Storm-smart buying, upgrades that pay, and the best time to sell

Host: Shelly Winter Expert: Deborah Morton, Founder & CEO, Clario Real EstateSummaryDeborah breaks down how recent storms should inform your home search, what to watch for in basements and yards, which upgrades truly add value, when to list, and how to finance pre-sale fixes. Lively caller Q&A covers first-time buyer help, lease-to-own, and today’s commission landscape.Top takeawaysFactor in storm risk: In Metro Atlanta, prioritize drainage, roof condition, tree health, and lot slope. Ask about sump pumps with battery backups.Drainage 101: Downspouts should discharge away from the foundation. Use extenders and correct grading so soil slopes away from the house.Basement red flags: Look for efflorescence on block walls, visible water lines near doors, high humidity, and past seepage points.Negotiation strategy: You can request seller repairs or credits after inspection. In competitive situations, front-loading too many asks can cost you the deal.Upgrades that return: Kitchens and baths lead. Fresh neutral paint and quality flooring show well. ROI depends on neighborhood norms. If you will live there 10 years, personalize it for joy. Short stay (about 2 years): cap spend and mirror local comps.When to sell: Activity happens year-round. Spring brings more lookers, not always more serious buyers. End of year can be strong for relocations and investors. Meet an agent about six months before listing to plan prep and marketing.Financing prep work: Consider a HELOC for improvements. Clario’s concierge program can front common make-ready items like paint, flooring, light landscaping, and staging.Choosing your listing agent: Interview. Ask about local track record, list-to-sale price, days on market, negotiation approach, and the full marketing plan (pro photos, video, floor plans, 3D, targeted online reach).Caller Q&AMichael (first-time buyer): Georgia offers down-payment assistance that changes periodically and often requires a minimum stay period. Credit unions can be conservative. Explore multiple lenders and programs to match your debt-to-income profile.Don (lease-to-own): Rare today. Strong resale demand means most sellers prefer a clean sale, though a paid-off owner might consider it case by case.Gene (commissions): Entirely negotiable. In Atlanta, expect about 3–4% for full-service listing representation or 1–2% for discount service. Buyer-agent compensation is also negotiable. Service level and marketing depth drive outcomes.Action stepsBuyersBring a flashlight to showings: check downspout discharge, basement corners, and exterior grading.Verify a sump pump plus battery backup.Use inspection findings to seek repairs or credits.SellersPre-inspect roof, gutters, grading, and tree health.Budget for neutral paint and flooring where tired.Capture storm-related repairs with invoices and photos to reassure buyers.Connect with DeborahWebsite: insidegeorgiarealestate.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @insidegeorgiarealestate