Blog Archives

Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival | June 1-2 | Douglasville

May 12, 2013 by Thom Abbott

Photo Compliments of Penny McHenry Hydranga Festival

The end of last month, I put out a post, Atlanta Spring Festivals – May 2013. If you’ve not yet seen it, please click on the link for some great info about festival in, and around Atlanta in May.

Obviously, my post found its way to the Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival organizers, and they posted a comment about their festival. It’s the first weekend in June, but I did not want to miss posting about it, for your information, and as a “Thank You” for reading MY blog!

Here is some of festival history from the Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival website. I just might have to venture out for this one!

The Festival name, Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival, is named in honor and memory of Penny McHenry, founder of the American Hydrangea Society. Penny has been featured on TV shows and too many magazines to mention. Her love for hydrangeas grew as a result of a friend sending her a hydrangea when she lost her daughter. She propagated that hydrangea and the rest is history. Penny passed away in June of 2006. Southern Living Magazine paid tribute to Penny in the July, 2006 issue. The Penny Mac and Mini Penny hydrangeas were named for Penny. We have been given permission by Pennys family to pay tribute to her by naming the festival in her memory. Her family has also graciously given us a few of Pennys treasures for the Douglas County Museum of History and Art located in the Old Courthouse in historic downtown Douglasville, Georgia.

The first Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival took place on June 6 and 7, 2008 with the theme being Pennies from Heaven and featured the Penny Mc Hydrangea. There was a Hydrangea Ball, A Standard Flower Show, Day Garden Tours, Moonlight and Magnolias*, an evening progressive dinner garden tour, Art Show and Sale, Antique Show and Sale Plant Sale and much more.

Now heading into the sixth year, the dream continues… More and more hydrangeas are planted each year to beautify the community.more awareness is created in preservation of heirloom plants, history, historic places and guests have visited from 65 Georgia cities, 12 states and 5 foreign countries. The 6th Annual Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival is scheduled for June 1 and June 2, 2013 and will feature the Blushing Bride hydrangea as the lead specimen for the Flower Show.

And if you are thinking, What on EARTH would I do at a hydrangea festival when I live in a Midtown Atlanta condo? Well, first off, it will give you an opportunity to see something you may not have seen before (I can say I’ve only passed Douglasville when I’ve been on I-20!) and you could maybe sneak a potted hydrangea onto your balcony?

COMING SOON! Cool – Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta 2 Bedroom/2Bath

May 9, 2013 by Thom Abbott

COMING SOON! Cool — Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta 2 Bedroom/2Bath

Cornerstone Village Condominiums Intown Atlanta Real Estate` — Cornerstone Village

You will not want to miss this opportunity for a true loft-feel condominium in the historic building of Cornerstone Village. The current owners stripped the concrete floors of black paint and it has a great industrial-feel to the condo! Not to mention the exposed brick wall!

A wall of windows greets you and gives you some beautiful Midtown vistas! Upgrades to the home include stainless steel baseboards, and unique adjustable kitchen shelving that adds to the loft look.

Two full bedrooms and 2 full baths! Lots of recessed lighting, granite counters and new appliances all await you in this beautiful Midtown condominium!

Attention GATech Parents! Here’s that great place you’ve been looking for close to the GATech campus! Perfect for room mates!

Contact MyMidtownMojo for your personal tour of this home today!!

“If You Sleep ON It, You May Not Sleep IN It! – Midtown Atlanta Condos”

April 30, 2013 by Thom Abbott

Buyer’s Beware! The dynamics of the real estate market have changed in many cities and neighborhoods….and Midtown Atlanta is no exception! While as a Buyer, you need to make an educated decision on the home or condo you buy, you need to be READY to make that decision.

“If You Sleep ON It, You May Not Sleep IN It!”

Being READY to make that decision involves several things.

Having a mortgage loan pre-approval from a lender that know the market you are buying in. Purchasing a condominium has different aspects than a single family home. Take for instance, the existence of two or three Associations within the building! Not every lender or underwriting department is prepared for that.
Knowing what you want in your home or condo, and amenities. If you want a building that has a club room, or 24 hour Concierge, then make sure your agent narrows their (and your search) to only those buildings that offer those features.
Be ready to make that offer the moment you see the home you like! You are not alone in the real estate shopping world! The very condo you are standing in has probably been shown at least once, if not 3 or 4 or 5 times today.

Such, comes the saying, “If you sleep ON it, You may not sleep IN it.” Taking to long to make a decision, or make that offer, could either put you in a multiple bid situation where you will be competing with another buyer, or 2 or 3 with your offer. Or, the Seller may have already accepted another offer.

As you step into the “real estate ring” make sure you have been working out and are ready.

Search Midtown Atlanta Condos For Sale HERE!

Atlanta Spring Festivals 2013 Guide – May 2013 | Festivals in North Georgia

April 29, 2013 by Thom Abbott

Atlanta Spring Festival Guide – May 2013 | Festivals in North Georgia

Indeed, if you are a festival attendee-type of person, you have got your work cut out for you in May in the Atlanta and North Georgia area. I was reading a couple different magazines to use as a source for this article, and I even found a post I wrote for 2012…and many of those festivals are options as well as some we did not list before. So, get out your calendar and get ready to schedule a busy, busy month!

NOTE: The date and title of the festival or event will be a link to that particular website with more information

Spring Georgia State Fair — May 2-5 — Central City Park – Macon

Between the rides on the Midway and many other activities…it’s hard to even list all that goes on at this 4 day event. Just check out the website! Macon is about a 1.5-2 hour drive South of Atlanta.

Shrine Circus and Fair — May 3-12 — Jim R. Miller Park, Marietta GA

The LARGEST Shrine Circus and Fair in North America returns for its 71st year! The Tarzan Zerbini Circus features new acts, including a Bit Cat Extravaganza! The Myers International Midway adds to the fun with new attractions and amusement rides. Be sure to get your full of fair food….corn dogs, funnel cakes and cotton candy! Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-11. FREE for children 36″ and under!

Spring Fling – Art in The Garden – May 4-5 – Dawsonville, Georgia

Dawson County Art Council invites you to the “ART in the Garden.” This long-standing tradition in Dawson County for nearly 13 years is geared to be the best event to date.

The smooth sound of Lanier Jazz plays under the tent on Saturday May 4th
The “Sawnee Band” of 60 members soothes the soul on May 5^th
The Dawson Chorale performs Friday night prior to the event to spur interest
Other groups are being booked from bluegrass to rock

For the Classic Car enthusiasts there will be a car show as well.

Snellville Days Arts and Crafts Festival – May 4-5 – Snellville, GA

This festival is FREE and is Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from Noon-5pm. The festivities kick off with the Annual Snellville Days Parade starting at Wisteria Village (K-Mart Shopping Center) at 10:00 a.m with GRAND MARSHAL, LOUIS WILLIAMS OF THE ATLANTA HAWKS. Then join us at the park for over 150 craft, food, sponsor, and civic vendors. We will have a kid’s field running all day both days and continuous live entertainment both days.

Fiesta Atlanta Cinco de Mayo Celebration — May 5th — Centennial Olympic Park, Downtown Atlanta

The 7th annual Fiesta Atlanta will take place at Centennial Olympic Park in the heart of Atlanta. Fiesta Atlanta is Atlanta’s premier Hispanic outdoor festival and the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Southeast.

Fiesta Atlanta features a daylong celebration of Latino culture and heritage, featuring continuous live musical performances on 2 stages by international, national and local recording artists. Mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, a 5K race, youth soccer clinics and sponsor displays with free product samples, arts and crafts and authentic international foods make Fiesta Atlanta a true multicultural celebration.

Taste of Alpharetta –May 9th — Downtown Alpharetta (Alpharetta is North of Midtown on GA400)

Taste of Alpharetta has been an annual tradition for some 23 years now. Attendees can dine at some 50 restaurants in Downtown Alpharetta in ONE night! Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts from the best menus! Admission is FREE, but food tickest will cost $.50 each. Samples will range in price from $1.00 to $3.00 per sample. There is also a Fun Zone, Music Stage and Culinary Stage.

Kirkwood Spring Fling and Tour of Homes — May 11 & 12 – Kirkwood Neighborhood, Atlanta

11th Annual event celebrates the historic and eclectic In-town neighborhood of Kirkwood. The family friendly festival offers a 5K run, juried Artist Market, live music and the Tour of Homes. The Festival, from 10am – 7pm on Saturday includes a Street Market and Children’s area.

Hogs & Hops — May 11th — SweetWater Brewery – Atlanta

Atlanta Beer Festivals hosts the 2nd Annual Hogs and Hops Atlanta from 6pm-10pm at the SweetWater Brewery. Tickets are $40 until May 2nd, then $45 and $55 the day of the event. Ticket prices include all food and SweetWater beer samples. BBQ will be provided by D.B.A. Barbecue, Moes’s Original BBQ, Fox Brothers BBQ and S&J’s Wooddfire Pizza. Live Music by Bedhead.

Barefoot in The Park — May 11 & 12th — Duluth (GA) Town Green

Established in 2005, this festival’s proceeds go to the Barefoot Arts Education Scholarship Fund. Each scholarships go to area fine arts students. In 2012 Arts Education Scholarship Fund provided $7,500 in scholarships awards and $6,000 in artist awards. There will be student exhibits, live music and a Wine Tasting on Saturday! YUM!

Buckhead Arts Festival — May 11 & 12th — Chastain Park in Buckhead

This one’s just a hop and a skip from Midtown Atlanta! Now in it’s 4th year, this two-day outdoor event has an emphasis on visual arts. There will be some 175 artists and artisans, live music, children’s area and local food and beverage. Admission is FREE. Festival hours are Saturday, 10am – 6pm and Sunday 11am – 6pm. Last years attendance was reported at 25,000 so this may be a less crowded event to attend, and certainly close to Midtown Atlanta.

It looks like the weekend of May 18-19 will give you a chance to catch your breath and get ready for the next round….

East Atlanta Beer Festival — May 18th — East Atlanta’s Brownwood Park

Sample over 150 craft beers from across the globe and also visit the shops and restaurants of East Atlanta Village. All proceeds from the event benefit community projects. Hours are 1-6pm on Saturday.

Decatur Arts Festival — May 25 & 26 — Downtown Decatur Square

Another easy to get to event from Midtown. Hope MARTA to the Five Points Station and then the West Line to Downtown Decatur..and there you are! Friday evening starts off with an ArtWalk all around Decatur and continues with a new dance festival, musicians all day long on the community bandstand, juried artists market and I suspect food will be everywhere…there are lots of great restaurants in Downtown Decatur.

Atlanta Jazz Festival — May 25-27 — Piedmont Park –MIDTOWN ATLANTA!!!!

This one is just an elevator ride and a few blocks walk to Midtown Atlanta’s “Back yard” … Piedmont Park! For 36 years, the Jazz Festival gives you a wide spectrum of styles from traditional jazz to Latin jazz and swing to hip-hop and R&B. There will be booths featuring art, clothing and jewerly; food vendors ranging from BBQ to Caribbean and burgers; and a family-friendly KidZone. National and International artists will perform for THREE days! Admission to the Festival is…..FREE

NOTE: Parking for Midtown Festivals can be a challenge. Save yourself the hassle and a possible parking ticket and take MARTA!

Atlanta Food and Wine Festival — May 30 – June 2 — MIDTOWN ATLANTA!

I’m not sure what you say about this event. The organizers went to the Aspen Food and Wine event and said we needed one in Atlanta…and boy do we have it! This event has relocated a bit in Midtown to the area of 10th and 11th Streets between West Peachtree and Peachtree Streets. See The Map Here! This is not an event for those with an empty wallet….Day Passes are $185

And last, but not least, an AWESOME event to venture out of Atlanta for….

Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival – May 30 – June 1 — Helen, GA (North GA Mountains)

The South’s oldest balloon event and the United States’ only long distance hot air balloon race will begin (weather permitting) with a mass ascension of 30 bright and colorful hot air balloons, in North Georgia’s Alpine Village – Helen. Race competitors and local flyers will take to the sky at 7:00 am, Thursday, May 30, 2013. If the weather conditions are too windy or storms are forecast, the take off will be postponed until conditions are acceptable. Check out their Facebook Page HERE!

The people of Helen believe that Helen, Georgia is the center of their world and in Columbus’ day the Atlantic Ocean was the “edge of the Earth”. Thus, Pete Hodkinson came up with the concept for the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race. The race begins in Helen and the finish line is I-95 (anywhere between Maine and Miami). The shortest distance is 225 miles and the race usually takes two days. It has been done in one day, while some races have taken as many as four days. Six to ten balloons will be competing in the cross country race.

And of course, the Village of Helen is an experience as well!

Palmer House Properties | Atlanta’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies

April 28, 2013 by Thom Abbott

When you are looking to buy or sell your Midtown Atlanta condominium, what difference does it make which COMPANY you select? After all, is it not all about the relationship you have with a particular real estate agent? Well, Yes…and no. Let me explain.

Palmer House Properties Atlanta’s | Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies

The COMPANY that a real estate agent chooses to align themselves with makes a difference for the agent and how they can conduct their business. I’m not going to call out ANY real estate companies here. Some companies may have a better relationship with major relocation companies that move people around the country. An agent that wants to work in that market may choose a particular company. And of course, many agents feel that brand recognition is important for them to sell real estate.

About 2 years ago, I joined Palmer House Properties, headed up by CEO and Founder, Kevin Palmer. For me, it was about their business model and how it allowed me to be more financially productive as well as just easier to conduct my business, which in turn, is marketing to Buyers and Sellers of Midtown Atlanta condos. A “paperless system” allows me to be anywhere and access important documents as they relate to your real estate transaction, be you the Buyer or the Seller. I can be out of town, and have easy access to forward a Seller’s Disclosure Statement to a potential Buyer.

And the growth of a company is a clear indication of what it’s like to be affiliated with them. Since joining Palmer House Properties, I believe the company has grown from 300 agents to probably 1000 by now! That means other real estate professionals see the value I saw in associating Thomas Ramon Realty and MyMidtownMojo.com with the Palmer House Properties name.

When deciding to buy or sell a Midtown Atlanta condominium, you want to pick the agent that knows the market, is familiar with your building and floor plans and knows the neighborhood in general. But it’s also good to know that somebody’s “got their back” when it comes to some of the behind the scenes work that needs to happen.

It’s no wonder Palmer House Properties was named again to Atlanta’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies. And Thomas Ramon Realty and MyMidtownMojo.com are proud to be a part of this company.

Another Happy Georgia Tech Parent!!

April 27, 2013 by Thom Abbott

Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta GA — Cornerstone Village

Another Happy Georgia Tech Parent!

I’ve helped numerous parents purchase Midtown Atlanta condos for their son or daughter to live in while attending school! It’s a great option over on-campus dorm life, and if purchased at the right time and price, can appreciate.

It was a pleasure to help Jim and Carla find a great Cornerstone Village condo for Kara to live in while she attends Georgia Tech. And getting this kind of “thank you” makes it all worth while!

Thom Abbott helped us find my daughter, Kara, a great place to live while attending Georgia Tech.

Normally, finding and purchasing a property is stressful and challenging regardless of the circumstance. That stress multiplies when the property is 700 miles away from home and it is for your oldest daughter living away from home for the first time.

We turned to Thom Abbott as our real estate agent, but his assistance went beyond the typical agent role. He did all the things you would expect from an agent. He knew properties, trends, amenities, and transportation options in Midtown Atlanta. He provided market research and fair market prices and ultimately helped us identify the best property for our budget and needs.

After the offer was accepted, he provided potential appraisers and home inspectors. Buying for a distance, he accompanied my daughter on the home inspections. In my daughter’s words, “Thom asked the home inspector a lot of questions because he knew my Dad would want answers.” he worked with us to smoothly complete the purchase.

Once we closed, Thom continued to help. He helped us identify contractors to take care of minor upgrades on the property. We received multiple quotes so we know we got a fair price. Once the contract work started, he stopped in and inspected the work, found potential problems and had the contractor make changes improving the end result.

He also worked with the condo association to complete our paperwork and helped lease one of our unused parking spaces. Thom Abbott’s assistance made purchasing a condo in Midtown Atlanta a very smooth and easy process. We are very grateful for his help.

Jim and Carla Boucher

COMING SOON! Cool — Cornerstone Village Midtown Atlanta 2 Bedroom/2Bath

“If You Sleep ON It, You May Not Sleep IN It!”

Atlanta Spring Festival Guide – May 2013 | Festivals in North Georgia

Palmer House Properties Atlanta’s | Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies

Another Happy Georgia Tech Parent!

HomeSmart