**Open House Today in Sandy Springs**

$890,000
3 Ascot Manor Northwest 
ATLANTA, GA 30327

GORGEOUS RENOVATION ON VERY PRIVATE LOT. UPDATED KITCHEN, BATHS, SYSTEMS. LEVEL WALK-OUT BACKYARD. SPACIOUS LIGHT-FILLED ROOMS. OPEN FLOOR PLAN - GREAT FOR ENTERTAINING. GORGEOUS MSTR ON MAIN W/ UPDATED LUXURY MASTER BATH. 5 LARGE BDRS UP. + PRIVATE 1BD/1BA SUITE ON LOWER LEVEL ALONG WITH HUGE RECREATION ROOM. RENOVATED CHEF'S KITCHEN WITH BREAKFAST ROOM. LIGHT-FILLED SUNROOM OFF KITCHEN OVERLOOKS BACKYARD. VERY COMFORTABLE FAMILY/MEDIA RM. NEUTRAL & UPDATED. MOVE-IN READY, VERY PRIVATE-NO THRU STREET. TOP RIVERWOOD HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT & TOP HEARDS FERRY ELEM.

See the full gallery on Posterous

The Next Cool Thing...witness creative history

 

 

 

 

 

RED Carpet Cocktails

Experience the magic as we kick off a weekend of live performances, visual amazement and creative collaboration. $35 Tickets for this VIP event are available on-line and through any of the participating sponsors. Dress your best because this is a see and be seen party. No one under 21 admitted. Sample food and beverages from dozens of the top catering, restaurant and libations experts in Atlanta.

Doors open at
7:00 pm until 11:00 pm
Friday, January 14

VIP Gala

This event is by INVITATION ONLY for professionals in the film & TV, entertainment, design(interiors, graphics, design/build), performing arts and event industries.  This black tie optional event is expressly for the purpose of business networking.  Only spouses and significant others will be invited to attend with a member of the creative community. This GPP fund raiser has a suggested donation of $20 per person at the door. To get invited contact a sponsor or exhibitor.

7:00 pm until 11:00 pm,
Saturday January 15

Everyone's Invited

The whole family is invited to explore hundreds of creative exhibits based on movie or television themes. Sample the wares of the latest sensational food trucks and surprise performances.  Young children must be supervised and security will be tight. Tickets are $10 available on-line and $15 at the door. Great photo opportunities, so bring your camera!

11:00 am until 4:00 pm,
Saturday, January 15
1:00 pm until 4:00 pm,
Sunday, January 16

If you are interested in attending any of these events, please contact Cary at 678-983-7987

Florida Condo for Rent 1st Week of January

This is a timeshare property for rent during Week One which is from the 31st of December until the 7th of January

$1,500 for the week

Eagle's Nest

410 South Collier Boulevard

Marco Island, Florida 34145

Eagle’s Nest resort overlooks the Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s southwest coast. It is the “crown jewel” of luxury beachfront condos which line the island’s crescent beach of white-silver sand.
Vibrant tropical gardens, clay-tiled roofs and the soothing sound of its courtyard fountain create a setting with the feel of a coastal Mediterranean village.
Eagle’s Nest is a premiere interval ownership (timeshare) resort created in 1982 to serve the vacationing interests of an owner base of discriminating people from every state in the nation and virtually every continent on the planet.

Contact Cary Blumenfeld for more information or call 714-306-9616

Atlanta Real Estate Vacations

Calling All Atlanta Builders...Undeveloped Lot for Sale in Buckhead

$1,250,000
2985 West ROXBORO Road
ATLANTA, GA 30324

Incredible 1.75 acre lot to build and intown estate or develope as many as 5 SPACIOUS LOTS. There is an occupied 1928 brick cottage and guest house that were built by the influential Cheshire family for their son. Sold "As is". Amazing value in the land. This is the best lot in the area, hands down.

Price: $1,250,000

MLS#: 4126981

Status: Active

Type: Residential Developed Lots

County: FULTON

Subdivision: PINEHILLS

Suburbs in the City

Dupont Commons by Brock Built is located in the West Midtown section of the City of Atlanta. Not only is this location fantastic for a family who works in the city but wants a suburban feel, but it also contains many elements you would come to expect out of a midtown location. Fantastic restaurants scatter the area including Nuevo Laredo Cantina, JCT Kitchen, Figo, Six Feet Under and Chow Baby. This is only naming a few. Along with the fantastic dining is the close proximity of shopping of all kinds. To the east, Atlantic Station, Lenox Mall, and Phipps Plaza are a short drive, and to the north are Cumberland Mall and the Cobb Galleria. This location is ideal for commuters and families wanting the feel of suburban Atlanta with the convenience of the city. The community offers buyers single-family homes from the $270,000s. Residents enjoy Dupont Commons’ full amenities package including a clubhouse, pool, fitness center and more than 4-acres of green space.

County: Fulton
Prices: $ 277,500 – $ 439,000

Contact Cary Blumenfeld for more information

Atlanta Real Estate Midtown

Atlanta Commercial Real Estate Investors want "Nice Buildings"

Eventhought the Atlanta commercial market is still reeling from the current economic downturn, it does not mean investors have stopped looking for great properties at an affordable price. The vacancy rate in Atlanta is still high, roughly 17.6 and possibly climbing, but market bottoms create unique opportunities for investors. According to Chris Macke, a senior real estate strategist in Washington with real estate services firm CoStar Group, “There’s more money looking for deals but at the same time, there aren’t as many deals on market, so it’s just skewing things,” Macke said. “It’s almost an artificial environment on the sales side.” What does this mean for the Atlanta commercial market? Rental rates are still quite low, but quality commercial property is still selling for a premium. Ok, maybe not a premium, but the high demand for quality buildings definitely raises prices on the supply side for commercial property.

Atlanta Real Estate at Exciting Location: 1010 Midtown

Located in fantastic Midtown, 1010 Midtown offers residents Atlanta condos with luxury and style in an amazing location. 1010 Midtown is located in the center of Midtown Mile and within walking distance to more than 80 restaurants, Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

1010 Midtown offers buyers an amazing value. With FHA financing, homebuyers can take advantage of the low 3.5 percent interest rates. Plus, the builder has reduced pricing with select one bedroom homes up to $75,000 off and two bedrooms are up to $150,000s off. Now, one bedroom floorplans are starting in the $190,000s and two bedroom homes are starting $290,000s.

There are one, two and three bedroom homes available that range from 768 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet. All homes feature breathtaking views from the floor to ceiling windows, large outdoor living spaces, spacious closets, frameless glass showers, framed refrigerators and tile backsplashes in the kitchens.The resort-style amenities include pool, fitness center and garden.

1010 Midtown is located at the corner of 12th and Peachtree streets.

The State of the Atlanta Real Estate Condominium Market

ULI Atlanta Young Leadership Group’s The State of Atlanta’s Condominium Market: Are there opportunities for investment firms and potential residents panel discussion on Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 6p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Atlantic.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Credit Scores Play Major Role in Getting the Best Rates...Period

Most lenders nation wide require a minimum credit score of around 620 or higher. By doing this, they eliminate roughly 30% of the total amount of consumers looking for homes. The remaining 70% can and will qualify for a loan, but their score needs to be above 740 to access the best rates advertised. If your credit score is around the mid 600s to mid 700s, your rate will most likely be adjusted according the company guidelines.

So you ask yourself, how can I possible raise my credit score and maintain it?

1) DO NOT CLOSE CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS

-These are great sources of positive credit and you will be deleting them

2) PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME

-Even if you have to pay the minimum one month, do not miss a payment!

3) TRY NOT TO OPEN NEW CREDIT ACCOUNTS OR TRANSFER LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUNDS

-This is negatively looked at by the credit bureaus relating to instability

4) KEEP YOUR ASSETS HIGH AND DEBTS LOW

-Never have credit cards maxed out when qualifying for a loan

Buckhead, New Location for Families

When looking for Atlanta real estate do you focus on neighborhoods that are compatible for the whole family, do you think city or suburbs? If you thought that Buckhead was not the place for you because of its congestion and lack of welcoming atmosphere, think again.

Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2011 publication and conference on Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the American Cancer Society Center.

ULI Emerging Trends: Atlanta Real Estate Outlook Conference

This year’s conference will include keynote speaker, Stephen R. Blank, Senior Resident Fellow, Finance with the Urban Land Institute and special guest, Leo Wells, Founder and President of Wells Real Estate Funds. There also will be a panel discussion with industry leaders including Julian Diaz, Department of Real Estate Chair and Professor at Georgia State University; John Dewberry, CEO and Chair at Dewberry Capital; Jeffrey Warwick, Market Executive at Commercial Real Estate Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Michael McDonald, Managing Director at Eastdil Secured; and Jeff Fuqua, President of The Sembler Company.

Condos at The Astoria at The Aramore are now priced at up to $300,000 off.

Atlanta Real Estate Deals: Bank Ordered Condo Sale Up to $300,000 Off

http://www.atlantarealestateforum.com/atlanta-real-estate-deals-bank-ordered-condo-sale-up-to-300000-off-33656/

Real Estate Connections ATL

I am very excited about checking out #Real Estate Connections ATL presented by Peter Pasternack. 

http://realestateconnectionsatl.eventbrite.com/
Cary Blumenfeld

**Atlanta Based Startup Planning $200M Plant to Manufacture "Green" Cement**

Marietta-based Sriya Green Materials Inc. has developed technology it claims will slash the cost of manufacturing cement by about a third. Sriya claims its cement-making process can cut capital costs by up to 45 percent. The technology also promises to cut carbon dioxide emissions in the manufacturingprocess by nearly 30 percent. Cement manufacturers are the world's second largest emitter of carbon dioxide.

For the entire article click HERE

http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/09/13/story1.html?b=1284350400^3919751

Cary Blumenfeld

*New Zoning May Change Buckhead*

Buckhead is on the verge of getting new zoning rules that could help transform its traffic-choked streets into the next pocket of New Urbanism.
The plan calls for an expansion of the public interest zoning district, SPI-9, currently centered in the Buckhead Village near the planned $1.5 Billion "Street...s of Buckhead".

This expansion will include the intersections: Peachtree and Piedmont, Piedmont and Pharr, Pharr annd Peachtree, East Andrews at Roswell, and Roswell at West Paces Ferry.

The goal is to make Buckhead walkable, resembling Georgetown in the nation's capital.

My only question is how can we make Buckhead walkable with cars flying by at 60mph? How about some street level trains or trolleys?

Read the entire article HERE

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/09/13/story2.html?b=1284350400%5E3920191
 
Cary Blumenfeld

5 Reasons to Buy A House Today

1. Buying May Be Cheaper than Renting


2. Tax Advantages of Homeownership

3. Homeownership Builds Wealth

4. Real Estate is a Great Long-Term Investment

5. Experts Expect Home Price Appreciation Next Year



Read the whole article HERE
http://kcmblog.com/2010/09/08/financial-planning-5-reasons-to-buy-a-house-today/#more-5764

Steve Harney is an industry known real estate and finance consultant. He maintains a blog and information database concerning real estate market analysis.

Cary Blumenfeld
Harry Norman, Realtors

**FOR SALE** REDUCED!!

For Sale

Reduced $155,000

3117 Towerview Drive

Buckhead

$1,195,000

 

www.buckheadrealestate.com

Cary Blumenfeld

Harry Norman, Realtors

**FOR SALE** JUST REDUCED!!

For Sale

Reduced over $75,000

75 Stewart Drive

Sandy Springs

$650,000

www.buckheadrealestate.com

Cary Blumenfeld

Harry Norman, Realtors

**SOLD**

SOLD $650,000

8 Honour Avenue NW

Buckhead

$175,000 Under List Price

www.buckheadrealestate.com

Cary Blumenfeld

Harry Norman, Realtors

**SOLD**

SOLD for $147,500

477 Pasley Ave

East Atlanta

$22,400 Under List Price

www.connie.cousins-baker.harrynorman.com

Cary Blumenfeld

Harry Norman, Realtors

**FOR SALE**

For Sale

Reduced $175,000

4780 Jett Road NE

Chastain Park

$1,075,000

 

http://www.buckheadrealestate.com/

Cary Blumenfeld

Harry Norman, Realtors

*Featured Non-Profit*

SafeHouse Outreach is an urban outreach committed to affecting real change in the lives of those in the margins of society, by providing a hand up, not just a hand out.

SafeHouse provides practical, emotional, and physical assistance to those living in the margins, and help integrate them back into society – to lead healthy, functional lives.

The SafeHouse Outreach Urban Gala
Georgia Aquarium
(Ocean's Ballroom)
225 Baker Street,
Atlanta, GA 30313
(downtown Atlanta)

All tickets include private SafeHouse Outreach session to explore the GA Aquarium before dinner and the program. Bring the entire family!

http://www.safehouseoutreach.org/

Tax Breaks for Homeowners -- Got Yours?

*You can deduct many home-related expenses, and these tax breaks are available for any type of home; mobile home, single family home, condo, etc.

*The bad news is that your taxes will become much more complicated when you file.

*ALL Mortgage Interest paid is deductible unless your loan amount is over 1 million

*Did you pull out extra cash from financing or did you get a home equity loan or line of credit? Generally, these are all deductible up to $100,000

*Do you own multiple homes? Mortgage Interest on a second home is also fully deductible.

For more tax related info, visit the link provided at CNBC

Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program

On November 30, 2009, the Treasury Department released guidelines and forms for its new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA). HAFA is part of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). HAFA provides incentives in connection with a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL) used to avoid foreclosure on a loan eligible for modification under the HAMP program. Servicers participating in HAMP are also required to comply with HAFA regulations.

Click Here for More HAFA Information

Don’t Wait to Buy or Sell a Home, Rates are Going Up!

The effect of the Fed exiting from their program of buying mortgage backed securities on March 31 this year will have a major impact on housing market prices. The elimination of the major purchase of mortgage backed securities is a precursor to HIGHER RATES….likely in a quick and dramatic fashion, and it is normal for mortgage rates to go up when The Fed lowers rates.  
The cost of a home has two major components: the price and the expense of the financing. Unless you are paying cash for the house, the mortgage interest rate is a key determining factor in what the home will cost you over the term of the loan. 
Right now a 30 year fixed rate mortgage can be obtained for around 5% interest rate. This is very low, and half of what interest rates were just 10 years ago. If you are a seller who wants to move up to a more expensive home in a down market, now could be the best time. The longer you wait to sell, the lower the price of your home could fall. On the other hand, if you are a first-time home buyer, it is in your best interests to purchase your home as soon as possible. The first-time home buyer tax credit will be expiring in June, and any increase in interest rates after the government’s exit from the mortgage industry in March will greatly affect your purchasing power.

Information Provided By:

 

Steve Harney - Real Estate and Mortgage Expert

  www.steveharney.com

*BIG NEWS ON SHORT SALES*

A major problem the Atlanta real estate market currently faces is the growing number of bank-owned homes clogging the market. While the banks take their time processing paperwork and checking comps, the homes sit vacant for months. During this time, homes are vandalized/stripped of all or most ...valuables. The preferred items are copper piping in air conditioning compressors and also plumbing equipment. Once these items are removed, the home will no longer qualify for conventional financing. Only cash offers or investor backed financing can take place. Another negative aspect of short sales is the extended period of time buyers have to wait upon submitting an offer. 4 to 6 weeks is the usual, but a 3 month wait is not out of the norm. But enough of the complaining already because a new rule issued by the Treasury recently will require lenders to respond to short sale offers within 10 business DAYS! The rule also makes up to $1,500 available to the seller for moving expenses and can possibly release the seller from any other liability.

Click Here for the Article

*Featured Development*

In the heart of one of the country's most exciting cites stands one of its most magnificent structures – The Stacks. Soaring tall and proud, it has risen boldly to the sky since its creation in 1881.
From bustling 19th century textile mill to stylish residences, it is the stuff of which legends are made. The Stacks has evolved into its own vital community offering one-of-a-kind dwellings.
Today, it is home to artists and educators, families and students, all of whom have chosen to live surrounded by some of our most unique neighborhoods. Just moments from your door are Cabbagetown, Old 4th Ward and historic Grant Park. A very short distance away you'll find Inman Park, Little Five Points and The Highlands.
The Stacks is the perfect blend of lore and HISTORY, offering a premiere LOCATION for city lovers and a unique LIFESTYLE that can be found at no other condominium community in Atlanta.

This is the Best Time of Year to Sell Your Home

If you want to sell your home, some experts say this is the perfect time to list. With many excess homes already sold, the demand for quality and well kept homes is on the rise. Low interest rates and ever lower prices are driving this force. Once again, the key to actually selling your home is establishing a competeti...ve price. We have seen homes on the market for over 2 years at this point and this is strictly due to an overpriced listing. if the buyers see your home and don't feel as though they are getting a "deal", there is no way it will be sold. Before listing your home, do some research on your own. Speak with friends who have recently bought or sold. Keep up to date with local trends and be mindful of the relative prices of similar homes. 

 

30-Year Mortgage Rates Slide Below 5%

Rates fell for the third straight week, creating an attractive lure to potential buyers still on the fence.

Look at these rates! I have been watching the financial news lately and the BIG news is weak bond rates with mortgage rates following close behind. I hear these analyists saying the rates are going to trend higher, and how the fed needs to raise rates because the economy is trending back upward. This is a lie. We are n...o closer to recovery now than we were a year ago. Healthcare has yet to be finalized (if you think it will....it won't). Yes, residential real estate is gaining strength, but the amout of available homes is a telltale sign of what is going on. More Americans than ever can't afford these homes for sale because of education loans exceeding $100,000. How are you able to maintain a credit score of 600+ with an extremely unattractive debt-equity ratio. Did I mention healthcare? Try qualifying for a $90,000 mortgage making 10/hr, along with loan payments, car payments, pet payments, rent, insurance, food, tv, internet, gas...(insert any other expenses) and then come speak with me.

Lessons in Economics

The first lesson of economics is scarcity: There is never enough of anything to satisfy all those who want it. The first lesson of politics is to disregard the first lesson of economics.

Harry Norman Buckhead North Office

>

> This is where the magic happens!!
>

**Market Update**

One questions has come to the forefront throughout this entire recession...
Are any homes actually selling?
The answer is YES! But there are factors one must observe when offering their home to the market. One main reason many homes are selling is due to the COMPETITIVE PRICING of each individual home. This is a buyers market and what comes with this type of market is INCREDIBLE DEALS! The Atlanta housing market has been down for 13 consecutive quarters. This is an amazing statistic, but one can easily see the effect...incredibly low prices. In November, there were 3,630 closings of detached single family homes. This is a 32.9% increase compared to November 2008. As the supply of homes decreases through the next few months, do not expect prices to remain this low. Here are a few examples of competitively priced homes that have recently sold in a DOWN market.

Twelve Atlantic Station
This owner had over $400k invested in this beautiful condo, but realized the need to drop the price significantly. We just closed this week for a sale price of $199k. What a Deal!

Fairhaven Circle (Buckhead)
This home was listed by Margie Stockton and received a full price offer of $439,000 within 24 hours of being listed. Once again, competitive pricing worked its magic.

Stovall Bloulevard (Brookhaven)
This beautiful home in the heart of Brookhaven is valued at over 1 million. The sellers quickly realized they would not receive that type of value in this market. They dropped the sale price to $925,500 and just closed this past week for $840,000. A fantastic deal for the buyer!

Atlanta #1 on Forbes magazine list of "Recession-Proof Cities"

For years, Atlanta has become a destination hub for many multinational and regional companies. Extremely temperate weather, ease of travel and a relatively low cost of living make Atlanta a prime destination for young professionals breaking into business markets of all kinds. A newer trend is the influx of retired baby boomers into metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. Atlanta averages 215 sunny days per year, this combined with median home prices of $223876 in the metro area create an affordable and appealing destination for current or new retirees. Check out the link below for detailed statistics and other cities named to the list.

Best Retirement Cities

Atlanta Real Estate and Community Info

MARTA Raises Fares

For the last 30 years, MARTA has been by our side. That loving friend who takes you to the airport for a relatively small cost and the ability to not have to leave your car at some ridiculously expensive pay lot. For others, MARTA is a lifeline. MARTA's inefficiency and lack of funding make it one of the least effective and minimal reaching public transit systems in the United States. As a student, gas and wear and tear on a car are expensive and inefficient, therefore I take advantage of Atlanta's pathetic excuse for transit to get to university and back. Luckily I live right by one of the north lines and ride MARTA right to 5 Points Station, which resides 2 blocks from Georgia State University. What MARTA needs is a driving force in the Georgia Legislature to get more funding and expand services and geographical reach. For more information on MARTA, visit www.itsmarta.com

Atlantic Station - Life Happens here

Atlantic Station is one of only a few Atlanta adresses which are car-free. Located on its own island, Atlantic Station is sophisticated, savvy and fun. Previously, the only way to access public transit was a shuttle that would stop at the Arts Center... MARTA station. But with recent developments, a new pedestrian bridge extending across I-85 has conveniently linked Atlantic Station with Midtown. With its close proximity, Atlantic Station is perfect for Georgia Tech and Georgia State University students.

Beautiful Condo in Atlantic Station -- Atlanta, Georgia

Beautiful Atlantic Station Condo for Sale! $240,000. 2 bedrooms / 2 baths. Custom lighting and cabinetry pulls. Many updates. Automatic blinds with amazing Atlantic Station views. State of the art gym and pool, great for entertaining. Custom closets along with speakers throughout. CHECK OUT THIS PRICE ALONG WITH THE UPGRADES. The seller Paid $394,700. NO SHORT SALE/FORECLOSURE HASSLES.

Click here for the full Listing







Click here for the full Listing