Sally English Atlanta Real Estate: March 2010

Woods of Henderson Subdivision Near Northlake Mall Rarely Has A Home For Sale

Turnover is low in Woods of Henderson subdivision in Northlake Georgia.  This subdivision near Northlake Mall in DeKalb County Georgia is convenient to Emory and CDC and residents tend to stay put.  This makes Woods of Henderson a highly desirable location for families looking for stability in a neighborhood.

Woods of Henderson was developed in the early 1980s by my father, Bill Bryant, and my uncle, Don Bryant.  The land was purchased from Mercer University and the roads and utilities were installed by their development company, Key Development.  Lots were zoned R-100 which specified a 100 foot front (less in cul-de-sacs) and lots average 1/3 to 1/2 acre in size.

Custom home builders put up houses.  Don Bryant, Walter Sheppard, James Brown and others built homes that averaged 3000 square feet of finished space.  Since then, many home owners have finished basements or made additions and the average size is larger.

A surprising number of residents are original owners and many are emplyed by Emory University or the Centers for Disease Control.

Woods of Henderson is served by Henderson Mill Elementary School, Henderson Middle School (at the front of the subdivision) and Lakeside High School.  All are outstanding schools.

Are you interested in purchasing a Woods of Henderson home?  If yes, give me a call at 770-939-3174 and I will give you a call when a neighbor talks to me about putting their home on the market.  The best homes never really hit the market, they are sold in private transactions.  Even in a buyers market, Woods of Henderson still holds a special place in the market.

Street Names: Its all about Bolero.  Every street in Woods of Henderson is named Bolero Something.  Bolero Drive, Bolero Lane, Bolero Lane, Bolero Pass, Bolero Way.  Yes, probably a Bo Derek thing.  No, My dad and uncle Don did not choose Bolero as a name.  It was already in existence as a street running beside Henderson High School (now Henderson Middle School)

Ready to join the Woods of Henderson Neighborhood Association.  Give me a call at 770-939-3174 and I will get Patty Lloyd to add you to the email distribution list.  Oh yea, you will have to purchase a home in the process.

Condo just steps Away From Tucker Main Street: 4221 First Avenue Apt B Tucker Georgia 30084

$137,000

3 BRs 2 Baths

Sagamore Hills Original with Vaulted Family Room and Finished Terrace Level

¨ 4 BRs. 3 Full BATHS. 2 Powder Baths.  Best street in Sagamore Hills

¨ Sagamore Hills Subdivision. Decatur GA 30033

¨ FAMILY ROOM surprises with dramatic vaulted ceiling and large masonry fireplace. Exposed ceiling beams.  Floor to ceiling exposed brick.  Two double windows over looking back lawn.  Plantation shutters.  Ceiling fan and light. Low pile carpet. Cased opening to breakfast room/kitchen.  Doors to hall.  Lovely room.

¨ KITCHEN has an amazing breakfast bar sure to be the gathering spot for family and friends. Lots of cabinets with stain finish.  White countertops.  Double stainless steel sink.  Window above. Recessed lighting.  Open to breakfast room. 

¨ APPLIANCES with black glass finish.  GE Electric range.  Panasonic microwave oven/ Ventahood.  Dishwasher.

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen overlooks delightful back yard.  Two floor to ceiling windows.  Ceiling fan/light.  Coat closet. Pantry closet. Door to carport/powder Bath.

¨ POWDER BATH #1 has a corner vanity cabinet and sink.  Window.

¨ CARPORT has covered parking for two cars.  Great shop area / storage off carport.  "Man Cave" space for tools, outdoor gear, gardening.

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM features hardwood floors.  Oversize room with marvelous flow for entertaining.  Bay window.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM also features hardwood floors.  Bay window.  Chandelier.  Crown molding.  Door to kitchen.

¨ 2nd floor: 3 BRs, 2 full baths  + powder bath.

¨ Spacious MASTER BEDROOM SUITE  with hardwood floors, two large windows and ceiling fan/light.  large walk-in closet.  Two windows.

¨ MASTER BATH features a walk-in closet, very long vanity cabinet. Two vanity sinks,  Ceramic tile floor.  Oversize shower.

¨  BEDROOMS # 2 & 3 are spacious. Hardwood floors (under carpet in BR3).   Two double closets.  Plantation shutters. Door to Jack/Jill Bath.

¨ Jack and Jill BATH has a ceramic tile floor, vanity cabinet and sink, tub/shower combination, glass shower doors.

¨ POWDER BATH # 2 with hall entrance.

¨ TERRACE LEVEL has a rec room plus BR#4/Home Office/Bonus Room, a full bath and a large laundry room.

¨ REC ROOM features built in bookcases and cabinets.  Door to basement storage. Plantation shutters.

¨ BEDROOM #4 / HOME OFFICE/BONUS ROOM is a nice retreat. 

¨ FULL BATH #3: entrances from BR 4 and from Terrace Hall.

¨ OVERSIZE LAUNDRY ROOM. Door to back yard. Laundry tub.

¨ GREAT BACKYARD is private, wooded.  Large lawn area for fun and games.  Meandering creek.  Flowering shrubs/trees.  Peaceful setting.  Two tier oversize DECK is a nice location to entertain.

¨ Hi-Gain Digital HDTV/HDFM antennae installed + connecting distribution cable. Crystal clear over-the-air broadcast reception of HDTV & CD quality digital FM.

¨ Mini-cell repeater. Antennae high in the attic connected by cable to mini-cell device in lower level office. AT&T 3G compatible. 5 bars of reception.

¨ Roof replaced 2003. Ownings Corning Pro 30 with 30 year warranty. New gas hot water heater (2008). Newer high efficiency (95% AFUE furnace) Goodman HVAC (2007).  Two independent units.

¨ Nice walk to Oak Grove restaurants and pubs.

¨ Sagamore Hills ES

¨ Henderson MS

¨ Lakeside HS

 SALLY ENGLISH and The English Team

Sally English and The English Team at RE?MAX Executives are Sagamore Hills neighborhood specialists.  Call us at 770-939-3174 to see this home or others in the neighborhood.

Five Bedroom Renovated 2 Story Traditional: 3321 Bolero Drive Atlanta Georgia 30341

¨ 5 BRs. 3 Full BATHS. 2 Powder BATHS. Across the street from Henderson MS

¨ Woods of Henderson Subdivision.  Atlanta Georgia 30341

¨ ALL NEW MASTER BATHROOM has a European flair.  Double vanity cabinet (hardwood with stain finish) with granite countertop and under counter vanity sinks. Twin framed mirrors.  Ceramic tile floor.  Double door entry to master BR.

¨ EUROPEAN WET ROOM has a walk-in shower and a spa jetted tub. "No edge" glass door.  Arched opening.  Lined with ceramic tile for easy maintenance.  Frosted window above tub.  

¨ Totally Renovated KITCHEN features solid oak custom cabinets (stain finish) and solid surface countertops with a ceramic tile back splash.  Under counter sink with garbage disposal.  Recessed lighting.  Marble floor.  Pass through to breakfast area.  Built in pantry.  Breakfast bar with pendent lights above.  Separate walk-in pantry closet in hall.

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: GE Monogram double convection oven with stainless steel finish. Whirlpool solid surface cooktop.  GE dishwasher (stainless steel finish).

¨ MASTER BEDROOM SUITE ON MAIN FLOOR  has been fully renovated and is surprisingly luxurious.  Double tray ceiling.  Hardwood floors.  Ceiling fan/light.  Recessed lighting.  Walk-in closet plus a larger double door walk-in closet.

¨ FAMILY ROOM surprises with full judges paneling, masonry fireplace, bookcases, built in desk, carpet, 2 ceiling fans/lights.  Open to foyer.

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM features newer carpet. Cased opening to foyer and DR.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features Spanish style ceramic tile, chandelier, two double windows.  Door to kitchen. 

¨ GARAGE has parking for two cars.  Storage.

¨ LARGE BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen is a natural family center.  Ceramic tile floor, built in desk/work area, chandelier, large picture window.  Coat closet, door to garage.

¨ STUDY / HOME OFFICE located off back hall.  Large bay window.  Lots of natural light.  Great studio area! Perfect for writers, deep thinkers, crafts or hobbies.

 ¨ POWDER BATH #1 off breakfast area.

¨ POWDER BATH #2 located on front hall. Pedestal sink. Marble floor.

¨ ENTRY FOYER has marble floor Corinthian columns.   Double front doors.

¨ LAUNDRY CLOSET in entry hall to master BR.

¨ 2nd floor: 4 BRs, 2 full baths.

¨  BEDROOM # 2 has 2 single windows, 2 closets, ceiling fan and light.  Carpet.

¨  BEDROOM # 3 has 1 double and 1 single window. 2 closets.  Ceiling fan/light.

¨ HALL BATH has a ceramic tile floor, vanity cabinet and sink, tub/shower combination.

¨ BEDROOM # 4 used as a play area.  2 sets double windows. Carpet. 2 double door closets

¨ FULL BATHROOM #3 with entrance from BR 4.  White vanity cabinet and sink  Tub/shower combo.

¨ Small MEDITATION room/small office/ study.

¨ BEDROOM # 5 has a double door closet, carpet, ceiling fan and light, double plus single window.

¨ 3 separate HVAC systems: downstairs, master bedroom suite and upstairs.  Programmable thermostats. 

¨ FENCED BACK YARD has room for fun and games.  Storage building.  Patio.

¨ Lots of shopping, restaurants and services nearby at Northlake Mall.  Easy commute to Emory/CDC.

¨ MARTA bus service steps away.

¨ Henderson Mill ES

¨ Henderson Middle across the street.

¨ Lakeside HS

 SALLY ENGLISH and THE English Team

Sally English and The English Team at RE/MAX Executives specialize in homes convenient to Emory and CDC.  Call Sally at 770-939-3174 or EMAIL sallyenglish@englishteam.com to see this home or others in the neighborhood. 

Winding Woods Neighborhood of Tucker Georgia Has The "IT" Factor

"I like it."  Magic words to a Realtors ears.  When I am showing homes in the Tucker Northlake neighborhoods of northeast Atlanta I often hold the homes in Winding Woods subdivision till the end of the day because I know buyers are likely to discover "IT" in Winding Woods Subdivision.

Some of my Favorite Things About Winding Woods Subdivision

1. Unique homes and floor plans.  These are not cookie cutter homes.  Most were built in the 60s and 70s and they were built to last by custom homebuilders.  These homes have been updated by present owners but they still have the great bones buyers look for when making a long term housing investment.

2. Winding Woods Swim and Tennis Club is a fun gathering spot for Winding Woods families.  This club is owned by members, not part of a neighborhood association.  ANd the members take great care of this facility.  There is always some kind of activity going on.  Swim teams, tennis teams, socials are a few of the activities I hear about.

3. Winding Woods Garden Club.  Yeah, they do talk about some gardening while mixing in some social time.  I know they have a lot of fun at the meetings.

4. Midvale Elementary School.  You can bet Winding Woods neighbors are very involved at Midvale Elementary School The PTA at Midvale is known for heavy parent involvement.  This is one of the great neighborhood schools!

5. COMMUTE.  Whether jumping on I-285 just 1 minute from home or taking MARTA into town.  There are easy ways to commute to work from Winding Woods.  Also, CLIFF stops at nearby Northlake Mall.

6. Convenient Shopping Nearby at Northlake Mall and also in Tucker.  Whether darting out for groceries or a new dress, you can find it all nearby. 

7. Super restaurants at your door step.  I love Marlowes, Bambinellis, Blue Ribbon Grill and Monterey Mexican in Northlake.  Try Matthews cafeteria and lots more in Tucker,

SALLY ENGLISH and The English Team

Sally English and The English Team at RE/MAX Executives are Winding Woods neighborhood experts.  Give is a call if you are interested in purchasing a home in Winding Woods subdivision.  770-939-3174.  OR email sallyenglish@englishteam.com.  If you are a Winding Woods homeowner and are interested in selling your home, we would be pleased to give you a free market evaluation.

Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits

New Tax law last year gives a tax credit to homeowners who made energy efficient changes to their homes including

• Purchase of new energy efficient furnaces / AC
• Installation of new energy efficient windows
• Installation of new energy efficient insulation

Tax Credit can be applied in 2009 or 2010

• Who It Helps: Homeowners who invested in making their homes more energy-efficient in 2009 and 2010.
• How it helps: Offers them a 30 percent tax credit on qualifying purchases of energy-efficient furnaces, windows and insulation.

"To promote green jobs and energy independence, ARRA invests significantly in efforts to make homes and buildings more energy efficient.  The bill provides state and local governments with $6 billion in energy efficiency and conservation grants for energy audits, retrofits and financial incentives.  Through 2010, homeowners will be able to claim a 30% tax credit (up from 10%) for purchases of new furnaces, windows and insulation.  Another $5 billion will be available to modernize the nation's electricity grid and install smart meters on homes that help to save consumers money.  There is also $5 billion for weatherization assistance for low income households and $2 billion for federally assisted housing (section 8) efficiency efforts."

Ask your CPA or tax advisor for more details and how to qualify.

Short Sales to Be Fast Tracked After April 5th

Buyers to want a deal on a Short Sale should mark April 5, 2010 in their calendars.  On that date the federal government will fast track the short sale process and buyers can expect to get quicker answers to their offers to buy a distressed property where owners are working with their lender on a "short sale"

Gone are the days where a seller offereing to sell their home for less than the amount owed on the mortgage had to wait for months to find out if a buyers offer, for less than the list price, would be accepted by their lender.  Buyers just could not wait this long and the uncertainty made the process very cumbersome.  Some lenders never gave a response and others reponded with unreasonable counter offers.

On April 5th the federal government has put financial incentives in place for lenders to do more short sales and to make the process easier for a buyer to navigate.

From the Wall Street Journal:

"Under the old practices, when a financially-distressed seller brought a potential buyer who was offering less than the amount owed on the loan, the bank would order an appraisal or broker's price opinion (BPO) and then decide whether the offer was acceptable. Under the new federal rules, banks will order a BPO before the property is listed for sale, and will share information on the minimum net proceeds they're willing to accept with the sellers. If they then bring in a buyer whose offer is equal to or greater than this pre-approved amount, the lender must accept it within 10 days.

Not all sellers are eligible for this program, called Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) (for the requirements see Help for America's Homeowner's Supplemental Directive 09-09). But since the process is likely to go so much smoother for those who buy and sell under HAFA, I suggest you wait a bit until the program goes into effect and concentrate on finding these "pre-approved" deals.

Of course, when you do find a property you like, you may not be the only person bidding on it. To improve your chances of winning, make sure your offer is "clean," with as few contingencies as possible (though I would never forego a home inspection). Include tax and credit records, and a mortgage pre-approval letter. If you can afford to pay cash, that will put you in an even stronger bargaining position

Still, in your eagerness to win the property, don't forget that distressed properties often come with added financial burdens. Although under HAFA, the seller is supposed to provide clear title, to protect yourself your, your contract must make it clear that you will not be responsible for any of the seller's unpaid property taxes, liens or second trusts. Also, cash-strapped homeowners often stop paying taxes and homeowners' association fees during the time between when the house is listed and the deal is closed. To make sure that you're not on the hook for these expenses, Leonard P. Baron, professor of finance at San Diego State University, recommends that you ask that the bank escrow at least six months worth of taxes and HOA fees, to cover any potential shortfall."

Embry Hills Library Branch to Reopen April 5th

After undergoing extensive renovation, the DeKalb County Library branch at Embry Hills will re-open April 5th.  Our trusted neighborhood communicator Patty Lloyd passed the news along to us.  Embry Hills library has been substantially enlarged and we can;t wait to see what changes have been made.

If the renovation is anything like the one at the Tucker branch, we are in for a treat.

Local Northlake Georgia Artist Has Art Exhibited On Miami Circle

Northlake artist Patty Bell will have her paintings featured at Sojourner on Miami Cirle April 11: 2-5 pm

Opening Reception: The Artist's Atelier of Atlanta, 800 Miami Circle, Suite 200. Atlanta, GA 30324  Phone: 404-231-5999

For more information: pattyandjoebell@comcast.net

Great opportunity to support the local art community. 

Sagamore Hills Homes For Sale

As of March 22,2010

1583 Deer Park Rd Ne, Atlanta $995,000 6 beds, 6 baths Size: 5,075 sq ft

2010 Black Fox Drive, Atlanta $679,000 5 beds, 4 baths Size: 4,031 sq ft

1831 Ravenwood Way Ne, Atlanta $599,900 5 beds, 5 full 1 part baths

1831 Ravenwood Way Ne, Atlanta $599,900 5 beds, 5 full 1 part baths

2267 Sagamore Hills Drive, Decatur $474,000 4 beds, 3 full 2 part baths Size: 3,339 sq ft

1614 Princess Circle, Atlanta $439,000 3 beds, 2 baths Size: 1,767 sq ft

2078 Black Fox Dr, Atlanta $415,000 3 beds, 2 baths Size: 1,831 sq ft

2078 Black Fox Dr, Atlanta $415,000 3 beds, 2 baths Size: 1,831 sq ft

1457 Woodshire Drive, Decatur $395,000 3 beds, 2 full 1 part baths Size: 2,550 sq ft

1754 Arrowhead Trl, Atlanta $392,900 3 beds, 2 full 1 part baths Size: 2,038 sq ft

1643 Heatherwood Drive, Decatur $390,000 3 beds, 2 baths Size: 1,628 sq ft

1684 Arrowhead Trl Ne, Atlanta $359,000 3 beds, 2 baths 

1700 Arrowhead Trail, Atlanta $329,900 3 beds, 2 baths Size: 1,866 sq ft

1690 Oak Grove Rd, Decatur $325,000 5 beds, 3 full 1 part baths Size: 2,766 sq ft

2219 Clairmont Road Ne, Atlanta $319,900 4 beds, 3 baths Size: 1,871 sq ft

1810 Council Bluff Dr Ne, Atlanta $299,900 3 beds, 2 baths Size: 1,769 sq ft

1472 Sagamore Drive, Atlanta $289,500 3 beds, 2 full 1 part baths Size: 1,800 sq ft

1550 Sagamore Dr Ne, Atlanta $285,000 3 beds, 2 baths Size: 1,608 sq ft

Sally English and The English Team at RE.MAX Executives

Call Sally English and The English Team at RE/MAX Executives to see these homes or others in the neighborhood.  770-939-3174.  Or EMAIL sallyenglish@englishteam.com

We specialize in homes and neighborhoods convenient to Emory and CDC.