Michael Hickman’s Blog

I have several clients who want to move, but are worried about “taking it in the shorts” on their sale.  Here’s what I’m telling them.  If your home is in marketable condition (which means it is appealing) and priced correctly (at market price), then it should sell quickly (45 days).  Yes, you might take 5% less than what should be market value, due to the number of foreclosures that have pulled the price down.  But, if you are smart on your purchase, you may be able to get 10 - 15% below what should be market price on a new home or a foreclosure.  It’s not as likely with resales because properties that have been on the market for a while as resales are either priced too high or in too poor condition (or both).  So, the idea is to sell a little low and then buy a lot low.  The net equity equation comes out in your favor!

I wanted to relate a little of my life experiences as they relate to real estate.  I grew up in the plumbing & electrical supply business.  I started stocking shelves when I was 7.  As a teenager, I installed heating & air conditioning systems as residents of the Southeast began adding these central systems to their homes in the late 70’s and early 80’s.  After graduating from high school, I attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where I earned a Bachelors in Civil Engineering.  For the next several years (and even occasionally today) I provided consulting engineering services in the civil, geotechnical and environmental specialties.  Much of this work was done for residential and commercial developers all over the state of Georgia, but mainly centered in the Metro Atlanta Area.  I was offerred the opportunity to begin the development of the Georgia Tech Club in Alpharetta, Georgia.  I helped with a little of the engineering (with respect to water capacity to water the golf course) and handled both golf membership and real estate sales.  This 620+ acre super-luxury development now has the toughest golf course in the state.  The community itself is called Echelon.  It is one of the most picturesque pieces of property I have ever seen.  The rolling hills & hardwoods are spectacular.  Again, an opportunity arose through a Georgia Tech connection, to work with Keller Williams Realty.  After 5 months of studying Keller Williams and other real estate companies, I came aboard KW.  It was one of the best decisions of my life.  I’m blessed to work with a company, top to bottom, that has the best interests of it’s agents in mind at all times.  So, that’s how I got into the real estate sales business.  By the way, in the middle of all the consulting, I also helped grow a small telecommunications company called Hickman Communications, Inc.  That’s where I learned all of my sales, negotiation and marketing.  At one time, we were billing over $500,00/month.  Unfortunately, the small fry can’t compete long term with the likes of Bellsouth, AT&T, etc.  I’m glad for the experience, because it has been a huge help with my real estate business.

As a former consulting engineeer (civil, geotechnical & environmental), I’ve been around the construction and development business for quite a while.  In fact, my parents owned a plumbing, electrical & HVAC supply store, in which I worked while growing up.  I’m one of the youngest people to plumb DWV with Oakum & a Lead Pot (if you know what that is, it shows your age).

In my opinion, the rush by national builders to snatch up land & lots in Forsyth County was terribly overzealous.  Now, we are in a situation where these national builders have backed off, sold lots, sold whole subdivisions, or have put production almost on hold.  This is a good thing for sellers with an existing home to sell, especially in the $250k - $400k price range, because some of the new-home competition isn’t there.  In fact, I expect it to get even better since these national builders will be slow to react back into the market.  It will also be good for quality, local home builders.  They can react a little quicker and get product built to coincide with the thousands that are going to move to our area in the coming years.

Welcome to Michael Hickman’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Cumming, Forsyth County, Georgia.