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        <title>Morris and Raper Real Estate Consultants' Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
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            <guid>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/fun-and-fit-atlanta-beltline-northside-5k.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/fun-and-fit-atlanta-beltline-northside-5k.html</link>
            <author>sfessler@mandrrec.com (Susan Fessler)</author>
            <title>Fun and Fit: Atlanta BeltLine Northside 5K</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We had a blast participating in the Northside 5K hosted by the Atlanta BeltLine Running Series! We are always looking for ways to get involved in the community and stay active at the same time. This was a great event as we got a firsthand view of the Northside portion of the Altanta BeltLine. For more information about the BeltLine Project, visit their website and connect with them on Facebook. Here are some race day photos - enjoy!

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 10:23:03 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/organized-home-series-tidy-closet.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/organized-home-series-tidy-closet.html</link>
            <author>sfessler@mandrrec.com (Susan Fessler)</author>
            <title>Organized Home Series: Tidy Closet</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

Just as the ever-present “junk drawer” seems to always
generate more clutter, there is often a closet in the house that ends up as the
designated place to stash things that need to be placed out of sight. Sure, we
say to ourselves, “I’ll find a better spot for that later” or “I’ll unpack that
box when I have more time,” but procrastination and other priorities take over
and our closets remain in untidy neglect. This Spring, we invite you to reclaim
your closet space and turn that pile of clothes and miscellaneous items into a
masterpiece that you would be proud to show off to any guest (not to mention that
you won’t have to dig through a heap of stuff to find your things!). Here are
some of our favorite closet organization ideas from our Pinterest board, “Get
Organized.”



- This entry closet eliminates
wasted space with extra shelves built in the floor space.


- We love this idea of using cute labels to easily
organize children’s clothing by size or age. No more rifling through racks of
clothes to find the right fit!


- Go vertical with this functional and fabulous
DIY shoe storage project!


-
It’s not just about the ladies – this clever set-up maximizes empty
wall space to keep all his things within reach (and not in a pile).


- Install a permanent or hanging second rod to
take advantage of all that extra space beneath the short-length items in your closet.


- Use tension rods to whip your scarf collection into shape!


Follow our boards on Pinterest for daily ideas and
inspiration for your home. For even more helpful hints and tips, connect with
us on Facebook and Twitter.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:09:44 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/we-have-a-big-announcement.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/we-have-a-big-announcement.html</link>
            <author>sfessler@mandrrec.com (Susan Fessler)</author>
            <title>We Have a Big Announcement!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Commercial Division after partnering with CRG Property Solutions (formerly
CRG Real Estate Advisors) to form a specialized in-house branch. The new
commercial team will deal with investment properties, office parks, retail
spaces, and warehouses. Services offered by our Commercial Division will
include tenant representation and listing assistance. The addition of this new team reinforces our single-source approach to real estate services and with commercial real estate back on the rise, allows us to further adapt to the changing market in order to continue meeting our clients' needs.


As the
founder of CRG Property Solutions as well as several other real estate and
hospitality ventures, Craig Caldwell will manage Morris and Raper Real Estate’s
Commercial Division. Craig anticipates that this business
partnership will create a competitive advantage for both parties. He believes
that “with Morris and Raper Real Estate Consultants’ successful past in
residential services, the expansion of commercial services is a given. Morris
and Raper’s expertise and resources will provide value to our commercial
clients by offering a one-stop approach for all of their needs.” We couldn't agree more with Craig's
 assessment of the new partnership and we look forward to providing 
top-notch services to our clients in both the residential and commercial markets.

To learn more about the services offered by Morris and Raper Real
Estate’s Commercial Division, contact Craig Caldwell at
(404) 389-4923 or ccaldwell@mandrrec.com. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:59:13 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/organized-home-series-clean-kitchen.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/organized-home-series-clean-kitchen.html</link>
            <author>sfessler@mandrrec.com (Susan Fessler)</author>
            <title>Organized Home Series: Clean Kitchen</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

This week we are heading back to our Pinterest board, "Get Organized", to bring you more tips on how to whip your home into tip-top shape. After conquering counter-top clutter, we are moving on to organizing your whole kitchen. Here are some of our favorite ideas we've uncovered so far. For even more inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest and Facebook!


-We saw several instances of re-purposing furniture to add extra kitchen storage, including bookshelves and armoires.


-If you do a lot of baking with your children, you'll love this genius idea for storing sprinkles!


-Use lazy susans in the fridge to make the most of your shelf space and keep your most used items within easy reach.


-Corral stray cookbooks with a pretty basket.


-Secure bakeware organizers in a cabinet to stack pots and pans vertically (and neatly!).


-Free up an entire drawer with this clever "why didn't I think of that" idea.


Do you have some great organization tips? Share them with us here in the comment section below.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:01:57 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/expert-feature-get-your-mortgage-approval-fast.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/expert-feature-get-your-mortgage-approval-fast.html</link>
            <author>sfessler@mandrrec.com (Susan Fessler)</author>
            <title>Expert Feature: Get Your Mortgage Approval Fast</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

Even for
professionals, it can sometimes prove challenging to stay on top of all the
changes going on in the business. We like to ensure that our team has the most
current and accurate information on hand in order to serve you better. At a recent
Turbo Tuesday meeting, Mike Gambill of Southeast Mortgage presented various
updates on the mortgage industry.  For
starters, he pointed out that the standard requirements needed to get the best
rates are becoming increasingly strict. No surprises there, but with only 23%
of the mortgage industry left (as compared with 2010), that leaves you with less
licensed professionals to turn to. In addition to this factor, demand is
increasing amid low supply levels with more consumers wanting to take advantage of low rates so you
are now faced with multiple-offer (read: bidding war) situations in which
timing is crucial.


What this means
to you is that these tighter policies and increased traffic warrant the need
for complete disclosure when applying for any mortgage. We know it happens all
the time – you may omit something because you think it’s not important or
because you genuinely weren’t aware it was required. Even the best mortgage
lenders can only help you if they are given your complete and accurate
information. By omitting even a small detail, you could lose your offer on your
dream home because of delays or complications in the approval process. An
honest lender will tell you: if you have left something out, we’ll find it.
Disclosing all of your information up front is your best option for a speedy approval process and most importantly, for getting the
house you love. We like to think we have the dream team of agents and lenders.
We will help you find your perfect home and our in-house mortgage team at
Southeast Mortgage can make your dream home a reality. Call us today at
404-228-2691 or begin your search directly on our website.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:12:17 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/organized-home-series-countertop-clutter.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/organized-home-series-countertop-clutter.html</link>
            <author>sfessler@mandrrec.com (Susan Fessler)</author>
            <title>Organized Home Series: Countertop Clutter</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

 


What are your top resolutions this year? Our
guess is that getting organized is probably one of them. It can be a lot of
work, but maintaining a well-organized home will always leave your guests
impressed and will allow you to enjoy your abode to the fullest extent. How can
you have a relaxing dinner with your family if you can't stop glancing at the
distracting clutter in the next room? We created our newest Pinterest board - Get Organized
- just for you. There are so many great ideas out there that we decided to do a
full series of different ways you can restore order to your home. This week, we
are focusing on some of our favorite solutions for de-cluttering your countertops.
Follow all of our Pinterest boards to see tons of
inspiring ideas for organization, decor, entertaining, and more!



1) Use this attractively simple wire shelf to add
storage space (and clear up precious counter top real estate) in your kitchen.


2) Add magnet backing to your makeup items
and display them on a pretty magnetic board
(and not on your counter). Accessible yet still aesthetically pleasing!


3) Vertical storage from West
Elm allows you to store more without sacrificing counter space.


4) Give new life to an empty wall while
saving desktop space with this creative "command
center" solution.


5) A set of matching frames
gives a cohesive and artful look to this practical accessories display.


We would love to hear your secrets for an organized home!
Share them with us in the comments section below.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:30:47 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/working-harder-for-you-in-2013.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/working-harder-for-you-in-2013.html</link>
            <author>sfessler@mandrrec.com (Susan Fessler)</author>
            <title>Working Harder for You in 2013</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

 


Happy New Year! We hope the recent holidays brought warmth and love into your homes. In 2012, we welcomed a bevy of new agents to our team as well as expanded our management team to provide additional services. These talented professionals matched our many clients with their dream homes all while making the process as painless as possible. We even scored a Gold Obie Award for our ongoing social media campaign. As we look ahead into a shiny new calendar year, we are excited to 
maintain our progress from last year and set our goals accordingly to do
 even better in 2013. 


Even though we work hard every day, we know there is always room for improvement. Tell us how we can better serve you using the comment section below or by sending us an e-mail. We look forward to hearing your feedback!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:47:26 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/a-new-place-to-call-home-mountain-park.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/a-new-place-to-call-home-mountain-park.html</link>
            <author>sfessler@mandrrec.com (Susan Fessler)</author>
            <title>A New Place to Call Home: Mountain Park</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[  ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:03:25 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/our-top-ten-tips-for-keeping-content-fresh.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/our-top-ten-tips-for-keeping-content-fresh.html</link>
            <author>sfessler@mandrrec.com (Susan Fessler)</author>
            <title>Our Top Ten Tips for Keeping Content Fresh</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



If you followed our suggestions from this social media post earlier this summer, then you are already up and running with your business's social media campaign. Now that you have a decent following and have been posting, you may be wondering how to keep your content exciting and fresh. These days, we are exposed to so many images and data in such quick bursts that we often find ourselves getting bored if we aren't rapidly updated with new information. Here are our top tips for keeping your social media campaign interesting:


1) Post photos (and videos) - they are the number one shared content on Twitter and Facebook. Here are some ideas: behind the scenes, daily practices, new or favorite products, etc. Tie in your other social media outlets by linking photos directly from Instagram, Pinterest, and your blog.


2) Check back on your posts often to reply to comments or questions. You want your followers to feel heard and like they are interacting with you in real-time. And you never know, a question left by a customer could lead to an entire new post!


3) Pick several trusted industry publications and try to read at least one daily, making sure to share any relevant or interesting information with your followers.


4) Try to create original content as much as possible, but be sure to fill the gaps with aggregated content (such as the suggestion above) so that your followers never see you go silent.


5) Keep your followers up to date with any new product or service offerings, unexpected closings or special holiday hours, and anything about your business that will help them stay informed and interested (but without making it seem like a constant slew of self-promotion). 


6) Be real. Your followers want to know that they are interacting with a real, relatable human being on the other end of the computer. The beauty of social media is that it does allow you to be more personable; however, you should remember to keep it professional at the same time.


7) Keep up with your analytics. See what types of content your readers respond to, and try mixing more of that into your campaign until you get better interaction.


8) Try to use a call-to-action phrase whenever appropriate. Some examples are: "Visit our website to learn more", "Here are some tips for organizing your home. Share your own tips with us in the comment section", or "Did this article help you? Tell us why or why not." Again, this is an excellent way to generate ideas for new content just from getting your followers' perspective and asking for insight into what is important to them.


9) Mix it up! Post how-to articles, breaking industry news, infographics, project updates, photos, polls, current events discussion topics, and more. Keep your followers interested by constantly presenting your information in new and exciting formats.


10) Put your network to good use and ask fellow professionals if they would be interested in doing a guest spot on your blog or offering a blurb for your social media sites. This will allow your followers to see that you are connected with other experts in your field while also offering a fresh perspective to your social media campaign.


 


Do you have any great tips for generating useful content? Share them with us in the comment section below.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 22:31:36 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/agent-spotlight-anise-hawkins.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.morrisandraperrec.com/blog/agent-spotlight-anise-hawkins.html</link>
            <author>sfessler@mandrrec.com (Susan Fessler)</author>
            <title>Agent Spotlight: Anise Hawkins</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



At Morris and Raper Real
Estate Consultants, we are growing, growing, growing! We are thrilled to
welcome new addition, Anise Hawkins, to our talented team of agents. Anise
currently serves as an Associate Broker for the Paran Homes development at Emerson Place.


Anise brings with her a long
history of success in the industry.  After
entering a career in real estate in 1997, she quickly found that representing new
home sales was her passion. For Anise, being able to see a home start from
concrete and understand each step of the process from the ground up is truly
amazing.  She loves being able to explain the process to her buyers and
helping them realize their dream of homeownership.  Her goal during the
home buying process is to make the transition from renter to homeowner seem as
though it is the easiest and most natural move to make. She understands that a family's home is their most important investment and has helped many families into homes
with $0 down payment and $0 closing cost needed along with 580 credit score
approvals.


For a little more insight, we asked Anise a few additional questions about her
experience in real estate. Read below for her expert tips and a touching story
of helping a client achieve her dream of owning a home. To contact Anise about finding your dream home, feel free to e-mail her at anise@mandrrec.com.


M&amp;R: What trends are you
noticing in the Atlanta market?


AH: Local building codes
have changed and now require more efficient HVAC systems, higher SEER ratings,
better insulation requirements, and other engineering/structural requirements
that weren't required before. These features save the home buyer so much money
when it comes to the cost of living in their home after they have closed vs.
someone that closed on their home 5-7 years ago.


Another noticeable trend in
new homes is the return of the mudroom.  This is an “old” feature that new
home builders are bringing back into their home designs.  The most obvious
benefit of having a mudroom is to aid in maintaining cleanliness in the house.
You don’t have to run after the kids with a mop whenever they come home from a
soccer game or a rainy day. The dirt, dust or mud can be contained in a small
space and tackled at the end of the day.  It also serves as an easy
storage for shoes, jackets &amp; umbrellas especially during spring, fall and
winter.


M&amp;R:  Have you had any memorable experiences with
home sales so far, either in your career or personally?


AH: I had a buyer that
came into my new home community.  She was told by lenders and other agents
that she would have to wait to buy a home in order to save up more money for a down
payment and closing costs.  As a teacher and a
single mother of three, it was very difficult for her to save money. 
Unbeknownst to her and the lenders and agents she spoke with, she actually qualified for
the Homestretch Program, which gave her $7,500 towards the down payment. The
builder contributed 4% toward closing costs and she received a lender funded buy
down. She contributed $1,000 towards her earnest money and actually received
all of the $1,000 deposit back at the closing table.  Once
she was handed the keys to her brand new home, she hugged me so tight while
tears were streaming down her face thanking me for helping her and her kids
move into their dream home.  She told me when she saw my community that she was
going to keep driving by but she saw the sign that said $0 down payment $0
closing cost needed.  She didn’t think it could be true but she figured
she would stop by just to ask about it.  If she couldn’t qualify she was
going to stop her home buying process and renew her apartment lease.  This
is the reason why I continue working in real estate industry.  These types
of stories and closings make my career so gratifying just knowing that I helped to
change someone’s life for the better.


M&amp;R: What top three tips would you
give to someone trying to sell their home?


AH:


1. De-Clutter



2. Don’t price your home based on
emotions (sentimental value)



3. Fix the little things that need
maintenance


-Change blown-out light bulbs






-Tighten loose door knobs (how embarrassing to have someone try and open
a door and the knob comes off in their hand!)


-Touch up chipped paint


-Re-caulk worn or uneven areas


-Have carpets cleaned


It may seem like these are
very small items but they can add up to a missed sale if left undone.  The
potential home buyer may look at your home as needing too much work to do if
they decide to purchase.  Most buyers want move-in ready homes, not homes
that will require work after they move in.


M&amp;R: What is your favorite
area/neighborhood in Atlanta and why?


AH: My favorite area is
Gwinnett County in the Dacula/Buford area.  The school systems are
phenomenal and it is so close to major shopping (Mall Of Georgia, Discover Mills). 
Dacula has that “small town feel” but is actually very modern and
diverse.  Our family has lived there since 2001.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 10:58:02 -0400</pubDate>
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