Food and Agricultural Giant Cargill Opens Midtown ATL Tech Hub

February 22, 2025 by Thom Abbott

In November 2024, Cargill, a global leader in food and agriculture, inaugurated its new tech hub in Midtown Atlanta, marking a significant milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey. This strategic move aims to harness Atlanta’s burgeoning tech scene and diverse talent pool to drive innovation in the food and agriculture sectors.

Strategic Location in Midtown’s Technology Square

Cargill’s decision to establish its tech hub in Midtown’s Technology Square places it at the heart of Atlanta’s innovation district. The company has subleased a portion of the NCR campus on Spring Street, providing a modern workspace designed to foster collaboration and technological advancement. This location offers proximity to leading academic institutions and a vibrant tech community, aligning perfectly with Cargill’s objectives.

Job Creation and Talent Acquisition

The Atlanta tech hub is set to create over 400 highly skilled jobs in the coming years, focusing on areas such as data engineering, generative artificial intelligence, and SAP. As of January 2025, Cargill has already onboarded approximately 50 employees, with many hailing from the local area. This recruitment drive underscores the company’s commitment to tapping into Atlanta’s rich pool of technical talent to drive its digital transformation efforts.

Leadership Perspectives

Brian Sikes, Cargill’s Board Chair and CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of the Atlanta hub, stating that Georgia’s business-friendly environment provides an ideal backdrop for the company’s investment in technology and innovation. Jennifer Hartsock, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Cargill, highlighted that the city’s thriving tech innovation ecosystem offers unparalleled access to expertise essential for advancing the company’s digital initiatives. Community Engagement and Future Outlook

Beyond job creation, Cargill has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community, contributing over $1 million in the past year to support organizations such as the Georgia FFA Foundation, Georgia Mountain Food Bank, and local educational institutions. Looking ahead, the Atlanta tech hub is poised to play a pivotal role in developing digital solutions that enhance the global food supply chain, open new markets, and promote sustainability in the food system.

In summary, Cargill’s new tech hub in Midtown Atlanta signifies a strategic investment in technology and talent, reinforcing the company’s dedication to innovation and community partnership in the region.

Cargill employees will have numerous living options in the Midtown Atlanta area. Some may choose to rent in one of the luxury apartment buildings. Others may see the value in renting vs. buying

Those options can range from a Midtown Atlanta condo, many with in walking distance of the new office, or single family homes in areas like Brookhaven or Chamblee. We are ready here at Thomas Ramon Group to help you find the perfect place to call home along with your new Cargill Tech Hub!

I Wish You Could Be a Real Estate Agent – Just Once!

February 12, 2025 by Thom Abbott

Honestly…on a volcano in Hawaii and was talking with a client!!

I wish everyone could be a real estate agent at least once in their life. Not for the money, not for the “flexible schedule,” and definitely not for the glossy image you see on Netflix or social media. But because it’s tough—because it will challenge you in ways you never expected.

It’s waking up before the sun, driving across town to plant open house signs, knowing some will vanish before the day is over. It’s sitting alone in a beautifully staged home, waiting. Hours tick by, and maybe—just maybe—two people walk in, both just curious neighbors. But you still greet them with a smile and share what you know. Because that’s what we do.

It’s the gut punch of seeing people you’ve known for years—people you’ve supported, celebrated, and stood by—list their home with someone else, without so much as a phone call. That one stings. Or that person that clicked on an ad and then does not want to talke with you, or better yet, gives you a bad email address. You wonder if they know now much that cost your business?

You pour everything into your community, often wondering if anyone even notices. You step away from date nights, miss social gatherings, and put personal plans on hold because a client needs you. Your evenings and weekends aren’t yours—they belong to everyone else.

But here’s why it’s worth it: The late-night calls and tests with a first-time buyer, nervous and overwhelmed—you walk them through it. The elderly couple selling their home of 40 years—you sit with them, listening to the stories etched into every wall. The single mom who thought homeownership was impossible—you fight for her until she holds the keys in her hand.

When I look at the agents who stick with this profession, I don’t see luxury cars, designer labels, or vanity metrics. I see people who keep showing up, who keep giving, who keep caring. Not because it’s easy or even always rewarding, but because it’s who they are.

Because real estate isn’t about houses. It’s about people. It’s about the hard moments, the beautiful moments, and the thousands of quiet, unseen moments in between. And that’s why I wish everyone could do this job, even just once. Because in real estate, you learn what it means to serve others before yourself.

And that’s not just a lesson for this business. It’s a lesson for life.

Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

November 18, 2024 by Thom Abbott

Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

If you’re debating whether or not you want to sell right now, it might be because you’ve got some unanswered questions, like if moving really makes sense in today’s market. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s even a good idea to move right now. Or you’re stressed because you think you won’t find a house you like.

To put your mind at ease, here’s how to tackle these two concerns head-on.

Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now?

If you own a home already, you may have been holding off because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more feasible than you think, and that’s because of your equity.

Equity is the current market value of your home minus what you still owe on your loan. And thanks to the rapid appreciation we saw over the past few years, your equity has gotten a big boost. Just how much are we talking about? See for yourself. As Dr. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains:

“Persistent home price growth has continued to fuel home equity gains for existing homeowners who now average about $315,000 in equity and almost $129,000 more than at the onset of the pandemic.”

Here’s why this can be such a game-changer when you sell. You can use that equity to put down a larger amount on your next home, which means financing less at today’s mortgage rate. And in some cases, you may even be able to buy your next home in cash, avoiding mortgage rates altogether.

The bottom line? Your equity could be the key to making your next move possible.

Will I Be Able To Find a Home I Like?

If this is on your mind, it’s probably because you remember just how low the supply of homes for sale got over the past few years. It felt nearly impossible to find a home to buy because there were so few available.

But finding a home in today’s market isn’t as challenging. That’s because the number of homes for sale is growing, giving you more options to choose from. Data from Realtor.com shows just how much inventory has increased – it’s up almost 30% year-over-year (see graph below):

And even though inventory is still below pre-pandemic levels, this is the highest it’s been in quite a while. That means you have more options for your move, but your house should still stand out to buyers at the same time. That’s a sweet spot for you.

It’s important to note, though, that this balance varies by local market. Some places may have more homes for sale than others, so working with a local real estate agent is the best way to see what inventory trends look like in your area.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling, Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back From Selling Your Home! Hopefully these concerns haven’t kept you up at night. With this information, you should realize you don’t have to let the what-if’s delay your move anymore.

Let’s connect so you have the data and the local perspective you need to move forward.

10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks

October 23, 2024 by Thom Abbott

10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks

If you’re looking to improve your home without breaking the bank or calling in a professional, DIY home improvement projects are a fantastic way to refresh your space. From simple upgrades to creative hacks, here are 10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks that will add style, comfort, and value to your home.

1. Paint an Accent Wall

One of the easiest and most effective ways to transform a room is by adding an accent wall. Choose a bold color or textured paint finish to make a statement. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a DIY stencil pattern or mural. This can instantly make a bland room pop with personality.

**Tip:** Use painter’s tape to create sharp lines, and make sure to test out colors in small sections before committing.

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2. Install a Backsplash

Adding a backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom not only enhances the aesthetic but also protects the walls from spills and splashes. Peel-and-stick tiles make this project simple enough for any DIYer, and they come in a variety of designs that mimic expensive tiles at a fraction of the cost.

**Tip:** Measure your space carefully and plan your tile layout before sticking them to the wall to ensure an even, professional finish.

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

Switching out outdated light fixtures can modernize a room instantly. Whether it’s a chic chandelier in the dining room or sleek pendant lights in the kitchen, lighting sets the mood. You can also replace traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs to save on your electricity bill.

**Tip:** Ensure you turn off the power before working with electrical wires, and always follow safety guidelines.

4. Add Crown Molding

Crown molding adds elegance and a finished look to any room. With the right tools, you can install it yourself. Pre-cut molding from your local hardware store makes it easier, and with some caulk and paint, you can achieve a professional look.

**Tip:** Measure carefully and use a miter saw to get the perfect angles.

5. Refresh Cabinet Hardware

Instead of replacing your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, simply swap out the hardware. Sleek modern handles or knobs can completely change the look of your space without the expense of full cabinet replacement.

**Tip:** Make sure the new hardware fits the existing holes, or be prepared to fill and drill new ones.

6. DIY Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are both functional and stylish, and they’re easier to build than you might think. Use wood planks, brackets, and a little elbow grease to create shelves that not only hold your belongings but also add a decorative element to your walls.

**Tip:** Always use a level when hanging shelves to ensure they’re perfectly straight.

Here are more of our 10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks

7. Create a Statement Front Door

Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home. A fresh coat of paint in a bold color or a wood stain can make a huge difference. You can also add stylish house numbers or a modern door knocker for extra curb appeal.

**Tip:** Choose a paint color that complements your home’s exterior and is weather-resistant for durability.

8. Install a Smart Thermostat

Upgrading to a smart thermostat is a tech-savvy way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Many smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature from your smartphone, helping you save on energy costs and keep your home comfortable.

**Tip:** Installation is usually simple and doesn’t require professional help, but always follow the instructions carefully.

9. Re-caulk Your Bathroom

If the caulk in your bathroom is looking worn, cracked, or mildewed, it’s time for a refresh. Re-caulking is a quick and inexpensive way to make your bathroom look cleaner and prevent water damage.

**Tip:** Use a caulk removal tool to get rid of the old caulk and ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying the new caulk.

10. Build a Custom Headboard

A custom headboard can transform your bedroom into a designer-like retreat. You can create one from wood, fabric, or even reclaimed materials like pallets. Tailor the design to your style, whether you prefer minimalist, rustic, or luxurious.

**Tip:** For fabric headboards, use a staple gun to secure the material tightly for a smooth finish. If you’re working with wood, sand it down and finish with stain or paint for a polished look.

Conclusion

DIY home improvement projects don’t have to be complicated or expensive to make a big impact. These ten tips and tricks can help you refresh your space and add personal touches that make your home feel new and inviting. Whether you’re enhancing your living room with accent walls or boosting curb appeal with a painted front door, these ideas are great for any skill level.

Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible

June 10, 2024 by Thom Abbott

Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible

Many homeowners looking to sell feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Today’s mortgage rates are higher than the one they currently have on their home, and that’s making it harder to want to sell and make a move. Maybe you’re in the same boat. But what if there was a way to offset these higher borrowing costs? There is. Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible.

What Is Equity?

Think of equity as a simple math equation. Freddie Mac explains:

“. . . your home’s equity is the difference between how much your home is worth and how much you owe on your mortgage.”

Your equity grows as you pay down your loan over time and as home prices climb. And thanks to the rapid home price appreciation we saw in recent years, you probably have a whole lot more of it than you realize.

The latest from the Census and ATTOM shows more than two out of three homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages (shown in green in the chart below) or have at least 50% equity (shown in blue in the chart below):

That means the majority of homeowners have a game-changing amount of equity right now.

How Your Equity Can Help Fuel Your Move

After you sell your house, that equity can help you move without worrying as much about today’s mortgage rates. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for Realtor.com says:

“A consideration today’s homeowners should review is what their home equity picture looks like. With the typical home listing price up 40% from just five years ago, many home sellers are sitting on a healthy equity cushion. This means they are likely to walk away from a home sale with proceeds that they can use to offset the amount of borrowing needed for their next home purchase.”

To give you some examples, here are a few ways you can use equity to buy your next home:

Be an all-cash buyer: If you’ve been living in your current home for a long time, you might have enough equity to buy your next home without having to take out a loan. If that’s the case, you won’t need to borrow any money or worry about mortgage rates.
Make a larger down payment: Your equity could also be used toward your next down payment. It might even be enough to let you put a larger amount down, so you won’t have to borrow as much at today’s rates.

The First Step: Determine How Much Equity You Have in Your Home

Want to find out how much equity you have? To do that, you’ll need two things:

The current mortgage balance on your home
The current value of your home

You can probably find the mortgage balance on your monthly mortgage statement. To understand the current market value of your house, you can pay hundreds of dollars for an appraisal, or you can contact a local real estate agent who will be able to present to you, at no charge, a professional equity assessment report (PEAR).

Once you’ve connected with a trusted local agent and run the numbers, you’re one step closer to making a move you may not have thought was realistic – all thanks to your equity.

Bottom Line

If you want to find out how much equity you have and talk more about how it can make your next move possible, let’s connect. You can learn more about Selling Your Home and reach out to me to talk about the options.

35 Tips to Furnish Your New Home For Less

November 16, 2023 by Thom Abbott

Furnish your new home for less with these 35 tips

Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter.

But before you run to the nearest home goods store, take a deep breath. First, you’ll need to delay any major purchases before you close on your new home. A large outlay or additional line of credit could lower your credit score and, thus, impact your mortgage terms. (1) Second, moving and closing costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to be strategic with your remaining budget.

But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to save on home essentials, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to share with you. Here are some 35 Tips to Furnish Your New Home For Less!

PRIORITIZE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED BEFORE YOU START SHOPPING

According to Home Advisor, the national average cost to furnish a new house is $16,000, but it can easily soar higher. (2) That’s why we recommend starting with a thorough assessment of what you already have and what you actually need to start life in your new place. Here are some steps to help you prioritize your purchases and keep spending in check.

Make a list of everything you need. Going room by room could help you brainstorm—for example, you might list items ranging from a mattress to blackout curtains for your new primary bedroom.
Inventory what you already have. Cross the big (dining table) to the small (kitchen knives) off your list as you go.
Divide the remaining items into three groups: things you need right away (a mattress), items you’d like to have in the near future (a coffee table for your living room), and pieces that can wait (an area rug).
Calculate your budget. Figure out how much money you’ll have available for immediate purchases after the sale has closed, and start researching the items on your priority list to understand how they’ll fit into your budget.
Don’t rush the process. Bringing older items to your new space doesn’t mean you need to keep them forever. Consider hanging onto pieces that can tide you over for a year or two until your bank account has recovered from the costs of a home purchase.

Before you start shopping, make sure you know which appliances and fixtures are included with your home purchase. We can inform you of the standard contract terms when you’re making an initial offer and note any additional items that you would like to request.

TIME YOUR PURCHASES TO MAKE THE MOST OF SEASONAL SALES

Did you know that some home items predictably go on sale at certain times of the year? If you can wait to buy these pieces when prices are lower, you could save significantly. Here are some of the best times to buy household essentials:(3,4)

Bedding and linens: January
TVs: Black Friday/Cyber Monday and late January (before the Super Bowl)
Furniture: February and August, as well as Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
Large appliances: Labor Day through October
Small kitchen appliances: May
Mattresses: Holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day, Labor Day, and 4th of July
Vacuum cleaners: April
Tools: June
Outdoor furniture: August through October

Generally speaking, holiday weekends (as well as Black Friday and Cyber Monday) tend to be great times to find deals. If the item you’re looking for is seasonal—like patio furniture or holiday decorations—waiting until the end of that season usually pays off.

FIND ALTERNATIVE SHOPPING SOURCES

Can’t wait for a sale? It’s time to think outside of the box (the big-box stores, that is). There are plenty of surprising places to find great furniture and houseware deals.

Check out overstock and liquidation stores. These stores purchase items other retailers haven’t sold and offer them at a steep discount. The inventory can be hit or miss, but you can often get a great deal if you find what you’re looking for.(5)
Try private membership/warehouse stores. Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club often have great deals on home goods. If you’re not already a member, ask family or friends if they are willing to take you to look around before you commit.
Consider open-box items. When buyers return items like furniture or electronics, retailers can’t always sell them as new, even if they haven’t truly been used. Look online for open-box deals from retailers like Wayfair and Amazon Warehouse or visit local retailers to see what they have in stock.
Give scratch-and-dent appliances a chance. These appliances are brand new but sold at deep discounts because their external packaging was damaged. Typically, this means that flaws are purely cosmetic—but it’s always possible that the merchandise has suffered more serious damage. So, be sure to check out the appliances carefully and ask about included warranties.(6)
Expand your window treatment search. Window treatments can be surprisingly expensive, but it’s often possible to save by buying off-the-shelf offerings in standard sizes. If you need a custom size or material, consider ordering online from a discount supplier and installing them yourself.
Shop secondhand. In addition to thrift stores and garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, and Craigslist are all great places to find deals in your area.

Are alternative shopping sources still a stretch for your budget? Check out local Freecycle or “Buy Nothing” groups, which are often hosted on Facebook. Participants offer big and small items they no longer need—everything from furniture to clothing hangers—for free to other members. (7,8)

DON’T BE AFRAID TO NEGOTIATE FOR A BETTER DEAL

Many people don’t realize that prices for home goods, from furniture to appliances, are often negotiable. While asking for a discount can be intimidating, it’s common practice in many industries, although more so at independently-owned stores than chains. Here are a few tips: (9,10)

Comparison shop before you walk into a store. If you can find a lower price for the same item elsewhere, many retailers will match it.
Ask the store associate or manager for the best price available. They may be able to offer additional discounts or coupons.
If you can pay in cash, ask if you can get a discount for doing so. The seller may be happy to offer a small price reduction to avoid paying processor fees.
Call ahead to ask about applicable discounts. Some retailers offer price reductions for active military, veterans, teachers, first responders, or senior citizens on certain days or times of the year.
Point out scratches or dings to the sales associate. They may be willing to offer a discount to compensate for the imperfection.
Ask about floor models. Many stores offer these pieces at a lower price, even if they’re in like-new condition.

After you’ve negotiated a killer deal, don’t forget to ask for free or discounted delivery! Sometimes furniture and appliance stores will offer complimentary delivery or installation if you spend a certain amount or purchase multiple items.

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MAKE THE MOST OF REWARD PROGRAMS AND COUPONS

Every penny counts when you’re on a budget—and spending a little extra time maximizing reward programs and discounts is usually worthwhile.

Sign up for a change of address kit with the United States Postal Service. You’ll need to do anyway to forward mail to your new address, and it comes packed with valuable coupons.11
Make sure you never miss a sale. Sign up for your favorite retailers’ email lists and follow them on social media for discounts and sale alerts.
Take advantage of loyalty programs. If you’re making a big purchase or getting multiple items from one store, ask about free loyalty programs. Signing up often comes with an introductory coupon.
Consider store credit cards (carefully). Store credit cards can offer significant discounts—but only charge items you can pay off right away to avoid interest, and never open new lines of credit until your home purchase is complete, since it can affect your credit score.
Enroll in coupon and cashback programs. When you’re shopping online, programs like Rakuten and Honey can help you find coupon codes and give you cash back on purchases.

While you’re at it, why not set up a housewarming registry?12 You can share the link with family and friends if they ask what you need—and you can also use it to score discounts. Many stores offer a percentage off to help you buy unpurchased items on your registry.

GET CREATIVE

If you want to avoid a cookie-cutter home aesthetic—and save a few bucks—try reimagining your existing furniture and how it could fit into your new space. Here are a few of our favorite strategies.

Repurpose what you have. Instead of buying a new item to fit a specific purpose, ask yourself if you can use what you have in a different way. For example, repurpose an old dresser as a television stand or use a mismatched dining chair in your home office.
Upgrade existing items. Sometimes, a new coat of paint or varnish, or simply swapping out drawer pulls and handles, can lend a new lease on life to an old piece of furniture. You can also keep this strategy in mind if you see second-hand items that would be just right if they were a different color or had nicer fixtures.
Reupholster instead of buying new. If you have a tired-looking sofa or chair that’s still comfortable and stable, think about getting it reupholstered in new fabric instead of replacing it.
Get handy. Building furniture is certainly not for everyone, but with some basic tools and help from the internet, you may find that simple items like headboards are well within your grasp. You might also be able to repair pieces you already have and avoid shopping altogether.

Do-it-yourself projects can be fun, but they aren’t for everyone. If you’d like some professional help, reach out for a list of our recommended service providers.

Food and Agricultural Giant Cargill Opens Midtown ATL Tech Hub

I Wish You Could Be a Real Estate Agent – Just Once!

Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now?

Will I Be Able To Find a Home I Like?

Bottom Line

10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks

10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks

1. Paint an Accent Wall

2. Install a Backsplash

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

4. Add Crown Molding

5. Refresh Cabinet Hardware

6. DIY Floating Shelves

Here are more of our 10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks

7. Create a Statement Front Door

8. Install a Smart Thermostat

9. Re-caulk Your Bathroom

10. Build a Custom Headboard

Conclusion

Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible

Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible

What Is Equity?

How Your Equity Can Help Fuel Your Move

The First Step: Determine How Much Equity You Have in Your Home

Bottom Line

35 Tips to Furnish Your New Home For Less

PRIORITIZE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED BEFORE YOU START SHOPPING

TIME YOUR PURCHASES TO MAKE THE MOST OF SEASONAL SALES

FIND ALTERNATIVE SHOPPING SOURCES

DON’T BE AFRAID TO NEGOTIATE FOR A BETTER DEAL

MAKE THE MOST OF REWARD PROGRAMS AND COUPONS

GET CREATIVE

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

HomeSmart