I know what you’re thinking “What! sell my house during the holidays….You’ve got to be kidding me! With all the shopping, baking, tree decorating, parties, and on and on why in the world would I want to put any more STRESS into my holiday season!”

It’s fairly common for most sellers to have this mindset, that “Winter” months equals a NO SALE season. Allow me to debunk this common myth. While showings can be stressful during a time when there is family over or on a Sunday while you’re putting up a tree, there are substantial reasons why the end of the year is one of the BEST times for sellers to sell their Atlanta home.

• · LESS EQUALS MORE- During the holidays, many sellers take their homes off the market, which means there are LESS homes available to prospective buyers. Low inventory increases the chance a seller can sell quickly and for more money.

• · SERIOUS BUYER POOL -If you are having showings on Christmas Day (perish the thought!), or any of the weeks leading up to it, you can rest assured that these are not the “looky lous”. These are serious buyers who NEED to buy, so having your home on the market during this time means we are dealing with a SERIOUS buyer pool.

• · RELOCATION, RELOCATION, RELOCATION- Did you know Atlanta is home to the TOP 50 Global Corporations like Coca-Cola Company, NCR,Delta, Equifax, UPS and more?? These companies tend to staff their corporations right before the end of the year to get in their “calendar budgets” for the next year. Keeping your home on the market during this time means that you have a better chance of snagging up a high-powered executive.

• · INTEREST RATES -Interest rates are still at an all time low, so there is even more incentive for buyers to buy.

• · COMPETITION-Today, your home is based on the valuation of your current competition, which is less due to low inventories. When the market picks back up in the Spring, sellers will be “competing” with each other to get their sold quicker. While we don’t have a crystal ball, we do know what we are working with RIGHT NOW!

• · BECAUSE I SAID SO! -In my seven years as a real estate agent, November and December has proven to be my most productive months of the year. My proven track record confirms all my previous reasons.

• · DON’T FAIL!-You only FAIL if you fail to try. Test my theory and see the results for yourself.

• · REAL ESTATE AGENTS LIKE TO TAKE THE HOLIDAYS OFF- so hire one who you know will be in town and can help filter all the calls and continue to market the home.

• · TAX SEASON -Some buyers NEED to buy before the end of the year due to the tax benefits. Don’t deny them the right to capitalize on this pivotal time.

• · MORE FREE TIME FOR BUYERS- And, time is money. Buyers have more time to look during the holidays outside of work hours, so keep your home on the market to ensure every possible buyer is able to see your home.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average agent sells 8 homes a year. YES, 8 HOMES A YEAR. In a time of anxiety and hardship for many agents, I have sold 58 homes of which 8 were sold in the month of November 2011 alone.

If you’re looking for an Atlanta real estate agent who WILL be in town for the holidays and has a proven track record of producing IMPRESSIVE results and getting sellers TOP DOLLAR for their homes, call Winter at 678-463-3173.

The current Administration’s Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) has been designed to assist homeowners in refinancing their mortgages – even if they owe more than the home’s current value. The program allows refinancing of qualifying loans if the borrower owes up to 125 percent of the home’s value. Since its inception however, 9 out of 10 of eligible homeowners have failed to take advantage of this government program.

The HARP program will allow homeowners who have made timely mortgage payments in the last year to refinance even without the equity in their home that traditionally they would need to refinance. One important aspect of the stipulations to note is that homeowners current mortgage would have to have been sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac before May 31, 2009. The HARP program will be presented in phases with loan applications starting at December 1, 2011 or after.

The enhancements to the HARP program will include:

• Eliminating certain risk-based fees for borrowers who refinance into shorter-term mortgages and lowering fees for other borrowers;

• Removing the cap on loan-to-value (LTV) – previously set at 125 percent – to allow far more borrowers to qualify (effective sometime in the first quarter of 2012);

• Extending HARP through December 31, 2013; and

• Streamlining the process further for borrowers.

HARP generally reduces the borrowers’ monthly mortgage payment by providing a new loan at a lower interest rate, and may also be used to replace an adjustable-rate or interest-only loan with a fixed interest rate loan. To find out  if you may qualify for the HARP program please contact your local Mortgage lender.

Shooting my first episode on HGTV’s House Hunters in 2010, “Pampered Pooch” was such an amazing experience. My clients Kelly & Brian had set out to find their perfect Brookhaven Home and we were able to capture all of the good, bad and ugly of the home buying experience. It truly bonded us along the way as well. Here is a little scene from my first episode, Pampered Pooch:

If you aren’t familiar with “House Hunters” the popular show, which has an average of five million viewers per episode, takes viewers behind the scenes of the emotional experience of finding and purchasing a new home.

My most recent episode: Engaged Couple Buys First Home in Atlanta aired on Sept. 25, 2011 and all I can say was it was a hilarious time filled with lots of funny moments…I think HGTV’s description says it all:

Tyler and Sherry are getting married in a few months and want to buy their first home in Atlanta, Georgia. But, with Sherry picking apart every cosmetic detail in the homes they see, and Tyler rating the quality of each room on a scale of 1 to 5, their realtor, Winter Baserva, is being put to the test. Can she find a place that meets their high standards?
http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters/engaged-couple-searches-for-first-home-in-atlanta-ga/index.html

And, here is a sneak peak of the second episode

I felt so honored and humbled to be choosen to do another Atlanta episode. This officially makes me the only Atlanta Real Estate Agent to be featured on the show twice.

But, aside from the glitz and glamour of being on TV, there is actually A LOT more than meets the eye….

For one, Atlanta is receiving BIG International Media attention for the business Mecca that it is. Being home to some of the Nations TOP global corporations like Delta, Coca-Cola, Center for Disease Control and NCR to all of the growth projections for the city, its truly rewarding to see Atlanta being highlighted on the map.

In addition to Pietown Productions, lots of other production companies are bringing their business, just see how much Atlanta is on the MAP in terms of movie making and that is all helping to fuel our local enconomy.

But above all else, this popularity, the increasing number of home sales and the influx of business is hopefully helping home owners understand that the economy is picking up, things are NOT that bad and we will ALL get through this.

I can’t speak for other agents, but I can tell you that according to the National Association of Realtors your average agent sells 6 homes a year, and to date my team, Seasons Realty Group and I have sold over 60 homes. That is 10 times your average agent….How, you ask??

We’ll aside from working 28 hour days everyday, there are still people buying and selling homes and we provide them with the utmost service and advice to help them get into their home or get it sold quick ….So sellers be happy, things are turning around …buyers enjoy this wonderful opportunity you have at your hands, it won’t be here forever…..

If you don’t get a chance to watch the second episode, here are a few clips:

The episode will continue to air throughout the year, so check HGTV for the upcoming schedule. And, if you would like to start your own house hunt with me and possibly be on my next episode, please give me a call at 678-463-3173.

Dunwoody is a highly-sought out area in Atlanta to live in, but why?? Whether its proximity to major interstates, its abundance of shopping and restaurants or its established neighborhoods, Dunwoody is definitely the AREA TO BE. However, above all of the benefits of living in Dunwoody, its number one attraction and the reason thousands flock to find their good deal in this area is because of the large attraction to the areas best homes with some of the best parks and recreation for families and singles alike!!

Dunwoody is fast becoming the NEW Chastain park with easy access to the million dollar renovation on the Riverfront Morgan Falls Park or visit the Big Trees Forest Preserve or even capitalize on some of the areas best golfing at the Dunwoody Country Club or even take the kiddies to the Dunwoody Nature Center. Aside from the wealth of activities to do, you have EASY access to some of Atlanta’s BEST shopping at Perimeter Mall and get right to the airport with access to Marta in both Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. And, if that’s not enough, just think of all the gas you’ll save being right off I-285 and GA-400.

In addition, North Springs High School is not only a comprehensive high school, but the only one that has a dual magnet program. It’s been recognized as a Georgia School of Excellence, Grammy Signature School. And U.S. News & World Report rated it an outstanding high school.

Because of these reasons, finding a home in pristine condition, that’s ready-to-move in with a FULL basement in this area under $600,000 in this area is RARE!!!

However, there are still good deals out there for those who are looking in the right places…Places like…Spalding Heights…

IMAGINE the opportunity to own this LAVISH EXECUTIVE ESTATE perfectly situated Near I-285 and GA-400. Minutes from all the major hospitals including St. Joseph’s and Northside hospital, in addition to some of ATL’s BEST Shopping and Entertainment. This is 750 Spalding Heights Drive and a Relocation Dream Home!!!

This is your opportunity to get in on this lavish entertainer’s estate at a price that can’t be beat!!!

This beast boasts more than 3,500 square feet including a FULL basement just waiting for your finishing touches.

On close to a half acre of land, enjoy a cup of joe with your PRIVATE TREE TOP deck overlooking lush landscaping, or relax in your spa-like master bath retreat w/ dual vanities and a MASSIVE Walk-in closet. With TWO LEVELS OF FULLY FINISHED PERFECTION, this home is SURE TO PLEASE!!!

Other Special Features Include:

~Open Entertainer’s Floor Plan w/Family Room, B’Nook & Chef’s Kitchen!!!   

~Stunning Kitchen with Island & Prep Sink Overlooking Fireside Family Room!

~Gleaming Hardwoods on Main Level!!!!

~Formal Living with HIGH Ceilings & Decorator Windows!!

~Designer Paint & Meticulously Kept!

~LAVISH Master Suite with Sitting Area and DUAL-SIDE Fireplace!!  

~Spa-Like Master Bath Retreat with Dual Vanities and OVERSIZED Whirlpool Tub!    

~Elegant Crown Molding & Millwork Details!

~DRAMATIC Two-Story Foyer with 30ft+++ Ceilings!

~LOADS of Natural Light Throughout!

~Secondary Bedrooms are a Great Size too!!!

~PRIVATE, Lush Back Yard Oasis, with LOW Yard Maintenance & Mature Landscaping!

~FULL Basement, Just Waiting for Your Finishing Touches!!

~Cozy Screened Porch for Your Morning Cup of Joe w/Tree Top Entertainer’s Deck!

~Friendly Neighbors and Amazing Community Feel!!!

~Perfectly Situated Near I-285 & GA-400 near Shopping & Entertainment!!!!

For more information on how to get in on one of Atlanta’s FINEST areas for a fraction of the cost, visit www.SeasonsRealtyGroup.com or call Winter Baserva at 678-463-3173.

PRESS RELEASE  

Winter Baserva

winter@seasonsrealtygroup.com  

678-463-3173

Solid Source Realty Contact
Brian Cowling

Director of Strategic Growth

bcowling@solidsource.net

770-757-2411 x.7998

For Immediate Release

TUNE IN TO HGTV’S HOUSE HUNTERS ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2011 AT 10:00 P.M. EST AND WATCH HOW LOCAL REALTOR® INTRODUCES VIEWERS TO ATLANTA

Realtor®, Winter Baserva is the ONLY Agent in Atlanta Featured on International Television Show HGTV’s House Hunters…Twice!!

ATLANTA, GA— September 20, 2011– A major California production company, Pietown Productions, with the assistance of Realtor® Winter Baserva is bringing BIG media attention to the Atlanta area. Winter Baserva, of Seasons Realty Group of Solid Source Realty, Inc. will be featured in her second episode of HGTV’s House Hunters on September 25, 2011 at 10:00 p.m. EST on the HGTV Network, Channel 59 in Atlanta.

The popular show, which has an average of five million viewers per episode, takes viewers behind the scenes of the emotional experience of finding and purchasing a new home. Shot over four days, the episode will be released to the public for the first time on September 25, 2011 and it should definitely get the interest of viewers by the description on the HGTV website:

Tyler and Sherry are getting married in a few months and want to buy their first home in Atlanta, Georgia. But, with Sherry picking apart every cosmetic detail in the homes they see, and Tyler rating the quality of each room on a scale of 1 to 5, their realtor, Winter Baserva, is being put to the test. Can she find a place that meets their high standards?
http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters/engaged-couple-searches-for-first-home-in-atlanta-ga/index.html

“I was approached directly by the show in 2009 because of my out-of-the-box approach to buying and selling in today’s real estate market. My original episode, Pampered Pooch, featured me and my buyers ‘shopping’ in the Brookhaven area. Since its launch date in January 2010, it continues to run on HGTV,” said Winter Baserva, Realtor®, Seasons Realty Group of Solid Source Realty, Inc. “I’m honored and humbled to be the only real estate agent in Atlanta featured on the show TWO times, in addition to being less than handful of agents to ever be featured on the show two times.”

In a time where most agents are struggling for business, Baserva is defying the odds and has set ground-breaking records within her brokerage. “Winter’s commitment to provide exceptional service, coupled with genuine care for others, is felt by clients and co-workers during every transaction.  She consistently delivers service beyond client expectations and extraordinary success continues to follow her hard work.  Winter ranks in the top 1% of over 2700 Solid Source Agents in one of the most challenging real estate markets in real estate history.  Achievement of this magnitude is a direct reflection of her commitment, attention to details, focus and drive.  It is an honor to have her representing Solid Source Realty,” said Michele Velcheck, owner, Solid Source Realty.

She has also set records for her own personal production. “More millionaires were made during the Great Depression than any other era in U.S. History,” said Baserva. “I specialize in good deals and selling homes for top dollar. There are tremendous opportunities for both buyers and sellers in today’s market for those willing to find them.”

While buyers still have the upper hand, Baserva says her sellers are benefitting from today’s market as well. “My sellers are also seeing the benefits a down market can bring, especially if they are looking to upgrade, downgrade or purchase a second home.”

It’s this type of resourcefulness and mindset that has landed Baserva a spot on a national television show for the second time. For more information, please contact Winter Baserva at 678-463-3173, winter@seasonsrealtygroup.com

###

As an expert in all aspects of real estate from buying and selling to investing and REO properties, Baserva builds her business based on honesty, respect, and trust by empowering her clients with the education and tools needed to make an informed decision.  Raised in Roswell, GA, and a graduate from Chattahoochee High School in Alpharetta, she moved back to Atlanta in 2007, after working for a residential brokerage and commercial developer in Florida.

Her career originally started out in communications, marketing and public relations. Baserva has previously held positions with the Miami Art Museum, Miami Children’s Museum, Grove Garden Luxury Residences, and others helping them grow their businesses through publicity management and strategic marketing campaigns. Her skills have received attention from highly-accredited publications such as Interior Design, Time Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and many others.  She is currently team leader of Seasons Realty Group of Solid Source Realty, Inc., a Mecca of extraordinary agents dedicated to Atlanta GOOD DEALS and superior performance.

She is active in many community organizations and donates to several community causes including Center for the Vision Impaired, Have a Heart Foundation and Smile Train, a company that gives children with clef lips a new chance at life and.

Originally from Atlanta, GA, Baserva graduated from The Florida State University with a bachelor of science in communications with an emphasis in public relations. She currently resides in Sandy Springs.

Declared one of the highest-rated schools in terms of curriculum and overall parent rating is the very famous Warren T. Jackson elementary school. Families from all over flock to find a piece of affordable real estate, so they can offer their kids the luxury of attending such a highly-rated school. And, those without kids, move to the area simply for the resale.

However, what most find are brick ranches with little closet space, and no yard or huge,  outdated homes for over the million dollar mark with tons of work to be put into them. Its not uncommon for the average home in this area to be built in the 1950s-1970s.  What’s even more astounding is that this area is so highly sought out, that its not uncommon to see raw land sell for $500,000…and that’s WITHOUT a home on it. Finding a newer construction, luxury home in a reasonable price is hard to come by ….UNTIL NOW….

This Custom Built Entertainers Estate is NOW priced with a $276,000.00 reduction (no that was not a typo).

The palatial elegance masterminded on this CUSTOM-BUILT, STUNNING 4-sided brick beauty provides a place of indulgence and TOTAL comfort in this extraordinary home, perfectly situated in the Heart of Atlanta.

Built in 2004, this one-of-a-kind, COMMISSIONED home proves every modern convenience, yet still captures its authentic old-world European, Colonial Willamsburg-like charm at a FRACTION of what you might expect to pay.

This gem boasts so many well-appointed features; it’s hard to cover them all. What I can say for sure is that this home is NOT the home for you if…..

*You DON’T need an abundance of space.
*You want to be located “OTP“
*You ONLY entertain two times a year.
*You want a “FIXER UPPER”.
*You DON’T want to impress your friends and family.
*You’re NOT looking for a GREAT value!
*You just DON’T enjoy the finer things in life.

This resort-like home provides a luxury living experience with every possible convenience one can imagine….From the LAVISH Master on Main Suite with Dual-Side Fireplace and Sitting Room to the GORGEOUS Chef’s Kitchen imagined only in DREAMS, to the TWO Home Theatres and the MIND-BLOWING BASEMENT all the way down to the TOP NOTCHconstruction details like R-30 Insulation, no detail has been left untouched.

Other Special Features Include:

CHEF’S Kitchen with MASSIVE Juparana Persa GRANITE Island & prep sink PERFECT for Entertaining!   

Top-of-the-Line Stainless Steel Appliances with Dual Ovens & Retractable Vent Hood!

SPACIOUS Keeping Room with Recessed Lighting that Opens to Breakfast Nook~Entertainer’s Dream!

Wrought Iron Spiral Staircase Extends Throughout Two-Story Foyer & Great Room~So Beautiful!

Custom-Built Butler’s Bar in Great Room!

LAVISH Master-on-Main Suite w/ Trey Ceilings and PRIVATE Sitting Area that Extends to the Deck!         

Spa-Like Master Bath Retreat with Dual, White Spring Beveled Granite Vanities!!

Double-Sided Fireplace in Master Oasis that Overlooks the WHIRLPOOL Tub and Master Suite!!

MASSIVE Walk-in Master Closet Suited for a KING!!! The Other Closets Are BIG Too!!

Whole-House Main Floor Surround Sound that will BLOW Your Mind!

TWO Home Theatres: Main Level and Basement Level with Paneled Acoustics!!!

Got In-Home Gym Wired for the ULTIMATE Work Out Experience?? We Do!

MIND-BLOWING Basement Renovation: GREAT Room w/HIGH Ceilings, GYM, In-Law Suite, Theatre & More!

Terrace Level & Main Level Access to Your LOW MAINTENANCE, FENCED and PRIVATE Outdoor Oasis!

Custom Camera System to Monitor Back Yard Festivities~There isn’t ANYTHING We Haven’t Thought of!!!!

99% of ALL Closets are ELFA CUSTOM DESIGN~WOW!!!

With R-30 & R-19 Insulation Throughout this Custom Home, You Hear ABSOLUTELY No Noise!!!

Not 2, Not 3, BUT 4-ZONE Heating & Air Systems, so Pick & Choose Your Zone!!!

Large Secondary Bedrooms w/ Walk-in Closets & GRANITE On Every Stitch of this HOME!!!

EXTENSIVE Millwork & Trim Details Throughout the Home!

PRESTIGIOUS Buckhead Location, TOP-NOTCH Schools and OH SO LOW PRICE for SO MUCH HOME!!!

Perfectly Situated with Easy Access to Hwys, Chastain Park & EVERYTHING Atlanta!!!

King Features: Real Copper Gutters, Plantation Shutters, 3 Fireplaces, 4 Types of Granite & More!

LOW, LOW, LOW Water Bills = One BIG Benefit!!!
The ability to merge the SMART HOME new construction details, while capturing the authenticity of EVERYTHING Buckhead, has come to fruition in this GORGEOUS RMK Construction Design. This one will absolutely BLOW YOUR MIND!!

For more information or to schedule your own private tour, visit www.SeasonsRealtyGroup.com or call Winter Baserva at 678.463.3173!

As I flew out the door headed to my seller’s house I went over in my mind what the showing agent had said, “The basement carpeting is soaked, can’t tell where it’s coming from, better let the owner’s know!” Yeah, not so easy to do since my seller was out of the country, with no return in sight. As I opened the lockbox and headed for the basement I hoped for the best, but feared the worst. The carpet was wet in different places, and I couldn’t tell where the water was coming from. My mind immediately kicked into recovery mode and I called my assistant to get the number for a few of our plumbing vendors, and restoration clean up companies. Five phone calls later, including one to my trusty home inspector to find out where the water shut off valve might be, I had a moment to take a breath, and regain some vestige of composure. This might have been something I could wrap my brain around if my home owner was in the same HEMISPHERE as me and knew about his EMERGENCY home disaster! But being the ultimate professional Realtor that I am, who thinks on her feet, I realized I was on my own with this little misadventure.

According to my assistant, it was approximately 12:30 AM in the region that my home owner was visiting, and as he slept peacefully, with full confidence in my ability to protect his interests in his absence, I tried to convince myself not to run away, since I could think of a few countries I would rather be visiting myself at that exact moment. One more deep breath, and the plumber finally arrived. He found the culprit pipe leak within minutes and proceeded to ask who was paying for his services today. I looked around and didn’t see anyone else, so I reluctantly signed off on the $350 service fee, happy that the flood had subsided. Not long after, the restoration company showed up for what was going to turn into a much longer stay than the plumbers. As I threw the clothes that had gotten soaked in the washer, turned it on, and gathered up the remaining delicate items to drop off at the dry cleaners, I looked around at the damage to report to my home owner. It was obvious that it was going to turn into a home owner’s insurance claim, but I didn’t have his insurance information, deductible, etc and did I mention it was the middle of the night where he was? Oh well, story for another day. As the words ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ wafted through my mind, I smiled and thought to myself , “I’d hope that he would have done the same for me if he was in my place”, and either way, this is what being the best is all about.

It’s about protecting your client’s best interest, whatever it takes! If this sounds like the kind of ‘service with a smile’ you are looking for when you are ready to put your house on the market, give me a call at 678-463-3173, that’s Winter Baserva, real estate agent extraordinaire!