June Special Section
2 | June. 2022 | Appen Media
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
Conducting your due diligence Brought to you by - Caroline Nalisnick, The Kloster Group at HOME Real Estate, caroline@homegeorgia. com You’ve spent months searching for the right home and you’ve just received the call that your offer is being selected and you are finally under contract! What comes next in the process? Georgia is a “buyer beware” state. This essentially means that a buyer is responsible for doing their homework to learn of any defects in a home before purchasing the home. This is typically done during the due diligence NALISNICK period where a buyer can walk from the contract for any reason or no reason at all. The record low inventory levels combined with a record high number of buyers has pushed the market to write offers with more and
more competitive terms. In the past two years, we have quickly moved from a world where 10-14 days was typical for a due diligence period and now most contracts have a maximum of 2-5 days. Many have even had to offer zero days to get their offer accepted! In an ideal world, a buyer would complete all their desired inspections, bring contractors to the house to quote repairs or renovations, research schools and the area, negotiate repairs, and more. This leads to a big question – how is a buyer supposed to get all of this done in so little time? The unfortunate truth is that too many buyers are not only choosing to waive their due diligence contingency, but they are also foregoing their inspections all together. The importance of completing your due diligence prior to closing on your home purchase continues to be equally as important as it has been in the past - you might just be completing this earlier in the process or outside of a contingency period. The contract is typically held together by a negotiated amount of earnest money that demonstrates to the seller that the buyer truly intends to purchase the home. Once the contingency periods have ended,
the earnest money becomes at risk should the buyer default on the contract. While a buyer might have a substantial amount of earnest money on the line, it is still critical for the buyer to have a full understanding of the homes condition they are purchasing. With the findings from the inspection, a buyer will be able to comprehend the full financial commitment they are making in this purchase. This is the true purpose and value behind the due diligence period. If you are working with an experienced fullservice Realtor like The Kloster Group, you’ll be guided throughout the entire home buying process. An experienced agent will help to provide resources and contacts to do the necessary area research early on in your search for the right home so that you can focus on home specific questions after going under contract. An experienced agent will also help share their knowledge and connect you with vetted service providers to quickly work through inspection concerns, estimated repair costs, renovation experiences, and survey issues to help give you the confidence you need to move forward in the buying process.
Have you heard of a Jumbo Mortgage Loan? Brought to you by - Dan Griffin, Compass, Inc. A Jumbo Mortgage Loan, or non-conforming loan, is a mortgage that exceeds the borrowing limit set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for conforming loans. In Georgia, that limit is $647,200 for a single-family unit. For buyers who are interested in purchasing a large property, Jumbo Mortgage Loans can be a great way to do so.
Who can qualify for a Jumbo Mortgage Loan?
Jumbo Mortgage Loans can only be used for one’s personal residence (not an investment property). These loans are for buyers with a very high credit score (680-700 or higher) and substantial cash reserves. As Jumbo Mortgage Loans are much riskier than conforming loans, banks are very selective about who can take use them.
Pros
• Higher loan limits: Useful for those who wish to purchase a larger home or property, especially in a high-cost area • Lower down payment: Can be as low
as 5-10% as the bank has already ensured that the borrower is in a strong financial position • One single loan: Rather than using multiple loans to finance one property, these mortgages mean the buyer has just one monthly payment
Cons
GRIFFIN
• Higher interest rates: It’s a good idea to shop around to see which lender can offer the best rate • Buyers must have a clean credit score: Banks want to ensure the buyer is financially secure and able to repay the loan • Not all properties qualify: The bank will do a property appraisal to confirm that the asking price is not higher than the appraisal value • Higher closing costs: These are often calculated as a percentage of the loan, so a higher loan leads to higher closing costs Please Call Dan Griffin at Compass, Inc. for more information.
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
Appen Media | June 2022 | 3
THE KLOSTER GROUP WE’VE ALREADY HELPED OVER 50 FAMILIES BUY AND SELL IN 2022.
We look forward to helping you & your family too!
HELPED OVER
90 FAMILIES FIND A HOME IN 2021
C : 404 .784.5287 | O: 404.3 83 . HOM E ( 4 663 ) | 1 81 9 Pe a ch t re e Rd , S ui te 1 00 At l a nt a , G e o rg i a 3 03 09 Information believed accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. Broker, Betsy Franks.
4 | June. 2022 | Appen Media
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
Exceptional Living
GAINESVILLE 2561 Bridgewater Circle Offered for $1,599,900 Colin Sawyer 770.654.5804
MILTON 1440 Estates Pointe Offered for $7,250,000 Julie Allan 404.405.6908
MILTON 14500 Freemanville Road Offered for $3,975,000 Bonnie H. Smith 404.713.7713
SAUTEE NACOOCHEE 1299 Highway 17 Offered for $1,499,900 Colin Sawyer 770.654.5804
770.442.7300 atlantafinehomes.com
Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 400, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009
ISTOCK
Three cost-effective ways to improve hardscaping Brought to you by - Bill Rawlings, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International As a homeowner, the costs of adding to or upgrading the hardscape elements of your home to increase curb appeal will probably be among the highest in your budget. However, with a little planning, it is possible to make improvements without breaking the bank. For those without a background in landscape design, hardscape is an industry term used to refer to RAWLINGS all the brickand-mortar and concrete elements of a home’s overall landscaping. It exists to prevent
water absorption and protect a property’s structural integrity. Visually, hardscape helps to pull the yard together and define its boundaries. In contrast, soft scaping is all about the horticulture that typically fills in the boundaries established by stone walls and benches, driveways, paved walkways and patios. Obviously, the cost of a hardscaping project depends on the kind of upgrade or addition. For example, adding a garden pathway will be much cheaper than building an outdoor kitchen, and it is helpful to remember that a few smaller projects can often add up to a considerable difference. For larger projects, here are a few tips to help keep costs down as much as possible: 1. Don’t rush the planning. Take some time to walk around your property and make a list of what you want to add or upgrade. Then sit down and decide what you can reasonably afford to spend. Finally, if you can afford it, hire an independent landscape designer to plan your project because you will be able to use that design to get solid quotes from multiple hardscape
installers instead of going with the first price quoted to you by a contractor and in-house designer. 2. Shop around for materials. Make sure you know what materials are available for your project, as well as their quality. Sometimes there are locally produced options that are cheaper and easier to source, and this can significantly lower your cost. 3. Complete your project in phases. Spacing out the completion of a large upgrade into several smaller steps gives you the freedom to pay as you go instead of putting a large strain on your bank account all at once. Whether you stay in your home or decide to sell, hardscape upgrades add value and are a good investment. 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
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
Appen Media | June 2022 | 5
PROVIDED
Luxury homes in Historic Roswell available for mid-summer move-in Brought to you by - Patrick Malloy Communities Hillandale is a charming Charleston inspired neighborhood priced from the $900s - $1 million plus. This distinctive neighborhood offers elegant interior finishes and unique designs in a highly sought-after location. Located just minutes from the heart of Historic Roswell, Hillandale features sophisticated four- and five-bedroom thoughtfully curated homes with an abundance of entertaining spaces both indoors and out. Luxury features can include a unique moving wall of glass doors that lead to outdoor living areas, primary suites, 10 ft ceilings and hardwoods on the main level, as well as high-end stainless-steel appliances and basements. In addition, the Patrick Malloy Design Center is available to help customize each home’s interior.
The Tierney is available now for mid-summer move-in and is situated on homesite 11. This striking two-story home features four bedrooms, three and one-half baths and is perfect for entertaining with open living spaces and a chef’s kitchen with the latest in design. Priced at $1,107,265, this discerning home includes $65,000 in designer upgrades with front and back lawn maintenance included in the HOA. In addition to the Tierney, there are several other homes currently under construction with early September move-in dates. Homeowners at Hillandale enjoy a convenient and central location with easy access to local dining and shopping. The Chattahoochee River and pristine parks envelop the area creating a wide array of recreational activities. The Chattahoochee River Nature Preserve is just a short drive away with kayaking, biking and walking trials, and a summer music series. Districted in Roswell’s
highly acclaimed school system, Hillandale is a neighborhood suited for any lifestyle. 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 Hillandale, visit PMCommunities. com, call 770/254-5372 or visit the sales center at 3020 Barnes Mill Ct. Roswell, 30075. Patrick Malloy Communities is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. BHHSgaNewHomes.com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
6 | June. 2022 | Appen Media
1610 RESERVE COURT
ALPHARETTA, GA 30009 | $1,595,000 Michelle Merrill | 404.444.4080
130 MANOR LAKE COURT
ALPHARETTA, GA 30004 | $2,750,000 Susan Feddersen | 773.710.4709
9045 MATT HIGHWAY
16146 BELFORD DRIVE
BALL GROUND, GA 30107 | $1,250,000 Todd Kroupa | 770.910.4860
430 BETHANY GREEN COVE
MILTON, GA 30004 | $1,100,000 Butler Swayne Team | 770.241.9165
MILTON, GA 30004 | $3,750,000 Butler Swayne Team | 770.241.9165
5439 SPINNAKER LANE
GAINESVILLE, GA 30022 | $1,100,000 Todd Kroupa | 770.910.4860
MARY WARGULA
Senior Vice President | Managing Broker O. 770.475.0505 Mary.Wargula@BHHSGeorgia.com
215 SULLING WAY
ALPHARETTA, GA 30009 | $1,379,000 Cathy Adams | 678.488.7568
5325 LACOSTA LANE
ALPHARETTA, GA 30022 | $1,495,000 Kimberly Meisen | 678.977.4532
3250 NEW MAINE TRAIL
CUMMING, GA 30041 | $755,900 Talitha Timmons | 678.852.9801
Work, Live, Play
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
Appen Media | June 2022 | 7
REAL ESTATE DEFINED FEATURED LISTINGS
130 BATTEN BOARD WAY
635 WOODSTREAM COURT
4520 WYKESHIRE COURT
WOODSTOCK, GA 30189 | $799,900 Cookie Whiteside | 770.265.6417
ROSWELL, GA 30075 | $1,000,000 Kelly Finley | 678.468.4990
CUMMING, GA 30041 | $799,000 Kelli Amacher | 770.598.0270
NEW CONSTRUCTION
NEW CONSTRUCTION
NEW CONSTRUCTION
THE HOMESTEAD AT MILTON
MILTON, GA | From $3.5 MILLION BHHSGANEWHOMES.com | 678.787.7949
EAST HAVEN
FROM THE MID $700’S BHHSGANEWHOMES.com | 404.543.7701
SOLEIL BELMONT PARK
CANTON, GA | $400’s | 55+ COMMUNITY BHHSGANEWHOMES.com | 770.635.4080
JOIN US FOR THE 2nd Annual Berkshire Hathaway “Cornament” Benefitting The Sunshine Kids! Thursday Sept. 29 th 6:30pm @ The Hamilton Downtown Alpharetta. Register TODAY spaces are limited! scan the QR code for details and registration.
NORTH FULTON OFFICE 33 South Main Street | Suite 201 | Alpharetta, GA 30009 770.475.0505 ©2022 BHH BHH Affiliates, Affiliates, LLC. LLC. An An independently independently operated operated subsidiary subsidiary of of HomeServices HomeServices of of America, America, Inc., Inc., aa Berkshire Berkshire Hathaway Hathaway affiliate, affiliate, and and aa franchisee franchisee of of BHH BHH Affiliates, Affiliates, LLC. LLC. Berkshire Berkshire Hathaway Hathaway HomeServices HomeServices and and the the ©2022 Berkshire Hathaway Hathaway HomeServices HomeServices symbol symbol are are registered registered service service marks marks of of Columbia Columbia Insurance Insurance Company, Company, aa Berkshire Berkshire Hathaway Hathaway affiliate. affiliate. Information Information deemed deemed reliable reliable but but not not guaranteed. guaranteed. Equal Equal Housing Housing Opportunity. Opportunity. Berkshire
8 | June. 2022 | Appen Media
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
PROVIDED
Can the pace of home remodeling continue? Brought to you by - Remodeling Expo Center Throughout 2021 home remodeling seemed virtually unaffected by the Covid pandemic. Home sales continue to be robust, but the pace of home remodeling is even greater. New home buyers tend to remodel as soon as they move into their new home, but the remodeling craze seems to apply to everyone. “Our Kitchen and Bathroom remodeling business has experienced a 75% year over year increase” says John Hogan, president of Remodeling Expo Center, “and we don’t see any slowdown in sight”. There’s been a rapid change to supply chains in our entire economy and while some businesses are suffering, others are prospering. Demand for products and services are at record levels and businesses are required to re-think their supply chain from end to end; those businesses that creatively maneuver around the supply chain issues are
prospering. “Last year we re-focused all of our purchasing to those suppliers with local inventory, so we get instant access to products, then we diverted custom built products to smaller, more nimble suppliers, and finally we began to inventory some items so our remodeling jobs could get started faster and eliminate job progress interruptions. These changes weren’t easy but without them we couldn’t be in the hyper-growth mode that we’re presently experiencing, says Bobbie Kohm, Vice President of Remodeling Expo Center, “Turnkey Design-Build companies, like us, keep the process very simple”. Low interest rates are going to be around for a long time and investment in our homes is likely to continue. For more information on Remodeling Expo Center (RemodelingExpo.com), contact them at their showroom at 48 King Street in Roswell or at 404-910-3969.
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
Choosing the right material for your Exterior Shutters Brought to you by - Dupbel Millworks, Inc. Shutters can make or break the curb appeal of a house and it is important to consider the different materials that shutters are made of. Prices will vary considerably between the different materials and each will have its own positives and negatives. Let’s take a look at the 4 main ones.
Wood:
effect on it. Heat does play a role and it’s prone to cupping, bending and warping, so make sure your provider adds some form of additional strengthening. Seems that the industry standard is to add metal bracing on the back to prevent some of the issues. Difficult to paint and typically comes in standard colors. Make sure from you provider what steps you’ll have to take when it comes to repainting. Can be mounted flush or on hinges.
Very traditional and good looking. Could be pricey depending in the wood species that is used. Stay away from cheaper woods like Poplar or pine that will rot, twist and split within a short period of time. Good species are Western Red Cedar and Cypress. Make sure you add some sort of a cap to the top of the shutter to prevent splitting and make sure your provider seals the wood effectively to prevent rot. Easy to customize size and styles. Easy to repaint depending on the paint used, and special care should be taken to ensure the paint seals the product completely.
Vinyl:
Cheapest option you can get, but then it will also look like that. The summer heat can play a trick on these where the shutters became brittle with color fading over time. These shutters are typically hollow and not very strong. Its recommended that they are mounted flush against the wall, although some service providers sell hardware kits to mount them on hinges. Vinyl shutters are typically 3 times cheaper than wood or composites, but remember you’ll have to pay for installation 3 times. Limited options available for size, style and color. Difficult to repaint effectively.
Composite Wood:
Pricing is comparable to wood, and although you get the look and feel of wood, you don’t have the issues that comes using wood. No rotting, swelling, twisting and if it is the right material, no insect damage. There are different composite materials available and not all are rated for extended exterior use, so make sure your provider uses the right stuff (and can prove it). Very long lasting and in some cases you even have environmentally friendly/safe options available. Easy to customize and a good provider should be able to create unique designs and styles perfect for your home. Similar to wood it will need repainting in a few years, but generally easy to do. Can be mounted on hinges or direct to the wall.
PVC:
Pricey, so shop around. This stuff will last almost forever and moisture have no
PROVIDED
Dupbel Millworks Inc. manufactures exteriors shutters using only weather resistant materials. Our core business is shutters made from a composite wood material that is rot, insect and weather resistant. This is especially important in Georgia’s hot, humid conditions. Although we carry a series of shutters styles, we are fully equipped to help you design the specific look you desire, and every shutter is custom made based on your house, windows and design. We use your house as our showroom, knowing very well how difficult it can be to see what a specific style of shutter will do the look of your home. We come to your house with samples and will help you to choose the perfect style of shutter for your house. Our business is located in Alpharetta, GA and we are proud to serve the residential and commercial market of North Georgia. We are small enough to provide you with personal attention, yet strong enough to handle complex designs. 678-662-4815
Appen Media | June 2022 | 9
10 | June. 2022 | Appen Media
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
PROVIDED
Avoiding common design mistakes… Brought to you by - Riccardo Apreda, Tuscany Fine Furnishings Allow me to share some common mistakes that can be avoided or easily corrected once they occur saving you time and money. Don’t hang artwork at the wrong height. When determining the proper height consider how it is being viewed. Most pieces should be hung at eye level. A collection that is being hung together should center on the primary frame of interest allowing the others to be placed above, below and alongside. Don’t have an overabundance of throw pillows. Knowing that pillows can bring an accent of color and comfort to a chair or sofa, realize that they can also become a nuisance when one actually sits on the furniture. Too many simply create clutter without rhyme or reason. Don’t blindly follow trends. Just as one selects their wardrobe consider what works best for your individual taste and style. Today’s trends may suit you which is all well and good, however consider how you may feel about
your choices after having lived with them for a few years. Trends are appropriate when you can stay current with them. Don’t go over the top with decorative wall painting. A stenciled border may indeed embellish your décor, however a gilded ceiling may be an inappropriate feature when not carefully thought out. Don’t push furniture against the walls. Create a space that welcomes and encourages conversation. A sofa that is flanking a wall across chairs that are flanked on an opposite wall with a vast space between them only creates an unwanted void. Positioning the sofa even a foot off the wall and floating the chairs can prove to make the space inviting and cohesive in design. Don’t hang on to pieces that no longer serve you. Those items that once held a purpose in your décor but no longer hold relevance to your style or design should be eliminated freeing your space of undesired clutter. Don’t ignore practical needs. Always consider how the space will be used, keeping function and design a priority before making a selection. Nothing can bring about a
sense of regret more quickly than a ruined piece of furniture, rug or object of art due to children being children or pets being pets. Don’t design without plan. Perhaps I should have place this at the top of my list, if you are not completely comfortable in creating your vision consult a professional. They will assure your confidence, save you time and money. Riccardo Apreda, Store Manager and a 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…26,000 Families Follow and Shop Tuscany on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, WHATSAPP BUSINESS, GOOGLE BUSINESS AND YOUTUBE... Everyday!
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
Appen Media | June 2022 | 11
h S o l w l e r o w o s m o R Featuring s ’ Y N A C S TU Inspired Showcases! e l y t s e f i L e u q i n U 0 3
Lifestyle Driven Design...Furnishings for Every Room in Your Home Showroom Hours Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun 1-5 12 Months No Interest Financing Available
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
12 | June. 2022 | Appen Media
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
There’s a Podcast for Everyone!
In his long-awaited return to the airwaves, Caddy partners with his new co-host – and wife! - Donna, to bring his loyal listeners everything they’ve come to expect and love from Cadillac Jack.
Available for free wherever you listen to podcasts.
The Ben Burnett Show is a podcast dedicated to the unparalleled thoughts and analysis of a straight shooter leading others to the truth. He’s a great clubhouse guy and if he’s coming for you, you’ll see him from a mile away. At least, so says Ben Burnett.