What buyers should do now to be ready for the spring rush
Brought to you by – Caroline Nalisnick | REALTOR, Founding Member HOME Luxury Real Estate | 404.513.9226
While the real estate market tends to quiet down in December, the smartest buyers know this is the perfect time to prepare. Spring is traditionally the busiest season for home sales, and competition can get intense when new listings surge and buyers flood back into the market. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or preparing for a move, taking a few key steps now can put you miles ahead once the spring rush begins.
1. Get Pre-Approved Early, Not Just Pre-Qualified. There’s a major difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval, and in a competitive spring market, only one truly matters. A pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your income, assets, credit, and debt to determine exactly what you can afford. It carries much more weight with sellers and can make your offer stand out among multiple bids. Starting the preapproval process in winter gives you time to shop lenders, compare rates, and address any credit or financial issues before they become roadblocks.
NALISNICK
2. Strengthen Your Credit and Financial Position. If spring buying is your goal, use the slower winter months to clean up your credit and build financial stability. Pay down credit card balances, avoid financing major purchases, and double-check your credit report for mistakes. Even small improvements can lead to better mortgage terms. In addition, start saving for closing costs, which are typically 2% to 4% of the purchase price, and set aside money for a down payment if you haven’t already.
3. Define Your Must-Haves and Deal-Breakers. When inventory spikes in spring, choices multiply. Buyers who know exactly what they want move faster and with more confidence. Take time now to list non-negotiables such as school district, commute time, bedroom count, or yard size. Identify features that would be nice to have but aren’t necessary. This clarity will help you and your agent quickly recognize the right home when it hits the market, and avoid wasting time on homes that don’t fit your needs.
4. Interview and Hire a Buyer’s Agent Early. With new rules and requirements for buyer representation,
it’s more important than ever to establish your relationship with an agent early. A good buyer’s agent will walk you through the process, set expectations for the spring market, help you understand contract terms, and keep you informed about properties coming to market. They’ll also provide market data on local areas, pricing insights, and strategies to make your offer more competitive. Don’t wait until the last minute.
5. Start Watching the Market Now. Even if you aren’t ready to make offers yet, keeping an eye on listings over the winter can teach you a lot: how quickly homes move, what they’re selling for, and how different neighborhoods perform. This knowledge gives you realistic expectations and helps you spot value when it appears.
6. Prepare Emotionally for the Pace. Spring markets are fast. Homes may go under contract within days, and buyers sometimes need to act quickly. Doing your homework now means you’ll feel confident and decisive when it counts.
By taking these steps now, buyers can move confidently and competitively when the market heats up. A little preparation in winter goes a long way. If you’re planning to buy in 2026, this is the ideal time to get started, reach out today, and let’s put a solid plan in place.
Johns Creek: A city building connectivity through parks, trails and sidewalks
By David Randolph Sanders | REALTOR, Founding Member HOME Luxury Real Estate | 404.285.0929
Johns Creek will celebrate its twentieth year as an incorporated city in December 2026, so it is impressive how this area has transformed into a model of suburban planning, with thoughtfully developed sidewalks, trails and parks earning it the national recognition as Best Place to Live (2024-2025). As a local Realtor, I’ve seen firsthand how the city’s infrastructure investments are paying off in making it more pedestrian accessible. Early in my career whenever I’d drive relocation clients around the unincorporated area, I’d often be asked, “Where are the sidewalks?” The City’s ongoing commitment to adding sidewalks and parks is making Johns Creek even more attractive to homebuyers seeking a healthy, connected community lifestyle.
The Johns Creek parks system currently encompasses more than 400 acres of green space which include:
Cauley Creek Park, a 203+ acre located along the Chattahoochee River, ad-
joins the Rogers Bridge Trail and pedestrian access to Rogers Bridge for crossing the river into Duluth. Park amenities include numerous trails, sports fields, and courts.
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center , a 46-acre forested land preservation and history center featuring 3 miles of walking trails, historic structures and numerous family friendly activities.
Shakerag Park , a 66-acre community park featuring nature trails among 200-year-old trees, a fishing pier, sports fields and playgrounds.
Newtown Park, a 46-acre park with amenities including 3 multipurpose athletic fields, courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball and bocce ball, an amphitheater, community garden, dog park, walking trails, senior center, Veterans Memorial Walk and Vietnam Memorial Wall.
Ocee Park, a 37-acre park featuring 8 lighted baseball/softball fields, courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball plus playgrounds and pavilions.
State Bridge Park, a pocket park with picnic tables, grassy field and short walking trail.
Morton Road Park, a neighborhood focused park featuring a playground, pavilion, rain garden, half basketball court and multi-use trail.
Bell-Boles Park, a 2.5-acre pocket park featuring a butterfly garden, stone labyrinth, benches, greenspace and a sensory-based playground.
Boardwalk at Town Center, a 20acre park located adjacent to City Hall, when completed will be a mix of active and passive park activities. Completion is projected as summer 2026.
Sidewalks are an important component to Johns Creek’s commitment to pedestrian connectivity. According to the city’s Public Works department, there are nearly 100 miles of sidewalks and trails throughout the city. The expansion of parks and trails isn’t just aesthetic; it’s a public-health investment.
Residents can walk, jog, or bike in safe, pleasant environments, contributing to daily physical activities and well-being. The sidewalk and trail networks connect neighborhoods, schools, shopping centers and parks, making the city more navigable without a car and encourages community interaction. The Proximity to parks and pedestrian navigable streets is a major selling point for current and future property owners. These green and pedestrian-friendly amenities help Johns Creek to stand out in the Atlanta metro market, signaling long-term planning, care and investment in public spaces. As the city grows, the focus on greenways and trail-side development shows that Johns Creek values sustainable infrastructure, not just housing density. It’s a balance of growth and preservation. Johns Creek isn’t just about buildings and roads; it’s about people and places. With nearly 100 miles of sidewalks and trails and over 400 acres of parkland, the city is building an infrastructure that promotes wellness, connectivity and long-term livability for its residents and potential homebuyers alike.
RANDOLPH
Home for the holidays in the south
Brought to you by- Bill Rawlings, Peachtree Town & Country
It’s no secret that every Southerner— whether working with a grand budget or simple touches—channels their inner interior designer come December. Each year, I love using this space to share the season’s most inspiring holiday home designs, offering ideas to elevate your décor and enrich your hosting moments. Really, it’s about helping you create that moment—the quiet exhale at the end of a bustling December day, when you sink into the sofa with a mug of coffee or hot chocolate, gaze at your mantel or tree, and think, “Yes… this is what it’s all about.”
So without further ado, here are a few of this year’s standout Holiday Home Design Trends:
First and Foremost: A Ralph Lauren Renaissance
This year’s most talked-about comeback? A fullblown Ralph Lauren Revival. According to MarthaStewart.com and interior designer Tony Roberts, the dominant look of the season is what he calls “current heritage.” Think Ralph Lauren’s unmistakable palette—hunter green, deep oxblood reds, aged brass, rich plaids—paired with modern touches like sleek glass ornaments and understated candle holders. It’s a luxurious blend of nostalgia
and polish, evoking the warmth of a classic holiday with a refined, contemporary edge.
Next Up—Naturally—Pattern Play in the South
A decade ago, bold patterns were dismissed as fussy or outdated. Fast-forward to this season, and pattern
indulgence is officially in. Southerners are leaning into the joy of mixing, layering, and celebrating festive prints with abandon. Want to tie it all together? Coordinate with matching ribbons, bows, and table linens that echo your chosen color stories. This creates cohesion amid the visual abundance, allowing the design to feel intentional—not chaotic.
Neutrals Where They’re Needed
For households with little ones, December often brings its own beautiful whirlwind: school crafts, holiday programs, the nightly commitment of “moving the elf,” and all the glitter-covered magic that finds its way into every corner of the home. To balance that joyful chaos, many families are embracing neutral holiday décor—soft whites, warm woods, gentle metallics—to restore a sense of calm while still celebrating the season. When the month feels full, sometimes simplicity becomes the sanctuary.
Wherever You Are
The theme of 2025 holiday design is beautifully simple: feeling at home. This year’s trends don’t chase minimalism for minimalism’s sake—they embrace what sparks joy, nostalgia, and connection. At Peachtree Town and Country, we hold that same philosophy. When someone walks into our offices, we want them to feel our pride, our spirit, and the warmth of our team in every detail.
This season, let your decorating reflect your family’s story—what brings comfort, what inspires you, and what makes your home feel like home.
David Patterson Homes’ Long Hollow Landing wins Community of the Year at the 45th annual OBIE awards
Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Long Hollow Landing, a premier lakeside development by David Patterson Homes, was named Community of the Year – Detached at the 45th Annual Professionalism (OBIE) Awards held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Roxy. The honor, presented annually by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council, underscores the community’s exceptional design, craftsmanship, and contribution to North Atlanta’s evolving residential landscape.
The OBIE Awards, considered the pinnacle of recognition within Atlanta’s home-building industry, celebrate outstanding achievement across more than 100 categories spanning building, remodeling, marketing, and personal accomplishment. Named for the obelisk shape of the award, the OBIEs have, for decades, set the benchmark for excellence and this year, Long Hollow Landing stood out as a clear, deserving winner.
For more than 18 years, David Patterson Homes has built a reputation rooted in timeless design, innovative construction, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. The company’s distinctive blend of European farmhouse elegance and modern luxury has become its hallmark, elevating communities throughout Atlanta and the Lake Lanier region. Long Hollow Landing is a shining example of that vision.
Located on the shores of Lake Lanier, Long Hollow Landing offers one of the last opportunities to own a new
construction home with direct lake access and a boat slip at the community dock. Starting from $1 million+, the community features eight coveted lakeside homesites, with deeded, covered boat slips, and a private community dock that serves as the heartbeat of neighborhood gatherings. From sunrise paddles to sunset cruises, lake living is part of the everyday rhythm here.
Beyond its extraordinary setting, Long Hollow Landing’s thoughtful design sets it apart. The neighborhood
features 59 homesites, creating a close-knit environment where residents enjoy both privacy and a strong sense of community. Architectural details reflect a signature European transitional aesthetic, pairing timeless materials with modern comforts. Every home showcases the meticulous craftsmanship that has become synonymous with David Patterson Homes.
Convenience is another defining feature of the community. Just minutes from GA-400 and Downtown Gainesville, residents enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Families benefit from highly regarded Forsyth County schools, with students attending Chestatee Elementary, Little Mill Middle, and East Forsyth High School.
The OBIE Award for Community of the Year recognizes not only beautiful homes, but also intentional placemaking and Long Hollow Landing delivers on every front. From its scenic shoreline and curated architecture to its shared amenities and warm neighborhood spirit, the community exemplifies what modern lakefront living can be.
With a long-standing legacy of quality, award-winning design, and customer satisfaction, David Patterson Homes continues to raise the bar for North Atlanta homebuilding. For today’s homebuyers seeking a refined, relaxed, and connected lifestyle on Lake Lanier, Long Hollow Landing proves that a dream community truly does exist.
To explore available homes or learn more, visit www. DavidPattersonHomes.com. Sales and marketing by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal Housing Opportunity.
PROVIDED
Discover an elevated real estate experience shaped by intention, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to your goals. Our boutique model offers direct access to seasoned advisors and personalized strategy — where every detail is handled with exceptional care. Here, clients are never transactions but lasting relationships, guided with thoughtful expertise, attentive service, and a curated approach that ensures your journey feels supported, seamless, and genuinely exceptional. Discover the advantage of boutique representation at Peachtree Town & Country.
Myth: Will avoids Probate
A will alone doesn’t keep your family out of probate court. The truth is probate can drain time, money, and energy during an already emotional period. A well-structured trust and estate plan ensures your wishes are carried out smoothly and your family is protected from legal complications.
Noel’s story is a real reminder of why planning ahead matters. When his
wife passed away, everything, including his Trust, was already in place — no court battles, no paperwork nightmares, and no added stress.
See Video of Noe's Story below (Scan QR Code)
The most dangerous place for seniors
The bathroom, a place we take for granted, transforms into one of the most hazardous areas in the home for aging seniors. With slippery surfaces, high tub walls, and the need for frequent maneuvering, the risk of falls—the leading cause of injury among older adults—spikes dramatically. John Hogan, President of Bath and Kitchen Galleria and Aging in Place Expert says, “Proactive bathroom modifications are not merely an upgrade; they are an essential investment in the long-term safety, independence, and dignity of our seniors.”
the drywall. Placement is key: near the toilet to assist with sitting and standing, and both inside and just outside the shower/tub for secure entry and exit. Modern grab bars come in a variety of stylish finishes to seamlessly blend with your décor.
Toilet Area: A standard toilet can be difficult to use for those with limited mobility. Installing a comfort-height or raised toilet seat reduces the strain on joints and makes the transition from sitting to standing much easier. Pairing this with well-placed grab bars provides a significant boost in stability.
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate? December Workshops:
herald2023
To mitigate the dangers, several specific aspects of the bathroom should be modified to create a supportive and accessible environment:
Shower and Bathtub: The single greatest fall risk is often stepping over a high tub wall. The ideal solution is a curbless or low-threshold walk-in shower to eliminate this barrier entirely. For added security, install a permanent shower seat or bench and a handheld showerhead to allow for comfortable, seated bathing. Shower floor should have non-slip tile surfaces.
Grab Bars: Strategically placed sturdy, professional-grade grab bars are critical. They must be securely anchored into wall studs, not just
Flooring and Lighting: Replace slippery tile or remove loose bath mats and throw rugs, which are tripping hazards. Install slip-resistant flooring throughout the bathroom. Finally, good lighting is paramount. Bright, even lighting—including motion-sensor nightlights—helps seniors navigate safely, especially during middle-of-thenight trips.
By implementing these thoughtful changes, the bathroom can evolve from a high-risk area into a secure, comfortable, and accessible space that supports an aging senior’s desire to age in place safely at home. For more information visit Bath and Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) or call them at 678-459-2292.
HOLLY GEERDES Estate Law Center USA
Brought to you by – Bath and Kitchen Galleria
Tune-Up Projects
Kitchen Tune-Up
Paint Cabinets
New Countertops, Sink & Faucet
New Backsplash
Cut Down 2-level
Island
Bathroom Tune-Up
New Countertops, Sink & Faucet
Enlarge Shower
Shower Glass
Shower Safety
Full Remodel Projects
Kitchen Remodel
Total Cabinet Replacement
Large Island
Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations
Open Concept –Move Walls
9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat
Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Rd. Connector Alpharetta, GA
Bathroom Remodel
New Larger Shower
Vanity Replacement –Cabs, Counter, Sink
Free Standing Tub
Floor Tile, Wall Tile
Plumbing Fixtures
An open letter of apology from The Dolan Group
Brought to you by – The Dolan Group
To our friends, clients, neighbors, and anyone who thought buying or selling a home in North Atlanta would be a calm experience:
We owe you an apology.
It has come to our attention that we have once again made real estate look too seamless. We understand this may have caused unexpected emotions—such as relief, confidence, and an unusual sense of “Wow…that was easier than I thought.” For that, we are truly sorry.
We apologize for pricing homes accurately using real market data instead of “gut feelings.”
We apologize for preparing listings so well that buyers start mentally placing furniture before they’ve reached the kitchen.
We apologize for negotiating like your equity depends on it (because it does).
We apologize for answering your late-night texts, early-morning calls,
and mid-afternoon “Is this normal?” questions with patience and clarity.
And most importantly, we apologize for caring so much that you realize this is not just another “transaction”, rather a concierge-level experience with lifechanging impact.
We recognize other agents may not appreciate how our listings tend to sell quickly, or how our buyers tend to win competitive offers. We regret any inconvenience caused by those outcomes.
Please know that going forward, we will make every effort to continue doing exactly what we’ve been doing: showing up with integrity, putting clients first, investing in our community and delivering results
Thank you for your understanding— and for letting us be the group you trust with one of life’s biggest moves!
With no regrets (and great results),
Local news is vital for staying informed and connected, and through this collaboration, we’re making it easier than ever. Now, you can access timely updates and our stories about the things happening in your area, all while engaging in meaningful conversations with real neighbors.
Don’t miss out on the stories that matter most to you –join us on your favorite social media platform to stay connected with everything that’s happening. Together, let’s build stronger, more informed communities!
Experience Matters Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with Appen Media Group
We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.
Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.
For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”
