Medlock Park - No Commute Emory Neighborhood

While Emory commuters from outside the Atlanta Perimeter are gathering their children and rushing to their cars, homeowners in placid Medlock Park are still snoozing, or enjoying a second cup of coffee.

As North Decatur Road, the main conduit to the Emory community (Emory Hospital, Emory University, Eggleston Children’s Hospital, the Center for Disease Control ) creeps with traffic, many Medlock Park residents walk, bike or catch an Emory Shuttle Bus to work in the area.

Medlock Park residents are also fortunate to have nearby shopping centers with grocery stores, restaurants and shops, including a new Walmart, the DeKalb Farmers Market and soon to open Sprouts Market. There is also a Medlock Park with walking trails and playgrounds in the area.  It’s one of the most affordable and convenient neighborhoods in Atlanta, located less than 8 miles from downtown Atlanta and approximately 18-20 miles from Atlanta Hartsfield Airport.

During the past year, 26 homes have sold in the immediate Medlock Park area, ranging in price from $245,000 to $473,000 and averaging 25 days on the market.  Medlock Park properties come on the market and go very quickly, often with multiple offers.

If you are fortunate to be a successful buyer in this desirable location,  you too may enjoy a second cup of coffee while others are contemplating the car in front of them.

Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local real estate company, representing Buyers and Seller in Emory area neighborhoods like Medlock Park, Druid Hills, and close-in Decatur and Atlanta for over 25 years.  We also offer professional Property Management Services.

Originally published 5/14/2016 on Atlanta Decatur Homes Website

Medlock Park - Popular Decatur Neighborhood

Reasonably priced homes located within close proximity to Emory University are not staying on the market long.  In fact, the average days on the market for nine properties that have sold since January 1, 2014 in the popular Medlock Park area is 41 days!
Homes in the Medlock Park neighborhood located just 2-3 miles from Emory sell between $150,000 and $270,000.  There are currently 14 homes for sale and 16 pending sales since the beginning of the year.
Medlock Park is an area surrounded by convenient restaurants, grocery stores, shops, and the vibrant downtown City of Decatur is only a few miles east.
The neighborhood also contains Medlock Park, a lively complex with playgrounds, swimming pool, and an incredible 2 mile walking and bike path; plus the fabulous Shepherd Nature Preserve.

The Medlock Park area is a close knit community with an active neighborhood association.  Prospective home buyers will enjoy the convenient location accessible to all activities, reasonable home prices, and congenial neighbors who walk their dogs, work  in their yards, and supervise their children at the local parks.
If you would like to be part of this special neighborhood, contact Atlanta Decatur Homes, a local Atlanta real estate company, selling homes in Atlanta, Druid Hills, Decatur, Medlock Park, Morningside, Virginia Highlands and Tucker neighborhoods for over 25 years.  We also offer professional Property Management.

Winston Place - Featured Decatur Condo Community

Several  features make condos and townhomes an attractive choice for home buyers.   Winston Place is a charming small complex conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants, and medical facilities like Emory and the VA hospitals.

Winston Place is one of the few complexes in the area with full garages and some one-level units.  It also has a strong Homeowners Association and well-landscaped grounds and pool area. According to the Atlanta area multiple listing service,  two and three bedroom units here sold last year between $200,000 and $269,000.

Home buyers who choose condos and townhomes are looking for well-kept complexes in desirable neighborhoods close to work and shopping.  Buyers want less exterior upkeep,  ample interiors, updated kitchens and lots of storage.   Winston Place, built in 1985, is an older neighborhood but has many of the features that buyers are looking for today.

Winston Place is conveniently located less than 3 miles from Emory University,  approximately 1 mile from major grocery chains in Toco Hills Shopping Center, and 1/2 mile from  popular neighborhood Oak Grove Shopping Center.

Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local real estate company, serving buyers and sellers in the Emory University, Decatur and Atlanta neighborhoods for over 25 years.

Emory University Area Rental Outlook - 2013

The recent economic reality of plummeting home prices, increased foreclosures /short sales, and restrictive home loan requirements has changed the real estate landscape. Renting has become a popular option as public perception has been dramatically influenced by events of the past four years.

Almost everyone has been affected - homeowners, home buyers, job seekers, renters, investors, mortgage lenders.

 

While many in-town neighborhoods like Emory, Druid Hills, Virginia Highlands and City of Decatur are enjoying a healthy rebound in home prices and activity, some prospective home buyers are reluctant to embrace home ownership. After years of lost property values and uncertain economic stability, many buyers have decided to rent rather than purchase a home. And, an influx of former homeowners who have lost homes to foreclosures or short sales are now moving to rental properties in the area.

So, how are we doing? Rental properties in good neighborhoods in Atlanta seem to be doing just great. According to David Haddow, President of an Atlanta real estate consulting firm, "the average rental occupancy rate for intown neighborhoods remains very high at 96.9%."

Why Rentals are Popular Today

• No extensive qualifying beyond normal credit check
• No maintenance costs
• No Insurance or Tax Costs
• Ease of mobility if job change
• Reasonable Rents vs. mortgage payments

Neighborhoods near Emory University attract graduate students, professors, medical workers, retirees, and young couples. Rental properties in good neighborhoods are in high demand and rent prices are increasing every year. Current Rental statistics published by the FMLS multiple listing service in Atlanta indicate that the majority of homes rented during 2012 were in the $1500 – $2500 range in the immediate Emory and Decatur neighborhoods.

The rental market in the Atlanta area inside the Perimeter appears to be thriving and prospects for the near future look promising. Investors and homeowners who are renting their homes until home prices improve in these areas should be encouraged that a ready rental market will be available for some time to come.

Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local real estate company offering professional Property Management Services and representing Buyers and Sellers in the Atlanta, Decatur and Emory University neighborhoods for over 25 years

Atlanta Real Estate Outlook

Posted on March 16, 2012by atlantadecaturhomes

Although the national housing market is showing some signs of recovery, much of the Atlanta real estate market is still playing “catch up”.

There are bright spots in certain areas of the City. For Example, in-town neighborhoods like the Druid Hills/Emory University area are beginning to increase slightly in value and volume of sales. Other parts of the metro area are reeling from numerous foreclosures and mortgage fraud, which tend to affect recovery figures for the the overall Atlanta Metro real estate market. Foreclosed homes owned by banks made up 53% of metro Atlanta sales in January, while foreclosures and short sales made up 35% of sales nationally.

Comparison figures for the number of homes sold in neighborhoods near Emory University indicate that fewer homes were sold in 2011 in the $350,000 – $$900,000 price range than in 2010, but slightly more homes were sold in 2011 in the same area in the $150,000 – $300,000 price range. This is an indication that first-time homebuyers and investors are taking advantage of very low interest rates, and lower-priced homes. The Emory area is also experiencing an increase in the number of homes that are being leased.

The Atlanta Journal indicated in a recent article that “…the region may be seeing the first glimmers of a sustainable housing market recovery with realtors and builders reporting increased interest from potential buyers in recent months.” The Real Housing Market Report reports that housing units in the South for January were up 8.1%, but average prices were down 2% from January, 2011. Economist for the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, says “record-low interest rates, bargain home prices, rising rents and sustained job creation are helping to spur sales.”

A report published by Brookings, using recent Census Data indicated some interesting statistics. In general, Americans move around more than their counterparts in other countries, but a lot less than they used to. Homeowners are stuck in places with too few jobs and not able or willing to move to areas with healthier labor markets. The Nation is growing and moving more slowly and struggling economically between two recessions.

• U.S. is growing more slowly
• Americans are increasingly stuck at home
• Minorities are driving growth
• Boomers continue to age – age 45 and over grew 18 times as fast as under age 45 – transforming American households
• Americans lost ground on income and poverty in the 2000’s

72% of renters in a recent poll indicated their desire to own a home one day. When the job market and the economy improves, there is a healthy backlog of prospective buyers waiting to buy homes!

Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local real estate company selling homes in the Atlanta, Decatur, Druid Hills, and Emory University neighborhoods for over 25 years, offering Professional Management Services as well.

Home Won't Sell - Consider Renting It

Posted on March 8, 2012 by atlantadecaturhomes

The National Association of Realtors thinks that property values will rise 1.1% this year, but this modest rise in value may not help your home to sell.  Popular realtor site, Active Rain,  indicates mixed expectations from various sources.

Our economy is still fragile and home sales are up only slightly.  Until the job market and the building industry improve considerably and foreclosures and short sales ebb, home prices will not go up. 

If Your Home Doesn’t Sell, Is Renting the Best Move?

Maybe.  If  you are offered a new position across the country, the opportunity may be too good to pass up.  The decision will be whether to sell your home at any cost, even at a loss, or to consider leasing the property. 

If you decide to rent your home, it will now become an investment property, and you will still be responsible for paying the principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.  You must continue to maintain the property and pay any homeowner fees that are required as well.  An investment property could have significant tax advantages, but you should talk to your accountant or tax professional before you make this decision.

Hiring a Property Manager

Once you have made a decision to lease, consider hiring a professional Property Manager to take care of your home.  Absentee Landlords are at a severe disadvantage, and a “hands on” manager will act as a surrogate landlord to protect your interests in the property.  A good Manager will:

• Advertise your property
• Screen potential tenants – check references and credit
• Prepare Leases and Move/In-Move/Out Agreements
• Collect the Rent – pay Bills – Generate Monthly Reports & Checks to Landlord
• Handle Repairs & Maintenance
• Act as a Buffer between the Tenant and Landlord

In addition, professional Property Managers are versed in local ordinances and Fair Housing Laws and are subject to strict regulations regarding Escrow Accounts and handling of other peoples money.

Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local real estate company selling homes in the Atlanta, Decatur and Emory University neighborhoods for over 25 years, providing professional Property Management Services as well.

Why Do You Need a Property Manager?

Posted on February 12, 2012 by atlantadecaturhomes

You need a Property Manager for many of the same reasons you need a professional real estate agent.  To make your life easier.

Realtors are licensed and knowledgeable about  State and Local laws that might affect your property.  For example, in some municipalities there is a limit on the number of unrelated adults that can occupy a home legally.

A good Property Manager can handle most of the sticky issues that may arise in leasing your home.  They can:

• Advertise the property for lease with signs, lockboxes, information boxes and emails to other local realtors and to major local businesses.  Distribute flyers and brochures to the multiple listing service, personal websites, Realtor.com, Craigslist, Postlets.com, rentdigs.com, and a host of other appropriate sites.
• Screen prospective tenants by checking credit histories, references, past landlords, and backgrounds.
• Prepare a comprehensive Lease that protects the Landlord and the Tenant, spelling out possible problems like access to the property, accountability for damage to the property, and early termination of the Lease by either party.
• Keep individual records for each client, collect and hold Security Deposits and   rent.  Pay maintenance bills or lawn service if requested.  Send out an itemized statement to the Landlord each month, and a year-end report as well. 
• Maintain the property by handling repairs when requested or necessary.  Professional Property Managers have good electricians, handymen, and plumbers available, as well as lawn services. 
• Let tenants into the property when they are locked out.

Perhaps one of the most difficult duties that Property Managers perform is maintaining  a good relationship and communication with your tenants.  Tenants come in all forms and not all of them are amiable, even though they pay the rent on time and keep the property in good condition.  Prickly tenants need a diplomatic approach and one that an experienced Property Manager can handle with ease.

Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local real estate company selling homes located in Atlanta, Decatur, and Emory University neighborhoods for over 25 years and offering professional property management for homes in the Emory area.