Real Estate Report - June 2024

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 age-old saying location, location, location. When it comes to school districts, this reigns even more true. Even if you never plan to have school-aged 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 404-803-5999 or email sam@homegeorgia.com and get a response within 24 hours.

What do realtors really do to help sell a home?

Brought to you by – Lara Dolan - Craft Dolan Team at Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International

What do Realtors really do to help clients sell a home?

It’s so much more than opening doors.

The depth of market, community, contractual and real estate knowledge is critical. We are in it every day, while the average person may but only 2-3 homes in their lifetime. Even a “frequent mover” is unlikely to know the specifics of local markets, customs and laws from state to state, or have resources to tackle all aspects of the transaction.

• Preparation: Paint, landscaping, repairing windows, removing pet smells, staging, de-cluttering, coordinating estate sales, proper surveys, roof repairs, HVAC techs, prelisting inspections or appraisals… we help clients do everything from picking out new lighting and carpet to get a home updated for sale, to spreading mulch and walking dogs during showings. Last month we replaced a battery in a dead truck that was in the driveway (client had already moved out of state). In short: whatever it takes to get the property “show ready”.

• The Price is Right: Accurately pricing your home is crucial. Without the expertise of a realtor who knows

the local market and recent sales data, you risk overpricing and scaring away buyers, or underpricing and leaving money on the table. Properly comparing your home to recent sales, taking active competition into consideration, and having an objective opinion of the good and the bad of your property are some of the most important things an experienced agent brings to the party.

• Marketing Muscle: Real estate agents have access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS) which broadcast your listing to a wide network of potential buyers and agents. Depending on the listing and the brokerage we also have access to networks that feature luxury listings, specialized types of listings (farms, wineries, land, etc.), local social media groups, and our own closed networks of experienced agents who operate constantly behind the scenes sharing information about buyers and sellers in our area, scouring for opportunities.

• Time is Money: Setting up showings, answering countless phone calls, following up on showings for feedback, screening prospective buyers, attending showings, watching out for fraudsters and bad actors, preparing marketing information, hiring photographers and stagers, finding maintenance resources… these are all part of a normal day.

• Negotiation Ninja: Negotiating a good deal involves skill, strategy and intimate knowledge of the market.

Most serious buyers are using an agent and the relationship between listing agents and buyers’ agents can be invaluable. We will even hear in competitive situations that our offer got the nod because all things being equal, we have a reputation of professionalism – these cooperative relationships are very important in local markets. An experienced agent knows how to handle offers, counteroffers, contingencies, and inspections to get you the best possible outcome.

• Teamwork: Experienced agents have spent years building a team of experts: photographers, stagers, cleaners, maintenance people, landscapers, attorneys, surveyors, engineers, inspectors and more. These resources are invaluable, and you never know who you may need to call on short notice to save a deal... we do it every day.

• Paperwork Maze: The real estate transaction involves important paperwork, legal documents, and disclosures. Understanding these documents and navigating the process can be overwhelming and what you don’t know can seriously hurt you.

• Emotional Rollercoaster: Selling your home can be an emotional experience. A realtor is the buffer between you and potential buyers, protecting you from getting emotionally attached to the negotiation process. It is our job to help clients keep the end-goal in mind and not derail a

transaction over small or emotional issues that will soon be forgotten.

• Finding Qualified Buyers: Not all buyers will be pre-approved for a mortgage or are serious about purchasing. Real estate agents have experience vetting potential buyers to ensure they’re qualified and serious about the home buying process.

• Legal Protection: A realtor helps protect you by advising you on properly disclosing things about your property, abiding by fair housing rules, ensuring paperwork is properly completed and generally providing you a layer of protection in the sales process.

• Managing Inspections and Repairs: Buyers will likely have a home inspection, which can reveal necessary repairs. Experienced realtors are accustomed to reading inspection reports and know when to be concerned, when to call in other experts, and when to negotiate.

• Closing Complications: The closing process can be complex, emotional and involve unexpected hurdles. A good real estate agent can guide you through the closing process and ensure a smooth transaction.

You should expect a high level of service from your Realtor and the other professionals, throughout the transaction. A true professional will turn one of life’s most stressful experiences (moving) into something that is enjoyable, manageable, and profitable.

DOLAN

Open the door to what’s next.

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

Top in-demand amenities for luxury homes in 2024

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

As 2024 opens with limited inventory in high demand coupled with investors who have become accustomed to new interest rates, the luxury market can safely be termed ‘healthy.’ However, sellers need to stay informed about evolving buyer trends. According to a new Luxury Outlook Report from Sotheby’s International Realty, the market is experiencing a shift toward properties that integrate a few key elements well.

Here are a few highlights of what’s next in luxury homes. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current residence or invest in a new property, these features are set to reshape not only homes themselves but the lifestyles they represent.

1. Sustainable features.

The demand for renewable energy and a reduction in carbon footprint has generated an unprecedented market for eco-conscious building and development practices. In addition, many governments offer tax credits for sustainable construction. E-vehicle charging points, solar energy, eco materials and eco amenities are becoming important considerations for buyers. Sustainability is extending into community development as well, with walkability, electric-vehicle charging station availability and LEED-certified designs factoring largely in planned neighborhoods.

2. Hospitality elements.

In Hotel-Style, At Home, Jim Tinson, AIA, says that his clientele “…no longer draws a distinction between their vacation accommodations, private clubs, or primary residences…. ‘There’s a focus on elevated amenities and hospitality experiences baked into private homes.’” Some examples of this trend are:

• hotel-style suites that incorporate en suite bathrooms, closets and blackout shades into secondary bedrooms,

• in-room kitchenettes,

• spa-inspired bathrooms,

• family entertainment destinations,

• high-end mudrooms that mimic the boot rooms of five-star ski resorts (complete with headed lockers, boot warmers and full equipment storage), and

• hotel-worthy cocktail bars

3. Resort-like attributes.

The seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces has become a hallmark of luxury design. This feature emphasizes a harmonious connection with nature and blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior through expansive glass walls, retractable doors and covered outdoor rooms.

As we navigate through 2024, the landscape of luxury real estate continues to transform, marked by amenities that offer a comprehensive, elevated living experience. For sellers and developers, staying attuned to these trends is crucial in catering to the sophisticated tastes of today’s market. 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

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

PEXELS

5 absolute must-haves in the bathroom

Brought to you by - Bath and Kitchen Galleria

Throughout America major changes are happening in the bathroom, especially in the shower. North Atlanta expanded rapidly from 1980 to 2005, and this is the era of jetted tubs dominating the bathroom, claustrophobic gold framed showers, poor lighting and the use of materials that promoted mold and mildew (grout).

“We see this every day”, says John Hogan, owner of Bath and Kitchen Galleria in Alpharetta, “Homeowners are tired of recurring grout issues, and they want their bathrooms to be a soothing pleasant experience.” Bath and Kitchen Galleria just completed their 1000th project and bathrooms are their primary type of project. “We have a formula that works for homeowners that balances bathroom aesthetics, function and price.”

In the bathroom, America has realigned its preferences, and the bathroom has taken a new shape in terms of products and appearance. At the center of “America’s New Bathroom” is a larger, open shower. We take more showers than baths, so the emphasis has shifted to the shower. Larger showers are more inviting and in most cases the shower does not have a ceiling.

The openness of the shower is the mold solution.

In concert with the openness is the abundant use of shower glass. Not just any glass but specially coated glass that makes cleaning far less frequent. “We remodel just about every shower to be a maximum of 2 tiled walls: the remaining walls are always glass,” Mr. Hogan continued, “abundant glass and strategically located lighting, promotes that spa feeling.” Bathrooms are now engineered to be cleaner, both in design and materials; grout no longer promotes mold, non-porous tile remains clean, and humidity sensing fans automatically exhaust unwanted humidity.

Americans are taking shorter showers, but an abundance of water is also desired, so multiple shower heads especially incorporating a handheld wand is preferred. Especially when a bench is included, the water needs to be accessible from a seated position.

The 5 Absolute Must-Haves in a Bathroom: Bigger Showers, Brighter Bathrooms, Designs that Promote Cleanliness, Abundant Water experiences and Soothing Colors. For more information visit Bath and Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) or call them at 678-459-2292.

ISTOCK

LAKE LANIER

Lakeside at River Green

an active adult community in Canton

Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division

John Wieland and his JW Collection team, with more than 50 years of experience, present Lakeside at River Green, a gated, active-adult neighborhood in Canton, GA, just north of Atlanta in Cherokee County. The JW Collection is John’s legacy business and represents his half century commitment to building better homes.

Lakeside at River Green is a neighborhood without comparison. An elevated experience that has no equal. And homes as unique as you are because you help design them. Our luxury single-family homes range from 1,800 to 3,600+ sq. ft. and over one to three stories of spacious living, finished terrace levels with media rooms, sky terraces, luxury owner’s suites with spa-inspired

baths, and elevator capability, along with spacious rear and bonus yards.

It’s what’s next in active adult home design – there is no need to be tied to one-level living or compromise on space for entertaining or the luxury upgrades you desire. Once you’ve chosen from a spectrum of home styles and plans that only a John Wieland neighborhood can over, you join our design team at our new home design studio. Collaborating with the team, you’ll help curate a home that becomes the very image of your personal sense of style and taste.

Lakeside is redefining what an active adult neighborhood is all about. As part of the overall master-planned River Green community, you’ll enjoy a country-club atmosphere rich with resort-style activities and amenities – all just steps away from your front door. Soak in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take your furry best

friend on a scenic stroll. Make new friends lakeside, poolside or at Evermore, Lakeside’s brand-new 10,000+ sq. ft. clubhouse featuring an elegant club room, veranda, fitness center, yoga room, lounge, meeting rooms and boardroom, covered outdoor terrace with lake views, pickleball courts, fire pit and lake pier. Other amenities in River Green include a resort and lap pool, waterpark, tennis courts, playground, miles of walking/ biking/nature trails, and more than 200 acres of green space.

Lakeside is as far away from expected as possible, yet it’s close to everything you want, need and love. Here you’ll experience a setting of true privacy woven into the fabric of a flourishing master-planned community. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the arts, culture, and charm of the historic town of Canton, GA. Canton and the surrounding scenic area have become a mecca for wineries,

golf, gourmet dining, and eclectic shops and art studios. If that weren’t enough, everything from cheering on your hometown heroes like the Braves and Falcons to world class music and art is nearby in Atlanta.

Every John Wieland home is built with purpose, and everyone on the JW Collection team is committed to the company’s mission: To conceive and build homes and neighborhoods that will stand the test of time in value and beauty and enhance the lives of their owners. Come experience the John Wieland difference at Lakeside at River Green.

To schedule a tour, please contact Carla or Calvin at 678-321-4211 or visit us online at lakesideatrivergreen.com.

Lakeside is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. An equal housing opportunity.

Protect your property

Brought to you by –Estates Law Center USA

Estate planning is essential if you don’t want your property to end up in the costly probate court, but how do you make sure your beneficiaries can inherit without the headache of additional costs? You can put “right of survivorship” language on the deed, which ensures that the remaining joint owner of the property inherits 100% upon your death, but that’s only a temporary stop-gap measure as the property will still end up going into the probate court upon the remaining owner’s death. You can’t sign the property over to your children during your lifetime, since that triggers capital gains tax, and you certainly can’t just leave the property be, as the right of survivorship isn’t automatic in the state of Georgia - not even a spouse would be able to inherit your interest in a property.

That’s where trusts come in, and there are a variety of trusts that you can choose to set up depending on your situation. For instance, a generationskipping trust allows trust assets to

be inherited by nonspouse beneficiaries two or more generations younger than you, which is perfect if you want your greatgrandchildren to inherit. This trust can also be drafted so assets are transferred without incurring generation-skipping tax. Then there’s the 2503(c) trust, which is a special trust created specifically for children under the age of 21. It allows you to control the trust assets and properties until the child reaches maturity. Or you can always go with a basic or enhanced revocable trust, which protects the properties after your death and ensures the beneficiaries inherit without capital gains tax - thanks to something called the “step-up basis,” they would only need to pay taxes based on the current value of the property, not on the value that the property has accumulated over the years.

Regardless of your situation, there is likely a trust that is perfect for you. So don’t wait to begin protecting your property. Start today by contacting a local estate planning attorney and start your estate plan now.

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ALPHARETTA-ROSWELL

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