Articles Tagged "Home improvements"

The cost of energy is continually going up. You've found some wonderful Atlanta homes for sale, but once you move in, will you be able to afford the energy bills? It might be a good idea to invest in solar panels. Some people are hesitant to take the plunge, but it's one of the best decisions you can make for your home. They can save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and more. Here are a few of the benefits of going solar in 2023.

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When you chose your house from Atlanta homes for sale, you probably had in mind just how you'd put your mark on it to make your home distinctively yours. One of the best ways to do that is with paint, and we mean not just painting walls but adding unique touches that give your home a designer look. You can easily change a room by painting patterns, trim, designs, and textures from floor to ceiling with relatively little expense. And then there's the versatility and richness of modern paints—so many shades and hues available in varying sheens and textures and for a variety of surfaces.

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Updating your home is a great way to get it ready to sell, but if you're getting ready to sell, you probably also don't want to do anything too expensive or time-consuming. The sooner you sell it and the less it costs you to get it ready, the better. Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true ways you can renovate your home without demolition. Here are a few faster, more affordable, and less invasive improvements our real estate agents recommend if you want to give your home a facelift first.

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Whether you're planning to sell your home or just give it an updated look, you don't need to break the bank to get stylish design appeal. Our real estate agents often show homes decorated on a budget that impress even the most discriminating homebuyers.

Good decorating skills rely on a keen eye and a sense of style. Finding stylish furniture, rugs, lighting, and accessories for your home doesn't take a lot of money, just the ability to spot things that look expensive. Take a look at ways to add upscale touches to your home on a budget.

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If you work from home, it's important to have the proper space to do it in. Maybe you just had your laptop on the kitchen table in your old place, but now, after looking at Atlanta homes for sale, you've finally found a house with space for a real home office. Now comes the task of setting it up and making it your own. Here's how to take your home office to the next level.

• Ergonomic Chair. If you're sitting at your computer for hours, it's important to have proper support. Extended sitting can lead to back problems, poor posture, and high blood pressure. An ergonomic chair helps eliminate these problems, allowing you to sit straighter and more comfortably. Keeping your neck and back from aching, your feet from falling asleep, and more it's essential for any home office.

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Especially if your family has allergy or asthma sufferers, clean air is important. There are plenty of Atlanta homes for sale, but do they have good air circulation? Here are a few ways to improve your home's Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

• IAQ Test. If you're looking at a house but are concerned about air quality, have it tested. There are DIY kits for this, though a professional will get more complete results. They can tell you how polluted the air is, which specific contaminants are in it, and how to eliminate them.

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As more people understand the need for sustainable living, homeowners are trying to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Going green not only benefits the environment but also increases your home's value, makes it durable, and helps you save on energy bills. As the government drives to eliminate the use of plastics and push citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles, our real estate agents put together these six features you can use to go green in your home.

1. Install a Smart Thermostat
   When the temperature is extremely cold or hot, it's easy to leave the HVAC unit on for longer than you need. The heating and cooling system consumes a significant proportion of energy in your home.

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Whether the musicians in your home are practicing scales for the first time or rehearsing for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, their basic needs in a music room are the same. Our real estate agents have some tips to share to help convert a spare room in your home into the perfect space for them and the people who wish to hear them. 

• Soundproofing
  If air can pass around doors and windows, so can sound. Cut down the leaks with weather stripping, door sweeps, and soundproofing duct liner around heating and cooling ducts. Like light, sound reflects off of hard surfaces, reverberating repeatedly. Carpeting, rugs, and wall hangings go a long way to dull unwanted echoes and resonance. If the room does double duty, shelves of books and spare beds also absorb sound, as do heavy drapes. While you want the sound to be partially absorbed, you still need to leave some hard surfaces to maintain the natural frequency of the music. Hard floors with luxurious rugs combine the best of both.

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An expansive kitchen is among the top attractions for people looking into Atlanta homes for sale. However, don't discount any house you love just because of a narrow kitchen. With a few remodeling tricks, you can turn a galley kitchen into a sophisticated space that looks wider than it actually is. Our real estate agents have some creative tips to maximize the square footage of a narrow kitchen.

• Invest in Custom Cabinetry
  Traditional galley designs have upper and lower cabinets on opposite sides for symmetry and storage. If your kitchen has awkward angles, built-in cabinets will help you create something exceptional out of the unusual curves. You may need additional drawers for small appliances and other kitchen items and more shelving in different sections. Use cabinets with clean lines and modest hardware like pull bars or glass-front cabinets to add depth.

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Kitchen islands have become a popular addition for homeowners looking to renovate their kitchen design to meet the current trend. Our real estate agents have noticed most homebuyers prefer a kitchen with an island as it helps them enjoy more counter space, storage, and an eating area. Other than these advantages, how can a kitchen island be a game-changer for your home?

• Ample and Flexible Workspace
  Kitchen spaces tend to be compact and are designed to be enough. However, a lot of activity occurs in the kitchen, and an additional counter can help provide enough flexible working space. It relieves the kitchen of the overburdened and cramped counters.
  
  Furthermore, you can add extra kitchen amenities like a stovetop on the kitchen island, which can help change the usefulness of your kitchen. An island also makes it easy to accommodate more people in the kitchen without it seeming crowded.

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Few decorating moves can transform the ambiance of a room as easily and inexpensively as a fresh coat of paint. The shade we pick to adorn our interior walls provides a background on which the rest of our aesthetic choices are based on. Picking the right color, however, is no walk in the park. It's a boggling world of various shades, tints, and hues, each one just a little different from the last. Many just choose their favorite color or go all-out with the color of the day, only for it to look like a dud once it's up on the walls. To put this age-old problem to rest, our real estate agents have compiled a list of the best tips on how to find the perfect interior paint color the first time.

• Do Your Homework Before Shopping
  Finding the perfect paint color starts at home. Before you make a trip to the paint store, gather inspiration from fabric swatches, magazines, and catalogs. Pinterest is also a great place to start, so login, make an inspiration board for your room, and pin designs that catch your eye. The inspirational ideas can help you visualize the perfect space and narrow down your paint color choices.

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One of the most important decisions you'll have to make when remodeling or adding on to your home is finding the right contractor for your job. After all, you're putting a whole lot of trust into one person by giving them a lot of money and letting them and their crew in your home. You also expect them to deliver solid and satisfactory results without major confrontations. With that in mind, our real estate agents have compiled five questions to ask potential contractors that can help you find the best fit for your project.

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
   A resounding yes is the answer you want to hear in response to this question. A license shows you that the contractor is qualified for the job you're looking to have completed and keeps up to speed on code changes and best practices. Having a surety bond is a security that if the contractor does not complete the job, you're protected by the surety company. The contractor should have general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance to protect you from liability if something in your home is damaged or someone is injured while working on your property. Don't just take their word for it; ask for copies to ensure the contractor is current on credentials. If they can't provide papers, that should raise a red flag.

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Estimates indicate that a whopping 80 percent of items in a household sit unused. Our real estate agents find that a home with less clutter appears larger and more appealing to potential better.

If you're ready to tame your home's clutter, make sure to determine how you want to declutter. Many homeowners forgo decluttering simply because it feels too overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you find your decluttering preferences. 

Decluttering Methods That Suits Your Goals

There are a slew of decluttering methods that will help you decide what things to keep. The best alternative will depend on your goals for decluttering and what you're hoping to accomplish.

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Which is better, carpet or hardwood? This is a common question many homeowners have when trying to find the best flooring choice for their homes. The "right" decision for you will depend on your situation, budget, and taste. If you're planning to put your home on the market, you'll also need to consider the preferences and traditions in your neighborhood. Our real estate agents take a look at the difference between carpet floors and hardwood floors.

• Care and Cleaning
  Hardwood
  Of the two materials, hardwood flooring is easier to clean and maintain. The floor can be swept, vacuumed, or damp mopped to remove loose dirt, dust, surface stains, and other debris. Also, it's easier to spot dust and dirt on a hardwood floor.
  
  Carpet
  Keeping the carpet clean typically involves simple but frequent vacuuming. However, some people feel that keeping the carpet fully clean is a little tougher because stains soak in and settle permanently. Also, dust, pollen, micro-bacteria, and other allergens are easily trapped in the fibers. Carpet is a hard choice in high traffic areas and for people with pets or those who suffer from allergies.

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Adding a dedicated workout space to your home promotes health and wellness. It's also a great way to customize your new home or get the attention of buyers if you'll be selling soon. And the best part is that it's an upgrade that can work with any budget. Our real estate agents have seen a wide variety of gyms in Atlanta homes for sale, and we can tell you it's an upgrade you'll be glad to have. Here are some ideas to get you started

• Think about your training goals and workout style.
  This will help you decide on equipment and how much space you'll need. A home workout space can range from containing little or no equipment for bodyweight training workouts to the latest high tech cardio and weight training equipment that can cost thousands of dollars. You can use almost any space for a gym. A corner of the garage, an extra room, a basement, or even outside can offer all kinds of options for your own workout space.

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2021 is the perfect opportunity to spruce up your home and make it a little bit more comfortable. If you are looking for a fast and cost-effective option that will add value to your home, a fresh coat of paint is something our real estate agents highly recommend. Of course, it always pays to stay up-to-date on trends so that your paint choice matches the tastes of prospective buyers.

• Pantone Returns to the Classics
  Pantone's Color of the Year for 2020 was Classic Blue. This simple color makes a statement that is as soft and subtle as it is timelessly elegant. When you look at the world's most extraordinary homes and palaces, you will find plenty of Classic Blue walls, ceilings, and trim.
  
  For 2021, Pantone has chosen to stick with a more subdued color of Ultimate Gray. Soft and refined, it's a practical color that works well in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and more. However, as with Classic Blue, it's best to use these colors in rooms with plenty of natural light; otherwise, it can feel a bit confining. In addition, Illuminating, a bright, sunny yellow, has also been showcased by Pantone for 2021 and provides a welcome pop of color when paired with Ultimate Gray.

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To see, or not to see — 'tis not the philosophical question anyone wants to grapple with while cooking their favorite meal. If you ask our real estate agents the one ingredient that can make a beautiful kitchen seem dull and drab, the top answer will almost always be the lighting. In particular, task lighting makes it much easier to achieve culinary perfection. Whether you are building a new home or renovating your kitchen, pay close attention to the illumination you put into the plans.

• Under-Cabinet Lights are Worth Their Weight in Golden Saffron
  Under-cabinet lights banish shadows from your countertops. They make it easier to fill the coffee pot, roll the dough, or chop the carrots. They also make these tasks safer and less likely to spill all over the floor when you miss your mark. These lights are simple and inexpensive to install. You can choose DIY plug-in puck lights and mounted strip lights for fast and inexpensive installation. However, the best option which will add significant value to the kitchen is professionally mounted hard-wired lights.  
  
  Because these lighting options fit snugly beneath the cabinets, they are an unobtrusive feature that won't eat up valuable storage space. They can be controlled by switches or operated via smart home systems. Connecting your under-cabinet lights to your smart home offers a considerable advantage: you won't have to wash your hands to turn the lights on or adjust the lighting. This can make cooking a little faster and easier.

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So you've listed your home, found a buyer, and accepted an offer. Congratulations! You're almost closing the sale, but you still have to make it through the home inspection before you start packing. The home inspection process can be nerve-racking for a seller. You don't want the deal to fall through, be stuck with the cost of major repairs, or lower the price to account for repairs. With that in mind, it's important to show your home in the best possible light and have the inspection go as smoothly as possible. Our real estate agents provide tips for how you can get ready for a home inspection.

• Work With Your Real Estate Agent
  Depending on how many houses you've sold before, you may have little to no experience with home inspection preparations and negotiations. Now is the time to trust your agent to help you navigate the process. Your real estate agent can explain how the home inspection works, help you understand the types of home maintenance problems that are common in your area, develop a plan for repair requests, determine whether you're in a seller's or buyer's market, and help you with negotiations based on the findings.

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Remodeling your home is a fantastic way to make your home a little bit more comfortable and a little more valuable when the time comes to put it on the market. Our real estate agents recommend taking stock of your skills and abilities before performing any remodeling. While it is fine to do some tasks by yourself, it is important to know when to leave the job to a professional.

Go Ahead and Do It Yourself

You can probably take care of most painting tasks or hanging wallpaper. Likewise, you can do landscaping and most general maintenance tasks such as replacing baseboards or repairing damaged drywall. These tasks are not that difficult, and there is minimal risk of causing lasting damage to your home. Likewise, general maintenance tasks such as replacing air filters, cleaning gutters, repairing/painting fences, etc. are also easy to perform and won't risk damage to the home.

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Americans are embracing outdoor kitchens like never before. What has been a steady trend has really taken off in recent months as we stay home more and look to entertain small groups of family and close friends in safe gatherings. 

If you're thinking about building an outdoor kitchen on your property, you'll be upping its value among Atlanta homes for sale, particularly if you avoid certain outdoor kitchen mistakes. 

Our real estate agents can advise you on outdoor kitchens and a host of other topics to enhance your Atlanta home's value, including these common mistakes when planning an outdoor cooking and entertaining area.

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Our real estate agents know that sellers are always looking for ways to impress buyers and make them notice all their home has to offer. Getting ready to sell always means completing a few projects around the house. When you're redoing a room, deciding on a look for the walls is a must. The walls are usually the largest surface and most noticeable part of a room. So it's a good opportunity to really catch a buyer's attention.

1. Repair and patch. This is a big must when you're selling and it's the first step in any wall-related project.  Life happens, and your walls may have dents, cracks, gouges, or nail holes to prove it. They may seem small, but buyers will notice, and repairing them will make a dramatic difference.  For nail holes and other small blemishes, spackle and a putty knife will do the trick. For large holes mesh patches or a piece of drywall and some joint compound will be necessary. Sand afterward to blend the repairs into the rest of the wall.

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Maybe you're concerned that the exterior of your home looks a little drab and worn down. Or, perhaps you want a different style for your home's siding. Rejuvenate your home by re-siding it.

Re-siding is an excellent way to prepare your home to put on the market before you call our real estate agents. When re-siding your home, here are a few things you should consider. 

1. Whether Your Siding Actually Requires Replacement
   If you like the look of your home, but know your siding has quite a few holes and tears, it's important to determine if re-siding is your best option. While new siding will overhaul the entire look of your home, it's also a large investment.
   
   An alternative might be repairing or replacing the damaged portions of your home. Whether repairing is a viable solution depends on the age and condition of your siding and how many areas have damage.

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Our real estate agents are on top of the hottest landscaping trends for the Empire City of the South in 2020. Word is some of the most popular trends are tracking from previous years—they're just too good to let go. But we're also watching some newer outdoor styles, making their way from coast to coast and evolving to fit Atlanta's unique Southern landscaping scene. 

Still Trending in 2020

1. Indoor Living Moves Outdoors. This concept has been around for a while, but it's still going strong. In Atlanta, it's come to mean finding new ways to enjoy the outdoors longer—through the chill of winter and the hottest days of summer.

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Daily life can get stressful. Some chaotic days may leave you feeling out of control or burdened. During the hectic days, you must take care of yourself to avoid getting sick or overwhelmed. Making your current living space or new Atlanta homes for sale feel like a sanctuary is good for your overall health and well-being.

Thinking about what makes you feel relaxed and comfortable is the best way to create a sanctuary at home.  If you need some inspiration for your home, check out the following ideas.

• Declutter and Organize: For many individuals, extra clutter can cause stress. Spend some time decluttering your indoor living space. Donate unused clothing or other household items to charity. You'll even receive a tax write off. Invest in bins, totes, and filing cabinet to keep everything organized.

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If you're lucky enough to have a home with a bonus room or a "flex space," you're already at an advantage. When you're ready to list, this will help your house stand out from many of the other Atlanta homes for sale. However, simply having this extra space isn't enough to attract a great buyer. You also need to know how to properly showcase the room so potential buyers will fall in love. 

Not sure where to start? No worries! Follow these five tips, and you'll be ready to turn your bonus room into one of your home's best features. 

1. Understand Your Potential Buyer
   The first thing you'll need to do is get a good idea of the type of person who is likely to buy your home. This will help you determine what they're likely to want when it comes to extra space. For example, if you live in an up-and-coming area that's popular with professionals, you might consider showcasing the room as a home office, gym, or entertainment room.

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Remodeling can give your home a brand new look and feel. It can enhance your comfort and enjoyment of the house, and if you plan it right, remodeling can add a pretty penny to your home's resale value. When planning your remodel, it's essential to choose your projects carefully so that you can get the maximum return on your investment when you put your house on the market among other Atlanta homes for sale.

• The Kitchen
  Kitchen remodels are a top renovation priority. Most people spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen, and your kitchen must have a comfortable, welcoming ambiance. You should select tiles, flooring, and fixtures that create a cohesive, modern atmosphere. And, it never hurts to upgrade your appliances to incorporate the stainless steel, energy efficiency, and reliability that will entice 21st-century homebuyers to make an offer. A mid-range remodel can provide a return of about 80%, while a full remodel will provide an ROI of around 60%.

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A properly installed roof can reach the end of its useful life without experiencing leaks or other signs of failure. It may simply look old and worn out. However, storm damage can wreak havoc on an old roof and cause further problems down the road. So, you need to watch for warning signs that your roof needs replacement even if it looks fine at the moment. Fortunately, our real estate agents have searched far and wide to bring you this list of telltale signs that your roof needs to be replaced.

• Your Roof is at Least 20 Years Old
  All roofing systems have a maximum lifespan. Asphalt shingles, for example, last 15-20 years, while tile roofing can last up to 100 years. Although many shingles today are made for durability, several factors can accelerate aging. For example, harsh storms can damage your roof, compromising its integrity. Poorly ventilated roofs can also negatively impact your shingles and cause them to fail sooner. So, an asphalt shingle roof that is 20 years old should be a signal for replacement regardless of its present condition.

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It's a new year — a time to embrace change, leap into new experiences, and say yes to amazing opportunities. Whether you're hoping to upgrade your space to one of our new Atlanta homes for sale or if you're planning on relocating to the city of your dreams, our real estate agents encourage you to help sell your home with Pantone's Color of the Year — Classic Blue!

2020 Pantone Color of the Year: Classic Blue

What defines a classic? It's a hallmark of a yesterday that we don't want to let go. It's a memory, a feeling that we love to immerse ourselves in. If there's one color that will let us swim in such serenity, it's Pantone's Color of the Year — Classic Blue. This rich, stable color instills a sense of calm as we venture into a new decade. The peace and tranquility it lends our spirit allows us to focus our minds and prepare to take on the year with resilience.

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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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Whether you've owned your house for years, or you're just now about to buy one of the beautiful Atlanta homes for sale, all homeowners should be able to complete maintenance and repairs around their property. Our real estate agents know that even newer homes will require a little bit of handy work as the years pass. We believe that it's wise to have a handful of specific tools available to use when you need them most. Here are 15 tools that every homeowner needs in their home.

1. Tape Measure
   A tape measure is one tool you should have the minute you move in. As you attempt to move in your existing furniture or purchase new pieces, you'll need to know the exact measurements of specific spaces. We recommend buying a sturdy tap measure for around the house and a smaller tape measure to keep in your car or purse for measuring items in store.

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For most homeowners, the roof is usually an afterthought—at least until you see a brown spot on your ceiling. Then you realize how critical that part of your home is. In addition to protecting your home from natural elements, the roof contributes greatly to the curb appeal and resale value of your house. So, when building a new home, a house addition or re-roofing, it is best to consider roofing options available and then determine what is suitable for your home. You should also look at the climate in your area as well as the architectural style of your home.

There are more types of roofing materials in the marketplace than ever before. Each has its advantages and shortcomings, so choosing one can be tough. Our real estate agents provide a list of the most common types of roofing materials along with their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

1. Asphalt Shingles
   These are the most common roofing materials, covering a great majority of houses in America. The standard-three-tab asphalt shingles often incorporate granulated zinc or copper to prevent the growth of algae. Asphalt shingles are machine-sawed and available in a wide range of different colors both solid and blended. They are highly durable and made to last around 25 years or more. Most asphalt roofing products are affordable and easy to install. However, this roofing material degrades over time due to exposure to the environment. They are also prone to impact damage than harder, thicker roofing.

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It's not unusual to want or need to do some updates when getting ready to sell your home. And with so many amazing home makeovers all over TV, it can be tempting to want to incorporate every up-to-the-second trend into your Atlanta home for sale remodeling project. But don't get too excited just yet.

Our real estate agents know what makes your home appealing to as many potential buyers as possible. Neutral paint, décor, and finishes that look modern, but not overly trendy, and design that doesn't look too personalized offer the kind of wide appeal that can sell your home faster. So if you're selling soon, here are a few home remodeling trends you'd be better off avoiding. 

• Farmhouse chic. After years of over-saturation, this design trend is finally running out of steam. This includes elements like shiplap walls, farmhouse sinks, and distressed furniture. It's also a pretty specific style, so if you're selling you'll run the risk of turning off buyers that would prefer a different look.

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It's every seller's dream for buyers to come see their home and instantly fall in love. But how do you know what buyers are really looking for? Our real estate agents have lots of experience with Atlanta homes for sale and there are just some things that buyers want to see again and again. If you're lucky enough to have these features already in your home, make sure buyers know about them. If you're looking to make some improvements before you sell, these exterior features are sure to get a buyer's attention.

1. Exterior lighting. Exterior lights serve two purposes, so if you don't have any, adding some offers a lot of value for your home improvement dollar. Aesthetics and safety are top considerations for homeowners, and exterior lighting provides both. Lights can be part of the security system with motion sensors, they can highlight areas of the property, or provide illumination by entrances or along pathways or stairs for extra safety.

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