The Flying Realtor | eXp Realty
Gainesville & Hall County
Real Estate & Local Living
More Than Real Estate. It's About the Community We Call Home.
Built on Grit. Fueled by Faith. Committed to Home.
Welcome to the Blog
Local Roots. Real Experience.
A Different Perspective.
Real estate is about more than houses. It's about the people, places, and communities we call home.
I'm Shannon Sanborn, The Flying Realtor with eXp Realty. Having grown up in this area and spent more than 20 years working hands-on in residential construction and remodeling, I bring a different perspective to real estate throughout Gainesville and Hall County.
This blog is where I share what's happening around our community, from new construction developments and local housing trends to neighborhood growth, local businesses, outdoor adventures, and the people who make Gainesville and Hall County special.
Whether you're buying, selling, relocating, or simply exploring everything our area has to offer, my goal is to provide useful information, honest perspectives, and local knowledge you can actually use.
7 Things I Look for During a New Construction Walkthrough After 20+ Years in Construction
On a new construction walkthrough, I check: door and window operation, HVAC layout and airflow for anything that raises a concern, grading and drainage around the foundation, electrical panel labeling and outlet spacing, caulking and flashing at exterior penetrations, cabinet and trim installation q
Oakwood Terrace vs. The Reserve Sawnee Plan: Townhome Showdown in Hall County
Oakwood Terrace by LGI Homes and the Sawnee plan at The Reserve by Century Communities are two of Hall County's most-compared new construction townhomes. Oakwood Terrace starts lower and includes more finishes standard; the Sawnee plan is larger, includes a 2-car garage, and sits inside Gainesvill
Design Center Upgrades: Which Options Actually Add Resale Value to a New Build?
The design center appointment is one of the most exciting — and most dangerous — parts of buying new construction. It's easy to walk in planning to spend a few thousand dollars and walk out having added $40,000 to your total price. Some of that spending will genuinely pay you back at resale. A lot o
Understanding Property Taxes on New Construction Homes in Hall County
Millage rates and exemption amounts shown below reflect the 2025 tax year and change annually. Confirm current figures with the Hall County Tax Assessors' Office (770-531-6670) before relying on any number in this post — this article is not tax advice. This is one of the most common surprises I see
Your Local New Construction Resource
Meet Shannon Sanborn
REALTOR® | eXp Realty | The Flying Realtor
Buying a new construction home is an exciting opportunity, but choosing the right builder, community, floor plan, and contract requires more than simply touring model homes.
I'm Shannon Sanborn, a local REALTOR® with eXp Realty serving Gainesville and Hall County, Georgia. With more than 20 years of experience in residential construction and remodeling, I bring a practical, construction-focused perspective to helping buyers navigate the new-home process.
Whether you're comparing communities, evaluating builder incentives, or preparing for your first new construction purchase, I'm here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Prefer to talk? Call or text 678-997-0206