Date Archives: January 2020

As you prepare your home to put it on the market, it's easy to focus on the more obvious rooms and neglect your closets. In fact, as you clean other rooms, you may have ended up storing some additional items in your closets. Overstuffed, dark, and disorganized closets are a turn-off to prospective buyers. They want to see stylish, roomy areas in Atlanta homes for sale so they'll enough space to store what they need and not dread going into their closets.

Our real estate agents suggest the following ways to make your closets appeal to prospective buyers:

• Give your closets a thorough cleaning
  Make sure to clean your closets when you're getting your home ready to sell. Empty each closet and clean it with a damp rag and extendable duster from top to bottom. Clean the floor with a vacuum if it's carpeted and with a dust mop or Swiffer Wet Jet if it has hardwood floors. After you clean, leave the doors open and let your closet dry out before replacing any items.

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Are you looking to break up your average dinner routine with an extraordinary night out? Our real estate agents have picked out five unique dining destinations around Atlanta that we're sure you'll love!

1. Agatha's A Taste of Mystery — 161 Peachtree Center Ave. NE., Atlanta, GA 30303
   Would you like a side of mystery with your dinner? There's been a murder at Agatha's A Taste of Mystery and it's hauntingly hilarious. This interactive murder mystery show changes by the season, serving up a fresh who-dun-it with their delicious five-course meals. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, soup and salad while the plot thickens. By the time you've finished your chicken, pork or fish entrée, you'll be ready to catch the culprit and dive into a delectable dessert. For 30 years, diners have raved about this intimate venue's comedy and cuisine — we guarantee you won't be disappointed!

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The mortgage loan application process is quite rigorous - one or several strikes against you and the loan officer decides that you don't qualify. There are many reasons why your request for a loan may have been rejected. Receiving a rejection letter can certainly be a disappointment. But rather than dwell on the unfortunate outcome, use it as a valuable learning experience and correct the problem. Our real estate agents share five possible causes for a mortgage loan denial and what you can do to improve your chances moving forward.

• Down Payment is Too Small
  A down payment shows lenders that you're capable of saving money, and you're serious about investing in your future home. So, a small down payment does little to put their minds at ease. Conventional loans require a down payment anywhere between 5% and 20% of the total value of a home. If you come up with anything less than 20%, chances are very high that you'll receive a denial or be required to pay private mortgage insurance.
  
  How to fix: Start saving early enough so you reach the 20% threshold when submitting your application or wait and give yourself time to save up the funds. You can also use a gift from a relative as long as no repayment is expected. Ensure you're transparent in documenting the source of the money. Finally, you can have the seller pay some of the closing costs.

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Once you've made everyone's holiday dreams come true, it's time to treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering. Start the new year right with post-holiday relaxation at one of these fabulous spas around Atlanta homes for sale.

1. The Art of Touch - 855 Peachtree St., Suite 2B, Atlanta 30308
   A visit to The Art of Touch is a treat for all the senses. Massage is customized to meet your specific needs, so pricing is based only on the length of the session regardless of the style you select. Extras such as aromatherapy, body oils, and chocolate bars add to overall relaxation, while the massage space itself is designed as a showcase for a rotating selection of local artwork. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.

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