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

Atlanta Rental Market - Investment Frenzy

It’s no secret that Atlanta and the surrounding area have endured a difficult real estate market during the past 4-5 years. Atlanta has had one of the highest number of foreclosures and short sales in the country, but is experiencing a dramatic change.

Prime Neighborhoods Improve

With the economy slowly recovering and the housing market improving as well, some parts of the Atlanta real estate market like the Emory University, Virginia Highlands, Buckhead and City of Decatur neighborhoods are seeing multiple offers and rising sales prices.

Foreclosures and short sales in the Atlanta area

Another area of the Atlanta housing market is also showing marked recovery and interest.

For buyers seeking a foreclosure or short sale under $200,000, the competition has changed. According to an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Christopher Quinn, “Metro Atlanta’s depressed home prices are drawing the interest of a new type of buyer – companies that buy houses in volume.”

Several companies with billions in cash to spend on investment properties are buying foreclosure and short sales in all parts of the Atlanta metro area. Competition is fierce and many properties have multiple offers, making it difficult for individual home buyers to purchase a home in this price range.

Some realtors like Sandy Bowley of Realty Associates are working almost exclusively to find appropriate homes for these investors. “It’s a race to find qualified homes and by the time you have checked them adequately, the property has three other offers”.

While this type of competition increases property values and improves the housing outlook, it forces many prospective individual buyers out of the market and into a rental situation. Investment companies are buying in a frenzy, then holding properties until the market improves, or leasing them for the immediate future.

More single-family investment properties will soon be available, as homes are repaired and offered for lease by the companies that are spending billions to invest in the area. It appears that the Atlanta Rental Market will have ample housing opportunities in the future.

Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local real estate company providing Rental Management Services and representing buyers and sellers in the Atlanta, Decatur and Emory University 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

Druid Hills Neighborhood near Emory University

Posted on April 1, 2012by atlantadecaturhomes

Druid Hills is one of the most desirable Atlanta neighborhoods, located just a few miles from downtown Atlanta in unincorporated DeKalb County, and bordered by wide, curvy Ponce de Leon Avenue.

The Historic Druid Hills neighborhood was originally developed in the early 20th Century by a local businessman who hired the famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead and his son, to design and implement the development of the area. Wonderful foresight produced lovely winding streets, overhanging trees, neighborhood parks and gracious homes along streets like Lullwater, Springdale and Oxford. For a more comprehensive history of the area, Druid Hills resident, David Hartle, has written Druid Hills, A Brief History.

Architectural styles in the area include stately Georgian and Tudors, as well as more humble Bungalows. Flowering Dogwoods and Azaleas are a trademark and present on most of the streets in Druid Hills.

A recent facelift and roundabout has enhanced Emory Village and the entrance to Emory University, which are located in the Druid Hills Historical District. Once a bottleneck, traffic now moves easily through the intersection and into the area. Pedestrian traffic enjoys continuous walkways through the intersection and is a pleasure to transverse.

Emory Village is small with several popular restaurants, drycleaners, bookstore and limited parking. It is located adjacent to Emory University and is a lively, bustling destination.

The main entrance to Emory University is located in Emory Village on the roundabout. Emory University was originally founded by a small group of Methodists and was named in honor of Methodist bishop, John Emory. According to Wikipedia, the university has nearly 3000 faculty members and almost 14,000 students. U.S. News & World Reports placed Emory at 20th in national university rankings in 2012. Emory has a beautiful campus with old trees and extensive green space. Several years ago, Emory opted to become a pedestrian only campus and instituted the free Cliff shuttle system for students, faculty and staff. The Carlos Museum is located on the campus and houses one of the most comprehensive art collections in the SE.

Atlanta Decatur Homes, a local Atlanta real estate company, selling homes in Atlanta, Druid Hills, Decatur, Medlock Park, and Emory University neighborhoods for over 25 years. Professional Rental Management services are also offered.

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.

Riderwood Estates Neighborhood - Decatur Homes

Posted on July 24, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

Riderwood Estates is a quiet Decatur community located near the intersection of Pangborn Road and LaVista Road, approximately 5.5 miles from Emory University/CDC and close to Northlake Mall, a major shopping complex.

Riderwood Drive, Riderwood Court, and Hunting Hill Lane contain mostly mid-century Ranch homes with winding tree-shaded streets and well-kept lawns.  The homes are generally spacious, renovated and appealing to young families, singles and retirees.  The convenience to good schools, excellent shopping and medical facilities make this a particularly attractive place to live.  Recent sales prices in the neighborhood range from $301,000 for a beautifully renovated brick ranch with a stunning backyard to $189,000 for an estate “quick” sale.   

An incredible updated Emory Area home is currently listed for sale at 1794 Hunting Hill Lane, priced very competitively at $239,900.

• Family Room with Fireplace
• Spacious Living Room/Dining Room
• Sunny Eat-In Kitchen with Updated Appliances
• 3 Bedrooms/2 Full Baths
• Hardwood Floors/HVAC
• Finished Office in Basement
• Full Unfinished Basement – Workshop & Bonus Area with Fireplace
• Loads of Space!  Great Family Home!  Fenced Yard
• Super Neighborhood

If you are searching for an ideally located neighborhood with Decatur Homes that is convenient to shopping, restaurants, good schools and excellent medical facilities, drive through the welcoming streets of Riderwood Estates and picture yourself living in this dynamic community.

Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local Atlanta Real Estate Company, serving Atlanta, Decatur, Emory University, and Tucker neighborhoods for over 25 years.

Decatur Arts Festival - Decatur Homes

Posted on June 29, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

The City of Decatur. Georgia, is well-known for hosting Beach Parties with sand on the Square,  annual Wine Tasting Events, and Concerts on the Park.  The Decatur Arts Festival is one of their most popular occasions.

The Decatur Arts Festival features an Art Walk with local shops, retailers and restaurants hosting a city-wide art show that is free and open to the public, as well as an Artist Market, free entertainment on the Square,  and Theater and Literary events.

During the weekend, Decatur’s main street is blocked to traffic and filled with colorful kiosks and booths, selling food and unusual art and crafts.  Singers and bands entertain the crowds from the Gazebo on the Square, and children, dogs and families wander through the area, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying this fabulous event sponsored by the City of Decatur.  And, the event is free!

If you don’t make it to the Beach Party or the Book Festival in Decatur, put this annual event on your calendar – it’s a lively affair for the whole family!

Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local Atlanta real estate company serving Atlanta, Decatur, Druid Hills, and Tucker communities for over 25 years!

Clairmont Heights-Decatur Real Estate near Emory University

Posted on April 3, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

History of Clairmont Heights

The Clairmont Heights Civic  Association has compiled an interesting history of the Decatur real estate in this area, indicating that the land around Clairmont Heights was developed some time after a lottery of Creek Indian lands in 1821 by the State of Georgia, when 202+ acres were transferred to individuals.  According to local historian, Walter McCurdy, by 1860 most of the land was owned by Mr. Ezekel Mason,  an esteemed citizen of Decatur who died in 1879.  His widow, Mrs. M.A. Mason ran a profitable mill in the area called Mason’s Mill.  Remnants of the Mill and the old Decatur Waterworks are still visible, and can be accessed through several Decatur neighborhood parks. 

Original plats date from 1946 for the development of Clairmont Heights in Decatur, and records show the areas first developed were North Superior to Superior Place, Park Lane to Superior Place, Webster Drive to Clairmont Circle, and Clairmont Circle to Emory Woods.

A neighbor  renting a home on North Decatur told me she watched them build her current home on Park Lane, walking by the property every evening and dreaming of living there.  She was so impressed with the quality that she talked her husband into purchasing one of the first homes developed in the neighborhood!

According to Wikipedia, the North Decatur area was originally developed as a suburban community. Close proximity to Atlanta’s midtown and Buckhead districts, as well as Emory University and downtown Decatur events, make it a favorite for homeowners who want the convenience of in-town living and the hospitality of a friendly neighborhood. 

Clairmont Heights  is a  neighborhood of 1950′s-1960′s brick ranches with large manicured lawns and stately trees, located approximately 2-3 miles from Emory University Campus and Medical Facility, and a short walk to shopping & restaurants.  It is a stable community with excellent schools and reasonably priced homes.

There are several excellent Parks in the neighborhood:

• Mason Mill Park which was recently updated with tennis courts, playgrounds and plans for a new dog park. 
•  Medlock Park, which encompasses some 39 acres with ball fields, playgrounds, walking trails and bike paths, as well as a pool
• Ira B. Melton Park – a small park off Desmond Drive with plans for further development

• Clyde Shepherd Preserve, a 28-acre gem with walking trails, picnic areas, and elevated decks for bird watching over marshland

Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local Atlanta real estate company selling homes in Decatur, Druid Hills, Clairmont Heights, Emory, Atlanta, and Tucker neighborhoods for over 25 years.

Medlock Park Neighborhood - 847 Scott Circle,Decatur GA

Posted on March 27, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

Medlock Park Neighborhood

The Medlock Park neighborhood in Decatur is located North of North Druid Hills Road and East of Scott Boulevard.  The area is less than 3 miles from Emory University/CDC, and shopping, with easy access to I-78, I-285 and Decatur – just a short 20-minutes drive to downtown Atlanta  and the Airport.  Home prices range from $150,000 – $360,000.  Medlock Park is a popular location for first-time homeowners and for employees and students of nearby Emory University.  Small bungalows and brick ranches dominate, but yards are generous.

Currently Available – 847 Scott Circle

Typical of the area, 847 Scott Circle has been recently renovated with fine attention to detail: 

• Priced at $185,000
• 2 Bedrooms
• Updated Tile Bath
• New Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances
• Separate Dining Room
• Living Room
• Den – Could be converted to Third Bedroom
• HVAC/Hardwood Floors
• Spacious Yard with Deck

In addition to its convenient location in Decatur, the Medlock Park Neighborhood contains  two major park areas, Medlock Park located along Scott Circle, just down the hill from 847 Scott Circle, and the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve at 2580 Pine Bluff Drive.

Medlock Park – Decatur

 Located along Scott Circle, just off Willivee Drive, Medlock Park encompasses 39 acres and includes multiple ball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas and a swimming pool.  Baseball practice and games are played at Medlock Park, operated by the Druid Hills Youth Sports Baseball organization. 

 The Park is situated in a residential neighborhood between University Heights and North Decatur Heights. Medlock Park is a popular destination for neighbors who walk their dogs or bring their children to play on the two playgrounds, one for older kids with higher slides and one for the younger set with baby slides and swings. The Park is often a hive of activity with lively baseball games in progress and the sounds of children ringing across the fields.

In addition, there are bike and walking trails, part of the DeKalb PATH system recently completed, leading from the Park through the woods, across a railroad track and up to the old Decatur Water Works ruins by Mason Mill Park. The trails weave through thick forest and floodplain and cross South Peachtree Creek.  The DeKalb PATH project which links Medlock Park and Mason Mill Park has 10-foot wide trails and boardwalks in some areas to lesson runoff.  The trails offer a tree-lined haven for cyclists, walkers and runners to exercise.

Atlanta Decatur Homes, a local Atlanta real estate company, selling homes in Atlanta, Druid Hills, Decatur, Medlock Park, Kirkwood, Morningside, Virginia Highlands and Tucker neighborhoods for over 25 years.

Decatur Real Estate - Leafmore Hills Neighborhood

Posted on March 18, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

  

History – Decatur Real Estate

Decatur real estate in this part of  DeKalb County sold in 1822 for 10 cents an acre.  The following year, Decatur was named the County Seat and the area began developing. Leafmore Hills and the surrounding area was once a rural farming community with few homes and no  4-lane highways.  Dairy farms dotted the landscape and Clairmont Road, now a major artery, was part of an Indian trail.  There were no shopping centers, grocery stores, or restaurants, just small crop farms and cows!

An expanding population pushed Atlanta eastward towards Decatur, which was becoming a prestigious suburb by the early 1950’s.  According to  history compiled by the Leafmore Civic Association, there was a country store  with a single gas pump, pot-bellied stove and rocking chair located at North Druid Hills Road and LaVista Road.  Development of Leafmore Hills began in 1952 and filled the neighborhood with young families, all new to the area.  Leafmore Hills became a close-knit community with an active Garden Club, Clubhouse, and Pool.

Location

• Located just 7 miles from downtown Atlanta, and less than 3 miles from the Clifton Corridor  that includes Emory University, Emory Hospital, Eggleston Children’s Hospital, Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the American Red Cross, Leafmore is one of the most convenient subdivisions in DeKalb County.

Local Leafmore Architecture

• Most of the homes in the area are well-kept mid-century ranches with large manicured yards, as well as a few newer traditional Decatur homes with  garages and modern features.  Many of the ranches have been recently renovated or updated with new kitchens and baths.

Decatur Area Amenities

• Less than a half mile from Leafmore  Hills, two churches anchor corners of North Druid Hills Road and Clairmont Road, Clairmont Baptist and Druid Hills Presbyterian. Just beyond the churches, Toco Hills Shopping Center hosts a variety of shops and restaurants, including two major grocery chains.  Four banks and 4 bagel places are located along this section of North Druid Hills as well.

 Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local Atlanta real estate company selling homes in the Druid Hills, Atlanta, Decatur and Tucker neighborhoods for over 25 years.

Fabulous Druid Hills! 508 Emory Circle Lot - Atlanta

you would like to build a home in this desirable Druid Hills community, 508 Emory Circle may be the perfect  opportunity!   Historic Druid Hills contains some of the most classically beautiful homes in Atlanta, and vacant lots in Druid Hills are rarely available, particularly lots that  have utilities and sidewalks in place. 

  

The area surrounding Emory University is known as Historic Druid Hills, and has a number of distinctive home styles.  Streets around Emory Village, like Lullwater, Springdale and Oxford contain substantial estates with large yards and sweeping driveways.  Streets further East, like 508 Emory Circle, Princeton Way, and Ridgewood Drive include smaller homes in the 1930’s – 1940’s vernacular, as well as newer homes that have been designed to fit into the historic neighborhood.  Most of these neighborhoods are within walking distance to Emory University and Emory Medical Complex on Clifton Road, or they are  near the free Cliff bus system that Emory provides for the area.

The lot at 508 Emory Circle is located in the Druid Hills Historic Preservation area, and any home erected on the site must first be approved by the Historic Preservation Committee.  The Committee is concerned that the scale  of the home be consistent with other homes on the street, and with the appropriateness of the design. 

508 Emory Circle is located approximately a half-mile from Emory University and CDC, just off North Decatur Road, within easy walking distance of a major grocery store, shops, restaurants and  YMCA.  Situated in the Druid Hills Historic District and within the Fernbank Elementary School District,  Emory Circle contains a variety of house styles, mostly 1930′s-1940′s brick bungalows with sidewalks and friendly neighbors.  Several  new homes  have been built on Emory Circle, and tasteful renovations have been made to other homes on the street.

508 Emory Circle contained a similar 1940′s-style bungalow, trim and well-kept, which was damaged in early 2010 so severely by fire that it was not salvageable , and subsequently leveled.   This desirable lot is now available for $269,000.  Utilities are already in place, and a former prospective purchaser has been successful in obtaining Historic Preservation approval for a house plan on this lot.

The Druid Hills community has been popular with employees and students of Emory University, Emory Medical Center, and the Center for Disease Control,( CDC),  for many years.  Residents enjoy the convenience of living close to where they work,the convenience to neighborhood parks,  and the convenience to shopping and restaurants.

For Atlanta Children - Of All Ages

For Atlanta Children–Of All Ages

Posted on February 18, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

Someone sent me a list about How to Stay Young that included the following advice:

• Keep only Cheerful friends
• Keep Learning
• Laugh Often
• Cherish Your Health
• Tell the People You Love that you Love them – at every opportunity
• Play with Your Children

Popular Places to Entertain Children in Atlanta

1. The Center for Puppetry Arts -a unique and magical experience for children and adults to explore the wonder and art of Puppetry.  Check out the Jim Henson Exhibit and the Create a Puppet Workshops.

1. Fernbank Museum of Natural History -  enjoy this opportunity to explore the story of Georgia Natural History with 16 galleries, plus theaters and dioramas, including the IMAX theater.  Fernbank has many interesting exhibitions that explain the history of some of the largest dinosaurs ever found, which includes several  full-scale dinosaur replicas.

1. The Georgia Aquarium – View a wide diversity of sea creatures, including whale sharks, manta rays, and Beluga Whales, at this modern Aquarium which contains the world’s largest 6.3 million gallon Aquarium Exhibit. 

1. Stone Mountain Park – one of the largest examples of granite in the Southeast covers 585 acres and offers a wide variety of activities, which include a scenic 1940’s railway locomotive that circles 5 miles around the base of the mountain and a Swiss cable-car ride that affords a fantastic view of the famous Confederate Memorial Carving.  The carving on the side of the mountain encompasses 3 acres and memorializes Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and “Stonewall” Jackson.  There are picnic grounds, grist mills, walking trails and paddle boats, as well as regular annual events like The Yellow Daisy Festival.

1. Zoo Atlanta – one of the oldest cultural institutions in Atlanta and home to the Giant Pandas, where LunLun’s latest cub was recently named “Po”.  Visit the Asian Forest to see the largest collection of Orangutans in North American, the Petting Zoo to see pigs, goats and sheep, the African Rain Forest Exhibit to see Gorillas, and the African Plains Exhibit to see Giraffes, Zebra, Lions and Elephants.

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Let’s Review Your Home Buyer Tax Credit

Posted on February 9, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

In an effort to stimulate the economy and the housing market, our government gave us some very nice tax breaks last year for purchasing a home before May 1, 2010.  This gift from Uncle Sam allowed many first time homebuyers, and individuals who had not owned a home in 3 years to take advantage of a very lucrative tax break of up to $8,000 for first time homeowners, or up to $6,500 for those that had previously owned a home and lived in it for at least five consecutive years.

If you purchased a home in 2010, you may be eligible for the Home Buyer Tax Credit.

To claim your tax credit on your 2011 tax returns, follow the rules:

• You must have signed a contract to purchase your primary residence before May 1, 2010
• If you closed on your home prior to September 30, 2010, you should qualify for the credit, as long as your original contract stated that the purchase was to be completed by June 30, 2010.  Congress amended the original date because many buyers were involved with short sale or foreclosure transactions, which were slower than normal sales to close.
• The first time home buyer credit is worth 10% of the purchase price of your home, up to a maximum of $8,000.
• Buyers who had previously owned a home for at least 5 consecutive years of the last 8 years are eligible for a credit up to 10% of the purchase price, or a maximum of $6,500.
• The purchase price for both credits is limited to homes purchased for less than $800,000.
• Full credit is available to taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income of up to $125,000, or $225,000 for joint filers.

Check with your tax accountant for more detailed information about the tax credits that may be available to you.

 

It could take longer to receive your refund, as the IRS is requiring more documentation to prove you purchased your home within the appropriate time period, and are requiring that you file your tax return by mail.  Here are some documents you may need:

1. A copy of your Closing Statement or HUD-1.  If you don’t have a copy, call Your Realtor, who can provide a copy for you.
2. If you owned a home previously, you will need copies of documents showing you lived in the residence for 5 consecutive years during the past 8 years.  You can use mortgage interest statements, tax records or homeowner’s insurance statements.

For addtional information, see the USA Today article by Sandra Block, titled “Can You Get Home Buyer Credit”.

As always, talk with the experts, your Lender, your CPA, and Your Realtor, for more detailed information.

Atlanta Elementary Schools - In Crisis Mode

Posted on February 4, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

Many DeKalb County School are currently being evaluated for closure.  The DeKalb County School Board is considering a Re-districting Proposal which could close 12 elementary schools in DeKalb County.  Public input workshops are ongoing and approval of the re-districting and school consolidation recommendations should be accomplished by March 7, 2011.

 

Home Values are affected by the quality of neighborhood schools

When Homebuyers are looking for a home, most Buyers put the quality of the local schools high on their “must have” list.  Even Buyers who don’t have children demand good schools as a primary consideration for the home they purchase.  Consequently, in neighborhoods where schools are well-run and provide exemplary education, property values tend to remain stronger, even in depressed market. 

 

Emory Area elementary schools

The neighborhood elementary schools located near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are considered to be some of the best in the County, with consistently high test scores and awards for excellence in education.

However, the recent decision by the DeKalb County School Board to close 12 elementary schools in the County has stirred neighborhood groups to unite in anger and opened a hornet’s nest of controversy.  With overcrowing in some schools and decreased attendance in others, the ultimate decision on which schools to close will be difficult, as no decision will please all parents.

Fernbank Elementary is one of the highest ranked elementary schools in DeKalb County, founded in 1959 by a group of Emory University families and serving as a neighborhood school for children in the proximity of Emory University and CDC.  Fernbank Elementary is located in the heart of historic Druid Hills and sits across the street from the Fernbank Science Museum and Planetarium.  Fernbank is well known  for its excellent academic record.

Medlock Elementary is also located within the Emory Area and has served as a leader in educating children from the County’s diverse population and the surrounding community of over 900 homes.  Medlock also maintains a successful Special Needs Program for 3 and 4-year olds.  Medlock has been named by DeKalb County as one of the possible 12 schools slated to close in a the difficult re-districting decision.

Oak Grove Elementary is another high-performing elementary school with numerous awards for outstanding achievement in education, located on Oak Grove Road within the Emory Area.

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