Melissa Bailey's Blog Posts

Families considering a move to Cherokee County often ask about schools early in the home search.That makes sense. For many buyers, school options are part of a much bigger decision that also

If you have been watching the Cherokee County real estate market, you may be wondering what is really happening right now.Are homes still selling?Are buyers still active?Are sellers having to reduce

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting milestones in life.It is also one of the biggest decisions you will make, and it is completely normal to feel excited, nervous, overwhelmed, and

Some of my favorite moments in real estate happen at the closing table.Not just because the paperwork is complete or the keys are handed over, but because of what that moment represents. For many

There’s something exciting about buying a brand-new home.You get to watch it come together, choose finishes, picture where the furniture will go, and eventually walk through the door of a home

For years, homeowners believed one thing without question:"If you're going to sell, wait until the kids are out of school."It made perfect sense. Families wanted to move before August, children

The Melissa Bailey Group Is Proud to Sponsor the 2026 Lake Allatoona Poker RunWe are so excited to be sponsoring this year’s Lake Allatoona Poker Run, one of the most exciting and meaningful

A Guaranteed Offer Is Not Your Only Option: 3 Ways to Sell Your HomeYou have probably seen the advertisements:“We’ll guarantee an offer on your home.”It sounds simple. It sounds

Why Canton, GA’s Lower Taxes Matter for HomeownersWhen people compare places to live in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, they often look at home prices, schools, commute times, neighborhoods,

The Melissa Bailey Group is proud to share that Melissa Bailey has been selected as a Rooted in Georgia Ambassador, representing Cherokee County and the community she is so grateful to call home

One of the biggest questions homeowners ask is, “How do I sell my current home and buy my next one without everything falling apart?”It is a real concern. Most people do not want to sell

If you own a home in Cherokee County, you may be wondering if now is still a good time to sell. With interest rates, home prices, inventory, and buyer demand all shifting, it is a fair question.The

Canton, Georgia has become one of the most popular places for families looking for more space, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to North Georgia living. With beautiful,

Thinking About Selling Your Home in Marietta? Here’s What You Need to Know Right NowIf you live in Marietta and have even thought about selling your home this year, you’re not alone.A

Real estate has always been full of advice. Friends, family, social media, and headlines all have something to say about when to buy, when to sell, and how the process works.The problem is that a

When buyers start exploring Cherokee County, they quickly realize there are several great places to call home. But Canton continues to stand out for a reason. It offers a unique blend of growth,

Canton has become one of the most talked about areas in North Georgia for both buyers and sellers. Its growth, strong community atmosphere, and variety of housing options have made it an attractive

If you are considering buying in Canton, one of the first questions you probably have is, “Which neighborhoods should I be looking at?”Canton offers a wide range of communities, each

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between financing, contracts, inspections, and negotiations, there is a lot of information coming at you all at once.The good

Homeowners in Cherokee County often notice the same thing. One home sells within days, while another nearby seems to linger on the market.It can feel confusing or even frustrating, especially when

Interest rates are one of the first things buyers hear about when they start thinking about purchasing a home. They are also one of the most misunderstood parts of the process.At the Melissa Bailey

If selling your home in Cherokee County has been on your mind, you are not alone. Many homeowners are paying closer attention to the market and asking thoughtful questions before making a move.The

Canton continues to attract people who are looking for more than just a place to live. It offers a sense of community, convenience, and lifestyle that feels grounded and welcoming.Whether someone

The beginning of a new year is a time when many people pause and reassess what matters most. For those living in Cherokee County, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of thoughtful choices and long term

If selling your home is even a possibility in 2026, January is one of the smartest times to start planning.While many homeowners wait until spring to think about listing, the most successful sellers

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time AgainIf you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy. Homes were listed one day and gone the next.

Should You Still Expect a Bidding War?If you’re still worried about having to deal with a bidding war when you buy a home, you may be able to let some of that fear go.While multiple-offer

Top Things to Do in North Metro Atlanta This September1. Yellow Daisy Festival – Stone Mountain ParkWhen: September 4–7, 2025A beloved autumn event featuring over 400 artists and

National Housing Report – July 2025After five consecutive months of gains, U.S. home sales dipped slightly in July, falling 0.7% below June’s total. Compared to July 2024, sales were up.

The pace of home sales in the Atlanta metro slowed in July as buyers took a breather amid increased inventory and anticipation of interest-rate cuts later this year, Georgia MLS said. Home

Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025If you’ve been watching the market, you’ve likely noticed a few changes already this year. But what’s next? From home prices to

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your HouseAre you thinking about selling your house? Some common mistakes today can make the process more stressful or even cost you money.Fortunately,

North Metro Atlanta shines in the summer—and August is a great time to soak in the last full month of the season. From shaded hikes and lake days to local markets and indoor escapes, there

June 2025 marked the fifth consecutive month of increased home sales across the 50 metro areas surveyed. Sales activity in June edged up 1.3% from May 2025 and rose 5.7% compared to June of last.

GAMLS: Atlanta market ‘active and balanced’ as sales increase 8.4%Courtesy of Georgia MLS.Atlanta’s housing market was “active and balanced” in June, reflecting strong

Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just

Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can HelpIf you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs

Summer is in full swing here in North Metro Atlanta, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the sunshine, create new memories, and explore everything our beautiful communities have to.

The North Metro Atlanta area knows how to celebrate Independence Day with plenty of family fun, fireworks, food, and hometown traditions. Whether you're in Alpharetta, Canton, Woodstock, Roswell, or

NO COOK MONDAY - JULY LINEUP Mondays just got a whole lot easier—and tastier! Skip the kitchen and start your week stress-free with No Cook Monday at BridgeMill Pavilion,

The Five-Year Rule for Home Price PerspectiveHeadlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re

May 2025 REMAX National Housing ReportFor the fourth consecutive month, homes sales rose in May, increasing 8.6% from April, and sales remained below 2024 levels, with May sales finishing 3.5% lower

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025The latest 2025 forecasts show mortgage rates are projected to come down slightly and price growth will moderate. Want to know what this could

GAMLS: Atlanta home-sales activity ‘active yet moderate’ in May Courtesy of Georgia MLS.Atlanta’s residential real estate market is “active yet moderate,” as the

What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association FeesWhen buying a home, you’re probably thinking about mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and maybe even your closing costs.

Celebrate Father's Day in North AtlantaFather’s Day is Sunday, June 15, 2025, and North Atlanta is brimming with exciting ways to honor the dads and father figures in your life. Whether he's

June Lineup for No Cook Mondays!Mondays just got a whole lot easier—and tastier! Skip the kitchen and start your week stress-free with No Cook Monday at BridgeMill Pavilion, where some of the

April 2025 RE/MAX National Housing ReportThe pace of Atlanta home sales slipped 1.8% year over year to 6,933 in April, according to the latest RE/MAX National Housing Report. Month over month, sales

GAMLS: Atlanta housing market ‘showing signs of rebalancing’Atlanta’s residential real estate market is “showing signs of rebalancing” after years of giving sellers a

Do You Think the Housing Market’s About To Crash? Read This FirstLately, it feels like a lot of people have been asking the same question: “Is the housing market about to crash?

Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s ClarityIf buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved

Celebrate Mother's Day 2025 in North Atlanta: Brunches, Art, and Outdoor FunMother’s Day 2025 falls on Sunday, May 11, and North Atlanta offers a variety of delightful ways to honor the

GAMLS: 2025 could be ‘a year of opportunity’ for homebuyers The pace of home sales in the Atlanta market kicked into a higher gear in March, posting gains of more than 20% compared

Mondays just got a whole lot easier—and tastier! Skip the kitchen and start your week stress-free with No Cook Monday at BridgeMill Pavilion, where some of the best local food

Big Bam Boom Concert in the Park!Join us Saturday, May 31st at 7:30pm GET THE FULL SCOOP AND PURCHASE TICKETS!

March 2025 National Housing ReportMarch, a pivotal month in the seasonal ramp-up of home sales toward the peak summer selling months, did not disappoint. March sales increased 23.0% over February,

Relocating to North Metro Atlanta: Everything You Need to KnowRelocating to North Metro Atlanta can be both exciting and overwhelming. With its charming neighborhoods, thriving economy, top-tier

If selling your house is on your to-do list this year, the time to start prepping is now. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is coming up fast.A recent Realtor.com

No Cook Monday: Food Trucks at BridgeMill PavilionMondays just got a whole lot easier—and tastier! Skip the kitchen and start your week stress-free with No Cook Monday at BridgeMill Pavilion,

Farmers Markets are back in North Georgia!As spring blossoms across North Georgia, Cherokee County comes alive with vibrant farmers markets, blooming alongside azaleas and mountain laurel. Residents

Explore, Taste, Enjoy! Best April Events in North Metro AtlantaSpring has officially arrived, and North Metro Atlanta is buzzing with exciting activities and events throughout April. Whether you're

February Increase in Home Sales Sets Stage for Spring Market; Median Price Inches UpFebruary 2025 home sales increased 8.4% over January – about half of the month-to-month average sales

GAMLS: Atlanta home sales regain some lost ground in FebruaryThe pace of home sales in the Atlanta area rose month over month in February after a big drop in January, but year over year, they were

Rising Inventory Means This Spring Could Be Your MomentWant to know two reasons this spring might finally be your time to buy? Inventory has grown and sellers may be more willing to negotiate as a

Things to Do in North Metro Atlanta This MarchMarch is the perfect time to explore Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cobb, and Cherokee County, as spring begins to bloom across North Metro Atlanta.

Some homeowners hesitate to sell because they’ve got unanswered questions that hold them back. But a lot of times their concerns are based on misconceptions, not facts. And if they’d

No Cook Monday: Food Trucks at BridgeMill PavilionMondays just got a whole lot easier—and tastier! Skip the kitchen and start your week stress-free with No Cook Monday at BridgeMill Pavilion,

How to Prep Your Home for a Spring Sale in North GeorgiaSpring is one of the busiest seasons for the North Georgia real estate market. As the weather warms up, buyers are eager to find their dream

RE/MAX National Housing Report – January 2025New Listings and Inventory Increase While Median Sales Price Drops Month to MonthAcross 52 metro areas, the number of new listings in January

If Your House’s Price Is Not Compelling, It’s Not SellingThere’s one big mistake you need to avoid when you sell your house this year: setting your price too high. It

GAMLS: Atlanta home sales drop in January while new listings surge The trends are in keeping with those seen at the same time a year ago, Georgia MLS noted. Screenshot Courtesy of Georgia

Smaller Homes, Bigger Opportunities: The Homebuilder Trend Buyers LoveIt’s no secret that affordability is tough with where mortgage rates and home prices are right now.

Smaller Homes, Bigger Opportunities: The Homebuilder Trend Buyers LoveIt’s no secret that affordability is tough with where mortgage rates and home prices are right now.

Home Maintenance Tips for North Georgia: February EditionAs February sweeps across North Georgia, the crisp winter air begins to hint at the promise of spring. This transitional period is the

Romantic Things to Do in February in North GeorgiaFebruary is the month of love, and whether you’re planning a special date night or a fun outing with your significant other, Cherokee, Cobb,

GAMLS: Atlanta home sales rise almost 10% in DecemberThe pace of home sales in the Atlanta area posted healthy gains on both a monthly and yearly basis in December, according to the latest Georgia

National Housing Report – December 2024December Continues Momentum, Marking Eighth Month of 2024 to Surpass 2023 SalesDecember became the eighth month of 2024 to top 2023, with home sales up.

One Homebuying Step You Don’t Want To Skip: Pre-ApprovalThere’s one essential step in the homebuying process you may not know a whole lot about and that’s pre-approval. Here&rsquo

Essential Home Maintenance Tips for January in North GeorgiaAs the new year begins, January is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance tasks to keep your property in great shape and prepare for

National Housing Report – November 2024Year-Over-Year Gains Highlight Market Resilience Amid Seasonal SlowdownNovember home sales finished 6.3% above a year ago, marking the seventh time a

 MEL'S MESSAGE Dear Valued Clients, I trust this message finds you well. As we step into the new year, I wanted to take a moment to share some highlights from 2023 and express my

Ways Your Home Equity Can Help You Reach Your GoalsIf you’ve owned your house for at least a couple of years, there’s something you’re going to want to know more about –

Avoid These Common Mistakes After Applying for a MortgageIf you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it

Why Pre-Approval Is Your Homebuying Game ChangerIf you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you definitely don’t want to skip. So, before you

5 ways to stage your home with mirrors – so it looks bigger and sells faster These mirror staging techniques will accentuate your home instantly – and they’re favored by top

The Perfect Home Could Be the One You Perfect After BuyingThere’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s

Experts Project Home Prices Will Rise over the Next 5 YearsEven with so much data showing home prices are actually rising in most of the country, there are still a lot of people who

2024 Housing Market Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsThinking of buying or selling a house and wondering what the new year holds for the housing market? Experts forecast

Life-Changing Events That Move the Housing MarketLife is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or

Affordable Homeownership Strategies for Gen ZThe idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream. It's a symbol of stability, independence, and having a place to truly call

Are Grandparents Moving To Be Closer to Their Grandkids?During the pandemic, many people distanced themselves from their loved ones for health reasons. Grandparents were told to stay away

The Risks of Selling Your House on Your OwnAre you thinking about selling your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO)? If so, know there's a whole lot more time and expertise needed in that process

Are Higher Mortgage Rates Here To Stay?Mortgage rates have been back on the rise recently and that’s getting a lot of attention from the press. If you’ve been following the,

Most homeowners have a lengthy list of chores and bit projects they intend to accomplish around the house. Oftentimes, those to-do items are completed piecemeal over a long stretch of time, or else

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help You Achieve HomeownershipFor many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s