JYB Realty Blog

Our real estate agents love helping new residents explore the area. From recommending great restaurants to helping them find places to enjoy their favorite hobbies, we're always looking for ways to help.

September is Sewing Month, and we've created a round-up of the best local places where you can stock up on all of your sewing supplies. Check it out! 

• Forsyth Fabrics: 1401 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
  One of Atlanta's most well-established fabric stores, Forsyth Fabrics has been around since 1949! They carry thousands of in-stock drapery and upholstery fabrics and trims. They also carry pillow inserts, hardware, performance fabrics, and more.
  
  You can check out their website for an idea of what they carry, but don't stop there. They have many more items in-store and are also happy to place special orders if you're looking for something specific.

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You may have heard that there is a shortage of real estate available in America, but our real estate agents want to assure you that there are plenty of magnificent Atlanta homes for sale, no matter your price range. But did you know that your credit score can change the affordability of your dream house? Credit scores not only make a difference in the mortgage rate but also in the type of loan for which you can qualify, including the amount of down payment required. Conventional mortgages usually require a minimum score of 620, FHA requires 580, VA and USDA require 640, and jumbo loans 700-740. Unfortunately, how these credit scores are calculated is a mystery to most consumers. Here are few ways to boost your score.

• Don't apply for new credit
  Retailers are always pitching their store cards with promises of money-saving prices and cashback on purchases. Lenders look at your FICO score to determine creditworthiness. Opening new accounts over a short period of time can signal a greater credit risk to lenders. New credit accounts for about 10% of your score.

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Happy September! If you're a bread lover, then you're probably excited this month has finally arrived. Sourdough September is the perfect opportunity to visit some local bakeries and sample what they have to offer. Here are some top bakeries our real estate agents recommend visiting in the Atlanta area.

• Proof Bakeshop: 100 Hurt St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Proof Bakeshop is a neighborhood bakery offering delicious pastries, desserts, and breads. Their Country Sourdough is a tried and true favorite. Every loaf is tall and loaded with that classic, sour flavor. They also offer a Sesame Sourdough, which is lovely for making sandwiches.
  
  If you're at Proof Bakeshop around lunchtime, consider ordering some avocado toast or a pressed sandwich on sourdough. There's a cozy seating area where you can dine surrounded by fresh, green plants and sunny windows.

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A cluttered bathroom can make your house look messy and waste time in your morning or evening routines. If you're planning to add your house among Atlanta homes for sale, a decluttered bathroom is a good place when getting your home ready to sell.

• Collect everything that you need to store in the bathroom. Seeing what you have will give you an idea of how to organize it, and you can see if you'll need any additional storage.
  
  
• Get rid of old, expired items and items you don't need. Most makeup will keep for about a year after it's opened; eye products are usually more like 3-6 months. If you notice separating, changes in texture, bad smells, or it's suddenly irritating your skin, it's time to pitch it. Expired medications can be disposed of at community collection events, but if you're not going that route, be aware of any local regulations regarding which medications can be flushed or disposed of in the trash. Unopened, unexpired items like soaps or shampoos you just don't need may be able to be donated.

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August is National Family Fun Month! Just the perfect time to have some carefree playtime with the kids before you get devoured by the chaotic routines of school. And what better place to enjoy some family-fun activities than in Atlanta? From top museums to amusement parks, the capital of Georgia offers a lot to love for natives and visitors alike. Our real estate agents have rounded up the top fun attractions to get you started.

• Georgia Aquarium - 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  As the country's largest aquarium, Georgia Aquarium has plenty to see and do. Be amazed at the graceful motions of fascinating oceanic giants such as manta rays, whale sharks, and beluga whales, or be amused by the antics of big-bellied seahorses and sea otters. Don't forget to visit the new shark gallery and experience unique encounters with Predators of the Deep.

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