, efficient and effective marketing strategies and having a proven track record. Paige Slyman is an Atlanta real estate industry leader and has the expert knowledge to accurately and successfully guide the home seller to maximize their return on investment and minimize the amount of time the home is on the market.  

Give us a call at 770.405.0100 x 2 or email paige@paigeslyman.com.

Slyman Real Estate Services: Part 1

Having the opportunity to own real estate is the ultimate and most intricate aspect of the American dream. With the current Housing Affordability Index at an all time high, there has never been a better time in history to accomplish the achievement of home ownership. In fact, potential Georgia home buyers should note that according to the experts, 70 percent of families in the U.S. can afford to buy a home at the current mortgage rates and home prices.

Simplifying the home buying process

The home buying process can be a daunting task and that is why it is crucial to select a real estate agent that has the ability to simplify the complicated and often times saturated real estate market. Many potential home buyers suffer from an overload of information. It can be very easy for home buyers to be confused by conflicting advice, misleading statements and changing legal issues surrounding the real estate market. These complications can lead to stress and frequently lead potential home buyers down the wrong path. Paige Slyman specializes and prides himself in being an industry expert that will clearly and accurately guide you to the path of home ownership.

What Sets Paige Slyman Apart

Paige Slyman of Slyman Real Estate has extensive experience in simplifying the quest for finding the perfect home to live in or the perfect investment property. Drawing on his over 2 decades of real estate and property investment experience, Paige has quickly become a sought after and revered real estate industry leader. Paige not only has experience in advising others on the home buying process, but he has personal experience in property investment and multiple home ownership that adds to his ability to understand the emotion and needs of the potential home buyer. His goal is to utilize his expert knowledge to put his client at ease and to actually have fun during the home buying process.

What separates Paige and Slyman Real Estate from other real estate companies is that aside from his unparalleled knowledge and industry recognition for real estate service excellence, Paige truly strives to make the home buying process fun and not stressful for those that he works with.

Logic vs. Emotion

One of the most notable and successful strategies that Paige implements with his client’s is to strive to make real estate purchase decisions based on logic and not emotion. Just because a property has certain features or amenities that you are looking for does not necessarily mean that it is a good investment or a good place for you to live.

For example, it is essential to look at factors such as:

-What school system is the house in?

-Is the property in a flood zone?

-What are the crime rates in the neighborhood?

These are just a few of the questions that must be addressed when looking to purchase a home to live in or to invest in.

Reasons People Buy

Typically, individuals looking to purchase real estate do so to buy a home to live in or for investment purposes. Paige is an industry expert in advising clients in both areas. It is vital that potential home buyers choose a REALTOR that has experience and widespread knowledge about what makes a good real estate investment. Whether you are looking to buy a home to live in, flip, sale, or put on the rental market, Paige Slyman has the proven track record and industry awareness that will help put you at ease that you are in good hands.

In closing, there has never been a better time to invest in real estate than now. Slyman Real Estate is here to guide you through the process and ensure that you find the perfect home to live in or the investment property that will help grow your net worth and help you to reach your financial goals.

Give us a call at 770.405.0100 x 2 to find out why we are fast becoming the favorite Atlanta property management company or email us at paige@paigeslyman.com.

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Property-Management

Property Management 101 / Part 3

Let’s face it. Real Estate has always been a competitive business. As a REALTOR® it is difficult not to keep your cards (in your case your clients) close to your chest. Most of us do this by proving professional and personalized service. If you are faced with a home that will not sell for whatever reason, it is difficult to consider turning a client over to a property management company for fear you may potentially be losing a client and a listing. As a reputable business person, you want to act in a manner that is in the best interest of your client.

At Slyman Real Estate, through our property management division, we can help you do just that. In brief, we help you help your client. By providing first-class property management services and positive rental experiences for the clients you refer to us, we actually offer you a way to retain and even strengthen your relationship with your client. By enabling your client to move forward with their real estate plans, you become a solutions provider in the eyes of that client. When the market improves or the client is able to sell at a price that meets their financial goals, your services will be called upon again. In many cases, renters will become buyers and owners will become sellers. And with that, you will be in a good position to serve them.

Our extensive property management services lift the burden of securing a tenant and managing the property off the shoulders of the property owner. Slyman Real Estate’s property management division offers a completely comprehensive and personalized property management service that will cater to both you and your tenants needs.

We offer the following solutions:

-We help secure and screen tenants. Once you submit your property’s portfolio to Slyman Real Estate, we will use our expertise to find tenants quickly.

-We have extensive experience in handling the business and maintenance duties for the property owner.

-We offer a comfortable buffer zone between the owner and renter.

– Slyman Real Estate Property management services include payment collection and financial reporting. You will not have to deal with the tenants directly, when it comes to getting monthly payment. This will be done for you and you will be sent a complete report on the payment collection. Simply put, you can focus on your business, while you automatically receive your dividends from investing in real estate.

-Our professionals will respond to complaints from tenants and will fix the problems in a timely manner.

– Slyman Real Estate will handle disputes, evictions and even court hearings, if necessary. It is extremely beneficial to use the services of someone with legal knowledge in real estate. In this way, all disputes and evictions will be settled timely with minimal or no losses for you.

-We have an extensive list of reputable service vendors that have a proven track record and quality work. When your property needs a repair, we guarantee that the work we provide will be quality work, done in a timely manner and at a fair price.

We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and we have references to back it up. You can trust we’ll take good care of your clients. The only thing you will have to do when using Slyman Real Estate’s property management services is to sign the lease agreement. All the rest is taken care of by our professionals.

Give us a call at 770.405.0100 x 2 to find out why we are fast becoming the favorite Atlanta property management company or email us at paige@paigeslyman.com.

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Property-Management

Property Management 101 / Part 2

Q: “My house has been on the market now for long time and I do not feel that I am going to be able to sell the house any time soon. I’m considering renting it but can’t decide whether to manage it myself or hire a property management company to manage it for me. My concern is – Won’t I be giving up profits to a property manager that I could keep myself?”    

A: This is a common question and concern for property owners and the answer is yes, and no. While there is a cost associated with property management services, the amount saved can be tremendous and the benefits far outweigh the costs over the span of the rental period.

While most property management companies in Atlanta, GA can help a property owner find a tenant and manage repairs to the property, not all property management companies are created equal.

With Slyman Real Estate, you’ll appreciate all the details that we put into managing property and will see how we can actually save you time and money on your rental venture.

Our property management services include all phases of the process of renting a home from locating tenants to taking care of maintenance issues and everything in between.

Slyman Real Estate offers many property management benefits:

1. Accurate Property Evaluation – We are very knowledgeable regarding the current rental market. We can give you a realistic expectation of what the rental amount and terms should be in order to minimize the time the property remains unoccupied and maximize the owner’s rental income.

2. Successful Staging of Property – Because we are in and out of many rental properties as well as properties for sale every day, we know what today’s renters are looking for. We bring expertise in staging which leads to successful marketing of rental properties.

3. Excellent Marketing Services – We know our industry and how to market rental properties so that they do not sit unoccupied. We have a network that we work with to place renters. Through our real estate business, we are also in contact with potential renters on an ongoing basis.

4. A Well-Maintained Property – A property that doesn’t look maintained will cause a renter to either look further or attempt to negotiate a lower rental payment.  We can recommend minor repairs and updates that could make a big difference on the impression made by the property.

5. Procurement of Strong Tenants – We will handle the process of screening potential renters to ensure a successful rental experience for the owner. This includes:  application review with full screening, credit check, copy of full credit report, bank account information, copy of driver’s license, social security number, and income and employment verification.

6. Lease Document Preparation & Execution – We provide lease document and hold the security deposit for the owner.

7. Guaranteed Payments to Owner – Payment to the owner is made immediately upon receipt of renter’s payment. We take care of all payments and collections.

8. Timely Repairs and Work Guaranteed – We act on the best interest of the owner. No repairs are made without the owner’s approval. We know the renter’s satisfaction and contentment is also important and we take pride in protecting your reputation and investment

9. No Commission Charged on Tenant Renewals – This translates into more income for the owner.

10.  24/7 Service for Renters and Owners – No matter when or what time service is called for, you won’t get an answering service.

In short, our professionals take the stress off the property owner saving time, headaches, and money. With a properly managed property, the owner’s expense and energy is greatly reduced.

In part 3 of this series, we’ll address how we can benefit the REALTOR® who may have a listing that simply cannot sell which the owner may desire to rent.  As always, we appreciate any feedback or comments.

Give us a call at 770.405.0100 x 2 to find out why we are fast becoming the favorite Atlanta property management company or email us at paige@paigeslyman.com.

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Property-Management-1

Property Management 101 / Part 1

What do you think about when you hear the term property manager? A homeowner may think, “I can’t afford to pay someone to manage my property.” On the other hand, a REALTOR® may fear that to introduce a property manager and lease arrangement, a viable listing will be lost.

As a matter of fact, neither fear is warranted. The reality of the situation is that a knowledgeable and competent property manager will save you time, money, frustration, and needless anxiety. Enlisting the help of a property manager is similar to hiring a CPA to file your business taxes and financial statements. While inexpensive software is readily available for this purpose, none of them can guide you fully through all the complexities of the tax code and help you plan for future filing like a skilled CPA can. Helping you navigate the ins and the outs of the ever changing tax code, a good CPA can actually help you make better financial decisions and in the long run, save you money.

The same is true with a good property manager. Leasing and managing property in Atlanta, Georgia is also a complex activity that requires more skill, knowledge, and time than most people realize. An experienced and reputable property manager will be able to help you navigate the legal agreements, locate and do a thorough review on candidates for lease, and serve as a buffer between leasee and lessor in the matters of rent collection and maintenance needs. The truth is, you can’t afford to not hire a property manager.

With the property properly managed, the homeowners are free to use their energy to pursue their career and enjoy weekends with their families without being on call and can enjoy the financial security of the home being occupied while having the lease payments add to their equity. For the REALTOR® assisting a client with finding a good property manager can save a listing that is in threat of being lost due to time on the market or market conditions that are not favorable to the owner’s financial requirements. In short, the REALTOR® will retain and most often add to their client list as market conditions improve and renters become buyers, while owners become sellers.

In part 2 of Property Management 101, we’ll discuss in greater detail the real benefits of hiring a property manager in Atlanta, GA.  If there are questions that you would like to have answered, we invite you to post them here so that we can make sure we cover them in upcoming posts.

At Slyman Real Estate, we provide the best property management service that can be found in the Atlanta area. We can work with REALTORS® and homeowners alike to ease the work involved in renting and managing properties.

Give us a call at 770.405.0100 x 2 to find out why we are fast becoming the favorite Atlanta property management company or email us at paige@paigeslyman.com.

What REALTORS like you should know about Property Management

Have you ever had a home that went a different direction because it wasn’t selling?  To help resolve this, have you thought about using a property manager to help? To capture this real estate recession, homeowners need to sell. Slyman Real Estate property managers are a great alternative to suggest to homeowner’s that are having a hard time selling their home.

Slyman Real Estate Property Managers

90% of real estate companies do not allow property management as part of their services, due to the amount of time you would have to invest in each home, in addition to the homeowners and the tenants. Slyman Real Estate offers property management for realtors, as an alternative!

When bringing aboard Slyman Real Estate as a property manager, you are reassured with more than just benefits!

–  Recommending & supervising all repairs and or maintenance for the home

–  Collecting, processing, and depositing all rent payments and owner proceeds in a timely manner

–  Guaranteed payments- If check is ever insufficient from the tenant, Slyman Real Estate makes payments to the homeowner regardless

–  Maintaining personal relationships between homeowners and tenants to ensure customer service beyond expectations

–  Available all hours and easy to access

Home Sold- Slyman Real Estate

 

Closing a deal is far better than loosing a deal. Investing in property managers like Slyman Real Estate, you not only have the reassurance of your sale, but reassurance that you are working with a company that will take care of both you and your homeowner!

For more information on how you can help close more deals, contact us at Slyman Real Estate today!

Pest Control and Your Home

Pest control is a BIG must when it comes to leasing, renting, and owning a home (or any building for that matter). I think everyone can agree that no one wants rodents and insects joining them for dinner or popping up during a meeting. While we can say that no one wants them around, we cannot say that they aren’t there. They are, and they need to be dealt with properly.

You may be able to handle them on your own, but it is a bit tricky.  Here are some tips that may help you when doing so;

1. When buying chemicals, read the label carefully in order to fully understand the risks and proper usage of each product.

2. Buy products that cater to your personal pest problems – If you had a problem with ants only, you wouldn’t need roach killer.

3. If you have children, purchase child friendly pesticides. There should be a notice saying it is child safe if it is, if it is not there will not be one present.

4. Prevent pests through keeping good sanitation and food storage habits.

5. Manage your outdoor lighting in order to prevent insect gathering.

6. Seal window/door cracks and use door sweeps to prevent bugs from being able to squeeze their way in.

7. Use/Fix window screens. This will keep flying bugs, such as flies, wasps, and bees out.

8. Fix moisture problems to keep your home dry. This can help you prevent spider infestations.

Whether the problems are ants, wasps, bees, roaches, insects, fleas, spiders, or rodents, they have to be dealt with immediately, properly, and safely. If you are still a little confused about how to properly go about ridding yourself of these creatures, call a local pest service. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to this issue.

Making your backyard more inviting

One very important thing about owning a home is keeping the yards well maintained. It is a huge turn off to see a home with an unkept yard scattered with eye sores. So this week we wanted to give you all a few tips that would help you make your backyard more inviting to your guests, as well as yourself and your own family. 

The first thing you always need to be aware of is keeping your yard clean of all debris and trash. Removing old and broken garden statues, gnomes, fountains, etcetera is easy to do and doesn’t cost you a thing. Repairing ones you really want to keep is not a bad option either. Be sure to keep your patio areas clean, swept off, and keep the seating clean and well arranged. Tearing down old fences that block off unused portions of your yard is a great way to open up more room for children to play, as well as get rid of an eye sore.

Your yard also needs to be well taken care of. Keeping the grass cut and well fertilized is a great idea if you want a yard that people wouldn’t mind being invited to. You also want to make sure your hedges and bushes are cut and trimmed. Be sure to always have a freshly cut lawn, and why not keep it irrigated properly so it stays a nice shade of green.

Keeping it organized is a must. If you have a lot of yard equpitment (weed-eaters, push/riding lawn mowers, shovels, rakes, etc.) your yard would look much better if all those things were organized neatly in one specific, out of the way part of the yard. The same goes for the kids toys. We all know kids love to play and leave things scattered, but we can place them neatly in a certain area of the yard before our guests arrive for a nice evening with friends. This way they can enjoy your beautifully put together and well groomed yard, relax, and have a good time.

Hopefully this blog has helped you make your yard more inviting and has made you happier with it personally. Remember, at Slyman Real Estate GA, we care. Don’t forget to find us on Facebook and LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter.

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