Articles Tagged "Homeowner Tips"

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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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.

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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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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.

• Use scents mosquitoes hate.
  Mosquitoes hate certain strong, sharp scents enough that using them liberally can help keep the biting pests away. Citronella is a common scent that people use to ward off mosquitoes and can be burned in candle form or added to tiki torch fuels. Cedar oil is another that mosquitoes and other pests dislike, so you can dilute it with water and spray it on the grass, plants, and outdoor furniture for a fresh scent and a bug-free experience.

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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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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. 

• Discover the Versatility of Container Planters
  Just as you can move your furniture to change the look of the inside of your home, you can change the exterior with plants that can be moved. To ease this process, heavier plants should be placed on wheeled platforms. Placement and purpose of the containers can also serve a variety of functions. For example, you can define entryways with tall plants such as juniper or boxwood. Juniper can be easily shaped into column-shaped accents. Foliage and vines can define a wall surrounding your patio but are less mobile.

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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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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.

• Keep trouble out of reach. Look around your house. There are probably many items that aren't safe for puppies. You'll need to get all of those moved out of reach of a puppy, which means putting medications and dangerous chemicals in upper cupboards, picking up throw rugs, and moving poisonous plants out of reach.

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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.

• Choose the Right Garden Site
  When choosing your garden site, it's important to select an area where you can plant a variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials. By planting greenery that grows to different sizes and heights with various colors and flowers that bloom at different times during the year, you will create a garden that attracts a wide range of butterflies. Grouping a variety of plants will create unity in your garden and cut down the distance that butterflies have to travel for nectar.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

1. New Year's Essentials
   You can't start off a New Year's celebration in your new home without some of the essentials. We're talking, of course, about party hats, noisemakers, confetti poppers, and all that jazz. It also wouldn't hurt to pick up some crazy 2022 glasses to pass out to your guests. Go to any party store or most department stores, and you'll find plenty of great selections.

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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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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.

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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. 

1. An Entertainment Center
   An entertainment center is an excellent addition because it serves multiple functions with one piece of furniture. Your entertainment center holds your TV and all your electronic items, like your gaming consoles, cable box, and Blu-Ray Player. It also provides drawers or cabinets for you to store additional entertainment accessories. Use your entertainment center to house your video game collection, DVDs, extra gaming controllers, and remote controls. If you have any free space left, use it to stow books, blankets, toys, or collectibles.

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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.

• Prevent Your Pets From Starting Fires
  Pets start nearly 1,000 home fires every year, making it necessary to pet-proof your home and eliminate any potential hazards, such as loose wires. Other tips include:

• • Lock or cover stove knobs. Your pet may nudge the knobs just enough to ignite the burners.
  • Do not leave candles unattended. It's a good idea to extinguish all open flames so a stray tail or paw doesn't tip them over.
  • Beware of glass water bowls on wooden decks, especially on hot summer days. Hot rays from the sun can ignite wood when filtered through glass.

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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?

• Sketch the area to be planted
  This may be a simple rectangle, but more than likely, there will be trees and walls that create shady spots throughout the day. These are the areas you will eventually identify and record. The map doesn't need to be exact or to scale as long as you can follow it later. One thing to consider is the shade that will be cast by the canopy of a tree without leaves. You may have to estimate.

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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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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:

1. Use the Right Ingredients
   When baking bread, you only need four main ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. You can use white flour or wheat flour, as well as dry or wet yeast. If you're making sourdough bread, you don't need commercial yeast. You can use a sourdough starter, a live fermented culture, which acts as a natural leavening agent. All of these ingredients can be found in local grocery stores.

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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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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.

• Will You Be Carrying a Mortgage?
  Owning your home free and clear of mortgage payments is an ideal situation for retirement. There are significant tax benefits, and, of course, you won't have to worry about monthly mortgage payments. If you do have a mortgage that makes balancing your retirement budget complicated, then downsizing to a new, more affordable home can make life easier.
  
  

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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.

• Create a Cozy Place to Sit
  If you have the space, create a cozy place to sit and sip on your morning coffee while you enjoy crisp autumn mornings. Set up a bench or a couple of chairs, depending on the size of your porch, and don't forget to make the area weather-proof so that you can enjoy your porch all autumn long. Partially enclosing the porch with windows or screens will let light in while acting as a windbreak, or you can hang insulated curtains to help keep the area comfortable. Throw pillows and blankets add the finishing touches to a cozy fall retreat.

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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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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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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.

• Whistling Window
  A window that whistles in a strong wind can make for a long day. The unwanted whistling can be caused by worn weather stripping, improperly installed windows, the simple passage of time, or changes in temperature. You can soundproof your window by caulking or weatherstripping around the frame to take care of any possible leak.

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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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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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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.

1. Bark Avenue Pet Resort - 2961 Olympic Industrial Drive
   Just like their humans, dogs have their own individual personalities, and they can have different responses to social activities. Bark Avenue Pet Resort specializes in non-social and senior dog care, and clients rave about the staff's knack for keeping their pets in small groups with compatible dogs. Staff members will even have one-on-one walks and playtime with dogs who are too timid to be around other animals. Hours at Bark Avenue are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

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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.

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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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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.

1. 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.

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