Buyers Archives

What Makes a Community Walkable?

December 11, 2011 by Thom Abbott

When I am contacted by potential Buyers or renters looking to live in Midtown Atlanta or other Intown Atlanta neighborhoods, I’m often asked, “Is it a walkable area?” Well, exactly What Makes a Community Walkable?

While various factors come into play, here are some key points about walkability and how it makes a neighborhood better, safer and improves the quality of life:

Lower Transportation costs —

In a walkable community, your car is parked more and driven less. Fewer car trips mean a lower monthly fuel cost.

Healthy Lifestyle —

By living in a neighborhood that is walkable, you tend to get more exercise and be in better health. The air can be cleaner too. So that trip to the pasta restaurant is no so bad, because you burn some of it off on the walk back home!

Less Traffic Congestion —

One-fourth of all car trips are less than one mile. (I’d say it’s probably MUCH higher in the Atlanta area) If you have sidewalks, safe street/road crossings and accessible services like shopping, markets and such, you can leave you car and wak to do these activities.

Reduced Crime —

A neighborhood that has more street/foot traffic means there are more eyes on the street. People watch out for each other and have more of a tendency to know their neighbors. Even if you live in a high-rise condominium building, by walking in and out of your building and up and down the streets, you start to see people that live in your building or neighboring buildings.

A great website to help you learn about the walkability of a neighborhood is WalkScore.com This site, gives Midtown Atlanta a score of 75 out of 100, making it a very walkable community.

While living in an Intown Atlanta neighborhood can reduce your driving, many of the older neighborhoods are walkable from the sense of walking your neighborhood, but needed services like shopping and markets require a car. Midtown Atlanta offers many of the services it residents need and as more retail opens in the coming years, it will be even more walkable that it already is.

For More Information on how we can best serve your InTown Atlanta Real Estate needs, please fill out the online contact form or call us at 770.713.1505.

We specialize in InTown Atlanta Real Estate single family homes and condomiums. If you are planning to Buy InTown Atlanta real estate, let us help you explore all the possibilities available to you and help you find just the right home you will LOVE!

Please use the following links to Search for Homes by Intown Atlanta Neighborhoods or Zip codes!

Brookhaven/Ashford Park 30319	Buckhead 30305
Buckhead 30327	Buckhead 30342
Chamblee 30341	Decatur 30307
Doraville 30340	Downtown Atlanta 30303
Druid Hills 30329	Dunwoody 30338
East Atlanta/Ormewood Park 30316	East Lake/Kirkwood 30317
Grant Park 30312	Midtown Atlanta 30308
Midtown Atlanta 30309	Midtown West/Collier Hills 30318
Morningside 30306	Morningside 30324

Are you looking for a specific Intown Atlanta neighborhood to focus on? Contact Thomas Ramon Realty and we can set up a search for any specific neighborhood you are looking for!

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE – Do You Have The Right Policy?

December 1, 2011 by Thom Abbott

There is probably one thing we all kinda sort of hate to pay for and that is insurance. Car Insurance, health insurance, and even homeowners insurance. But when we need it, it’s a pretty hand thing to have. But, PoliHomeowners Insurance – Do You Have The Right Policy?

A perfect example is when my clients don’t realize that they need a landlord policy when they rent their home out. If a tenant burns down their house and they don’t have a landlord policy, they’re out of luck! Or clients buy a house and don’t move because they plan to renovate. The house is vandalized, but the carrier never knew it was a vacant home… Again, they’re out of luck. Let me remind you now to call your insurance agent and get the information you need to have the right policy.

You may pay more, but it will save you thousands if something goes wrong.

Make sure you have the right kind of hazard (homeowner’s) insurance for your property

It is very simple to set up your homeowner’s insurance when you are closing on a new house or condominium and moving in within a day or two, but there are many other situations in which you the buyer and/or seller should confirm that they are protected by insurance:

1. Buyers have sold property in another state and moving belongings here: Are their possessions covered in transport by either the old policy or the new one?

2. Buyers are closing now but not moving in for a few months (e.g. when school is out): Does their policy cover damages or vandalism to a vacant house?

3. Buyers are closing now but doing extensive remodeling work for 3-6 months before moving in: Does their policy cover injuries to contractors (or even nosy neighbors) in the house? Is the house covered while it is still vacant?

4. Sellers are closing but staying in the house for a few months: Does their previous homeowner’s policy protect them or the new owners? Should the buyers have a landlord policy until they actually move in?

5. Sellers allow the buyers to move in prior to closing: Should the sellers convert their policy to a landlord policy? Does it help for the buyers to start coverage on their policy?

These questions can only be answered by the insurance agent who is insuring the property. Make sure you have all questions and answers in writing in case it is necessary to file a claim. Once a claim is made for damage, theft, or injury, it is too late to correct the policy.

For More Information on how we can best serve your InTown Atlanta Real Estate needs, please fill out the online contact form or call us at 770.713.1505.

Please use the following links to Search for Homes by Intown Atlanta Neighborhoods or Zip codes!

Brookhaven/Ashford Park 30319	Buckhead 30305
Buckhead 30327	Buckhead 30342
Chamblee 30341	Decatur 30307
Doraville 30340	Downtown Atlanta 30303
Druid Hills 30329	Dunwoody 30338
East Atlanta/Ormewood Park 30316	East Lake/Kirkwood 30317
Grant Park 30312	Midtown Atlanta 30308
Midtown Atlanta 30309	Midtown West/Collier Hills 30318
Morningside 30306	Morningside 30324

Are you looking for a specific Intown Atlanta neighborhood to focus on? Contact Thomas Ramon Realty and we can set up a search for any specific neighborhood you are looking for!

Hudson and Marshall Announce Next Georgia Real Estate Auction

November 15, 2011 by Thom Abbott

Attention Prospective Buyers, Investors and Agents:

Hudson & Marshall will be in the Southeast (GA, AL, TN, NC & SC) area soon!
The live auction series will begin on December 14th – 20th, 2011. They have started posting properties being offered for the auction on their website. More properties will be added soon, so be sure to check back.

You might want to read up on Buying at an Auction. These are high paced and sometimes frantic events so you want to be prepared.

To view additional properties exclusively offered in the “Online Only” auction please click Georgia Online Auction. The availability of a property can change, please refer to our website for real time updates or contact Hudson & Marshall. Should you have any questions, please contact them at 866-518-9060 or view the frequently asked questions on our website.

Whether buying directly from a Seller or attending an auction, you should consider having representation as a Buyer. We would be happy to discuss this process with you!

Thom Abbott Midtown Atlanta For More Information on how we can best serve your Midtown Atlanta Real Estate needs, please fill out the online contact form or call us at 770.713.1505.

We specialize in Condominium homes in Midtown Atlanta and other In Town areas of Atlanta. If you are planning to Buy or Sell real estate, let us help you explore all the possibilities available to you and help you find just the right home you will LOVE!

For a Quick Look at Midtown Atlanta Condominiums:

Midtown Atlanta High Rise Condominiums

Midtown Atlanta Mid Rise Condominiums

Perhaps you are interested in Historic Midtown? Take a look at Homes For Sale In Historic Midtown Atlanta

Midtown Atlanta Market Report January-October, 2011

November 13, 2011 by Thom Abbott

Nowdays, most people know the real estate market is in tough shape. But, real estate is still a very local topic. And when I say local, what is happening in the Metro Atlanta area vs. the Midtown Atlanta Market can be vastly different. And when I review the sales for the Midtown Atlanta area, the numbers will appear different than reported by Smart Numbers, the data company that tracks Atlanta real estate trends.

My report covers a specific area, as the map below shows:

Here is what the sales have been in the Midtown Atlanta Market area for January-October, 2011:

The year started off slowly, picked up steam in July, cooled a bit for August, jumped up in September, and has been back down for September and October.

And here is the Average Sales Price in the Midtown Atlanta Market area for January-October, 2011.

The January high is partially cause by a couple high-end sales that closed that month. An average of $182,350 seems to be a bit more in line.

Keep in mind, monthly numbers can be looked at and reported in so many different ways. If one month, say September as an example, has a big drop, it just shows that buyers picked up more of the lower priced condominiums that were on the market. October shows a jump back up to more consist prices with the rest of the year.

Overall, inventory is down in Midtown Atlanta Condominiums. Buildings that have had 20 and 30 homes for sale, now might have just 10 or 12 listings. As a Buyer of a Midtown Atlanta Condominium, that can be challenging for you. Not much to choose from. So, if a condo is priced right and not a short sale, it has the potential to sell quickly.

On the flip side, if you are considering placing your home on the market, you need to price it right. If done so, it should sell quickly, despite a more limited number of buyers in the marketplace right now. Overprice it…and it will sit.

Currently, the only new inventory available (with some minor exceptions) is 1010 Midtown and The Atlantic Residences. So a Buyer looking for brand new does not have much in the way of options. And with no new construction on the horizon, this should help the resale values climb in the coming months.

Thom Abbott Midtown Atlanta For More Information on how we can best serve your Midtown Atlanta Real Estate needs, please fill out the online contact form or call us at 770.713.1505.

For a Quick Look at Midtown Atlanta Condominiums:

Midtown Atlanta High Rise Condominiums

Midtown Atlanta Mid Rise Condominiums

Perhaps you are interested in Historic Midtown? Take a look at Homes For Sale In Historic Midtown Atlanta

Mayfair Renaissance 802 – SOLD To Happy Buyers

November 12, 2011 by Thom Abbott

I had the great opportunity to work with some buyers from North Carolina, Marcos and Lauren. They found MyMidtownMojo and decided that I was the one they wanted to work with when they purchased a Midtown Atlanta condominium at Mayfair Renaissance.

We quickly had them a tenant in place (they will not be moving to Atlanta for a few years, but wanted to take advantage of the market) and they were in town last night to again say “thanks” and take Ray and I to dinner at Gordon Biersch Midtown.

Thanks Lauren and Marcos!

Here are the kind words they had to say about Thomas Ramon Realty:

My husband and I recently purchased a condo in Midtown Atlanta, which we plan to eventually move to, but are currently renting out. While researching, we narrowed our search for a place to Midtown and wanted a realtor that knew the area. Thom Abbott is that realtor. His inside knowledge of the area is surpassed only by his dedication to his clients. He worked tirelessly for us through out the buying process, was always responsive, and provided a level of competency we had never seen before from previous realtors.

Once we closed on the condo, Thom immediately went to work getting the unit ready for rent and marketing the property. Since we don’t live in the area, we also needed recommendations for contractors and for someone to be available for deliveries. Thom did all this and more. All in all, the place was refurbished and rented within 2 weeks of closing.

We could go on, but suffice it to say, if you’re looking for a property in Atlanta (and in-town especially), look no further than Thom Abbott for an Atlanta realtor. You will not be disappointed.

Lauren & Marcos Alvarez

Thom Abbott Midtown Atlanta For More Information on how we can best serve your Midtown Atlanta Real Estate needs, please fill out the online contact form or call us at 770.713.1505.

For a Quick Look at Midtown Atlanta Condominiums:

Midtown Atlanta High Rise Condominiums

Midtown Atlanta Mid Rise Condominiums

Perhaps you are interested in Historic Midtown? Take a look at Homes For Sale In Historic Midtown Atlanta

What IS an Atlanta Short Sale?

November 6, 2011 by Thom Abbott

While short sales have been going on now for a couple years ( or longer) I still find some Buyers do not know what a Short Sale is. So, let’s cover what a short sale is, and then in some follow up posts we will cover tips for Buying an Atlanta Short Sale.

An Atlanta Short Sale is when a home is sold for less than the amount that is owed on the mortgage (s) for the home. A short sale occurs when the bank agrees to take less than the full amount that is due on the mortgage.

As a buyer of an Atlanta Short Sale, you need to have an experienced agent working with you. You also want an experienced agent on the listing side of the sale, but this may not always be the case. There are numerous steps, documentation and follow up that has to occur from the listing agent in order for the short sale to close. In a future post, we’ll cover some of the items required by the Seller to be furnished as part of the short sale package.

As a Buyer, you should also be aware that the term “short sale” is NO indication of how quickly the sale will occur. We’ve seen a short sale close as quickly as 30 days, and as long as 8-9 months!!! When we begin looking for an Intown Atlanta home or condominium, we will discuss your timeline and when you want, or need, to be in your new home. Purchasing a short sale can get you an amazing home for an amazing price…if you have the time and patience.

In our next post, we’ll cover some tips for Buying an Atlanta Short Sale.

Thom Abbott Midtown Atlanta For More Information on how we can best serve your Midtown Atlanta Real Estate needs, please fill out the online contact form or call us at 770.713.1505.

For a Quick Look at Midtown Atlanta Condominiums:

Midtown Atlanta High Rise Condominiums

Midtown Atlanta Mid Rise Condominiums

Perhaps you are interested in Historic Midtown? Take a look at Homes For Sale In Historic Midtown Atlanta

Lower Transportation costs —

Healthy Lifestyle —

Less Traffic Congestion —

Reduced Crime —

HomeSmart