Closing Out 2012 and Kicking Off 2013

We are very excited with the final numbers we are seeing for 2012! It was a GREAT year to work in the Atlanta real estate market. Check out these stats!

Atlanta Fine Homes ends the year on a high note!

Atlanta Fine Homes had an increase in homes sold (closed) during 2012 by 59%.  The total volume was up 42% and our market share grew by 40%.

In most areas across metro Atlanta,   total inventory is down by 30% over the prior year, and the number of homes sold is up as high as 8%.

Specifically in The North Atlanta office, the office The Cueny Team works out of, the closed volume is up a whopping 77% . Our office’s market share grew by 60% from January 2012 to December 2012. The Cueny Team grew our business by as  40% from 2011.

We are over the moon and are looking forward to continued growth in 2013!

Are you ready to start your home search?  Give us a call today to get started!

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Marietta Property Video to be featured this weekend on WSJ.com

I know I’ve said it before, but I have to express again how thankful I am for our company, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, and our brand. We are the true international real estate company in Atlanta and the brand provides some of the greatest benefits for my clients.

The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand’s strategic media plan provides unique exposure to listings via well-known media moguls including: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Daily Telegraph, Financial Times, South China Morning Post, YouTube and Google.

I am thrilled to announce that my listing at 2300 Loring Oak Place will be featured this weekend on The Wall Street Journal’s real estate page. You may remember seeing this stunning property video on the blog here – but it will be worth the extra click to see it once again on WSJ.com! The video will run tomorrow, Friday, December 14, and again on Saturday, December 15.

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s exclusive relationship and collaboration with the Wall Street Journal provides global reach and exposure for the listings our brand represents.

Are you interested in gaining exclusive exposure for your home? Contact me and we can discuss how Sotheby’s International Realty can benefit your personal home.

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Video of an Equestrian Estate in Alpharetta

Tour this breathtaking equestrian estate on 11 acres in Alpharetta, complete with 6 stall barn and caretakers apartment. Casual elegance abounds in the main house. Exquisite finishes include exposed cedar beams, stone fireplaces, reclaimed wood and unsurpassed attention to detail. The luxurious master suite is on the main level with access to the outdoor living spaces. Spectacular views from every room. The quality finishes and amenities continue throughout the terrace level where you’ll find a home theater, recreation room, fireside great room, and additional bedrooms. Walk out and enjoy the heated saltwater pool and spa.

115 Crowe Road – Equestrian estate for sale in Alpharetta. Offered at $1,378,000. Click on the image to search for properties over $1 million in Alpharetta.

115 Crowe Road
Alpharetta, GA  30004

Seven bedrooms, six full and two half baths

This property is no longer listed. Please click here to view properties for sale over $1 million in Alpharetta.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Cueny
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
404.695.7040
andreac@atlantafinehomes.com

or

Rhonda Haran
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
404.556.5600
rhonda@atlantafinehomes.com

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Video of a Home for Sale in Dahlonega’s Achasta Golf Club

Achasta, a gated golf community in Dahlonega, offers a lifestyle unsurpassed with a mountain setting and luxurious amenities. Inside this home you will find highly appointed finishes including a light and open kitchen with granite countertops, new stainless steel appliances, a large island for cooking and entertaining that opens to the great room which features exposed beams, a stone fireplace and built-in cabinetry. Walk out to the screened porch and enjoy views of the golf course. The master retreat is on main level with a spa like master bathroom. Two private suites and a recreation room are in the lower level.

Take a moment to view this short video of the home for sale in Achasta.

527 Birch River Drive in Dahlonega’s Achasta Golf Club. Offered at $475,000. Click on the image for more photos and info from Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty.

527 Birch River Drive
Dahlonega, GA  30533

Three bedrooms, three and a half baths

Offered at $475,000

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Cueny
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
404.695.7040
andreac@atlantafinehomes.com

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What I heard at sales meeting…update from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) CEO and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) board member Brandon Beach

Yesterday at sales meeting for Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, Brandon Beach, president of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce shared with us with some exciting news on economic development and transportation for the entire North Fulton area.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber covers all parts of metro Atlanta that are North of Wieuca Road. More specifically, the areas include Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Mountain Park, Milton, and Johns Creek. Beach spoke to us about the companies who have recently grown their business in our area, and also spoke of the GA 400 tool booth removal as of 2013 to 2020.

• North Fulton often competes with Seattle for relocation business because of the high tech sector. Technology, Insurance, Health Care and Logistics are the focus sectors for North Fulton’s future economic development.
• State Farm, Lexus Nexus and ADP are all growing their businesses into North Fulton citing the main reason as our excellent schools.
• The Transit Initiative is something that Beach has personally been involved in as well as serving on the Department of Transportation Board. The upcoming July 31 vote on Atlanta’s transportation referendum is significant. Two websites with information on the referendum are transformmetroatlanta.com and untieatlanta.com. Watch the video below from TransformMetroAtlanta and vote July 31!

To get more information on the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce or to get involved, click on http://www.gnfcc.com/

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School’s Out For Summer!

Milton’s New Cambridge High School. Credit: Bob Pepalis, Johns Creek Patch

This week marks the end of the 2011-2012 school year for public schools throughout Metro Atlanta. While the kids couldn’t bear to think about the start of the next school year, I realize many parents like to plan ahead. Click on the resources below to view the 2012-2013 school calendars for each Metro Atlanta school district.

Atlanta Public Schools

Fulton County Public Schools

Cobb County Public Schools

Dekalb County Public Schools

Forsyth County Public Schools

Gwinnett County Public Schools

Milton and Fulton County Schools officials joined the architects and designers of Cambridge High School for the tour. Credit: Bob Pepalis, Johns Creek Patch

In addition, I know many North Fulton residents anticipate the opening of Milton’s new high school, Cambridge High School. While the construction is not complete, the Johns Creek Patch has gained access to a walk-through with Principal Ed Spurka, Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann, Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood and Councilman Lance Large, North Fulton Chamber President Brandon Beach and a handful of media representatives. Members of the design and contractor teams helped explain what the building would offer. Take a look at Milton’s new high school through the Johns Creek Patch photo gallery.

Click here to start your metro Atlanta area home search by school district on my website.

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Custom Built Marietta Estate Filled with Modern Luxury

Follow the sweeping driveway up to the circular drive of this estate home that is situated on two acres of level grounds.  Custom-built, the beautiful stone exterior is the first indication of extensive luxury finishes throughout.

2300 Loring Oak Place. Click on the image for more photos and information from Andrea Cueny of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty.

When guests enter 2300 Loring Oak Place in Marietta through the arched front door, one of the first things that they will notice is the sweeping circular staircase and the open entry into the formal living room with coffered ceiling, gorgeous fireplace, and views of nature.

Enjoy entertaining in the large expansive kitchen and breakfast area. There is ample lighting in these rooms from the recessed lighting, pendant lights, chandelier, and natural daylight. Have guests take a seat at counter height bar or in the adjacent and open breakfast room. The kitchen features gorgeous granite countertops, deep-toned cabinetry, stainless steel, professional grade appliances, and stone finished backsplashes.

The open kitchen is perfect for entertaining. Click on the image for more photos and information from Andrea Cueny of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty.

The great room features a floor-to-vaulted-ceiling stack stone fireplace, rough hewn wood beams, and  built-in display cases with glass front cabinetry. This room is perfect for casual entertaining and affords ample views of the beautiful outdoors.   Other areas in this estate have ten and twelve foot ceilings.

The impressive great room features amazing finishes. Click on the image for more photos and information from Andrea Cueny of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty.

Outdoor living areas include a covered living room anchored by a stack stone fireplace, a gunite saltwater pool, spa, and an expansive deck area for relaxing poolside.

Gunite saltwater pool and spa. Click on the image for more photos and information from Andrea Cueny of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty.

There is a variety of venues to serve you and guests. Whether in the formal dining room or in the covered patio you will have the perfect backdrop for a perfect party.  Also, a nanny suite over the garage allows for household help to have a private space but be at arm’s length.

The handsome and spacious master bath. Click on the image for more photos and information from Andrea Cueny of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty.

The master bedroom is open and spacious, has wonderfully large windows for natural lighting, and features a dropped tray ceiling with uplighting. The sitting room is private and secluded and includes a stunning fireplace.  Long day? Relax in the deep jetted bathtub and enjoy watching the flames in the fireplace or your favorite movie.

Click here to view a video of this spectacular Marietta estate.

Click on the image for more information from Andrea Cueny of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty.

2300 Loring Oak Place
Marietta GA 30064

4 bedrooms, 4 full and 1 half baths

Offered at $1,500,000

 Andrea Cueny
(404) 695-7040
(770) 442-7300
andreac@atlantafinehomes.com

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Atlanta Public Schools Final Redistricting and Closure Recommendations

Erroll B. Davis Jr., Superintendent Atlanta Public Schools

Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Erroll Davis on Saturday released his latest recommendation for school closures.

Two schools were added to Davis’ initial redistricting and school closing recommendation issued in early March: Towns Elementary School and D.H. Stanton Elementary School.

Five schools were removed from his initial recommendation: Boyd Elementary School, Fain Elementary School, Humphries Elementary School, Thomasville Heights Elementary School and Coan Middle School.

The Superintendent’s final recommendation will be submitted to the Atlanta Board of Education on April 10.

For a complete list of schools and explanation of Davis’ choices, click here.

Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle

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Video of a Home for Sale in Roswell

Updated brick home, minutes to historic Roswell, with a beautiful cul-de-sac lot located in the back of the neighborhood. Master suite on main and master also upstairs each complete with sitting area, fireplace and large walk in closets. Main level is open with large kitchen, breakfast area, formal living room, and keeping room. Enjoy this beautiful house with wonderful neighborhood amenities, top rated schools, and a private backyard.

Take a moment to view this short video of the home for sale in Roswell.

4035 Bellingrath Boulevard in Roswell's Grand Veridian. Offered at $625,000. Click on the image for more photos and information from Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty.

4035 Bellingrath Boulevard
Roswell, GA  30076

Six bedrooms, five full and one half baths

Offered at $625,000

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Cueny
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
404.695.7040
andreac@atlantafinehomes.com

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DOT Discusses Hwy 400 Expansion

Tuesday evening was a beautiful time for a walk, a bicycle ride or any other outside activity.

Instead, hundreds of people were inside an activity building at the Cottage School in Roswell to discuss one of the area’s hot button topics — Georgia 400.

Georgia DOT district engineer Bryant Poole discussed potential GA 400 improvements with citizens at an open house in Roswell on Tuesday. Credit Timothy Gillman

The Georgia Department of Transportation held its first of three open houses on the feasibility of adding lanes to the freeway.

The DOT provided stations in the activity room: the first was a video discussing the issue. Elsewhere there were experts fielding questions while standing at maps. The DOT also offered to let citizens fill out a study survey.

The area under consideration is from SR 20 — Buford Drive — in Forsyth County south to the intersection with I-285.

During the two-hour open house, citizens came with some ideas as well as some gripes.

They learned a few things:

• No funding source has yet been identified to pay for the right of way and construction. As a voice on the introductory video said: “Even with tolls there may not be money for improvements.”
• If lanes were added, they would be managed lanes, probably involving a toll.
• The current lane configuration will probably not be messed with. It seems likely only the added lanes would be toll lanes. It is unlikely that current lanes will become managed lanes.
• The DOT is open to ideas about how many lanes to add, the possibility of reversible lanes, most everything.

“We are at the very beginning stages,” said Bryant Poole, District Engineer with the Georgia Dept of Transportation. “Do we want four lanes, two lanes, nothing at all? What other creative ideas do [people] have and certainly, in this case, there are no identified funds to acquire right of way and build the road.

“That is part of what this is about. If we could come up with an idea, how would we fund it?”

Poole noted that transportation projects must make sense to facilitate growth decades in the future.

“[We’ll consider] any creative way that we can think of to manage congestion that will project into the future, and that is the key,” Poole said. “When we develop our transportation system, it is not thinking today or tomorrow, we’re thinking 30 years out. That is the key, even if we have to build it in phases.”

The DOT hopes to finish collecting public input by June, the video explained. Ideally, environmental documents would be approved by late 2013.

The department’s other open houses regarding GA 400 will be Thursday at Piney Grove Middle School in Cumming and March 20 at First Baptist Church in Sandy Springs.

Source: Alpharetta-Milton Patch

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