Posts

Back with a Bang - Celebrating the Fourth in Atlanta

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  The Fourth of July is back with a bang! Last year, celebrations were cut back due to COVID-19, but now we are able to come together more safely to celebrate our country' independence!  So it's time to break out the barbecues, pool floaties, and corn hole games, grab some friends, and celebrate! Don't forget though that there's plenty of events just outside of your backyard all across the metro Atlanta area! Wondering what to do on this 245th Independence Day? We've got you covered from big events in the city to local firework shows in your county! Check it out -  Peachtree Road Race The AJC Peachtree Road Race is an Atlanta tradition, and this year - it's back for it's 52nd race around Atlanta! This year, the race will take place on TWO days for extra safety, and extra fun! The road race starts at approximately 6:30 each morning, and you can line the streets to support these red, white, and blue runners. This event is a special favorite of our own Mr. Davi...

After the Autographs - What happens post-closing

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  We know this busy season of real estate can be hectic, but it's never bad idea to take a moment to look back at some basics.  Lots of closings will be happening during these summer months, but what happens after the papers are signed and the keys have been exchanged?  The work doesn't stop there, so here's a synopsis of what happens post-closing, including what we handle after you've signed, and what you should do too!  Our job Disbursement - Many checks are often disbursed at the closing table, but any wires and checks not given out at closing will be distributed afterward. The closer will get the file back and review  it to ensure all documents have been properly executed in compliance with the bank's requirements, and checks will be mailed out to the appropriate location and wires will be sent out by the closing attorney.  Deeds and Recording - The warranty deed is signed at closing and shows that a clear title has passed from the seller to the bu...

Earth Day and Beyond - How Your Home Can 'Go Green'

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  April 22 was Earth Day and there were plenty of social media posts celebrating this amazing planet we call home. But maybe you saw a post and wondered, what can I do to be more green?  We all know going green is good for the environment, and it's important to help conserve resources. You've heard of reduce, reuse, recycle, and you know you should use paper instead of plastic, and turn the water off while you're brushing your teeth. But what can your home be doing to be more green? If you have the capability to install solar panels on your roof and live "off-the-grid," that's great, but it's probably not an option for everyone. However, there are still a few small changes you can make to ensure that your house is the most environmentally friendly it can be. Quick Fixes To start saving on your energy bill, consider switching your light bulbs to be more energy efficient. There are a wide variety of energy saving bulbs available, but you should concentrate o...

Spring Home Maintenance

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  Spring is in the air! We're already seeing warmer temps this week, and it may inspire you to get outside and enjoy the nice weather! It may also inspire a bit of spring cleaning, and we're not just talking about finally washing that pile that's been building in your laundry room!  As the season transitions into warmer weather, it's a great time to check on a few important fixtures of your home. While these aren't always the most fun or even immediately noticed changes, your house will certainly thank you for running through this quick checklist!  Air Filters  Before you turn on your AC, we recommend changing out your air filters. Typically, these should be changed every 90 days. It's a quick and easy fix that ends up cleaning every room in the house!  Not sure how to replace them? First, locate your air filters and determine their size. Replaceable filters are usually surrounded by a cardboard frame, while reusable filters are typically surrounded by plastic. ...

Fall in Love with Homestead Exemption

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  Well, the forms are already filling your mailbox, so you know what it's time for - taxes.   We know they may not be the love letters you were hoping for, but it's time to gather your documents and get it done. Did you buy a home in 2020? If so, fall head over heels for the homestead exemption! Not sure or can't remember how to file for the exemption? We've got you covered with these quick facts about the homestead tax exemption!  What is it?  A homestead exemption is a one-time, tax exemption on your property taxes that can be filed the January after you have purchased a new home. It lasts until the ownership of your home changes. How much is exempt? The exemption is a reduction of the amount of taxes charged, and so will vary for each county and property.  What do I need?  To file for a homestead exemption, you must be a legal resident of the county and must own and occupy the home as of January 1 in the year you are seeking the exemption. Ther...

New Year, New Market - Predictions for Real Estate in 2021

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  2020 was a year of unpredictability. However, despite the pandemic and resulting recession, more than 6 million homes were still sold, and home prices grew 5% according to Forbes .  While the last year has taught us that's impossible to know what may come next, we've gathered experts' predictions for the 2021 real estate market.  Seasonal Balance  First, the realtor.com 2021 Housing Forecast predicts that there will be some sense of normalcy returned to the seasonality of real estate. In 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic threw the predictable real estate season out the window. Many stay-at-home orders were imposed right before the summer, the best time for the real estate market. Buyers returned to the market before sellers, and had a drastic impact on inventory, time on the market, and home prices. However, realtor.com predicts that things will begin to settle into the normal seasonal trends in 2021.  Home Sales and Prices  2020 changed the way many of us ...

Feeling Thankful

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      2020 has thrown so many curveballs it's hard to keep up. With the world where it is right now, it's sometimes hard to find the silver lining; however, in some ways, this year has shown us all that we truly have to be thankful for.      Each year the Perrie & Associates staff shares what we are thankful for this holiday season, and 2020 is no exception. In fact, we feel it's even more important to share with our clients what we are thankful for this year, and the hopes we have for the future. We are truly a family here at Perrie & Associates, and we want to share that feeling with all of you, in this especially trying year. Below are some of the many things we are thankful for:  Brett Lefevre, Disburser  I'm thankful for our management team who has guided us through the COVID pandemic and has caused our company to thrive during uncertain times. I'm also thankful to work with such wonderful people! Emily Kobito, Social Media Manager...