The Importance of Getting a Survey for Your Property

 

The Importance of Getting a Survey for Your Property

A survey is an essential process that involves examining and recording the features of a land area to create a precise map, plan, or description. Here’s why getting a land survey is crucial:

Key Benefits of a Land Survey

• Defines Boundaries: Accurately establishes the property lines to avoid disputes with neighbors.
• Identifies Utilities: Locates septic tanks, water lines, and other essential utilities on your property.
• Details Structures: Provides the exact positions of all buildings and structures.
• Flood Plain Identification: Determines if the land lies within a flood-prone area.
• Clarifies Easements: Maps out any easements, ensuring you understand any restrictions on property use.

Why Surveys Matter

• Mortgage Approval: Many lenders require a land survey before approving a mortgage to ensure clear property boundaries.
• Property Enhancements: Necessary for projects like installing fences, building pools, or planning expansions.
• New Construction: Critical for demolishing existing structures and building new ones, whether residential or commercial.

Real-Life Example: Fence Dispute

A business colleague recently faced a fence dispute with his neighbor. The neighbor’s new survey showed that my colleague's fence was encroaching on their property, demanding its removal within two days over a holiday weekend.

Upon reviewing his closing documents, my colleague found the survey conducted when he bought his home. This survey confirmed the neighbor’s claim that the fence was on their property. Luckily, the neighbor granted more time to move the fence, resolving the issue peacefully.

This incident highlights the importance of having an accurate land survey to prevent and resolve property disputes.

Contact for Real Estate Assistance

For any real estate needs or further assistance with surveys, feel free to reach out:

Pam Santoro

• Phone: 678-656-6627
• Website: PamSantoro.com
• Email: Pam.Santoro@BHHSGA.com

"Remember, no one sells a home like a mom!"

#PamSantoroRealtor #survey #boundaries #pool #fence #septic #structures #floodplain

Co-Author of "Difficult Aging in Place Conversations: What Industry Experts Have to Say"

 

Pamela C. Santoro, Realtor®, in North Metro Atlanta, GA is a co-author of the newly released book, "Difficult Aging in Place Conversations: What Industry Experts Have to Say.” 

For aging parents and their adult children, the conversations surrounding whether the senior will remain in their homes and communities or move to an institutional setting can be one of the most difficult and stressful life events for the senior and their family.  

With 19 years’ experience in real estate, Santoro specializes in helping the 55+ crowd with their housing needs. In the book, Santoro shares her expertise developed over more than 10 years of advising families who made this potentially life-changing and emotional decision. Frequently, the subject of safety, including home safety, is a concern for seniors and their loved ones. And Santoro is a welcome source of advice and information for them.

 As she details in the book, Difficult Aging in Place Conversations: What Industry Experts Have to Say, whether the senior continues to live in their own house, condo or apartment or opts for a communal senior living complex, there are safety measures to consider and best practices to prevent any mishaps, social isolation, and ways to re-engage with friends, family and community. Should they decide to stay in their home, there is advice on retrofitting a home, condo or apartment to make it safer for the senior. 

 She also points out how to have a conversation with a senior about these issues and advice on what to do if elder abuse is suspected.

 Santoro has lived in the North Atlanta area for 29 years and was involved in organizing the Senior Resource Alliance of North Atlanta professional group She is available to speak to groups in the Metro Atlanta area about the issues and concerns described above.

Contact info:

pam.santoro@bhhsga.com

Cell: 678-656-6627
Ofc: 770-475-0505

 Get more info at:

www.pamsantoro.BHHSgeorgia.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamsantoro/

https://www.facebook.com/PamSantoroRealEstate

Did You Transfer Your Utilities?

 

Transferring utilities seems like an easy thing to do when buying or selling a home. It really can be.  There are companies that will get all your utilities registered for your new home. Most sellers are very cooperative and notify the utility companies that they have sold the property and as of a specific date the new buyer will then be responsible for the utilities. Sellers usually give the new buyers name and request a transfer. The new buyer would then call the utilities and register in their name.

Recently while overseeing an estate the utility companies did not follow this procedure. The owner of the home passed away. The executor canceled all credit cards and attempted to put utilities in the name of the estate.  This procedure worked for everything but the gas service. The gas company shut the gas off then put the service in the estate name.  The executor was out of state, and we had no hot water or heat.  We hired a handyperson to turn on the furnace and the pilot light on the hot water tank.  These were unnecessary expenses, but we got it done.

I just wanted to remind you to transfer utilities when you can. No one wants to pay to turn services back on.

#utilities #estates #homebuying #homeselling #PamSantoroRealtor

Staging Your Home to Sell

Staging a house to sell is like turning it into a model home. The goal is for a future buyer to see themselves in your home.   

Here are some tips to get started preparing your house for sale by decluttering your spaces:

• Put personal items away. Do not leave personal papers out. File your papers away in a filing cabinet or basket. Limit the number of personal photos displayed.  
  
  
• Use a decorative bowl for items on your counter tops to collect keys etc. The remotes for your TVs and electronic equipment can also be stored in a beautiful bowl on a coffee table.
  
  
• Start with one room at a time. In your kitchen, you want to have more counter space so put all appliances away in the pantry except for your coffee or tea set up.
  
  
• Rooms should be walkable. Too much furniture is a problem. Think about a storage unit or repurposing that chair to another room like a sitting room in a bedroom.
  
  
• Closets should be neat. If you have not worn an item in years, donate it to a charity. Packing out of season clothes and putting them in storage will make your closet seem more spacious.

A good stager can walk through a house room by room and set the atmosphere. I have seen stagers move furniture and decorative items throughout the house without purchasing anything. My sellers have always been thrilled by the results.

If you’d like any more help getting your house ready to sell and listed on the multiple listing services, just give me a call at 678-656-6627 to start the process.   

PamSantoro.com

Pam.Santoro@BHHSGA.com

“Remember No One Sells A Home Like A Mom!”

#PamSantoroRealtor

Think Spring - Yard Work

Think Spring! If you are thinking of selling your home, first impressions start at the street of your neighborhood. When a buyer arrives at your home, does it look inviting and special.   

If the outside yard and house appearance doesn’t look inviting, the buyers may choose not to see the inside of your beautiful home. The birds are singing so get outside and do some needed yardwork.   

Now is the time to:

• plant some bulbs or shrubs
  
  
• add more mulch to the flower beds
  
  
• trim the shrubs
  
  
• plant some flowers 
  
  
• power wash the sidewalks, driveway and deck
  
  
• clean your front porch especially the light fixtures and front door
  
  
• wash your windows
  
  
• test your irrigation system to assure it is working properly 

 Everything you are doing will make your house more appealing. Manicured lawns and sparkling front porches will enhance your home’s presence.

If you’d like more tips or help selling your house, just call or text me at 678-656-6627 to get started today! Remember “No One Sells A Home Like A Mom!”

PamSantoro.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties 

Pam.Santoro@BHHSGA.com

#PamSantoroRealtor

5 Tips To Make Sure Your Final Wishes Are Handled As You Want

 I have observed more than one of my clients looking for a will after their loved one passed away. The more information you give your loved ones in advance about your last wishes, the better.  

One client’s wife passed away over two years before I met him. He finally decided that he wanted to move to senior living to enjoy the amenities, dining, and social activities. He was becoming sad looking at all the memories in the house without his dear wife.

Well, the house had been paid off for over ten years and the deed was in both the husband’s and wife’s names. Now he needed to find the wife’s will to be able to remove her name from the deed. We sat in his dining room and looked through documents. Finally, we found her will in a kitchen drawer

The next step was to contact an eldercare attorney to send the will to the probate court. Once all documents were filed at the probate court and returned, we were able to put the house up for sale in the husband’s name only (with the new deed). 

My client moved to senior living with the items he wanted to keep. We had an estate sale, packed things to be given to family members and staged the house. After professional photos were taken, the house went on the market and sold.  

Here are 5 tips to help you and your loved ones:

• Let your family know where your will is. Is it in the bank in a security box, a safe in your at your house, the attorney’s office, etc.
  
  
• Keep a notebook with all your accounts and passwords in it. Do not mark it in any way that indicates all your passwords and accounts in it but DO let your family know where the important notebook is located and what color it is
  
  
• Your family and caregiver should know where your health directive is located.
  
  
• Does your family know if you want to be buried in the family plot, the veteran’s cemetery or cremated?
  
  
• Would you like a religious service? Have you already made any final arrangements?

It's nice to make everyone happy in a real estate transaction and that is my specialty. If you need help just call me at 678-656-6627. Remember “No One Sells A House Like A Mom!”

#PamSantoroRealtor

www.pamsantoro.com

What To Do If Your Loved One Dies Unexpectedly Without A Will

It is hard for loved ones to grieve and handle arrangements for your funeral, distribute or sell all your belongings and property without a will.  A will protects your wishes and your loved ones. Here is the process your loved ones will need to go through if you do not leave a will.

If a will is not found, the family will need an eldercare attorney to file documents at the probate court to get an executor for the property.

The state will then determine how the property and assets are divided.   It sometimes takes two to three months for everything to get through the probate court. When the probate court is busy, it can take six months to have everything completed and assigned. 

Once all documents are returned, the estate can sell the property with the executor signing for the estate. 

We then go through the steps of cleaning things out, permitting family members to remove personal items and photos, and schedule an estate sale if needed. After the estate sale, stage the property and orchestrate professional photos of the estate.  

When all this is done, we get the house listed on the multiple listing service, receive offers, secure a binding offer and move forward to closing.

Once a contract for the sale of the house is secured, there is usually an inspection period for the buyer.   If repairs are negotiated, we have great vendors and contractors to handle that.

I will provide an appraisal packet and meet the appraiser at the house for the appraisal. The lender and buyer want the appraisal done to determine the value of the property. The lender then processes that loan for the closing.  

There are a lot of steps to closing but I am on your side taking care of them.  If you need any real estate help whether buying or selling, just call me at 678-656-6627.  Remember, “No One Sells a Home Like a Mom!”

#PamSantoroRealtor

www.pamsantoro.com

Are You Or Your Loved Ones Considering Moving To Senior Living?

 

As we all live longer, we need to think about our next life adventure.  I have helped many clients downsize or right-size.  It gets to a point where everyone would like to enjoy themselves rather than maintain their homes, cleaning gutters, doing yard work, and cooking.  

All of us would rather make the decision for ourselves, but if you are helping a loved one always remember what they would like from social, to atmosphere to health needs. 

Here are some tips from Rick Roberts, Certified Senior Care Placement Specialist at Voices, Choices & Solutions:

 “Things to consider for Assisted Living: Make sure you are considering the needs of your loved one and not your own. That applies to the facility's decor, social activities, and care needs. 

In memory care, what is the approach to challenging situations? What security measures are in place to keep residents from eloping? 

We provide all our clients a list of specific questions to ask the Assisted/Memory Care facility - things that may not think about and our recommendations always include what activities the individual is interested in.”

Rick can be contacted at 678-641-4062 or info@voiceschoicessolutions.com.

This is a big decision and working with local professionals plus being kind and caring will empower you on this journey.  

Most of my clients need to use the sale of their current home to provide the funds for assisted living.   As always, I am here for you with all your real estate needs. Feel free to contact me at 678-656-6627 or pam.santoro@bhhsgeorgia.com / http://pamsantoro.com/

#AssistedLiving #VoicesChoicesSolutions #Rightsizing #Downsizing #PamSantoroRealtor #realestate

 

Are You Thinking About "Downsizing" or "Rightsizing"?

Are you thinking about “downsizing” or “rightsizing”?

 

Here are some great tips to help you decide what to keep and what to say goodbye to and how to do this:

 

-        Have I used this in the last year? If not, say goodbye.

-        Have I worn this in the past year? If not, say goodbye.

-        Does this still work? If not, say goodbye.

-        Can I shred any of these old documents? Remember to keep tax records for 7 years. Keep title insurance and house papers plus records of improvements on your house.

 

-        Start in a room with no memories in it: bathrooms, linen closets, or kitchens.

 

-        Take old prescriptions to the pharmacy to dispose of them.

-        Get rid of old makeup and toiletries.

-        Donate old towels to pet shelters or your local veterinarian.

 

-        Go through your books to see if you want to keep collections or donate them.

 

Once you start the process it will make you feel good to see your accomplishments. When I prepare a house to sell/market, I help stage it and actually can make it senior safe in the process by removing excess furniture, rugs or other tripping hazards. Remember as you pack what you’d like to keep, place the boxes in a corner of the garage or basement. Future buyers understand packing to move.

 

There are wonderful professionals who can help you sort and pack. I asked local expert Kaye Ginsberg, Founder of Peace of Mind Transitions for some recommendations:

 

“Take it small to start with – don’t try to downsize the entire basement in one day. 

 

Pick a drawer or a shelf and set a time limit for yourself.  It’s best to start with small successes and tackle the project a piece at a time. 

 

We also recommend having a “downsizing partner”. This can be a professional or a friend or family member.  The key is to pick someone who will be honest with you, but kind, when you get have discussions on whether to keep an item or not.”  

 

You can contact Kaye Ginsberg at kaye@peaceofmindtransistions.com, 404-862-4271, www.peaceofmindtransistions.com.

 

Remember if you need any real estate help or introductions to local professionals, I am here for you at pam.santoro@bhhsgeorgia.com
678-656-6627
www.PamSantoro.com

 

#downsizing #rightsizing #PamSantoroRealtor #PeaceOfMindTransistions

 

Moving to Senior Living or a Retirement Community?

Moving to senior living or a retirement community?

Choosing to move to a senior living, retirement community, or assisted living is a big decision. One that should be made by the individuals that will be moving if everyone is well and healthy enough to make their own decisions.

If you are helping your parents or loved ones with these decisions:

-        Be kind and patient. Your loved ones might not be as active or organized as they were.

-        Be practical, honest, and realistic. Emotions may get in the way when making decisions.

-        Be prepared since moving is an emotional topic even when everyone is onboard.

-        Keep your goal on all the practical issues while your loved ones are dealing with the emotional challenges.

There are knowledgeable professionals who can help you decide what community fits the needs of your loved ones or yourself. These professionals are experts on services, prices, and locations of the local communities that you may want to tour. Some communities will even let you try them out for one or two months. This will give you time to use the all the services and meet new people.

I talked to local expert Amy Hentschel, Owner/Senior Care Advisor, from Senior Provisions for advice on this topic:  

"A lot of families try to look for senior living and care online or even on their own. This is too important of a decision to try to go it alone.

Working with a senior care advisor can help you understand what each community offers and how they are different. There are many great senior living properties in Atlanta, but not all of them are going to be right fit for you or your loved ones' specific needs. Senior Provisions listens to your needs and then guides you to the true solution for what you are looking for now, and for what you might need in the future.

Because of regulations and challenges in staffing in the current market, you have to ask the hard questions about care and reputation. Knowing the right questions to ask and having an advocate with you makes all the difference."

Amy Hentschel is available to discuss your options at www.SeniorProvisions.com, seniorprovisions@gmail.com or (678-925-0223).

If you need real estate help or referrals to professionals who can help you make a plan for your future, please give me a call at
678-656-6627
pam.santoro@BHHSGeorgia.com
www.PamSantoro.com

I am here for you. #NoOneSellsAHomeLikeAMom

#seniorliving #assistedliving #retirementcommunities #downsizing #rightsizing

 

Holiday Wellness Checks

As we all visit our loved ones this holiday season, we need to ensure that they are still safe and happy in their homes. If you notice that the house is not as clean and neat as it once was, that’s a sign your family may need a little help. 

Are the gutters clear of leaves and the yard looking good? Do you notice stacks of mail lying around? These are signs that your loved one may need help from trusted vendors. 

I can help you and your loved ones to make a plan going forward from cleaning the house, retro-fitting items to make things safer, yard work, and possibly moving to something more manageable.  

Here are some home safety tips:

•  Tuck electrical and phone cords safely out of walkways
  
  
•  Ensure rugs, runners, and mats are secured
  
  
•  Test smoke detectors and replace batteries
  
  
•  Install handrails throughout the home
  
  
•  Ensure porches and staircases are well lit
  
  
•  Clear stairs, landings, and floors of clutter
  
  
•  Write and review emergency plans, especially know what hospital that your loved one’s physicians are associated with

 As a Realtor, I have a wonderful network of trusted professionals to help, feel free to give me a call at 678-656-6627 to start your plan for the next stage of your life.   

Remember “No One Sells A Home Like A Mom!” 
 #PamSantoroRealtor  -  www.pamsantoro.com  -  pam.santoro@BHHSGA.com

#WellnessChecks #HolidayVisits #MakingAPlan

Should Interest Rates Scare You?

 If you look at historical data on averages of home mortgage interest rates, you should realize that we have been here before.  

·        1970’s – The average home mortgage interest rate was 8.5%,but it rose to 12.9% at the end of the 1970’s.

·        1980’s – The average home mortgage interest rate was 9%; however it peaked at 18.4%.

·        1990 ‘s - The average home mortgage interest rate was 10.13%.

·        2000’s – The average home mortgage interest rate ranged from high 5% to low 6%.

·        2010’s – The average home mortgage interest rate ranged from 3.45% to 4.87%.

·        2020    - The average home mortgage interest was 2.68% due to COVID.

·        2021    - The average home mortgage interest ranged from 2.7% to 3.10%.

·        2022    - The current home mortgage interest is 6.92% and has been as high as 7.1%.

Really interest rates should not scare you.  Owning a house is still a better investment than renting. Talking to a good lender will aid you in determining what you can comfortably afford.  If there are any issues with your credit, the lender can advise you on how to help make your credit score better.

My husband and I have purchased 3 homes in our 42 years of marriage.  Our interest rates varied from 12.5% to 7% to 8.5%.  They were all good investments and wonderful places to live and raise our family. Remember you MARRY the House but DATE the interest rate.   If rates drop, you can always refinance.

If you’d like to read more about this: Historical Mortgage Rates: Averages and Trends from the 1970s to 2022 - ValuePenguin

As always, I am here if you need any real estate help whether buying or selling. Please give me a call or text at 678-656-6627.  
www.PamSantoro.com  -  Remember “No One Sells A Home Like A Mom!”

#interestrates #realestate #PamSantoroRealtor #mortgagerates

 

Apples in North Georgia

 

I love Fall with the leaves changing, pumpkins everywhere, apple cider, and delicious apples from North Georgia. I went to Mercier’s Apple Orchard to get apples for pies for my husband, Tony. 

We also picked up apple cider donuts and apple cider. They have a tasting bar where you can sample the apples that you’d like to buy, a bakery, honey, wine and more. Fun-filled apple day!

Here’s my favorite recipe for pie crust from Tony’s Aunt Val:

Vinegar Egg Pastry (German) – From Tony’s Aunt Val Santoro

Makes enough for one 9” or 10” double crust pie or two pastry shells.

1 egg

1 Tbsp.  white vinegar

½ cup of ice water

4 cups all purpose flour

1 Tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. salt

1 ¾ cups Crisco butter flavored shortening

1.   Beat egg lightly in a small bowl. Beat in vinegar and ice water. (I usually put all in a bowl and beat then.)

2.   Combine flour sugar and salt in a large bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is consistency of blended coarse meal.

3.   Add all but 2 Tbsp. of the egg mixture and mix quickly with a fork until the dough can be gathered into a ball. Sprinkle in the reserve mixture if pastry seems dry. Wrap in plastic wrap, chill thoroughly before using.

4.   Shape and bake following the directions in individual pie recipes.

5.   I roll between sheets of plastic wrap then flip onto the pie plate.

Enjoy!   

Pam Santoro

#pies #apples #orchards #applecider #PamSantoroRealtor

 

 

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY

 

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a lovely way to spend a day in the North Georgia mountains. They have four-hour or two-hour excursions from Blue Ridge, Georgia to Copperhill, Tennessee and McCaysville, Georgia.  

We reserved the inside deluxe seating with optional boxed lunch and beverages.  There is also open-air seating.  

Sit back, relax and enjoy the view with a little bit of history thrown in. You are entertained with colorful stories of how the American Indians caught fish in the river, hear stories about the lives of families in the area when the train was used daily for transportation and more
.  

The towns have great restaurants, specialty shopping with beautiful handmade items, and delicious ice cream and coffee shops.  

Check out the train ride on https://brscenic.com/ .   

As always, if you have any real estate needs, feel free to call me Pam Santoro at 678-656-6627 or check out my website www.pamsantoro.com .   

Remember #NoOneSellsAHomeLikeAMom !

#trains #BlueRidgeScenicRailway #TrainRide 

Aprons Publix Cooking School - Alpharetta, GA

Last month our married couples group had a wonderful event at the Aprons Publix Cooking School in Alpharetta, Georgia. We chopped, stirred, broiled and sautéed our way to a gourmet meal.  

If you are looking for something different to do or if you just love to cook, this is for you. Future classes at the cooking school.  

Here are the highlights from our event: Aprons Publix Cooking School Highlights.   

As always, if you would like to live near the Alpharetta Aprons Publix Cooking School or have any real estate needs, feel free to call me Pam Santoro at 678-656-6627 (cell) or 770-475-0505 (office).

Or check out my website www.pamsantoro.com - Remember No One Sells a Home Like a Mom!

Aging Well Workshop Sept 12th Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek

Lots of us are part of the sandwich generation raising our families and taking care of our parents. If you are feeling overwhelmed worrying about your parents or even planning for yourself, this workshop is for you. We’ll discuss topics like finances, assisted living, insurance, downsizing, moving, veteran’s benefits and more.

  

Please join us for the Aging Well Workshop (for Seniors and Adult Children)  on Tuesday, September 12th, 2017 from 3PM to 5PM at Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek (next to Laurel Springs Subdivision), 3180 Karen White Drive, Suwanee, GA   30024 (770-790-0807).

Register at Eventbrite

This free event is hosted by the following:
Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services of Georgia

Mary Becker, Best Deal Movers
MaryJo Bowser, Griswold Home Care

Mike Mahoney, Commonwealth of Atlanta LLC

Kristine Evjen, Welcome Home Move Managers LLC

Jim Barnes, Barnes Risk Group
Karen Ross, Aging Options Consulting Group

As always, if you have any real estate needs, feel free to call me Pam Santoro at 678-656-6627 or check out my website www.pamsantoro.com .  

Remember No One Sells a Home Like a Mom!

Real Estate, My Son, and Thank You Tammy & Doug!

One of the best parts of my job as a Realtor is helping wonderful clients buy their dream home, downsize or relocate to another state. Last Friday, my son, Greg, closed on his first house. I feel that all my clients become a part of my family, but this was my son who I watched grow up, go to college and become a productive member of society. It was very emotional for me.

I want to thank Tammy Skinner at Weissman PC Attorneys at Law and Doug Mooney of Home Services Lending for taking care of all the details and making the closing go smoothly.

As always, if you have any real estate needs, feel free to call me Pam Santoro at 678-656-6627 or check out my website www.pamsantoro.com .   

Remember No One Sells a Home Like a Mom!

Open House Saturday - 4530 Dartmoor Drive, Marietta, GA

Fainview Farms Subdivision

4530 Dartmoor Drive

Marietta, GA   30067

Open House Saturday, July 22nd, 2017 from 1PM to 3PM

Lease $3650 per Month 

FMLS 5879071

Fantastic Walton High area, roomy kitchen with breakfast area, formal dining and living rooms, family room with cozy fire place, and bedroom on main, four spacious bedrooms on upper level with office, finished terrace level with full bath, neutral paint throughout, and private fenced yard. Ready for you to move right in. 

Please join me at the open house on Saturday, July 22nd, from 1PM to 3PM.  This home has 5 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms and is offered for lease at $3650 per month.

For more information on 4530 Dartmoor Drive, please feel free to call me  Pam Santoro at 678-656-6627 (cell) or 770-475-0505 (Office -Broker) or check out my website at www.pamsantoro.com .  Remember No One Sells a Home Like a Mom!