August Special Section
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Home safe home By Mary Lou Lanaux Ansley Atlanta “Home is a shelter from storms — all sorts of storms.” — William J. Bennett With words like Quarantine, shelter in place, lockdown, curfew, work from LANAUX home, virtual classes, Zoom calls etc. becoming a part of our day to day vocabulary we have
come to appreciate our Homes more than ever before. Home ownership has always been touted as the greatest asset with a measurable value. Today it’s the immeasurable, that has unparalleled value. The physical and emotional comfort, a place of love, space we call our own. It is our sanctuary. The demands and need for these sanctuaries (homes) has exponentially increased in these past few months. As we move forward we believe that the migration from downtown cities to suburbia is the new trend. Our homes
have become more than just places to sleep, share meals and memories. They are now our offices, schools, movie theaters, restaurants, yoga studios, libraries etc. These demands have led to a need for larger spaces, room that we can assign for all the different activities. The commute which made you roll your eyes about suburban living is no longer a point of contention. We are all conducting business in dress shirts, PJ’s and comfy slippers. What else do suburbs have to offer that is so vital in today’s environment? Green space, safe schools, great medical facilities, no traffic jams, proximity to cultural events, low crime rate and better air quality. This means that suburban homes are looking more and more
favorable for people of all generations from Baby Boomers to Generation Z. This brings us to the very burning question on every prospective and current homeowners mind. How can I buy or sell a home in today’s environment? We have the answer: Embrace Virtual. For exceptional real estate service, contact Mary Lou Lanaux at 404-312-5757 or visit her website at www.maryloulanaux.com
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Quick updates to your bathroom… F
loor to ceiling remodeling of your bathrooms is a big project. It is very time consuming and also it can be very expensive. Here are some pointers on how to bring a fresh look to your dated bathroom in a short time while being cost effective. Removing the wall to wall mirrors on top of your vanities is the first and easy step. Choose readymade framed mirrors in scale with your vanity hung over the sinks. A silver or champagne color framed mirror with interesting lines but not too ornate creates an immediate updated look. If you have brass light fixtures or faucets, upgrade them to ones that match the color of your mirror or you can choose a darker color to create some contrast. Corian or tiled vanity tops are recognizably dated; my suggestion is to replace them with granite or quartz with under mounted sinks. Choose a light color to keep your bathroom bright. White cabinets can be easily spray painted and the pulls replaced to compliment the fixtures. A shade of grey or beige always affords a great look or painting them black definitely makes a nice statement. Brass shower doors can be changed to brushed nickel, even better rimless glass when the budget allows is the perfect choice. Some showers are big enough to remove the door completely guaranteed to give you a nice open look, while being maintenance free. When updating a tub/shower, choose an oversized custom shower curtain hung from ceiling to floor. I recommend light shades of paint on the walls, always paint the walls and ceiling the same color. Hang “art” on the walls avoiding wall art that is typically
trendy, select the unexpected. Nicely folded towels rather than mounted towel bars always looks better when space permits. Keep your vanity tops and tub surrounds uncluttered. A live potted orchid on your counter is always a nice final touch. Most of us begin and end our day in this room, make these quick and simple changes and your bathroom will appear completely remodeled at a fraction of the cost.
Most of us begin and end our day in this room, make these quick and simple changes and your bathroom will appear completely remodeled at a fraction of the cost.
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…20,000 Families Follow and Shop Tuscany on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, GOOGLE BUSINESS AND YOUTUBE ... Everyday!
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See Why 23,000 Families Shop Tuscany on Facebook, Instagram, Google Business and YouTube Everyday! 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell | TuscanyFineFurnishings.com | 770-993-0640
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Improve your home in 3D Brought to you by — Remodeling Expo Center Every homeowner has spent countless hours imagining modifications to their home; to update it, sell it at a higher price, make it more functional, or adapt it to their next stage of life. Regardless of the objective, 3D renderings of ideas are an incredibly valuable tool to explore design, function and cost. “3D renderings have become a standard practice for my company. We have wonderfully dynamic design meetings with our clients, where they can see photo realistic versions of their ideas,” says John Hogan, owner of Remodeling Expo Center. “It requires very powerful computing hardware and software, in addition to highly skilled designers, an investment made many years ago. Now we render hundreds of home projects per year.” Iterations are Key. Homeowners are almost always in awe of the first set of renderings, especially if walls are eliminated and more open spaces are created. “The two most requested types of renderings are: opening up kitchens to great rooms (and incorporating an island) and removing extraneous walls in bathrooms (usually expanding showers)”, comments Brittany Lingerfelt, Remodeling Expo Center’s chief Designer. “The first rendering is eye opening and it’s just the beginning. There are usually 3-5 additional fine-tuning iterations before the project is ready for estimation”
We have wonderfully dynamic design meetings with our clients, where they can see photo realistic versions of their ideas Inexpensive Insurance. Most homeowners view the minimal cost of 3D renderings as insurance. “Now with 3D renderings you can see exactly what the room is going to look like before you even commit to doing the project”, says Jennifer Williams, an Alpharetta homeowner. 3D renderings serve as a tool to ensure that the contractor and the homeowner share the exact vision and scope of work for the job because the renderings are readily transformed into schematic drawings which are then incorporated into the remodeling contract. This is the greatest form of insurance a homeowner can achieve. Remodeling Expo Center not only offers cost effective 3D design services at their design center in Roswell, but they will also perform the entire remodeling project. For more information visit Remodeling Expo Center at 48 King Street, Roswell Ga 30075 or call them for an in-home consultation at 404-910-3969. remodelingexpo.com
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List your home and live stress-free Brought to you by – EVOQ Town Flats We know how stressful the last few months have been for everyone, especially if you were planning on listing your home, or had just listed it, and are now wondering what to do. We’ve talked to several people who are nervous about having strangers walk through their house while it’s on the market, and EVOQ Town Flats of Johns Creek has a great solution that can help calm your nerves. At EVOQ Town Flats, we offer lease terms as short as 3 months so you can list your house, and move into a beautiful, new, never-occupied flat while your house is on the market. Not only do you not have to worry about people walking through your home while you live there, but you also don’t have to worry about keeping it “show-ready” while trying to live your life. EVOQ Town Flats was conceived as a luxury rental option for the 55+ market unlike anything currently on the market. Our goal was to provide condominium-quality rentals with a boutique feel and resort-level amenities, including a self-serve Tap Room with beer & wine selections, saltwater pool, concierge services, two Guest Suites for friends and family, even Peloton bikes and On-Demand Fitness. In addition, knowing the level of luxury our residents are coming from, we put just as much detail into the flats, offering 23 unique floor plans which include spacious 5-piece master bath suites, stainless appliances including 5-burner gas ranges, 11’ ceilings, even a wine-refrigerator in select floor plans. Call us today at 770-824-3439 or visit us online at www.evoqliving.com to see why leasing at EVOQ Town Flats is your best option for stress-free living.
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Indulge yourself in Villa Magnolia Brought to you by — Villa Magnolia Stunning, uncompromised quality while remaining the most affordable new Single-Family Alpharetta community, is a point of pride for Magnolia Residential Properties new community. Starting in the High $500’s, Villa Magnolia is a semi-custom community, offering several packages for homebuyers to choose from and customize. These homes feature four bedrooms, threeand-a-half bathrooms, with GE Café series appliance package, soaking tub in the master bathroom and so much more. Villa Magnolia offers two diversified floorplans with gourmet kitchens, waterfall kitchen island options, spa-like master bathrooms, elevator options, double balconies, customizable options such as interior brick walls and shiplap accents, and many more. With a style reflecting Italian luxury homes found in Europe, this community flaunts an exquisite 26 single-family homes, which falls along a landscaped promenade. Jim Jacobi, the project’s developer, decided that downtown Alpharetta would be a great location to build
Villa Magnolia because of the uniqueness of the location. “There are so few opportunities to build homes in downtown Alpharetta, at the city’s center, and this is just a very unique opportunity in the market,” said Jacobi. With only the distance of a 5-minute drive, residents of Villa Magnolia are in prime location to the Avalon and even closer proximity to The Maxwell Shopping Center. Not only is Downtown Alpharetta a short distance away (3-minute drive), but residents will also be able to enjoy many popular local restaurants and in the Spring and Summer, Alpharetta Farmer’s Market On Saturdays is the place to be. One of the most unique features that helps Villa Magnolia standout is the direct access to Wills Park and the Alpha Loop Trail. A simple stroll down the paved walkway of the main promenade of the community, bring residences to activities such as tennis, swimming, & running. One of Alpharetta’s newest and most sought-after communities, Villa Magnolia has officially opened to the public it’s stunning model home, celebrated with a Grand Opening event on the 27th of June. It was
elegantly showcased with a “Sip and See” theme, offering wine, chocolate, and much more. The New Home Division of RE/MAX TRU, powered by Tamra Wade, is the sales and marketing liaison for the community. Tamra Wade was recently quoted saying, “So much research, planning and preparation has been dedicated to Villa Magnolia and its success. Villa Magnolia will provide beautiful homes, streetscape and lifestyle. This community is truly one-of-a-kind. We look forward to being part of the growth of new single-family homes in Alpharetta.” The community’s success will be aided by two seasoned and award-winning new home specialists Amber Swayda and Lori Daugherty and the construction expertise of Magnolia Residential Properties lead by Randy Schiltz. If you need more information, please call 770-5026230 to speak with an agent and/or schedule a tour. Due to COVID-19, virtual facetime tours are available for those who want to look from the comfort of their homes. The Model Home is located is located at 377 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA, 30009.
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THE NEXT PHASE SHOULD BE THE BEST PHASE Words like luxur y, customization, convenience, exclusivit y ... give you just a taste of the many aspects that make Villa Magnolia the next exciting residential project to sell in desirable Alpharetta. Your opportunit y to call Villa Magnolia home is here.
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Becoming best in show in the age of HGTV Brought to you by — Jody Tirone Ansley Atlanta Real Estate You hear the stories, homes on the market for only a few days that sell with multiple offers. How is it possible? It is all in the mindset. SucTIRONE cessful sellers shift their mindset from homeowner to potential buyer. A shift from thinking about a home that holds so many precious memories to a property that is an investment; likely the largest investment they own! These smart sellers acknowledge there are features in their home that might be perceived as a negative and they work with an experienced REALTOR® to either price the home appropriately for its current condition, or implement updates to put their home in alignment with what buyers are seeking. Now that you are wearing your buyer glasses, how does your home appear to you? What features would make you hesitant to purchase your own home? If you’re dealing with a negative feature that can’t be changed, what are your options? Make sure the interior spaces are so desirable that buyers are willing to
overlook that busy road, steep driveway, or small backyard. Focus on light and bright. Paint the interior of your home in lighter colors that reflect the light, not darker colors that absorb it. Remove heavy draper-
FREE Upcoming Webinars: Protect your family today!
Be sure to check out our webinars at Wilson-legal.com/events-listing/ August 14, 2020 at 3:00pm Basics of Probate – What to do in Disability and Death
August 21, 2020 at 3:00pm
Basics of Estate Planning – Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives
August 28, 2020 at 3:00pm
Basics of VA Benefits and Medicaid – Traps to Avoid and When to Act
Attorney Michelle Wilson
407 East Maple St., #105 • Cumming, GA 30040 • (770) 205-7861
ies and window treatments to create a bright, appealing home and make rooms appear larger. Updating light fixtures is another easy way to give your home an updated, custom look. The old saying, “kitchen and baths
sell homes” still rings true today. If these rooms are outdated in your home, spending a little time and money there can yield big results. Updates can be as complex as a complete remodel or as simple as painting dated cabinetry, changing counters, and adding fresh new fixtures. Carefully assess all aspects of your home to identify any deferred maintenance issues. Sellers often live with, and become immune to, squeaky floors, scuffed paint, and overgrown landscaping that are immediate turn offs to buyers. Lastly, focus on the scent of your home. Your home should smell as fresh as its new décor. This vital shift toward thinking like a buyer can potentially take a home destined for many days on the market and low offers to a multiple offer home and increased profits! Are you ready to put on your buyer glasses and make your largest asset work for you? Investing in your home is always a good idea, and it will return the favor with increased profits you can put toward your forever home! Jody Tirone, Realtor/Ansley North 770-284-9900 x 9333 ansleyatlanta.com/agents/jody-tirone
How to pay for care at home without draining your savings Brought to you by – Michelle Wilson Wilson Legal, PC When given the choice of living in a facility or at home, most folks would pick their home. Unless we die suddenly, most of us will need help around WILSON the house at some point. Hired help will run you $19-27 dollars per hour. This cost frequently exceeds the combined household income when it’s added to your regular utilities. So how do we pay for care at home? If you are a veteran or veteran’s spouse, you could apply for the VA pension benefit. Medicaid offers a program for in-home care, but it won’t kick in until you are confined primarily to bed or your favorite recliner. There is another option - Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance. You might say that it’s expensive or that you’ll lose your premiums if you don’t use it. That may be true if you buy traditional LTC insurance. What if I told you that you could buy LTC coverage when you buy a life insurance policy.
These are called Hybrid LTC policies. When you purchase a hybrid policy, you are buying life insurance with a rider or an option to turn most or all of the death benefits into cash to pay for long term care. Die suddenly and you get your premiums as a death benefit; need help at home for a time and you can turn your death benefit into cash to pay for caregivers to help you at home. You get to stay home longer without draining your savings. This week we had a couple come into the office. The husband has dementia, but the wife is healthy. While they use their savings to pay for care the husband will need, we recommended the wife purchase a hybrid long term care policy to replace the savings spent for her husband’s care and to ensure there are funds available when she needs care down the road. At Wilson Legal, we help people live HOW they want to live WHERE they want to live for AS LONG AS they live. Spotting ways to help a client is what we do even if that solution requires another trusted advisor like an insurance agent and not a lawyer. Call today! We can help.
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Globally respected ... Locally trusted Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Continues to Redefine Real Estate Brought to you by — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties continues to raise the bar in terms of real estate success. Even amid these uncertain times, the company has been able to leverage its global and local networks, along with the most advanced technology, to set them apart from the competition. Although the company has a significant global presence, they take pride in being considered the local experts across the Greater Atlanta area. With nearly 30 offices throughout Metro Atlanta, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices uses each branch as a resource of the local area and market knowledge, allowing the team of sales professionals to educate and advocate for their clients. In the North Fulton area alone, the company outranks all of its competitors as the number one ranked real estate organization based on total homes sold. “I am so proud of the work ethic and commitment that the North Fulton/ Alpharetta office has proven time and time again,” said Dan Forsman, Presi-
dent and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. “Mary Wargula, Senior Vice President and Managing Broker of the North Fulton Alpharetta office has done a phenomenal job fostering an atmosphere of success and encouraging her team to strive for excellence. I am thankful to have her and her team as a part of our company.” As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise, BHHSGA has an extended reach all across the world. With offices in multiple countries, the company’s vast network allows for unparalleled market exposure for each one of its listings. These properties are viewed and sought after by consumers from every corner of the world, providing a unique advantage when it comes to selling a home. “When people see a name like Berkshire Hathaway, they associate the brand with unlimited resources and stability,” said Forsman. “Even though we serve a wide range of clients across the world, one of the ways I operate this business is by providing a unique experience tailored to each client. We partner our extensive network with a boutique-style service and an extreme attention to detail.”
4 summer home tasks you may have forgotten to complete Brought to you by – BILL RAWLINGS Senior Vice President & Managing Broker, North Atlanta Office Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty With seasonal changes such as higher RAWLINGS temperatures, frequent rain showers and longer days, it is important to properly maintain your home. By creating a summer maintenance checklist, you can protect your investment and ensure it remains in good shape for years to come. Be sure to add these four key summer home tasks to your list: Inspect Your Home Performing an annual inspection of your home saves you both time and expenses; plus, it can help you identify problems before they become a hazard. Check your safety devices, such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, etc., are working properly and have fresh batteries if needed. Examine your appliances as well as their respective wires and cords to guarantee security and long life. Check Your Home’s Exterior Examine your home’s exterior to fix any hazardous loose railings, foundation imperfections, debris and roof issues. Also, if your exterior needs a refresh, power washing is an easy way to remove any build-up from heavy rain, and a fresh coat of paint can protect vulnerable areas. Summer is notorious for storms; therefore, it is crucial your foundation vents, gutters and
downspouts are clear of debris to prevent damage to your roof and interior. Spruce Up Your Outdoor Areas Similar to spring, the summer months allow beautiful plants and flowers to flourish, which boosts your home’s curb appeal. Your summer landscaping can be updated by sowing drought-resistant plants, covering gardens with mulch to shield them from the hot sun and seeding seasonal flowers and plants. Additionally, trimming any branches or shrubs near your roof and siding can avert moisture destruction and unwanted pests. Invest in Your HVAC Perhaps one of your favorite home amenities, your HVAC provides you necessary shelter and comfort from the blistering Georgia heat. Your HVAC unit should be inspected, serviced and cleaned at least once annually, and the best time to do so is during a rapid temperature change. It’s best to let a professional handle inspecting this particular system! Also, be sure to change your air filters regularly and, if you have them, clean your foundation vents. By adding these essential tasks to your summer home maintenance checklist, you can save on costs down the road and protect your investment. If you require assistance with home maintenance or have any real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to help! Compiled and edited by Holly Haynes, Marketing Coordinator
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Helping your loved one maintain a meaningful lifestyle Brought to you by – The Memory Center Atlanta The Memory Center Atlanta is the most unique and comprehensive community for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Devoted specifically to memory care, our expertly designed program meets the challenging conditions of an aging brain with a caring, interactive community. We understand a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean you or your loved one stops living, rather it means finding new ways to live by providing assistance to maintain an active and meaningful lifestyle.
Our residents enjoy music, dancing, live entertainment, art, gardening, - even outings, pet therapy and religious services. Enjoy a drink in the Chattahoochee Tavern, grab a movie in the Fox Theater or ice cream at the Bull Dog Café. All residents experience socialization and activities accessible across all levels of dementia. Even those who need 24/7 care benefit from life at The Memory Center. Overseen by our medical director who specializes in the field of geriatric healthcare, our team of Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants provide the best 24/7 care. Don’t let a crisis determine where
your loved one receives care. If you are considering memory care, we encourage you to explore options as early as possible. Take the time to ask questions, tour and include your loved one in the decision making process. Transitioning to memory care early ensures the best quality of life with daily socialization and engaging activities designed to meet the needs of you or your loved one.
Get in touch - ask us a question or schedule a tour of The Memory Center Atlanta to learn more about how our team provides a seamless transition for your loved one into their new home. Located at 12050 Findley Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097, less than ½ mile from Medlock Bridge Rd. directly behind Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Call Today, (770) 476-3678.
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The Gold Standard Brought to you by — Natalie VanHook Keller Williams North Atlanta Given the recent economic turmoil, the price of gold has risen substantially. This is because during times of volatility and downward risk gold, and other commodities, is seen as a relatively safe store of value. There is a finite amount of gold in the world. While gold has historically served as a safe haven, there is another investment you may want to consider. We are talking about land. Like gold, there is a finite amount of land available. However, unlike gold, the demand for land increases exponentially as the world’s population grows. With the current epidemic, there has
been an increase in the number of individuals looking to move out of urban centers into the suburbs and even rural locations. The benefit of buying land now is that you will can find something before the urban flight drives up prices, which will also help to appreciate your purchase. Having land is not just an investment. It will also act as a hedge should you find yourself with the need or desire to move somewhere more remote. As teleworking takes off, and prices in the suburbs continue to increase, you may find yourself in a position to sell your current home and build your dream house in a new location. This article is not investment advice. If you would like to find the perfect piece of land, call me. I would love to help you.
Buying, selling or investing— I’m here to provide the best service and care!
Natalie Vanhook 770.609.4842 natalie.vanhook@kw.com
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When does refinancing your mortgage make sense? Brought to you by – Dan Griffin Keller Williams First Atlanta There is no right or wrong answer or blanket statement that covers all situations. What to look for is the GRIFFIN monthly savings versus the closing costs. On a smaller loan you will save less monthly even with a larger drop in interest rate. On a $600,000 loan dropping the rate .500% makes a bigger difference vs the same rate drop on a $60,000 loan. When reviewing refinance numbers with your lender make sure you separate closing costs from escrows. Closing costs are the fees being charged to get the loan closed. Think of escrows as a forced savings account being held by the bank to pay future taxes and future home insurance. You want to understand what closing costs are so you can analyze your break even point for a refinance (how much does the loan save you monthly
vs. how much it costs you up front). Using the example above ($600K vs $60K loan), if the closing costs are $4,000 on both loans and you save $200 a month on the large loan and $40 a month on the smaller loan you can see the break even is very different between the two examples. On the larger loan you are saving $2400 a year and spending $4K today to get those future savings. Your break-even is short, 20 months. On the smaller loan the break-even is 100 months! Be careful to also understand the difference between a no-cost refinance versus a refinance where you bring $0 to closing BUT the closing costs are wrapped into the loan increasing your payoff. You can bring $0 to closing (sometimes even get money back) but still pay thousands in closing costs. Dan Griffin, Broker/Realtor Keller Williams First Atlanta 200 Glenridge Point Parkway Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30342 770.843.2175
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