Welcome to Casita Means Home — Because Your Casita Should Always Be Home

I'm Mari Dominguez, and I want you to know something right from the start: this isn't about sales and hustle. It's about sharing the tools and knowledge I've gained as a real estate agent to help you understand this market and make confident decisions about your future.

Regardless of your real estate goals, I work to empower you with honest information, hard work, and a no-pressure attitude. Whether you're buying your first home, relocating to Northwest Georgia, or selling your home to make it stand out above the rest, I have systems in place to streamline every transaction and keep you updated every step of the way.

Why Northwest Georgia? The Numbers Tell the Story

I'm often asked why so many people are choosing to move here. The data speaks for itself, but I've also seen it firsthand with every client I work with.

Migration Trends: Who's Moving Here and Why

Northwest Georgia has become one of the hottest relocation destinations in the Southeast. I've worked with families from Florida, Texas, California, and the Northeast—all drawn here for different but equally compelling reasons. The Atlanta metro area welcomes over 150,000 new residents each year, and a significant portion choose communities like Powder Springs, Kennesaw, Acworth, and Marietta.

What brings them here? Affordability is a major factor. You get more house for your money compared to many other major metro areas. Quality of life is another—we have excellent schools, low crime rates, beautiful parks and trails, and a genuine sense of community. Then there's the job market, which continues to expand with both corporate relocations and remote work opportunities making this area even more attractive.

The Work Economy: Jobs and Opportunity

The employment landscape in Northwest Georgia has transformed dramatically. Major employers like Lockheed Martin, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Wellstar Health System, and the Cobb County School District provide stable career opportunities. Manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and logistics sectors are all growing rapidly here.

I've noticed a significant increase in remote workers choosing this area too. Why pay California or New York prices when you can work remotely from a beautiful Georgia home with a backyard, great schools, and lower cost of living? It's a question many of my clients have answered by making the move.

Property Taxes and SPLOST Dollars: Where Your Money Goes

Let's talk taxes because I know it's on your mind. Cobb County's average property tax rate sits around 0.86% of assessed value—significantly lower than many other metro areas. That means on a $350,000 home, you're looking at roughly $3,000 annually in property taxes.

Here's what I appreciate about this area: SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) dollars are actively invested back into the community. These funds support road improvements, public safety equipment, park enhancements, and school facility upgrades. You see the impact everywhere—from repaved roads to renovated recreation centers. Your tax dollars are working for you, and it shows.

Schools That Stand Out

One of the first questions I get from relocating families is about schools, and I'm always confident discussing this topic. Cobb County consistently ranks among Georgia's top school districts. Schools in Powder Springs like McEachern High School, Lovinggood Middle School, and various elementary schools maintain strong academic records and offer robust extracurricular programs.

The district invests heavily in technology, STEM programs, arts education, and athletics. Class sizes are reasonable, teacher quality is high, and parent involvement is encouraged. I've watched families thrive here because their kids are getting an excellent education.

Cities That Get It Right: Livability Matters

What sets Northwest Georgia apart is how cities like Powder Springs, Kennesaw, Acworth, and Marietta prioritize livability. These aren't just places to sleep—they're communities where you can work, enjoy life, and build a future.

Powder Springs maintains its small-town charm while offering modern amenities. Kennesaw balances historic preservation with economic growth. Acworth's lakefront lifestyle draws outdoor enthusiasts. Marietta combines urban convenience with neighborhood character. Each city invests in parks, trails, community events, local businesses, and infrastructure that makes daily life better.

I recommend exploring local trails and community centers to truly understand what living here offers. These aren't just amenities—they're part of what makes Northwest Georgia home.

How I Help You Navigate Real Estate

I've built my business around three core services where I can provide the most value. Let me walk you through each one.

First-Time Homebuyers: My Specialty

I remember being a first-time buyer myself—the excitement mixed with confusion and a bit of fear about making such a huge financial decision. That's why I've developed a system specifically for buyers who are new to this process.

I explain things in plain language, not real estate jargon. I walk you through pre-approval, help you understand what you can afford (not just what you're approved for), show you homes that match your actual needs, negotiate on your behalf, and stay with you through closing and beyond. My First-Time Homebuyer Guide breaks down the entire process so nothing catches you by surprise.

Relocation Services: Making Your Move Smooth

Moving to a new area is stressful enough without trying to navigate an unfamiliar real estate market. I help relocating families and individuals get situated quickly and confidently. I provide neighborhood insights you won't find online, connect you with trusted local resources (movers, utilities, schools, doctors), coordinate virtual tours when you can't visit in person, and help you understand market timing so you don't overpay.

Whether you're coming from across the country or across the state, I make sure your landing is soft and your transition is as smooth as possible.

Selling Your Home: Stand Out, Sell Fast, Get Top Dollar

When you're ready to sell, my goal is simple: position your home to stand out in the market and sell for the best possible price. I've developed a system that includes accurate pricing based on current market data (not wishful thinking), strategic home preparation that maximizes value without unnecessary spending, professional marketing that showcases your home's best features, and skilled negotiation that protects your interests.

I don't just list your home and hope for the best. I actively market it, communicate with you regularly, and work to get you to closing smoothly. Check out my approach in the Selling Your Home guide.

Explore Northwest Georgia Neighborhoods

One of the best parts of my job is helping clients discover which neighborhood fits their lifestyle. Each community has its own character, and I've spent years getting to know them. Here are some of my favorite neighborhoods where I regularly help buyers find homes:

Want to explore more neighborhoods? I've written detailed guides on The Hermitage, Broadlands, Amberton, Echo Mill, and Oakleigh. Each one offers something unique, and I can help you find the perfect fit.

Resources to Empower Your Real Estate Journey

Knowledge is power, and I've created resources specifically designed to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're just starting to explore the market or ready to make a move, these guides provide the information you need:

I also recommend checking out my insights on Kennesaw's housing market growth and exploring nearby communities like Dallas, GA. The more you know about the area, the better equipped you'll be to find your perfect home.

Local Insights and Community Knowledge

Living and working in Northwest Georgia means I'm constantly learning about what makes these communities special. I share what I discover through regular blog posts that dive deeper into local topics. Here are some recent articles you might find helpful:

• Meet the Mayor of Kennesaw — Learn about local leadership and the vision for Kennesaw's future
• Kennesaw Housing Market After 2008 — How growth and KSU shaped the local real estate landscape
• Top 5 Trails Near Kennesaw & Acworth — Outdoor recreation options for families and nature lovers
• Best Community Centers in Kennesaw — Where families gather, learn, and connect
• Marietta Art in the Park — 39 years of Labor Day weekend tradition
• The Concord Covered Bridge — Local history and hidden gems worth exploring

These articles give you a real sense of what it's like to live here—beyond just the real estate market data. I believe understanding the community is just as important as understanding home values when you're making a decision about where to live.