Making outdoor improvements pay off when selling your home
- Allison Kloster, Associate Broker, Home Real Estate
As the embrace of Autumn envelops us, it is a great time to think about which outdoor improvements to your yard should pay you back the most when you go to sell your home. According to NAR (National Association of Realtors) there are 5 projects that have proven to be the best return of investment dollars, also known as ROI. When your Realtor first comes to your property to discuss marketing your home, they should evaluate the neighborhood, the street, and yes, even your driveway. The essence of arrival is critical to helping any potential buyer see and feel that this home is special. As a seller, you want to have the buyer set your home apart from others as soon as possible when viewing your home.
Having a regularly maintained yard that is nicely landscaped and groomed is a strong start. Your landscaping is the first picture that online sites will use to show the world your property.
The following percentages are what Realtors are being given from NAR as tools to help guide you on where best to spend your money when getting your home ready to sell. As a seller, it is imperative that you present your home in the best possible light (even in a seller’s market).
Routine lawn care service is the highest ROI for a homeowner at 217% of value recovered when you sell your home. Surely, a green and weed-free lawn is a huge draw to the buyer’s eye.
It most definitely shows well in professional photography and videos.
Landscape maintenance like adding mulch, pruning your shrubs and planting perennials or annuals comes in at 104% ROI of value recovered when you sell your home.
Outdoor kitchens are very much a growing trend. In our market, we see them frequently. They do vary in complexity and features. We see outdoor kitchens with various grills, refrigerators, and even Kegerators. According to NAR, if you have an inset grill, stainless steel drawers, ice chest sink and concrete countertops with veneered masonry stone, you can expect 100% ROI value recovered when you sell your home.
Overall landscape upgrades like Installing a front walkway of possibly natural flagstone; adding a few stone planters, planting flowering shrubs and
installing mature trees would also yield you 100% ROI value when you sell your home.
Installing an outdoor patio is a great investment as well. Not only will you enjoy some time outside around a firepit or just sitting and reading a book, but an outdoor patio has a 95% ROI value when you sell your home.
As you can see, spending money outside is a wise investment and will make sure that your home garners the attention it deserves when it comes time to sell it and move on to your next adventure.
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 Allison at 404-784-5287 or email allison@homegeorgia.com and get a response within 24 hours.
Brought to you by
KLOSTER
HOME Luxury Real Estate is partnering with Iconic Top Producing Agent ALLISON KLOSTER to expand our North Fulton presence later this year.
Allison brings the highest level of dedication, skill, and ethics to everything she does. Follow Us on
Five reasons to use living fences for curb appeal
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes
Sotheby’s International Realty
Sometimes called a ‘hedgerow’, a living fence is a compact line of greenery acting as a natural screen. Incorporating plants and natural materials to create beautiful, durable boundary lines offers an appealing alternative to traditional fencing, with benefits that go beyond aesthetics. Let’s explore a few compelling reasons why this is a smart choice for homeowners.
1. They are budget-friendly.
A living fence offers a long-lasting solution without the high upfront costs of materials like wood, vinyl or metal. While the initial planting may require some investment, the long-term savings are significant. Unlike conventional fences, which can deteriorate and require costly repairs or replacements, living fences grow stronger and more resilient over time with mini-mal maintenance.
2. They are nature’s sustainable barrier.
A living fence relies on natural, renewable resources rather than manufactured materials that require energy-intensive production processes and contribute to waste. It grows organically, improving air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide, and it conserves resources by reducing the need for synthetic chemicals and fertilizers, all while regenerating naturally.
3. They are elegant and ever-changing. Living fences introduce natural beauty
into a landscape, creating a soft, lush backdrop—a look that can be tailored to match your personal style, whether it be flowering bushes or ev-ergreen trees. As they grow and evolve with the seasons, living fences provide dynamic views that add depth and character to your yard.
4. They are a natural wind and sound barrier.
Traditional fences may only partially block noise, whereas living ones create a more compre-hensive shield through their organic composition. The thick layer of leaves and branches acts as a buffer, reducing the impact of the elements and external sounds such as traffic, construction or neighborhood activity.
5. They create a more resilient landscape.
Finally, a living fence plays a crucial role in strengthening the soil by anchoring and stabiliz-ing it with its extensive root system. The roots of the plants grow deep and spread out, bind-ing the soil together and reducing erosion, especially on slopes or areas prone to runoff. This natural network also improves soil structure by preventing compaction and promoting better water infiltration. As a result, the soil remains fertile and less prone to degradation.
By choosing a living fence, you're not only investing in a beautiful and functional addition to your property but also supporting a greener, more resilient environment. If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s Interna-tional 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
Because Every Client Matters.
Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with Appen Media Group
We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.
Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.
For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”
No will or trust!
Brought to you
by
– Estates Law Center USA
The Risks of Not Planning: Potential issues that can arise when someone dies intestate (without a will or trust) and how an estate plan can mitigate these risks.
Dying intestate without a will or trust can lead to a host of complications and risks for both the estate and the surviving family members. When someone passes away without leaving behind a will or trust , state intestacy laws take over, dictating how assets are distributed. This may not align with the deceased's wishes, potentially leaving family members and loved ones with outcomes they didn’t anticipate or desire. For instance, assets might be divided in a way that doesn’t reflect the deceased’s personal preferences, or they might end up with relatives the deceased had wished to exclude. This can also spark family disputes and legal battles, as there are no clear instructions to guide the process, resulting in prolonged probate proceedings and increased costs. Additionally, intestacy can complicate the appointment of guardians for
minor children, potentially leaving their care in the hands of individuals not preferred by the deceased. The lack of a will can also led to missed opportunities for minimizing estate taxes and managing financial affairs efficiently. Emotional stress on family members is another significant risk, as they navigate the uncertainties and disputes arising from the intestate process. An estate plan mitigates these risks by clearly outlining the distribution of assets, appointing trusted executors and guardians, and incorporating strategies for tax efficiency. By planning with expert advice, individuals ensure that their wishes are honored, reduce the potential for conflict, and ease the administrative burden and cost on their loved ones during the most difficult time.
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate?
HOLLY GEERDES
LAKE
Last chance to embrace luxury living at Hillandale in Roswell
Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division
Now is your last chance to secure a new luxury home in Hillandale, a charming Charleston-inspired neighborhood just minutes from Historic Roswell. With only three homes remaining, these are the final opportunities to live in this popular community.
Currently under-construction, the final homes, priced from $1.1 million, are slated for completion in December/ January just in time for you to start the new year in a new home. Hillandale’s elegant designs features and sophisticated layouts are thoughtfully curated to provide ample indoor and outdoor
entertaining spaces. Among the luxury features, you’ll find spacious primary suites, soaring 10-foot ceilings, and rich hardwood floors throughout the main level. Each home is also equipped with high-end stainless-steel appliances, ensuring both style and functionality.
Beyond the remarkable interiors, Hillandale boasts an array of additional features that enhance the living experience. Homes come with irrigation systems, tankless water heaters, and freestanding tubs, along with charming gas lanterns adorning front patios. The community's pebbled driveways and sidewalks add to its overall appeal, while the HOA provides front and rear lawn maintenance, allowing residents to enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Hillandale’s location is key and offers unparalleled convenience. Homeowners can easily access a variety of local dining and shopping options. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Chattahoochee River and its pristine parks, which offer an abundance of recreational activities, from kayaking to biking and walking trails. The Chattahoochee River Nature Preserve, just a short drive away, hosts summer music series and various outdoor events. Roswell is in the top 100 livable cities in the U.S. and ranks among the top 4 safest places to live in the metro Atlanta area. Families will also benefit from being part of Roswell's highly acclaimed school system, making Hillandale an ideal choice for any lifestyle.
Founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, Patrick Malloy Communities brings a wealth of experience and excellence to Metro Atlanta, having developed over 11,000 homesites and sold more than 7,000 homes. The company has received numerous accolades, consistently ranking on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilder list and winning several Community of the Year awards. If you’re interested in learning more about the final homes available at Hillandale, visit www.PMCommunities. com or call 770-254-5372 to schedule a personal appointment. Patrick Malloy Communities is proudly represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. An Equal Housing Opportunity.
Why a turnkey, one-stop shop is essential for your bath or kitchen remodel
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the process can quickly become overwhelming. From creating ideas and solutions, and selecting materials to finding contractors for plumbing, electrical work, and installation, managing multiple vendors and services can be stressful.
Remodeling projects start with a vision but bringing that vision to life requires expertise. An in-house design team needs to work closely with you to create a customized plan that reflects your personal style, and preferences, and stays within your budget—offering services like 3D renderings, so you can visualize your space before any work begins. With expert guidance every step of the way, you can be confident your project is set up for success.
Coordinating multiple contractors— plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and more—can be time-consuming and frustrating. With a turnkey remodeler, you get full-service project management, to handle every aspect of the renovation. Having a team to ensure that the design, material selection, scheduling, and installation are all aligned to create a smooth, stress-free experience is key. You don’t have to worry about chasing contractors or keeping up with timelines—it will be done all for you.
One of the biggest advantages of working with a one-stop shop is the convenience of having everything you need in one place. A great showroom should be filled with an extensive selection of cabinetry in a variety of styles and finishes, plumbing fixtures from top brands, countertops including granite, quartz, marble, and more, tile for floors and backsplashes, and hardware to complete your design.
Rather than running around town searching for materials, you can explore all your options under one roof, with our team guiding you through each choice.
Choosing a turnkey, one-stop-shop remodeler like Bath & Kitchen Galleria means more than just convenience—it means a smoother, more enjoyable remodeling experience with expert guidance, seamless coordination, and a wide selection of top-quality products to choose from while staying in your budget.
Whether you're transforming your bathroom or remodeling your kitchen, Bath & Kitchen Galleria is here to handle every detail, so you can sit back and enjoy the results! For more information visit Bath & Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) M-F, 9-5 and Saturday, 10-4, or call them at 678-4592292 or visit BathandKitchenGalleria.com to schedule an appointment online.
Brought to you by – Bath and Kitchen Galleria
PROVIDED
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
While covering Milton election operations, Appen Media analyzed historical voter data and identified possible disenfranchisement.
This reporting caused a statewide watchdog to get involved and, eventually, the city moved to add a polling place to the area. Later in the year, Appen discovered that the feasibility report the City Council used when voting to run their own elections was not the original document. Two residents on a working committee had altered it after city staff had completed it and before its presentation to council. Appen Media reporters identified all of the differences between the two documents and then created an interactive digital document. Readers and officials were able to scroll through the materials and read notes from the newsroom explaining the differences. You can find this document at appenmedia.com/electionsreport.
