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Avoid these mistakes when purchasing property By STEVEN HOOKS steven@engineering303.com For most of us, land and dwelling purchases are the most expensive and complicated transactions we will undertake. They are time consuming, can be difficult, yet are somehow quite rewarding. Whether you are looking at an investment property, commercial land, a house and lot, or land for your dream home, you want to make the most informed choice possible. It is fundamental to choose a team with the knowledge and expertise to guide you to the property best suited to your needs. The value of a team of well-informed real estate professionals cannot be overstated. This team includes real estate agents, mortgage brokers, appraisers, attorneys, and land surveyors. Once you have enlisted the help of an agent and narrowed your property selection, it is advisable to contact a Professional Land Surveyor to research and survey your property. A current survey can identify a variety of possible issues and help you avoid disagreements, claims, and issues that would not be apparent without a current survey. Such issues include improvements over property lines (often fences and irrigation), missing property markers, and incorrect land descriptions. The Technical Standards for Property Surveys in Georgia (1807-.02(1)(a)) requires that “Every parcel of land whose boundaries are surveyed by a land surveyor should be made conformable with the record title boundaries of such land.” That is, Boundary Surveys correlate written descriptions with ground markings and will help you know that you are getting the
property you are paying for in terms of area and location. During research, Land Surveyors may discover issues that could jeopardize transactions. Recently, while performing the initial research for a property, I discovered that the property under contract was not owned by the seller and was described incorrectly in the sales contract. We provided the agent with the correct description and protected the interests of the buyer, the seller, and their agents. Further, we helped the buyer select a location for a new vacation cottage which met the requirements of the locality, the client’s needs and made effective use of topography, soils characteristics and ‘lay of the land’. Enlisting the advice and service of a Land Surveyor early in your transaction will help you recognize the boundaries of your property and identify potential issues before you make a purchase. Knowing the boundaries of your land and issues that surround it will make for a more well-informed, enjoyable transaction. Your relationships with your new neighbors will likely benefit, too. As Benjamin Franklin put it, “Love thy neighbor, yet don’t pull down your hedge.” (Poor Richard’s Almanack, April 1754). For more information contact Steven Hooks with Engineering 303 at 770-442-0500, by emailing steven@engineering303.com, or by visiting engineering303.com
Get ready for a life changing experience By: FERHAT ERKAN, General Manager The Uniqhouse A major home renovation can be a wonderful, life changing experience. At the same time, we also know that done poorly, it can also be extremely stressful for the homeowner. Whether it’s articulating your ERKAN personal tastes, selecting finishes, establishing a budget or living through the sawdust, a home renovation can be a true test of endurance. And of course, the most important part renovation is the heart of your home - the kitchen! The kitchen is no longer a place where recipes on paper are transformed into delicious realities. It is the new meeting place in the limited amount of time we spend at home due to the frantic pace of our daily life. The kitchen is a new living space that is being shaped by a new perspective. It should be something you like as much when you are using it as you did picking it out. The UniqHouse has a solution for every functional difficulty you face. Our multi-skilled experienced team
is always willing to deliver the highest quality of installation or refurbishment work. If you work with us, you can expect full on personal attention. You deal with one person for design, technical matters, installation, payments, appliance advice, decor, lighting and remedial works. When we laid the foundation of The UniqHouse, we dedicated ourselves to the very important business of developing the best products for kitchens and baths in the USA. To provide highquality products at affordable prices with a fast and excellent service under a strong American brand! The UniqHouse aims to go beyond being just a "choice" in the kitchen and bath sector; but dreams instead with the science of products to create the most beautiful artwork with its own unique language capturing the harmony of quality and beauty. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with long lasting happiness in your home, by creating a space that brings you joy and is an expression of your personality for your family to gather in for years to come. For expert assistance remodeling your kitchen or bath, contact one of the The UniqHouse representatives in Roswell at 678 878 3940 or visit TheUniqHouse.com.
July 2017
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Smart home benefits Brought to you by: Te’a Metro, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty When building the home of your dreams, product selection can greatly impact your operating cost for decades. Buying a high efficiency home not only saves energy but also greatly impacts your metro health and improves your comfort levels. This can benefit you by creating better air quality, reducing noise and so much more. There is a lot of data involved in finding the right environmentally friendly dwelling. Below is the breakdown of the different certification systems for energy-efficient homes. RESNET The Residential Energy Services Network is a not-for-profit corporation that develops industry-wide standards and rules for energy efficiency ratings and certification systems for buildings. RESNET can give you so much insight into the type of home you live in, they can tell you everything from how efficient your home currently is to what you could improve on to create a more eco-efficient environment. HERS Index The Home Energy Rating System is an index measuring a home’s energy efficiency, when measuring the energy efficiency, it is better to have a lower score. A typical resale home score is around 130 where as new home built to
the standard of HERS index is awarded a score of 100. LEED The United States Green Building Council is the agency that bestows Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications on environmentally friendly buildings and projects. The highest certification a building can earn is “LEED platinum”. Energy Star The Energy Star program is overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Products such as refrigerators, light bulbs, and furnaces can earn Energy Star certifications. Separately, homes can be Energy Star certified through an independent inspection. Indoor airPLUS This program is also administered by the EPA. Homes that go above and beyond the Energy Star requirements by incorporating additional features to combat moisture, mold, pests, and pollutants can earn this label. National Green Building Certification Overseen by the National Association of Home Builders, this program helps residential building professionals develop and build sustainable projects. Buildings can earn bronze, silver, gold, or emerald certifications. In order to earn the Emerald level which is the highest certification a project can earn it “must incorporate energy savings of 60 percent or more”. If you are interested in buying or selling or have any questions about today’s market, please allow me to assist by you visiting teametro.atlantafinehomes.com or calling 770.993.3873 Article is adapted from: Realtor.com
July 2017
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Grilling Tips By: Kathy Weeks, Managing Broker, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Alpharetta Grilling isn’t just for meat anymore. You can do virtually all your cooking on the grill – vegetables, foil pouch entrees, dessert, even pizza. Instead of spending sultry summer evenings broiling along with your food in weeks a hot kitchen, why not plan to fix your meals on your deck or patio? Grilling adds no extra fat to your food, takes no more time than conventional cooking, and best of all, clean up is a snap. If you’ve never tried your hand at grilling, it’s time to learn this great American cooking technique. Gas grills are a lot like gas stoves – turn on the gas and light it. Most gas grills even have temperature settings so there’s no guesswork. Charcoal’s a little trickier, but doable if you know the secrets. For one pound of meat cooked with the direct-heat method (smack over the fire), a good rule of thumb is 30 briquettes. For the same amount of meat using slower indirect heat, you’ll need about 50 briquettes. Pile your briquettes in a pyramid before lighting. It takes about 20 minutes for charcoal to reach the proper temperature for cooking. It should be about 70 percent covered in ash with a faint
glow. Spread the charcoal out so that it extends at least an inch beyond the edges of the food to be cooked. If you inherited your grill and have no instructions, here’s a time-honored method to determine temperature: hold your hand palm down over the fire about six inches above the coals. Count in seconds how long you can comfortably hold your hand there: 5 mississippis: 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit; 4 mississippis: 300-350 degrees; 3 mississippis: 350-375 degrees; 2 mississippis: 375 and above. What equipment is necessary? You need a good set of spring-loaded longhandled tongs for turning meats. Do not use a fork as spearing the meat will cause it to lose flavorful, tenderizing juices. A sturdy wire brush is absolutely necessary to clean your grill racks. While the racks are still hot from cooking, use the brush to remove stuck-on bits. For turning meat or serving, a long-handled spatula will serve you well. Different sizes of basting brushes come in handy. Skewers come in metal, wood and bamboo varieties. To keep the last two from burning up over the fire, soak them in water, fruit juice or wine for 30 minutes before using. Wire baskets and grids are great for vegetables and items that break apart easily like whole fish filets. For expert assistance buying or selling a home this spring, contact the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Alpharetta at 770.642.0399 or visit ColdwellBankerHomes.com.
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Peachtree Corners | 3/2.5 | $380,000 Tarran Craver 770.597.9118 3685 Highcroft Circle | Highcroft Search #5868041 on CBHomes.com
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Alpharetta/North Point 3800 Mansell Rd., Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | 770.642.0399
*comScore, Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2016. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 105781ATL_5/17
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What’s coming down the road for home sales? By: Eve Jones, Harry Norman Realtors Statistics: National Association of Realtors Well it’s good news, mostly. Nationally, the prediction by Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, is that sales are expected to exceed 5.6 million units which is an increase of approximately 200,000 units versus 2016. New sales are projected to increase 60,000 units to 620,000 (dare I say half of those new homes will be built in the North Fulton area). OK that’s a stretch, but we are seeing an incredible new construction boon in our area. All of this encouraging growth can be attributed to steady growth in the GDP at 2.2%, the addition of 2.1 million jobs and inflation remains in check at 2.3%. Mr. Yun indicates, “there’s no sign of a recession”. And, that’s especially true here in North Fulton as we are attracting so many new companies and high-tech businesses. There are (and have been) some challenges for the housing industry of late. Home sales could be higher if it weren’t for limited inventories and a corresponding increase in prices. In fact, Mr. Yun has stated that home prices have been rising at a rate well-ahead of wage increases since the real estate recovery began. In 2017, home prices are expected to rise 5% (and that’s pretty typical for our market here in North Fulton as well). The rising prices and declining inventory are really affecting the lower price points the most. First-time home buyers, who make up 52% of pro-
spective buyers planning to purchase homes in 2017 and are shopping under $300K, face competition from multiple offers and it’s discouraging. When inventory gets tight like this, going it on your own as a buyer is foolish. Agents will know the of upcoming listings, are familiar with recent sales data and get you in to see a home more quickly than just random calls to the listing agent who is likely inundated. Apparently, during the housing downturn all those investors who flooded the market and bought rental properties are holding on to them. Of course, that is adding to our inventory challenges. And, I am guessing as long as the rental rates remain healthy, they are going to continue hold tightly to those investment properties. There are other forces at work affecting our real estate market that include Washington D.C. Mr. Yun has indicated that changes in the tax code and significant de-regulation could spur more housing sales increases. The biggie is the Dodd-Frank regulations enacted after the mortgage crisis. Were those regulations eased responsibly, it could mean more efficiency in loan processes for consumers and builders, translating to more closings and more news home to buy. There is this other force impacting the home industry called, wait for it… Millennials! Zillow claims that approximately half of home buyers right now are under the age of 36. Also, apparently many millennials are skipping over the more traditional starter home. Instead, they are waiting a little longer to purchase larger, more expensive homes. If this trend
continues, empty-nest baby boomers and Gen Xers can sell their homes and down-size (finally). This may be the trend that loosens up some of the inventory down the road. Of course, the last market factor for the home sale industry is the interest rates and where they are going. Well, they are going up. Many economists are predicting the 30 year fixed rate to hit 4.6% by the end of 2017. Hmmm, still sound pretty good to me (especially when my first home mortgage rate was 7.5%). Relax, Millennials. It’s all good (for now anyway). And don’t forget, to ensure your home purchase or sale is headed down the right road, engage an experienced, professional, fulltime realtor.
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July 2017
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Easy curb appeal One of the easiest but often overlooked enhancement to a house to improve the curb appeal is to add or update your exterior shutters. Historically exterior shutters served a purpose by offering light control, ventilation and protection from the elements. Today exterior shutters are mostly decorative. “Exterior shutters add the finishing touch to a house”, says Hennie DuPreez, CEO of Dupbel Millworks Inc. “But it is important that they are appropriately sized and look like they are supposed to be there.” Whether you’re adding or replacing shutters to add curb appeal or as part of a remodel, consider these tips from Dupbel Millworks Inc., one of the leading shutter manufacturers in North Georgia. Style: Make sure the style adds visual interest to the house, whether you choose traditional Raised panels, a Board and Batten style, Louvers or one of the more modern styles. Depending on the style you can make your house look more traditional, contemporary or modern. A reputable shutter provider will be able to help you choose the look you are trying to achieve. Size: One of the biggest mistakes people make with shutters is the size. It is important that the shutters are sized correctly for your windows, while taking into account the features of the house, obstacles that could be present, and the look you are trying to achieve. Your shutters are going to be mostly decorative, but make sure they are sized as if they would be functional and as if they belong there. Hardware: Traditionally shutters were attached to the window frames with hinges. Today hardware plays an important role in the appearance of your shutters. Various options are available depending on the style of the shutters and the type of windows. Adding hardware adds to the curb appeal and the authentic look. It also put the shutter at a slight angle, adding visual interest and creating better shadow lines that brings out the design features of the shutter style. Material: Exterior shutters are available in various material and you
July 2017
need to find the right balance between price, how long they will last and the look you are trying to achieve. Vinyl shutters are typically the cheapest option for obvious reasons, wood looks great but do not necessary withstand the elements, and then you have various composite materials that could provide you with the authentic look and long lasting criteria. Installation: Make sure you are confident working on a ladder, or make sure you use a professional crew with the necessary insurance. The installation cost is typically in addition to the price of the shutters and hardware. Ensure there is a suitable mounting surface and that the window frames are in good shape before installation. Dupbel Millworks Inc. manufactures exteriors shutters using only weather resistant materials. Our core business is shutters made from a composite wood material that is rot, insect and weather resistant. This is especially important in Georgia’s hot, humid conditions. Although we carry a series of shutters styles, we are fully equipped to help you design the specific look you desire, and every shutters is custom made based on your house, windows and design. We use your house as our showroom, knowing very well how difficult it can be to see what a specific style of shutter will do the look of your home. We come to your house with samples and will help you to choose the perfect style of shutter for your house. Our business is located in Alpharetta, GA and we are proud to serve the residential and commercial market of North Georgia. We are small enough to provide you with personal attention, yet strong enough to handle complex designs and the volume from our commercial customers.
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Luxury senior living Inspired Living at Alpharetta is a vibrant and innovative community that offers assisted living, memory care, and independent living options. Whether you are active and independent, need a little assistance, or require personalized memory care, you can be assured that we will design a lifestyle that is uniquely yours and brings you joy. Our vibrant community sits on lush scenic acres, conveniently located with easy access to GA 400 and Alpharetta’s exclusive Avalon, restaurants and shopping. Purposefully designed with a variety of services and amenities, Inspired Living at Alpharetta features a serene pond with pier, fenced dog park, putting greens, swimming pool with tiki
bar, breathtaking views, and beautifully landscaped walking paths. Seniors can choose from elegant studio, alcove or one and two-bedroom apartments. From exercise classes to arts, music and cultural programs, we offer fun ways to socialize and stay engaged. Swim in the pool, meet new friends at social events and happy hours, and enjoy chef-prepared meals in our dining room or in one of our country kitchens. Everything you need is here; we even provide weekly laundry and linen service. Should a health issue arise, assisted living and memory care services are available, all within an enriching, engaging, homelike environment.
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Fabulous Forsyth & Fulton County Locations Live in One of These Prestigious Counties with Fantastic School Systems, Recreation and Much More Fulton County ManorView (Milton) 770-663-0027 Homes from the mid $600s to the upper $700s
Edgemont on Main Street (Milton) Coming Soon 678-613-6191
Seneca lll (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $300s
Herrington Glen (Cumming) 470-302-8205 Homes from the mid $400s
Seneca IV (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $400s
Forsyth County
Herrington Trace (Cumming) 770-557-2289 Homes from the low $400s
Arbors II at LakeView (Cumming) 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $300s
Reserve at LakeView (Cumming) 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $400s
Seneca Overlook (Cumming) Now Selling 470-297-8006 Homes from the low $500s
Champions Run I (Suwanee) 770-888-2763 Homes from the low $400s
Seneca (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the low $400s
Briarstone at Nesbit Lakes (Roswell) Coming Soon 770-887-8233
Champions Run II (Suwanee) 770-888-2763 Homes from the mid $400s
Traditions (Cumming) Now Selling 770-888-2763 Homes from the low $400s Woodbury Preserve (Cumming) 470-321-5702 Homes from the upper $300s
For more information, please visit CalAtlanticHomes.com. In the Atlanta division of CalAtlantic Homes, prices, plans, elevations and specifications are subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Photographs and/or renderings are for illustrative purposes only. Hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may be decorative suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. See Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. This is not an offer or the solicitation of an offer for the purchase of a new home. This information is not directed to residents of any state that requires registration or permit issuance prior to the publication of such information. CAATL358
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July 2017
Luxury townhomes in the heart of coveted By: Karen Salter and Charlcie Forehand Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Windsong Townhomes are located off the beaten path in coveted Downtown Alpharetta, moments from Wills Park and Downtown Alpharetta’s restaurants and community activities. Only one mile from The Avalon, just off of Marietta Street forehand behind Pure Taqueria, between Roswell Street and Old Milton Parkway. Windsong is currently under construction and consists of 24 Custom Luxury Townhomes, with 5 units available mid-November, a Furnished Model Home onsite and opportunities for immediate occupancy. salter These multi-level units each have approximately 3,500 square feet, not including back porches or garages, four Bedrooms, three and one-half Bathrooms, Elevator options and 3-Car Tandem Garages. The Full finished Terrace level with Media Room, Guest Bedroom and full Bath grants access to covered porch and private fenced Backyard. Main living area with hardwood floors throughout, Gourmet
Kitchens with Wolf appliances and SubZero Refrigerators and Butler's Pantries with Beverage Centers (wine coolers and ice makers). The large Family Room boasts coffered ceilings, modern tiled Fireplaces with built-in bookcases flanking each side. Large casual dining area, Sunroom, Formal Dining Room, Half Bath and Lanai. Spacious Master bedrooms upstairs with hardwood floors feature two walk-in closets, Luxurious Bathrooms with freestanding Tubs, separate Double-headed
Virtual reality: changing the way homeowners North Atlanta homeowners are now seeing their remodeling imaginations become reality. Remodeling Expo Center has quickly become North Atlanta’s highest grossing remodeling company, in part, due to its practical application of technology. The same devices that have revolutionized the entertainment industry are now being used to provide realistic 3D models of inhome renovations. Equipped with a virtual reality headset, homeowners can preview their newly remodeled home without using a single hammer or nail. Virtual reality has been widely praised as the next big technological revolution, revamping the way that users interact with the digital world. Much of the hype surrounding virtual reality (VR) has been focused on gaming, but more and more businesses are finding clever ways to adapt to this technology to their own industries, like medical students using VR systems for surgical training. In the unlikely world of architecture, virtual reality has found its way into a special niche. VR technology is the perfect tool for modeling 3D structures and buildings
during the design phase of a remodel. For the first time, homeowners can preview different floorplans, different color schemes, or different interior designs without ever having to break ground on a project. From the comfort of a VR headset, home remodelers and their clients can make advanced design decisions at a fraction of the cost. One Atlanta business is single handedly expanding the industry. As a pioneer in the home remodeling market, Remodeling Expo Center has already used this technology in more than 100 projects. According to John Hogan, President of Remodeling Expo Center, “Virtual reality is the best visual tool for homeowners to preview their design. Just a decade ago, this work was largely left to the imagination. Now we can generate a photo-realistic rendering right before their eyes. This way, homeowners can see exactly what the finished product will look like weeks in advance.” Advanced technology is just part of the re-engineered remodeling experience. Along with the use of virtual reality is a digital estimation system, certified kitchen
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real estate report • Sponsored Section
Downtown Alpharetta
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Privately tucked away off Marietta Street behind PURE Taqueria, in the heart of coveted Downtown Alpharetta.
M O D E L H O M E N OW O P E N Monday - Saturday 11am - 4pm Sundays 1pm - 6pm
Frameless Showers and double Vanities. In addition to the Master upstairs, there are two additional bedrooms with a shared full bath as well as the Laundry Room included with custom cabinets. All of these features are standard options! Construction by custom Builder, Sheehan Built Homes with architectural designs by Main Street Designs. Prices starting from $750000. Visit us today at our Model Home located at 220 Marjean Way, Alpharetta, GA 30009. (GPS #171 Marietta Street)
think about remodeling
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24 luxury townhomes. Three-car garages. 3,400+ square feet. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Elevator option available. Two units available for immediate occupancy. Five units under construction, available mid-November.
Starting in the $750s T H E S A LT E R F O R E H A N D T E A M
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Karen Salter, Charlcie Forehand + Morgan Forehand ks. 770.309.7309 | cf. 678.613.4422 | o. 770.442.7300 karensalter@atlantafinehomes.com and bathroom designers and finally, an integrated installation team. The combination of all these elements has resulted in a remodeling experience unlike anything else in the marketplace. To learn more about Remodeling Expo Center, visit their showroom in Downtown Roswell, 48 King Street, Roswell GA, 404 910-3969, or visit them online RemodelingExpo.com
charlcieforehand@atlantafinehomes.com morganforehand@atlantafinehomes.com
© All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. Marketing and Sales by Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. Information contained herein is believed to be accurate but is not warranted and is subject to change without notice.
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Sales Leaders Cindy Zhao Johns Creek 770-380-5708
Grace Yoon Norcross 404-514-1000
Linda Bell McDonough 678-898-4900
Janice Chatham Cumming 770-876-0391
Lisa McGhee McDonough 678-478-8927
Megan Dwyer Roswell 770-331-7986
Diane Higgins Cumming 678-778-5358
Nikita Barnes Douglasville 404-201-8371
Randy Crowe McDonough 678-776-1890
Pat Maddox Roswell 770-598-1201
Pat Thompson Cumming 770-354-8720
Khaldoun Malas Roswell 770-313-4601
Fiona Wang Dong Dong Fang-Lopez Vicky Moss Norcross Cumming Norcross 404-906-1784 770-380-9307 678-800-4989
Crissy Irvin McDonough 404-988-0460
Judy Chin Norcross 770-864-4362
Lynn Roman McDonough 404-580-8210
Jim Gray Commercial 678-371-8630
Ashly Ray Cartersville 678-937-3420
Donna Bell-Mayo McDonough 770-480-4067
Tammie Carter Johns Creek 770-820-7127
Lauren Holmes Roswell 770-365-5800
Julianna Kim Norcross 678-480-2239
Paige Vega Jill Jackson Cumming 470-443-4157
Dawn Hazelton Norcross 770-255-3380
Alpharetta - Crabapple/Roswell/Milton 282 Rucker Road, Suite 110 • Alpharetta, GA 30004 | Office: (678) 240-2201 Atlanta - Smyrna/Vinings 1322 Concord Rd SE • Smyrna, GA 30080 | Office: (770) 805-9652 Atlanta NE - Norcross 4870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. • Norcross, GA 30071 | Office: (770) 255-3380 Cartersville 477 East Main Street • Cartersville, GA 30121 | Office: (770) 607-2801 Cumming 5940 Bethelview Road • Cumming, GA 30040 | Office: (678) 845-1200 Douglasville 2092 Fairburn Road • Douglasville, GA 30135 | Office: (770) 947-2400 Gainesville 956 B Dawsonville Hwy, Suite 301 • Gainesville, GA 30501 | Office: (770) 535-8301 Johns Creek/Alpharetta/Duluth 9945 Jones Bridge Rd, Suite 201 • Johns Creek, GA 30022 | Office: (678) 867-2345 McDonough/Southern Crescent 2124 Jodeco Road • McDonough, GA 30253 | Office: (770) 914-2337 Woodstock - Cobb Cherokee 13190 Highway 92, Suite 100-110 • Woodstock, GA 30188 | Office: (770) 517-2272 Riverdale 1240 Hwy 138 SW • Riverdale, GA 30296 | Office: (770) 994-0700 Commercial Division 5940 Bethelview Road • Cumming, GA 30040 | Office: (678) 845-1233
View ALL area homes at CRYE-LEIKE.com
Crye-Leike Realtors continues to grow in the Atlanta market Actively seeking new agents and brokers to join their team Crye-Leike is a full service real estate company founded in Memphis, TN in 1977 offering one-stop shopping services in real estate including: residential, relocation, commercial, business brokerage, property management, REO management, mortgage lending, insurance, title & closing, home vendor referrals, auctions, rentals, franchise sales, and home builder services. As one of the nation’s largest, full service real estate companies, CryeLeike has a network of more than 3,100 sales associates and over 125 offices located throughout a nine-state region. For forty years, Crye-Leike has delivered a passionate commitment to unsurpassed service in its communities. Crye-Leike's commitment inspires our agents to exceed expectations by constantly improving their relationships with clients and responding quickly to their customer needs while conduct-
ing business with integrity and trust. Today Crye-Leike is the 6th largest real estate company in the nation and boasts a record year in 2016 with sales exceeding $6.3 billion. Crye-Leike Realtors continues to grow in the Atlanta market and is actively seeking new agents and brokers to join their team! Crye-Leike's 11 branch offices include: Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Norcross, Gainesville, Woodstock, Cartersville, Vinings, Riverdale, Douglasville, and McDonough. Crye-Leike has accelerated expansion plans that aim to further its footprint in the greater Atlanta market with offices in Marietta, Lawrenceville, Newnan and Kennesaw. Crye-Leike offers competitive commission splits, cutting edge technology and marketing tools, in house and online training, referral opportunities and the tools you need to take your business to the next level. We sell more homes in the South than any other company. Please call one of our local offices today for an interview.
July 2017
real estate report • Sponsored Section
The upside to downsizing at The Villas at Bethelview By: O’Dwyer Homes O’Dwyer Homes knows that living large isn’t only about square footage when it comes to an Active Adult Community and reveals the upside to downsizing at The Villas at Bethelview in Cumming. With home plans ranging from 1,720 sq. to around 2,400 sq., less is more when done right. Creating a sense of luxury living with ample space for family entertaining, overnight guests and everyday living guides O’Dwyer Homes’ construction. Keeping in mind that less square footage can afford more freedom from the stress, time, money and upkeep of a larger home, every inch counts with home plans that have been created to maximize space without compromising style. Carefully crafted floorplans give these homes an open spacious feel, with high ceilings throughout. Designer touches like 7 ¼ inch base trim and crown moulding, wide plank hardwood floors, wainscoting, and trey, vaulted
and coffered ceilings give the homeowner a sense of living grand without the hassle more square footage can bring. Porches with bead board ceilings, separated from living areas with optional tri-fold glass doors bring the outdoors in. Nothing is spared when it comes to elegance or convenience. Comfort living features like raised vanities, stepless showers with double shower heads and seats are just some of the features O’Dwyer Homes builds standard in their Villas. Also understood with these homes is the need for smart storage when downsizing. The kitchens boast plentiful cabinets, large granite islands with storage below and walk in pantries. Large closets with ventilated shelving and unfinished loft space afford even more space to store items. Come tour the Villas at Betheview at 4220 Broadford Drive, Cumming or call 470-302-8227. Also, visit The Villas at Mountain View in Woodstock or call 678-386-3270. www.odwyerhomes.com
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Don't sweat your summer move 10 tips for smarter moving (BPT) - Summer isn't just vacation season, it's also peak moving season. Studies show more people move during summer months than any other time of year; kids are out of school and weather is less likely to delay moves. However, moving is hard work no matter what time of year you do it. You'll need careful planning and smart packing to ensure your summer move goes smoothly and safely. These 10 tips can help: 1. Rent the right size moving truck. Choose a truck that's too big, and you'll waste gas and space, plus empty room inside the truck means your belongings are more likely to shift in transit. Choose one that's too small, and you could face multiple trips or the hard decision of what to leave behind. Penske Truck Rental professionals recommend you allow 150 cubic feet of truck space for each fully furnished room you'll be moving. A 12-foot truck that offers 450 cubic feet could move three rooms - the equivalent of a onebedroom apartment - while a 26-foot truck affords 1,400 cubic feet, approximately enough to move a two- or threebedroom house. 2. Perfect your packing schedule. Pack too soon and you'll be living surrounded by boxes, some of which might contain stuff you need right now. Pack too late and scrambling at the last minute could mean you make mistakes that lead to damage. Pack out-ofseason and non-essential items several weeks before moving day. Donate or sell anything you won't need in your new home. Wait until the day before or morning of your move to pack essentials like personal necessities and basic cookware. 3. Protect packed items. Nothing's worse than opening a box at your destination only to find something broken. Use plenty of paper and bubble wrap to protect packed items. Towels, socks, pillows and other soft materials can help protect breakable items, too. 4. Reserve your rental truck early. It's no surprise that truck rental places get very busy during summer months. Reserve your rental truck at least two weeks prior to the move earlier if you'll be moving during a peak month like July or August. You can reserve a truck from your smartphone at PenskeTruckRental.com. 5. Clearly label all boxes. Remember to label every box with what's inside it and the room it will go to in your new home. 6. Have plenty of help on hand. Having help loading and unload-
ing boxes will make the move go more smoothly - and reduce the risk you'll get hurt trying to do everything yourself. Enlist friends and family to help out. If you have large, heavy or very delicate items, consider hiring professionals to help load and unload those items. 7. Load the truck efficiently. How well you load the truck will affect the safety of your belongings. Load heavy items like big furniture pieces and heavy boxes first, then stack lighter boxes and items to fill the remaining space. Be aware of the possibility that contents can shift in transit, so try to eliminate excess space that might allow the load to shift. 8. Lift carefully. Improper lifting can cause injury. When lifting, bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Get help lifting heavy items and use hand trucks and moving dollies to move heavy or bulky items. Take plenty of breaks and stay hydrated. 9. Schedule your drive to avoid peak traffic times. You already know when peak traffic times occur around your current neighborhood, and a simple online search can help you identify rush hour at your destination. Schedule your drive so you won't be on the road during the worst traffic times. Leaving very early before morning rush hour can help you avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic, and give you extra time to unload at your destination. 10. Learn safe truck driving practices. Most people don't have a lot of experience driving moving trucks, so take extra care to ensure your own safety and the security of your belongings. Ask your rental professional to familiarize you with the vehicle. For safe driving tips, visit pensketruckrental.com.
To stage or not to stage? By: Karen Pate, SVP, Broker Harry Norman, REALTORS®, Forsyth-Lake Lanier Office Are you thinking about selling your home? Selling can be emotional, stressful and a lot of hard work to get ready for market. There are several things to take into consideration but, in any market it is imPate perative that you put your best foot forward and have your home ready “for the show”! This means when your potential buyer is coming to view your home, it’s perfectly staged, manicured, has great lighting and makes them feel like they could move right in. With a little extra expense, some homes may very well need to be staged by a professional staging company. They are experts at decluttering, neutralizing, re-arranging furnishings, maximizing your space and transforming your house into a home that someone feels compelled to make an offer on and are anxious to purchase. The clutter – Clutter is distracting! Too many personal items can cause the buyer to not see your home’s full potential. The professionals will give you advice and help you decide what needs to be packed up and what can stay. You don’t want the buyer to remember your “stuff”… you want them to remember the house. In addition, it shouldn’t come off being sterile or uninviting but, should allow the prospective buyer to see themselves living in the space.
Neutralizing – Zillow recently did a survey on paint colors. According to Zillow’s analysis, the exterior of a home will sell for more money if it is painted in a neutral shade such as “Greige”; a mix of grey and beige! Interior colors would be the same with the exception of bathrooms, kitchens & dining rooms with light blues being a strong contender. Furniture – Furniture placement can be tricky because you want it to highlight the selling features of the home; not necessarily where the best viewing position is relative to the television. They may add a few smaller pieces of furniture and lamps to create more ambience. Your stager can help you see the rooms with a fresh eye! Maximizing your space - If you pull the furniture away from the walls it will make your rooms appear to be bigger. A goal is to try to create conversational groupings. Don’t be surprised if furniture pieces leave one room and land in another. Remember they are there to create a certain atmosphere that is inviting and the home flows smoothly. Some Realtors® will have great resources to reputable staging companies. Reach out to your favorite Realtor® and most likely you will find that using their services will be well worth the additional step to securing a quick sale. If you are in the need of real estate services, you can contact one of our experienced agents. Harry Norman, REALTORS®, Forsyth/Lake Lanier 1664 Market Place Blvd, Cumming, GA 30041 770-497-2000
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The dangers of overpricing your home Brought to you by: BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Overpricing your home; this is one of the most common issues sellers make when listing their home. Within the first few weeks of listing your home, is when potential buyers interest are at their rawlings highest. When pricing a home too high, this makes the home selling processes much longer and typically leads to an eventual price reduction over time. What your home means to you must agree with the fair market value. Of course everyone loves their home and believes that all of the features and efforts that they have put into the home should make it sell for over market value. However, the reason that you are listing your home is to sell it. Something to keep in mind is all of the home improvements that you have made on your home do not always translate into a real estate profit. Overpricing your home scares potential buyers away before they get the chance to preview your home. It is also very difficult to get a buyer back once they have already viewed the home and
think the price is too high, knocking your home out of the playing field. This also allows for your neighbors home that is listed in the correct price range to have a better and quicker chance of selling. However, some sellers are more motivated to sell than others. Overpricing your home also puts you in a situation to be chasing the market. By pricing your home outside the market value, you have already decreased the amount of offers that you will receive, and puts you in a range to accept an offer that is not very strong. This can lead you to settling on an offer, rather than having the option to choose a buyer with the best financing or options. This also creates a stigma for your home that might not be true. By your home sitting on the market for an unusually long time leads people to the conclusion that there might be something wrong with the home. The longer the listing does not turn over, it goes further down the list as more new listings appear on the market. Before you put your home on the market, compare your home’s strengths and weaknesses to other listings and take into consideration their listing price. The best way to sell your home quickly, is to price it right from the beginning and to find the best REALTOR® for you that understands your market. Article adapted from: https://www. inhouserealty.com/2016/12/dangerspricing-home/
Shanaz Kanga helped her client successfully buy this beautiful 4br/3ba Single Family Home in Alpharetta
Exceptional Service with the Highest Level of Intergrity “As a resident of North Fulton and an active member of the community, I know the market well and will get you top dollar for your home. By partnering and building trust, I guide you smoothly through the process of buying or selling your house.”
Shanaz Kanga 7855 North Point Parkway | Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 www.shanaz.kanga.harrynorman.com | www.facebook.com/shanazkangarealtor d: 770-594-4950 | o: 678-461-8700 | f: 678-461-0150
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