Sally English Atlanta Real Estate: July 2009

Folks,

There has got to be a way to work some common sense into the FHA guidelines about payments to vendors and contractors. 

Some sellers often do not have the cash to lay out for work that needs to be done to a house before closing.

Buyers want to have the work done BEFORE closing so they can move right in and enjoy the house.

THE FHA gudelines don't give much leeway for getting that done.

Just my 2 cents.

Woods of Henderson Subdivision in Northlake Neighborhood of DeKalb County

Woods of Henderson subdivision in DeKalb County is located in Metro Atlanta Georgia and is an easy commute to primary employers for the area including Emory University and Center for Disease Control.  The architectural style is primarily two story traditional.  Most homes have a basement and most have a brick exterior.  Four  and five bedroom homes are the norm, 

WOODS OF HENDERSON SUBDIVISION LOTS

The subdivision consists of 81 homes on R-100 zoned single family lots.  Lots average 90 to 100 feet in width and are approximately 1/3 acre in size. 

Subdivision boundaries are Henderson Middle School, an apartment complex and a large undeveloped wetland area owned by Mercer University.

There is one entrance/exit to the subdivision and it is located in Henderson Mill Road adjacent to Henderson Middle School.

SCHOOLS

Woods of Henderson is served by Henderson Mill Elementary School, Henderson Middle School and Lakeside High School.  Nearby private schools include Saint Pius X , Paideia,  and Marist.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Many families within the Woods of Henderson are employed along Clifton Corridor or at Emory University.  Most would be economically defined as upper middle class white collar.  Education levels far exceed the average for DeKalb County and many are professors or MDs employed by Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control.

WOODS OF HENDERSON RECENT HOUSE SALES

During 2008 the English Team represented Sellers in the following Woods of Henderson Sales Transactions:

3165 Bolero Pass Atlanta Georgia 30341, $365,000, December 28 2008,  Dave and Kathleen Deep

2778 Bolero Lane Atlanta Georgia 30341, $434,500, September 29 2008, Jim and Susan Brinkley

3174 Bolero Drive Atlanta Georgia 30341, $391,000, September 29 2008, Dan and Emily Lynch

3219 Bolero Way Atlanta Georgia 30341, $385,000, July  9 2009, Clyde and Harriet Mangum

HOUSES FOR SALE IN WOODS OF HENDERSON

Check out the English Team website or call Sally at 770-939-3174 for the latest information about homes for sale in Woods of Henderson.  We frequently have information about homes about to come on the market in the next few months.  Sometimes we can tour these homes BEFORE THEY GO ON THE MARKET!  We have all the scoop about Woods of Henderson Subdivision in Northlake Neighborhood of DeKalb County

ATLANTA HOUSING STARTS ARE DOWN 70 PERCENT YEAR OVER YEAR

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reported Atlanta permits for new housing are down, way down. New construction permits dropped 22 % between May and June of 2009.  But the most encouraging news was permits dropped 70 percent when comparing May 2009 to May 2008.

GREAT NEWS FOR ATLANTA REAL ESTATE MARKET

Homebuilders have essentially halted construction of new homes in Atlanta.  This construction slow down will allow the existing inventory to be absorbed by the market.  Getting excess inventory off the market is only way the housing market can recover.   Cutting off the creation of new homes means less competition for the vacant new homes already on the market.

JOBS WILL RETURN WHEN EXCESS INVENTORY TAKEN DOWN

Once the present over supply of homes is absorbed by the market, builders will jump back in and construct new homes for the marketplace.  Let's hope they move away from the speculative model where homes are constructed before the buyers come along.  In other parts of the country it is more the norm to have a buyer "contract" for construction of a new home before it is built.  At any rate, a return to a more sensible method of homebuilding will once again create jobs in the Atlanta market.  More jobs means more potenital home buyers...and so it goes.

MOBILE HOME CHILDHOOD

 I grew up in a "mobile" home.  My father was a homebuilder and our homes were always for sale. 

Don't get me wrong, the homes were great and had lots of whistles and bells.  We had lake front homes (twice), home with a swimming pool (once), home on  a 40 acre lot in suburban Atlanta (later turned in to a subdivision!).

JUST PASSING THROUGH

These homes were often the envy of the Atlanta Homebuilder Association's members and they did not lack in amenities and appointments.  My father, Bill Bryant, was president of the Atlanta Homebuilders Association and a life long member so he kept up with luxury housing trends.

My brother, sister and I knew each home was just a step along the way and when we got our bedrooms "just right" it was probably time to move again.

HOME IS NOT STICKS AND BRICKS

My homes were not so much the sticks and bricks as much as it was my loving parents, a great brother and sister plus a community where we put down roots in our church and schools.

LIVED IN SAME HOME SINCE 1982

Now for the confession: even though I have been in the real estate business for 27 years as a custom home builder, Broker and finally as a successful listing and buyer's agent, I have not moved since 1982.  Guess I got that out of my system growing up.

HOMEBUILDER DAD BUILT THE HOME WE ARE IN NOW 

Second confession: my dad helped me build the home of my dreams in 1982.  It was just a shell when completed in 1982 but my husband and I have had a great time putting the finishing touches on it during the past 27 years.  And yes, we still have a few things to tackle.

NORTHLAKE NEIGHBORHOOD IN DEKALB COUNTY GEORGIA

Northlake is not an easy neighborhood to define.  Northlake Mall opened in 1971 and the Northeast DeKalb County neighborhoods surrounding the Mall were ever after tagged Northlake.  Northlake sits in the intersection of the 30345, 30340, 30084 and 30341 zip codes of unincorporated DeKalb County and is not defined by a Post Office, postal zone or name.  The US Postal service includes Northlake in Atlanta, Georgia boundaries.   

NORTHLAKE LOCATED AT INTERSECTION OF I-285 AND LAVISTA ROAD

Northlake is geographically located at the intersection of I-285 and LaVista Road.  Briarcliff Road terminates in front of Northlake Mall and is another major radius.

NORTHLAKE CONVENIENT TO EMORY AND CDC

Northlake's location is convenient to Emory University, Centers for Disease Control and the Clifton Corridor.  Access to these unique employers made Northlake neighborhoods desirable for homeowners with above average educations and incomes.

NORTHLAKE SERVED BY LAKESIDE HIGH SCHOOL

The DeKalb County schools serving the Northlake area were (and are now) Nationally recognized for excellence in education and parent participation in the educational process is high.  LAKESIDE HIGH SCHOOL  and HENDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL serve most the Northlake neighborhoods. SHAMROCK MIDDLE SCHOOL serves both Lakeside HS and Druid Hills HS.   LAKESIDE HS FEEDER SCHOOLS include Henderson Mill Elementary School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Pleasantdale Elementary School, Evansdale Elementary School, Briarlake Elementary School,  Oak Grove Elementary School.  Portions of the Northlake neighborhood are served by TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL.  Excellence in academics and athletics have made Northlake schools and neighborhoods desirable for families relocating to Atlanta.

NORTHLAKE RESTAURANTS

• Look for the English family in Bambinelli's, an Italian restaurant owned and operated by Bonnie Bambinelli.  Bonnie serves up great Bronx style Italian dishes including eggplant parmigiana, spaghetti and meatballs and  baked ziti.  Bonnie's red sauce is magnifico!  We also like the New York pizza.  Bring the family.                                                                                                                        
  
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• Monterrey Mexican is affordably priced and serves up dependable Mexican favorites our family enjoys.  We drop in after soccer games for a taco salad or a quesadilla plate                                                      
  
• Marlowes Tavern restaurant brought a touch of class to the Northlake community.  We go her for special occassions and gatherings.  Love the atmosphere and the menu. 

• Blue Ribbon Grill serves up burgers, fish and daily specials in a pub like setting.
  
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• Lucky Key Chinese & Fuji Ya Japanese Restaurant are side by side but really it is just one operation with several faces.  Skip the Chinese part.  Go for the sushi bar or for the hibachi table with chicken, beef or shrimp grilled on the table in front of you.  Thursdays are dollar sushi day.
• Vikhyat Indian Cuisineis solid and Tim hits the lunch buffet monthly. 
• Northlake Mall Food Court is our destination when we can't agree on a place for lunch.  Something for everyone!  Easy parking and entrance from back side of the mall.
• Chain restaurants include Panera, Jason's Deli, Red Lobster, O'Charlies etc.

NORTHLAKE HOMES FOR SALE

Most of the homes in Northlake neighborhoods were built in the 1960s and 1970s.  There has been consistent "infill" new construction since that time so newer construction is available.  Single family home  prices range from the low 200s for a 60s brick ranch with zero updating to the mid $1,000,000s for new luxury home construction.  There is plenty of selection in the $300,000s to $400.000s range.  You can search Northlake homes for sale and also view ENGLISH TEAM featured homes and NORTHLAKE NEIGHBORHOOD HOMES FOR SALE IN ATLANTA GEORGIA.

EASY COMMUTE TO EMORY UNIVERSITY AND CDC

OAK GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD in the 30033 and 30345 zip codes of DeKalb County has some amazing bargains in the luxury home category.   Recently constructed "infill" homes in the $500,000 to $1,500,000 price range have all the whistles and bells luxury home buyers want.  In addition these homes are an  EASY COMMUTE TO EMORY UNIVERSITY AND CDC as they are just minutes away from the Clifton Corridor and Emory University campus.

OAK GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR LUXURY HOME BARGAINS

BUILDERS and DEVELOPERS got too far out in front of the market in this area and far too much inventory was built just as the national real estate market hit the wall.  As a result, builders were left with inventory they really needed to sell at a time when potential home buyers just went away.  Some of that inventory is now owned by banks and some remains in the hands of builders who are very anxious to make you the new owner.  Either way the OAK GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR LUXURY HOME BARGAINS is real and you should act quickly if you want to take advantage of this opportunity.

OAK GROVE RESTAURANTS POPULAR DINING DESTINATIONS

My family loves to go to the OAK GROVE MARKET aka the Oak Grove Meat Market for their daily lunch specials.  Our favorite time to visit is steak day on Thursdays.  Truly amazing steaks are dished out along with a salad and potato for less than you might spend for a McRib combo at McDonalds.  After we eat, we usually pick up something special for the weekend grill.  We like to buy sirloin steak for beef kabobs, thick pork chops for the grill, fresh salmon or filet mignon wrapped in bacon.

Our daughters enjoy pizza at FELLINI'S PIZZA which has a nifty patio for outdoor dining and great pizza. 

Tim and I have also enjoyed meals at the GROVE RESTAURANT AND TAVERN which is kind of a neighborhood pub / sports bar.  It also has a nice outdoor dining area.    

When Tim needs a vegetable plate or fried fish he stops in at QUEENIE'S BBQ for oversize portions of Southern goodness.

LAKESIDE HIGH SCHOOL

Nationally recognized Lakeside High School has performed at the highest academic levels since the 1970s.  Oak Grove Elementary School, Briarlake Elementary School, Evansdale Elementary School, Hawthorn Elementary School, Henderson Mill Elementary School, Pleasantdale Elementary School and some of Sagamore Elementary School are feeder schools for Lakeside High School.

SALLY ENGLISH AND THE ENGLISH TEAM HOMES IN THE OAK GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD

We are ready to assist Oak Grove Buyers and Sellers.  Visit www.englishteam.com to search for homes for sell in the Oak Grove market.  School information is also available at www.englishteam.com.

TUCKER GEORGIA REAL ESTATE GETS BOOST FROM EMORY UNIVERSITY AND CDC EXPANSIONS

Recent expansions and job growth at Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have stimulated the housing market in Tucker, Georgia a suburban neighborhood a short commute away from the Clifton Corridor and the Emory Campus.  Tucker is served by MARTA and CLIFF commuter bus systems.

Much of the housing in Tucker is priced under $250,000 and is affordable for first time home buyers.  Many homes were built in the 1960s and 1970s and are perfect for home buyers who need a low price barrier for purchase. 

Brick ranches and two story traditional homes are available in the $250,000 price range.  These homes have great "bones" but many could use some updating in the kitchens and baths.  Hardwood floors are common and large lots (100 foot width) are the norm.  A significant portion of the homes have basements.

Tucker is served by Tucker High School which will open a brand new campus in August 2009.  Tucker HS offers an International Baccalaureate degree.  Tucker Middle School was recently constructed.  Among the award winning elementary schools serving Tucker are Idlewood Elementary School, Livsey Elementary School, Smoke Rise Elementary School, Brockett Elementary School, Midvale Elementary School.  Information about these schools is available at www.englishteam.com

Tucker is also home to a number of restaurants on the Atlanta Journal and Constitutions TOP 50 List every year. We partcularly enjoy the fish tacos at Tacqueria Los Hermanaos.  Matthews Cafeteria has been around since the 50s and nothi8ng has changed!  The food is great..fried chicken, meatloaf, turkey and cornbread dressing along with fresh vegedtables, home made cobbler and pies.  Yum!

If you are interested in exploring housing options in Tucker Georgia, please visit www.englishteam.com where you will find our featured Tucker listings plus a search engine that will allow you to search all Tucker Homes.

TUCKER GEORGIA REAL ESTATE GETS BOOST FROM EMORY UNIVERSITY AND CDC EXPANSIONS and our housing inventory is starting to reflect the increased demand.  There is still plenty of inventory to choose from, but the best deals are starting to get smapped up.

Sally English

The English Team

RE/MAX Executives, Inc. Atlanta Georgia

www.englishteam.com

Is it the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit?

The market is showing signs of life in a niche market THE ENGLISH TEAM covers.  HOMES PRICED UNDER $250,000 GETTING LOTS OF ACTIVITY IN EMORY CDC NEIGHBORHOODS.  Showings, offers and contracts have really picked up in the last 30 days.  There is still excess inventory but it appears buyers have once again started to think about purchasing a home.  First time home buyers have a lot of incentive to buy a home before December 1, 2009 as an $8,000 federal tax credit and a $1,800 State of Georgia tax credit may apply for these buyers.

ENGLISH TEAM TRACKS SHOWINGS OF LISTINGS

The English team utilizes a state of the art system for tracking showings by real estate agents and getting immediate feedback from buyer prospects as they tour ENGLISH TEAM LISTINGS.   We also track the number of times our listings are viewed or browsed on the Internet.  Activity is way up in the past 30 days.  Let's hope this activity continues in to August as there is a lot of inventory on the market that needs to be moved!

ACTIVITY IS PRICE SENSITIVE

The English Team is not experiencing the same level of activity for our listings in the $250,000 to $500,000 price range.  Market activity for this price range is on the upswing but the level of market activity is no where near the level we are experiencing for the Homes priced under $250,000. 

HOMES PRICED OVER $500,000 are not getting much of a kick out of this activity either,

ENGLISH TEAM BUYERS MAKING THEIR MOVE

The English Team represented three buyers who put houses under contract this week.  We had coached these buyers and prepared strategies for locking in excellent values in a home purchase.  We are very excited for these families as they have taken advantage of the true bargains that are available to savvy buyers.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS NEED TO MAKE THEIR MOVE NOW

HOMES PRICED UNDER $250,000 GETTING LOTS OF ACTIVITY IN EMORY CDC NEIGHBORHOODS. First time homebuyers need to take steps now to purchase a home BEFORE ALL THE GOOD DEALS are taken.  

 1. Get a copy of your credit report.  Look for any errors.

2. Contact a mortgage lender and get pre-qualified for a loan. http://www.fairfieldmortgage.com/about_james.asp

3. Take a look at what is available on the market in your desired neighborhoods and price range http://sallyenglish.listingware.com/search/searchchoices.cfm

4. Contact Sally English and THE ENGLISH TEAM  http://www.englishteam.com/default.htm  to put together a strategy and plan that will put you in a home before DECEMBER1, 2009 when Tax Credits expire.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon! 

SALLY ENGLISH

Sally English is an Atlanta Real Estate Broker in Atlanta Georgia where she has assisted thousands of home buyers and home sellers in successful real estate transactions since 1982.  Sally English is an Associate Broker with REMAX Executives, Inc. and has been recognized numerous times by the DeKalb Board of Realtors and RE/MAX International for her successful sales track record,

Sally holds the industries highest certifications and designations including GRI. CRS, and SRES.  Sally also holds a Bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University (double major: Mathematics and Engineering Science)

THE ENGLISH TEAM

The English Team is a group of Realtors working under Sally English's leadership to provide excellent representation to buyers and sellers in the Emory University, Center for Disease Control, Verterans Administration Medical Center, Lakeside High School, Druid Hills High School, Tucker High School, Northlake, Decatur, Tucker, Oak Grove, Embry Hills, Chamblee, Stone Mountain, Dunwoody, Midtown, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Fulton County and DeKalb County neighborhoods. 

Since 1982 we have assisted families in their quest for well located homes with high financial and emotional value. The English Team looks forward to providing you with the same excellent and professional service hundreds of Atlanta home owners have already experienced. Please call us or e-mail the English Team today and we will answer your real estate questions. 

SALLY ENGLISH AND THE ENGLISH TEAM ATLANTA REAL ESTATE BLOG

We look forward to bringing you up to date information and advice about buying and selling a home in Atlanta Georgia.  Check back frequently with the Sally English and The English Team Atlanta Real Estate Blog as we bring updates.