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2 | May 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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Selecting the right area rug size is easy … W hen I am working with clients, whether they are building a new house or renovating an old one, I like to make sure that house has a nice flow. One of the best ways to achieve that is uniformity in the flooring, that is why I always suggest hardwood floors throughout the house, including the bedrooms. The hardwood allows you to select area rugs which enhance and are sure to warm up the room, while defining the furniture placement. Just as colors and patterns are key to ensure that all the elements in the room work well together, size is equally important. You will want to make sure that the rug is to scale not only with the furniture but also for the room is going to be in. Rugs are essential elements for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Here are some simple guidelines in selecting the appropriate size area rug. The sizes that I recommend for living rooms are 8’ x 11’ or 9’ x 13’. Depending on the placement of the furniture the rug can run either parallel or perpendicular from the fire place. You want to make sure to leave a border of about 8” between the rug and the hearth of the fireplace. Sofas should be placed about a foot over the rug or completely off it. Chairs should be placed about 8” on the rug or completely off it. Dining room rugs usually measure 9’ x 12’ this is the best size for a table that sits 8. The rule is very simple. You want to make sure that table and chairs remain on the rug even when guests are sitting to avoid the back of the chairs catching the edge of the rug. Buffets and sideboard should never be on the rug. When selecting a bedroom rug keep this easy rule in mind, a king size bed requires a 9’ x 12’ rug and a queen size
bed requires an 8’ x 10’ rug. The rug needs to be 2/3 of the way under the bed from the footboard. If the room is narrow and long you can use a 6’ x 9’ rug in front of the bed to fill and warm the void. Whether you prefer oriental, traditional or contemporary rugs, favor bright or subtle colors, enjoy textures and patterns, know that rugs are the key element to make every room complete.
One of the best ways to achieve flow is uniformity in the flooring, that is why I always suggest hardwood floors throughout the house, including the bedrooms.
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For those with memories to make
ALP HA R ET TA 1849 Adagio Drive Offered for $500,000 Nestor Rivera 404.997.2530
A L PH A RE T TA 240 Pebble Trail Offered for $439,000 Bonnie Majher 678.575.4439
J O H NS CREEK 330 High Bridge Chase Offered for $965,000 Jane Patneau 770.337.3538
J OHNS CR EEK 350 Dewpoint Lane Offered for $975,000 Teri Frye 678.428.4281 Pete Frye 770.715.5400
M ILTO N 15200 Highgrove Road Offered for $600,000 Emily Tate 404.547.1797
M ILTO N 565 Lost River Bend Offered for $2,665,000 Jen Metzger 404.218.0468 Tracie Grodi 678.756.0163
ROSWELL 1060 Balmoral Lane Offered for $1,299,000 Angela Medley 404.886.5764
ROSW E L L 9115 Eves Circle Offered for $985,000 Jane Patneau 770.337.3538
WO O DSTO C K 4186 N. Arnold Mill Road Offered for $2,950,000 Clay Henderson 770.652.1890 Haden Henderson 678.787.9226
AtlantaFineHomes.com | 770.442.7300 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. and used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.
Five easy virtual tools for homebuyers Brought to you by – BILL RAWLINGS Senior Vice President & Managing Broker, North Atlanta Office Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty During this unprecRAWLINGS edented time, many industries are rethinking the processes in which they do business. Luckily, real estate, which has been deemed an essential business, provides several virtual tools that make buying and selling both easy and possible during social distancing. From online house-hunting to electronic document signing, you can continue to participate in Atlanta’s strong spring real estate market and take advantage of low mortgage rates, all from the comfort of your home! House-Hunting Online Searching for homes online is probably a familiar topic, as 79% of homebuyers shop online. By looking at various websites, you can easily find homes in a specific neighborhood, price point or school district and eliminate options by filtering features. Some of the most popular browsing options include brokerage websites, such as atlantafinehomes.com and sothebysrealty.com. There are also several apps you can download, including the Sotheby’s International Realty® Mobile app. Virtual and Live Video House Tours Seeing a home is crucial before considering buying; therefore, many brokerages, including Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, are offering online options via virtual or live video tours. As a company, we also hosted an open house event in which agents gave tours using Facebook Live. If you are comfortable, in-person tours are sometimes available as well, all of which comply with CDC safety and sanitization guidelines. To figure out which option is best for you, speak to your real estate agent about their offerings. Mobile Questions and Negotiating Thankfully, we live in a world where electronic means of communication are a norm. Through emailing, texting, calling and FaceTime, you can speak with your agent to go over details or negotia-
See VIRTUAL, Page 6
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Full speed ahead with remodeling “Projects are going forward — but the process has changed dramatically,” says John Hogan, President of Remodeling Expo Center in Roswell. Builders are dramatically changing the way they operate, staging Zoom meetings instead of in-person consultations, having homeowners take their own photos and ramping up job-site safety protocols, from sanitizing doorknobs to limiting the number of subcontractors allowed inside the home at one time. John continued. “Never in my 20plus years in the industry did I imagine that we would be meeting with people virtually”, and its working great. Homeowners provide room dimensions and we respond with 3D renderings and quotes for their new spaces. Homeowners have a wide array of new concerns about remodeling. “There’s fear and confusion,” John said. “Some want to move forward and view this [the coronavirus] as a speed bump. Some are saying, ‘Let’s pause. Life has been thrown upside down.’ We’re trying to meet people wherever they are.” “It’s more collaborative,” John said of working with homeowners without entering their homes. “Homeowners need to send pictures, walk around with their phone. We have to rely on technology.” When the virus became widespread in Georgia, Remodeling Expo had 15 jobs in-process, so immediate and comprehensive safety protocols were adopted and still continue. They erected more
We’ve tried to create an environment of client safety and vendor safety.” PETER SCHNIEPER Vice President of Installation, Remodeling Expo temporary barrier walls to create separation, workers wear masks, stringent tool cleaning, allowing only one trade in a home at a time, and coordinating with homeowners to be in their home less during the work day. “We’ve tried to create an environment of client safety and vendor safety,” said Peter Schnieper, Vice President of Installation at Remodeling Expo. “People ask, ‘Is it even possible?’ The reality is, yes, if it’s planned properly. Safety isn’t a new challenge for builders”, Peter noted. “We’ve always been in the business of protecting ourselves and our clients from airborne pathogens like, radon, lead, and asbestos,” he said. “That’s not on the level of the coronavirus, but we know how to protect the job site.” For more information, contact The Remodeling Expo Center at 404 9103969 or stop in the Design Center at 48 King Street, Roswell, GA 30075. www.RemodelingExpo.com.
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6 | May 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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For those with memories to make
Virtual: BARNESV ILLE 704 Old Milner Road Offered for $499,000 Clay Henderson 770.652.1890 Haden Henderson 678.787.9226
C HAMBLEE 4085 Commodore Drive Offered for $489,000 Ben Owens 678.358.1749
SANDY SPRIN GS 8308 Hewlett Road Offered for $589,900 Teri Frye 678.428.4281 Pete Frye 770.715.5400
B RO O K H AVE N 3650 Ashford Dunwoody Road, No. 914 Offered for $160,000 Jeff Tubo 404.819.1874
CH ASTA IN PA RK 220a Lake Forrest Lane Offered for $2,699,999 Bonnie Majher 678.575.4439
HILTO N H E A D, SO U TH CA RO L INA 82/83 Brams Point Road Offered for $8,699,000 Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty
CA PITO L VIE W 1449 Allene Avenue Offered for $425,000 Lisa Bennett 678.531.2996
ROSW E L L 224 Vickery Falls Drive Offered for $505,000 Tricia Leuallen 678.699.3955
DESTIN, FLO R I DA 4720 Ocean Boulevard Offered for $4,995,000 Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty
AtlantaFineHomes.com | 770.442.7300 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. and used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.
Continued from Page 6 tions during the process without having to meet face-to-face. Although you may prefer meeting with your agent in person, these alternative communication avenues will be effective and maintain safety precautions. Electronic Document Signing Many homebuyers may be unaware that contracts can be signed electronically. Electronic signatures and documents make the process efficient and seamless, and they allow each person involved to easily store paperwork on their computers, flash drives or as printed copies. A multitude of real estate professionals use DocuSign, Lightico, eFileCabinet and other tools to make the process secure and simple. Digital Content Through 3D tours, stunning photos, breathtaking videos and even virtual augmented reality apps, viewing a property online is easier than ever. At Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, we offer the highest quality digital content, including Matterport 3D scans that survey every inch of a home and Curate, which is Sotheby’s International Realty®’s exclusive virtual reality app. Speak to your agent about digital content options to make your home search effective and thorough. Thankfully, modern technology allows buyers, sellers and agents to mitigate the changes happening around us. By utilizing these virtual tools, the homebuying process can happen from the comfort of your home! If you have questions regarding virtual tools and need help implementing them, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist! — Compiled and edited by Holly Haynes, Marketing Coordinator
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Are you pivoting? We are getting all kinds of new messages from the media. We need to “pivot”. Advertisers are “here for you”, and of course “we are all in this together”. As we process these new messages, and determine what is the “new GRIFFIN normal” for our lives, we also take time to evaluate what is most important to us. And we consider people we are grateful for: teachers, health care workers, delivery people and store clerks. We also miss restaurants, sports, concerts and stores. Our Homes Are Our Haven We may even look at our homes in a different light. Isn’t it great to have our own home during this time to “shelter in place”? Home ownership provides us with a safe investment with equity growing over time. Our homes are also our security and the place memories are made. Those who need to buy or sell during this time are adjusting to new methods. The full-time experi-
enced real estate agent is invaluable in advising, consulting and counseling buyers and sellers through the transaction, especially in this stressful environment. The real estate agents lead the buyers and sellers to a “meeting of the minds” and closing. During this time agents are using more video walk-throughs, virtual open houses, touch-free showings and even “driveby” closings. Agents have adapted to continue business and keep safety as a priority. Buyer Motivation is High In the past 30 days 41 single family homes in Dunwoody have gone under contract or closed. So, the serious buyers are still looking. We are projecting an increase in showings and closings now with shelter in place restrictions being lifted in Georgia. Buyer demand may have been delayed, but all signs show it is still strong. Our Spring market has been shifted to early Summer. Dan Griffin, Broker/Realtor, Keller Williams First Atlanta, 770-8432175, dangriffinadvisors@kw.com
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8 | May 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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A new paradigm By NATALIE VANHOOK Keller Williams North Atlanta
Buying, selling or investing— I’m here to provide the best service and care!
Natalie Vanhook 770.609.4842 natalie.vanhook@kw.com
Let me start by saying I wish you all good health and much safety in this trying time. There has been a fundamental shift in how we interact with each other. These changes pervade every aspect of our life. Selling a house is no exception. With social distancing, we must rethink the traditional model of selling a home. Given the current pandemic, using open houses to attract a buyer is no longer desirable. For health reasons, you need to reduce the amount of traffic through your home. Prospective buyers will be uneasy walking through a house if there are other individuals present. You want all their attention focused on your house; this is difficult if they are worrying about staying six feet away from anyone else present. Now more than ever, it is beneficial to work with a larger broker. An agent with access to an expansive network will socialize your home to other agents that are a
part of their network. Those agents are working with willing buyers who should be prequalified to purchase a house. This increases the ability for you to sell your home without relying on the need for an open house to attract offers. It is also important to make sure your agent has the ability to create digital contracts. Electronically signing contracts is more efficient, and also maintains social distance. As a realtor for Keller Williams, I would love to put my network and digital abilities to work for you. We will overcome this, together.
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The Memory Center Atlanta The Memory Center Atlanta is the most unique and comprehensive community for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Devoted specifically to memory care, our expertly designed program meets the challenging conditions of an aging brain with a caring, interactive community. We understand a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean you or your loved one stops living, rather it means finding new ways to live by providing assistance to maintain an active and meaningful lifestyle. Our residents enjoy music, dancing, live entertainment, art, gardening, - even outings, pet therapy and religious services. Enjoy a drink in the Chattahoochee Tavern, grab a movie in the Fox Theater or ice cream at the Bull Dog
Café. All residents experience socialization and activities accessible across all levels of dementia. Even those who need 24/7 care benefit from life at The Memory Center. Overseen by our medical director who specializes in the field of geriatric healthcare, our team of Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants provide the best 24/7 care. Don’t let a crisis determine where your loved one receives care. If you are considering memory care, we encourage you to explore options as early as possible. Take the time to ask questions, tour and include your loved one in the decision making process. Transitioning to memory care early ensures the best quality of life with daily socialization and
For those looking forward
ALP HARE T TA 12480 Hopewell Road Offered for $2,325,000 Bonnie Majher 678.575.4439
ALPHARET TA 193 Kenneth Drive Offered for $1,450,000 Jen Metzger 404.218.0468 Tracie Grodi 678.756.0163
A L PH A RE T TA 240 Pebble Trail Offered for $1,499,999 Bonnie Majher 678.575.4439
C UM M I NG 7065 Wakehurst Place Offered for $450,000 Laurie Nickless 404.219.2093
MILTON 15275 Birmingham Highway Offered for $1,150,000 Jen Metzger 404.218.0468 Tracie Grodi 678.756.0163
M ILTO N 3107 Watsons Bend Offered for $1,850,000 Chris McCarley 678.294.5185 Jackye McCarley 678.478.7636
AtlantaFineHomes.com | 770.442.7300 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.
engaging activities designed to meet the needs of you or your loved one. Get in touch - ask us a question or schedule a tour of The Memory Center Atlanta to learn more about how our team provides a seamless transition for
your loved one into their new home. Located at 12050 Findley Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097, less than ½ mile from Medlock Bridge Rd. directly behind Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Call Today, (770) 476-3678.
10 | May 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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List your home and live stress-free We know how stressful the last few months have been for everyone, especially if you were planning on listing your home, or had just listed it, and are now wondering what to do. We’ve talked to several people who are nervous about having strangers walk through their house while it’s on the market, and EVOQ Town Flats of Johns Creek has a great solution that can help calm your nerves. At EVOQ Town Flats, we offer lease terms as short as 3 months so you can list your house, and move into a beautiful, new, never-occupied flat while your house is on the market. Not only do you not have to worry about people walking through your home while you live there, but you also don’t have to worry about keeping it “show-ready” while trying to live your life. Evoq Town Flats was conceived as a luxury rental option for the 55+ market unlike anything currently on the market. Our goal was to provide condominium-quality rentals with a boutique feel and resort-level amenities, including a self-serve Tap Room with beer & wine selections, saltwater pool, concierge services, two Guest Suites for friends and family, even Peloton bikes and On-Demand Fitness. In addition, knowing the level of luxury our residents are coming from, we put just as much detail into the flats, offering 23 unique floor plans which include spacious 5-piece master bath suites, stainless appliances including 5-burner gas ranges, 11’ ceilings, even a wine-refrigerator in select floor plans. Call us today at 770-869-2785 or visit us online at www.evoqliving.com to see why leasing at EVOQ Town Flats is your best option for stress-free living.
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Getting the important but not urgent things done By MICHELLE WILSON Wilson Legal, PC Author Stephen Covey and Dwight D. Eisenhower used a table to categorize our daily activities. The four categories were: (1) Urgent and Important, (2) Not Urgent WILSON but Important, (3) Urgent but Not Important, (4) Not Urgent and Not Important. In his book, the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey explains that we naturally take care of the first category and then our time gets sucked away with the fourth category. We may get to a few other urgent but unimportant tasks, but the important tasks that are not urgent get the least amount of our attention and energy. This tendency keeps us from doing those important things in life that are never urgent enough to get to the top of our “to-do” list and never easy enough to get done quickly as in the fourth category. So what happens to those impor-
Workshops • 2 Tips to Make sure You’re Cared For and You Can Say Goodbye – With Special Guest, Therapist Dorice Neir, May 15, 2020, 3 p.m. • Long Term Care Insurance (Comparing the Companies) – The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly, May 29, 2020, 3 p.m.
tant but not urgent tasks? We often never get around to doing them. I need to pick up Stephen Covey’s book again and give it another read. But here’s the other way handle your daily tasks. Do the urgent and important things. Eliminate the distractions that are not urgent or important. Ask someone else to help you with the urgent things that are not important and plan to do the important but not urgent things. That’s the key – PLAN. And take just the first step. Would you like to exercise more? Put going for a walk on the calendar – and invite a friend to join you so you don’t
waffle out of it at the last minute. Did you want to eat better more healthy foods? Plan to make a meal with one new vegetable this week. Need to update
(or get) a will or trust in place to protect your family? Call us and ask for our welcome packet so you can get started. (770) 205-7861
For those looking forward
FREE Upcoming Webinars: Protect your family today! May 15, 2020 at 3:00pm 2 Tips to Make Sure You’re Cared For and You Can Say Goodbye – With Special Guest, Therapist Dorice Neir
May 29, 2020 at 3:00pm
Long Term Care Insurance (Comparing the Companies) – The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
CUMMING 6550 Eli Davis Road Offered for $525,000 Michelle Maloney 404.247.4027
DULUTH 7415 N Berwick Court Offered for $340,000 Chris McCarley 678.294.5185 Jackye McCarley 678.478.7636
FORSY TH 345 W Johnston Street Offered for $469,000 Clay Henderson 770.652.1890 Haden Henderson 678.787.9226
HAMPTON 186 Crystal Lake Boulevard Offered for $699,000 Clay Henderson 770.652.1890 Haden Henderson 678.787.9226
Attorney Michelle Wilson
Check out wilson-legal.com/contacts for more webinars. 407 East Maple St., #105 • Cumming, GA 30040 • (770) 205-7861
AtlantaFineHomes.com | 770.442.7300 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.
12 | May 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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