Real Estate Report - March 2024

The Kloster Group Proudly Supports Area Non-Profits

Furkids: Rescue, Shelters, Sanctuary

Brought to you by – HOME Real Estate, Kloster Group

Furkids, headquartered in Cumming, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that operates the largest cagefree, no-kill shelter in the Southeast for rescued cats and Sadie’s Place, a no-kill shelter for dogs.

The Furkids headquarters is a firstof-its-kind sanctuary located on 9.11 acres. A destination that’s filled with purpose and where the community plays a leading role in its lifesaving efforts. Visitors come to Furkids to find new friends (animal and human), pet-related services, animal support, events, and most importantly, opportunities to volunteer and adopt the hundreds of animals currently seeking a second chance at life.

The Furkids mission is to rescue homeless animals, provide them with the best medical care and nurturing environment while working to find them a forever home. Furkids heal the whole animal, physically and emotionally, restoring its health and its spirit.

Last year, Furkids provided medical care and shelter for close to 5,000 cats and dogs. Approximately 800 animals are in the Furkids program today, in the Furkids shelters, 8 PetSmart and Petco adoption centers, and more than 400 foster homes in the Atlanta area. Furkids also operates five thrift stores, which fund approximately 35% of their lifesaving work.

For animal lovers looking to make a difference, there are many wonderful volunteer opportunities at Furkids. Furkids volunteer programs are designed to restore the health and spirits of injured and homeless animals while giving healing opportunities to volunteers who are strengthened by the bond of love and care between humans and animals.

One beautiful example is the bond between Furkids’ longest dog resident, London, and a faithful volunteer Lou-

ise. London is an 8-year-old American Bulldog mix who has been a Furkid for over 1,000 days. Despite the efforts of Furkids, London has unfortunately been overlooked by adopters and has yet to find her forever home. This doesn’t stop London from being surrounded by people that love her however, and Louise goes the extra mile to make her feel special. Louise often takes London out to adoption events, outings, and even to the Furkids thrift stores to greet shoppers. London's personality brightens the day of everyone who comes across her path!

London isn’t the only dog who is patiently waiting for a place to call home. Willett, a 10-year-old hound mix who came to Furkids when her owner unfortunately passed away, has been searching for 20 months. Willett has been described as a beacon of sweetness and simplicity, and she loves basking in the sun, and going for leisurely walks. She is a joy to be around and will make a great addition to her new family. Perhaps that family is yours!

From puppies and kittens to senior cats and dogs, Furkids care for animals looking for a place to call home. Furkids is working tirelessly to help Georgia's most at risk animals and give them a voice. Furkids opened the doors to their brand new cat shelter in December 2023, and are now in the process of raising funds for a brand new dog shelter that will double the number of dogs they can save. All consolidated on one beautiful garden property.

To apply to adopt a dog or cat, or to support the lifesaving mission of Furkids, visit Furkids.org to learn more. Their organization always needs more fosters, volunteers, and donations to make it possible for them to continue saving lives. You can also follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/furkidsinc/ as well as Instagram at @Furkidsatlanta to keep up with their journey!

FURKIDS/PROVIDED

Left: Furkids Headquarters, 5235 Union Hill Road, Cumming GA

Top Right: London and Louise visiting a Furkids thrift store.

Bottom Right: Willett the lovely senior dog is ready for adoption.

Bottom: The Fort and Michelle Felker Cat Shelter at Furkids HQ –The new dog shelter is next to be built.

Who you call matters

Brought to you by –Tracey Craft, Realtor®,

The Craft Dolan Team, Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International

Think all real-estate agents are created equal? Think again.

Buying or selling a home, which is for most of us our largest single asset, is a potentially stressful experience. It can be emotionally draining, from the standpoint of uprooting yourself and your family, and financially concerning, as you seek a decision that will yield the highest possible return on your investment.

To find a Realtor® who will properly represent you, and by that, I mean create a smooth experience while protecting your financial interests, please take these important steps:

• Check Credentials. Select a licensed Realtor® who is a member of at least one professional Board. In Georgia, you will want to verify that the agent you are working with is an active member in good standing with the Georgia Association of Realtors® (GAR), and a local association such as the Atlanta Realtors® or the 400 North Realtors® Association. These memberships require Code of Ethics, Law and other ongoing continuingeducation training, keeping agent standards high.

• Look for Knowledge and Connection. Choose a Realtor® with years of experience in your geographic area as well as with the type of property you are buying or selling. Housing markets differ, it’s important that your agent’s knowledge and connections are specific to what you’re buying or selling. Is this agent connected to the community and

do they do good works? Are they invested in their clients, in the town, in the city? Can they provide you with good referrals when it’s time to call a lender, hire an inspector, choose a closing attorney, get quotes from painters, plumbers or electricians? Do they have experience in condos, townhouses, luxury properties, land, new construction, historic homes? Make sure their experience aligns with your needs.

• Investigate Reputation. Read testimonials and talk with references. Have a cup of coffee or schedule a lunch with the agent before committing to them. Are they passionate about what they do? Do they communicate well and in a style that works for you? Are they committed to your project? Does this agent have a reputation for solid negotiation skills they can put to work for you? You owe it to yourself to understand who the agent

is and determine whether they are someone you can trust to deliver a smooth, positive and financially fruitful experience.

• Understand the Reliability Factor. Select an agent who is consistent and dependable. Understand how many clients they currently are working with, and if it sounds like a lot, do they have a team that offers support? It is important to know your Realtor® or a trusted team member will be available to you regardless of the day of the week or seasonal holiday.

Lastly, we can all agree sites like Realtor.com, Homes.com and Zillow. com can be great resources for online browsing, but when you are ready to buy or sell your largest single asset, call a Realtor®. Call three and interview them. You need more than quick information; you need fiduciary support and competent representation.

PEXELS

CRAFT

DOLAN TEAM CUENY TEAM

TEAM RUTHEFORD GROUP

MONICA BLANCO

SHELLEY CARAFANO KAYC CARPER

JOSH DOWER TRISHA ESTES PAM GILLIG

TRICIA QUIDLEY ANNEMARIE RUSSO PAM SCUDELLARI

KRISTIN SHEEHAN

MICHAEL STEVENS SUSIE UHLICH ALI VAN DILLEN

DENNIS ASKEN

JAMIE MOCK

LINDSAY WALSTON

TIRONE & WEAVER TEAM

CUENY GROUP

BLANCO CARAFANO CARPER DOWER ESTES GILLIG

ANNEMARIE RUSSO PAM SCUDELLARI SHEEHAN STEVENS UHLICH ALI VAN DILLEN

ASKEN

JAMIE MOCK WALSTON

5645 COMMONS LANE

915 LOST FOREST DRIVE

3875 TUXEDO ROAD NW ATLANTA,

115

3424 HIGHWAY 136 W

184 ATLANTA COUNTRY CLUB DR

630 HOLLOW PINE TRAIL CLAYTON,

161

885 CRABAPPLE HILL

413

3759 CROSSVINE

1105

3879

Patrick Malloy Communities’ Upper East River

Recognized with a Phillip Trammell Shutze Award

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

Patrick Malloy Communities proudly announces that their new home community, Upper East River in Savannah, has been honored with the prestigious Phillip Trammell Shutze Award in the Multifamily Architecture category. The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Southeast Chapter revealed the winners during the 17th annual Shutze Awards ceremony and dinner on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

Named after Atlanta’s renowned classical architect, Phillip Trammell Shutze, the awards celebrate excellence in residential and institutional architecture, interior design, landscape architecture restoration, and artisanship. Patrick Malloy Communities is thrilled to be acknowledged for their commitment to exceptional design and innovation in

the creation of Upper East River.

Upper East River, situated along the river in Historic Savannah, Georgia, offers a distinctive living experience with four unique environments seamlessly integrated into an elegant and modern neighborhood. The community reflects Patrick Malloy Communities’ dedication to creating spaces that not only enhance the natural surroundings but also provide residents with a harmonious blend of modern amenities and timeless architectural design.

The Shutze Awards play a pivotal role in recognizing and promoting excellence in classical design and craftsmanship. The judging panel, comprised of professionals from across the country, evaluated this year’s award submissions and recognized Upper East River in the Multifamily Architecture category. The community stood out for its architectural prowess, innovative design, and commitment to preserving the historical charm of the region.

Patrick Malloy, President and

CEO of Patrick Malloy Communities, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Receiving the Phillip Trammell Shutze Award is a tremendous honor. It reflects an unwavering commitment to creating exceptional living spaces that not only exceed the expectations of our residents but also contributes to the rich architectural tapestry of Historic Savannah. Upper East River is a testament to our dedication to excellence, and we are pleased to be acknowledged by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art.”

In the ever-expanding landscape of Georgia’s real estate market, Patrick Malloy Communities (PMC) stands out as a beacon of excellence and stability. With a legacy of crafting exceptional homes, the PMC name has become synonymous with quality and innovation. From the streets of North Atlanta to West Cobb and Gwinnett, and the historic allure of Savannah, PMC’s footprint in the state of Georgia is a testament to their dedication to

providing exceptional living experiences.

Patrick Malloy Communities, founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, boasts a remarkable track record.

Over the past 27 years, the company has developed over 11,000 homesites and built more than 7,000 homes in Metro Atlanta, generating a total of $4 billion in sales. PMC has consistently earned a place on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilder list and has won numerous professionalism awards, including several Community of the Year honors.

For more information on these exciting new home communities by Patrick Malloy Communities, visit www.bhhsganewhomes.com. These communities are represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. An Equal Housing Opportunity. For more information about Upper East River and other Patrick Malloy Communities, please visit www. patrickmalloycommunities.com.

Super-sized tile has come to Atlanta

Brought to you by - Bath and Kitchen Galleria

For more than 50 years we’ve been scrubbing grout in our showers, and wondering why they don’t make large tiles equal to the size of entire shower walls? It will look better, be cleaner and certainly more hygienic. In the past, the only full wall solutions were either incredibly expensive, or included putting some sort of acrylic or plastic on the shower walls; a sure pathway to decrease the value of your home!

“We’ve been working on deploying a full wall shower solution for 8 years and its finally here”, says John Hogan president of Bath and Kitchen Galleria in Alpharetta. Working hand-in-hand with Cosentino, a 1$ billion global solid surfaces manufacturer (the maker of Silestone), we can now offer gorgeous patterns of porcelain or quartz-like stone material that covers all of the shower walls, with little or no grout. We can even use the same material for the floors and counter -

tops, says Bobbie Kohm, Vice President of Design at Bath and Kitchen Galleria.

Manufacturing innovation and cuttingedge technology have come together to create a solution that’s gorgeous, durable, hygienic and easy to clean. This product’s trade name is Dekton, is manufactured in Spain and has been tested globally. It has finally arrived in Atlanta and is being made available to homeowners through Bath and Kitchen Galleria in Alpharetta, a turnkey designremodel company.

North Atlanta was significantly builtout in the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s and there are many homeowners seeking innovative solutions to update their homes. Now homeowners have one more reason to remodel bathrooms. “We remodel over 240 homes each year and for the past few months the grout-free bathrooms have been selling incredibly well”, says Bobbie Kohm.

To learn more about full-wall tile solutions and Dekton you can visit Bath and Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old

Five Tips for Incorporating Spring Trends Into Home Decor

Brought to you by – Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

With new beginnings on the horizon, there's no better opportunity to breathe life into your home decor. Whether you're looking to revamp your interiors in preparation to sell or simply add a touch of seasonal flair, following nature’s lead can instantly uplift your space and rejuvenate your surroundings.

Here are a few ways to welcome spring into your home with style and elegance:

1. Lighten up with pastel colors.

For a simple, versatile facelift, embrace a soft ambiance reminiscent of fresh buds and newborn lambs by incorporating blush, sky blue, lavender or other pastel colors into your home decor palette. Contemplating a sale? Utilizing accent pillows, throws, wall art or even furniture pieces can introduce new hues without imposing a color scheme on prospective buyers that doesn't suit their taste.

2. Bring in natural elements.

Nature is a foundational element of spring-inspired décor. Infuse your home with rejuvenating beauty by introducing elements such as potted plants, fresh flowers and botanical prints. Incorporating wooden furniture, woven baskets and stone accents can further enhance the organic feel and create a harmonious connection with the outdoors.

3. Update textiles and fabrics. Spring signifies a transition from heavier to lighter, especially when it comes to fabrics and textiles. Revitalize your home decor by swapping out winter throws and blankets for breezier options in linen, cotton or lightweight wool blends, and introduce floral patterns, airy curtains and textured rugs for a fresh vibe.

4. Embrace organic shapes and patterns. Build complexity into your home’s aesthetic through shapes and patterns inspired by nature. Opt for furniture pieces with fluid lines, curved edges and natural contours to evoke a sense of movement and harmony. Introduce leaf motifs or abstract patterns for a touch of whimsy and vitality, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside.

5. Introduce lighter furniture and accents.

Lighter furniture and accents reflect the essence of spring. Consider swapping out heavier furniture pieces for sleeker, more streamlined options and pieces made from rattan, wicker or light-colored wood to open up the visual flow of your space and invite the warmth of natural light to permeate throughout.

Whether you're seeking subtle enhancements or bold transformations, now is the time to embrace rejuvenation and renewal. Let your home blossom into a sanctuary of warmth, comfort and style. 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

MEANS...

A Solid Place to Call Home

Stability, Trust, Integrity, Longevity. Our company is rooted in the same strengths that made Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. one of the most profitable organizations in history. And we’re only getting started.

VALERIE LEVIN

Senior Vice President, Managing Broker Midtown

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Remarrying and Wills

Brought to you by – Geerdes & Associates

If you remarry, you’ll often want to adopt your partner’s children, or you may have children from previous relationships. When that’s the case, you want to make sure you review your estate plan, so your new family isn’t shut out of an inheritance and that your assets are ultimately distributed according to your wishes.

Some people neglect these updatesthey keep the will from their first marriage that still has their ex-spouse as the beneficiary or Executor, or they may leave all their assets to their new spouse, which could result in them unintentionally shutting the children from a prior marriage out of an inheritance. Here are some costly mistakes that some people make after they remarry:

They do not change beneficiaries. Some people forget to remove their previous spouse as the beneficiary of their retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank accounts. Make sure you avoid this mistake by updating all the beneficiaries to your accounts in the event of a remarriage.

They do not update their Will. Update your will to reflect your current family situation so your ex-spouse does

not end up inheriting your home and assets.

They do not consider the change in heirs. Who your heirs are will change upon a remarriage. If you want your children, rather than your new spouse or their children, to receive your assets, you’ll want to make sure you specify this in your estate planning documents and accounts. Alternatively, if you want your assets to be distributed among your children and your spouse’s children equally, you’ll also want to clarify this so your assets do not end up going to just one party or all to your new spouse, who may not distribute the assets according to your wishes.

With a new family comes a new responsibility to make sure everyone inherits exactly what you want them to inherit. Avoid conflict by appointing the right family member to make decisions in the case you become incapacitated and do careful advance planning to make sure no one is accidentally disinherited creating conflict and possible litigation. Update your estate plan to match your new family situation. Remember - advance planning and clear communication set forth in your estate planning documents is always key to minimizing the risk of conflict and accidental disinheritance after you pass away.