Sweet summertime has arrived! With these high temps we've been seeing, I sure hope you are keeping cool. The 4th of July is always a fun time to be on Lake Lanier, by the pool, or floating down one of the North Georgia rivers with friends. From our home, just off Thompson Bridge, you can see the Laurel Park fireworks show. We often gather with our subdivision friends to watch them and enjoy some sparklers with the kids.

Where will you catch the show this year? Here are a couple options to view fireworks this Independence Day!

July 3rd at Laurel Park | 8-10 PM. 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy, Gainesville.

July 2nd, 3rd, 4th at Lake Lanier Islands | 10-10:15 PM live music on July 4th 8-11 PM. 7000 Lake Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford.

God Bless America, Dani

iBuyers are still here as the market takes a small decline. An iBuyer (short for instant buyer) is a real estate company that purchases a property from a homeowner in a quick-cash transaction, makes any necessary improvements to the home, and then re-sells or rents it. iBuyers offer quick and flexible closing dates since they purchase your home with an all-cash offer. These companies are still here, and though not my first choice, a tool to be considered.

I recently listed a home at $349,000. Three months ago this home would have had 3-5 offers in the first 24 hours. However, in today's market that is not the case. We have been listed for over 2 weeks, have had around 10-12 showings, and we now have 2 iBuyer offers. Both of these offers are below the list price, but offer favorable terms such as a cash purchase (no appraisal) and a quick close date. As the buyer pool shrinks due to rising rates, especially below $500k, we may see more sellers picking this option if standard offers don't come in. There are a few things I'd like to highlight when dealing with an iBuyer:

#1 Don't accept your first offer. Just like a traditional offer, we can counter and negotiate the terms.

#2 The iBuyer will often still be around a few weeks down the road. Not always, and they may not honor their first price the longer the property sits on the market. However, it may be worth weighing your options.

#3 Do not tread iBuyer waters alone. I have connection with all the major iBuyer companies. I know how to deal with them during the due diligence period and as we move forward to closing. I'll guide you all the way through!

​​​​​​​Read this great article that goes further in-depth with iBuyers: Homeowners Skeptical Over iBuyers, But Still Curious

This is a romantically luxurious homestead straight out of Southern Living Magazine. Sitting on over 12 acres, this property features a stunning farmhouse, a carriage house over the 6-car garage, a huge workshop, & a large equestrian barn - all centered around a sparkling saltwater pool. Throughout the buildings, you’ll find oversized natural gas lanterns, & repurposed elements from the original 1930’s farmhouse, like the modernized sliding barn doors & brick fireplaces with mantels made from the old porch posts. Also, all cobblestone on site is from the 1800’s streets of Athens, GA. First, the main dwelling is a classic ranch-style farmhouse with 3BR/ 2BA, completely renovated with the highest quality fixtures & finishes, reclaimed wormy wood beams & accents, smart-home features, & the classic, southern necessity- a screened-in porch. At the center, the kitchen features an industrial gas range, quartz countertops, spacious island, custom hood vent, & hot pot filler. Second, the 3BR/ 3BA carriage house boasts a full kitchen & laundry room, atop the massive drive-through garage with over-sized bay doors. The downstairs full BA makes for a great pool retreat. Third, the huge workshop is any craftsperson’s dream, with ample space for all hobbies, a big garage door, separate buildout for future pool house, & 3 covered parking spots. The fourth building is a large barn with 2 stalls & tack room. Out back sits a sectioned pasture for chickens & a coop. Lastly, and most delightfully, the saltwater pool is surrounded by cool-decking & a handsome pavilion, perfect for GA summers. Most acreage is fenced with 3 gated entrances & irrigation surrounding the homestead.

$1,800,000 | 6 BR | 5 BA | MLS#10056492 | Listed by Keller Williams Lanier Partners, Dani Burns

This luxury townhome-style neighborhood in Downtown Gainesville is coming along nicely! Forrest Vue is located just off The Square, near the intersection of Bradford Street and Forrest Ave. Each unit has 3 bedrooms with detached garages and start in the $500’s.