Maria Janos Realtor at Harry Norman Realtors

10/01/2026

🏡 What Could Cobb County’s Proposed ADU Changes Mean for East Cobb Homeowners?

Cobb County is considering zoning changes that could make it easier for homeowners to add a small second living space - often called an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU- to certain single-family properties.

Think: an in-law suite, backyard cottage, guest house, or a small separate space for an adult child.

Here’s what homeowners should know:

• ADUs could be up to 850 square feet
• Only one ADU per property would be allowed
• It would generally need to be located in the rear yard
• At least one additional off-street parking space would be required
• The property owner would need to live in either the main home or the ADU
• Short-term rentals would not be allowed
• HOA covenants and deed restrictions could still prohibit an ADU even if Cobb County zoning allows one

For East Cobb, this could be especially interesting because many homes sit on larger lots.

For some homeowners, an ADU could eventually provide more flexibility for:

🏠 Aging parents
👨‍👩‍👧 Adult children
🛏️ Guests or caregivers
💰 Potential long-term rental income

From a real estate standpoint, we may also start hearing buyers ask a new question:

“Does this property have ADU potential?”

Large, usable backyards could become even more attractive - but not every lot would qualify. Setbacks, easements, utilities, topography, stormwater restrictions and HOA rules would all matter.

One important reminder: these changes are still being considered and have not yet been finalized.

There’s also a separate proposal dealing with large data centers, but for most East Cobb homeowners, I think the ADU discussion is the part worth watching most closely.

I’ll continue following this because changes like these can affect how homeowners use their property and potentially how buyers evaluate certain homes.

Would you ever consider adding an in-law suite or small backyard cottage to your property if the rules allowed it?

Comment in the post below and let me know. I'd love to know what you think about this new proposal.

09/17/2026

🏡 Property Taxes and What You Need to Know!

I recently attended a real estate training session with Campbell & Brannon, and we discussed an important topic that can catch buyers and sellers by surprise: property tax bills AFTER closing.

Here are a few things every homeowner should understand. 👇

📌 1. Property taxes don't automatically switch to the buyer's name at closing.

In Georgia, property taxes are generally assessed based on the property's status as of January 1.

This means the tax bill may still be issued in the seller's name during the year the property is sold.

However, the buyer is responsible for making sure the bill gets paid when it comes due. Taxes are typically prorated between the buyer and seller at closing.

📌 2. What happens if the county sends an additional tax bill AFTER closing?

This is called a rebill, and it can happen when:

A homestead exemption was applied incorrectly.

A property tax appeal is finalized.

The county makes an adjustment to the original assessment.

Generally, if the additional taxes relate to the year the property was sold, the buyer and seller may need to share the expense based on their respective ownership periods.

If the bill relates to a year before closing, it may be the seller's responsibility under the purchase agreement.

The important thing? Your financial obligations don't necessarily end on closing day!

📌 3. Special Alert for Fulton County Homeowners in 2026!

Fulton County has issued temporary property tax bills for 2026.

What does this mean?

The temporary bill may not reflect your final tax obligation. A supplemental bill may follow to account for the difference.

If you recently purchased a home in Fulton County:

✅ Watch for the final tax bill.

✅ If your mortgage lender pays taxes through an escrow account, forward the bill to your lender and confirm that it will be paid.

✅ Remember that an additional tax bill could affect your escrow balance and potentially your future mortgage payment.

If you recently SOLD a home:

✅ If you receive a tax bill for your former property, forward it to the new owner or closing attorney.

✅ Be prepared for a possible tax adjustment if the final bill differs from the amount used at closing.

💡 My takeaway: Closing day isn't always the end of the financial responsibilities associated with a real estate transaction.

Understanding how property taxes work, reviewing your closing documents, and staying on top of tax notices can help you avoid unexpected expenses.

This is exactly why I believe real estate education is so important. Whether you're buying your first home, selling a longtime residence, or investing in property, knowing what to expect helps you make informed decisions.

Have questions about buying or selling a home? I'm always happy to help you navigate the process and connect you with the right professionals. Call or text me at 770-530-1322 and I will be more than happy to answer your questions.

08/31/2026

A tip for anyone buying a home this year: your inspection doesn't have to be paid upfront anymore.

Champia Real Estate Inspections now offers Pay-At-Close, so that cost gets rolled into your closing costs instead of hitting your account the day of your inspection. One less bill competing for your cash mid-transaction.

They also added a 180-Day Plus Warranty on their inspections. Mechanical and structural coverage, zero deductible, running 180 days from your inspection or 22 days after closing, whichever is longer. Real protection on the systems in your home after you've already settled in.

Save this for when you start your home search.

📞 (770) 953-0767
🌐 champia.com

06/11/2026

Just Sold! 2252 Chimney Springs Drive, Marietta. This one was a journey. My seller was out of state and trusted me to handle things on the ground. There were surprises along the way, but we figured it out together and got to the closing table. So grateful it came together. These buyers are going to love it here, and Chimney Springs just got a wonderful new family. Welcome home! 🎉

06/11/2026

Buying a home starts long before the house search. 🏡

Your credit score is one of the first things a lender looks at, and the good news is that it's very much in your control. Six things that move the needle:

1. Check your credit report regularly
2. Dispute any errors you find
3. Pay bills on time, every time
4. Keep credit usage under 30%
5. Pay down existing debt
6. Hold off on opening new credit lines

None of these are complicated. They just take consistency. If homeownership is on your radar in the next year or two, now is the time to start.

Questions about where to begin? I'm always happy to talk through it. 👇

05/14/2026

Most pre-listing advice is too vague to be useful. "Declutter." "Clean." "Paint neutral colors."

Okay, but which rooms? Which fixes actually add value right now? Which ones are a waste of your budget?

My free Seller Prep Guide answers all of that. Five specific updates, ranked by impact, plus a clear prep plan so you're not guessing your way to the market.

It's free and I'll send it straight to your inbox::

Download the free guide: 5 simple fixes to help your home show better and attract buyers.

05/12/2026

Are you a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or medical resident? This one's for you.

My colleague Stephanie McAllister with Prosperity Home Mortgage now has a doctor's loan program that makes buying a home a whole lot more accessible.

Here's what makes it stand out:

✅ No down payment on loan amounts up to $2,000,000
✅ No mortgage insurance
✅ 15 and 30-year fixed rate options available
✅ ARM options available (5/6, 7/6, and 10/6)
✅ Gift funds can be applied to cash reserves
✅ Works for primary residences, townhomes, PUDs, and warrantable condos

This program is available for MDs, DOs, DDS, DMDs, PharmDs, VMDs, CRNAs, and more, including medical residents, fellows, and interns.

If you've been putting off buying because of the down payment, this changes the conversation.

Text or call me at 770-530-1322 for more details. I'm happy to answer questions and get you pointed in the right direction.

05/04/2026

I received a great note this morning from our mortgage specialist about a buyer who just went under contract. The buyer had taken the extra step to get fully underwritten before making an offer — and the agent shared that it made a real difference in helping their offer get accepted quickly.

That kind of preparation can give sellers more confidence and help a buyer stand out when there’s competition.

Here’s why this matters for buyers:

When you get fully underwritten before making an offer, your financing looks much stronger to the seller. It can help your offer stand out because the seller has more confidence that you are ready, qualified, and able to close.

That can make a big difference - especially when you’re competing against other buyers.

This program is:
✅ Good for 120 days
✅ No cost
✅ No obligation
✅ Designed to help your offer compete more like a cash offer
✅ A smart strategy before you start seriously shopping

Buying a home is not just about finding the right house. It’s also about being prepared to win the right house when it comes along.

If buying a home is on your radar, let’s put a smart plan in place before you start making offers. Call or text me at 770-530-1322, and I’ll show you how we can help strengthen your offer and give you a better chance to win the right home.

Let’s make sure you are ready before the perfect home hits the market.

04/29/2026

If you’re looking in East Cobb around the $650K range, this one is worth a look 👇

In a neighborhood like Chimney Springs, it’s getting harder to find a 3,000+ sq ft home at this price—especially one that gives you the option to make it your own over time instead of paying a premium for someone else’s renovation.

🏡 2252 Chimney Springs Dr

- 3,000+ sq. ft.
- 4 bedrooms / 2.5 bathrooms with spacious rooms
- Contemporary feel, but lives more like a traditional home (not your typical split-level layout)
- Tons of natural light + unique character
- Flexible space + workshop (great for hobbies, projects, or storage)
- Large deck + private setting
- Located in a well-established swim/tennis community

It’s not fully updated, which is actually a great fit for buyers who want to personalize a home and build equity in a strong East Cobb neighborhood.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, it’s definitely one to see in person.

📲 Call or text me at 770-530-1322 — happy to answer questions or set up a quick showing (even same-day if needed)

Here’s the link to see the listing:
https://www.harrynorman.com/realestate/details/139453119/2252-chimney-springs-marietta-ga-30062

Feel free to reach out anytime 👍

For Sale: 4 beds, 3 baths, 3180 SqFt, 2252 Chimney Springs, Marietta, GA 30062 is a Single Family Residence home listed at $650,000, MLS #7746164

04/28/2026

For many people a home purchase represents more than just a transaction.

It often marks the beginning of a new chapter.

A growing family
A new career opportunity
A lifestyle change

Real estate decisions are deeply connected to life transitions.

What kind of home goals do you have over the next few years?

Comment below or send me a message if you want help planning your next move.