Posts with tag 'Home maintenance'

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 a competitive market, and you want your home to stand out when prospective buyers knock on your door. The more dated the features and fixtures, the harder it will be to find someone who wants to schedule a date for closing. Before you add your home to the list of Atlanta homes for sale this year, the following are some updates that are well worth the investment.

• Roof - Your roof is the capstone of your home. A damaged roof raises red flags in the eyes of prospective buyers. If boards are soft, shingles are missing, or structural damage makes the roof unsound, buyers will drive down the road to the next property on their list.

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One of the reasons that Atlanta is known as "The Hollywood of the South" arises from the many beautiful and well-manicured homes that are nestled within the landscape. More than a few of the Atlanta homes for sale in the city's finest neighborhoods feature exceptionally maintained lawns, lush parks, and everything from golf courses and swimming pools, to tennis courts and clubhouses.

As you might expect, a fair number of these homes and condos are overseen by homeowners associations (HOAs). There are pros and cons to HOAs, and you should be aware of these before you purchase your next home. 

The Pros of an HOA in Atlanta

Your HOA will set rules regarding landscaping in the community. These rules govern what kinds of trees, grasses, shrubbery, etc. you can plant. This helps establish a uniform atmosphere that is visually appealing. The HOA will maintain the common areas such as parks and easements, and in many cases, they will also maintain the landscaping on your property, which means you won't have to worry about mowing, trimming, or weeding ever again.

HOAs will also serve as a mediator when your neighbor puts their car up on blocks, plays the radio too loud, or has a dog that won't stop barking into the wee hours of the morning. All you have to do is file a complaint or a request for help, and they will help resolve the problem.

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Spring has sprung, and our real estate agents are busy helping clients with Atlanta homes for sale prepare for the most active selling season of the year. One of their top tips is to use paint to get your home in buyer-ready condition. So grab your paintbrush, roller and drop cloth and read on to learn how you can make your home more appealing with a few coats of paint.

• Give the Exterior of Your Home Some Love
  There's no denying that creating curb appeal is vital—first impressions are everything with it comes to selling your home. If the exterior of your home is falling flat, consider giving it a makeover with paint. Many potential buyers drive by before looking at a home. If they're faced with a messy exterior or peeling paint, they may not come back. Ask around and get a few estimates from professional painters—they have the skill and tools to do the job safely and make it stand out from the crowd. Its best to choose a neutral or earthy tone for the exterior of your home, but make sure to pick a different color for trim—the contrast will be more eye-catching than using a single color.

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