Georgia Real Estate Voice: Georgia: Atlanta

Is that Condo FHA approved? In metro Atlanta we have lots of condos for sale.  Buyers who will be using FHA insured financing (3.5% down) need to know if the condo is on FHA's approved condo list.

Check out the official site for FHA Approved Condos.

Many Atlanta condos have restrictions limiting the number of rentals in a community.  One of the reasons is because FHA will not approve a condo if it has more than 20% rentals.  Some condos have wait lists of 2 or more years to be able to rent out your unit.   If you are considering renting out your place in the future, I would suggest getting on the list early. 

If you're thinking of buying or selling a condo in Atlanta or Smyrna, contact Jen Bowman, Keller Williams Realty Cityside at 404-456-5024.

Inman Park Festival - The 40th Annual Inman Park Festival is this weekend, Saturday, April 30, 2011 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 1, 2011 11a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The eclectic Parade is Saturday at 2 p.m. This event is fun for the whole family. The parade is a colorful mix of everything. It's led by the Inman Park butterfly, followed by marching bands, floats, art cars, politicians, drill teams, mascots, clowns, jugglers, and many more, closed by the Inman Park Trash Queen riding aloft a city street sweeper. The parade takes place rain or shine.

The parade begins on Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta, GAat Spruce Street, follows Edgewood to Hurt Street, Hurt Street to Euclid Avenue and Euclid Avenue to Austin Avenue where it disbands.

There will be a fabulous Tour of Homes.  The Inman Park Tour of Homes features 11 various homes and points of interest.  The cool thing about this year's Tour of Homes is that 5 of the homes were on the first tour 40 years ago.  The Home Tour is on Friday noon to 4 p.m; and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.    If you can do the Tour of Homes on Friday afternoon that will the best opportunity to view the homes before the streets are blocked off for the weekend Festival crowds.

Inman Park Home Tour tickets are $15 if purchased through April 28, 2011 and $20 during the Festival. Advance tickets can be purchased online and at local merchants. Tickets will also be available at any of the Festival ticket booths during the weekend of Festival.  

The 2011 Rocket Run 5K and Caterpillar Cruise is Sunday May 1. It's to support Mary Lin Elementary School.   This will be fun to watch the costumed runners.  The caterpillar cruise is where at least 7 runners (5 for 8^th graders and under) tether themselves together to run.  Can you imagine seeing dragons, caterpillars and trains running down the street?

The Inman Park Festival includes children's activities, live music, street vendors and artist market.  It's a great people watching place. We hope to see you there!

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Inman Park is a neighborhood of about 300 homes in Atlanta, GA. Inman Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Homes currently on the market in Inman Park range from a 2 bedroom renovated bungalow for $289,900 to an 1890 Victorian with over 5024 square feet listed at $1,444,000.  The current average is in the high $600K range.

 If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Atlanta, contact Jen Bowman, Realtor and Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners at 404-456-5024.

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Dogwood Fest 2011 - The 75th Annual Dogwood Fest in Atlanta is this weekend April 16th and 17th, 2011.   All of Atlanta's festivals make it a great city to live in.  The Dogwood Fest will be held at Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta, next to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.   This free art festival will have 4 stages with live music, a kids area, artist market, lots of food and a disc dog competition.  If you didn't know, Piedmont Park is a great place for dog lovers and most weekends you'll see dogs and their owners out there playing.

One of the cool things at the Dogwood Fest this year is the 9 story Seattle ferris wheel built in 1963.  Does that count as vintage?  Anyway, the view from that will be pretty cool overlooking midtown Atlanta and Piedmont Park.

In addition to the Dogwood Festival in Midtown, over in Candler Park near Little 5 Points the Sweetwater Fest will be going on.  I hope you'll take time this weekend to enjoy all that Atlanta has to offer.

For all your real estate needs in Midtown Atlanta, contact Jen Bowman, Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners at 404-456-5024.

Sweetwater 420 Fest 2011-  One of the many great events going on this weekend is the Sweetwater 420 Festival on Saturday, April 16 & Sunday, April 17, 2011. It's an Earth Day Celebration to learn about natural resources and environmental concerns. There's food, art, an environmental expo, Sweetwater beer and live music.

There's also the Gas South Eco Challenge, a team obstacle course.

The day starts off with a 5K Run/Walk. It's a family friendly event with activities for everyone. The Sweetwater 420 Festival is located inside Candler Park on McLendon Avenue between Little Five Points (Moreland Avenue) and Clifton Road in Atlanta, GA. This event Benefits the Candler Park Association.

If you haven't been to Candler Park yet, it's a city park with free tennis courts, boot-camp exercise programs, golf course, swimming pool, playground and picnic pavilion.

See all the homes for sale in Candler Park.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Candler Park, contact Jen Bowman, Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners at 404-456-5024.

Free Admission at the Georgia Aquarium on Saturday March 12, 2011. It's Princess Day at the Georgia Aquarium.  Children 12 and under who dress in princess, prince or frog costumes will receive free general admission to the Aquarium. (1 FREE child admission with each paid adult or Member. Offer includes Aquarium general admission only. Not valid with any other offer.)

The aquarium is having a program designed to ensure the survival and conservation of all amphibian species  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Festivities include the following:

• Interactive Princess Parades at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Princess Photo Ops
• Arts and Crafts, featuring plantable frog conservation cards, presented by Botanical Paperworks
• Frog Activities including "How They Eat" and "How They Move"
• Animal Encounter with Milk Frogs
• Radio Disney from 12-2 p.m.
• Special Giveaways

 There's always great events going on in and around Atlanta. Take time to enjoy all that the city has to offer! 

Fest of Ales and Scarecrows in the Garden - This is one of my favorite October events in Atlanta. It's an annual fall tradition, Scarecrows in the Garden showcases more than 100 scarecrows stuffed by local organizations, businesses and individuals. Scarecrows are displayed throughout Southern Seasons Garden and Children's Garden along with wonderful and creative seasonal decorations.

• Every Thursday in October - 5 to 10 pm - Fest of Ales with live music
• Experience Scarecrows in the Garden October 1 to 31
• Watch as the sun sets over the Atlanta skyline
• Bring a flashlight to explore the more than 100 scarecrows throughout the garden
• Pumpkin Carving Contest done by the great chefs of Atlanta- Chefs have 25 minutes to create something spectacular. The audience determines the winner.  7 p.m. on Thursday October 28, 2010

Tickets are $15 each for adults

$12 for seniors and children ages 3 to 17

Free for members of the Atlanta Botanical Garden and children under 3

For more information visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

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If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in metro Atlanta, contact Realtor Jen Bowman with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners at 404-456-5024.

1880 D'Youville Lane Atlanta GA for Sale - This is the place to live, it's serenity in the city. This D'Youville Townhome is back on the market with a $30K price reduction. Now listed at just $179,000.  This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome is nestled among trees overlooking Nancy Creek. The screened in porch is just beckoning the new homeowners to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the surrounding area.

  

When you enter the front door there's a 2 story foyer. Go down a few steps to the main level. You'll find a large eat in kitchen on the right. The stainless steel appliances stay with this terrific townhome. Lead a busy life? Then you'll love the efficiency of the convection oven. Do you like to entertain? Then the warming drawer will be perfect for you to keep food at the right temperature during your housewarming party. There's a window over the sink with a view to the dining and family room.

There are hardwood floors in the dining and family room. The wet bar in the dining room just adds to the convenience of this home. A gas fireplace is flanked by built in shelves.
Sliding glass doors lead to the screened in porch with ceiling fan which will soon become your favorite place in this townhome.

Go upstairs and you'll find 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The master bedroom has 4 closets! (3 double closets and a linen closet.) The bathroom has a jetted tub and shower combination. The second bedroom also has its own private bathroom with a shower stall.

The lower level has the large laundry and utility room. This room is big enough for a fitness room if the new homeowner chooses. There's a half bath too. The garage with a workbench is technically a 1 car garage but can fit 2 smaller vehicles.

Upgrades already done in this home include a central vacuum system and a laundry chute. The attic fan has a temperature sensor for energy efficiency. There are dimmer switches throughout. The front porch is on auto sensor and has a dimmer too.

See 28 photos in the slide show of 1880 D'Youville Lane in Atlanta GA.

Students living at D'Youville attend Dekalb County's Montgomery Elementary and Chamblee Middle and High Schools.

There's tennis courts and a swimming pool for the residents of D'Youville. If that's not enough recreation, Dekalb County parks are close by. Murphy Candler Park is just a half mile and Blackburn Park is 1.3 miles away.

3 libraries are within a 2.5 miles, they include Doraville, Chamblee and Dunwoody, all part of Dekalb County's great public library system.  If the item you want isn't available at one library, you can request it and be notified when it's ready to be picked up at the library of your choice.

Grocery stores are within a mile and a half. Kroger is the closest at less than a mile. Publix and Super-H Mart are less than a mile and a half away from this D'Youville Townhome.

Passion for Shopping? Nearby shopping includes Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, which is less than 2 miles away. The anchor stores there include Macy's, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom's and Dillards.

To get to the D'Youville Community in Atlanta, GA take I-285 to Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Go inside the perimter, to D'Youville Entrance on the right, go over the waterfall bridge and veer left onto D'Youville Lane.

With all that, are you ready to move? 1880 D'Youville Lane is listed exclusively by Keller Williams Realty Atanta Partners, Jen Bowman 404-456-5024.

1504 Stonegate Lane SE Atlanta GA for Rent - Kirkwood

Stonegate Cottages - This end unit condo cottage in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta GA really feels like home.  It has a vaulted ceiling in the living room. It's been freshly painted and is ready for you to move in.

It has 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath. The second bedroom could easily be used as a den/office because it has french doors that open to the living room. There are hardwood floors throughout except for wall to wall carpet in one of the bedrooms. 702 square feet feels open and airy here, maybe because it has great natural light coming in from 3 sides.

See the Virtual Tour of this Stonegate Cottages Condo.

For outdoor enjoyment there is a private back deck.  Or if you'd rather, enjoy the crystal clear water in the swimming pool at Stonegate Cottages. Summer is coming!

Rental available now for $800 a month. Exclusively Listed by Success Realty, Jen Bowman 404-456-5024

Stonegate Cottages is a quaint gated community in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta. From Ponce de Leon Ave in Atlanta, go south on Moreland Ave. Turn left on Memorial Dr. Turn left on Wyman Ave. Turn left onto Stonegate Lane.

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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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.

View more of the Georgia Real Estate Voice.   Search Atlanta GA homes for Sale  

Edmund Park in Atlanta GA was built by Hedgewood, an Earthcraft builder. Edmund Park is a community of 86 homes, mostly 4 bedroom homes, with some 3 & 5 bedrooms. They have anywhere from 1 to 3 car garages. Homes have stone and brick accents, Hardiplank siding and craftsman detailing. Edmund Park has 2 story homes some with basements and some on concrete slab. Homes are close together and the yards are small and built for low maintenance which is what we expect with in-town living. Homes were built between 1998 and 2004.

Homes currently on the market in Edmund Park range in price from a low of $490K for a 3 bedroom/2.5 bath built in 1998 on Kimberly Lane to $699K for a 4 bedroom/4.5 bath home on Edmund Park Dr. built in 2000 with a second kitchen on the terrace level.

Edmund Park is located in unincorporated Dekalb County in the sought after Morningside district of Atlanta. Home Buyers and Sellers in Dekalb County must be aware of Dekalb County's Plumbing Ordinance.

To get to Edmund Park going east from Ponce de Leon in the Virginia Highlands Neighborhood, take a left on Briarcliff Rd. Turn left on North Decatur Rd and make a right on E. Rock Springs Rd. Edmund Park is on your right. Edmund Park includes homes on Edmund Ct. NE, Edmund Park Dr. NE, Kimberly Lane NE, Markan Dr. NE, Rock Springs Circle NE and E. Rock Springs Rd NE.

Students at Edmund Park attend Briar Vista Elementary, Shamrock Middle and Druid Hills High School which are all Dekalb County GA schools. Edmund Park is also convenient to Emory University.

Nearby Virginia Highlands bars include Limerick Junction, the Dark Horse, Neighbors, Moe’s and Joes and Taco Mac. Fernbank Museum of Natural History is less than 2 miles and the Fabulous Fox Theatre is less than 3 miles away from Edmund Park.

Parks within a mile of Edmund Park include Johnson Park, Villa Park, Callanwolde Park, Lullwater Conservatory and Lenox Wildwood Park.  Edmund Park has an active Homeowner's Association with planned social events.  It sounds like a fun place to live!

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

View more of the Georgia Real Estate Voice.  Search Atlanta GA homes for Sale 

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