JYB Realty Blog

One of our favorite things to do in the winter is to spend time with friends or family over a delicious pasta meal in a warm, cozy restaurant. Fresh pasta is such a comforting food  — especially when it's cold outside. With so many excellent restaurants in the Atlanta area, it's easy to get decision fatigue when trying to decide where to go for dinner. To help narrow down your choices, our real estate agents put together a list of some of their favorite Italian restaurants in Atlanta serving up your favorite pasta dishes.

• BoccaLupo - 753 Edgewood Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Low-key and intimate are the best words to describe BoccaLupo, an authentic restaurant in Inman Park serving up Italian-American cuisine. In addition to some delicious pasta dishes, BoccaLupo also offers a really casual vibe — making it a great place to either catch-up with friends or have a romantic date. They also have a full bar with classic cocktails, wines, and beer. Reservations are recommended, and takeout is also available.

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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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To see, or not to see — 'tis not the philosophical question anyone wants to grapple with while cooking their favorite meal. If you ask our real estate agents the one ingredient that can make a beautiful kitchen seem dull and drab, the top answer will almost always be the lighting. In particular, task lighting makes it much easier to achieve culinary perfection. Whether you are building a new home or renovating your kitchen, pay close attention to the illumination you put into the plans.

• Under-Cabinet Lights are Worth Their Weight in Golden Saffron
  Under-cabinet lights banish shadows from your countertops. They make it easier to fill the coffee pot, roll the dough, or chop the carrots. They also make these tasks safer and less likely to spill all over the floor when you miss your mark. These lights are simple and inexpensive to install. You can choose DIY plug-in puck lights and mounted strip lights for fast and inexpensive installation. However, the best option which will add significant value to the kitchen is professionally mounted hard-wired lights.  
  
  Because these lighting options fit snugly beneath the cabinets, they are an unobtrusive feature that won't eat up valuable storage space. They can be controlled by switches or operated via smart home systems. Connecting your under-cabinet lights to your smart home offers a considerable advantage: you won't have to wash your hands to turn the lights on or adjust the lighting. This can make cooking a little faster and easier.

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Buying a new home is one of life's most exciting moments, but weeks leading-up to the closing can be stressful at times. On occasion, problems can pop-up at the last minute, so it's often recommended that buyers temper their expectations until the seller hands over the keys. Unfortunately, this can be a lengthy process as average home closings can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.

When it comes to closings, our real estate agents have seen it all. If you're considering one of these Atlanta homes for sale, below are some common problems that can delay closing on a property.

• The Home Inspection
  The home inspection report is one of the most common causes of a delayed closing. Often, a home inspector will uncover an issue or defect that the seller either was not aware of or did not disclose. Upon receiving a home inspection report, you may want to negotiate further with the seller around potential repairs. Luckily, by adding a home inspection contingency to your offer, you'll have the right to back out without penalty if you discover something in the home inspection report that is a major cause for concern.

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Looking for interesting, out-of-the-box presents to give your list of holiday gift recipients? Atlanta has numerous gift shops that allow you to choose from a wide range of special items, and you'll be supporting local businesses at the same time.
  
Our real estate agents recommend consulting your gift list and visiting the following holiday gift shops around Atlanta:

• Young Blood Boutique – 632 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA  30306
  Young Blood Boutique specializes in providing handcrafted objects from independent makers, so you'll find special gifts to give for the holidays. Choose from an extensive collection of gifts that include several different types of jewelry, delectables such as a French Broad chocolate collection, fragrant candles, and accessories, including a bento box shearling backpack. The boutique's hours are from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesday-Saturday.

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