BULLETIN BOARD

Safety Season

Enjoying outdoor fires responsibly

Bonfires are a highlight of the fall season, but with October being Fire Prevention Month, it’s also a good time to brush up on fire safety. We tapped The Home Depot’s associate merchant for fire safety, Sandy Springs resident Alex Forte, for some top tips for using and building a fire pit.

Build a blaze safely…

Step 1: Check with your local fire department to confirm that outdoor fires are permitted in the area. Step 2: Make sure the fire pit is at least 10 feet away from the home, surrounding buildings or flammable materials. Step 3: Keep the pit properly surrounded by non-flammable material, such as rocks or cement, and clear away any dry leaves, sticks, overhanging low branches or shrubs from the area. Step 4: Check the weather and avoid starting a fire on windy days when flames can travel easily through the air, especially in a dry environment. Step 5: Once the area is prepped, light the fire using tinder and a non-liquid fire accelerant, such as a match.

And remember…

n Never light with gasoline or other combustible liquids. It’s important to keep the fire small and manageable so it’s easier to control. And never leave the fire unattended. A fire can become uncontainable quickly, so always keep an eye on it. n Do not burn anything in your fire pit that is not specifically designated as firewood. This includes furniture and other items that may have coatings that can create toxic smoke or burn more rapidly than firewood. n Always have a hose, bucket of water or shovel for dirt or sand close by to put out the fire, making sure to completely extinguish it before leaving. n

For more tips, visit homedepot.com/ firesafety.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Vintage Ken and Barbie dolls take center stage in photographer David Parise’s eye-catching images being sold at Framebridge through the end of the year. The more than 50 best-selling prints are inspired by photographer Slim Aarons’ iconic pool party scenes from the 1960s. The prints are available in five custom framing options for $140 at framebridge.com/david-parise-prints.

The Home Depot's Alex Forte keeps fire safety top of mind.

DESIGN & REALTY NEWS

Visual artist Anderson Smith has opened his first gallery in Buckhead Village. Gallery Anderson Smith, located at 294 Buckhead Ave., opened its doors in September showcasing a mixture of abstract, pop and modern contemporary creations by self-taught Smith and others, including Hopeton St. Clair Hibbert, Vando Davis, Dawn Stringer and others. “I was part of another gallery in Buckhead on the same block, and working out of the studio gave me motivation and an idea to have my own space,” Anderson says. “The location is great as I am surrounded by great retail shops and restaurants.” andersonsmithcollection.com n Buckhead’s Kimpton Sylvan Hotel was honored with an Excellence in Rehab Award by The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The distinction was part of 26 awards presented in April at the 45th annual Preservation Awards ceremony in Augusta that recognized the best of preservation in Georgia. The Excellence in Rehabilitation Awards recognize projects that make compatible use of a building through repair, alterations or additions while preserving features of the property that convey its historic value. Originally named Paces Ferry Tower, the Kimpton Sylvan is housed in a 1951 apartment building that was designed in the International style by architect James C. Wise. At one time, it was the tallest structure in Buckhead. georgiatrust.org/preservation-awards/kimpton-sylvan-hotel

n Multifamily developer Terwilliger Pappas recently broke ground on Solis Dresden Village, a mixed-use project in Brookhaven. Upon completion, the development will include 183 luxury residential units—176 residential flats and seven townhomes—as well as walkable street retail. A short stroll from the Brookhaven-Oglethorpe MARTA station, the village is slated to open in mid-2024. terwilligerpappas.com

Real Estate Market Insider

The Right Time Could Be Right Now

Changes in interest rates continue to impact the Real Estate market across the U.S. and abroad as the housing market adjusts to a more balanced position. If you have been waiting for the right time to make a move, Expert Contributor, that could be now. Jenni Bonura

When it comes to sales, President and CEO, Harry Norman, REALTORS® homes continue to move fast. In metro Atlanta, the average time on market is now 19 days (about two and a half weeks), which is a slight increase on last month and last year. However, this is still a short sales window, and almost half that of August 2020. This indicates that demand remains strong for homes that are priced right.

Securing the next home has also become easier as inventory levels in the market increase. While not yet back to pre-pandemic levels, the number of homes for sale in metro Atlanta across July and August returned to the levels seen in 2020. With more homes on the market, you have more options for your next purchase.

Regardless of what other markets may be experiencing, Atlanta prices are not showing signs of long-term decline. In August, the price of a home in metro Atlanta was 14% higher than a year prior. Based on the current average sales price of $505,000, that is $60,000 in equity growth in one year. Looking back two years, home values have appreciated almost 30%. With these equity gains, the next home of your dreams may now be within easier reach.

These are dynamic times in the real estate market where expertise and insight can make a tremendous difference to the outcome. As Atlanta’s first luxury real estate brokerage, Harry Norman, REALTORS® offers incomparable experience and results. Reach out today to discuss if now is the right time for you.

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