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Paran Homes takes pride in carefully selecting the sites for its communities throughout Metro Atlanta. Not just for highly-rated schools for families with young children and access to major roadways for commuting professionals, but also for a wealth of recreation, entertainment, dining and shopping venues. Full-fledged fashionistas will appreciate the convenience of our communities to a number of the cities best shopping malls and open-air retail districts.

Chestnut Farms

Located in Kennesaw, Chestnut Farms features homes priced from the Low $400’s, as well as convenience to The Avenue West Cobb with such well-known brands as American Eagle, Banana Republic, Chico’s, Gap, Justice and more. Learn more about this Cobb County community by Paran Homes: Chestnut Farms

Heritage Pointe

Poised in the heart of Lawrenceville, Heritage Pointe offers convenience to the shops of Historic Downtown Lawrenceville on one end and the shops both in and around the Mall of Georgia – which holds the record as the largest shopping mall in both the Atlanta Metropolitan Area and the state of Georgia, boasting more than two hundred stores on three levels. Learn more about this Gwinnett County community featuring homes priced from the High $200’s: Heritage Pointe

Oakleigh Pointe

Boasting homes by Paran Homes priced from the High $200’s, Oakleigh Pointe also lays claim to close proximity to the shops of Lakeside Marketplace, Acworth Commons and Paulding Commons, among others. A little drive east and you can select from the shops at Avenue West Cobb and Town Center Mall. Learn more about this Paulding County community with AWESOME amenities and homes priced from the High $200’s: Oakleigh Pointe

Sweetwater Landing

This Powder Springs community by Paran Homes boasts close proximity to the shops of Hiram – including Kohls, JC Penney, Academy Sports, Sams Club and more. Even more upscale shops can be found at the Avenue West Cobb nearby. Learn more about this Cobb County Community with homes priced from the Mid $200’s: Sweetwater Landing

The Lakes of Franklin Goldmine

Poised in the City of Cumming, The Lakes of Franklin Goldmine – featuring homes priced from the Mid $300’s – is convenient to the shops of Cumming Marketplace, Vickery Village and the Cumming 400 Shopping Center. For an open-air shopping excursion with a luxury feel, make the drive to The Collection at Forsyth. Learn more about this Forsyth County community by Paran Homes: The Lakes of Franklin Goldmine

The Woods of Midvale

Located in Tucker, The Woods of Midvale – showcasing homes by Paran Homes priced from the Low $500’s – is near the Northlake-Briarcliff shopping district, featuring Northlake Mall at its heart. Hop on I-285 and head northwest to hit the upscale shops of Perimeter Mall. Learn more about this Dekalb County community: The Woods of Midvale

Traditions of Braselton

This sprawling 1140-acre master-planned community is situated between the charming Main Street districts of Jefferson and Braselton. Explore a series of unique boutiques nearby, or – if you don’t mind taking a scenic drive – you can hit the Tanger Outlets in Commerce or the eclectic collection of retailers in Downtown Athens. Learn more about this Jackson County community: Traditions of Braselton – with homes by Paran Homes priced from the Low $300’s

All of the communities listed above also boast convenience to I-75, I-85, I-285 and/or GA-400, affording homeowners a virtual straight shot into Midtown or Downtown Atlanta for even MORE opportunities to shop until you DROP! To learn more about Paran Homes and see our complete list of communities, visit www.paranhomes.com.

While August marks Back-to-School for many Atlanta families, did you know that it also heralds the arrival of Family Fun Month? In between homework sessions and the return to extracurricular activities, you and your brood can squeeze in some last-minute summer fun at these popular Atlanta destinations, conveniently located near Paran Homes communities throughout the metro area!

Six Flags Over Georgia: Listed among Atlanta’s most popular destinations, Six Flags over Georgia showcases its fair share of thrills with nearly a dozen roller coasters and opportunities to chill at the onsite water park called Hurricane Harbor. Add carnival-themed games, a variety of food outlets, a Looney Tunes parade of characters, kid-friendly rides and holiday-centric events like Fright Nights and the illuminating Holiday in the Park, and it’s no wonder why this 290-acre theme park has been going strong in Atlanta since 1967! Paran Homes has a presence nearby at Sweetwater Landing in Powder Springs – with single-family homes priced from the Mid $200’s. Another major draw in this neck of the woods for Sweetwater Landing residents is SunTrust Park – the NEW home of the Atlanta Braves.

Stone Mountain Park: Located a “stone’s throw” from Paran Homes’ The Woods of Midvale in Tucker – featuring homes priced from the Low $500’s – Stone Mountain Park draws nearly 4 milliion guests each year. This year-round destination boasts a 3200-acrea park surrounding the world’s largest exposed mass of granite. In addition to attractions like the Summit Skyride and Scenic Railroad, Stone Mountain plays host to a number of events like SnowMountain, Yellow Daisy Festival, The Pumpkin Festival and Stone Mountain Christmas – among others. It is perhaps best known for its famed LaserShow Spectacular – a laser light display set to music and beamed onto the face of the mountain during seasonal months. An annual parking pass affords families with access to all of the events, prime picnic spots and a network of walking trails.

Lake Lanier: Encompassing 38,000 surface acres and 690 miles of shoreline in Northeast Georgia, Lake Lanier is one of the United States’ most popular man-made lakes. With a number of marinas offering boat rentals, fun seekers can enjoy boating and water sports on the open water or fishing and swimming in one of the lake’s many tranquil coves. For some added fun, make the trip to Lanier Islands Resort – showcasing the NEW Margaritaville on Lanier with its water slides, white sandy beach, events and restaurants. Nearby in Cumming, Paran Homes is pleased to present The Lakes at Franklin Goldmine with homes priced from the Mid $300’s.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: Showcasing single-family homes priced from the High $200’s, Oakleigh Pointe in Dallas boasts an AWESOME amenities package that features a stunning Clubhouse for community gatherings, Jr. Olympic-sized swimming pool with a water slide & splash pad, tennis courts, playground, and dog park. But when it’s time to venture beyond the boundaries of this incredible Paran Homes’ community, you may want to head for the hiking trails and wide-open fields of Kennesaw Mountain. In addition to its historical significance, the natural splendor of this national site makes for one great picnic and an impromptu cornhole championship.

City of Athens: Traditions of Braselton – showcasing a blend of spec and custom homes priced from the Low $300’s – is located at the midpoint between Downtown Atlanta and the City of Athens. While the City of Atlanta holds more than its fair share of draws – between the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, High Museum, Fox Theatre… the list goes on and on, Athens continues to grow in its appeal year-after-year. At the heart of it all is the gorgeous University of Georgia campus and Stanford Stadium, where you can watch the Dawgs take on a series of rivals between the hedges. Athens also has a great downtown area, a number of parks and an incredible foodie-focused dining scene. If you haven’t been in awhile, pack up the family and go exploring!

Lake Allatoona: Ideally suited for growing families, homes inside Chestnut Farms in Kennesaw are priced from the low $400’s. A definite perk to living here is the community’s proximity to the sprawling and sparkling waters of Lake Allatoona. From campgrounds to marinas, it’s a terrific destination to while away an afternoon or an entire weekend – boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking or just relaxing and enjoying the Great Outdoors.

Coolray Field: Catch a Gwinnett Stripers minor league baseball game or an Atlanta United 2 FC soccer game at this Gwinnett County destination, conveniently located near Paran Homes’ Heritage Pointe in Lawrenceville. Homes in Heritage Pointe are priced from the High $200’s. Coolray Field presents a great opportunity to sit among your neighbors – whether under blue skies or a starry night – and enjoy some sports spectating blended with loads of fresh air. Please pass the peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jacks®!

Whether paying a visit to one of our communities throughout Metro Atlanta or attending an event at one of the destinations listed above, Paran Homes suggests you make a full day of it by combining the two. We carefully select the locations of our communities based on draws to the area – including shopping, dining, schools and attractions. It’s just another way we demonstrate that Paran Homes’ communities are “Where Quality Lives.” To view our current new home communities in Atlanta, please visit www.paranhomes.com.

With sweltering temperatures in the South well into the upper 80’s right on through September, the need to beat the heat continues to be a very real struggle for homeowners from the city streets of Hotlanta to the riverfront in . To help you keep your cool through the remainder of summer,  Paran Homes – well known for our energy efficient measures and dedication to the comfort of our homeowners – has compiled the following list of 10 Hottest Tips for Beating the Heat at Home…

1. Have your HVAC System Regularly Maintained: Regular maintenance of your air conditioning unit – typically in the Spring, just ahead of higher temperature months – will help prolong its lifespan and improve efficiency. Be sure to have the ducts checked for leaks, which the U.S. Department of Energy indicates can reduce a system’s efficiency by as much as 15 percent.
2. Keep Your Condenser Coils Clean: Be sure to clean the area around outdoor condenser coils by removing debris, trimming foliage and pulling weeds so there are at least two feet around the condenser for airflow. You might want to consider adding white marble chips around the units to deter future weed growth and aid in controlling water buildup.
3. Add Programmable Thermostats: A programmable thermostat makes it easy to control the temperature in your home throughout the day – effectively increasing energy efficiency. Many programmable thermostats can store and repeat six or more temperature settings a day – but allow for you to manually override when needed. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting – like when you are sleeping or away at the office.
4. Replace AC Filters Once a Month: As the name would suggest, AC filters “filter” out impurities in the air to keep them from getting into your AC unit. Included among these contaminants are pet dander, dust, pollen and more. Unfortunately, these particles can build up on the filter – keeping it from performing at optimal levels. Replacing these filters regularly helps keep your AC unit functioning properly. Did you know you can lower energy use by 5%-15% by replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one?
5. Go Natural: On those blessedly cool evenings and early mornings, consider flipping your thermostat to the off position and open a few windows for natural ventilation. This will bring some cool, fresh air into the home while giving your AC unit a well-deserved rest – potentially prolonging its lifespan.
6. Invest in Blackout Curtains: Blackout curtains not only block sunlight from entering a room, they also help block the heat. While you may not want to keep these up year-round, it might be wise to place them in the rooms that receive the most “heat of the day” sunlight to help control temperatures. But don’t take our word for it, the U.S. Department of Energy claims that this measure could potentially reduce the amount of heat that passes into your home by 45%.
7. Make Sure Your Home is Air-Tight: While measuring your windows for curtains, be sure to spend a little extra time inspecting the seals on each to make sure they are air-tight and not letting warm air into your home unnecessarily. If you do find an air leak, seal it with caulk or weather stripping. Do the same for all of your doors.
8. Select Ceiling Fans that are Properly Sized for each Room: It’s common sense, really… the larger the room, the larger the fan blade length on your ceiling fan. When properly sized, a good ceiling fan will help circulate the air and keep your favorite living spaces cool.
9. Time for a Backyard Barbecue: When possible, opt to cook dinner outdoors on the grill so your indoor appliances aren’t adding to the heat factor inside your home. Your other household appliances – such as your washer, dryer and dishwasher – give off heat as well, so try to avoid using them during the hottest times of the day.
10. It’s Good to Be a Little Shady: While it’s too late to reap the benefits this summer, if you begin planting shade trees during optimal planting season – you may be able to enjoy their benefits next summer or the summer after. Some of the best shade tree suggestions for Southern climates include Bald Cypress, Chinese Dogwood, Gingko, River Birch, and a Variety of Oaks, among others – according to University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension.

Keep your cool a little while longer! Summer officially ends on September 22, bringing the return of another glorious Fall season to the South. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog from Paran Homes filled with tips on how to heat your home in the months to come!

Sources: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-and-cool and http://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1013&title=Shade%20Trees%20for%20Georgia

From flies and fire ants to stink bugs and spiders, insects and arachnids often prove unwelcome guests in our home. Unfortunately, many bug repellents are chock full of harsh chemicals that are equally undesirable in our homes and around our children and pets. To help you rid your home of these pesky pests in the most unobtrusive, ecofriendly way possible, Paran Homes has compiled the following FIVE tips to battle bugs naturally…

1. Homegrown Repellents: Planet Natural recommends making your own ant and cockroach bait by mixing 2 Tbsp boric acid powder with one 8 oz. jar of mint jelly. Place the bait on small cardboard squares and position these homemade “bait stations” in areas where you’ve noticed insect activity.  When insects walk through your sticky concotion, the boric acid sticks to their legs and is carried back to the colony where it is ingested. Boric acid is less toxic to humans and pets than table salt, but it’s a deadly poison to cockroaches, ants, termites, and many other household pests. For fruit flies, fill a small ramekin with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of liquid soap. They’ll be drawn to the vinegar, but when they land in the liquid – the weight of the soap will pull them under.
2. Police Standing Water: In several states in the South, mosquitos are so prevalent that they could be unofficially recognized as the state bird. Unfortunately, mosquitos carry diseases – like the West Nile Virus – and should be taken seriously. The best way to battle mosquitos is to be proactive in your prevention measures. Clean your gutters – where rain water can pool, clean your birdbaths regularly, and make sure your potted plants are draining properly rather than serving as breeding grounds for mosquitos.
3. Ever Heard of the Two-Hour Window?: If you’ve been outside hiking or working in the yard, Yale researchers recommend that you take a shower within a two-hour window. This measure could significantly reduce your risk of being exposed to Lyme Disease. Often carried by ticks, Lyme Disease can be a debilitating and often difficult to diagnose disease. Prevention Magazine suggests that removal of your clothes upon arrival to the Great Indoors can prevent ticks from making their way from your clothing onto your body, and a quick shower can knock off any ticks off your skin or scalp before they’ve had a chance to latch on.
4. Watch Out Wasps: If you’ve noticed wasps hanging around a certain part of your home – either visiting a newly built hive or considering a new spot for their next nest – you should hang a bouquet of rosemary nearby. While this herb is a delightful addition to pork and lamb, it’s detested by wasps. And while we’re on the subject of herbs and spices, a sprinkle of dried mint, cinnamon or cloves at your entryways are all excellent deterrents for ants.
5. Keep it Clean: A dirty trashcan is like a nightclub for houseflies. To prevent them from turning that party into a major rager, keep your trash can clean and sprinkle it with Borax to deter them further. The cleanliness approach is also particularly important in cabinets and refrigerators where ants and cockroaches (and even mice) might come looking for a tasty treat.

If you’d prefer to turn to a professional to help rid your home of pests, onsite Paran Homes agents at our communities throughout the Southeast will be happy to recommend pest control companies in the area. To learn more about Paran Homes, please visit www.paranhomes.com.

Sources: https://www.planetnatural.com/get-rid-of-bugs/

https://www.prevention.com/life/g20444744/how-to-kill-a-bug-in-12-ways/?slide=1

At Paran Homes, we attribute a great deal of success to the relationships we’ve built over the years. That includes relationships with our staff members and subcontractors, relationships with our vendors and suppliers, relationships with our homeowners, and – last but certainly not least – relationships with real estate professionals. Through agent events and FREE CE Classes, we seek to establish new relationships and solidify old ones. By providing a service you need to succeed, CE Classes at some of Paran’s newest communities also provide you with an opportunity to discover homes and neighborhoods that might prove the ideal fit for your clients. We invite all Atlanta-area agents and brokers to take a look at the upcoming CE schedule of events below, and we hope to see YOU there!

Tuesday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “List That House” – Facilitated by A. Shane Mask at Villas at Park Place

221 Villa Park Circle in Stone Mountain

Course description: If you list – you last! In a highest and best offer situation, the LISTING agent always gets paid! Learn the prospecting strategies and listing business building techniques from a 100+ listing per year specialist. Take this course and explode your real estate business!

Wednesday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “B L U E P R I N T S : New Construction Buyer’s Agency” – Facilitated by Eric Keese at Sweetwater Landing 4686 Sweetwater Ave in Powder Springs

Course description: New construction is on the Rise! Lay out the plans for success working with buyers in new construction. This course will show you how to effectively represent buyers in new construction sales. Agents will understand the construction timelines, the offer and negotiation process and how to smoothly get your buyer across the finish line and into their new home!

Thursday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “21st Century Selling as a Listing Leader” – Facilitated by Lee Davenport at Chestnut Farms

825 Mars Hill Rd in Kennesaw

Course description: Want to learn the best practices of today’s top Listing Agents? This nationally acclaimed workshop focuses on the 7 key areas. Learn all of the strategies and business building techniques that top producers use to create a next-level business. Take this course and explode your real estate business!

Wednesday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “B L U E P R I N T S : New Construction Buyer’s Agency” – Facilitated by Eric Keese at Oakleigh Pointe

15 Oak Hollow Way in Dallas

Course description: New construction is on the Rise! Lay out the plans for success working with buyers in new construction. This course will show you how to effectively represent buyers in new construction sales. Agents will understand the construction timelines, the offer and negotiation process and how to smoothly get your buyer across the finish line and into their new home!

Tuesday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “B L U E P R I N T S : New Construction Buyer’s Agency” – Facilitated by Eric Keese at Heritage Pointe

900 Progress Court in Lawrenceville

Course description: New construction is on the Rise! Lay out the plans for success working with buyers in new construction. This course will show you how to effectively represent buyers in new construction sales. Agents will understand the construction timelines, the offer and negotiation process and how to smoothly get your buyer across the finish line and into their new home!

Tuesday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “B L U E P R I N T S : New Construction Buyer’s Agency” – Facilitated by Eric Keese at Chestnut Farms

825 Mars Hill Rd in Kennesaw

Course description: New construction is on the Rise! Lay out the plans for success working with buyers in new construction. This course will show you how to effectively represent buyers in new construction sales. Agents will understand the construction timelines, the offer and negotiation process and how to smoothly get your buyer across the finish line and into their new home!

Tuesday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “REAL SOCIAL- Intro to Social Media” – Facilitated by Lee Davenport at Heritage Pointe

900 Progress Court in Lawrenceville

Course description: One of American Real Estate Universities most popular classes – an introduction to Social Media for Real Estate professionals. This class is designed to teach agents the “Why?” real estate agents need to be active in Social Media. Packed with lots of statistics – tips and tools to get agents on the right path to growing their business with Social Media.

Wednesday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “21st Century Selling as a Listing Leader” – Facilitated by Lee Davenport at Sweetwater Landing

4686 Sweetwater Ave in Powder Springs

Course description: Want to learn the best practices of today’s top Listing Agents? This nationally acclaimed workshop focuses on the 7 key areas. Learn all of the strategies and business building techniques that top producers use to create a next-level business. Take this course and explode your real estate business!

Seats disappear quickly! To check availability and register for classes, visit http://paran.americanreu.com/.