Georgia Real Estate Voice

3206 Mathieson Dr. Atlanta GA Short Sale - Buckhead Condo

This Buckhead condo is perfect for the busy person who doesn't want to deal with lots of maintenance.  This cozy condo has 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, a living room and a kitchen.  It has beautiful hardwoods throughout, neutral paint and great natural light.

Listed exclusively by Success Realty, Jen Bowman. 404-456-5024.  See the Virtual Tour.

It has been used as a corporate apartment for an out of town client who was my buyer 4 years ago. Spending lots of time in hotels in Atlanta? This is far more comfortable and less expensive!

To get to Mathieson Court Condos, go South on Peachtree Rd from Lenox Mall -Turn Right on Mathieson Drive by the Wendy's. At the first stop sign, turn left into complex-unit is in the right building, 1st floor end unit. 

Mathieson Court is in the heart of Buckhead, around the corner from the Peachtree Rd United Methodist Church. It's so convenient to fabulous Trader Joe's Buckhead, shopping, bars and restaurants.

There are just 16 condo units in this small Buckhead Condo community.  Low monthly HOA dues of $130 a month cover exterior liability and fire insurance, exterior maintenance, trash pickup, pest control, water/sewer and the reserve fund.

3206 Mathieson Drive Unit 1, Atlanta, GA 30305 is listed at just $103,000. This is a short sale pending bank approval.

If you are thinking of of buying or selling real estate in or around Atlanta, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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Appealing property tax in Dekalb County GA - This week I've been busy contacting all of my clients that bought a home with me in 2009. The purpose of my call is to make sure everyone has filed for their homestead exemptions. The deadline is March 1. It only needs to be done once and then it stays in force until the status changes.

A full 50% of the homes I sold in 2009 were foreclosures. My clients got great deals. What does that mean as far as their property taxes go? It means that they could be seriously overpaying!

One of my client's homes is assessed by Dekalb County at more than 30% over what she paid for it. So she was asking me how she can get that re-assessed. I pulled some info together and sent it to her.

Here's the same information for people who want to appeal their property tax bill. The following is from the Dekalb County Tax Assessor's office:

"How do I appeal?
If you wish to appeal the value of your property, you may file a tax return with the Property Appraisal Department between January 2nd and March 1st, at which time you may declare what you consider to be the fair market value of the property. This will generate a review of the value by the Property Appraisal Department; a notice of assessment change will be sent to you in late March or early April if the Board disagrees with your value. You will then have thirty (30) days to file an appeal if you continue to disagree with the assessment as set by the Property Appraisal Department. "

Here's a link to the forms for the real estate property tax return form.
For more information check out the Dekalb County GA Tax Commissioner's Site.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Decatur Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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9th Annual Oakhurst Wine Crawl - Tickets are now available for the 9th annual Oakhurst Wine Crawl in Decatur GA. Buy a commemorative tasting glass for $20 and sample 20 different wines from around the world at participating Oakhurst businesses. You must be 21-years-old or older to participate.  This event is coming up on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Tickets are limited to the first 750 people.  They are available at local Decatur businesses including:

• Kavarna in Oakhurst
• One Step At A Time in downtown Decatur in the CVS shopping center
• Steinbecks in Oakhurst
• Universal Joint in Oakhurst
• Wahoo

Tickets are $20 in adavance and $25 at the event. If you really want to go, I suggest getting your tickets in advance.

Oakhurst is a neighborhood in the city of Decatur. Currently there are 35 homes for sale in Oakhurst ranging in price from $137,900 for a home built in 1925 to $599,900 for a home built in 2008.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Decatur Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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Decatur for Haiti - Catherine with the Decatur Minute asked that we help to spread the word. Many of our Decatur GA businesses are stepping up to help the Haiti Earthquake victims. The following businesses in downtown Decatur and Oakhurst have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds from Monday, February 1, 2010 to the American Red Cross.

• Brick Store Pub
• Cakes and Ale will be closed for a private party, but is still donating a portion of its proceeds.
• Chick-Fil-A from 5-8 p.m.
• Fleet Feet
• Fresche, 12-6 p.m., $25 haircuts with all proceeds going towards the cause.
• The Grange donating proceeds from their Saturday renaming party and on Monday.
• Heliotrope
• HairWerks is offering $25 haircuts and $10 brow waxings which will all be donated.
• Iberian Pig
• Little Shop of Stories will hold a special storytime at 7 p.m. about the importance of helping others.
• Matador Cantina
• Mingei
• Nectar
• Palate Cafe and Bar
• Pambili African Artworks
• Peggy's Boutique
• Saba during lunch and dinner.
• Steinbeck's
• Twain's
• UJoint

Come on out and support our local businesses. After all, they are a big part of what makes Decatur a great place to live, work and play. At the same time you'll be making a difference for the Earthquake victims.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Decatur Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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Medlock Park in Decatur GA 30033 is comprised mainly of brick and frame ranch style homes built in the 1950’s and 1960’s. There are a few larger infill homes in the mix. Currently there are 3 homes on the market ranging in price from $218,000 to $249,000. Most of the homes are 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Some of the homeowners have found additional space in their homes by finishing out the attic space.

Recap of 2009 in Medlock Park

• 9 homes sold in Medlock Park
• low price of $189,500 to a high of $290,000
• Average days on market was 98 days
• Average list price of $236K
• Average sales price of $229K

The Medlock Park neighborhood is on the north side of Decatur with Scott Blvd/Lawrenceville Hwy as its eastern boundary, North Decatur Rd as its southern boundary, Willivee Dr. as its western boundary and the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve is its Northern boundary.

The Medlock Park community connects to University Heights and North Decatur Heights. The actual lines seem to be a little blurred because tax records show a different picture than the signs within the neighborhood.

The hidden gem in Medlock Park is a 28 acre Nature Preserve. The Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve has interactive walking trails. You can find it on Pinebluff Trail at the end of Woodtrail Lane. (2580 Pinebluff Trail, Decatur, GA 30033). Take time to enjoy it on the next beautiful day we have.

DeKalb County’s Medlock Park is also tucked in the neighborhood by the same name. The park has 39 acres with ball fields, multi use courts, playground, picnic area and swimming pool.

Medlock Park students attend DeKalb County’s Medlock Elementary,Shamrock Middle and Druid Hills High School. Medlock Elementary is within easy walking distance as it’s in the neighborhood at the end of Medlock Rd next to the park.

Close by, at the top of Medlock Rd off of North Decatur Rd, you’ll find:

• Melton’s App and Tap bar and restaurant with outdoor seating
• Pet Supermarket
• Natural Buzz, an Aveda Hair Salon
• Retreat Nails Studio
• Laundromat with giant size washers (think comforters and sleeping bags)
• Maddy’s BBQ is just across the 6 way intersection (live music nightly)

For homeowners at Medlock Park medical care couldn’t be more convenient with DeKalb Medical Center less than ½ a mile and Emory University Hospital about 1 mile away. Need Milk? Publix and Kroger Grocery stores are also just about a mile away.

View Map of Medlock Park in Decatur, GA.  

For in town living, Medlock Park offers quite a bit. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Decatur GA call me, Jen Bowman, Realtor & Broker Associate with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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The city of Decatur will test it's new Tornado Outdoor Warning Siren system for installation purposes on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 12 noon.   The test will last about two minutes. 

The first official monthly testing of the system will be held on Wednesday February 3, at 5 p.m.  If the weather is bad that day, the test will be postponed until Thursday February 4, at 5 p.m.

From now on the system will be tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m.  The sirens will sound for about one minute during each testing.

While we don't have many tornados in Decatur and metro Atlanta, the one we had back in March 2008 was a big one. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured. I took the photos shown here the day after the tornado hit as we drove down Dekalb Ave towards downtown Atlanta, GA.

If you are thinking of of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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1113 McClelen Way Decatur GA 30033 for Sale at Tuxworth Springs

For Sale: 2 bedroom, 2 full bath end unit condo on ground level at quiet location in Tuxworth Springs Condos in Decatur, GA. $138,000 Listed exclusively by Success Realty, Jen Bowman 404-456-5024 

• Nice hardwood floors in dining, living room & kitchen.
• Galley kitchen with stainless steel appliances
• Kitchen has view to family room with masonry gas fireplace.
• Spacious bedrooms have walk in closets.
• Window coverings are 2" faux wood white blinds and they are included
• This condo has neutral paint and is move in ready
• Clean and neutral wall to wall carpet in bedrooms
• Tile floors in baths
• All appliances stay with unit, including refrigerator, washer and dryer.

There is a deck/balcony off the living room with space for relaxing with morning coffee or an evening drink. The storage closet is great for seasonal or extra items.

See the Virtual Tour.

Purchase this Tuxworth Springs condo by April 30, 2010 to be eligible for the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit. For people who have already purchased their first home, there is a $6500 tax credit available.

Tuxworth Springs has a swimming pool, hot tub, tennis courts plus separate boat and RV parking. It is convenient to Emory University, the CDC and Dekalb Medical Center.

Tuxworth Springs is an FHA Approved Condo. That means it can be purchased with just 3.5% down.

The other condo that I had listed for rent at Tuxworth Springs has been rented but will be available to purchase in January 2011.

From North Decatur Rd going east, make left on Scott Blvd, Tuxworth Springs is the gated community on the left across from the Old Ford Dealership. Unit is in back of complex on ground floor.

Looking for something else? Check out this penthouse loft in downtown Decatur for $399K.

If you are thinking of of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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Train with Fleet Feet in Decatur GA - What are your New Year's resolutions? If you're like me every year, it's be fit, eat healthier, etc. Fleet Feet Decatur has 2 great training programs beginning in January.

They have a No Boundaries Learn to Run 5K Training Program which begins January 5th. The cost for the program is $75 and the goal is to help you cross the finish line in 11 weeks. The target is the Tour Decatur 5K on March 13, 2010. All levels of walkers and runners are encouraged to participate.  The group will meet to run or walk twice a week, on Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m.

The ING Georgia Half Marathon Training Program begins January 9 for the March 21 race day. The cost of that program is $75. This training is for intermediate runners.

$75 for the training session includes coaching, technical t-shirt and special surprise. It doesn't include race registration.

Fleet Feet has a great staff and is located at 431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave in downtown Decatur GA on the corner of Ponce de Leon and Northern Ave.

If you love the energy and small town feel of Decatur, you may want to check out this downtown Decatur Penthouse Loft for Sale.

For more information on the training program call 404-371-0208 or visit Fleet Feet on line.

If you are thinking of of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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Christmas Tree Recycling in Dekalb County GA -  Keep Dekalb Beautiful is sponsoring it's 20th Annual Bring One for the Chipper Event in January 2010.

The recycled trees will be chipped into mulch for landscaping or used as wildlife habitat. Mulch is used for public beautification projects and is free to DeKalb County residents for use in their own gardens.

Residents who are serviced by DeKalb County Sanitation are being asked to leave their trees for curbside pick-up on their yard debris collection day. All ornaments and decorations must be removed. Any tree over 7 feet must be cut in half prior to curbside placement. Dekalb County will not normally pick up yard debris or trees that are over 4 feet in length.

This annual event continues the tradition of trading a used Christmas tree for a tree seedling, while supplies last at the designated drop off points.

In addition to leaving them at the curbside for pickup Christmas Trees can also be dropped off at the following locations:

Agnes Scott College - Saturday, Jan. 2. Residents can drop off live Christmas trees at the Christmas Tree Recycling Center in the Agnes Scott parking lot. The entrance is between 184 and 206 S. Candler St. in Decatur GA.

Seminole Road Landfill Drop-off Site
4203 Clevemont Road
Lithonia, GA 404-294-2900
Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services are restricted to residents of Dekalb County only.

East Transfer Station
1750 Rogers Lake Road
Lithonia, GA 404-294-2927
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services are restricted to residents of Dekalb County only.
The recycling center will be open Monday, Dec. 28, through Saturday, Jan. 2

Home Depot


Last year, more than 200,000 trees were recycled in the State of Georgia. Over 10,000 of those trees were from DeKalb county GA residents. The program produces environmental benefits while helping Dekalb county comply with state regulations that prohibit the disposal of yard trimmings in lined municipal landfills.

If you are thinking of of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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335 West Ponce Condo for Sale in Decatur GA

335 West Ponce de Leon Ave Unit 606 Decatur GA for sale- Listed exclusively by Success Realty, Jen Bowman 404-456-5024 for $399,000.

Here is your chance to live in a penthouse loft in downtown Decatur! This contemporary loft is on the 6th floor which is at the top of 335 West Ponce condos. As you walk in the door to this unit, you'll notice the acid stained shiny concrete floors. On the right behind the sliding doors is a bedroom with ceiling fan, walk in closet with custom shelving and private full bath. The shower/tub has a subway tile surround.

Continue into the living area, where you'll see a custom built shelving unit making excellent use of space under the stairs. This shelving unit was part of the work done by HGTV's Designed to Sell team.

The floor to ceiling energy efficient glass doors and windows let in lots of natural light. The view overlooks Ponce de Leon Ave in downtown Decatur. The glass doors lead to one of 2 balconies. Custom sliding window panels complete the look of this sleek condo loft.

The kitchen has granite counters and a tile backsplash. The breakfast bar provides extra seating space. The kitchen is open to the family room. Exposed concrete walls give this unit an urban feel.
Go upstairs and you'll find the master bedroom with walk in closet with custom California Closet shelving. The private bath has a jetted tub, separate shower and dual vanities.

The second floor of this condo loft also has a office or bonus space and a glass door to the second deck/balcony on the rooftop. See the Virtual Tour of 335 West Ponce.

335 West Ponce is a secured building with concierge, fitness room, swimming pool and outdoor dining area by the pool, perfect for your next party. Unit comes with 2 covered parking spaces.

335 West Ponce is located above Fabu Spa and is in walking distance to shopping, restaurants and the local events that downtown Decatur offers.

If you are thinking of of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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