Sally English Atlanta Real Estate: February 2012

Let's see if I can answer your questions about getting pre-qualified for a mortgage loan:

You do not pay a fee to a mortgage lender (OK, lets just say reputable mortgage lenders do not charge a fee)  for pre-qualification

There are several types of loan available such as FHA with as little as 3.5% down and conventional where most buyers put 10-20% down.  Ask your lender about down payment options.  Also, we can discuss these options after the pre-qualification process.  

Briarcliff Commons Subdivision is located on Briarcliff Way which runs between Briarcliff Road and Henderson Mill Road near Northlake Mall. These homes are "newer" compared to other homes in the Northlake neighborhoods and are built on smaller cluster style building lots.  The school districts are

 Briarcliff Commons Homes for sale

Henderson Mill Elementary School

Henderson Middle School

Lakeside High School

Homes for Sale in Briarcliff Commons Subdivision:

2348 Briarcliff Commons Atlanta Ga 30345

$480,000

Listing Agents are different.  We not only have a real estate license, we specialize in MARKETING your home.  We make sure your home is seen by potential home buyers who

1. have the cash and financial where with all to purchase your home

2. are motivated to make a home purchase.

3. are not looking to lowball a home that is "market ready"

So if you are thinking about listing your Atlanta Georgia home with a marketing savvy agent, call me at 770-939-3174 AND read what my Active Rain consultant Scott has to say.

Greenwood Acres Subdivision is located almost across the street from Twin Lakes Swim and Tennis Club and is within walking distance of Briarlake Elementary School.

Homes presently for sale in the subdivision include 

2159 Greensward Drive Atlanta GA 30345 $ 367,000

2930 Greenwillow Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345 $ 449,900

Nearby

2032 Holidan Road Decatur GA 30033 

$ 264,900

Greenwood Acres Subdivision Homes for Sale

Greenwood Acres History (from Grenwood Acres Civic Association http://www.greenwoodacres.org)

The Greenwood Acres community was developed in the early sixties.  By the mid-sixties, many of the current homes were built and families started moving in.  Some of the early residents decided that our neighborhood needed a garden club.  Thus, the Greenwood Acres Garden Club was formed, and quickly grew into one that contributed to the early foundation of the community.  The stated purpose of the original garden club was to encourage interests in all phases of home gardening and to promote better horticultural practices, civic beauty, and the conservation of natural resources.  The entrance markers were built in the early years.  Permission was granted by members who lived on the property where we wanted to place the entrance markers.  One of our markers is now on the property owned by the Bob Finney family.  The other marker now is located on the property donated to us by the  Jay Ghanta family.   Both families have contributed greatly to the upkeep of the grounds surrounding the markers.

Over the course of a few years, the club sponsored several contests in the community such as:  Neighborhood Beautification, Yard-of-the Month, Christmas Door Decorations, etc.  Many of the original members of the community will also  remember the Christmas season caroling  we enjoyed with our families during the holidays for many years.  Following the caroling, we would go to a home and enjoy refreshments.  This program was very popular with neighborhood families.  During the early years, our club  participated in the DeKalb County Federation of Garden Clubs.  Flower shows were held, and our club had several winning entries during the seventies.  (Some of you will remember the late Ruth McAbee who was a very talented flower designer during this period.)  She submitted many of the winners.

Our club celebrated several varied social occasions in those early days, such as Spring Flings, Christmas parties, summer picnics, etc.  Many  coffees and teas were enjoyed as new members joined the group.  New friends were made and enhanced over the years as informational and interesting gardening programs  were provided by local experts in many areas of interest to the members.  Also,  workshops were provided by some of our own talented gardeners in programs  such as building-your-own hanging baskets,  craft projects, etc.  The social committee provided quite a few  formal parties during the holiday season where families were invited to participate.  In those days, our group was smaller and our homes would accommodate the memberships’ families  At this time, Greenwood Acres consists of  approximately 175 homes; therefore, much larger accommodations are necessary for parties, meetings, etc.

In 1983, the Greenwood Acres Garden Club officially changed the name of the group to Greenwood Acres Civic Association.  At this time, we asked the men to join the group.  We enlarged our scope of programs that were offered.  Greater emphasis was placed on general neighborhood concerns such as Neighborhood Watch programs.  Several members expressed interest in getting speed bumps put in the streets.  The program was carefully considered, but was not voted upon by the membership.  With our larger groups for parties, we expanded to block parties held outside to accommodate everyone.  Several delightful affairs were enjoyed by the membership during this period.  We were fortunate to have many faithful and loyal members such as Mr. Tom Pruitt who for many years maintained our lights at the entrance markers, and always put out the life-size wooden carolers at the holiday markers for the Christmas holiday season. 

Thus, our status remained until September 13, 2006, when our group under the direction of Mr. Scott Ray, President, applied for incorporation. The new name became Greenwood Acres Civic Association, Inc.  Mr. Ray contributed tremendously to this effort and donated much of his time and energy on our behalf to accomplish this part of our history.

History provided by Betty Pace

Spring Market in Emory-CDC Neighborhoods Kicking Off With Good Activity

The English Team has seen encouraging activity in the first few weeks of the spring real estate market in neighborhoods convenient to Emory University and The Center for Disease Control.  Our neighborhoods in Northeast DeKalb County (metro Atlanta) have experienced more offers and accepted contracts than we expected.  During the past month the English Team has written contracts on houses, accepted contracts on our listings and have seen increased activity from potential home buyers on our websites.

Why the increased activity?  Not completely sure but there are some undeniable considerations.

1. Home prices are affordable.  Most sellers have accepted the fact that the market has dropped in value and they have priced their homes to sell.

2. Home mortgage loans are amazingly affordable.  When I send my buyer clients to my trusted financial advisers (Robbie Crozier and James Williamson at Fairfield Mortgage), they come back amazed by how affordable home ownership is right now.  Most are finding they can buy a home with a lower monthly payment than their rent!

3. Many potential home buyers are tired of living in an apartment.  They want a fenced back yard, flower garden, room for their stuff, neighbors they can share good times with and most of all, the pride of ownership.

4. The stock market has rewarded patient investors with a pretty good return. Many home buyers have experienced a return on their savings.

5. Job security is greater than it was a year ago.

If you are considering buying a home in Atlanta (or selling) call us at 770-939-3174.  Also, you can visit our website for home buying tips and advice that WILL save you money. Send us an EMAIL.

DeKalb Schools Considering De-facto Year-round School Calendar

From remarks made by DeKalb Schools superintendent Cheryl Atkinson it appears DeKalb County Schools is on the move towards a more year round academic calendar:

"We want to implement a balanced calendar so that our students don't spend so much time away from the learning environment during the summer," Atkinson said. After her speech, a spokesman said that a change could come as soon as next fall, though no decision has been reached."

The pros are readily apparent:

1. At risk students no longer have a long summer break during which they lose many of their study skills and reading opportunities.

2. It makes the teachers job a little easier during the school year.

I see the following unintended consequences

1. Teachers lose opportunity for professional development (taking courses at Universities in particular)

2. High School age students lose an opportunity for summer jobs.

3. Families will have more difficulty scheduling summer vacations.

4. High School students will lose access to many summer enrichment programs.

The balancing act is measuring the development of at risk students versus the opportunities missed by middle class students.  Unfortunately, I think this calendar will push more academically gifted students out of the school system which is in effect a loss for the at risk students.  What do you think?

Lovely inside and out.  Garden lovers will love the outdoor rooms in the back yard.  Years of work were required to bring these delightful gardens into creation.

 184,900

2472 Warwick Circle 

Atlanta GA 30345

Renovated designer showcase brick ranch. Living room open to dining room with french doors open to numerous outdoor living spaces. Kitchen and family room with barrel vault ceiling and tiled floor. Kitchen with white cabinets,recess lights, undercounter lights and SS appliances. Hardwood floors in LR, DR and bedrooms. Family room with built in cabinets for flat screen TV. Hall Bath has furniture style vanity, jacuzzi tub, recessed lights, and marble floor. New Light fixtures. Fenced yard with gardens and outbuilding.

¨ 3 BRs. 1.5 Baths.

¨ Wakefield Forest Subdivision.  Atlanta Georgia 30345.

¨ Designer-showcase interior and gardens.  Pleasing interior and delightful back gardens stimulate heart and soul.

¨ Original floor plan was tweaked by conversion of original garage to a dramatic family room and kitchen.  Original space (except for bedrooms) was divided up between formal living and dining rooms.  Wall separating LR and DR was removed to open up the interior and create an inviting open floor plan.

¨ FORMAL LIVING off front foyer features refinished hardwood floors, leaded glass front door, triple window, faux fireplace. Large cased opening to DR is flanked by columns. Deluxe crown and base wood moldings.  New wall scones.  Recessed light.  Opening to back hall. 

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM also has refinished hardwood floors and new chandelier. Wall of built in bookshelves. Dentil molding. Double French doors open to delightful gardens in fenced back yard.  Open to LR and to Kitchen.

¨ PASSAGE BETWEEN DR and KITCHEN includes a LAUNDRY CLOSET and water heater closet. Hardwood floors.

¨ RENOVATED KITCHEN features white cabinets, recessed lighting, ceramic tile floor, double stainless steel sink, window above sink, under-counter lighting and a pantry closet. Eat-in breakfast area. Open to family room. Inspired layout will nurture your Iron Chef instincts.

¨ PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL FINISH APPLIANCES: Kenmore gas range, Sharp microwave-ventahood combo, KitchenAid dishwasher.

¨ FAMILY ROOM shares the soaring barrel vault ceiling and ceramic tile floors with adjacent kitchen.  Built-in bookcases and niche for flat screen TV. Recessed lighting. Base molding.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM has refinished hardwood floors, walk-in closet, ceiling fan-light. Single window plus double window.

¨ PRIVATE HALF BATH features a pedestal sink and ceramic tile floor.

¨ BEDROOMS # 2 & 3 have refinished hardwood floors. Ceiling fans, single door closets.

¨ RENOVATED HALL BATH features a Jacuzzi style tub and shower with unique shower tile finish and 2 shower sprayers. Ceramic tile floor. Furniture style vanity cabinet with marble top and ceramic sink.  Window.

¨ PATIO overlooks back yard with privacy wood fence on three sides. GARDENS in back were created over many years by present owners. Sitting areas in several “outdoor rooms” create multiple opportunities to enjoy their creation.  Storage building at rear of property would make a great office or retreat.  Bubbling fountain remains with the house. Flowering trees, vines, shrubs and perennials provide 4 seasons of color and excitement in this well executed garden sanctuary.

¨ New roof 2010.

¨ HVAC approx 5 yrs.

¨ Dresden ES

¨ Sequoyah MS

¨ Cross Keys HS

Size and Shape of DCSS BOE Districts To Change, Some Representatives to Districts To Change

The DeKalb Delegation to the Georgia General Assembly is moving to meet Legislative deadlines to redraw School Board Districts as required by legislation passed by the Georgia General Assembly last year. That legislation calls for the DeKalb County Board of Education (BOE) to be resized from its current nine members to no more than seven nor fewer than five. The DeKalb Delegation is currently reviewing maps submitted from a variety of sources.

One suggested map offers the delegation a configuration that provides for a total of five BOE members. Other maps redraw the DeKalb lines allowing for seven BOE members -- with the maps differing on the boundaries of those BOE districts. Once approved, the new district lines will remain in effect for 10 years, until a new census is taken. Who will represent our local schools on the BOE, and when they will be up for re-election, is contingent on which map is approved by our legislators.

There is no central on-line place where all of the suggested maps are available for review. You can find copies of some of the maps on at least three blogs -- the AJC's "Get Schooled" blog, "DeKalb School Watch Two", and at Board of Education Member Nancy Jester's website blog.

Three of the most discussed maps are here:

Oliver/Benfield Map

Mosby 5 District Map

Jester/McChesney/Speaks Map (click on pdf link)

***No decision about new districts was made last week by the Dekalb House delegation. They did establish a committee to study the matter further. Sen. Fran Millar is introducing a bill as statewide legislation tailored to DeKalb that would postpone downsizing the Board of Education from January 2013 until January of 2015.

***Late breaking news: Sen. Millar has developed a bill to delay the implementation of SB79 so that the complex issues surrounding it can be worked out.  Stayed tuned...

Provided below is the contact information for all the members of the DeKalb Delegation. Please share your questions, thoughts or concerns with them:

pat.gardner@house.ga.gov

simone.bell@house.ga.gov

gloria.tinubu@house.ga.gov

tom.taylor@house.ga.gov

mike.jacobs@house.ga.gov

elena@elenaparent.com

scott@repscottholcomb.com

marymargaret.oliver@house.ga.gov

stacey.abrams@house.ga.gov

stephanie.benfield@house.ga.gov

karla.drenner@house.ga.gov

michele.henson@house.ga.gov

billy.mitchell@house.ga.gov

earnest.williams@house.ga.gov

howard.mosby@house.ga.gov

Rahn.mayo@house.ga.gov

pam.stephenson@house.ga.gov

dee.dawkins-haigler@house.ga.gov

randal.mangham@house.ga.gov

curt.thompson@senate.ga.gov

emanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov

fran.millar@senate.ga.gov

steve.henson@senate.ga.gov

jason.carter@senate.ga.gov

ronald.ramsey@senate.ga.gov

gloria.butler@senate.ga.gov

Public Hearing on Cell Tower Legislation - TODAY

GA Rep. Karla Drenner is introducing a bill that would prevent cell phone towers from being operated on K-12 public school property. There will be a hearing at the state capitol tomorrow and the public is invited to attend. This is a great opportunity for the community to share opinions on this timely issue.

Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Time: 11:30am-1:00pm

Location: Coverdell Legislative Office Building (CLOB), Room 415

18 Capitol Sq SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

Do not forget that you will need your photo ID to pass through building security.

Just listed this estate owned home off Briarcliff Road near where Shallowford Road intersects Briarcliff. The home is on Bradcliff Drive and there will be a massive estate sale there this week starting Thursday Feb 23rd. The home is available now, "As Is" for $240,000 or you can wait a few weeks while the owners do some work to it and the price will bump up slightly.

2416 Bradcliff Drive 

Atlanta GA 30345

$240,000

¨ 3 BRs, 2 BATHS. 

¨ Bradcliff Subdivision

¨ Atlanta Georgia 30345

¨ Estate Sale

¨ Sold “AS IS” with right of inspection

¨ Hardwood floors under carpet in most room.

¨ Oversize living room

¨ Dining room with bay window.

¨ Atrium between two car garage and Family Room

¨ Original Family Room with pine paneling used as breakfast room and sitting area

¨ Cased opening from original Family Room to New Family Room.  Door to deck and Kitchen. Fireplace.

¨ Master Bedroom open to deck

¨ Partial basement with double door exterior entrance

¨ Within past year– Replaced roof, new exterior paint, new air conditioner

¨ Corner lot.

¨ Convenient Publix and restaurants on Shallowford Road near 1-85 exit.

¨  

¨ Easy commute downtown

¨ Inside I-285

¨ Convenient commute to Emory University, CDC, Mercer

¨ Hawthorne Elementary School

¨ Henderson Middle School

¨ Lakeside HS National School of Excellence winner.