Sally English Atlanta Real Estate: June 2010

Architectural Wow Factor: 2452 Kings Court Atlanta Georgia 30345

¨ 5 BRs. 3.5 BATHS.  Kings Court Subdivision.  Atlanta Georgia 30345

¨ Vaulted, soaring ceilings throughout home.  Unique architecture with carefully considered floor plan.  Great flow for entertaining. Hardwood floors 1st & 2nd floors. Newer low pile carpet on terrace level.

¨ TWO STORY ENTRY FOYER with ceramic tile floor, chandelier, staircase up and POWDER BATH.

¨ VAULTED GREAT ROOM features double fireplace (white marble surround), soaring ceiling open to second floor "cat walk".  Massive and unique two story bookcase (glass display shelves and mirrored backing).  Hardwood floors.  Built in buffet / bar with decorative columns, cabinet and mirror.  Open to dining room.  Two sets of double French doors to sun room.  Exposed staircase to second floor.

¨ VAULTED SUN ROOM overlooks wooded and natural back yard.  Three walls of glass. Fireplace.  Ceramic tile floor. Tray ceiling. 

¨ SPACIOUS FORMAL DINING ROOM  features a dramatic tray ceiling with unique chandelier.  Recessed lighting. Double French doors to deck.  Mirrored wall. Hardwood floors.  Great setting for dinner parties and holiday celebrations with friends or family.

¨ OVERSIZE KITCHEN features granite countertops and white cabinets.  Glass display doors on cabinets plus room to display collections above cabinets.  Island work station.  Built in desk and "command center".  Pantry.  Double bowl undercounter sink with gooseneck faucet and window above sink.  Ceiling fan and light.  Modern faux granite floor.  Open to spacious breakfast room.

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: Frigidaire Gallery Convection Series double oven (great for parties).  Kenmore dishwasher with hidden controls.  Frigidaire smooth  glass ceramic cooktop.   Frigidaire microwave and Ventahood combination above cooktop. 

¨  

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen has a bay window, chandelier, door to garage and faux granite floor.  LAUNDRY CLOSET with double doors, storage cabinets and utility sink opens to breakfast room.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM SUITE on main floor has double entry doors, hardwood floors, recessed lights, triple window with art glass radius above.  Romantic corner fireplace. Ceiling fan/light, recessed lighting. 

¨ MASTER BATH features a spa tub with Jacuzzi style jets and large ceramic tile surround.  Walk-in shower with glass door, three shower heads and ceramic tile walls.  Double vanity cabinet with ceramic tile countertop and two ceramic sinks,  Beveled vanity mirror plus mirrored wall. Toilet closet is plumbed for a bidet. Large walk-in closet with folding mirrored doors.

¨ 2nd FLOOR:  bonus room, 2 BRs, 1 full bath.

¨ LARGE BONUS ROOM at top of stairs. Overlooks great room. Vaulted ceiling. Hardwood floors, ceiling fan/light plus directional lighting.  "Opera Balcony" overlooks great room.  Diva alert!

¨ UP HALL BATH has a ceramic tile floor, Jacuzzi style tub/shower combo with art glass window above.  Corner vanity cabinet.

¨ BRs #2 & 3 have hardwood floors, ceiling fans with lights, great closet space.

¨ TERRACE LEVEL: perfect for in-law/teen suite. Rec room, 2 BRs, 1 full bath. Patio.

¨ REC ROOM / MUSIC STUDIO has a low pile carpet, mirrored wall, bookshelves.

¨ BRs #4 & 5: private rooms with carpet, windows, open closets.

¨ Terrace BATH has a tub/shower combo, ceramic tile floor, pedestal sink.

¨ 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 and others in the neighborhood.

770 939 3174

Detailed ino, 25 photos, diriving map, school info and mortgage info: CLICK HERE

RE-IMAGINING SHALLOWFORD

Public meeting #3:

Tuesday, June 29, 6:45 pm

St Pius High School

2674 Johnson Rd.

At the next community meeting we will continue to explore what the Vision Statement means relative to three key performance areas: transportation, re-development and public facilities. Public facilities includes parks, schools, libraries and code enforcement. Re-development includes land-use, parking, urban design, and open space. Transportation includes street patterns, sidewalks, paths and transit.

Consider this question: If the Vision Statement is realized, how will the transportation system (or the other two key performance areas) perform differently? How could transportation perform to reinforce and support the Vision?

Vision Statement as adopted at meeting #2 : We envision a safe, attractive and economically prosperous village. It expresses our distinctive community identity, celebrates the natural environment, provides local opportunities for work and play, interconnects all ages and cultures, and encourages walking and biking. Our village embraces quality schools, businesses that serve community needs, and a sustainable, green way of life.

Go to North Briarcliff Civic Association web page form more info: http://northbriarcliff.org/nb/
 

Wow, my family loves Chick-fil-A and we occassionally drop in the food court at Northlake Mall to satisfy our craving.  But how much easier would it be to have a free standing Chick-fil-a at Northlake Festival in the old Taco Mac location?  Tons easier. 

See the annoucement below fro Northlake Community Alliance:

 
PROPOSED CHICK-FIL-A RESTAURANT -- Northlake Community Alliance Open House
Purpose of Open House: You are cordially invited to an Open House to provide comments/input for proposed variances and a Special Land Use Permit for a new Chick-Fil-A Restaurant

Hosted By: Northlake Community Alliance, Inc., Chick-Fil-A, Inc

Location of Proposed Restaurant: South West intersection of Lavista Road and Ranchwood Dr. (site of former Taco Bell Restaurant)

Time and Location of Open House: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 5:00 pm until 7:30 pm at the Northlake (Barbara Loar) Library, Harobi Drive

*NCA is facilitating the community open house and takes no position on this project or the subject application except as it relates to the Northlake Overlay Ordinance.

THREE English Team Sunday Open Houses: June 27 3:00 till 5:00 PM

2899 Hillbrook Way

Decatur GA 30033

Off Pangborn Road between LaVista and Frazier

$289,900

4 BR 3 Baths

Split level floor plan in Country Squire Subdivision.

Go HERE for detailed information.

2439 Henderson Mill Road

Atlanta GA 30345

$275,000

3 BR 2 Baths

Near Northlake Mall

Full basement.  Brick ranch converted to a Mediterranean Villa!

Go HERE for detailed information, driving map, photos, shcools, more!

2622 Glenrose Hill

Atlanta GA 30341

$289,900

3 BR, 2.5 Baths.

Glenrose subdivision off Henderson Mill Road

Near intersection with Henderson Road.

Go HERE for detailed information, 25 photos, school and mortgage info and lots more.

5 houses open SUnday June 27th in Glenrose subdivision.

Call Sally English and The English Team at REMAX Executives for more information 770-939-3174.  Visit our website EnglishTeam.com for maps, school info and lots of photos.

My brother, Brad Bryant, was appointed the new School Board Superintendent just a few days ago.  Brad was appointed by Governor Perdue  last week to fill the remaining term of Kathy Cox, who recently resigned as Superintendent. 

Because the deadline for registering in the Republican primary had already passed at the time of his appointment, Brad is attempting to gain 50,000 signatures by July 13th in order to run for re-election as an independent.

My brother Brad is a highly principled, hard-working person who believes in the importance of a good education for the success of the individual and society.

Brad and I grew up in the Atlanta area.  Brad graduated from Presbyterian College, and then earned an MBA from the University of Georgia and a law degree from Mercer University.   Brad served for twelve years as a member  (seven  as chairman) of the DeKalb County Board of Education.    In that position, he earned a reputation for being willing to listen to both sides of an argument and make decisions based on facts rather than emotions.  

In 2003, Governor Perdue appointed Brad to the State Board of Education, where he served for seven years.    In 2008, when the Clayton County Public Schools became the first system in the nation to lose its accreditation in 40 years, Brad and another State Board member were asked by the governor to represent the State of Georgia in helping Clayton County Schools regain accreditation.  

As you can see from his e-mail below, Brad is a positive guy who works to bring constructive solutions to very difficult situations.  If you are willing to help Brad get on the ballot, please reply to bryantforkids@gmail.com  or send me an e-mail.  

One way you can help is to make a monetary contribution.  Funds are needed for such things as paying people to circulate petitions at large gatherings of people.  If you are willing, please send a check (up to $6,100 per individual for the petition phase of the campaign) to "Bryant for Kids," c/o  Brad Alexander, 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 802, Atlanta GA 30303. 

Thanks for your consideration of Brad's candidacy.

Oak Grove Elementary: Sunny and Bright*2643 Willow Cove*$499,000 

5 BRs. 3.5 BATHS.  Comfortable home with lots of storage! 9 foot ceilings.

Willow Cove Subdivision.  Decatur Georgia 30033, Cul-de-sac lot.

OAK GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT: 2643 Willow Cove Decatur GA 30033

¨ DRAMATIC TWO STORY ENTRY FOYER features hardwood floors, chandelier, staircase with exposed hardwood on steps. Cased openings to LR and DR.

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM with neutral carpet, crown mold and double window. 

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features a triple bay window, hardwood floors, wrought iron chandelier, crown molding. 

¨ KITCHEN features white cabinets with granite countertops, tumbled marble back splash, undercounter stainless steel sink and gooseneck faucet in a nickel finish.  Large breakfast bar separates kitchen from breakfast room.  Hardwood floors.  Built in pantry.  Good storage options.

¨ PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL FINISH       APPLIANCES: GE electric range with solid surface cook top, GE Microwave oven and Ventahood combination, dishwasher.

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen has double windows that overlook deck and back yard.  Open to family room.  Hardwood floors.  Chandelier.  Door to back hall.

¨ BACK HALL has a POWDER BATH, LAUNDRY ROOM, storage closet and door to TWO CAR GARAGE (Opener and remote controls for doors). 

¨ FAMILY ROOM is light and open.  Hardwood floors.  Fireplace with marble surround, custom mantle, gas log lighter and glass doors. Windows flank fireplace.  Triple window overlooks screen porch.  Double French doors open to Screen porch.  Ceiling fan and light. 

¨ VAULTED SCREEN PORCH offers delightful options for outdoor dining and entertaining.  Great location for a morning cup of coffee.  Door to attached DECK.

¨ 2nd floor:  4 BRs, 2 full baths.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM SUITE has a neutral carpet, large double tray ceiling, ceiling fan and light.

¨ MASTER BATHROOM features a cultured marble garden tub with whirlpool style jets.  Window with blinds above tub.  Walk-in shower with ceramic tile walls and glass door.  Separate vanity cabinets with cultured marble countertops and vanity sinks.  Large vanity mirrors.  Carpet in front of vanity cabinets and white ceramic tile floor in wet areas.  Large walk-in master closet with California style shelving system and storage bins.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 has a private bath entrance.  Double door closet. Neutral carpet.

¨ BEDROOM # 3 has a walk-in closet and double window. Neutral carpet.

¨ HALL BATH has white ceramic tile, tub/shower combination, white vanity cabinet with cultured marble countertop and vanity sink.

¨ BEDROOM # 4 used as a playroom.  Two dormer windows and shaped ceiling.  Two double door closets.  Neutral carpet.

¨ Terrace Level:  1 BRs, 1 full baths. Small office, Rec Room and unfinished basement area.

¨ BEDROOM # 5 features a low pile carpet, double closet. Tray ceiling.

¨ FULL BATH # 3 features a white ceramic tile floor, pedestal sink, tub/shower combination, glass block window, bead board paneling.

¨ PETITE OFFICE with window.  Close the door and enjoy the quiet.

¨ REC ROOM has low pile carpet, exterior door, 4 windows (lots of light!), recessed lighting, arched opening to hall.

¨ Unfinished basement area has a shelving storage system, furnace, water heater and electric panel. 

¨ Irrigation system, privacy fence along back line. Easy commute to Emory/CDC.

¨ Oak Grove ES. Henderson Middle. Lakeside HS

3 BRs. 2 Full BATHS.  Immaculately maintained brick ranch in Brockett Heights Subdivision.  Tucker Georgia 30084.  Priced at $189,900.

 ¨¨ ENTRY FOYER has hardwood floors.  Cased opening to living room.  Coat closet.

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM features hardwood floors, 2 single windows, cased openings to foyer and DR.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features hardwood floors, chandelier, case opening to LR . 

¨ KITCHEN features stained custom cabinets with white laminate countertop and backsplash. White vinyl tile floor.  Stainless steel double sink with garbage disposal and window above sink.  Ceiling fan and light.

¨ APPLIANCES: GE oven (black glass finish), GE Cooktop and Ventahood.  GE Dishwasher (black glass finish).

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen has double windows overlooking back yard.  Half paneling on wall with wallpaper above chair rail. Chandelier.  Door to carport.  Door to Laundry.

¨ Spacious LAUNDRY ROOM features shelving, vinyl floor, door to back yard, washer and dryer connection.

¨ FAMILY ROOM is open to kitchen.  Carpet.  Brick fireplace exposed brick from floor to ceiling.  Brick hearth.  Glass fireplace doors.  Ceiling fan.  Glass doors to screen porch.  Door to back hall.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM SUITE has hardwood floors, ceiling fan and light, two windows, double door closet. Mirrors on closet doors.

¨ MASTER BATHROOM features ceramic tile floor, tub/shower combination with updated wall tile, white vanity cabinet with cultured marble countertop and vanity sink.

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

¨ BEDROOM # 3 has hardwood floors, ceiling fan and light, double closets with mirrored doors.

¨ HALL BATH has a vanity cabinet with white cultured marble countertop and vanity sink.  Tub/shower combination.  White ceramic tile wall and floor tile.

¨ SCREEN PORCH is a cool and relaxing place to enjoy an outdoor meal or morning cup of coffee.  

¨ Covered parking for two cars in carport. FENCED BACK YARD with large grassed lawn area.  Trees at rear provide additional privacy.

¨ Shopping, restaurants and services nearby at Northlake Mall and Tucker. Easy commute to Emory/CDC.

¨ Brockett ES. Tucker Middle. Tucker HS

 Sally English and The English Team at RE/MAX Executives specialize in neighborhoods convenient to Emory and the CDC.

Call Sally at 770-939-3174 to see this home or others in the neighborhood.

Tucker is a great place to live. 

Are you sitting on the fence about a possible move?  Would you like a larger/smaller/different home but have been sitting on the sidelines until things settle out?

If you answered yes to either question, perhaps you need to jump down off the fence and pick out a home that really meets your needs.

Home values may be almost inconsequential if you plan to purchase using borrowed money.  I predict interest rates are going to dramatically change the affordability of housing

Lets take a look at a typical $300,000 home in my neighborhood.

1. Assume you are putting down $60,000 as a down payment (20% of purchase price)

2. Assume you need an 80 % loan to value.  Your loan amount will be $240,000

3. Assume you are getting a 39 year amortized loan (360 monthly payments).

4. I am going to assume you could get a 4.6 % interest rate today on this loan.

5. Lets assume you will have to pay a 10 % interest rate if you wait and purchase a home in 2012

6. You can use the MORTGAGE CALCULATORon the englishteam.com website if you want to change my assumptions!!!

Monthly Payment if you buy now: $1,468

Monthly Payment if you wait to buy in 2012: $2,344

MONTHLY DIFFERENCE: $876

DIFFERENCE OVER LIFE OF LOAN: $315,360 

If mortgage interest rates increase to double digits, as many economists presently predict, then that $300,000 house will cost a borrower an additional $315,360 if you wait and buy in 2012.

BUYER ALERT: Buy that dream home now while you can still afford it!!!!

My Active Rain associate, Lisa Heindel, New Orleans West Bank Real Estate, gives some great advice to sellers on pricing your home in today's marketplace.  Thanks to Lisa for sharing!

It is done.  My husband and I sold one of our investment properties near Northlake Mall.  Had to be done because we needed some of the equity to pay this years tuition for our daughter who will be a senior at Vanderbilt University.  Even with a great reason to sell, it was difficult for us to accept the valuation placed on this home by the market place.

We had purchased the house about 8 years ago from an estate.  The owner had died somewhat suddenly and the executors had come to me to market and sell the property.  They priced the home competitively but it needed a ton of work.  Most of it cosmetic but some of it was more challenging.

The basement leaked.  There was an active termite infestation in an exterior wall and a lot of work to do updating  electrical and plumbing.

When the home did not sell after 6 months on the market, the estate asked me if my husband would be interested in purchasing the home.  They knew we sometimes renovated and rented / sold homes in the neighborhood.  We made an offer and it was accepted.  Tim started work on the house and had it ready to rent in about 4 months.  We rented to some great and some not so great tenants over the past 8 years.

The time came when we needed the equity to pay college tuition bills.  The cost of attending Vanderbilt University has jumped up to the the $55,000 range per year.  After three years of paying tuition, we needed to tap some investment money.  We kept hoping the real estate market would make an upswing before we put Randolph on the market.  No such luck,  We put the house in top showing condition and had it on the market in January this year.

Tim wanted to start it at $317,000.....which was too high.  I gave in and let him try it out for a few weeks.  We dropped the price steadily over the spring months to a price of $299,000.  An offer came in at the low 270s.  I thought Tim would have a stroke.  We worked the price up closer to $280,000 and then it became decision time.  Do we take the bird in hand or wait for something better to come along.

The August tuition deadline was looming and Tim finally bit the bullett and took the offer in hand.  We closed yesterday and the proceeds from the sale have been wired into our checking account.

Was this the best decision to make?  I don't know.  We probably would have attracted a higher offer but it could have taken several months to get an offer and close the deal.  Meanwhile we would be paying expenses of $1,600 per month and have to figure out another way to pay the college tuition for our daughter.

I think many home sellers are finding themselves in similar situations.  They hope for the best when they initially price their home and put it on the market.  It takes some sellers longer than others to realize that price level was not very realistic.  Many have spent a lot of money fixing up the home and making improvements.  It is disappointing to find the market is not placing the same value on your home as the one you had in mind.

Eventually, the smarter sellers figure out they have to make some price adjustments and then just move on both emotionally and financially.  Letting go is not easy when you are dealing with something as close to our hearts as "home".

Buyers are looking at the home with a totally different set of glasses and all they see are multiple properties competing for their attention.  It is understandable that they are going to make a lowball offer.  Sellers need to find a way to make offers work.  Give in on some things and then stand firm on some other parts of the sale.

Letting go is not a bad feeling once the sale is closed!