The Real Estate Book - Northeast GA - 43.1

Northeast GA & Surrounding Counties

HOME & LIFESTYLE GUIDE Volume 43, Issue 1

Beautiful

RANCH HOME NESTLED ON A .51 ACRE CORNER LOT

Nina Burkdoll 706-621-8781 ninaburkdollcbur@gmail.com

RealEstateBook.com

To Advertise Contact Lisa Wilson - 678.979.3125

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ATHENS CLASSIC

P R O P E R T I E S 1690 South Lumpkin, Athens, GA 30606

706.543.3800 AthensClassicProperties.com

Matt Presnell 706.207.0447

Donna Phillips 706.224.3436

B. Presnell 706.540.0757

THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR HOME? 5 TIPS TO GET THE MOST VALUE FROM SELLING YOUR HOME 1. Know What Your Home is Worth 2. Make Home Improvements 3. Declutter, Clean and Stage Your Home 4. Create Curb Appeal 5. Call Athens Classic Properties to Ensure Getting the Most from Your Home Sale

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Professionalism. Honesty. Integrity.

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UPDATE YOUR GARAGE TO

BOOST CURB APPEAL

Want to make your home stand out from the others in your neighborhood? Updating your garage can be a simple way to accomplish this while boosting curb appeal at the same time.

TRY A NEW COLOR One option to make your home’s garage door draw attention is to use a unique color. You have to be careful here, because a color that’s too odd could actually be a drawback. Consider the overall look of your home and choose a color that’ll complement your home’s architecture while still being different from the other homes in the neighborhood.

CHOOSE A UNIQUE MATERIAL Are all the doors in your neighborhood metal or vinyl?

Consider upgrading to a real wood door. Wood doors give a home character and a classic look, and they can be an asset to your home’s curb appeal. If you don’t want to spend more for a real wood door, consider a metal or vinyl door that is finished to look like wood.

ADD A UNIQUE DESIGN Most garage doors look very similar. Four rows of paneling, often decorated with squares and maybe a row of windows at the top, is fairly standard. Mix this up a bit, and your home will stand out. Use a flush style or long panel door. If you have the budget and

the time, consider redoing the door and the frame to add some curves. Arched garage doors instantly grab attention and attract interest in the home.

If your home doesn’t give you room for arches, get creative with the four-panel look. Use molding or glass to add a unique design to this standard shape. Vertical paneling and arched windows can also make the door stand out, without changing its overall shape. Paint the panels to match your siding and the trim to match the house’s trim for a distinctive, yet classic look.

UPGRADE THE FINISHING TOUCHES From the handle to the glass in the windows, the finishing touches on your garage door can be the final piece of the puzzle as you try to make it stand out. Wrought-iron decorative touches on the panels can add the distinction you need. Even changing the lighting near your garage door can make a difference.

Upgrade these small touches and give your garage door some extra pizzazz.

Updating your garage door can be a valuable way to make your home look distinctive and increase its curb appeal. If you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future, consider making this change now to improve your selling experience.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2021. All rights reserved.

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Why Should I Buy a Home NOW? W

hen you purchase a home, interest rates play a big factor in determining how much your monthly payment will be as well as how much home you can buy.

Interest rates are determined by a number of factors, including the actions of the U.S. Federal Reserve, the health of the economy and the rate at which people are saving money. Given that most home sales are financed through the borrowing of money in the form of mortgages, the housing industry is profoundly affected by changes to these rates.

Interest rates are the rates at which money can be borrowed for a set period of time. The higher the rate, the more money a borrower must pay in the form of interest on the loan. Generally, when the interest rate is lower, people are more likely to borrow money, as doing so will cost them less than at another time. Conversely, when the interest rate is higher, borrowing becomes more expensive and slows. This principle applies to loans that come in the form of mortgages.

When interest rates are lower, people are generally more willing to take out a mortgage than when rates are higher.

When mortgage rates are lower, this makes the purchasing of a home more affordable. Lower mortgage rates also allow you to buy a higher priced home with a smaller monthly payment.

Because mortgage rates are so low, now is the great time to buy a home.

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ON THE COVER

1202 SPANISH OAK BEND, WINDER | $400,000 Welcome to this beautiful ranch home that is nestled on a .51 acre corner lot in a quiet neighborhood. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4,500 sqft, and a 3 car garage. The home features a country front porch and handicap access for convenience. When you enter the home the first thing you will notice is the visual warmth created by beautiful custom hardwood floors throughout. To the left you will find the master suite with his and her sinks, and a large walk in closest. The living room has a bright and noble looking brick fireplace, lofty ceilings, and it leads out to a large custom back deck. The unique kitchen has an open concept with a huge island and stainless steel appliances, and a laundry room. The main level has a total of three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Through the garage is the entrance to the second story, where you will find a bedroom, bathroom and a bonus room. The basement has a private garage entrance, and brand new flooring in the main living area. A bonus room, bathroom, full kitchen, and laundry room make the perfect living space, or potential rental opportunity. Then HOA has a pool and tennis court

Don't miss your opportunity to see this wonderful home. Schedule your showing today

For More Information Text RBHLYBM to 52187 Nina Burkdoll 706-621-8781 ninaburkdollcbur@gmail.com

RELIABLE ROOFING & GUTTER PROFESSIONALS CALL US AT

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BU Y | SELL | PROPER T Y M A N AG EMEN T

REAL ESTATE FOR REAL PEOPLE. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

MOVE UP! Stephanie Gober Bramlett (770) 291-0598

BROKER & CEO, MOVE REALTY CO.

Athena Pharr,

David Bramlett, Associate Broker

Associate Broker

Eva Garver,

Kateryna Hernandez

Sarah Anne Norris

Deborah Pharr

Sarah Morris

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Executive Associate Broker

REALTOR®

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Rae Stephens REALTOR®

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April Torregano REALTOR®

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Brittni Vettese REALTOR®

www.MoveRealtyCompany.com

L I T T L E WAYS TO LOV E YO U R H O M E I N T H E

New Year

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I

nstead of feeling blue after the holidays, consider this your opportunity for a clean slate. Tackle one (or a few!) of these small ways to declutter and restyle your home for a brighter, happier and cleaner new year.

ADORN A BARE MANTEL.

Resist the urge to shop to fill that empty ledge. Instead, strategically use a few objects you already have, suggests design entrepreneur Kate Arends. She recommends using one of two strategies: • Follow the “rule of three.” Pull together any three objects of different shapes and sizes (such as a tall tchotchke, a short dish and a sculptural vase) and arrange them with some breathing room around them.

• Group by color. Gather items in one hue–like a bunch of blue vases, bowls and books–for a monochromatic display. “It makes a space feel more colorful and more organized,” says Arends.

EMBRACE THE BIN. The pros agree: Containers are key to organizing just about every space. “You can toss stuff into them, and they make for quick cleanup!” says Beth Penn, author of The Little Book of Tidying. Here are expert picks for clutter hot spots: • Reduce the shoe pileup. In your home’s entryway, store footwear in a big, handled basket that can get tucked into a closet when company comes.

Choose a decorative one, since it will be out most of the time.

• Organize clothing closets. Select a bin with rigid sides and an open weave so small items like scarves, clutches and belts can breathe.

• Store craft supplies. Buy small clear bins with lids so you can stack them on a shelf and still see what’s inside.

MAKE ROOM FOR RESOLUTIONS. If you want to exercise more, push the guest bed against the wall and lay out a yoga mat or weights. If you’re hoping to start scrapbooking, keep a desk clear and have materials at the ready. If you want to spend quality time with your kids, leave the coffee table or countertop empty to make doing things together easier, says Whitney Leigh Morris, author of Small Space Style. “You’re less likely to create art or bake with your child if you have to move stuff out of the way first.” ©2021 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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COUNTRYSIDE ANTIQUES VintageMarkets.net • 706.824.7204

Furniture, farmhouse, home decor, primitives, rustic, antiques & more!

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Home of the Braselton Antique & Artisan Festival!

115 HARRISON STREET BRASELTON, GA 30517 MON - SAT - 10 AM - 5PM SUN - 11AM - 5PM

WENDY MILLER REALTOR® • Wendy Miller Real Estate

Certified Real Estate Staging Professional Graduate of UGA BS in Furnishings and Interiors Serve on the Architectural Review Board for Summerville Specializing in Remodeling and Staging Properties

Call 770.238.2283 to schedule your complimentary market evaluation today!

650 Oglethorpe Ave. Suite 6, Athens, GA 30606

(706) 613-6040

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Lawrenceville | 4 Bedroom | 3.5 Bath

Monroe | 3 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Home Sweet Home. You have arrived. Lovely 4 bedroom 3.5 baths. Oversized family room w/ fireplace and built in bookshelves, separate dining room, kitchen with lots of cabinets and plenty of counter space for those big family get togethers, eat in breakfast area and family desk for homework/ office. Upstairs offer spacious master bedroom, secondary bedrooms are very large. Hardwood throughout the home.

Basement has second family room with fireplace, bedroom and full bath. Back yard is an entertainers dream come true.

Beautiful ranch home in desirable Woodlake community. Features hardwood flooring in main living area. Vaulted ceiling and beautiful fireplace. Eat-in kitchen boasts newer appliances, electric oven, a breakfast bar, and plenty of cabinet space.

The oversized owner's suite features trey ceilings and plenty of room to relax. Bathroom has dual sinks with a large jacuzzi tub and separate tiled shower. Beautiful multi level back deck that overlooks the lake and golf course. Unfinished basement is stubbed for a bath and could double the size of this home!

$185,000

$324,900

Marietta | 2 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Loganville | 3 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Amazing Updated Condo in Marietta. New paint and hardwoods throughout. Kitchen updated with granite counter tops and Stainless steel appliances. Family room has beautiful crown molding and a gas fireplace and leads to the spacious Sunroom. The Kitchen opens up to the Dining room with a wonderful open floor plan. Oversized Laundry Closet in the hallway is conveniently located for easy access. Come see the wonderful condo for yourself. It is sure to Please.

Right down the road from Kennesaw State Marietta Campus.

NEW CONSTRUCTION. Beautiful 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Ranch Home located in Sought After Loganville Schools. Open floor plan with high ceilings. Chef kitchen has an island, stainless appliances, & opens to the large family room. Split bedroom floor plan with separate vanities in the master bathroom, walk in closet, along with separate shower & tub. Located close to shopping, restaurants, & schools. On city sewage. Come make this your home.

Heather Newsome

REALTOR

770-543-9876 678-808-1300

echolsrealtyteam.kw.com

2092 Scenic Highway, Ste B100 Snellville, GA 30078

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Contact One of Our Featured REALTORS® for All of Your Real Estate Needs

Nancy Denney

Kim Laak

Ina Miller

Cindy Karp

Carriage House Realty

Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty

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Cindy Karp Realty

ncdenney@bellsouth.net

kimlaak@hotmail.com

inarealestate@gmail.com

cindy@cindykarp.com

Denise Beck

Marie Armour

706-540-4381

Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty

706-614-1625

denise.beck@coldwellbanker.com

Mable Mitchell

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Keller Williams Greater Athens

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Carole Cape

Carriage House Realty

Keller Williams Greater Athens

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Brenda Thompson

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ERA Sunrise

Greater Athens Properties

706-338-6930

706-372-4034

404-569-8847

706.540.3613

706.206.2033

Annie Kennedy

RE/MAX TRU

Give Back Real Estate

chalisesarazen@gmail.com

athensrealtorannie@gmail.com Hablo Espanol

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Carole Queen

Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners - Monroe Office Queen's Choice Group

678-858-3745

carolesqueen@gmail.com

706-248-8702

Yasmine Payne

Greater Athens Properties

706-540-6845

yaspay60@gmail.com

Yasmine Payne REALTOR®

706-540-6845

yaspay60@gmail.com GRI, ABR, Green, Circle of Acheivement Certified in Short Sells & Foreclosures

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SOLD

SOLD

IN TRADITIONS OF BRASELTON $613,000 CALL YASMINE!

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SOLD

OCONEE COUNTY AND MOVE IN READY! 5BD/5.5BA, 4 side brick, finished basement with 1 bedroom, master on the main, bonus room, large deck, a great back yard and patio great for entertaining! Call before it is gone! $595,900 Text RBDZRHP to 52187

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SOLD

LOVELY SPLIT BEDROOM PLAN. Foyer entry with a huge great room with a vaulted ceiling that contains a fireplace. Large eat in kitchen with pantry.3 bedrooms on the main floor which includes a owners suite with a garden tub. Laundry room on the first. Large Bonus that could be used as a bedroom or media room. 2 Car garage. This home is fabulous! $225,000

706-510-5189

Recently Renovated Spacious 5 Bedroom/3 Baths with Oversized Master on Main located in the Apalachee School District.

Eat-in-Kitchen with Granite Counters. Vaulted family room w/ fireplace. Large Formal Dining Room. Large Screened in Deck overlooks Private Fenced Backyard. Convenient to schools, shopping, and accessible to Hwy 316. $231,900.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, POOL, CLUB HOUSE, Tennis courts , sidewalks, street lighting. This cozy property is close to UGA, Loop 10 and Hwy 316. Lovely foyer, formal dining room, eat in kitchen, open floor plan, master bedroom with trey ceiling and double vanity with a sitting area, laundry closet up stairs with 2 other bedrooms upstairs. All appliances state except the washer and dryer and its negotiable.Location, Location, Location. This cozy property is a must see, just Fabulous! $242,000

LET ME PUT YOUR HOUSE HERE! CALL TODAY

SERVING LAKE LANIER & SURROUNDING AREAS

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Protecting YOUR LAKE COVE Peace of Mind HOME

C L E A N I N G RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • HOUSEBOAT LAKECOVECLEANING@YAHOO.COM

LICENSED & INSURED FREE ESTIMATES!

Chuck Searcy,

Owner 706.202.1155 classicinspect@bellsouth.net www.chisga.com

A LUX

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Di Fu

Mable Mitchell REALTOR®

706-338-6930

mableleake@gmail.com GRI, e-Pro, ABR

mablemitchell.com

706-510-5189

Mable Mitchell has a Master of Science Degree in Education from the University of Georgia.

Mable was an educator in Athens GA for over 30 years. and she has 30+ years of Real Estate experience in the state of Georgia. She has earned and received many awards and recognitions both as a REALTOR® and as an educator. Mable’s many years of experience, first as a school teacher and as a REALTOR® has given her the knowledge, skills and patience needed to assist her clients and customers throughout the home-buying process.

MABLE’S PHILOSOPHY FOR LIFE IS ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING. HER LIFE MOTTO: ALWAYS BE KIND TO EVERYONE.

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OPEN LARGE LIVING ROOM, spacious dining room, nice space in the kitchen, large den with extra sitting room and and a very spacious laundry with a wall of windows. One spacious bedroom off of the living room the second bedroom is down the hall with the bathroom centrally located between the bedrooms. Possibly room for another bedroom. $120,000. Text RBFZSQG to 52187

SOLD

A RARE FIND IN A VERY DESIRABLE NEIGHBORHOOD. This all brick home offers a great location for everything; schools, medical offices, hospitals, UGA Medical School and more. This all brick home features; 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, spacious living area with wood burning fireplace, the kitchen is located just off of the living.The appliances include: refrigerator, standard range, microwave, washer and dryer. $249,900 Text RBGPSJJ to 52187

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SOLD

BEAUTIFUL 3BD/2BA HOME located close to downtown Athens GA, UGA, the East Athens Community Center and 10 loop. This home is on the city of Athens bus line. This adorable home features a large open living area and a nice covered front porch. Appliances includes: Dishwasher, Standard Range and Refrigerator. The interior and exterior have new paint and all new carpet. This home is absolutely move-in ready. $169,900

CALL FOR

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Quality Home Solutions doing business as MVP Construction.

OVER TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN EVERY AREA OF YOUR HOME CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT NEEDS. • Wood Floors • Tile • Painting • Additions • HVAC • Full Basement Remodels • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Exterior Decks • Electrical • Plumbing • Anything You Can Imagine.

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VIS FACEB T OUR O FOR PICOK PAGE AND V TURES IDEOS

YO U CAN CA N YYES, ES, YOU SELLL YOUR YOUR HO HOM MEE SEL IN THE T HE WINTE WIN TER R IN Chances are, you’ve heard that the best time to list your home for sale is the spring. And while there is a lot to be said about selling your home in the spring (or even summer or fall), there are many benefits to selling your home right now – in the winter! Believe it or not, this could actually be the right time for you to sell.

If you choose to do so, follow these ideas for making the most out of your winter listing.

Price it right.

There might be a smaller pool of prospective buyers in the winter, but you’ll find that the pool is extremely motivated to buy. Someone looking to buy a home during the holidays or middle of winter has a compelling reason to do so and will be ready to move quickly. This makes your pricing strategy critical. Discuss a strategy with your real estate agent to arrive at a price that factors in and attracts fewer, but more serious, buyers.

Make accessibility a priority.

If snow and ice is a factor for you in winter, you will need to be diligent about removal. Make sure driveways and walkways are always clear of treacherous ice. Invest in a plow service and stay stocked up on sidewalk salt.

Keep things warm.

Nothing will turn buyers off faster in winter than walking into a cold house, so make sure your heating system is operating at full capacity. And make sure that’s the case for every room in the house. If there’s one bedroom that tends to be drafty, now’s the time to find out the cause and resolve the issue.

Provide visuals of your home in summer.

One major thing a buyer might not be able to get an accurate picture of in winter is your outdoor space.

Provide photos online and in person to prospective buyers that include shots of your backyard, patio, pool, garden, yard, etc., all looking their best in the summer. Your agent could also prepare a slideshow to play at an open house. Doing so gives a buyer a better idea of the home in all seasons and could really seal the deal for wintertime buyers.

Pay attention to holiday decor.

A few tasteful and neutral holiday decorations such as glowing white lights, fragrant evergreens and elegant metallic touches can really make your home glow and sparkle. But remember that less is always more – you don’t want to try and sell your home while it’s part of a Tacky Light Tour. And be sure to pack up those decorations as soon as the holidays have passed. Marketing your home with holiday lights on in the middle of January will not play in your favor.

With the help of these tips and your trusted real estate agent, the market for your house will be hot, unlike the weather outside.

HOW MUCH IS YOUR

HOME

WORTH? New Year…New Home!

Do you have questions about how much your home is worth right now in this market, what you should or should not do before you sell your home? Allow me to guide you through the process. I am available to answer your questions.

Jamie Bennett REALTOR

®

(404) 643-4813

jamiebennett.kw.com jamiebennett23@kw.com

2092 Scenic Highway, Ste B100 Snellville, GA 30078

House Hunting?

You don’t have to do it alone.

At Colony Bank Mortgage, our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible. An experienced mortgage lender can help you get pre-approved to ensure you greater negotiating power with sellers and help guide you through the loan process so you can find the loan best suited to your needs.

Alan Coleman Producing Market Manager C: 706-347-2346 alan.coleman@colonybank.com NMLS 448093

Billy Leopold Sr. Mortgage Loan Advisor C: 706-248-7163 billy.leopold@colonybank.com Hablo Espanol NMLS 448527

1586 Mars Hill Rd., Suite C, Watkinsville, GA 30677 Bank NMLS 408873 | Member FDIC

www.colony.bank

WANT TO LIVE LIKE THIS? Maybe you can. Find your next home by searching our network of over a million properties for sale or rent. Find open houses, trusted agents and more.

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$1,000,000

4 BEDROOM | 3 BATH | 1457 HARMONY GROVE CHURCH ROAD AUBURN, GA OH WOW!!! This is THE HOME your dreams are made of! As if being a newly constructed custom farmhouse isn't enough, it is situated on 10+ ACRES that could be anything you want! Get some farm friends & rescue all the pets! Maybe install a luxurious pool & create a backyard oasis. Or, build an expansive garden to grow all your own food. The possibilities with all this land is endless! This gorgeous home sits on top of a walk-out unfinished basement that offers potential for increased value by customizing w/ add'l rooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Guest suite? Rec room?

Mary & Shawn Adams Office: 770-800-7653 Cell: 678-471-1675

We're Military Veterans & Patriots Serving ALL of Your Real Estate Needs.

valorrealestate.com

HOW TO WRITE A

Welcome Letter

TO THE NEW OWNER OF YOUR HOME

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When it comes time to sell your first home, emotions may run high. Not only are you starting a new chapter in your life, but you are also closing one that may be full of memories. A letter from you to the new owners of your home is not only a great way to welcome them, but offers a therapeutic way for you and your family to say goodbye to your home and get closure.

Explain Why You Loved This Home Whether you’ve raised your family for over a decade in this house, or simply spent a few years before moving into something larger, there was a reason for you choosing this home in the first place. Maybe you loved the natural light in the bedrooms or the entertainment space in the kitchen.

Whatever you love about the home, share this with the new owners so they can enjoy the same features. If you had a spare bedroom or garage that you used as an office or personal yoga studio, tell them how the space positively impacted your life. You never know—you may give them an idea for how to use a room that they wouldn’t have thought of before.

Talk About the Neighborhood and Town Since the new owners of your home are likely not from your neighborhood, give them some general information about the area, such as garbage and recycling pickup days, nearby transportation (train station, bus top, etc.) or school bus stops for all ages. Also, if your street has street parking rules, it can be helpful to them to know this for visiting family and friends. Share your favorite restaurants in town (include menus!) and local businesses, whether it be the grocery store, pastry shop or even lawn and home maintenance companies. The new homeowners will appreciate that you took the time to put these together so they can jump right into their new life.

Give Neighborhood and Household Tips If you live in an HOA community or a neighborhood where mailboxes are in one location, share the best time to pick up HOA items or check the mailbox. For a neighborhood with a shared fitness center or community pool, give them tips on the best times of day to visit for maximum enjoyment.

If you have recently renovated your home, attach any instruction manuals or guides for appliances to your letter. For painting projects, keep a spare can of paint in the basement or garage in case they need to touch up a scratch or scuff, as that is a common occurrence in a new move. Another helpful tip you can share is how to best load the dishwasher. Take a photo of your loaded dishwasher layout and attach it with the letter. Though this is not necessary, it may be helpful to a new homeowner who maybe never had a dishwasher or would simply appreciate a reference.

Share a Few Favorite Memories If you know that the new homeowners moving in have a family or are planning to raise one, they may appreciate hearing a few of your favorite family memories. Tell them how many years you raised your children in this home and some of your favorite spots around the home where you read or played together. Maybe you used your patio or deck to host dinner parties, or hosted Thanksgiving dinner with extended family in the dining room—whatever the memory, it may help the new homeowners get excited for their memories and traditions to come.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2021. All rights reserved.

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Contact Any Women’s Council of REALTORS® Member for Your Real Estate Needs

2022 ATHENS NETWORK GOVERNING BOARD

BROOKE WADE President

Keller Williams Greater Athens

HEATHER FLETCHER President Elect

Keller Williams Greater Athens

KIM LAACK First Vice President

706.224.2261

706.296.6365

706.255.6278

Marie Armour

Denise Beck

Coldwell Banker

Angela Clark

ERA Sunrise Realty

Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty

Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty

706.340.2450

706.614.1625

706.255.3943

Kay Norris

2018 President Athens Network Greater Athens Properties

706.224.3729

Yasmine Payne

Greater Athens Property

706.540.6845

Carole Queen

Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners . Monroe Office Queen’s Choice Group

678.858.3745

Connect with

t

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022 GOVERNING BOARD Members are recognized for their professionalism and success in real estate and exemplify the highest standard on industry professionalism

MELANIE MALNATI Director of Programs Keller Williams Greater Athens

706.510.3080

Laura Leiden

JESSICA CARTER Director of Membership

JOE COZART Treasurer

678.736.9065

706.247.0505

Virtual Properties Realty

Mable Mitchell

Cozart Realty

Jacki Macker

Keller Williams Greater Athens

Greater Athens Property

Chastain, Jenkins, and Leathers

706.540.4181

706.338.6930

706.372.1996

Chuck Searcy

Classic Home Inspection Services

706.202.1155

Brenda Thompson

Mary Claire Wallace

Carriage House Realty, INC

Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty

706.540.3613

706.988.4988

the Athens Network!

WINTER SPRUCE-UP

GET YOUR HOUSE READY NOW TO SELL THIS SPRING The spring home selling season starts in the next two months. If you plan on listing your home for sale, take the time now to get your house show-ready. While it’s cold, it’s a great time to pare down belongings and make the house look more spacious. Once the weather is better, you only need to spiff up outdoors and plant the sign in the yard.

The spring home selling season starts in the next two months. If you plan on listing your home for sale, take the time now to get your house show-ready. While it’s cold, it’s a great time to pare down belongings and make the house look more spacious. Once the weather is better, you only need to spiff up outdoors and plant the sign in the yard.

APPEAL TO BUYERS It’s not hard to think of things that buyers want.

Usually, it’s a reasonably attractive house that’s in good repair; one they can see themselves in. For most home buyers, that means a move-in ready house they don’t need to work on.

One of the first areas home buyers look at is paint. A fresh, neutral color is a big sales help. Take down dated wallpaper and bright kid colors to make the house as move-in ready as possible. This also helps to highlight your house instead of your belongings.

MAKE SPACE It’s essential that your home has space and that closets and rooms aren’t stuffed to the rafters. Aim to pare down at least 25% of your closets and cabinets of their

belongings, because home buyers open closet and cabinet doors. Even if your rooms are neat and clutterfree, if one look in a closet shows it stuffed to the brim, the buyers will feel cramped for space.

Think of making space in cabinets and closets as “prepacking.” It’s OK if you put boxes in the garage that hold cabinet and closet belongings. What matters most is that potential home buyers can see the closets and cabinets, rather than all the stuff in them.

REFRESH, DON’T RENOVATE Give each room a thorough cleaning; have the carpets steam cleaned. Be sure to touch up any scuffed wall paint and wipe down doors and woodwork. Consider swapping out light fixtures or plumbing fixtures if they look dated.

Next, add some updated accessories from your local decor store. It doesn’t have to be a big change. But stagers will tell you that a few updated and well-placed accessories can help make your space look more updated and refreshed. A good starting point is the front door. A fresh coat of paint and updated porch light can give your entry a lift. Add a new rug inside the foyer and a stylish new arrangement on the foyer table.

©2021 Kathryn Weber. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field.

Lynn Harder

Nancy Denney

(706) 224-4525

(706) 540-4381

lynn.harder@coldwellbanker.com Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty

ncdenney@bellsouth.net

Faye Doster

Carol Bitner

706-540-0319

(706) 202-9358

FayeDoster@gmail.com

Faye Doster Real Estate

The Council of Residential Specialists is an affiliate of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Carriage House Realty, Inc

carolbitner47@gmail.com

Keller Williams Greater Athens

CRS is the symbol of excellence in residential real estate. Our members have proven they have the experience, training and commitment to be among the best in their profession.

Since 1977 the Council of Residential Specialists has been conferring the CRS Designation to agents to meet its stringent requirements.

Trust in Print.

Print is still the most trusted form of advertising. Give your listings the trust they deserve through The Real Estate Book.

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4/20/21 9:53 AM

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In Loving Memory of Lynora Tate Sapp of Watkinsville November 17, 2021

Protect Your Loved Ones with Home and Life Insurance Hablamos Español

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AUTO • HOME • LIFE • COMMERCIAL

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