| Hot Beltline location! Around the corner from Glenwood Park’s restaurants & retail, Kroger, blocks from booming Memorial Drive. Home has lots of natural light and open main floor plan with hardwood floors. Open kitchen features solid surface counters (think anti-microbial!), stainless steel appliances, stained cabinets, tile backsplash. Private deck off the dining area, fenced yard & patio downstairs. Master suite is the whole upstairs! You get a huge master bath with double vanity, soaking tub, separate water closet & walk-in shower! The bedroom has hardwood floors as well. Second bedroom on lower level has access to the backyard & garage making it a great home office or bonus room. 1 car attached garage plus your driveway! Glenwood Green is a gated neighborhood with a fitness center & sunny pool. Hop right on the Beltline at Southside Beltline Trail or head to Glenwood Park shops & restaurants. |
Things to Do From Home
| Kids/Family/Learning | |
| Kid Activities around ATL | Google spreadsheet of kid activity calendar of misc items being offered around ATL |
| Free Education Subscriptions | List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions |
| 11 Free Reading Websites for Kids | Free Reading |
| 77 STEM Activities for Families | Hands On Educational Activities |
| Read To Kids | Best selling author Amy Daws and her daughter Lorelei read childrens book, new episode each day |
| Ivy League Free Classes | College Level Online Classes |
| Leadership Training with John C. Maxwell | How to lead during times of global crisis |
| Free coloring pages from Crayola | |
| DIY Crafts for kids and adults | |
| 2500 museums you can visit online for free | |
| Mental Health/Self Care | |
| 10 Guidelines for Pastoral Care | How can we accompany people through this valley of anxiety, fear, and death? |
| Survive Social Distancing With Your Mental Wellness Intact | 10 Tips from Psychology Today |
| Social Distancing Tool Kit | Lifestyle tools and suggestions from a Welless Blogger |
| Wondering About Social Distancing? | Answers to your most common questions about the best practices for weathering pandemic from the NYT |
| Cleaning & Decluttering Resources | |
| Decluttering & Organizing Resources | |
| Excercise | |
| Exercise Free Trials | Misc free trials to online workouts |
| Orangetheory | Orangetheory At Home – 30 min daily workouts |
| Bring It Om Power Yoga | Local East Cobb Yoga Studio offering online classes daily |
| Books | |
| Scribd | 30 Day FREE Subscription to millions of ebooks, audiobooks, magazine articles |
| Kindle Unlimited | Two Month FREE Subscription to millions of ebooks, audiobooks, magazine articles |
| Online Story Time | Story time for ALL ages! |
| Audible | Free classic in audiobook format |
| Jobs | |
| Kroger | Hiring 10K new associates natiowide to help with stocking and cleaning efforts |
| WSBTV | WSBTV Article on Job Listings |
| ATL Job Exchange | ATL Job Exchange Facebook Page |
| State of GA | G2G Resources Database |
| Entertainment/Special Interest | |
| Support Local Eateries | Local Restaurants Open for Take-Away/Delivery |
| Museums Virtual Tours | 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch |
| National Park Tours | Virtual Tours of National Parks |
| Aquarium Feeds | Live Looks at Aquariums Around the US |
| Netflix Party | Movie night – while still social distancing |
| Nightly Met Opera Streams | Free streams of nightly operas from the Metropolitan Opera House |
| Services for Seniors | |
| Publix | Special shipping hour for seniors {defined as 65 & over} |
| Senior Shopping Hours | CNN article detailing some nationwide special shopping hours |
| Senior Shopping Hours pt 2 | USA Today article detailing some nationwide special shopping hours |
| Just for Laughs | |
| Top 10 Corona Memes | One Pastor’s Top 10 Memes |
| Toilet Paper Calculator | Calculate how long your TP stash will last! |
| 10 Opening Lines, Social Distancing Edition | The first lines of 10 classic novels, rewritten for social distancing. |
| Funniest Game Show Answers of All Time | Funny Answers from game shows {warning: some of the answers are a bit “off color”} |
#StayHome: How to Create Functional Spaces in Your Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We’re all being called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably challenging, there are ways you can modify your home and your lifestyle to make the best of this difficult situation.
Here are a few tips for creating comfortable and functional spaces within your home for work, school, and fitness. We also share some of our favorite ways to stay connected as a community, because we’re all in this together … and no one should face these trying times alone.
Begin with the Basics
A basic home emergency preparedness kit is a great addition to any home, even under normal circumstances. It should include items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid kit, and other essentials you would need should you temporarily lose access to food, water, or electricity.
Fortunately, authorities don’t anticipate any serious interruptions to utilities or the food supply during this outbreak. However, it may be a good time to start gathering your emergency basics in a designated location, so you’ll be prepared now-—and in the future—should your family ever need them.
| Ready to start building an emergency kit for your home? Contact us for a free copy of our Home Emergency Preparation Checklist! |
Working From Home
Many employees are being asked to work remotely. If you’re transitioning to a home office for the first time, it’s important to create a designated space for work … so it doesn’t creep into your home life, and vice versa. If you live in a small condominium or apartment, this may feel impossible. But try to find a quiet corner where you can set up a desk and comfortable chair. The simple act of separating your home and work spaces can help you focus during work hours and “turn off” at the end of the day.
Of course, if you have children who are home with you all day (given many schools and daycares are now closed), separating your home and work life will be more difficult. Unless you have a partner who can serve as the primary caregiver, you will need to help manage the needs of your children while juggling work and virtual meetings.
If both parents are working from home, try alternating shifts, so you each have a designated time to work and to parent. If that’s not an option, experts recommend creating a schedule for your children, so they know when you’re available to play, and when you need to work.1 A red stop sign on the door can help remind them when you shouldn’t be disturbed. And for young children, blocking off a specific time each day for them to nap or have independent screen time can give you a window to schedule conference calls or work uninterrupted.
Homeschooling Your Children
Many parents with school-aged children will be taking on a new challenge: homeschooling. Similar to a home office, designating a space for learning activities can help your child transition between play and school. If you’re working from home, the homeschooling area would ideally be located near your workspace, so you can offer assistance and answer questions, as needed.
If possible, dedicate a desk or table where your child’s work can be spread out—and left out when they break for meals and snacks. Position supplies and materials nearby so they are independently accessible, and place a trash can and recycling bin within reach for easy cleanup. A washable, plastic tablecloth can help transition an academic space into an arts and crafts area.
If the weather is nice, try studying outside! A porch swing is a perfect spot for reading, and gardening in the backyard is a great addition to any science curriculum.
In addition to creating an academic learning environment, find age-appropriate opportunities for your children to help with household chores and meal preparation. Homeschooling advocates emphasize the importance of developing life skills alongside academic ones.2 And with more meals and activities taking place at home, there will be ample opportunity for every family member to pitch in and help.
Staying Fit
With gyms closed and team sports canceled, it can be tempting to sit on the sofa and binge Netflix. However, maintaining the physical health and mental wellness of you and your family is crucial right now. Implementing a regular exercise routine at home can help with both.
If you live in a community where you can safely exercise outdoors while maintaining the recommended distance between you and other residents, try to get out as much as possible. If the weather is nice, go for family walks, jogs, or bike rides.
Can’t get outside? Fortunately, you don’t need a home gym or fancy exercise equipment to stay fit. Look for a suitable space in your home, garage, or basement where you can comfortably move—you’ll probably need at least a 6’ x 6’ area for each person. Many cardio and strength training exercises require little (or no) equipment, including jumping jacks, lunges, and pushups.
And if you prefer a guided workout, search for free exercise videos on YouTube—there are even options specifically geared towards kids—or try one of the many fitness apps available.
Socializing From a Distance
Even though we’re all being called upon to practice “social distancing” right now, there are still ways to stay safely connected to our communities and our extended families. Picking up the phone is a great place to start. Make an effort to reach out to neighbors and loved ones who live alone and may be feeling particularly isolated right now.
And while parties and playdates may be prohibited, modern technology offers countless ways to organize networked gatherings with family and friends. Try using group video conferencing tools like Google Hangouts and Zoom to facilitate a virtual happy hour or book club. Host a Netflix Party to watch (and chat about) movies with friends. Or plan a virtual game night and challenge your pals to a round of Psych or Yahtzee.
There are safe ways to connect offline, too. Rediscover the lost art of letter writing. Drop off groceries on an elderly neighbor’s porch. Or organize a neighborhood “chalk walk,” where children use sidewalk chalk to decorate their driveways and then head out for a stroll to view their friends’ artwork.
Of course, there’s one group of people who you can still socialize with freely—those who reside in your home. Family dinners are back, siblings are reconnecting, and many of us have been given the gift of time, with commutes, activities, and obligations eliminated. In fact, some families are finding that this crisis has brought them closer than ever.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Even with all of the tools and technology available to keep us connected, many of us are still feeling stressed, scared, and isolated. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone. We’re not only here to help you buy and sell real estate. We want to be a resource to our clients and community through good times and bad. If you and your family are in need of assistance, please reach out and let us know how we can help.
Sources:
Top 5 Home Design Trends for a New Decade
Whether you’re planning a simple refresh or a full-scale renovation, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in home design. Sellers who make tasteful updates can generate increased buyer interest and, in some cases, a premium selling price. And buyers should consider which features of a home will need updating immediately (or in the near future) so they can factor renovation costs into their overall budget.
Even if you have no immediate plans to buy or sell, we advise our clients to be thoughtful about the colors, materials, and finishes they select when planning a remodel, or even redecorating. Choosing over-personalized or unpopular options could hurt a home’s value when it does come time to list your property. And selecting out-of-style or overly-trendy elements could cause your home to feel dated quickly.
To help, we’ve rounded up five of the hottest home design trends for 2020. Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list, or renovate your property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.
- IN: Sustainability / OUT: Fast Furniture
Consumers have become increasingly eco-conscious. Many are shunning the mass-produced, “fast furniture” popularized by retailers like IKEA, opting instead for higher-quality pieces that are built to last. And the availability of non-toxic, environmentally-friendly furniture and decor options is set to grow in 2020 and beyond.
At the same time, there’s been a noticeable shift toward individuality in today’s interior design. Instead of following the latest fad, more homeowners are opting to embrace their personal style and invest in items they believe will “spark joy” (à la Marie Kondo) for years to come.
| Want to know more about Marie Kondo’s famous organization method and how it can increase your home’s value? Contact us for a free copy of our recent report, “Top 6 Home Organization Upgrades That ‘Spark Joy’ for Buyers.” |
To incorporate this trend, designers recommend layering old and new pieces for a curated look that you can build over time. Instead of purchasing a matching furniture set from a big-box retailer, buy one or two sustainably-sourced pieces that complement what you already own. Try searching estate sales and Craigslist for vintage classics or well-built furniture that can be refinished. And to accessorize your room, mix sentimental items with newer finds to create a truly personalized space.
- IN: Cozy / OUT: Cold
Designers are moving away from cool grays, industrial finishes, and stark modernism. In 2020, there’s a big emphasis on creating warm and cozy spaces through color, texture, and shape.
Gray has dominated the color palette for the past decade. This year, expect to see a move toward warmer neutrals, earth tones, and nature-inspired shades of blue and green. Warm metals, like gold and brass, will also continue to trend. And hardwood floors are heating up, as cool gray and whitewashed finishes fade in popularity. Expect to see a rise in classic choices like walnut, mahogany, and oak in richer and darker tones.
Furniture will also get cozier—and curvier—in 2020. From rounded sofas and curved-back chairs to oval dining tables, softened-angles are dominating the furniture scene right now. And designers expect softly-textured fabrics—like velvet, shearling, and mohair—to be big this year, as homeowners strive to add a touch of “hygge” (the Danish concept of calming comfort).
Want to warm up your home decor? Try one of the top paint colors for 2020: Benjamin Moore’s First Light (soft pink), Sherwin Williams’s Naval (rich blue), or Behr’s Back to Nature (light green).
- IN: Bold / OUT: Boring
Bold is back! After years of neutral overload, vivid colors and prints will take center stage in 2020. Expect to see geometric designs, color blocking, and floral and botanical patterns on everything from pillows to rugs to wallpaper.
The hottest trend in interior paint right now is bold trim and ceilings. Monochromatic rooms (e.g., walls, ceilings, and millwork painted the same color) will be big this year, as well as high-contrast pairings, like white walls with black trim. Color is coming back to kitchens, too, and two-toned color schemes continue to gain steam. In 2019, 40% of remodelers chose a contrasting color for their kitchen island.1 While white was still the top choice for cabinets, blue and gray are increasingly popular alternatives.
If you’re ready to “go bold,” separated spaces like laundry and powder rooms are great places to start. It’s easier to incorporate busy wallpaper or a bright wall color in an enclosed area because it doesn’t have to flow with the rest of your decor.
Of course, clients always want to know how design choices could impact their home’s value. The reality is, neutral finishes are still the safest bet for resale. If you’re prepping your home to go on the market, stick with non-permanent fixtures—like artwork and accessories—to brighten your space.
- IN: Nature / OUT: Industrial
Biophilic design has been big the past few seasons, and it isn’t going anywhere in 2020. It centers around the health and wellness benefits of connecting with nature, even while indoors, and it’s impacted the latest trends in color, prints, and materials.
As we mentioned previously, floral and botanical patterns are hot right now, along with nature-inspired hues, like blues, greens, and earth tones. We’re also seeing a heightened use of organic shapes and sustainable materials in furniture and furnishings, including wood, wicker, rattan, and jute. This infusion of nature coincides with a decline in the popularity of urban-industrial fixtures. Designers predict that concrete floors and Edison light bulbs are on the way out.
Want to bring in elements of biophilic design on a budget? Houseplants are a great place to start. But you can also enhance your home’s natural light and create a visual sightline to the outdoors by removing heavy curtains and blinds. And when the weather is nice, open your windows and enjoy the breeze, sounds, and smells of nature. These simple acts are scientifically proven to help reduce stress, boost cognitive performance, and enhance mood!2
- IN: Functional / OUT: Fussy
In 2020, homeowners want design that’s beautiful, but also liveable. With the rise in remote workplaces, online shopping, and virtual exercise classes, many of us are spending more time at home than ever before. Cue the growing appeal of multi-functional spaces, like a combination kitchen/office or gym/playroom. Real life—and rising housing prices—necessitates creative use of limited space.
Durable, low-maintenance materials will also surge in popularity this year. Engineered quartz—which is more stain, heat, and chip-resistant than natural stone—is now the #1 choice for kitchen countertops.1 Waterproof, wood-look luxury vinyl is the fastest-growing segment in the flooring industry.3 And improvements to water and stain-resistant performance fabric has made it a mainstream option for both indoor and outdoor upholstery.
Now that functional is hot, what’s not? Designers say that mirrored furniture, open shelving, and all-white kitchens are too impractical for today’s busy families.
So how can you start enjoying the time and energy-saving benefits of this design trend? Begin by structuring each room so that it best suits your needs. And when purchasing furniture or fixtures, choose options that are durable and easy-to-clean. The truth is, design fads come and go. But a comfortable and relaxed home (that you don’t spend every spare minute maintaining!) can help create memories to last a lifetime.
DESIGNED TO SELL
Are you contemplating a remodel? Want to find out how upgrades could impact the value of your home? Buyer preferences vary greatly by neighborhood and price range. We can share our insights and offer tips on how to maximize the return on your investment. And if you’re in the market to sell, we can run a Comparative Market Analysis on your home to find out how it compares to others in the area. Contact us to schedule a free consultation!
Sources:
- Houzz –
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/2020-us-houzz-kitchen-trends-study-stsetivw-vs~129594531 - Terrapin Bright Green – https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/
- Remodeling Magazine –
https://www.remodeling.hw.net/products/vinyl-ceramic-and-hardwood-oh-my-todays-popular-flooring-trends_o - Elle Decor –
https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/g29859422/design-trends-2020/?slide=1 - Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/sites/amandalauren/2019/12/23/twelve-interior-design-trends-well-see-in-2020/#43f81f044a5f
- Wall Street Journal –
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-top-6-interior-design-trends-for-2020-11577460357 - Good Housekeeping –
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g29849170/home-decor-trends-2020/ - Architectural Digest –
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/top-design-trends-of-2020 - Los Angeles Times –
https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-01-11/2020-home-design-trends
Events Around Atlanta March 2020
6: Set Your Clocks Forward!
7: Atlanta Brunch Festival, The Guthman Musical Instrument Competition at Ferst Center for the Arts, Irish Lights St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Joining Hands & Paws Celebration, Atlanta Tattoo Arts Convention, Atlanta’s Tiki Weekend, Irish Lights Festival at Park Tavern
7-21: Atlanta Science Festival
8: Atlanta Tattoo Arts Convention, Atlanta’s Tiki Weekend, KidFitStrong Fitness Challenge
11: Kappa Alpha Theta Charity Bingo Night for Georgia CASA
12-15: Atlanta Jewish Music Festival
13: Green Mile Block Party in Midtown
13-15: American Craft Show at Cobb Galleria Centre
14: Atlanta Luckyfest at Park Tavern, Lucky Leprechaun in Buckhead, Paddyfest, Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, Shamrock ‘N Roll Road Race, For the Love of Paws, Jazz at Sunset, St. Patrick’s Day at Pontoon Brewing, Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest, Model Train Show, Smyrna St. Patrick’s Day Fest, Professional Bull Riders, Forsythia Festival, St. Patrick’s Day Outdoor Event
15: Kegs and Eggs in Virginia Highland, Model Train Show, Smyrna St. Patrick’s Day Fest, Professional Bull Riders, Forsythia Festival, Rescue Dog Games, Doggie Dash & 5K, The Bloody Mary Festival – Atlanta, Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500, Jazz Age Jeopardy
15- April 26: Jazz Age Jeopardy dinner show
17: St. Patrick’s Day Outdoor Event
18- April 12: Spring Awakening
20: Sips Under the Sea, Garden Party at Atlanta Botanical Garden, Fusion Flavors Series: Midnight in Morocco at Vino Venue, Dance Canvas, Chocolate and Art Show
20-22: Spring Atlanta Home Show, Coppélia at The Georgia Ballet
21: Exploration Expo in Piedmont Park, Dance Canvas, Chocolate and Art Show, Pub Crawl on the BeltLine, Shamrockin’ for a Cure, Roswell Beer Festival, Indie Green Festival, WelshFest, Atlanta Holi in Johns Creek, Tour of Kitchens, Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
22: Tour of Kitchens, Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, Atlanta Fermentation Festival
23-29: Inman Park Restaurant Week
26: Cheers for Change at Pour Taproom
26-29: Cinema Italy Atlanta
27: The Atlanta Pancakes & Booze Art Show
27-April 5: International Cherry Blossom Festival
28: The Big Stupid Parking Lot Carnival, Atlanta Magic Night at Red Light Cafe, Edgewood Mac and Cheese Festival, Little Critters Day, Slingin’ Wings Festival, Flashlight Egg Hunt, MuddBuggs & Music, North Georgia Live Steamers, Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, Wing & Rock Fest
28- April 19: Egg Paperweight Class
29: Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, Wing & Rock Fest, Indie Craft Experience Spring Market, The Georgia Cup
Preparing to Meet with a Mortgage Broker
The home buying process is rewarding, but also tedious. In fact, deciding that you’re interested in purchasing a house is just the first step. Where do you turn next? Consider making an appointment to meet with a mortgage broker.
Below are five things to have in order before you make the call to schedule an appointment.
Income details
The mortgage broker will want to know the current details of your income. Typically, recent pay stubs and tax returns will suffice. They will use this information to determine your borrowing power for a loan.
Savings
Your savings balance will help give the broker a better idea of how much you can actually afford. Be sure to print out the balance of all savings accounts that you are currently using.
Assets and liabilities
Again, this will enable the broker to get a better grasp of where you’re at financially. It will also help when the loan process comes into play. For assets, you’ll want to compile any type of investments, savings accounts, and motor vehicle records. For liabilities, take note at any personal loans, credit cards, and car loans.
Identification
This may seem like a no-brainer, but a broker needs proof of identity. Not only should you bring your license with you, but also a back-up method like a passport. Detailed identification will help when a credit check is necessary.
Questions
Last but not least, come prepared with questions. This is the perfect time to get any worries or concerns that you may have out in the open. Even if you need clarification on a topic, now is the time to ask. It’s best to come with a written list so you won’t forget anything.
Although there are quite a few steps in the home buying process, there are professionals, like mortgage brokers, to guide you throughout the entirety.
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