Sally English Atlanta Real Estate: January 2010

THE HOME INSPECTION PROCESS: Buyers and Sellers Have New Inspection Considerations

Even though I supervised construction of close to one hundred custom homes in my previous career as a homebuilder, I now hire a home inspector to look over the houses I plan to purchase for investment. 

Why would a seasoned real estate professional spend a couple hundred dollars to get someone else's opinion about the condition of the property before purchase? 

The answer to this and other questions about home inspections has a lot to do with the changing nature of real estate negotiations.

 Most Home Sales Now Involve A Home Inspection

John Ghent, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), told Realty Times that "some 77 percent of all home sales in the United States last year involved a home inspection" (This according to a study performed on behalf of ASHI and the National Association of Realtors).  

This large rate of sales involving home inspections is a relatively recent phenomenon in the real estate business.  In the past, most homeowners purchased and/or sold a home in a transaction where no home inspector was ever involved.  

Now, it appears probable that most current and future homeowners will have a home inspector involved in their next sale or purchase of a home.

Face to Face Negotiations Out, Disclsure Statements and Inspections In 

In the old days, buyers and sellers often met face-to-face in order to discuss the condition of a home.  Today, Sellers Disclosure Statements and home inspectors have become the mode of communication between buyers and sellers. 

 The old cold war strategy of "trust - but verify" has become the accepted means of determining the condition of a home.  In today's real estate market, actual sales negotiations continue way past the point where the sales contract is signed, remaining open until the last document is signed at closing.    

And, a major area of negotiation is the inspection contingency.  Sellers routinely declare their home to be perfect and 100% free of defects.  And, buyers routinely obtain home inspection reports that list dozens of defects in what most folks would otherwise consider a well-built home. 

The end result of the home inspection negotiation usually has a lot to do with the strength of the real estate market in the sub-market where the home is located. 

Buyers Market Gives Upper Hand to Repairs

In a strong buyer's market, a seller may be more than willing to do the majority of items on the "request for repairs" list and move on to closing.   Sellers in tough real estate markets are also usually willing to settle on a dollar amount for the repairs and then have the sales price reduced by that amount.  This gives the buyer an opportunity to hire their own contractors, or just live with the defect.

Strong Sellers Markets Mean Few Repairs 

If we are in a strong seller's market, sellers might receive a lengthy home inspection contingency request for repairs from the buyer; and then tell the buyer to go pound sand.  They likely won't plan to do any of the requested repairs or maintenance.  Buyers should still do a home inspection so they know what the future costs of home ownership will be in the area of maintenance and capital improvements to their new home.

What Is Included In Most Home Inspections?

Understanding the important role a home inspection can play in a real estate negotiation, it is also important to understand what is included in a home inspection.  US Inspect, an organization for the home inspector's industry,  lists the following areas that should be covered in a home inspection, on their useful website:

http://www.usinspect.com/

"heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing, electrical system, roof, attic space, visible insulation, the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, basement or crawlspace area, and the foundation and all structural components.  ...finally a check of the entire property is made to verify the condition of the property..."

Home Inspection Report 

Once the inspection is complete, the home inspector submits a written report of all findings, specifically including a list of all deficiencies and recommendations for repair or maintenance. 

Some areas of the inspection may raise a concern to the inspector; but an actual finding of deficiency may be beyond his/her professional abilities.  At this point, the inspector should make a written report that the item in question should be inspected further by a qualified specialist.  Specialists can include licensed electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, structural engineers, licensed roofing companies, and a myriad of others.

It is important to know that home inspectors can't verify that all is 100% well with a house.  Things behind the walls and hidden defects like mold can't be evaluated by the home inspector because they don't have access to these areas. 

Additionally, some items are weather related.  If the thermal seals in insulated windows are broken, the window may not fog up until atmospheric conditions cause water to condense. 

Heating systems can't be checked completely in the summer and cooling systems can't be fully evaluated in the winter.  Home inspectors will have contracts that exclude them from any liability for any item they can not evaluate for these and other reasons.

While on the subject of liability, it is important to note that the home inspection contract pretty much limits the home inspector's liability to the fee you paid for the home inspection.  If they foul up the inspection, you will have to go to court to fight for anything more than refund of the payment you made for the inspection.

Find A Qualified Home Inspector 

Most real estate agents are a good source for referral of a qualified and competent building inspector.  The ASHI website (www.ashi.org) and the website for American Association of Home Inspectors (www.all-americanhomeinspections.com) can also be a source of referrals.  If you have a friend who recently bought or sold a home, ask them about heir experience with the home inspector who participated in their transaction.

Winding Woods Subdivision Renovated Ranch: 3658 Windy Court Tucker Georgia 30084

NEW PRICE: $269,900

¨ 3 BRs. 2 BATHS.

¨ Winding Woods Subdivision in Tucker Georgia.

¨ MAJOR RENOVATIONS: 2003 through 2009.

¨ New roof (2009)

¨ New hot water heater

¨ New light fixtures

¨ 2 inch wood blinds through out home.

¨ SUN ROOM completely

renovated in 2003. Ceramic tile floor (18 inch). Double French doors to family room.  Three walls of light.  Overlooks water feature in private back yard.  French door to patio. Skylight. Dedicated Mitsubishi 1 ton heat pump for independent heating and cooling.

¨ RENOVATED KITCHEN features white painted cabinets (2006), granite countertops (2006), tumbled marble tile backsplash (2006).  Hardwood floors.  Recessed lighting with dimmer (2009). Double Stainless steel sink (extra deep) with garbage disposal.

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: GE Triton XL dishwasher (Stainless steel finish), Kenmore oven and microwave oven combination (white finish),

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen overlooks back yard and water feature through wall of windows.  Hardwood floors.  Pantry with custom ELFA shelving.

¨ FAMILY ROOM has hardwood floors, large masonry wood burning fireplace with exposed brick from floor to ceiling, built in bookshelves, ceiling fan and light.  Open to breakfast room/kitchen.  Double French doors to Sun Room. 

¨ LAUNDRY ROOM has washer and dryer connections, cabinets, ceramic tile floor, new laundry sink, new exterior (9 light) door to back yard (2009).

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM is open to living room.  Oak hardwood floors. New chandelier (2009).  Oversize window.

¨ OVER SIZE FORMAL LIVING ROOM features hardwood floors. Open: DR/front foyer. 

¨ Slate floor and coat closet in front FOYER.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM has hardwood floors,  double door closet with custom ELFA shelving. Single door closet with ELFA shelving.  Ceiling fan and light. Private entrance to master bath.

¨ UPDATED MASTER BATH (2009) has a white ceramic tile floor, white vanity cabinet with solid surface countertop and vanity sink (white).  Walk in shower with new white ceramic tile floor. Ceramic tile walls.  New shower fixtures and oversized shower head.  New opaque shower door.  New low flow toilet.  Window. 

¨ BEDROOM # 2 has hardwood floors, ceiling fan and light, Bi-fold door closet with ELFA custom shelving. 2 windows.  

¨ BEDROOM # 3 also has hardwood floors, ceiling fan and light, bi-fold door closet with custom ELFA shelving. 2 windows.

¨ RENOVATED HALL BATH: vanity cabinet, solid surface countertop/sink, ceramic tile floor, tub/shower combo. Wall cabinet. New low flow toilet.   

¨ TWO CAR GARAGE with automatic door opener and remote controls.  New paint.  Lots of storage and custom ELFA shelving. Storage room off garage.

¨ Additional ATTIC STORAGE.  Linen closet.

¨ FRONT YARD features recently installed plants/shrubs with landscape plan by PIKE DESIGN GROUP.  Huge magnolia tree.

¨ PRIVATE FENCED BACK YARD  ready for your pet, back yard games. Built in water feature restored in 2009 (fountain/waterfall).  Patio.  Sidewalk to front yard.  Veg garden. Herb garden along sidewalk.

¨ CAPE COD STYLE PLAYHOUSE in back yard. (8X10).  Sand box.

¨ EASY WALK to Winding Vista Swim and Tennis Club.  Walk to Midvale Elem School.

¨ Seller is a Georgia licensed real estate sale person.   

¨ Convenient commute to EMORY UNIVERSITY / CDC / VA Medical Center /Midtown.

¨ Midvale ES

¨ Tucker MS & HS

Do you want to see this Home in Winding Woods Subdivision?

Call Sally English and The English Team at 770-939-3174 or EMAIL sallyenglish@englishteam.com to see this Winding Woods Subdivision Renovated Ranch: 3658 Windy Court Tucker Georgia 30084.\

Sally English and The English Team specialize in homes and neighborhoods convenient to Emory University and The Centers for Disease Control.

Montreal Park In Tucker Georgia Has A Playground and Room to Run

Insiders know there is a fabulous neighborhood park located in Montreal Woods subdivision in Tucker Georgia.  Located on Montreal Way in Montreal Woods Subdivision this playground and park is accessed from Montreal Road at Juneau Court.  The entrance to Juneau Court is across the street from a section of  Northlake Gardens Assisted Living & Alzheimer's Care.

Sally English and The English Team

Sally English and The English Team sell homes in neighborhoods near Montreal Park In Tucker Georgia Has A Playground and Room to Run.  If you would like to buy a home in this neighborhood, call Sally at 770-939-3174.  Or Email sallyenglish@englishteam.com.  If you would like a free market Analysis of your home in Montreal Woods subdivision or homes near Montreal Park In Tucker Georgia Has A Playground and Room to Run, give us a shout. 

3491 Montreal Way Tucker Georgia 30084 Home for Sale: Brick traditional with open interior

$224.900

3 BEDROOMS.  2.5 BATHS.

¨ Montreal Woods Subdivision in Tucker Georgia 30084.

¨ Nine foot ceilings

¨ New interior paint.

¨ Carpets just cleaned.

¨ Storage building

¨ Fenced back yard: Privacy fence around perimeter of back yard.  Gate.

¨ KITCHEN features white cabinets and white laminate countertop.  Travertine marble tile floor. 

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: Kenmore electric range with smooth surface burners (black glass finish).  Kenmore microwave oven and ventahood combination above (black glass finish). Kenmore dishwasher (black glass).  Kenmore refrigerator (white finish)  is negotiable.

¨ VAULTED BREAKFAST ROOM open to kitchen. Travertine marble tile floor.  Light and bright because of three walls of glass.  French door to deck and back yard.  Ceiling fan and light.

¨ GREAT ROOM features fireplace with gas logs and glass doors.  Inset above fireplace the perfect spot for you flat screen TV.  Open to DR, breakfast room and foyer.  Carpet.  4 windows.  Columns separate room functions. Ceiling fan and light.

¨ ENTRANCE FOYER has hardwood floors.  Two story ceiling.  Staircase to second floor.  Coat closet. 

¨ POWDER BATH off front foyer has hardwood floors, pedestal sink.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features a chandelier, carpet, windows.  Open to great room.  Door to kitchen.

¨ Three bedrooms and two baths on second floor.

¨ Oversize MASTER BEDROOM with large tray ceiling.  4 windows, carpet.  Double doors to up hall.  Alarm pad.  MASTER BATH features a walk in shower plus a jetted garden tub.  Ceramic tile floor.  Shower has ceramic tile on floor and walls (slate color) plus clear glass door and wall.  Tile surround on jetted tub with picture window above.  Double sink vanity cabinet with cultured marble top.  Large walk-in closet with wire shelving.

¨ BR # 2 has carpet, double door closet.  BR # 3 has carpet, double door closet plus access to large storage room over garage.

¨ HALL BATH features tub shower combination, vanity cabinet with cultured marble top and sink.  Vinyl floor.

¨ FENCED BACK YARD has a spacious lawn area for outdoor activities. Mature oaks.

¨ Storage building: (approx 16X16) room for your hobby activity OR office OR storage.

¨ Hardiplank style concrete siding on three sides of house.  Crawl space foundation.

¨ Dual HVAC.  Two car garage with remote controls. * Security system and controls wired in.

¨ Walk to Montreal Park and playground. *Convenient to Emory / CDC / VA / downtown.  Access to MARTA, CLIFF

¨ Brockett ES *TUCKER MS *TUCKER HS

 VIRTUAL TOUR

Newer Tucker High School Home: 3491 Montreal Way Tucker Georgia 30084 Home for Sale

 $224,900

3 BR

2.5 Baths

 VIRTUAL TOUR

3 BEDROOMS.  2.5 BATHS.

¨ Montreal Woods Subdivision in Tucker Georgia 30084.

¨ Nine foot ceilings

¨ New interior paint.

¨ Carpets just cleaned.

¨ Storage building

¨ Fenced back yard: Privacy fence around perimeter of back yard.  Gate.

¨ KITCHEN features white cabinets and white laminate countertop.  Travertine marble tile floor. 

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: Kenmore electric range with smooth surface burners (black glass finish).  Kenmore microwave oven and ventahood combination above (black glass finish). Kenmore dishwasher (black glass).  Kenmore refrigerator (white finish)  is negotiable.

¨ VAULTED BREAKFAST ROOM open to kitchen. Travertine marble tile floor.  Light and bright because of three walls of glass.  French door to deck and back yard.  Ceiling fan and light.

¨ GREAT ROOM features fireplace with gas logs and glass doors.  Inset above fireplace the perfect spot for you flat screen TV.  Open to DR, breakfast room and foyer.  Carpet.  4 windows.  Columns separate room functions. Ceiling fan and light.

¨ ENTRANCE FOYER has hardwood floors.  Two story ceiling.  Staircase to second floor.  Coat closet. 

¨ POWDER BATH off front foyer has hardwood floors, pedestal sink.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features a chandelier, carpet, windows.  Open to great room.  Door to kitchen.

¨ Three bedrooms and two baths on second floor.

¨ Oversize MASTER BEDROOM with large tray ceiling.  4 windows, carpet.  Double doors to up hall.  Alarm pad.  MASTER BATH features a walk in shower plus a jetted garden tub.  Ceramic tile floor.  Shower has ceramic tile on floor and walls (slate color) plus clear glass door and wall.  Tile surround on jetted tub with picture window above.  Double sink vanity cabinet with cultured marble top.  Large walk-in closet with wire shelving.

¨ BR # 2 has carpet, double door closet.  BR # 3 has carpet, double door closet plus access to large storage room over garage.

¨ HALL BATH features tub shower combination, vanity cabinet with cultured marble top and sink.  Vinyl floor.

¨ FENCED BACK YARD has a spacious lawn area for outdoor activities. Mature oaks.

¨ Storage building: (approx 16X16) room for your hobby activity OR office OR storage.

¨ Hardiplank style concrete siding on three sides of house.  Crawl space foundation.

¨ Dual HVAC.  Two car garage with remote controls. * Security system and controls wired in.

¨ Walk to Montreal Park and playground. *Convenient to Emory / CDC / VA / downtown.  Access to MARTA, CLIFF

¨ Brockett ES *TUCKER MS *TUCKER HS

Do you want to tour this Tucker neighborhood home ?

Call Sally English and The English Team to tour 3491 Montreal Way Tucker Georgia 30084 or other homes in the neighborhood.  Call 770-939-3174.  Email sallyenglish@englishteam.com

We specialize in homes convenient to Emory University and The Centers for Disease Control, CDC

ADVICE TO HELP YOUR HOME SELL QUICKLY

With the number of homes on the market outnumbering buyers, your home will need to be in tip-top condition to compete. The challenge is to guarantee you make the list for a buyer’s consideration, and stay on that list for as long a possible.

Lots of Competition in Today's Housing Market

Because there are so many properties available, serious buyers have to quickly evaluate homes that meet their search criteria. They are looking for ways to eliminate homes from their list, culling it down to a manageable number for serious consideration. Even minor negatives, such as pet odor, a damp spot in the basement, or overgrown shrubs in the front yard can be reason enough to eliminate a house from a buyer’s consideration.

Objections

In the real estate business, we call these minor offenses “objections.” And, it doesn’t take a significant offense to create an objection to today’s sellers. Sellers have to figure out a way to make the “short list” of homes buyers are seriously considering for purchase.

Your Home Needs To Be A Survivor

One of our daughters enjoys watching the reality TV show “Survivor.” As you may know, the premise of the show is to send a group of 16 participants to a deserted island, then throw a series of obstacles, challenges, and competitions at the group to see who can “survive.” Participants are systematically eliminated from the competition over a period of about 39 days. The last person to be eliminated, the “Survivor,” wins a check for one million dollars.

During the competition participants have to figure out how to manipulate their position in the community so that they don’t get voted off the island in that week’s episode. The motto of survivor is “Out Wit, Out Last, Out Play”. That’s not a bad motto for home sellers to adapt.

Outwit Your Competition

Let’s start with the “Out Wit” portion of the motto. Home sellers can outwit the competition by thinking like a buyer. Take a walk around your property, looking for anything around your home that would deter a buyer as they consider your home for purchase. Is the landscaping overgrown and out of control? Does the front door and entrance offer an appealing introduction to your home? Are there odors in your home from pets, bathroom mildew, garbage disposals, etc.? Do you have roof leaks or dampness in the basement?

Any one of these seemingly minor issues would provide a buyer with an excuse to mark your home off the list. Should a buyer find any of these problems in your home, you will be eliminated from the running. Meanwhile, the competition will stay in the game.

Repair Defects Before Putting Your Home On The Market

If you find a defect during your walk around the property, get it repaired before you put the home on the market. By thinking like a buyer and looking at your home with a fresh and objective eye for defects, you can out wit the competition and place your home on the “survivor” list. Now, you need to figure out how to “Out Last” the competition.

Outlast the Competition

How can you place yourself in position to be the sole survivor on a buyer’s short list of homes to consider for purchase? At this stage of the competition, you need to move from overcoming defects in your home to creating positive attributes that will place your home a notch above the competition.

1. Create some curb appeal by planting some colorful annuals in your flower beds and pots.
2. Put out a birdfeeder to make your back yard look like a nature habitat.
3. Place an attractive mat at the front door.
4. And, while you are at it, consider adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
5. Wash all your windows, inside and out.
6. Remove window screens and store them in the garage or basement.
7. Place bright bulbs in every light socket.
8. Take this opportunity to eliminate clutter from your home. Your home will actually look larger if you reduce the amount of furniture and other “stuff” lying around.
9. Rent a storage unit if space is short.
10. Replace the shower curtain, hang fresh towels in the bathroom, and replace the lid on the toilet for a “renovated” look.
11. Remove everything from the kitchen counter, clean the oven and clean out the cabinets.
12. Treat the laundry room in a similar fashion. Remove all laundry from the laundry room on a regular basis.
13. Fresh flowers on the countertop and fresh smells in the house will go a long way towards creating a positive impression of your home.

Your home-selling competition may not go to the trouble of creating this positive experience, so they are likely to get voted off the list of houses to be considered while you remain in the race. Finally, you need to “Out Play” the competition.

Outplay the Competition

Outplaying the competition may require spending a little money. My dad always said “it takes money to make money.” By spending a little cash to spruce up your home before you put it on the market, you can almost certainly put cash back in your pocket through the sale of your home.

While outplaying the competition may require a minor cash outlay, the results can be worth it. My favorite projects are

1. painting (inside or out depending on your needs),
2. removing outdated wallpaper,
3. installing inexpensive fans in bedrooms,
4. installing new electrical switch and outlet covers
5. replacing worn kitchen countertops.
6. refinishing hardwood floors in older homes.
7. new carpet in select rooms
8. a couple of new light fixtures 

Your home probably doesn’t need all these projects. But, tackling just one or two of these projects may help you outlast the competition.

Your Home Could Be The Lone Survivor

Remember, being the “survivor” on a list of 16 or more homes a buyer is considering for purchase may entail more than just sticking a For Sale sign in the yard and an ad in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution classifieds.

Serious sellers need to consider how to make their home stand out from the crowd in today’s real estate market. We hope these tips help you to survive against the competition.'

SALLY ENGLISH and The English Team

Sally English and the English Team have excellent advice to help you sell your Atlanta home quickly.  We are expert home sellers and have a track record of success selling metro Atlanta homes.  We specialize in homes convenient to Emory University and The Centers for Disease Control.  Give us a call at 779-939-3174 or email us sallyenglish@englishteam.com if you would like personal advice to help your home sell quickly.

3146 Henderson Walk Atlanta Georgia Home for Sale in Lakeside High School District

¨ 3 BRs. 2.5 BATHS.

¨ Henderson Walk

      Subdivision.

¨ Kitchen renovation: new Silestone tops * new stainless steel appliances.

¨ New roof (2009).

¨ New gutters (2009)

¨ New Hardiplank dormer.

¨ Crown molding and faux wood blinds throughout home.

¨ RENOVATED KITCHEN features custom cabinets with natural finish.  New Silestone countertops. Tumbled marble backsplash in geometric pattern.  New double bowl stainless steel sink and brushed nickel faucet.  Natural Travertine marble tile floor. Kitchen desk and built in pantry.   

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES include a Whirlpool premium range

 with solid surface cooktop and stainless steel finish.  Whirlpool Gold series Oversize Microwave Oven/Ventahood combo in stainless steel finish. Whirlpool dishwasher in stainless steel finish. GE Profile Side By Side Refrigerator negotiable.

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM open to kitchen and family room.  Double sided breakfast bar divider with Silestone

 countertop.  Strip directional lighting.  Triple windows admits generous natural light.  Ceramic tile floor.  Laundry closet with storage cabinets. 

¨ FAMILY ROOM features  a masonry fireplace with gas log lighter and exposed brick from floor to ceiling.  Hardwood floors.  Three windows. Cased opening to LR. Door to patio.

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM features: 

newer low pile carpet. Two windows.  Open to foyer.    

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features newer low pile carpet, double layer chandelier, chair rail, crown mold, designer paint.  Door to kitchen.

¨ FOYER: hardwood floors, double entry leaded glass entry doors.

¨ POWDER BATH off foyer.

¨ 2nd floor has two bedrooms and two baths. Off white carpet in all bedrooms.  Crown molding.

¨ Spacious MASTER BEDROOM with large walk-in closet.  Two windows.

¨ MASTER BATH: new granite countertop on double vanity cabinet.  Bath tub.  Walk in shower with opaque glass door.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 and BEDROOM # 3 feature double door closets, 2 windows with blinds.  Both have doors to hall bathroom.

¨ HALL BATH features a large vanity cabinet with simulated marble countertop.  Large window. Tub/shower combination.  Ceramic tile.

¨ BONUS ROOM ON 3RD FLOOR.  Stairwell opens to large bonus room.  Used as an exercise room and TV room by present owners.

¨ AMAZING WRAP AROUND DECK is a great place to relax.  Room for dining table and sitting area.  Private.  Arbor. Indirect lighting.

¨ Detached garage with parking for 2 cars.

¨ PRIVATE FENCED BACK YARD. Gate can be closed across driveway.  Privacy wall.

¨ Crawl space foundation

¨ Security system.

¨ Convenient commute to EMORY UNIVERSITY / CDC / VA Medical Center /Midtown.

¨ Evansdale ES

¨ Henderson MS

¨ Lakeside HS 

Do you want to tour this Evansdale School District home ?

Call Sally English and The English Team to tour 3146 Henderson Walk Atlanta Georgia 30340 or other homes in the neighborhood.  770-939-3174.  Email sallyenglish@englishteam.com

We specialize in homes convenient to Emory University and The Centers for Disease Control, CDC

Must see Evansdale Elementary District Home: 3146 Henderson Walk Atlanta Georgia 30340 Home for sale

¨ 3 BRs. 2.5 BATHS.

¨ Henderson Walk Subdivision.

¨ Kitchen renovation: new Silestone tops * new stainless steel appliances.

¨ New roof (2009).

¨ New gutters (2009)

¨ New Hardiplank dormer.

¨ Crown molding and faux wood blinds throughout home.

¨ RENOVATED KITCHEN features custom cabinets with natural finish.  New Silestone countertops. Tumbled marble backsplash in geometric pattern.  New double bowl stainless steel sink and brushed nickel faucet.  Natural Travertine marble tile floor. Kitchen desk and built in pantry.   

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES include a Whirlpool premium range with solid surface cooktop and stainless steel finish.  Whirlpool Gold series Oversize Microwave Oven/Ventahood combo in stainless steel finish. Whirlpool dishwasher in stainless steel finish. GE Profile Side By Side Refrigerator negotiable.

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM open to kitchen and family room.  Double sided breakfast bar divider with Silestone countertop.  Strip directional lighting.  Triple windows admits generous natural light.  Ceramic tile floor.  Laundry closet with storage cabinets. 

¨ FAMILY ROOM features  a masonry fireplace with gas log lighter and exposed brick from floor to ceiling.  Hardwood floors.  Three windows. Cased opening to LR. Door to patio.

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM features newer low pile carpet. Two windows.  Open to foyer.    

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features newer low pile carpet, double layer chandelier, chair rail, crown mold, designer paint.  Door to kitchen.

¨ FOYER: hardwood floors, double entry leaded glass entry doors.

¨ POWDER BATH off foyer.

¨ 2nd floor has two bedrooms and two baths. Off white carpet in all bedrooms.  Crown molding.

¨ Spacious MASTER BEDROOM with large walk-in closet.  Two windows.

¨ MASTER BATH: new granite countertop on double vanity cabinet.  Bath tub.  Walk in shower with opaque glass door.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 and BEDROOM # 3 feature double door closets, 2 windows with blinds.  Both have doors to hall bathroom.

¨ HALL BATH features a large vanity cabinet with

simulated marble countertop.  Large window. Tub/shower combination.  Ceramic tile.

¨ BONUS ROOM ON 3RD FLOOR.  Stairwell opens to large bonus room.  Used as an exercise room and TV room by present owners.

¨ AMAZING WRAP AROUND DECK is a great place to relax.  Room for dining table and sitting area.  Private.  Arbor. Indirect lighting.

¨ Detached garage with parking for 2 cars.

¨ PRIVATE FENCED BACK YARD. Gate can be closed across driveway.  Privacy wall.

¨ Crawl space foundation

¨ Security system.

¨ Convenient commute to EMORY UNIVERSITY / CDC / VA Medical Center /Midtown.

¨ Evansdale ES

¨ Henderson MS

¨ Lakeside HS

Do you want to tour this Evansdale School District home ?

Call Sally English and The English Team to tour 3146 Henderson Walk Atlanta Georgia 30340 or other homes in the neighborhood.  770-939-3174.  Email sallyenglish@englishteam.com

We specialize in homes convenient to Emory University and The Centers for Disease Control, CDC

Washington, January 25, 2010

National Association of Realtors Press Release

After a rising surge from September through November, existing-home sales fell as expected in December after first-time buyers rushed to complete sales before the original November deadline for the tax credit. However, prices rose from December 2008 and annual sales improved in 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Existing-home sales - including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops - fell 16.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate¹ of 5.45 million units in December from 6.54 million in November, but remain 15.0 percent above the 4.74 million-unit level in December 2008.

For all of 2009 there were 5,156,000 existing-home sales, which was 4.9 percent higher than the 4,913,000 transactions recorded in 2008; it was the first annual sales gain since 2005.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said there were no surprises in the data. "It's significant that home sales remain above year-ago levels, but the market is going through a period of swings driven by the tax credit," he said. "We'll likely have another surge in the spring as home buyers take advantage of the extended and expanded tax credit. By early summer the overall market should benefit from more balanced inventory, and sales are on track to rise again in 2010. However, the job market remains a concern and could dampen the housing recovery - job creation is key to a continued recovery in the second half of the year."

An NAR practitioner survey² shows first-time buyers purchased 43 percent of homes in December, down from 51 percent in November. Repeat buyers rose to 42 percent of transactions in December from 37 percent in November; the remaining sales were to investors.

The national median existing-home price³ for all housing types was $178,300 in December, which is 1.5 percent higher than December 2008. "The median price rose because of an increased number of mid- to upper-priced homes in the sales mix," Yun said. It was the first year-over-year gain in median price since August 2007.

3146 Henderson Walk Atlanta Geogia 30340 Home for Sale

4 sides Low Maintenance Brick

3146 Henderson Walk Atlanta Georgia 30340

$ 284,900

¨ 3 BRs, 2.5 Baths.

¨ 4 sides Brick. Cluster size lot.

¨ Brick fireplace.

¨ Two car garage.

¨ Henderson Walk subdivision.

¨ Evansdale ES, Lakeside HS

Henderson Walk Subdivision

Call Sally English at 770-939-3174 or email sallyenglish@englishteam.com to see this home or others in Henderson Walk subdivision.  Sally English and The English Team specialize in homes convenient to Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control.