Sally English Atlanta Real Estate: January 2011

From our friends at the Livsey Elementary School PTA in Tucker Georgia

Go to: http://savelivsey.com/ for active links and more INFO.

Today is Saturday January 29, 2011 Links Livsey PTA Livsey School Website 96% Utilized. 100% Successful.

Livsey is a National Blue Ribbon School with a proven record of student success. So why are we on the DeKalb County School System (DCSS) closure list?

Download this overview of Livsey’s notable academic achievements and see for yourself. Please read our Community Letter stating our position regarding these matters.

We need everyone’s help educating our community about Livsey School before the Feb. 7th recommendation by Interim Superintendent, Ms. Ramona Tyson.

The facts are on our side. posted January 23, 2011

What You Can Do To Support Livsey

Neighbors and business owners please join the Livsey family at a Community Meeting, Saturday, January 29, from 4 to 6 pm in the Livsey Cafeteria.

 Guest speakers include Dr. Terry O’Toole of the CDC and State Representative Scott Holcomb. Email Michele Yulo or Megan Burns for more details.

If you live in the Livsey district, please take part in a brief Livsey Community Survey. We want to know what you’re thinking. Parents, former Livsey students, neighbors, business owners please write letters to your elected officials – Contact Info – Sample Letter Livsey’s Case – Livsey’s Success – Save Livsey Blue Ribbon artwork Have your children write letters too!

If your organization has a marquis out front, please put SaveLivsey.com” on it to raise community awareness of the situation. Printable Door/Window Sign Attend the last three MGT Community Input Meetings (schedule below) Here’s the Community Meeting Report to guide you through the experience. Purchase Yard Signs – $10 each – view yard sign art Thank you Indigo Signs for the discount and support! Purchase a SaveLivsey.com Tshirt – $8.00ea – view tshirt art

Take the DCSS Survey provided by MGT (read details below first) Have a suggestion for Livsey’s course of action? Make a Donation to the Save Livsey Effort posted January 23, 2011 Share Your Thoughts with The DeKalb County School System (DCSS)

Here is a link to a survey provided by the consulting firm MGT. They are interested in your feedback regarding the two consolidation and redistricting plans being considered by the DCSS.

You can only access the survey one time from each computer so make sure you allow time to complete your comments. The survey will only be available until January 30th. Please encourage your neighbors and relatives who are Livsey supporters to complete the survey too.

However, if you haven’t already attended one of the public input workshops, we highly recommend that you attend January 25, 26 or 27 before you complete it. posted January 21, 2011

What Happens After the Community Input Meetings

Interim Superintendent, Ms Ramona Tyson will make a recommendation to the Board of Education (BOE) on Monday, February, 7, 2011.

After Ms Tyson makes her recommendation, there will be Public Hearings on Tuesday March 1st and Thursday, March 3, at the AIC, 6:00 pm for further input. And then final vote by the BOE takes place

Monday, March 7th. posted January 11, 2011

Two great open houses in the same cul de sac.  Both on Kings Court which is off Henderson Mill ROad near Northlake Mall.  Abou 1.8 mile from Henderson Mill Elementary School.  Come see both on Sunday Jan 30th from 3 until 5 pm.

 

2442 Kings Court

339,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2452 Kings Court

379,000

 

Two Northlake Open Houses Off Henderson Mill Road: 2442 and 2452 Kings Court Atlanta Georgia 30345

 

 

 

Go HERE for maps and more info.

Sally English and The English Team at REMAX Executives are Atlanta real estate agents.  We specialize in homes and neighborhoods convenient to Emory University and CDC.

Open Community Meeting -- Tonight January 25th.

Hello Henderson Middle School Families,

The Lakeside/Henderson Middle community committee that has been working over the past few weeks to interpret and understand the DCSS redistricting proposals is having a community meeting this Tuesday night, January 25, 2011 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church at 7 pm.  The meeting will be in the church sanctuary and will be an opportunity for everyone to see what this community group has been working on. 

They have prepared some alternatives to the redistricting proposals presented by the county.  Please make plans to attend and see what alternatives may be available for the Lakeside/Henderson community.  

If you have questions, please contact us at the email addresses listed below.

See you then!

Barbara Haan (barbara.haan@mac.com)

Lori Cora (lhcora@comcast.net)

Lakeside High School PTSA Co-Presidents

DeKalb Redistricting Proposals Analyzed by Lakeside School PTA

File DeKalb County Homestead Exemption Before April 1st Deadline

Did you move to DeKalb County last year?  If yes, you need to get moving and file a DeKalb County Homestead Exemption Appkication before the April 1st deadline.

If you do not file a DeKalb County Homestead Exemption Application you will pay as much as twice the amount of tax as other residents of DeKalb County.  That's a huge penalty to pay for missing a deadline!!!

HOW TO FILE:

Go HERE for the DeKalb County Homestead Exemption Website

DeKalb County Property Tax Phone Number: 404-298-4000

DeKalb County Sample Form

Most counties have a form to use. Complete it online OR in wiring (send written applications by certified mail). DeKalb County and others have simplified the process with online apllications. Info you will probably need:

• A copy of your warranty deed
• Your closing statement
• Name and address of your mortgage company (if applicable) and
• your loan #
• Your social security number

FILE IN PERSON OR BY CERTIFIED MAIL

If you have received forms from the tax office in the mail for filing, return them either in person or by certified mail by the MARCH 1 deadline. If you fail to file for homestead Exemption, you not only lose the tax break, you also receive a penalty! If for any reason you do not get a Homestead exemption form by the mid February,go to your county tax office in person.

Sally English and The English Team at RE/MAX Executives are real estate agents who specialize in DeKalb County and Atlanta properties.  For questions about how to file DeKalb County Homestead Exemption before March 1st deadline call me at 770-939-3174. You can also leave me an e-mail HERE   Please refer us to family and friends who may be buying or selling a home. 

From the DeKalb County Website:

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: You may apply for the Basic Homestead exemption if you own and occupy the home as your legal residence and primary domicile on January 1^st of the year in which the exemption is being claimed. The home must be your legal residence for all purposes whatsoever including the registration of your vehicles and filing of your Federal and Georgia State income taxes. You cannot file for homestead exemption on rental property, vacant land, or on more than one property. Homestead exemption applications are accepted year around. Current year exemptions must be applied for January 2 through March 1^st. Applications received after March 1^st will be processed for the following year.

PROPERTY ASSESSMENT FREEZE: Homeowners in DeKalb County that receive the benefit of homestead exemption may also apply for a property assessment freeze to help offset future increases in property value. This freeze does not affect school, city or state taxes. Homeowners who currently have homestead exemption must apply for this freeze, however new applicants applying for an exemption will receive the benefit of the freeze with their exemption. Residents must qualify for this freeze by March 1st by mail, online or in person at the Tax Commissioner's office. Online Homestead Exemption and Property Assessment Freeze Application

SPECIAL EXEMPTIONS: In addition to the basic homestead exemption available to all homeowners, there are special exemptions available for citizens 62 and older as of January 1^st, disabled veterans and other disabled persons. You must apply and qualify for these extended exemptions in person at the Tax Commissioner's office. Age and income documentation are required to grant this exemption. Exemption applications are accepted year around however; current year exemptions must be applied for January 2^nd through April 1^st. To apply, please bring the following to one of the DeKalb Co. offices:

• Proof of Age Birth Certificate, Driver's License, or Georgia ID Card. Proof of Income - Current Year State and Federal Income Tax Returns and Social Security 1099 forms for every member of your household. If you do not file tax returns, you must provide all W-2's and Form 1099 for ALL sources of income for every member of your household.
  
  
• Proof of Disability (if applicable) - Doctor certification by letter (or form available in our office) stating 100% total and permanent disability and/or 100% total and permanent disability certification from the Social Security Administration or other government agency.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: Please read and understand the following information, to determine your eligibility as an applicant for a basic homestead exemption; then follow the directions below in completing your application.Legal Definition of the word "applicant" is

(a) A married individual living with their spouse; 

(b) An individual who is unmarried but who permanently maintains a home for the benefit of one or more other individuals who are related to such individual or dependent wholly or partially upon such individual for support; 

(c) An individual who is widowed having one or more children and maintaining a home occupied by himself or herself and the child or children; 

(d) A divorced individual living in a bona fide state of separation and having legal custody of one or more children, when the divorced individual owns and maintains a home for the child or children; 

(e) An individual who is unmarried or is widowed and who permanently maintains a home owned and occupied by himself or herself.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION REQUIRED:  

Additional information: State law requires that all owned or leased vehicles must be registered in the county where the owner claims homestead exemption. Persons registering vehicles or claiming homestead exemption in another state or county are not entitled to homestead exemption in DeKalb County. State law provides for only one homestead exemption per immediate family group (husband and wife). Homestead exemption cannot be claimed on rental property. Remember homestead applications are accepted year around. Current year exemptions must be applied for January 2nd through April 1st. Applications received after April 1st will be processed for the following year.

YOU MUST HAVE A PIN NUMBER

In order to complete the application you must have the PIN number associated with your Parcel ID. You can obtain your PIN Number via inserting the Property Address or Parcel ID of your property located within the Property Information Section . Once the site has produced your homestead application form, please verify that your name and property address is correct and then complete the application beginning with the question: "Did you own and reside in the home on January 1 ?" If you wish to file you application online, simply click the submit button and you will receive a confirmation that can be printed for your records. When filing online, please be sure to print and retain your confirmation. If you are unable to complete this application online for any reason, please click here for an application to be completed and mailed to DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office P.O. Box 100004, Decatur, GA 30031.

In order to submit your application, your motor vehicles must be registered to the county where you claim homestead exemption. By clicking on the submit button you authorize the Tax Commissioner's office to update your vehicle registration to your home address.

For new homeowners and existing homeowners without homestead exemption: Please click here for Basic Homestead and Property Assessment Freeze application.

For homeowners with existing homestead: Please click here for the Property Assessment Freeze application.'

Location and Hours as of Jan 25, 2011 (Check DeKalb County website for Furlough and Holidays)

Sally English and The English Team are Atlanta Georgia real estate agents who specialize in homes and neighborhoodsconvenient to Emory University and the CDC.  Check out http://englishteam.com/ for real estate news, advice, listings, homes for sale, buyer info, mortage rates, MLS search and much more.

Call Sally English direct at 770-939-3174

North Office
1358 Dresden Drive, NE
Atlanta, GA 30319M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
2 Blocks East of Brookhaven
MARTA Station, Walk-In Only, No Mail Delivery

South Office
2801 Candler Road
Suite #66 in The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall near the Macy's mall entrance
Decatur, GA 30034
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Walk-In Only, No Mail Delivery

Central Office (property tax and vehicles)
4380 Memorial Drive
Suite 100
Decatur, GA 30032

Central Office Property Taxes
M-F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Central Office Vehicle Registration
M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Newer home open Sunday Hanuary 23rd from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.  Located just off Briarcliff Road near Northlake Mall.  Look for intersection with Briarcliff Way and then follow the English Team Yellow Sunday Open House signs.

 

¨ 4 BRs. 3.5 Baths.  Full basement ready for your finish (stubbed for bath).

¨ Briarcliff Commons Subdivision.  Atlanta Georgia 30345.

¨ Ten foot ceilings throughout first floor.  Plantation blinds on windows. 

 

 

 

 $525,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¨ FAMILY ROOM features a fireplace with gas logs, wall of cabinets and book shelves.  Custom mantle. Oversize bay window runs along one side of room. Hardwood floors.  Coffered ceiling with recessed lighting.  Ceiling fan and light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¨ DESIGNER KITCHEN features granite countertops and a tumbled marble tile backsplash,  Cherry finish hardwood cabinets with glass front display doors and raised panel storage doors.  Island with downdraft cook top.  Bump out for stainless steel double bowl under counter sink.  Window above.  Built in desk and "command post" at corner of kitchen.  Lots of recessed lighting.  Walk in pantry.  Lots of cabinets and storage. Open to breakfast room and family room.  Door to laundry room.

 

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: GE profile gas downdraft cook top in island.  Oversize GE double wall ovens.  GE Profile built in microwave.  GE Tristan dishwasher.  All appliances with black finish. 

¨ LAUNDRY ROOM off kitchen has a ceramic tile floor, white storage cabinets, utility sink, window, washer and dryer connections.

BREAKFAST ROOM located between Kitchen and family room has a large bay window, French door to deck, hardwood floors, chandelier, heavy wood molding, coat closet. Open to family room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRAMATIC TWO STORY ENTRANCE FOYER features hardwood floors, covered entry, French front door with sidelights and arched transom above.  Architectural window.  Large chandelier.  Staircase to second floor with exposed hardwood step treads. Cased opening to living room.  Hall to rear of house.  Luxurious wood moldings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features hardwood floors, tray ceiling with detailed wood moldings.  Elegant chandelier.  Shadow box wood moldings below chair rail.  Door (with transom window above) to kitchen.  Can accommodate large gatherings for seated dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM features white carpet, triple window (plus transom window above) with wood plantation blinds, heavy crown mold and large base wood trim.  Oversize cased opening to dining room.  Transom window over opening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¨ MASTER BEDROOM SUITE is spacious and elegant. Huge octagonal tray ceiling.  White carpet.  Double door entry and double French doors open to master bath. Heavy wood moldings. Large bay window.  Security system control pad.

¨ SPA MASTER BATHROOM features a jetted tub with ceramic tile surround and art glass window above, walk in shower with clear glass walls and door.  Ceramic tile floor.  Two vanity cabinets with cherry finish and simulated marble tops and sinks.  Kneehole makeup desk. Large walk in closet. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¨ SPACIOUS BEDROOMS # 2 & 3 have white carpet, ceiling fans, double door closets. Vaulted ceilings.

¨ UP HALL BATH #  2 features a ceramic tile floor, vanity cabinet with two vanity sinks, tub/shower combination in separate wet area.

¨ BR # 4 has an ensuite bath.  Used as a TV room. Carpet, closet, vaulted ceiling.

¨ ENSUITE BATH #3: ceramic tile floor, vanity cabinet &sink, tub/shower combo.

¨ 3 sides low maintenance brick  Concrete siding on rear of home.

¨ 2 CAR GARAGE has two overhead doors.  Both with remote openers.

¨ Easy commute to Emory/CDC/VA, midtown. 

¨ Henderson Mill ES

¨ Henderson Middle School

¨ Lakeside HS a National School of Excellence

Lightly Used Newer Home* 2302 Briarcliff Commons * $525,000

Sunday Open House Jan 23rd from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life-long Resident of Northlake Area Bringing More than 70 New Jobs to Local Economy as Operator of New Restaurant

Chick-fil-A^® has begun construction on its first Northlake stand-alone location, bringing its award-winning food and service while generating more than 70 new local jobs. Looking forward to serving the community where he grew up, and where he has chosen to raise his own family, Lakeside High School graduate, Brad Spratte, is the Operator of this new location.

The new stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant at 3967 Lavista Rd. (former Taco Bell) is projected to open in late April/early May 2011 and will feature a 4,275 square-foot interior that seats 144, an indoor play area for children, award-winning drive-thru, and full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.

Get your tents ready because in May Chick-fil-A will celebrate the opening of the new Chick-fil-A at Northlake Festival by giving away a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A meals (52 certificates) to the first 100 adults in line on opening day. This highly visible "First 100" event draws Chick-fil-A raving fans, up to 24 hours in advance, who arrive with tents, couches, TVs, computers, games and other activities to pass the time while camping out. Since the promotion began in 2003, Chick-fil-A has given away more than $13 million in free food.

Anyone interested in updates about the new Northlake Festival Chick-fil-A can become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/northlakecfa or www.cfanorthlake.com .  Please spread the word! Let's see if we can show our support by helping them reach at least 500 fans!

First Time Homebuyer Advice For Spring 2011

A family friend asked for first time home buyer advice for this spring.  We are definitely still in a buyers market so I tried to put down my thoughts on how to score the best possible house deal for spring 2011.

 Buy an Ugly Duckling

1.       Find a distress sale situation: short sale, foreclosure, or private owner ready to fire sale a home.

2.       My target house will probably need some serious cosmetic work.  I would include in this category

A.      Paint

B.      Sheet rock repair

C.      Landscape probably over grown.  Maybe no grass in lawn areas because of parked cars, trees may need to be cut.

D.      Kitchen countertops beat up.

E.       Appliances outdated but hopefully still working.

F.       Light fixtures outdated

G.     Bad carpet but hopefully hardwood floors underneath

3.       Target house would NOT have the following obstacles to deal with

A.      High traffic street location

B.      Unsafe neighborhood

C.      Schools on the unacceptable list (I am more flexible here than most people)

D.      Bad lot topography (I like lots that have some level areas)

4.       Items I could deal with but would have to figure in to the purchase price

A.      Leaky basement (We have some great contractors that can handle these situations)

B.      Roof needs replacing

C.      Mold: Another area where there are some great contractors who can turn lemons into lemonade.  But, I would have to be able to positively identify the source of the mold so that the source and the symptoms could be repaired.

D.      No HVAC (stolen or missing from house) and / or HVAC that does not work.

I would imagine you are looking at this list and thinking, "wow! I don't want to deal with all that stuff."  And you would be right.  Most people do not want to deal with all that stuff and as a result many otherwise excellent houses go unsold or sit on the market forever. 

The price drops accordingly.  The key is to identify the houses with "potential" and then price out what the repairs would cost.  Then make offers contingent on the work being done before closing.  There is also n FHA loan that includes money to make repairs (203K).

You may have friends who can help you identify ways to get the work done, or  I can provide you with a list of contractors with whom we work on a regular basis.  These workers are hungry for new jobs and have been giving us great prices for repairs and improvements.  ALSO, a lot of the above work is more an application of elbow grease than skill and you could build up equity in the house by working on it yourself.

 So that is one perspective on the house hunt.  Stretch your purchase dollar, and perhaps put yourself in a more desirable neighborhood, by looking beyond the cosmetic aspects of the house.

 II.               Get Loan Counseling before you house shop

 Most home buyers in today's market are already all over this part of the deal so I am not going to "preach" about this.  You have seen the results of buying too much house for your budget.  It is also very important, to a marriage or relationship  not to have financial pressure because of a house.

 I recommend sitting down with a mortgage loan officer who would help you determine

1.       Whether or not you are ready to buy a house

2.       What price range you should consider if you are indeed ready to buy a house.

I have only one suggestion for this person(s) because I am very biased toward James Williamson at Fairfield Mortgage.  He has an office in my REMAX Executives office complex and has made loans to everyone in my family.  But, more importantly, he is not a high pressure sales person.  He will look at your financial situation and "coach" you about the financial aspects of purchasing a home. 

If you are not ready, he will tell you.  And he will tell you what goals to set in order to be financially ready to purchase a home.  All of this is confidential.  And honestly, you can tell him the unvarnished truth and he will then select the best path for you to proceed.  Call me and I can provide you with contact information for James or his Associate Robbie Crozier.  Both are excellent.

 

III.            Don't rush the process

 No need to make a rushed bad decision.  Move deliberately in the direction of buying a house.

IV.            Check out the Neighborhoods

 This is where I can be an excellent resource once you have identified the "general" areas you are willing to consider.  We can set up a direct feed from FMLS that sends listings, meeting your general criteria, directly to your email.  This lets you see a lot of houses and you can then weed out the ones that look more promising.

 There is no harm in starting the feed ASAP but I would not worry too much about looking at the actual homes until you after you meet with the loan guy.  However, looking at houses online is a great way to find out what to expect from the market.  One of my skills is finding houses with potential once you narrow the neighborhoods down a bit.

 V. Go visit the houses

When all your other ducks are in a row, it is time to start visiting houses.  I suggest we visit a lot of houses so you can get a hands on feel for what to expect in the marketplace.  There will be some give and take as we find houses that meet some, but not all of the attributes we set out as important.  Ultimately, we will find a target house and make an offer.

Note, I did not say buy, I said "make an offer".  You need to avoid emotional commitment at this point.  We are entering a business deal and emotions will only cause you to overpay.  YOU MUST be willing to walk away from the deal, and resume your house hunt, at any time.

Sellers are becoming more realistic, but if they do not want to deal then you will need to walk.  We need to maintain  an emotional distance from the houses you identify as worthy of making an offer.

This process continues until we identify a suitable home, cut an agreeable deal and then follow up with inspections and due diligence.  Then you can fall in love with the house and make it your own.

Who says you can't work when there is snow on the ground?  We have a new listing in Birarcliff Commons subdivision.  This house went on the market yesterday and is ready to show, even in the snow and ice.

EXECUTIVE HOME is not new but is very lightly used. Full basement ready for your finish. Stubbed for bath. Quiet location (does not face Briarcliff Road). Hardwood floors on main floor except for living room. New deck with arbor. Fenced back yard. Each bedroom has private access to a bathroom. Cherry cabinets and granite countertops in spacious kitchen. Island. Ten foor ceilings on main floor. Easy commute to Emory, CDC, VA, downtown. Walk to Henderson Mill Elem (Lakeside HS feeder). Volume ceilings in upstairs bedrooms and entrance foyer.

 

2302 Briarcliff Commons Atlanta Georgia 30345

$525,000

4 Bedrooms

3 Baths

Check back for lots more photos and information!

Commuters who need to travel the stretch of Henderson Mill Road between Midvale Road and Briarcliff Way are finding the road too icy to navigate.

WSB TV reports the segment of Henderson Mill Road is the source of spin outs and stalled cars.  It may even be closed to traffic at this time.

Tim and I drove home along Henderson Mill road yesterday evening just after the surface re-froze.  We had to drive along the sidewalk and then turn into Leslie Drive to avoid cars that were sliding backwards as they tried to climb the hill.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: Take Midvale Road to Lawrenceville Highway (US 29) and then take Lawrenceville Highway to Northlake Mall.

Photo is of a house along this section of Henderson Mill Road acroxx from Henderson Mill Elem School.

 

 

 

4000 block of Weelaunee Road

Briarcliff Road at Childerlee Road

Briarlake Road at Tristan Circle

Evans Mill Road at Hayden Quarry Road

Hambrick Road at Rockbridge Road

Henderson Road at Hershey Lane

H.F. Shepherd Drive

Houston Mill Road at Adelia Place

Houston Mill Road at Mason Mill Road

I-285 eastbound exit ramp to Ashford Dunwoody Road

I-285 southbound at Memorial Drive

Indian Creek Way to Northern Avenue

Johnson Ferry Road at Ashford Dunwoody Road

Johnson Road at Plaster Road

Klondike Road between Mall Parkway and Woodrow Drive

Mason Mill Road at McConnell Drive

Mercer University Drive at Chamblee Tucker Road

Mountain Industrial Boulevard at North Royal Atlanta Drive

North Decatur Road Between Church Street and Winn Way

North Peachtree Road at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard

North Peachtree Road at North Shallowford Road

North Shallowford Road at Savoy Drive

Rock Chapel Road at Turner Hill Road