My Midtown Mojo http://mymidtownmojo.com Can You Feel The Vibe? Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:54:49 +0000 en 1.1 http://mymidtownmojo.com/ http://mymidtownmojo.com 23chrischris@realestatetomato.com 164danielbatesdanielwbates@yahoo.com 5651thomandraythom@thomandrayteam.com 6797debedebe@debemaxwell.com 221active-rain 75891atlanta-real-estate-for-sale-or-rent 132buyers 652condos 20events 16850guest-contributors 48746interesting-stories 10633market-updates 69544midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent 69169midtown-atlanta-news-and-events 48686midtown-atlanta-restaurants 49209midtown-business 67055midtown-photos 22news 28022random-topics 3358real-estate-tips 137sellers 67278speechless-sunday 1863animals 70256atlanta-condominiums 75890atlanta-condos-for-rent 75884atlanta-traffic 75886atlantic-station 75887atlantic-station-condominiums 50819automobiles 305blogging 132buyers 73154castleberry-hill-condominiums 75883colony-square-athletic-club 61788condominium-safety 125condominiums 2593dogs 48689einsteins-midtown-atlanta 2855facebook 60554family-pets 5157fha-financing 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59244piedmont-park-conservancy 54seller-tips 137sellers 72858serrano-condominiums 3910short-sale-information 59477so-you-know 269social-media 1842special-events 67278speechless-sunday 3440then-and-now 58296thomas-ramon-realty 1961travel 276twitter 60497viewpoint-midtown-atlanta 66127words-of-wisdon http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 Atlanta Home For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?attachment_id=5 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:30:23 +0000 danielbates http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/files/2010/03/123-main-street-atlanta-ga.jpg 5 2010-03-30 12:30:23 2010-03-30 20:30:23 open open 123-main-street-atlanta-ga inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/03/123-main-street-atlanta-ga.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Einstein's Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/04/02/einsteins-midtown-atlanta-a-metrotainment-restaurant/einsteins-rz/ Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:33:11 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/files/2010/04/Einsteins-RZ.jpg 12 2010-04-02 15:33:11 2010-04-02 23:33:11 open open einsteins-rz inherit 11 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/04/Einsteins-RZ.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Einstein's Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/04/02/einsteins-midtown-atlanta-a-metrotainment-restaurant/einsteins-1-rz/ Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:44:40 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/files/2010/04/Einsteins-1-RZ.jpg 13 2010-04-02 15:44:40 2010-04-02 23:44:40 open open einsteins-1-rz inherit 11 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/04/Einsteins-1-RZ.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Matchbox Car Collection http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/04/12/model-cars-and-photography/img_4737/ Sun, 04 Apr 2010 12:47:22 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/files/2010/04/IMG_4737.JPG 19 2010-04-04 04:47:22 2010-04-04 12:47:22 open open img_4737 inherit 18 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/04/IMG_4737.JPG _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Plaza Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/plaza-midtown/plaza-midtown-rz/ Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:11:54 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/files/2010/04/Plaza-Midtown-RZ.jpg 23 2010-04-06 03:11:54 2010-04-06 11:11:54 open open plaza-midtown-rz inherit 21 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/04/Plaza-Midtown-RZ.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata High Museum Luxury Hotel http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/04/10/developer-plans-350m-luxury-hotel-across-from-high-museum/museum-tower-site-rz/ Sat, 10 Apr 2010 17:25:51 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/files/2010/04/Museum-Tower-Site-RZ.jpg 28 2010-04-10 09:25:51 2010-04-10 17:25:51 open open museum-tower-site-rz inherit 27 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/04/Museum-Tower-Site-RZ.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Airline charging for carry ons http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/04/10/airline-to-charge-for-carry-ons/aircraft_flight_205880-rz/ Sun, 11 Apr 2010 01:30:14 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/files/2010/04/aircraft_flight_205880-RZ.jpg 34 2010-04-10 17:30:14 2010-04-11 01:30:14 open open aircraft_flight_205880-rz inherit 33 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/04/aircraft_flight_205880-RZ.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Chevy Suburban Diamond Anniversary http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/03/gm-celebrates-75-years-of-the-surburban/suburban-75-anniversary/ Tue, 04 May 2010 02:29:05 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Suburban-75-Anniversary.jpg 41 2010-05-03 18:29:05 2010-05-04 02:29:05 open open suburban-75-anniversary inherit 40 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Suburban-75-Anniversary.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata City in the Arboretum Conference http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/09/city-in-the-arboretum-conference-may-22-2010/arbconf2010posterfinal/ Sun, 09 May 2010 12:08:54 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/ArbConf2010posterfinal.jpg 58 2010-05-09 04:08:54 2010-05-09 12:08:54 open open arbconf2010posterfinal inherit 57 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/ArbConf2010posterfinal.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Thom Abbott http://mymidtownmojo.com/about/tacolorcasualsittingtomato/ Sun, 09 May 2010 13:45:34 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/03/TAColorCasualSittingTomato.jpg 64 2010-05-09 05:45:34 2010-05-09 13:45:34 open open tacolorcasualsittingtomato inherit 2 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/03/TAColorCasualSittingTomato.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Thom Abbott http://mymidtownmojo.com/about/glenn-rooftopaa-rz/ Sun, 09 May 2010 13:46:22 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/03/Glenn-RooftopAA-RZ.jpg 65 2010-05-09 05:46:22 2010-05-09 13:46:22 open open glenn-rooftopaa-rz inherit 2 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/03/Glenn-RooftopAA-RZ.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Ray Benitez http://mymidtownmojo.com/about/raycolortp-for-tomato/ Sun, 09 May 2010 13:49:03 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/03/RayColorTP-For-Tomato.jpg 66 2010-05-09 05:49:03 2010-05-09 13:49:03 open open raycolortp-for-tomato inherit 2 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/03/RayColorTP-For-Tomato.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Draft on Taft http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/11/draft-on-taft-in-midtown-atlanta-2010/draft-on-taft/ Tue, 11 May 2010 22:42:51 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Draft-on-Taft.jpg 69 2010-05-11 14:42:51 2010-05-11 22:42:51 open open draft-on-taft inherit 68 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Draft-on-Taft.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Draft on Taft map http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/11/draft-on-taft-in-midtown-atlanta-2010/draft-on-taft-map/ Tue, 11 May 2010 22:45:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Draft-on-Taft-map.jpg 70 2010-05-11 14:45:17 2010-05-11 22:45:17 open open draft-on-taft-map inherit 68 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Draft-on-Taft-map.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata 805 Peachtree http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/13/805-peachtree-condominiums-june-2010-market-report/805-peachtree/ Wed, 19 May 2010 12:51:55 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/805-Peachtree.jpg 75 2010-05-19 04:51:55 2010-05-19 12:51:55 open open 805-peachtree inherit 276 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/805-Peachtree.jpg _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attached_file 905 Juniper http://mymidtownmojo.com/?attachment_id=76 Wed, 19 May 2010 12:52:35 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/905-Juniper.jpg 76 2010-05-19 04:52:35 2010-05-19 12:52:35 open open 905-juniper inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/905-Juniper.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata 12thMidtown http://mymidtownmojo.com/?attachment_id=77 Wed, 19 May 2010 12:52:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/1010-Midtown.jpg 77 2010-05-19 04:52:47 2010-05-19 12:52:47 open open 1010-midtown-2 inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/1010-Midtown.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Cornerstone Village http://mymidtownmojo.com/cornerstone-village/cornerstone-village-2/ Wed, 19 May 2010 12:53:24 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Cornerstone-Village.jpg 79 2010-05-19 04:53:24 2010-05-19 12:53:24 open open cornerstone-village-2 inherit 115 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Cornerstone-Village.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Dakota Condomiums http://mymidtownmojo.com/?attachment_id=80 Wed, 19 May 2010 12:54:02 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Dakota-Condomiums.jpg 80 2010-05-19 04:54:02 2010-05-19 12:54:02 open open dakota-condomiums inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Dakota-Condomiums.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Luxe http://mymidtownmojo.com/?attachment_id=81 Wed, 19 May 2010 12:54:26 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Luxe.jpg 81 2010-05-19 04:54:26 2010-05-19 12:54:26 open open luxe inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Luxe.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Mayfair Renaissance Tower RZ http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/11/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-2/mayfair-renaissance-tower-rz/ Wed, 19 May 2010 12:54:42 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Mayfair-Renaissance-Tower-RZ.jpg 82 2010-05-19 04:54:42 2010-05-19 12:54:42 open open mayfair-renaissance-tower-rz inherit 1689 0 attachment 0 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2010-05-19 04:55:32 2010-05-19 12:55:32 open open peachtree-lofts-2 inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Peachtree-Lofts.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Peachtree Walk http://mymidtownmojo.com/?attachment_id=86 Wed, 19 May 2010 12:55:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Peachtree-Walk.jpg 86 2010-05-19 04:55:47 2010-05-19 12:55:47 open open peachtree-walk inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Peachtree-Walk.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Tuscany http://mymidtownmojo.com/?attachment_id=88 Wed, 19 May 2010 12:56:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Tuscany.jpg 88 2010-05-19 04:56:17 2010-05-19 12:56:17 open open tuscany inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Tuscany.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata intownLogoPhoneNumber http://mymidtownmojo.com/?attachment_id=90 Wed, 19 May 2010 13:42:01 +0000 thomandray 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Metropolis Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?attachment_id=98 Thu, 20 May 2010 21:13:33 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Metropolis-Street-ViewRZ.jpg 98 2010-05-20 13:13:33 2010-05-20 21:13:33 open open metropolis-street-viewrz inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Metropolis-Street-ViewRZ.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Eno By Zaza http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/20/eno-restaurant-midtown-to-become-5th-street-cafe/eno-by-zaza/ Fri, 21 May 2010 01:50:11 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Eno-By-Zaza.jpg 119 2010-05-20 17:50:11 2010-05-21 01:50:11 open open eno-by-zaza inherit 118 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Eno-By-Zaza.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Atlanta-Condo-Ansley-Above-The-Park http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/15/ansley-above-the-park-annual-market-report-2009-2010/atlanta-condo-ansley-above-the-park/ Fri, 21 May 2010 15:42:45 +0000 danielbates http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Atlanta-Condo-Ansley-Above-The-Park.jpg 122 2010-05-21 07:42:45 2010-05-21 15:42:45 open open atlanta-condo-ansley-above-the-park inherit 1276 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Atlanta-Condo-Ansley-Above-The-Park.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata March 2010 vs March 2009 Numbers http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/22/midtown-atlanta-market-report-march-2010/march-2010-vs-march-2009/ Sat, 22 May 2010 13:49:55 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/March-2010-vs-March-2009.jpg 129 2010-05-22 05:49:55 2010-05-22 13:49:55 open open march-2010-vs-march-2009 inherit 128 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/March-2010-vs-March-2009.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Jan-March 2008-2010 Graph http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/22/midtown-atlanta-market-report-march-2010/jan-march-2008-2010/ Sat, 22 May 2010 13:51:36 +0000 thomandray 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24 May 2010 16:52:19 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Cornerstone-Village1.jpg 145 2010-05-24 08:52:19 2010-05-24 16:52:19 open open cornerstone-village-3 inherit 115 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Cornerstone-Village1.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Community 905 Juniper MidtownRZ http://mymidtownmojo.com/?attachment_id=156 Tue, 25 May 2010 15:03:20 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Community-905-Juniper-MidtownRZ.jpg 156 2010-05-25 07:03:20 2010-05-25 15:03:20 open open community-905-juniper-midtownrz inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Community-905-Juniper-MidtownRZ.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata 905 Juniper http://mymidtownmojo.com/the-condominiums-of-905-juniper/905-juniper-2/ Tue, 25 May 2010 15:34:09 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/905-Juniper.JPG 161 2010-05-25 07:34:09 2010-05-25 15:34:09 open open 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2010-05-25 16:38:24 open open condo-5 inherit 0 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Condo-5.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata IMG_4694 http://mymidtownmojo.com/viewpoint-midtown/img_4694/ Tue, 25 May 2010 21:05:22 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/IMG_4694.JPG 179 2010-05-25 13:05:22 2010-05-25 21:05:22 open open img_4694 inherit 176 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/IMG_4694.JPG _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Midtown Atlanta FHA Approved Condos http://mymidtownmojo.com/mayfair-renaissance-and-mayfair-tower/two-buildings/ Tue, 25 May 2010 21:25:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Two-Buildings.JPG 182 2010-05-25 13:25:17 2010-05-25 21:25:17 open open two-buildings inherit 181 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Two-Buildings.JPG _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata IMG_0541 http://mymidtownmojo.com/midcity-lofts/img_0541/ Tue, 25 May 2010 21:45:20 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/IMG_0541.JPG 185 2010-05-25 13:45:20 2010-05-25 21:45:20 open open img_0541 inherit 184 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/IMG_0541.JPG _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata 300px-ATL_People_Mover_2 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/27/atlanta-macon-commuter-train/300px-atl_people_mover_2/ Thu, 27 May 2010 12:47:09 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/300px-ATL_People_Mover_2.jpg 200 2010-05-27 04:47:09 2010-05-27 12:47:09 open open 300px-atl_people_mover_2 inherit 199 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/300px-ATL_People_Mover_2.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Woodruff Arts Center http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/31/summer-lunch-box-series-midtown-atlanta-ga/woodruff-sign-1/ Mon, 31 May 2010 23:05:48 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Woodruff-Sign-1.jpg 210 2010-05-31 15:05:48 2010-05-31 23:05:48 open open woodruff-sign-1 inherit 209 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/05/Woodruff-Sign-1.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Summerfest VaHi http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/02/summerfest-virginia-highlands-june-5-6-2010/summerfest-vahi/ Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:58:51 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Summerfest-VaHi.jpg 219 2010-06-02 09:58:51 2010-06-02 13:58:51 open open summerfest-vahi inherit 218 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Summerfest-VaHi.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Aqua Condominiums http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/04/aqua-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report/aqua-condominiums/ Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:17:49 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Aqua-Condominiums.pdf 223 2010-06-04 13:17:49 2010-06-04 17:17:49 open open aqua-condominiums inherit 222 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Aqua-Condominiums.pdf _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Aqua Condominium Bedrooms 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thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Aqua-Midtown.jpg 227 2010-06-04 13:24:26 2010-06-04 17:24:26 open open aqua-midtown inherit 222 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Aqua-Midtown.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Cornerstone Village Bedrooms http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/04/cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report/cornerstone-village-bedrooms/ Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:33:59 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Cornerstone-Village-Bedrooms.jpg 231 2010-06-04 13:33:59 2010-06-04 17:33:59 open open cornerstone-village-bedrooms inherit 230 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Cornerstone-Village-Bedrooms.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Cornerstone Village Condominums http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/04/cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report/cornerstone-village-condominums/ Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:34:55 +0000 thomandray 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attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Time-Busy.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Museum of Design Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/21/museum-of-design-moda-moves-to-midtown-atlanta/moda-rz/ Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:26:27 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/MODA-RZ.jpg 249 2010-06-20 12:26:27 2010-06-20 16:26:27 open open moda-rz inherit 247 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/MODA-RZ.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Midtown Muscle By Beth Estes http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/21/midtown-muscle-by-beth-estes/midtown-neighbors-assoc-article-1-jpeg/ Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:48:42 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Midtown-Neighbors-Assoc-Article-1-jpeg.jpg 253 2010-06-21 10:48:42 2010-06-21 14:48:42 open open midtown-neighbors-assoc-article-1-jpeg inherit 252 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/06/Midtown-Neighbors-Assoc-Article-1-jpeg.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Midtown Festival of the Arts http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/01/midtown-festival-of-the-arts-is-coming-to-atlanta-september-25-26/logo/ Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:44:20 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/logo.jpg 262 2010-07-01 12:44:20 2010-07-01 16:44:20 open open logo inherit 261 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/logo.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Midtown Festival of the Arts http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/01/midtown-festival-of-the-arts-is-coming-to-atlanta-september-25-26/logo-2/ Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:44:58 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/logo1.jpg 263 2010-07-01 12:44:58 2010-07-01 16:44:58 open open logo-2 inherit 261 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/logo1.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/01/midtown-festival-of-the-arts-is-coming-to-atlanta-september-25-26/mayor-better/ Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:47:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/Mayor-Better.JPG 264 2010-07-01 12:47:17 2010-07-01 16:47:17 open open mayor-better inherit 261 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/Mayor-Better.JPG _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Midtown Atlanta Condos For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/1010-midtown/img_4718/ Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:49:25 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/IMG_4718.JPG 267 2010-07-05 11:49:25 2010-07-05 15:49:25 open open img_4718 inherit 266 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/IMG_4718.JPG _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata IMG_0085 http://mymidtownmojo.com/peachtree-lofts/img_0085/ Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:56:20 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/IMG_0085.JPG 271 2010-07-05 12:56:20 2010-07-05 16:56:20 open open img_0085 inherit 270 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/IMG_0085.JPG _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Lobby http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/13/805-peachtree-condominiums-june-2010-market-report/lobby/ Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:25:32 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/Lobby.JPG 277 2010-07-13 21:25:32 2010-07-14 01:25:32 open open lobby inherit 276 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/Lobby.JPG _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Ladder http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/13/construction-update-mymidtownmojo/ladder/ Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:46:07 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/Ladder.jpg 280 2010-07-13 21:46:07 2010-07-14 01:46:07 open open ladder inherit 279 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/Ladder.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Thom http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/13/construction-update-mymidtownmojo/thom/ Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:47:55 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/07/Thom.jpg 281 2010-07-13 21:47:55 2010-07-14 01:47:55 open open thom inherit 279 0 attachment 0 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Guy Pointing Finger http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/09/05/condominium-home-owners-associations-the-hoa/guy-pointing-finger/ Sun, 05 Sep 2010 06:48:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/09/Guy-Pointing-Finger.jpg 384 2010-09-05 02:48:17 2010-09-05 06:48:17 open open guy-pointing-finger inherit 383 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/09/Guy-Pointing-Finger.jpg _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attached_file fire extingushier http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/09/10/rental-insurance-for-my-condo/fire-extingushier/ Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:46:29 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/09/fire-extingushier.jpg 395 2010-09-10 07:46:29 2010-09-10 11:46:29 open open fire-extingushier inherit 394 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2010/09/fire-extingushier.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Midtown Atlanta Parking Meters http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/09/11/parkatlanta-to-meet-with-midtown-neighbors/parking-meter/ Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:40:52 +0000 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thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/03/Money-Blocks.jpg 1499 2011-03-06 16:46:44 2011-03-06 21:46:44 open open toy-building-blocks inherit 1496 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/03/Money-Blocks.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Aquamarine FloorplanPicnik http://mymidtownmojo.com/aqua-midtown-atlanta/aquamarine-floorplanpicnik/ Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:22:24 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/03/Aquamarine-FloorplanPicnik.jpg 1506 2011-03-06 18:22:24 2011-03-06 23:22:24 open open aquamarine-floorplanpicnik inherit 1503 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/03/Aquamarine-FloorplanPicnik.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Aqua http://mymidtownmojo.com/aqua-midtown-atlanta/img_3374/ Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:31:12 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/03/IMG_3374.JPG 1507 2011-03-06 18:31:12 2011-03-06 23:31:12 open open img_3374 inherit 1503 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/03/IMG_3374.JPG _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Midtown Atlanta Real Estate Team http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/07/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-a-series-2/business-man-with-a-group/ Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:45:37 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/03/Real-Estate-Team.jpg 1514 2011-03-07 08:45:37 2011-03-07 13:45:37 open open business-man-with-a-group inherit 1513 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/03/Real-Estate-Team.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Insurance Policy http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/07/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-a-series-2/insurance-policy/ Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:51:30 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/03/Insurance-Policy.jpg 1515 2011-03-07 08:51:30 2011-03-07 13:51:30 open open insurance-policy inherit 1513 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/03/Insurance-Policy.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Where To Buy Gas In 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http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/18/1701-autosave/condo-map-mid-city-lofts-2/ Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:26:03 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/Condo-Map-Mid-City-Lofts1.jpg 1704 2011-04-19 07:26:03 2011-04-19 11:26:03 open open condo-map-mid-city-lofts-2 inherit 1715 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/Condo-Map-Mid-City-Lofts1.jpg Georgia Tech Condo Housing Mid City Lofts http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/18/1701-autosave/condo-map-mid-city-lofts/ Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:19:25 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/Condo-Map-Mid-City-Lofts.jpg 1707 2011-04-19 07:19:25 2011-04-19 11:19:25 open open condo-map-mid-city-lofts inherit 1715 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/Condo-Map-Mid-City-Lofts.jpg Condo Map Cornerstone Village http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/18/1708-revision-3/condo-map-cornerstone-village/ Tue, 19 Apr 2011 02:24:50 +0000 thomandray 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http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/18/1708-revision-3/young-man-moving-into-new-home/ Tue, 19 Apr 2011 02:07:51 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/college-student-on-couch.jpg 1714 2011-04-18 22:07:51 2011-04-19 02:07:51 open open young-man-moving-into-new-home inherit 1708 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/college-student-on-couch.jpg Midtown Atlanta Real Estate http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/19/1715-autosave/dollar-sign/ Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:47:51 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/Dollar-sign.jpg 1720 2011-04-17 14:47:51 2011-04-17 18:47:51 open open dollar-sign inherit 1701 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/Dollar-sign.jpg Georgia Tech College Student http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/19/1715-autosave/male-college-student-on-campus/ Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:41:58 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/college-student-guy.jpg 1721 2011-04-17 14:41:58 2011-04-17 18:41:58 open open male-college-student-on-campus inherit 1701 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/college-student-guy.jpg Colony Square Party http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/27/colony-square-athletic-club-midtown-atlanta/colony-square-party/ Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:36:38 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/Colony-Square-Party.jpg 1725 2011-04-27 15:36:38 2011-04-27 19:36:38 open open colony-square-party inherit 1724 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/Colony-Square-Party.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Greyhound http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/29/an-important-message-from-the-se-pet-rescue-railroad/greyhound/ Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:17:15 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/Greyhound.jpg 1731 2011-04-29 11:17:15 2011-04-29 15:17:15 open open greyhound inherit 1729 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/Greyhound.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata 85 400 Junction http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/30/planned-ga400-interchange-wins-neighborhood-approval/85-400-junction-2/ Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:55:14 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/85-400-Junction.jpg 1735 2011-04-30 08:55:14 2011-04-30 12:55:14 open open 85-400-junction-2 inherit 1734 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/85-400-Junction.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata GA400 I 85 Interchange http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/30/planned-ga400-interchange-wins-neighborhood-approval/85-400-junction-3/ Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:56:57 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/85-400-Junction1.jpg 1736 2011-04-30 08:56:57 2011-04-30 12:56:57 open open 85-400-junction-3 inherit 1734 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/04/85-400-Junction1.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Plaza Midtown Proximity To Georgia Tech Campus http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/03/georgia-tech-condo-housing-plaza-midtown-condominiums/condo-map-plaza-midtown/ Tue, 03 May 2011 23:24:25 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/05/Condo-Map-Plaza-Midtown.jpg 1756 2011-05-03 19:24:25 2011-05-03 23:24:25 open open condo-map-plaza-midtown inherit 1750 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/05/Condo-Map-Plaza-Midtown.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Spire Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/05/georgia-tech-condo-housing-spire-midtown-atlanta/112_1235/ Thu, 05 May 2011 02:47:56 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/05/112_1235.jpg 1767 2011-05-04 22:47:56 2011-05-05 02:47:56 open open 112_1235 inherit 1766 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/05/112_1235.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Georgia Tech Condo Housing Spire Midtown Atlanta 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2011-05-08 18:15:08 open open img_6205 inherit 1790 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/05/IMG_6205.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt APD Midtown Precinct http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/09/neighborhoods-angry-over-ouster-of-popular-police-commander-%c2%a0/police-officer2/ Mon, 09 May 2011 14:41:32 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/05/Police-Officer2.jpg 1803 2011-05-09 10:41:32 2011-05-09 14:41:32 open open police-officer2 inherit 1801 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/05/Police-Officer2.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Briarcliff Ponce Traffic Light http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/10/a-traffic-light-changes-lives/side-profile-of-a-technician-repairing-a-traffic-light/ Tue, 10 May 2011 16:13:37 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/05/Traffic-Light.jpg 1812 2011-05-10 12:13:37 2011-05-10 16:13:37 open open 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http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/18/flicks-on-5th-midtown-atlanta-free-outdoor-summer-movie-series/just-go-with-it/ Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:16:23 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Just-go-With-It.jpg 1986 2011-06-18 19:16:23 2011-06-18 23:16:23 open open just-go-with-it inherit 1984 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Just-go-With-It.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Battle Los Angeles http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/18/flicks-on-5th-midtown-atlanta-free-outdoor-summer-movie-series/battle-los-angeles/ Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:17:39 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Battle-Los-Angeles.jpg 1987 2011-06-18 19:17:39 2011-06-18 23:17:39 open open battle-los-angeles inherit 1984 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Battle-Los-Angeles.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Rango http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/18/flicks-on-5th-midtown-atlanta-free-outdoor-summer-movie-series/rango/ Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:18:28 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Rango.jpg 1988 2011-06-18 19:18:28 2011-06-18 23:18:28 open open rango inherit 1984 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Rango.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Source Code http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/18/flicks-on-5th-midtown-atlanta-free-outdoor-summer-movie-series/source-code/ Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:19:21 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Source-Code.jpg 1989 2011-06-18 19:19:21 2011-06-18 23:19:21 open open source-code inherit 1984 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Source-Code.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/19/cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-ga-market-report-may-2011/building-name-2/ Sun, 19 Jun 2011 14:47:45 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Building-Name.jpg 1995 2011-06-19 10:47:45 2011-06-19 14:47:45 open open building-name-2 inherit 1994 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Building-Name.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Spire Midtown Atlanta Lobby http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/23/spire-midtown-atlanta-market-report-may-2011/img_1050/ Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:53:27 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/IMG_1050.jpg 2004 2011-06-23 07:53:27 2011-06-23 11:53:27 open open img_1050 inherit 2003 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/IMG_1050.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Midtown on 8th http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/28/midtown-atlanta-ga-condos-under-100000/auto-brochure-0002/ Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:08:52 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Auto-brochure-0002.jpg 2016 2011-06-28 14:08:52 2011-06-28 18:08:52 open open auto-brochure-0002 inherit 2015 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Auto-brochure-0002.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Tuscany Condminiums Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/28/midtown-atlanta-ga-condos-under-100000/tuscany-2/ Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:21:55 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Tuscany.jpg 2017 2011-06-28 14:21:55 2011-06-28 18:21:55 open open tuscany-2 inherit 2015 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/Tuscany.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Mayfair Renaissance 1001 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/28/midtown-atlanta-ga-condos-under-100000/lr2307899-9/ Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:32:32 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/lr2307899-9.jpg 2018 2011-06-28 14:32:32 2011-06-28 18:32:32 open open lr2307899-9 inherit 2015 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/lr2307899-9.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt 9HOMES Remain http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/30/viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-ga-final-homes-available-now/9homes-remain/ Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:51:19 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/9HOMES-Remain.jpg 2023 2011-06-30 09:51:19 2011-06-30 13:51:19 open open 9homes-remain inherit 2022 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/9HOMES-Remain.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/30/viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-ga-final-homes-available-now/9homes-remain-2/ Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:52:22 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/9HOMES-Remain1.jpg 2024 2011-06-30 09:52:22 2011-06-30 13:52:22 open open 9homes-remain-2 inherit 2022 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/06/9HOMES-Remain1.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Midtown Neighbors Association http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/01/midtown-neighbors-association-do-you-really-know-whats-going-on-in-your-neighborhood/people_33/ Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:10:14 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/People_33.jpg 2031 2011-07-01 11:10:14 2011-07-01 15:10:14 open open people_33 inherit 2028 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/People_33.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Guy with a Question http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/01/midtown-neighbors-association-do-you-really-know-whats-going-on-in-your-neighborhood/question-mark/ Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:11:59 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/Guy-with-Question.jpg 2032 2011-07-01 11:11:59 2011-07-01 15:11:59 open open question-mark inherit 2028 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/Guy-with-Question.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Ponce City Market at City Hall East http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/01/city-hall-east-to-get-new-life-as-ponce-city-market/sketch-of/ Fri, 01 Jul 2011 19:55:40 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/SKETCH-OF.jpg 2036 2011-07-01 15:55:40 2011-07-01 19:55:40 open open sketch-of inherit 2035 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/SKETCH-OF.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt IMG_5295 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/01/city-hall-east-to-get-new-life-as-ponce-city-market/img_5295/ Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:02:37 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5295.jpg 2037 2011-07-01 16:02:37 2011-07-01 20:02:37 open open img_5295 inherit 2035 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5295.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Ponce City Market and Historic Fourth Ward Park http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/01/city-hall-east-to-get-new-life-as-ponce-city-market/img_5297/ Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:03:12 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5297.jpg 2038 2011-07-01 16:03:12 2011-07-01 20:03:12 open open img_5297 inherit 2035 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5297.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt About Thomas Ramon http://mymidtownmojo.com/about/ Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:38:52 +0000 thomandray Thom Abbott

Thom brings his extensive Marketing and Sales background full circle from the hospitality industry to Real Estate. He previously held Sales positions with Hilton Hotels Corporation, Nikko Hotels North America, and more recently as President and CEO of Benott Hospitality Group, a consulting firm specializing in small hotels and motels. His marketing experience is helpful to his clients in marketing and staging their homes for maximum exposure and maximum dollars! Thom is a native of the Big Sky Country, Montana, and has lived in Atlanta for the past 16 years. He is a classic car collector, so you might often see him touring an InTown neighborhood in his 1969 Buick Wildcat Convertible. What a way to see Atlanta! While helping his clients market their homes, Thom also enjoys helping buyers find the “PERFECT” home. By listening and understanding what they are looking for, he uses the latest technology to help them find their new home. “My experience in Customer Focused Service training in the Hospitality industry for 20 plus years gives me a unique advantage when working with both Buyers and Sellers. I determine the needs of my Buyers, find the homes that have those features and benefits they are looking for, and then help them every step of the way, from contract to closing, and all the details in between. For Sellers, I identify the features and benefits of their home and then develop a marketing plan and marketing materials so we can market it more effectively.” Thom is the Associate Broker for  Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties.  “If you want to live in a central location, with an urban flair and feel, can’t find a more central location than Midtown Atlanta ,” Thom notes. “It feels like you are in Midtown Manhattan, and Central Park is just around the corner.” Thom refers to Atlanta’s version, Piedmont Park. Thom is actively involved in the Midtown community. He recently spent three years on the  Board of Directors for Midtown Neighbors’ Association as the Membership Chairman. In that role, he formed many strong relationships with Midtown Atlanta business owners as well as the Property Managers for most of the Midtown Atlanta condominium communities. Additionally, he is active with a newly formed organization, Midtown Festival of the Arts. He is a graduate of the Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management at the University of Houston and also attended Montana State University in Bozeman. In his spare time, Thom enjoys his classic car, dining out, travel and gardening.

Ray Benitez

The other half of Thomas Ramon Realty @Palmer House Properties is Ray Benitez. A real, authentic East Coast Guy, Ray has spent his entire life between 3 of the largest business centers on the East Coast, New York City, Atlanta and Miami. A graduate from the American Bankers Institute, Ray has over 20 years experience in Banking and Finance, including several International Financial Institutions. Ray broadened his International experience when he joined Eastern Airlines, and then Continental Airlines, where he held positions in International Sales, Marketing and Finance. His customer service experience in banking and travel gives Ray a unique opportunity to provide the best result for his clients, both Buyers and Sellers. He dedicates himself to each client, ensuring an easy and successful real estate transaction. Working with Ray, you are a Winner, since his philosophy is that Real Estate should be a Win/Win for both parties. As areal estate broker, he is here to make his clients enjoy the home buying or selling experience. A resident of Atlanta since 1992, Ray has been part of the Rejuvenation and growth of the Metro Atlanta area, especially Buckhead, Midtown and the Downtown areas. Ray is a resident of Midtown and is involved in various organizations from business, social and cultural that makes Atlanta one of the best places to call home.]]>
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Contact Thom http://mymidtownmojo.com/contact/ Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:10:20 +0000 danielbates http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/contact/ Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

Associate Broker

THOMAS RAMON REALTY @ PALMER HOUSE PROPERTIES

2911 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, Georiga 30305

Office: 404.876.4901

Cell: 770.713.1505

Or Just Fill in the Form Below!

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8 2010-03-30 13:10:20 2010-03-30 21:10:20 open open contact publish 0 2 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 348 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/15/desperate-times-desperate-measures-or-just-being-creative/ 64.62.138.247 2010-12-15 09:33:50 2010-12-15 14:33:50 1 pingback 0 0 2593 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/21/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-why-cant-i-find-one/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-21 00:14:16 2011-05-21 04:14:16 1 pingback 0 0 3020 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/30/finding-the-best-buys-in-midtown-atlanta-real-estate/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-30 09:08:56 2011-05-30 13:08:56 1 pingback 0 0 2333 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/23/midtown-atlanta-ga-condominiums/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-11 01:34:07 2011-05-11 05:34:07 1 pingback 0 0 4055 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/19/cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-ga-market-report-may-2011/ 64.62.138.247 2011-06-19 11:03:16 2011-06-19 15:03:16 1 pingback 0 0
Plaza Midtown http://mymidtownmojo.com/plaza-midtown/ Thu, 06 May 2010 14:33:37 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/?page_id=21 [/caption] The Plaza Midtown Atlanta was completed in 2006. It has an ideal location, just across the street from the Midtown MARTA station, and just across the 10th Street Bridge over the Downtown Connector (I-85/75) from Georgia Tech.  The community sits on a 3.3 acre city block, bounded by West Peachtree Street, Peachtree Place, Spring and 8th Streets. The two, oval glass towers are 20 stories each and contain 452 One and Two bedroom condominium homes, with a variety of floor plans and sit atop a podium of parking and 70,000 sq. ft. of retail space. While many of the newer Midtown Atlanta condominium buildings contain street-level retail, The Plaza Midtown Atlanta contains the Publix Urban Market grocery store. Encompassing 35,000 sq. ft and complete with a pharmacy, deli and seafood counters, you can grocery shop and never step outside of the building. In fact, there is a dedicated elevator in each building  that takes you to the garage level and the Market! Talk about convenience! Another great retail feature of The Plaza Midtown Atlanta is the selection of restaurants in the building. There is Marlow's Tavern, Prickly Pear Taqueria, 950 Pie, J. Christopher's, Dressed Salads and Steel Restaurant. Just think, a different restaurant every night without ever leaving home! And most of them will deliver right upstairs to your home! Since The Plaza Midtown Atlanta was designed with two separate towers, each building has its own lobby and 24-hour concierge. High speed internet access and basic cable are included in the monthly homeowner's fee, but most owners upgrade their cable service. In searching for homes at Plaza Midtown Atlanta, there are two addresses, 950 West Peachtree for the East Tower, and 44 Peachtree Place for the North Tower. The Plaza Level, located on the 6th Floor, contains a unique acre roof top garden. Finished in various levels with extensive plantings of shrubbery, grass and trees, you almost forget you are in the middle of Midtown Atlanta. There are two grilling areas, complete with tables. The resort-style pool area is a perfect respite from a busy day in the city and has satellite radio throughout the area. The Plaza Midtown Club Room is available for all owners and residents to reserve for special events. It has a bar, billiard table,  and two "living rooms" that have sofas, chairs, flat screen TV's and a gas log fireplace! There is a fully equipped fitness center, so you can save on the gym membership. The Plaza Midtown Atlanta. A great place to call home in Midtown Atlanta

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21 2010-05-06 06:33:37 2010-05-06 14:33:37 open open plaza-midtown publish 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template _aioseop_title 2597 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/21/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-why-cant-i-find-one/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-21 01:01:15 2011-05-21 05:01:15 1 pingback 0 0
Atlanta Restaurants http://mymidtownmojo.com/atlanta-restaurants/ Thu, 06 May 2010 14:25:00 +0000 danielbates http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=52 52 2010-05-06 06:25:00 2010-05-06 14:25:00 open open atlanta-restaurants publish 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template Metropolis Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/metropolis-midtown-atlanta/ Thu, 20 May 2010 21:25:22 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=99 Metropolis Midtown AtlantaMetropolis Midtown Atlanta arrived on the scene in 2002. Developed by Novare Group, it started the Midtown condo boom, and Novare went on to develop Spire Midtown, Viewpoint Midtown and other buildings in Atlanta.

Consisting of 498 one and two bedroom condominiums in two towers, Metropolis Midtown Atlanta also boasts 40,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the street level and an 820 car parking deck. Current retail tenants include Taco Mac, Yes Home, Silk Restaurant, Jimmy John's and a UPS Store.

Homes in the building were finished with a choice of maple or cherry cabinetry (based on the floor you live on), granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Spacious balconies offer vistas of Midtown, Downtown or the pool deck. When built, Metropolis Midtown Atlanta was "famous" for the 7th Floor Amenity area. A large crane hoisted the trees and landscape boulders from the street to the 7th Floor. Along with being a wireless hotspot, The Amenity Floor contains the outdoor pool, grilling patio, rooftop terrace (on top of the fitness center), and a club room, complete with wet bar and catering kitchen. The TV viewing area is not in a separate room like is found in later Novare buildings,

Metropolis Midtown Atlanta is one of the few buildings with a port cochere entrance where guests can be dropped off at the lobby. The sleek lobby has access to both the port cochere and Peachtree Street.

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99 2010-05-20 13:25:22 2010-05-20 21:25:22 open open metropolis-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description 237 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/20/metropolis-midtown-atlanta-october-market-report/ 64.62.138.247 2010-11-20 22:30:29 2010-11-21 03:30:29 1 pingback 0 0 2596 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/21/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-why-cant-i-find-one/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-21 00:56:20 2011-05-21 04:56:20 1 pingback 0 0 2288 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/09/georgia-tech-condo-housing-metropolis-midtown/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-09 09:34:39 2011-05-09 13:34:39 1 pingback 0 0
Ansley Above The Park http://mymidtownmojo.com/ansley-above-the-park/ Thu, 20 May 2010 21:47:59 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=102 Ansley Above The Park CondoAlthough Ansley Above The Park was built in 1988, don't let that keep you from experiencing what is unique about this building.

Overlooking Piedmont Park, Ansley Above The Park has eleven floor plans for a total of 127 homes. Of course, the best option is to find a home that has been renovated or it will be dated in finishes. Or this also gives the buyer great flexibility in remodeling the home to their tastes. Each home has a private balcony with electricity, not found in many condominium buildings. As a result, I have seen a couple homes with water features and plantings that turned them into "gardens in the sky." Pretty cool.

Ansley Above The Park amenities include a swimming pool and deck on the 4th Floor, a roof top terrace on the 11th Floor, as well as a club room and exercise room.

Ansley Above The Park also has a guest suite with separate entrance to the pool, full kitchen and washer/dryer. It can be reserved by the residents for up to 7 days at a time.

Underground parking, a 24-hour concierge and newly renovated lobby and elevator foyers complete Ansley Above The Park.

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Cornerstone Village http://mymidtownmojo.com/cornerstone-village/ Sat, 22 May 2010 18:48:33 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=115 Cornerstone Village Page PictureCornerstone Village is one of several condominium communities in Midtown Atlanta that encompasses an entire city block! Created in 2001, Cornerstone Village consists of 4 buildings, each with different features and character. The historic Manor House, at the corner of 6th and Peachtree was designed by famed architect Neil Reid in 1923. The former Peachtree Manor Hotel later became apartments before its glorious restoration/conversion to 40 one bedroom condos. This building contains the fitness center, a laundry room, and movie theatre. It also has great space for a club room, but it is currently used as the HOA offices. The Landmark Building, for which the address of 800 Peachtree Street covers ALL of Cornerstone Village, was built in the late 1940's. This building was gutted and converted into 115 one and two bedroom loft-styled homes. Most of these have some exposed brick as well as duct work, commonly found in a loft. The street level of the building has 17,000 sq. ft. of retail space. The 100/200 Buildings of Cornerstone Village, also called the Gallery, were newly constructed in 1999-2001. These homes have a "soft loft" feel with high ceilings, exposed duct work and a more contemporary feel. These two buildings surround the community's resort-style pool and grilling gazebo. Select floor plans have french doors that open to juliette balconies and there are also large one bedroom/den floor plans along with one and two bedrooms. Amenities:
  • Manor House - listed on the National Register of Historic Places
  • smoke free common areas
  • Newly renovated common areas in 2008
  • Resort- styled pool area
  • Fitness room
  • Billiard room
  • Laundry room
  • Conference room
  • Movie theatre with 102" screen
  • Controlled access to all buildings
  • Gated/garage parking (1 space per bedroom)
  • Barrelman Wine Store and 5th Street Cafe
  • Peachtree Street address
  • Convenient location to shopping, theatres and restaurants

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115 2010-05-22 10:48:33 2010-05-22 18:48:33 open open cornerstone-village publish 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 2256 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/18/georgia-tech-condo-housing-cornerstone-village-condominiums/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-08 13:38:46 2011-05-08 17:38:46 1 pingback 0 0
The Condominiums of 905 Juniper http://mymidtownmojo.com/the-condominiums-of-905-juniper/ Tue, 25 May 2010 15:27:24 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=159 Two existing 2-story apartment buildings were sacrificed for 905 Juniper. Thid eight-story mixed use community started with 117 homes and 2,000 sq. ft. of retail space on one corner of the building. 905 Juniper delivered in 2006 and is uniquely designed with brick and stucco accents. Expansive views are made possible, both inside and out by glass railings on balconies and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Spacious interiors have been customized by owners who could choose from a variety of granite, tile back splashes and other finishing selections in the pre construction phase of 905 Juniper. Gas cooking is also available in this building. There are 3 live-work units which house DRTC and a chiropractor's office. The third, previously Chocolate Pink is currently For Sale.  Parking is provided in a garage neatly hidden behind the building and under the pool deck. 905 Juniper probably has one of the most appealing zen-like pool areas of any Midtown Atlanta building. An afternoon here, and you feel like you are in a resort far away. There is also a jacuzzi (a rare condo amenity), clubhouse, and fitness center. The retail space has most recently been occupied by two restaurants, but they have closed.

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Spire.Midtown. http://mymidtownmojo.com/spire-midtown/ Tue, 25 May 2010 16:14:37 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=164 IMG_0088

Spire Midtown broke ground in 2003 and delivered new homes to owners in late 2005. This 28-story building comprises 393 homes, most with Northern or Southern views of Midtown & Downtown Atlanta. There are 6 different 2 bedroom and 12 one bedroom floor plans, ranging in size from 606 to 1356 sq. ft.

The lobby has been renovated since opening (look for pictures that show the difference) and now has a feel much like you would find in a SoBe resort hotel. The concierge staff (available 24 hours) greets your guests, receives packages and dry cleaning and always has treats for the 4-legged residents of

Spire Midtown.

The 7th and 8th Floors are home to the Sky Club, the amenities area of Spire Midtown. Here you will find a media room, 2-story club room accented with stone walls and finished with a wet bar, catering kitchen, fireplaces, a billard table and Internet stations. The pool, gardens and grilling areas are just outside the club room on the 7th floor. The fitness, cardio and aerobics rooms are located on the 8th floor, accessible by a circular staircase. Homes are finished with maple or cherry cabinetry, black granite and black subway tile back splashes. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto balconies that are suspended "in air" -- and offer beautiful vistas and breezes. Just outside the front door of Spire Midtown, you will find Fresh To Order, Firehouse Subs and State Bank and Trust. Just next door, Gordon Biersch Midtown is a favorite of the residents. Spire Midtown has been a favorite place to live since it's opening! There are many original owners still in the building. Spire Midtown has a great community feel to the building and is constantly making improvements while still a young building.

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164 2010-05-25 08:14:37 2010-05-25 16:14:37 open open spire-midtown publish 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords 500 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/11/spire-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report/ 64.62.138.247 2011-01-11 14:04:22 2011-01-11 19:04:22 1 pingback 0 0 2594 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/21/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-why-cant-i-find-one/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-21 00:15:08 2011-05-21 04:15:08 1 pingback 0 0 2295 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/09/georgia-tech-condo-housing-metropolis-midtown/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-09 14:30:29 2011-05-09 18:30:29 0 pingback 0 0 2163 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/05/georgia-tech-condo-housing-spire-midtown-atlanta/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-05 09:23:07 2011-05-05 13:23:07 1 pingback 0 0 1789 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/11/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-2/ 64.62.138.247 2011-04-11 10:59:58 2011-04-11 14:59:58 1 pingback 0 0
Viewpoint Midtown http://mymidtownmojo.com/viewpoint-midtown/ Tue, 25 May 2010 21:04:40 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=176 Viewpoint Midtown holds a prominent location on Peachtree Street, between 6th and 7th Streets. It's sleek design and green/blue colored glass are trademarks of the developer, Novare Group. Viewpoint Midtown has 378 one and two bedroom homes, although at least one combination of a 1 and 2 bedroom has taken place. Viewpoint Midtown has figured out just what the Midtown Atlanta condominium buyer wants in both a home and a building! From the moment you enter the lobby with its striking white floors, red carpet and water feature to the rich woods used throughout the building, Viewpoint Midtown defines first class, urban living at affordable prices. Potential home owners have a choice of granite and cabinetry, depending on the floor. Upgraded tumbled stone back splashes create beautiful kitchens. Floor plans range from 600 to over 1200 square feet in a variety of one and two bedroom options. Perhaps Viewpoint Midtown's most unique feature is the resident amenities, located on the 11th Floor. Split by the residential tower, one side is a resort-style lap pool, including a wet bar, grilling bar and plenty of seating. The other side of the 11th Floor amenity is a notable "zen garden in the sky." There is an outdoor living room with its own fireplace and flat screen TV (a pretty cool place to hang out!) two additional grills and a tranquil reading area with a peaceful water feature. The Viewpoint Midtown Club Room anchors the amenity area with a movie theatre, pool table, comfortable seating areas and a beautiful bar and catering kitchen area.  Located on the 12th Floor, the Fitness Center is...well...awesome! The cardio area features individual TV's on every piece of equipment, or enjoy a view all the way to Stone Mountain from the picture windows. There's weights on the other side of the center, and a stretching area. The Club room has a sound system whereby you can plug in your OWN iPod in the docking station, or there are numerous high definition plasma TV's. Speaking of technology, Viewpoint Midtown is one of the most advanced towers in Atlanta. From high-speed Internet access, pre-wiring for surround sound and iPod docking stations, your technology needs are covered. Of course, the security and safety that Novare buildings are known for continues at Viewpoint Midtown. Whether you are enjoying the view through your floor-to-ceiling windows, from your spacious balcony or from the pool or Zen Garden, Viewpoint Midtown is a Midtown landmark you'll be proud to call home.

Home Search

[slideshow id=3]

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176 2010-05-25 13:04:40 2010-05-25 21:04:40 open open viewpoint-midtown publish 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords 951 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/14/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-sellers-property-disclosure-statement/ 64.62.138.247 2011-03-14 10:04:43 2011-03-14 14:04:43 1 pingback 0 0 1195 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/22/evos-midtown-atlanta-grand-opening-friday-march-25th-2011/ 64.62.138.247 2011-03-23 11:19:38 2011-03-23 15:19:38 1 pingback 0 0 2304 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/09/georgia-tech-condo-housing-metropolis-midtown/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-09 21:07:43 2011-05-10 01:07:43 0 pingback 0 0 2592 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/21/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-why-cant-i-find-one/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-21 00:14:01 2011-05-21 04:14:01 1 pingback 0 0 2625 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/21/georgia-tech-condo-housing-viewpoint-midtown/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-21 10:57:43 2011-05-21 14:57:43 1 pingback 0 0
Mayfair Renaissance and Mayfair Tower http://mymidtownmojo.com/mayfair-renaissance-and-mayfair-tower/ Tue, 25 May 2010 21:25:56 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=181 The Mayfair Renaissance and Mayfair Tower hold a prominent place in Midtown Atlanta as well. From the 14th Street location to the signature rooftop cupolas, these buildings are a contrast in style to the newer additions to the Midtown Atlanta skyline. The Mayfair Tower was the first of the two buildings, built in the early 90's, and the Mayfair Renaissance came 10 years later. As a result, both buildings have separate homeowner's associations and amenities. Both buildings feature 24 hour concierge, fitness centers and garden areas. However, the pool belongs only to the residents of the Mayfair Renaissance and is an important consideration for any potential homeowner. Designed in more traditional styles, the Mayfair Renaissance and Mayfair Tower have extensive use of cherry mill work, doors and trim as well as imported and domestic marble floors in the lobby areas. Each building has its own library where residents may check out books as well as contribute to the already extensive collection. The Mayfair Tower will have older and somewhat dated finishes, unless an owner has done a renovation of their home. Guest Parking is limited for both buildings, but the Mayfair Renaissance has taken advantage of a software program whereby owners can reserve other owner's unused parking spaces for brief periods. One block from Piedmont Park and two blocks from the Woodruff Arts Center are prime examples of why the Mayfair Renaissance and Mayfair Tower are in a prime Midtown Atlanta location.

Home Search

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181 2010-05-25 13:25:56 2010-05-25 21:25:56 open open mayfair-renaissance-and-mayfair-tower publish 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 2599 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/21/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-why-cant-i-find-one/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-21 01:04:06 2011-05-21 05:04:06 1 pingback 0 0
MidCity Lofts http://mymidtownmojo.com/midcity-lofts/ Tue, 25 May 2010 21:46:35 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=184 IMG_0541MidCity Lofts set the stage for timeless design when introduced to the Midtown Atlanta skyline in 2002. The red brick and granite exterior enables the building to blend into the neighborhood and not look as modern as other buildings around it. MidCity Lofts is however, modern in every sense. The lobby, located on Spring Street, welcomes residents and guests with its towering granite wall and sleek waiting area. Situated on a block between Spring and West Peachtree Streets, each end of the building features retail space, including MidCity Cafe and is adjacent  to Technology Square and GATech. Inside MidCity Lofts, the lofts are flats or 2 stories with floor-to-ceiling windows, covered balconies and sleek modern kitchens.  MidCity Lofts is also one of the few Midtown condo buildings to offer gas cooking and polished concrete floors. The Rooftop pool and terrace are a striking feature of this building. The Club Room has just gone through a complete renovation and is equally unique. All the common areas, including elevator foyers and hallways have also been renovated. Amenities:
  • Fitness Center
  • Club Room with Fireplace & Catering Kitchen
  • Rooftop Pool/terrace
  • 24 Hour Concierge
  • Secured Access
  • Gated Garage Parking
  • Gas Cooking
  • Mid City Cafe
[caption id="attachment_359" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="Homes For Sale"]Home Search[/caption] [slideshow id=6]

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Home Search http://mymidtownmojo.com/home-search/ Fri, 28 May 2010 12:34:06 +0000 danielbates http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=202 202 2010-05-28 04:34:06 2010-05-28 12:34:06 open open home-search publish 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 271 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/01/what-midtown-atlanta-condos-are-fha-approved/ 64.62.138.247 2010-12-01 11:25:30 2010-12-01 16:25:30 1 pingback 0 0 372 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/21/what-does-your-listing-say/ 64.62.138.247 2010-12-21 16:23:47 2010-12-21 21:23:47 1 pingback 0 0 541 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/15/cornerstone-village-market-report-2009-2010/ 64.62.138.247 2011-01-15 09:05:08 2011-01-15 14:05:08 1 pingback 0 0 543 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/15/ansley-above-the-park-annual-market-report-2009-2010/ 64.62.138.247 2011-01-15 12:02:54 2011-01-15 17:02:54 1 pingback 0 0 902 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/06/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-a-series/ 64.62.138.247 2011-03-06 16:52:29 2011-03-06 21:52:29 1 pingback 0 0 496 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/11/spire-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report/ 64.62.138.247 2011-01-11 10:05:08 2011-01-11 15:05:08 1 pingback 0 0 515 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/13/plaza-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report-2009-2010/ 64.62.138.247 2011-01-13 12:01:27 2011-01-13 17:01:27 1 pingback 0 0 521 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/13/midcity-lofts-annual-market-report-2009-2010/ 64.62.138.247 2011-01-13 16:19:17 2011-01-13 21:19:17 1 pingback 0 0 531 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/14/peachtree-lofts-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report-2009-2010/ 64.62.138.247 2011-01-14 09:00:47 2011-01-14 14:00:47 1 pingback 0 0 2257 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/18/georgia-tech-condo-housing-cornerstone-village-condominiums/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-08 13:42:25 2011-05-08 17:42:25 1 pingback 0 0 3293 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/21/georgia-tech-condo-housing-viewpoint-midtown/ 64.62.138.247 2011-06-03 22:39:58 2011-06-04 02:39:58 1 pingback 0 0 What's My Home Worth http://mymidtownmojo.com/whats-my-home-worth/ Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:10:21 +0000 chris http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=238 ]]> 238 2010-06-17 17:10:21 2010-06-17 21:10:21 open open whats-my-home-worth publish 0 1 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template 330 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/12/9-reasons-to-list-during-the-holidays/ 64.62.138.247 2010-12-12 16:49:46 2010-12-12 21:49:46 1 pingback 0 0 Midtown Atlanta Condo Map http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=1153 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=1153 View Midtown Atlanta Condominiums in a larger map]]> 1153 2010-12-17 17:45:22 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template Garagesale http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/02/make-some-cash-find-deals-at-yard-sales-atlanta-bargain-hunter/garagesale/ Sat, 02 Jul 2011 13:32:02 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/Garagesale.jpg 2045 2011-07-02 09:32:02 2011-07-02 13:32:02 open open garagesale inherit 2043 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/Garagesale.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata Kroger Brookwood Place http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/05/brookwood-kroger-closes/img_5340/ Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:38:05 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5340.jpg 2054 2011-07-05 21:38:05 2011-07-06 01:38:05 open open img_5340 inherit 2053 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5340.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt Midtown Atlanta From Brookwood http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/05/brookwood-kroger-closes/img_5341/ Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:48:27 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5341.jpg 2055 2011-07-05 21:48:27 2011-07-06 01:48:27 open open img_5341 inherit 2053 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5341.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt 1400 Peachtree Street Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/08/1400-peachtree-street-purchased-by-dewberry-capital/img_5333/ Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:56:52 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5333.jpg 2063 2011-07-08 13:56:52 2011-07-08 17:56:52 open open img_5333 inherit 2062 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5333.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt 1400 Peachtree Looking South http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/08/1400-peachtree-street-purchased-by-dewberry-capital/img_5335/ Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:58:08 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5335.jpg 2064 2011-07-08 13:58:08 2011-07-08 17:58:08 open open img_5335 inherit 2062 0 attachment 0 http://mymidtownmojo.com/files/2011/07/IMG_5335.jpg _wp_attached_file _wp_attachment_metadata _wp_attachment_image_alt New Listings Alerts http://mymidtownmojo.com/new-listings-alerts/ Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:10:48 +0000 chris http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=240 You're looking for a place. But you not sure exactly what.

We completely understand. And with the number of homes and condominiums that come on the market, it can be quite a task to keep up.

We can help you filter some of that information.

Let us know what you are looking for, and we'll keep our eyes open.

Then, when we see something that we think you would be interested in, we'll send you a note with the information about the home or condominium that might be just the place you are looking for!

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240 2010-06-17 17:10:48 2010-06-17 21:10:48 open open new-listings-alerts publish 0 2 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template 815 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/20/midtown-atlanta-in-pictures-then-and-now/ 64.62.138.247 2011-02-20 14:03:46 2011-02-20 19:03:46 1 pingback 0 0
Ask Us A Question http://mymidtownmojo.com/ask-us-a-question/ Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:11:20 +0000 chris http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=242 You've got questions? We've got answers!

And just in case we don't have the answer at our fingertips, we will find it.

Just fill in the form below, and we'll be back with you in a jiffy!

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242 2010-06-17 17:11:20 2010-06-17 21:11:20 open open ask-us-a-question publish 0 1 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 282 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/04/checklist-for-cash-buyers/ 64.62.138.247 2010-12-04 08:28:34 2010-12-04 13:28:34 1 pingback 0 0 1522 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/03/serrano-condominiums-sandy-springs-ga/ 64.62.138.247 2011-04-03 21:36:15 2011-04-04 01:36:15 1 pingback 0 0
1010 Midtown http://mymidtownmojo.com/1010-midtown/ Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:08:21 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=266 IMG_4718"Live on the Curve" has been the marketing tag for the dramatic new 1010 Midtown Condominiums. Located at 11th and Peachtree Streets, this building is part of the massive development coined "12th & Midtown" which consists of the 1010 building, the new Loews' Midtown Atlanta Hotel and an office building. (Future development calls for more buildings in the surrounding area that the developer already owns.)

1010 Midtown sits on the curve of Peachtree Street between 11th and 12th Streets, and as such, the architects took advantage of the site to create a stunning building. 1010 Midtown offers 443 homes on 35 floors above a retail/restaurant complex with equally amazing spaces.

One, two and three bedroom floor plans offer outstanding vistas in every direction. Homes feature 10 foot finished ceilings (many Midtown condo buildings have unfinished concrete ceilings), hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and large balconies.

Residential amenities include assigned garage parking, guest parking, state-of-the-art fitness center, club room and expensive pool deck with lush gardens. 24 hour concierge service can assist you with packages, dry cleaning and of course greeting your guests as they arrive in the tastefully decorated lobby.

Along with all the the residences of 1010 Midtown offer you, you have an outstanding retail experience just outside your front door. Currently, Ra Sushi, Ri Ra Irish Pub, and Bank of America all call 12th & Midtown home. The new Loews' Midtown Atlanta Hotel is just across the street, and opening soon will be the STK Restaurant. The new CB2 has also opened in the retail space.

We are excited about 1010 Midtown and the living options it provides for buyers looking for a Midtown Atlanta condominium home.

Home Search

Take a peek at what's in store for you when we arrange a personal tour of these exciting new homes!

]]> 266 2010-07-05 13:08:21 2010-07-05 17:08:21 open open 1010-midtown publish 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _wp_page_template _aioseop_title 1756 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/10/1010-midtown-atlanta/ 64.62.138.247 2011-04-10 10:18:08 2011-04-10 14:18:08 1 pingback 0 0 Peachtree Lofts http://mymidtownmojo.com/peachtree-lofts/ Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:59:25 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=270 IMG_0085The Peachtree Lofts building was originally designed and build in 1952 and was occupied by the Department of Agriculture. It was vacated in 1978 and languished until 1995, when it was redeveloped into what is now Peachtree Lofts.

An interesting piece of history to note about this building....it was the second tallest building outside of Atlanta at the time it was built in 1952! And now just look what is around it.

We are providing a limited description of Peachtree Lofts as it is currently undergoing a massive renovation that will turn the building and community from lack luster to simply outstanding. The current lobby is an artsy look with concrete floors and the use of metal, etc. Once the renovations are complete, the lobby will be striking, as will the interior hallways. The exterior of the building is also being refurbished and will include all new windows when complete.

The units in Peachtree Lofts are the closest a buyer will get to a loft feel in Midtown Atlanta. Since most buildings in the area are new construction, it is hard to find a loft feel. Peachtree Lofts give you that feel. At the time they were developed, granite and stainless steel appliances were not the design fashion, so many of the homes still have laminate counters and rather simple white cabinets. But upgrading these homes, whether buying one already done, or adding your own personal touches, can make them amazing homes, in the heart of Midtown Atlanta.

As the changes happen to Peachtree Lofts, be sure to visit this page and learn more about the changes happening to this unique Midtown living opportunity.

Home Search

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Why Would A Buyer NOT Want Representation? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=486 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=486 Ok, now as I typed my blog title this morning, I can certainly come up with several answers to that question. But an experience yesterday, still left me amazed and bewildered.

Viewpoint MidtownI was meeting clients yesterday to show them the "newest kid on the block", Viewpoint Midtown. They called to say they were running a few minutes late, so I just waited for them in the Sales Center.

You all might recall a previous post I did about the Viewpoint Specials where they are offering some incredible savings on the homes in this new condo development right on Peachtree Street.

While I was sitting there, at least 4 "groups" (they could of been a couple, one was 4 people, but only 1 said they were looking) came into the sales center, filled out an information card, and waited to meet with a sales rep. Not a single one came in with a REALTOR with them!!! I'm thinking....hmmm...how can I get these people as buyers. And this is not the first time! A week ago, I was also in the Sales Center, and I asked the receptionist how many of the people waiting (there were 10 "groups" that day!) had agents with them, or indicated they were working with and agent, and she replied....NONE!!!!

So, now I'm back to my title question? WHY would you not want to work with a REALTOR? Don't know someone? Think it will cost YOU more money? Think you know more about real estate than those of us that have been selling for years and have the education to go with it? I wonder.

For a potential Buyer that might be reading this, here's just one example....I sold a home in Viewpoint before this new incentive program started. I negotiated for my Buyer, Hardwood flooring upgrades, stainless steel refrigerator included, washer/dryer included, AND.....AND....$14,000 off the price! Not only that, I was able to get a couple other stipulations in the contract that a Buyer working on their own would of probably not ever thought of.People

Buyer's, contrary to popular belief, we REALTORS really ARE good People! We really ARE here to help YOU get the best you can. Our services do not cost you more when you buy. (Ok....yes, there might be an exception to that one...but rarely)

Next time you are out to shop for a new home, let a professional REALTOR, like The Thom and Ray Team help you with your purchase. And what could be more convenient if you are looking at Viewpoint Midtown...our office is just a block away!

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Georgia Tech To Demolish Historic Midtown Building! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=487 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=487 Since I focus on the Midtown Atlanta real estate market, I've taken up a keen interest on keeping tabs on anything that affects me, my neighborhood or my business. One of the ways I have done that, is to be elected to the Board of Directors for the Midtown Neighbors' Association One of our key committees is the Land Use Committee, which is where we, as residents, have some input on the development that is happening in Midtown.

This week, The Georgia Tech Foundation presented it's plan to teardown the Historic Crum & Forster Building at 771 Spring Street. It was built in 1926 and even was designed by an architect who later helped to start the College of Architecture at GaTech!! As you can see, this is quite the impressive building, with a great history. The architectural firm that designed the building went on to design such places as Rockefeller Plaza in New York City!

And are you ready for this? They are going to bring the existing sidewalk into compliance, and grass over the empty lot! Yep! Tear it down, and leave an empty lot!

The Foundation got more than they bargined for from the 75 people in attendance at the Land Use Committee Meeting. Words used from those that spoke in opposition to the proposal included "unfathomable," "astonishing," "arrogant" and "insensitive."

One community activist even yelled out that the demolition would only go forward "over my dead body." Someone else in the audience chimed in: "Mine too."

Why? Why must this building be torn down? A statement on the GATech Foundation's website said:

"The Georgia Tech Foundation, working in support of the Georgia Tech master plan, purchased the property located at 771 Spring Street in December, 2007, as part of the Institute's long-term plan for the expansion of Technology Square. After a renovation assessment, the Foundation determined that it was not economically feasible to bring the building to the standards required by state and federal building codes including disability access. At that point, an application for a demolition permit was submitted."

And this is what the community will be rewarded with.....another lifeless looking academic building!

This is what is directly across the street in 3 directions in an area call Technology Square. True, some of the buildings built have been a great improvement to the area, and created a neat little center of restaurants and retail, mostly aimed at the GATech students.

As one GATech student from the College of Architecture pointed out...it's the 100th anniversary of the College of Architecture...what a way to mark that milestone!

They say it can't be brought to standards.....

 

 

Funny...here is a picture of Montana Hall, the "Center and Focal Point" of Montana State University in Bozeman.

This building was built in the late 1800's and is still in use to this very day!!!!

How's THAT for bringing a building up to standards. Mind you, MSU sits on 550 acres of land, whereas GaTech is in the middle of a major metropolian area, and pressed for land to expand on.

But, there are many other vacant parcels of land that the GATech Foundation could of looked at.

The next step in the process will be for the Land Use Committee to present to the Full MNA Board on Thursday, May 29th at 6:30pm (We expect another packed house) From there it will go to the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU-E), Tuesday, June 3 at 6:30pm.

 

Is there hope? Hmmmm...since we don't have a Historic designation on the property, there could be a strong chance that the "octopus" (the name often given to GATech as they reach in all directions for any land they can get...including into the Home Park neighborhood) they will get a demo permit, and a landmark Midtown Atlanta building will be nothing but a memory.

We can only hope the public outcry will grow and they will listen......

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News Alert! Active Rain Member Found Lost! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=488 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=488 Come on! You know exactly what I'm talking about! You click up there on the right hand side on your Blogs tab, and start reading the blogs you subscribe to, or others that you find interesting.

Then, that blogger has a link to a previous post that pertains to the subject, and that blogger has a link to a previous post that pertains to the subject.....and then suddenly, you stop, look around, and then you say to self...."How on EARTH did I end up here?" HELP!  Geez, I should of dropped a trail of bread crumbs, or put notches in the trees as I went along. How am I ever going to get back to where I was!

Now that you are saying, "OMG...I soooo know what he is talking about," that is probably one of the best parts of being on the Rain Train! It takes you places you've never been before and never would of thought of going there. Whether it's off to learn from Margaret Woda about Maryland, dreaming of a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains from Donna Yates or on the techy (sp?) side, learning how to add e-mail signatures, network on my Facebook page (of which I can't figure out how to give you a link....HELP again!), or a tip that helps me enhance The Thom And Ray Team website, it's amazing!

I have honestly been here for the better part of 3 hours this morning, just roaming all over the place. And suddenly, I'm thinking "Now where was I, and where was I going?"

Plaza MidtownAnd then suddenly.....Whew! There it is....home, sweet home! I'm back to my original blog I was reading, and I've got my bearings!

Hang on though, we're about to embark on another journey in my never ending quest for knowledge about how to make myself more visable in the vast world called www whatever!  Whether it's trying to get a post on Yelp to let people know about me, or giving out some information about Midtown Atlanta Real Estate, I'm sure it's going to be an exciting ride!

 

You see, the weather here in Atlanta is just about perfect today, as it was yesterday. So, we hit the pool early in the morning before the sun was hitting it.....and silly me didn't think he needed any suntan lotion till the sun was hitting us...need I say more! So, it's quality time at the computer today! LOL!

Plaza Midtown Pool  Wish I could be there today!

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488 2008-05-26 12:30:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
GM Plant in Doraville, Georiga Goes On The Market! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=489 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=489 GM Doraville Plant

Now Here's some SERIOUS real estate For Sale!

It was announced in 2005 that the GM Plant in Doraville would cease operations in 2008. Well, it official, and it's now on the market. 165+ acres of really, really prime real estate. As you can see in the picture, the site is direclty adjacent to I-285 where some 270,000 cars pass daily! What's so special about this site? It could be the best mixed-use, live-work-play opportunity Atlanta will ever see.....EVER! Why?

GM Doraville Plant

All the green roofs you see are the Doraville MARTA Station!!! That's right....a mass transportation system right next to 165 acres of land!!! "Heaven...I'm in Heaven" say all the planners! (You can see the plant in the distance, across the railroad tracks. Yep...even got the railroad here too!

But, seriously, even if you are not interested...check out this website The Doraville Project. It's one of the coolest, best web sites I have seen! Lots of impressive aerial views of the site, info, etc.

Hey, if you know any big time investors, refer them to the Broker handling...or send them to The Thom And Ray Team! I'd LOVE the referral off of this one!

REALLY! Check out the website!

 

 

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489 2008-05-27 17:25:13 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Just Reduced! The Residences of Aqua Midtown! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=490 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=490
Thom Abbott, GRI | Morris & Raper InTown | 770-713-1505
20 10th Street, #904, Atlanta, GA
The Residences of Aqua Midtown. Sleek. Sophisticated. Special.
2BR/2BA Condo
offered at $593,900
Year Built 2007
Sq Footage 1,955
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size Unspecified
HOA/Maint $704 per month

DESCRIPTION

The moment you arrive, you know this is what Midtown living is all about. From the valet who glides your car into the private garage, to the glistening lobby with your concierge who has your tickets for the Fox Theatre, living at The Residences of Aqua Midtown is above all else.

A radiant new landmark, set in the midst of Atlanta’s vibrant Midtown District, The Residences of Aqua Midtown are sophisticated and sublime – a rare combination of first-class service, a spectacular setting and suburb amenities. Step into your private elevator which lifts you away from the hustle and bustle, and opens directly into your residence. From your vantage point at Aqua Midtown, the lights of Midtown sparkle through your window walls. Attention to detail is visible in the rich hardwood flooring and cabinetry. Viking appliances and Kohler fixtures set a standard you’ll appreciate. Each home is a tranquil, in-city retreat high above the vibrancy of the city below.

Designed for those who truly appreciate in-city living, you are just steps from shopping, dining at some of Atlanta’s best restaurants, or take in the latest theatre production at the Fox Theatre.

The Residences of Aqua Midtown feature every conceivable amenity, including gracious expansive living space – the most valuable amenity of all.

A limited selection of city residences is available now. If space is what you are looking for, then The Residences of Aqua Midtown are where you should be.

see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C Central heat Walk-in closet
Hardwood floor Tile floor Living room
Office/Den Dining room Dishwasher
Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave
Granite countertop Stainless steel appliances Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking Covered parking Guest parking
Clubhouse Storage space(s) Fitness center
Swimming pool(s) Secured entry Elevator


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:
Thom Abbott, GRI
Morris & Raper InTown
770-713-1505
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: May 27, 2008, 4:58pm PDT
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490 2008-05-27 21:16:28 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
You Did WHAT Saturday Night? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=491 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=491 CocktailsWell....I use to do alot more of that! Me and my partner and friends, out checking out the hot spots of Midtown Atlanta! You never know when you will meet that person that is ready to buy a new condo in Midtown! Especially with exciting new buildings like 1010Midtown or Viewpoint Midtown. (I just sold another one today at Viewpoint! Yippie!)

But then, there are times you just want to get away from it all, maybe be a couch potato, or in my case, I took an hour out of my evening and washed and cleaned my car! Or after that, I ended up on another Active Rain Excursion. I don't know how this one really started. Oh yeah...I was reading an e-mail from the Real Estate Tomato. They had given a  list of links of sites that their clients have created for real estate blogging. Well, one site led to another, and then another...and what did I end up with...

My own SPEAKING Avatar from Voki! You can click on him/me on the right! Let me know what you think? I was amazed to even find a skyline picture of Atlanta for my background! How cool is that!

Each time I spend time here, I learn about some other cool gadget or gizmo that I can use somewhere. In fact, as soon as I can figure out how, I'll add me/him to The Thom And Ray Team's website!

I'm so glad I found Active Rain!!!!

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491 2008-05-31 22:24:49 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
UGH! My Digital Camera Just Died...so Now What? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=492 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=492 Thought I would "pick the AR brain" and see what everyone has to say about a new digital camera?

I do alot of condo sales, so I need one that has more of a wide-angle ability to capture smaller rooms.

I've read up some, and just saw the Canon PowerShot SD890 IS  and she looks pretty sharp! Also looks from the specs like I could use it to do some small videos rather than invest in one of those as well?

Any feedback you all can provide would be awesome...I've got to make a decision quick since the old one (and she was old) has passed on!

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492 2008-06-07 11:17:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Don't Miss The Virginia-Highlands SUMMERFEST THIS Weekend!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=493 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=493 Come one! Come All! But don't miss the 25th Anniversary of the Virginia-Highlands Summerfest!

This fun, neighborhood festival is FREE....what more can you ask for....but they do accept donations which goes back to the Virginia-Highlands Civic Association. The neighborhood closes Virginia Avenue to Highland Avenue...there is an artist's market and DaveFM 92.9 has a stage with some great entertainment lined up!

All kinds of fun things to do for everyone in the family....this is not just an "adult" festival.

Be sure to bring some extra water and your sunscreen....Hey, we don't call it HOTLANTA for nothing!!

I've got to show a buyer property today (yippie) but we will be there tomorrow!

 

For more details, visit the Summerfest Website!

 

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493 2008-06-07 12:04:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Price Reductions At The Residences of AQUA Midtown! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=494 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=494 Click Here To View Flyer
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494 2008-06-10 21:30:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Thanks Dad...For Everything! One Day, We'll Meet Again! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=495 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=495 It's so, so true...you never really appreciate someone until they are not there anymore.

My Father, Cliff, passed away in 1994. It was sudden, unexpected and left everyone unprepared.

My parents lived on a ranch (or what was left of it) in Montana. Both of my parents sold real estate (Dad did land and ranches, Mom did residential) in the small town of Livingston. They worked side-by-side every day, went to lunch together and then "worked the town" in the evening. Upon his passing, my Mom stopped selling immediately. She could not do it without him.

Dad also had a military background. Upon his retirement, he was the Adjutant General for the Montana Army National Guard. But I never was a "military brat." We lived in Livingston my whole life.

My Dad never yelled at me, that I can recall. In fact he never yelled at anyone....a trait I certainly DID NOT inherit! Even when I wrecked the truck, or wrecked my car after a night of partying, he never yelled.

If he were alive today, I know he'd have helped me excel even more than I have in my real estate business. We probably would of done some deals together.

I mentioned earlier the he left everyone unprepared. Because of their real estate business, maintenance issues on the ranch prevailed. They were never home. My sister even said once," They work harder than I have ever seen them work in their lives and they are never home." My Mom went thru a "panic" in dealing with all that had to be done, but she did it, and did it well. I feel the same way with my real estate business and my home. Working harder than ever and hardly ever home.

My Dad was well respected. I can remember his funeral like it happened yesterday. It was held in the New National Guard Armory in Livingston, which he had been instrumental in getting built. (And it was the only place in town big enough!) The funeral procession to the cemetary was in the range of 5 miles long.  I can remember the Pastor from the church had finished the services graveside, and people were still walking up!  It was a military funeral, with the gun salute and "Taps" played in the background. The General for the State of Montana flew in by helicopter....which was quite a scene when he left the reception held afterwards back at the Armory. I have not shed a tear about that day in a long, long time...know I am shedding a few now.......

He was a hell of a guy....and I can only hope that as he watches me today, he's proud of where I've been and where I'm going.  Thanks Dad....For Everything! One Day, We'll Meet Again!

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495 2008-06-11 14:37:54 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
805 Peachtree http://mymidtownmojo.com/805-peachtree/ Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:05:27 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=1159 One of the unique features of Midtown Atlanta condo living is the variety of options available to a prospective buyers. And 805 Peachtree is certainly one of the unique condominium buildings in Midtown. With 120 homes and 30 different floor plans,  805 Peachtree is considered a boutique condo building. But you will be amazed at the variety of floor plans this building has to offer. Known originally as the Social Security Administration building (it was the largest tenant) and built in the mid 20th Century, The Cartel Group transformed this building in the 1990's to what it is today. Touches of South Beach's Art Deco neighborhood and Bauhaus modernist architecture come to mind when you see the interior and amenities area of this building. The design allowed for only 1 of each floor plan per floor, adding to the distinctive design of the homes and their interiors. Unless remodeled since the building opened, all homes feature sleek kitchens with SieMatic cabinetry and Corian counters. Select homes have balconies and doors that open to skyline or pool views. 805 Peachtree recently completed an extensive renovation of their pool area, and you'll feel just like you are at a South Beach resort as you escape the Atlanta summer heat and humidity. Additionally, a very well equipped fitness center will keep you in shape when you are not walking to Piedmont Park or one of the many restaurants close by. 805 Peachtree. An oasis-styled living environment in the heart ot Midtown Atlanta and the Midtown Mile.

Home Search

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Luxe Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/luxe-midtown-atlanta/ Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:15:56 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=1298 [/caption]

When first marketed, the  original sales brochure called it, ”Luxe at First Sight.”

And indeed, Luxe Midtown Atlanta is the first new high rise construction since 1988 when Ansley Above the Park was built. There has been other condominium construction close to the park, but not a high rise like Luxe Midtown.

Intimate is a perfect word for this 116 unit community. Location is everything you could ask for. Just steps from the 189- acre Piedmont Park offering you the convenience of condominium living with a pretty nice back yard.

Homes and floor plans at Luxe Midtown Atlanta range from 901 – 3,501 sq ft.for one of the Penthouse homes.

Luxe Midtown Atlanta Amenities

  • Dramatic 10-12 ft. ceilings with floor to ceiling glass
  • Hardwood Floors in Foyer, Kitchen & Living Room (carpet in bedrooms)
  • Spacious Balconies with Panoramic Views
  • Distinctive Entry Foyers
  • BOSCH Stainless Steel Appliances including gas cooking
  • Granite Countertops with 4” backsplash
  • Double Vanity in Master Bath – Separate Shower and 60” Soaking Tub
Community Amenities at Luxe Midtown Include:
  • Intimate Swimming Pool  with Views Overlooking Piedmont Park – Wi-Fi Access and Outdoor Kitchen/Grilling area
  • Concierge Service 24/7
  • Club Room with Fireplace and Catering Kitchen
  • Fitness Center
  • His & Hers Saunas
  • Controlled Security Access Throughout the Building
Convenience meets Comfort with the location of Luxe Midtown Atlanta. You are steps from all the exciting “corners” of Midtown Atlanta – 12th and Juniper, 12th & Peachtree,  10th and Piedmont and 10th and Peachtree, just to name a few. Look at many of the great cities around the world. Parkside living is premier…and so is Luxe Midtown Atlanta. Search Luxe Midtown Homes For Sale

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1298 2011-01-22 13:15:56 2011-01-22 18:15:56 open open luxe-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 page 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _wp_page_template _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords 2455 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/15/luxe-midtown-atlanta-another-midtown-landmark-almost-sold-out/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-15 09:46:16 2011-05-15 13:46:16 1 pingback 0 0
About Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/about-midtown-atlanta/ Fri, 04 Mar 2011 01:35:24 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=1454 What is Midtown Atlanta?

[caption id="attachment_1455" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Midtown Atlanta Skyline"]Midtown Atlanta Skyline[/caption]

It’s an elevator ride from home to the street.

It’s waking up with sun streaming in your picture windows

It’s coffee on your balcony as the city wakes up below

It’s lunch at a sidewalk bistro with your OTP friends

It’s a walk to the market for those last minute dinner provisions

It’s dinner with friends and a good bottle of wine

It’s sampling a different restaurant every night of the week.

It’s a night of cocktails and conversation in the night life scene

It’s a dramatic sunset across the horizon.

It’s an elevator ride from the street to home. --Thom Abbott

Come explore Midtown Atlanta and find YOUR Midtown Mojo!!!

************************************************************

Located between the commercial district of Downtown Atlanta and the affluent residential/commercial area of Buckhead to the North, Midtown Atlanta is the second largest financial district in the city. Midtown Atlanta contains many of the city’s high rise office and condominium towers, including such landmark buildings like the Bank of America Plaza, Atlantic Center, 1180 Peachtree (often called the Symphony Building) and the newly built 1075 Peachtree (12thand Midtown). Notable condominium towers include Viewpoint Midtown, Spire, Mayfair Renaissance/Tower and Luxe, to name a few.

 

[caption id="attachment_1466" align="aligncenter" width="580" caption="Midtown Atlanta"]Midtown Atlanta[/caption]

Midtown Atlanta is often called “the Heart of the Arts” since it is home to the Fox Theater, Woodruff Arts Center, The High Museum, Museum of Modern Art and the 14th Street Playhouse.

People are often confused about the actual boundaries of Midtown and some communities include themselves, when they are far from Midtown. (Hence the new Midtown West area) The official boundaries of the district are the Beltline on the East, North Avenue and Ponce de Leon on the south, I-75-85 (The Downtown Connector) on the west, and I-85 as it heads north from Brookwood.

Midtown’s major streets consist of Spring, West Peachtree, Peachtree, Juniper, Piedmont and Monroe traveling North/ South, and North Avenue, Ponce de Leon, 10th and 14th traveling East/West. The central portion of Midtown along the North/South streets is lined with high rise condominiums, office towers and several hotels. To the east of Juniper Street starts Historic Midtown, a quiet residential area of single family homes populated by Victorian, American Four Square and craftsman-like bungalows.

Midtown Before

[caption id="attachment_1467" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Backstreet 24 Hour Night Club 2005"]Backstreet 24 Hour Night Club[/caption]

The southern half of Midtown, between 8th and North Avenue was originally purchased by Richard Peters in 1848 to use the pine forest there for fuel for his downtown flour mill. Over the next 40 years, Peters slowly subdivided sections of these land lots off into what is now Midtown, and built his home there at Peachtree and 4th. His son, Edward, built his home on one entire block, bounded by North, Myrtle, Ponce de Leon and Piedmont. Today, Ivy Hall has been restored by the Savannah College of Art and Design and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Midtown After

[caption id="attachment_1468" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Viewpoint Construction June, 2007"]Viewpoint Construction June, 2007[/caption]

Midtown today has seen many changes since early 2000 when residents began to return to the city from the “burbs.” This migration encouraged new office towers, followed by condominium residences and new apartment buildings. Along with these additions came restaurants, night life and shopping. The construction of the new 17th Street Bridge connected Midtown with its newest neighbor, Atlantic Station, a multi-billion dollar mixed used development on the site of the former Atlantic Steel Company. Additionally, in 2008-2010, the 14th Street bridge was removed and rebuilt, offering better access to Midtown and Midtown West.

Much of the new development and construction has been a result of the Midtown Blueprint, a product of the Midtown Alliance. This tax improvement district has helped with the transformation of Midtown from empty parking lots and boarded up buildings to an ideal place for people to live, work and play.

Midtown Transportation

[caption id="attachment_1474" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Downtown Connector with Midtown on the Left"]Downtown Connector with Midtown on the Left[/caption] Midtown Atlanta is easily accessible by car with The Downtown Connector and its numerous exits into Midtown. Additionally, the area is served my MARTA, Atlanta’s rail transit system, with stops at North Avenue @ West Peachtree, Midtown @ 10th Street and Arts Center (near The High Museum). There is a free shuttle from this station to Atlantic Station, and the “Tech Trolley” runs between the Midtown station and the Georgia Tech campus, located both in Midtown and Midtown West.

Midtown Atlanta ranks as a Very Walkable community, according to Walkscore.com. The Midtown Alliance and the Midtown Improvement District continue to upgrade and enhance the pedestrian and bike friendly character of the neighborhood.

Midtown Atlanta Culture –

Midtown is many things to many people….it’s an urban neighborhood full of life. Nothing seems out of reach when strolling the streets of Midtown. From restaurants to the pharmacy..it’s all here.

[caption id="attachment_1475" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Piedmont Park"]Piedmont Park[/caption] The 200 acre Piedmont Park is the heart of Midtown, often called our “backyard.” With places to play, swim, or just relax, this masterpiece, designed by Frederick Olmstead is host to one of the longest running festivals in the South, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival.

Mojo is defined as self-confidence, self-assuredness. A quality, often elusive, that sets someone apart from everyone else. Midtown Mojo is just that.

Come see why so many people have found Midtown Atlanta the perfect place to call home, and why you just might want to find YOUR Midtown Mojo!

 

 

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Aqua Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/aqua-midtown-atlanta/ Sun, 06 Mar 2011 22:33:33 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=1503

[caption id="attachment_1507" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Aqua Midtown Atlanta"]Aqua Midtown Atlanta[/caption] Aqua Midtown Atlanta arrived on the Midtown Atlanta Condo landscape in the height of the market in 2007. It was certainly marketed as, and is a different living option in Midtown Atlanta. The most notable feature of this building is the semi-private elevator to each and every residence! The elevator doors open from either side, but directly to the "foyer" of YOUR home. No hallway. No walking past neighbors in the hallway. The only opportunity whereby you might "bump" into someone is on the elevator if it stopped on another floor. In all the times I've been in the building, I think someone got on the elevator once.

Developer Scott L. Leventhal described why he and Tivoli Properties choose Midtown Atlanta. "We chose Midtown because it's the only part of Atlanta that closely resembles Manhattan - in terms of its cosmopolitan flavor. Access to transportation, and the quality of its venues, restaurants, and retail establishments. And, clearly, Midtown is the center for business and commerce in the city. It's become the true crossroads of Atlanta." Well said Scott.

You arrive at  Aqua Midtown and you may choose to have your car valet parked (available 24 hours) or you may park yourself. Aqua's distinctive design is captured in the lobby with the massive water feature and one-of-a-kind barnacle sculpture by world famous Jennifer Prichard. It's clean and simple. Besides private, keyed elevator access,  Aqua Midtown Atlanta offers exceptional amenities:

  • 24 Hour Concierge
  • Secured Parking and Guest Parking
  • State-of-the-Art Fitness Center
  • Club room with catering kitchen and bar
  • Resident Guest Suite
Aqua Midtown Atlanta's target buyer was the "sell the big home the kids are gone and move to the city but we still want a huge space."  As a result, the floor plans are the largest of any Midtown Atlanta Condominium.

Aqua Midtown Atlanta Floor Plans

  • Azure                 1 Bedroom -- 1,142 sq ft
  • Indigo               2 Bedroom -- 1,463 sq ft
  • Emerald           2 Bedroom -- 1558 sq ft
  • Sapphire          2 Bedroom -- 1955 sq ft (including separate Study)
  • Aquamarine  3 Bedroom -- 3,005 sq ft
The Aquamarine was the first 3 bedroom condominium home available in Midtown Atlanta that was not a combination of units. It was designed this way. Here is the amazing floor plan....

[caption id="attachment_1506" align="aligncenter" width="445" caption="The Aquamarine 3 Bedroom"]The Aquamarine 3 Bedroom[/caption]

Aqua Midtown Atlanta Interior Amenities

  • Private Elevator                                                8' Solid Panel Entry Door
  • Viking Designer Series Appliances            Granite Counters and Recessed Kitchen Lighting
  • Floor to Ceiling Windows                              7' Interior Doors
  • KOHLER Sok Tub                                              KOHLER double WaterTile Body Sprayer
  • Oversized jetted tubs                                      Limestone tiled floors
  • Private Service Entrance                              Side-by-Side Washer/Dryer Connections
Aqua Midtown Atlanta. Delicate curves and sweeping lines. A work of art that you can live in. Search Midtown Homes For Sale

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[googlemaps]http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=200010865235933692373.00049fb757e52b1deb871&ll=33.781216,-84.388175&spn=0,0&output=embed[/googlemaps]

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Tuscany Condominiums Midtown http://mymidtownmojo.com/tuscany-condominiums-midtown/ Fri, 25 Mar 2011 20:31:14 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=1586 Tuscany Condominiums Midtown AtlantaWith courtyard fountains, barrel-tiled roofs and tiled breezeways, Tuscany Condominiums Midtown offer a different choice in Midtown Atlanta Condominium living. Reminiscent of an Italian-inspired villa, this mid-rise community gives the condo buyer that does not want to live in a high rise building a great option. Located at 10th and Juniper Streets (see map below), this community has some 230 homes, ranging from 1, 2 and 3 bedroom floor plans, and selected top floor homes are even 2-story!

There is a pool courtyard, and other courtyards feature fountains,  fish ponds and grilling areas. A fitness center is available as well.

Tuscany Condominiums Midtown

Convenience could be this community's middle name! You are just steps away from Piedmont Park, as well as the commercial corner of 10th and Piedmont. Two blocks west on 10th Street will have you at the Midtown MARTA station. If you are looking for Midtown Atlanta living options and want something different, this just might be what you are looking for.

Tuscany Condos For Sale


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Georgia Tech http://mymidtownmojo.com/georgia-tech/ Sat, 02 Jul 2011 00:13:07 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?page_id=2034 Georgia Tech Information Page. The purpose of this page is to provide you with information about housing alternatives for Undergraduate and Graduate Students attending Georgia Tech. Your first year in college is a big deal. Trust me. Mine was a few years ago, and I sort of got to do it twice. Once when I left home to attend Montana State, and again when I transferred to the University of Houston’s Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. I tell you this because the Freshman Experience at Georgia Tech or any college, is an important part of your college experience. You’ll have the chance to make new friends, learn what it’s like to have a roommate and be involved in campus activities. But, as you progress through college, you might want to look at alternative living options, such as off-campus housing.  Living on or near campus is the best way to get involved at Georgia Tech….you won't miss anything! Off-campus housing can be found in a couple of ways.  1) you can rent an apartment with new found friends from your Freshman year, or 2)  you might want to have your parents consider purchasing a Midtown Atlanta condo for you and/or a roommate to live in. Living off campus certainly has its benefits. By living in a Midtown Atlanta condominium community, you are exposed to other individuals who are not students. Condominium buildings have social events you can attend, and most of them are located within walking distance of the Georgia Tech campus. You can also reach the campus via the Georgia Tech Trolley . The route covers Spring and West Peachtree Streets as well as the Midtown MARTA station. Here is the Georgia Tech Trolley Map. Additional transportation is available on the Georgia Tech campus via the Stinger Bus Routes. Many of the Midtown Atlanta condo buildings have high-speed internet throughout the building, so if you choose to study by the pool or in a community club room or meeting room, you have computer access. Almost all of the buildings provide some type of controlled access to the building. Some will offer more security than others, and I can certainly help you and your parents find the right building.  Condominium buildings offer amenities that you probably will not find in on-campus housing. There are fitness centers to help you keep in shape, Movie Theater rooms where you can have informal gatherings, or maybe even watch a specific program for a class and have a group discussion afterwards.  Swimming pools offer a respite from Atlanta’s heat, as well as another exercise opportunity. Grilling areas are usually available…perfect for a social gathering with other Georgia Tech classmates! A major benefit to both you and your parents may be found in the tax advantages of purchasing a Midtown Atlanta condo. First, you are building some equity (of course dependent at what price you purchase at, when you sell and the market conditions at both times) versus just paying out the rent for your dorm room. And if you purchase a 2 bedroom condo, you have the option to “rent” the other bedroom to a friend or classmate, thereby reducing your costs. Take a look at some of the various options available to you in Midtown Atlanta by clicking on any of the links below. If you would like more information about purchasing a Midtown Atlanta condo, please complete the form below. Again, welcome to Midtown Atlanta and to the Georgia Institute of Technology!

Georgia Tech Off Campus Housing - Midtown Atlanta Condo Communities

Cornerstone Village - Peachtree and 5th Streets

MidCity Lofts - Spring Street

Plaza Midtown - Spring and 8th Streets

Spire Midtown - Peachtree and 7th Street

Viewpoint Midtown - Peachtree and 7th Street

Metropolis Midtown - Peachtree and 8th Street

Midtown Atlanta Condos For Sale Under $100,000

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Atlanta Activities -- Come On Out And Have Some FUN!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=496 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=496

Mark your calendars for this weekend and some dates in the future, and get out and experience some of the fun things that Atlanta has to offer!

2ND ANNUAL BBQ COOK OFF  For those competing, it's a match up to see who makes the best bbq in town! Yum Yum!!  Attend and you get to sample and vote for your favorites.  Saturday, June 14, Stone Mountain Village, 891 Main Street, Stone Mountain 770/879-4971 stonemountainvillage.com/events.htm

 

AMERICAN HYDRANGEA SOCIETY GARDEN TOUR  The Annual Garden tour will take you to 6 gardens that showcase Atlanta's rare hydrangeas  Saturday, June 14  10am $20 404/355-6512

 ART IN THE CITY: THURSDAY NIGHTS AT THE HIGH  Extended hours on Thursdays, 5-8pm. Includes music, lectures, wine tastings and other events. High Museum of Art-Midtown, 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 404/733-4444 http://www.high.org/

 

BREWS AND BOOZE: THIRD ANNUAL CREATIVE LOAFING BEERFEST (Now here's a PARTY!)

Creative Loafing hosts its third annual beerfest in Woodruff Park. Music, beer and booze. What more can you ask for???  Saturday, June 14 Tickets: $15-30  Woodruff Park, 51 Peachtree Street, Downtown Atlanta Atlanta.creativeloafing.com

 

CALLANWOLDE'S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: JAZZ ON THE LAWN  Callanwolde's Jazz on The Lawn series presents special outdoors concerts featuring the best local jazz musicians. Acclaimed saxophone artist Nick Longo an dhis 7-piece band will open the concert series. Friday, June 13, 7:30pm $12-15 Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, 404/872-5338  callanwolde.org

 

COCKTAILS IN THE GARDEN  Ok...sounds high class...spend an evening in the garden while learning about different plants. June's theme: Boxwoods and Bloody Mary's (Where DO I sign up!!!) Thursdays, 6-10pm and continues through September 1 Free-$12 (Maybe that means Bloody Marys or Virgin Mary's??) Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Midtown Atlanta, 404/876-5859 atlantabotanicalgarden.org

 

CONCERT IN THE PARK FEATURING WESLEY COOK  Enjoy a cup of Bruster's ice cream after an evening of music.  Saturday, June 14,  6-8pm. Free-$5 (Here's that Free to Pay thing again??)  Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. 770/394-3322 www.dunwoodynature.org

 

We'll be looking for you on the streets of Midtown!

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VIEWPOINT Midtown Opens to Rave Reviews! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=497 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=497 VIEWPOINT MIDTOWN CLOSINGS BEGIN! HOMEOWNERS RAVE ABOUT AMENITIES AND FINISHES!

We've had the pleasure to see this "baby" from start to finish.....and this is where she started....

Now, understand...a legend "gave its life" for this big new guy. Backstreet was known worldwide for its exciting, 24-hour, never closed atmosphere. Shoot, I'll admit even seeing the sunrise a couple times as I left this club! People really came to Atlanta from all over the U.S. and even the world to experience what one could only experience at Backstreet Atlanta. But....the past is the past, and we must move on.... BTW...this picture is taken from the balcony of my condo at Spire Midtown, which is just across the street.

Over the course of many months, it grew and grew, and then....there it was....looming larger than life.....

 

I've been taking all sorts of pictures as the construction has been moving along....shame on me for not having one with the building completed. This was at about 28-30 stories...and the building has 36 stories!

I was showing clients on the 34th Floor one day...wow, what a view!

Viewpoint Midtown is another development by The Novare Group in conjuction with Loudermilk, Rohrig, LLC. (That would be Loudermilk as in the people that founded Aaron's Rents, Inc.)

For those of us that already own in a Novare development (Spire was also built by Novare) we can say they have learned what the condo buyer is looking for, and have delivered it with Viewpoint.

From the elegant, yet contemporary lobby with its huge, and I mean huge flat screen tv in the waiting area, to the state-of-the art fitness center, Viewpoint Midtown is class, all the way! Residents are treated to not one, but TWO rooftop recreation areas! The Southside of the 11th Floor features the pool, grilling "kitchens" and a Wet Bar! The Northside has a rooftop garden, complete with seating areas, rock garden, fireplace lounge with flat screen tv and additional grills!

 

It's sure to be the focal point for any resident to entertain their guests...and the views are...well...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the Rooftop Garden is a first for any condominium building in Midtown Atlanta! From the water feature, to quiet seating areas, to the outdoor Fireplace Lounge...this is THE spot!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you've been thinking about calling Midtown Atlanta home, of if you know of someone who's moving to Atlanta, then let The Thom And Ray Team give you a personal tour of Viewpoint Midtown! You'll know you've found your perfect spot on Midtown's Mile!

VIEWPOINT MIDTOWN!

"MIDTOWN ATLANTA..MANHATTAN OF THE SOUTH!"

1 BEDROOM HOMES FROM THE LOW $200'S

2 BEDROOM HOMES FROM THE HIGH $200'S

PENTHOUSE RESIDENCES FROM $1 MILLION PLUS

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REAL ESTATE Changes EVERYTHING! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=498 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=498 I've had this topic in my mind for several days now...and I've been thinking of how to take it out of there and put it here...on my AR Blog! Well......

Many of you may have heard a song with a similar title by my good friend Cyndi Lauper. (Not really my good friend)

 

Since I've been "in" real estate, or working real estate as a business, I've found that lots of things in my life have changed. I'd like to think that most of them are for the better, but as I make the list, I think I'm gonna get some feedback that, well, maybe I need to get a life?

I love to wash and clean my own car. Now, it's hard to find that 1-1 1/2 hours to spend the time spiffing and shining...so we go to the car wash.

 

 

My Best Friend in the whole world passed away January 19, 2007, and since it seems I am never home (it's 9:29pm and I'm still at the office) I have yet to find another one to fill that void. I use to keep some pretty regular hours when he'd been left for 10 hours alone already...now I just stay in the street longer, attending a networking function or working on a real estate blog!

 

 

 

I use to take exotic vacations to wonderful islands! ( Oh yeah...they will come back one day) but now we just hope we can squeak out a few days to drive to the beach....if the gas doesn't break the bank! "Vacation" last year was a week in Las Vegas attending the NAR convention so I could get smarter and sell more!

 

 

There's that leisure drive through the North Georgia Mountains..and stopping to capture a moment like this on film! But everytime I look at it, or any nature picture, it makes me realize what a small part I am of a big world!

 

Now wait a minute...I'm not trying to have a pitty party! But I can say that since I started in real estate, my life is a bit more complicated. My partner and I often talk about all the issues we have going on in our business, and just say, "I know there will be a day when we will laugh about all of this!"

I love the real estate business! It's been a bit harder than I thought it would be, and now with the current times, it makes it a bit more challenging, but I think I can weather the storm!

I can say, thanks for Active Rain! It's been such a huge learning experience for me with all the technology stuff I have learned here! Something else to keep me busy!

 

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498 2008-06-23 20:45:51 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Pictures and Blogs! Pictures and Blogs! (Part 2) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=499 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=499 It's been quite some time since I did a posting that was more about pictures than anything. I can tell you as I read other blogs, whether it's pictures, a graph or some other graphic insert....it captures my attention and makes me spend more time reading the blog!

Pictures also tell a story. If you've never seen a person, a picture tells you what they look like. If you've never been to a place, it shows you what it's like. Or, pictures tell you what it use to be, and what it is now.

I thought I'd tour you around Midtown Atlanta and give you some Before and After and how time (and construction) can change things....

 

 

1953 at Peachtree and 11th Streets.....changed to...

 

 

 

 

 

This is 2003, and this was several businesses, but the last biggie was Club Vision, which got a bit out of hand before it was shuttered to make way for...

 

 

 

 

 

1010 Midtown is Under Construction at this location now....and the first homes in this new condo building will deliver in October-December.

The ground floor will have some great retail space, but none of the businesses have been announced as of yet. We can only hope they will be something that will truly "serve" the people that live in the building and the surrounding areas.

And when the 12th and Midtown development is built out...it  will look like this......

 

Pretty Impressive stuff, eh? Of course, the recent "turn" in the real estate market is making things move a bit slower, but the three buildings you see are actually under construction now. 1010 Midtown Condominiums are on the left, the new Lowes Hotel is the shorter, front building on the right, and the taller building in the back right is an office tower that is going up.

 

Then, where I currently live...Spire Midtown use to be a motel. I can't make out the name, but I certainly don't remember it ever looking like this. I remember shortly before it was closed that I attended a function (of sorts) in the ballroom, and it was, ah.....tragic at best! I recall it was a Ramada at the time....

Not your typical family vacation motel.....but we made way for something else...

 

 

 

This is the street-level view of Spire, and the picture below is a picture of the building itself.

 

The building in the background was an office building, and was converted to the Peachtree Lofts. It was one of the first conversion projects in Midtown, and they have learned alot since that time when it comes to converting a building to condos!

 

 

I don't want to wear you out taking you through this time warp of where we were and where we are now, so stay tuned for another chapter in Pictures and Blogs! Pictures and Blogs!

 

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Atlanta Pride and Rain! The BEST of Bedfellows! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=500 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=500

 

Atlanta Pride has come and gone! It was kind of a let down this year. Why?

Well, first of all, it was moved out of Piedmont Park

(as were all Class A - 50,000+ in attendance festivals)

It was now located in a Parking Lot and in part of the Atlanta Civic Center

It was July 4th weekend, a holiday weekend that many people use to travel somewhere

July 4th is always the Peachtree Road Race...the largest 10k in the WORLD!

There were just to many things going on this year. Now I can recall...we have Pride one weekend, and then we still have the July 4th holiday weekend to look forward to (till it falls in the middle of the week) when some promoter will come up with a party and a great dj for us to go to! But this year, we had it all in one weekend!

One thing did remain constant....RAIN!!!! Yep! It was the best choregraphed event I have been to. 30 minutes before the parade started....KABOOM!!! A few claps of thunder, a few flashes of lightning..and then the heavens opened up and poured!  And 30 minutes after the parade...all done...Sunshine and lots of humidity! Made the beer taste much better!

To all those Christians that think we are the evil ones, we just say.

"Georgia, You need rain? The Gays Came. It Rained. Enough Said!"

 

 

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500 2008-07-13 12:35:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Condominium Insurance? What does YOUR Atlanta Condo Building Require? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=501 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=501 If you own an Atlanta Condo, have you looked at your homeowners insurance lately? In fact, no matter where you live in a condo, insurance requirements and your responsibility can vary greatly, and is certainly different than a single family home.

Viewpoint Midtown

In a home, your home is your responsibility. Your insurance covers you, your home, and your belongings. There are those things like a tree from your yard falling on your neighbors' home, for which you can be responsible for. (depending on the circumstances, of course.) But in a single family home, you don't have to have insurance to protect you from your building. What do I mean?

When you purchase a condominium, you pay a monthly maintenance fee to the homeowners association (HOA). Part of that payment goes to cover the Master Insurance Policy on the structure of the building. As the owner of a condominium residence, you are responsible for everything from your interior wall inward.So, in the event of a total loss, and the building were to be rebuilt, you would be responsible (or your insurance company would be) for the interior walls, and everything inside your condo. This would include bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring, etc. along with your personal belongings.

Viewpoint Kitchen

But another part of the insurance equation you want to be aware of is the deductible on the Master Insurance Policy.You could be responsible for all or part of this amount, if the damage to the building was caused from something that happened in YOUR home. Case in point. Let's say you have a contractor working in your condo, and they accidentally rupture a water or sprinkler line. While your contractor should have insurance (that's a whole other subject and blog post) if they did not, and the building's insurance has to pay for the damage, YOU could be liable for the deductible on the Master Policy.

This is very, very easily fixed. Simply contact your insurance agent, and have a rider added to your policy to cover this deductible. I recently caught my policy as not having this simple rider, and have since made the adjustment for a nominal increase in my annual premiums.

As a disclaimer, this is how things are done in the Atlanta Real Estate market. Understandably, insurance rules and regulations vary from city to city or state to state, so be sure to check with your insurance agent and your condominium homeowners association to find out what you need to do to be protected. Insurance is one of those things we sometimes forget about, until it's to late!

 

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501 2008-07-15 16:04:04 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Need Georgia Tech Student Housing? Look at Cornerstone Village!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=502 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=502 School is Just around the corner for the Georgia Institute of Technology (GATech)

And with that comes the need to find a place to live! UGH!

Safe? Close to Campus? Affordable? Close to Nightlife (Hey, it IS College, remember?)

Cornerstone VillageThe Village At Night

This blog is probably more directed to the parents of GATech Students! What does on campus housing cost these days? And what do you have to show for it at the end of 4 years? (Pray they don't go after that Phd or even a Masters! Yikes!) Why not create your own dormitory? What? What are you talking about?

Cornerstone Village is a condominium community, just 2 blocks from the GATech Campus! It's and easy walk, on well lit streets to and from campus! Instead of wasting spending all that money on campus housing, with nothing to show for it in 4 years or so, why not look at buying a "Kondo for the Kid!" While a good number of the units in Cornerstone are 1 bedroom, there are 2 bedroom homes available. And there are several other condo buildings in the area that offer 2 bedrooms, with the same walking convenience to campus! The idea with a 2 bedroom is, your son/daughter rents the other room to a friend, and pays a big chunk of the mortgage on the condo!

Many parents are investing in condominiums and/or single family homes near a college campus (like GATech). Then you rent the home to your child, plus 1 or two others. Then, when they graduate, you sell the property. It would be the hope that the appreciation you realize in the home over the years will go a long way to help pay for the expense of college! What a concept?

100 Building

Why not contact The Thom And Ray Team and look into this option for your college student? Our office is conveniently located right in Cornerstone Village, on Peachtree Street! We can show you what's available in Cornerstone, or any number of other buildings in the immediate area. We can also show you areas with single family homes that may also be an alternative to on-campus housing!

Let's Us Help you start YOUR dormitory today!!

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502 2008-07-16 22:16:27 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Condo Living 101 (Or How In the Heck Do I Get My Groceries From the Car?) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=503 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=503 Condo Living. It's like apartment living, but my recollection of apartments, include low-rise buildings, usually with no elevator, and a maintenance person to fix anything that went wrong. "One Call...that's all!"

Condo Building

Well, it's a bit different in a condo. First off, you OWN it! (Well at least you think you do as you pay your mortgage off) When something goes wrong, you are responsible for it...and heaven forbid if it involves something liquid that flows downward...like water, you might be responsible for more than just your own stuff!

Then there is this thing call a Homeowners' Association, or HOA. Now, this is not like a co-op that you may hear about from New York City! We don't have to get approval to buy in a building (other than from our lender) But we do have to play by some rules. And some buildings have more rules or stricter rules that other buildings. Take Spire Midtown, shown at the left. Here, we have to have approval of our balcony furniture BEFORE we buy it!! Now that might sound horrible, but there is 2 reasons. 1) Not everyone has taste. Let's face it. And all of our balconies cantilever out with no walls, so what you put on your balcony and about 50 others, I can see! 2) Some people don't understand the wind velocity at 20+ stories in the air, and plastic furniture does not, and will not stay on a balcony, and becomes a lethal projectile when it blows off!

Then there's approvals for this, and approvals for that, but let's get to the meat of the problem....

Closet

 

 

Where do you put everything? (a.k.a.  what do I have to get rid of/throw out/ sell before I move?

Storage in a condo is certainly at a premium! Especially closet space! Where do you store Christmas decorations? Your luggage? Boxes of college stuff? (Or in my case, years worth of real estate files, yard and directional signs and marketing materials?) You see? We condo people have our own special problems!

If you are buying in a new building and can afford it....BUY a storage unit! They are priceless (well almost!) and are worth their weight in storage space...and the do great when it comes time for resale!

Otherwise, your next trip to Mexico, you will think twice about buying those knick knacks at the open air market...cuz you ain't got no place to display or store them!

 

But here is the REAL kicker! Now in a condo, we often make many small trips to the grocery (i.e. blow our grocery budget by buying more than milk and eggs) so getting your packages from your car (if you had to drive) or carrying them pretty easy. But every once in awhile, we make the BIG trip for all those items you can save money on at Costco or Sam's Club or Walmart! (Yes, we do go to Walmart) you've got ALL these bags! And from the 4th floor of the garage to the 27th Floor is a long trip!  NEVER FEAR!!!

Hook 'N GoIs here!!! This is like so totally cool! It's a MUST HAVE for everyone that lives in a condo. (And I'm sure a few others could us it as well!) It folds up into a small space (hint hint....there's that space issue again!) but when open up, you can hang all kinds of grocery bags on it! Plastic, or if you are protecting the environment, your reusable bags all hang on her nicely. It makes for an easy walk back from the market or, an easy tow from the 4th to the 27th Floor in ONE TRIP!!

 

And just think...look at all the cabinets I have in MY kitchen! I've got lots to fill up!

Kitchen

If you have not lived in a condo, that's some of what our lives are like. Now, I have not even begun to touch the "NO GLASS ALLOWED AT THE POOL" which is another blog topic in itself!!!

But, it's fun, and so cool to have a tank of $4.15 gas last you for a week or more!

Come on down to Midtown Atlanta and let Ray or myself give you a tour! We'll show you condos in all shapes and sizes!

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Cool Eats Coming to Midtown Atlanta and 1010 Midtown! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=504 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=504 As Midtown Atlanta grows with new places to live, such as the recently opened Viewpoint Midtown and soon to open 1010Midtown and Luxe, the need for more shopping and, so it seems, restaurants is obvious.  As a resident of Midtown, I'm all for place to eat, but I hope that our developer "friends" at Novare Group and Selig Enterprises realize the need for some "down to earth" retail options for those of us that really LIVE in Midtown. I know that retailers have specifics they look for in a location, but we can only hope they will adjust those requirements (store size being one of them) to look at Midtown and the Midtown Mile as a place to locate a store. Come on Banana Republic, A & F or Old Navy....bring us a store so we don't have to drive to Atlantic Station orLenox Mall.

But, the restaurants do seem to keep on coming! That being said, I will say the latest list of "newcomers" to Midtown announced this past week by 1010Midtown, so have some variety, and should add some spice to the choices of places to go! Here's a quick rundown of what they have lined up so far:

Store FrontRi Ra Irish Pub is an authentic styled Irish pub, complete with decor salvaged from original Irish Pubs. From their website, it looks like it could be  fun place to hang out. Current locations include: Arlington, VA, Atlantic City, NJ, Bethesda, MD, Burlington, VT, Portland, ME, Charlotte, NC, Evansville, IN, and Providence, RI.

 

 

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant's website promises that "there is never a dull moment...the music is pumping, the mood is upbeat..." Now that's what a I call eating....Sushi with a BeaT!!!!  This one looks like it will be a fun one!

When you visit the website (if you do) click on "Gallery" and check out the pictures of some of their previous restaurant openings! Looks like fun to me!

Atlanta does have it's share of sushi restaurants, but I think (hope) this one will take it to a whole new level, and be a "place to be seen" in the Midtown neighborhood! 

 

 

New York Store

Third on the list is Piola. This picture is from their New York City location. Other USA locations include South Beach, Hallandale Beach, FL and Washington, D.C. The website lists Naples and Miami, Florida as upcoming new stores. (Hey guys, update the website...we want Midtown Atlanta in there!)

Ok, let me make a quick disclaimer...I've not had breakfast or lunch yet....and I could eat everything on this menu....Yum Yum! But then again, who does not like good Italian cooking!  Their website says "the most genuine Italian tradition of simple and delicious food combines cleverly with a a particular service and ambiance for the demanding and modern customer, who chooses Piola aware of the fact that feeling comfortable is as important as eating well. People from all walks of life and backgrounds meet and gather at Piola, since they are sure to find their own space in an atmosphere that balances freedom and well being with good taste."  When's the Grand Opening!!!!

Sandwich

And rounding out the announcement of Upcoming Midtown Restaurants is Noon Midtown. Not much information at this website, other than it will be sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries and breakfast items with focus on locally-grown produce and sustainably-raised meats. (should I know what that means?) Midtown is certainly lacking on breakfast options, so this will be a welcome addition, and will serve the residents of 1010Midtown, as well as the new Lowes' Hotel, just across Peachtree Street!

 

As Membership Chairman and a Board Member for the Midtown Neighbors' Association, I see some great future Happy Hour sites with these locations! If any owners/managers of these businesses, read my blog, I'll be calling you!

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10 Tips For A New Home --Without Buying One! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=505 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=505 What on earth kind of suggestion is THAT from a REALTOR, you ask? Ahhh.....

Well, if you were not planning on selling your home anyway, or you've decided to take it off the market for awhile, here are some simple renovation tips that can give your home, or just one room, a whole new look! And who knows, when you go to relist it with Your Favorite REALTOR, it might just help make the sale!

Painting

 

 

1) Bring on the New Colors: Color sets the tone and mood for a room! Try different shades of white for a coastal feeling. Since walls are the biggest element in any room, choose that color carefully. Dark colors can make a room look much smaller. And considering a contrasting color for the trim. Think "new" colors, not a repaint of the same. Try something you have not done before, say faux painting or stripes of colors!

 

Furniture

 

 

2) Refinish Furniture and Cabinetry! Just when you thought it was time to throw out that old bookcase or desk, give it a second thought. A coat of paint, or removing old paint could give you just the piece you were looking for. Maybe just some new hardware could make a dresser look totally different.

Chairs and sofas can be pricey to recover. Consider slipcovers you can order from numerous catalogs and stores, or even a colorful sheet can make a slipcover!

(This piece of furniture use to be in my Mother's house...it was a victim of a fire a few years ago)

 

 

Ceiling Fan

3) Let there be light! Or air! Try some new light fixtures to give your room, or house and entire new look and feel. Changing, or adding ceiling fans will also be the "green" thing to do by helping you save energy. I recently added ceiling fans to my condo, and what a difference it makes in my electric bill...plus added overhead lighting I did not have before!

Don't forget lampshades. What a way to add color or texture. A bigger project could be to install recessed lights or add under-counter lights to the kitchen!

Stone Face

 

 

4) Add Some New Art!  Ok, this can go any number of ways --

--new pictures from a discount store

--flea market and garage sale finds

--change the frame on a favorite picture

--Dig through that photo album, and frame several of your favorites in the same frames and create a grouping on a wall

--Check your closets! (I've got a box of posters I've had for years...a few of those in a nice frame could do wonders for my bare walls!

Remember...don't hang art work high....eye level is best so you and your guests can enjoy it!

5) Floors and More! If your carpet looks more like a flat pancake, maybe it's time for some new stuff! (Check for hardwoods if you are in an older home....how cool would THAT be to have them refinished, or even leave them with a distressed look!) You can also add new hardwoods or laminate flooring for reasonable costs. If these are not options on your budget, consider throw rugs and runners to give the old floor a new life!

6) Where's My Window? From a simple valance treatment, to new blinds or even drapes, you can transform the look of the room! And don't forget the curtain rod! Think outside the box for something unique that can do the same thing as a standard rod.

Living room

 

7) Move it Around!  Yeah...you've had the room in the same arrangement since the stuff came off the truck years ago! Be daring! Be different! Try several arrangements...you will be amazed! If all else fails, you can always go back, but just switching the sofa and the chairs from one side to the other could make a whole new room!

 

Flowers

 

8) Accessorize, Accessorize! (One of the favorite lines of my gay decorators!)

A vase of fresh flowers can do wonders for anyplace! As well as green house plants. (Sorry, no fakes allowed!) If you don't have a green thumb, just buy less expensive plants and you can change them out if need be!

And accessories are everything from books, mirrors, framed photos (see above) and anything you might collect!  Again, look for these things at garage sales or flea markets....as they say, one man's trash can be another man's treasure!

9) But while we are adding, we also want to keep the clutter in mind! (Especially if your are planning to sell your home!) Maybe it's time to throw that old whatever out, or donate it to your favorite organization. They say if you haven't read it or used it in 2 years, throw it out.

 

10) Recycle! Get rid of magazines and newspapers. If there was an article you wanted, cut it out, file it, or do what I do now. Scan it and save it on my computer based on the subject! You can recycle in numerous places. Midtown Neighbors' Association sponsors and e-waste recycling once each month where you can dispose of old electronics that are not enviro-friendly to land fills! Or, check Earth911. You can enter your zip code and find recycling centers for everything!

New Home....Let's Get Started!

 

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505 2008-07-23 07:14:58 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Sometimes Simple Is Simply The Best http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=506 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=506 Many of us have writer's block when it comes time to do a blog post. Or, it just might take more time than we have to pull the pictures we want to use, get our facts straight, etc.  In my case today, it's early am, and the start of a really long day.

So, I just decided to keep it simple, and share a peaceful picture with all of you! I hope it starts YOUR day off great, and reminds you of how simple, yet complicated the world can be!!

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506 2008-07-25 05:49:50 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
A Tribute To King Pooh Head! Supreme Ruler of All Pooh Heads! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=507 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=507 Ok people...work with me here!

When you have a pet, you know how you develop a whole language just to talk to them. Dog talk, cat talk or what ever you would call it, we've all done it. And How about those "extra" pet names that they somehow get, and even ANSWER to when you call them!

My loving pet Greyhound has already been gone since January, 2007, but not a day goes by I don't think about him. His picture is my background on my Treo. His picture is on my laptop security. And his picture hangs above my desk. He use to come into the office, stick his nose/head under my right arm, and push up, saying "Dad, you spend to much time on the 'puter...what about me?"

Nero Sleeping

His "official name" was Nero. But he soon answered to "PCP" (Pushy Cookie Puppy). He had no problem pushing his way or getting what he wanted.

"Monster" was the one that always confused the people at the kennel when we boarded him. Well, he was one...sort of. He had issues with disipline, and bit my partner twice, and me once. But we never got rid of him....we just learned that when PCP didn't want to do something, don't push the issue any further!

And then there was the blog title..."King Pooh Head, Supreme Ruler All Pooh Heads" Ok, whatever, and however I came up with that one...I have no idea! Maybe it was how he took over our king sized bed. It was like HE was doing US a favor to let US sleep in OUR bed! He went through various stages in his 11 years with us. Sleeping on the floor, then sleeping on the bed. I don't know how many comforters I went through after he "borrowed" them from the bed!

Upside Down

 

I mean really....can you get mad at something like this? He could always play it up for the camera!

Funny thing, when Nero first came in my life, I did not even want him. I had seen greyhounds, but thought they were kind of ugly. I mean all meat and bones, and long legs. We had a roommate at the time, and he wanted one. It was obvious in about a month whos dog he really was! And it was a mutual feeling. I had no idea how lovable they could be.

Now, that said, he had behavior problems unlike any other Greyhound I have seen or met, but I guess that is just what made him even more special.

It was a tough morning in January, 2007 when we decided we did not want him to live in misery, but to live his life in Puppy Heaven where he would be just like when we first got him.....

Going Home

"The Gate of Heaven"
 

I got to the gate of Heaven today,
After we said good bye.
I began to miss you terribly,
Because I heard you cry.

Suddenly there was an Angel,
And she asked me to enter Heavens gate.
I asked her if I could stay outside and wait,
For someone who'd be late.

I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl.
I'd only wait here patiently,
And play with my tennis ball.

The Angel said I could stay right here,
And wait for you to come.
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven,
If I went in alone.

So I'll wait here, you take your time,
But keep me in your heart.
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven,
Without you to warm my heart.

 I created a e-flyer with the above poem and sent to all my clients/contacts, as most people knew about "my child."  I got 60 some responses back in the days following his departure!

"I Love You Puppy!"

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507 2008-07-26 19:35:09 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Real Estate - Real People - Real Life http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=508 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=508 One of the best things I have found since I discovered Active Rain a few months back, so how much everyone on here is willing to help each other. That's a pretty cool thing for a REALTOR coming from an office that is very, very competitive. There are many agents that work the very same markets (or areas) so it's next to impossible to bounce an idea of another agent. Heck, they will take your idea and run with it!

But not here in The Rain. Here, everyone has an umbrella. When you are getting wet (needing help on a topic, no matter the subject) someone is there with an umbrella. They invite you under it (respond to your post or e-mail) and help you stay dry (give you information, tips, links, whatever) till you are ready to step back out, with your new umbrella (knowledge) and head on your way down the street. Many of them offer their umbrella again (follow up) or next thing you know, you are standing on the corner, and there they are (subscribed to your blog) checking up on you (seeing you things are going for you!)

Is that not just the coolest thing you have ever heard? I'd like to thank Margaret Woda, Brad Andersohn, Richard Weisser, Tracy Santrock and Julie Neerings as some of those people who've offered their umbrella, without question, to help me from getting wet. For these people, those of you I've yet to meet, and for everyone else, I wanted to share with you something sent to me today from a friend. It will put a smile on your face, a warm spot in your heart, and make you think for just a minute.....

The Finding Joy Movie

Planter

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508 2008-08-04 21:26:01 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Residents Encouraged to Attend Citizens Police Academy http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=509 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=509 For those of us that live in "The Big City" there are all kinds of different issues or challenges we live with. Some are the same for those that live in a suburban neighborhood or smaller town, and some are very unique.

Police OfficerBut one thing we can all agree on is, we would not have the peace of mind or a sense of security without the men in blue, our police and our firefighters! I for one could not run into a burning building, or chase after a criminal. (Ok, don't ever tempt me to chase you down....)

And sometimes a pretty thankless job! Recently, in Midtown Atlanta, Zone 5 (which covers the Midtown area, and especially the Peachtree Street Corridor) has changed how they patrol. They now have "beat cops" that actually walk the streets. They park their patrol car, and walk a 3-4 block radius from their car. This enables them to be on the street, talking to residents and business owners alike, and be more in touch with the neighborhood. Yet, they are still close enough to their patrol car, should they need to respond to an urgent call in the Zone.  In fact, when I was in the office this past week, one of the officers came in to ask if he could fill his water bottle. I said, "Heck, you can fill your water bottle, use our restroom, or take five minutes in the a/c. We are just glad to have you on the street!" Imagine walking with the 50 some pounds of equipment they carry, and in dark blue, in 90+ degree heat and humidity! Whew!

Citizens Police AcademyBut there is a way that you as a Midtown Resident can learn more about what your Police Officers do, and how they do it!

Attend Citizens Police Academy! The mission of this program is simple: "To educate the citizens of Atlanta with the operation of their police department while obtaining valuable feedback from those citizens to enhance police/community relations."

The Academy includes over 30 hours of instruction over a 10-12 week period. Here, you will see how officers are trained, tour areas such as the 911 Communications Center, and participate in a Ride-A-Long Program. (Can I run the siren and lights...please...please?)

There is also Firearms Safety training and Emergency Vehicle Operations training where you get to use the departments simulators. (Hint...let's try to teach them how NOT to wreck an expensive police car!)

And then there's the K-9 and Bomb units!

Can you even think of a better way to get to know what these men and women go through or how they are trained? I can't and you can bet as soon as I'm done with this blog, I'll be filling out my application!

Speaking of, visit the Atlanta Police Department, click on Police and Community, and you can download the brochure and application right there!

I attend the Monthly Safety Meeting of the Midtown Neighbors' Association, and serve on the Board of Directors as the Membership Chairman. This involvement has given me the opportunity to learn about crime and safety issues in my neighborhood, as well as meet many of the fine officers of the Zone 5 Precinct.

It's important to give back to the community I live and work in, and getting to know how my Police Department operates is a great way to appreciate all that these men and women do to give me a peace of mind and sense of security when I leave my condominium and walk the streets of Midtown Atlanta.

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509 2008-08-11 23:01:03 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Difference Between The Men and The Boys Is Their Toys! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=510 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=510 I think blogging should cover everything! Who we are, what we do, what we like, don't like, where we live, where we've been and where we want to go!

Everything I read about blogging says, "Be yourself, so people get to know who you are." Ok then, here's a bit for you. Since I can remember, I've always loved cars. From little ones, to big ones....I've loved them. If I ever won the lottery, I'd truly need a warehouse to park them all...and someone to keep me on track on which one to drive next!

Me and the 66 OldsI mean, I think before I knew I liked cars, I was posing in front of them! Yes...that's me waaaaaay back and the car is my parents '66 Olds 98 Regency. Oh what a car!

When I was in Junior High, I use to visit the local Ford/Lincoln dealership every day at lunch. I use to see the new cars, hid in the garage before they wanted them in the showroom! I knew all the makes, models and everything about them. If I would of been old enough to sell, I would of made a fortune! That love has carried it's way today....Bill Blass Mark V That's my 1979 Lincoln Mark V Bill Blass Designer Series that I owned up until a couple years ago!

I still have one baby left, altho she does not get the love and attention that she needs...

 

Buick Wildcat Convertible

 

She's a 1969 Buick Wildcat Convertible that my Mom gave me! Yep! It had sat in a barn on our ranch in Montana after my Dad passed away and she finally realized she was not going to drive it anymore, and so off to Georgia I shipped her!

 

 

My love of cars continues today on a minature scale. Since the picture by the Olds, I've collected Matchbox cars. I'm sure many of you remember them? They still make them today, but as with all old things, the quality is nothing like it use to be.

Early Matchbox

The Matchbox name started in 1953 as a brand name of the now-defunct British toy company Lesney Products (named after its co-founders Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith), which had been founded in 1947 as an industrial die casting company. Almost immediately after assuming production, the company began producing toys. A 1948 model of a road roller, based on a Dinky toy, was their first foray into the transportation theme. Their first major sales success followed in 1953, with the million-selling model of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Coach.

Shortly thereafter, Lesney co-owner Jack Odell (b. 1920 or 1921 - d. 2007) created a toy that effectively provided the final, missing link to the company's future. It was designed for his daughter: Her school only allowed children to bring toys that could fit inside a matchbox, so Mr. Odell crafted a scaled-down version of the Lesney green and red road roller. This toy ultimately became the first of the 1-75 miniature range; a dump truck and a cement mixer completed the original three-model release that marked the starting point of the mass-market success story of the Matchbox series. As mentioned above, because the one defining factor for the toys was that each model had to fit in a match-box, the idea was born to sell the models in replica matchboxes - thus yielding the name of the series. It also resulted in the description (either derogatory or admiring) of the models' scales being "1:box" (as opposed to more "serious" scales such as 1:87, 1:64, or 1:43).

Additional models - mostly British at first - continued to be added to the range throughout the decade, including cars such as an MG Midget TD, a Vauxhall Cresta, a Ford Zodiac, and many others. As the line grew, it also gradually became more international, including models of VWs, a Citroën, and American makes. To make such miniatures, the designers took detailed photographs of the real models, even obtaining some original blueprints. This enabled them to make models with surprisingly high levels of detail, despite the small scale. The size of the models (and their clever packaging) allowed Matchbox to occupy a market niche barely touched by the competition (and certainly not by Dinky); the associated price advantage made Matchbox models affordable for every child, and helped establish Matchbox as a household word for small model toy cars - whatever the brand. Although used generically, "MATCHBOX" (in capital letters and quotation marks) was registered as a worldwide trademark to protect the Matchbox brand from competition.

I still have my collection, altho I have not purchased any additions to it in probably about 10+ years. I thought I'd share a few photos of my collection.....

Matchbox CollectionMatchbox Case

 

The case on the left is about 6' tall, and 4' wide and is PACKED to the gills with my collection. In fact, some still are in boxes in the basement! That's alot of cars!

The display case on the right might bring back memories? These were used by retailers to display the smaller 1-75 models. I have two of these!

 

 

I was lucky to have over the years slowly shipped the collection from my parents home in Montana to my home in Atlanta. In September, 2005, my Mom's house burned, taking everything with it. I still had an old Matchbox City play set in the attic! I found a book about Matchbox, and started to inventory my collection. Today, it's value is well into the thousands of dollars!

 

And one day, when my real estate business is where I want it to be.....

Mercedes CLS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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510 2008-08-12 20:30:10 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
NOW...I have Heard Everything! The Power of The Internet! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=511 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=511 This post can go many ways, so I hope I can stay on track here!

First off, I'm thankful DAILY to finding Active Rain (which I have no memory of how I did that?) for all that I learn about real estate, real life and everything in between!

This will sound trivial to many (or most of you) but, hey, we all learn new tricks, be they big or small. One of mine is Google Alerts! Yep! I've known about them for sometime, but how I lived before them is beyond me....I've got one set for my name (no vanity there, right? Hey! Somebody has to keep track of me!) One for Midtown Atlanta, one for my home town in Montana (it's SOOO fun to call my Mother with news SHE did not know!) and one set for Atlanta Real estate.

Now, if you use Google Alerts, you know you don't always get what you ask for! Case in point....I'm NOT the President of the Akien, SC Performing Arts Group...Thomas Abbott III is! And there is a Thomas Abbott somewhere who plays a pretty mean softball game...Not me!

Atlanta (Buckhead) GeorgiaWell, today, I got my Google Alert for Buckhead Georgia. For those of you that don't know, the is actually TWO Buckhead, Georgia's. One is probably a bit more famous and looks like this picture.

The other Buckhead, Georgia is a small town east of Atlanta, and North of I-20 as you head towards Lake Oconee. Now you can google it, and you're out of luck!

Well, in my Google News Alert today, was a weekly paper called the Morgan County Citizen.

And what caught my eye about this was the title of the news alert.

We've all heard some great sayings, and we use them in our daily lives, but somebody has got to tell me the meaning of:

"Well butter my bowhonkers and call me a biscuit!"

Bowhonkers

I'm still laughing and want to know when the first cocktail party is going to be where I can whip this one-liner out and make everybody think I'm crazy! I'm going to go with the guess that it's about a certain part of one's body, mainly where we sit....but after that, hmmmm.

Sorry...I just had to share that with a few of my closest friends! Welcome to the South!

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511 2008-08-14 21:54:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
GM Narrows Finalist To Four For Doraville Plant Redevelopment! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=512 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=512 Doraville SealBack in May, I posted a blog about the upcoming closing of the Doraville GM Plant, which will happen next month! General Motors Corporation received hundreds of bids, but has narrowed down the field to just four developers it is considering to redevelop this incredible site of some 130 acres, adjacent to I-285 with the North Line of MARTA ending at it's doorstep!

This is a HUGE opportunity for Doraville to be on the Atlanta, and Georgia map like never before! Due to a previous city administration, much of the current new development jumped over Doraville, and landed in nearby Chamblee. Here, they have seen new townhomes, condos, lofts and shopping centers open, all within walking distance of the Chamblee MARTA station. In fact, one of the first urban WalMarts opened in Chamblee....a feat the city fought long and hard on....and won....almost all of the parking is underground, and the building is hidden by other stores from major streets.

GM has indicated the finalists for this project include Hines, developer of several office buildings in the Perimeter area, and most noteably, 1180 Peachtree, or the Symphony Building in Midtown Atlanta; Jacoby Development which took an enviornmental monster, the old Atlantic Steel Mill, and turned it into what is now Atlantic Station. The Doraville site will be limited from having the high-rise skyline of Atlantic Station, due to its close proximity to Dekalb-Peachtree Airport. Also considered a finalist, is Broad Street Partners, LLC which buys and develops residential and commerical properties. And The Sembler Company who has developed several projects in the Atlanta area, including their current under-construction project, Town Brookhaven. 

You can imagine the GM plant making this kinda of change....

GM Doraville

This is the rendition of Town Brookhaven as found on their website, and is currently under construction, just North of the Brookhaven MARTA station.

Are you catching all the development (finally) around transit stations! About time!

 

The site is being marketed by CB Richard Ellis, Inc. They put quite an impressive web site together to advertise this almost once in a life time opportunity at The Doraville Project.

One of the important points in this whole process is how quickly GM is moving to sell this property, a sign of their financial times. The closing was announced late in 2005, and they have indicated they will select the developer by September, and want to close by end of the year. With the financial markets what they are, you certainly will need a developer with money in the bank!

But another reason to not have this property languish, is compared to the Tarrytown, NY GM plant which closed in 1996, and this is what it still looks like 12 years later!!!

 

 

 

I've owned a home in Doraville for the past few years, and I see my neighborhood making a 180 degree turnaround in the coming years!

There is already a "land rush" on adjoining property. A piece of property on New Peachtree Road that was recently home to an old warehouse and junk yard, and been cleared. It can be had for a modest $4 Million!

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512 2008-08-14 22:51:25 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
It's A Me Me! Everything You Wanted To Know About Your REALTOR! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=513 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=513 I think since I've been on Active Rain, I've been "Me Me'd" twice. And I've failed at ever responding until now. But after reading a blog by Mr. Blogger, Brian Block, it inspired me to really sit down and think about myself (sounds horrible, doesn't it?) But you know what, it really made me think about myself, and things that people probably don't know about me, and would never think to ask. So, blank paper in hand...away we went. And 75 items later...here we are! So, to my friends Adam Waldman and Julie Neerings, I hope this MORE than get's me off the hook......

 

Montana Ranch

 

1)   I was born and raised on a ranch in Livingston, Montana

2)   There were only 300 students in my high school class, and I   knew everyone of them

3)   I flew on my first plane when I was 16 years old (BIG deal back then!)

4) I've been to Disney World and Disneyland, but not Land since I was 16 years old (Note number 3!)

5)  There are still 15 U.S. states I have not been to: RI, VT, NH, NE, IA, MO, OK, MA, KY, IN, AR, AK, WI

6)  I own a condo in Kona, Hawaii (No reservations accepted at this time!)

7)  Been to the summit of Mauna Kea Volcano in Hawaii

8)  Rode horseback (summer) and snowmobiled (winter) in Yellowstone National Park

9)  Raised suffolk sheep on our ranch in Montana

10) Been to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Buenos Aries, Argentina

11) Been to Paris and Amsterdam - the only places in Europe I've been to

12) Been on 7 Caribbean Cruises

13) Climbed Chitzen Itza in Mexico

14) Attended/lived in Atlanta for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games

15) Danced on the streets of MGM's Orlando Theme Park (not once, but twice!)

16) Never learned how to swim (UGH!)

17) Only boy in my family -- I have two older sisters

18) Lost my Dad in 1994Dad

19) Lost one of my best friends in 2004

20) My other 2 best friends live in Florida and California

21) Toured the Napa Wine Country

22) Attended Montana State University

23) Attended University of Houston's Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management

24) Pledged 2 frats, but never went active in either one

25) Board Member of Midtown Neighbors' Association

26) Member of Midtown Alliance

27) Owned a travel agency

28) Worked for Hilton Hotels Corporation

29) Worked for Nikko Hotels North America

King Pooh Head30) Adopted Nero, my Greyhound in 1994, and lost him on January 19, 2007

31) Lived in Montana, Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Atlanta, New York and back to Atlanta

32) Lived in Atlanta for 14 years, second longest only to Montana

33) Have owned 14 different cars (no..not going to list them all)

34) Almost killed myself twice on a mini-bike as a kid (never owned another motorcycle after that--and both times were barbed-wire fences!)

35) Organized a trip for my car club (52 people) to the Biltmore House in Ashville, NC

36)Climbed one of the curves at Lowes' Motor Speedway in Charlotte (you have no idea how steep they are!)

37) Installed a/c on a 41' Morgan Sailing Yacht....not fun...but much cooler after

38) Met Dianna Ross in person

39) Had my picture taken with Peter Fonda

40) Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

41) Have a Matchbox Car Collection

42) Have a collection of Lincoln Continental Dealer Brochures

43) Owned 2 1979 Lincoln Continentals, 15 years apart (figure that one out!)

44) Rode horses in Montana, Wyoming and the Dominican Republic

45) Never sky dived...NEVER will

46) Rode the Incredible Hulk @ Universal Studios Orlando 8 times in a row

47) Ran over my own dog as a kid

48) Learned to drive a car at 10 years old in a field (has nothing to do with 47)

Vegas Friends49) Been to casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Tunica, Cherokee, and Philidelphia, MS,

50) Had a home fax machine before many businessess had one

51) Still own the first house I ever bought (got a late start in real estate, didn't I)

52) Only member of my immediate family to move out of Montana

53) Worked for Domino's Pizza

54) Worked for a limousine company

55) Took Nero to New York City to Rockefeller Center and had our picture taken in front of the tree

56) Only been in the hospital once (knock on wood)

57) Use to keep a daily journal- trying to start one again to remember important life moments

58) Toured the Raineer Brewery in Washington State

59) Toured the Boeing Factory in Washington State

60) Rode in 2 Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans ( You have NO idea how much fun THAT is)

61) Worked for Hertz Rent-a-Car

62) Taken a Helicopter Tour in Kauai, Hawaii

Lake Mead63) Taken a Helicopter Tour over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

64) Saw my first, live, in the open rattlesnake in Montana in '07

65) Never broken a bone (knock on more wood)

66) Been to Hawaii 4 times and never to Maui

67) Made 30 gallons of 1000 Island Dressing at one time

68) Spent the Millenium New Year in New York City

69) My grandfather made jewerly out of Montana (moss) agate rocks (Unbelievable)

70) Danced all night on the beach in Pensacola -- a lasting memory of a simpler time in my life

71) I'm detailed oriented to the extreme....and get to caught up in it

72) My patience seems to get shorter and shorter for everything

73) I've walked into Mexico and back from Texas

74) Concerts I have been to --

Jimmy Buffet, Billy Joel, Styx, Barry Manilow, Gloria Estefan, Whitney Houston, Cher, James Taylor, Cher, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, and Celine Dion....probably the most and best one ever

 

and last, but certainly not least my any means.....

 

75) Some days I take real estate way to serious, and think I might be missing out on things in life...

 

 

 

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513 2008-08-18 22:57:55 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Thank Goodness! There IS a Group For People Like US! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=514 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=514 I was having cold sweats at night.

I'd finally tear myself away from my laptop (and still in the OFFICE and NOT Home Office) at 12:30am)

I hear my laptop power down, and think "OMG, did I get that last post done? Did I read that latest bookmarked blog?"

I'm walking home looking at the city lights and thinking "There's a blog topic in those lights, I feel it."

The weather forecast calls for rain, and you secretly know what rain REALLY is.

I'll be sound asleep, wake up as I change positions in bed, and BAM...the blog light goes on and I think, "That would be a great blog topic. I know I get lots of posts and exposure with that one"

Is there any hope for me? Can I be cured? Or at least find a way to control my addiction?

Yes...Grasshopper! You have found ActiveRain Addicts!

We will help you. We will guide you to write great posts. We will help you sleep at night (once you go to bed)

We are your friends.

Thanks for inviting me to join! I feel just like a kid again!

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514 2008-08-19 07:14:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Dressed For Success? How Do You Define Success? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=515 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=515 When I use to be in the corporate world (group/convention sales in hotels) I always had to wear a suit. I had about 10 of them back then! And ties!!! I even had a contest with a General Manager to see which of us could have the loudest, yet very elegant ties. (Of course with his salary, he won!)

I worked in an ocean-front resort where I had to wear a coat and tie. It was so much fun to be walking my clients around the grounds, pool, and even up on the boardwalk to look at the beach, all in a suit. (Oh, I did get casual....I took my coat off and slung it over my shoulder...whoo hoo!) Needless to say, by the time I got back inside, I was, shall we say, soaking wet!!!

I worked at a hotel here in Atlanta that even if you came in on a Saturday or Sunday, with no public contact (our offices were "behind the house") we still had to wear slacks and a dress shirt! I gotta tell you, I don't miss those days...in fact I now just have ONE, really nice suit!

Jeans Guy

Now, I own my own business. And I am so way more comfortable in jeans and a nice shirt with a classy pair of shoes that I could ever be in a coat and tie. (No, that's not me...I searched my library for a picture of me, but I'm always on the WRONG end of the camera!)

Mind you, if you have not priced "good" jeans, and I mean the label jeans, I've got some in my closet that are well over $100 a pair, and if I may so so, I look pretty darn good in them! I feel more at ease when talking with people, and feel like I can be myself.

Am I dressing for success? If Madison from Million Dollar Listing on Bravo can sell a $14M home wearing jeans and tennis shoes, is he dressing for success?

When I'm showing Midtown Atlanta, I can walk to most of the condominium buildings right from my office! But in 95+degree heat and humidity, I'd be soaking wet after the 1st building!

Don't get me wrong. I'll be attending the Midtown Alliance "Let's Talk Midtown" quarterly meeting next month, where Gov. Sonny Perdue will be addressing the group. You can sure bet that really nice suit, shirt and cool tie will be out in force!

And if I'm going on a listing presentation, sure, on come the slacks and a shirt. So, again, am I dressing for success? Once my potential clients know me, they usually EXPECT to see me in a sharp pair of jeans, shirt and a sport coat if weather permits!

So, an informal survey says, which agent do you think can find you the perfect new Midtown Atlanta condo or single family home you've been looking for?

Thom TieThom Casual

 

 

The Agent on the Left

OR

The Agent on the Right?

 

 

 

 

(Hint: I was wearing jeans in the picture on the left also!)

I'll bet you money that either one of them will do a great job for you!

 

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515 2008-08-23 08:09:45 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
VIEWPOINT MIDTOWN Is Number One Selling Development in 2008! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=516 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=516 In an article that appeared last week in the Atlanta Business Chronicle,  some news was reported that REALTORS, buyers and Seller's already knew. Sales are down. Yep. Thanks for the news flash, but we all knew that already!

But there was a ray of hope in the article that noted that Viewpoint Midtown was the Number One selling building in the first half of 2008! There is still sunshine in the real estate market!

If you've been thinking about buying, but sitting on the fence, now just might be the time to ride the wave! Prices are down, and we know they will come back up. If you've been considering an investment property, Viewpoint Midtown is a great opportunity. We've recently leased all the units we had!

Give us a call and let us help you with your Viewpoint Midtown Condominium purchase!

Viewpoint Incentive

Viewpoint

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516 2008-08-23 08:27:38 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Blogging! Who? What? When? And How Long Does It Take? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=517 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=517 Ok, here's a blog....well...about a blog. That is, it's more like a survey, that despite how anyone answers, it is probably as individual as each of us are. But, as I read the posts of some of my blogging heros like Margaret Woda, Brad Andersohn, or Tracy Santrock, I have to sit and wonder the answers to those questions found in Chapter 1 of "Blogging - Boy Oh Boy"

Who?

Who does your blogging? I've seen that comment before, and I know it will always be me. If the blog says it's from Thom Abbott, then it will BE from Thom Abbott. Now, when I have an assistant, I might have them do some research for links, etc that I might need in a particular blog which they could e-mail to me, and save me the time of doing all that. (See Below.)

magazinesWhat?

Ok...you know you do the same thing! I do not look at a magazine the same way I use to just a few months ago! Hello, last night I was cleaning upr for the in-law's visit, and found myself reading 2006 issues of Southern Living for blog topics! I'm a junkie...I'm looking for it EVERYWHERE! My camera is with me...you never know when that picture is just around the corner of a skyline, or a person, or a place that will be meat for another post.

I'm looking for things from my community to help my presence on my Localism posts...and to help be become the "go-to" REALTOR in my community.

I've created an entire notebook that is in my briefcase at all times with copies of articles to inspire me. Then there is My Favorites on my laptop....geez....I've got so many sites saved that I have learned about from here.....And of course, just reading other posts will give me an idea....

....then comes the next challenge.....or actually two I'll put together.

 

When To Blog....and How Long Does it take to "make" or write a blog?

coffee cupI know the "when" part is very subjective and personal for each of us. I'm pretty much a morning person (see...it's 12:01am!) so sometimes I try to get a post out in the morning, either before my morning walk/trip to the gym, or when I get back. Sometimes, it will be the middle of the day, altho I think I should be prospecting on the phone during that time. So, I know it just varies, based on all kinds of factors.

The how long......now here's the kicker! I look at some posts, and think, "that must have taken hours to do?" How did that person get all those links, pictures, graphs, and even different fonts in their blog? Case in point. I've been on iClipart three times doing this post alone....2 times for the pictures, and than again to grab the address for the link. Is there an easier way? How long does it take? If I spend an hour doing a blog, is that time well spent? I think so. It's a learning curve. Case in point. Now I have these two pictures in my Picture file, filed under "Blog Pictures." Now, what do I do with them? How do I file them for easy of use in the future, versus an hour looking for them again...LOL! Please tell me I'm not alone here!

I'm getting ready to embark on a major change in my business plan and move from a stagnant website to a blogsite, to better enhance my marketing and exposure in the Midtown Atlanta. I've got awesome ideas to make it be the premiere site where people will go to learn about Atlanta Real Estate, and really be a site where they will stay! Hopefully because they will love me (grin), but mostly because of all the information they will learn about The ThomAndRay Team. I've heard of things like Word Press, where I will be able to do lots of blogs, and then time their release. (Geez, I LOVE technology!) So that will help.

But, then there's all those other sites I've learned about on Active Rain, like Picnik , Image Chef, My Speaking Avatar and more, it's hard to keep up with all the great tools I have to make my blogs really stand out and be noticed!

wine bottlesI need a Real Estate sabbatical in a mountain cabin (with Internet access of course) a few bottles of good wine, some great steaks...so I can get a handle on this!

 

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517 2008-08-24 23:26:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
September In Georgia! What, When and Where To Go! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=518 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=518 One signal that our dog days of summer in Midtown Atlanta are numbered, is when you look at the calendar of activities and see all the fesitvals and such there are to go to! And they are not always just in your back yard, but are just a short drive away! I have to admit, I have not been to most of these, but have added a few on my calender for the upcoming visit of my In-laws!  Hope you enjoy one or more of them as well!

"Road to Freedom: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1956-1968"

Now Through October 5

The High Museum of Atlanta

High MuseumThis is a great way to learn about a historical time in our country's past, espeically when you may have been to young (me) or not have lived in the South (me) to understand all of it.

From the Freedom Rides of 1961 to the Selma-Montgomery March in 1965, these professional photographers and others captured a time in our country when things were different.

Surely a one-of-a-kind gathering of photos not to be missed.

 

25th Annual Lasershow Spectacular

Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta

Stone Mountain Laser ShowStone Mountain is one of those backyard gems you forget you have! Listed in Frommer's 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of "35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die," Stone Mountain Park is located just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. Like I said, backyard we forget about. (In-law activity!)

The show is nightly during the Summer, but for September, you'll have to plan for a Saturday evening only...get there early for choice seating on the Great Lawn and it's FREE. (Well, it costs $8 to get into the park per car.) Be sure to check out the website for other great things to do at the Park!

Labor Day at The Post - Fort Oglethorpe

Fort Oglethorpe

Labor Day at The Post outdoor festival, BBQ, Kid's Play Zone, arts and crafts, live entertainment and military displays. Parade at 11am until 5pm.

UGA Arts Festival - Georgia Museum of Art

September 4-7

East Campus of UGA, Athens

Georgia Bulldogs

 

This event is a first for the University of Georgia. It will celebrate the opening of the new Lamar Dodd School of Art! Enjoy musical and theatrical performances, fine and decorative arts exhibits, the joy of dance, and hands-on activities for children and families.

Best of all...Its FREE! Visit the website to learn more about who, what and when at the home of the Georgia Bulldogs!

 

Fiesta Georgia - Duluth Town Park, Suwanee

Sunday, September 7  10am - 7pm

Fiesta Georgia

This will be Atlanta's largest Hispanic Heritage Month outdoor celebration, with over 15,000 people expected to attend the first of what will become Atlanta's annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Fiesta Georgia will be a day long celebration of Latino culture, music, and food. The event features continuous live performances by national and local artists, vendor booths offering free product samples, arts and crafts, and authentic Latino foods.

 

Atlanta Arts Festival - Piedmont Park

September 12-14

Atlana Arts FestivalGo Figure! An Arts Festival IN Piedmont Park! The City of Atlanta banned all Class A sized Festivals (attendance of 50,000 or more) from the Park due to the drought conditions. This festival has managed to escape the "axe" since it is not nearly as large as its competitor, The Dogwood Festival. So if you are missing your day in the park, lounging, people watching and all, this is the only chance you get this year. But don't plan on a game of touch football or such...."organized sports play" is still banned in the park because of the drought conditions.

I've never attended this one, it's new (I think this is the 2nd or 3rd year) so can't say anything about the artists as compared to The Dogwood. You'll have to check it out on your own. But, if you don't bring a picnic, wonder on over to Marlow's Tavern at Plaza Midtown for some great food, beverages and all kinds of tv's to watch!

The Sandy Springs Festival

September 20-21

Sandy Springs FestivalSee....if by now you have not found the perfect art piece for that open space on your wall....we've got you covered with yet another festival with an artist's market, crafters, pet parade, entertainment..and even a 5K and 10K run! Then there's a Food Court to keep you going! 

One thing that the web site lists that sounds pretty "green" is the Drive Green exhibit. Learn more about planet-friendly vehicles by visiting this collection of fuel-efficient cars from area dealers. Will driving a hybrid really pay off? Can I drive green with style?

Check out the cars and talk with dealer reps about the impact of greener cars on the environment and finding one that works for you. Drive Green participants include Sandy Springs Toyota, Global Imports BMW and MINI and Curry Honda.

Top off the month of September, if you have the energy left (and any money after all those art purchases and beers) at the ever popular....

25th Annual Atlanta Home Show Fall Edition

September 25-28

Cobb Galleria Center - Atlanta (Or Marietta)

Home ShowYou never know who will be there, revealing their tips and secrets! Plus, you always get to check out some great products, get new ideas for your next remodeling project, and come home with a bag full of literature that will take you a week to sift through!

From Kitchens to landscaping, and everything inbetween, you are sure to find information you can use!

Show HouseI have not attended this show for a couple years. (I'm still sifting through my last bag of stuff....just kidding) but it really does give you exposure to lots of cool products for your home and garden.

When you finish here...head back to Midtown Atlanta...you'll be worn out, and ready for some refreshments at any of our fine watering holes, including Taco Mac, Zocalo and The Vortex!

Hope to see you out and about enjoying all there is to do this month while you are looking for your Atlanta Real Estate

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518 2008-08-27 07:39:29 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Relocation To Midtown Atlanta? Check Out This Plaza Midtown Rental! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=519 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=519
Click to view listing website
Photo Gallery





View More Photos
Description and Features
Bedrooms:1
Bathrooms:1
Parking Spaces:1
Square Feet:849
Year Built:2007
Floors:1
Location Click to view map: 44 Peachtree Place, #1028 Atlanta GA 30309 Links  ]]>
519 2008-08-28 22:57:09 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
A Beer, 2 Ibuprofen, And My Blogging Notebook! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=520 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=520 And in that exact order please! About an hour ago, I had so many windows on my laptop open as I followed one AR post after another! I'd have to stop and regroup, and figure out where I was!

I have a notebook for my blogging. It's where I keep magazine articles, clippings, and brochures on topics I want to blog about.  I attend lots of meetings in Midtown Atlanta so I got notes from there. It also has a "how to" section where I keep some articles I've printed out from other sources. (They haven't figured out the Bookmarked Feature yet....THANK YOU Active Rain! )

All of the sudden, I just thought my head was going to explode! I mean..."information overload. Maximum Memory Achieved." I said, I need a Beer, and 2 ibuprofen! That and the fact that I was working on a totally cool blog, and AR decided I did not need to upload any more pictures. Or it was trying to tell me to head to the living room couch? Hmmmm.

Anyway, here it is....no pics, no fancy stuff...so you'll have to wait for the good stuff till morning!

 

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520 2008-08-29 22:32:29 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Pools of Midtown Atlanta! An Oasis In The Sky (Or On The Ground!) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=521 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=521 It's true. As we get older, time really does slip right through our fingers. I'm always on the run. Running to an appointment. Running to take pictures. Running to the dry cleaners. Time just flys by. Look. It's Labor Day Weekend. You know what that means. Summer's Over!  But it's not to late to enjoy one last visit to the pool! Time to relax and catch your breath. Maybe spend some quality time with family or friends.

And what can be better than a pool! Ahhhhhh....Fun in the Sun! Who needs a beach? (Well, I do, or at least I wish my pool was alot closer to Pensacola than it is!)

When you are driving through Midtown Atlanta, taking in the sights of Peachtree Street, you can't help but notice our housing boom, called condominiums. Short ones. Fat Ones. Tall Ones....they do come in all shapes and sizes....but have you ever wondered what the pool looks like? Where do us city people spend our free time (what free time?) Well, here's your personal tour of some of the Condominums Of Midtown Pools! I've even thrown in a couple homes, just for good measure.

805 Peachtree

 

805 Peachtree gives you the feel of a resort with it's lounge chairs and cabanas!

Add some greenery, a Pina Coloda, and we are in business!

 

 

 

905 Juniper

 

905 Juniper has even MORE of that resort feel...like you are in the South Pacific at some Zen Resort!

Hmmmm....this calls for a Mai Tai....extra pineapple and TWO umbrellas please!

 

 

Cotting Court

 

Cotting Court....tucked between the two buildings of this sophisticated community (really, any unit I've been in reminds me of a Mini Buckhead mansion with the decor and furnishings)

James....could we have another Grey Goose Martini, dry, 2 olives please!

 

MidCity Lofts

 

Mid City Lofts.....simply elegant in a contemporary, minimalist setting. The pool deck is not even wide enough to get a lounge chair by it...but in the background is one awesome club house, perfect to mix up the cocktails and stroll around.

Maybe a Mojito while you make the rounds and let everyone know you are here!

 

 

These were your mid-rise buildings in Midtown (6-8 stories). Now, let's kick it up a notch.....

Viewpoint Midtown

 

Viewpoint Midtown is the newest kid on the block! And He know's how to set the tone! From the high end grills in the foreground, to the pool, and the wet bar on the other end...and chaise lounges and landscaping in between, this is sure to be THE pool to be seen at next Summer! (Since closings just started in June..it was quiet this summer)

With a wetbar, I say bring on the blender and bring on the Frozen Margaritas!!!! Some chips, salsa and grill up some fajitas! Now we're talking!

 

Plaza Midtown

 

Up next, is Plaza Midtown. This is where The Thom And Ray Team call home! This pool will handle you and a few dozen of your closest friends....but...hey hey....resident guest limit is 4 people. (Last Summer this pool was THE Midtown Pool to be seen at!)  The round building to the left is the club house and fitness center.

With room for a DJ and poolside dancing, and a stroll in the Plaza Gardens, I enjoy my Cosmo....easy there...no spilling on the pool deck while dancing!

 

 Metropolis Pool

 The Metropolis - Was nicknamed the Towers of Glass when they were first constructed in 2001. Orginally it was to be 1 tower of condos, and 1 tower of apartments. The first tower sold out so fast, it bacame ALL condos. The landscaping of the pool was a big news story as they craned trees and huge boulders up to the 6th Floor Amenity Deck. As you can see, the 6th Floor Pool Deck is pretty cool.

Let's grab a Rum Runner, a chaise lounge and I'll tell you all about life in Midtown Atlanta!

 

Park Central

 

Park Central was built in 1999, before the developers figured out where to put the a/c condenser. (They are ON THE BALCONY) here! Ugh! And there is a reason why it's good to buy on a high floor or in a high rise if you want a view. PC will soon have the Lowes Hotel on one side and a new 25-story apartment building on the other. But, hey, they have an indoor AND and outdoor pool, and offer up an inexpensive choice in Midtown.

Grab a Miller Lite and we'll take a look around, and the head over to Piedmont Park...just a block away!

 

Four Seasons

 

Above The Four Seasons is just that. The condominiums above the Four Seasons Hotel. (Sorry for the pic quality....I've got to take my own?

Needless to say, quite posh and it's actually a spa!

In that case, I'll have a bottle of water please! (I mean really, we are at a Spa!)

 

 

1010 Midtown

 

1010 Midtown soon will be the New Kid on The Block! This condominium development is part of the huge 12th & Midtown project that includes condos, the new Lowes Hotel and an office building. As you can see for this drawing, ti will be another "garden and pool" in the sky, with a waterfall/feature and cabanas.

An Apple Martini, you iPod, your D&G sunglasses...you are IN!

1010 Midtown will start closings on the lower floors around October, and the higher floors will be next Spring.

And as promised....a few of the homes in Midtown also have an oasis tucked away in their backyard...

House 1

House 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can call any of these pools "yours" (with the exception of the home pools...neither home is currently on the market) Just give us a call!

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521 2008-08-30 10:18:24 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Is Hanna Coming to Atlanta? Preparing Makes Sense..Get Ready NOW! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=522 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=522 Ok, we are inland from the coast of Georgia, but only 5 hours to Savannah/Charleston! So, if Hanna continues on her present track as predicted, we could see some interesting weather by weekend.

Hurricane Hanna

We need rain here in Georgia...but not this way! Then there is the diseased Silver Leaf Maple tree in my front yard that hangs over my house! So the tree company will be here tomorrow to remove it. I'm not taking an chances with that kind of possible wind!

Remember, if a storm is approaching, these are some of the precautions you should take:

BASIC SUPPLY KIT

Emergency Kit

Water - One Gallon per person, per day for drinking and sanitation

Food - At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food that is easy to store and prepare, such as protein bars, dried fruit and canned foods.

Battery-powered Radio AND Extra Batteries -- When the power goes out, it's kinda hard to watch the Weather Channel to know what the storm is doing.

Flashlight AND Extra Batteries -- Again, when the power goes out, it's hard to find the remote control for the TV to watch the Weather Channel.

First Aid Kit -- for any minor injuries or to help until help arrives.

Whistle -- A GREAT idea to signal for help if you are trapped and search and rescue is underway. Probably would be best on a chain around your neck.

Moist Towelettes or Hand Sanitizer -- to help clean up and keep germs at bay.

ToolsWrench or Pliers -- to turn off utilities if there is danger around you.

Manual Can Opener -- for food in your kit if it's canned.

Plastic Sheeting and duct tape -- to shelter in place, cover broken windows or provide protection

Garbage Bags, Ziploc Bags and plastic ties -- Use Ziploc bags to keep batteries, matches, cell phones, wallets and any other items dry. Garbage bags for....ah....garbage....again it may be days before these types of services are restored.

Unique Family Needs -- Daily prescriptions, infant formula and diapers and important family documents.

Here is a perfect time to mention....Is your computer or laptop Backed up? What if you lose it in a flood or wind?  I use Carbonite and it's awesome...every time I save anything to my laptop, a copy is created on the web for me! Also, while you may not have time now, consider scanning family photos onto your computer so you have a copy of them.

Atlanta MapEscape Routes -- You should know your neighborhood, but even farther out than that....if you have to escape, you should have several routes mapped out should anyone be blocked or not available to you.

Since we work with many clients that live in high-rise condo buildings, remove anything and everything from your balcony, no matter how heavy you think it is! Anything off a balcony is an airborne missile to another person or building. Same goes for living in home. Patio furniture, garbage cans, etc should all be secured so they don't become flying objects.

We all hope we NEVER, EVER have to use these tips...but it's better to be safe, than sorry.

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522 2008-09-01 22:09:14 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Who Cares About Trends? City of Atlanta Is STILL Growing! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=523 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=523  

Atlanta

The Atlanta Regional Commission released it's August, 2008 Regional Snapshot last week. It shows that the Atlanta Region has not been immune to the effects of the housing market. (Oh wow, I bet any REALTOR could of told me THAT!) But seriously, in a region that has seen an explosion of growth, for the period of April 1, 2007 - April 1, 2008, the region saw an increase of 70,200 people. That is the lowest we have seen since 2003 and the report says its down 16 percent from the annual average this decade. If you can imagine, the Atlanta region has still averaged some 84,000 new residents per year since 2000! No wonder we've gained some traffic problems on our freeways!

But, the City Of Atlanta....we are still kickin.....with an increase of 13,100 people added in the last year! And that is the largest population gain that Atlanta has seen in some 40 years! It also the first time that Atlanta has posted a larger growth thatn surburban Gwinnett County. For those of you reading this that may not be familiar with the Atlanta Metro Region....let me quickly explain why these numbers are important.

When you mention you live in Atlanta, but you really live in Buford, Cumming, Canton, Peachtree City, Stockbridge or Lawrenceville, you live in a suburb of the Atlanta Metro area, NOT the City of Atlanta. Some of these outlying areas are 20+ miles from downtown Atlanta. The importance of the increase in numbers for the City Of Atlanta itself shows that the move from the burbs to the urban core is underway. People are starting to look at their quailty of life and say, hey, kids are gone to school, why am I driving all this way to and from work? That, coupled with the growth in housing options such as new condominiums in areas like Midtown or Downtown Atlanta, or infill housing in neighborhoods such as Brookhaven, Chamblee or the Briarcliff area, is giving people the options they did not have before. And, as new office towers pop up in Midtown and Downtown, it brings more people to the area for their jobs and then the desire to live closer to where they work.

Of course with these numbers, it's no surprize that Fulton County led the growth in the region. And while many counties slowed, DeKalb (of which part is in the city limits of Atlanta) and Cobb County posted record population increases.

It's an exciting time to be a part of Atlanta! I've lived here since 1994, and in Midtown Atlanta since 2006. We can't turn back time, but if I could, I'd love to be 25 and be a part of what's happening now. Of course, I want all the knowledge I have right now as well! But since I can't I'll just focus on the future and be a part of it!

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523 2008-09-03 08:53:33 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Hanna, Scarlett and Rhett Do Not a Party Make! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=524 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=524  

Georgia Sky

There it is! Just snapped it this morning!!! Crystal clear blue sky above my house! And here we were all ready for rain, wind and more rain....two of which we really need here in Atlanta! And what do we get? Blue sky, calm winds and birds singing! Am I complaining? Well....no....but.....

In preparation for the pending storm, we had a HUGE Silver Leaf Maple tree in our front yard. (Same type as in the picture above) that had a huge piece all the way up the middle that was dead. We were concerned with the drought and weather that a strong storm might send the entire tree one direction or another! Two of the larger limbs were right over the house! So, we scrambled to get a tree company, at a reasonable price to get the work done before this pending storm......and.....NOTHING!

It was really a sad moment....and don't laugh. It was one of the features we loved about this house when we bought it some 17 years ago....

Havalyn lane

This picture, taken about a year ago, shows the tree on the right hand side. She was no small cookie! In fact, the diameter of the trunk is about 3 feet!

The main limb you see going up was the dead one..and the tree people said that all the weight would be to one side, making the tree very unstable. Plus, there were numerous places on the ground where the roots were rotting out as well.

So, something that took Mother Nature some 60 years to grow, was gone in the matter of 2 hours! That's it! cut, chopped, loaded and gone!

I actually got a sick feeling in my stomach when we saw what we were left with...

My Former Tree

The base of the tree ended up being solid....but the way the limbs would of been left...it was just asking for trouble!

So, next week, I'm drilling holes and making a planter out of the stump! It it's so inclined, and wants to start growing from this again, I'll be happy to let it!

So, Hanna decided she was no match for the likes of Scarlett and Rhett (Gone With The Wind....just in case somebody does not know....) and has paid North Carolina a visit!

I's like to hang out in some REAL rain...so will somebody send us some! Thanks!

 

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524 2008-09-06 19:52:58 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Why Buy Now? It Might Be The Smartest Thing You Do All Year! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=525 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=525 This article is reprinted with permission.

Sometimes, someone can just say it better than you can...and I think many of you will agree with Seth Weissman's take on the real estate market. I wanted to share it with you.

Purchasing a home in the next six months might be the smartest thing you've done all year.Midtown House

Bottoms of real estate markets never announce themselves with fanfare. Economists generally only determine the exact bottom long after the market has sharply rebounded. My prediction is that when the dust finally settles, the experts will look back on the time period between now and the presidential election as the best time to have purchased a home.

Why is this the case? There are several interrelated reasons. The first is that the housing market in the metropolitan Atlanta area is far healthier than most housing markets in the United States. We've seen some price reductions in housing but nothing comparable to other parts of the country. With our region's population increasing by 150,000 people per year, prices can only go so low because demand is constant. It's a nice cushion to have.

Money

 

Second, for the moment, the Federal Reserve (Fed) is more concerned about encouraging growth than controlling inflation. Don't expect this to last. If inflation remains high, look for the Fed to start raising rates right after the presidential election. This, along with the turmoil in the secondary mortgage market, is likely to drive up mortgage interest rates. This will make the effective cost of housing much higher than it is now even if prices continue fall somewhat, or remain flat. Let's look at the following example to understand why this is the case.

 

 

Thinking ManLet's say that a buyer gets a good deal on a property at $320,000 with a 30-year mortgage for 90 percent of the purchase price at an interest rate of 6.25 percent. The buyer's monthly mortgage payment will be $1,773.27. Now, let's say that the buyer gets a great deal on the same house at $300,000 but interest rates on the same 90-percent loan are now 7.25 percent. Even though the buyer is borrowing less, the monthly mortgage payment is $1,841.88. In other words, the buyer who waited for the great price actually ended up paying more for the property that the buyer who paid a little more but got a better mortgage interest rate.

Rising mortgage interest rates could drive housing prices even lower. My bet, based on the above example, is that the effective increase in housing costs resulting from rising mortgage interest rates will not be offset by further decreases in property values.

 What does this all mean? The answer is that there is likely a short-term window of opportunity to get the best deal in this down cycle of the housing market.

House with Money

 

Where are the best deals? Well, remember that the entire housing market is on sale right now. The houses that are most deeply discounted are foreclosed homes presently owned by various lending institutions. These are sometimes referred to as "REO" properties or real estate owned. It's not a bad place to start your search for a home. However, there is one major caveat to this suggestion: There is a big difference between price and value. The house that is the most deeply discounted from a price perspective is not always the best long-term housing value. If a house is functionally obsolete, in a less than ideal location and/or in a mediocre school district, the long-term value of the house may not be as good as a higher priced home where these things are not an issue. For buyers interested in value, focus on the following four factors:

  1. Location  Buyers want to be close to work, shopping centers, healthcare and recreation. This is even more true with the rising cost of gas.
  2. School District  Quailty public schools always have been a huge factor for most buyers.
  3. Quality  Buyers want a well-built house.
  4. Design and Functionality  Many houses become functionally obsolete because of a lack of closets, size of bathrooms, layout of kitchens, height of ceilings or architectural design.

If the house is being bought for investment purposes, the price point of the house is far more important than when the house is being purchased to live in. Look for lower priced homes that will appeal to a broad rental market.

Horses and FenceIf you have been sitting on the fence, it is finally time to move!

 

Seth Weissman is a senior partner in the real estate and litigation law firm of Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco, P.C. He can be reached at seth@wncwlaw.com

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Bone Garden Cantina - Now That's Some Good Mexican Food! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=526 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=526 Bone GardenI've read about this restaurant in a review from Atlanta Magazine. It peaked my interest for several reasons. First, we don't have any good Mexican restaurants in Midtown or Midtown West, as this area is called, so there was hope. Two, I know the owner, Michael Benoit. He lives in my building, Plaza Midtown, and is the owner of another Midtown landmark, The Vortex Bar and Grill. And Third, with my in-laws in town for 2 weeks, I was looking for options!

Well....first off....it's located in the ever-changing area of Midtown West (so it has been somehow named) or the industrial area west of the Downtown Connector that is seeing a surge of new condos, townhomes and other retail establishments. Bone Garden is locate in the totally cool Lumberyard Lofts complex....a converted warehouse that is now home to trendy design offices as well as this restaurant.

lumberyardIt's great that these types of places are being created close to Midtown Atlanta, since there are no buildings like this in that area. There are lots of opportunities like this in the area!

Ah, but on to the restaurant, and the FOOD! Yummy Yummy said my tummy! Now, I will say it's Mexican Food with a bite...all the food is much spicer than I've known Mexican to be...but that was a good thing! They start you off with your traditional chips and salsa..and the salsa is the first kick you get. (Glad that Corona was close by!) The menu is totally reasonable in pricing, and sort of brings tapas to Mexican food. Each item is smaller in portion, so you can order 2 or 3 and make your own combo plate. I created mine with a Blackened Tilapia Taco, a Pork Enchilada and a side of Black Beans! (Hungry now? Mouth watering?) It was all delicious, and with good service to boot! Of course you will see Michael, and his wife Kirsten hard at work keeping everything in line!

Bone Garden Interior

As you can see, the interior has some pretty cool murals and a great bar to hang out!

The space, with concrete floors, brick walls and high ceilings is just perfect for this place. And there are also outdoor tables as well, so perfect for an evening get-to-gether with friends!

Bone Garden Cantina is at 1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd, off of Huff Road. (404) 418-9072

Tell 'em Thom and Ray sent you!

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Midtown Atlanta Condominiums -- Spire Midtown http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=527 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=527  

SPIRE. MIDTOWN. OWN THE SKY

Spire Midtown

When Spire Midtown was announced in 2004, it was like the land rush days of the Old West! You got to see a "model" that was built into some older retail space around the corner from where the actual building would be built. You got to look at floor plans displayed on the wall. And then a Sales Associate would show you on the model where your choice was. And then you leaned against the wall and signed your contract on your leg....there was no place to sit.  388 homes Sold in 4 weeks! Gotta love that!  It was the new, and ONLY kid on the block if you wanted a new condominium in Midtown. And they did a pretty good job. Let me take you on a quick tour of Spire. Midtown.

Before Spire

Let's start with was was BEFORE Spire Midtown....In fact, I even attended an event in the hotel (I think it was a really, really sad Ramada Hotel at the time) So you can see what all the fuss and muss was about to have this exciting new addition coming to town!

As I write this, I'll be darned if I can find any of the construction pictures of the building....I'm pretty sure I took some, but they're not on my laptop....

So...let me show you around Spire...a great living option in Midtown Atlanta!

 

Lobby

 

The Lobby went through a complete renovation about a year ago, maybe less. Added were several color schemes in each of the "areas" of the lobby, where guest seating and the Concierge Desk is. The floors remind you of the terrazzo you find in many Miami Beach Hotels. There is a secured front door, and then another entry door to the residential elevator lobby. From here, your guests can call you on the call box, and you can remotely let them in. Once on the elevator, Spire has a unique security system that only allows the elevator to be operated with a code (provided to you by the resident or the Concierge) or with your own key access card. This system only allows a resident access to the Lobby, their assigned garage floor, the Amenities Floors, and your residential floor. This way, people can not wander all over the community. It's a great security feature and peace of mind.

Club Room

 

Let's start with the Amenities, or The Sky Club. Tastefully decorated in lush green with stone and wood accents, this area is a great place to meet friends. Available to residents to reserve, it's perfect for a holiday party, or to watch a football game on the big screen in the Movie Room. There are two gas log fireplaces that add great atmosphere on a cool winter evening.

In the center of Sky Club, a circular staircase takes you to the 8th Floor where the Cardio, Weight and Aerobics rooms are located. The Club also includes a catering kitchen, pool table and several Internet workstations.

 

A view of the grilling area on the Pool deck...and the Weight Room...

Grilling AreaWeight Room

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course, no home (at least in Hotlanta's summer weather) would not be complete without...

Pool

The pool area is available to all residents and guests. Unlike the Sky Club, it cannot be reserved for events, unless it is a community event. It's a great place to soak up the sun. Some days, you feel like you are at a resort...not your home. Speaking of...

7th Floor

 

Spire Midtown offers 17 different floor plans, ranging in size from 606 sq.ft. to a 2 bedroom at 1356 sq. ft. While living in a high-rise condominium, one usually looks for the higher floor and view, the homes on the 7th floor (same level as Sky Club and the Pool) offer expansive terraces! Some of them actually double the size of the home! As you can see from this picture, you have some great outdoor living and entertaining space!

Every home has a balcony, just not this size!

 

Since the building opened in 2005, many owners have added their own personal touch to their homes. There has even been two "combinations" where owners have bough at 2 bedroom and a 1 bedroom and combined them to make a 3 bedroom home. Buyers in Spire had little choice in offerings in the homes. All homes had black granite countertops and black subway tiled kitchen back splash. Kitchen and bath cabinetry was either cherry or maple, depending on the floor you chose. Hardwood floors were standard in kitchens, and optional elsewhere in the home.

Here are a couple examples of kitchens in Spire Midtown....

kitchen

kitchen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the great features of homes at Spire Midtown show how construction has evolved. The developer of this building has built several buildings in Midtown (those will be featured in later posts) but this was the first to feature what is now a standard with floor-to-ceiling windows/glass doors. These 10 foot walls of glass are perfect for taking in what I say high rise living is all about......the view!

Midtown View

And lastly, and example of interiors of some of the Spire homes.....

Living Roombedroom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spire.Midtown. Own a piece of the Sky! I hope you enjoyed this tour of one of Midtown Atlanta's living options! We'll be giving you more tours in the days and weeks ahead!

 

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Lead Paint! It's Still Around And You Should Know More! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=528 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=528 FIND OUT HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN AND PETS TOO!!

Did you know that lead is the #1 environmental hazard for children 6 and under?

Oakcliff House

Lead was often used in paint and varnishes prior to 1978, and the older the home, the more likely it will contain lead based paint.

Although paint in good condition is of relatively minor concern, even intact paint that is on a surface that receives wear, like doors, floors, windows or cabinets can create lead dust.

Even more alarming is that many homes of this age are prime for one thing....RENOVATIONS AND REPAINTING!

 

 

gas maskIf lead paint is disturbed during renovations and repainting that is not done under proper conditions, hazardous conditions can quickly occur!!!

An amount of lead dust equivalent to the contents of a sugar packet is all it takes to create a potentially harmful environment for small children. It can also affect adults as well that are doing the actual renovation/painting work.

Lead can cause serious neurological and developmental defects in young children, leading the health, IQ or other problems.

puppy

 

Even your pets, to whom many of us are our children and a part of our family could be in harms way! Remember, they are at ground level, and often times pick up food items from the floor where lead dust could be around!

And they breathe the same air we do!!

 

Find Out How To Protect Your Children

Attend This Free Information Seminar and Learn More!!

WHEN:     Wednesday, September 24, 2008 @ 6:30pm

WHERE:   Piedmont Park Community Center, 1071 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309

               (Double Glass Doors on Patio Behind Willy's)

WHO:         Representatives from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division

WHAT:      Seminar designed to educate the homeowners on ways to protect their family from this easily   avoidable harm.

RSVP:       CSmith@piedmontpark.org or call 404.876.4024

Sponsored by The Georgia EPD and The Piedmont Park Conservancy

 

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Describe Your Feelings After Today! A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=529 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=529 Yep! That's right! A picture is worth a thousand words! So I'll keep mine to just a few for this one....

I'm thinking how I need to do my business plan for 2009, but what will business be like?

I'm trying to budget the money, but if the money is not coming in, what do I budget?

I'm motivated, to blog, to learn more technology to improve my business, but when you watch the news, it kinda takes the wind out of your sail.

So, How Do You Feel?

Here's How I Feel!

Upside Down

We WILL Weather the Storm!

We WILL Survive!

We WILL Prevail!

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805 Peachtree. More Than Just An Address. http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=530 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=530
CLICK TO VIEW LISTING WEBSITE
Click to view listing website
Description and Features Once an abandoned office building, 805 Peachtree now stands transformed into an exciting residential community in the Heart of Midtown Atlanta. Located on Peachtree Street, 805 impresses residents and visitors alike with its clean lines and contemporary style. From the moment you enter the stunning lobby, to the Caribbean-styled pool and cabanas, you’ll never want to leave 805! Number 214 offers an open floor plan with exposed concrete ceilings now highlighted in black with soft grey walls. A wall of windows looks out over vibrant Peachtree Street. The modern and innovative kitchen features stainless steel appliances, Siemataic cabinets and rich Corian counters. Entertain your guests at the kitchen bar will you prepare gourmet delights on your gas range (rare in condo living). Once they’ve left, take a relaxing bath in your whirlpool spa tub. The home has hardwood floors throughout. The amenities at 805 Peachtree include the pool as well as a large club room, perfect for those larger gatherings. And there’s a fitness center, equipped to rival any gym membership you may have now! The secured building and 24 Hour Concierge will be sure to give you peace-of-mind as well as convenience. Shopping, restaurants, museums and theatre are just a few blocks from 805. Walks through Historic Midtown or the Midtown Mile will lead you to Piedmont Park, often called “Midtown’s Backyard.” There you can enjoy leisurely strolls while catching glimpses of high rise buildings, ducklings chasing their mothers on the lake, or children chasing dogs on lush green meadows. 805 Peachtree. Where You Belong.
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Parking Spaces: 1
Square Feet: 990
Year Built: 2000
Floors: 1
Location Click to view map: 805 Peachtree Street, 214 Atlanta GA 30308 Links

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530 2008-09-30 17:32:23 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
BOO! It's October! Do You Know Where Your Ghost and Pumpkin Are? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=531 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=531 FallI love the Fall! Well, until I go look at my yard or my driveway. Then I'm thankful for a commercial grade blower that cleans up like a whiz! What makes Fall so "cool?" Here's some of my favs!

Sleeping With the Windows Open

Not sweating when you wear long sleeve shirts!

Break out the sweaters

Watch the landscape change from green to gold, orange and brown (lack of rain here will make for a less than colorful Fall!)

"Harvest" displays everywhere with the corn, pumpkins and straw bales

Enjoying my backyard patio and the birds

A drive in the North Georgia Mountains to leaf watch

AND.....festivals, ghosts and goblins, tricks or treats and more festivals! If I listed them all, I'd have a record for the longest blog ever, so just a few highlights of some fun things to do in and around Atlanta!

Lawrenceville Ghost Tours (Every Night In October!)scary

 

 

The Tour begins at Aurora Theater, highlighting Lawrenceville's most vivid stories of the eerie and weird. A costumed guide will lead ghost tour groups on a goose-bumpy 90-minute adventure. Link above or call 678/226-6222

scarecrowScarecrows in the Garden Atlanta Botanical Gardens

The Atlanta Botanical Garden displays more than 70 original scarecrows created by local groups and individuals. Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4pm. There will be a children's costume party on October 26 from 1-4pm. Link above or call 404/876-5859

 

Panda Boo at the Zoo - Zoo Atlanta

 

A great place for the family, especially the munchkins! Enchanted Zoo Boo Town reappears with a cast of costumed characters, even a talking tree! There's Trick-or-treating in the Candy Forest, rides on the Boo Train and of course, visits with the animals! Take note of these SIX (6) special evenings:  October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 from 5-8:30pm. Link above or call 404/624-5600

 

pumpkins

 

Sixth Annual Pumpkin Festival - Stone Mountain Park

Come experience the new Mad Science show, find your way through Farmer Brown's A-MAZE-ing Adventure. You can compete in pumpkin pie eating contests, enjoy fall arts and crafts, a talking pumpkin and more!

Link above or call 770/498-5690

(A talking tree, pumpkin...scare me!)

 

dachshund

Howl-O-Weenie Festival - Saturday, October 11  10am-5pm

A benefit for DREAM (Dachshund Rescue, Education, Awareness and Mentoring), this event draws hundreds of dachshunds, many of them in costume. There are contests, demonstrations, food, vendors, live music, children's events, a race, on-site heartworm testing and low-cost vaccinations for dogs and cats.

It will be held at Cabbagetown Park in Kirkwood at 200 Tye Street and Kirkwood Avenue.

Make a day of it, enjoy contests (a fee to enter if you bring your....you guessed it...Dachshund) and then sample a local restaurant, like Ace's Bar and Grill at 1992 Hosea Williams Drive; Ann's Snack Bar at 1615 Memorial Drive or grab a coffee before the event at Gathering Grounds, 1994 Hosea Williams Drive.

I've lost the link for this event that was sent to me, but the link above will give you details and location.

Atlantic Station

 

 Taste of Atlanta - Atlantic Station  October 11-12

Rated (not sure by who?) as one of the top food festivals in the nation, featuring more than 70 of the city's best restaurants.

Cooking demonstrations, culinary VIP's, wine and entertainment. What more do you need!!!

Link above, or call 404/875-4434

 

gas pump

 

Lakewood 400 Antiques Show  October 17-19

Lakewood 400 Antiques Market in Cumming, GA (North of Atlanta) will have thousands of antiques and collectibles for you to browse through! You never know what you will find in an antique shop or show!  Restoration and repair services, appraisals and more!

Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-6, Sunday 10-5

Link above, or call 770/889-3400

There are SOOOOO many other things coming up in October...I'll do another post to cover the latter part of the month in a few days!

Enjoy the Fall weather and all that there is to do outside, in and around Atlanta! And if you venture in from out of town, and decide you want to stay awhile, well, give us a call!

 

 

 

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Midtown Neighbors' Association Hosts Urban Design Meeting! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=532 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=532 I've been meaning to do a blog about the Atlanta Beltline, it's potential, it's challenges and it's benefits, but have not been able to digest all the information. The hope is that this "Emerald Necklace" of parks and green space, coupled with transit (light rail) and new developments, will connect many neighborhoods of Atlanta. Urban design is not a new thing, but is not really understood by everyone either.

Midtown Neighbors' Association will host on Density and Urban Design, tomorrow evening, beginning at 7pm. Additional information is below, and I'll be doing a follow up from this meeting!

Midtown Atlanta

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Yes, Virginia! There ARE Great Midtown Atlanta Condos You Can Afford! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=533 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=533
Click to view listing website
Description and Features This contemporary Cornerstone Condo is not your traditional Cornerstone home! Stunning upgrades include beautiful green granite counters in kitchen and bath, tile floors in the kitchen and bath, and hardwood floors throughout the rest of the home! Eye-catching lighting is found from the kitchen to the bath and everywhere in between! Open the French Doors to your Juliette balcony, covered with English ivy and enjoy the sights and sounds that ARE Midtown Atlanta! Just where you want to live! Cornerstone Village includes a resort-style pool, fitness room, home theatre and has recently completed upgrades to the interior hallways with new paint, carpet and designer lighting. Your parking is located on the same level as the home…no elevator ride here! And what could be better than being in the heart of Midtown Atlanta….the cultural center of Atlanta. Whether it’s taking in an art exhibition at the High Museum, a play at the Fabulous Fox Theatre or an afternoon stroll through the green space art of Piedmont Park, it’s all just steps from your door! Cornerstone Village. The Midtown Mile. Midtown Atlanta. All the ingredients for a great life style!
Bedrooms:1
Bathrooms:1
Parking Spaces:1
Square Feet:775
Year Built:1999
Floors:1
MLS #:3721756
Location Click to view map: 800 Peachtree Street, #1404 Atlanta GA 30308 Links  ]]>
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Welcome To Atlanta! First Things First! Things You Need to Do and Know! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=534 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=534 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate

Welcome To Atlanta, Georgia!

We hope you are excited to be here and will find Atlanta to be all that you expected it to be...

and MORE!

Of course, moving to a new city is a challenge for anyone, be you single, in a relationship, or married with children. There are all kinds of emotions going on, as well as what seems like a million things to do, to get your life back in order.

We thought you'd like a few tips and reminders of what needs to be done!

Let's presume you've found your place to live, and have that major hurdle accomplished. (If not, we can talk about that in another blog!)

Driver's License:  Oh yeah! How Fun this is! Actually, Georgia has made great strides in this process, and now it's much easier. There are various requirements, such as:

  • Be At least 18 Years of Age
  • Surrender your Valid Out-of-State License (if expired can't be more than 2 years expired)
  • Have a Social Security Number
  • Provide Proof of Georgia Residency
  • Provide Proof of Idenity and Proof of Citizenship

There are only 6 locations in the Metro Atlanta area where you can obtain your Georgia license...be forwarned...none of them are close to Midtown Atlanta! They are located in Decatur, North Cobb County in Marietta, Lithonia, Lawrenceville and Locust Grove. (Locust Grove has outlet malls...maybe you could make a day trip?!) The Georgia Department of Driver Services has a great website with more information to help you with this process.

Classic CarCar Tag or License:  Ok, another fun task, but again, vastly improved from the old system. Renewals are staggered based on your birth month. The tag renewal use to be due by May 31, and the lines use to take hours...and I mean hours!  New Georgia residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need your present title, last registration, odometer reading, and Georgia emission inspection for required vehicles.

Unfortunately, here in Georgia we have ad valorem tax on our cars! What's that mean? And expensive license, based on the value of your car! My 2007 Sonata was $246 and my 1969 Buick Wildcat Convertible was $21. Something to be said about driving an old car! Taxes are assessed according to the make and model of the vehicle and the tax district in which you live. Additional info is available at the Fulton County Website.

If your car is 1984-2005 model, you'll need an emission inspection, and those are available at gas stations and auto repair shops.

zip carIf you are fortunate enough to live close to a MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) station, and can ride the train to work, you might not need a car? There are a few people in Atlanta that have passed on having a car, especially since Zip Cars has come to Atlanta. This cool way to get around is available ALL over Midtown Atlanta. You join, get a card, and you simply swipe it over the windshield, the door unlocks, and you are on your way. For an hour, or a day. Map

As you can see from this map of Midtown, they have LOTS of locations!

 

But, let's finish up your transportation option by reviewing MARTA. Construction began on the MARTA system in 1975, with the first rail service commencing on June 30, 1979. The system has since built most of the proposed rail lines, as well as stations in Sandy Springs and North Springs(close to Perimeter Mall) which were not included in the original plan. When MARTA was first proposed, it was suppose to service Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Clayton and Cobb Counties. However, it was 1971 when only Fulton and DeKalb counites successfully passed a 1% sales tax increase to fund operations....and that's where it's been sitting ever since. Construction costs are now so expensive that the current lines will most likely never be extended. Gwinnett County has now expressed interest in extending from the Doraville station into Gwinnett County. (To bad they could of not been on board back in 1971!!

Marta map

The map above shows the rail lines that run North/South (more or less) and East West. A single, one-way fare is $1.75. There are various options for frequent riders, and more information can be found at the MARTA website.

Again, Welcome to Atlanta, and hope this information helps you understand some transportation options and "to-dos" when you arrive in Atlanta!

 

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Midtown Neighbors' Tough On Trash! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=535 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=535 Midtown Clean Up

MNA Clean-Up Committee Helping to Keep Midtown Attractive for Residents and Visitors

 ATLANTA - In an effort to keep Historic Midtown clean and beautiful, the Midtown Neighbors' Association (MNA) Clean-Up Committee has implemented a volunteer litter pick-up program and is raising funds for placement of additional trash cans.    

Formed in 2006 with 4 volunteers, the Clean-Up Committee has expanded its force to eight street captains and teams with over 30 volunteers. The goal is to eventually have a captain and team for each street in Midtown. The teams meet the first Saturday of each month to pick up litter and to assist with other clean-up efforts such as street sign cleaning, street sign topper installation, and graffiti removal. Volunteers are dressed in matching t-shirts and each team is provided gloves and trash bags.   New volunteers are given a free t-shirt that features the MNA logo and clean-up slogan "For a cleaner Midtown".

The current eight street teams include: Piedmont Ave., Myrtle St., Monroe Dr., 10th St., Charles Allen, Argonne St. 1, Argonne St. 2, and Wilsonian.

Midtown Neighbor's AssociationThe MNA Clean-Up Committee, working with the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Management, has secured a total of 17 new wire trash cans since 2006. Each trash can costs approximately $1,000 and is banded to show it was provided by MNA. A portion of the proceeds from MNA's annual Tour of Homes each spring is allocated to help pay for the new trash cans. The 2009 home tour is scheduled for April 4 and 5.

"We believe that keeping our sidewalks and streets liter-free sends a strong message to everyone that we believe a clean neighborhood is a safer neighborhood." - Mary Grace Albuna MNA Clean up Committee Chair.   

 

Anyone interested in volunteering with an established team or starting a new team may contact cleanup@midtownatlanta.org.    

About MNA:

Founded in the late 1960s, the Midtown Neighbors' Association (MNA) is a not-for-profit organization composed of businesses and residents. The MNA, completely managed and operated by volunteers, strives to develop solutions that continually improve Midtown's safety and quality of life with the goal of making it a better place to live and work. The organization annually sponsors the Midtown Tour of Homes and Midtown Shop & Dine Week. For more information, visit www.midtownatlanta.org.

NOTE: I'm on the Board of Directors for MNA and serve at the Membership Chairman. If you are NOT involved in your community, be it Midtown Atlanta, or where ever you live, consider it. Afterall, it's YOUR community! And a great way to get to know your neighbors!

This information was prepared by my good friend, Maizie Hale at Maizie Hale Public Relations. The best if you need PR!

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535 2008-10-15 07:16:58 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Telephone 101 - How To Leave A Message For Those That Don't!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=536 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=536 Cell Phone

It's not always possible, but I try to answer my phone whenever it rings. As soon as I start working with a client, I put their information in my Blackberry, so when they call, I see their name, and know who's calling. I'm not one of those agents that has a message that says "if this call is received after....." Not my business model. If I'm on the couch watching tv at 10pm and my phone rings, you'll get me!

But, there are those times I'm on the phone, and can't take a call. Or maybe that movie is in a critical part and I don't want to hit pause, so you leave me a message.

I call my voice mail, listen to the message. And listen to the message. And listen to the message. Whew....yep...I think I finally got the number the caller rattled off. Their name....uhmmmm, well....we'll just wing it on that one!

Sound familiar? I came from the days before there were even answering machines, yet alone voice mail and cell phones and all. (Yep, older than I look!) So my secretary had to take a handwritten message. And she had to have good handwritting.

Now days, we are all in a hurry so it seems. But, let's take a moment and learn a proper way to leave a message on voice mail...

" Hi Thom. This is John Smith with ABC Realty. I'd like to show your listing tomorrow at 1234 Main Street between 2-4pm. If it's not available, or there is anything I need to know, please call me at 404-555-9999. Otherwise I'll plan to show it tomorrow between 2-4pm. Again, this is John Smith with ABC Realty and my number is 404-555-9999. Thanks!"

cell phoneThere now, that wasn't so hard, was it? You told me who you were, who you were with, what you were calling about and repeated your contact information twice. I didn't have to play your message 3 or 4 times to get what I needed!

Simple as it sounds, sometimes we just need a little reminder!

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536 2008-10-17 10:03:41 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
It's Times Like This When We ALL Need A Good Laugh! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=537 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=537 I really have to be selective these days in how much TV I watch. There is two reasons:

1)  My cup is full when it comes to negative news! I just don't need to hear anymore of it! Can somebody do a human interest story or something that will make us all just feel good? Really.....

2)  If I get "caught" on the couch, and start watching any number of programs, I find hours wasted that I could of been working on my social media marketing skills, new ideas to market my listings, or just learning something from the vast knowledge we can find on the web.

You just want to have a good laugh. Forget about markets and 401k's and all. So, I thought I'd share a good laugh with you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did...and do daily now!

 

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537 2008-10-29 21:09:18 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
My New Neighbor is 25' Tall and Weighs 5 Tons! Good Grief! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=538 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=538 Well, he's sort of my neighbor!King Tut Exhibition But is is tall and he is huge!

The statue of the ancient Egyptian god, Anubis has arrived in Atlanta, to announce the upcoming U.S. premier of "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs." The exhibition opens November 15, 2008 and runs through May, 2009.

The statue has been erected at the corner of 13th and Peachtree Streets, and is quite the sight. I think my picture captures it well....and while it looks like it took two huge cranes to place him, they are actually the cranes that are building 12th & Midtown and the new Lowes Midtown Atlanta Hotel. Rather Clever, eh?

The name King Tut has instant recognition in today's world, however, prior to the discovery of his tomb in 1922 people were unfamiliar with this pharaoh. In fact, his name had been omitted from all of the lists of rulers the ancient Egyptians compiled. The website for the exhibition has LOTS of information about the history of King Tut, and you can also buy tickets online.

Kathy Cox, Georgia's State Superintendent of Schools said this is a great opportunity for teachers around the state to plan field trips for students to see such an exhibit. Indeed, I think you could call this a "once in a lifetime opportunity!"

For all the details regarding this exciting cultural event in Midtown Atlanta, visit the King Tut Website.

Midtown Atlanta

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538 2008-10-30 12:38:45 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Beltline Clean-up To Draw Hundreds to Help Clean Midtown Area! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=539 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=539 Garbage. Junk. Trash. We can call it anything we want, but we've got it! And sometimes not where it should be or where we want it. Sometimes, laws make it hard to get rid of trash, like used tires. So people just toss them where they see fit. And then somebody's gotta' clean it up!

Beltline Transit StationThe Atlanta Beltline is an aggressive, 25 year plan to connect a series of parks and neighborhoods with a series of trails and some form of transit (trolley, train or such).

Saturday, November 8, from 8:30am-12pm, an army of volunteers will meet-up to help clean a section of the Beltline from Piedmont Park in Midtown to Freedom Park, by picking up litter and removing kudzu from trees. (In case you don't know what kudzu is.....click on the link.) This ambitious project will clear a major portion of the Midtown Beltline segment and will soon become a walkable trail for people to use!

 

Beltline TrashWhat could there be to clean up, you ask? Well, I'd suspect the group will need a few dump trucks to haul all the garbage and debris that is contained in this area!

This effort is being coordinated and sponsored by a number of organizations, mostly The Beltline and Keep Atlanta Beautiful.

Peggy Denby, Executive Director of Keep Atlanta Beautiful toured the Beltline area that is to be cleaned on Saturday. If you want to know what kudzu looks like, and how tall it can get/much it can grow, she posed for a picture amongst the greenery.....

Peggy In the Kudzu

 

DETAILS ABOUT THE BELTLINE CLEANUP

WHO: You, The Sponsors and Partners

WHAT:   Beltline NE Corridor Cleanup

WHEN: Saturday, November 8th 8:30am-12:00pm followed by a Picnic!

WHERE:  Beltline NE Corridor, Monroe Drive to N. Highland Avenue

*** ABOUT THE DAY ***

Volunteers will arrive at designated meeting locatiosn (TBD) by 8:30am to check-in and get assigned to a group and team leader where they will receive supplies and training for picking up litter or cutting kudzu. Then it's off to work! Expect to return by 12pm to turn in tools and then head to Masquerade for the picnic!

If you can give your time to this all important community event, PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO HELP!  You can do so by visiting the Keep Atlanta Beautiful Website and click on the Volunteer Registration link.

The Thom And Ray Team will be there...and we hope to see you too!

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539 2008-11-03 08:45:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Thanks Active Rain! You've Given Me A Headache...But In A Good Way! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=540 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=540 I did my first blog on August 25, 2007...so I guess you could call that my "Rain Date." The day I dived into this "thing" (those that don't understand the Rain, or blogging for that matter are convinced we've joined a cult...you know that, right?) I had no idea what I was in for. Well.... Let me give you a brief run down that has lead to my Rain Headache!

Coffee

First...there's the coffee. I get up, walk to the office (gotta love a home office) push the power button on the laptop...then Where's my Coffee? And it don't come in no cup...nope...I do it in a beer-sized glass. Hey, less trips to the kitchen, so I don't have to leave my screen....speaking of...

Man on ComputerBesides the coffee, there's the "love affair" going on with my computer. And my growing need for glasses after countless late night and early morning hours, wandering around in the Rain, blog to blog, idea to idea, and having no concept that it is 1AM and past bedtime. Now, the flip side is the totally cool stuff I have learned as I've wandered, and then followed some fellow Rainers. There are people like Margaret Woda who have inspired me to write, and keep with it. But one of the first was my dear friend, Julie Neerings who first taught me a couple tips. And without the ever talented and knowledgable Active Brad, heaven knows where I'd be. I'll get to the cool stuff in a few...Let's continue on with my diagonsis of how I got this headache.....

As I've learned more about blogging, it's effectiveness, and just how much fun it can be, I've come to realize that it will truly be the most vital part of my real estate business in the months and years ahead. There's hardly an agent in my office that knows about this stuff, let alone get into it.....so I know I'm going to be light years ahead of my competition.

Camera Man

But...there is still so, so, so much to learn. Just when I'm trying to get my hands around blogging, along comes this thing called....Video.....Good Grief. So that means learning to film right, create a script so I don't sound stupid, and then how to edit. Oh, yeah....and it would help if we could post it somewhere like YouTube (something else to learn!) Tracy Santrock has offered to help me jump into this pool....Tracy, I'll be holding you to that offer....I've got a camera...do you think it's to big?

The best part of my headache has been all the cool stuff everyone has been willing to share! My Favorites List on IE is about a mile long, and altho well organized, I still find myself searching for the cool tools like SnagIt, Image Chef, One Tru Media, Picnik, My Live Signature and countless other cool tools to enhance my online image! (Just adding all those links kicked up the pain a notch!)

Then, to just top it all off, I've always wanted to put graphs in my blogs, and be able to do more market reports for the various condominium buildings in Midtown Atlanta where I work. Low and behold, today in the Daily Rain Report that hits my mailbox, here's a tutorial from Joe Manausa that just about covers it all. (Not that I much of a clue on how to work Microsoft Excel...whoopie something ELSE to learn) Great blog Joe, but....then I remembered....

HeadacheIt was time to Twhirl, Tweet, Feed, Tag, Follow, Link and Face......better known to some of us as Social Media Marketing... So, now, we need to figure out how to make our Tweets show our Face, and how our Friends can follow our Tags.....

And that's when it happened.....I should of known it was coming....

The warning lights and sirens went off...."We have detected information overload on all levels. Insert more coffee, a good scotch, or a full bodied chardonnay to prevent system malfunction."

Yep, it's official. I've got an Active Rain Headache and I'm loving every minute of it!

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540 2008-11-03 21:45:03 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
GREEN IT UP at the Enviro Expo USA! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=541 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=541 Since I've started blogging, it's been a real educational experience on so many levels, I can't even begin to start! However, one of those levels is that ever quest for a blog topic! Now, me being an A-type person, I've set up a notebook that is already overflowing with ideas for blogs! Now, I just have to make the time to do the posts!

But, a side benefit to this search for topics is the knowledge you gain! Wow....I know so much about what's happening in my community, and some of the things I find end up being a pleasant surprize....and this is one of them....enviro expo

Friday, November 14th,  10AM - 5PM

Saturday, November 15th,  10AM - 5PM

AmericasMart, Building 3   Corner of Harris and Spring Street  Atlanta, Georgia

So, you ask, what the heck is Enviro Expo? This event will cover a broad forum on going GREEN and will feature new technologies, products, in-services and organizations that will ensure a more sustainable lifestyle for all Georgians. Here's some of the areas that will be covered:

  • Recycling - Everything from phones and computers to tennis shoes (that I gotta see!)
  • Market Place - Green Goods, organic food and green pet products
  • "Green" Shopping - Furniture to Holiday decorating
  • Home/Gardens - green building products to green financing (another one I gotta see!)
  • Energy Alternatives - Gas, Wind, Solar, Electric and Water
  • Transportation - Electric and Hybrid Cars, Segway, bikes and mass transit

And just check out some of the sponsors ---

sponsors

Best of all......IT'S FREE!!!  THAT'S RIGHT!  FREE!!!

Check out the Enviro Expo USA 2008 Website for more details and directions and parking information for the  AmericasMart.

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541 2008-11-06 21:23:47 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Calling Active Rain Help? Anyone Good With Nvu? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=542 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=542 I found this program on a blog from Katerina Gasset via Debbie DiFonzo. I Soooooo want to kick my blog up a notch with different fonts and colors.

So I tried to use the program a couple days ago, and when I cut and paste from Nvu into my AR blog, it will not bring the pictures with it. I read everything I could at Nvu and could not figure it out!  So, I'm doing what any good AR blogger would do!

HELP! HELP! HELP!

Thanks for whomever shows up with the St. Bernard, the scotch and the answer!

 

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542 2008-11-08 15:15:23 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Welcome to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=543 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=543 When traveling, there is nothing worse than not knowing the airport you are going to be arriving in, or better yet, changing planes in. Never fear, your

"Everything You Wanted to Know about Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is Here!"

Atlanta Airport

First, a little history about how we got to be the world's busiest airport!HJAIA started back in 1925 as Candler Field (named after the former owner, former Mayor and Coca Cola tycoon, Asa Candler.) If you can imagine, the city bought the land (an abandoned auto racetrack) for a mere $94,400!! Of course that was ALOT of money in 1925, but considering it was 287 acres.....The first flight came on September 15, 1926, and Delta Air Service (now Delta Air Lines) began service in June, 1930, and moved its headquarters from Monroe, LA to Atlanta in 1941. In June, 1956, an Eastern Airlines flight to Montreal, Canada was the first international flight. Jump ahead....in May 2001 construction of a 5th, yes FIFTHrunway began, and was completed in 2006 at a cost of $1.28 Billion. With this additional runway, HJAIA is one of only a few airports that can perform triple simultaneous landings!

Many travelers are confused about the airport and it's layout, so let's break it down. There is a Main Terminal where all passengers are dropped off and picked up, along with the usual ground transportation services, parking and a MARTA train station. Actual airline flights depart from a series of Terminals or Concourses, T-E.

Map

Where Atlanta departing passengers get confused (and sometimes miss a flight) is the time required to get from the Main Terminal to the Concourse where their flight is departing. Especially now with heighten security measures, 1-1.5 hours would be a fair time to allow. Once you clear the security check-point in the Main Terminal, a series of escalators takes you to the Transportation Mall! (No stores, but lots of moving sidewalks, art, and the Automated People Mover (APM).

Mall

 

For a clearing understanding, let's just call it the train! The train stops at each of the Concourses, running about every 110 seconds. So, if you are departing on Delta #999 at Gate B29, you would take the train to the B Concourse, take the escalator UP from the Mall, and then go left to your gate. There was much to do a few years back when people said the trains "voice" was not friendly enough! I use to be quite robotic...I could imitate it quite well! Now it's a more friendly voice that announces the Concourse arrival and departure as well as the warning that the doors are closing.

 

But, lets back up for a second, and take a closer look at the ALL important

Main Terminal!

Main Terminal

One thing that makes an Atlanta departure much easier (in my opinion) is the way the Main Terminal is set up. If you are flying Delta Air Lines, Aero Mexico or Air France, you will be headed to the Terminal South. ANYBODY else, you are headed to Terminal North. Once curbside at either Terminal, you will see signage directing you to curbside check-in for your departing airline. (Above, it's noted as Ticketing/Check-In) Keep in mind, this is the SAME area where you PICK UP arriving passengers as well!  If you note on the map above, the oval circles with numbers 1-8 or 9...That is Baggage Claim! There is short term parking at the Main Terminal if you are dropping travelers off, and want to spend some time with them in the Atrium, before they clear Security and head to the Concourses. Will talk more about other airport services in a moment. Next, let's talk about the

Concourses!!

Concourse A

This is an example of Concourse A. In the middle is the Entrance and Exit Escalators to go to either Concourse B-E or to Concourse T and the Main Terminal and Baggage Claim. As I mentioned above, if you were departing from gate 29, you would come up from the Mall, turn left and 29 will be on your right!

There is food and beverages located on each Concourse, but some are better than others! Concourse A & B both have Chili's, Cinnabon (my favorite!) and Wolfgang Puck. Concourse C and D are not as great, and the International Concourse (E) is another world! The Main Terminal features Atlanta Bread Company, Domino's and Houlihan's.

Retail is making some inroads at the airport as well. Recent announcement for future stores include Calvin Klein, Brooks Brothers, Salvatore Ferragamo and Blackberry!  A $6 Billion capital improvement makeover is underway which will include a new International Terminal, a new rental car facility and upgrades to the concourses, the "train" and parking service.

So, the next time you fly into, out of, or change planes in Atlanta, you'll know where to go!

Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways are the two major carriers at HJAIA, but of course, Air Canada, Air Jamica, United, US Airways, Northwest (soon to be Delta) Continental and American service Atlanta as well.

 Airtran Jet

 

 

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543 2008-11-08 23:40:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
What Should The "First Dog" Be for The White House? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=544 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=544 I just could not resist this one! It popped up in one of those little Yahoo windows I get when I check one of my many (way to many) e-mail addresses!

It IS all the buzz these days....What, or maybe we should say Who will be the new First Dog in the White House come January. Not having allergies, I can't relate to what a challenge it must be to find a pet that will not be a challenge to the children. I'm sure it's a task, to say the least.

Pet Puppy

 

So.....I was just wondering what some of you thought about the suggested Peruvian Hairless Dog! Who KNEW there was such a creature?

He looks cute, in his own special way! Hmmm?

What do you think?

 

 

puppu

 

 

I guess he could kinda grow on you after awhile?

I think my dog would have to have hair.

Let's just hope that the search for the new First Dog is not taking away from any other important tasks like..Uhmmmm

The Economy?

Foreclosures?

The Auto Industry?

 

Hey....we gotta keep our focus, right?

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544 2008-11-11 22:57:34 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Viewpoint Midtown Hosts Tour of Homes Saturday, November 15 2-5PM http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=545 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=545 Always wanted to see what some of the condos look like in these cool buildings? Don't want to "bother" a Sales Agent to see models when maybe you are not really ready to buy?

Here's your chance! Viewpoint Midtown will host a Tour of Homes this Saturday! Now you get to see not only what the models look like, but actual homes of residents that live in the building! How cool!

Let me give you an added incentive.....One of our clients' homes will be on the Tour, and it truly is a "one-of-a-kind" home. They purchased a 2 bedroom and a 1 bedroom and combined them! It's an awesome home, and one of the owners is an artist, so that even adds more to it!

Come on down....The Thom And Ray Team will be there from 2-5PM and would be happy to represent you in YOUR purchase of a Viewpoint Home!

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545 2008-11-12 08:35:29 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
What Do You Do When The Broker Quits!!!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=546 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=546 Well...How's this for a start to the week. You get an e-mail from the owner of your brokerage (this is a person who is NOT involved in the day to day operations of your office - EVER) asking you to be in the office on Wednesday at 4pm for a meeting. WHAT? This can't be good. Visions of all things bad ran through my head....

  • The office is closing, and we will have to turn in our paperwork at our corporate office (not anywhere close to where the current office is)
  • The 3 satellite offices are being closed and everyone is being moved into the main office...so desks will have to be re-arranged (hint...lose a desk!)
  • We've bought a struggling agency and there's going to be a bunch of new agents (hint...lose a desk AND have more competition)

So, Monday evening, I'm in the office late, and another agent is there. I say "Hey, you know what's up?" He says, "Well, ya I kinda do." I'm on the edge of my seat....."Yeah?"  "The Broker quit."  BAM....sound of my jaw hitting the floor! "You said WHAT?"

The Broker Quit! Holy.....this cannot be good! So, What DO you do When The Broker Quits?

The owner of our company gave us no "real" indication of what happened...in fact, she was as much in shock as the rest of us. At a time when the real estate market is a bit uh......bumpy.....and the broker has jumped ship!

Well, it seems we have risen to the occasion. Most of the agents in our office are pretty independent anyway, but there are 3 Associate Brokers (Ray and myself being 2 of them) and one other. The other Associate along with another agent were our "Agent Council" so they were called to our Corporate office and told the news. Our current action plan is those two individuals will review all files as they come in to make sure they are complete. Closings (when they happen) will be paid out of the corporate office.

The two people from Agent Council are already suggesting a meeting the first week of every month. (Our Broker did one every QUARTER!) This way, we have more of an opportunity to know what's going on.

And while the Broker did not really give me any guideance or direction....it's still pretty strange to have his office locked...and no one there!

GuyAnd the search is on for a new Managing Broker for our office!  So, how's THAT for a week in real estate?

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546 2008-11-14 03:14:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Too Many Houses....Too Many Condos....Too Many Apartments....And Now HOTELS? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=547 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=547 Can a city have to many hotels? Can a neighborhood have to many LUXURY hotels? Well, that's a question asked around Midtown Atlanta these days!

Midtown Atlanta

 

First, we had condominium buildings everywhere we looked, and now it's hotels...and not your roadside, pull up in front of the room, plastic cups wrapped in plastic kinda motels....

....these new guys will set you back a few Ben Franklins' for a night. And you can bet you won't be parking your Mercedes in front of your room!

Currently, there are 2 luxury properties in Midtown in operation:

 

four seasons

 

The Four Seasons Hotel is the ultimate in luxury, and features 244 guest rooms and suites, a spa, fine dining and more. This building also has Above The Four Seasons, which are condominium residences.

w Midtown

 

The W Hotel Midtown Atlanta was recently converted from the former Sheraton Colony Square Hotel...and is quite the "hot spot" in Midtown Atlanta! This was no simple conversion...the cost was around $100,000 PER ROOM! Considering the hotel has 467 rooms, you could of almost built a new one for that...but probably not in this location, where it's part of the Colony Square Office complex.

 

And, Coming Soon To A Corner Near You....

Hotel Palomar

Hotel Palomar Atlanta will open in Early 2009 on West Peachtree Street at 7th Street. Convenient to the many major law firms in Midtown Atlanta, as well as Georgia Tech, Hotel Palomar was to have been topped off with luxury condos (imagine that concept) but that was scratched before construction began.

Along with 304 guest rooms, the hotel will feature 10,000 sq.ft. of meeting space. The original plans called for a totally cool pool bar concept that would be open to the public (what the guests will think of that?) in the area to the left of the tower...not sure if that is still going to be. Valet Parking at this hotel will be a nightmare...as the valet has to drive 4 blocks from the front door of the hotel to the garage entrance, since both Abercrombie Place and West Peachtree are one-way streets! Hmmmm...

 

 Lowes Midtown

The Lowes Midtown Atlanta is scheduled to open in 2010 with 414 rooms, 24,000 sq.ft. of meeting space, spa, lobby bar, restaurant and...wait...are you ready.... 60 luxury condominiums on the top of the building!  It will be an awesome building/hotel, but could face some real challenges is the proposed HUGE nightclub opens directly across from their front entrance. (Might not be such a quiet night sleep after all)

Here is the rendition of the building, the Lowes being on the right and the 1010 Midtown Condominium Residences on the left.

12th and Midtown

 

A side note....1010 Midtown started closings this past week. I've not been inside the building since a hard hat tour, but will be there Tuesday Nov 18 for a Broker event and then the Grand Opening is on Thursday. Pictures to follow!

I've heard the amenities level/pool is suppose to be awesome!

Have also heard they have only sold 35 of 400+ units!

Even the new owners of the Bank of America Plaza are considering converting several floors of office space to a luxury hotel. Hmmm.

Mandarin Hotel MidtownThen....as if we don't have enough, It was announced by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Atlanta-based Tivoli Properties that they plan to build the ultra-luxury hotel and residences at 1138 Peachtree Street, just North of the Lowes and 1010 Midtown. (In fact, almost across the street from Lowes.) The hotel will have 198 rooms and be topped by 71 condominiums (imagine that) ranging in price from $1.8-$15 million! Tivoli President and CEO Scott Leventhal said the company already has 19 condo reservations, buyers being both local and from overseas. The building will have four restaurants and bars, and the lobby will be on the 30th Floor. I've seen early plans for this building and this maybe the lobby for BOTH the hotel and condos. Or the hotel lobby maybe on the ground level.

Once started (note, once started) it will take about 30 months to build the 53-story glass skyscraper, meaning an opening would not happen before early 2011. This project was first announced back in March 2007 in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and about the same time, Mandarin Oriental moved it's development office to Midtown Atlanta.

Hotel Room

 

So if your travel plans in the coming year include a visit to Atlanta, and especially Midtown Atlanta, you are going to have some swanky places to rest your wear feet after a busy day of meetings or playing tourist.

If you feel so inclined to make your stay more permanent, please feel free to contact The Thom And Ray Team....we'd be happy to assist you in purchasing one of these "suites in the sky."

 

 

 

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547 2008-11-14 14:46:51 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Reasons for Seasons. What Season Are You? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=548 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=548 pull from wikipedia

compare real estate to seasons.....

compare life to seasons.....

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548 2008-11-16 18:41:58 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Atlanta Community Tool Bank - What A Great Organization! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=549 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=549 You know what it's like when you are trying to organize a group of people to do a civic project in your neighborhood....it's like pulling teeth! Getting people to sign up, show up, and then actually get some work done on your community project. Whew.....it's a tough task that takes lots of work and coordination!

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549 2008-11-16 19:13:55 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Just When You Needed a Topic, Along Comes Mr. MeMe! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=550 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=550 NotebookIndeed, I've got a notebook FULL of topics, it's just getting them "on screen" that is my challenge. I've got a couple in draft mode that I need to finish, but alas, here comes Mr. Non MeMe to the Rescue!

Unlike my friend in North Carolina, Susie Blackmon, who needed a disclaimer, or Cynthia Tilghman who's book peaked my interest, my book needs no disclaimer nor do I know if you could even find it in a book store! In fact, when I read Cynthia's post, I had to DIG, and I mean DIG to find a book in my office! I don't have a bookshelf here (in the other room) so maybe that was the problem? Then, this morning, bright and early, it jumped right off my desk at me! It was under another piece of paper! And it's actually quite an interesting book...which I'm planning to reference in future posts, I hope!

 

Here are the rules she laid out for me:

1. Grab the nearest book.

2. Open the book to page 56.

3. Find the fifth sentence.

4. Post the text of the next two to five sentences.

5. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book or the intellectual one. Pick the Closest.

6. Tag five people to do the same

*The one book that this can not be is the Bible*

Years ago, I worked for Nikko Hotels North America, and more specifically the Hotel Nikko Atlanta. (Now the Grand Hyatt Buckhead for those that know Atlanta.) We had a little gift we use to give out to some clients, called "Life's Little Instruction Book" written by H. Jackson Brown. It's a collection of notes he put together and gave his son when he left for college. So, I counted pages (they are not numbered) and here you are:

  • Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
  • Learn how to fix a leaky faucet and toilet.
  • Have good posture. Enter a room with purpose and confidence.
  • Don't worry that you can't give your kids the best of everything. Give them your best.
  • Don't forget, a person's greated emotional need is to feel appreciated.
  • Show respect for all living things

Wow! Pretty intense stuff, eh? Makes you stop and think for a minute!

So....what can you or I "take away" from these words....

  • Have a great attitude...and lord knows sometimes I'm on the wrong edge....called STRESS!!!
  • Fixing that faucet just before an Open House will for sure make it show better....right?
  • Good posture...positive attitude..Brings to mind a recent saying..."Yes We Can!"
  • Uhmm...I don't have kids, can I give to my partner instead?
  • Nothing better than a "thattaboy" to make someone feel good!
  • Ok, this means I either have to stop squishing spiders, or stop trying to throw cups of water at the squirrels that are eating all my birdseed and leaving nothing for the birds!

Now, here comes the fun part. I'm sending my "Active Rain Love" to some of my favorites here in the Rain! Really, it means I love you, really!

Tracy Santrock

Tracy Santrock

Fred Chamberlin

Fred Chamberlin

Margaret Woda

Margaret Woda

Richard Weisser

Richard Weisser

Mara Hawks

Mara Hawks

You're all the best!

 

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550 2008-11-19 07:35:34 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
When All Is Said And Done, It Still Comes Down to People, People, People! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=551 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=551 MeI'm a new kid (relatively speaking at 4 years) to this gig called real estate. Oh, I had some exposure years back when my parents sold real estate in Montana, but by that time, I had moved on to someplace like Houston, New Orleans or maybe Miami Beach. And real estate would be my 6th, yes I said 6th career in my lifetime. NO, you don't need to know what all the others are. But let's just say, each of them has been a great stepping stone to real estate.

I can say that every career has been service oriented. Helping people in some form or fashion. Whether it was renting a car, hosting a meeting in a hotel, or booking a cruise, it was all about service. (Just gave you some hints, didn't I?) Of all of them, the hotel business, by far, gave me the best training you could get for real estate. First off, you had to be detailed and organized. Contracts, files, etc. And it was big ticket items. I had one meeting that spent almost $600,000 in my hotel in 4 days. No chump change there! And it taught me to be professional.

phoneTimes when you had voice mail, but a live voice ALWAYS answered the phone, it NEVER went directly to voice mail. People, people, people.

One could argue whether real estate is a service business. I would certainly say it is. I'm providing service to my sellers in the form of market knowledge, product (neighborhood or building) knowledge, marketing expertise, negotiation service, hand holding, and much more. Buyers get much of the same information or service as well. After all, we are helping an individual, couple or family make one of the biggest purchases in their lifetime (unless they are on #2 or 3 for buying) but still they are looking to us (me) for help (service). People, people, people.

laptop

Back to my parents selling real estate....it didn't mean much to me then, but now I remember this big notebook my mom always carried....ahhhh.. it was her MLS book! Today, we have this little thing called the Internet. Makes our lives much easier. Sometimes, to easy. Buyers can shop for a house, narrow down what they want to look at and then, select an agent to show them the homes, and write an offer. (The simple view) But, they still rely on an agent to help them, guide them and work with them. The buyer is a person, the agent is a person. People, People, People.

 

Last night, I was at a Happy Hour event for Midtown Neighbors' Association, where I'm the Membership Chairman. I was having a conversation with two people, and it turned to social networking! Ahhh...music to my ears! I'm Tweeting, Facing, Linking and blogging like there is no tomorrow. Now, Twitter, which is all the buzz, has not caught on in Atlanta yet. I can do a search for Tweets in a 5 mile radius, and some of them are days old, not seconds!

peopleI was talking with Geoff, a patent attorney who is in his 20's and Sam (a girl) who is in her 30's and does something web related. Geoff knew nothing about Facebook or Twitter. Sam is one of my friends on Facebook and knows all about it, but nothing about Twitter. Geoff admits he's an engineering geek and did not even have a computer in college. (Scare me!) So, I gave a quick 60 second (or 140 character) sales pitch on Twitter. But Sam posed an interesting question..."But don't you want to meet people face-to-face when you sell real estate?" Well, for sure!

I explained how Geoff can know all about me (or as much as I have chosen to tell) and by the time he calls me. He has done his Internet searching, found some homes he is interested in and calls me to work with him, because he already "knows" me. But he has decided to work with me through the introduction I have made from my social networking. But in the end, it's people, people, people.

I read an article today on Inman News and completed a survey about our industry, the real estate industry. Questions like what is our future going to be? What will the business models be? What will a career in real estate be? Sure, there is technology, but really, would you buy a house from someone you never met face-to-face? (Ok, yes, some people have done this..but certainly NOT the norm for a real estate transaction.)

When all is said and done, it still comes down to people, people, people.

People

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551 2008-11-19 22:35:53 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Project H.E.A.D. To Stimulate U.S. Housing Market http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=552 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=552  

Disclaimer:  Please Read BEFORE reading this Blog Post

1) Reading of the Following Blog is STRONGLY recommended BEFORE reading this Post:    The Photo Contest
2) Tongue-in-Cheek Humor ability is required
3) Some knowledge of science-fiction is required
4) WAY to much time was spent writing this blog, so comments will make author feel MUCH better.


PRESS RELEASE
  CONTACT:   Thom Abbott, Associate Broker                                                                              
                         
The Thom And Ray Team  
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                    
 November 20, 2008


@@@@@@@@@@@@

Project H.E.A.D. To Stimulate U.S. Housing Market

In an attempt to bring the downhill slide of the U.S. Housing market to a screeching halt, and implement a 180 degree turnaround, NASA revealed its top secret research project to Congress in a special, closed door session last last night.

Project H.E.A.D. (Help To Entice Actual Decisions) has been part of the humanoid upgrade project since the early 1990's. Doctors, researchers and programmers have been working to perfect the ability of the humanoid to make actual decisions without the  need for the long delay, often referred to as "I'm not sure," or more specifically related to the current housing market, the more serious OTF syndrome. (On The Fence). Research at the top secret facility, rumored to be located somewhere in rural Maryland, recently stepped up their efforts in an attempt to help the current housing market.

Three prominent doctors presented their prototypes last night in the secret session. We have learned through sources that spoke based on the condition of anonymity that each doctor was conducting independent research of the other and had not seen each others prototypes, nor did they know of each other until last night.  The Thom And Ray Team were able to obtain a photograph of the prototypes for this report. It should be noted that no photographs of the doctors were released, and their identity is only known my their names.
Project H.E.A.D.
Dr. I. Can Really introduced Model 1. While greatly improved, Dr. Really's model still seemed to display tendencies known as "Is it the bottom yet?" and did not offer leaders much hope. Controlled field testing showed Model 1 looked at approximately 60 homes with 3 different real estate agents, yet was unable to make any decision.

Dr. Yes IKnewIt's Model 2 showed the most promising signs of being a buyer. In Field testing, Model 2 had been pre-approved by a lender, and remarkably had already identified several homes in the Crofton, MD area, using its Internet capabilities. This advanced prototype have even found a website called Active Rain and identified one Margaret Woda as a real estate agent of choice. Dr. IKnewIt acknowledged that his team had verified all information and research done by Model 2. After the dismal results from Model 1, a thunderous applause broke out from the Congress, lasting some 2 minutes. Our source confirmed there were even shouts of  "Let 'em loose!" from the leaders.

Once order in the Chamber was restored, Model 3 was presented by Dr. R. U. Sure. Dr. Sure demonstrated characteristics of Model 3 that were similar to Model 2 in its Internet search capabilities and the use of Active Rain , but once it found a home matching the pre-programmed needs in its memory, it suddenly halted, stalled, and was recorded as saying, "I think I'll wait a bit longer."

While the special session of Congress was closed to the public and any news media, our source reported that a land-slide vote by both parties authorized  the Treasury Secretary to release "whatever funds are necessary for Project H.E.A.D. and Dr. Yes IKnewIt to immediately release 1 million Model 2's into the marketplace for immediate housing market stabilization."

Leaders did however (in the normal government fashion) impose restrictions on the release:

  • Model 2 must be released evenly in ALL 50 States and into each real estate market within those states. Our source told us there was an uproar from the Maryland representatives that additional models should be released in their state, leading us to believe the development facility is indeed located somewhere in Maryland.
  • Model 2 be pre-programmed with no more than 3 homes to view prior to writing a contract.
  • Model 2 be pre-approved with a lender as shown by the test model.
  • ALL Model 2 releases be programmed to find real estate agents for the markets they are released in through the Active Rain Network.
As soon as any additional information is released or we learn any more about this project, we will issue another press release.
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552 2008-11-22 10:12:47 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
A Reminder! It's the Holidays...So Don't Be Stupid! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=553 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=553 Ok, that might be a harsh start...but hopefully it got your attention. If not, try these words that were recently posted in the safety bulletin from one of my local neighborhoods...

Broken WindowBEING STREET-SMART ABOUT CAR BREAK-INS

Having said all of the foregoing, we cannot stress enough to refrain from leaving valuables in plain sight when you park your car. Car break-ins are our most chronic public security problem, and also among the most preventable. Leaving valuables in your car - even just for a few minutes - is always asking for trouble. Street criminals often strike within minutes after parking - they know that you will be distracted and not paying attention to outside your home (listening to answering machine messages, feeding the dogs, etc).

We often hear stories where someone swooped in after work to change clothes or grab items for the next activity, only to find the car window smashed and the laptop and purse gone. It is best to place these items in the trunk in case you need to make quick stops along the way. Snatchers love convenience stores and shopping center parking lots.

A most dramatic illustration of this phenomenon: a woman parked on ***th Street during the 3pm hour to pick up a child at School. She drove a high-clearance SUV with tinted windows. It was no more than 5 minutes that she went into the school to pick up the child and return to the car. During that time, a Sheriff's Deputy was directing traffic in front of the school, 50 yards away, and a motorcycle cop was writing a ticket about 50 yards in the other direction. Across the street in the park people were lying in the sun on that spring day, and there were plenty of people walking along the street. She came back to her car to find the passenger side front window broken and her purse snatched from the floorboard. Whoever did that was quick to notice that she left her car without her purse, and instantly knew that there must be a purse in the car.

walletCrooks breaking into cars tend to be very slick, and can strike quickly without making much noise. They typically use a spark plug inside a stocking which they can quickly draw from their pocket and put back - they do not have to find or conspicuously carry a rock or brick. The physical properties of the porcelain on the spark plug effectively minimize the effort needed to shatter the glass.

Needless to say, those few minutes when you think your items are safe in your car...they are NOT! This is now especially true as the holiday shopping season approaches! No matter where you live, there are desperate people that will take desperate measures, and you need to protect yourself. And you can only imagine what you will go through if your wallet or purse...and identity are stolen!

Be Aware of Your Surroundings!  If you are walking on the street, you don't have to make direct eye contact with the person (or persons) approaching you, but we aware of them. A slight glance over your shoulder after they pass (if you feel it necessary) to make sure they did not turn around and follow you.

Everything, and I MEAN EVERYTHING, should be out of sight in your car! Lock it in your trunk. And if your car offers a valet key, and a way to lock the trunk from inside the trunk, DO IT! A burglar can break into your car, and then simply pop open your trunk and away they go! If you drive an SUV, use the cover that covers the cargo area. Limit how many things you buy at one time....and make one trip to your car, and leave, rather than a trip to the car, drop off, and back to another store. Don't even leave loose change in your console....50 cents here, a dollar there...it can add up to the thief!

MORE SAFETY TIPS:

  • Park in areas that are well-lit and close to buildings or walkways
  • As you approach your car, check in and around it before getting in
  • Have the keys ready when you approach the car. Don't be fumbling in your purse or pockets
  • When in your car, lock the doors, and roll up windows if in an unfamiliar area

As part of my efforts as Membership Chairman for Midtown Neighbors' Association, I recently created this "safety ticket" which we are handing out to people in our neighborhood, reminding them NOT to leave valuables in their car.

MNA Safety Ticket

I hope this advise keep you, and yours, safe!!

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553 2008-11-26 22:08:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
I Don't Have Everything, But...... http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=554 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=554  

I Have Much More Than Many Others.

I have a loving partner, mother and family.

I have friends, be they near or far, who care.

I will share food with friends today that many could only dream of having.

I  will laugh with others cry.

I'll drink good wine while others thirst.

I'll talk while others sit in silence with no one to talk to.

I'll remember the past, as will others but our memories will be different.

I'll remember my Father and how he carved the turkey.

I'll remember Nero and how he waited by the stove for his dinner.

I'll remember friends or family no longer a part of this world, but still sharing with me.

But mostly, I'll remember, I don't have everything, but I have plenty.

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO OUR  FRIENDS IN THE RAIN!

YOU HAVE GIVEN MORE THAN YOU KNOW!

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554 2008-11-27 13:26:41 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
THIS Is What Active Rain Is All About! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=555 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=555 GoogleOf course, we all know the power of Active Rain as a base model for our blogs. We know it's got lots of Google Juice (I hear that's better than the Acai Berry!)

But, here's where it really proves it's worth (aka hours spent reading and commenting on other blogs)

Earlier today, before my partner and I left on a 150 mile drive to the wee outskirts of metro Atlanta to look at bank owned property, I read a post from Tracy Santrock about shopping on Black Friday. I certainly had no intentions of helping the retail market make it into their black numbers. In fact, the only purchase I'm considering is a Flip Video camera. I referenced in my comment on Tracy's post that if the Flip Video was on sale, I'd get one. Well, do you know what Tracy did? She sent me an e-mail at 1:15pm saying the Flip Video was on sale at Walmart, for $79, but only for the next 30 minutes.(Meaning the special only lasted till 2pm) Unfortunately, I did not read it till about 5pm when I got home.

But then I figured, what the heck! Let's run to Wally World (my name for WalMart) and check it out. No sale item on the shelf, but when I asked the clerk in the camera department, she said, "Yes we still have them, what color do you want?"

Well, Duh! I want Green for the Money I'm going to see when I become the video expert of Midtown!

Flip Video

Had it not been for Tracy's response to me, I NEVER would of known about this special!

So, here's a big Active Rain THANK YOU to Tracy for helping me out!

Just another reason why THIS is what Active Rain Is All About!

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555 2008-11-28 22:31:09 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
A Christmas Me-Me Times 2! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=556 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=556 Thanks to my "friends" Fred Chamberlin and Paula Swayne, I've been hit with the Christmas Me-Me not once, but twice. Nope, you're not getting two things from me....

Now, I've given this Me-Me some thought, altho not much. Given the state of the economy, and even more so, the real estate market, I have basically written off Christmas as, dinner, a movie and of course Christmas Eve service at my church.

So, if I could ask for one thing, it would be......(drum roll........)

A closing.

And, in the spirt of the holiday season, my Christmas gift to the 5 people I am suppose to tag.....Your gift is....I'm NOT tagging you! Happy Holidays who ever you might have been!

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556 2008-12-01 22:17:40 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
THIS is EXACTLY Why The Mess We are In WILL Continue! Stop The Madness! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=557 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=557  

Thom And Ray Team

This is a picture of homeowner, in the U.S. who has a mortgage and is having problems.

What do I mean? I mean they are prisoners to their mortgage company. They do not care about you, the economy or the community where you live. You are nothing but a number and a payment amount. How do I know this. Let me tell you the story a friend told me yesterday.....it sent chills down my spine.....

My friend called me, knowing that I'm a real estate broker to tell me about the most unbelievable conversation he had with his mortgage company. He has not been layed off completely, but his hours have been cut drastically. He has stellar (720+) credit score, and is scared to death of doing anything to damage that for which he has worked hard. He's already cut every expense he can; gym membership, disconnect his phone, does not set foot in a restaurant, shops only for food on sale, etc etc.

But, he's starting to get concerned about his mortgage. He's got the typical 1st and 2nd mortgage. His second mortgage is the problem because of a high interest rate. He initially bought the property as an investment so the rate on the second is higher. He's since moved into the property himself. While the interest rate was high on the second loan, we was able to pay it and did not persue refinancing the loan. (Probably a mistake, but that's water under the bridge at this point.)

This week, he called the "servicer" of the second mortgage to discuss his options on what they could do to lower his interest rate or make some type of adjustment on his payment. Their answer. NO. NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THEY CAN DO. Of course, he was simply dumbfounded. He does not want to lose his property, and wants to continue to pay his mortgage. He expects times will get better, but still needs the help. But there is none. The "servicer" said this "investor" will do nothing on any loans they hold. He reminded the "servicer" that you hold the second mortgage. If I should default on the entire loan, you'll be out cold. The "servicer" replied, there is nothing we can do.

Oh, wait, they did offer one solution. He could apply to refinance the entire loan (1st and 2nd) with THEM, but of course, the now needed paperwork of w-2's, bank statements, income verification, etc would be required. Ah duh stupid! If I'm having a hard time paying because of my job, how the hell do you think I'm going to qualify for a refinance? And they said it could take 2-3 months for them to approve a refinance! What????

I asked my friend if he spoke to anyone else at the servicing company, and he said yes, 2 different people and the answer was the same. When he asked to speak to someone else, the response was, this is as far as you will get.

THIS is why the housing market and mortgage industry are where we are. Trying to get help is not easy. This lender is willing to gamble and roll the dice on their $53,000 investment (balance on the second loan) rather than reduce the payment or interest rate and PROTECT their investment.

Here is where the mess is! By the time my friend can get help (altho that appears slim) he will most likely be in foreclosure. And it's not the first loan he has the problem with....it's the second. If banks across the country are using this as their way of "managing" and minimizing foreclosures, good grief, we are in for one long and loney period in this country!

I'm not sure I have any resources to help my friend out...if anyone here has a suggestion that I have not thought of, please pass it along.

We chatted awhile on the phone, and I could tell there was something different in his voice. Then I realized what it was....he was crying on the other end of the phone. A grown man...crying!

Is this the America we are suppose to love?

P.S. To follow up to some of the comments, the second mortgage is not a HELOC, it's a 1st and 2nd mortgage. Not like he bought, ran out and spent his equity and is now in trouble!

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557 2008-12-06 12:59:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Toy Party! THE Holiday Event of the Season in Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=558 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=558 It's the holidays. The Holiday Season means many things to many people. While it's suppose to be a time of merriment and joy, such is not always the case. Many people actually get depressed with the holidays. It might be a lack of family, the pressure of all to be done for family gatherings, or maybe because you don't have much. Or your not in a position to give much.

So, when an organization comes along that does good, and you have fun at the same time...that's just simply a recipe for, well,



The Toy Party!!!
The Toy Party
So, what is the Toy Party? Other than THE social event of the year for the gay community of Atlanta, it is a worthwhile organization and event that helps children.

For The Kid in All of Us was founded in 2003 by a group of friends seeking to make a difference in their local community. Recognizing the staggering number of underprivileged children in the Atlanta area and in Georgia, the group sought not only to raise awareness of the growing problem, but also to lessen the struggles of families, caregivers and children during the winter holiday season.

What initially resulted from their vision and efforts was The Toy Party, an annual toy drive event where gays, lesbians and the gay-friendly community in Atlanta could come together to support a cause that affects Georgia's needy and underprivileged children. In 2006, For The Kid in All of Us expanded its scope and added a second annual event, Backpack in the Park, a back-to-school benefit to collect backpacks and school supplies.

Since 2003, For the Kid in All of Us has distributed more than 17,000 toys and gift cards through The Toy Party.

The Toy PartyThis year's event was just held this past Sunday. Perhaps a sign of the times....the event was not nearly as crowded as last year, where the attendance was recorded at 4500 people!!!! Now THAT'S a Holiday Party!  

Miss RibbonsWe love attending this event, of course for the cause it supports, but it's THE event to be seen at. And we always run into people that we have not seen in ages, and some we have NEVER seen!

The event is generously sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Smirnoff Vodka, Metrotainment Cafes, Georgia Beverage Association, Blake's, Southern Voice Newspaper and others!
The Thom And Ray TeamI hope you enjoy the pictures of this event....and yes...these are picture of all the toys collected!


The Thom And Ray Team
Toys
There are going to be some really happy kids this Christmas!!!
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558 2008-12-08 21:45:36 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
MeMe Catch Up Time - Whoops! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=559 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=559 Thom And Ray TeamI love technology.....sort of! I have numerous e-mail accounts to manage. Why, you ask? Well, I simply find it easier to manage my activites in the Midtown Neighbors' Association at one Yahoo address. I manage my real estate business e-mail through my e-mail address generated through my website, The Thom And Ray Team, and I manage comments from FaceBook and here at Active Rain through yet another Yahoo account. I'm trying to make a transition to GMail, but that does not seem to be working well. I've got thousands of e-mails filed in my Yahoo files....what would I do with them?

Whoops, this was suppose to be a Me Me Catch up! Well, in cleaning out my mailbox this morning, I realized I had not done this latest one, something like 6 useless facts about me. Now, I have to ask, do you really want 6 useless facts? Hmmmm, if you do, I'll give you more.

I did a post awhile back with Everthing You Wanted To Know About Your Realtor It was so well written and thought out (if I may say so myself) that I figured, why reinvent the wheel.

And in my continued spirit of the holidays, NO, you are NOT getting tagged! How's THAT for your Holiday Gift from me? Ahhhh.....I thought you'd like that!

Buckhead Church

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559 2008-12-11 07:54:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
It's a BUYERS Game! Are You IN or OUT? (Part 1) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=560 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=560 Yes, we've got some economic challenges in front of us. And they are changing everything, or so it seems. From the way we live, drive and even, the way be buy real estate. The rules of the game called, "Let's Buy A Home" have changed. The bigger question is, "Are You IN or OUT?"

Thom And Ray TeamI read somewhere in as little as 5 years from now, we will look back to this time and say "Wow, that was the best time for the first-time buyer (or in my opinion, ANY Buyer) to have bought a home." The housing market is not going to put up a big flashy neon sign, or have a newspaper headline!

Economics and statistics will tell us months after we've hit this "bottom" we are all looking for, and it will be well behind us. Take note, did the news, government, whomever just tell us we've been in a recession since LAST December, yet many are just now feeling the pain?

So, as in any game, do you know the rules? In the next few posts, let's talk about some of the "rules" of "Let's Buy a Home" so you, the buyer can be IN!

Let's break this into a few parts:

 

Part One:  How to Choose Your Real Estate Agent

Part Two: Buyer's Brokerage (Agency) or "Who's Working for Who?"

Part Three: Buyer's Check List

Part Four: What to Ask When Buying a Home, and finally

Part Five: The Purchase and Sale Agreement (We'll just touch on parts of this lengthy agreement, but give you a better understanding of what it is.)

So....Let's Jump Right In........

How To Choose Your Real Estate Agent

Do you need a real estate agent? Well, you're asking the wrong person since I'm a Broker, of course I'll say YES! But a better example would be a phone conversation with your auto mechanic as he says "Ok, now remove the top left bolt from the exhaust manifold using a ratchet wrench #9c." Ahhh, would you not feel more comfortable about the safety and reliability of your car with him/her doing that instead of you?

Midtown Atlanta

The first key to selecting your agent is, do they know the area where you want to live? Or better yet, do they know an area you DON'T know about and never would have without their help? If you are looking for a high-rise condominium for example, and the agent is not familiar with the area, or even the building, you might miss out on features important to you, or buy a unit, not knowing what future construction may happen around you. An agent that knows the market (inventory) and is involved in the community will best help you make an informed decision. All agents are NOT created equal!

In our next post, we'll talk about the brokerage agreement and agency.

 

The Thom And Ray Team

Next, spend some time with the agent. AND NO, I don't mean riding around in their car or walking the street to look at homes. Sit down in their office (it may or may not be of concern to you where their office is...) or maybe at a local coffee shop or restaurant in the area where you want to look. (2 Goals here....1) Get to know your agent and they you, and 2) you get to see the neighborhood "in action!"

This time should be spent learning more info about the agent. (NOTE: If the agent you have selected is on top of their game, you should already know MORE about them through their website, blog and other social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIN, Twitter, Delicious and others. If you're not familiar with these sites, be sure to check them out!) But more importantly, the agent should be getting to know.....YOU!! Learning more about what you want in your home and neighborhood, your lifestyle, family, job and more. While you might be hesitant to "open up" to this person, remember, the more they know about you, the better job they can do for you to win "Let's Buy A Home!"

But just in case you haven't learned everything about your agent from the sites above, here are a few other important questions to keep in mind:

  • How long have you been licensed? (Are they new to the game as well?)
  • What percentage of your business is working with buyers? (Many agents work with BOTH buyers and sellers...nothing wrong with that but you don't want a listing agent if you are buying)
  • How familiar are you with the area where I want to purchase (mentioned above)
  • Do you have references of other buyers you've worked with? (You may have found this info on their website, blog or other social media site)
  • Should I consider foreclosures or bank owned properties? What about a For Sale By Owner?
  • How will you communicate with me during the "game?"
  • Do you have other service providers (inspectors, mortgage, moving, etc) to help me?
  • How do you get paid? (Another point will cover later)

In my next post, we'll talk about Agency, what it means, and the Buyer's Brokerage Agreement (as used in Georiga). Important information for you to know how you can, or will be represented in your home purchase!

The Thom And Ray Team

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560 2008-12-14 12:42:54 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
If You Drive All Night....Drive Carefully! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=561 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=561  

The Thom And Ray Team

It's that time of year....when load up the car with the kids and presents, or maybe just yourself, on your way home to see family, or perhaps you've been seperated from a loved one by job or other reasons.

The demands of life keep us on the go, and then at the last minute, we dash and rush, scramble and worry if we have everything, or after we are on our way, think, oh my, what have I forgot?

If you drive all night, just to get to those loved ones, please drive carefully!  Stop, take breaks and wear your seatbelt.

Or, here's a better way to say it....

 

Thom And Ray Team

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561 2008-12-16 22:25:51 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Do You Know Where You're Going? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=562 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=562 Tick Tock. Tick Tock. Yep, that's the sound of the clock, counting down the seconds until 2008 is nothing but a memory. And what a year to remember (or forget) it has been!  12 days left and another year joins the history book.

Thom And Ray TeamBut then, it will be 2009. And the question that should be on our minds right now is, "Do You Know Where You're Going? Well, I can honestly say, No, I don't.

Business PlanWell, that's not entirely true. I've got a file an arms length from me right now titled "2009 Business Plan." It's stuffed (along with several other files) of ideas. Be they articles I've printed, little notes with an idea scribbled on them, as well as copies of the 2009 Calendar, and  Action Item Worksheets. Lots of good stuff in there. It would be one of those things I'd ask a burglar if I could please, please keep! I've got to "time block" the time to set the plans for 2009, and how we are going to work to achieve them.

I find this plan very challenging to put together. Why, you ask? Well, what is 2009 going to be like? Market rebound, status quo, or more bad news. Those potential outcomes for the next year will certainly dictate what I can, or cannot implement in my Business Plan. Some of my Action Items are as simple as time block my days (Thanks to a few page read at the local bookstore of "Shift" by Gary Keller. Time seems to be my worst enemy. Because I can't control it like I want to, or should. So, it's at the top of the list. Then there are the bigger marketing ideas that involve other people, and some serious financial commitment on all our parts. It's an idea that no one in my immediate marketplace has done, to my knowledge! But, still, it takes the financial investment.

My background is from the hospitality industry, and more specifically, group sales. So, I'm very versed at Marketing Plans, Action Plans and the like. And I do remember how having those goals in front of you and being reviewed on a quarterly basis so you could keep your paycheck were very helpful! But, when you are the person setting the goals, and the person reviewing those goals, it's different. But, I think I'm up to the challenge for 2009. I want my business to grow. I want my name to be recognized in my community. I know I can!

MapI DO know where I'm going. I've just got to lay the road map out in front of me, study it, and make sure I know when to turn left, turn right or keep going straight ahead. Because I know where I want to be! Do You?

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562 2008-12-20 07:03:49 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The White House IS For Sale! And You Don't Even Have To Be A Politician! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=563 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=563  

FOR SALE

SLIGHTLY USED WHITE HOUSE

APPROXIMATELY 16, 500 SQ.FT.

LOCATED ON MUCH QUIETER STREET THAN PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE

Atlanta White House

Nope, Santa is NOT playing tricks on you! That's the White House! And it's For Sale for Only....

$9,880,000

But, it's house number is not 1600, but 3687 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30345. Hey, if Washington can have a White House so can we! Built in 2001, the home sits on 2 acres in the Oak Grove/Briarcliff area of Atlanta.

It was built by developer, Fred Milani. Originally from Iran, but an American Citizen, Milani has been responsible for many of the new large homes that have been built in the area, once known (and still is) for the sprawling 60's style ranch homes on large lots. As I said, the home has approx. 16,500 sq. ft, so it's a wee bit smaller than the real one...but what the heck, I'm sure one can manage, right?

Atlanta White House

The home has been opened a couple times during the Christmas holidays for tours, but I never made it to one of them. So, I was equally impressed to see these pictures of the backside of the home!

But, this little piece of property didn't always look so grand. In doing some research, Milani starting building in the area in the late 90's. This site was adjacent to an abandoned home on 8, yes EIGHTacres that later became the Valhalla Subdivision. Milani purchased the property in 2000 and also bought 5 adjacent properties for a total of 6 acres. But what he bought is a far cry from what stands today!

Briarcliff Home

 

After a little Internet research, I found out that a man bought the home on the right in 1992 for $91,500. He purchased it from the original owner whos' husband had just passed away. The home was truly original, with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no central air, and an original kitchen from 1954. But the home was located in Oak Grove Elementary School District, one of the best in Atlanta. He could barely afford it, but he made it work.

Milani purchased it, and set about to build his home. Not shown in any of these pictures is the guest house to the right of the White House...it's suppose to be between 6,000-8,000 sq ft.!!! What a guest house!

So, hey, it's not my listing (darn!) but I'd be happy to represent the Buyer! If you know anyone who's looking for a home that's not your everyday, ranch-style, English Tudor, Craftsman Bungalow....send 'em my way! Here's a couple other pictures to tempt you!

Interior

Interior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White House

Here is a link to the article that appeared in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution!

Of course, if you feel you might be a bit lost in such a home, I'm sure we can find you something that will be just the right size for you, whether it's a Midtown High rise or a single family home in any one of the many great InTown neighborhoods of Atlanta!

 

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563 2008-12-21 19:55:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Success Is....Singing And Dancing In The Rain! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=564 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=564  

What is Success on/with/for/from Active Rain? Maybe we should define success.

 

Success Ladder*The achievement of something desired, planned or attempted

*The gaining of fame or prosperity

*One that is successful…like “The plan was a success.”

 
Now, you’re probably going to read some incredible stories about amazing transactions (aka selling or listing real estate). Agents using the “power” of Active Rain and our blogs for people needing our services and being able to find us from Active Rain.

 
This is not one of those success stories. It's a success story as defined by above, or by yet another definition….MINE!

 
My first post on Active Rain was August 25, 2007. We’ve come a long way since that first all text, no picture, and jump into the blogging sandbox. As I said, “I've entered the Sandbox.....I've got my shovel, a Tonka Dump Truck and I'm ready to play Blogging....so here it goes......” 

 
My success on/with/for/from Active Rain has not come in the form of transactions. Not yet. My success has come from knowledge, and the amazing people helping people attitude I’ve found in The Rain. In just 16 very short months, I’ve learned more than I did in most continuing education classes or from my broker or any agent in my office.

 
Thom And Ray TeamYou know the names or the programs, or the tools I’m talking about. Flicker to Flip. Twitter to Tube. iStock to Image Chef. Meez to One True Media. My list of bookmarked Favorites is probably the biggest asset to my real estate business. So much so, I just figured out how to put them all on my Delicious account…so they are for ever saved! Amen!

 
I’ve become accustomed to walking out the door with my car keys, wallet, Blackberry, and my digital camera. Always and forever on the hunt for that Kodak moment that will inspire a blog or be a part of telling people why I like my community and why I think they would too. (2009 will add the Flip Video camera to that list, so I guess I need a new “accessory bag” to keep it all in. (Santa, are you reading this?)

 
I’ve mentioned the physical part (programs and gadgets) but let’s not forget what really makes up The Rain…

 
The People!

 
CompetitionHey, let’s face it! Us real estate people…we ARE a competitive bunch. Looking for the next Buyer or Seller and letting them know why he or she should work with us. And that competitiveness can lead to selfishness. My ideas are mine buddy, go find your own way. But not here in The Rain. It’s like Active Rain is the auto body/mechanic place to go in real estate. You search a topic, and most likely, you’ll find somebody has had the same problem or discovered a new way to do something. And heaven forbid, if you can’t find it, just blog a question and the answers will flow! How cool is that?

 
I’m not going to list names….you know who you are! We’ve “met” along the way and feel like we’ve know each other for years! And while our friendships or relationships are cyber in nature, they are nonetheless, important to both of us.

 

So, My Success Story….Is Just Singing and Dancing In The Rain!

 

]]> 564 2008-12-25 16:08:40 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Strongest in Metro Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=565 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=565 The November Sales numbers tell the story...and then some! Let's see if we can put it in perspective!

Thom And Ray Team Market Report

In 2008, there were 52 sales, with an average price of $253,554. That compares to November, 2007 when there were 72 sales with an average price of $288,253. A decrease in price of 12%. Certainly not the end of the world! These numbers also do not reflect all the sales that occured in new developments that have not listed their inventory in the listing service.

The report shows an average of 73 days on the market for Novmber, 2008, but I'd have to question that number. Let's say a listing was on the market for 190 days, and the agent let it expire. It was then relisted by that agent, and 20 days later a sale occured. The first 190 days are not counted in the average days on the market.

The condo sales (also called Attached Residential and include townhomes) ranged in price from a 1 bedroom at $89,000 to a 3 Bedroom/3 Bath at $620,000.

What's important to note here is that in all of the Atlanta metro markets, the Midtown market had the most sales of Attached Residential homes!! A distant second was the Buckhead area.

Single Family homes, however, took a huge beating, dropping in price 57% between November 2007, and November 2008. This dramatic change warrants some additional insight. (Note: these "Midtown" numbers also include Virginia Highlands, Morningside, Inman Park and Reynoldstown which are included in the Area 23 by the listing service.)

In November, 2008, the 29 sales ranged in price from $75,000 to $800,000. Yet, when you look at the current listings, of 379 homes on the market, 113 of them are priced above $800,000 and 266 are below the $800k price point. 38 homes are currently Under Contract, with only 5 of those being above $800,000. It would appear that the Midtown market for larger homes is not quite what it was a year ago.

In looking at what your money can buy you for a home in Midtown/Virginia Highlands area, I just wanted to share a couple pictures to give you some visual reference.....

Virginia Highlands

 

This home in Virginia Highlands has 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Originally listed for $899,000, it sold for $800,000 after 90 days on the market.

Extensively renovated along with a guest house above the garage, and an awesome kitchen!

 

 

 

Moreland Ave House

 

This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home, located in Reynoldstown was originally listed at $89,900. It sold for $75,600 after just 51 days on the market. It was listed as a "corporate owner."

A cute little home, altho located on a major street.

 

 

 

9th Street

 

One of the most "dramatic" sales I saw as I reviewed activity was this home, located IN Midtown.

Originally listed at $975,000, it featured 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, stunning renovation with top-of-the line appliances and 4 fireplaces. After 216 days on the market, it sold for $600,000!

 

 

 

If you're looking to make Midtown Atlanta your home, give us a call and let us find YOU the perfect place to call home! 

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565 2008-12-26 20:35:18 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
It's A Buyers' Game! Are You IN or OUT? (Part 2) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=566 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=566 Buyer Brokerage or Agency. Who's Working for Whom?

 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate

In my first part in this series, I talked about How to Choose Your Real Estate Agent. Once you've selected who you want to work with, you need to clarify in fact that they ARE working FOR YOU! That is determined by what is known in the real estate world as a brokerage relationship, or agency.  (NOTE: For the purpose of this discussion, I'll refer to the laws as they apply in the State of Georgia. If you live in another state, be sure to check the laws that apply there.)

The Brokerage Relationships in Real Estate Transactions Act (BRRETA) was enacted by the Georgia legislature in 1994 and was revised in July, 2000. The purpose of BRRETA is to define and to regulate the relationships between real estate brokers and the public through state statute rather than through the traditional common law rules of agency.

First, let me explain the difference between the terms "real estate agent or agent" and "broker" as I make reference to both terms here. While you may be working with me as your agent, any agreement (Purchase and Sale Agreement, Buyer Brokerage, etc) you sign is actually with the brokerage firm (in my case, Morris and Raper Intown) and your agent (me) is acting as an affiliated licensee of the brokerage.

In buyer brokerage (or buyer agency) the broker represents only you, the buyer as a client in the transaction. The broker working for the buyer is called the Selling Broker. Don't be confused with the broker representing the seller, who is referred to as the Listing Broker. (This is because they "listed" the property on behalf of the owner).

Some schools of thought say you should only work with an Exclusive Buyer Broker as they never work for sellers. In other words, they do not have listings that might meet your needs, and be inclined (or obligated) to show you those listings. This situation is referred to as "dual agency" whereby the Selling Broker and the Listing Broker are one in the same. While this type of agency is allowed under Georgia law, it does have its risks. You as a buyer should only enter into this relationship when there is no other form of agency available, or both clients clearly understand this relationship and are comfortable with it.

Another way this situation could be handled is by having another agent under the same broker represent the buyer. This is called "designated agency." Confused? Let's look at an example....

Thom is working with John and Mary (they have signed a Buyer Brokerage Agreement) to find a condo in Midtown Atlanta. Thom has a listing that he thinks would be perfect for John and Mary. However, they are not comfortable with Thom representing them AND the Seller at the same time. Thom asks Bill, also an agent in his office, if he would represent John and Mary in the purchase. The same broker is involved, but different agents are working with the buyer and the seller.

The Buyer Brokerage Agreement, as used in Georgia outlines the roles of the Buyer and the Broker. For example, here are the Broker's Duties to the Buyer and the Buyer's Duties:

 

The Agreement goes on to outline limits on the Broker's Authority and responsibilities as well as further explain the Agency policies we discussed above.

So, why should you be represented when buying real estate? Unless you are well versed in real estate law and transactions, why would you NOT want someone working for your interests? Here's another example I often hear...

"Well we went to the Sales Center and we bought directly from them so we could save money."

Thom And Ray TeamTo that, I quietly respond....SHREEEK! Who do you think the sales person in the Sales Center was working for? THE SELLER, NOT YOU! They did not save you any money, in fact, may have cost you money. Remember, your agent (Selling Broker ) is paid a portion of the commission by the Listing Broker. In this case, YOU saved the Seller money! And you may have missed an opportunity to get upgrades or concessions from the Seller that the Selling Broker is NOT going to offer you when they represent the SELLER!

This topic can get quite detailed, and would make for long reading. As a Buyer, consider your options in being represented in the purchase of your next home.

 

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566 2008-12-28 21:16:22 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Real Estate Agents! Help Is On The Way! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=567 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=567 A friend just passed this along to me! You gotta love the creativity of people...I would of never come up with this!

But...maybe it means we soon can be in line too!

One of my 2009 Goals is to get "up-to-speed" using the Flip Video Camera that Santa brought me. I don't think I'll be able to be THIS creative, but I'm hoping that I can at least produce some videos of the Midtown Atlanta area, as well as listings, and the various buildings in Midtown.

 

 

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567 2008-12-29 13:25:44 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
It's 2009! Where Do YOU Find YOUR Inspiration? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=568 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=568 Yep! Thank goodness! 2008 is now part of history! Yippie! It's 2009 and a New Year! So what does it hold for us?

A couple weeks ago, I talked about "Do You Know Where You Are Going?" as it relates to making your plan...a Business Plan....for 2009. I don't know about you, but I am taking my own blog QUITE serious!!

But then the question comes into play....Where do you find your inspiration? Of course there is the ever normal look at last years goals and how we did. Did we meet, exceed or well, almost? How about that file, or shoe box where you've been keeping all those great ideas that you have not yet put into motion?

Business Plan Central

 

Now, you say, that looks like a hotel room? Yep...it is. And the first bed has been turned into a makeshift conference table where I've laid out my thoughts and ideas that I want to focus on for 2009.

Why a hotel room, you ask? Well, two years ago, we did the same thing in the mountains of North Carolina...and we had a great year! Last year, we did NOT do this.....We had a great year, but not as good as we wanted.

Hotel Desk

 

 

So, this year, we dashed off to a place near and dear to both of us. We loaded up my car with laptops, office supplies and notebooks and a box full of marketing ideas we've been thinking about.

We spent part of the day working at our "partner" desk...

And we accomplished quite a bit in a couple hours...but we have lots more to do tomorrow.

But besides of box or notebook of ideas, where do you get your inspiration? Here's mine....

Inspiration

Yep...work a couple hours brainstorming, then take a walk here.....on the beautiful, pristine beaches of Pensacola Beach, Florida!

It was sunny and warm today....I mean I actually got a sunburn on my face walking on the beach!

Caught a New Year's party at a local watering hole, and now off to bed, so we can be even more inspired tomorrow!

Here's to YOUR inspiration and an AWESOME 2009!!

P.S. The hotel is sold out.....let's hope the crowd is not to rowdy tonight!! I'm all for a party...but I got work to do tomorrow boys and girls! QUIET PLEASE!

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568 2009-01-01 01:48:51 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Never Fear! The 2009 Wish List Is HERE! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=569 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=569 Post holiday blues got you down? Still looking at all those decorations to take down and store away? How about the disappointment that Santa missed a couple things on your “Wish List” for 2008?

 
Wish ListNever Fear!  The 2009 Wish List IS HERE!  Hey, why wait all the way till November or December to let the good old guy know what you want? Isn’t there some rule about being first in line, or head of the class, or something like that?

 
Before I announce my entry to the List, let’s put it all in perspective. I woke up this morning. My feet touched the floor, I stood up, and walked to the kitchen (Ok, yeah, there were a couple creaks and groans, from both me and the hardwood floors) and got my morning coffee. Really, what more can you ask for than to be happy, healthy and alive! 

 
I’ll touch base on the results of my Business Planning Retreat in another post, but let’s just say it was rewarding, and very insightful as to what my outlook on the coming year is going to be! But, that’s another topic!

My Entry to the Wish List Is…………….

2009 Ford F-150

No, not easy on Gas! But, I will soon be in need of a new truck.....and this one is SOOOO Cool!

What's YOUR Wish?

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569 2009-01-07 08:42:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Short Sale and Loan Modification Nightmares - Week Two! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=570 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=570

Ok, it is more like week three, but we need some more stories from the trenches that can be sent on to Congress. I'm still getting the calls from our Congressman and unless you post your stories to our group, and allow us to put them together as one post, then we can't help our country get out of the grips of the banks.

So, if you have a short sale or loan modification nightmare, then please include the post in our "Short Sale and Loan Modification Nightmares" group. We need to get back to selling real estate and not fighting with the banks.

We only have a couple entries this week, but here we go:

Richard Zaretsky

 

This is from a new member to our group Richard Zaretsky a Florida Real Estate Attorney wrote a great post about the home program called, "Hope For Homeowners Act a Failure" and it shows really how much things have changed in the last 6 months.

Amy SalisburyAmy Salisbury West Virginia Realtor wrote a great post about her opinion of what is going on in the financial arena and what we can do about it in her post called, "The Nightmare of the Short Sale Saga". I suggest you check it out.

 

Please feel free to send this on to your congressman in your state and help spread the word that their 740 billion dollars is being misspent by these banks who aren't really helping homeowners at all!

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570 2009-01-07 21:35:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Face Of Sales In Midtown Atlanta Condominiums http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=571 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=571 My good friend, Margaret Woda from Marylandinspired me (or gave me the idea) to follow her lead and talk about the SALES that happened in the past year. Her recent blog about Put A Face On Homes That Sold in 2008 did give us some food for thought about what happened in the market.

Midtown Atlanta

So, let's take a look at some of the major condominium buildings in Midtown Atlanta and see what their sales were for 2008. (And we'll take a peak behind the curtain called 2007 to compare how sales fared this past year.)

Spire Midtown

 

  Spire Midtown  860 Peachtree Street

Year Built - 2005

Number of Homes:  372

Sales for 2008 - 23 Homes

Sales for 2007 - 52 Homes

When announced in 2004, the building sold out in 3 weeks, as it was the first new construction in Midtown since the Metropolis in 2003. Homes feature cherry or maple cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and 17 different floor plans. Retail includes Fresh To Order, zPizza, Firehouse Subs, Midtown Community Bank, Cleaners, eye doctor and two vacant spaces.

 Mayfair Renaissance

 

Mayfair Renaissance & Tower  195 14th Street

Year Built - Tower  1997 (323 Homes)

Renaissance - 2002 (300 Homes)

Sales for 2008 - 31 Homes

Sales for 2007 - 41 Homes

The Mayfair was one of two buildings I'll highlight here that did very well for both years. It's what I call a much more traditional building with heavy wood/marble in the lobby and public areas. The two buildings actually have separate home owners associations, and the Mayfair Tower does not have access to the swimming pool. (A long standing "disagreement" I won't go into.)

Metropolis Midtown

Metropolis Midtown - 923 Peachtree Street

Year Built - 2003

Number of Homes: 498

Sales for 2008 - 22 Homes

Sales for 2007 - 53 Homes

When the Metropolis was first announced, one tower was to be apartments and the other condominiums. The condo side sold out so fast, the developer elected to make the entire building condos. There was quite a bit of press about the unique 6th Floor Pool Deck with is stone landscaping and trees. (This is now the norm, but this was a first when this building was built!!) Retail includes Taco Mac, Silk Restaurant, UPS Store, Salon, and a new sub shop that will be opening. There are two vacant retail spaces in this building as well.

Plaza Midtown

Plaza Midtown  950 West Peachtree Street

Year Built: 2007

Number of Homes: 418

Sales for 2008 - 17 Homes

Sales for 2007 - 32 Homes

The arrival of Plaza Midtown brought a much needed component to the Midtown market....Publix Supermarket! Until this, you had to drive to buy your groceries. Now you can walk to the store, or in my case since I live here, I just ride the elevator down and walk into the store! No Fuss, No Muss, No weather! Plaza Midtown has a huge Pool Plaza level with the largest pool deck of any building. The pool also has solar heating for the summer to keep it warm into the evening hours. Retail here includes Marlow's Tavern, J.Christophers' Dressed Salads, Synergy Home Theater, eMode Clothing, Steel Restaurant, Hollywood Tans and Washington Mutual.

805 Peachtree

 

805 Peachtree Street

Year Built: 1951

Converted to Condos - 2001

Number of Homes: 118

Sales for 2008 - 2 Homes

Sales for 2007 - 13 Homes

805 Peachtree at one time housed offices for the Social Security Administration! This boutique building offers gas cooking, a rare find in condo buildings. The pool area is undergoing a transformation this year and reminds one of a South Beach hotel pool! Retail here includes two furniture stores (high end indeed) and a clothing store.

Cornerstone Village

Cornerstone Village  800 Peachtree Street

Year Built: 1921 and 1999

Converted to Condos: 2000

Number of Homes: 310

Sales for 2008 - 16 Homes

Sales for 2007 - 29 Homes

This unique community is made up of 4 buildings. The Landmark Building was built in the 1920's as was the historic Manor House building. The Landmark Building was an office building that was gutted and converted to condos. The Manor House first started out as a hotel, then apartments and finally condos. The newer portion was originally built as apartments, but converted to condos upon completion. Retail here includes Eno Restaurant, Barrelman Wine Store, Morris & Raper Intown Real Estate (ME!) and two, yes TWO kitchen design studios. (One I've heard will not touch a project under $30,000!)

905 Juniper

905 Juniper

Year Built: 2006

Number of Homes: 117

Sales for 2008 - 3 Homes

Sales for 2007 - 8 homes

905 is a mid-rise building and offers another alternative to the bigger high-rise buildings. Gas cooking is available in this building also. The zen garden-like pool is beautiful and offers a quiet retreat from the city life. Retail here includes Cuerno and Beleza Restaurants, Chocolate Pink Pastry, an art gallery and a home furnishings store.

Park Central

Park Central Condominiums 1101 Juniper Street

Year Built: 1999

Number of Homes: 397

Sales for 2008 - 28

Sales for 2007 - 32

Park Central was another "sleeper surprise" as I complied these numbers! As you can see the sale were almost the same for 2008 as 2007! This building is 1 block from Piedmont Park and features and indoor and outdoor pool! It was built before the mixed-use concept found a footing in Midtown, and has not retail space. It does have Einstein's restaurant next door, and is just one block for the under construction 12th and Midtown retail project.

All in all, condominium homes did move in 2008, although not at the pace of 2007. There are many options for living in Midtown, as you can see. And this brief review did NOT cover all the buildings of Midtown!

Let's keep on buying and selling in 2009!

 

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571 2009-01-09 23:56:20 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Do You Remember The Good Times? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=572 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=572 Do you remember the good times? No, I don't mean when you were working with 4 or 5 buyers at one time, and had 10-15 listings that would not be on the shelf for more than 15-20 days?

Atlantis 2002Do you remember the good times?  That special moment with a family member? The last time you saw that family member? How about that time you did that stupid crazy thing you hope nobody saw? That New Years' Eve on the beach freezing in the wind but welcoming a better year?

Our mind, or more importantly, our memory is more amazing than any computer or gadget that man can create. But then again, it's those minds that create them right? As we get older, or we don't even have to get older, we forget things.  Some say it's a "sign of old age." UGH! Who wants to get old and forget?

cameraThose minds have given us gadgets to make memories last longer. I've got boxes of  photographs from years past. Some stacked in a remote corner of my living room, awaiting organization. More in a box in the basement with still more. Now, we have a much simpler way to record our memories. There's the digital camera and amazing things like Flip Video cameras you can slip in your pocket.  That just brought back the memory of a trip to Hawaii with my partner and we rented a video camera. It came in it's own suitcase, it was so big! Remember those?

joining heartsNow, we can be at a birthday party, concert or just walking down he street, and click....memory saved. Oh, wait, you blinked, click again. There....gotcha!

As of late, say the last 2 years, it seems that life has become a routine. I use to travel more, and life seemed to be, well, just more fun. Maybe it's the added stress and responsibility of knowing when the next sale will be. (You knew real estate would play here somewhere, right?) I "miss" some of those times, and I want to journey back there.

BrewtonWith a couple clicks on my laptop, to the file called Travel Pictures....I suddenly miles away or years in the past and it seems like it happened only yesterday! Yeah, I remember that cruise with the awesome theme parties.  The last time I saw my Dad before he passed. My faithful companion who left me a couple years ago. It's amazing. With that "memory jog" of a picture, somehow, that "computer in my head called my memory" instantly recalls that moment in time and a smile crosses my face, or a tear rises to the corner of my eye.

But what if I forgot my camera? What if the memory in my head doesn't recall that moment like it use to? I face that spot many times. A friend will say, "You remember the night we went......" and I suddenly think.....NO, I DON'T REMEMBER THAT!

I kept a written journal a few years ago. They are tucked away on a shelf in the basement of my house. Everyone in awhile, I'll be there looking for a file, or office supplies, and I seen them on the shelf. And so I'll stop for a moment, randomly open one, and......there I am! Just like it happened yesterday. And there comes that smile or that laugh at a forgotten time suddenly brought to life.

journalI would not call it a New Years' resolution (since it's already the 11th and I have not started) but today, I will again start a journal. A quick recap each evening before I drift off to never-never land for a few hours of recharge. But the technology that the great human mind has given me will make the task much easier. A new file on my laptop. I'll title it, "Life's Journey."

Do you remember the good times? Maybe you will and maybe you won't. Maybe you should start your own "Life's Journey."

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572 2009-01-11 08:14:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Where Do YOU Get Your Information? And Is It CORRECT? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=573 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=573 Midtown Atlanta

 

Midtown Atlanta real estate gives me lots of topics to write about. More than I'm probably able to handle. Be it the variety of living options in condominiums (tall and short) and single family homes, (big and small), cultural events and places (Midtown is known as the "Heart of the Arts" of Atlanta with the Symphony, High Museum, Fox Theatre and more) as well as lots of restaurants and shopping.

The Internet has given us this endless library/tour guide/resource center to find an answer to anything.....anything! But, where does that information come from? And Is It Correct?

 

 

Well, there's two sides to every coin, right? Example. I was reading an article at Inman News this morning about FrontDoor.com (I think they stole my idea for a company name, but that's another story!) Front Door is "powered by" HGTV. Now mind you, I love HGTV, but we can all tell a story of working with a Buyer or Seller who's watched one to many HGTV programs, and thinks____________________(fill in the blank...there's to many suggestions!)

Front DoorFront Door does what any good real-estate web site should do.....Search For Homes. I've not explored that feature, nor the info the have for Buyers, Sellers and Guides and Advice, as the tabs on the top of the home page say. But, let's talk for a moment about the last tab.....Explore Cities, a.k.a. City Guides.

I was prompted over here from the Inman article, and said to self, "Hey, what do they say about Atlanta?" Now first off, if you have not been to Atlanta, there is the City of Atlanta, and then we have lots of surburban neighborhoods. But, when do you call one of those neighborhoods Atlanta, and when do you call it by it's real name? The City Guide of Front Door has an article about "5 Neighborhoods Of Atlanta."  This article talks about East Atlanta, Grant Park, Decatur, Vinings and Suwanee. I'm ok with the first 4 being called a "neighborhood" since they fall inside I-285, or what we locals call ITP (Inside the Perimeter.) And while I don't have a single problem with Suwanee (you can get lots of house for your money, good schools, etc, etc) I'd hardly call it a "neighborhood of Atlanta." It's like calling Englewood, NJ a neighborhood of New York City. Englewood is just as close to NYC as Suawnee is to Atlanta. But it's has it's own city government, etc. So, is it a neighborhood, a suburb or a city or a town?

Secondly, Front Door has a section for Reviews. Hmmm....I thought this should be interesting. Well, I learned they have partnered with a site called Yelp. For those of you that follow Social Media Marketing, Yelp is a review site that is all done by people. You eat in a restaurant, write a review. Take a walk, write a review. Work with a real estate agent, write a review! So do you know if YOU have been "Yelped?" I know I have...and it was a good review. But what if it was a bad review? Is it correct? You can post a comment about the review, but it's still there.

Midtown Atlanta Real Estate

 

With the wonders of the Internet, we need to be mindful of what information is out there about where we work (or sell real estate) and about ourselves. Afterall, Where Do YOU Get Your Information? And Is It CORRECT?

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573 2009-01-14 09:01:57 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Networking? Where Do You Get Yours? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=574 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=574 I'm doing my very, very best to be the best know Midtown Atlanta Real Estate person to contact! I know I've got a ways to go, but after attending a Tweet Up (explaination to follow) this evening, and being recognized for some recent publicity I got in the local paper, maybe I'm on my way!

But, as I continue to grow my business, I'm out and about 4-5 nights a week. Involved in this neighborhood. On this Board. Volunteer to this committee. And then there are the "direct" networking events. So, when you are Networking, Where Do You Get Yours?

Networking For Professionals

Let me tell you about an organization I found about a year ago, called Networking For Professionals, or NFP.

This organization currently has events in New York, Long Island, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. But never fear...if you don't see your city listed, it could soon be on the way. They do two primary events. Let me quickly touch on each of them!

Shakers and Stirrers

This event is awesome! I never get to meet everyone, since there can easily be 40 or more in attendance! But I've made some great connections here that I'm working to develop further into referral sources for me for my real estate company.

Then, there is........

High Speed Networking

 Uhmmm...notice who The Host Is!!!! ME! This will be my first time, so I'm excited, and a bit nervous! If I like it and the people at NFP like me, it will be a once a month event that I will host...AND...It's right in my 'hood! How awesome is THAT!!

I'm only nervous because I want to make sure every attendee has a good time, makes connections, and comes back for more.

For those of you that have never done High Speed Networking, it's similar to Speed Dating. You get 4-5 minutes between two people to say who, what, when, and then talk about what would be good referral business for you! As the host, I will get the added bonus of meeting everyone as they come in the door, sign them in, and then handle everyone doing their networking!

If you live in one of the cities that NFP currently has events, I encourage you to check them out! Like I said, I've met some great people, and looking forward to the High Speed Networking this month!

Stay tuned for a follow up on Networking....Where Do You Get Yours!

P.S...... I almost forgot... A Tweet Up is a social gathering of people that are on Twitter together. It's getting bigger here in ATL, but not like some other cities. BUT, I met a couple of the people that I have been following which was so great! I little taste of what it will be like to meet up with some Active Rain people in the future!

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574 2009-01-15 21:43:12 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
When The Rich Are Cash Poor!!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=575 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=575 FacebookThrough my involvement in Active Rain, I've learned all kinds of new ways to communicate (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) and more. These "avenues" take me to all kinds of interesting people, and in turn, some interesting stories that I know for SURE, I would probably never read, or hear about.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution allows me to post articles on my page at Facebook....I guess because it links right back to the article? I know we have rules and guidelines here at AR, so I'm posting a link to a really interesting twist on the economy, and in particular how it's hitting us, the REALTORS!

I hope you'll click through and give it a read!

"When The Rich Are Cash Poor, They Go Here."

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575 2009-01-18 09:11:03 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Great Midtown Living Opportunity - Cornerstone Village Unit 1404 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=576 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=576
Click to view listing website
Description and Features This contemporary Cornerstone Village Condo is not your traditional Cornerstone home! Stunning upgrades include beautiful green granite counters in kitchen and bath, tile floors in the kitchen and bath, and hardwood floors throughout the rest of the home! Eye-catching lighting is found from the kitchen to the bath and everywhere in between! Open the French Doors to your Juliette balcony, covered with English ivy and enjoy the sights and sounds that ARE Midtown Atlanta! Just where you want to live! Cornerstone Village includes a resort-style pool, fitness room, home theatre and has recently completed upgrades to the interior hallways with new paint, carpet and designer lighting. Your parking is located on the same level as the home…no elevator ride here! And what could be better than being in the heart of Midtown Atlanta….the cultural center of Atlanta. Whether it’s taking in an art exhibition at the High Museum, a play at the Fabulous Fox Theatre or an afternoon stroll through the green space art of Piedmont Park, it’s all just steps from your door! The GATech Campus, Bank Of America Plaza, Emory-Crawford Long Hospital and Turner Studios are an easy walk to work! Cornerstone Village. The Midtown Mile. Midtown Atlanta. All the ingredients for a great life style!
Bedrooms:1
Bathrooms:1
Parking Spaces:1
Square Feet:775
Year Built:1999
Floors:1
MLS #:3721756
Location Click to view map: 800 Peachtree Street, #1404 Atlanta GA 30308 Links  ]]>
576 2009-01-18 13:43:41 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
It's a BUYERS Game! Are You IN or OUT? (Part 3) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=577 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=577 Home BuyersWhether you are looking for Midtown Atlanta Real Estate, or anywhere in Atlanta, or anywhere in the United States, there are certain things you, the Buyer, should know about. Whether this is your first home, or your fifth home, you need to be informed. Rules and Regulations change over time. Technology has changed how we conduct business, to some degree. And, you just might need a refresher course in all that is really involved in the process we call Buying a Home.

In my First Part, How to Choose Your Real Estate Agent, we talked about various things you should consider when you select the person who will help you find that new home.

In my Second Part, Buyer Brokerage or Agency, Who's Working for Whom, we talked about the ever important Buyer Brokerage Agreement and knowing who your real estate agent is representing in your real estate transaction.

Today, in Part 3, let's put together YOUR Buyer Check List.

When you start the home buying process, either for the first time, or your tenth time, it's important to keep on track. We all know that a good list can do that. So, what should your Buyer Checklist include?

List1)      Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Not a pre-qualification, but a pre-approval. This means you have provided any and all documentation to your mortgage/loan officer (W-2's, tax returns, credit report, employment history, etc.) that they need. The only two pieces of information missing are a contract and an appraisal on the home you have selected. Here in Georgia, you have a limited amount of time (called due diligence and we will cover that when we talk about the Purchase and Sale Agreement) to get your loan finalized, or you could be in breach of your contract. Not a place you want to be.

 

Also, by being pre-approved, you can find out how much home you can afford, and how much home you are comfortable paying for. This can be two different numbers, and can help your real estate find a home that meets your needs, and fits your wallet.

2)      Determine your WANTS and NEEDS. Wants are just that. We "want to have a three car garage. We want to be close to shopping." NEEDS are "3 bedrooms, so one can be the home office. We need good schools for the kids." Also included in your wants and needs should be things like location of the home and neighborhood, shopping, transportation and distance to your place of work. This list will not only help you stay on track and not get caught up in the emotion of a home that may not really meet your needs, but again, will also help your real estate agent find the right home for you!

3)      Do your research. While you can, and should count on your real estate agent to help you, with today's' technology, you can also learn about neighborhoods, schools, crime, zoning and other issues that might be of concern to you.

 

In our next part, we will talk about What Questions to Ask When Buying a Home.

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577 2009-01-20 20:43:36 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Sometimes.....Pictures ARE The Next Best Thing To Being There...... http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=578 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=578 Today, I had a day of "outside" activities planned. Mother Nature decided to chill things down a bit. So I changed my schedule, and while I had the day mostly on record mode, I watched most of it. I can imagine the excitement of being there, altho I could of never stood outside that long in that cold.

Instead, I took it all in with hundreds of camera angles...and here's a few choice shots...more to come!

Washington DC

Limo

Clintons

President Obama

A New Day Has Come

 

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578 2009-01-20 22:32:32 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Developers Discuss Their Business Models http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=579 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=579 Midtown BuildingsIn my never ending quest to know anything and everything about Midtown Atlanta Real Estate, I'm always attending various meetings or seminars. I do this not only to network and meet people, but learn about the community where I work and live.

Last night, I attended a meeting hosted by the Northwest Community Alliance. This group is made up of neighborhoods in Midtown West and the Howell Mill Road area of Atlanta. They worked together when a developer (Selig Enterprises) came into the area to redevelop an old hotel into a shopping center (first WalMart located in urban Atlanta, and underground, as well as the development of Atlantic Station when it first started in the late 90's.

At this meeting, the three presenters, each talked about their respective company organizations and how they work.

Selig Enterprises is a family owned company, and Scott Selig, Vice President talked about the nature of their business. Their "bread and butter" business has been the development of shopping centers with grocery store anchors. They have ventured into mixed-used developments, such as Plaza Midtown and 1010Midtown, but with the help of partners that knew that end of the business. Scott talked about the fact that since they are family owned company, "his word is his word."

Coro Realty Advisors, LLC was represented by Patti Pearlberg, V.P. and Asset Manager. Their company grew out of Branch Realty in 1997, and represents investors from Europe. Patti talked about the company's idea of "Income Producing Land Play" (I think I got that title right) whereby they purchase property that currently has an income stream, but with future potential for redevelopment. The are currently developing Buckhead Place, a 13 acre mixed-used development at the corner of Peachtree and Piedmont Roads in Buckhead. A key component of this development is the new 05 Buckhead, a true luxury rental community. Patti talked about how her company can "make a deal with just one phone call" to one of their investors, and then it's later followed up by the necessary contracts.

Lastly, Brian Leary, Vice President, Design and Retail for Atlantic Station talked about the undertaking that is Atlantic Station, formerly the Atlantic Steel Mill site. To give you an idea of the scope of this project, here is a picture of Atlantic Steel....

Atlantic Steel

And what it looks like today....

Atlantic Station

Brian talked about all that was involved from 1997 when the property went Under Contract, till it closed December 31, 1999 for $76M to the Opening in 2005! AIG became involved in the property and is now the owner of Atlantic Station. It sits, if you will on a podium of some 7,300 parkign spaces, shared between the various office buildings, condos and the retail of the community. Brian talked about "air rights" and how they have been able to sell them for the development of the buildings. It's also a very green-friendly development and the entire development has one central plant to provide the electricity, heat and a/c to each of the buildings.

It was an interesting meeting, and was not only great to meet these respected developers of Atlanta, but learn about these companies, and what they do. Here's some additional info about the speakers:

Scott Selig

Scott Selig, Vice President, Selig Enterprises

For nearly a century, Selig Enterprises has maintained a commitment to excellence, dedicated to meeting needs of its tenants as well as the community.

Founded in 1918 by Ben J.Massell, considered by many to be the "father of Atlanta's skyline, "Selig Enterprises" portfolio includes shopping centers, industrial complexes and office projects throughout the Southeast.

The company provides leasing, development, acquisition, space design, construction, legal, property manage- ment, brokerage and accounting services for more than 250 properties. We also own and operate AAA Parking, which manages over 100 parking facilities.

Now under the direction of Ben Massell's grandson, S. Stephen Selig III, Selig Enterprises is one of the largest privately held real estate companies in the Southeast. Our stability and integrity have fostered steady growth and financial strength, enhancing our reputation as an industry leader.

Patti Pearlberg

Patti L. Pearlberg, V.P. Asset Management, Coro Realty Advisors, LLC

Ms. Pearlberg has over 20 years experience in Commercial Real Estate, having worked in the areas of Retail, Office, Industrial, Multi-Family and Land Investments. Her experience encompasses Property Management responsibilities, as well as Asset Management, Financing, Development, Leasing, Acquisitions, and Dispositions. Ms. Pearlberg has worked in positions with many high-profile companies, including Regency Centers, Branch Properties, L.P., Trammell Crow Residential and Post Properties. She received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Georgia, her MBA in Finance from Kennesaw State University and her Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University.

Brian Leary

Brian Leary, Vice President, Design and Retail, Atlantic Station

Since joining Atlantic Station in 1997, Brian Leary has developed the master plan into a national model for smart growth and new urbanism. Leary successfully negotiated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Atlantic Station and the new 17th Street multi-modal bridge to become the first Project XL and transportation control measure of its kind in the United States.

Prior to joining the Atlantic Steel redevelopment team, Leary worked for Central Atlanta Progress (CAP). With CAP and COPA, Inc., the non-profit development arm for the Centennial Olympic Park area, Leary helped with the continued implementation of the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD), Centennial Park area special public interest (SPI) overlay zoning district and expansion of the Downtown Improvement District (DID).

Leary is a graduate of Georgia Tech's College of Architecture with an undergraduate degree in architecture and a master's degree in City Planning. While focusing on transportation and land development in graduate school, he worked with Catherine Ross, Ph.D. (now Executive Director of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority) and her consulting firm. Before graduating, he finished his thesis outlining a redevelopment plan for the Atlantic Steel property that would provide a national model for smart growth and brownfield remediation through the creation of a 24-hour, live-work-play community.

 

 

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579 2009-01-22 14:55:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
This is TOTALLY COOL! You HAVE to Check This OUT! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=580 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=580 Star TrekOk, My Fellow Rainers! Every once in awhile, you see something that just makes you say....WOW!

It makes you marvel at what we can do on or with these life controllers we call computers.

As a kid (ok, I guess I'm still a kid based on this) I never missed Star Trek. Watched it when if first started and I think I have seen all the movies. However, I have been led astray as I did NOT know there was another Star Trek movie coming out.....But there is!

This site was on Facebook this morning, and it was unbelievable! Or at least it was to me!

Whether you are a Star Trek fan or not is NOT the point! Here's the instructions to get the most out of your upcoming Sunday Morning Experience........

1)  Click on the link Below. A pop-up window with some text will appear, and it will disappear, or click Close.

2) On the upper right hand side, click the monitor with the title USS KELVIN.

3) Then click the second monitor Starfleet Database.

I WANT A REAL ESTATE WEBSITE THIS COOL!!!

REAL ESTATE THE NEW FRONTIER

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580 2009-01-25 06:44:16 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Who's In Your Wallet? (a.k.a. Making Connections) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=581 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=581 Midtown Atlanta Real EstateI'm a firm believer in networking. I do it all the time. I network online, here on Active Rain. I attend events such as business organizations, serve on the Board of my neighborhood association, and belong to a couple clubs (not that I have time for that!)

In the last two days, I've had some incredible interaction with some really great people! And I see them being a part of my network (and I their's) for a long time.

So, I wanted to share them with you...maybe inspire you to get out there and pump some hands, meet some people, and get some new ideas and contacts for your business.

 

This morning, I had an awesome meeting with Kathy Nielsen, Atlanta Georgia Home Staging.Atlanta Home Staging

What was the big deal? Well, first off, Kathy and I "connected" about her business and mine, and how we can help each other. I learned some new things about staging I did not know, and she learned a bit more about Midtown Atlanta Real Estate from me.

After that part of the conversation, we started talking Active Rain, since that is how we learned about each other. Before I knew it, we had my laptop out, and Kathy was giving me pointers about SEO and blogging, and we were talking Twitter and Facebook! Then I told her about the upcoming RETechSouth Conference in March so I know we will be seeing each other there. 

It was just so cool to be talking about Active Rain and all that we have learned here! And I think I even passed along a tip or two myself! If one has to be addicted to something, thank goodness it's Active Rain! Thanks, Kathy for a great hour, I'm looking forward to many more!

Last night, as you might recall, I hosted a High Speed Networking Event on behalf of Networking For Professionals(NFP) Wow! It was a blast! First off, it was an intimate group of 25 people, so everyone got to meet everyone! We chatted for about 30 minutes, and then the "official" part got going! I had everyone lined up in two rows, and the networking began! In this 2 hour timespan, I made some awesome contacts! In fact, follow up appointments are in the works with a couple people already!

Who's In Your Wallet? Making connections and networking are an important part of any business, but especially my business!

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581 2009-01-29 23:32:31 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday - The Wonders of Nature http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=582 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=582  

Lone Mountain

Lone Mountain at Big Sky Ski/Summer Resort

Big Sky, Montana

Summer, 2007

I grew up in Montana. Of course it's still rustic and lots of wilderness. As a kid, somehow I just knew that I belonged in the big city. But, a trip back to visit family in 2007, reminded me of the beauty that Montana holds. Armed with a new digital camera, I've learned to snap, snap, snap! This picture was taken just as the sun was setting behind Lone Mountain.

 

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582 2009-02-01 21:03:27 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Food For Thought. A New Blog To Challenge Your Thoughts! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=583 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=583 Midtown Atlanta real estate offers one all kinds of vantage points to ponder all that is happening in the world today.

Midtown AtlantaWhether I'm sitting at the local Starbucks watching the people walk by, standing on my balcony 27 stories up watching planes land every minute at the airport, or walking through Piedmont Park, there are many places where you can just stop and think....."What if....?"

On a daily basis, I come across interesting thoughts, or quotes, that make me think about everything from real estate to real life! So, I decided , I'll share these with you every few days.

Something to make you think. Something for you to comment on and give your impression of what the person said, if  I know the author.

So, here's your first one....

"If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us, we'd all be millionaires."  Oscar Wilde

Man Thinking

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583 2009-02-03 19:48:09 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Food For Thought! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=584 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=584 Nope....this is not Midtown Atlanta Real Estate!

But she looks pretty darn nice, doesn't she?

It's an interesting time to "be in real estate." My Mom sold real estate years ago, and now she tells me I should of never got into real estate....I should of stayed in the corporate world. No thanks Mom! Despite the challenges I've had, and will probably have more, I'm glad I'm here.

I do find it a challenge, more days than less, to keep the ship headed in the right direction. But this year my partner and I spent 2 days writing a Business Plan. Goals and Plans to keep us headed in the right direction.

Some of them short term, some of them long term. But at least we know what our destination is.

The trip might be a bit rough at time, but I think we know where we are going.

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584 2009-02-05 12:38:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Mindset For The Market --What's YOUR Mindset? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=585 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=585  

 

It's days like today that remind me WHY I live in Atlanta, Georgia! Crystal Blue skies, temps in the 60's, and people....people....EVERYWHERE!!!! We all know there will be some more cold snaps, but in our minds, let's just pretend, at least for today, that Spring is here. I just snapped this picture by my fish pond....does it not set your mind that Spring must be just around the corner?

That's a mindset. Setting your mind to believe something. And now is the time for you to have a......

 Mindset For the Market

Yesterday, Ray and I attended a CE class hosted by our local board. (I've met those credits for the next 4 years already) I went to see if there would be that tidbit I could take away and work with. And there was.

"We're in an equal opportunity market with unequal rewards. The rewards go to the people who focus on the opportunities instead of the chaos. That includes buyers, sellers, agents and brokers."

The major focus of this class was to change what is not working for you. And get back to basics. For those REALTORS and agents who read my blog, that means the good old fashioned lead generation and prosepecting, along with networking.

And for those Buyers and Sellers that may read my blog, what does it mean for you? It means that now is the time to Buy! The pending tax credit for home buyers as part of the upcoming Stimulus package is certainly a good reason. But, now is the time to take advantage of the market and the opportunities it holds.

For Sellers, perhaps your sales price won't be what you had hoped? Remember, you now get to purchase that next home and take advantage of those prices from...you got it....a Buyer's prospective.

I'm charged today! I was in the office today, early for an appointment. No one had signed up for coverage, so I said...."Hmmmm...." Out went the sign and the balloons, as well as the dog treats and water. No more did I have this done, than in walked a first-time buyer, knowledgeable about the market and the pending tax credit, and ready to make his first purchase!  And after that, came my appointment with another first-time buyer, again aware of the benefits of buying now.

I've changed my Mindset For The Market! I'm going to ramp up my networking, prospecting and my work on my blog and on-line presence.

My Mindset for The Market is avoid the doom and gloom of the news. (Ok, yes, it's a tough world out there right now and I can't live under a rock....but I can focus on the good stuff!)

My Mindset for The Market

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585 2009-02-07 16:01:25 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday - http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=586 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=586  

A Portion of the Lobby Display at the

 Belliago Hotel and Casino

Las Vegas, Nevada

November 2007 - While attending the National Association of REALTORS Convention

I'm not sure how often they change the lobby display at this hotel, but you can rest assured, that there is no lack of creativity in this process. I've got numerous pictures from two different visits to Las Vegas.

If you are ever in Las Vegas, be sure not to miss this display, as well as the dancing fountains in front of the hotel. It's all quite a sight to see!

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586 2009-02-07 23:10:14 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Citi using Taxpayer Bailout Funds to deny Loan Mods and Foreclose on Cooperating Homeowners http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=587 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=587

I just read this story with my jaw on the floor. It's unbelievable, and really makes you wonder when this madness will stop.

Via Regina P. Brown Real Estate on the California Coast:

Yes, you read that right!  Unbelievable but true.  I am out in the field talking to homeowners every day.  Here is a TRUE story of California home owners who are fighting back and winning against these greedy giant corporate banks.  It's shocking to know that OUR taxpayer bailout money is being used to support such bad business practices by lenders like Citibank.  This homeowner's story has developed over the past year.

The Homeowners refinanced their house in the Spring of 2004, with a 6% ARM fixed for 2 years.  No problem, they would refinance into a better loan at the end of 2 years.  Unfortunately by that time, the market had changed and they couldn't refinance out of that ARM loan.

1. Due to the interest rate on the ARM loan increasing to approximately 11%, the homeowners' payments jumped from $1,800 to about $3,600 per month (not including taxes and insurance).  Note that these interest rates are being charged to the homeowner at a time when the federal rates were the LOWEST ever (4 to 5%).  Citi was currently servicing their loan, which had been transferred several times after their initial loan.

2. After getting behind in payments, the Homeowners first tried to negotiate with their lender Citi.  Citi demanded large payments to get caught up.  The Homeowner asked Citi if they could do a Loan Modification because they wanted the interest rate lowered.  Citi stated that they do not do Loan Modifications.  (Citi's computer called them automatically 2-3 times per day from Citi's collections dept.  The homeowners had to submit a "cease & desist" letter asking NOT to be called from Citi, in order to stop the harrassing phone calls.)

3. The Homeowner was unable to make the payments and contacted the HOPE government agency for help.  Citi ignored the HOPE program's request and refused to contact the Homeowner.  

4. The Homeowner's attorney then wrote 2 separate letters to Citi, with no answers or results from Citi.  The homeowners continued to contact Citi.  They got the "run-around" of being transferred from department to department, with no answers, no rep assigned to their case, and no one to return their phone calls.

5. The Homeowners heard that Citi was now offering Loan Modifications.  The Homeowners then submitted their financial form to Citi, requesting a Loan Modification.  The Homeowners contacted Citi every week with no answer or reply.  Finally, they got a letter denying their Loan Modification request.  Citi said it was denied because the file was incomplete because an additional paper was needed.  The Homeowners were never notified that additional paperwork was needed.  Citi said they could not contact the Homeowner because the Homeowner had asked Citi to "cease & desist" making collection calls (they were harassing the Homeowners by having the collection dept. computer calling them twice per day).  The Homeowners then pointed out that they had sent Citi a fax authorizing to be contacted on their cell phone regarding the Loan Modification.  The Homeowners asked Citi why they didn't simply send them a letter requesting the additional paperwork.  Then Citi stated that the Loan Modification application had been deleted from their system, and if the Homeowners wanted a Loan Mod, they would have to reapply and start the process all over again.  Citi stated that their Loan Modification process was a 4-6 week process.  The Homeowners pointed out that Citi had set the Foreclosure sale date only a few weeks away, and asked if Citi could postpone the sale date.  They said they could not.

6. The Homeowner then hired a Loan Modification company.  Unfortunately, after many attempts of dealing with Citi's senior management, the Loan Modification company was not able to obtain a loan modification because Citi refused to cooperate with them also.  First, Citi said that the Homeowner didn't have enough income to qualify for the Loan Modification program.  Then Citi said that the Homeowner had too much income to qualify!  (Fortunately, this company offers a money-back guarantee if they can't perform.)

7. Next the Homeowner hired a legal services program to file a fraud lawsuit against Citi.  After a couple of weeks, the program's lawyers could not get it filed in time because of their backlog of so many cases.   (This company called the Homeowners and told them the attorneys weren't going to be able to get their lawsuit filed before the foreclosure date.  And yes, they sent the Homeowners' money back to them the next day).  They received a Notice of Trustee's Sale (Foreclosure sale) from Citi.  The sale date was set for January 30th.

8. The Homeowners next hired Home Defense Group to file a lawsuit against Citi.  With less than 2 weeks before the Foreclosure sale date, Home Defense Group filed a very strong lawsuit against Citi.  Reading from a court-certified copy, the first page says:

COMPLAINT FOR:

1. DECLARATORY RELIEF
2. VOID, CANCEL, AND SET ASIDE:
    (a) NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE UNDER DEED OF TRUST;
    (b) NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND ELECTION TO SELL UNDER DEED OF TRUST
3. CANCELLATION OF INSTRUMENTS
4. QUIET TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY
5. ACCOUNTING
6. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
   (a) Temporary Restraining Order
   (b) Preliminary Injunction
7. DAMAGES:
   (a) General
   (b) Compensatory
   (c) Bad Faith Foreclosure
   (d) Violation of Statute(s)

9. After receiving this lawsuit, Citi postponed the Notice of Trustee's Sale (Foreclosure sale).  Citi did not notify the Homeowners or the law firm.  This information was discovered when searching the foreclosure public records.  The Sale date postponement was postponed from January 30th to March 2nd.

10. Meanwhile, Home Defense Group will continue to work on behalf of this Homeowner until the case can be successfully concluded.

PLEASE NOTE that there is NO guarantee that ANY particular program or lawsuit will be successful on your behalf.  I have heard a rumor that some lawyers, although they had filed valid cases, were not having the success they sought.  I heard it was because some corrupt judges were siding with the huge corporate lenders, who are paying millions of dollars to try to get these lawsuits thrown out.  These huge corporate lenders are afraid that losing a fraud lawsuit will set a precedent, opening the floodgates to thousands of other Homeowners who will sue on the same grounds, and the lenders will do everything possible to stop these type of lawsuits. 

Although I hope and pray that these cases get heard fairly on behalf of homeowners, I can't deny that corruption, favoritism, and unfairness exist in every society.  Our American justice system is not perfect, and life is not always fair.  However, I feel that homeowners have a GOOD SHOT at getting some POWER back in their hands with these experienced attorneys who are willing to put their careers on the line to FIGHT back for American citizens.  God bless them!!!

If you question the legitimacy of this tactic, consider this:  Your lender may have sold your promissory Note and they may not own your Note -- which may mean that they do NOT have the right to foreclose, and maybe even don't have the right to collect your mortgage payment.  Smart attorneys are working with home owners to make the lender PRODUCE a valid note.  Here's Lou Dobbs from CNN.

According to Ohio congresswoman Marcy Kaptur as interviewed on LouDobbs.com on CNN.com, if your lender tries to foreclose on you, hire an attorney and fight back!  Stay in your house, do NOT move out.

In this CNN clip called "Fight Foreclosures: Be a Squatter!", check out the video here:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/01/30/griffin.mortgage.squatting.cnn

Please reference my previous blog, "Bank Foreclosing?  Don't Move Out, Stay in your Home" at http://activerain.com/blogsview/911789/Bank-Foreclosing-Dont-Move-Out-Stay-in-your-Home

Can Home Defense Group's program work for you or your homeowners?  Contact us today to find out if your loan qualifies and you can put their powerful program to work for you.

Join my new AR group and post your blog at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice

Regina P. Brown
Broker, Realtor®, e-Pro
Author of eBook "Stop Foreclosure Fast: Solutions to Save your House"

Text copyright © 2009 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved

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587 2009-02-08 08:31:28 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Real Estate - OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2/8 2-4PM!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=588 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=588
Click to view listing website
DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES This contemporary Cornerstone Village Condo is not your traditional Cornerstone home! Stunning upgrades include beautiful green granite counters in kitchen and bath, tile floors in the kitchen and bath, and hardwood floors throughout the rest of the home! Eye-catching lighting is found from the kitchen to the bath and everywhere in between! Open the French Doors to your Juliette balcony, covered with English ivy and enjoy the sights and sounds that ARE Midtown Atlanta! Just where you want to live! Cornerstone Village includes a resort-style pool, fitness room, home theatre and has recently completed upgrades to the interior hallways with new paint, carpet and designer lighting. Your parking is located on the same level as the home…no elevator ride here! And what could be better than being in the heart of Midtown Atlanta….the cultural center of Atlanta. Whether it’s taking in an art exhibition at the High Museum, a play at the Fabulous Fox Theatre or an afternoon stroll through the green space art of Piedmont Park, it’s all just steps from your door! The GATech Campus, Bank Of America Plaza, Emory-Crawford Long Hospital and Turner Studios are an easy walk to work! Cornerstone Village. The Midtown Mile. Midtown Atlanta. All the ingredients for a great life style!
Bedrooms:1
Bathrooms:1
Parking Spaces:1
Square Feet:775
Year Built:1999
Floors:1
MLS #:3721756
LOCATION Click to view map: 800 Peachtree Street, #1404 Atlanta GA 30308 LINKS ]]>
588 2009-02-08 09:38:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Food For Thought http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=589 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=589  

There are days I think, was this really a wise choice, this real estate gig? (You can't)

Then, there are days when the phone rings, clients are happy, Buyers are talking to the mortgage people like they are suppose to! (You can)

And then I know I made the right choice. Sure, I'm working more hours than I did in the corporate world, but hey, I'm the CEO AND the Chairman of The Board!

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589 2009-02-09 23:02:40 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Food For Thought For Friday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=590 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=590 One of those thoughts being, it's a great time to be buying Midtown Atlanta Real Estate!

Well...we made it to Friday! I always laugh when someone tells me, "Thank God It's Friday!" It's just another day in the real estate world. I'll be working tomorow, showing property to a first time buyer.

I will say, it's been a busy week however! 3 buyers to preview property for, working on the listing for a 4 unit townhome project we are listing, and today got my first short-sale listing. (It pays to talk to people at your condo holiday party!)

I'm not sure I used all my time wisely, but it's been a good week!

I hope yours was too!

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590 2009-02-13 22:14:40 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Residents Talk Safety http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=591 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=591  

More than 60 Midtown Atlanta residents were on hand this past Monday for the monthly safety meeting, hosted by Midtown Neighbors' Association. The City of Atlanta (particularly the Mayor's Office) furloughed police and firemen as a result of the city's budget shortfall. Needless to say, that has not set well with residents concerned about crime and safety.

But this was an extra special Safety Meeting with some pretty heavy hitters in attendance! Of most noted importance was Atlanta Police Department (APD) Zone 5 Commander, Major Williams. The meeting was co-hosted by Kwanza Hall, District 2 City Council. Kwanza represents about half of the Midtown area, including most of the condominium buildings. The primary purpose of this meeting was to introduce the "Clean Car Campaign."

Kwanza and Major WilliamsKwanza (on the left) and Major Williams (right) discussed the campaign, which is not about how pretty your car looks after it comes out of a car wash! Instead, they talked about the persistent problem in Zone 5 of auto break-ins. A persistent problem, because people continue to leave valuables in plain sight inside their cars. Items like GPS, laptops, cell phones and purses are often left laying on the seat or the GPS is left mounted on the windshield. All of these items make for an easy target for a car break-in.

I found it very interesting to learn that a spark plug is a tool of choice when breaking out a car window. Imagine how easy it is to hide that in your hand, or pocket. (No bricks or stones required!)

Major Williams noted that Zone 5, which covers Midtown and Downtown has some unusual challenges with this problem. First off, there are over 100,000 parking spaces in Zone 5! (a.k.a. We Atlantans love our cars and need places to park them!) Additionally, Zone 5 includes numerous special event facilities like The Georgia Dome, Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Aquarium and more. Many people visiting these venues don't "think like a city dweller" and will leave many items inside their cars. With the downturn in the economy, criminals are looking for anything of value they can use, or sell. Also, there are numerous restaurants and night life spots in the Midtown area where people might forget they are in a city and not the suburbs!

Midtown Neighbors' Association,(MNA) along with the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance created a unique "safety ticket" to warn residents of Midtown, as well as visitors to not leave items in the open in their cars.

I am the Membership Chairman of MNA, and we are currently working on a plan to distribute these tickets to every homeowner in the major condo buildings in Midtown. It will be quite an undertaking, but a great community service!

Major Williams also talked about a few of the other changes he has made in Zone 5 since returning as it's Commander.

Midtown Atlanta now sees foot patrol officers. Yep...out of the car and on the street! They park their cars in visible locations, and then walk a 3-4 block radius from their police cruiser! It's pretty cool to get to interact with them, as they are always willing to stop and say hello!

Zone 5 also has a Quality Of Life Officer that works with the neighborhoods on various issues from panhandling to code enforcement issues.

APD faces challenges with officers leaving the city for surrounding cities where they are offered a higher salary. So, when you are on the streets of Midtown, and see one of the officers, be sure to thank them for their time and effort in keeping the streets safe!

Residents in attendance at the meeting asked questions about homeless people and their involvement in these crimes, as well as other safety questions.

Also in attendance at the meeting was Anne Fauver, District 6 City Council Member. Anne's district covers the other part of Midtown, often referred to as Historic Midtown as well as Morningside. Anne has been working hard to find ways for the City of Atlanta to increase its revenues, and restore the police and firemen back to their full schedules.

There was a great group of APD officers that attended the meeting! Many of them volunteered to come in on their off time to attend this community meeting! That shows some dedication to their job, and their community!

 

 

Atlanta's Finest

The beat officer for Peachtree Street often stops in our office, to grab a coffee if it's cold, or use the restroom!

Thom Abbott Mary Norwood

 

 

 

 

 

Also attending the meeting was Mary Norwood, Atlanta City Council At Large Post. Mary is also running for Mayor of the City of Atlanta in November.

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591 2009-02-14 08:41:50 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Please Forgive Me While I Nurse Myself! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=592 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=592  

Ok! I guess my luck has run out! At least when it comes to the lovely thing we call the common cold.

I have not had one in what, at least 2 years! But, I slipped out for a night of dancing to celebrate a special event in my life, and it seems to have caught up with me! UGH!

I'm still going, having shown some 20 plus homes today! (They were condos...we can do that many in a day!)

But, I'm quick to keep the cold medicine in me, and that usually means an early night in bed!

I'll be better in a couple days (hopefully) and then I'll be back to posting and all! Until then, (sniffle, sniffle) I miss you my readers!

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592 2009-02-17 21:29:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Safety And The Real Estate Agent. VERY IMPORTANT!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=593 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=593 SecurityFor those of you that have not seen or heard the news from here in Atlanta, a woman was found murdered in her upscale condominium after allowing an individual access to her home to see it, which was For Sale.

A link to the story follows this post. But it brings home a most important point that we as REALTORS, or real estate agents often take for granted. Our Safety. I'll touch base on OUR safety in this Members Only Post, and will then do one to the public talking about safety, if you choose to market your home For Sale or Rent on your own.

While the story says the owner let the individual into her condo (with the permission of the Concierge) note that it points out the suspect was first with a real estate agent who was with the on-site sales office. Had the suspect seen enough items of value to steal in one of the other homes (they were either models or vacant) it very well could of been the real estate agent himself that was the victim!

Just as we expect our clients to do their due diligence when they purchase a home, so must WE do OUR due diligence to know who we are working with. If your Broker does not have a "safety policy," then make your own. Here's my new policy:

  • Walk-ins to the office requesting to see property immediately will need to provide their driver's license to make a copy of.
  • Another agent in the office (or my team member Ray) will know what condo I'm going to show, and about how long I will be gone. If I'm not back within the allotted time, they are to call me on my cell phone. If I do not answer, call 911.
  • If I'm going to be out showing for an extended period of time, a call system will be in place to call me every hour to check in.  I'll leave a list of all properties to be shown, and what order I will be showing them in. If I do not answer the phone, call 911.
  • OPEN HOUSES:  I will no longer do an Open House alone. Period. End of Statement. And, when people arrive in the lobby, one of us will greet them, and ask for a copy of their drivers license. (either a photo copy if we can, or the info will be noted on a slip of paper) When you return to the lobby the piece of paper will be given back to you. (For those concerned about identity theft.) Should the individual(s) refuse, you're not visiting my Open House. Period. End of Statement.
  • A call system will still be in place to call between the condo and the agent in the lobby as people come and go, to know that all is well.
  • If the Open House is in a single-family neighborhood, I will alert one or two neighbors of my presence and ask them to "keep their eyes open."
  • If the phone is answered, but there is a concern, the colors of green, yellow and red will be used in the following fashion: "Could you check the HOA fee in the GREEN folder", which will indicate everything is fine. YELLOW  will indicate a concern, and RED will indicate an emergency and I need help.

Despite the fact that I may have collected information from the individual(s) I'm showing property to, I will make a concerned effort to:

  • Not walk into a room in front of a buyer, but let them lead the way and remain in the doorway, protecting my escape route, if necessary.
  • If showing a vacant home, I'll leave the front door open, and make sure I know where other exits are in the home, should I feel a need to leave.
  • Preview homes before showing them, and know the potential escape routes, if needed.
  • Know if I can get out of a basement. If not, let the Buyer tour themselves.

Mind you, this if for those buyers' that we really don't know. If it's a referral from a friend or family, we probably don't have to be so nervous.

But no amount of commission or sale is worth more than my life. Period. End of Statement.

Atlanta Doctor Found Murdered in Condo

To All My Friends on Active Rain, and to ALL REALTORS.....Be Safe!

UPDATE TO THIS BLOG AS OF SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009 ----

The suspect had been arrested twice for burglaries and the second time, the judge let him out when she saw a website the suspect had created about weddings and wedding dresses......

The suspect now may also be linked to a series of muggings in the surrounding area!

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593 2009-02-20 19:28:36 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Food For Thought On A Sunday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=594 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=594  

Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea

never regains it's original dimensions. -- Oliver Wendell Holmes

As I find these quotes (and I just found a site with 501 of them...whoopie!) I take a moment to think, how does this apply to me?

Active Rain has certainly str-e-e-e-eched my mind! I've learned a new way to get business, and I've learned countless new ways to do things. (Like the editing tricks on the photo above!)

I've stretched my mind through the people that have come (and gone) through my life.

I've stretched my life through the places I have travelled to and the experiences they have brought me.

Here's hoping your mind is stretched (in a good way) today!

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594 2009-02-22 14:52:16 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Yes! It Really DOES Work! This Thing Called Active Rain! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=595 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=595 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate

 

ImageChef.com - Custom comment codes for MySpace, Hi5, Friendster and more

 

Ok! This IS the big one! The Oscar! The Tony! The...well you get the drift! I've been looking forward to the day I could do this post, and make the announcement! I was determined to keep the faith!

Last week, I got an email from someone in a suburb of Atlanta that read my blog about Cornerstone Village Condominiums. He use to attend GATech, had since gotten married so moved to the suburbs. Well, it seems times have changed (divorce) and now he wants to sell his house and move back to Midtown!

Now, it's not a done deal yet! We've agreed to talk again middle of next month as he is looking at a couple job opportunities outside of Atlanta. But if those do not pan out, then he will stay put, sell the house and look to move to Midtown! I don't want to jynx the deal, but at least...it's happening!

I knew there is/were/are benefits to blogging, but just had not had a taste of the fruit! It feels good to know that something I have posted was found, read and made an impact on a Buyer (and maybe a Seller too!)

For those of you out there that still have doubt, YES, It Really Does Work! This Thing Called Active Rain!

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595 2009-02-23 00:25:41 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
975 Piedmont. A New Era In Midtown Atlanta Living. http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=596 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=596
Click to view listing website
Description and Features A community of only 4 homes, and each of them is unique! From spacious balconies, to garage parking, to your breathtaking views of the Midtown skyline from your Rooftop Terrace, 975 Piedmont is sure to excite you! Each home is finished with rich hardwood floors and sleek kitchens with granite and stainless steel appliances. Some floor plans will even offer a Butler's kitchen on the upper level. Now is the perfect opportunity to pick your new home at 975 Piedmont.
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.5
Parking Spaces: 2
Square Feet: 4181
Year Built: 2009
Floors: 2
Location Click to view map: 975 Piedmont Avenue, #1 Atlanta GA 30309 Links

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596 2009-02-23 17:13:53 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Safety and The For Sale By Owner http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=597 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=597 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate

Let's face it. It's a tough world out there. Whether you've lost a job, a friend, family pet, whatever. Life has its challenges.

Perhaps one of your challenges is the need to sell or rent your home or condominium. Again, maybe it's an investment property and time for a new tenant, or maybe its' your own home and you have to sell it.

Changes in homes values have left many homeowners taking the route of selling their home on their own, without the help of a real estate agent. Maybe you can afford our services, and I certainly understand where you are coming from. But as you take on this task, I wanted to remind you of one very important point you may have overlooked....

Your SAFETY, and that of your family and your personal possessions. When you respond to that phone call of someone interested in seeing your For Sale By Owner (FSBO) home, who's really coming to see you? Do you know who it is?

This past week, a homeowner (condominium) invited a stranger into her condo to view it, with the understanding this individual was interested in purchasing it. And this was no ordinary home, but priced at $1,000,000! This meeting did not turn out well, and the individual has since been arrested and charged with the homeowners' murder. Yes, that's what I said.

One of the key "tools" both a real estate agent and a FSBO will use is the Open House. What better way to get people in to see your home, than open up the front door, and roll out the welcome mat. But, this also opens you, your family and your home to all sorts of security issues.

I wanted to share some tips with you, to help you prepare for your Open House (or even the visit from the potential tenant or buyer).

Don't just post your address on any Internet posting. Wait to give out the address when you have spoken to a person to schedule a viewing of your home or condo. This way, you have some control on who knows where you are.

When scheduling a viewing, don't do it alone. If you are hosting your own Open House, have a friend or family member with you.  Alert a neighbor, or two, about what you are doing so they can keep an eye open.

Have visitors show you a picture id, to make sure they are at least the same person. Anyone resisting this should be suspect. If you live in a multi-family building, meet the visitor in the lobby (if you have one.) Ask that they leave their driver's license with the Concierge or Security Officer before taking them to your home. (Not just signing a sign in sheet...leave the physical license.)

When showing your home, never walk into a room first. Follow behind the individual and point out the features. "To your left is the master bedroom. And through it is the bath."

Don't allow people to separate in your home or condo. Keep them together. One could be the distraction to see what valuables they can steal now, or later.

Put away simple things....laptops, jump drives, personal information like bills, bank statements, jewelry. Remember, a thief with a jump drive can steal files off your computer in a matter of a few moments if it's not password protected.

Always know your escape routes. Have doors or windows unlocked so you can quickly exit.

Always have your cell phone and car keys on your person. Have your cell phone programmed to easily call 911.

If you simply MUST host an Open House by yourself, have a "buddy call system" with a friend that they call you every 30 minutes. If they call you and you don't answer, have them call 911.

If you feel threatened in anyway, get out, and call 911.

 

While I'd likelove to be the REALTOR you choose to help you market your home or condominium, I understand you might need to do it on your own. I can only hope these few safety tips will help you with that part of the sales or renting process.

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597 2009-02-24 09:58:04 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Rates will HAVE to go up!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=598 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=598

Midtown Atlanta Real Estate is Here!

Dan Magstadt makes some very valid points here. We gotta pay for all of the recovery somehow, and it makes sense that interest rates WILL have to start going back up....the $1M question is.....WHEN?  Do you want to roll the dice, or buy now? Hmmmm...

 

 

Via Dan Magstadt (Meridian Financial):

Based on all economic indicators interest rates will HAVE to start moving upward in the relatively near future.

In the recent months/years there have been several factors that have kept interest rates low: Starting on 2001 after the Sept 11 slowdown the Fed started cutting interest rates which brought down mortgage rates & helped stimulate the housing market. 

At that time there was a feeding frenzy & everyone knows about the resulting housing boom that lasted 5-6 years. During this time interest rates stayed low mainly due to the insane amount of real estate transactions happening during those years.

In early 2005 the Fed started raising the key interest rate again, but that was in the midst of the housing boom & interest rates were only slightly affected.

Throughout all this China's voracious demand for American bonds helped keep interest rates low as well.

Once the housing boom started slowing down & the economy came to a screeching halt the Fed once again started slashing the funds rate & is now effectively at 0%.

What's happening now is China has a severely reduced enthusiasm for buying our T-Bills, there is a huge amount of debt that needs to be funded, & the Fed is going to have to raise their rates to make it more attractive for investors to fund the deficit.

In the midst of all this, mortgage lenders aren't going to be satisfied with a paltry 5% return on their investment & in order to keep pumping money into the mortgage market they'll want a higher return on their investment aka higher interest rates.

No one knows when this shift will come, but know it will & when the upward trend begins I believe it will be a steady uphill climb & will last for an extended period.

If you look at the last 30 years you'll see a history of dramatic rises: Interest rates well into the teens.

In closing I'll say, Buyers need to get off the fence & purchase a home now - These are ideal conditions for a buyer....extremely low interest rates along with home prices that have fallen dramatically. Now's the time to move!!

Don't let there be a feeling of regret in looking back to these days & wishing that you had moved on 5.5% interest rates.

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598 2009-02-25 07:44:10 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Let's Do Lunch In Midtown Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=599 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=599 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate

Did you need an excuse to get out and go to lunch? I didn't think so! But, hey, I'll give you one anyway!

Midtown Alliance Presents the "Lets Do Lunch Midtown" March 2-6 in Midtown Atlanta! So hey, we can go check out a condo or two, and then grab a lunch special at one of several of the participating restaurants here in Midtown!

Now there IS a catch...you need to have a Member Privilege Card to get these specials...and guess who's got one.....that's right...Your favorite Midtown Atlanta Real Estate Team!

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599 2009-02-26 15:20:09 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Power of Social Media....Just In Case You Don't Believe It! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=600 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=600 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate On Sale Today!

Writing this post almost gives me goose bumps! But when you look at the amazing power each of us has to connect with people, thanks to technology, it can be down right scary. But this story is so amazing, I just have to tell it.

 

It started months ago, via a review site called Yelp. Now, let me first say, if you are not using, have not used, or don't know about Yelp....DO IT! An amazing site full of reviews of restaurants and businesses alike. I've got Midtown Atlanta Real Estate reviews on my profile! Anyway, I met Joel through Yelp. We've kept in touch through Yelp, and have met at a couple of their events. That connection has recently allowed us to help Joel find his new home at Metropolis Midtown! Joel and I have since become friends on Facebook, as well as Twitter.

Since we've met, Joel has introduced me to lots of people I probably would of never met! Thanks Joel...looking forward to a long friendship!

Two weeks ago, we were at an event called Social Tuesdays. It's just a get together of guys in Atlanta to chat and cocktail (or have dinner) There, we met Wesley Anderson. An amazing person, to say the least. And someone who makes we wish "if I could turn back time...." I would of done things much different in my life up to this point. So, I'm going to make up for that time...watch out! Wes and I agreed we needed to build on this relationship, so for the next two weeks, we've been working on getting together. That finally happened yesterday over a great lunch with my partner, Ray Benitez.

Probably the best way to describe the events of lunch and what happened, and how quickly it happened.....would be to give it to you in a timeline fashion:

12-2pm  Lunch with Wes and Ray at Gordon Biersch Brewery (1 block from my office)

  • Wes suggests I become "friends" with Don from Columbus. He's going to be moving to Atlanta in April and is a doctor with Emory University Hospital. Wes does tell me he's already connect with a REALTOR in Atlanta (darn it!) (and I know them!) so he does not want to "steal business" from someone, but still thinks it would be great for us to meet sometime.
  • 2pm  I send a Friend Request to Don on Facebook.
  • 4:38pm I receive a Friend CONFIRMATION from Don, followed by a message that he's just arrived in Atlanta and will be here for the weekend. I respond with my schedule over the next couple days, since I'll be in the office with Office Coverage.

5:00pm  Front Door to office opens, and a guy walks in who's obviously been running (shorts, t-shirt and ipod) and asks for Thom Abbott.....GUESS WHO IT IS? He's staying at a hotel just down the street. So we ended up chatting for about 30 minutes!

Now....how's THAT for making a connection. In the span of 5 hours, I further established what I know will be a long, long friendship with Wes, introduced myself to a person who lives hundreds of miles away, and then met that person, in person, within 3 hours!

Things that make you go....hmmmmmm!

Now, I want to give credit where credit is due. As I said, Wes is really an interesting person, and I wanted to share his blog with you. He mentions our lunch, but what is even more important is the title of his blog, Touch Em and Ya Get Em. Something so true for all of us! Be sure to read it...it's worth it!

Yep. If you didn't believe in the power of Social Media, you should now!

 

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600 2009-02-27 07:26:07 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Snow And No Internet For 5 Hours! Winter - Atlanta Style! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=601 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=601 Now, I'm sure there must be a support group that I can sign up for! No Internet access for some 5 hours today! I actually had to watch movies, and then.....BAM...out went the power! Then, I had to actually read a book! Can you imagine? I've got a little clip light, so I found it, put it on the book and read a few more pages of Tribes by Seth Godin.

But, I did whip out my Flip Video camera (which I bought in November and still have not worked into my marketing and blogging plans) and thought you might enjoy a glimpse of our "winter" here in Atlanta!

 

]]> 601 2009-03-01 23:31:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 It's A Buyers Game! Are you IN or OUT? (Part 4) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=602 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=602 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate

Yes, it certainly appears that Midtown Atlanta Real Estate and many other parts of the country will be a Buyers' market for sometime to come. And for you to be IN that market, or "game" as I've titled this series, you need to be armed with some powerful tools.

thom abbottLet's recap some of those tools we've discussed so far.  In Part 1, How to Choose Your Real Estate Agent, we talked about the importance of this "tool."  The right agent will make all the difference in finding the right home for you and guiding you through a successful and smooth real estate closing.

In Part 2, Buyers Brokerage or Agency, Who's Working for Whom, I talked about the importance of having representation when buying a home. You also want to know if your agent is representing you the Buyer, the Seller, or in some cases, BOTH.

Then, in Part 3, we talked about your Buyer's Checklist. From getting a pre-approval with a lender, to your needs and wants in a home, you are going to see HOW important that checklist is today, when we talk about...

Thom AbbottWhat Questions To Ask When Buying A Home?

Some of these questions will mirror your checklist, and to keep this an easy read I'm going to make them more bullet points instead of a long read blog.

Buyer Tour Booklet? Make sure your agent provides you with a list of the properties you will be seeing anytime you go out. If you look at 10 homes in one day, you will forget what the first one looks like when you hit number 10, and taking notes will help you review what you have seen. On days you tour property with your agent, be sure to dress comfortably (based on the weather) so you can enjoy the day and focus on what you are seeing.

Location?  As you look at homes, pay attention to what's around the home/condo you like. Is it close to schools, public transportation, shopping, and highways? What is the future development potential around the building or community? Remember the saying, "location, location, location." You can raise or lower the price, but you can never change the location of the home you buy.

Rules and Regulations? Whether you are looking at a condominium or a single family home, most new communities have rules you need to live by. Whether it's what you can place on your balcony or what color you can paint your house, these are important things for you to consider. What if that huge back yard looks perfect for a pool and the neighborhood does not allow them? All of these questions can be answered in the covenants and restrictions documents that you should review before purchasing.

Home Condition? Is it a new, never been lived in home/condo with a builder warranty? Bank owned or foreclosed property? Has the home been recently occupied or vacant for any length of time? Part of your making an offer on a home/condo will be to have it professionally inspected. We'll touch on that again in our last part on the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Features and Benefits of the Home/Condo?  This goes back to your Buyer's Checklist. Don't fall in love with a home if it does not have all the features and benefits you've identified as important to you. Or be prepared to "negotiate" with your spouse or significant other as to what you can or cannot live without.

Midtown Atlanta Real EstateAre Your Prepared To Make An Offer? A home purchase will most likely be the single biggest purchase you ever make. And it can be emotional as well. From loving everything you see, to having those "second thoughts" about spending the money. Be sure in your mind you are ready to make this decision and move. This will help both you AND your agent in making the process smooth and easy. The days you are on tour with your agent, be sure to have your checkbook with you. While it's a Buyer's market, homes and condos that are priced right will not stay on the market long. You won't be the only person shopping, and the last thing you want to do is miss out on the great opportunity because you were not prepared to give that earnest money check and get an offer submitted that day!

In the last part of this series, I'll review select parts of the Purchase and Sale Agreement used in the State of Georgia.

Happy Home Hunting!

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602 2009-03-04 09:28:27 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Real Estate -- In Art! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=603 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=603 Last night, Ray and I attended an Art Show in Midtown Atlanta that featured the works of up and coming local artists. Nothing like a good art show to chat with people. One of the featured artists was Midtown's own Peggy Denby. Peggy's art on canvas is quite unique. While some of her "works" are full paintings, others are a combination of photos and painting. If you take a look at the photo below, you will see what a unique art piece this is....

thom and ray team

 

I worked with Peggy and her husband, Don, to sell their Midtown Townhome at The Dakota, and move to Viewpoint Midtown, where they purchased two units and combined them into a unique home. I had joked with Peggy when selling The Dakota that I would like to have one of her works. I walked through the home and could not decide what I wanted. She then suggested, "Why don't you come up with an idea and I'll create it." Ahhhhh. And the result is this painting, which is a grouping of the various Midtown Atlanta condominium buildings! Is it not cool, or what? And if you look closely, you just might find me hanging on street sign!

peggy and don

Here is Don and Peggy, along side the prints of her Midtown Series that she has done, and were on display at the Art of Touch Massage Center. They hosted the Art Show, and the works will be on display for the rest of the month!

I'm now going to put together a collection of pictures from my parents ranch in Montana, and have her create something for my Mom!

ray benitez

 

 

 

 

 

On the right, is my partner Ray chatting with Don and Peggy and another Midtown neighbor, Lynda.

 

It was a delightful evening. If you are interested in Peggy's work, please contact me directly and I'll put you in touch with her!

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603 2009-03-06 08:14:07 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Saturday's Food For Thought http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=604 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=604  

thom abbott

It was an awesome day in Atlanta today! (So you say, where's the Atlanta picture then?) Good Question! Maybe because I was in the office for part of the day, then visiting with a candidate for Mayor of Atlanta, and then it was finally to the 'burbs and my house for some projects that have needed attention!

As I looked for a picture for Today's "Food For Thought" I thought this reminded me of how beautiful today was...and how I probably took it for granted being caught up in "stuff."

Stuff. It's a problem, this stuff. It needs more order so I have more me time. But until then, I'll remember it was a beautiful day on the beach when this picture was taken, and a beautiful day in Atlanta today.

 

 

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604 2009-03-07 19:53:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday! The Beauty Of Mother Nature! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=605 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=605  

 

North Carolina Mountains

The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! Taken between Cherokee, NC and Gatlinburg, TN.

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605 2009-03-15 09:10:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
YES! He IS Alive And Well! (Diary of the Missing REALTOR and His Blog) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=606 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=606 There's one good thing (OK, there are a million things great about Active Rain) about the blog stats we can look at here on AR....it reminds us we have gone missing! Now, how did THAT happen?

Was he sick in bed? Nope...thank goodness. He was just busy working with they buyers that have finally realized...."Real Estate IS On Sale" and now would be a good time to buy!

Tuscany CondominiumsNow, I have to say, one buyer was, well, "trying my nerves" in trying to find him what he wanted in the price he wants! I showed him a beautiful condo on the 20th floor of Spire Midtown, "on sale" for about $70,000 less than what it originally sold for...but nope....didn't like it. WHAT? Are you crazy I say? He's looking for lots of sq. ft. and in Midtown Atlanta, that's not always possible. Ahhhh...but me being the good REALTOR that I am, found him this.....A two-story condo with a master on the main, and the upper level which can be used as a second bedroom OR make a killer home office/library. BINGO! (Actually there is this one, and one other so he's debating over the weekend.)

It's such a sense of satisfaction for me when I'm able to dig and preview condos, and know.....this will do it! And it did!

Moonbeam CourtThen there's "the girls." Two sisters I have been working with, also looking for just the right home. After 3 weekends of looking....BINGO, we are Under Contract on this beauty...and it's a Banked Owned home. Negotiations with the bank were quick and painless (at least on the price) and we'll do our inspection in 2 weeks. Why so long before you do the inspection you ask? Whoops....they forgot to connect the gasline into the home, and the gas company says 2 weeks!

Another unique situation where we needed 3 bedrooms and 3 baths on the upper level, and a full basement to be finished into an in-law suite for the parents who will be moving here from Virginia. They are so excited!

So when we are doing what we are suppose to be doing...working with the Buyers (and not to many Sellers,) it seems that I forgot to get something on my blog! Silly me!

Thom abbott

 

So, after this, it's a quick shower, and off to sample brunch at a new restaurant opening in Midtown. (I hear a blog coming!)

Have a great Sunday!

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606 2009-03-15 09:39:10 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
It's a Fantastic Friday at RETech South In Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=607 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=607  

midtown atlanta real estateJust in case you were all wondering.....YES, we are having fun here at RETech South in Atlanta!

Last night was the Speaker's dinner.....it was better than ANY high School reunion could ever, ever be!

You've "known" some of these people for months if not years. Then, all of the sudden...there they are....Live and In Person!

Here's Connie Harvey and Debe Maxwell and yours truly as we enjoyed meeting for the first time! It was sooo cool!

The General Session is about to start...but I promised I would do a blog....I'm just a few hours late!

Mara Hawks!!!

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607 2009-03-20 07:32:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
RETech South In Review. And What A View It Is! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=608 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=608 Logo

Before I know it, RETech South will be a distant memory. In my real estate world, the days just fly by. I can remember when I was young and how I wished for the day I could move out of the house from my parents, or graduate from college.....now I wish I could put the brakes on. Oh, wait...that's another blog post...sorry!

Other than attending two NAR conventions, RETech South was my first chance to attend a meeting really targeted at real estate technology and social media. My eyes were opened in many ways, and my head is still reeling from all the new tips and tricks I learned. So many new things to add to my tool box and make me a better REALTOR. ( I must give credit to Pat Kitano also, as he did guide me into the ring with an awesome webinar about Social Media Marketing!)

RETech SouthFirst off, my eyes were opened when the blogs I have read and admired here on Active Rain came to life right before my eyes! Yes, those people that write those blogs ARE people...in real life! I mean it was a Who's Who...  Jeff Turner, Connie Harvey, Mara Hawks,  Pat Kitano, Missy Caulk, Jim Crawford, Elizabeth Ramsey-Cooper, Susie Blackmon, Jeremy Blanton, Jeff Corbett, Teresa Boardman, Debe Maxwell, and Patty Keller were just the ones I had the pleasure, no, wait, the honor of meeting.  And then there were those that I saw on stage, or teaching on a topic and sharing their knowledge about a subject, all to help me be better at who and what I am...a real estate advisor.

Matt FagioliSecondly, there were the two people primarly responsible for creating this wonderful gathering, Matt Fagioli and Brad Nix. Both of these guys live right here in my own backyard! They organized a great collection of  respected authorities on everything from Twitter to Facebook to SEO and more. My hat is off to you two guys...you really put together a great program and fo course did it in Hotlanta! (Well, surburban Hotlanta anyway!)

ReTech South

And then there were the speakers and the topics they covered. I could go on and on about this. So, I've pondered how to best put my thoughts and "take-aways" into something readable for all....Should I give credit to each person and exactly what they said? Or can I just rattle off some bullet points?

I'm taking the bullet point route....

  • If you don't show value as a REALTOR, you won't be around long
  • How quick you are to change and adapt could mean whether you survive or not
  • Real estate is still a relationship business
  • Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up....Will your clients remember you 3, 4 or 5 years from now when it's time to buy and sell again?
  • Tell stories on your blog. People like to hear stories, and it helps them get to know you, about you and about your neighborhood.
  • Share pictures (like I have here!) They tell stories and help create conversations.
  • Take your off-line conversations and move then on-line. Introduce people to the neighborhood where you hang out ON-LINE, like Facebook, Twitter or Flicker.
  • The law of reciprocity is more powerful than the law of attraction!
  • We need to handle every aspect of someone moving! We need to be the "Go-To" person that can solve their problem, or help them find the person who will solve it. It goes back to those relationships
  • Time Blocking....learn it, use it, and create balance in your life by knowing what you are doing when, and when you can stop doing it. (Yeah, writing this at 8:46pm...NOTE TO SELF:....learn Time blocking!)
  • We get paid for our wisdom! Be transparent and let our clients see, hear and know all that we do to make things happen.
  • Be sure to manage your social media image. (I knew I never should of picked up that pink bag...NEVER, EVER should of picked up that pink bag. NOTE TO SELF:: Less wine and more self-control at next RETech South!
  • Get a Tweet Plan (Call it your Health Plan for Twitter so you can use it the right way and not go crazy!)
  • Spontaneity is a good thing...in more ways than one. (Ok, now does that mean I DO or DON'T block fun time)
  • Twitter has more applications than a Mercedes has options.....Is this a good thing or a bad thing?  NOTE TO SELF: Time block 2 new apps per month
  • MUST HAVE TOOLS:  Video Camera, Webcam, digital camera, smart phone, laptop (Whew...only need the webcam!)
  • Video is awesome and I will be awesome at it! NOTE TO SELF: You got alot to do, don't you?
  • POWER HOURS: Just shut down everything else and focus on one thing for an hour or two. NOTE TO SELF: You do not need to respond to every Tweet and e-mail as they arrive.  NOTE TO SELF: Look at possibility of having 30 POWER HOURS PER DAY.....Ha Ha! 

VegetablesYour head hurt now? Is there some good stuff here or what!

Mine felt like the vegetables they chopped and cooked at dinner on Friday night at Shogun's Japanese Steak House!

BTW, we had another awesome dinner on Thursday night in Buford, GA (distant suburb of ATL) at Sean's American Bistro! Yum Yum!



I felt like I had made some good aquaintances via blogs on Active Rain, but Thursday night, Friday and Friday night proved me dead wrong. I've made some great FRIENDS on Active Rain. FRIENDS that will take my call, or my Tweet or my e-mail and help me with a challenge. FRIENDS that will pick up the phone and say "Hey, how's your week going?" FRIENDS that will help me with my business because they know I would do the same for them. FRIENDS that will be FRIENDS for years to come.

Class of 2009

 

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608 2009-03-23 02:10:20 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Welcomes Park Tavern Crawfish Festival - Saturday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=609 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=609 Piedmont Park

In Midtown Atlanta, it seems we are never at a loss for a festival! In fact, some of our residents even complain about it! (Another Blog Topic!) If it’s not Halloween, it’s Cinco De Mayo. Or the upcoming Dogwood Festival next month.

 
But for this Saturday, it’s Park Tavern’s Oyster Crawfish Festival! Some 4,000 pounds of those little red things will be available for your munching pleasure. A large platter of Louisiana crawfish, potatoes and corn, finished off with Cajun spices will only cost you $10!crawfish boil

Now that sounds like a deal to me, but I’ve never understood these little guys! Unless it’s peel-n-eat shrimp, I think I prefer my fish OUT of their shell….Sorry!

 
On top of that, there will be some great music throughout the afternoon and evening…

  • 1:00-3:00PM  A DJ will "get the party started"


The music lineup alone might be worth the ticket entrance price of $10!

Park Tavern

 

Come on down, hopefully the rain will have stopped, and enjoy Midtown Atlanta, Piedmont Park and The Park Tavern!

You can purchase tickets in advance HERE!

 

Park Tavern Logo

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609 2009-03-27 14:53:28 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Are You a Community REALTOR, or a REALTOR in your Community? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=610 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=610 Midtown Atlanta

The Midtown Atlanta Real Estate market is challenging these days. But then again, most every market is.

If you are a REALTOR, how do you know your market is challenged? Do you watch the local news? (Remember, real estate IS LOCAL!) Do you watch your local listing service daily? Maybe you have a listing that is not moving.

But, what if you are Seller? How do you know how the market is? Do you base it on the number of showings your home has? How quickly your home did (or did not) sell?

What's the difference between being a Community REALTOR and a REALTOR in your community? Well, some may disagree with me, but it means more than just living in the subdivision (or condo building) and farming that neighborhood. It means you are involved in your community. Involvement can come in a number of ways.

Midtown LogoI'm involved in my community by serving on the Midtown Neighbors' Association Board of Directors. Now, this is no little association. How so you say? Well, Midtown Atlanta is made up single family homes, located in a historic part of town, and numerous condominium communities. This does not include the many rental properties and apartment communities we also have.

I also am the Chairman of the Membership Committee. So, it's my "job" as a volunteer to "work the streets" and talk to people about the benefits of being involved in their community. Now, it's different than your normal single family neighborhood in that many of the residents of the condo buildings look at their building as "their community." But there is much more to it than that. There are issues that happen OUTSIDE your building that effect your life, and your property values! WHAT? How say you?

This is where I draw the difference. I'm not a REALTOR in my community. I am a Community REALTOR. While I certainly work everyday to pay my bills and keep the roof over my head by selling real estate, I'm also involved in the daily issues that affect my neighborhood. Whether it's sidewalks and planting trees or calling the community together to discuss transportation topics, I know what's going on. When a potential Buyer or Seller asks me about Midtown Atlanta, I know more than just where the best "deal" is. I know what's going on.

Cotting Court

 

Case in point. The Membership Committee has just completed a contact list of some 50 PLUS condominium community leaders. We are bringing them all together in the next few weeks to discuss issues and concerns particular to their "communities" as well as the community that is around their building. Thursday morning, I was at my desk at 6am, and worked till 10am, working on this upcoming meeting and contacting the Board Presidents and Property Managers of all these buildings. Lunch was the MultiFamily Outreach Committee Meeting. That evening was the MNA Board of Directors Meeting. That was a few hours in just one day working FOR my community.

 

streetcarOne of those issues is a proposed Streetcar system that will run up and down Peachtree Street in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta. How cool is that, you think? Well, maybe, and maybe not. The Streetcar had somewhat died with budget woes from the City of Atlanta and lack of monies for construction. Now, it has been brought to life by potential funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. What's the problem you say? Future funding of the operation of the Streetcar will come from an increased property tax to those residents (and commerical buildings) that live within a block (or two) of the streetcar line.

Wow, we are having a tough time selling real estate in Midtown as it is....let's raise the property tax to the current and future owners and see how that helps sell things!

By being involved in issues like this, and a host of other things, I'm able to work with my clients (Buyers AND Sellers) and help them make informed decisions.

But more importantly, I'm involved in my community and it's future. That's a Community REALTOR.

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610 2009-03-29 10:54:13 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
What Does WWW Really Stand For? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=611 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=611 What does WWW really stand for? You think World Wide Web, don't you? Ahhh....think again! What it really stands for is:

Will You Want It In Writing.....FOR EVER!Internet

Yep! Mr. Google and Ms. WWW have a strange way of remembering things.....forever!

It reminds me of a line from the movie Beaches, with Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey. They are sitting at the beachhouse talking about Bette having a long memory and Barbara says, "I'm counting on it."

That would be Mr. Google and Ms. WWW.

Here's a perfect example. I was checking up on "self" and what was appearing about me via Mr. Google. So I Googled myself. (Kinda tickled at first!)

Page 1 had my website, my Active Rain Blog, my Localism Blog, and some other references to myself and/or The Thom And Ray Team. But, what's on page 9? Or 10, or 11? Holy cow!

An article from 2006 on Realtor.org about Time Management Tricks For Realtors! Scroll down to just past the Traffic Jams and the picture and BAM....there it is! My quote, now about 3 years old! But it's still there, thanks to Ms. WWW.

Using My Laptop

So, just remember, before you hit that "send" key, re-read that e-mail, or memo attachment. Does it say what you want it to say? Cuz it's gonna be a good friend to somebody. E-mails don't disappear. Nor do those blog posts or comments.

Just today, I was bulldozed with a bunch of e-mails about noise complaints from a local night club. (I'm on the Liquor License Committee for my neighborhood association) It was driving me nuts, so I drafted a rather lengthy and well, "sharp" response to the committee members. And then I placed it in "draft." And I re-read it....and placed it in "draft." And it's still there.

Totally, Ms. WWW and Mr. Google are awesome. They can find anything. Whether you want them to or not!

 

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Mr. & Mrs. Seller....Can I Take Him With Me? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=612 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=612 As a REALTOR, we see almost everything! I mean I've walked into homes and found clothes all over the floor and bedroom doors closed! (no noises, so I guess I got there late?)

I've seen cute kids, and crammed closets! Bedrooms the size of closets, and closets the size of bedrooms.

But, I just listed a beautiful condo right in the building where my office is, Cornerstone Village. I met with the Sellers to discuss our Marketing Plan, and then gave them some time to implement my suggestions. Today I was there to take the photos for our marketing....and I still want to know..

Mr. and Mr. Seller....Can I Take Him With Me?

Milo

Meet Milo! Is he just not the most adorable dog you've seen?

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Papi's Midtown Is Cuban Food Central in Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=613 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=613 Cuban Sandwich

When it comes to Cuban Food, Papi's Midtown is Cuban Food Central in Atlanta!

Now, as a disclaimer, I lived in Miami for 4 years, AND Ray, my business partner is Cuban, so I've got some pretty high standards when it comes to Cuban Food. I mean really, there is nothing like home-made black beans and rice. But, if you want good Cuban food in Midtown, you don't have to look any further than the corner of Myrtle and Ponce de Leon Avenue (216 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue...to be exact) and you will find Papi's Midtown.

What makes Cuban food so delicious and unique? The Cuban population is a true melting pot of ethnic mixes from every corner of the world. Way back, the slaves cross-bred with their masters to create what are called Mulattos today. Chinese, Russian and other people of Eurpoean descent created what we know as the people of Cuba today. African roots also helped to develop the Cuban culture.

palomilla steakWith this combination, you can see why Cuban food is so rich in it's flavors. And Papi's Midtown gives it all to you and more. This past week, Ray and I were showing some Midtown Condos to a first-time buyer we are working with. A lunch break was called for, and we ended up at Papi's. Of course, there are a few "staples" when it comes to Cuban food, and they are all good here. Their authentic Cuban Sandwich is full of pork and ham and all the good things, and then toasted to perfection. On this visit, I opted for a bit heavier lunch....Palomilla Steak with grilled onions, black beans and rice, and Tostones (fried green plantains) Yum....enough to make your mouth water just reading it.

When you pass this little Midtown gem, it may not look like one from it's corner location, but step inside...your taste buds and your tummy will thank you forever. And you'll be back!

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It's a Buyers' Game! Are You IN or OUT? (Part 5 of 5) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=614 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=614 Model HomeIt's a Buyers' Game! Are You IN or OUT? I've been working on this series of posts longer than I should of been. Long enough to see the market change. But long enough to see that Buyers' have some great opportunities in front of them.

Today, in my final part of this series, we'll talk about the all important Purchase and Sale Agreement! That means we've worked together, found you just the right house or condo, and we are ready to make the offer! An exciting moment in the process of buying a home, but definitely an important part and one that requires guideance and understanding by both YOU, the Buyer, and your real estate agent (ME!)

To get to this point, we first started out with How To Choose Your Real Estate Agent. Get to know the person you are going to be working with and make sure you have a clear understanding of how they work and who they are. Then, we talked about Agency, and Who's Working for Whom? Then, we put together your Buyer Check List so we could start the home search and mortgage process. Then we moved on to What Questions To Ask When Buying a Home?

real estate contract

Now, it's time to make that offer. Here in Georgia, we have a very detailed Purchase and Sale Agreement, (contract) written by the Georgia Association of REALTORS. It's a 7-page document that outlines the important duties by both the Buyer and the Seller.

I'm not going to go through the entire contract, but do want to point out several parts that are worthy of talking about here. As a REALTOR, I make a point to provide my Buyers' a copy of this agreement in advance for them to read. That way, if there are any questions about it, we have covered them long before we get to the "time to write the offer" part of the home buying experience.

 

The first important part, is the legal description of the property you are buying! You think, "well, of course it is," but there have been cases where a property has been sold, and it ended up being the wrong property! So, you want to make sure you have a clear legal description in your contract.

legal description

Next, the earnest money amount you have put down. Again, keep in mind, I'm writing this based on Georiga laws (or standards) and they may vary if you live in another part of the country. Here in Georgia, we don't have any set guidelines on the amount of earnest money (new construction does have specific numbers) you should put down. I always tell my Buyers' that the earnest money indicates your "serious intention to purchase" the property by putting money "on the table." But each situation is different, so I won't give any dollar amounts here.

earnest money

Next, is the Due Diligence Period. This may be quite unique to Georgia, and has changed greatly since I first started in real estate. Now, the Due Diligence period gives the Buyer a set time period inwhich to conduct any inspections they deem necessary as well as finalize their loan. As it states, it becomes an "option contract" with the option to terminate the contract for any reason during this time period. Now, as a Buyer, we look for the longest possible due diligence period we can to make sure the home or condo is in good condition, and negotiate for repairs if needed. If the Seller is not willing to make repairs, or we can't reach an agreement, the Due Diligence period gives the Buyer the ability to move on. On the other side, the Due Diligence period for the Seller limits the amount of time their home is "off the market" while this processs is happening. (This new paragraph came as a result of several changes in our contract...and is now a good thing for BOTH the Buyer and the Seller.

due diligence

Another interesting part of our contract outlines the Buyer's duties to inspect the neighborhood for anything from stadiums and prisions to schools and transportation. Additionally, it provides information about where the Buyer can get information about the Sex Offender Registry.

Inspect Neighborhood

Sold Sign

Of course, this is just a sampling of our contract, and by no means is an indication that the other parts of it are any less important. I just wanted to point out a couple key parts. I'm always available to review the entire agreement with my Buyers' OR Sellers'.

It's our goal to have one of these in your yard!

I hope this series has been helpful to you in the home buying process. Remember, we are always here and ready to help you anyway, anytime.

**The Purchase and Sale Agreement referenced here is for the exclusive use of members of the Georgia Assocation of REALTORS and is subject to copyright laws.

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Viewpoint Midtown - "Buy One. Get One Free" What A Deal! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=615 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=615 Buy One

Viewpoint MidtownWhile I think every condominium building in Midtown Atlanta is unique, Viewpoint Midtown has got it going on! And then, when you can take advantage of this kind of buying opportunity, I simply have to say, what more can you ask for?

Of course, an offer like this sounds "just to good to be true" right? Well, not this time. This IS the real deal. Now, through April 30th, you can buy select 2 bedroom floor plans for the same price as a 1 bedroom floor plan. So you get the second bedroom "free." And there ARE added benefits to having a 2 bedroom home, vs. a 1 bedroom. More space with that second bedroom!

Floor Plan

In this floor plan, Bedroom 2 has a low wall, so it's not completely closed off with a door. It can be used as a great home office space with maybe a futon couch for guests.  You also have a second bathroom, so your guests don't have to go all the way through the Master Bedroom to use the bath! I like that! The open kitchen makes for a great bar or a place to gather while you play Chef!

Does this home have a view you ask? I don't know...you tell me....

View From Viewpoint

Everytime a developer builds a new building, we (real estate agents) hope they learn from their "mistakes" in the past building. In this case, they certainly did! Inside the homes, you now have a choice of granite and cabinets (based on an odd/even floor number.) GONE are the black subway tiled backsplashs in the kitchen, replaced with a lighter colored stone! Much better!

Bathrooms have tiled showers all the way to the ceiling. Much Better! And the balcony is actually big enough to USE! 

Outdoor Living RoomBut what sets Viewpoint apart from the others is the amenities! I always tell Buyers' that this is a very important feature of the building you need to pay attention to. Why? First off, RESALE!!! The next Buyer when you are ready to sell will be looking at what amenities the building has when making their decision to purchase. But, YOU should be looking at them too! They are an extension of your living space...where you will entertain guests (if not in your own home).

zen gardenAnd Viewpoint Midtown gives you some knock-out amenities. From the huge Club Room, to the Outdoor Living Room, Zen Garden and resort lap pool, you won't need a vacation! Just an elevator ride to the 11th floor!

Pool

So, what's this sale mean to you, the Buyer? The floor plan I've shown here, on the 36th Floor was originally listed for $389,700. It can now be yours for $287,700.

A savings of .......$102,000!  AND, you can still pick your flooring, hardwoods and/or carpet!

Call me! Let's make Viewpoint and Midtown Atlanta YOUR new home!

Viewpoint Sign

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6 Great Places to Eat In Midtown Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=616 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=616 Whether you live in Midtown Atlanta like I do, or you come for the day or the weekend, you gotta eat, right? But, are you like me, and when that time comes, you go totally blank on WHERE to go? Ahhh, never fear, here is your

Midtown Atlanta Good Eats List

In no order of preference....

Flying Biscuit CafeIf breakfast you want, it's Flying Biscuit Cafe you need! They do serve lunch and dinner as well, but there's always a line for breakfast, especially on the weekends. Located at the corner of 10th and Piedmont Avenue. When you're finished....check out Outright Bookstore just across the street.

 

Cypress Street

Cypress Street Bar, or Cypress Street Pint and Plate....it's that neighborhood bar you always wanted in your neighborhood! And the staff makes you feel right at home! From the huge beer list (I favor the Sweetwater 420) to the awesome onion rings, this place should be on your short list! They are at the corner of 6th and Cypress NOT on West Peachtree as their addess says!

And the outdoor patio is THE place to be in warm weather (returning to ATL this weekend so I hear!) But you can hang by the firepit if you need to!

Billy, the Owner/Manager is always around and always has a friendly greeting for regulars and newcomers alike!

 

Firehouse SubsLocated in Spire Condominiums, at 860 Peachtree Street, the guys at Firehouse Subs know how to make a sub! Great to eat in or grab on your way to hang out in Piedmont Park! They also have a great outdoor dining area to enjoy people watching!

 

Fresh To OrderWhoops....located just one door down, also at Spire Condominums, is probably one of my favorites, Fresh To Order! Yum! Salads, Sandwichs and "to die for" Wild Mushroom Soup are the order here....They also have a fun Sunday Brunch! Come hungry as their salads are huge, but I've always managed to finish mine!

Another great outdoor dining option too...and right on Peachtree Street!

 

 

Little Azio

"Little Azio restaurants are an exciting alternative to traditional full-service dining establishments. The goal of each Little Azio is to offer our patrons generous portions of modern Italian fare at affordable prices in a fast, yet casual and friendly atmosphere." So the website says! And it's true! Good Pizza and pasta. You order at the counter, grab your seat, and away comes your food! Located at 7th and Peachtree Streets!

And guess what....Yep....ANOTHER place to dine outside if you want!

 marlows

 Marlows' Tavern...is close to home for me...like just an elevator ride and a stroll across the garage...hey I don't even have to go outside for this one! Street level at Plaza Midtown, 8th and West Peachtree.

Everything's good here (altho they do have a challenge getting my burger somewhere between medium and well done) The Black and Blue Steak Salad is my standard fare and the Patty Melt comes in a close second. And I love the Tavern Fries! And be sure to try an order of J.T.'s Kettle Chips, topped with Blue Cheese, Bacon, Tomato and Scallions!

TV's are everywhere....so you can always catch that football or baseball game!

There's a reason you often hear the phrase around Midtown..."Meet Me at Marlow's"  See you there!

 

Midtown Atlanta is full of great places to eat! But just in case you forget where to go, keep these favorite local spots in mind! And keep an eye out for your neighborhood REALTOR!

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Wordless Wednesday! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=617 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=617  

 

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Midtown Tour Of Homes - April 18-19, 2009 By Midtown Neighbors' Association http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=618 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=618 Midtown Neighbors' Association

 Presents

The Midtown Tour of Homes

Tour of Homes

It's that time of year again....Spring! And that always means time for the Annual Tour of Homes! This is always an exciting event in Midtown! It gives you the chance to see inside a variety of the options for living in Midtown Atlanta! And as always there is quite the variety! Click on the Picture Above to Purchase Tickets!

While each of the featured homes this year is worth seeing, I just feel compelled to point out one very special home...Stonehurst Bed & Breakfast.

Featured on Atlanta's WSB-TV Channel 2, HGTV's ‘Ground Breakers', and in AirTran's in-flight magazine, this 1896 Shingle Style home received the EarthCraft 2008 Renovation Project of the Year Award for its eco-friendly and energy-efficient renovation.

Stonehurst

 

Viewing this Midtown treasure will certainly give you a great idea for that intimate weekend getaway with tickets to the Fox Theatre and dinner at Ecco Restaurant!

I'll be attending the Host Party next week, and I'm really looking forward to seeing this restored treasure!

I know you will too!

All proceeds from the tour are used by Midtown Neighbors' Association to improve the Midtown living experience

And while you are in Midtown, you can do double duty by taking in the Dogwood Festival, and welcome its return to Piedmont Park! Yippie!! This is the 73rd Annual Festival and is the longest running festival in Atlanta! It draws artists from all over the United States, and certainly showcases Midtown's "backyard," Piedmont Park!

So, mark your calendars, pack your picnic basket (you can get the food at numerous restaurants IN Midtown) and come see why we LOVE Midtown Atlanta!

 

 

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Speechless Sundays -- Spring Means Green! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=619 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=619  

Tree Shadow

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Ways To Sell Your Home Fast (Part 1 of 3) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=620 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=620 Tips To Sell Your Home32 Ways To Sell Your Home Fast!

Let's face it! In today's market, as a Seller, you need all the help you can get! It's a tough world you live in, and there is nothing wrong with asking for help.

The first place to turn to is....you guessed it, your neighborhood REALTOR! They know the market, and they know the world you live in, and can help you get your home....SOLD!

I wanted to share some tips with you that I think can help this process along. Now, some of them might seem overly simple, but they are worth mentioning.

And some of them, you will go, "Geez, Why didn't I think of that?" That's ok....I'm here to help you along!

I don't want to overwhelm you with all of them at one time, so we'll break the list up a bit....but here we go!

 

#1 Clean Up Oil Spills

First impressions are always critical, and that includes your driveway. Here's a quick tip that may be the solution for your cement driveway: Try Drano or any high-powered liquid drain cleaner and sweep those oil stains away. NOTE: Please use caution and read all manufacturers warnings before you begin this task.

#2 Paint Walls a Neutral Color

Fine, we know you loved that Caribbean theme you had in the family room, but that does not mean a potential Buyer will. It will be worth your while to paint your walls a neutral color, such as off-white. If you don't want to paint the whole house, focus on areas that make the biggest impresssion, like the foyer, living room,, dining room, kitchen and master bedroom.

#3 Make a Checklist

Make a checklist to review anytime I (or Any REALTOR) give you a call to schedule a showing! Don't go crazy with this, but just a reminder of the little things I've told you to do to be ready when the doorbell rings.

cookies#4 Bake Cookies! (And leave ME some!)

Keep a package of ready-made cookie dough in the frig. Pop a few cookies in the oven just before the Buyer and their agent arrive to view the home. The smell of freshly baked cookies will conjure up a lot of great memories. Trigger emotions that will work toward the sale of your house. And, leave them on a plate on the kitchen counter with some bottle water and a note that says, "Thanks for visiting our home! We hope you will make it yours. Enjoy a fresh cookie!" WOW!

# 5 Clean or Paint Appliances

Appliances should be sparkling clean at all times. If your kitchen appliances ahve broken knobs, replace them. If you happen to have appliance colors that don't match (green, gold and black) have a professional paint them all a matching color. This will cost you less than buying new appliances and will greatly improve how your kitchen looks.

#6  Scope Out New Developments

When selling, new homes will be some of your biggest competition. Visit some of these homes and get some ideas on how to beat them at their own game! Make your home have the same appeal by accenting similar features, while pointing out features and benefits your home may have that the new ones do not.

#7 Paint the Front Door and Entry Way

A fresh coat of paint will always help sell a house faster, but it's not always the most economical thing to do. Instead, paint the front door and the entry way around the front door. Don't have any paint left over from last time? Find a switch plate cover you can remove and take to your local home improvement store for a match.

CArpet Cleaning

 

#8 Clean The Carpets!

I will have told you this, and it's so important. Have the carpets cleaned before you list! A clean home will always sell faster, and will sell the fact you keep a clean home. Even leave a couple pairs of shoes by the door to indicate you don't wear shoes on the carpet. (You can even ask people to remove their shoes, but try and provide a bench where they can sit to put them back on!)

 

#9 Organize the Garage

You know...that big room off the kitchen where you thought your car(s) were suppose to fit! Clean it up by storing everything at a relative's home, or rent a storage pod and have it all removed that way. Then, the garage looks larger and when it comes time to move, you will have part of the job all done!

#10 Offer To Make Payments

Now this is an interesting suggestion....Offer to make the buyer's first 3 mortgage payments. This looks very attractive in your advertising. Many people like the idea of having a little grace period after moving into a new home, but usually it gets down to negotiating, a lower price seems to prevail. Be sure you (or the Buyer) are using an experienced lender, since seller concession seem to confuse some lenders. And of course, it will all depend on the loan program and what the lender will allow!

We've got more great ideas to come, so stay tuned for the next chapter!

To learn more about The Thom And Ray Team, click on the Picture Below!

Thom And Ray Team

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Midtown Gets New Atlanta Police Mini-Precinct http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=621 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=621 Atlanta Police Department Mini Precinct Opens At Emory Univeristy Hospital Midtown

APD Mini Precinct

It's not a surprize to Midtown Atlanta residents that there has been a noted absence of police patrols with the work furlough that was initiated by Mayor Shirley Franklin last summer. In an effort to cut city expenses when a budget shortfall was uncovered, the Mayor ordered 10 percent pay cuts in the form of work furloughs.

That has led to less police presence on ALL streets of Atlanta, not just Midtown. The opening of this new mini-precinct will bring more officers closer to our neighborhood! This is great news for the Midtown community!

The Thom And Ray Team will be on deck, camera in hand to capture this exciting event...so look for an updated blog about this opening later this month!

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Ways To Sell Your Home Fast (Part 2 of 3) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=622 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=622 Tips To Sell Your HomeIn our second part of the series, Ways To Sell Your Home Fast, we'll look at some other great tips to help you move on to that next new home! So let's jump right in!

#10 Polish Fixtures

Everything from the mirrors, to the windows to the granite! And wipe out those stainless steel sinks so there are no water spots!

#11 Clean The Pool!

It sounds simple enough, but if you have a home with a pool, have it look like the prospective buyer just arrived for a pool party! If your pool has been closed for the season...it's time to open it up.

#12 Buy Some New Furnishings

Sorry....it might be time for that old recliner you love so much to retire! Use your judgement as to what needs to be replaced. Keep in mind, you will want these pieces to move with you to your new home, so keep that in mind as you pick them out.

Family Car

#14 Get Out Of The House!

"Mr. & Mrs. Seller, you have a showing appointment tomorrow at 2pm" is your REALTOR's way of telling you, spiffy up and get out! It can be inconvenient to leave, but buyer's will look at your house more, and longer if you are not there. (Don't forget the cookies!)

#15 Have A Garage Sale!

You've always wanted to have one.....now's the best time to do it! It's the most cost-effective way to clean out your garage (and closets and basement) and make your home look less cluttered. And you'll have some extra cash to spend at your new home.

#16 Light, Light and MORE Light!

We like our privacy in our home, so we have all kinds of window treatments, from drapes to blinds or shutters. But when your house is for sale, you want to open everything up! The more natural light the better. If you have screens, make sure they are in good shape. Either replace or remove them.

Packing Box#17 Start Packing

All those family treasures and "stuff" are going to take time to pack. Better to start sooner than later. Also, this helps de-clutter the house and will just make moving day that much easier.

#18 Kick the light bulbs up a notch

Increase the wattage in your light bulbs to make your home seem brighter, especially if you have darker rooms. There are lots of energy saving bulbs so you don't have to break the bank.

#19 Park Down The Street... We mentioned above about being out of the house for the showings, but you can't take all your cars with you. If you have more that two cars (kids or relatives) move them down the street so the driveway is not full of cars. Again, it's all about those first impressions.

It's a tough market out there Mr. & Mrs. Seller. Help your REALTOR by having your home look its best!

 

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Castleberry Hill's Swift and Company Define Loft Living In Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=623 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=623
Click to view listing website
Photo Gallery





View More Photos
Description and Features Castleberry Hill’s historic fabric is composed of historic buildings that once housed building materials factories, cotton warehouses and grocers. The neighborhood is dotted with art galleries,shops & restaurants. These various works of architecture have now been converted to immense, light-filled lofts, ideal for the Atlanta’s progressive and culturally-minded buyer. The closest thing to living in New York’s Meat Packing District is Castleberry Hill and one of those places is the Swift and Company Meat Packing. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath loft is a one-of-a-kind tri-level design, with everything you look for in a true loft. Beautiful exposed brick and concrete floors, but with the modern updates you expect. The connected living spaces offer the ability to create a unique live/work enviornment. The kitchen area offers ample room for entertaining, and a great, sun-filled nook. The media/living room could easily double as part of your work space. The Master Bedroom is located on the lower level, and features additional space for a den, or office. The Master Bath features double vanity and tiled floors. Step out the back door and enter a common patio. (Home has ability to connect directly to this space) Or take in the dramatic Atlanta skyline from the rooftop deck! This is one loft that is must see in your search for a distinctive home.
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Parking Spaces: 2
Lot Size: 2242
Year Built: 1927
Floors: 3
MLS #: 3890963
Location Click to view map: 244 Peters Street, SW #5 Atlanta GA 30313 Links

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Earth Day! Have You Done Your Part? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=624 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=624  

Shopping Bag

Happy Earth Day everyone! How often do you think about some of the daily activities you do, and how they impact our world? I confess, I don't recycle, at least all the time. I know , shame on me. My local garbage service at my home does not make it easy either. At my condo, it's easy....the recycle bins are right by the door as you exit the elevator lobby into the garage! Just drop and go!

Many of us don't think about the people coming behind us and what they will be left with...what we left behind. But if you are a parent or a grand parent, give it a thought.

I'm fortunate to have a Publix Supermarket in my condo building. No, wait...that's not always a good thing! but, we have canvas bags that we use to take our groceries in and not use the plastic bags. Paper bags are an option, but not a good one. It takes more than four times as much energy to manufacture a paper bag as it does to manufacture a plastic bag. It's best to use reusable grocery bags. 

Earth Day is over, but the Earth must live on. Let's each try and do our part!

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Midtown Atlanta Real Estate Monitor -- What's Happening in April/May http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=625 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=625 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate by The Thom And Ray Team

I know some of you have not quite arrived at Spring yet. I know this for a fact, as I spoke with my Mom in Livingston, Montana last night and they just got 8 inches of snow! And you ask me why I left Montana?

But for many of us, Spring is the time of festivals, and other activites that remind us, it's time to come out of our winter naps! And Midtown Atlanta has its share of them! Of course, we just finished the Dogwood Festival, and Mother Nature awarded us two days of wonderful weather! The forecasted rains did not come till after the festival ended on Sunday!

But to know what else is happening in Midtown, The Midtown Alliance produces a good publication called Midtown Guide to Culture, Cuisine and Commerce. In fact, I've used it in the past to post events here. But now we are going to "kick it up a notch." Just click on the picture below:

 

Midtown Guide

Is That Not Cool or What?

Enjoy all that Midtown Atlanta has to offer!

And you if would like to spend more time here, we'd be happy to help you find your own space!

The Thom And Ray Team

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625 2009-04-25 13:08:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=626 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=626  

Dogwood Festival

 

Midtown Reflections

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626 2009-04-26 09:04:31 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Networking To Get Business AND Some TV Time TOO!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=627 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=627 Hand ShakeI'm always Networking to get business for real estate. You just never know when and where you will meet that person that is looking to buy or sell real estate. And here in the Midtown Atlanta market, we use any opportunity we can to meet people.

One of the things I do, is host an event called High Speed Networking. Ever done Speed Dating? Well, it's the same idea, just for a different purpose!  My event is sponsored by Networking For Professionals, based in New York City. They do two events here in Atlanta, one called Shakers and Stirrers, which is more like a big reception, versus the High Speed event which is much more structured.

Fredricka and ThomOver the past week, CNN's Fredricka Whitfield has been following 4 individuals as the look for unique and different ways to find new jobs. They happened by our event in Atlanta this past week, and I wanted to share it with you! Click on the picture of Fredricka and I to sample High Speed Networking!

At each event, I'm the person who keeps people moving, but I also get a chance to make 30-40 new contacts. I don't get the "one-on-one" that the actual participants get, but I do follow up with each participant with a phone call and e-mail (that will happen on Monday) and see what they thought of the event, if they got any good leads, and then mention that I am a real estate broker, and do they know anyone looking to buy or sell a home.

Needless to say, this event was a bit more fun with a camera man, a guy with the mike, the producer and then Fredricka herself visiting with the people from their show.

If you know anyone looking for Midtown Atlanta real estate, send them to the guy on CNN!

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627 2009-04-26 17:06:18 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Going Once, Going Twice....SOLD! The Auctions Have Come To Town! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=628 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=628 I think one of the greatest things about being in real estate is there is never a dull moment. Even when the market is dull! You are always learning something new, be it about contracts, inspections, previewing property or the wild card....people! But, now, I'm onto a new learning curve...a sign of the times of "build it and they will come......NOT" 

Cosmopoltian Auction


The real estate auction has come to town!

Aqua Auction



And not just one, but three! Yes THREE in the same weekend.  All the weekend of May 16-17, so there went my trip to Charlotte for REBar Camp! Those Buyers!  But there's magic in that number THREE. Because, I have THREE Buyers who will all be at the same auction, bidding on many of the same units! My partner Ray will be there to help out, but it's going to be interesting!

So, is a real estate auction worth it? Well, just take a look at these prices! AND, the building is FHA approved (thank goodness, all 3 buyers are buying FHA) and all THREE buyers are first time buyers, taking advantage of the $8000 tax credit!

Cosmo Pricing

The Cosmopolitian At Buckhead is a beautiful building, and they have 40 units that will be auctioned off. Our odds will be based on how many people are there, armed and ready to buy! I've coached my Buyers to have a list of all the acceptable units, and be prepared to bid on everyone. And not to wait for the most favored one they want, but be ready to accept getting anyone of the units on their list!

This is going to be an experience....and worthy of a follow up blog post, I am sure. I'll probably be way to busy to take pictures, but I'll try! Wish all FOUR of us luck! My THREE Buyers and their REALTOR that would like to see them in a new home!

When I was speaking with one of the on-site agents, I was amazed to learn that most people coming to look at the units were coming  WITHOUT AN AGENT!!

SCARE ME!!!! It was all a self guided tour to walk around the building and look at the units that will be auctioned off. But did those unrepresented buyers look at the things they need to look at? Views, or what may be a part of their view in the future? Location in the building and how it could effect resale values later? How many parking spaces come with a unit? Not all obvious questions, and the answers are certainly not obvious!

If you are considering attending a real estate auction, BE REPRESENTED BY A REALTOR!!! Even if you are a savy Buyer, you are not paying for our services (the developer is paying our fee) but, you are getting my knowledge and expertise about the market and the area! If you need representation, call me today!

Just Click on the Banner Below....and we will be in touch pronto!

Realtor Banner

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628 2009-04-28 22:11:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Vacant and On Lock Box! Please Show It! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=629 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=629 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate is Vacant and on Lock Box

You all know the drill. You are working with a buyer client, and are looking for property to show them. I don't know about you, but I make a point to preview ALL the property I show, so I know where everything is and if it's really even a property I want my Buyer to see.

I never believe what the listing says....you know the old rule "garbage in, garbage out." It says one thing, but you call and learn, "Oh, we closed on that yesterday," yet it's still active in the listing service. And when they say "vacant and on lockbox," I still confirm it has not been rented, or something.

So, yesterday, I call an agent about a short sale listing my Buyer has requested to see. It looks like it could be a great deal. The agent advised me it's on lockbox (requiring a code which he gave me) and it's vacant. Great. I'll preview today, and show tomorrow. Thanks.

So, imagine my surprize when this was on the other side of the door....

Dog

 

And better yet...it was a PIT BULL!!!!!

Ok, I had a couple things in my favor! One, the Buyer was not with me as I was previewing. Second, the dog seemed friendly as I stuck my foot in the door to keep it from getting out and got the door closed. AMAZING!!

Of course, I called the agent, furious about what happened. He said there's no one there and no dog! Ah, duh...I just saw it. He said he would find out and get back to me.

Thank goodness I did not hold my breath waiting for that call back!

 

Come on Agents, if you can act like a professional, then get off the road and leave the driving to us professionals! Please!

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629 2009-05-02 00:26:32 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sundays! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=630 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=630  

Beach

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630 2009-05-03 08:42:38 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Somedays, You Just Want to Tell Your Buyers.....WHATEVERR!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=631 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=631 Currently, I'm working with 4, yes FOUR first-time buyers! And I love it! Well....sort of! (And if any of my First Time Buyers are reading this...well, then I guess you can get an understanding of what we go through behind the scenes!)

DetectiveI do enjoy helping them learn the process of buying a home. Helping the realize it's a better decision than renting (given certain circumstances) and the opportunity to sort of play private investigator as I learn what they are looking for in their home. Sometimes they are very upfront, and other times we have to be great listeners and hear what they are saying, and then find the clue!

It's also a challenge to get buyers to realize a good buy when you show them. But, then again, they have their ideas of what they want in their first place, and considering the scope of such a purchase, I can understand that.

But, I also have to educate them on what they can get for their money, and it's not always just about the price. Just because the condo is listed at a low price, does not mean it's a good deal. Maybe the building has issues, or its the location, or condition of the amenities. There's just all sorts of considerations we have to look at.

And price can be a big challenge. When the Buyer has limited funds to purchase, and pay for closing costs, it makes the hunt even more challenging. And I have to manage the process so as not to spend hours and hours looking for the "needle in the haystack" that my not exist anyway.

My corporate sales training always kicks in, and I'm always thinking the "customer is always right." (or client here) But, there does come a point when I really would just like to say....

 

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631 2009-05-03 22:07:11 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Sometimes You Just Have to Keep The Faith http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=632 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=632 ChristopherThere really is nothing better than the sound of the human voice. Whether you watch American Idol (I know Allison will be going places) or you listen to the innocent laughter of a child, it's all a sweet sound.

As is the laughter and sharing of times past with an old friend! At the  High Speed Networking that I hosted here in Atlanta last month, there was a person there who worked for the same company as my good friend, Christopher Bragoni. That prompted a call to him today to ask if he knew the person. BTW, Christopher works for a company called Helms Briscoe which assists meeting planners with finding sites for their meetings. If you know ANYONE in that business that needs help finding the right spot for their next event, contact Christopher!

Well, the conversation finally got around to that topic, but it went everywhere else before that....a trip down memory lane of times past, a quick "google" of names we knew to see if we could find where they are (and success was had with a former co-worker of his and my old roommate from many years back!) Christopher and I have been friends for a mere 22 years! And oddly enough, we hardly ever see each other, even when we first met. He lived in Ft. Lauderdale, but worked in Downtown Miami. I, worked in Miami Beach and lived in Miami. But from the night a mutual friend and business associate introduced us, we've been friends ever since.

Christopher has always got a wise word to pass along, and a glass of good wine to go with it!

But tonight, he passed along a saying he had just read a day or so ago...and I felt it so appropriate for the times many of us are in, that I wanted to share it.

The Chinese say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.

The Chinese say the second best time to plant a tree is today.

I gave that some thought, both while we were on the phone, and once I hung up. Yep. There is some real truth to that saying.

I think it relates to prospecting, and keeping some PMA in this current real estate market. (PMA is Positive Mental Attitude) It's one of may challenges you face as a business owner, or even if you work in a corporate position. You are only as good as your last sale, right? I own my own real estate company, and if I don't have another sale in the pipeline, just how good am I? It was the same years ago when I was in the hotel business (where Christopher and I met) where no matter how good or big of convention you just booked, the question was, "So what else do you have coming?" Ahhh...yeah, Thank you too!

phoneSince I've been in real estate, I'm always prospecting. I do it in different fashions than just the phone. I attend (or host) networking events, work with my neighborhood association and other things. But, I admit, I dont' get on the phone like I should. But, nothing like a little PMA and a good conversation to get you in the mood.

Today, I hit one call (a follow up from the High Speed Networking) and got a lead for a buyer. He's a few months away, but again, it's about having fuel in that pipeline all the time. It certainly brought my focus back to getting on the phone and making those calls.

So, I certainly don't want it to take 20 years, but, I need to plant some trees. Here's to tree planting!

Tree

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632 2009-05-06 23:35:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
WHY Must the Real Estate Agent ALWAYS Get the Raw Deal? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=633 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=633  

Short Sale Warning

WHY Must the Real Estate Agent ALWAYS Get the Raw Deal?

Not once, but twice today, I've had to take it right in the wallet. Hey, there's not much of a wallet left anyway, but it's so comforting when you can just stand here and feel somebody reach in, grab a few bills and move on...and there's just nothing you can do about it.

"Ah, There is No Place to Enter 'Short Sale' on the listing."

Those were the exact words out of the co-op agents mouth this afternoon, after he informed me the commission listed on the listing was not correct. He just put that amount there because he did not know what else to put! Good Grief! And people hire you to sell their home? Oh...this is going to be a long road to closing, I can already tell!

To add salt to the wound, he had the listing as a foreclosure, when infact it is a short sale. And when I sent in my offer at midnight last night, I included the Commission Agreement for his signature. Today I learned the bank has set the commission. Well thank you Mr. Bank. Can I buy you a glass of water?

In February of this year, Fannie Mae and Freddie issued a new guideline instructing its servicers not to cut commissions on Short Sales.....Yeah...right...make me laugh!

"Commission Subject to Final Bank Approval and to be Split 50/50 Between Brokers."

Note from paragraph above.....new guidelines...not suppose to do this. So, today I called on a listing a potential buyer wants to see, and the statement about commission was in the listing. (Hey, at least this one had it right with it being a short sale, and that you may have that wallet picked again...but you've been warned.

When I mentioned the guidelines to this agent, he responded, "yeah, I know about them, but the banks still say what the commission is going to be. I just took a big hit on a closing this week just to make it happen."

WHY Must the Real Estate Agent ALWAYS Get the Raw Deal?

Yes, I have a brokerage agreement signed with my Buyer that they will pay me my commission if the Seller will not. But, it's not really "me" they are paying, and its not really "me" they have that brokerage agreement signed with...it's MY BROKER. So, anyway, wallet has been picked. Move on!

Now, remind me again why I am suppose to love owning my own real estate business?

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633 2009-05-08 18:14:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Ways To Sell Your Home Fast! (Part 3 of 3) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=634 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=634 Ways To Sell Your Home FastIn my past two articles, Ways to Sell Your Home Fast, Part 1 and Part 2, we touched on many ways to improve how your home looks. After all, you many times only get one chance to make a "first impression" in a market flooded with homes and condos. Let's look at a few more ways you can work to win the Buyer to your home!

#20 Head To Your Local Garden Center

When your home is For Sale, it's time to improve the greenery (and flowers) that you have been hoping will come back to life...but are not! You don't want plants dropping leaves all over in the house, and you want to brighten up the yard (if you have one) with some seasonal plantings that give you the all important curb appeal.

Furniture#21  Create More Space!

Remember, you want Buyers to remember your house, not what's in it! If you have unusual furnishings, art work or collections, now is the time to pack them away for the move to your new home. And if some of your furniture is big and bulky, by removing it, the rooms will seem larger and more open.

#22 What You Smell (Or Don't)

Back in Item #4, remember we mentioned about baking some cookies before you leave the house, and leaving some for the Buyers and Agents! It also a good idea to have air fresheners around to keep things fresh. Many home stagers say vanilla is the best scent for covering up unpleasant odors. Nothing will send a Buyer the opposite direction than unpleasant smells. You also want to take this into consideration when cooking. (I'm not saying don't make that favorite dish you love...but just make sure it doesn't "linger."

landscape#23  Mow, Mow, Mow The Yard Every Single Week

If you are selling a home (and not a condominium), it's that curb appeal and first impression that will carry your home against the competition. If the yard is a mess, the Buyer may very well think the inside is the same and just move on to the next house. If your schedule makes keeping the yard up a challenge, consider a neighbor kid who could use some cash, or hire a lawn maintenance company on a short-term basis.

#24  Your On.....The Price Is Right!

You know the show! Get the price right and you win the prize. Well, the same rule applies here! Look at what the pricing is in your area, and price BELOW that price. Yes, BELOW that price! You want your house IN the market and not ON the market....for months and months. And now with Short Sales and Foreclosures, it is all the more important to have your home priced right. Those are the ones that will sell first!

#25  Water The Lawn

Great idea...but follow the laws in your community. Here in Georgia, due to drought conditions, outdoor watering is restricted or outright banned in many communities. So check before you turn that hose on! Thankfully, we've had lots of rain to keep things green. But here's an interesting tip...if you have a sprinkler system, run it for a few minutes before the showing agent arrives! It will make everything shimmer and leave a fresh, clean scent!

neighborhood party#26  Help Buyers "Experience" Your Home or Community

No one can tell a story about your home or community better than you can. Remember, your home (or condo) may be shown by an agent that is not familiar with the local area or building. Why not write a letter talking about the unique features of your home, or why you chose to buy it when you did. Maybe there is a special restaurant in the neighborhood you can mention. Fun community events for the family, singles, children, whatever. You get the idea...then leave this letter in the Home Book your Agent has left for review in the home, or you might even put them in envelopes, addressed to the Buyers.

#27  Empty the Closets

Like #15 Have a Garage Sale, and #17 Start Packing.....it's time to empty the closets! This is especially true if you live in a small home or condo! Storage space is always an issue for Buyers...so let's make those closets look big!

#28  Doggie Daycare....And Your Pet Will Love You Too!

When you have pets, showings can be a challenge. If appointments have to be made for a showing, it may be difficult for the showing agent to get an appointment in advance with you. Some agents also will call short term, despite whatever instructions the listing might have. We don't expect you to spend a fortune on day care for your dog or cat,  but be prepared when your home first goes on the market to consider day care. This is typically when most of the showings will happen, and you want to make sure you don't miss a single one! Also, if you crate your dog, understand, there is still strangers in THEIR house, and they may or may not  act aggressive. This can be disturbing to the buyers and take away from any emotional experience you were trying to create for a buyer.

Sunflowers#29  Buy Flowers

If you live in a condominium, nothing will welcome potential buyers more than a vase of fresh flowers on a table or counter. If they are good quality, you may only have to replace them once a week, but it goes a long way! If you live in a house, pots of flowers on porches, patios and decks make indoors and outdoors seem more inviting. You can choose to leave potted plants behind, or take them with you to your new home!

#30  Don't Leave a Mess!

You know...the one day you DON'T make the bed because you are running late, will be the day of a showing! As agents, we know it is hard work to keep your home spotless, but ya gotta' do it! If you have kids, have plastic bins ready to quickly throw things in. You might even kick things under the bed, just to hide them! However, don't try to hide a mess in a cupboard or closet....it's sure to be found!

#31 Always Let Your Agent Know Where You Are

Ok, this might sound silly, but if you are planning a trip out of town, even if only for a day or overnight, be sure to let your agent know. If that sudden offer comes in, and your agent needs an answer, they need to be able to reach you! If you are going to be out of town where you can't be reached, then it's important for your agent to know this, so the can let other agents know of a time frame for a response.  Plus, when you are out of town, your agent can use this time for extra Open Houses or an Agent Caravan and not displace you from your house!

I started this series suggesting 33 Tips...but I scaled it down to 31! 31 Ways To Sell Your Home Fast! Keep this list handy and refer to it often! We are here to work together towards one common goal...Get Your Home SOLD!

Let Us Put THIS Sign In Front of YOUR Home!

SOLD

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634 2009-05-11 21:42:09 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
A Letter To My Clients, Contacts and Friends! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=635 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=635 paperA Letter to My Clients, Contacts and Friends!

I felt the need to reach out to my sphere today and let them know...I'm still here! I'm still alive, and still selling real estate!

Not because they don't hear from me...I send regular
e-mails out on a variety of topics, compliments of Top Producer. But I wanted to reach out with some good news about signs of improvement in the market. They are little signs...but signs none the less. More showing calls on listings. Increased traffic on our web site. More walk-ins at the office.

So I thought it a good time to reach out to my clients, contacts and friends.

Well, needless to say, it's an interesting time to be in real estate!

But, Ray and I are still here, in the middle of this market, and it’s starting to change! Really!

It’s a different time for me as a business owner to experience an economy like this. Previous times in the past, I was either in college or in a secure corporate position where I was not worried about losing my job.

It can be depressing to hear about families losing their homes due to foreclosure. The economy coupled with job losses has made it a difficult time for many Americans. But I have faith, there IS light at the end of the tunnel.

But with these challenges comes new opportunities. Home prices in many parts of our country had reached a level that many buyers were simply priced out of the market, or had to settle for buying homes that were long distances from their place of work, just to afford one. Now, these prices are starting to correct themselves. And with these corrections comes those opportunities.

Buyers can now afford to buy homes closer to where they work. Buyers can now afford homes they could not afford in the past. And many of these buyers are first time buyers. In fact, in 2008, nearly half of homebuyers were buying for the first time, and now the expanded IRS tax credit will make it easier for these people to enter the home buying arena this year as well. The current tax credit will allow qualifying buyers to claim up to $8000 on their 2008 or 2009 tax return. And this new program does not require a repayment.

Ray and I are working with several first time buyers right now. It’s exciting to see their face when we show them homes that they may not have been able to consider just a few months ago! There are great buying opportunities everywhere in Atlanta (or your community if you are receiving this and live outside of Atlanta) from single-family homes to condominiums.

Maybe you know someone that’s “on the fence” about buying real estate. Between affordable prices and historically low interest rates, the time could not be better to buy than now. Some naysayer will say “wait for the bottom of the market.” The reality is, by the time we realize the bottom of the market, we will be about 6 months past the bottom. As the economy improves, interest rates are sure to rise, reducing your buying power.

Here is a link to some important information for First Time Buyers! If you know of anyone that might be “on that fence,” please forward this message to them. We’d be delighted to help them through the home buying process!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS!

Thanks for your time, and hope to see or hear from you soon!

Spread the word!

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635 2009-05-12 16:50:54 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
805 Peachtree. More Than Just An Address In Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=636 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=636
 
Thom Abbott, GRI | Morris & Raper InTown | 770-713-1505
805 Peachtree Street, #214, Atlanta, GA
805 Peachtree. More Than Just An Address.
1BR/1BA Condo
 
offered at $184,000
Year Built 1951
Sq Footage 990
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 1 Car garage
Lot Size Unspecified
HOA/Maint $359 per month

DESCRIPTION

Once an abandoned office building, 805 Peachtree now stands transformed into an exciting residential community in the Heart of Midtown Atlanta. Located on Peachtree Street, 805 impresses residents and visitors alike with its clean lines and contemporary style. From the moment you enter the stunning lobby, to the Caribbean-styled pool and cabanas, you’ll never want to leave 805!

Number 214 offers an open floor plan with exposed concrete ceilings now highlighted in black with soft grey walls. A wall of windows looks out over vibrant Peachtree Street. The modern and innovative kitchen features stainless steel appliances, Siematic cabinets and rich Corian counters. Entertain your guests at the kitchen bar will you prepare gourmet delights on your gas range (rare in condo living). Once they’ve left, take a relaxing bath in your whirlpool spa tub. The home has hardwood floors throughout.

The amenities at 805 Peachtree include the pool as well as a large club room, perfect for those larger gatherings. And there’s a fitness center, equipped to rival any gym membership you may have now! The secured building and 24 Hour Concierge will be sure to give you peace-of-mind as well as convenience.

Shopping, restaurants, museums and theatre are just a few blocks from 805. Walks through Historic Midtown or the Midtown Mile will lead you to Piedmont Park, often called “Midtown’s Backyard.” There you can enjoy leisurely strolls while catching glimpses of high rise buildings, ducklings chasing their mothers on the lake, or children chasing dogs on lush green meadows.

805 Peachtree. Where You Belong.
 

see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet
Hardwood floor Dishwasher Refrigerator
Stove/Oven Microwave Washer
Dryer Laundry area - inside  

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking Clubhouse Storage space(s)
Swimming pool(s) Secured entry Elevator

 


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Building

Kitchen

Bathroom

Living Room

Gym

Lobby
Contact info:
Thom Abbott, GRI
Morris & Raper InTown
770-713-1505
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: May 14, 2009, 12:36pm PDT
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636 2009-05-14 16:08:54 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Thank You Mr. Foreclosure! I TOLD You This Could Be Easy! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=637 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=637 Excited Guy

You See! I told you so.

This really is NOT rocket science.

If you, Mr. REO want to move your real estate, then just make the process easy.

What am I talking about?

Today, at 11am, I met with a new client who has only looked at 5 condos, but quickly narrowed it down to one. Of course, it's a bank-owned property.

So, today, we met, I walked him through our offer, and everything contained in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. He's a first time buyer and very excited about this chance to finally own his own place! And in a building he could of only dreamed about a year ago.Spire Midtown

So, once we were done, and earnest money check in hand, he went on his way, and I e-mailed the offer to the listing agent, giving them till next Wednesday to respond to our offer. I coached my client that would probably be stretching it, and we'd be darn lucky to hear anything back that fast. I then hand-delivered the agreement and check to the listing agent. This was about 1pm.

At 4:45pm, the listing agent called me to advise the bank had accepted our offer. A minor change in closing date and a reduction in our due diligence period. (which we are working on)

AN OFFER ACCEPTED OFFER FROM THE BANK ON A FORECLOSED PROPERTY IN 3 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES!  HELLO BANKS EVERYWHERE, ARE YOU LISTENING?

THIS is just how real estate should be. Do it, do it right, and get it done. Write a good offer, accept it and get it sold!

I'll sleep good tonight!

 

 

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637 2009-05-15 23:03:20 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Customer Loyalty? What Is It? And Do Businesses REALLY Care? I DO!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=638 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=638 Since I've been involved in the Active Rain Community, I've learned more than I could ever have imagined. Mostly about technology and how it can help my business, but I've learned other things too. I've learned to carry my camera to capture moments (altho I'm still not capturing enough...note to self!) And I try to look at experiences and relate them to my business of real estate.

Late in 2008, one of my good AR friends, Margaret Woda wrote a great post titled, 10 Things I Learned About Selling Real Estate From Buying a Car. She really brought up some interesting points, and now it's my turn to share.....

Customers Not WantedNow, unless you have been living in a bubble, the auto industry is in about as much trouble as the real estate market is. Dealerships are going to be closed, jobs to be lost, etc. I think that would be a pretty good indication that they could use every sale they can get their hands on.

Now, believe you me, the last thing I want to be doing right now is getting a new car, but it's called..."Lease ends soon." At this point, it's all about the money too. How much will the payment be, and more importantly, how much, or how little will that "cap cost reduction" amount be.

Well, I ventured back to my local Hyundai dealer this past week to have a chat. See, I'm currently leasing a Sonata, and I've been quite happy with the car. Not so much I would buy one long term, but satisfied with it's performance as a lease car. So, I figured, why not another one? The new '09 model has changed somewhat, but not that much. So, if I can get pretty much the same deal as last time, I'm already a sold customer.

WHOA!!! Hold on one moment there mister! You think we want you back as a loyal, returning customer? Well, we kinda, sort of do, but he can't really be sitting on the other side of the desk and telling me, "We won't know until June 1 if we are going to extend the Hyundai Customer Loyalty Program, so you will need to come back in 3 weeks." a.k.a "Maybe we want your business again, and maybe we don't, so check back with us and we will let you know!

Car In The BAg

I'm just floored! I can't believe I'm hearing what I just heard! And are you ready for this...I'm already over my mileage allowance, so I'm now paying for every mile I drive my car. I've expressed interest in paying out my lease, turning in my car and getting another one, but you are not sure you want my business?

(Sigh) Now, how can I relate this to real estate? Well, at my office, we do get a fair number of walkins from the street. (yep, it does happen.) But, many of them are looking for rentals, and mistake our office as a leasing office for the condo building where we are located. So, I explain these are all private homes, and not always available for rent. (Insert explanation about condo rules) Now, I know you are suppose to approach a renter as a future homeowner. And this is true...in some cases. But, I sometimes have to turn the business away because the people have unrealistic price requests. And, because I won't make any money. The co-op fee on some rentals can be $100!! It's not worth the time and effort to search for availability, and then show someone 5-6 places, to make $100!

Am I being like the General Manager at the car dealership? I don't think so. This is not really about loyalty...this is about managing my business. But when you get a referral, or that past client you sold a home or condo calls, don't you welcome them with open arms? Isn't that one of the keys (no pun intended) to our success is to have past customers return to use our services again?

Rest assured, when you walk into MY dealership (a.k.a my office, my phone or my website) you will be welcomed with open arms, and a "Welcome Back" greeting. Not a "let me think about it and I'll get back to you." You can find my office always open at The Thom And Ray Team.

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638 2009-05-17 08:42:17 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Real Estate Auctions! Bring Your Money AND Your Motivation! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=639 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=639 CosmoThis past weekend, Sunday to be exact, I had the chance to see some of the fate of real estate in the current market. A real estate auction gives you a whole new look at real estate. In more ways than one.

First off, this auction was held at the Westin Buckhead Hotel. No Motel 6 or convention center here. In fact, I quite enjoyed the fresh shrimp, beef wellington and assorted cheeses that were served, along with Starbucks Coffee. (No wine at the auction, but at the "practice auction" on Saturday afternoon, we were treated to wine along with some munchies! Free Valet parking too! Ok, back to the auction....

At auction, were 40 condominiums in the Cosmopolitian At Lindbergh development. Now, this is a nice community, located close to freeways or walking distance to the Lindbergh MARTA transit station. Homes up for auction were also not cracker boxes! The smallest floor plan was 852 sq ft and the largest was 1,739 sq ft. (a 3 bedroom unit).

BuildingLobby

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The outside of the community is on the left, and the lobby entrance on the right. Pretty nice eh?

Auction

We attended the practice auction, and did just as we were told...sit in front. (Picture is smaller and does not show well, but my buyers are on the right, in front of the auctioneer!

The room quickly filled, and they added more seats, 3 times in fact. I started to think, ah, we are not going get anything here with all these people. But I had faith.

Then the auction started. Now, my Buyer gave me a last minute surprise by lowering the amount he was willing to spend. WHAT? You came to an auction, and you REDUCED your ability to buy? So why then just 3 weeks ago you had me looking for $180K condos, and now you only want to spend $160K? UGH!

Well, the first choice of my Buyer, was.....First. BAM! SOLD!  In less than 2 minutes. Original List Price $299,500. Auction Price ---$187,000!!!! And so the story went. And went. And went. But wait, it actually got worse before it ended. My Buyer ( a first time buyer moving from a studio apartment) has in his mind his place MUST have at least 1,000 sq ft. That's one HUGE condo by Atlanta standards. We had done a complete walk through of the development, and he had marked on his bid list those units he wanted, or at least was interested in. Nope. Not a one did we get. At one point, he was bidding on a floorplan he wanted, and the bid went to $163,000. The auctioneer looked right at him and said, "Just one more bid..." but NOPE, not my Buyer. SOLD! $163,000 to the man in the back of the room.

Then, the real killer came with the Buckhead 1 Bedroom floor plan at 901 sq ft. (HUGE for a 1 bedroom in Atlanta condos....) sold for $127,000! Original List Price was $229,500. At that point, I knew this was a lost cause. Never fear, tho, my Buyer still had some of his choices left on the list. NOT! The auctioneer suddenly announced the auction was ending. BAM. That's it. Party's over!

So, my Buyer left, and I stood there scratching my head (and probably mumbling a few words,) A brand new condo for $127,000 (that's $140 per sq. ft.) and the average for the auction was $165 per sq ft.

We'd had some serious conversations at the development, and at the practice auction about having choices and really looking at all the floor plans just in case. But, I think we lacked the motivation to really take advantage of the opportunity that was in front of him.  And in another way, lacked the money after the change in our price point we were willing to pay.

Moral of the story....When you come to the auction, come with your money AND your motivation...and you just might leave with one sweet new home....or then again, maybe not.

 

If you're looking for great real estate opportunities in Atlanta, especially in Midtown and Buckhead, just let me know! I can find you one, and you WILL go home happy!

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639 2009-05-18 22:51:14 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
When I Snap, You'll Be The First To Go! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=640 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=640 Ok, in case you didn't really understand the title, let me give you a picture of it....

Snap

WHAT, you say? I picked this little jewel up when I was in Charleston, SC two years ago. I was on my way home from Savannah where I had just finished up the final part of my Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI) program. So, it was time for a couple days of R & R (in fact, the last trip I think I took!)

Now, I'll have to admit, the purchase was after a couple refreshing margarita's and many a laugh looking at the various signs this merchant had. But this one seemed to fit so many occasions.

--The Seller that drives you crazy (I don't have any of these!)

--The Buyer that drives you crazy (No comment)

--The Broker that drives you crazy (No comment)

--The crazy drivers that drive you crazy (Don't EVEN get me started)

--or any other person or situation you can think of!

It proudly sits on my desk!

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!

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640 2009-05-22 23:29:42 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=641 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=641  

Pensacola

Taken January, 2008 in Pensacola Beach! From what I read on Facebook, it's not quite this nice there this Memorial Day weekend!

So, I just share this and it quickly reminds me of the day that I was there!

For those of you that live close to the ocean, don't take it for granted! I wish I could just hop out there for an hour or two right now!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

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641 2009-05-24 09:03:44 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
OW! How To Stay Off Active Rain And The Internet For A Day! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=642 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=642  

Teddy BearI tried to look up the word, "owie" that you hear a little kid say when they have hurt themselves, but Webster's does not have it!

If you learned how to type, using the "home row " keys versus the hunt and peck method, you will be able to relate to this simple little story.

Over the past two days I have been at my house working in my much neglected yard. Trimming and spreading TWO truck loads of mulch in all the landscape beds! Hard work, but it was actually nice to not be doing anything real estate for a couple days!

But, maybe as a result of that work, I seem to have caused some very minor injury, and I do mean minor to my left pinky finger. You know, the one that hits the "a" key. NOw you would not think this is a big deal, but just typing this short blog post has resulted in countless errors and need of the backspace key!

I am not a one finger typing kinda guy...so, I guess I'll have to let my finger take a break! Ow!

Have a great Memorial Day, and I hope to be back later today!

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642 2009-05-25 08:10:10 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
$8,000 FIRST TIME BUYER TAX CREDIT - CHECK RECEIVED !!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=643 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=643

Yes! It's True! If you are a First Time Home Buyer, besides some great opportunities to buy, look what you get!

 

Via Sheldon Neal -- That British Agent -- (Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited):

 

 

 

This is an actual check from one of my First Time Buyers who bought a home last month, and immediately filed his 2008 tax return - which he had already filed an extension for - and this week received the above check !

 

... before his home purchase, his return was going to give him a refund of approximately $4,000 !!!! ... as you can see, he qualified for the tax credit, and received $8,000 additional dollars from the government for buying his home.

 

@@@ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION - BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR ACCOUNTANT TO SEE IF YOU CAN RECEIVE THIS YOURSELF @@@

 

Per the IRS.gov website, you may qualify to receive this credit if you meet the following qualifications:

"... qualifying taxpayers who buy a home before Dec. 1, 2009, can claim the credit on either their 2008 or 2009 tax returns. They do not have to repay the credit, provided the home remains their main home for 36 months after the purchase date. They can claim 10 percent of the purchase price up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately.

The amount of the credit begins to phase out for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is more than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers.

For purposes of the credit, you are considered to be a first-time homebuyer if you, and your spouse if you are married, did not own any other main home during the three-year period ending on the date of purchase."

 The credit itself:

  • Applies to purchases that close after April 8, 2008, and before Dec. 1, 2009.
  • Applies only to homes used as a taxpayer's principal residence.
  • Reduces a taxpayer's tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar.
  • Is fully refundable, meaning the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed.

 

So if you were considering buying a home this year - be sure to talk to your accountant as you may also qualify to get $8,000 extra dollars for buying your first home !

 

ALSO: Be sure to check out a post  from respected Loan Officer Jeff Belonger explaining how you may be able to receive an 'up front loan' for this credit to use towards closing costs or additional downpayment over your mandatory 3.5% payment on your FHA loan !

@@@PLEASE NOTE: ALL INFORMATION ABOVE DEEMED RELIABLE PER THE IRS.GOV WEBSITE, HOWEVER IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY POINT ON ANY DAY ! - CONSULT YOUR TAX ACCOUNTANT BEFORE EXPECTING ANY PORTION OF THIS CREDIT.

@@@@ UPDATED: BELOW IS THE FORM NEEDED TO FILE FOR THIS CREDIT IF YOU QUALIFY - YOUR ACCOUNTANT SHOULD HAVE IT AND WALK YOU THOUGH IT ! GOOD LUCK !

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643 2009-05-31 07:18:03 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
HOME....It's What You Make It....WHERE You Make It! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=644 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=644 Home. It's What You Make It and WHERE You Make it. The word "home" is defined in many ways:

a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household.
2. the place in which one's domestic affections are centered.
3. an institution for the homeless, sick, etc.: a nursing home.
4. the dwelling place or retreat of an animal.
5. the place or region where something is native or most common.

We all know about homes in real estate. We often have to tell our Sellers, "You are not selling your home. This is now a house you are selling and you are taking your memories with you."

But we humans are not the only ones that make homes. I've had the wonderful pleasure of watching nature do it's thing when it comes to homes!

Tree with NestI had to reduce the picture to fit here, but if you look closely, you will see a red arrow in the middle of the tree. Here, is another home. But this one belongs to a family of birds. I've scoured the Internet to try and figure out what kind of bird it is, but it's been a busy one. And I've been able to watch the entire process, from eggs to birds. It's right outside my bedroom window, so I can just stand and watch the Momma Bird fly back and forth feeding her babies.

Yesterday, I knew the time was fast approaching that the "kids" would be leaving home. One of them was up on the edge of the nest, saying "let's blow this pop stand!"

Well this morning, when I looked out....the house was empty! I could not believe it! In fact I even had to get a ladder to check.....

 

baby bird

Sadly, this little guy seems to have been left behind. I noticed Momma Bird not flying into the nest anymore (yes I know I should of not got close..but she was not flying in there before I checked it out) So I'm not sure he's going to make it out of his home!

Memorial Day weekend, some of you may recall I worked myself so hard, I actually had to take a day off from Active Rain due to my finger "pain". But, during that time of work in the back yard, we were greeted with yet another surprize....

Patio Nest

The stripped object is actually my patio umbrella where it had been stood up against the house for the winter, under the eaves of the back patio. Well, it appears a little Chickadee has been busy, and now I've got another family in their home! I've not heard any noise from this one yet, so perhaps they have not yet hatched! Guess there will be no umbrella on the table for awhile!

Seeing all the work that these birds went into to make a home for their family. Now, I don't know if there is such a thing as Bird REALTORS, but I think in both cases they picked some pretty good real estate for their homes!

I'm happy they chose my home (or my trees) for their home! It kind of reminds me of the feeling when I find the right home for my Buyers! It takes work, and time, but the rewards are worth it!

If we can help YOU find (or build) that New Home, just click on the picture below and we'll start looking for the pine straw and moss or the neighborhood and number of bedrooms that will make the house we find YOUR NEW HOME!

House

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644 2009-06-02 22:28:46 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Real Estate Auctions - An Update! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=645 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=645 Real Estate Auctions! A sign of the times!

But, wanted to update on my recent experience at the auction.

A while back, I posted about my Buyer attending a real estate auction and how I felt he missed the so-called Golden Opportunity. He's looking for size in his FIRST condo purchase, and it was somewhat frustrating for me that he did not get a home at the auction.

Then, I had many people tell me I need to cut the strings and move on. That's a hard thing to do as an agent. I knew this guy would buy a place, he was just being really picky.

Houston, We Have Success! He is now Under Contract, and set to close June 26th on the exact floorplan he bid on at the auction, but on a higher floor! He's really excited!

It just goes to show, you have to keep with it, get to know your Buyer, and they will buy. Most of the time.

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645 2009-06-05 08:14:13 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Montana - Big Sky Country! But the WWW Keeps Us Connected! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=646 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=646  

Montana Sky

It's not a vacation...it's a Intercation! I've left Atlanta for a few days of a way overdue family visit to see my Mom. But, I'm able to pirate some internet from a connection somewhere, so I'm able to keep a pulse on what is going on.

I even used the Internet to make dinner reservations for tonight! My Mom (NOT a computer person) asked me, "How did you know the number?" Just Googled the restaurant name, and made the call!

And now it's snowing like it's the dead of winter! I just spent the morning planting several of my Mom's planters, and just had to scramble to cover them with the snow.

SNOW AND IT IS THE 6TH OF JUNE!

Montana June Snow

Ok, I'd of appreciated some sunshine, but so...we got snow! Oh well! Have a great weekend wherever YOU are!

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646 2009-06-06 18:17:41 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Plaza Midtown Midtown Atlanta April Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=647 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=647 Plaza Midtown AtlantaPlaza Midtown, Midtown Atlanta April Market Report

Plaza Midtown is a unique Midtown Atlanta condominium community. The design features twin towers, with seperate lobbies and varying views of Midtown, Downtown and beyond.

The community has a resort-like pool area located on the 6th Floor, complete with gardens, grills and a club house and fitness center.

Plaza Midtown is unique by having the Publix Supermarket located on the street level of the building! It's a big selling feature for this community!

In April, 2008, there was one sale at $328,000. In April, 2009, there were 2 sales with an average sales price of $242,450.

There are currently 35 homes Listed For Sale in Plaza Midtown with prices ranging from $155,000 to $799,900. (The higher priced home is a unique combination of 2 2 bedroom homes.) Excluding this unique home, the average list price is $251,129.

For more information about Plaza Midtown, please visit the Thom And Ray Team website. If you are looking for a Midtown Atlanta condominium, let us show you all the opportunities there are!

Plaza Midtown Atlanta

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647 2009-06-07 09:30:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday - A Glimpse of Man and Mother Nature! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=648 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=648  

Montana Mountains

This photo I just took a couple hours ago while out walking in the subdivision where my Mom lives.

It's interesting how you capture something in a photo you don't realize is there until you look at it in detail.

Note in the lower portion of the picture is a black line...the railroad tracks.

Just above them, a white/gray line that is the highway.

And the distance the wonders of the Rocky Mountains.

This view is looking South to Paradise Valley.

Speechless Sundays!

 

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648 2009-06-07 21:52:50 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Condos-Cornerstone Village April Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=649 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=649  Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta  April Market Report

Cornerstone Village

Cornerstone Village is a unique condominium community in Midtown that offers Buyers a variety of homes to choose from. The Landmark Building (pictured) is a historic building that has 1 and 2 bedroom homes in a loft-style design with exposed duct work and exposed brick walls. The Manor House, also a historic building (once a hotel, then apartments and now condos) has a variety of 1 bedroom floorplans.

The Gallery Building was originally built as apartments and then converted to condominiums in 2001 when the entire development became condos. There is 318 homes in the community, which is located right on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. The first floor of the Landmark building features Eno Restaurant and Barrelman Wine Shop, along with two, yes, TWO kitchen design stores, and a clothing store. Additionally, the Morris & Raper Intown Office is located here, home of The Thom And Ray Team. Everything is within walking distance, from Piedmont Park to Midtown MARTA to the Publix Market and more. Cornerstone Village amenities include a resort-style pool with grilling area, fitness center, game room and a movie theatre.

Currently, in Cornerstone Village  there are 24 homes listed For Sale with an average list price of $190,766. The highest priced home is $289,900 and the least expensive is $110,900 (studio)

In April, 2008, 3 homes sold. The average sales price for a 1 bedroom was $176,829 and a 2 bedroom was $236,000. There have been no sales in the building in April of this year.

If you or anyone you know may be looking for a great Midtown location, let The Thom And Ray Team show them Cornerstone Village! Our office is right in the building!

Cornerstone Village

An Overhead View of Cornerstone Village, showing the 4 buildings.

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649 2009-06-08 10:52:34 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Condos - Spire Midtown April Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=650 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=650 spire midtown

 

Spire Midtown

April Market Report

Spire Midtown. "Own A Piece of The Sky" was the marketing motto for this stunning tower on Peachtree! Being the first new high-rise building to be built in Midtown after the success of Metropolis, Spire sold out its 374 homes in just 3 weeks! (Well sort of....later many of the listings on the market belonged to the developer, meaning they held back many units to sell at a later time!) I personally live in this building, and while I have the smallest floor plan, I LOVE my place!

Spire Midtown features 12 different studio and 1 bedroom floor plans and 4 different 2 bedroom floor plans. Homes are finished with black granite counters and tiled backsplashes in the kitchens, and grey granite in the baths. The only choices offered were the color of cabinets, and that was determined by the floor you chose, as well as choosing to finish your home with hardwood floors. The building was completed in 2005.

Spire amenities include the beautiful Sky Club...a 2 story club room, complete with catering kitchen, pool table, wet bar and movie theater; outdoor pool (on the 7th floor) grilling area, fitness center, areobics room and cardio room. Street level retail includes Fresh To Order, zPizza, Firehouse Subs, a dry cleaners, sushi restaurant and Midtown Community Bank.

Located at 7th and Peachtree Streets, Spire Midtown is close to Piedmont Park as well as a short walk to the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

Market Report 

In April, 2008, there were 3 sales. Average Sales Price for a 1 bedroom was $200,500 and a 2 bedroom was $292,000.

In April, 2009 there were 2 sales with an Average Sales Price of $153,500. Indeed, the foreclosure/short sale market has found Spire Midtown.

Currently, there are 24 one bedroom homes listed with an Average List Price of $208,125.

Currently, there are 17 two bedroom homes listed with an Average List Price of $309,451.

Spire Lobby

If you are looking for a great Midtown condo community, then I suggest you take a look at Spire!

If you have any questions about this community, or any other condominiums in Midtown, please contact The Thom And Ray Team for more information!

"Feel The Vibe....Midtown Atlanta!"

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650 2009-06-08 18:45:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Reflections From Home -- Montana and Me (Part 1 of....) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=651 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=651 Thom In Montana

I've been blogging since 2007. It's been a learning curve, to say the least!  I seem to have tried to give out information that will let people know I know my market, the area I serve, and details about it.  And while I have done some "personal" blogs, I've probably not really shown my inner self. Might be a good reason for that......however, I've always been an outgoing person. Never afraid to walk up to a stranger and say hello or introduce myself.  Yet, in my later years (watch it...I'm not that old!) I've become more reserved. It might have something to do with my partner, but nonetheless, a bit more reserved.

If you've followed me here on Active Rain (or my Localism blog), I've been in Montana for the past 5 days visiting my Mother.  And it's been educational, a time for reflection, and more. My Mother is 73, and it's been interesting, to say the least, to listen to her opinions (and boy she's got some!), spend time in some amazing scenery, and experience life from a small town, rural point-of-view.

LivingstonThe camera has been out....oh boy!  At last count...300 pictures! I'll be sharing those via my Facebook Page, Flickr and I'll have some of them here as well. A real pictorial tour of my little home town of Livingston...population 8,000 give or take a few. Life out west is far different than that of the fast pace of Atlanta. And then again, it has alot in common.

Employment  It's an issue here as well. But the impact seems to hit a small town much harder. As Margaret Woda made mention of in her post, Reflections From A Road Trip, living in a big city puts things in a different perspective. So, if the  Chevrolet dealer a mile from my house closes...I'll drive 5 miles to the next one. Not in Livingston. In 2010, they will drive 24 miles to the nearest dealer. The neighbor next to my Mom has their home For Sale. The platinum mine where he worked has layed him off, and they can no longer afford the home they bought.

Housing  I was riding around town with my Mom, and was amazed at the For Sale signs I saw! One block had 6 homes For Sale! The subdivision where she built her new home has come to a screeching halt.  On a walk today, I passed a proposed town home development with a 2006 completion date....altho it's vacant lots...whoops!

Bearpaw OutfittersLife This is where it gets a bit different. Both of my sisters live here in Livingston. In fact, both of them now live on land that was part of our family ranch, once 200 acres, and now a mere 17.(Over the years, my parents sold off portions of the land as they left ranching and my Dad worked for the National Guard, and then real estate!) One sister (and husband) run a guide and outfitting service from their corner of the ranch. The other sister (and husband) have built a special event facility to host weddings and other such events. And they are now building a home there as well. Most of my nieces and nephews live in the same town as well. (one as close as 3 houses from my Mom)  It's been interesting to be around all my family, that I have not seen in two years. Listen to all that goes on between everyone.

I took a long walk all around town (113 pictures worth!) and can remember so many things from growing up here! Walking past the high school where I could hardly wait to graduate from and head to college for a different life. Seeing buildings that have not changed in 30 years, and buildings that are new. Pausing by the lagoon and enjoying the simple pleasures of a goose minding her babies. It was all like a trip back in time. A time when life was simple, more carefree. Just the peer pressure and all that goes with being in high school in a small town and knowing you were bigger than all of this.

Life here seems more simple.....but is it? There is grass to mow, home repairs to be made, jobs to work, businesses to manage, laundry, and house cleaning. Maybe it's the majestic surroundings that make it seem like another world.

I think that blogging made me look at this trip home in a different perspective. Maybe I notice little things more...like could that be a blog topic! Maybe its being a bit older and wiser? Being able to visit with my nephew and his wife and talk about my life.

Or maybe it was just nice to be home and reflect on things past and present. Montana and me. I'll be back in Atlanta, now my home, Thursday night.

Midtown Atlanta

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651 2009-06-09 23:59:47 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Reflections From Home -- Montana And Me! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=652 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=652 The following is from the sign at the head of Livingston's Main Street, which has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places:

As the Northern Pacific Railroad pushed its tracks westward in 1882, representatives arrived at this bend in the Yellowstone River to open a company store. They pitched a tent, stocking it with 140,000 pounds of goods hauled in by ox-drawn wagons. Other merchants set up shop as track laying crews spilled into Clark City. By 1883, Northern Pacific surveyors had platted a town site nearby for their division headquarters, and Clark City's tents moved to the new town of Livingston.
Named after a company director, Livingston's Main Street was a muddy track bordered by wooden sidewalks, and the false fronted wooden stores, offices and many saloons did a lucrative business. Madame Bulldog's Bucket of Blood Saloon served a rowdy and transient clientele, among them the notorious Martha "Calamity Jane" Cannary.


Historic Main StreetIn 1885-86, fires destroyed much of downtown, prompting reconstruction of more permanent brick buildings. Advertising painted on downtown buildings boasted all manner of goods and services while local cigar factories, mills, brickyards and breweries further assured Livingston's survival. By the 1890's the town had become essential to tourists as the departure point for Yellowstone Park.

 

 

 

 

Finally, the construction of the grand Northern Pacific depot in 1901-02 displayed the railroads promotion of  Park tourism and commitment to Livingston's future.

Depot

I spent some time walking around my old home town, something I have never done before. It was a most enjoyable afternoon, after a stop at the MT Cup for a latte with extra espresso! I thought I would share some of the pictures with you!

Murray HotelThe Murray Hotel was built in 1902 and began as the Elite Hotel. In 1922, the Senator James E. Murray family of Butte financed the expansion to four stories but then foreclosed (UGH it happened even back then!) and renamed it in 1925. The popular Murray contained the towns only elevator, (a 1905 Otis handcranked model) where it is still in use.

Livingston Fire Hall

The original Fire Hall/Station. Now an exercise facility

MusicLand

This building was at one time owned by my parents, Cliff and Merle Abbott and was the home of Musicland where they sold RCA televisions, musical instruments, 45's and LP albums and later on, appliances. They sold out, and it has had numerous uses since then.

Livingston Post Office

The Livingston Post Office...an impressive building.

Stockman Bar Livingston

The Stockman Bar sign....and one of the best places in town for a Strip Steak!

A statue of Sacajawea was put up at the Park after a fund raising campaign that included buying bricks with your name on them.

sacajawea

The benefits of a self-timer camera...and a view of the lagoon.

Thom And The Lagoon

 

 

 

 

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652 2009-06-13 21:45:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday -- Reflections From Montana http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=653 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=653 Ok, well it's not 100% speechless, but hey! I recently spent a week in Livingston, Montana, where I grew up. Since blogging, this trip took on a whole different meaning, and I spent more time "looking" at things and capturing moments and memories via the wonder called digital photography...

Poppies In Montana

While you might think these are wild poppies growing in a field...they would of been in the flower bed of where my family home stood until destroyed by fire in September, 2005.

Montana Ranch

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653 2009-06-21 08:41:06 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Five Reasons Active Rain Is The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread. http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=654 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=654 Five Reasons Active Rain Is The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread.

I'll soon approach my 2 year anniversary with Active Rain. And I'm just a 10,000 points short of the 100K mark! But in that brief time (I'm sure there are many of you who have been here much longer than I....I mean you have 200 or 300,000 points! You didn't earn those in a few months.

But, I was thinking today about Active Rain, and what it has given me, and it's been pretty big.

Knowledge

1)  Knowledge. And we all know that knowledge is power. What kind of knowledge? Well, first and foremost is things about real estate. Ideas on how to approach buyers, sellers, and more. Heck, on Active Rain, I can pretty much type any subject in the search box, and BAM....yep...somebody, or two or three, have done a blog about the subject. And then there is the comments that go with them.

2) Connections. Connections all over the country. So if I ever have clients leaving Atlanta to another city, Active Rain would be the first place I would be looking for a referral agent for them. And I would hope the same for other agents who need someone here in Atlanta. Pick me...Pick me! Those connections have also led to relationships with other agents where I know I can e-mail them a question, or call them and get help with a situation. (Of course the real estate rules vary widely, but I can still get some good advice.

Flip Video3) Technology and Tips. Geez. This is a whole blog topic in and of itself. The list of websites and tools I have gained from The Rain are almost mind boggling! Many of them are on a list in my daily business diary...yet to be explored and put to use. But they are there.....Oh I so need a week hid away in a mountain cabin (with Internet) to just work on these.

4) Blogging. Well, duh! Here we are! There are so many out there that I aspire to be "just like them when I grow up," but I figure my voice is my voice, no matter how it comes out or if the grammer is a bit off. I know I still have a ways to go to get my blogging to bring me more business, and that will be part of my focus for the next few months as I review my Business Plan and where I'm headed (or not!) for the rest of the year.

Friends5) Friendships. Last on the list, but hardly the least. It's so cool to be in front of your laptop on a Friday night playing in the rain, and Debe Maxwell from Charlotte gives you a call. And 1 hour and 14 minutes later, you hang up. Maybe a "business" friendship in that we talked real estate the whole time, but still a friendship I cherish. Then there's Connie Harvey in Nashville, Patty Keller here in ATL,  Elizabeth in Huntsville, Susie in North Carolina and Mara in Alabama. All friends I have made here in The Rain, and people I will make every attempt to see if my travels bring me their way. Oh, and then there's my first friend in The Rain, Margaret Woda. How cool it was to pick up the phone and call her and just talk about blogging and blog sites and more. She recently slipped out of town for a day, and even had a drink for me! What more can you ask for? But hey, then there is my local Garage Guy, Lane Bailey! One of these days. I'm hoping he'll venture ITP (Inside the Perimeter) and have a beer with me!

I'm still trying to figure out how the timing will work for my next trip to New York. Ray's family lives in New Jersey, and usually we get up at 4am, and drive like there is no tomorrow (a.k.a. 12-14 hours non-stop) to get there. The next trip is going to have to be organized around breakfast in Charlotte with Debe and probably dinner in Maryland and probably an overnight stay, and finish up the trip the next day. I can hardly wait.

Bread

Active Rain really is the next best thing since sliced bread.

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654 2009-06-28 19:21:55 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Balance, Recharging and The REALTOR. What's YOUR Prescription? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=655 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=655 Balance,  Recharging, and The REALTOR. What's YOUR prescription?

Scale

This blog (or are we suppose to say post....grammer police please?) was inspired by a post I read today from Loreena Yeo about having a balanced life. So I read the various comments, and added my 10 cents worth, and then said, "Self, what is Balance, and how do you find it, or something close." Or, when you've had one of those days or weeks, what do you do to "wipe the slate clean" or recharge yourself?

cell phoneIs it as simple as night with the cell phone off, a good movie, a glass a wine and your significant other person? (or all of these MINUS the SOP?) Hours away from your kids or SOP so you can just think, not think, drink, not drink?

fitness centerIs it a good workout at the gym, beating up your muscles and releasing those things we release? Stress, Endorphins?

Or, does it require a more serious prescription? A weekend trip away from it all? A WEEK trip away?

Many times, our clients, by our own fault, don't really see all we do to make it all happen. They say we make to much money. But do they see all we do? I have a closing in 2 weeks, and I was on the phone with my Seller at 11:45pm going over an inspection report! Now, we both agreed we could talk then...I just getting home and she just getting in...but I joked with here about the time it was and here I am, still working to sell your place!

You go at this pace for a few days, or a week, and suddenly you say, "Self, what are we doing here at the computer at 1am?"

Wine Bottle

I'm working on one of my prescriptions right now, almost as some of you read this. Ready? In my office (not home office, THE office) writing a blog, AND drinking one nice Chardonnay!

I feel better already! Balancing out, recharging and being a REALTOR!

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655 2009-06-30 17:14:32 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Thoughts of a REALTOR ...The Grass in NOT always Greener on the Other Side! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=656 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=656 Good morning, or afternoon, or evening....whichever applies depending on when you catch this. Enjoying a glass of juice while taking in the morning sun at a friends place in Miami, Florida. Quick few day trip down here to take care of some family business...and you know, since we (referring to most reading this, although not all) started blogging, it seems we look at everything in a different perspective. At last I do!

Sonny9

Thanks to the creature comforts of Sonny 9 (sorry, always name my cars...comes from my car club days!) which we just picked up a week ago, we set off for sunny Miami! So, the camera is always close at had for that picture of...whatever sounds or looks like it could have some future reference!

A brisk 11 hours later (yes there ARE planes that make the trip much quicker) but this visit required driving.

Last night, we ventured out with our hosts, Jose and Rene to check out some of the new developments that have popped on the Miami skyline. No, wait, "popped up" is not the right phrase...how about multiplied on the Miami skyline! And I have not even made it to Miami Beach yet!

Bank Of America

Not one of the new additions to the skyline, I tried to capture the essence of the July 4th holiday with the Bank of America building in it's patrotic colors!

But, I've digressed here....the grass is always greener on the other side. You know how it is. We complain and whine that things are so bad where we are. This in reference to real estate. Out market is so overbuilt, etc. how are ever going to get out of this!

Well real estate agents of the Greater Atlanta area....I eat MY words! I don't have the pictures to go with this blog, but I have never seen so many new condo buildings in one place....ever.

I'll be off later today to capture some of them via my trusty Canon Supershot and Flip Video....and I'll share with you what it means to have "lots, and lots, and lots of inventory to sell."

And here I thought I had to many condominiums to sell in Atlanta! The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

 

 

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656 2009-07-05 08:42:11 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Wordless Wednesday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=657 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=657  

Miami Flora

A quiet, peaceful moment captured this morning here in Sunny Miami!

It's pictures like this that make one stop and forget your problems, worrys or whatever and just take in the beauty of the scene and the moment!

Be sure you take a moment today to stop and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.

Be it nature, a loved one, or something else.....enjoy the moment!

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657 2009-07-08 08:58:20 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Luxury Highrise Rental At Viewpoint Midtown Available NOW! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=658 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=658

Luxury One Bedroom Rental at Viewpoint Midtown

Price: $1450.00/mo

Beds: 1

Baths: 1

Sqft: 762

Year Built: 2008

Property Address:
855 Peachtree Street # 1404
Atlanta, GA 30308
Take in the city view and night lights from your balcony of this beautiful home at Viewpoint Midtown. This building, just completed in 2008 has the best of amenities and of course is in the heart of Midtown Atlanta! Take a look at the photos of the home, and the amenities, and then call us to make this your place to live in Midtown! Walking distance to GATech, Bank of America, AT & T, Emory Midtown Hospital and major Midtown law firms!

  • 1 Bedroom 1 Bath
  • Bamboo Hardwoods in Living/Kitchen
  • Berber Carpet in Bedroom
  • Tiled Floor in Bath
  • All Appliances Included
  • Washer and Dryer TOO!
  • Blinds on All Windows
  • High Speed Internet Included
  • Fitness Center
  • Club Room
  • Zen Garden with Outdoor Fireplace
  • Great Pool Area with WetBar/Grills
  • One Year Lease Required
  • Credit Application Required
Contact Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
Thom And Ray Team
Email Me

My Other Listings

Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $198,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
THIS Is What You Are Looking For When You Say Loft!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $339,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! Loft-Style Living Is Yours At Cornerstone Village!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $224,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
City Living Begins At Plaza Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 230,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $640,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Lowest Priced Home at 805 Peachtree! Huge 1 Bedroom!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 179,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $
Perfect Poolside Getaway at Cornerstone Village In Midtown Atlanta
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $155,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1


  Realtor Logo Equal Housing


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658 2009-07-15 21:25:01 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
eWaste Recycling Saves Our Enviornment! Do YOUR Part! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=659 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=659  

eRecycling

In our ongoing effort to keep hazardous waste out of Georgia's landfills, Keep Atlanta Beautiful is continuing it's partnership with Atlanta Public Schools and Midtown Neighbors' Association to provide electronics recycling drop-off at Grady High School every third Saturday of the month. Recently joining in this partnership is Urban eLife, a company that takes corporate America's electronic waste and creates "Green Jobs."

According to a recent report from the Computer Equipment Disposal and Recycling Council, there are at least 4.4 million PCs and 8 million TVs in the 3 million households in the Georgia. With the rapid pace of new technology and TV stations converting to digital broadcast, the accumulation of obsolete electronics is becoming an increasing problem. Currently, Georgia law does not ban landfill disposal of e-scrap coming from residential sources, although some landfills will not accept them. The improper disposal of e-scrap, which contains such toxic substances as lead and mercury, may have serious ramifications on public health and the health of our environment. 

To date, we have recycled more than 70,000 pounds of electronics! Help us keep Atlanta clean and green by bringing your e-scrap to Grady High School this Saturday and EVERY third Saturday of the month.

For more details or visit www.KeepAtlantaBeautiful.org

I serve on the Board of Directors for Midtown Neighbors' Association and I'm proud we are a part of this program to help keep this waste from our landfills. Also remember, items such as cell phones can be given to organizations that refurbish them and give to single mothers and others to have for emergencies.

We may only be on this plant for a short time, but there are generations to follow us that we should remember what they will have to deal with!

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659 2009-07-17 11:21:27 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Just Reduced! Seller Says Time To Move! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=660 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=660

Lowest Priced Home at 805 Peachtree! Huge 1 Bedroom!

Price: 178,000

Beds: 1

Baths: 1

Sqft: 990

Year Built: 1952

Property Address:
805 Peachtree Street, Number 214
Atlanta, GA 30308
Once an abandoned office building, 805 Peachtree now stands transformed into an exciting residential community in the Heart of Midtown Atlanta. Located on Peachtree Street, 805 impresses residents and visitors alike with its clean lines and contemporary style. From the moment you enter the stunning lobby, to the Caribbean-styled pool and cabanas, you�ll never want to leave 805! Number 214 offers an open floor plan with exposed concrete ceilings now highlighted in black with soft grey walls. A wall of windows looks out over vibrant Peachtree Street. The modern and innovative kitchen features stainless steel appliances, Siematic cabinets and rich Corian counters. Entertain your guests at the kitchen bar will you prepare gourmet delights on your gas range (rare in condo living). Once they�ve left, take a relaxing bath in your whirlpool spa tub. The home has hardwood floors throughout. The amenities at 805 Peachtree include the pool as well as a large club room, perfect for those larger gatherings. And there�s a fitness center, equipped to rival any gym membership you may have now! The secured building and 24 Hour Concierge will be sure to give you peace-of-mind as well as convenience. Shopping, restaurants, museums and theatre are just a few blocks from 805. Walks through Historic Midtown or the Midtown Mile will lead you to Piedmont Park, often called �Midtown�s Backyard.� There you can enjoy leisurely strolls while catching glimpses of high rise buildings, ducklings chasing their mothers on the lake, or children chasing dogs on lush green meadows. 805 Peachtree. Where You Belong.

 
 
Contact Information
  The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Email Me

My Other Listings

Luxury One Bedroom Rental at Viewpoint Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $1450.00/mo
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $198,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
THIS Is What You Are Looking For When You Say Loft!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $339,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! Loft-Style Living Is Yours At Cornerstone Village!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $224,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
City Living Begins At Plaza Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 230,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $640,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Lowest Priced Home at 805 Peachtree! Huge 1 Bedroom!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 178,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $
Perfect Poolside Getaway at Cornerstone Village In Midtown Atlanta
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $155,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1


  Realtor Logo Equal Housing


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660 2009-07-19 21:05:28 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Castleberry Hill Loft -- 244 Peters Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30313 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=661 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=661

THIS Is What You Are Looking For When You Say Loft!

Price: $339,000

Beds: 2

Baths: 2

Lot Size: 2242

Year Built: 1927

Property Address:
244 Peters Street, SW #5
Atlanta, GA 30313
Castleberry Hill�s historic fabric is composed of historic buildings that once housed building materials factories, cotton warehouses and grocers. The neighborhood is dotted with art galleries,shops & restaurants. These various works of architecture have now been converted to immense, light-filled lofts, ideal for the Atlanta�s progressive and culturally-minded buyer. The closest thing to living in New York�s Meat Packing District is Castleberry Hill and one of those places is the Swift and Company Meat Packing. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath loft is a one-of-a-kind tri-level design, with everything you look for in a true loft. Beautiful exposed brick and concrete floors, but with the modern updates you expect. The connected living spaces offer the ability to create a unique live/work enviornment. The kitchen area offers ample room for entertaining, and a great, sun-filled nook. The media/living room could easily double as part of your work space. The Master Bedroom is located on the lower level, and features additional space for a den, or office. The Master Bath features double vanity and tiled floors. Step out the back door and enter a common patio. (Home has ability to connect directly to this space) Or take in the dramatic Atlanta skyline from the rooftop deck! This is one loft that is must see in your search for a distinctive home.

  • 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Loft
  • Concrete Floors with Exposed Brick Walls
  • True Live/Work Space
  • Modern Kitchen and Dining Area
  • Media/Living Room
  • Private Master Suite
  • Open, Gallery Feeling Throughout!
  • Roof Top Deck
  • Loft can be Opened to Common Patio Area
  • Courtyard with Koi Pond and Grilling Area
  • Assigned Garage Parking
  • Walk to Galleries and Restaurants
  • Close to Downtown Atlanta
  • SELLER WILL PAY 1 YEAR HOA FEE W/ ACCEPTABLE OFFER!
Contact Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
Visit Our Website
Email Me

My Other Listings

Luxury One Bedroom Rental at Viewpoint Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $1450.00/mo
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $198,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
THIS Is What You Are Looking For When You Say Loft!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $339,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! Loft-Style Living Is Yours At Cornerstone Village!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $224,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
City Living Begins At Plaza Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 230,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $640,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Lowest Priced Home at 805 Peachtree! Huge 1 Bedroom!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 178,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $
Perfect Poolside Getaway at Cornerstone Village In Midtown Atlanta
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $155,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1


  Realtor Logo Equal Housing


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661 2009-07-21 10:43:33 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Peachtree Streetcar. It's ALIVE. AGAIN! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=662 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=662 Peachtree Street CarPeachtree Streetcar. It's ALIVE. AGAIN.

This grand proposal for Atlanta's Peachtree Street died a rather miserable death last year when the City of Atlanta found a big huge mammoth mistake in their accounting and a huge deficit in the city budget.

Midtown Atlanta residents in particular were not to sad....the proposed funding including a increased property tax to those residential (and commerical) who lived within 2 blocks (altho the exact line was never confirmed.) HELLO? Our property taxes are already up there in both the City of Atlanta and Fulton County, and an increase would only add to the "challenged" condo market in the Midtown area. And I say condo market, because most of the part of Midtown that has single family homes was "considered to far from the streetcar line, and people would not walk to Peachtree Street and use it."

Great! Just tax a select few. That idea had as many holes as a piece of swiss cheese.

Ta Da! Along comes the Federal Stimulus Money! Now, MARTA (our current public trans system), Atlanta Officials, the Midtown Alliance and the Central Atlanta Progress will pay the $600,000 needed for the engineering and feasibility studies.

Ok. Would a streetcar on Peachtree be "cool?" Maybe. But there are LOTS, and I mean LOTS of issues to be addressed. Let's hope this money is well spent on figuring out all those details and how they will address them.

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662 2009-07-23 22:33:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Is The Picture For Real? Will They Know You When You Knock On The Door? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=663 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=663 Is The Picture For Real? Will They Know You When You Knock on The Door?

Stick with me here....this is gonna be a good one! Thom Abbott

In the ever quest to find blog topics, this idea just popped into my head this morning. So I said, "Self...run with it."

Ever notice how we real estate agents are the only people that use our picture on our business cards, everything?!?! I mean we'll plaster ourselves on a bus bench, shopping cart, car wrap, and well, the list goes on and on. Why is that?

I attend lots of networking events, and meet lots of people. But then we don't see each other for weeks, maybe months. The next time I see them, whoops, I've forgot who they are. Ok, that could be just me, but I'm sure many of you have the same problem.

How come other people don't put their picture on their card, so we, or at least I can remember who they are?

But, here's the real question, and my point....Is The Picture For Real? That's yours truly...taken by my partner Ray, about 4 days ago. So, if I show up at your door step, will you know who I am?

Thom Abbott

Now, just to be fair, here is the current picture I use in all my marketing materials, and on my business cards. It was taken in 2006. But, I think I still look pretty much the same, don't I?

Well, actually, I'm getting older, as we all are, and quite frankly, it scares the (*^**%(^(^ out of me! So, I've resigned myself to again focus on ME, ME, ME and get myself back in shape. (If I hit the motherlode of real estate deals, I may get some "help with the process...if you know what I mean...but that remains to be seen!)

But, then I have to think of those real estate business cards I've been handed, or the yard signs I've seen...and then met the real thing. Excuse me? Ahmmmmm, I'm looking for the person in the picture?

You know exactly what I'm talking about! Whether it's you reading this, or just someone you know.

One of my best AR friends, Margaret Woda sent me an e-mail after I changed my AR profile picture to the one above. It had been a picture of both Ray and I, but I figured, hey, it's really just me doing the writing and the commenting, so let ME be real here, and use just my picture.

Margaret's e-mail left me a bit confused. Did I do a good thing? She clarified that in my previous picture she could not really see my face, and now, with the new picture, could actually walk up to me and know who I am. (We've never met in person yet, just here and on the phone....we've got a lunch planned the next time I drive to New York!)

We've already got creditability issues in our industry. Maybe it would be a good thing if people know who we are when we knock on the door.

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663 2009-07-25 09:25:22 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
805 Peachtree. Midtown Atlanta Open House Today 2-4pm http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=664 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=664 805 Peachtree. Midtown Atlanta Condo Open House Today, 2-4pm.

This is a great building, with a strong HOA! (Important in these times!) In fact they are going through some building renovations which included the pool area and the exterior of the building. You will just fall in love with 805 Peachtree.

805 PeachtreeEverytime I step out to the pool area, I feel like I was just whisked off to South Beach! This pool area is sooooo cool with it's cabanas, fire pit and grilling area! Who needs to go on vacation!

This 1 bedroom home is HUGE! at 900+ square feet (approx), it's the size of some 2 bedrooms in newer buildings. Finished with hardwood floors, and other designer finishes, it's hip all the way!

The home has a storage closet (we all know about storage needs when living in a condo) on the same floor, and there is additional storage space for rent.

 

805 Peachtree LobbyUnlike a single family home, where your guests step right into your home, in a condominium building, the lobby is the first thing your guest see, before the elevator ride to your home.

And 805's lobby is eye-catching indeed! Not only will your friends and family enjoy the sleek design, you'll be glad to call 805 Peachtree YOUR home!

This unique home is available for viewing today, Sunday, July 25 from 2-4pm. Stop by and visit us and see why this is just the right place for you too!

For More information about 805 Peachtree, or any Midtown Atlanta Condos, just click on the picture below!

We look forward to seeing you today!

805 Peachtree

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664 2009-07-26 07:48:26 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta. You Will Love The View! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=665 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=665 Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta. You will love the view from almost any home is this exciting Midtown Atlanta landmark. And there is still a great selection of new homes to choose from.

When you choose a new home at Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta, you also get to select your finishes. Choose from a variety of flooring options in hardoods and carpets. Cabinet and granite colors are determined by the floor you choose. So if you want a different color combination, simply move up or down a floor!

Located on the Midtown Mile portion of Peachtree Street, you can walk to almost everything you need. From a Publix grocery just two blocks away, to Piedmont Park, it's all here in Midtown Atlanta! WalkScore ranks Midtown Atlanta and its location a 94 out of 100...a real "walkers paradise." While I don't live in this particular building, I can go 2 or 3 days and never even move my car out of the garage! How cool is that?

Can't make it for a personal look at Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta? Then take a quick tour with us!

 

What's your view? Let us show you Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta and I am sure we will find just the right home for you! Remember, First Time Buyer tax credit of $8,000, plus the $1800 Georgia Tax Credit, plus great incentives all equal a great buying opportunity! For more information about Midtown Atlanta, visit The Thom And Ray Team's website!

(Note: One of the last shots in the video are my clients cutting the ribbon at the building grand opening last June. They bought a 2 bedroom and a 1 bedroom and combined them into an artists' showplace with a living room that has 2 full walls of windows overlooking Midtown. Now, THAT's living!)

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665 2009-07-30 21:29:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Historic Norcross Farmer's Market http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=666 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=666 Historic Norcross Farmer's Market is the new hidden jewel just a few minutes from my house! Who knew?

When you live in a major metro area like Atlanta, many of our "burbs" are actually small, rural type towns that have just gotten swallowed up by all the growth. Some, like Doraville, where my house is located, has nothing left of it's past....really sad. But then you find the hidden gems.

Historic Norcross Farmers MarketI discovered Historic Norcross Farmer's Market after reading numerous blogs about Farmer's Markets around the country. Now, sad to say, never been a big attendee of them...but boy oh boy has that just changed. This is not a huge market by any means, but you know what they say, its' the quality, not the quanity that counts.

AND...this one is on a Tuesday afternoon, 4-8pm, June through October. A strange day for a market you might think, but no shortage of people or good things to choose from.

One of the booths I stopped at was Mumbo Jumbo No Nonsense Seasonings. Jeremy was so helpful in explaining the 4 seasons he offers, including my favorite, Mumbo Jumbo Java! He had them in tasting dishes with olive oil and bread pieces...ok, there's the first serving suggestion. It's a coffee-based seasoning, good on beef, chicken, lamb and seafood. Be sure to check out their website...you can mail order them as well!

A regular at the Historic Norcross Farmer's Market  is Dunwoody, Georgia based Emily G's Jam of Love. I didn't know that jams came in Spring and Summer and Fall and Winter Menus...but I do now! Tastings of all the Summer favorites were available....just not enough cash in my pocket! I debated and finally settled on a different choice, a Pino Grigio Jelly. Yep. That's right. And it tastes just like it! I had it on my morning toast, but I recall the suggestion is to use as a base for a fruit or vegetable salad, or serve it with a cheese platter. It's delicious!

Serenity GardensNext stop was Serenity Gardens. One look at that display, and you wanted to buy one of everything, whether you would eat it or not! And I mean, they've got it all. Sweet condiments, pickled condiments, spicy condiments. I was so tempted by the bread and butter pickles, but the peaches I saw a few booths before were calling my name....I'll be returning here!

And there is nothing better than visiting with a business owner who just plain proud of their products! Homemade, fresh, delicious...just how it should taste.

Anyway, I made it to the peach booth for my bag of fresh picked peaches (it's lasted 5 days!) and I've loved everyone I've eaten!

The Historic Norcross Farmers Market can make for a hot afternoon in July, but the lemonade stand knew exactly what they were doing...and it was all donated to a local cause (sorry...I forget what!)

Most Farmer's Markets are a "go get my things and head home" kind of market. But what makes this one unique, is it's location. Norcross, Georgia was founded in 1870, the year the railroad connected Atlanta and Norcross. The town saw it's heyday till after WWII when other major roads bypassed the area. Thankfully, in 1987 the city government saw the potential and began restoring and revitalizing the area.

Now, not only can you visit the Historic Norcross Farmer's Market, but there are numerous quaint shops and some really good restaurants as well. (So, I've been told...I'll be back to sample them in a few...) This is a great afternoon trip for my condo dwellers in Midtown Atlanta that are looking for something to do. Head out here (only 20 minutes from Midtown) grab a great lunch at Paizano's, or Mojito's Bistro, browse through the shops and check out the historic homes, and then pick up your goodies at the Farmer's Market.

Here is a few more pictures of my afternoon in Historic Norcross.

Of course, there are some great real estate opportunities in Norcross, both historic homes and new construction. Give us a call if you want to call Norcross home!

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666 2009-07-31 22:37:04 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Facebook For Seniors. Now I Know There Is Hope! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=667 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=667 I'm often concerned that rapidly changing technolgy is going to pass me by, but now, Facebook For Seniors has given me a new level of comfort. If these ladies can throw sheep and pillows, then I know I'll make it!

I can just see MY Mom on Facebook....please! The first error message or problem, and the computer would be in the garbage can!

Hope you all have a great Saturday, where ever you are!

 

 

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667 2009-08-01 07:23:28 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Marlow's Tavern Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=668 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=668 Marlow's Tavern MidtownThe second best part of Marlow's Tavern Midtown after their food, is the fact that I can ride the elevator to and from! That's because they are located on the street level of Plaza Midtown Atlanta.

I've gotten to know Chris, one of the Managers quite well. He's always willing to give to the neighborhood in some form or fashion, and it's usually FOOD!

Marlow's is actually a local chain with Midtown being their first InTown location! Alpharetta, Vinings, Kennesaw, Northlake and Duluth all can claim ownership to one of these great places to eat, drink and catch a game on the many flat screens around the restaurant. Of course, Marlow's Tavern Midtown is the only one I've made it to so far...there's that elevator thing again! But they are all great!

I'm one of those customers that once I find something I like, I seem to always order the same thing when I'm in a restaurant. No different here. If I'm opting for a lighter dinner, I go for my favorite, the Black and Blue Steak Salad. This is a grilled Flatiron steak, Beefsteak Tomatoes, scallion and red onions, topped with a Creamy Gorgonzola Dressing. Mouth watering yet? Or maybe the Patty Melt, complete with Sauteed Onions, a grilled hamburger and marbled rye bread! And don't forget those Tavern Fries.

Hands down, the best appetizer at Marlow's Tavern Midtown is J.T.'s Kettle Chips! Crispy potato chips (made from scratch, not out of a bag kind) and topped with Blue Cheese, Bacon, Scallions and Blue Cheese Dressing.

Black and Blue Steak Salad

Located in Plaza Midtown, at 8th and West Peachtree Streets, Marlow's Tavern Midtown is within walking distance to the GATech Yellowjackets football stadium. It's also across the street from the Midtown MARTA Station, so it's the perfect before or after game meeting location.

And I've not made it to Sunday Brunch, but the reviews say it all. At $14,99, Crabcakes Benedict, Made-To-Order Omelettes and Banana's Foster are a few of the temptations. Couple that with Bottomless Mimosas for only $15, and your Sunday is all set!

The next time you are looking for a great place to eat in Midtown Atlanta, look no further than Marlow's Tavern Midtown....and keep your eyes open for The Thom And Ray Team! We'll probably be there!

Marlow's Tavern Midtown

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668 2009-08-02 16:18:09 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta Rental http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=669 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=669 If you are looking for a great place, check out our Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta Rental. This is the newest building in Midtown Atlanta, and right in the middle of it all.

From the state-of-the-art fitness center, to the scenic and tranquil Zen Garden to the wet bar at the pool, our Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta Rental will be sure to meet all your needs.

 

 

Luxury One Bedroom Rental at Viewpoint Midtown

Price: $1450.00/mo

Beds: 1

Baths: 1

Sqft: 762

Year Built: 2008

Property Address:
855 Peachtree Street # 1404
Atlanta, GA 30308
Take in the city view and night lights from your balcony of this beautiful home at Viewpoint Midtown. This building, just completed in 2008 has the best of amenities and of course is in the heart of Midtown Atlanta! Take a look at the photos of the home, and the amenities, and then call us to make this your place to live in Midtown! Walking distance to GATech, Bank of America, AT & T, Emory Midtown Hospital and major Midtown law firms!

  • 1 Bedroom 1 Bath
  • Bamboo Hardwoods in Living/Kitchen
  • Berber Carpet in Bedroom
  • Tiled Floor in Bath
  • All Appliances Included
  • Washer and Dryer TOO!
  • Blinds on All Windows
  • High Speed Internet Included
  • Fitness Center
  • Club Room
  • Zen Garden with Outdoor Fireplace
  • Great Pool Area with WetBar/Grills
  • One Year Lease Required
  • Credit Application Required
Contact Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
Thom And Ray Team
Email Me

My Other Listings

Luxury One Bedroom Rental at Viewpoint Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $1450.00/mo
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $198,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
THIS Is What You Are Looking For When You Say Loft!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $339,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! Loft-Style Living Is Yours At Cornerstone Village!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $224,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
City Living Begins At Plaza Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 230,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $640,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
REDUCED! Lowest Priced Home at 805 Peachtree! Huge 1 Bedroom!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 177,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $
Perfect Poolside Getaway at Cornerstone Village In Midtown Atlanta
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $155,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1


  Realtor Logo Equal Housing


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669 2009-08-04 00:36:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
"Do You Jump?" http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=670 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=670 "Do You Jump?" Thom Abbott Does! Yeah, right, follow all the rules for getting your post on Google! Who will EVER search the term, Do You Jump?

Some history, and not for sympathy, as to what inspired me to go out on a limb. I'm currently in Miami and have spent the last 3 days in a hospital where my partner Ray's father is. He was here for a week and suddenly went into cardiac arrest on Saturday. He was revived and moved to ICU. We quickly scrambled, including me taking a Buyer back to my office and saying "we'll do this later" and headed to Miami. We left at 7:40pm on Saturday, drove straight through, and made it here Sunday at 5am. Thankfully, his father is greatly improved, and things are looking up. At least as much as they can for a man who's had a stroke and has Alheizemer's. But, having been in a hospital for the past 3 days, it's provided for some interesting insights into life, and business.

The Thom And Ray TeamDo You Jump? Yesterday, I was in the cafeteria using my laptop when something (it could of been someone) dropped in the hallway just outside of the cafeteria. I kid you not, at least 20 people leaped from their seats, some dropping forks, and a couple drinks knocked over, to see if someone needed help. It was an amazing moment for me.....to see that many people respond to something they knew nothing about, but ready to help. I made the comment to the table next to me...it gave me chills then...it still does now.

It made me jump, but probably more out of fright. But it made me think of the other times that I DO jump.

I jumped on Saturday, packed for two people, made hotel arrangements, packed food in a cooler for an all-night drive, and drove most of the night. I Jumped. This was my first ever experience to be in an ICU at a hospital. (Ok, let me tell you, they don't look like Seattle General on Grey's Anatomy!) Thankfully, while I was there, nobody had to jump. But I can tell you, they were ready at a moment's notice.

I jump in real estate. When my phone rings, I answer it. Especially if it's one of my clients. But, that is my choice, and how I choose to manage my business. But, my clients appreciate it. When agents call on my listings, I call them back, as soon as I can.

I'm 800 miles away from my office right now. Do you, or anyone calling or e-mailing me know that? Nope. But technology allows me to jump...so to speak...and handle things remotely.

But, in life, do we jump? Do we take chances, or be cautious and careful in what we do? Sometimes we do...sometime we don't. I know I probably don't jump enough in life. Jump and take a day off and do nothing. Jump, turn off the phone and read a book that's NOT real estate related. Jump and take a drive in the country or the mountains.

Seeing Ray's father, and how quickly life can change, I'm going to jump. Or at least I'm going to try to. What will happen if I don't and then I can't?

Do you jump?

The Thom And Ray Team

 

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670 2009-08-04 17:52:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Apollon Auto Care The Best in Auto Mechanics! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=671 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=671 Apollon Auto Care The Best In Auto Mechanics is no statement I would make lightly. You've all been there. Well, except for you gearheads that know a car front and back. You take your car to the mechanic, and they tell you what has to be repaired, and tell you how much of a bank loan you will need to get it done!

Apollon Auto ServiceI've been in that very situation many times. So when you finally find a mechanic that will do you right, at the right price, you'll go to them, even if they are not around the corner.

Apollon Auto Care The Best in Auto Mechanics has two locations. Both are in Chamblee and convenient to my house, but they are a distance from Midtown Atlanta. Again, I say, the drive would be well worth it for the quality work and good price you get. And I know it's done right.

It would be worthwhile to have a friend follow you so you can leave your car here, unless you know it's a quick repair. But they are usuall busy enough that you won't get it back that quickly!

Apollon Towing ServiceWhile I have AAA Road Service to assist me if I breakdown, they do have their own tow truck to come to your rescue if need be!

As I mentioned, both locations are in Chamblee, and I've included the map below. My main location is 2727 Shallowford Road, off the Shallowford Exit of I-85. The number for this location is 770/457-5868

The second location is at 3806 N. Peachtree Road off of Peachtree Industrial Blvd and near Auto Row. (About every car make and model is available here...) The number for this location is 770/452-0529

 

Honestly, if you are in need of auto repair work in Atlanta, consider Apollon Auto Care The Best in Auto Mechanics. I'm 99% sure you will not be disappointed! 

Apollon Auto Care Locations

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671 2009-08-06 15:51:23 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Gordon Biersch Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=672 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=672 When a restaurant opens in your neighborhood, you either never go, or you get Gordon Biersch Midtown Atlanta and it's your "home away from home!" From the first time I ate here, to Brunch today, I've always liked this restaurant. And after getting to know Chris Ernest, the Manager, I like it even more. A great supporter of the neighborhood Chris is!

Gordon Biersch Midtown

First off, the restaurant is just plain cool inside! The ceilings soar 2 stories and really add to the atmosphere of this restaurant. On the upper level is part of the actual brewery where you can see the big brew kettles where some of that great beer comes from! There is also a private dining room and an area with pool tables and another bar that can be reserved for group events. We've hosted neighborhood events here in the past...and they are always well attended!

Gordon Biersch Midtown Atlanta is right in the heart of it all. Whether you are headed to the Fox Theatre for a play, the Woodruff Arts Center and High Museum or maybe a late afternoon stroll in Piedmont Park, everything is close by. For those of us that live close by, take out is sometimes the order of the day, but I really pefer a table or even a stool at the bar, and just watch the people. They also have a great outdoor space (when it's not HOTlanta like is was today) to enjoy a few brews and watch the people and cars on Peachtree Street.

Menu and food wise, Gordon Biersch Midtown Atlanta pretty much has it all. Let me see if I can make your mouth water just my mentioned a few of my menu faves....Garlic Fries, Wedge Salad with Crumbled bleu cheese and bacon, dressed with Bleu Cheese Dressing, Salmon Caesar Salad, Lobster Bisque, Sweet and Spicy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry....and Beer!

Gordon Biersch Beer

 

Now, I'm kinda of a Plain Jane beer drinker. I like 'em light, not dark. I usually find myself headed for the Golden Export to keep it simple. But, Hefeweizen, to Blond Bock to Marzen...you've got some great beer choices! And the full bar is there to take care of you or your guests that are looking for the Mojioto or Cosmo beverage route.

There is not a staff member in the place that is not similing and helpful everytime I'm there! Always nice to see in a restaurant. They've got onsite parking too, if you are one of those wheeled people and not walking!

Gordon Biersch Midtown Atlanta has kicked off a new promotion that is sure to be a hit with residents and business people alike...Their "10 Under 10 Lunch Specials" Just check out great list of choices for lunch...

Gordon Biersch Lunch Specials

Make note of those drink and appetizer specials as well....$3 Mimosas and $5 Bloody Mary's on Saturday and Sunday.....hmmm...Chris, can you reserve me a seat!

The Thom and Ray Team stopped in today, not only to chat with Chris about this blog, but about Midtown Neighbors' Association's new Business Partner Program. Chris has been a great neighborhood supporter! But Ray and I sampled a couple things off the new Brunch menu...and, well, I'll let the pictures do the talkin...

Gordon Biersch Brunch

Gordon Biersch Brunch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gordon Biersch Midtown Atlanta. A neighborhood favorite, and I'm sure soon to be one of yours too!

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672 2009-08-08 17:51:28 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday - Florida Like I've Never Seen It! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=673 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=673 For those of you that kept up with me on Facebook, you know I've just returned from an emergency trip to Miami to see my partner, Ray's father in the hospital. Happy to report he's doing well, and in fact, is in a rehab facility as we speak.

Anyway, such a short notice trip required a long, long, long car ride down and back (like 2000 miles on a rental car in 5 days!)

But on our return trip, we took a side trip to Vero Beach, an area I had never been before. Quaint, seaside town! We had dinner sitting on the beach (compliments of Ray's step mother) and then just wandered North, till we found a way back to I-95.

As we left Wabasso Beach, and crossed the bridge to Wabasso Island (I had no idea where we actually were till yesterday when I Googled the location) I had the opportunity to capture an amazing moment. One picture is looking to one side of the bridge, and the other is to the other side.

Please savor the moment as much as I did, and still do. I'm still in awe!

Wabasso Island

Wabasso Beach Florida

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673 2009-08-08 21:26:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Moments By The Thom And Ray Team http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=674 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=674 Short and Sweet!

To The Point! (Or at least this one is!)

It's the start of a big challenge for me! Blogging has it's moments, but I found this takes ALOT more time! Now I know why movies cost so much money to make....we taped this 15 times before we got it close to what we wanted! I've owned my Flip Video since last November and it's hardly left my briefcase. Well, kids, that's about to change!

They'll get better, and I hope you will be along for the ride! 

Introducing......

Midtown Moments
By
The Thom And Ray Team
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674 2009-08-09 07:47:07 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Zip Car Atlanta . A New Way To Drive! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=675 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=675  

Zip CarsZip Car Atlanta. A New Way to Drive without the hassles of car insurance, gas and other ownership issues is here in Atlanta.

For urban dwellers, this is totally awesome! Sign up online, and in about 5 days, you'll get your digital ZipCard. Then, reserve your car online, walk to it's set parking place, hold he Zipcard over the reader in the windshield, and BINGO! The door unlock, and you are ready to tour Midtown Atlanta in Mini Convertible Mollie shown here. In fact, she's parked right outside my building, Spire Midtown!

By using Zip Car Atlanta, A New Way To Drive you join some 9000 new members each month in taking more privately owned vehicles off the road. Suppose that's a good thing for smog, right?

Zip Car bought up their biggest competitor Flexcar in 2008, and they are now the only car-sharing service in Atlanta, and worldwide. For $7 to $13 per hour (depending on the car) you get wheels, insurance and gas. For those Atlantan's that are close to work, or can use MARTA to get to work, Zipping can make sense. No need for car payments, maintenance, etc on your own car.

How convenient is Zip Car Atlanta? Well just take a look at the map of locations...

Zip Car Atlanta Map

For your next trip around town, don't take your own car (or even own a car) when you can use Zip Car Atlanta. A New Way to Drive!

For More Information, just click on the Honda Civic below (parked across the street from The Thom and Ray Team's Peachtree Street Office) and visit their website!

Zip Car Midtown

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675 2009-08-11 21:36:41 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
7 Ways To Change Your Life in 7 Days! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=676 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=676 When I find interesting readings/ideas/websites, I like to share them with those I know. It's pretty easy on Facebook. If it shows up on my wall, and your my friend, bingo. Or, if I read an article and it has a "share" button, I think (I use that word lightly) it allows me to do just that...share.

Other times, I get all freaky, afraid some Internet Police is going to pop out of my laptop and tell me I'm doing something illegal. So, I try to avoid that, by just sharing the link.

So, tonight, I share with you. It's a tough world out there right now. I've got close friends losing jobs. Family members dealing with health issues. And the economy, real estate, etc. But when you can find something that makes you stop and think, and in doing so, maybe CHANGE your thinking, then it's a "Must Share!"

So I hope you enjoy this item that just came to me from a Facebook Friend....

7 Ways To Change Your Life In 7 Days

Chatahoochee River

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676 2009-08-14 23:10:42 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
High Speed Networking Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=677 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=677 Networking For ProfessionalsHigh Speed Networking Atlanta is a perfect place to meet new business contacts, make connections and even network for a new job! Organized by Networking For Professionals (NFP) and locally hosted in Atlanta by The Thom And Ray Team, NPF is a dynamic business networking organization that powerfully combines online business networking and real life events.

If you've ever been to a high speed dating event, then you know what you are in store for. Attendees will be seated across from each other and given about 2 minutes each to describe their business or profession. Then the host (ME) rings a cowbell, and one side of the table rotates to the right one seat. In the course of 90 minutes you can meet upwards of 20 new contacts! Then, the real work begins afterwards when you follow up with those new contacts for additional business opportunities.

High Speed Networking Atlanta is a great way to build YOUR business connections. For more information about the event, or Networking For Professionals, just click on the picture below!

High Speed Networking



High Speed Networking Atlanta is hosted by The Thom And Ray Team. We are real estate brokers that focus on the Midtown Atlanta and other InTown communities in Atlanta. For all your real estate needs, we are ready to help you! Click on the picture below to visit our website! Let us know how we can help you, or someone you know find just the right new home.

The Thom And Ray Team

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677 2009-08-16 20:09:05 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus (A Series on What You Can Buy) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=678 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=678 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus some Zeros. Ha! Did you really think there was real estate for $1? You knew that had to be to good to be true. But what if we add some zeros...what can we get. Hmmmmm....I said to self.

So, in my market, what can you buy, for say, $100,000 in a single family home and in a condominium? I wanted to approach this as if I was working with an actual buyer and this was what they could afford. So, I would do my research and show them what I thought were the best homes. Now, my market is primarly an urban market, so the single family home is a challenge. But I offer you:

Kirkwood HomeMidtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus $99,899, or $99,900.

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is located in the Kirkwood neighborhood. Now I must first confess, that is NOT Midtown Atlanta. But this is as close as I can get in this price range. Built in 2006, it features an open floor plan, 2 stories and off street parking. It is bank owned.

Kirkwood is an up and coming area, with new construction as well as many older homes that have been renovated. I've not been to this home specifically, but I would point out the home to the left in the picture with the boarded up window.

 

 

Art FoundryMidtown Atlanta Real Estate For $1 Plus will get you a much smaller place, but in a much better location in Midtown Atlanta...at the Art Foundry Condominiums. This community is located in the Atlantic Station area, the largest mixed-use, brownfield redevelopment in the U.S. (or so I have been told!)

This 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo is a foreclosure, and is listed for $98,900.

You can walk to Atlantic Station, IKEA and Target as well as Publix Market. I will say that the architect of this community was not thinking of how someone would actually find their home....it's kind of a rat maze of hallways...but for the price and location...it can't be beat!

In my next post, we'll add a "0" and see what that will buy you in Midtown Atlanta Real Estate.

 

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Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 ( A Series On What You Can Buy) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=679 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=679 In our first part of Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1, I ventured a bit out of the Midtown Atlanta area to find you a Single Family Home in Kirkwood. We found a really nice condo near Atlantic Station, all for around $100,000. But, what do you get when you up the stakes, and add a "0"? Ok, we are not talking a few thousand more, but a a mere $900,000 MORE! Of course you are going to get alot more...but the differences between a home and a condominium might amaze you!

Our Single Family Home option, is located in the area referred to as Historic Midtown. This area, protected from development of any high rise buildings, and currently working to get an actual Historic designation, is true "intown surburban" living.

Historic Midtown HomeThis Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1will actually set you back $899,900. Located on Penn Avenue, this home was built in 1914, but obviously has had some renovations! It features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a top-of-the-line kitchen renovation with SubZero and Wolf appliances, and lots of the period details homes built at this time are known for!

It also features a carriage house for an in-law suite or rental income. And a 2 car garage, a nice amenity in Midtown!

There are currently 33 homes in Midtown  ranging in price from $245,000 to $1.75Million.

Here's a couple more photos of this home.

Penn AvenuePenn Avenue Carriage House

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we change to a condominium, Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 takes on a whole new style!

Mid City Lofts

Welcome Home....to this stunning combination of two homes at MidCity Lofts in Midtown!

This ultra-fab home features 3 bedrooms, 4 baths and views that are...well just awesome!

And it can be yours for $995,000. As you can see, a little less than a mile can get you a whole different kind of place!

MidCity Lofts is located between Spring Street and W. Peachtree at 6th Street. A great location with the MARTA Midtown station just 2 blocks away, GATech a block away, and all the other amenities that city living offers.

A couple more views of this home, and the totally cool roof-top pool and club house...

Mid City LoftsMid City Lofts Balcony View

 

Mid City Lofts Pool

Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus a few zeros will get you some pretty cool digs. Whether it's $100,000 or $1,000,000, The Thom And Ray Team will be happy to show you all the options available in Midtown Atlanta, and tell you about all the great benefits of living in

"Midtown Atlanta...Manhattan Of The South"

To visit our Web site, learn more about Midtown Atlanta and The Thom And Ray Team,

just click on the picture below!

The Thom And Ray Team

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679 2009-08-18 21:09:36 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=680 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=680 Real estate is really interesting, and Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus is even more interesting.

In our first series, we look at what we could buy for $100,000.

In our second series, we added a Zero and saw what $1,000,000 will buy us in a single family home or a condominum in Midtown Atlanta.

Now, Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus takes you to some amazing homes, priced at $10,000,000! I was even amazed myself! I have to confess that these homes are not in the Midtown area....our real estate has not gotten that pricey.....yet!

Long Island Drive Sandy Springs

Ever notice you you can drive down a road, and not really notice all the real estate that is there? Well, here's a perfect example.

Located at 5501 Long Island Drive in the suburb of Sandy Springs is this little bungalow! Yeah, right! It's actually 6 bedrooms, 6 baths and 2 half baths, and sits on 11 acres on a lake. Yes, on a lake and in the middle of Atlanta! Who knew?

All this can be yours for just....

$10,000,000

The home was built in 2008, and has such features as an indoor pool with a retractable roof! Of course, it's gated and quite private, yet minutes to all of Atlanta's business centers.

Here's a view of the pool....

Long Island Drive Sandy Springs

I can only imagine the cost to maintain a home like this....the listing shows the taxes for 2006 at $10,848.

Sovereign BuckheadNext, Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus takes you to the posh Buckhead neighborhood, and one of our newest buildings, Sovereign. This unique building is a combination of offices, retail and condominum homes. Especially cool for the condominums, since they start on the 28th floor and go up to the 50th Floor!

Located at 3344 Peachtree Road, this building is truly right in the middle of everything Buckhead!

This exciting, dramatic 2 story Penthouse is located on the 48th and 50th Floors. There is even an option for a private pool on the 50th floor terrace! Can you imagine a pool 50 stories in the air? WOW!

The floorplan allows the buyer to buildout and customize, so it's like a blank canvas! At 10,000 plus sq ft. it's no small canvas, including 3,000 plus sq. ft. of terrace space.

The home is listed as having 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, and 3 half baths.

And all this can be yours for.....

$9,520,000

This next home is worthy of an honorable mention. It's not located in Atlanta, but north of the City in Rabun County, with views to Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina! And what a place it is!

Situated on 62 acres, this private estate features 4 villas, a 15 suite lodge, chapel and event building. It is a Tuscan design. The list price actually includes Chota Falls, a wedding, reception and resort business component. What more can you ask for!

Rabun County Estate

Listed at $10,000,000, it currently serves as a corporate retreat, special events and weddings facility. I wonder if you could make the payments off the business? Interested buyers should do some due diligence on the options available to them prior to purchasing the property.

As you can see, Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus can come in all shapes and sizes. And while many of the listings we've featured in the special series might be a bit more than you want to spend, The Thom And Ray Team are here to help you find just the right home or condominium, at the price that is affordable for you!

If you happen to be interested in any of these listings, or any other real estate you may be looking at, just click on the picture below to visit our website and learn more about The Thom And Ray Team, Midtown Atlanta and living in Midtown!

Plaza Midtown Atlanta

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680 2009-08-21 13:01:14 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Red Bull SoapBox Race http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=681 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=681 Midtown Atlanta, and especially 10th Street at Piedmont Park will be come a dragstrip as the Red Bull SoapBox Race  kicks off next Saturday, August 29th. The pits open at 11:00AM, the Opening Ceremony is at 12:45PM, and the first race starts at 1PM! This is gonna be SOOOOO COOL!

Redbull Soapbox Race Atlanta

This Red Bull Sponsored event is not like the soapbox derby some may remember from their youth. Red Bull's race is a national race for amateur drivers. It's a unique non-motorized racing event that brings out the creativity of the teams in designing their cars, along with a skit they perform before they race.

Race Team InfoA scan of the list of teams shows many of them from Georgia, but also Florida and Tennessee showed up on the list as well. Hundreds applied, but the final list was cut to just 50 teams!

Red Bull Soapbox Race will have 10th Street, between Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive closed on Saturday and will serve as the race course. A huge elevated ramp will be constructed to give the racers the speed needed to complete the course. (Needless to say, don't drive in Midtown next Saturday!)

Of course, Red Bull beverages will be out in force!

 

This is the first time this event has been to Atlanta. A search of the website shows they have not repeated a U.S. city...but maybe there is a first? Attendance is "forcasted" at 45,000 people, but they company organizing the event has staff, security, and porta toilets for 75,000. We shall see!

If you are planning to attend this event and are coming from outside Midtown, it is highly advised you use MARTA and exit at the Midtown Station. Parking will be at a premium, and neighborhood streets will be patrolled for illegally parked cars...and will be towed! Exit the MARTA station, walk east on 10th Street 3 blocks...and you will be there.

BEST OF ALL.....IT'S FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE! FREE! FREE!!!!

Here is a map of the event. And if you click on the Map, it will take you to the official website for the

Red Bull SoapBox Race

Saturday, August 29, 2009  11AM - 6PM

Midtown Atlanta - 10th Street

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681 2009-08-22 10:31:25 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Viewpoint Midtown Condo Rentals http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=682 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=682

REDUCED PRICE! Luxury One Bedroom Rental at Viewpoint Midtown

Price: $1375.00/mo

Beds: 1

Baths: 1

Sqft: 762

Year Built: 2008

Property Address:
855 Peachtree Street # 1404
Atlanta, GA 30308
Take in the city view and night lights from your balcony of this beautiful home at Viewpoint Midtown. This building, just completed in 2008 has the best of amenities and of course is in the heart of Midtown Atlanta! Take a look at the photos of the home, and the amenities, and then call us to make this your place to live in Midtown! Walking distance to GATech, Bank of America, AT & T, Emory Midtown Hospital and major Midtown law firms!

  • 1 Bedroom 1 Bath
  • Bamboo Hardwoods in Living/Kitchen
  • Berber Carpet in Bedroom
  • Tiled Floor in Bath
  • All Appliances Included
  • Washer and Dryer TOO!
  • Blinds on All Windows
  • High Speed Internet Included
  • Fitness Center
  • Club Room
  • Zen Garden with Outdoor Fireplace
  • Great Pool Area with WetBar/Grills
  • One Year Lease Required
  • Credit Application Required
Contact Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
Thom And Ray Team
Email Me

My Other Listings

REDUCED PRICE! Luxury One Bedroom Rental at Viewpoint Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $1375.00/mo
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $198,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
THIS Is What You Are Looking For When You Say Loft!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $339,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
City Living Begins At Plaza Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 230,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $640,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
REDUCED! Lowest Priced Home at 805 Peachtree! Huge 1 Bedroom!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 175,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $
Perfect Poolside Getaway at Cornerstone Village In Midtown Atlanta
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $155,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1


  Realtor Logo Equal Housing


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682 2009-08-22 21:22:26 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=683 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=683 Well, of course not ALWAYS speechless! Since blogging, I'm always "with camera" where ever I go, provided I don't forget it of course! I never know when that one shot might inspire a post.

Last weekend, while attending the Campaign For Atlanta's Mayoral Forums at the Carter Library, I captured this one.

Anyone want to venture on a caption?

 

Squirrels

"Looking for a Bench to call your own? Let The Thom And Ray Team help!"

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683 2009-08-23 08:53:49 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
MOM! LOOK! I GOT A 100,000 POINTS ON ACTIVE RAIN! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=684 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=684  

Active Rain Points

You know, as a kid in school, and later in college, I never got to use that phrase. I can remember one time in a college class where I got a 98 out of 100, and totally messed up the curve for everyone else. Some guy in the back of the room even called out, "Who got the 98?" I so wanted to stand up and scream..."Me...For Once....ME!" But I controlled myself.

Well, it looks like this time, not only did I get a 100, but I've already passed it! 100,000 points on Active Rain that is! It seems like only yesterday I had the 50 or 60K, and then...BAM...here I am!

Of course, I owe some of that over 100 push to Bob Stewart and his recent Hyper Local contest and then the Series Contest. Both of those spurred me on to get more blogging done. And in fact, it's still pushing me along as I make a list of other businesses I want to feature in my blog in the future.

Some say we are not here for the points. I can honestly say, I'm not. I've only gotten one lead from my Active Rain blog, so it's not "givin' it up like it should!" My fault? Maybe? But, thanks to some advise from Brad Andersohn on How to Create a Blog Post for Customers and Search Engines. (If you have not read this blog by Brad...it's a MUST READ!!) My Hyper Locals are showing up well, but others are not. Hmmm....time to work on that too!

But, there WAS an interesting conversation I had with another "Rainer" that put a different perspective on the points. And that is when you search Active Rain for an agent to refer business to, the higher your point total, the higher you will show in the list. Now, that's some sound advise.

Midtown AtlantaNow, I do want to get to be known as THE expert in my market. I'm working on knowing every nook and cranny of Midtown, every business, as well as every living option available. I want to be the "go-to" Midtown Real Estate Broker. And blogging, and Active Rain is going to make that possible.

I'm learning something new every day as a result of reading both posts on Active Rain, as well as from Twitter and Facebook. It's awesome!

But, for now, let me just pat myself on the back, and say, "Hey, job well done."

 

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684 2009-08-23 20:26:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Taste Of Atlanta, October 10-11 Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=685 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=685 Ok Thom you say, "this event is so far away, why are you writing about it now?" With good reason, I say! The Taste of Atlanta, October 10-11 is an event worthy of noting on your calendar in advance. I mean, really, how many times have you wanted to go to something, only to say, "Gosh, if I had known about this sooner, I would not have made other plans." Well, now you know!

And even more exciting....Taste of Atlanta will be in my back yard, at Technology Square and the Georgia Tech Campus! The 8th Annual event is breaking it's own record with 80, yes, I said E-I-G-H-T-Y of Atlanta's favorite restaurants, all in a new 10 block, 8 acre location right in the heart of Midtown! I mean...really, can you imagine how long it would take you to get around to 80 Atlanta restaurants?

Taste of Atlanta October 10-11 Midtown Atlanta

This event is such a unique opportunity, that it's rated a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society!

In another press release about the Taste of Atlanta, I read about a Amica Insurance Kids Avenue, but not sure what that will involve....maybe a place to drop the youngsters while Mom and Dad eat the food that the kids don't like? Let's hope so! (I'll give your more info on an update later!)

Additionally, a new Farm-To-Fresh Village will feature several restaurants that are on the cutting-edge of the sustainable movement. Not only will there be cooking demonstrations in this area, but a Farmers Market each of the two days with fresh fruits, veggies, and other locally grown products.

This year the event will be gated so a ticket will be required to gain access.

General Admission Ticket:
General Admission Tickets include 15 Taste Coupons

    • $20 early discount Aug 17 - Sept 7
    • $25 advance price Sept 8 - Oct 9 at midnight
    • $30 on site at the event

  • VIP Ticket:
    VIP Ticket includes 20 Taste Coupons, access into the wine, beer & cocktail experience and the first 500 ticket holders each day receive a festival gift bag.

    • $65. Limited availability / On Sale August 17

    Must be 21 or older to purchase VIP tickets.

  • Taste Of Atlanta, October 10-11 Tickets are On Sale now, and can be purchased here.

Technology SquareThe new location of the event, at Technology Square will make it much more accessable via MARTA trains, with stations on either side of the area, Midtown and North Avenue. So, you can leave the car at home (or at least in the burbs) and leave the driving to MARTA!

For my readers from outside the Atlanta area that might want to look at making this a weekend visit to Atlanta, here is a good resource for Hotels from the Georgia Tech website. Especially check out the newest addition to Midtown Atlanta, The Palomar Hotel.

 

Mark your calendars! I have....and you know what, I already have a schedule conflict with the World Tour Atlanta stop of DJ Tiesto. Have not figured out how I'm going to do this yet

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685 2009-08-25 07:59:55 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Out And About Happenings in Atlanta and Georgia for September http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=686 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=686 To help our readers keep up with what there is to do in and around Atlanta, as well as Georiga, I will be featuring Out And About Happenings in Atlanta and Georgia. This bi-monthly planner, if you will, has interesting events I've found that you (heck maybe even I'll go!) might be interested in visiting!

I'm probably just as guilty as many of you in not enjoying what my own city and state offer in the way of events or places to visit! Come along and check out some of these fun things happening in the first couple weeks of September!

September 4 - 6 A Very Un-Labor Day -  Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge, Helena

Ocmulgee State Park LodgeGeorgia has lots of state parks, and all of them offer a variety of things to do. This one, located in South Georgia is no exception.

*Golf on the 18-hole Wallace Adams course, with club house and golf pro

*Enjoy a scenic walk on the 2.6 mile Oak Ridge Trail

*A splashpad, complete with fountians for the kids to play in...

*60-room lodge with hotel-style accomodations, and restaurant the overlooks the golf course.

The Un Labor Day weekend will feature live animal shows, a mini-golg tournament, country/bluegrass music AND face painting!

For More Information about the Park and facilities, visit the Little Ocmulgee State Park website.

September 5-6 Love The Lake Festival, Cauble Park, Acworth

Love the Lake Festival AcworthWow! This event features over 100 arts and crafts vendors! When you're ready to refuel, festival favorites like polish sausage, burgers and hot dogs, b-b-q, ice cream and more will be available.

There will be two stages with entertainment, a ski/boat show, beach activities and a kids play area.

And....it's FREE admission! Ya gotta love that!

For more info, click on the logo!

 

September 5-7 Art in the Park, Marietta Square, Marietta

Art in The Park

This 23rd Annual Event is held each Labor Day and is sponsored by the Marietta Business Association. It's another Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society!

A juried art show will feature 130 artists with everything from paintings and pottery to jewerly and sculptures.

Held in Historic Marietta Square, you can also take a walking tour of historic districts, and enjoy unique shops and boutiques as well.

The festival hours are 10am-5pm Saturday through Monday.

For more info, click on the logo!

If you didn't have any plans yet for Labor Day weekend, I hope this will give you some ideas! We'll feature more Out And About Happenings in Atlanta and Georgia later this month with other activities going on around the area!

Enjoy!

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686 2009-08-27 09:16:40 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Georgia Tech Football! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=687 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=687 That's right! It's football season again! And for us Midtowner's our closest college option is Georgia Tech Football! So close in fact, you can walk to the stadium from most places in Midtown! No need to deal with the parking!

Georgia Tech Football "kicks off" this weekend. In case you have not seen the schedule, it is...

 

Jacksonville State Gamecocks

 

Saturday, September 5th against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks

 

Clemson University Tigers

Thursday, September 10th against Clemson University Tigers

 

North Carolina Tarheels

Saturday, September 26th against University of North Carolina Tarheels

 

Virginia Tech

Saturday, October 17th against the Virginia Tech Hokies

 

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

 

Saturday, November 7th against Wake Forest Demon Deacons

 

Georgia Tech Football will close out the season with their last game, also at home in Bobby Dodd Stadium with a HUGE cross state matchup with...

University of Georgia Bulldogs

 

Saturday, November 28th against the University of Georgia Bulldogs

 

I've been thinking about Season Tickets, but have not got around to it. Single game tickets run upwards of $70 each. YES, $70 for a college football game! Who said there was no money in college sports?

For information about tickets to the game, visit the GATech Yellowjackets!

Personally, I love college football over the professional games. These boys are there to win, and while the prospect of a future with a major league team has to be in the back of their minds, there just seems to be more excitement around a college game. And, it usually brings Midtown, and especially the GATech campus to life even more when there is a home game!

Go Yellowjackets!

If you happen to be wandering around Midtown Atlanta, and decided you might want to live in one of those beautiful Midtown condo towers you see, be sure to give The Thom And Ray Team a call! We are just a few blocks from the Georgia Tech Campus!

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687 2009-09-02 09:23:34 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta Condo For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=688 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=688

Contemporary Cornerstone Village Home!

Price: 149,900

Beds: 1

Baths: 1

Sqft: 775

Year Built: 1999

Property Address:
800 Peachtree Street, #1105
Atlanta, GA 30308
From the moment you enter this sparking home, till you enjoy the poolside view from your Living and Master Bedroom windows, you�ll love calling this gem home! Not only is Cornerstone Village the BEST value in Midtown Atlanta, but it has all the amenities you need. From garage parking and fitness center to the resort-style pool and great location, Cornerstone has it all! This home features hardwood flooring throughout the living and bedroom areas. The open floor plan makes it perfect for entertaining friends and family. The spacious kitchen with breakfast bar overlooks the living room. A laundry closet just off the kitchen fits a full size washer/dryer. The Master Bedroom suite features ample room for larger bedroom furnishings and connects to the spacious bathroom, complete with walk-in closet, storage and beautiful tiled shower. The owner has recently added granite counters and a vessel sink�it�s beautiful! Cornerstone Village�s location makes it perfect for students/faculty from GA Tech. Campus is just 2 blocks away! Convenient to the Midtown MARTA Station, makes your commute an easy one at today�s gas prices! And you can walk to shopping, restaurants, Piedmont Park and many of the Midtown cultural attractions! What are you waiting for? Call Cornerstone Village and Midtown Home Today!

  • Convenient First Floor Location Overlooking Pool!
  • Eno Restaurant and Barrelman Wine Shop
  • Walk to Shopping and Restaurants
  • Convenient to GATech Campus
 
Contact Information
  The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Email Me

My Other Listings

Contemporary Cornerstone Village Home!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 149,900
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
REDUCED PRICE! Luxury One Bedroom Rental at Viewpoint Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $1375.00/mo
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $192,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
THIS Is What You Are Looking For When You Say Loft!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $339,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $640,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
REDUCED! Lowest Priced Home at 805 Peachtree! Huge 1 Bedroom!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 175,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $


  Realtor Logo Equal Housing


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688 2009-09-03 22:58:46 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Atlanta HUD Office Building Sold At Foreclosure Auction http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=689 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=689 It makes you wonder what's going on when the Atlanta HUD Office Building is Sold At Foreclosure Auction. Of course, it's not really HUD that is in default, but you gotta love the thought behind it.

In the essence of not getting nailed for copywrite violations...here's a link to the story.

Atlanta HUD Office Building Sold At Foreclosure Auction

How Real Estate Turns

A sign of how the real estate world turns these days!

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689 2009-09-04 19:37:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Forbes Magazine Says Atlanta Among Most Stressful Cities? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=691 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=691 Forbes Magazine Says Atlanta Among Most Stressful Cities

Things that make you go, "Hmmmmmm?" There might be days I agree with that assessment. And then there are days, like yesterday, that I think not. Some days when I'm working the Midtown Atlanta Real Estate market, I might think twice. Last night, as I sat on the lawn at Stone Mountain Park and enjoyed the last Laser Light Show and Fireworks, I was thinking, "Hey, life could be worse than this."

The article which states that Atlanta is the eighth-largest metropolitan statistical area, had a year-over-year median home-price drop of 24.9 percent and its unemployment was up to 10.7 percent in June. Indeed, we are taking it in the pants with job losses, and our housing prices certainly have fallen. But, I'd certainly look at the overall quality of life and say, "Hey, Atlanta is not such a bad place to live." Heck, I've been here since 1994!

Here's the complete list of the 40 cities listed in the story.

toAmerica's Most Stressful Cities

You'll see us right there in the middle. To my friends in LA and NYC, well, what can I say? And to my friends in Dallas, Nashville and Austin, it does not surprize me!

For the entire story, click on the picture below!

Midtown Atlanta

If you find you might like to sample life in our really not so stressful city, let The Thom And Ray Team show you all that Atlanta has to offer!

(Program Note: Thanks to my good friend Patty Keller with AnotherME Virtual Assistants and my Atlanta bud for telling me about this story! Hugs Patty!) 

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691 2009-09-08 17:16:05 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=694 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=694  

Never quite Speechless...but....

The countryside near Brasstown Valley Resort in the North Georgia Mountains.

Only a couple hours from Atlanta, and just a refreshing change from the skyscrapers and traffic!

I'm LONG overdue for a visit!

North Georgia Mountains

But, when you are ready to return to the sights and sounds of Midtown Atlanta real estate,

The Thom And Ray Team is here to help!

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694 2009-09-13 14:46:20 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
I Gotta Feeling That Today's Gonna Be A Good Day! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=695 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=695  

Why?

Lots of reasons.

I woke up.

I pushed myself, and went to the gym to get myself back into the routine.

I've got new business that is giving me energy. There is nothing like showing homes to buyers to get you back in the grove.

I was out on the town last night and meeting people. A great feeling.

I Gotta Feeling That Today's Gonna Be A Good Day!

But just in case YOU need any motivation, let me pass this along.......

 

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695 2009-09-14 09:41:37 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Out and About Happenings in Atlanta and Georgia for September http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=697 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=697 There is still time to get in on some fun things to do, and this edition of Out and About Happenings in Atlanta and Georgia for September will certainly give you some great ideas!!!

The Enchanted MaizeEnchanted MAiZE, Rock City, Flintstone

September 18-October 31

This popular attraction atop Lookout Mountain sends you through a labyrinth (a maze of paths bordered by high hedges, as in a park or garden, for the amusement of those who search for a way out) in a cornfield below Lover's Leap!

Check The Enchanted Maize website for more info!

 

West Fest 2009

 

West Fest, 2009 in HomePark

Saturday, September 19, 2009 1PM -10PM

WOW! There is so much to do in such a short time at this festival...and it's all just "over the bridge" infact, the NEW 14th Street Bridge from Midtown! Homepark is a great little neighborhood tucked between GATech and Atlantic Station!

This festival will feature Improv, comedy, and other entertainment from Relapse Theater and live music throughout the afternoon! Restaurants such as  5Seasons Brewing, Six Feet Under, Sweetwater Brewing (ah...BEER) and Octane Coffee Bar and Lounge will have food! It's sure to be a great time! (I'm hoping for about 1 hour there, then a pool party and then showing property! Whew!)

The weekend of September 26-27 is a Double Whammy! So, maybe you can split your time between these two great events!

Castleberry Hill Loft TourCastleberry Hill Loft Tour, September 26-27, 2009

Saturday, 11AM-5PM and Sunday, 12NOON - 5PM

On the South end of Downtown Atlanta, a short 5 minute walk from Centennial Olympic Park/CNN/Phillips Arena is Castleberry Hill, the true loft/warehouse district of Atlanta. The Loft Tour - two days of an intimate look at urban living in a historic neighborhood. There will be 8 selected lofts to visit, plus you can be assured that there will be numerous Open Houses of other lofts For Sale in the area!

In fact, The Thom And Ray Team will be at Swift and Company Lofts, showcasing our unique loft listing! So come on down, tour the lofts and then check out this one that could be yours! Click on the picture for more information about this unique home in Castleberry Hill!

Swift and Company 

OR, your other option (or do one on Saturday and one on Sunday) is....

Sandy Springs Festival   September 26-27, Heritage Green, Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs Festival

What is there to do at THIS Festival?

Juried Artist's Market

Collector Car Show

Business & Civic Expo

Food Court

Pet Parade....

For More Info, Click HERE!

As you can see, lots of fun things to do over the next couple weekends! Hope we see you in Castleberry Hill! And if not, we know you were Out and About in Atlanta!

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697 2009-09-17 23:56:23 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Atlanta Beltline Inc Names Brian Leary CEO http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=698 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=698 Atlanta Beltline

Atlanta Beltline Inc Names Brian Leary CEO

In a move that is sure to help one of the most ambious transportation and redevelopment projects in the U.S. get "back on track," the Atlanta Beltline Inc named Brian Leary  it's new CEO.

Having personally met Brian at community meetings, I can say he's the right man for the job. You can meet people and walk away saying "whatever," or you can meet someone and say, "Wow, that guy knows his stuff." Brian falls in the second category, for sure.

Brian has been the Vice President for Atlantic Station for the past 12 years. This mammoth project took an abandoned steel mill, and the largest brownfield site, and turned it into a national model of sustainable development and smart growth.

Brian LearyI can recall driving through Midtown Atlanta on the Downtown Connector (the convergence of I-75 and I-85 through the Midtown/Downtown area) and seeing the old buildings that once were the Atlantic Steel Mill. Who would of ever thought that all the environmental regulations and hurdles would be met, and we would have an entire new community, just across the Downtown Connector, complete with a bridge spanning some 16 lanes of freeway! But, it's there!

Leary holds a master's degree in city planning and a bachelor's degree in architecture from Georgia Tech, where he received dual certificates in land development and real estate. How's THAT for a job resume?

"Brian brings the right combination of technical experience, development success and community engagement for what the Beltline needs as it enters the next chapter of its evolution," Beltline chairman Cal Darden said in a statement.

Michael Koblentz, chairman of the Northwest Community Alliance, said Leary is "someone with vision, smarts, charisma, and has a great connection to the neighborhoods and to business."

And this project will give Leary another opportunity to work the brownfield gig....some 1,100 acres of the 6,500 acres that make up the Beltline are in abandoned industrial areas that may require clean up.

The Atlanta Beltlineis a planned network of public parks, multi-use trails and and transit along a 22 -mile railroad corridor circling downtown Atlanta.

Leary feels this project has the biggest opportunity to have a positive impact on the quality of life in metro Atlanta. While Atlantic Station created thousands of jobs and a huge new tax base, the Beltline can transform the entire city.

Construction has already begun on the Historic Old Fourth Ward Park, one of many of the new parks that will be created out of the Beltline.

On a personal note, The Atlanta Beltline Inc with Brian Leary CEO is sure to move forward. It's projected completion is some 25 years away! Scare me! I only wonder if the plans being made now (i.e. the type of transit, etc) will be outdated by the time it's completed? I'm hopeful that The Thom And Ray Teamwill have an opportunity to help some people purchase new homes (condos) in areas along the Beltline as it develops in the years to come.

I do know, I'll be eligible for a Senior Discount and VIP parking to ride it anywhere by the time it's completed in 2034! Woo Hoo!

From this.......to.......this.....

 Atlanta Beltline Before

 Atlanta Beltline After

 

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698 2009-09-19 08:49:03 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Moments - The Future of Bricks and Mortar http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=699 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=699 Here's another edition of Midtown Moments....and an interesting take on what a real estate office can look like these days.

I won't say what our monthly lease is, but just imagine having 5,000 sq ft right on Peachtree Street, in the middle of Midtown Atlanta.

And this is what it looked like on a Saturday afternoon....

 

 

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699 2009-09-20 09:32:50 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Norcross/Peachtree Corners/Technology Park Townhome For Rent http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=700 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=700  

If you have been looking for lots of space, and little money, you found it!

If you have been looking for a convenient location to Technology Park, you found it!

If you need to move right away, you found it!

 

Terrific Townhome In Convenient Norcross/Technology Park Area!

Price: $1500

Beds: 2

Baths: 3.5

Sqft: 2226

Year Built: 2004

Property Address:
5733 Pine Oak Drive
Norcross, GA 30092
Spacious, Contemporary Townhome in the Center of Technology Park/Peachtree Corners. Easy Access to John's Creek and to I-285. Floorplan would be perfect for roommates with separate bedrooms/baths. Lower level features garage and Family Room/Den with full bath. Main Level has hardwood floors, custom kitchen with granite upgrades and lots of natural light! Lots of space in this home!

  • 2 Bedrooms/2 Baths on Upper Level
  • Half Bath on Main Level
  • Granite and Stainless Steel Kitchen
  • Laundry Room on Bedroom Level
  • Lower Level Den/Family Room w/ Bath
  • Hardwood Floors on Main Level
  • Deck Overlooking Wooded Area
  • 2 Car Garage with Opener
  • No Yard Maintenance!
  • Easy Access to Peachtree Ind. Blvd!
Contact Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
Visit Our Web Site!!
Email Me

My Other Listings

Contemporary Cornerstone Village Home!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 149,900
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
REDUCED PRICE! Luxury One Bedroom Rental at Viewpoint Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $1375.00/mo
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $192,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
THIS Is What You Are Looking For When You Say Loft!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $335,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $640,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
REDUCED! Lowest Priced Home at 805 Peachtree! Huge 1 Bedroom!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 175,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $


Realtor Logo Equal Housing

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700 2009-09-20 16:23:04 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Active Rain Is....Good Food and Good Friends! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=701 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=701 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate has it's days! But today, I had a chance to get some fresh ideas, due in part to Active Rain!

While Active Rain is a site for real estate agents to connect, it is certainly the very least part of it....in fact it is way more than just a site....

...many agents run their blog off the Active Rain site/platform

...many agents have used Active Rain and all of its blogs as a "Second Real Estate University."

...and many agents have made friends here...be they sort of virtual (having never met in person) or having the opportunity at some conference or REBar Camp to finally meet face-to-face. And then those meetings and on-line friendships become tangible.

Elizabeth and ThomLast night, I had the opportunity to continue one of those tangible friendships with my good friend Elizabeth Golden Ramsey from Huntsville, AL. She came to town on a shopping spree....and kinda floated in with the mass of rain we've experienced here in Atlanta for the past week.

But after a busy day of shopping for furniture for her new office, and me dashing between two neighborhood meetings, we finally met at my office in Midtown Atlanta. From there, we took a quick one block walk to one of my favorite restaurants, Gordon Biersch Midtown Atlanta.

You know, get two real estate people, plus an assistant (Elizabeth's assistant was with her) and all you are going to talk about all night is real estate, and how to get more business or new ideas!

Gordon Biersch Kettle Chips

So, with beverages in hand, we started off our conversation with a delicious helping of Gordon Biersch's Kettle Chips...Yum Yum!

And while we enjoyed that, Elizabeth got to tell me all about her new office she is opening and the new furniture that caught her eye during a shopping tour of Ikea Atlantic Station. Needless to say, she is quite excited about her new venture, and I certainly wish her the best of success.

As our conversation turned to how The Thom And Ray Team can pick up steam in the Midtown Atlanta Real Estate, it was time to enjoy a delicious FlatIron Steak and Mashed Potatoes....can you say Yum again?

Gordon Biersch FlatIron SteakI captured a photo as I started to devour this goodie..and you can rest assured, there was no doggie bag! Both Elizabeth and I enjoyed the same dish, while we tossed ideas around the table!

It's such a great feeling to vent your ideas to another professional, and have them offer up their suggestions on how to improve, or tweak an idea! And I certainly picked up a couple great ones!

Elizabeth slipped her leftovers into a to-go box...but they did not make it far. A homeless man at the entrance to the restaurant hit her soft spot so she passed it along to him! Way to go!

But this evening is one of the great things I've come to love about finding, and being here in The Rain! The opportunity to spend an evening exchanging ideas and talking shop, while enjoying good food and good friends!

Yes, Atlanta had way more than it's fair share of rain over the past week. But in this case, I'm glad I was in The Rain....Active Rain that is!

I can hardly wait for a roadtrip to Huntsville...never been, and I know we'll see the town!

Active Rain Friends

 

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701 2009-09-22 22:07:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
New Media Atlanta Conference http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=702 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=702 The New Media Atlanta Conference is but a memory, but the knowledge will carry me on! I'll have more to say about it in a post in the next day or so. There's a great photo album on my Facebook profile.

But, out of most memorable events comes that one picture that just makes one speechless.....

 

Matt Fagoli

My hats off to Brad Nix and Matt Fagoli, the co-hosts of this great event, and all those who volunteered to keep things going!

I enjoyed the day offering up Chris Brogan's new book!

The New Media Atlanta Conference rocked!

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702 2009-09-27 07:07:50 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Parking In Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=703 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=703 Hang onto your debit cards and wallets, kids! Parking in Midtown Atlanta and elsewhere in the city of Atlanta is about to get a whole lot more expensive!

Parking Meter

Officals in the City of Atlanta are counting on a new privatized parking operation to raise some much needed revenue for the cash-strapped city. And that those people that get parking tickets, will think twice and have more ways to pay for that parking in the first place.

Duncan Solutions, Inc, a Milwaukee-based company, will take over the on-street parking operations in the commerical districts of Atlanta (including Parking In Midtown Atlanta) in November as part of a 7 year contract approved by the City Council.

The arrangement calls for the city to get a guaranteed $5.5 million in revenue, which is much better than the current $2.1 the city collected in the last TWO YEARS for parking tickets!  Duncan Solutions gets to keep anything over the $5.5.

So how will they do this? By raising the number of metered parking spaces from 900 to 2,500! Almost 3 times what it currently is. And Parking in Midtown Atlanta will certainly feel it. There are numerous streets where parking meters once existed that will probably soon have a pay station similar to the one pictured here.

But along with the new metered parking, Duncan is suppose to be cracking down on the number of unpaid tickets (some 150,000) which could lead to another $7 million in revenue.

Joe Basista, commissioner of the city's Department of Public Works said, "Where we don't have meteredparking now, people can park for free all day." This hurts local businesses since parking spaces close to their establishment do not turnover.

Multi-space meters, like the one pictured, will accept dollars, along with debit and credit cards.

Duncan currently provides the same service in some 2,000 jurisdictions, including Las Vegas and Pittsburgh.

Personally, I've used the same type of device in Miami Beach, and found it to be great in the sense of taking my American Express card to pay for parking, rather than trying to find enough quarters to stuf a meter.

It will be interesting to when and where these multi-space meters begin to appear and how Parking in Midtown Atlanta will change....there are many streets where there use to be meters, and now there are non at all, or the simple 2-hour parking signs, but no parking enforcement people to patrol.

Better keep that debit or credit card hand come holiday shopping time!

 

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703 2009-09-28 12:30:20 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cornerstone Village - Midtown Atlanta Condo For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=704 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=704  If you have been looking for that hideaway, or perfect home, then this Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta Condo For Sale is it!

The Owner is ready to Move! Poolside for next summer and walk to everything Midtown Atlanta has!

 

Contemporary Cornerstone Village Home!

Price: 149,800

Beds: 1

Baths: 1

Sqft: 775

Year Built: 1999

Property Address:
800 Peachtree Street, #1105
Atlanta, GA 30308
From the moment you enter this sparking home, till you enjoy the poolside view from your Living and Master Bedroom windows, you�ll love calling this gem home! Not only is Cornerstone Village the BEST value in Midtown Atlanta, but it has all the amenities you need. From garage parking and fitness center to the resort-style pool and great location, Cornerstone has it all! This home features hardwood flooring throughout the living and bedroom areas. The open floor plan makes it perfect for entertaining friends and family. The spacious kitchen with breakfast bar overlooks the living room. A laundry closet just off the kitchen fits a full size washer/dryer. The Master Bedroom suite features ample room for larger bedroom furnishings and connects to the spacious bathroom, complete with walk-in closet, storage and beautiful tiled shower. The owner has recently added granite counters and a vessel sink�it�s beautiful! Cornerstone Village�s location makes it perfect for students/faculty from GA Tech. Campus is just 2 blocks away! Convenient to the Midtown MARTA Station, makes your commute an easy one at today�s gas prices! And you can walk to shopping, restaurants, Piedmont Park and many of the Midtown cultural attractions! What are you waiting for? Call Cornerstone Village and Midtown Home Today! SPECIAL INCENTIVE! SELLER IS OFFERING TO PAY 1 YEAR OF HOA FEES WITH REASONABLE OFFER! SAVES YOU MONEY FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR!

  • Convenient First Floor Location Overlooking Pool!
  • Eno Restaurant and Barrelman Wine Shop
  • Walk to Shopping and Restaurants
  • Convenient to GATech Campus
 
Contact Information
  The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Email Me

My Other Listings

Terrific Townhome In Convenient Norcross/Technology Park Area!
Location: Norcross, GA
List Price: $1500
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 3.5
Contemporary Cornerstone Village Home!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 149,800
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
REDUCED PRICE! Luxury One Bedroom Rental at Viewpoint Midtown
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $1375.00/mo
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $192,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
THIS Is What You Are Looking For When You Say Loft!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $335,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $640,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
REDUCED! Lowest Priced Home at 805 Peachtree! Huge 1 Bedroom!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 175,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $


  Realtor Logo Equal Housing


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704 2009-10-05 16:02:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
975 Piedmont. Where Historic And Modern Meet In Midtown http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=705 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=705

975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.

Price: $630,000

Beds: 2

Baths: 2.5

Sqft: 4181

Year Built: 2010

Property Address:
975 Piedmont Avenue, #1
Atlanta, GA 30309
A community of only 4 homes, and each of them is unique! From spacious balconies, to garage parking, to your breathtaking views of the Midtown skyline from your rooftop terrace, 975 Piedmont is sure to excite you! Each home is finished with rich hardwood floors and sleek kitchens with granite and stainless steel appliances. Some floor plans will even offer a Butler's kitchen on the upper level. Now is the perfect opportunity to pick your new home at 975 Piedmont.

  • 2 Bedrooms and 2 Full Baths
  • Powder Room on Main Living Floor
  • 2-Car Garage Parking
  • Private Balcony Off Master Suite*
  • Gas Gooking --Perfect for the Chef!
  • *Not Available on All Floor Plans*
  • Select Homes offer Bonus Space*
  • Private Walled Garden*
  • Rooftop Terrace w/ Gas Fireplace
  • Rooftop Terrace WetBar
  • Quaint Courtyard with Water Feature
  • ***PRE CONSTRUCTION PRICING!
Contact Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505



Realtor Logo Equal Housing
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705 2009-10-10 16:50:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday - "A Meeting with Lots of Energy!" http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=707 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=707 I'm always "with camera" for you never know when that photo opportunity for Speechless Sunday will be right in front of you. I thought this meeting looked like it had lots of energy in it!

An Electric Meeting

If you would like your next Midtown Atlanta Real Estate purchase or sale to have the same kind of energy, give us a call!

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707 2009-10-11 13:50:42 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Laughter. It Really IS The Best Medicine! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=708 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=708 Guy Freaking OutThere's alot of stuff going on in people's lives these days! Whether it's those of us in real estate working twice as hard to make deals close, or the neighbor across the street who has been unemployed for months, lots of people are having a tough time in these tough times.

Do you really know what your neighbors are going through? Your best friend who really does not want to tell you or burden you with their problems?  Stuff, stuff and more stuff!

I can tell you, I've got my share of stuff, too. Nope, not going to tell you about it (you know how many people read this blog!!) But, I can tell you, that when it's put out of my mind, or I'm in a different place, I feel much better. It might be for a moment, or it might be for hours.

So, let me share with you....and let your "stuff" fade away..if only for a moment!

 

 

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708 2009-10-12 12:47:17 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Kaizen Means Continuous Improvement. Are You? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=710 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=710 Kaizen means continuous improvement.  In fact, the actual definition of Kaizen is Japanese for continuous and incremental improvement, a business philosophy about working practices and efficiency.

Frog on Skate BoardI'm working hard to be a different kind of real estate agent. One that people will remember. One that my clients, both Buyers and Sellers will be able to say, "He gave us his all, and it paid off." So, I am constantly looking for ways to run my business better. Ways to "sharpen my axe" and add more tools to my toolbox. Are you? And I  don't mean just other real estate professionals. I mean in whatever you do.

You can practice kaizen in your relationships! Sure, you can always improve your listening skills with your spouse or significant other. You can improve your communication with them too. I have the word kaizen right above my desk. And so, I am continually working to improve myself.

I'm working to get gym time back in my schedule. To improve my physical looks and try and find that boyish figure again....(you can stop laughing anytime thank you!) But I do recall the days of how I felt when I worked out on a regular basis and the energy levels I had. And each trip to the gym is an improvement. Kaizen!

I'm working to improve my sales skills in real estate. New tips and techniques for my blog and website are helping to make my phone ring. People ARE finding me on the Internet! Kaizen!

Darryl DavisLast week, Darryl Davis spoke at our local Board. I've attended several of Darryl's programs at the NAR conventions. And I've always learned something from him. Continuous improvement in the form of a new idea I can use. This time, he offered us a great opportunity on several of his training programs, along with a monthly coaching program. I said, Kaizen means continuous improvement! I'm looking forward to the coaching sessions as well as making time in my own schedule for the other programs we have to listen to!

In 3 weeks, I'll be off to my first ever REBar Camp in Raleigh, NC. This will be a new experience for me and the opportunity to see my friends I've met through Active Rain, and hopefully make some new ones!  Maybe I'll listen to a few of the training cd's on my way there? I had hoped to make San Diego and the NAR convention, but that just was not in the cards this year. Next year, New Orleans is a short flight or drive away, and I'll be there in full force. Kaizen!

Times are changing, just in case you didn't notice. Younger people are coming into the world with all this technology in front of them. I wonder what their lives will be like 30 years from now? I can remember buying a fax machine for my house when I owned a travel agency and paying some $800 for it! How times and technology change! Kaizen!

Are YOU changing? Where is YOUR Kaizen?

Kaizen Means Continuous Improvement.  Make sure you are improving yourself and adding a tool to your toolbox. Make sure YOU will stand out from the rest!

Mouse Above Them All

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710 2009-10-14 21:40:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Thom And Ray Team Is Moving! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=712 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=712 Yep! You heard it hear first! The Thom and Ray Team Is Moving! We are not changing brokerages. Just our physical office is moving. I've got some mixed feelings.....

Currently we are right on Peachtree Street, also known as the Midtown Mile! The goal is for it to one day be like the Miracle Mile of Chicago. So, I wonder if we should be leaving? But economics does play a part. I learned that our lease was actually up in August, and our current landlord seems to think he has the tiger by the tail!

Yet, there is one space vacant in the building where we are, and I won't even start on the retail space available in Viewpoint Midtown or Spire Midtown. He just did not want to budge on the price I guess. So, our new offices will be twice as large as we have now, and about half the price!

I'm hoping to get back in the space and take more before pictures, and then pictures once the space is completed and share it with you! But, the space was previously occupied by a company that sold and installed office furniture systems, and they left all of it behind. So, we have some really cool looking cubicles for offices, and I picked a premium one that is wood, and in a corner with a huge window right by it! So, watch for that video in the future. But, until then...we're going from...

Morris And Raper Peachtree Street

To......

Mayfair Royal Office Building

Morris & Raper InTown will take over the entire first floor of this building, at 181 14th Street! So, everything you see behind the columns and arch will be our offices!

The Thom And Ray Team Is Moving! You could almost say "on up!"

I'm excited about a new enviroment! I'm hoping it, along with a new Business Plan will send 2010 and

The Thom And Ray Team  on to new heights!

Stay Tuned for more details, pictures and video!

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Greatest Ford Commercial Ever! This Will Bring A Tear To Your Eye! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=713 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=713  

This just came across my Facebook Page. I wanted to share it with all of you, if you have not seen it already.

 

 

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713 2009-10-23 09:31:23 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Spencer Yu, My Friend. Your Heart Will Go On and On! Bless You! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=715 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=715  

Yesterday, I received some very sad news.

A dear, but distant friend, Spencer Yu passed away suddenly while on an Atlantis Cruise in Mexico.

I met Spencer several years ago, and while we had not seen each other in person for several years,

his zest for life could bring a smile to anyone's face. Or, all you had to do was look at him. Always a smile!

Spencer, my friend, I will miss you dearly.

The Good Lord has his plans, many of which we do not understand. It seems you left us far too soon, but we must have faith that the Lord needed you for bigger plans.

I know you danced your way through the Gates of Heaven, and you will be dancing there at the Gates when the day comes we can once again dance till the sun comes up.

God Bless you my friend. I love you. Now. And Forever.

Spencer Yu

For You Spencer, I know your Heart will Go On and On.....

 

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715 2009-10-26 18:21:37 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Wordless Wednesday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=717 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=717  

Wakoola Waterfall

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717 2009-10-28 11:51:39 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
Mary Norwood In Runoff For Mayor of Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=719 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=719 MARY NORWOOD IN RUNOFF FOR MAYOR OF ATLANTA!

Varsity CupLast night, Ray, Yasiel and myself were at the post election party for Mary Norwood For Mayor. It was a first for all of us, and quite an exciting time. Exciting to be part of such a historic moment in the history of Atlanta. It's come down to a runoff election on December 1 between Mary Norwood and former State Senator Kasim Reed. Historic in the sense that if she wins, Mary Norwood will be the first white Mayor in the City of Atlanta in 36 years! Some amazing stuff.

We had a chance to visit with supporters as well as be there during several live news breaks on the local tv channels. It was fun to see the night progress, both in excitement and in the people in attendance.

 

Mary Norwood For MayorThe election party was held at the Varsity Restaurant in Midtown Atlanta. Itself is a historic landmark, having been in Atlanta since 1928! Several rooms were reserved for the party, one of them being for press announcements and such. I choose to position myself here, to keep tabs on what was happening with the election.

We had every major local station there, as well as numerous newspaper reporters and raido stations!

If was fun to see the change when Mary arrived...

 

 

 

Mary Norwood For Mayor

While Mary Norwood for Mayor was able to capture 46% of the vote, it was not enough to avoid a runoff. So she told supporters she would hit the ground running today, for the next 27 days till the runoff vote!

Morris Diggs

 

Morris Diggs of Fox5 News was one of the first reporters to speak with Mary while a crowd of supporters filled in behind her.

 

 

 

 

Varsity Restaurant Midtown AtlantaThe Varsity Restaurant Midtown was decked out in Blue and White, the colors of Mary Norwoods campaign.

Mary Norwood In Runoff For Mayor of Atlanta and we will be out there talking to our neighbors, making sure they cast their vote!

Here's hoping for another victory party in 27 days!

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719 2009-11-04 09:35:34 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Wordless Wednesday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=720 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=720  

Midtown Atlanta Real Estate And

Worldless Wednesday and the Wonder of a Child!

This past weekend was the Pride Celebration in Atlanta. I didn't find much in the parade worth taking a picture of. But the excitement of this little girl as she was introduced to the dog was priceless.

Girl and a Dog

Let The Thom And Ray Team show you all the wonders of living in Midtown Atlanta!

Give Us a Call and We'll Introduce you to a New Home!

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720 2009-11-04 12:08:46 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Watch Out For Cameras. They Are Everywhere! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=721 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=721 I've just returned from Raleigh, North Carolina and my first REBARCamp! Whether in real estate or not, you are already asking, what is a REBARCamp? Good question...stay tuned for another post about that!

This is to warn and remind you that with all this technology surrounding us, one must be careful. Next thing you know, you are making public service announcements!

 

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721 2009-11-08 08:57:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Road To Raleigh. Reflections on My First REBAR Camp! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=722 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=722 The Road To Raleigh. Reflections on My First REBAR Camp!

Debe Maxwell Susie Blackmon Connie Harvey

I heard of these things called camps. But I've never been able to attend. I had the first North Carolina REBARCamp on my travel schedule for Charlotte back in May, but it ended up not happening for me. So, when I learned of the Raleigh event, I was on board and nothin' was stopping me from ending my rein as a Camp Virgin!

Road Trip To Raleigh

At first, my plan was to take my car, enjoy the 6 hour drive listening to XM radio or some training cd's. But then there was rumbling amongst my Active Rain bud, Lane Bailey, Patty Keller and Kathy Drewien that a road trip was in the making. Hmmm, I thought? I'm such a control freak when it comes to driving, do I want to do this? Then I thought of the mileage on my new car (that has 10K on it in just 5 months) and I said, "I'm in." Well let me tell you, that decision was almost as important as attending RDU BarCamp itself!

I volunteered to make the snack bag, and it was packed with nuts, cookies, crackers, trail mix and a cooler of sodas and water!  So on Thursday morning, we loaded up in Lane's mini-van, and "The Road To Raleigh" began. By the time we had made it to Commerce (about an hour out of Atlanta) I was ready to break out the pen and paper and start taking notes...the learning had already begun! Kathy Drewien turned me onto UberTwitter, and I'll never be the same again! uber twitterOMG! I can now tweet from my Blackberry instead of just when I'm here at the computer!!  Then I gained Google Reader and Maps and my Blackberry was later our GPS to find the StudioPLus Suites where we were staying in Cary (since we all forgot our paperwork...how convenient!) Anyways, my Blackberry has since run out of battery power twice, something that never happens!

Debe Pamela ConnieAs mentioned before, it was already a fun trip with my AR pals Lane, Patty and Kathy! But of course, there was the anticipation of Beer for Bloggers Thursday night, and the reunion with my dear friends, Connie Harvey from Nashville, Debe Maxwell from Charlotte and the one and only Susie Blackmon from Maggie Valley! And my more recent friend from New Media Atlanta, Lori Bee was there too!  I was somehow brought on stage for Powerpoint Karoke, a first for me and thanks to whomever gave me the hardest set of slides to work from! From here, we ventured across the street to the Bonefish Grill where I got to enjoy an evening with the ladies of SSM....Nanette, Lori, Connie, Ann Allen and Debe! It was a delightful dinner and some great conversation too!

Cosmo and Candlelight

On to Friday morning and REBARCampRDU......

Having never been, I was not sure what to expect. I'd heard the stories of the schedule being decided by the attendees, and so it was!   After a P.E.P. talk from David Anderson (P.E.P. being Participate, Engage and Plan) we were off to look at the schedule and see where we wanted to expand our knowledge. Of course, there were two things at the same time I wanted to attend, but having heard of this guy called @realestatezebra from Twitter, I figured that was here I would head! His topic of Creating Content For Your Blog certainly peaked my interest...and he kept me glued to my laptop for notes and his every word. (I'll branch off on these session in future posts!)

Thom and Ray Team Fan PageNext, someone from the #REBCRDU decided that I was a "thought leader" and had words of wisdom to share...scare me! So next, I was on a panel discussion about FaceBook Fan Pages! Hmmmm! What can you say to people in just 40 minutes about such an indepth subject! But, along with my associates, we were able to talk with the group about Fan Pages, and the value they can bring to your real estate business. (Not to mention using your personal profile for business is a violation of the TOS of Facebook, and could get you kicked out!) BTW....click on the picture, visit our Facebook Fan Page, and become a fan....PLEASE?

Next was Blogging 201 with Diane Tulman from Zillow.com. More great tips! I came to the resuce of one Nannette Saunders as we were past a 12Noon lunch time and the trailmix from the roadtrip snack bag that made it to my briefcase was a welcome nibble till we broke for lunch!

Lunch was a chance to visit with friends, and catch up on e-mail and phone calls!  Then it was on to a most informative session on Posterous by my other AR pal, Susie Blackmon along with the Carroll Team from Dakno! This is one exciting new tool I'll be mastering quickly to keep me out on the forefront of social media! WooHoo...I love all these new toys! It's like Christmas in November!

Bonefish GrillThe last session I attended, unfortunately, I was only there in spirit. I had some sort of upset tummy, and really only partially listened to what was another awesome session on LinkedIn....one being held earlier in the day, and repeated again due to the interest in this other social media tool. So, I skipped out silently and walked back to the hotel to rest for a bit. I was woken by a call from my friend Connie and soon, Grey Goose and cranberry had made all right in the world! LOL! We slipped out to the Bonefish Grill where many of the attendees had headed for cocktails, conversation and dinner. I must say, two nights in Cary, NC, and I ate in the same restaurant both nights! Make me laugh!

The Road To AtlantaSaturday morning had us round up the clan, and now it was The Return To Atlanta! Another great time spent talking real estate, and throwing around ideas about everything from a motorcoach to New Orleans next year for NAR to a visit to the great Peach Butt. (I'll let the photo speak for itself.)

The Peach ButtFunny, before I left ATL for my first BARCamp, I had mentioned that I was going to such an event to a couple real estate people in ATL. They had never heard of such a thing! In fact, our crew of 4 were the only people FROM Atlanta!!! I guess we'll consider ourselves on the cutting edge then! But, it was everything I had hoped it would be, and maybe more. I met people I've been following on Twitter, such as @HobokenCondos (Walter Burns) and made some new friends like Ann Allen from Birmingham and Kathleen Herron from Sarasota.

I'm no longer a Camp virgin, and you can bet I'll be headed to more of them in the future! I'll be writing more about some of the sessions and sharing some of the great things I learned, for those of you that missed out!


But I suggest you get a REBARCamp on your "bucket list" of things to attend related to real estate! They are awesome!

Thom and Connie

 

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722 2009-11-08 19:27:56 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Veteran's Day Salute. Do I Make You Proud? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=723 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=723 Veteran's Day Salute. Do I Make You Proud?

I'm not a "military brat" in the sense that we did not move all over the place as many military families do.

DadMy Dad was in the Montana National Guard, and his highest position was brigadier general. He was the #2 in command of the Army National Guard in Montana before his retirement. I remember him packing to go to Guard Camp. I remember what he looked like each morning when he left for work, wearing his military uniform. He was in a civil service position for the National Guard, and was only on active duty during weekend guard drill or during Guard Camp.

I was, and still am, proud of my Dad. (He passed away in 1994) And while I never took the military route, I hope he's proud of me and where I am today.

 

 

 

 

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723 2009-11-11 08:36:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report September 2009 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=724 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=724 Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report September 2009

Yes, it is November 15th, and I'm reporting on September! Actually, our numbers are not out till mid month, so I should be doing a quick follow up with October's numbers in the coming days. But, I wanted to get this report out, so you could see a true picture of the market.

In preparing the Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report, it kinda put the market into a harsh perspective. But a quick reference to this report will make it easy for any Seller to understand the current Midtown Atlanta Real Estate Market and the challenges we face.

The Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report September 2009 covers 16 major communities (buildings) in the Midtown Atlanta area. Of those 16 buildings, 8 buildings had NO SALES in September, 2009!

Cornerstone Village

 

Cornerstone Village

2008 - Average Sales Price: $165,000 (1 Bed)

No 2 Bedrooms were sold in 2008

2009 - NO Sales of either 1 or 2 bedrooms

Average List Price: $141,535 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $230,975 (2 Bedroom)

 

805 Peachtree

 

805 Peachtree

2008 - No Sales of either 1 or 2 Bedrooms

2009- Average Sales Price: $184,500 (1 Bed)

No 2 Bedrooms were sold in 2009

Average List Price: $242,600 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $313,100 (2 Bedroom)

 

Spire Midtown

Spire Midtown

2008 Average Sales Price: $182,700 (1 Bedroom)

No 2 Bedrooms were sold in 2008

2009- Average Sales Price: $158,650 (1 Bedroom) -15%

2009- Average Sales Price: $221,333 (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price; $206,566 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $317,847 (2 Bedroom)

 

Metropolis Midtown

Metropolis Midtown

2008 Average Sales Price: $238,000 (1 Bedroom)

No 2 Bedrooms were sold in 2008

2009- Average Sales Price: $158,000 (1 Bedroom) -56%

2009- Average Sales Price: $233,000 (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $165,269 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $317,540 (2 Bedroom)

 

905 Juniper

905 Juniper

2008 Average Sales Price: $234,029 (1 Bedroom)

No 2 Bedrooms were sold in 2008

There were no sales in September, 2009

Average List Price: $264,900 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $418,325 (2 Bedroom)

 

Tuscany

 

Tuscany

No 1 Bedrooms were sold in 2008

2008 Average Sales Price: $233,000 (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $161,250 (1 Bedroom)

No 2 Bedrooms were sold in 2009

Average List Price: $159,310 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $209,900 (2 Bedroom)

Plaza Midtown

Plaza Midtown

2008 Average Sales Price: $220,000 (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: $298,750 (2 Bedroom)

2009 No 1 Bedroom Sales

2009 Average Sales Price: $209,000 (2 bedroom) -30%

Average List Price; $180,161 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $260,590 (2 Bedroom)

 

 

MidCity LoftsMidCity Lofts

In 2008, there were no sales in MidCity Lofts.

In 2009, there were no sales in MidCity Lofts.

Average List Price: $ 217,475 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $ 344,750 (2 Bedroom)

 

 

Aqua Midtown

 

Aqua Midtown

In 2008, Sales in Aqua Midtown were still going through the On-Site Sales Center. In May, 2009, the remaining units were sold at Auction.

The Average List Price for the Auction was $552,250

The Average Bid Price for the Auction was $279,500

There is currently a 2 Bedroom listed at $499,900 and a 3 Bedroom listed at $1,075,560.

 

Park Central

Park Central

2008 Average Sales Price: $158,900 (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: $231,666 (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $150,900 (1 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $237,900 (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $137,725 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $233,157 (2 Bedroom)

The Best "performing" building in Midtown!

Mayfair Renaissance

Mayfair Renaissance and Mayfair Tower

2008 Average Sales Price: $185,583 (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: $288,000 (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $153,500 (1 Bedroom)

No 2 Bedrooms Sold in 2009

Average List Price: $158,110 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $357,363 (2 Bedroom)

The Dakota Condominiums

 

The Dakota Condominiums

No 1 Bedrooms Sold in 2008

2008 Average Sales Price: $355,000 (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $235,000 (1 Bedroom)

2009 No 2 Bedrooms Sold

Average List Price; $275,000 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $398,941 (2 Bedroom)

Peachtree Lofts

Peachtree Lofts

2008 No 1 Bedrooms Sold

2008 Average Sales Price: $175,000 (2 Bedroom)

2009 There were No Sales in the Building.

Average List Price: $158,700 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $229,892 (2 Bedroom)

(This building just passed a major assessment to refurbish the exterior, roof, a/c systems, and remodel the lobby.)

 

Peachtree Walk

Peachtree Walk

2008 No 1 Bedrooms Sold

2008 Average Sales Price: $201,000 (2 Bedroom)

2009 There were No Sales in the Building.

Average List Price: $143,980 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $201,600 (2 Bedroom)

 

 

 Ansley Above The Park

 Ansley Above The Park

This Building had no Sales in 2008 OR 2009!

Average List Price: $375,042

 

 

 

 

Above The Four SeasonsAbove The Four Seasons

This Building had no Sales in 2008 or 2009.

Average List Price: $336,300 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $703,733 (2 Bedroom)

 

 

 

 

There are three other buildings that are not included in the Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report September 2009. They are Viewpoint Midtown, Luxe and 1010Midtown. These three buildings are still being sold by On Site Sales Centers, and as such do not fully report their sales since they are not always listed in the listing service.

The Thom And Ray Team would be happy to help you find a new home in any of these buildings. If you are looking to sell your Midtown Atlanta Condo, give us a call to discuss our Marketing Plan!  

 

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724 2009-11-15 10:27:55 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday - What Happens When You Talk To Strangers! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=725 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=725  

The Shoes

Ask your REALTOR! He'll wear whatever shoes he need to find you just the right new home!!

 

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725 2009-11-15 20:03:46 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cook's Warehouse Grand Opening at Ansley Mall http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=726 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=726 Cooks Warehouse Grand OpeningThis past Friday, Ray and I had the opportunity to attend Cook's Warehouse Grand Opening at Ansley Mall. For those of you that are not aware of this move, Cook's Warehouse was formerly located in the Amsterdam Walk shopping area off of Monroe Drive.

This new location, gives the store a whole new look, and a great location, next to Blockbuster Video and just around the corner from.....a Publix Market! See, you can buy that standing rib roast, and then when you are on your way to the car and realize you don't have a roasting pan, there's Cook's Warehouse!

If you are into the latest and greatest in kitchen gadgets and cook ware, this is the place to go! They have got it all, and then some!

 

The Grand Opening was also a fund raising event for a special organization here in Atlanta, For The Kid In All Of Us. This organization hosts two events each year. Back Pack in The Park asks the attendees to bring backpacks filled with school supplies for under privdliged children. And The Toy Pary, held the first Sunday in December, is...well...bring toys! This event is attended by some 2500-3000 people and is one of THE social events of the holiday season!

Here's a map to show you the new location:Ansley Mall Map

The Grand Opening event had some great food, provided by Sawicki's Meat, Seafood and More and Sun In My Belly. Both had delicious items to sample. While both restaurants are outside of my "normal" areas, they will be worth a special trip in the future!

Wine was provided, and the glasses were yours to keep, compliments of Cook's Warehouse! So, now I've got a set of two! LOL!

Here are a few more pictures of the event.

 

Cooks Warehouse Expresso Machines

Wine GlassesKitchen Gadgets Galore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan and Thom

I posed with Susan Nicholson who writes a weekly menu planning column for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution... but looks like she blinked...and I did not catch it till later! Sorry Susan!

Wine and Raffle ItemsIn keeping with the new tradition I learned at REBAR Camp in Raleigh, I snapped a picture of food porn, or at least in this case, wine porn, with some of the For The Kid In All Of Us raffle items that were on display.

For more pictures of the event, visit my Facebook Page!

We had a great time at the Cook's Warehouse Grand Opening at Ansley Mall!

Be sure to visit the store soon! And now, when you are invited to that housewarming party of a new homeowner that The Thom And Ray Team, you will know JUST where to go for the perfect gift!

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726 2009-11-16 09:12:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Can We Have Our Cake AND Eat it Too? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=727 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=727 This morning finds me very puzzled. Ok, I'll be the first to admit that I probably don't stay on top of current events like I should. Be they world, national or even local. The news can paint a picture, and you either believe it, or you take the time to research the topic and all sides of the topic, and learn more about the issue.

CakeI'm probably not a researcher. But, after reading two real estate related articles back-to-back, I had to stop and ask a simple question, "Can We Have Our Cake AND Eat It Too?" Here's how that question came to my head.

I get a daily digest of real estate news, sent to me by RISMedia and sponsored by Lowe's. It's usually got some pretty good articles. In fact, I often will print, scan and send them to my clients and my sphere to keep THEM up on real estate news.

Well, today, two articles in the same digest seem to say that we can continue to have foreclosures, and WILL, because the banks do better financially by foreclosing on a homeowner instead of helping them with a loan modification. At the same time, our home prices are going to stablize because of First Time Home Buyers and the extension of the tax credit.  To be fair to my readers, I want you to be able to read the same articles.

The Problems With Loan Modifications and Housing and Economy Headed for Sustainable Recovery; First-Time Homebuyers Lead the Way 

I'll let you take a moment and read them, and then we'll continue on.....

Man ThinkingOk, you're back. So, in the first article we read how banks are less inclined to offer loan mods since if they foreclose on the property, they now have the property to sell again.

It further states the lack of really knowing where our loan "is" as far as who now owns it. (Many of us pay to a "servicer" of our loan, not directly to the lender) makes the modification process even more difficult.

And that it may not really be in the best interests of the bank to voluntarily modify a mortgage and you might want to look for a lawyer to assist you!

I just love that!

Then our second article gives us insights into the housing and economic recovery by Mr. Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist. In the second paragraph, it states "...we are hopeful about the impact of the expanded tax credit because it will stablize home prices."

Ok. I'm not always the sharpest tool in the shed, but I do have a college education.

How can continued foreclosures help stablize home prices? Case in point. In my condo building where I live, foreclosures and short sales have brought the prices down some 24% from what people originally paid. So. many people are paying on homes that have lost 24% of their value, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel as to when the values will start back up, nor how long they will take to go back up.

So, if homeowners are having trouble with their mortgage, or the fact that they are paying on a home that has decreased value, but still the same mortgage, what is their option? It appears a loan modification will be about as easy as living on Mars. And if they go to foreclosure, how will that stablize the prices?

I'm just sayin', I don't know exactly how we can have our cake, and eat it too.

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727 2009-11-18 08:39:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Come Play In The Rain! Active Rain! You Will Get Wet! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=728 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=728 You Will Get WetCome Play In The Rain! You Will Get Wet!

Remember when you were a kid, and your Mom would yell at you if you were out playing in the rain? I sure do.

But, now, times have changed, and it's ok to play in the rain. Especially if it's Active Rain! But, what's different about playing in Activer Rain is if you play long and hard enough, You Will Get Wet!

A week ago this past Monday, my cell phone rang about 8:30am. Not early for me by any means, but I thought a bit early to be a call from an area code I did not recognize. But, I always answer my phone...and so I did.

The caller on the other end sounded SO much like a good friend, I had to talk for a moment to realize, hey, this is a legit Buyer calling me about buying real estate.

He's relocating from Jacksonville, Florida to Atlanta and is looking to buy a place. He was searching on Google, and typed in "Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Reports" and...you guessed it....found MY blog from Active Rain. (And it was a report from April, 2009 no less!) But he clicked on to read my other blogs, visit my website, and decide that I was the person he wanted to work with. PSYCH!!!!!

Excited ManNow remember, this was Monday a week ago, right? Well it was exactly 9 days after that call, and we are Under Contract to close December 28 at Viewpoint Midtown!

And he found me because of my blogging here on Active Rain! Do you think I need any more convincing about the value of blogging?

If YOU need any more reason to Come Play In The Rain, I don't know what it could be!

Virginia, yes...there will be a holiday this year!

But, it might be a bit wet this year, as we WILL be playing in The Rain and WE WILL GET WET!!

Is someone you know looking for a Midtown Atlanta Condo?

They'll be in Good Hands with The Thom And Ray Team!

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728 2009-11-21 20:40:45 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Atlanta Clean Car Campaign. Stow It - Don't Show It http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=729 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=729 When you read the title of THIS post, "Atlanta Clean Car Campaign. Stow It - Don't Show It, you think what on earth is this about? Washing my car? No, not quite.

Several months ago, the Atlanta Police Department launched a program called Atlanta Clean Car Campaign in response to car break-ins that were happening in Atlanta, particularly in Zone 5, which is where Midtown and Downtown are located. People that live in the area, as well as those that don't were the direct cause of increased car break-ins because they were leaving items in their cars in plain sight. Here is a link to a letter to the community from Major Khirus E. Williams, Zone 5 commander.

Broken Car WindowWell, the holiday shopping time has not even started, and unfortunately, there has been a huge uptick in this crime, which can easily be prevented. Here's a simple list of what NOT to leave in your car:

  • GPS Devices, their windshield mount or any cords associated with them
  • MP3 Players
  • Laptop computers and/or their bags
  • Loose Change (YES, they will pop a window for a visible two quarters!)
  • Bags or Boxes
  • Your Purse or Briefcase
  • Cell Phones and/or their chargers
  • Cameras

 

You'd think this would be common sense, but I guess not! I saw one day a few months back, an SUV that had it's window popped across the street from my office. They owner came in to use the phone to call the police. I asked them what happened, and they said they had left their laptop on the front seat. Good Grief!

Now, I know that the suburbs are less prone to this kind of activity, but hey, this stuff just does not belong INSIDE your car! Hence, the tag line that came from the Midtown Neighbors' Association and the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance, "Stow It - Don't Show it."

So on your next trip to the Fox Theatre, or the Georgia Aquarium or doing your holiday shopping at Ikea or Atlantic Station, remember, if you can see it, so can someone else.

Midtown Neighbors Association

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729 2009-11-23 08:05:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Oh No! Do I Have Subscription Addiction on Active Rain? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=730 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=730 prescription bottlesLet's face it! If you are here, you are probably in love with Active Rain. I speak from experience.

If you blog here, you'll get business...sooner or later...I speak from experience!

If you hang out here, you will learn more cool stuff and tricks than your little head can absorb. I speak from experience.

And if you read as many great blogs as I do here, pretty soon, you'll have Subscription Addiction. I speak from experience.

So much so, I know I'm missing YOUR blog! I'm currently up to 77 subscriptions....is this an addiction? Hmmm, now I CAN'T speak from expericence.

So, I scanned the list just a moment ago, and the the "oldest" on the list has not posted since May...YIKES!!! So, now another question comes up? Do I delete or e-mail them? Nothing like a friendly little gesture to say "hey, havn't seen ya in The Rain in awhile? Is Business booming, or did something unfortunate take you away?

I don't post comments on all these blogs mind you, but I do like reading them and gaining knowledge from others experiences. And of course, when someone throws me a bone, new website or tip, then I just get all excited. In fact, part of next year's biz plan will be to tackle some of these new found techy things and make them part of MY tool box!

Whoops...sidetracked there....so, my question remains...Do I have Subscription Addition, or am I ok? Inquiring minds want to know!

If you're looking for a REALTOR in Midtown Atlanta, your search has just ended!

Call The Thom and Ray Team to find the perfect Midtown Atlanta Condo for you!

 

 

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730 2009-11-23 21:49:33 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Web Cams for Your Computer. Suggestions Please? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=731 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=731 Web CameraI've done a search here in the vast library of Active Rain posts, but I can't seem to land on one that has any good information about web cams, and what to look for when buying one.

Hey...I'm not saying someone out there in Rain Land has not written one, I just can't seem to find it.

I purchased a Flip Video a year ago, and I hate to say it has not been out of my briefcase nearly as much as it should have been...and we will be changing that in 2010!

But, I do want to get on the Skype bandwagon, as well as work on more videos which I can quickly upload to my blog and You Tube, hence my quest for a web cam.

Any suggestions on what to look for, what the best bang is for my buck (a.k.a. cheap but good) would be much appreciated from my Active Rain family!

 

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731 2009-12-03 07:12:42 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
7th Annual Toy Party - THE Atlanta Holiday Event to Attend! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=732 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=732  

Toy Party Poster

THE Holiday event of the Season is tomorrow night! This fantastic event not only helps some 19 agencies in Georgia that help children, it's THE event to be seen at!

The economy may play a part, but last year's event had an estimate attendance of 3000 people! WOW!

Stay tuned for my report on Monday about

Toy Party and Silent Auction 2009!

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732 2009-12-05 22:18:49 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday! The New Office Ready For Action! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=733 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=733  

New Office Space

It's the NEW command center for The Thom And Ray Team...

Loving the new space, and the enviornment!

Gonna make 2010 ROCK!

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733 2009-12-06 14:26:11 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Dakota Condominiums in Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=734 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=734

Dramatic Townhome At The Dakota Condominiums

Price: 475,000

Beds: 2

Baths: 2.5

Sqft: 2444

Year Built: 2001

Property Address:
850 Piedmont Avenue, #3111
Atlanta, GA 30308
Take time to sit down and enjoy your meals in the breakfast area of this 2 bedroom/2.5 bath brick townhouse in Midtown Atlanta. Home features a dining room, engaging Great Room with double-sided fireplace that opens to the separate Library. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry including a built-in wine cooler. The remarkable underlite onyx bar is sure to be the gathering spot for your housewarming! 2 Master Suites feature large walk-in closets, garden tubs and separate showers, and tile floors. Each bedroom has hardwood floors and a view of the quaint courtyard. Walk to Piedmont Park, Miracle Mile for shopping or dinner, and the MARTA train station is just a few blocks away for easy out of town travel. The Dakota Condominiums. A One-Of-A-Kind Place to Live In Midtown Atlanta.

  • Gas Cooking for the Chef!
  • Home Opens to Community Courtyard!
  • French Doors to Covered Veranda
  • Lots of Storage in this Not-So-Typical Townhome!
Contact Information
  The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
  770-713-1505  770-713-1505    770-713-1505  770-713-1505
More Listing Information
Visit Our Website
Email Me

My Other Listings

Dramatic Townhome At The Dakota Condominiums
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 475,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Plaza Midtown Condominium For Rent $2000 Per Month! Comes With It's Own Publix Market!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $2000.00
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Statement of Distinction at The Dakota Condominiums
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $2500
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Contemporary Cornerstone Village Home!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 144,900
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $192,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $630,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $


  Realtor Logo Equal Housing


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734 2009-12-07 22:07:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Plaza Midtown Condo For Rent http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=735 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=735

Plaza Midtown Condominium For Rent $2000 Per Month! Comes With It's Own Publix Market!

Price: $2000.00

Beds: 2

Baths: 2

Sqft: 1091

Year Built: 2007

Property Address:
44 Peachtree Place
Atlanta, GA 30309
What can be better than on a cold, rainy day, you hop the elevator, go to the groery and get something to keep you warm? Well, that's life at Plaza Midtown! And in this home, you step off the elevator, and the entrance to Publix Market is right there! 2 Bedrooms and 2 baths, with premium next-to-the-elevator parking. Hardwood floors in the living area, and carpet in both bedrooms. Great Northwest view of Atlantic Station and beyond! Home is available now for a 1 year lease!

  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Full Baths
  • Kitchen with Granite and Cherry Cabinets
  • Washer/Dryer Included?
  • Premium Parking on First Garage Level
  • Freshly Painted and Ready For Move In!
  • Great Resort-like Pool Area
  • Club Room
  • Fitness Center
  • Publix Market on Lower Level
  • Marlow's Tavern and Prickly Pear Restaurants
  • Deposit and Application Fee Required
Contact Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
 770-713-1505  770-713-1505
More Listing Information
Email Me

My Other Listings

Dramatic Townhome At The Dakota Condominiums
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 475,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Plaza Midtown Condominium For Rent $2000 Per Month! Comes With It's Own Publix Market!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $2000.00
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Statement of Distinction at The Dakota Condominiums
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $2500
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Contemporary Cornerstone Village Home!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 144,900
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $192,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $630,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $


  Realtor Logo Equal Housing


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735 2009-12-07 22:11:52 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cornerstone Village Condominiums in Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=736 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=736 Cornerstone Village Condominiums in Midtown Atlanta present the First Time Buyer with some great options at a very affordable price! Check out one of our listings at this great community, located right on the Midtown Mile!

 

Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!

Price: $145,000

Beds: 1

Baths: 1

Sqft: 775

Year Built: 1999

Property Address:
800 Peachtree Street, #1404
Atlanta, GA 30308
This contemporary Cornerstone Village Condo is not your traditional Cornerstone home! Stunning upgrades include beautiful green granite counters in kitchen and bath, tile floors in the kitchen and bath, and hardwood floors throughout the rest of the home! Eye-catching lighting is found from the kitchen to the bath and everywhere in between! Open the French Doors to your Juliette balcony, covered with English ivy and enjoy the sights and sounds that ARE Midtown Atlanta! Just where you want to live! Cornerstone Village includes a resort-style pool, fitness room, home theatre and has recently completed upgrades to the interior hallways with new paint, carpet and designer lighting. Your parking is located on the same level as the home�no elevator ride here! And what could be better than being in the heart of Midtown Atlanta�.the cultural center of Atlanta. Whether it�s taking in an art exhibition at the High Museum, a play at the Fabulous Fox Theatre or an afternoon stroll through the green space art of Piedmont Park, it�s all just steps from your door! The GATech Campus, Bank Of America Plaza, Emory-Crawford Long Hospital and Turner Studios are an easy walk to work! Cornerstone Village. The Midtown Mile. Midtown Atlanta. All the ingredients for a great life style!

  • 1 Bedroom - 1 Bath Home
  • Open Kitchen with Granite Counters
  • Breakfast Bar and Maple Cabinetry
  • Tiled Floors in Kitchen and Master Bath
  • Hardwood Floors Throughout Home
  • French Doors Open to Juliette Balcony
  • Separate Laundry Room with Storage
  • RARE Parking on Same Floor as Home!
  • Upgraded Lighting Throughout
  • Master Bath with 2-Person Tiled Shower
  • Walk-In Closet PLUS More Storage
  • Walk to Midtown MARTA Station
  • Close to GA Tech, Bank of America, AT&T
  • Shopping, Restaurants and MORE!
Contact Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
Midtown Atlanta Real Estate
Email Me

My Other Listings

Dramatic Townhome At The Dakota Condominiums
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 475,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Plaza Midtown Condominium For Rent $2000 Per Month! Comes With It's Own Publix Market!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $2000.00
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Statement of Distinction at The Dakota Condominiums
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $2500
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Contemporary Cornerstone Village Home!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 144,900
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Spacious Northwoods Ranch! Open Kitchen Overlooks Sunken Great Room!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $192,000.00
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $630,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $


Realtor Logo Equal Housing

 ]]>
736 2009-12-07 22:23:20 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Life Unplugged. Social Networking Can be so isolating. http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=737 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=737 I love writing blogs. But, we all get writers block. Or a lack of an idea. Some are natural born writers, and others, like me struggle with the wit and words. But when I read this article, I had to laugh. Quietly, and the a good, deep down belly laugh. I could of never said it this well.....


Note: This article appeared in the December issue of Atlanta Magazine is  reprinted here with express permission of the author, Hollis Gillespie.


Life Unplugged....Social networking can be so isolating.

I woke up with a packing peanut stuck to my head. I don't know how it got in my bed, but I have two cats and am almost positive the packing peanut was brought by one of them. This has been happening a lot lately, and at first it was kind of nice having things brought to me in bed, but after a while it lost its luster. Among the things I have recently awakened with in my bed are a whisk broom, pot holders, tangled cords and squirrel parts.

Cat PlayingIt's obvious the cats consider this bed their lair, and I don't blame them. That is exactly how I feel about it. I hardly need to leave it, what with all my social network connections. I vaguely remember real people in my life, not just the Facebook blurbs and packing peanuts and all this tangled wire, but actual people who required proper care and handling. But so much time has elapsed since I last saw them that bringing them up to date on my life would take the rest of my life, probably. I can't fit that in when I'm spending so much time socializing.. All this socializing is mostly done from the seclusion of my lair, but still. I am really popular.

Computer Cords"Woke up with a packing peanut stuck to my head," I finally decided to post after careful positioning of all the cords. Why are the cords always tangled? No matter how neatly I drape them after every use, they'll still emerge like an old wad of fishing line from a tackle box. Phone cord, computer cord, headset cord, camera cord, printer cord ... enough cords to choke all my friends on Facebook. In the time it took me to disentangle the cords, I could have walked to East Atlanta and mooched a cup of coffee from my friend Polly.

But of course, I don't, because looking into the actual face of an old friend might prompt all sundry of confessions I'm not sure I'm ready to realize myself. Like how sometimes I'm relieved my parents are dead already and saved from seeing how the world has devolved into such a giant wad of wasted potential. Oops. That just slipped out. I didn't mean that. I meant to say something quippy yet thought provoking in under 140 characters, but not all in caps. Because writing in all caps means you're angry or excited, and God forbid you be either of those anymore. Once a Facebook friend told me my words literally offended his eyes. Not his mind. His eyes.

When I think about that, I start to get angry, but not excited. With all this proliferation of communication, you would think there'd be a proliferation of expression as well, but the opposite has happened. You just see the same pasteurized acronyms and phrasings over and over again, and if yours is different people literally clutch their eyes.

Laptop GuyI have more friends than ever now, only instead of seeing them I poke them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and generally feel up to date on their lives.  To do more than that might endanger their states of mind, because lately I can really suck the fun out of the room. I would write about it, but I don't know how to fit it into 140 characters. Even the title of "writer" has been oddly pasteurized. We're now "content providers." Newspapers don't even develop their own stories anymore; they simply strap a saddle on whatever's popular in the blogsphere, where the only expression seems to be the same 140 characters proffered over and over again in a frenetic dash to capture the lowest mass denominator. Creatively, this feels like kryptonite.

"Need proper care and handling," I post and then delete. Who knows what the hell that will attract. So instead I throw my oldest cat into my car and head for the mountains outside metro Atlanta, where the cords can't reach me and the signals are weak. On the way to Blue Ridge I pass a barbecue joint that sells fried pies, and right away I start wondering what that is. Do they fry it in a pan? I wonder. The whole pie? I stop at a scenic point by a trailer park and look at the trees with leaves like little tornados of gold and auburn.  The grass is still green and the sky is still blue and it's all pooling together like a giant parfait of breathtaking shades. It's so beautiful I reach out like an idiot, like I want to break off a piece to take with me. The whole thing makes me excited. It makes me angry. It makes me want to express myself in all caps.  

"I AM NOT SHOUTING,"  I write. "THIS IS MY NORMAL VOICE."

Gillespie's latest book, Trailer Trashed: My Dubious Efforts Toward Upward Mobility She also conducts writing and BLOGGING seminars. Learn more about them at hollisgillespie.com

For interesting articles about Atlanta, including great restaurant reviews, visit Atlanta Magazine.

 

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737 2009-12-08 14:24:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Holiday Happenings In and Around Atlanta, Georgia http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=738 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=738 Holiday Happenings In and Around Atlanta, Georgia are never in short supply. In fact, I usually miss most of them! With my partner's nephew now living with us and having just moved to the U.S. from Cuba a year ago, we are making more of an attempt to get to a few things this year.

Calloway Gardens Fantasy in Lights has always been one I've wanted to experience. I've been to Calloway just to see the gardens and they were breath taking. Here's a teaser for this exciting holiday treat...

 

Stone Mountain ChristmasStone Mountain Christmas is a bit closer to home and something I've never even been to! Over 2 million lights have transformed the Park into a magical wonderland for the Holidays! Fun attractions are there for everyone, including the Polar Express 4-D Experience, and two new shows, Sleigh Ride and Simply Christmas. Of course, there are the visits with Kris Kringle, roaming arolers, a sing-a-long Christmas Train and so much more. There is even a special Christmas Laser Show....I didn't even know that! For more infomation, pricing and a schedule of events, visit Stone Mountain Christmas!

Holiday in Lights at Centennial Olympic Park is right in our back yard! Another local holiday attraction I have missed, but will be taking in, most likely THIS weekend!

This Atlanta tradition is now in it's 13th year, this holiday special transforms the park into a winter wonderland, and it's different every year, so you and I are sure to be in for a special treat. The Park is open daily from 7am-11pm and admission is FREE! (Ok, I'm quoting from the Park's web site, but I'm not sure how pretty the lights will look at 7am...I target 7pm as a better time to go!

The Holiday in Lights spirit is carried throughout the Georgia World Congress Center Authority campus, which includes the Georgia World Congress Center, the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park.

I hope you have a chance to enjoy these special holiday attractions in Atlanta, Stone Mountain and Calloway Gardens in Pine Mountain!

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738 2009-12-09 07:51:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Lessons on Life. Lessons We ALL Should Learn. http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=739 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=739 Yep. That's me. One of those people that is forever in search of a great quote, phrase, saying or words of wit to apply to my life. I try to post such things daily on my Facebook page. I think they can make us stop, look, and listen to the world around us.

You know, life is not getting any longer, or I'm not getting any younger. (Darn it anyway! I'm so cute!)

Yet today, I just learned of a person, already gone from this life, who will have a future impact on my life. I had never heard of Jim Rohn until today when I received an e-mail from the many sites and newsletters I subscribe to. WOW....how did I never meet, or hear this man speak. Visit his website at JimRohn.com and see some of his amazing quotes. They for sure will grace my Facebook pages in the days, weeks and months ahead!

Or, take a moment to pause and watch THIS moving, and thought provoking video....

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739 2009-12-09 15:13:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Dispelling the Myth -- Why Real Estate Agents Aren't (Exactly) Used Car Salesmen http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=740 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=740

Yep...we have all heard it.....we rank right DOWN there with Used Car Salesmen....But Carla puts it in perspective in a way I could of never come up with!

Via Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor (Principal Broker/Owner EBA Portland, LLC):

Who hasn't heard that age old putdown:  Real Estate Agents are akin to Used Car Salespeople?

Well, today . . . I heard something that may DISPEL that myth.

I had been consulting with buyers for about an hour when I was told: 

We wish we had an agent representing us when we bought our car!

Apparently, they got hosed!

Hmmm . . . got me thinking.

  • Car salespeople can work AGAINST you to get the dealership THEIR price.  They go into the "back room" to talk to the manager to see if they can shake down your offer.  When you have a real estate agent working for you, and your best interests you DO have someone NEGOTIATING for you!
  • There is no "right to revoke" after you've made an offer on a car, exchanged your deposits and got financing in place.
  • You don't have a right TO HAVE YOUR CAR INSPECTED!
  • You can't negotiate on repairs.
  • You don't have an "appraisal" done on the vehicle's VALUE (checking the Blue Book doesn't count!)
  • No one is going to take your around to "test drive" 30 vehicles.
  • The car dealership isn't going to make buyer concessions
  • The contract is a heck of a lot more "fine print" then a real estate contract

The ONLY similarity I see between the two professions is this: 

We both hand over a set of keys.

 

 

 

 -----------------------------------------------------------

Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS! 

Read My Blogs:   

All rights reserved (c)

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740 2009-12-14 21:08:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
How To Challenge Fulton County Property Tax Assessment http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=741 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=741 Midtown Atlanta CondosHow To Challenge Your Fulton County Property Tax Assessment

It's probably no surprise to many of you...real estate values have dropped a bit. We all hate when that happens, but if you plan to stay in your home or condominium for a longer term, you should hopefully recover back the value you have lost in the past couple years. Hopefully.

In the meantime, you are still living there, paying your mortgage and the lovely tax... your property tax. Property taxes are based on a percentage of your homes assessed value. And in Fulton County, property taxes are not cheap.

And now comes the issue of the value of your home or condominium actually being less than the appraised value! Yikes! So, what can you do, if your property tax bill came and you are in such a situation? You need to file a "Real Property Tax Return" yourself. This is your only way to challenge the assessment of your property, unless your home as already re-assessed. The deadline to challenge your assessment is April 1, 2010.

So, how do you go about this challenge?

What's My Home Worth?

First, review your current assessment by visiting the Fulton County Board Of Assessors website. Click on the Property Records Tab, and enter your address. Here, you will be given a Parcel ID number. It's a 14-digit number you will need to enter on your appeal form, part of which is shown below.

Fulton County Property Tax Return

Once on your Property Record, click on the "values" tab on the left. Here you will find your current total assessed value. This may be the number you want to challenge. You can also see the values of the properties around you...or you can contact a real estate professional, such as The Thom And Ray Team to assist you in finding comparable properties.

How Do I File An Appeal?

Real Property Tax ReturnIf you decide you want to challenge the assesed value of your home, you must fill out the "Real Estate Property Tax Return" form. It is the same form you used when you filed for your Homestead Exemption. Here is a very important tip on How To Challenge Your Fulton County Property Tax Assessment. They don't make finding the form that easy, but I'll give you a link to it here.

One of the key parts of the form you will complete is....

Owners Estimate of Fair Market Value

 

 

Here is where you will enter the amount you believe is the actual fair market value of your home.

There has already been a big uptick in the appeals that have been filed, and you can expect to see many more, based on the current market conditions. Filing an appeal is no guarantee that you will in fact get a revised value, but if you feel your home has been assessed at the wrong value, you need to make the appeal.

I keep saying, taxes will be the next Boston Tea Party!

Give The Thom And Ray Team a call if we can be of any help you!

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741 2009-12-15 11:33:45 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Fed Holds Rates At Record Low to Fuel Recovery http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=742 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=742 Money Blocks

Fed Holds Rates At Record Low to Fuel Recovery

I know that Mr. Ben was speaking today, and the world at least from a business perspective, usually takes pause for a moment to see what the man is going to say. (I wish more people would take pause and listen to me...but that's a topic for another post!)

As I checked my e-mails, the story popped up on Yahoo. You can read it here.

You would kinda of think this would be the story, that the Fed would hold its target rate and not raise it. In my personal opinion, a majority of things are still pretty much in the toilet. I think our recovery from the "Big One" is going to be much like that of a heavy 18-wheeler trying to clear a mountain pass. And it's gonna take some diesel to get up there.

Then, yesterday, on CBS MoneyWatch.com, our own (meaning she's an Active Rainer), Ilyce Glink posted a column ( I guess you would call it that) with the lovely news from a conversation she listened to between Trulia founder and CEO Pete Flint and RealtyTrac Senior Vice President Rick Sharga discussing their views of the real estate market.

The depression outlook they posted has the foreclosures for 2010 in the 4 million number. If that just didn't make me wanna have an early (I mean really early) afternoon cocktail or two!

Lord give me strength!

Looking for the perfect place to call home in Midtown Atlanta?

Look no further than The Thom And Ray Team for all your Buying and Selling Needs!

 

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742 2009-12-16 14:36:36 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Plaza Midtown! With Your Own Publix Market! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=743 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=743 The Plaza Midtown! With Your Own Publix Market!

 

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE | Morris & Raper InTown | thom@thomandrayteam.com | 770-713-1505
44 Peachtree Place, #1028, Atlanta, GA
Great Opportunity to own in The Plaza Midtown! The Only Midtown Atlanta Condominium Building with its own Publix Market on the Ground Floor!
1BR/1BA Condo
offered at $169,900
Year Built 2006
Sq Footage 768
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 1 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size Unspecified
HOA/Maint $299 per month

DESCRIPTION

Experience all that Midtown Atlanta has to offer! Live at The Plaza Midtown! Spacious 1 bedroom with hardwood floors! Sleek Kitchen features stainless appliances, granite counters and rich cherry cabinets that provide extra storage. Washer/Dryer Included! This floor plan offers a convenient built in desk area, perfect for the work-at-home person. Resort-style amenities included pool, fitness center, club house and grilling areas! Elevator ride to Publix Market, Marlow’s Tavern, J.Christopher’s and more! Midtown MARTA station is just across the street, making airport access easy for the busy traveler. Just lock the door and you are on your way! ! Ready for Move-in TODAY



see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Walk-in closet
- Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven
- Microwave - Granite countertop - Stainless steel appliances
- Washer - Dryer - Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking - Clubhouse - Fitness center
- Swimming pool(s) - Gated property - Secured entry
- Elevator


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


North Tower

Building Name

Living Room

Kitchen

Fitness Center

Resort-style Pool
Contact info:
Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE
Morris & Raper InTown
770-713-1505
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Dec 17, 2009, 12:09pm PST
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743 2009-12-17 15:22:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The dream of home ownership still exists and still makes sense …GOOD sense! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=745 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=745

My "down the road" REALTOR neighbor Richard could of not said it any better. Yes, Virginia, you can still buy a house or condo! Don't wait, as the picture may not be the same in a few months!

Thanks Richard for some great insight into the still good reasons to buy a home!

Via Richard Weisser Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers :

Historic House in Newnan GA. The dream of homeownership still exists!The are a lot of misconceptions about the current state of the real estate market. Many are led to believe that money is not available for the purchase of a home, or that a large down payment is needed to make a purchase.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. There is plenty of money available for “qualified” borrowers.

Buyers don’t need a lot of cash for a down payment, but they do need a good credit score! There are also requirements for verifiable income without a disproportionate amount of debt.

And the best part about being qualified to purchase a home RIGHT NOW is that there are plenty of good deals on homes combined with historically low interest rates. The dream of home ownership has never been more affordable!

To receive step-by-step assistance,, call a Realtor® and set up a buyer’s interview. The agent can advise you about the best way to proceed.

It’s a great time to buy a home, why not take advantage of the opportunity.

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily! We Do HUD bids in Georgia! 770-827-6225

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745 2009-12-19 23:05:05 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday! The Beauty of The World Around Us! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=747 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=747  

I'm standing at the kitchen counter this morning, working on my laptop. I'm currently missing the blinds for my kitchen door, which is fine, as I moved my bird feeders outside the door, and can see them much easier.

My last purchase of birdseed has not been well received. I mean, even the squirrels have left it alone. But, I filled them on Christmas morning, and today, had a wonderful guest for brunch!

red headed woodpecker

Are you looking for a Midtown Atlanta Condo with a view?(Bird feeders on balconies NOT allowed, sorry!)

Let me help you find just the right home to start your New Year off!

The Thom And Ray Team

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747 2009-12-27 11:38:13 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Georgia Super Speeder Law. Can You Say Ouch? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=748 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=748 Georgia Super Speeder LawThe Georgia Super Speeder Law is sure to make your wallet tighten up, and your foot to be a bit lighter on the pedal when it becomes law, January 1, 2010.

If you are inclined to exceed the speed limit, you are going to feel this one right in your wallet in the form of higher state fines (called fees.)

How much higher? The new law titled HB160 tacks-on another two-hundred-dollar state-fee for any driver convicted of speeding at 75-or-more on any two-lane roads.. OR convicted of speeding at 85-and-over anywhere in Georgia. Those new state fees will be in addition to any local fines already in effect in the jurisdiction where the speeding offense occurs.

According to the new law, anyone convicted under the new law will be called a "super speeder" and will be subject to the additional fee. And if you fail to pay the new fee, you'll get an additional $50 fee along with the suspension of your driving privileges and license. Ouch!

Georgia State PatrolOf course, the idea is to change the driving habits of the people that cause more accidents...you've heard the saying, "speed kills." It's a highway safety law designed to save lives by getting people to slow down.

But the fees will help save lives in another way...the fees collected under this new law will be used to help fund Georgia's trauma care hospital system, where some 60% of the patients are from auto crashes.

So, the next time you are on the open roads of Georgia and think, "Ah...let's let the top down and go for it..." you might have more that messed up hair!

 

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748 2009-12-29 10:35:27 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
2009. Thanks for the Memories! Especially from Active Rain! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=749 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=749 Well, as this post comes together, there is but a couple days left, and 2009 will be in the history books. And we'll be talking about her for a few years to come!

I personally have had some challenges this year...more so than I can remember in anytime in my life. But, you only have to stop and see a homeless person on the street, or, a person with a physical challenge to make you realize, it could be much worse, right?

I've amassed hundreds of photos as I now try to capture everything in digital memories. They will take me a long way in later years, and remind me of what was. I can already look at pictures of Midtown Atlanta and see changes from when I first took pictures.

But I took a moment to look back at the people and events that were a part of this year, and wanted to share those with you. I'm not going to mention everyone who's in the video, so if you know me, you just might want to take a quick look!

Here's to all of you In The Rain...and my wish that all of us have a better and more prosperous 2010!

And as always, I'll see you In The Rain! ]]>
749 2009-12-29 12:20:18 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
35 Writing Tips to Help Your Blog Rise to the Top in 2010! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=750 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=750

WOW! How  I missed THIS one, is beyond me!  It just goes go show HOW much good, no, great knowledge there is in the Active Rain Community to help you out!

I'm glad I found your post via a re-blog of it, and if I missed it, maybe so did some others, so, I'm going to pass it along as well!

Thanks for the great ideas Jo Anne!

Via Jo-Anne Smith- Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Region Real Estate, Ont (Brekland Realty Group):

35 Writing Tips to Help Your Blog Rise to the Top in 2010!

As an ambassador for Active Rain, I'm committed to helping members write posts that are more effective in capturing new business.

Many real estate agents and business owners avoid starting a blog for their business, primarily because they are intimidated by the thought of updating their blogs regularly with well-written posts that will capture the public's attention and make them want to come back for more.

A blog is an excellent way to keep the consumer aware of current trends in your business, promotions your business may be putting on and to help educate them as to what you and your business offer that a competing business may not.  Business blogs help your business to STAND OUT.

Learning how to write effectively will have an exponentialBlog writing tips for Business Success growth on your business as your readers subscribe and recommend your blog to others. Soon you'll be receiving contacts from potential new clients worldwide and the more often you write, the easier it will come to you.

Don't be intimidated! Set up a blog today (Active Rain has an excellent 'Rainmaker' blogging platform that allows you to have a domain name of your choice) and let your imagination take over.

 If you need any guidance or help with writing for your blog, please feel free to contact me anytime.  I'll do whatever I can to help you on your way to having a successful blog of your own.

Over the past couple of years that I've been a member of Active Rain, I've put together a list of blog writing tips.
In an effort to help bloggers become more proficient and comfortable writers, here they are :

 

  • Always put yourself in your target audience's shoes when you fashion your post. If you are writing for a homebuyer or to attract a homebuyer, consider how you would want the post to read or what information it should impart in order to inspire a feeling of trust and further interest.

  • Always include the title within the first line of the body of your post and make sure it is in bold. This helps Google to recognize that your post is definitely about the subject matter in the title and will help your search engine placement.

  • Make sure to include your keywords in approximately 4 % of your post. If you don't want to sound repetitive, you can use the keywords as titles for some of your images.

  • In localism posts, always mention the location and relevant keywords in the last line of your post and once again, bold them.

  • When thinking about what keywords to use in your title and post body, use Google's keyword tool. It's free and will give you many ideas of keywords you could incorporate that are perhaps not quite so commonly used in searches, hence giving your post more opportunity to appear on Page 1 in browser searches.

  • Don't use lingo or trade-talk when writing your posts. The public does not want to read posts written as they were written for other people in the home industry field, they want to read posts that are written for someone who has no knowledge of the home industry lingo. Lingo and trade talk may put up an emotional wall between you and the person who's trust you are trying to gain.

  • Offer to give further resources on the subject if the reader would like to contact you. By this I mean, do not give everything away in your post (s). Indicate that if they would like brochures, packages, personalized service, etc, to feel free to contact you and you will provide the service/information for them.

  • Keep track of the posts that seem to be gaining the most readership. Download SiteMeter.com and do a careful study of the keywords that are drawing readers to your posts.
    The posts that rank the highest in google searches are often the ones that have the most relevant subject matter and the best use of keywords (coupled with the power of Active Rain, of course). Careful analysis via your sitemeter results can sharpen your skills with respect to title, keywords, and content.

  • If you find your brain is on overload with a million thoughts and you are unable to relax into writing mode, try gazing out the window at the clouds or take short walk in a natural environment.
    I find playing classical music also motivates and opens up my writing channels.
    Sometimes there are so many things going on in our lives that we become bogged down and can barely think clearly enough to write.
    Taking a break from it all not only refreshes your creative spirit, it will open up the channels and give you fresh ideas.

  • Keep a thesaurus handy or use the online thesaurus and insert less commonly heard words into your articles to spice them up and add interest.

  • Practice discipline.
    Writing for localism or for your blog is not something you are doing for fun (although it can be a lot of fun). It is something you are doing for your business and if you decide that it must be a regular part of your business activity, you will make the time to do it.
    Pencil it into your appointment book or organizer as a daily appointment and work on the assignments you've chosen for yourself.

  • Summed up in a quote from Charles "Tremendous" Jones, "There are essentially two things that will make you wiser-the books you read and the people you meet.".
    In short, if you are planning an article on a particular subject, read anything you can find on that subject and talk to people who are in the know.
    Ask questions.
    People love to be helpful when it is something that they are knowledgeable about and if they give you the ok to quote them in your article, it lends your post greater credibility and interest. 
    With regards to books, perhaps you could link to a few journals or books that deal with the subject matter of your post.

  • Set weekly goals for post categories and number of posts and   record your commitment in your organizer or Blackberry.
    According to Jack Canfield, 'A goal without a number is just a slogan.' and I agree with him completely.
    In setting your weekly writing goal, you have to prioritize the post as an appointment you have with that post for the coming week, and you will find yourself more successful with achieving those goals if they are physically recorded.
    The added bonus to writing down the posts that you want to write about is that your subconscious mind will go to work for you on them and you may find yourself waking up with the post already fully written in your mind, just waiting to be written down!

  • Add pictures to your post to make it more visually appealing and to break up the words.
    There are numerous posts here on Active Rain that explain how to add images to your blogs and you may even decide to go a step further and add a video!
    If you're having trouble with any of this, please don't hesitate to ask a member who appears to have this skill down pat.
    You'll find the majority of AR members are more than happy to help you out.

  • When choosing something to write about, choose something you are passionate about or find something about that subject that you are passionate about and go from there.

  • Try not to be too structured as you write. Just write what you feel and when you are finished your 'rough draft', you can go back and make revisions or corrections.

  • Many members have lost posts that they were in the middle of and it is a good idea to always write your posts in WORD, Google Documents or some other platform before transferring them to your Active Rain blog.

  • Avoid having paragraphs that are too long. Break your thoughts up by making your paragraphs short and adding appropriate images or links.  Vary the kind of text you're using by bolding some lines, italicizing others and perhaps underlining the more pertinent points in your post.
    Using the bullet or number feature in the Active Rain posting platform also makes your post more visually appealing and easier to follow.

  • Plan your post and what you would like to say in it by making a point form 'skeleton'  and build  from there. As Napoleon Hill once said "Every well-built house started with a definite plan in the form of blueprints.".

  • Use plenty of adjectives in your sentences. This allows the reader to more fully experience what you are telling them. Try to use adjectives that cover more than just the 'sight' sense. For instance, if you are describing a park, you could use adjectives like 'fresh', 'serene', etc.

  • If you have writer's block, try picking a specific subject to write about and focus on it. This will get your brain working and your writer's block will dissipate as you begin to tell about the subject you're writing about.

  • Don't start with a headline/title. Instead, write about your subject and while you're writing, you may notice a certain string of words jump out at you as being ideal for the title of your post.

  • If you're having a problem writing about a certain subject, pretend you are telling your best friend or a family member about the subject or answering a question they've asked you about it.

  • Try to write in the morning when your mind is fresh and uncluttered from the day's activities/events. Put a do not disturb sign on your door, and work away.
    If someone is upset that you're spending this time writing and need privacy in order to do it properly, explain to them that it is part of your business activity and is a necessary part of your marketing and prospecting for business success.

  • Project 'feeling' into your descriptions. For instance, rather than saying a meeting is held on the second floor of a certain building every second tuesday, say something like 'as you ride the elevator up to the second floor meeting hall, you might be fortunate en ough to meet the guest speaker!'

  • Interview someone who is directly involved with what you are writing about and ask their permission to quote them directly and/or to include their picture. Readers love this personal approach and who knows, you just might meet some new potential clients while doing your interviews!

  • If you're stuck somewhere in the middle of your post, put it in draft mode and leave it for later in the day or some other time during the week. You'll find a fresh approach will remove the writer's block and you'll likely have mulled some bright new ideas to include that you hadn't thought of before. The subconscious mind loves to be given a task to work on.

  • Make sure to use pertinent keywords in your post title, post body and tags. This will optimize your SEO and bring you to the top for any searches on that subject.

  • Provide valuable outgoing links....google likes this and your post will attain higher search engine placement.

  • Have 'call to action' buttons or links at the bottom of each post. For real estate related posts, make sure you have buttons that tell the reader how to contact you and/or a place they can go to search for properties. These are linked back to the appropriate pages on your website (ie. the contact me page, the homesearch page, etc).

  • On posts that are of a general nature, make sure you have a way for them to contact you at the bottom. In addition, tell them who you are and what you do for  a living at the bottom. This sets you out as being the expert on community happenings/information in your area and if they HAPPEN to be considering making a move in the future, they just may contact you or remember your name when they're ready.
  • Always put yourself in your target audience's shoes when you fashion your post. If you are writing for a homebuyer or to attract a homebuyer, consider how you would want the post to read or what information it should impart in order to inspire a feeling of trust and further interest.

  • Don't use lingo or trade-talk when writing your posts. The public does not want to read posts written as they were written for other people in the home industry field, they want to read posts that are written for someone who has no knowledge of the home industry lingo. Lingo and trade talk may put up an emotional wall between you and the person who's trust you are trying to gain.

  • Offer to give further resources on the subject if the reader would like to contact you. By this I mean, do not give everything away in your post (s). Indicate that if they would like brochures, packages, personalized service, etc, to feel free to contact you and you will provide the service/information for them.

  • Keep up to date in what is going on in the field you are writing about. This includes reading community
    newspapers,  local magazines, newsletters, etc.
    Keep clippings or take notes whenever you find something you may want to incorporate into a blog at a later date.
    Some real estate bloggers even go so far as to attend monthly town/city council meetings and take extensive notes in order to be 'in the know' when it comes to changes and upcoming events in their area.

    Above all, don't get discouraged!
    Not every post has to be perfect.
    It's better to put up a small post with attractive photos and interesting content than nothing at all.

    Keeping your business blog updated daily or at least 3-4 times a week will keep your audience interested and give you a higher search engine ranking for greater placement when internet users are looking for information.  Soon you will find your blog on page one of almost every relevant search!


©2009JoSmith

 

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.Oakville-BurlingtonHomes.com

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750 2009-12-31 09:41:16 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Plaza Midtown 1 Bedroom Condo FOR SALE! NOT A Short Sale! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=752 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=752
Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE | Morris & Raper InTown | thom@thomandrayteam.com | 770-713-1505
44 Peachtree Place, #1028, Atlanta, GA
Great Opportunity to own in The Plaza Midtown! The Only Midtown Atlanta Condominium Building with its own Publix Market on the Ground Floor!
1BR/1BA Condo
offered at $169,900
Year Built 2006
Sq Footage 768
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 1 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size Unspecified
HOA/Maint $299 per month

DESCRIPTION

Experience all that Midtown Atlanta has to offer! Live at The Plaza Midtown! Spacious 1 bedroom with hardwood floors! Sleek Kitchen features stainless appliances, granite counters and rich cherry cabinets that provide extra storage. Washer/Dryer Included! This floor plan offers a convenient built in desk area, perfect for the work-at-home person. Resort-style amenities included pool, fitness center, club house and grilling areas! Elevator ride to Publix Market, Marlow’s Tavern, J.Christopher’s and more! Midtown MARTA station is just across the street, making airport access easy for the busy traveler. Just lock the door and you are on your way! ! Ready for Move-in TODAY



see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Walk-in closet
- Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven
- Microwave - Granite countertop - Stainless steel appliances
- Washer - Dryer - Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking - Clubhouse - Fitness center
- Swimming pool(s) - Gated property - Secured entry
- Elevator


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


North Tower

Building Name

Living Room

Kitchen

Fitness Center

Resort-style Pool
Contact info:
Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE
Morris & Raper InTown
770-713-1505
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Dec 17, 2009, 12:09pm PST
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752 2010-01-01 10:35:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Plaza Midtown Luxury 2 Bedroom Condo FOR RENT! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=753 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=753
Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE | Morris & Raper InTown | 770-713-1505
44 Peachtree Place, #1624, Atlanta, GA
Plaza Midtown Luxury Rental! Spacious 2 bedroom home with awesome views of Atlantic Station all the way to Kennesaw Mountain!
2BR/2BA Condo
$1,950/month
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage 1,091
Parking 2 dedicated
Pet Policy Cats, Small dogs (< 25lbs)
Deposit $1,950

DESCRIPTION

EXPERIENCE PLAZA MIDTOWN FROM THIS SPACIOUS 2 BEDROOM W/ ATLANTIC STATION VIEWS! HARDWOODS IN LIVING/KITCHEN. SLEEK KITCHEN W/CHERRY CABINETS, GRANITE AND STAINLESS APPLIANCES. WASHER/DRYER INCLUDED. WALK TO GATECH, MIDTOWN LAW OFFICES PREMIUM PARKING ON 1ST LEVEL BY ELEVATOR

see additional photos below
RENTAL FEATURES

- Air conditioning - Central heat - High/Vaulted ceiling
- Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Dishwasher
- Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave
- Granite countertop - Stainless steel appliances - Washer
- Dryer - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Cable-ready
- High-speed internet

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking - Covered parking - Clubhouse
- Fitness center - Swimming pool(s) - Gated property
- Secured entry - Elevator


LEASE TERMS

1 Year lease Required. Deposit - 1 Month.
Application Fee: $45
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Interior

Master Bath

Guest Bedroom

Night View

Plaza Midtown

Plaza Garden/Pool
Contact info:
Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE
Morris & Raper InTown
770-713-1505

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Jan 1, 2010, 8:14am PST
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753 2010-01-01 11:28:52 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report October 2009 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=754 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=754 Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report October 2009

First off, Happy New Year! Yes, it is 2010....AMEN!!!

But just because the New Year has arrived, we still want to give you your Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report October 2009  so you can follow the trends in condominium sales. Yes, it is January 2nd, and this is the report for October, 2009! November results are now out as well, so we'll be posting those in a day or so.

Keep in mind, the numbers we receive from First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) cover a very large huge reporting area. So, it takes a bit of surgery to disect it down to just our Midtown Atlanta Market! But to pass along GOOD NEWS for the entire Metro Atlanta area, the average price for single family attached (meaning condos and townhomes) was $157,721 in October, 2009. This average was $16,000 above September, 2009, but still $7,000 below the October, 2008 average.  

In preparing the Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report, there were a total of 83 sales in Area 23 (which is where Midtown Atlanta is) with an average sales price of $191,805. Here is a recap of the October activity:

October Activity

As you can see, still to much inventory!

The Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report September 2009 covers 16 major communities (buildings) in the Midtown Atlanta area.

 

Cornerstone VillageCornerstone Village

2008 - Average Sales Price: $151,950 (1 Bed)

No 2 Bedrooms were sold in 2008

2009 - Average Sales Price: $144,900 (1 Bedroom)

          Average Sales Price: $224,900 (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $138,114 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $229,725 (2 Bedroom)

 

 

 

805 Peachtree805 Peachtree

2008 - No Sales of either 1 or 2 Bedrooms

2009-  No 1 Bedrooms sold in October

Average Sales Price: $298,000 (2 Bed)

Average List Price: $246,133 (1 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $313,100 (2 Bedroom)

 

 

Spire MidtownSpire Midtown

2008 No Sales in October

2009- Average Sales Price: $143,900 (1 Bedroom)

2009- No 2 Bedrooms Sold in October

Average List Price; $209,002 (1 Bedroom) (18 Listings)

Average List Price: $319,093 (2 Bedroom) (11 Listings)

Average List Price: $699,900 (3 Bedroom) (2 Listings)

NOTE: No 3 bedrooms were sold in Spire in new construction. These are 2 and 2 bedroom units that have been combined into 3 bedroom homes.

 

 

Metropolis MidtownMetropolis Midtown

2008 Average Sales Price: $161,166 (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: $310,250 (2 Bedrooms)

2009- Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom)

2009- Average Sales Price: $182,000 (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $164,670 (1 Bedroom)(14 Listings)

Average List Price: $323,860 (2 Bedroom)(5 Listings)

 

 

905 Juniper905 Juniper

2008 Average Sales Price: $234,000 (1 Bedroom)

No 2 Bedrooms were sold in 2008

There were no sales in October, 2009

Average List Price: $272,933 (1 Bedroom)(3 Listings)

Average List Price: $436,566 (2 Bedroom)(3 Listings)

  

Tuscany

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $209,900(2 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $153,550 (1 Bedroom)(4 Listings)

Average List Price: $209,900 (2 Bedroom)(1 Listing)

 

Plaza MidtownPlaza Midtown

2008 Average Sales Price: $197,000 (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales  (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $171,883 (1 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales  (2 bedroom)

Average List Price; $180,288 (1 Bedroom)(9 Listings)

Average List Price: $256,044 (2 Bedroom)(9 Listings)

 

 

Midcity LoftsMidCity Lofts

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: $480,000 (2 bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $185,500 (1 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $ 207,180 (1 Bedroom)(5 Listings)

 

Average List Price: $ 353,000 (2 Bedroom)(3 Listings)

 

  

Aqua MidtownAqua Midtown

In 2008, Sales in Aqua Midtown were still going through the On-Site Sales Center. In May, 2009, the remaining units were sold at Auction.

The Average List Price for the Auction was $552,250

The Average Bid Price for the Auction was $279,500

There is currently 3  3-Bedroom homes listed with an Average List Price of $957,560.

 

 

Park CentralPark Central

2008 Average Sales Price: $135,000 (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales  (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $136,500 (1 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $222,000 (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $155,360 (1 Bedroom)(5 Listings)

Average List Price: $225,171 (2 Bedroom)(7 Listings)

 

MayfairMayfair Renaissance and Mayfair Tower

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $198,110 (1 Bedroom)(10 Listings)

Average List Price: $361,519 (2 Bedroom)(10 Listings)

 

 

Dakota CondominiumsThe Dakota Condominiums

2008 Average Sales Price: $260,000 (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales  (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales  (1 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $360,000 (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price; $275,000 (1 Bedroom)(1 Listing)

Average List Price: $409,722 (2 Bedroom)(9 Listings)

 

Peachtree Lofts

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $88,900 (1 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $207,216 (1 Bedroom)(6 Listings)

Average List Price: $235,900 (2 Bedroom)(5 Listings)

(This building just passed a major assessment to refurbish the exterior, roof, a/c systems, and remodel the lobby.)

 

 

Peachtree Walk

2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom)

2008 Average Sales Price: $179,510 (2 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: $150,000 (1 Bedroom)

2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom)

Average List Price: $138,688 (1 Bedroom)(9 Listings)

Average List Price: $192,600 (2 Bedroom)(3 Listings)

  

 Ansley Above The Park

This Building had no Sales in 2008 OR 2009!

Average List Price: $375,042 (2 Bedroom)(6 Listings)

Average List Price: $465,000 (3 Bedroom)(1 Listing)

 

  

Above The Four Seasons

This Building had no Sales in 2008 or 2009.

Average List Price: $330,300 (1 Bedroom)(3 Listings)

Average List Price: $684,480 (2 Bedroom)(5 Listings)

 

 

There are three other buildings that are not included in the Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report October 2009. They are Viewpoint Midtown, Luxe and 1010Midtown. These three buildings are still being sold by On Site Sales Centers, and as such do not fully report their sales since they are not always listed in the listing service.

The Thom And Ray Team would be happy to help you find a new home in any of these buildings. If you are looking to sell your Midtown Atlanta Condo, give us a call to discuss our Marketing Plan!  

 

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754 2010-01-02 16:08:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speaking of? Do You Have the Right Supplies? What's in your 2010 Toolbox? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=755 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=755 School SuppliesLike many of you, since I have started blogging to build my real estate business, I try (not always successful) to have my camera with me. Over a year ago, I purchased the Flip Video camera after learning about a sale at Walmart. He's been riding around on a free ride in my briefcase for the past year! I'm not sure if he got the memo, but the free ride is over in 2010! He will be going to work.

Speaking of... work, and your "toolbox," what's in yours? Did you make a list of  new sites, sounds or gadgets you want to learn more about, and work into your blogging or business?

One of the great things I've learned from my time in the Rain, is this list of sites that I've yet to dive into and use. I've got a list in my daily journal book, and as I discover other sites, the list grows and grows. But, I never seem to get back to it to investigate and implement these new found tools. Sounds like an Action Item for the 2010 Rise Again Business Plan!

Business Plan InspirationSpeaking of...  the Business plan...When and where do you develop yours? In your office? Your living room? A mini vacation? I had some great inspiration for my 2009 Business Plan as we spent a few days at the beach in Pensacola! Is this inspiration or what? Well, 2009 did not go quite according to the plan. Not entirely my fault, mind you. So, I opted to say home this year.

Cozy CornerSpeaking of....we still have relatives visiting from New Years (they leave tomorrow...hint hint!) so kinda having to keep it quiet this morning. Now, with the move of our office, I have opted to move my office out of the house, and to the new office. So much of my papers, files and what not are there. But, as I got up on this ever so chilly Sunday morning (20 degrees or so in Atlanta IS chilly, no matter what you people in New York or Chicago may be feeling this morning) I was trying to figure out where I could read, blog or whatever. I discovered this corner in my house I rarely use....And can you see all the inspiration around me....there's the zen fountain going on the left...."Horsie" watching over me (I've had him since I was 4 years old!) Trust Agents by Chris Brogan that I managed to knock out a few pages in, a legal pad for some notes, my laptop, the Blackberry for an occasional glance at Twitter, and of course that double large coffee you see on the floor!  



Morning ViewAnd then there is the view....the birds were especially busy earlier, landing at the fish pond for a morning beverage themselves!


Oh, so anyway, speaking of... the camera....as you can see, I just took a couple photos , but the "subject" photo of the school supplies above was taken months ago on a morning walk past a local elementary school. I said, "there's a blog post in there somewhere."

So,  Speaking of? Do You Have The Right Tools? What's in Your 2010 Toolbox? Show me yours, and I'll show you mine? Ok, me first....

Skype, Hootsuite, Meetup.com, lmgtfy.com, Animoto.com and  Bluntcard.com (ok not really a tool, but certainly worth a laugh!)


 

Thom Abbott

 

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755 2010-01-03 09:40:58 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday in Helen, Georgia, January 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=756 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=756  

Helen Georgia Water Fountain

Camera in tow, we ventured off to the mountains of North Georgia, and the quaint little town of

Helen, Georgia.

It was cold and breezy, but the sights were aplenty for picture taking! With a little magic wand...

Here we are!

We might not be able to sell you a mountain home (but I know some great agents that will) if you want to find your place that might not have as much ice around the pool, let The Thom And Ray Team help you find the perfect Midtown Atlanta Condo!

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756 2010-01-03 18:44:42 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Habersham Vineyards & Winery, Helen, Georgia http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=757 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=757 Habersham Vineyards & Winery, Helen, Georgia

Habersham WineryI guess one of the nice things about having "out-of-town" guests, or relatives visit, is it gets you out of your shell, and off to see places you have never been, or have not been for a long time. Habersham Vineyards & Winery, Helen, Georgia is one of those in the "never been" category,

This past Sunday, and a cold one at that, we piled in the car for a drive from Atlanta north to the quaint town of Helen, Georgia. The Convention Bureau calls Helen, "Mountain Beauty with a touch of Bavaria!" Indeed, this mountain town is  a re-creation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers. Of course many of the shops have your typical tourist "stuff" that we all can live without, or maybe not?

 

Helen GeorgiaWe took a rather scenic route, and criss-crossed some great country roads, passing through Cleveland, Georgia, home of the Cabbage Patch Kids, before arriving in Helen. As we entered the town, we passed through a historic area called the Nacoochee Village. Located just 1/2 mile from Helen, this is where I found the Habersham Vineyards and Winery. The Village includes a historic grist mill, Nora Mill, powered by the Chattahoochee River which winds through Alpine Helen, Georgia and Nacoochee Village. On this river you will find some of the best North Georgia Trout Fishing with your host and fishing guides, Unicoi Outfitters. They are Helen Georgia's trout fishing professionals with lots of gear and apparel. Ah, but back to the important part....wine! And some gosh darn good wine!

Offered the option a "red" tasting or a "white" tasting, I went the direction of the reds, since I'm not well versed in red wine. Not being a Cabernet Sauvignon kinda guy, I was totally blown away by the 2006 Creekstone Cabernet. It will be perfect with a grilled rib-eye steak, sauteed mushrooms and a  loaded baked potato. (Yes, I bought a bottle!) I was able to sneak a taste of the 2008 Creekstone Chardonnay...and wow...what a taste that was! It's described as "ripe apple, pear kiwi, butterscotch, creamy yeast undertones, beautiful oak with a clean finish." Wow, can you taste the butterscotch flavor....I could of taken a case of this one home, but at $16 per bottle, I opted for just one. (Later half consumed by my relatives that are NOT wine drinkers....UGH!)

One cool thing I learned at Habersham Vineyards & Winery is that I can order wine with custom labels on the bottles. Now, there's a neat closing gift for my clients!

The next time you have an opportunity for a day trip from Atlanta, or if you are headed North or South through Georgia, it's well worth your while to make a detour to Helen and pay a visit to Habersham Vineyards & Winery, Helen, Georgia for some really good awesome wine! And the drive and scenery ain't have bad either!

Tasting Room

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757 2010-01-05 18:09:05 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Food for Thought This January Day http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=758 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=758

It looks like this one by the great Debe Maxwell got featured, but it you are like me, you don't always catch the features, and you always appreciate when someone sends something along you might have missed!

THIS would be one of those blogs I want to pass along, in case you missed it! Thanks to by friend Debe for finding and sending this along!

Via Debe Maxwell, Realtor® - Charlotte NC MLS - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (Helen Adams Realty):

Food for Thought This January Day

A palindrome reads the same backwards as it does forward.  This video, which reads the exact opposite backwards as forward, was submitted in an AARP contest.  Not only does this video read the opposite, the meaning is the exact opposite as well. 
           
The young 20-year-old who wrote and read this won second place in the contest sponsored by AARP that was titled "u @ 50."

This video is brilliant--only 1 minute and 44 seconds long.  Read along as you listen, both forward and backwards.  Take the time to watch it--it'll set your mind thinking...

 

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758 2010-01-05 21:43:32 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Success Metrics: 20 Questions to Simply and Quickly Measure Your Progress! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=759 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=759

Melissa is right on with this post! Answer the questions honestly...I did...and I'll share......I got a 47.

Great food for thought!

Via Melissa Galt (Success Mentor & Profit Designer):
You are your biggest and most valuable asset, without you there would be no business, no family, no kids, no house, none of it. So I want you to think about yourself as an investment and write down if you have taken good care of your investment this year or not. Answer the following questions, YES or NO (okay you can say SORT OF if you must) Score at the close.

  1. Did you regularly sleep through the night, confident in your business plan and success?
  2. Did you take care of your health with exercise, eating right, and fun?
  3. Did you enjoy at least one two week vacation in to decompress and recharge?
  4. Did you take the family time you wanted and your family needed?
  5. Did you escape with friends and indulge in your hobbies (whether that's shopping, traveling, golf, bridge, gardening, or a spa day)?
  6. Did you build deeper relationships with clients and customers?
  7. Did you create upsell opportunities to harness repeat buyer patterns?
  8. Did you participate in teleseminars, webinars, and live trainings to take business further?
  9. Did you join a mastermind and become an active participant?
  10. Did you work with a coach or mentor?
  11. Have you learned at least 10 simple and low cost ways to move your business forward?
  12. Did you start a blog?
  13. Has your website been search engine optimized?
  14. Are you an active and valued presence on at least three social (aka success) networks?
  15. Did you launch your ezine?
  16. Are you writing articles?
  17. Have you built a winning team either virtual or real time?
  18. Have you mastered technology or become a slave to it?
  19. Are you taking online connections and building them into real time business relationships?
  20. Did you accomplish what you set out to in 2009?

While these are past tense for 2009, they are present tense for the year ahead. Score yourself as follows: 1 point for No, 2 points for Sort of (see I know you), 4 points for Yes

Under 20 Points, You skipped a question or two!

20 - 40 points, You need a coach/mentor and a plan to make 2010 a lot better than 2009. You are likely suffering a serious lack of focus and prone to chasing bright shiny objects. STOP! You must get clear on your target, your talent and the transformation you offer. Proceed with caution, you can turn it around in 2010 but only by making an about face!

40-60 points, You are on track but struggling a bit. It is likely you need to delegate, reprioritize, and focus on revenue producing activities as well as eliminating a propensity for perfectionism that is standing in your way of success. You can turn it around in 2010.

60-80 points, You are on path and on purpose with passion. You don't get derailed by challenges but keep going and redirect when necessary. You would benefit from a mastermind and a coach if you don't already have them. You want to evaluate your team members and replace any weak links. 2010 is going to be your year!

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759 2010-01-05 22:17:58 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
An Inch (or less) Is All It Takes! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=760 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=760 Yep. We got it! The Big Snow of 2010! All 1/2 to 1 inch of it! Yep. An Inch (or less) Is All It Takes to bring the metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia to a grinding stop.

The Great Snow 2010

Now, that said, before you Northerners jump all over me, I grew up in Montana...so I knows a thing or two about snow! Trust me!

But in Atlanta, our snow always seems to have an identity crisis, and instead of staying snow, it has to turn to this hard stuff called....ICE! and then we have a problem.

I snapped this picture last night as my nephew, Yasiel saw his first snow...EVER! (He came from Cuba a year ago so had never seen this white stuff!) He thought it was fun, but mind you, he does not have to drive in it.

And then, silly me does not bother to get the scoop shovel out of the garage today, and now the bottom of the driveway (read bottom of the hill driveway) is ALL ice. This could make for an interesting departure tomorrow morning. I may opt for a detour across the lawn instead!

Ok, winter....enough. You can leave now.

 

Great Snow

 

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760 2010-01-08 16:59:22 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Plaza Midtown Condo For Rent! 2 Bedrooms and a Publix Market Included! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=761 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=761

Plaza Midtown Condominium For Rent $1950 Per Month! Comes With It's Own Publix Market!

Price: $1950.00

Beds: 2

Baths: 2

Sqft: 1091

Year Built: 2006

Property Address:
44 Peachtree Place
Atlanta, GA 30309
What can be better than on a cold, rainy day, you hop the elevator, go to the groery and get something to keep you warm? Well, that's life at Plaza Midtown! And in this home, you step off the elevator, and the entrance to Publix Market is right there! 2 Bedrooms and 2 baths, with premium next-to-the-elevator parking. Hardwood floors in the living area, and carpet in both bedrooms. Great Northwest view of Atlantic Station and beyond! Home is available now for a 1 year lease!

  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Full Baths
  • Kitchen with Granite and Cherry Cabinets
  • Washer/Dryer Included?
  • Premium Parking on First Garage Level
  • Freshly Painted and Ready For Move In!
  • Great Resort-like Pool Area
  • Club Room
  • Fitness Center
  • Publix Market on Lower Level
  • Marlow's Tavern and Prickly Pear Restaurants
  • Deposit and Application Fee Required
Contact Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
Email Me

My Other Listings

Dramatic Townhome At The Dakota Condominiums
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 475,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Plaza Midtown Condominium For Rent $1950 Per Month! Comes With It's Own Publix Market!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $1950.00
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Statement of Distinction at The Dakota Condominiums
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $2500
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Contemporary Cornerstone Village Home!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 144,900
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $630,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $


Realtor Logo Equal Housing

http://www.classifiedflyerads.com/dirimages/Act]]>
761 2010-01-09 07:58:20 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Stunning Dakota Condminiums Townhome For Rent http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=762 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=762

Statement of Distinction at The Dakota Condominiums

Price: 2400

Beds: 2

Baths: 2.5

Year Built: 2001

Property Address:
850 Piedmont Avenue, #3111
Atlanta, GA 30308
The Midtown Skyline is ever-changing...new office buildings and highrise condominiums. Yet there still remains a quiet corner, shaded by oak trees, where your doors open to a covered veranda and quaint courtyard. This is The Dakota Condominiums. Built in the style of a traditional home, yet the convenience of condominium living with no yard work! Perfect for the busy executive who wants Midtown living without the hassles!

  • Hardwoods and Tile Floors Throughout
  • Library on Main Level Can be 3rd Bedroom
  • Unique Onyx Lighted Bar!
  • Stainless/Granite Kitchen w/ Gas Cooking!
  • Two Master Suites
  • French Doors to Covered Veranda
  • Rooftop Pool and Gym
  • 1 Year Lease with Security Deposit
  • 2 Parking Spaces
  • Pets Considered
Contact Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker
800 Peachtree Street, Suite E
Atlanta GA 30308
770-713-1505
More Listing Information
The Thom And Ray Team
Email Me

My Other Listings

Dramatic Townhome At The Dakota Condominiums
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 475,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Plaza Midtown Condominium For Rent $1950 Per Month! Comes With It's Own Publix Market!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $1950.00
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Statement of Distinction at The Dakota Condominiums
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 2400
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Contemporary Cornerstone Village Home!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: 144,900
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
975 PIEDMONT. WHERE HISTORIC AND MODERN MEET IN MIDTOWN.
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $630,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2.5
Convenience. Affordability. Location. Amenities. All Part of Life at Cornerstone Village in Midtown!
Location: Atlanta, GA
List Price: $145,000
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Atlanta Real Estate Relocation Services! Intown Neighborhood Specialists!
List Price: $


  Realtor Logo Equal Housing


http://www.classifiedflyerads.com/dirimages/ActiveRain/273392.j

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762 2010-01-09 08:06:10 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Biltmore House In Asheville North Carolina http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=764 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=764 Ok. You ever had one of those conversations about a subject, and the a question is asked, and you don't have the answer? And then you can't rest UNTIL you FIND the answer? Good. Me too.

Somehow, the topic of The Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina came up in a conversation between my partner Ray and our nephew, Yasiel. Maybe it was history, or related to a car club event I once did there. Not sure.

But, the question was, "How much did it cost to BUILD The Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina?

The search finally landed me on Answers.com so I can only take their word for it.

Biltmore House

 

Considering the CPI index, the Original cost would be about $10 million.

In 2009 dollars.......     $ 289,546,168.25

Wow, I'd love to be a part of that home sale!

 

Just in case YOU wanted to know!

 

 

I've not visited here in several years, and Yasiel (only 20) said, "I wanna go THERE!" We'll plan for the spring when all the tulips will be in bloom! Maybe we'll see you there!

 

If your looking for a new home or condo, be it 175,000 sq ft (the size of Biltmore House) or 1,750 square feet in Midtown Atlanta, why not call The Thom and Ray Team? We'll be sure to find the one that has just the right amount of space for you!

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764 2010-01-10 07:40:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Neighbors' Association Mingle In Midtown http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=765 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=765 Midtown Neighbors' Association Mingle In Midtown

Since I moved to Midtown Atlanta, and began selling real estate in the same area, I have taken pride in being involved and a volunteer in my community.

I'm currently on the Midtown Neighbors' Association' Board of Directors and the Chair of the Membership Committee! (a.k.a another sales job, but with no pay!) But it has given me the opportunity to meet many new people. One of the Membership Committee functions is to coordinate and host the monthly neighborhood Happy Hour, called Mingle In Midtown!

If you are a resident in Midtown Atlanta, I'd like to invite you to our next Mingle In Midtown! Come on down and meet your neighbors!

Mingle In Midtown

And while you are out and about in Midtown Atlanta, if you are looking for in Midtown Atlanta Condos, let

The Thom And Ray Team show you what's available!

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765 2010-01-12 18:50:38 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
FHA has lifted the 90-day seasoning requirement! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=766 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=766

Good News Indeed! Let's spread the word!

Via Dave Rosenmarkle (Highland Realty):

The news is spreading fast...  As reported out from FHA on January 15, 2010 -

HUD TAKES ACTION TO SPEED RESALE OF FORECLOSED PROPERTIES TO NEW OWNERS

Measure to help bring stability to home values and accelerate sale of vacant properties WASHINGTON -

In an effort to stabilize home values and improve conditions in communities where foreclosure activity is high, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced a temporary policy that will expand access to FHA mortgage insurance and allow for the quick resale of foreclosed properties.

The announcement is part of the Obama administration commitment to addressing foreclosure. Just yesterday, Secretary Donovan announced $2 billion in Neighborhood Stabilization Program grants to local communities and nonprofit housing developers to combat the effects of vacant and abandoned homes.

"As a result of the tightened credit market, FHA-insured mortgage financing is often the only means of financing available to potential homebuyers," said Donovan. "FHA has an unprecedented opportunity to fulfill its mission by helping many homebuyers find affordable housing while contributing to neighborhood stabilization."

With certain exceptions, FHA currently prohibits insuring a mortgage on a home owned by the seller for less than 90 days. This temporary waiver will give FHA borrowers access to a broader array of recently foreclosed properties.

"This change in policy is temporary and will have very strict conditions and guidelines to assure that predatory practices are not allowed," Donovan said.

In today's market, FHA research finds that acquiring, rehabilitating and the reselling these properties to prospective homeowners often takes less than 90 days. Prohibiting the use of FHA mortgage insurance for a subsequent resale within 90 days of acquisition adversely impacts the willingness of sellers to allow contracts from potential FHA buyers because they must consider holding costs and the risk of vandalism associated with allowing a property to sit vacant over a 90-day period of time.

The policy change will permit buyers to use FHA-insured financing to purchase HUD-owned properties, bank-owned properties, or properties resold through private sales. This will allow homes to resell as quickly as possible, helping to stabilize real estate prices and to revitalize neighborhoods and communities. "FHA borrowers, because of the restrictions we are now lifting, have often been shut out from buying affordable properties," said FHA Commissioner David H. Stevens.

"This action will enable our borrowers, especially first-time buyers, to take advantage of this opportunity." The waiver will take effect on February 1, 2010 and is effective for one year, unless otherwise extended or withdrawn by the FHA Commissioner.

To protect FHA borrowers against predatory practices of "flipping" where properties are quickly resold at inflated prices to unsuspecting borrowers, this waiver is limited to those sales meeting the following general conditions: * All transactions must be arms-length, with no identity of interest between the buyer and seller or other parties participating in the sales transaction.

* In cases in which the sales price of the property is 20 percent or more above the seller's acquisition cost, the waiver will only apply if the lender meets specific conditions.

* The waiver is limited to forward mortgages, and does not apply to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for purchase program. Specific conditions and other details of this new temporary policy are in the text of the waiver, available on HUD's website.

 

Dave Rosenmarkle

Broker/Owner

Highland Realty

Arlington, VA

(703) 538-2566

davidrose@mris.com

www.HighlandAgents.com

 

 

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766 2010-01-17 20:22:31 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Plaza Midtown For Rent - 1 Bedroom Luxury Condo with Publix Market http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=767 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=767
Thom Abbott, GRI | Morris & Raper InTown | 770-713-1505
44 Peachtree Street, #1028, Atlanta, GA
Plaza Midtown spacious condo with great home office space. Filled
with natural light!
1BR/1BA Condo
$1,350/month
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage 768
Parking 1 dedicated
Pet Policy Cats, Small dogs (< 25lbs)
Deposit $1,350

DESCRIPTION

Experience all that Midtown Atlanta has to offer! Live at The Plaza Midtown! Spacious 1 bedroom with hardwood floors! Sleek Kitchen features stainless appliances, granite counters and rich cherry cabinets that provide extra storage. Washer/Dryer Included! This floor plan offers a convenient built in desk area, perfect for the work-at-home person. Resort-style amenities included pool, fitness center, club house and grilling areas! Elevator ride to Publix Market, Marlow’s Tavern, JChristopher’s and more! Midtown MARTA station is just across the street, making airport access easy for the busy traveler. Just lock the door and you are on your way! ! Ready for Move-in TODAY




see additional photos below
RENTAL FEATURES

- Air conditioning - Central heat - High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Tile floor
- Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop
- Stainless steel appliances - Washer - Dryer
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Swimming pool - High-speed internet

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Clubhouse - Fitness center - Swimming pool(s)
- Gated property - Secured entry - Elevator
- New property (< 5 years)


LEASE TERMS

Available for a 1 year lease. Application Fee of $45 required.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Plaza Midtown

Kitchen View

Living Room

Fitness Center

Resort Pool Area

Club Room
Contact info:
Thom Abbott, GRI
Morris & Raper InTown
770-713-1505

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Dec 17, 2009, 8:44am PST
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767 2010-01-18 09:02:04 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Resources for ActiveRain Training and Support http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=768 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=768

Just posted back in December (The blog training calendar shows December dates) the psot from Brad is a GREAT way to pick up some tips here on Active Rain! I'm throwing it out here again for those new people that may read my blog, and be looking for those tips!

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

Resources for ActiveRain Training and Support

Are you a new member on ActiveRain?  Are you looking for the manual or guide?  Do you have questions, feel lost or overwhelmed by all the cool stuff ActiveRain has to offer?  Help is here, but do you know where to find it?  Many of the questions, calls, emails, and tickets I receive always start off with, "How do I.....?"

Here are some of the best resources for ActiveRain training, coaching, and support. 

  • Getting Started on ActiveRain - A post to help you get started
    The "Getting Started" link located on the main ActiveRain Page
  • ActiveRain Training Webinars - Webinars for new members
    Webinars held Tuesdays and Thursdays - Here's the Calendar
  • Real Estate RainCamps - "Live" Conference for Members and Non-Members
    RainCamp.com teaches you more in a day than you could learn in a year
  • The Help/FAQ Group - Multitude of member contributed tutorials
    Help/FAQ group provides members a place to share and learn
  • The ActiveRain Guide - Blog featuring multi-authored Instructions
    ActiveRainGuide.com culmination of members posts to support YOU
  • The "Search" Tool - Keyword or Phrase Search Tool for members
    Searching ActiveRain couldn't be easier using the AR "Search"
  • ActiveBrad Tutorials - Blog posts written for members needing help
    This is an eBook I have been building since I joined ActiveRain back in 02/07

Now that you've seen all the places to learn and get support, are you still unsure where to start?  Here's my suggestion.  If I were brand new to ActiveRain, or had signed up a while back and were just returning, I would make it a point to at least visit each of the above links to become familiar with what help, support, and training is available here, then I would go sign up for one or two of Steven Graham's Training webinars. 

For details on what's covered, here's a link.

We are constantly trying to improve and enhance the Network and Community.  We will continue trying to provide you with the support and necessary tools and training to help you make the most and best use of your time here.  If you are new to ActiveRain, we welcome you aboard. If you're a returning member and notice things look a bit different around here, then this post is for you too, and we welcome you back.  I'm excited and looking forward to witnessing your growth and successes in the "Rain!"

The ABC's of ActiveRain

ActiveRain Blogging Can Deliver Excellent Feeds Google Harnesses.  Individuals Journaling Knowledge, Literally Manifests Numerous Opportunities Producing Quality Results.  So Try Utilizing Various Wisdoms, X-ert Yourself Zestfully!  Wow, that was kinda fun! :-)


"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here for New Member Discount
Visit RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Has Changed!"

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768 2010-01-18 19:21:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
I'm Alive Today!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=769 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=769 You know how some days your feet just hit the floor, and you are ready to jam? Nothing special, just a great feeling? You know you are going to be productive. It's going to rain, so you'll get more work done ('cuz you won't want to be outside.)

You almost feel electric! And it's not because you have already had to much coffee.....LOL!

Let's face it, times are tough. Period. I'm sure there might be a movie star, or two, or twenty that are not feeling to much pain right now. There could be a movie director with a state-of-the-art 3D movie out that may not be feeling to much pain. But there are plenty others that are. In varying degrees from tragedy to a tough real estate market.

But you know what? One day, I know I'll be able to look back and laugh on these times and how they affected my life. But for today....I'm Alive!

Make it count everyone!

 

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769 2010-01-20 07:57:33 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
A real Hero with an incredible attitude and lesson for us all! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=770 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=770

Just in case you thought you were having a rough life.....

I've often wondered how I could/would cope with such a life changing event. I don't want to find out, but wow, do I admire people who have been able to do what Jason has done.....

Awesome!

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770 2010-01-23 20:02:50 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Dispelling myths about FHA changes http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=771 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=771

Good sources of information are worthy of passing along.

Thanks Ken, for being one of those sources!

Via Ken Cook, FHA Home Loans 678-439-8683:

Changes always make for great conversation. Just a few years ago that conversation was relatively limited in reach to inner office or group communication. With the advent and proliferation of the Internet and all it brings information truly spreads at the speed of light. With everyone having the same amount of reach regardless of having the same knowledge and experience the "playing field" for readership is equalized.

The Federal Housing Administration, the arm of the Department of Housing and Urban Development which insures mortgages on millions of home, recently adopted some changes and announced a smattering of proposed changes which have the potential of making it more difficult for struggling Americans to enter the housing market or make a change in housing.

FHA home loansAccounting demonstrates FHA loans to be in default or foreclosure 18% of the time when the standard is 14%. Numbers like these are massive compared to the levels of just 6% and 4% of a couple years ago. Obviously it is important for every lender and insurer to take steps to protect their own ability to continue in business and providing employment for the families who depend on them. Since the FHA is one of the only government programs which operates at a profit without taxpayer assistance it is important to the organization, industry and people it remain that way.

Some of the announcements by HUD are scheduled take effect while others are still open for public comment even though they have been "reported" as final and factual.The following intends to dispell the myths.

FHA down payments has been increased to 5% FALSE

HUD has proposed raising the minimum down payment to 10% for borrowers with a minimum middle credit score of lower than 580. Proposing this change HUD will place it into the Federal Register for open comment in February. Open comment means if you think this is a bad, or good, idea you need to make your input known during the comment period instead of voicing your opinion after it goes into effect.

FHA upfront mortgage insurance is increasing TRUE

Effective for FHA loans for which the case number is assigned on or after April 5, 2010, FHA will collect an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 2.25 percent. This includes both types of streamline refinances whether credit or non-credit qualifying. Case numbers are assigned at the time of full application when the lending process begins.

The HUD anti-flip rule has been waived TRUE

The waiver will take effect on February 1, 2010 and is effective for one year, unless otherwise extended or withdrawn by the FHA Commissioner. To protect FHA borrowers against predatory practices of "flipping" where properties are quickly resold at inflated prices to unsuspecting borrowers, this waiver is limited to those sales meeting the following general conditions:

* All transactions must be arms-length, with no identity of interest between the buyer and seller or other parties participating in the sales transaction.
* In cases in which the sales price of the property is 20 percent or more above the seller's acquisition cost, the waiver will only apply if the lender meets specific conditions.
* The waiver is limited to forward mortgages, and does not apply to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for purchase program.

Seller concessions have been decreased by 50% FALSE

More than anything this is a throw-down to the appraisers of the nation. The proposed change, to be placed into the Federal Register for open comment in February, intends to decrease the allowable seller contribution from the existing level of 6% of the sales price to a maximum of 3%. This is another one of those opportunities you have to make your professional experience known during the open comment period instead of waiting until after it goes into effect.

Do yourself, your clients and your industry a favor and make sure you fully understand or work with a trusted FHA professional who comprehends changes like these. Many industry participants rush to blog or otherwise pontificate about changes without taking the time to digest the changes, speak with a representative of HUD or engage an experienced FHA mortgage professional.

Ken Cook - Georgia - FHA, USDA, VA and Conventional Home Loans (678) 439-8683

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771 2010-01-23 20:13:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Olde Ivy At Vinings/ Smyrna 3 Bedroom Townhome For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=772 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=772
Olde Ivy At Vinings Smyrna 3 Bedrooms


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood














$262,000
Townhouse
For Sale
Main Features
3 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Interior: 2040 sqft
Location
4796 Ivy Ridge Drive, SE
Smyrna, GA 30080

Thom A. Abbott

Thom A. Abbott

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
See more Smyrna, GA real estate for sale


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772 2010-01-24 14:42:23 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Dakota Condominiums Stunning 3 Bedroom For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=773 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=773
The Dakota Condominiums


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$475,000
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2442 sqft
Location
850 Piedmont Avenue
#3111
Atlanta, GA 30309

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper Intown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


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773 2010-01-24 16:11:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=774 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=774 Ok, you all know me well enough NOT to ever be speechless!

Keep your fingers crossed that the real estate gods (or whomever you want to refer to) will send me to the closing table enough this spring to get my good friend, Wilma The Wildcat back on the street.

I mean really, is that not a striking example of what Detroit could produce back in the good old days?

Buick Wildcat Convertible`

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774 2010-01-24 16:20:40 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Brian Dover of Sharpe Mortgage Has Jumped Into The Rain! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=775 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=775 I'm always excited to see the number of members in the Active Rain Network! And I'm even MORE excited to announce that Brian Dover of Sharpe Mortgage Has Jumped Into The Rain!

 

Brian Dover

Brian and I have known each other for at least the 7 years he's been in the mortgage business, and maybe even longer? (Time flies, eh Brian?) He's done a majority of the loans for my clients, and he's made the process a smooth one for everyone.

You don't have to listen to just me. You can ask his clients. You can even ask my good best friend, Debe Maxwell of Charlotte!! She will tell you what a great job Brian has done!

So, take a moment, and stop by Brian's First Blog Post, and give him a big ole' Active Rain Welcome Aboard!

And if you are an agent in Georgia, Tennessee or Florida, you owe it to yourself, AND your clients to talk to Brian! And if you are a Buyer, you owe it to your self to talk to Brian!

Welcome To The Rain, Brian! You're gonna have a blast getting wet!

 

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775 2010-01-31 11:21:20 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Spire Midtown Atlanta Condominiums Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=776 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=776 Spire Midtown Atlanta

 

 

 

As we take a look at the Midtown Atlanta Condo market, I want to share with you not only 2009, but what has happened in the market place since 2007. The Spire Midtown Atlanta Condominiums Annual Market Report tells the story of what is happening in many of our condo buildings.

 

First, let's look at the number of sales in Spire Midtown in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Spire Midtown Atlanta Condominiums

As you can see, the market for this building is half of what it was just 2 years ago. And as with the decrease in sales, so comes the decrease in the sales price.

 

Spire Midtown Atlanta Condominiums

 

Average Days on the Market:  2007 - 103   2008 - 75  2009 - 98

 

While the Spire Midtown Atlanta Condominiums Annual Market Report numbers are challenging for those who are trying to sell, it certainly shows the values to the Buyers that are looking to move to Midtown Atlanta, and to Spire Midtown.

If you are looking for a condo in Midtown Atlanta, and especially in Spire Midtown Atlanta, I'd be happy to tell your more about the homes available in this community, located right on Peachtree Street!

 

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776 2010-01-31 14:14:32 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Plaza Midtown Atlanta Condominium Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=777 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=777 Plaza Midtown Atlanta Condominiums

 

Plaza Midtown is a unique Midtown Atlanta condominium community. The design features twin towers, with seperate lobbies and varying views of Midtown, Downtown and beyond. The community has a resort-like pool area located on the 6th Floor, complete with gardens, grills and a club house and fitness center.

Plaza Midtown is unique by having the Publix Supermarket located on the street level of the building! It's a big selling feature for this community!

As we can see in the Plaza Midtown Atlanta Condominium Annual Market Report, this building has taken quite a hit in values. Since it was completed in 2006, many people bought at the height of the market, and this building has felt the pinch from short sales and foreclosures.

However, the number of sales in 2009 equal the number of sales in 2007. That again is from the short sales and foreclosures that have provided excellent bargins for buyers while home owners have been taking the hit.

 

Plaza Midtown Atlanta Condominiums

 

But as the next graph shows, The Plaza Midtown Atlanta has felt the challenges of the real estate market in price....

 

Plaza Midtown Atlanta Condominiums

 

There are certainly owners in this community that will be looking for awhile for their values to return. That said, this building again represents a tremendous opportunity for the first-time buyer to move into a luxury high-rise building in Midtown Atlanta that they might not of been able to afford just a year ago. Important to note, this building is FHA approved, since spot approvals are no longer allowed, effective February 1, 2010. Brian Dover with Sharpe Mortgage brought this to our attention today on Brian's Blog.

If you would like to view some of the great opportunities available in this building after looking at the Plaza Midtown Atlanta Condominium Annual Market Report, contact The Thom And Ray Team and let us show you what living in Plaza Midtown is all about!

 

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777 2010-01-31 16:07:55 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Metropolis Midtown Atlanta Condominium Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=778 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=778  

Before we dive into the Metropolis Midtown Atlanta Condominium Annual Market Report, let me give you a brief description of this Midtown condo community.

Metropolis Condominiums Midtown Atlanta

 

The Metropolis was the building that really started the stream of Midtown condo buildings that exist today. Developed by Novare Group in partnership with Wood Partners (Novare also developed Spire Midtown, followed by Viewpoint Midtown), it was completed in 2002. It includes 498 units in two towers.

When the building was first propsoed, the North Tower was to be condos, and the South Tower was going to be apartments. Sales were so brisk for the North Tower that the apartment plans were scrapped and became condos as well.  The building was not the first Midtown attempt at combining retail and residential, but it was the first to have 40,000 sq. ft. of retail at the street level.

The building was "the talk of the town" as they used large cranes to move trees from the street to the 6th Floor Amenity Deck.

While still a very popular Midtown address, the Metropolis Midtown Atlanta Condominium Annual Market Report shows that the building too has experienced decreased sales and decreased pricing.

 

 

Metropolis Midtown Atlanta

 

Metropolis Midtown Atlanta

 

If you are looking for a Midtown Atlanta Condo, why not contact  The Thom And Ray Team? I'll be happy to show you Metropolis Midtown or any of the other great living opportunities in Midtown! It's a great time to buy, and Metropolis is FHA Approved!

 

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778 2010-01-31 17:06:36 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Georgia Missed The Train! Imagine That! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=779 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=779 Atlanta Georgia SkylineI've lived in Atlanta a long time. In fact, this is the longest I have lived in any one place, with the exception of living with my parents before going to college. I came to Atlanta first in 1991 as the result of a job transfer with Hilton Hotels.  I was here for a year, and then bought my first house, which I still own today. It was probably the physical tie that brought me back here in 1994. (I was transferred in late 1992 to New York, and then accepted a job back here in Atlanta in '94) And I've been here ever since.

I've watched the city grow in more ways than one. From bad air days to bad hair days to highways and high-rises. But, Atlanta has always had a problem managing their growth. I'm not a politician, and I don't profess to know or understand all that has, or will go on. But one thing does seem clear to me, Atlanta, and the state of Georgia really know how to miss the train!

Centennial Olympic Park PlaqueA couple examples come to mind. 1996 and the Olympics. Now, I won't say we missed the train....we really did get some nice improvements....Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta is a fine addition to the city. As is Turner Field....the former newly constructed Olympic Stadium that was then 2/3 "un-constructed" to make the current Turner Field. In the process, we lost the Fulton County Stadium. It was old, and I don't suppose you need TWO stadiums side by side, now do you? (BTW, I've got an areial photo of that somewhere...it's really quite a sight!)

Then there was the NASCAR Museum. Proposed for Downtown Atlanta, it would of really helped our tourism business. Sitting next to the World of Coke, the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park and CNN Center.....wow...that would of been quite the gig! But, it seems we waited a bit to late to "sweeten the deal" and it went to Charlotte, NC. Now, that said, did Atlanta really HAVE a shot at getting the museum? That might be the $20 million question, but we will never know the answer.

Georgia High Speed Rail

 

Now, in 2010, it seems we have once again missed the train...this time literally! As reported in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper, our neighbor state to the North, North Carolina that is, and especially Charlotte, have been spending some $300 million since 1992 to improve their passenger rail service. That thought out planning has given them a nice reward.....to the tune of a $545 million chunk of the Obama $8 billion high-speed rail stimulus. Georgia.

Oh yeah...we got a little morsel of $750,000 to continue to study high speed rail.

And to add salt to the wound, our neighbors to the South, Florida landed a cool $1.25 billion, yes, I said BILLION to start work on a high-speed train from Orlando to Tampa. (Mickey wants to see the animals at Busch Gardens?)

Atlanta business leaders have long feared such an announcement. "It matters very much," said Renay Blumenthal, senoir vice president at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, which has been advocating for high-speed rail planning for the last 10 years.  A high-speed rail from Washington, D.C. down the East Coast and missing Atlanta is not a good thing for business. And it appears that line will end in Charlotte. Lines on maps show the rail would of gone down to Atlanta, if it had been funded.

The article goes on to say that Atlanta did apply for a major grant from the $8 billion, asking for money to build a line between Macon and Atlanta (I'm still trying to understand the benefit of THAT line). Problem is, Georgia already has some $80 million in fedral money for the project which it has yet to spend.

Come on Georgia....Atlanta's original name was Terminus because of all the rail lines that came into and out of Atlanta. We've got a world-class airport. But, I guess we have been left standing on the platform when it comes to rail. Oh well.



Charlotte Light Rail Car

By the way, some "bright" people tried to give Atlantan's a taste of what our proposed Peachtree Streetcar could like like when a new rail car, bound for....yep, you got it....Charlotte, made a brief stop at Centennial Olympic Park. I happened to catch a news item about it, and made it down there as they were getting ready to load it back on the truck. Here's a few pictures from that very, very cold day!

 

 

 

 

Thom and The TrainThom and the Train

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNN Hotel and Charlotte Train

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779 2010-02-01 15:49:14 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Real Estate - UNDER CONTRACT - 751 Piedmont Avenue, NE 30308 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=780 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=780 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate - UNDER CONTRACT - 751 Piedmont Avenue, NE, 30308

 

Midtown Square

What a great Midtown location! A multi-level townhome with it's own garage! Just what my buyer was looking for! It's a foreclosure and he's getting it at a great price the the opportunity to build equity over the long term!

If you are looking for great Midtown Atlanta Real Estate opportunities, why not give The Thom And Ray Team a call? We will help you find just what you are looking for.

 

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780 2010-02-01 16:58:09 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
UPS CEO Declares End To Recession! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=781 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=781 UPS CEO Declares End to Recession

United Parcel Service

 

In an article that appeared today in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the CEO of Atlanta-based United Parcel Service has declared an end to the recession after UPS announced it's 4th Quarter profits were up a record 200%!!

You can read the article at The AJC Business News page of their website.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm not seeing any 200% increase in profits....yet. Things look a bit better, but I still think we have a ways to go.

What's your thoughts?

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781 2010-02-02 14:10:38 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Park Central Midtown Atlanta Condominium Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=782 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=782 Park Central Midtown Atlanta Condominium Annual Market Report

 

Park Central Condominiums Midtown Atlanta

In preparing our Annual Market Reports for the major condominium buildings in Midtown has led us to some interesting findings.

And the Park Central Midtown Atlanta Condominium Annual Market Report has certainly done just that.

Park Central is a unique Midtown living opportunity for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they have an indoor and an outdoor pool! Yep! Swimming in the dead of a cold Atlanta Winter? What more can you ask for?

Well, the amenities don't stop there. Add a cardio room, weight room, aerobics room, sauna, ping pong, outdoor grills and LOTS of guest parking!

Park Central is the result of a 1999 conversion from apartments to condos. The community has 397 units, 603 parking spaces and 33 guest parking spaces.

 

In terms of sales activity, the Park Central Midtown Atlanta Condominium Annual Market Report has seen their sales drop from 2008 to 2009, But overall, the commuinty has done very well with our challenging market. Here are their sales and prices.

Park Central Condos Midtown Atlanta

 

Park Central Condominiums Midtown Atlanta

 

Park Central has really managed to hold the value compared to many of the Midtown Atlanta condo communities.

Of course, their great location just 2 blocks from Piedmont Park, as well as close proximity to shopping, nightlife and restaurants all combine to make this a great place to live!

If you are interested in seeing one of the homes currently on the market in Park Central, why not give The Thom And Ray Team a call! We have all the floor plans and can help you find just the right one to make your new home! Don't forget, the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit requires you be Under Contract by April 30, 2010! And Park Central is a great opportunity for the First Time Buyer!

 

 

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782 2010-02-03 15:13:33 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Dakota Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=783 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=783 The Dakota Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report

Dakota Condominiums Midtown Atlanta

 

The Dakota Condominiums provide for a unique condominium living option in Midtown Atlanta. Why is that? Built in 2001, the homes here have the feel of just that...a home! Finished with crown moulding and upgraded finishes are one of the reasons. But, also, the community has a series of two-story townhomes that open directly to courtyards, giving them even more of a feel of a house, but all the conveniences of condo living.

The Dakota Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report  shows a very interesting look at the sales and prices in this building. The prices and sales peaked in 2008, both in terms of the number of homes sold, and the

 

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783 2010-02-03 15:32:07 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
905 Juniper Condominium Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=784 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=784 905 Juniper Condominium Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report

905 Juniper Midtown Atlanta

 

This mid-rise building has some unique features, including several live-work homes that offer direct street access for the work-from-home professional.

The building was completed in 2006, and the developer worked with buyers to combine some units, so there are now some 3 bedroom custom homes in the building.

Sales in the building have been a challenge? That's hard to say. But for 2009, there was only one lucky homeowner that got to call a moving van. And in 2008, there were no sales of 2 bedroom homes.

Here's what we found as we prepared the 905 Juniper Condominium Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report.

 

 

905 Juniper Midtown Atlanta

 

905 Juniper Condominium

 

Let's see what 2010 brings to 905 Juniper. There is currently two of those 3 bedroom homes on the market.

If you are looking for a Midtown Atlanta Condominium, why not let the team that knows Midtown find the right home for you. Contact The Thom And Ray Team today and let's get looking!

 

 

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784 2010-02-03 16:07:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cornerstone Village Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=785 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=785 Cornerstone Village Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report

 

Cornerstone VillageIf you are looking for value, location, and a bit of history, then Cornerstone Village has just what you are looking for. This community is another conversion from apartments to condominiums, but offers 4 different buildings within the community.

Two of the buildings are historic in nature, and the other two were new construction in 1999.

The current market conditions offer the bargin hunter that wants an Intown condo some great options, especially in the one bedrooms.

Here's the Cornerstone Village Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report.

 

 

 

Cornerstone Village Market Report

 

Cornerstone Village

Just to clarify the numbers above (my graph maker refused to not run on top of itself!) - The 2007 2 bedroom sales price was $235,222, and 2008 was $233,375. For the 1 bedrooms, 2007 was $151,752 and for 2008 was $151,511. Short sales and foreclosures have brought the 1 bedroom price down for 2009, again making Cornerstone Village Condominiums a great long-term buy.

If you are looking for Midtown Atlanta Condominiums, contact The Thom And Ray Team and we'll find you just the right place to call home!

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785 2010-02-03 16:28:55 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Best Of Times Or The Worst Of Times To Buy A Home? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=786 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=786

John...you really make some great points for people to look at as they consider buying a home. I always tell my clients if they think they could get a job transfer in the next 3-5 years, be careful what and where they buy as they could be in a tough position!

Great post to share to my readers!

Via John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com):

woman in front of houseAll the confusing information about the economy and housing market has left potential home buyers scratching their heads and wondering, if this is the best of times or the worst of times to buy a home? Recent news reports have shown charts that demonstrate how renting may be significantly less expensive than buying. Others may point to the dangers of further declines in home prices. What’s a buyer to do?

 

The answer, may seem complicated as a whole, but is actually quite simple for the individual. If you find the home you need at a attractive price that you can afford, buy if you need to buy. What does that mean? It means that those considering the purchase of a new home must make the decision on whether or not buying is a prudent choice for them; and that’s pretty easy to determine. The following questions will help to guide you in the right direction:

 

Do you really need to purchase? Is it possible that renting would be a better choice because of job instability or the prospect that you’ll need to move within a short time? Look at the rentals available and compare the costs of renting to that of owning. With apartment vacancies the highest in decades, and with a large number of rental homes in great locations, renting can be a great option for some; and rents are currently extremely attractive.

Is your employment secure/income stable? Unless you’re relatively certain of your employment prospects in the foreseeable future, buying a home can be a risky endeavor. With downsizing, layoffs, business closures, and a weak economy, many potential buyers have elected to remain out of the market until the recovery begins in earnest.

Are you reasonably certain you won’t need more space or that you won’t relocate within the next 3 – 5 years? If you anticipate an increase in the size of your family or if there are other reasons you might need to upgrade to a larger home in the near future, you should purchase for that likelihood. If your financial situation doesn’t allow for the larger purchase, postponing may be the better choice.

Are your finances in order? Do you have a good credit rating (Click HERE for the real sources of FREE credit reports)? Do you have a regular savings program? Lenders will love you if you do, and the savings may help you to qualify for a better rate. And you may need some of those savings for the down payment or other expenses associated with loan closing and moving.

Can you afford the home you want? Don’t get caught in the trap of straining your budget. Buy what you can comfortably afford (Click HERE for an easy calculation to help you determine how much you should allocate to a home purchase).

Are you familiar with the local housing market? It’s imperative that you become familiar with the area in which you plan to live. Look at homes on the market; get an understanding of pricing and value; and evaluate drive times to work, schools, and shopping. You should also research the statistics of neighborhoods in which you’re interested (For links to helpful websites, click HERE).

 

There are some great bargains available for those who would like to purchase a home, but sorting through the maze of inventory and negotiating the best deal requires the help of a professional. I’d recommend recruiting an experienced real estate agent to guide you in your search. They’re familiar with the market, with pricing, with short sales and foreclosures; and can help you avoid making a costly mistake.

 

Finally, if you have determined that buying is your best choice, the government wants to help you make that purchase with a tax credit that can be as much as $8,000 for qualified buyers (Click HERE for more information).

 

For more great home buying or selling tips, visit: The Housing Guru

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786 2010-02-04 20:34:11 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
GM Plant In Doraville Finds A Buyer! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=787 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=787 GM Plant In Doraville Finds A Buyer

 

In our challenging economic and real estate times, this is like the Boston Philharmonic breaking out with the Willimam Tell Overture!

Doraville GM PlantIn a story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on January 28th, it was reported that Orlando-based New Broad Street Cos has signed a deal to buy the massive 165 acre site, adjacent to the Doraville MARTA Station and the intersections of I-285 and I-85, also known as Spaghetti Junction. The company has said it plans to build a "clean and green community of houses, shops, restaurants and offices on the site. The deal is expected to close in early summer, altho the purchase price will not be disclosed.

Back in May, 2008, I wrote a blog post about this exciting opportunity for the city (more like a town) of Doraville. The City of Doraville has been skipped for many developments that have jumped to its neighbor, Chamblee, or even farther North to Norcross. Now, Doraville will have the chance to claim its right to "being on the map." An article about MARTA in the AJC once indicated the Chamblee MARTA station by name, but the Doraville station was but a dot on the map, with no mention of the station name.

Later, in August, 2008, I wrote another post about the Final Four. In glancing back at my previ0ous posts, I cannot confirm if New Borad Street was in fact one of the Final four that GM had been considering.

An interesting website, The Doraville Project, gives you more detail as to the size and scope, as well as the location of this impressive piece of land!

I've been absent from Doraville politics even though my "suburban" home is located there. I think I'll be paying a bit more attention to this now, and hope to keep you informed of any updates.

And for those of you not familiar with where Doraville is in relation to Midtown Atlanta, here is a map!

Doraville, Georgia

 

If you want to think ahead, there are some close-by neighborhoods that offer some great values NOW, that will most likely appreciate in the years ahead as this development comes along. One in particular is within walking distance of the MARTA station. If you are interested in Doraville Real Estate, we would be happy to show you what available as well as the area around this up-and-coming development!

 

 

 

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787 2010-02-05 14:04:01 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Plaza Midtown 1 Bedroom For Sale! Elevator Ride To Publix Market! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=788 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=788
Plaza Midtown 1 Bedroom For Sale


Overview
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Photos
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$169,000
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
Interior: 768 sqft
Location
44 Peachtree Place
1028
Atlanta, GA 30309

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper Intown
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788 2010-02-05 19:52:58 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Plaza Midtown Luxury 2 Bedroom For Rent AVAILABLE NOW! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=789 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=789 Plaza Midtown Luxury 2 Bedroom For Rent AVAILABLE NOW!

 

 

Plaza Midtown 2 Bedroom For Rent


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Market Stats














$1,950
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1091 sqft
Location
44 Peachtree Place
1624
Atlanta, GA 30309

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
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789 2010-02-06 15:00:42 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Is Congress Working to Create Yet Another Potential Hurdle to Real Estate Recovery? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=790 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=790

I actually bumped into this post on Jason's Facebook page (Power of social media) and so hoped he had posted it at Active Rain as well.

I'm afraid the American public has turned a blind eye to ALL, repeat, ALL that is going on in Washington. Yes, we are all concerned about our jobs, and our homes, and then probably affordable health care.

But all these other things being slipped through the cracks without the public either knowing or paying attention.....scares the holy crap (you know what I would of rather said) right out of me.

Thanks Jason for a great post....

Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):
To preface this post, I should probably state that it's not strictly political in nature.  For those of you who read my blog regularly, you know that I don't often write about politics, and I don't strictly define myself as a Democrat OR a Republican.  However, I do think and hope there's a bit of self-preservation in all of us.  Call it instinct.  This issue I will write about here has the potential to further damage our industry, so I felt compelled to air it for discussion/action.  My ideas are my own, and I don't claim any level of economic expertise other than my business degree and my own experience running a small business since 1996.  Now that we have that out of the way, read on...

Not long ago, President Obama gave his State of the Union address.  At one point, he was talking about regulating the banking industry and the rest of the financial sector.  There was an irony that I saw there, when it occurred to me that in their zeal to do something about the financial mess which they likely helped to create, Congress is now looking at the possibility of passing measures that could further damage the housing and mortgage industries. 

Over-regulation probably won't solve our problems, at least not as I see it.

So, what am I referring to here, anyway?

Well, I had lunch with a good friend of mine not too long ago, and he brought to my attention that a number of Senate Democrats recently sent a letter to the Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke (on Christmas Eve, no less), urging him to adopt new regulations which would ban yield spread premiums for mortgage brokers.  The letter was headed up by Sen. Merkley, and it was co-signed by about 18 other Democrats.  To read it yourself, visit https://www.namb.org/images/namb/GovernmentAffairs/Senate%20Letter%20to%20Fed-YSP%2012242009.pdf.  The National Association of Mortgage Brokers has been working overtime to keep their members informed on this.

If you aren't familiar with yield spread premiums, or YSP's, here's one definition from Wikipedia, "the money or rebate paid to a mortgage broker for giving a borrower a higher interest rate on a loan in exchange for lower up front costs."  This means that YSPs can often help to defray costs for buyers.  I won't claim to understand all of the requirements therein, and it won't really matter for the purposes of this post.

I did take some time to read through the actual regulations that they are considering instituting, and some of the language there was disturbing to me:

To address the concerns related to loan originator compensation, 
the Board proposes to prohibit payments to loan originators that are
based on the loan's terms and conditions.
This prohibition would not
apply to payments that consumers make directly to loan originators.

The Board solicits comment on an alternative that would allow loan
originators to receive payments that are based on the principal loan
amount, which is a common practice today.

If a consumer directly pays the loan originator, the proposal would prohibit the loan originator
from also receiving compensation from any other party in connection
with that transaction.

Since the Board is soliciting comment on this, I would be happy to oblige. 

Why does this proposal bother me as a real estate broker?

Well, it seems to me that this hinders the free enterprise system as it exists now.  By removing YSPs completely, you will effectively remove yet another viable option for consumers who are short on cash.  Over the past few years, we've all watched helplessly as mortgage options for Joe Average have dwindled.  Truthfully, the loan approval process was too loose before.  I get that, believe me.  There were people who got approved for loans who were truly risky propositions.  However, I've seen the pendulum swing too far in the other direction now.  I have told many friends and potential clients that roughly 1/2 of the marketplace was vaporized with the tightening of the credit markets and tougher loan guidelines. For every 10 home buyers that I could assist before, I now have 5 or 6.  I hear the same thing from my colleagues across the country.

The subprime mortgage crisis was certainly part of the problem, and it did seem like all you really needed was the ability to fog a mirror and you could buy a home.  That being said, the removal of subprime, most zero-down programs, stated-income loan products for self-employed individuals has made being a Realtor or a mortgage broker a very tough job indeed. 

None of us could ever have foreseen how different our world could become in a couple of short years.  Fear has replaced reason when it comes to the world of banking.  Melodramatic?  Not really.  I am trying to feed a family of six with my income.  Thankfully, I've survived some difficult years, and, along with most people I speak with these days, I am hoping to see a sincere turnaround.  This proposal won't help.

Another concern that I saw in the language is that this lays the groundwork for the government to step into the real estate arena as well, perhaps prohibiting OUR commission from being tied to the sales price of a property.  Again, I see this as inhibiting the free market. 

On the surface, I see how this could be perceived as helping consumers, but the more likely scenario is that mortgage brokers will now have two paths to choose from:
  • Charge a lot more directly to consumers to originate loans, since they can't get paid by banks, or
  • Go out of business
Clearly, neither of these outcomes would be beneficial for any of us.

In fairness, there are some other parts of the proposal that make sense to me, mainly with regard to consumer disclosures, but this portion would be foolish.  You can see the whole thing here if you're interested:  http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-18119.htm

It's my understanding that the Federal Reserve already has the authority to monitor and regulate mortgage brokers, so any legislative action would be overkill and probably just plain unnecessary.

From my own research, I was happy to see that this issue wasn't split strictly along party lines, unlike so many other things we hear about from Washington.  Although none of the Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee signed the letter, I was pleasantly surprised to find that a handful of Democrats also abstained.  Kudos to Johnson of South Dakota, Benett of Colorado, and Tester of Montana for not just toeing the party line here. I applaud the members of the committee who didn't sign this pressure letter.  You can see a list of all the members here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate_Committee_on_Banking,_Housing,_and_Urban_Affairs

I'm hoping that the highly paid lobbyists for the financial institutions that actually caused the problem don't manage to shift the blame to the little guys.  While there were certainly predatory lenders that played a part in creating the mortgage crisis, most of these people are just business owners who are trying to provide an honest service and get paid for their work.

If this bothers you as much as it does me, I would encourage you to contact the members of the committee and let them know, especially if any of them are in your home state.

I welcome your input. :)

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

Follow Me on Twitter   Become My Friend on Facebook   Time to get LinkedIn!   Austin's Coolest Blog   View My YouTube Videos   StumbleUpon   Digg

If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com.  Thanks!

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790 2010-02-07 07:10:40 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Road Is Long With Many a Winding Turn (a.k.a. Social Media) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=791 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=791 Winding RoadThe Road Is Long With Many A Winding Turn seems to me to be such a way to describe the benefits (and pitfalls) of social media. You start in one place, and OMG, where you can end up.....

I'm tucked in my little corner, wrapped up in the blanket and looking out to the patio and the ice on the pond. (Sorry Margaret Woda and Pat Kennedy, I can see the ground, and the green and brown grass and moss...)

I try to use my early morning time before the shower to enjoy my glass of coffee (I prefer it in a beer glass, I get twice as much, and can get through 3 of them much faster this way) and "do" my social media. Look for those interesting stories to share, a real estate tidbit that my readers might like or not know about (see previous post where I re-blogged a great post from Jason Crouch in Austin) and a tweet here and there.

The Speed of Social MediaWhat never ceases to amaze me is the "speed" from which I can now "be"on the West Coast, the Pacific Northwest, my hometown in Montana, or experiencing 30+ inches of snow in the Northeast.  Or, how "lost" one can quickly become. I can be in my mailbox, scanning a Google Alert about a topic I follow, and before I know it, I'm reading about strippers suing their bosses, sex parties being shut down in Bethesda, MD or, even having a Facebook chat with a client I have not seen since we closed on his new condo in December. WOW!

I think about these challenging times we are going through, and try to relate back to the Great Depression in the sense of the lack of communication they had back then. Today, we know within minutes, what the breaking news is. My favorite will always be the Plane in the Hudson and the speed that Twitter brought that to the world!  Back then, people may have waited days to know what was going on elsewhere in the country.

And there are the times you just become completely overwhelmed with it all. Ah, come on you know exactly what I am talking about. Sure, some of you put others of us to shame with your tech-savvy ways. But for many of us, it's "the Facebook connected to the Twitter. And the Blog post connected to the web site...." You know that drill! 

Or, there is the marketing aspect of social media and Mr. WWW. How many places are there we can, should, or want to be to get the most exposure for our business or our clients?  Oh, my head hurts....and it's far to early for a glass of wine. (or a beer....hey stocked up for the game today!)

Surfin The Web

 

 

 

We all know it. Social media is not a fad. Oh yeah, we might have thought that for awhile, but I think we all know now. So we better know how our Facebook and our web site are connected.  But, on the other hand, is it not just so totally cool that in the matter of a few minutes this morning, I "spoke" to people from California to Maryland and Washington, D.C., found out about sex parities and strippers?

 

 

I gotta feeling...this is gonna be a great day!

 

 

 

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791 2010-02-07 08:41:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday Picture Perfect Atlanta Real Estate http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=792 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=792 Speechless Sunday Picture Perfect Atlanta Real Estate

 

Atlanta Georgia

Can you tell it's about 35 degrees out side and we were OUTSIDE at a photo shoot for models in their underwear! Yes, underwear!

But there were some beautiful shots from the roof of the Glenn Hotel in Downtown Atlanta!

I can see some of the Atlanta Real Estate just waiting for new owners!

A video is forthcoming!

 

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792 2010-02-07 17:31:18 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Atlanta Company Finds GOLD In Montana! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=793 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=793 Atlanta Company Finds GOLD In Montana!

 

Well needless to say, this story touches me on TWO fronts....Atlanta and Montana!

Dutch Gold Resources, Inc. announced in press release yesterday that they have found a large, open-ended gold and silver system in western Montana. Here is a map to give you an idea of the location.

Montana Map

For a bit more of today's geography lesson, the state capital, Helena is just to the right of the "A" marking the location of the potential mine. To the right and South, follow I-90 to Livingston...and that is the home town of yours truly!

The story in the AJC goes on to say the mine could be worth up to $3 Billion!

Gold Found In Montana The thought of mining brings up the song from the Beverly Hillbillies, "The kin folk said Jed move away from there...."

Not sure who owns the land where this find was made, but if they have the mineral rights, they have to be pretty happy!

I've not looked into what's involved in mining gold versus other minerals and the dangers and enviornmental impact the mine could have, but I'm hopeful it will move forward and provide much needed jobs!

Gold is no stranger to Montana. In 1863, gold was discovered in Alder Gulch near Virginia City and created quite a gold rush. Virginia City became the capital of the Territory.

Virginia City is now a well preserved ghost town, just 20 miles west of Yellowstone National Park (90 miles by highway,)

This area was also the site of a 7.5 earthquake in 1959. I was not yet born, but my parents said they could feel it in Livingston.

Let's hope this new discovery will bring the benefits of another Gold Rush to Montana!

 

 

 

 

 

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793 2010-02-09 07:49:27 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Dakota Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Stunning 2 0r 3 Bedroom Townhome For Rent http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=794 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=794 Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Stunning 2 0r 3 Bedroom Townhome For Rent

 

 

Dakota Condominiums Stunning Townhome For Rent


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description














$2,400
Townhouse
Main Features
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2442 sqft
Location
850 Piedmont Avenue
3111
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper Intown
Our recent listings
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794 2010-02-10 17:06:31 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Olde Ivy At Vinings Townhome For Sale - $ 262,000 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=795 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=795 Olde Ivy At Vinings Townhome For Sale - $ 262,000

 

 

Olde Ivy At Vinings Smyrna 3 Bedrooms


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood














$262,000
Townhouse
For Sale
Main Features
3 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Interior: 2040 sqft
Location
4796 Ivy Ridge Drive, SE
Smyrna, GA 30080

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
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795 2010-02-11 09:42:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Valentine's Weekend Snow Event in Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=796 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=796 The Valentine's Weekend Snow Event in Atlanta!

No, of course this is nothing like our friends in Maryland, New York and New Jersey have experienced, but it does make for some crazy times here in Atlanta!

Headed to the burbs early to make sure I was snuggled in before the roads got icy....

We actually had fun outside taking pictures for my nephew's portfolio...he's getting into modeling. We are planning to make use of the snow for some more great pictures in the morning, and I'll post those later...

But for now, enjoy The Valentine's Weekend Snow Event in Atlanta!

 

 

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796 2010-02-12 20:35:08 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Viewpoint Midtown Condominiums are Midtown's BEST Selling Community! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=797 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=797 Viewpoint Midtown Condominiums are Midtown's BEST Selling Community! And they are selling out! Not many opportunitues remain in this awesome building!

Viewpoint Midtown

 

Built and developed by The Novare Group, you could call Viewpoint Midtown the "Mercedes" of the buildings that Novare has built and released in Atlanta! From the wide variety of floor plans, to the stunning amenities, it is no wonder that Viewpoint Midtown Condominiums are Midtown's BEST Selling Community!

Thomas Ramon Realty are proud to have helped 6 buyers become happy Viewpoint residents. One of our clients even bought two homes, side-by-side and have since combined them into a stunning residence on the 16th floor with a wall of glass on two sides of the home!

But, don't take just our word for it. Take a look at why Viewpoint Midtown Condominiums are Midtown's BEST Selling Community and let The Thom and Ray Team help YOU make Viewpoint Midtown your choice for living in Midtown Atlanta!

If you are seriously looking for a Midtown Atlanta Condo, check this one out. But we'd be happy to help you with anything in Midtown Atlanta!

 

 

 

 

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797 2010-02-13 11:09:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
805 Peachtree Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=802 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=802 805 Peachtree Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report

 

805 Peachtree

Midtown Atlanta is home to many different types of condominuim buildings. Some are new construction, built and designed as condos, and other buildings, such as 805 Peachtree Condominiums gained a second life after first serving another purpose.

Often refered to as the Social Security Administration building because of it's largest tenant, 805 Peachtree Condominiums have been transformed from a vacant, boarded up office building (yes, it was boarded up at one time!) to a unique living experience in the 1990's.

1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes offer unique floor plans and views. The top corners of the building are unique in that they are "bumped up" to be the home for 4 special homes. One of them, owned by the building's developer has been on the Midtown Tour of Homes and is quite a place to see with its own entertainment level and outdoor fireplace!

The pool at 805 Peachtree is also unique, and truly makes one feel like they have escaped to a excotic resort. It recently underwent a complete remodel and is better than ever.

As the 805 Peachtree Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report will show, this community has been no stranger to the real estate market ups and downs of the past three years.

 

805 Peachtree

One Bedroom pricing in 2008 was $200,450. There were no 2 bedroom homes sold in 2008!

In 2009, One Bedroom pricing was $195,800.

 

805 Peachtree

2009 made a big rebound in sales from 2008, but was still down from 2007.

 

805 Peachtree Condominiums have a great location at 5th and Peachtree Streets, walking distance to all that is Midtown Atlanta! It's a unique building and a great place to call home.

 

See something there you'd like a closer look at?

Give The Thom And Ray Team a call and we'll take care of the details!

Midtown Atlanta Real Estate from the people that KNOW Midtown Atlanta Real Estate!

 

 

 

 

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802 2010-02-16 05:20:56 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Condominiums -- Cornerstone Village http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=803 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=803 One of the unique parts of "big city living" is all the different neighborhoods that make up that particular city. Each has it's own character, charm and a sense of community. But the same can be true for living in a mid-rise or high-rise condominium "community." So while Midtown Atlanta is a neighborhood in Atlanta, it's filled with another type of community, called a condominium. Let's take a tour of another living opportunity in Midtown.....

Cornerstone Village
Cornerstone Village
Located on the corner of 5th and Peachtree Streets, this development actually takes up the entire block! It's bounded by Peachtree Street on the East, 6th Street on the North, Cypress Street on the West and 5th Street on the South. Can you say prime real estate?

Cornerstone VillageCornerstone Village started in 1999 with the conversion of 2 historic buildings. The Landmark Building is a former office building that was gutted, and turned into 1 and 2 bedroom condos. Each unit features exposed brick on at least one wall, and a variety of floor plans. Some of the 1 bedrooms are over 1000 sq. ft,  HUGE by Midtown standards for a 1 bedroom! It is considered a mid-rise building with 6 stories. Homes actually start on the 2nd floor and go up to the 6th Floor. The first floor is dedicated to retail space (hence the term "mixed use") and includes Eno Restaurant, Barrelman Wine & Cheese Shop, Morris & Raper Intown Real Estate (that would be OUR office!) and two spaces currently under renovation to open as a high-end kitchen design store. The picture to the left was taken in 1952! The Landmark Building is the farthest on the right, and the closer building is the Manor House.

Cornerstone VillageThe Manor House is a Neel Reid designed building, that was built in 1921. Reed was a prominent architect in the early 20th century in Atlanta. He specialized in residential properties, but did do a few commercial projects...like Manor House. My understanding is it first went from the Manor House Hotel, to apartments, and was then vacant for some time, as the picture to the right would lead one to believe. This building has been beautifully restored, and is a treasure for the community and Cornerstone Village. The building has 8 different 1 bedroom floor plans. The lobby, pictured below is a great part of the building. It contains a great club room-type area, but unfortunately is only used by the Property Manager. There is also a movie room, and small conference room.

Cornerstone VillageThe final part of Cornerstone Village, which created the entire block community, first started out as apartments. During the marketing of the property, they were referred to as the Gallery Loftominiums. (These homes are in what are referred to as the 100 and 200 Buildings) Homes here have a "soft loft" feel with concrete ceilings and exposed duct work. These buildings feature 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans. Purchasers in 1999 and 2000 were not into the granite/stainless steel like most new construction is today. Plus, remember, this was one of the first residential projects in Midtown at the time. So, many buyers did not elect the upgrades, and homes have laminate kitchen and bath counters. But those that have been upgraded are awesome, as seen in the picture to the left.

Cornerstone VillageThe pool area, surrounded by the 100/200 Buildings, is much like a resort setting, and has a great entertainment area, complete with gas AND charcoal grills.  It's always busy with residents during the summer months, and the homeowners association hosts social events for the owners. There is also a Billiard Room in the 100 building.

The community has secured entrances with call boxes, but does not offer a concierge service or desk. Parking is assigned in two garages.

For Buyers looking for value, and a great Midtown location, you can't beat Cornerstone Village. Prices range from the low $130's to the high $200's. Contact the Thom And Ray Team for more information about Cornerstone Village. Remember, our office is right here, and we know anything and everything there is to know about this great Midtown community....available at a great price!

Here are a few more pictures of the community:

Cornerstone Village
Cornerstone Village


















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803 2010-02-16 05:24:16 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Peachtree Lofts Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=804 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=804 Peachtree Lofts Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report

 

 

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804 2010-02-16 05:53:26 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Tuscany Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=805 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=805 Tuscany Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report

 

Tuscany Condominiums

If you are looking for Midtown Atlanta living, but perfer not to be "up in the air" of high-rise living, then Tuscany Condominiums Midtown Atlanta might be the perfect location for you.

One block off the Midtown Mile, and two blocks from Piedmont Park are just two reasons that make this a great community. Add, a pool, fitness center, courtyards and fountains, and you've got Tuscany!

The style of this community reminds one of an Italian villa with the construction, barrel-tiled roofs and iron railings. A variety of floor plans, including some that are 2-story with a spiral staircase give you many options here!

This community has a unique, open feeling with its hallways and courtyards. One courtyard has a fountain, another two fishponds with waterfalls and a third contains the pool!

 

From a value point-of-view, when you take a look at the Tuscany Condominiums Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report, you can see that this building has "weathered" the real estate market quite well.

 

Tuscany Condominiums

For One Bedroom homes, 2007 was $168,580, 2008 was $163,458 and 2009 was $157,300.

 

Tuscany Condominiums

As of February 16, 2009, here is the current Homes For Sale at Tuscany

 

See something you would like a closer look at?

Contact The Thom and Ray Team at 770-713-1505 for more information or a personal showing of

Tuscany Condominiums Midtown Atlanta!

 

 

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805 2010-02-16 06:19:45 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
Active Rain Have I Told You Lately That I LOVE You! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=807 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=807 Doctor, do I have a problem if I admit I am in love with a website? No, unless you are sleeping with it.

Whew.....well, wait, I am laying in bed, trying to read and blog and watch ice skating....wait, is that TMI? (To much information) I promise I turn the laptop off before I fall asleep.

Active Rain LoveOk, on with the topic at hand....My love affair with Active Rain. (Does your spouse know about this affair?)

Today, was another example of the power of the Active Rain network. I have clients that live in Miami, but have their condo here in Midtown Atlanta For Sale and listed with yours truly. We are "under contract" and scheduled to close mid-March. Obviously it would be a challenge for my clients to come back to Atlanta for the closing. So the closing attorney advised my client and myself to use a real estate attorney or title company in Miami they know. If they did not know one, they would find one. WHAT? EXCUSE ME? I'm not leaving my client to some "chance encounter" for the closing.

So, my immediate thought was to call a fellow Twitterite and Active Rainer, Kevin Tomlinson. I left him a voice mail with the details of my request, and in less than an hour, we were talking on the phone. And of course that line came up, "I feel like I already know you!" Kevin was quick to provide me with a contact for a title company, and the arrangements have already been made. (And my Seller was quite surprised I handled it so quickly!) See, this is why I am in love with Active Rain, and thanks Kevin! (The first cocktail is on me!)

Then there is that Active Rainer that recently shared some tremendous ideas with me.....I mean, I was shocked that someone would be willing to go to such lengths to help someone. The name shall remain a secret, but they will know who they are.

I've said it before and I will say it again...what I have learned while getting wet in The Rain has taken my business to places I did not know, and still have not found.

Active Rain....have I told you lately that I LOVE you?

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807 2010-02-16 23:00:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Ansley Above The Park - Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Reports http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=809 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=809 Ansley Above The Park - Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Reports

 

Ansley Above The Park is THE closest high-rise building overlooking Piedmont Park. In fact, it's just across Piedmont Avenue!

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809 2010-02-20 14:59:53 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Company Says Investors Earn High Return Preventing Foreclosures http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=821 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=821 Company Says Investors Earn High Return Preventing Foreclosures.

AMEN!

Saving a Home

 

 

While breezing through my Google Alerts this morning, I landed on a website called DSNews. The tag line (as you can see if you click through) is "delivering stories, ideas, links, companies, people, events, and videos impacting the mortgage default servicing industry. BAM! That's pretty heavy in and of itself!

I clicked on the link for Foreclosures, and ended up on an article that is the title of this post. (Read the article here!)

Is it me, or does this make so much sense? So, my clicking and reading continued, and I then landed on the website for All Statewide Property Corporation. Follow me. Click through to the website, and then click on the Homeowners Tab. Go ahead. I'll wait.....

 

........Did you make it all they way down to the paragraph titled, "Are Loan Modification and Shortsales the answer?"

Is this too good to be true? How would/could a Homeowner take advantage of such an offer? I see higher interest rates....and of course, that would have to be the case for the investor to get a return. But does such a program sound realistic?

It's Saturday....but I'll be calling on Monday! Stay Tuned for a follow up!

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821 2010-02-27 07:29:05 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Obama Is Coming To Georgia. How's About You Just Send The Money Instead? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=823 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=823 Ah yes, posting anything political can be dangerous, but I thought I would go out on a limb here....

 

Air Force OneDoes the American Public have ANY idea what it costs THEM, yes, THEM when the President leaves the White House? This time, it's the "White House To Main Street" Tour.

In an article about Air Force One on CNN.com, a couple statements can quickly make one realize the magnitude of moving the President, "Any presidential tour is a military operation organized by the Presidential Airlift Group at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington and carried out with the precision -- and impenetrable jargon -- you would expect from the U.S. military. Accompanying any tour are at least two C-5 Galaxy heavy transport aircraft carrying the president's bulletproof limousine, a stand-by limo, a fully fitted ambulance, occasionally his personal helicopter and -- for especially sensitive areas -- several additional limos for use as decoys."

You can read the article here.

 

 

As I made a quick Google search, I was even surprised to learn there is not one, but TWO 747's equipped this way! Holy Cow! The cost to fly? One 2008 article mentioned fuel costs of $68,000 PER HOUR.....

Anyway, President Obama will visit Savannah, Georgia on Tuesday.(Story here.)

I wonder how many people could be saved from foreclosure in Georgia if we just got the check for the bill.

I'm just sayin......

(Note: Photo Courtesy Wikipedia)

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823 2010-02-28 07:59:03 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
Midtown Moments and A Tour of the Offices of Thomas Ramon Realty http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=824 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=824 Midtown Moments and A Tour of The Offices of Thomas Ramon Realty

 

 A promise made to self....get going with that FLIP Video camera this year and kick things up a notch on the blogging! And so here we go!

First off, thought I'd give you a quick tour of our new offices! Hope you enjoy!

 

 

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824 2010-03-01 07:17:23 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Homestead Exemptions in Metro Atlanta Due April 1!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=825 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=825 Homestead Exemptions in Metro Atlanta Due April 1

Midtown Atlanta Real EstateIf you purchased a home in Metro Atlanta in 2009, you have the opportunity to file for Homestead Exemption and reduce your property tax bill. (And who does NOT want to pay less in taxes?)

The Metro Atlanta area consists of 13 different counties, and guess what, 13 different ways to file for your homestead exemption.

However, here are links to the county sites where we do most of our business.

Be sure to file your paperwork before April 1, 2010.

Homestead Exemption

 

Homestead Exemption in Cobb County

Homestead Exemption in Forsyth County

Homestead Exemption in Fulton County

Homestead Exemption in Gwinnett County

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825 2010-03-01 18:12:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Real Estate. Can We Re-Shoot This Scene? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=826 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=826 Midtown Atlanta Real Estate. Can We Re-Shoot This Scene?

 

Cameraman

 

Yesterday, I got to have my third opportunity to work as an extra on a movie set. It's certainly non-glamorus work, but it's extra money (is that why they call it extras....I think not) and you get to see some pretty cool people.

When you hear how much a movie costs, just sit in on a production like this, and you will soon understand why.

  • There is somebody for EVERY job, not somebody doing several jobs.
  • It takes forever to get it right. How many times do we have to re-shoot a scene?
  • Details, Details, Details.

A couple years ago, I was an extra on the set of a major production movie in Atlanta. That time, I got paid in excess of 4 figures! I'd love that gig about now!

Then a month ago, I worked as an extra on the Vampire Diaries, a TV series being filmed here in Atlanta. Casting call was at 6:30am, which meant I was up at 5am. We were released at 8pm.

 

 

Last night, I was an extra on a new movie being filmed with Owen Wilson. (For the benefit of the Internet, and the fact I've not been paid and could get a call back for more work, I'll leave the project nameless.) Our casting call was at 4:15, and we were 15 minutes late. DON'T BE LATE TO A CASTING CALL! PERIOD. But we were forgiven, and in fact, got "premiere extra roles" if there really is such a thing! The extras "holding" area was an unfinished store next to the restaurant that was being used as the set. It had minimal heat, provided by propane heaters which ran out before the night was over. Hence, it was gosh darn cold in that room! Lucky for me, I was called pretty early to the set where it WAS warm. My friends took a bit longer, but eventually made it!

We got fed some pretty darn good food (including prime rib) even if dinner was at 11pm! (Note to waistline...sorry about that late feeding!)

So, you ask, what's there to learn from this compared to real estate. Or as the title suggests, Midtown Atlanta Real Estate. Can We Re-Shoot This Scene?

Have you ever done something, and later wished you either had not done it, or could do it over? You can in movies. In fact, our 3, YES THREE scenes that were shot from 6pm to 10:30pm were each done anywhere from 30 to 42 TIMES!!!!

Man with A QuestionDon't you (or maybe a developer or two, or even a bank or two) wish they could re-shoot this scene? The script might have called for hundreds of condos or homes to be built, but if we could re-shoot this scene, would we change the lines a bit? Hmmmmm.

In the real estate world, the agent or broker has to wear many hats. I realize some of you are fortunate enough to either have paid assistants, or imagine this, work with a company that provides management, marketing or other support. But many times, we are many people to the real estate transaction. And with that comes details, details, details.

That part I'm pretty good at. And I can wear many hats. But, I don't seem to have much ability to re-shoot the scene. I'm just trying to follow the script in hand, and hope the end result will be something somebody will be proud of.

I'm enjoying Midtown Atlanta Real Estate. I'm working on my staring role! And I'm trying to learn my lines now, as I don't think there will be 30 or 42 re-takes.

I hope I see you at the theatre! I'd like to think it's going to be a great movie! Even without the re-takes.

 

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826 2010-03-03 06:32:16 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Wordless Wednesday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=827 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=827 Wordless Wednesday

This post may not be wordless, but it will hopefully make you speechless.

It made me stop and think. How fragile life is. How important friendships are. How we forget the little things that can often be the most important things.

Warning: Box of tissues or hankie in close proximity is recomended.

I hope you have a Wonderful Wednesday.

I'll think today, I'll stop and enjoy something a bit more!

 

 

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827 2010-03-03 07:14:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Secret Millionaire Grace Groner Donates $7Million Estate to College! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=828 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=828 Secret Millionaire Grace Groner Donates $7Million Estate to College!

 

Grace CottageJust imagine. Your neighbor, that sweet, little old lady that lived next door. Always nice. Always polite. Lived a simple life. Yet she was loaded. As in millions of dollars!

Such is the case of Grace Groner. She lived in this little 1 bedroom cottage in Lake Forest, Illinois. She bought her clothes at rummage sales and did not even own a car.

She supported her alma mater, Lake Forest College, with a small scholarship. But in her death, she left a legacy that will help many students study abroad. A fortune of $7 million made from 3 shares of Abbott Lab stock purchased in the 1920's. A $180 investment.

God Bless her!

 

Here's a link to the story.   Photo credit to Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune.

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828 2010-03-06 09:35:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Poolside Perfect At Cornerstone Village! 1 Bedroom with REDUCED PRICE!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=829 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=829
Poolside Perfect At Cornerstone Village


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$139,900
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
Interior: 775 sqft
Location
800 Peachtree Street
1105
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


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829 2010-03-06 10:38:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
A Goodbye to My Favorite Lender...but, Hello to a New ActiveRain Member! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=830 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=830

I could not have said it any better than Debe did....Brian is great at what he does!

I've know him for years, he's been the lender on two of my properties, and had done about 90% of my loans for my Buyers.

He should be at RETech South, so Debe and I will be sure to drag him around with us (well sort of) and introduce him!

Until then, consider this a great introduction~!

Via Debe Maxwell, Realtor® - Charlotte NC MLS - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (Helen Adams Realty):

A Goodbye to My Favorite Lender...but, Hello to a New ActiveRain Member!

 

Sad sack!Recently NC lending laws made a change that disallows lenders from working from out-of-state offices--they must have brick and mortar office space, occupied 40 hours per week within the state of North Carolina.  My lender's broker is not willing to make that investment for only one of his lending staff to work out-of-state.  I was devastated, to say the least!  


Funny story about Brian Dover, my favorite lender of all time:  I had clients a few years ago who were set up with my Bank of America lender to Close on a brand new condo in a new Uptown Charlotte complex developed by Atlanta, Georgia's Novare Corporation.  We were just waiting on building completion to do our inspections and then we'd be clear to Close.  Mind you, my BOA lender is all that AND a bag of chips and I never had to worry about things happening on time and she only contacted me if she had something funky arise that she needed my assistance on and that rarely happened.  

 

About three weeks prior to Close, I got a call from her saying that she had lost my clients--they'd taken their business elsewhere!  WHAT?!  We're nearly ready to Close!  I immediately phoned them to find out what was going on and they told me that they had been in contact with the development team that they could receive a 'discount' if they used their lender so, they went with him--Brian Dover.  Needless to say, I was upset and expected the absolute worst because some of the development lenders at the time, were the worst--slack, never did anything until the last minute and you hoped your clients NEVER used them!  


What?!
I then phoned Brian, who was just as nice as he could be but,  I put him through the mill--tons of questions and demands on my part and he responded with far more respect than I had given him.  I was upset because my neat and tidy Contract-to-Close system had been disrupted and the fear of the unknown glitches was more than I wanted to have to deal with--especially at that incredibly busy time.  

 

 

So, since they were already in the throws of the loan process by that time, I had to bite my tongue and let my clients go with the unknown lender and hope and pray that all went well.  My only saving grace, in my mind, was the fact that this was the developer's lender so, if something did go wrong, I could blame it on them for pushing my clients to drop their first lender and go with the developer's lender!



In ONE week, Brian had everything through underwriting and we had our preliminary HUD-1--ten days prior to Closing!!  Then, I received a call from Brian to let me know that his associate would be covering for him as he was going out of the country for the holidays (we were to Close the day after Christmas) and that if we needed anything, we could contact him.  Well, we already had our HUD-1 and early at that, what more could I ask for?!  

Brian Dover

All went extremely well and when Brian returned home from his trip, he phoned to follow-up and that was the beginning of a fabulous business partnership that I never imagined would ever have happened a month prior!  My business partners, many of my clients and my husband and I have all used Brian since then.  He is incredibly detail oriented and the last condo purchase that Ray & I made we put HIM through the mill--I was slammed and didn't have time to get everything together and he had to push me on a daily basis for items that I needed to provide but, we got it done once again!

 

I think the main thing that makes Brian so successful is that he not only provides amazing customer service but, he begins the process when the application is taken--he gathers all the information and documents needed immediately and gets everything to underwriting as quickly as possible.  He then works with the underwriters to get what they need early in the process and always has everything together and ready for the attorney well before Closing date, well before.  Brian is the consummate professional and my clients (and I) just love him!  


Happy to see Brian Dover in the Rain!
So, Georgia agents and consumers, if you're looking for an amazing lender who is a dream to work with and gets the job done, you have to check out Brian Dover, mortgage lender extraordinaire!  You're SO lucky to have him!  



And, we're lucky to have him here in the Rain now!  Brian took Thom Abbott and my suggestions to join ActiveRain and is now a member; visit Brian Dover's blog and give him a good old fashioned AR welcome!

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830 2010-03-08 10:13:56 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Groupon. Deals and More Deals! And Who Doesn't Want A Deal Today? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=831 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=831 Groupon. Deals and More Deals! And Who Doesn't Want A Deal Today?

 

Groupon

 

Have you heard of Groupon? Yes. No. Well, now you have. It may not be the best thing since sliced bread, but it sure helps you save a few bucks. And in today's economy, unless you are Warren Buffett, we all need a little help.

 

sidewalk cafeAnd Groupon is all that! Each day they feature a discount on a restaurant, shopping, spa treatments, all kinds of great things. As I understand it, if enough people pick that discount, then you get it? I've only used it one time, and got $25 worth of food for only $10 at one of my favorite Midtown Atlanta restaurants, Steamhouse Lounge!

Where you can you find Groupon? Oh my! Just click on the Visit More Cities tab....Albuquerque to Austin, Dallas to Denver, San Francisco and Tampa are just a few of the cities where you can find this totally cool savings site!

We find Groupon discounts to many of our favorite Midtown Atlanta Restaurants!

Want to know more about this cool site? Check out the video! And Get Your Groupon!

 

 

Learn How Groupon Works! from The Point on Vimeo.

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831 2010-03-09 07:14:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
I Like Mornings Because....They are Great In So Many Ways! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=832 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=832 I Like Mornings Because.....They are Great in So Many Ways!

Midtown Atlanta

I like mornings in many different ways.

I'm the MOST productive in the morning than I am the rest of the entire day. TOTALLY!

I like mornings because nobody else is up in the house and I can think.

coffee cupI like mornings because I have the first cup of fresh brewed coffee. (Actually it comes in a beer glass so I get twice as much at one time)

I like mornings because I get to watch the birds at the feeder getting their breakfast.

 

I like mornings because the bird's song is clearer and not drowned out by the noise of the day.

I like mornings because if I get up early enough to leave for the office, I can get there in 10 minutes instead of 30 plus minutes. 

I like mornings because of the nice hot shower.

I like mornings because I get to start my day with a big, healthy scoop of Active Rain!

King Pooh Head

 

I like mornings because I can look at the picture of my puppy long gone and hear him say "Dad, why you up so early Dad? Need more sleepy." (You know how we all talk to our pets, don't laugh)

 

I like mornings because they give me the chance to "wipe the slate clean" from the errors and mistakes of yesterday.

 

"Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can."  Douglas Pagels

I like mornings because I'm alive and healthy.

Hello morning!

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832 2010-03-13 06:28:12 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Excuse Me Real Estate! Can I Have My Life Back? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=833 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=833 Excuse Me Real Estate! Can I Have My Life Back?

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833 2010-03-13 06:47:58 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
All Five and Powerball Matched, But By Whom? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=834 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=834 All Five and Powerball Matched, But By Whom?

 

Georgia Power Ball  Lottery


Checking the Georgia Lottery Site this morni
ng left me wondering? All Five and Powerball Matched, But  By Whom? Somebody's got about $160 Million (jackpot was $200 million, so I'm guessing on what the cash out amount would be) and probably did not get much sleep last night.

Motor Coach

 

Now, I was thinking...I could of  thrown you all a curve ball and said this would be my LAST Active Rain post. You've all been wonderful to me, but the time has finally arrived in my life to get crazy....Pick up that Prevost Custom Coach, and restore my classic Buick ..... and let you know that I will be reaching out to a few of you for some real estate needs in various parts of the country, but then I thought, "Hey that's not fair."

 

But, then I thought, hey, maybe there is somebody out there that needs MY SERVICES.

So, if you ARE the Georgia Powerball Lottery winner from last night, and even if you don't live in the state of Georgia (it's a multi-state lottery) I just wanted to let you know, I'm right here in Midtown Atlanta, and I'd be happy to help you with your  real estate investments.

Midtown Atlanta

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834 2010-03-14 07:50:09 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Vinings Townhome with Price Reduction! Ready To Move In! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=835 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=835
PRICE REDUCTION! Olde Ivy At Vinings Smyrna 3 Bedrooms


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood














$258,000
Townhouse
For Sale
Main Features
3 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Interior: 2040 sqft
Location
4796 Ivy Ridge Drive, SE
Smyrna, GA 30080

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Smyrna, GA real estate for sale


Powered By RealBird.com



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835 2010-03-14 09:57:07 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Dakota Condominiums 3BR/2.5BA For Rent http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=836 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=836
Dakota Condominiums Stunning Townhome For Rent


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description














$2,400
Townhouse
Main Features
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2442 sqft
Location
850 Piedmont Avenue
3111
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper Intown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


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836 2010-03-14 11:46:13 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Safety In Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=837 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=837 Safety in Midtown Atlanta.

policemanSafety is always a hot topic when you live in an urban environment. Well, actually, it can be a topic for people living on a country road too, but it's probably talked about more in the city. When I am showing Midtown Atlanta Condominiums For Sale, you can bet, the topic of Safety in Midtown Atlanta always comes up.

I won't even try to go into any type of stats about crime, because I think they can be VERY misleading, and may not be reflective of the immediate area. I do however, stay actively involved in my neighborhood through two organizations that help me know what's happening in the area.

 

 

 

Midtown Neighbors' Association (MNA)

Midtown Neighbors AssociationFor the past 3 years, I have served on the Board of Directors for MNA as the Chairman of the Membership Committee.  First off, for those of you outside of Atlanta, please know that the Midtown neighborhood is the single largest neighborhood in the City of Atlanta! So, I've got some pretty big territory to cover! And keep in mind, it's dotted with mid and high-rise condominiums that have from 200-420 homes in each building. So, that's alot of neighborhood.

But in this position, I've been able to develop a great relationship with the local Atlanta Police Officers that patrol our streets, as well as some of the judges and prosecutors that go after the criminals. In turn, I am able to share that information back to the community through the Property Managers and HOA Board Presidents whom I'm in contact with frequently.

Probably our single biggest problem in Midtown Atlanta when it comes to safety is car break-ins. And many of those are caused by the individual who comes into the city from the suburbs where it's not a problem to leave your laptop laying on your front seat while you run in the grocery store or to the cleaners. Such is not the case in the big city. So we are constantly working to education people visiting Midtown as well as those people that are new residents about Safety in Midtown Atlanta. It only takes a thief a few seconds to pop a car window and "borrow" whatever you have decided to leave in your car. You need to "Clean Your Car" when you leave it. This is a campaign that has been going on now for a year or so. (See the Safety Ticket below that we developed to hand out to residents and visitors)

Midtown Ponce Security Alliance (MPSA)

Midtown Ponce Security AllianceAnother organization that focuses on Safety in Midtown Atlanta is the MPSA. This membership organization works primarily in the Historic Midtown Atlanta area, and through it's membership dues, pays for off duty police officers to patrol the area day and night. Additionally, they hold a Monthly Safety Meeting at Mary Mac's on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Here, residents have the opportunity to discuss safety issues while hearing from the very people that protect and patrol the streets. Atlanta Police officers, along with the MARTA police and the MPSA Patrol Director (a retired APD Officer) talk about the successes they have with patrols, road blocks and "beat cops" that work the neighborhood. Speakers attend the meeting and have ranged from City Council Members, to County Commissioners and our own Zone 5 Commander, Major Williams.

Safety in Midtown Atlanta is all about paying attention to your surroundings. It's a big city after all. Be sure to walk on well-lit streets and don't leave things laying around in your car!  Midtown Atlanta is a great place to live, and I'm proud to call it home! Equally, I'm proud to serve my community both as a Board Member for MNA as well as a voice to the residents about what is happening in their neighborhood.

If you live in Midtown Atlanta and are reading this post, become an active member of your community! Active can be paying dues, or serving on a Committee or even the Board of Directors. But, whatever your role, it is YOUR community and YOUR neighborhood! Get Involved Today! Note the title of each organization above is a link to the website!

Safety Ticket

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837 2010-03-14 21:37:16 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta Historic Manor House 1 Bedroom For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=838 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=838
Historic and Hip Manor House @ Cornerstone Village!


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Midtown Mile Video
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$159,000
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
310 Units
Interior: 905 sqft
Location
800 Peachtree Street
504
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


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838 2010-03-19 15:48:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Aqua Midtown Atlanta. LAST Developer Home! Huge Savings! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=839 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=839 Aqua Midtown Atlanta LAST Developer Home at Huge Savings~!

 

Aqua Midtown Atlanta

 

 

Aqua Midtown Atlanta is one of the great additions to the Midtown Atlanta skyline! And the homes in this building ARE truly amazing. Imaging 1,000 sq feet for a ONE BEDROOM!!! This building was also one of the first to offer a true 3 bedroom home. To get a 3 bedroom in most Midtown Atlanta Condos, you have to combine a 1 bedroom and a 2 bedroom. But here, they designed 3 bedroom floor plans. They are pretty awesome!

However, the real estate downturn caught Aqua Midtown Atlanta, and they auctioned off a big portion of the condos in 2009. Now there is only one developer owned home left, and it's available at a cool 45% off the listing price!   Can you say sweet?

Recently listed at $489,900, this unit is now listed at $269,900!!

We'd be happy to help you purchase this outstanding home. The video below was produced by the Developer, but we recommend you have a Buyer's Agent to represent you in your condo purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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839 2010-03-19 17:15:20 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Wednesday Night Global Wine Stroll in Buckhead! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=840 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=840 Wednesday Night Global Wine Stroll in Buckhead!

 

Now, you know that we are pretty strong about Midtown Atlanta and what a great place it is to live, work and play. But we would not be doing our readers a service if we did not pass along OTHER events in OTHER parts of Atlanta. Yes, there ARE other parts of Atlanta, besides Midtown! (You can go visit, just come back!)

So, I wanted to pass along this fun sounding event on Wednesday, March 24th from 6-10 pm. Visit The Grape, Twist and Bluepointe and taste some great wines at a great price. The Admission is just $5 and a portion of the proceeds go to Small Dog Rescue!

So if you got on plans on Wednesday (sorry I've got a bunch of out-of-town REALTORS coming to visit me) check this out!

 

Wednesday Night Global Wine Stroll

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840 2010-03-19 17:31:54 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Dear Active Rain: Here Are Two Words I Don't Like. http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=841 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=841  

Proxy Error

 

It took 3 tries just to do this post.

Please help!

Am I the only one with this challenge? It makes blogging very difficult!

 

 

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841 2010-03-21 20:01:39 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Condo For Rent - HUGE 2 Story Townhome! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=842 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=842 Midtown Atlanta Condo For Rent - HUGE 2 Story Townhome

 

 

Dakota Condominiums Stunning Townhome For Rent


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description














$2,400
Townhouse
Main Features
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2442 sqft
Location
850 Piedmont Avenue
3111
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper Intown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


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842 2010-03-22 14:05:55 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Next Flood In Real Estate Woes http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=843 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=843 The Next Flood In Real Estate Woes

 

Let me first start off by saying, I am ALL for not talking negative when it comes to real estate. Nobody wants to hear about the bad stuff. They just want to hear good news. I can totally relate to that.

But, if I expect my readers, clients and others to respect me, then I feel it is my duty to them to sometimes say, "Uh, you are not going to like to hear this but....." Such is the case here.

 

Flooded RoadI just read a story this morning, compliments of my Daily Real Estate News, sponsored by Lowe's and just felt I had to bring it to the forefront. I often find good articles here, some of which I pass along to my clients, and then there are those I feel worth writing about.

In the article, titled "Years after Loan Default, Homeowners May Still Owe," I was very surprized to learn of a practice going on that I had no idea existed.

The quiet selling of second mortgages and home equity lines left behind from short sales and foreclosures. Selling to collection agencies who, depending on the state, could have years to make a claim against you. Can I sum that statemen up in one word? Scary.

The whole process even has it's own phrase...."scratch and dent." An entire industry is ramping up to buy all this debt at a deep discount and then collect what they can. It's just plain scary.

Maybe it is a good thing we will get some form of national health care. I can see alot of people needing medical care when this bomb drops on them. I'm still speechless.

You can use the link above to read the entire article.

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843 2010-03-23 07:22:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cornerstone Village Condo For a Song! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=844 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=844
Cornerstone Village Condo For A Song!


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Market Stats














$129,000
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
310 Units
Interior: 775 sqft
Location
800 Peachtree Street
1404
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


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844 2010-03-23 08:17:28 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Help Is On The Way! Or Is It? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=845 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=845 Help Is On The Way. Or Is It?

Now, I've never been one to completely understand economics. Just ask the college professor who tried to teach me.

But, when I look at the state of the housing market, and hear about the number of homeowners in trouble with their mortgages, I have to think, "There has to be a way to slow down, or even stop this madness!

Stop ForclosuresI just finished a two-day conference on real estate technology. It was pretty awesome, to be around some of the brightest minds in the real estate business. I remember one person (a speaker) making a comment that all these foreclosures will give us real estate people something to sell. OUCH!  I think that is a pretty drastic way to stimulate the housing market. By kicking millions of individuals and families out on the street? You're kidding, right?

Then, yesterday Ilyce Glink made mention of a new initiative from Washington to help homeowners. So I thought to myself, "Help Is On the Way. Or Is It?"

Two articles gave me some insight to the latest plans to help troubled homeowners. As we know, the current  Home Affordable Modification Program has been anything but successful. Instead of some 2-4 million homeowners it was to have helped, a pathetic 200,000 have been able to get permanent modifications. Pretty sad. But this latest announcement gives more "flexibility for mortgage servicers and originators to offer assistance to a greater number of homeowners." I think the key word there is "flexibility". Yeah, but how flexible? Additionally, the program is suppose to help the big problem of  people who owe more on their mortgages than their house is worth. In the Wall Street Journal article,  Treasury Assistant Secretary Herber Allison  said that only "several billion" of the some $50 million allocated to the Troubled Asset Relief Program has been used.

Ok. What's the problem here? What are we waiting for? The country to simply fall apart before we get our act together?  And then there is the problem of many of these programs only providing temporary mortgage relief and offering "incentives" to lenders and banks to modify loans.

I liked the quote from John Taylor, president of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition when he said he is not optimistic that the incentives will be enough for the banks. "The only way there will be a major reduction of foreclosures on the horizon, Taylor said, is through mandatory principal write-downs, in which lenders would be required to reduce loan principles.

The temporary help is for those un-employed, and is for three to six months. I know many that have been unemployed for over a year, and are still looking for work.

Another article in the New York Times also gives some insight into this new plan.

Snowball of ForeclosuresWe need to stop the snowball from rolling down the hill. We need to keep families in their homes, and help the housing market stabilize. And foreclosures are not the way.

At least not from my understanding.

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845 2010-03-27 12:24:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
RETech South -- Pictures, Take Aways And A Video Too! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=846 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=846 World of Wonder RETech South Or RETSO......can be summed up in one word....WOW or that could be further broken down into "World of Wonder!" This was my second year at RETSO, and following the REBarCamp in Raleigh, it just keeps getting better.

I was not as "overwhelmed" as I was last year. That's probably due to the fact that social media is no longer new to me, it's a part of my business and my life! I suppose it is not for every real estate agent, but when I listen to who the future home buyers are going to be, and then look at agents that don't embrace this massive change in communication, I wonder, will I last longer than them? I'd like to think so!

Social media is work. Believe me, I'm getting ready to launch a new blog site, and keeping it up-to-date is going to be a task, to say the least. But, I've seen the rewards of someone finding my blog, calling me because of my knowledge and allowing me to help them with one of the most important and biggest financial decisions of their life. That's.....well, that's just plain cool.

So, I'd like to sum up RETSO in two ways. (Well, actually 3 ways) My take aways, my follow up on one of those take aways, and a photo tribute to those I know and spent time with.

  • Set yourself apart from the competition with video! Start simple with the Flip camera I have and move up to professional quality as money permits
  • Social Media is great, but nothing will replace face-to-face communication. Social media just makes it much easier....you already "know " each other
  • Transparency is a way to draw people to you in a way they want to do business with you because they trust you, and the computer screen is NOT a  window into everything in your life...watch your transparency. (Thanks Jeff Turner....you are The Man!)
  • The one word that sums up everything....OPPORTUNITY! (You see why I like Sherry Chris!)
  • Engagement means people look at you, they trust you and they want to hand with you, be it in person or on line. You gotta be the cool shop in town..You are reaching out and they are reaching back. Thanks Ilyce Glink!
  • Make a List and GSD! Thanks Tom Ferry.....I'm working on the list, and one of them is below! (Note: video explains GSD!)

Another great meeting! Next will be REBarCamp Nashville in April. Followed by a Word Press Camp!

Hazel, we got some work to do! 

 

 

 

 

 

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846 2010-03-27 22:51:46 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Here and Gone! Spring and the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=847 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=847 Here and Gone! Spring and the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

It's an early morning here in Atlanta....I tried to get to the office at 7:30am, but it looks like I was about 15 minutes late. Please forgive me.

I got to see a sunrise that was amazing, and energized me even more than the two espressos I had at home! As I crested  14th Street and crossed Peachtree Street on the way to my office...there she was! I know you are looking for a picture, but between traffic, traffic lights and the fact that it disappeared into the clouds, you'll just have to take my word for it...it was breathtaking.


First Time Home Buyers Tax CreditAt the same time, I noticed all the trees have flowered in front of my office on their way to the green of leaves that Spring and Summer bring. I also realized I have a buyer that we are frantically looking for a home to be Under Contract by April 30, 2010 to take advantage of the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.

Here and Gone. Spring and the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.

All of the sudden, I've noticed all the trees with their spring buds. I'm thinking of last summer and the fact that I never visited the pool. Nope, not even once. I hardly ever enjoyed my backyard and my fishpond has been "dead" for 2 seasons now.  That's not going to happen THIS Spring.

And that there is only 33 days left of the current tax credit. Will it be extended again? Do you want to take that chance? The clock is ticking for both my Buyer and ANY buyer that has not yet made a decision on a home, or even got off the fence to take advantage of the great opportunities that abound in the Midtown Atlanta real estate market. And you don't have to hassle with a short sale...there are still some great buys out there.


First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

 

 

Here and Gone. Spring and the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. Are you going to miss one? Or both?

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847 2010-03-29 07:19:12 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Hall Pass Filming in Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=849 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=849 Hall Pass Filming in Atlanta

What's the big deal about a movie filiming in Atlanta? They are filming them ALL over the place!

Well, for one, I worked as an extra on this film already....so you better make sure you watch it when it comes out! I could get in trouble for giving out the info about the scene I'm in...but let me just say, one of the stars, Owen Wilson is sitting at a bar eating fastfood...and I am in the background. Now that said, you may or may not see me...but hey....maybe I'll be a star!

Hall Pass was filming in Atlanta yesterday and today.

 

Hall Pass

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849 2010-03-30 18:11:16 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Franklin and Bash Pilot Filming In Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=850 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=850 Franklin & BashThe Franklin and Bash Pilot was spotted last night in Midtown Atlanta filming around Emory University Hospital.

The TBS pilot stars Breckin Meyer and Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Jared Franklin (Meyer) and Steven Bash (Gosselaar), two street lawyers and lifelong friends who, after taking down a white-shoe law firm in a high-profile case, are recruited by the firm’s patriarch. Bash has an uncanny ability to connect with a jury and judge, and Franklin is bent on sticking it to the Man.

The significance of this one....my partner, Ray Benitez and our nephew, Yasiel Benitez were extras on this series this past weekend....and were in the front row of the jury box! Way to go boys!

There actually is some other great side affects from all this movie filming in Atlanta! First, it gives people work! Some of these movies call in hundreds of extras a day for the various scenes.

Local companies that provide everything from catering to set construction get business.

 

 

And there is the occasional actor or actress that falls in love with Midtown Atlanta and looks to buy a second home here! Guess who they are going to call? The Thom And Ray Team know Midtown Atlanta Real Estate and can help you or the stars find the perfect condo!

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850 2010-03-30 18:30:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Gordon Biersch Midtown To Tap Maibock Lager April 7th http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=851 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=851 Gordon Biersch Midtown to Tap Maibock Lager

Hey, who doesn't love a good beer? Ok never mind. Maybe that was not the right question. Maybe it should of been, Do you LIKE a good beer? And what could be better than having a brewery just 27 stories below you! Well, that's just part of what makes Gordon Biersch Midtown one of OUR favorites...and it should be yours too!

From the moment you enter Gordon Biersch Midtown, you feel like you are in the neighborhood pub. And in some ways you are. Free wireless access makes it a great place to meet up with your friends while Facebooking, Tweeting or just having some in-real-life conversation! And it does not stop with just the beer. I mean, really, just read this menu description of one of my favorites...



And then take a look at it....Yum Yum! Making me hungry just to write this and look at that picture!

Housemade Chips at Gordon Biersch

Well now, you've got another reason to visit Gordon Biersch Midtown! On Wednesday, April 7th, from 6-9pm, join The Thom And Ray Team along with Chris, the General Manager and our good friend as they tap the Maibock Lager and also introduce the new Maibock Pacific Rim menu! (reach for napkin to wipe drool from key board...)

There will be live music, passed appetizers and a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Atlanta Street Alive. (This is a pretty cool gig too....)

The menu will feature some awesome specials like Kona Coffee Rubbed Sirloin and Macadamia Nut Crusted Chicken....need I say anymore!

Looking forward to seeing you there...April 7th, from 6-9pm at Gordon Biersch Midtown!

Gordon Biersch Midtown Maibock Tapping

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851 2010-03-30 19:13:29 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cornerstone Village - Historic Manor House Condominium http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=852 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=852
Historic and Hip Manor House @ Cornerstone Village!


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Midtown Mile Video
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$159,000
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
310 Units
Interior: 905 sqft
Location
800 Peachtree Street
504
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


Powered By RealBird.com



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852 2010-04-02 09:59:46 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Einstein's Midtown Atlanta - A Great Patio Restaurant! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=853 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=853 Einstein's Midtown AtlantaAh yes.....80 degrees and sunshine! What's the first thing you want to do? Hit the elevator, run through the lobby into the street and scream.....SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!!

And if you are going to be in the street, most likely you will need some refreshments...and a place to meet your friends. In case you have not, meet Einstein's Midtown Atlanta!

There are all kinds of elements that make for a great neighborhood, but one can hardly argue that good restaurants are what really make your neighborhood. Then, when they have a great location, huge outdoor patio, good great food and great awesome drinks...well, again meet Einstein's Midtown Atlanta.

Einstein's has long been a favorite of Midtowners and visitors alike. It's close proximity to Piedmont Park make for a great place to stop, rest and hang awhile after a busy day in the park! And now, the restaurant is just across the street from the new Loews Atlanta Hotel, so the crowd will probably be even more exciting!

I had not been to Einstein's Midtown Atlanta in sometime, but they just hosted a Mingle in Midtown for the Midtown Neighbors' Association. We had a great turnout with some 40 plus neighbors chatting and enjoying the great food and some pretty awesome Pinnacle vodka libations! Everyone left happy and talking about returning soon!

Next time you are in the Midtown area, be sure to check out Einstein's Midtown Atlanta. In fact, why not stake out a prime spot on the patio and just people (and car) watch! Ah, life is good!

Einstein's Midtown Burgers

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853 2010-04-02 19:15:34 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
The Difference Between The Men And The Boys Is the Price of Their Toys! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=854 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=854 The Difference Between the Men and the Boys Is the Price of Their Toys!

What a topic you say? Will it even get a reader or a comment? Probably not the point. Just a topic I wanted to share and inspired by a read in the New York Times this morning.

Matchbox die cast collectionA little known fact about me, I collect (or use to...have not purchased one in years) Matchbox die-cast cars. I'm not talking the kinda phony ones of today, but some of the originals ones from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Back when they were die cast, with real tires, interiors and the details, oh my! They don't quite make 'em like that anymore!

Then, this morning, as I was surfing the New York Times Online, I happened into the Auto Section. Of course, the new models at the New York Auto Show had me drooling, but then I found a story on Michael Paul Smith. He collects the much larger type die cast's and does some amazing things with photography. Be sure to take a look at the pictures in the story, and realize those are ALL model cars and sets he created to photograph them. Pretty amazing. I've also got a collection of Lincoln Continental Dealer brochures from the 60's through the 90's. They are packed in a box as they are pretty hard to display in any form that does not take an entire wall of a room!

Just thought I'd share something other that real estate today!

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854 2010-04-04 08:25:01 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent -- The Historic Manor House at Cornerstone Village http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=855 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=855 Midtown Atlanta GA Condos For Rent - The Historic Manor House at Cornerstone Village

Midtown Atlanta, GA Condos --Not to often does the opportunity come along to rent in this historic building. Just imagine, stepping out your front door and onto the Midtown Mile, also known as Peachtree Street. From here, you can walk to the famed Fox Theater, Piedmont Park and the High Museum of Art. A couple blocks away finds Midtown's Publix Urban Market. Traveling? The Midtown MARTA station is also just a couple blocks from your home, making Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport very accessible.

Summer heat got you down? Just imagine a swim in the resort-styled pool, complete with grilling and dining areas. Or maybe a game of billiards in the Game Room.

Don't feel like cooking? Just a block away finds Gordon Biersch Midtown, Fresh To Order and Hudson Grille, just to name a few of your Midtown Atlanta dining options.

Parking is provided, and that's a good thing, as you can leave your car, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Midtown and nearby Piedmont Park.

If you are a student or professor at Georgia Tech, you are just blocks from the campus!

Why not give us a call today and take a look at this great Midtown Atlanta GA Condo For Rent. If you like it a lot, we'll even consider selling it to you!

Historic Manor House Condo For Rent


Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Tour Number 504
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$1,200
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
318 Units
Interior: 905 sqft
Location
800 Peachtree Street
504
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
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855 2010-04-06 18:39:16 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Dear Seller - Ten Sure Fire Ways to Distract Buyers from Focusing on Your Home. http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=856 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=856

Noelle really hit the nail on the head here! I showed a house last week that had a "friendly that will bark" Well, the growl at the top of the stairs kept me from seeing the second floor, and easily could of taken this house off my showing list.

And most importantly, just because your dog is friendly when YOU are home, does not mean it's friendly when you are NOT home.....there are strangers in his/her house and they just might decide to defend it.

Not a pretty scene!

Via Noelle Blazevich (John L. Scott):

 This may seem a bit harsh but it is just plain speaking honest commentary regarding my experience as a buyer's agent.  The statements below are taken directly from the comments and behaviors of buyers viewing homes for sale.  It not meant to be negative but rather is meant to give sellers a bit of a look into the buyer's head.  A chance to see things from the buyer's perspective without the candy coating we agents typically put on things.

10) Leave your "friendly" dog roaming free inside the house when you know we are coming to see it.

Not all buyers are dog people.
Many whether they are dog people or not will actually be scared of your dog.
I have had clients refuse to go into homes because the dog was out.  Or they go in but don't stay long because the dog is either scared of them or overly friendly.  It's hard to pay attention to a home when your nether regions are being inspected by Fido. 
If the buyers are true dog people they are going to focus on the dog not on the house.
Trust me I have seen it happen. 
One way or the other your pet has effectively distracted the buyer from looking at your home.

9) Leave something aromatic cooking in the crock pot for your dinner that night

Not all buyers are going to be fans of your food choices.  In fact if it is particularly aromatic and something the buyer's don't care for, they are likely to ask me if I think the smell will come out or leave quickly because they don't like the smell. 
They were so focused on your food choice they didn't look at your house.

8) Keep photos of your family up throughout the house

Guess what, buyers are going to look at your family photos to try to figure out who you are, do they know you, how many kids do you have?

Guess what they are not doing?  Looking at your house.

7) Keep all your nick knacks out

I know they are precious to you but honestly they are distracting to the buyer.  Instead of looking at the fabulous mantle the buyer will be looking at all the items on the mantel.  As with family photos, buyers will often comment on these items trying to form opinions on who you, the sellers, are rather than focusing on the home.

Pack them up in boxes so you have one less thing to do later on moving day.

6) Make it difficult for me to show your house

I know selling your home is a pain, that you have a life and the appointment time I'm suggesting might not fit into your schedule.   
But, hey I have a buyer that wants to look at your house. 
You want to sell your house right? 
Know what happens when you can't make that appointment time work?  The buyer goes and looks at other houses that are available to see at that time.  Do buyers reschedule to see your house at a later date?  Often times not.  Many buyers find another home that they like or are just not interested in going back to see one they couldn't see right away.  I am not saying that you have to turn your life completely upside down and backwards.  I am just saying that if our appointment time does not work for you don't be surprised when we don't reschedule.  The buyer is likely to have moved on.

5) To continue on the pet theme, leave your cat roaming free throughout the house with a note by the front door stating "Please do not let the cat out".

You are setting up a stressful rather than relaxing situation for the potential buyer and for me the buyers agent.  Buyers are forced to dash in and out of doors rather than wander freely throughout the home and property.  They miss out on the opportunity to call back into the house to their spouse or partner that "they have got to come see this garden, bbq area, hot tub etc" because they had to shut the door so the cat didn't get out.  If they do get wrapped up in looking at the house and forget to shut doors I have to remind them instead of pointing out the features and benefits of your property.  You just made me the nagging hall monitor instead of the helpful agent.  When your pet does manage a jail break, as I swear 99% of them do, I am forced to give chase to Houdini the Wonder Kitty.  Meanwhile my buyers are cooling their heals either irritated that we are off schedule or more likely worried that you are going to be mad if we don't catch your pet and get them back inside your home.

Again the focus has been shifted away from your home.

4) Don't replace burned out light bulbs or use low wattage bulbs.

Yes I know it's only the laundry room, a closet or the spare bedroom you never use but guess what? The buyer wants to see these spaces and when the buyer can't see it they can't form an opinion.  Use a good high watt bulb that appropriatley lights the space.  While the lower wattage bulb will save on your electric bill it will also make for a dark space.  Dark spaces do not impress buyers.  I will typically bring a flash light to help out when a bulb is out but it is still not the same as having a working bulb with the appropriate wattage to light the room to the best benefit.  Buyers will focus on the burned out bulb instead of the space.  Is it just the bulb?  Is there something wrong with the fixture?  If the bulb is dim buyers will focus on how dark the space is instead of how useful it might be.

Don't give them a chance to wonder and worry just replace the bulb and show off the assests of your home in the "best light".

3) Close all the curtains and turn off all the lights

When we walk into the house instead of immediately noticing the great things about the house we are going to be fumbling around looking for light switches.  It is likely that either I or one of the buyers may stub a toe on a hall table trying to find the switch.  Buyers are hesitant to enter dark areas.  In a home that is dark the buyers tend to follow me around as I turn lights on instead of lingering in various rooms to focus on what they might like about a room.  They feel more like they are intruding and less like they are welcome.  Instead of paying attention to the homes benefits they worry about whether they remembered to turn a light off as they left a room.   They also don't get as much of my attention because instead of being able to answer their questions about whether or not the fridge is included or what the square footage of the lot is I am running around opening and shutting drapes and turning light switches on and off.

I know it may not be practical to leave all the drapes open and all the lights on all the time.  At least leave the drapes open on the windows with the best views and leave a few lights on so we can find our way around the house.  If it was on when we got there I will leave it on when we depart.  If it was off I will turn it off.  Please at least leave the porch light on.  I do carry a flashlight but it is just not the same as pulling up to a home with a welcoming porch light on.

2) Turn the heat down

I know especially if you have already moved out that you would like to save on that energy bill but if it is colder in your house than it is outside buyers don't want to linger.  They don't get a warm cozy feeling from your home.  They just feel cold and that feeling transfers to an emotional opinion of your home.  If you can't keep the heat all the way up at least keep it at 55 so we are comfortable in our coats and for heaven sake if you are going to turn the heat down don't expect us to take our shoes off, leave some shoe covers.

One of the quickest ways to drive a potential buyer out of your house is to make them view a cold house in stocking feet.  It is hard to admire the spacious kitchen when your feet are being flash frozen by the cold tile floors.

1) Stay in your home while we are showing it

This is the BEST most SURE FIRE way to make a large majority of buyers uncomfortable.  Buyers don't even come close to paying attention to the features and benefits of a home if you are there.  They are so nervous about offending you and so uncomfortable looking at your home while you sit in your living room or worse follow them around that they rush through. They will tell you thanks for letting them look and dash out. Upon leaving they can't begin to tell me if they noticed what colors the wall were, if there was carpet in the living room or if they liked the kitchen or not. 

What they do tell me is "That was uncomfortable", "I don't like looking at homes when the seller is there" and "Can you make sure the seller will be gone at the next one, if they are there I don't want to see it"

Leave, even if you go sit in your car, take a walk around the block or dash over to your neighbors, just leave.  The buyer will stay longer and pay more attention to your home then if you are there.  If they are interested in your home and have questions I will call your agent and ask.  Think about it.  Would you feel comfortable wandering through someone's master bedroom and checking out the closet space while they were sitting in the living room?

If the buyers fall in love with you home and decide to make an offer there will likely come a time where they will want to meet you and discuss your home at length and in detail with you. Typically buyer's and seller's agents are more than happy to set up this meeting.  It is just not the first time the buyers are viewing your home.

Again, Please keep in mind these statements are meant to be helpful to sellers and give them a chance to look at things from the buyer's perspective.  These are just some of the things that may not typically be thought of as a big deal but do in fact distract buyers focus. 

Noelle Blazevich
John L. Scott - North Bend
noelleblazevich@johnlscott.com
When you work with me it's about YOU!

Noelle Blazevich on John L. Scott.com
On Facebook
RealEstateByNoelle.com
On You Tube
Virtual Tours of My Listings

 

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856 2010-04-10 10:20:03 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta Luxury Hotel Announced http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=857 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=857 Site of One Museum PlaceWell, this could be a sign of better times ahead? Just when you thought no one would stick a shovel in the ground, it was reported in the Atlanta Business Chronicle on Friday that the site of the once proposed One Museum Place condominium at 1301 Peachtree Street is changing hands.

Alvin D. James, a veteran broadcasting industry executive has agreed to purchase the property from the prominent Atlanta builder, John Wieland, CEO of John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, Inc. As the Atlanta housing market took a nose dive in 2007, Wieland scrapped his plans for a 23-story, 92-unit condo tower.

James has indicated he plans a 250-room, five-star Midtown Atlanta luxury hotel on the site. Another story, found on the site, The Luxury Hub, further states that James hopes to have the project opened in 2012. He has said he is courting three international hotel flags and an European hedge fund is apparently proving 100% funding for the $350 million project.

This all comes on the heels of a W Midtown that was repositioned from the Sheraton Colony Square, the opening of the Hotel Palomar and just last month, the new Loews Atlanta Hotel, part of the 12th and Midtown development.

It would appear that Midtown Atlanta is going to have lots of beds to fill in a couple years. Development note to

Mr. James....put in a really, really, really cool roof-top pool and you will score big!

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857 2010-04-10 12:46:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta GA Open Houses - Sunday April 11 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=858 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=858 Midtown Atlanta GA Open Houses - Sunday April 11 2010

 

Tomorrow, is National Open House Day! All around the country, REALTORS and real estate agents will be opening the doors to some of the finest homes and condominiums available, including right here in Midtown Atlanta!

We hope you will join Thomas Ramon Realty as we showcase two unique and different condominiums in Midtown Atlanta.

 

The Dakota Condominiums, 850 Piedmont Avenue, Number 3111, Atlanta, GA 30308

This home will be open from 12-2pm

Click on the Picture for addtional details about this unique Midtown home!

 

Dakota Condominums

Cornerstone Village Condominiums, 800 Peachtree Street, Number 504, Atlanta, GA 30308

 

This home, located in the Historic Manor House Building (a Neil Reid designed building)

will be open from 3-5pm

Click on the picture for additional details about this home.

 

Cornerstone Village Number 504

 

 

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858 2010-04-10 19:14:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Dogwood Festival Midtown Atlanta GA, April 16-18, 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=859 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=859 Dogwood Festival, Midtown Atlanta, April 16-18, 2010

It's Spring time in Atlanta, and that means two things. The Dogwood Festival and the Midtown Tour of Homes! Once again, these two fabulous events come together on the same weekend in Midtown Atlanta! And a busy weekend it will be indeed!

Dogwood Festival Midtown Atlanta GA

The Dogwood Festival  is some 74 years old! On April 19, 1936, Atlanta invited the world to attend her first Dogwood Festival. Walter Rich, president of ADF and founder of Rich's department store, wanted to make Atlanta internationally known for our now famous blooming dogwood trees during the week-long event.  In 1941,  The Festival was discontinued because of World War II. But it made a return in 1964 and by 1968 The Women's Chamber of Commerce made the Festival one of the largest civic celebrations in the Southeast. The Dogwood Festival of today has many exciting exhibits and events associated with it.

One of the exciting events happens on Saturday evening when Movie On the Meadow presents  the 50th Anniversary Screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO ! This will happen at 9pm and is a FREE event. Bring your picnic baskets and your blankets (no alcohol please) and make a fun evening of it!

As you can see from the map below, The Dogwood Festival takes up most of Piedmont Park. But on Friday, April 16th, from 3-6pm, you can find The Thom And Ray Team at the MPSA Beer Tent! Look for the orange arrow on the map below! That's where we will be. The proceeds from the beer tent go back into the Midtown Atlanta neighborhood in the form of private security patrols. Check out the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance for more information on that!

 

Dogwood Festival map


I'm not going to ramble on about everything there is to do at The Dogwood Festival. If you click on the map above it will take to the website for the Festival where you can read all about the various events going on.

However, I did want to call your attention to the All NEW Dogwood Festival Restaurant Week! Many of our favorite Midtown Atlanta Restaurants have partnered with the Festival and are offering a special $25 menu from Monday April 12 - Sunday, April 18!

So, make your plans now for The Dogwood Festival in Midtown Atlanta, and also plan to tour some great Midtown Atlanta condos that will be featured on the Midtown Tour of Homes!

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859 2010-04-12 17:23:11 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Social Club @ Straits Restaurant Friday, April 16, 6-8pm http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=860 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=860 Midtown Social Club @ Straits Restaurant April 16 6-8pm

One of the great parts of living in an urban area, is the activities that go on almost nightly, and are within an easy walk of my condo at Spire Midtown. And the Midtown Social Club is just such the event!

Neighbors (and it seems to draw people from outside the neighborhood) gather each month at a local restaurant for couple hours of conversation and cocktails. The Midtown Social Club was originally coordinated by the Social Committee Chair people of 4 condominium buildings as a way to get the residents to know each other. It has taken off like a rocket and they have had upwards of 200 people at some of the events.

This month's event is right at the start of the Dogwood Festival, so what a great way to start off a busy Midtown weekend!

If you are in the area, stop by the Midtown Social Club @ Straits Restaurant....we are sure to be there!

 

Midtown Social Club

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860 2010-04-12 22:27:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Allure of the Automobile - High Museum In Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=861 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=861 Allure of the Automobile - High Museum in Midtown Atlanta

 

Back in April of this year, a very unique exhibit graced a portion of the High Museum here in Atlanta. I had meant to get these pictures up right away, but we know how that goes!

First off, I had no idea that the Museum had a freight elevator big enough for a car, and some of these were some monsters! But to see these cars, and restored to like new was a treat for any lover of art, even if they were cars!

I was especially in love with the Mercedes.....what a grocery getter she would make!

The Allure of the Automobile at the High Museum in Midtown Atlanta was certainly worth seeing, and, if you did not make it, or don't live in Atlanta, I hope these pictures at least give you a glimpse of some amazing automobiles!

 

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861 2010-04-12 22:37:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Atlanta Intown Academy Announces Open Enrollment http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=862 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=862 Atlanta Intown Academy Announces Open Enrollment

Atlanta Intown Academy


The Atlanta Intown Academy, a new, tuition-free public charter school will open in Fourth Ward this year! This is great news for parents living in the Midtown Atlanta area, or for families that are considering living in Midtown Atlanta. We all know how important a good education is!

School Kids

 

Open enrollment is now being conducted by the school from March 24th - April 30th, 2010. The Atlanta Intown Academy is expected to open August 9, and will transition to a year round school by the second semester. Contact the school by phone at 404.270.9788 to begin the enrollment process. Or you can visit the Intown Academy website to learn more about this great new education opportunity for Midtown Atlanta!

 

I have personally been on the Board of Directors for Midtown Neighbors' Association (MNA) for 3 years, and this school has been a constant topic of conversation. My hats off to my co-Board member, Dana Persons who is a Founding Board Member of the Intown Academy. I know she and the other Founding Members have put in countless hours to see this project through to its completion....the opening!

Congratulations to everyone involved and again, Welcome The Atlanta Intown Academy to the list of education choices for parents in Midtown Atlanta.

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862 2010-04-13 21:14:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta GA Tour of Homes April 17-18, 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=863 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=863 Midtown Atlanta GA Tour of Homes April 17-18, 2010

 

Midtown Mile Midtown Atlanta GA

 

 

Indeed, it seems like only yesterday were were exploring some of the great homes of Midtown Atlanta...and here we are again! Time for the 2010 edition of this great Midtown tradition. I'm told by some residents that it is the longest running tour in Atlanta?

This year, the Midtown Tour of Homes has a "skyward" approach as a majority of the homes are located in the various mid and highrise buildings that dot the Midtown Atlanta skyline! So, if you have evern wondered what it was like to live up in the sky in one of those buildings, now is your chance!

15 condominium residences, 1 single family home and 3 "points of interest" dot the route. While each and every home is as unique as the building it is in and the individuals that own them, this year, Tour participants will see some unique homes that are not easily seen by the public.

 

 

Viewpoint Midtown AtlantaOne of our special favorites on the Midtown Tour of Homes belongs to local artist and community leader, Peggy Denby and her husband Don Jones. As Viewpoint Midtown was just beginning to emerge from the ground, their REALTORS, The Thom And Ray Team worked with the developer to agree to the combination of two homes. (This is not always an easy task, especially in a preconstruction phase.) Don and Peggy did not want to wait to purchase, and then ask for the approval for the combination of their units, so we worked to gain that approval prior to the purchase.

The end result is nothing short of spectacular! The views from their 16th floor home are breathtaking! As the song says, "on a clear day..." you can see from Stone Mountain to Kennesaw Mountain and between!

Have we tempted you? I hope so. Ray and I will be the hosts in this home both Saturday and Sunday for the tour. We hope you will stop by, say hello, and look at not only this special home, but ALL the homes on this years' Midtown Tour of Homes.

You can purchase tickets online for a discount at the Midtown Tour of Homes website.

Midtown Tour of Homes

 

 

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863 2010-04-14 08:31:10 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Atlanta Beltline Clean Up This Weekend http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=864 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=864 Atlanta Beltline Clean Up This Weekend

Just in case you don't think there is enough to do this coming weekend in Midtown Atlanta with the Dogwood Festival and the Midtown Tour of Homes, let me add one more great thing to do!

Join Keep Atlanta Beautiful this Saturday at Ansley Mall from 8 a.m. to noon for the Earth Day Atlanta BeltLine Cleanup. We'll clear invasive plants and put litter in its place to restore this section to a safe, clean and walkable trail.

Bagels, Starbucks and tote bags for the first 150 volunteers. Community pride and a glimpse into Atlanta's future of transportation for all. Bring your own water bottles and work gloves. Wear long sleeves, sturdy shoes, bug spray and sunscreen.

If you don't have a car, or want to be "green", Take bus 27, Monroe Drive/Cheshire Bridge, from Lindbergh Station MARTA, or park in front of CVS at Ansley Mall, Monroe Drive and Piedmont Avenue.

Register at KeepAtlantaBeautiful.org. (Choose "Earth Day BeltLine Cleanup" from the drop down menu.)

Beltline Clean Up

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864 2010-04-14 21:46:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cornerstone Village Furnished Condo For Rent! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=865 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=865
Historic Manor House Condo For Rent


Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Tour Number 504
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$1,200
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
318 Units
Interior: 905 sqft
Location
800 Peachtree Street
504
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
Our recent listings
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865 2010-04-19 08:54:32 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Olde Ivy At Vinings - Spacious 3 Bedroom Townhome with Garage! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=866 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=866
PRICE REDUCTION! Olde Ivy At Vinings Smyrna 3 Bedrooms


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood














$258,000
Townhouse
For Sale
Main Features
3 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Interior: 2040 sqft
Location
4796 Ivy Ridge Drive, SE
Smyrna, GA 30080

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Smyrna, GA real estate for sale


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866 2010-04-19 09:11:44 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Another Historic Midtown Atlanta Condo Opportunity! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=867 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=867
Circa 1927 Condo in Historic Manor House


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$154,000
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
310 Units
Interior: 849 sqft
Location
800 Peachtree Street, NE
203
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHSE

The Thom And Ray Team
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


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867 2010-04-21 12:27:25 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Livable Centers Initiative Awards Include Doraville GM Plant http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=868 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=868 Livable Centers Initiative Awards Include Doraville GM Plant

Atlanta Regional CommissionThe Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded 5 local Atlanta governments $440,000 in grants for their Livable Centers Initiative. The communities include Dunwoody, Hampton , Morrow, Dekalb County and Doraville, where the massive shuttered GM plant awaits redevelopment. The break down of the grants are:

  1. City of DunwoodyDunwoody - $80,000  - The newly incorporated City of Dunwoody will use the grant to study Dunwoody Village. This study will develop strategies for transforming Dunwoody Village into a vibrant town center, including a mix of uses and improved traffic circulation throughout the area. This is a historic area with several buildings that belonged to the original families that once owned the land.
  2. Hampton - $80,000 -  The City of Hampton will use the LCI planning process along with its current plans and projects to create an economically feasible strategy to achieve mixed use, higher density and diverse transportation related development. (Whew...that was mouthful!)  Two development opportunities the city will focus on include the re-location of the city public works facility currently located two blocks from Main Street and the proposed location of the only commuter rail stop in Henry County being in Hampton. 
  3. Morrow - $100,000 - The Southlake Mall LCI study area is a location that has traditionally been a significant economic district for the City of Morrow and the greater Clayton County community.  This area is still important to the local economy, but recent disinvestment and commercial/industrial vacancies remain high, resulting in greyfield and brown field sites primed for redevelopment. Redevelopment of  this area will become a thriving regional employment generator and shopping destination with varied entertainment and recreation options.
  4. Dekalb County - $80,000 - The Wesley Chapel Activity Center area was once a thriving area of commercial and residential development, but has experienced a significant amount of disinvestment over the past 20 years. The area has a number of big box retail spaces and strip malls that have remained vacant. These, along with significant home foreclosures, have served to further exacerbate the financial problems in the area. The LCI study will guide the transformation of the Wesley Chapel Activity Center area from its current state as a predominantly greyfield area into a mixed use district with improved corridor mobility that encourages economic development, establishes a foundation for transit development and offers a safe pedestrian experience. This planned center will encourage walkable communities and provide employment, housing and recreation choices for a mix of residents.

Doraville GM PlantThe last award went to the City of Doraville. They will focus on the redevelopment of the now shuttered General Motors Assembly Plant, the adjacent MARTA station and the ripple effect on existing businesses within the area. This 160-some acre parcel of land is the largest single piece of land located inside the I-285 corridor. It is bordered by I-285, nearby I-85 and the end of the North Line for MARTA.This redevelopment potential provides opportunities to repair the community fabric (Doraville was chopped into pieces by the GM plant, I-285 and the expansion of Peachtree Industrial Blvd), fill housing and economic voids, foster quality growth concepts and add needed green space.

If the GM site is redeveloped properly, it could make Doraville much more prosperous than it was even when the GM plant WAS in operation. Doraville already has a huge concentration of Asian and Hispanic businesses, and this cultural base, along with an exciting new development of retail, restaurants and housing, coupled with the access of a MARTA station can only mean big things for the little town of Doraville.

We will be watching this development closely!

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868 2010-04-24 16:07:04 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
November Market Report 2009 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=49 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=49 Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report November 2009 2009 is suppose to be one for the history books! But, we are still working to get you the numbers for the end of the year. Our real estate numbers don't come out till mid month, so December and the end of the year results should be out this week. But here is your Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report November 2009 so you can follow the trends in condominium sales. Keep in mind, the numbers we receive from First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) cover a very large huge reporting area. So, it takes a bit of surgery to disect it down to just our Midtown Atlanta Market! In preparing the Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report, there were a total of 71 sales in Area 23 (which is where Midtown Atlanta is) with an average sales price of  $182,833.  This is down some $8972 from the October  average of $191,805. Here is a recap of the November activity:

There is still lots of inventory out there. These numbers will include a some of the inventory from Viewpoint Midtown, 1010 Midtown and Luxe Midtown, the three remaining new construction buildings that are still being sold by the developer. But they only put a portion of their inventory in the listing service, so our actual inventory is MUCH higher than this. The Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report November 2009 covers 16 major communities (buildings) in the Midtown Atlanta area. Cornerstone Village 2008 - No Sales (1 Bed) 2008 - No Sales (2 Bed) 2009 - Average Sales Price: $105,000 (1 Bedroom) Average Sales Price:  No Sales  (2 Bedroom) Average List Price: $137.050 (1 Bedroom)  13 Listings Average List Price: $214,666 (2 Bedroom)    3 Listings 805 Peachtree 2008 - No Sales of either 1 or 2 Bedrooms 2009 - No Sales of either 1 or 2 Bedrooms 1- 3 Bedroom Sold for $570,000 Average List Price: $246,133 (1 Bedroom) 3 Listings Average List Price: $452,800 (2 Bedroom) 3 Listings Spire Midtown 2008 - Average Sales Price $177,000 (1 Bedroom) 2008 - Average Sales Price $431,500 (2 Bedroom) 2009 - Average Sales Price: $150,000 (1 Bedroom) 2009 - Average Sales Price: $226,258 (2 Bedroom) Average List Price; $206,212 (1 Bedroom) (22 Listings) Average List Price: $305,962 (2 Bedroom) (10 Listings) Average List Price: $679,900 (3 Bedroom) (2 Listings) NOTE: No 3 bedrooms were sold in Spire in new construction. These are 2 and 2 bedroom units that have been combined into 3 bedroom homes. Metropolis Midtown 2008 - No Sales (1 Bedroom) 2008 - No Sales (2 Bedroom) 2009- Average Sales Price: $140,000 (1 Bedroom) 2009- Average Sales Price: $267,616 (2 Bedroom) Average List Price: $156,999 (1 Bedroom)(19 Listings) Average List Price: $323,860 (2 Bedroom)(5 Listings) 905 Juniper 2008 - No Sales (1 Bedroom) 2008 - No Sales (2 Bedroom) There were no sales in November, 2009 Average List Price: $289,000 (1 Bedroom)(1 Listings) Average List Price: $414,800 (2 Bedroom)(4 Listings) Average List Price: $729,900 (3 Bedroom) (1 Listing) Tuscany 2008 - Average Sales Price: $153,000 (1 Bedroom) 2008 - Average Sales Price: No Sales  (2 Bedroom) 2009 - Average Sales Price: $157,000 (1 Bedroom) 2009 - Average Sales Price: No Sales  (2 Bedroom) Average List Price: $163,100 (1 Bedroom)(3 Listings) Average List Price: $209,900 (2 Bedroom)(1 Listing) Plaza Midtown 2008 - Average Sales Price: $178,000 (1 Bedroom) 2008 - Average Sales Price: No Sales  (2 Bedroom) 2009 - Average Sales Price: $169,000 (1 Bedroom) 2009 - Average Sales Price: No Sales  (2 bedroom) Average List Price; $184,700 (1 Bedroom)(9 Listings) Average List Price: $240,783 (2 Bedroom)(7 Listings) MidCity Lofts 2008 - Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 bedroom) 2008 - Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 bedroom) 2009 - Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom) 2009 - Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom) Average List Price: $ 207,180 (1 Bedroom)(5 Listings) Average List Price: $ 315,000 (2 Bedroom)(1 Listing) Aqua Midtown In 2008, Sales in Aqua Midtown were still going through the On-Site Sales Center. In May, 2009, the remaining units were sold at Auction. The Average List Price for the Auction was $552,250 The Average Bid Price for the Auction was $279,500 2009 - Average Sales Price: $340,000 (2 Bedroom) 2009 - Average List Price: $340,000 (2 Bedroom) (1 Listing) 2009 - Average List Price: $1,394,500 (3 Bedroom) (2 Listings) Park Central 2008 Average Sales Price: $160,000 (1 Bedroom) 2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales  (2 Bedroom) 2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom) 2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom) Average List Price: $155,360 (1 Bedroom)(5 Listings) Average List Price: $200,607 (2 Bedroom)(8 Listings) Mayfair Renaissance and Mayfair Tower 2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom) 2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom) 2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom) 2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom) Average List Price: $198,110 (1 Bedroom)(10 Listings) Average List Price: $361,519 (2 Bedroom)(10 Listings) The Dakota Condominiums 2008 Average Sales Price: $260,000 (1 Bedroom) 2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales  (2 Bedroom) 2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales  (1 Bedroom) 2009 Average Sales Price: $360,000 (2 Bedroom) Average List Price; $275,000 (1 Bedroom)(1 Listing) Average List Price: $409,722 (2 Bedroom)(9 Listings) Peachtree Lofts 2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom) 2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom) 2009 Average Sales Price: $88,900 (1 Bedroom) 2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom) Average List Price: $207,216 (1 Bedroom)(6 Listings) Average List Price: $235,900 (2 Bedroom)(5 Listings) (This building just passed a major assessment to refurbish the exterior, roof, a/c systems, and remodel the lobby.) Peachtree Walk 2008 Average Sales Price: No Sales (1 Bedroom) 2008 Average Sales Price: $179,510 (2 Bedroom) 2009 Average Sales Price: $150,000 (1 Bedroom) 2009 Average Sales Price: No Sales (2 Bedroom) Average List Price: $138,688 (1 Bedroom)(9 Listings) Average List Price: $192,600 (2 Bedroom)(3 Listings) Ansley Above The Park This Building had no Sales in 2008 OR 2009! Average List Price: $375,042 (2 Bedroom)(6 Listings) Average List Price: $465,000 (3 Bedroom)(1 Listing) Above The Four Seasons This Building had no Sales in 2008 or 2009. Average List Price: $330,300 (1 Bedroom)(3 Listings) Average List Price: $684,480 (2 Bedroom)(5 Listings) There are three other buildings that are not included in the Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report October 2009. They are Viewpoint Midtown, Luxe and 1010Midtown. These three buildings are still being sold by On Site Sales Centers, and as such do not fully report their sales since they are not always listed in the listing service. The Thom And Ray Team would be happy to help you find a new home in any of these buildings. If you are looking to sell your Midtown Atlanta Condo, give us a call to discuss our Marketing Plan!

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49 2010-05-05 19:31:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
Farmers' Markets In Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=869 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=869 Farmer's Markets In Atlanta GA

Farmers' Markets in Atlanta GAIt's that time of the year when the Farmer's Markets in Atlanta GA flourish, just like the produce, fresh fruit, cheeses and jams they sell! And in the Atlanta area, we certainly have a few to choose from. Let's start with those closest to Midtown Atlanta.

Green Market at Piedmont Park

This market, opened by the Piedmont Park Conservancy, begins Saturday, May 1 and every Saturday until December 11. The market is held on the "street" in the park, at the 12th Street Entrance. Everything from fresh produce, honey, sauces, pasta, cheese and pastries can be found here. You can be even more green since it is walkable from your home in Historic Midtown or most of the Midtown Atlanta Condos. 9am - 1pm  

Morningside Farmers' Market


Morningside Market

This year-round market in Morningside is open from 8am to 11:30am. It's located at 1393 N. Highland Avenue, across from Alon's Bakery. In mid- April (like already started) there are chef demonstrations using foods from the market. So, you'll learn what to do with those fresh beets, carrots, and asparagus that you just picked up!

Studioplex Green Market

This one's a bit confusing. I read in a local paper it would start in May, but a visit to their website says July 12? What? The middle of the summer? Check out the website in the link above for any potential updates on this one.

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Sweet Auburn Curb MarketThis is not your ordinary farmers' market. This one's indoors, open year-round AND it's become a shopping and dining destination. No less than ELEVEN restaurants to pick from! And a variety of  meats, seafoods and baked goods will be sure to fill your shopping bags. (Make sure you bring your reusable bags! Let's keep it green!)

East Atlanta Village Farmer's Market

This market, located at Village Hardware at 1231 Glenwood Avenue opens May 6 and will then be open every Thursday from 4pm until dusk. From organic granola, fresh breads and grass-fed beef from Farmhouse Beef. (Now, I'm checking this one out for some great grilling steaks for this summer!)

Other Farmers' Markets in Atlanta GA you might want to check out (I don't want you reading forever...ya gotta get shopping!)

Farmers' markets in Atlanta GA

Atlanta State Farmers' Market

Decatur Farmers' Market

Peachtree Road Farmers' Market

Chastain Park Green Market

Norcross Farmers' Market  (I actually did a post about this one and you can read about the Norcross Farmers' Market.

 

 

 


Shop on and eat healthy! Nothing like fresh produce and food to keep you happy and healthy!

I'll see ya at the market!



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869 2010-05-03 14:52:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Spire Midtown Atlanta Short Sale Opportunity! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=870 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=870 Spire Midtown Atlanta

This is a great opportunity to live at Spire! The owner is anxious to sell and will be "on top" of the lender for a quick approval on this one!

 

Amazing Value at Spire Midtown Atlanta


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats














$160,000
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
393 Units
Interior: 606 sqft
Location
860 Peachtree Street
2016
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

Thomas Ramon Realty
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper In Town
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


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870 2010-05-04 18:17:55 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Active Rain.....Thank You For the Music! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=871 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=871 Active Rain.....and everyone behind the scenes.....yes we were ranting and screaming (not me!!) about not getting our posts out, our comments made, and so on.

I honestly did not know what was going on until a posting on the AR Facebook page. Then I said, "Ah...this is big, but the end results will be FABULOUS!

So, Active Rain, I just wanted to say.....

 

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871 2010-05-04 23:23:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Open Sunday 2-4PM Spire Midtown Condominiums 1 Bedroom 20th Floor! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=872 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=872 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, MAY 9

2:00PM - 4:00PM

Great opportunity to come see what Midtown Atlanta looks like from the 20th Floor!

See why Spire Midtown Condominiums have been a favorite place to call home for many, and now is your opportunity!

 

 

Amazing Value at Spire Midtown Atlanta


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood
Open House
Market Stats














$160,000
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
393 Units
Interior: 606 sqft
Location
860 Peachtree Street
2016
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

Thomas Ramon Realty
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper In Town
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


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872 2010-05-08 15:23:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Speechless Sunday - For the Love of a Dog! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=873 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=873 I had the pleasure of attending the Canine for a Cause Fashion Show, sponsored by P.A.W.S. Atlanta no-kill animal shelter this past week. I'll write more about the event later.....

 

Sherman and Thom

Meet Sherman! He repeatedly asked me, " I'm cute! Don't you want to take me home?" To which I replied, somewhat heartbroken, "No, I can't right now."

Sherman is a Saint Bernard mix, so he will be a big boy when he grows up!

If you'd like to give Sherman a good home, contact

P.A.W.S. Atlanta

770-593-1155

 

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873 2010-05-09 08:45:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
City in the Arboretum Conference, May 22, 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=874 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=874 City in the Arboretum Conference

City in the Arboretum ConferenceAn arboretum (pl: arboreta) is a collection of trees and other mostly woody plants that are cultivated for display, educational, and scientific purposes. Typically, an arboretum is located in a garden- or park-like setting.

If you are a nature lover, and especially love trees, then this might be just the event for you.

Trees Atlanta presents the 2010 City in the Arboretum Conference, May 22 from 8:30am to 2:00pm. Sponsored in part by The UPS Foundation and Three Sisters Catering, topics will include:

  • Using collections and themes to select plants
  • Creating arboretum programming and events Planning a multi-season garden in your arboretum
  • Tree Protections strategies ( important in drought conditions!)
  • New and exciting species in the tree world & more!!

The event will take place at Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center, located at 255 Chester Avenue, Atlanta, 30316. The cost for the event is $30 for Trees Atlanta members and $40 for non members. Breakfast and lunch ARE provided!

Click HERE to register for the program!

Atlanta is known for its trees, but we’ve also seen many of them disappear in the way of developmental progress. Trees are in important part of our lives and eco system. This is a great opportunity to learn more!!

Make your plans today to attend the 2010 City in the Arboretum Conference!

 

This article was originally posted on MyMidtownMojo.com

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874 2010-05-10 05:26:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Draft on Taft Midtown Atlanta May 22, 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=875 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=875 Draft on Taft 2010

Draft on Taft  May 22, 2010 3-10PM at 10th and Charles Allen/ Taft Streets -- Midtown Atlanta

You gotta love how the little things turn into great big wonderful things! And Draft on Taft would be a shining example of that.

Take some neighborhoods guys back in 2000 that decide to throw a little party on their street corner, 10th and Taft, just across from Piedmont Park in Atlanta. They have lots of friends as about 300 people showed up. It was quickly realized they were onto something and the guys figured this would be a good way to give back to their community. And so a non-profit organization, Draft on Taft, was formed with its mission to be an organization of friends dedicated to raising funds for worthy causes.

2010 proves to be no different as Draft on Taft selects Bert's Big Adventure as it's beneficiary of the proceeds from the event. Bert's Big Adventure is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to allow children with a chronic or terminal illness ages 5 to 12 years of age that prove financial need and live in The Bert Show radio listening area, to experience a magical weekend with their families at Walt Disney World as our guests.

So, come on out and enjoy a great Saturday afternoon and evening in Midtown Atlanta at Draft on Taft! Bands lined up include Francisco Vidal, Unzipt and Drivin n Cryin!!

This IS a ticketed, 21+ event, so plan accordingly. Ticket prices increase from $25 to $30 at Midnight on May 11! And again to $32 at Midnight on May 19th. You can get your tickets here!

Also, please note on-street parking in the area is severely limited. We ecourage you to take MARTA to the Midtown Station. Exit on 10th Street, head East (or right out of the station) and you can probably just follow the crowd to the event on 10th Street.

 

Draft on Taft Map

This article originally appeared on MyMidtownMojo.com

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875 2010-05-11 18:59:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta Is FHA Approved! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=876 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=876 876 2010-05-11 19:50:38 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 Viewpoint Midtown Announces $8000 Buyer Bonus! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=877 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=877 Viewpoint Midtown Announces $8000 Buyer Bonus!

 

Viewpoint Midtown has been one of the best selling condominiums in recent years! And despite the recent "challenges" that the real estate market has faced, they continue to sell homes! And when you reach a number like 80% sold, you want to get to 100!

So, if you missed the First Time Home Buyers' tax credit, and even if you are NOT a First Time Buyer, hows about a nice $8000 Buyer Bonus!

What are you waiting for? Give Thomas Ramon Realty a call today and let us help you find the right floor plan and you can call Viewpoint Midtown HOME!

 

Viewpoint Midtown Incentive

 

 

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877 2010-05-12 08:06:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Wordless Wednesday - A Moment in Time http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=878 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=878 One of those new found life appreciations since blogging that I have found is I am always looking for things to take pictures of! Caught this a few weeks ago on my way to the High Museum in Midtown Atlanta!

 

Midtown Flowers

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878 2010-05-12 09:23:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta GA Real Estate, Foreclosures in Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=879 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=879 Midtown Atlanta GA Real Estate, Foreclosures in Midtown Atlanta

Midtown Atlanta GAAre you looking for a condo or single-family home foreclosure in Midtown Atlanta, GA? The good news is, if you are looking for a condo, most of them will be in relatively good shape. I've not seen to many that required extensive repairs. Even if a condo has been vacant for sometime, it has usually still had water service, although the power will have been turned off. If you are looking at a single-family home foreclosure in Midtown Atlanta, GA you will want to proceed with caution. Many of these homes are much older, and "lack of use" could compound problems they may already have.

There are numerous ways to look for a foreclosure in Midtown Atlanta, GA. You can look at the current condo foreclosures and single-family foreclosures yourself. (Note, if these searches are not working, just contact me and we will be happy to give you an updated list. Currently in Midtown Atlanta, GA there are 60 condo foreclosures and 15 single-family home foreclosures. Condo prices range from a low of $44,900 to as high as $4,500,000! Single-family homes range for $299,000 to $999,000. You can also find foreclosures listed on on line auction sites and I would be happy to assist you with those.

Check BookTo begin the process of buying a condo foreclosure in Midtown Atlanta, GA, you first need to be pre-approved for a mortgage. Why? Because many foreclosures, if priced right, will move quickly and you will want to know how much you can afford and how much you are willing to spend. The two numbers may not always be the same. I would first suggest you contact Brian Dover with Sharpe Mortgages. Brian knows the condo market in Midtown Atlanta, GA and will get you started on the right track.

home inspectionsOnce you find the home or condo in Midtown Atlanta, GA you are looking for, you will need to have a variety of inspections done, depending on whether it is a condo or single-family home. The condo will most likely require less inspections, but will require more knowledge about the condominium home owners association (HOA) and how financially stable they are. Condo owners pay a monthly maintenance fee to maintain the common elements (those areas of the building shared by everyone such as the pool, garage, lobby, etc) and if the community has not planned for a delinquency in these payments, they could have problems.

I can assist you in obtaining that information in the time frame allowed within your contract. This time period, often referred to as "due diligence" is the time you are allowed to complete inspections, assessments, finalize your financing and any other steps necessary to make sure the home or condo is in good condition and you are ready to move forward towards the purchase.

I have sold several foreclosures in Midtown Atlanta, GA and the buyers are very happy home owners, enjoying the condo life and living in Midtown Atlanta. Keep in mind, there can be other condos or single family homes on the market, and NOT in foreclosure that may also be an option for you.

If you are interested in purchasing Midtown Atlanta, GA real estate or a Midtown Atlanta, GA foreclosure, call me at 770.713.1505 or you can e-mail me. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

 

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879 2010-05-13 07:56:28 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Spire Midtown Atlanta. 1 Bedroom 20th Floor $160,000 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=880 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=880
Amazing Value at Spire Midtown Atlanta


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats

























$160,000
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
393 Units
Interior: 606 sqft
Location
860 Peachtree Street
2016
Atlanta, GA 30308

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

Thomas Ramon Realty
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper In Town
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


Powered By RealBird.com



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880 2010-05-14 13:16:42 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Web Site. Blog Site. Both? What say you? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=881 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=881 Well, this would be more of a survey than a post I guess.

I'm in the process of launching a new blog site. Wow....what a job this is! While the site is live, it's not "turned on to Google" until I get some more content on the site. Ah, but you my friends can check it out...

My Midtown Mojo

ConfusedYou will quickly find many of the tabs are not functional...hence why she's not fully "turned on yet." But as you can see, the site will have a search feature via my IDX provider, SoftRealty.com whom I found this year at the RETech South conference here in Atlanta. And then there will be all the great content about Midtown Atlanta, grouped into various categories yet to be named on the site.

Here's my challenge....with the hosting cost of my blog site, the cost of IDX and the current cost of my website, The Thom And Ray Team, I'm trying to figure out if I really NEED my website any longer? These monthly charges all start to add up quickly, faster it seems than my sales!

I've had a huge challenge keeping the web site updated along with blogging here. And now I'll be posting on Active Rain AND my new site. I know I could probably do more with the site, but I've only got 25 hours in a day!

So, I ask your opinion? Do I need both? I can get my featured listings on my blog site....people can search for homes...there will be pages linking to some 18 different condominium projects in my immediate area...

So I ask you, my AR friends, do you think I can pull the plug on my site once I get the blog fully operational?

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881 2010-05-14 21:20:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
White Provisions Midtown West, Atlanta GA Condominium Homes http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=882 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=882 White Provisions Midtown West, Atlanta GA Condominium Homes

White Provision DistrictThis past week, I had the opportunity to re-aquaint myself with a unique living opportunity when I attended a Broker event at White Provisions Midtown West. There is all sorts of exciting things happening on "the other side of the Connector" and this is one of them.

The Midtown area was split apart years ago with the construction of I-75/85 through Midtown and Downtown. Now called "The Downtown Connector." this 16 lane freeway has long kept people from Midtown West. But times, they are a changing! The construction of Atlantic Station, along with the 17th Street Bridge and the widening of the 14th Street Bridge all make this part of Atlanta much more accessible, and has been coined "Midtown West" and the West Midtown Design District.

The White Provisions District takes the enduring beauty of a 1910 brick industrial building and blends it with new construction in both retail and the residential part, White Provisions Residences. This community consists of 94 homes developed next to the historic White Provision building. Located at 14th and Howell Mill Road, 14th Street provide a straight line back to Midtown Atlanta.

Several things make White Provisions Residences a great buying opportunity. First, your HOA fees are paid for the rest of 2010! Second, a tax abatement program keeps your property taxes low and they will slowly increase until 2022 when they reach the normal property tax level. So you save on your payment for the next 11 years! Home prices range from $189,900 to $749,900 for the stunning White Provisions Penthouse Number 909

White Provisions Residences offer the condominium home buyer all the amenties you could ask for....

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Pool pavilioin with Fitness Center and Grilling/Dining area
  • Controlled Access Parking, Guest Parking and direct access to your residnential floor from the garage
  • Fully Furnished Guest Suite
  • 24 Hour Concierge and residential lobby
  • Private balconies and terraces with glass wall railings to capture the views
  • Steps to retail and restaurants

Speaking of retail and restaurants, just take a look at these choices (Not a complete list of ALL the stores by any means) available to you living at White Provisions, all part of the Westside Urban Market....

White ProvisionDragonfly The Salon

Spa Sentio

Sid Mashburn Menswear

Astolfi Art

 

Tanner Hill Gallery

Ava

Bungalow

Bacchanalia

Figo Pasta

 

West Egg Cafe

Taqueria del Sol

and of course, Room & Board

Take a quick look at White Provisions Residences and the White Provisions District.

View the current listings for White Provisions Residences

 

 

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882 2010-05-15 11:09:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Cornerstone Village Manor House Midtown Atlanta, GA For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=883 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=883
Hip and Historic AND on Peachtree Street in Midtown!


Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats

























$153,900
Condominium
For Sale
Main Features
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
310 Units
Interior: 849 sqft
Location
800 Peachtree Street, NE
203
Atlanta, GA 30308

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

Thomas Ramon Realty
(770) 713-1505
Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
http://www.thomandrayteam.com



Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
Our recent listings
Subscribe to our listing feed
See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


Powered By RealBird.com



]]> 883 2010-05-20 12:34:47 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 Remember The Good Old Days? This Will! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=884 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=884 Yes, the good old days.

For some of you, it would be $.35 per gallon gas.

For some of you, it would be going to Grandma's house for Sunday dinner after church

For some of you, it would be dancing till 5am with your best friends.

For some of you, (or all of us) it would be working with 3 or 4 buyers at the same time

For some of you, it would be no longer having to use a clutch when driving!

 

I just found this and HAD to share it with you! How times have changed.

 

 

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884 2010-05-22 09:02:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Georgia Lottery $29 BILLION In Ticket Sales since 2000! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=885 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=885 Georgia Lottery $29 BILLION In Ticket Sales since 2000!

So, you know that people really play the lottery, right? Well, the numbers in Georgia certainly tell the story.

But from the 2009 Annual Report from the Georgia Lottery Corporation, you really get a bigger picture of what the money numbers are.

Quite mind boggling if I may say so myself.

Check out the details at MyMidtownMojo.com and see how staggering they really are!

I'll think I'll buy a couple on the way home today!

Georgia Lottery Mega Millions

This post originally appeared on MyMidtownMojo.com

 

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885 2010-05-22 13:57:37 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Twitter Account "Sh*t My Day Says" Picked up By CBS! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=886 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=886 Twitter Account "Sh*t My Day Says" Picked up By CBS!

Yet another example of the POWER of social media and its importance now, and the foreseable forever, in our lives.

The Twitter account,

"Sh*t My Dad Says"

(WARNING - IT'S NOT CLEAN LANGUAGE SO CHOOSE TO CLICK ON THAT LINK WISELY!!)

has been picked up by CBS and the pilot of the show was filmed with William Shatner playing the Dad. WOW! Maybe I need to get out more with my Flip video and do more spots of Midtown Atlanta. Maybe I'll be the star of a new vacation channel?

I might note, in case you opted out NOT to click on the link, he has 1.3 MILLION FOLLOWERS!!!!!

He also turned this into a book which was published.

Here is a link to the story as it appeared on Mashable The Social Media Guide

 

 

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886 2010-05-23 10:01:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
World Turtle Day! May 23rd! Help Save the Turtles! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=887 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=887 World Turtle Day! May 23rd! Help Save the Turtles!

World Turtle Day

 

I just happened across this on Facebook! Wow! The things you learn from other people and knew nothing about.

May 23 is World Turtle Day! These truly are marvelous creatures, and worthy of EACH of our attentions. I've found several small turtles in the wild. I've brough them home, and let them crawl my house. (Something about good luck) Afterwards, I  return them to their rightful place in the wild. I always wonder if they make it, but I am sure they do.

I've got a raised fish pond in my back yard. I put one of them in there and we was gone later that day. How he managed that one is beyond me.

May 23. World Turtle Day. Help Save the Turtles.

For More Information about Turtles, visit the Humane Society of the United States

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887 2010-05-23 18:05:17 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
test tomato frame on real bird listing http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=193 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 danielbates http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=193 193 2010-05-26 13:20:26 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last 1010 Midtown Condominiums Announce Price Reductions! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=889 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=889 1010 Midtown Condominiums Announce Price Reductions

1010 Midtown Price Reductions

Well, we knew this was going to happen sooner or later. And so it has. 1010 Midtown Condominiums announced price reductions that will hopefully make some Buyer's that have been sitting on the fence jump off!

While the promotion states "On Selected Homes" at least this is a start. And as a broker, it gives me more comfort in taking you, as a Buyer to look at these homes. I've been concerned that the prices were to high, and that if you purchased, you would be dealing with this kind of price cut later on. Ah...better you get the advantage of it than it hurt you!

The floor plans of 1010 Midtown Condominiums offer some incredible views, no matter where you are in the building. Whether it's on the curve of Peachtree Street, or looking out over Atlanta towards the mountains of Kennesaw, the balconies and the views are large. I even like their advertising that lists the 1010 Top Ten!

Here's a glimpse of the building, but it's much better in person!

 

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889 2010-05-24 09:31:56 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
Midtown Atlanta, GA Market Report March 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=890 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=890 Midtown Atlanta, GA Market Report March 2010

Midtown Atlanta Real Estate

In the time that I have really started to watch real estate trends (I have to admit when I first started, I did not!) there have been times I've just wanted to hide, and not face the music, so to speak. You think no news is better than bad news right?

But when you have good news to report, then it seems better. But also, this watching of the trends continues to drive home the statement that "real estate is local." And when you think it's local, go a bit more local!

In looking at the sales for the Midtown Atlanta,GA Market Report March 2010, it's nice to see some good news!

Midtown Atlanta Market Report March 2010

Yes, that is some POSITIVE numbers you see there. Average Sales price is up. And the total number of sales from March, 2009 to March 2010 is up. Now, we will have to watch these numbers over the next few months to see if the prices are driven back down by the foreclosure inventory that is on the market, or yet to hit the market. Also, we'll have to see if the number of sales dips as a result of the First Time Buyer Tax credit expiring. Time will tell on both of these.

Midtown Atlanta Condo Market Report

Are you considering buying or selling a Midtown Atlanta,GA condominium? Let us show you the options available to you if you are buying a home. And if selling is in your plans, I'll be happy to sit down with you and discuss the market and what your options are!

This information also appeared at MyMidtownMojo

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890 2010-05-25 08:54:44 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
OUCH! This new lead based paint law has some serious bite, but is there a way around it for Realtors? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=891 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=891

Indeed...there is some new "meat" to this Lead Paint law....and I have not heard a peep from my broker about it.....so thanks to Jerry for letting me (and everyone else) know about it!

Via Jerry Bronstrup (Bristol Builders, Inc. Your Premier Contractor in L.A.):

 

 

There's a new law the real estate industry needs to be aware of, and it has a HUGE bite to it! $32,500 fines (and that's even for the first offense), licenses revoked and suspended, lawsuits, neighborhood watchdogs on the prowl, OUCH! We are not talking about slaps on the wrist. You think the EPA is serious when they passed the new law concerning renovations on pre-1978 properties which took effect on April 22, 2010? How does this affect the real estate industry including Realtors, buyers, sellers, investors, homeowners, contractors, etc.?

Well, in case you have not heard, the EPA is now enforcing a new law concerning the renovation, repair, and disturbance of properties with potential lead based paint (pre-1978 houses). There are specifics to the law you can find on the EPA site, but basically, the law requires that anyone compensated for repair or renovation on pre-1978 houses needs to be a certified lead based paint renovator. Bristol Restoration went through the certification courses earlier this month. We did not think twice about getting the certification. It's a $32,500 fine if we are hired to work on a pre-1978 house and are not certified. Not only do we avoid the fine, but in reality, the procedures now required to renovate lead based paint surfaces correctly are in the best interest of the public.

Why pass the law? Apparently, the EPA feels lead is extremely harmful and wants to assure public safety in this matter. You think $32,500 fine is a random number? The EPA spun the Price is Right wheel and it landed on $32,500? The EPA is serious about this one. The EPA backs up their concern in detail on their website about the health effects of lead. Read the rest of this article, then check out the links below if you want more background on lead.

  • Facts about lead
  • Health effects of lead
  • Where lead is found
  • Where lead is likely to be a hazard
  • How to check your family and home for lead
  • What you can do to protect your family
  • Are you planning to buy or rent a home built before 1978?
  • Renovating, repairing or painting a home, child care facility or school with lead-based paint
  • Other EPA pamphlets on lead
  • Real estate "professionals" are already finding ways around the law. I actually heard a Broker at a meeting tell her agents to inform their clients that they are free from liability if they are not "compensating" anyone for the work. In other words, "pay someone under the table" or "do it yourself" (head turned to the side). Ummm, excuse me. Really? Keep in mind, we are talking about renovation (windows, structural repairs, etc). What percentage of homeowners are qualified to do their own work? Also, the homeowner is STILL liable and responsible to prove that the house is free from lead with an acceptable test. How easy is it to pass if procedures are not followed precisely? Why would a licensed contractor, a fully qualified construction specialist, be mandated by law to attend classes and training on how to properly repair lead based paint surfaces, but a homeowner who's training consists of "move that truck" and "design on a dime" be trusted to provide a safe working environment and acceptable workmanship that meets all safety and code guidelines?

    Why are people trying to find ways around the law? The same reason why people would hire an unlicensed handyman. Money. It costs more to renovate under the strict guidelines set forth by the EPA in regards to lead based paint. The lead area has to be contained under very specific procedures and materials have to be disposed of properly. It simply costs more, and there is really no way around that.... unless, you "hire" someone not certified to do the work and they do the repair not according to proper procedures.

    Is there a legal way around the necessity in hiring a certified renovator? Yes, perform a test on your house and check levels of lead prior to the renovation. Areas where you will most likely find lead will be around windows and doors. If you don't have elevated levels, then that information can be disclosed to the buyers and might help in marketing the house. BUT, if the house does have elevated levels, full disclosure is still required and proper renovation procedures (if performed) must be adhered to.

    We should all do our job by doing the right thing when having work performed on homes with lead based paint. There are serious ramifications for skirting the law, both ethically and legally.

    Want more info: Here are some good videos for Realtors put together by the EPA.

    If you have any questions about lead based paint renovations, call us directly at 866.755.8169 or visit our site at bristolrestoration.com. Will be happy to talk with you!

     

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    891 2010-05-25 18:01:10 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Hot Jobs.....for 2018! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=892 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=892 Hot Jobs.....for 2018!

     

    School DeskHot Jobs of ....2018! Mind you, I have a hard time thinking about the next 3-6 months, let alone 7 years from now. Yikes!

    But, if you are 18, and just graduating from high school, or a parent of the same, then this is some serious dinner table conversation. This morning, The Wall Street Journal (WJS) ran an article titled, "What Will Be the Hot Jobs of 2018?" I'm going out on a limb and saying I would of never picked some of these jobs, or I'd probably not have the grades!

    But, according to the Labor Department's 10-year forecast in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, here's the top ones: (and their percentage of growth)

    • Biomedical engineers 72% 
    • Network Systems analysts 53% 
    • Home health aides 50% 
    • Personal and home-care aides 46% 
    • Financial examiners 41% 
    • Medical scientists 40% 
    • Physician assistants 39% 
    • Skin-care specialists 38% 
    • Biochemists and biophysicists 37% 
    • Athletic trainers 37%

    So, what's for dinner? It's gonna be a pretty heavy conversation based on those careers!

    And if I can think that far in advance, I see some future real estate opportunities.....

    This post first appeared at MyMidtownMojo.com

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    892 2010-05-26 08:38:42 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Townhome For Sale - 4796 Ivy Ridge Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=893 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=893 Townhome For Sale - 4796 Ivy Ridge Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080

     

     

    PRICE REDUCTION! Olde Ivy At Vinings Smyrna 3 Bedrooms


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood

























    $258,000
    Townhouse
    For Sale
    Main Features
    3 Bedrooms
    3 Bathrooms
    Interior: 2040 sqft
    Location
    4796 Ivy Ridge Drive, SE
    Smyrna, GA 30080

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Smyrna, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



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    893 2010-05-26 10:56:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    GATech Housing 1 Bedroom Condo For Sale Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=894 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=894 GATech Housing - Walk to GATech Campus!

     

    Cornerstone Village Condo For A Song!


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Market Stats

























    $129,000
    Condominium
    For Sale
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    310 Units
    Interior: 775 sqft
    Location
    800 Peachtree Street
    1404
    Atlanta, GA 30308

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]> 894 2010-05-26 19:43:06 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 Classic Car Commercials - A Trip Down Memory Lane http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=895 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=895 Classic Car Commercials - A Trip Down Memory Lane

    One thing I've learned since I started blogging, was that people should get to know who you are. It's one of the great things about blogging and the other social media channels we have today. People can know more about you (or as little as you want them to) before you ever meet IRL (In Real Life) or before they decide to work with you, in my case, as their real estate broker.

    Kids At The Park

     

    So, on that personal note, since I was a little kid, I've always loved cars. If money were no object, I'd need a 20+ car garage to keep not only classics, but just cars I would want to drive. So, I recently stumbled across classic car commercials on YouTube. Some of them I specifically remember, others I don't. But the cars, ah, those I remember. (well, depending on the year of the car!)

    So, I'll be doing a series of blogs on car commercials. I hope they bring back memories for you just like they have for me.

    Today's example...the ever beautiful Ford LTD Country Squire Station Wagon! The station wagon WAS the family automobile till we invented the Sport Utility Vehicle.

    Check out this 1973 beauty....

     

     

     

     

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    895 2010-05-26 23:30:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Uforic Productions Presents Suite 28 starring MY NEPHEW!!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=896 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=896 Uforic Productions Presents Suite 28 starring MY NEPHEW!!!!

     

    Suite 28 Cast

    He's the one on the left sitting, with the red tie and the girl on his lap!

     

    Ricardo of Suite 28

    Everybody wish him well!

    "Like" the cast on their Facebook Fan Page!

    Keep your eyes open and fingers crossed that the pilot is picked up by a network!

    Maybe Uncle can be a Manager instead of a Real Estate Broker???

     

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    896 2010-05-27 12:52:40 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    MidCity Lofts Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=897 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=897 MidCity Lofts Midtown Atlanta GA

    Located adjacent to Technology Square, GATech and the GATech Hotel and Conference Center, MidCity Lofts of Midtown Atlanta GA are a unique living opportunity in Midtown Atlanta.

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    897 2010-05-27 14:34:13 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Mercury Cougar For 1975! Do You Recognize the Actress?? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=898 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=898 Ok, being the car buff that I am, I've found this track of commericals I don't want to give up! I can actually REMEMBER this commercial. (EEEK...did I just date myself?)

    But you HAVE to love it!

    This post originally appeared on MyMidtownMojo.com

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    898 2010-05-27 23:10:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Classic Car Commercials -- A Trip Down Memory Lane http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=899 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=899 Classic Car Commercials -- A Trip Down Memory Lane

     

    As you might have notice in one of the commercials I shared with you, Farrah Fawcett was the star of the commercial. (Was she famous then?) I certainly don't remember that part.

    As "engineering" improved, so did the amazing features on cars. Of course some of those features, came, went, and have since returned.

    Tonight's DOUBLE FEATURE first features a unique option on the Ford Fairlane.

    The second feature shows how engineering has a way of, well re-engineering itself!

     

     

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    899 2010-05-28 21:41:37 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    The Dash - What Will You Have Done With Yours http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=900 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=900 The Dash....

     

    We've all heard the saying, "stop and smell the roses along the way." We all get caught up in our daily lives. For those of us in real estate, it might be hard to stop and smell the roses....when we are just trying to keep the boat afloat.

    I often find myself stopping and saying, I need to take time off. But, time off means not working. There are some systems starting to fall in place that allow blog posts to show up automatically, and that makes me feel like I am still working. But it seems that gone (or at least temporarily) are the days of travel, and other fun things.

    So, when I got this e-mail this morning, with The Dash Movie, I once again had to think....

     

    ....and share with you.

     

     

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    900 2010-05-29 12:15:50 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Speechless Sunday - Montana Mountains http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=901 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=901 Speechless Sunday -- Montana Mountains

    Montana Mountains

    Just arrived yesterday for a week visiting my Mom in Livingston, Montana. Flew into Bozeman and on our way from Bozeman to Livingston, snapped this one as we zipped along the interstate.

    A recent snow fall caps the mountains, but not really visible in this picture. There will be more to follow!

    Happy Memorial Day, and yes, I'm a day late on my Speechless Sunday. Shall we call it a Magnificent Monday?

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    901 2010-05-31 08:50:54 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Summer Lunch Box Series Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=902 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=902 ummer Lunch Box Series Midtown Atlanta GA

    Arts District Plaza Midtown Atlanta

     

     

    Midtown Atlanta is truly one of the best places to live in Atlanta if you are looking for the urban lifestyle. There is always something to do, a patio to hang out on and people watch, or in this case, a fun place to have lunch.

    Each year, The Midtown Alliance sponsors the Summer Lunch Box Series at the Arts District Plaza at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Held each Wednesday, 11:30am-2:00pm May through July, the food is provided by local restaurants. Each week, live entertainment is also part of this great "get out of your office, or get out on the street" event.

    While the entertainment has not been announced for each week, the restaurants are. And what a list it is.....

     

     

    • June 2     Nickiemoto's
    • June 9      Ri Ra Irish Pub
    • June 16    Spice Market
    • June 23    Opera
    • June 30    Rising Roll
    • July 7       Evos
    • July 14     Livingston/Cafe Mims
    • July 21     Marlow's Tavern
    • July 28     Gordon Biersch

    Take a break from your hectic day, and come on out on the streets of Midtown Atlanta and enjoy the Summer Lunch Box Series.

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    902 2010-05-31 20:31:51 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Brookside Commons Norcross GA Townhomes For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=903 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=903 Brookside Commons Norcross GA Townhomes For Sale

     

     

    Brookside Commons. Inviting Craftsman-style Townhomes in Norcross


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Features
    Description

























    $99,000
    Townhouse
    For Sale
    Main Features
    3 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    1 Partial Bathroom
    Interior: 12711362 sqft
    Location
    1821 Brookside Lay Circle
    Norcross, GA 30093

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: EDT Real Estate, LLC
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Norcross, GA real estate for sale

    FOR LISTINGS IN BROOKSIDE COMMONS NORCROSS GA CLICK HERE
    Powered By RealBird.com



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    903 2010-05-31 22:43:25 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Operation Medicine Cabinet Montana http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=904 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=904 Operation Medicine Cabinet Montana

    Prescription BottlesOk, some of you know I'm currently in Montana for a visit with my Mom. Enjoying the time, but also using it to do some blog storage (write 'em and put 'em in draft for later!) so I'm kind of playing spider and crawling all over the Internet.

    So, this morning I found this very interesting project going on here in Montana. Operation Medicine Cabinet Montana focuses on having people turn in their unused prescription drugs. The program is in response to an increase in teen drug abuse in Montana. A problem I'm sure does not just happen in Montana.

    Now, I've never heard of such a project or program in Georgia. Do you have something like this in your city or state?

    It also mentions that the solution many of us use (flushing unused drugs down the toilet) actually polutes the water. That's what I have always done?

    So, think about those unused medicines you might have around, and dispose of them. If flushing is not a good thing, you might just dispurse them in your garbage? I don't want to pass along mis-information, but the following sites did not offer an alternative if you don't have this type of program in your community.

    But, keep those unused medicines out of the wrong hands!

    Prescription Drug Abuse - Montana Department of Justice

    Article in The Billings Gazette about Operation Medicine Cabinet Montana

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    904 2010-06-01 09:33:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    The Housing Inventory - From a Different Perspective http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=905 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=905 The Housing Inventory  From a Different Perspective.

    We all shop. Everyday, we shop for something. Groceries to feed our family or partner. A parking place ( well you may not "shop" for that.) A better price for cell service or a repair to our car.

    Today I had to go shopping with my Mom for bedding plants for the planters on her patio. One of my annual duties seems to be to help her get her landscape beds in shape as well as plant her patio pots full of flowers. Of course that means a trip to the local nursery, or where ever you might find such bedding plants.

    Ace Hardware LivingstonWell, first understand, my hometown is little, and time has forgotten it. It lacks much of anything in the way of stores. But there is a discount store. So, we yielded a tray plus a couple of plants there.  We were also looking for a specific planter box, but they did not have it. So, off  to the hardware store where we found the specific planter we needed. Just grossly over priced.

    Then off to one of the local food markets that has a green house in the middle of the parking lot. Pretty plants. Over priced.

    So "over the hill" to Bozeman we go. First stop. Overpriced. Then lunch and a margarita refreshment and we are off again. Nursery we stopped at on Sunday that had a sale....sale over. (should of bought more then) Then to Walmart where we find the planter, a couple plants, but by that time, Mom is fed up and ready to go home. Period.

     

    So, what's all this have to do with the housing inventory. Well, how many times have you taken a Buyer out and shown them countless homes or condos, and nothing is good. Either the home is in bad condition or it's overpriced to the point of "why bother with an offer."

    So then we head to a different neighborhood in search of the same type of home. No luck. Oh sure, lots of things for sale, but they either need to much work, not in the right location, not the right floor or view.....and pretty soon...our Buyer's get fed up and just want to give up and wait.

    In today's example, I found the planter after several stores. I was persistent enough to know I could find what I was looking for...I just needed to keep searching.

    We need to remember this and guide our Buyers. Yes. There is LOTS of inventory out there. But that does not mean finding them the right home will be easy. Once we have a clear understanding of what it is they are looking for, we can even search without the Buyer, looking for that perfect tray of bedding plants.

    Sometimes you have to shop around, and shop a bit more to get what you want. But we'll find it.

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    905 2010-06-02 00:49:27 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Wordless Wednesday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=906 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=906 Well....it's suppose to be Wordless Wednesday, but I'm usually never at a loss for words. But traveling this week back to Montana gives one some pretty awesome vistas to look at. I find myself with camera in hand at all times.

    You just never know what moment you are going to capture.

    And nature can do some pretty impressive things!

     

    Montana Mountains

     

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    906 2010-06-02 00:59:28 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Summerfest in Virginia Highlands GA June 5 and 6, 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=907 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=907 Summerfest in Virginia Highlands GA June 5 and 6, 2010

     

    SummerfestThe 27th Annual Virginia Highlands Summerfest is upon us! This event, sponsored by, and to raise money for the Virginia-Highlands Civic Association will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

    Summerfest is located on scenic and historic Virginia Avenue between North Highland Avenue and Park Drive. Parking for the event is extremely limited. It's a hike from the Midtown MARTA station, but you can take the No. 45 bus, from the North Avenue MARTA station or Midtown, or from Lanier Boulevard, University Avenue, or Stillwood Drive. This line doesn't run on Sunday, and the Saturday route will detour onto Ponce de Leon Avenue, although the route to Summerfest from each end will not change.

    The juried Artists Market will feature art in the following categories with a variety of prices:

    • Painting
    • Photography 
    • Clay 
    • Metal
    • Stone
    • Wood 
    • Jewelry 
    • Glass
    • Textiles/Fiber
    • Graphics 
    • Mixed Media (2D & 3D)

    Looking for a specific artist you want to purchase from? Here is a link to a page that will provide a list of the artists.

    Kidsfest. This year, Kidsfest will be held near Arcadia at the edge of John Howell Park. Kidsfest features unique games, crafts and activities for children of all ages. Most games, crafts and activities are free. Times are Saturday, June 5 (10am to 6pm) and Sunday, June 6 (Noon to 5pm).

    Of course there will be food available at the many restaurants in Virginia Highlands as well as "adult" and kid beverages.

    The DaveFM Music stage will be chock full of acts sure to please everyone. Here is the schedule.

    Come on out and support this great neighborhood festival, Summerfest in Virginia Highlands!

    For more information about the Virginia Highlands Civic Association and Summerfest, visit their website.

    This post originally appeared on at MyMidtownMojo.com

    ]]>
    907 2010-06-02 10:19:34 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    CAN YOU GET AN FHA MORTGAGE LOAN AFTER A SHORT SALE http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=908 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=908

    Here is some great information about what you can and can't do to buy a home after you have sold your home in a Short Sale.

    Thanks Joe!

    Via Joseph Metzler MLO MMS UMB (Mortgages Unlimited, Inc):

    CAN YOU GET AN FHA MORTGAGE LOAN AFTER A SHORT SALE

    In general, a Pre-Foreclosure/Short sale transaction occurs when the borrower sells the mortgaged property for less than the total indebtedness and the lender agrees to accept the net proceeds as satisfaction of the debt. In some cases, the lender may file a claim with the insurer for the difference or take out a deficiency judgment against the borrower. For the purpose of this writing, short sale transactions are broken down into three distinct scenarios and the determination of borrower's eligibility for a new FHA insured loan will depend on which category applies.

    1. Pre-Foreclosure/Short Sale of a property secured by an FHA Insured Loan

    A Pre-foreclosure Short Sale is the sale of a property, at fair market value, in which the lender agrees to accept the proceeds of the sale in satisfaction of a defaulted FHA mortgage, even though the proceeds are less than the amount owed on the mortgage, in order to avoid a foreclosure. Short sales are not permitted on properties secured by FHA loans that are less than 31 days past due at the time the property is sold.

    When a property secured by an FHA loan is involved in a pre-foreclosure sale, FHA permits the servicing lender to submit a claim to FHA and be compensated for the difference between the proceeds received from the sale and the amount owed on the mortgage, plus interest and other reimbursable costs. Since FHA paid a claim to the lender, FHA will report this borrower to the Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System (CAIVRS) with a status of Claim Paid.
    1. Short Sale of a property secured by a Delinquent Non-FHA Insured Loan
      (Conventional, VA or Rural Housing)
       
    2. Short Sale of a property secured by a Non-Delinquent Non-FHA Insured Loan (Conventional, VA or Rural Housing)

    Refer to the chart below to determine the borrower's eligibility for a new FHA loan when a previous property was involved in a short sale.

    Eligibility for FHA Insured Financing following a Short Sale

    PREVIOUS PROPERTY SOLD AS A PRE-FORECLOSURE/SHORT SALE WAS SECURED BY:

    FHA INSURED LOAN NON-FHA INSURED LOAN
    (Conventional, VA, Rural Housing)

    Delinquent

    Non-Delinquent

    Delinquent

    Non-Delinquent

    •  CAIVRS will reflect Claim Paid.

    •  Borrower is not eligible for FHA loan until 3 years have elapsed since the date of claim payment.

    •  Contact the appropriate HOC to verify when the 3 years will expire.

    •  Treat as a Foreclosure

     

    •  The borrower is eligible for an FHA insured loan provided the subject property is not located in the same geographic area as the property on which the short sale was completed.

    •  Consideration could be given to an empty -nester needing to scale down but wants to remain in the same neighborhood.

    •  Must follow current FHA and lender overlay credit guidelines.

    •  Borrower not eligible for FHA loan until 3 years have elapsed since the date short sale was completed.

    •  Treat as a Foreclosure

     

    •  The borrower is eligible for an FHA insured loan provided, the subject property is not located in the same geographic area as the property on which the short sale was completed.

    •  Consideration could be given to an empty- nester needing to scale down but wants to remain in the same neighborhood.

    •  Must follow current FHA and lender overlay credit guidelines.

     

    If you have questions about the process for homes in MN or WI ONLY, please call 651-705-6261, or APPLY ONLINE 24-hours a day via our secure application. There are no costs or obligations.

    Joe Metzler is a Certified MN Mortgage Specialist (MMS). He and his team at Mortgages Unlimited are proud to provide home mortgages loans for home buyers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

     

    ]]>
    908 2010-06-02 10:32:57 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Car Care For The Condo Dweller http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=909 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=909 Car Care For the Condo Dweller

    CadillacIf you live in a condo, your car may not get quite as much use as the driver that lives in a suburban neighborhood and commutes to work on a daily basis. As a result, you might forget about the normal maintenance you need to perform. And as the summer is upon us, now is the time for those road trips to the beach. Let's take a quick look at some things you should do before that next road trip!

    Save Money and Time. Be Prepared.

    The last thing you want to happen is a blowout or a breakdown on the road. Before you hit the road, you should make sure your car has had its regular maintenance, either at the dealership if new, or at your local mechanic. We have a great mechanic with Apollon Auto Repair. And just in case, make sure you tell your mechanic to check the following:

    • Fluid Levels -- oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids, windshield washer fluid and antifreeze/coolant
    • Under The Hood -- belts and hoses
    • Lights -- headlights, tail lights, blinkers
    • Battery -- have the mechanic test it
    • Brakes -- be sure they operate properly, especially if driving mountain roads
    • Tires -- tire pressure, tread (a blow out can be dangerous!)

    Prepare For Trouble Spots

    Plan ahead on for your trip. Check weather forecasts and road conditions. You can do this on the Federal Highway Administration website at fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo  If there is going to be any bad weather, you can plan for more time to get to your destination.

    Your A Tourist, Don't Scream It!

    While your car license may say otherwise, try to look like a local! If your car is piled full of things, it can be an easy target for thieves. It you have to store luggage on the roof, or have bikes in a rack, try to park where you can see your car. Take everything that is in plain sight into your hotel room at night, or store it in your trunk.

    Pre-trip Packing Checklist:

    1. Emergency KitTake your GPS, or make sure you have accurate maps. Consider using Google Maps and print out details of areas you don't know.
    2. Emergency Kit -- include first aid items, jumper cables, water and some snack food. If you get stranded anywhere, you'll be glad you have some water and food.
    3. Be weather ready. Consider having a gallon of antifreeze in your trunk along with an extra quart or two of  oil.
    4. Pack light. The heavier the car, the more gas you will use.
    5. Remember those personal things you need like your own pillow, medications, music, etc.

    Follow these few simple steps and you will have a great trip, and you'll be glad when you pull back into the garage of your Midtown Atlanta Condo, not having had a single problem on your trip. Well, at least not with your car.

    ]]> 909 2010-06-03 11:09:51 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 Above The Four Seasons Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=910 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=910 Above The Four Seasons Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report

    Situated above the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown Atlanta, Above The Four Seasons Residences combines condominium living with many of the conveniences of a hotel. You can get room service and housekeeping....such a deal!

    Since the building was built in 1992, finishes will be some what dated, unles a home has been renovated. But, the views some 30-45 stories up in the air are pretty impressive.

    Here is a look at how Above The Four Seasons has done, 2007-2009 both in terms of prices and sales.

     

    Above The Four Seasons Pricing

    Above The Four Seasons Sold

    Considering purchasing a home at Above The Four Seasons?

    Contact Thom Abbott with Thomas Ramon Realty @Morris & Raper InTown

    770-713-1505

    ]]>
    910 2010-06-03 15:57:53 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Ansley Above The Park Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=911 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=911 Ansley Above the Park Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report

     

    This Midtown Atlanta building "holds court" over Piedmont Park on Piedmont Avenue. With vistas of Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta and beyond, Ansley Above The Park has great outdoor balconies with power! I've seen a couple balconies here that look like you stepped into a quaint courtyard, but with a dramatic view!

    Here's a look at what's happened in this building from 2007-2009.

     

    Ansley Above The Park

    Ansley Above the Park Solds

    Are you considering purchasing a home at Ansley Above The Park?

    Give me a call! I'd be happy to show you this Midtown Atlanta Condominium!

    770-713-1505

    ]]>
    911 2010-06-03 16:06:01 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Contemplating Renovation of Your Crofton Home? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=912 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=912

    My good friend Margaret summed up this new regulation pretty well. For some of our intown neighborhoods like Kirkwood, Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown and others, this is important information.

    Thanks Margaret!!!

    Via Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate (Margaret Woda (Long and Foster, Crofton MD Real Estate)):

    IF YOU LIVE IN OLD CROFTON, BELAIR AT BOWIE, FOUR SEASONS ESTATES or any other older community in the area, this is important for you to read:

    A rancher in old Crofton

    A new law went into effect on April 22, 2010 that will impact any work you have done on your home, if it was built before 1978.  That describes a lot of homes in the greater Crofton area... maybe even most of them.

    According to the Environmental Protection Agency website, “Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.”

    To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning.

    Under this rule…

    Beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

    The fine:  $32,000

    Bathroom renovationAccording to information on the EPA website, the certification process for contractors is not expensive or complex, so there is little or no excuse for you to hire any licensed contractor without the EPA certification. 

    To become a certified renovator, licensed contractors must:

    • Take eight hours of class, including 2 hours of hands-on training.  There are eight accredited renovation training programs within 50 miles of Crofton that are listed on the EPA website.
    • Complete a 2–page application.
    • Pay a certification fee of $300.

    Before you hire someone to rip out that old tile around your tub or knock down the wall between your kitchen and dining room, be sure to ask if they’re EPA certified to work in your pre-1978 home.  If they’re not, please share this information with them and encourage them to become certified – or hire someone else who is.

    Posted originally by Margaret Woda at Focus On Crofton

    Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved.

     

     

     

    ___________________________________________________________________

    For answers to your real estate questions about Bowie, Crofton, Davidsonville, Fort Meade, Gambrills, Odenton and other communities in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, contact Margaret Woda at Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. or simply click on a button below for information you can review online:

     Homes in Crofton MarylandHome Values in Crofton MarylandRelocating to Maryland

    ]]>
    912 2010-06-03 17:46:46 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Spire Condominiums Midtown Atlanta GA -20th Floor Short Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=913 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=913 Spire Condominiums Midtown Atlanta GA - 20th Floor Short Sale

     

    PRICE REDUCED $2000!! INCLUDES FLAT SCREEN TV AND SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM!!

     

     

    Amazing Value at Spire Midtown Atlanta


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats

























    $158,000
    Condominium
    For Sale
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    393 Units
    Interior: 606 sqft
    Location
    860 Peachtree Street
    2016
    Atlanta, GA 30308

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper In Town
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    913 2010-06-04 12:56:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Classic Car Commercials http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=914 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=914 Classic Car Commercials -- Lincoln Continental for 1989

    Ever since I was a kid, I've liked, loved, and lusted over Lincolns. I've even owned two of them at different times, both of them 1979's.

    But I do have to say, the 85-89 Model years of  the Lincoln Town Car. I would drive one today, in a heart beat if I could find a low mileage one! They ride like a dream, and in fact, if well taken care of, can last a long time. I remember riding in a car service in New York once, and the driver said the car had almost 200,000 miles on it and had never had any major repairs! My kinda car!

    Classic Car Commercials and as the commercial says.....Lincoln. What a Luxury Car Should Be. 

    ]]> 914 2010-06-04 19:14:57 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 Remember The Faithful For They Are Our Friends http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=915 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=915 Remember The Faithful For They Are Our Friends

    Probably one of the best phrases ever said was about a dog...."Man's Best Friend."

    This week while I've been in Montana, you see dogs in a different perspective. See, here in the "country" dogs are still as much a part of ones life as, say back in Atlanta, but you don't see people with dogs in the back of their truck. They take them everywhere, and the just sit in the back of the truck, paitently waiting for their master to return.

    There are leash laws, so most of the time, you see them on one. But not always.

    Now that I have my camera close by, I just wanted to share these two images.....

    Remember The Faithful For They Are Our Friends

     

    Town and Country Dog

    Clyde Park Dog

     

    ]]>
    915 2010-06-04 23:51:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Cornerstone Village - Historic Manor House Midtown Atlanta GA Condo For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=916 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=916
    Hip and Historic AND on Peachtree Street in Midtown!


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats

























    $153,900
    Condominium
    For Sale
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    310 Units
    Interior: 849 sqft
    Location
    800 Peachtree Street, NE
    203
    Atlanta, GA 30308

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]> 916 2010-06-05 08:39:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 Classic Car Commercials http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=917 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=917 Classic Car Commercials

    When I was in high school, during lunch breaks I use to walk downtown in my home town of Livingston and walk through the Ford garage. I'd first check out the showroom, and then I go right back in the garage and walk around it's U-shape design. I can remember finding some of the new models tucked back in the corner of the garage, just waiting to be "introduced" instead of being out on the lot!

    I can remember the Ford Maverick. I remember my Dad drove a military car home once and it was a Ford Maverick. And what a hoot...one of the commericals I saw listed the price at $1995 for a Maverick. You'd probably pay about $5-8,000 for one now!

    Enjoy!

     

     

    ]]>
    917 2010-06-08 16:30:42 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Townhome For Sale Smyrna Vinings GA Just Reduced! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=918 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=918
    JUST REDUCED $8000 Olde Ivy At Vinings Smyrna 3 Bedrooms


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood

























    $249,950
    Townhouse
    For Sale
    Main Features
    3 Bedrooms
    3 Bathrooms
    Interior: 2040 sqft
    Location
    4796 Ivy Ridge Drive, SE
    Smyrna, GA 30080

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Smyrna, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    918 2010-06-10 15:34:56 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    SNEAKY.....BANK OF AMERICA.......LOAN MODS.......... TAKES THE CAKE........... http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=919 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=919

    HELLO Americans! This is what your country is becoming!

    If this story does not make your blood boil, you have no pulse.

    If this story does not phase you, maybe you would think differently if it happened to you or someone you know.

    If this story burns you.....then pass it along, and along, and along!

    Via Richie Naggar Ran Right Realty Riverside, Ca:

    I have clients that have been negotiating a loan modification with this bank for 1.5 years now. They have sent in all that has been required and requested and then they have sent it in again and again.

    In addition, they have been in contact with this Bank 1-2 times a week for over 14 months trying to get the case closed and settled. After repetitive contacts and visiting with all the different departments and of course the famous on hold for Guinness record times......they state that the mod is FINALLY going out in 2 weeks.

    Four weeks go by and then packages arrive from BofA. Two are identical with pre-paid FedEx envelopes. They are applications inviting us to start the procedures all over again. ALL OVER AGAIN. Four days later, a duplicate package is sent as well by regular mail. Another arrives two days later.

    After everyone on my end who is involved gets out their frustration, blame, and all the rest of it,... the paperwork is immediately filled out and sent out the next day.

    One week goes by and they move the status of the loan mod from negotiation's to sale date without notice. The reason given is that they have not received any paperwork back. Careful pressing of the issue reveals that it was sent back and timely too. VP of department cancels sale date.

    Further investigation reveals that there is a phone log indicating constant contact and requests for closure on the subject matter going back over 1 year. There is also a false entry that indicates their package went out 30 days ago when it has only been 1 week. Those records helped forestall a Trustee sale, but also say a lot about BofA.

    My clients tried to negotiate all this prior to any problems taking place. At the time, the bank advised them to go into foreclosure and then they would qualify for the different programs. Following their prompt, procedures, directions and suggestions brings me to this point in time......

    NEWS-BREAK:.....I was going to post this with the above paragraph being the last paragraph. We just found out that a Trustee Sale took place without notice. The house has been sold. Further investigation reveals that the house mortgage of $475k sold to a third party at auction for $225K. My clients submitted paperwork proving that they could afford the the home with a modest adjustment. 

    Math of deal for statistics purposes:

    Invested $600k in 2006

    Owes $475K currently

    House sold $225K.....my clients are now squatters and have 3-days to get out

    HEADS UP TO ANYONE DEALING WITH BOFA AND ANY OTHER BANKS FOR THAT MATTER

    PEOPLE FIRST...THEN BUSINESS

    Richie Alan Naggar          Ran Right Realty       Riverside, Ca

    Richie@RanRightRealty.com

    ]]>
    919 2010-06-10 21:52:41 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Classic Car Commercials -- But This One is Modern! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=920 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=920 Classic Car Commercials -- But this is a modern one!

    Many were glued to the TV yesterday as the U.S. played the British in the World Cup. I didn't recall there being many commercials as we are use to with our U.S. sporting events. So, I was delighted when I picked up off of one of my Atlanta friends, Colin Ake, this commercial that aired during the game.

    It's just awesome. Enjoy! And Enjoy your Sunday!

     

     

    ]]>
    920 2010-06-13 12:27:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Speechless Sunday http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=921 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=921 Speechless Sunday

    Real estate can be pretty frustrating business to be in these days. Either you have listings that are not selling, Buyers' that can't make a decision, or heaven forbid, you have neither, but it can test your patience.

     

    Midtown Atlanta Condos For Sale

    ]]>
    921 2010-06-13 13:02:03 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    Midtown Moments From Montana! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=922 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=922 Midtown Moments From Montana!

    As I read blogs from my fellow real estate peeps, as well as other bloggers, I know the power of video or, as we have to come up with terms, vlogs!

    Sometimes, it's a question of subject, but mostly an issue of time to "just do it" as the tennis shoe says!

    Well in Montana, I did it! Hope you enjoy the beauty as much as I do everytime I go home!

     

     

    ]]>
    922 2010-06-16 18:14:22 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Yes, My Buyer Has the Money to Buy . . . Does Your Seller Have the Money to Sell? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=923 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=923

    WOW Trent!

    You truly DO bring up the other side of the coin in the real estate transaction! But how a Seller would EVER think they are going to sell their place and not have enough money from the proceeds, or their pocket (a.k.a IRA, Savings Account, etc) is amazing!

    A great article to pass along!

    Via Trent Cluley -- Pickens County Georgia Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty - Select Partners):

    Yes, My Buyer Has the Money to Buy . . . Does Your Seller Have the Money to Sell? Get the facts on the seller's ability to sell, before putting the home on the market!

    I believe it is pretty standard real estate practice in most areas to have a pre-qualification / pre-approval letter (or proof of funds), to submit to the seller along with the buyer's offer.  It reassures the seller and provides the buyer a stronger bargaining position.

    In fact, experienced agents generally like to have a copy of this letter from the buyer's lender, before they even begin showing homes to the buyer. Kinda makes sense really.  Why waste everyone's time looking at, or making offers on, homes the buyer can't afford? That's nothing but a one-way ride down Heartbreak Alley for all concerned.

    The seller's ability to sell on the other hand has always been assumed.  There is no request for a "lender clearance letter" from the seller, verifying that the seller can afford to sell, prior to an offer being submitted by a buyer. Of course, this is because part of a listing agent's responsibility should include getting payoff information and preparing a net sheet or estimate of proceeds for the seller when listing a property. So it makes sense that any offer accepted by the seller should ensure that the loan payoff and other closing expenses are covered, or the seller has sufficient cash on hand to close.

    Because, yeah, it sucks pretty bad -- as recently happened to me -- to have to explain to your buyer just days before closing that well, see, the seller actually can't afford to sell at the agreed upon price. He in fact owes tens of thousands of dollars more than the agreed upon price. It's particularly bad to have to explain this to buyers who expressly said they weren't interested in looking at / offering on short sale properties, due to the hassles and delays involved. Uh, awkward . . .

    It's one thing to embark on the short sale saga when forewarned and armed for battle, it's another to be blindsided by it.

    Obviously in this business there are always unexpected turns and unforeseen scenarios that are hard to predict (the above case being one such extremely unusual transaction), but clearly this is not an isolated instance and I am not the only one to have had this experience.

    I recently closed a transaction on a listing of mine here in Pickens County GA, where the young, first-time home buyer, was at closing for a second time within a couple of months. His prior transaction had fallen apart at the closing table, when it was "discovered" that the seller was selling short, without lender approval, and therefore couldn't close. (How it got that far without being flagged by someone sooner is beyond me.)

    I now get calls from other agents who want to show my listings, but who preface the conversation with something like, "Can the seller close at this price? Is there a possibility it will be a short sale? Just thought I'd check before wasting my buyer's time . . ." Sounds like they too have been burned by the "undisclosed", "unknown" short sale.

    I think we all get the fact that short sales are on the rise. They are part of our environment and will be for some time. But, just as we pre-qualify buyers, we need to pre-qualify sellers and disclose up front whether or not it is a short sale, or has the potential to be a short sale. It is also important to double-check the numbers before the seller accepts any offer, particularly if the offer is substantially lower than list price, or the home has been on the market for a while, not just as an essential part of our duty to our clients, but as a courtesy to other agents and the public as well.

    Seems like common sense, but . . .

    Trent D Cluley
    Keller Willliams Realty - Select Partners
    770-757-3399
    EMAIL

    www.PickensGeorgiaRealEstate.com

    SEARCH ALL PICKENS COUNTY & NORTH GA HOMES AND LAND FOR SALE!

    ]]>
    923 2010-06-19 11:06:50 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Classic Car Commercials http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=924 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=924 Classic Car Commercials

    On my continued quest for the ever interesting commericals, I had to laugh at this one. The landau vinyl roof at no extra charge! And you could get white wall tires. Remember white walls? I do still have them on my '69 Buick, but they are pretty much a thing of the past.

    Enjoy!

     

     

     

    ]]>
    924 2010-06-19 15:40:38 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Scheduling Time and Scheduling Blogging! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=925 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=925 Scheduling Time and Scheduling Blogging!

    If you've yet to see our newly launched blog site, please check out My Midtown Mojo! When I first made the decision to launch a new site that is anything and everything about Midtown Atlanta, I knew it would be some work!

    Was THAT an understatement!!!

    Connecting The Blogging CablesI'm still finishing up the community pages, getting all the tabs connected, and installing search features throughout the Community Pages. It reminds me of the old telephone switchboard with cables going this way and that way! Yikes!

    But it has also brought to the forefront the challenge that blogging brings. It's not about the content...heavens NO! If I could do nothing but blog, I'd probably never run out of things to post.....

    ....but time. That's another story. I'm working on "time blocking" (thanks Gary Keller) my blogging time for early Saturday or Sunday mornings. My goal is to crank out 5-10 blogs that can then be in draft mode here on Active Rain, or set to publish automatically on My Midtown Mojo.

    Even with the subject material, you have to get your thoughts together. What do I want to say about the issue? A little, with a link to something else. A lot, and still a link?

    Then there is the "enhancements" that our readers like to see, pictures, graphs and all! Time to find just the right one. (Hey, it took me 15 minutes of searching to find the operator above!)

    But, I know the end result is a post that informs me readers, or maybe gives them a laugh, or a trip down memory lane.

    Enough then! I'm off to write another!

    Note: This article first appeared on MyMidtownMojo.com

    ]]>
    925 2010-06-20 09:45:11 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Classic Car Commercials - American Idol and Ford Motor Company http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=926 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=926 Classic Car Commercials - American Idol and Ford Motor Company

     

    Be you an American Idol fan or not, sometimes shows are worth watching, just for commericals. I mean, do you really watch the Superbowl for football or the commercials? Ok, don't answer that question.

    As for American Idol, I know most are watching it to see who makes it and who does not. But as a major sponsor of the program, Ford Motor Company gets some pretty cool commercials made with the American Idol contestants.

    I mean, is this a psych on the girl or what?

    Enjoy!

     

     

    ]]>
    926 2010-06-22 22:53:32 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Classic Car Commercials - Winning The World Over http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=927 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=927 Classic Car Commercials - Winning The World Over

     

    Commercials are an interesting part of our lives. Of course technology has taken advertising to new heights and possibilities with what can be made to seem real, but is all created digitally.

    I wished I had got a creative gene and been able to follow a career in advertising, creating jingles and commercials that people would remember. Alas, it was not to be.

    But my fondness of the automobile certainly gives me the opportunity to appreciate those that have that gene.

    Today's feature, Winning the World Over by Ford Motor Company is a unique blend of old and new footage of their past commericals and autos with their line up of today.

    Enjoy just as I have!

     

     

     

    ]]>
    927 2010-06-23 22:35:11 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Condominium Amenities in Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=928 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=928 Condominium Amenities in Midtown Atlanta GA

    As you are shopping for your next Midtown Atlanta GA condominium, be sure the think about the amenities the building has to offer. While a pool, or a fitness center might not be important to you, it might be to the NEXT person that buys your home!

    One amenity that is often overlooked by buyers that I work with is the pool. Especially if you are buying in January or February....a pool might be the last thing you think about. But as your REALTOR, I'm here to tell you, when summer hits, you will be wanting that pool. I hate to use the phrase, but....trust me.

    Condominium amenities in Midtown Atlanta GA are pretty consistent amongst the major buildings, but when you start to look at smaller buildings, you will start to sacrifice many of these.

    Here's a few more words about Condominium Amenities.

    This information also appeared at MyMidtownMojo.com

    ]]>
    928 2010-06-25 11:33:07 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Smyrna Vinings Townhome For Sale - Olde Ivy At Vinings! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=929 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=929
    JUST REDUCED $8000 Olde Ivy At Vinings Smyrna 3 Bedrooms


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood

























    $249,950
    Townhouse
    For Sale
    Main Features
    3 Bedrooms
    3 Bathrooms
    Interior: 2040 sqft
    Location
    4796 Ivy Ridge Drive, SE
    Smyrna, GA 30080

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Smyrna, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    929 2010-06-28 00:07:06 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta GA Nears 100% Sell Out! Now's The Time To Buy! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=931 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=931
    Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta GA


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Look at Viewpoint!
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats

























    $170,000
    Condominium
    For Sale
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    400 Units
    Location
    855 Peachtree Street
    Atlanta, GA 30308

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Developer
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    931 2010-06-28 11:06:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Midtown Festival Of The Arts Coming To Atlanta September 25-26! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=932 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=932 Midtown Festival of the Arts Is Coming to Atlanta September 25-26

     

    ATLANTA - JULY 1, 2010

    Midtown Festival of the ArtsAtlanta area residents and visitors will enjoy a new regional arts event this fall when the debut Midtown Festival of the Arts opens September 25-26.

    Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and festival organizers today officially announced the details for the new neighborhood arts festival which will celebrate Midtown Atlanta's diverse arts and entertainment offerings. The press conference was held at the new Loews Midtown Atlanta Hotel, a sponsor of the event.

    The premiere festival will be proudly presented in and along world famous Peachtree Street between 5th and 10th Street. The road nickmaned the "Midtown Mile" will be temporarily transformed to showcase a vibrant artist market - including up to 100 visual artists - as well as stages for performing arts, literary arts offerings, and a culinary arts area featuring chef demonstrations, special tastings and retail booths from more than 25 outstanding restaurants.

    Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed"It gives me great pleasure to announce the new Midtown Festival of the Arts and to observe the widspread community effort that brought this Festival to fruition," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "The two-day neighborhood event promises to be a joyous gathering that showcases the important cultural assets of our city, embraces all of our citizens, and positively represents Atlanta's diverse cultural tapestry."

    Created by Midtown Festival of the Arts, Inc, the event also includes a family friendly kid zone, Midtown Mile Road Race, a public art display and auction, a planned beer garden and other festival attractions such as street performers, spoken word events and film presentations.

    "Our goals are to showcase the best of Midtown Atlanta while celebrating the Southeast as a destination for arts, culture and entertainment," said Leslie Johnson, President of Midtown Festival of the Arts. "The time is right to strengthen Midtown's already vibrant neighborhood."

    The Midtown Festival of the Arts will be a free event accessible by MARTA's Midtown and North Avenue stations. Festival hours are Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm. A festival kickoff event (yours truly is the Chairman of THIS event!) is planned for Friday, September 24, with an Art Auction featuring 30 bar stools created by Midtown artists. On the morning of Saturday, Sept 25, the Midtown Mile Road Race will take place from Colony Square to the Fox Theatre. A Saturday evening outdoor film event on Peachtree and 10th is planned with a start time of dusk.

    Reed also emphasized the importance of community to create a successful event.

    "As Mayor, I take pride in observing the broad based, generous and spirited support that members of our community have extended to the Midtown Festival of the Arts, and in knowing that hundreds of volunteers will make it a great success," said Reed. "This Festival has my complete support, and I look forward to attend this new signature event in Atlanta."

    For more Information about the festival, just click on the picture below!

     

    Midtown Festival of The Arts

     

    ]]>
    932 2010-07-02 11:30:31 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Que Sera Sera! Whatever Will Be Will Be! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=933 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=933 Blog about the future of real estate? Or maybe not worry?

    ]]> 933 2010-07-02 17:48:33 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 Welcome to Hollywood --Southern Style http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=934 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=934 About the movie stuff in ATL and what I have been doing...

    ]]>
    934 2010-07-02 18:15:10 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Classic Car Commercials -- Mercedes Benz Is Sorry! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=935 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=935 Classic Car Commercials -- Mercedes Benz Is Sorry!

     

    Once upon I time, I had a Mercedes Benz. I gotta say, nothing made me feel more regal or successful than rolling down the street in her when she was shined up. Even though she was a 1986, in 2007, she still turned heads!

    Mercedes Benz 420SEL

    But, they have come a long way.....including the commericals.....

     

     

    ]]>
    935 2010-07-02 21:02:04 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    I Have a Crystal Ball and I Can Price Your Home Over The Phone - $5.99 per Minute & Standard Rates Apply http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=936 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=936

    Indeed Sellers! If an agent gives you a list price over the phone, think about it....they have not even seen your home (or condo) and are giving you a listing price?

    Things that make you go.....hmmmmmmm

    Via Leesa L. Finley, REALTOR®/RE Strategist Wake Forest NC Real Estate and Area Info (Circa Properties - Your Wake Forest NC Homes Specialist):

    So, you're thinking of selling your home in Wake Forest NC!  It's a crazy market right now so, first of all, I applaud you for your understanding that many homes aren't getting SOLD as quickly as they used to.  That's not to say that there are some homes that no sooner hit the market and they are pending but there is a reason for that.  They are PRICED appropriately for TODAY'S real estate market!

    I received a call the other day from a potential home seller in Wake Forest NC.  It certainly
    Wake Forest NC House Chickilluminated a light bulb for me!  They had called a few other agents prior to me (no offense taken) and were given List Prices over the phone.  Wait, huh?  Yep, the other agents had taken the details of their home such as square feet, age of home, bedrooms, baths, lot size and age of home.  Then, while on the phone with the potential seller they proceeded to pull up comps (Active Listings, Closed Listings and Pending Listing within the neighborhood) and based their OPINION of a List Price for the potential seller on the Average Price Per Square Feet within the same neighborhood.  Well, at least they used the same neighborhood!  TWO other agents did that! 

    The seller wanted me to do the same.  Again, wait, huh?  They were hoping to get the same from me so they could then decide which company they wanted to negotiate commission with.  That's a WHOLE other post.  But for this post, stay with me.....

    It doesn't matter if you are thinking of selling your home or buying a home you can not base a decision as important as that on the Average PPSF within a particular subdivision.  So many factors lead up to an ultimate list price or offer price for a home.  Sure, price per square feet may be a baseline but you also need to take into consideration:

    • Updates (are appliances original or updated, carpet original or updated, etc)*
    • Upgrades (and be REASONABLE with your expectations for ROI <Return on Investment>)*
    • General Upkeep/Maintenance of the home
    • Lot location within the Subdivision
    • Landscaping
    • Curb Appeal/Presence (YES, it matters!)
    • Any additional feature that may be unique to your home or the competition

    * There is a HUGE difference between Updates and Upgrades.  An update is bringing a feature up to date such as an appliance.  An Upgrade would be not just a base model appliance but an appliance that has additional features

    I finished my conversation with this potential seller by telling them that I would not be able to provide them with an accurate pricing strategy over the phone.  In order for me to do so I would need to physically visit their home and tour it as well as tour the competition.  I also suggested that THEY tour the competition to get a better idea of what they are up against.  They had heard of that before and it wasn't suggested by anyone else.  I wished them luck on their home sale.

    Well, guess what?  I got the call back to come out to their home, it is listed and they did NOT ask me to negotiate my commission.  They told me that I was, above all, honest with them and held their hand throughout the pricing process.  They were excited when we visited the competition and it really helped them to understand the Real Estate Market within their subdivision and how their home, which is now a product, contributed to the cycle.

    And, let me let you in on a little secret.... there is no tried and true method for pricing a home.  You want to know what your home is worth?  It's what a buyer is willing to pay!  No matter how well you price your home it all comes down to what the buyer thinks your home is worth....

     Follow Leesa Finley on Twitter     Leesa Finley Facebook     Leesa Finley YouTube     Leesa Finley LinkedIn      Leesa Finley Yelp     Leesa Finley WordPress

    Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

    • Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
    • Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

     

     

    ]]>
    936 2010-07-02 21:41:16 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Fireworks and your pets http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=938 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=938

    What a great post, and wish I would of known some of these suggestions when I had my baby boy, Nero! I would of gone for a long drive around ATL had I thought of that one! We too had to stay home and turn up the tv, but when the neighbors set them off....I went over screaming at them! They knew my dog well, apoligized, and STOPPED setting them off!

    Remember, our pets depend on us to protect them! Be mindful of that and take care of them!

    Via Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer (Russel Ray):

    Call Russel Ray for all your marketing, business, and photography needs.As much as we all love fireworks, those of us with pets know that the Fourth of July can be one of the worst days of the year.

    Many pets are afflicted by noise phobias, especially when the noises are loud booms such as fireworks and thunder. Neither you nor your pet can control its reaction to loud noises, but we can help them if we know the signs of noise phobia and how to reduce the stress and terror that can come with it.

    Call Russel Ray for all your marketing, business, and photography needs.Some pets react well to behavior modification as well as medication. What's very important is that your pet not injure itself while it is trying to hide from the noise.

    Common signs of noise phobia include the following:

    • Shaking or trembling
    • Excessive drooling
    • Barking and howling
    • Trying to hide. Make sure that if your pet is in the house or some type of enclosure that there is nothing around that can break or otherwise cause injury to the pet. Pets have been known to become caught in broken windows and suffer cuts to their face and feet. I speak from experience since I left a pet at home many years ago and came home after the fireworks show nearby to find my dog caught in the window bleeding to death.
    • Call Russel Ray for all your marketing, business, and photography needs.Refusing to eat
    • Lack of bladder or bowel control
    • Temporary diarrhea

    If signs are still present well after the fireworks, contact your veterinarian since something else could also be wrong with your pet.

    Don't scold your animal or otherwise try to discipline it for being frightened of fireworks. It will do no good and could cause even more harm.

    As much as we like to have our pets with us at all times, when it comes to fireworks, leave your pet at home where it is comfortable and safe. Close the curtains and turn on the television or radio to help cover up the noise from the fireworks.

    Call Russel Ray for all your marketing, business, and photography needs.Make sure that your pet's safety place is available. Some pets like to hide under beds. Others in closets. Zoey the Cool Cat likes to hide under the covers of the bed when she's frightened by the big dump truck that comes by every Tuesday morning.

    If you are in a city or county that allows home fireworks — San Diego does not — keep your pet away from matches, lighter fuel, fires, and fireworks. Some pets will try to sniff or eat fireworks, and pet hair and their little foot pads can burn easily.

    If you know that your pet does have a noise phobia, sometimes a walk before the fireworks begin will help them, especially if they are used to using the restroom outside. Don't try to make them go outside or go for a walk immediately after the fireworks since they know quite well that all those booms came from outside.

    Be sure your pet's ID tag is current just in case it should get outside and away from you. Zoey the Cool Cat has a microchip in her little shoulder.

    Call Russel Ray for all your marketing, business, and photography needs.

     

    RainCamp San Diego - August 5, 2010

    Try Russel Ray Photos
    for inexpensive, royalty-free photos.
    Try Russel Ray Photos for inexpensive, royalty-free photos

    Recent posts

    1. "How I Did It" with Russel Ray Photos — FFF at the San Diego Zoo
    2. San Diego Then & Now with Russel Ray — We might need a definition of "minor injuries"
    3. Business & Marketing — Believe in yourself and make your own dreams come true
    4. Russel Ray Photos - Shhhhh. I'm hunting wabbits.
    5. Fun with Russel Ray — How many touchdown passes have you thrown?
    6. "How I Did It" with Russel Ray Photos — Peekaboo! I see you!
    7. Business & Marketing — It's simple, but oh so powerful
    8. Russel Ray Photos — The third largest land animal
    9. "How I Did It" with Russel Ray Photos — Hey, Honey!
    10. Russel Ray Photos — Something's just not right
    11. Russel Ray Photos — A review of the Canon Rebel T2i/550D
    12. Russel Ray Photos — She's a real poser, ain't she?
    13. Fun with Russel Ray — The world has gone mad!
    14. Russel Ray Photos — They are growing like weeds!
    15. Business & Marketing — Pessimist, optimist, or realist. All are welcome at RainCamp San Diego, August 5, 2010
    16. Business & Marketing — Will I be successful if I blog?
    17. Business & Marketing — Today I had the privilege of talking to an Angel
    18. Russel Ray Photos — Not every cat is a Fishing Cat like this one
    19. Russel Ray Photos — Yeah, you're pretty. So what. Still not interested.
    20. Russel Ray Photos — Nice little kitty. Meow.

    Subscribe to my blog

    ]]>
    938 2010-07-04 10:27:03 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Happy Birthday America! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=939 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=939

    This blog really needs no introduction. It says it all.

    Thanks a Million Missy for a great post!

    Via Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams-Ann Arbor):

    Declaration of IndependenceHappy Birthday, America! 

    Over 234 years ago, our forefathers pledged their Lives, Fortunes,and their Sacred Honor, went to war so that we would be FREE.

    Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence most of them lost their lives,and fortunes.

    Many people suffered and died during the War of Independence where they fought for our freedom. The majority lost their fortunes, many lost their children and they all took a huge risk by signing their names to the Declaration of Independence

    John Adams, our 2nd President of the United States wrote his wife Abigail, "It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..." Since 1777, we have celebrated with fireworks. 

    Read the Declaration

    This 4th of July, re-read the Declaration of Independence.

    Remember the cost of LibertyI read it now, not because I have to but because I want to refresh my mind and remember why we celebrate Independence Day. The cost that was paid.

    I read it now because we are in a battle for the hearts and minds of many American's who do not understand what it means to be self-governed.

    I read it now because more and more of our freedoms are being taken away by the government.

     

    Our freedoms were not given my man but by God. Man does not depend on government to grant him rights through a bureaucratic process, but instead to secure those rights that have been granted to him by God.

    The Declaration states, "That to secure these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

    Are you consenting to what is happening in our government right now? I am not talking about just the current administration, but prior administrations are just as guilty of upsurping our rights to be a self governing people. 

    The founding fathers understood the principal of the evil in mans hearts and their our hunger for power. They knew that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Hence, they wrote a document that gave us a system of checks and balances in our 3 branches of government.

    Thomas Jefferson said the Declaration was "intended to be an expression of the American mind," and indeed, no document since has so succinctly and so eloquently spelled out the spirit of America.

    LibertyRight now in 2010 we need a new birth of Freedom in our Nation.

    Ronald Reagan in his farewell address said,

    "An informed patriotism is what we want. And are we doing a good enough job teaching our children what America is and what she represents in the long history of the world? Those of us who are over thirty-five or so years of age grew up in a different America. We were taught, very directly, what it means to be an American. And we absorbed, almost in the air, a love of country and an appreciation of its institutions. If you didn't get these things from your family, you got them from the neighborhood, from the father down the street who fought in Korea of the family who lost someone at Anzio. Or you could get a sense of patriotism from school. And if all else failed, you could get a sense of patriotism from the popular culture. The movies celebrated democratic values and implicitly reinforced the idea that America was special. TV was like that, too, through the midsixties.

    This 4th of July I hope you will read the Declaration of Independence, and reflect on the sacrifice of those who went before us and laid the foundation for where we get our self evident Rights...Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness in America.

    We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.-That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

    It is a blue print for our Republican form of government.  It is really a short document, unlike the bills being written today.

    Remember WHY we celebrate!

                              Have fun with your families and friends!

                              Celebrate with pomp, parades, bonfires, from coast to coast!

    If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14


    ]]>
    939 2010-07-04 10:33:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    $8000 Price Reduction Smyrna-Vinings Townhome For Sale Smyrna GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=940 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=940
    JUST REDUCED $8000 Olde Ivy At Vinings Smyrna 3 Bedrooms


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood

























    $249,950
    Townhouse
    For Sale
    Main Features
    3 Bedrooms
    3 Bathrooms
    Interior: 2040 sqft
    Location
    4796 Ivy Ridge Drive, SE
    Smyrna, GA 30080

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Smyrna, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    940 2010-07-06 21:32:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Behind the Scenes! What Really Goes On! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=941 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=941 Behind the Scenes! What Really Goes On!

     

    For those of you that I'm friends with on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter, know that for the past few weeks, I've been doing extra work on some movies and television programs that are filmed, or being filmed in the Atlanta area. It's been an eye opening experience, and something I want to share in more detail.

    That said, it will take me some time to collect my thoughts, and get caught up on a few other things. But rest assured, I plan to give you an inside view of what really happens on the movie or TV set. Now for the sake of preserving my employment, you won't get to see any pictures directly from the set. That is a major NO NO, and so it shall remain. You'll just have to experience through my stories and a few select pictures of behind the behind the scenes!

    Such as...

     

    Dressing Rooms

    Some of the crew trailers they move from set to set! Yep, that would be an 18 wheeler in the front!

     

    So I hope you'll stay tuned for some of my thoughts about movies and TV. I'll probably break it up into a couple posts so as not to keep you forever!

    But I'm looking forward to writing it...and hope you enjoy reading it!

    ]]>
    941 2010-07-08 22:13:27 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Spire Midtown Atlanta Condo For Sale -- Potential Short Sale! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=942 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=942
    Amazing Value at Spire Midtown Atlanta


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats

























    $158,000
    Condominium
    For Sale
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    393 Units
    Interior: 606 sqft
    Location
    860 Peachtree Street
    2016
    Atlanta, GA 30308

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper In Town
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    942 2010-07-13 11:35:31 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Historic Cornerstone Village Condo For Sale Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=943 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=943 Historic Cornerstone Village Condo For Sale Midtown Atlanta GA

     

     

     

     

    Hip and Historic AND on Peachtree Street in Midtown!


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats

























    $153,900
    Condominium
    For Sale
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    310 Units
    Interior: 849 sqft
    Location
    800 Peachtree Street, NE
    203
    Atlanta, GA 30308

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    943 2010-07-13 14:02:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Money Makes The World Go Round -- Or At Least The Wheels! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=944 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=944 Money Makes The World Go Round -- Or At Least The Wheels!

     

    There are some people in this country that just have to much money. I mean, when I hear of the struggles of so many people with employment, keeping their home, and all the other challenges, it makes you stop and think.

    Today, I'm driving down 14th Street in Midtown Atlanta on my way to our office. I usually try to keep an eye out for what may, or may not have changed. (It's to hot to walk around during the day...altho I should be to get videos and pictures)

    So, needless to say, about rear-ended the car in front of me as I took a second look at what has to me the most impressive modern over-the-top motor car I have ever seen. I had to go around the block (actually about 5 blocks with one-way streets and all, to come back for a second look. I parked across the street in a garage driveway, and had to get a closer look at what was resting in the front drive of the Four Seasons Hotel Midtown Atlanta.

    Somebody obviously has way, way, way, way more money than I do.

    Money Makes The World Go Round -- Or At Least The Wheels in Midtown Atlanta!

     

    Rolls Royce in Midtown Atlanta

    ]]>
    944 2010-07-14 23:02:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Hardwood Flooring Grades http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=946 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=946

    Mark really brings some great info to the table floor on flooring!

    Thanks Mark!

    Via Mark Woodward (Floor Coverings International):

    Beauchene Prefinished select grade Maple 251x300 Hardwood Flooring Grades: Thats the Look of Love!

    Here's the thing; I think there is a problem with the word ‘grades', when it comes to hardwood flooring.

    The very concept of grades hold all kinds of cultural weight, with one grade being all about how one particular one is better than another, kind of like how we think of grades in school.  The word ‘grade' invites you to draw a quality comparison between one thing and another.

    When it comes to wood flooring, this often leads to misconceptions about quality. It leads some to think that a ‘select' grade is a safer purchase in terms of durability than a ‘natural' or ‘folk' grade.

    Here's something else; when it comes to hardwood flooring, thinking about grades as a measurement of quality of the product  isn't the right way to approach the concept at all.

    But, that being said, what are grades for hardwood floors in place to tell you as a buyer of wood floors?Like many things, grading is all about your point of view, and your expectations about what a wood floor is.

    For instance, a lot of people love the look of wood grain.  But, they also want a certain sense of uniformity, and with a consistency in the grain patterns of the floor they're looking to buy. They want tasteful refinement.  In doing their research, they've learned that a certain measurement of color variation in a wood floor is to be expected.  And they know that certain species (like cherry and maple, for instance), have naturally occurring patterning and ‘beauty marks' no matter what section of the lumber their floor will be taken from.

    After all, wood floors are natural materials.  And nature is all about variation, and about natural characteristics.  Yet, when it comes to the floor they imagine in their heads,  it's a more refined and and continuous floor color range and grain pattern they want.  So, in looking for a hard maple wood floor for instance, they might go with this kind of look:

    select maple wood flooring 300x194 Hardwood Flooring Grades: Thats the Look of Love!

    But, this is only one perspective.

    Another point of view when it comes to wood floors is the embrace of random patterns, colors, and character.  Buyers with this kind of look in mind are interested in really obvious patterning like larger knot holes, mineral streaking, and other sources of color variation.  For these buyers, the wood floor they imagine in their minds tells the story of where their floor comes from; The Wild, and all of the wild artistry that a real wood floor can afford.

    This type of buyer, also looking for a hard maple floor,  may be more interested in this kind of look:

    natural maple wood flooring 300x186 Hardwood Flooring Grades: Thats the Look of Love!

    These two examples are the same species. The boards in a chosen batch, decided upon by a grading system,  have been taken from sections of the lumber to meet the myriad of expectations of the buying public along a spectrum.

    And this, friends, is what wood floor grading is all about. The industry recognizes that buyers have different expectations of what a wood floor should look like.  It's not that one grade is better quality than another.  It's that a specified grade appeals to a certain set of aesthetics.

    There are a few characteristics that set the standards:

    • large knotholes, which are always ‘secure' (they don't pop out)
    • small knotholes, or ‘pinholes'
    • mineral streaking and other color variation

    So a ‘select' grade will have fewer instances of this.  And a ‘natural' grade (sometimes called ‘folk' or ‘rustic') will feature more of these characteristics proudly.

    Wood floors are diverse.  And luckily, the industry helps to make choosing the right look that you're going to love pretty easy.


    Mark Woodward, Floor Coverings International serving Morris, Sussex, Bergen, Passaic and the surrounding counties. 973-975-5446

    ]]>
    946 2010-07-17 22:55:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Glacier National Park, Montana is Melting! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=947 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=947 Glacier National Park, Montana is Melting!

     

    Could it be true? In an article appearing in USA Today, sends a confusing message about the great glaciers that make up the magnificant Glacier National Park, located in Northwestern Montana.

    Park Ranger Bob Schuster says recent estimates say the glaciers could be gone in 10-20 years!!! WHAT? Then the article says the views will probably be the same a century from now. Well, can we make up our mind?

    I was born and raised in Montana, and I'm sorry to say I never visited Glacier National Park. It's now on my Bucket List!

    To read the entire article in the USA Today, Glacier Park Faces a Meltdown, you can click on the link.

    Montana...she is beautiful!

    Montana

    ]]>
    947 2010-07-18 22:03:23 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    JUST LISTED SPIRE MIDTOWN ATLANTA GA 2/2 WITH TERRACE $289,900 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=948 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=948
    Spire Midtown 2 Bedroom with Awesome Terrace!


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats

























    $289,900
    Condominium
    For Sale
    Main Features
    2 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Interior: 1211 sqft
    Location
    860 Peachtree Street
    714
    Atlanta, GA 30308

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    948 2010-07-19 09:25:36 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    gloATL Presents ROEM July 23-24 at Woodruff Arts Center - Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=949 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=949 gloATL Presents ROEM July 23-24 at Woodruff Arts Center - Midtown Atlanta GA

     

    There is a reason that Midtown Atlanta GA is called the "heart of the arts." With the Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum, soon to arrive Museum of Modern Design, the Fabulous Fox Theatre and a couple other small playhouses, there is always something exciting to see and do!

    And tonight and tomorrow night are certainly no exception with gloATL's presentation, ROEM. I'll be there to check it out, and with any luck, capture a few photos!

    gloATL

    Come see why we love to LIVE, WORK and PLAY in Midtown Atlanta GA! To learn more about Midtown Atlanta, visit our new website by clicking on the picture below!

    MyMidtownMojo

    This post originally appeared at MyMidtownMojo.com

    ]]>
    949 2010-07-23 09:32:18 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Top 12 Health Tips for Busy On-The-Go Real Estate Professionals http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=950 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=950

    What a great list to remind us of what we should be doing, but probably are not!

    Thanks Lauren!

    Via Lauren Bernstein (ActiveRain):

    For five years I worked in outside sales and spent half the month on the road.  A typical month included 1,500 miles behind the wheel and 5,000 miles in the air. Even though I was excelling in my field, I was constantly tired, sometimes moody and always craving sugar (I became wildly addicted to homemade yogurt covered pretzels and "energy" bars). I fell out of balance and I knew that something had to change.

    It is easy to neglect our own health and well being with life's many distractions: work, family, friends, balancing schedules and numerous commitments. Staying healthy can be challenging. Through real experience, I learned that small steps really do make a difference. I committed to one of the suggestions below and within a day or two noticed a change: I felt a bit more energized and "balanced." To strive for improved health and balance, I encourage small life changes using the guidelines below. 

    dog balancing cup
    energy
    Top 12 quick health tips to find and maintain balance for busy on-the-go real estate professionals:
    • focus on yourself - take time for yourself: take a bath, walk your dog, read a book, take a yoga class, listen to music, take a drive, go for a run, sing in the shower, get a massage, walk through the park. Take the thing that you enjoy and indulge! You deserve it!
    • exercise - it gets our blood flowing and re-energizes us. Even if you only have five minutes per day, use it! Take a brisk walk around the block, run up and down the stairs, do sit ups, push ups or jumping jacks, dance, jump rope...just move!
    • drink water - hydration is so important for our cells and our skin and is critical for proper body and brain functioning. We need to stay hydrated - if you need to take baby steps, try increasing your water intake slowly. Drink one glass before each meal. You'll feel amazing in no time!
    • eat good food - we all know that whole foods are best for us. Try to avoid processed foods (anything packaged), sodas, refined sugar and pastries. Avoid hydrogenated oils and trans fats like the plague.
    • sleep - if you're short on time and the choices are sleeping, eating or exercising, sleep! Sleep helps restore your cells and even boosts your metabolism. Sleep helps increase your focus and response time and can help prevent aging.  It also lowers the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and other medical conditions.  Get your zzzs! 
    • breathe - deep breathing is a great way to regulate your stress levels and reset your body and mind connection. One of my favorite techniques is Dr. Andrew Weil's 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise. I use this often - on planes (taking off isn't my favorite) or when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It works!
    • manage your time - find tools that help you save time and be more efficient: real estate technology tools like CRMs, electronic document management and virtual assistants. Delegate your tasks and save time!
    • take naps - studies show that an afternoon power nap of 10-20 minutes can help boost energy, mood and mental performance and is great for stress management. Find a bed or couch and embrace your own personal siesta.
    • get a massage - massage is great for blood flow and circulation, promoting energy movement, and reseting your alignment. There are fancy spas which can be pricey or you can choose a more affordable option like Massage Envy or a local massage school. Try to schedule one massage per month. It is well worth it!
    • smile - smiling really is the best medicine. The next time you aren't feeling great, smile. It is hard to feel bad when you are smiling. Smiles are a great way to connect with others and brighten a stranger's day. 
    • BYOF - Bring your own food - when traveling, plan ahead and bring your own food. If you're in the car all day, pack a lunch and healthy snacks like raw nuts, carrot sticks, sugar snap peas, apples, bananas, etc. When hunger strikes, you'll be prepared with healthy options. 
    • cook - a home cooked meal tastes better and is healthier for your body and soul! The time, pride and care you put into cooking comes out in the food. Cook with others or for others and make it a special event.
    apple and water

    I challenge you to choose one tip and try it today. Try it on your own or better yet, find a buddy and do it together. Stick to it, share it, even blog about it. Then add one more tip when you're ready. To be healthy and stay healthy we must exert a little effort, but it is well worth it. The benefits are priceless.


    Images courtesy of SuperFantastic and Brunna Peretti Loureiro
    ]]>
    950 2010-07-23 14:53:47 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Loews Midtown Atlanta Hotel -- A Midtown View http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=327 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=327 Loews Midtown Atlanta Hotel -- A Midtown View The new Loews Atlanta Hotel opened the end of March. You can see I referred to it as the Loews Midtown Atlanta Hotel, but the official name leave out Midtown.....kind of a bummer if you ask me. As a Midtown resident and business owner, I can tell you I'm pretty gosh darn proud to have this addition to the Midtown Atlanta skyline and business community. So I like to give extra credit that she's (why do we always refer to objects as women?) he's a part of Midtown Atlanta! I attended the Grand Opening, and never got around to blogging about the event, or the hotel itself. Now that he's well underway and quite busy, I might add, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the hotel, its staff and the impact of this new Midtown resident. From the moment you enter the lobby,  greeted by an ever friendly doorman or valet driver, you pretty much know this is going to be a first-class experience, whether you are an overnight guest, attending a meeting or just visiting Bar Eleven for a cocktail with friends. The white tiled floors are a stark contrast to the rich dark woods, and bright, but subtle colors in the furnishings. People are clustered in the lobby, with notebooks and laptops out,  perhaps planning the next big event at the hotel or the next big corporate deal...who knows. Bar Eleven features a new event, Thursdays at Loews' and has live music. I've yet to partake...but certainly will be soon. The hotel's meeting space is on the 14th Floor...and is pretty impressive. With two ballrooms and a variety of smaller conference rooms, they are quickly filling it up. Especially unique is the xxxx sq ft terrace that overlooks Peachtree Street.]]> 327 2010-08-13 11:07:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last Classic Car Commercials -Baseball, Hotdogs, Apple Pie and.... http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=951 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=951 Classic Car Commercials -Baseball, Hotdogs, Apple Pie and....

     

    America. It really is quite a country. Just think about how different each state is. It's like 50 countries in one.

    And we are known for things, good and bad, the world over. Baseball, Hotdogs, Apple Pie, and .....

    ....Chevrolet's!

    Another case of a commercial jingle that was well done and well remembered!

    Enjoy!

     

     

    ]]>
    951 2010-07-23 17:35:41 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Marchers Rally For Mortgage Help!!! It's About Time America!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=954 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=954 Marchers Rally For Mortgage Help!!! It's About Time America!!!

     

    Group of PeopleNow here is a story I'm really quite surprized we have not heard more of around the U.S.

    The American public protesting the mortgage companies/banks for help in this never ending cycle of foreclosure and lack of help we seem to be in!

    This past Thursday, a group of some 200 people gathered in Midtown Atlanta at the Wachovia/Wells Fargo building. I just regret there were not 2,000 or even more.....sending a message to the banks that the people of this country are not just going to let the banks take their homes without first really trying to help!

    Maybe I was wrong? Maybe the people of this country really do have the backbone to stand up for their rights. Let's hope we do...for all our sakes.

    You can read the story in the AJC.

     

    If you are looking to sell your Midtown Atlanta condominium, why not talk to the people that live, breath and love Midtown Atlanta! For more information about Thomas Ramon Realty, click on the picture below!

     

    MyMidtownMojo

    ]]>
    954 2010-07-24 21:36:40 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Classic Car Commercials -- Can You Call YOUR Car FAithful? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=957 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=957 ]]> 957 2010-07-27 21:52:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 Who's The Expert and HOW do you Decide? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=959 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=959 Who's The Expert and HOW do YOU Decide?

    This is a topic near and dear to all of our hearts! How many times do we encounter the Buyer or Seller who is confident they know more about the market than we, the real estate agent/broker? Oh, once or twice...at least!

    My good AR friend, Leesa Finley of Wake Forest, NC wrote a recent post, I Am A Local Real Estate Expert - Zillow is Not. And how true that is.

    I've set Google Alerts for a variety of phrases, including the market area where I do most of my business. So I am always sure to check the posts I find. Now mind you, I don't read all of them as some are totally stuffed with key words and hardly make any sense.

    But then I ran across one that just had me sitting there going, WHAT DID you say? First of all, I was able to quickly figure out it was written by a ghost writer. How'd I do that? Well, the article mentions the real estate brokerage at the bottom, and has links to their website. But when you look for the author (I would presume he would be an agent/broker at the company) he is no where to be found.

    Anyway, the article, written on August 1, is titled Atlanta Condos - The Hottest in the South. (I wasn't sure if it would be a good or bad thing for me to share the link...but maybe if you read the story, you'll get the point)

    The statement that took, me back, is the last paragraph....

    "Some might ask if it’s a good time to invest in a property in Atlanta, Georgia since times are bad…and the answer is, don’t believe everything you read or hear. Property prices for incredible properties like condos is stable and according to experts, it’d take a lot to change that! While properties in other parts of the country suffer minute deterioration, property in Atlanta Georgia remains stable - and we’re all thankful for that."

    Now, I'll agree that the prices ARE incredible. Would I agree they are stable? Hmmmmm....maybe. Depends on if we see another wave of foreclosures that many are talking about.

    And what about those buildings that have not had a sale in a year? Is that stable?

    If you read the article, it's really more about 1010 Midtown as a development, but the writer is trying to get the article picked up by using Atlanta Condos.

    I'm just sayin......Who's The Expert and HOW do YOU Decide?

    If you really want to know about the Midtown Atlanta Real Estate, why not ask YOUR local expert!

     

    Please note...this post was to have a picture, but AR seems to not want me to add a picture......

    ]]>
    959 2010-08-03 21:43:39 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    STOP! That's right. STOP! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=960 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=960 STOPSTOP. It's a pretty powerful 4 letter word if you think about it.

    When your mother or father yelled STOP at you for doing something, you did it. (well, usually...)

    When you do something wrong, be it at work, play or with someone and they don't like it....STOP.

    Dictionary.com gives us some pretty good ideas of how strong a word it is.....

    1.to cease from, leave off, or discontinue: to stop running.

    2. to cause to cease; put an end to: to stop noise in the street.

    3. to interrupt, arrest, or check (a course, proceeding, process, etc.): Stop your work just a minute.

    4. to cut off, intercept, or withhold: to stop supplies.

     

     

    But today, look at STOP in a different fashion. Look at STOP as it relates to your life. Do you need to STOP doing something? Do you need to STOP so you can start?

    I say.....Today, STOP.

    That's right, STOP.

    STOP and say I love you to someone.

    STOP and look at the flowers blooming in your yard you haven't even noticed.

    STOP and see the sunrise.

    STOP. Enjoy the moment. Time is worth more than money and we can't make any more of it.

    STOP. Enjoy a past moment. It will remind you of how time has passed and how you can't get it back. But you can remember that moment and make it special again...

    STOP. Enjoy the moment.....even if just for a moment.

    ...

    My Family

     

    ]]>
    960 2010-08-07 07:52:11 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Lindbergh Varsity Jr. Shutting down after 45 Years! OMG! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=961 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=961 Lindbergh Varsity Jr. Shutting down after 45 Years! OMG!

    But what makes this story so sad, is it's not economics ( in one sense....) it's plain stupid government......

    Varsity Paper HatVarsity Vice-President John Browne called the decision to close the 45-year-old Lindbergh diner "absolutely one of the toughest we ever made." A makeover had been planned for years, but the Varsity and the City of Atlanta clashed over how many driveways in and out of the restaurant would be allowed. Currently there's three, but the city would approve only one for a rezoned Varsity Jr.

    Mind you, I sit on the Board of Midtown Neighbors' Associaition and we hear these Land Use Committee issues often. And in a heavily traveled pedestrian area, I completely understand wanting less "curb cuts" and minimizing the impact on pedestrians. Also it does have something to do with safety, traffic flow and the like.

    But when the rules run a perfectly good business, employing hard working people, out of business, there is just something plain WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM!!!

    The company posted an announcement on it's website, and it reads like a family saying good-by to a loved one.

    And just what a neighborhood wants to see....another empty business, overgrown with weeds.

    I'm telling you City of Atlanta, you screwed this one up. Period. End of Paragraph!

    Read the story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution

    ]]>
    961 2010-08-07 08:31:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Top 50 Tallest Buildings in the United States http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=965 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=965 Top 50 Tallest Buildings in the United States

    Let the truth be known...I have a love affair with the Internet. I mean, come on, you can hit up your friend Mr. Google, and it's amazing what he will find for you.

    Really, HOW DID WE live before him/her? Oh, we had encyclopedias.....right.

    Perfect case in point....I ran across this amazing site today with some photos of some amazing buildings right here in the U.S. Did you have any idea what the Top 50 Tallest Buildings in the United States are?

    While I suspect many of us don't "trade" in these big guys, it is noted that many of them are in fact condo buildings or mixed use condo/office.

    Bank of America

     

     

    Atlanta's got a couple in there, including our ranking at Number 9 with the Bank of America Building here in Midtown Atlanta, as seen from my balcony in this picture.

    Check out the Top 50 Tallest Buildings in the United States

    ]]>
    965 2010-08-11 09:19:17 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Hot Time In The City (or Country) -- Tips For Keeping Your Cool! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=969 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=969 Hot Time In The City (or Country) -- Tips For Keeping Your Cool!

    Yep. We have certainly been living up to our nickname here in Atlanta this summer.....HOTLANTA! Whew! 90 something everyday! I walk out at 7am on my way to my Midtown Atlanta office and think, "Man, can't it just stay THIS temperature for the rest of the day?"  It doesn't happen. So, here's a few tips for YOU to keep you cool in the remaining hot days of the summer.

    * Set your thermostat higher when away at work, or away on vacation. About 5 degrees will do it.

    * Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and forget it! By raising your temperature you could save about a $100 on your summer power bills

    HVAC Repair* Change your air conditioning filter. Whether you live in an older house in Historic Midtown Atlanta, or a new condominium, you'd be amazed at how dirty those guys get. And dirty means less efficiency, and making your a/c work harder. Set yourself a reminder on your calendar.

    * Check your doors and windows for leaks. For our condo dwellers, newer buildings are pretty tight, but your older buildings might not be so. If you have cobwebs or high levels of dust, you probably have air leaks. (Shoot, I thought that was just from my extreme desire NOT to do house cleaning....)

    * If in a single family home, be sure to make sure your outdoor condenser can "breathe" and is not covered up by landscape shrubs

    *Have your system regularly serviced (usually spring and fall) to keep it at its peak performance. In Midtown Atlanta, we condo dwellers often forget that we have a unit somewhere (like maybe on the roof) that should be serviced. Of course this requires a bit of extra planning to the building maintenance people can get your a/c man on the roof.

    Just a few cool tips to keep you cool in these remaining Dog Days of Summer in Midtown Atlanta!

    ]]>
    969 2010-08-14 08:14:14 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta. Going, Going, Almost! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=972 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=972 Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta. Going, Going, Almost!

    Viewpoint Grand Opening

     

    If you know me, you know I've had a long standing love affair with Viewpoint Midtown since the building first opened in June, 2007. Heck, it was even my clients, Don Jones and Peggy Denby that cut the ribbon for the Grand Opening event!(That's them, along with my partner, Ray Benitez and Jim Borders, President of Novare Group, the developer of Viewpoint Midtown)

    So, it's also no surprise that this Midtown community is close to being gone! I mean, I can probably count on two hands the number of 2 bedroom homes that remain! What does that mean for you the Midtown Atlanta condo shopper?

    Well, you don't have much left to choose from (I still have not seen a bad floor plan --the 11th floor home they have is like living in a garden since it looks out ON the unique Zen Garden of the 11th floor) and there are some great prices to be had!

     

    With interest rates at an all time, maybe never again in our lifetime low, if you are thinking about that condo purchase, now just could be the time to act! I'd love to represent you in your Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta purchase! Just give me a call and lets get over to see everything Viewpoint Midtown has to offer you!

     

    thViewpoint Hot Summer Sale

     

    This post also appeared on MyMidtownMojo.com

     

     

     

     

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    972 2010-08-19 15:54:04 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Doraville GM Plant Closed in 2008 to Remain......Closed! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=975 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=975 Doraville GM Plan Closed in 2008 to Remain......Closed!

    Doraville GM PlantShould this surprise us? Given the current state of the economy, who would start a development on 165 acres in the middle of a metro area where the housing market is....down.

    The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 to kill New Broad Street Companies’ deal to acquire and redevelop the former General Motors plant on 165 acres in Doraville, a small community located 11 miles northeast of Downtown Atlanta.

    The plan called for the use of $36 Million in Federal stimulus dollars and $18 Million in interest, that would of been footed by a property tax increase to the residents of DeKalb County. EXCUSE ME??? Foreclosues, short sales, unemployment and now RAISE property taxes???

     

     

    For once, I have to say, the elected Dekalb County Commissioners listen to their jobs walking out the door at the ballot box.

    I've written a couple posts about the GM Doraville Plant, including the LCI Grant and another article back in 2008 when they were discussing the "Finalists for the GM Plant." and there is an incredible GM Redevelopment website as well.

    While this is an incredible piece of property, it does NOT need to be developed at tax payer's expense, or at least NOT in this economy.

    The GM Plant sits in a great location, depending on which direction you decide to look at it from.

    POSITIVE: 165 acres, at the crossroads of two major Interstate highways, I-85 and I-285 (also referred to at the Perimeter); a MARTA rapid rail (ok, that's a stretch) train station adjacent to the property. Close by bedroom communities offer affordable housing to those that might work in the new development but not be able to afford the new home prices.

    NEGATIVE: Doraville is a lack-luster small town in the middle of a big city that time forgot. (Thank the previous Mayor (may he rest in peace) or keeping the town "bottled up" instead of promoting new business and development. It's also 11 miles northeast of Downtown...making it a destination in itself...and a challenge to do just that.

    Many people in the Atlanta area refer to an Atlantic Station-type development, but many people in Atlanta also think Atlantic Station missed the boat.

    I hate to see this property sit vacant. But let's face it, the timing (at least at taxpayers' expense) is just not right.

     

    ]]>
    975 2010-08-25 09:16:03 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    For The Love of a Dog http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=976 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=976 For The Love of a Dog

     

    If ONLY people could have this kind of unconditional love and respect for one another.

    Makes me think of the person on the other end of the phone when you call a lender and they

    deny your short sale or tell you your home is on it's way to foreclosure.....

     

    But more than that, it's just about unconditional love....

     

    We were given:

    Two hands to hold.

    To legs to walk.

    Two eyes to see.

    Two ears to listen.

    But why only one heart?

    Because the other was given to someone else.

    For us to find.

     

     

     

     

    ]]>
    976 2010-08-25 21:35:48 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta GA 1 Bedroom Historic Building For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=977 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=977
    Hip and Historic AND on Peachtree Street in Midtown!


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats

























    $152,000
    Condominium
    For Sale
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    310 Units
    Interior: 849 sqft
    Location
    800 Peachtree Street, NE
    203
    Atlanta, GA 30308

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper InTown
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    977 2010-08-29 13:11:15 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Dear Real Estate Agent: Can You Read or Do You Live on The Edge? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=978 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=978 Dear Real Estate Agent: Can You Read or Do You Live on The Edge?

     

    Let me ask my AR friends and peers....is this hard to understand:

    Showing Instructions

    The above statement appears in the "Private Remarks" of a listing of mine. Private Remarks are only visible to other agents. It seems pretty clear that there are pets that must be removed before a showing.

    But just in case you missed that big, bold, all caps statement.....

    Showing Instructions 2

     

     

     

     

    I think the actual Showing Instructions on the listing sum it up. There is a pet and you better call first!

    Now I have this on not one, but TWO of my listings.

    First infraction occured a couple weeks ago when I got an automated email from my lockbox that someone entered the condo at 6:05pm. I knew I did not have a showing scheduled. I called the guest staying in my clients home and asked if someone showed up...sure enough they did. And the guest was none to happy. I called the agent at 11pm that evening and left them a rather abrupt message about the showing instructions. The dog in question, had it been in the condo, would not have barked or signaled it was there. Until you walked around the corner to the kitchen...and then you would of been hard pressed to exit without a dog attached to your ankle or your ass! Did the agent EVEN BOTHER TO CALL BACK AN APOLOGIZE? NOPE! Not a word.

    DogSecond infraction occured yesterday. I got a call while on a movie set working, and was able to answer my phone. I could hear a dog barking in the background. The agent on the other end of the phone said he is in Unit xxx at such and such condo building and wants to know if he should be concerned about a barking dog....I felt like responding, " Naw, not if you don't care about your leg or your foot...nothing to worry about."

    Real estate agents, showing instructions are put on a listing for a reason, not because us listing agents have nothing better to do. I love for my listings to always be available, but that's not always possible. Why in heavens name would you show a listing with such instructions, or show a listing that you know nothing about?

    Would you REALLY walk down the hallway of a condo building and just open a door because it has a lock box, not knowing the situation on the other side? I see lawsuit all over this situation should you and/or your buyer get attacked.....

    You are not doing your buyer OR yourself any favors by putting you at risk.....

    Do us all a favor and read the listing and showing instructions. And if you don't know either, then don't show it!

     

    ]]>
    978 2010-08-29 19:08:58 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    The OWL Bar in Livingston, MT 108-110 North 2nd Livingston, MT http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=980 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=980

    OMG...this was our "bar of choice" in high school (Senior year) because they did not card you!

    And now For Sale!!! I'm not sure I could handle Livingston again full time, but if I had and extra $499k, you just never know!

    Via Patrick Resop (Bozeman Broker Group):
    Patrick Resop | Bozeman Broker Group | 406.556.4554
    108-110 North 2nd Street, Bozeman, MT
    The OWL BAR! Located in Historic Livingston, MT! CALL TODAY!
    Retail/Commercial
    offered at $499,000
    Year Built 1909
    Sq Footage 7,500
    Floors 3
    Parking Unspecified
    Lot Size 2,500 sqft
    Maint $0 per month

    DESCRIPTION

    WHAT WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY JUST GOT BETTER!! NOW YOU CAN OWN LAND, BUILDING AND BUSINESS AND ALL LICENSES FOR $499,000. IF YOU WANT ADDITIONAL SPACE TO OWN OR LEASE, THE BUILDING NEXT DOOR IS AVAILABLE. LIQUOR INVENTORY SOLDSEPARATELY. CALL WITH QUESTIONS OR TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW!

    see additional photos below
    PROPERTY FEATURES

    - TWO BUILDINGS FOR SALE IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LIVINGSTON MONTANA!


    LOCATION FEATURES

    - DOWNTOWN LIVINGSTON MONTANA
    - NEXT TO LOCAL THEATER! WOW! WHAT A DEAL!
    - HERE IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR A LAND BUILDING AND BUSINESS!


    OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

    - TWO BUILDINGS FOR SALE IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LIVINGSTON MONTANA!
    - UPSTAIRS APARTMENT/OFFICE TONS OF POTENTIAL!
    - PRIVATE LIVINGS QUARTERS BEHIND BAR, WITH PRIVATE ENTRANCE!
    - WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOMEONE!
    - WON'T LAST LONG SO CALL TODAY!

    ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


    Photo 1

    Photo 2

    Photo 3

    Photo 4

    Photo 5

    Photo 6
    Contact info:
    Patrick Resop
    Bozeman Broker Group
    406.556.4554
    For sale by agent/broker

    powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
    Posted: Aug 31, 2010, 2:05pm PDT
    ]]>
    980 2010-09-01 21:06:57 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Commercial Creativity! How Come I Never Got this Gene??? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=981 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=981 Commercial Creativity! How Come I Never Got This Gene?

    I've always admired those that have the creative gene to be in advertising. Just think of some of those jingles and slogans we've heard, and you've though, "Man, how come I did not think of that?"

    So when I see a commercial that really is unique, I like to share it. Now, I will caution you, it does have a religious message at the end, but still, it's worth the watch, just because....

     

     

    ]]>
    981 2010-09-01 21:26:43 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Dragon Con Atlanta GA September 3-6, 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=982 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=982 Dragon Con 2010 Atlanta, GA September 3-6. 2010

    Dragon Con 2010For some 24 years, Dragon Con has convened here in Atlanta. And this was my first visit! Wow! What I have been missing???

    I thought I'd get a good "seat" along Peachtree Street to watch the parade, but as my pictures will show, was several rows back from the curb....

    The Dragon Con website says, "Dragon*Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe!" And they are NOT kidding. Imagine 3 major convention hotels, The Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton and the Hyatt Regency are SOLD OUT this weekend with this convention.

    We enjoyed the parade and the amazing costumes that everyone wore, and some of the other "accessories" that went along with the crowd. Just take a look! I'll be sure to have a front and center seat if I'm in town next year for Dragon Con

     

    ]]>
    982 2010-09-04 20:11:30 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Classic Car Commercials - BMW. Brand New And A Classic! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=983 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=983 Classic Car Commercials - BMW. Brand New And A Classic!

    I have to say I saw the commercial for this car the other day and went....WOW!

    I've never been a huge fan of BMW's because of the their very blah interiors. All black and lacking any kind of luxury feel I would expect in a BMW.

    Maybe somebody overheard my comments?

    This is longer than a normal commerical at 3 minutes, but even if you don't love the car, just watch the filming and the background. The scenes are awesome!

     

     

    ]]>
    983 2010-09-05 11:14:29 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Midtown Atlanta Goes Live-- Big Brother is Watching! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=984 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=984 Atlanta’s Midtown Goes Live with Iron Sky, Map-Based Video Surveillance System

     

    SecurityThe security and safety in Midtown has always impressed me since I started working and living in the area. There is actually THREE security services that serve the residents. Of course, there is the Atlanta Police Department Zone 5 under the watchful eye of Major Khrius Williams.

    Secondly, the private patrol service paid for by the Midtown Alliance, called Midtown Blue. This force is actually off-duty Zone 5 officers (and from other Zones) that patrol in specially marked Midtown Blue trucks. A key component of the Midtown Blue force is the numerous cameras they have placed all over Midtown Atlanta. It is coordinated by Col. Wayne Mock.

    And lastly, there is the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance, that was formed to patrol the streets of Historic Midtown, which is mostly the single family homes in Midtown.

    The Midtown Alliance recently went live with an upgraded, browser-based surveillance system from Iron Sky. Midtown Blue officers will be able to access camera footage using a map-based interface, with just two mouse clicks. As part of a phased-in approach, Midtown will migrate existing surveillance cameras, and add some new state-of-the-art surveillance cameras. The resolution of these cameras are incredible, and can pick up even the slightest detail a block or more away.

    If you ever want to see the operation in operation, stop by the Midtown Blue Command Center, located in the Metropolis Condominium Building, on the Peachtree Place side of the building, just behind Taco Mac's

    Police LightsAnd additional safety initative is also underway. Back in the spring of 2010, Major Williams assigned numerous foot patrols to the Midtown area. However, the police department has lacked funding to give these officers equipment they need to move quickly around the area. Local residents spearheaded a fund raising effort to purchase 2 police equipped Segways and a Harley Davidson Police Motorcyle for these officers to use. The neighborhood and business jumped behind this program, and have already raised $30,000 for this great program!

    The Midtown Neighbors' Association Board of Directors also voted to contribute $1000 to this program.I'm pleased to serve on this Board, and to have helped get this program going in Midtown!

    It's nice to live in a community where the residents support their police officers, professionally and financially!

    ]]>
    984 2010-09-06 12:36:04 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Midtown Atlanta Makeover Continues http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=986 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=986 Midtown Atlanta Makeover Continues

    Improvements to Midtown Atlanta just keep on coming! As you'll recall, I posted a couple weeks back that some Midtown Atlanta Streets were getting a makeover. Crescent Street certainly was in need of some sprucing! But it seems that is not all that has been happening in Midtown.

    Most of these streetscape improvments are designed to enhance the pedestrian experience in Midtown Atlanta while giving Midtown its own idenity. I can say from personal experience that some of the improvements below are certainly a welcome addition to Midtown.

    • Installation of new LED countdown ped-heads and traffic signals are nearing completion:  New, Ped Crossing Countdownsafer, more energy efficient signals have been installed throughout Midtown.  The Midtown Alliance received a grant from GDOT to begin this project and most recently, was awarded a second grant from the US Department of Energy to complete it.  These new signals are 80-90% more energy efficient.  The new countdown crossings are great....it really helps you know how much time you have to cross the street. From a drivers perspective, it's also like having a warning that the signal is about to change, so you can be a bit more prepared to stop. (Or some some people do, speed through the intersection on the yellow light!)
    • Streetscape projects begin on Peachtree Street from Peachtree Circle to the I-75/85 Bridge:  This long-awaited phase of the Peachtree Streetscape furthers progress made between 3rd Street and West Peachtree Street.  The project was designed to extend pedestrian improvements to the north end of Peachtree Street, improve public safety and create a better balance between large volumes of vehicular traffic and a more walkable urban environment.   The project is expected to be completed in early 2011.
    • Five new traffic signals installed to create safer mobility for Midtown pedestrians and drivers:   Midtown Alliance is in the process of completing construction.  Now at these intersections, traffic will move more smoothly and pedestrian crossings will be significantly safer:
      • 6th and Peachtree
      • 6th and Juniper
      • 8th and Piedmont
      • 12th and West Peachtree
      • 12th and Spring
      I can certainly tell you, that the  6th Street and 8th Street installations are going to be a welcome addition. There is a crosswalk at 6th and Peachtree, but just try to get a car to stop for you! 
    • In mid-August, Midtown Alliance will assume the maintenance of the medians and planted materials on the 14th Street Bridge.  A few months ago, we celebrated the re-opening of the 14th Street Bridge with our government and community partners. We can all take pride in this gateway into Midtown, representing the power of partnerships. This too will be welcomed! I'm not sure who was suppose to be maintaining them up until now, but there are already plants that have died!  And there are a few unsightly weeds starting to show....not the Welcome To Midtown we want to see! 

    You'll be sure to notice these improvements underway on your next visit to Midtown Atlanta. If you live in Midtown, watch out for the construction!

    ]]>
    986 2010-09-07 21:35:04 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Einstein's Midtown Atlanta -A Metrotainment Restaurant http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/04/02/einsteins-midtown-atlanta-a-metrotainment-restaurant/ Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:05:27 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/?p=11 Einstein's Midtown Atlanta Einstein's Midtown Atlanta is just what every neighborhood needs...a cool place to hang out with your friends! And the local hangout is what makes a neighborhood!

    Einstein's Midtown Atlanta has been a Midtown landmark for years. From their spacious outdoor patio area, to the totally cool way they took an old house and turned it into the restaurant...this is the place to be!

    I have to admit, it had been sometime since I had visited the restaurant, but they recently hosted Mingle in Midtown for Midtown Neighbors' Association. Mingle is the monthly social get together for the Midtown area.There were about 40 people there, and it was great.

    From the wide array of Pinnacle Vodka drinks to the great appetizers they offer, it's easy to see why Einstein's Midtown Atlanta is the place to be!

    The weather is awesome...why don't you stake out a choice patio table and do some people watching! Maybe I'll see you there!

    [caption id="attachment_13" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Best Outdoor Patio in Midtown Atlanta"]Best Outdoor Patio in Midtown Atlanta[/caption] ]]>
    11 2010-04-02 15:05:27 2010-04-02 23:05:27 open open einsteins-midtown-atlanta-a-metrotainment-restaurant publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Developer plans $350M Luxury Hotel across from High Museum http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/04/10/developer-plans-350m-luxury-hotel-across-from-high-museum/ Sat, 10 Apr 2010 17:29:24 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/?p=27 [/caption] Well, this could be a sign of better times ahead? Just when you thought no one would stick a shovel in the ground, it was reported in the Atlanta Business Chronicle on Friday that  the site of the once proposed One Museum Place condominium at 1301 Peachtree Street is changing hands. Alvin D. James, a veteran broadcasting industry executive has agreed to purchase the property from the prominent Atlanta builder, John Wieland, CEO of John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, Inc. As the Atlanta housing market took a nose dive in 2007, Wieland scrapped his plans for a 23-story, 92-unit condo tower. James has indicated he plans a 250-room, five-star hotel on the site. Another story, found on the site, The Luxury Hub, further states that James hopes to have the project opened in 2012. He has said he is courting three international hotel flags and an European hedge fund is apparently proving 100% funding for the $350 million project. This all comes on the heels of a W Midtown that was repositioned from the Sheraton Colony Square, the opening of the Hotel Palomar and just last month, the new Loews Atlanta Hotel, part of the 12th and Midtown development. It would appear that Midtown Atlanta is going to have lots of beds to fill in a couple years. Development note to Mr. James....put in a really, really, really cool roof-top pool and you will score big! I'm just sayin.]]> 27 2010-04-10 09:29:24 2010-04-10 17:29:24 open open developer-plans-350m-luxury-hotel-across-from-high-museum publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash City Lights, City Sights http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=453 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=453 As I sit here, 27 stories above the hustle and bustle of Midtown with that picture out my window (yep, just took it 10 minutes ago!) I remember back to my thoughts of how I could ever leave my suburban home, for "city life." Now let me explain something first....I grew up on a 200 acre ranch in Montana!!! You can't get much more room around you than that! But, my home in the "burbs" here, is only 7 miles or 10 minutes from Midtown, depending on which way you want to measure it. A California-style ranch, built in 1960 that I have been renovating for a few years. 1800 sq.ft with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hot tub, big yard with lots of trees, fishpond and my gas grill! It's pretty cool! Now, after a day of walking to the High Museum to take in the last day of the Louve Exhibit, then to Joe's on Juniper for a delicious burger and fries, and finally back to my condo to continue some upgrades, I wonder, HOW could I have ever NOT Lived here!  It's been a REAL "labor day weekend" with the installation of new window treatments and now ceiling fans (good grief, now I know why people pay for this!) This place is actually one of two I have in Midtown. (Guess you can guess I like it now?) This one is smaller, perfect for a weekend getaway or a single person. I let my friends use it when they visit me from LA, Chicago Miami and New York. My actual "home" in Midtown is a larger, 2 bedroom unit at Plaza Midtown. One day this may be just my office....and what a view to inspire you to sell, sell, sell Midtown............ midtown dayJust thinking about standing on the balcony, talking with a client about their pending purchase of a new condo in Midtown....it gives me goose bumps!! And the landscape...she be a changing here! This use to be my view from the left side of my balcony... beforehas become THIS over the past few months.... afterHere comes Viewpoint Midtown! What's my point? City Living is AWESOME!! Sure, I hear some sirens, but my small town upbringing just makes me jump up and look at what's happening! I want a drink, a great bar is just an elevator ride away! Want a late night snack....gosh....where should I start? And when it's time to lock the door, and head to the airport, the train is just a couple blocks away! What more can you ask for? Yep....I have to admit it! I'm Hooked! It's in my blood now! I'm living the City Lights and the City Sights! Wanna join me? I'd be happy to help you!!]]> 453 2011-02-23 23:17:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last Midtown Atlanta Real Estate. Take A Tour! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=716 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=716 One of the like totally cool things about blogs, social media and all is the ability it gives us to connect with each other! Not always on a personal, one-to-one basis, but we connect. We do get the opportunity to take these connections and move them off-line and make them personal. I've had the pleasure of doing that with people I've met from Active Rain, Twitter and Facebook. Facebook has even helped me find long, lost friends! But another thing we can do, is share things we might not otherwise be able to share. For example, take a tour of Midtown Atlanta Real Estate Atlanta from your Midtown Atlanta REALTOR! This is where I work and where I call home!
    Play VisualTour
    ]]>
    716 2010-12-20 10:08:19 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    Networking. Who Do You Know? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=746 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=746 Man Making ListThat's right kids. It's time to make our list and check it twice. No, not for who's been naughty or nice? Where is your business in 2011 going to come from? Do you need some new opportunities? New people? New connections? Maybe you need to do some Networking! Not the door to door knocking type, but getting out to some business events and meeting other business people that you might be able to refer business to, and in turn, they refer potential clients back to you! Now there's a novel idea, eh? But, as you head out the door to your next networking event, perhaps you should have a plan. What do you really want to accomplish, and how are you going to go about it?
    • Who Do you Want to Meet?
    • Network, DON'T Sell! The idea is to make connections, and then follow up from there!
    • Introduce Others! It's much easier to make conversation if you already know someone. And if there are two of you, and you see someone standing alone, go over and introduce yourselves. A great way for BOTH of you to make a new contact.
    • Remember, not everyone is going to be a prospect. You will be able to figure out that there is just not going to be a connection. Move on.
    • Speaking of moving on, try to limit your conversation to 8-10 minutes. If you talk to just a couple people the whole evening, you won't make many contacts or grow your list!
    • Follow up, Follow up, Follow up! What can I say? Don't expect that if you meet a person one time, you are their real estate contact for life. You have to build that relationship.
    Another good idea is to meet and/or know the organizer of the event. Try to meet them before or after the event and thank them for putting it together. This can put you on the top of the list for other events, maybe even a VIP event that you might not otherwise be invited to! If you attend an event on a regular basis, it's just natural to hang with the people you know.....NOT! Now, you and that other person can team up to meet other people, but don't just hang with the people you know. Remember, our goal is to make new contacts! Make sure if you see someone that is new, make them feel welcome. Go one step further and invite a new person that you think could benefit from the event. Where to Network? Well, if you ask most real estate agents/brokers, they will tell you everywhere! And to some extent, that is true. Whether you are having your oil changed in your car, picking up your dry cleaning or visiting the vet with your dog, there is always an opportunity to meet someone! One place you might look, is Networking For Professsionals (NFP). I use to host one of their local events here in Atlanta, and even wrote a blog about it the beginning of this year. NFP is truly what it says....networking. Not a bunch of guys or girls looking for a date (ah, come on, you all know you have been to those types of events before) but professionals looking to network. Be sure to check out their website, they host events in various cities around the country! As you put your plans together for '11, make sure networking is a part of them. You always need to be expanding your network!

    Business Partners

    ]]>
    746 2010-12-20 13:04:46 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    Do You Understand Your Relationship with A/Your Realtor http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=800 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=800
    Via David Monsour (Prudential Bob Yost - Sites):
    I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that about 80% of people have no idea how Realtors get paid, or how Real Estate relationships work.  My goal is to clear that up so that your Realtor doesn't have to deal with constant frustration.  This blog isn't designed to complain or make you, the consumer, feel stupid, but to educate you about the process. First - BUYERS -Realtors do not receive salaries, we get paid based on commission only.  This means that if you don't buy something, we don't get paid. Let me elaborate on this.  We spend a lot of time and gas to show properties.  This money comes out of our pockets.  Don't abuse your Realtor.  Our job is to serve you, and do everything we can to help you find what you're looking for, we just ask that you respect our time and money like we do yours. Second - Sellers - Realtors do not receive salaries, we get paid on commission only.  This means that if your house doesn't sell we don't get paid. The advertising for your house, the gas, the time, the open houses (and those cute sandwiches), those pretty packets we print out are all paid for on our dime until your house sells.  Advertising is expensive (call your local paper for and ask...I think I heard you jaw hit the ground).  Sellers, Listen, list your house at the price we give you, we know you want more money, but the prices aren't set by the Realtor or the seller.  Prices are set by the other properties that sold.  We don't price your house low because we don't like you, we price it where we know it will SELL.  If selling isn't your goal, then call a Realtor that likes wasting money and time (none of them). Relationships 101 This section is primarily dedicated to buyers.  It's much harder for Sellers to have an affair with another Realtor.  The house is listed. It has your name on a sign out front so there is little risk the seller will go behind your back.  We've heard horror stories but it isn't the norm.  Sellers also tend to choose their Realtor from past experience so they have a background information about how this person conducts business. Buyers, you drive us up the wall.  It isn't your fault, it's just that society in general doesn't understand real estate relationships.  When you start working with a Realtor they start dedicating time to providing a service to you.  In an ideal world a buyer should only establish this relationship with one Realtor and they should choose that person carefully.  The fundamental flaw in this process is that a lot of buyers call the office from a sign or book and can, without warning, get the worst Realtor god every put on earth. While we'd like to say that our profession is perfect, that would be complete BS.  There are good and bad Realtors just like there are good and bad doctors, lawyers, and used car salespeople. Buyers we get upset when..we work hard, show you 10 properties, then you leave us to go look at properties with another Realtor.  If you end up buying with that other Realtor you wasted all of our time.  We don't get the time back or the money.  Again we ask that you respect us the way we respect you.  If you were a plumber and I had you out 10 different times to give me estimates but never had you do any work (you never get paid) would you be happy? Friends - Don't call us when you have another Realtor list your house to tell us that you put it on the market and since we are in the business we should sell it. TOO LATE, you should have called us to list the property so that we could represent you and work toward selling the property.  If you list with someone else and we have a buyer great, but if not we will simply wish you good luck.  Typically this ends in a "good luck" and a Realtor kicking himself because his friends don't understand the process. I hope this helps the everyday person understand how things work in the real estate world.  There are so many more examples, but this should provide a basic understanding of how we operate and how we get paid.  Contrary to popular opinion we work very hard for our money and spend a lot of money doing our jobs.  It costs money to do everything we do, and our companies do not pay for any of it.

    David Monsour, Realtor with Prudential Bob Yost - Sites Homesale

    Buying, Selling, or know someone that is? Call me I'd love to help.

    Cell 717-319-3408 Follow DavidMonsour on Twitter
    ]]>
    800 2010-12-20 07:38:21 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    GA 400 Tolls May Pay For New I-85 Ramps http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=991 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=991 GA 400 Tolls May Pay For New I-85 Ramps

     

    For those of you that live up North, toll roads are a way of life. For us Southern's, they are about as foreign as....

    Georgia 400 I-85 MergeWhen Georgia 400 opened between I-85, and I-285 on the northeren side of Atlanta, it cut a swath right through the middle of Buckhead. I've heard the story that when the highway was built, there was not enough money for the I-85/GA400 interchange. I did not live in Atlanta during the construction, and don't really remember much about the discussion of the road, but I bet it was more neighborhood opposition to a big freeway interchange in their backyard.

    Since that time, it's been any commuter's nightmare if you were traveling South on I-85 and wishing to head North on Georgia 400, or heading South on Georgia 400 and wanted to go North on I-85. Either route involves taking an exit, and 3, yes, THREE surface streets to connect with the other highway.

    The toll is set to expire next year, but there is now talk of extending the lease on the highway (it's owned by the Georgia Department of Transportation, and leased to the Tollway Authority) And that money would be used to continue improvements on the highway, and possibly fund the new interchange, for which the State already owns the land and has all the necessary studies done.

    We shall see.....

    But, an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution at least gave me a history timeline I never knew about Georgia 400...

    May 16, 1983: The proposal to build a 6.4-mile extension of Georgia 400 from I-285 through Buckhead to I-85 comes up for its first vote before Atlanta City Council. Council deadlocks 9-9, effectively killing the proposal for the moment.

    Oct. 17, 1988: City Council votes to ban all toll roads inside the city limits — a move aimed expressly at shutting down the Georgia 400 extension.

    May 16, 1989: With strong support from Mayor Andrew Young, the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Georgia 400 extension passes City Council. Council votes to allow tolls but limits them to 50 cents.

    June 26, 1990: Federal appeals court in Atlanta rules against opponents of the project, clearing the way for the state DOT to begin construction. Contractors go to work that summer.

    June 12, 1991:The State Tollway Authority approves sale of $96.1 million on bonds to help pay for the Georgia 400 project. The bonds will be paid off in 20 years — in June 2011 — from toll revenue.

    Aug. 1, 1993: After three years of construction, the Georgia 400 extension opens to traffic.

     

    NOTE: The ramp you see in the bottom right of the picture heading to the left is the on ramp from I-85 North to Georgia 400 North.

    ]]>
    991 2010-09-18 11:39:02 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    The Lender is STUPID for Not Accepting My Offer! Aren't They? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=994 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=994

    I've not yet had the opportunity to work with EZShorts yet, but I know people that have, and say they do a great job. I certainly will refer any client I get with short sales to these people!

    So far, I only have 1 short sale listing, and, it's getting no showings!

    Via Daniel Francis: MORE listings with LESS competition. Ask me How! (TheDadsLP.com):

    The following are true CASES from our years of processing short sales:

    • CASE A:  We presented Lender X with an offer of $85,000.  Lender X refused the offer, foreclosed, then listed the property for $60,000 and immediately accepted an offer of $55,000.
    • CASE B:  We provided an offer that thrilled the first lien-holder, but the second lien-holder refused to accept $3,000.  The house foreclosed and the second lien-holder received $0.00
    • CASE C:  We provided an offer of $120,000 with 3% seller concessions.  The lender rejected the offer.  We presented a back-up offer of $110,000 with 1% seller concessions.  The lender accepts the second offer.

    What the heck is going on?  Are the lenders stupid?  Aren't they losing all of this money?

    Well, yes and no.  Once you understand how the system works, you start to see why these lenders make these "crazy" decisions.

    Customer ServiceYou see, most lenders we deal with (particularly those with big names like Wells Fargo or Bank of America), do not own the loan you are attempted to short.  They simply own the servicing contract.  So while the short sale spends months sorting itself out, and you feel like they are losing "thousands" of dollars.  In truth, they are really only losing "hundreds".  They get paid each month for successful collections.

    In order to approve a short sale, this servicer, as a part of their contract, must make sure the short sale is approved based upon certain underwriting criteria.

    So while it seems "stupid" that the lender would not accept an offer that nets them more, the truth is, an investor has set out underwriting guidelines that the sale must meet, regardless of the "net".

    Since you are "negotiating" (and I use that term loosely) with the servicer, not the actual owner of the loan, their leeway in accepting an offer is extremely limited.  This can make the short sale process tedious and frustrating and sometimes it can cause the lender do something "stupid".

    So what happened in each of the above cases?

    • CASE A:  This was an FHA loan.  At the time (FHA has since done away with this short sale underwriting guideline), if the BPO valued the property at less than 62% (I may remember that exact percentage incorrectly, but it was something around 62% -- someone correct me, please) than the original loan amount, they would automatically deny the short sale and move to foreclosure.  The fact that they ended up with about $30k less in their pocket at the end of the day did not matter.
    • CASE B:  Despite the fact that Fannie Mae loans would only pay up to $3k to second lien holders at the time, the second lien holder's underwriting would not accept less than 20% of the loan amount ($50,000).
    • CASE C:  The underwriting guidelines specified the maximum allowed seller contributions bo buyer-paid closing costs as 1%.  Even though the second offer was less net for the investor, the servicer was bound to take the lower offer because the higher offer needed 3% seller concessions.

    Trying to relay this information to your client isn't easy.  The distinction between "investor" and "servicer" is lost as they just know their mortgage company as "the lender".  Therefore, when they seem to be making "stupid" decisions, they are, in fact, simply following contractual guidelines as they underwrite a short sale.

    This probably doesn't help alleviate the frustration we all can feel when dealing with a lender, but hopefully it will make us all just a little bit more patient!

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________

    EZ Home Listings CoverJoin us on FACEBOOK and get our FREE eBook, EZ HOME LISTINGS: THE STORY OF BETTY AND VERONICA

    Learn how YOU can take advantage of a largely untapped market and quickly and easily build a listing inventory with little to no competition!

    By understanding "Veronica" and why she is not currently calling Real Estate Agents, you can advertise in a way that will attract her to you.  We show you how!

    Make MORE, Do LESS!

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________

    Daniel Francis
    512-731-4541 is my cell phone number. Anyone can call me anytime
    EZShorts.com

    The Dads, LPAnother Top-Notch Realty Service Brought to you by The Dads, LP:  TheDadsLP.com

     
    ]]>
    994 2010-09-22 19:28:28 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    A Blog about Blogging....or A Blog About Not Blogging? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1003 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1003 Really?

    I'm sure it's happened to you, right? You are on a roll....doing as you should, and posting a blog every day or other day so your readers have fresh content.

    railroad tracksThen it happens. Like the toy train set I have (an antique I might add) that the engine is running around the track I've set up and ....BAM....it jumps the track. Or it derails. Kinda like blogging.

    My train has jumped the track. I've derailed.

    No writers block mind you...I've got stacks of stuff and e-mail folders full of topics.

    I just got derailed.

    Never fear. The troops are here, and we will be back on the track in a day or so.

    I just thought you should know I had not been swallowed up by a sink hole, or got lost somewhere in Mississippi on my recent 2,003 mile road trip!

    As the movie line says...."I'll be back."

    ]]>
    1003 2010-10-21 11:49:38 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Short Sale Nightmares! Will This Country EVER Be Right Again? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1005 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1005 SHORT SALE NIGHTMARES! WILL THIS COUNTRY EVER BE RIGHT AGAIN???

    Guy With A QuestionHeavy sigh. No...heavy, heavy sigh with slight pain in the chest and left arm. Yep. That pretty much sums up how I feel about our real estate market, and the future.

    Yeah, yeah. I know. We are suppose to be positive and upbeat. I am, probably because I'm starting a new business that is recession proof. (You can ask me about that in an e-mail....!)

    But when you read an article like this one that appeared in the NYTimes on Sunday, it makes you, and certainly the homeowner just want to throw in the towel.

    We The People gave YOU the banks money when you were about to crumble. Now, you let the American homeowner get run over by your money hungry bus without any regard to making a logical decision that would help everyone, YOU the bank included.

    Lord have Mercy!

     

     

    Read the NY Times article, "Short Sales Resisted as Foreclosures Are Revived."

    ]]>
    1005 2010-10-26 09:56:54 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    WARNING! WARNING! Social Media Has Taken Control! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1006 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1006 WARNING! WARNING! Social Media Has Taken Control!

    It's late...and I'm still at work! Not a bad thing..as I'm loving my new office. Really, Really quiet! But still loving it!

    I'm trying to get some loose ends wrapped up before I make a road trip to......

    RAIN CAMP CHARLOTTE!!!

    So, you can imagine my laughter (and I'll probably hear yours) when I ran across this great social media spoof this morning!

    If you are anywhere where you need to be quiet, you might want to watch this later!

     

     

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    1006 2010-10-26 20:37:44 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Diary of A RainCamp Survivor or I Forgot My Umbrella and It's Raining! http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1007 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1007 Diary of A RainCamp Survivor or
    I Forgot My Umbrella and it's Raining!



    There is nothing I love better than a good "dose" of Active Rain! Mind you, a "dose" usually involves taking a couple hours to catch up on all my daily Rain Drops e-mails I've saved and have not read yet, or catching up with my friends in their own real estate worlds. But, it appears some of these friends have beat me to the punch in doing a RainCamp Review. Fine. Be that way. But you've been warned!

    My first RainCamp experience happened before I even GOT to RainCamp! I got yet another e-mail talking about this upcoming event in Charlotte. So, I checked with the CFO of Thomas Ramon Realty. Well, actually, I kinda walked into his office with this depressed look on my face, and asked, "Can I go to RainCamp in Charlotte, next week?" After a couple rounds of how I'd save money on expenses, approval was granted. So, the first person I felt needed to be advised was my main Charlotte squeeze, Debe Maxwell. Now, I can't type the reaction with the same enthuesiam, but it was kinda of a squeal, followed by a "I'm so excited! You're coming to RainCamp." Yikes, how was I to know I was going to have THAT kinda of affect on Ms. Debe! That was my first experience!

    So, Wednesday comes. After a quick trip to the Dollar Store for snacks, my bags were packed. Yes, bags. THREE of them to be exact!
    My briefcase with laptop. My second briefcase with all this work I just knew I would stay in my hotel room that evening and get done with out interruption, and a third bag with necessary items like toothpaste, socks, shirt and jeans to name a few.

    RainCamp Rainbow

    85 North

    With XM radio tuned to my favorite dance channel...I was off to see the city! A quick 3.5 hours later, I arrived in Charlotte. Now, we all know what's at the end of a rainbow, right? No, silly, NOT a pot of gold.......it was.....

     

     

    RainCamp Charlotte

    My evening of work was quickly shot down when Debe just insisted that I must attend the Wednesday night pre- networking event at Strike City in Uptown Charlotte. (This event can also be referred to as "You'll have a slight headache on Thursday morning, but you'll get over it.") There...came the new friends. And REAL rain. Well, at least back in Atlanta. So much so, that it closed the Atlanta airport for some 6 hours! Do you KNOW what that does to air travel? Just ask Bob Stewart? I mean, how often do you fly from Detroit to Charlotte, and get pizza on the runway in Chattanooga, TN?


    RainCamp Charlotte 2010Ok, on with the story. So, Thursday morning comes. Yep. Right there. Front and center we are. And me...right between my friends Debe and Pamela St. Peter of Raleigh fame. And my new found AR friends Christine Donovan and Steve Shatsky were just down the way! Next to them....Jeremy Blanton! On the other side of me, Craig Rutman! And behind me, Amy Shair, Melissa Brown and Eleanor Warren Thorne! Who needs an umbrella when you are surrounded by the likes of these peeps!

    But then it started. Raining. First, just a little bit. Ya see, the internet connection went into overload. I guess it was not ready for some 100 computers all at one time. So, being unable to Tweet, Twext, Face or Post....I was reduced to actually paying attention and taking notes.

    Bob StewartOh, but before we get to that good stuff (well, only a tidbit....I'm not giving away ALL the good stuff at one time) it finally happened. Yes, after being "ON" Active Rain since 2007...it finally happened. There he was. No longer just a picture on AR, or the new family member of one Missy Caulk. He was IRL -- In Real Life -- THE Bob Stewart!  Darn! Was I suppose to get an autograph or something?

    Oh, yeah. The story. One Ben Kinney takes a mic....and away we go. The list of notes with highlights in red (things I need to do or review" began. And it went from "Just Do It" to 212 Degrees.

    What did I learn? That a blog post needs pictures, and should not be to long so as to lose your reader.

    To Be Continued......

    ]]>
    1007 2010-10-31 00:27:35 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    I'm Sorry? Exactly WHICH Brokerage DO You Work For? http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1009 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1009 Guy With A Question

     

    Ok, it's late and I've only had one glass of wine, so this post is not getting a huge time alloment for creativity...but the message is very important to each of you....myself included!

    Last week at RainCamp Charlotte, there were all kinds of great ideas thrown out there. I made my notes, and even highlighted important things I wanted to do, review or need to look at.

    One of them was Zillow. So, to day I did. I made some needed changes to my profile, which led to this post.

    Do you know WHERE your profiles are? Better yet, Do you know WHICH Brokerage you work for? I saw one profile where there were three, yes count them, THREE different brokerage names listed on one agent's profile. Yikes!

    So, it made me think, do you know Where you are? I can honestly say I've not done the best at keeping up with all the sites where I may have just posted a profile, versus those like Active Rain or such where I might update almost weekly some sort of change to my profile.

     

    So, no need for a long post. Just a reminder to all of us. Perhaps we better keep some kind of list in a spreadsheet, a note pad, post it or in our wallet. So if we change companies, we know exactly WHICH Brokerage we work for! And so will our potential Buyers and Sellers!

     

    ]]>
    1009 2010-11-01 23:10:51 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    My Bill is What ?? 5 Real Ways to Save that Buffers the"Illusion of a Deal" http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1010 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1010

    Chris and Stephanie have some AWESOME ideas for saving here! From energy to groceries! I've got a second freezer and fridge in my garage and shop often at Costco and then divide and freeze! Save me tons on money...hence my limited restaurant review these days!

    Thanks guys!

    Via Christopher and Stephanie Somers - Realtors - Philadelphia Real Estate (Owner - RE/MAX Access):

     

    My Bill is What?


      My Bill is What?

    As mortgage interest rates go down to historical lows, it sure seems like the price of everything else is going up. Am I wrong? With Halloween behind us and The Season of Gift Giving moving in fast, is the only way to save by buying a home? How's a person suppose to save any money these days? Whether you are buying a home, just bought a home or you are just trying to keep a roof over your head, saving money in this economy is a huge priority and we are always looking for ways to save.

    I recently realized that saving money ain't what it used to be. Let's take, for example, our bi-weekly excursion to the Supermarket, the store we've shopped at for several years now.  Last week Chris and I grabbed the same darn cart (the one with the broken wheel), chose the same old staples, and maneuvered into the same long checkout line. As usual, I glanced at the tabloids with my Super Savings Card in hand while Chris unloaded the groceries onto the conveyor belt and bagged all of our stuff. Get the picture? Domestic bliss. The cashier swiped my Super Savings Card and excitedly exclaimed "You've saved thirteen dollars with your Super Savings Card!"  Wow. Thirteen bucks. Not a bad savings. Not bad at all... until I looked at the bill.

     

    THE BILL IS WHAT?

    Were the grapes dipped in gold? Did they charge me 12 times for the cat litter? Should I have chosen the cheaper non-organic eggs? I remember a few years ago I spent a whole lot less for the very same groceries. Plus, I NEVER saved 13 dollars using a so called "Super Savings Card" or coupon.  

    What a clever strategy to make the consumer get the impression of saving when we are not really saving at all! In Real Estate we call this "the illusion of a deal" and it is a sales technique that really works even with the most experienced investors. Blast those supermarket mental geniuses!


    Chris and I thought we'd offer some "REAL" money saving tips to our readers that will prove to provide you with a money saving return on your efforts almost immediately.     


    1. Ask and you shall receive. Ask for that discount. Ask your credit card company to lower your interest My Bill is What? ~ Illusion of a deal...rate. Ask your homeowner’s insurance company to see if you are eligible for a discount. If you ask and do not receive a discount, there is always another vendor who will be happy to provide you a savings.
    2. Out with the old and in with the new. Did you know that refrigerators older than 1990 use up three times as much energy as new ones? Did you know that shower head fixtures and faucets older that 1994 use up more than 4 gallons of water per minute? Compared to the new ones that use up about 2.2 gallons per minute. That is an update that equates to savings for you! Go with the low flow aerators found at any local Home Depot or Lowes where Energy Star appliances are considered highly rated.
    3. Put a candle to it. Some experts say that drafts waste so much heat that it is like keeping a window open all winter! Light a candle or incense to identify where drafts are around windows, doors, under cabinets, around outlets & fixtures and then seal, caulk, insulate, and sit back to enjoy a lower heating bill this winter.
    4. Bulk up this winter. No, I do not mean join a gym but with this advice it may help offset that gym membership you may be considering. I mean buy things in bulk to glean the cost savings. Paper goods and dry goods are perfect to buy in bulk since they have a long shelf life. Buying in bulk will cut down on the time you spend driving to the store several times and time is a priceless commodity. Fewer trips to the store means using less gas, too.
    5. Be nice and share. Combine your bulk shopping with a friend, neighbor, or family member. You may not have storage for bulk items but between 2-3 people, you can split up the bulk and the cost savings can be had by all. The same goes for sharing big household jobs such as repaving a driveway, re-coating a roof, servicing the HVAC, landscaping, brick pointing etc... A contractor that you hire to do 3 jobs at once will be much more negotiable on their price. And if they do not offer a discount, go back to tip number 1.

     

    It does not matter whether you are a home owner or a renter or whether you live in a small condo or a castle. If you pay bills, you want to find ways to save, not just get the impression that you are saving. Implementing some money saving strategies now can help ease the pinch of the economy. We hope one of these tips will help lower a bill or reserve a little extra cash to buffer "the illusion of a deal" you may be taking advantage of this Holiday Season.  

    The Somers Team of Philadelphia

     

     

     

     

    Feel free to subscribe to our blog or our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

    The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog  The Somers Team on Facebook  The Somers Team on Twitter  The Somers Team on LinkedIn

     Bookmark and Share

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    1010 2010-11-02 10:27:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    Creative Commercials -- Discover Card http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1014 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1014 Creative Commercials - Discover Card

    When I find these things (usually sent to me by someone else) I am always compelled to share!

    I would of loved to be an ad exec...but I sure dont' have this kind of creativity!

    I wonder if this is how some Seller's feel when they try to talk to their lender about a loan mod or short sale?

     

     

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    1014 2010-11-06 12:19:34 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0
    City of Atlanta Comprehensive Development Plan Community Meetings http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1465 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1465 1465 2011-03-03 18:05:16 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last Real Estate Terms to Know In Georgia (Purchase and Sale Agreement) http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1597 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1597 Real Estate Term to Know In Georgia is the Purchase and Sale Agreement. And this form will be important to you the Buyer as WELL as the Seller. I'll look at it from the Buyer's point-of-view for this series.]]> 1597 2011-03-26 11:00:18 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last ATLANTA - One of 10 Best Cit http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1657 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1657 1657 2011-04-02 15:22:44 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last Georgia Among Top 5 States for Film and Television Production http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1991 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1991 1991 2011-06-18 21:35:09 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last Metropolis Midtown Atlanta GA Market Report May 2011 http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=2008 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=2008 Metropolis Midtown Atlanta GA Market Report May 2011 The month of May did not bless the Sellers at Metropolis Midtown Atlanta with any sales either!]]> 2008 2011-06-23 08:16:11 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post 0 _edit_last Model Cars and Photography http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/04/12/model-cars-and-photography/ Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:06:43 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/?p=18 [/caption] Now, not many people know of my love for automobiles, both large and small. I've been fascinated with cars since I was a little kid. So much so that I've a collection of Matchbox cars (badly in need of dusting even though they are in a display case), a collection of Lincoln Continental dealer brochures from the 60's to the 80's, and then the real life Buick Wildcat Convertible that is on the injured reserve list as we speak. I even once built a small model town to "display" my cars on. But it was nothing like what Michael Paul Smith does with his model cars and photography. A slide show of his work appeared today in the New York Times Online Edition and it's pretty amazing. When you look at the pictures in the slide show, remember, those are model cars and the scenes he created. Wow.]]> 18 2010-04-12 15:06:43 2010-04-12 23:06:43 open open model-cars-and-photography publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_permaHash _sexybookmarks_shortUrl Airline to charge for carry-ons! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/04/10/airline-to-charge-for-carry-ons/ Sun, 11 Apr 2010 01:31:22 +0000 thomandray http://thomandray.realestatetomato.com/?p=33 Airline to charge for carry-ons! Ok. Just when you think you have heard it all! I know we are all struggling, be it the sole business owner, or a major company, but sometimes, you have to wonder, What ARE they thinking? I read an article in USA Today that Spirit Airlines is planning to charge a $20-45 fee if you have to place a bag in the overhead bin. Say what? Yep! You heard it right. Spirit was the first domestic airline to charge for baggage, and now, they are going to charge you whether it flies with you under the plane, or over your head! The likelyhood of this catching on with other major airlines is probably slim. What's next? Pay toilets.

    Airline charging for carry ons

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    33 2010-04-10 17:31:22 2010-04-11 01:31:22 open open airline-to-charge-for-carry-ons publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    GM Celebrates 75 Years of the Surburban! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/03/gm-celebrates-75-years-of-the-surburban/ Tue, 04 May 2010 02:32:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=40 GM Celebrates 75 Years of the Suburban Chevy Suburban Diamond Anniversary Ok. I'll be the first to admit it. Huge. Gas Hog. Over the top? Probably all of these, but if money was no object, it would probably be one of the first things I would buy. Either that or order my custom Prevost Motor Coach. Neither of which has a very small carbon footprint. Oh well. The Chevrolet Suburban is the longest continuously produced vehicle in America. It first started production in 1934 and as you can see from the picture, compliments of the Chevrolet Suburban website, "she's come a long way baby!" They have also become the vehicle of choice for families, Secret Service and ranchers. In fact, my Dad had on older version of the Suburban...I often nicknamed it the State Vehicle of Montana....EVERYONE seemed to have one! On Monday, GM also debuted the new 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban, which will be available this summer. Only 2,750 will be made. While a Suburban is probably NOT a collector car, I bet a few of them will get snapped up and tucked away for a future Barrett-Jackson auction. In Midtown Atlanta, the Suburban is often seen in use by limo companies instead of a Lincoln Town Car or Cadillac. But for showing condominium homes, they can be a squeeze to get into some places. Guess I'll stick with my little guy for now! Happy Birthday Chevy Suburban! You look darn good for 75!!]]> 40 2010-05-03 18:32:00 2010-05-04 02:32:00 open open gm-celebrates-75-years-of-the-surburban publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash City in the Arboretum Conference, May 22, 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/09/city-in-the-arboretum-conference-may-22-2010/ Sun, 09 May 2010 12:15:10 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=57 City in the Arboretum Conference An arboretum (pl: arboreta) is a collection of trees and other mostly woody plants that are cultivated for display, educational, and scientific purposes.  Typically, an arboretum is located in a garden- or park-like setting. City in the Arboretum ConferenceIf you are a nature lover, and especially love trees, then this might be just the event for you. Trees Atlanta presents the 2010 City in the Arboretum Conference, May 22 from 8:30am to 2:00pm. Sponsored in part by The UPS Foundation and Three Sisters Catering, topics will include:

    Using collections and themes to select plants Creating arboretum programming and events Planning a multi-season garden in your arboretum Tree Protections strategies ( important in drought conditions!) New and exciting species in the tree world & more!! The event will take place at Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center, located at 255 Chester Avenue, Atlanta, 30316. The cost for the event is $30 for Trees Atlanta members and $40 for non members. Breakfast and lunch ARE provided! You can click here to register for the event. Atlanta is known for its trees, but we’ve also seen many of them disappear in the way of developmental progress. Trees are in important part of our lives and eco system. This is a great opportunity to learn more!! Plan on attending the 2010 City in the Arboretum Conference.]]> 57 2010-05-09 04:15:10 2010-05-09 12:15:10 open open city-in-the-arboretum-conference-may-22-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash BP's first attempt to divert Gulf oil leak fails http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/09/bps-first-attempt-to-divert-gulf-oil-leak-fails/ Sun, 09 May 2010 13:12:06 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=60 BP's first attempt to divert Gulf oil leak fails]]> 60 2010-05-09 05:12:06 2010-05-09 13:12:06 open open bps-first-attempt-to-divert-gulf-oil-leak-fails publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Draft on Taft in Midtown Atlanta 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/11/draft-on-taft-in-midtown-atlanta-2010/ Tue, 11 May 2010 22:47:11 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=68 Draft on TaftMay 22, 2010 3-10pm

    You gotta love how the little things turn into great big wonderful things! And Draft on Taft would be a shining example of that. Take some neighborhoods guys back in 2000 that decide to throw a little party on their street corner, 10th and Taft, just across from Piedmont Park in Atlanta. They have lots of friends as about 300 people showed up. It was quickly realized they were onto something and the guys figured this would be a good way to give back to their community. And so a non-profit organization, Draft on Taft, was formed with its mission to be an organization of friends dedicated to raising funds for worthy causes. 2010 proves to be no different as Draft on Taft selects Bert's Big Adventure as it's beneficiary of the proceeds from the event.  Bert's Big Adventure is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to allow children with a chronic or terminal illness ages 5 to 12 years of age that prove financial need and live in The Bert Show radio listening area, to experience a magical weekend with their families at Walt Disney World as our guests. So. come on out and enjoy a great Saturday afternoon and evening in Midtown Atlanta at Draft on Taft! This IS a ticketed, 21+ event, so plan accordingly. Ticket prices increase from $25 to $30 at Midnight on May 11! And again to $32 at Midnight on May 19th. You can get your tickets here!

    Draft on Taft map

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    68 2010-05-11 14:47:11 2010-05-11 22:47:11 open open draft-on-taft-in-midtown-atlanta-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Spire Condominiums 1 Bedroom For Sale--Short Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/19/spire-condominiums-1-bedroom-for-sale-short-sale/ Wed, 19 May 2010 20:34:58 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=95
    Amazing Value at Spire Midtown Atlanta


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats

























    $160,000
    Condominium
    For Sale
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    393 Units
    Interior: 606 sqft
    Location
    860 Peachtree Street
    2016
    Atlanta, GA 30308

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://www.thomandrayteam.com



    Listed by: Morris & Raper In Town
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    95 2010-05-19 12:34:58 2010-05-19 20:34:58 open open spire-condominiums-1-bedroom-for-sale-short-sale publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Eno Restaurant Midtown to Become 5th Street Cafe http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/20/eno-restaurant-midtown-to-become-5th-street-cafe/ Fri, 21 May 2010 01:50:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=118 Eno Restaurant by Zaza is in the process of being "re-tooled" to be called 5th Street Cafe. Some may recall that the offices of Thomas Ramon Realty use to be right next door to Eno when we were located in Cornerstone Village. (That space still remains empty, by the way). The former Mediterranean eatery will become more like a French cafe with a strong neighborhood vibe. As the Membership Chairman for Midtown Neighbors Association and the host of Mingle In Midtown, I hope we will be having a Mingle on 5th Street in the near future! Stay tuned for those details. Here is more information about Eno Restaurant by Zaza and the upcoming launch of 5th Street Cafe.

    Eno By Zaza

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    118 2010-05-20 17:50:47 2010-05-21 01:50:47 open open eno-restaurant-midtown-to-become-5th-street-cafe publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Mercury Cougar For 1975! Check Out the Actress! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/22/mercury-cougar-for-1975-check-out-the-actress/ Sat, 22 May 2010 13:26:45 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=124 [/youtube] ]]> 124 2010-05-22 05:26:45 2010-05-22 13:26:45 open open mercury-cougar-for-1975-check-out-the-actress publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Midtown Atlanta Market Report - March 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/22/midtown-atlanta-market-report-march-2010/ Sat, 22 May 2010 13:56:53 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=128 Midtown Atlanta Market Report - March 2010 As I prepared this report, it further proves how "local" real estate really is. If you recently read the AJC, they painted a rather gloomy picture of the real estate market. But that assessment was for what....13-15 Metro counties combined? Ok, so if you want to look at the big picture, it could present something not so pretty. But, I like to focus on the market that you and I live in...Midtown Atlanta. And with that, I can say that in comparing March 2009 to March 2010, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Ok, not a spot light, but at least it's light. March 2010 vs March 2009 Numbers Or, if you like to look at the number in a graph comparison...

    Jan-March 2008-2010 Graph

    When you look at just the month of March for the past 3 years, you can see how 2009 was not a good one. But when you compare 2008 to 2010, we are back up and positive. And as I've indicated about, a 66% increase in sales from 2009 to 2010. GOOD NEWS INDEED!  Now, 60 sales in the the best in the world, but anything in the positive direction is good. If you are considering buying or selling a Midtown Atlanta condominium, why not call the Midtown Experts! We would be happy to sit down and discuss the market with you. And if you are in a position that you may have to do a short sale, we are here to help you with, and through that process.]]>
    128 2010-05-22 05:56:53 2010-05-22 13:56:53 open open midtown-atlanta-market-report-march-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    1010 Midtown Condominiums Announces New Pricing...Finally! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/23/1010-midtown-condominiums-announces-new-pricing-finally/ Sun, 23 May 2010 15:26:58 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=133 1010 Midtown Condominiums Announce New Pricing Well, we all knew it had to happen sooner or later. Just wish it would of been sooner. 1010 Midtown has finally announced discounts  on the homes at this stunning addition to the Midtown skyline. Of course there is the disclaimer "on selected homes" but at least it gives Buyers the idea that the pricing on some of the homes has come down to reflect the Midtown Atlanta Condo Market. 1010 Midtown Condominiums is part of the 12th and Midtown development located at, you guessed it, 12th and Peachtree Streets. The retail space remains largely empty, with the exception of several restaurants that have been strategically placed along the 11th Street, Cresent Avenue and 12th Street sides of the building. These include Ri Ra Irish Pub, Noon Midtown and Ra Sushi. Additionally, there are several clubs within walking distance of the building. The new Loews' Atlanta Hotel is also part of this development, offering elegant accommodations and meeting space.

    1010 Pricing DiscountsIf you have been considering a move to Midtown Atlanta, now is the time to take a look at 1010 Midtown! Give me a call and let's look at some of the models.

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    133 2010-05-23 07:26:58 2010-05-23 15:26:58 open open 1010-midtown-condominiums-announces-new-pricing-finally publish 0 0 post 0 _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash _edit_last
    Georgia Lottery What's the Numbers? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/22/georgia-lottery-whats-the-numbers/ Sat, 22 May 2010 17:38:35 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=136 GALottery LogoGeorgia Lottery. What's the Numbers?

    I've always figured the lottery was pretty big money. I don't mean winning it. (Oh but if I did.....whoops, that's another topic) I mean how much money it generates. It boggles the mind to say the least.

    Just take a look at some of these numbers:

    • $29 BILLION in ticket sales, 2000-2009
    • $1.8 BILLION in tickets provided as prizes
    • $16 BILLION in prize payouts 2000-2009
    • $7.8 BILLION funding for education 2000-2009
    • $1.9 BILLION paid in cash commission and bonuses to Lottery retailers
    And of course, you gotta spend money to make money, right? So $189 million on advertising (those billboards don't come cheap) and $87 million for merchandising. That's some serious money as well. Georgia Lottery funds go to HOPE scholarships for one thing. It's nice to know that from 1993-2009 there were 90,824 HOPE students at Univeristy of Georgia alone. So, there are lots of people playing the lottery for that "chance". And it certainly shows in the numbers.]]>
    136 2010-05-22 09:38:35 2010-05-22 17:38:35 open open georgia-lottery-whats-the-numbers publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Hot Jobs of.....2018! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/26/hot-jobs-of-2018/ Wed, 26 May 2010 12:28:32 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=188 Hot Jobs of ....2018! Mind you, I have a hard time thinking about the next 3-6 months, let alone 7 years from now. Yikes! But, if you are 18, and just graduating from high school, or a parent of the same, then this is some serious dinner table conversation. This morning, The Wall Street Journal (WJS) ran an article titled, "What Will Be the HOt Jobs of 2018?" I'm going out on a limb and saying I would of never picked some of these jobs, or I'd probably not have the grades! But, according to the Labor Department's 10-year forecast in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, here's the top ones: (and their percentage of growth)
    • Biomedical engineers  72%
    • Network Systems analysts  53%
    • Home health aides  50%
    • Personal and home-care aides  46%
    • Financial examiners  41%
    • Medical scientists  40%
    • Physician assistants  39%
    • Skin-care specialists  38%
    • Biochemists and biophysicists  37%
    • Athletic trainers  37%
    So, what's for dinner? It's gonna be a pretty heavy conversation based on those careers!]]>
    188 2010-05-26 04:28:32 2010-05-26 12:28:32 open open hot-jobs-of-2018 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash 2 thom30309@yahoo.com 72.175.53.136 2010-05-31 14:16:49 2010-05-31 22:16:49 1 0 0
    Atlanta-Macon Commuter Train http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/27/atlanta-macon-commuter-train/ Thu, 27 May 2010 12:47:53 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=199 Atlanta-Macon Commuter Train 300px-ATL_People_Mover_2As I read stories about the development of mass-transportation projects, I'm often confronted with the question, "Will Georgia EVER get mass transportation, or will be just be left standing on the platform....that does not even exist?" We actually missed the train back in the 60's or 70's when MARTA was being constructed. Individual county governments were allowed to decided if they wanted the system or not. As a result, MARTA only services DeKalb and Fulton Counties. When I say "service," I mean where the actual trains run. Gwinnett County wanted nothing to do with trains coming to their pretty suburb. Ah Ha! Now what to do they have....a bus system of red buses I see each day bringing in the Gwinnett commuters to Buckhead, Midtown and Downtown. I think I recall they (residents) were surveyed and would NOW support a tax to pay for mass transit. Ah, sorry....you have been left at the station. The cost to build any more MARTA lines is now past any return on investment. So, now, a train from Atlanta to Macon? Development of more urban-friendly communities where people can walk and leave those nasty vehicles parked? WOW, what a concept. Let's hope that this project will move forward. It could be a big boost to the South side of Atlanta all the way to Macon, and just imagine the jobs......something everyone needs right now. Here's a link to the article, Atlanta-Macon Commuter Rail as it appeared in Creative Loafing.]]> 199 2010-05-27 04:47:53 2010-05-27 12:47:53 open open atlanta-macon-commuter-train publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Summer Lunch Box Series - Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/31/summer-lunch-box-series-midtown-atlanta-ga/ Mon, 31 May 2010 23:08:55 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=209 Summer Lunch Box Series - Midtown Atlanta GA Woodruff Arts CenterAh yes, summer is upon us here in ATL! With it brings a whole new crop of events and things to do, despite our nickname of "Hotlanta." Yes, it does get a bit warm, but still it is nice to be outside!  Well, the Summer Lunch Box Series is your ticket. Hosted by Midtown Alliance, this weekly event is held every Wednesday, 11:30am - 2:00pm at the new Arts District Plaza at the Intersection of 15th and Peachtree Streets.  Each week, food is provided by some of Midtown Atlanta's finest restaurants, ranging in price from $5-7! Live music is provided each week as well. Here is the restaurant schedule from now through July 28th.  Check back, and as we know the entertainment for each week, we will add that onto the list.
    • June 2    Nickiemoto's
    • June 9    Ri Ra Irish Pub
    • June 16  Spice Market
    • June 23  Opera
    • June 30  Rising Roll
    • July 7      Evos
    • July 14    Livingston/Cafe Mims
    • July 21    Marlow's Tavern
    • July 28    Gordon Biersch
    So mark you calendars for Wednesday lunch! Hope to see you there one of the days!]]>
    209 2010-05-31 15:08:55 2010-05-31 23:08:55 open open summer-lunch-box-series-midtown-atlanta-ga publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl Line: 7
    Message: Too many connections]]>
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    Summerfest Virginia Highlands - June 5-6, 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/02/summerfest-virginia-highlands-june-5-6-2010/ Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:00:13 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=218 Summerfest Virginia Highlands June 5-6, 2010

    Summerfest VaHiThe 27th Annual Virginia Highlands Summerfest is upon us! This event, sponsored by, and to raise money for the Virginia-Highlands Civic Association will be held on Saturday and Sunday. Summerfest is located on scenic and historic Virginia Avenue between North Highland Avenue and Park Drive.

    Parking for the event is extremely limited. It's a hike from the Midtown MARTA station, but  you can take the No. 45 bus, from the North Avenue MARTA station or Midtown, or from Lanier Boulevard, University Avenue, or Stillwood Drive. This line doesn't run on Sunday, and the Saturday route will detour onto Ponce de Leon Avenue, although the route to Summerfest from each end will not change.

    The juried Artists Market will feature art in the following categories with a variety of prices:

    • Painting
    • Photography
    • Clay
    • Metal
    • Stone
    • Wood
    • Jewelry
    • Glass
    • Textiles/Fiber
    • Graphics
    • Mixed Media (2D & 3D)

    Looking for a specific artist you want to purchase from? Here is a link to a page that will provide a list of the artists.

    Kidsfest This year, Kidsfest will be held near Arcadia at the edge of John Howell Park. Kidsfest features unique games, crafts and activities for children of all ages. Most games, crafts and activities are free. Times are Saturday, June 5 (10am to 6pm) and Sunday, June 6 (Noon to 5pm).

    Of course there will be food available at the many restaurants in Virginia Highlands as well as "adult" and kid beverages.

    The DaveFM Music stage will be chock full of acts sure to please everyone. Here is the schedule.

    Come on out and support this great neighborhood festival, Summerfest in Virginia Highlands!

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    218 2010-06-02 10:00:13 2010-06-02 14:00:13 open open summerfest-virginia-highlands-june-5-6-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Aqua Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/04/aqua-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report/ Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:23:29 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=222 Aqua Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report Aqua MidtownWatching what has happened in this building has been interesting. As we reported back in March of this year, the remaining units in Aqua Midtown were sold at auction, and the last developer-owned unit was for sale. While Aqua Midtown offers some unique floor plans and amenities, like direct elevator access to EACH home, the building had challenges selling with the price points and finishes. Here's a look at the building's performance, 2007-2009. Aqua Condominium Bedrooms Aqua Condominiums For more information about Aqua Midtown, contact Thom Abbott or Ray Benitez with Thomas Ramon Realty!]]> 222 2010-06-04 13:23:29 2010-06-04 17:23:29 open open aqua-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/04/cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report/ Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:26:59 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=230 Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report Building NameWhile Cornerstone Village offer both newer, modern soft-loft condos, the community also has two buildings that were built in the 20's and 40's that offer condominiums with all the modern conveniences, yet inside historic buildings. Over the past couple years however, the community's sales and prices have taken a tumble. If they rebound in the coming years, there are certainly some incredible values to be had in this building. While the below graphs reflect activity for 2007-2009, sales and prices in 2010 have remained depressed. An additional challenge for Cornerstone Village remains with the lack of FHA approval for financing. Cornerstone Village Bedrooms Cornerstone Village Condominums If you are considering Buying at Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta give us a call!  There are some great prices in this building right now, and "should" make a good long-term investment. If you have a student attending GATech, this can be a great housing option without paying rent!]]> 230 2010-06-04 15:26:59 2010-06-04 19:26:59 open open cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Scheduling Time and Scheduling Posts! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/20/scheduling-time-and-scheduling-posts/ Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:33:09 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=244 Scheduling Time and Scheduling Posts!

    Thomas Ramon RealtyIf you are a new reader to our site, first, let me apologize for my last post being some 2 weeks ago! Trust me, as a blogger, I know that is NOT the way to build or reward your readers.  Constant (or timely) posting are what you are looking for. Can I say I totally agree????

    Understand, I'm not at a loss for content. Good heavens NO! I've got stacks of things to blog about. In fact, sometimes I miss getting posts out about upcoming events. It comes down to "time blocking" my bloggging activities and also making use of the publishing feature I have right here on my site! Heavy sigh!

    So, today, I'm working on numerous posts to have ready to go out this week. To remind myself of what I need to do, and to reward you, my reader with interesting posts about Midtown Atlanta and other areas I think you might find of interest.

    So, thanks for hanging in there with me. You'll be seeing much more of me from this point on....

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    244 2010-06-20 08:33:09 2010-06-20 12:33:09 open open scheduling-time-and-scheduling-posts publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Give Buyers and Their Agents The Time and Space They Need http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/05/11/give-buyers-and-their-agents-the-time-and-space-they-need/ Tue, 11 May 2010 13:00:10 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=999
    Via Leesa L. Finley -Wake Forest NC REALTOR® Wake Forest NC & Raleigh NC Real Estate (Circa Properties - Your Wake Forest NC Homes Specialist):
    Give Buyers and Their Agents The Time and Space They Need It can be tempting when your home is listed to stick around while it is being shown to buyers so you be sure all the finer details are pointed out but, honestly?  It is the worst decision you can make and for many different reasons. First, your listing agent has more than likely done a fantastic job in advertising and marketing your property.  It's obvious they have or why else would you have buyers interested in seeing your home.  If you question the job that they are doing then why are you still listed with them? Secondly, the agent that is showing your home has already received all the information they need from your agent and other various sources such as tax records and public resources.  They will know what to point out to their buyers. But, most importantly, the buyers and their agent need privacy while previewing your home so that they can openly make observations about your home, compare it to other homes that they have seen and they need to feel comfortable opening closet doors, cabinets, etc.  They need to freely be able to take their time in previewing your home to explore ALL areas of your home.  Your home is YOUR home and what is important to you may not be important to the next buyer.  They aren't YOU.  They have their own wants and needs and at this point have already found something interesting about your home of they wouldn't be there in the first place. The worst thing that can happen during a showing is to have a seller follow on the heels of a home showingbuyer and their agent watching their every move and incessantly trying to "sell" their home.  A buyer will feel nothing but pressure and most definitely be put off.  They have hired an agent to represent them in the search and purchase of their home - THAT is who they trust.  While YOU as a buyer may feel there are special details in your home keep in mind that they may be only important to you.  You are the one with the emotional attachment to your home and you simply can not transfer that emotion to the buyer. So, please remember, when your home is being shown it is best to simply leave. Give the buyer and their agent some room to breathe and "experience" the home.  Trust that your agent will follow up with the buyers agent to discuss any questions there may be or to seek valuable feedback.
    Follow Leesa Finley on Twitter Leesa Finley Facebook Leesa Finley YouTube Leesa Finley LinkedIn Leesa Finley Yelp Leesa Finley WordPress Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area! I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding homes for sale in Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:
    • Leesa Finley- Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
    • Wake Forest NC House Chick - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....
    I AM your Wake Forest NC Real Estate Agent of Choice......
    Don't forget to check out Discover Wake Forest NC for all the latest new listings in Wake Forest, Home Buyers and Home Sellers Tips and the most up to date calendar of events in Wake Forest NC!

     

     

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    999 2010-05-11 09:00:10 2010-05-11 13:00:10 open open give-buyers-and-their-agents-the-time-and-space-they-need publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords
    Museum of Design (MODA) Moves to Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/21/museum-of-design-moda-moves-to-midtown-atlanta/ Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:11:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=247 Museum of Design (MODA) Moves to Midtown Atlanta

    Museum of Design Midtown AtlantaMidtown Atlanta has long had the name, "Heart of The Arts," and with good reason. From the High Museum and Woodruff Arts Center, to the Fox Theatre, 14th Street Playhouse and the Laughing Skull Theatre, we've got some art happening in Midtown.

    So, it just seems a natural fit to hear that the Museum of Design (MODA) is moving from Downtown Atlanta to a new location across the street from....The High Museum! How perfect could that be!

    Now, let me be the first (well, maybe not) to say, I did not even KNOW about MODA and the Downtown Atlanta location! Now, it will be right across from another major museum, and hopefully this will bolster its image and awareness.

    In an article at ArtsCriticATL.com,  Brenda Galina, the MODA Executive Director said, "Having Peachtree frontage in the culture district is a dream." The new location will be on the ground floor of the new headquarters for Perkins + Will, an architectural firm and will be located at 1315 Peachtree Street.

    The Museum of Design will need to work to generate more income and grants to be there for the long term. But with a great location in Midtown Atlanta, art lovers now can get a "two for one" by having two museums across the street from each other!

    Thomas Ramon Realty wishes Ms. Galina and the museum the best and we look forward to seeing the new "digs" when they open next year!]]>
    247 2010-06-21 09:11:17 2010-06-21 13:11:17 open open museum-of-design-moda-moves-to-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash 25 info@museumofdesign.org http://www.museumofdesign.org 69.199.4.86 2010-06-25 13:58:54 2010-06-25 17:58:54 1 0 0 24 milliesloan@gmail.com 216.119.236.250 2010-06-25 11:25:05 2010-06-25 15:25:05 1 0 0
    Midtown Muscle By Beth Estes http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/21/midtown-muscle-by-beth-estes/ Mon, 21 Jun 2010 05:41:55 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=252 Midtown Muscle by Beth Estes Life has a funny way of bringing things around in a circle. Know what I mean? Years ago (I mean YEARS ago) I use to be in the hotel industry. In fact, that is what I got my degree in from the Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston. Anyway....that's another story. The last hotel I worked at was the Hotel Nikko Atlanta which is now the Grand Hyatt Buckhead. Through the power of social media and all, I've reconnected with a co-worker from there, Beth Estes. Beth stayed the course a bit longer than me in the hotel industry, but has now branched out into the fitness world. And let me tell you....she looks fab!!! (Hmmm...maybe I need to work out a trade Beth?) I am going to start featuring a monthly column from Beth about fitness. I hope you will find it useful and informative. And if you are feeling the need to build up that Midtown Muscle, then why not give Beth a call. I'm sure she will whip you into shape in no time! You can reach Beth Estes at 404.634.7617 or at EatSleepAndExerciseBeth.com Midtown Muscle By Beth Estes]]> 252 2010-06-21 01:41:55 2010-06-21 05:41:55 open open midtown-muscle-by-beth-estes publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _aioseop_title _sexybookmarks_permaHash Condominium Amenities in Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/06/25/condominium-amenities-in-midtown-atlanta-ga/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 06:40:50 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=257 Condominium Amenities in Midtown Atlanta GA As you are shopping for your next Midtown Atlanta GA condominium, be sure the think about the amenities the building has to offer. While a pool, or a fitness center might not be important to you, it might be to the NEXT person that buys your home! One amenity that is often overlooked by buyers that I work with is the pool. Especially if you are buying in January or February....a pool might be the last thing you think about. But as your REALTOR, I'm here to tell you, when summer hits, you will be wanting that pool. I hate to use the phrase, but....trust me. Condominium amenities in Midtown Atlanta GA are pretty consistent amongst the major buildings, but when you start to look at smaller buildings, you will start to sacrifice many of these. Here's a few more words about Condominium Amenities. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJr6Q8lvGB4[/youtube] ]]> 257 2010-06-25 02:40:50 2010-06-25 06:40:50 open open condominium-amenities-in-midtown-atlanta-ga publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Midtown Festival Of The Arts Is Coming to Atlanta September 25-26 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/01/midtown-festival-of-the-arts-is-coming-to-atlanta-september-25-26/ Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:50:13 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=261 Midtown Festival of the ArtsAtlanta area residents and visitors will enjoy a new regional arts event this fall when the debut Midtown Festival of the Arts opens September 25-26.

    Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and festival organizers today officially announced the details for the new neighborhood arts festival which will celebrate Midtown Atlanta's diverse arts and entertainment offerings. The press conference was held at the new Loews Midtown Atlanta Hotel, a sponsor of the event.

    The premiere festival will be proudly presented in and along world famous Peachtree Street between 5th and 10th Street. The road nickmaned the "Midtown Mile" will be temporarily transformed to showcase a vibrant artist market - including up to 100 visual artists - as well as stages for performing arts, literary arts offerings, and a culinary arts area featuring chef demonstrations, special tastings and retail booths from more than 25 outstanding restaurants.

    Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed"It gives me great pleasure to announce the new Midtown Festival of the Arts and to observe the widspread community effort that brought this Festival to fruition," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "The two-day neighborhood event promises to be a joyous gathering that showcases the important cultural assets of our city, embraces all of our citizens, and positively represents Atlanta's diverse cultural tapestry."

    Created by Midtown Festival of the Arts, Inc, the event also includes a family friendly kid zone, Midtown Mile Road Race, a public art display and auction, a planned beer garden and other festival attractions such as street performers, spoken word events and film presentations.

    "Our goals are to showcase the best of Midtown Atlanta while celebrating the Southeast as a destination for arts, culture and entertainment," said Leslie Johnson, President of Midtown Festival of the Arts. "The time is right to strengthen Midtown's already vibrant neighborhood."

    The Midtown Festival of the Arts will be a free event accessible by MARTA's Midtown and North Avenue stations. Festival hours are Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm. A festival kickoff event (yours truly is the Chairman of THIS event!) is planned for Friday, September 24, with an Art Auction featuring 30 bar stools created by Midtown artists. On the morning of Saturday, Sept 25, the Midtown Mile Road Race will take place from Colony Square to the Fox Theatre. A Saturday evening outdoor film event on Peachtree and 10th is planned with a start time of dusk.

    Reed also emphasized the importance of community to create a successful event.

    "As Mayor, I take pride in observing the broad based, generous and spirited support that members of our community have extended to the Midtown Festival of the Arts, and in knowing that hundreds of volunteers will make it a great success," said Reed. "This Festival has my complete support, and I look forward to attend this new signature event in Atlanta."

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    261 2010-07-01 12:50:13 2010-07-01 16:50:13 open open midtown-festival-of-the-arts-is-coming-to-atlanta-september-25-26 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    805 Peachtree Condominiums June 2010 Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/13/805-peachtree-condominiums-june-2010-market-report/ Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:29:20 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=276 The condo market in Midtown continues to struggle along as we work our way out of the real estate (___________)whatever you want to call it. And as we look at stats for individual buildings, it show the challenges we have. In June, 2009 805 Peachtree  Condominiums had just one sale with a sales price of $250,000 June, 2010 saw a 100% increase in sales....to TWO homes sold! Hey, it's an upward trend and that is what we want to see in real estate. And those two sales had an average sales price of $288,500 another upward trend. There are currently 12 homes listed at 805 Peachtree Condominiums with the lowest priced home at $215,000 and the highest price at $995,000. Note that this is one of the 4 penthouse units in the building (and quite a home I might add!) The average list price in the building (excluding the penthouse) is $293,963. For more information about 805 Peachtree Condominiums, give Thom a call at 770-713-1505. If you are looking to sell your home, we would be happy to discuss our marketing plan with you! We will also have a page here on our site for 805 in the coming weeks! It will feature a detailed description about the building, amenities, location, and you will be able to see all the listings currently available in the building.]]> 276 2010-07-13 21:29:20 2010-07-14 01:29:20 open open 805-peachtree-condominiums-june-2010-market-report publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Construction Update - MyMidtownMojo http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/13/construction-update-mymidtownmojo/ Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:50:36 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=279 We launched MyMLadderidtownMojo in May of this year. As I was going through the design process, my design consultant made a passing comment that I did not really pay much attention to. He said, "We are designing the shell and the insides of your site, but you have to build and load the content." Wow. I really missed the impact of THAT statement.

    Yep. Every Page, every Tab, Every Community Page.....I've had to build them, or I'm STILL building them. So, that's why I just wanted to let you know, it's still a "work in progress" and the progress has not gone nearly as fast as I thought it would or have wanted it to! (Isn't that the case with so many things?)

    For example, up above, the "Search For Homes" tab is functional, but the other three are still in the process of what I like to call being connected! Keep in mind, I'm a real estate broker....not a computer program! So, it's been a learning curve for me, altho a fun one. Once I get it all down, it will be a breeze.

    Over here on the right side, is a list of the major communities (condominium buildings) in Midtown. These too are not all up and running. And those that are, are still missing some really juicy parts! Each of them will have a video tour of the building, and you will be able to see all the current listings for that particular building.

    The goal....to make MyMidtownMojo your one source for Midtown Atlanta real estate information as well as other info about life in Midtown, living in Midtown and will.....Midtown!

    So if you are visiting our site, and think "geez, not much here," then please, bookmark us, or even better, subscribe to our blog, and I'll be sure to post more updates/announcements as more features are connected.

    Until then, feel free to drop me an e-mail at ThomasRamonRealty@yahoo.com or call me at 770-713-1505 with any real estate questions you may have!

    Thom

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    279 2010-07-13 21:50:36 2010-07-14 01:50:36 open open construction-update-mymidtownmojo publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Money Makes The World Go Round -- Or At Least The Wheels! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/14/money-makes-the-world-go-round-or-at-least-the-wheels/ Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:48:15 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=283 Money Makes The World Go Round -- Or At Least The Wheels in Midtown Atlanta! I got a late start today....I worked from home in the morning, and headed into the office about 1pm. As I'm rolling down 14th Street, I always try to keep up on what may, or may not be happening in Midtown Atlanta! Well, needless to say, I almost rear-ended a car when I caught a glimpse of probably the most striking modern motorcar I have ever seen. It was parked in the driveway of the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. I shudder to even think what this car costs, let alone to insure, drive or maintain. Money Makes The World Go Round -- Or At Least the Wheels!

    Rolls Royce In Midtown Atlanta ]]> 283 2010-07-14 22:48:15 2010-07-15 02:48:15 open open money-makes-the-world-go-round-or-at-least-the-wheels publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash _aioseop_keywords Margaret Cho Calls Midtown Atlanta Home http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/17/margaret-cho-calls-midtown-atlanta-home/ Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:43:25 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=290 Margaret Cho Calls Midtown Atlanta Home! I'm still working on a blog post (or series) about my recent adventures called working as an extra on various film and TV productions that are happening in Atlanta. But I'll fill in with tidbits as they come along. I've had the opportunity to work numerous times on the Lifetime TV series, Drop Dead Diva. Depending on the specific set, you may, or may not have much interaction with the actual stars of the show.

    MargaretTwo weeks ago, I was on set with the infamous Margaret Cho, who stars as Terri Lee, the assistant of Jane Bingum, played by Brooke Elliott. At one point I wanted to poke my head in the office where she was sitting and tell her how fantastic she was when she was the star entertainer on an Atlantis Cruise I was on a few years ago. Turns out my partner, Ray Benitez DID talk to her when he was on set and she remember the cruise well!

    Margaret took time out to talk with Fenuxe Magazine here in Atlanta. She mentioned that she has moved from Peachtree City to Midtown Atlanta. Well of course, MY first question is why she did not call ME to be her REALTOR!! Second Question....What Midtown Atlanta Condo building did she select? Hmmmm...I don't have the answer for that own.

    But, if Margaret Cho calls Midtown Atlanta home, shouldn't you? Let me show you why I love Midtown Atlanta, call it my home, and now, so does Margaret!

    [caption id="attachment_292" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Midtown Atlanta Skyline"]Midtown Atlanta Skyline[/caption] ]]> 290 2010-07-17 09:43:25 2010-07-17 13:43:25 open open margaret-cho-calls-midtown-atlanta-home publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _aioseop_title _sexybookmarks_permaHash gloATL Presents ROEM July 23-24 at Woodruff Arts Center - Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/23/gloatl-presents-roem-july-23-24-at-woodruff-arts-center-midtown-atlanta-ga/ Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:40:02 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=294 gloATL Presents ROEM July 23-24 at Woodruff Arts Center - Midtown Atlanta GA There is a reason that Midtown Atlanta GA is called the "heart of the arts." With the Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum, soon to arrive Museum of Modern Design, the Fabulous Fox Theatre and a couple other small playhouses, there is always something exciting to see and do! And tonight and tomorrow night are certainly no exception with gloATL's presentation, ROEM. I'll be there to check it out, and with any luck, capture a few photos!

    ROEM GLO ATLFor more information about the event, click on the picture above to read the text and information about the event!

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    294 2010-07-23 09:40:02 2010-07-23 13:40:02 open open gloatl-presents-roem-july-23-24-at-woodruff-arts-center-midtown-atlanta-ga publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _aioseop_title _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    OPEN HOUSE TODAY SUNDAY, JULY 25 2-4PM SPIRE MIDTOWN ATLANTA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/25/open-house-today-sunday-july-25-2-4pm-spire-midtown-atlanta/ Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:27:49 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=298 LIVING TO KITCHEN Copy of IMG_0088

    FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOME, ANY HOME IN SPIRE MIDTOWN OR ANY MIDTOWN ATLANTA CONDO, CALL US TODAY!

    THOMAS RAMON REALTY

    THOM ABBOTT - 770-713-1505

    RAY BENITEZ 404-247-6696

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    298 2010-07-25 10:27:49 2010-07-25 14:27:49 open open open-house-today-sunday-july-25-2-4pm-spire-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    The Eagles Land In Piedmont Park October 15! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/07/29/the-eagles-land-in-piedmont-park-october-15/ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:56:33 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=305 Eagles Land in Piedmont Park October 15 for The Green Concert! You heard it hear first. Well, maybe not first. Maybe second. But the rumor is over, and yes, The Eagles will perform in Piedmont Park on October 15th. The concert, the third to be help by the Piedmont Park Conservancy, is to raise money to continue to maintain the park and the completion of the new 53-acre expansion. Needless to say, these concerts cause quite a stir here in Midtown Atlanta, especially for those residents who live closest to the park, in Historic Midtown. While the concert is promoted as a "green event" and the use of public transportation (i.e. MARTA) is strongly encouraged, people from the Metro Atlanta area will brave the freeways, and then clog the surrounding streets as they look for a place to park their Suburbans and Mini Vans. (Ok, there will be Toyota's and Honda's too...) I've never attended one of these events, just because of the sheer crowds it brings, and then you are so far from the stage that is looks like ants performing anyway. That, and will they still be able to belt out "Lying Eyes" like they did when I was in college? Maybe I'd better remember the song that way. Tickets go on sale July 31 if you are a subscriber to the Park's e-newsletter. For more information about the concert and tickets, check out The Eagles Land in Piedmont Park I looked for a picture to insert here, but with all the copy write issues these days, I don't want someone coming after me!]]> 305 2010-07-29 17:56:33 2010-07-29 21:56:33 open open the-eagles-land-in-piedmont-park-october-15 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Have YOU Met Deltalina? If You've Flown Delta Air Lines, You Have! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/03/have-you-met-deltalina-if-youve-flown-delta-air-lines-you-have/ Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:13:51 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=307 Have YOU Met Deltalina? If  You've flown Delta Air Lines,  You Have! The Internet really has to be the most incredible invention since the jet airplane or the automobile. I mean the things you can find are amazing. For example, I was on another real estate web site this morning (it shall remain nameless) and they had a little video window on the home page. I clicked on it and what did I find... [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rtjV4VS1Ug&feature=related[/youtube] I always wondered about that lady that does the new Delta Air Lines safety videos....and now I know! And So do you!]]> 307 2010-08-03 10:13:51 2010-08-03 14:13:51 open open have-you-met-deltalina-if-youve-flown-delta-air-lines-you-have publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_permaHash Lindbergh Varsity Jr To Close After 45 Years! Thanks Atlanta...NOT! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/07/lindbergh-varsity-jr-to-close-after-45-years-thanks-atlanta-not/ Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:35:07 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=311 Lindbergh Varsity Jr. Shutting down after 45 Years! OMG! But what makes this story so sad, is it's not economics ( in one sense....) it's plain stupid government......

    Varsity Paper HatVarsity Vice-President John Browne called the decision to close the 45-year-old Lindbergh diner "absolutely one of the toughest we ever made." A makeover had been planned for years, but the Varsity and the City of Atlanta clashed over how many driveways in and out of the restaurant would be allowed. Currently there's three, but the city would approve only one for a rezoned Varsity Jr.

    Mind you, I sit on the Board of Midtown Neighbors' Associaition and we hear these Land Use Committee issues often. And in a heavily traveled pedestrian area, I completely understand wanting less "curb cuts" and minimizing the impact on pedestrians. Also it does have something to do with safety, traffic flow and the like.

    But when the rules run a perfectly good business, employing hard working people, out of business, there is just something plain WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM!!!

    The company posted an announcement on it's website, and it reads like a family saying good-by to a loved one. And just what a neighborhood wants to see....another empty business, overgrown with weeds. I'm telling you City of Atlanta, you screwed this one up. Period. End of Paragraph! Read the story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution]]>
    311 2010-08-07 08:35:07 2010-08-07 12:35:07 open open lindbergh-varsity-jr-to-close-after-45-years-thanks-atlanta-not publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    One Minute Sermon -- Kinda Sums it Up! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/08/one-minute-sermon-kinda-sums-it-up/ Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:21:09 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=313 313 2010-08-08 09:21:09 2010-08-08 13:21:09 open open one-minute-sermon-kinda-sums-it-up publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Top 50 Tallest Buildings in the United States http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/12/top-50-tallest-buildings-in-the-united-states/ Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:19:44 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=316 Top 50 Tallest Buildings in the United States

    Let the truth be known...I have a love affair with the Internet. I mean, come on, you can hit up your friend Mr. Google, and it's amazing what he will find for you.

    Really, HOW DID WE live before him/her? Oh, we had encyclopedias.....right.

    Perfect case in point....I ran across this amazing site today with some photos of some amazing buildings right here in the U.S. Did you have any idea what the Top 50 Tallest Buildings in the United States are?

    While I suspect many of us don't "trade" in these big guys, it is noted that many of them are in fact condo buildings or mixed use condo/office.

    Midtown Storm Atlanta's got a couple in there, including our ranking at Number 9 with the Bank of America Building here in Midtown Atlanta, as seen from my balcony in this picture. Check out the Top 50 Tallest Buildings in the United States]]>
    316 2010-08-12 09:19:44 2010-08-12 13:19:44 open open top-50-tallest-buildings-in-the-united-states publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Midtown Atlanta Streets to Get Make Over http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/13/midtown-atlanta-streets-to-get-make-over/ Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:27:52 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=319 Midtown Atlanta Streets to Get Make Over

    14th and Crescent StreetMidtown Alliance announced construction will begin August 1 on Crescent Avenue in Midtown Atlanta to improve sidewalks, add lights, trees and parallel parking. Once that portion is completed, they will commence the 14th Street Streetscape from West Peachtree all the way to Piedmont Park.

    Construction funds for the project were provided from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It was designed to enhance the pedestrian environment, improve public safety, and achieve a better balance between accommodating large volumes of vehicular traffic and creating a more livable urban environment. Over the last eight years, the Midtown Alliance Cityscapes Program has completed similar improvements along Peachtree Street, WestPeachtree Street, Piedmont Avenue and 14th Street (between Fowler and West Peachtree Streets).

    Midtown Atlanta has been working to improve its walkability and mobility with projects that provide wider sidewalks, enhanced street and sidewalk lighting, new landscaping, granite curbing colored accent pavers, trash receptacles (AMEN AMEN!!!) and bike racks among other improvements.

    Sadly, the announcement also mentions that a number of exiting trees will have to be removed on 14th Street due to utility conflicts and to allow for changes in the street function. This means some pretty big trees will probably be giving their lives up for progress. Bummer.  However, some 70 new Elm trees will be installed every 30 feet on either side of the street the entire length of the project. They will be keeping Midtown Atlanta green, but it might be a few years before the trees look anything like they currently do on 14th Street, depending on which ones come down…

    Constructi0n will be intense, so if you are in this area of Midtown Atlanta, please watch out. Of course we’ll be watching this program very closely as our office is on 14th Street, and we’ve got some pretty big trees right in front of our office windows! I wonder if they will escape the chain saw??

    Here’s a quick look at what Crescent Avenue currently looks like….I’ll get some before pictures of 14th Street so we can all see the changes!

    ]]>
    319 2010-08-13 11:27:52 2010-08-13 15:27:52 open open midtown-atlanta-streets-to-get-make-over publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Hot Time In The City! Tips For Keeping Your Cool Inside! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/14/hot-time-in-the-city-tips-for-keeping-your-cool-inside/ Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:35:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=325 Hot Time In The City (or Country) -- Tips For Keeping Your Cool! Yep. We have certainly been living up to our nickname here in Atlanta this summer.....HOTLANTA! Whew! 90 something everyday! I walk out at 7am on my way to my Midtown Atlanta office and think, "Man, can't it just stay THIS temperature for the rest of the day?"  It doesn't happen. So, here's a few tips for YOU to keep you cool in the remaining hot days of the summer. * Set your thermostat higher when away at work, or away on vacation. About 5 degrees will do it. * Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and forget it! By raising your temperature you could save about a $100 on your summer power bills HVAC Repair* Change your air conditioning filter. Whether you live in an older house in Historic Midtown Atlanta, or a new condominium, you'd be amazed at how dirty those guys get. And dirty means less efficiency, and making your a/c work harder. Set yourself a reminder on your calendar. * Check your doors and windows for leaks. For our condo dwellers, newer buildings are pretty tight, but your older buildings might not be so. If you have cobwebs or high levels of dust, you probably have air leaks. (Shoot, I thought that was just from my extreme desire NOT to do house cleaning....) * If in a single family home, be sure to make sure your outdoor condenser can "breathe" and is not covered up by landscape shrubs *Have your system regularly serviced (usually spring and fall) to keep it at its peak performance. In Midtown Atlanta, we condo dwellers often forget that we have a unit somewhere (like maybe on the roof) that should be serviced. Of course this requires a bit of extra planning to the building maintenance people can get your a/c man on the roof. Just a few cool tips to keep you cool in these remaining Dog Days of Summer in Midtown Atlanta!]]> 325 2010-08-14 08:35:17 2010-08-14 12:35:17 open open hot-time-in-the-city-tips-for-keeping-your-cool-inside publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Spot Training. Good News, Bad News! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/18/spot-training-good-news-bad-news/ Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:30:02 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=329 Spot Training. Good News, Bad News. My guest "blogger", Beth Estes points out some good news and bad news about our exercise habits, and that all important one...WHAT we eat! Beth]]> 329 2010-08-18 10:30:02 2010-08-18 14:30:02 open open spot-training-good-news-bad-news publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta. Going, Going, Almost! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/21/viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-going-going-almost/ Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:29:06 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=336 Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta. Going, Going, Almost!

    Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta Ribbon CuttingIf you know me, you know I've had a long standing love affair with Viewpoint Midtown since the building first opened in June, 2007.  Heck, it was even my clients, Don Jones and Peggy Denby that cut the ribbon for the grand opening event!

    So, it's also no surprise that this Midtown community is close to being gone! I mean, I can probably count on two hands the number of 2 bedroom homes that remain! What does that mean for you the Midtown Atlanta condo shopper? Well, you don't have much left to choose from (I still have not seen a bad floor plan --the 11th floor home they have is like living in a garden since it looks out ON the unique Zen Garden of the 11th floor) and there are some great prices to be had!

    With interest rates at an all time, maybe never again in our lifetime low, if you are thinking about that condo purchase, now just could be the time to act!  Also, if you perfer new construction over a re-sale condo, the options are getting pretty limited! I'd love to represent you in your Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta purchase! Just give me a call and lets get over to see everything Viewpoint Midtown has to offer you!

    Viewpoint Remaining Homes For Sale Thom]]>
    336 2010-08-21 09:29:06 2010-08-21 13:29:06 open open viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-going-going-almost publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Do I Make You Proud? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/20/do-i-make-you-proud/ Sat, 21 Aug 2010 03:18:50 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=341 Do I Make You Proud? I've been an animal lover all my life. I moved to a ranch when I was 5 years old, and lived there till I was 17 and went away to college. During that time, we had horses, a couple calves, and mostly Suffolk sheep that we raised. I was involved in 4-H during my high school years, and always raised a lamb as my project, to be sold at auction at the County Fair. Sometimes I cried, sometimes I did not, depending on the bond I had made with my animal. But we all know the bond we have with an animal we call a pet. I have to relate those bonds to dogs and cats, but I suspect, and know, they can go to hamsters to ferrets and beyond. But it truly is the unconditional love, understanding and "support" that these creatures offer to us that make them truly special. I lost my beloved Greyhound Nero 3 years and 8 months ago. To this day I can still drop a bucket of tears if I really want to. I will NEVER be able to replace him, but to have another companion like him is something I truly desire. And when the time is right..... Today on Facebook, someone posted a video that once again cemented the belief we all have in animals (pets) and the unconditional love they offer us. And so, I share that video with you. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4[/youtube] ]]> 341 2010-08-20 23:18:50 2010-08-21 03:18:50 open open do-i-make-you-proud publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash For The Love of A Dog http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/25/for-the-love-of-a-dog/ Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:38:37 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=344 For The Love of a Dog

    If ONLY people could have this kind of unconditional love and respect for one another.

    Makes me think of the person on the other end of the phone when you call a lender and they

    deny your short sale or tell you your home is on it's way to foreclosure.....

    But more than that, it's just about unconditional love....

    We were given:

    Two hands to hold.

    To legs to walk.

    Two eyes to see.

    Two ears to listen.

    But why only one heart?

    Because the other was given to someone else.

    For us to find.

    ]]>
    344 2010-08-25 21:38:37 2010-08-26 01:38:37 open open for-the-love-of-a-dog publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _aioseop_title _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Coca Cola To Renovate Atlanta Headquarters http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/27/coca-cola-to-renovate-atlanta-headquarters/ Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:55:57 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=347 Coca Cola to Renovate Atlanta Headquarters Coca-Cola World Headquarters Atlanta GAThe folks at Coke are going to spruce things up a bit. It's going to take them 4 to 5 years to complete a major overhaul of their Atlanta "campus," but never fear. You won't even know its going on. Currently, some 4,000 people (who knew?) work  at the building located on North Avenue, to the North and East of Downtown Atlanta. While not a building of note, it does stand out with it's logo across the top. The mostly visible 29 story building was built in 1979. The renovation plans will take place entirely inside the building as hopes to design spaces that will lead to greater collaboration and productivity, with improved technology design consistency. (Hmm, a Coke dispenser NEXT to my cube, not across the hall?)  The plan is still being developed, but Coca-Cola predicts changes to common areas will be visible early next year. Mind you, that is visible to employees. Have you ever BEEN INSIDE the Coca-Cola building? I liken it to a visit to the White House, and I was privy once to go inside the building when Coke was my account in my hotel sales days. It was cool then, especially the cafeteria are with its own Coke store....and yes, I have a nice Coke Truck to show for my visit there. Coca-Cola is buying  the North American operations of bottler Coca-Cola Enterprises in the fourth quarter.  CCE has around 2,300 employees in the Atlanta area. It is unclear how many of them will move to Coca-Cola’s North Avenue complex after the $12 billion-plus deal closes. Coca-Cola says it is too early to speculate on staff movements.]]> 347 2010-08-27 09:55:57 2010-08-27 13:55:57 open open coca-cola-to-renovate-atlanta-headquarters publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash High Five From Atlanta Intown Newspaper http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/27/high-five-from-atlanta-intown-newspaper/ Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:15:08 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=350 High Five From Atlanta Intown Newspaper! I've got creative ideas, don't even THINK for a minute I don't!!!! It's the time to make them all happen that always gets me! So when somebody does it right, I say, "Hey, I'll just pass that along!" And so here it is.... High Five Atlanta Intown NewspaperAtlanta Intown Newspaper has now started a weekly column, "High Five" What to Do This Weekend." They will feature five events going on in the Intown Atlanta neighborhoods I do so love to hang out in. Here is a link to this week's High Five, which features:
    • Tears For Fears Concert at Chastain Park
    • German Bierfest at Woodruff Park
    • Morningside Summer Block Party (looking like my Favorite pick)
    • Festival Peachtree Latino at Underground Atlanta
    • Grant Park Summer Shade Festival
    There are links to each of these events in the Atlanta Intown article! Hope I see you out and about this weekend! Thom]]>
    350 2010-08-27 03:15:08 2010-08-27 07:15:08 open open high-five-from-atlanta-intown-newspaper publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _aioseop_title _sexybookmarks_permaHash 62 bhsessions@gmail.com 207.138.47.158 2010-08-28 19:08:43 2010-08-28 23:08:43 1 0 0 63 bhsessions@gmail.com 207.138.47.158 2010-08-28 19:10:20 2010-08-28 23:10:20 1 0 0
    Continental-United Merger Is About to Land! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/08/31/continental-united-merger-is-about-to-land/ Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:56:36 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=356 Continental-United Merger Is About to Land! The Justice Department said on Friday that it has no more antitrust concerns about the merger of Continental Airlines with United Airlines. This combination, when complete, will trump Atlanta based Delta Air Lines which had gained that title when they merged with Northwest Airlines in 2008. Shareholders at Continental Airlines Inc. and United parent UAL Corp. are set to vote on the deal on Sept. 17, and the Transportation Department has to approve it. The airlines now expect the deal to close by Oct. 1. We probably will not see much change here in ATL, since neither airline is a big player in the Atlanta Market. However, I would suspect (I don't travel like I use to so don't quote me on this...) that as the number of airlines reduce, we may see fares increase.A little less competition in the friendly skies??? Here is a picture of a new United plane, incorporating the United name and the Continental logo. ContinentalUnited Merger]]> 356 2010-08-31 12:56:36 2010-08-31 16:56:36 open open continental-united-merger-is-about-to-land publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash 4062 lromanoluk@gmail.com http://www.odzywki-warszawa.com.pl 109.230.246.197 2011-06-20 09:45:10 2011-06-20 13:45:10 odzywki Ultimate Nutrition]]> 1 0 0 Condominium Home Owners Associations - The HOA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/09/05/condominium-home-owners-associations-the-hoa/ Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:36:44 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=383 Condominium Home Owners Associations - The HOA Guy Pointing FingerYes, we've heard of them. Sometimes they are a pain in the butt. But most of the time, we hope they are doing the job the owners elected them to do, which is manage our building along with a good Property Manager. I can certainly imagine all the details of maintaining the common areas, from gates and doors, to cameras and couches, to the pool and the fitness center. And there is cleaning carpets, elevators and all! And when the bills come, you also hope someone is paying attention. You know, that water bill or gas bill if your building uses natural gas. Well it appears that Collier Green Condo President Angela Davis did just that. When the water bill for her condominium complex came, it was quickly clear to her that it was about $700o more that it should be. She met with the city, and after some persistence, they discovered a broken water meter. But all was not well there. The City was dragging their feet to resolve the problem, and after the local CBSAtlanta station started poking around. Nice to know this community had a Board President that is paying attention to her residents money! You can read the story here at CBSAtlanta.com]]> 383 2010-09-05 09:36:44 2010-09-05 13:36:44 open open condominium-home-owners-associations-the-hoa publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Castle Building Midtown Atlanta GA Sells At Auction http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/09/06/castle-building-midtown-atlanta-ga-sells-at-auction/ Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:09:28 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=386 Castle Building Midtown Atlanta GA Sells At Auction A unique, historic part of Midtown has gone across the auction block. What will now happen to this special Midtown Atlanta landmark, is anyone's guess. The winning bidder for The Castle Midtown Atlanta, or 87 15th St., in Midtown was Bryan Latham, a private investor from New York. He agreed to pay $951,500 for the 11,000-square-foot mixed--use property next to Promenade II office tower, according to Bull Realty partner Daniel Latshaw. The Castle was built by its owner, Ferdinand McMillan, a wealthy Agricultural Supplier originally from Florida. He built it with no formal training and no architectural background, simply deciding to do what he thought felt right. I pulled from a blog the following comments posted by "Phreakmoney" (just to give credit where credit is due) "The most striking interior feature is the collection of large southern medallions gracing the corner of each of the large rooms. There are only two tiny bathrooms, one on each level. There is no obvious kitchen, nor is there infrastructure to support one, although there is a standalone sink and range in the attic. There are two sets of inadequate electrical wiring in the place: the original two-conductor cloth-covered wiring inside the ceilings and walls, still connected to the ancient bulb-fuse boxes on the top two stories; and newer 1970s+ era wiring run through unsightly (and unpainted) galvanized conduit in the hallways." So, she will certainly need some updating to become anything other than the Castle Building in Midtown. Suggestions have ranged from a bed and breakfast to a small museum. Knowing a bit about zoning code in Midtown, most options will be a challenge due to the lack of parking. Hopefully Mr. Latham will be able to secure that missing link from a neighboring office building. I'm not sure it the building has already made the National Register of Historic places....let's hope so. To give you a glimpse of the building, I recently took some pictures of the Castle Building in Midtown Atlanta. [tomatoframe width="600" height="500"]http://www.picnik.com/show/id/9610193565_B8MvB/t/the-castle-midtown-atlanta-ga[/tomatoframe] ]]> 386 2010-09-06 09:09:28 2010-09-06 13:09:28 open open castle-building-midtown-atlanta-ga-sells-at-auction publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Midtown Atlanta Makeover Continues http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/09/07/midtown-atlanta-makeover-continues/ Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:25:29 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=391 Midtown Atlanta Makeover Continues Improvements to Midtown Atlanta just keep on coming! As you'll recall, I posted a couple weeks back that some Midtown Atlanta Streets were getting a makeover. Crescent Street certainly was in need of some sprucing! But it seems that is not all that has been happening in Midtown.

    Most of these streetscape improvments are designed to enhance the pedestrian experience in Midtown Atlanta while giving Midtown its own idenity. I can say from personal experience that some of the improvements below are certainly a welcome addition to Midtown.

    • Installation of new LED countdown ped-heads and traffic signals are nearing completion:  New, Ped Crossing Countdownsafer, more energy efficient signals have been installed throughout Midtown.  The Midtown Alliance received a grant from GDOT to begin this project and most recently, was awarded a second grant from the US Department of Energy to complete it.  These new signals are 80-90% more energy efficient. The new countdown crossings are great....it really helps you know how much time you have to cross the street. From a drivers perspective, it's also like having a warning that the signal is about to change, so you can be a bit more prepared to stop. (Or some some people do, speed through the intersection on the yellow light!)
    • Streetscape projects begin on Peachtree Street from Peachtree Circle to the I-75/85 Bridge: This long-awaited phase of the Peachtree Streetscape furthers progress made between 3rd Street and West Peachtree Street.  The project was designed to extend pedestrian improvements to the north end of Peachtree Street, improve public safety and create a better balance between large volumes of vehicular traffic and a more walkable urban environment.   The project is expected to be completed in early 2011.
    • Five new traffic signals installed to create safer mobility for Midtown pedestrians and drivers: Midtown Alliance is in the process of completing construction.  Now at these intersections, traffic will move more smoothly and pedestrian crossings will be significantly safer:
      • 6th and Peachtree
      • 6th and Juniper
      • 8th and Piedmont
      • 12th and West Peachtree
      • 12th and Spring
      I can certainly tell you, that the  6th Street and 8th Street installations are going to be a welcome addition. There is a crosswalk at 6th and Peachtree, but just try to get a car to stop for you!
    • In mid-August, Midtown Alliance will assume the maintenance of the medians and planted materials on the 14th Street Bridge. A few months ago, we celebrated the re-opening of the 14th Street Bridge with our government and community partners. We can all take pride in this gateway into Midtown, representing the power of partnerships. This too will be welcomed! I'm not sure who was suppose to be maintaining them up until now, but there are already plants that have died!  And there are a few unsightly weeds starting to show....not the Welcome To Midtown we want to see!
    You'll be sure to notice these improvements underway on your next visit to Midtown Atlanta. If you live in Midtown, watch out for the construction! ]]>
    391 2010-09-07 09:25:29 2010-09-07 13:25:29 open open midtown-atlanta-makeover-continues publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Rental Insurance For My Condo http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/09/10/rental-insurance-for-my-condo/ Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:49:10 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=394 Rental Insurance For My Condo As a REALTOR, I am often asked the question if you need insurance for your condominium. And the answer is a big, YES! fire extingushierRental Insurance for your condo protects your personal property (clothing, books, computers, etc.) in the event of a fire or flood in your building. Remember, the problem may not occur in YOUR home, but in one above, next to or below you. In the case of water, it fill find any crack or crevice and run down. If your personal items in your condo or damaged, you need to have insurance to replace them. Also, when you rent, you should always confirm your LANDLORD also has insurance. If there was significant damage, his insurance may or may not cover you, but certainly the items that belong in the condo. Take the water issue again. If it came from the unit next door,and damage the flooring, you want to know it's going to be repaired, and you are not living in a mess because your landlord can't repair it. Rental insurance is very, very inexpensive. It may cost you less than $150 per year, depending on the personal items you have. But, it's something everyone should have. I have a great contact with State Farm Insurance I would be happy to refer you to for your Midtown Atlanta Condo insurance needs. Just click on the "Ask Us A Question" above, and we will get right back to you!]]> 394 2010-09-10 07:49:10 2010-09-10 11:49:10 open open rental-insurance-for-my-condo publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash PARKatlanta to Meet with Midtown Neighbors http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/09/11/parkatlanta-to-meet-with-midtown-neighbors/ Sat, 11 Sep 2010 13:12:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=398 PARKatlanta to Meet with Midtown Neighbors! Midtown Atlanta Parking MetersI'm sure you've noticed in Midtown....parking meters are now EVERYWHERE!! And there has been LOTS of confusion about the times you can park, and for how long! If you've had issues with this, now is your time to meet with representatives from the City of Atlanta and PARKatlanta! Please note below they ask you to submit questions in advance for the sake of time. (Or maybe to keep the audience for rioting over this hot issue!!!) Dear Midtown Neighbors, Please join us for a meeting with PARKatlanta, Alex Wan, and city officials to discuss the City's Parking Program on Wednesday, September 15th at 6:00 pm in the Grady High School cafeteria. Please park in the 8th St. parking lot, and enter the cafeteria through the 8th St. entrance. (Grady HS is at 929 Charles Allen Dr., Atlanta, 30309) This is an opportunity to ask questions about enforcement, parking signage, and the permitted parking programs/zones for our neighborhood. Since we only have a limited time (1.5 hours) and need to keep this meeting productive, please submit questions or suggested solutions to problems in advance to maria@mariabalais.com (also please copy your question to Traffic@midtownatlanta.org). PARKAtlanta will also have question sheets available at the meeting when you sign in. Look forward to seeing you, The PARKatlanta Team Maria Balais]]> 398 2010-09-11 09:12:47 2010-09-11 13:12:47 open open parkatlanta-to-meet-with-midtown-neighbors publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Gordon Biersch Midtown Scores Great Review http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/09/12/gordon-biersch-midtown-scores-great-review/ Sun, 12 Sep 2010 21:44:51 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=402 Gordon Biersch Midtown Scores Great Review Gordon Biersch Midtown AtlantaIt was no surprise to me when a review of my favorite Midtown Atlanta watering hole/restaurant, Gordon Biersch showed up on a Google Alert today. Of course it was favorable.....Gordon Biersch Midtown IS a great restaurant! One of several posts I have written about Gordon Biersch appeared in September, 2009 on my other blog, Midtown,My Town, Atlanta and MORE My good friend, Elizabeth from Huntsville, AL was in Atlanta and we had a delightful evening of food and conversation! If you are in Midtown Atlanta, and looking for exactly what you want in a restaurant -- a great dining experience, good food, great beer, and excellent service....look no further! Here is a link to the Atlanta Food Critic's review]]> 402 2010-09-12 17:44:51 2010-09-12 21:44:51 open open gordon-biersch-midtown-scores-great-review publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Fall Friday Lunches In Midtown Atlanta From Midtown Alliance http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/09/22/fall-friday-lunches-in-midtown-atlanta-from-midtown-alliance/ Thu, 23 Sep 2010 02:07:07 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=408 Fall Friday Lunches In Midtown Atlanta From Midtown Alliance Like we need a reason to get out of our office or condo in Midtown Atlanta!
    CakeYou might recall we had a lunch program this year, but it was located at the new Plaza at 15th Street. Of course, summer in Atlanta is NOT the time you really want to be out of your office. I certainly stay in unless I'm showing a Buyer a great condo deal in Midtown Atlanta.
    Well, Fall is officially upon us, so we are hoping for cooler temps during the day....but that will probably be a couple more weeks.  But it is a good time to get out, and the Fall Friday Lunches In Midtown Atlanta. These are being held at the Bank Of America Plaza on North Avenue and Peachtree Streets.
    I'm going to try and make this week...Hope to see you there!
    Sponsored by Arborguard Tree Specialists
    Bank of America Plaza (North Ave & Peachtree), 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    September 24:
    Lunch provided by TAP
    Live music by Jay Memory
    MENU:
    Ham & Cheese Panini
    Turkey Club
    Chicken Caesar Salad
    Grilled Chicken Greek salad
    All items are $7; assorted drinks $1 each
    ]]>
    408 2010-09-22 22:07:07 2010-09-23 02:07:07 open open fall-friday-lunches-in-midtown-atlanta-from-midtown-alliance publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Midtown Atlanta Foreclosures, Midtown Atlanta GA Real Estate http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/10/05/midtown-atlanta-ga-real-estate-foreclosures-in-midtown-atlanta/ Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:50:37 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=417 Midtown Atlanta Foreclosures, Midtown Atlanta, GA Real Estate

    Midtown Atlanta Condo ForeclosuresAre you looking for a condo or single-family home foreclosure in Midtown Atlanta, GA? The good news is, if you are looking for a condo, most of them will be in relatively good shape. I've not seen to many that required extensive repairs. Even if a condo has been vacant for sometime, it usually still had water service, but the power most likely has been turned off. If you are looking for single-family home foreclosures in Midtown Atlanta, GA you will want to proceed with caution. Many of these homes are much older, and "lack of use" could compound problems they may already have.

    There are numerous ways to look for a foreclosure in Midtown Atlanta, GA. You can look at the current condo foreclosures and single-family foreclosures yourself. (Note, if these searches are not working, please feel free to use the Search For Homes feature above, or just contact me and I will be happy to give you an updated list. Currently in Midtown Atlanta, GA there are 54 condo foreclosures/lender owned properties and 14 single family homes. BOTH of these numbers are down slightly from May when we last wrote about foreclosures in Midtown Atlanta, GA. Condo prices range from $1.375 Million to $29,999. (This low priced condo is actually outside of Midtown Atlanta...I happened to search today by our primary zip codes for Midtown. Single-family homes range in price from $1,950 Million to $85,900. (This low priced home is actually in Old Fourth Ward, again I searched by zip codes which will take one out of Midtown Atlanta proper.) You can also find foreclosures listed at online auction sites and Craigslist and I would be happy to help you purchase any of these great values.

    To begin the process of buying a condo foreclosure in Midtown Atlanta, GA, you first need to be pre-approved for a mortgage. Why? Because many foreclosures, if priced right, will move quickly and you will want to know how much you can afford and how much you are willing to spend, AND be ready to act quickly. These two numbers may not always be the same. I would first suggest you contact my preferred lender, Brian Dover with Sharpe Mortgage. Brian knows the condo market in Midtown Atlanta, GA and will get you started on the right track and both of us will get you to the closing table!

    Foreclosure Condo To Do ListOnce you find the home or condo in Midtown Atlanta, GA you are looking for, you will need to have a variety of inspections done, depending on whether it is a condo or single family home. The condo will likely require less inspections, but will require more knowledge about the condominium home owners association (HOA) and how financially stable they are. Condo owners pay a monthly maintenance fee to maintain the common elements (those areas of the building shared by everyone such as the pool, garage, lobby, etc) and if the community has not planned for a delinquency in these payments, they could have problems. Especially if it is a smaller community. I can assist you in obtaining that information in the time frame allowed within your contract. This time period, often referred to as the "due diligence" is the time you are allowed to complete inspections, assessments, finalize your financing and any other steps necessary to make sure the home or condo is in good condition and you are ready to move forward towards the purchase.

    I have sold several foreclosures in Midtown Atlanta, GA and the buyers are very happy home owners, enjoying the condo life and living in Midtown Atlanta, GA. Keep in mind, there can be other condos or single family homes on the market, and NOT in foreclosure that could also be an option for you as a Buyer, if they are priced right.

    If you are interested in purchasing Midtown Atlanta, GA real estate or a foreclosure in Midtown Atlanta, GA click on the link above, "Ask Me A Question" or call me at 770-713-1505. I would be happy to answer any questions that you might have!

    ]]>
    417 2010-10-05 16:50:37 2010-10-05 20:50:37 open open midtown-atlanta-ga-real-estate-foreclosures-in-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Most Expensive and Largest Home in the World http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/10/26/most-expensive-and-largest-home-in-the-world/ Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:43:45 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=424 Most Expensive and Largest Home in the World It's probably a well known fact that American's seem to be known for being excessive. Hence, why many parts of the world seem to hate us and be hell bent on destroying us. I'll admit, I have absolutely NO need for a Chevrolet Suburban, but given the money, I'd drive one in a second. They are just beautiful....but do I need a monster like that for ONE person? A Smart Car would probably be the wiser choice. Well, the 4th richest man in the world has finished his family home in Mumbai, India. It's a cozy....

    398,000 SQUARE FEET!!!!!

    I'm not one to "borrow" pictures I don't own, so you'll just have to see it for yourself!

    ]]>
    424 2010-10-26 07:43:45 2010-10-26 11:43:45 open open most-expensive-and-largest-home-in-the-world publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    10 Reasons To Buy A New Home http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/10/26/10-reasons-to-buy-a-new-home/ Tue, 26 Oct 2010 06:56:44 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=426 10 Reasons to Buy A New Home DetectiveAs a real estate broker AND a blogger, I pride myself in learning as much as I can as often as I can. And I like to then take that knowledge and use it to help my Buyers and Sellers make the right decisions. In my quest for knowledge and information, I often find well written articles that are...well...well written. Like, I couldn't say it better myself, if I tried. Such is the case in this article by Brent Arends from The Wall Street Journal. He points out a list of reasons why to buy a new home. Quickly summarized...they are:
    1. You can get a good deal. (I know that's right!)
    2. Mortgages are cheap
    3. You'll save on taxes
    4. It will be yours (well, in 30 years)
    5. You'll get a better home
    6. It offers some inflation protection
    7. It's risk capital
    8. It's forced savings
    9. There's alot to choose from (heavy sigh!)
    10. Sooner or later, the market will clear
    Read the entire article here. Certainly some food for thought in this one!]]>
    426 2010-10-26 02:56:44 2010-10-26 06:56:44 open open 10-reasons-to-buy-a-new-home publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash 214 cclapp@delucchiplus.com http://www.theatlanticresidences.com 38.104.29.74 2010-11-15 14:18:34 2010-11-15 19:18:34 1 0 0
    Mass Transit in Georgia. Will We Ever Get It? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/04/mass-transit-in-georgia-will-we-ever-get-it/ Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:08:03 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=434 Mass Transit in Georgia. Will We Ever Get It? When I say "will we ever get it?" I'm referring to both if it will ever happen, AND WILL it ever happen? I've been putting off this blog for sometime, and will try to keep it short....but since many of our Atlanta commutes are not..... MARTA in AtlantaI feel like in so many ways, Atlanta has already been left standing on the train platform, and the train is long gone. How's this? I think much of the problem of mass transit in the Metro Atlanta area comes from a lack of direction. Unlike cities like Charlotte or Houston (both I just recently visited and will mention in a moment) have most, if not ALL of the city limits within ONE county. Atlanta has a 15, yes, FIFTEEN COUNTY metro area! What does that mean? Yeah, 15 ideas on what should or should not happen, or what we do or don't want to participate in! Needless to say, with that kind of organizati0n, what can you expect. A history of the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA as we all know it now) is far to long to include in this post, but you can certainly read about it here. Needless to say, the problems began way before there was ever such a thing as Alpharetta or Mall of Georgia...those places were country..and then some. Fears around the state that funding would be simply for Atlanta kinda shows the lack of planning vision the entire state had at the time.  Can you imagine a high speed train to Athens, Augusta, Macon or even Savannah? I guess that was outer space talk back then.  The above mentioned article further goes on to talk about how it went from numerous counties down to just Fulton and DeKalb agreeing to pay for MARTA.  And oddly enough, while this discussion was taking place back in the 1050's and 60's, it was 1973 before the state legislature established the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee. The first part of the North-South Line opened in 1981, the last (and probably final ever piece) opened in December 2000. So, let's fast forward to today. It's still a mess. I'm not even going to say I understand all the politics involved...because of course that's probably the primary reason we've never got mass transit, and probably never will. Costs have now become so expensive to build, who knows if we will ever see anymore of this type of construction. And our lack of planning for it has lead to costly losses when it comes to future funding. In January, 2010 an article appeared in the AJC, North Carolina Invests, wins rail money; Georgia Doesn't where North Carolina won $545 million in transportation funding as part of President Obama's high speed rail stimulus. Georgia got a whooping $750,000. Yes, you read that right. Ok, so what do Houston and Charlotte have to do with this? A recent return visit to Houston ( I had not been there since 1996) just blew me away. Driving down freeways to and from the burbs with HOV lanes (mind you only 1) either between the freeways, or in many cases, elevated above the freeways! What a concept!! I mention only one lane, as they funnel traffic into the city center in the morning and out again in the afternoon. Another problem Atlanta has had is it's multiple business centers (Cumberland/Galleria, Perimeter, Buckhead, Alpharetta, Gwinnett, etc) that have people living in Cobb and working in Gwinnett and living in Fayette County (yeah...get there in a minute) and working Buckhead. So you've got Atlanta commuters looking like a fire ant pile that has been stirred up...going every which direction. Additionally Houston has a light rail system running from Downtown, out through their Midtown, then onto the Medical Center. Onto Charlotte where they have a light rail system that too helps bring people into Uptown Charlotte. But, here in Atlanta, we continue to fight the concept. Just last month, an article appeared in the AJC that the Peachtree City Mayor is leading a charge for Fayette County to succeed from the 10 county Atlanta region over the possibility of being forced to pay for transit like MARTA.  The Atlanta region is scheduled to vote on a sales tax referendum for transportation in 2012.  And it took the legislature 4 years to come up with this referendum Come on Atlanta and Georgia! We NEED transit. We need a regional transit system and we need it....ah, yesterday. Mass Transit in Georgia. Will We Ever Get It? Here's a video about MARTA and it's 30 years in the making.... MARTA Moments (30th Anniversary) from MARTA on Vimeo.]]> 434 2010-11-04 15:08:03 2010-11-04 19:08:03 open open mass-transit-in-georgia-will-we-ever-get-it publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _aioseop_title _sexybookmarks_permaHash 188 thom30309@yahoo.com 24.98.254.97 2010-11-04 15:11:01 2010-11-04 19:11:01 1 0 0 4594 peopleschamp27@yahoo.com 99.101.70.113 2011-07-18 21:46:15 2011-07-19 01:46:15 1 0 0 Who's Watching You? Social Media At Work! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/08/whos-watching-you-social-media-at-work/ Tue, 09 Nov 2010 01:01:52 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=439 Who's Watching You? Social Media At Work! We've all heard about the guy who had his guitar smashed by American Airlines, and put it out on Twitter. Or how Comcast Cable has changed how they do business as a result of comments put out about them. Twitter LogoSo, it shows that companies ARE embracing social media, AND are starting to pay attention to what is being said about them. Case in point. I posted a blog about the new Discover Card commercials that feature "Peggy" who is not really Peggy. (You can read the post, Creative Commercials - Discover Card here) Well, much to MY surprise, when I checked my Twitter mentions, there was a message from Discover Card! Yep! FROM DISCOVER CARD...thanking me for my post about their commercial. WOW! So, do you know Who's Watching You?]]> 439 2010-11-08 20:01:52 2010-11-09 01:01:52 open open whos-watching-you-social-media-at-work publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Kevin Spacey and Success and What It Takes. http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/10/kevin-spacey-and-success-and-what-it-takes/ Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:16:29 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=442 Kevin Spacey and Success and What It Takes. SuccessWe all want to be successful. Or at least I think so. The trainer in the gym wants to be the best trainer he can be. The fireman wants to be the best at what he does to save lives and property A businessman, no matter what business he is in, wants to be successful and see his business grow and prosper. But it needs to me more than just desire. Kevin Spacey said it pretty well at an Actor's Studio interview. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plUbZB7ieFs[/youtube] ]]> 442 2010-11-10 07:16:29 2010-11-10 12:16:29 open open kevin-spacey-and-success-and-what-it-takes publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Pictures and Blogs! Pictures and Blogs! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/16/pictures-and-blogs-pictures-and-blogs/ Wed, 17 Nov 2010 03:37:06 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=480 When I first started writing my blog back in 2007, I saw all these picture on posts. Some of them you could tell were "stock" photos, or they were cartoon in nature. And I read where you should have your camera with you all the time, you never know when you might find a great picture that could be the source of a blog!  So, now I do just that. I've built up such a library of pictures that I honestly have a hard time keeping track of them and where they are filed. It's not uncommon for me to spend 20-30 minutes looking for a certain picture I KNOW I have! I'm doing it partly because Midtown Atlanta is changing SO fast, that you forget what was there a couple years ago! Take these two pictures...the far left is 1010Midtown as it was coming up, and the other is close to topping out! Amazing! I've lived in Atlanta for some 16 plus years now.....and have watched it grow! We seem to make the news quite often for our traffic...and true...it's getting to be challenging! For those of us that work in the condominium markets of Midtown and Buckhead, it just makes our marketplace, that much better since you can live Intown, and not have the hour+ commute each way! UGH! Anyway, I thought I'd just share a few pictures to show you where The Thom And Ray Team hangout! Enjoy!  Atlanta's Backstreet, one of only 3 places in the U.S that was a 24-Hour club (oh I remember it well and miss it as well....) Made way for progress, and was replaced by Viewpoint!  But Midtown still has the charm it once had, as you can see from St. Marks Methodist Church!  And lastly, here is a "time wharp" of two pictures that really tell it all!   1968 -- to today! Wow! We've Come Along Way Baby!!]]> 480 2010-11-16 22:37:06 2010-11-17 03:37:06 open open pictures-and-blogs-pictures-and-blogs publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords VIEWPOINT MIDTOWN ATLANTA - LAST CALL PRICING! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/17/viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-last-call-pricing/ Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:43:34 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1011 VIEWPOINT MIDTOWN ATLANTA - LAST CALL PRICING! Viewpoint Midtown Zen Garden It's no secret that I've had a love affair with Viewpoint Midtown Condominiums! Just ask any of the 6 homeowners and investors that we have helped buy in this Midtown Atlanta landmark building. From the finishes and the floor plans to the pool deck and Peachtree Street location...it's just got it goin' on! But those times are quickly coming to a close. Soon, your chance to buy in Viewpoint will be limited to a resale home. Now, there is nothing wrong with a resale home...but ya gotta admit, there IS something about NEW, and being the first person to live in your condo! So, it's not surprising given the popularity of this building that the inventory is getting down to...Last Call!

    Viewpoint Midtown Last Call

    And they have got some great prices on the remaining homes!

    Viewpoint Midtown Condominiums

    If you want to call Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta home, now would be a good, great time to do it!

    For More Infomation about Viewpoint Midtown, contact me today and I'll show you why I love Viewpoint and you will love the view too!

    ]]>
    1011 2010-11-17 15:43:34 2010-11-17 20:43:34 open open viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-last-call-pricing publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    COSTCO Comes To Midtown Atlanta....Well Almost at TOWN Brookhaven! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/17/costco-comes-to-midtown-atlanta-well-almost-at-town-brookhaven/ Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:39:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1017 COSTCO Comes To Midtown Atlanta...Well Almost at TOWN Brookhaven! Costco Town BrookhavenIn today's economy, I don't know WHO would NOT be looking to save a dollar or two. Ok, I suppose there are a couple out there somewhere. It is no secret that buying in volume saves you money. And grocery shopping is no execption. The warehouse grocery is not a new concept by any means, but when you suddenly don't have to drive 8-10 miles to get to one, but can get there in 4 miles...well that's worth writing about. When I say COSTCO Comes To Midtown Atlanta it got pretty darn close. On October 28th, COSTCO opened its first store inside the Perimeter of Atlanta. (Ok, wait, yes the store at Cumberland Mall is physically inside I-285, but barely...but it's a good 8 miles from Midtown!) TOWN Brookhaven is a multi-use community that had great plans that kinda skidded to a halt with the economy. But some of the plans are now moving forward, and the first "big guy" to open was COSTCO. And what a delight this store is. Located at 500 Brookhaven Avenue, you can access the store from either Peachtree Road, or you can enter from Hermance Drive, adjacent to Oglethore University. She's a whopper of a store at 146,000 square feet! The largest store in the Atlanta area prior to this was 123,000 sq ft on Peachtree Dunwoody Road in Sandy Springs. COSTCO Membership InformationThe day that I made a quick visit, the line at the Membership Counter was longer than the checkout lines! But their checkout system moves you out quickly! Like the other COSTCO stores in the Atlanta area, this location will have speciality departments featuring fresh meat, produce and deli, bakery, one-hour photo, pharmacy, tire center, hearing aid center and a food court. If you have ever shopped in a warehouse grocery, you know NOTHING comes in small packages! It's always quanity AND quality. So for us us condo dwellers that might have limited storage space, or freezer space, this presents a problem. Where do you put all this stuff so it doesn't spoil before you can use it. Well, how about "friendship shopping" or "neighbor networking."  Talk with your friends that live in your building or around you and compare what your likes are. Maybe YOU can't consume a package of 20 freshly baked crossiants, but you could use 10, and your friend could use 10. Such a deal! Town BrookhavenTOWN Brookhaven is starting to come to life, altho she's got a ways to go! I noticed a new Moe's is under construction and a couple other businesses are starting to open in the VAST amount of retail space available here. Town Brookhaven Publix MarketThe other big arrivals will be a Publix Supermarket and LA Fitness that are scheduled to open in 2011. This picture would be that building, and I'm going to guess that we will have covered parking on the lower level, and the LA Fitness will occupy the lower space, and Publix the upper space. I'll bring you an update as things develop. Yes, TOWN Brookhaven is not in Midtown Atlanta, but then, not all the services we need are in Midtown Atlanta. It's great to know that something like COSTCO is now closer and more convenient to Midtown Atlanta! If you are NOT familiar with shopping at COSTCO, you might want to check it out on a Saturday. They have sampling stations all over the food section and you get to taste some great products. As a side note, some of these people have been nicknamed "Costco grazers" since you can probably make a meal out of sampling. I'm justsayin'! Costco Town BrookhavenCostco Town Brookhaven Shopping Carts

    Town Brookhaven

    ]]>
    1017 2010-11-17 09:39:17 2010-11-17 14:39:17 open open costco-comes-to-midtown-atlanta-well-almost-at-town-brookhaven publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash
    Checklist For Cash Buyers http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/04/checklist-for-cash-buyers/ Sat, 04 Dec 2010 13:03:59 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=446 Checklist For Cash Buyers Here in Atlanta,Georgia when you are purchasing a home using a lender, much of the "investigation" is done on your behalf by your lender. Of course, if they are loaning you money on a home, the want to make sure they know as much about it as possible. But, suppose you are a cash buyer. Who's looking out for you? Well, your real estate broker can assist you to a certain extent based on law, but much of the due diligence now falls directly on YOU. So, what should you be looking for? Here's a list of items to keep in mind. Keep in mind that some of these may or may not apply, depending on whether you are purchasing a Single Family home or a condominium.
    1. Owner's Title Insurance -- This is MUST have, especially if you are buying a foreclosed or short sale property. This insurance does just what it says...protects you from any title issues that could come up in the future.
    2. Termite Inspection -- May or may not be needed in a condo, but certainly in a house. This would be an issue in a condominium if it is a community that has ground floor units, is older or has significant wood in its construction. The homeowners association should have coverage for this, another thing you want to verify.
    3. Water Bills -- Again, more for the single family home. A significant monthly bill could mean you have a leak, and it may be underground where you can't see it. A costly repair later on if not found now.
    4. Flood Zone Determination -- Again, for a condominium, this would be important if you are on a first or second floor, and there is any type of stream even remotely close to the community or your building. A flood in the Atlanta area this past year damaged homes that were NOT in a flood plain, and without insurance, the homeowners were not able to get insurance to pay for the damage.
    5. Hazard Insurance -- In most real estate contracts, there is a clause that covers what happens to the property AND the contract should the home be damaged. But you want your own insurance coverage the moment you close on the property. If you were using a lender, this would of been covered as part of your loan payment, but not when you purchase with cash!
    6. Home Inspection-- A must for ANY property, condo or single family home. Simply do not purchase a home without first having this done. Even new construction can have issues you may not see and an inspector will. Better to resolve before you buy than after.
    7. Appraisal-- Just because you are paying cash does not mean you should not know exactly what the property is worth!! Another wise investment prior to your purchase to make sure you are not paying more than you should.
    8. Survey-- Not necessary in a condominium, but a MUST in single family or multi-family homes. You want to know where the property lines are, and if there may be any easements that you are not aware of. (Just try to put in the new pool if there is a sewer line running through your back yard and you never knew it!)
    9. Homeowner's Association-- First, you want to know if one exists (single family) and then you want to know the rules and any membership fees there may be. Also, are those fees mandatory (for sure in a condominium, possible in a single family home) and how much are they and what do they cover. Are there any pending assessments from the Association that you could be responsible for? How stable is the association and do they have monies in reserve for bad debts, repairs, etc.
    These are the major items you want to keep in mind if you are paying cash. If you have questions about your Atlanta Real Estate purchase, give me a call!]]>
    446 2010-12-04 08:03:59 2010-12-04 13:03:59 open open checklist-for-cash-buyers publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last 285 sharon.paxson@gmail.com http://www.newportbeachrealestatecafe.com 76.170.112.51 2010-12-04 16:52:54 2010-12-04 21:52:54 1 0 0
    Spire Midtown Atlanta Condo For Sale - Potential Short Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/07/spire-midtown-atlanta-condo-for-sale-potential-short-sale/ Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:00:44 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=930
    Amazing Value at Spire Midtown Atlanta
    Overview Maps Photos Description Neighborhood Market Stats
    $145,000
    Condominium For Sale
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 393 Units Interior: 606 sqft
    Location
    860 Peachtree Street 2016 Atlanta, GA 30308
    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME
    Thomas Ramon Realty (770) 713-1505 Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com http://www.thomandrayteam.com Listed by:Palmer House Properties
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale
    Powered By RealBird.com ]]>
    930 2010-12-07 09:00:44 2010-12-07 14:00:44 open open spire-midtown-atlanta-condo-for-sale-potential-short-sale publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    Margaret Cho Calls Midtown Atlanta Home Why Not You? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/08/margaret-cho-calls-midtown-atlanta-home-why-not-you/ Thu, 09 Dec 2010 03:03:56 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=945 Margaret Cho Calls Midtown Atlanta Home! I'm still working on a blog post (or series) about my recent adventures called working as an extra on various film and TV productions that are happening in Atlanta. But I'll fill in with tidbits as they come along.

    I've had the opportunity to work numerous times on the Lifetime TV series, Drop Dead Diva. Depending on the specific set, you may, or may not have much interaction with the actual stars of the show.

    Margaret Cho Talks with Fenuxe MagazineTwo weeks ago, I was on set with the infamous Margaret Cho, who stars as Terri Lee, the assistant of Jane Bingum, played by Brooke Elliott. At one point I wanted to poke my head in the office where she was sitting and tell her how fantastic she was when she was the star entertainer on an Atlantis Cruise I was on a few years ago. Turns out my partner, Ray Benitez DID talk to her when he was on set and she remember the cruise well!

    Margaret took time out to talk with Fenuxe Magazine here in Atlanta. She mentioned that she has moved from Peachtree City to Midtown Atlanta. Well of course, MY first question is why she did not call ME to be her REALTOR!! Second Question....What Midtown Atlanta Condo building did she select? Hmmmm...I don't have the answer for that own.

    But, if Margaret Cho calls Midtown Atlanta home, shouldn't you?

    Let me show you why I love Midtown Atlanta, call it my home, and now, so does Margaret!

    This post also appeared at MyMidtownMojo.com

    Midtown Atlanta

    NOTE: This post was published earlier this year, but not on this site! Wanted to share it with you!

    Thom Midtown Mojo

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    945 2010-12-08 22:03:56 2010-12-09 03:03:56 open open margaret-cho-calls-midtown-atlanta-home-why-not-you publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 313 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2010-12-09 08:58:33 2010-12-09 13:58:33 1 0 0 417 matt@image-results.com http://www.image-results.com 68.157.159.111 2010-12-28 13:26:53 2010-12-28 18:26:53 1 0 0 900 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/06/drop-dead-diva-begins-filming-new-season/ 64.62.138.247 2011-03-06 16:02:19 2011-03-06 21:02:19 1 pingback 0 0
    Visiting Atlanta Open Houses This Weekend? Get Prepared! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/04/visiting-atlanta-open-houses-this-weekend-get-prepared/ Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:10:43 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=989 Visiting Atlanta Open Houses This Weekend? Get Prepared! Leesa, my good friend from Wake Forest, NC has some great tips for those Buyers that are out looking at homes during an Open House! If you are looking at Atlanta GA Open Houses this weekend, take note! Always remember, the agent hosting the Open House is working for the Seller (in most cases) and you should have your own agent to represent you as well. If you don't have an agent for your Midtown Atlanta Condo purchase, give me a call and I'll be happy to explain the importance of having a Buyer Brokerage Agreement and a real estate broker representing YOU!
    Via Leesa L. Finley -Wake Forest NC REALTOR® Wake Forest NC & Raleigh NC Real Estate (Circa Properties - Your Wake Forest NC Homes Specialist)
    Visiting Open Houses This Weekend?  Get Prepared! If you are thinking about touring some Open Houses this weekend then it must mean that you Wake Forest NC Open Housesare finally ready to purchase a home.  Whether it is your first home or this is your second or third home Open Houses are a great way to get out and explore some new neighborhoods.  But, you have to be prepared! There are a few things that you'll want to keep in mind when you visit Open Houses and a few questions that you'll want to ask:
    1. Be sure to have a few of your Buyer's Agents business cards with you if you are not touring the Open Houses with your agent.  The agent holding the Open House works strictly for the seller, don't let them tell you any different, so you'll want to establish up front that you have exclusive Buyer's Representation.
    2. Take a camera and a notepad with you. With the permission of the agent holding the Open House you may want to take a few pictures to view at a later time.  While there will most likely be informational pieces made available to you at the Open House it is always a good idea to take notes of things that most interest you or that you dislike.  Be sure to label the house that you are taking notes on so as not to get confused later.
    3. Open drawers and doors! I have seen way too many buyers tour Open Houses and they were afraid to open anything.  Go ahead, it's an Open House - open the drawers and doors!
    4. Bring Your Questions! While the agent at the Open House represents the sellers there are still a few questions that you can ask without giving away your negotiating stance.
    • You'll want to ask if there are any Homeowners Association Dues and, if so, how much per month are they and what do they cover?
    • You'll want to ask if the property is city water and sewer or if it is a private well and septic.
    • If important to you, what schools are assigned to this location?
    • Where are the local amenities located if there are any such as the pool, tennis courts, playground, etc.
    • Why is this home "better" than the home down the street that is for sale?
    • How long has the home been on the market?
    • Where are the nearest public services located such as the post office, fire station, police station, hospital, etc.
    You get the idea - don't be afraid to ask questions! Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you'll make - you may make it more than once but regardless, it is one of the most biggest financial decisions you'll make and it needs to "feel right".  The only way that's going to happen is if you ask the questions that are important to YOU!  So, sit down before you start touring tomorrow or Sunday and really have a heart to heart with yourself and others involved in this with you - what is important to YOU! Oh, and my last piece of advice??? Wear comfortable shoes!!!!! It can get very tiring if you plan on visiting more than two homes.  Other that that - HAVE FUN and I hope you find your dream home!  If you are wanting to find some Open Houses in Wake Forest NC this weekend don't miss my cool Open House Tool!  All the latest Open Houses are there directly from the Multiple Listing Service.  It's FREE so go for it!
    Follow Leesa Finley on Twitter Leesa Finley Facebook Leesa Finley YouTube Leesa Finley LinkedIn Leesa Finley Yelp Leesa Finley WordPress Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area! I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding homes for sale in Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:
    • Leesa Finley- Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
    • Wake Forest NC House Chick - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....
    I AM your Wake Forest NC Real Estate Agent of Choice......
    Don't forget to check out Discover Wake Forest NC for all the latest new listings in Wake Forest, Home Buyers and Home Sellers Tips and the most up to date calendar of events in Wake Forest NC!

     

    Discover Wake Forest NC

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    989 2010-12-04 10:10:43 2010-12-04 15:10:43 open open visiting-atlanta-open-houses-this-weekend-get-prepared publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    Thomas Ramon Realty Moves to Palmer House Properties! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/07/thomas-ramon-realty-moves-to-palmer-house-properties/ Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1012 Thomas Ramon Realty Moves to Palmer House Properties
    Thomas Ramon Realty Offices
    A real estate broker is often asked a couple familiar questions, both by fellow brokers, but from our clients as well. Why do you not have your own company and/or why are you affiliated with such and such brokerage? Both good questions, both with varied answers, based on who you ask. So, let's say you asked me? As to owning my own brokerage, it's a matter of timing and money. Starting any new business requires some type of capital. A real estate brokerage can be minimal since we don't HAVE to have a store front. Many agents and brokers work from the comfort of a home office. And now, with the ever increasing number of home buyers and sellers looking for their home, and maybe even their agent online, a "bricks and mortar" office is not always needed. But there are still expenses in setting up a business, such as the form (LLC, S-Corp, etc) and there are the costs of joining the local listing service. And signs. And logo design. So all those costs start to add up. But one day my little grasshopper..... The second question is who you choose to affiliate with. For those of you NOT in the real estate business, (and I'm speaking for the State of Georgia as real estate license rules vary from state to state) a real estate agent's license must be held by a Broker. I am currently an Associate Broker, which means I am now licensed to have my own brokerage when I'm ready to do so. (Note paragraph above) So that is one reason for an affiliation. From there, the reasoning can go in a number of directions. Thomas Ramon Realty recently changed our affiliation to Palmer House Properties. While our primary reasons were financial decisions, there is something to be said about being with a company that seems to add agents to its roster on a weekly basis. That, and the fact that Palmer House Properties was ranked #8 of Atlanta's 50 Fastest Growing Private Companies certainly had something to do with it. And, it was just time for, well...new real estate! Ray and I have a spacious office in our new new building, complete with conference rooms, a kitchen and the ability to do our client's closings right in our office! How convenient for our clients.  We are excited about this new change, and our new office! If you are in Atlanta, we invite you to stop by and say Hello. Mind you, a "heads up" phone call might be wise, since we could be out showing property, or working on videos and our blog to keep our clients informed about what is happening in Midtown Atlanta! But, it the time is right, the wine will be chilled, or the coffee fresh and hot! If you'd like to know more about us, just drop us a quick note and let us know how we can help you. Thomas Ramon Realty + Palmer House Properties = "Can You Feel The Vibe?"
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    1012 2010-12-07 14:00:00 2010-12-07 19:00:00 open open thomas-ramon-realty-moves-to-palmer-house-properties publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    VIEWPOINT MIDTOWN ATLANTA GA CONDO FOR RENT http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/03/viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-ga-condo-for-rent/ Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:00:22 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1013
    Viewpoint Midtown 1 Bedroom For Rent
    Overview Maps Photos Description Neighborhood Market Stats
    $1,400
    Condominium
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Interior: 762 sqft
    Location
    855 Peachtree Street, NE 1404 Atlanta, GA 30308 USA
    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME
    Thomas Ramon Realty (770) 713-1505 Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com http://MyMidtownMojo.com Listed by: Palmer House Properties
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed

    Nearby properties for sale

    Powered By RealBird.com ]]>
    1013 2010-12-03 13:00:22 2010-12-03 18:00:22 open open viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-ga-condo-for-rent publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    METROPOLIS MIDTOWN ATLANTA --October Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/20/metropolis-midtown-atlanta-october-market-report/ Sun, 21 Nov 2010 03:30:25 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1018 METROPOLIS MIDTOWN ATLANTA -- October Market Report 2010 Metropolis Midtown AtlantaMetropolis Midtown Atlanta is probably best known as the building that started it all in Midtown Atlanta condominium construction. When first proposed, one tower was to be apartments and one condominiums. The first tower sold so quickly that the developers quickly converted, and sold the second tower as condos as well. There was much hype as the building was being built, since it was the first new condo highrise to be built in Midtown Atlanta, and talk about the cranes as they lifted trees up to the 7th Floor Amenity Deck. But the market is taking its toll on Metropolis Midtown Atlanta as it is on many others! Here's a look at what October, 2010 had to say... Active Listings: 16 with a range from $650,000 to $129,900 giving an average of $239,606. Of those 16 listings, 5 are short sales. None are foreclosures. Pending Listings: 4 homes are Under Contract. Two of these are foreclosures, and one is not. One is a short sale, and it went Under Contract in August, 2010 with a proposed closing date of February, 2011!!! Yikes! There were no sales in October, 2010. Follow this link for more information about Metropolis Midtown Atlanta. Search For Metropolis Midtown Atlanta Condos For Sale If I can assist you with finding a home in this building, or any of the Midtown Atlanta and Buckhead condominiums, please contact Thomas Ramon Realty! ]]> 1018 2010-11-20 22:30:25 2010-11-21 03:30:25 open open metropolis-midtown-atlanta-october-market-report publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash A pose in the North Carolina Mountains! A great Picture! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/18/a-pose-in-the-north-carolina-mountains-a-great-picture/ Fri, 19 Nov 2010 04:48:07 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/18/a-pose-in-the-north-carolina-mountains-a-great-picture/


    Thom Abbott, GRI,CHME and Ray Benitez
    Associate Brokers
    Thomas Ramon Realty
    @ Palmer House Properties
    2911 Piedmont Road, NE
    Atlanta, GA 30305
    Thom: 770.713.1505
    Ray:   404.247.6696

    ]]>
    1023 2010-11-18 23:48:07 2010-11-19 04:48:07 open open a-pose-in-the-north-carolina-mountains-a-great-picture publish 0 0 post 0
    Speechless Sunday - A My Midtown Mojo Feature http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/21/speechless-sunday-a-my-midtown-mojo-feature/ Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:38:42 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1025 Speechless Sunday - A My Midtown Mojo Feature What is that phrase, a picture is worth a thousand words? Indeed. Since I've started blogging, I've taken more of a "note" of the area around me, and try to capture it in pictures. I can now walk past some places and say, "I remember when that was (fill in the blank)" and I have the picture to prove it! So today, we will start a new feature at MyMidtownMojo called, Speechless Sunday. Now, speechless implies that nothing is said. So, most of the time, don't expect any words from me,  just a picture of a moment in time captured. Here's our first one....

    [caption id="attachment_1028" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Great Smoky Mountains National Park"]Great Smoky Mountains National Park[/caption]

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    1025 2010-11-21 09:38:42 2010-11-21 14:38:42 open open speechless-sunday-a-my-midtown-mojo-feature publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash 242 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2010-11-21 14:43:26 2010-11-21 19:43:26 1 0 0
    When Does A Short Sale Become a Binding Contract? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/25/when-does-a-short-sale-become-a-binding-contract/ Thu, 25 Nov 2010 21:44:42 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1030 When Does A Short Sale Become a Binding Contract? There is often confusion when writing a contract on a home or condo that is a short sale. Many people think you have to wait for an answer from the bank before you have a binding contract. pen and paperA Short Sale Contract becomes binding when the Buyer and Seller (not the bank) accept all terms of a Purchase & Sale Agreement and sign off on all Exhibits, Contingencies and/or Counter Offers. A Binding Agreement Date must be filled in on the Purchase & Sale Agreement or on the final Counter Offer and all timelines must be met within the terminology of the contract.  Unless otherwise noted in the special stipulations of the Purchase & Sale Agreement or in the Counter Offer/s, all timelines concerning earnest money must be met and if the deal falls through a Termination & Release is still required and will need to be signed by both Buyer and Seller for earnest money to be disbursed. ***The banks approval is a Contingency to the contract and is most often secured by a Bank Addendum that must also be signed by the Buyer and Seller.*** So you will have a fully executed Purchase and Sale Agreement, with one outstanding contingency...THE BANK'S APPROVAL!!! When you will get that approval is anyone's guess. So when writing your Purchase And Sale Agreement, you might want to put an extended date in for the closing, knowing full well it may be a couple months before you get a response.  Your agent should also make sure you have an opportunity to terminate your agreement and have your earenest money refunded if there is no answer from the bank after a certain time. This is a negotiation point, and must be a date that both the Buyer and the Seller agree on. Yes, short sales are a challenge, but if you are getting an incredible home or condominium, the wait may we well worth it.]]> 1030 2010-11-25 16:44:42 2010-11-25 21:44:42 open open when-does-a-short-sale-become-a-binding-contract publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash Somethings Are Better Said By A Good Sign! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/29/somethings-are-better-said-by-a-good-sign/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:37:15 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/11/29/somethings-are-better-said-by-a-good-sign/


    Thom Abbott, GRI,CHME and Ray Benitez
    Associate Brokers
    Thomas Ramon Realty
    @ Palmer House Properties
    2911 Piedmont Road, NE
    Atlanta, GA 30305
    Thom: 770.713.1505
    Ray:   404.247.6696

    ]]>
    1033 2010-11-29 20:37:15 2010-11-30 01:37:15 open open somethings-are-better-said-by-a-good-sign publish 0 0 post 0 _sexybookmarks_shortUrl _sexybookmarks_permaHash 268 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2010-11-29 21:19:40 2010-11-30 02:19:40 1 0 0
    What Midtown Atlanta Condos Are FHA Approved? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/01/what-midtown-atlanta-condos-are-fha-approved/ Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:25:26 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1034 What Midtown Atlanta Condos Are FHA Approved? Midtown Atlanta Condos For SaleSince most Midtown Atlanta Condo buyers are using FHA financing to purchase their Midtown Atlanta Condo, it's important to know that the building you are considering IS FHA approved. While your real estate agent should know this information, I believe in the motto of being an informed consumer! My friend, Rodney Mason with Prospect Mortgage recently did a post on his blog about which Midtown Atlanta Condos Are FHA Approved, and those that have their eligibility up for renewal. This is great information for any Midtown Atlanta Condo buyer to have. Thanks Rodney!]]> 1034 2010-12-01 11:25:26 2010-12-01 16:25:26 open open what-midtown-atlanta-condos-are-fha-approved publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords Booming Movie Industry Brings Jobs and Maybe Fame? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/03/booming-movie-industry-brings-jobs-and-maybe-fame/ Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:59:57 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1042 Booming Movie Industry Brings Jobs and Maybe Fame? I'm still working on a series of blogs to chronicle my time on the set of several productions here in Atlanta. But the news is picking up on Georgia's ever growing film industry! ]]> 1042 2010-12-03 09:59:57 2010-12-03 14:59:57 open open booming-movie-industry-brings-jobs-and-maybe-fame publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords 279 Debe@DebeMaxwell.com http://www.SearchCharlotteHomesForSale.com 71.28.68.253 2010-12-03 12:23:24 2010-12-03 17:23:24 1 0 0 Selig, others, ride Kia wave in LaGrange   http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/03/selig-others-ride-kia-wave-in-lagrange-%c2%a0/ Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:49:31 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/03/selig-others-ride-kia-wave-in-lagrange-%c2%a0/
    By Rachel Tobin The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Selig Enterprises, one of Atlanta’s largest real estate companies, is chasing the economic wave created by Kia Motors in west Georgia. And Selig surely won’t be alone as more developers see opportunity in what is becoming a manufacturing mecca around the Korean automaker. Kia SorentoJust as Kia recently announced it will hire another 1,000 workers, Selig and joint venture partner Standing Tree Land Co. unveiled plans for a huge retail, hotel and residential development to include an outlet mall. The $400- to $600-million project would be built on about 305 acres of rolling hills they have under contract in LaGrange. The partnership would act as master developer for a planned outlet mall, a power center, a grocery-anchored center, a medical office building, apartments and several hotels, said Bob Riddle, an executive vice president with Selig. “This whole thing is driven by the Kia plant,” Riddle said. “They have 3,000 employees and there were 6,000 or 7,000 second-tier employees created in the last year through Kia suppliers.” The area also has outdated housing stock left from its textile mill days, said Jeanne Charbonneau, a spokeswoman for West Point-based Greater Valley Group. Her development firm was one of the first to plan housing, offices and shops around the plant that is near the Alabama state line. “There’s so much opportunity, no one developer can fill the need,” she said. Tom Hall, LaGrange’s city manager, said developers from Atlanta and Chicago visiting the area now have a greater incentive to develop there. Voters recently approved a referendum to authorize creative funding mechanisms for economic development, such as tax allocation districts, he said. Atlanta has been using tax allocation districts for years to spur development. “Very few TAD referendums have passed in Georgia. Ours passed by a very good margin on the promise to expand the retail base for shopping amenities and jobs,” Hall said. “All we’re doing now is fulfilling that commitment.” LaGrange, with 30,000 residents, could use the shops, he said. Many now drive to Newnan, Columbus or Alabama to do their shopping, he said. No one opposed the project when it was presented publicly in November, he said. The Selig group hopes TAD bond money will help pay for infrastructure improvements for the LaGrange project, Riddle said. The area around the plant loses an estimated $100 million in sales because it lacks stores, he said. And outlet malls tend to become destinations; he estimated one in LaGrange could attract up to 2 million visitors annually. If the project moves forward on schedule, Riddle said the first store could open as early as 2013.
    This will be worth watching to see if it develops! I suspect with the Selig's involved, it will!
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    1050 2010-12-03 14:49:31 2010-12-03 19:49:31 open open selig-others-ride-kia-wave-in-lagrange-%c2%a0 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    Miami’s Lime restaurants to make a splash in Atlanta | Atlanta Business Chronicle http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/05/miami%e2%80%99s-lime-restaurants-to-make-a-splash-in-atlanta-atlanta-business-chronicle/ Sun, 05 Dec 2010 21:22:20 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/03/miami%e2%80%99s-lime-restaurants-to-make-a-splash-in-atlanta-atlanta-business-chronicle/
    A Miami-based restaurant chain is scouting metro Atlanta for locations. Lime Fresh Mexican Grill expects to open at least three restaurants initially, and founder and CEO John Kunkel believes the Atlanta market could bear up to six restaurants. “We’re anti-chain, even though we are one these days,” he said. “We try to find communities we can tie into.” Kunkel said he likes the feel of Midtown, the Little Five Points area, and the college areas in Atlanta, too, like Emory University, and has been scouting all of those areas. Menu items include classics like tacos, burritos and quesadillas. The chain is not affiliated with Lime Taqueria, the Smyrna restaurant owned by Atlanta businessman Rene Diaz. Founded in 2004 in Miami, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill has eight locations in the Miami area and one in Orlando. But the concept got a boost earlier this year when Maryville, Tenn.-based Ruby Tuesday Inc. (NYSE: RT) signed a licensing agreement with Kunkel and Lime Fresh Mexican Grill to grow the concept. The agreement, signed Sept. 13, gives Ruby Tuesday the opportunity to operate up to 200 Lime Fresh Mexican Grill restaurants in the eastern United States, excluding Florida. “Given that the fast-casual segment of our industry is proven and growing, and demand exceeds supply, we believe opening smaller, inline locations under the Lime brand is a potential growth option for us,” the company reported in an Oct. 6 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. “We expect to open one or two smaller prototype, inline company-owned Lime restaurants during the remainder of fiscal 2011.” Entering the growing fast-casual restaurant segment “with a strong brand such as Lime” gives Ruby Tuesday a way to expand with lower risk, the company said. “Lime is really Ruby’s growth vehicle right now,” Kunkel said. “We will use their infrastructure to grow.”

    Growth vehicles

    Lime Fresh Mexican Grill isn’t the only growth concept Ruby Tuesday is bringing to Atlanta. Truffles Café, an upscale café concept with an average $18 check that currently operates three restaurants in the Hilton Head Island, S.C., area, is expected to open Dec. 8 at the former Ruby Tuesday location on Lenox Road in Buckhead. It is the first Truffles Café operated by Ruby Tuesday. Menu items include soups, salads, sandwiches, a signature chicken pot pie, house-breaded fried shrimp, pasta, ribs, steaks, and a variety of desserts. Like Lime Fresh Mexican, Ruby Tuesday expects Truffles Café will help it grow, said Stewart Newbold, Truffles Café operating partner, who was once with Ruby Tuesday. “This is the first of what we hope to be 200 Truffles Cafés nationally,” he said. If the Buckhead Truffles Café proves to be successful, other locations may be possible in the market, Newbold said. “We see [Atlanta] as a very strong market,” he said. “There is a keen eye on it.” Ruby Tuesday is also converting some of its restaurants to Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Wok Hay, an Asian concept. Earlier this year Sandy Beall, Ruby Tuesday founder, president and CEO, told investors the conversions “have the potential to grab average restaurant volume increases of $1 million.” “It seems they are repositioning the brand, to be a multi-focused operator like YUM! Brands,” said Eric Giandelone, director of food service at Mintel International Ltd., a consumer research firm. YUM! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM) operates brands A&W, Long John Silver’s, Taco Bell and KFC. “Ruby Tuesday is inching toward that in some ways with the licensing agreements [with Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and the other concepts],” Giandelone said. “They haven’t completely acquired those companies, so it is baby steps in that direction, but it is a way for them to buttress some sagging sales.” Ruby Tuesday reported $302.6 million in revenue for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, which ended Aug. 31, compared with $300 million during the same quarter in 2009. The company reported net income of $12.4 million during the quarter, compared with $6.1 million a year ago. Ruby Tuesday owns, operates or franchises 877 restaurants in 46 states, 15 foreign countries and Guam.

    Wrapping up the market

    Lime Fresh Mexican Grill’s entrance falls on the heels of another large fast-casual chain planning to expand in the market. Denver-based Qdoba Mexican Grill, with locations in Alpharetta and Suwanee, recently announced it has two or three sites in the pipeline in metro Atlanta, and may put in as many as 30 restaurants. Qdoba, a subsidiary of San Diego-based Jack In The Box Inc. (Nasdaq: JACK), has been focusing growth in markets where it has little or no presence, and Atlanta fits that category. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE: CMG) has 13 metro Atlanta locations, and Atlanta-based Moe’s Southwest Grill has 64 metro locations. Other Mexican concepts in town include Willy’s Mexicana Grill and numerous mom-and-pop ethnic restaurants. Lime’s Kunkel knows it is a crowded field. “There are 9,000 Mexican concepts out there,” he said. “Atlanta is so densely populated with other Mexican concepts. But we’re unique in what we do.” Lime Fresh Mexican Grill is a cross between fast-casual and a neighborhood restaurant, Kunkel said. “We have all the convenience of fast-casual and casual dining.”
    Lime Mexican GrillIt would seem that as quickly as restaurants close, something else is on the horizon. Hopefully we will see a Lime Fresh Mexican Grill in Midtown in the coming months???
    ]]>
    1057 2010-12-05 16:22:20 2010-12-05 21:22:20 open open miami%e2%80%99s-lime-restaurants-to-make-a-splash-in-atlanta-atlanta-business-chronicle publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands Resort http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/05/magical-nights-of-lights-at-lake-lanier-islands-resort/ Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:33:30 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1065 Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Island Resort

    [caption id="attachment_1066" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Happy Holidays!"]Happy Holidays![/caption] The holidays are upon us indeed. Even if it does just seem like we put the decorations away a couple weeks ago! And so the quest begins for that perfect gift for that someone special, and what to do with those holiday relatives that are coming your way.

    Enter Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Island Resort. Now first as a disclaimer, I have to admit I have never made it to this event. Shame on me. But, I'm still going to tell you about it in hopes that if I don't make this year, you'll e-mail me pictures and I'll post them! He He!  But this seven mile drive filled with holiday light displays is sure to put you in the holiday mood. (Some people might need a double dose this year!)  At the end of the tour, you can visit the Holiday Village for a visit with Jolly Old Saint Nick himself, hot chocolate and carnival rides and games!

    If you are an adult, but still a kid at heart, and have no kids, (whew) maybe an overnight stay at the Legacy Lodge and Conference Center might be something to consider. Hey, maybe THAT's the perfect gift you been looking for?

    The festive display of lights began November 20th, and runs through December 30th, from 5-10pm Nightly. The cost is $40 per car (Monday-Thursday except December 20-25 a.k.a Holiday rush) and $60 per car Friday and Saturday (weekend rush)

    Now, timing is everything, right? Well it just happens that today in my Groupon deal....it's Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier! Check out this Groupon Offer and I hope you are able to snag this deal of only $29 per car!!!!

    For more information about the Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier, or a package to include that overnight getaway at Legacy Lodge, check these links!

    Happy Holidays from Thomas Ramon Realty!

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    1065 2010-12-05 09:33:30 2010-12-05 14:33:30 open open magical-nights-of-lights-at-lake-lanier-islands-resort publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description
    Citizen police academies help public understand what men and women in blue do http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/05/citizen-police-academies-help-public-understand-what-men-and-women-in-blue-do/ Mon, 06 Dec 2010 03:49:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/05/citizen-police-academies-help-public-understand-what-men-and-women-in-blue-do/
    by Bob Kelley In the often fickle arena of public opinion, acceptance sometime boils down to one key ingredient: respect.  Rodney Dangerfield couldn’t get enough of it, Aretha Franklin topped the music charts demanding it and law enforcement teams across America strive to earn it every day. Throughout much of the 20th century, the image of the nation’s “men and women in blue” ran the gamut from the lovable, helpful cop on the neighborhood beat to Depression-era “coppers” to the Blue Meanies of the turbulent 1960s. But 25 years ago, police enforcement agencies across America, large and small, began using Citizen Police Academies (CPAs) as a viable community relations tool to bring admirers back into the fold.  Through these programs, area residents are given the opportunity to take a close look at what police officers do and even learn a few of their skills. Since 1985 the concept, borrowed from England, has educated thousands of Americans about everyday efforts to protect and serve citizens and fight crime. Today, as America tightens its fiscal belt, crime labs are closing, officers are being furloughed and services are being cut.  More and more police departments, including some in Georgia, are looking to CPA alum volunteers to help lend a hand with community support services, freeing officers to address the more dangerous, critical issues.  In the Atlanta area, one of the best CPA courses can be found in Doraville and residents who have completed the academy rank among its biggest and most ardent supporters.

    Doraville—a local CPA role model

    The Doraville Police Department’s CPA is a relative newcomer in terms of the American citizen police academy historical timeline.  Only three years old, it has steadily gained a local reputation of how the ideal CPA should be structured and conducted. Home to nearly 10,000 residents, Doraville bills itself as “a great place to live” and no doubt owes part of that distinction to the ongoing efforts of its police force.  The once brisk drug trade is down as traffickers steer clear of the area because of its growing reputation for successful drug busts.  Officers patrol city and neighborhood streets with response times to suspicious criminal activity at about five minutes or less. Under the leadership of Chief John King, a veteran of multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, the Doraville PD strives to stay current on the latest crime-fighting tactics and maintain current technology.  Many of the department’s assets, including its new police training center and its bi-annual CPA classes, are funded from seized drug money. To King and his team, the launch of the Doraville CPA program in 2007 was a natural extension of its highly rated police force.  “We strive to maintain a positive and productive relationship with our citizens,” said King, “and the experiences gained from the CPA classes, along with the ensuing two-way communication, further our efforts to improve the quality of life for Doraville residents.” Doraville CPA Coordinator Sgt. Brandi Rogers echoes King’s sentiments.  “Our CPA classes are designed to build a bond of mutual trust and respect between the police department and our neighborhoods,” Rogers said.  “The more our citizens know about the day-to-day operation of our department, the better the chances that our community remains free from the fear of crime.  CPA participants quickly learn that our job is not all glamour and high speed chases but consists of many smaller pieces that come together to get our job done.”

    Educational, fun and free

    The Doraville CPA was created, according to Rogers, with three goals in mind:  it had to be educational, fun and free to area residents. “We try to convey to citizens exactly what a Doraville police officer goes through on a daily basis,” she said. “And I believe this is reflected in the CPA curriculum.  Not only do we have presentations that offer an inside, candid look at local law enforcement, but we try to add a hearty dose of interactive demonstrations and practical hands-on experience to help everyone understand the person behind the badge.  I believe we accomplish this most effectively through our officer ride-a-longs, K-9 and less lethal force demonstrations and the ever popular Special Weapons and Tactics, or SWAT, night.” The typical Doraville CPA is held twice a year, three hours a week for 11 weeks.  Participants are immediately introduced to the criminal landscape with a tour of the city jail, complete with padded cells, observation cameras and top-notch criminal identification technology.  In the jail’s control center, lighted display maps show the location of every active patrol car in the city at any given time (think of Harry Potter’s Marauder’s Map). Meeting weekly in the city’s sparkling new training center, CPA attendees receive detailed information about 911 operations, accident investigation, emergency response, crisis negotiation and crime prevention.  Other topics like the complexities of constitutional law, street gangs, vice/drug enforcement and less lethal weapons such as Tasers and pepper spray are also a part of the CPA experience. This is part one of a two-part series on Doraville’s Citizen Police Academy. In part two, which will be in the Dec. 9 issue of The Champion, participants talk about their experiences in the CPA.
    If you can ever attend one of these, they are suppose to be a great experience. I personally have not, but want to! Hope you can find one in a community near you! Thom Midtown Mojo
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    December Mingle In Midtown - December 13 - Abrigo http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/06/december-mingle-in-midtown-december-13-abrigo/ Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:51:10 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/06/december-mingle-in-midtown-december-13-abrigo/
    As some of you may, or may not know, I am currently the Membership Chairman for Midtown Neighbors' Association. One of my many hats I wear is to plan our monthly Happy Hours, now called "Mingle In Midtown." It's a great way to meet the people of Midtown Atlanta, and we also get to check out the local restaurants. They LOVE to have their neighbors come visit! So, why don't you come make new friends and visit with your old ones at the December "issue" of Mingle in Midtown! It will be Monday, December 13th from 7-9:30pm. We'll be checking out the new Abrigo restaurant on Juniper Street, where they will be offering up the Midtown Mojito and some great samples off their menu! Hope to see you there! Thom Midtown Mojo
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    RainCamp Tonight and Tomorrow In Atlanta ....altho It could Be snow! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/07/raincamp-tonight-and-tomorrow-in-atlanta-altho-it-could-be-snow/ Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:36:28 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/07/raincamp-tonight-and-tomorrow-in-atlanta-altho-it-could-be-snow/



    Thom Abbott, GRI,CHME
    Associate Broker
    Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties
    2911 Piedmont Road, NE
    Atlanta, GA 30305
    Direct: 770.713.1505

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    1109 2010-12-07 08:36:28 2010-12-07 13:36:28 open open raincamp-tonight-and-tomorrow-in-atlanta-altho-it-could-be-snow publish 0 0 post 0
    What You Can Learn From Taylor Swift About Becoming an Entrepreneur | Under30CEO http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/07/what-you-can-learn-from-taylor-swift-about-becoming-an-entrepreneur-under30ceo/ Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:04:19 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/07/what-you-can-learn-from-taylor-swift-about-becoming-an-entrepreneur-under30ceo/

    What You Can Learn From Taylor Swift About Becoming an Entrepreneur

    Under30CEO | 5 Comments and 30 Reactions

    taylor-swift

    Determination can start at any age

    When Taylor was 11 she would go up and down Music Row knocking on producers doors tell thing them “Hi, I’m Taylor and you should listen to me sing. Call me!” And of course nobody ever did. Without getting discouraged she used that rejection as rocket fuel and was determined to turn some heads. Starting out you have to know that you are going to get rejected by some or maybe everyone but don’t think for a second that it means you don’t have something that’s worth taking a look at. Just imagine how many of those people that turned her down are now thinking to themselves “why did I not give her the time of day?”

    Stand out from others and find your niche.

    After Taylor came back from knocking on everyone’s door without anyone even giving her a first chance she decided that she had to do something different from everyone else. When she turned 12, she picked up a 12 string guitar and started teaching herself how to play even until her fingers were covered in calluses and blood. Taylor also started writing her own songs. She returned to Nashville with having a few songs under her belt and people started to take notice in this young musician. You may have a great idea for a startup or business but think about how many others you’re competing against in that same field. Some have more than others of course but ultimately you are going up against even some big fish that have been swimming in that sea for a while. That’s where you have to figure out how you can stand out from the crowd and create your niche. What is it that makes your business, startup, service or product unique? Why is it better or the best out there? You also have to believe in what you do for others to take notice too.

    Knowing what’s best for you and what direction you want to go

    After Taylor went to Nashville and people took notice at her she signed a deal with RCA Records getting to work with some great names and other artists in her field. But when the renewal time came up for the deal she decided not to go with that label because she didn’t think she would truly be able to do the music she wanted to or play her songs that she had written. When you run a business or startup you have to know what’s going to be best for you and your business. If you don’t that’s where you can get lost and others start to walk all over you or take it over and tell you how to run it. You may get offered some great things but in the end will it work for the goal you’re trying to accomplish? It’s okay to say no when you don’t think it fits.

    Putting in the effort and making sacrifices

    While Taylor was busy writing songs all of her friends were out doing things with school, hanging out and partying. She missed out on a lot of stuff that normal kids do but she was determined and dedicated to writing songs. You’re going to miss out on many things as an entrepreneur or business owner because you’re the one that’s there 24/7 while the others go home. But how great is it that you are your own boss and make your own schedule? Sacrifices happen when you’re trying to accomplish something and push yourself above the rest.

    Sometimes you have to take chances

    Taylor thought at one point she was being signed with Universal but turns out the guy was leaving Universal to start his own company and wanted to sign her. Taylor took a leap of faith and agreed to sign with the new indie label. Even though she took a chance she knew it was right for her and also knew that with it being a smaller company that she would be able to really work with them. Taylor and her mom even helped stuff the cds into envelopes that would be sent out to radio stations. Taking chances doesn’t mean you’re going to fail. If you don’t take a chance with things you might be missing out on a huge opportunity that may not come around again. If you see potential in something and have a gut feeling it’s going to work out then you should just go with it. Sure, it may not work out but nothing ever always goes according to plan so we have to take chances. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

    Be who you are and let your it shine through what you do

    Taylor’s parents helped her with her marketing and myspace page but she wrote her bio information and always had a hand in anything that was written or said. She writes her music so what you see is what you get with her. She truly loves what she does and it shows when she steps out on the stage and picks up a guitar. But one of the real reasons she shines is because she really wants to reach out to those who listen to her music and connect with everyone. She’s a class act. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and let others get to know you through your brand or company. People want to learn about who is behind something and why you believe in it like you do. When people feel like they know you they feel that they can trust you. If you love what you do it will shine through and others can always see that. Don’t try and be someone else, be you.

    Never give up

    Taylor has created a great name for herself not only as a great artist but also as a great role model and person. She knew what she wanted to do and went after it. It wasn’t for fame or the money it was because she had such a passion for music that she wanted to share it with anyone who wanted to listen. Sure she hit some bumps along the way with people or things she had to overcome but if you ever told her the words “can’t or never” she would do anything and everything to prove it wrong. She now sings to sold out crowds everywhere and is at the top in country music. Being an entrepreneur is going to have it’s ups and downs but you can never give up no matter what. The bumps in the road are what make you stronger and it gives you the chance to prove others wrong when they tell you something can’t be done. It doesn’t matter how old you are when you want to start creating your idea or run a business, if you believe in it then go for it. When people turn you down let that be your rocket fuel that makes you work that much harder. Giving up is not an option. Ashley Bodi founder of Business Beware If this information helped you, sign-up to get our 5 day e-course on Starting Your Business with Less Money and Fewer Mistakes!
    0diggsdigg
    Popularity: 1% [?] Related posts:
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    5. Four Things to Ask yourself As a Starting Entrepreneur
    Filed Under: Expert AdviceFeatured Tags:
    WOW! What an incredible, motivating article! Be sure to share it with anyone you can! Thom Midtown Mojo
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    1110 2010-12-07 15:04:19 2010-12-07 20:04:19 open open what-you-can-learn-from-taylor-swift-about-becoming-an-entrepreneur-under30ceo publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords 309 sharon.paxson@gmail.com http://www.newportbeachrealestatecafe.com 76.170.112.51 2010-12-08 14:01:15 2010-12-08 19:01:15 1 0 0
    No Reservations in Montana (Part 1 of 5) http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/16/no-reservations-in-montana-part-1-of-5/ Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:30:30 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=690 No Reservations in Montana (Part 1 of 5) Mt. Delano MTMany of my friends, clients and real estate friends know I grew up in Montana. Any perhaps some of you don't. Unlike my two sisters who still live in my hometown of Livingston (in fact they now both have places on what is left of OUR family ranch) I flew the coop as soon as possible. First it was 3 years "over the hill" at Montana State University in Bozeman. Then I really took a leap and moved to Houston, Texas and the Hilton College of Hotel And Restaurant Management at the University of Houston. I've never looked back. Until now. For me, there has been No Reservations in Montana. But just finding this series causes me pause. A moment to reflect on the beauty that is the state of Montana, and Paradise Valley where I grew up. The first few mountain shots are taken very close to our family ranch (although only about 17 acres remain) As the lady comments in the video, for my family it was easy to sell off parts to other for pretty good money!) Please enjoy this tour...and if you ever have plans to visit Montana, be sure to make Livingston a stop on along the way. It's close to the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, and you'll travel the length of Paradise Valley from Livingston to Yellowstone. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3_MQbxjWl8[/youtube] ]]> 690 2010-12-16 16:30:30 2010-12-16 21:30:30 open open no-reservations-in-montana-part-1-of-5 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description No Reservations in Montana (Part 2 of 5) http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/17/no-reservations-in-montana-part-2-of-5/ Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:42:59 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=692 No Reservations in Montana (Part 2 of 5) WOW! How amazing this is to watch for me! So I hope I can put a pit of a personal spin on it and even make it more enjoyable for you! No Reservations in Montana really brings back the memories for me! Filmed in my home town of Livingston, Montana, when you see the scenery, maybe that tells you why I'm a down-to-earth, take-you-at-what-you-say kinda guy, and have had to "stiffen up" a bit living in a major cities like Houston, New Orleans, Miami, New York and Atlanta. Some notes about this segment.....I have a Russell Chatham water color hanging right here in my office!

    Russell Chatham Watercolor

    And I have a series of his paintings in poster format, dated from 1983!

    Tom McGuane, the writer mentioned in the video....I interviewed him for a school report in high school!! And I use to ride minibikes with his son. His first wife, is now married to Peter Fonda, and I saw Becky in June, 2009 when I was home in Montana!

    I've never been to Pinky's...didn't know about it, but intend to on my next trip if its still there?

    Hope you enjoy No Reservations in Montana (Part 2 of 5) as much as I have/am!

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMprXeYHk1c[/youtube]

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    No Reservations in Montana (Parts 3, 4 and 5) http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/18/no-reservations-in-montana-parts-3-4-and-5/ Sat, 18 Dec 2010 21:47:39 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=693 No Reservations in Montant (Parts 3 and 4) One of the unique aspects of the U.S. is while we are one country, we really are made up of 50 different countries. Each state has it's own unique character, people and place in our history. Whether it's New York or New Mexico,  San Franciso or Savannah, there are so many unique places here. My "Bucket List" of the places in the U.S. that I have never visited, or want to return to is a long one. I'll keep my list and hope I can start to tick some of them off in the months and years ahead. Murray Hotel Livingston MontanaBut until then, we've come up with technology such as TV and the Internet to take us places we have never been, or places we have been, and maybe did not appreciate as much as we should have. It's not to late to gain that appreciation. And my little home town of Livingston, Montana is such a place. Not a fond place to grow up in some respects, but in others, I think I'm a better person for having started my life there. Now, I have No Reservations about Montana. A return trip last year in June and my new found sense of  "take your camera everywhere," gave me the opportunity to see my hometown in a different light. It was fun to walk all over town and capture the sights I grew up with, some in a different state, and some just they way they looked when I left some "xx" years ago! Just so you can capture the rest of what Montana looks like, and why it's called The Big Sky Country, I'm sharing the last 2 parts of the No Reservations in Montana series in one blog. I hope you'll pause for a few minutes and watch with me and experience what Montana is all about. Number 3 has true family tie to it. Tim Bowers is my brother-in-law. The "base camp" where they have lunch after their horse ride is actually just behind their home in Paradise Valley, located on land given to them my my Dad. In the video, the lady with the blue plaid shirt is my sister, Cindy, the oldest of the three of us. If you want a truly unique vacation experience, check out Bearpaw Outfitters. Thanks, for taking time to stop by. Thanks for reading my blog. And Thanks for spending a little time with No Reservations in Montana.

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMprXeYHk1c[/youtube]

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBlF1WGtwPE[/youtube]

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    10 Questions You and Your Buyers Must Ask Before Purchasing A Condominium Unit http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/10/10-questions-you-and-your-buyers-must-ask-before-purchasing-a-condominium-unit/ Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:30:36 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=848 10 Questions You and Your Buyers Must Ask Before Purchasing a Condominium Unit. Here in Georgia, most of our condo developments and condo docs have strict limits on how many homes can be rented at anyone time. And fines can range from $25-50 PER DAY if you are caught renting your home without a permit! So, if you working with a Buyer, be sure they are not buying as an investment because they most likely WILL NOT be able to rent the unit. Most Midtown Atlanta Condo buildings are at their rental caps. Be sure you have an agent that understands condo living and the questions to ask!
    Via Richard Vetstein (Vetstein Law Group, P.C., TitleHub Closing Services LLC)
    Buying a condominium unit can be more involved than buying a single family home. Tbuying a Massachusetts condominium unithis is because you have to worry about both the unit itself and the condominium project as a whole. 10 Questions You Must Ask Before Purchasing A Condominium Unit To borrow from a famous phrase, not all condominiums are created equally. Some condominiums are very well run; some are quite poorly run and underfunded. Buyers interested in purchasing a condominium unit must do their homework:  not only about the condition of the individual unit they are interested in purchasing, but on the financial health and governance of the condominium as a whole. Remember, you are buying into the entire project as much as you are the unit, and your decision will impact your daily living and your ability to re-sell. Here are the 10 questions buyers should ask when deciding to purchase a condominium unit:
    1. What is the monthly condominium fee and what does it pay for? The monthly condominium fee can range quite dramatically from condominium to condominium. The fee is a by-product of the number of units, the annual expenses to maintain the common area, whether the condo is professionally managed or self-managed, the age and condition of the project, and other variables such as litigation. For budgeting and financing you need to know the monthly fee and exactly what you are getting for it.
    2. What are the condominium rules & regulations? Condominium rules can prohibit pets, your ability to rent out the unit, and perform renovations. Make sure you carefully review the rules and regulations before buying.  Needless to say, the buyer's attorney should review and approval all condominium documents, including the master deed, declaration of trust/by-laws, covenants, unit deed and floor plans to ensure compliance with state condominium laws as well as Fannie Mae and FHA guidelines, as necessary.
    3. How much money is in the capital reserve account and how much is funded annually? The capital reserve fund is like an insurance policy for the inevitable capital repairs every building requires. As a general rule, the fund should contain at least 10% of the annual revenue budget, and in the case of older projects, even more. If the capital reserve account is poorly funded, there is a higher risk of a special assessment.  Get a copy of the last 2 years budget, the current reserve account funding level and any capital reserve study.
    4. Are there any contemplated or pending special assessments? Special assessments are one time fees for capital improvements payable by every unit owner. Some special assessments can run in the thousands, others like the Boston Harbor Towers $75 Million renovation project, in the millions. You need to be aware if you are buying a special assessment along with your unit.  It's a good idea to ask for the last 2 years of condominium meeting minutes to check what's been going on with the condomininium.
    5. Midtown Atlanta Condos For SaleIs there a professional management company or is the association self-managed? A professional management company, while an added cost, can add great value to a condominium with well run governance and management of common areas.
    6. Is the condominium involved in any pending legal actions? Legal disputes between owners, with developers or with the association can signal trouble and a poorly run organization. Legal action equals attorneys’ fees which are payable out of the condominium budget and could result in a special assessment.  In most states, you can run a search of the condominium association in the court database to check if they've been involved in recent lawsuits.
    7. How many units are owner occupied? A large percentage of renters can create unwanted noise and neighbor issues. It can also raise re-sale and financing  issues with the new Fannie Mae and FHA condominium regulations which limit owner-occupancy rates. If your buyer is using conventional financing, check if it is a Fannie Mae approved condo. If FHA financing, check if it's an FHA approved condo. (Thanks Lou Corcoran for the links)
    8. What is the condominium fee delinquency rate? Again, a signal of financial trouble, and Fannie Mae and FHA want to see the rate at 15% or less.
    9. Do unit owners have exclusive easements or right to use certain common areas such as porches, decks, storage spaces and parking spaces? Condominiums differ as to how they structure the “ownership” of certain amenities such as roof decks, porches, storage spaces and parking spaces. Sometimes, they are truly “deeded” with the unit, so the unit owner has sole responsibility for maintenance and repairs. Sometimes, they are common areas in which the unit owner has the exclusive right to use, but the maintenance and repair is left with the association.  Review the Master Deed and Unit Deed on this one.
    10. What Does The Master Insurance Policy Cover? The condominium should have up to $1M or more in coverage under their master condominium policy. For buyer's own protection, they should always buy an individual HO-6 policy covering the interior and contents of the unit, because the master policy and condo by-laws may not cover all damage to their personal possessions and interior damage in case of a roof leak, water pipe burst or other problem arising from a common area element. Ask for a copy of the master insurance policy and don't forget to check the fine print of the by-laws.  Sometimes, there's language that would hurt a unit owner in case of a common area casualty.  Condominiums over 20 units should also have fidelity insurance to protect against embezzlement.
    Often a standard condominium questionnaire will answer all or most of these questions. In Mass., where I practice, this isn't required by law, nor is a seller disclosure. If not, be prepared to generate this list and incorporate it into your Offer to Purchase or Purchase and Sale Agreement, as the case may be in your home state. Either way, do not have your buyer put earnest money down until satisfactory answers are received.  Good luck and happy condo hunting to you and your buyers! For more great checklists and legal content, check out my main blog, The Massachusetts Real Estate Law Blog (www.massrealestatelawblog.com)
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    Speechless Sunday -- Misty Atlanta Morning http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/19/speechless-sunday-misty-atlanta-morning/ Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:00:03 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=888 Speechless Sunday -- Misty Atlanta Morning

    I actually took this picture in May of this year. As I was getting my morning coffee, and my morning going, I glanced out the window. This picture did not really capture the essence, but it reminded me of say a coastal area where you get the low lying fog/mist and it starts to burn off in the morning sun.

    Misty Atlanta Morning

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    888 2010-12-19 10:00:03 2010-12-19 15:00:03 open open speechless-sunday-misty-atlanta-morning publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    Buying A Midtown Atlanta Condo http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/09/buying-a-midtown-atlanta-condo/ Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:30:41 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=937 Buying A Midtown Atlanta Condo

    Condo Buyer

    Buying a Midtown Atlanta Condo can be a overwhelming experience. How do you find the right building, or floor plan? What about the view? There are quite a few things you should think about when buying a condo. That’s where I come in! Let’s talk about some of the things you should consider.

    Location, Location…..well, you get that one! We’ve already decided on Midtown!

    *The location of the building can still make a  difference.

    *What else is conveniently located to your building? (restaurants, grocery, dry cleaners, coffee shop?)

    Building Size

    A large high-rise gives you options to be up high for views. But maybe you’d prefer a more intimate, smaller building where you get to know more people.

    Midtown PoolAmenities

    There are many things to consider as to what your future home may offer. The amenities in Midtown Atlanta Condo buildings can vary. Does the building have:

    *Secured Access

    *24 hour Concierge

    *Fitness Center

    *Pool

    *Club Room (and what does it offer…movie theater, catering kitchen, internet access)

    *Dog Walk

    *Any retail space in the building to provide services like we mentioned above?

    Interior Features

    Are you looking for a traditional feel, modern, loft? Other features to look for include:

    *Laundry hook up in your home vs a common laundry area

    *Kitchen size (cabinets, counter space, pantry)

    *Bathroom (Again, cabinets, counter space, bath tub or shower only)

    *View! (What is it now, and could it change in 3-5 years)

    *Closet/Storage space in the condo (and is there an option for additional storage?)

    *Can you fit your furniture in the space? (You might have a family heirloom to keep with you)

    Parking

    Recently, the City of Atlanta has stepped up its parking enforcement for street parking meters. Does your Midtown Atlanta Condo building offer off-street parking? Is it covered? Gated? Secured? How many spaces come with your home? Is there guest parking available?

    Home Owners Association (HOA)

    This can be a completely new experience for a home buyer looking at condominium living. While you may or may not have experienced and HOA if you are moving from a suburban neighborhood, it’s something you need to be aware of in condo living.

    *What is the monthly HOA fee?

    *What is included in this fee?

    Viewpoint MidtownThese are two very important questions to ask. Fees, and what is included, can vary widely from building to building. Some will include water and sewer, some will not. Others might have gas cooking which is added to your fee. This fee also covers the maintenance of common areas such as a pool, club room, lobby, etc.

    *What is the financial condition of the community?

    We work on your behalf to obtain this information as well as know what is happening in the various Midtown Atlanta Condo buildings.

    Living in a condo building involves rules and regulations. What are they? Many don’t allow for grills on balconies, or plants. You are in close proximity to your neighbors and a noisy neighbor can be a challenge. How are these issues handled?

    Financing

    In today’s real estate market, this is an important question. If you are buying using a FHA mortgage, the condo community must be FHA approved. Make sure you know if the building you might be interested in IS approved! If not, it would require additional money for your down payment, something you may not be in a position to do.

    Also, you want to know about past sales, prices, and time on the market. Are homes in this building moving quickly? You want to think re-sale in the future, although we don’t know what the future may hold!

    Speaking of re-sale, how long do you plan to be in this home? What is in the area that could impact your sale in the future? New construction either finished and not sold, or proposed for the future?

    Can you rent your home if you need to move and can’t sell it? Most all Midtown Atlanta Condos have rental caps on the number of homes that can be rented at anytime. What is the wait time on the rental list?

    Also, many of the items listed above can impact your re-sale potential. A building with a pool might not be as desirable as one with. Even if YOU don’t think you will use the pool, you what to think re-sale.

    Sound intimidating? Don’t let it be! We are here to help you through each and every one of these considerations and help you make the best buying decision possible, based on what you are looking for.

    If you have other questions about buying a Midtown Atlanta Condo, just contact me and I'll be happy to help you work through all the steps and decisions and find you the perfect place to call home in Midtown Atlanta.

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    937 2010-12-09 09:30:41 2010-12-09 14:30:41 open open buying-a-midtown-atlanta-condo publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords 316 spaxson@roadrunner.com http://www.newportbeachrealestatecafe.com 76.170.112.51 2010-12-09 19:46:24 2010-12-10 00:46:24 1 0 0 318 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2010-12-09 23:34:42 2010-12-10 04:34:42 1 0 0
    Jobless Benefits? Where Can I Get Help? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/15/jobless-benefits-where-can-i-get-help/ Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:01:44 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=956 Jobless Benefits? Where Can I Get Help? Jobless ManIt's no secret that if you are not employed, you are probably NOT going to be buying a home. You could call it the Perfect Storm! Unheard of interest rates, and you can't take advantage of them. While somedays, selling real estate FEELS like being jobless, it's probably not quite the same. But, when I learned about this web site that has information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs, I just had to spread the word. Life can be pretty tough out there right now...I know. So if I can help by passing along some information, I'll feel I am a better person for helping someone. Just click on the picture below to be taken to the official benefits website of the U.S. Government for jobless benefits and where you can get help.

    Government Benefits

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    956 2010-12-15 16:01:44 2010-12-15 21:01:44 open open jobless-benefits-where-can-i-get-help publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords 353 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2010-12-15 22:42:54 2010-12-16 03:42:54 1 0 0
    The Real Estate Gold Rush? Has It Come and Gone? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/11/the-real-estate-gold-rush-has-it-come-and-gone/ Sat, 11 Dec 2010 14:00:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=973 The Real Estate Gold Rush? Has It Come and Gone? Well, if you read the New York Times, you might get that impression. And it does make you stop and think for a moment.....Has the real estate gold rush come and gone?

    HouseToday's issue of the NYTimes has an articled titled, "Housing Fades As A Means To Build Wealth," and it talks about the future of real estate as a means for accumulating wealth my be and era that is gone.

    “There is no iron law that real estate must appreciate,” said Stan Humphries, chief economist for the real estate site Zillow. “All those theories advanced during the boom about why housing is special — that more people are choosing to spend more on housing, that more people are moving to the coasts, that we were running out of usable land — didn’t hold up.”

    It gives one the idea that we should still buy real estate. Afterall, we DO have to have a place to live, right? But it just may not provide the wealth it once did.

    Some interesting food for thought. I look at my home as a place where I will be able to spend my later years. I am hopeful it will rise in value. (It did, but it kind went in reverse as many homeowners have experienced) And yes, I did use an equity line for other things, and so I'll be working my ass off to pay that off and get back to more solid ground. I'd like to think I'll be able to sell it one day, net some money and move onto something different.

    But as I get older, my values are certainly changing. I have a friend that will know exactly what I am talking about when I think of the simplicity of my life if I had a home like this.....

    Airstream Trailer

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    973 2010-12-11 09:00:47 2010-12-11 14:00:47 open open the-real-estate-gold-rush-has-it-come-and-gone publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    Speechless Sunday -- Did You See The Movie, Where The Red Fern Grows? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/12/speechless-sunday-did-you-see-the-movie-where-the-red-fern-grows/ Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:00:15 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=993 Montana Ranch

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    993 2010-12-12 10:00:15 2010-12-12 15:00:15 open open speechless-sunday-did-you-see-the-movie-where-the-red-fern-grows publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    Tin Lizzy Cantina - Midtown Atlanta It's Yum Yum! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/20/tin-lizzy-cantina-midtown-atlanta-its-yum-yum/ Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:30:03 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=998 Tin Lizzy Cantina - Midtown Atlanta It's Yum Yum! Tin Lizzy Cantina Midtown AtlantaMy restaurant visits are not what they use to be. But I do get an opportunity to sample things as I plan the monthly Mingle In Midtown, a social happy hour for the Midtown Neighbors' Association. A new restaurant had opened in Midtown, so I quickly reached out to the owner, Andy McKoski about hosting our event. This is not the first Tin Lizzy Cantina. They have locations on Memorial Drive and Piedmont Road in Buckhead. But the addition of Tin Lizzy Midtown Atlanta is awesome. First off, it's in a great location on Crescent Avenue, between 14th and 13th Streets. They took over from another restaurant, but have given it the Tin Lizzy touch! My food sampling was limited to the complimentary food they gave us, but it still came off the menu....and it was delish! But the thing that stood out the most is their salsa. It's to die for! I even got them to give me a container to take home!Their menu offers all kinds of great things. Like fried pickles? 21 different options for tacos, Tin Skillet dinners and great quesadillas! Tin Lizzy Cantina does it right! Lei, Chris and ThomAs I mentioned this was our social/networking event for the neighborhood, so it was great to see familiar faces as well as some new ones! Tin Lizzy Cantina Midtown is open Monday-Saturday, 11:30AM - 2:30AM and Sunday from 11:30AM to 12:00AM It's become one of my Midtown favorites and hope it will for you too!

    Tin Lizzy appetizer

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    998 2010-12-20 09:30:03 2010-12-20 14:30:03 open open tin-lizzy-cantina-midtown-atlanta-its-yum-yum publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    Just The Way You Are -- A Shout Out to My AR Peeps I've Come To Know! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/14/just-the-way-you-are-a-shout-out-to-my-ar-peeps-ive-come-to-know/ Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:30:09 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1015 Just The Way You Are -- A Shout Out to My AR Peeps I've Come To Know!

    I still have never figured out exactly HOW I found Active Rain. It's a website where I have another real estate blog that you may have found as well. If not, checkout RealtorThom on Active Rain!

    I just know the two very significant dates.

    Activated My Profile - August 18, 2007

    My First Blog Post - August 25, 2007

    You ask, "What do we, your readers, care about this place called Active Rain?" Well, it's made me a better real estate broker by teaching me many of the things I use to day in marketing YOUR home or condominium For Sale, or tips I've learned when negotiating on your behalf to purchase your next home! It's some pretty good stuff!

    WOW! Since that time, I've come a long way baby! My blogs have gone from simple to complex and multi-part.

    Pictures and graphs and links and kinks....

    I've learned about everything from SEO to Animoto.

    But above all else, the technology, the tips and heck ya even real life LEADS and CLOSINGS.....

    My Midtown Mojo Blogging Inspiration

    It's the people I've met, and the friendships I've formed that have truly made Active Rain and awesome and wonderful place to spend the countless hours that I spend.

    Many of you I've met in person, and many I have not.

    If we met in person, that first meeting was like two old friends catching up after months, or years apart.

    It felt like we knew each other already!

    If we haven't met in person, I look forward to that day when we too will share that same feeling.

    I won't mention names for fear I could miss someone.

    You know who you are.

    You know where you are.

    And I Thank you....Just The Way You Are!

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    1015 2010-12-14 09:30:09 2010-12-14 14:30:09 open open just-the-way-you-are-a-shout-out-to-my-ar-peeps-ive-come-to-know publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    FHA Approved Condos Midtown Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/14/fha-approved-condos-midtown-atlanta-ga/ Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:43:10 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1118 What Midtown Atlanta Condos are FHA Approved? In today's real estate market, most buyers are now using FHA financing for their Midtown Atlanta Condo purchase. While the credit score requirement has gone up, what remains most attractive is the down payment amount of  3.5% of the purchase price. But another important factor you have to consider when using FHA financing is whether the condominium community you are buying in is FHA Approved. Ahhh....you say. In Midtown Atlanta, our primary zip codes are 30308 and 30309 so this list reflects the buildings that are in that part of Midtown Atlanta. It also lists the date that their approval is good through.
    Midtown Atlanta GA FHA Approved Condominium Buildings
    ZIP CODE 30308
    [caption id="attachment_182" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Midtown Atlanta, GA"]Midtown Atlanta, GA[/caption] 795 Myrtle Street Condominiums            7/31/2011
    Glendale Heights Condominiums             10/5/2012 Melrose Park (Phase 1)                             10/5/2012 Palisades By The Park                               11/8/2012 Renaissance Lofts                                     06/17/2012 Renaissance Park                                     08/02/2012 Renaissance Park II                                 05/31/2011 Sienna at Renissance Park                       05/31/2011 Spire Midtown Atlanta                             11/26/2012 Cornerstone Village                                  04/12/2012 Dakota Condominiums                             08/11/2012 The Reynolds                                            03/31/2011 The Tyree Condominiums                       07/31/2011 Troy Peerless Lofts                                  12/07/2011 Viewpoint Midtown Tower 1                   12/07/2011 ZIP CODE 30309 1010 Midtown Condominiums                    12/15/2011 1280 West Condominiums                          12/07/2011 905 Juniper                                                   04/19/2012 Ansley Terrace Condominums                   05/04/2012 Aqua Condominiums                                    12/07/2011 City Park Townhomes                                 03/31/2011 Colony Park Citihomes                                 05/31/2011 Cotting Court                                                05/06/2012 Luxe Condominiums                                    02/10/2012 Mayfair Renaissance                                    11/22/2012 Mayfair Tower                                             05/04/2012 Metropolis North Condominiums              09/30/2011 Parc Vue Condominiums                             07/31/2011 Park Central Condominiums                      07/01/2012 Peachtree Lofts                                             12/07/2011 Peachtree Walk Condominiums                 04/08/2012 Piedmont Park West                                    02/28/2012 Plaza Midtown                                               12/07/2011 If you are interested in a FHA Approved Condo in Midtown Atlanta, I would be happy to help you with your home purchase. If there is a building that is NOT on this list, please let me know and I will be happy to help you find out the status of the building. Most of your major communities are listed here. For more information about purchasing your Midtown Atlanta condo, give me a call!
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    1118 2010-12-14 15:43:10 2010-12-14 20:43:10 open open fha-approved-condos-midtown-atlanta-ga publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords 2575 perk.monk@yahoo.com http://www.parkcitysothebys.com/upper-deer-valley-condo-search-in-park-city/   49.248.13.98 2011-05-20 08:01:07 2011-05-20 12:01:07 1 0 0 2363 premiumseo@hotmail.com http://www.parkcitysothebys.com/ 49.248.13.98 2011-05-12 07:43:06 2011-05-12 11:43:06 1 0 0
    Google Zeitgeist Report on the Words We Searched in 2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/12/google-zeitgeist-report-on-the-words-we-searched-in-2010/ Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:25:43 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/12/google-zeitgeist-report-on-the-words-we-searched-in-2010/

    Interesting little thing from Mr. Google! Enjoy!

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    1121 2010-12-12 11:25:43 2010-12-12 16:25:43 open open google-zeitgeist-report-on-the-words-we-searched-in-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    9 Reasons to List During the Holidays http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/12/9-reasons-to-list-during-the-holidays/ Sun, 12 Dec 2010 21:48:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1123 9 Reasons to List During The Holidays Well, Christmas and New Years are but 12 and 20 days away, but this topic still bears repeating. If you were thinking, "let's wait to list the house till after the holidays," you just might be missing out on a buyer. So here are some reasons to list your home during the holiday season.
    1. January can be  a time for new employees to start their new job, and hence need new housingchristmas
    2. Some people need to buy before the end of the year for tax reasons
    3. Buyers may have more time to look during the holidays with additional time off from work
    4. Homes DO show better when decorated for the holiday
    5. Serious Buyers have less homes to choose from during the holidays (those other people that choose to wait to list are not yet available)
    6. Buyers viewing homes during this time of year are most likely pretty serious buyers
    7. The supply of homes will most likely jump in January as those that chose NOT to list over the holidays jump into the market
    8. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays...and may be willing to pay closer to your asking price (provided it's priced right to start with)
    9. If you sell now, you may be able to lease back your home for a period of time. Also, you will not be a buyer shopping with a contingency that you have to sell your home first.
    So if you've been thinking about listing your Midtown Atlanta Condominium, now is a good time for us to help you make that happen. And yes, when the holidays are over and your home may not have sold yet, we will be back to take new pictures without holiday decorations. Why not contact Thomas Ramon Realty and let us get to work for you this holiday season!]]>
    1123 2010-12-12 16:48:17 2010-12-12 21:48:17 open open 9-reasons-to-list-during-the-holidays publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    Winter Driving Tips http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/13/winter-driving-tips/ Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:27:04 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1128 Winter Driving Tips Car on road in winter. In the next week or so, many will take to the highways for the holidays. Off to visit family and friends, people will choose to drive so they can get all those holiday presents to their destination, along with the family. But driving during this time of year means taking extra steps in a majority of the U.S. states. The American Automobile Association has some winter driving tips:
    • Pack your cell phone with your local AAA's telephone number plus the number of people you are planning to visit, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle. Keep your cell phone connected to it's car charger to keep it fully charged in case you no longer have power in your car!
    • If you become stuck, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don't try to walk in a severe storm. It's easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
    • Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA's telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
    You can read more of their tips at AAA Exchange, Winter Driving Tips. Also, during this time of year, things are hectic for everyone. Rushing to get shopping and holiday preparations done, holiday parties, and of course, the long distance trip we talked about above. Remember these other important tips:
    • Keep your eyes on the road. Dialing your phone, programming a GPS, etc all take away from your primary function when driving....paying attention to the road. Remember, texting and driving in Georgia is against the law!
    • Leave some space between you and the car in front of you. You might be paying attention, but maybe they are not. In fact, try to "look through the car in front of you" for what may be happening in front of them...like brake lights!
    Thomas Ramon Realty wishes you and yours the safest of travels this holiday season. In fact, we will be on the road to New York City and will be keeping these winter driving tips in mind as we hit the road!]]>
    1128 2010-12-13 09:27:04 2010-12-13 14:27:04 open open winter-driving-tips publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    College Football Hall of Fame Selects Atlanta Site http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/13/college-football-hall-of-fame-selects-atlanta-site/ Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:07:35 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1131 College Football Hall of Fame Selects Atlanta Site College FootballIt appears that the "tourist center" of Downtown Atlanta is going to gain another attraction! The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported last month that the College Football Hall of Fame appears to have selected their preferred site...a parking lot on Marietta Street, close to CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park. The article states there are several issues to we worked out before any deal is signed however. And that will be some 8-10 months in the making. This might be a good thing, giving the economy time to rebound and travelers willing to spend money on such attractions. The NASCAR Hall of Fame that Atlanta bid on and lost (darn it...that would have been a good one...or so I thought) which opened in Charlotte in May of this year has been running a deficit and has had challenges with visitors. The museum set an attendance goal of 50,000 people per month, but attendance for BOTH July and August totaled 55,000 people. [caption id="attachment_1133" align="alignright" width="300" caption="College Football Hall of Fame Site"]College Football Hall of Fame Site[/caption] This map shows the proposed location of the College Football Hall of Fame and its proximity to many of the Downtown Atlanta attractions, such as World of Coke and the Georgia Aquarium. This is all good as Atlanta NEEDS to work on its draw for tourists and convention attendees. While the city has great hotel rooms and the Georgia World Congress Center, it lacks in the way of entertainment for both tourists and convention attendees. We will keep tabs on this project and let you know how things develop for the site and the projected date of opening.]]> 1131 2010-12-13 15:07:35 2010-12-13 20:07:35 open open college-football-hall-of-fame-selects-atlanta-site publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords Desperate Times, Desperate Measures. Or Just Being Creative? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/15/desperate-times-desperate-measures-or-just-being-creative/ Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:30:26 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1146 Desperate Times, Desperate Measures. Or Just Being Creative? Midtown Atlanta Real EstateIt's no news flash to anyone. Real estate is a pretty tough gig right now. Be you the Seller, the Buyer or the Broker. (Ok, the Buyers might have it easy in the sense of what they can buy a home or condo for right now, but you need to have some pretty good credit and some money in the bank.) So, my Seller's have asked now, and in the past, what can we do to sell our home? Well, let's get creative. And an article in the Wall Street Journal offers up some great suggestions. Now, sure, these are done in multi-million dollar listings, but who says it can't be done in your $200,000 home or condo? Of course it can! And by working together with your Broker, you can accomplish any of these. If your Broker does not have an artist, how about you? Maybe you have a friend that would jump at the chance for a "gallery show" but held in your home. It does not have to break the bank to do a wine and cheese event, or a Sunday afternoon hot apple cider and cookies kind of event. I loved the idea in the article of a picnic on a vacant piece of land. Hmmmm....(sound of wheels turning) I'd be happy to get creative with you to sell your home or condo in Midtown Atlanta. Just let me know when we can get together!]]> 1146 2010-12-15 09:30:26 2010-12-15 14:30:26 open open desperate-times-desperate-measures-or-just-being-creative publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords 860 Peachtree Street 2016, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA - Amazing Short Sale Value at Spire Midtown Atlanta - real estate listing http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/14/860-peachtree-street-2016-atlanta-ga-30308-usa-amazing-short-sale-value-at-spire-midtown-atlanta-real-estate-listing/ Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:55:11 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/14/860-peachtree-street-2016-atlanta-ga-30308-usa-amazing-short-sale-value-at-spire-midtown-atlanta-real-estate-listing/

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    1149 2010-12-14 15:55:11 2010-12-14 20:55:11 open open 860-peachtree-street-2016-atlanta-ga-30308-usa-amazing-short-sale-value-at-spire-midtown-atlanta-real-estate-listing publish 0 0 post 0
    Hawaii Residents Enjoy A Winter Snow! Yes...SNOW! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/16/hawaii-residents-enjoy-a-winter-snow-yes-snow/ Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:03:49 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1150 Hawaii Residents Enjoy A Winter Snow! Yes...SNOW! If you have never been to Hawaii....GO! But, on the Big Island of Hawaii (my Mom and I own a Timeshare there) you have have the best of both worlds...beach AND snow! The last time I was in Hawaii, we drove up to Mauna Kea to the observatories. Of course, it was not winter, but it was still in the 40's by the time we got to the top. And you have to hike up the road as rental cars are banned from the steep road due to people burning out breaks or transmissions as they come down! But a good friend of my, Susie Blackmon who use to live in Hawaii, shared this video from the Big Island Video News site. I could not include it here, but please click on the link to watch the story. We get snow here in Atlanta every once in awhile....last year we got a really nice blanket.....

    Atlanta Snow 2010

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    1150 2010-12-16 10:03:49 2010-12-16 15:03:49 open open hawaii-residents-enjoy-a-winter-snow-yes-snow publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords
    Painting Without Pain - The Basics http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/19/painting-without-pain-the-basics/ Sun, 19 Dec 2010 14:18:28 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/19/painting-without-pain-the-basics/ Painting Without Pain -- The Basics!
    Painting Without PaimI probably hate painting as much as the next person. But as this article would make you understand...it's ALL in the preparation! And if you live in an older condo building or home, be very careful with any type of paint removal in case there is lead paint. (And most likely, there is.)
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    1171 2010-12-19 09:18:28 2010-12-19 14:18:28 open open painting-without-pain-the-basics publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    Buying a Midtown Atlanta GA Condominium http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/23/midtown-atlanta-ga-condominiums/ Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:30:12 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=696 Midtown Atlanta Condominiums before you purchase one in Midtown Atlanta, or anywhere for that matter.  Owning a condominium is very different from owning a single family home. It's a different type of lifestyle, and usually in a much different location. So, let's take a look at both sides.... Viewpoint Midtown

    The PROS to Condominium Living

    Location While it use to be the case that most condos were located in more urban areas, like Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead or Midtown, you can find condos all over the Atlanta area. If you want to be in the center of the city, a condo can be a good choice for you.

    Security While no building is totally secure, having controlled access with a card reader and a 24-hour Concierge and security staff does make one feel better. Also, if you travel much, the "lock it and leave it" convenience of a condo is awesome. No lawn to mow, paper to have picked up or mail to be taken out of the box! A condo, at the beach, makes a great second home for this very reason.

    Minimal Maintenance Most any one of the Midtown Atlanta Condominiums that you look at offer you low maintenance. There's no yard to mow, or snow to shovel (it can happen here!) Common areas (those areas of the building you share with your fellow owners) and things like the roof are handled by the property management. You mostly have to be concerned with items inside your home such as your a/c, kitchen appliances and such.

    Affordability This is a key factor in purchasing a condominium. While they come in all shapes and sizes, so do the prices. However, a 1 or 2 bedroom condo in Midtown Atlanta will be less expensive than trying to purchase a single family home.

    Metropolis Midtown PoolAmenities The chance you will buy (or be able to afford) a home with a pool, club room and fitness center are probably slim. But a condominium offers these types of amenities, and more. Some new buildings now have zen gardens and outdoor living rooms! Along with these amenities comes social events with your neighbors or, the ability for you to reserve the club room for your own private event!

    And if you are not inclined to use these amenities, you should take them into consideration when purchasing your condo. You might not use them, but the next person might, and this could affect your ability to sell your condo in the future! Be sure to see the different amenities in all the Midtown Atlanta Condominiums!

    Condominium Association Somewhat different than a typical homeowners association in that EVERYONE MUST be a member of the association. No ifs, and or buts! The association has a Board of Directors, elected by the owners, who work with the property manager to run the "day-to-day operations" of a condo building, that can be as small as 4 units or as large as 400. The Board acts to enforce all the rules and regulations and make decisions about the overall property and maintenance.

    Single Family Home

    The CONS to Condominium Living

    "Box of Air" This term has often been used to describe a condo. You do not own the land on which the condo building sits, but share ownership with all the other owners. So comes the saying that you own a space in the area. It's a bit more than that, as you are responsible (from maintenance as well as insurance) for your interior walls, in. So if you've done extensive remodeling to your condo, you can have alot more it in. But it is different than the single family home where you own the land your home sits on.

    Community Living Of course you live in a community when you own a single family home. But, you've got some 10-20 feet between houses, maybe even more, depending on the neighborhood. In a condo, you share walls and common areas (hallways, pool, club room, garage) with your neighbors. So you are much more inclined to see them more often, and also might hear them if they play a stereo to loud! You are also much more involved as a group in making decisions for the entire building, than just your own home.

    Fees Many condo buyers, especially if it's your FIRST condo purchase, wrestle with condo fees. But it takes some careful analysis to look at what is really covered in that monthly fee which goes towards the maintenance and repair of the common areas and the building. In a single family home, you have insurance against your home, pest control, security (an alarm system?) trash collection, lawn maintenance (if you don't do it yourself) and other expenses. All of these are covered in your monthly HOA fee. Some Midtown Atlanta Condominiums even include water and sewer charges, gas (if available) and internet access.

    Aqua Midtown AtlantaResale It use to be thought that condominiums were more sensitive to trends in real estate than a single family home. But the recent market probably would question that thought process. More importantly in condo resales, is the condition of the building (common areas) as well as the financial strength (reserves) of the condominium association to handle future repairs or potential lost condo fees from foreclosures. In a single family neighborhood, an empty home can quickly be noticed by uncut grass or papers in the driveway. It's pretty difficult to see which condo are empty.

    Rules This is probably the single biggest difference between condominium and single family home living. Yes, in newer home communities, they have strict guidelines about painting your home, installing a fence or pool. But in a condominium, the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) can limit everything from types of pets, what can/cannot be placed on your balcony, where you park and even what type of window coverings you can have. While it sounds very restrictive, and can be, it's done in the interests of maintaining the community (building) to look the best for everyone. I often say, "not everyone has as good a taste as you and I."

     

    Condominium Association While it is a positive to have an association, it can also have challenges. But, most Midtown Atlanta Condominiums are professionally managed by a property management company. This provides for an on-site manager (in most cases) to manage the building on behalf of the residents, with direction from the Board of Directors. While I don't think this much different than a single family association (except no property manager) it's an important factor to consider. For example, if you want to remodel the interior of your condo, you have to have approval from the association. Not a bad thing....ever seen the damage cause when a contractor ruptures a waterline on the 16th floor?

    Thomas Ramon Realty has been in the Midtown and Buckhead communities for the past 4 years. If you are looking for a condominium home in these, or other In Town neighborhoods, let our experience help you find just the right condominium for you! For more information, just click on our picture!

    The Thom And Ray Team

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    696 2010-12-23 09:30:12 2010-12-23 14:30:12 open open midtown-atlanta-ga-condominiums publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords 535 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/14/park-central-condominiums-annual-market-report-2009-2010/ 64.62.138.247 2011-01-14 16:02:31 2011-01-14 21:02:31 1 pingback 0 0 901 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/06/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-a-series/ 64.62.138.247 2011-03-06 16:51:18 2011-03-06 21:51:18 1 pingback 0 0 514 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/11/spire-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report/ 64.62.138.247 2011-01-13 10:41:11 2011-01-13 15:41:11 1 pingback 0 0 821 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/22/coca-cola-relocation-to-midtown-atlanta/ 64.62.138.247 2011-02-22 09:51:21 2011-02-22 14:51:21 1 pingback 0 0
    Fire Safety In Your Home! Do You Have a Plan? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/22/fire-safety-in-your-home-do-you-have-a-plan/ Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:00:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=709 Fire Safety In Your Home is something you should make a top priority!

    Vintage Clothes DryerLaundry is a household task we all face. And so I worked on mine on Sunday afternoon. My dryer has not been operating well for a few weeks, in fact it takes 3 cycles to dry a load of clothes. And, even when you ran it for one cycle, the dryer got very hot on the outside. So I have always made sure I was close by while running the dryer. A call was needed to my warranty company to have them make a repair, but just did not get around to it.

    Sunday afternoon, I was laying on the bed watching TV when I heard this loud sound, a bit like an explosion. I ran down the hall to the laundry room....and there it was....flames coming from the back of my dryer! Lucky for me, I had a fire extinguisher sitting near my fireplace. It's been in my house for years, and yes, it worked. Seeing flames in your house (outside of a gas stove or fireplace) is pretty unnerving.

    Do you have a fire safety plan for your home and family? How will you get out in case of fire? Do you have fire extinguishers? Smoke Alarms? A safe meeting place outside your home where everyone is to gather? All of these sound simple, but how many of us really think about it? Until it's to late?

    fire extinguisherI really don't remember when I bought my fire extinguisher, but had I not had one, I would of either caused some serious water damage, or the fire might have been MUCH worse. So far, it appears to have been contained to the dryer only, and no damage to the walls! Now, cleaning up the "stuff" that comes out of an extinguisher...that's another story! And also, try not to breath in what comes out of one...it's tough on the throat!

    My smoke detector is connected to my security system, although the system is no longer being monitored. The detector still went off, but we already had the fire out by the time it went off. I actually had to cut the wires to get it to stop, so will be getting a new one, or seeing how to make this operational again.

    My story ends well. I just have to get a new dryer and do some house cleaning. But it could of been much worse. Don't ignore Fire Safety In Your Home. Do You Have a Plan?

    If not, sit down with your family and make your plan today. Check to make sure smoke detectors work, and that you have them in the necessary places in your home. Plan escape routes in case of a fire. If you live in a condo building, take a wet towel with you if you have to use the fire stairs. If you run into smoke, it will help you avoid breathing it in.

    You'll be glad you have a plan if you ever need it. But I hope you don't.

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    709 2010-12-22 16:00:00 2010-12-22 21:00:00 open open fire-safety-in-your-home-do-you-have-a-plan publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    What Does YOUR Listing Say? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/21/what-does-your-listing-say/ Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:00:21 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=711 That said, I just have to laugh when I read the following description in our listing service yesterday: "The Homeowners/Sellers Obligation to perform on this contract is subject to the approval of the Lien Holders. For Any Inspection Buyers Cost. Buyer Must Turn on Utilities. This is a Short Sale." Well doesn't that just make me want to run right over and show that listing? It certainly sounds like something that came right out of some lender's legal department, but I mean really? Could we have not put that in the Private Remarks, and really described the home, a condo on the 15th floor of a great Midtown building and at a great price? Sure, if I am representing the Buyer, I need to know that they will have to pay for the utilities to be turned on for the inspection. Sure I need to know this is a short sale. But all of that could of been in the Private Remarks, and the Listing Agent could of been selling the features of this condo to the prospective Buyer...and to ME! When I work with you as your Listing Agent, we work together to make sure we have identified all the best features of your home to get the most exposure possible. Even if it's a short sale, we want to encourage the Buyer to see your home or condo and what is unique about it. If you are looking to sell your Midtown Atlanta Condo, let's work together to make sure we get you the best marketing possible!  And if you are Searching for a Midtown Atlanta Condo, you've come to the right place.]]> 711 2010-12-21 16:00:21 2010-12-21 21:00:21 open open what-does-your-listing-say publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords Happy New Year Active Rain! Happy New Year Everyone! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/31/happy-new-year-active-rain-happy-new-year-everyone/ Fri, 31 Dec 2010 09:00:16 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=751 Happy New Year!!! This evening, we will all do different things, at different places, in different ways. You may choose to enjoy the quiet of your home with just family, or maybe a few close friends. You may choose to dine in a fine restaurant and toast in the New Year with friends, or other guests you may not even know. You may choose to be in that wild and crazy night club and dance your way into the New Year (I'll be in between these two) No matter what way you choose, everyone stops, be it in the quiet of the home, or the craziness of a club, to reflect. It's our nature. Some will have great fortune to reflect upon, and others will not. But one of the great things about the human spirit, and us humans in general, we have the great ability to hit a "restart" button. And look to the New Year and the future. For many of us in the chosen profession of  real estate, it's be a year of rough roads and rough times. But, we look to the New Year with resolve and determination that we will make it. So, as you and I send out 2010, and Welcome in 2011, just remember the Climb! It will be worth it all! ]]> 751 2010-12-31 04:00:16 2010-12-31 09:00:16 open open happy-new-year-active-rain-happy-new-year-everyone publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 453 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2011-01-03 10:10:01 2011-01-03 15:10:01 1 0 0 You Tube Is 5 Years Old! Happy Birthday! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/20/you-tube-is-5-years-old-happy-birthday/ Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:00:39 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=799 You Tube Is 5 Years Old! Happy Birthday! This year, in fact on February 15th, You Tube turned 5 years old!  It started with a kid's video from a trip to the zoo. And that kid later turned out to be one of the FOUNDERS of You Tube, which was sold to Google for a modest $1.6 BILLION! And You Tube is the second most searched site after Google itself. Man, how come I can't think of an idea like this? So, You Tube Is 5 Years Old! Happy Birthday! I thought I would share with you all the single most watched video EVER on You Tube.....

    3,487,000 VIEWS!!!!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU TUBE!

    ]]>
    799 2010-12-20 16:00:39 2010-12-20 21:00:39 open open you-tube-is-5-years-old-happy-birthday publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    50 Inexpensive Tips to Dramatically Increase the Value of Your Properties http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/22/50-inexpensive-tips-to-dramatically-increase-the-value-of-your-properties/ Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:30:46 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=819
    Via Tai DeSa (Significa Corporation):

    50 Inexpensive Tips to Dramatically Increase the Value of Your Properties

    By Tai A. DeSa, Significa Corporation

    Professional landlords and investors involved in property flipping should constantly seek to improve their property value while keeping costs low.  Below is a list of 50 tips that we shared with our property investment club (the Lehigh Valley Real Estate Investors Group). Tip #1:  Add a basic alarm system. The number one concern for any resident is security.  If a homeowner or tenant does not feel secure, then eventually they will move elsewhere.  Many security alarm providers have lucrative introductory offers for equipment and/or installation.  If you provide an alarm system for your tenants, raise the rent and offer a "free security system."  Or, have your tenants pay the monthly monitoring fee. light fixture installationTip #2:  Install matching light fixtures and ceiling fans. Consider some track lighting with dimmers to highlight artwork or showcase a particular part of the room.  Consider flex track lighting or suspended track lighting. The addition of a dimmer switch makes your lighting more versatile and is a great mood enhancer.  Ceiling fans add value, and you may want to consider adding them in place of staid old light fixtures.  If you don't want to replace existing ceiling fans, make sure you clean the dust off the blades and update the decorative pulls at the end of the chain. Tip #3:  Do some basic landscaping, particularly in the front yard. The front yard is the first thing that potential buyers see, so don't miss out on your chance to pique their interest.  Prospective buyers and tenants make up their minds about your home as they walk the first 10 feet from their car to your front door.  A junky yard will make them think that you've neglected maintenance.  A pristine yard will reassure them that your home is well kept.  Focus on a clean cut, straighten up the lawn edges, freshen the landscaping and add some color spots or striking shrubs for impact.  Mulch is inexpensive, so use it.  If your yard lacks interest, consider constructing a retaining wall.  Use railroad ties, bricks, or stones to construct that wall.  The landscape design should complement your home's style and colors. Tip #4:  Get a new front door, or give the existing one a facelift. Paint the front door a complementary but bold color.  Choose a color that says, "Look at me!"  Once you're finished painting the door, install a new doorknob that emphasizes sturdiness and class.  Also install a new kick-plate that matches your lockset finish.  Remember, while your prospective homebuyer or tenant is waiting for you or the real estate agent to let them in, they are observing your front door.  If you have an old storm door, get rid of it.  If you really feel the need for a storm door, install one of those with a lot of window space to highlight the bold color of your front door. Tip #5:  Install some blinds and window shades. Certain rooms could really use blinds or shades to emphasize style.  The best places to start are the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and master bathroom.  These are the four rooms that prospective buyers and tenants will study most when evaluating your property.  Pick window shades that complement existing furniture or your paint color.  If you want to stick with inexpensive vinyl blinds, then make sure all the blinds in the room are a matching color.  When showing a home during the day, you should always have your blinds and shades open to let in abundant light (unless you've got a clear view of the mess in your neighbor's backyard). Tip #6:  Get rid of photographs of people. You may love Aunt Matilda, but you don't need to have her portrait posted all over the home you're showing!  Prospective buyers and tenants need to imagine themselves living in the home, not you and your family.  If you are going to put up photos, display pictures of nature. Tip #7:  Clean off the tops of the water heater, furnace, oil tank, washing machines, and any other mechanical fixture. Most homeowners don't bother to do this at all.  Clean the dust and grime off the top of your furnace, water heater, oil tank, washing machines, and so on.  This makes these devices look newer, well-maintained, and clean.  If you have a dirty-looking furnace, don't be surprised if your buyer demands a concession for a new furnace.  Don't say I didn't warn you! Tip #8:  Make sure every light bulb in the house works. Always make sure that every light bulb in your home works.  If the prospective homebuyer or tenant can't see your place, then you can't expect them to like your place.  When people see lamps with one good bulb but three burned-out ones, they think that you don't maintain the residence and they worry about other deferred maintenance.  Where it's safe, use higher wattage light bulbs in your lamps for a bright, warm atmosphere.  Also consider slightly pink-tinted or full spectrum "natural" light bulbs to create a warm glow for your home.  Don't forget about the bulbs in your basement and in your exterior lamps. Tip #9:  Place decorative flowers and candles throughout the home. Fake (or real if you can water them regularly) flowers work wonders.  You can often buy fake flowers at yard sales or in the clearance section of stores.  Candles give the home a romantic or warm feel.  Scented candles are best.  Some scents are so strong that homebuyers can smell them even when the candle isn't burning.  Once you've sold or rented the home, pack the flowers and candles in a box and stage your next property. Tip #10:  Place magazines about luxury homes around the house. Magazines about elegant homes or sophisticated styles can put prospective homebuyers and tenants into the mood.  When they see that bright, shiny issue on your nightstand or coffee table, they envision your property as the stylistic new home that they wish to live in.  Grab some copies of Our House®, Elegant Homes, Beautiful HomesTM, and Better Homes and GardensTM. Tip #11:  Refinish your hardwood floors. Most people like hardwood floors, particularly if the floor has a luster to it.  If your hardwood floors are stained, you still may able to sand them and apply a darker finish that hides stains.  If your hardwood floors don't need to be sanded but have dull spots or cracks, try some off-the-shelf refinishing agents or cleansers.  Murphy's® Oil Soap or Rejuvenate polish are personal favorites to restore that classic wood look. Closet OrganizationTip #12:  Get rid of clutter. Space sells.  If you have clutter, don't stuff it in your closets, or your basement, or your garage.  Throw it out or rent some storage space.  Prospective buyers and tenants should not feel hemmed in because of all the boxes you have laying around or those old rickety chairs you can't seem to discard. Condo owners take note: Space is a premium in our homes, and you want to show as much of it as you can! Tip #13:  Shampoo your carpet. Yes, many people like new carpet for obvious reasons.  However, we can't always afford to buy new carpet, for obvious reasons.  Rent a carpet cleaning vacuum or hire a shampoo service.  The proper detergent and equipment can get rid of old stains and make odors disappear. Tip #14:  Place air fresheners throughout the home. You'd be amazed at how easy this one is but how many people don't actually do it.  Potpourri and air fresheners set the mood.  People tend to associate fresh scents with cleanliness and purity.  Be careful not to overdo it with the air fresheners, or people will think you're trying to hide an odor. Tip #15:  Powerwash the exterior of the home. Road dust builds up under overhangs and coverings.  Mold, moss, or insects may accumulate on your siding.  By powerwashing your place, you'll make your house that much more inviting from the street.  Even though there's a For Sale sign in the front yard, be advised that many passersby will not call the phone number if the house looks dirty or old.  If they do call the number, they may be looking to give you a lowball offer because they think you can't afford the upkeep. Tip #16:  Install brushed-nickel or brass switch plate and wall outlet covers in the master bedroom, the kitchen, and the dining room. Many places I've seen for sale or rent do not have matching switch plates and outlet covers.  Some are ivory, some are brown, some are white, and most are dirty.  New outlet covers and switch plates can cost anywhere from a few cents to several dollars.  You may want to consider installing brushed-nickel or brass covers in your most heavily trafficked rooms.  These covers give the room a look of elegance and style. Tip #17:  Replace those old, worn-out doorknobs. I've seen doorknobs that are over 80 years old and have been painted over several times.  Ugh!  Doorknobs can be some of the most dirty, bacteria-infested items in the house, and don't your prospective buyers know it!  Replace those old doorknobs with new ones.  If you have a brass theme in the room, go with brass.  If it's brushed-nickel you like (and that's "in" nowadays), then go with that look. Tip #18:  If you have a paved driveway, reseal it. If your driveway is already paved but is cracked or otherwise in bad shape, repair it and/or use a driveway sealer.  A sharp-looking driveway is the first thing a prospective buyer or tenant sees because that's what they're driving toward.  Besides, the sealer prevents existing cracks from becoming worse. Tip #19:  Compile a full list of the warranties on the appliances and fixtures, and leave that list on the kitchen counter. If your home has been repaired in recent years, such as a new roof, or if you've replaced major appliances, be sure to have the receipts on hand to show interested buyers.  Better yet, type up a list of the warranties and leave copies of that list on the kitchen counter.  Many homebuyers need to feel secure that items in the house are in good working order.  If your house is the only one with warranty information, these buyers may be more likely to make an offer (and a good one at that). Tip #20:  Run an air purifier to get rid of those lingering odors. You're used to the odors in your house, but trust me, no one else is.  If a thorough cleaning and some well-placed potpourri don't do the trick, then it's time for an air purifier.  I have an EcoQuest air purifier, and it eliminates the bacteria that can cause odors.  There are less expensive purifiers on the market, so take your pick.  A good place to run an air purifier is the basement. Tip #21:  Refinish your vinyl or tile floors. Clean your vinyl and tile floors.  If that isn't enough, then it's time to find the right chemicals, solutions, or polymers to make those floors look like new.  Tile floors may need new grout.  Perhaps you need to replace a cracked tile (I should hope you bought one or two extra tiles way back when for just such a need).  Regarding vinyl floors, I am a fan of Rejuvenate polish.  You can use a flat mop to apply it, and it fills in cracks and shines the floor. Tip #22:  Spend a day looking at Open Houses held by property sellers. After observing what other people do with their homes, you'll view your property with a fresh perspective.  Plus you'll get a feel for what the market values are in your neighborhood.  Top athletes check out the competition.  Top businesspersons check out the competition.  You should too. Tip #23:  Oil your door hinges so they don't squeak. You may not notice the squeaking hinge because you've heard it so many times, but buyers will wonder what else needs maintenance.  Oil those hinges.  Also make sure that every door opens and shuts with ease.  Sometimes doors get misaligned and they don't shut unless you apply lots of pressure. Tip #24:  Replace your doorbell if it is old or worn. One of the first things a prospective homebuyer notices is the doorbell.  Is it old?  Does it work?  Does anyone in the house hear the bell?  Imagine if you're home, waiting for a prospective homebuyer to stop by, and you can't hear them ringing the bell.  Doorbells are inexpensive items, and a new one (at least a new button) will impress your visitors. Tip #25:  Clean, clean, clean. Once the potential buyer walks through your front door, they should be wowed by the cleanliness. A sparkling home just screams that it's been properly maintained.  Even if you clean regularly, chances are, there are things you don't notice because you live there. Consider spending a couple hundred dollars and bring in the professionals for a thorough cleaning.  With a window cleaning, your house will surprise you with a new look. Tip #26:  Modernize that kitchen. As the hub of family interaction, the kitchen is the heart of the home.  Brighten the cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or some updated hardware.  Add a new faucet or light fixtures to rejuvenate the space or change the window coverings for a more modern feel.  Buyers are always interested in the kitchen, so try a quick facelift that will turn up the heat on your bottom line. Couple painting home.Tip #27:  Brighten up rooms with new paint. This one is obvious but many people still don't do it (or do it properly).  New paint may be one of the most effective dollar-for-dollar value enhancers.  You can hire a professional or do it yourself.  Choose neutral colors for most rooms, but don't be afraid to use a bold color (red? black? violet?) on a wall or two to create contrast or style.  Just don't go crazy with the bold colors.  Also consider painting the walls and trim complementary colors. Tip #28:  Give the master bedroom a bold and romantic look. People associate the master bedroom with romance, authority, comfort, and style.  Give the people what they want!  Buy some new bed sheets or throw pillows.  Consider a new comforter.  Set up candles and flowers.  Get rid of junk.  Don't leave any clothes laying around. Tip #29:  Add crown moulding. It is available in countless colors, widths, and styles - from simple to elegant; classic to contemporary.  Moulding can give an ordinary looking room the special touch needed to make it really stand out. Tip #30:  Add landscape lights or a decorative street lamp. A classy street lamp gets attention, even during the daytime.  Landscape lights can really establish security and elegance at the same time.  I've seen prospective homebuyers view a home during the day, and then insist on coming back at night to see how the place looks.  You don't have to overspend, but consider adding or updating your exterior lamps. Tip #31:  Install a new mailbox. Mailboxes can be relatively inexpensive.  Install a new one so your prospective buyers and their prospective houseguests don't have to look at that dingy old thing on the front of the house. Tip #32:  Remove weeds from between concrete slabs and walkways. This is a sure sign of property neglect and a big turn off for potential buyers.  Nowadays, you can buy weed-killing chemicals that destroy unwanted plant life in hours.  Or you can try a solution of 20 percent bleach and 80 percent water. Tip #33:  Build a new garage or add a carport. Every homeowner knows the advantages afforded by a garage, and every prospective buyer will see a garage as a big plus.  A new home garage is a great property enhancer that increases the market value of the home.  Carports are a less expensive option.  Many basic carports retail for $795 to $995.  I've seen people fall in love with the interior of a home but fail to put in an offer because they complained about the lack of a garage. Tip #34:  Install an automatic garage door opener.  Another fine way to increase property value is to install a garage door opener.  Select a model with a multi-code garage door opener remote that routinely changes the code for additional security. Tip #35:  Enhance your porch or doorstep with pots or baskets of blooming annuals.  This is an inviting and fragrant way to boost visual appeal and add eye popping color.  You can find flower pots at dollar stores, and a bag of topsoil may cost only slightly more than a dollar.  I like to keep flower pots at many of my properties for sale, and once they've sold I take the pots (flowers and all) and plant them on the doorstep of the next property I want to sell.  A tip to keep the flower pots light is to place some empty water bottles in the base and cover them with soil.  Sometimes the flowers won't need a lot of dirt, and the empty bottles create space but not added weight.  Make sure you water the plants often enough, because dead plants will have the opposite effect of what you intend. Tip #36:  Give your old BBQ grill a makeover.  Degrease it first, rinse well; repeat if necessary.  Once totally clean and dry, refinish it using a bright fireproof/high-temperature paint.  Select a color that complements your home's exterior look.  Or try something fun that will really stand out, such as orange, yellow, or blue. Tip #37:  Install shutter and window box sets that match.  Shutters and window boxes add charm and character to a home.  Some people prefer to place fake flowers in the window boxes, while others prefer the real thing. Tip #38:  Install a skylight dome or roof skylight. People like natural light, especially light from above.  Skylight installation also increases natural lighting in rooms; making them more inviting and cheerful. Tip #39: Build a mini herb pantry.  Many homes are sold based upon the setup of the kitchen.  An herb pantry can be something as simple as a cubby hole built into the wall between studs.  Or it may be a closet area converted into an herb pantry with a glass door. Tip #40:  Add something "green," like solar panels. Green is good these days (or any day).  Many homebuyers need to feel like they are doing something good for the planet, while saving money at the same time.  Solar panels are en vogue again.  Consider installing some of them.  Another green activity that enhances value is to add insulation where it's needed. Tip #41:  Empty out that cluttered basement. Many basements can be downright scary.  You certainly don't want that impression.  When selling your property, I suggest you empty out the basement as much as possible.  Take your junk to the trash dump or place it in storage.  Homebuyers need to sense that they have lots of open space (to store the junk they have in storage). Tip #42:  Trade in those old, leaky faucets for shiny new ones. We all know that kitchens and bathrooms can attract buyers, or repel them.  The centerpiece of any kitchen or bathroom is the sink, and the centerpiece of any sink is the faucet.  Replace them yourself or hire a handyman.  You'll often find perfectly good faucets on the clearance shelf at home improvement stores. Tip #43:  Change the filter in your air conditioner. You want to avoid that musty, stale smell when it is operating.  Whether it's a window air conditioner or a central air system with ductwork, change the filter. Tip #44:  Hang a large mirror in the living room. It creates virtual space and the illusion of greater size.  Buyers and renters love open space.  Give it to them! Tip #45:  Make sure the colors of your kitchen appliances match. A kitchen with a yellow refrigerator, a stainless steel range, and a white microwave may look okay to you, but it doesn't look right to buyers.  Make sure you match the colors.  This may not require purchasing all new appliances.  Sometimes it's a matter of ordering the right color panels. Tip #46:  Hang new towel bars and toilet paper holders. Once you've replaced the bathroom faucet, you'll want to change the towel rack and toilet paper holder to match it.  Always make sure that you have a roll of toilet paper on the holder.  I suggest you hang a decorative towel on the bar too.  That makes the bathroom look complete. Tip #47:  Run a dehumidifier. A perpetually damp basement or bathroom can be the breeding ground for mold, odors, and insects.  Neither mold nor odor nor insect helps your cause.  Run a dehumidifier to dry out the air and cut down on the musty smell. Tip #48:  Paint the fence or railings surrounding your home. A freshly painted fence creates a tremendous Wow! factor.  Prospective homebuyers often observe the exterior of a property before even considering whether to view the interior.  If your exterior is old and decrepit, then you simply won't have many showings.  By repainting the fence, you may even inspire your neighbors to paint their fences and railings to keep up with you.  Spray paint works well on metal or cast-iron railings.  Be sure to use primer first. Tip #49:  Install new street numbers on the front of your home. When prospective buyers or tenants are driving around the neighborhood trying to find your address, their eyes will gravitate toward bright, shiny, new street numbers.  I should hope that those shiny numbers are affixed to your house.  It only costs a few dollars to buy new brass or brushed-nickel numbers to boldly identify the front of your property.  This is money well spent. Tip #50: Use throws in colors that match the room to cover up worn sofa and chair upholstery. You could attempt to buy all new furniture to spruce up a room in the place you want to sell or rent.  Or if all new furniture is not in your budget, buy some throws and pillows to place on your furniture. Thank you for taking the time to read our blog on how to increase the value of your properties.  We hope that these tips will aid you in your property investment buying and selling. We at Significa are grateful to be aligned with people like you.

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    About the Author: Tai A. DeSa is Chief Executive Officer of Significa Corporation, a professional real estate investment company based in Pennsylvania (www.significacorp.com and www.significadeals.com). DeSa is a graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to entering the real estate investment business, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He is the oldest in a family of 11 children and was valedictorian of his high school class. DeSa is also an Associate Broker with Keller Williams Real Estate (www.thetaidesateam.com). He is an organizer of the Lehigh Valley Real Estate Investors Group (www.lvrig.com) and an Area Director with Business Network International (www.bnidvr.com).
    ]]>
    819 2010-12-22 09:30:46 2010-12-22 14:30:46 open open 50-inexpensive-tips-to-dramatically-increase-the-value-of-your-properties publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords 4066 kapaylo@yahoo.co.uk http://unlockiphone421.com 109.230.221.183 2011-06-21 08:19:03 2011-06-21 12:19:03 iphone 4 unlock iphone 4 unlock unlock iphone 4 [url=http://unlockiphone421.com]how to unlock iphone 4[/url] iphone 4 unlock unlock iphone 4]]> 0 0 0
    Midtown Atlanta Streets to Get Make Over http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/21/midtown-atlanta-streets-to-get-make-over-2/ Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:30:03 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=967 Midtown Atlanta Streets to Get Make Over

    14th and CrescentConstruction began back in August as part of the  Midtown Alliance plan to improve sidewalks, add lights, trees and parallel parking. Once that portion is completed, they will commence the 14th Street Streetscape from West Peachtree all the way to Piedmont Park.

    Construction funds for the project were provided from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It was designed to enhance the pedestrian environment, improve public safety, and achieve a better balance between accommodating large volumes of vehicular traffic and creating a more livable urban environment. Over the last eight years, the Midtown Alliance Cityscapes Program has completed similar improvements along Peachtree Street, WestPeachtree Street, Piedmont Avenue and 14th Street (between Fowler and West Peachtree Streets).

    Midtown Atlanta has been working to improve its walkability and mobility with projects that provide wider sidewalks, enhanced street and sidewalk lighting, new landscaping, granite curbing colored accent pavers, trash receptacles (AMEN AMEN!!!) and bike racks among other improvements.

    Sadly, the announcement also mentions that a number of exiting trees will have to be removed on 14th Street due to utility conflicts and to allow for changes in the street function. This means some pretty big trees will probably be giving their lives up for progress. Bummer. However, some 70 new Elm trees will be installed every 30 feet on either side of the street the entire length of the project. They will be keeping Midtown Atlanta green, but it might be a few years before the trees look anything like they currently do on 14th Street, depending on which ones come down…

    Construction will be intense, so if you are in this area of Midtown Atlanta, please watch out. Of course we’ll be watching this program very closely and will capture some more pictures as things progress.

    Here’s a quick look at what Crescent Avenue currently looks like….I’ll get some before pictures of 14th Street so we can all see the changes!

    ]]>
    967 2010-12-21 09:30:03 2010-12-21 14:30:03 open open midtown-atlanta-streets-to-get-make-over-2 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    Happy Holidays from Thomas Ramon Realty http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/24/happy-holidays-from-thomas-ramon-realty/ Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:30:19 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1193 I'm taking pause from passing on words of wisdom and

    real estate news today to enjoy this time with Family and Friends!

    I'll be back on the 26th with more about Midtown Atlanta Real Estate!

    Holiday ImageThomasRamonRealty ]]> 1193 2010-12-24 09:30:19 2010-12-24 14:30:19 open open happy-holidays-from-thomas-ramon-realty publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description Happy New Year from Thomas Ramon Realty! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/01/happy-new-year-from-thomas-ramon-realty/ Sat, 01 Jan 2011 14:00:57 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1197 Ah Yes! Another year has come and gone!

    Some, well probably most, will be glad that 2010 is behind us.

    What does 2011 hold in store for us? Sorry, I dropped my crystal ball years ago and have just had do it the old fashioned way...earn it!

    So today, we start a new year fresh.

    Fresh with ideas, thoughts inspiration and maybe new friends.

    I sincerely hope this year is a great one for you. And if I am able to be a part of that, be it providing you with valuable information, a laugh, a smile from a photo  or helping you find that perfect new home, that the year will just be that much more special.

    Thanks to all of you and here's to 2011!

    Happy New Year From Thomas Ramon Realty ]]> 1197 2011-01-01 09:00:57 2011-01-01 14:00:57 open open happy-new-year-from-thomas-ramon-realty publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords Happy Holidays! Just Had to Share This One Too! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/25/happy-holidays-just-had-to-share-this-one-too/ Sat, 25 Dec 2010 14:00:54 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1205 I've only ever seen things like this on TV or on YouTube. Simply wonderful, and what better way to share the holiday spirit with our clients, customers, family and friends. May the warmth of the Holiday Season come over you as well!

    Happy Holidays!
    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
    ]]>
    1205 2010-12-25 09:00:54 2010-12-25 14:00:54 open open happy-holidays-just-had-to-share-this-one-too publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords 412 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://WellingtonHomeTeam.com 184.32.54.254 2010-12-27 17:35:35 2010-12-27 22:35:35 1 0 0
    Buckhead's tallest building sells for $167M   http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/26/buckheads-tallest-building-sells-for-167m-%c2%a0/ Sun, 26 Dec 2010 14:19:15 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/24/buckheads-tallest-building-sells-for-167m-%c2%a0/
    By Rachel Tobin The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Buckhead’s tallest building, the 50-story Sovereign tower, is fetching the highest price of any property of its type in Atlanta all year. Parkway Properties, an investment firm based in Jackson, Miss., said it has a contract to buy the office and retail portion of the building at 3344 Peachtree Road for $167.3 million. Closing is expected in January. The Class A offices, which are 93 percent leased, include tenants such as real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle; law firms Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins Gunn & Dial and Littler Mendelson and Hodges Ward Elliott; undergarment maker SPANX; and Fifth Third Bank. The Buckhead Club, Barclays and Bistro Niko also are in the building. The tower, whose swooping, angular profile cuts a distinctive figure on the Buckhead skyline, also has 82 high-end condos that are not included in the sale. Parkway Properties is an investor in the nearby One Capital City Plaza building. Alan Wexler, of the real estate research firm DataBank Atlanta, calculated the sale amounts to about $346 per square foot, not counting the condos. “This is the highest price we’ve recorded all year,” he said. He believes there was as much as $250 million invested in the tower, which was finished in 2008. He believes the purchase price comes close to covering what was invested. “It’s a Class A, very well leased building in a great location. It’s a big deal,” he said. Regents Partners developed the building, which was designed by Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart.
    Could this be the sign that real estate is on the climb upward! Let's hope so! Thom
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    1207 2010-12-26 09:19:15 2010-12-26 14:19:15 open open buckheads-tallest-building-sells-for-167m-%c2%a0 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description 422 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2010-12-29 09:20:48 2010-12-29 14:20:48 1 0 0
    10 Ways To Get The Most Out of Technology http://mymidtownmojo.com/2010/12/31/10-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-technology/ Fri, 31 Dec 2010 09:00:12 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1212 10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Technology FrogSmartPhone Let's face it, if you are like me, some of this technology can just overwhelm you. I mean, you no more learn a program or a phone, and there is something newer, faster and zippier....eek gads! But it's good to hear the simple things you can do to help you along. So, when I found "10 Ways To Get The Most Out of Technology" in the New York Times this morning, I just knew I had to share it with you.... I think I was even more surprised at how many of these things I have done already...
    1. Get a SmartPhone (Check)
    2. Stop Using Internet Explorer (check)
    3. Upload Your Photos to The Cloud (T0 Do List?)
    4. Get Music Off Your Computer (Why, I'm the one that listens to it?)
    5. Back Up Your Data (Check - I use Carbonite
    6. Set Up a Free File Sharing Service (Ok, Check, but I still really don't understand how to use it....)
    7. Get Free AntiVirus Software (Check - But I paid for Norton)
    8. Get a Better Deal from your Cable, Phone and Internet Provider (Check)
    9. Buy a lot of charging cables. (With my new Droid, this will be an absolute....battery has died twice on me already!)
    10. Calibrate your HDTV (Who knew?)
    So, hope these 10 Ways To Get The Most Out of Technology will get YOUR New Year off on the right track!]]>
    1212 2010-12-31 04:00:12 2010-12-31 09:00:12 open open 10-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-technology publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords
    Stepping Up To Business - March 16, 2011 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/05/stepping-up-to-business-march-16-2011/ Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:58:13 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1219 Stepping Up to Business - March 16, 2011 [caption id="attachment_1220" align="alignleft" width="278" caption="Stepping Up To Business March 16, 2011"]Stepping Up To Business March 16, 2011[/caption] While my primary purpose in life these days is to help bring Buyers and Sellers of real estate together, I find I also kind of have a roll as an information source. Information about my neighborhood, Midtown Atlanta, as well as information that you, the reader might also find interesting, or useful. Case in point. These are some trying times. And many say that our recovery hinges on the small businesses of our country being able to be profitable, and to hire employees. We all know what that means, from real estate to retail. The economy will start to move...and in the right direction. But, small business owners often lack the resources, be they from training to money to make things happen. Along comes my friend and business associate, Charles Green and the Small Business Finance Institute. And more importantly, their Stepping Up to Business event to help educate entrepreneurs on ways to finance their small business.  This one-day education opportunity will be held on March 16, 2011 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. An exciting opportunity to learn how to finance your small business. A great learning opportunity with some people who know about it! Be sure to check it out. You can register for Stepping Up To Business here, and an early registration fee of $90 applies until January 31.]]> 1219 2011-01-05 14:58:13 2011-01-05 19:58:13 open open stepping-up-to-business-march-16-2011 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description 489 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2011-01-10 12:22:07 2011-01-10 17:22:07 1 0 0 Spire Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/11/spire-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report/ Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:05:06 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1224 Spire Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report It's time for us to look over our shoulder at 2010 and see how it compared to 2009 for sales at Spire Midtown Atlanta. [caption id="attachment_1225" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Spire Midtown Atlanta 2009-2010 Market Report"]Spire Midtown Atlanta 2009-2010 Market Report[/caption] Sales of 2 bedroom homes was almost double that of 2009, while the sales of 1 bedroom homes was exactly the same from 2009 to 2010 at 17 homes. [caption id="attachment_1227" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Spire Midtown Atlanta Entrance"]Spire Midtown Atlanta Entrance[/caption] 2 Bedroom homes saw a modest increase in the Average Sales Price from $258,351 to $262,666. 1 Bedroom homes saw a decrease in Average Sales Price from $159,305 in 2009 to $153,101. As of today, there are only 12 Active Listings in the building, which is a good sign for Sellers. Not a huge amount of inventory can lead to a quicker sale. However, pricing is important in this market. There are 4 2 Bedroom homes listed with an Average List Price of $318,250, well over what the market would pay in 2010. There are 8 1 Bedroom homes listed with an Average List Price of $166,434, also over what the market was willing to pay in 2010.

    Search Spire Midtown Atlanta Condos For Sale Here

    Learn More About Spire Midtown Atlanta

    Learn More About Buying a Midtown Atlanta Condominium

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    1224 2011-01-11 10:05:06 2011-01-11 15:05:06 open open spire-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords 497 http://topsy.com/mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/11/spire-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report/?utm_source=pingback&utm_campaign=L2 208.74.66.43 2011-01-11 10:47:45 2011-01-11 15:47:45 1 pingback 0 0 499 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2011-01-11 12:53:51 2011-01-11 17:53:51 1 0 0
    Groupon Comes to Macon, GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/12/groupon-comes-to-macon-ga/ Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:32:50 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1231 Groupon Comes to Macon, GA I'm sure you've heard of this little site called Groupon? The one that just turned down a $1 Billion offer from Google!! Well, now Groupon is available for our neighbors to the South in Macon, GA! Be sure to sign up for this great service, and if you have friends in or close to Macon, be sure to let them know that Groupon has Come to Macon, GA!

    [caption id="attachment_1232" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Groupon Comes To Macon GA"]Groupon Comes To Macon GA[/caption] ]]> 1231 2011-01-12 11:32:50 2011-01-12 16:32:50 open open groupon-comes-to-macon-ga publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords Get Connected Film Industry Meet Up - January 27, 2011 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/12/get-connected-film-industry-meet-up-january-27-2011/ Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:58:42 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1234 Get Connected Film Industry Meet Up - January 27, 2011 The film industry in Atlanta is taking off! There are several movie studios already here, and others are in the planning stages. Atlanta (and Georgia's) climate, along with great tax incentives is quickly turning Atlanta into the "Hollywood of The South." Thursday, January 27, 2011 from 6-9pm, the Get Connected Film Industry Meet Up will be at one of my Midtown favorite restaurants, Gordon Biersch Brewery. If you want to know more about the film industry in Georgia, as well as make some connections, this would be the place to be. Get Connected Meet Up]]> 1234 2011-01-12 15:58:42 2011-01-12 20:58:42 open open get-connected-film-industry-meet-up-january-27-2011 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords MidCity Lofts Annual Market Report 2009-2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/13/midcity-lofts-annual-market-report-2009-2010/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:00:23 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1237 MidCity Lofts Annual Market Report 2009-2010

    It's time for us to look over our shoulder at 2010 and see how it compared to 2009 for sales at MidCity Lofts.

    Midcity Lofts 2009-2010 Market Report

    MidCity Lofts did not see much sales activity for either 2009 0r 2010.

    Midcity Lofts Midtown Atlanta GAIn 2009, 3 - 1 Bedroom homes sold for an average of $222,300.  There were no 2 Bedrooms sold.

    In 2010, 5 1 Bedroom homes sold for an average of $166,300, a substantial price drop. Again, no 2 Bedrooms sold.

    Currently, there is one 1 Bedroom on the market at $172,500, and 3 - 2 Bedrooms on the market. The 2 Bedrooms include a Penthouse unit, listed at $749,000 to the Average List Price on the other units is $349,500.

    Search MidCity Loft Condos For Sale Here

    Learn More About MidCity Lofts

    Learn More About Buying a Midtown Atlanta Condo Here

    ]]>
    1237 2011-01-13 16:00:23 2011-01-13 21:00:23 open open midcity-lofts-annual-market-report-2009-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    6 Reasons You Want To Work With A Certified Personal Trainer http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/13/6-reasons-you-want-to-work-with-a-certified-personal-trainer/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:30:09 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1248 6 Reasons You Want To Work With A Certified Personal Trainer

    I'm so excited to have re-connected with a former co-worker of mine from my hotel management days. Beth Estes, like I finally figured out there was something more to life than answering to a Director of Sales or General Manager. Working 60+ hours per week, and when you asked for a couple hours off......like an Act of Congress.

    I'm pleased that Beth has found her place as a Certified Personal Trainer. It gives me great pleasure to share her knowledge with you in this Guest Feature, 6 Reasons You Want To Work With A Certified Personal Trainer.

    6 Reasons You Want to Work with A Certified Personal Trainer

    ]]>
    1248 2011-01-13 09:30:09 2011-01-13 14:30:09 open open 6-reasons-you-want-to-work-with-a-certified-personal-trainer publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    Plaza Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report 2009-2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/13/plaza-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report-2009-2010/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:00:01 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1253 Plaza Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report 2009-2010

    It's time for us to look over our shoulder at 2010 and see how it compared to 2009 for sales at Plaza Midtown.

    [caption id="attachment_1254" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Plaza Midtown Atlanta 2009-2010 Homes Sold"]Plaza Midtown Atlanta 2009-2010 Homes Sold[/caption] Sales activity at Plaza Midtown was fairly consistent from 2009 to 2010 with 29 sales and 24 sales respectively. But the Average Sales Price, especially with one bedroom homes. In 2009, 13 - 1 Bedroom homes sold with an Average Sales Price of $170,023, but the number tumbled to $131,631 and 8 homes sold in 2010.

    Two Bedroom sales were even at 16 for both 2009 and 2010. The Average Sales Price in 2009 was $227,979 and $214,843 in 2010.  Plaza Midtown opened in 2006. I saw a recent foreclosure sale on a 2 bedroom home that originally sold for $319,000 for $192,000.

    [caption id="attachment_1255" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Plaza Midtown Atlanta"]Plaza Midtown Atlanta[/caption]

    Search Plaza Midtown Atlanta Condos For Sale Here

    Learn More About Plaza Midtown Atlanta

    Buying a Midtown Atlanta Condominium? Learn More Here!

    Thom Midtown Mojo

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    1253 2011-01-13 12:00:01 2011-01-13 17:00:01 open open plaza-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report-2009-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    Streetcars vs. Monorails: The fight for the future of urban transportation. - By Tom Vanderbilt - Slate Magazine http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/13/streetcars-vs-monorails-the-fight-for-the-future-of-urban-transportation-by-tom-vanderbilt-slate-magazine/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:31:05 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/13/streetcars-vs-monorails-the-fight-for-the-future-of-urban-transportation-by-tom-vanderbilt-slate-magazine/
    See a Magnum Photos gallery of streetcars, trams, and trolleys.
    Illustration by Mark Alan Stamaty. Click image to expand.
    There is a great, if unnamed and often overlooked, attraction in Disney World: Transportationland. As any visitor knows, one of the most striking experiences at Disney World is navigating it. The place offers an impressively multi-modal suite of options. There's walking, horseless carriages, steamboats, the famous monorail (said to carry more passengers than most U.S. light-rail systems), horse-drawn trolleys, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, not to mention mobility scooters and, at some parks, bikes. Then there's the bus fleet that shuttles visitors from the parking lots to the entrance gates. (If it were a municipal fleet, a Disney engineer once told me, it would be the 21st largest in the United States.) Read more here.....
    A great read and some thoughts about the transportation of the future....I never thought about it, but really, how many people DO ride the Monorail at Disneyworld? Hmmmmm. Thom Midtown Mojo
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    1266 2011-01-13 11:31:05 2011-01-13 16:31:05 open open streetcars-vs-monorails-the-fight-for-the-future-of-urban-transportation-by-tom-vanderbilt-slate-magazine publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description
    Park Central Condominiums Annual Market Report 2009-2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/14/park-central-condominiums-annual-market-report-2009-2010/ Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:00:40 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1241 Park Central Condominiums Annual Market Report 2009-2010

    It's time for us to look over our shoulder at 2010 and see how it compared to 2009 for sales at Park Central.

    Park Central CondominiumsBetween 2009 and 2010, Park Central Condominiums saw just about the same number of homes sell each year, but the Average Sales Price changed.

    Park Central Midtown AtlantaIn 2009, there were 11 - 1 Bedroom homes sold with an Average Sales Price of $143,609. 9- 2 Bedroom homes sold with an Average Sales Price of $215,655.

    But, in 2010, Park Central felt the crunch as 8 - 1 Bedroom homes sold at an Average Sales Price of $135,475 and 10 - 2 Bedroom homes sold for an Average Sales Price of $198,075. But the crunch was not to hard! Currently, there are 4 - 1 Bedroom homes listed with an Average List Price of $132,400 and 6 - 2 Bedroom homes with an Average List Price of $209,100. Park Central Condominums still represent a great value in Midtown Atlanta, especially with their location on Juniper Street and just a 2 block walk to Piedmont Park!

    Learn More About Buying a Midtown Atlanta Condo

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    1241 2011-01-14 16:00:40 2011-01-14 21:00:40 open open park-central-condominiums-annual-market-report-2009-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    Peachtree Lofts Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report 2009-2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/14/peachtree-lofts-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report-2009-2010/ Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:00:22 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1259 Peachtree Lofts Midtown Atlanta Annual Market Report 2009-2010

    It's time for us to take a look over our should at the year of 2010 and see how it compared to 2009 for Sales activity at Peachtree Lofts.

    [caption id="attachment_1260" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Peachtree Lofts Midtown Atlanta 2009-2010 Sales Activity"]Peachtree Lofts Midtown Atlanta 2009-2010 Sales Activity[/caption] Sales activity at Peachtree Lofts Midtown Atlanta doubled from 5 sales in 2009 to 10 in 2010. In 2009, there were 4 - 1 Bedroom homes that sold with an Average Sales Price of $97,928. Three of those were foreclosure sales. In 2010, the sales jumped to 8 homes and the Average Sales Price also increased to $111,602.

    In 2009, only one 2 Bedroom home sold at $197,500. In 2010, 2 sold at an Average Sales Price of $166,550.

    Currently, there are 11 homes For Sale. The Average List Price for a 1 bedroom is $90,837 and the Average List Price for a 2 Bedroom is $233,200. More details about the homes For Sale in Peachtree Lofts can be found at the link below.

    [caption id="attachment_1261" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Peachtree Lofts Midtown Atlanta GA"]Peachtree Lofts Midtown Atlanta GA[/caption]

    Search Peachtree Lofts Midtown Atlanta Condos For Sale

    Learn More About Peachtree Lofts Community

    Buying A Midtown Atlanta Condo? Learn More!

    ]]>
    1259 2011-01-14 09:00:22 2011-01-14 14:00:22 open open peachtree-lofts-midtown-atlanta-annual-market-report-2009-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords 532 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2011-01-14 09:11:46 2011-01-14 14:11:46 1 0 0
    Cornerstone Village Market Report 2009-2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/15/cornerstone-village-market-report-2009-2010/ Sat, 15 Jan 2011 14:00:08 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1271 Cornerstone Village Market Report 2009-2010

    It's the New Year, and so it is time to look back and compare 2010 to 2009 at Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta.

    [caption id="attachment_1272" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Cornerstone Village 2009 2010 Sales Activity"]Cornerstone Village 2009 2010 Sales Activity[/caption] Cornerstone Village saw a minimal sales increase of 7 to 9 homes from 2009 to 2010. Unfortunately, the Average Sales price did not move the same way.

    In 2009, 5 - 1 Bedroom homes sold for an Average Sales Price of $119,840 compared to 8 homes sold in 2010 at an Average Sales Price of $94,300.

    There were two 2 Bedroom homes sold in 2009 with an Average Sales Price of $218,450. But in 2010, only one home sold, a foreclosure, sold for $125,786. ( I remember previewing this unit....they TOOK the kitchen sink...and they were NOT worth taking!)

    Currently, there are 10 - 1 Bedroom homes with an Average List Price of $87,730 and two 2 Bedroom homes with an Average List Price of $184,500.

    Cornerstone Village is another Midtown Atlanta community that has some great values for the first time buyer or investor. However, they community has no leasing permits available. A purchaser would need to be an owner occupant, or be able to hold the property long term for potential re-sale.

    [caption id="attachment_1273" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Cornerstone Village Peachtree Street"]Cornerstone Village  Peachtree Street[/caption]

    Search Cornerstone Village Homes For Sale

    Learn More About Cornerstone Village Condominiums

    Buying A Midtown Atlanta Condominium? Learn More!

    ]]>
    1271 2011-01-15 09:00:08 2011-01-15 14:00:08 open open cornerstone-village-market-report-2009-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    Ansley Above The Park Annual Market Report 2009-2010 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/15/ansley-above-the-park-annual-market-report-2009-2010/ Sat, 15 Jan 2011 17:00:38 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1276 Ansley Above The Park Annual Market Report 2009-2010

    It's time to take a look back at 2010 and see how the year compared to 2009 and sales activity at Ansley Above The Park.

    [caption id="attachment_1277" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Ansley Above The Park 2009-2010"]Ansley Above The Park 2009-2010[/caption] In the past couple years that I have been watching the activity at Ansley Above The Park, there have never been a huge number of sales. I think probably the primary reason is it has happy owners with it's awesome location just across the street from Piedmont Park. It is an older building and if a unit has not been renovated, it can be quite dated.

    [caption id="attachment_122" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Ansley Above The Park"]Ansley Above The Park[/caption] In 2009, one 3 Bedroom home sold for $550,000 and two 2 Bedroom homes sold with an Average Sales Price of $330,000.

    In 2010, one 1 Bedroom sold for $300,000 and four 2 Bedroom homes sold at an Average Sales Price of $231,212. The dramatic drop in the 2 Bedroom average was caused by two foreclosures that were sold in the $120's!!

    Currently, there are 12 Active Listings in Ansley Above The Park, ranging in price from $120,000 to $374,900. You can learn more about those listing below.

    Search Ansley Above The Park Condominium Homes For Sale

    Learn More About Ansley Above The Park

    Buying a Midtown Atlanta Condo? Learn More!

    ]]>
    1276 2011-01-15 12:00:38 2011-01-15 17:00:38 open open ansley-above-the-park-annual-market-report-2009-2010 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    GMAC… Payments or Not, The Foreclosure Machine that Just Won’t Stop - Mandelman Matters http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/15/gmac%e2%80%a6-payments-or-not-the-foreclosure-machine-that-just-won%e2%80%99t-stop-mandelman-matters/ Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:45:11 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/15/gmac%e2%80%a6-payments-or-not-the-foreclosure-machine-that-just-won%e2%80%99t-stop-mandelman-matters/

    GMAC… Payments or Not, The Foreclosure Machine that Just Won’t Stop

    Once upon a time… Our story begins back in 1995 when Michael and Pamella Negrea built their 2400 square-foot, colonial style home in Eastlake, Ohio, and took out a $200,000 mortgage.  Michael’s 53 years old, a Willoughby, Ohio police officer for 25 years… Pam, a graphic designer, is 57.  They’ve never been late on, much less missed a single mortgage payment.  Nary a one… they should be quite proud. Since that time, however, GMAC has foreclosed on Michael and Pamella Negrea’s home three times… so far.  The couple’s attorney, Stephen Futterer, also of Willoughby, says…
    “It’s like a foreclosure machine.  It won’t stop.”
    ABSOUTELY INCREDIBLE STORY WORTH READING!
    ]]>
    1281 2011-01-15 11:45:11 2011-01-15 16:45:11 open open gmac%e2%80%a6-payments-or-not-the-foreclosure-machine-that-just-won%e2%80%99t-stop-mandelman-matters publish 0 0 post 0 _aioseop_title _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords
    Midtown Neighbors' Association Annual Meeting Tuesday, January 18, 2011 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/15/midtown-neighbors-association-annual-meeting-tuesday-january-18-2011/ Sat, 15 Jan 2011 21:00:23 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1284 Midtown Neighbors' Association Annual Meeting

    Tuesday, January 18, 2011 - 5:30-8:00pm

    Park Tavern, Midtown Atlanta

    [caption id="attachment_1285" align="alignleft" width="125" caption="MNA"]MNA[/caption] The Midtown Neighbors' Association (MNA) will hold their Annual Meeting and Board of Director Elections on Tuesday, January 18th at the Park Tavern in Midtown Atlanta.

    Traditionally held in April, the Annual meeting has been moved to January as the association changed its fiscal year last year.

    The Association will elect 8 Board of Director Members for 2 year terms. (You might recall that I have been a Board Member for the past three years!)

    The dinner is $10 for Adults and $5 for children. Non MNA members pay $15.

    Midtown Neighbors' Association was formed in 1969, is run by neighborhood volunteers. MNA is the only body officially recognized by the City of Atlanta government that represents the residents. MNA gives residents a place at the table on issues affecting the residents.

    For More Information about MNA, or to join, visit their website, Midtown Neighbors' Association.

    ]]>
    1284 2011-01-15 16:00:23 2011-01-15 21:00:23 open open midtown-neighbors-association-annual-meeting-tuesday-january-18-2011 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords
    Chico Hot Springs Resort – Livingston, Montana- Livingston, Montana http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/17/chico-hot-springs-resort-%e2%80%93-livingston-montana-livingston-montana/ Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:23:23 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/17/chico-hot-springs-resort-%e2%80%93-livingston-montana-livingston-montana/

    Chico Hot Springs Getaway

    Chico is the perfect venue for weddings, conferences and large group gatherings. Just down the road from Livingston, Montana, in the heart of Paradise Valley sits Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa. Nestled below majestic Emigrant Peak, Chico is a locals’ favorite as well as a world-class destination resort. It’s hard to explain what makes Chico so special. Sure, the location is amazing — big craggy Absaroka peaks cut up the sky — and the historic inn is lovely, but there is something more than that. Something akin to a feeling or intuition. You have to go to experience this first hand. Between soaking in hot springs, getting a massage or facial, enjoying fine dining, kicking up your heels in the bar, cross-country skiing and mushing sled dogs, you could spend weeks at the 110 year old inn and never get bored. Here’s how to make the most of your Chico getaway. READ MORE HERE -- NOTE: My family ranch is about 30 miles from Chico Hot Springs. I use to go there as a kid, long before it was the resort it is now. But the hot springs is really something to enjoy. So, file it away in your travel file...if you are going to Yellowstone National Park, this is a worthy overnight stopping point!
    ]]>
    1288 2011-01-17 15:23:23 2011-01-17 20:23:23 open open chico-hot-springs-resort-%e2%80%93-livingston-montana-livingston-montana publish 0 0 post 0 _aioseop_title _edit_last _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description
    RFP Issued For GA 400 and I-85 Interchange Ramps http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/18/rfp-issued-for-ga-400-and-i-85-interchange-ramps/ Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:00:25 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1292 RFP Issued For GA 400 and I-85 Interchange Ramps If you've ever traveled South on I-85 and wanted to head North on GA 400, you know what a big deal this announcement is. If you don't, then here is what the current commuter must do:
    • Exit at Cheshire Bridge/ Lenox Road.
    • Turn Right on Lenox Road.
    • Turn Left on Buford Highway.
    • Turn Right on Sidney Marcus Blvd
    • Turn Right to GA400 Northbound On Ramp
    [caption id="attachment_1293" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="I-85 GA400 Interchange"]I-85 GA400 Interchange[/caption] Yep. That is how you currently go from I-85 Southbound to GA400 Northbound. A real morning mess. Or mess anytime for that matter. And it's repeated pretty much when you are coming Southbound on GA400. I've read the interchange was never finished due to money. Could be true. But considering the Metro Atlanta Region's track record when it comes to planning for transportation, I'd say they just never thought that would be a route people would use. I could be wrong. Nonetheless, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) issued a Request For Proposal on January 14th for the build-design services on the proposed project. Of course, it will probably be several years before this project is completed? (Note: If you saw how fast the GDOT finished the I-85/GA316 Interchange in Gwinnett County, you know a project can be moved quickly when so desired....that was finished in record time!) The State Transportation Board and the State Road and Tollway Authority voted to continue the tolls on GA400 to pay for these imporvements. The tolls were going to expire this summer when the original bonds from the early 1990's will be paid off. The current tolls are expected to raise $50 million. The interchange construction is estimated at about $40 million.  The remaining monies collecteed will go toward 10 other smaller projects along the 400 corridor. For those many Midtown Commuters that head to the business centers of Buckhead or Perimeter for work, this will certainly help some local streets. But, for those that live say in Gwinnett or the Chamblee/Druid Hills areas, this will make the transition to GA400 North MUCH easier. Of course, NO highway construction comes without controversy, and the residents of nearby Lindridge/Martin Manor have express concern about their quality of life and property values in their neighborhood as the GA400 Southbound ramp to I-85N will be right along their neighborhood.
    Read more: RFP issued for Ga. 400/I-85 interchange | Atlanta Business Chronicle
    ]]>
    1292 2011-01-18 09:00:25 2011-01-18 14:00:25 open open rfp-issued-for-ga-400-and-i-85-interchange-ramps publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _aioseop_keywords 567 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2011-01-18 09:41:02 2011-01-18 14:41:02 1 0 0
    Spire Midtown Atlanta Condo For Sale - 20th Floor http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/20/spire-midtown-atlanta-condo-for-sale-20th-floor/ Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:09:29 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1295
    Amazing Short Sale Value at Spire Midtown Atlanta
    Overview Maps Photos Description Video Neighborhood Market Stats
    $136,220
    Condominium
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 393 Units Interior: 606 sqft
    Location
    860 Peachtree Street 2016 Atlanta, GA 30308 USA
    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME
    Thomas Ramon Realty (770) 713-1505 Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com http://MyMidtownMojo.com Listed by: Palmer House Properties LLC
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed

    Nearby properties for sale

    Powered By RealBird.com ]]>
    1295 2011-01-20 15:09:29 2011-01-20 20:09:29 open open spire-midtown-atlanta-condo-for-sale-20th-floor publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords 583 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://WellingtonHomeTeam.com 184.32.55.37 2011-01-21 00:01:53 2011-01-21 05:01:53 1 0 0 585 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-01-22 01:09:49 2011-01-22 06:09:49 1 0 0
    Midtown Neighbors' Association Elects 2011 Board http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/22/midtown-neighbors-association-elects-2011-board/ Sat, 22 Jan 2011 21:10:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1315 Midtown Neighbors' Association Elects 2011 Board I attended the Annual Meeting for the Midtown Neighbors' Association last week. It was held at the Park Tavern in Midtown Atlanta. You might recall that I previously was on the Board and served as the Chairman of the Membership Committee. I've had to step down for a time due to work and schedule conflicts, but I will continue to be involved in the Membership activities of the association, including the monthly Mingle In Midtown events that bring neighbors together at one of the local restaurants for an evening of cocktails and conversation. The Board of Directors was elected and their picture is below, courtesy of Midtown Patch and Amy Wenk. For more information about Midtown Neighbors' Association, be sure to visit their website via the link provided. [caption id="attachment_1311" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Midtown Neighbors' Association 2011 Board"]Midtown Neighbors' Association 2011 Board[/caption] Greg Guhl will serve as president. Geoff Rogers will serve as vice president, Lynda Idleman as treasurer and Nancy Reynolds as secretary. Other board members include Dana Persons, Rick Day, Mary Cobb, Marcus Jackson, Julian Price, Susan Watts, Tony Rizzuto and David Harman.]]> 1315 2011-01-22 16:10:47 2011-01-22 21:10:47 open open midtown-neighbors-association-elects-2011-board publish 0 0 post 0 _aioseop_keywords _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _edit_last 10 Affordable Ways to Redo a Room with Accessories - Manage Your Life on Shine http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/23/10-affordable-ways-to-redo-a-room-with-accessories-manage-your-life-on-shine/ Sun, 23 Jan 2011 14:00:42 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/23/10-affordable-ways-to-redo-a-room-with-accessories-manage-your-life-on-shine/
    Ok, you might not want the white antlers hanging in your Midtown Atlanta condominium, but you certainly might be looking for some ways to spruce up the place, especially after you spent a week locked in side from our recent Snowpocalypse 2011 that happened here in Atlanta!
    This article has some various suggestions that you might find workable in your home or condominium.
    ]]>
    1319 2011-01-23 09:00:42 2011-01-23 14:00:42 open open 10-affordable-ways-to-redo-a-room-with-accessories-manage-your-life-on-shine publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 603 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-01-23 23:19:56 2011-01-24 04:19:56 1 0 0
    Mayfair Tower 1 Bedroom PLUS Den FOR RENT $1350/MO http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/23/mayfair-tower-1-bedroom-plus-den-for-rent-1350mo/ Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:44:57 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1323
    Mayfair Tower 1 Bedroom PLUS Den For Rent


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats


















    $1,350
    Condominium
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    Interior: 873 sqft
    Location
    199 14th Street, Ne
    711
    Atlanta, GA 30308
    USA

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty

    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed

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    ]]>
    1323 2011-01-23 18:44:57 2011-01-23 23:44:57 open open mayfair-tower-1-bedroom-plus-den-for-rent-1350mo publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    15 gayest cities in America: Is your city gay friendly? - Manage Your Life on Shine http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/24/15-gayest-cities-in-america-is-your-city-gay-friendly-manage-your-life-on-shine/ Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:04:05 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/24/15-gayest-cities-in-america-is-your-city-gay-friendly-manage-your-life-on-shine/

    ]]>
    1325 2011-01-24 12:04:05 2011-01-24 17:04:05 open open 15-gayest-cities-in-america-is-your-city-gay-friendly-manage-your-life-on-shine publish 0 0 post 0
    Highland City View Town Home For Rent Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/25/highland-city-view-town-home-for-rent-atlanta-ga/ Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:25:45 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1326
    Highland City View Townhome For Rent


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description




















    $1,600
    Townhouse
    Main Features
    2 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    1 Partial Bathroom
    Interior: 1478 sqft
    Location
    375 Highland Avenue
    507
    Atlanta, GA 30312
    USA

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty

    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed

    Nearby properties for sale



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    ]]>
    1326 2011-01-25 11:25:45 2011-01-25 16:25:45 open open highland-city-view-town-home-for-rent-atlanta-ga publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 625 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://WellingtonHomeTeam.com 184.32.55.37 2011-01-28 10:10:49 2011-01-28 15:10:49 1 0 0
    Queen Latifah Rents Jane Fonda's Atlanta Condo|AOL Real Estate http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/25/queen-latifah-rents-jane-fondas-atlanta-condoaol-real-estate/ Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:18:44 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/25/queen-latifah-rents-jane-fondas-atlanta-condoaol-real-estate/

    Maybe we'll see her in a Midtown restaurant?

    ]]>
    1328 2011-01-25 12:18:44 2011-01-25 17:18:44 open open queen-latifah-rents-jane-fondas-atlanta-condoaol-real-estate publish 0 0 post 0
    Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent Mayfair Tower http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/29/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-mayfair-tower/ Sun, 30 Jan 2011 01:17:16 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1329
    Mayfair Tower 1 Bedroom PLUS Den For Rent


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats


















    $1,350
    Condominium
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    Interior: 873 sqft
    Location
    199 14th Street, Ne
    711
    Atlanta, GA 30308
    USA

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty

    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed
    See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale


    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    1329 2011-01-29 20:17:16 2011-01-30 01:17:16 open open midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-mayfair-tower publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    Spire Midtown Atlanta 25th Floor For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/30/spire-midtown-atlanta-25th-floor-for-sale/ Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:53:09 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/30/spire-midtown-atlanta-25th-floor-for-sale/
    Spire Midtown Atlanta Condo For Sale


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats


















    $155,000
    Condominium
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    374 Units
    Interior: 744 sqft
    Location
    860 Peachtree Street
    2506
    Atlanta, GA 30308
    USA

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties

    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed

    Nearby properties for sale



    Powered By RealBird.com



    ]]>
    1331 2011-01-30 09:53:09 2011-01-30 14:53:09 open open spire-midtown-atlanta-25th-floor-for-sale publish 0 0 post 0 _aioseop_description _aioseop_title _edit_last 637 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-01-30 18:32:12 2011-01-30 23:32:12 1 0 0
    Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/01/31/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent/ Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:00:19 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1332 ]]> 1332 2011-01-31 09:00:19 2011-01-31 14:00:19 open open midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title Midtown Neighbors' Association Opposes Proposed Credit Union Plans http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/02/midtown-neighbors-association-opposes-proposed-credit-union-plans/ Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:17:35 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1337 Midtown Neighbors' Association has expressed its concerns about the proposed interior and exterior renovations to a site in Midtown Atlanta by the Delta Community Credit Union (DCCU). [caption id="attachment_1338" align="alignleft" width="360" caption="Proposed Delta Community Credit Union"]Proposed Delta Community Credit Union[/caption] The letter, from Tony Rizzuto, Land Use Committee Chairman, states that the current site has a single drive-through window, but DCCU wants to expand the drive through service to multiple lanes. Rizzuto further states that the Midtown SPI-16 Zoning Ordinance  specifically prohibits drive through service windows and drive-in facilities from being located east of Spring Street or along Storefront Streets. The site is located just a block from the Midtown MARTA station and the DCCU's SAP (Special Administrative Permit) is asking for two curb cuts on Cresent Avenue, and another on Peachtree Place to allow for the proposed vehicle traffic. One of the great things that makes Midtown Atlanta what it is today, and will be in the future is the Midtown Blueprint. This well designed (for the most part) calls for specific types of design with an emphasis on promoting a livable, walkable and sustainable community. Such automobile-centric design proposals still show that the larger business community needs to look past the hood of the car and more to the tennis shoes on the street. Such a design is just fueling (sorry for THAT pun) Atlanta's continued love affair with their automobiles, and less of a love of their shoes and the street. Midtown currently ranks as the highest walkable community in the Atlanta area. Residents from both Historic Midtown as well as the numerous condominium communities enjoy the ability to walk from their homes to shopping, restaurants and markets, without the use of a car. For those unfamiliar with the site, here is a map of the location. It will be interesting to see how this makes it through the City Hall planning process.

    80 Peachtree Place

    ]]>
    1337 2011-02-02 18:17:35 2011-02-02 23:17:35 open open midtown-neighbors-association-opposes-proposed-credit-union-plans publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 731 peteynice@gmail.com 130.207.167.178 2011-02-09 11:52:58 2011-02-09 16:52:58 1 0 0
    Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta GA Condo For Rent http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/03/cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-ga-condo-for-rent/ Fri, 04 Feb 2011 01:38:28 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1342 This Cornerstone Village home will be available the first week of April, 2011!!
    Cornerstone Village TOP Floor For Rent
    Overview Maps Photos Description Neighborhood Market Stats
    $1,100
    Condominium
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 310 Units Interior: 775 sqft
    Location
    800 Peachtree Street, NE 1513 Atlanta, GA 30308 USA
    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME
    Thomas Ramon Realty (770) 713-1505 Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com http://MyMidtownMojo.com Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed

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    Powered By RealBird.com
    ]]>
    1342 2011-02-03 20:38:28 2011-02-04 01:38:28 open open cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-ga-condo-for-rent publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    From City to The Country! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/20/from-city-to-the-country/ Sun, 20 Feb 2011 14:53:21 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=454 NOTE: Another post from a trip to Montana in 2007! I'll try to remember to capture the same pictures this trip....(except for the deer) since there will probably be snow everywhere! Ok, as you saw in my last post, I've become "hooked" on City Living! In fact, I've lived in several major U.S. cities, including Houston, New Orleans, Miami, and New York before landing in Atlanta, where I have been for the past 16 years. Also in my last post, I mentioned growing up in Montana....which is where I am right now....so, here's an entirely different view of the world.... Montana Mountains This is taken at what's left of our family ranch. To me, it's just as awe-inspiring as the view of the skyscrapers are in Atlanta! Mind you, it's a bit more quiet, but there is still LOTS of drama, even out West!! (But I won't go into that here...it's a legal thing you know....) And you know you never see THIS in Piedmont Park in Atlanta......deer And if you ever need to book a wedding, or family reunion, this is the new facility my sister and brother-in-law just built. It's totally awesome....they call it Deep Creek Grange grange Come on Up! They will show you what Montana Hospitality is ALL about!! And the view ain't bad either! I'll be back in Atlanta on Thursday night, but I'll keep you up to speed on Atlanta while I'm out here in the "wilderness!!"]]> 454 2011-02-20 09:53:21 2011-02-20 14:53:21 open open from-city-to-the-country publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last Midtown Atlanta In Pictures Then And Now http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/20/midtown-atlanta-in-pictures-then-and-now/ Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:57:52 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=455 Midtown Atlanta....I found a cool web site with before and after pictures of Atlanta...but not as many of Midtown as I would like to have seen..... midtown beforeThat was then and..... This is now......

    Midtown Atlanta Organizations

    The Midtown Alliance has developed the Midtown Blueprint, which includes the Miracle Mile...Peachtree Street from the High Museum on the North end, to North Avenue on the South End, where the Fabulous Fox Theatre is. While The Midtown Alliance is in the economic "driver's seat", it takes people, and the Midtown Neighbors' Association, to truly make a neighborhood like Midtown. This group of active, involved Midtown residents work together to address the other issues a changing neighborhood faces. And now, Midtown is filled with awesome new "vertical homes" better known as condominiums. They range from the first arrival of Metropolis to the newest arrivals, 1010 Peachtree to Viewpoint. It's exciting to be able to leave your car in the garage, and walk to restaurants, shopping and of course Piedmont Park. If you want to join the Renaissance that is Midtown Atlanta, contact the team that is "Real Estate For The Urban Lifestyle." We'd be delighted to show you why we love Midtown and call it home!!  P.S. If you look in this picture, you will see Viewpoint Midtown is not even above garage level.....here is a current picture of that building...

    [caption id="attachment_1396" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta"]Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta[/caption] ]]> 455 2011-02-20 13:57:52 2011-02-20 18:57:52 open open midtown-atlanta-in-pictures-then-and-now publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 874 cldonovan@earthlink.net http://www.donovanblatt.com 99.50.86.204 2011-03-03 01:27:08 2011-03-03 06:27:08 1 0 0 A Piece of Real Estate We All Love or Hate, but Can't Live Without! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/19/a-piece-of-real-estate-we-all-love-or-hate-but-cant-live-without/ Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:36:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=458 This blog originally appeared on my other real estate blog back in 2007. I think it's just as timely then as now. In fact, very timely as I head north to Montana this morning!! I still struggle as to what to write in my blogs, but in this case, I now can thank Mariana Wagner for giving me a whole list of things to Blog about..... Now this topic does relate to real estate....in one way or another! AIRPORTS! You see, we'd love to be land owners close to an airport that's planning an expansion (depending on what we get paid for our property) yet the last place we want to live next to is an airport. However, we like them to be conveniently located, just not next to where we live. atlatnaTake Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. First off, can our name REALLY get much longer? Maybe with Mayor Franklin taking on our sewer problems when no one else would, we'll find room for her in there somewhere....anyway, the Metro Atlanta area is so spread out....some people have to spend the night at an airport hotel in order to catch their flight! Then there is the layout of our airport....many people find it very confusing.....I'm not sure why...6 concourses, laid out in a line, connected by an underground train. You might arrive on D, need to transfer to C, no problem (cept for those nasty afternoon t-showers...that will just screw everything up) Arrivals and Departures are all done in the same place. Now take Dallas-Ft. Worth...THAT is a confusing airport. I mean you have to start reading signs before you even get TO the terminal to see what building you need to go to for your flight....I've missed TWO flights at that airport....not one at Atlanta! seatsAs some of you may have read in my last blog, I just flew home to Montana for a family visit. I did not realize until I was on the way to the airport in Atlanta that it had been ONE YEAR since I had last flown! Shreeeek! I use to fly every month to some social event somewhere, but since I buckled down to my real estate business, my trips have been closer to home and fueled by an automobile! But I can remember MANY hours in the past sitting in those not-so-comfortable seats waiting for a connecting flight....not this trip. 55 minutes to change plans in Salt Lake City so you hope there is no fog, smog, or other such thing to delay your arrival or departure. Airports in the U.S. are a statement of our community! They reflect our progress as a growing business center...an opportunity to spur on economic growth, for an architect to make a grand statement....Just take a look at Denver's...need I say more! It's a sight to behold for miles as you arrive at the airport from the ground! BUT, then there are those airports that have character like you have never seen the likes of.....I'd love to refer you to the Kona, Hawaii airport.....open air, just what you expect in that kind of climate...but their web site leaves much to be desired..... And then....there is Gallatin Field, serving Bozeman, Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park bozeman Now, years ago, when I was in college, I worked for Hertz Rent-a-Car at this airport. We had ONE, yes, ONE jet way and it was shared by Northwest and Frontier Airlines (not the Frontier you know now...the one merged with Continental) This airport's interior looks like a ski lodge....and how appropriate, since there are something like 5 ski areas within a couple hours of Bozeman (mainly Big Sky Resort ) We use to have wheelchair races down the lobby! Flying is not what it use to be...with all the security and all....it can often take you 2 hours to clear Security in Atlanta...it took me over 30 minutes in Bozeman...and I lost my awesome little bottle of hotel lotion and my travel bottle of Scope as they were not in that '----' little baggie! Didn't have to be when I left Atlanta!!! Airports....interesting real estate...whether you live by one, are affected by one, or use one....they are something we can't live without...and have become quite a place to see these days!! The next time you have a layover in Atlanta, give me a call...I'll come have a drink with you. No, wait. We can't get out on the concourse anymore because of security....oh well, guess you're on your own to figure this one out!]]> 458 2011-02-19 09:36:47 2011-02-19 14:36:47 open open a-piece-of-real-estate-we-all-love-or-hate-but-cant-live-without publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description Your Pet and Your Home...What To Consider When Moving To A Condo! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/19/your-pet-and-your-home-what-to-consider-when-moving-to-a-condo/ Sat, 19 Feb 2011 21:00:21 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=461  So, you've decided to move! Great! Congratulations! But as you look for that new place, don't forget about that all important part of your family.....your PET! For many of us, they are not pets, they ARE members of our family! This is Nero who unfortunately left us on January 19, 2007. But he was a very important part of our life. Such that, we delayed moving into our new condo for 7 months because of him. (Who do you think ruled THAT house?) Our situation was different...he was going blind, and could not tell the difference between the door of a condo and a door in the house...so he thought he was locked in a room! And so went the howling! So we could not move until he was no longer with us....he just did not understand the difference between a house and a condo. As you make a move, be it from house to condo, condo to house or a different combination, there are factors you need to consider. Failing to do your research could leave you in a situation like ours, but not as easy to resolve. (We just kept the house!) As sad as it seems to us, pets are not welcome everywhere! But many communities (condo, townhouse or single-family) are realizing they need to consider the four-legged members of the family! And wisely so! According to the 2007-08 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, the number of U.S. households with pets grew from 56 percent in 1998 to 63 percent! That's a whapping 71.1 million homes! What ever your reason for a pet, most people have a dog for the companionship they provide. (I use to drive in my driveway and the noise coming from my front door, followed by the wagging tail, jumping, etc was the most welcomed sight of the day!) But when it comes time to take care of them, from walking to grooming and having "friends," not all places are created equal. But times are changing. When visiting communities, you and your agent should ask about pet policies. And here are some questions to consider. 1) Are pets even allowed? While more important to ask in a market like Midtown Alanta with our condos and high rises, even in single-family home communities, there could be limits on breeds or numbers of pets. Some breeds, such as Pit Bulls, or Doberman Pinschers may not be allowed. Many condominium developments limit you to 2 pets. 2) What are the neighborhood, county or city rules and regulations? What if Fido is use to running in your back yard, and now has to be walked on a leash? Might be an issue in teaching an "old dog a new trick!" For example, Nero always got walked on a leash, but he did not "play well with others." Could be an issue when riding the elevator! Find out if the community has any special areas where you can walk your dog. Ask if there is any sort of dog walking group you can join...a great way to meet your neighbors! For us city dwellers, check for "dog stations" where you can pick up doggie waste bags, as well as a place to dispose of them. 3) Does your Pet fit with your new home? Like I mentioned at the beginning, Nero did not understand the difference between being locked in a room in our house, or the front door of our condo! Greyhounds, because of their low body fat and bones, don't really like to lay on concrete or hardwood floors! Do you have room for a nice bed for him/her? How about rugs? Is it a single story, or a townhouse? Some dogs, such as Dachshunds do not do well with stairs! And imagine a St. Bernard in a 800 sq. ft condo with two people? Hmmmmm...... 4) Fences? Certainly NOT a concern in a high-rise, but if you buy a home, again, you want to check those covenants. Some new communities are now going with only invisible fencing! Again, could be another "new trick" that your dog may not adjust to! We love our pets! So as we look for our new home, remember...it will be THEIR new home as well! If you have a four-legged member of YOUR family, I can relate! And can help you find just the right home for both of you! ]]> 461 2011-02-19 16:00:21 2011-02-19 21:00:21 open open your-pet-and-your-home-what-to-consider-when-moving-to-a-condo publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description Coming Soon! Cornerstone Village Unique 3 Bedroom Condo!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/04/coming-soon-cornerstone-village-unique-3-bedroom-condo/ Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:00:34 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1345 Coming Soon! Rarely Ever Seen 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo

    Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta, GA

    [caption id="attachment_1346" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Cornerstone Village 3 Bedroom"]Cornerstone Village 3 Bedroom[/caption] It's always exciting in real estate when you have the opportunity to present a property that is almost a "one-of-a-kind" home. And this Cornerstone Village condominium is JUST that one.

    Originally a large 2 bedroom, the current owner made interior renovations to the unit to create 3 FULL bedrooms. Imagine some 1600 PLUS sq. ft of living space! This was done by taking a corner of the living room, and enclosing it. Mind you, don't think small bedrooms. They are still all very large in size!  In fact, the Master Bedroom will easily accommodate a King-sized bed, and a sitting area.

    To ready this unique home for the market, the Seller is installing hardwood floors in the living area, tile in the kitchen, baths and entrance foyer AND adding granite counters to the kitchen. Everything will be ready for you, the new owner!

    Cornerstone Village Condominiums are in the heart of Midtown Atlanta at 6th and Peachtree Streets. The GATech campus is just 3 blocks away, as is the Midtown MARTA train station. You can also walk to Emory Crawford Long Hospital, Bank of America, AT & T and numerous law offices in Midtown!

    Cornerstone Village Night ViewStay tuned for this exciting Midtown living opportunity, coming on the market soon! Think this might be just what you were looking for? Give me a call and we will get you on the advanced list!]]>
    1345 2011-02-04 09:00:34 2011-02-04 14:00:34 open open coming-soon-cornerstone-village-unique-3-bedroom-condo publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 700 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-02-04 23:04:28 2011-02-05 04:04:28 1 0 0
    Home. It's What You Make It and WHERE You Make It http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/05/home-its-what-you-make-it-and-where-you-make-it/ Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:00:31 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1356 a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household.
    2. the place in which one's domestic affections are centered.
    3. an institution for the homeless, sick, etc.: a nursing home.
    4. the dwelling place or retreat of an animal.
    5. the place or region where something is native or most common.
    We all know about homes in real estate. We often have to tell our Sellers, "You are not selling your home. This is now a house you are selling and you are taking your memories with you." But we humans are not the only ones that make homes. I've had the wonderful pleasure of watching nature do it's thing when it comes to homes! Tree with NestThis past summer, I had the pleasure of a home next to mine. I had to reduce the picture to fit here, but if you look closely, you will see a red arrow in the middle of the tree. Here, is another home. But this one belongs to a family of birds. I've scoured the Internet to try and figure out what kind of bird it is, but it's been a busy one. And I've been able to watch the entire process, from eggs to birds. It's right outside my bedroom window, so I can just stand and watch the Momma Bird fly back and forth feeding her babies. When  I knew the time was fast approaching that the "kids" to be leaving home, one of them was up on the edge of the nest, saying "let's blow this pop stand!"

    baby bird

    Sadly, this little guy seems to have been left behind. I noticed Momma Bird not flying into the nest anymore (yes I know I should of not got close..but she was not flying in there before I checked it out) So I'm not sure he's going to make it out of his home!

    During the Memorial Day weekend around the same time , we were greeted with yet another surprize....

    Patio Nest

    The stripped object is actually my patio umbrella where it had been stood up against the house for the winter, under the eaves of the back patio. Well, it appears a little Chickadee has been busy, and now I've got another family in their home! I've not heard any noise from this one yet, so perhaps they have not yet hatched! Guess there will be no umbrella on the table for awhile!

    Seeing all the work that these birds went into to make a home for their family. Now, I don't know if there is such a thing as Bird REALTORS, but I think in both cases they picked some pretty good real estate for their homes!

    I'm happy they chose my home (or my trees) for their home! It kind of reminds me of the feeling when I find the right home for my Buyers! It takes work, and time, but the rewards are worth it!

    If we can help YOU find (or build) that New Home, just click on the picture below and we'll start looking for the pine straw and moss or the neighborhood and number of bedrooms that will make the house we find YOUR NEW HOME!

    House

    ]]>
    1356 2011-02-05 09:00:31 2011-02-05 14:00:31 open open home-its-what-you-make-it-and-where-you-make-it publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 711 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-02-06 23:05:42 2011-02-07 04:05:42 1 0 0
    Highland City View Townhome FOR RENT 2 BR/2.5BA $1500/mo http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/08/highland-city-view-townhome-for-rent-2-br2-5ba-1500mo/ Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:25:01 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1358
    Highland City View Townhome For Rent
    Overview Maps Photos Description
    $1,500
    Townhouse
    Main Features
    2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom Interior: 1478 sqft
    Location
    375 Highland Avenue 507 Atlanta, GA 30312 USA
    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME
    Thomas Ramon Realty (770) 713-1505 Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com http://MyMidtownMojo.com Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty
    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed

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    1358 2011-02-08 09:25:01 2011-02-08 14:25:01 open open highland-city-view-townhome-for-rent-2-br2-5ba-1500mo publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
    SPIRE MIDTOWN ATLANTA 1 BEDROOM FOR RENT http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/08/spire-midtown-atlanta-1-bedroom-for-rent/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:42:31 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1360
    THIS SPIRE MIDTOWN ATLANTA HOME IS
    NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENT!


    THIS IS A BOARD APPROVED RENTAL!
    Amazing Short Sale Value at Spire Midtown Atlanta


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Video
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats

















    $133,495
    Condominium
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    393 Units
    Interior: 606 sqft
    Location
    860 Peachtree Street
    2016
    Atlanta, GA 30308
    USA

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Palmer House Properties LLC

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    ]]>
    1360 2011-02-08 19:42:31 2011-02-09 00:42:31 open open spire-midtown-atlanta-1-bedroom-for-rent publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 1415 vickielester@bellsouth.net 74.228.194.251 2011-03-30 18:56:51 2011-03-30 22:56:51 1 0 0 724 http://topsy.com/mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/08/spire-midtown-atlanta-1-bedroom-for-rent/?utm_source=pingback&utm_campaign=L2 208.74.66.43 2011-02-08 20:06:43 2011-02-09 01:06:43 1 pingback 0 0
    10 Terminus Place Has ONE Condo Left! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/09/10-terminus-place-has-one-condo-left/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:07:04 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1363 [/caption] Cousins Properties has ONE unit left to sell at 10 Terminus Place in Buckhead. The 32-story tower, with 137 condominiums opened in 2008 at the infamous intersection of Piedmont and Peachtree Roads.  Since the building opened, Cousins too two impairment charges (writing off the value of goodwill) to be able to adjust prices...as much as $300,000 on a 3-bedroom to help move sales along. I sold a home here last year, and have some very happy buyers that purchased a 3 bedroom home on the pool level. The terrace was the size of many Midtown Atlanta 2 bedroom condo homes! Always good to have good news in the real estate market...and we need to shout it from the rooftops!]]> 1363 2011-02-09 17:07:04 2011-02-09 22:07:04 open open 10-terminus-place-has-one-condo-left publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 733 http://topsy.com/mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/09/10-terminus-place-has-one-condo-left/?utm_source=pingback&utm_campaign=L2 208.74.66.43 2011-02-09 17:45:25 2011-02-09 22:45:25 1 pingback 0 0 Mayfair Tower Midtown Atlanta 1 Bedroom PLUS Den For RENT! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/09/mayfair-tower-midtown-atlanta-1-bedroom-plus-den-for-rent/ Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:18:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1366
    Mayfair Tower 1 Bedroom PLUS Den For Rent


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats


















    $1,350
    Condominium
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    Interior: 873 sqft
    Location
    199 14th Street, Ne
    711
    Atlanta, GA 30308
    USA

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty

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    ]]>
    1366 2011-02-09 19:18:17 2011-02-10 00:18:17 open open mayfair-tower-midtown-atlanta-1-bedroom-plus-den-for-rent publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 737 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://WellingtonHomeTeam.com 184.32.55.37 2011-02-09 22:29:16 2011-02-10 03:29:16 1 0 0
    Highland City View Townhome FOR RENT! Downtown/Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/10/highland-city-view-townhome-for-rent-downtownmidtown-atlanta/ Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:39:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1368
    Highland City View Townhome For Rent


    Overview
    Maps
    Photos
    Description




















    $1,500
    Townhouse
    Main Features
    2 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    1 Partial Bathroom
    Interior: 1478 sqft
    Location
    375 Highland Avenue
    507
    Atlanta, GA 30312
    USA

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty

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    ]]>
    1368 2011-02-10 09:39:17 2011-02-10 14:39:17 open open highland-city-view-townhome-for-rent-downtownmidtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
    Highland City View Townhome FOR RENT! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/10/highland-city-view-townhome-for-rent/ Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:45:01 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/10/highland-city-view-townhome-for-rent/

    Check out this great living space with a convenient location all at a great price!

    ]]>
    1370 2011-02-10 16:45:01 2011-02-10 21:45:01 open open highland-city-view-townhome-for-rent publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
    Grant Park Victorian Home For Sale $369,000 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/12/grant-park-victorian-home-for-sale-369000/ Sun, 13 Feb 2011 00:47:08 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1372
    Renovated Grant Park Victorian Charmer!


    Overview
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    Description
    Neighborhood
    Market Stats


















    $369,000
    Single Family Home
    Main Features
    3 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Interior: 1 sqft
    Location
    453 Bryan Street, SE
    Atlanta, GA 30312
    USA

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Palmer House Properties

    Our recent listings
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    ]]>
    1372 2011-02-12 19:47:08 2011-02-13 00:47:08 open open grant-park-victorian-home-for-sale-369000 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
    Southeastern Flower Show - Atlanta GA February 25-26, 2011 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/13/southeastern-flower-show-atlanta-ga-february-25-26-2011/ Sun, 13 Feb 2011 16:18:33 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1374 Southeastern Flower Show Cobb Galleria Centre, February 25-26, 2011

    [caption id="attachment_1375" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Southeastern Flower Show February 25-26, 2011"]Southeastern Flower Show February 25-26, 2011[/caption] The winter we've experienced here in Atlanta certainly does not compare to what our neighbors to the north have gone through. But, I think everyone is ready for spring. And a visit to the Southeastern Flower Show is JUST the ticket you need.  If if you live in a condominium, you'll appreciate the displays and the spring-like feeling you'll have once you leave this event.

    This year, the Southeastern Flower Show is chaired by my good friend, Mary Norwood and her husband, Felton.  The theme, "InTune with Blooms" will emphasize the enjoyment of music in the garden and outdoors and will feature live performances throughout both days.

    Professionally designed gardens will have been built INSIDE the Centre, and you will have the opportunity to visit, explore AND ask questions. Some of the past displays I've seen included waterfalls and fish ponds that we easily 500 sq ft in size!

    It's a pretty amazing site.

    General Admission tickets are $18 on show days, but you can save $3 per ticket by purchasing tickets in advance at the Southeastern Horticultural Society's website.]]>
    1374 2011-02-13 11:18:33 2011-02-13 16:18:33 open open southeastern-flower-show-atlanta-ga-february-25-26-2011 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 808 mary@marynorwood.com 65.166.136.147 2011-02-19 17:19:19 2011-02-19 22:19:19 1 0 0 756 http://topsy.com/mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/13/southeastern-flower-show-atlanta-ga-february-25-26-2011/?utm_source=pingback&utm_campaign=L2 208.74.66.43 2011-02-13 12:10:43 2011-02-13 17:10:43 1 pingback 0 0 764 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2011-02-14 17:42:30 2011-02-14 22:42:30 1 0 0
    Sidewalks In Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/14/sidewalks-in-midtown-atlanta/ Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:53:56 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1377 [/caption] You know what they are. You probably use them is some form or fashion at least once a day. Sidewalks. A sidewalk is defined by Dictionary.com as, " a walk, especially a paved one, at the side of a street or road. So in an urban environment, you' ve got them everywhere.  And they require maintenance. But the $100 question is WHO is responsible for that maintenance.

    Sidewalks In Midtown Atlanta

    Well, in the City of Atlanta, YOU, the property owner to which that sidewalk abuts to are responsible for that maintenance. Yep. NOT the city of Atlanta, but YOU, the property owner. So, that might explain why some of Atlanta's sidewalks, and especially in Historic Midtown, are in tough shape. You are probably going to spend $2000-3000 for something INSIDE your home, and not on the sidewalk in front of it! If you have a sidewalk you traverse on a regular basis, but find it dangerous, say from tree roots or just a state of disrepair, you can contact the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works at 404-330-6240 or e-mail Commissioner Richard Mendoza at rmendoza@atlantaga.gov. Additionally, Midtown Neighbors' Association allocates a limited amount of money in the form of a matching grant to assist a homeowner who wants to repair their sidewalk. More information is available here.
    ]]>
    1377 2011-02-14 10:53:56 2011-02-14 15:53:56 open open sidewalks-in-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    Spire Midtown Atlanta 1 Bedroom For Sale http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/14/spire-midtown-atlanta-1-bedroom-for-sale/ Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:00:34 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1381
    Spire Midtown Atlanta Condo For Sale


    Overview
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    Description
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    Market Stats


















    $151,900
    Condominium
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    374 Units
    Interior: 744 sqft
    Location
    860 Peachtree Street
    2506
    Atlanta, GA 30308
    USA

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties

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    ]]>
    1381 2011-02-14 16:00:34 2011-02-14 21:00:34 open open spire-midtown-atlanta-1-bedroom-for-sale publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
    Atlanta Legoland Amongst Phipps Plaza Fashion http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/17/atlanta-legoland-amongst-phipps-plaza-fashion/ Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:23:52 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1383 Lenox Square and its neighbor across Peachtree, Phipps Plaza. [caption id="attachment_1384" align="alignleft" width="222" caption="Atlanta Legoland Discovery Center"]Atlanta Legoland Discovery Center[/caption] Well, in 2012, Phipps is going to be home to a pretty cool children's attraction...the Atlanta Legoland Discovery Center. Merlin Entertainments, the London-based company that owns the concept, will build a $12 million, 32,000 sq ft plus attraction on the 3rd floor of the famed Buckhead shopping "destination." (Heavens, you would NEVER call Phipps a "center!) The Atlanta Journal Constitution quoted William Pate, President of the Atlanta Convention & Visitor Bureau; "Atlanta has become one of the country's most popular family travel destinations, and the new Legoland Discovery Center will provide another great experience for visitors." The article further describes what the attraction will include:
    • 4D Cinema
    • Lego Rides ( hmmmm....)
    • Exhibits?
    A visit to the Dallas Legoland site lists rides and attractions such as Lego Factory, Miniland and Lego Racers. (I'm liking the sound of this...)

    Atlanta Legoland Discovery Center

    So, does Legoland sound like a fit amongst the posh stores like Nordstrom, Gucci and Giorgio Armani? I guess Merlin does. We'll have to wait till 2012 to find out!]]>
    1383 2011-02-17 10:23:52 2011-02-17 15:23:52 open open atlanta-legoland-amongst-phipps-plaza-fashion publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    Cornerstone Village TOP Floor Condo For Rent! $1100 per Month http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/17/cornerstone-village-top-floor-condo-for-rent-1100-per-month/ Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:55:55 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1386 Available for Occupancy First Week of April
    Cornerstone Village TOP Floor For Rent


    Overview
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    Description
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    $1,100
    Condominium
    Main Features
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    310 Units
    Interior: 775 sqft
    Location
    800 Peachtree Street, NE
    1513
    Atlanta, GA 30308
    USA

    To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

    Thomas Ramon Realty
    (770) 713-1505
    Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
    http://MyMidtownMojo.com



    Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties

    Our recent listings
    Subscribe to our listing feed

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    ]]>
    1386 2011-02-17 17:55:55 2011-02-17 22:55:55 open open cornerstone-village-top-floor-condo-for-rent-1100-per-month publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 807 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://WellingtonHomeTeam.com 74.233.153.243 2011-02-19 14:41:13 2011-02-19 19:41:13 1 0 0
    State properties sit idle, awaiting real estate comeback   http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/18/state-properties-sit-idle-awaiting-real-estate-comeback-%c2%a0/ Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:25:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/18/state-properties-sit-idle-awaiting-real-estate-comeback-%c2%a0/
    This article appeared in the AJC this morning. Of course, this is nothing new, and is happening in cities and states around the country. But,  I especially liked a comment towards the end of the article:
    There has been one positive development as the properties sit idle. To offset maintenance costs, Pullman Yard and the former state farmer's market have become location shoots for several Hollywood movies, among them “The Blind Side,” “Fast and Furious 5,” “Footloose,” “The Lottery Ticket,” “Ben 10” and “Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son.” In the past two years, the Georgia Building Authority has generated more than $250,000 from film productions, Pando said. Yet the State Legislature is talking about changes to the current incentives offer to the ever-growing Georgia Film Industry. Sure, why not take money out of the state pockets. And the people that are employed from this industry!
    By Leon Stafford The Atlanta Journal-Constitution When the state bought the former World of Cola-Cola building four years ago, the plan was to turn it into a museum, but the economic downturn scuttled that idea. The same happened to plans to tear down the former Georgia Archives building just a few blocks away. The state intended to demolish the 45-year-old structure, but couldn't afford the $5 million bill. Similar to most local commercial property owners, the state hasn't escaped the area's real estate collapse. Read the rest of the article
    ]]>
    1389 2011-02-18 10:25:17 2011-02-18 15:25:17 open open state-properties-sit-idle-awaiting-real-estate-comeback-%c2%a0 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
    Food truck owners seek room to grow   http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/21/food-truck-owners-seek-room-to-grow-%c2%a0/ Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:35:51 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/19/food-truck-owners-seek-room-to-grow-%c2%a0/
    Advocates for Atlanta’s burgeoning street food scene say it has the potential to grow five to 10 times its current size and could become an economic driver that puts hundreds of local residents to work.
    The Yumbii truck serves people in front of the  Prominence building on Piedmont  Road. The Atlanta Street Food Coalition is appealing for friendlier rules for the mobile businesses.
    Johnny Crawford Jcrawford@ajc.com The Yumbii truck serves people in front of the Prominence building on Piedmont Road. The Atlanta Street Food Coalition is appealing for friendlier rules for the mobile businesses.
      But to do so, they’ll need a friendlier permitting process, more favorable small business loans and regulations that open up areas in which to operate. Read More of the AJC Article Here! Note: I've yet to try this guy! It's on my list for next month and I'll do a follow up post. Have you been to the Yumbi Food Truck? Let us know!
      ]]>
      1398 2011-02-21 13:35:51 2011-02-21 18:35:51 open open food-truck-owners-seek-room-to-grow-%c2%a0 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 1018 culovspam@gmail.com http://www.foodtrucksmap.com/atlanta/ 12.198.202.2 2011-03-17 15:10:56 2011-03-17 19:10:56 1 0 0
      Don't Stop Believing....Hold On To That Feeling! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/23/dont-stop-believing-hold-on-to-that-feeling/ Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:40:54 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=822 Don't Stop Believing.....It WILL Get Better. I'm a relative "newbie" when it comes to real estate. I've had my license for 6 years now. I know there are many of you that have been selling for 3 or 4 times that long. And you've seen times like this. Or as I have heard the statement many times before, "We still sold houses when the interest rates were 12 and 15 percent." Money Out of PocketSo, the challenges of today are somewhat new to me. The last time we had economic challenges, I was firmly seated in a Corporate job, knowing my immediate boss would defend my position (job) at all costs, so I was not to worried. I didn't have lots of money mind you, but I seemed to be able to hit may favorite local watering hole (a.k.a. club) 3-4 nights a week, the beach on the weekends when I was not working, and had a pretty hot new car! (Let's see, I miss....ALL those things. Ah, but the past is the past, right? Well, yes and no. If we were not to learn from our past, why would they teach us history in school? So we can understand where we were, where we are now, and perhaps, where we will be going......enter crystal ball. Oh, wait, I dropped that darn thing cleaning out the basement a few years ago... Anyways, life is kinda of a struggle right now. I work way more hours than I did in my corporate job (and I never thought THAT could be possible.) Mind you, they are MY hours in MY business for MY gain! Not some corporate giant! But, some days I think, UGH, how much longer must all this craziness last? I showed a couple condos a couple weeks ago, one of them being a foreclosure. (Imagine that!) And to walk in and find the kitchen sink gone gave new meaning to that old saying "Everything but the kitchen sink." Remember that one? The Thom And Ray TeamBut, I know that things will be bumpy for a bit longer. It's like that airplane flight where the captain comes on and says, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we've tried several different altitudes, but it looks like we going to be in this for awhile, so I'm going to keep the Fasten Seat Belt Sign on and ask you to remain in your seats. At this time we are also asking the flight crew to stop cabin service. Thank you." Ah...wait, my row is next...Please....Please.....(You know with new security you can't slip your OWN on anymore!) Anyways, I thought this video would help all of us to remember, Don't Stop Believing.

      ]]>
      822 2011-02-23 18:40:54 2011-02-23 23:40:54 open open dont-stop-believing-hold-on-to-that-feeling publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 825 sharon.paxson@gmail.com http://newportbeachrealestatecafe.com 76.170.112.51 2011-02-23 22:50:28 2011-02-24 03:50:28 1 0 0 826 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-02-24 00:27:17 2011-02-24 05:27:17 1 0 0 831 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2011-02-24 16:45:05 2011-02-24 21:45:05 1 0 0
      Classic Car Commercials -- The Heartbeat of America. Indeed! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/12/classic-car-commercials-the-heartbeat-of-america-indeed/ Sat, 12 Mar 2011 17:10:02 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=966 Classic Car Commercials -- The Heartbeat of America. Indeed! In college (ah geeez, there I go dating myself) my parents were about to "come into some money" with a sale of a portion of our family ranch in Montana. The sale never happened. (Well it did, just a few years later and for ALOT less money!) But my Dad had said he would buy me one of these! I lived in Houston attending the Univeristy of Houston, and I even went and test drove one. Heavy sigh! But memories are wonderful aren't they? Now I could just see me touring Midtown Atlanta Real Estate in one of these babies!

      ]]>
      966 2011-03-12 12:10:02 2011-03-12 17:10:02 open open classic-car-commercials-the-heartbeat-of-america-indeed publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
      A Dog's Philosophy. Perhaps We Humans Could Learn Something? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/12/a-dogs-philosophy-perhaps-we-humans-could-learn-something/ Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:00:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=992 A Dog's Philosophy. Perhaps We Humans Could Learn Something? Nero1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride. 2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. 3. When loved ones come home, always run and greet them. 4. When it's in your best interest, always practice obedience. 5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory. 6.Take naps and always stretch before rising. 7. Run, romp and play daily. 8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. 9. Be loyal. Canine For A Cause10. Never pretend to be something you're not. 11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. 12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. 13. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk. 14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. 15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. 16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. 17. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. 18. No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends. I could not get this video to embed, so please click on this link from Dogwork.com and enjoy a few moments of special time....]]> 992 2011-03-12 09:00:47 2011-03-12 14:00:47 open open a-dogs-philosophy-perhaps-we-humans-could-learn-something publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 953 sharon.paxson@gmail.com http://newportbeachrealestatecafe.com 76.170.112.51 2011-03-14 12:31:26 2011-03-14 16:31:26 1 0 0 Short Sales are the Answer http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/11/short-sales-are-the-answer/ Fri, 11 Mar 2011 20:57:16 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1016
      Via J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip R.E. LLC) Westchester County NY:

      Complete dedication to playing I am going to bang a drum I have been banging since the sub prime crisis in 2007 began to erode the equity of so many people, and it is simple: if the housing market is going to recover, we have to have to do better than a 20th century solution to our 21st century problem. We are facing the largest liquidation of property in the history of the republic, yet banks are doing nothing differently to dispense with their toxic assets than they were in the 1930's, which is to foreclose, repossess, and dump.

      I would strongly assert, having worked with default properties a chunk of my career, that short sales are the answer to restoring the market to equilibrium and recovery, and yet lenders still have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the closing table when they ironically net far less after far longer on the REO side, where they are suddenly in a ridiculous hurry.

      The advantages are enormous:

      • In a short sale, the bank doesn’t have to take 1-2 years to repossess the home. They avoid having a non-performing asset any longer than they have to. They get their money faster.
      • In a short sale, there are no legal fees associated with a foreclosure. They save money.
      • In a short sale, the bank does not have to manage the property, put the utilities in their name, or winterize the property except in rare cases. No preservation company expenses, property management overhead, winterizations or utility costs. They save carrying costs.
      • No evictions. Short sales are seldom boarded up, vandalized, or vacant. They therefore net the lender more money.
      • No sheriffs deeds, no right of redemption headaches.
      • No title ambiguities, which is a big concern in the wake of the foreclosure moratorium.
      The short sales help the borrowers as well, because they are able to dispense with the property with dignity, avoid the credit catastrophe of a foreclosure, and re-enter the pool of buyers far sooner and with less shell shock and trauma the rest of their lives.
        Homes are special. Not just assets. Sadly, the architecture of lenders is still that of 15, 25 and 50 years ago: None of the brighter bulbs work in liquidation or loss mitigation, and the staff on the REO side is the only part of their workforce motivated to sell and close. That is fine when foreclosures and distress are rare and relegated to deadbeats, but the USA didn't become a nation of deadbeats in the last 18 months, we had our bank accounts raided. We lost our jobs. We lost our equity. And folks deserve better than hourly grunts who lose faxes, watch clocks, and treat red tape like a badge of honor. Moreover, the American people deserve executives who can show a modicum of remorse or contrition for their royal screw up, are willing to change their corporate culture to adapt to the need for more short sales in a shorter time frame, and, maybe, just maybe, stop referring to the property in abstract terms like "assets" when they should instead understand that these are their lifeblood customers, and the "asset" is that lifeblood's home. It is a shame that there is no political will on either side of the isle to hold lenders feet to the fire to affect meaningful change, and defaulted homeowners must contend with a mad race to work a miracle with an uncaring, unresponsive monolithic entity before that monster forecloses, repossesses their home, wrecks their credit and crushes their dreams. This is not progress.

        Feed your mind.

        • J. Philip Real EstateWe Are Westchester County & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate. Reach Phil at (914) 723-8900.
        • J. Philip Faranda, Broker-owner, J. Philip Real Estate, LLC. Vice President, Empire Access Multiple Listing Service.
        • I am one of New York's premier short sale REALTORS, serving Westchester & the Hudson Valley.
        • J. Philip Serves Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Croton, the River Towns, Westchester County, and the bedroom counties of New York City.
        • Free MLS Search! Register for a Free Listingbook account and search the MLS like an agent.
        • I am hiring agents. We offer outstanding support, marketing resources, and pasta.
        All content/images, unless noted, are the property of J. Philip Faranda & may not be used without permission
        ]]>
        1016 2011-03-11 15:57:16 2011-03-11 20:57:16 open open short-sales-are-the-answer publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
        Coca Cola Relocation to Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/22/coca-cola-relocation-to-midtown-atlanta/ Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:37:57 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1402 [caption id="attachment_1403" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Coca Cola World Headquarters Midtown Atlanta"]Coca Cola World Headquarters Midtown Atlanta[/caption] "Things go better with Coke." Remember that commercial campaign for the famous soft drink? Well, Midtown Atlanta will certainly be getting "better with Coke" as Coca Cola begins a transformation of their Midtown/North Avenue campus which will include the relocation of up to 600 employees.

        The 35 acre campus, located just West of Midtown on North Avenue will be reinvigorated with a $90 million renovation of its 1.8 million sq. ft. campus, most famous for 1 Coca Cola Plaza, the tower with the logo on top. In a statement to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, spokeswoman Kerry Tressler stated, "The effort is part of reaching our goal of being a great place to work in our 2020Vision and to meet the needs of a high-performance workforce."

        Coca Cola Relocation to Midtown Atlanta

        The relocation of employees and the renovations are part of the $13 billion acquisition of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.'s North American operations, which was done last October. [caption id="attachment_1404" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Midtown Atlanta"]Midtown Atlanta[/caption]

        This project is great news for Midtown Atlanta! The Coca-Cola campus is convenient to numerous Midtown high-rise and single family homes. New higher paying jobs could certainly mean more buyers for the many condos available as well as shoppers and diners for Midtown's retail and restaurant business.

        As these individuals move to the new and improved Coke Campus, we will be ready to help them Search for their new Midtown Atlanta Home.

        ]]>
        1402 2011-02-22 09:37:57 2011-02-22 14:37:57 open open coca-cola-relocation-to-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Going Hollywood: Olde Town Conyers Readies for movie shoot http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/23/going-hollywood-olde-town-transforming-for-movie-shoot/ Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:43:37 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/23/going-hollywood-olde-town-transforming-for-movie-shoot/
        [caption id="attachment_1410" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Atlanta Film Industry"]Atlanta Film Industry[/caption] CONYERS — Part of Olde Town Conyers will be closed to traffic next week as taping starts for a movie starring Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah and Kris Kristofferson. Film crews have already begun setting up for scenes for the upcoming movie “Joyful Noise,” a comedy about a small-town choir group. Alcon Entertainment is producing the film. Conyers Main Street Manager Monica Coffin advised residents, merchants and visitors to be aware of road closures and traffic delays during the filming. Preparations for filming began this week and will continue from Tuesday, Feb. 22, through the first part of the day Wednesday. Actual filming will take place from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24. Cleanup will last two hours at the end of each day. Commercial Street will be blocked off both of these days from 6 a.m. until cleanup is completed. Center Street will be closed as needed on both Wednesday and Thursday. Coffin said there will be intermittent traffic interruptions on Railroad and Green streets. The parking spaces along Commercial Street from EGABA to the vacant old city hall building beside Brown Wealth Management will be used for trucks hauling needed equipments and supplies for the movie. Alternative parking for the public will include Bank Street, the city parking lot located at Carter’s Alley, and the parking lot off Travis Street. “We will be placing signs out to assist visitors with their parking needs,” Coffin said. She said the film crew is paying the city for costs of off-duty police officers for traffic control during filming and the city’s public works and transportation department for sign needs. Various merchants are also being compensated for building use. “The citizens of our community will also benefit from this filming project because of the positive impact to our local economy,” Coffin said. “Staff for the project will be staying in our hotels and patronizing our restaurants and retail establishments.” She cautioned that scheduling could change due to the weather, but there will be an effort to stay on schedule. Cleanup and restoration efforts will take place Feb. 25 through March 1.
        ]]>
        1408 2011-02-23 15:43:37 2011-02-23 20:43:37 open open going-hollywood-olde-town-transforming-for-movie-shoot publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 824 http://topsy.com/mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/23/going-hollywood-olde-town-transforming-for-movie-shoot/?utm_source=pingback&utm_campaign=L2 208.74.66.43 2011-02-23 16:14:53 2011-02-23 21:14:53 1 pingback 0 0
        Condo Living - New York Times http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/24/condo-living-new-york-times/ Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:32:24 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/24/condo-living-new-york-times/
        Condo Living - New York Times is a great article about condo living in various cities in the U.S. It talks about the various reasons why people buy condos, and what they like about urban living. Thom Midtown Mojo

        The vibrancy of city living — culture, shopping and the finest restaurants — appeals to a broad spectrum of second-home buyers, including aging boomers looking for a getaway and globetrotting jet setters beefing up their portfolios.

        [caption id="attachment_1404" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Midtown Atlanta"]Midtown Atlanta[/caption]

        Many of those buying in metropolitan areas may already have a second home or even a third, but their collections are simply not complete without a pied-à-terre in an energetic urban locale. According to the National Association of Realtors, 40 percent of all home sales in 2005 were second homes. And a third of those were in urban areas.

        While many American cities offer that type of living and urban amenities, the hottest (and some would argue most prestigious) markets are found in Manhattan, Miami, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

        The typical buyer in these cities may be a wealthy executive who counts a city condo as one of many secondary homes that he cycles through over the course of the year, or a baby boomer in her 40’s or 50’s.

        Read the rest of the article here....
        ]]>
        1415 2011-02-24 09:32:24 2011-02-24 14:32:24 open open condo-living-new-york-times publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 2567 perk.monk@yahoo.com http://www.parkcitysothebys.com/deer-valley-real-estate-listings/ 49.248.13.98 2011-05-20 00:54:03 2011-05-20 04:54:03 1 0 0
        Dakota Condominiums Number 3117 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/25/dakota-condominiums-number-3117/ Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:39:58 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1418
        Gracious Dakota Condominiums Townhome


        Overview
        Maps
        Photos
        Features
        Description
        Neighborhood
        Market Stats

















        $349,000
        Condominium
        Main Features
        2 Bedrooms
        2 Bathrooms
        1 Partial Bathroom
        Interior: 2186 sqft
        Location
        850 Piedmont Avenue, NE
        3117
        Atlanta, GA 30308
        USA

        To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

        Thomas Ramon Realty
        (770) 713-1505
        Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
        http://MyMidtownMojo.com



        Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty@ Palmer House Properties

        Our recent listings
        Subscribe to our listing feed

        Nearby properties for sale



        Powered By RealBird.com



        ]]>
        1418 2011-02-25 09:39:58 2011-02-25 14:39:58 open open dakota-condominiums-number-3117 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Riccardo Ullio gives another stab at Midtown with new restaurant concept http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/25/riccardo-ullio-gives-another-stab-at-midtown-with-new-restaurant-concept-what-now-atlanta/ Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:01:04 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/25/riccardo-ullio-gives-another-stab-at-midtown-with-new-restaurant-concept-what-now-atlanta/
        This restaurant space is located in Cornerstone Village, at the corner of 5th and Peachtree. My office was next door for 3 years. Indeed, this will be the 3rd try of a restaurant since Eno closed a couple years ago. I'm going to go out on a limb and say it will all depend on the menu and of course service. The story is compliments of WhatNow.com riccardo ullio to open el scorpion in former eno by zaza space ~ what now, atlanta?

        El Escorpión to take failed Eno by Zaza (most recently 5th Street Cafe) space

        Riccardo Ullio, owner of Atlanta favorites Sotto Sotto and Fritti of U Restaurants, will open a new Midtown restaurant. El Escorpión, the name of Ullio’s newest venture, will open in the former Eno by Zaza space (most recently 5th Street Cafe), according to management at both Sotto Sotto and Fritti. Located at 800 Peachtree street, El Escorpión will be the third concept the space has seen in less than two years. 5th Street Cafe closed after a mere 78 days in business, owned by Atlanta Hawks’ Zaza Pachulia (story here). El Escorpión will also be Ullio’s fourth attempt at a successful Midtown restaurant. Ullio opened three concepts at 905 Juniper in Midtown (Cuerno, Lupe and Beleza) all which are now closed (story here). Still under development, U Restaurants has not released any specifics on the concept and have no comment at this time. Here’s to hoping Ullio doesn’t get stung a fourth time in Midtown. Developing… El Escorpión 800 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30308
        ]]>
        1420 2011-02-25 17:01:04 2011-02-25 22:01:04 open open riccardo-ullio-gives-another-stab-at-midtown-with-new-restaurant-concept-what-now-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
        Plaza Midtown Incredible View Short Sale Opportunity! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/26/plaza-midtown-incredible-view-short-sale-opportunity/ Sat, 26 Feb 2011 14:25:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1423
        Panoramic Views From Plaza Midtown!!


        Overview
        Maps
        Photos
        Features
        Description
        Neighborhood
        Market Stats

















        $265,000
        Condominium
        Main Features
        2 Bedrooms
        2 Bathrooms
        Interior: 1260 sqft
        Location
        950 W. Peachtree Street
        1912
        Atlanta, GA 30309
        USA

        To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

        Thomas Ramon Realty
        (770) 713-1505
        Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
        http://MyMidtownMojo.com



        Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties

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        ]]>
        1423 2011-02-26 09:25:17 2011-02-26 14:25:17 open open plaza-midtown-incredible-view-short-sale-opportunity publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Use It Up, Wear It Out - Consumers Hold On to Stuff Longer http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/26/use-it-up-wear-it-out-consumers-hold-on-to-stuff-longer/ Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:57:14 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/26/use-it-up-wear-it-out-consumers-hold-on-to-stuff-longer/
        Consumer spending has picked up, but for some Americans the recession has left something behind: a greater interest in making stuff last.

        [caption id="attachment_1427" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Consumers Save Products Longer?"]Consumers Save Products Longer?[/caption] For a number of products — cars, phones, computers, even shampoo and toothpaste — the data shows a slowing of product life cycles and consumption. In many cases the difference is mere months, but economists and consumers say the approach just may outlast a full recovery and the return of easy credit, because of the strong impression the downturn made on consumers.

        It is hardly the stuff of generations past, those stung by the Great Depression, who held onto antediluvian dishware and stored canned goods until rust formed on the lids. But for the moment, many citizens of a throwaway society are making fewer visits to the trash and recycling bins.

        Read the rest of the story at The New York Times.

        ]]>
        1425 2011-02-26 15:57:14 2011-02-26 20:57:14 open open use-it-up-wear-it-out-consumers-hold-on-to-stuff-longer publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 847 Debe@DebeMaxwell.com http://www.iCharlotteRealEstate.com 173.189.51.233 2011-02-28 01:17:36 2011-02-28 06:17:36 1 0 0
        Midtown Ponce Security Alliance Introduces Twitter Alert http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/27/midtown-ponce-security-alliance-introduces-twitter-alert/ Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:00:07 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1429 @MidtownAlert for neighbors and the organization to quickly communicate information about neighborhood issues that might pose a security risk to the residents of Historic Midtown. This new service helps residents immediately send out info about a situation without waiting for the MPSA patrol officer to arrive and assess the situation.

        Midtown Ponce Security Alliance

        [caption id="attachment_1430" align="alignright" width="300" caption="MPSA Patrol Area"]MPSA Patrol Area[/caption] If you are a resident of Historic Midtown, this service might be just what you need to report that hit and run drive that hit a parked car, or some other situation. Keep in mind that MPSA services ONLY the portion of Midtown Atlanta where most of the single family homes are. The map at the right shows their patrol area. The MPSA Patrol serves as the primary strategy in reducing crime and undesirable activity in the neighborhood. The MPSA Patrol was launched in 2003 to stabilize the neighborhood from the effects of increasing criminal and undesirable activity on our streets. Surrounding areas all had patrols, thereby creating a drainage effect on what later became the MPSA service area. Let's hope that the recent Twitter stream on the MPSA account is an indication that crime has reduced! If you are not following @MidtownAlert, now would be a good time to do so. [caption id="attachment_1431" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="@MidtownAlert"]@MidtownAlert[/caption] ]]>
        1429 2011-02-27 09:00:07 2011-02-27 14:00:07 open open midtown-ponce-security-alliance-introduces-twitter-alert publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 849 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2011-02-28 14:31:11 2011-02-28 19:31:11 1 0 0
        Some Pretty Good Advice From Real Estate Expert John Adams http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/28/some-pretty-good-advice-from-real-estate-expert-john-adams/ Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:04:37 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1433 [caption id="attachment_1434" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Should You Wait To Buy?"]Should You Wait To Buy?[/caption]

        As we all know, the housing market around the country and in Atlanta has taken a huge hit and we may not have hit rock bottom yet. Real estate markert expert John Adams had some advice for buyers and sellers.

        Advice for Buyers:

        1. Waiting is the wrong choice. Even if prices drop further (doubtful), we have already begun to see interest rates rise, and they won't be dropping again for years. Lock in a fixed rate and a low price NOW.

        Read the rest of the story at MyFox.com]]>
        1433 2011-02-28 09:04:37 2011-02-28 14:04:37 open open some-pretty-good-advice-from-real-estate-expert-john-adams publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Crum & Forster Building Appears to Escape the Wrecking Ball http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/01/technique-the-souths-liveliest-college-newspaper/ Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:00:51 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/02/26/technique-the-souths-liveliest-college-newspaper/
        The Crum & Forster building, located at 771 Spring St. in Midtown Atlanta has long been the subject of debate between potential developers who want to use the prime real estate and preservationists intent on saving it. Recently, Tech purchased a property located near the Crum & Forster building that may lead to a resolution to this longstanding dispute. Read the rest of the article at Technique
        ]]>
        1437 2011-03-01 09:00:51 2011-03-01 14:00:51 open open technique-the-souths-liveliest-college-newspaper publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 872 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://WellingtonHomeTeam.com 184.33.178.191 2011-03-02 21:25:55 2011-03-03 02:25:55 1 0 0 884 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-03-03 20:54:34 2011-03-04 01:54:34 1 0 0 890 john@coleyre.com http://lakemartinvoice.com 97.81.252.167 2011-03-04 19:31:56 2011-03-05 00:31:56 1 0 0
        Atlanta Police To Discuss Redrawing Patrol Zones http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/01/atlanta-police-to-discuss-redrawing-patrol-zones/ Tue, 01 Mar 2011 21:00:30 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1440 Police protection is something many of us probably take for granted. But probably because we have never had a specific need to call the police. But when you call you want them there, and you want them there quick. Such is the reasoning for the Atlanta Police Department to hold a series of community meetings to discuss redrawing  the boundaries of the 6 patrol zones to ensure the fastest response times and to maximize police resources, according to Police Chief George Turner. There will continue to be six patrol zones. Twelve additional “beats” will be added within those zones. A beat is a geographic area to which one patrolling officer is assigned per shift. There currently are 66 beats in the city of Atlanta. The public meeting for Zone 5 which includes Midtown, Atlantic Station, Ansley Park, Sherwood Forest, Home Park and a portion of West Midtown) will be held March 30 at the Atlanta Civic Center's Piedmont Room, 395 Piedmont Ave. at  7:00 p.m. Residents should make a point of attending this public meeting to learn more about this proposal, how it will impact Midtown Atlanta and voice your opinions. Here is a map of the current Zone 5: [caption id="attachment_1441" align="aligncenter" width="443" caption="APD Zone 5 Boundary Map"]APD Zone 5 Boundary Map[/caption] ]]> 1440 2011-03-01 16:00:30 2011-03-01 21:00:30 open open atlanta-police-to-discuss-redrawing-patrol-zones publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 873 cldonovan@earthlink.net http://www.donovanblatt.com 99.50.86.204 2011-03-03 01:25:00 2011-03-03 06:25:00 1 0 0 Davinci's Pizzeria comes to Midtown | Creative Loafing Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/05/gravy-train-davincis-pizzeria-comes-to-midtown-hf-bottle-shop-opens-atlanta-food-drink-blog-omnivore-creative-loafing-atlanta/ Sat, 05 Mar 2011 15:38:42 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/05/gravy-train-davincis-pizzeria-comes-to-midtown-hf-bottle-shop-opens-atlanta-food-drink-blog-omnivore-creative-loafing-atlanta/
        As reported by Creative Loafing, Midtown Atlanta will be getting a new restaurant.....
        DaVinci's Pizzeria, a popular spot in Smyrna, will be opening their second Atlanta location later this month. The pizza shop will be in Arts Center Tower across from the Arts Center Marta Station. Look for MyMidtownMojo to check this place out and give you a report. Isn't everyone looking for good pizza? [caption id="attachment_1481" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="DaVinci's Pizzeria Midtown Atlanta"]DaVinci's Pizzera Midtown Atlanta[/caption]
        ]]>
        1479 2011-03-05 10:38:42 2011-03-05 15:38:42 open open gravy-train-davincis-pizzeria-comes-to-midtown-hf-bottle-shop-opens-atlanta-food-drink-blog-omnivore-creative-loafing-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title
        Drop Dead Diva Begins Filming New Season http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/06/drop-dead-diva-begins-filming-new-season/ Sun, 06 Mar 2011 21:00:41 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1487 [caption id="attachment_1488" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Thom Abbott as Police Officer on Drop Dead Diva"]Thom Abbott as Police Officer on Drop Dead Diva[/caption] "Drop Dead Diva," the Lifetime drama series has begun work on their new season which will premiere this summer. The show films in Peachtree City and starts Margaret Cho along with Brooke Elliott, who plays the main character, Jane. You might recall that last December, I posted that Margaret Cho had moved from uber-suburbiaville Peachtree City to Midtown Atlanta. The show will feature more "dancing dream" sequences with Paula Abdul, Wendy Williams and Margaret who competed on Dancing With The Stars. I had the pleasure of working on this set numerous times last year, so Mr. Casting Director...I'm waiting for my call!!

        [caption id="attachment_1489" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Drop Dead Diva Season 3 Begins Filming"]Drop Dead Diva Season 3 Begins Filming[/caption]

        Photo Courtesy of PopWrap/New York Post and Michelle Sisco

        ]]>
        1487 2011-03-06 16:00:41 2011-03-06 21:00:41 open open drop-dead-diva-begins-filming-new-season publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title
        Real Estate Terms To Know In Georgia (A Series) http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/06/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-a-series/ Sun, 06 Mar 2011 21:51:16 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1496

        [caption id="attachment_1498" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Purchasing Your New Home"]Purchasing Your New Home[/caption] If you have ever purchased a home, you know. If you are considering purchasing your first home or condominium, you are about to learn. It's a big deal. It's not every day you spend $100-350,000. (Well, unless you're Donald Trump.)

        When you decide to purchase Midtown Atlanta real estate, there are numerous steps you need to take. And each of those steps will involve you probably hearing words or phrases you've never heard before. While your real estate agent should answer any questions that you have, you might want to be prepared in advance.

        Real Estate Terms to Know in Georgia

        One thing I know. All real estate is NOT the same. Nor is the process for purchasing it. So as we embark on this series to education you on real estate terms, keep in mind...this is for Georgia. (If you need help in another state, check out our Real Estate Around section, or just let me know where you are looking..I'm sure I've got someone who can help. So, on with the show.

        Pre-Approved For A Mortgage

        If you are working with a savvy real estate broker, this will be one of the first questions you will be asked. And there is a big difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved. Let me explain. In the pre-approval process, you, the Buyer have provided all the financial documents that your loan officer has requested. I won't attempt to give you a list because every lender and every Buyer can be different. But items like bank statements and pay stubs will be a couple. Yes my friend, now you need to PROVE you have the money to buy a house or condo! And the reason I say it can be different for each person, if you are self-employed you will be providing different, if not more, documentation.  By submitting all this  information to your lender, they are able to determine your ability to pay, and give you an estimate of what you can afford, as well as the costs to obtain that loan.

        [caption id="attachment_1499" align="alignright" width="210" caption="How Much Home Can You Afford?"]How Much Home Can You Afford?[/caption] Having this pre-approval will help you in a number of ways:
        • Know what you are comfortable spending and what you qualify for, which can be two different numbers
        • Help ME (your real estate agent) find you the right Midtown Atlanta condo
        • Make your offer stronger to a Seller by showing you have already done your financial homework.
        • Determine if there are any snags (something on a credit report you did not know or forgot about) that will not come up later and potentially de-rail your home/condo purchase.

        Once you've received your pre-approval for a mortgage, your lender will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate as well as a Fee Worksheet. Both of these documents will further detail the costs of getting your loan and your monthly payment.

        I'll keep this series focused on the real estate terms because when you purchase your Midtown Atlanta condo, my team will be YOUR team to help you through the process. So while we may touch on terms that involve your purchase, they may relate to a specific team member, and will get to those as well.]]>
        1496 2011-03-06 16:51:16 2011-03-06 21:51:16 open open real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-a-series publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 909 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/07/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-a-series-2/ 64.62.138.247 2011-03-07 16:09:10 2011-03-07 21:09:10 1 pingback 0 0 908 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 67.232.143.33 2011-03-07 08:25:04 2011-03-07 13:25:04 1 0 0 903 sharon.paxson@gmail.com http://newportbeachrealestatecafe.com 76.170.112.51 2011-03-06 18:01:53 2011-03-06 23:01:53 1 0 0 937 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/12/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-the-brokerage-agreement/ 64.62.138.247 2011-03-12 17:49:04 2011-03-12 22:49:04 1 pingback 0 0
        Real Estate Terms to Know In Georgia (A Series) http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/07/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-a-series-2/ Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:00:17 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1513 pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin the search for your new Midtown Atlanta Condo, or single family home. At the end of that post, I mentioned my "team" and while the word team may not be a specific real estate term, it certainly applies to real estate.

        Your Real Estate Team Should Have One Common Goal

        [caption id="attachment_1514" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Team MyMidtownMojo"]Team MyMidtownMojo[/caption] Just in case we need clarification, a team is defined as " a number of persons associated in some joint action: a team of advisers." So, exactly who makes up YOUR team? That's right, it's really YOUR team.
        • Real Estate Agent
        • Mortgage Lender
        • Home Inspector
        • Insurance Agent
        • Closing Attorney
        And while a team should function as a group, you usually need a captain, and THAT person is your real estate agent. We work together to find the home that meets the wants and needs of you as a Buyer and that fits your budget. You rely on me to be your trusted advisor as to what to look for in your new home or condo. And if you are looking at Midtown Atlanta real estate, you want to make sure you have an agent that knows that market. ME! Once we find the right home, as your agent, it's my responsibility to keep your home purchase on track. Now, mind you, your mortgage lender is almost on another field from the one we are on, but, once he/she completes what they need to do, they are right back in the game with us.(Maybe we could call them a special team) But, as your captain, I'm there to help him get back in the game with us. While you have already provided the requested documents for your pre-approval, I now provide the all important Purchase and Sale Agreement. This is the road map, if you will or the game plan to get us to the Super Bowl called the closing table. (Terms we'll talk about.) If the mortgage lender needs more info to keep us in the game, I'm there to assist in getting home owners association info, or to make sure YOU have responded to his/her request for more info. (This is part of the underwriting process....one I'll attempt to talk about later.) Our next team member is your home inspector. He/she is here to help us look at the home or condo you found and "check under the hood" to make sure everything is operating properly. This is a key step in the process, and again we'll talk about what happens during this time, called Due Diligence. If the inspector finds items of concern, this is when we address them in the form of Addressing Concerns with The Property. [caption id="attachment_1515" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Insurance Policy"]Insurance Policy[/caption] The insurance agent is also an important part of your home buying purchase. Many insurance companies have changed how they write policies, and you want to make sure you have the necessary insurance when buying your Midtown Atlanta condo. Condominium insurance is different than insurance for a single family home. But, your lender will require you to have insurance, and most certainly, the condominium homeowners association will require you to have a policy. Last, but not least is the Closing Attorney. In Georgia, the closing attorney does not represent you in the closing process. They represent YOUR lender. You'll sign more than just a few documents when you purchase a home and are obtaining a mortgage. If you have not seen any of these before, I work with the closing attorney to get you a copy in advance so you can review them. Enter your mortgage lender again. The closing attorney prepares these documents from the "loan package" then send to the lender. If the lender process is delayed, it can make it difficult to get you these in advance. See how we all need to work together as a team! But, YOUR team has one goal in mind....to get YOU to the Super Bowl of real estate....the closing table. Next time, we'll get into some of the terms you will quickly become familiar with in Midtown Atlanta Real Estate!
        ]]>
        1513 2011-03-07 16:00:17 2011-03-07 21:00:17 open open real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-a-series-2 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 1298 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/12/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-the-brokerage-agreement/ 64.62.138.247 2011-03-26 14:55:25 2011-03-26 18:55:25 1 pingback 0 0
        Saving Money At The Gas Pump --Yes Midtown Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/10/saving-money-at-the-gas-pump-yes-midtown-atlanta/ Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:16:08 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1526 When you live in such a walkable community as Midtown Atlanta, you might not use your car as often as the rest of us do. (Everyday vs. maybe a couple times a week?) So when you make a trip to the gas station with our current rocket ride of gas prices, you are going to be in for some real sticker shock. Frankly, I'm afraid to look at my local Quik Trip board when I drive by for fear another $.10 will have been added to the prices. So, WHO does NOT want to save money? And we might as well start with the gas! My good friend and fellow real estate peep, Connie Harvey in Nashville, TN posted a great blog about ways to save on gas. I certainly learned somethings I did not know. Take a quick look at her post, and keep these tips in mind the next time you head to the station. As an additional service to my readers, I've added a link under Local Resources to the left here to GasBuddy.com. A great resource to know where the cheap gas is! Of course, be careful where you buy gas so you don't get some crud that screws up your car. But places like Costco, Kroger and Sam's Club have a pretty good reputation.]]> 1526 2011-03-10 11:16:08 2011-03-10 16:16:08 open open saving-money-at-the-gas-pump-yes-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 922 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://WellingtonHomeTeam.com 184.33.178.191 2011-03-10 20:15:46 2011-03-11 01:15:46 1 0 0 933 Debe@DebeMaxwell.com http://www.iCharlotteRealEstate.com 173.188.199.95 2011-03-12 00:40:37 2011-03-12 05:40:37 1 0 0 Gas Prices and Real Estate...How and When Will It Effect Us! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/13/gas-prices-and-real-estate-how-and-when-will-it-effect-us/ Sun, 13 Mar 2011 21:18:02 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=484 Note: I originally wrote this post in May, 2008. Funny how things have a way of repeating themselves. It still makes sense to buy Midtown Atlanta Real Estate if you work in Midtown Atlanta, Downtown or parts of Buckhead...you can walk or ride the MARTA train to work! I've been thinking about this post for a couple days. Then, when I saw the gas price at my local Quik Trip jump $.16 in just two days from $3.59 to $3.75, I said, "Self...we gotta do something about this. What is another question." Well....for one thing, we don't go for any Sunday drives in our classic car anymore. (Actually she has other issues...but we won't go there today!) But, I think she makes 10mpg, maybe......Sorry Wilma, you're staying in the driveway for now. Then, I read an interesting story on Yahoo this morning about a man who is not buying any gas for 31 days! Check out the story! He's riding a bike 18 miles roundtrip to work! Good for him! I actually have 3 cars, and a pickup. The convertible is not moving, I only use my truck once a week to pickup things, my Mercedes is not moving, and my Sonata is the only car that gets driven. Buying  Midtown Atlanta Real Estate , or moving is not a decision that is made on a whim. But I have to wonder, what will it take for the real estate consumer to make a living change, and move closer to work. Atlanta now ranks #1 in the worst commuting times in the U.S. (Not a rank we are proud of...at least not me!) Will it take $6 a gallon gas to change people's minds and the way we conduct our lives? Apparently NOT! The New York Times ran an article last week on Gas Prices and Mass Transit! IN New York, the transit authority reported ridership up by more than 5% for the first 3 months of the year! Denver, out of all places, up 8% in the first 3 months! Hmmm....that train is looking pretty good right about now! But for us REALTORS, kinda hard to show property on a train, right? Well yes, but for someone like me that does mostly urban areas like Midtown Atlanta, I make a point to show my Buyers HOW CLOSE they are to a MARTA station! As for my own personal use, I think twice about going to the office from my house (I have a condo which is walkable) unless I have to. And you can bet, that Buyer is qualified before they get in the car and I show them any Midtown Atlanta Real Estate! (Climb up on Soap Box)  Everyone should not buy gas for ONE DAY! Just ONE DAY! See what happens to the gas price. (Climb off Soap Box) I'm thinking people will dump the SUV before they will sell their house. But then again, as I ride down the freeway with that SUV next to me with the New Car tag on it, I'm thinking....you don't get it do you? Gas Prices and Real Estate...it's effecting us now, and for sometime to come! Anyone want to go bike shopping with me? Or maybe a Moped?]]> 484 2011-03-13 16:18:02 2011-03-13 21:18:02 open open gas-prices-and-real-estate-how-and-when-will-it-effect-us publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 952 sharon.paxson@gmail.com http://newportbeachrealestatecafe.com 76.170.112.51 2011-03-14 12:29:56 2011-03-14 16:29:56 1 0 0 Real Estate Terms to Know In Georgia (The Brokerage Agreement) http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/12/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-the-brokerage-agreement/ Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:48:53 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1534 Real Estate Terms to Know in Georgia by talking (or writing?) about who represents who when you purchase Midtown Atlanta Real Estate or real estate anywhere in Georgia. We've talked about being pre-approved for a mortgage and who's on YOUR real estate team. Now, let's talk about who represents you when you buy your home or condominium. Let's start with a question? You and your spouse, or significant other, are out for a Saturday afternoon stroll in Midtown Atlanta. You've been talking about buying a place, you've been searching for a Midtown Atlanta Condo but you have not made a commitment to work with a real estate agent yet. So, you stop into the Sales Center of a building, and meet one of the sales people. They tour you through the building and give you lots of information. Who do they represent? NOT YOU! They represent the Seller (or in this case, the developer) of the building. So, if you start asking them questions like "How much should we offer on Unit X?" they are not going to give you much of an answer. Why? Because they are working FOR the Seller, not for you.  So, you ask, who works for me? Buyer AgencyIn Georgia, real estate agents and brokers are licensed professionals who have been trained to help you buy, sell or lease real property. The relationship we (or I) form with you is called a brokerage relationship. We have two broad categories in which our relationship falls: Broker/Customer or Broker/Client. The latter is the best one for you as a Buyer (my professional opinion) as I am acting as your legal agent in buying property. This relationship ONLY exists when you and I enter into a written agreement, called a Buyer Brokerage Agreement. Now, I could spend pages on this Agreement, and we will review it part as we go through this series.  But, by having this agreement with me , or that "other" agent (just kidding!) I am able to not only represent you, but offer you my "mind." The other relationship, a Broker/Customer, only allows me to do what we call ministerial acts. These include things like provide pre-printed forms, filling them out based on what you tell me, and helping you locate a lender. I often refer to this as "you get my hands and my feet." But to have my hands, my feet, and my mind (my knowledge of the Midtown Atlanta Real Estate market) we need to have a Broker/Client relationship.

        Real Estate Terms to Know in Georgia

        Since I am focusing on the Buyer's side of real estate, I'll stick with the Buyer Agency. What is Buyer Agency? Buyer agency happens when I represent YOU, the Buyer by entering into the above reference Buyer Brokerage Agreement. This agreement further details the relationship we have, who can do what, who is responsible for what, and how I, as your broker, get compensated. Besides Buyer Agency, there is another type of Agency that you as a Buyer should BEWARE of.....Dual Agency. That is when the broker is representing both you AND the Seller. How can that be, you ask? Well, let's suppose we are working together, and have signed a Buyer Brokerage Agreement. We start our search for that perfect Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for you, and I suddenly think that a listing I have might be just the one for you. If we were to proceed to negotiate on that property, I would now be representing both YOU and the SELLER...DUAL Agency. Just so you know, I do not practice that type of agency. And you should be careful of anyone who does. That's a light overview of Buyer Brokerage and Agency. I'll be happy to discuss it with you in further detail and answer any other questions you might have!]]>
        1534 2011-03-12 17:48:53 2011-03-12 22:48:53 open open real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-the-brokerage-agreement publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 1758 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/10/1010-midtown-atlanta/ 64.62.138.247 2011-04-10 10:22:57 2011-04-10 14:22:57 1 pingback 0 0
        Real Estate Terms To Know In Georgia (Seller's Property Disclosure Statement) http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/14/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-sellers-property-disclosure-statement/ Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:00:14 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1540 Seller's Property Disclosure Statement

        Foreclosure Condo To Do ListThis is an important piece of information we want to have when we are looking to make an offer on the home or condominium you are looking at. There are two different disclosure statements, one for single family homes and one for condominiums. They are relatively the same, but there certainly ARE differences between buying a home and a condo. For this series, we'll focus on the Sellers's Condominium Disclosure Statement.

        In simple terms, this is the Seller's "history" of the condominium since they have owned it. This disclosure tells you and me as the Buyer and the Broker important information about the property. A condominium disclosure has 16 sections as listed here:

        • Occupancy
        • Soil, Trees, Shrubs and Boundaries
        • Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts
        • Termites, Dry Rot, Pests and Wood-destroying Organisms
        • Structural Items, Additions and Alterations
        • Drainage, Flooding and Moisture
        • Plumbing Related Items
        • Other Systems and Components
        • Toxic Substances
        • Fees, Assessments and Property Management
        • Parking and Storage
        • Other Matters
        • Fixtures/Items (what remains with the home and what goes)
        • Lead-Based Paint (only a concern if the building was built prior to 1978)
        • Agricultural Disclosure
        • Additional Explanations

        All of the above items need to be looked at by both you and I, but some are probably more important than others, depending on the Midtown Atlanta Condominium building that you buy in. Older, smaller communities or conversions (from apartments to condos) may have a  higher degree of concern about termites than would a 36 story high rise!

        Structural Items, Additions and Alterations

        Key points here are: the year the unit (building) was constructed; if a conversion, when; and work done to the unit that was not permitted.

        Drainage, Flooding and Moisture

        Our concern here is if there has ever been any water leaks IN the specific unit you are looking to buy. Additionally, in the disclosure under Other Matters, we learn if there were repairs for any flood damage. Remember, it may have come from a unit above!

        Other Systems and Components

        Here is where we learn the age of two of the most important systems in a condo...the HVAC (heating/air conditioning) and the water heater. Both of these items can present costly repairs and their age help us determine if we will be looking for a home warranty, or close attention during any inspections.

        Fees, Assessments and Property Management

        Here we learn about any initiation fees or contributions to working capital fund and any pending or unpaid special assessments that may have been passed. Also what the monthly HOA fee is that covers the expenses paid by your homeowners association.

        Parking and Storage

        Parking GarageWhile most Midtown Atlanta Condominium communities were built with "one parking space per bedroom" that is not always the case. One building was built in Midtown Atlanta and the developer mis-calculated the number of parking spaces, and there are two bedroom homes that only have ONE PARKING SPACE! (Tough re-sale issue!)  You always want to know how many spaces you have, and where they are located in the garage. Also, this is a good time to ask about guest parking. (The arrow shows the garage portion of Viewpoint Midtown.)

        Other Matters

        A key point here is have any repairs been made to systems (HVAC, hot water heater) or the unit in general.

        Fixtures/Items

        You love that wine cooler in the kitchen? It might not stay with the unit. Like that light fixture in the Master Bath? Maybe it stays, maybe it goes. Here we learn what fixtures the Seller plans to leave and what they want to take with them. Sometimes, these items can be negotiated for purchase outside of the actual sales contract if you really want them.

        Additional Explanations

        When answering all the questions on the Disclosure Statement, the Seller answers, "Yes, No or Don't Know." Any "Yes" get's explained here. If we have further questions, we can ask them of the Listing agent.

        The Seller's Property Disclosure Statement is a very important part of your purchase contract. You are acknowledging and so is the Seller of the history of the unit. Should there be mis-information on this statement, it can cause problems for someone down the road.

        Here is the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (Condominium) if you would like to see the complete form.

        ]]>
        1540 2011-03-14 09:00:14 2011-03-14 14:00:14 open open real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-sellers-property-disclosure-statement publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last 958 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-03-14 19:57:31 2011-03-14 23:57:31 1 0 0
        Going Green – Low-Cost Ways for Apartment Dwellers to Be Eco-Friendly | RISMedia http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/17/going-green-%e2%80%93-low-cost-ways-for-apartment-dwellers-to-be-eco-friendly-rismedia/ Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:08:44 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/17/going-green-%e2%80%93-low-cost-ways-for-apartment-dwellers-to-be-eco-friendly-rismedia/
        Midtown Atlanta Condos Go GreenRISMEDIA, March 17, 2011—(MCT)—So you’re a renter and you want to green your space, but your landlord won’t splurge on solar panels. Don’t fret. There are plenty of low-cost ways for apartment dwellers to be eco-friendly. You can be a green tenant by unplugging appliances or using chemical-free products. It’s as easy as fixing leaky faucets or installing window treatments to conserve heat in the winter and to keep your place cool in the summer without cranking up the air conditioning.
        Keep in mind, living in a Midtown Atlanta Condominium is very much like living in an apartment, so, many of these tips apply as well. We don't often think of what we are doing to the world for future generations with garbage and all....and this article certainly makes you think about what part you can play! Working together to keep your Midtown Atlanta Condo green is a great thing to do!
        Read more Here!
        ]]>
        1549 2011-03-17 08:08:44 2011-03-17 12:08:44 open open going-green-%e2%80%93-low-cost-ways-for-apartment-dwellers-to-be-eco-friendly-rismedia publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
        Jennifer Garner Films ‘Odd Life of Timothy Green’ http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/19/jennifer-garner-films-%e2%80%98odd-life-of-timothy-green%e2%80%99-jennifer-garner-just-jared/ Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:15:35 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/19/jennifer-garner-films-%e2%80%98odd-life-of-timothy-green%e2%80%99-jennifer-garner-just-jared/
        In case you have been wondering where I've been the past two days..... Jennifer Garner gets to work on her latest film, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, on Friday (March 18) in Atlanta, Georgia. The 38-year-old actress plays Cindy Green in the movie, which also stars Ron Livingston, Joel Edgerton, Dianne Wiest, and Rosemarie DeWitt. Synopsis: A childless couple bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears. You can next see Jennifer on the big screen in Arthur, which hits theaters on April 8!
        Garner-odd jennifer garner odd life timothy green 01
        Photos: Flynet

        Story Compliments of   justjared.buzznet.com

        ]]>
        1553 2011-03-19 08:15:35 2011-03-19 12:15:35 open open jennifer-garner-films-%e2%80%98odd-life-of-timothy-green%e2%80%99-jennifer-garner-just-jared publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title
        Welcome To On set "Holding" http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/19/welcome-to-on-set-holding/ Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:46:23 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/19/welcome-to-on-set-holding/


        Thom Abbott...Broker On The Move!
        Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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        1556 2011-03-19 10:46:23 2011-03-19 14:46:23 open open welcome-to-on-set-holding publish 0 0 post 0
        Welcome To Extras "Holding" Beautiful, eh? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/19/welcome-to-extras-holding-beautiful-eh/ Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:57:26 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/19/welcome-to-extras-holding-beautiful-eh/
        Imag0217


        Thom Abbott...Broker On The Move!
        Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android


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        1557 2011-03-19 10:57:26 2011-03-19 14:57:26 open open welcome-to-extras-holding-beautiful-eh publish 0 0 post 0
        A Crisp shot of the Melia Hotel and Georgia Center http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/19/a-crisp-shot-of-the-media-hotel-and-georgia-center/ Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:57:48 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/19/a-crisp-shot-of-the-media-hotel-and-georgia-center/
        Imag0212
        Thom Abbott...Broker On The Move! Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
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        1558 2011-03-19 10:57:48 2011-03-19 14:57:48 open open a-crisp-shot-of-the-media-hotel-and-georgia-center publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last 1154 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-03-21 23:30:35 2011-03-22 03:30:35 1 0 0 1111 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 138.210.32.113 2011-03-20 14:23:30 2011-03-20 18:23:30 1 0 0
        THIS Is Midtown Atlanta!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/19/this-is-midtown-atlanta/ Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:36:46 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/19/this-is-midtown-atlanta/
        Imag0124


        Thom Abbott...Broker On The Move!
        Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android


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        1559 2011-03-19 15:36:46 2011-03-19 19:36:46 open open this-is-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0
        Injured cop says ‘move over' law must be enforced   http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/22/injured-cop-says-%e2%80%98move-over-law-must-be-enforced-%c2%a0/ Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:32:11 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/22/injured-cop-says-%e2%80%98move-over-law-must-be-enforced-%c2%a0/
        A sad, but VERY important story from the AJC about a local police officer that was hit alongside the road during a traffic stop.
        IT IS GEORGIA LAW when you see an emergency vehicle alongside the road or freeway that you are to move one lane away (left or right depending on where it is) if at all possible, or  SLOW DOWN!!!! Imagine this being your husband/wife/significant other......
        By Alexis Stevens The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Midtown Atlanta SafetyCobb County police officer Andrew Singleton saw the headlights coming toward him, but there was nowhere he could go. “The only thing I could do was jump," Singleton said at his Marietta home Monday night. "I jumped and tried to get on top of the car, but I didn’t make it.” Singleton doesn't remember the impact. But he remembers hitting the ground. And now he's got the fractured wrist, foot and knee to prove it. Doctors believe he could have additional injuries, too, such as tendon damage, Singleton said. Singleton was hit late Thursday night by a suspected drunk driver as he was getting back into his patrol car following a traffic stop. Monday evening, he spoke with reporters for the first time about the incident. "I'm doing about as well as I can be doing," said Singleton, who sustained multiple injuries when he was struck. That driver, Irving Alicea, initially continued driving north on Cobb Parkway, but was stopped about 20 minutes later. Alicea was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to move over for an emergency vehicle and felony hit-and-run. The 40-year-old, who was not injured, was released Friday morning on $30,000 bond, jail records indicate. Singleton, a 30-year-old father of three, said he wanted to let people know that injuries like his could be avoided if drivers obeyed a law already in the place. “If you see an emergency vehicle stopped on the road, you’re supposed to move over one lane, or be prepared to stop," Singleton said. "If we have that lane, it's so much safer." Singleton, who has been a Cobb officer for nearly eight years, said he is planning to return to his job, but he's not sure when that will happen. Until then, he's grateful that his injuries aren't more severe and hopes drivers can learn from his ordeal. “Police officers are fairly normal people," he said. "And if you move over and give us that lane, we can come home.” -- Reporter Pete Combs, with AM750 and now 95.5FM News/Talk WSB, contributed to this report.
        ]]>
        1562 2011-03-22 08:32:11 2011-03-22 12:32:11 open open injured-cop-says-%e2%80%98move-over-law-must-be-enforced-%c2%a0 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        EVOS Midtown Atlanta Grand Opening! Friday March 25th 2011 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/22/evos-midtown-atlanta-grand-opening-friday-march-25th-2011/ Tue, 22 Mar 2011 20:22:07 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1566 Midtown Atlanta real estate. Viewpoint Midtown AtlantaSo I was excited to hear that Evos Midtown is reopening in the same location in Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta. If you missed this restaurant the first time it was open, don't let it happen a second time! I'll be there on Friday for sure, and will be doing a follow up post to the event. But, here's a little something for you! Hope to see you at Evos Midtown Atlanta this Friday! Evos Midtown Atlanta Grand Opening]]> 1566 2011-03-22 16:22:07 2011-03-22 20:22:07 open open evos-midtown-atlanta-grand-opening-friday-march-25th-2011 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 1341 sharon.paxson@gmail.com http://newportbeachrealestatecafe.com 76.170.112.51 2011-03-27 23:12:35 2011-03-28 03:12:35 1 0 0 Doraville Approves Plans To Redevelop GM Site http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/23/doraville-approves-plans-to-redevelop-gm-site-news-story-wsb-atlanta/ Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:51:42 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/23/doraville-approves-plans-to-redevelop-gm-site-news-story-wsb-atlanta/ Midtown Atlanta? Well there are a couple reasons why I wanted to share this story with you. You might recall a few years back when the massive 12th & Midtown project was announced. A condominium tower, office tower and a luxury hotel. This was some pretty awesome new construction for the Midtown Atlanta real estate market.  Or how about even further back when a developer took an old steel mill site and turned it into Atlantic Station. Well, the Doraville GM plant has all the makings to dwarf either of these projects. This past Monday, the Doraville City Council approved a plan, a year or more in the making, to turn the 165-acre site into a regional commercial, residential and shopping district. You can read the WSB-TV story and watch the video here. Although Doraville is some 8 miles from Midtown Atlanta, this development could have some impact on the Midtown Atlanta real estate market. How? Well, it the site is purchased by one developer, the future cost of building say condominiums or town home-like residences could be less expensive than the land is in Midtown Atlanta. Furthermore, with the MARTA North line ending right at the site, it could be an attractive place for a resident of Midtown Atlanta to work, and be able to take MARTA, door to door. Or the reverse could happen...someone living in the GM development could take the train to Midtown to work. So there are some possibilities for impact on Midtown. As I mentioned, a developer might look to build there, vs. Midtown Atlanta. This could be a good thing for the Midtown market as buyers have to look to resale condominiums if there is no new construction on the horizon. The site is the single largest tract of land inside I-285, much larger than the Atlantic Station development, located just West of Midtown Atlanta. The size of the site is much larger than Atlantic Station, but would not have the same high rise construction due to the location of Dekalb-Peachtree Airport. Of course, with the economic times what they are, it may be sometimes before this project takes off. But, just imagine it going from this... Doraville GM Plant To THIS... Doraville GM Plant Concept Drawing Time will tell.]]> 1575 2011-03-23 14:51:42 2011-03-23 18:51:42 open open doraville-approves-plans-to-redevelop-gm-site-news-story-wsb-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title Real Estate Terms to Know In Georgia ( Protect Yourself When Buying A Home) http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/26/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-protect-yourself-when-buying-a-home/ Sat, 26 Mar 2011 15:38:13 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1599 Spire Midtown Atlanta Condos For SaleOK, so Protect Yourself When Buying a Home is a pretty long Real Estate Term to Know in Georgia. Actually, it's a Consumer Protection Brochure that has been produced by the Georgia Association of REALTORS. In the past, it was optional for REALTORS or real estate agents to provide this to their Buyers. As of the 2011 printing of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, it is now part of the actual real estate contract.

        This important brochure should be given to you at the START of your home or condominium purchase process by your agent. At Thomas Ramon Realty, this brochure is included in our initial information package, and we review it  with you.

        Consumer Protection Brochure Paragraph

        It has 10 specific topics that it covers as they relate to a home or condominium purchase:

        • Read and keep a copy of any signed contract

        FileFolderIt would seem pretty common sense, right, that you would keep such things? Well, when you sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement, you have created a legally binding contract with time lines and dates that must be followed. Plan to have a file or notebook where you can keep ALL the documents related to your sale.  In case you might lose them, you could also consider scanning them and having them on a computer, backed up to a service like Carbonite where they would be protected.

        • Have the home or condo inspected by a professional home inspector

        Having this inspection performed helps you and I examine the condition of the home and determine if there are any repairs that may need to be performed by the Seller prior to your purchase.  While we never hope for major problems, this inspection can uncover issues that you may not want to deal with, now, or in the future.

        • Inspect the neighborhood where you plan to live

        Atlanta and Downtown ConnectorYou should take time, both with your agent and by yourself to get to know the neighborhood where you are going to purchase your home. There are many factors to consider. In an urban environment like Midtown Atlanta, you might want to visit the area both during the day, and at night to determine if there are any noise issues from surrounding businesses or highways. What is the proximity to a major highway or transit station if you commute to work? Being a long distance from a major highway can add travel time to your commute. Where is shopping, dining, gas stations and other services you might need? If there is vacant land near the building you are looking to purchase in, are there any known plans for that land? A knowledgeable agent like me that works the Midtown market can help you determine these things. Also, you can contact local government planning officials that might have new information about potential plans for development.

        • Termite Inspection

        While rarely a concern in condos, this is an important consideration if you are purchasing a single family home. Again, our contracts have changed from where this was a Seller responsibility to provide this information, to now the Buyer is responsible for conducting these inspections. Again, this should be done by a licensed pest control company. If you happen to be purchasing in a condo community that is older, and has ground floor units, then this would be a wise inspection to have.

        In our next post, we'll review the remaining five topics you need to consider as you purchase a home or condominium.

        If you are just joining me in this series, and would like to read all the posts, please visit Real Estate Terms To Know in Georgia

        ]]>
        1599 2011-03-26 11:38:13 2011-03-26 15:38:13 open open real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-protect-yourself-when-buying-a-home publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 1384 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/29/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-protect-yourself-when-buying-a-home-2/ 64.62.138.247 2011-03-29 16:15:03 2011-03-29 20:15:03 1 pingback 0 0 1339 sharon.paxson@gmail.com http://newportbeachrealestatecafe.com 76.170.112.51 2011-03-27 23:10:36 2011-03-28 03:10:36 1 0 0
        Cornerstone Village Rental Opportuntity - Available April 6 $1100 per month http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/28/cornerstone-village-rental-opportuntity-available-april-6-100-per-month/ Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:45:35 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1619
        Cornerstone Village TOP Floor For Rent


        Overview
        Maps
        Photos
        Description
        Neighborhood
        Market Stats


















        $1,100
        Condominium
        Main Features
        1 Bedroom
        1 Bathroom
        310 Units
        Interior: 775 sqft
        Location
        800 Peachtree Street, NE
        1513
        Atlanta, GA 30308
        USA

        To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

        Thomas Ramon Realty
        (770) 713-1505
        Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
        http://MyMidtownMojo.com



        Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties

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        ]]>
        1619 2011-03-28 11:45:35 2011-03-28 15:45:35 open open cornerstone-village-rental-opportuntity-available-april-6-100-per-month publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
        Highland City View Townhome For Rent $1500 Per Month http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/28/highland-city-view-townhome-for-rent-1500-per-month/ Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:00:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1622
        EXCELLENT LOCATION! WALK TO ATLANTA MEDICAL CENTER!!!
        Highland City View Townhome For Rent
        Overview Maps Photos Description
        $1,500
        Townhouse
        Main Features
        2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom Interior: 1478 sqft
        Location
        375 Highland Avenue 507 Atlanta, GA 30312 USA
        To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME
        Thomas Ramon Realty (770) 713-1505 Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com http://MyMidtownMojo.com Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty
        Our recent listings
        Subscribe to our listing feed

        Nearby properties for sale

        Powered By RealBird.com ]]>
        1622 2011-03-28 13:00:47 2011-03-28 17:00:47 open open highland-city-view-townhome-for-rent-1500-per-month publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Real Estate Terms to Know in Georgia (Protect Yourself When Buying a Home) http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/29/real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-protect-yourself-when-buying-a-home-2/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:15:01 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1634 In my last post, we started to review the Consumer Protection Brochure that all Georgia real estate agents must provide to their Buyers. Protect Yourself When Buying a Home offers some practical information that while most agents should review this with you when buying Midtown Atlanta real estate, it may not always be the case. In our last segment, we touched on the following topics:
        • Keeping copies of your signed documents
        • Having your home or condo professionally inspected prior to purchase
        • Inspect and Get to Know the neighborhood where you are going to live
        • Termite Inspections (when necessary)
        Now, let's look at the other points of information you should consider.

        Thoroughly Investigate the Property

        Here, you want to consider anything and everything that could effect the purchase of your home or condo. From mold, to water to a septic system if buying a single family home. If the home or condominium was built before 1978, you might want to test for lead-based paint. Eating paint chips can be a problem for children. It also can be a problem for adults should you do renovations at a later time that involve sanding or wood surfaces that were painted. Other real estate terms and things to consider include school districts, flooding, property insurance costs, and any covenants that might restrict the use of the property. For example, in purchasing a condominium, most all of the Midtown Atlanta condominiums have limits on the number of homes that can be rented at any given time.

        Survey of the Property

        This would apply if you are purchasing a single family home, or vacant lot. You want to know where your property lines are. I sold a home a couple years ago, and the lot line for my Buyers' house was right alongside the neighbors house, not in the middle of the space between the two houses. A good thing to know.

        Undeveloped Property CAN be developed

        Pretty plain and simple...but you want to know WHAT you can do with the property and what kind of services may or may not be available. If there are no city water and sewer lines, you will be drilling for a well and putting in a septic system, both which will have rules.

        Owner's Title InsuranceBuy an Owner's Title Insurance Policy

        If there IS a real estate term in Georgia you need to know, and HAVE, it's owner's title insurance. This protects you against any pre-exisiting title problems, if they come up after closing. Imagine a condo building that has been built on several lots that were purchased, and assembled to create the space to build. Some long lost relative surfaces and lays claim to one of the lots. In steps your title insurance policy. Remember, when you work with me as  your buyer's agent, I'll be here to answer any questions you might have. There are lots of real estate terms to know in Georgia and I'll be sure to help you understand them.]]>
        1634 2011-03-29 16:15:01 2011-03-29 20:15:01 open open real-estate-terms-to-know-in-georgia-protect-yourself-when-buying-a-home-2 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Gordon Biersch to Tap Maibock April 6 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/03/30/gordon-biersch-to-tap-maibock-april-6/ Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:44:44 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1653 Midtown location, great food, and now....a new tapping...and what more can you ask for!

        Gordon Biersch Midtown April 6Will we see YOU there?

        ]]>
        1653 2011-03-30 15:44:44 2011-03-30 19:44:44 open open gordon-biersch-to-tap-maibock-april-6 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 2869 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/26/screen-on-the-green-survives-for-summer-2011/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-26 14:56:01 2011-05-26 18:56:01 1 pingback 0 0
        Serrano Condominiums Sandy Springs GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/03/serrano-condominiums-sandy-springs-ga/ Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:52:41 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1658 Serrano Condominiums Sandy Springs GA is JUST that. An incredible opportunity that one might not want to miss.

        Serrano Condominiums Sandy SpringsSerrano Condominiums Mediterranean villa inspired design have alot going for them AND their location. Located just off GA400 at Abernathy Road, makes getting pretty much anywhere in Atlanta a breeze. Even if you work in Midtown of Buckhead, it's a straight shot south on GA400. You could even walk to the Sandy Springs Transit Station of MARTA and take the train! Your close to Perimeter Mall, as well as some major corporate centers like United Parcel Service, Newell Rubbermaid and Kaiser Permanente to name a couple! Or if you happen to work NORTH of Atlanta in Alpharetta, you'll have a majority of your commute against rush hour traffic.

        The market turn of a couple years ago is giving the condo buyer a huge savings in this community. Imagine homes that had been listed for almost $300,000 now available for $130-150,000! YES, you heard me right! That's like $120 per sq. ft compared to $197 per sq ft in some Midtown Atlanta high rise buildings!

        The finishes of Serrano Condominiums of Sandy Springs GA are impressive indeed! I could not believe what a buyer can get at this awesome price! Just look at THIS floor plan, priced at $133,800!! Just look at the list of amenities and features available at Serrano Condominiums:
        • Private residential courtyard with swimming pool. fountains, gas grill and fireplace
        • Clubroom with catering kitchen
        • Outdoor living room with television
        • Fitness Center and Sauna
        • Movie Room
        • Controlled access parking with same level parking
        Inside the homes of Serrano Condominiums of Sandy Springs, you'll find amazing finishes which include:
        • Unique and Spacious Floor plans
        • Custom cabinetry in kitchen and bath along with granite countertops
        • Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring in Living areas
        • Stainless Steel appliances
        • Crown houlding
        • Separate shower and dual vanities in Master Bath
        • Private Balconies
        Come see why they say "The Living is Easy" at Serrano Condominiums of Sandy Springs! Here's just a sample of what you're missing! And why not contact Thomas Ramon Realty for your personal showing today!

        [slideshow id=10]

        ]]>
        1658 2011-04-03 20:52:41 2011-04-04 00:52:41 open open serrano-condominiums-sandy-springs-ga publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 1581 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-04-04 22:48:49 2011-04-05 02:48:49 1 0 0
        Dog Humor and You Tube http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/04/dog-humor-and-you-tube/ Tue, 05 Apr 2011 01:50:34 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1667 [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVwlMVYqMu4[/youtube]

        ]]>
        1667 2011-04-04 21:50:34 2011-04-05 01:50:34 open open dog-humor-and-you-tube publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title
        WOW! It's like a scene from Ghostbusters! Look at the BO... on Twitpic http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/05/wow-its-like-a-scene-from-ghostbusters-look-at-the-bo-on-twitpic/ Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:13:07 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/05/wow-its-like-a-scene-from-ghostbusters-look-at-the-bo-on-twitpic/
        Media_https3amazonaws_najhm

        Now here's a great photo. Appears to be captured by someone at Viewpoint Condominiums! One of the benefits of living about Midtown Atlanta!

        ]]>
        1669 2011-04-05 10:13:07 2011-04-05 14:13:07 open open wow-its-like-a-scene-from-ghostbusters-look-at-the-bo-on-twitpic publish 0 0 post 0
        Atlanta Second Most Socially Networked American City! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/05/atlanta-second-most-socially-networked-american-city/ Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:50:49 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1670 This is some pretty impressive news. I first learned about Twitter back in 2008 while taking a Social Media Marketing class from some real guru's on the West Coast. I remember searching Twitter for people in Atlanta, and the most I could find was about 300 people. I told the instructors of my class that I was not sure what Twitter was, but it was NOT Atlanta. Fast Forward to 2011, and let me eat my words! Yep. Men's Health Magazine did a little research, and here is Atlanta, the Second Most Socially Networked American City! Amazing!  They first started by calculating the number of Facebook and LinkedIn users per capita. Then they looked at overall Twitter usage (NetProspex). This was followed by traffic at  major sites like   Myspace, (really?) Friendster, Reddit, and Digg (analyzed by ad network Chitika). Lastly, a look at the  percentage of households that check chat rooms and blogs (SimplyMap), and the results were complete!

        Tonight's Top Ten Most socially networked Cities Are ----

        1. Washington, DC     A+
        2. Atlanta, GA     A+
        3. Denver, CO     A+
        4. Minneapolis, MN     A+
        5. Seattle, WA     A+
        6. San Francisco, CA     A
        7. Orlando, FL     A
        8. Austin, TX     A
        9. Boston, MA     A
        10. Salt Lake City, UT     A-
        So I also had to wonder about my home state of Montana. After all, it's pretty wide open space out there in Big Sky Country. Well, Billings, the largest city did come in at 91. Whoops. But at least it was not El Paso, Texas that rounded out the top 100. Here's the full story at Men's Health Magazine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go Tweet about Atlanta, The Second Most Socially Networked American City! After all, I am part of that network!]]>
        1670 2011-04-05 10:50:49 2011-04-05 14:50:49 open open atlanta-second-most-socially-networked-american-city publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 1637 sharon.paxson@gmail.com http://newportbeachrealestatecafe.com 76.170.112.51 2011-04-06 12:21:19 2011-04-06 16:21:19 1 0 0
        The Atlantic at Atlantic Station! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/05/the-atlantic-at-atlantic-station/ Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:28:18 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/05/the-atlantic-at-atlantic-station/
        Imag0273
          Thom Abbott...Broker On The Move! Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
        ]]>
        1673 2011-04-05 14:28:18 2011-04-05 18:28:18 open open the-atlantic-at-atlantic-station publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Building Being Demolished on Peachtree Street. What's Coming? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/06/building-being-demolished-on-peachtree-street-whats-coming/ Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:51:09 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/06/building-being-demolished-on-peachtree-street-whats-coming/
        Imag0270


        Thom Abbott...Broker On The Move!
        Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

        ]]>
        1674 2011-04-06 08:51:09 2011-04-06 12:51:09 open open building-being-demolished-on-peachtree-street-whats-coming publish 0 0 post 0 1706 Debe@DebeMaxwell.com http://www.iCharlotteRealEstate.com 173.188.134.104 2011-04-08 22:53:09 2011-04-09 02:53:09 1 0 0 1707 Debe@DebeMaxwell.com http://www.iCharlotteRealEstate.com 173.188.134.104 2011-04-08 22:54:14 2011-04-09 02:54:14 1 0 0
        Cornerstone Village Condominium For Rent - Available NOW! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/07/cornerstone-village-condominium-for-rent-available-now/ Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:13:08 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1675
        Cornerstone Village TOP Floor Overlooking Pool For Rent


        Overview
        Maps
        Photos
        Description
        Neighborhood
        Market Stats


















        $1,100
        Condominium
        Main Features
        1 Bedroom
        1 Bathroom
        310 Units
        Interior: 775 sqft
        Location
        800 Peachtree Street, NE
        1513
        Atlanta, GA 30308
        USA

        To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

        Thomas Ramon Realty
        (770) 713-1505
        Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
        http://MyMidtownMojo.com



        Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties

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        ]]>
        1675 2011-04-07 15:13:08 2011-04-07 19:13:08 open open cornerstone-village-condominium-for-rent-available-now publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 1705 Debe@DebeMaxwell.com http://www.iCharlotteRealEstate.com 173.188.134.104 2011-04-08 22:51:52 2011-04-09 02:51:52 1 0 0
        Castleberry Point Condominiums Castleberry Hill Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/08/castleberry-point-condominiums-castleberry-hill-atlanta-ga/ Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:12:10 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1678 Castleberry Point Condominiums in Castleberry Hill. Located at the entrance to Castleberry Hill from Downtown Atlanta, Castleberry Point Condominiums are at the epicenter of Atlanta's only true and art loft district. While this community is new construction, the area is filled with historic buildings which once housed meat packing companies or textile merchants. Now, this community has been turned into a walkable, livable area, and Castleberry Point Condominiums are the perfect place to call home. Now, special pricing makes this unique living opportunity even more affordable than ever! Imagine, less than 1 mile from Downtown Atlanta, 3 miles to Midtown Atlanta and you can be at Hartsfield Jackson Int'l Airport in about 20 minutes!  And just check out the list of features in this community:
        • Stainless Steel Appliance Package
        • Granite Countertops
        • Ceramic Tile in Bathrooms
        • Hardwood Floors or Stained Concrete
        • Rooftop Pool with Downtown Views
        • Rooftop Decks with Skyline Views (select homes)
        • Fitness Center
        • Rooftop Owner's Lounge
        • Open-Air Courtyard Surrounded by Galleries, Restaurants, and shops
        • Controlled Access Building with Assigned, Gated Parking
        • FHA Financing Available
        I mean, just check out this pricing!

        Castleberry Point Condominiums Atlanta GA

        ]]>
        1678 2011-04-08 09:12:10 2011-04-08 13:12:10 open open castleberry-point-condominiums-castleberry-hill-atlanta-ga publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 1704 Debe@DebeMaxwell.com http://www.iCharlotteRealEstate.com 173.188.134.104 2011-04-08 22:49:48 2011-04-09 02:49:48 1 0 0
        1010 Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/10/1010-midtown-atlanta/ Sun, 10 Apr 2011 14:18:06 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1681

        [caption id="attachment_1682" align="alignleft" width="178" caption="1010 Midtown Atlanta"]1010 Midtown Atlanta[/caption] The same can be said about buying your Midtown Atlanta condominium, and you can find that "new car smell" at 1010 Midtown Atlanta. This exciting condo community is one of the few remaining "new car" living options in Midtown today. With the real estate market like it is, it may be sometime before Midtown Atlanta sees new condo construction. So if you are looking for a new condominium home, with that "new car smell" and the pride of being the first owner, then 1010 Midtown Atlanta is just what you are looking for.

        As part of the massive 12th and Midtown development by Selig Enterprises, Daniel Corporation and the Canyon Johnson Urban Fund, this development is in the center of all that is Midtown Atlanta.

        With restaurants like Ri Ra Irish Pub and Ra Sushi and shopping at CB2, 1010 Midtown Atlanta is a destination in itself. Across the street, the new Loews' Midtown Atlanta Hotel offers you, your visiting friends and other Midtown Atlanta visitors luxury accommodations.

        The homes here, and their views are spectacular. Beautiful finishes (including the lack of the exposed concrete ceiling found in many condos) along with resident amenities that include a fitness center, club room and outdoor roof top garden and pool make this an exciting living option in Midtown Atlanta.

        It's important to remember, when you visit the sales center of any new single family or condominium community, the sales person you are talking to represents the Seller, and not YOU! You should seriously consider being represented through a brokerage agreement with a real estate broker representing YOU.

        Here is a great glimpse of the 1010 Midtown Atlanta community. For a more personal tour, why not call or e-mail me!

        ]]>
        1681 2011-04-10 10:18:06 2011-04-10 14:18:06 open open 1010-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/11/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-2/ Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:55:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1689 [/caption] As a real estate broker that focuses on the Midtown Atlanta condominium market, I am often contacted about Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent. Or lack thereof. Or not in the building I want. So, what exactly is involved in renting a Midtown Atlanta Condo? First off, it's important to understand that a condominium building (or as we like to refer to them as communities) is NOT an apartment building. A condominium is a form of real property where a specified part of a piece of real estate (usually the part you actually occupy) is individually owned while use of and access to common facilities in the building such as hallways, heating system, elevators, exterior areas is executed under legal rights associated with the individual ownership and controlled by the association of owners that jointly represent ownership of the whole piece. In short, we call that "common elements" or "limited common elements." In an apartment building, a tenant pays rent to some corporate entity that owns the entire building and all its components like hallways, pool and more.That said, in cities like New York City, most rentals are referred to as apartments even though they may be in a condo or co-op form of ownership. Mayfair Renaissance Tower RZSo when you are searching for a Midtown Atlanta Condo For Rent, you are looking for an individual owner that is willing to rent you their HOME, which comes with some pretty nice amenities. (usually) It is also important for you to know that almost all condominium buildings have a restriction or "cap" on how many of the homes can be rented at any given time. As a result, when we receive a call that a potential tenant wants to live only in Spire Midtown or Viewpoint Midtown, we may not be able to assist them. It's not like calling up the leasing office of the apartment complex and checking if they have an apartment available. If there are no homes available, we do not have anything to show you. Also, when searching for your Midtown Atlanta Condo For Rent, you want to make sure that the home is an approved rental. What does that mean? The owner has approval from the HOA Board to lease their home legally. If you happen to lease directly from an owner and they do not have this approval, you could be evicted from the unit if the homeowner is discovered to be in violation of the building leasing policy. You should always ask to see a copy of their leasing permit. When renting a Midtown Atlanta Condo, most of the time your landlord is paying the monthly HOA fees that cover the above mentioned use of the "common elements" or areas like the elevator, pool and fitness center. Should your owner suddenly stop paying these fees, you could find yourself standing in the lobby, locked out of the very place you are renting! Scary thought? It might be wise of you to check with the property manager of the building you are living in (or considering) if the owner is current with their payment of these fees. When I work with you in finding a condo to rent, I assist you in checking all these items and obtaining the necessary information for you. Additionally, if I am representing a homeowner in the rental of their condominium, I make sure I have all these documents for a prospective tenant. If you are looking for Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent, rather than call 10 or 15 agents to see 10 or 15 condos, you can call just one, who can show you what's on the market. Now, as a disclaimer, if something is for rent and is listed only with the owner, I may not be able to show you that particular home as the owner is not willing to pay anyone to assist them in renting their place. Again, Buyer (or Tenant) Beware! If I can help you with your search for a Midtown Atlanta Condo For Rent, please contact me! If I can help you LEASE your Midtown Atlanta Condo, I'd be happy to discuss our Marketing with you!]]> 1689 2011-04-11 10:55:00 2011-04-11 14:55:00 open open midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-2 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 1829 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://wellingtonhometeam.com 184.32.56.132 2011-04-12 14:03:23 2011-04-12 18:03:23 1 0 0 Why Does A Short Seller Care If You Write A Low-Ball Offer? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/04/why-does-a-short-seller-care-if-you-write-a-low-ball-offer/ Wed, 04 May 2011 13:29:05 +0000 debe http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1696 Charlotte NC home buyer tips Here is a great post from one of my guest contributors, Debe Maxwell in Charlotte, NC. She has some great points about short sales that pertain to Atlanta as well. Thanks for sharing Debe!! Buyers and even, more often than we would like to see. their agents don't understand why a seller would care at all about the Offer which they receive on their short sale home for sale.Why would sellers care about the Offer they receive on their Charlotte short sale home for sale? First of all, let's be clear about the definition of a short sale: A short sale occurs when the seller does not have sufficient proceeds to pay off their mortgage.  In order for the transaction to be completed, the bank either has to "forgive" the debt or allow the seller to turn the deficit into a personal loan to be paid off after the home has been sold.

        Why Does a Charlotte SHORT SALE Seller Even Care if You Write a Low-ball Offer?

        A short sale is a initially unilateral agreement between a buyer and a seller, the homeowner, NOT the bank. The seller is the property owner on the Deed of record.  The bank is not a party to the Contract. No one from the bank will ever sign the Contract/Offer, thus never being an actual party to the Contract itself. However, if you are attempting to purchase a short sale in the state of North Carolina, you will be required to sign a short sale addendum which states that the seller cannot actually sell the property without his/her/their lender agreeing on the terms which the buyer and the seller agree upon. This means that the bank/lending institution/investors will be taking a lesser amount owed to them by the seller, for which they may or may not accept. Therefore, it is in the homeowners' best interest to recognize that the bank will be extremely diligent about the Contract price, especially if the seller is facing foreclosure. In this case, time is of the essence and the seller doesn't want the bank to tarry on their approval of the Contract price.  Having a fair price to initially present to the bank can save valuable time for the seller. The bank is already having to accept a net loss to their investors so, they have no interest in accepting a short sale payoff based upon a Contract price which is well below market value. In order to determine the fair market value, the bank will hire a local third party appraiser or Realtor®, who will provide the bank a fair market value.  The bank will then compare the market value and the Contract price to determine their net loss.  This net loss will then be presented to their investors who will then either reject, counter the buyers' offer or agree to accept their loss as stated on the Contract. Sellers must calculate the risk of the Offer received, based upon the information provided them regarding the buyers' lending, the price offered and the buyers' timeline. Upon acceptance of an Offer, the sellers' home will be removed from active listings in MLS.  Should the seller accept a low-ball Offer, their home could be off the market for an extended period of time, during which time the bank and your Realtor® will negotiate the short sale Contract.  With low-ball Offers, the bank will most often reject the Contract and the home must be placed back on the market, pending another Offer.  This time is costly to the seller/homeowner and could very well lead them to foreclosure. Low-ball Offers on short sales do not accomplish the desired end results for either party.  The time delay is certainly a factor and neither party's desired outcome is achieved.  This is why sellers who are short selling their homes for sale do not wish to accept low-ball Offers from buyers. Are you upside down with your mortgage?  Do you owe more than your home is worth?  Have you suffered a hardship making it impossible to make your mortgage payments?  There are other options other than foreclosure; learn what those options are.  Perhaps a short sale is your best option.  Consult your real estate attorney, CPA and a Realtor® who is a short sale specialist. Search short sales in Charlotte NC
        Originally posted at http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/why-does-a-charlotte-short-sale-seller-even-care-if-you-write-a-low-ball-offer/
         ]]>
        1696 2011-05-04 09:29:05 2011-05-04 13:29:05 open open why-does-a-short-seller-care-if-you-write-a-low-ball-offer publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        A Dogwood Festival Sighting http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/22/a-dogwood-festival-sighting/ Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:46:05 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/22/a-dogwood-festival-sighting/
        Imag0343

        This is a wire sculpture! They were amazing.....and quite expensive!


        Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

        ]]>
        1700 2011-04-22 09:46:05 2011-04-22 13:46:05 open open a-dogwood-festival-sighting publish 0 0 post 0
        Georgia Tech Condo Housing - Mid City Lofts Condominiums http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/20/georgia-tech-condo-housing-mid-city-lofts-condominiums/ Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:35:45 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1715 Georgia Tech parents to consider where their student will live. How about making an investment in Georgia Tech Condo Housing.

        Georgia Tech Condo Housing

        No, Georgia Tech does not have condominiums on campus. But, as parents consider living options for their son or daughter, they might consider a real estate investment and purchase a condo for them to live in while attending school. This could also be a future home for the student with the FHA Kiddie Condo Loan, or maybe even a second home for the parents once their student leaves school. Midcity Lofts Midtown Atlanta GAIn my first post, we talked about Cornerstone Village, located at 5th and Peachtree Streets. Now, let's take a look at Mid City Lofts, THE closest condominium building to the Georgia Tech campus. Location is key in this Georgia Tech Condo Housing option. Located just across Spring Street from Technology Square, Mid City Lofts is an exceptional building. Offering 24 hour Concierge and secured lobby entrance, this building offers the parent "peach of mind" with a short walk to campus and added security. Mid City Lofts offers a variety of 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans. This Midtown Atlanta condominium community will be on the higher priced end of your off campus housing options, but the building has some impressive amenities. The community recently renovated all the hallways and elevator foyers on each floor. Then, they took to the Sky Lounge, located on top of the building. The result is a roof-top oasis perfect for relaxing or reading a novel for that report due by next week!2 bedroom homes might also require some slight modifications to make a bedroom more private for the room-mate situation, but that is certainly possible.

        Georgia Tech Condo Housing Mid City Lofts

        Mid City Lofts is JUST across the street from Technology Square, as indicated by the Blue Buildings!

        This building is also a short two-block walk from the Publix Market, located at Plaza Midtown, making grocery shopping easy for your student. An Office Depot is just across the street for college supplies. On the opposite side of the building, on West Peachtree, is the Mid City Cafe, a great place to meet both family and friends before a Georgia Tech home football game! As you consider your Georgia Tech Condo Housing options, why not give me a call to discuss all your Midtown Atlanta options! I'll be happy to tell you all about what each community has to offer.]]>
        1702 2011-04-20 09:35:45 2011-04-20 13:35:45 open open georgia-tech-condo-housing-mid-city-lofts-condominiums publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last
        Georgia Tech Parents Where Is YOUR Student Going to Live? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/17/georgia-tech-parents-where-is-your-student-going-to-live/ Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:54:53 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1701 It's been a few years since I went to college. But the memories are quite fond. Maybe not of studying and final exams, but certainly of college life in general. It was my first opportunity to live away from my parents. (Yippie!) But, I can also remember HOW scared I was at the same time!! Meeting all these new people, fitting in with them in some form or fashion, and also being able to "start out fresh" from high school. WOW...there was lots to think about! Of course, Georgia Tech Parents want to know where their student is going to live? I don't think I could/would ever trade my 2 years of dorm life. I had two years, because I transferred schools. The first was my freshman year at Montana State University, and then after 3 years, I transferred to University of Houston where I again lived on campus for 1 year in the dorm, before I moved to off campus housing.  That first year on campus at both colleges gave me the opportunity to make new friends and meet all the guys (and girls) that would later be my room mates.  (In the essence of full disclosure, during one year at the University of Houston, we did an opposite Three's Company living arrangement with 2 guys and one girl, living in a 3 bedroom house.) Atlanta Condos Cornerstone VillageBut after the first year, I was off to bigger and better things, living off campus in apartment or houses. While my parents still paid my rent, or a portion of it, I was still renting. Paying someone else's mortgage payment. It worked for my situation, but perhaps as a Georgia Tech parent, you might want to look at your students' housing as a potential investment. One way to do that is to consider purchasing a condominium near the Georgia Tech campus where your student could live after their first year on campus. Why consider a condominium? Well, first off, your student gets way more space than most any dorm room can offer. (I speak from experience here!) Secondly, it gives them the the added sense of independence by living in more of a home enviornment. But from a financial perspective, it gives you an opportunity to make a real estate investment.

        Georgia Tech Parents Where Is YOUR Student Going to Live?

        Midtown Atlanta Real EstateI know, you think "invest in real estate in this market?" Actually, this is the BEST time to invest in the real estate market, especially Midtown Atlanta. Prices have fallen dramatically in the past two years and interest rates are most likely at "once in a life time" historic lows we may never see again. As a Georgia Tech parent, you can make a real estate investment while providing your student a safe enviornment to live in and experience more of what life is like living outside both the dorm and your home. Additionally, you can help your student with their future through an FHA program called the Kiddie Condo Program. Basically, you purchase a condo, and co-sign with your son or daughter. Some of the advantages to this purchasing program are:
        • A low down payment (as little as 3% of the purchase price).
        • A lower, owner-occupied interest rate on the mortgage Vs the higher investment property interest rate.
        • Helps the new borrower establish a solid credit rating.
        With a Kiddie Condo loan program, at least one borrower must occupy the property as his/her primary residence, but extra bedrooms could be rented out to help cover the cost of the mortgage payments. As a Georgia Tech parent, if you'd like to look at these options further, please contact me for more information about the Midtown Atlanta real estate market and the options available to you and your Georgia Tech student.]]>
        1716 2011-04-17 14:54:53 2011-04-17 18:54:53 open open georgia-tech-parents-where-is-your-student-going-to-live publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 2138 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/18/georgia-tech-condo-housing-cornerstone-village-condominiums/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-03 14:19:12 2011-05-03 18:19:12 1 pingback 0 0 2144 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/03/georgia-tech-condo-housing-plaza-midtown-condominiums/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-03 19:26:14 2011-05-03 23:26:14 1 pingback 0 0
        Totally Awesome at Piedmont park http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/16/totally-awesome-at-piedmont-park/ Sat, 16 Apr 2011 21:45:39 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/16/totally-awesome-at-piedmont-park/
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        Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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        1722 2011-04-16 17:45:39 2011-04-16 21:45:39 open open totally-awesome-at-piedmont-park publish 0 0 post 0
        It's Spring in Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/16/its-spring-in-atlanta/ Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:42:29 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/16/its-spring-in-atlanta/
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        1723 2011-04-16 13:42:29 2011-04-16 17:42:29 open open its-spring-in-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0
        Colony Square Athletic Club - Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/27/colony-square-athletic-club-midtown-atlanta/ Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:41:44 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1724 Colony Square Athletic Club. It's really a great option for a gym if either your Midtown Atlanta condominium does not have a fitness center, or you just want to go someplace different. Tomorrow, they are having a Membership Appreciation Party! If I bring any friends in and they join, I get an extra free month! I like that! And you get a gym membership at a gym that is open 24/7. Come check it out, but let me know so we can go together! Come check out Colony Square Athletic Club! Located in Colony Square, at 14th and Peachtree Streets. You get 2 hours complimentary garage parking so you don't have to worry about being out in the elements. The Mall area of Colony Square (that's a subject for another post) has some restaurants where you can grab a bite after your workout. And it's connected to the W Midtown Atlanta Hotel. Hope to see YOU at Colony Square Athletic Club! Maybe you can be my incentive to get my butt there!]]> 1724 2011-04-27 15:41:44 2011-04-27 19:41:44 open open colony-square-athletic-club-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 1974 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net 184.32.56.132 2011-04-28 10:59:17 2011-04-28 14:59:17 1 0 6796 The Royal Wedding! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/29/the-royal-wedding/ Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:37:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/29/the-royal-wedding/
        Imag0392
        One of those history making events I am glad I got to witness!   Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
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        1727 2011-04-29 08:37:47 2011-04-29 12:37:47 open open the-royal-wedding publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
        An Important message from the SE Pet Rescue Railroad http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/29/an-important-message-from-the-se-pet-rescue-railroad/ Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:32:22 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/29/an-important-message-from-the-se-pet-rescue-railroad/
         

        Press Release: Tornado Disaster Recovery: Animal Welfare Response: "Hold and Label Displaced Pets for Owner Recovery"

         
        Please forward to Animal Control Facility Managers, Local Government officials, FEMA operatives, and anyone else involved in the recovery operations that may have some bearing on this issue.
        Share on Twitter: RT @seprr Tornado Disaster  Animal Rescuers READ & SHARE B4 adopting out recovered Pets to new owners http://bit.ly/jQpHKa #tornado SE Pet Rescue Railroad, Atlanta GA April 28th, 20 Yesterday, the world witnessed an unprecedented meteorological event, characterized by some experts as Biblical in it's proportions and intensity. There has been enormous loss of life. Once again, similar to Katrina, the Animal Rescue community is now faced with enormous amounts of displaced pets, separated from their families and homes, wounded, cold, hungry, scared, homeless, and now orphaned from beloved owners who may have been killed during the storm's passage. When rescuing these pets, please tag/label these pets as "Held for Owner Recovery/Displaced by Tornado Disaster". Please do not make them available for adoption by the general public until an adequate hold period has expired, perhaps one month at a minimum. These are beloved members of families, not cast out strays that have been neglected. Treat these Pets like you would a lost child, and return it home. Please extend Animal Control Hold Periods to accommodate the extended time lines necessary for recovery by the owners, given the dire and extreme circumstances. When determining an appropriate Hold Period, consider: -  1,000's of people are actually in the hospital, and will be there for an extended period. -  1 Million+ are without power today. How long will it take to restore basic access to power, much less shelter, clothing, a hot meal, employment? Who knows? - These pets must be rescued now, lest they starve, are stolen, become food for coyotes, or go feral foraging for food. I write this to ward off a repeat of what unfolded in the aftermath of Katrina, when good intentions of hard-working rescuers had an unintended effect. Many of the rescued pets were put into foster care. Instead of being returned to their original owners, they were adopted by new owners, sometimes 1000's of miles away. Certainly, many rescuers would argue about the reasons why the pets were left behind. The fact is that the rescue movement carte-blanch, saved these animals from their plight, placed them into foster care, and also overlooked the fact their returning owners would be seeking their animals afterwards. We have seen the legal fights and the broken hearts. This time around, let's do whatever we can to return these pets to their owners. This time there can be no petty arguments and judgements about the intentions of the pet's owners when it takes about 30 seconds for a tornado to rip your world apart with practically no warning at all. That is why people RUN for shelter during tornadoes. There is usually very little advance notice, unless you just happened to be tuned into the right channel at the right time to hear Emergency Broadcast Beacon. Even today, people are easily out of touch long enough to be taken by complete surprise by a tornado, much less over 100 of them of such awesome speed and intensity. There can be no argue. WE MUST ASSUME these owners want their beloved pets returned and are actively worried and seeking them as I write this letter. A solution is relatively straightforward: 1- When collecting these displaced pets, closely note where the pet was found and document the location where possible. 2- Tag these pets as Displaced and give them longer owner recovery periods, up to one month versus the normal 5 day Hold Period such as we have here in Georgia. 3- Where resources are scarce for housing the rescued pets, place them in foster care, but with the explicit understanding that these pets are Displaced Pet fostered for "Owner Recovery". 4- Please do not, under any circumstances take a Displaced Pet and put it up for adoption without a reasonable time frame for the owner to seek, find, and secure their pet. Do not Euthanize Displaced Pets. These are loved members of families, not cast out strays that have been neglected. Treat these Pets like you would a lost child, and return it home. 5- Do not transport the Displaced Pets out of the market, away from the area where the pet was found. If they do not remain in the animal control or humane shelter nearby where they were found, there is simply no chance for the Displaced Pet to return home. SEPRR's network is available to ALL Rescuers needing a place to promote their notices, especially for Transport! Prayers and Good Hunting during your recovery and rescue efforts. Best wishes, -- Bryan "Beau" Grant, Director SE Pet Rescue Railroad Office: +1 (678) 389-9903 Fax: +1 (404) 348-4759 Mobile: +1 (404) 932-6399 http://facebook.com/seprr http://twitter.com/seprr http://twitter.com/bryangrant (sent from the web at Google Apps) Reform Companion Animal Laws - Please Sign & Share this Petition: http://ht.ly/2fDGN Please Share the word on Twitter: RT @seprr support laws in #GA to END euthanizing animals http://ht.ly/2fDGN #petrescue #gapolitics Realtors For Pets C/O Gina Carr 7550 Hinson Street # 15C Orlando, FL 32819 USA
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        1729 2011-04-29 10:32:22 2011-04-29 14:32:22 open open an-important-message-from-the-se-pet-rescue-railroad publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Planned GA400 Interchange Wins Neighborhood Approval http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/30/planned-ga400-interchange-wins-neighborhood-approval/ Sat, 30 Apr 2011 13:00:46 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1734 Have you ever tried to navigate the Lenox Road/Buford Highway/Sidney Marcus "triangle" on any given weekday morning or afternoon? How about the Lindbergh/LaVista/Cheshire Bridge intersection? Does the term gridlock, crazy or avoid at all costs come to mind? Then you know exactly what it's like to try and get from I-85 Southbound to GA400 Northbound or just the opposite! Well, help is on the way! The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) held another public meeting this past week, and the neighbors who once threatened to fight to stop this proposed exit ramps have now given their blessing. After years and years of dealing with the congested streets and cars zipping through their neighborhood trying to dodge the mess, GDOT will begin construction of the two ramps. I had always wondered what bozo designed this intersection and left these ramps off. But having spent a bit more time learning the history of GA400 and its construction (and the fights against it slicing right through Buckhead) I now understand why they focused more on just getting the road built and not so much on these ramps. That said, I think GDOT, and any other organization, past or present, have done some lame planning on the growth of Atlanta and did not have the foresight to see this need. But, that's water under the bridge and also the subject of another post another time. For now, we will soon (define soon as a few years of highway construction) we will no longer have to be dancing in the streets as we will be off them and on freeway exit ramps instead. Now, they built the I-85/GA316 interchange in like record time. Ya think you could do the same here? For more about this story, read about it at the Buckhead Patch.]]> 1734 2011-04-30 09:00:46 2011-04-30 13:00:46 open open planned-ga400-interchange-wins-neighborhood-approval publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title Gordon Biersch Midtown ATL http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/01/gordon-biersch-midtown-atl/ Sun, 01 May 2011 12:03:05 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/01/gordon-biersch-midtown-atl/
        Imag0394
        It was so good...it was almost gone before I got my #foodporn picture   Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
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        1738 2011-05-01 08:03:05 2011-05-01 12:03:05 open open gordon-biersch-midtown-atl publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
        Georgia Tech Condo Housing-Plaza Midtown Condominiums http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/03/georgia-tech-condo-housing-plaza-midtown-condominiums/ Tue, 03 May 2011 23:26:11 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1750 Graduation is just around the corner, and the halls, and streets of Georgia Tech will be a bit quieter for a couple months. Of course, many students continue on through the Summer to either get caught up on classes they have missed, or try to shorten their stay at Georgia Tech. But one thing is pretty constant through all of this...Where Is YOUR Georgia Tech Student going to live? Georgia Tech Condo Housing I always make the disclaimer, NO, there are not any condominiums located ON the Georgia Tech campus. But living in a condominium is a great option for a student, and a potential investment for BOTH the parent and the student. I've reviewed Cornerstone Village Condominums, and Mid City Loft Condominiums. Now let's look at Plaza Midtown. Plaza Midtown was built in 2006 and is a striking building against the Midtown Atlanta skyline with its twin, oval-shaped glass towers. The community has around 400 homes, ranging in size from 1 bedrooms with 761 sq. ft to 2 bedroom homes with up to 1,512 sq ft. These homes offered minimal options in the kitchen, and you will find the same granite and tiled back splash in the kitchen, but different colored cabinetry, depending on the floor the home is located. With the exception of lower floors, most of the views from the generous balconies are breathtaking. Views range from Downtown, overlooking the pool and the Georgia Tech campus to Midtown and north to Buckhead and Kennesaw Mountain! [caption id="attachment_23" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Plaza Midtown"][/caption] I concern I often hear when working with parents who are considering Georgia Tech Condo Housing is safety. Plaza Midtown has considered that in its design and safety features. Parking for residential owners is gated and separate from the retail parking area. Access to the building, whether from the street level or in the parking garage is card -access controlled. Elevators are also controlled access and residents can only access the lobby, amenities level, parking garage and their specific floor. An access code is required to visit another floor in the buildings. There is a 24 hour concierge and security also patrols the retail garage and perimeter of the building. When considering which Georgia Tech Condo Housing option is right for you or your student, you want to consider the amenities the community offers. They might be something you don't specifically use now, but long-term they can effect your resale value. Never to fear at Plaza Midtown....the amenities are awesome. The 6th Floor contains a roof top garden and resort style pool...perhaps one of the largest pools of any Midtown Atlanta condo building! There is a sleek, modern clubhouse that contains the bar, restrooms, pool table and two "living room" areas complete with gas log fireplaces and flat screen TV's. A complete fitness center is sure to keep anyone in tip-top shape! The most unique feature of Plaza Midtown is the Publix Urban Market, located on the street level of the building on Spring Street. This grocery is accessed by residents of both towers by elevator, and you never have to step outside. Great for security AND convenience! Additionally, there are numerous restaurants in the building, including Prickly Pear Taqueria, Marlow's Tavern, J.Christopher's, Dressed Salads, and Steel Restaurant! You can dine away and never leave the building! If you or your student need to travel via Hartsfield Jackson International, the Midtown MARTA station is just across the street from Plaza Midtown! Looking for a great option for Georgia Tech Condo Housing? You just might have found it at Plaza Midtown. Contact me to learn about some of the incredible values you can find in this building in today's market! [caption id="attachment_1756" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="Plaza Midtown Proximity to Georgia Tech Campus"][/caption]

         

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        1750 2011-05-03 19:26:11 2011-05-03 23:26:11 open open georgia-tech-condo-housing-plaza-midtown-condominiums publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 2162 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 71.49.206.184 2011-05-05 08:40:48 2011-05-05 12:40:48 1 0 0
        Georgia Tech Condo Housing - Cornerstone Village Condominiums http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/04/18/georgia-tech-condo-housing-cornerstone-village-condominiums/ Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:18:39 +0000 chris http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1753 As students prepare to finish up the Spring Semester at Georgia Tech, they will be thinking about their housing options for the coming Fall semester. And so will their parents. As I've talked before, many Georgia Tech parents will be looking at the housing options, and costs for their son or daughter. One option might be Georgia Tech Condo Housing. Now first off, let me say, there are no condominiums ON the Georgia Tech Campus. However, there are many Midtown Atlanta condominium communities that are within walking distance of the campus. If you are a Georgia Tech parent, and are looking for housing options for your kids, maybe you ought to think about investing in real estate as well as your child's higher education. In the next few posts, I'll highlight several of the Midtown Atlanta Condominium buildings that are the most convenient to the campus. Today, lets start with the popular and very affordable Cornerstone Village.

        Cornerstone Village Condominiums - Midtown Atlanta

        Condo Map Cornerstone Village

        This map shows the Georgia Tech Campus to the left. The gold arrow indicates where

        Cornerstone Village Condominiums are located in reference to the campus.

        Located on Peachtree Street, between 5th and 6th Streets, this Georgia Tech Condo condo housing option is the second closest to campus. (Note 5th Street, which runs right through Technology Square, across the Downtown Connector and into the Main Campus! Convenient indeed!) This community is made up of 4 separate buildings an occupies an entire city block! Cornerstone VillageThe Landmark Building sits on the corner of 5th and Peachtree Streets. Built in the 1940's as an office building, it was converted to condominiums in 1999 when the Cornerstone Village project began. Homes in this building range from smaller 1 bedroom floor plans to larger 2 bedroom homes. All of them have exposed brick walls and open duct work, giving them a "loft feel." Most of the 2 bedroom floor plans in this building are not completely closed off from the living space, but this can be done with some minor remodeling. Cornerstone Village Manor HouseNext, we have the historic Manor House, located on the corner of 6th and Peachtree. This famed building was designed by the noted architect, Neil Reed, who has designed numerous buildings around Midtown Atlanta. Most all of the homes in this building are 1 bedroom floor plans, but are quite spacious and were nicely upgraded when the building was incorporated into Cornerstone Village in 1999. This building houses the fitness center, a laundry room (from it's past days as an apartment building) a movie theater and the property management office. Cornerstone Village 200 BuildingLastly we have the Gallery Buildings, often called the 100 and 200 Buildings. These newer buildings were new construction between 1999 -2001, and surround the pool and grilling areas. These two buildings offer the most variety of floor plans, from 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom den to full 2 bedroom homes. A concern I know of any parent is safety, so I will also touch on safety and security of each community I review. As for Cornerstone Village, they do not have a 24-hour Concierge, or actual lobby. Each building does offer a secured entrance with key cards and call boxes. Homes can have individual alarm systems connected for added security. The property, including the garage is well lit. There are minimal cameras for security. Cornerstone Village offers the parent looking to make a real estate investment in Georgia Tech Condo housing some great opportunities! As of this writing, there are homes available from the low $70,000 range up to $155,000 for a 2 bedroom home!! Purchasing at such prices should (we hope for a real estate rebound) offer an opportunity to see some price appreciation in the years ahead. One note of caution, and I will note this on every condominium community that I review. Cornerstone Village is currently capped out on rental permits. What does this mean to the parent looking for Georgia Tech Condo Housing? You must be purchasing for your family member to live in the home (again, the great option with the FHA Kiddie Condo Loan) and it can not be rented out. You could certainly add your name to the rental waiting list, but be cautioned...they are often very long in most Midtown Atlanta condo buildings. You can Search Cornerstone Village Homes for Sale Here! In my next post, I'll review MidCity Lofts, THE closest Midtown Atlanta condominium building to the Georgia Tech Campus!]]>
        1753 2011-04-18 14:18:39 2011-04-18 18:18:39 open open georgia-tech-condo-housing-cornerstone-village-condominiums publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last 2223 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/03/georgia-tech-condo-housing-plaza-midtown-condominiums/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-07 14:11:50 2011-05-07 18:11:50 1 pingback 0 0
        Sandy Springs Luxury Condo For Rent 2Bedroom $1500/Month http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/04/sandy-springs-luxury-condo-for-rent-2bedroom-1500month/ Wed, 04 May 2011 18:59:29 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1762
        Sandy Springs Luxury Condo For Rent Close to Hospitals  
        Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats 
        $1,500
        Condominium
        Main Features
        2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Interior: 1109 sqft
        Location
        901 Abernathy Road 5080 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 USA
        To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME 
        Thomas Ramon Realty (770) 713-1505 Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com http://MyMidtownMojo.com Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties
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        1762 2011-05-04 14:59:29 2011-05-04 18:59:29 open open sandy-springs-luxury-condo-for-rent-2bedroom-1500month publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 2157 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-05-04 22:13:19 2011-05-05 02:13:19 1 0 0
        Georgia Tech Condo Housing - Spire Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/05/georgia-tech-condo-housing-spire-midtown-atlanta/ Thu, 05 May 2011 13:20:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1766 Spire Midtown Atlanta My next "installment" if you will in the series about options for Georgia Tech Condo Housing takes me to a building near and dear to my heart. But, you too would be happy having YOUR Georgia Tech student living in Spire Midtown Atlanta. I bought a home in Spire in it's pre-construction sales days when you had to lean against the wall to sign your contract and the building sold out in THREE WEEKS! Wow! I've since sold my place, but still love the community feel you get in the building. Spire Midtown Atlanta was the next "child" of Novare Group after their ever popular Metropolis Midtown. (I've yet to review this building...stay tuned!) But, kinda like an automobile design, we learn as we go along. So, Novare improved on Spire with upgraded cabinetry in the kitchen's and baths, a choice of cabinet colors (but only if you changed floors) and less studio floor plans and more one bedroom plans. Constructed on the corner of 7th and Peachtree Streets, it certainly has taken its place as a Midtown Mile icon. And the moment you step in the lobby, you will certainly see why. Spire Midtown Atlanta is everything a condominium community should be, yet offers amenities and security that are sure to be important to any parent looking for Georgia Tech Condo Housing. Spire LobbyThe lobby is.....striking. You truly like coming home, or welcoming guests here. Not the original color design when built, the owners (well actually I think it was the Board) changed things up a bit. (It was a stir for awhile, but I'll let you learn that story when you move in). 24 hour Concierge and Security greet you in the lobby. A secured "second lobby" is controlled access for residents, or a call box is available for guests. Elevators are also controlled access, and resident can only access their parking level, amenities level and the floor where their home is located. Spire Midtown Atlanta made quite an impression with their Sky Club on the 7th and 8th Floors. Internet stations, catering kitchen and wet bar, pool table and movie screen room were, and still are quite impressive. The stone and wood accents along with gas log fireplaces make for some inviting conversation areas. The building is just 5 blocks from Technology Square where students can catch the Tech Trolley or The Stinger for transportation further into the Georgia Tech campus. Spire Midtown Atlanta offers 18 different floor plans ranging from 678 sq. ft for a studio plan (yes they still did two studio floor plans, to 1,356 for a premium 2 bedroom home overlooking Peachtree Street. This building, I think, will be a timeless addition to Midtown Atlanta, and one you will be proud to call home. For more information about Spire Midtown Atlanta, or to Search for Spire Midtown Atlanta Homes For Sale, just visit the links. The map below will give you an indication of the location of Spire in relation to the Georgia Tech campus. If you'd like a personal tour of this exceptional Georgia Tech Condo housing option, please contact me today!

        Georgia Tech Housing Spire Midtown Atlanta

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        1766 2011-05-05 09:20:00 2011-05-05 13:20:00 open open georgia-tech-condo-housing-spire-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 2289 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/09/georgia-tech-condo-housing-metropolis-midtown/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-09 09:34:54 2011-05-09 13:34:54 1 pingback 0 0
        Springtime Beauty at Serrano Condominiums! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/05/springtime-beauty-at-serrano-condominiums/ Thu, 05 May 2011 13:05:03 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/05/springtime-beauty-at-serrano-condominiums/
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          Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
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        1774 2011-05-05 09:05:03 2011-05-05 13:05:03 open open springtime-beauty-at-serrano-condominiums publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg Buys $7 Million Home - Yahoo! Real Estate http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/06/facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-buys-7-million-home-yahoo-real-estate/ Sat, 07 May 2011 01:15:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/06/facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-buys-7-million-home-yahoo-real-estate/
         
        Mark Zuckerberg's $7 million Palo Alto home. Photo: Alain Pinel Realtors
        Mark Zuckerberg is, at age 26, on the young side for a first-time home buyer these days. But the Facebook cofounder and chief executive isn’t exactly stretching financially to make his first purchase. Valued at $13.5 billion, and with a persona made famous by the Oscar-winning film The Social Network, Zuckerberg recently plunked down a relatively paltry $7 million for his first home. The restored historic Palo Alto, Calif. abode encompasses 5,617 square feet on a 17,100 square-foot plot. It includes five bedrooms, five and a half baths, a banquet-size dining room, a music alcove and glassed-in porch. The backyard has a saltwater pool, a spa, an outdoor gazebo with a wood-burning fireplace and a carport. The lot, located on Edgewood Drive in the Crescent Park neighborhood, is shielded from nosy neighbors and gawkers by a wall and citrus trees. Crescent Park itself is a high-end neighborhood where median single-family homes went for an average of $1.9 million in February, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.
        More from Forbes.com » Homes With The Most Outrageous Amenities » America’s Prettiest Towns
        The young billionaire’s new pad hails from an earlier structure erected by William A. Newell, a physician and politician who helped establish and govern the area in the late 19th century. It was razed and rebuilt by another physician in 1903. Since then, it changed hands roughly seven times, going through several remodelings, before being acquired by the social media entrepreneur. The property was listed through Sherry Bucolo of Alain Pinel Realtors. Both Bucolo and Facebook declined to comment on the sale, but public records indicate the deal closed in mid-March. As with most real estate transactions involving rich and famous homebuyers, the sale was conducted through a third party LLC. The young billionaire has long been a fan of renting and of relatively modest digs. His last two places were rentals in the College Terrace neighborhood of Palo Alto, both of which were close to Facebook’s offices and significantly smaller than the new home. Zuckerberg, who ranks 52nd on Forbes’ list of the World’s Billionaires, paid $1 million more than the previously listed asking price of $5.85 million. The $7 million paid is about what the home is valued in the expensive 94301 zip code, according to Zillow.com. That might seem like a hefty price tag to many middle Americans, but it’s pee wee league among billionaires. Yuri Milner, a venture capital billionaire and Facebook investor, shelled out $100 million for an 11 acre, 25,000 square foot estate in the area earlier this year. In April, news broke that Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s wealthiest billionaire, had snatched up a London penthouse for $221 million, the most ever paid for an apartment anywhere. Facebook Twitter  
        Indeed...not a lot of house for someone with his money...but give him credit for not going over the top.
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        1775 2011-05-06 21:15:00 2011-05-07 01:15:00 open open facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-buys-7-million-home-yahoo-real-estate publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
        The Office is Now Open!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/07/the-office-is-now-open/ Sat, 07 May 2011 17:33:05 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/07/the-office-is-now-open/
        Imag0398
          Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
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        1776 2011-05-07 13:33:05 2011-05-07 17:33:05 open open the-office-is-now-open publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
        Got Millions to Spare? Midtown Block for Sale - Midtown, GA Patch http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/07/got-millions-to-spare-midtown-block-for-sale-midtown-ga-patch/ Sat, 07 May 2011 20:21:15 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/07/got-millions-to-spare-midtown-block-for-sale-midtown-ga-patch/
        A 2.5-acre commercial site in Midtown is going to the highest bidder. The land -- bounded by Juniper Street and North, Piedmont and Ponce de Leon avenues -- has gone into foreclosure and now is being offered for short sale, according to a listing from Bull Realty. The land is approved for 1.4 million square feet of mixed-use or commercial development, says the commercial real estate group. The property currently houses three buildings, which total 75,000 square feet. One of the buildings is vacant but the other two house places such as Midtown Urology Center and Wellbeings Occupational Healthcare. The property for sale does not include St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, which sits at the corner of Ponce de Leon and Piedmont avenues. According to Bull Realty, the land was appraised for $28 million in 2008. The current loan balance is $11 million. "The property is offered un‐priced, with the lender expecting to accept a short‐sale offer for less than the loan balance and for a quick, clean closing," says the listing. People have until June 3 to make an offer. A development called "The Fountains at Ponce" previously proposed a medical office tower, two hotels, a spa and roof-top restaurants for the site. Watch a video about that development here.
        I sat on the Board of Directors of the Midtown Neighbors' Association when this project went through the neighborhood meeting cycle. I remember some VERY heated debate on a subject very new to Atlanta...in fact I can't even remember the specific term, but it deals with high rise construction and the shadow the building casts.....very interesting stuff it was....but a sign of the times.
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        1783 2011-05-07 16:21:15 2011-05-07 20:21:15 open open got-millions-to-spare-midtown-block-for-sale-midtown-ga-patch publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 2323 larrywbrewer@gmail.com 96.38.32.150 2011-05-10 15:44:16 2011-05-10 19:44:16 1 0 0
        Georgia Tech Condo Housing - Metropolis Midtown http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/09/georgia-tech-condo-housing-metropolis-midtown/ Mon, 09 May 2011 13:30:46 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1790 Georgia Tech Condo Housing takes us to Metropolis Midtown. This building could sort of be called "the one that started it all" with regards to what is now high rise living in Midtown Atlanta. A great building, and another excellent choice for parents and students from Georgia Tech who are looking to make a real estate investment while attending school.

        Metropolis Midtown Atlanta

        Metropolis Midtown CondominiumsThis addition to the Midtown Atlanta skyline arrived in 2002. Metropolis Midtown consists of two towers, separate on the 6th Floor by the pool deck and Club Room. There are some 498 homes, ranging from studio's to one and two bedroom homes. At the time of construction, this was THE new option in Midtown. You wanted new, you bought at Metropolis. The building has numerous studio floor plans and as a real estate investment, you want to look carefully at what type of condominium floor plan you purchase. Both from a usability standpoint, but also from a resale perspective. While a studio-type floor plan (a home where there are no walls separating living and sleeping areas) might work for an individual, it can be challenging for two people when there is not a clear division of space. But, Metropolis Midtown still offers one and two bedroom floor plans that are great options for Georgia Tech Condo Housing. The building features the security system that Novare Group became noted for in their follow up buildings, Spire Midtown and Viewpoint Midtown. Controlled access lobbies, elevators and floor access provide parents and students both the comfort of knowing that not just anyone can enter the building. A 24 hour Concierge is available in the lobby to great guests as well as accept packages and dry cleaning for residents. Metropolis Midtown PoolThe Amenities Deck, located on the 6th Floor features a pool, grilling areas and a separate building which has the Club Room and Fitness Center. This particular design did not include a movie theater which you now find in the newer buildings. However, there are several flat screen TV's in the club room area. Metropolis Midtown Atlanta retail includes Taco Mac, Jimmy John's and the UPS Store. Currently there are a couple vacant spaces with the departure of YES Home, and Silk Restaurant. This map show the location of Metropolis Midtown Atlanta in relation to the Georgia Tech campus...

         

        Metropolis Midtown Atlanta Location
        Metropolis Midtown and Georgia Tech Campus

         

        Metropolis Midtown Atlanta. A great Georgia Tech Condo Housing option to call home while your student is attending Georgia Tech. And perhaps a future weekend get away for the Georgia Tech Parent once the student(s) has moved on.

        If you would like more information about this Midtown Atlanta Condominium community, please contact me!

        Search For Metropolis Midtown Atlanta Homes For Sale

        Did you miss one of our other posts about Georgia Tech Condo Housing? Here is a current list of posts:

        Cornerstone Village

        Mid City Lofts

        Spire Midtown

        Plaza Midtown

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        1790 2011-05-09 09:30:46 2011-05-09 13:30:46 open open georgia-tech-condo-housing-metropolis-midtown publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Midtown Neighborhoods angry over ouster of popular police commander   http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/09/neighborhoods-angry-over-ouster-of-popular-police-commander-%c2%a0/ Mon, 09 May 2011 14:31:15 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/09/neighborhoods-angry-over-ouster-of-popular-police-commander-%c2%a0/
        The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionAPS Midtown PrecinctA powerful Midtown neighborhood association has requested a meeting with Atlanta's mayor and police chief to discuss the ouster of an APD commander they say was instrumental in helping reduce crime in their community. But APD Chief George Turner made it clear in a statement Thursday that Maj. Khirus E. Williams will not be returning as Zone 5 commander, despite calls from activists seeking more information about the popular cop's departure. "As a neighborhood-based community service organization we find it upsetting and discomforting that one of the best of Atlanta’s very finest would be ousted for genuinely serving our community," the board of directors of the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance wrote in a letter posted on its website.
        For the rest of this story about the loss of Major Williams to the Midtown Atlanta community, click here.  
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        1801 2011-05-09 10:31:15 2011-05-09 14:31:15 open open neighborhoods-angry-over-ouster-of-popular-police-commander-%c2%a0 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
        A Traffic Light Changes Lives http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/10/a-traffic-light-changes-lives/ Tue, 10 May 2011 16:16:11 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1807 Briarcliff Ponce Traffic LightI happened upon this story will cleaning out my e-mail inbox, and reviewing Google Alerts that I have set. I have to admit, I've not been through this intersection in sometime, BUT, I can certainly bear witness that getting through the intersection of Briarcliff Road and Ponce De Leon Avenue is challenging....at best. But after THIRTY, yes 30 years as asking for a change, some help from Commuter Dude at 11Alive helped get the attention of the Georgia Department of Transportation to look at the intersection. The first answer was, "To Much Money and way down the list." But after further review, it found a low cost way to make a change. A change so much so, it brought out local residents to celebrate New Years' Eve style. Ya just gotta love a story like this. Watch the video here!!  ]]> 1807 2011-05-10 12:16:11 2011-05-10 16:16:11 open open a-traffic-light-changes-lives publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 2320 ray.benitez@yahoo.com 24.98.254.97 2011-05-10 12:47:42 2011-05-10 16:47:42 1 0 0 Screen On The Green Cancelled for 2011!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/11/screen-on-the-green-cancelled-for-2011/ Wed, 11 May 2011 20:00:49 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1818 Piedmont Park Screen on The GreenYikes! A long standing tradition in Midtown Atlanta, Screen on The Green has been cancelled for this summer! In a statement release by the Piedmont Park Conservancy, they have been unable to secure a new sponsor for this year's program, and as a result have cancelled it.

        ATLANTA (May 8, 2011) With Turner’s announcement in January of a management change at Peachtree TV, Piedmont Park Conservancy was informed that it no longer had a partner to produce Screen on the Green. Since that time, the Conservancy has attempted to secure sponsors, but announced today that they have run out of time. Piedmont Park Conservancy, which holds the permit for the popular annual summer film festival, is committed to finding the necessary funding to host Screen on the Green in 2012. “It is our desire to continue the tradition of kicking off every summer with great movies in this great park,” said Yvette Bowen, President and CEO of Piedmont Park Conservancy. “As one of our many free community-building initiatives, we have treasured our first ten years of movies on Piedmont Park’s Meadow. This year’s event, however, the timing of Turner’s announcement left us with too little time to secure sufficient sponsors to support it and, as such, must be cancelled,” she added. Screen on the Green began in Piedmont Park in 2000. Thousands of Atlantans have attended the family-friendly series over the years. Classic movies like Mommie Dearest, Star Wars, Casablanca and The Wizard of OZ have helped make Screen on the Green Atlanta’s premieroutdoor movie festival.

        Well folks...looks like be looking for other outdoor activities this summer to do in Midtown Atlanta!

         

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        1818 2011-05-11 16:00:49 2011-05-11 20:00:49 open open screen-on-the-green-cancelled-for-2011 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 4075 frcinek@gmail.com 72.145.177.195 2011-06-23 09:14:15 2011-06-23 13:14:15 1 0 0 2537 bob@bummer.com 98.88.184.232 2011-05-19 06:23:27 2011-05-19 10:23:27 1 0 0 2868 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/26/screen-on-the-green-survives-for-summer-2011/ 64.62.138.247 2011-05-26 14:54:57 2011-05-26 18:54:57 1 pingback 0 0
        Porsche to Build New Headquarters at Aerotropolis Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/13/porsche-to-build-new-headquarters-at-aerotropolis-atlanta/ Fri, 13 May 2011 14:57:28 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1823 Porsche North America Atlanta AerotropolisAmid all kinds of fan fare and all, Porsche North America has formally announced they will build a new U.S. headquarters building, complete with a customer test track on, oddly enough the site of the former Ford Tarus plant in Hapeville, Georgia. The site has been called Aerotropolis Atlanta. The 127 acre site is adjacent to the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport which was a major consideration of Porsche to remain in Atlanta. Their current headquarters is located north of Atlanta, in the suburb of Sandy Springs. While the new site is farther away from the city's wealthier northern suburbs, it is much closer to denser Intown neighborhoods like Midtown Atlanta, which is home to many of the city's cultural attractions and its tourist district. Porsche's new North American headquarters will be a part of a 128-acre mixed-use that has been named Aerotropolis Atlanta. The site was home to Ford's old Hapeville assembly plant from 1947 to 2008, which most recently assembled the Taurus and Mercury Sable.  The site was purchased by Jacoby Development, most noted in Atlanta for their development of Atlantic Station. Porsche will be the first tenant at the mixed use development, and hopefully that will spur along more development in the site. They will have a premier location boarding I-75. Construction is expected to begin this fall and be completed in 2013. I read an article this morning that made mention of housing potential on the southside of Atlanta. Most likely, current executives will stay in the homes they have, and have a long commute from the Northern suburbs to the Atlanta Airport area. New incoming executives might opt for the golf course city of Peachtree City, located South of the Airport. I would doubt there will be much movement within the city of any executives. Porsche North America
         ]]>
        1823 2011-05-13 10:57:28 2011-05-13 14:57:28 open open porsche-to-build-new-headquarters-at-aerotropolis-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 2412 larrywbrewer@gmail.com 96.38.32.150 2011-05-13 23:01:31 2011-05-14 03:01:31 1 0 0 2396 411@reneeburrows.com http://www.lasvegas-realestate-communities-homesforsale.com 71.49.205.228 2011-05-13 11:10:28 2011-05-13 15:10:28 1 0 0 2397 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-05-13 11:18:05 2011-05-13 15:18:05 1 0 0 2398 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://wellingtonhometeam.com 184.32.56.132 2011-05-13 11:19:30 2011-05-13 15:19:30 1 0 0 2399 spaxson@roadrunner.com 76.170.112.51 2011-05-13 11:31:12 2011-05-13 15:31:12 1 0 0
        A Quaint Alley-like garden off the Marietta Square http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/14/a-quaint-alley-like-garden-off-the-marietta-square/ Sat, 14 May 2011 18:40:07 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/14/a-quaint-alley-like-garden-off-the-marietta-square/
        Imag0403


        Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

        Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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        1827 2011-05-14 14:40:07 2011-05-14 18:40:07 open open a-quaint-alley-like-garden-off-the-marietta-square publish 0 0 post 0
        LUXE Midtown Atlanta. Another Midtown Landmark Almost Sold OUT! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/15/luxe-midtown-atlanta-another-midtown-landmark-almost-sold-out/ Sun, 15 May 2011 13:46:13 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1828 Looking Up at Luxe Midtown AtlantaLuxe Midtown Atlanta. The first new high-rise construction next to Piedmont Park since 1988. And your opportunity to call this gem home is quickly fading as this Midtown Landmark is Almost SOLD OUT! "The ultimate fusion of modern conveniences and meticulous design. A polished collection of sophisticated finishes and understated touches, sensibly engineered to exceed your highest expectations. Open your mind to a life of optimal ease and the privilege of parkside living." That description, taken from the Luxe Midtown's website, is a great description of this unique Midtown Atlanta living opportunity. Imagine.....stepping out your front door and Piedmont Park is virtually across the street. Imagine living on Central Park East, and stepping out your front door to see Central Park. You get the idea! Luxe Midtown Atlanta has everything you want and need in Midtown Atlanta high rise living. With floor plans that range from 901 sq. ft to over 3,500 sq. ft. you have options. However, not all floor plans are available at this time since the building is 90% SOLD OUT! I can tell you I had the opportunity to see one of the Penthouse homes when it was on the Midtown Neighbors' Association Tour of Homes 2 years ago. The vista's from the 22nd Floor of Buckhead, Piedmont Park and the Midtown Atlanta skyline were unbelievable! Luxe Midtown Atlanta 2This intimate community features just 116 homes, so you'll have the opportunity to get to know your neighbors....or not....whatever your preference might me. But the list of features of Luxe Midtown Atlanta are appealing....
        • Dramatic 10-12 ft. ceilings with floor to ceiling glass
        • Hardwood Floors in Foyer, Kitchen & Living Rooms
        • Spacious Balconies with amazing views (need to get you up high if possible?)
        • Distinctive Entry Foyers
        • BOSCH Stainless Steel Appliances including gas cooking
        • Granite counters with 4" back splash
        • Double Vanity in Master Bath with Separate Shower and 60" Soaking Tub
        Community Amenities within Luxe Midtown Atlanta feature.....
        • Intimate Swimming Pool with Views of Piedmont Park and Midtown Skyline
        • Wi-Fi access at the Pool
        • Outdoor Kitchen/Grilling Area
        • 24/7 Concierge Services
        • Club Room with Fireplace and Catering Kitchen
        • Fitness Center with His & Her Saunas
        • Security Controlled access throughout the building
        Luxe Midtown Atlanta 3In many cities around the world, to live near, or even next to a major park like Piedmont Park is considered premier living. Don't miss your opportunity for premier living in Midtown Atlanta at Luxe Midtown Atlanta. Call me today to see and reserve your place in this unique Midtown Atlanta community. Search Luxe Midtown Atlanta Homes For Sale HERE]]>
        1828 2011-05-15 09:46:13 2011-05-15 13:46:13 open open luxe-midtown-atlanta-another-midtown-landmark-almost-sold-out publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 2474 thomandrayteam@yahoo.com 74.166.85.97 2011-05-16 09:40:09 2011-05-16 13:40:09 1 2467 5651 2467 brpr@mail.com 98.251.112.214 2011-05-15 23:44:38 2011-05-16 03:44:38 1 0 0
        To Rent or Not To Rent? That Is A Question! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/16/to-rent-or-not-to-rent-that-is-a-question/ Mon, 16 May 2011 13:25:16 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1834 Atlanta real estate market. And probably the most key factor to consider may not be money, but......lifestyle. Yes, lifestyle. Your lifestyle is very much determined by your employment. Is your job stable? (Or at least as stable as YOU think it can be?) Is there a promotion (i.e. a relocation) in your immediate future? If so, then continuing down the rental road may be the right direction for you. I often counsel my Buyer clients in what their future holds. In today's (Atlanta to be more specific) market, if you think you might have a "corporate calling" in 3-5 years, buying may not be your best option. That said, if you are able to find the real deal on a piece of Atlanta real estate, it might make sense. But remember those costs you will incur in selling your home ( closing costs, real estate brokerage fees, transfer taxes, possible repair requests) can add up to some serious dollars. But now let's look at the other primary factor....numbers. Specifically, rent ratios. A rent ratio takes into consideration the cost of housing in a particular market and whether it's more affordable to rent or buy. A number below 15 usually indicates a market where making a purchase might be a wise decision. Take the Atlanta real estate market for instance. In the graph shown below from the New York Times, Atlanta sits with a rent ratio of 12.8, one of the lowest in comparison to other major cities that are shown.

        Atlanta Rent Ratio

        One can see that many Northeastern cities remain in a "better to rent than buy" position.

        Rent RatioOf the cities included here, only Phoenix, AZ comes in below the recommended 15.

        When you combine low interest rates available today, buying in the Atlanta market makes sense. That ratio means that the typical monthly mortgage payment is several hundred dollars lower than the rent on a equal single family home. With time, this difference helps make up for the other costs of owning, like closing costs and borrowing costs. However, you also need to look at the cost of the home owners association fee, and what it covers if you are buying a condominium.

        Another point to keep in mind is where these numbers come from. They are taken for the Atlanta real estate market as a whole, and as you've heard me say many times, real estate is location, location, location. A good reason to work with a real estate broker that knows the area you want to live in and can give you good information regarding the prices and their hopefully stability in a particular neighborhood or building.

        Sure. I'd love to sell you a Midtown Atlanta condominium. But let's sit down and talk over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Maybe buying is right for you, and maybe it's not.

        To Rent or Not To Rent? That IS A Question!

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        1834 2011-05-16 09:25:16 2011-05-16 13:25:16 open open to-rent-or-not-to-rent-that-is-a-question publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 2512 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://wellingtonhometeam.com 184.32.56.132 2011-05-18 11:34:57 2011-05-18 15:34:57 1 0 0 2480 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-05-16 23:31:57 2011-05-17 03:31:57 1 0 0 2481 Debe@DebeMaxwell.com 173.188.137.31 2011-05-17 00:47:47 2011-05-17 04:47:47 1 0 0
        Midtown Festival of the Arts - Friends of The Festival Happy Hour May 19th! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/15/midtown-festival-of-the-arts-friends-of-the-festival-happy-hour-may-19th/ Sun, 15 May 2011 19:43:37 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1840 Midtown Festival of The ArtsOne that is near and dear to me is the Midtown Festival of The Arts!  (MFOTA)In it's second year, it will be held September 24-25 right on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta! You might recall, the festival got hit with Mother Nature on Day 2 last year and kind of cut the party short! But we are back in full swing for this year! And to get things going, we need YOUR help! Friends of the Festival! Midtown Festival of The Arts is a membership organization which you can join and support! And why not do so with some adult beverages and your neighbors! Come on out to Hudson Grille on Peachtree Street (Between 8th and Peachtree Place, across from Metropolis Midtown Condominiums) Thursday, May 19th from 6-8:30pm. Not only do you get to support a great local event (all the proceeds from MFOTA are returned to the community for safety and civic projects) but you can make a new friend or two! Hudson Grille will provide us with delicious nibbles and $5 martini's to make the evening a festive one! Come on out and support Midtown Festival of The Arts! I'll see you there! Here is the bar stool I purchased at the Art Auction last year.Midtown Festival of The Arts Bar Stool  ]]> 1840 2011-05-15 15:43:37 2011-05-15 19:43:37 open open midtown-festival-of-the-arts-friends-of-the-festival-happy-hour-may-19th publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description Viewpoint Midtown Lobby! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/18/viewpoint-midtown-lobby/ Wed, 18 May 2011 15:26:00 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/18/viewpoint-midtown-lobby/
        Imag0440


        Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

        Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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        1845 2011-05-18 11:26:00 2011-05-18 15:26:00 open open viewpoint-midtown-lobby publish 0 0 post 0 2542 larrywbrewer@gmail.com 96.38.32.150 2011-05-19 10:18:44 2011-05-19 14:18:44 1 0 0
        Sandy Springs Serrano Condominium For Rent http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/18/sandy-springs-serrano-condominium-for-rent/ Wed, 18 May 2011 20:20:05 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1846
        Sandy Springs Luxury Condo For Rent Close to Hospitals


        Overview
        Maps
        Photos
        Features
        Description
        Neighborhood
        Market Stats

















        $1,500
        Condominium
        Main Features
        2 Bedrooms
        2 Bathrooms
        Interior: 1109 sqft
        Location
        901 Abernathy Road
        5080
        Sandy Springs, GA 30328
        USA

        To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:


        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

        Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME

        Thomas Ramon Realty
        (770) 713-1505
        Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com
        http://MyMidtownMojo.com



        Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties

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        1846 2011-05-18 16:20:05 2011-05-18 20:20:05 open open sandy-springs-serrano-condominium-for-rent publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
        See? A Balcony CAN be tastefully decorated! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/18/see-a-balcony-can-be-tastefully-decorated/ Wed, 18 May 2011 20:48:23 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/18/see-a-balcony-can-be-tastefully-decorated/
        Imag0442


        Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

        Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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        1850 2011-05-18 16:48:23 2011-05-18 20:48:23 open open see-a-balcony-can-be-tastefully-decorated publish 0 0 post 0 2554 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://wellingtonfloridashortsale.com 184.32.56.132 2011-05-19 16:47:07 2011-05-19 20:47:07 1 0 0
        Diva Dish: Jackson Hurst Sets Up a Scene - Drop Dead Diva's Blog http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/20/diva-dish-jackson-hurst-sets-up-a-scene-drop-dead-divas-blog/ Fri, 20 May 2011 22:01:26 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/20/diva-dish-jackson-hurst-sets-up-a-scene-drop-dead-divas-blog/
        This is just one of the many TV productions that is filmed in the Atlanta area. In particular, DDD's studio is located WAY out in Peachtree City! But they do offer up some opportunities for locals as extras on the show. It would be great to see the stars try and do some local promo stuff to not only promote the show, but promote the fact that it's actually filmed in Atlanta, but set in LA. Just want to keep my readers up-to-date on some of the Atlantawood (a.k.a. Hollywood East) happenings!!!   Don't freak out or anything, our fabulous and faithful "Drop Dead Diva" fans, but have WE got some seriously good behind-the-scenes photos for YOU. As we get closer to the "Drop Dead Diva" Season 3 premiere Sunday, June 19 on Lifetime, we've got sneak peek pics and behind-the-scenes looks at the cast and crew working on the show in our Diva Dish series. It's the next best thing to sneaking on to the set and hiding in Josh Stamberg's dressing room/napping on a pile of his recently-pressed suits. Not that we would know...

        Drop Dead Diva Jackson Hurst Behind-the-Scenes Photos

        Today's Diva Dish comes in Grayson flavor! Check out the above photo of actor Jackson Hurst going over a scene for Season 3. We love seeing him back in the courtroom again looking like the dreamy justice-seeker we fell for in Season 1. Who doesn't love a heart of gold and a strong jaw? Stay tuned to the Official "Drop Dead Diva" Facebook and Twitter for more news and scoop from Season 3! Now it's your turn to Diva Dish: What was your favorite court case of seasons' past? What would you like to see in Season 3? If you have questions for "Drop Dead Diva" creator and executive producer, Josh Berman leave them in the comments below!
        NOTE: Story is from the Drop Dead Diva Blog at MyLifetime.com
         
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        1851 2011-05-20 18:01:26 2011-05-20 22:01:26 open open diva-dish-jackson-hurst-sets-up-a-scene-drop-dead-divas-blog publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent Why Can't I Find One? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/21/midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-why-cant-i-find-one/ Sat, 21 May 2011 04:13:57 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1855 [/caption] Perhaps its a sign of the real estate times. My phone rings daily. But not for someone looking to buy or sell. They are looking to rent. There are Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent but Why Can't I Find One? Well, there is this thing called supply and demand, followed by price. And location. I'm getting calls from people wanting to rent in the "premiere" buildings of Midtown Atlanta Condo Rentals. This usually means Viewpoint Midtown, Spire Midtown, Metropolis Midtown, Plaza Midtown, Mayfair Renaissance and 1010 Midtown.  For those of you that don't live in the Atlanta area, everyone of these buildings is on Peachtree Street, except for Plaza Midtown which is two blocks West on West Peachtree, and Mayfair Renaissance which is two blocks East on 14th Street. I often sense frustration from potential tenants when I tell them what's available in their price range. In fact, I think they don't really believe me. If you work with me, I call 'em like I see 'em. Straight talk. So, let me give you and example of Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent and Why I Can't Find One. Below, you have the names of the buildings on the left and the addresses on the right (off by a line) Take a close look at this list. (For Midtown, I searched by zip codes 30308 and 30309 which extend outside of Midtown Atlanta proper, and searched Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent with a price range of $1000-$1400 per month rent.)                   So, do you notice any of the names of buildings I mentioned above? Or Peachtree Street addresses? Well, you do see ONE listing for Plaza Midtown; 400 NW Peachtree Street is actually Downtown, and 1280 West is actually located on WEST Peachtree Street. Starting to see my challenge in finding you that Midtown Atlanta Condo For Rent? So, lets change our monthly rent. Same zip code search, but now let's look for Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent at $1400 -$2000 per month.                           NOW, we start to see the buildings you are looking for. Viewpoint, Mayfair Renaissance and Plaza Midtown. But even with the increased monthly rent, you only see Viewpoint twice, and Plaza Midtown once. No listings for Spire, Metropolis or 1010 Midtown! And the lowest priced home at Viewpoint is $1650 per month. So the next time you call me and ask about Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent and Why Can't I Find YOU One you can have an idea of the market place for Midtown Atlanta Condo Rentals! View Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent $1000-$1400 View Midtown Atlanta Condos For Rent $1400-$2000 If you are the owner of a Midtown Atlanta Condo with HOA Approved leasing permit and would like to talk to us about marketing your home for you, please contact me! [caption id="attachment_1455" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Midtown Atlanta Skyline"][/caption] ]]> 1855 2011-05-21 00:13:57 2011-05-21 04:13:57 open open midtown-atlanta-condos-for-rent-why-cant-i-find-one publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 2595 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://wellingtonfloridashortsale.com 184.32.56.132 2011-05-21 00:35:39 2011-05-21 04:35:39 1 0 0 2598 Debe@DebeMaxwell.com 173.188.137.31 2011-05-21 01:02:12 2011-05-21 05:02:12 1 0 0 Georgia Tech Condo Housing Viewpoint Midtown http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/21/georgia-tech-condo-housing-viewpoint-midtown/ Sat, 21 May 2011 14:57:39 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1796 Georgia Tech Condo Housing options for the Georgia Tech student and parents, it's time to look at the newest building close to the Georgia Tech Campus. A beauty, a class act...and my personal favorite! Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta arrived on the Midtown Atlanta Condo scene in 2008. Original plans called for a total of THREE residential towers, but those plans have since been scrapped. (This picture gives you and idea of what the plan was!!)  Might be a good thing for current and future owners!  Of the 378 original homes, there are just a handful of unsold homes remaining! And all of those are one bedroom or one bedroom + den floor plans. If you are looking for a 2 bedroom home, we will be on the search for a resale listing. A Georgia Tech parent looking for Georgia Tech Condo Housing will want to move quickly on this community. What's so special about Viewpoint in my opinion? The developer, Novare Group (known for Metropolis, Spire, Twelve Atlantic Station, Twelve Centennial Park, The Atlantic, Realm, Eclipse and Gallery....whew!) just seemed to get the package right here. From the lobby to the amenities to the variety of floor plans and finishes...it all just comes together. But, the amenities of Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta probably do set it apart. Located on the 11th and 12th Floors of the building, they were creatively designed and separated into  4 distinct areas. The main club room features a pool table, movie theater, catering kitchen with wet bar and ample table and couch seating throughout the space.  Enjoy you favorite programs on several big screen TV's or make your own music with a iPod docking station. On either side of the tower on the 11th floor are two distinct amenity areas. One is the Zen Garden, complete with beautiful landscaping, a water feature, grilling areas and an outdoor "living room" with flat screen TV and a fireplace. It's just so cool!  I could see this being the perfect outdoor "study hall" with a couple of Georgia Tech classmates! The other side of the 11th floor is the pool. Surrounded by lush plantings and cozy areas with lounge chairs, this is THE way to escape a Hotlanta summer for sure! There is also a wet bar, two huge gas grilling "bars" and ample tables for dining alfresco once you've got that steak ready!A perfect place to unwind after a crazy week of classes at Georgia Tech, and a great place to entertain your Georgia Tech parents! Located on the 12th floor is the state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Work out while watching your own personal TV on the cardio equipment, or take in the Midtown vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows! Ok, on to the homes! A variety of one and 2 bedroom floor plans offer the Georgia Tech parent or student various living options. If you are looking to have a room mate during your time at Georgia Tech, then a 2 bedroom home would be the best choice. Some of them might require some slight modifications to actually close off one of the bedrooms, but I can help you find a contractor for this task. Security and safety are a concern for any Georgia Tech parent and student. Viewpoint is a controlled access building, and access is gained by having a key card, which in turn only allows you to gain access to the lobby, your parking floor, your residential floor and the amenities area. The location of Viewpoint on Peachtree Street, between 6th and 7th Streets is a perfect location for the Georgia tech student. The Technology Square portion of campus is within easy walking distance and the Tech Trolley and Stinger will take you further into the main campus. If you are a Georgia Tech parent looking for Georgia Tech Condo Housing options, I invite you to look at Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta! I'm sure you will love the building as much as I do! Viewpoint Midtown Going, Going....Almost! Search Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta Homes For Sale

         

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        [googlemaps]http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=200010865235933692373.00049f8e5eca6a38d970e&ll=33.777818,-84.384012&spn=0,0&output=embed[/googlemaps]

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        1796 2011-05-21 10:57:39 2011-05-21 14:57:39 open open georgia-tech-condo-housing-viewpoint-midtown publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
        The Beauty of Life -- A Robin, A Nest and 4 Eggs http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/23/the-beauty-of-life-a-robin-a-nest-and-4-eggs/ Mon, 23 May 2011 13:25:27 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1883 This video appeared on my Facebook page this morning. (Thanks Patty!) I've always been told as a kid to stay away from a bird's nest for fear the parents will abandon it. So I have! I've had a couple built in strange places (a flower pot too) and behind my patio umbrella when it was leaning against the house. But never got to see anything like this. I could not get the video to embed here, so PLEASE, PLEASE click on this link!  

        Have an awesome week and celebrate life!

         ]]>
        1883 2011-05-23 09:25:27 2011-05-23 13:25:27 open open the-beauty-of-life-a-robin-a-nest-and-4-eggs publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
        Atlanta at Heart of Area's Transit Issues   http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/24/atlanta-at-heart-of-areas-transit-issues-%c2%a0/ Tue, 24 May 2011 12:58:07 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/24/atlanta-at-heart-of-areas-transit-issues-%c2%a0/
          This article appeared in the AJC on Sunday, May 22. A good point is made....Will Atlanta and the surrounding 10 metro counties that have to vote to approve the transportation referendum in 2012 have a clear understanding of what the money is going to do and how it's going to help them and improve Atlanta's quality of life as well as keep us competitive as a place to draw more people and corporate headquarters to? Thom Abbott   By Ernie Suggs -- The Atlanta Journa-Constitution [caption id="attachment_1892" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="The Downtown Connector I-75/85"][/caption] Every day, Atlanta’s population more than doubles to more than 1.2 million people as workers, shoppers and entertainment seekers pour into the city in cars or via mass transit, according to city officials. In many ways, Atlanta — where three major interstates and two major railroad networks converge — lies at the heart of the region’s traffic grid. It has always struggled to maintain and expand interstate and transit systems that link the metro counties and move their residents. Officials in the capital city are banking on the money raised by the 2012 transportation referendum’s 1-cent tax, if the 10-county region passes it, to pump millions of dollars into the MARTA system, to fix bridges and roads, to accelerate the completion of the Atlanta Beltline. Of course, how many of Atlanta’s suggestions make it to a final project list has yet to be seen. Other people question whether Atlanta voters who already are paying a 1-cent MARTA tax will want to spend more. Atlanta has an 8 percent sales tax, one of the highest in the state. If the referendum passes, that would jump to 9 percent. For the rest of the AJC article, please click here.
          ]]>
          1889 2011-05-24 08:58:07 2011-05-24 12:58:07 open open atlanta-at-heart-of-areas-transit-issues-%c2%a0 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
          Screen On The Green Survives for Summer 2011! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/26/screen-on-the-green-survives-for-summer-2011/ Thu, 26 May 2011 18:54:54 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1897 Screen On The Green had been cancelled for this year! It's been such a fun event, and a great time for everyone, despite a couple problems with some unruly crowds. Well, I'm now please to pass along that some new local corporate sponsors have "stepped up to the camera" and Screen On The Green 2011 is Happening! Yesterday, the Piedmont Park Conservancy announced that Delta Air Lines will be the lead sponsor, along with other Atlanta corporate sponsors, Georgia Natural Gas, Coca-Cola and Comcast. Thanks for stepping in ATL! "Screen on the Green has been a long-standing summer tradition in the City of Atlanta for both residents and visitors, and I am pleased that the popular movie series will return this year," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in a statement. "The return of the movie screenings is yet another example of city officials, civic leaders and corporate partners working together to enhance the overall quality of life in Atlanta. The movie line up was also announced: Piedmont Park Screen on The GreenJune 2 - Back to the Future, 1985 June 9 - Imitation of Life, 1959 June 16 - Sixteen Candles, 1984 June 23 - Viewers Choice - The Birds, 1963 vs. Frankenstein, 1931 June 30 - Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 1971 So grab your blanket, your picnic basket and head on out to Piedmont Park for Screen on The Green! For additional information, visit the Piedmont Park Conservancy's web site. Wondering what to take to eat? Why not check out some of the great prepared items at Whole Food's or maybe pre-order a delicious Chicken Caesar Salad from Gordon Biersch Midtown. As you walk down 10th Street, you'll hit Jason's Deli...a great place to pick up some picnic sandwich's and goods! Remember, parking is VERY limited around Piedmont Park, so you are encouraged to take MARTA. Get off at the 10th Street Station, and head east toward Peachtree Street and onto Piedmont Park.]]> 1897 2011-05-26 14:54:54 2011-05-26 18:54:54 open open screen-on-the-green-survives-for-summer-2011 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description Atlanta Jazz Festival, May 28-30 Midtown Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/27/atlanta-jazz-festival-may-28-30-midtown-atlanta/ Fri, 27 May 2011 13:25:19 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1900 Atlanta Jazz Festival May 28-30 Midtown Atlanta

          This weekend will again bring an annual tradition here in Midtown Atlanta. The Atlanta Jazz Festival, May 28-30 in Piedmont Park. The Atlanta Jazz Festival is regarded as one of the Country’s largest FREE jazz festivals.  It is an annual musical showcase, celebrates jazz legends and up-and-coming jazz greats in venues throughout metropolitan Atlanta during the entire month of May.   Culminating during each Memorial Day weekend, the festival features show-stopping performances at Piedmont Park. The Festival is produced by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, and it is FREE and open to the public. Mission It is the mission of the Atlanta Jazz Festival to expose and entertain a diverse audience of Jazz aficionados, young Jazz enthusiasts and aspiring musicians to the rich heritage and variety of Jazz as an authentic form of traditional music. Vision The Atlanta Jazz Festival provides the City with an opportunity:
          • To unify Atlanta’s diverse population
          • To celebrate Atlanta’s heritage
          • to promote tourism
          COMMUNITY ALERT REGARDING TRAFFIC: Jazz Festival Traffic AlertA statement from the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance states, "according to representatives of the Midtown Neighbors Association the festival calls for the complete closing of Tenth Street throughout the entire four-day event. We will likely experience significant traffic chaos throughout the weekend, and nobody has shared with us any plans for security, convenient and efficient access for residents, or any other details. From what we have been told, The Jazz Festival was also given a permit to use the campus of Grady High School, without input from Grady’s PTA and without consideration to the impact it will have by depriving the PTA of an annual fundraising opportunity.  Several months ago organizers appeared before NPU-E, who voted unanimously not to recommend approval for the extended street closings for a number of reasons. Despite opposition, the department handling permits issued the permit and reminded neighborhood groups that neither the permitting department nor the organizers of this event have any obligation to give consideration to the neighborhood." Once again, take MARTA and avoid the traffic issues. If you live in the Midtown area, especially Historic Midtown, I'd provision up for the weekend and sit on your front porch and take in the crowds. (Well, that and keep the visitors from throwing their trash on our streets and YOUR front yard!)]]>
          1900 2011-05-27 09:25:19 2011-05-27 13:25:19 open open atlanta-jazz-festival-may-28-30-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
          Reign Nightclub Plans to Open Friday - Midtown, GA Patch http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/27/reign-nightclub-plans-to-open-friday-midtown-ga-patch/ Fri, 27 May 2011 12:06:25 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/27/reign-nightclub-plans-to-open-friday-midtown-ga-patch/
          This is going to be an interesting time in Midtown with the opening of this club. As the article states, the owners of this club had a previous venue in Midtown that was the source of numerous police calls and caused massive gridlock on Midtown streets on Friday and Saturday nights. Time will tell if the owners have really changed their business model...or if it will "rain" problems on Midtown residents again. I suspect they are probably a bit more organized this time to rally the troops if there are problems This article compliments of Amy at Midtown.Patch.com If you walk along Peachtree Street, you'll notice the brown paper has been stripped from the windows of the white building at the corner of 11th Street in Midtown. If you peek through the window, you'll see white studded chairs with gold crowns, animal print rugs, tall lamps and tan booths. That's because a nightclub called Reign will have a soft opening Friday night, according to manager Gebriel Gidewon of the Gidewon Group. Guests will arrive between 9 and 10 p.m., he said. The building -- which has two addresses, 1021 Peachtree Street and 1029 Peachtree Street -- actually houses two spaces: Reign nightclub (formerly SPI Club) and Vanquish lounge. Vanquish had a soft opening last Saturday, Gidewon said. Between 50 and 75 people showed up, he said. For the rest of the story, please visit Midtown.Patch.com
          [caption id="attachment_1907" align="aligncenter" width="590" caption="Grand Opening of the Loews Midtown Hotel with Club Reign directly across from the hotel entrance"]Club Reign Midtown Atlanta GA[/caption] Additional note: This picture was taken before renovations to the structure were started....
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          1905 2011-05-27 08:06:25 2011-05-27 12:06:25 open open reign-nightclub-plans-to-open-friday-midtown-ga-patch publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
          If You HALF to take a bath....this is the way it should be!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/28/if-you-half-to-take-a-bath-this-is-the-way-it-should-be/ Sat, 28 May 2011 16:17:41 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/28/if-you-half-to-take-a-bath-this-is-the-way-it-should-be/
          Imag0454
            Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
          ]]>
          1910 2011-05-28 12:17:41 2011-05-28 16:17:41 open open if-you-half-to-take-a-bath-this-is-the-way-it-should-be publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
          Steve Hoffacker's Sales Quips: Mass Transit Does Not Serve The Masses http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/29/steve-hoffackers-sales-quips-mass-transit-does-not-serve-the-masses/ Sun, 29 May 2011 15:56:26 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/29/steve-hoffackers-sales-quips-mass-transit-does-not-serve-the-masses/
          [caption id="attachment_1915" align="alignleft" width="168" caption="Can You Bus the Masses?"]Mass Transit Buses[/caption] Yesterday, I wrote a post about the use of mass transit - buses specifically - and how the the Senate Banking Committee is being pressured to continue funding buses. The argument is that reducing funding would be detrimental to the national economy. The major impact would be on the the reduction in demand for the manufacture and sale of new buses. I received a lot of great comments from yesterday's post so I thought I would elaborate on the issue today. Many people over the years have espoused bus transportation as the solution to air polution, vehicle trips, crowded streets, and many other issues. However, buses cannot work as they are envisioned - just as most commuter trains cannot. Say I live 8 miles from the Courthouse and I have a 9:00 appointment. The bus that serves my neighborhood comes at 7:30. The next bus comes at 8:30 but doesn't get me there in time. So I to leave home nearly 2 hours before my appointment to use the bus. If I drove, I could leave 30-45 minutes before the meeting, depending on traffic. Then, I need to return home or back to my office after an hour or two. I likely will have to wait for the next scheduled bus and could use up to another 90 minutes before arriving back at my local bus stop. Thus a one-two hour meeting could take nearly 6 hours counting bus travel. Not an efficient way to use one's day. If I have more than one stop in a day - which many of us do - buses don't work because they either don't go where we are going or don't go when we need to be there. Then there's always the issue of getting back again. Making sales calls or showing homes obviously cannot be done by bus. Since buses have such limited practical application - essentially taking people from outlying areas to the downtown in the morning and returning them at night - few cities and towns can take full advantage of buses unless nearly everyone works downtown and stays there all day. Buses were a grand experiment that carried over from the streetcar days. They just haven't worked and really can't work outside the urban core. The ridership isn't there, the routes can't be there economically, and the schedules can't be there due to manpower and vehicles. Privatizing buses by useing mini-buses and vans might work on limited routes on a park and ride basis, but even that is doubtful because people will want to go when and where the buses don't.  

          ───

           

           

          For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other bloghomesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.

          Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.

          © Steve Hoffacker, 2011. All Rights Reserved.

           
          I know Steve by way of a site where we share our blogging platforms. But this is probably the most common sense explanation of the use of buses or lack thereof I have ever read. Thanks Steve!
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          1913 2011-05-29 11:56:26 2011-05-29 15:56:26 open open steve-hoffackers-sales-quips-mass-transit-does-not-serve-the-masses publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
          Finding The Best Buys In Midtown Atlanta Real Estate http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/30/finding-the-best-buys-in-midtown-atlanta-real-estate/ Mon, 30 May 2011 13:07:05 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1917 Finding the Best Buys in Today's Midtown Atlanta Real Estate Market

          It is still very much a Buyer's market here in the Midtown Atlanta real estate market. What does that mean to a buyer? Well, it means you can get a good price on a Midtown Atlanta condo.  However, if you know what to look for, there are properties on which you can get a great price.

          Here are three areas of the Midtown Atlanta Real Estate Market that generally offer the best prices:
             
            1. Homes that have been on the market for several weeks (or months!) - Have your real estate agent send you homes that have been on the market for several weeks or months. These property owners are generally more motivated to sell than the owners of newly listed homes. They’re more willing to negotiate for lower prices or even give you extras such as paying upfront HOA fees or paying a portion or all of your closing costs.
            2. Bank owned properties - Bank owned properties (also known as Real Estate Owned or REOs) are homes that go back to the mortgage company after an unsuccessful foreclosure auction. Like foreclosures, the savings can be well worth the extra time that it may take to get closed. Your Midtown Atlanta Real Estate agent can help you understand the pro's and con's with this type of purchase and guide you through the process.
            3. “As is" properties. A property listed “as is” means the seller is not willing, or possibly able, to fix anything and will not negotiate a price reduction based on needed repairs. However, if you’re willing to put some money and elbow grease into the property, this could be your opportunity to get more home, in a better location and at a price you can afford. Thankfully in the Midtown Atlanta Real Estate market, we find that many of the bank-owned or foreclosed properties are usually in good, if not GREAT condition. There may not be the need for any work, but the Seller is just letting you know that if you find any issues during your inspection, they won't be paying for the repairs.
            If you’d like help finding the best buys in today’s Midtown Atlanta Real Estate market, give me a call today or you can contact me here. I'd be happy to help you!]]>
            1917 2011-05-30 09:07:05 2011-05-30 13:07:05 open open finding-the-best-buys-in-midtown-atlanta-real-estate publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
            Getting Around Atlanta ... Slowly - Midtown, GA Patch http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/30/getting-around-atlanta-slowly-midtown-ga-patch/ Mon, 30 May 2011 20:39:45 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/29/getting-around-atlanta-slowly-midtown-ga-patch/
            Amazing that I would just share a post about mass transportation, and another would appear in the Midtown Patch about the very same subject. Will ATL wake up to our traffic and transportation issues? If people had to pay hundreds of dollars each month for parking, I bet they would sing a different tune. -- Thom Abbott [caption id="attachment_1455" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Midtown Atlanta Skyline"][/caption] Returning from a trip to Los Angeles this week, the volume of Atlanta's transportation problems really stood out to me. LA is especially known for its sprawl and traffic congestion, with famous depictions such as in Steve Martin’s LA Story: "It's not like New York, where you can meet someone walking down the street.  In LA, you practically have to hit someone with your car. In fact, I know girls who speed just to meet cops." However, Atlanta has far surpassed LA in poor planning for transportation issues because we are not developing in accordance with our rapidly growing population and we lack intelligent leadership in City Hall. It is virtually impossible to travel here without a car.  LA even has a public bus and train system that can get you anywhere in LA County. Atlanta's options are much more limited. Complicit in this are a certain demographic of wealthy suburbanites who would rather keep the poor city-dwellers in the city by not allowing MARTA transit in their counties, but are OK with commuting via SUV to Midtown for work everyday.  In addition, lights are poorly timed throughout Peachtree Street for drivers, leading to intense traffic congestion, and there is not a good public transportation alternative.  Even getting to a MARTA train stop on 10th Street from Ansley can be an ordeal. “If you are trying to get to a part of the city that requires a bus transfer, it could be an all day affair,” said Eric Swymer, a former Midtown artist who has relocated to LA. Driving from my city apartment to Papi's restaurant on Ponce de Leon this Saturday afternoon, I was blocked at every turn along Edgewood by the APD for a festival with a tiny turnout.  Cars were backed up, vying for a window to pass one another. It reminded me of a demolition derby. Meanwhile traffic congestion was even more intense beyond Ponce de Leon, as 10th Street was closed for Jazzfest. In an area as dense as the center of Atlanta, why are more people not taking advantage of public transportation?  I think to a foreigner it would seem very bizarre, as I spend as much money to fill my car with gas each week as many people in the world earn in a month.  Meanwhile, I drive a Nissan sedan, while Suburbans and Hummers crowd our city streets and pollute our environment. Midtown is the most progressive part of Atlanta, with eclectic stores, restaurants, businesses and diversity.  The push for a smarter transportation system has to come from here and be carried into City Hall, which sadly has a history of corruption and backwardness.  Midtown attracts people from all over the metropolitan area to events such as Screen on the Green, Gay Pride, the Dogwood festival, music events, etc.  As anyone who lives in this area can attest, city streets, especially in the vicinity around 10th street and Piedmont Park, are jam-packed.  Residents are aggravated, and frequently have to enlist the help of parking enforcers and tow-truck drivers to keep their driveways free from unwelcome cars. The bottom-line is this is not going to get better.  We need smarter decisions for a rapidly growing metropolis, which need not be retarded by politics as usual.  
             
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            Viewpoint Midtown as seen from Gordon Biersch! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/29/viewpoint-midtown-as-seen-from-gordon-biersch/ Sun, 29 May 2011 21:25:21 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/05/29/viewpoint-midtown-as-seen-from-gordon-biersch/
            Imag0487


            Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

            Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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            1925 2011-05-29 17:25:21 2011-05-29 21:25:21 open open viewpoint-midtown-as-seen-from-gordon-biersch publish 0 0 post 0
            Sales of condos, townhomes bounce back | Atlanta INtown Paper http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/02/sales-of-condos-townhomes-bounce-back-atlanta-intown-paper/ Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:08:39 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/02/sales-of-condos-townhomes-bounce-back-atlanta-intown-paper/
            Believe it or not, when you look at the current inventory available in Midtown Atlanta, there is not as many options as you might think. The market does have short sales and foreclosure options but some of the most popular buildings do not have a high inventory of homes for sale. ~~~ Thom Abbott

            Sales of condos, townhomes bounce back

            Submitted by collin on Wednesday, 1 June 2011No Comment
            By Shandra Hill Smith Today’s real estate market is shaping up to be a robust one when it comes to sales of condominiums, townhomes and lofts, according to housing professionals. “We’ve seen a pick–up in traffic at all of our sites, with lots of contract activity,” says Vic Miller, senior vice president of sales/managing broker, The Marketing Directors, LLC (www.themarketingdirectorsinc.com) in Atlanta.  “We’re also seeing more buyers able to sell their existing homes and make their move into a new condo, townhome or loft.” One of The Marketing Directors’ current projects includes a new gated townhome community, Brownstones at Edgewood (www.atlbrownstones.com). The three- and four-bedroom townhomes in the heart of Edgewood feature private two-car garages. As of last month, 18 live/work options were available starting at $199,900. The townhomes feature expansive living areas with hardwood floors, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and appliance packages, fireplaces, contemporary light fixtures, spa baths with Jacuzzi tubs and tiled showers and spacious decks with a select number of rooftop terraces. Just steps from Piedmont Park, Ansley Parkside (ansleyparkside.com) came under new ownership in April and by May had one townhome under contract, with 40 available. Located on Monroe Drive across from the Morningside/Ansley Park neighborhood, the community of three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath brownstones is convenient to dining and entertainment. “Buyers are looking to simplify their lives and be centered in a more walkable lifestyle,” says Irene Hall, vice president, marketing for Evolv (evolvre.com), which represents Ansley Parkside. “Intown is still an attractive place for young professionals and those trying to downsize or simplify.” Ansley Parkside offers two floorplans: the Monroe and the Piedmont. Both have three bedrooms, designer finishes throughout, hardwood floors, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and a two-car garage. An outdoor pool is slated to open in July. Special financing is available, with prices starting in the $370s. Sales have been strong at both The Park at East Paces (parkeastpaces.com) and The Stacks at Fulton Cotton Mill, reports Leslie Williamson of Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors, which handles sales and marketing for the properties. Just last month, The Park at East Paces had five of 81 homes remaining, while The Stacks at Fulton Cotton Mill (stackslofts.com) was more than 50 percent sold (with 134 homes total in phase two sales). Located on East Paces Circle at the intersection of Roxboro Road and East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead, The Park at East Paces offers one- , two- and three-bedroom floor plans, from the $170s to the $320s. Features at The Park at East Paces include elevators to each floor, custom open kitchens, granite counter tops, tile or natural stone back splashes, hardwood floors, garden tubs and separate showers, private balconies and a fitness center. Floorplans at The Stacks at Fulton Cotton Mill – originally the Fulton Bag & Cotton Mill built in 1881– include one bedrooms, from the $130s, and two bedrooms from the $170s. Minutes from Freedom Park and shopping and dining, the New York-style loft homes, at 170 Boulevard in Atlanta, offer skyline and courtyard views and controlled access entry and parking. Other features at the pet-friendly property include: loft-style ceilings with exposed wood timbers, European-style vanities and kitchens, quartz countertops in kitchens and baths, concrete floors and a stainless steel appliance package (gas stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher). Almost as plentiful as the amenities are the number of options on the market today in condos, town homes and lofts – with low interest rates proving just as appealing. As Williamson points out, “while the past several years have been challenging for real estate, now is a smart time to buy” thanks to those low rates. “Home ownership is still important to the consumer and is considered a lifestyle investment,” adds Williamson. “With condo, town home, and loft communities that offer a value proposition (competitive price, lifestyle, location) sales are occurring.”
             
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            1926 2011-06-02 09:08:39 2011-06-02 13:08:39 open open sales-of-condos-townhomes-bounce-back-atlanta-intown-paper publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 3342 http://showbiztonight.radioheva.net/51/my-midtown-mojo-midtown-atlanta-real-estate-midtown-atlanta/ 173.244.34.34 2011-06-04 18:51:22 2011-06-04 22:51:22 1 pingback 0 0
            $5.6 Million Meant for Atlanta's Streetcars Already Spent http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/02/5-6-million-meant-for-atlantas-streetcars-already-spent/ Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:00:54 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/02/5-6-million-meant-for-atlantas-streetcars-already-spent/

            Oh yeah...and just where IS that missing $6M going to come from to build this streetcar from Downtown to the King Center. Many already questioned the construction of the line, since it will do absolutely NOTHING to ease the grid-lock traffic that Atlanta is experiencing. I'll be following this story for sure! ~~~Thom Abbott

            $5.6 Million Meant for Atlanta's Streetcars Already Spent

            Updated: Wednesday, 01 Jun 2011, 7:33 PM EDT Published : Wednesday, 01 Jun 2011, 7:33 PM EDT By MYFOXATLANTA STAFF/myfoxatlanta
            [caption id="attachment_1894" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Streetcar in Portland, OR"]Atlanta Streetcar Example[/caption] ATLANTA, Ga. - The highly-anticipated downtown Atlanta streetcar project is having trouble getting off the ground. The city was supposed to come up with nearly $6 million toward the project, but that money is long gone. Council Member Felicia Moore told FOX 5’s Aungelique Proctor that the $5.6 million that was supposed to go to the streetcar project was instead spent two years ago by former Mayor Shirley Franklin. Moore says it was used in 2009 for public safety purposes to close the budget gap. The city is launching two investigations into how the mistake could have occurred. One is being conducted by the auditors, and another by the law department. The federal government has already given the city $47 million in federal stimulus money for the streetcar project, and now the mayor’s office is left scrambling to find the money they need somewhere else. A representative from the mayor’s office tells FOX 5 they do have a plan, and that they hope to sell some prime real estate in midtown in order to come up with the money needed to fund their portion of the streetcar project. The project is supposed to be completed in the summer of 2012. The planned 2.6 mile line would run from The King Center to Centennial Olympic Park, and it would bring 2,000 jobs with it. Councilman C.T. Martin says he looks forward to finding out how the mistake was made.  
             
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            1929 2011-06-02 16:00:54 2011-06-02 20:00:54 open open 5-6-million-meant-for-atlantas-streetcars-already-spent publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 4535 mchdv2001@yahoo.com 108.109.54.85 2011-07-12 09:22:41 2011-07-12 13:22:41 1 0 0
            Montana Is So Full of History!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/03/montana-is-so-full-of-history/ Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:45:41 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/03/montana-is-so-full-of-history/
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            Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

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            1933 2011-06-03 13:45:41 2011-06-03 17:45:41 open open montana-is-so-full-of-history publish 0 0 post 0
            Pie In Montana http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/03/pie-in-montana/ Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:18:29 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/03/pie-in-montana/
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              Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
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            1934 2011-06-03 16:18:29 2011-06-03 20:18:29 open open pie-in-montana publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
            Hot Property: Ellen DeGeneres plays the listing close to the vest http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/04/hot-property-ellen-degeneres-plays-the-listing-close-to-the-vest/ Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:26:48 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/04/hot-property-ellen-degeneres-plays-the-listing-close-to-the-vest/

            Here's some interesting real estate facts for the Hollywood set! Ah, I'd love to be the listing OR selling agent on any of these babies! ~~~ Thom Abbott

            Hot Property: Ellen DeGeneres plays the listing close to the vest

            By LAUREN BEALE

            Los Angeles Times

            Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has listed her Beverly Hills estate for sale. The asking price is "available upon request" on the Westside Estate Agency website, but local real estate industry sources place it at $49 million. The four-structure compound was formed starting in 2007 through three property purchases on the same street. Among the sellers was Max Mutchnick, co-creator of the TV series "Will & Grace" (1998-2006), who sold his house for $29 million. The 15,000 square feet of interior space in the compound include a 9,200-square-foot main house, two guesthouses and an additional three-bedroom house that can be used as office space or staff quarters. They sit on 3 gated acres with outdoor living spaces, a swimming pool, extensive gardens and koi ponds. DeGeneres married actress Portia De Rossi in a garden wedding at the compound in 2008. The comedian, 53, whose daytime show bears her name, has won 12 Emmys. De Rossi, 38, starred in the TV series "Better Off Ted" (2009-10) and "Arrested Development" (2003-06) and guest starred on "Nip/Tuck" (2007-09). DeGeneres did not respond to a request for comment. Kurt Rappaport of Westside Estate Agency, Beverly Hills, is the listing agent, according to the company website. BRIAN GRAZER WANTS TO SELL A SHORE THING Film and television producer Brian Grazer has listed his Malibu Colony beach house for $19.5 million. Designed for entertaining, the Mediterranean-style home has a deck off the living room and breakfast room. The three-story house has more than 6,000 square feet of living space, including five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. An indoor swimming pool with spa is adjacent to the two-car attached garage. A gym sits by the beach deck. Grazer, 59, co-founded Imagine Entertainment with Ron Howard. He won an Oscar for "A Beautiful Mind" (2001) and is a producer for the sci-fi western "Cowboys & Aliens" to be released in July. He has been an executive producer for TV series, including "Friday Night Lights" (2006-present) and "Lie to Me" (2009-present). Public records show Grazer bought the oceanfront house in 2003 for $13.5 million. Stephen Shapiro of Westside Estate Agency, Beverly Hills, is the listing agent. BEL-AIR HOME NO LONGER THEIR STYLE Fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli and his wife, actress Lori Loughlin, have sold their Bel-Air estate for $16.6 million, the MLS shows. The Georgian-style house, built in 1942, sits on more than 1 1/2 acres with a guesthouse, sweeping lawns, a north-south tennis court, a swimming pool and a pool pavilion with a fireplace, bar and two-story-high ceiling. Interiors include a two-story living room, a gym, five bedrooms and five bathrooms. Giannulli, 47, founded the clothing company Mossimo in the '80s. Mossimo is now owned by the Iconix Brand Group, and its apparel line is distributed by Target. Loughlin, 46, was a regular on "90210" (2008-11) and starred on "Full House" (1988-95). Public records indicate the property was purchased in 2002 for slightly more than $8 million. Ron de Salvo of Coldwell Banker, Beverly Hills North, was the listing agent, according to the MLS. Vanessa Sandin of the same office represented the buyer. FALCONS TIGHT END RUNS AN OUT PATTERN Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez and his wife, October, have sold their Manhattan Beach house for $2.55 million. The Spanish-style beach house, built in 1983, features a 1,700-square-foot rooftop deck with views from Malibu to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The deck includes a built-in grill and sound system. The home's 3,725 square feet include two living rooms, an upgraded kitchen, a bar, four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The master bedroom suite was expanded to feature a fireplace and patio. Gonzalez, 35, was drafted in 1997 by the Kansas City Chiefs and traded in 2009 to the Falcons. He holds several records for a tight end. Among them, he had the most receptions - 102 - in a season in 2004. He bought the property in 2003 for $1,575,000, then gutted and rebuilt the house. Edward Kaminsky of Shorewood Realtors, Manhattan Beach, was the listing agent. Valerie Fitzgerald of Coldwell Banker, Beverly Hills North, represented the buyer. HER COUNTRY REFUGE IN THE BIG CITY Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has bought a Beverly Hills-area compound for more than $3.5 million that's, fittingly, a little bit country. On close to 1.5 acres, the three-bedroom, 3 1/2-bathroom main house sits behind gates at the end of a long driveway. It has a countryside vibe with dormer windows, vine-covered arbors, stone paths and wood fencing. The first-floor master suite has dual bathrooms and walk-in closets. French doors open to the grounds, which include a patio with an outdoor fireplace off the back of the house and a lighted paddle tennis court. The guesthouse contains a high-ceilinged living room with a fireplace, a kitchen, one bedroom and a bathroom. Swift, 21, won four Grammys for her work on the album "Fearless" and song "White Horse" last year. She has appeared on "Dancing With the Stars" (2009-10) and "American Idol" (2008). The country performer raised $750,000 for tornado victims at a recent benefit concert in Nashville. She declined to comment on her purchase. The listing agents were H. Blair Chang and Billy Rose at Prudential, Beverly Hills, and Delphine Mann and Kathy Marshall at Coldwell Banker, Beverly Hills North, according to the Multiple Listing Service. Chris Corkum of Coldwell Banker, Los Feliz, represented Swift. HE PRODUCED IT, AND THEN HE UNLOADED IT Update: Actor-producer Matt Battaglia and his wife, Tina, have sold their Hollywood Hills home for $3.23 million. The contemporary home, designed for entertaining and built in 2007, has a media room, office, four bedrooms and 4 1/2 bathrooms in 4,200 square feet. A swimming pool and spa were added last year. Battaglia, 45, appears in the recently released movie "Thor." He has guest starred on "Big Love" (2007) and "24" (2006 and 2007) and was a co-producer on the Golden Globe-nominated "Brothers" (2009). He bought the land in 2004 for $250,000. The house came on the market last year at $4,595,000. Ernie Carswell and Christopher Pickett of Teles Properties, Beverly Hills, had the listing, according to the Multiple Listing Service. Anthony Marguleas of Amalfi Estates, Pacific Palisades, represented the buyer. Lauren Beale: lauren.beale@latimes.com  
             
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            1940 2011-06-04 10:26:48 2011-06-04 14:26:48 open open hot-property-ellen-degeneres-plays-the-listing-close-to-the-vest publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
            There Is A Reason They Call It Big Sky Country! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/04/there-is-a-reason-they-call-it-big-sky-country/ Sat, 04 Jun 2011 22:54:43 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/04/there-is-a-reason-they-call-it-big-sky-country/
            Imag0539


            Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

            Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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            1943 2011-06-04 18:54:43 2011-06-04 22:54:43 open open there-is-a-reason-they-call-it-big-sky-country publish 0 0 post 0
            Vacation tips on how to truly unplug http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/05/vacation-tips-on-how-to-truly-unplug/ Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:41:32 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/05/vacation-tips-on-how-to-truly-unplug/
            [caption id="attachment_1946" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="My Computer and Coffee at Mom's Kitchen Table"]Vacation Unplugged[/caption] An interesting article that appeared via my Facebook Wall this morning. Oh boy, how true it is! I'm in Montana this week and I've had my computer on at 6am EVERY day! (Mind you I have nothing else to do other than sit at Mom's kitchen table....) Article by Doug Gross from CNN. (CNN) -- In the United States, we don't vacation often. And thanks to our ever-growing cadre of mobile gadgets, some experts fear that we don't vacation very well, either. Smartphones, laptops, tablet computers and other devices make it easier than ever to stay plugged in all the time. That's not exactly news. But there's a growing awareness, and concern, that the same items designed to keep us engaged and entertained around the clock can also make it harder for us to ever actually relax. Sure, we're on vacation at the shore, or a peaceful lakeside cabin in the woods. But it can't hurt to whip out the laptop and check work e-mail real quickly, right? You know, just in case something big happened back at the office. For the rest of the article, as well as other articles about Vacations and the U.S. check out the series of articles called, "No Vacation Nation"
             
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            1944 2011-06-05 08:41:32 2011-06-05 12:41:32 open open vacation-tips-on-how-to-truly-unplug publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
            An Interview with David York ‘I’m not one to sit still, obviously’   http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/05/up-close-%e2%80%98i%e2%80%99m-not-one-to-sit-still-obviously%e2%80%99-%c2%a0/ Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:33:39 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/05/up-close-%e2%80%98i%e2%80%99m-not-one-to-sit-still-obviously%e2%80%99-%c2%a0/
            I always love when I find a story like this that teaches me, or gives me some of the history of my community, Midtown Atlanta, and it's residents and businesses. In case you missed this one, it appeared in the AJC. ~~~Thom AbbottBy Wendell Brock For the AJC In 1989, David York and his two sisters opened a restaurant in their hometown of Sikeston, Mo., serving their mom’s famous apple dumplings.
               
              Within five years, more than 30 Dumplin’s franchises had opened in eight states. After selling Dumplin’s in 1994, York settled in Atlanta just before the Olympics and began to buy and renovate Ansley Park homes. When he discovered that his dog, Sophie, had no place to stay when he traveled, he opened Barking Hound Village on Cheshire Bridge Road to accommodate her. A pioneer in the upscale doggie day care and boarding business, Barking Hound Village LLC now has five locations in Atlanta and two in Texas. In 2008, York established the nonprofit Barking Hound Village Foundation to manage the Fulton County Animal Services. Overwhelmed with requests from pet charities, he recently decided he needed a separate business to help with fundraising. So late last year, he opened Sophie’s Uptown, a bakery and lunch spot named for his beloved cocker-springer rescue, who died in 2008 after a lavish 20th birthday party at Buckhead’s historic Swan House. The pet-friendly Pharr Road cafe donates 25 percent of profits to animal-rescue causes. “I just thought, ‘Fundraising has got to be reinvented,’” the 51-year-old entrepreneur said. “I can’t go to one more party or ask one more person for a silent-auction item or a sponsorship. I wanted to open a business that could generate income and help with fundraising rather then begging people all the time.” Q: What’s your background? A: My family has farmed cotton forever. I grew up just north of Memphis. I went to Mississippi State and moved to New York after that and had a great career with Macy’s. That’s when they were just starting all the private labels.   Q: What did you do at Macy’s? A: I started in the management-training program. Joe Cicico [then head of Macy’s] had started The Cellar. That was the first big label. I started my training program with Andy Traub, whose father was Marvin, president of Bloomingdale’s, and Bill Lauder, Estee Lauder’s grandson. I was the oddball. I ended up moving around to different places, and for three years I did all the imports from Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Cambodia.   Q: How did Dumplin’s get started? A: My mother is a great cook, and she used to bake these incredible apple dumplings. I’d take them back and serve them for dinner parties. Friends would call and say: “I hear you are going home. Bring some back.” One year I went home for Thanksgiving, and my sisters picked me up at the airport. I could tell they were both bored. Their kids had started school, and they weren’t working. I said: “Well, let’s open a little bakery. We’ll call it Dumplin’s.” That’s when Cinnabon and T.J. Cinnamons and all that was crazy in New York. I thought we’d start up with something like that. I put it together. They ran it. And it just exploded. They called me and they were like: “We have people lined up out the door. We have got to get a bigger building.” ... When we had about three open, I realized it was going to do well. So I quit my job in New York and moved the headquarters to Nashville. After we sold them, I moved to Atlanta.   Q: And did what? Four Seasons AtlantaA: When they built the Four Seasons, it was the Occidental Grand, and I bought a condo there and hung out with Sophie. Every day we would go through Ansley Park and walk through there. I have always loved real estate. So that year, I bought 23 houses in Ansley Park and just started renovating houses. I wanted to travel some and couldn’t find anyplace to leave my dog. So I opened Barking Hound Village so Sophie had some place to stay. ... Then we took over Fulton County Animal Shelter after that.   Q: Do you think Barking Hound was a pioneer in the field? A: I think we were one of the first. There were a few around the country. There were a couple in New York. They were all a little different. We did more communal play and more time outside. Our big thing is, we’ll do anything. We had one customer whose dog only slept on this one love seat, and every time she would come, we’d go to their house and pick up their love seat and put it in her suite. ... It’s more of a comfort to the customers than the dogs, honestly. ... We could write a book just on the customers. Everybody’s so particular. They will come in with this thick of a book [he gestures with thumb and index finger] with instructions. Then the phone will ring all day long: “How is Fifi? Has she been to the bathroom? Does she seem sad?”   Q: Do you think Barking Hound is being imitated? A: Oh, yeah. It’s amazing. We have so many competitors now, in Atlanta and Austin and Dallas, where we have other Barking Hound Villages. But it’s like we really got established in the beginning. Those families and their kids brought their dogs and their friends. It’s really a word-of-mouth business. The tough part is, it’s a 24-hour business. We never close.   Q: What is your vision for Sophie’s? A: I’m not one to sit still, obviously. I’d love to get this up and really profitable and have a good stream of cash going to the animals of Atlanta and hopefully open a few more locations in Atlanta. And then, if I get the model perfected, I’d like to open them in every city that has an animal shelter.   Q: Do you have a dog now? A: I have a crazy Weimaraner. I understand why she’s been in six homes. I am probably the only person who can tolerate Daisy. I love her dearly, but she is one of the wildest dogs I have ever seen. When she goes to day care, the staff is really tired at the end of the day.  
               
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              1948 2011-06-05 16:33:39 2011-06-05 20:33:39 open open up-close-%e2%80%98i%e2%80%99m-not-one-to-sit-still-obviously%e2%80%99-%c2%a0 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
              Learning to Dance in the Rain Movie | Simple Truths http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/08/learning-to-dance-in-the-rain-movie-simple-truths/ Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:07:48 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/08/learning-to-dance-in-the-rain-movie-simple-truths/

              Learning to Dance in the Rain

              Learning to Dance in the Rain by Mac Anderson and BJ Gallagher can change your attitude about facing adversity. It's not the adversity, but how we react to it that determines the joy and happiness in our lives. Learning to Dance in the Rain shows us that while we all face challenges, embracing the power of gratitude can change your life forever. During tough times, do we spend too much time feeling sorry for ourselves, or can we, with gratitude...learn how to dance in the rain? Simple Truths provides customers with inspirational and motivational gift books and movies. Our books and movies are comprised of short inspirational stories and motivational quotes that are certain to make a positive lasting impression. Simple Truths gift books and movies are great for friends & family, co-workers, teachers, students, corporations and businesses.  
              Just a little something different and uplifting for you today! ~~~Thom Abbott
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              1952 2011-06-08 12:07:48 2011-06-08 16:07:48 open open learning-to-dance-in-the-rain-movie-simple-truths publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              3 Stooges Films in Midtown Atlanta! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/09/3-stooges-films-in-midtown-atlanta/ Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:03:20 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/09/3-stooges-films-in-midtown-atlanta/
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              The building you see with the Sprint Store and Coffee Shop don't actually exist!! They were built just to film this scene. A shoutout to the extras standing around in the heat....with no craft table.(craft table is snacks and water!)    Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
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              1955 2011-06-09 11:03:20 2011-06-09 15:03:20 open open 3-stooges-films-in-midtown-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              Interesting Perspective of Atlanta Buildings! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/11/interesting-perspective-of-atlanta-buildings/ Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:12:12 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/11/interesting-perspective-of-atlanta-buildings/
              Imag0569


              Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

              Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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              1959 2011-06-11 19:12:12 2011-06-11 23:12:12 open open interesting-perspective-of-atlanta-buildings publish 0 0 post 0
              A Beautiful Sunset Indeed!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/14/a-beautiful-sunset-indeed/ Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:46:14 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/14/a-beautiful-sunset-indeed/
              Imag0598
                Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
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              1960 2011-06-14 20:46:14 2011-06-15 00:46:14 open open a-beautiful-sunset-indeed publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
              NV-U Boutique Closes Midtown Location - Midtown, GA Patch http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/17/nv-u-boutique-closes-midtown-location-midtown-ga-patch/ Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:19:37 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/17/nv-u-boutique-closes-midtown-location-midtown-ga-patch/
              Midtown continues to struggle with it's retail component. Merchants seem to have a hard time drawing customers, and I think the rental rates keep new ones away. We have such a great community in which to live...we just need to get the retail part figured out. ~~ Thom   After eight months, a women's clothing boutique is calling it quits in Midtown. NV-U Boutique announced Wednesday it would close its second location -- the shop on Peachtree Street, between 5th and 6th.Owner Nikki Vigilance opened the first boutique three years ago in Grant Park, and expanded into Midtown last October. It offers s "trendy sheek look" that's still classic. Most pieces are under $100. "With a renewed focus on our flagship store in Grant Park, the Midtown location of NV-U Boutique has been closed," Vigilance said Wednesday afternoon in an email. "You can still expect the same trendy, one-of-a-kind pieces you've grown to love from NV-U along with the upcoming addition of highly requested menswear, local designers and more specialized events." Perhaps she predicted it. In March, Vigilance told Midtown Patch about her move into Midtown: “Who doesn’t want to be in Midtown? We are definitely happy to be here ... It’s a great spot but driving the traffic to 5th Street is my greatest challenge."  
               
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              1961 2011-06-17 09:19:37 2011-06-17 13:19:37 open open nv-u-boutique-closes-midtown-location-midtown-ga-patch publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
              Cheshire Place Studio Condo For Rent Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta GA http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/17/cheshire-place-studio-condo-for-rent-cheshire-bridge-road-atlanta-ga/ Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:38:06 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1967
              Cheshire Place Condominiums
              CHESHIRE PLACE Hip Studio Condo FOR RENT
               
              Overview  Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats
              $725
              Condominium
              Main Features
              1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Interior: 600 sqft
              Location
              2250 Cheshire Bridge Road, NE 302 Atlanta, GA 30324 USA
              To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

              Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME 
              Thomas Ramon Realty (770) 713-1505 Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com http://MyMidtownMojo.com  Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty
              Our recent listings   
              Subscribe to our listing feed

              Nearby properties for sale

              Powered By RealBird.com ]]>
              1967 2011-06-17 11:38:06 2011-06-17 15:38:06 open open cheshire-place-studio-condo-for-rent-cheshire-bridge-road-atlanta-ga publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
              Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta GA 1 Bedroom FOR RENT http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/17/cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-ga-1-bedroom-for-rent/ Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:00:39 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1973
              Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta
              Cornerstone Village EXTRA Large 1 Bedroom FOR RENT
               
              Overview Maps Photos Features Description Market Stats  
              $1,400
              Condominium
              Main Features
              1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
              Location
              800 Peachtree Street 8429 Atlanta, GA 30308 USA
              To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

              Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME 
              Thomas Ramon Realty (770) 713-1505 Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com http://MyMidtownMojo.com  Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty
              Our recent listings   
              Subscribe to our listing feed
              See more Atlanta, GA real estate for sale
              Powered By RealBird.com ]]>
              1973 2011-06-17 14:00:39 2011-06-17 18:00:39 open open cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-ga-1-bedroom-for-rent publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description
              Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta GA Final Homes FOR SALE http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/18/viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-ga-final-homes-for-sale/ Sat, 18 Jun 2011 13:31:58 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1977 Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta is down to the final remaining homes.....

              Often times, the last homes left are the least desirable and hence, why they are left.

              Not the case at Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta!

              The remaining homes are GREAT floor plans with great locations in the building!

              NOW would be a good time to Call Me and grab one of these last remaining homes!

              Viewpoint Midtown Condos For Sale

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              1977 2011-06-18 09:31:58 2011-06-18 13:31:58 open open viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-ga-final-homes-for-sale publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description 4060 Edelmann@greaters.com http://www.rth-4zui.org 67.230.178.82 2011-06-20 01:31:55 2011-06-20 05:31:55 1 0 0
              Fourth Ward Park on the Edge of Midtown ATL http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/18/fourth-ward-park-on-the-edge-of-midtown-atl/ Sat, 18 Jun 2011 14:01:39 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/18/fourth-ward-park-on-the-edge-of-midtown-atl/
              Imag0602


              Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

              Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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              1982 2011-06-18 10:01:39 2011-06-18 14:01:39 open open fourth-ward-park-on-the-edge-of-midtown-atl publish 0 0 post 0
              Flicks on 5th Midtown Atlanta Free Outdoor Summer Movie Series http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/18/flicks-on-5th-midtown-atlanta-free-outdoor-summer-movie-series/ Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:29:26 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1984 Flicks on 5th is once again underway in Midtown Atlanta....specifically on the GATech Campus/Technology Square! This great FREE Outdoor Summer Movie Series is sponsored by Georgia Tech as well as other corporate sponsors such as Barnes & Noble - Technology Square, and Coca Cola.

              Here is the line up for the rest of the season....By clicking on each picture, you can go to the Internet Movie Database to learn more about that particular movie.

              Admission is FREE, yes a great word these days and is open to the public. No coolers, grills or pets allowed. Bring a blanket or a chair, and since Flicks on 5th is actually held right on 5th Street, just off Spring Street ON the street, I'd suggest a pillow to keep your butt from going to sleep.

              [caption id="attachment_1985" align="alignleft" width="201" caption="The Adjustment Bureau June 22"]The Adjustment Bureau[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1986" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Just go With It June 29"]Just Go With It[/caption]

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              [caption id="attachment_1987" align="alignleft" width="199" caption="Battle Los Angeles July 13"]Battle Los Angeles[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1988" align="alignright" width="205" caption="Rango July 20"]Rango[/caption]

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              [caption id="attachment_1989" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Source Code July 27"]Source Code[/caption]

              Parking Hourly parking is available in the surface lot at 5th and Spring Streets across from Barnes & Noble and the parking deck adjacent to the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center on Spring Street.

              Street Closings 5th street,  between Techwood Drive and Spring Street, will close beginning at 6:00 p.m. for the movie.  Williams Street is also closed during the movie.

              Come on out, enjoy Midtown Atlanta and

              Flicks on 5th Midtown Atlanta Free Outdoor Summer Movie Series!!

              There are restaurants located in Technology Square for dining options, as well as in the surrounding area. You might hit Firehouse Subs or Fresh To Order at Spire on 7th and Peachtree.

              Or Grab some takeout from Gordon Biersch at 6th and Peachtree.

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              1984 2011-06-18 19:29:26 2011-06-18 23:29:26 open open flicks-on-5th-midtown-atlanta-free-outdoor-summer-movie-series publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta GA Market Report May 2011 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/19/cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-ga-market-report-may-2011/ Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:03:13 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=1994 Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta GA The month of May has certainly seen some activity for Cornerstone Village, as shown in the May Market Report, 2011. Unfortunately, the real estate times have taken their toll on the prices at Cornerstone Village. There are currently 10 homes on the market, with an Average List Price of $178,370. The lowest list price is $80,000 and the highest is $259,000 for a 3 bedroom home. There are 5 homes Under Contract at Cornerstone Village, of which 4 of them are foreclosures. The Average List Price is $96,440 and the lowest list price is $76,000 and the highest, which is NOT a foreclosure is $149,000. It will be interesting to see if this sale closed based on the other one-bedroom prices. I suspect they could have a challenge with the appraisal. There are 4 home Under Contract Pending Existing Lender Approval....or short sales. The average list price is $78,350 and the lowest list price is $68,500 and the highest is $85,000. Considering many of the one bedroom homes at Cornerstone Village were selling in the mid to upper $100's gives a clear indication of what has happened to the values in the building.  That said, this is a perfect opportunity to buy in this community, be close to GATech, have a Peachtree Street address, and get an incredible deal. Prices will appreciate, and this will be an excellent community to see some return on your investment. Georgia Tech Parents would be wise to look at this building as well for a possible place for their son or daughter to live while attending GATech. The payment, including the HOA fee will probably be less that some of the dorm fees might be! If you'd like to know more about Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta GA condos For Sale, please contact me.

              Search For Cornerstone Village Homes For Sale

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              1994 2011-06-19 11:03:13 2011-06-19 15:03:13 open open cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-ga-market-report-may-2011 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              More Parents Buying Apartments for Their Children http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/20/more-parents-buying-apartments-for-their-children/ Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:35:47 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/20/more-parents-buying-apartments-for-their-children/
              I've already worked with several parents of GATech students that have done this very thing! It's an awesome way to make a real estate investment (especially with prices down where they are now) and either have an asset to sell in the future, or perhaps turn it into a weekend city getaway retreat after the kid(s) have left college. Check out this story from the New York Times....Thom   Georgia Tech Student HousingReal estate brokers say that in the last year, they have seen more parents shopping for apartments for their grown children, hoping to take advantage of low mortgage rates and apartment prices that are still about 20 percent down from the market’s peak. “I got a digital watch for graduation,” said Barry Silverman, an executive vice president of Halstead Property, “but I’ve worked with families where the children are getting an apartment.” These congratulatory apartments are often studios or small one-bedrooms, but on occasion they are bigger-ticket items, he said, because “the parents see it as a long-term investment and a good place to park their money.” In many cases, brokers say, the parents do not live in the New York area and view the apartment as a potential pied-à-terre for themselves when the child decides to move on. Some buy it as a straight-out gift, a gesture of profound affection sweetened by the current generous tax exclusion. Others buy it as an investment and retain ownership, and still others acquire it through a family trust for joint ownership.
              For the rest of the article that appeared in the New York Times, click on More Parents Buying Apartments For Their Children.  
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              1997 2011-06-20 18:35:47 2011-06-20 22:35:47 open open more-parents-buying-apartments-for-their-children publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 4070 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://wellingtonfloridashortsale.com 65.8.152.203 2011-06-22 19:12:57 2011-06-22 23:12:57 1 0 0
              Fox Theatre's 'Phantom' Can Stay - Midtown, GA Patch http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/22/fox-theatres-phantom-can-stay-midtown-ga-patch/ Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:52:59 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/22/fox-theatres-phantom-can-stay-midtown-ga-patch/
              I met Joe once through his love of old cars...he has a few tucked away in a warehouse in West Midtown I believe. This is just great news that he will stay in his apartment at the Fox. ~~Thom Abbott   The "Phantom of the Fox" will continue to live at the Fox Theatre in Midtown. It was announced Tuesday that Joe Patten -- a long-time caretaker and advocate for the Fox -- has been granted the right to stay in his apartment at the theatre. Called the "Phantom of the Fox" by supporters, Patten was threatened with eviction last year by Atlanta Landmarks Inc., which owns and operates the Fox. Patten responded with a lawsuit. On June 21, it was announced that the lawsuit has been settled. The following statement was released:
              Joe Patten, Atlanta Landmarks and Woody White are pleased to announce that they have resolved all of the claims and issues associated with Mr. Patten’s lawsuit and that the lawsuit will be dismissed.  Under the terms of the settlement agreement, which are confidential, Mr. Patten will continue to live in the apartment and Atlanta Landmarks will continue to have the right to manage the theatre property.
              Patten has lived at the Fox for more than 30 years and has twice saved the theatre from destruction. From the Facebook page dedicated to Patten:
              Joe Patten first came to Fox Theatre in the 1960s as a volunteer, working long hours at his own expense to restore the theatre's incredible Mighty Mo organ (the second largest theatre organ in the U.S.). When the theatre was threatened with destruction in the early '70s, Joe led the campaign to Save the Fox; a massive citywide effort to keep the historic theatre operational for the enjoyment of all of Atlanta and beyond. Joe has been restoring the Fox as its technical director and caretaker ever since. To reward him for his hard work and to have someone on hand to protect the building who knew its every nook and cranny, Joe was asked to move in! He built his apartment, at his own expense, in an unused part of the building that had once been office and storage space and given a lifetime lease to live there. In 1996, Joe saved the Fox once again, this time from an early morning fire that threatened to ravage the building.
               
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              2000 2011-06-22 09:52:59 2011-06-22 13:52:59 open open fox-theatres-phantom-can-stay-midtown-ga-patch publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              Spire Midtown Atlanta Market Report May 2011 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/23/spire-midtown-atlanta-market-report-may-2011/ Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:58:09 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=2003 Spire Midtown Atlanta Market Report May 2011 Spire Midtown Atlanta LobbyThe month of May was kind to Spire Midtown Atlanta in the sense that this Midtown Atlanta condominium community has two closings. Only two, but a sale IS a sale. Two homes sold, # 2506 at $148,000 and #804 at $145,000. Currently, there are 12 homes For Sale in Spire Midtown Atlanta ranging in price from a 1 bedroom at $110,000 to a 2 bedroom on the 21st floor at $349,000. There are 3 homes Under Contract ranging in price from $173,250 to $255,000 for a  two bedroom. As an example of what great values Spire Midtown Atlanta currently offers to a condo buyer, let's look at a particular home that is For Sale. Number 1201 is currently listed at $234,900. When the building first opened in 2005, from my research shows this home sold for $332,600 in 2005, $337,500 in 2007, and then went into foreclosure in August, 2010. As you can see, quite a difference in price. Spire Midtown Atlanta has been a favorite building of mine, and of it's residents. They is a true sense of community when you ride the elevators, or are at the pool or a community event. If you'd like to see one of the homes currently available For Sale, please contact me.

              Search Spire Midtown Atlanta GA Homes For Sale

               

               ]]>
              2003 2011-06-23 07:58:09 2011-06-23 11:58:09 open open spire-midtown-atlanta-market-report-may-2011 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta Condo For Rent $1400 per month http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/27/cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-condo-for-rent-1400-per-month/ Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:14:38 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=2010
              Cornerstone Village EXTRA Large 1 Bedroom FOR RENT  
              Overview Maps Photos Features Description Market Stats   
              $1,400
              Condominium
              Main Features
              1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
              Location
              800 Peachtree Street 8429 Atlanta, GA 30308 USA
              To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

              Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME Thom Abbott, GRI, CHME 
              Thomas Ramon Realty (770) 713-1505 Thom@ThomAndRayTeam.com http://MyMidtownMojo.com Listed by: Thomas Ramon Realty
              Our recent listings   
              Subscribe to our listing feed

              Nearby properties for sale

              Powered By RealBird.com ]]>
              2010 2011-06-27 11:14:38 2011-06-27 15:14:38 open open cornerstone-village-midtown-atlanta-condo-for-rent-1400-per-month publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              Cameron Diaz movie needs no more tech help | The Buzz http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/27/cameron-diaz-movie-needs-no-more-tech-help-the-buzz/ Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:52:27 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/27/cameron-diaz-movie-needs-no-more-tech-help-the-buzz/

              I actually auditioned for a small part in this movie! Ya never know...you soon could be dealing with actor real estate broker! ~~Thom Abbott

              Cameron Diaz movie needs no more tech help

              2:52 pm June 21, 2011, by Jennifer Brett
              AP photoAP photo
              Update: They’re good! No more crew folks needed! Quit emailing them! Cameron Diaz will be coming to Atlanta later this summer. She’ll be shooting a film, “What To Expect When You’re Expecting,” based on the long, long, longtime parenting bestseller. The movie, billed as a comedy sort of in the “Love Actually” vein, taking a look at five couples about to become first-time parents, is going to be filming in and around Atlanta and beyond from late July through September. It’s likely the project will send out the call for extras once things get cranking. The project had asked for resumes from people looking to hire on as crew members. They have all the techies they need now so quit emailing. Their account’s apparently been overloaded. - Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com  
               
               
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              2012 2011-06-27 17:52:27 2011-06-27 21:52:27 open open cameron-diaz-movie-needs-no-more-tech-help-the-buzz publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              Midtown Atlanta GA Condos Under $100,000 http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/28/midtown-atlanta-ga-condos-under-100000/ Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:41:58 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=2015 Midtown Atlanta GA Condos Under $100,000 For Sale So, you've figured out that now really is the perfect storm when it comes to buying a Midtown Atlanta condo. Interest rates are at an all time low, and the inventory is actually lower than it has been in some time. Does that mean you can't find the right opportunity out there? Of course you can! And if you are looking for a Midtown Atlanta GA Condo under $100,000 one of these options just might be for you.   Midtown on 8thMidtown on 8th -- This community is an apartment conversion that was built in 1961. This building just goes to show you there are some pretty cool living options in Midtown Atlanta that are not in a highrise building. This particular community is located on 8th Street in the Historic part of Midtown Atlanta where the tree lined streets give way to the more hustle and bustle of Peachtree Street, or  open onto 10th Street and Piedmont Park. Being on 8th Street, you are just TWO blocks from Midtown's back yard, Piedmont Park! This home is on the market at $99,900 and is being marketed by Keller Williams Realty - Peachtree Road.     Tuscany Condominiums Midtown AtlantaTuscany - 955 Juniper Street, # 2221 Another apartment to condo conversion, Tuscany reminds one of Italy with its barrel-tiled roofs and numerous courtyards throughout the community. One courtyard contains the pool, while others have fountains and/or fish ponds and waterfalls. This particular home is a 1 bedroom on the second floor (no elevators by the way...) overlooking one of the courtyards. The home is priced to compete with foreclosures, but non of those potential hassles as you deal with a private owner. The listing states, "WHITE APPLIANCES. NEW REFRIGERATOR, GAS RANGE/OVEN. NEW LIGHTING FIXTURES & WOOD FLOORING IN LIVING ROOM SET THIS HOME APART FROM OTHERS AT THIS PRICE" This could be worthwhile checking out at only $97,000. Listed by Harry Norman Realtors. Mayfair Renaissance 1001195 14th Street # 1001 Mayfair Renaissance -- Now HERE is a high rise opportunity you might seriously want to take a look at. The Mayfair Renaissance is the building with the pool ( The Mayfair Tower does not have access to the pool....drama story that goes back years...) and is just 1 block from Piedmont Park. Garage parking, 24 hour Concierge and fitness center are just some of the amenities offered here. This property is listed via HudHomeStore.com and Home Realty. One of the listing pictures shows a kitchen cabinet door hanging, but the rest of it looks to be in good shape.  The home faces South (by looks of the pictures) and has a view to Piedmont Park as well as the Midtown Skyline.   You can see other opportunities for Midtown Atlanta GA Condos Under $100,000 or if you would like to Search for Midtown Atlanta Condos For Sale.]]> 2015 2011-06-28 14:41:58 2011-06-28 18:41:58 open open midtown-atlanta-ga-condos-under-100000 publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 4196 yourmove@homejane.com http://www.homejane.com 76.173.218.45 2011-06-30 14:53:53 2011-06-30 18:53:53 1 0 0 4178 michellegibsonpa@bellsouth.net http://wellingtonhomesforrent.com 65.8.152.203 2011-06-28 23:09:31 2011-06-29 03:09:31 1 0 0 Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta GA Final Homes Available NOW http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/30/viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-ga-final-homes-available-now/ Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:54:23 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=2022 Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta GA]]> 2022 2011-06-30 09:54:23 2011-06-30 13:54:23 open open viewpoint-midtown-atlanta-ga-final-homes-available-now publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title An Elevator Foyer at Cornerstone Village http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/30/an-elevator-foyer-at-cornerstone-village/ Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:19:58 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/06/30/an-elevator-foyer-at-cornerstone-village/
              Imag0622


              Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

              Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

              ]]>
              2027 2011-06-30 12:19:58 2011-06-30 16:19:58 open open an-elevator-foyer-at-cornerstone-village publish 0 0 post 0
              Midtown Neighbors' Association - Do You Really Know What's Going On in Your Neighborhood? http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/01/midtown-neighbors-association-do-you-really-know-whats-going-on-in-your-neighborhood/ Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:14:28 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=2028 This post is inspired on a number of fronts. I've always been one to be involved. I was President of my 4-H club in high school. I was the school store manager in high school. In college I was involved in Gourmet Night, a huge event the students hosted each year, one year as the Controller managing the $18,000 budget for the event and another year as Director of Marketing, handling all those aspects, including the coveted guest list and seating arrangements. (Kinda like seating for the Academy Awards I guess...) As of late, I've been involved in my community, Midtown Atlanta. I was on the Board of Directors for almost 3 years until I needed a break and had to step away. I did that this past December. Last night (June 30) was my first opportunity to return to a Board Meeting. Wow. What an eye-opening experience it was to be in the audience and watch what I use to participate in with vigor. Mind you, except for one Land Use applicant, I was the only person in the audience. Which brings me to the question, Do You Really Know What's Going On in Your Neighborhood? During my time on the MNA Board, I was often very frustrated at the lack of interest in residents of the neighborhood to become involved in any form or fashion with what was going on in the neighborhood. Yet, later when a special event is held the complaints roll in. Ah....and you were WHERE when this application was being considered? But, that leads to yet another question...Did you even KNOW what was being proposed? I listed to Board Members whom are not even property owners (yep, you can be on the Board of the association, make decisions that affect the quality of life yet not have to own property) talk about special event applications with little regard for the residents which will be most directly affected. Two condominium communities that will be directly affected by a proposed event have not even been contacted by the association OR the event planners themselves. I raised this very question and it was kind of like..."whatever...." It might be kind of hard to know what's going on if the information is not forthcoming. The neighborhood association maintains a website, but it can be lacking in information, or at least require some serious digging to find out what may be happening. A visit to the website this morning did find the most recent approved minutes on the website. At least this is a source for residents to get information, but keep in mind, it's almost a month old. (May meeting minutes were just approved last night, so not sure when they will appear on the website, but they are already 30 days old.) Guy with a QuestionSo, I wonder why people don't become involved in their community? I noticed this not only in the entire community, but inside the condominium communities as well. Remember, each condo building has it's one "organizational structure" with a Board, Property Manager, etc. I often wonder the results a community would see if more of its residents became involved in the process. Do You Really Know What's Going On in Your Neighborhood?]]> 2028 2011-07-01 11:14:28 2011-07-01 15:14:28 open open midtown-neighbors-association-do-you-really-know-whats-going-on-in-your-neighborhood publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description City Hall East to Get New Life as Ponce City Market http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/01/city-hall-east-to-get-new-life-as-ponce-city-market/ Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:07:28 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=2035 Chelsea Street Market....then you can certainly imagine MY excitement about this massive redevelopment of the old Sears Roebuck & Company building, also known as City Hall East.

              City Hall East to Get New Life as Ponce City Market

              Ponce City Market at City Hall EastJamestown and its subsidiary Green Street Properties are about to close on the purchase of this mammoth 2-million sq. ft building. A visit to the Jamestown Properties website would certainly make you think they are indeed the company with the vision and the money to make such a transition a reality. Indeed, it's possible. If it's done right. Unveiled at the International Council of Shopping Centers convention in Las Vegas in May, plans call for some 236,000 square feet  of retail space and 21,000 square feet for restaurants.  These plans include a "food hall" that would become the focal point of the Ponce City Market.  So what could Midtown Atlanta residents hope for in the way of retail? A look at the retail in Chelsea Market does not show any of those big box guys, but an eclectic mix of shops....just what the doctor ordered for the ailing retail segment of Midtown/Old Fourth Ward. I visited Chelsea Market when I was in New York City in December...it was awesome to say the least. But, and there is always a but. Chelsea Market is in the heart of ultra density....Manhattan. City Hall East Let's start calling it the new name, Ponce City Market sits on the edge of Midtown Atlanta and the edge of Old Fourth Ward. With the exception of a couple apartment buildings, it's not at all a walkable destination for Midtown Atlanta condominium residents...or even Historic Midtown. (Can you say....CAR?) It does however, sit alongside the Beltline, a 22-mile loop of railroad tracks that are to be transformed into a transit/bike/walking ring around the city, connecting to multi-use developments....like Ponce City Market. The other "but" is the developer's deep pockets. And that works two ways. One, they have the money to develop the Market, and sit on it. "But" they also have the money to help subsidize rents to get the place filled up, vibrant and happening, and then be able to move rents up, hopefully not running tenants out of business before they can become established. Plans also call for office tenants that want true loft space for their offices. The building can offer up to 100,000 square foot plates for such, and also offer skyline views of Midtown and Downtown Atlanta. I'll be keeping a close eye on this one and let's hope it's a winner. No timeline for completion was listed in the information I found. Here is a photo I snapped while attending the dedication of the Historic Fourth Ward Park.  City Hall East a.k.a. Ponce City Market is the huge brick building to the right. Ponce City Market and Historic Fourth Ward Park  ]]>
              2035 2011-07-01 16:07:28 2011-07-01 20:07:28 open open city-hall-east-to-get-new-life-as-ponce-city-market publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              Make some cash, find deals at yard sales | Atlanta Bargain Hunter http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/02/make-some-cash-find-deals-at-yard-sales-atlanta-bargain-hunter/ Sat, 02 Jul 2011 13:27:52 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/02/make-some-cash-find-deals-at-yard-sales-atlanta-bargain-hunter/
              Looking for something different to do on a Saturday Morning? Wanna get OUT of Midtown and see some other parts of Atlanta? Not to mention what great finds you might find at a garage Sale? Check out this article....and go Garaging! ~~~Thom   The thing about yard sales, says Sheryl Cronin, is you never know what to expect. The Marietta resident holds an annual yard sale to get rid of consumer buildup in her household. But she ended up donating to charity a vacuum cleaner she was confident would sell at her spring garage sale. “There’s always stuff you think is going to go that didn’t go,” she says. By the end of the day, Cronin had unloaded an old lawn mower, a computer and boxes of children’s clothes, among other items, successfully navigating the sometimes choppy waters of yard sale pricing. “Sellers tend to think their things are worth more than shoppers think when they come to the sale,” Cronin says. She suggests sellers consider placing valuable items on Craigslist.com, especially if they don’t want shoppers making low-ball offers on them. “People are going to try to pay you less than you want. If you want to move the stuff, you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.” Karen McCoy, who was holding her own garage sale in Norcross the same day, says she compares prices at the thrift store down the street before selling her own items. “So if someone said, ‘This is so expensive,’ I could say, ‘My prices are lower than Goodwill,’ ” she says, adding that sellers can bump up their sticker prices if they’re prepared to haggle. McCoy made about $300 from her sale without any big-ticket items such as furniture. Dishware was her best seller, but her daughter’s CDs — $1 each — seemed glued to the box on the driveway. “We heard from somebody that came that someone else was selling them for a quarter. So you’re in competition with other garage sales.” McCoy says jewelry also was a big seller, an observation echoed by Judy Friedman, president of Norcross-based Atlanta Antique & Estate Liquidators. Friedman notes today’s precious metal prices are comparatively high: Gold has been trading at more than $1,500 an ounce; silver fluctuating around $35. “We’ve been selling a lot of silver,” she says. “We’ve had individuals standing in line to buy it starting at 4 in the morning. It’s a really aggressive market.” Friedman, who has almost 1,000 Atlanta-area estate sales under her belt, says this season’s a good time for buyers and sellers, especially when it comes to appliances. “With the real estate market as tight as it is, people are renovating and staying in their homes, so they’re finding washers, dryers, refrigerators at yard sales that they pick up for a fraction of the cost,” Friedman says. “They’re usually difficult to move and expensive to move, but people are seeking them out.” Her list of worst things to unload include clothing and bedding. “You’re not going to recoup the value.” For some sellers, it’s not about redeeming the value. Friedman says she’s found some amazing deals over the years, including an elephant tusk she bought from a Vietnam veteran. “He was aware of what it was worth and sold it to me for $40 or $50, and it really is worth thousands. It just goes to show you, you can find really valuable things out there.”

              Yard sale tips

              For buyers Timing: Shop off-season — fall and winter — or holidays when there are fewer buyers. Tools of the trade: Don’t forget to bring cash. Do your research: You run the risk of insulting someone if you offer too far below an object’s value. On haggling: Be respectful. Insults will not get you a lower price. Insider tip: Show up early if you want the best selection; show up late to bargain for a better price. For sellers Timing: Sell off-season or holidays when there’s less competition. Tools of the trade: Have about $20 to $40 in change, in both bills and coins. Do your research: Consult eBay, Craigslist, consignment shops or thrift stores before pricing. On haggling: Be prepared to negotiate. Your old junk might not be worth as much to others. Insider tip: Visit the IRS website. Some goods are worth more to you as a charitable donation if itemized under their “fair market value” on your tax return. Have you had a yard sale yet this year? What was your best seller? What’s the best thing you’ve found at a garage sale? – By Lauren Davidson, Atlanta Bargain Hunter Tweet

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              2043 2011-07-02 09:27:52 2011-07-02 13:27:52 open open make-some-cash-find-deals-at-yard-sales-atlanta-bargain-hunter publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              Tips for selling your home in down market - USATODAY.com http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/02/tips-for-selling-your-home-in-down-market-usatoday-com/ Sat, 02 Jul 2011 17:33:24 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/02/tips-for-selling-your-home-in-down-market-usatoday-com/

              Tips for selling your home in down market : http://usat.ly/lp6RKf


              Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

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              2047 2011-07-02 13:33:24 2011-07-02 17:33:24 open open tips-for-selling-your-home-in-down-market-usatoday-com publish 0 0 post 0
              The Wasted Space of Colony Square in Midtown.... http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/02/the-wasted-space-of-colony-square-in-midtown/ Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:07:20 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/02/the-wasted-space-of-colony-square-in-midtown/
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              Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

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              2048 2011-07-02 17:07:20 2011-07-02 21:07:20 open open the-wasted-space-of-colony-square-in-midtown publish 0 0 post 0 4213 nama9125@bellsouth.net 72.145.178.106 2011-07-03 00:24:44 2011-07-03 04:24:44 1 0 0
              Hangin' at The Cornerstone Pool! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/03/hangin-at-the-cornerstone-pool/ Sun, 03 Jul 2011 19:37:18 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/03/hangin-at-the-cornerstone-pool/
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                Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
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              2049 2011-07-03 15:37:18 2011-07-03 19:37:18 open open hangin-at-the-cornerstone-pool publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title
              Brookwood Place Kroger CLOSES!!! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/05/brookwood-kroger-closes/ Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:51:04 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=2053 So I'm out at an audition for a movie role, taking some pictures for blog posts and dropping off some flyers for a rental listing. I needed some creamer for my office fridge, so I stopped at one of my usual grocery stores, the Brookwood Place Kroger. Only to have someone outside the store tell me they were.....CLOSED!!! The store closed on Friday! For those Midtown Atlanta residents that might have made this their Kroger stop coming from work in Buckhead, you are not out of luck! I've shopped the store several times and though it was very nice and usually seemed busy...so not sure what happened. The shopping center also had another major tenant departure a couple months ago when Border's Books closed their store. Signs in the window of this space say that the Aveda Institute Atlanta is going to open there. Certainly, the space of the Brookwood Place Kroger is nothing small (I've seen 36,000 sq ft.) but a posting on WhatNowAtlanta.com says that Sam Flax, an art supply store on Northside Avenue is negotiating for the space. I don't eat to many art supplies and I don't paint, so I guess I'll be looking for a new stopping point for item on my way from Midtown to Buckhead. Here is a picture of how close this Kroger is was to Midtown! Midtown Atlanta From Brookwood For those loyal to Kroger, you'll still have shopping at their Ansley Mall store on Monroe Drive or the Kroger on Ponce.]]> 2053 2011-07-05 21:51:04 2011-07-06 01:51:04 open open brookwood-kroger-closes publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_description _aioseop_title 4647 bewareofnick@yahoo.com 68.242.210.189 2011-07-24 13:39:59 2011-07-24 17:39:59 1 0 0 1400 Peachtree Street Purchased by Dewberry Capital http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/08/1400-peachtree-street-purchased-by-dewberry-capital/ Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:00:45 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/?p=2062 [/caption] When times are tough....is when the deals are made. 1400 Peachtree Street has been purchased by Dewberry Capital. The site, at the corner of Peachtree and 17th Streets sold for $17.7 million in 2006. It was foreclosed on in January, 2011 at $12 million by United Community Bank. Dewberry paid just $6 million for the vacant lot at 1400 Peachtree Street. Such a deal I have for you! Dewberry Capital has some pretty impressive real estate holdings in Midtown Atlanta, including a prime block of land in the middle of the Midtown Mile, which is bordered by 10th, Peachtree, 11th and Juniper streets. A large portion of this block is a parking lot, a small restaurant, and empty restaurant location on the corner of 10th and Peachtree, and the sort of opened Club Reign. Dewberry also recently purchased The Campanile Building at 14th and Peachtree, and has secured a major tenant in the from of Morris, Manning and Martin law firm. Dewberry also owns Peachtree Point, located at the northern most point of Midtown Atlanta adjacent to I-85 and Brookwood. Based on the purchase price of 1400 Peachtree Street, Dewberry could be well positioned to be the first to start a new office tower in Midtown Atlanta. Original plans for this site called for an Intercontinental Hotel and a 70 story building, which would of dwarfed the 55-story Bank of America Building. Time will tell and I'll be watching what happens at 1400 Peachtree Street! [caption id="attachment_2064" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Looking Southwest across Lot"]1400 Peachtree Looking South[/caption] ]]> 2062 2011-07-08 14:00:45 2011-07-08 18:00:45 open open 1400-peachtree-street-purchased-by-dewberry-capital publish 0 0 post 0 _edit_last _aioseop_title _aioseop_description _aioseop_keywords Speechless Sunday -- Mountain Flowers http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/10/speechless-sunday-mountain-flowers/ Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:11:56 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/10/speechless-sunday-mountain-flowers/
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              2069 2011-07-10 19:11:56 2011-07-10 23:11:56 open open speechless-sunday-mountain-flowers publish 0 0 post 0
              REAL Mountain Spring Water http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/11/real-mountain-spring-water/ Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:43:02 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/11/real-mountain-spring-water/
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              2070 2011-07-11 15:43:02 2011-07-11 19:43:02 open open real-mountain-spring-water publish 0 0 post 0
              North Carolina Real Estate http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/11/north-carolina-real-estate/ Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:24:13 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/11/north-carolina-real-estate/
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              c. early 1800's. I could make a few improvements..but there is NO Internet. This could be a problem!


              Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

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              2071 2011-07-11 23:24:13 2011-07-12 03:24:13 open open north-carolina-real-estate publish 0 0 post 0
              IKEA Atlanta http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/14/ikea-atlanta/ Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:40:05 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/14/ikea-atlanta/
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              If you have never been to an IKEA store, be sure to check out ours! Some great decorating and furniture ideas!


              Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

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              2072 2011-07-14 14:40:05 2011-07-14 18:40:05 open open ikea-atlanta publish 0 0 post 0
              Midtown Festival of the Arts Postponed until Next Fall - Midtown, GA Patch http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/15/midtown-festival-of-the-arts-postponed-until-next-fall-midtown-ga-patch/ Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:52:52 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/15/midtown-festival-of-the-arts-postponed-until-next-fall-midtown-ga-patch/
              This was a tremendous event for Midtown last year, despite the economic conditions, the organization was able to pull off an incredible event. The rain the second day certainly hurt attendance as well as money that might have been raised from the event. It's a shame to see if be away for a year, but I suspect 2012 will just knock your socks off more than it did last year! ~~~Thom   Midtown Festival of the Arts will be postponed until 2012. The juried art festival -- which debuted in 2010 along the "Midtown Mile," closing off Peachtree Street between 5th and 10th streets -- was scheduled for Sept. 24 and 25. But organizers say the festival won't return for its second year in 2011 because of difficulty raising money. "This is a difficult year for fundraising," Michael Floyd, president of the festival, said Friday in a release. "While we were successful in securing return sponsors, including Audi at the presenting level, we have not yet secured enough funds to execute the festival without compromising the level of quality. "We also formed relationships with some exciting partners a bit late in the game for 2011 -- we know it is in the festival's best interest to spend the next year working with these partners and sponsors who are committed to bringing high caliber arts, culture and community building events to Atlanta." The announcement of Music Midtown on the same weekend in September solidified the decision to postpone the event, organizers say. "While I don't think either event would necessarily 'hurt' the other, it would've created a logistical nightmare to close Peachtree Street from 10th - 5th on the same weekend as Music Midtown in Piedmont Park," Tucker Berta said in an email. The fall 2012 date for Midtown Festival of the Arts will be announced in a few weeks. Organizers again plan to close Peachtree Street. The inaugural festival featured more than 100 artists, musical performances, culinary tastings and children's activities. It attracted more than 20,000 visitors to the area. "The Midtown Festival of the Arts weekend in 2010 was our highest grossing weekend of the year," said David Gore, owner of DrewLewis boutique in the Metropolis building in Midtown. "We were introduced to hundreds of new customers who don't live or work in Midtown -- they purchased that weekend and have continued to come back and shop with us."  
               
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              My New Bucket List for Travel.....Amazing! http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/20/my-new-bucket-list-for-travel-amazing/ Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:07:43 +0000 thomandray http://mymidtownmojo.com/2011/07/20/my-new-bucket-list-for-travel-amazing/
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              Thom Abbott, Broker On The Move

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              2079 2011-07-20 11:07:43 2011-07-20 15:07:43 open open my-new-bucket-list-for-travel-amazing publish 0 0 post 0