Thoughts from the Team

AVOID THE POST-HOLIDAY BLAHS

We often think about self-care in terms of curling up with a good book or soaking in a hot bath, but the true value in self-care is more complex than a few simple activities. Itā€™s common to feel a little down in the winter and many people experience significant mood swings. How can you focus on yourself now that the holidays have passed?  TURN ON THE LIGHTS Limited exposure to sunlight can start the ball rolling toward the Mid-winter blahs. Even here in Atlanta, the cold weather drives us indoors. When we changed our clocks back in November, we gave ...
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Hot drinks

While it never gets chilled-to-the-bone cold here in Atlanta, weā€™re certainly feeling the weather. But what if you could have a little sunshine in a cup to warm you up from the inside out? Hot drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can give you the boost you need to ride out the rest of the season. Letā€™s take a closer look.Ā  HOT COCKTAILS Adding spirits to a hot beverage can take any drink up a few notches, but there are a couple of tried-and-true recipes that are worth incorporating into your menus.  HOT TODDY  Start with Ā¾ cup of boiling water. ...
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Avoiding Frozen Pipes This Winter

Here in Georgia, we think weā€™re isolated from some of the biggest inconveniences of winter. But anyone whoā€™s been in Atlanta during some of the major snow and ice storms in the last ten years knows we canā€™t always take the weather in the south for granted. Even when a big snowstorm isnā€™t on the horizon, freezing temperatures can create big problems for homeowners. What should you do to avoid frozen pipes this winter? Here are some of the myths and the truth.  My Pipes Wonā€™t Freeze Unless Temperatures are Below Zero It doesnā€™t have to be days of below ...
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Holiday Home Safety Checklist

The holidays are a time of celebration. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments in the U.S. responded to 160 home fires caused by Christmas trees between 2014 and 2018 during the holidays. These fires led to an average of two deaths, fourteen injuries, and around $10 million in property damage. Trees arenā€™t the only cause of household fires or other accidents during the holiday season, so itā€™s best to create a holiday home safety checklist to ensure your family and house are safe this season. Here are some of the most common hazards and how to avoid them.  ...
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Visit A Christmas Tree Farm!

Who knew there were so many places to get a fresh-from-the-farm Christmas tree around Atlanta? They range from a simple cut-and-carry field, to family farms all decked out for winter fun. Most of these farms are family homesteads. Please call and make sure they are open before you go, confirm how payment is accepted, and find out if you need to bring twine, tarp or an ax. Do not bring pets unless their website says they are welcome, but do bring your own drinks and snacks in case no concessions are available.  The first place to learn about these farms ...
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Making Your Home Winter-Ready

In Atlanta, weā€™re lucky to have good weather most of the time. But when winter sets in, we need to be prepared. Making your home work to maximum efficiency could save lots of money over this winter and beyond.  Furnace: Have the furnace professionally tuned, and perhaps have the ducts cleaned. A/C: Some people turn their air conditioner off for the winter, making sure the outdoor pipes are insulation-wrapped, and a cover is put over the outdoor unit. Fireplace: Have the fireplace checked before using it each year, so it wonā€™t start a house fire. To avoid chimney drafts, install ...
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Recycling Your Holiday Pumpkins

After Halloween, what can you do with your pumpkins? If you have a whole pumpkin, scoop it out, bake the seeds and puree the fruit to be used for pumpkin pie. Itā€™s high in vitamins and minerals. A recommended easy way to make puree is to cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy parts, place the halves face down on a baking tray and add a cup of water to the tray. Then bake it for about 90 minutes to cook the pumpkin. Scoop out the pumpkin pulp and puree it in a blender.  You can ...
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Visit a Real Pumpkin Patch

Yearning to really get into the harvest autumn spirit? There are some farms near Atlanta where you and your family can see pumpkins still on the vine and enjoy some fun fall outdoor activities throughout October. South SideThe Yule Forest Pumpkin Patch in Stockbridge is open every weekend in October, subject to the weather. This farm that has been in business since 1983 has produced one of the largest pumpkin patches in Georgia. Attractions include not only the massive pumpkin patch, a corn maze, farm animals and hayride that families typically enjoy this time of year, but a little museum, ...
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Leaf Cleanup In Less Time

The magnificent gold and red show of autumn leaves unfortunately becomes the biggest of autumn chores a few weeks later. Itā€™s like cleaning up after a party. So how can you make it an easier task and find fun in it, too? Itā€™s important to remove leaves to keep the grass from being smothered, and to keep from giving  wildlife, including snakes, comfortable camouflage for nesting. The first thing to remember is that no matter how much you rake, leaves are going to keep falling until the trees are almost bare, so you might as well wait. In the meantime, ...
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Warm No-Alcohol Drinks Perfect for Fall

As the weather changes, maybe itā€™s time to get out the old cookbooks, talk to friends, or take a look online to find some interesting non-alcoholic warm drinks to brighten spirits and warm the soul. Why not try a hot Horchata? This Mexican drink is made with rice milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Typically served over ice, it makes a very satisfying warm drink, too. Latin cultures also make a special drink for holidays with milk, fine cornmeal, unrefined sugar and cinnamon. Try green tea, which has a lighter flavor and less caffeine than black tea, or the even milder ...
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How Long Should A Major Appliance Last?

Consumer Reports surveyed ā€œtens of thousandsā€ of subscribers regarding more than 20 brands of major appliances in 2019. Almost consistently across the board, the answer was 10 yearsā€™ life expectancy for a major household appliance. Expect a microwave oven to last for 9 years.  A Family Handyman 2022 survey was less optimistic, showing that microwaves last 6 years, washers, dishwashers and refrigerators hold on for approximately 7 years, a dryer can withstand 7-12 years, and a range (stove) will do well for 10-15 years.  Go for that extended warranty, Consumer Reports recommends. Forty percent of refrigerators can start having problems ...
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Itā€™s Pumpkin Spice and Fall Lawn Prep Time

With the change of seasons comes a change in care if you want to get the best out of your lawn.  During the summer, your maintenance has been based on suppressing weeds and watering to keep it from burning. As the seasons shift, itā€™s time to prepare your lawn for winter this month. A rule of thumb has been to winterize four to six weeks before the first frost. For Atlanta, that's usually the first of November, so September is the perfect time to get started. Aerate: Do that now and perhaps twice more throughout the winter to keep the ...
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Freshen Your Home Naturally

If visitors drop by and their first comment is, ā€œOh, you have cats,ā€ itā€™s time for a room freshener.  During the holidays, we scent our homes with spices and evergreen to add another layer of enjoyment to the festivities. But what about the rest of the year?  There are ways to enliven your home and combat odors with natural ingredients year-round. Make your own flower, powder or spice sachets using ingenious suggestions that range from something as simple as an envelope, to cute little forget-me-not gifts, to be used in small rooms, closets or drawers to make the air smell ...
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Make a Special Homework Space

When it comes to kids doing their homework, two conflicting issues need to be addressed. They need a place to be quiet so they can concentrate, yet they need to be close enough to you in case they need assistance.  The childā€™s bedroom is not the best choice because itā€™s better to associate the bedroom with relaxation only. The kitchen table isnā€™t the ideal spot, either, because the area is too distracting with afternoon activity.  The best place for concentrating on homework would be a corner area specifically dedicated to it, perhaps nearby in a den or family room, or ...
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Should You Start a Community Garden?

An increasingly popular trend is to make a community garden. But whatā€™s the advantage? According to a North Carolina study, community gardeners ate more fruits and vegetables, got more fresh air and exercise, lowered stress, built relationships, developed a more positive outlook, engaged young people, and their participation led to an interest in other neighborhood activities. A community garden is a plot of land that has been given dedicated use for a period of seasons or years. It can be divided into sections and rented for personal use, or truly worked by the whole community to feed the community under ...
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Ways to Beat Atlantaā€™s HeatĀ 

If youā€™re the type who loves pumpkin-spice season, you might want it in ice cream form this year. Weather forecasts say we can expect temperatures to remain high throughout the fall, along with tropical storms. Itā€™s time to take a lesson from places like Charleston and Savannah on how to beat muggy heat. Foremost, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Sip throughout the day. Add mint or fruit infusions for a more summery treat. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Long sleeves, pants and dresses in breathable fabrics protect skin from direct sun to keep you cooler. Light colors reflect the sunā€™s ...
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Make Your Home Entrance More Welcoming

Have you ever looked at your own homeā€™s front entrance as a stranger might? A visitorā€™s first impression of your home is the lasting one, and it goes beyond a manicured lawn, all the way up to your front door. Your entrance ideally reflects your personality, expressed within the context of the architectural style of your home. It should be welcoming, and the unmistakable focal point of your homeā€™s exterior. Basic Considerations There are some basic things to consider. You want a front walkway that is welcoming and encourages visitors to come to the door. Most front doors are 36 ...
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Reusable Storage Replacements for Your Kitchen

Many of us can remember a time when there was no such thing as plastic. Now our lives seem inundated with it, especially in the kitchen, with plastic wraps and a multitude of various-sized containers. Aluminum foil was hailed as a big improvement over tin foil, but now we recognize that it leaches into foods through heat or contact with anything salty or acidic. Maybe itā€™s time to return to some earlier methods of kitchen storage, and take a more earth-friendly look at new ones. Replacing plastic wrap and foil: Plain cotton or linen kitchen towels or aprons are quick ...
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Itā€™s Peach Season

There is nothing like a sweet, juicy home-grown peach on a hot summer day. Peaches were first introduced from China, but have grown extremely well in the southern US. Southern Georgia has been the peach capital of the world for years. Yet there are some farms relatively near to Atlanta that open to visitors during peach season. Pick-your-own is a simple task for ground-growing strawberries and blueberries, but peaches grow on trees, so not many farms will allow visitors into their orchards for safety reasons. However, there are other ways to enjoy the fragrant summer peach experience. Most of these ...
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Why Own A Label Maker?

Are you one of those super-organized people who loves to label things?  Just to inform the rest of us, things have come a long way since the little hand-held devices that made molded plastic sticky tape that was often used to identify lockers and cabinets at school.  Now you can get desktop machines that print in several fonts, sizes and languages, with icons and borders, and can print in more than a single line. They come in thermal paper, clear, flowered and waterproof versions, too. The end result is professional-looking quality right at your fingertips.  Probably these machines are used ...
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Fireworks The Neighbors Will Love

How do your neighbors feel about fireworks? Every Independence Day, it seems that neighbors everywhere are breaking out loud, colorful incendiaries to set off in their driveways. With easy access to DIY fireworks, having an evening of explosions at home on the Fourth of July has become an issue that some neighbors love, some hate, and some absolutely dread. Think of the exhausted new mother who has just been able to get her baby to sleep, or the war soldier with PTSD. Some people with spectrum disorder and ADHD have exceptional hearing. Fireworks noise can cause extreme discomfort. Pets become ...
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Finding Your Drain Cleanout

Do you know where your sewer drain cleanout is?  You may have thought being on a sewer system is ā€˜no worriesā€™ compared to a septic tank. Well, almost. The sewer drain cleanout still needs to be located and the area maintained to ensure easy access for a plumber in the event of a sewer blockage. The drain cleanout is a pipe about three or four inches across that stands upright, through the surface soil, with a big cap on it. Itā€™s the emergency access point for your plumber if the underground pipes get clogged, so this pipe end needs to ...
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Pick Your Own

If youā€™ve become a big fan of organic fruits and vegetables to the point where you would like to go straight to the farm or orchard to pick your own, Atlantaā€™s surrounding areas have plenty of choices. Blueberries and strawberries are in season right now.  Please check ahead before visiting, and ask if it is cash only. Pets are not allowed at any of the farms. Farms usually have children and animals running around so please be careful as you drive up.  Try https://pickyourown.farm/ to get a complete listing of family farms and simple backyard organic gardens that sell in ...
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Freshen Your Home Naturally

For the highly allergic, a trip down the cleaner-freshener aisle at the grocery store can be  toxic. There are hundreds of specific chemical fresheners and cleaners for what seems like every inch of the house, and your pets. The natural way to make your home smell clean and pleasant involves only a few basic items: Acids like lemons and vinegar, neutralizers like baking soda, fragrances like essential oils and flowers, and good old fresh air and food. Here are some suggestions. Open the windows and use room fans to circulate fresh air.Bring in some pine boughs and cinnamon year-round. Itā€™s ...
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Organizing 10 Minutes at a Time

If youā€™ve got just a few minutes to spare each day, you still have some time to organize your home. You will be surprised when you see how much your accomplishments will add up.  Timesaving BasicsFirst, remember that anything you can do to make things easier to find, or to simplify processes will help you to organize your life. Here are some basic rules used by professionals: Store basic cleaning supplies (window cleaner, antibacterial wipes, paper towels, air freshener, etc.) in a bucket that can be carried from room to room for quick clean-ups. Keep stored items in containers that are ...
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What Kind of Grass is This?

If youā€™ve ever felt the lush grass at a golf course, you know what a difference the type of grass makes. Even at home, knowing your yard type will affect how you need to treat it. But what kind of grass do you have?  Atlanta sits in a temperate zone, so it is home to a variety of grasses, but the ones that do best are: North Atlanta - Cool Grasses: Ryegrass: Grows best and fast in cool, humid or soggy areas, in just about any soil. Fescue: A cooler grass thatā€™s better for the north side. Thrives even in the ...
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Should Every Homeowner Have a Chainsaw?

Chainsaws have changed a lot since the old days when they were heavy with gasoline and were wielded only by burly lumberjacks. Now there are smaller and more lightweight versions for the average homeowner to do basic yard maintenance. But is it a good idea to get one instead of calling the local landscaper? A national chainsaw manufacturerā€™s beginnersā€™ guide suggests first of all, not to purchase a saw if you donā€™t feel comfortable about handling one, because you will need to maintain a determined tight grip and firm control. Chainsaws come in blade range sizes from 6 to 20 ...
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Is My Oven Calibrated?

When you set the oven dial  -- or select the digital temperature -- to 350 degrees, is it actually baking at that heat? There are a couple of ways to find out.  Put your baking rack in the middle position of the oven and put a baking thermometer in the center of it. Turn the oven to 350 degrees and let it warm up for 30 minutes. Then check the thermometer to see if it reads close to 350. The alternative used by professional chefs is an electronic baking thermostat with a probe that will digitally collect high and low ...
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Flowers That Attract Songbirds

If you love the sounds of songbirds, there are particular plants and flowers that will have them flocking to your backyard on a regular basis. Fernbank Science Center recommends planting lush evergreen ground covers of ajuga, periwinkle and pachysandra to provide low protection for thrashers, wrens, towhees, thrushes and sparrows to hide from danger and the elements. They will often store food underneath the foliage. Vine plants such as honeysuckle, trumpet vine and wild grapes attract warblers, mockingbirds, vireos, catbirds and hummingbirds. Some of these birds even prefer to nest in these tangles of vines. Include raspberry, blackberry and blueberry ...
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Finding Local Dog Parks

ā€œWhere can I find a dog park?ā€ Now, thereā€™s an app for that. Take your dog anywhere and still find a place for her to roam by using mobile phone applications to direct you to dog-friendly parks and even playmates near home, or while on vacation. iOS AppsDog Park Finder Plus locates about 6,000 parks by location, city or ZIP code, and includes park rules and information. Off Leash simply locates nearby dog-friendly parks. It provides greater details to help with choosing the best park for your needs. Paw Parks relies on a community of users to update the content, ...
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Keeping Pollen Out of the House

Itā€™s that season again, when everything takes on a yellow tinge, including your lungs. Here are some tips to keep pollen outside where it belongs: Start at the door. Put a doormat outside and inside the door to scuff shoes free of pollen. Then once inside, leave shoes by the door, and try to head for the showers. Donā€™t shake out clothing, but put it gently into an enclosed laundry hamper to be unloaded directly into the washer.  Ask visitors to leave their shoes at the door, too. Indoor-outdoor pets are a problem. If you canā€™t wash your dog at ...
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Farmers Markets are in Season Again

Itā€™s Spring, so farmers markets are blooming everywhere. If you happen to be in the city, donā€™t worry. Fresh home-grown produce is coming right to your neighborhood. Bring along a mask and hand sanitizer just in case. Note that many markets have gone to a token system in order to accept debit, credit and SNAP/EBT. Just go to the token booth when you first get there. Cash is still always welcome in many places. Good dogs are welcome on leashes at some places, but check before you go, to see if itā€™s OK.  Fair warning before you proceed: this information ...
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How to Choose an Arborist

Here in Atlanta, taking down dead trees is a matter that often requires a professional. Many cases in the city and county require a permit for tree removal and the services of a licensed arborist. What do you need to know about how to apply for a permit and hire an arborist to help you take down your dead tree? Letā€™s take a closer look.  Size and Density Requirements In the city of Atlanta, homeowners need to know that permits are required to remove hardwood trees at least six inches in diameter and pines at least five inches. Tree density, ...
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Easy Ways to Make Your Pantry or Hall Closet More Organized

Almost everyone has experienced the out-of-control pantry or hall closet. They tend to be catch-all spaces where anything goes. But there are many great reasons to make an effort to organize your pantry or closet to keep it functional. You can keep up with expiration dates, stop overbuying, and know what you have on hand at a glance. Here are a few tips you can use to keep these spaces more organized.  Use Storage Bins In your pantry, storage bins can help you keep food organized and accessible. Even if it comes in colorful packaging, bags and boxes will only ...
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Holiday Home Safety Checklist

The holidays are a time of celebration. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireĀ departments in the U.S. responded to 160 home fires caused by Christmas trees between 2014 and 2018 during the holidays. These fires led to an average of two deaths, fourteen injuries, and around $10 million in property damage. Trees arenā€™t the only cause of household fires or other accidents during the holiday season, so itā€™s best to create a holiday home safety checklist to ensure your family and house are safe this season. Here are some of the most common hazards and how to avoid them.Ā  ...
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Townhome vs. Condominium: A Comparison

If youā€™re looking to buy a home and single-family construction isnā€™t on your list, you may be looking at townhomes or condos. Here is a quick guide to understanding some of the differences and similarities when buying or owning one of these properties.  Definitions It can get confusing because there is some overlap. However, in the most basic terms, condos are single residential units housed in a larger building. They resemble apartments, but they are owned instead of rented. A townhome is kind of a hybrid between a single-family home and a condo. They can share walls with neighbors, but ...
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Pros and Cons of Living with an HOA

If you've been shopping for a new home, you've undoubtedly run into Home Owner's Associations or HOAs. An HOA is a private association formed either by owner-occupants of the houses in the neighborhood or by the real estate developer to market, manage, and sell homes in a residential subdivision or townhome development. HOAs are common across metro Atlanta, but before you buy a new house, you may want to know some of the details regarding HOA membership. Here are just a few pros and cons of living in a community with an HOA.  Pros First, let's start with some of ...
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5 Amazing getaways within 2 hours of atlanta

Atlanta has the distinction of being one of the largest cities in the southeast. Whether youā€™re in the middle of the bustling city or any of the surrounding suburbs, you may occasionally feel like you need to get away. The best part of living in Atlanta is its proximity to other incredible places to visit. If you want to check out somewhere relaxing within 2 hours of Atlanta, we have a list to get you inspired.  Chattanooga When you think about Chattanooga, you may think of only one thing: The Chattanooga Choo Choo. Youā€™re in luck, the famous train was ...
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I’m New to Atlanta: How Should I Pick a Neighborhood?

The U.S. Census estimated that in 2019, around 284,000 people moved to Georgia, and many of them came to Metro Atlanta. With a booming housing market and job relocation opportunities, Atlanta was one of the fastest-growing cities in the south. The migration continues today for many reasons, and if you're part of that group, you may have some questions about living in Atlanta. If you're new to the city, you may be wondering how to pick a neighborhood with so many areas of town to consider. Here are a few ideas to get you started.  Proximity The first step to ...
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When, Where, and Why to Replace or Repair Your Roof

If youā€™ve spent any time in the housing market, you know that roofs are among the most talked-about topics. Before and after you buy a home, you need to know how to pay the right amount of attention to your roof. Here is a quick guide to help you keep your roof in good repair, know when to take action, and how to stay warm and dry.  General Life Span of Roofing The life span of your roof will depend on several factors, including the material used and climate conditions. When buying a home, be sure to have your roof ...
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Achieving Great Curb Appeal: Three Essentials

Putting your home on the market means spending a lot of time getting it ready, inside and out. Maybe you give the rooms a fresh coat of paint. And you will probably declutter and remove your photos. You want to create a space where the buyer can envision themselves and their things.  The exterior first impression is often more important than anything you do inside. That means landscaping. You want potential buyers to get excited about seeing the inside of your home before they even walk to the front door. Here are the most important things to think of your ...
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What To Consider When Buying a Second Home

In May of 2021, real estate website Redfin reported that the number of buyers getting mortgages on second homes skyrocketed 178% over the same time in 2020. More than twice the increase over primary residences, the demand for second homes seems to have followed the coronavirus pandemic as many homebuyers were able to take advantage of work-from-home opportunities. In towns considered ā€œseasonal,ā€ where many of these second homes are, prices have risen 27%. If youā€™re thinking of buying a vacation home this year, itā€™s essential to understand a few factors affecting the market and your decision. Here are a few ...
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5 COVID-Safe Things to do in Georgia This Summer

Even as Georgia is opening up after the COVID-19 pandemic, itā€™s still a good idea to stay cautious. Thatā€™s especially true with the spread of the Delta Variant. What can you do in Georgia this summer to maintain good social distancing and stay outdoors as much as possible? Here are just a few ideas to get you started.  Explore Atlantaā€™s Historic Cemeteries  Oakland Cemetery, located less than a mile from the heart of downtown Atlanta, is the oldest public park and a big part of the cityā€™s history. Itā€™s perfect for an afternoon outdoors with 48 acres to explore. The ...
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Chimney Cleaning: When is the Right Time?

Chim chimineyChim chimineyChim chim cher-ee! You donā€™t have to be a Disney movie chimney sweep to know that taking care of your chimney should be an annual priority. Many of us donā€™t think about the fireplace until the temperatures dip in the fall and winter. When is the right time for chimney cleaning? Here are a few things to keep in mind.  Have an Annual Inspection  Getting your chimney inspected should be an annual thing. Youā€™ll learn if you have problems such as the buildup of creosote, which can cause a chimney fire.  An inspection will also discover nests or leaf ...
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The Ugly Truth about Flushable Wipes

For everything in your home to run smoothly every day, you need to keep all the systems in good working order. That includes everything from general cleanliness to ensuring that your electrical and plumbing are functioning properly. What if there was one habit contributing to the damage many people experience in their household plumbing? Have you been using flushable wipes? It turns out they might not be flushable at all! Hereā€™s the truth you should know.  Why Arenā€™t Flushable Wipes Flushable?  When toilet paper gets wet, it begins to break down immediately. As it flushes through the system, it disintegrates. ...
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Whatā€™s That Smell: Getting Rid of Lingering Odors

There is nothing worse than discovering a foul scent coming from somewhere in your house. There are plenty of things in your home that can contribute to lingering odors no matter how clean you are. Looking at some of the most common sources of unpleasant smells, we want to review a few ways you can improve the situation. Here are some things to look at if youā€™re concerned about odors.  Clean the Carpets Vacuuming is essential, but it can only do so much. It does help get rid of dirt and bacteria, but things settle in carpets over time. To ...
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The Worst Weeds in Georgia

The sun is shining, and itā€™s not surprising that so many of us are ready to get outside and spend time in our gardens. But there are plenty of aspects of lawn maintenance that donā€™t fit neatly into a gardening hobby. Among the worst are weeds that infest the lawn and make your life more difficult. What are the worst weeds in Georgia, and what can you do about them? Letā€™s take a closer look.  Crabgrass This aggressive weed is also the most common in Georgia. It can grow fast and big and be hard to eradicate. The seeds begin ...
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Is a Home Warranty a Good Idea?

Sometimes it seems like we're being sold warranties on everything. Even when you're buying seemingly simple things online, you see the pop-up asking if you want an extended warranty. But what about a home warranty when you're buying a house in Atlanta? Here are some things you should know before deciding on a home warranty.  What is a Home Warranty?  At the most basic definition, a home warranty is a contract that agrees to provide discounted repair and replacement services for a homeowner. What the contract covers is regulated by various state and federal requirements. Know What You're Getting Into ...
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Spring Cleaning Necessities for 2021

Spring is finally here. With all thatā€™s gone on over the last 12 months, we canā€™t wait to throw open our windows and clear out the house to get rid of negative energy as well as dust and dirt. Spring cleaning is a long-held tradition, so why not get into the swing of the new season by helping your home to feel lighter? Here are a few spring-cleaning necessities to get you started. Spring Cleaning Checklist  If you donā€™t know where to start, the entire experience can feel overwhelming. Here is a short checklist to help you target the most ...
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Strawberry Recipes for Spring

Itā€™s spring and in Atlanta, the world is turning green, flowers are blooming, and strawberries are here. Now is the perfect time to use the bounty of strawberries in all your recipes at home. Fresh local strawberries will be gone again before you know it, so get on board with these fun ideas today.  Cinnamon Strawberry Sundaes 1 tablespoon butter2 tablespoons brown sugar1 tablespoon lime juiceĀ¼ tablespoon ground cinnamon2 cups sliced fresh strawberries 2 cups vanilla ice cream 1 teaspoon grated lime zest  In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, lime juice, and cinnamon. ...
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Spring Celebrations at Home or With Your Pod

Spring is almost here, and after the year weā€™ve all had, weā€™re grateful to see it. Though the pandemic hasnā€™t yet released its hold, there are some safe and fun ways we can celebrate at home or with our pod. Spring is a time to celebrate renewal, warmer weather, and the outdoors. Here are a few spring celebrations you can try this year.  Plant a Garden This spring, consider doing something at home that can involve the whole family and give back to the environment. Gardening is a meditative activity that improves the look of your yard while enriching the ...
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Case Study: Scott Boulevard

What happens when a family needs to move out of state while simultaneously trying to sell their Atlanta home? In one case, an older home on Scott Boulevard in Decatur needed some repairs, but the family found managing both processes at the same time daunting. They resigned themselves to selling without the upgrades, and living with obtaining a  lower price. That was until they spoke to Laura Brookshire at Maison Atlanta.  Compass Concierge  As part of the Compass team, Maison Atlanta has access to the Compass Concierge Service. The program allowed Laura to oversee updates on the home performed by local contractors to increase the salability ...
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Brookhaven

Throughout the Atlanta area, in both Fulton and DeKalb counties, dozens of amazing neighborhoods offer different experiences for residents. Choosing the right neighborhood for you is as important as choosing the best house to fit your needs. We are taking a closer look at some of the neighborhoods around Atlanta; todayā€™s focus is Brookhaven.   Brookhaven Brookhaven is a city located in the northeastern area of Atlanta that was incorporated in 2012. It is home to Oglethorpe University and a Georgia State University satellite campus. The Weather Channel, owned by The Weather Company, is located here. There are several beautiful parks ...
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Celebrating Valentineā€™s Day Between Friends

Sure, you can make a case that Valentineā€™s Day is the biggest Hallmark holiday of them all. Weā€™re bombarded starting just after we turn the calendar to the New Year with pink and red messages of romantic love with a side of chocolate. But, as Parks and Recreationā€™s Leslie Knope showed us, Valentineā€™s Day can be a great day to celebrate our friends as well. What can you do this year to show your friends that you care on Valentineā€™s Day especially this year?  Use Social Media Greetings If you want to acknowledge your extended friend group, the most efficient but ...
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Hot Drinks

The holidays may be over, but winter sure isnā€™t. While it never gets chilled-to-the-bone cold here in Atlanta, weā€™re still feeling the weather and wishing for spring. But what if you could have a little sunshine in a cup to warm you up from the inside out? Hot drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can give you the boost you need to ride out the rest of the season. Letā€™s take a closer look.  Hot Cocktails Adding spirits to a hot beverage can take any drink up a few notches, but there are a couple of tried-and-true recipes that are worth ...
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Being an Ally in 2021

Thereā€™s been a lot of talk over the last year about what it means to be an ally. it can feel overwhelming when youā€™re not a part of a community to learn how exactly to act, react, and assist when necessary. We learned a lot about walking in other peopleā€™s shoes in 2020, so we hope we can take away several key lessons to help people throughout Atlanta learn to be allies within diverse communities.  A Journey, Not a Destination Being an ally isnā€™t a final achievement. Thereā€™s always more to learn and we will continue growing throughout our lives. ...
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Avoid the Post-Holiday Blahs

Self-care was on our minds a lot this last year. We often think about it in terms of curling up with a good book or soaking in a hot bath, but the true value in self-care is more complex than a few simple activities. Itā€™s common to feel a little down in the winter and many people experience significant mood swings. And with the events of 2020 still fresh in our minds, self-care is more important than ever.  How can you focus on yourself now that the holidays have passed?  Turn on the Lights Limited exposure to sunlight can start ...
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Weslee Knapp, Principle Owner and Broker Keller, Knapp Realty. Information believed accurate but not warranted. Equal Housing Opportunity. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation. Lenders: Mark Milam for Highland Mortgage NMLS# 1969375 1746 Noble Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org), Jason Conn for US Bank, NMLS# 210515 2 Concourse Pkwy, NE STE 250 Atlanta, GA 30328 (www.nmlasconsumeraccess.org)

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