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.
After looking at lots of Atlanta homes for sale, you finally found the one. You're moving in, getting settled, and preparing for the holidays — all at the same time! If this sounds familiar, you could probably use a little reassurance right now. The holidays are a busy time, especially when you have house guests. But with the right planning, you can prepare your home and enjoy a happy holiday season together. Here are some tips to help you prepare your new home for holiday house guests.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Entertaining outside is one of the benefits of summer weather, but out-of-control mosquitoes can make an evening spent outside less than pleasant for your guests. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep those skeeters at bay! Here are a few suggestions from our real estate agents for making your patio party more enjoyable for everyone.
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.
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.
Patios offer stellar opportunities to add beautiful comfort to your outdoor living space, our real estate agents would like to share some ideas with you about how to use these spaces to their very best advantage.
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.
National Puppy Day is coming up on March 23rd, and of course, it's that time of year: puppy season! Spring litters will soon be everywhere, rescues will be looking for homes, and chances are if you've been considering a dog, this is when the hypothetical discussion is likely to become a reality. If you're in the market for a puppy, consider these tips from our real estate agents for getting your home puppy-proofed first.
If you want to create a beautiful outdoor garden area for your home, consider a butterfly garden with colorful blooms. Butterfly gardens are not only visually interesting, but they are also beneficial for the environment. If you want a lovely garden that promotes a healthy landscape and great curb appeal, follow some tips from our real estate agents to create a stunning butterfly garden.
Oh, there are definitely spots in your house that need some deep cleaning. Even if you're a neat freak or pretty diligent about home maintenance, they're some areas you may be neglecting.
If you're not properly maintaining your home, the damages will be all too evident come inspection time. Consult our real estate agents to figure out which areas of your house could use some sprucing before putting your home up for sale.
That said, carrying out some chores can help prevent long-term and even expensive damage. Here are five cleaning tasks that don't often make it onto spring cleaning lists.
Plants transform any living space into a home, in addition to purifying the air and adding a chic aesthetic. Many Atlanta homes for sale feature houseplants to attract buyers who appreciate greenery and eco-friendly spaces.
Most people hesitate to buy plants because they aren't gardening experts. However, there are durable plants that require little maintenance to stay alive. Scroll through the list below to explore some low-maintenance options.
While many homeowners downplayed New Year's in 2020, this year will probably be bigger for a lot of families. Perhaps that's why Atlanta homes for sale have become such a popular discussion. To help you start 2022 in the best way possible, our real estate agents have compiled a quick list of ways to ring in the new year in your new (or existing) home.
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.
Buying a new home is a big step for most people, especially first-time homebuyers. Our real estate agents know that it's an important part of building a life in a new community with other families, neighborhood activities, and friendly neighbors.
With the real estate market booming and the high demand for Atlanta homes for sale, it's likely that you know someone who recently purchased a new home or condo. A housewarming gift is a wonderful way to say hello and welcome them to the neighborhood. Whether you prefer a useful gift or a gift that's just fun, we have some great suggestions for the perfect housewarming gift.
The living room is one of the most important spaces in many households, serving as a gathering spot for conversation, entertainment, and hobbies. However, our real estate agents know that it's easy for "stuff" to overwhelm your living room, especially if you lack ample storage for efficient organization. Here are some living room storage ideas to assist with your organizational efforts.
Today, the majority of American families own pets. As important members of your household, it's vital to make pets feel at home and take the necessary measures to protect them. If you're finding it difficult to find a pet-friendly house in a safe and welcoming neighborhood, our real estate agents can help you out.
In honor of National Pet Fire Safety Day, on July 15th, here are some ways you can make your home safer for your furry friends.
If you've been looking at some of the beautiful landscaping surrounding many Atlanta homes for sale and wondering why some of them look so much nicer than yours, it may be a simple matter of sun mapping. That may sound like the latest hack, but it's actually a tried-and-true procedure used by the most successful gardeners. It's simply a method of identifying where to place each plant according to its sunlight needs. While there are gadgets available to do the job, most are a waste of money. They do measure the sunlight accurately, but they don't create the map that you will ultimately need. Why not enjoy your time outdoors and do the job right without spending a penny?
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.
With so many people staying at home during the pandemic, cooking has become a popular activity. Trying out new recipes and brushing up on cooking skills has created a surge of new cooks in the kitchen. At Josey Young & Brady Realty, our real estate agents are noticing a renewed interest in Atlanta homes for sale that offer well-equipped, functional kitchens.
One popular cooking trend that's making a comeback is bread baking. Even people with little cooking experience are baking homemade loaves of wheat, sourdough, and gluten-free bread from scratch. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a little patience. Here are 5 tips for baking the perfect homemade bread for your family:
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
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.
For most people, your home is one of your greatest resources in retirement, both as a place to live and an important financial asset. It should also be an important part of your retirement planning when you're preparing for the future. There are a variety of ways that you can gain equity from your property as a homeowner, while not owning a home can come with significant costs and financial uncertainty during retirement. Planning to retire soon? Our real estate agents have some important factors for you to consider how your home will factor into your retirement.
As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, it's time to start thinking about how to decorate your front porch for fall. Atlanta homes for sale will get more attention when they have a cozy, lived-in look. Add instant curb appeal by following these tips for the perfect, autumn-ready front porch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A house full of persistent little sounds can drive you crazy all day and keep you up at night. House noises are usually early indicators of potential problems that require attention. Our real estate agents have prepared a list of fixes for the most common house noises to help you restore peace and quiet to your home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your beloved dog may be your best friend, but unfortunately, the two of you can't be together 24/7. Whether you're headed to work or leaving for vacation, trust Fido to these quality doggie daycare facilities recommended by our real estate agents.
Our real estate agents help people with all kinds of financial backgrounds to purchase Atlanta homes for sale. Many people have questions about the process of getting a loan—and most are concerned about what it means for their long-term financial health.
A common question we hear at Josey Young & Brady Realty has to do with pre-payment. Pre-payment is the term for paying off your loan before the anticipated date, typically 15 or 30 years from the time the loan is issued.
Some lenders specify that paying off a large loan early will cause the lender to incur a penalty. However, this practice has largely been done away within the world of home loans. In general, if you end up with a windfall of spare cash, you can pay off your mortgage whenever you wish.
It may seem intuitive that the sooner you pay off your mortgage, the better. It's a huge milestone in life and a weight off your mind. However, it's not always wise to take the plunge.
Even if you end up with a large lump sum such as an inheritance or contest winnings that could pay off your mortgage, you might be better off continuing monthly payments.
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.
The holiday season brings with it an air of excitement and warmth. Amid all of the hustle and bustle of shopping, making preparations for your family gathering, or even finalizing plans for your holiday trip, would-be thieves are also getting ready for the season too. Our real estate agents know the last thing you want this holiday season is for a break-in to happen and ruin your family's holiday and peace of mind. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to safeguard your home during the holidays so you can enjoy this time with your friends and family.
Discourage Package Thieves
With the rise of online shopping, packages delivered to your home are a target for thieves. Consider having your goods delivered to your office, a neighbor or other point of delivery if you won't be home to receive them. If you do have packages delivered to your home, be sure the front door and walkway are visible to your neighbors, and that home security cameras provide a view of the front door.