Real Estate Report, May 2017

Appen Media Group

Real Estate Report May 2017

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Latest design trends can boost your home’s appeal By: Kathy Weeks, Managing Broker, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Alpharetta Office If you’re planning to put your home on the market this year and are seeking some inspiration, now is a good time to learn more about this year’s hottest home-design trends. Regardless of the size of your renoweeks vation budget, there are plenty of projects that will update your home’s look and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

According to Remodeling Magazine, you’re not likely to recoup your investment on a major kitchen remodel, but a minor kitchen remodel (roughly $15,000) can deliver almost a 100 return at resale. Perhaps your countertops need an update? Check out the newest contender on the design scene – quartz. Durable, versatile and low maintenance, quartz boasts the best qualities of laminate and stone, and is available in an endless array of col-

ors. And if quartz isn’t in your budget, laminate options that mimic stone – but cost much less – are also gaining in popularity. And because laminate is nonporous, it’s more resistant to stains and scratches.

Here are a few other top design trends of 2017 to consider before the “for sale” sign goes up: Sprucing up laundry rooms and entryways. It’s no secret that many homeowners spend big bucks remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, but laundry rooms and entryways are also gaining attention. Add more efficient storage space and maximize natural light in the laundry room, or make a bold first impression in the entryway with the addition of eye-catching wallpaper or artwork, a decorative mirror or a new table with a shelf.

Shifting hearths. The traditional logburning fireplace has lost some appeal as more homeowners realize it’s less energy-efficient than gas models. But newer alternatives are also on the market, including ventless alcohol-burning fireplaces that can be placed almost anywhere in the house without costly renovations.

Copper. Go beyond silver and gold by incorporating a fashionable copper

accent to your space. Interest in copper on Pinterest is way up, and its uses are versatile. Add a touch of glamour to a table with a copper vase or make a statement with a copper light fixture or range hood.

Marble wallpaper. Marble continues to be a popular choice for countertops, flooring and tabletops. But recently, there’s been a surge of interest in marble wallpaper on Pinterest. An accent wall of marble wallpaper is a stylish and much less expensive and time-consuming alternative for transforming a room.

Wood tiles. Eco-friendly wood tile, which looks just like real wood, is popping up on everything from kitchen

islands to fireplaces to flooring.

And finally, if your home’s interior needs a fresh coat of paint and you want to keep up with the latest color trends, consider choosing “Poised Taupe,” Sherwin-Williams’ 2017’s Color of the Year. This hue, the company says, is a modern take on a timeless classic, signaling a “new direction in society’s ever-growing thirst for beautiful neutrals that bring warm and cool tones together to create one irresistibly versatile color.”

For expert assistance buying or selling a home, contact the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Alpharetta at 770.642.0399 or visit ColdwellBankerHomes.com.

Alpharetta. $1,245,000 1220 Hopewell Crest 6BR/7BA/2HBA FMLS: 5660536 Jody White 404.966.7992

Alpharetta. $719,000 12200 McCoy Way 6BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5804133 Kimberly Counter 678.938.5885

Alpharetta. $750,000 220 Marjean Way 4BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5659096 Charlcie Forehand 678.613.4422 Karen Salter 770.309.7309

Canton. $13,500,000 1950 Lower Birmingham Road 5BR/6BA/2HBA FMLS: 5737815 Cynthia Chandlee 770.826.8276

Milton. $1,150,000 1270 Rolling Links Drive 6BR/6.5BA FMLS: 5831752 Laura Warren 404.731.7330

Milton. $400,000 14330 Providence Road 2.27+/- Acres FMLS: 5812791 Cynthia Chandlee 770.826.8276

Milton. $959,900 2730 Manor Bridge Drive 6BR/6.5BA FMLS: 5828289 Laura Warren 404.731.7330

Milton. $949,900 210 Eagles Circle 5BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5829795 Laura Warren 404.731.7330

Roswell. $949,000 13148 Overlook Pass 5BR/4BA/2HBA FMLS: 5815264 Scott Payne 404.326.0370

Cape Town, South Africa $4,527,248 Property ID: WX5FRR Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty

under contract

ATLANTAFINEHOMES.COM | 770.442.7300 ©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Artwork by Cezanne, used with permission.

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ColdwellBankerHomes.com 85,000 Agents | 3,000 Offices on 6 Continents | 110-Year Legacy

Congratulations Coldwell Banker Alpharetta/Northpoint for being #1 Office in 2016!

Milton / 6BR / 5BA / 2HB $974,000 Dodie Hamrick / 770-841-6931 135 White Columns Drive FMLS# 5794203 on CBHomes.com

Alpharetta / 6BR / 4BA / 1HB $620,000 Rita Lewis / 770-789-5137 110 Wentworth Terrace FMLS# 5826771 on CBHomes.com

Milton / 4BR / 4BA / 1 HB $1,495,000 Julie Morton / 770-754-5844 15144 Taylor Road FMLS# 5814415 on CBHomes.com

R DE CT UN NTRA CO

Cumming / 6BR / 5BA / $665,700 Jill Bernard / 404-867-2760 6110 Boulder Bluff Drive FMLS# 5839464 on CBHomes.com

Alpharetta / 4BR / 3BA / 1 HB $750,000 Jill Bernard / 404-867-2760 6299 Windward Pkwy FMLS# 5831762 on CBHomes.com

Alpharetta / 5BR / 4BA / 1 HB $500,000 Jill Bernard / 404-867-2760 4310 Courageous Wake FMLS# 5811930 on CBHomes.com

Alpharetta / 3BR / 2BA / 1HB $270,000 Leslie Hawkins & Tarran Craver 770-855-1489 / 1655 Township Circle FMLS# 5832812 on CBHomes.com

Interested in a career in Real Estate?

Contact me today!

Alpharetta / 6BR / 6BA / 2HB $1,450,000 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 2170 Lake Shore Landing - Windward FMLS# 5823317 on CBHomes.com

Alpharetta / 5BR / 55BA / 1 HB $649,900 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 650 Americas Cup Cove – Windward FMLS# 5826713 on CBHomes.com

Alpharetta / 4BR / 3BA / 1 HB $509,900 Judy Linderman/678-592-5607 4105 Breckenridge Ct – Highlands at Park Bridge FMLS# 5836523 on CBHomes.com

Kathy Weeks, Managing Broker 704-491-1113

Alpharetta/North Point 3800 Mansell Rd., Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | 770.642.0399

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. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 12132ATL_4/16

Administered by American Home Shield

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dedicated to

LU X U RY o ff e r i n g o n ly t h e f i ne st i n luxu ry r e a l estat e s e rv i c e

Smart home benefits Brought to you by: Te’a Metro, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

SECOND TIME NOMINEE FOR THE ATLANTAN'S 2017 ISSUE: WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE & POWER

T E ' A ME T RO c. 770.993.3873 o. 770.442.7300 teametro@atlantafinehomes.com

©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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 health and immetro proves 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 you by calling 770.993.3873 or visiting teametro.atlantafinehomes.com.

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JANE PATNEAU TOP PERFORMER, COMPANY-WIDE

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JANEPATNEAU@ATLANTAFINEHOMES.COM ATLANTAFINEHOMES.COM | SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM

UNDER CONTRACT

1015 Tullamore Place

820 Malvern Hill

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Listed for $1,390,000

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SOLD

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10170 Autry Mill Road

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Listed for $1,399,000

Listed for $799,000

Listed for $1,178,000

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under contract in 48 hours

UNDER CONTRACT

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445 Autry Ridge Point*

1005 Milhaven Drive*

12709 Ruths Farm Way

8930 Old Southwick Pass

Listed for $935,000

Listed for $471,000

Listed for $852,500

Listed for $948,000

©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. *Represented the Buyer.

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Don’t make one of these top 10 showing mistakes By: Eve Jones, Harry Norman Realtors There’s a lot to do in preparing your home for sale; updating kitchen and baths, painting inside and out and freshening up landscaping. After investing money and time in these projects, don’t forget about how jones to show your home the right way.

The National Association of Realtors conducted a survey among buyers’ agents in which the ten top showing offenses were identified. Here’s what they said: 1. Leftover homeowners. It is more than unnerving to walk in on homeowners taking a nap or in the midst of a shower (trust me; it has happened to me). Or, there’s the homeowners that insist on being present at the showings and stalk the buyers as they walk around. All of these scenarios will turn buyers off and waste that opportunity to sell.

2. Pets and their messes. Do not leave your pets at home, if at all pos-

sible. Regardless of how “friendly” they are, they scare agents and buyers. I actually showed a home where the crazy, hissing cat cornered us in a room and wouldn’t let us pass. And, litter boxes should be emptied and put in the garage where they will be least offensive.

3. Bad smells. This is self-explanatory. While your home is on the market, avoid cooking fragrant food (onions, bacon, garlic, curry, etc.). Buyers are very sensitive to odors that you’ve become immune to in your own home.

4. Critters running wild. I actually came face-to-face with a mean-looking raccoon in a basement once, but more often we may encounter smaller critters like squirrels in the attic or a home infested with bugs. Have your home checked out for any wildlife before you list.

5. DYI renovations. Buyers and their agents can spot a DYI makeover pretty quickly. The most common offenses are really bad paint jobs and bathroom tiling. These unappealing updates give buyers reason to pause (and pick another home).

6. Dirty, cluttered homes. Your home should be spotless when you are selling. We are talking clean bathrooms, fresh caulking, gleaming floors, counter

tops and baseboards. If you cannot get your home this clean, hire a professional. It will be the best $300 you ever spent!

7. Personal information left in sight. Buyers will be nosey. They will look at your bills left on the desk (hopefully they don’t say “final notice” and give away your financial situation).

Don’t give buyers access to such personal information.

8. Too dark. This is one of my pet peeves. There is nothing more offputting than walking into a cold, dark home. That makes for a terrible first impression. I tell my sellers to turn on every single light because buyers prefer

light, bright homes.

9. Keys missing from lockboxes.

Or, lockboxes left inside the home. OK, this may be a tie for my number one pet peeve. If agents have gone to the trouble to make an appointment and drive their client to your house, make sure they can open the door. It sounds obvious, but it has happened to me more times than I care to remember.

10. Distracting family photos. A few family photos are fine, but lifesize nude maternity portraits (not that there’s anything wrong with them) should be put away. Let’s keep the buyers focused on the features of your wonderful home!

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For more information, please visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

*Available only when you close on a To-Be Built home in one of our Atlanta area communities pursuant to a contract you sign on or between 5/1/17-5/31/17. Receipt of up to $5,000 in Closing Costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. Receipt of Up to $10,000 Use How You Choose Credits is subject to limits. Seller provided credits may be applied to Upgrades or Options. Upgrades and options available solely through Seller’s Design Center. Availability of items may vary by community. Offer does not have any cash value. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278. CAATL236

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NORTH FULTON OFFICE | 678-461-8700 | 7855 North Point Parkway, Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | www.harrynorman.com

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O’Dwyer puts the “active” in “active adult” living Award winning O’Dwyer Homes knows that Americans are living longer and healthier lives thanks to improved health care and medical technologies.

With over 34% of households falling into the 55 plus demographic, according to the National Association of Homebuilders, O’Dwyer is meeting the need with their new Community in Forsyth County, The Villas at Bethelview.

The low-maintenance luxury detached Ranch Villas in Cumming start in the $300s. With 1.25 miles of walking paths, sidewalks, dog park, gathering areas, cozy front porches, bocce ball court and clubhouse with pool, card and exercise room, O’Dwyer Homes not only meets the needs of Seniors but exceeds in offering an “Active” Living Community with a neighborly feel.

O’Dwyer Homes’ commitment to craftmanship and value set their homes apart from the rest. Affordable living with a luxury feel, homes have soughtafter open floor plans with quality upgrades like stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, spacious master suites and private backyards giving

the homeowner the comfort they desire, the space they need and the privacy they want. With four plans to choose from, ranging from two bedroom to four bedroom, one is sure to fit your needs and lifestyle.

O’Dwyer Homes is committed to customer satisfaction, quality construction and value-oriented homes. All homes are Third Party Energy Star Certified. They are designed and built to standards well above most other homes on the market today, delivering energy efficiency savings of up to 30% when compared to typical new homes.

Stop by today to tour our model homes at 4220 Broadford Drive, Cumming GA 30040.

Directions: Take GA 400 North to Exit 13. Turn left onto Hwy 141/ Bethelview Road and travel approximately 3.7 miles to community on left after Kelly Mill.

For more information call: 470-3028227 Also, visit The Villas at Mountain View in Woodstock. www.Odwyerhomes.com

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Allow me to present your home to qualified buyers – here, and around the globe.

SPRING SUCESS STORIES 2017

ACT IVE

SO L D

SOLD

1569 Trackrock Church Road

110 Foxhollow Trail

410 Oak Hollow Court

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UNDER CONTRACT: MULTIPLE OFFERS

SO L D

SOL D

3290 Pierce Arrow Circle

10970 Egmont Drive

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5 bedrooms | 3.5 bathrooms Offered for $275,000

4 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms Offered for $300,000

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SOLD: MULTIPLE OFFERS

SOLD: MULTIPLE OFFERS

SOLD

900 Braesridge Way

530 Crossbridge Alley

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Give me a call today.

PENELOPE MASON Top Performer, North Atlanta Office c. 404.944.3400 | o. 770.442.7300 penelopemason@atlantafinehomes.com atlantafinehomes.com | sothebysrealty.com

©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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How to Find the Right Home for You Brought to you by: BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Once you have found the perfect REALTOR® and begun your research, the fun part begins. The key to finding your dream home is truly knowing what you are in the market for.

When beginning rawlings this process, it is important to make sure that your REALTOR® understands the market and what your interests and desires are. This can be a very quick process in some markets and your REALTOR® needs to have a constant eye on new listings so that you can be ready to make a deal when the time is right.

It is also important that your REALTOR® understands your lifestyle, things such as whether your move is for the purpose of downsizing, commute time or local schools. These are

all very important factors that will help make your ultimate decision on the home you will buy. That being said, the home searching process can in some cases also take weeks, months or even years to find the perfect home. So being patient is crucial as it can help you to review all of your options and you will know when the right opportunity comes your way.

As your REALTOR® takes you through potential future homes it is important to see the bones of the house.

Decorations in a home are temporary and that is important to keep in mind as paint, curtains, countertops and finishes can always be changed. Look for things such as the windows, room sizes, open floor plans, or hardwood floors that will carry on for years to come.

Detemining your interests and desires before starting the home searching process will help you eliminate properties quickly that do not meet all the necessary criteria on your wish list or in a home you see yourself owning.

Buying a home can be an emotional process. Finding the perfect REALTOR® who understands your wishlist and needs will help the process go smooth-

ly, but it ultimately will come down to where you feel the most comfortable and where you see yourself for years to

come. http://www.realtor.com/advice/ buy/how-to-find-right-house/

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7 steps to secure your home Milton Real Estate Specialist while you're on vacation Five Star Professional

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Jan 20, 2017 ★★★★★ by Stan P. Mike is an outstanding REALTOR. He has helped my family buy and sell 4 homes in Milton over the years. Two of the homes needed complete makeovers and Mike managed that entire process for us with his contractors.

The homes all sold in days for fantastic prices.

Nov 2, 2016 ★★★★★ by Drew E. Michael helped me sell one home and buy a new one at the same time. He was referred to us and we had some reluctance with an unknown agent, but what a pleasure! He got us the right buyer at the right price, and helped us find the perfect fixer upper opportunity.

Sep 2, 2016 ★★★★★ by Chris W. Due to many corporate relocations, we have had the opportunity to work with lots of real estate agents over the years. No one compares to Mike Stevens. He sold our Crooked Creek home in 1 day and at a record price.

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Warmer temperatures, budding trees and blooming flowers are all lovely parts of spring, but what you really look forward to is the start of vacation planning season!

Deciding where to go and what to see, makpate ing arrangements and planning your wardrobe are all exciting aspects of summer vacation planning. But before you pack up to leave on your getaway, be sure to take care of the most important asset you'll be leaving at home - your home itself.

"Before going away on vacation, homeowners do a lot of things to prepare for the security and safety of their home while away, including stopping the mail, powering down electronics and turning off water and gas," says Emily Lewicki, brand manager with Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning.

"Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that a home's temperature needs to be monitored, which can easily be done by using a programmable thermostat."

While you're savoring the fun of your vacation planning, here are seven steps you also should take to prepare your home to remain secure while you're away: 1. Stop the mail. Home safety experts agree: a stuffed mailbox is a sign of an empty home. The United States Postal Service allows you to request a vacation hold on your mail up to 30 days before your departure date. Go to holdmail.usps.com to see if this service is available in your area. You should also put newspaper and package delivery on hold, too, as uncollected newspapers or parcels in front of your house could also alert others that you're not home.

2. Turn off water and gas. If a water or gas leak occurs while you're not there to address it, the emergency could cause significant damage to your home. You can reduce risks by turning off water flow to appliances like the clothes washer. To conserve energy and money, you can also turn off the gas flow to your water heater.

3. Adjust the thermostat. You don't need to spend money to heat or cool your home to a comfortable level when

you're not there to enjoy it. Turn down the thermostat, but don't turn your HVAC system completely off. Extreme temperatures can harm your home and its contents. A programmable thermostat can take care of temperature adjustments for you while you're away. If you don't already have a programmable thermostat, consider installing a model like Coleman's Hx(TM) thermostat. The touch-screen interface makes it easy to program the system, plus a free downloadable app allows you to control the thermostat from your smartphone, no matter where you travel. Just be sure to leave your internet connection active at home so your thermostat can communicate with the app while you're away.

4. Put lights on timers or sensors.

A well-lit home looks lived in and is less appealing to burglars. Put outside lights on sensors so they'll turn on when the sun goes down. Use timers to turn interior lights on and off at appropriate times.

5. Prep your kitchen. Go through the refrigerator and pantry and throw away any food that could go bad while you're away. No one wants to come home to smelly, spoiled food. Empty the trash and arrange for a neighbor to put the trash at the curb on your scheduled pickup day. Unplug all small appliances like the coffee maker, toaster ovens, food processors, etc.

6. Power down electronic devices.

Items like computers, TVs and phone chargers all draw power while plugged in, even if they're not switched on. Turn off and unplug electronic devices to reduce power usage in the house and protect electronics from power surges while you're away.

7. Secure the garage. This is especially important if your home has an attached garage with direct access into your home. Most garage doors have a simple bolt lock that can be engaged from inside to prevent the door from being raised. Remember to also lock the door from the garage into your house.

Everyone looks forward to vacation.

With some simple prep, you can ensure your home stays secure while you're away. To learn more about home heating and air-conditioning, visit www. colemanac.com or follow Twitter @ ColemanHVAC. If you are in the need of real estate services, you can contact one of our experienced agents at Harry Norman, REALTORS®, Forsyth/Lake Lanier, 1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041. 770-497-2000

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Need Replacement Shutters?

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Shaker Raised

Raised Panel

Louvered

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Board & Batten

678.662.4815

Why Exterior Shutters From Dupbel Millworks Inc.

• Composite wood • Rot, moisture and insect resistant • Custom designs, sizes and colors • Locally manufactured • Environmentally friendly materials • Fully insured • Prompt and courteous service

Your Local Manufacturer of Custom Exterior Shutters Composite wood, rot resistant, exterior shutters for residential and commercial

678-662-4815 See us on the web at www.Dupbel.com

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Easy Maintenance Projects (NAPSI)—Tackling a few do-it-yourself projects now can help you keep your home in tip-top shape all year long.

Top up your attic insulation. Many older homes have inadequate levels of insulamcgillivray tion in the attic that wouldn’t meet today’s building code. Topping it up will help to save on energy consumption and keep your house cooler in the summer months. A great product for this task is Roxul Comfortbatt insulation. It’s easy to install, cuts simply with a serrated blade or bread knife, and protects against fire, moisture and mold. Aim for a depth of 16 inches (41 cm) or an R-value of 50. Insulating properly could also provide added benefits such as improving the longevity of your air conditioner by reducing stress on the unit as temperatures rise.

Inspect your roof and make minor repairs. Winter can be especially hard on a roof. Look for ice, hail or water damage. Replace any cracked or missing shingles and clear any debris.

Clean your gutters. It’s not glamorous work, but your home’s gutters play an essential role in moving water away from your home and preventing damage. Consider installing gutter guards to ensure your gutters remain functional and free from debris.

Inspect windows and doors and recaulk where necessary. Because a proper seal is essential in both heating and cooling seasons, this job should be performed twice a year to protect against drafts and moisture, and to keep insects out. Worn weather stripping should also be replaced.

Other simple jobs include fixing leaky faucets, repairing and resealing decks, inspecting the foundation, and scheduling a checkup for your HVAC system. The key is being honest about what you can handle and, when in doubt, calling in the pros.

For more information, visit www.roxul.com.

Scott McGillivray is the award-winning TV host of the hit series ”Income Property” on HGTV Canada, a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author and educator. Follow him on Twitter @ smcgillivray.

Advertise in Our N. Atlanta Real Estate Report Reach 75,000 homes with your ad. Call us today for more information.

Advertising Deadline: 5/24/17

770-442-3278 advertising@appenmediagroup.com 319 N. Main St. | Alpharetta, GA 30009 Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | Forsyth Herald | Johns Creek Herald | Milton Herald

May 2017

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

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.

May 2017

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Light up your life!

Brought to you by: Shanaz Kanga, Harry Norman Realtors We don't put much thought into the way light might be affecting our mood but its no coincidence that a cloudy gray sky could keep us indoors all day, while a sunny day makes us want to smile. Ever wondered kanga why restaurants have dimly lit interiors?

It’s because light affects our appetites; we relax and think less about what we are eating! Light can be used to enhance our lives in so many ways yet lighting design is easily overlooked in a house. To understand how to use light to create ambiance, let’s examine the types of lighting: The different forms of lighting are Ambient, Task and Accent Light: 1. Ambient or General Light - Ambient light is used to create overall brightness in a space without glare.

E.g. Chandeliers, recessed lights and wall-mounted fixtures throw general

light all over a room. A dimmer added to a fixture softens the general light and doubles up as an accent light. Too much general light can make a space look “washed out”.

2. Task Light - This form of lighting is used to complete a task such as pendant lights over a dining area or a pair of scones mounted at eye level on the sides of a mirror to put on makeup. The key to this type of lighting is to provide clear light to complete a task without straining the eyes or creating shadows.

Task lighting is often "whiter" in color and combined with "yellow" ambient or accent lights in living spaces such as a bedroom.

3. Accent Light - Accent lights draw attention to important objects and architectural features of your home, towards which you want to draw attention. Examples include paintings, sculptures, or columns of a house.

Accent lights create drama at strategic points of interest.

Now review the space to be lit: What is the main activity? Is it going to be used for other purposes? How do you want the room to feel? Layer the lighting to create the right illumination

starting with ambient light and adding some task and accent lights in specific areas. Don’t forget to add dimmers to all the fixtures so you can control them individually. Depending on your mood, you can now control the light in the room and create just the right ambi-

ance!

If you have any questions about selling your home including how to prepare, price and stage your home, contact me for a free consultation at 770-594-4950 or email Shanaz.Kanga@ harrynorman.com

un

Shanaz Kanga

It’s all in the Details.

“With a background in Architecture, Interior Design and Technology, Shanaz provides exceptional service with the highest level of integrity, when marketing your current property or choosing your new home.”

Call 770-594-4950

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: 678-325-6085

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May 2017

Buying in an active adult community By: Laura-Marie Wedell, REALTOR®, Harry Norman, REALTORS®, Forsyth-Lake Lanier The best move you’ll ever make.™

When one house closes, the door to your new life opens!

Call me today!

Laura-Marie Wedell, REALTOR®

Cell: 470-585-6126 Office: (770) 497-2000 Email: LauraMarie.Wedell@harrynorman.com Web: LauraMarieWedell.HarryNorman.com

Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office

1664 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA 30041 Karen Pate, SVP & Broker. HarryNorman.com

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KIMBERLY COUNTER

c. 678.938.5885 o. 770.442.7300 kimberlycounter@atlantafinehomes.com © MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity.Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Retirement living never looked so good.

Demand for homes in “retirement” communities is on the rise.

Behind this, naturally, are the baby boomers, who account for about a quarter of the U.S. population. Born wedell between 1946 and 1964, they started hitting retirement age a few years ago, and in the next decade, they’ll drive up the number of retiree households by about 10 million.

If you’re retiring soon, you may be wondering how to navigate this special market. There’s no single strategy that works for everybody—these days, retirement can mean very different things for different people. Here are a few ways to get it right: 1. Acclimate before you relocate.

Weather is a key consideration when

you’re buying a retirement home, especially for year-round residents.

2. Get to know the community.

Take some time to appreciate the personality of the neighborhood. Retirement will bring more downtime than you may have been used to, and social activities are big in planned communities. See if it’s right for your lifestyle.

3. Check out the medical care on site and nearby.

4. Factor in local tax rates.

5. Time your buy to get the best price. The best time to buy is just as the local high season is ending.

6. Explore “membership.” Fullservice communities frequently offer specific club-membership structures.

7. Research the restrictions. Rental and resale restrictions are common in gated communities and condominiums.

Still, you may be startled by what some retirement communities disallow. Pets are just the tip of the iceberg.

Meet with a professional realtor who will know the communities you are considering living in for what will most probably be your last home. It’s the right move to make!

Updated versus outdated By: Kimberly Wright-Counter Updated versus outdated – two words that can represent thousands of dollars to a homeowner. As a Top Producer with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty I go about my business every day showing properties to potential home buyers and representing sellers in their quest to market their homes, and I hear those two words regularly. An updated home is easier to market and sell and typically brings in top dollar for the home’s owner who is selling their home. In contrast, an outdated home is more difficult to sell, and often depresses the eventual sales price of the home. When a buyer classifies a home as outdated, they will often ignore other good qualities of the home and eliminate it from their home search.

As a homeowner, there are always things that you can do to improve your home’s value even in a less than ideal market environment. I would suggest that you start the process by keeping your home relevant. By relevant, I mean updated, competitive and timeless. Giving your home a makeover when you are ready to sell is vital, but sometimes a complete facelift is required. Why wait until you are ready to sell? Keeping your home updated is a

great way to increase the value of your home and love it even more while you are still living there.

So where do you start? Professional advice is always good. You can also visit some newer homes on the market in your area and compare them to your home. Take note of the finishes of the appliances and the bathroom fixtures.

Notice the style of the light fixtures.

What type of flooring is used? How about the countertops and backsplash?

Pay attention to the details, and then go look at your home with a critical eye.

Making cost effective changes to update your home is worth your time and money. How much would new bath fixtures cost? Is the updated look worth the money? Don’t allow something that you can easily change date your home and make it less competitive. Small changes can take years off the look of your home and add dollars to your pocket. Don’t ever let your home fall into an outdated look that may cause a buyer to pass it up for another fresher or newer home. Everything has a value, and changes can cost money. However, an updated look can add even more money to your bottom line. If you are in the market for a new home or would like a complementary home evaluation, please feel free to reach out to me at kimberlycounter@atlantafinehomes.com.

May 2017

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Crye-leike Real Estate Services raises $89,387 for United Way Nashville, Tenn. – Crye-Leike Real Estate Services, the nation's sixth largest residential real estate brokerage firm, concluded its 2016 United Way Workplace Campaign by raising a total of $ 89,387 companywide to support United Way agencies located in 29 counties in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Since becoming a partner with United Way in 1995, Crye-Leike, its sales associates and corporate staff companywide have contributed in excess of $800,000.

“Our company’s partnership with United Way is a perfect philanthropic fit for our real estate company.

By giving to United Way, Crye-Leike is investing in the communities we serve,” says Joyce E. Friedman, affiliate broker and vice president of corporate communications of Crye-Leike Real Estate Services who served as co-chair of Crye-Leike’s 2016 United Way Workplace Campaign.

“We know that United Way’s board members and other volunteers safeguard the monies raised with a stringent process for prioritizing needs, evaluating agencies and their programs and distributing funds to those agencies most deserving and in need,” says Friedman. “Their diligence produces results and allows United Way to make a positive impact on our neighbors like supporting people in crisis, enriching seniors’ lives, strengthening families, promoting health and independence and helping youth succeed.”

Second only to the federal government, United Way is the largest provider of funding for health and hu-

man services in the nation.

Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike. com), a full service real estate company for 40 years, is the nation's sixth largest residential real estate brokerage firm and the largest serving Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and the MidSouth. It has a network of over 3,100 sales associates in 126 company-owned and franchise offices located throughout a nine-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Missouri.

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May 2017