Appen Media Group
Real Estate Report December Special Section
2 northfulton.com
2 | NorthFulton.com | December 2016
Sponsored Section • real estate report
December 2016
Sponsored Section
Preparing for the New Year By: Jane Patneau, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty 770.337.3538 If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate soon, now is the best time to make plans. The first thing to do is to call your local REALTOR®. Make sure your REALTOR® is full-time, has years of experience and credentials. Also, look at their previous sales volume and units sold and make sure they are busy and associated with a solid, progressive brokerage company. Once you find a REALTOR® you like and trust, decide if you are buying or selling real estate or both. If you need to sell in order to have the money to buy a new home, it is a good idea to consider the following. 1) Have your REALTOR® recommend a local appraiser and have your home appraised. I reimburse my sellers at closing for the appraisal cost. 2) Also, have your REALTOR® do a Comparative Market Analysis and have her give you an opinion of a list and sales price. With the knowledge and resources provided to you from the appraiser and your agent, you will have a very good idea of the present market value of your
home. 3) Ask your agent to recommend some home stagers for consultations. I provide the first home consultation free to my sellers and then we discuss what, and with whom, we want to do the staging. If the staging is extensive you may need additional time to prepare the home and put personal belongings into storage or to paint, organize or clean your home. patneau Once you know the actual market value of your home and have a stager’s advice, you are ready to move forward. If you are interested in buying real estate, call your REALTOR®, and give them all the criteria you are looking for in your next home or investment property. These criteria would include the price range, location and floor plan. Your agent can begin a search and email you available homes to review. Once you review properties you feel are interesting you can make an appointment to go visit the property. Your agent can also provide you with the prices and sales in the area of interest. If you do not have a REALTOR®, I would love the
opportunity to discuss being YOUR agent, as I have over 15 years of full time real estate experience and I love the business and my company, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. I can help you buy or sell real estate ANYWHERE in the world. Give me the opportunity to show you the marketing tools available to me. Call me today!
December 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 3
JANE PATNEAU c. 770.337.3538 o. 770.442.7300 janepatneau@atlantafinehomes.com atlantafinehomes.com | sothebysrealty.com
10 170 AU T RY M I L L ROA D Offered for $1,399,000
10 0 6 T U L L A M O R E P L AC E Offered for $1,395,000
4 3 3 0 B A N C R O F T VA L L E Y Offered for $1,025,000
Thank you for all the business and referrals this year, 2016 was my most successful year ever! May your holidays be filled with joy and peace!
© MMXVI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
4 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • real estate report
December 2016
H A P P Y H O L I D AY S
Best kept secrets for selling your home By: Yvonne Tokos, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
May the blessings of peace, the beauty of hope and spirit of love be with you this holiday season and through the new year
YVONNE TOKOS c. 770.231.4946 o. 770.442.7300
Well Milton neighbors, the temperature has cooled and fall is finally here just in time for the holidays. So light up the fireplace and enjoy this great time for Georgia. For those considering selling your home now or in the spring, I feel as a REALTOR® you should be armed with the best information to maximize your chances of a successful sale. Here are a few best kept secrets for selling your home: • The first impression is key: Spruce up the exterior and make your buyers feel at home upon entry. • Always be “show ready” at all times: Declutter and depersonalize your home so buyers can visualize it as theirs; make space in closets so storage looks ample.
• The kitchen comes first: When you sell your house you are really selling your kitchen. Remodeling dollars should be spent here first. • Don’t over upgrade for the neighborhood in which you tokos reside; you won’t get your money back. • Price your home right by hiring the right REALTOR®. It is the job of your REALTOR® to maximize your net gain on sale; make sure they are knowledgeable about your home and market and have your best interests in mind. I would be honored to assist you with all of the above, along with handling all the aggravation that comes with selling a home. Yvonne Tokos 770.231.4946
Call now to reserve your spot in the Real Estate Report!
YVONNETOKOS@ATLANTAFINEHOMES.COM
ATLANTAFINEHOMES.COM
|
SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM
© MMXVI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
770-442-3278 DEADLINE for January: December 27
December 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 5
ColdwellBankerHomes.com 85,000 Agents | 3,000 Offices on 6 Continents | 110-Year Legacy
r y io hl ter 016 s e In 2 Fr ed ber t m n i Pa ove N
Alpharetta / 5BR/4.5BA / $459,900 Sandra Wilson / 678-520-9102 4950 Oakmont Bend FMLS# 5725239 on CBHomes.com
Roswell / 3BR/2.5BA / $340,000 Susan Craig / 678-6564909 2630 Camden Glen Court FMLS# 5757423 on CBHomes.com
Sandy Springs / 6BR/4.1BA / $559,000 Rita Lewis / 770-789-5137 8680 The 5th Green in Huntcliff FMLS# 5768696 on CBHomes.com
Jasper / 3BR/2.1BA / $219,900 Caroline Wilson / 404-518-8669 125 Indian Beach Trail FMLS# 5744305 on CBHomes.com
Alpharetta / 4BR/2.1BA / $314,900 Leslie Hawkins / 770-855-1489 11655 Windbrooke Way FMLS# 5776070 on CBHomes.com
Gainesville / 5BR/5.3BA / $1,650,000 Jenifer Cusick / 404-932-4962 4164 Greyfield Bluff Drive FMLS# 5760626 on CBHomes.com
Alpharetta / 5BR/3.5BA / $410,000 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 6349 Kristensen Court FMLS# 5756118 on CBHomes.com
r y io hl ter 016 s e In 2 Fr ed ber t m n i Pa ove N
Sandy Springs / 6BR/6.2BA / $999,000 Rita Lewis / 770-789-5137 8345 Grogans Ferry Rd FMLS# 5765724 on CBHomes.com
R T DE AC UN NTR CO
Alpharetta / 5BR/3.5BA / $625,000 Jill Bernard / 404-867-2760 4305 Courageous Wake Search FMLS# 5766595 on CBHomes.com
Alpharetta / 4BR/3.5BA / $475,000 Tarran Craver / 770-597-9118 225 Leafwing Court FMLS# 5766810 on CBHomes.com
Grant Park / 2BR/2.5BA / $265,000 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 655 Mead Street SE Search FMLS# 5762317 on CBHomes.com
Berkeley Lake / 4BR/4.1BA / $824,900 Michelle Healy / 678-549-6111 4245 Central River Park FMLS# 5739518 on CBHomes.com
Alpharetta/North Point 3800 Mansell Rd., Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | 770.642.0399
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 12132ATL_4/16
Administered by American Home Shield
6 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • real estate report
Easy curb appeal
One of the easiest but often overlooked enhancement to a house to improve the curb appeal is to add or update your exterior shutters. Historically exterior shutters served a purpose by offering light control, ventilation and protection from the elements. Today exterior shutters are mostly decorative. “Exterior shutters add the finishing touch to a house”, says Hennie DuPreez, CEO of Dupbel Millworks Inc. “But it is important that they are appropriately sized and look like they are supposed to be there.” Whether you’re adding or replacing shutters to add curb appeal or as part of a remodel, consider these tips from Dupbel Millworks Inc., one of the leading shutter manufacturers in North Georgia. Style: Make sure the style adds visual interest to the house, whether you choose traditional Raised panels, a Board and Batten style, Louvers or one of the more modern styles. Depending on the style you can make your house look more traditional, contemporary or modern. A reputable shutter provider
will be able to help you choose the look you are trying to achieve. Size: One of the biggest mistakes people make with shutters is the size. It is important that the shutters are sized correctly for your windows, while taking into account the features of the house, obstacles that could be present, and the look you are trying to achieve. Your shutters are going to be mostly decorative, but make sure they are sized as if they would be functional and as if they belong there. Hardware: Traditionally shutters were attached to the window frames with hinges. Today hardware plays an important role in the appearance of your shutters. Various options are available depending on the style of the shutters and the type of windows. Adding hardware adds to the curb appeal and the authentic look. It also put the shutter at a slight angle, adding visual interest and creating better shadow lines that brings out the design features of the shutter style. Material: Exterior shutters are available in various material and you need to find the right balance between price, how long they will last and the look you are trying to achieve. Vinyl shutters are typically the cheapest option for obvious reasons, wood looks great but do not necessary withstand the elements, and then you have various composite materials that could provide you with the
December 2016 authentic look and long lasting criteria. Installation: Make sure you are confident working on a ladder, or make sure you use a professional crew with the necessary insurance. The installation cost is typically in addition to the price of the shutters and hardware. Ensure there is a suitable mounting surface and that the window frames are in good shape before installation.Dupbel Millworks Inc. manufactures exteriors shutters using only weather resistant materials. Our core business is shutters made from a composite wood material that is rot, insect and weather resistant. This is especially important in Georgia’s hot, humid conditions. Although we carry a series of shutters styles, we are fully equipped to help you design the specific look you desire, and every shutters is custom made based on your house, windows and design. We use your house as our showroom, knowing very well how difficult it can be to see what a specific style of shutter will do the look of your home. We come to your house with samples and will help you to choose the perfect style of shutter for your house. Our business is located in Alpharetta, GA and we are proud to serve the residential and commercial market of North Georgia. We are small enough to provide you with personal attention, yet strong enough to handle complex designs and the volume from our commercial customers.
Buckhead. $325,000 3040 Peachtree Road, No. 312 2BR/2BA FMLS: 5726080 Kathy Rice 678.697.4984
Canton. $13,500,000 1950 Lower Birmingham Road 5BR/6BA/2HBA FMLS: 5737815 Cynthia Chandlee 770.826.8276
Milton. $1,799,000 10150 Cedar Ridge Drive 5BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5765225 Chip Russell 678.613.3098
Milton. $3,750,000 13560 Blakmaral Lane 6BR/7BA/3HBA FMLS: 5735699 Jere Metcalf 770.337.7122 Clay Henderson 770.652.1890
Milton. $444,500 2010 Parkside Court 4BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5726616 Kimberly Counter 678.938.5885
Milton. $659,000 410 Bethany Green Cove 5BR/4.5BA FMLS: 5759085 Rhonda Haran 404.556.5600
Milton. $998,000 14525 Morning Mountain Way 6BR/5BA/2HBA FMLS: 5767712 Nancy Anderson 770.845.8638
Suches. $225,000 0A Canaan Valley Road 1BR/1BA FMLS: 5713019 Clay Henderson 770.652.1890
Snohomish, Washington $2,500,000 Property ID: TPQEFS Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Austin, Texas $3,750,000 Property ID: 7MKW4G Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
ATLANTAFINEHOMES.COM | 770.442.7300 © MMXVI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Artwork Fred Wagner, used with permission. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.
December 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 7
Need Replacement Shutters?
Picture This...
Call Today For Your FREE Consult
678.662.4815
Why Weather Works*® Exterior Shutters • Composite wood • Rot, moisture and insect resistant • Custom designs, sizes and colors Environmentally friendly materials • Locally manufactured • Fully insured • Prompt and courteous service
Dupbel Millworks Inc.
® Exterior Shutters The leading manufacturer of Composite wood, rot resistant, exterior shutters for residential and commercial Composit WeatherWorksShutters.com
8 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • real estate report
Congratulations
North Fulton Agents of the Month
Teams
THE KLOSTER GROUP
THE DONNA AUGELLO TEAM
Closed - Volume Closed - Units Sales Written - Volume Sales Written - Units (#1 Companywide)
Listings - Dollar Volume Listings - Units
DANA COLEMAN
Individuals DAVE WAGNER
MIKE DURDEN
Sales Written - Units
Closed - Units
Listings - Units
MICHELE COLLINS
LORI DE PUCCI
PAM SCUDELLARI
Sales Written Volume
Listings Dollar Volume
Closed Volume
Join our North Fulton Team of Top Producers! For a confidential interview, contact Kathy Vaughn, VP & Managing Broker, 678-461-8700 North Fulton Office | HarryNorman.com/NorthFulton
7855 North Point Parkway, Ste. 100 • Alpharetta, GA 30022 • 678-461-8700
December 2016
Christmas Morning at 5990 Whitestone Lane By: Judy Roberts Harry Norman, REALTORS It’s Christmas morning and the kids tip toe downstairs to sit by the fireplace and cuddle up in their special chair. They await the much anticipated Christmas morning activities. The smells of hot coffee and hot cocoa brewing are the signals that it is time for all to wake up because it is Christmas morning! What a beautiful room this fireside keeping room is! An addition to the original home with built-in bookcases and a real wood burning fireplace. This room has travertine stone flooring and a stained, vaulted, beaded wood ceiling. And what a tranquil view, just looking out to the lovely veranda which encircles the walk-out salt water pool. One could literally want to spend the day curled up there but wait, it is Christmas day and much more to see and do! Now, not only do you smell hot coffee and cocoa, now you smell Christmas morning breakfast casserole, stone ground cheese grits, and hot apple fritters! Yummy!!! So our next stop will definitely be the kitchen. The owners have completely renovated the kitchen. It is SPECTACULAR!!! The kitchen boasts of custom wood cabinets throughout with specialty hardware and furniture legs stained “Special Walnut”. It is easy to find things in this kitchen as there are plenty of pull-out cabinets and easy – self close doors and drawers. The corner cabinet was specially designed so it would swivel outward for easy access and extra storage. Everything is well lit with under counter lighting. The Viking double oven allows for multiple dishes to be cooked at one time and there is a 5-burner Thermador gas cooktop as well. There are ample countertops to use as a buffet that are made of a gorgeous white marble. There is plenty of room for everyone to gather in this eatin-kitchen with a dual sided fireplace. Once everyone has their tummies full – it is finally time for the long awaited present opening that will now take place in the family’s great room. This lovely room is located on the other side of the dual fireplace so that in practically every room – you have this warm and romantic view of a fire in the fireplace - picture perfect!!!! The Christmas tree is all aglow and the presents galore!!! Wonder what gifts/goodies they all will unwrap? Now this is Christmas, gathering
with family, sharing, laughing and just enjoying this “Spectacular” home that these homeowners have built – and just think of all the memories they have created here!!! Everything down to the updated lighting to the easy to clean epoxy floor in the 3-bay garages – truly amazing!!! As the children disperse to the full finished terrace level with all their goodies, the adults go to their separate quarters to dress for the day. The master suite in this home is located just down the hall on the main level – very convenient to the other main rooms of the home. It too has been completely renovated. Gorgeous hardwood floors, a custom builtin wardrobe and sitting area. Most impressive is the ceiling in this room which was built to be a replica of the ceiling in the Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia. And with this elaborate master suite comes an elaborate master bathroom full with a travertine floor, and again the custom built-in cabinets. Most impressive are the hidden pull-out medicine cabinets and a built-in linen tower. It would be hard to get dressed quickly in this master bath as there is a step-in steam shower with dual spray heads and a rain pan showerhead. What could be more inviting and relaxing than this? Well….a slipper tub with claw feet and an overhanging faucet. Now that everyone is dressed in their Christmas attire and ready for the day. Some head to that glamourous kitchen to start Christmas day dinner while some head to the terrace level to watch a Christmas movie or play pool in the game room or workout in the workout room. Whatever is your fancy, it is there to enjoy! What is that clamoring? Everyone is setting the table in the banquet sized dining room. Time to eat!!! Ugh…Stuffed again!!! Maybe I’ll take a nap – but wait, that means I will miss playing golf with everyone on the Laurel Springs golf course. No way that I am going to miss that! This is a lovely Jack Nicklaus par 71 golf course. I am sure after all of this, everyone WILL be ready for a NAP!!! This lovely home now awaits a new owner to purchase and create their own stories and special memories! Contact Judy Roberts with Harry Norman, REALTORS– 770 656-1920 for your very own personal tour.
Laurel Springs Luxury Living
December 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
59 9 0 Whi t e s to ne L a ne
• Suwanee, Georgia 30024
Please call me for your personal tour of this elegant, custom-built home.
JUDY ROBERTS Cell: 770-656-1920 Office: 770-622-3081
Judy.Roberts@HarryNorman.com JudyRoberts.HarryNorman.com
northfulton.com 9
10305 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097
The above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.
10 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • real estate report
December 2016
Crye-Leike continues to grow Now open in Gainesville It’s been eleven years since Harold Crye, CEO of Crye-Leike Real Estate, expanded the company's footprint into the Atlanta metro area. The fourth largest privately owned real estate company in the nation recently opened its eleventh office in the Atlanta Metro area at 956A Dawsonville Highway, Suite 301 in Gainesville. Crye-Leike is pleased to welcome Christy Crumbley as the new Managing Broker. Crye-Leike's Gainesville office is currently open for business and ready to assist clients with all of their real estate buying and selling needs in Hall, Lumpkin, Dawson and surrounding counties. The office will host a grand opening ceremony this fall. “The Atlanta real estate market is strong and greatly improving like many of the markets Crye-Leike serves," said Cofounder and CEO Harold Crye. "We see a lot of potential for the local market and are very happy to be expanding in and around the Atlanta area with additional offices opening soon in Lawrenceville, Dahlonega and Marietta.” "Being a full-service real estate brokerage firm, our goal is to make it convenient for our customers and sales
associates to utilize all of our services before, during and after a home purchase by offering reliable, efficient and convenient services for today's busy lifestyles," said Steve Brown, president of Crye-Leike Residential Sales. Crye-Leike Real Estate Services had a great year in 2015 achieving $5.7 billion in sales volume. Over a nine-state region, 3000 highly skilled Crye-Leike agents sold 31,400 properties. CryeLeike’s sales outperformed the national average in the real estate market. Crye-Leike Atlanta has sales offices in Alpharetta/Roswell, Norcross, Cartersville, Cumming, McDonough, Riverdale, Smyrna/Vinings, Johns Creek and Woodstock in addition to a Residential Property Management, Commercial and Relocation division. As a full service real estate company, Crye-Leike offers real estate and related services, including: relocation services; commercial business and investment real estate services; property leasing and management services; insurance services; title & closing services; mortgage services; home warranty services; home services; auction services; business brokerage services; REO services for bank-owned & foreclosed properties and real estate schools.
December 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 11
Your Milton Real Estate Specialist
New Price: Sable Pointe
Leased: Champions Overlook
Sold in3 Days: Sable Pointe
Sold: Downtown Alpharetta
Under Contract in 3 Days: Sable Pointe
Sold: White Columns
130 Sable Pointe Drive • Offered for $379,900 5 Bed/3.1 Bath • Beautifully Updated Finished Terrace Level
381 Lynne Circle • Sold for $335,000 3 Bed/2.1 Bath • Total Renovation Craftsman Details
780 Champions Close • Leased for $4,400 7 Bed/6.2 Bath • Amazing Open Floorplan Pool and Spa
515 Sable Court • Sold for $340,000 4 Bed/2.1 Bath • Completely Updated on Nearly 3 Private Acres
2415 Northwood Drive • Offered for $359,000 4 Bed/3.1 Bath • Beautifully Landscaped 1 Acre Lot
670 Scarlet Oak Trail • Sold for $645,000 5 Bed/5.1 Bath • Gorgeous Custom Home Meticulously Maintained
ALL MY CLIENTS RECEIVE:
Sold in 3 Days: Sable Pointe
835 Greenpoint Drive • Sold for $410,000 4 Bed/3.1 Bath • Master on Main Largest Floorplan in the Neighborhood
Sold in 2 Days: Sable Pointe
360 Sable Court • Sold for $329,000 4 Bed/2.1 Bath • Meticulously Maintained Home Gorgeous Updates
• Professional Photos • Drone Photos • Feedback on ALL Showings • Phone Calls Answered • A Great Attitude!
2016 Solid Source Realty Circle of Excellence Top 1% of Agents ABR Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club, 2015
Kelly Rosen
Cell: 770-568-9241 Office: 770-475-1130 Ext 2358 www.KellyRosen.com
10900 Crabapple Rd. • Roswell, GA 30075
The above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawls without notice.
12 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • real estate report
December 2016
Holiday home staging tips When is the right time to se Brought to you by: Kelly Rosen, Solid Source Realty We have reached the end of another year and the holidays are quickly approaching. For those of you who have homes on the market right now, you may find yourself wondering if you should decorate your home this year. Staging is a very important aspect of selling your home and the good news is YES, you can still decorate for the holidays, but you should follow a few recommendations from expert stager, Amy Powers of Ask For Staging. 1. Clear the Clutter: This is not the year to bring out all of your holiday décor from the past 20 years. Holiday greenery and wintery touches can make a home feel warm and inviting, but be careful not to overdo it. Powers suggests you limit yourself to a few hints of holiday flair, but stash the rest in the basement so your rooms continue to appear as spacious as possible. Don’t worry, you can still have a tree, but be conscious of its size (make sure it doesn’t overpower your foyer or living room) and keep the decorations to a cohesive color theme. 2. Leave the Blow Up Decorations in the Basement: Too may exterior decorations can detract from your homes natural beauty and design. Powers also suggests you tone down any garish light displays and instead use simple string lighting to play up your homes architecture or draw attention to the gorgeous fir tree in your front yard. 3. Complement Your Palette: “Before you start untangling your tinsel, make sure your holiday collection matches your current décor,” says Powers. Use complementing colors, such as
Brought to you by: BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
greens, golds and reds for earthy color schemes and white/silver decorations for rooms with more vibrant colors. 4. Create a Cozy Vibe: Powers suggests creating a warm and festive feeling by adding a few subtle touches such as a bowl of pinecones, an earthy wreath or pot of cider simmering on the stove. Also, leave the personalized stockings off the fireplace for showings; buyers need to be able to visualize their own family in your home and removing personalized items will assist in achieving this goal. The good news is you can continue your decorating traditions and create that warm holiday spirit. If you would like a staging consultation, you can reach Amy Powers at 678-978-1377. Best wishes for a quick and easy sale! Kelly Rosen, REATLOR®, Solid Source Realty 770-568-9241 kellyrosen@ bellsouth.net
The decision to sell your home is both a financial and emotional one. The choice to buy or sell a home is completely individual; therefore, when deciding on the perfect time to sell your home the following should be considered. Market conditions, selling reasons and is your home ready to sell? Reasons to Sell. Whether you have an expanding or shrinking family, a job change or a desire to move to a particular school district — your reason for selling ultimately impacts when you should put your home on the market. Market Conditions. Take a look at market conditions and where you see them going in the future. This is a good time to find out your loan payoff amount. You should have an accurate idea of what your sales proceeds will be after you
have paid off all home loans and closing costs. Research recent sales prices of comparable homes in your community. Find a REALTOR® that is a great match for you and what you are looking for in the home Rawlings selling process, as well as someone who knows the current market conditions to estimate a listing price and how long it may take for your home to sell. Selling for the Season. You can choose to sell at any time of year, with the new year quickly approaching this is great time. Once the holiday season has died down, you should consider putting your home on the market. If your home attracts families and is in a sought-after school district, you are just as likely to get offers at the beginning of the new year as you are in the summer
What to look for when entering th (NAPSI)—According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, millennials are the largest generation in the housing market, but in comparison to older generations, they’re delayed in purchasing their first home. When they are ready to take the plunge, millennials are particularly interested in smart technology. In fact, in 2015, 41 percent of millennials were aware of and interested in owning smart home products—focusing primarily on connected security and monitoring devices, smart lighting, power and appliances. One vital component of a connected home is the garage—a key entry point to the household. More than just a place to park the car or store the lawn mower, the garage is an important part of the home, providing access, safety and security, and total home control for homeowners and their guests. As you or the first-time homebuyers in your life look to purchase, consider the following: • Access: Millennials use their phones for more than just communicating—they use them to buy coffee, book exercise classes and directly pay friends and family. Through the free MyQ® app, the garage is just as easily accessible, letting homeowners open, close and monitor their garage door from anywhere in the world, at any time, from any internet-enabled smartphone, tablet or computer. • Safety and Security: For more than 70 percent of homeowners, the garage is the main access point to the home, which
means when viewing a potential home or during an official inspection, millennials should ensure the garage door opener functions securely and safely with a quick safety check. If a garage door doesn’t rebound upon impact with an item placed in its path, be sure to call a certified dealer to conduct a professional inspection. Garage door openers should also provide a sense of security, while meeting millennials’ desire for smart home products. With LiftMaster’s Nest Cam, users can access a video feed of what’s happening in the garage the moment the garage door is activated, allowing for enhanced security and peace of mind. • Home Control: A connected garage is
December 2016
ell your home?
e
e
g r.
Buyers want to settle into their new home before school starts. Is your home ready to sell? An important element in determining when to list your home is its condition. You will need time to make repairs and improvements, deep-clean your home and clear away many of your possessions. If you have a large, disorganized home with overflowing closets and a garage with no space for a car, you may need weeks or months before you are ready to put your home on the market. Today’s buyers have high expectations of your home’s condition, so do not expect to be able to work on your home after it is listed. Your home should be priced correctly and in prime condition on day one in order to sell quickly and for the best price possible. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty agents deliver results. Allow one of our dedicated professionals to assist you by visiting atlantafinehomes.com or calling our office at 770.442.7300.
he housing market
k
d -
n s
s
an easy way to make any home a “smart home.” When looking to purchase a home, millennials should examine the capabilities of the garage door opener. Is it Wi-Fi® capable? Can it integrate with technology to control the lights or thermostat? If not, consider asking the seller to replace the garage door opener with one that comes fully equipped with the latest features, such as built-in Wi-Fi, and is compatible with other home automation systems. With these helpful tips, first-time homebuyers can get the most out of their homes, while ensuring they are safe and functional. For more information on garage door openers with smart home capabilities, visit www.LiftMaster.com.
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 13
14 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • real estate report
December 2016
Fall & winter home preparation By: Karen Pate, SVP, Broker
Smart Home Technology By: Kathy Weeks, Managing Broker, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Smart Home Technology - it’s here. It’s no longer just for the affluent or tech-obsessed young consumers. Smart home technology is becoming an integral part of our everyday lives. weeks What is a smart home? It’s a home equipped with smart products connected through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to control or automate the functions of a house. Thermostats that learn to adjust the temperature automatically based on your schedule, lightbulbs that you can control from your phone, doors that automatically lock when you leave the house are just a few examples of home automation.Smart Home tech can add value to a seller’s home and influence what buyers expect. A recent survey conducted by the Coldwell Banker® brand and CNET indicate that homes with smart technology are selling faster than those without. • 72% of smart home tech owners say their products provide peace of mind.* • 45% of Americans say smart home products save them an average of over $1,100 per year.** • 87% of those who own smart home products say it makes their lives easier.*
• 62% of brokers and agents see homebuyers interested in controlling smart home tech with their phones or tablets. LIGHTING The ability to program specific moods, to light the way to exits in an emergency, or just to turn off the downstairs lights without getting out of your warm bed takes lighting far beyond a simple on/off switch. SAFETY Safety systems typically go unnoticed until they are needed, but the smart home revolution hasn't left them out of the mix. The ability to integrate systems allows smoke or carbon monoxide detectors to trigger additional systems and deliver more critical information than ever before. SECURITY Features such as smart locks and networked security cameras provide additional convenience and a greater sense of security. For example, the ability to provide single day access via a smart lock instead of loaning out a key, or to see who's at the front door remotely, even when you're not near the door. TEMPERATURE Smart thermostats not only yield a more comfortable experience, but also improve efficiency, allowing you to adjust temperature remotely as well as learning your habits and behavior to help lower heating and cooling costs. ENTERTAINMENT Smart TVs, streaming services, and integrated home entertainment systems can enhance the experiences our homes deliver, making an ordinary movie night extraordinary.
At last Fall is upon us! This has been a most unusual Fall season with the balmy temperatures and the lack of rain. Many of us have been anxious for the change to come. Even though we are in the south we typically do not face the brutality of winter that pummels our friends in the north. However, there are many seasonal maintenance tasks we should be doing for our homes. Here are several suggestions that the experts make regarding the preparation of your home for the winter months. Eliminate the dirt – We spend significantly more time hunkering down indoors during the winter months. You want to eliminate the dirt before you close up shop for the season. Disinfect your kitchen & baths from residue and mold. Per the EPA your indoor air quality can be five times more polluted vs. outdoor air. Do a deep clean dusting of carpets, furniture, bookcases, ceiling fans, refrigerators, floor grates, return ducts, doors and windows. Dust accumulates in areas not usually visible and can be very unhealthy. Have you looked underneath your beds & furniture? How about behind your refrigerator? That’s what I am talking about! Service your HVAC system – Contact a professional & reliable heating & cooling company to do a Fall checkup. The checkup should include inspection of the following: electrical and/or gas connections, lubrication of moving parts, pressure, burner combustion, heat exchanger, and finally the filters. Most companies offer yearly programs. The benefit of an annual contract is that you tend to catch defects early on and hopefully warrants only minor repairs. Programmable thermostats are a must and be certain the thermostat is designed for your particular type of system. Lawn & Garden – Trim back bushes, shrubs and any tree limbs hanging over the house. Should we experience an ice
storm you do not want these branches breaking off and hitting your home. Now that the majority of the leaves are down clear out all vegetation debris from garden beds, lawn and gutters. If your gutters are not clear this can pate cause extensive water damage to your home should the water runoff be diverted to the wrong area. Vegetation debris left too long will decay & rot causing mold to accumulate and can cause damage if near or on your house. Brick, Wood & Mortar – Fall is a great time to do repairs before the winter sets in. Go around your house and look for loose mortar between the brick, sidewalk, driveway, patio and stairs. Repair & replace as needed. Next look closely at your wood siding & trim for wood rot, peeling paint and loose/ crumbly caulk. If the wood looks soft or mushy gently press into the wood to see if it has rotted. Replace, repair and paint as necessary to prevent further damage and eliminate water intrusion. Areas that are likely to have damage would be: dormers, chimneys, and any wood that comes in contact with your trees and shrubbery. Lastly, put away unused lawn equipment ideally draining the gas from the lawn mower. Turn off the water for spigots & sprinkler systems remembering to place a styrofoam cover over your spigots to prevent pipes from bursting. There is a great website which is www.Houselogic.com that has great tips and specific instructions on “how to’s” for homeowners. Check it out! If you or someone you know should need real estate consultation services please feel free to give us a call. Karen Pate/Vice President & Managing Broker for Harry Norman, REALTORS®. Our Forsyth/Lake Lanier office is located at 1664 Market Place Blvd. in Cumming and our phone number is #770-497-2000.
December 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 15
16 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • real estate report
December 2016
5 of the Top 10 Wealthiest Communities $ in Georgia with Incomes over 150,000 • Berkeley Lake – 41%* • Milton – 36% (Milton Herald)
• Johns Creek – 30%
(Johns Creek Herald)
• South Forsyth – 27%
• Alpharetta – 23%
• Dunwoody – 26% • Druid Hills – 26% • Sandy Springs – 25%
• Roswell – 22%
(Revue & News)
(Forsyth Herald)
(Revue & News)
• Peachtree City – 21%
The Milton Herald, The Johns Creek Herald, The Alpharetta/Roswell Revue & News, and The Forsyth Herald are the primary local newspapers in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th and 9th wealthiest cities in Georgia.
Our Readers Should be Your Customers:
m | Vo l u | 50¢
1 No. 3 e 20,
August 4, 2 016 | Nor t hFulto
in closes 37 Ma for good amid doors shuts downance Rock clubnoise ordin new city 10 – 11 S ► PAGE
bike and ngs retta out markid Alpha Getw roadwupayaroun
n.com | An Appen Med ia Group Pu blication
| 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u me 11, No. 31
Aug
MIDNIGHT GROWL
nds by JC sta rd agreement billboa laints s comp issed
ff runo ins n wins wk at anso n Ha 5 se Sem Justi trict ats Dis
Ne ing show GE 23 ► PA
Six ethiccouncil dism against 4 ► PAGE
ust
4, 2 01
Building buzz
6 | N Alpharett o r a downtown sees hFu second wave of tbuilding lton .co ► PAGE 6 m | An
37 Main
App
en
New noise ordinance leads owners to close popular Johns Creek nightclub ► PAGE 4
Me
dia
Gro
up
Pub
lica
BRAND NEW LO
| 50 ¢
| Vo l
um
e 3 4,
No.
31
s found Two teen 5 ► PAGE
Pres
en
News from the
Appen Publisher hiking Appalachian Trail ► PAGE 8
y ises an up yboder giv Trail
er publi lachia Evpe n pa sh
n
Ap Ap the from GE 8 ► PA
s inue cont owtht gr repor a yth es g are Fors omic on Agencyrrogivundin ecrto n su
ber s NF Cham arrl Lewis wow yeCa Olcym hopiolan No county, 18 on GE ► PA
or t
a story ody is an update gives Everyb publisher an Trail Appen Appalachi from the 8 ► PAGE
OK
Alpha ti shap retta mu ng th seum e ► PA e begin past GE 4 s to take
or y a st date
ort
Rep l Estate
Doub stun le ho
mic s Two ide tee Ro PAGE ns fou swel nd de l 4 ad be hind
trail
Japa arra nese flor comengement al s to R oswe ll
Safety first
Publix
Fire marshal gives children close-up look at safety equipment ► PAGE 19
Look out below
AlNew road markings left are Liz Rea provide path for section Rep cyclists did. From missioner Sponsored Lewis Com tateon Olympian CarlFulto 22 ► PAGE 21 County nCambridg ► PAGE e HS football l Es d – or Beach and players secti GRAPH take the field crow PHOTO e Ela don a bigred Rea at midnight, for ACRAFT 1st full-pad practice N CAMER onso before Breakfast drew ident24Bran sto ine Jo, Real Estate , CLAYTO SUZANNE PACEY/HERAL Pres up d ber GE CSp th ry who of pa SAVAGE the season. D CLARK tchCham s, GNFC ► PA Read story page teache ge 32 Sponsored section Repor t t caenntly haIsle, hetFulto 4. Lewi15. 35. s cla ter Nort d Belle nn ► PAGE 22 Aug. s 14 – ECIAL rec sses r Davi The Grea Mayo gh more rts, Page /SP n Be Hi on Jap TER etta phar Susantn.ralRead lly sta Y GUN anes KAT Ce officia and thman e re Haus flora rsy hool Proudly keeping l arr m Wa Fo homes cleaner ange : Ki le and fore sc mentsand healthier since 1987 row nd Midd s be , sta seco well borhood nds Leave the cleaning Ot next to The Maids, we Reis;ar y, neigh come highly recommend to on nt ed. hanie me unding e of www.MAIDS.com her Steping Ele works surro Referred for a reason. bb, s in We Cumm on the m dent na right. t, Ed ers froto stu s Read m lef ch , fro s.Teasupplie the . nt row begin er Leave Fro year deliv ge 11 the clea the ce to re, Pa ning an ch ad mo to The Maids, Re
s new o the t n i ing Jump
tion
e homicid DoubleRoswell x d Publi dead behin stuns
Be BOC 4 for GE ► PA
B L E N EW S
up
ation
REL I A
Gro
Public
ME
dia
Group
S
|
Me
Media
&
16
ld
en
5 n |
ppen | An A
L I ABL E NEW
20
era
App
tio
.com
E RE
, t 4
thH
n | A
ica
u
Fulton
AM
gus
sy Fo r
m .co
l Pub
l | Vo 0¢
Nor th 016 | t 4, 2 Augus 31 o. , N 19 me
–S
Au
Milton Herald Circulation: 10,000 Forsyth Herald Circulation: 17,000 Johns Creek Herald Circulation: 20,000 Revue & News Circulation: 28,000
SA
• • • •
K–
Reach over 139,650 Loyal Readers 66% of Appen Readers earn $100,000+ 33% of Appen Readers earn $150,000+ 71% Are College Graduates or Post Grad. 74% Use our Newspapers to Purchase Goods and Services
B R A N D N EW L O O
• • • • •
CLEANING HOU SE IS perfectly good WASTE OFA SUMMER.CL EA pe NING
rfectly
New
s
Appe from Appa n Publis th ► PA lachian her hik e ing Trail GE 8
770-579-6442
H A AST E OF SUM MER . e high
ly rec
omm
ended.
l
37
Noise Main popu ordina nce ► PA lar nights quiet GE s Joh 12 pot
good W OUSE IS A
we com
trai
Cons
Alpha truc of bu retta ge tion ts se cont ► PA ilding t for in GE secon ues 10 d wa ve
ns Cre
Real
Spon Esta te ► PA sored se GE 22 ction
ek
Repo
rt
R
Proudl S y kee ► PA and ping hom healthi GE es
770-
er sin cleane ce 198 r
579-
www.M
Refe
rred
6442 7
AIDS.c
for a
om
reas
on.
Online: NorthFulton.com & NorthsideWoman.com 319 N. Main St., Alpharetta, GA (about 15 miles N. of Atlanta) • Contact us now: 770-442-3278 x100 * Community income data from Atlanta Business Chronicle Sept 16, 2011. ** 27% South Forsyth residents have income greater than $150,000 and 52% greater than $100,000. All of The Forsyth Herald circulation is in South Forsyth County (from the county line up to Cumming). Data for South Forsyth income from Appen 2010 CVC Audit.