May 2010

West Midtown

West Midtown – located west of I-75/I-85 is becoming the fastest growing area in town.  West Midtown is home to Georgia Tech with easy access to Buckhead, Downtown, midtown and all interestates.   Great shopping and restaruant are also close at hand in this ermerging area.  Westside District  located at Howell Mill & 14th Street recently opened offering numerous restaruants, salons, spa and shopping.    Just down the street is the Atlanta Humane Society.

Avondale Estates

Avondale Estates is just east of Decatur and Oakhurst.  Avondale Estates was founded in 1924by George Willis after a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon with his wife.  He was smitten with the birthplace of William Shakespeare and Avondale Estates reflects the Tudor-Revival architectural style of the city.  Avondale Estates is listed on the National Registrar of Historical Places.   Avondale Estates has a strong community and many events planned.  Avondale Estates.

1516 Howell Mill Rd, #15, Atlanta, GA 30318

Great new listing at Waterworks at Howell Mill.  This best buy town house is listed for $165,000 and offers 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths in HOT HOT HOT West Midtown.  Built in 2000 this home has been well maintained and is in move-in condition.  Why not see for
yourself?!

Virtual tour for 1516 Howell Mill Road, #15, Atlanta, GA 30318

1826 Dupont Ave, Atlanta, GA 30318

Avondale Estates – SOLD

SOLD – 12 Melford Place.  17 Days & 98% of the asking price!  Great home and great deal all around.  My sellers on this house were gems to work with and the buyers are so excited to be moving into the home!  CONGRATULATIONS to ALL!

Market Update on Economy

Pending home sales for the month of March 2010 increased 5.3% from the previous month to 102.9.  The March 2010 is 21.1% higher than March 2009 which was 85.0.  The data is provided by the National Realtors Association and is for homes under contract – not closed.

Definitely the increase is in part to the end of the buyer tax credit (must be under contract by April 30, 2010 and closed by end of June 2010).   According to Lawrence Yun, the NAR’s chief economist, “Clearly the home buyer tax credit has helped stabilized the market.  In the months immediately following the expiration of the tax credit, we expect measurably lower sales.  Later in the second half of the year and into 2011, home sales will likely become self-sustaining if the economy can add jobs at a respectable pace, and from a return of buyer demand as they see ome values stablizing.”

From my persepective – yes – we will probably see a slow down in under contracts and sales after April 30th but many Atlanta buyers are out there.   They want to buy even if they didn’t get the tax credit.   Home prices seem to be stabilizing in areas (still early but the numbers are showing some improvements), and loans are becoming readily available in the jumbo market (loans over $417,000) as banks’ begin to show healthy balance sheets.  Buyers want great deals and sellers are understanding this and working to price their homes right for the current market.  I am talking to buyers who still want to buy!

In Metro Atlanta – we are starting to see a slight reduction in the unemployment rate which is a lagging indicator of the economy.  The unemployment rate will follow other improvements in the economy – such as the increase in the pending sales numbers.   The good news is that March 2010 the unemployment rate dropped for the Metro Altanta area.

United Way’s Shoebox Project

Renew Energize Donate = RED.  RED Day is May 13, 2010.  Keller Williams’ office all across the country will take the day and give back to the community.    My office is participating in the United Way’s Shoebox Project which collects shoeboxes (hopefully decorated) filled with travel size toiletries for homeless women & kids.   On the 13th – we will meet at our office and fill the shoeboxes and then deliver to the United Way.

I was so excited & passionate about this project that I am collecting donations from NOW until the 12th of May.  Need Shoeboxes (both decorated & not decorated), travel size toiletries & items for kids (list below) or money which will be used to buy toiletries.   You may leave on my porch or contact me for an easy pick up/delivery options.  Metro Atlanta’s United Way’s goal is 20,000 shoe boxes! 

• Shoeboxes – must be able to be opened/inspected by United Way
• Shoeboxes – have some fun and decorate – no worries if you don’t have time!
• Toiletries – travel size including:deodorant ~ travel size soaps ~ toothbrush & toothpaste ~ travel size lotions ~ hair comb/brush ~ sun protector ~ lip balm ~ adhesive bandages ~ hand towels/baby wipes ~ antibiotic ointments ~ warm socks ~ tampons ~ panty liners (must be individually wrapped) ~ travel size water bottles ~ rain poncho ~ resealable zipper storage bags ~ prepaid phone cards ~ dental floss ~ NON-ALCOHOLIC mouth wash ~ travel size hand sanitizer
• Items for Kids:coloring books ~ crayons/pencils ~ pencil sharpeners ~ barrettes ~ elastic bands ~ children’s toothbrushes ~ toys (travel size) ~ children’s sox ~ small books
• NOT SUITABLE:  Medicines ~ candy ~ sewing kits ~ used or opened items ~ no sharp objects or razor blades (unattended children may have access to the boxes & want to keep safe).

If you want to participate but don’t have shoeboxes or toiletries – can take a check and do shopping for you!  Target & most drugstores – have great $1 items that are PERFECT for the boxes!