Best real estate company in Atlanta for a reason!!
Take a look at these stats just uploaded from Broker Metrics!… Keller Williams Realty First Atlanta lives up to it’s name of being FIRST! Our office is FIRST in days on Market (We out perform all offices in LESS Days on market!) That means our Sellers get to have an Under Contract sign hung on their yard sign before the competition! Our office ALSO is FIRST in SALES VOLUME! Simply said we sell MORE!
CLICK ON IMAGE to ENLARGE! …….Watch for more stats to come as 2012 comes to a close!
How soon can I purchase a home if I sold a distressed house in the “Great Recession”? Read on….
Hi Everyone! This chart may be very helpful to those of you out there that have sold distressed properties in the past few years but now are ready to get back into the market. There are different guidelines dependent upon the type of distressed sale you closed. CLICK ON CHART TO ENLARGE.
Interest rates are stinking low, hovering at 3.5% and it is becoming a Sellers market depending on what part of Atlanta you reside. Now is the time to take advantage of these fabulous market conditions. Rents are through the roof while home ownership is still a bargain. If you are serious about owning a home again ~ let Starkey Mortgage and the WOW Team at Keller Williams First Atlanta be your HELP Desk for any Real Estate and Mortgage queries!
Clients always ask … “How important is living in a Swim Tennis community for Resale Value.” This is an interesting Question. It is all in the perspective. What communities are you competing with when you go to sell? Are they truly comparable homes? Put on your Buyers cap to decide where you might get the better value. Often if you have a growing family then YES, you will definitely attract the more like Buyers when you go to sell. There is a caveat to this however. If housing prices combined with dues for HOA are too high by comparison to other comparable neighborhoods which might be “closer in”, then many families will opt for an easier commute over the mega amenities package.
Tennis and Swim Club for Glen Abbey off Kimball Bridge Rd.
Hartridge Swim Tennis Club off Brumbelow Rd.
This Swim Tennis club at Hartridge offers WI-Fi and has a more intimate setting. The pros are …. less costly maintenance and the neighborhood location is considered closer in. Buying in a Swim Tennis community is still a good bet for Resale but as in anything in life…. there is a house and setting for everyone. An updated home, well cared for and loved, trumps a swim tennis most every time! The bonus is the amenities package! Happy hunting….
The crisp, cool Fall weather bring with it many fun activities to do around Atlanta. From apple picking to haunted houses there is something for everyone in September, October and November. Many wonderful fall events are located in North Georgia, where you can enjoy the beautiful sloping mountainscapes while the seeing leaves change colors. Check out our list of fun things to do with your family and friends to enjoy the fall fun around Atlanta.
If you are looking for a true German experience, head up to the small barbarian village of Helen, GA. From September 22 through October 30 you can attend the best Oktoberfest in Georgia. Enjoy German music, dancing, food & drink. If Helen is a little far, there are plenty of activities around metro Atlanta. Der Biergarten, downtown Atlanta’s very own German watering hole, is hosting Oktoberfest activities throughout the season. Even though Fado’s is an Irish Pub, they will celebrate Octoberfest this year with a street festival, live music, a bratwurst eating contest and a Strongmain Stein Holding contest on Oct. 1st.
Atlanta is know for having some of the best and scariest haunted houses in the country. For a thrilling evening of frightful fun, head over to Netherworld, which opens Sept 28th. This ghoulish attraction has regularly received national attention for being one of America’s best haunted houses in the nation. Another unique and terrifying place to try is the Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse. This will feel like you literally become part of a zombie horror movie, running in and out of old abandoned warehouses while dodging zombies that are out to get you in a post apocalyptic world.
Apple Picking is a great way to get away with the family and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather in North Georgia. There are several areas where you can go to pick your own apples, but Ellijay, GA is known to be one of the most popular. They even host the Georgia Apple Festival in October, an event where you will find an arts and crafts market, festival food, and tons of family friendly games and activities. Also check out the BJ Reece Apples House while you are there. They are a family run business that even offers an apple cannon and petting zoo in addition to apple picking. If you are looking to pick a particular type of apple, make sure to call in advance to see if it is in season.
Trying to find you way through a corn maze has been a fun fall tradition for many families. Most locations are just a short drive north if Atlanta, the closest and most poplar being Cagles Family Farm in Cherokee County. In addition to a maze adventure, you can enjoy a hayride, checkout the haunted barn, or gather around the bonfire at night with friends with some hot chocolate. You can also head further north to the Enchanted Maize by Rock City, just outside of Chattanooga at the foot of Lookout Mountain. They promise to give you a fall experience you will long remember.
Instead of grabbing your pumpkin from the local grocery store, why not make it a memorable family experience. There are several pumpkin patches in Georgia where you can find the perfect fall pumpkin. If you would like to pick your pumpkin right off the vine, then the Yule Forest Pumpkin Patch is for you. Located in Stockbridge, this pumpkin patch has more than just pumpkins; it also has a science center and fun zone for the kids and young at heart. Another location just north of Atlanta is Burt’s Farm. They have an impressive selection of every type of pumpkin, winter squash, gourds and fall decoration. Also check out their store that offers fresh pumpkin pies and pumpkin roll, as well as other goodies.
Fall into the fun with some of the above activities to make this season in Atlanta your favorite!
Buying your first home can be an exciting and proud moment, yet there can also be feelings of overwhelming responsibility. To help curb these feelings, it is best to set up a routine for home maintenance from the very beginning. Many first time home buyers may be unaware of certain areas of their home that require ongoing attention and care. Routine maintenance will ensure certain areas of your home perform properly, decrease repair costs, and maximize the value.
Check roof for leaks every few months after heavy rainstorm, as well as around the foundation of the house, to make sure water is flowing away from the home.
Take note of the above items and create a home maintenance calendar to keep you on track and ensure your home’s needs are completed.
People of all walks of life flock to Decatur because it truly offers something for everyone. Decatur is one of the few Atlanta neighborhoods where shopping, dining and entertainment are only a short walk or bike ride away. Top rated schools, eclectic culture, a well-run city with an active community, and convenient amenities make Decatur a great place to call home!
Convenience- The city of Decatur is located just 6 minutes east of Downtown Atlanta. Decatur is conveniently situated for individuals commuting to/from downtown to work, college, or the airport. Three MARTA stations throughout the city provide multiple rapid transit options for those electing to walk or ride their bikes.
Food/Garden- Your Dekalb Farmers Market has been known for years to be a great place to go for the best-priced quality groceries and produce. Located in downtown Decatur, this 140,000 square foot farmers market has a reputation for carrying high quality goods with prices that are easy on the wallet. The majority of items found on the shelves are organic and locally grown. DeKalb Farmers Market supports small farms that employ humane, environmentally responsible and sustainable production methods. Decatur also boasts several community gardens, the largest being the Oakhurst Community Garden. Founded in 1997, Oakhurst Community Garden offers classes on all things gardening, houses 34 community garden plots, event space available for rental, chicken coops, a composting station, play area and green house!
Going Green- Decatur has many programs and policies that are making strides in going green for the environment. In 1998, Decatur instituted a “Pay As You Throw” program that essentially makes it more expensive to throw away trash rather than recycle the items. Residents buy designated City of Decatur trash bags, which cost more than your regular Glad or Hefty brand. The city will not collect trash in any other type of bag, and people who recycle more will save money by using fewer bags.The city also promotes “Earth Hour” where once a year all residents turn off their lights to celebrate their commitment to the planet. Another earth friendly effort they implement twice a year is a free Electronics Recycling event in which electronic equipment is diverted from entering landfills, where they may contaminate soil and water.
Parks and Recreation- Decatur offers a variety of ­­parks, pools, bike paths, ball fields, dog parks and more! The city has a multitude of events throughout the year, from free concerts to family festivals. The city plays host to several community events such as Blue Sky Concerts and Concerts on the Square at the bandstand in downtown Decatur. Residents can pack a picnic basket and listen to free music at lunch and in the evening! They also have an annual Decatur Beach Party, where the street is transformed into “Ponce Beach” with 60 tons of sand, live music, games, food and fun. Another extremely popular event is the Decatur Craft Beer Festival, which showcases over 100 American craft beers.
Variety- This area has a very diverse population, with 9-to-5ers, hipsters, college students, and families, they all come together to create a highly inclusive community attitude. Unique art galleries, antique shops, clothing boutiques, coffee houses, music stores and specialty shops can all be found in and around Decatur. While the shopping in Decatur is abundant, nothing can compare to the variety of dining options available. Dozens of popular restaurants are located along the Decatur Square and other gems are sprinkled throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.
Walkability- Most of the above mentioned retail, restaurant and businesses are within easy walking distance or short bike ride on beautiful tree-lined streets. Pedestrian and bicycle access is a top priority for their economic development program. Decatur has also produced a series of self-guided walking tours to encourage that form of transportation as well as familiarize people with the local attractions and history.