How to choose the right school?!
Brought to you by –Sam DiVito, REALTOR® HOME Real Estate, The Kloster Group
As we begin August, many of us are focused on back to school! We all know that school districts and school ratings largely drive home values. When you pay taxes into a school district, you want to know that you are getting the best education you can provide for your kids. As a mom, I know it can be hard to feel like you’ve done sufficient research,
so I want to provide a few ideas and resources that can help evaluate where to send your kids to school!
First of all, you can begin by researching the school ratings, test scores, reviews and demographics on a few websites to help narrow down your search. www.greatschools.org and www.schooldigger.com are both excellent sources of information. They can provide a helpful overall view of the school and what it provides for your student!
Another great resource to use are community-based groups through Facebook or Next Door. This is a wonderful way to ask fellow parents for
their experiences, opinions and pointed questions based on your interests and priorities in a school.
Finally, go on a tour of your top schools! What better way to learn how comfortable your student will be in the school than to actually go visit and meet the teachers and staff that make that school special? You can focus on what curriculum they use, the classroom size, the after-school activities, sports, etc. that would be available to your child! Nothing compares to walking the halls before deciding which school district in which to buy your new home! And remember, always trust your gut! You are your
child’s best advocate!
If you need help evaluating the schools in your area, I’ll be happy to help. The Kloster Group team members are all parents and were all raised in these same school districts!
Investing in your home is one of the hardest and most important decisions you will make for your family. You don’t have to do it alone! Call or email Sam today and we’ll evaluate your needs and get your family into the best schools the area has to offer. Call 404-803-5999 or email sam@homegeorgia.com for any questions you may have!
DIVITO
Open the door to what’s next.
Scan to view this month’s collection of featured properties exclusively represented by our firm.
Top tips for creating a design budget
Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Creating a design budget for your home renovation or new build is a vital step that can make or break the success of your project. It’s also one of the most vexing parts of the process, even if you’ve been through a design project or a remodel before.
The best creative environments thrive on financial boundaries—they keep everyone accountable and help clarify and define your vision. As any contractor, designer or architect will attest, the only thing more challenging than sticking to a budget is not having one to guide the project at all. Here are our top tips for creating an effective design budget, ensuring your dream home comes to life with the least amount of wear and tear on your credit card:
1. Think in terms of ‘investment,’ not ‘cost.’
It helps to view your interior design budget as a percentage of your property’s value, not a separate expense. A good rule of thumb is to start at 10 percent of your property’s cost. This approach not only helps maintain a cohesive, high-quality aesthetic but also ensures that your
design budget aligns with the property’s value, ultimately boosting its market appeal and long-term return on investment. The best plans also build in room for the unexpected—budget creep, delays, price increases and more—at least 25 percent of the overall budget.
2. Plan projects in phases.
This smart strategy allows you to spread expenditures over time. The master plan keeps your project on track in a logical manner while pacing the work according to what you can afford on a quarterly or monthly basis. On a large scale, a comprehensive home renovation might organize its phases by room, while a smaller-scale single-room update might begin with foundational repairs, progress to major furnishings, move on to lighting and accessories and end with personal touches.
3. Consult a professional.
Interior designers are valuable resources for managing a design budget effectively. They can advise intelligently on where to spend vs. where to save, and they often have relationships with suppliers, contractors and vendors. Use them to avoid costly mistakes.
Creating a stunning and functional living environment within your financial means is possible! If you need assistance renovating 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 Angela
Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor
PEXELS
Providing Amish-made custom furniture since 2003
Brought to you by – DutchCrafters
Amish Furniture
DutchCrafters is the leading retailer for Amish-made furniture selling online at www.dutchcrafters. com and in its showrooms. The award-winning DutchCrafters Amish Furniture Showroom in Alpharetta not only showcases heirloom-quality, solid wood furniture but also o¬ffers a unique shopping experience, unlike other furniture stores. The DutchCrafters Showroom displays specially selected Amish-made furniture that demonstrates the expanse of pieces, styles, wood types, finishes and other options DutchCrafters has available for customers to design customized furniture for any room.
Inside the showroom are knowledgeable, friendly furniture specialists ready to help you find the perfect pieces to match your design preference and personal lifestyle. The design center is stocked to open a world of possibilities with woods, stains, upholstery and hardware options. Enjoy free beverages as you peruse the store, and best of all, view the furniture that is ready to become part of your family story for generations. Whether you want to furnish a whole room or just personalize a space with a few finishing touches, the DutchCrafters furniture specialists are available to help you every step of the way. Since 2003, DutchCrafters has
sourced heirloom-quality furniture from the back roads of Amish country in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. They have built trusted relationships with woodshops and craftsmen to connect you to personalized, custom-made furniture built by skilled woodworkers.
DutchCrafters is your one source of Amish furniture created to be passed down to the next generation. Come visit the DutchCrafters Showroom at 160 North Main Street in Alpharetta for one-of-a-kind furniture built just for you.
LAKE
Patrick Malloy Communities now building in Trilith
Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division
Award-winning Patrick Malloy Communities (PMC) has announced its latest project: the construction of 20 additional Palmyra terrace homes in the renowned Trilith community in Fayetteville. These new homes are set to elevate the living experience within Trilith, a vibrant, innovative neighborhood known for its strong ties to the nearby Trilith Studios, which produces blockbuster movies and hit TV series.
The Palmyra terrace homes offer a blend of luxury and sustainability, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage, with the added benefit of geothermal energy. Priced between $749,900 and $868,900, these homes are available for presale now, with an estimated closing date in the Spring. Early buyers will have the unique opportunity to personalize their homes by selecting finishes at the PMC award-winning design center, to ensure their individual style and preferences.
Each home will feature a host of desirable amenities designed to enhance comfort and luxury. These include 11 ft ceilings that create a
sense of spaciousness, expansive front patios with custom brick walls that provide an inviting outdoor living space, and a finished drop zone for convenient organization. Inside, residents will enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a gas fireplace, and additional flex space on the second level offers versatility for various needs. The homes also include zero entry showers for ease of access, custom closets for ample storage, and optional elevator capability for added convenience. These thoughtful features underscore PMC’s commitment to quality and attention to detail, ensuring that each home meets the highest standards of modern living.
Patrick Malloy Communities has a history of excellence in homebuilding. Founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, the company has developed over 11,000 homesites and built 7,000 homes across Metro Atlanta and Savannah, amassing more than $4 billion in sales. In 2021 and 2022, PMC was the recipient of the Guildmaster Awards from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry. The company’s dedication to quality has earned it a place on
the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilder list multiple times, as well as numerous professionalism awards, including several Community of the Year honors.
Trilith redefines suburban living. Located just 30 minutes south of downtown Atlanta, it boasts a pedestrian-friendly layout with a meticulously curated Town Centre with a variety of unique dining and retail establishments. Known for its diverse architectural influences and team of award-winning homebuilders, homes at Trilith range from enchanting Provencal cottages to grand Mediterranean estates with Cottages from $675,000, Terrace Homes from $749,900, and Village Homes from $1,275,000. There are also homesites available to design and build your custom home.
What truly sets Trilith apart is its commitment to sustainability and quality of life. With 51% green space, the community offers an array of amenities that cater to all ages and interests. Fifteen miles of walking trails weave through lush surroundings, providing breathtaking views and fostering a strong sense of community. The inclusion of a dog park and outdoor art collection enhances the outdoor experience,
making it a haven for pet owners and art enthusiasts alike.
Trilith is nothing short of a paradise for people who love sports. The community features tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and well-equipped playgrounds, ensuring there’s always something to do. Numerous fire pits scattered throughout the area create the perfect ambiance for gatherings, fostering a tight-knit community spirit. Additionally, the Piedmont Wellness Center offers state-of-the-art health and fitness services, underscoring Trilith’s commitment to a holistic lifestyle.
Homeowners at Trilith have the chance to become part of a dynamic, innovative community that is setting new standards for suburban living. With luxurious homes, unparalleled amenities, and a commitment to sustainability, Trilith is not just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.
For more information about the new homes at Trilith or to visit the decorated model homes, call 678.519.1008 or visit TrilithRealEstate.com. Sales at Trilith are managed by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. An equal housing opportunity.
Experience Matters.
Because Every Client Matters.
Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with Appen Media Group
We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.
Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.
For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”
The unbeatable strength of concrete coating
Brought
to you by – Gladiator Concrete
Coating
Your garage floor withstands a lot, which is why we’re here with premium concrete coating services tailored specifically for garage floors. Our coatings act as a shield against stains, scratches, and various types of damage, ensuring your floor remains in top condition for the long haul.
We understand the desire for a floor that not only withstands daily use but also adds a touch of sophistication to your space. That’s why we proudly offer custom metallic flooring services. Our expertly crafted metallic coatings not only protect your floor but also enhance its aesthetic appeal with mesmerizing swirls, patterns, and depth.
Explore our extensive selection of decorative concrete coating solutions suitable for both residential and commercial settings. Whether it’s a poolside oasis, a welcoming patio, a durable driveway, or a functional garage floor, our versatile coatings can infuse any surface with a distinctive decorative flair. Elevate your space with personalized touches that enhance both aesthetics and durability, transforming ordinary surfaces into extraordinary showcases of style and resilience.
your outdoor space into a haven of beauty and resilience, ready to withstand the elements while impressing for years to come.
Love where we live
Brought to you by –Lara Dolan, Ansley Craft Dolan Team
As Realtors we work with people every day who are making life changes. Buying a first home, building a dream house, selling the family homestead, upsizing, downsizing… but one of the best is introducing people who are relocating from out of state to our special corner of north Fulton.
When you love where you live and have the opportunity share it with other people as part of what you do for a living, it’s easy to love your job too. It’s so much fun to share our lovely towns of Milton, Alpharetta, Roswell and beyond, with out-of-towners. Touring people around who have never been here and are contemplating a move is exciting, the hardest part is fitting everything into the schedule!
My favorite is to start on a
Saturday morning at the downtown Alpharetta Farmer’s Market which is put on by the Alpharetta Business Association. Bustling with 140 local vendors every Saturday, April - October, the Famers Market is impressive and vibrant. Grab a coffee, a breakfast pastry and visit with friends and neighbors while walking all over downtown Alpharetta. Wandering the Market also provides the opportunity to point out Alpharetta’s City Hall, library and dozens of local shops and restaurants on both sides of Alpharetta Highway. Inevitably there are signs broadcasting upcoming free concerts, art shows and festivals… it’s impossible to be bored here. (To keep up to date with everything going on be sure to check out awesomealpharetta.com.)
From Alpharetta take a drive west on Old Milton to show off the Wills Park pool, Wacky World and the unique equestrian center. Slip south toward Roswell’s Canton Street for a beverage at Crazy Love Coffee House
or lunch at Wegman’s. Stroll the length of Canton Street on a pleasant day. What better way to enjoy a bit of local history, tree-lined streets and local shops and restaurants?
Turning north again, continue to gorgeous Milton and the historic Crabapple area to showcase some of Milton’s favorite establishments from Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, to fun new spots like Suite 200 and Six Bridges Brewing (stay in the loop on happenings around Crabapple at crapabblemarketga.com). Cruise the walkable Crabapple Crossroads neighborhood to see pretty streets and quaint homes with big, southernstyle front porches. Back in the car, head north on Birmingham Highway to sneak off on Milton’s hidden gravel roads lined with horse farms, like Wood Road, Phillips Circle and Brittle Road. In the heart of Milton are parks, golf courses and some of the most magnificent homes and properties you’ll see in Georgia.
While day tours are wonderful, at almost any time of year this area can keep your nights busy also. Concerts on The Green at Crabapple Market or at Brooke Street Park, Brew Moon Festivals in spring and fall, Alive After Five in Roswell on summer Thursdays, and Alpharetta shines as “Music City” with the Wired and Wood Festival in October; concerts at Union Hill and AmerisBank Amphitheater add to the long music season. For the nature lover, walking trails, wide sidewalks, the Alpha Loop, bike paths and the Greenway all provide opportunities to be outdoors enjoying the lovely weather without leaving the cities.
In this short article it is impossible to do anything more than highlight some of the area’s finest places to visit; I feel the same way when touring visitors for just a few hours or a day. As residents we are fortunate to have plenty of time to explore our community and all that it has to offer, so get out there and enjoy!
DOLAN
All about cyber security
to you byEstates Law Center USA
In today's digital age, safeguarding our estate planning client's personal information is crucial. While our law firm ensures the highest cyber security, many businesses and individuals fail to do the minimum to protect their personal information. Cybersecurity threats target individuals everywhere, making it essential to protect yourself with these key tips
Password Management: Create strong, unique passwords for every account to defend against cyber threats. Stop using the same login credentials everywhere!
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhance security with two-factor authentication. Enable 2FA for your accounts whenever possible. A second verification process, such as a code sent to your phone or an authentication app, reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
Device Security: Regularly update your operating system, software, and applications to protect against vulnerabilities.
Install reputable antivirus software and ensure your device’s firewall is enabled to block unauthorized access.
Network Security: Secure your WiFi network with a strong password and change the default login credentials of your router. Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.
Email and Phishing: Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially those requesting personal information or containing suspicious links. Verify the sender’s email address and look for signs of phishing, such as misspellings or unusual requests. Many seniors get scammed from suspicious links.
Data Protection: Regularly back up important data to an external drive or cloud storage. Use encryption to protect sensitive data on your devices and during transmission.
Browsing Habits: Only enter personal information on websites that use HTTPS. Using ad blockers can help reduce the risk of encountering malicious ads.
Social media and Mobile Security: Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can view your information. Be cautious about sharing personal details online. On mobile devices, review app permissions and only download apps from trusted sources.
Reserve Your Seat For A FREE Estate Planning Workshop
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
August Upcoming Workshops:
• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate?
Attend our FREE Educational Workshops. Reserve your Spot and Get a FREE Consultation for attending the Workshop (a $500 Value) CODE: herald2024
770.209.2346 | esther@gklawgroup.com
Enhance with Outdoor Solar Lighting
Brought to you by – Light Doctors, LLC
As authorized dealers for Gama Sonic USA, we’re happy to share that there’s never been a more exciting time in outdoor solar lighting. Over 20 HOA’s in metro Atlanta attest to our service. Solar technology keeps improving, with innovative products featuring varying degrees of brightness, duration and reduced cost. We’re state licensed low voltage contractors, but due to Gama Sonics world class
solar engineers there’s rarely a need for digging, unless you desire the best in LED lighting of course.
Cost effective solar post lanterns now rival electric lighting, and our pathway lights are something to behold. They’re smartly designed to accommodate both contemporary and traditional settings.
The Shepard Hooks and Contemporary Squares speak to a renewed elegance in your nightscape, and our superior trapezoid technology picks up scant rays of
sunlight and holds them for days. The Contemporary Square, Imperial 111, and Solar Candelabra 11’s (post lanterns), also work for several days without sun, but post lanterns like our Denali series rival commercial lighting and can shine for nearly a week.
Enjoy our newest special; buy a Contemporary Square Post lantern (installed) and get two Contemporary Square pathway lights free. Enjoy cutting edge technology and call today! YourLightDoctor.com
HOLLY GEERDES
5 absolute must-haves in the bathroom
Brought to you by - Bath and Kitchen Galleria
Throughout America major changes are happening in the bathroom, especially in the shower. North Atlanta expanded rapidly from 1980 to 2005, and this is the era of jetted tubs dominating the bathroom, claustrophobic gold framed showers, poor lighting and the use of materials that promoted mold and mildew (grout).
“We see this every day”, says John Hogan, owner of Bath and Kitchen Galleria in Alpharetta, “Homeowners are tired of recurring grout issues, and they want their bathrooms to be a soothing pleasant experience.” Bath and Kitchen Galleria just completed their 1000th project and bathrooms are their primary type of project. “We have a formula that works for homeowners that balances bathroom aesthetics, function and price.”
In the bathroom, America has realigned its preferences, and the bathroom has taken a new shape in terms of products and appearance. At the center of “America’s New Bathroom” is a larger, open shower. We take more showers than baths, so the emphasis has shifted to the shower. Larger showers are more inviting and in most cases the shower does not have a ceiling. The openness of
the shower is the mold solution.
In concert with the openness is the abundant use of shower glass. Not just any glass but specially coated glass that makes cleaning far less frequent. “We remodel just about every shower to be a maximum of 2 tiled walls: the remaining walls are always glass,” Mr. Hogan continued, “abundant glass and strategically located lighting, promotes that spa feeling.” Bathrooms are now engineered to be cleaner, both in design and materials; grout no longer promotes mold, nonporous tile remains clean, and humidity sensing fans automatically exhaust unwanted humidity.
Americans are taking shorter showers, but an abundance of water is also desired, so multiple shower heads especially incorporating a handheld wand is preferred. Especially when a bench is included, the water needs to be accessible from a seated position.
The 5 Absolute Must-Haves in a Bathroom: Bigger Showers, Brighter Bathrooms, Designs that Promote Cleanliness, Abundant Water experiences and Soothing Colors. For more information visit Bath and Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) or call them at 678-4592292.
PROVIDED
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
While covering Milton election operations, Appen Media analyzed historical voter data and identified possible disenfranchisement.
This reporting caused a statewide watchdog to get involved and, eventually, the city moved to add a polling place to the area. Later in the year, Appen discovered that the feasibility report the City Council used when voting to run their own elections was not the original document. Two residents on a working committee had altered it after city staff had completed it and before its presentation to council. Appen Media reporters identified all of the differences between the two documents and then created an interactive digital document. Readers and officials were able to scroll through the materials and read notes from the newsroom explaining the differences. You can find this document at appenmedia.com/electionsreport.
