Posts with tag 'Homeowner Tips'

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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