Welcome!

I am an Atlanta native and made the decision in 2007 to leave my job as an architect/urban planner to get my real estate license. This was a difficult decision but has been great since my very first day in my new career and I am really enjoying it! It is so rewarding helping people find that perfect home, and it allows me to continue to satiate my love of good architecture and great neighborhoods!

I attended Georgia Tech (GO JACKETS!!!!) which is where I met my husband. For almost a decade we lived in one of Atlanta's fabulous in-town neighborhoods in a great 1920's Craftsman bungalow with our two dogs and two cats. Following the birth of our first child, we bought a foreclosure in the west Buckhead area and fully renovated it using an FHA 203k loan, which was a fun and sometimes daunting process. And just prior to the birth of our second child, we purchased and renovated a home in downtown Historic Roswell, completing our personal tour of some of Atlanta's best neighborhoods to live in!

I decided to create this blog in order to share useful information and resources about the real estate market and home buying process, as well as hopefully bring some humor and levity to what is often a complex and intimidating process. Enjoy!!!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Spring Home Maintenance

Mother Nature put on quite a show this winter and some homes took a beating. Here are some things to look for this Spring and assess what damage may have been caused by the wind, rain and snow.

Curb Appeal. Check steps, decks and porches for wood rot and peeling paint. If the house is vacant, you may want to use some elbow grease or invest in fresh paint on the porch and a power wash to get rid of the winter grime and dust.

Leak Alert. Check beneath the house to see if there is any accumulated water. Even if it is raining outside, it should be dry underneath the home. If not, first eliminate the possibility of leaks originating from inside the house by checking the underside of the floor for dripping water or water stains.

If an inside leak is not to blame, look next for seepage from outside the house. Determine the source to prevent any future damage.

Foundation for the future. Inspect the area where the home’s foundation meets the ground for spots where the earth slopes toward the house. Fix any sloping earth so that it directs water away from the house.

Trim trees and shrubs to keep them from touching the house and channeling water down the walls. Also, remove ladders, wheelbarrows and other equipment stacked against the outside of the home. Install extensions on gutter downspouts to keep water far from the structure.

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