Real Estate Report - September 2025

September Special Section

Fall Home Maintenance

Protecting your investment and boosting your home’s value

Brought to you by- Caroline Nalisnick, The Kloster Group at HOME Real Estate

With the kids back in school and summer vacations behind us, fall is the perfect time to turn your attention back to your home. The shift in season isn’t just about cooler weather and changing leaves, it is also an opportunity to protect what is likely your largest financial investment.

A well-maintained home saves money over the long run by preventing surprise repairs and helping maximize your home’s value when it’s time to sell. With higher mortgage rates and prices impacting affordability, buyers today are discerning and truly want homes they feel are move-in ready. A house that shows pride of ownership not only stands out but can also command a stronger sales price

Start by walking around your property and looking

for areas that may need attention. A proactive approach now can save you thousands later. Here are a few essential fall tasks to put on your list:

• Inspect and refresh paint. Paint isn’t just cosmetic. It seals and protects your home’s exterior materials so pay close attention to trim, windows, and siding. Address peeling or cracking areas as needed.

• Clean your gutters. Clearing out debris now prevents clogs and water damage once autumn leaves begin to fall.

• Repair cracks in driveways and walkways. Monitor your driveway and walkways for cracks. Sealing them promptly will prevent costly damage down the road.

• Service your HVAC system. Change filters and schedule a furnace inspection to ensure your heating system is ready for cooler weather.

• Check for drafts. Walk through your home and feel around doors and windows. Adding weather stripping or caulk is a simple fix that lowers heating costs all winter long.

• Fertilize your lawn. Protect your grass against the cold and keep it healthy through the winter months.

• Test safety devices. Replace the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Winterize outdoor faucets. Drain and disconnect hoses then shut off exterior spigots to prevent frozen pipes and water damage.

For more personalized guidance or to request a detailed Home Maintenance Guide, reach out to Caroline Nalisnick with The Kloster Group at caroline@homegeorgia.com . Preparing today ensures your home is ready for tomorrow’s market.

Brought to you by

– Kristi Davis, HOME Real Estate

From House to HOME

What makes a house truly feel like HOME? Is it the square footage, architecture, or the paint color? I don’t think so. It’s the way sunlight spills across the kitchen counter during your morning coffee. It’s the corner shelf filled with books and memories. It’s that subtle sense that the space was meant just for you.

Every home tells a story — yours! The colors you choose, the photos on the wall, even the way you arrange your favorite chair by the window all say something about who you are and what you love. A well-loved space becomes a reflection of your journey, holding little chapters of your life in its corners.

In our current market, the story of your home matters. We are seeing a rising inventory requiring sellers to make concessions and allowing buyers more time to make their choice. Buyers want homes that feel loved. Your home can tell your story without closing the book for someone else’s. A little personality makes a space memorable, but too much can be overwhelming. A home office doesn’t have to look like a magazine spread, but if it’s doubling as a

jungle-themed nursery with murals and ceiling clouds, it may be worth simplifying before you sell. The same goes for custom features. A velvet green built in bar might be your dream, but to a buyer, it could look like a big project.

So, where should you begin? Designers and agents agree: kitchens and bathrooms carry the most weight when selling - think quartz countertops, simple cabinetry, and classic fixtures. These spaces should feel fresh, modern, and

neutral enough to stand the test of time. And don’t forget layout and lighting. A simplified well-lit home feels bigger and more welcoming. Layered lighting (overhead, lamps, and accent) can make a room feel warm and adaptable. Smart layouts simply make life easier. Thoughtful design can boost resale value, but the greatest return is emotional. Living in a space that truly reflects who you are creates a deep sense of wellbeing. And when a home feels

cared for, that energy carries through — buyers notice it, and they’re more likely to fall in love.

So hang the family photos, display your favorite records, paint that reading nook in your favorite moody shade. With the right balance, you don’t have to choose between soul and saleability.

After all, a house holds people. A home holds stories.

And when your story is told with care, the next chapter writes itself.

✨ Design Now, Sell Later — Quick Tips ✨

• Stay neutral: Timeless walls and floors, add color with rugs, art, & pillows

• Avoid fads: Bold tiles or themes hurt resale

• Layer lighting: Layer overhead, task, and accent

• Prioritize function: Create flexible, easy flow

• Track upgrades: Save receipts and before/after photos

• Plan ahead: Design for now, but allow flexibility.

• Ask a pro: A quick designer consult can help!

Ready to begin your next chapter? Contact me at Kristi@HOMEgeorgia.com or 770.367.224

• Curated, Transitional, Urban Farmhouse Homes

• Lakeside Community with Lake Lanier Access

• Community Courtesy Docks with Swim Platforms

• Gathering Area Pavilion with Fireplace

• 5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3 Car Garages

Why a turnkey, one-stop shop is essential for your bath or kitchen remodel

Brought to you by - Bath and Kitchen Galleria

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the process can quickly become overwhelming. From creating ideas and solutions, and selecting materials to finding contractors for plumbing, electrical work, and installation, managing multiple vendors and services can be stressful.

Remodeling projects start with a vision but bringing that vision to life requires expertise. An in-house design team needs to work closely with you to create a customized plan that reflects your personal style, and preferences, and stays within your budget—offering services like 3D renderings, so you can visualize your space before any work begins. With expert guidance every step of the way, you can be confident your project is set up for success.

Coordinating multiple contractors— plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and more—can be time-consuming and frustrating. With a turnkey remodeler, you get full-service project management, to handle every aspect of the renovation. Having a team to ensure that the design, material selection, scheduling, and installation are all aligned to create a smooth, stress-free experience is key. You don’t have to worry about chasing contractors or keeping up with timelines—it will be done all for you.

One of the biggest advantages of working with a one-stop shop is the convenience of having everything you need in one place. A great showroom should be filled with an extensive selection of cabinetry in a variety of styles and finishes, plumbing fixtures from top brands, countertops including granite, quartz, marble, and more, tile for floors and backsplashes, and hardware to complete your design.

Rather than running around town searching for materials, you can explore all your options under one roof, with our team guiding you through each choice.

Choosing a turnkey, one-stop-shop remodeler like Bath & Kitchen Galleria means more than just convenience—it means a smoother, more enjoyable remodeling experience with expert guidance, seamless coordination, and a wide selection of top-quality products to choose from while staying in your budget.

Whether you're transforming your bathroom or remodeling your kitchen, Bath & Kitchen Galleria is here to handle every detail, so you can sit back and enjoy the results! For more information visit Bath & Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) M-F, 9-5 and Saturday, 10-4, or call them at 678-459-2292 or visit BathandKitchenGalleria.com to schedule an appointment online.

Low-Maintenance, Stylish, and Affordable

Atlanta’s new townhome options

Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Across Atlanta, homebuyers are discovering the advantages of townhome living - where comfort meets convenience and affordability. With low-maintenance lifestyles that make it easy to simply lock and leave, townhomes are the perfect fit for busy professionals, frequent travelers, first-time buyers, and families who want stylish design without the upkeep of a single-family home. From vibrant downtown settings to walkable historic neighborhoods, four standout new communities are redefining townhome living while keeping homeownership within reach.

In Dawsonville, Downtown Fausett by awardwinning builder David Patterson Homes offers incredible value with pricing from the mid-$300s. This intimate community of 24 European transitional-style townhomes includes several move-in ready

options, each with three bedrooms and two-and-ahalf baths. With its prime downtown location and proximity to Lake Lanier, Downtown Fausett blends small-town charm with easy access to outdoor recreation.

Also, by David Patterson Homes, Sharon Commons in Loganville delivers a perfect balance of space and style. Priced from the high $300s, these large three- and four-bedroom townhomes provide all the benefits of low-maintenance living while giving homeowners the room they need to spread out. With two homes ready now, Sharon Commons is an ideal opportunity for buyers eager to make their move.

For those seeking refined living in a vibrant community setting, Palmyra Terrace Homes by awardwinning Patrick Malloy at Trilith in Fayetteville offer an elevated townhome experience. Starting in the low $700s, these residences showcase soaring 11-foot ceilings, a chef’s kitchen with breakfast bar, cozy fireplace, and a serene east-facing terrace. The

luxurious primary suite features a spa-like bath and generous walk-in closet, while thoughtful design touches like flex space, ample storage, and a twocar garage complete the package. Buyers can also take advantage of a limited-time incentive of up to 6% toward rate buydown and closing costs.

Rounding out the list, The Townhomes at Park Place in historic Powder Springs offer the perfect blend of location and lifestyle, priced from $349,900. With four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, these homes combine modern luxury with small-town charm. Residents enjoy walkability to quaint shops, local restaurants, the Powder Springs Amphitheater with live entertainment and direct access to the Silver Comet Trail.

David Patterson Homes and Patrick Malloy Communities are proudly represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. For more information on these and other new home communities, visit BHHSGANewHomes.com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

Trusts versus Wills: What's right for you?

Brought to you by - Estates Law Center USA

A Will is a legal document that takes effect after your death. It specifies how you want your assets distributed and allows you to name a guardian for minor children. Wills must be signed and witnessed according to your state's laws, and they are filed with a probate court after your death. Probate is a public process, meaning anyone can access the details of your Will, and the court oversees the settlement of your estate. Probate on average costs 5-15% of your gross estate and even more if there is litigation and fighting between family members over your assets. While this might sound complicated, a Will is often the simplest and most affordable option, especially for smaller estates with no property or business and no minor or disabled children.

A Trust allows someone, called a trustee, to manage and eventually distribute your assets according to your instructions without going through the government Probate process. This can be beneficial if you want to control how your family receives their inheritance, such as in stages or at a certain age. Trusts can also be used to support minor or disabled children, care for a loved one with special needs or protect assets for someone who may not be finan-

cially responsible.

Because Trusts bypass long and expensive probate, they can speed up the transfer of wealth, reduce legal costs and keep your financial affairs private. Even though Trust obviously costs more than setting up a Will but Trust is significantly cheaper than paying for 5-15% or more of your assets in Probate for the public to view.

Understanding trusts

There are two main types of Trusts. Both can be in effect while you are still alive and can continue after your death. A revocable trust, also called a living trust, can be changed or canceled during your lifetime. Your control and access to the assets in the revocable trust does not

change. This Trust offers flexibility but does not protect assets from estate taxes if your estate exceeds the federal exemption, which is $15 million starting January 1, 2026, adjusted annually for inflation. More advance revocable trusts can also protect your assets generationally if your children get divorced, sued, bankrupt or disabled. It can also prevent your children from being disinherited if your surviving spouse remarries.

An irrevocable trust cannot generally be changed once created with some exceptions. It removes assets from your taxable estate and can provide strong protection from creditors, but it requires you to relinquish control of the assets permanently to avoid 40% estate tax. There are unique types of irrevocable trusts to give access and control between spouses and unique irrevocable trusts to protect from medicaid and lawsuits that allow different levels of control and access. Upon your death, both trusts transfer your assets automatically without Probate.

Choosing the right approach

If your estate is small with no real property; no minor or disabled children, no ownership of a company and your wishes are straightforward, a Will may be all you need. However, if you own property or business and/or have minor or disabled children, your estate can be more complicated because Probate is required. Thus, if you desire greater control, privacy or asset protection, as well as avoid Probate, you must utilize a Trust.

Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. Consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to create documents tailored to your needs, your family and your long-term goals. Attend our in person workshops to learn more to