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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 In fact, because technology changes so quickly some smart home technologies can even make your home seem outdated if they are just a couple of years old.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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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

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Exclusive Atlanta Designer Secrets for Holiday Decorating Inspiration

Decorating for the holidays is something I, as an amateur interior decorator, L.O.V.E. but I’m always looking to do something a little different, to change it up and give a new look to my tried and true decorations. Can you relate? I thought who better to ask for advice on freshening up my holiday décor than my friend Katie Walton of Flair Interiors. Katie’s specialty is high end residential design and new construction. Her goal is to “make your home your ultimate place of refuge and relaxation; the place you long to be when you are away, and relish in the comfort of when you return.” I just love that!

So, in thinking about the holidays, here are her recommendations:

 

Add a pop of color, sparkle, or lighting to what you already have

Katie says that for her clients, she doesn’t buy all new décor each year, but instead adds to what they already have. She likes to come up with a unique, surprising addition to make current pieces pop. For example, for one client she took the faux wreaths that they provided the first year and added designer ribbons and lighting. The next year they upgraded the lighting to LED lights on timers and decorative pieces of glitter covered branches for a festive pop of color.

Use fresh, handmade wreaths and garlands for special touch

Speaking of wreaths, the ultimate in luxury, says Katie, is using fresh, handmade wreaths and garland. Look for pieces made with unique greens – in addition to fir – like magnolia leaves, cyprus, and cedar. She loves using fresh greens to decorate and the look and wonderful scent make your home just that much more festive and luxurious.

Add more flameless candles

There’s nothing like the cozy, warm, romantic glow of candlelight and Katie recommends “the more the merrier!” If you already use candles as part of your holiday décor, add more! Of course, flamesless candles are recommended because you can use them just about anywhere and close to flammable items without safety concerns. Also, choose candles with self-timers, she says, so that your home lights up all on its own each evening.

The entrance is your first impression

Katie recommends that we remember the front entrance. It is the first impression of your home and the perfect place to set the tone for the holiday mood inside. She says to frame your doorway with garlands and lights, using wireless lights on timers for a low maintenance, fool-proof holiday light show each evening.

Such great advice! Thank you Katie! I can’t wait to get out and find some lovely new additions that I can incorporate in my holiday décor this year. If you would like to keep up with Katie and see her gorgeous work, please visit her website. She’s also on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

And, please reach out if you are looking to list or buy a luxury home in #Atlanta. As your Realtor®, I would love the opportunity to put my experience as a 3rd generation Atlantan and practicing real estate attorney to work for you.

~Jess