Top U.S. Growth Cities According to U-Haul

I saw this headline on numerous local and national news sites yesterday and I have to admit I was a little intrigued about where Atlanta

U-Hauls annual report names Atlanta #26 on top growth cities.

ranked in “U-haul’s List of Top Growth Cities.” As a real estate agent I stay up-to-date on what the population is doing in the area. Currently, with the low inventory situation, it feels like there are lots of people looking to buy homes, and not nearly as many selling homes, which even before you look at the numbers would make you believe that Atlanta is growing.

According to U-Haul’s annual report, Atlanta ranks 26th on the list of 30 cities. They estimate around 1% of growth in 2012. The number 1 city, Pittsburgh, saw 9% growth.  One percent may not seem like a lot, but Atlanta was not on the list at all in 2011 and with new construction just gearing back up at the end of 2012, it certainly can be felt in the housing market. To see how U-Haul calculated their numbers and the companies press release click here.

I think with all the recent announcements of businesses opening offices in the area we are going to continue to see this number increase.  I continue to feel like it is a really EXCITING to live in Atlanta and its suburbs. It has always been a wonderful city and as more and more people realize it, the city will continue to grow and prosper!

Read Full Post »

Home Office Ideas from a North Fulton Realtor

It seems everyone has a home office to some degree these days. Some people work 100% from home, some telecommute a few days a week and others keep their household running smoothly from some sort of centralized desk area! A home office certainly comes in handy for me in my job.

I love being organized and being able to put my fingers on what I need either from my computer or in my office files. Keeping my home office just as neat as my office space at Atlanta Fine Homes is important to me! I know a lot of you are like that too, so I wanted to share with you some office ideas and solutions I have seen online lately! Maybe you will find something that will make a big difference in your home office!

First, this is a really practical idea. How many of you really dislike the cords and cables that come with many home office set-ups? Internet, monitors, mouse, printers, etc. It makes your  professional space, that you worked so hard to create, look sloppy. While yes there are many wireless options these days, it is almost impossible to completely abolish all cables! Well here is an idea for you to help keep things looking a little neater! A cord organizer! Inexpensive and it will keep you desk looking less cluttered!

Keeping all those cables under control, will give you the professional space of your dreams!

eclectic home office design by charlotte interior designer Emily A. Clark

I like this next picture because, so many people want a home office, but they don’t feel like they have the extra space for it. So they end up  dragging out everything they need to the kitchen table then having to put it up again each day or force others to find a new place to eat! That can leave you feeling disorganized and who wants to have to “get ready” to work!

contemporary home office design by toronto photographer Leslie Goodwin Photography

What a creative use of wasted space!

Finally, here are a couple of spaces for the mom that needs a place to keep a centralized family calendar, paperwork, schoolwork, and to set-up their laptop or iPad at a moments notice. They don’t need or want a separate room or area dedicated to the home office. That would defeat the purpose everyone needs to see the calendar and remember to take their work back to school!

Easy desk and organization areas for the busy family!
photos from littlelucylu.com and bhg.com

So are your creative juices flowing? It’s Friday! You have two full days to get the work space of your dreams at least started! I bet you already have much of what you need already at home!

Have a great weekend!

If you would like to see the current inventory, click here.

Read Full Post »

What Do You Need To Apply for a Mortgage?

We haven’t talked financing in awhile and with peak buying and selling season getting underway, I thought it was important to revisit

What can you do now, to make applying for a mortgage easier? photo © Franck Boston – Fotolia.com

some important things to remember when applying for home financing.

The list below are all items that you will need in order to finalize your loan and in many cases in the current marketplace, you will need most of these to get pre-approved.  Before you even start looking for the perfect house,  it is important to get pre-approved. This helps you know what the bank is willing to loan you and it reassures a seller when you make an offer on their house.  So go on and start gathering the things on this list. It will make the process less stressful knowing you have a few days to get it together than to wait until you have found your dream home and have to rush to find everything quickly!

Keep in mind, your lender may require additional documents, but this is a good starting point! AND if you are applying for the loan with someone else these documents need to be supplied for EVERYONE on the application!

Driver’s License and Social Security Card 

These two may seem obvious, but many people forget about their Social Security Card, banks will want a copy of yours along with your driver’s license.

Landlord Information

If you are renting now, you will need to supply all contact information for your landlord.

Income Information 

There are four big ones in this group.

1.  Your most recent pay stubs for the past 30 days.

2.  Two months worth of banking and asset statements.

3.  Signed Federal Income Tax Returns (every single page) for the last 2 years.

4.  Two years worth of W-2 forms from all employers.

Do you want to see what is currently available? Click here and search the area’s housing inventory!

Read Full Post »

Atlanta: Suburban or In-Town Living

Atlanta.curbed has really had some interesting articles recently.  I passed along their information last week about flipping houses in

Are Millennials moving to the suburbs?

Atlanta, I hope that helped some of you that may be considering flipping a property. Now there is another interesting article talking about the ‘Millennials’ (those in the 18-34 age range) and how suburbia may no longer be a four-letter word for them.

This age group has been widely known for a preference for in-town living across America and wanting to bring to life abandoned neighborhoods. For many, mention buying a house in a suburban neighborhood sounded like torture. That may be changing as in-town living becomes more affluent and a desire to raise children they way they were raised becomes a part of their thinking.

In Atlanta specifically the top selling markets are in areas such as Cobb and North Fulton. I see people in all age ranges looking outside the Perimeter. Many younger groups have enjoyed renting in-town, but when they decide it is time to buy their first home, they cannot always get what they want in their desired budget in-town.

To read more about ‘Millennials’ and real estate trends, check out atlanta.curbed and Atlanta Real Estate Forum.

If you are ready to start looking for your new home, my team and I can help, give us a call. We work all over Atlanta, but North Fulton and Cobb are our specialties.  See current inventory throughout Atlanta here.

Read Full Post »

General Motors to Create 1000 Jobs in Roswell

On last Thursday some very exciting news came out of Governor Nathan Deal’s office. It was enough to make everyone in North Fulton end their

General Motors brings jobs to Roswell. Photo © General Motors.

week with a smile on their face. General Motors will open an IT Innovation Center in Roswell, creating 1,00o jobs over then next 3-5 years. The Roswell location will be one of four such centers across the U.S., two of which are already open in Austin, Texas and Warren, Michigan. The fourth will be announced later this year.

According to GM’s Chief Information Officer, Randy Mott,

These Innovation Centers will design and deliver IT that drives down the cost of ongoing operations while continuously increasing the level and speed at which innovative products and services are available to our GM customers.

The company plans to begin recruitment immediately for database experts, developers, project managers, and other IT professionals. This is great news for college graduates and industry veterans looking for a new challenge.

It is also great news for homeowners looking to sell their existing home. Such a large volume of jobs, will undoubtedly bring more buyers into North Fulton communities. If you have been putting off getting your home ready to list, don’t wait any longer.  Finish those last jobs you have planned or give The Cueny Team a call if you are having trouble figuring out where to begin. Our team is experienced in helping sellers assess their homes and determine what can be done to grab a buyers attention. It will probably be easier than you think and it always helps to have a fresh pair of eyes! We are ready for you!

To read more about the new plant opening visit The North Fulton Chamber of Commerce website.

Read Full Post »

Windward Food Drive this Saturday for North Fulton Community Charities

NFCC needs its food pantry to stay at least this full every day. Photo Credit: Yun Mi Yi/Alpharetta Patch

The third annual Windward Food Drive supporting North Fulton Community Charities is scheduled for this Saturday, September 8.

The organizers of the drive say every September food supplies at the NFCC food pantry run dangerously low, as donations during the summer months run well below average.

Food donated by Windward for the past two years – more than 4.5 tons of it – has provided a boost to their inventories. On an average day, NFCC distributes food to 175-200 families.

NFCC is the primary charity providing this kind of aid to those in need in North Fulton.

Windward Food Drive

• Saturday, Sept. 8
• 9 a.m.-noon
• Boat Launch parking lot (across from the sports park)

North Fulton Community Charities has an immediate need for the following items (listed in order of greatest need)  No glass jars if possible.

- Canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.)
- Canned beans (black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans, northern beans – any beans other than green beans)
- Peanut butter (no glass containers)
- Canned fruit (peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, etc.)
- Plain rice (1lb bags)
- Ramen Noodles
- Pasta sauce (no glass containers)
- Diapers (sizes 4, 5 and 6)
- Canned soup (not cream based – e.g. chicken noodle, vegetable beef, tomato, etc.)
- Jelly (no glass containers)
- Boxed (mashed) potatoes
- Canned peas
- Canned vegetables (e.g. carrots, potatoes, mixed vegetables, etc.)
- Dry Beans (1lb. bags) – all types
- Cereal
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Seasoned rice
- Cooking oil
- Meals in a can (ravioli, beef stew, etc)
- Boxed items (hamburger helper, seasoned pasta)
- Baby formula and food
- Paper products (toilet paper, Kleenex & paper towels)
- Toiletries
- Baking goods (cake mixes, flour, sugar, etc.)
- Pasta (plain)

For information, visit the Windward Food Drive website.

Source: Alpharetta Patch

Read Full Post »

Welcome Lea Johnston to The Cueny Team of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

Lea Johnston, Associate Broker and REALTOR® with The Cueny Team of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

Having worked for a national real estate company, broker Lea (Lanier) Johnston found a need for a brokerage that would solely represent the interests and needs of the Atlanta homeowner. She opened a boutique brokerage in 2006 to serve the Atlanta homeowner’s specific needs and tastes. She was quickly recruited to manage a brokerage that had tremendous success during the housing crisis selling foreclosed properties for Fannie Mae and other banks and financial institutions.  The company provided great insight into the current market trends for Atlanta and provided Lea with a new perspective on the Atlanta real estate market.

With her background in traditional real estate sales and new construction, and now with an in depth knowledge of foreclosure/REO properties, Lea’s well rounded knowledge of the Atlanta real estate market was fostered.  Lea was looking for a place to call home that would serve all of her client’s needs. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International was just that fit allowing her to provide million dollar marketing and an extraordinary level of service to her clients that they deserve.

Lea prides herself on being patient with first time home buyers and taking her time to learn individual markets around the metro area in order to effectively market properties. She has extensive knowledge of in-town neighborhoods as well as the suburbs and she is well educated on the Atlanta metro market.

List or buy your home with Lea Johnston and get undivided attention, professional level service and a vested interest in the communities she serves.

Lea Johnston invests in her business by taking classes to continue her education in real estate.  Her designations include: CRB (Certified Residential Brokerage Manager), CSP (Certified New Home Sales Professional), and ABR’s Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Club recipient 2006.

Lea Johnston
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
404.271.3206 (mobile)
770.442.7300 (North Atlanta Office)
leajohnston@atlantafinehomes.com
http://leajohnston.atlantafinehomes.com

P.S. Want to know some fun facts about Lea?

• Lea was in the top 10 at the Miss Florida Pageant  & 2^nd runner up to Miss Georgia.
• Lea is a graduate of Manhattan School of Music in Voice Performance and was a professional opera singer prior to obtaining her real estate license in 2003.  She has lived in Germany, Italy and Austria.
• Lea just celebrated her 10 year wedding anniversary to Todd who is the drummer for the Georgia Satellites and she has a two year old son, Tristan.  Along with Lea’s passion for music, Lea enjoys gardening, traveling and spending time with her family and Boston terrier, Priscilla Mae.

Read Full Post »

Fulton County Offers Free Irrigation System Workshop

Source: Alpharetta Patch

Photo credit: Fulton County

Are you having difficulties with your property’s irrigation system? Or do you just want to learn about such systems? Fulton County’s Department of Water Resources will host a Smart Irrigation workshop at its Johns Creek Environmental Campus on July 24.

Participants will learn how to correctly use and maintain their irrigation system. A certified irrigation specialist will be on site to answer questions, according to the county’s news release.

The workshop will be offered on two dates:

• Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 6 p.m.–7 p.m., Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA 30331
• Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. -Johns Creek Environmental Campus, 8100 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA 30022

During the session, residents will learn about essential maintenance tips to ensure that their irrigation system is always operating at its best. Some specific topics will include:

• Programming irrigation controllers;
• Inspecting the irrigation system for leaks;
• Understanding how to adjust sprinkler head height, spray patterns and positions;
• Rain sensor installation.

Bring questions about your specific irrigation system. To get accurate answers, make sure you know what specific type of system you have (Rain Bird, Hunter, Toro, etc.) and ensure that you can describe any specific challenges you are experiencing.

For more information, email Jennifer McLaurin or call her at 404-612-8745.

Read Full Post »

Ne-Yo purchases Milton home overlooking golf course

Source: IMDb

He’s won Grammys, been honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame and penned chart-toppers for some of the biggest names in the music industry. Could R&B standout Ne-Yo be tackling the real estate world next?

The singer-songwriter-producer has purchased a 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom home overlooking a golf course in Milton. The 5,900-square-foot brick home includes a massive deck for entertaining, spacious kitchen with double ovens and tray ceilings throughout the space.

Ne-Yo apparently is a big fan of Atlanta’s northern suburbs; according to Access Atlanta, he bought a 13,000-square-foot stone exterior home in nearby Alpharetta, for $1.5 million in 2011. That home boasts 7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a wine cellar and elevator.

It wasn’t immediately known whether the star was downsizing or if he plans to keep both properties. TMZ suggests he bought it as a gift for his mother.

Sources: TMZ and Zillow blog

Read Full Post »

Brick and Stone Chateau with Private Cul-de-Sac

Situated on its own private cul-de-sac, this majestic brick and stone chateau has over three acres of acres of exclusive wooded land in “The Legends of Settendown Creek” community in Cumming.

8380 Hurakan Creek Crossing. Click on the image for more photos and information from Andrea Cueny of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty.

The tour of this home begins with the rich detailing of this stunning study, complete with cozy fireplace and ornately decretive custom built in bookcases.

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

The vaulted ceiling of the living room gives this light drenched room an airy feeling. The stone fireplace, exposed beams and hardwood floors all add to the features that make this room ideal for entertaining.  On a nice warm evening the space is easily expanded by opening the french doors to reveal the deck that overlooks a totally private backyard.

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

If your party calls for formal dining then the formal dining room will be just the place to set out your finest dinnerware to make memories of the special occasion.

The delightful master suite is on the main but will seem like a world away as you enjoy the sunlight and cool breeze from your private deck.  The luxury oasis continues into the heavenly master bath with is laden with upgrades such as a deep soaking tub, double vanity and plantation shutters that line the large window that bathes the room in light.

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

The secondary rooms and baths are plentiful with details such as trey ceilings, custom closet systems and upgraded tile showers and fixtures.

You can never have too much storage space in the kitchen right?  This gourmet kitchen is a dream: expansive granite countertops, exposed beams above, center island with cooktop all surrounded by exceptionally high end maple cabinetry.  Stainless appliances include a built in microwave and double ovens.

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

The private backyard offers plenty of green space and trees to make it exclusive while perfectly situated for building the pool of your dreams.

Peaceful luxury: this is what will define your next home.  Find it now by making an appointment before it is too late.

8380 Hurakan Creek Crossing. Click on the image for more photos and information from Andrea Cueny of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty.

8380 Hurakan Creek Crossing
Cumming Ga 30028

Offered at $625,000

Three Bedrooms, Three Full and One Half Baths

Andrea Cueny, North Atlanta Office, REALTOR®

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

Read Full Post »