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.

Laurel Ridge Homes - Decatur Real Estate

Posted on May 4, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

 

Brief History of the Development of Decatur real estate in the Laurel Ridge  Community

Laurel Ridge is located 4 miles from Emory University  and is  Northwest of the intersection of North Druid Hills Road and Lawrenceville Highway, roughly across from North DeKalb Mall.

Lawrenceville Highway was a major road from the earliest days of the County, essentially a road that led from the Dekalb County seat in Decatur to the Gwinnett County Seat in Lawrenceville.  North Druid Hills Road was only a two-lane road for years, often blocked by trains passing across the road near the present Hidden Valley Golf Course.

According to a comprehensive history of the area written by Bob Stubbs for the Laurel Ridge Civic Association, until the 1950′s most of the surrounding Decatur real estate was primarily rural with a large number of dairy farms -one large dairy farm was located near North DeKalb Mall. 

 Intensive residential development began in the mid 1950′s when Decatur real estate in the Laurel Ridge area was developed.  Most of the land was originally owned by the Kittredge family and was gradually sold to develop North Druid Woods, Pine Glen, Fork Creek and finally in the mid-60′s, Country Squire.  All of these neighborhoods comprise what is generally designated as the Laurel Ridge area, named for Laurel Ridge Elementary School located in the area.

Many of the homes in North Druid Woods are of modest size, but well-kept with sizeable yards.  This is a popular “starter” neighborhood with good schools and convenient to everything. Decatur homeprices in this neighborhood range from $199,000 to $265,000 for a small brick ranch-style home.

 

Fork Creekwas developed some time later and the homes are substantially larger with more bedrooms and baths and well-groomed lawns.

Pine Glenis another unique area with charming cottage-style homes and brick ranches. 

Prior to the mid-1960′s when Country Squire was developed, orchards and cattle were the primary occupants.  Country Squire homes are substantial with spacious well-maintained yards.

Two DeKalb County Schools are located within the neighborhood, Laurel Ridge Elementary School, and Druid Hills Middle School(Formerly called Shamrock Middle School).

Atlanta Decatur Homes  is a local Atlanta real estate company serving Atlanta, Decatur, Druid Hills, Emory University and Tucker neighborhoods 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.

Emory Area Townhomes & Condos - Tuxworth Springs, Heritage Two and The Park at Emory

Posted on March 30, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

Emory University and the Emory Medical Center are among the highest employers in DeKalb County.  Professors, faculty, residents, doctors, nurses, and staff  live in the surrounding 3-5 square miles, generally designated as the Emory Area.

This area encompasses parts of Atlanta along Briarcliff Road and North Decatur Road, nearby Decatur and  the  City of Decatur.  All of these neighborhoods are in unincorporated DeKalb County where the property taxes are lower, except those located in the City of Decatur, where both City taxes and Dekalb county taxes are required.

A casual drive through the Emory Area reveals the variety and dynamics of a college town, and the elegance and livability of its neighborhoods.  Restaurants, shopping centers and major grocery chains are conveniently located within walking distance of many neighborhoods.  Drop your laundry, pick up stamps, do your grocery shopping and copy your tax returns in one short trip.

In addition, the area boasts some of the most beautiful parks in Atlanta – Lullwater Park where the President of Emory resides, Medlock Park with ball fields and walking trails, and the wild Clyde Shepherd Preserve for bird watching.

Here are a few highlighted Townhome and Condo complexes located within the area:

Tuxworth Springs

Tuxworth Springs is a large gated community, located 2 miles from Emory on Scott Boulevard between North Decatur Road and North Druid Hills Road.  Units range from $110,000 to $130,000 for 2 and 3 bedroom flats.  The complex is well-run and has tennis courts, a gated pool and parking for RV’s.  There is also a reading group and various planned functions.  Medlock Elementary is closing this summer and the new school will be Laurel Ridge Elementary near North DeKalb Mall.

                                          

Heritage Two Townhomes

Heritage Two Townhomes is a small 20-unit Williamsburg-style complex with 2 and 3 bedrooms townhomes and a few 3 bedroom flats, 2 miles from Emory, located off Desmond Drive and adjacent to a new County Park.   Priced between $198,000 and $250,000, these units are rarely available.  The elementary school is Fernbank Elementary, one of the best in the County.

The Park at Emory

The Park at Emory is conveniently located on Briarcliff Road just beyond the Sage Hill Shopping Center and is on the free Cliff Bus route to Emory.  The complex consists of two sections, one older section that was recently updated with new baths and kitchens, and one newer section constructed in the past 5 years.  Units are 2  bedrooms with one or two baths and priced between $99,000  and $140,000.   All have newer kitchens and baths and the lower floors have private patios.  The Park at Emory is a popular site for Emory graduate students because of its close proximity – less than 2 miles -  to Emory.

 Atlanta Decatur Homes is a local Atlanta real estate company, serving Atlanta, Decatur, Emory, Druid Hills, 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.

Fabulous Druid Hills! 508 Emory Circle Lot for Sale in Atlanta

Posted on February 28, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

If 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 and Ridgewood Drive include smaller homes in the 1920’s – 1930’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.

Homes in Decatur Neighborhoods - Glendale Estates History

Posted on March 14, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

The City of Decatur has many beautiful neighborhoods and one of the most charming is Glendale Estates.  Decatur real estate has always been in demand, now more than ever.

The History of Glendale Estates/Glennwood Estates , as compiled by residents of the community, gives an interesting  history of the area. Five Hundred acres that extended from Sycamore up towards the North DeKalb Mall and the present Hospital area  sold around 1847 for $10 an acre, the highest recorded value paid for an acre of Decatur real estate at that time.  The original Glendale Estates/Glennwood Estates was begun in 1927 and encompassed  a portion south of the creek, comprised of Glendale Avenue, Pinecrest, and Glendale Circle.  By 1939, the early development was nearly complete, and the area north of the creek was then developed, which included Forkner Drive and Mount Vernon. Interestingly, the development contained a covenant,preserving the north site of the creek as forest, which retained the stately virgin forest bordering the creek, and the area later developed as Glenlake Park.

Located just Northeast of the bustling City of Decatur, Glendale Estates/Glennwood Estates is a vibrant neighborhood of spacious yards  and elegant homes, within walking distance to downtown Decatur Events, and bordered by Glenlake Park. One of the largest markets in the Southeast, the DeKalb Farmer’s Market, lies a few blocks to the East and is a popular destination for the community.

Glenlake Park

Glenlake Park is of the largest parks in the area, and was named for two adjacent Decatur neighborhoods – Glenwood Estates and Great Lakes. The City of Decatur has just completed an extensive $3 million-plus renovation project at Glenlake Park, updating playgrounds, pavilions and picnic areas; adding new paved walkways and bike paths; and upgrading the pool and bathhouse.  This 17- acre park is the largest green space around, and provides playgrounds, basketball courts, ball fields, 5 tennis courts and a Pool.  Adjacent to Glendale Park lies the Historic Decatur Cemetery.

   The Decatur Cemetery

Established around 1823, Decatur Cemetery is one of the oldest  publicly owned burial grounds in the metro Atlanta area, expanded now to 54-acres with over 20,000 grave sites.  It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is located in downtown Decatur.  The Cemetery is a popular section of Decatur real estate for walkers and photographers, and is maintained partially by volunteers from the Decatur community.

Not many Decatur neighborhoods enjoy such close proximity to Parks, walking trails, shopping, and downtown Decatur events as ideally located Glendale Estates!

Atlanta Decatur Homes, local Atlanta real estate company selling homes in 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.

Decatur Townhomes and Condos – Atlanta, Georgia

Posted on February 25, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

Here are a few popular Decatur Townhomes and Condos located in Atlanta, Georgia, neighborhoods close to Emory University/CDC.  Convenience is a primary concern for Atlanta homebuyers, and these four complexes are all within a mile or two of major shopping malls, grocery stores, and restaurants. 

• Brianwood – Close-in community built in 1974, located off LaVista Road in the heart of Sagamore Hills and Oak Grove and just a few miles from Emory University, CDC.  Close to shopping and restaurants. Features 3 and 4 bedroom homes with 2-car garages, plus pool and clubhouse, priced between $200,000 – $250,000.  Schools:  Sagamore Hills Elementary; Shamrock Middle, Druid Hills High School.

• September Chase Townhomes, built in 1987 with high-end finishes and garages, located in the center of established neighborhoods like Sagamore Hills, Oak Grove, and Leafmore with an east commute to Emory/CDC, shopping and restaurants.  Price ranges from $269,000 for 4 bedroom/2.5 bath to $215,000 for 2 bedroom/2.5 bath unit.  Located in an excellent school district:  Sagamore Hills Elementary, Shamrock Middle, Druid Hills High School.

• Winston Place Townhomes, located off LaVista Road near the intersection of Clairmont Road and less than 2 miles to Emory/CDC, in the center desireable Sagamore Hills, Oak Grove and Leafmore communities. Features beautifully landscaped grounds, pool and a strong Homeowners Association.  Price ranges from $230,000 to $240,000 with 2 bedroom/2 bath units and some 4 bedroom/3 bath units, most have 2-car garages.  This is another favorite Decatur Townhome community.

• Haverhill – A private residential Decatur Townhome and Condo community built in 1976, with 47 attached homes, including 2-3 bedroom townhomes and 2-3 bedroom one-level flats, located off North Druid Hills Road, just South of the Clairmont Road intersection and within 2 miles of Emory/CDC, downtown Decatur, shopping and restaurants.  Haverhill has an active Homeowner’s Association, Annual Community Events, and a great pool area.  Price ranges between $178,500 – $240,000.

For more information about Townhomes and Condos in Decatur and around the Emory University neighborhoods, call Atlanta Decatur Homes.  Follow us to view future articles showcasing Decatur and Atlanta townhome and condo complexes

Housing: Clean Out the Spiders and Throw Out the Junk!

Posted on February 15, 2011 by atlantadecaturhomes

Setting the Stage to Sell your Home

Realtors love clean houses!  Homes that are neat, tastefully decorated and clutter-free are dream properties.  A well-tended yard, clean windows,  and trimmed shrubs showcase your home and form the first opinion a Buyer makes about your property.  You know what they say about first impressions – you never get a second chance to make one.  Homes that are well-presented generally sell faster and for higher prices than homes that have been neglected. 

Making your home more appealing to Buyers is more important than ever.  You are competing with a much larger real estate inventory today and you need to pull out all the bells and whistles to make your place shine. 

Exterior Attention

• Lawn:  Your yard should be neatly mowed, raked and edged
• Trees/Shrubs:  Pruned and shaped
• Flowers:  Window boxes or pots with seasonal flowers add interest
• Yard Clutter:  No bicycles or toys
• Sidewalks/Driveways:   Swept and washed
• Painting:  Repaint or touch-up as necessary
• Doors/windows:  Doors and windows should be in good working order.  Clean and paint doors if necessary, wash all windows and replace any broken or cracked panes.
• Roofs/Gutters/Downspouts:  Check for loose or missing shingles.  Clean out gutters and downspouts

Interior Attention

• Appearance:  Check for peeling paint, and consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones.  Clean all carpeting and area rugs,  linoleum, tile and wooden floors.  You may want to consider refinishing your hardwood floors if they are worn and dingy.
• Aroma:  Leave the impression you want to make – a clean-smelling home, free from pet odors, cooking, smoke, etc. that may affect potential buyers.
• Bathrooms and Kitchen:  Spotless, sparkling – stem to stern
• Clutter:  Organize closets and leave the floors and shelves as clear as possible;  Basement and attic should be cleaned and organized; Garage cleared, swept and washed with tools, garden equipment, bicycles appropriately stored. 
• Decorating:  Arrange your rooms to appear more spacious, remove excess furniture from rooms that are too crowded, clear off surfaces and store some of your knick-knacks. 

You’ve worked diligently to prepare your home and it’s shining like a new penny!  Your Realtor will love it, and so will the Buyers!