Too Late :: Just Listed and Already Under Contract in Marietta’s Red Oak Park

September 3rd, 2010

Developed in the 1950’s, Red Oak Park is a perfect peaceful retreat.  Your new home here has an incredibly desirable location with easy access to I-75, making virtually any commute possible.  Home to friendly and helpful neighborhs, Red Oak Park is a community that has lots to offer, from neighbors that watch out for each other to a fun nearby playground and picnic area just a short walk away.

Mature hardwoods and landscaping make for easy maintenance and great curb appeal. The home benefits include a newer air conditioning system, furnace, roof, new copper plumbing throughout with whole house water filter, new vinyl double-paned windows throughout, custom 2″  blinds throughout, a built-in monitored alarm system, and an amazing 200 amp electrical service perfect for virtually any additions down the road. This 4-sided brick, three bedroom, two bathroom charmer with gorgeous hardwood floors throughout delivers the perfect combination of location, renovation, upgrades, and affordability.

From the moment you walk in the door, you cannot help but notice how your new home has been well-kept and well-updated. You’ll have plenty of room to relax in the main living room, where the focal point is a beautiful custom stone fireplace with a slate hearth and re-circulation fan. The large sliding glass doors will invite you onto the expansive patio, giving you further space to enjoy the private, shade-loving and level backyard, which is fenced on three sides by your neighbors. The kitchen is bright and includes a newer gas cooktop and dishwasher. As an extra bonus, the washer, dryer, and refrigerator remain and are included in the sale. The kitchen also opens to a large dining area with another exterior door for taking advantage of the backyard. Floor-to-ceiling closets in the hallway provide excellent additional storage. The master bedroom is complimented by its own bathroom, including a walk-in shower, and all three bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling closets with custom shelving. Additionally, all of the bedrooms have been updated with new remote-controlled ceiling fans. The second bathroom is conveniently located in the center of the home. Your vehicles will appreciate the shelter the carport provides, and you will love the extra storage and work area.

If you are looking for value, you have just found it. You’re going to love it here.  Welcome home to Red Oak Park!

Just Listed in Decatur’s Springdale Heights

September 3rd, 2010

Nestled in Springdale Heights and built in 1947, this beautifully renovated home reminds us of a simpler Decatur. This charmer is equipped with the updates you would expect from a brand new home, at a fraction of the price. Within easy walking distance of downtown Decatur, all your favorite hot spots are at your back door.  Originally three bedrooms, the home’s third bedroom has been transformed into an updated and conveniently located dining room off the kitchen. The home could easily be transformed into three bedrooms by taking in the dining room or “popping” the top with the expansive walk-up attic. The possibilities are endless! With all the benefits of being so close to the city of Decatur but none of the steep city taxes to complain about, being in an unincorporated DeKalb home has never felt so good.

Clean, clean, clean! This home has been well kept through the years both inside and out. The exterior of the home benefits from new exterior doors, brand new paint and mature landscaping. A stroll through the front door and you are quickly greeted by rich, real, history-filled hardwood floors and warm, neutral colors. Natural light pours into the spacious rooms, and the fireplace is the focal point in the main living room, providing cozy comfort on those cold days. Custom touches include recently painted walls, a well updated kitchen with travertine tile floor, new cabinets, quartz countertops, and two beautifully updated bathrooms. These features represent unique upgrades over the competition in this price range. The large master bedroom features an inviting master bath with a  freshly tiled floor and a walk-in closet. You will love having the laundry room right off the master bedroom as well.  The secondary bedroom provides plenty of space.  As mentioned earlier, the walk-up attic is currently an amazing storage space rivaling any of today’s basements, but it is the long-term possibilities that could prove promising for the creative renovator. Lastly, the fenced and level backyard is incredibly private, usable, and includes a great patio and deck perfect for your grilling and entertaining enjoyment. You can’t miss the amazing living space in the backyard for enjoying the beauty, serenity, and shade.

Your home is waiting.  Time is not on your side. This beautifully updated charmer will not last long, and once you see it, you will understand why.

FMLS # 4118307 and GAMLS# 02937462

Just Listed in Brookhaven’s Carlyle Woods :: $172,500 :: Best Value in Neighborhood

September 3rd, 2010

Better than New and Conveniently Located in Brookhaven’s Carlyle Woods

This is it! Welcome home to this beautiful two bedroom, two bathroom condominium home in Brookhaven’s private and gated Carlyle Woods. Being one of the few newer condominium communities to actually sell out over the last couple of years, Carlyle Woods is known for delivering quality and value in one of the most desirable areas inside the perimeter.  Here you will be convenient to Brookhaven’s newest attraction, Village Place, offering shops and restaurants including Haven, Verde, and the eagerly anticipated Kaleidoscope.  The lights and excitement of Buckhead are a short drive away, and you can easily access I-85, I-285, and GA400, making virtually all commutes possible.

You will love the safety and convenience knowing that your new home is located in a gated community on the ground floor, and you and your guests will have more than enough parking available right at your front door. The home was recently renovated and converted into its current immaculate condition including upgrades such as hardwood floors, custom cabinetry with nickel hardware, granite countertops in the kitchen and baths, stainless steel appliances, updated bath and light fixtures, a keyless entry system on the front door, and a home security system. This is truly a move-in ready home. The current owner is negotiable with the existing furniture and is even leaving the washer and dryer, which are two years new! The floorplan is versatile and open in the main living room, dining room, and kitchen. The sunroom off of the living room provides additional living and working space currently being used as an office. A large closet off of the sunroom is great conditioned storage space. The kitchen is grand, complete with everything you have been looking for in a well updated home, including a built-in desk. The bedrooms are large to accommodate in comfort and provide ample closet space. Do not miss the amazing elfa system custom installed in the master closet!

Additional amenities within the community include a well maintained workout facility and an ever so popular swimming pool. There’s a poolside clubhouse available for you as well. Your low homeowner’s association dues take care of water, sewer, trash, swimming pool, workout facility, and exterior maintenance and liability.  At less than $200 per month, this is another way that Carlyle Woods continues to deliver exceptional value to its homeowners!

FMLS# 4111973 and GAMLS# 02929428

Just Listed in Brookhaven’s Popular Ashford Park :: Walk to Village Place Brookhaven

September 3rd, 2010

 

Developed in the 1950’s, Brookhaven’s Ashford Park was home to military personnel stationed at the site of today’s Peachtree-DeKalb Airport (PDK). The military housing is a distant memory, but this area is still flying. You’ll appreciate the history of the neighborhood while enjoying the incredibly desirable location in the heart of Brookhaven’s rejuvenated east side. With the new Village Place Brookhaven blossoming now and within walking distance on Dresden, there’s a lot to be excited about here. The neighborhood park, which is also the neighborhood namesake, is a short walk away and full of fun, and nearby Ashford Park Elementary is one of the area’s top schools.  This 4-sides brick, three bedroom, two bathroom charmer provides the perfect combination of location, renovation, and affordability.

Your new home has been well kept and well updated. From the moment you walk in the door, you’re greeted by rich history filled hardwood floors and warm inviting neutral colors. You’ll have plenty of space to relax in the main living room or the separate casual den complete with brand new comfy carpet.  The kitchen features updated custom stained cabinets, granite countertops, and brand new stainless steel appliances.  Step outside and you’ll find an expansive deck perfect for accommodating a large group or a low key casual evening on the grill.  Relax, entertain, or let the dog run in privacy with a large flat backyard.  The master bedroom is accompanied by an updated full bathroom with tile shower.  The two guest bedrooms are of good size and share the second bathroom. With an excellent lot, the possibilities for expansion are vast. The neighbors are friendly, the voluntary neighborhood association is active and fun, and the restaurants and activities at your back door are endless.  You’re going to love it.  Welcome home to Ashford Park!

 FMLS #4110500 and GAMLS # 02927507

Just Listed Atlanta :: Steal of a Deal in Midtown’s McGill Place

September 3rd, 2010

Atlanta’s McGill Place is a wonderfully convenient and desirable Midtown community with a gated entry and a park-like setting. How wonderful it is to see trees in the middle of Midtown! With easy access on and off of I-75/85 and Peachtree Street, you can get anywhere in a hurry while having the fun and excitement of restaurants, shopping, and Atlanta’s best attractions at your backdoor in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. The Atlanta Civic Center, Philips Arena, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and Piedmont Park are minutes away. The active homeowners association ensures the neighborhood is quiet and well kept, and monthly HOA contributions include water, sewer, pest and termite control, exterior liability, fire insurance, and exterior maintenance.  The amenities include an inviting swimming pool. The low monthly association fee of $300 makes for an exceptional value compared to many other condominium communities in the metro Atlanta area.

Top level living at its best!  You’ll appreciate no one living above you.  This end unit is located on the top floor and includes vaulted ceilings. Convenient parking spaces right at the unit make loading and unloading a breeze.  The fireplace pulls you in as the main living room’s focal point. This space easily accommodates two large sofas and complements an already open floorplan where the kitchen, dining room and living room meet.  Just off the main living room is one of the highlights of the home, a comfortable and spacious balcony with room for lounging as well as a table and chairs. The bedroom is large and made even better by a light filled bay window. A walk-in closet provides plenty of room for any wardrobe. This home has been well cared for through the years including the addition of a new hot water heater, and it represents a wonderful value for the space and location. 

 Relax and enjoy your new Atlanta condo! 

FMLS #4094563 and GAMLS #02907510

Just Listed in Buckhead’s Ridgewood Heights Neighborhood :: Morris Brandon Elementary

September 3rd, 2010

 

Renovated 1950’s traditional in west Buckhead’s popular Ridgewood Heights.

Welcome home to 2811 Ridgemore Road! Here you will find location, charm, and modern day luxury. This beauty could easily be one of the nicest homes for this price in Atlanta’s Morris Brandon Elementary School district. The school’s focus on excellence has earned three coveted distinctions as a National Blue Ribbon School, a Georgia School of Excellence, as well as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Ridgewood Heights is a circle of homes where your neighbors are your friends and your neighborhood is a pleasure. You will live in the heart of the city with all the conveniences provided by Buckhead, Midtown, and Atlanta’s blossoming Westside. Proximity to I-75, I-285, Atlanta Road, and Peachtree Road provide easy access for all types of commutes and schedules.

 You have found the open floor plan you have been searching for. The openness and feel of the home is welcoming, and the interior finishes are high end and tasteful. The main floor is updated with rich hardwood floors and travertine tile. The spacious main living room is the heart of the home. A large separate dining room, accented with a beautiful chandelier and decorative columns, makes even the largest of dinner parties possible. The kitchen in the back of the home features custom stained cabinets, granite countertops, stainless appliances, a tumbled tile backsplash, and a walk in pantry. The keeping room off of the kitchen is a cozy nook, perfect for curling up around the fire. The master suite on main features a walk in closet and a beautifully updated spa-like bathroom with travertine flooring, marble top double vanities, and a custom frameless shower door. The upstairs bedrooms are oversized and provide ample space for children or guests. The separate hall bath is perfect for jack and jill sharing. The full unfinished basement provides storage for now and room to expand later!  With a second fireplace and an existing full bath, the basement possibilities are truly endless.

You will absolutely love the French doors opening from the kitchen and keeping room to the expansive deck complete with built-in lighting and cedar railings and posts.  The large private fenced lot includes a classic gazebo and plenty of room for a playset. Further upgrades in the home include double pane Low E windows throughout, oil rubbed bronze door hardware, ColorPlus HardiPlank, which never has to be painted, elegant light fixtures, and too many other improvements to list.  This home has it all. Including a one car garage. It is move-in ready and should not be missed. You are going to love your new home!

FMLS #4107303 and GAMLS# 02923577

Do you think the home buyer tax deadline has passed? Think again…

July 28th, 2010

Do You Think the Homebuyer Tax Credit Deadline has Passed?  by Carol Donnelly with Bank of America

Think Again!!

Let’s just think of the homebuyer credit from a different perspective.  The average of the 30 year fixed rate mortgage from 7/1/2000 through 7/1/2010 is 6.75%.  Today we are at 4.50%

How Much Does That Save a Buyer?

On a loan amount of $250,000, the principal & interest at the past 10 year average rate of 6.75% is $1622/month

The principal & interest at 4.50% is $1267/month.  That is a savings of $355/month.  Over the average stay of 5 years in a home, that creates an interest savings for the 5 year period of $21,287.  This certainly makes the expired homebuyer tax credit pale in comparison.

 How can I calculate the savings for a specific loan amount?

Regardless of the loan amount, the difference in interest rate will save you interest payments of 8.51% of your loan amount over a 5 year period OR it will save you interest payments of 1.7% of your loan amount per year.  As an example you can apply at any price point, a loan amount of $150,000 will save you $12,765 in interest payments over a 5 year period ($150,000 x 8.51%) or $2550 per year ($150,000 x 1.7%).

How Can FHA Loans Help Me 5 Years From Now?

Another talking point for potential buyers is regarding FHA loans.  FHA loans are ASSUMABLE and that can be a real win situation for homebuyers today.  A buyer who obtains an FHA loan today with a minimum down payment of 3.5%, who decides 5 years from now to sell may end up with a tremendous market advantage when they sell.  Let’s assume a home purchased today at $175,000 increases in value 2% per year for the next 5 years.  Value in 5 years is approximately $193,200  Assuming the borrower made the minimum down payment of 3.5% when they purchased and including the principal reduction they made over the 5 years, they probably have a payoff of approximately $153,400.  The loan balance of $153,400 would be assumable at the initial rate of 4.5% to the new buyer which would require the new buyer to make a down payment of 20%.  If current interest rates in 5 years are just average at 6.75%, that would make the home extremely attractive to have 4.5% financing available in a 6.75% market!

From The Peters Company with Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Road:

Are you an Atlanta home buyer that missed out on the first time home buyer tax credit?  Are you on the fence about purchasing a home?  Jump off that fence!  Interest rates are at all time lows.  Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to buy a home.  Give us a call today!

What a deal in Smyrna’s Spring Street Village!

July 22nd, 2010

Oh my – what a deal!  This gorgeous new construction John Willis home located in Smyrna’s Spring Street Village was a steal of a deal selling for 75% of original list price.  Located next to Durham Park and a short walk to Smyrna Market Village, this home was a shoo-in favorite for our active buyers looking to enjoy all Smyrna has to offer.  Our clients especially liked that the home was built to Earthcraft standards and featured all the bells and whistles of gourmet kitchens and exquisite baths.  We are so happy for you guys and can’t wait to come visit when you get settled!  Congratulations, Scott and Heather!

If you are looking for a new construction Earthcraft home in Atlanta, don’t hestitate to give us a call!  It would be our pleasure to help you!

Just Sold in Roswell’s North Point Neighborhood

July 22nd, 2010

We had the great pleasure of working with one of our past client’s mothers as she relocated from Virginia to Atlanta to be closer to her sweet new grandchild!   We had a wonderful time finding her a home in Roswell close to Historic Roswell and the Roswell Square.  North Point is a fantastic swim/tennis community built in the early 70s.  The lots are a great size, and this one in particular, since it’s a corner lot!  With large trees and beautiful landscaping, the curb appeal is astounding.  This coupled with the updated interior made this home a real winner.  We’re thankful that Debbie won this war – as there were multiple offers on the property and it only lasted for 8 days on the market!  Congratulations, Debbie!  And a BIG THANKS to Berkley and Lee for trusting us enough to even take care of their mother! 

If you have any family or friends relocating to the Atlanta area, we’d love to help them just as we helped Debbie find this gorgeous Roswell home!

You’re too late :: JUST SOLD in Decatur Heights

July 21st, 2010

Gorgeous Decatur Heights Home :: SOLD with multiple offers! 

Old is new again. Originally built in 1930, this immaculate renovation reminds us of a much simpler Decatur. The custom paint and trim fit perfectly and help restore the home to original cottage charm. But don’t let this little trip down memory lane fool you!  This home, nestled in historic Decatur Heights, is equipped with everything and more that you’d expect from a brand new home, at a fraction of the price.  Within easy walking distance of downtown Decatur, all your favorite hot spots are at your back door.  Also, since you have easy access to Ponce de Leon, the main thoroughfares and public transportation are convenient.  The fenced corner lot provides great privacy and enhances the overall function and curb appeal of the home, and you are districted for the desirable Winnona Park Elementary School within the City Schools of Decatur cluster.

An open floorplan in a 70 year old house? Absolutely! You will love the natural light, flow and openness created in the main living room, dining room, and gourmet kitchen running the length of the home. The rich original hardwood floors and warm custom paint finishes tie everything together. The original fireplace has been brought back to life with modern day gas logs. The tiled kitchen features the granite countertops and counter space you have been looking for with a complimenting tile backsplash and extra outlets for convenience. In addition, the custom cabinets are painted to accent and give the kitchen an ultra updated appeal. The home includes three separate bedrooms along with two separate bathrooms. The updated motif is continued in the baths. No more perfect example than the crisp and clean master bathroom including tasteful tile and an oversized master shower complete with two shower heads. The guest bath includes modern designer light and bath fixtures and includes a classically unique antique slipper tub.

Your home is waiting. Time is not on your side. This beautifully updated charmer will not last long, and once you see it, you will understand why.

Click here to see our original blog post on this Decatur home…

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