Real Estate Report - June 2023

June Special Section

What truly defines less rather than more when designing a perfect space…

Brought

to you

by - Riccardo Apreda, Tuscany Fine Furnishings

Designers often use the expression “less is more” when consulting with their clients, realizing that there are many things to be considered. Adopting this approach is accomplished by exchanging cluttered and disorganized space for one that reflects simplicity, functionality along with great style. This is something a designer can assist even the most reluctant client with.

In my earlier years I referred to myself as a dense designer. I took great pride in my ability to place many pieces of furniture and art objects into limited spaces. Over the years my thoughts and opinions on what is less and what is more regarding design has changed considerably.

I do prefer less, let’s begin with those built-in bookcases which flank either side of the fireplace or perhaps other built-in display areas throughout the home. Our past trend was to fill the evenly spaced shelves to the maximum. They were often cluttered with books of no distinction, cascading pots of artificial ivy, trinkets from nowhere in particular and indiscriminately scattered framed photos. I suggest eliminating many of these objects along with some of the shelving and painting the back panels. This

creates a subtle contrast when painted a shade darker color than the walls in the room, covering them with a textured wallpaper, such as grass cloth also looks great. Hang larger paintings, mirrors, architectural elements or framed photos on the back panels in the space made available by removing shelves. Staggering the shelf placement allows for showcasing larger single statement objects of art, while symmetry is important, mirroring one side to the other lacks interest and creativity.

Another “less is more” consideration is accomplished by removing those objects which often cover every inch of a side or coffee table. One perfectly placed accessory is elegant. Here is another great example of too much, those sofas and chairs layered with so many pillows that they are uninviting, causing hosts to often toss them “more to less” upon the floor before their guests while encouraging them to sit.

The china cabinet displaying wedding china, crystal and “more” mementos from various occasions is certainly an additional place where “less” needs to be seen. Simply remove the china from the hutch and replace it with a limited selection of fine pieces or remove the hutch completely. I often place the cabinet in another room where it can be used to display books and fine objects of art. Replacing the hutch with a credenza to store the china and crystal is a good

option, this eliminates the visual void when using them to entertain. Enhancing the sideboard or buffet with lamps and hanging a stunning work of art or mirror on the wall above it is truly “more”.

It is easy for a creative designer to move from one room to another in your home and suggest ways to create less, allowing you to see and appreciate more. The difficult question you may ask yourself is whether you are ready for “less” making your home “more”.

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!

How does a School District impact home values?

Brought to you by -

Sam DiVito, REALTOR® HOME Real Estate, The Kloster Group

We all know the ageold saying location, location, location. When it comes to school districts, this reigns even more true. Even if you never plan to have schoolaged children, buying in a good school district brings a multitude of benefits to your home’s value. A good

school district typically means safer neighborhoods, access to sidewalks, restaurants and shops, better parks and recreation departments and active communities. All of this leads to the higher price points for homes located in these areas. The link between school districts and property value is so strong that there has been a recent trend of foreign real estate investors buying property in certain school districts without ever seeing the house. That’s how sure they are that the value of the property will increase.

When a market starts to correct itself

or has a downturn, the schools can significantly impact how much the pricing fluctuates in those areas. People will always pay more to invest in their children’s future, so it is a great strategy to buy in an area that will likely maintain stable and rising home values.

It’s not just important to find a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about houses. They should also have extensive knowledge of the house’s surrounding area to best guide each buyer on school districts and the areas in which each school excels to best fit their specific needs.

Homebuyers are encouraged to gather information and research from various sources and tour each school to find the right one for their family!

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 404-8035999 or email sam@homegeorgia. com and get a response within 24 hours.

Town at Trilith: Award-winning community among America’s most exciting places to live!

Brought to you

by- Holly Geerdes, Geerdes & Associates

Imagine walking out of your front door and bumping into Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Olsen, or the Rock. That scenario is actually possible for residents of the Town at Trilith, an award-winning community in Fayetteville, Georgia, only 30 minutes south of downtown Atlanta.

Located adjacent to Trilith Studios, one of North America’s largest film studios renowned for producing blockbuster movies like Avengers: End Game, Spiderman: No Way Home, and the hit television series WandaVision, lies a creative community with a pedestrian-friendly layout.

The town boasts a meticulously curated Town Centre that includes an array of distinctive restaurants and retail establishments including Enzo Steakhouse & Bar, Sensu Sushi and Woodstone Bakery & Cafe to name a few.

What sets this town apart is its diverse architectural influences, which encompass a spectrum of global styles ranging from enchanting Provencal cottages and captivating Eastern Asia-inspired townhomes to elegant Scandinavian residences and grand

Mediterranean estates.

“Trilith is a place where makers live, create and inspire the world,” said Rob Parker, president of the Town at Trilith. “Each home stands out as its own work of art while simultaneously blending into the town’s overall look thanks to a talented network of builders, designers, town planners and interior decorators.”

If you’re eager to be part of this lively community, there are currently a handful of homes on the market, including:

Cottage Homes starting at $579,900 Terrace Homes starting at $685,000 Village Homes starting at $1,350,000

Trilith has captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike with its abundance of natural beauty and a plethora of recreational offerings. Nestled amidst 51% green space, the community boasts an impressive array of amenities that cater to all ages and interests, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and leisure seekers.

One of Trilith’s standout features is its extensive network of 15 miles of walking trails, which meander through the town’s lush surroundings, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Residents can enjoy a

leisurely stroll or an invigorating jog while immersing themselves in nature’s embrace. Accompanying these trails is a dog park, where four-legged companions can frolic and socialize to their heart’s content, fostering a sense of community among pet owners.

The town’s commitment to preserving green spaces is evident in the meticulously curated outdoor art collection, which serves as a visual feast for visitors. As they explore the community, individuals can discover captivating sculptures, murals and installations, adding a touch of creativity to their outdoor experience.

Sports enthusiasts need not look further, as Trilith offers an impressive array of athletic amenities. Tennis courts, pickleball courts and basketball courts cater to those seeking an active challenge. Children can revel in the excitement of a well-equipped playground and a delightful splash pad, providing them with endless hours of fun and laughter. Additionally, numerous fire pits throughout the community create the perfect ambiance for gatherings and shared moments with loved ones, especially during cooler evenings.

Trilith’s commitment to providing a holistic lifestyle extends beyond

recreational amenities. The Piedmont Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art facility, offers a comprehensive range of health and fitness services to residents. With a dedicated team of professionals, the center aims to promote well-being and a balanced lifestyle through personalized programs and innovative classes.

Exciting developments are also on the horizon for Trilith, as the town recently announced plans for an impressive new entertainment venue, Trilith LIVE. Spanning seven acres, this future destination has already broken ground and is set to be completed in 2025. Among its highlights is an 1,800seat auditorium, two live audience television stages, and a luxury cinema. Adding to the town’s allure, a boutique hotel, Portal Guesthouse, will be completed in 2024, offering 192 guest rooms and suites, including 36 apartment-style units designed to meet the needs of a new category of professional travelers seeking flexibility, freedom and exclusivity.

Model homes are now available for touring seven days a week. For more information, call the sales office at 678519-1008 to schedule a private tour or visit Trilith.com.

“Where there’s a Will”

Brought to you byHolly Geerdes, Geerdes & Associates

Being the beneficiary of a Will has been the plot point of novels and movies since the very beginning, but what novels and movies don’t detail are the things that the beneficiary has to do in order to obtain his or her inheritance. Unsurprisingly, this isn’t as simple as the lawyer reading out a decedent’s Will. Here are three things that you need to know as a beneficiary.

1. Where is the Will? Do you know some Wills are never executed because the original copy cannot be found? That’s right - the court requires you to have the original Will document with wet signatures. If you can’t find the original Will, it doesn’t matter if you are the beneficiary. Getting your inheritance will become very difficult, especially if everyone who witnessed the signing of the Will has passed away.

2. Reading the Will is No Longer Common Practice: Just because you

are the beneficiary doesn’t mean you get to read the Will. Only the Executors are able to do so, and he or she is not legally obligated to give you a copy of the Will.

3. No Time Limit for Informing the Beneficiary: The Executor does not have a deadline to inform the beneficiary about the Will. If the Executor is a bank, solicitor firm, or a professional estate planning lawyer, they will contact you as soon as the Will needs to be executed. However, if the Executor is not a professional and you are not familiar with him or her, you will want to keep an eye on whether the Executor has filed the Will with probate court yet.

There are many things that you still need to be aware of when it comes to being a beneficiary of a Will. That’s why it’s always best to speak to the attorney who drafted the Will or another estate planning attorney to know what your rights are as a beneficiary. Don’t lose your family’s legacy to an irresponsible Executor, and always stay on top of your inheritance so it is not taken from you by creditors, debtors, or the government.

GEERDES

Nothing compares to what’s next.

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

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

While summer is the perfect time to showcase your outdoor spaces, it can be challenging to keep everything looking its best. Here are five easy ways to keep the springtime momentum going, add life to your landscaping and give your curb appeal a little something extra!

1. Meet with a landscape designer. Looking to install features like a patio, a retaining wall, pathways, a fence, an arbor or a pergola in your yard? Need expertise in which plants would work best for your landscape? Landscape designers are trained

to evaluate the challenges and opportunities of a site and make sure that each element works together in harmony. The mark of a good professional is an ability to creatively solve problems and plan for the overall aesthetic of your yard.

2. Make a garden plan.

A good garden plan needs to address issues of space, soil, drainage and function. Do you want to grow vegetables, flowers or trees? How much sunlight will a particular plot get during the day? What’s the hardiness zone? What type of soil do you have, and do you need to adjust the pH?

3. Install seasonal plantings. Once you have the basic foundational plan in place, it’s time to fill it in with plants that will provide color and bloom throughout the year. Remember that most plants are seasonal, meaning that not all plants work for all regions and times of the year. Check with your local garden center to find out which ones flourish best in your area, then group them for year-round color and

variety.

4. Check your planters. Do a wellness check of your containers and planters. Do they need a little TLC after the winter months? Does the soil need to be turned? Is there any weeding to be done? What about adding a little compost?

5. Spread mulch now. It’s always easier to mulch when you don’t need to worry about damaging new blooms, and having an extra layer of insulation for your seeds and plantings is always a good idea!

By taking a proactive approach and planning ahead, you can create a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy all season. 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

Five ways to make sure your landscaping impresses this summer

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

Here comes the inventory

Brought

to you

by –Tracey Craft, Realtor, The Craft Dolan Team

Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International

So much for a flat 2023 real-estate market. Those of us in the industry have been feeling the multiple-offer love of 2021 all over again so far this spring. And yet, inventory has just doubled! What’s going to happen now?

With May flowers have come new listings, as months of inventory in North Fulton have reached the highest levels since the first quarter 2020.

Active listings in the seven-city North Fulton market were low at the start of the year. Months of inventory hovered around two, similar to what we saw throughout 2021 and the start of 2022 when inventory levels toggled between one and two months.

Low inventory creates a competitive situation for Buyers,

as more people vie for less homes. Sellers enjoy this type of market because it brings them multiple offers, which not only escalate home prices but also bring amazing terms like minimal due diligence days, waived financing and appraisal contingencies, occupancy after closing, and a quick sale.

We’ve been feeling it. Interest rates have come off the 7% mark and Buyers have been out in droves this spring, competing fiercely for the homes.

But this recent inventory boost gives Buyers more to look at, and it will create another shift in the market. Sellers need to be top of their game this summer if they want to continue to command multiple offers. It’s back to survival of the fittest.

What can you do as a Seller to stand out and feel the multipleoffer love of 2021?

Freshen-up paint, flooring, and soft textiles. Remove door mats, sink mats, small rugs.

Check your lighting. All bulbs should work, and temperatures should be consistent. We recommend soft white.

Remove clutter and pieces of furniture you are not taking with you. This is a great opportunity to make donations to your church, community charity or call a junk-removal service.

Edit back your personal items in the home.

Clean out attics, basement storage areas, garages and closets. Buyers want to see the back of the walls and the floors of these areas.

Repair broken appliances, leaky sinks, damaged blinds or faulty locks and latches. It’s time to do those things you’ve been meaning to do.

Get your HVAC and water heater checked if you aren’t on an annual maintenance plan. If you are on septic, consider having it pumped. A pool? Make sure the equipment is running smoothly. Being one step

ahead instills confidence in Buyers that you have taken care of the home and are presenting them with a topnotch product.

Get a deep clean.

Don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. If Buyers don’t come through the door, they won’t be buying your house. Plant your flowers and freshen up your mulch or pine beds. Have the gutters cleaned and all hard surfaces power washed.

And if you are not occupying while you list, consider hiring a professional stager. Houses sell faster when they are furnished. We can make recommendations for the right stager, taking into consideration your home type and price point.

Contact The Craft Dolan team for specific pre-listing guidance and a market analysis for your home. We are here to help you get the highest return on your investment. www.ansleyre. com/site/the-craft-dolan-team, tracey@ansleyre.com, 770.722.3119.

#1 Shelley Gordon

#6 Kerry Arias

#2 Mary Ellen Harris

#7 Michelle Moore

#3 Jodi Halpert

#8 Casey Riddle

#4 Kristina Blass

#9 Darnell Bender

#5 Claudia Huff

#1 TEAM The Whitney Agee Team

8319

Residential options for seniors

Brought to you by – Dan Griffin, Compass Realty

Last month we explored a few retirement living options, including age restricted communities and independent living communities. Those types of communities are ideal for seniors who want to maintain their independence and have access to amenities. However, if you’re starting to notice that you or your spouse need some help with daily activities, you may want to consider relocating to somewhere that offers more support.

adults who need some help with their day-to-day activities. Assisted living facilities usually offer support with meals, medication, housekeeping, transportation, and personal care. If you’d like to stay active and independent while getting support when you need it, this could be a great choice.

GRIFFIN

A residential care facility provides personalized services in a home-like environment. At a residential care home, you don’t need to worry about cleaning, cooking meals, or home maintenance. The staff can support you with personal care tasks like bathing or dressing if needed. These environments can be more affordable than nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

You could also consider moving into an assisted living community. This option is designed for older

If you or your spouse need round-the-clock care, a skilled nursing home may be the best living option for you. These facilities offer support with meals, social activities, and health management. Some facilities specialize in caring for older adults with dementia or related diseases. Because of the high level of care they offer, nursing homes are usually the most expensive option.

When you’re deciding where to spend your golden years, there are many factors to consider. Thankfully, there are several options to choose from depending on your needs and budget. Making an informed decision means you can have a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle in the years to come.