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2 | April 2021 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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Tuscany Fine Furnishings, Customer Shopping Experience… Brought to you by - Peter Benedetto & Riccardo Apreda Customer satisfaction has always been our first priority at Tuscany Fine Furnishings. In 2017, we opened our New, State-of-the-Art 18,000 sq. ft., Showroom and Design Center, in Roswell, focusing entirely on enhancing our customers shopping experience. In 2019, we launched an Industry First! New Age Website for Design & Interiors…TuscanyFineFurnishings.com. Tuscany became the first brick and mortar store-front to be recognized by both Facebook and the National Home Furnishings Association as Pioneers… seamlessly integrating social media, combining Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google Business with Maps and Search, offering the best Website/Mobile shopping experience for Design & Interiors. We recently received an email from Tuscany customers, Vickie and Ben Pruitt, of Cumming, GA. We felt this note captured the essence of customer satisfaction and loyalty, so we asked Vickie and Ben if we might share it with you… Dear Kathy, I have been going to Tuscany Fine Furnishings for over 15 years. We live closer to many other furniture stores, but I still go to Kathy and her designers, now Peter and Riccardo. Not only is the pricing much better, Tuscany designers, Peter and Riccardo are always helpful, but you never feel under pressure to purchase. Tuscany’s guys that deliver the furniture have been there for as long as I remember and are fabulous, as well. The whole shopping experience is such
a pleasure. They are personable and always care how the furniture works in your home. Tuscany always has beautiful and up-to-date styles. All the Best, Vickie and Ben Pruitt Cumming, GA Bravo Peter and Riccardo!... your professionalism always shines through your customers, like Vickie and Ben Pruitt and thank you Vickie and Ben for your loyal patronage all these years. Kathy McConnell, Interior Designer & Owner. Peter Benedetto, is an accomplished, award winning Interior Designer, with Tuscany Fine Furnishings, Offering Lifestyle Driven Design...Furnishings for Every Room in Your Home, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 315, in Roswell, 770-993-0640 ext. 2, Showroom Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m… See why…23,000 Families Follow and Shop Tuscany on Facebook, Instagram, Google Business and YouTube Everyday!
Riccardo Apreda, Store Manager and an accomplished, award winning interior designer, with Tuscany Fine Furnishings, providing …Lifestyle Driven Design... Furnishings for Every Room in Your Home, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 315, in Roswell, 770-993-0640 ext. 2, Showroom Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m… See why…23,000 Families Follow and Shop Tuscany on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, GOOGLE BUSINESS AND YOUTUBE ... Everyday!
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Let Go and Live Lake Oconee Karen Salter & Lurline Craig-Burke, Ansley Real Estate
CRAIG-BURKE
Last year demonstrated that many of us can successfully work from home, so much so that many will continue to work remotely even after the world looks a little more normal. This realization has opened up more opportunities for us to decide not only where we work, but also live and play. Home buyers are now thinking more about buying a home where they can conveniently do all three!
Welcome to Lake Oconee Lake Oconee – referred to by insiders as “LO” checks all three “live, work, play” boxes, and provides countless other benefits as well. SALTER Those who call Lake Oconee home describe a relaxed, “lake country” environment with neighbors who are downto-earth, friendly, and happy to embrace the “stay and play” lifestyle. They report that an actual LO phenomenon occurs in the moments spent crossing over the water on arrival, where they can literally feel their breathing change, and their bodies beginning to decompress.
Variety in Real Estate and People Homes in Lake Oconee are available in all price ranges, and offer something for everyone including lakefront luxury estates, condominiums, townhouses, 55+ communities and senior long-term living communities as well as a robust offering of rentals. Residents are a mix of full and part-timers comprising all age groups… many calling LO their “second home.” Golf Of course we can’t write about Lake Oconee and not mention golf! With eight area golf courses in five gated communities with different membership levels, there are abundant choices, including six courses in the communities of Reynolds Great Waters, The Landing and Reynolds Lake Oconee. Additionally, there are the communities of Cuscowilla and Harbor Club each with one course. Rounding out the outdoor fun, each neighborhood has its own marinas and amenities that include workout facilities, tennis courts and pickle ball courts. Community, Shopping and Dining Lake Oconee offers amazing shopping, dining and events for everyone to enjoy year round. Favorite restaurants include Lake Oconee Ritz Carlton (where Carrie Underwood was married) that offers the fabulous Linger Longer Steakhouse and Gabby’s
Lake and Poolside Restaurant. There are lots of other local restaurants including three offering boatside service along with seasonal live music. There’s also a Saturday morning Farmers Market where local farmers and artisans offer their goods to the community. The Lake The biggest jewel of all is the pristine, inviting waters of Lake Oconee covering nearly 20 miles where swimming, fishing, boating, pedal boats, kayaks, and jet skis provide fun for the whole family. There are nine local marinas to serve lake lovers. Location Situated halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, Lake Oconee is an easy commute for those who choose, or are required to split their time. Karen Salter and Lurline Craig-Burke with Ansley Real Estate would love to show you all the things Lake Oconee has to offer. Contact them today and prepare to have fun and breathe easier! Karen Salter, Realtor® 770.284.9900 – office 770.309.7309 – cell Lurline Craig-Burke, Realtor® 770.284.9900 – office 678.463.8106 – cell
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The empty nester’s guide to home improvement Brought to you by - Remodeling Expo Center The kids have graduated college, the weddings are paid for, and it’s time for you to enjoy your golden years. Unfortunately, you may have also realized that “downsizing” has become more expensive than keeping your existing house! ”Not simply accounting for the transactional costs of moving, but the terrible reality of the present housing market, is that newer small homes cost more than your larger home” says John Hogan president of Remodeling Expo Center. John continued, “an increasingly large number of our customers are empty nesters, and they’re all adapting their 1980’s or 1990’s-built home to become more current and appropriate for their later years. The present interest rate environment is fueling the rapid growth in remodeling in the form of the cash-out refi”. These are the most common empty nester remodeling projects in North Atlanta. Kitchen Upgrade. Adapting the kitchen for more occasions, and more people, kids plus grandchildren. Frequently improving circulation by incorporating an island with an eating area for grandchildren is a common goal. Improving accessibility of cabinets with roll-out drawers and improving storage are almost always included.
Flooring and Stairs. A highly desirable upgrade is the front entry to the home because it’s the first this you see when entering the house. Removing aged carpet runners on stairs, replacing white pickets with black metal on stairs, and re-staining hardwood floors from the 1980’s honey color to one which is darker, are all common changes made by empty nesters. Master Bathroom. Empty nesters are very focused on, not only improving the “feel” of their bathroom, but also safety aspects. “Fortunately, there are a wide range of products that incorporated safe, non-slip surfaces that also look fabulous” says Brittany Lingerfelt, head designer at Remodeling Expo Center. Grab bars, frameless glass, level entry showers, and therapeutic tubs are all common requests. Value Preservation. Empty nesters are increasing young at heart, and just because the kids are out of the house, doesn’t mean they’re not focusing on value and return on investment. “This is where we can offer significant consultation”, says John Hogan, “We understand our customers and they rely on us for honest advice. For more information of how to improve the value of your home, contact The Remodeling Expo Center at 404 910-3969 or stop in at 48 King Street, Roswell, GA 30075. www.RemodelingExpo.com.
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Hidden Benefit to Hiring an Attorney Worth Thousands Brought to you by - Michelle Wilson, Wilson Legal, PC Dear reader, I am writing to tell you about a recent client experience that has been repeated for many clients. The client came to me for help in creating an estate plan either with a will or trust. We talked about options and drafted the documents and signed them. Part of our WILSON process involves asking clients to check their beneficiaries. “Michelle, I’m so glad you asked me to check my beneficiaries,” the client said in a meeting last week. “I found an old life insurance policy with my ex-wife still named as the beneficiary.” This client recently had surgery. If things had gone wrong during surgery, his ex-wife would have received $75,000. When was the last time you checked your beneficiaries? Hiring an attorney can save you thousands of dollars because attorneys are looking at the whole picture and not the one or two documents or items that you believe you need. At Wilson Legal, we provide solutions that work. The way we provide solutions that work is by encouraging... even nagging clients to check beneficiaries. Don’t give thousands to the wrong person. Check your beneficiaries today! Michelle Wilson, Eldercare Attorney Wilson Legal, PC 407 East Maple St., #105 Cumming, GA 30040 770-205-7861 michelle@wilson-legal.com
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F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S ATLANTA
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4041 BEECHWOOD DRIVE NW | $3,895,000 John Damouni | 404.797.8058
MARIETTA
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What is a “Reserve Study”? Many Home Owner’s Associations have taken the step to anticipate future repairs and improvements needed for their neighborhood. As properties age, there is more and more need for repairs to the areas covered by the association. GRIFFIN These area may include the pool, tennis courts, private streets, guard house, landscaping and exterior building maintenance. When a condominium, townhouse or single family neighborhood is first built, there is usually very little thought regarding long-term repairs and improvements. In fact, until a neighborhood is 25 years or older, there is usually very little need. However, as the neighborhood ages, there are two approaches the HOA Board can take. Take the repairs as they come up and fund at that time, or plan for repairs and set aside money in the “Reserve” account. There are companies that provide what is called a “Reserve Study” to assist in planning for the future. These companies look at all of the neighborhood assets and plan for needed repairs
as they normally come up. Every item in the neighborhood mentioned above has a life span, and will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. The Reserve Study will develop a plan to repair, replace and fund these short-term and long-term needs. The HOA Board then can set aside money each year to fund these projects. By setting aside money each year, the HOA board can avoid “Special Assessments” or major unplanned expenses causing budget issues. If you would like to see an example of a Reserve Study, please email me. Dan Griffin Broker/Realtor dangriffinadvisors@kw.com
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Your Neighborhood Paint & Stain Shop Brought to you by: in.SIDE.out Paint Centers The crew at in.SIDE.out Paint Centers has the right products, the right expertise, the right service, and the right prices. We have expertise with interior/exterior residential, commercial, and industrial paints. Additionally, we focus on deck stains, floor epoxies, cabinet finishes, and mineral paints. We love our work, our customers, and our community! We are locally owned and focus on building lasting relationships by providing excellent product knowledge, customer service, and a personal experience every customer will appreciate. Our team can help you identify and understand the right products, ensure you get the perfect color, and can walk you through preparation and painting steps, tips and tricks. We take time to educate our customers - on color, sheen, and products. We offer delivery services for our painters and color consultations for our retail customers. We are happy to refer you to a local painter as well. With Benjamin Moore products such as Aura, Regal, Ben, and Advance paint (and more), these premium products provide a great level of washability, scuff resistance, fade resistance, and color lock technology - to keep your home looking great and protected for many years. With Romabio Mineral products, you achieve an effortless modern style, with high-quality natural
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Preparing Your Home for the Spring Market Brought to you by – BILL RAWLINGS, Senior Vice President & Managing Broker, North Atlanta Office Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty The spring market in Atlanta has officially RAWLINGS arrived! If you’re considering putting your home on the market, it has never been a better time to sell. This unique seller’s market is characterized by high demand from buyers and a low supply of homes, meaning you can get top dollar for your home; plus, it is even more crucial to have a professional REALTOR® aid you in your transaction. Read on to discover tips from real estate professionals on how to make your home stand out this spring! Boost Your Curb Appeal The first impression of your home is extremely important because, to entice buyers’ attention, it must appear inviting and well-maintained. Boosting your home’s curb appeal does not have to be complicated – even completing simple tasks such as sweeping porches and walkways and washing off siding and doors can make a huge impact. Also, if you have time, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in brightening your home’s exterior. De-Clutter Living Spaces When buyers enter your home, they have high expectations for its visual presentation and organization. By following tips from professional organizers such as Marie Kondo, HGTV personalities or any of our professional REALTORS®, little changes will create a lasting impact on the overall appearance of your home. Simple de-cluttering tricks include removing and storing family photos, clearing off surfaces so only about one-third of the space is covered and concealing extra clothing items such as shoes, boots and coats. Improve Your Landscaping With the arrival of warmer weather,
your yard will need some additional upkeep to restore its beauty after the cold winter months! Our REALTORS® with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty have connections with top local landscaping companies to assist you, or you can tackle this yourself by sodding and re-seeding your grass, planting new flowers and trees, trimming bushes and removing any dead plants. Take Spring Cleaning to a New Level This is another home task that can be completed by you or a professional team, but your home should be absolutely spotless before any property photography or open houses occur. A deep spring clean is more than just decluttering, you will also need to wipe down baseboards and cabinets, dust ceiling fans and blinds, de-grease your kitchen, wash windows and potentially power wash your home’s exterior and driveway. Buyers will undoubtedly notice your home’s level of cleanliness or lack thereof! Hire Industry Professionals In a fast-paced market, it is even more vital to make sure you have the best real estate professionals serving you. By working with one of our REALTORS®, you are receiving the best global and local advertising, marketing collateral, white-glove service and real estate brand available. As the No. 1 brokerage in Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty has the resources to provide unparalleled videography and photography, virtual staging, 3D Matterport scans, social media exposure and more! By abiding by these professional tips, your home will be ready and equipped for the spring market. If you need assistance selling your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you! Compiled and edited by Holly Haynes, Marketing Coordinator
16 | April 2021 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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