Real Estate Report - January 2024 by Appen Media Group

January Special Section

2 | January 2024 | Appen Media

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LOOKING FORWARD

ATLANTA 2024 Real Estate Update Brought to you by - Sam DiVito, REALTOR® HOME Real Estate, The Kloster Group

can be unpredictable. Let’s talk about what we can expect moving forward in our local real estate market in the upcoming Wow! It is hard to believe we year. are kicking off 2024 already. In the last quarter of 2023, We all know 2024 was unprecinterest rates decreased from edented in many ways. We saw their record breaking high in all-time high property values the past 30 years and we saw driven by a lack of inventory, a rates hovering around the DIVITO lot of buyers and multiple offers mid-6% range at the end of the which was all compounded by the lowest year. This has helped us move towards interest rates we’ve ever seen. 2023 was a more neutral market for both buyers characterized by much higher interand sellers allowing for more sellers to est rates, over 8% at one time, leading find the right home and allow them to to even lower inventory and a slowing list their home — which is exciting all of the market compared to the past around. With this shift, we bring back few years. This caused a huge pent-up more negotiations, an ability for buyers demand from buyers just waiting for to truly evaluate if a property matches sellers to begin listing their homes. their needs, and more reasonable winAs 2023 has shown us, real estate win solutions in contract terms that can

benefit both sides! For many younger buyers and sellers, this may be the first time they’ve really seen a more neutral market. The average days on market in our area is between 15-30 days, which is excellent, making it a great time to sell. We are hopeful that lower rates will bring more inventory levels in 2024 and hopefully a less competitive atmosphere making it a great time to buy! If rates continue to drop further, we may see more competition than this last quarter of 2023. Education is the best tool right now. Setting expectations for buyers and sellers is the easiest way to create a positive and happy transaction experience for everyone in 2024. Atlanta was named the #1 Place to Live by Money.com in 2023. Our booming job market, housing affordability and

growing diversity and culture make the city a prime relocation spot for all types of people. The Atlanta region is expected to grow by 2.5 million people by 2040. Lawrence Yun, the NAR chief economist, predicts Atlanta to see an increase of 2.6% in 2024 making Atlanta an excellent place to live — and own property! Please reach out to me to help you plan your real estate moves in 2024. Happy New Year! Investing in your home is one of the hardest and most important decisions you will make for your family. Our team is here to serve you. Call Sam DiVito for a no pressure, no obligation appointment to find out what your home is worth! Call 404-8035999 or email sam@homegeorgia.com and get a response within 24 hours.

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WE WISH YOU A HAPPY & WONDERFUL NEW YEAR! Thank you for your referrals and business. We look forward to the working with you in 2024! Allison & Peter Kloster | Sam DiVito | Rachel Provow | Caroline Nalisnick

C: 4 04 .784.5287 | O: 404.383.HOME (46 63 ) | @ th e klo ste rgro u p Information believed accurate but not warranted. HOME Real Estate, LLC is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Broker, Betsy Franks.

4 | January 2024 | Appen Media

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Wills or Trusts, what’s right for me? Brought to you by – Geerdes & Associates In the spirit of the New Year, one of the best resolutions you can make is safeguarding your legacy. That’s where estate planning comes in. In estate planning, the Will and the Trust are the two legal instruments that people often find themselves picking between. If this is you, then here are the differences between the two: In a Will, an Executor who will be responsible for distributing your assets is named, along with the Beneficiaries who will be inheriting and Guardians if you happen to have minor children. All Wills must go through the costly and timeconsuming probate process, and not all Wills are considered valid by the court. In addition, the probate court is public, meaning anyone can view, file a claim, or contest a Will. A Will is relatively simple to draft and only comes into effect after your death. However, for all accounts and life insurance you can designate a beneficiary to avoid the probate process unless the beneficiaries are minors. In addition, designating a beneficiary on accounts does not protect the assets for legacy planning, i.e., your children can still lose the assets after your death due to divorces, lawsuits, creditors, disability, etc. A Trust bypasses probate and is private

if you set it up correctly and maintain it. In a Trust, the person responsible for distributing assets is called a Trustee, and the person creating the Trust is called a Grantor. The Grantor can customize a Trust to add restrictions about how a Beneficiary can receive his or her inheritance. Often time a Grantor will establish specific conditions, such as a Beneficiary needing to obtain a high school diploma or reaching a certain age, that determines when a Beneficiary can receive the Trust assets and how much he or she is allowed to receive. Finally, you can protect the assets in a trust for surviving spouse and your children after your death in case of remarriage, divorce, creditors, lawsuits, disability, etc. Trusts are more complex than Wills to set up and manage, but they grant more flexibility and control and are less expensive in the end by avoiding probate. Whether you need a Will, a Trust, or even both depends on your specific circumstances and your financial assets. If you own a property, for instance, you may want to establish a Trust as real estate is one of the assets most commonly subjected to probate. Regardless, always meet first with an estate planning attorney in your county and state to consider your options before making a choice between a Will and proper Trust.

Protect Your Assets, Your Home, And Your Family In 3 Steps

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? January Upcoming Workshops: Wed., Jan. 3rd – 6pm Thurs., Jan. 18th – 12pm* Thurs., Jan. 4th – 11am Tues., Jan. 23rd – 4pm Mon., Jan. 8th – 4pm Thurs., Jan. 25th – 11am Thurs., Jan. 11th – 11am Wed., Jan. 31st – 6pm Wed., Jan. 17th – 6pm *Webinar on Protecting assets against Long Term Care Disability-Silver Tsunami is Coming. Pre-Registration Required)

• How do Irrevocable Trusts work? • 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: herald2023

1100 Cambridge Square | Suite B | Alpharetta, GA 30009 | 770.209.2346 | esther@gklawgroup.com

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Leading design predictions for 2024 Brought to you by – Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty The mantra in 2024’s home décor landscape is clear: everything is up for redesign. Bill Rawlings Adapting to the and Sherri Conrad surge in remote work, designers agree that homes require both versatile multipurpose areas and functionspecific spaces. A notable shift toward the optimization of every square inch is emerging. More than ever, the goal of design is to ensure that every corner of the home is aesthetically pleasing and tuned to its occupants’ unique needs and preferences. 1. Color drenching. The vibrant phenomenon of “color drenching” approaches room color audaciously, saturating every surface in a favorite hue and creating a seamless “wrap” encompassing ceilings, walls, doors, trim and beyond. Explore a dynamic fusion of wallpaper and paint to achieve the desired effect with this personalized look that instantly imparts personality to a space. 2. Stone statement pieces. This trend sees the rise of porcelain stone accent walls strategically placed in the kitchen, powder rooms and other focal areas to introduce movement while maintaining a neutral palette. Stone accents serve as grounding elements, anchoring the design with an earthy, tactile quality. Other examples include granite farmhouse sinks in kitchens and stone basins in bathrooms.

3. Passementerie. The third trend making waves in the new year is the artful incorporation of “passementerie,” small yet impactful design details that lend a touch of opulence. A French word for the creation of elaborate trimmings, it encompasses tassels, pompoms, fringes, ornamental cords, rosettes, beading applique, tapes and leathers. The beauty of passementerie lies in its versatility, appearing in window treatments, upholstered furniture, pillows, throws, lampshades, tablecloths and even walls. 4. ‘Cozycore’ bathrooms. All about 24/7 comfort, the ‘cozycore’ aesthetic harmonizes aesthetics and functionality to create a space perfect for cocooning. It embraces techniques that prioritize warmth and serenity: incorporating layers, investing in warmer windows, employing mood lighting and introducing soothing scents to create an immersive sensory experience.

Breathe in what’s next. Scan to view this month’s collection of featured properties exclusively represented by our firm.

5. Fluting/reeding. Defined by a series of shallow, concave grooves (fluting) or convex grooves (reeding) across a surface, this design trend offers visual texture and tactile elegance. Design in the new year promises a spectrum of choices to craft spaces that resonate with your needs and preferences. 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

atlantafinehomes.com sothebysrealty.com © 2023 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 400, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. 770.442.7300.

6 | January 2024 | Appen Media

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2905 MANOR BRIDGE DRIVE MILTON, GA 30004 | $2,890,000 Susan Feddersen | 773.710.4709

9690 ALMAVIVA DRIVE JOHNS CREEK, GA 30022 | $3,350,000 Tommy Nguyen | 678.640.7568

2225 BIRMINGHAM ROAD MILTON, GA 30004 | $4,000,000 Kamey Leon | 678.525.5280

6385 WESTCHESTER COURT CUMMING, GA 30040 | $1,550,000 Heather Collins | 770.330.1315

3094 WATSONS BEND MILTON, GA 30004 | $2,999,000 Todd Kroupa | 770.910.4860

291 CLIPPER BAY DRIVE ALPHARETTA, GA 30005 | $2,325,000 Amy Lynn | 678.488.1540 Amy Herington | 404.545.0149

6360 REIVES ROAD CUMMING, GA 30041 | $2,499,000 Chuck MacPhee | 404.234.7286

3403 HARBOUR POINT PARKWAY GAINESVILLE, GA 30506 | $2,975,000 Judi Renfroe | 404.550.5644

Experience Extraordinary

years

VIEW MORE LUXURY HOMES

4 0 4 . 6 7 1 . 4 1 9 5 | L U X U R Y R E D E F I N E D . C O M | L U X U R Y R E A L E S TAT E D E F I N E D ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Canton/Milton | Resort Living

North Forsyth | 2 Homes Under Construction

Soleil Belmont Park | Active Adult

Fireside Farms

$500’s | 770.635.4080

High $600’s | 678.578.6819

Patrick Malloy Communities

David Patterson Homes

This Year Buy from One of Atlanta’s Award-Winning Builders Lake Lanier | 2 Homes Ready for Move-In

Roswell | 3 Homes Ready for Move-In

Long Hollow Landing

Hillandale

High $700’s - $1M+ | 678.578.6833

From $1M+ | 770.254.5372

David Patterson Homes

Patrick Malloy Communities

Lori Lane | President New Homes Division, Senior VP of Luxury & Global

Proud to work with some of the most respected builders in Atlanta Milton | Village and Estate Homes

Crossroads at Birmingham From the $900’s - $1M+ | 678.578.6782

Southwyck Homes TO V I E W M O R E , V I S I T B H H S G A N E W H O M E S .CO M

f ol l ow L o ri @ t h e _ l o r i l a n e

Milton | 4-10 Acre Homesites

The Homestead at Milton $4M - $11M+ | 678.578.6740

Vision Development

©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Information presented is deemed reliable, but is not warranted. If your property is currently listed, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit properties that are already represented by another broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

8 | January 2024 | Appen Media

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PROVIDED

Take in the mountain views at Horizon at Laurel Canyon Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Horizon at Laural Canyon, located in Canton, offers striking views of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. This popular new home community is more than just a neighborhood; it's a lifestyle. Designed by Patrick Malloy Communities with a keen focus on active adults, Horizon offers a range of amenities and stunning home designs that blend seamlessly with the breathtaking natural surroundings. Horizon at Laurel Canyon boasts a wealth of amenities and while not age-restricted, the community was thoughtfully planned to meet the needs of buyers who appreciate the

ease of single-level living. Each home is designed to be spacious, airy, and filled with natural light. State-of-theart appliances and well-thought-out floor plans make daily living convenient and enjoyable. For those who desire a more elevated experience, some offer sky terraces, providing a unique vantage point to take in the best mountain and sunset views in metro Atlanta. What truly sets Horizon at Laurel Canyon apart are the awe-inspiring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Several mountain view homesites are available for those who dream of building their custom home. There are two new homes available ready for immediate move-in priced from the $900s. Homeowners will enjoy a 2-story clubhouse with a wrap-around veranda,

a refreshing swimming pool, charming gazebos, tennis courts, and a children's playground. Golf enthusiasts can indulge in their passion at the nearby Laurel Canyon Golf and Country Club, just a short golf cart ride away. Life at Horizon offers the best of both worlds. You can spend your days leisurely exploring the charming shops of downtown Canton or take a scenic drive north to discover the beauty of Ellijay, Jasper, or Blue Ridge. With easy access to I-575N, you are also conveniently located just minutes from downtown Canton, a mere 30 miles north of Atlanta, and a short 35-minute drive from the mountains. Patrick Malloy Communities, founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, has over the past 27 years developed

over 7,000 homesites and built 5,000 homes in Metro Atlanta with a total of more than $2.5 billion in sales. Patrick Malloy Communities has been on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilder list multiple times and has won numerous professionalism awards including several Community of the Year awards. For more details on Horizon at Laurel Canyon, visit PMCommunities.com, call 770/254-5357 or visit the model home and sales center at 101 Summit View Circle, Canton, GA 30114. Patrick Malloy Communities is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. BHHSgaNewHomes.com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Visit Our Brand New Showroom FREE DESIGN CONSULTATIONS

PROVIDED

There’s no stopping Bath & Kitchen Galleria Brought to you by – Bath & Kitchen Galleria After nearly a decade in Roswell, Bath and Kitchen Galleria has moved to a larger 10,000 SF showroom in Alpharetta. Owners, Bobbie Kohm and John Hogan, have expanded their business by tripling the size of the showroom to keep up with the amazing growth of the company. “North Atlanta has thousands of homes built in the 90’s and 2000’s and homeowners need a way to remodel their homes. They need a company that offers design assistance, has a large showroom, provides installation services, and does it all cost effectively, too”, says co-owner Bobbie Kohm, “…and that’s what we do.” Bath & Kitchen Galleria, (formerly Remodeling Expo) has grown by more than 400% since 2018 and the company attributes this to one simple best practice, “listening to the customer”. Customers want cost effectiveness, projects completed on-time, and they demand quality design assistance. “So, we responded with exactly that”, says co-owner John Hogan, “in short, we’ve brought service excellence to an industry that is known for low service standards. We’ve changed this and

now we perform over 300 projects each year.” Bath & Kitchen Galleria recently moved from Roswell to Alpharetta where they found a huge new showroom to show their amazing versatility: cost effective to fully custom bathrooms and kitchens, from $10,000 to $250,000, styles from farmhouse to traditional to transitional, project scopes from partial room update to fully rebuilt rooms. They have cabinetry, tiles, plumbing fixtures, countertops, shower glass, knobs and pulls, lighted mirrors, accessories and most importantly, remodeling consultants to help you. “We take the anxiety and pressure out of the process and make it fun” says Bobbie, “and that’s how it should be.” John and Bobbie have built a great business that provides personal attention to every customer; because every home is different, and every homeowner is different. “I wish we could say that we have some secret widget; but our competitive advantage is pure “service excellence”. Bath and Kitchen Galleria (BathAndKitchenGalleria.com) is located at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta. 770-765- 6000. Open Weekdays and Saturday.

Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Re-imagined

Remodeling Design and Installation Services

BathAndKitchenGalleria.com

10591Old OldAlabama AlabamaConnector ConnectorRd. Rd. 10591 Alpharetta,GA GA30022 30022 Alpharetta,

10 | January 2024 | Appen Media

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Eliminate the struggle and enjoy the process… Brought to you by – Tuscany Fine Furnishings “You think you would like to place a sectional in the room, great let’s consider your room and a sectional’s functionality in it.” Many of my clients struggle in determining whether to place sofas, loveseats, chairs or a sectional in their desired space, this challenge can become overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be with the assistance of a designer. The first question to ask is how will a sectional best fit the space, which of the pieces will hug the walls leaving the others to float in the room. The sectional’s configuration will be crucial to your design and is a great way to comfortably seat many people. There are vast choices and style options available, allowing you to choose your fabric, leather, cushion comfort level, select pillows, arm and leg preferences that best meet your vision.

Measuring your space is imperative before purchasing. You may believe that the sectional you have seen on the showroom floor is perfect for your area, however they can be deceiving, your room may not accommodate the configuration. It is important to be sure that you consider including occasional tables, or an ottoman along with lighting options before making your decision. Some rooms are perfect for the placement of two sofas, and I encourage clients to do this rather than using a sofa with a love seat. Sofas are available in various lengths, and can be arranged to fit the room comfortably, keep in mind that there is a little difference in cost between purchasing a sofa and a love seat. The sofas can be placed across from one another with a large cocktail table or ottoman placed between them, allowing for chairs to be added to one or both sides. If the room is large the distance between the sofas

can be extended to accommodate the chairs and using two cocktail tables will create an elegant look affording great functionality. You may enjoy the ability to rearrange your furniture in the same space, the sofas can easily be placed at a right angle and the chairs positioned opposite one of the sofas. Let’s talk about chairs. One common mistake that is often made in the selection process is choosing a chair that is not in proportion or does not complement the style of the chosen sofa or sectional. There are chairs designed for conversation, and those that are better suited for lounging, once this choice is made the options are vast. A chair with an ottoman serves you well both for conversation and comfort, the ottoman also affording extra seating when needed. Recliners are a great option when chosen in the right style and size they may prove to be welcome additions. Choosing fabrics and leathers is something that

a designer can assist you with insuring that they complement your taste and style. Take the struggle out of your selection, whether you are choosing a sectional, sofas, love seats, or chairs remember to keep an open mind though the process there are many great options! Peter Benedetto, Interior Designer, an accomplished, award-winning interior designer with Tuscany Fine Furnishings of Roswell, 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…26,000 Families Follow and Shop Tuscany on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, WHATSAPP BUSINESS, GOOGLE BUSINESS AND YOUTUBE... Everyday!

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h S o l w l e r o w o s m o R F s ’ eaturing Y N A C S U T n s I p e i l r e y d t s e Showcases! f i L e u q i n U 30

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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See Why 26,000 Families Shop Tuscany on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Business, Google Business and YouTube Everyday! 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell | TuscanyFineFurnishings.com | 770-993-0640

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DUNWOODY-SANDY SPRINGS TOP PRODUCERS

Kristina Blass

Kerry Arias

Michelle Moore

Susan Quick

Katerina Quinterno

Shelley Margulies

Claudia Huff

#1 TEAM

The Whitney Agee Team

VALERIE LEVIN Senior Vice President, Managing Broker Midtown | Dunwoody & Sandy Springs

D. 770.238.7719 | O. 770.393.3200 E: Valerie.Levin@bhhsgeorgia.com www.Dunwoody.bhhsgeorgia.com

D u n w o o d y

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S p r i n g s

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886 SONYA RD CLAYTON, GA 30525 | $2,000,000 Kerry Arias | 770.605.7545 A home that has been lovingly built with all the best structural materials awaits someone who will complete it with their special touch and taste. All the hard work has been done a.. this adventurous buyer can finish this oneof-a-kind retreat in Rabun County with their own vision. This exceptional home is situated on over an acre of and on a mountain top which overlooks 240 degrees of Lake Burton.

2960 COLES WAY SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30350 | $939,900 Jodi Mekyten | 770.374.4500

771 HAMBLEDON BEND ALPHARETTA, GA 30022 | $1,075,000 Michelle Moore | 678.612.3927

1150 INDEPENDENCE WAY NORCROSS, GA 30093 | $325,000 Jodi Mekyten | 770.374.4500

75 PONCE DE LEON AVENUE NE # 1004 ATLANTA, GA 30308 | $265,000 Whitney Agee | 470.345.1668

178 BARONE PL NW ATLANTA, GA 30327 | $385,000 Kristina Blass | 404.414.9944

2080 BENCAL DRIVE SE ATLANTA, GA 30316 | $450,000 Ami Ilardi | 678.886.9761

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.

14 | January 2024 | Appen Media

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January: How NOT to die and what you do if someone does. Brought to you byMichelle Wilson, Wilson Legal, PC More people die in the US in January than in any other month. (You, sarcastically) “Gee, thanks Michelle! I feel so much better WILSON now! Why should I care?” I’m so glad you asked, dear reader. I’d like to help by telling you what 3 things TO DO FIRST if someone dies (and 3 things NOT TO DO FIRST). 3 things TO DO FIRST: (1) Find out what your loved one owned. You need to know what the person who died actually owned before you can do anything about it. (2) Change the locks. There may not be a “Rule of Grab” in the Georgia code, but I’ve had families where items were swiped. (3) Find out who the “heirs” are and get current addresses and phone numbers. The “heirs” are the people who would inherit if the person died without a will. For example, if someone dies leaving a spouse and children behind, then the spouse and children

are the heirs. If someone dies leaving no spouse and no children, then we look at parents, then siblings, then nieces and nephews, then first cousins. Google “sanguinity chart” to see a table of relationships by blood. It’s like playing the old game “6 degrees from Kevin Bacon only instead of hopping from the nearest friendship to the next connected person until you get to Kevin Bacon (usually 6 hops), you’ll be hopping from the nearest blood relation to the next nearest. 3 things NOT TO DO FIRST: (1) Call your attorney. Your wonderful, amazing attorney won’t be able to do much to help you until the death certificate arrives. Spend time with your family right now. Make time for yourself to feel the feelings you need to feel. (2) Give or sell anything to anyone. Without all the facts, you might be liable for repaying the estate. (3) Close their checking account or tell the bank they died. Why? Check out my website for upcoming webinars: Wilson-legal.com/events Remember, if you need help with probate, use Wilson Legal where you’ll find easy-to-talk-to attorneys who are happy to untangle the long list of “TO DO”s when someone dies.

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Delivering Readers Award-Winning Newspapers 2023 Georgia Press Association 1st Place – News Photograph 1st Place – Feature Writing 1st Place – Business Writing 1st Place – Serious Column 1st Place – Food Ad 1st Place – Newspaper Promotion Ad 1st Place – Classifieds Section/page

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