Real Estate Report - May 2023

PROVIDED

How to identify your unique interior design style

Brought to you by - Susan Gerber, Tuscany Fine Furnishings

Looking to make your home a little more you? Enlisting the help of an Interior Designer is very beneficial to guide you to decipher which interior style you prefer most and learn how to incorporate it into a space you’ll be proud of.

Creating a unique interior design style isn’t reserved for only the wealthy or artistic individual. It’s something that can be learned and refined over time, especially if you have the guidance of an interior designer.

Here is a simple breakdown of some of the more popular styles…

1. Minimalist

Incorporating philosophy and style, minimalism emphasizes beautiful, functional pieces. Uses monochromatic colors, with maybe one color as a pop of interest & highlights one or two architectural

features or decor pieces. It gives a sense of an open airy feel and has a serene uncluttered feel.

2. Mid-Century Modern

Making a comeback from the 1940’s it’s a classic style, using both clean lines and comfortable materials, like woods and leathers alongside expressive patterns and tactile textures. Look for retro pieces and classics like the Eames lounge chair to bring this style to your space.

3. Industrial

The Industrial style highlights exposed roughshod beams and aged brick, metals like copper, brass and iron, while balancing the looks roughness with stubby textures like jute and linen and well-worn leather and warm wood. Iron pipe furniture are a fantastic way to introduce an industrial element to a space that doesn’t have industrial style-friendly features like exposed bricks etc.

This is just a sampling of the many interior design

styles out there and narrowing it down to which one would suit you best is where the help of an experienced interior designer will be beneficial to you! We are always happy to help!

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!

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

According to Zillow, certain features and corresponding keywords have been shown to stand out in listings to help a home sell for a higher price. In spite of the uptick in mortgage rates and the trend toward homes appraising at higher values, serious buyers are still attracted to specific features that help them visualize their best life.

Traditionally, homeowners have been advised to renovate or update for mass appeal and avoid assuming potential buyers’ tastes. However, data from Zillow shows that the same features that turn off one type of buyer will attract others who are willing to

pay more for them, especially if those elements improve lifestyle quality and add to the fun factor. Knowing which features to emphasize before you list your home can help boost its profile (both online and in person), attract serious attention and ultimately sell at a higher price point.

1. High-end cooking amenities. Discerning foodies and gourmets appreciate deluxe cooking facilities such as steam ovens, pizza ovens and professional-grade appliances, and these features earn sellers an average of between three and five percent more.

2. Retreat spaces.

The concept of home as a retreat space has grown exponentially in popularity following the pandemic as more people work and play from home. Although the home may sit on the market slightly longer, features such as she-sheds and wine cellars are prime assets, earning sellers around two percent more.

3. Upmarket materials.

If your home build or renovation includes materials such as terrazzo, soapstone and quartz, make sure to

include this in your listing description. Data from Zillow shows that they are worth at least a two percent price increase.

4. Modern Farmhouse elements.

From natural wood accents and apron sinks to stainless steel and polished stone, the ‘modern farmhouse’ aesthetic popularized by Joanna Gaines is the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Homes that fit within this category have been shown to sell for approximately two percent more.

While this information can help you prep and list your home, be sure to approach the selling process from a well-rounded point of view, understanding that regional variations always impact how a home sells in a particular area. 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

Top features that increase your home’s selling price CADILLAC JACK MY SECOND ACT

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

7 Timeless kitchen trends that will never look outdated

cabinet fronts, these functional features will never be outdated.

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

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 to you by - Remodeling Expo Center

Your Will

Brought to you byGeerdes & Associates

Anyone who’s read a Victorian novel or watched Knives Out has heard about the Last Will and Testament. A Will is a document that contains an individual’s wishes for his or her asset distribution upon his or her death. There are four major parts to a Will:

First, it lists identifying information for the Testator or Testatrix- the person who is writing the Will. This information generally includes the full legal name and residential address of the Testator. It can also include the birth date and contact information. Next, the Will details the powers that would be granted to the Executor of the Will. The Executor is the person named or appointed by court to distribute the decedent’s assets. After that, the Will names Guardians for any minor children that

the decedent may have. Some Wills may even name Guardians for their beloved pets! Finally, the Will should provide supplementary information that specifies terms used in the document, which prevents ambiguous terms from slowing down probate. Although these four parts may seem simple, don’t underestimate how complicated a Will can get, particularly if you want to designate specific assets such as a ring or even a property to a specific person. Properties in particular are often contested, as mortgage companies will try to claim a property after the owner’s death. Wills can also be contested if the decedent’s heirs fight amongst themselves. That’s why it’s important to not rely on generic templates or Will generators that you may find online. It is always recommended to find the help of an attorney specializing in estate planning to decide on how you can encapsulate all of your wishes in your Will.

GEERDES

to you by Wesley Hansard, Harry Norman Realtors

The North Fulton Real Estate Market had a very strong Q1 in 2023. We continue to see home prices rise and the lack of inventory in the overall market is pushing the demand and prices higher. We did see a longer, but normal, average days on market for the start of Q1. Coming out of the holidays and the high interest rates, compared to 2022, contribute to this. We are, also, not seeing as many over asking price contracts, as compared to 2022. In the first Quarter, the average sales price to listing price ratio was 98.3%. In 2022, this ratio was around 101%! If you are looking to buy or sell, you need to be informed about what is going on in the industry, and I would be happy to help you out.

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levels in the market are still at an all-time low, which is creating difficulties for both Buyers and Sellers.

Brought

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 period where a buyer can walk from the contract for any reason or no reason at all. The record low inventory levels combined with an increase in the number of buyers often pushes the market to write offers with more and more competitive terms.

In the past few years, we moved from a world where 10-14 days was

typical for a due diligence period to today, where most contracts have a maximum of 7 days. In multiple offer scenarios, we are still seeing the market push for 2-5 day long due diligence periods. 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 proves 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 condition of the home 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 full-service Realtor or Realtor Team, 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.

Caroline Nalisnick The Kloster Group at HOME Real Estate caroline@homegeorgia.com 404-513-9226

NALISNICK

PEXELS

Soleil Belmont Park - An extraordinary resort-level 55+ Community

After much anticipation, Soleil Belmont Park, a 55 plus gated community located between Milton and Canton, has started construction of their resort-style amenities. Built by award-winning Patrick Malloy Communities, this extraordinary new neighborhood was expertly designed with active adults in mind and features a model home park with five stunning, designer model homes.

Soleil Belmont Park’s exciting resortstyle amenities are right outside your door and include a 9,800 square foot

community clubhouse with a coffee and cocktail bar, health and fitness center, catering kitchen, arts and crafts studio, club/card room and a community post office. Homeowners will enjoy a country club-style pool, tennis and pickle ball courts, bocce ball, a community garden, and nature walking trails. In addition, Soleil Belmont Park will have its own lifestyle and travel director.

There are nine homes currently under construction of which five are READY TO CLOSE NOW. Each of these

breathtaking homes are situated on a large maintenance-free homesite. For a limited time, take advantage of a 4.99% fixed 30-year interest rate on any of the available homes making it the perfect time to purchase your new home.

Everything is all within reach with shopping, dining, and entertainment nearby in Alpharetta, Milton, and Canton, plus Northside Hospital-Cherokee is just down the road. Easy access to major interstates makes for a quick trip to downtown Atlanta or the North Georgia

Mountains. Soleil Belmont Park offers world-class resort amenities and endless opportunities for adventure.

New friends, new beginnings and new memories are all waiting to be made at a moment’s notice. There is something for everyone at Soleil Belmont Park. Priced from the $500s - $800s. Visit www.SoleilBelmontPark.com or call 770.635.4080. Sales and marketing by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Deciding where to spend your golden years (Pt. 1)

Brought to you by – Dan Grif -

fin, Compass Realty

If you’re getting close to retirement age, you may be thinking about where you want to spend the next few decades of your life. It can be hard to know which living option is right for you, especially since your needs may change over time. If you’ve retired recently, you may want to stay in your current home as long as possible. On the other hand, you might want to find a retirement community that offers a range of amenities and social opportunities.

Age restricted communities are designed to give retirees a place to live independently. They offer amenities like a pool, clubhouse, and gym so residents have opportunities to make friends and join in group activities. Age restricted communities typically have HOA fees, which cover the costs of communal areas. If you’re just entering your golden years, this type

of community could be a great option.

Independent living communities offer the same type of amenities that age restricted communities do. However, they usually operate more like a college campus, with dining options, hair salons, and planned recreational activities on site. Their fees are higher and can include indoor and outdoor property maintenance, too. If you don’t want to worry about your home’s upkeep, this type of community could be the right choice for you.

When you’re deciding where to spend your retirement years, ask yourself what’s most important to you? For instance, would you rather pay more to get help with home maintenance, or do you want to find the most budget-friendly option? Next month, we’ll explore retirement living options for seniors who would like more support with their daily activities.

Tara Tucker

Paras

Leader

GRIFFIN

#1 Jodi Halpert #6 Kerry Arias

#2 Valerie Stewart

#7 Tom Sheeran

#3 Mary Ellen Harris

#8 Alicia Lee

#4 Michelle Moore

#9 Claudia Huff

#5 Casey Riddle

#10 Kristina Blass

#1 Jodi Halpert #6 Kerry Arias

#2 Valerie Stewart

#7 Tom Sheeran

#3 Mary Ellen Harris

#8 Alicia Lee

#4 Michelle Moore

#9 Claudia Huff

#5 Casey Riddle

#10 Kristina Blass

782 PIEDMONT WAY NE ATLANTA, GA 30324 |