Safety Solutions for the Holidays!

‘Tis the Season for Extra Home Security

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Keller Williams Realty International

 

Protecting your home is always an important topic, but it’s especially so with the holidays approaching. Burglaries and break-ins peak at this otherwise festive time of year. More time is spent away from home and more packages are delivered, leaving your house and belongings more vulnerable than ever. Help keep your home safe by following these  security solutions.

Tips to Avoid Vacation Violators When You Are Away

 

1. Let your trustworthy neighbor know you are going to be away and ask them to help you with your trash collection and removing any packages or solicitor materials left at your door.

2. Automatic light timers with battery backup (in case of power failure) can create the simulation of someone being at home. Setting at various times throughout the house can create the illusion of movement and activity in different areas of your home.

3. Turn home phone ringers down, and if you utilize a voice message machine, silence it.

4. Stop delivery of newspapers and mail.

5. If you are gone for a long period of time, maintain any landscaping care (lawn, snow removal) to give the illusion that you are home.

6. If you have a garage, keep your vehicle parked in it. If you keep your vehicle in the driveway, make sure there are no spare keys or garage door openers left inside.

7. Be proactive! Record a video of each room to document proof of your belongings should you need to make an insurance claim.

8. Check with your local police station to see if they employ and neighborhood patrol, or a “vacant house list.” Criminals will be leery to enter a home if they know it’s being watched, especially by authorities.

Download Our Free 10 Security Solutions to Share With Your Family & Friends

Protecting Your Holiday Packages from Porch Pirates

Who doesn’t love holiday packages? Deliveries left in open areas are easy targets for burglars and can spoil your holiday cheer. It’s been reported that this time of year thieves will even trail delivery trucks stalking prime targets. Thieves are looking for anything that can be converted to cash, so be mindful when purchasing high-value items in boxes that may clue to what is inside. Additionally, break down and immediately trash any boxes that reveal high-priced purchases. A few other considerations for protecting your holiday packages this holiday season include:

 

1. Thieves commonly strike during work hours when many homes are empty. Consider having packages delivered to your office, not your house.
2. Request a signature for all packages to be delivered.
3. Check with delivery providers to see if they offer additional security features. UPS has a program called UPS My Choice which allows a customer to receive an email or text message before a package arrives and reroute it if no one is going to be home.
4. Take advantage of tracking and delivery alerts so you know exactly when the package is delivered.

Whether you are traveling or staying home this holiday season, the threat of thievery remains. Knowing these helpful tips may help prevent your season from being soured.

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team
Keller Williams Realty - North Atlanta
5780 Windward Parkway Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30005

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First Week of December Holiday Events & Lights Around Atlanta

First Week of December Holiday Events & Lights Around Atlanta

2015 Holiday  Events Around Town

The Holidays bring great joy and fun for both adults and children. This weekend there are some great events around town that will provide a little holiday magic for young and old alike. 

2015 Holiday Events Around Town - MAP

A Christmas Movie - Dad's Garage Theater
Friday Nights in December
It's the classic Christmas story: A host narrates a made up Christmas movie, while improvisers act it out. And in the end everyone learns the true meaning of Christmas . . . or falls in love . . . or gets eaten by zombie puppies. Honestly, we have no idea since it's improvised. See what crazy holiday story we come up with this weekend at "A Christmas Movie."   This show is inappropriate for anyone not old enough to experience adult humor... or anyone that doesn't like it.
Friday nights @ 10:30pm in December
Just Seats (General Admission):$14.50 online, $16.50 phone & door
Fancy Pants Seats (Reserved VIP): $19.50 online, $21.50 phone (not available at door)
More details click HERE

Reindog Parade - Atlanta Botanical Garden 
Saturday, December 5th

Join the once-a-year fun of dogs in the Garden. Dress your pooch in holiday finery to compete for prizes with celebrity judges or to just show off. Enjoy photos with Saint Nick and connect with local canine enthusiasts and businesses in the Doggie Expo. The first 100 pre-registered participants to arrive receive a special Wag-Bag of gifts. Don't have a dog? Come enjoy the show!
More details click HERE reindog@atlantabg.org

Holiday Market & Festival - Chattahoochee Nature Center 
Saturday, December 5th
Free public admission to CNA. Over 40 Fine Arts Artisans, Artisans of the Farm & Kitchen & Instrumental Artisans - all while supporting local crafts-person and Fair Trade. The market contains local vendors selling their hand-made, eco-friendly goods for your holiday gift giving. More details click HERE

Atlanta Beltline's Eastside 10K - Stoveworks
Saturday, December 5th
10am-12pm. This run/walk winds through Inman Park, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland and Poncey Highland. Last day to register is FRIDAY DECEMBER 4TH! For more details click HERE

Annual Childrens's Christmas Parade - Midtown Atlanta
Presented by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Parade begins at 10:30am along Peachtree Street from 16th Street to 5th Street in Midtown. Floats, giant balloons, bands and of course Santa! For more details click HERE. 

Hanukkah Family Day & Lego Menorah Building - Chabad Jewish Center
Sunday, December 6th
Crafts, refreshments, games, prizes, Judaica and more. For more details click HERE

For some great evening fun around town, why not load up the car with the kids or neighbors and enjoy some holiday light spectacular! 

Best Christmas Light Displays in Atlanta Area

The Christmas season is here and homeowners across the state of Georgia are putting up sensational Christmas light displays. Atlanta and it's northern communities is home to some of the most impressive light displays. If you live in the metro Atlanta area or plan to visit soon, here are some of the best Christmas light displays in the area - both residential and commercial -  that you should take the time to visit during the holiday season.

2015 Holiday Christmas Lights Map

RESIDENTIAL LIGHT LOCATIONS

There are many talented individual homes deck for the holidays. Here are just two of our favorites. 

Alpharetta:

The Christmas in Castille display at 4220 Tivoli Way has thousands of lights synchronized to music. Their website states "Weather permitting, the show runs from Dec 4th - Dec 27th between 6pm - 9pm on Thursday - Saturday. The neighborhood is gated so when the gates close for the night, the show ends. When you drive up, tune your radio to 89.9FM."  Click here for more info: Castille

Cumming:

Blink Midwinter is a synchronized light display located at 7020 Cole Ct. Cumming, GA. Weather permitting, the show hours are: 5:30pm to 10:00pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:30pm to 11:00pm Friday and Saturday. Their website states "Christmas has always been our favorite time of year. Even with a century of Christmas’s between us, it’s still a magical time if we make the effort to occasionally turn our backs on the cares of adult life. For me, this hobby is the perfect fusion of many lifelong interests, from the romance of the Christmas season itself, to blinking lights, music, electronics and computers." Visit their website for more information: Blink Midwinter 

COMMERCIAL LIGHT LOCATIONS:

ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY - Gift of Lights. Visitors will get to experience some breathtaking decorations while also getting the rare chance to drive on the AMS oval.  Dates run Nov. 27 through Dec. 30. 6-9 p.m. Sundays-Wednesdays, 6-10 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and holidays, open 6-10p.m. starting 12/17 through 12/30. $15 per car Mondays-Wednesdays, $20 Thursdays-Sundays and holidays, $20 12/17 through 12/30. 1500 Tara Place, Hampton. 770-946-4211 Details: www.holidaylightspectacular.info.

BOTANICAL GARDEN - Holiday Nights. The Garden has over 1.5 million LED lights that are spread through out the 30-acre garden. Children and adults will love the tunnel of light,  Glittering Galaxy, and the Radiant Rainforest.  Lights are on display beginning Nov. 14, 2015 through Jan. 9, 2016. 5-10p.m.  Peak admission costs Thursdays-Sundays, Thanksgiving and all nights from Dec. 17-Jan. 9: $26 (member discounts available for peak and non-peak); $20 ages 3-12; free under 3. Non-peak nights: Mondays-Wednesdays: $23; $17 ages 3-12. Night Light Special, 9-10:00 p.m. peak nights (advance booking online only): $15; regular admission for children. Advance tickets recommended. Parking: $10 ($5 for vehicles with four or more) 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 1-855-454-6849, Details: atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

CALLAWAY GARDENS - Fantasy in Lights.  Wow!! The Gardens offer over eight million lights! Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, just 70 miles south of Atlanta. The spectacular light display features Christmas Tree Lane, Enchanted Rainbow Forest and Snowflake Valley, plus 10-minute light and music shows at Robin Lake Beach.  Fees include: Adults $19-$28, kids 6-12 $9.50-$14. 5 and under free, ask for "free child" tickets when ordering in advance.  Details: www.callawaygardens.com.

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK - Holiday in Lights. The park allows guests to walk through thousands of lights in the 21-acre park. Dates are Nov. 21 through Jan. 10. Open 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Free. Ice skating rink, also opening Nov. 21, is $12 per person (includes skate rental) for 90 minutes. 4:30-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays (until 11 p.m. Fridays), 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays. 404-223-4412 Details: centennialpark.com.

LAKE LANIER ISLAND - Christmas. It't not just a place to swim or boat! The island offers thousands of lights. Your family can stroll down the beach and boardwalk to enjoy an extended tour of the light show. 5-10 p.m. nightly, Nov. 27-Jan. 3. Adults, $17-$28, children (5-12), $10-$17. Live Nativity starts Dec. 4; plus other activities and attractions. Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford. 770-945-8787 Details:  lakelanierislands.com.  NOTE: All active, veteran and retired Military/Law Enforcement/Firefighter personnel will receive FREE admission for themselves and up to three other family members at Magical Nights of Lights all season long, courtesy of Lanier Islands.

LIFE UNIVERSITY - Lights of Life. An annual favorite light display, Life University provides millions of light bulbs in more than 100 displays along the 1.5-mile drive through Life University’s campus. Nov. 26 through Dec. 31. 6-10 p.m. Cars: $10 Fridays-Sundays and Nov. 26-29, Dec. 18-31; $5 all other nights. Vans, buses: $20 nightly.  For some added fun you will be charge additional fees for petting zoo, train and pony rides, photos with Santa. 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta. 678-331-4334 Details: life.edu.

SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA - Holiday in the Park. Hold on to your hat, the amusement park will be decorated with some unique displays to include more than 1 million lights. Select rides will be running. Guests will be amazed how sections of the park will have distinct themes Ride the North Pole Express for extra fun! Times and dates include: 4-10 p.m. most nights, Nov. 21 through Jan. 3. Closed Thanksgiving day and Dec. 24-25. Open 2-10p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 3. Day passes at the gate or online: $43.99-$48.99; $20 parking fee per car. 275 Riverside Parkway S.W., Austell. 770-739-3400 Details: www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

STONE MOUNTAIN - Christmas. A family favorite at Stone Mountain! Admission includes live holiday shows, film “Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 4-D,” Singalong Train ride around the mountain), holiday parade winding through the village, with Snow Angel flying over Crossroads for the finale just before a fireworks display. Nov. 27-Jan. 4 (closed Dec. 25). $24.95-$29.95; children 3-11, $19.95-$24.95. Parking pass, $15. Various combo packages, including Snow Mountain, available, see ticket page. 770-498-5690 Details: stonemountainpark.com.

Happy Holidays from, 

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team 
Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta
5780 Windward Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
http://northatlantaluxury.com/

Best Christmas Light Displays in Atlanta Area

Best Christmas Light Displays in Atlanta Area

The Christmas season is here and homeowners across the state of Georgia are putting up sensational Christmas light displays. Atlanta and it's northern communities is home to some of the most impressive light displays. If you live in the metro Atlanta area or plan to visit soon, here are some of the best Christmas light displays in the area - both residential and commercial -  that you should take the time to visit during the holiday season.

RESIDENTIAL LIGHT LOCATIONS

There are many talented individual homes deck for the holidays. Here are just two of our favorites. 

Alpharetta:

The Christmas in Castille display at 4220 Tivoli Way has thousands of lights synchronized to music. Their website states "Weather permitting, the show runs from Dec 4th - Dec 27th between 6pm - 9pm on Thursday - Saturday. The neighborhood is gated so when the gates close for the night, the show ends. When you drive up, tune your radio to 89.9FM."  Click here for more info: Castille

Cumming:

Blink Midwinter is a synchronized light display located at 7020 Cole Ct. Cumming, GA. Weather permitting, the show hours are: 5:30pm to 10:00pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:30pm to 11:00pm Friday and Saturday. Their website states "Christmas has always been our favorite time of year. Even with a century of Christmas’s between us, it’s still a magical time if we make the effort to occasionally turn our backs on the cares of adult life. For me, this hobby is the perfect fusion of many lifelong interests, from the romance of the Christmas season itself, to blinking lights, music, electronics and computers." Visit their website for more information: Blink Midwinter 

COMMERCIAL LIGHT LOCATIONS:

ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY - Gift of Lights. Visitors will get to experience some breathtaking decorations while also getting the rare chance to drive on the AMS oval.  Dates run Nov. 27 through Dec. 30. 6-9 p.m. Sundays-Wednesdays, 6-10 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and holidays, open 6-10p.m. starting 12/17 through 12/30. $15 per car Mondays-Wednesdays, $20 Thursdays-Sundays and holidays, $20 12/17 through 12/30. 1500 Tara Place, Hampton. 770-946-4211 Details: www.holidaylightspectacular.info.

BOTANICAL GARDEN - Holiday Nights. The Garden has over 1.5 million LED lights that are spread through out the 30-acre garden. Children and adults will love the tunnel of light,  Glittering Galaxy, and the Radiant Rainforest.  Lights are on display beginning Nov. 14, 2015 through Jan. 9, 2016. 5-10p.m.  Peak admission costs Thursdays-Sundays, Thanksgiving and all nights from Dec. 17-Jan. 9: $26 (member discounts available for peak and non-peak); $20 ages 3-12; free under 3. Non-peak nights: Mondays-Wednesdays: $23; $17 ages 3-12. Night Light Special, 9-10:00 p.m. peak nights (advance booking online only): $15; regular admission for children. Advance tickets recommended. Parking: $10 ($5 for vehicles with four or more) 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 1-855-454-6849, Details: atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

CALLAWAY GARDENS - Fantasy in Lights.  Wow!! The Gardens offer over eight million lights! Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, just 70 miles south of Atlanta. The spectacular light display features Christmas Tree Lane, Enchanted Rainbow Forest and Snowflake Valley, plus 10-minute light and music shows at Robin Lake Beach.  Fees include: Adults $19-$28, kids 6-12 $9.50-$14. 5 and under free, ask for "free child" tickets when ordering in advance.  Details: www.callawaygardens.com.

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK - Holiday in Lights. The park allows guests to walk through thousands of lights in the 21-acre park. Dates are Nov. 21 through Jan. 10. Open 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Free. Ice skating rink, also opening Nov. 21, is $12 per person (includes skate rental) for 90 minutes. 4:30-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays (until 11 p.m. Fridays), 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays. 404-223-4412 Details: centennialpark.com.

LAKE LANIER ISLAND - Christmas. It't not just a place to swim or boat! The island offers thousands of lights. Your family can stroll down the beach and boardwalk to enjoy an extended tour of the light show. 5-10 p.m. nightly, Nov. 27-Jan. 3. Adults, $17-$28, children (5-12), $10-$17. Live Nativity starts Dec. 4; plus other activities and attractions. Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford. 770-945-8787 Details:  lakelanierislands.com.  NOTE: All active, veteran and retired Military/Law Enforcement/Firefighter personnel will receive FREE admission for themselves and up to three other family members at Magical Nights of Lights all season long, courtesy of Lanier Islands.

LIFE UNIVERSITY - Lights of Life. An annual favorite light display, Life University provides millions of light bulbs in more than 100 displays along the 1.5-mile drive through Life University’s campus. Nov. 26 through Dec. 31. 6-10 p.m. Cars: $10 Fridays-Sundays and Nov. 26-29, Dec. 18-31; $5 all other nights. Vans, buses: $20 nightly.  For some added fun you will be charge additional fees for petting zoo, train and pony rides, photos with Santa. 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta. 678-331-4334 Details: life.edu.

SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA - Holiday in the Park. Hold on to your hat, the amusement park will be decorated with some unique displays to include more than 1 million lights. Select rides will be running. Guests will be amazed how sections of the park will have distinct themes Ride the North Pole Express for extra fun! Times and dates include: 4-10 p.m. most nights, Nov. 21 through Jan. 3. Closed Thanksgiving day and Dec. 24-25. Open 2-10p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 3. Day passes at the gate or online: $43.99-$48.99; $20 parking fee per car. 275 Riverside Parkway S.W., Austell. 770-739-3400 Details: www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

STONE MOUNTAIN - Christmas. A family favorite at Stone Mountain! Admission includes live holiday shows, film “Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 4-D,” Singalong Train ride around the mountain), holiday parade winding through the village, with Snow Angel flying over Crossroads for the finale just before a fireworks display. Nov. 27-Jan. 4 (closed Dec. 25). $24.95-$29.95; children 3-11, $19.95-$24.95. Parking pass, $15. Various combo packages, including Snow Mountain, available, see ticket page. 770-498-5690 Details: stonemountainpark.com.

Need to Sell Your Home During the Holidays? Here's 11 Reasons Why You Should! 

In the housing market, the assumption is that this is NOT the time to sell your home until after the new year. Right? WRONG!!!

1.   You'll have fewer showings. THIS IS GOOD because....people that are looking for houses to purchase during the holidays are much MORE SERIOUS BUYERS!! They’ve put aside time to pursue their home search during one of the busiest times of the year. Do not ignore these buyers!

2.  Unmotivated sellers- some sellers are going to believe the hype about the Spring market being the best and only time to sell your house. These are unmotivated sellers and they are going to pull their listings off the market and wait for March next year when everyone else is on the market too. That’s ok. They’re making it easier for you to sell your house right now!

3.  There will be less demand for your particular house since the supply of houses dramatically increases in January.  Less inventory means a better price for your home!!

 4.  Decorated houses for the holidays show better.

 5.  Buyers may be more emotionally excited during the holidays therefore are more likely to pay your asking price.

 6.  Buyers have an increased time to look for a house during the holidays than they typically do during the work week with the added holidays breaks.

 7.  There are buyers that need to purchase before the end of the year due to tax reasons.

 8.  January BIG time for relocating- most companies that have to move or relocate employees target January for those moves. That means housing decisions are being made in November-December, during the holidays. Again, these are motivated buyers with a hard deadline. Don’t ignore them.

 9.  You can still restrict showings of your house during the six or seven days around the holidays. 

10. Sell now for more money and delay the closing until early next year if possible!

11.  You may have a greater opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring and will put you in a better spot to purchase a home for less money.

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team - Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta
5780Windward Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30005
www.northatlantaluxury.com

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team Sells Norcross, Georgia Town Home in 30092

The property located on Windsor Trace is located in the neighborhood of Windsor Trace in Norcross, Georgia, 30092. It is a 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath town home with a terrific floor plan with two spacious master suites, both with updated baths with granite, new fixtures, and new tile.

The kitchen features granite counter tops,  a tiled back splash and a bright large eating area with plantation shutters on the windows. The home included upgrades such as new light fixtures, hardwood floors throughout, two HVAC zones, and extra insulation in both the attic and the garage. The deck off of the sun porch is the perfect location for morning coffee, as it overlooks pool area and meticulously maintained green space.


The home sold for $162,500 by Susan Jennings of The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team.

The community of Windsor Trace is located in Gwinnett County Georgia in the City of Norcross, 30092. This neighborhood is located close to Peachtree Industrial and Holcomb Bridge Road just off of Crooked Creek Road.  

Windsor Trace is one of the areas popular  town home  communities complete with a home owners association and swimming.  Children who live in Windsor Trace will attend the following public schools: Elementary: Peachtree; Middle: Pinckneyville; and High: Norcross.

Realtor, Mary Ellen Vanaken states "Fall and winter are a great time to sell your home. Inventory is low so there is not much competition out there.  Homes are selling within days of listing. Our team is excited about helping families sell and find their next home in the North Atlanta area."

Although The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team specializes in luxury homes of North Atlanta, their team also works with relocations, international properties, and first time home buyers.

15 Phone Calls Results in Perfect Home!

15 Phone Calls Results in Perfect Home!

Mary Ellen Vanaken of The Mary Ellen VanakenTeam of Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta, assists a North Atlanta family with the sale and purchase of homes on October 30th.

Years ago, a young family moved to the North Atlanta, Georgia area of Alpharetta. Originally wanting to rent, the young family contacted over 15 real estate agents, but only Mary Ellen Vanaken responded. Mary Ellen and her team found this family a great rental property and after a period of time, the family realized their goal was to buy a home. The first home, purchased by this family, was a town home on Township Circle in the community of Herring Township.


This fall, the family realized they needed more space and decided to sell their stunning town home. The home on Township Circle sold was last week due to it's great location. Move in ready, the town home is located in the top school district of South Forsyth High School. The convenience to shopping, restaurants, and Georgia Highway 400 made this a very desirable home and sold within one day. The newest homeowners are thrilled with the hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, open kitchen with lots of counter space and cabinet space. The home offers three bedrooms and two and a half baths with separate laundry room, spacious master bedroom and bathroom, private patio and backyard. The home sale closed with in four weeks for the asking price of $199,000 and the new homeowner paid cash.

The Herring Township neighborhood is complete with gorgeous European style town homes with amenities that include a clubhouse, tennis courts and a swimming pool. These homes were built from 2006-2010 by John Thomas Homes.




The young family who sold this Alpharetta, Georgia home then purchased a larger home in the Cumming, Georgia community of Autumn Cove. With the help of The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team, they purchased the home on Falling Leaf Lane. It is a four bedroom, two and a half baths with a full basement. The new construction home listed at $246,900 sold for $247,900 due to the request for an addition of hardwood floors and a fenced in back yard. The young family's children will attend schools in the North Forsyth High School district. This home listed in September of 2015 closed on the sale thirty days later.

Autumn Cove is a swim community just minutes away from downtown Cumming and Lake Lanier. Close by are fantastic restaurants and shopping at the North Georgia Premium Outlets and Market Place Boulevard. The neighborhood offers several distinct floor plans, some with the master bedrooms on the main level. The neighborhood offers a pool, cabana, recreational area and sidewalks. Almont Homes is the home builder of Autumn Cove.

Realtor, Mary Ellen Vanaken states, "The fall and winter months are upon us and are a perfect time to sell your home. Sellers will likely have less competition because the inventory of available homes tends to drop during this time of the year. And homes look festive this time of year with the fall and holiday decorations."

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team specializes in luxury homes of North Atlanta, however their team also works with relocations, international properties, and first time buyers. Contact us today to sell or buy a home today! http://northatlantaluxury.com/

15 Phone Calls Results in Perfect Home!

Top 5 Tips for Effective Home Staging

Top 5 Tips for Effective Home Staging 

By Karly Howell

Staging a home is one of the most important steps in a quick sale. With the abundance of design shows on TV today, many sellers think that staging only includes furniture and that it costs a lot of money, but neither is true. Here are 5 easy, low-cost tips to help prepare your home for sale.    

1)    DECLUTTER!

You think your cookie jar collection and prized comic book memorabilia are great, but your potential buyer doesn’t necessarily share the same opinion. The focus needs to be on your house and not on the objects inside or around it. Too much clutter is distracting, and potential buyers may miss the special features of the home with all the visual periphery. Two ideas to help cut down clutter are 1) rent a short term storage unit in which to place all the extras or 2) start packing early and place unneeded items away in a basement or closet.

2)    Clean-up

The house should shine both inside and out and look newly cleaned. Pay special attention to wood trim, ceiling fans, and windows. Again, you want to highlight the selling features of the house. If it’s noticeably dirty or there a foul odor coming from the pantry, buyers won’t stay long. Make it feel welcoming and fresh - think about your last experience in a nicer hotel. You’ll want to create the same experience in your home. Avoid using any heavy scented sprays that could be bothersome to your potential buyers.  

3)    Depersonalize

Take the time to remove family photos, monograms, or name decorations. Potential buyers want to imagine their family in the home and where their pictures and items will be placed. Help to create this experience by tucking away all personal things. Also, depersonalize to protect your privacy since strangers will be in your home.  In addition, objects that are considered controversial or offensive need to be removed too. Items that fall into this category are taxidermy, provocative images, and symbols associated with notorious groups/ideas.  

4)    Appropriate furniture

Furniture is a great benefit in staging a home because it helps potential home owners plan for their own furniture in a room. A few rules to follow: make sure the scale of the furniture is appropriate for the room size. A small kitchen table is not suitable in an oversized dining room. On the flip side, avoid placing oversized furniture, like a large sectional sofa in a small living room. It can make the space feel more confined and less functional. Too much furniture can become an obstacle to. It’s better to have nothing in the room then to have the wrong size pieces. It’s also important to make sure the furniture is appropriate for the location it’s placed in. Don’t place beds in living spaces, offices in dining rooms etc.

5)    Highlight special features

This seems obvious but sometimes is a missed opportunity. Special features can include anything that is visually appealing, helpful, cost effective, or just plain cool.  

Draw attention to these elements by showcasing them. If you have built-ins or architectural niches, place attractive, decorative items there and keep it neat. If there’s an uninviting concrete slab patio, show it’s functionality by creating a small seating area with potted plants and decorative accents. Work with what you have and draw out the positive attributes.

For professional staging advice, contact Karly Howell Design for a complimentary home consultation.  karlyhowelldesign@gmail.com

 For more advice for selling your home, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team - Keller Williams Realty - North Atlanta. 5780 Windward Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30005 www.northatlantaluxury.com

 Top 5 Tips for Effective Home Staging

South Forsyth High School & Near By Homes

South Forsyth High School & Near By Homes

South Forsyth High School & Near By Homes are sought after by many families in the North Atlanta, Georgia area. South Forsyth High School sits on a 10-acre campus in the southern tip of Forsyth County.

With 2700 students, over 200 faculty, staff and administrators, and over 130 classrooms in 8 buildings, it is a thriving and active community of teachers, students, athletes, performers, and achievers!

The Advanced Studies department offerings provide students with a greater academic challenge than the mainstream curriculum. These include Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes.

South Forsyth High School also offers academic organizations and competitions, numerous honor societies, clubs, performance groups and service and leadership organizations.

The school has 23 varsity sports for either girls or boys. In addition, junior varsity teams are offered with most sports, along with freshmen teams in football, basketball, and baseball. South Forsyth is a member of the Georgia High School Association and Region 6-AAAAAA.

South Forsyth High School was voted by Newsweek in 2012 as one of America's best schools and is currently under going major renovations and additions to the campus.

The high school is located in the southern neighborhood of Cumming, Georgia. Cumming provides a growing business community, mixed with a small town ambiance within thirty minutes to the city of Atlanta. Here, businesses and residents alike, enjoy a friendly community complete with a thriving economy and a school system known for its excellence.

Cumming, Georgia is a part of Forsyth County, a county known to be a very affluent due to its closeness to downtown Atlanta and the commuter appeal for people working in Atlanta.

During the recent suburban expansion and rising housing prices of surrounding counties, a large amount of affluent professionals moved to Forsyth County and specifically Cumming, Georgia.

Cumming, Georgia's nearness to Atlanta and the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with bordering the 37,000 acre Lake Sidney Lanier makes the city a perfect place to live and do business. As the area remains one of the fastest growing communities in the nation, and with a School System that ranks among the highest, it is no wonder people love to live here.

Cumming Georgia Homes For Sale

Cumming Homes For Sale up to $200,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $201,000 - $300,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $301,000 - $400,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $401,000 - $500,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $501,000 - $600,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $601,000 - $700,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $701,000 - $800,000
Cumming Homes For Sale $801,000 - $900,000
Cumming Homes For Sale - LUXURY 

For more information on Cumming, Georgia and homes close to South Forsyth High School, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty - North Atlanta
5780 Windward Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
678.929.6529
VISIT OUR WEBSITE HERE

Graystone At Windward Home Sells To Florida Family

Graystone At Windward Home Sells To Florida Family

Susan Jennings, of The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team, sells a North Atlanta home in Graystone at Windward. The property is located in the sought after Alpharetta, Georgia community of Windward.

The home is a five bedroom three and one half bath home featuring luxury living with the Master on the main and fabulous hardwood floors. The lovely two story foyer and family room welcomes home family members. The dining room with french doors leads to a vaulted screened in porch with a stone fireplace overlooking a private wooded backyard. The home offers three large bedrooms upstairs plus a loft for a office and/or media room. The finished basement is complete with a game room, wet bar and guest bedroom and bath.

The Graystone at Windward home was purchased by a family relocating from the sunshine state of Florida. The husband works for Etrade and wanted to live close to work in order to have more time with family. E-Trade, in fact, has its largest office in Alpharetta, where it employs 22 percent of its total work force. Graystone at Windward was the answer for this family. The family is thrilled the community provides excellent schools such as Creekview Elementary, Webb Bridge Middle and Alpharetta High and as an added bonus is close to the homeowners daughters dance studio.

Graystone at Windward in Alpharetta Georgia is a gorgeous community and is part of the large neighborhood of Windward. Imagine living in a private lake community with fantastic tennis that produces club level fun and competition. Windward has one of the top golf courses in Georgia along with swimming and diving pools. The community also offers a sports park for basketball, volleyball, softball and more. Windward is set in a 3,400 acre community among rolling, wooded hills in North Fulton County. Conveniently located near Georgia 400 in Alpharetta, Windward is just 15 miles north of I-285 and 26 miles from downtown Atlanta. The area is home to some of the best public and private schools in North Atlanta.

Realtor, Mary Ellen Vanaken states "The holidays are upon us and are a perfect time to buy or sell your home. With homes decorated for the season, home buyers are able to see examples of how festive they can decorate their future home during the holidays. Our team is excited about helping families sell and find their next home in the North Atlanta area."

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team specializes in luxury homes of North Atlanta, however their team also works with relocations, international properties, and first time home buyers. The team is happy to give you an estimate of what your home is worth in today's market. Complete the form below to receive your FREE home value report:

Graystone At Windward Home Sells To Florida Family

Roswell Fall Festival & Client Appreciation Day Huge Success!

Roswell Fall Festival & Client Appreciation Day Huge Success!

The cool fall air was perfect for the Annual Fall Festival & Client Appreciation Day hosted by the Keller Williams office of North Atlanta. Hundreds of people came out last Sunday to Bulloch Hall in Historic Roswell, Georgia to celebrate. Tents lined the property offering a variety of activities. 

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team joined forces with fellow real estate agents to create a wonderful day filled with music, food, and laughter.  Face painting, provided by The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team, was one of the most popular tents as close to 500 children had their face painted artistically by students from Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State University, University of Georgia and Sequoyah High School.  

The highlights of the day also included music that could be heard throughout the property as Tim Davis with Disc Jockeys Unlimited played favorite tunes. Children danced in the hay and were filled with excitement as they played musical chairs.

Bighead Cartoons was a sought after activity as personal caricatures of children and adults were created by Mark Mandel.

Magic Man Entertainment, Inc.  thrilled children and adults alike with mesmerizing magic acts and imaginative balloon sculptures.

Other tents included great gifts and services such as Kathryn Miles Bauer with Curious Kathryn. Kathryn creates hand-poured and handmade soy candles in mason jars. The scents will take you away to paradise. 

 

Dreena's Secret presented organic soap and bath scrubs. These beautifully decoracted soaps were also handmade - dreenasecrets@yahoo.com

 
AmeriSpec Inspector Services  provided great information to homeowners on  professional and quality home inspection services for homebuyers in the local area.

Enhanced Wellness Based in Roswell, Georgia, informed guests about their services as a Doctor Supervised Weight Loss Clinic that provides top quality customer service, high quality weight loss products and Doctor Coaching.
 
Guests satisfied their appetites as they sat under a pavailon overlooking the Georgia woods. With a great spread of food and drink including hotdogs, chicken, salads, desserts, and popcorn no one went home hungry. And hundreds of pumpkins lined the festival where children selected their favorite one to paint and to take home. 

Are you looking to move to Roswell, Georgia? Roswell is located in the foothills of the Georgia Mountains, along the northern banks of the Chattahoochee River and only 20 minutes north of Atlanta. There are many things to see and do in Roswell at all times - from concerts on the square to rafting down the river, you will find everything you need here! Contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team today for more information on Roswell, Georgia and homes available in the area.

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team 
Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta
www.mevluxuryhomes.com
5780 Windward Parkway
Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30005

Roswell Fall Festival & Client Appreciation Day Huge Success!