Around Atlanta Realty

Unsteady - X Ambassadors

2015-11-18T00:01:00.001-08:00

SHORT SALE IN ALPHARETTA!

2012-02-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

Harry Norman, Realtors® | Your Best Move in Georgia, North Carolina and International

News Release - Fed Actions Drive Mortgage Rate Expectations | Fannie Mae

2012-02-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

News Release - Fed Actions Drive Mortgage Rate Expectations | Fannie Mae

Save Thousands with a Buyer's Agent

2012-02-14T01:40:00.003-08:00

Your new dream home may be seen different through the eyes of your Realtor.

I recommend using a designated buyer's agent. A good buyer's broker can save you thousands & a lot of headaches. It is especially important to use a seasoned, knowledgeable Real Estate agent that is familar with the markets you are interested in getting to get the best deals.
Buyer Brokerage (a.k.a. Buyer Agency or Buyer Representation) is very important for you, the buyer, to understand. Did you know that unless you have a signed "Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement" with your agent, the agent represents the seller and not you? Even if you have been working with an agent for weeks on a consistent basis, if they do not represent you (by having the signed Buyer Brokerage) then it is not their duty to have your best interests in mind throughout the transaction. Simply put, that means that they could disclose things to the seller you may not want them to, such as your financial status, important personal information, or other confidential things you may have said to the agent. This gives the seller the upper hand in the transaction, and could ultimately lose you money.

The subdivision agent or listing agents are not working for you. Their job is to get the most money and best terms for their clients, the sellers! Hire a buyer´s agent to represent you and your interests at no cost to you.

Even if you know and trust your agent, it is in your best interest to sign an Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement. It is very important that your agent puts your interests above anything else in the transaction. It is also required in the state of Georgia (O.C.G.A § 10-6A et. seq.) to disclose in writing that your agent represents you throughout the transaction.

BUYING A HOME! Search NOW!

2012-02-14T01:16:00.001-08:00

Define your needs.Congratulations on your decision to purchase a new home! Before you go house hunting, it's a good idea to define what kind of home and neighborhood would best suit your desires and needs and make a wish list. Share this list with your real estate agent. The finer the details, the more effective your home search will be. To further define your needs, you may want to divide your lists into negotiable and non-negotiable items, so your agent can operate with some flexibility when scouting for homes on your behalf.

Get prequalified or preapproved.Now that you know what you want in a home and neighborhood, you need to find out what you can afford. There are two ways to go about this: prequalification or preapproval for a home loan. Your real estate agent can refer you to a mortgage broker to begin the process. In most markets, preapproved buyers are preferred by sellers over those who are pre-qualified.
Your preapproved status lets the seller know:
* You have gone through an extensive financial background check. * A lender is willing to do business with you. * The likelihood of unexpected obstacles regarding financing is minimal.
Let the house hunting begin!Now you are ready to embark on your home search - an endeavor that can prove overwhelming if not approached with some forethought. The most efficient route is to allow your real estate agent do the initial scouting for you. Using your wish list as a guide, he or she will alert you of new and existing listings that have strong potential. If these listings pique your interest, your agent will arrange home tours at your convenience. Many agents send alerts via email - sometimes as often as daily, depending on the available inventory in your market. Let your agent know how you'd like to receive these alerts, whether by phone, email or fax.
You also can do some research on your own. Read local real estate publications, contact your local neighborhood associations, visit the local chamber of commerce, surf the Internet, or drive around your favorite neighborhoods. While these methods certainly can lead to your dream home, it's important to note that 82 percent of home sales are the result of agent connections.* That means it's more likely your agent will find your dream home through being in the real estate business than you driving around on the weekends.
* National Association of REALTORS(r)
Make an offer.When you're ready to make an offer on a home, your real estate agent will help you determine the offer price by reviewing recent sales of homes similar in size, quality and amenities. With your input, your agent will draft a written contract that outlines what needs to be done by both parties to execute the transaction. If the seller accepts the offer, the document becomes a binding agreement, so it is imperative that you carefully review it with your agent and speak up if anything is not clear to you. It's important to note that if the seller changes any aspect of the offer, it is not a binding agreement until the buyer agrees to the seller's changes.
Strike a deal.Sometimes, you get lucky and the seller accepts your offer as is. However, in most instances, the seller will make a counteroffer. This is where your real estate agent's experience in negotiations will be invaluable. Keep in mind almost everything is negotiable when you are buying a house. This can give you a great deal of leverage in the buying process - that is, if you have adequate information and you use it in an appropriate manner. Some items you may negotiate:
* Price
* Financing
* Closing costs
* Move-in date
* Repairs
* Appliances and fixtures
* Landscaping
* Painting
Remain in close contact with your real estate agent so you can quickly review any changes from the seller. Remember: Bargaining is not a winner-take-all deal. It is a business process that involves compromise and mutual respect.
Prepare for the closing.When an offer becomes a binding agreement, your real estate agent will help you tackle the checklist of action items that you, as the buyer, have agreed to perform prior to closing. Depending on how the responsibilities are divvied up in the agreement, this is typically when you will:
* Conduct a home inspection.
* Get an appraisal and finalize your financing.
* Secure title insurance.
* Shop for a home warranty.
Having these procedures done in a timely and professional manner is a must, as any delays could threaten a successful closing. A first-rate real estate agent should be able to serve as your "one-stop shopping" referral source for service providers. Your agent also should serve as your advocate, helping to coordinate activities and making sure the vendors have access to the property to perform their jobs.
Close the deal.Congratulations! The moment you've been anticipating has arrived. The closing is where home ownership is legally transferred from the seller to the buyer. It is a formal meeting that most parties involved in the transaction will attend. Closing procedures usually are held at the title company's or lawyer's office. The closing officer will coordinate all the document-signing and the collection and disbursement of funds. A few days before your closing date, your lender will send a final closing statement that outlines your closing costs, if applicable. Your real estate agent will review this document with you to ensure its accuracy, as well as help you gather any necessary documentation that you'll need to bring to closing.

MAGNIFICENT MILTON LUXURY HOME | ALPHARETTA LUXURY HOMES

2012-02-12T00:14:00.000-08:00

MAGNIFICENT MILTON LUXURY HOME | ALPHARETTA LUXURY HOMES

The Manor Golf & Country Club

2012-02-09T18:53:00.001-08:00

http://cheryl.fulton.harrynorman.com/PropertyDetail.aspx?ViewMyListing=1&RecordType=320&5020_order=descending&AgoraPage=1&SearchPageName=PropertySearch.aspx&AgoraItems=5&4411_grp_999999=3643,3660&4410_grp_999999=3643,3660&PropertyItem=0&PropertyIdx=1&PropertyDetail=104297754

Team Fulton now at Harry Norman’s Johns Creek office

2012-01-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

Team Fulton now at Harry Norman’s Johns Creek office

NORTH FULTON PRIVATE SCHOOLS

2012-01-28T18:43:00.000-08:00

NORTH FULTON PRIVATE SCHOOLS
List of Private schools in the North Fulton, Atlanta Georgia area. If anyone is not on this list that would like to be included drop an email with your school affiliation and tuition range.

Alpharetta
Alpharetta International Academy
4772 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta 30005
770-475-0558
www.aiamontessori.com/index.htm
Grades: PK-3. Enrollment: 160
Average tuition/range: $1,800- $5,600
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Alpharetta Methodist Christian Academy
89 Cumming St., Alpharetta 30004
770-518-1652
www.alpharettamca.com
Grades: PK-5. Enrollment: 150
Average tuition/range: $5,250.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Creme de la Creme-Alpharetta
11675 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta 30004
770-777-2960
www.cremechildcare.com
Students: infants-K. Enrollment: 250
Average tuition/range: $22-$51 a day.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Holcomb Bridge School
2675 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta 30022
770-998-2027
yp.bellsouth.com/sites/holcombbridgeschool/index.html
Grades: PK-1. Enrollment: 85
Average tuition/range: $2,700-$7,400.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Holy Redeemer Catholic School
3380 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta 30022
770-410-4056
www.hr.cathsch.org
Grades: K-8. Enrollment: 519
Average tuition/range: $5,600.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Mill Springs Academy
13660 New Providence Road, Alpharetta 30004
770-360-1336
www.millsprings.org
Grades: 1-12. Enrollment: 240
Average tuition/range: $15,930.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Mount Pisgah Christian School
9820 Nesbit Ferry Road, Alpharetta 30022
678-336-3300
www.mountpisgahschool.org
Grades: PK-12. Enrollment: 937
Average tuition/range: $7,286-$9,960.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Perimeter Christian School
9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Duluth 30097
678-405-2300
www.perimeter.org/School
Grades: 1-8. Enrollment: 480
Average tuition/range: $3,456-$5,531.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Primrose School of Christopher Robin
5425 McGinnis Village Place, Alpharetta 30005
678-339-0107
www. myprimroseschool.com/christopherrobin
Students: Infant-K. Enrollment: 170
Average tuition/range: $500-$900 a month
Quick-Facts and Reviews

St. Francis High School
13440 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta 30004
678-339-9989
www.stfranschool.com
Grades: 9-12. Enrollment: 300
Average tuition/range: $12,900
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Woodward Academy-North Campus
6565 Boles Road, Duluth 30097
404-765-4490
www.woodward.edu
Grades: PK-6. Enrollment: 408
Average tuition/range: $10,000-$13,200
Quick-Facts and Reviews

ROSWELL

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School
11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell 30075
678-277-9083
www.bttitans.org
Grades: 9-12. Enrollment: 850
Average tuition/range: $8,000
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Brimarsh Academy
1565 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell 30076
770-992-0416
www.brimarsh.com
Students: Infants to age 8. Enrollment: 100
Average tuition/range: $5,000-$7,500.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Cottage School
700 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell 30075
770-641-8688
www.cottageschool.org
Grades: 6-12. Enrollment: 200
Average tuition/range: $13,700-$16,250.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Eaton Academy
800 Old Roswell Lakes Parkway, Suite 210, Roswell 30076
770-645-2673
www.eatonacademy.org
Grades: K-12. Enrollment: 120
Average tuition/range: $5,000-$15,400.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Fellowship Christian Academy
480 W. Crossville Road, Roswell 30075
770-992-4975
www.fellowshipschools.org
Grades: K-8. Enrollment: 450
Average tuition/range: $4,176-$6,936.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Fellowship Christian High School
480 W. Crossville Road, Roswell 30075
770-993-1650
www.fellowshipschools.org
Grades: 9-12. Enrollment: 210
Average tuition/range: $8,496-$8,892
Quick-Facts and Reviews

High Meadows School
1055 Willeo Road, Roswell 30075
770-993-2940
www.highmeadows.org
Grades: PK-8. Enrollment: 370
Average tuition/range: $3,200-$10,100.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Howard School-North Campus
9415 Willeo Road, Roswell 30075
770-642-9644
www.howardschool.org
Students: 3-year-olds through eighth grade. Enrollment: 101
Average tuition/range: $11,000-$15,300
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Porter School
200 Cox Road , Roswell 30075
770-594-1313
www.porterschool.com
Grades: K-5. Enrollment: 55
Average tuition/range: $12,500
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Queen of Angels Catholic School
11340 Woodstock Road, Roswell 30075
770-518-1804
www.catholicedga.org/queenofangels
Grades: K-8. Enrollment: 504
Average tuition/range: $5,300
Quick-Facts and Reviews

St. Francis School
9375 Willeo Road, Roswell 30075
770-641-8257
www.stfranschool.com
Grades: K-8. Enrollment: 600
Average tuition/range: $7,800-$12,500.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Village Montessori School
1610 Woodstock Road, Roswell 30075
770-552-0834
www.vmschool.com
Ages: 18 months-12 years. Enrollment: 150
Average tuition/range: $5,000
Quick-Facts and Reviews

SANDY SPRINGS

Alfred and Adele Davis Academy
8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta 30350
770-671-0085
www.davisacademy.org
Grades: K-8. Enrollment: 550
Average tuition/range: $9,600-$10,500.
Quick-Facts and Reviews

Brandon Hall School
1701 Brandon Hall Drive, Atlanta 30350
770-394-8177
www.brandonhall.org
Grades: 4-12. Enrollment: 180
Average tuition/range: $18,500-$24,000
Quick-Facts and Reviews
*For students who have not been achieving their potential or need a more intensive educational setting.

Donnellan School
4820 Long Island Drive N.E., Atlanta 30342
404-255-0900
www.donnellan.org
Grades: PK-10. Enrollment: 230
Average tuition/range: $2,500-$9,975.

Epstein School , Solomon Schechter School of Atlanta
335 Colewood Way N.W., Atlanta 30328
404-843-0111
www.epsteinatlanta.org
Students: 2-year-olds through eighth grade; Enrollment: 650.
Average tuition/range: $11,560.

First Montessori School of Atlanta
5750 Long Island Drive N.W., Atlanta 30327
404-252-3910
www.firstmontessori.org
Grades: PK-8. Enrollment: 215
Average tuition/range: $6,690-$11,450.

Greenfield Hebrew Academy
5200 Northland Drive N.E., Atlanta 30342
404-843-9900
www.ghacademy.org
Grades: PK-8. Enrollment: 530
Average tuition/range: $7,950-$10,840

Holy Innocents' Episcopal School
805 Mount Vernon Highway N.W., Atlanta 30327
404-255-4026
www.hies.org
Students: 3-year-olds through 12th grade
Enrollment: 1,300
Average tuition/range: $7,316-$14,000.

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School
471 Mount Vernon Highway N.E., Atlanta 30328
404-252-3448
www.mvpschool.com
Grades: PK-8. Enrollment: 650
Average tuition/range: $5,875-$9,975.

St. Jude the Apostle School
7171 Glenridge Drive, Atlanta 30328
770-394-2880
www.saintjude.net
Grades: K-8. Enrollment: 510
Average tuition/range: $4,900

Schenck School
282 Mount Paran Road N.W. , Atlanta 30327
404-252-2591
www.schenck.org
Grades: 1-8. Enrollment: 150
Average tuition/range: $16,200-$17,300
*Serving dyslexic students

Sophia Academy
1199 Bellaire Drive N.E. , Atlanta 30319
404-303-8722
Grades: K-8. Enrollment: 50
Average tuition/range: $11,350
Christian school serving children with learning disabilities
*Information not warranted or Guaranteed by Blog or site owner

Staging on a Budget

2012-01-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

REALTOR® Magazine asked readers of our Daily Real Estate News e-mail to send in their best tips for sprucing up listings on the cheap. Here are some of the quick, creative ideas that poured into our inbox.

LIVING ROOMS

Create a Focal Point
"Pick out the most visible corner and put a large plant—I've found that silk trees work best. Set up a spotlight behind it so it lights up the leaves and throws an interesting shadow on another wall. It really makes a difference in a person's perception of the space, especially if it's a large room without too much natural lighting."
—Izabela Stone, Keller Williams Realty, Apollo Beach, Fla.
Set Up a Chat Room
"Be sure that the living room furniture is positioned for conversation as well as entertainment. Potential buyers should be able to easily envision sitting in a space where they can easily talk without having to move a chair or turn completely around."
—Rana Lindhorst and Troy Schmidt, Prudential One Realty Centre, Edwardsville, Ill.
Get Rid of Carpet Dents
"Furniture often leaves indentations in the carpet. When a piece of furniture is moved, I tell my clients to put medium-sized ice cubes in the imprints. As the ice melts, it causes the compacted carpet to expand and erase those imprints."
—Shawn Moss, Century 21 C.R. O'Neil & Co.
Accent Special Features
"Place an accent by a home's feature, such as an attractive plant near a fireplace to draw the eye to it or a tall palm or two in place that directs the buyer toward another part of the home or suggests a separation of areas. This also ensures that someone often enters the home to care for it."
—Susan Cramer, HomeSmart Real Estate, Temecula, Calif.
Invoke the Outdoors
"Use a little nature in each room. I create a flow throughout the home using cuttings, flowers, dried flowers, whatever will work. Simple things, such as twigs to spell out a word or a small cutting tied with raffia around a pillow on a bed, draw the eye into the room but don't overpower it. I have even used a branch cutting to make a 'tree' in an empty corner. I try to use one piece of nature in each room to create an ongoing theme throughout the home. It works with any type of decor, whether it's modern or traditional. One important note: Always check for insects!"
—Lauren Scurlock, North Star Real Estate Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.

BEDROOMS

Bring Your Own Bed
"I have a great way to add a bed to a vacant bedroom. I arrange moving boxes into the shape of a bed, and then I dress it up with nice bedding. It takes about half an hour and it's really inexpensive."
—Kria Lacher, Meadows Group Inc., Realtors, Portland, Ore.
Make a Bed
Another trick to add a bed: "Purchase an inexpensive air mattress that has a folding frame off the floor. Once the bedding is on and staged, it's hard to tell the air mattress from a real bed. After the home sells, all the client has to do is deflate, fold and pack."
—Jackie Limsky, ABR®, TX Cyber Homes, Hank Layton, Texas
Get a Fabric Donation
"Here is an inexpensive staging tip: Ask a local fabric shop to donate beautiful fabrics. Use it to cover the following: an air mattress with a not-so-great comforter (cover the comforter with an over-sized sheet, and then place a nice fabric in the middle or end of the bed). Or use the fabric to cover TV dinner stands, to appear as nightstands, entryway pieces, or any other decorated 'table.'"
—Jannel Lee Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Livonia, Mich.
Add Luxurious, Affordable Touches
"If the master bedroom is too boring (and most are), I have my sellers go out and buy a new luxury comforter set with bed skirt, throw pillows, matching valances, etc. We have a Burlington Coat Factory here that sells dramatic sets with rich, embellished material for around $100. The right set will totally transform a boring master bedroom into a luxury hotel suite."
—Karen Walton, Share Realty, Midlothian, Va.
Try a Dramatic Fabric Backdrop
"One surefire way to dress up a plain bedroom is to hang sheers, fabric or draperies on the wall behind the bed. (I often remove window treatments from the other windows to allow more light in and then use these for the fabric backdrop.) It serves as a headboard, visually raising the ceilings and, particularly in a master suite, adds a sense of elegance and luxury. It's inexpensive but packs a dramatic punch."
—Liz Harrison, Spruce it Up! Home Staging and Room Redesign, Salem, Ore.

BATHROOM

Add Bathroom Elegance
"Get some decorative hand towels, tie a sheer ribbon around them, and place them on towel racks in all of the bathrooms. This does wonders to dress up the bathrooms of your listings. I also put some dried flowers and candles in complementary colors to add a little more pizzazz."
—Haley Hwang, e-pro, Coldwell Banker, Glenview, Ill.
Put a Lid on It
"The best thing you can do for your home, vacant or not, is to close all the drains, sinks, and tubs; close all the lids on all the toilets; close all the closet doors; and let all the sun in. You'll get amazing immediate results and the cost is zero dollars."
—Judith Preston, HomeSmart International, Anthem, Ariz.
Make the Old New Again
"I recently listed a big house built in 1979. In the master bathroom was a sunken cultured marble bathtub and matching his and hers marble vanity tops in swirly 1970's brown. The shower stall tile was gold and white speckled. The cost to update this bathroom would be a lot. So we got the tub and shower stall painted with epoxy paint in white and the marble tops a white with little tan specks. It was a huge improvement for about $800."
—Linda Walker, Main Street Real Estate, Garland, Texas

COLOR AND LIGHTING

Go Neutral
"The moment the potential buyer walks into the front door they should be 'wowed' by the rooms on either side of the entry. Paint a nice neutral khaki color allowing for the painted or stained wood work to stand out. Make the color bold enough to make a difference, not just an off white. Tans and khaki’s 'warm' the space."
—Julie C. Preston, GRI, REALTOR®/interior designer, Indianapolis, Ind.
Add a Splash of Color Everywhere
"Currently over half the homes we list are vacant and can look very sterile in photos. We ask sellers to neutralize their wall colors and carpet, but then we discover all the photos of the interior look similar and boring. Our best staging tip is to add bright, bold colors to the kitchen and bathrooms with accessories, towels, and plants. Red is a call-to-action color. A vase with red flowers can add interest to the photo when placed on a kitchen island or bar. We like burgundy or black towels in a neutral bathroom and green silk plants in the living areas. A colorful picture over the fireplace mantle with a couple of vases on each side can make a great vignette in the family room."
—Holly Janney, Realty Executives Associates, Knoxville, Tenn.
Light It Up
"Replace the light bulbs in the home with higher wattage bulbs. Buyers like 'light and bright,' and the brighter light bulbs make all the difference in the world. Inexpensive and easy!"
—Ann Bishop, Ann & Denny Bishop Group, Realtors, Wichita Falls, Texas

KITCHEN

Tease Their Noses
"I believe in appealing to all five senses of a buyer, including smell. I always put something in the oven like apple pie or fresh bread."
—Chad C. Caramanna, Shadetree Realty Group Inc., Fellsmere, Fla.
Accessorize
"Adding decorative items in the kitchen can warm up the area and make it more 'cozy'. Go to a thrift or resale shop and get great deals on glass items. Use a tray (wood, silver, glass, etc.) with two coffee cups and a small package of Starbucks coffee displayed between the cups, and pretty paper or cloth napkins. Also, find a large glass—or pottery bowl—and fill it with individual candies, pre-packaged crackers, pretzels, etc. It looks nice and each buyer who comes through can grab a snack from the bowl. It'll help them remember your listing."
—Trina Griffith, Summers Real Estate Group, Longview, Texas
Go Green
"If your listing has some green features (EnergyStar appliances, generator, double-paned windows, bamboo flooring), continue the theme with strategically placed soy candles, homemade guest soaps, and green cleaning products under the sink area. People will notice!"
—Peggy Edwards, green, Coldwell Banker, Tampa, Fla.

DE-CLUTTER

Expand the Closet
"One of the most overlooked areas of staging is the closet. Most people will unclutter and move boxes out of the closet but forget about the hanging clothes. I tell my clients to remove the clothes they only wear once in a while. If the closet still looks stuffed, remove more. The ideal closet will have significant space (two hangers worth) between the next hanger."
—Joseph F. San Angelo, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Clifton, N.J.
Offer Before and After Photos
"Have owners pack everything they don't use daily and put in storage or in the garage. It neutralizes the home and allows buyers to picture their family living there. It creates a sense of cleanliness and order by having clean countertops, sparsely decorated walls and minimal furniture. I give sellers before and after photos of other staged homes and remind them that this is how model homes sell."
—Amy Herring, Keller Williams, Tallahassee, Fla.
Create a Neutral Pallet
"When I first meet with potential clients planning to put their house on the market, I walk through the home with them and make a detailed list of all furniture, clothing, and miscellaneous items that should be packed away. Staging a home requires that each space be defined, but that personal items and clutter be non-existent. Potential buyers need to see a neutral pallet: Rooms that they can envision themselves living. I then pay for the delivery and removal of a Smartbox portable storage unit as part of my marketing strategy."
—Carrie Mock, Long and Foster Real Estate, Annapolis, Md.
Nix Those Personal Photos
"Make sure there are no personal photos to be seen anywhere in your listing. Pack them up or put them away. Buyers tend to stop and see who lives there, which takes them away from seeing the home's attributes!"
—Kyle Davis, RE/MAX Select Properties Inc., Ashburn, Va.
Don't Let Furniture Get in the Way
"I think one of my top staging tips is to arrange the furniture so that it does not block any of the home's features and allows for easy traffic flow. Sometimes that means removing some furniture—the more furniture in a room, the smaller the room looks."
—Jean Risha, Greenwood King Properties, Houston, Texas

EXTERIORS

Say 'Welcome Home'
"There's nothing more pleasing than a front step or porch with bright and cheerful planters filled with plants and flowers. It says 'welcome to your new home!'"
—Carol Anderson, ABR, GREEN, Coastline Realty, Cape May, N.J.
Create a Curb Appeal Checklist
"A top item on the staging list should be curb appeal items (you can't get people in if they don't like the drive-by): Trim shrubs, fix peeling paint, and add greens or planters near the entrance."
—Lori Geraci, Bannon & Hebert Properties LLC, Middlebury, Conn.
Entice Them at the Entrance
"Tighten any loose doors or cabinets and re-stain, paint, or varnish doors. Paint the trim on floors and ceilings. Also, paint outside trims and nicks on the house, especially where clients come into the house."
—Rhonda Burns, Windermere Real Estate, Wentachee, Wash.
Stage the Lawn
"In San Antonio the grass is usually parched by the end of the summer. For my fall listings, I purchase a bag of winter rye grass seed and apply it generously to dried-out lawns of my listings. I advice sellers to water the grass frequently for a few weeks until it begins to sprout. Soon the lawn is emerald green, and it stays that way through the end of April, at which time the regular grass should be recovering."
—Larry Stewart, Deborah Myers Real Estate Inc., San Antonio, Texas

SPECIAL TOUCHES

Create a DVD of the Home
"Have the sellers make a short DVD of fun times that they had in the home and surrounding area. Make the DVD run on a loop on the TV and use it to show potential buyers the area, neighborhood amenities, proximity to parks museums, etc. It is easy and cost effective."
--Scott Holland, Top100AZhomes.com, Phoenix
Frame a Local Scene
"Frame pictures from inexpensive calendars and place them throughout the home. Look for pictures that reflect nature and themes for the local area. We don't want buyers to wish they were in Aruba while looking at a home in snowy Michigan!"
—Jannel Lee Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Livonia, Mich.
Showcase Designer Bags
"I stagger colorful, logo, designer, retail bags in different sizes and shapes and place them on the shelves in the walk-in closets in the master bedroom, linen closet as well as other closets. It creates a fun visual and people think it is unique and clever. Plus, it is basically free. You just tell the stores that you are staging your seller’s home and would love to advertise their company with their bags. They love the idea of getting free publicity. I put crumpled up tissue in the bag to give them body. I use bags from Neiman Marcus, Coldwater Creek, Chico’s, Crate & Barrel, Pier 1, St. John, Coach, Victoria Secret, and Nordstrom. Also, since the bags can lie flat, the storage factor is very efficient."
—Robyn Starr Dezendorf, Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere, Portland, Ore.
Customize the Art
"Buy a couple of iron easels and place them in different rooms. On the easel, place a mirror or framed art that complements the colors of the walls or floors. Or, prepare a large poster with photos and additional information about the house. This is inexpensive, yet provides a focal point of interest in the room."
—Trina Griffith, Summers Real Estate Group, Longview, Texas
Redo the Doghouse
"Freshen and consolidate pet areas. Purchase new bowls, etc., to indicate upkeep and freshness. Choose one place to house pet beds and litter boxes; the laundry or utility rooms or garage space may be appropriate."
—Mae Thompson, Prudential One Realty Centre, Edwardsville, Ill.
Have Sellers Write a Letter
"Part of staging is conveying the pleasures of living in the marketed home. I have sellers write a one-page letter to the prospective buyers detailing less evident benefits, such as the annual Easter egg hunt at the end of the cul-de-sac, the amazing sunrise from the breakfast nook window, and the fact that the school bus stops at the corner. I copy these on pretty paper and put them at the front of the property profile book on the kitchen counter."
—Cari Pemberton, Buy, Sell, Organize & Stage, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Make It Memorable
"I have two things that I do when staging a home. First, a wreath on the front door (that I make). The wreath stays with the house for the new owners. Second, I hang a black nightgown on the master bathroom door. The buyer (husband) always remembers that house!"
—Cissy Snyder, Svetlik Real Estate, Sumter, S.
March 2009 | By Melissa Dittmann Tracey Courtesy of Realtor Mag.

Smaller Houses in 2012

2012-01-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

Make Money in 2012

A smaller house will make a big difference

By Carla Fried, Janice Revell, Donna Rosato and Tali Yahalom @Money November 14, 2011: 1:19 PM ET

(MONEY Magazine) -- Last year the economic forecasting firm Fiserv predicted that home values would sink around 5% in 2011, and that prices in three-quarters of the nation's major metro areas would fall. The bad news is, the firm wasn't that far off the mark. The good news: In the coming year, Fiserv thinks 95% of the 384 metro areas it tracks will see prices rise.
Don't expect the market to move much beyond first gear, though. The median expectation among more than 100 economists and real estate pros surveyed by MacroMarkets is that home values will inch ahead by a mere 0.25%, compared to their 2011 median forecast decline of 2.8%. They also foresee annualized gains through 2015 of just 1.1%, as the real estate market slowly works its way through a mountain of foreclosures.

Those foreclosures will continue to weigh on the market. According to Core- Logic, there are 5.4 million homes that are for sale or part of the market's "shadow inventory" -- which includes bank-owned properties, homes in the foreclosure pipeline that haven't hit the market yet, or properties where owners are seriously behind on payments.
To put that in perspective, Freddie Mac forecasts that only 4.8 million homes will be purchased in all of 2012. A market with six months of inventory is considered healthy. That there's more than a year's worth of housing stock now tells you what a tough slog this will still be. "It's analogous to a flood," says Mark Fleming, CoreLogic's chief economist. "The water is very deep in the living room, but it's no longer getting deeper and is starting to recede.
Helping that process along will be low-interest-rate mortgages that are expected to remain cheap. Jay Brinkmann, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association, says the 4.2% rate on a 30-year fixed rate in late October might not last long. Still, he expects the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to stay below 5% throughout 2012.
The action plan: It will pay to think small -- as in reduce your mortgage bills and focus on modest homes.

Buyers: Downsize the dream. For those gearing up to make a purchase, 2012 could be a great opportunity, what with cheap prices, low borrowing rates, and little competition among prospective bidders.
Before you take the plunge, remember that the price you pay matters, as does your ability to easily resell that home down the road.

Make Money in 2012: Jobs

This means it's best to focus on smaller properties in your area near restaurants and retail. McMansions of at least 2,600 square feet, which were the ideal in the boom years, are coveted by a mere 18% of households today, according to a recent survey by Trulia. And that figure could fall even more.
A separate survey by the National Association of Home Builders found that home-construction firms expect U.S. houses to average 2,152 square feet in 2015 -- down 10% from last year.
Some of this is attributable to the lingering effects of the past recession, which has eaten into housing budgets. But there's also a permanent change at play. "Baby boomers are trading down. They don't need the McMansion, and they don't want to drive as much," says Trulia chief economist Jed Kolko.
Sellers: Price it right. The longer you can wait for prices to stabilize in your area and for demand to pick up, the less likely you'll need to entertain low-ball offers. If you have to make a move in 2012, though, the trick will be to price your home correctly out of the gate.
According to a recent national survey of real estate agents, 75% of homeowners believe their house is worth more than what agents put the fair market value at, and nearly one in two homeowners still overestimate their home's value by more than 10%.
Meanwhile, Trulia reports that about one in four homes in its database has gone through at least one price reduction, and the average price cut for those homes is 8%.
Joe Magdziarz, president of the Appraisal Institute, says you and your agent should stick with comparable sales data just within the past 90 days, as that's what lenders expect appraisers to use.

Atlanta Toll Road

2012-01-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

ATLANTA - Non-rush hour commuters on I-85 in Gwinnett County may be more inclined to jump into those Express Lanes - if the State Road and Tollway Authority decides to drop the toll for the lanes even further.
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal got word Wednesday that the state may drop the tolls in the Express Lanes to one cent per mile during non-rush times.
"This would have to get approved by SRTA's board, which is meeting next week," Governor Deal's spokeman Brian Robinson said in an email to 11Alive News. "The Governor would like to see this approved."
The state couldn't eliminate the toll altogether without getting a federal waiver. "We don't need a waiver to go to one cent a mile and that's the best option available to us at this point," Robinson said. "The waiver request would probably be denied."
But, Robinson also pointed out that the penny-per-mile toll would not go into effect during morning and afternoon rush hours. He said the Express Lanes were operationg "well" during those hours with current, floating rates that are based on congestion. Courtesy 11 Alive News.
http://norcross.11alive.com/news/news/97887-gwinnett-gov-deal-would-see-i-85-toll-dropped-1-cent-mile-sometimes

HONDA BATTLE OF THE BANDS

2012-01-12T21:11:00.000-08:00

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., was founded in 1959 as the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Honda currently produces automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, lawn-care equipment and engines at its eleven major U.S. manufacturing operations, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda's long-standing commitment to the support and success of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities began more than 20 years ago with the establishment of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, a program designed to showcase the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students. American Honda established Honda Battle of the Bands ten years ago as an effort to support HBCU music programs.
http://www.hondabattleofthebands.com/tickets

The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) is an annual national program showcasing the pageantry, showmanship and musicianship of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Marching Bands. Created in 2002 by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., HBOB brings together the African-American community, African-American leaders and marching band fans to celebrate, support and recognize the unique academic and cultural experience at America's HBCUs. Over the past 10 years, Honda has awarded nearly $2 million in music scholarships to the HBCUs through HBOB, and HBOB has entertained more than half-a-million fans at Atlanta's Georgia Dome.

Atlanta's Mortgage Rates

2012-01-10T20:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.ajc.com/business/rate-on-30-year-1290470.html

Twelve Days of Christmas

2011-12-11T00:47:00.000-08:00

The twelve days of Christmas begins on December 25 and end just before Epiphany, that falls on January 6. Epiphany is a Christian feast intended to celebrate the 'shining forth' or revelation of God to mankind in human form, in the person of Jesus Christ. The observance originally included the birth of Jesus Christ; the visit of the three Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) who arrived in Bethlehem; and all of Jesus' childhood events, up to his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist.

The Origin
The feast was initially based on, and viewed as a fulfillment of the Jewish Feast of Lights known as Chanukah. This was fixed on January 6 , but over time the western churches decided to celebrate Christmas on December 25. The eastern churches continued to treat January 6 as the day marking Jesus's birth. This has given rise in the west to the notion of a twelve day festival, starting on December 25 and ending on January 6, called the twelve days of Christmas.

Feasting And Merrymaking
In the Middle Ages, this period was one of continuous feasting and merrymaking, which climaxed on Twelfth Night, the traditional end of the Christmas season. During the twelve days of Christmas, traditional roles were often relaxed, masters waited on their servants, men were allowed to dress as women, and women as men. Often a Lord of misrule was chosen to lead the Christmas revels. Some of these traditions have an echo in modern day pantomime where traditionally authority is mocked and the principal male lead is played by a woman, while the leading older female character, or 'Dame' is played by a man.

The Song
This period is referred to in the song Twelve Days of Christmas. Twelve Days of Christmas is a traditional Christmas song, or Christmas Carol. The Twelve Days of Christmas are the days from December 25 to January 6 or the Twelfth Night. The date of the song's first performance is not known, though it was used in European and Scandinavia traditions as early as the 16th century.

The 12 Days of Christmas" is in a sense an allegory. Each of the items in the song represents something significant to the teachings of the Catholic faith. The hidden meaning of each gift was designed to help Catholic children learn their faith. The song goes, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…" The "true love" mentioned in the song refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. i.e. the Church.

1st Day: The partridge in a pear tree is Christ Jesus upon the Cross.

2nd Day: The "two turtle doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.

3rd Day: The "three French hens" stand for faith, hope and love.

4th Day: The "four calling birds" refers to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

5th Day: The "five golden rings" represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

6th Day: The "six geese a-laying" is the six days of creation.

7th Day: The "seven swans a-swimming" refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.

8th Day: The "eight maids a milking " reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.

9th Day: The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

10th Day: The "ten lords a-leaping" represents the Ten Commandments.

11th Day: The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.

12th Day: The 'twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles' Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

Atlanta Homes for Sale

2011-12-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

Find Homes for Sale and Real Estate in Atlanta, Georgia

It is not a difficult task to locate Atlanta homes for sale because there are always plentiful homes available for sale in the Atlanta. However, if you want to find the right home that meets your exact demands or requirements, you need to be attentive of three factors: your home budget, specific home features, and location of your Atlanta, Georgia home.

Choosing the Right Home

Your New Home's Features

There is an endless variety in home features in Atlanta, Georgia. You probably have decided about a few of the features you need, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. A good way to be prepared to decide whether a home's features fit your needs is to create a prioritized list. Would you really like a pool, but it's more important to have a two-car garage? When you know what features are most critical to your life in a new home you'll be prepared to be flexible in your search.

Location in Atlanta Where You Want to Reside

The price of a Atlanta homes for sale is determined by its location. Moreover, the location of the property also decides the level of satisfaction regarding a particular home. To ensure maximum satisfaction, you need to search for Atlanta homes for sale in the regions where you want to reside. On the other hand, it is also possible that you may not find the perfect house that satisfies your fixed priorities. Hence, you should establish what you are willing to sacrifice (i.e. the perfect home or the perfect neighborhood).

Courtesy of realtor.com

Harry Norman

2011-12-04T23:30:00.000-08:00

Year-to-Date Housing Trends
Harry Norman Leads Market Through October 2011

The October 2011 Trendgraphix statistics show that Harry Norman, REALTORS® leads the Atlanta residential real estate market year to date in several major categories. For our six-county target market area, Harry Norman leads its nearest competitor in closed volume for properties in all price points and by more than double (19.2% versus 8.4%) in properties priced over $500,000.

Harry Norman sales of homes have also increased over last year, especially in homes priced over $500,000.

Atlanta Holidays

2011-12-04T21:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.peachdrop.com Visit For more information on this Atlanta tradition.

Atlanta Breakfast with Santa

2011-12-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

2011 Breakfast with Santa
Join Recreation & Parks for "Breakfast with Santa" on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Newtown Park Community Clubhouse.

Enjoy music, gingerbread cookie decorating, holiday crafts, and have the opportunity to write a letter and hand-deliver it to Santa. Parents have an opportunity to take photos of their children with Santa.

Location: Newtown Park Community Clubhouse, 3115 Old Alabama Rd
Cost: $15 – Resident; $22.50 – Non-resident (per child)*

* Each child must be pre-registered and accompanied by an adult. Limit of 2 adults per family.

Date: Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011
1st Seating: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
2nd Seating: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Limit: 40 children (20 per seating)

Registration: Begins Monday, Nov. 14
Deadline: Friday, Dec. 2 (May fill up prior to deadline – please register early.)

Alpharetta Christmas

2011-12-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

Alpharetta's Elfaretta! Today was great weather for the Alpharetta Christmas Tree lighting. If you missed the Tree lighting event perhaps you can do some shopping in the area and get a nice little Elf Treat!

A lively little elf has brought his elfcapades to Alpharetta looking for places to hide out for the holidays.

Participating downtown Alpharetta merchants will allow Elfaretta and his friends to hide in their stores during the promotion period, November 1 - December 17. Customers will attempt to find the mischievous little sprites in order to qualify to win one of three exciting prizes. The prizes will be awarded on December 17th at 1pm around the Christmas tree at Main Street and Milton Avenue. Participating merchants are listed below.

Participating merchants:

$20 Chiropractic
52 Bistro
Alex n Sis
Alpharetta Flower Market
Alpharetta Outfitters
Alpharetta Welcome Center
Aria Salon
Auto Works
Benjamin Moore Paints
Borelli’s Salon
Chozen Talent Development Agency
Classic Collectibles
Corner Deli
Digital Scientists
Dockery's

First Citizens Bank
Gallery 35
It's My Party Rentals
Ivy Interiors
Mind and Body Fusion
Mittie's
Pure Taqueria
Savvy Snoot
Shear Talent
Smokejack
Southern Comforts
Stages Realty
Steve Manley Design
The Coffee Pot
The Picture Framer
Twigs and Lace
Vino 100
Woltin Family Chiropractic

This event is presented by the Downtown Alpharetta Trade Association.

Piedmont Park Season of of Magic

2011-12-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

I spent weeks viewing many condos in the Piedmont Park area for friends that ending up in the splended Viewpoint condos. I learned that I love the Piedmont Park area. At night the area is fun. During the holidays it comes alive.
In celebration of the holidays, the Piedmont Park will soon kick off its first annual Season of Magic. This event begins on Nov. 20 and runs through New Year’s Day.
The first part of the Season of Magic is Naughty or Nice, a costumed caroling parade. The fun begins on Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. at Legacy Fountain and ends with an after party at Park Tavern at 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the naughtiest and nicest costumes for both humans and dogs. Guests can enjoy warm drinks. Song books will also be handed out so people can sing along. The after party will feature live music from Scars on 45, free pictures with Santa (don’t forget your camera) and a canine after party at the dog park. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Each ticket includes a coupon for a free ice skating session at Park Tavern and a drink ticket good for a cocktail or hot chocolate.

Other fun activities during the Season of Magic include:

Horse-drawn carriage rides
Weekly Jingle Mingle Holiday Socials
Family-friendly arts and crafts
Carousel rides
Holiday Beer Gardens

For a full list of activities taking place during the Season of Magic, visit the Piedmont Park website.

Atlanta Holiday Tours

2011-12-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Holiday Home Tours courtesy of Bob Townsend(AJC)Lynn and Hans Rechsteiner will begin celebrating the holidays early this weekend, when they open their home, Ellwood, to an expected 5,000 visitors for the 25th Annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour.

Phil Skinner, pskinner@ajc.comThis Whitlock Avenue Historic District residence, home to the Rechsteiners of Marietta, is decorated for the holidays. The home, Ellwood, was built in 1867.he couple are avid preservationists who have renovated several historic residences in the Whitlock Avenue Historic District, where the tour will take place.

But Ellwood, built in 1867, has been their dream project since they bought the Greek Revival-style home in 1992 and began the formidable task of restoring its original grandeur.
“The home was overgrown and in need of extensive restoration,” Lynn said. “It’s difficult for most people to envision what goes into a project like this.”
It took nearly two years before the structure was habitable, and additions came in phases. Along the way, moldings and windows were reproduced and replaced, chimneys rebuilt, heart pine floors refinished, and new central heat and air, wiring and plumbing added.
The result of all that work is both historically significant and pleasing to the senses, witnessed by the fact that Ellwood’s charms have been featured in books and magazines and on HGTV’s “Restore America” series.
One recent rainy afternoon, their home was glowing with Christmas lights and the scent of pine filled the air as the Rechsteiners put the finishing touches on a week’s worth of decorating and tweaking in preparation for the Pilgrimage.
“This is our first year on the tour,” Lynn said, “but the house was in need of a little lift and it gave me a good excuse to clean out some stuff and spiff it up again.”
Lynn, who grew up in Marietta and works in accounting and real estate, has an artistic side, along with an enthusiasm for antiques that’s expressed in the many Federal and Early American pieces she’s collected to furnish Ellwood’s 16 rooms.
For Christmas, Lynn crowns the doorways, staircase and mantels of each of the home’s 10 fireplaces with pine bows mingled with boxwood and magnolia leaves gathered from around the property.
Originally from Switzerland, Hans is a self-employed engineer who’s undertaken all manner of restoration jobs under Lynn’s direction, including reconstructing a crumbling brick smoke-house they turned into a garden shed.
“It works out really well,” Hans said. “She’s got the eye for it, and I do the work.”
But the driving force behind Ellwood, and most of the other places the Rechsteiners have taken on, is a shared passion for historic preservation.
“I’m a big preservationist,” Lynn said. “If you want the truth, it’s the reason why I committed to doing the tour. There’s still a lot of work to be done on preservation in Marietta, and I want to bring more attention to that.
“Beyond that, we live here, and we’re proud of Ellwood. It’s our home for our family and children.”
Marietta home tour
The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour features six private historic homes in the Whitlock Avenue Historic District decorated for the season. Day tours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 4. Candlelight tour (with three homes): 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets, $15-$30. Marietta Welcome Center and Visitors Bureau, 500 Powder Springs St. 770-429-1115, mariettapilgrimage.com.
Other holiday home tours
Here are glimpses of some more metro Atlanta holiday tours.
Roswell -- throughout December
Christmas in historic Roswell is celebrated all month long with a series of special events, including holiday tours and open houses, music, theater, art and even re-enactments of Mittie Bulloch’s Christmas 1853 wedding to Theodore Roosevelt. Of course, the Southern Trilogy sites -- Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall and Smith Plantation -- are all dressed up for the season and open for tours. Historic Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau, 617 Atlanta St. 770-640-3253, visitroswellga.com.
Peachtree Garden Club -- Dec. 8
Peachtree Garden Club’s annual Christmas tour features four homes in the exclusive northwest Atlanta neighborhood around Garraux Road and Nancy Creek Road. They include an English country-style home decorated by Lou Stormont Interiors, a French-style home designed by architect Barry Fox, and a traditional home situated on the Chattahoochee River. $25-$30. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8. Advance tickets available online and at local businesses, including Boxwoods, 100 E. Andrews Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-233-3400, peachtreegardenclub.org.
Grant Park -- Dec. 10-11
The Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes in Atlanta’s largest historic district showcases Victorian, Craftsman, Italianate and many other styles at nine different stops, including the antebellum-style Lemuel P. Grant Mansion, built in 1856. In addition, St. Paul United Methodist Church, built in 1906, begins the tour and hosts an artists market and bake sale with hot apple cider. $15-$20. 6-10 p.m. Dec. 10-11. 501 Grant St. S.E., Atlanta. 404-688-7501, candlelighttourofhomes.com.
Virginia-Highland -- Dec. 10-11
The Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes is a two-day event featuring glimpses of eight different homes in a wide variety of periods and styles, including an example of modern international architecture. The neighborhood’s vibrant restaurant scene is highlighted by tastings from local restaurants, such as Atkins Park, Goin’ Coastal and La Tavola. $25-$30. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 10; noon-4 p.m. Dec. 11. Tastings noon-4 p.m. both days. Advance tickets available online and at local businesses, including Intown Ace Hardware, 854 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-874-5619, vahitourofhomes.org.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

2011-12-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Botanical Garden's Light Hours
Nightly November 19 - January 7, 5 - 10 p.m.
Closed December 24 and 31
Block Tickets & Event Rentals
Contact events@atlantabotanicalgarden.org or 404.591.1585 for information about discounted block tickets or hosting a holiday party at the Garden.

About the Show

Experience a dazzling extravaganza featuring nearly 1 million lights crafted into displays inspired by nature. Highlights include a galaxy of stars in the woodlands; whimsical bees, butterflies, and other lighted pollinators in the Edible Garden; and 200 show-stopping, color-changing topiary forms choreographed to holiday music on the Great Lawn.

This intown experience features elegant, traditional elements such as wrapped trees and cones up to 30-feet-tall. Staying true to the Garden’s history of blockbuster art exhibitions, the show design emphasizes stunning, innovative, and artistic light installations as well as fun, whimsical elements.

In addition, the Garden is decked in holiday favorites such as an 18-foot poinsettia tree, holiday displays of unusual plant material (tillandsias, bromeliads, alternathera), and, of course, hundreds of poinsettias!

“It’s going to be a joyful, exhilarating outdoor experience – and so much more fun than being smooshed up against your relatives peering out car windows,” said Mary Pat Matheson, the Garden’s executive director.

Garden Lights Glows Green

Garden Lights is the first major holiday light show to debut with not only the color green but also green principles as well. It glows almost exclusively using nearly 1 million energy-efficient LED lights, or light-emitting diodes, which are illuminated solely by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material rather than a traditional filament. They not only consume up to 80 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent lights but also have a life span of five years or more, more than doubling the traditional light lifespan.

The Garden is also purchasing “green energy” from Georgia Power. This means that energy produced from renewable resources will be added to the power grid in an amount equal to what the light show consumes. Georgia Power green energy sources include solar power and biomass, such as landfill gas

Atlanta Schools

2011-12-03T02:38:00.000-08:00

North Atlanta High Schools
North Fulton high schools were well represented in the most recent 2011 report of SAT scores in Georgia. Six Fulton County schools made the top 20 list in the state. While Fulton County Schools have done a great job with students I think what we really see is a clear indication of the level of parental involvement in North Fulton County; and also a very real example of why so many families are relocating in North Atlanta choose the cities of Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Cumming and Johns Creek.

Here is a breakdown of those six schools:
Northview High School – 1751 (No. 3)
Chattahoochee High School – 1694 (No. 6)
Alpharetta High School – 1679 (No. 8 )
Milton High School – 1659 (No. 12)
Riverwood International Charter School – 1652 (No. 13)
Roswell High School – 1645 (No. 14)
While Northview technically ranks third in the state, the two higher-scoring schools had only 7 and 119 students, respectively, taking the test. By comparison, 576 Northview students took the SAT in 2011.
Here are the top 10 Metro Atlanta High Schools by SAT score.
1. Northview High School (Fulton): 1751
2. Walton High School (Cobb): 1725
3. Chattahoochee High School (Fulton): 1694
4. Alpharetta High School (Fulton): 1679
5. Pope High School (Cobb): 1676
6. Milton High School (Fulton): 1659
7. Riverwood High School (Fulton): 1652
8. Roswell High School (Fulton): 1645
9. South Forsyth High School (Forsyth): 1639
10.Lassiter High School (Cobb): 1634
While the SAT averages for the state of Georgia have actually slipped over the past year, North Atlanta continues to rise. Other examples of the great schools we have here are two Blue Ribbon schools: Alpharetta’s Fulton Science Academy and Big Creek Elementary in Forsyth County. These schools are two of only 305 Blue Ribbon Schools in the country.

Fall/Winter Real Estate Outlook

2011-12-03T02:34:00.000-08:00

Fall Real Estate Outlook
Real Estate Outlook: Key Metro Markets Improve

Despite mixed reports about housing in the past few weeks, there do seem to be some cities showing marked improvement as of late. The National Association of Home Builders' First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) shows that 23 markets, up from last month's 12, now qualify for their list.How does a city make the cut? If the metro area has seen improvement in housing permits, employment, and housing prices for at least 6 months it is then considered an improving market. "While Pittsburgh and New Orleans remain the two largest improving markets, the October IMI is heavily weighted by smaller cities in which energy and agriculture are the primary economic drivers and where the effects of the recession have been less pronounced," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "In particular, Texas stands out for its seven entries on the improving markets list." Bangor, Maine, was the only area to drop off of the improving markets list in October, due to a decline in local building permits."Both the number and geographic diversity of improving housing markets expanded this month, with Iowa, Illinois and South Carolina all newly represented by one entry or more on the list," said National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev. "This is further evidence that, despite the tough conditions that persist in many cities, pockets of improvement are emerging in local housing markets across the country."
Jobs may be improving in these metro areas, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), unemployment on a national level remains unchanged at 9.1 percent. The rate has been above the 9.0 percent mark every month in the last year except for February and March, which dipped only slightly.The National Association of Home Builders' Assistant Vice President, Robert Dietz, testified before the Senate Finance Committee last week that the decline in home construction has been historic and unprecedented.
He noted that when it comes to single-family housing production, we've had an 80 percent decline since the peak seen in 2006. The rate is now 353,000 homes per year as opposed to 1.8 million.
His testimony highlighted the overwhelming benefits of homeownership and the need for strong housing tax policy, which includes keeping the mortgage interest deduction, the deduction for local property taxes, the principal residence capital gains exclusion, and mortgage revenue bonds."We are seeing now what an economic recovery looks like without housing, and the picture is hardly encouraging," said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev. "We need to address anti-housing impediments to home builders creating jobs in countless communities across the land."
According to Nielsen, the inventory of new for sales is at a record low and many cities could soon see a housing shortage. In addition to reduced builder confidence and buyer trepidation is the reality of tightened lending standards, keeping many builders from getting back to work."Leaders in Washington must stop scaring consumers by talking about eliminating the mortgage interest deduction, ending a federal backstop for housing and calling for a minimum 20 percent downpayment on home loans," said Nielsen. "This is counterproductive and harms consumer confidence, the housing market and the nation's economy." Carla Hill/Copyright © 2011 Realty Times.