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1st Time Home Buyer ATL

Milla Murad | Realtor® | Real Estate | Atlanta | Georgia

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10 Ways to Deter Burglars With Landscaping

10 Ways to Deter Burglars With Landscaping - 1st Time Home Buyer ATL

In 2014, just over 1.7 million individuals fell victim to burglary according to the FBI. Sometimes deadbolts and alarm systems just aren’t enough to deter thieves. But there are outdoor security measures you can take to prevent property loss at the hands of a burglar. Here are 10 ways you can help protect your home with a well­planned landscape design:

1. Use plant deterrents. Thorny shrubs and bushes like holly or roses help thwart would-be burglars.

2. Prune vegetation regularly. Unkempt hedges provide hiding spots where perpetrators can lurk.

3. Trim the trees. Leave sufficient distance between tree branches and the roof or second-story windows to limit intruder access.

4. Leave a clear line of sight to windows or doors. Blocking these views leaves your home more vulnerable to break-ins. 

5.Invest in accent lights. Illuminate your yard to eliminate potential hiding spots.

6.Install additional lighting. Don’t just rely on the porch light. Consider adding motion-sensitive lighting to help ward off possible intruders.

7. Put gravel beneath ground-floor windows. Burglars rely on silence; stepping on gravel can be a startling repellent.

8. Protect the back door. Many thieves try this less obvious point of entry first.

9. Replace solid privacy fences. Solid fencing helps intruders go undetected. Partial privacy fencing is a more secure option.

10. Lock all gates. It seems obvious, but it’s still worth a mention. Keep front and back gates locked at all times.

While pleasing to look at, landscaping does more than enhance your home’s outdoor aesthetic. Consider whether your current setup promotes security or makes your home appealing to thieves. Use these landscaping security tips to help prevent your home from becoming the target of a burglary.

Posted in: Blog, Real Estate Tagged: aesthetic, home improvement, landscaping, lighting, outdoor, plants, Real Estate, real estate agent, Real Estate Market, realtor, safety, security

Should You Sell Your Home?

Could now be a good time to sell your home?

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is just under 25,000.  Deputy chief economist Len Kiefer announced a positive economic outlook saying “Treasury yields are higher and the economy has strengthened since December”.  As a result, and as I projected in my fall blog, interest rates on a 30 fixed mortgage have gone up; and they’ve gone up 48 basis points since January.  When this happens, historically the real estate market slows, however not this time.  Coming off of a strong 2017, there still wasn’t enough inventory to meet the demand of the buyer community.   “We think the strength of the economy and pent up housing demand should allow the U.S. housing market to post modest growth this year even with higher mortgage rates” Kiefer goes on to say.  Along with interest rates and buyer demand, home prices have also been going up, showing an increase of 7.1% over the last year.  That means your $350,000 home will now sell for roughly $375,000.

For so many people, the equity they have in their home is a big part of their net worth.  I always tell my clients, I don’t determine the price of your home nor does the consumer, the market dictates the price of a home.  So we are in a unique moment in time where while rates have increased, so too have the number of qualified buyers and the value of your home; yet inventory remains low.   Right now, you have an opportunity to perhaps be one of just a few, perhaps even the only home for sale on your street or in your neighborhood!  What does this all spell out?  Well, if you’re a home owner that is looking to downsize, now may be a very good time to list.  If you are a homeowner and are looking to go bigger, you may also consider listing because rates are still very low, but are climbing.  I recently had a client say, “if I list now, I may get more money from the sale of my home, but I’m also going to pay more for my next home!”  My response was simple: “use a mortgage calculator and plug in 4.5%, 5%, 6% and 7% because in doing so you will see the impact mortgage rates will have on your decision making.  All I’m saying is that if, in the back of your mind you have considered selling, you should have a market analysis done on your home, be presented with the facts and make an educated decision.  I’ve seen the cycle of real estate for many years; too many people wait too long, in hopes to max out their equity, which is extremely difficult to project.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in: Blog, Real Estate Tagged: market trends, Real Estate Market, sell your home, Selling

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FROM OUR BLOG

4 Tips for Decorating a Small Space

4 Tips for Decorating a Small Space

Whether it’s a cramped bedroom or an office nook, many homes have a small room that’s difficult to decorate.  Do you wish you could add more charm without forgoing square footage? Well, just because your space is limited, it doesn’t mean your style has to be.  Make your tiny area more usable and trendy with […]

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Milla Murad, Realtor® Village Realty 3423 Piedmont RD NE ATL,GA 30305
O: 404-965-4080
404-268-5565
MillaMurad@gmail.com
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