Real Estate Report - July 2023

July Special Section

Tuscany Fine Furnishings outdoor living trends for 2023…

Brought to you by -

Susan Gerber, Tuscany Fine Furnishings

Just like interior design, patio & garden design has trends too. And just as you might spruce up Your interior, your outdoor living space needs some love too! Here are some outdoor trend ideas….

ORGANIC MODERN

Organic modern is natural yet comforting & associated with earthy rustic elements that are beets for cozy ‘outdoor living rooms.’ The wonderful thing about these tones is that they can soften any-sized space, from balconies to backyards! Here’s a few tips to get this look…

Choose wooden patio tables and chairs in a warm finish, or even warm leather (only for covered spaces) since the natural wear & tear over the years can actually enhance the rusticity of this trend.

OUTDOOR MODULAR FURNITURE

Sectionals that can be rearranged to form different shapes, or taken apart to form 2 chairs, serve the need for a more customizable outdoor space. To acquire this look…if you get modular pieces they don’t have to look modular. When not pulled apart, a modular sectional that’s built with quality material such as weather resistant rattan or wood will make a backyard feel like a living room.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL PIECES

Pieces that are multifunctional like the firepit table save you space & money…space because it serves as a dining table & a firepit and money because you’re not spending extra money on additional items that serve the same purpose. Tips on achieving this look…use the table wherever you would take your meals. Add comfy chairs that can serve for both dining and s’mores making!

OUTDOOR OFFICE

With so many people are working from home these days, they are looking to their backyards for fresh air & some vitamin D! To achieve pleasant but functional outdoor workspace keep your workstation simple. A comfortable seat and a counter height table will help you maintain good posture and mimic the feel of an office desk & chair. Additionally adding lots of greenery will keep you in a focused mood!

Lastly, if you’re not sure where to begin an outdoor decor project, you can reach out to us and we’d be happy to give you tips and our professional decorating advice. So you can enjoy a cold, refreshing beverage to ward off the summer heat in your beautifully designed outdoor space!!

Susan Gerber, Interior Designer, is 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!

How to choose the right school?!

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

As we begin July, many of us will soon be 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, 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 re-

member, 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 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 and get a response within 24 hours.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties marks 60 Years in Georgia’s Real Estate Industry

Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Georgia Properties (BHHSGA) proudly marks its 60th anniversary as an Atlanta and Georgia real estate community pillar. The real estate firm hosted a celebratory event on June 1st at Mercedes Benz Stadium for real estate forever agents, employees, partners, and sponsors to thank them for their significant contributions to the company's success. The celebration included over a thousand attendees who enjoyed a concert by Departure – a Journey tribute band, along with a Sponsor Village, food, and networking.

The company and former BHHSGA leaders including Founder Ed Erbesfield, Chairman Emeritus, Dan Forsman and Executive Vice President Emeritus, Toni McGown were all honored with special commendations signed by Governor, Brian

Kemp. In addition to their commendations, each was acknowledged for their vision and dedication to the company’s 60-year history.

DeAnn Golden, President and CEO of BHHSGA, shared her thoughts on this significant milestone, "Since our inception in 1963 and for the 60 years following, we have been the trusted residential and commercial real estate brand for Georgians moving in and out of their hometowns, across town, throughout the nation and the world. Our first 60 years were built on a vision to help make the dream of homeownership for everyone a reality, and they have now been inked into the history books. As the Forever Brand, we look to the next decade and beyond with excitement as we continue to deliver exceptional guidance and results to homebuyers, sellers, investors, builders and the communities we serve."

This milestone represents the compa-

ny's enduring presence in the Georgia real estate industry, attributable to the passionate professionals of the BHHSGA team who have helped to bring dreams to life for countless homeowners and seller. This team continues to guide buyers and sellers with sound real estate investments – both residential and commercial.

A critical part of its success has been the ability to adapt and thrive through various real estate cycles. The company's successful New Homes Division and builder clients and robust offering of diversified HomeServices, including relocation, property management, mortgage, title, insurance, and warranty, adds to this resilience.

The company is also celebrating 10 years as a HomeServices of America company, further guided by the Berkshire Hathaway Principles of trust, integrity, stability, and longevity, the 4th most admired company in the world by Fortune Magazine.

As BHHSGA celebrates six decades of service, it’s clear that the company's success story is one of commitment to its clients and customers, and its people by embracing a “we care spirit.” The anniversary serves as both a reflection on past achievements and a launching point for the next chapters of excellence in service that the public can expect from BHHSGA.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Georgia Properties is a full-service real estate brokerage company offering residential, commercial and property management services. With over $4.8 billion in sales in 2022, 29 office locations and more than 1,500 sales associates, the company continues to expand its footprint in the Atlanta Metro market, including North Georgia Mountain and Lakes and the Southern Crescent. To learn more, visit www. BHHSga.com.

From left to right: Todd Tucker, Executive VP BHHSGA; Kathy Connelly, COO BHHSGA; Gino Blefari, CEO HomeServices of America; Lori Lane, President of New Homes BHHSGA; DeAnn Golden, President & CEO BHHSGA.

The role of Executor

share of the assets.

It’s a common misconception that it is an attorney’s job to deliver the inheritance to a Will’s beneficiary. In reality, most Wills name an Executor - often the spouse or a trusted friend - who is then appointed by the probate court to oversee distributing the assets. If the decedent doesn’t have a Will, then the petitioner who opens the case will name an Executor. In this case, the petitioner is usually the Executor, or the county administrator appointed by the probate court.

An Executor must be organized and detail-oriented, as his or her job is to locate and collect the assets, and make sure all the debts and taxes associated with the estate have been paid. Sometimes, Executors may run into issues such as Medicaid or a mortgage company placing a claim on the estate. In this scenario, Medicaid and the mortgage company are “creditors and debtors,” whose claims must be resolved before the beneficiaries can receive their

Executors may also run into difficult or greedy beneficiaries who may try to invalidate the Will. Or the beneficiary may try to hire his or her own lawyer to petition for a larger share of the estate than what was originally given to him or her. In cases like these, the Executor also cannot distribute the estate until the lawsuit or opposing petition is closed. It’s only after there are no more complaints or objections that the Executor can go ahead and perform the rest of his or her duties. The Executor acts as a fiduciary and therefore is liable to all the beneficiaries and creditors if he or she does not perform his or her duties.

The probate process on average can take 1-2 years minimum and the average costs can range from 5% to 15% of the assets that have to be probated.

Of course, if you want to avoid the probate process entirely, it will be worth your time to consider setting up a trust with an estate planning attorney. By doing this, you can ensure that your friends and family will never have to go through the probate process, and that all your assets can be passed safely to the people you name, without contesting, and without conflict.

• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?

• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?

• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?

• How can my family avoid probate?

GEERDES

Five summer staging tips

Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

One of the most popular seasons for home sales, the seller-friendly months of June, July and August bring ample opportunities and fierce competition. Now is not the time to neglect to put in a little extra effort to make a lasting impression— it will help your property stand out and attract the right buyer.

Here are a few ways to garner attention, make your property shine and charm potential buyers who are the perfect fit:

1. Elevate curb appeal.

Summertime is an opportunity to play up a home’s exterior and make it sparkle

with color and personality. Vibrant summer flowers and plants do this effortlessly, even on a budget. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint, upgrade your mailbox and house numbers, swap out a worn welcome mat and pressurewash your siding. Keep the area around your front door clean and free of debris.

2. Highlight your outdoor space. Don’t miss the opportunity to highlight highly sought-after outdoor areas like patios and decks. Since many people enjoy relaxing outside, why not leverage the sunshine and fresh air to your advantage? Show off those areas by staging them with stylish accessories, neutral furniture and colorful accents. Make indoor-outdoor areas a place where buyers love to linger. Make sure gardening tools and toys are safely stowed away, trim trees and shrubs and mulch flower beds.

3. Keep indoor temperatures cool. Summer heat can be discouraging, so regulate your AC to maintain a comfortably cool environment indoors and activate ceiling fans to promote air circulation. Your buyers will thank you!

4. Make the most of natural lighting. Natural light is a selling point, so make the most of it! Begin by thoroughly cleaning all windows and screens. Keep blinds and curtains open to create an inviting and spacious atmosphere. Ensure that trees and plants surrounding your property are trimmed back to prevent any obstruction of natural light. Opt for light-colored and lightweight window treatments.

5. Keep visitors refreshed. Cool beverages artfully arranged offer a memorable touch and make your home stand out as a hospitable place!

By implementing these summer home staging tips, you can significantly increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale. If you need assistance staging 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

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

7 Timeless kitchen trends that will never look outdated

to you by - Remodeling Expo Center

Between expensive appliances, custom cabinets, and costly countertops, we spend a lot of money on our kitchens. In fact, according to John Hogan, Owner of Remodeling Expo Center in Roswell GA, the median spend on a kitchen remodel was $32,000. To make sure that all of this money isn’t creating a kitchen we’ll want to update again in five years, the trick is to incorporate timeless design elements that won’t soon go out of style. By choosing kitchen features that can stand the test of time, you’ll save yourself money (and the work of remodeling) down the line.

So, what are the kitchen trends that won’t make you cringe a few years from now? Skip the trendy color of the year and follow these timeless kitchen ideas that have been loved for decades.

Neutral Paint Colors

The classic white kitchen is sometimes critiqued for being a little boring—but there’s one solid reason to opt for this color in the kitchen: It will never go out of style. According to Remodeling Expo Center, a whopping 43 percent of renovating homeowners opted for white cabinets. Not sure which shade of white to go for? Don’t worry, soft greys are also just as popular and combining the two work well also.

Shaker-Style Cabinets

Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in-style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, transitional kitchens and are the perfect element to update an otherwise traditional house.

Drawer and Cabinet Organizers

I’m calling it: Organization will never go out of style. And while features like built-in baking sheet dividers and pull-out cabinet drawers haven’t been around for that long, when hidden behind unfussy, timeless

cabinet fronts, these functional features will never be outdated.

Built in Appliances

Nothing finishes off the look of a kitchen like the smooth finished look of a built-in appliance. Especially the refrigerator and the microwave. And conversely, nothing looks more outdated than a refrigerator or microwave sticking out or on the countertop. A thoughtful kitchen design should include clever and seamless appliance installation.

Natural Materials

Adding in natural materials like wood and stone will ground the space and keep it classic. If you want a timeless look, resist the urge to create an ultra-modern kitchen full of shiny stainless steel and engineered materials. Resist the feeling that “natural” equals “old”

White Marble “Look” or Butcher Block Countertops

The white marble look will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops, but if the maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider using quartz. For a more classic look consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years and you can prepare food directly on it.

Subway Tile

Subway tile is not only versatile enough to work with many different decor styles, but you probably won’t get sick of it in five years (after all, the look’s been around for over 100 years). While it may be tempting to go with a trendy backsplash, like metallic tiles, sea glass, or bright geometric tiles, opt for something a little simpler if you want a backsplash with staying power.

To learn more, contact The Remodeling Expo Center at 404 910-3969 or stop in at 48 King Street, Roswell, GA 30075. www. RemodelingExpo.com

Brought

How much do local retirement communities cost?

Brought to you by – Dan Griffin,

Compass Realty

When choosing a retirement living option, there are many factors that will influence where you decide to live. These include proximity to family, access to healthcare, and amenities available. Affordability may also be a significant factor in your decision. Because there is such a range of options available in Atlanta, the costs associated with each can vary widely.

GRIFFIN

For example, in age-restricted communities, there are usually different types of homes available. Talk to a real estate agent to find out the average home prices in 55+ neighborhoods in Atlanta. If you choose to move into one of these communities, you’ll also need to factor in the HOA fees, which usually cover amenities like a pool, golf course, gym, and other communal areas.

In Atlanta, the average monthly cost for independent living communities is around $3500. These fees may include

meals, planned recreational activities, and property maintenance. If you’re moving in with your spouse, there may be an additional fee for a second person. If you’re interested in this option, make sure you understand any upfront costs and what’s included in the monthly fees.

Skilled nursing facilities are the most expensive option because they provide round-the-clock care. In the Atlanta area, monthly costs start around $7500 and may include meals, social activities, and health management.

When considering the cost of each option, make sure you find out what is and isn’t included. For example, will you need to pay extra for parking, cable tv, internet, or transportation? You should also ask whether monthly fees are fixed or whether they increase every year. Take the time to visit several communities and ask as many questions as you can before making your final decision.

Read Local, Shop Local

FEATURED LISTING

Welcome to this stunning mid-century modern home, nestled in the highly sought-after quiet Pine Hills neighborhood. This home was beautifully renovated and expanded in 1997, boasting an open and inviting floor plan with a host of sought-after features. As you step inside, the main living space is flooded with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The library exudes coziness with its charming fireplace and built-in floor-to-ceiling shelving, making it the perfect spot for entertaining guests or relaxing with family. The large separate dining room is an elegant space, ideal for hosting dinner parties or enjoying meals with friends. From the great room’s wall of windows, you can take in the beautiful view of the property, including the patio and pool – an entertainer’s dream! Escape to your lanai for shaded relaxation or hosting. The private backyard, featuring gas fire pit, lush shrubbery and beautiful garden, provides a serene retreat in the heart of the city. The main floor features two bedrooms with two full baths and one half bath, providing ample space for guests or a growing family. The primary suite is located upstairs and boasts a fireplace, a wall of windows overlooking the pool and garden, and a spacious custom walk-through closet. The guest suite (or second primary) above the garage comes with a full bath and flex space, making it perfect for guests or as a private home office. The butler’s pantry and laundry room make daily chores a breeze, while the flex space off the garage could serve as a mudroom or gym, providing additional storage space. Be sure to look beyond the fire pit to see the depth of this fabulous lot - Opportunity for pool house, guest suite, etc. Conveniently located with quick access to GA400 and 85, this home is close to shopping and dining, making it perfect for those seeking an urban lifestyle with easy access to everything Atlanta has to offer. With its 90’s expansion and unique style, don’t miss this amazing opportunity to make this Pine Hills home your own!

1070 Ferncliff Road NE Atlanta, Georgia 30324 | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Baths | Offered at $1,450.000

6092 GOLF VIEW XING LOCUST GROVE, GA 30248 | $649,000 Kristina Blass | 404.414.9944

1290 ATHERTON PARK ROSWELL, GA 30076 | $1,100,000 Jodi Mekyten | 770.374.4500 211 CUTBANK COURT ATLANTA, GA 30331 | $434,900 Kristina Blass | 404.414.9944

6653 CADENCE BLVD SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30328 | $1,100,000 Kerry Arias | 770.605.7545

3286 NORTHSIDE PARKWAY NW # 607 ATLANTA, GA 30327 | $1,050,000 Jodi Halpert | 404-513-5151

8319 GROGANS FERRY ROAD SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30350 | $1,250,000 Jodi Halpert | 404-513-5151

7155 ROSWELL ROAD # 56 SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30328 | $519,900 Mary Ellen Harris | 770-656-0768

189 RIDGESIDE COURT JASPER, GA 30143 | $857,800 Whitney Agee Team | 470-345-1668

6015 RIVERVIEW PARKWAY BRASELTON, GA 30517 | $500,000 Amanda Bridges | 404-536-8062