Sally English Atlanta Real Estate: December 2011

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution is reporting Atlanta housing has dropped to new lows "Home prices in metro Atlanta tumbled 5 percent in October following a 5.9 percent monthly decline in September, according to the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, a nationally respected barometer of the housing market." The article goes on to mention Cleveland, Detroit and Las Vegas as other comparable markets. This is not good company to be associated with as the other markets have been slow to escape the housing bubble and foreclosure tidal wave. The housing market downturn has been the result of a lack of confidence by the consumer. But the AJC also cites other issues "Tighter lending practices and wild swings in appraisals caused by the prevalence of distressed sales have also hampered non-distressed sales, further curbing prices." Investors are having a heyday snapping up properties at rock bottom prices. Individual home buyers are also starting to look and see VALUE where they had formerly only seen UNCERTAINTY. Call me when you are ready to take the leap into the Atlanta housing market.

The week between Christmas and New Years Day is a time of vacation and relaxation for many people in Atlanta Georgia.  But that is precisely why The English Team remains in full work mode all week.  We have people

1. requesting to see homes we have listed on the Internet, 
2. potential seller clients who want to get a jump on 2012 and have a free market valuation and 
3. closings of homes we sold during December.

Our Internet sites have some amazing tools that allow home buyers (and tire kickers) to search Atlanta Georgia house listings from the comfort of their easy chair.  And many folks are doing just that.  See of one of these home searches is of interest to you

• Search ALL Atlanta Geogia homes on the FMLS
• Search all Metro Atlanta Homes on MLS By Zip Code
• Search all Metro Atlanta Homes on MLS by Elementary School District
• Search all Metro Atlanta Homes on MLS by High School District
• Search Atlanta Foreclosures on FMLS
• Search Atlanta Homes on MLS COnvenient to EMory University and CDC

DeKalb County  Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis announces the return of  Keep DeKalb Beautiful's (KDB)  "Bring One for the Chipper"  event Monday, Jan. 2 - Saturday, Jan. 7.

KDB asks that DeKalb County residents recycle their Christmas trees after the holidays. DeKalb residents receiving sanitation services can place their tree at the curb for pick-up on regular yard debris collection day. Trees should not exceed four feet in length for curbside pick-up. The recycled trees will be chipped into mulch or used as wildlife habitat. Mulch is used for public beautification projects and is free to DeKalb residents. Christmas tree recycling drop-off locations are listed below:

Drop-off locations Seminole Road Landfill 4203 Clevemont Road Ellenwood, GA 30294 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)   Home Depot 2295 Lawrenceville Highway Decatur, GA 30033   Home Depot 4343 Tilly Mill Road Atlanta, GA 30360   Home Depot 4325 New Snapfinger Woods Drive Decatur, GA 30035

Event sponsors include Keep Georgia Beautiful, Davey Tree and Ferry Morse. Please visit www.keepdekalbbeautiful.org for more information on how to acquire a mulch request form from Davey Tree and free fruit and vegetable seedlings from Ferry Morse.  With an average of 10,000 trees recycled each year, KDB would like to encourage residents to participate in this annual program. Last year, more than 200,000 trees were recycled in Georgia.   For more information on Christmas tree recycling, please contact KDB at 404-371-2654 or kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov

You've made the decision to move.  Congratulations!  You have overcome one of the biggest obstacles to making that a reality.  Whether moving for reasons that are emotionally joyous or emotionally painful, there are things you need to do to get ready for the market.  Listing a home for sale in the Atlanta market requires doing some "home work".

1. Pack up all the leftover holiday stuff and store it away.

2. De-clutter your home.  Less is definitley more as you prepare your home for visitors.  If you have way too much stuff consider donations to Goodwill.  If you have the means, consider renting a storage unit and packing away extra stuff.  If you can't do either, choose a corner of the house, garage etc. and store away your stuff in boxes.  Make it look like you really want to move.

3. Find out how much you owe on your mortgage.  You probably get a monthly or annual statement that has this info on it.

4. Call your local Realtor.  I am not talking about your cousin's haridresser's friend who has a real estate license.  Call a professional Realtor who has had success selling homes in the present market.  Ask how many transactions the agent closed in 2011.  Ask how many were in your neighborhood.  Call me if you need a referral.  

5. Meet with the Realtor to discuss the potential sales price of your home.  You will receive information from recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.  This is often referred to as a CMA (Competitive Market Analysis) by the real estate community.

6. While meeting with the Realtor, ask them to review your home to analyze what work needs to be done to get it ready to go on the market.

7. Take a look at he Realtors marketing plan while they are meeting with you.

8. Take action on the items identified by the Realtor.  The usual suspects include

a. Cutting back shrubbery so the house has better curb appeal

b. Painting the front door.

c. Interior paint.  This might be just a couple of rooms or it could be the whole house.  Also, this could include removing out-dated wall paper.

d. Replace worn carpet.

e. Refinish worn hardwood floors.

f. Replace a couple of strategic light fixtures.

g. Replace kitchen countertop.

If you need help with these items, most Realtors have budget priced handy men and contractors that can get the job done for a surprisingly low cost.  My contractor gives you a set price up front.

8. If you find out you need to sell your home for less than you currently owe on your mortgage, you will need to call your lender and start the short sale process.  It is hard to pick up the phone but once you get through it is just an order taking process.  You will be given a list of documents to round up and turn in the to lender.  The list probably includes pay stubbs, bank statements, tax returns etc.  Once you list your home with a Realtor, the bank then does most of the communication with your real estate agent.

9. Final cleaning.  Use a professional cleaner if you don't want to do it yourself.  Cost will be around $150.

10. List your home for sale.

 

The "usual suspects" were cited as the cause for the housing market to continue to struggle in 2012: negative equity, unemployment, and low consumer confidence.  But good news may be in sight as economists are looking for a potential recovery to begin in 2013.

"More than 100 economists and real estate experts surveyed believe home prices will continue dropping in 2012.

 

The online real-estate firm Zillow conducted the survey, in which the respondents said they expect the market to turn up in 2013, followed by a steady annual appreciation rate of roughly 3 percent through 2016.

“There is a consensus among the nation’s top housing experts that we have not yet reached a bottom and are instead working through a prolonged bottoming process. Negative equity, unemployment and low consumer confidence remain the key factors delaying a true recovery,” said Stan Humphries, Zillow's chief economist." Atlanta Journal and Constitution Dec 20, 2011.

If you are thinking about buying an Atlanta Georgia Home, 2012 may be your year.  Prices are affordable and money is cheap.  Visit the English Team Buyer Tips and Advice website to get a jumpstart on 2012 Atlanta Home Buying.

 Sometimes the obstacles to buying a home are literally at the curb.  This lovely home on Castlehill Court on Winding Woods subdivision had a lot to offer but the driveway was breaking up and crumbling because of tree roots. My sellers took action this week to make the home more accessible.

1. The offending trees were cut.  This alleviated the problem of tree roots again pushing up the concrete drive and walk.  An unexpected benefit was the opening up of the front of the house.  The house now looks much more open and inviting from the curb.

2. The old driveway and sidewalk were torn out and a new driveway and sidewalk re-poured to replace them.  An added bonus was the re-grading of the driveway made access in and out easier.

And to top it all off, the sellers left the price in place.  At 204,900, this is an attractive home for buyers to consider.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newer home at 3154 Evelyn Street in Briarlake ES district. 4 or 5 BRs, Hardwood Floors, Updated Kitchen.  $339,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¨ 4 BRs 3 Baths. Potential main floor BR (LR-study conversion).

¨ Planters Walk Subdivision.  Tucker Georgia 30084.

¨ Nine foot ceilings on first floor. Energy efficient windows.

¨ 3 Sides brick. Updated kitchen. 2 inch blinds throughout.

¨ Laminate hardwood floors in foyer, LR-Study, DR, breakfast room, kitchen, family room.

¨ ENTRANCE FOYER features hardwood floors, transom window over front door, chandelier, vertical architectural window over front door.

¨ LIVING ROOM OR STUDY: hardwood floors, cased openings to foyer and to powder bath hall. Bay window with transoms. Closet with built in bookshelves. Easy conversion to a main floor bedroom #5) by enclosing cased openings.

¨ MAIN FLOOR FULL BATH has a ceramic tile floor, tub-shower combination, white vanity sink with simulated marble top and sink.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features hardwood floors, triple window, chandelier and massive cased opening to hall.

¨ UPDATED KITCHEN features custom raised panel maple cabinets with light stain finish, solid surface countertops, white porcelain double sink with gooseneck faucet. White ceramic tile backsplash. Lots of recessed lighting. Pantry. 

¨ LG PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL FINISH APPLIANCES: Gas range with 5 burner top and “simmer” burner.Microwave-ventahood combination. Dishwasher.

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM open to kitchen has a large bay window. Hardwood floors. Door to DR. French door to patio.

¨ FAMILY  ROOM features a fireplace with gas logs, black marble surround and white custom mantle. Double window plus single window. Double French doors to patio. Staircase to 2nd floor.

¨ 2nd FLOOR: 3 BRs, full bath. New carpet in all bedrooms.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM has a tray ceiling with deep vault. 3 windows overlooking back yard. Two walk-in closets.

¨ MASSIVE MASTER BATH features a jetted corner tub with glass block wall above, walk-in shower with ceramic tile walls and clear glass door. White ceramic tile floor. Two vanities with simulated marble tops and vanity sinks. Kneehole makeup desk in lower vanity.

¨ BEDROOMS # 2, 3 have new carpet, good closets, ceiling fans-lights. BR 3 has door to Jack and Jill Bath.

¨ HALL BATH works like a Jack and Jill bath with two vanity areas (carpet) and a wet area in-between (ceramic tile floor). Vanity area #1 opens to hall. Double vanity cabinet and sinks. Wet area has a tub-shower combination. Vanity area #2 has a single vanity cabinet-sink and door to BR#3.

¨ BEDROOM # 4  has a large vaulted ceiling and double windows topped by a large architectural radius window. Access to attic storage from 2 walk-in closets. Would be a great play room or media room.

¨ Convenient to Emory University, CDC, Mercer University, VA, downtown

¨ Walk to shopping and services at Briarcliff Village, Northlake Festival and Northlake

¨ BriarlakeES

¨ Henderson MS

¨ Lakeside HS

 

Congratulations to the Tucker Tigers on winning the State Football Championship AAAA.  We are proud of you and what you have accomplished.  Big shout out to Coach Franklin Stephens for his hardwork and determination in bringing home a second state shampionship to Tucker.  You guys rock!

 

Looking forward to watching several of the Tucker players at the next level.  Go Dores!

 

 

Nice brick ranch is an easy commute to Emory University and CDC. Great neigborhood and great schools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¨ 3 BRs. 2.5 Baths.  Basement partially finished.

¨ Shenandoah Valley Subdivision.  Atlanta Georgia 30345.

¨ Brick ranch with Rec room and half bath on terrace level.

¨ Refinished hardwood floors in LR, DR, Family room and all BRs.

¨ Delightful screen porch & newer deck overlook private back yard.

¨ FORMAL LIVING AND DINING ROOMS off marble floor entrance foyer. Refinished hardwood floors, 3 large windows, wood blinds (2 inch), crown and base molding.  Chandelier in dining area. Door to kitchen. Spacious and flexible space for your entertaining.

¨ KITCHEN has white custom cabinets with laminate countertop and oak edging. White ceramic tile backsplash.  White porcelain double bowl sink with gooseneck faucet.  Window over sink. Faux tile vinyl floor.  

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: GE electric cooktop & Broan ventahood (white). GE oven (white). Amana stainless steel dishwasher

¨ Generously sized BREAKFAST ROOM open to kitchen has a double window overlooking back yard, chandelier, vinyl floor, wood paneling below chair rail and doors to garage and laundry room. 

¨ OVERSIZE LAUNDRY ROOM has a door to the deck, washer and dryer connections, built in shelving and vinyl floor.

¨ LARGE FAMILY ROOM features a masonry fireplace with floor to ceiling exposed brick. Gas log lighter. Raised brick hearth. Pegged wood floors. Double French doors open to screen porch / deck. Double door to kitchen.  Ceiling fan and light.  Judges paneling below chair rail.

¨ SCREEN PORCH has 3 walls of screen windows. Ceiling fan and light.  Room for a dining table and seating group.  Door to deck.

¨ DECK overlooks private back yard.  Steps down to back yard.  

¨ SPACIOUS MASTER BEDROOM has hardwood floors, Double window plus single window. Ceiling fan and light. 2 closets. Door to bath.

¨ MASTER BATH features a vanity and wet area separated by doors. Vanity area also opens to hall. Vanity area has a pedestal sink and ceramic tile floor. Wet area has a vanity sink, tub-shower combination and ceramic tile walls and floor.

¨ BEDROOMS # 2 & 3 have hardwood floors and good closets and are separated by a JACK AND JILL BATH. Bath features a ceramic tile floor, tub-shower combo and vanity cabinet with simulated marble countertop and sink. 

¨ TERRACE LEVEL: Rec Room, Half Bath, Unfinished storage areas.

¨ MASSIVE REC ROOM has a wet bar, full size masonry fireplace, wall of cabinets and bookcases.  Room for seating areas, pool table, game tables and much more.

¨ Convenient commute to Emory/CDC. 

¨ Henderson Mill ES

¨ Henderson MS

¨ Lakeside HS

 

Are you looking to sell your Gwinnett County Home in 2012?  If the answer is yes, take a minute to consider where your buyer might be coming from AND how to attract that buyer to view and purchase your home.

 

Many Gwinnett County buyers are moving from closer in neighborhoods where they have been renting an apartment or leasing a house.  A significant umber of these buyers start their home search in DeKalb County and then move further out as they realize they are not able to purchase a home that meets their needs in DeKalb at a price they can afford.

 

Gwinnett County home buyers are often looking for a larger home than they can purchase in DeKalb for a simlar amount of money.  These buyers may need 4 bedrooms and find they can only afford a 3 bedroom home in DeKalb.  Other buyers may need a basement and find the homes with basements in DeKalb are not in their price range.

 

However, only a few miles down the road, prices in Gwinnet are more affordable and it is generally agreed a home buyr can "buy more house" in Gwinnett for the same or less amount of money.  Affordability is the driving variable.

 

How can you market to these home buyers that are searching only DeKalb County listings at first?  Why not list your Gwinnett County home with a Broker who specializes in DeKalb COunty Homes in the 30084, 30345, 30340, 30338 and 30341 zip codes.

 

Sally English and The English Team will place your home on Internet, print and advertising media that get seen by DeKalb County homebuyers.  Once we find out what their needs are we can guide them to your Gwinnett County home and on to a purchase.

Are you facing potential foreclosure?  Sally English and The English Team are experienced in avoiding foreclosure through short sales.  We know how to negotiate with your bank and how to get the banks approval to sell your home for less than you now owe on your loan.

Call Sally today at 770-939-3174 and we can have your home on the market the next morning.  Get it done!