Sally English Atlanta Real Estate: May 2010

Decatur Square is host to the final day of the Decatur Arts Festival.  Drop by between 10 and 6 to see local artists booths filled with affordable and lovely art works.

Decatur is also home to some of the best restaurants in Atlanta.  Looking for something to do today.....this is it!!!!

Large Lot and Updated Decatur Home: 2172 West Ponce de Leon Avenue

$299,000

3 bedrooms

2 full baths plus half bath

Brick ranch in Fernbank elementary school.

Immaculate,updated & ready to move in!

Large great room with fireplace.

Seperate dining room.

Kitchen with breakfast bar.

Roommate bedroom floorplan.

Large deck overlooks fenced backkyard.

2-car garage.

Convenient to Emory, CDC,downtown Decatur.

 Call Joan Kaplan (404-281-4106) and The English Team at REMAX Executives to see this home or others in the neighborhood.

Newer Northlake Cluster Home: 2442 Kings Court Atlanta Georgia 30345

Newer Cluster Home *  2442 Kings Court * $ 364,900

¨ 3 BRs. 2.5 BATHS.  Kings Court Subdivision.  Atlanta Georgia 30345

¨ Plantation shutters on windows and French doors throughout home.

¨ GREAT ROOM features a brick fireplace and custom mantle.  Hardwood floors.  Two story volume ceiling.  Two sets of double French doors open to wrap around porch. Plantation shutters on French doors and windows.  Decorative columns.  Ceiling fan.  Open to dining room.  Open to second floor balcony.  Built in credenza: granite top, storage cabinet.

¨ UPDATED KITCHEN (2005) features maple cabinets (raised panel doors) with granite countertops.  Tumbled marble backsplash set in a diagonal pattern.  Oversize under counter stainless steel sink with goose neck faucet.  High intensity lights over sink.  Recessed lighting throughout kitchen.  Hardwood floors.

¨ AMAZING BACK YARD features a koi pond and professionally designed and installed gardens.  Waterfall feature and outdoor lighting.  Four season color and texture make this garden an attractive retreat throughout the year. Owner is a client of Atlanta Water Gardens and finds this an excellent source of information and inspiration.

¨ TWO STORY ENTRY FOYER opens to a curved staircase with exposed hardwood stairs.  Hardwood floor. Leaded glass front door/ sidelights. Open to great room.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM SUITE on main floor has hardwood floors, recessed lights, French doors plus two stationary doors overlooking back yard gardens.  Ceiling fan and light.  Fireplace (see disclosure). Double pocket doors to master bath.  Private hall to BR has 3 double closets with mirrored doors.

¨ MASTER BATHROOM features a ceramic tile floor, walk in shower with cultured marble wall and glass door, cultured marble jetted spa tub, picture window over tub.  White vanity cabinet with kneehole desk, cultured marble top and vanity sink. 

¨ 3 BRs. 2.5 BATHS.  Kings Court Subdivision.  Atlanta Georgia 30345

¨ Plantation shutters on windows and French doors throughout home.

¨ WRAP AROUND PORCH offers options for entertaining.  French doors to great room.  Porch swing. Relaxing retreat.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features a dramatic tray ceiling with chandelier. Chair rail and shadow box wood moldings.  Two sets of double windows.  Hardwood floors.  Opening to kitchen and breakfast room. 

¨ PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES: Bosch super quiet dishwasher with matching cabinet face. Frigidaire dual fuel range with gas cooktop and convection oven.   GE Microwave oven and ventahood combination above.

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen has a built in buffet with glass display cabinet, granite top and storage cabinet.  Triple windows overlook lovely rear gardens.  French door to patio and outdoor dining

¨ LAUNDRY CLOSET with double doors, storage cabinets.

¨ POWDER BATH off front foyer.

¨ 2nd floor:  2 BRs, 1 full bath.

¨ STUDY/LOFT AREA at top of stairs. Overlooks great room. Double window, ceiling fan, carpet.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 has a dormer with window, carpet, ceiling fan and light, walk-in closet.

¨ BEDROOM # 3 is quite large and has a double window.  Walk-in closet, ceiling fan and light.

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

¨ New roof 2004 includes ridge vent. New heat pumps and handlers installed since 2005 by Moncrief.   

¨ Easy commute to Emory/CDC or CLIFF shuttle. MARTA bus service steps away.

¨ Henderson Mill ES just  a short walk away.

¨ Henderson Middle School nearby on Henderson Mill Rd.

¨ Lakeside HS a national school of excellence.

 Call Sally English and The English Team at REMAX Executives to see this home or others in the neighborhood.  770-939-3174.  OR email sallyenglish@englishteam.com

Atlanta Georgia Real Estate Market Still Causing Heartburn for Sellers

Sellers of Atlanta Georgia homes are still experiencing heartburn as they wait for an offer to come in on their home for sale.  The sporadic market rewards a lucky few home sellers and leaves the remainder frustrated and puzzled as to why their home is not selling.

The AJC keeps reporting sales are up and home prices are on the increase.  Just a simple case of statistics being misapplied in my honest opinion.  What I am seeing on the ground:

1. Home values are down.  Not so much inside the perimeter but much more of a factor outside the perimeter.

2. The "good news" regarding increased home sales this spring had more to do with the expiration of the Federal tax credit on April 30 and less to do with the Atlanta home market really picking up.

3. The increase in price of the median value of home sales was not representative of an increase in value of all homes.  This was more a factor of who was able to take advantage of the Federal Tax credit.  Lower end buyers still suffering from credit and financial problems were not buying this spring.

4. Trying to sell a million dollar home?  You are really walking on thin ice statistically....just not that many sales in Atlanta this spring.  And oh yeah, lots of inventory to choose from.

5. Need to sell a home right now?  Be prepared to adjust the price downward to reflect present market conditions.  Buyers need some motivation to get off the fence in this market.

CALL SALLY ENGLISH AND THE ENGLISH TEAM at REMAX Executives for specific market advice about your home and neighborhood.  770-939-3174.  We can pull real time comps and let you know what the true market value of your home is in todays volatile real estate market.

Northlake Alliance May 2010 Meeting Notes

My neighbor, Bethany Dorminey, was kind enough to share her notes from the May 2010 meeting of the Northlake Alliance."

Last Thursday evening I attended the annual Northlake Community Alliance (NCA) meeting at Briarlake Baptist Church.   The meeting was very informative and well-attended.  I wanted to pass along some information that was covered.  They have a website in case your interested in looking around for some additional info- www.nlake.org

Dekalb County Environmental Resources (Ted Rhinehart)

·         Dekalb County has high participation in the recycling program and yard waste composting (Friday's pick up) and because of that, we have about 70 years left in Dekalb's landfill space;  which in their opinion, was very good.  Separation of recycling and yard waste saves us 20% of landfill space.  Most residents don't know this (I didn't) but the county offers free dirt that has composted from our yard waste across the street from the jail on Memorial Dr.  You can pick it up yourself.  They indicated they're the only county in the state who offers this.

·         The "Park Pride" organization allows for neighborhoods and associations to sponsor an improvement or clean-up project to a park and in return, the neighborhoods can get support ($) from the county for beautification for their neighborhood.  An example they shared, was a neighborhood that cleaned up a stream and the county replaced their subdivision sign that was in disrepair. 

"Year in Review" Tom Ulbricht (NCA Chairman)

·         The current economic conditions have made business growth difficult over the last year.  In summary here are changes to local businesses

o   Lost- Fudruckers, Taco Bell and Schlotsky's

o   New- Dr. Clinebell (Dentist) is building a new 2-story building on LaVista across from Briarlake Baptist Church, Dr. Vanstrom (Dentist) opened a new office across from the Sports Authority Plaza, Twisted Taco has opened in the old Chili's location, Seasons (former Crescent Moon) has reopened at the mall and a new dentist office will be opening on Montreal Rd.

o   Anticipated- The Citgo next to McDonald's will be demolished and replaced with a Chevron gas station.  A new hotel "Hilton Home to Suites" will be built near Fidelity Bank by the I-285 northbound ramp at Northlake Pkwy.

o   Completed- The "Villages at Northlake" has 299 apartments across from the Hampton Inn on Northlake Parkway.

·         Phase II of the Northlake area streetscape improvements will continue.  They expect to begin Phase II in about a year, which will complete the sidewalks and lamp posts that will extend around the entire mall (LaVista Rd, Henderson Mill Rd & Northlake Pkwy).  Also, any dead trees/bushes that were planted at the various intersections will be replaced by the contractor.

·         Intersection realignments will occur at LaVista & Frazier Rd and LaVista and Oak Grove Road in the next few months.

·         Stimulus money will fund new hardware for traffic lights around the Northlake area.  Work has already started to replace old equipment.  This should result in "smarter" signals and help ease congestion around the mall and I-285 @ LaVista.

"What's happening at Northlake Mall" (Simon Representative)-  This was the topic I anticipated the most, but it was unfortunately it was a disappointment.  The person who was supposed to address this topic at the meeting had to leave early.  The person who covered for her wasn't very informative or specific.  According to him, "There are lots of great stores that have opened or are opening" when pressed for specifics, he told the group that they were a school uniform store, mattress store, new Dollar store, and a really nice gift shop".  He said Simon is working on or considering plans for a number of improvements (upgrades to infrastructure and the exterior) and that he is very optimistic about it but could not share details at this time.

County Commissioners, State Senate and House Representatives- there were a number of elected officials there that gave a brief 1-2 minute update on important issues.  They included- Jeff Radar, Steven Henson and Connie Stokes- the focus of their updates seemed to be on the top of budget shortfalls ($5 million for Dekalb County).

Master Gardener Walter Reeves was the keynote speaker and absolutely fantastic.  I wasn't very familiar with him before his talk but he has a column in the AJC, a talk show on WSB and a show on Public Television.  His expertise in local gardening was amazing.  He lives in Northlake area and encouraged us all to "beautify" our neighborhoods.  He has written several books too.

Bethany Dorminey

¨ 5 BRs. 3 Full BATHS.  Surprising interior.  Flexible floor plan.

¨ Riderwood Subdivision.  Decatur Georgia 30033

¨ Lots of space. Hardwood floors up, terrace level ceramic tile floors.

¨ 2 Story Split ENTRY FOYER: chandelier, hardwood stairs, coat closet. 

¨ Upper Level: Kitchen, breakfast room, great room, dining room, master BR and bath, BRs 2 and 3, Hall bath.

¨ GREAT ROOM features hardwood floors, crown molding, triple window with 2 inch blinds.  Cased opening to DR/

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features hardwood floors, crystal chandelier, double and single windows, door to kitchen.  Chair rail and crown moldings.

¨ KITCHEN features white painted cabinets, granite tile top and backsplash.  Ceramic tile above granite backsplash. Brand new ceramic tile floor, double stainless steel sink, track lighting. Exterior door and steps to lawn.

¨ APPLIANCES: Kenmore dishwasher (black glass), Kenmore oven (black glass), Kenmore smooth top electric range.  GE microwave oven above.

¨ Spacious BREAKFAST ROOM open to kitchen. New ceramic tile floor.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM has hardwood floors, 2 windows with 2 inch blinds.   Ceiling fan and light.  Double door closet with mirror.

¨ MASTER BATHROOM: ceramic tile floor and walls.  Walk-in shower with glass doors.  Pedestal sink.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 has hardwood floors, ceiling fan and light, double door closet, double window.

¨ BEDROOM # 3 used as home office.  Hardwood floors, ceiling fan and light, double door closet.  2 windows.

¨ UPDATED HALL BATH has a large white vanity cabinet and sink.  Tub shower combination with shower door.  Ceramic tile floor.  2 windows.

¨ Terrace Level:  BR #4, bath # 3, home office, family room/REC room.

¨ BEDROOM # 4 is quite spacious.  Ceramic tile floor.  Painted paneling on walls.  Walk-in closet.  Ceiling fan and light.  Could be used as second master BR.

¨ FULL BATH # 3 has an entrance from BR 4.  Ceramic tile shower with glass shower door.  Ceramic tile floor.  Vanity cabinet with cultured marble top and sink.

¨ FAMILY ROOM /REC ROOM: ceramic tile floor, working fireplace.  Double French doors open to patio.  Door to office/multi use rm.

¨ HOME OFFICE or MULTI-USE ROOM.  Perfect for a study or home office.  Ceramic tile floor.  Double window.  Ceiling fan

¨ LAUNDRY CLOSET off hall to garage.

¨ 2 CAR GARAGE: newer doors and door opener with remote controls.

¨ GRASSED BACK YARD has lots of possibilities for outdoor fun and games.  Running water adjacent to property has falling water and a calming effect on "lounge chair" observers.

¨ Lots of shopping, restaurants and services nearby at Oak Grove, Market Square and Northlake.  Great restaurants and services.

¨ Easy commute to Emory/CDC/Buckhead/ Midtown and downtown Atlanta

¨ Briarlake ES

¨ Henderson Middle

¨ Lakeside HS, a National School of Excellence

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

Sunday Open Houses

3:00 to 5:00 pm

Sunday May 23rd 2010 

2427 Woodcreek Court Tucker GA 30084

$379,900

Go HERE for detailed information, maps, photos, school info and 25 color photos.

3088 Rockaway Road Atlanta Georgia 30341

$319,900

Go HERE

for detailed information, maps, photos, school info and 25 color photos.

CALL Sally English and The English Team at REMAX Executives, 770-939-3174 for more information.  Or EMAIL sallyenglish@englishteam.com.

Professional Remodeler's Personal Home: 2427 Woodcreek Court Tucker GA 30084

Outside The Box 100% Renovation 

NEW PRICE:  $379,900               

¨ 4 BRs. 3.5 BATHS.  Cardinal Woods Subdivision. Tucker GA 30084

¨ Renovations throughout home.  Nothing original remains!

¨ Two master bedroom suites: one on main floor.  Other on 2nd  flr.

¨ Two GARAGES with parking for 4 cars. Openers, cabinets, shelving

¨ Outdoor entertainment options include SCREENED PORCH GAZEBO, amazing DECK across back of house, hot tub,  SUN ROOM addition.

¨ Hardwood floors, recessed lighting throughout home.

¨ 4 BRs. 3.5 BATHS.  Cardinal Woods Subdivision. Tucker GA 30084

¨ Renovations throughout home.  Nothing original remains!

¨ Two master bedroom suites: one on main floor.  Other on 2nd  flr.

¨ Two GARAGES with parking for 4 cars. Openers, cabinets, shelving

¨ Outdoor entertainment options include SCREENED PORCH GAZEBO, amazing DECK across back of house, hot tub,  SUN ROOM addition.

¨ Hardwood floors, recessed lighting throughout home.

¨ Wood window blinds & crown molding

¨ FAMILY ROOM: travertine tile fireplace finish. 2 skylights, wall of light. Peachtree doors to solarium. SOLARIUM: great place for plants. 2 skylights.

¨ COMPLETE KITCHEN RENOVATION: Lots of maple cabinets-pull outs, drawers and counter space. Artist's mosaic backsplash. Lighted display cabinet.

¨ KENMORE PREMIUM APPLIANCES with white finish.  Glass gas cooktop, microwave-ventahood combination, Double self cleaning ovens.

¨ SUN ROOM open to kitchen and family room.  Two walls of windows. Built in cabinets/bookshelves and 2 skylights. Tumbled marble tile floor. Arched opening to family room.  Peachtree French doors to deck.    

¨ FORMAL LIVING & DINING ROOMS.

¨ POWDER BATH: pedestal sink, bead board, marble floor. Huge space.

¨ LARGE LAUNDRY room with built in cabinets and shelving.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM SUITE # 1 used as home office./gym. 2 walk-in closets plus 2 additional closets.  Wall of glass. French door to deck.

¨ MASTER BATH # 1 completely renovated. Marble floor and walls. New maple vanity with marble top.

¨ 3 BRs and 2baths on second floor.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM SUITE # 2 with large walk-in closet. ALL NEW MASTER BATH # 2: Built in maple vanity cabinet with marble top and marble floor. 

¨ BRs #3/4: spacious, double door closets.

¨ HALL BATH: new vanity cabinet with black galaxy granite top. Ceramic tile floor.

¨ FINISHED BASEMENT has a home office plus a multipurpose room. Walkout. Workshop/Storage in unfinished areas.

¨ Virtually maintenance-free brick and  vinyl siding exterior.

¨ NEW ROOF and gutter guards 2007. 

¨ New energy efficient windows. Lots of new insulation. Whole house HEPA air cleaner and electrostatic cleaner. Lenox Pulse HVAC system.

¨ Master gardener landscaping: sprinkler/soaker system with separate water meter. Gardener's workbench. Plants include 25 hydrangeas, 25 shrub roses, huge ferns, lantana, butterfly bush. Bird & butterfly paradise.  Creek.  Approx 3/4 acre lot.

¨ NEW   water heaters 2007 / 2009.

¨ Wi-fi & stereo setup and  wiring.

¨ Midvale ES

¨ Tucker MS

¨ Tucker HS

CALL SALLLY ENGLISH AND THE ENGLISH TEAM AT 770-939-3174 TO SEE THIS HOME OR others in the neighborhood.

Joan Kaplan Joins The English Team at RE/MAX Executives

We have great news at the English Team: Joan Kaplan has joined the team as a listing partner and buyer specialist.  Joan was formerly with the Chuck and Marshall Team at Keller Williams and is a long time Resident and Realtor in the Oak Grove neighborhood of DeKalb County.  We look forward to working together, bringing great service to customers in neighborhoods convenient to Emory University and the CDC.  Welcome aboard!   Sally English and Michelle Vastakis

Joan Kaplan
The English Team at RE/MAX Exectuives Home Buyer Specialist Listing Partner

 Qualifications:

• Salesperson - Licensed by the State of Georgia as a Sales Associate in 2005. Requires successful completion of the salesperson's course and examination.
• Home Renovator: - Purchased, renovated and sold numerous homes in Oak Grove and Leafmore neighborhoods over the years.
• DeKalb Board of Realtors Member
• National Association Of Realtors Member

Resourceful, adventurous and creative, Joan loves to travel, renovate homes and talk (a lot).  She was raised in St. Louis MO and attended Bradley University in Peoria IL.

After college Ford Motor Company hired Joan as a ‘Field Manager' in Louisville, Kentucky where she honed her skills as a negotiator and learned to analyze financial statements to help the dealers become more profitable. Responsible for $ 60,000,000 in sales each year, Joan learned the analytical side of the business at the young age of 23.  Traveling to a zone of dealers each week was wearisome and Joan logged more than 30,000 highway miles each year for almost 5 years when Ford transferred her to Atlanta.

"After arriving in Atlanta I quickly felt at home and knew that at Ford, my next promotion would land me in Detroit, quite an oxymoron "Wahoo,  a promotion to Detroit?!"  At that time during the early 1980's, there were very few women in upper management, and those who made it there were single, without kids-not my vision of the life I wanted.  So I indulged my entrepreneurial spirit by co-founding a tennis catalog where I learned the fine art of guerrilla marketing (creating publicity and awareness of a company by using unique, inexpensive promotions).  We successfully grew the business to almost $ 1,000,000 in sales and I sold my share of the business to my partner five years after starting it."

Deciding to take some time off before starting my next venture, Joan worked at Delta Airlines so she and husband Brian could pursue their love of travel and adventure which included Brian's monumental 3,769 mile bicycle ride across America for charity. Joan manned the 29-foot RV that served as a support vehicle.  A six month ‘sabbatical' stretched to almost 10 years as we became addicted to benefit of free flights at Delta

"In 1995, after selling a mail order catalog business I co-founded, I worked at Delta Airlines where my husband and I traveled extensively. On one memorable flight, my seatmate described his success as the owner of dozens of residential rental homes, inspiring us to purchase our first investment property. For six years, I dabbled in real estate by buying, selling, rehabbing and renting homes. When friends, acquaintances and friends-of-friends started asking for my opinions and ideas, I knew it was time to become licensed so others could benefit from my knowledge and insights."

Following her passion for real estate, Joan was licensed in 2005 and quickly moved her license to The Chuck and Marshall Group (RE/MAX Metro Atlanta) where it remained until May 2009.  In 2009 Joan moved to Keller Williams Metro Atlanta.  Joan joined The English Team at REMAX Executives in May 2010.

"Whether I'm in the locker room at the health club, scouring an estate sale, in an aisle at the grocery store or at my daughter's ballet class, I'm hearing, connecting and contacting potential buyers, sellers and renters. I'm always talking and looking, hunting and scoping out that ideal buyer or that next great home."

Joan is married to Brian who is employed by the Centers for Disease Control geographic information system mapping for the Environmental Health Tracking Branch). They have a daughter, Sarah who is a student at Oak Grove Elementary School.  Joan and Brian live in the Leafmore community of DeKalb County and can often be found dining with friends at the Oak Grove Meat Market and restaurant.  Say hello the next time you see her.  That is all it takes to get a conversation started.

Henderson Commons Subdivision: 3186 Amblewood Court Home On The Market

 3186 Amblewood Court

304,900

¨ 4 BRs. 2.5 Full BATHS.  Newer floor plan and design.

¨ Henderson Commons Subdivision.  Atlanta Georgia 30345

Updated kitchen.

 ¨ Immaculate

¨

¨ FENCED BACK YARD has custom landscaping.  Irrigation system (front and back yards).  Stone covered paths and dry creek bed.  Flowering shrubs and trees.  Lots of perennials.  Privacy fence.

¨ Large DECK overlooks back yard.

¨ KITCHEN features white custom cabinets with lots of storage, granite countertops, ceramic tile backsplash with inset architectural pattern,  undercounter sink with garbage disposal, window above. Vinyl floor, pantry, recessed lighting,

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM features a neutral carpet, cased opening to entry foyer, large opening to dining room, triple window with custom shutters.

¨ FAMILY ROOM is spacious and open to breakfast room / kitchen.  Fireplace focal point with floor to ceiling custom finish and trim, black marble hearth, gas log starter.  Ceiling fan and light, directional lighting, 3 windows overlooking back yard.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features painted half paneling on walls, neutral carpet, triple window with 2 inch blinds, cased opening to LR, door to kitchen.   Large chandelier.

  ¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen is open to family room over a half wall.  Ceiling fan and light, double window with 2 inch blinds, French door to deck.

¨ TWO STORY ENTRY FOYER has hardwood floors, impressive chandelier, front door with sidelites, architectural window above.  Open staircase to second floor.

¨ POWDER BATH off entry foyer has a vanity cabinet/sink, hardwood floors.

 ¨ Full basement ready for your finish. Fenced back yard.

¨ FULL DAYLIGHT BASEMENT with Trotter waterproofing.  Exterior door. Ready for your finish. High ceilings.

 ¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: Thermidore fuel range with gas cooktop and convection/regular oven options.  GE Profile Avantium 120  microwave / ventahood with speed cook/regular oven. Kenmore Elite dishwasher(2009). All white finish.

 Energy efficient Thermopane windows. Dual HVAC: new condensers 2009.

¨ Lots of shopping, restaurants and services nearby at Northlake Mall. 

¨ Easy commute to Emory, CDC and midtown.

¨ MARTA bus service steps away.

¨ 3 sides stucco exterior finish.

¨ Walk to Elem School

¨ Henderson Mill ES

¨ Henderson Middle

¨ Lakeside HS

¨ 2nd floor: 4 BRs, 2 full baths.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM: vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan and light, carpet, triple window, 

¨ MASTER BATHROOM has  a double white vanity cabinet/vanity sinks with new granite countertop, built in kneehole desk. Ceramic tile floor, garden tub with window above.  Walk in shower with ceramic tile walls, detachable sprayer and glass door.  Recessed lighting, walk in closet.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 has a ceiling fan/light, walk-in closet, carpet. 2 windows.

¨ BEDROOM # 3 has carpet, walk-in closet, window.

¨ HALL BATH features a tub/shower combination, double vanity cabinet and sinks, vinyl floor.

¨ BEDROOM # 4 used as home office. Double door closet, window, closet.

¨ GARAGE has parking for 2 cars, automatic door opener.