Atlanta Condos For Sale

Will Atlanta See A Regional Transit System

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That’s the billion-plus dollar question for sure….

Will Atlanta See A Regional Transit System

Atlanta needs a Regional Transit SystemIf you are fortunate enough to live in Midtown, you may get more use out of the current MARTA system than others due. If you think about it…if you live in John’s Creek for example, by the time you would drive your car to the Doraville (Or Chamblee) MARTA station, park, and then continue your commute to work via transit, you probably would get there in the same amount of time if you just stayed in your car. 

And…what if you live in Duluth, and work in the Cumberland area? Well, you’re just plain out of luck. 

I came across this article in the Saporta Report. It talks about the challenges I’ve known for a long, long time. There are to many people (in this case jurisdictions) involved to get anything done on a regional basis. The need for a TRUE regional transit authority and system is really a key to the future of Atlanta. It’s future being you don’t spend 3 hours in your car each way to work if you have to live in the suburbs. 

As Brian says in the article, ” Currently a transit line from the Cumberland Business District to Duluth would require crossing four different counties and three different transit systems. First, state funds should be prioritized for regionally-important projects that serve multiple jurisdictions. Even with these bills, the majority of transit funding will continue to come from local sales taxes, and individual counties are unlikely to prioritize projects that span multiple jurisdictions. A transit line from Cobb County to Gwinnett County is incredibly important to the region, but none of the four counties involved can build the project on their own. The ATL should ensure that sufficient funding is available for regionally-significant projects.”

And I’m not forgetting the way-out areas either. Imagine high speed rail from places like Columbus or Macon where people would have a option (and a quick one) to get to Metro Atlanta for work, without having to pay the cost of living in this city. Ah….one can dream right?

Will Atlanta see a Regional Transit System?

The article from Brian Gist, Senior Attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center can be found HERE. 

It’s Tax Season ..Use Your Refund to Jump Start Your Down Payment Savings!

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It's Tax Season Jump Start Your SavingsAccording to data released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans can expect an estimated average refund of $2,840 this year when filing their taxes. This is down slightly from the average refund of $2,895, last year.

It’s Tax Season Jump Start Your Down Payment

Tax refunds are often thought of as ‘extra money’ that can be used toward larger goals; for anyone looking to buy a home in 2018, this can be a great jump start toward a down payment!

The map below shows the average tax refund Americans received last year by state. (The refunds received for the 2017 tax year should continue to reflect these numbers as the new tax code will go into effect for 2018 tax filings.)

It's Tax Season

(Georgia’s average is $2,767!)

Many first-time buyers believe that a 20% down payment is required to qualify for a mortgage. Programs from the Federal Housing Authority, Freddie Mac, andFannie Mae all allow for down payments as low as 3%, with Veterans Affairs Loansallowing many veterans to purchase a home with 0% down.

If you started your down payment savings with your tax refund check this year, how close would you be to a 3% down payment?

The map below shows what percentage of a 3% down payment is covered by the average tax refund by taking into account the median price of homes sold by state.

It's Tax Time Jump Start Your Down Payment Savings

The darker the blue, the closer your tax refund gets you to homeownership! For those in Alabama looking to purchase their first homes, their tax refund could potentially get them 69% closer to that dream! Georgia…you are half-way there!!! 

Bottom Line – – It’s Tax Season Jump Start Your Down Payment

Saving for a down payment can seem like a daunting task. But the more you know about what’s required, the more prepared you can be to make the best decision for you and your family! This tax season, your refund could be your key to homeownership!

You can learn more about other steps you need to take in buying a home or condo with our Atlanta Real Estate Buyers Guide. 

Have other questions about down payments and buying your home?  Contact us!

Coworking Spaces in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta

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You’ve probably noticed the rise in Atlanta of co-working spaces. The names We Work and Industrious might most ring a bell, but there are many other options in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta….even I was surprised!

Coworking Spaces in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta

Midtown Coworking SpacesAs the article link below mentions, coworking has become very popular all over the country, but most recently we have seen quite the boom of these kinds of spaces all over Atlanta. While the article focuses on the Midtown and Downtown Atlanta areas, I know that We Work is opening at the Perimeter and Industrious has a Buckhead location. 

Whether you are a single person looking to have an “office space” outside of your condo, to a startup company, these flexible work spaces can offer you much of what a normal office might offer, but for far less money because of the sharing of resources. 

If you are considering a coworking space, be sure to check them out  in person, and see what they are like. If you may need to meet clients, how accessible is the space for your guests? I know I looked at space in the Industrious offices at Ponce City Market before we opened our Midtown Atlanta office on Juniper Street. There were a few to many layers of security (at least at that location) that would have not made it user friendly for a real estate office. (And now we have a storefront anyways…so much better!) 

But if you are considering living in Midtown or Downtown, and need office space not provided by your company, or your start-up NEEDS office space, check out the list in this article!

Coworking Spaces in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta

Featured Listing 860 Peachtree Street NE # 1506 Atlanta GA 30308

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Featured Listing 860 Peachtree Street, #1506 Atlanta, GA 30308 (MLS# 5955966)

Spire Midtown has long been a favorite of Midtown Atlanta condo buyers. This building was built in 2005, and quickly sold out since there was limited options available at the time for condo buyers. The building still shines, and here is an excellent opportunity for you to call Spire Midtown HOME!

This one bedroom home features fresh paint throughout along with hardwood flooring in all rooms. (Tile in the bathroom of course!) The spacious kitchen is sure to be the start of the gathering as your guests grab a beverage before heading out to the balcony to take in the Midtown and Downtown Atlanta views! Finished with rich wood cabinetry and granite, there is ample storage and counter space. Stainless appliances including the refrigerator remain! 

Often times, condo living space does not afford room for a dining room table, but Number 1506 will give you space for a table, along with the breakfast bar. There is also a convenient desk nook off the kitchen where additional storage space could be added above. 

Washer and Dryer remain and the condo has a new hot water heater installed. Also a new custom toilet in the bath. 

Spire Midtown features a great fitness center, club room with pool table, fireplace and movie theater as well as a pool. Step out the lobby front door, and you will find Starbucks Reserve just across the street, and restaurants in walking distance, no matter the direction you head! 

Nearby Piedmont Park hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, and of course you are walking distance from the High Museum and Fox Theater! 

To schedule a private showing of this home, contact me! I’m always just a call or click away!

Spire Midtown #1506

 

860 Peachtree Street, NE, #1506 Atlanta, GA 30308 (MLS#5955966)

$269,900.00

Interested in this home? Do you want to schedule a showing?

Just CLICK HERE TO CALL ME! 

 

Listing provided by Palmer House Properties

Learn MORE about Living In Midtown Atlanta HERE!

 

 

 

Citizens For Progressive Transit January Newsletter

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Transit NewsletterWe know that transit is a major buzz word around Metro Atlanta (and the state of Georgia) these days. Sadly, city and state leaders have lagged behind in taking much action on this. But the time is now. 72% of Georgia voters want state funding to expand mass transit. 

I’ve attached a monthly newsletter from the organization Citizens for Progressive Transit. It has some GREAT articles. Like the mention of the decline of Georgia’s rural population and economy. TEN YEARS ago the GA DOT discussed regional passenger trains that would like these smaller cities to Atlanta. CAn you EVEN imagine being able to live 2 hours outside of Atlanta and ride a train into the city?

Transportation Camp South 2018

Also mentioned is Transportation Camp South which will take place February 24th at Georgia Tech. The annual event brings planners, scholars and activists together for a day of learning. You can find more information on their Facebook Page.

We plan to be there this year to keep a pulse on this important conversation for Atlanta AND Georgia.

You can find the January 2018 Citizens For Progressive Transit Newsletter HERE.

New Boutique Condo Building Proposed on 12th Street

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New Condo 208 12th Street Midtown AtlantaIt appears 208th 12th Street in Midtown Atlanta may soon be home to a new condominium development. 

What’s Happening Now reports that plans were filed with the City of Atlanta on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. The project remains nameless at this point. A review of the Midtown Alliance DRC meetings back to mid-Sugust, 2016 make no mention of the project, but we would think it had gone through the Committee.

It appears that 208 12th Street will be a boutique building with just 13 homes (expect “boutique to equal pricey!) but will have a small coffee shop/wine bar on the first floor. That would be pretty cool! 

12th Street is no stranger to development. On the map below, the blue/white arrow indicates the location of the under-construction Vireo Apartments, a 308-unit building by Lennar; the other arrow indicates the location of the completed Yoo on the Park . Additionally, you have Piedmont House, and Azure on the Park on the same street. 

We’ll be keeping an eye out for the construction crane…again…on 12th Street! 

New Condo building at 208 12th Street

Thom Abbott

Associate Broker, REALTOR(R)
905 Juniper Street, NE Suite 110
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
770.713.1505 Direct
404.876.4901 Office

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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