Appen Media Group
Real Estate Report November Special Section
2 northfulton.com
2 | NorthFulton.com | November 2016
Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 2016
Sponsored Section
4 Tips for selling your home in 2017 Brought to you by: BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker, North Atlanta Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty If you are considering selling your home in 2017, the following steps are great to keep in mind before jumping into selling your home. These are the best ways to position your home for a quick and profitable sale in 2017. 1. Make your home appeal to mobile buyers. Nearly all home searches now begin on a mobile device through a leading web marketplaces such as Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com. However, digital and print marketing also great advertising tools as well. Projecting your listing through beautiful photos, videos and marketing materials on mobile devices can lead to home buying success in today’s market. 2. Only list your home once you are serious about selling. Selling your home is an emotional process and something that takes time and the proper preparations. Here is a list of things to consider before putting your home on the market: where you will go if your home sells before you have found a new home? Do you need to fully clean and de-clutter your home? Does your home need to be staged during the process? Have you taken
your agent’s advice on pricing and listing your home? These are necessary steps that guarantee that you present your home in its best possible light in the market. 3. Hire the best agent for the job. Rerawlings search different agents and shop around, this is very important as you are choosing the person you trust to sell your home. This is a person that you will work very closely with and need to trust in the event of any complications of selling your home. If you have any doubt about an agent’s abilities, continue to look for the perfect agent to go through the home selling process with you. 4. Make the best impression online. Today, homebuyers first impressions are often on the internet. Listing your home without complete information can lead to a drawn out selling process. The key to having a strong impression online lies in the hands of the home’s marketing materials. Descriptions are key; they give a deeper meaning to the home beyond the photos. Photos, videos and 3D tours tours also capture a homebuyer’s attention, bringing them one step closer to purchasing your home.
November 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 3
4 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 2016
International marketing of your home Brought to you by: Jane Patneau Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty As a Top Producer for Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, I am often asked what sets my brokerage apart from others in Atlanta. Some recent exciting news is that Sotheby’s International Realty® has just now expanded our online presence into China! Chinese investors and consumers are the second driver of traffic behind the United States for the Sotheby’s International Realty website. Sotheby’s International Realty is now in partnership with JUWAI.com which is the equivalent of the American Zillow real estate website. Juwai.com has over 2 million visitors a month and allows Chinese access to properties worldwide. Sotheby’s International Realty displays the most luxury listings from over 65 countries and territories around the world. All Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty listings, regardless of price point, are displayed on Juwai.com and the website has a support team that translates all inquiries and relays
information to Sotheby’s International Realty agents around the world. Presently, one out of every 10 visitors to SothebysRealty.com is from China! As communication and transportation improves daily our world becomes smaller. Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. with many of new Georgia residents being foreign. Over a 7-year period, almost 100,000 new Georgia residents were international. AtlantaFineHomes.com has over 42,000 visitors a month and consumers can translate the entire website into 18 different languages and 50 different currencies. Virtual tours of all homes are available in five different languages. Therefore, doesn’t it make sense to do business with the leader in real estate internationally? Call me today with your real estate needs! As a team, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty and I have the marketing, experience and support you need for your real estate needs worldwide!
Fabulous Forsyth & Fulton County Locations! Live in One of These Prestigious Counties with Fantastic School Systems, Recreation and Much More
For a Limited Time Purchase a To-Be-Built Home and Receive: UP $ $ – PLUS – TO Toward Closing Costs when financing with Use How You * our affiliate lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage, and Choose Credits using our affiliate CalAtlantic Title Atlanta,
15,000
Fulton County ManorView (Milton) 770-663-0027 Homes from the low $600s to the low $800s Forsyth County Arbors at LakeView (Cumming) 470-297-8190 Homes from the low $300s Arbors II at LakeView (Cumming) 470-297-8190 Homes from the mid $300s Champions Run I (Suwanee) Now Selling 770-888-2763 Homes from the low $400s Champions Run II (Suwanee) Model Now Open 770-888-2763 Homes from the mid $400s
Herrington Glen (Cumming) Now Selling 678-628-6963 Homes from the mid $400s Herrington Trace (Cumming) Model Now Open 770-557-2289 Homes from the low $400s Marketplace Commons (Cumming) 770-889-8619 Homes from the mid $300s Reserve at LakeView (Cumming) Model Now Open 770-887-8233 Homes from the mid $400s Seneca (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the low $400s
Seneca lll (Cumming) 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $300s Seneca IV (Cumming) Now Selling 470-297-8006 Homes from the upper $400s Shiloh Pointe (Cumming) 770-781-1112 Homes from the mid $300s Woodbury Preserve (Cumming) Model Now Open 678-672-0862 Homes from the upper $300s
6,000
LLC, as your closing agent/title insurer *
*Available only when you close on a to-be-built home in the Atlanta Division pursuant to a contract you sign on or between 11/1/16-11/30/16. Seller provided “Use How You Choose” credits may be applied to upgrades or options. Upgrades and options available solely through Seller’s Design Center. Availability of items may vary by community. Offer does not have any cash value. Receipt of closing cost credit is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title of Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Seller does not represent/guarantee that the project will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/ school district, that the same school/school district will service the project for any particular period of time. Eligibility requirements (including geographical) may change over time. You should independently confirm which schools/districts serve the project and learn more information about the school district’s boundary change process prior to executing a purchase contract. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278. CAATL012
November 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 5
JANE PATNEAU c. 770.337.3538 o. 770.442.7300 janepatneau@atlantafinehomes.com atlantafinehomes.com | sothebysrealty.com
1006 TULLAMORE PLACE Offered for $1,395,000
10170 AUTRY MILL ROAD Offered for $1,399,000
410 COVINGTON COVE Offered for $849,000
4 2 0 5 FA I R W AY V I L L A S D R I V E Offered for $785,000
4 0 8 0 M E R R I W E AT H E R W O O D S Offered for $725,000
4 3 3 0 B A N C R O F T VA L L E Y Offered for $1,025,000
• Top Producer Company-Wide 2016 •
© MMXVI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
6 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 2016
Why your house isn’t selling Brought to you by: Kelly Rosen, Solid Source Realty Has your home been on the market for more than 30 days with no offers? You are not alone! With low inventory in certain price ranges, it would seem that homes would be flying off the market. What is going on? I have brainstormed with other Milton agents and here are our thoughts: 1. New Construction: New construction is playing a major role in the resale market in Milton. There are many new neighborhoods in the $550s to $1 million+ price range and many buyers are choosing new homes over resales. However, there are many benefits of choosing a resale over new construction, so do not lose hope! Take a close look at your home and see if there are small changes you can make to help your home look as new as possible (paint, countertops, fixtures, etc) 2. Buyers are picky: I am finding that today’s buyers are extremely picky and will choose to rent over buying if
they cannot find a home that is their perfect fit. I have heard objections such as, “there too many projects that need to be done”, and “it’s not my style.” Make sure everything in your home is in good shape, neutral décor and very tidy so prospective buyers can see how wonderful your house truly is! 3. Check Your Price: Talk to your REALTOR® to make sure you are priced correctly. History shows that the longer you are on the market, the less you will typically net from the sale of your home. For those of you who are going to be listing your home soon, it’s always best to start out with the right price from Day 1. Don't get discouraged---spend some time talking with your REALTOR® to see if there are some small changes you can make to help your home show better, and have patience. There is a buyer for every house and it's only a matter of time before they show up on your doorstep. Best wishes for a quick and easy sale! Kelly Rosen, Solid Source Realty 770-568-9241 kellyrosen@bellsouth.net
November 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 7
Your Milton Real Estate Specialist
New Price: Champions Overlook
New Price: Sable Pointe
Sold in3 Days: Sable Pointe
Sold: Downtown Alpharetta
Under Contract in 3 Days: Sable Pointe
Sold: White Columns
780 Champions Close • Offered for $829,000 7 Bed/6.2 Bath • Amazing Open Floorplan Pool and Spa
381 Lynne Circle • Sold for $335,000 3 Bed/2.1 Bath • Total Renovation Craftsman Details
130 Sable Pointe Drive • Offered for $379,900 5 Bed/3.1 Bath • Beautifully Updated Finished Terrace Level
2415 Northwood Drive • Offered for $359,000 4 Bed/3.1 Bath • Beautifully Landscaped 1 Acre Lot
515 Sable Court • Sold for $340,000 4 Bed/2.1 Bath • Completely Updated on Nearly 3 Private Acres
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.
8 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
November 2016
Winterizing your home By: Kathy Weeks, Managing Broker, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Alpharetta
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 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.
Winterizing Your Home Since summer is over, now is the time to winterize. In fact, whatever the season, it pays to take steps to make your home as energy efficient as possible. The following tips can help subdue the lion of winter energy costs and make your home safer too: Check for leaks: Replacing worn weather stripping and caulking are probably the least expensive, simplest, most effective ways to combat high electric bills. Improperly sealed homes cost homeowners 10-15% on the dollar. Make sure doors and windows are properly sealed. If windows leak, consider replacing them with new, more energy efficient models. Though costly, new windows pay for themselves in energy savings within months. What’s more, new windows are more attractive than older models, improving your home's value as well. Don’t forget about attic and basement windows! If windows leak and replacement is out of the question, consider installing inexpensive heavy-duty, clear plastic to provide temporary relief from bitter wind and cold. Weather stripping can also be applied around drafty doors. Inexpensive plastic, metal, or wooden draft stoppers can also be screwed or glued to the bottoms of doors. If these methods fail to prevent air leaks, consider replacing the door. Why pay to heat or cool air only to have it escape? If you can fit it into your budget, hire a contractor to perform a
blower door test on your home. This test pinpoints the location and severity of air leaks. Another way that air escapes is through electric wall plugs and switch plates. If air is escaping, purchase weeks simple-to-install precut foam gaskets that fit behind the switch plate. Check your heating and air conditioning systems: Perform regular maintenance inspections on heating and a/c units. Regular service on such devices is akin to oil changes for vehicles. If you don’t service it regularly, don’t be surprised if it breaks. Remember, it’s more cost effective to maintain than it is to repair. Professional service should include cleaning, checking, and lubricating the system, as well as changing dirty, clogged filters. Replace your heater’s air filter monthly. If the filter is clean, the system will have to work less. In winter, reverse the switch on your ceiling fans so they blow upward, toward the ceiling. In the summer, ceiling fans are ideal because they direct air downward, making the room’s temperature up to four degrees cooler. However, in the winter, the blades should move air upward to circulate heat without chilling you with a breeze. Check outside: Trim trees and remove dead branches to prevent weather-related accidents. Clean your gutters and check your chimney. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Alpharetta office has affiliated sales associates who are experts in Atlanta’s communities and can help you quickly turn your dream into reality. If you’ve been thinking of putting your house on the market, now is a great time. We have buyers searching for properties right now– we’d love to sell them your home! Contact our office today by calling 770-642-0399.
November 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 9
ColdwellBankerHomes.com 85,000 Agents | 3,000 Offices on 6 Continents | 110-Year Legacy
Alpharetta / 5BR/4.5BA / $459,900 Sandra Wilson / 678-520-9102 4950 Oakmont Bend FMLS# 5725239 on CBHomes.com
Roswell / 3BR/2.5BA / $350,000 Susan Craig / 678-6564909 2630 Camden Glen Court FMLS# 5757423 on CBHomes.com
Alpharetta / 5BR/3.5BA / $410,000 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 6349 Kristensen Court FMLS# 5756118 on CBHomes.com
Jasper / 3BR/2.1BA / $219,900 Melinda McConnell / 404-729-4226 125 Indian Beach Trail FMLS# 5744305 on CBHomes.com
W NE ICE R P
Roswell / 4BR/4.1BA / $679,000 Beverly Younkins / 770-330-2530 675 Willow Oak Way FMLS# 5763048 on CBHomes.com
Cumming / 4BR/3.2BA / $1,295,000 Pam Putnam / 770-335-5118 1465 Blackberry Lane FMLS# 5742397 on CBHomes.com
Marietta / 6BR/4BA / $425,000 Sue Forsythe / 770-630-4901 3934 Summer Breeze Court FMLS# 5740390 on CBHomes.com
Alpharetta / 5BR/4BA / $515,000 Judy Linderman / 678-592-5607 4140 Breckenridge Court FMLS# 5733751 on CBHomes.com
Interested in a career in real estate? Contact me today! 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
Cumming / 4BR/2.5BA / $275,000 Tarran Craver / 770-597-9118 7310 Harlech Trace FMLS# 5767408 on CBHomes.com
Kathy Weeks, Managing Broker 704-491-1113
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
10 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 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.
November 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 11
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
12 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 2016
Easy and affordable tips for buying a first-home Brought to you by: Karen Pate, Broker, SVP, Harry Norman REALTORS® (BPT) - Call this the age of personalization. You can customize practically anything these days, from the kind of information you get on your favorite news feed and the offers you receive from your bank to the icons, background and sounds on your smartphone. Personalizing something really makes it feel more "yours," so of course you want to be able to do that to your first home. If you're shopping for your first home, you may already know what you want to do to personalize it. However, you may not be aware that certain features can make a home easier and more affordable to customize after you've moved in. For example, if you think you'll need room to expand for a growing family down the road, it will be cheaper in the long run to buy a home with an attic or basement that you can finish into living space than to try and build on an addition from scratch. As you're shopping for your first home, keep in mind these elements that will help make it easier and financially feasible for you to make your new home truly your own: Architectural bones that are right for you
What's your personal style? Do you favor a mid-century modern look? Artdeco? Craftsman? Colonial? It's important to choose a home in a basic architectural style you love, because while you can affordpate ably change the color and landscaping, it's much harder to create a whole new look. Look for exterior features that play up the home's architectural style, and then think of ways to customize them down the road. For example, simply painting the gingerbread trim on your Victorian style home in a different color can celebrate the look you love while making it your own. Energy efficient lifestyle features Green considerations and energy efficiency are top priorities for many of today's first-time homebuyers, so it's important to look for a home that has conservation-minded features like a high-efficiency water heater or low-flow showerheads. The best eco-conscious home features, however, will also enhance your lifestyle. Upgrades like Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered, fresh-air skylights like those from Velux America provide natural light plus pas-
sive ventilation, helping to cut energy costs while reducing dependency on artificial light and ventilation sources. If you buy a home that already has skylights, you can personalize them by adding energy efficient blinds in designer colors and patterns. And if you add solar powered skylights to the home, it's easy and cost-effective since there is no cost for electrical work to operate the units. Solar skylights, blinds and installation costs are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. A programmable touchpad remote allows you to adjust the amount of light entering through the venting skylights and also to adjust the blinds with the touch of button. The skylights close automatically in case of rain. You can also easily and affordably add more natural light to interior spaces like hallways and closets with Sun Tunnel tubular skylights, which can be installed by a handy DIYer in a few hours. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more. Room to grow More Americans are living in multigenerational homes. Whether you plan to grow your family by having kids, moving your aging parents in with you, or adopting as many pets as you can fit in your house, you may find you'll need
more space in your new home before you're ready to move out of it. Homes that have unfinished basements and/ or attics will be easier to customize for your growing space needs. Converting an attic or basement into living space can cost much less than having an addition built on your home and attics are perfect spaces to easily add light and fresh air with skylights or roof windows. A price that lets you add value Popular renovation and fixer-upper shows make it easy to understand the idea of finding a home at a price that will allow you to add value. A home that needs some renovation and upgrading will likely cost less than a comparable new home, but it also affords you the opportunity to extensively personalize your space. If you buy a home that needs work for a price well under your budget limit, you can use the extra money to invest in renovations that put your personal stamp on your home. In addition to customization for additional enjoyment, those upgrades will also allow you to instantly add value to your home. Should you need assistance in selling or buying real estate please give us a call. Karen Pate at Harry Norman, REALTORS in the Forsyth/Lake Lanier office. #770-497-2000
Could an active adult community be RIGHT for you? By: Ann Jensen Ann.Jensen@HarryNorman.com You’ve probably seen more and more advertising for Active Adult Communities over the past few years and wondered if this could be the right “next step” for you. I’d like to share my experiences as a Realtor working in this market segment AND as a homeowner in Brookhaven at Johns Creek (BJC) - the Active Adult Community located just off Medlock Bridge Road and Johns Creek Parkway. My husband and I lived in Horseshoe Bend for over 30 years and raised our family there. While we loved our home, the regular exterior and the interior maintenance required for the upkeep of the property became burdensome. Did we really retire to spend our time doing home maintenance? Our retirement “vision” included golf, travel to great places, and spontaneous day adventures – not mowing, edging, weeding, caulking, painting and waiting for
workmen. In 2010, I sold a home to a client in Brookhaven at Johns Creek. The floor plans in BJC were designed with the 55+ group in mind: master suites on the main level; stepless entry from the gajensen rage; wider doorways; and vanities and commodes at adult height. New materials in windows, doors and insulation keep energy costs low. But, for us, this move was about more than “bricks and mortar.” Community is an important ingredient at this stage of life, and that is what we’ve found at BJC. Residents have common backgrounds – most are retired (or almost retired) professionals: doctors, lawyers, corporate business, small business, entrepreneurs, professors, teachers, etc. And, people are home during the day. The neighborhood does not empty out at 8 am. If a neighbor
needs a helping hand, others are home and happy to help. Getting a group together for lunch or an outing is easy – people are home. There are also planned activities – like our monthly community dinner. This is hosted at our gorgeous clubhouse and a great forum to meet new people. There are smaller interest groups for dinner clubs, book clubs, poker, watercolor, Bible study, etc. Join or don’t join – it is up to you. The neighborhood is gated and completely fenced around the perimeter, the ultimate in “lock and go” living. The HOA maintains all yards (front and back). Pruning, pine straw, mowing, edging, sidewalks, common areas and the exteriors of the Villa homes are managed by the HOA/COA. Our amenities at BJC are unparalleled. We have a gorgeous pool, two lighted tennis courts that are also lined for pickle ball, a nature trail, and a community garden for those “farm to table” veggies. The Clubhouse hosts many of our parties. It is available for private
rental and has an exercise facility. Brookhaven at Johns Creek is well located near Emory/Johns Creek Hospital, medical offices, shopping, movies and restaurants. There are 10 golf/ country clubs within 4 miles. Lastly, many residents have moved here to be closer to grandchildren and that’s great. But remember, that as the grandkids get older and into their own activities, friends, school and schedules, you’ll want to have your own network of friends for activities and outings. I wish there had been a community like this for my own parents when they moved to Atlanta 35 years ago to be closer to their grandchildren. My parents moved ¼ mile from me and for the next 35 years, I was their primary interface for social interaction. Being close to grandkids is wonderful, but nurturing your own life is just as important – you’ve EARNED it! Come check us out on Sunday, November 6th from 2pm – 4 pm at our OPEN HOUSE.
November 2016
Real estate report • Sponsored Section
Homes for Sale at
northfulton.com 13
Brookhaven at Johns Creek Stunning Ranch Villa Homes For Sale in
Award Winning Active Adult Community OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, NOV. 6th • 2 - 4 pm RESORT-LIKE AMENITIES
NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES
• Clubhouse • Exercise Facility • Gorgeous Pool • Walking Trail • Community Vegetable Garden • Gated/Secure
• Monthly Dinners • Book Clubs • Classes • Card Groups • Game Groups • Seasonal Activities and More!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Excellent Medical Facilities Nearby Ten Golf Courses within Five Miles Entertainment, Shopping, Restaurants DIRECTIONS: North on Hwy 141/Medlock Bridge Rd; RIGHT on Johns Creek Parkway; RIGHT on Technology Circle; RIGHT into Brookhaven at Johns Creek subdivision. See the gate instructions posted on the call box and follow the signs.
Ann Jensen Cell: 404-933-2876 Office: 770-622-3081
Email: Ann.Jensen@HarryNorman.com ® ®
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.
14 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • Real estate report
November 2016