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| Neighborhood News |
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 Want to know what’s going on around our neighborhood? Find out here on the Community News page! Visit throughout the day to get your updated local news headlines. In addition, you can also find out about local happenings.
If you know of an event, such as a city picnic, local high school graduation or a wedding, post it here to let all of us know! Be sure to keep yourself informed by checking this page frequently! |
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The new Cooks Warehouse
Posted on: 2010-02-03
The Cook’s Warehouse is now open at Ansley Mall. They actually opened the doors for business in this new location back on October 19, 2009. The Ansley Mall location is the flagship store for founder/ owner/operator Mary Moore. She opened the first store in the Amsterdam Walk shopping district 15 years ago. She now has two other very successful stores; one in Brookhaven at 4062 Peachtree Road, and the other in Decatur at 180 W Ponce de Leon Avenue.
The Warehouse features pots & pans, cookware, bakeware, glassware, party supplies, baking supplies, specialty food items and more. They offer Miele, Aga, Asko, Viking, Wolf, SubZero appliances. And lots more. Come see the more than 15,000 items displayed in over 6500 square feet of designer space.
The website contains the monthly calendar highlighting baking & cooking classes, wine tastings, and various product and appliance demonstrations. You can sign up for the various events via the website.
'I am also happy to offer our Piedmont Heights neighbors a discount. Receive 25% off of one regularly priced item, excluding large appliances, alcohol and services. One time use per customer, not to be combined with any other offer.' Print this page and bring it with you to the store to receive the discount.
Their location is in the Ansley Mall, next door to Blockbusters. 1544 Piedmont Road, Suite 403-R, Atlanta GA 30324. The phone number is 404.815.4993. The website is www.CooksWarehouse.com The store hours are Monday – Saturday 10:00-8:00, and Sunday from 11:00-5:00.
Website: www.CooksWarehouse.com
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the new HobNob neighborhood tavern
Posted on: 2010-02-01
The new HobNob, a neighborhood tavern, is scheduled for public opening on February 26. The menu includes pizzas, pastas, burgers, fries and more. Beers, wines, mixed drinks, and house-infused vodka drinks will also be featured. They will open for lunch at 11:00 AM and continue serving dinners until 11:00 PM seven days a week. The bar remains open until 2:30 AM.
The new restaurant is located at the corner of Piedmont and Monroe. It’s the former location of Caribou Coffee. This is a new venture by the Yeremyan brothers, Gilbert and Sean. The have owned and successfully operated Gilbert’s Café at the corner of 10th & Piedmont for many years.
Valet parking is complimentary. Their website is HobNobAtlanta.com
Website: www.HobNobAtlanta.com
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| Please Help Haiti...
Posted on: 2010-01-14
On January 12, a series of earthquakes measuring 6.5 to 7.3 on the Richter scale devastated Haiti. The American Red Cross is working with its partners in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, including the Haitian Red Cross, and other partners to assist those affected by this disaster.
Your gift to the American Red Cross will support emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those people affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include sending relief supplies, mobilizing relief workers and providing financial resources and recovery.
You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.
Thank you.
Website: www.redcross.org
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| Save Yourself the Cost of a Battery...
Posted on: 2009-12-05
Winter is here, so the furnace is now working hard. But, should you awaken one night or one morning to discover that your furnace is not running, before you quickly call the HVAC repair person, check a couple of things first. By doing so, you'll save yourself the cost of a service call.
First, check the breaker panel box to make sure the breaker has not tripped. Second, open the panel on your thermostat and see if there is a battery inside. Many thermostats require a battery to run properyly, and many times the homeowner is unaware that there is a battery ( that needs to be changed occasionally ) inside the thermostat. This is one of the most-frequent issues when the HVAC does not operate. This one check will save you the cost of a service call, maybe $60 to $120.
Also check to see that the panel on the front of the furnace is secure, and that the filter panel is locked in place. Does your furnace have an auxiliary switch on it or near it? Check to be sure it is turned on.
If all of these checks are good, and the furnace still will not operate, call Tony Gentile at Southeastern Heating & Air at 770.457.1575 to schedule a service call.
Website: www.SoutheasternHVAC.com
Email: southeasternhvac@aol.com
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| Dying Trees Can Be a Big Problem
Posted on: 2009-12-05
Because of all the recent storm damage that's occurred this year in GA, we all need to be extra aware of dangerous situations, sometimes in our own backyards. And, it could become a big legal issue.
When a neighbor has a tree in his yard that crashes down into your yard, or onto your house or property, you are responsible for your own repair and clean up. Also, if a tree falls and does not damage property then your insurance provider generally will not pay a claim to remove the fallen tree. This is considered an Act of God. ( If the tree falls onto your house, then your homeowner's insurance will pay for home repairs, but why wait for this to happen? )
And... it doesn't matter whether the tree is dead or alive.
However, if you have previously notified your neighbor, in writing, about your concern for life and property should his tree ( dead or alive ) fall onto your property , then your neighbor is solely responsible for all expenses to repair and clean up your property. This is only true if you have notified the neighbor in advance, and in writing, not verbally.
'I would add that having an arborist look at the trees in question and giving that information to the neighbor along with a letter is what we recommend' says Neil Dobbs with Allstate Insurance.
And maybe remind the neighbor that a fallen tree is usually more expensive to remove than is a standing tree.
I am not an attorney and I am not intending to give legal advice. For more detailed information on this issue, contact your homeowners insurance agent, check with an attorney, or see the website, www.nolo.com. Also talk with the City Arborist for the City of Atlanta at 404.330.6150 before removing any trees. A permit from the city is required prior to removing a tree.
For a referral to a recommended tree surgeon, go to the Neighborly Referrals page of this website, and look under Tree Services.
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| Winter's Chill Drives Rodents Indoors
Posted on: 2009-12-05
WINTER'S CHILL DRIVES RODENTS INDOORS...
National Pest Management Association Offers Preventative Advice to Deter Invasive Animals
During the chilly winter months, most people seek refuge in the warmth of their homes, but they are not alone. From October through February, rodents, including mice, rats and squirrels, often take shelter in homes, causing potential hazards to both health and property.
“Rodents seek to protect themselves from winter’s chill by invading your home,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “Rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the United States every winter and are a considerable health and property nuisance.”
Rodents can enter homes through almost any opening. Once inside, rodents can cause severe damage as they can chew through wallboards, cardboard, wood and even electrical wiring, increasing the potential risk of a fire.
Mannes advises homeowners to inspect for rodent droppings in undisturbed areas, including pantries, attics, and garages as these droppings can cause allergies and disease, such as Hantavirus.
NPMA also recommends taking these precautions to keep rodents outside:
Make sure all holes, cracks and voids are sealed.
Don’t overlook proper drainage at the foundation and install gutters.
Keep branches and other plants cut back from the house.
If you find rodents in your home, call a local pest professional to identify and correct the problem.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed limiting the use of several rodent bait products “to certified applicators who have had sufficient training to know when and how to use these products in order to limit risks.” Although homeowners will be prohibited from purchasing these rodenticides, licensed pest professionals will be allowed to purchase and apply these products to meet critical public health needs.
Homeowners facing rodent problems can benefit from the knowledge and training of licensed pest professionals in areas such as rodent biology and integrated pest management. They should feel encouraged to contact a pest professional for a complete inspection and treatment, if necessary.
For more information on rodents and other pests, visit www.pestworld.org.
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the continuing education of the pest professional and the dissemination of timely information to homeowners.
For professional helping in removing unwanted pests, call Toby Miller with Arrow Pest Control. His number is 770.833.8588.
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| Alex Wan is the new District 6 Representative
Posted on: 2009-12-02
On December 1, Alex Wan was elected the new City Council Representative for District 6, the seat previously held by Anne Fauver for many years.
His plan and commitment for Atlanta includes:
1) Relieving the Property Tax Burden on Homeowners by growing the city's tax bax and by restoring programs that will provide financial and technical resources to nurture local small businesses.
2) Prioritizing Public Safety by expanding the number of police and by encouraging development and adoption of community-based neighborhood safety programs.
3) Making City Government Efficient, Effective and Transparent by launching independent audits of city departments and by instituting quarterly budget reviews and long-range financial planning.
To discuss his plans for Atlanta, please contact Alex at 404.939.2609.
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| Landscape Now for Good Appeal in the Spring
Posted on: 2009-11-10
Autumn is the favorite season of the year for a lot of people in Atlanta. It's a time of cooler temperatures, beautiful colors and a slower pace of life. If you're thinking about selling your home next Spring, then Autumn is also the time of the year to get your whole house in order. The start of the selling season in Atlanta is February 1, especially if you live in a 'families' neighborhood. The busiest months of the selling season are February through June mainly because buyers with children want to get their families settled in the new neighborhood during the Summer so the kids are well-situated before school starts. Get it on the market early in the Spring; you'll get top dollar for your home and it should sell faster.
Key to getting top dollar for your home is curb appeal. Buyers have to get inside to see the home and then decide to buy it. Good curb appeal makes them want to come inside. Price, condition, location, and landscaping all factor into the viewing, and buying, decision.
It's already November, and that means that February is only three months away. Minor repairs can be done almost at the last minute in the Spring, but landscaping is a little different. I suggest that you heavily prune all of the bushes around the house now. They will bush out in the Spring, and that will give your house a newer, younger look from the street. But you have to do it now in order for the bushes to look good ( and give good curb appeal ) come February. Also, do the other time-intensive projects now instead of rushing in the Spring and you'll be smiling all the way to the bank next selling season. If you would like some professional help with your landscaping projects, call Scott Weise at Gardenology. Their phone number is 404.276.5763.
I'd like to be your real estate consultant. Please call me with any questions about getting your home ready to sell. My number is 404.874.6699.
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| Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs...
Posted on: 2009-10-01
Be sure to mark Tuesday December 1 on your calendar; that's the run-off election day.
Every election is an important election, but this year the residents of Atlanta have some significant issues in front of them, and they have some pivotal choices to make.
The voters decide who will be making those important decisions for the city of Atlanta. Evaluating the candidates is crucial to an informed decision. Below are the names of the candidates, and their websites. The goal is an informed and intelligent vote.
Mayor of Atlanta
Mary Norwood - www.MaryNorwoodForMayor.com
Kasim Reed - www.KasimReed.com
City Council President
Ceasar Mitchell - www.CeasarForOurAtlanta.com
Clair Muller - www.ClairMuller.com
City Council, District 6
Liz Coyle - www.LizCoyleForAtlanta.com
Alex Wan - www.AlexWanForAtlanta.com
City Council at Large, Post 1
Michael Julian Bond - www.MichaelJulianBond.com
Adam Brackman - www.AdamForAtlanta.com
City Council at Large, Post 2
Amir Farokhi - www.AmirFarokhi.com
Aaron Watson - www.AaronForAtlanta.com
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| Upcoming Events at the Botanical Gardens
Posted on: 2009-09-28
Record Number of Scarecrows Stuff the Garden!
An annual fall tradition during October, Scarecrows in the Garden showcases more than 125 scarecrows perched throughout the Garden, each created by local organizations, businesses and individuals. Children’s activities from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends!
Tap into Fest-of-Ale on Cool Autumn Nights
Thursday nights in October get especially lively in the Garden at Fest-of-Ale, featuring a fine selection of specialty, Halloween-themed brews each week. The indoor/outdoor event will be held in the Parterre and in Mershon Hall, but visitors are welcome to stroll the Garden and enjoy the Scarecrows in the Garden and Moore in America exhibition from 5- 10 p.m. while enjoying live music. The event is sponsored by Hop City .
Goblins Galore Parade through the Garden!
Children look forward to the festivities of the Garden's annual Goblins in the Garden, a children's costume party and parade on Sunday October 25 from 1-4 p.m. Children and young goblins are invited to wear their favorite spooky or zany costume and enjoy train rides ($2), pond rides ($4). Cash bar for Moms and Dads. Presented by AT&T Real Yellow Pages.
Check out More Creepy, Crawly Doings
Whit Gibbons will reveal the rich biodiversity of Georgia's wetlands and uplands, fields and streams, using live specimens of the state's native reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, turtles, frogs and salamanders, during “Amphibians & Reptiles: Georgia’s Hidden Biodiversity.” The free Calhoun Lecture will be presented at Wednesday, Oct., 14 at 7:30 p.m. Gibbons is Professor Emeritus of Ecology, University of Georgia, and head of the Environmental Outreach and Education program at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory.
Come Here the Medicine Man!
In this entertaining, information-packed presentation, Chris Kilham explores how beneficial plants become natural and pharmaceutical medicines, and what happens to native people, the environment, and the plants themselves along the way. The free Alston Lecture will be presented Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Kilham is a medicine hunter, author and educator, and has conducted medicinal research in over 30 countries.
For more information on any of these events, contact Danny Flanders, Public Relations Manager at 404.591.1550, or email him at dflanders@atlantabotanicalgarden.org
Website: www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org
Email: dflanders@atlantabotanicalgarden.org
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| Area Flooding Causes Increase in Pest Problems and Poses Health Risks
Posted on: 2009-09-23
Due to the storms and flash flooding which are hitting Georgia, and the Atlanta area, Arrow Exterminators, a local pest and termite control company, is reaching out to educate the public on issues related to pests and the diseases they carry. As the water recedes in most areas, it is creating prime conditions and breeding grounds for pests and pest related diseases.
The public should be made aware of these potential problems to help safeguard their families from associated health risks. The excessive rain will have disrupted these pests’ natural habitats and they will be forced to relocate – unfortunately, many times this relocating will put them in resident’s homes and yards.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitoes rank first in insects posing a risk to human life. West Nile Virus, just one of the diseases carried by mosquitoes, will certainly be of high concern. Even after flood waters subside, standing water – found in large trash receptacles, the root balls of uprooted trees or in clogged gutters – can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. September is the peak season for West Nile Virus, and the rapid reproduction of infected insects may lead to a much larger outbreak of the disease than previously anticipated.
Although Georgians are used to dealing with pests, the potential number of pests may push residents out of their comfort zone. Arrow is warning homeowners about the following pests that may be more active due to the floods:
· Rodents – Rodents are attracted to water, and are well-known for appearing in areas after heavy rains or flooding, sometimes related to their natural habitat being destroyed. If homeowners notice any rodents in their home or on their property, they should contact a pest professional or health officials.
· Mosquitoes – Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and with these heavy rains and continued warm temperatures, they may become a serious problem during the next few days and weeks. Areas of Georgia have already been dealing with significant mosquito problems, as evidenced by the recent incidence of West Nile Virus in Tifton.
· Ants –While ants may be considered a nuisance more than a health threat, most homeowners want to keep them outside. During heavy rains they tend to seek shelter inside homes.
· Cockroaches – Cockroaches are also attracted to water and homeowners may be seeing an increase inside and around the home.
Call Toby Miller ar 770.833.8588 with any questions and to schedule an evaluation and treatment. Be sure to mention my name and this website.
Website: www.ArrowExterminators.com
Email: tMiller@ArrowExterminators.com
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| Water, Water Everywhere!! HELP!! Emergency Services!!
Posted on: 2009-09-23
Remediation Group, Inc. offers Emergency Services!
CALL NOW at 404-214-1470. They are located 2 miles from Buckhead near Peachtree Battle (Creek)
Atlanta has been hit hard by rain and flash flooding ! The Rem Group can help. They can handle floods, pipe breaks, rainstorms; anything that leads to water damage.
Services include:
Water Extraction
Structural Drying
Fire, Smoke and Soot Restoration
Contents Pack Out
Furniture and Contents Decontamination
Mold Remediation
Restoration Services
Structural Reconstruction
Deodorization
Dry Ice Blasting
Insurance Claim Specialists
Their team of certified restorers, water loss specialists, and mold remediators are trained to follow an organized plan with scheduled priorities and disciplined procedures. With their state-of-the-art revolutionary drying techniques, they are the only remediation service worth your recovery dollars. They will save you thousands of dollars in ongoing recovery repairs. The key is response.
The sooner you call REMEDIATION GROUP, INC. to respond to water damage emergencies, the sooner they can act to overt long-term problems in your home or facility.
To learn more about this company, please visit their website at www.remgroupinc.com and call their Atlanta office at 404-214-1470. Be sure to mention me and this website when you call them.
Website: www.RemGroupInc.com
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| MAN – Mosquitos Are Nasty!
Posted on: 2009-06-09
Tiny Pest — Major Concerns
Mosquitoes can become an incredible nuisance to the point they actually deter you from venturing into your own backyard during some of the nicest times of the year. Moreover, they pose a significant health risk due to diseases they can carry like West Nile Virus and Encephalitis which can be transmitted to your family and pets through a single bite.
While mosquitoes tend to be the most bothersome at twilight and in the early morning, conditions around the home can promote their activity all day long, dramatically limiting your enjoyment of your outdoor living space both night and day. It’s a serious issue, which is why you should give serious consideration to a customized mosquito control program for your home.
Heavy rains and rising temperatures create a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and are contributing to a noticeable increase in the number of infestations in our area. In addition, mosquito-borne illnesses continue to plague communities, especially in the South, as evidenced by the increasing incidence of West Nile Virus this past summer.
Mosquitoes are one of summer’s best-known pests. They breed in small amounts of stagnant water such as storm drains, children’s wading pools, old tires and birdbaths. Mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in as little as 10 days. Once they are born, they are most active from dusk to dawn and will fly up to 14 miles for a meal. Female mosquitoes feed on human blood while male mosquitoes feed on plant nectars.
Arrow Exterminators offers these tips to prevent mosquitoes from interfering with the enjoyment of your property this spring and summer:
• Replace all standing water at least once a week; this includes birdbaths, ponds and unfiltered pools.
• Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed.
• Screen windows, doors and other openings with mesh.
• Avoid going outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin whenever or wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite.
To mount a counter attack and reclaim your yard from mosquitoes, call Nancy Delany at Arrow Exterminators for a free, no-obligation complete home evaluation. Her number is 770-552-4943. As part of their STEPS™ Total Protection System, Arrow offers a wide range of mosquito prevention alternatives, and, all of Arrow’s services are 100% guaranteed.
Seasonal Mosquito Protection — To protect your family and home from mosquitoes throughout the season, Arrow will service your home monthly. This plant friendly process is used on bushes and shrubs, trees and other surfaces around your home where mosquitoes are most likely to land.
Special Event Service — For an upcoming barbecue or other outdoor event, many homeowners call Arrow Exterminators for a one-time mosquito control service to provide a barrier for a short period of time. These highly effective mosquito exterminator treatments are a great way to ensure the health and comfort of your family and guests.
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1788 White Oak Hollow - SOLD...
Posted on: 2009-06-08
It's a truly beautiful ( and amazing ) home. With 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a granite kitchen, a separate dining room, a family room w/ fireplace, a deck, a garage, and, a completely finished Au Pair / In-Law suite on the terrace level, this is an amazing home in Piedmont Heights. The terrace level suite has a new family room, new dining room, new kitchen, two full baths, a bedroom, a bonus room being used as an office, and a patio. The fenced back yard is a beautiful garden area.
Website: www.HomesAboveTheNorm.com
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| Moore and More at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in June
Posted on: 2009-06-04
Throughout the month of June, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens expansion is blooming at the most beautiful cocktail party in the city featuring the monumental sculptures of Henry Moore and some of Atlanta's finest restaurants.
Every Thursday evening in June from 6 PM - 10 PM, come see Moore in America, listen to a live DJ, and enjoy lite bites and a cash bar. Members are admitted free, others pay $15.
Email: info@atlbotanical.com
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| The New GA State Tax Credit for Home Buyers
Posted on: 2009-06-04
Georgia's new State Tax Credit is now law! Here are the details.
The credit is up to 1.2% of the sales price of home up to $1800 ( thus, $1800 for any home bought for price $150k or higher. )
Available to buyers of single-family residences between June 1 and Nov 30 of 2009
The credit can be taken on State of GA income tax returns
This credit is completely independent of the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit; thus, a home buyer can take advantage of both
Available to anyone including investors (not limited to 1st-time buyers like the Federal credit)
No buyer income limits (unlike Federal credit)
The credit has to be spread over three years of tax returns
A taxpayer may claim one-third of the credit available each year, and may carry forward unclaimed amounts
The credit is not refundable ( unlike Federal credit; ) thus, if home buyer only owes $400 in State taxes, home buyer can only take $400 credit that year.
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| Pending Home Sales Up 3 Months in a Row
Posted on: 2009-06-04
Record low mortgage interest rates boosted pending home sales for the third consecutive month, with some benefit now from the first-time buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.7% to 90.3 from a reading of 84.6 in March, and is 3.2% above April 2008 when it was 87.5.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said buyers are responding to very favorable market conditions. “Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market,” he said. “Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers.”
The Pending Home Sales Index in the Northeast shot up 32.6% to 78.9 in April and is 0.8% above a year ago. In the Midwest the index rose 9.8% to 90.4 and is 11.1% above April 2008. The index in the South slipped 0.2% to 93.0 in April but is 3.5% higher than a year ago. In the West the index rose 1.8% to 94.8 but is 2.9% below April 2008.
NAR President Charles McMillan said there are numerous buyer assistance programs around the country. “Some states are offering bridge loans that allow first-time buyers to use the tax credit for downpayment and closing costs, but there are many other local government and nonprofit programs available to buyers, depending on location,” he said.
“Just last week, HUD announced that qualifying buyers can use the tax credit for closing costs on FHA loans, to buy down the interest rate or make a larger downpayment. Buyers who are wondering about their options should contact a Realtor®, who can advise consumers on the housing assistance programs and resources available in a given area.”
NAR’s Housing Affordability Index is in record territory. The affordability index rose to 174.8 in April from an upwardly revised 171.9 in March, and was the second highest monthly reading on record after peaking at 176.9 in January of this year. The HAI is a broad measure of housing affordability using consistent values and assumptions over time, which examines the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income; tracking began in 1970.
A median-income family, earning $60,900, could afford a home costing $296,800 in April with a 20% downpayment, assuming 25% of gross income is devoted to mortgage principal and interest. Affordability conditions for first-time buyers with the same income and small downpayments are roughly 80% of that amount. The affordable price was well above the median existing single-family home price in April, which was $169,800.
Yun cautions that the reporting sample for pending home sales is smaller than that of existing-home sales, so it is subject to greater variability. “In addition, the relationship between contracts on pending home sales and closings on existing-home sales is taking longer than in the past for several reasons,” he said. “Mortgage processing time has increased, it is taking many months to close on those homes requiring short sales with lender approval, and some sales are falling through at the last moment.”
The total number of existing-home sales is expected to improve but with dramatic local market variation in the timing of recovery. “The market has already bottomed in some areas, but this is an unusual housing cycle with some areas improving rapidly while others languish or decline,” Yun said.
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| Make the Most of Your Yard During Lawn and Garden Month
Posted on: 2009-05-07
The warm weather, longer daylight hours, and blooming tree buds can mean only one thing: spring has finally arrived. Now, with winter behind us, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and freshen up the yard.
In celebration of Lawn and Garden Month this May, beautify your landscape with these easy tips:
Add a “Recession Garden” - An estimated 43 million people are expected to grow their own fruits, vegetables, herbs and berries this year. Growing your own produce can save your family a large amount of money on groceries each year, and some say that fresh, homegrown fruits and veggies taste better than those purchased at the store.
Befriend the Birds - Consider including a birdhouse, birdfeeder or birdbath in your landscape this spring. Not only will it lead beautiful wildlife to your yard, but it will also serve as a nice decoration. If you’re on a budget this year, you can easily make a homemade birdfeeder by rolling a pinecone in peanut butter and birdseed.
Plant a Family Tree - Enrich your family ties (and your soil) with a tree that the whole family can plant together. Apple trees and mulberry trees look great in the yard and provide a shady spot for relatives and friends. Try planting one of these trees to commemorate your household’s next special occasion, like a birth or a wedding.
Tackle Yard Work With Ease - With all the lifting, hauling and digging, yard work can be a heavy load to bear. The wheelbarrow is a great tool as it helps lighten the burden for homeowners, as more weight is distributed to the wheels, instead of the user.
Take the Natural Approach - If you’re looking for an alternative to pesticide, consider planting some natural repellants to keep insects at bay. For example, mint can be used to ward off ants, and garlic can do the same for Japanese beetles. These additions will blend in nicely when planted among the flowers and vegetables in your garden, and they’ll also provide lots of flavor to spring and summer recipes.
If you need some extra, professional help in the yard or garden this spring, contact Jim or Scott of Gardenology at 404.995.9405.
For more information, visit www.lifetime.com.
Website: www.lifetime.com
Email: gardenology@aol.com
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| Energy Efficiency Tax Credits - Are You Ready to Take Advantage?
Posted on: 2009-05-07
RISMEDIA, April 25, 2009 - This year, the federal government extended and expanded home energy efficiency tax credits through 2010 as part of the broader economic recovery package, and millions of U.S. homeowners appear poised to pursue them, according to a survey released by Johns Manville. More than two-thirds of survey respondents, or 68%, said they were aware of the newly created federal energy efficiency tax credits. Of those homeowners, 46% said they intend to make a home improvement-related purchase that qualifies for an energy efficiency tax credit, including nine percent of homeowners who said they had already done so during the first three months of 2009.
The energy efficiency tax credits were created earlier this year by President Obama’s economic recovery package, which sought to encourage consumer spending amid the recession, as well as persuade homeowners to become more energy efficient. The tax credits allow homeowners to claim 30% of the cost of qualified energy efficiency products, up to $1,500, including insulation, windows and doors, roofs, HVAC equipment, and water heaters.
According to the survey, saving money was a primary motivator spurring homeowners to pursue an energy efficiency upgrade. The survey found that 40% of the respondents who were aware of the tax credits cited monthly savings on their utility bills as the key reason for the planned home upgrades, followed by improving the comfort of their home (30%), reducing their carbon footprint (13%), and earning the energy efficiency tax credit (8%).
Despite the interest among many homeowners, 72% of survey respondents said they did not know exactly how to apply for any energy efficiency tax credits or rebates, including those offered by state governments or local utilities. And some respondents indicated the existing tax credits might not be big enough to spur action. A total of 41% of respondents said the tax credit would need to exceed 40% of the product’s purchase price to motivate them to pursue a home energy efficiency upgrade if they weren’t planning one for any other reason. Roughly 32% of respondents said a tax credit of 30% or less was sufficient motivation.
To earn an energy efficiency tax credit, homeowners must save their receipt for a qualified purchase, print a form provided by the product’s manufacturer and then claim the deduction on their federal income tax return.
“This recent survey clearly demonstrates that millions of U.S. homeowners are interested in making purchases that qualify for the newly created energy efficiency tax credits,” said Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency. “The new tax credits can help homeowners defray the cost of several types of energy efficiency upgrades, making them more affordable at this time of economic strain for many.” “By tightening up their homes with added insulation and caulking and sealing of doors and windows, homeowners will enjoy lower heating and cooling costs, too,” Callahan added.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that homeowners can save up to 30% on their heating and cooling bills by adding insulation to adequate levels and air sealing their homes. In addition, an estimated 65% of U.S. homes, about 45 million, are under insulated, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
The survey found that the most popular projects for respondents intending to pursue the tax credit included: energy-efficient windows and doors (19%); a water heater (14%); roofing (14%); insulation (13%); heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (12%); and a solar energy system (8%). A total of 53% of respondents said they did not intend to make a purchase that qualified for the credit.
“This is a perfect time for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient,” said Mark Ziegert, a senior brand manager for Insulation Systems with Johns Manville. “With local and federal tax credits and rebates, the potential savings of lower heating and cooling costs, and product promotions offered by retailers, homeowners should have ample motivation to move ahead in 2009 with energy efficiency projects. If and when energy prices move higher, homeowners will be glad they added insulation and made other improvements. ”
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Yard of the Month for May
Posted on: 2009-05-01
Congratulations to Barbara McClintock & Greg Condrey at 410 Wimbledon Road for being selected as Wimbledon Road's Yard of the Month. The purple and white iris patch in their front yard is spectacular this month. They also have a beautiful purple patch of verbena vines in full spring bloom.
And, special recognition to Wayne Hoffman and Tom Torrey at 408 Rock Springs Road. Their yard has been selected as the Rock Springs Road Yard of the Month for May.
Barbara writes: 'Thanks Norm, It is an honor and several neighbors have all had positive comments. I just hope they don't check out the front steps and door area.
It is always a work in progress. Someday I must show you our back yard.
I am writing because I know you will put a blurb in the newsletter and hope you will mention that the gardening most often falls to our friend and gardener, Kennon Duerod. Ken has been working with us for several years now and has introduced us to composting, which is why you don't see us piling up bags of yard refuse on garbage days. And, its's why our yard is flourishing despite constant droughts. I would recommend him to
all, his contact number is 404 484 3329. When we do planning, as well as planting, his advice has been invaluable.
Again, thanks for the recognition. I hope we can inspire everyone in the neighborhood to tighten up and plant.'
Special Thanks to Barbara & Greg and Wayne & Tom for helping to keep Wimbledon Road, Rock Springs Road and Piedmont Heights extra beautiful.
Beautiful yards help to maintain home values.
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| Beware: Another Scam in Progress
Posted on: 2009-02-05
This scam is spreading very fast, so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take a summons for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new andominous kind of fraud has surfaced.
The caller claims to be a jury coordinator calling about your missed jury duty appointment. If you protest that you have never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he/she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant.
Give out any of this information, and bingo - your identity was just stolen!
The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma , Illinois, and Colorado. This scam is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system.
The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about this fraud. Please, be alert.
Ask them for a phone number to call them back. Then call the city court yourself to verify their call.
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| 2009 Prediction
Posted on: 2009-02-04
The sluggish housing market will likely hit bottom in 2009 before picking up slightly by year's end, economists said during a Housing Economic Outlook press conference at the International Builder Show.
Chief Economists David Crowe of the National Association of Home Builders, David Berson of the PMI Group, and Frank Nothaft of Freddie Mac offered up their forecasts for the housing market for 2009. 'We do expect 2009 to be the bottom,' Crowe says. Housing starts will likely fall another 20 percent and new home sales will drop 14 percent, he predicted. But there's some good news on the horizon.
The economists encouraged those in attendance that mortgage rates are at historic lows and housing prices have fallen making real estate the most affordable it has been since the 1970's. In addition, households are growing as the children of the baby boomers are getting older and will soon need to buy homes. Someone is going to have to be there to help these people, so do everything you can to survive in this environment so that you are in position to help them when the time comes.
Noted national speaker and trainer Darryl Davis says: “I believe the best thing about this market is that we will see a flood of buyers coming out soon. Sellers who have been waiting in the wings to sell their houses and buyers who have been sitting in the wings waiting for rock bottom all will start to move as we see our market start to inch up.'
Piedmont Heights continues to hold strong. There are only three foreclosures on the market in this neighborhood of 500 homes. And last year, one foreclosure sold. Prices are good here, and the homes that have been well-maintained continue to sell quickly.
Call Norm for any additional details at 404.874.6699.
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| To Increase Your Home's Chances of Selling...
Posted on: 2009-01-24
If you are selling your home and want your home to appeal over your neighbor's home, the most important thing is also pretty easy: Clean it!
While a new kitchen and updated bathrooms are certainly important, a well maintained home is priceless. There is no bigger turnoff than walking into a dirty, cluttered home for a buyer, especially after they've seen 20-plus homes in a given day. The home must look, and smell, clean.
I've worked with hundreds of buyers, and I can tell you that it is easier for them to visualize what can be done to a home when it is neat and clean. To be honest, most people would rather not pay for someone else's upgrades that they will be re-doing anyways, and would rather just move into a clean, well-maintained home.
A clean home tells the buyer that this home is loved -- and that when things go wrong, they are corrected, not just left to worsen over time.
When you see that the windows and window sills have been cleaned, when a homeowner has maintained the exterior of the home, you know that they respected their property and are passing along to you a gem, not a white elephant!
Of course, this isn't the only factor affecting resale; let's look at some of the many things that affect your home's resale value -- things that you can affect, if you so desire to put so money into your home to have it stand out.
Bathrooms
The best value as far as bathrooms go is at least a 2.5 bathroom home -- this allows one for guests, one for the secondary bedrooms and one in the master. Having too few will definitely adversely affect your home value.
Storage and More Storage
A three-car garage is ideal as this gives the extra storage space homeowners desire. I have some clients who have turned this third car space into a home gym, a home office or just an extra storage space, and this is definitely appealing to future buyers.
The Kitchen
This is probably the most important room in the home. The larger kitchen, the better, and it should also have newer appliances. A lot of homes today have granite counters and while this is certainly an added feature, be sure that the granite is installed correctly (over the sink, not under), has been bull-nosed rather than the straight edge and is a slab rather than the tiles -- and be sure you like the colors.
Kitchen cabinets can also be extremely expensive but also deceiving in looks. You may think you are buying maple but are getting pressboard or some other far less superior product.
Be sure your dining room can withstand your dinner parties. I've also noticed today's buyers are really into the “great room,” combining the family and living rooms as well as the kitchen. This is a really nice feature as well but if it is the only living space, be sure it is off of the kitchen in order to make the best use of the space.
Convenience for today's buyers is highly coveted, so easy access to the back yard is a benefit, especially if you're into barbecuing or entertaining. The little things like having to walk up stairs with groceries, versus coming into the kitchen off of the garage, also makes a difference to future buyers.
Fireplace
Everyone loves a good fireplace, and some modern homes will have 2 or more. The best place to have one is in the living room as it becomes the focal point of the room. If it were in the family room it is competing or interfering with the television and will remain largely unused. A lot of homes today also have a fireplace in the master bedroom and again, while this is a nice feature, it only adds value to those that will use it.
Swimming Pools
A swimming pool will not add as much value as they cost. To a potential buyer who does not want a pool, it adds zero value. A pool with all the latest and greatest gadgets will only increase your home's value about 10% to 20% of the cost of the pool.
Add one simply for your own enjoyment and not as an investment. Something to also take into consideration with a pool is the safety considerations as well as the cost of insurance.
Here is a list of the other things you can do to make your home stand out above all others.
Power-wash exterior walls, sidewalks and driveways.
De-clutter all rooms and all closets.
Repair all cracks.
Repair or replace leaky faucets.
Replace cabinet hardware with a modern design.
Install new, modern light fixtures.
Replace any goofy electrical cover plates.
Add higher wattage bulbs to all fixtures.
A new coat of paint will look, and smell, clean.
Replace worn and damaged carpeting.
Minimize the furniture in every room.
Clean all windows, and un-cover them for more light.
If the home if vacant, hire a staging company.
Call me at any time for an evaluation, or for additional suggestions. Call me too when you are ready to sell your home. 404.874.6699
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| Piedmont Heights and Property Taxes
Posted on: 2009-01-18
Fulton County tax bills are mailed each year in July to the most current owner of record for every property in Fulton County. It is the responsibility of each property owner to verify the name, property location, street address and correct spelling of names on the bill. It is also very important to verify that any and all exemptions to which the propery owned is entitled are listed and calculated on the bill. Depending on your age, health status and annual earnings, you may be entitled to multiple exemptions.
Many times properties owners are dissatisfied with the current property assessment used in calculating their property taxes. January 1 through April 1 is the time to review and make any changes to a property record to affect the taxes owed and paid.
A property owner has two options to dispute the property tax calculation. A property tax return can be filed with the Board of Assessors between January 1 and April 1 to dispute the value, or, if a re-assessment is received anytime during the year, the property owner may appeal the value to the Borad of Assessors within 45 days of the date of the re-assessment notice.
The appeal must provide the Board of Tax Assessors with a value that the owner believes to be fair and must be substantiated by facts and comparable properties.
The website for the Tax Assessors Office is www.FultonAssessor.org.
Website: www.FultonAssessor.org
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| Orchid Daze, Gorgeous Meets Glass
Posted on: 2008-12-12
Annual Orchid Exhibition:
Saturday, February 7 - Sunday, April 5, 9 am - 5 pm
Orchids meet their match when the annual orchid exhibition highlights vibrant contemporary art glass. This year's theme is Orchid Daze: Gorgeous Meets Glass.
The renowned Fuqua Orchid Center features exquisite species orchids from the permanent collection, the largest in the United States, as well as hybrid blooms chosen specifically for the event. Displayed among the sea of colorful and exotic flowers is an exhibition of contemporary art glass curated by Vespermann Gallery, a fixture on the Atlanta art scene.
The exhibition features about 50 pieces of furnace-produced glass in brilliant colors and abstract organic forms by 10 artists from throughout the United States.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located at 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta GA 30309. Their phone number is 404.876.5859.
From November through March, the hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Website: www.AtlantaBotanicalGarden.org
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| 2008 Home Sales and the Future
Posted on: 2008-12-12
Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors chief economist, said a review of the past year is instructive. “Despite the turmoil in the economy, the overall level of pending home sales has been remarkably stable over the past year, holding in a generally narrow range,” he said. “We did see a spike in August when mortgage conditions temporarily improved, which underscores two things - there is a pent-up demand, and access to safe, affordable mortgages will bring more buyers into the market.”
Conditions remain uneven around the country, but some areas that are showing healthy gains in pending home sales from a year ago include many Florida and California markets, Providence, R.I.; Lansing, Mich.; Oklahoma City; and Las Vegas.
The Pending Homes Sales Index in the South jumped 7.8 percent to 95.9 in October but remains 2.9 percent below a year ago. In the Northeast the index rose 0.6 percent to 68.1 but is 14.1 percent below October 2007. The index in the Midwest declined 4.3 percent to 79.7 in October and is 6.8 percent below a year ago. In the West, the index fell 8.7 percent to 103.7 but is 17.4 percent higher than October 2007.
“Efforts to bring down mortgage interest rates demonstrate a clear understanding of the role housing plays in stabilizing the economy. We’re very encouraged by all of the proposals getting serious consideration in Washington to help home buyers. More sales will stabilize home prices by bringing down inventory, and would lessen foreclosure pressure.”
Yun expects growth in the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) to contract through the first half of 2009, then stabilize and expand in latter part of the year - lifted by a home sales recovery. “Given the critical role of housing in an economic recovery, we’re confident sufficient stimulus will be offered to bring more buyers to the market,” he said.
Looking at middle-ground assumptions, existing-home sales are forecast to total 4.96 million this year, and then increase to 5.19 million in 2009 and 5.55 million in 2010.
New-home sales for 2008 should total 486,000 this year, decline to 393,000 in 2009 and then grow to 446,000 in 2010. Housing starts, including multifamily units, are projected at 934,000 units in 2008 and 731,000 next year before rising to 772,000 in 2010.
“Price projections are challenging in an environment with so many variables and divergent local conditions,” Yun said. “The home price correction to date has brought prices in line with fundamentals, but buyer pessimism could cause prices to overshoot downward, resulting in further economic deterioration.”
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will probably decline to 5.6 percent in the first quarter, rise slowly to 6.0 percent by the end of 2009, and average 6.2 percent in 2010. NAR’s housing affordability index is likely to remain quite favorable, averaging 138 in 2009.
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| Contemporary Art Gallery and Print Publisher
Posted on: 2008-11-29
Greetings Piedmont Heights Neighbors,
We are pleased to announce the launch of our website, www.ArkAtlantaArt.com Please visit the site, share your thoughts with us, and share the link with friends and colleagues. Thank you for your interest and support.
We are located at 1792 Monroe Drive.
Sincerely,
David Sampson and Michael Dupree
Website: www.ArkAtlantaArt.com
Email: davidsampson@bellsouth.net
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Artlite Office Supplies
Posted on: 2008-11-19
Visit our previous neighbors in their new location at 2531 Piedmont Road in the new Lindbergh Shopping Center. They are located next door to Home Depot.
The brand new store is open Monday - Friday 9 AM - 7 PM and Saturday from 10 AM - 6 PM.
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| Housing Statistics for Fulton, Dekalb and Cobb counties
Posted on: 2008-11-12
Fulton County:
16,829 houses sold in 2007.
Through September, 9385 have sold in 2008.
Median sales price in 2007 was $230,100.
Median sales price through September 2008 is $225,000.
5923 condos sold in 2008.
Through September, 2932 condos have sold in 2008.
Median sales price for a condo in 2007 was $190,000.
Through September 2008, the median sales price for a condo is $189,900.
Even though home sales are down 25%, homes prices have held steady, down only 2%. Buyers are willing to pay top dollar for the homes that are move-in-ready. They are looking at a lot of homes and picking the best to buy. Condo sales are down nearly 50%, but the sales prices are holding steady.
Dekalb County:
11,790 houses sold in 2007.
Through September 2008, 6585 houses have sold.
The median sales price was $176,682 in 2007.
Through September 2008, the median sales price is $181,500.
1281 condos sold in 2007.
Through September 2008, 534 condos have sold.
$205,400 was the median condo sales price in 2007.
Through September 2008, the median condo sales price is $196,100.
Even though house sales are down 25%, the median sales price has increased. Buyers will pay top dollar for those homes that are move-in-ready. Condo sales are down 50%, but the median sales price has declined only about 4%.
Cobb County:
9574 houses sold in 2007.
Through September 2008, 5893 have sold.
The median house sales price was $207,000 in 2007.
The median house sales price through September 2008 is $212,500.
4327 condos sold in 2007.
Through September 2008, 1451 condos have sold.
$215,000 was the median condo sales price in 2007.
$171,900 is the median condo sales price through September 2008.
House sales are down 18%, but the median sales price is up 3%. Buyers are buying ready-to-move-in homes at top dollar prices. They are just not buying a lot of them.
The lesson here is: Buyers are still buying homes in Atlanta. There are not as many buyers in the market this year. Buyers are taking their time to look at a lot of homes, but only buying the homes in move-in condition. Kitchens and bathrooms are still the most important rooms in the house. To get your home sold for top dollar in a short amount of time, it has to be in great shape, inside and outside.
Call me when you are ready to sell your home. I have some very good advice to share with you about the things that are most important for today's buyers.
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| Chimneys and Fire Safety
Posted on: 2008-10-13
As Winter approaches, many of us will be building fires in our fireplaces. Before you build your first fire, ask yourself “When was my fireplace last cleaned and inspected?”
A fireplace should be cleaned and inspected every 1-2 years depending on how often you use it. A good inspection company will clean your fireplace and inspect it using a camera that allows them to examine every inch of the pipe in your chimney.
If you've just moved into your new home, don't take someone's word for it. Play it safe and have your chimney inspected by a professional. The inspector will look for soot build-up in the chimney. If the chimney has not been cleaned in many years, this soot can easily catch fire. The inspector can also identify cracks in the cement hearth that can create a dangerous situation. After the cleaning and hearth repair, you'll feel much safer knowing that you can build a fire in a SAFE fireplace. As an extra precaution, keep a fire extinguisher handy... just in case. And, remember, fire extinguishers have a limited lifespan as well.
You can find many chimney cleaning companies at www.HomeReports.com, www.Kudzu.com, and in the yellow pages. If you act quickly, you may still be able to receive a pre-season discount.
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| Are You Conserving Water?
Posted on: 2008-09-22
Water rates for Atlanta increased 27.5% for fiscal year 2008-2009 which began on July 1. Rates will increase 12.5% in 2009-2010, another 12.5% in 2010-2011 and then 12% more in 2011-2012.
And, Atlanta and most of north Georgia remain in a serious drought situation.
Those are two good reasons to do everything you can to conserve water usage.
One good option for Atlanta homeowners is to replace old toilets with new low-flow models. Because toilets are the biggest water users in the average household, installation of a low-flow toilet can save thousands of gallons of water and hundreds of dollars on your water/sewer bill. Many toilets installed before 1993 use from five to seven gallons per flush.
City of Atlanta homeowners who replace old, inefficient toilets can receive a $50 credit on their water bill for installing an approved 1.6 gallon-per-flush toilet or a $100 credit for installing an approved 1.28 gallon-per-flush toilet.
And, installing low-flow faucets and showerheads will help homeowners save even more.
For more information about the Toilet Rebate Program, visit www.AtlantaWatershed.org or call 404.584.1264.
The approved models are listed there, and the required form is also available on this site.
If you need a quality plumber to help with the installations, please call Superior Plumbing at 770.394.7159.
Website: www.AtlantaWatershed.org
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Two Minit Car Wash
Posted on: 2008-09-15
Our neighbor, the Two Minit Car Wash, opened for business back in 1954, the same year that many of the homes in Piedmont Heights were first built. There have only been two owners over the years. The current owners, the Coleman family, purchased the business in 1974.
The landmark emcee out front, George the Gorilla, is there to greet patrons daily except for New Years Day, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Otherwise, the car wash is open for business Monday through Saturday from 8:30 - 6:00, and on Sunday from 9:30 - 5:00. The address is 1836 Piedmont Road.
This car wash recycles all of the water they use.
Save yourself $2 on a wash next time by printing this page and taking it with you to the car wash.
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| Buster, the Cat
Posted on: 2008-09-12
This cat is friendly, smart and inquisitive. Whenever someone says Hello to him, he flops down, rolls over and wants to be petted.
This page is about Buster the Cat.
If you live on Wimbledon Road you may have Buster as a visitor. He is very curious and friendly, and likes dogs. Buster goes to the vet regularly and has had all his shots, and has monthly flea treatments. Buster knows his name and the word 'NO'. We are not sure if he knows any other words, but if you say hello to him, he will likely say hello (meow) back.
Buster is very inquisitive and friendly and wanders about the neighborhood trying to make friends and perhaps looking for a place to stay where people will wait on him and tell him how wonderful he is. If he tries to come into your house uninvited, tell him 'No!'. But be aware, he is fast and sneaky. He has been seen to jump right over a dog standing in the doorway in order to get inside and explore.
Check out Buster's personal website for more personal details, and say Hello next time you see him out and about.
Website: www.ungerworks.com/buster
Email: bustertheorangecat@yahoo.com
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a Quiet Neighbor...
Posted on: 2008-09-12
You may not yet know about a quiet neighbor in Piedmont Heights… Heritage Preparatory School of Georgia opened in 1998 in Atlanta with 15 students and has since grown to an enrollment of nearly 150 students. The school relocated to its current location on Montgomery Ferry Road where the school offices and grades Pre-K through 8 are housed. Heritage is a non-denominational, independent school that maintains a strong partnership with Morningside Baptist Church where it has established a long-term lease.
The name of the school was chosen because of the meaning of the word 'heritage,' which is: 'the preparing and creation of that which can be inherited; a legacy of truth which passes down from generation to generation.'
The 12-acre campus features a main school building with over 16,000 square feet of space for classrooms, a media center, science, art, and nature studies rooms, and a computer lab. The campus also offers a full- size gymnasium, a beautiful sanctuary, and outdoor playgrounds and courtyards. The school will be renovating additional buildings on the property in the near future. The latest addition was a new regulation soccer field and a new nature trail that encircles the property.
At Heritage, the students, board members, teachers, and families represent over 29 different churches. The Elementary and Middle School class sizes average about 10-12 students. Academically, the school consistently scores in the top rankings of standardized tests. The school’s vision is to remain small and stay focused.
Heritage is a member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools, Association of Christian Schools International and is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
From their website, “at Heritage we believe that the best gains in education are made when school and home share a common educational philosophy and cooperate both in goals and in methods.” Community involvement and participation are encouraged. Heritage promotes a volunteer program as part of its “good neighbor” program. All students are encouraged to volunteer some extra curricular time to work on community service projects. Call Amanda Gregg, Director of Student Life, at 404.815.7711 to discuss how you might be considered for one or more service projects. The school is ready to help. The students and chaperones want to prove how good neighbors cooperate to get things done.
Website: www.HeritagePrep.org
Email: administration@heritageprep.org
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The new Heights Armour apartments
Posted on: 2008-09-08
Construction is complete and homes are occupied at the new Heights Armour apartment complex at 415 Armour Drive. Developed by The Worthing Companies, the community is comprised of 372 upscale apartment homes. There are 4 styles of 1-bedroom apartments and 3 styles of the 2-bedroom apartments.
The leasing office phone number is 404.575.3000.
Website: www.HeightsArmour.com
Email: leasingArmour@WorthingSE.com
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The new Gables Apartments on Monroe Drive
Posted on: 2008-09-08
Construction is under way for the new 8-story Gables Apartments located at 1925 Monroe Drive, the former site of the Red Cross. When complete in January 2010, there will be 345 apartment homes with controlled access to the interior parking decks. This Gables project will have 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes for lease beginning in January 2009. For leasing information, please contact Kellie Mendez at 770.436.4600.
Website: www.Gables.com
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Ansley Parkside Townhomes on Monroe
Posted on: 2008-09-08
This Midtown Atlanta townhome community, located at 1687 Monroe Drive, will have 41 homes priced from the high $500,000s. Townhomes by Lane Company worked with Harrison Design Group and Monte Hewitt Homes to design these traditional Atlanta townhomes in the brownstone style that blend well with the existing neighborhood.
Features to be included will be fireplaces, built-in shelves, decks and 10-foot ceilings. Homes will be pre-wired for internet, stereo, and home theater. The two different floor plans, one with approximately 2000 square feet and one with approximately 2212 square feet, will include 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.
At Ansley Parkside, homeowners can choose from either the Piedmont or the Monroe floor plans, both offering three stories and a two-car garage. The community will also feature a pool, gazebo and stone fireplace for use by the residents.
For information, visit www.ansleyparkside.com or call Annie Boland at 404-685-8323.
Website: www.AnsleyParkside.com
Email: info@AnsleyParkside.com
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New Office & Retail space on Piedmont
Posted on: 2008-09-08
Construction has begun on the new office and retail space located at the former La Cueva site on Piedmont. Developed by the Brownfield Group, the building will be 2 stories tall and house 12,000 square feet of office and retail businesses. For leasing information call 404.446.5428.
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| Security Solutions
Posted on: 2008-07-19
The Security Tip of the Month:
Keep your car keys close at hand.
Before crawling into bed tonight, put your car keys on the nightstand next to your bed, along with your cell phone.
If you hear a noise outside your home in the middle of the night, or if you think someone is trying to get into your house in the middle of the night, reach for the keys and press the panic button. The alarm on your car will sound ( from almost any room in the house ) and will continue to sound until either the battery runs down or you reset the alarm. ( maybe test this method from your bedroom first to be sure it can be done. )
A lot of would-be burglars will cut telephone lines before trying to break into a house. The car alarm should send them running. Call 911 from your cell phone and alert the police. Then go back to sleep.
The next morning, check the phone lines, apologize to the neighbors, and pass on this tip.
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| 12 Ways to Save Money on Homeowners Insurance
Posted on: 2008-06-13
1) Shop Around
Friends, family, the phone book and the Internet are some of the sources you can use to find homeowners insurers. Get a wide range of prices from several companies. But don't consider price alone. The insurer you select should offer both a fair price and excellent service. Quality service may cost a bit more, but you buy insurance in case you need to make a claim, so it's important to get a company with a good reputation. Talk to a number of insurers to get a feeling for the type of service they give. Ask them what they would do to lower your costs. Check the financial ratings of the companies with AM Best or Standard and Poor's.
2) Raise Your Deductible
Deductibles are the amount of money you have to pay toward a loss before your insurance company starts to pay. Deductibles on homeowners policies typically start at $250. Increase your deductible to
$ 500 -- save up to 12 percent
$1,000 -- save up to 24 percent
$2,500 -- save up to 30 percent
$5,000 -- save up to 37 percent
3) Buy Your Home and Auto Policies from the Same Insurer
Some companies that sell homeowners, auto and liability coverage will take 5 to 15 percent off your premium if you buy two or more policies from them.
4) When You Buy a Home Consider How Much Insuring It Will Cost
A new home's electrical, heating and plumbing systems and overall structure are likely to be in better shape than those of an older house. Insurers may offer you a discount of 8 to 15 percent if your house is new. Check the home's construction: In the East brick is better, because of its resistance to wind damage, and in the West frame is better, because of its resistance to earthquake damage. Choosing wisely could cut your premium by 5 to 15 percent. Avoiding areas that are prone to floods can save you about $400 a year for flood insurance. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood-related damage. The closer your house is to firefighters and their equipment, the lower your premium will be.
5) Insure Your House, Not the Land
The land under your house isn't at risk from theft, windstorm, fire and the other perils covered in your homeowners policy. So don't include its value in deciding how much homeowners insurance to buy. If you do, you'll pay a higher premium than you should.
6) Improve Your Home Security and Safety
You can usually get discounts of at least 5 percent for a smoke detector, burglar alarm, or dead-bolt locks. Some companies offer to cut your premium by as much as 15 or 20 percent if you install a sophisticated sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that rings at the police station or other monitoring facility. These systems aren't cheap and not every system qualifies for the discount. Before you buy such a system, find out what kind your insurer recommends and how much the device would cost and how much you'd save on premiums.
7) Stop Smoking
Smoking accounts for more than 23,000 residential fires a year. That's why some insurers offer to reduce premiums if all the residents in a house don't smoke.
8) Seek Out Discounts for Seniors
Retired people stay at home more and spot fires sooner than working people and have more time for maintaining their homes. If you're at least 55 years old and retired, you may qualify for a discount of up to 10 percent at some companies.
9) See If You Can Get Group Coverage
Alumni and business associations often work out an insurance package with an insurance company, which includes a discount for association members. Ask your association's director if an insurer is offering a discount on homeowners insurance to you and your fellow graduates or colleagues.
10) Stay With an Insurer
If you've kept your coverage with a company for several years, you may receive special consideration. Several insurers will reduce their premiums by 5 percent if you stay with them for 3 to 5 years; by 10 percent if you remain a policyholder for 6 years or more.
11) Compare the Limits in Your Policy to the Value of Your Possessions at Least Once a Year
You want your policy to cover any major purchases or additions to your home. But you don't want to spend money for coverage you don't need.
12) Look For Private Insurance First
If you live in a high risk area, one that is especially vulnerable to coastal storms, fires, or crime, and have been buying your homeowners insurance through a government plan, you should check with an insurance agent or company representative. You may find that there are steps you can take that would allow you to buy insurance at a lower price in the private market.
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| Top 10 Home Inspection Issues
Posted on: 2008-06-09
Are you thinking about selling your home one day soon?
Before you put it on the market, please review the list below and check around your house for any needed repairs. Making repairs first will help you attract more buyers and ultimately get you a better sales price.
1. The house has poor drainage.
This is the most common problem found by home inspectors. To improve drainage, you may have to install a new system of roof gutters and downspouts or have the lot re-graded to better channel water away from the house.
2. The house has faulty wiring.
An insufficient or out-of-date electrical system is a common problem, especially in older homes. This is a potentially hazardous defect and not to be taken lightly. You may have to replace the entire electrical system, or at least part of it, to bring this home up to code or to make it safe.
3. The roof leaks.
If the roof has water damage, it may be caused by old or damaged shingles, or improper flashing. It's cheap and relatively easy to repair shingles and small amounts of flashing, but if the roof is old, you face a much larger expense to replace the whole thing.
4. The house has an unsafe heating system.
An older heating system or one that has been poorly maintained can be a serious health and safety hazard. You may have to repair or replace the old furnace. This is a major expense, but new furnaces are more energy-efficient, which will probably save you money down the line. If your heating system is anything but electrical, install carbon monoxide detectors in a couple of locations in the house.
5. The whole house has been poorly maintained.
Examples of poor maintenance include cracked or peeling paint, crumbling masonry, broken fixtures or shoddy wiring or plumbing. You can easily repaint a wall, replace a fixture or repair a brick wall, but makeshift electrical or plumbing situations are serious and potentially dangerous problems. Replace any such wires or pipes.
6. The house has minor structural damage.
Minor structural damage means the house is not likely to fall down, but you should deal with the problem before it becomes more serious. Such damage is usually caused by water seepage into the foundation, floor joists, rafters or window and door headers. First you need to fix the cause of the problem (a leaky roof, for example), then repair or replace any damaged pieces. The more extensive the damage, the more expensive it will be to repair.
7. The house has plumbing problems.
The most common plumbing defects include old or incompatible piping materials and faulty fixtures or waste lines. These may require simple repairs, such as replacing a fixture, or more expensive measures, such as replacing the plumbing itself.
8. The house's exterior lets in water and air around windows and doors.
This usually does not indicate a structural problem, rather poor caulking and weather stripping that require relatively simple and inexpensive repairs around windows and doors..
9. The house is inadequately ventilated.
Poor ventilation can result in too much moisture that wreaks havoc on interior walls and structural elements. It can also exacerbate allergic reactions. Install ventilation fans in every bathroom if there are no windows, and regularly open all the windows in your home. To repair damage caused by poor ventilation, you may only have to replace drywall and other inexpensive pieces. If you have to replace a structural element, it will be more expensive.
10. The house has an environmental hazard.
Environmental problems are a new and growing area of home defects. They include lead-based paint (common in homes built before 1978), asbestos, formaldehyde, contaminated drinking water, radon and leaking underground oil tanks. You usually need to arrange a special inspection to determine environmental problems, and they're usually expensive to fix. For example, it costs $1,000 to install a radon-ventilation system, and about $6,000 to remove a leaking oil tank.
Buyers love homes that have obviously been very well-cared-for, and they'll usually pay more for them.
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| Should you Refinance your Adjustable Rate Mortgage??
Posted on: 2008-06-09
Adjustable Rate Mortgages ( ARMs ) typically offer low introductory rates that are scheduled to 'reset' to a new rate after a certain amount of time: typically three, five, seven or ten years. An ARM reset could lead to substantial increases in your interest rate and monthly payment. If you have an ARM that is due to reset, you may be thinking about refinancing into a fixed-rate mortgage. First, consider the factors below.
Predictability: Refinancing into a fixed-rate mortgage will lock in stable payments for the life of the loan.
Closing Costs: When you refinance, you effectively take out a new mortgage to pay off your old mortgage. This process incurs closing costs, which typically range between $2000 and $5000.
Your Housing Plans: You should weigh the costs of refinancing with the potential savings from a lower interest rate, given how long you plan to live in the house.
Prepayment Penalties: Check your loan documents to see if your ARM charges a prepayment penalty. If so, consider whether your likely savings from refinancing will be enough to offset the penalty, as well as your new closing costs.
If you determine that refinancing makes good financial sense for you, then call Bill Bulloch at Georgia Lending Partners to discuss a new loan. He'll guide you into the perfect loan program for you. His number is 770.573.9386.
Website: www.GeorgiaLending.com
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| Most Expensive & Least Expensive
Posted on: 2008-05-13
The least expensive home on the market in Atlanta right now is 1100 Welch Street in SW Atlanta. It's a 2-bedroom, 1-bath Foreclosure home located off of University Avenue, and it's priced at $9000.
The most expensive home is at 2015 Trammel Road in Cumming GA. It has 7 bedrooms, 12 full baths and 11 half-baths. Sitting on 72+ acres, it has a golf course, lake, tennis courts, stables, guest house and a home theater. If you know a possible buyer for this one, please call me. It's priced at $45,000,000.
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| Maximize Room Size
Posted on: 2008-05-12
6 ways to maximize room
Here's how to create the illusion of space without adding square footage.
With a few well-placed windows and built-ins, it is possible to make more of less. And remember, often what the eye needs is the illusion of spaciousness -- not more space, says Sarah Susanka, architect and best-selling author of 'The Not So Big House.'
Think diagonal views. Think back to geometry and how the hypotenuse of the triangle was the longest of the three sides. Apply that to the sightlines within your small-house design. “If you can stand at one corner of the house and look to the far corner, you will think your house is much bigger than it actually is,” says Susanka.
To add space … add a wall? It’s intuitive to assume that to maximize space one would take out walls -- but “you rarely feel you’re comfortable in that spaciousness,” Susanka says. Don’t chop up rooms a la old tract homes, but consider adding a wall that slightly breaks up a room, or putting a freestanding bookcase in the middle of a room, to make a space seem bigger.
Vary ceiling height. Altering the height of the ceiling, even within one room -- lower at first, higher as one proceeds -- creates a sense of entrance and welcome. A simple cloth hanging over a bed creates “a different flavor of space” and makes an area more human-scale and intimate, Susanka says.
Layer your area. Though it’s counterintuitive, adding different elements in the middle distance of a room -- a pillar, a low bookcase -- can act rather like punctuation marks in a sentence, slowing down the eye and letting it experience the space, Susanka says. “I’ve had fights with clients over putting a column in,” because the clients think it’s blocking, not opening, she says.
Think like a sailor. Think-small architects often refer to their creations as sailboats, which have no wasted space. Look for opportunities for built-ins, such as bookshelf opportunities in staircases, cool cabinet possibilities, drawers under beds, etc.
Remember: Glass is good. In addition to letting in light, which is crucial to lending a house an airy feel, well-placed windows steal space from the outdoors and give it to the house. To give the best view of outside, place windows no more than 2 feet, 6 inches higher than the floor, Susanka suggests. For a horizon view, place windows together at a corner of the house. Author Michelle Kodis likes clerestory windows -- windows placed high on the wall that people can’t see in, but make space feel bigger, while bringing in natural light.
By Christopher Solomon, MSN Real Estate
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| Landscaping is So Valuable
Posted on: 2008-05-11
Growing Your Home's Value
It's a no-brainer: A nice landscape increases the value of your home, will help the home sell quicker and for a higher sales amount.
The statistics back it up. A home with excellent landscaping sells for about 6 to 7 percent higher than equivalent houses with merely good landscaping, a Clemson University study found. And upgrading landscaping from average to good can increase the sale price by 4 to 5 percent.
Further, a Gallup Organization study found that landscaping can add between 7 to 15 percent to a home's value. And according to Money magazine, landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100 to 200 percent at resale, compared to 75 to 125 percent for a kitchen remodeling.
Here are some of the best landscape investments you can make to cultivate a highly saleable home:
Add Curb Appeal
Use your front yard to set your home apart from the others on your street. Small trees, flowering shrubs and flowerbeds frame your home and add personality. Use low-maintenance plants for more enjoyment with less hassle.
Rebuild worn-out driveways and replace straight walkways with curving paths that add visual interest to your front yard — natural stone and paving bricks both work well and add texture.
TIP: Don't forget the basics — clear the weeds, fix patchy lawn areas, and keep the lawn mowed and shrubs pruned.
Create Outdoor Living Space
Add a covered deck or patio so you can entertain outdoors without fear of the elements. Compared to a basic concrete slab, patios of paving stone or pressed concrete add both more personality and more value to the property. In areas with high mosquito, black fly or other irritating insect populations, removable insect screens are another selling point.
Make your yard larger by reclaiming the parts that are too noisy or too public. Add a privacy hedge. These 'living fences' define your space and add visual interest while preserving your privacy and cutting noise.
Plant Big Trees
Adding trees adds value, but not if they are small saplings. Invest in larger trees — an 8-foot or taller tree provides immediate shade and visual interest, and grows in value as it grows in height. Older trees need more care to start, but pay off more in the long run — especially if you are selling in 3 to 5 years.
TIP: Don't plant a tree in the center of your yard; it splits the space and makes your yard look smaller. Talk to a landscape professional about which trees are best for your home.
Build in Irrigation
It's not visually impressive, but adding a zoned irrigation system with automatic timers saves money and water, and makes yard maintenance easier. Buyers who like good landscaping will also like how easy you've made it to maintain.
Cultivate a Good Lawn
A nice lawn — especially in front where it enhances that all-important curb appeal — does for your outside what a fresh coat of paint does for the inside. It bespeaks overall good maintenance and makes the house feel like someone could move right in with minimal renovations.
Further improve your lawn by keeping it well mowed and watered. Keep up with fertilizing and weed control — if you're not sure how, hire a lawn care service, if practical. If grass is struggling in shade, replace it with a bed of colorful impatiens or a fast-growing shade groundcover. Or just cover it with mulch — wood chip mulch is better than depressing, struggling grass.
Do It Your Way
Unless you are planning on immediately selling your home, plan your landscaping around your own needs and desires. No matter how much value a particular style of landscaping adds to your yard, if it doesn't make you happy, it's not worth the investment.
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| What Happened to The Pie Bar?
Posted on: 2008-04-09
You have surely noticed that The Pie Bar is no longer in business. That building is owned and managed by Inman Park Properties. Danny Glusman of Inman Park Properties said they are actively seeking a new tenant for that location, and, would prefer another restaurant-type business because it would be so accessible to this neighborhood.
The former carwash / car detailing business at the corner of Wimbledon Road and Piedmont Road is also no longer in business. Inman Park Properties is also actively seeking a new tenant for that location, but, for the right price would also sell that spot. It is zoned C2 and is the beltline overlay, and most neighbors would probably prefer a pizza place, a cafe, a coffeeshop, or some other small, neighborhood-friendly, restaurant-type business for walking access.
Neighbors: only if you know of someone or some business that's suitable for either location, and activley ready to open a business, please contact Danny.
Website: www.InmanPark.com
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| House Numbers & Safety
Posted on: 2008-03-15
Every month should be a national safety awareness month.
In any kind of an emergency, your house number being prominently displayed ( on your door, on your front porch column, on your mailbox, or on your driveway ) will make a tremendous difference. Emergency personnel need to be able to find your home in an emergency situation, and, time is of the essence.
If you would like to have your house number painted on your driveway as an extra safety measure, please call me at 404.874.6699 to arrange this free service.
The painted numbers are white lettering inside a black oval. It looks nice, and it's easily identifiable in an emergency situation.
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| A Piedmont Heights Celebrity
Posted on: 2008-02-28
David A. Sampson has been a resident of Piedmont Heights since 1983.
Mr. Sampson is one of Georgia's great figurative & landscape painters; a sculptor & printmaker active in Atlanta since 1977. Actor Christopher Reeves and painter Chuck Close are apt comparisons. Extraordinary ambition, drive, and disabling cerebral palsy have each affected Sampson's ability to complete a new work approximately every two months across the span of his career. In 2006, aged 53, he incorporated his studio, took on a partner, began publishing his paintings as giclee prints on canvas, and according to the the City of Atlanta, became the first artist to have been granted a license for an “artists home studio and gallery.”
His sculpture-fountain Water of Life graces the Shepherd Center. In 1996 he was Atlanta’s Cultural Paralympic exhibiting artist. His art has been exhibited in Belgium, Sweden, and across the U.S. Art by Sampson is included in the State of GA Art Collection. Prominent Atlantans Terry Stint, Chairman of the Board of the High Museum of Art; and Sandy Thurmond, advisor to President Clinton on AIDS policy and founder of the International AIDS Trust; both collect Sampson’s painting and sculpture. His grantors include: The National Endowment for the Arts, The GA Council for the Arts, and the Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EXHIBITION: DAVID A. SAMPSON, A RETROSPECTIVE 1977-2007
DATES: APRIL 1st Through MAY 31st
OPEN: MON. - SUN. FREE, open to the public
HOURS: 10 AM - 6 PM: By appointment, call 404-532-0044
WEB: www.ArkAtlantaArt.com
WHERE: ARK ATLANTA ARTWORKS ® LLC, 1792 Monroe Drive, Atlanta GA 30324-5027
DIRECTIONS: Art Atlanta Artworks is located 1.5 miles from the Piedmont Rd / Monroe Dr NE intersection, at the corner of Monroe Dr NE and Piedmont Way NE; or 1.5 miles east of the High Museum of Art, across Ansley Park.
CONTACT: Michael Dupree, Gallery Partner to schedule a personal or group tour of the exhibit, or to arrange an interview with the artist.
Website: www.ArkAtlantaArt.com
Email: arkatlantaart@bellsouth.net
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| 10 Ways to Live Forever
Posted on: 2008-02-13
Top 10 Ways to Live Forever
By the Editors of Men's Health
Men's Health
No drugs. No bypasses. No scars. Just solid DIY advice on how to keep your heart pumping.
1. Grill a steak. You may think it's bad for your heart, but you'd be wrong. Beef contains immunity-boosting selenium as well as homocysteine-lowering B vitamins. And up to 50 percent of the fat is the heart-healthy monounsaturated variety.
2. Tell your wife to butt out. People who are exposed to cigarette smoke for just 30 minutes, three times a week, have a 26 percent greater risk of developing heart disease than people who rarely encounter secondhand smoke.
3. Take aspirin. Regular aspirin consumption cuts the risk of coronary heart disease by 28 percent in people who have never had a heart attack or stroke.
4. Drink more tea. Men who drink 2 cups of tea a day are 25 percent less likely to die of heart disease than guys who rarely touch the stuff. The reason: flavonoids in the tea, which not only improve blood vessels' ability to relax, but also thin the blood, reducing clotting.
5. Touch her. Ten minutes of skin-to-skin contact (hand-holding, hugs) with your mate can help keep your blood pressure and pulse from spiking during stressful times, according to University of North Carolina researchers.
6. Go fishing for tuna. Omega-3 fats in tuna help strengthen heart muscle, lower blood pressure, and prevent clotting — as well as reduce levels of potentially deadly inflammation in the body.
7. Pair up. Married men are less likely to die of heart disease than bachelors. Scientists looked at men with mildly high blood pressure and found that after 3 years of marriage, the happily married men had healthier hearts than their unmarried brothers.
8. Adopt a dog. All that love ('You're a good boy, yes you are!') and aggravation ('Bad dog! Don't eat Daddy's crab dip!') makes your heart more adaptable and better able to deal with the stress that can lead to heart disease.
9. Rinse, brush. Rinse your mouth with Cool Mint Listerine and brush with Colgate Total toothpaste. They'll reduce oral bacteria, which can decrease your risk of a heart attack by 200 to 300 percent.
10. Make friends at work. Men with the most work friends also have the lowest heart rates and healthiest blood-pressure levels, even during times of stress.
Provided by Men's Health
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| These Days, Protect Yourself...
Posted on: 2008-01-16
PUTTING A FREEZE ON IDENTITY THEFT
In the time it takes to count to ten, five new people will become victims of identity theft. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Statistics, identity theft is now passing drug trafficking as the number one crime in the nation--with more than 15 million victims every year.
Rather than lay awake at night worrying and wondering if your identity has been stolen, you can actually take a simple step to protect yourself... it's called a credit freeze (or, sometimes, a security freeze). Essentially, a credit freeze gives you the ability to 'freeze' or lock access to your credit file--which helps prevent someone from opening a new account in your name.
Here's How It Works
When someone tries to open an account in your name, they'll be stopped in their tracks. That's because one of the first things a creditor will do before opening the account is pull a credit report.
By having a credit freeze in place, creditors aren't able to pull your credit report. And, since very few lenders will issue credit without first seeing a credit report, identity thieves can't open fraudulent accounts using your name. However, when you want to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze using a PIN... thus, allowing your legitimate application to be processed.
The Flip Side
First, it's important to remember that a credit freeze only stops someone from opening a fraudulent account. It can't stop them from using a stolen credit card. So you still need to keep the phone numbers of your credit cards handy, in case your cards are lost or stolen.
In addition, some critics argue that credit freezes have more of a downside than most people realize. That's because you won't be able to purchase a car, get a new credit card, or refinance a mortgage at a moment's notice. Instead, you'll have to plan ahead by lifting the freeze, which usually takes about three days.
For most major purchases, this won't be much of an issue--after all, how many of us buy a car or house on a whim? Typically, we make the decision to start looking and, at that point, can easily lift the credit freeze in anticipation of the purchase. However, a credit freeze can be problematic if you're at a department store and the cashier offers you 10% off your purchases if you open an instant credit card with the store.
Other Options
Opponents of credit freezes also argue that consumers can just as easily fight identity theft with fraud alerts, which require lenders to verify identity before issuing loans or credit. If you have reason to believe you've been a victim of identity theft, you can obtain a 90-day fraud alert. And if you provide reliable evidence that you are in fact a victim--using such documents as a police report--you can extend that fraud alert for up to seven years.
The problem is... fraud alerts only come into play AFTER you've been victimized. So for many consumers, credit freezes offer more protection and more peace of mind.
Here's the Shocker... You May Not Have a Choice!
Believe it or not, credit freezes aren't available in every state. Some states have yet to pass credit freeze laws. Why? Well... it all comes down to a battle between the big business of instant credit and the growing need for more secure personal information.
And, don't kid yourself, billions of dollars are at stake in this battle! Credit-reporting agencies sell credit reports to lenders, landlords, employers and other businesses. Department stores and retailers generate huge revenues by offering instant store credit cards that boost profits through interest and increased shopping. And, finally, we as consumers have simply grown accustom to receiving on-the-spot credit for our purchases.
To learn more about these issues and to find out if your state allows credit freezes, visit www.ConsumersUnion.org/finance/creditfreezeinfo.htm.
Website: www.ConsumersUnion.org/finance/creditfreezeinfo.htm
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| When Mortgage Fraud Occurs
Posted on: 2008-01-08
RISMEDIA, Jan. 8, 2008
During the current mortgage meltdown, the press has turned its focus on the most obvious culprits-the irresponsible and often unethical loan officers, mortgage brokers, appraisers, Realtors, and even the borrowers. Those are the people I like to call the riggers-the people you usually think of when you picture someone taking out a loan or buying a home.
Working behind the scenes, however, are other culprits who facilitate and often encourage the riggers to commit fraud. These are the people I call the triggers. When the triggers and the riggers got together, they ignited the blaze that has engulfed the mortgage industry. The riggers spilled the gas, and the triggers dropped the match. Now homes, communities, cities, states, and the entire nation are ablaze.
Recently while talking to a senior underwriter for a major Wall Street bank, she shared with me that she had witnessed the sinister inner workings of the lending industry first hand. The underwriter’s job is to provide an unbiased assessment of the risk level of a particular loan. This particular underwriter has always taken great pride in protecting the lender/investor from approving overly risky loans and protecting the borrower from becoming saddled with debt that he or she cannot repay.
She and her colleagues did their best to identify bad loans and sound the alarms, but the bank’s managers and account executives prevented them from doing their jobs. The underwriters were expected to let the loans slide through the approval process despite the fact that many of these loans should never have be approved. The underwriters were told that they should be happy to have jobs.
Feeling the stress of being forced to act unethically, many of her colleagues resigned. This particular person felt that it was her responsibility to remain on the job and call attention to this problem from the inside, where she could witness this institutional fraud with her own eyes. Currently, I cannot disclose the identity of my source or the bank she works for.
SLC: Submit, Lock, and Close
What this senior underwriter and her colleagues have witnessed can be summed up in a single acronym: SLC (Submit, Lock, and Close). As soon as a loan application is submitted it, they lock their focus on it and move it through closing. It’s like a sweat shop for the loan industry, an assembly line, no questions asked, where they approve and process as many loans as possible, so they can make money and stay in business.
As underwriters, they have called their managers’ attention to blatant signs of fraud-fraudulent income and assets, questionable transactions, and so on. The managers have told them to let it go. They call it a “business decision,” a “relationship building tool.” In fact, it’s fraud, plain and simple.
How It Works
In the good old days, lenders viewed underwriters as the good guys and gals, protecting lenders from approving bad loans. Most recently, however, brokers and account executives, driven by greed, have found ways to work directly with one another to bypass the underwriter.
Here’s how the relationship typically develops:
A prospective borrower visits a mortgage broker to take out a loan.
The loan officer (working on behalf of the broker) has the borrower complete the loan application and then collects all the documentation, packages it up, and sends it to the lender/investor for approval.
All files go to underwriting.
A senior underwriter examines the documentation and discovers a problem; for example, a fraudulent pay stub. He reports the problem to his manager. The good news is that the senior underwriter has done his job to protect the lender/investor.
The loan officer is informed that the loan application he has submitted has been rejected.
The loan officer reports the problem to the manager of the mortgage company.
The manager of the mortgage company contacts the account executive for the lender/investor and threatens to pull his 20 closings a month, which would negatively affect the income of the account manager.
The account executive approaches the manager of the underwriting department and reminds him that they both get paid on volume and that this loan needs to be approved in order to preserve future business.
The underwriting manager instructs the senior underwriter to approve the loan and simply document any concerns that she may have in order to protect herself. The manager justifies approving the loan as a business decision that is beyond the senior underwriter’s pay scale.
As you can see, the system in place is designed to protect the lender/investor, and it would work well if the underwriters were allowed to do their jobs. The trouble is that, in this case, greed has turned the system upside down, exposing the lender/investor to loans that are likely to have high default rates.
In the process, the mortgage broker/loan officer loses all respect for the underwriter’s decisions and calls the account executive on every file. The account executive calls the manager, who rubber stamps every file, overriding the underwriters, who have no power to stop it. According to my source, “The managers would overturn every decision to deny a loan, every request for complete documents, bank statements, or pay stubs. Everything we questioned in our capacity as underwriters was overridden.”
The Hype
The underwriters were reminded daily of all the companies like theirs that were shutting down as a result of the mortgage meltdown and that their company was one of the few survivors. They were told to keep closing loans. With all of those other companies going out of business, they now had a golden opportunity to increase market share and become the lender of choice. They were told that management was aware and that they were over staffed, but because they were doing so much business, nobody would have to be laid off. They didn’t have to worry about having a job as long as they continued to close loans. “It’s a bad time to be looking for a job in this industry, so we all need to work together.”
From my perspective, this is just one of the pieces that contributed to the mortgage meltdown and why it will continue until the underwriters are allowed to do their jobs. As I have always stated, it takes more than one to hold a “fraud party.” Most people would never imagine that the lending industry functions as a good ol’ boys network, with favors being traded to the detriment of consumers, the industry, and the entire economy, but that’s exactly what’s going on, and it continues even with all the bad press swirling around.
This situation has been turned into the authorities, and FBI interviews have begun. To the credit of this lender/investor, once they were presented with the information, they acted quickly and have already released one of the offenders from employment. There is more that needs fixing, however, than simply removing a few bad apples. This case demonstrates several problems:
- Lenders being pressured to approve more loans to feed Wall Street’s insatiable appetite for mortgage-backed securities
- Lowering the FICO score to allow more borrowers to qualify for mortgage loans
- Risky products, including adjustable-rate mortgages, being pushed on unsophisticated borrowers
- A system of checks and balances that was designed to curb irresponsible lending but that was all too easy to circumvent
By Ralph R. Roberts & RISMedia
Ralph R. Roberts is a real estate fraud expert and activist and co-author of Protect Yourself from Real Estate and Mortgage Fraud: Preserving the American Dream of Homeownership (Kaplan, August 2007).
For more information, visit www.FlippingFrenzy.com, e-mail RalphRoberts@ralphroberts.com, or call 586.751.0000.
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| Stay in Shape During the Winter Months
Posted on: 2008-01-07
Easy Ways to Stay In Shape for the Winter - Top 11 Winter Workouts
When the weather turns cold, you don't have to put your fitness routine on ice. Look at our gallery of 11 fun, calorie-burning activities that will help you stay in shape and lose weight all winter.
Number 11: Fitness DVDs
Don't feel like warming up your car to go to the gym? Invest in some dumbbells and a stash of fitness DVDs and get fit in your living room. With your gym at home, all you have to do is roll out of bed and press 'play.'
Number 10: Pilates
Sculpt your abs and back with Pilates. Whether you use DVD instruction or take a class, this mat-based exercise is a great way to strengthen your core.
Number 9: Mall Walking
Attention shoppers: Walking around the mall does double duty -- burning calories while you get your errands done. To get the best burn, intersperse 2-minute intervals of fast walking into your regular pace.
Number 8: Jump Rope
An intense workout, like jumping rope, burns calories in a short amount of time. Jump ropes are inexpensive and light enough to pack when you travel. Just remember to wear a good pair of shock-absorbent shoes.
Number 7: Yoga
Escape the winter blahs and find your inner zen with yoga. Not only is yoga meditative, you'll build muscle holding those tough poses, so you'll be more relaxed and toned after your winter-long practice.
Number 6: Dance
Salsa, swing or freestyle your way slim with dancing. It's a fun way to work your glutes, abs and legs when you're stuck indoors. You may not be ready for a guest spot on 'Dancing With the Stars,' but you'll be sure to break a sweat and groove pounds away.
Number 5: Spinning
Cycling indoors will help you shed pounds and firm up your legs and rear. Crank up your favorite music and start spinning. Keep the revolutions-per-minute high for an intense cardio workout.
Number 4: Circuit Training
Whether you're at the gym or at home, you can easily burn calories by switching up activities. Start with a 5- or 10-minute workout on the treadmill, elliptical machine or bike, then mix in bicep curls, squats and back extensions into your circuit training. Repeat the routine for 30 minutes to an hour.
Number 3: Ski or Snowboard
What's a better winter sport than hitting the slopes? Skiing and snowboarding use all the major upper- and lower-body muscle groups -- and you get to play in the snow.
Number 2: Running
Don't let the cold weather derail your running routine. Wear extra layers of moisture-resistant clothes and put on a hat and gloves and be sure to choose a safe, ice-free running route. If you're averse to the outdoor chill, the treadmill or indoor track at your local gym is the way to go.
Number 1: Snowshoe
If you're looking for an intense winter workout, grab some snowshoes and poles. Just 30 minutes will test your endurance and incinerate mega-calories. Walking on snow may look easy but you'll feel the burn in your butt, thighs and arms.
Compliments of AOL Body.
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| When Choosing a Realtor...
Posted on: 2008-01-03
Questions to Ask When Choosing a REALTOR®
Make sure you choose a REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs. Part-time won't get the job done for you in a full-time market.
Agents working as flight attendants, florists, hairdressers or waiters can't spend the time needed to attend training classes, gain the real-time experience, devote time to marketing, and learn the market.
1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.
2. What designations do you hold? Designations such as GRI and CRS® — which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training — are held by only about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.
3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.
4. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market?
The REALTOR® you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.
5. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the REALTOR® is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers. Of course, other factors also may be at play, including an exceptionally hot or cool real estate market.
6. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your REALTOR® is responsive.
7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your REALTOR® should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.
8. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because REALTORS® are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.
9. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.
10. What’s your business philosophy? While there’s no right answer to this question, the response will help you assess what’s important to the agent and determine how closely the agent’s goals and business emphasis mesh with your own.
11. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? Again, this is not a question with a correct answer, but it reflects your desires. Do you want updates twice a week or do you not want to be bothered unless there’s a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, e-mail, or a personal visit?
12. Could you please give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients?
Ask recent clients if they would work with this REALTOR® again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the REALTOR®.
This info provided by the National Association of Realtors.
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| Everybody's Remodeling !!
Posted on: 2008-01-03
Daily Real Estate News | January 2, 2008
Survey Shows Remodeling on the Rise in 2008
The popular home-repair referral service, Angie’s List, says its annual poll indicates that home owners will spend an average of $11,250 on home improvement and maintenance projects in 2008, up 13 percent over the average they reported spending in 2007.
On average, home owners responding to the survey say they plan to spend 2.9 percent of their home’s value on repairs and renovations this year.
“Building experts tell us they’re getting calls for work from home owners who would otherwise move and put their current home on the market, but are afraid they can’t sell it quickly enough to afford the newer, bigger house,” says Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks.
The most frequently planned projects are kitchen and bath updates—areas that real estate experts say provide the best return when selling a home. Other popular projects include landscaping and yard work, painting inside and out, flooring, doors and windows, and decks and porches.
Source: Angie’s List (01/01/2008)
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| When you need a helping hand...
Posted on: 2007-12-17
For all of our neighborhood residents age 65 and older,
if you ever need some shrubbery or small trees trimmed, give me a call at 404.874.6699. I have a chainsaw and will be glad to help you. If you have an extra-heavy piece of furniture you need moved, call me.
If you have a long list of handyman projects that you need help with, call me and I'll put you in touch with a couple of handyman services. My number is 404.874.6699.
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| Managing Your Credit Wisely
Posted on: 2007-12-06
Keeping your credit reports healthy will improve your credit scores and help get you to get the best rates on major purchases and more importantly your home mortgage. It is recommended that you check your credit reports every 6-12 months or at least 3 months before a major purchase in order to guard against damaging inaccuracies and identity theft. Routine check-ups along with paying your bills on time, keeping credit card balances below 35% of their limits and correcting any negative inaccuracies will help you maintain a healthy credit profile.
Many different formulas are used to calculate credit scores, but most are based on the following factors, which each scoring model weighs differently:
35% of your score is established from your payment history, collections, and public records
30% of your score is established from the outstanding balances being carried on your accounts. It’s important that you consider these factors in managing your own finances, debts and credit. Now we’re at 65% with these two issues alone. Drill down and focus on these two issues to keep your credit score high.
15% of your score is established from your length of credit history. Remember that it is better to have credit for longer timeframes, so that a history is built up on your record.
10% of your score is established around the types of credit you have. A good common sense mix of credit use is best. For example, one mortgage, two car loans, and four to five credit cards would be a good mix for a family of 3 or 4 people.
10% of your score is established around your request for credit (credit inquiries). This means that every time you apply for credit, this impacts your score within certain FICO rules. You can, however, apply for as many mortgages and car loans you want, as long as you keep the applications within a 14 day window period. FICO allows for this because they recognize that many people shop for these big-ticket items, causing several different creditors to pull your credit.
For a free credit consultation, call Bill Bulloch at Georgia Lending Partners, 770-573-9386, or www.georgialending.com.
Website: www.GeorgiaLending.com
Email: Bill@GeorgiaLending.com
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New Pike's Nursery
Posted on: 2007-11-09
We have a New Neighbor!
Pike's Family Nurseries has opened a new store
on Lindbergh Drive, next to the Lindbergh Marta location.
The actual address is 2410 Camellia Lane.
Sean Sturgeon is the store manager - stop in and say hello and spend a few minutes shopping the new store.
Their hours are 9:00 - 6:00 Monday through Saturday,
and 10:00 - 6:00 on Sunday. This store specializes in container gardening plants and supplies, and, in unique specimen plants. They also have a huge variety of house plants and seasonal decorative items and gifts.
The phone number for this store is 404.869.2875
There's plenty of free parking.
Website: www.PikeNursery.com
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| So, Your House is Nearly Paid Off...
Posted on: 2007-11-04
That's a question that I am frequently asked: I have nearly paid off the entire mortgage on my home, what should I do next?
The answer is: It depends on several other aspects of your life. It depends on your current age, your current employment, your current tax situation, your current financial position and your future plans.
How old are you now?
Will you be retiring soon?
Do you have family members to consider?
Will you be moving to another state?
Does your current home need some repairs?
How diverse is your financial portfolio?
Two options available to you are:
Borrow against the equity in the home
for fixups, repairs or add-ons; to buy other
investment property like rentals or vacation
homes; or buy some things you've always
wanted like boats, jewelry, or education.
Another option is to sell the current home
and buy another one, maybe a little smaller
if you no longer need all that room, maybe
a better home with nicer features you need,
or, maybe a new home like you've always
wanted.
All of the above can be mixed and matched in
almost any combination. I would be glad to talk
with you, view your home, discuss your plans, and
help you evaluate the options. As with any major
life changes, please be sure to seek the advice
of your accountant, financial planner and a
qualified mortgage person before changing anything
about your current mortgage.
Call me with any questions at 404.874.6699
Congratulations to you on your major success!
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| A Green House
Posted on: 2007-09-03
There is no universal definition, but, in general, 'Green Homes' strive to be healthier, with safer indoor air quality, comfortable and quiet, lower-maintenance and more durable, water-efficient and resource-efficient, energy-efficient with lower utility bills and less air pollution, and, because of all of the above, higher in resale value. Go Green!
Website: www.nahb.org/gbg
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| Contra Dance on Friday nights !!
Posted on: 2007-06-06
Norm, I just wanted to let you and your readers know about the Contra Dance, held every Friday night in our own neighborhood!
The dance is held at the Morningside Baptist Church gymnasium. For those unfamiliar with contra dance, it is basically an energetic folk dance, where you have a partner, but interact with others on the dance floor, something like a square dance, but in long lines. It is a very inclusive and fun group, very happy to have newcomers. There is a short lesson at 7:30 PM and the dance starts at 8:00. You can find out more at http://www.contradance.org Dress is very casual. See you on the dance floor!
Website: www.contradance.org
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New Townhomes on Monroe Drive
Posted on: 2007-04-01
The old Northwoods Apartment community is being razed to make room for the new townhomes to be constructed on that site this summer. Stay tuned for more details later.
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| SCAMS & CONSUMER ALERTS
Posted on: 2007-03-01
SCAMS & CONSUMER ALERTS
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in our nation today. Besides dumpster diving, mail theft and lost/stolen wallets, criminals are stealing information by overhearing conversations made on cell phones, from faxes and emails, by hacking into computers, from telephone and email scams, and even from careless online shopping and banking. In fact, more than 20% of all cases involve telecommunications and the Internet. (FTC) It is of prime importance to understand how thieves steal your information via the telephone and computer systems. Compare this to a defensive driving course if you will. It is not enough to know how to use a phone or the Internet. One must know how to use this technology safely, including increased awareness of situations that lead to identity theft or the use of the technology will create more problems than it solves. Scam artists are good at putting together legitimate-sounding scripts, websites and emails.
Please mark our Scam Page as a favorite and check it regularly. This page is updated about every 6 weeks, more frequently if a major scam alert needs publicizing.
Website: idtheftcenter.org
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New Saigon Basil Restaurant
Posted on: 2007-02-06
The new Saigon Basil at 1870 Piedmont Road is scheduled for its grand opening around the middle of February. Owner David Lee is featuring Vietnamese/Thai BBQ fare, but has a variety of items on the new menu including rice plates, noodle dishes, soups, salads and appetizers. This will be their seventh location of Saigon Basil; the others are located in Decatur, Duluth, Norcross, Woodstock, Riverdale and Lawrenceville. For the restaurant hours at a specific location, please visit their website at atlsaigoncafe.com.
Website: www.AtlSaigonCafe.com
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| WINTER'S CHILL DRIVES RODENTS INDOORS
Posted on: 2007-02-03
WINTER'S CHILL DRIVES RODENTS INDOORS
National Pest Management Association Offers Preventative Advice to Deter Invasive Animals
During the chilly winter months, most people seek refuge in the warmth of their homes, but they are not alone. From October through February, rodents, including mice, rats and squirrels, often take shelter in homes, causing potential hazards to both health and property.
“Rodents seek to protect themselves from winter’s chill by invading your home,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “Rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the United States every winter and are a considerable health and property nuisance.”
Rodents can enter homes through almost any opening. Once inside, rodents can cause severe damage as they can chew through wallboards, cardboard, wood and even electrical wiring, increasing the potential risk of a fire.
Mannes advises homeowners to inspect for rodent droppings in undisturbed areas, including pantries, attics, and garages as these droppings can cause allergies and disease, such as Hantavirus.
NPMA also recommends taking these precautions to keep rodents outside:
Make sure all holes, cracks and voids are sealed.
Don’t overlook proper drainage at the foundation and install gutters.
Keep branches and other plants cut back from the house.
If you find rodents in your home, call a local pest professional to identify and correct the problem.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed limiting the use of several rodent bait products “to certified applicators who have had sufficient training to know when and how to use these products in order to limit risks.” Although homeowners will be prohibited from purchasing these rodenticides, licensed pest professionals will be allowed to purchase and apply these products to meet critical public health needs.
Homeowners facing rodent problems can benefit from the knowledge and training of licensed pest professionals in areas such as rodent biology and integrated pest management. They should feel encouraged to contact a pest professional for a complete inspection and treatment, if necessary.
For more information on rodents and other pests, visit www.pestworld.org.
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the continuing education of the pest professional and the dissemination of timely information to homeowners.
For professional helping in removing unwanted pests, call Toby Miller with Arrow Pest Control. His number is 770.833.8588.
Website: www.pestworld.org.
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| Tax Deduction for Mortgage Insurance
Posted on: 2007-02-03
New Limited Income Tax Deduction for Mortgage Insurance
President Bush signed a multi-faceted tax bill (H.R. 6111) that includes, among a host of other provisions, a very narrow new income tax deduction for some mortgage insurance (MI) premiums. It is not known when or if the IRS will provide additional guidance for this provision, as it will be in effect for only one year and will be available only to a limited number of homebuyers.
These are the key features of the provision:
The deduction applies only to MI policies issued in 2007 for homes purchased in 2007. The deduction does not apply to premium payments for policies issued before 2007.
The deduction applies to private MI, and to FHA, VA and Rural Housing premiums, as well. The MI premium amount will be treated as mortgage interest.
The new deduction is available only to individuals or families with less than $100,000 adjusted gross income (AGI) on a joint or single tax return ($50,000 for married filing separately returns).
The provision phases out by 10% for each $1000 of AGI over $100,000 ($50,000 for married filing separate). Thus, there is no MI deduction for individuals or families with AGI above $110,000 ($55,000 for married filing separately).
Individuals who claim the deduction are not permitted to prepay premiums that are otherwise due after 2007. The provision expires for any premium payment that is paid or that accrues after December 31, 2007.
If a mortgage (other than a VA, FHA or RHA mortgage) is prepaid during 2007, the unamortized premium balance on that mortgage is not deductible. (The unamortized premium balance is the amount of premium that would have been paid in a particular year if the payments had extended throughout that year.)
The homeowner will receive a statement from either the lender or the MI provider stating the proper amount of the MI deduction. That information will also be provided to the IRS.
The MI deduction will not be available if an existing mortgage is refinanced in 2007 for an amount larger than the amount being refinanced.
Questions concerning this provision can be directed to Linda Goold, NAR’s Tax Counsel, at lgoold@realtors.org or at 202.383.1083.
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Wimbledon Speed Humps
Posted on: 2006-11-28
They're working...
They are effective; drivers going up and down Wimbledon are finally slowing down. They force drivers to drive slower, and they actually cut down on the number of drivers short-cutting through the neighborhood.
Several neighbors have called to say what a difference in the traffic flow. I think the city did a very nice job on the installation, too.
Thank You and Congratulations to all of the homeowners on Wimbledon Road for signing the petition to have speedhumps installed.
Here's how the process worked. A request was made to the City of Atlanta and signatures were collected from 75% of homeowners on the street. Next, the city measured the width and elevation of the street, counted the traffic, clocked the speed of the drivers, measured for the correct number of humps, verified that the utility companies were not planning any kind of street work, and, then the humps were installed. That sounds quick, but ... the process took almost 15 months for Wimbledon Road.
Jenny & Rob are fairly new to Piedmont Heights and she is thrilled with the slower traffic flow. 'Thank you so much for all your time & effort to bring the speedhumps to Wimbledon. I feel so much safer walking with my child and my pet.'
A special thanks to our neighbor Barbara McClintock for her help in getting the petitions signed.
If you have any followup questions regarding the humps, please call me at home at 404.874.6699.
Thanks again to all of the homeowners on Wimbledon Road for your support, and patience, on this issue. We live in a great, and safer, neighborhood!
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| Moving a pet, too.
Posted on: 2006-08-02
According to the US Humane Society, 39% of households own at least one dog, and 34% own at least one cat.
When relocating to a new home, if a dog is moving with you, you might want to check out some valuable information on eHow.com. The how-to information on this website has a section providing simple steps to helping the family dog make a smooth transition into the new family home. See the steps and tips on http://www.eHow.com/how_7154_move-dog-new.html
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| Insurance Claims - When & How
Posted on: 2006-08-01
How much is your deductible? Your homeowners coverage is there for sudden, accidental emergencies. You should evaluate the situation before filing small claims; your premiums may go up if you do. Filing for small claims, something under $1000, may increase your current premium or even lead to cancellation of your policy. Also, you could stigmatize your home, and, if you try to sell it soon after a couple of claims, the new owner may not be able to get coverage at a reasonable rate. That could cause you, the home seller, a big problem right before the closing. It may be better to dip into an emergency fund rather than risk higher premiums, or worse, the cancellation of your homeowners policy. Raising your deductible to at least $1000 will also lower your monthly premium payments and keep you from filing small claims under $1000. If there is any doubt as to what claims should be filed, contact your insurance agent to discuss the situation before filing claims.
Consumers who make water damage claims risk losing their insurance and may even find that coverage is unavailable at any price. Did you know that Flood Insurance is administered by insurance companies but is actually provided by our federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program? Most homeowners insurance policies don't cover flood damage. It may be required for you to get a separate flood insurance policy to protect against losses from flooding. Most insurance policies provide that a flood caused by a phenomenon occurring in nature and coming from outside the home to the inside WILL NOT be covered under the policy unless flood insurance has been included in the policy. If water damage occurs because of a burst pipe inside the home, it may be covered. Check with your provider to be sure.
If your neighbor has a tree that is on their property that shows visible signs of decay, or a dead or dying tree on his/her property, and you notify him/her by certified mail about the tree, and the tree subsequently falls in a storm and damages your property, you neighbor is now liable for the damages. If you have failed to notify him/her by certified mail, when the tree falls, it is considered an act of nature and each party is responsible for their own damages.
Don't neglect your home. Most home insurance policies specifically exclude damages that result from pest infestations, rot, or other preventable problems. They also frown on substandard maintenance. If a storm blows off part of your roof, get it fixed properly and quickly. If you choose to settle for some makeshift repair, you may lose coverage on contents that were exposed to further damage.
How much does your homeowners policy say they will pay to replace your existing home? Is there a clause in your policy to rebuild it at full replacement value? If not, you may be under-insured. Check your policy now, and check with your provider.
The final suggestion is to take pictures of the complete outside of your house. Also take complete pictures of everything in every room of your home. Store those pictures on a CD or DVD and keep it offsite somewhere safe. Ask your agent to keep a copy in your file or folder at his/her office. You may need those pictures later in time of a disaster to prove the value of everything lost in the disaster.
You should rely on insurance when it's necessary. Using it with some restraint will insure that your protection will be there for years to come, should you really need it.
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| Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
Posted on: 2006-05-30
There is strong evidence that owning a pet has a specific health value.
Studies have shown that of patients hospitalized for heart attacks, those who owned pets were far more likely to survive past the first year than those who did not.
Pets also have therapeutic effects on the retired, the elderly, singles, as well as children and younger adults with emotional disorders.
Pets can offer many benefits to their owners.
Companionship: Consistent evidence indicates that single, widowed, and divorced people have higher disease rates and die earlier than married people. Pets decrease the isolation, which is hazardous to health. The best choices are responsive animals like cats, dogs or birds. Having someone to care for is one of the important reasons for the greater longevity enjoyed by married people. In biological tems, carring for another may make possible a psycho-endocrine response that results in greater resistance to disease. Small animals can stimulate the caring feelings and actions that human babies evoke. Pets can also serve as transitional love objects. Depressed people can learn to love others again through caring for pets.
Physical contact with a pet can also have an important beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Touch may decrease arousal of the sympathetic nervous system responsible for elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and blood lipid and sugar levels associated with higher emotional activity. Just touching a pet can act as an antianxiety agent. It can decrease progression of conditions like hypertension, stroke, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.
Keeping busy has important positive effects on longevity. Lack of meaningful activity can produce feelings of helplessness or depression. Pets provide complexity, interest and variability to a daily routine and provide stimulus for maintaining that routine. Pets are especially effective on retired people, who may well become disoriented in time without established duties a pet demands.
Pets also encourage exercise. Dog owners have an incentive for going out and walking that they might not oherwise have. Even in the house, pets demand attention and play time.
Safety, too, is a plus. Owning a dog lessens the fear of defenselessness and encourages elderly people worried about crime to decrease their isolation and get outdoors. Feeling safer is a positive health benefit for everybody and is more relevant than whether or not dogs actually make things safer.
Pets are good listeners. A relationship in which one talks seriously and respectfully to one's pet is likely to be a rich one, and one that reflects the emotional capacities of the proud owner.
Animals adopted from county animal shelters make especially good pets. They are more attentive, more responsive and more loving because they know and appreciate the love of the new owner.
Adopt a new pet today !!
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| Commercial & Residential Dumpsters
Posted on: 2006-05-12
Please note that dumpsters on a city street are a violation of city ordinance Sec. 138-61.
Within Piedmont Heights, many homeowners are opting to make major repairs and upgrades to their homes in lieu of moving to another home. If you require an industrial roll-away dumpster for construction debris, that dumpster must be on your property and not in the street adjacent to your home. If the dumpster cannot be accommodated on private property, a special permit may be applied for with the Department of Public Works. Please see Sec. 138-61 City of Atlanta Ordinance for complete information.
Do not rely on the advice of the company delivering the dumpster.
Violators can be ticketed, fined, and the dumpster can be impounded.
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Need a new Herbie Curbie ?
Posted on: 2006-03-20
If you need a new trash container because the lid is defective, the wheels don't work, or some other reason, the city will deliver a new one to you and remove the old one for you. Call the sanitation department at 404.659.6757 and give them your address.
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| Recycling Phone Books
Posted on: 2006-01-27
Old phone books CAN BE RECYCLED along with your other recycled items using your City of Atlanta recycle bin. Questions about Atlanta's recycling program can be answered by calling 404.330.6333.
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| Civic Association Meeting
Posted on: 2006-01-27
The monthly meetings of the Piedmont Heights Civic Association are on the first Tuesday of each month at the community center behind the Rock Spring Presbyterian Church. The meetings start at 7:30 PM and usually last until 9:00 PM. All neighbors are encouraged to attend and hear about zoning issues, business license requests, public safety reports, and other committee reports.
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| It's all relative...
Posted on: 2005-12-29
In January of 2005,
a gallon of milk cost $3.29
a loaf of bread cost $1.10
a new auto cost $21,345
a gallon of gas cost $1.96
a new home cost $221,800
the average income was $31,191
the Dow Jones was at 10,544
In January of 1995,
a gallon of milk cost $2.51
a loaf of bread cost $1.17
a new auto cost $12,800
a gallon of gas cost $1.35
a new home cost $111,200
the average income was $19,190
the Dow Jones was at 5,117
In January of 1985,
a gallon of milk cost $1.98
a loaf of bread cost $.74
a new auto cost $6495
a gallon of gas cost $1.24
a new home cost $116,705
the average income was $13,351
the Dow Jones was at 1547
In January of 1975,
a gallon of milk cost $1.40
a loaf of bread cost $.28
a new auto cost $3,800
a gallon of gas cost $.57
a new home cost $51,865
the average income was $7,004
the Dow Jones was at 852
In January of 1965,
a gallon of milk cost $1.05
a loaf of bread cost $.21
a new auto cost $2355
a gallon of gas cost $.24
a new home cost $41,540
the average income was $6469
the Dow Jones was at 969
In January of 1955,
a gallon of milk cost $.92
a loaf of bread cost $.18
a new auto cost $1950
a gallon of gas cost $.23
a new home cost $22,900
the average income was $4138
the Dow Jones was at 484
In January of 1945,
a gallon of milk cost $.62
a loaf of bread cost $.10
a new auto cost $1,350
a gallon of gas cost $.16
a new home cost $10,330
the average income was $2390
the Dow Jones was at 193
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| The NE Atlanta Beltline Development
Posted on: 2005-07-11
The Northeast Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile old rail corridor that would include trails and green space through several Atlanta neighborhoods, including Ansley Park, Piedmont Heights, Morningside, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, Inman Park and others.
The various NPUs affected by the proposed Beltline project are soliciting, compiling,and combining priorities and issues such as land use & zoning, traffic & transportation, infrastructure & watershed management, connectivity, and neighborhood impacts.
Get involved by attending any of the various redevelopment workshops and presentations on the new Beltline offered by the Atlanta Development Authority and the Beltline Steering Committee. The presentations are opportunities for public input on the use of land around the proposed Beltline and the feasibility of a tax allocation district.
Beltline Development overview presentations are next scheduled on July 12 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Park Tavern for NPU-F, and July 13 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Trolley Barn for NPU-M & NPU-N.
Walking tours of the proposed Beltline routes have already taken place, and clean-up projects by local residents have also already taken place. Check the various websites for additional dates of any future tours or clean-up projects.
Mayor Shirley Franklin has announced her intention to ask the City, County and School Board for a Beltline TAD
( Tax Allocation District ) to help pay for the Beltline construction costs and other incentives. A TAD is established for publicly financing certain redevelopment activities in underdeveloped areas. Redevelopment costs are financed through the pledge of future incremental increases in property taxes generated by the resulting new development.
The website for the Atlanta Development Authority is www.atlantada.com. Please take a look at their Quarterly Report which describes Tax Allocation Districts, how they work and answers frequently-asked questions about them.
The ADA ( Greg Gianelli, President, and Tina Arbes, Director of Special Projects ) will be the administrative staff for Ray Weeks, recently appointed Chair of the Mayor's Beltline Committee. Their website is www.atlantaada.org
The main Beltline advocacy group is Friends of the Beltline, Inc. at www.beltline.org
Website: www.BeltLine.org
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The Tree Protection Ordinance
Posted on: 2005-07-11
The city of Atlanta is known for its trees. For that reason, the Atlanta City Council passed a law in 1977 to protect Atlanta's trees. The ordinance is a set of rules designed to prevent a net loss of trees and to protect mature trees.
The key features of the ordinance include 1) obtaining a permit for cutting trees, 2) planting new trees to replace trees removed, 3) protecting trees during construction, and 4) determining whether a tree is dead or diseased.
Homeowners must have a permit to remove any tree 6 inches in diameter or greater, or you will be fined. Before cutting or removing any trees on private property call the City Arborist at 404-330-6874 or 404-330-6836.
Permitted tree removals should be posted with a yellow sign which gives a deadline for appealing the removal to the Tree Conservation Commission.
More information can be obtained at www.atlantaga.gov ( under the dept of planning & community development, then the bureau of buildings, then the arborist division ) or at www.treesatlanta.org
Website: www.treesatlanta.org
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| A Great Investment !!
Posted on: 2005-06-22
Back in 1995:
The average List Price of a home in Piedmont Heights was $185,800.
The average Selling Price of a home in Piedmont Heights was $177,900.
The average Number of Days on the Market for a home in Piedmont Heights was 86 days.
Ten years later in 2005:
The average List Price of a home in Piedmont Heights is now $529,022.
The average Selling Price of a home in Piedmont Heights is now $365,300.
The average Number of Days on the Market for a home in Piedmont Heights is now 83 days.
That's impressive! On the average, there are around 30 homes Sold each year in Piedmont Heights.
If you have any questions about the numbers, please call Norm Hatke at 404-874-6699.
Email: nhatke@bellsouth.net
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| Bulk Rubbish Pick-up
Posted on: 2005-01-27
To schedule pick-up of bulk rubbish, please call Customer Service at the Bureau of Solid Waste Services at 404-330-6333. Bulk rubbish is any material whose total weight, volume and/or size is too large for the city residential garbage collection trucks. This would be things like appliances, mattresses, sofas, dressers, tables, etc. The city will not collect building materials, construction debris or hazardous materials.
Email: PublicWorks@atlantaga.gov
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| 2009 was a Good Year in Piedmont Heights
Posted on: 2002-01-28
The median sales price for homes in ZIP code 30324 for Sep 09 to Nov 09 was $292,000. This represents an increase of 2.4%, or $6,800, compared to the prior quarter and an increase of 13.6% compared to the prior year. Sales prices have appreciated 18.5% over the last 5 years in 30324, Atlanta.
The median sales price of $292,000 for 30324 is 56.15% higher than the median sales price for Atlanta GA. Average listing price for homes on Trulia in ZIP code 30324 was $315,121 for the week ending Dec 23, which represents a decline of 0.4%, or $1,335 compared to the prior week and a decline of 5.3%, or $17,474, compared to the week ending Dec 02. Average price per square foot for homes in 30324 was $175 in the most recent quarter, which is 35.66% higher than the average price per square foot for homes in Atlanta.
Piedmont Heights and 30324 are great areas to live. Watch your appreciation grow!
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