Atlanta Condos For Sale

September Calendar of Events

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There never seems to be a shortage of things to do around Atlanta…..it IS such a large metro area! But…sometimes you have to go OTP (Outside The Perimeter) for some cool things to do. 

Atlanta September 2019 EventsSeptember Calendar of Events

7th — Fall Fest at Babyland General Hospital

Georgia is famous for more than just Peaches and Peanuts! Georgia’s most beloved toy company, Cabbage Patch Kids, was created by Zavier Roberts in Cleveland, north of Atlanta. Come celebrate with food vendors, a slide, dancing and costumed characters. cabbagepatchkids.com 

8th — String Theory Concert

The Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center — is located way up yonder in the North Georgia mountains, near Helen! But don’t let the location fool you with this hidden gem. Their events list could take up this entire post!!! Even this event on the 8th is part of a series that runs into December. Make a weekend visit to Helen and take in this musical collaboration between domra virtuoso Angelina Galashenkova-Reed and award-winning classical guitarist John Huston! snca.org

21-22 — European Market — Downtown Alpharetta

A bit closer to the Intown peeps…you will find this cool event. For 2 days only you will find some of the best local artisans and gatherers in the area, showcasing an eclectic ensemble of vintage style home decor & furniture, beautiful works of art, handcrafted jewelry, one of a kind finds, fashion (both adult & children’s) clothing & accessories, gifts & unique treasures.

Learn more about it (and lots of other things happening in this city of its own…Alpharetta, by visiting their website … AwesomeAlpharetta.com

Cornelia Big Red Apple Festival

 

28th — Big Red Apple Festival

Another jaunt to the mountains (or really close) will take you to a festival that is all apples! This fall tradition in Downtown Cornelia celebrates the apple and all that goes with it…from arts and crafts vendors, live music and dancing, a kid’s zone and hay rides. Learn more at DiscoverCornelia.com 

Now you know we just scratched the surface of things to do in September. But here is an excellent resource for other things happening in the Metro Atlanta area in September….  ATLANTA SEPTEMBER EVENTS

How Much Do You Know About Down Payments?

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How Much Do You Know About Down Payments?

How Much Do You Know About Down Payments? | MyKCM

Whether you’ve owned a home before, or you’re ready to jump into homeownership for the first time, there are always a lot of questions swirling around about what is truly required for a down payment, and how to best source down payment assistance. Let’s tackle these two today.

1. How much do you really need for a down payment?

There is a long-standing misconception about down payment requirements. A survey from Fannie Mae shows only 17% of consumers know the minimum options are actually between 1 – 5% of the purchase price and 40% don’t know how much they need at all.How Much Do You Know About Down Payments? | MyKCMThere are many mortgage loans available that require as little as 3% down for first-time buyers, and some ask for only 3.5% down from repeat buyers. There are even loans available for Veterans that provide 0% down payment options too.

We’ve mentioned recently that you don’t need to come up with a 20% down payment to buy, and we’ve also shared how quickly you can save for a 3% or 10% down payment, depending on where you live. If you’re planning to put down just 3%, the research shows it may be possible in most states to have enough saved for a down payment in less than a year. That puts homeownership in a much closer reach for many potential buyers, maybe even you!

2. How can I get help with my down payment?

Regardless of the loans available, many buyers still need assistance with a down payment. The great news is, there are a lot of ways to tap into down payment assistance options. Here are just a couple of them:

Assistance from Family Members

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) said, “a third of recent first-time buyers received down payment assistance from family members.” They also mentioned, “the average net worth of those aged 75 and over stands at $264,800…They just might offer the boost the next generation needs to become homeowners.”

That means one of the ways to find help with a down payment is to accept a gift from a family member. If this is an option for you, make sure you talk to your loan officer before you accept the money, to ensure you document the process the way it is required by your loan. This way, it will be received properly and you can still potentially qualify.

Down Payment Assistance Programs

The reality is, not everyone has a loved one or a family member who can provide help with a down payment. There are, however, more than 2,500 down payment assistance programs available (by local areas like city, county, or neighborhood), and some of them are even specifically for first-time buyers.

The gap, as mentioned in the same survey, is “only 23% of consumers are familiar with low down payment programs.”

That’s why it is so important to get familiar with these options by doing your homework before you plan to buy a home. Determine what is available in the area where you ultimately want to live, so you have all the details you need to take advantage of the down payment assistance option that is best for your family.

Bottom Line

If buying a home is one of your long-term goals, you may be able to get there sooner than you think by tapping into one of the many down payment assistance programs available.

Learn more about the home buying process by reviewing the articles in our Real Estate Buyers Guide.

Baby Boomers are Not Moving

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Baby boomers Not movingWere you born between 1946 and 1964? Then you are a Baby Boomer and Baby Boomers are Not Moving! 

What does that mean? In an article that appeared in Housingwire, and according to the Chicago Tribune, these Baby Boomers are a stick in the spokes of the homeowner cycle. And that clog equals some 1.6 million homes that are NOT coming on the market because they have chosen to “age in place” vs. selling and moving to a retirement community or some other community. As a result, these homes are not coming to market for those first time home buyers that are currently looking in the market. It is a form of housing gridlock if you will. 

Baby Boomers Not Moving

In January, Chase released a study which found that 76% of Baby Boomers own their own homes.  Some 66% of those homeowners think that home values will soon rise and an even greater 88% of them have renovation plans within the next 3 years!  And while Baby Boomers think their home is “just right,” a Millennial might look at an older home as a place to throw money as systems, and more, need updating.

Consider Resale When Remodeling 

And as the Boomers make changes to their home, the need to keep resale in mind for the future. You can affect the market appeal of your home with weird changes you make make, to fit your lifestyle. You may be looking at “undoing” some of those changes when you do look to place your home on the market. That wheelchair ramp from the carport, or a retro-fitted bathroom with grab bars may not be quite what today’s buyer is looking for! But hey….if you have historic details…be sure to keep them and not remove! Millennials will get into history and such and overlook the functional issues a home may have. 

But you also have to think long term in the upkeep and if you can afford it…or afford someone to clean house and mow the lawn. Sure, you might enjoy it when you are 55, but when you are 65, or even 70 it could be a real challenge. At least at the homes where you have a large yard to take care of, or lots of space to air condition that you don’t really need…or can’t physically take care of.

If you have been thinking about “aging in place” or maybe downsizing to a smaller home or even a condominium, why not give us a call and we’d be happy to sit down with you and talk about some of your options. 

Sending

HOA Rules and Regulations — The Pool

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Pool Rules and Regulations in an HOA CommunityIf you live in a condominium, townhome or single family neighborhood, you very well may have a pool. And we know some of you make regular use of this amenity, and others…well…they saw it the day they looked at the property. But in Hotlanta, a pool is a pretty nice amenity to have. But the HOA Rules and Regulations have to have some rules for the pool. 

And to share with the other 300+ homes in your building. Key word there is….share. Alas, but not everyone gets that part, or even still, not everyone understands what goes on with a pool. 

I thought I’d share some Pool Rules that we picked up from a condo community…with some commentary about each rule. 

Rules at the Pool 
In an effort to help promote safety and overall enjoyment of the pool for all residents, we ask that you please take a moment to familiarize yourself with some of the pool rules listed below. 

No Glass At The Pool – Glass is strictly prohibited in the gated pool area. This means no liquor/beer bottles, no wine bottles/glasses. No glass containers brought in via ice chest, cooler, tote.  No glass, period.  Aside from possible injuries, if glass breaks at the pool, the pool must be closed, completely drained for cleaning, inspected and cleared, then refilled. If this occurs, all costs will be passed along to the responsible party.

WHAT THAT MEANS — It can cost an HOA upwards of $5,000 to drain a pool, clean it, refill it, and have it treated again. Not to mention, the down time where the pool cannot be used AT ALL! Yeah, right smack dab in the middle of Summer Pool Season, your pool gets closed because some yahoo dropped a beer bottle. Moral to the story here — buy it in a can. If if don’t come in a can…your lazy behind will need to go up to your condo when you need a refresh. 

No Smoking At The Pool –  All forms of smoking are strictly prohibited in the gated pool area. There are designated smoking areas located near the planters at the exterior of the gated pool area.

WHAT THAT MEANS  — Not trying to offend any smokers, but it’s not a pretty habit. You got it. We understand. Just do it someplace else. And sadly, many smokers don’t think tossing that butt anywhere is littering…but it is. There are many examples of patio furniture with burn holes in them, and even fires in landscaping from people tossing butts of balconies. How about we not smell the smoke or see butts in the pool. (Well, we wanna see butts in the pool…just not THAT kind!)

Limit 4 Guests Per Unit –  For the enjoyment of all residents at the pool, each resident is allowed a maximum of 4 guests per unit at the pool. Guests must be accompanied by resident at all times. 

WHAT THAT MEANS  — You SHARE this pool. It’s not YOUR POOL. You can’t have a pool party and invite 10 of your friends. Why? Well, how’s about YOU come down to the pool and there is no place to sit, the pool is packed and 60% of those people don’t pay for that pool or pay your HOA fee, but you can’t use the pool? We get it….you’re popular and have lots of friends…but…you are going to limit them here. 

Music At The Pool –  As a courtesy to your neighbors, please keep all portable music devices at a volume that will not disturb others around you.

WHAT THAT MEANS — Whether you are into those noise cancelling headphones (that are now reminiscent of the 1970’s) or use Airpods, your music and your music tastes are…..just that. Your Music. 

Elevators –  Please be mindful of residents living on the xxth floor when going to the pool, or back to the elevators. Please keep all noises to a minimum, so as to not disturb your neighbors. 

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN — Most condo building pools are accessed via some floor that also has (gasp) actual homes and residents living there! So after you have had a few cocktails, we know the volume can go up…and if all your friends (Limit 4 please) are equally happy…well there goes the noise in the hallways. Let’s use our inside voices. 

As a reminder, when consuming alcoholic beverages, please drink responsibly. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN — Just what it says!

Any violations of the above rules and regulations may result in fines to the responsible units. 

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN — A fine. And some communities don’t mess around with their fine schedules. And….there ARE cameras. 

We appreciate everyone’s efforts in helping to maintain the pool as a fun and enjoyable area. 

Do these sound harsh? No. They should be simple common sense, but hey, not all of us have that. So we have to put rules in place so everyone can enjoy the pool!

Where And When To Hit The Streets For Food Trucks

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Where to Find Food Truck Locations in AtlantaSee on Scoop.it – Midtown Atlanta Conversations and Condos

Food Trucks in Atlanta are finally an accepted thing! Amen! But when and where ARE they? 

 Now, besides the numerous special events that food trucks will show up for, there are regular locations where you can find them:

Atlanta Food Trucks

Atlanta Food Truck Park — 1850 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318  Wednesday 12-7pm

Brookhaven Food Trucks — The popular Brookhaven Food Truck Roundup, now entering its sixth season, returns to Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road, on May 15. By changing the food trucks’ location this year to the north end of the park near the Blackburn Pavilion, the event now has the added bonus of bordering a brand-new playground to provide entertainment for the youngsters.

 

Your Moving Check List

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Moving Check ListAwesome! We have your home Under Contract, and moving day is just around the corner! SHREEK!!!!! You need a Moving Check List to get it all in order!

What do I do with all this stuff? How are we going to move it all? Change of address cards? ALL of these things come into play, and quite frankly, it can be a bit overwhelming! I’ve moved some 17 times in my life, and 5 of those were corporate relocations, and the rest were “do-it-yourself” moves, be they between apartments or even cities. And while I have not moved in many years, I can still remember the stress like it happened yesterday. 

Your Moving Check List

It’s a big deal selling your home, and it’s no small matter to prepare to move. At Palmer House Properties and MyMidtownMojo, we know that moving takes time and energy, but there are ways to make it go as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips as you anticipate and prepare for your move. Keep in mind, if you are doing a corporate relocation, the actual packing may not be a worry as the moving company will do that for you! I know what that is like…and it’s sweet!

 

30 to 15 Days Before Moving

  • Sell or give anything away you won’t move. Maybe plan a garage sale, or donate items to charity.
  • Call several movers for estimates.
  • Consider insurance on movables.
  • Gather and store dental, medical and pet’s veterinary records.
  • Start alerting friends and companies that mail to you.
  • Contact children’s school and have transcripts forwarded to new school.
  • Go online and complete a change of address with the USPS.
  • For tax purposes (if you qualify for moving deductions), keep a record of all moving expenses and keep receipts of any items you donate to charity.
  • Arrange for disconnection of utilities and re-connection at new location.

 

Your Moving Check List14 Days Before Moving

  • Pack one room at a time and label all boxes as to what’s in them and the room in your new house they should go to. Label furniture as to the room it should go to. (Unless you are doing a corporate move or have hired a moving company. And if you are paying movers, you may have to pack, and they just load and unload, so this timetable could be changed!)
  • Make sure you return items you’ve borrowed from library and friends.
  • Resign memberships to clubs.
  • Arrange the cancellation of newspaper and other home deliveries.
  • Ask bank to release safe deposit box and transfer account to new bank.
  • Arrange for cash, traveler’s checks, or certified checks. (Movers usually require cash or certified check.)
  • Drain gas from your lawn mower, and properly dispose of flammable items and other materials that should not be put in the trash.
  • Arrange to have your phone disconnected.
  • Transfer your homeowners insurance so you will be covered at your new home.

Day Before Moving

  • Pack a suitcase you can live out of, if necessary, for the first few days at your new home.
  • Empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer and let them air dry for a day. Deodorize large appliances with baking soda or coffee.
  • Remember to leave the keys (and remote controls, such as for the garage) to your old property with your real estate agent.
  • Label your most important boxes, so you know what to open first.

Moving Day

  • Make sure mover is properly informed of your new address.
  • Make sure you have payment ready before van is unloaded at new address.
  • Confirm arrival date and time.
  • Before you leave, check every room, closets and the attic a final time.
  • Check locks on doors and windows.

Hopefully this list will help you get through all the details and stress of moving! Please know, we are here to help you with any of the “moving parts” (no pun intended!) and get you to your new home, or out of the home we helped sell for you! 

Thom Abbott

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PalmerHouse Properties