The Perfect Property Podcast: An Atlanta Real Estate Guide

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The Perfect Property Podcast

With Host Juli St George

GUEST: Mary Reynolds, Physical Scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Summary:  

Mold isn’t good but it’s also nothing homeowners need to fear – once they get educated! We’re finding out about all things MOLD  on this episode of The Perfect Property Podcast. Host Juli St George gets the low-down from Mary Reynolds, a scientist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Atlanta regional office. You’ll learn what to do when you suspect mold, when it’s time to call in a professional and why it’s so important to be tested if you’re having physical symptoms. Don’t miss a great overview of a common household problem (especially in the humid south) as well as actionable tips, strategies and resources to stop mold in its tracks!
 What You’ll Learn:  All About Mold!
o   What causes it: Persistent water or moisture.
Why We Want to Get Rid of Mold:
o   Asthma is directly triggered by mold.
o   It’s a long-term irritant to eyes, nose, throat and respiratory systems.
o   If you have symptoms, consult with a physician.
Is Black Mold Just Media Hype?
o   All mold has potential health impacts – regardless of color.
About Mold Testing:
o   If there’s visual evidence, there’s no need for mold testing. It’s there!
What’s the Best Way to Remediate?
o   If you see mold growing, clean it up!
o   Address water leaks
  Special Advice for Your Basement or Crawl Space:
o   Trace the source of moisture.
o   Constantly run a dehumidifier (especially in summer) to reduce high humidity.
o   Vapor barriers in crawl spaces help keep moisture down.

·         How to Protect Air Quality Inside Our Homes:
o   Combat humidity with strong dehumidifiers throughout the house.
o   It’s possible to integrate a dehumidifying function into HVAC systems.
o   Air scrubbers – gas or particulate filtration – are highly effective.
o   When replacing filters, look for a label indicating MERV 13 or above.
o   The EPA does not oversee certification processes, but there are reputable bodies including:
§  American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC)
§  National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP)
§  National Association of Mold Remediators & Inspectors (NAMRI)
§  Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC)
§  American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)

Relevant Links/Further Resources:
·         American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC)
·         National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP)
·         National Association of Mold Remediators & Inspectors (NAMRI)
·         Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC)
·         American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
·         Get EPA info also applicable in residential settings from their document, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings."

The Perfect

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Summary:
On this episode of The Perfect Property we’re tackling all things roofs and roofing – a subject that can be intimidating, anxiety-provoking or both. But our guest, Charlie Yood, is here to educate and empower us to take charge of perhaps the single most important element of our homes – before it’s too late. As president of Rosie’s Roofing and Restoration, he’s all about demystify the components of roofing and helping us avoid making costly mistakes. Charlie shares with Host Juli St. George his top tips for protecting our homes, saving money and asking the right questions when we’re in the process of purchasing a new home. You’ll come away with a comprehensive overview of roofing as well as empowering action items that will extend the life of your roof – and increase the value of your home!

What You’ll Learn:
 All About Charlie: A former professor with a PhD in history, he founded Rosie’s 13 years ago and has since been a community resource in and around Atlanta.
 About asphalt-based shingles (most common in Atlanta and nationwide):
o Entry level: 3-tab shingles. Durable but with a relatively short life expectancy.
Typically come with a 25-year material warranty
o Next tier: Architectural shingle. Laminated layers that provide texture and depth
as well as longevity. 

 About modified bitumen (rolled roofing product):
o Tailored to withstand stress on flat roofs
o Similar to a swimming pool liner.
o Compatible with shingles for homes with both.
 Alternative roofing options:
o Single-ply roofing (energy-efficient “cool roof” TPO materials).
o Slate tiles or Spanish barrel tile roofs.
o Classic slate.
o Composite synthetic tiles or slate (much lighter).
o Metal roofing (exposed fastener or standing seam – and it’s important to know
the difference!)

 Whether the orientation of your home impacts your roof’s lifespan. (Hint: Yes!)
 What to expect with Rosie’s inspection process:
o A holistic approach that assesses all components of the roof.
o A physical appraisal conducted by an actual human walking the area.
o Video recordings that enable clients to see exactly what’s going on.
o An emphasis on transparency at every stage.
 Why satellite and drone images are not enough to accurately assess what’s going on
with your roof – or identify next steps indicated!
 Top Three Things to Know About Roofing:

o #1: Roofs are not zero maintenance! They have to be kept clean, especially
removing debris from flat roofs and in critical “valley” areas.
o #2: Roofs should be inspected on a regular basis. While your shingles might look
great, the various components holding them together degrade and break down.
o #3: If you see something that looks troubling, don’t procrastinate! Be proactive
about addressing leaks and other issues before they start to spiral.

 Bonus Tips for Homebuyers:
o Don’t rely on general inspections to identify roof issues.
o Find out from previous owners what company installed the current roof, which
may still be under warranty.
 About Rosie’s Nonprofit: Raise the Roof!
 How horror stories are always the result of delayed maintenance – especially on houses with complicated roof profiles.
 Solar Update: The most exciting trend is towards new shingles that integrate into roofing rather than add-on panels.

Notable Quotes:
 “The orientation of your house really matters! If you have slopes in your roof that are southern facing and western facing, they will not last 25 years.
 “You can’t diagnose a leak by sending up a drone. You have to get up there and – on
the roof, looking at it – really figure out what the issue is.” 
 “Water w

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The Perfect Property Podcast
Host: Juli St. George of Keller Williams Realty’s Perfect Property Team
Guests: Emily Collins & Nancy Nguyen, Real Estate Investing Entrepreneurs

Summary:
Barely into their 30s, our guests on this episode of The Perfect Property are a dynamic duo of real estate investors already on the brink of retirement. How have they done it? Through savvy, brave purchases – and relentless hard work! Nancy Nguyen & Emily Collins share with Host Juli St George an inside look at how they’ve built impressive real estate portfolios filled with a variety of investment properties. Starting from scratch, these two young female entrepreneurs leveraged mortgages, identified hidden market opportunities and teamed up to grow their business by leaps and bounds. What it takes is homework, a strong credit score and a willingness to actually take the plunge. Take a peek into how Emily and Nancy are balancing it all – the due diligence, purchases, management and inevitable trouble-shooting – while also pursuing
personal passions from travel to opening a popular Atlanta area restaurant. You’ll learn about the tried-and-true tips, actionable strategy and vision they have evolved through their
partnership. Best of all? They’re totally open to mentoring others – especially women
If you enjoyed this episode, please visit this link to subscribe & listen to much more from Juli St. George & the Perfect Property archives.

What You’ll Learn:
 Principle Investment: Why both Nancy and Emily are comfortable with 80% of their
portfolios dedicated to real estate.
 Meant to Be: How Nancy was inspired and mentored by Emily, who helped her find
profitable footing in the real estate space.
 Identifying Opportunities:
o Distinguish between established versus up-and-coming areas.
o Understand the difference between cash flow versus equity.
term versus short-term returns.
 Knowing When to Pivot: Why it’s critical for property owners not to become emotionally attached, which can leave us vulnerable to poor decision-making.
 Three Key Ingredients for Sound Investing:
o Numbers
o Potential
o Equity
 Pros and Cons of Working as a Team:
o Pro: Keeping one another accountable to unsentimental analysis.
o Con: It all depends on finding a great partner, as Emily and Nancy have found, melding flexibility, dynamism and pooled knowledge.

o A good credit score is key.
o Buying a primary residence makes a perfect point of entry.
o Leverage mortgages expands access.
o Develop a sharp network of agents who are keeping an eye out!
o Stay local to maximize control of and visibility on properties.
o Learn the management process now - become more hands-off later.

Notable Quotes:
 “I don’t think I picked real estate. I think real estate picked me.”
 “Real estate is a living, breathing thing and it changes every single day ... and you have to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s going on.”
 “You have to learn when you start investing in real estate to switch the way you think –from emotional to what’s logical.”  “We’re both highly motivated and know what we want, so when an opportunity comes along it’s very easy for us to pull the trigger.”
 “The beauty of real estate is leveraging and using equity to collect more properties.”
 “You can’t start in real estate if you have really terrible credit. It’s a much longer journey.”
 “No one is going to know more about a specific area and property than someone who works the area, sifts through properties, sees what’s going up and sees what they’re selling for on a day to day.”
Relevant Links/Further Resources:
Check out Nancy’s unique, highly successful mimosa bar, Pur Zen

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The Perfect Property – Chris Greene, The Flood Insurance Guru

Summary:  

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should have flood insurance, the answer is yes! This episode of The Perfect Property features Chris Greene, The Flood Insurance Guru, who covers all things flood-related. Whether the source is a pipe burst inside or an epic rain event, there are baseline factors that every homeowner (or prospective homeowner) will want to weigh. 

The good news is that being in a flood zone isn’t a non-starter. The Flood Insurance Guru is all about providing education and resources to equip homeowners with the tools they need to mitigate risk and minimize impacts for which insurance coverage is minimal or non-existent. There are realities that investors need to factor into their business plan and realtors will need to incorporate in the sales process, whether on the buyer or seller side. 

You can locate flood zone information for your home address by clicking here. Additional maps and other Flood Insurance Guru resources are available here.

What You’ll Learn: 

·         Exactly what IS a flood zone? Short answer? Everything! (0:45)

o   A and AE (also known as 100-year) flood zones are high risk and most common in Atlanta.

o   B flood zones (generally coastal Georgia) are considered moderate risk.

·         The type of flood zone designation in which a property lies impacts its value. (6:50)

·         Why flood/elevation certificates are optional – but important (7:52)

·         About what to do (and how to potentially save some money) if updated mapping suddenly redefines a property you already own as falling within a flood zone.(12:17)

·         What’s not covered by most insurance: Mold mitigation and anything stored in a basement. (15:35)

·         Should you buy property in a flood zone? Yes! (16:05)

·         If you’re considering a house located within a flood zone, it’s all about education, disclosure and mitigation. Ask for flood loss documentation from current owners. (16:40)

·         Who needs flood insurance? Everyone! Why?  (20:42)

·         There is no centralized repository to search a property’s flood claim history, but if you’re the owner it’s possible to request a list from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). (22:58)

Key Quotes:

“AE is your highest risk flood zone when it comes to non-coastal areas … one in every 100 chances within a given year a property could possibly flood.” (1:45) 

“We teach people what their flood risk is, how to understand it, what the flood options are and, if a flood does occur, we walk people through how to get disaster assistance.” (13:12)

“The key with flood is that it has to inundate the property. It has to come from outside the property and generally can’t come from ground water. It has to be surface water.”  (20:20)

 Contacts & Further Resources:

Website: The Perfect Property

Website: The Flood Insurance Guru

Chris @LinkedIn

The Flood Insurance Guru YouTube Channel.

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The Perfect Property with Juli St. George

Guest: Karen Anderson Singer, Tiny Doors ATL

Summary: 

In this episode of The Perfect Property, Juli draws the curtain back on Tiny Doors ATL – a popular art installation that finds big ideas in very small places. Karen Anderson Singer’s colorful, unique Tiny Doors have popped up all over the city in recent years, to the delight of everyone who comes upon them. This podcast covers not only where the artist found her inspiration but how her vision has inspired a sense of community, whether situated outside a major corporation, adjacent to a community organization or tucked into the trunk of a tree. 

 Shaped by a life-long love of both miniatures and street art, Karen (an Atlanta transplant originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan) married the two passions in a whimsical format that has drawn national and international attention. Juli explores with her guest the various ways in which Tiny Doors spur imagination, prompting all kinds of curiosity and questioning, always in the context of respect for whatever the locale. These little gems, sprinkled throughout the city, have prompted a movement. Learn how you can tour Karen’s colorful installations and perhaps join the growing Tiny Door community by leaving an interactive treasure of your own!

What You’ll Learn: 

·         Karen explains the artistic impulse and vision behind her doors – the purpose they serve and the imaginative thinking she hopes to spark.

·         Tiny Doors require a certain amount of maintenance, but they are also an exercise in letting go for the artist – who understands that they need to evolve organically.

·         The “Tiny Key” bestowed upon Karen for her represents a city that embraces imagination and believes that it’s possible to create something big out of something tiny.

·         Lesson plans, treasure hunts, an augmented reality app –  (links below).

·         The secret behind Door #5. How it nearly broke Karen’s heart and how a new, epic tree-based door in Grant Park proved a healing – fun – journey. 

Key Points: 

 “When I’m creating a door I’m thinking about the community in front of it ... I’m trying to come up with the best blank canvas for your imagination.” (5:01)

 “(Tiny Doors) really is about the love that I have and that the people of Atlanta have for Atlanta. They really are about embracing the community. It’s not necessarily about what you’d find behind the doors. It’s about who you meet in front of the doors.” (11:39)

 “The real story of these Tiny Doors is going to be how they move and grow. I don’t see there being 100 but maybe 100 versions of the first few …” (30:19)

Contacts & Further Resources:

·         More information about the Tiny Doors ATL can be found here.

·         Download a free Tiny Doors ATL lesson plan for kids here. 

·         Click here to take a Tiny Doors map and augmented reality tour.

·         Support Tiny Doors by shopping their online store.

·         Reach out via email: [email protected]

·         Click here to make a donation and keep Karen’s Tiny Doors coming!

 The Perfect Property Website.

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The Perfect Property with Juli St George

Guest: Will Johnston, Executive Director, MicroLife Institute

Summary:  

This episode of The Perfect Property podcast highlights a movement that has captured the imaginations of people interested in downsizing (or “rightsizing”) their property while upgrading their quality of life. Host Juli St George welcomes Will Johnston, executive director of the MicroLife Institute, a thought leader and innovator in the micro-living, or Tiny House, space. Their conversation explores a new approach to the built environment – the spaces in which we live, work and recreate every day.

Will shares the story of how he personally came to start the MicroLife Institute and his journey to establishing The Cottages on Vaughan in Clarkston, Georgia, a model community that is redefining the parameters of real estate development. Studies indicate that people of all ages and different stages of life desire not only a stronger sense of community, but also improved economies of scale, environmental footprints and housing equity.

The Cottages on Vaughan, an inaugural project for the MicroLife Institute, provides a template that’s stirring interest nationally and abroad – not least because of the powerful punch it packs within a tiny footprint (around 650 square feet). Will describes the interior layout and shares the philosophy behind outdoor spaces designed to foster a sense of neighborhood – from shared tools to a communal fire pit and pizza oven. 

The MicroLife Institute is tracking the demographics and data suggest that many people are ready to trade in a huge, isolated suburban home for more nimble, walkable, interconnected housing enclaves, or Pocket Neighborhoods, that offer a very personal sense of home and belonging. Enjoy this tour of a housing trend that’s here to stay.

What You’ll Learn: 

·         How Will ditched traditional corporate life in favor of the micro-life way. (2:12)

·         The spectrum of conversations going on around the concept of micro-housing. (3:29)

·         Will highlights the fundamental principles of micro-life and Pocket Neighborhoods.(5:08)

·         All about Cottages on Vaughan, MicroLife’s pilot project in Clarkston, Georgia. (8:42)

·         Juli asks Will to drill down on the demographics of micro-home dwellers. (Short answer: It spans all age groups!) There’s high demand, high interest. (13:47)

·         A virtual tour of a typical Tiny House – the parameters, layout, occupancy, etc. (17:38)

·         Physical layout and community planning are key elements to the MicroLife model, which Will details. (19:36)

·         “Layers of separation” are critical to Ross Chapin’s vision for Pocket Neighborhoods that foster community while preserving privacy and space. (21:45)

·         Pets are welcome – and here’s how it works. (22:29)

·         Costs associated with owning and living in a Tiny Home community. (24:42)

Key Points: 

“We are told that you get in debt, move into the house, keep up with the Joneses and all that jazz. I knew that that was not my story.”  

“We don’t want people to build bigger just for the sake of money. We want people to be smart about how they utilize space and create that walkability that creates community.”

“The more I read 'The Color of Law' and the more I get into conversations about exclusionary zoning, it makes me so angry about the world we built in the built environment.” 

The Perfect Property Website.

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Summary:  

On this episode of The Perfect Property podcast Juli invites Amanda Rhein, executive director of the Atlanta Land Trust, to share the inroads she has made in a career dedicated to improving Atlanta’s built environment. The community land trust model, which has found success over the years in 250 cities nationwide, is making home ownership attainable for people in lower incomes brackets. Although local real estate prices have increased dramatically, the ALT has managed to create affordable housing options in a market that would otherwise be out of reach.

Juli and Amanda’s conversation includes a step-by-step explanation of how leased home ownership differs from traditional, the financial profile required of prospective buyers and options for counseling to get on the path to qualifying for a mortgage. Amanda also walks through the process of re-selling a property, how accrued equity is distributed and options available to older family members who wish to pass their 99-year lease down to younger generations. 

With roots tracing back to the 1960s, the community land trust model arose in response to the systematic deprivation of civil rights in southern Georgia. The effects of discrimination and intimidation are transgenerational but organizations like the ALT are providing a roadmap for would-be homeowners in need of a point of entry. Amanda shares success stories and acknowledges the ongoing challenge of lobbying for necessary private- and public-sector funding for the portfolio of 300 properties she ultimately hopes to establish. She paints a picture of the types of homes the ALT currently has under development (both single family and townhome communities) as well as her hopes for the future. Join Juli in learning about the Atlanta Land Trust’s mission and the ways in which it is delivering low-income individuals and families access to the American dream of home ownership.

What You’ll Learn: 

·         Amanda explains how the Atlanta Land Trust works and why it exists. (1:49)

·         The community land trust model’s southern roots and evolution. (2:15)

·         How the Atlanta Land Trust model specifically serves communities suffering redlining, food deserts, runaway rents/property taxes and other housing inequities. (6:16)

·         Amanda explains the step-by-step process and time required to secure a land trust property. (8:38)

·         Home valuations in Atlanta have increased in some cases by as much as $100,000, which makes a ground lease formula the best alternative for many families. (11:26)

·         Amanda explains the resale process and ALT’s ongoing stewardship role. (12:10)

·         Average sale price for ALT-leased homes in Atlanta is about $165,000, but there is a wide range depending on income and other factors. (13:32)

·         Funding and land acquisition/development for ALT requires constant cultivation of public and private funding sources. (16:11)

·         What about the homes themselves? Is there a “typical” ALT housing project? Some are scattered-site single family homes built on public land and others are larger planned communities of townhomes/condos (both new construction and renovation). (18:00)
·         The ALT’s income limits are set based on Area Median Income (AMI), which for the majority of applicants means an income cap of $68,950 annually for a family of four and $48,000 for single individuals. (20:25)

·         Other factors in qualifying for a mortgage include: credit score, proof of steady income and amount of household debt. For those who fail to qualify, ALT offers counseling to get on

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On this episode of The Perfect Property podcast, Juli speaks with Chardel from American Homeshield
Home Warranty. Chardel concisely answers many of the questions that home buyers have about home
warranties, starting with why homeowners should buy into a home warranty.
Chardel explains that a home warranty exists to protect the budget for sellers and buyers while the
house is listed or once the buyer has purchased and moved into the house. A home warranty covers the
mechanical (not structural) systems and appliances within the main foundation.
So, with a home warranty, when a problem comes up, all you have to do is call the company, describe
the problem, and a technician is dispatched to either repair or replace the item. That being said, what a
home warranty covers can differ from company to company. When it comes to coverage and whether or
not they send people out to make repairs, be sure to check your company’s limitations to avoid
unwanted surprises!
Chardel notes that a home warranty is even more important during the pandemic, with many people
spending more time at home and using appliances frequently. And, you don’t have to be a new
homebuyer to purchase a home warranty. Even if you’ve been in your house for some time, you can still
opt for a home warranty with Home Shield.
It’s also important to remember that a home warranty is different than homeowner’s insurance. Chardel
explains how they differ and also discusses the prices of a home warranty, shares how a home warranty
can save the day, and touches on expensive repairs like HVAC and replacement gases.

What You’ll Learn:
 Why homeowners should buy into a home warranty (0:42)
 What a homeowner can and can’t expect from a warranty (1:39)
 Myths about home warranties (4:20)
 Different tiers of home warranties (5:16)
 Home warranty pricing (5:50)
 Commercial home warranties (6:34)
 Warranties for homeowners who have been in their home a while (6:54)
 Stories of home warranties saving the day (7:45)
 Changes in HVAC and replacement gases (8:37)

Key Points: (3-4 quotes)
“A home warranty is there to protect the budget for sellers and buyers while the house is listed or once
the buyer has purchased the home and moved into the home.”
“At American Home Shield, we cover for undetected preexisting, we cover for mismatched systems, we
cover for lack of maintenance. Age is not an issue with our warranty.”
“A home warranty is actually a very good compliment to homeowner’s insurance. Not one takes the
place of the other. But homeowner’s insurance covers for the catastrophic and structural items of the

home and the home warranty can cover the mechanical systems of the home. So, they really are great
hand-in-hand, especially for first-time home buyers or new home buyers.”
“Having the home warranty just takes the hassle out of it for the homeowner.”

Links:
Juli’s Email: [email protected]
Juli’s Phone Number: 404-668-8975 (call or text)
The Perfect Property Website. www.theperfectproperty.com
https://www.ahs.com/ 
Chardel Ehrhardt: [email protected]

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In this episode of The Perfect Property, Juli welcomes Candice Hayes as her guest. Candice is the Lead Buyer’s Agent for the Perfect Property Team. As 2021 begins, the housing market is increasingly competitive and can be difficult to navigate.  Candice breaks down the role of a buyer’s agent and discusses the importance of utilizing someone with experience to create a strong competitive offer for today’s marketplace.

Candice reminds us to focus on the end goal; to build generational wealth for clients through home ownership. She introduces a few helpful strategies for buyers to keep in mind as they hunt for that perfect property.  Candice and Juli discuss the ins and outs of how to use earnest money, contingencies, option money and escalation clauses to get your offer accepted. 

To wrap up, Candice discusses three things to avoid as a buyer; no lowballs, don’t be picky and don’t ask for more money.  Juli gives insight from the seller’s agent perspective emphasizing the importance of filling out paperwork correctly.  At the end of the day, 2021 is both a buyer’s and a seller’s market; buyers can take advantage of great rates and sellers can take advantage of the large pool of buyers.  Both agree, the key to getting what you want on either side of a deal is to utilize the expertise of an experienced agent. 

What You’ll Learn:

·         Recap on 2020 market and what we’re seeing for 2021 (0:28)

·         Today’s guest: Candice Hayes, Lead Buyers Agent for Perfect Property (2:05)

·         Role of a buyer’s agent (2:30)

·         Strategies for making a strong, competitive offer (4:40)

·         Three things not to do as a buyer (23:00)

·         Tips from a listing agent’s perspective (24:30)

·         Super seller’s market (29:38)

 Key Points:

“That’s the main goal- build generational wealth for our clients and their families and home ownership is one of the top ways to do that.”

“As a buyer: no lowballs, don’t be picky and don’t ask for more money.”

“For the seller, please don’t overprice your house.”

 “It takes a good agent to pay attention, in a very competitive market you can lose a house for something as small as $250.”

“A favorite line in real estate: it depends.”

Let’s work together so everyone can get to the closing table and feel good about it.”

“Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? It’s actually both.”

Links: 

Homeward https://www.homeward.com/

Juli’s Email: [email protected]

Juli’s Phone Number: 404-668-8975 (call or text)

The Perfect Property Website: www.theperfectproperty.com 

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

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

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Summary:  

In this episode of The Perfect Property, Juli welcomes John Fountain as her guest. John has been in business in Atlanta for 20 years and currently works with a company called Homeward. Even during the pandemic, the Atlanta housing market is booming. Many people find themselves in the dilemma of having sold their house before they’ve bought their next house.

Homeward offers a convenient buy-before-you-sell solution and John tells Juli the ins and outs. The consumer goes through an internal approval process before using Homeward’s cash to make an offer on a house they love. When their offer is accepted, Homeward closes on the house and the client moves in — all before selling their previous home. Once it does sell, the consumer simply buys their current house back from Homeward.

Homeward currently operates with certified agents in Denver, Atlanta, and four cities in Texas. Their service can also be used by anyone selling a home elsewhere and moving to one of those six cities. John himself was a Homeward consumer and he tells Juli about his experience as a home buyer and seller. 

To wrap up, John discusses Homeward’s upfront fees (the convenience fee and rent for the time Homeward owns the house) and what makes his company different from other services. 

What You’ll Learn: 

·         Today’s guest, John Fountain (0:56)

·         Helping buyers and sellers navigate the booming market (1:57)

·         The “buy before you sell” solution that Homeward offers (5:24)

·         Who can offer this type of program? (7:24)

·         Where does Homeward work? (8:15)

·         Does Homeward work for purchasing secondary homes? (9:00)

·         John’s experience as a Homeward consumer (10:45)

·         How much are Homeward fees? (12:14)

·         Why are they some of the only ones doing this? (15:15)

·         How is Homeward different? (16:10)

Key Points:

“Inventory was already low before the pandemic and after the pandemic obviously it’s even lower.”

“If it’s staged right and it’s priced right, houses are selling within six days on average.”

“It’s a buy-before-you-sell solution… The consumer goes through an internal approval process. Once they’re approved, they go out and they use our cash to make an offer to buy their next house. Once that offer gets accepted, Homeward then closes on the house and the client moves right in and once they move in, they get to list and sell their house… Once they sell that house and close, then they buy the house back from Homeward.”

“There are only two costs to use the product. One is a convenience fee and then they actually pay rent on the time that Homeward owns the house.”

“Convenience fee is going to be rolled into the mortgage… If they use Homeward mortgage, it’s 1.4% of the purchase price and if they decide to go with their own lender, which we welcome them doing, it’s 2.4%.”

“We actually guarantee the sale of their house.”

Links: 

Homeward https://www.homeward.com/

Juli’s Email: [email protected]

Juli’s Phone Number: 404-668-8975 (call or text)

The Perfect Property Website. www.theperfectproperty.com 

Instagram: @julistgeorge

Facebook: The Perfect Property

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