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4 Downsizing Tips for Empty-Nesters

Sending your birdies off to fly in the world can make any parent anxious, let alone having to deal with the possible idea of downsizing. You don’t want to lose space or part ways with the memories you’ve made in their childhood home. The good news is you don’t have to. Downsizing has many benefits and doesn’t mean moving into a smaller home. It could be that you want a home that requires less maintenance, an HOA-free neighborhood, or something that’s a better fit for your budget or new empty-nester lifestyle.

Whatever your situation may be, we have 4 tips to help make downsizing as an empty-nester simpler and stress-free:

Get an Idea of What You’re Looking For

Before you make any sudden decisions, it’s best to get an idea of what you want. Do you want a master on the main? Fewer bedrooms? A smaller yard? A home that requires less upkeep? Smaller neighborhood? Solidifying this list early-on will make your transition much smoother, as you will have a sense of direction and structure to find what you want. Ask your realtor to help you narrow down your choices. A realtor provides extensive knowledge about neighborhoods, price points, and can lend an expert perspective to make your vision crystal clear.

Declutter & Organize

Your kids are all grown up and have gone off to college and many of their childhood possessions have been left behind. You’ll want to keep some things, but that old drum set that never quite got used could go, right? Downsizing is a great time to declutter and make your home fit the new season that you’ve begun as an empty-nester. Don’t be afraid to part ways with old items your children have grown out of or things you know you won’t use. A wonderful way to make cutting the cord easier is donating the items to local second-hand shops or charities. Even though you’re parting ways, you know someone else who really needs it will get it. It’s a win-win.

Create a New Lifestyle For Yourself

Finally the fun part! Empty-nesting is a great time to rediscover yourself and create a new, vivacious lifestyle for yourself. Take up that salsa class you can’t stop thinking about. Join a local sports club. Commit to monthly spa days and golfing. This is your time to enjoy YOU. Turn that extra bedroom into your personal den or hobby room. You could even redecorate or renovate parts of your home to fit your style. Whatever lifestyle you want to create for yourself, this is an exciting and invigorating time to do it.

Reduce Your Monthly Expenses

Downsizing is also a prime time to start saving extra cash for retirement. As your adult children begin supporting themselves, your monthly child-care expenses will start disappearing. Use this transition to look for ways to repurpose the extra money. A home that requires less maintenance, lower HOA dues, or infrequent landscaping may eliminate even more expenses and allow you to put your money to better use. The stash you create for yourself today will surely come in handy for retirement later.

While the thought of downsizing may be daunting, it can be done! Use these tips to give yourself a head start on this new journey as an empty-nester. Still need some advice or have questions? We want to help make this transition as smooth as possible for you!

We have helped hundreds of clients downsize and paired them with the right resources to start the process. We can help you find the right place to make your move. Give us a call us at 770-352-9658 send us an email at Info@KarenCannon.com. Check out our current listings here.

Brookhaven: An Affluent Community With Historic Charm

Brookhaven is an affluent community just outside of Atlanta that maintains its historic charm while creating a balance of city and suburban lifestyle elements. Conveniently located approximately 12 miles from downtown Atlanta, Brookhaven appeals to both singles and families with its upscale shopping, fine dining, arts festivals and parks.

The Brookhaven area has been known for being the home to prominent Atlantans since the 1900s, when they began building summer cottages in the community. In 1910, a group of investors from the Mechanical and Manufacturers Club purchased the land on the north side of Peachtree Road as the site of a planned community surrounding a golf course called Brookhaven Estates. The Brookhaven Country Club was built in October 1910, and in 1911 a nine-hole golf course was built, becoming Atlanta’s second largest golf course. In 1913, Atlanta’s Capital City Club leased the Brookhaven Country Club and purchased it in 1915.

The golf course was expanded along with the housing developments surrounding it. The area was incorporated as the city of North Atlanta in 1924. By 1928, eight homes on the lots along Club Drive and Stovall were built and sold. Country Club Estates was developed in 1929, covering Winall Down Road, most of Vermont and Stovall, Calvert Lane and part of Narmore. The city of North Atlanta was later disincorporated due to the city’s leaders requesting a referendum on a new city charter.

The homes in Brookhaven include designs by a number of well-known Atlanta architects of this period, including Hal Hentz and Neel Reid. Major commercial and residential development took place from the 1950s to 1970s. In 1984, the Brookhaven MARTA Station opened, and in 1986, The Capital City Club and many of the homes in the neighborhood were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area surrounding the club is now officially known as “Historic Brookhaven.”

Since its disincorporation, the Brookhaven area has been part of the city of Decatur. The members of the community brought up incorporating Brookhaven in 2007 because they wanted to secure zoning, planning, land use, police, and fire protection instead of having Decatur officials make those decisions. In 2012, Brookhaven was incorporated with 55% of voters in support of the change. It was the 11th city created in Dekalb County, and remains the largest city in the county, stretching over 12 miles.

Today, the area is known for its unique shopping and restaurant options. Town Brookhaven is Brookhaven’s newest development, filled with a multitude of shops, services, and restaurants. The Northeast Plaza is another large retail center that focuses on discounts and Hispanic-oriented stores. And Buford Highway (also known as the International Corridor) offers a variety of international restaurants and shops.

Brookhaven is home to more than 50,000 residents, Oglethorpe University, Murphy Candler Park, the historic Peachtree Golf Club, and Emory Healthcare Practice Facility. There are 14 beautiful parks, 11 hotels, two lakes, and a variety of businesses located there. It’s a suburban gateway between Midtown and Downtown that attracts people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a looking to downsize or ready to lay down new roots, Brookhaven offers something for everyone.

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we are local real estate experts for Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and North Atlanta. We live, work, and play here, and our agents are hand-picked for their connections in the community. Our clients know about homes coming on the market before anyone else. And our highly effective marketing program allows us to shorten the number of days on the market. We’ve even put homes under contract sight unseen!

If you are thinking about selling your home, or are interested in moving into Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs or the surrounding areas, call us at 770-352-9658 send us an email at Info@KarenCannon.com. Check out our current listings here.

Seven Spectacular Events to Make Your Labor Day Weekend Special

School is back in session. Your routine has returned to normal. And you’re ready for an extended weekend of leisure. Look no further because we’ve got you covered. Here are seven fun-filled Atlanta events fit for families, friends, and couples!

For Families

Fall Festival At Atlanta Convention Center: Bring the whole family to party on Peachtree for Labor Day. This family-friendly festival starts at 12:00pm and ends at 7:00pm. Bring in the fall season with endless food, games, and activities for everyone. You can find more information on the event’s website.
Stone Mountain Labor Day Weekend: Celebrate Labor Day weekend at the beloved Stone Mountain Park August 31st-September 2nd. This scenic experience will feature the Lasershow Spectacular and an extended fireworks show every night! The fun won’t stop there. You’ll also have the chance to take on the SkyHike® (the nation’s largest adventure course), Geyser Towers®, Summit Skyride, Dinotorium, and much more! For more event details, click here.
Macalicious Vegan 2019 Labor Day Bash: Start your fall by feeling fit at this tasty vegan bash, Monday, September 2nd! You’ll find plenty of vegan and raw food vendors as well as non-food vendors at this free family outing. Dance the day away with the live DJ while indulging in free food and drink samples. Tempting? We think so! Grab more information here.

For Couples

Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival: What could be more romantic than a peaceful hot air balloon ride or watching the beautiful display soar into the distance? The magical weekend begins with the spectacular Friday Night Balloon Glow, where dozens of balloons will light up the night. You’ll also be able to enjoy delicious food and drink specials, resort amenities, and scenic views for those Instagram posts! Can you say perfect Summer send-off? Click here for more festival details!
VinoTOSA Wine Tasting: This national wine-tasting is the ultimate haven for wine lovers. Taking place August 20th from 8:30pm-11:00pm in Downtown Atlanta, VinoTOSA is the Country’s largest wine tasting of African American winemakers! Guests will get to sample a vast inventory of wines and the first 200 guests will receive a complimentary wine glass. This lovely night will also consist of contemporary artwork and music! Find tickets and details here!

For College/Young Adults

Dragon Con: Add a little variety to your Labor Day weekend with DragonCon! This festive event is the largest multi-media pop-culture convention for science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, and much more. So, grab your best Syfy costume and join the party! Click here for more event details!
Taste Of Soul Atlanta: Food & Music Festival: This free tasty festival is the country’s premier food fest for Soul Food and Music. The weekend will be full of irresistible food, sensational sounds, and unforgettable fun. This is definitely the place to be for foodies on Labor Day weekend. Click here for details and ticket information.

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we are local real estate experts for Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and North Atlanta. We live, work, and play here, and our agents are hand-picked for their connections in the community. Our clients know about homes coming on the market before anyone else. And our highly effective marketing program allows us to shorten the number of days on the market. We’ve even put homes under contract sight unseen!

If you are thinking about selling your home, or are interested in moving into Dunwoody, Sandy Springs or the surrounding areas, call us at 770-352-9658 send us an email at Info@KarenCannon.com. Check out our current listings here.

5 Extracurricular Activities That Will Improve Your Child’s Cognitive Function

Now that school is back in session, many parents wonder if the school’s curriculum is enough to promote their child’s cognitive development. Fortunately, opportunities for young minds to think, reason, and grow don’t stop when the last bell rings.

Here are five extracurricular activities that will help improve your child’s memory, information processing, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

STEM Clubs

Extracurricular activities that involve critical thinking are an excellent way to boost brain function. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) clubs have become increasingly popular over the last decade at all education levels and are available through many after-school programs. Unlike the typical classroom, these clubs encourage experiential learning. Children involved in STEM activities develop stronger problem-solving skills and are more likely to remain interested in science and mathematics courses through high school and college.

Athletics

Physical activity is a fantastic way to promote a healthy mind and body. Sports and other recreational activities improve cognitive functions through social, psychological, and fine/gross motor skill development. These activities also promote achievement and recognition, which directly affect a child’s self-esteem. Children who have confidence in their self-worth become better problem solvers and decision-makers. If your child isn’t a fan of team sports, there are plenty of individual sports like tennis, swimming, golf, and fencing in your area that are equally beneficial.

Art Classes

A child’s capacity for creativity plays an important role in how they process new information. Time should be made available for both structured and unstructured creative activities. Unstructured creativity also allows a child to more effectively process, reflect upon, and absorb traditional subject areas in their academic curriculum. Structured creative projects combine the freedom of imaginative thinking with the logic and reason required to complete a task or goal. Art classes, clubs, or camps are a wonderful way to engage both halves of the brain and promote cognitive development.

Scouting

Scouts BSA and The Girls Scouts are accessible in almost every community across the country with millions of scouts in thousands of troops across the nation. In addition to survival and citizenship education, scouting organizations teach self-reliance and decision-making skills. Many of their activities provide an outlet for children to apply these skills in real-world scenarios or incorporate aspects of the other activities listed above. Scouting at a young age is intended to be a family activity and a fantastic way to actively engage with your child.

Virtual Teams

In moderation, screen-time doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Schools are investing in the eGaming industry, which may even become part of the Olympics by 2024. Competitive games improve strategic thinking and making decisions under pressure while creative world-building games improve spatial perception, logistics, and cooperation to achieve a common goal. With the appropriate guidance and structure, virtual activities can be so much more than a way to pass the time.

Nearly all of these activities are already available in your area. Offering a healthy and fun outlet for children to learn and grow is essential for their mental development. Cognitive development is all about change. Extracurricular activities like these are the perfect way to start your child on a path for success in an ever-changing world.

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we are local real estate experts for Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and North Atlanta. We live, work, and play here, and our agents are handpicked for their connections in the community. Our clients know about homes coming on the market before anyone else. And our highly effective marketing program allows us to shorten the number of days on the market. We’ve even put homes under contract sight unseen!

If you are thinking about selling your home, or are interested in moving into Dunwoody, Sandy Springs or the surrounding areas, call us at (770) 352-9658 or send us an email at Info@KarenCannon.com. Check out our current listings here.

4 Questions to Ask Yourself about Downsizing

For years after moving out on your own, you spent your time earning, building, and collecting. Maybe over the years, you raised children that are leaving for college or are now adults, or your love for traveling made stuff and space seem less exciting. Have you become an empty-nester? How do you know when it is time to consider downsizing?

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we see many people and couples wrestle with these thoughts when it comes to their home. We’d like to share our expertise on how you can identify when it is time for you to downsize. Here are four questions you can ask yourself to determine if it is time for your family to downsize.

1. Are you an empty nester?

This is the most obvious question, with the easiest answer because either yes – your children are grown and have moved out, (and hopefully… it will stay that way!) Or the answer is no – you have kids that need you to keep providing a roof over their head – or maybe they just love your home and neighborhood so much, they don’t want to leave. If you’ve spent years with a full house and the wonderful chaos of parenting when the kids move out you may find yourself feeling like your house is too big now. Empty bedrooms can contribute to that. Avoid giving yourself the space to collect more junk or harbor childhood items long forgotten by downsizing to a home that feels more full – even with less space, or the right space.

2. Are you finally retired?

For years, you have worked and saved, and that sweet day is finally upon you: retirement! While everyone’s picture of retirement looks a little different, many people decide to travel more once retired, or to have homes in multiple places. A great way to achieve this is to downgrade to a smaller home that won’t cost as much to maintain, giving you more money to see the world.

3. Are your home improvement and maintenance days over?

When you first move into a home, the idea of projects around the house can sound exciting! But after years of home improvement cutting the grass, and fixing the garage door, you may be ready for someone else to worry about those projects. Moving to another home could give you less to take care of, and offer you more time to do the things you love. Some homes even eliminate yards altogether! Might as well sell the lawnmower too while you’re at it.

4. Do you need a master on the main level?

As much as we try to fight it, age can take a toll on our bodies. Suddenly things like climbing a flight of stairs get harder to do – and can even put you at risk. A home offering one-level living can offer you the space and comfort you’ve been looking for.

If you answered yes to any of these and you’re considering downsizing, give us a call. We have helped so many people downsize and find a great place to fit their needs, and we have contacts to help you every step of the way including estate sales, donating/consigning items, removal of old items, and more.

We aren’t just here to buy and sell homes – we understand that leaving a house full of years of memories is difficult, and our team will walk beside you each step of the process and help you find a house that can truly feel like home in the season of life you’re in.

Call us at (770) 352-9658 or send us an email at Info@KarenCannon.com to get started, and check out our current listings here.