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Holiday Greetings!

For most of us, the endless lists, fighting traffic, and long line of social engagements can make this time of year feel more of a chore than a celebration. It is my wish for you and yours that you can make time this year to enjoy and celebrate your family time together.

My wish is that we all experience this Christmas with the wonder of a child; and soak up those special moments with those dearest to us.

This Christmas, I’m so grateful for each and every one of you and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~Jess

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Smart Home Technology that Attracts Buyers

Have you been considering upgrading the technology in your home? Need a last minute gift idea? Smart Home Technology can be a nice holiday gift for your home or for that gadget nut you share it with? There seems to be no shortage of new technology and amazing trends happening in home technology. However, how do you know which ones are worth the cost and will add value to your home? I’ve been looking into these questions as I get asked more and more by my clients about home technology. Here’s what I’ve learned so far.

So, what makes a ‘smart’ home smart? In general, it refers to a home that has automation features that are connected to the internet and thus can be controlled by a smartphone. Most people think first of security features like locks, alarms, and cameras as well as comfort features connected to the internet like the thermostats, entertainment, and lighting.

The list of connected comforts one can add to their home seems to be growing longer as technology in the home increases. You’ve may have even heard of entertainment systems and major appliances that you can communicate with from your smartphone. However, not everything will increase the value of your home or help you fetch a better price when you sell. In fact, because technology changes so quickly some smart home technologies can even make your home seem outdated if they are just a couple of years old. So, what are the best smart home technologies that make your home standout with buyers and may even increase its value?

Even though they may not be the sexiest features of home technology, those that provide security, safety, or efficiency – and thus save you money on utilities or insurance – are the ones that are most popular, most often requested by home buyers, and features they are willing to pay more for.

Security

Smart home technology that increases the security of your home is very popular. Internet connected security systems allow homeowners to monitor their homes, see who’s at the door and allow or deny entry, even when they’re far from home. Such technology includes automated lock systems and doorbells with cameras integrated, even internet connected garage doors that can be opened or closed remotely.

Safety

Technology features that increase the safety of your home can certainly protect your family, but they may also save you money on home insurance premiums. For example, most popular technologies include leak detection systems that can monitor your water system and detect a leak. No more fears of the water heater blowing up while you’re on vacation! Other popular products include carbon monoxide, smoke, and radon detectors.

Efficiency

Increasing efficient utility usage can save homeowners lots of money and help the technology pay for itself. The most popular products to increase efficiency include connected thermostats that you can monitor and control from anywhere you have an internet connection. There’s also been amazing advancements in smart watering systems that can help you save on your water bill while maintaining a beautifully landscaped property.

There are so many other amazingly cool technologies and trends in everything from wine storage to smart beds, to smart laundry appliances.  If you have some smart automation that has been particularly impressive in your home, I’d love to hear what your favorite features are.

If you are looking to list or start shopping for a new home in the new year, I’d love to help! Put my expertise as a 3rd generation Atlantan and practicing real estate attorney to work for you.

~Jess

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Insider Secret: List in January!

Are you planning to list your home in the new year? If so, I’ve got some insider secrets to share with you to help you beat out the competition, get more money for your home and sell it within your desired timeline. It all goes back to the old adage, “the early bird gets the worm.” And in this case, the early birds are shopping for worms – homes – beginning in January. According to the latest research published by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 88 percent of home buyers begin looking for their next home using the Internet – not really a surprise, right?! However, what is surprising is that buyers start researching homes 12 weeks before they commit to a home, making January the prime time they begin shopping in order to close and move during the peak spring and summer market. The trend bears out with our own website! Beacham & Company sees the greatest jump up in website traffic in January! 

Interesting, you say? Year after year we see this trend play out and in the luxury market, taking advantage of the trend is even more important. Luxury homes, on average, spend more days on the market than average priced homes and the buyer pool is generally smaller. So, if you are planning to list your home in 2018, I strongly suggest we get to work making that happen come January.

What are Next Steps?

  1. Make an appointment with a Realtor® – Your first step, once you decide you’d like to explore listing your home in 2018 is to call a Realtor® to discuss your options and talk about your plans. Of course, I’d love the opportunity to put my experience to work for you. As a 3rd generation Atlantan, Real Estate Attorney and Realtor®, I have a unique skill set to better help you find your ideal home and give you that extra edge at the negotiating table.
  2. Prepare to stage your home – Once we’re ready to move forward, we’ll tour your home with an eye for staging it for sale. Whether we decide to hire a professional staging consultant or do it ourselves, we will identify any fixes, improvements or most often, decluttering and shifting around that will accentuate the beauty and functionality of your home.
  3. Prepare to have your home photographed – Compelling photography was identified in NAR’s study (mentioned above) as more important to buyers when browsing your listing than detailed information about your property – including price! We’ve heard about the importance of high quality photography time-and-time again which is why we have phenomenal photographers on staff and take the time to help you prepare to have your home photographed. 

So, if you plan on listing your home in 2018, my insider advice is to consider listing in January to beat the competition and give yourself the best chance to sell within your timeline and for top dollar. We have seen it happen year-after-year that sellers listing in January get a headstart on all those who wait until spring to list. Please, reach out, I’d be happy to answer any questions and discuss your options for listing in the new year.

~Jess

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My Top Picks for Atlanta Holiday Family Fun

Can you believe we just celebrated Thanksgiving? Oh, how this year has flown by! I hope you enjoyed the holiday with your friends and family. We just love this time of year in our family; everything just seems so much more magical and merry. One of the best ways to make the most of the holidays here in Atlanta is to get out to enjoy some of the unique events we have going on. These five suggestions are on our ‘must-do’ list to go for the holidays are places I love to attend and I hope to see you there!

  1. Nutcracker Ballet at Fox Theatre

If you haven’t taken the family for this Christmas tradition, I suggest you do! This ballet is entertainment for all ages and brings you the wonder and imagination of the holiday. Tickets always sell out fast, so pick a date to take everyone soon!  https://www.atlantaballet.com/performances/nutcracker

  1. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

The Center for Puppetry Arts takes this animated classic and brings it to life. It’s like the TV classic movie has come to life. The kids – and even the adults – just love it! After you see this once, you’ll make this a family tradition. http://www.puppet.org/buy-tickets/2017-18/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/

  1. Breakfast with Santa

Only at the Georgia Aquarium can you see manta rays, sharks of all kinds…and Santa! The pancakes are a secret indulgence that I love eating while our little ones can chat with Santa about everything they want him to bring them. It’s definitely a great day out with the family! http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/explore/events/festival-of-the-season/breakfast-with-santa

  1. Lights at Lake Lanier

If it’s a bit chillier, this is a great experience, and you never have to leave your car. The trees are lit and displays cover a range of holiday themes, including the 12 Days of Christmas. You’ll need to clean off the windows the next day from the kids’ faces pressed up against them! https://lakelanier.com/magical-night-of-lights/

  1. Urban Nutcracker

This cool, urban take on the classic Nutcracker Ballet is a great event to attend if your family is looking for something a little different than the original version. Combining ballet with tap, modern, and jazz dance brings this holiday tradition into the 21st century. I love this because it’s a wonderful modern twist on this family classic. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ballethnics-urban-nutcracker-2017-2nd-performance-saturday-evening-tickets-38607908293

I wish you a magical, joyful holiday season here in Atlanta! My hope is that we all get a chance to enjoy some of these fun traditions that our city has to offer and slow down enough to make some memories this year!

~Jess