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Homeownership | Maria Sims Group Blog

Tuesday, June 24, 2025   /   by Maria Sims

¿Es Realmente Mejor Alquilar en Este Momento? Aquí Está la Verdad

Últimamente, puede que te preguntes: ¿Vale la pena intentar comprar una casa en este mercado?
Con los precios por las nubes y las tasas hipotecarias todavía altas, alquilar puede parecer la opción más inteligente —o incluso la única— por ahora. Y sinceramente, eso tiene sentido. Comprar una casa no es la decisión adecuada para todos en este momento exacto. Solo deberías dar ese paso cuando estés verdaderamente listo(a).
Pero antes de renovar otro contrato de alquiler, hay algo importante que debes saber.

La Ganancia a Corto Plazo vs. El Costo a Largo Plazo
Sí, alquilar puede parecer más seguro hoy. En algunas zonas, incluso puede ser más barato mensualmente que ser propietario. Pero con el tiempo… puede costarte mucho más.
Una encuesta reciente de Bank of America reveló que el 70% de los inquilinos están preocupados por lo que implica alquilar a largo plazo. ...

  georgia, local, canton, home, real estate, seasonal, summer, woodstock, homeownership, home ownership, selling, vacation rental

Tuesday, June 3, 2025   /   by Maria Sims

First Friday in Downtown Canton, GA: A Monthly Celebration of Community and Fun

There’s something magical about the first Friday of every month in Downtown Canton, GA—the streets come alive with music, food, shopping, and a vibrant community spirit. First Fridays is a beloved tradition that brings locals and visitors together for an evening of fun, entertainment, and small-town charm.

What Is First Friday?

Inspired by the Explore Canton GA event page (see here), First Friday is a free, family-friendly event held on the first Friday of each month from 6 PM to 9 PM (hours may vary seasonally). Downtown Canton transforms into a lively hub with:
1. Live music from local bands and performers
2. Food trucks & restaurant specials (perfect for dinner out!)
3. Local vendors & artisans selling handmade goods
4. Kid-friendly activities like face painting and games
5. Special themes (seasonal events, holiday celebrations, and more)
Why You Should Go
Support Local B. ...

  georgia, local, canton, home, seasonal, events, real estate, summer, outdoor, food, woodstock, north georgia, entertainment, jasper, kids, blue ridge, ellijay, renovations, restaurants, fall, ball ground, buying, decor, homeownership, staging, festivals, upgrades, budget, farmers markets, home ownership, nightlife, parks, pros and cons, selling, brunch, pool, porch decor, recipes, tiny homes, waleska

Tuesday, June 3, 2025   /   by Maria Sims

Beyond Cleaning: The Smart Seller's Guide to Staging That Actually Works

Selling your home can be stressful, but home staging is one of the most effective ways to attract buyers, increase offers, and speed up the sale. Whether you're a homeowner or a real estate agent, understanding the power of staging can make all the difference.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale by enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. This involves:


Decluttering & depersonalizing (so buyers can envision themselves living there)


Furniture arrangement & decor updates (to highlight the home’s best features)


Minor repairs & cosmetic upgrades (like fresh paint or updated lighting)


Neutralizing bold colors & styles (to appeal to a broader audience)


Why Home Staging Matters
Statistics show that staged homes sell faster and for higher prices than unstaged ones. Here’s why:
Creates a Strong First Impression – Buyers decide within seconds? ...

  georgia, local, canton, home, seasonal, events, real estate, summer, outdoor, food, woodstock, north georgia, entertainment, jasper, kids, blue ridge, renovations, decor, homeownership, staging, upgrades, budget, home ownership, nightlife, parks, selling

Wednesday, April 30, 2025   /   by Maria Sims

The Wild, Wonderful Ride of Owning Your First House

You’ve done it. After all the late-night scrolling through listings, the whirlwind of house tours, and signing your name so many times your hand went numb, you’re finally holding the keys to your very own place. It’s yours. That feeling? Pure magic.
But here’s what no one really tells you: buying your first home is just the start of the story. The real adventure begins when you walk through that door—and realize you’re in charge of everything now.
The First Night: A Mix of Joy and Chaos
That first night hits different. Maybe you’ve got a single chair and an air mattress, or maybe you’re eating takeout on the floor because the couch hasn’t arrived yet. Every sound is new, every corner feels unfamiliar, but there’s this buzz of excitement because—this is home. Imperfect, a little messy, and 100% yours.
DIY Wins (and Fails)
You’ll find yourself Googling things you never thought about before—like how to reli ...

  home, real estate, homeownership, home ownership

Tuesday, September 10, 2024   /   by Maria Sims

It is Always a Good Time to Clean Your Gutters

As a new homeowner or an existing one, you’re probably learning that maintaining a house comes with a long to-do list. One task that might not be top of mind but is incredibly important is cleaning your gutters. It’s easy to overlook, but regularly cleaning your gutters can prevent bigger problems down the road.
Here are a few reasons why cleaning your gutters should be one of your regular home maintenance habits:
Prevent Water Damage to Your Home
Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home by directing rainwater away from its structure. When gutters become clogged with leaves, dirt, or other debris, they can’t function properly. Water may overflow, seeping into your roof, walls, and even down to your home’s foundation. This excess moisture can lead to roof leaks, mold growth, and structural issues that require expensive repairs. For a new homeowner, the last thing you want is water damage that could have been easily avoided. By making gutter cleanin! ...

  home, real estate, outdoor, seasonal, homeownership

Keller Williams Realty Partners
Maria Sims
185 W Main Street Suite A
Canton, GA 30114
404-805-0673

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