Atlanta Lily

Modern Sustainable Design: Solar Power and 800 sqft!

2008-09-02T17:35:00.003-04:00

Have you been wondering what that strange building is,
over by the Archi'torture' Building on GaTech's campus?
It's an award-winning solar-powered sustainable house.
Free tours are given on Wednesdays from 10-3pm, now
through the end of October. It's amazing!
http://solar.gatech.edu/home.php

First Time Home Buyer Programs in Atlanta

2008-08-28T15:38:00.004-04:00

Thank you, Mike, for bringing up a good topic for today
(other than GaTech football, of course)...

October 1, 2008 is the 'expiration date' for many of the
current First Time Home Buyer grant/forgivable loan
programs. The ADA (Atlanta Development Authority)
has a great product that will continue to be offered beyond
that date called the Dream Home program, however if you
are a serious buyer and can make a decision on a first home
in the next two weeks, I would suggest to contact your agent
and your lender to get that momentum going. Some lenders
do not offer loans that easily complement these down payment
assistance programs, so it's extremely important to find a
lender that does offer exactly what you need, otherwise you
may miss the deadline and forfeit potential savings.

We all know that I'm thrifty, and that I hate to leave money on
the table, so please do yourself a favor if you want to pursue
any type of unusual loan product and speak with a REPUTABLE
lender before you get too distracted with the rest of the buying
process. Good luck!

Game Day! Parking for GaTech Football

2008-08-28T15:31:00.003-04:00

What day is it? GAME DAY! Go Jackets!

Parking around GaTech campus is risky during football (and
often times even for basketball) games. The parking office will
ticket cars all over campus, even if you have a regular permit.
I would suggest either parking somewhere in the Home Park
neighborhood area if you can find a spot, otherwise you may as
well just park far far away and take Marta to the Stadium.

I love GaTech football, and I can't wait to do all the traditional
(and sometimes obnoxious) cheers as if I were a student again.
Let's go Yellow Jackets! Sting 'em! Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!

ps - very sad news for you Kool Korners Sandwich Shop fans...
they are now officially closed. That section of commercial property
has been sold to a developer, and will be rebuilt and repurposed.

Safety in Foreclosures

2008-08-27T16:49:00.002-04:00

A really cute house came on the market today; great neighborhood
(Edgewood), 3 bed, 1 bath, corner lot, big oaktrees, covered 2 car
parking, etc - needs work, but it's only $89k! So - I went to see it
first thing at 9am. Inside this cute little fixer-upper house was a bum
sleeping in the 'master bedroom'. His foot was wiggling around, no
shoes on, sleeping on a pile of clothes for a pillow, on the pretty
hardwood floors. There was a cop car at the end of the street, and
I ran over to get them to escort me in the house. They immediately
pulled their guns out and asked me to stay by the patrol car while
they secured the property. They kicked the door in, chased the guy
out, and then told me it was ok to enter. Then they said that I needed
to be careful in these foreclosure houses and carry a side arm with me.
All that drama before 10am. I love my job. You never know what to expect.

With all that excitement in mind, if you are looking around at houses
for sale by yourself,
please consider these small strategies for safety:
1.) TALK LOUDLY AS YOU ENTER! Say Helloooooooooooo a lot.
Stomp, make noise.
2.) Peek in as many of the windows as you can before entering.
3.) Make sure you know where the doors are, in case you have to run.
4.) Always let someone know where you are. (We have a code phrase
that we use for emergencies; "Ask Paul about Lunch in Edgewood."
5.) If you are worried or nervous, just don't go inside at all. Save it
for another day.

Antique Door Knobs, Door Bells, more!

2008-08-19T16:52:00.001-04:00

Atlanta has a variety of good antique shops. Many are in
Decatur, Chamblee/Doraville, and Marietta, however
for a few high-end pieces, there are upscale boutiques in
Buckhead, Roswell, and a myriad of other neighborhoods.

Shannon sent me this link (THANKS!) for a local shop with
a wide variety of quality products and friendly service.
Eugenia's Antique Hardware

Granite Countertops, Radon, and Radiation?

2008-08-19T16:48:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Heather for this link to an interesting article
that basically says granite with a pinkish color may have
more uranium in it than other types of counter-top surfaces.
I had not heard of this phenomenon, and have never
encountered a problem, however this article does make you
want to pause and consider the source of the product.

NY Times: Granite Article - Click Here

Atlanta Dog Parks

2008-07-13T11:50:00.003-04:00

Ever wanted to take poochy to the park?
The metro Atlanta area has many great dog parks
to choose from. Personally, I take Cal over to
Piedmont Park, but there are lots of options...

Link to Atlanta-area Dog Parks

Rental Properties in Atlanta

2008-06-04T21:50:00.002-04:00

The rental market in Atlanta is hot hot hot
right now due to a few factors.
1) Seasonality: College students return home
to do begin washing 8 months of laundry, and
release their off-campus leases.
2) Mortgages are hard to squeeze into, especially
for first time home buyers. They are choosing
to rent for another year or two, which helps some
sellers that are willing to rent rather than sell.
3) The inventory of newly renovated houses and
brand-new condos purchased by investors is
vast and varied; more selection of temporary
housing exists now than several years ago.
4) Atlanta has a history of being a place for
starter careers, and while new corporate hires
are happy about benefits and an office, they are
unwilling to commit to purchasing a home, in
the event that a better job offer comes along soon.
5) Drive time for commuters may warrant a small,
temporary ITP (inside the perimeter) address for
three days a week, while the primary home may
be farther out in Dahlonega or Macon.

Atlanta Farmer's Markets

2008-05-30T09:19:00.004-04:00

Saturdays in Atlanta ... the perfect time for picnics,
hiking up Kennesaw Mountain, taking the dog to
the park, riding bikes on the Silver Commet Trail,
and of course, getting up early and heading to the
Farmer's Markets to get local veggies and fresh
baked cinnamon dusted, honey soaked goodness.

Serenbe Farm (Palmetto, Ga) has a great farmers'
market and local artist-in-residence that is worth
the drive down to see. They open up at 8am, and go
through the early afternoon (3 or 4pm), May - October.
They have lots of organic produce that is grown right
there on the big farm, as well as music and crafts.

While you are down in Palmetto, you may as well hop
over to the breathtaking Dunaway Gardens. It will
be closed mid-July through August, so put it on your
calendar asap!

Back in Atlanta, the Piedmont Park Green Market is
the popular place to pick up artwork, handmade soaps,
fresh pasta and bread, locally grown produce, and more.
It's more of a morning-only thing, so try to go between
9am and noon, May through the end of the year.

If the weather is bad, or it's 8pm and you need good,
exotic food in bulk, head over to the huge and inspiring
Dekalb Farmer's Market. This is one of my favorite
places to go shopping or even just for lunch. It's a huge
warehouse of fresh stuff. Flowers, pastries, fruits, etc,
and they also have a large variety of hard-to-find dry
goods, wines, candies, cook books, and more. I love it!

Lastly, if you are up on the north side of Atlanta, head
over to Wills Park in Alpharetta, and there is a good,
although smaller in scale, local farmer's market that is
sponsored by the Extension Service. It starts at 7am,
and ends when the farmers are sold out. They are in
need of more vendors, so if you are interested in sharing
your tomato crop, or seedlings, or other garden bounty,
look them up and head on out!

Donald Deer

2008-05-26T16:10:00.004-04:00

This Memorial Day weekend, I got to meet a cutie pie named Donald. He has soft brown hair, big brown eyes, and very long legs. He is sweet and nice.

No he's not a hunk o' burnin' love... he's a tiny one-week old white tailed deer (compare his size to the baseball in front of him)!

He was delivered to a rescue center when his mother was hit by a car, and now Donald is doing very well. When he first arrived, he was so small and frail that he couldn't walk! But now, he is alert, takes short walks, and sleeps under some tomato plants. Once he grows up, he'll be released back into the wild. Spending time with this small guy was the highlight of the weekend!

Modern Home in Classic Ansley

2008-05-26T15:56:00.002-04:00

In 10th grade, Mrs. Costello introduced my classto the word "juxtapostion," and ever since then, I've rejoiced in the opportunity to use it.

The builder juxtaposed unexpected modern architectural elements in a traditional neighborhood. (10 points for use of a big word!)

Streamlined, light and airy, with industrial materials that somehow seem to 'float'... it's an interesting house that stands out even more due to its very opposite surroundings.

Priced just over $2 million, it's a bold example of what vision, location, and good funding can do.

Gen X Home Buyers

2008-05-21T11:59:00.003-04:00

In an article recently published by "Realtor" Magazine,
Generation X buyers/sellers have different expectations
from agents. Here are a few of the traits listed:

1.) Prefer to have an outline of expectations/ agenda
prior to agreeing to list a house with any agent. Gen X
wants to know where the effort, time, money, and
resources are going before they commit to a broker.

2.) Gen X wants complete market data and privacy too;
they do not want to see agent websites that boast about
volume or production, but they do want to tap in to
resources without having to divulge personal information.
They do not like agents that withhold information, or
pretend to know answers when they really don't.

3.) Compassion and more privacy: Most Gen X'ers are
first or second-time home buyers right now, and they
are often over educated and cash-poor, and prefer to
speak with a lender about their financial burdens,
rather than a real estate agent. (I agree with this!
Lenders are the financial experts, not agents.)

4.) Surprises are not fun with this group of clients.
They want to know what fees to expect, and when.
Where is the commission money going (for sellers),
and what obligations do they have (for buyers)?
These are all valid concerns for everyone, but this
generation tends to read all the fine print, does
research online about trends, and has their questions
ready before they pick up the phone, or get in the car.

5.) I'm adding this one - Flexibility! Lots of the clients
that I work with the 30-35 age range have non-
traditional work places or hours. They may work from
home, or be self-employed, or work 8-5, then take
evening MBA classes... it's extremely hard to fit in to
their schedules. They expect concise answers within
a short time frame that they prefer to pre-arrange with
you. (Example: Call between 4:00 and 4:15pm only).

6.) I'm adding this one, too - Technology! Gen X is
smart and savvy. They are constantly emailing me with
new websites and sources of data that they come across
and want my opinion. They whip out calculators and
price things by square foot and lot size, rather than
just fall in love with the master bath tub. If you don't
have text messaging on your cell as an agent, you are
missing out on a primary communication medium.

Disc in a Box

2008-05-20T14:25:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to my sister, Hilary Lewis, and her coed team "Disc in a Box" for winning the league tourney last weekend in Denver, CO.

She is on the back row, in a blue hat.

Ultimate Frisbee is a good sport for people thatlike to run and jump as hard and fast as they can, and then be extremely relaxed and social on the sidelines and after games.

Atlanta has one of the best Ultimate Frisbee communities in the nation (if not the world), and I highly suggest checking it out for a good networking and friend-making opportunity. It also keeps you fit and out in the fresh air.

The Atlanta Flying Disc Club is primarily built around Ultimate, but also promotes Disc Golf.

All players are welcome, especially beginners!

Greyfields vs Greenfields vs Wheat fields

2008-05-17T16:26:00.007-04:00

I-20 East, Exit 154, turn right, and drive towards
Warrenton, GA. Within 2 miles, you will pass
a wheat field, a corn field, a soybean field, two
or three hay fields, and a cotton field. Welcome
to rural Georgia, where agriculture is the primary
industry, and teenagers still learn to drive a
tractor before the age of 15. Keep on going,
take three more right turns, and you'll end up
in the best little town in the world: Louisville.
(Say hi to my parents, if you see them!)

I-20 West towards Atlanta, exit 55A/B, turn left,
and you'll be at West End Mall, which is a very
different type of field: it is a greyfield, or retail/
shopping mall with a high vacancy rate and no
major department store to serve as an anchor.
Unless you count the Save-A-Lot shop, there
isn't much happening over there.

Continue along I-20 West, Exit 44, turn right,
and you're in a greenfield area where lots of
previously undeveloped farm land has been
rezoned and designated for future big box
commercial (Target, Walmart, etc) to be
built: Viola, greenfield sites!

What does all this mean to you? As a buyer,
it directly impacts your potential appreciation
in your new home. If you are buying property
beside a cow pasture, it may be a while before
you see a large push from developers to build
a Super Walmart or a Home Depot mega chain.

If your new house is 1/2 a mile from a healthy,
existing 4 lane highway, lined with big national
restaurants, you can anticipate a likely return
of 4% annual appreciation in a normal market.

Let's say your swank great-value 1950's ranch
home is behind a 'dead mall' that the City has
condemned, and there are knee-high weeds
growing in the cracked-pavement of the parking
lot, well, let's hope that you got a great deal on
the house since it may be a while before that
eyesore is demolished or re-themed. When it
is, get ready for lots of noise and debris, and
hopefully a new strip mall is built on the greyfield.

Greenfields can mean higher-than-expected
appreciation for nearby residences, so keep
an eye out for grading and flagging in your area!

The next road trip you take, I propose a new
game to play in the car: for every greenfield
site you pass, you get 5 points; name-that-
crop-in-the-farmer's-field and get a bonus of
10 points. Greyfields are minus 20 points,
and if you stop at Mrs. Fields (cookies) and
have a White Chocolate Macadamia Nut
cookie without buying one for me, half of
your points go to the other player. :)

Doraville Garage Party

2008-05-16T22:49:00.003-04:00

"I like that one in the corner," the blonde girl says
to the guy holding a mixed drink. The guy walks
over to the 1971 Honda kids' sized dirt bike and
spends the next five minutes trying to get it to
crank, so he can pop a wheelie and show off.

Have you ever been to a garage party?
My very first one was tonight! Lots of fun!
Well educated menfolk and their hot rod or
collectible or restored or in-the-works cars
are open for inspection. Have a question about
a cam shaft? Ask Jim. Why did he remove the
plug wire? Ask Bob. What year was the C2 in
top form off the line? Paul says 1991. This
party was wonderful, and apparently the true
car lovers open their garages on the third
Friday of each month, and rotate hosting.

It's a mini-rally, without all the chrome and
Tire-Shine products. I learned a few things,
and I bet most of you could too. :)

Peachtree Street in 3rd!

2008-05-14T19:09:00.003-04:00

Peachtree Street, my little chestnut filly, ran

in her last race today. Her short career was

fun for all of us to champion, and she did win

one race at Laurel Park earlier this year.

Today's race was at Penn National, and she

came in 3rd, after leading most of the race.

We can't wait to welcome her home with

peppermints and fly spray, and to see what

her new adventure will include.

Hooray for Peachtree Street! Good girl!

Nature Conservancy in Georgia: Gen C

2008-05-14T18:25:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, Andrea and I attended the
Nature Conservancy's Gen C networking event.
Held at Sweetwater Brewery in Buckhead, we
all enjoyed Whole Foods catering, and then
listened to an entertaining address made by
Dr. Sanjayan on the topic of conservation.

He spoke about the differences in cultures and
their personal consumption rates of water.
Apparently, Americans tend to use 500 liters
a day, while Europeans use less than half that,
and some truly remote dwellers use less than 100
liters per day. Dr. Sanjayan drew parallels between
the amount of water consumed, and the distance
required to carry the water to the home.

For those of us with public water and indoor
plumbing, we use much more than those that
must carry the water from a distance. I can
honestly say that if I had to carry water from
the Chattahoochee River into my bathroom,
I'd learn to shave my legs a lot faster. :)

There is another function coming up, for any
other young'uns like myself that are passionate
about nature and conservation. And Imax. :)

Papa's Poppies!

2008-05-14T17:17:00.003-04:00

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With itchy bumps, and lady humps,

and pretty POPPIES forming clumps.

I know, I'm not a poet. BUT - I did take

a nice photo of my poppies in the front yard.

Papa Leroy gave me a packet of homegrown

seeds from his garden last year, and somehow

they managed to survive my lack of watering.

(What you don't see is the poison ivy in the center of the bed, that I keep running my wrists across.)

Buckhead Turtle Crossing

2008-05-14T17:09:00.004-04:00

While previewing condos in Buckhead, I came across a turtle. Four cars had to wait for this guy (I'm guessing it's a guy turtle, how do you really know?)- so I hopped out and took photos like a good tourist.

In the city of trees, wildlife is abundant, if only we would pause for a moment and notice. :)

By the way - "Geoff" the Turtle lives at Plantation at Lenox, where 'he' has a selection of small ponds to visit, and hang out with his duck and geese pals. There some fantastic deals in there right now, as well as a few short sales and preforeclosures. A 2 bedroom, 2 bath roommate style floor plan (top floor, even!) is currently on the market for $154,900. Buy Buy buy!! :)

Modern Architecture - Happy MA's Day!

2008-05-11T15:34:00.004-04:00

This weekend (May 10&11) is the Atlanta
Modern Home Tour.
For a $30 ticket (one day, or $50 for two),
you can tour some amazing modern homes
across the city of Atlanta. Designers, Architects,
and home owners will be available to share their
vision and experiences with the general public.

This year many of the homes are open in
the esteemed Serenbe development, in
South Fulton County (locally referred to
as the Chattahoochee Hill Country).

Earth University

2008-05-11T15:18:00.002-04:00

How do you like your banana paper?

In Costa Rica, there is an environmentally
friendly, educational school called "Earth
University" that focuses on agriculture,
commerce, and business modeling -
all with sustainability in mind.

When you shop at Whole Foods markets,
the bananas you buy come directly from
Earth University's program. When you
buy banana paper products, it's the result
of recycled 8.5" x 11" white office paper,
with banana plant fibers. Very cool, huh?

The program encourages discussion of
biodiversity, social consciousness, and
balanced relationships between the
commercial world, and the rural populations
that care for, and provide, our resources.

Lessons Learned in Real Estate

2008-04-30T10:27:00.005-04:00

My first year as a licensed real estate agent was
full of unexpected adventures: a homeless person
living in a vacant half-million dollar home; a house
with 30+ small dogs running free and barking;
a house with pink walls and leopard print carpet;
the list goes on. A few of the quirkier episodes
are outlined below, along with lessons learned.
Not of all these are mine; some are reprinted by
permission of other agents I have known. :)

Clients rely on agents for knowledge of neighborhoods,
mastery of sales statistics, negotiation prowess, good
help and great service, and general safety in both
contracts and environments. It's important for us
to be all things to all people, or at least that's what
the brand-new agent wants to be. Often the real
estate agent is so worried about having the right
answer at the right time, that they forget about
parking on a hill and setting the parking brake.
Lesson number 1: Clients don't want to walk home.

Sometimes we forget about the mailbox/trashcan/
recycle bin/landscaping, and back our cars right over it.
Lesson number 2: Clients like good drivers.

Once in a while, when walking property lines, an
occasional creek must be hopped over. Make sure
that your shoes are tied on tightly otherwise you
may lose one (or both) in the stream, and have to
continue walking through a thicket of briers with
one shoe on, and one shoe missing.
Lesson number 3: Clients don't want to see ugly
feet or toes while shopping for land or property.

If an agent has back-to-back appointments with
several clients, it's important to check appearance
between meetings, and not show up with spinach
between teeth, or sticks in their hair (after walking
through a forest of brambles with only one shoe),
or clumps of pet hair clinging to wool slacks.
Lesson number 4: Clients appreciate cleanliness.

Some agents are so overworked that they forget
to reset alarm clocks with the Day Light Savings
Time adjustment... and will leave a client stranded
for an extra hour.
Lesson number 5: Clients like punctuality.

Neighborhood specific agents will occasionally
be car-free, and will neglect to tell clients that
they need to bring their own bicycle/vespa to
ride to view the homes for sale.
Lesson number 6: Clients need advance warning
if they will not be riding/driving in a car.

Eating while showing property can be tricky.
It's ok if you bring snacks for the clients on long
road-trip days, but make sure the clients aren't
allergic to the food provided. If you want to be a
really awesome agent, and anticipate every need,
carry an epi-pen with you at all times.
Lesson number 7: Clients prefer to focus on real
estate, not have side-trips to the Emergency Room.

When showing investment-grade properties, the
prepared agent will bring a flashlight. Cell phone
screens are not bright enough to light up an
entire basement, and therefore the homeless
person sleeping in the roll of abandoned carpet may
come as a surprise to you when stepping on the roll.
Lesson number 8: Clients love flashlights, compasses,
maps, tax records, and safety. Lots of safety.

If the client is short on time (a weekend buyer due to
a relocation, for example), preview all the homes
before taking them out to see what's for sale.
Lesson number 9: Pictures can be deceiving, and
clients only want to see what they expect to see.

Potential: all homes have potential. The basic
equation is: Potential = time+money+more money.
Lesson number 10: Clients love a good bargain, so
have a handyman on speed dial for estimates!

Lion King at the Atlanta Civic Center

2008-04-19T01:05:00.002-04:00

For Christmas last year, Ricky gave me tickets to the
Lion King musical at the Atlanta Civic Center, and
tonight was the night! 4th row, 'VIP' seats (it was like
sitting with Simba on Pride Rock in person!) with all
the freebies (complimentary baseball caps, fancy
programs, souvenirs, etc). I felt like a local hot shot.

The best part was driving to the Civic Center in my
pollen-covered VW, with one headlight burned out.
Hello, the Beverly Hill Billy has come to town! :)

Seriously though, the musical was fantastic! Great
costuming and choreography, good music, funny
one-liners that were different from the Broadway
version... it was wonderful! I suggest seeing it.

Gladys Knight will be there in concert in June.
Anyone?

Chateau Elan homes for sale

2008-04-15T19:01:00.002-04:00

Today I met with a premier builder of Chateau Elan's
high-dollar homes and had a tour of one of his new
floorplans: a ranch home with bonus rooms upstairs,
and a full basement downstairs. It's fabulous!

The builders there are still breaking ground and are
building speculative homes (aka spec houses) for
future demand. Right now their inventory is fairly
large with both new and resale homes. What I really
like about Chateau Elan's development model is
that there is something for everyone. Most homes
are in the $700k- $800k range, but there are many
above and below that mark.

Built with structural integrity and very long term
enjoyability in mind, the homes range in size (11,000
sq ft is not uncommon), location (to entrance, golf
course, or sports complexes), lot shape and purpose
(views, privacy, or neighborhood), and type of buyer
(caregiver detached suites, bachelor style basements,
and executive offices). The variety and quality of
construction and level of detail gives me great
confidence in the stability of the development.

More Photos from England

2008-04-13T18:42:00.006-04:00

Here's a few more photos for you to enjoy from

my happy trip to England.

How to Negotiate for a House

2008-04-09T08:49:00.003-04:00

This morning I had a conversation with another agent
that was worrying about a floundering round of
negotiations. My suggestion was to simplify the volleying
by asking a few questions.
1.) Are the buyers/sellers legitimately motivated?
2.) What specifically is their motivation?
3.) What are their priorities? (It's not always price -
some people are worried about the closing date, others
are concerned about fraud and liability)

After determining the big 'WHY,' whittle it down to
the current snag, and disregard all other concerns and
comments that are not a part of the written offer.
4.) Why is this item so important, when we've already
conceded on your biggest priority?
5.) Is the item significant enough to risk losing the sale
of entire house, yard, garage, and media center?

NOW you may start negotiation!
6.) Ok, if this is so important, we can all agree that you
may have the abc, if we can retain xyz.

What happens if that doesn't work? Go back to #1.

Turner Field area townhomes

2008-04-07T12:22:00.003-04:00

Go Braves!
Yesterday I went to the Braves game with Dawn, Ryan, and Shannon.
It was a fantastic, beautiful, sunny day, the Braves won, and a cute
couple across the aisle from us got engaged in between the 2nd and
3rd innings. It was so much fun to watch the boyfriend get down on
a bended knee, and pull out a huge diamond in front of the 3rd baseline.
Shannon later gave them her number and offered to do a free
engagement photo shoot for them! How nice!

So, it got me to thinking... what if they wanted to buy a house very
close to Turner Field? Well - Ware Estates is directly across from
the stadium and 2 bedroom townhomes go for about $115k. Or,
there is new construction called "The Eugenia," 3 bed, 3 1/2 bath
townhomes with brick fronts, 2 car garages, and wired for MP3
players, with starting prices of around $285k.

Not bad for walking distance to their own person Field of Dreams!

Back from Jolly Old England

2008-03-30T12:11:00.006-04:00

After a good long stay in England, I'm back!

Shannon Belletti and I had a 'girls' trip to the countryside and came back with scads of information about botany, conservation, and real estate trends. (Of course I had to stop in and visit with some Estate Agents while I was there)

...Apparently their residential market is feeling a similar strain to our own. First Time Buyers now are expected

to put down a minimum of 25% in a down payment, and

other properties are overpriced and slow to sell.

Shannon and I travelled into London for one day, but spent

the majority of our time in the countryside: Ascot, Isle of Wight,

the Cotswolds, etc. It was brilliant! The people there were so

nice and generous - I could easily live in the town of Broadway!

Most homes there were 400 - 500 years old, and still functional,

solid, and charming. Consider a trip outside of London next time

you venture across the Pond. :)

Water Rights in North Georgia?

2008-03-13T09:15:00.002-04:00

Thanks, Amber, for sending this link - it's interesting,
to say the least. Apparently there has been some
discussion about resurveying a section of Northwest
Georgia in order to attempt to extend the state line
towards the Tennessee River.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23076509/

Apartment-in-a-box

2008-02-18T14:19:00.003-05:00

For the urban loft owner with no time to shop
for basic furnishings, your problem is solved!
TreeHugger.com has an environmentally friendly
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WINNER BY A NOSE!

2008-02-16T23:42:00.002-05:00

My filly, Peachtree Street, won her race today!

It was a dream come true for me, since she's

the first horse I ever bred! For her to come

from a rural town in Georgia and then win

a race in Maryland... wow. And she did it with

class and style, and all thanks to her 'staff' and

educators that never gave up on her.

Happy Van-Halentine's Day!

2008-02-13T19:54:00.001-05:00

Nuttin' says lovin' like Van Halen, right?

Ricky and I are giving each other tickets to go see
David Lee Roth on 2/25/08. Should I wear all
black, or snake skin?

For information on other concerts and events
just north of Atlanta, check out the Arena at
the Gwinnett Center.

Landmark Buckhead Library to be razed?

2008-02-12T21:27:00.000-05:00

Scogin and Elam (architects) designed a very bold
and unusual library in Buckhead, which is currently
being bid on by a mixed-use developer. Any opinions?
It's the age-old question of "Do we save the art, or
sell to the highest dollar?" Thank you, Amber, for
championing this cause and spreading the
awareness!!

http://www.ajc.com/search/content/metro/stories/2008/02/10/library_0211.html

Majestic Southern 'Lady' For Sale

2008-02-08T12:05:00.000-05:00

Oh my beloved,

For naught stand I In this reverie;

But that for a moment Wouldst thou see in me

The miracle I see in you.

For as the glorious sunrise-

In lengthening fingers-

Embraces the dew sodden earth,

So shall my heart,

Moistened with the tears

Of heartache and hope,

Embrace this vision of one

So lovely as you.

-poem by Richard L Cederberg

I love this poem, and it very nicely describes

how I feel when I see fantastic 100+ year

old homes that are in disrepair. In this age

of subdivisions, laminate flooring, and vinyl

siding, so few people pause and embrace

the grand old ladies of generations past.

Here are few in my hometown of Louisville, GA

(30434) that I think have amazing potential,

given mega restoration. Both have huge lots,

big old trees, and are a block from the historic

courthouse, post office, hardware store, etc.

When I win the lottery, I'll start a historic

preservation company for projects like these.

Warrenton, Georgia

2008-02-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

From Atlanta, take I-20 East towards Augusta.

Bear Right off Exit 154, and follow the signs to

Warrenton. Yesterday I was there for a brief

visit and took a few photos for you. There is

a special place in my heart for this town since

I have driven through it several times each year,

driving from Louisville to Atlanta and back -

often with a horse trailer on my bumper! My

mom got ticket there late one night when she

didn't make a complete stop at "THE" intersection,

so I would caution you to keep that in mind.

Here's what I really like about Warrenton:

1.) Small, quiet southern town with great 'bones'

2.) Close to the interstate and commerce

3.) Forward thinking: A biodiesel company

is opening a new facility in 2008 (American

Green Holdings, based in Missouri)

4.) Mayor Tony D. Mimbs reminds citizens to

support the Central Savannah River Regional

Development Center as it makes efforts to

promote Historic Preservation

5.) Lovely downtown area with mom-n-pop

restaurants (no fastfood chains in Warrenton!)

If you are ever behind the wheel and just want

to 'go somewhere,' drive to Warrenton on your

way to Louisville. It's a wonderful cultural stop!

If you're an investor, I would suggest thinking

about buying land near the I-20 exit since there

isn't much along the interstate between Lake

Oconee and Thompson. (hint hint)

Alon's Bakery has best food - and best service!

2008-02-01T16:04:00.000-05:00

Alon's on North Highland is my absolutely most favorite place in the world to go for friendly service (Hi, Troy!!) and fantastic food. It's friday, so I went for a non-meat (crab cakes!). YUM.

The great thing about Alon's is that it has a fantastic variety, everything is decently affordable, and you can usually make a friend or two by discussing the merits of the fruit tart and the eclairs. YUM.

Troy is the nicest helper there - he recommended the brisket. Alon's is having a Valentine's Day dinner... roses, champagne, a delicious meal, dessert, and handmade chocolates... hint. hint. ;)

What will $1mill buy in Morningside?

2008-02-01T14:55:00.000-05:00

At lunch today, I visited some homes in and around Morningside, and found 3 decent ones out of 14.

Here are my criteria for $1 mill must-haves:

1.) Logical Floorplan with good flow, natural light

2.) A Spoil - you - rotten kitchen with a

big pantry and great ventilation system

3.) More than one sink in the kitchen (or one in

the mandatory Butler's Pantry)

4.) No laminate countertops - anywhere

5.) A mud room with tile floors (actually,

the new trend is to have a dog grooming

room with a tiled floor than also drains)

6.) Coffee Bar and mini fridge in the sitting area

7.) Coffee Bar and mini fridge by master suite,

and/or wine cellar, and/or theatre room

8.) Easy parking with an extra wide garage

9.) Decent cabinets and fixtures - no plastic ceiling fans,

and real wood cabinets with high quality hinges

10.) Doors must not be hollow, and not bump into

other doors, windows, walls, etc. I'm a fan of the

under-used pocket doors in that situation.

11.) Smart technology (tankless water heaters,

wiring for whole-house speakers, good appliances.

12.) Lavish 'Never Wanna Leave' Master Suite

with ridiculously huge closets and a porch/balcony

I attached photos of today's cream of the crop.

These are the top three houses that 'make sense.'

In the Snow

2008-01-31T17:38:00.000-05:00

My dog, Calahan, learned to make snow angels
when it snowed a few weeks ago!

If you are looking for a great companion like
this sneezy fluffy pork-chop luvin' dog, go
to the Atlanta Humane Society.

Best Bingo in town!

2008-01-17T17:56:00.000-05:00

Let's be real - where can you go for good fun,
help a great cause, not go broke, and feel
great the next day? How about BINGO?
Benefitting pets? With a drag queen?
http://www.palsatlanta.org/bingo.htm
This is a blast - I've been several times,
and Bubba D. Liscious is the hilarious host.
On the second Wednesday of every month,
a fun and aggressive game of non-stop
BINGO unfolds. There are pro-style players
with neon ink 'masher' pens for the cards,
the live entertainment (usually involving
off-beat humor and a few drag queens) is
non-stop commentary, and the bar keeps
the spirits flowing. It's GREAT fun!
And what a memorable first date, hmmm?

Sweet Auburn - downtown Atlanta

2008-01-17T16:32:00.000-05:00

Today I revisited Renaissance Walk, a new

construction loft/condo building near Georgia

State University. About 50% sold out with

nearly complete amenities, the homeowners

are beginning to show some comfort in

displaying their personality. The lobby is

trendy, and the location is fantastic for

appreciating the flavors of the nearby market

area of Sweet Auburn. If you are considering

living in the downtown area, and would prefer

to be near the history and liveliness of the

historic market area, put this development on

the list! A few of the commercial tenants will be:

Smoothie King, Dunkin Donuts, and Cresent Moon.

Toxic Black Mold is never a good thing

2008-01-10T13:45:00.000-05:00

My friend Joellen sent this article to me - very
interesting and certainly unnerving. WOW.
A couple buys a house in foreclosure, then discovers
it has a serious mold problem. It's a crazy, tragic story.
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Story?id=4102907&page=1

Luckily, I have a list of fantastic inspectors, and if they
do find a problem there' s another list of really great
problem solvers. Mold remediation/ abatement is a
growing industry, and usually involves working
closely with many other contractors at the same time.
For a variety of information and a few service providers,
go to http://www.mymold.net/.

AquaGuard is listed as a vender - they are one of my
favorites for basement repairs as well.

Kim's Special Tonic at Shipfeifers!

2008-01-09T15:55:00.000-05:00

The next time you have a craving for a great
savory snack, consider Shipfeifers Restaurant
on Peachtree St. Order the Cottage Fries with
Feta Dip (very tasty!), and ask Kim to make
you her special drink. It's fantastic! I had a
bit of a headache and asked her for gingerale,
but it wasn't on the menu. Kim said she'd
use a 'bartender's trick' and make a pseudo
GingerAle - and it was GREAT! I think she
mixed a lemony soda and some magic...
it did the trick. :) Congrats to Kim - tell her
I sent you, the next time you're there.

New Year's Resolutions

2008-01-05T11:12:00.000-05:00

First, let's revisit my resolutions from last year...
1.) In an elevator, do not push the "door closed"
button when I see someone approaching the elevator
2.) Discover new restaurants in Atlanta
3.) Use less swear words
In review, I think I did a good job, however in the
past few months, I have had a relapse on the D word.

Now, for 2008:
1.) For dinner, I will use napkins instead of a roll of
paper towels.
2.) I will get LEED certified (ask me about that!)
3.) I will go to kick-boxing atleast 10 times a month.
Personally, I think I raised the bar for 2008!

Horses do get the blues

2008-01-04T13:21:00.000-05:00

Hello, Apple Peelers!
For those of you following the career of
"Peaches the Racehorse," she's had yet
another set-back to her racing debut.
The trainer called me today and said that
a virus had gone through the barn, and she
had an elevated temperature and a cough.
Her first race was scheduled for Jan 10,
however I think it will be delayed, while
I keep on paying for her 'boarding school.'
More updates will follow.

In a slightly tangential topic, a new horse
racing track is slated to be built near the
Ga/Fla border along I-75 (near Jacksonville).
In the market analysis, the owners speculate a
large amount of bettors to come from Georgia,
including a decent amount of support from the
metro Atlanta area. I ask you, WHY doesn't
Georgia have a racetrack? We've got the land.
We've got the climate. A portion of the funds
could go to public works, then everyone wins!

New Year, New Specials!

2008-01-03T11:21:00.000-05:00

There are great specials for intown dining...

SHOUT - Monday through Friday, $10.
All you can eat sushi and Salad -
request lunch in the bamboo room.

BARAONDA - Pick a bottle of wine from
their select list, and it's only $15 on Mondays.
While there, try their pizza.

FUEGO Spanish Grill - $2 tacos, and $15
bottom-less margaritas every SUNDAY
from noon to 9pm. Yummy tapas, too.

Top Hot Dogs, ITP

2007-12-30T18:24:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, deep down in our very secretive selves, the
inner child will scream out for a hot dog. In our lovely
culinary city of power-house cuisine (Bacchanalia, The
Dining Room at the Ritz, Kevin Rathbun's line up along
Krog Street, Joel, Posh, the Concentric Restaurants, the
Buckhead Dining Group classics, etc...) sometimes you
just want to skip the white linen, and go for a dog.

Da Chicago Dog is a cute and tasty place for a fast dog
on a steamed poppy seed bun... YUM ... love it! :)
1877 Piedmont Ave, (404) 815 - 8135

Goldberg's Bagel Company and Deli - a few locations
around Atlanta - get the all-beef dog with Sauerkraut
and onions - mmmm (I had one today, in fact)!
4373 Roswell Road, (404) 252-1114
4383 Roswell Road (404) 256 -3751
1272 W Paces Ferry Rd (404) 266-0123

The Varsity! (What'll Ya Have?) - always go to the
original location on North Ave for maximum effect of
having stepped back in time. I like my dogs with chili,
rings, an FO, and a fried peach. Don't tell my mother!
My husband's biggest complaint is that they automatically
put mustard on all their chili dogs (fine by me, but he's a
mustard-hater), so be forewarned when you order.
61 North Ave NW, Atlanta - (404) 881-1706
1085 Lindbergh Dr NE, Atlanta - (404) 261-5200

Going to the Track!

2007-12-28T17:41:00.000-05:00

Peachtree Street, my young race horse, will be
running in her very first race on January 09, 2008.
I realized that her jockey will need to wear some
silks (I don't own any!) so I found this fun website
that allows you to design your own. Very fun!
http://www.horsehats.com/jockey-silks.html

Holiday Elves

2007-12-28T17:09:00.000-05:00

Remember the dreaded photos when the whole family has to get together after a big meal and take photos?

Well - we finally got smart this year, and took the family photos BEFORE we ate dinner. (Notice our eyes are still focusing!)

These are my two sisters and I, at our parents' house.

It's an early 1800's farm house with tons of the original character, including the hand-blown glass windows, original fireplace mantles, and of course - no modern insulation. We have atleast 3 fireplaces banked and glowing at any given time in the winter. :)

2008 New Year's Places to Be

2007-12-21T13:12:00.000-05:00

Here are a few great ideas to bring in the New Year...
1.) Church! We're in the Bible belt, remember!?
2.) Strike up some fun at Ten Pin Alley at Atlantic Station
3.) Dinner out with friends (Try Blackstone's on Atlanta Rd)
4.) Caffinate your year? Trendy coffee and boardgames
5.) Find love on tap at the local bar (drive responsibly!)
6.) Reserve a rooftop and have a romantic meal
7.) House party! Invite everyone you know and get a keg
8.) Party at the Fox on Peachtree -tix are about $50 ea
9.) Big Peach! Go to Underground Atlanta, listen to live
music, do some dancing, and watch the peach drop.
10.) Stay home and avoid traffic, reading my blog. :)

Kickboxing in the new year!

2007-12-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

KnuckleUp Fitness on 14th Street is my new gym!
They are offering a New Year special on memberships,
and after going to a few free workouts to try it out,
I decided to join. Why kickboxing? For me, it's more
about the total workout: friendly instructors, small
classes, go-at-your-own-pace sessions, and very
fast in-and-out access... it's fantastic. I like the 4:30pm
workout sessions, but depending on client schedules,
I'll sometimes go to the 3:00pm or even the 6:30am.
The other KnuckleUp facilities are larger and offer
martial arts, spin classes, and more choices of equip-
ment for individual workouts. It's great!
And what better way to get rid of stress, or work up
some energy, than by kicking and punching!? :)
Call me if you want to try it sometime. It's fast and fun.

Top Four Collectibles - random observations

2007-12-04T13:07:00.002-05:00

Most people seem to collect things that require oil or dusting.
Most ladies like to collect handbags or slacks that don't fit any more.
Guys typically like to collect gadgets and mountains of paper and receipts.

Would you like to know what I collect? :)

1.) UHaul truck images. Every single time I see a UHaul trailer,
I have to turn around and look at the picture on the side, and see
if I've noticed it before. I love finding new ones almost as much as
seeing my favorite two UHauls being rented and used. When I
pass by the one with the racehorses (or steeplechasers, or dinosaur)
out on the interstates, I wave to the people driving them.
They think I'm nuts, or perhaps they think I'm trying to signal to
them that a hubcap or a dresser has fallen off the back, and they
need to pull over immediately. Whatever their thoughts, they rarely
wave back. Maybe it's because those are some of the older trucks,
and the drivers are using Jedi mind power to keep the wheels on.

2.) Dogs in vehicles. I love to observe dogs and owners, especially
when they are doing very normal things. For example, this summer,
I saw a bald guy with a big bushy black goatee driving a Jeep. Beside
him in the passenger seat was a black Giant Schauzer, and they
were both buckled in, leaning their heads out of the door flaps, and
letting the wind blow through their pork chop beards. It was great!
I saw a tall man driving a cadillac, with a Great Dane in the backseat,
staring at the lawn mower that was hanging out of the trunk. This week,
there was a woman at the park with a big Cool Whip hair doo,
and her little Bichon Frisse (sp?) was equally puffed. They both
sipped politely out of matching cups, in the assumabley heated BMW.
Why go to the dog park if you aren't going to get out of the car?
I guess it's just the place to be seen. I'm still laughing at that lady. lol

3.) Horse names. As long as I can remember, I've had a list of
witty or memorable horse names. Instead of writing initials in a
notebook (like all my high school peers did), I drew big hearts
around "KB's Royal Raja," and other ones like "Big Bank Theory,"
"Times Two," "Carat Patch," "Helena Bottle," and "Sparkle Muffin."
Of course, the irony would be that "Sparkle Muffin" would be the
most evil and nasty horse ever. In my dream world. I would only
put my algebra teacher on that horse, and then have fun as they
battled each other in the quest for dominance.

4.) Toothbrushes. I like the fancy curvey bright colors in the newest
models of $6.00 toothbrushes. Call me a sucker for marketing. This
also works on shiney new chewing gum wrappers. If it has sparkles
and says "Better, Newer, Longer Lasting," then OF COURSE I have
to give it a try. This gets justified by telling myself that it's not just an
impulse buy... it's market research. :) I can't wait until they start
selling the toothbrushes WITH the chewing gum. That will be great.

Party time!

2007-12-01T22:42:00.000-05:00

Today was the day of parties. Four holiday parties, all occurring between 5 and 11pm... this meant that I needed a new outfit to wear, of course! :) Hello Lenox Mall and personal shopper Susanna! I even brushed my hair, so how's that for a big event? The Keller Williams office party was held at Spire, the condo building on Peachtree with two stories of stacked-stone amenities. Fabulous, I tell you. Sadly though, I did not stay long enough for the white-elephant game at the end, although I'm sure I would have won the bag of office supplies or the fuzzy slippers.

Mableton, GA

2007-11-30T10:27:00.000-05:00

Just outside of I-285, on the rapidly growing west side
of Atlanta, there is a wonderful area called Mableton.
An unincorporated town in popular Cobb County,
Mableton has seen new construction and an enviable
amount of appreciation in the last 2-5 years. Why is
it so popular? Easy access to interstates, affordable
higher quality homes, and lovely rolling land.
For 3Q 2007, the average 3 bedroom, 2 bath home
sold for $164,972 at an average of 74 days on the market.
Compared to the 30318 zip code (where I live, inside
the perimeter but still west side of Atlanta, and only
5 miles from Mableton), the same search criteria show
a $265,714 average sold price, with 117 days on the
market. Thinking about Mableton? Good idea. Me too.

Atlanta Real Estate Short Sales

2007-11-12T11:13:00.000-05:00

Ever wanted definitions (and context) about all
the bank-owned properties that pop up for sale?
Here's a little primer that should help.

Short Sale- occurs when the value of the property
being sold is less than the total of all the outstanding
liens against the property. The lender has to agree
to accept less than the full amount owed (a "short"
payoff). The downside to the lender is that they
will not collect the full amount owed; the upside is
that the lender will not have to deal with the
eventual foreclosure of the property. The seller
has to prove their "hardship" to the lender, and
the lender has the final say in all offers. Buyers
must be VERY patient and persisent in this case!

Bankruptcy of the Seller- Trustee of the estate
will obtain an order that the sale of the property
will proceed, identify the professionals involved,
and the title will be conveyed 'free and clear' of
all liens and encumberances. Often times the
sales proceeds will be used to pay off the liens.

Foreclosure - The property has already been
'taken by the bank,' and will be advertised and sold
by a representative (ie Realtor). The bank will
recieve offers over a period of time and either
negotiate directly with the buyers, or will simply
accept the best offer and move forward.

Auction - An attorney will literally stand on the
front steps of the county courthouse, and accept
offers on properties for sale. These properties
often have financial and/or legal issues that are
best clarified by transferring ownership. Prior
to being sold at auction, the property must have
been advertised in a local publication/newspaper
for a minimum of four consecutive weeks.

GreenBuild Expo 2007

2007-11-10T17:06:00.000-05:00

Chicago was COLD, but the Expo was HOT!
Bill Clinton gave the Keynote Address on Tuesday to
a record number of attendees. The exhibition hall was
packed with over 800 vendors offering services, products,
and information about how to make living and working
environments more 'green.' Here's 3 interesting concepts
that stuck out: 1.) using greenery as a facade (instead of a
vinyl or metal siding, why not a certain type of trellis/vine
cover?), and 2.) using a new type of concrete that is stain-
resistant to soot/tar/vehicle emmissions (no more 'washing'
the walls of tall buildings!), and 3.) a low/no VOC paint that
is water-based and has fewer smelly/irritating chemicals.

Next year the conference is in Boston, and I can't wait to go!
http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/

Why fold clothes, when all you own is Nylon?

2007-11-03T18:54:00.001-04:00

This is a shout-out to all those that live with athletes.
My husband has about 30 jerseys from soccer and
Ultimate Frisbee, and as much as we spend on the
beloved brand of Patagonia (PataGucci, to some), it
is truly a pain in the neck to store all those extra shirts
and shorts. They are slippery and they slide off the
shelves. They don't wrinkle, so why bother folding?
I suppose until we need to field a rainbow colored team
of Large and XL men, we'll continue to collect and horde
this mountain of Nylon.

Funny Bumpers

2007-10-23T19:18:00.000-04:00

Real Estate is an industry that is mostly driven,
as-in driving in the car...
Funny things I've seen today:

"Save the Ta-Ta's: donate for Breast Cancer research"
"Voters for Voldemort"
"ImaWoody" - license plate
"Paddle Faster, I hear banjo music"

Every day is an adventure!

4 Sides Brick + low price= No Brainer!

2007-10-23T19:12:00.000-04:00

Anyone want to buy a pre-forclosure lovely brick home?
I know of a great 4-side brick, newer home for sale
for about $280k that needs a new a/c system, paint,
appliances, and carpet, and should have no problem
reselling in the mid to upper $300k's with that TLC.
CALL ME - it's got about a week left.

There's also a steal of a property near downtown, all
brick, 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, needs work, near the
BeltLine project and new commercial areas - $95k.

A cute cute cute 3 bed, 2 bath brick in the HOT intown
neighborhood near the Edgewood Retail District, needs
minor work, under $145k. Cash-Flow that puppy! :)

AND THERE'S MORE! What a great time to buy!

Handyman is still a winner to me!

2007-10-21T16:42:00.000-04:00

Brian Bell - a very good friend of mine - is an awesome painter and
handyman. Brian has done tons of work to my own personal house,
as well as big and small projects for friends and clients of mine.

Recently he was scouted and interviewed by HGTV for an episode or
two; he did not make the final round of taped interviews (DARN!) but
that's good news for the rest of Atlanta! Brian would have been so
busy signing autographs that he would not have been available to
paint 25' tall walls, or hang garage shelving, or build and enclose
porches.

If you need someone's help or opinion on projects, give him a call,
and tell him that I sent you.

Brian Bell, TriStar Construction - 404.731.3155

Lily's Costume Ideas for Halloween

2007-10-20T12:37:00.000-04:00

Al Gore and the Nobel Prize: This can be a 2-person costume,
where one person wears a tie and a name tag (Hi, my name is
Al), and walks around saying "I invented that!," and the other
person wears a gold dress or sequins and follows Al around.

The Boobonic Plague: Wear extra large fake boobs under a
stretchy fabric, then carry a sickle or wear a long hood.

Caveman! - put on your 1980's attire, and get some of
that glue-on beard stuff, but make sure to make it patchy.
You might want to get some fake ugly teeth, too. Don't forget
to hand out brochures for things that a caveman can do.

Good Eats by Piedmont Park

2007-10-19T13:29:00.000-04:00

News Flash for intowners...

Gilbert's Cafe (at 10th and Piedmont - by Piedmont Park)
is offering 1/2 off entrees on Mondays in October through
November.

Zocalo (also near 10th and Piedmont) won the Best of
CitySearch's Margaritas in 2006 and 2007. They
also have WONDERFUL table-side guacamole. Mmm!

The Flying Biscuit is always a winner, especially if you
don't mind standing in line to wait for weekend brunch.

Las Palmeras is the cozy/quaint neighborhood Cuban
restaurant located near5th and Durant Streets.

Einstein's - no, not the bagel company - this is the
great restaurant known for its Bloody Marys, sweet
potato fries, and its own version of the Monte Carlo
Sandwich (ala Einstein Grille)... MMMM!
And - right now they have a special on Martinis.

Park Tavern is smack dab by the Park, but every
time I've been there, the service has been slooooow.
You can't beat the location, however!

And then, of course, there are many other spots to
eat: Willy's, Nickiemoto's, Jason's Deli, and the
myriad of options near Trader Joe's on Monroe.

Lily's got a brand new bag!

2007-10-19T13:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Shannon and I went to Nordie's

and found a lovely 'kate spade' RED bag.

(This photo is not exactly like my bag, but

it's close enough).

Many other purse lovers out there can look back and remember what it meant to get that very first bag (or any designer brand item)... this was my first forray into the world of designers. Honestly, I love the bag, but I completely chicken'ed out when it came to

buying the coordinating wallet.

Small steps, my friends... hopefully the next small steps will be in coordinating designer red shoes.

In honor of all things fashionable,

Henry sent this hilarious link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0eINGyJHz8

Some Investors are Liquidating!

2007-10-02T15:26:00.000-04:00

A few smaller builders, developers, investors, and
speculators have been in the process of liquidating
all their inventory lately. Yesterday I received an
email regarind one particular investor that is
offering most of his rental portfolio up for "all
offers." If you want to buy a rental unit or 10, it
might be a good time to consider.

As for newer construction, again, some of the small
or local builders are offering a ton of buyer bonuses,
special loan financing, etc in order to get people to
walk in the door. If I were those builders, I would
do the same thing. If you are a buyer without an
agent to represent you, and you're curious, there's
a ton of open houses that you can peek in, and just
get familiar with the neighborhoods and market.

If you are a buyer and ARE represented, make sure
that you write your agent's name down on the
sign-in sheets and disclosures... some of the sellers
are now getting crafty and have policies that if
the buyer views the property without their agent,
then the agent's commission is automatically dropped
from 3% down to 1%. This is a big deal to agents,
and some of them will be less likely to take on the
liability of helping you with a contract for such a
drastic reduction in compensation.

Just a word to the wise... Enjoy! Happy Tuesday!

Dawn and Ryan got Married!

2007-10-02T15:05:00.000-04:00

Dawn Waldrop and Ryan Hersey were married
at Callaway Gardens on September 29, 2007!

The wedding was BeeYouTeeFul and FUN.
Shannon Belletti-voted Best Photographer in
Atlanta-took some incredible

pictures - although these

3 attached photos were

not taken by her

(see http://www.bellettiphotography.com/), and

the band had everyone spinning and sliding and

dancing away. The cake was excellent, by

Metrotainment, and the flowers and centerpieces

were by Laurea Kilgore of Newnan. FABULOUS.

Dawn and Ryan are best friends, and have been
very special to me and my husband. We are so happy
for them, and were honored to be a part of their
dream wedding at the Sibley Center. CONGRATS!

14th Street schedule through 2010

2007-09-24T11:33:00.000-04:00

GDOT Announces New Construction Schedule:
14th Street Bridge Project

Current Schedule:
Starting next week (October 1)- Williams Street
between 10th Street and 16th Street will be reduced
to one lane until June 2009. Motorists will bypass
Williams Street at 10th Street by using West Peachtree
Street. Techwood Drive will be closed to traffic between
16th and 10th Streets. The roadway is expected to
reopen by September 2009.

In fall 2008, the 14th Street Bridge will be closed to
traffic and will not reopen until summer 2010.

Starting next week (October 1), Williams Street between
10th Street and 16th Street will be reduced to one lane
until June 2009. Motorists will be encouraged to bypass
Williams Street at 10th Street by using West Peachtree Street.

· In March 2008, Techwood Drive will be closed to
traffic between 16th and 10th Streets. The roadway is
expected to reopen by September 2009.
· In fall 2008, the 14th Street Bridge will be closed
to traffic and will not reopen until summer 2010.
Motorists will be detoured to the 17th Street Bridge
during this period.

Additionally, in March\n2008, DOT crews will begin
resurfacing the Downtown Connector between
University Avenue and 10th Street. During construction,
interstate lane closures will occur at night, (Mon- Thurs)
from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. - with continuous closures
on weekends starting Friday night and concluding
Monday morning.

Additionally, in March 2008, DOT crews will begin
resurfacing the Downtown Connector between University
Avenue and 10th Street. During construction, interstate
lane closures will occur at night - Monday through Thursday
from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. - with continuous closures
on weekends starting Friday night and concluding
Monday morning.

mts@midtownalliance.org.
On October 1st, MTS will launch a web site,
www.14thStreetBridge.com that will act as a
resource center for commuters and employers.
This site will provide information on lane closures,
detour routes, commute alternatives, and
solutions for employers.

In addition, the Midtown Alliance is planning its next
quarterly Let’s Talk Midtown for late October.
The topic for this program is transportation with a
specific focus on the 14th Street Bridge Improvement
Project. A detailed invitation is forthcoming.
This is a members-only meeting, so if you are not a
member but wish to join, please contact:
peggy@midtownalliance.org.

WHAT is 'complimentary valet parking' ?

2007-09-24T11:01:00.000-04:00

Every time I go to a non-fast food restaurant in Atlanta
during peak evening hours, there is a sign outside that
says "Complimentary Valet Parking." I automatically
know that this means that I will owe a few bucks when
I claim my car later, and I'm ok with that.

However, I have yet to recieve the touted compliment.
As I hand over my keys, the valet jumps in and drives
away. There is no compliment on my attire, my makeup,
the cleanliness of my car, my fabulous bag or shoes...
NOTHING. Why, then, do I have to tip the valets for
a job that is not satisfactory? I want that compliment.
That's the entire reason that I parked there to begin
with. We all know that the curbs and back streets are
not flattering, even if they are usually 'free' to use.

Atlanta Investment Properties under $40k

2007-09-20T12:54:00.000-04:00

There are many properties in Atlanta that can be purchased
for under $40k. Sometimes under $25k, and occassionally
under $10k. These can range from neglected condos that are
in foreclosure, or a fixer-upper house (aka a tear-down), or
even an overgrown lot in a less desirable neighborhood.
With prices that low, and the market being so great for
buyers, I wonder why more people aren't pursuing these
as cash deals with long-term holding in mind. It can be a
great way to diversify or build an alternative portfolio.

Visitor from the West

2007-09-19T21:54:00.000-04:00

Today my sister-in-law flew in from South Korea for
10 days. We met at a mexican restaurant (she wasn't
in the mood for Korean at our normal Buford Highway
restaurant - imagine that!) and it was great to see her.
Tomorrow we're going to Waffle House and Outback.
I'm hoping she'll have some time in her busy schedule
to make it over to Las Palmeras (great cuban food!)
near Piedmont Park, or Fat Matt's Rib Shack (omg
the best bbq in Atlanta), or perhaps Matty Cakes for
dessert (fabulous cupcakes and lunch-time sandwhiches).

Here's my official equation for a good dinner:
Visitors + Meals = Lily doesn't have to cook meatloaf

Top 10 Atlanta Intown Condo Buildings

2007-09-19T21:15:00.000-04:00

According to an article by the About Atlanta writer Joy Johnston,
the following buildings are her Top 10 picks for Atlanta living.

http://atlanta.about.com/od/bestofatlanta/tp/condoslofts.htm

1.) Spire
2.) Buckhead Grand
3.) TWELVE Atlantic Station
4.) Metropolis
5.) Centennial Park West
6.) Cosmopolitan at Lindbergh
7.) The Manhattan
8.) Sovereign
9.) Realm
10.) The Midtown Plaza

I'd have to say that my own top 10 list would look a bit different.

1.) Peachtree Lofts (location, location, location - and lots of floor
space, plus a pool, gym, and a private dog park) - and Location!

2.) 1010 Midtown -location! still under construction, but it will
be jam-packed with high-end amenities and quick interstate access
with easy surface street options, also wonderful city views.

3.) TWELVE Centennial Park (not to be confused with the Atlantic
Station location) - all the great concepts of the first building in
Midtown, but with a better location and fresh options for upgrades.

4.) The Plaza Midtown - great location, walls of glass, and what's
not to like about having a full-fledged Publix grocery store just an
elevator-ride away? (With that in mind, why did the units come
with refridgerators?)

5.) Realm - Great location combined with smart plans for future
residents! Buckhead is being revitalized, and this is a great spot
at the beginning of the luxury price range.

6.) Paramount - Another Buckhead address and premium location,
still under construction, but loaded with every service and amenity.

7.) Metropolis - Better rooftop deck and lower prices than Spire, but
the views are harder to find (unless you like the greenspace views
of Piedmont Park, or sometimes lively Peachtree Street) - also great
for the social scene and walking distance to quality bars/restaurants.

8.) Horizon - wonderful in-the-mountains feeling newly opened high
rise at 285 and Windy Hill (north side of town). It's got no competition
there! A neighborly social scene includes free muffins and coffee in the
common area every morning, and regular get-to-gethers for wine
tastings, etc. A heated pool and outdoor firepit really spark things up.

9.) Castleberry Hill area - tons of original lofts with city views, brick
walls, big wooden beams, and authentic re-themed factory/ warehouse
qualities. There are several smaller buildings (6-20+ units total) with
1-3 bedroom units; many are live-work spaces.
Galleries and sidewalk shops are the biggest draw to this neighborhood.

10.) Arizona Lofts - Fantastic hardscapes and smart designs for living...
this is a wonderful community that is currently expanding into
Phase 2. If you want a condo or a 2 story loft that is community
oriented but not a high-rise, this is the one for you. Its courtyards and
water features are unmatched in the Atlanta area.

On the radar for future commentary:
Museum Tower
Trump Tower
Gallery
and more!

Construction on 14th

2007-09-18T15:08:00.000-04:00

The 14th Street bridge spans across the Connector (I-75/I-85) in Midtown, Atlanta, and has extremely heavy traffic flow during rush hour (3:30 - 7:00pm). It is now in the process of being widened, and having each side redeveloped. Beware of the progress and frequent lane closings as the project continues through 2008.

Castleberry Hill - GREAT LOFTS!

2007-09-18T14:55:00.000-04:00

Today I visited a few lofts in the Castleberry Hill area,
near Downtown Atlanta. The lofts are fabulous and unique:
some are old warehouses and manufacturing centers with
brick walls, exposed ductwork, concrete or aged wood floors,
and others are newer constructions with industrial and urban
concepts, open spaces, and great views. This is a very hot
area for investment and artisans seeking an alternative
living style rather than high rises, long halls, and concierges.

Wonderful and intimate galleries are just around the corner,
as well as the new No Mas restaurant (best Margaritas in
Atlanta). You will love this charming section of town.

Kool Korners - the best kept secret!

2007-09-14T17:50:00.000-04:00

My favorite place in Atlanta for Cuban Sandwiches is Kool Korners. This small grocery store - turned - eatery has authentic cuban sandwhiches, plantain chips, and 'import' sodas. For under $6, you can experience a locals-only restaurant. Located between Atlantic Station

and Georgia Tech, Kool Korners is at the corner of StateStreet and 14th. Prepare to eat at the picnic table outside,or grab it to go. There is a definate shortage of seats, butthe price and authenticity make this 'dive' a 'must do.'

Pulled over for Swiping

2007-09-13T15:24:00.000-04:00

My super cool friend (you know who you are!) "Cupcake"
was applying her mascara this morning at a stop light, and
got pulled over! She was already *stopped* at the light,
and the cop signals for her to pull over, asks for her license.
"Cupcake" is a very take-no-prisoners kind of gal, and
told the cop that A) she was late for work, B) she was
already stopped at the light before he signalled her, and
C) her tax dollars are better spent busting real bad guys.
(Please note that "Cupcake" wasn't as politically correct
as this Blog edition outlines). The cop apologized and
did not give her a ticket for 'swiping'. LOL- Go "Cupcake"!

Friday Night Art Gallery

2007-09-13T14:59:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night (Friday 9/14) from 6:00-9:00 at the
Lowe Gallery - Peroni, music, art, and appetizers.
If you haven't been to one of these before you must
know that this is a serious party with serious culture.
They've got some fantastic art out right now and I love
the Juliette Gallery's displays of Christian Waggoner's
works - they are FABULOUS. 404-350-0350

www.juliettegallery.com

Bill Lowe Gallery
75 Bennett Street (at the end of Bennett St.)
Atlanta, GA 30309
(This is just north of Piedmont Hospital, between Midtown
and Buckhead).

Belletti Photography - Best in Atlanta 2007!

2007-09-13T12:56:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Shannon Belletti - my friend and past client -
She was named Best Photographer in Atlanta recently in a poll,
where brides vote for their favorite wedding photographer.
Shannon is FANTASTIC, fun, nice, professional, and extremely
proactive in everything (from bringing an emergency sewing kit
to all events, to ordering coffee for brunch before I even arrive).

If you need the Best in Atlanta for coverage of a special event,
call her and tell her that I sent you. :)
www.BellettiPhotography.com

Foreclosure Auctions

2007-09-04T10:38:00.000-04:00

I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day!
Today is the first Tuesday of the Month, which means
at 10:00am, Fulton and Dekalb Counties auction foreclosed
properties on their respective courthouse steps.
Grab your certified funds and get ready for an interesting
experience. These auctions are also called "Sheriff's
Auctions," and are attended by investors, media, and legal
trainees. If you are interested in pursueing a property for
sale, have a title company research it prior to bidding on
it... you don't want to buy a property for $180k and then
find out there are $40k in liens that are due.

BeltLine Tour Observations

2007-08-31T15:03:00.000-04:00

BeltLine Day!
This morning I took the 3 hour tour along the
supposed BeltLine loop. The concept is great,
but there is still a lot of work to do, in order to
rezone areas, acquire greenspace, rehab parks
and neighborhoods around the parks, and
trully connect the 22 mile loop by an electric
light-rail system. The final phases will develop
the Bellwood Quarry on the Westside of Atlanta
into a 300 - 350 acre park with a huge water
reservoir... and that final phase will happen in the
next 20 - 25 years, or as funding becomes
available. The City of Atlanta, Beltline Inc, and
Trust for Land are doing a great job just keeping
the momentum and constantly seeking private,
corporate, and federal funding and grassroots
support. The BeltLine is certainly a momentus
lifetime project for this region, and will make a
huge impact on transportation and greenspace
within ITP Atlanta.

Atlanta Appraisals

2007-08-30T15:24:00.000-04:00

Today I heard of a contract that fell through on a buyer,
due to a lower than expected appraisal value for the
property. The Atlanta market (in very general terms)
has definately been slower this year, and July/August
has been even slower, however it's interesting to note
that appraisals have begun to show a more conservative
number for values. When you enter into a contract,
it's important to consider what options exist if the
appraisal comes in lower than the sales price. For
first-time buyers, they often will not have enough cash
to pay for the difference AND still contribute towards
a downpayment AND cover closing costs. For anyone
obtaining financing, most banks are reluctant to lend
for more than the property will appraise for. For sellers,
this is decision time! Either come down in price to the
appraisal amount, or terminate the contract and keep
your fingers crossed for a better situation in the future.

Meet My Family

2007-08-28T16:24:00.000-04:00

Last week, a few emails came my way about my kids, so I thought I'd introduce them to you.

Calahan is a 5 year old Border Collie/Aussie Mix. Maybe is a 1 year old Border Collie/ xyz Mix.
Both boys came from the Atlanta Humane Society.

Peaches, my darling girl, is in race horse "kindergarten".

http://atlantahumane.org/
Located at the corner of 10th St and Howell Mill - a great place to

adopt or volunteer.

Calahan has earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen award, and is

hopefully going to be a wonderful therapy dog someday soon.

Currently, we are battling a few health issues with him: (thyroid,

shifting leg lameness, etc) so he visits our favorite vet once a

month for evaluations and bloodwork.

Maybe is the high-energy happy dog who automatically wakes

up at 6:30 am and barks and jumps and growls relentlessly until

he gets taken outside. He also likes to pee on my tennis shoes.

Peaches is a local girl who loves being social and having
her ears and face rubbed. She hates dark stalls and would
prefer to be in a large pasture with other horses. She is
very crafty, and likes to chew on barn shoes and ropes that
are within reach of her stall door.

Basically, we are the all-American family of dysfunctional

personalities and unexpected pedigrees that blend well and

provide lots of material for our unwritten Great American novel.

Seller Safety

2007-08-28T16:03:00.000-04:00

With the slow market, more agents are holding Open Houses
in order to entice a prospective buyer into viewing a property
without a comittment to purchase.

Here are a few suggestions to keep everyone safe and happy:

Property Sellers: Remove or Secure all Jewlery, Valuables,
Prescription Medications, Cell Phones, etc.
Make sure the property is reasonably safe for viewers: tighten
the stair rail, make sure the Stairs are clutter-free; remove or
contain all pets (and don't forget to use air freshener!); Repair
leaks that may lead to stains or hazardous puddles; ensure that
all corners and hallways have good lighting (day and night).

Property Buyers: Use Common Sense! Know who you are
dealing with. If you're visiting new construction, be wary of safety
hazards. Wear safe and comfortable clothes. Bring a camera, tape
measure, and notebook in the event that you want to record details
about a property.

I hope this helps! If you'd like more tips, feel free to email me.

Buckhead Deals

2007-08-21T18:05:00.000-04:00

Let's go ITP for a minute (Inside the Perimeter) and talk about
Buckhead.

www.buckhead.net/cid/

Buckhead was a clubbin' haven for many years and was
"THE" place to go in Atlanta for late night groovin'. Recently, a
developer announced plans to revitalize Buckhead, give it a new
set of sidewalks, street lamps, high-end designer retail, and new
restaurants, then put uber-fancy condos, penthouses, and vaulted,
stucco'ed, valet'ed living above the new commercial areas.

For many high-income earners, or those living on a nice bankroll,
this is a fantastic new announcement. There should be lots of
fabulous options for presales investments, and in this market,
speculators might do just fine.

What about the rest of the buyer market, though? Lots of companies
have HQ locations near Buckhead, but not all those employees will
afford the price tags. Well - check out a few properties along Roswell
Road, my friends. There are modest but decent condos available
between $98k (yep!) and $130k for two bedrooms and 1 or 2 baths,
reserved parking (a MUST in this area), swimming pool, dog park,
sort of low (~$250 - $400) monthly HOA dues, and access to
everything that Buckhead has to offer. Something for everyone!

Right this minute, I know of a 3 bedroom, 2 bath that needs TLC,
and is less than $110k. Not a bad deal at all, for the right person.
Hooray!

The Estates (Acworth)

2007-08-21T17:43:00.000-04:00

The Estates is a smaller enclave of 125 premium houses

in Acworth. Prices are ranging from the high $400k's to the mid $500k's, and the homes are abso-smack-alutely full of upgrades and wonderful designer touches (wrought iron spindles, built-ins in the guest rooms, sitting area in the Master, with seperate vaulted ceiling area, spa baths,

gorgeous kitchens, etc). It's definately worth checking out; everything else along Cedarcrest Rd is decent, but just doesn't give the same value for the money. The Estates is also offering great buyers' incentives now.

Here's what I really like about the area: Cedarcrest Rd has some big big plans for development, and I personally think (and in no way am able to guarantee) that the area will appreciate greatly in the next 3-5 years. I think it's a smart place to buy if you are considering living near Lake Allatoona, north of Atlanta. There are decent schools, nice rolling hills, and large lots all around.

Here's what I don't like: It's suburbia. If you want a big house like these, but are finicky about sharing common areas, then anything in this area is likely not for you. Also, I think some of the floor plans are a little goofy in parts. Most of them are nice and open, but a few of them made me scratch my head and wonder "Ok, so WHERE does the Master Bed go? or WHY didn't the builder frost over this glass window over the big tub, that looks directly into the neighbor's yard?" But for the most part, the kitchens, 1/2+ acre lots, and fantastic attention are an A+.

Visiting New Construction? Park FAR away

2007-08-14T18:41:00.000-04:00

SO - remember the post from a few days ago with the Riverside homes?
I got a flat tire from that rendez-vous. The reason that I keep buying
those gimmicky tire warranties is for all the new construction sites
that I routinely visit; most of them have roofing nails and wood
screws all over the place. Watch out for slow leaks on your tires!
Luckily I was in my in-laws' driveway when we noticed it. My
dad-in-law changed the tire in 10 minutes flat (har har har), in
100+ degree Georgia heat.

Brookstone - The Links (Acworth)

2007-08-14T17:50:00.000-04:00

There is a very nice home advertised as For Sale By Owner up in Acworth that has lovely and clever upgrades and a 'circular' floorplan for entertaining. If you are on the market for a $500k+ property that is in a great school district on the north side of town, there are actually a few for sale in the last phase of the Brookstone
mega subdivision. Golf, pool, clubhouse, lake, rolling hills, great location, reputable builders... for a mini-mansion on the north side of town, this is a great area. The specific FSBO property is on
Fernstone Trail. Houses in that subdivision run between $500k and low $1m's. There are still a few builder-designed new homes under construction, and several lots open at the nearby Final Phase called "The Farm" at Brooksone. One of the things I like most about this neighborhood is that they have preserved many of the older oak trees and hardwoods. A++.

New York in North Georgia

2007-08-12T19:07:00.000-04:00

There are fantastic new developments in Cobb and Paulding
counties, particularly in the Acworth/ Kennesaw/ Dallas areas.
Saturday was soooo hot that it seemed to be a good day to test
the air conditioning systems of these new construction homes.

One group of homes by a national builder, D. R. Horton, are very
nice with smart, open floor plans, big lots and less of the "cookie
cutter" feeling, and GREAT savings. Right now they are offering
$25,000 buyer's credit (use it to purchase a basement, or to pay
closing costs and upgrade fees, or take it directly off the price), and
this runs through September. The great thing about this builder and
developer is that they honor educators and our service providers
such as firemen and police: they qualify for a discount on price.
I really liked the homes in this subdivision, and I think they have
room to appreciate upwards, with starting prices at around $215k.
http://www.drhorton.com/corp/GetCommunity.do?dv=08&pr=43443

On asking the on-site representative, he said that most of the
buyers in the area have a connection to New York! Several of the
transactions he worked with were from New York and New Jersey
residents that were cashing out their properties and relocating here.
Welcome to the neighborhood! I'll see you at the pool one day soon!

ITP neighborhood - Riverside - New Construction

2007-08-09T19:22:00.000-04:00

"HOT HOT Riverside" announced an ad I saw recently, so I headed over to check it out. Inside the Perimeter, new single-family homes on the northwest side of ITP Atlanta, that are affordable with lots of upgrades, and are on a fairly quiet and charming street... what's not to love? Some have basements and Brazillian Cherry hardwood floors, some have great built-in book cases and open floor plans with coiffered ceilings, and others have detached 2 car garages. All have inviting front porches and share a common greenspace/park behind them. I've attached a picture. The prices are around $340k - $370k, and I think you get a lot for the money considering it's an easy, traffic-free 10-15 minute drive to mid and downtown Atlanta, and 15 - 20 to the airport. Here's the thing I don't like about them: they are very close together, and are tightly stuffed along a winding neighborhood road that has the potential to get a little bottlenecked in the future. Overall, I like them just fine. They are in the "Riverside" area, city of Atlanta, Fulton County: 30318 zip.

Atlanta BeltLine Project, Free Tours

2007-08-08T17:37:00.000-04:00

The BeltLine Partnership offers regularly scheduled free bus tours of the proposed BeltLine. Every ** Friday and Saturday** morning, the tour zips through 45 ITP neighborhoods, including West End and Bellwood Quarry (which will one day be Atlanta's biggest park and greenspace).

The tour starts at 9:15 am and ends at 12:30 p.m. All tours depart from and return to the Inman Park MARTA Station located at 1029 Edgewood Avenue. Tours are free but you must reserve a seat. To reserve space please send an email to tours@beltlinepartnership.org. They require 72 hour notice to reserve space. I'm signing up for a tour later this month if anyone wants to meet me over there. I'd also like to hear your comments about the BeltLine! I think it is a fantastic and monumental undertaking.

*Tours dates that do not have a minimum of 15 people reserved will be cancelled and participants will be contacted to arrange another tour date.*
For group tours please contact 404-614-8326

Don't know about the BeltLine project in Atlanta? Check out http://www.beltline.org/ or email me!
Basically it's a plan to connect inside-the-perimeter (ITP) neighborhoods and parks that are within about a 2 mile radius of the Capitol Building. Some parts will have walking trails, others will have a light rail system, and others will have broad green space and park atmospheres.
Happy Wednesday!

Poor, starving, neglected pound puppies

2007-07-23T15:26:00.001-04:00

My two dogs were lingering by the bookshelf when I got home.
Hmm...
What was missing from the bookshelf? Surely they didn't
eat a book or a rock or a picture frame... or did they?
Under the built-ins, I noticed two little round wooden balls
and a little rectangular piece of wood, and then a shiny floor
where all the dust had been licked up. When I picked up the
pieces and showed them to the dogs, they both ran down
the stairs and stood by the front door to go outside.

I took them outside to go, and one of them pooped out a
glass eyeball. GROSS - talk about freaking me out! What
was on the bookshelf? I went back upstairs, and realized
that my dehydrated, schelacked fish was gone. My dad
brought a piranha fish back from Brazil, and the dogs ate it
for lunch. I bet it was crunchy. Except for the eyeballs, that is.

Winner!

2007-07-23T15:23:00.000-04:00

Last week my grandmother turned 82.
My mother didn't know what to give for a present,
so she went to the gas station and bought 5 lottery
tickets and a birthday card. As it turns out, my
grandmother won $5,000. Happy Birthday!

Midweek Recap

2007-07-19T20:18:00.000-04:00

Coronas go quite well with chocolate covered cherries. :)
It's been a good midweek: Tuesday morning I volunteered to
attend an orientation class for my broker in order to provide
feedback. The afternoon was spent previewing a few mid- to
high-range homes in Buckhead, Midtown, and Vinings.

My favorite one was a home with a brick floor and gorgeous
back patio with mature oak trees around. Unfortunately, the
agent that met us there did not take the "how to show a home"
class, and failed to turn on any of the lights, or water any plants,
so the house seemed neglected. In this market, that means
negotiation! Otherwise, the house was a knockout.

Wednesday was spent with a new agent that I'm mentoring - it
is so rewarding to help someone out and watch them build a new
life and new business through real estate! Later, I met a client for
dinner (red wine and oatmeal pancakes at Flying Biscuit), and
called it a day around 10:30pm.
Our dogs like it when I do any work from home: they curl up on
either side of the office chair and stare at my ankles until they
hear the sound of the computer powering down. The second they
hear the musical tone, they scramble up and speed to the door,
ready for a treat and for bed!

This morning (Thursday) I caught up on bills. This is an expensive
industry. Flyers, signs, gifts, open houses, mileage, subscriptions,
office crap, etc - wow. I had no idea when I first got my license that
it would be so expensive to just negotiate a few good deals while
staying ahead of the Atlanta housing market.
With the expenses accounted for, I headed to lunch with an agent
to discuss price drops in Woodstock for a certain subdivision. It
seems that the seller has finally realized that the few remaining
qualified buyers in the area are not going to pay a premium price for
a commodity. Hooray for buyers that will now get to take advantage
of that $20k drop! This also seems to me to indicate that the market
is local market may finally be at the bottom of the price correction.

Be Fun! Have Success! <-- cute huh? I saw this somewhere today...
can't really remember where though.
Lily

Monday in the Office

2007-07-16T16:46:00.001-04:00

Here we go - MONDAY!
Today was a fairly slow day; I did a little research on a townhome
development in Smyrna, Ga (just northeast of the big city), had a
Speedy Gonzalez for lunch, and then came back to the office to meet
the Tech Guy, Scott. Scott ROCKS. Every Monday, Scott comes to
the office to support the Agents by helping them with websites, cell
phones, and database stuff. If you check my website often enough,
you'll probably notice changes on Mondays as we add on content.

The fun thing about working in Real Estate is that everyday is
different. Sometimes you sleep in late, help one client all day, then
go home. Other times you get up at 6am, print the market changes
and read them while driving to the office, make coffee, preview homes,
print comparables, call developers, take a CE class, meet a client, go
to a closing, meet another client, work on marketing, and then go
home at 10pm. A really fun day includes meeting a home inspector
that just found a homeless person in the back bedroom, or finding out
that your high-maintenance buyer doesn't really exist according to
the fake id's that they gave to the loan officer.

Mondays and Tuesdays are often the "weekends" for most Agents,
since we usually work Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 10pm,
without a lunch. Monday is the day of rest, unless of course, we have
an "Open House" on Sunday, wherein no one comes by for 3 hours.
That's actually a good time to work remotely to update contracts or
send email. The brave agent might actually turn on a radio, open up
the box of cookies, and go knock on the neighbors' doors and invite
them over. I've done that once, and got chased down the sidewalk
by a mad Grannie.

More tomorrow (Ah, Tuesday! My Almost Favorite!)
Lily

How ya'll doin' ?

2007-07-16T16:41:00.000-04:00

Hi - I'm Lily, and this is my blog all about life in Atlanta.
I hope you visit often, benefit from the information, enjoy
my crazy adventures, and keep in touch. I'll try my best
to respond to all emails, so keep 'em coming.
Happy Monday!
Lily