February tends to put a spotlight on connection, and it’s made us think about how much our homes shape our everyday lives.
Whether you own, rent, or aren’t quite sure what’s next, home is about more than square footage or market timing. It’s where routines are built, where rest happens, and where life unfolds in quiet, ordinary ways.
Not everyone needs to move to improve how home feels. Sometimes it’s small changes: a new layout, a fresh coat of paint, or simply settling into a season where staying put makes the most sense.
And if a move is somewhere on your horizon, there’s no pressure to rush. Thoughtful planning almost always leads to better outcomes than reacting to headlines or trends.
If you ever want to talk through what home looks like for you, now or down the road, I’m always happy to be a resource.
No agenda. No pressure. Just here when you need me.
Bolst’s Take: What These Headlines Actually Mean for Buyers & Sellers
A lot of recent real estate coverage is capitalizing on chaos. Nothing new there. But how to shift through all of the headlines?
Nationally, forecasts suggest modest price growth of around 1–2% in 2026, with certain Midwest and Northeast cities seeing sharper increases due to long-standing inventory shortages. Meanwhile, many Southern and Western markets, including parts of the Sunbelt, are seeing price growth flatten as years of new construction finally add supply.
Atlanta falls somewhere in the middle:
From our perspective, the Atlanta housing market in early 2026 is continuing its correction after several years of rapid growth, and see potential to shifting more toward a buyer’s market. Home prices are softening and inventory has risen. Homes are taking more strategy to sell, and we’re seeing sellers offering concessions as competition for buyers begins to increase. These shifts are giving buyers more leverage and choice than they’ve had in years while still giving sellers a good chance at a strong sell to list price ratio as long as a solid strategy is in place.
For more Information throughout 2026, be sure to look for the Market Update we publish monthly reviewing actual data from the Metro Atlanta Housing Market and what this means from a mortgage perspective as well.
Homestead Tax Exemption
Don’t Forget Your Homestead Exemption: A Simple Way to Save on Property Taxes
If you purchased a home recently, there’s an important (and often overlooked) step that can help lower your property taxes: filing for a Homestead Exemption.
In Georgia, homeowners who own and occupy their home as a primary residence as of January 1 may be eligible for this exemption, which reduces the taxable value of the property and can lead to meaningful annual savings. The exemption is not applied automatically, so it does require a one-time filing with your county tax assessor.
To receive the exemption for the current year, applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026. Once approved, the exemption stays in place unless there’s a change in ownership, you don’t need to reapply every year. For homeowners in Fulton County, instructions and application details can be found on the county assessor’s website. Other counties follow a similar process, though requirements and links may vary.
Filing typically requires basic documentation such as a Georgia driver’s license or ID, vehicle registration, and closing paperwork, with additional documents needed for homes held in trust or for senior and special exemptions. After submitting your application, it’s a good idea to confirm with the tax assessor’s office that your exemption has been properly filed and approved. It’s a small task that can make a noticeable difference in your annual housing costs.
February Gardening Tips
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Prune Dormant Plants
Late-winter pruning helps shape plants and promotes strong, healthy growth in spring. -
Prep Garden Beds
Clearing debris and refreshing soil now makes spring planting much easier. -
Start Seeds Indoors
Get a jump on the season by starting vegetables and flowers inside this month. -
Protect from Frost
Keep covers handy to shield plants from surprise cold snaps.
February Home Maintenance Tips
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Check for winter damage
Take a quick walk around your home to look for cracked siding, loose shingles, or damaged gutters from winter weather. Catching small issues now can save you from bigger (and pricier) problems later. -
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
With heaters and fireplaces working overtime, February is a perfect reminder to test alarms and replace batteries if needed. It’s a small task that makes a big safety difference. -
Clear gutters and downspouts
Even in colder months, leaves and debris can cause clogs. Making sure water can flow freely helps prevent ice buildup and potential water damage as winter transitions toward spring.
