Cotton States Properties Blog

Family Friendly Outdoor Activities During This Pandemic

There’s no question that Covid19 has put a huge damper on the family outings and activities.  Here are some fun ways to get outdoors with the family and still practice safe social distancing.

 

 

Walking or biking while social distancing.  Even babies and toddlers love getting outdoors and the fresh air is not only good for adults, but kids as well.   Utilize a child bicycle trailer or stroller for the little family members that can’t ride bikes or walk.  While walking or riding, talk about nature with your children.  It’s a great opportunity to educate them and for you to get some exercise.

 Organize a nature scavenger hunt.  Hunt for plants, trees, rocks, acorns, leaves.  You can even cut the kids lose with cell phones to collect pictures of different types of animals and birds.  The kids can check off the list you’ve created of the items they’ve found or the pictures they’ve taken  Make it fun for the entire family!

 

 

Grab some books, a shady spot and read to your kids outdoors.  Bring a couple of games.  It’s the ideal way to bond with your family.

Let creativity run free by having the family create their own nature sculptures made out of rocks, leaves, twigs and flowers. Use clay or play doe as a base for the sculpture.

 

 

Fishing is an awesome way to get outdoors and engage the family in fun!  There are plenty of recreational areas to enjoy while maintaining social distancing.

 

Have an international picnic in your own backyard.  Imagine the whole family in the kitchen cooking some fun international dishes that can be packed up in containers and taken outside.  Throw a blanket down and put a few decorations down for each country represented in your international picnic.  While you eat, engage the kids in conversation about the culture and location of each country’s dish.

Clearly this year has given us a curve ball, but with a little creativity, you can use not only nature, but even your own home to create fun and unique ways to bring the family together and keep them safe.

The Advantages of Buying a New Home vs. a Resale

 

 

Minimal Repairs and Updates

 

When you purchase a new home, everything is brand new.  Of course your home will require regular maintenance, as all homes do, but you won’t be spending your time after you move in updating your home or making repairs as you would with a resale home.  If you build a new home from the ground up, you have the advantage to select the floor plan, select your home site and choose design features that represent your personality giving you spare time instead of remodeling once you move in.

 

Technology Smart Homes

 

With today’s ever changing technology, new homes are often wired to handle the latest updates and trends such as state-of-the-art Wi-Fi, sound systems and smart home products. If buying a resale home, you often need to make the necessary changes to bring the home up to date to accommodate these technology features.

 

Modern Design

 

The floor plan you choose reflects your desire of how you want to live and entertain.  New homes offer the latest concepts and designs that include open spaces, well appointed and spacious kitchens and an abundance of closet space.

 

Newest Building Processes and Materials

 

With each year, new materials are introduced into new home construction and are more advance and energy efficient compared to those materials used for older homes.  New appliances are more energy efficient and beautifully designed an newly built homes also offer the latest safety features.

 

 

Cotton States Properties Craftsmanship

 

With every home we build, we think of you.  How YOU want to live, what you as the homeowner will desire.  Cotton States Properties is committed to making sure each home we build is quality crafted, well designed and a place you’ll want to call home for decades.

 

 

Cotton States Offers a Fantastic Spring Special!

   

Cotton States is happy to announce their spring special on select homes in our beautiful community of the Estates at Hickory Flat.  With every home we build, we take a floor to ceiling approach with painstaking attention to detail in every aspect of the home building process.  By taking this approach, we produce a quality crafted home that Cotton States Properties is known for.

The Estates at Hickory Flat is a stunning community nestled among the rolling hills of Cherokee County.  This community offers large home sites, gorgeous well designed homes and fabulous amenities that each family member will enjoy.

For a limited time, and on select homes, we are offering a $5000 towards closing costs with our preferred lender.  Call Chelsea Hagerty at 321 693 8152 to set up an appointment today to see these breathtaking homes in person!

 

Good Schools = Excellent Home Values Both Present & Future!

Good Schools = Excellent Home Values Both Present & Future!

 

There’s no denying that homes located in sought after school districts can impact home values.  Good schools actually PROTECT home values.  Many buyers today are willing to sacrifice items on their “home want list” to make sure that the home they purchase is in a good school district.  Recent surveys conducted by Realtor.com gathered data from 1,000 participants. The survey showed that a whopping 91 percent of respondents included school boundaries in their decision-making process for choosing a home.

Lassiter High School located in the East Cobb County is one such school that ranks well above others in the State of Georgia.  Here are some figures that are sure to impress:

Top Placements

Lassiter High School places among the top 20% of public schools in Georgia for:

 

School Comparison

  • Lassiter High School is ranked within the top 1% of all 2,174 schools in Georgia (based off of combined Math and Reading proficiency testing data) for the 2015-16 school year.
  • The school’s student:teacher ratio of 18:1 has stayed the same over five school years.
  • The diversity score of Lassiter High School is 0.42, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.41. The school’s diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.

 

 

The good news?  Cotton States has numerous communities that are in highly sought after school districts, including one of our newest communities, Mabry Grove which is located in the Lassiter High School district.  Best of all, our thoughtfully designed homes and stunning communities offer outstanding features that any growing family would desire.  These beautiful homes are sure to maintain high home values and excellent resale values in the future!

Cotton States Properties Announces the Opening of Princeton Grove in East Cobb!

 

        

With an intimate layout and naturally beautiful setting, Princeton Grove is one of Cobb County’s most desirable places to live. The home sites are ideal for a backyard barbecue and easy to maintain so you’ll have more time to entertain or play. Select home sites offer expansive terrace levels, abundant with natural light and perfect for your customizing touches.

Princeton Grove offers an enclave of 10 homes sites and at least seven fantastic floor plans, each quality crafted and beautifully detailed.  Two story family plans with large guest rooms on the main floor are featured, as well as inviting home plans with sprawling master bedrooms on the main floor.  Princeton Grove has a home plan ideal for everyone here and Cotton States can build a home specifically designed for you. Tucked away among winding roads and nearby green pastures, this stunning community is also in a superlative East Cobb school district.

Homes start in the mid $500’s and are sure to increase in value as each year goes by.

Call the community sales manager. Mark Judge with All Atlanta Realty, at 770-403-5059 for more information and discover for yourself how your dream home can come to life at Princeton Grove

Eight Cobb County Highschools on the U.S. News’ best of Georgia List!

Cotton States is proud to have built homes in Cobb County since 1972.  We continue that same tradition today with our quality crafted homes.  Our numerous communities are situated in some of the most outstanding school districts in the US!  Let us build your next home in a sought after Cotton States community.

 8:48 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2017  Atlanta Education News

Eight Cobb high schools on U.S. News’ best of Georgia list

More than one in four of metro Atlanta’s best high schools on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 list for Georgia are in Cobb County.

The district had eight of the 30 metro area schools listed as tops in the state, starting with Walton High, ranked fifth in Georgia and 204th in the nation. Lassiter, Pope, Harrison, Hillgrove, Wheeler, Kennesaw Mountain and Allatoona high schools also made the list, in that order.

The rankings are based on how student performance on state tests compares to schools with similar proportions of low-income, black and Hispanic students. They also take into account graduation rates and how many students take AP exams and pass at least one.

More than 60 Georgia high schools are ranked among the best in the country under the U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 Best High Schools list.

But no Georgia school was among the top 50 under the U.S. News rankings.

Get your home ready for winter!

With our unseasonably warm fall days, it’s hard to imagine that winter will soon be upon us. It’s time to prepare now. Cotton States and State Farm wants you to be ready this season with few helpful tips on preparing your house and BEING prepared for the upcoming winter months.
The comforts of a cozy, warm home in winter can help you forget about the short days and the multiple layers of clothing. Following a maintenance schedule throughout the year will certainly benefit you in the winter, but it’s important to be aware of the hazards the cold conditions can bring to your home. These guidelines can help you weather the winter season with a well-maintained home.
Be energy efficient

Since your heating system will probably be running constantly throughout the winter, remember to change out your HVAC filters every month. Inspect the insulation in your attic and crawlspace. Warm air rises and leaves the house through the roof, so you should focus on insulation in your ceilings. Seal areas around recessed lights, the attic hatch, and plumbing vents that may be allowing warm air from the living space below to enter the attic. Proper attic ventilation, adequate attic insulation, and a tight air barrier between the attic and the interior of the house will work together to prevent ice dams.
If you don’t have double-paned windows, remove the screens and install storm windows to ensure that the heat stays in and the cold stays out. If you’re on a tight budget, pick up an inexpensive plastic-film sheet kit from your local hardware store. These will only last one season, but they do help with energy efficiency and are able to halt the cold flow of winter drafts. If you have a fireplace, burning firewood is another way to save energy costs. When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly — about an inch — and close doors leading into the room. That will prevent the fire from drawing warm air out of the rest of the house and replacing it with cold air.
And remember to store your firewood in a dry place at least 30 feet from your home to avoid a fire hazard.
Protect your pipes

Pipes located in attics, crawl spaces, basements, and near outer walls can be susceptible to freezing in extreme temperatures. When the forecast calls for unusually cold temperatures, let water drip from hot and cold faucets overnight. Also try keeping cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate in places like below sinks. If you open the cabinet doors, be sure to remove anything inside the cabinets that may pose a safety to hazard to children, such as household cleaners. For exposed pipes in your attic, basement, or crawlspaces, add extra insulation around them. View the tips to avoid frozen pipes for more information.
Be ready for an emergency

Blackouts and snow-ins can occur during winter months, so take a moment to prepare yourself and your family for such emergencies. Having the following items ready will help you make it through safely.
Flashlights
Bottled water
Nonperishable food items
Blankets
Phone numbers for your utility companies
Battery backup to protect your computer and other important electronic equipment
First-aid kit
If you have an emergency generator, make sure you have gasoline stored and available to fuel it.
Decorate safely

‘Tis the season to be festive, but remember to stay safe with your holiday decorations. Inspect the wires of your light display before switching them on—they may be frayed and present an electrical fire hazard. Same goes for the Christmas tree inside – always check the light strands for any sign of wear and tear from being in storage. If you have a real Christmas tree, keep it watered, since dry trees catch fire easier. Check with your local municipality for instructions on how to dispose of the tree once the new year arrives.
Don’t forget yard care

Even with the cold weather conditions, your yard still needs to be maintained. Make sure tree and shrub branches are well away from the house and windows. Icy conditions can cause branches to break and damage your home. Walk around your home and survey the roof to see if any ice dams have formed; call a contractor if you suspect this is the case. As you walk around your house, check the foundation for small cracks or openings where mice or other pests can tunnel in. Winter is when they seek the warmth of your house, so seal up any possible entrances. While you’re outside, clear snow off gas meters and away from basement windows and your dryer exhaust vent.

Create your own disaster preparedness kit

 

The Management and Staff of Cotton States Properties is sending thoughts and prayers to all those millions of people who were adversely affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Although these storms are now over, we are still in hurricane season and winter will be on our door step.  Below you will find 10 steps written by Sandra Pawula on how to prepare for a natural disaster.  We hope these tips will help you and your family prepare for what might come your way. 

So how do you prepare for a disaster?  This is what I’ve learned from my recent research.

Disaster preparedness is actual complex if you start thinking about actions like bolting down your gas water heater and bracing overhead light fixtures.  All these types of actions are important to consider, but the first step is to create a disaster preparedness kit.

The following tips cover only the essential items you need to help you cope in response to a disaster.  There’s more to consider, but these steps will give you a good start.  Remember, the bottom line is water, food, and shelter.  In Japan, more than 2 million people are without water.  Another 500,000 are homeless.  These are real possibilities.  So focus on the priorities first.  Then, add the other items to your kit.

Keep your supplies in an easy to carry kit.  There’s actually quite a lot on this list so use your imagination when it comes to an appropriate container.  Store your kit in an accessible place, one that will be within reach once a disaster strikes.  It’s also wise to have a set of basic emergency supplies in your car and at work.

These are the most essential items:

  1. Water

1-2 gallons of water per person, per day.  A 3-day supply for evacuation, a two-week supply at home.

  1. Food

Easy to prepare, non perishable items and a mechanical can opener.  Canned soup, meat, vegetables, and fruit.  A 3-day supply for evacuation, a two-week supply at home.  For food preparation, have on hand a simple barbeque, charcoal and starter fuel or 1 propane unit with 2 canisters of propane and some basic cooking utensils.  Don’t forget waterproof matches or lighters.

  1. Shelter

An emergency blanket, sleeping bag or regular blankets, and tent.

  1. Medical

First aid kit, a supply of essential medicines for at least a week, other crucial medical supplies like an inhaler.

  1. Light

Flashlights, extra batteries, and extra bulbs.  Candles.  Waterproof matches or lighter.

  1. Radio

A battery-powered AM/FM radio.

  1. Cash

Cash machines won’t work without electricity.  Have a minimum of $50 on hand in small bills plus phone change.

  1. Cell Phone and Charger

Although a cell phone may not work in a disaster, it might also be your line to life-saving support.

  1. Sanitation and Personal Hygiene Items

Toilet paper, toothbrush, soap and other essential supplies.

  1. Personal Documents

Driver’s license, birth certificate, passports, insurance policies, proof of address or lease, medication list and medical information, copies of credit cards, checks.

Everyone’s situation will vary so you need to adapt the list to your own circumstances and the types of disasters that might occur in your region.  If you are able to drive, there’s no guarantee you will be able to obtain gas since fuel pumps depend upon electricity.

In addition to creating a disaster preparedness kit with the items like the ones listed above, the Red Cross also recommends taking time to:

  • create an emergency plan with your family;
  • educate yourself and your family about the type of disasters that might occur in your community;
  • have one household member trained in first aid and CPR/AED.

Overwhelmed, hesitant, or indifferent? Some of us find it challenging to prepare for a disaster.  What holds us back?  The Vizier explored this question in his excellent article 5 Factors that Hinder Preparations.  You might want to start there if you find the thought of disaster preparation difficult to embrace.

Keeping It Simple

I suggest tying to prepare in a simple but complete way.  Do only the necessary without going overboard. Given the fragility of the environment, it’s not useful to over-buy unnecessary, ecologically unsound items.

Not all the supplies above will necessarily make the grade from a green living perspective.  I would love to hear your suggestions for a greener approach to disaster preparedness.

There’s more to disaster preparation that this basic list, but I hope this list will inspire you to begin or fine tune your preparations further.

Life is precious.  Preparation saves lives.  It’s that simple.

Resource: The Red Cross offers a full range of Emergency-Specific Preparedness Information.  Whether you need to prepare for a tsunami, earthquake, winter storms, oil spill, or another threat, you will find the comprehensive information you need at the Red Cross.

East Cobb Named Georgia’s Best Place to Live!

 

 

Cotton States Properties offers stunning quality crafted homes in 4 beautiful communities of East Cobb.  Visit Highlands Ridge Estates, Childer’s Manor, Wesley Manor, and Princeton Manor and discover the beauty of ours homes in what Money Magazine calls “East Cobb, Georgia’s Best Place to Live”.

East Cobb Named Georgia’s Best Place to Live

By Ben Brasch-Atlanta Journal Constituion

When you brag to your friends about East Cobb being awesome, you can now say a national magazine agrees.

The area was named the top spot to live in Georgia by Money Magazine in its “Best Places to Live in America” list released Monday.

The magazine describes the community: “The unincorporated area administered by the Cobb County government was once dominated by chain restaurants, but it’s now embracing mom-and-pops that will give your taste buds a pleasant surprise — and make the most of the small-town Dixie hospitality.”

Did y’all hear that? “Dixie hospitality.”

Here’s how Money made its decision:

This year’s list included all 823 municipalities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000. Then they sorted through almost 300,000 demographic data points, cutting first the 100 places with the lowest predicted job growth, the 200 communities with the most crime and any place “without a strong sense of ethnic diversity (more than 90 percent of one race),” according to the magazine’s website.

They looked at home values by comparing median property values with median household incomes and singled out communities with strong local economies and low taxes. They also considered accessibility to health care, culture, “strong public schools” and sports.

And to correct for “geographical biases,” they limited the list to have no more than four places per state and one per county.

Then comes the footwork.

“Reporters spent time in each town, interviewing residents, checking out neighborhoods and searching for the kinds of intangible factors that aren’t visible in statistics,” the magazine said.

Apparently East Cobb was on its best behavior when reporters came.

 

 

http://www.ajc.com/news/local/money-magazine-names-east-cobb-georgia-best-place-live/LVeOBwmRX0R2NTTLAzY0YI/

The Top Ten Reasons To Buy New Constructio

                                                                                    

 

Here in the Metro Atlanta area there are numerous reasons for purchasing new construction.  Here are the Top 10 reasons why many homebuyers prefer to buy a new home as opposed to a resale home:
1) Choose the Designs YOU Prefer: Why settle for someone else’s choices when you can choose what fits your tastes and desires including, countertops, appliances, lighting, carp flooring and more? Your new home will be a reflection of your tastes and style, not someone else’s.

2) Choose a Floor Plan and Room Layout that Meets Your Needs: Whether you desire an open floor plan, owner’s suite on the main floor, large outdoor living room, or guest room on the main floor, you have the ability to choose what the home’s layout best fits your lifestyle and family.
3) All New, Under Warranty: With a resale home, you’re likely to have large ticket items such as a roof, water heater, HVAC systems and more, that may need replacing in the near future. New construction not only gives you a home warranty, but also gives you piece of mind that it’ll be years before you have to consider replacement on anything regarding your new home.

4) Energy and Cost Savings:  Your new home is far more energy efficient than homes built just 5, 10, 20 year ago. There’s no need to settle for drafty, energy-wasting, single-pane windows with a resale home? New homes today offer double windows, high efficiency HVAC systems, water saving features and Energy Star Appliances. What does that mean for you, the NEW home owner?  Less money paid for utilities, more money left in your pocket.
5) Comfort and Indoor Air Quality: New homes of today meet stringent energy standards and codes not in place in the past. They combine high-performance energy efficiency with state-of-the-art ventilation and air filtration. The result is year-round, draft-free comfort and higher indoor air quality.

6) Low Maintenance: Technology today has brought us a more efficient way of living from computers to cars and New Homes Homes are the same. With cutting-edge building materials, new homes today require less care and maintenance. Best of all, today’s latest building systems and components are designed and engineered to work together.

7) Community Amenities: Many new home communities offer a variety of amenities including hiking trails, lakes and ponds, lighted tennis courts, sparkling pools and more and are tucked away among superlative shopping, dining and high ranked schools.
8) Advanced Technology and Design: Replacing new single-pane windows, new insulation and even new pipes and plumbing with high performance materials and products can be extremely expensive to replace.  Even replacing these items may not give you the open floor plan or architectural attributes you desire which is one more reason to choose new construction over resale.

9) Safety: State-of-the-art circuit breakers. Electric garage door openers with infrared beams that stop if a tricycle or child is too near. High-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners that use the latest environmentally-friendly coolants. Cabinets, carpets and paints that use fewer volatile organic compounds, so that you and your family can breathe easier.

10) That New Home Feel: A resale home reflects the original choices of some one else, not yours. Your new home is a place the you and your family can create first time memories.  A place that lends a feeling that this haven really IS your new home with nobody else ever having lived in the home before you.
Cotton States offers the latest designs, style, comfort and quality. We provide a care-free lifestyle so that you can enjoy your home, not work on it. Stop one of our beautiful communities and find your new quality crafted home that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.