The Perfect Property Podcast: An Atlanta Real Estate Guide Juli St George

Whether you’re on the buyer or seller side of the equation, having a top-notch real estate appraisal is key. Find out why on this episode of The Perfect Property, when our host Juli St. George welcomes Scott Murphy of D.S. Murphy & Associates. Appointed to the Board of Real Estate Appraisers in 2004 by the governor of Georgia, Scott exemplifies the industry gold standard. He’s explaining why working with local experts is so important and how their understanding of current market conditions, neighborhood data and the accuracy of public records can make the difference between an appraisal that flies and one that doesn’t. Get the data right, and your real estate transaction is on the fast-track. Get it wrong, and the results can be disastrous. There’s a reason D.S. Murphy serves 30+ metro Atlanta counties, deploying a team of 80 appraisers who maintain highest professional standards – from your initial contact to the final product and beyond! If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time to consider a consultative appraisal. Find out which home upgrades tend to pay off and how online real estate platforms (think Redfin or Zillow) differ from actual appraisals. (Hint: The difference is huge!) 



https://linktr.ee/julistgeorge

The Perfect Property Podcast
With Host Juli St. George
GUEST: Daniel Palmer, Loan Originator with Shelter Mortgage
Summary: 
The passion is unmistakable when Host Juli St. George welcomes Daniel Palmer, a loan originator with Shelter Mortgage, on this episode of The Perfect Property. What are they so passionate about? Getting people out of “perpetual renter” status and into owning their first home. These two real estate experts are challenging us to ask: Why am I paying someone else’s mortgage instead of my own? Worried that your iffy credit or student loans put dreams of homeownership out of reach? There are things you can do to work around whatever stumbling blocks and position yourself to buy, even in an environment with higher interest rates. You’ll learn about fantastic programs that Shelter Mortgage has partnered with KellerWilliams Realty
to make widely available and attractive to first-time homebuyers. The key to getting there is coming up with a plan – and then executing on it, step by step. That’s where trusted real estate advisers like Juli and Daniel come in. They will work together with you to achieve your dream!
 
Want to find out whether you can pre-qualify for a home loan? Visit Daniel’s website to complete an application at this link. Or give him a call – anytime day or night – just to chat about it and ask questions. Just click here!
 
If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes, please visit Juli St. George at her websiteor reach out via phone by clicking here.
 
You can also subscribe to, rate and review The Perfect Property’s entire archive of episodes by visiting this link or searching for Juli St. George on your favorite podcast streaming platform.
 
 
 
What You’ll Learn: 
·         Navigating the Higher Interest Rate Environment: Daniel weighs in on today’s real estate market and keeping your loan pre-qualification current so you’re ready to strike! 
·         Debunking a Myth: Why it’s not necessarily a seller’s market and interest rates aren’t actually all that high historically. Perception is not reality!
·         The Long View: How waiting for an elusive reduction in interest rates can cost you in sacrificed home equity.
·         The Truth About Down Payments:
o   Down payments of 20% are not required – at all! 
o   There are all kinds of state- and city-sponsored programs to help you locate the down payment that’s right for you. Find out more and get assistance here.
·         Getting the Help You Need: Daniel shares highlights from a recent town hall event that highlighted both a close alliance with KellerWilliams and a unique program.
·         Learn All About Freddie Mac’s BorrowSmart Program:
o   It’s geared towards first-time home buyers.
o   Prospective buyers will qualify to receive $3,000 or more if they meet three requirements:
§  A 3% down payment.
§  Complete 1-1 home ownership counseling.
§  Qualified income less than or equal to 140% of the median local income.

https://linktr.ee/julistgeorge

Summary:  
 On this episode of The Perfect Property Podcast – the second in a special two-part series – we learn why there’s no reason to be intimidated by mold. Help is on the way! Host Juli St George welcomes Jordan Bailey,  owner of Atlanta-based Serenity Home Inspections, an unbiased go-to resource when it comes to assessing air quality and levels of mold in your home. He explains why it’s important to have testing done by a certified professional and how to follow up with remediation executed by an independent third-party. You’ll find out all about efflorescence (not as intimidating as it sounds) and exactly what you can expect when it comes to pricing, timeline and outcomes following mold testing. It’s key, Juli and Jordan agree, to be proactive about identifying potential problems. As we learned on Part I of this series, featuring EPA scientist Mary Reynolds, the health impacts can be significant. So find out what you’re dealing with and seek mitigation – especially before closing on the home of your dreams!
 Click here to listen to Part I of this series, featuring Mary Reynolds, a physical scientist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and expert on mold growth and its health consequences.
 What You’ll Learn:
Which Level of Mold Testing Do You Need:
o   Level I: Complete inspection provides a holistic evaluation of the total property.
o   Level II: Limited inspection focused on one room or particular leak.
What Constitutes a Legitimate Mold Inspection?
o   International Association of Indoor Air Quality Consultants sets a standard.
o   Anyone with this credential will know how to provide required services.
o   Mold inspections are not typically a standard part of home inspections.
o   There are thousands of types of mold and lots of ways to test for it, so a level of expertise is absolutely essential.
o   Fungal growth can be inside walls and other places that aren’t readily visible
More About What Testing Looks Like:
o   Direct testing of mold growth itself.
o   Evaluation of humidity levels.
o   Identification of areas prone to moisture and dampness.
o   Determination of patterns and indicators for future mold growth.
o   Testing through a specially designed pump that takes individual samples of air throughout the house and compares to a baseline taken from outside the home.
o   Pricing varies depending on whether it’s a limited or comprehensive inspection.
Your Home’s Most Mold-Prone Locations:
o   Basements (especially those vulnerable to water intrusion).
o   Crawlspaces (especially those without a vapor barrier).
o   HVAC systems (which may be sucking mold from inside a crawl space and blowing it throughout the house).
o   Damp dry wall and other areas impacted by a plumbing or roof leak.
What is Efflorescence?
o   Mold is all in the fungal microbial growth family and has lots of nicknames.
o   Efflorescence is different! It’s a white mineral residue that is the result of moisture that passes through and settles into foundation walls.
o   If the humidity in the home is high enough, mold can feed off of it and grow.
o   Mineral residue and mold growth can both be white in appearance, which is why testing is important
What Lab Results Will Tell You:
o   The difference in air quality between outdoor and indoor samples.
o   Whether any specific types of mold are elevated.
o   Whether types of mold present are associated with known health hazards.
Things Homeowners Want to Know:
o   There are species of mold in every house, no matter the circumstances.
o   Fungal growth makes up 25% of the world’s bio-mass,
https://linktr.ee/julistgeorge

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."
https://linktr.ee/julistgeorge

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 will destroy your house so – if you see a leak – get on it right away!” 
 “Want to save money? don’t put off maintenance!”


https://linktr.ee/julistgeorge

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.

Contact Emily & Nancy:
Email @ Boss Ladies Investing.
Follow Host Juli St. George:


https://linktr.ee/julistgeorge