Have You Heard Of Pocket Listings in North Fulton?

Sometimes I read articles that make me a little bit upset. I read one of those last week and I spent a couple of days thinking about this

Do you know what pocket listings are?

post before publishing it. Maybe your saw the article, “Secret Pocket Listings in Hot Markets are Back” on cnnmoney.com.  Sotheby’s International Corporate also saw it and they posted a link to it on their weekly wrap-up. I was contemplating writing about it when I saw they had linked to it.

From cnnmoney.com

The housing rebound has given new life to an old, but little-known sales practice called “pocket listings,” where agents reserve homes for serious buyers only.

Most homes that are put up for sale are posted on databases called multiple listing services (MLS), on which agents share information with one another in order to find buyers. There are open houses on Sunday afternoons and listings posted on real estate websites.

But with pocket listings, properties are kept under wraps and brokers only show them to people they expect will put money down if the property and the price are right, said Richard Smith, CEO of Realogy, the parent company of Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Better Homes & Gardens and other real estate brokerages. Ideally, the buyer has deep pockets and is willing to pay in cash, fast.

“High-end sellers often don’t want to have the world coming to their property,” said Michael Izquierdo, a Los Angeles-based real estate agent and acquisitions manager for LAPocketListings.com. “When it’s put on the MLS, sometimes the next morning you see people standing outside the property, hoping to talk to the sellers.”

Continue reading here.

Did you read all of that? Sometimes things come across pretty poorly in a news article.  The reality is that through our agent relationships and contacts and our database (friends, family, network) often successful agents and established brands such as Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International are promoting a property prior to putting in the FMLS service. There is something intriguing to all buyers about seeing a property “before it is listed”…just like in the height of the market everyone loved to see a “Just Listed” property…

I don’t think it means you necessarily get a higher price or that you will only get a serious buyer, but that you have a unique opportunity if it makes sense and you and your agent are in agreement.

It means to a seller that they will have the opportunity to promote their house to a more exclusive audience of agents, build a little bit of a marketing buzz, and hopefully get a solid and strong offer they can agree on with a buyer. If you don’t sell as a quiet listing, you and your agent can together do some revision on condition of the property, marketing, and price and list officially after gaining some market insight.

That said, the old saying of you “can’t sell a secret” still applies and often the best way to sell and deliver the highest possible price is to list with an agent that incorporates FMLS so that you gain the exposure of a large buying audience.

 

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Sotheby’s International Realty Forms Partnership with Armani/Casa

Being affiliated with a company such Sotheby’s International Realty allows me to provide my clients with services not available to

Armani Casa Interior Design. Photo Giorgio Armani archives via Architectural Digest.

every real estate agent. Sotheby’s is always looking for ways to provide exceptional service to their clients. With that goal continually in mind, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, LLC announced an exclusive partnership with Giorgio Armani’s furnishings and interior design company, Armani/Casa.

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, LLC press release

The program provides Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates with the opportunity to introduce their clients to Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio’s services for luxury private residences and real estate projects.

“There are many synergies and opportunities for Armani/Casa and the Sotheby’s International Realty brand,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.  “We share the same desire to offer clients a sophisticated and elegant lifestyle no matter where they are in the world.  Our discriminating customers now can benefit from the valuable design resources of Armani/Casa to further enhance the uniqueness of their home.”

Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio launched in 2003 in response to client demands for complete projects conceived according to the Armani style and philosophy and provides clients with a comprehensive design service to handle different projects, from room decoration to complete architectural planning, under the personal creative direction of Giorgio Armani.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has 12,800 sales associates located in approximately 660 offices in 47 countries and territories worldwide.  Each office is independently owned and operated.

It really is wonderful to be part of a company that is always looking for ways to improve the service they provide to their clients!

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Safe at Home

Home Security Technology Gets Tougher as Usage Gets Easier

5215 Estate View Trace in Suwanee features a home security system and is currently listed at $489,000. Click on the image for more photos and information from Andrea Cueny of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty.

What a difference a millennium makes.

Today, whole-home automation integrates security, energy and comfort into one centrally controlled system. You can not only keep a watchful eye out for intruders, but also monitor children, elderly relatives and caretakers for peace of mind. What’s more, the same system manages appliances, climate, lights and entertainment for added ease and convenience.

Home security has been reconceived and engineered to be proactive rather than passive. It monitors, senses, triggers, engages, warns and communicates, all of it on the homeowner’s terms. Standard systems set off a burglar alarm once a breach has been detected. New systems offer perimeter protection incorporating discreet visual monitoring and live audio warnings that deter criminals from entering the property. Even minor activity is tracked around the clock through interactive technology. More advanced systems use vehicle detection sensors and thermal imaging surveillance.

Buyers in the high-end home market don’t just ask for it, “they expect it,” says San Francisco real estate broker Arthur Sharif of Sotheby’s International Realty–San Francisco Brokerage. “If you’re in the $6 million and above price range, it’s expected that every home is going to have very sophisticated wiring.”

The security may be sophisticated, but the functionality is getting easier. There was a time not long ago when homeowners didn’t engage their security systems because they were just too complicated. That’s changed. Now the technology is controlled through smartphones and tablets. Consumers have mastered the learning curve of mobile devices, which, in turn, has fueled growth in home automation adoption and usage, according to Jay Kenny, vice president of Alarm.com, a provider of interactive home security and monitoring technology. The company reports that 75 percent of its customer base now logs on via mobile apps. Homeowners can get text messages alerting them to the comings and goings on their properties. More sophisticated systems recognize activity patterns that can help owners make smarter decisions about security and energy usage settings. “The message is that consumers should be able to get all this new value out of their security systems,” says Kenny. “In the past, it was really a passive system, just waiting for something to happen. But now that you get all this active information out of it, there’s value every day.”

The larger the home or compound, the more sophisticated the system is likely to be. Remote camera monitoring and control capabilities are important selling features in the secondary market. 2300 Loring Oaks in Marietta features an extensive security system and is currently listed at $1,500,000. Click on the image for more photos and information.

Interactive security technology is popular in the vacation home market, though sometimes for intruders of a different kind. “People who come from urban settings are accustomed to being concerned about intruders, whereas here in Colorado, you’re more likely to have a deer or coyote come onto your property,” says Bill Fandel of Peaks Sotheby’s International Realty in Telluride. “Security would alert motion detectors to the fact that a bear is in your trash or out on your deck. If your kids are out there or you’re planning to walk the dog, that’s a major concern.”

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to a home security system. Very often it’s a housekeeper or even a houseguest at the helm of the controls, so a system needs to be engineered for the individuals who will be using it. And, of course, a security plan must be built to match the need.

Like all technology, home automation evolves rapidly. What was state-of-the-art a decade ago may be outmoded today. Security systems should be reviewed at three- to five-year intervals for upgrades or modifications, either because the technology has improved or an owner’s security needs have changed, such as having a child or acquiring a valuable new asset.

Source: Sotheby’s International Realty via The Wall Street Journal

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North Fulton (Atlanta) Most Expensive Homes Sold in 2012

The five most expensive homes sold in 2012 year to date in the North Fulton area had list prices spanning from $1.9 million to $2.9 million. Most of these homes are located in luxury communities known for their exquisite amenities, including golf and country clubs. The majority of these homes also feature private amenities including magnificent swimming pools, theater rooms, incredible closets, and more.

Below are the pictures of the top five most expensive homes sold in North Atlanta in 2012 year to date.

1. 3115 Manor Bridge Drive (Alpharetta) – List price: $2,998,000
2. 9260 Old Southwick Pass (Alpharetta) – List price: $2,495,000
3. 16006 Manor Club Drive (Alpharetta) – List price: $2,095,000
4. 1275 Stuart Ridge (Alpharetta) – List price: $2,195,000
5. 1050 Carnoustie Lane (Alpharetta) – List price: $1,999,000

3115 Manor Bridge Drive is the most expensive home sold in North Atlanta. Located in The Manor Golf and Country Club in Alpharetta, this 5 acre estate features 6 bedrooms, 6 full and 6 half baths.

The second most expensive home sold in North Atlanta is 9260 Old Southwick Pass, located in Country Club of the South, it features 7 bedrooms, 8 full and 1 half baths.

16006 Manor Club Drive, the third most expensive home sold in North Atlanta, is located in The Manor Golf and Country Club in Alpharetta and features 6 bedrooms, 7 full and 1 half baths.

The fourth most expensive home sold in North Atlanta is 1275 Stuart Ridge, located in Country Club of the South in Alpharetta, and features 6 bedrooms, 7 full and 2 half baths. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty represented the buyer.

The fifth most expensive home sold in North Atlanta is 1050 Carnoustie Lane in The Peninsula, Windward’s exclusive double gated community. This home features 6 bedrooms, 7 full and 3 half baths. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty represented the seller.

Source: FMLS (First Multiple Listing Service)

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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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Designer’s Touch: Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

From pavers to plantings, these professional tips can help your home make an instant impact on the street

Life is all about first impressions, and this is as true of homes as it is of people. Your home’s positive physical appearance from the street is called curb appeal. What does your house say to those passing by? Try these professional designer tips to heighten character and charm while you increase resale value.

1. Sugar coat. Apply decorative siding and detailed moldings that accentuate your home’s period for immediate eye candy that will keep heads turning. But remember, less is always more.

2. Architectural eyeliner.Forgo over-the-top flower beds, pots and plants, and stick with classic and timeless shrubbery. This look will outline your architectural elements rather than camouflage them. Neat and orderly never looked so good.

3. Fashion your driveway. Get the hottest look straight out of a magazine with this fashionable driveway of grass and concrete pavers. Your haute driveway will have people talking.

4. Flower power. Flowers are one of the least expensive ways to make the front of your house blossom with curb appeal. For those with a green thumb, sprucing up your home will never be so fun.

5. Focal door. Place the emphasis on the entrance of your home by painting your front door a contrasting color from your house — it’s the easiest and most inexpensive way to improve the exterior of your home. Bam! Instant character.

For more ideas visit houzz.com.

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Who’s Moving to Atlanta and Where are They Coming From?

Source: Atlanta Regional Commission Regional Snapshot for February 2012

Most moves are local. This is according to an analysis of data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that finds more than half of people moving into one of the 20 counties that comprise the Atlanta Regional Commission’s planning area, moved from one of the other 20 counties. It also shows how inter-related the individual counties are within the region. Upcoming Snapshots will show that this is particularly true for work flows and travel patterns.

This Snapshot presents data from the IRS concerning migration patterns from 2000 to 2009, the latest period for which this data is available. The IRS tracks movement between counties in the U.S. based on tax filings – if an address is in a different county from one year to the next, filers and their dependents are considered migrants. There are limitations to these data: The technique captures only those who file returns, so it misses a disproportionate number of seniors, the very low income and new arrivals from different countries who have never filed a U.S. tax return before. Therefore, this analysis explores only domestic migration.

Most Migrants Move to, or From, One of the other 20 Counties

More than half of those moving into one of the 20 counties between 2000 and 2009 came from one of the other 20 counties. In all cases, the most popular “origin” county (where moved from) was adjacent to the “destination” county (where moved to). This shows that the majority of moves are to nearby locales.

While 36 percent of those moving into the 20-county area came from a different state, only 31 percent of those moving out of the Atlanta region went to a different state. This shows that the Atlanta region is a net attractor of people nationwide, especially from the Northeast.

Migrants from New York, Florida and California Choose Atlanta

Table 3 shows net migration between the top 10 states (“top” meaning most net migration into the Atlanta area) and the 20 area counties. Between 2000 and 2009, the top “origin” state – where people are moving from – was New York. More than 60,247 more people moved from New York to the 20-counties than vice versa. This is also true of Florida (+55,500), California (+25,800) and New Jersey (+22,700).

Gwinnett attracted more than 63,200 new residents from different states between 2000 and 2009, including 17,800 from New York alone, tops in the region. Next are Fulton (+61,800) Cobb (+45,800), and DeKalb (+32,500).

The 20-county region sees a net outflow of people to very few states. Colorado leads the way with net outflow of more than 1,300 people between 2000 and 2009. Other states include Maine (-500) Arizona (-475) and Nevada (-350). Washington D.C. attracted a net outflow of 540 former Atlanta residents between 2000 and 2009.

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency for the 10-county area including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties, as well as the City of Atlanta. For 60 years, ARC and its predecessor agencies have helped to focus the region’s leadership, attention and resources on key issues of regional consequence.

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Video: CBS-TV “Public Affairs on Peach”

CBS “Public Affairs on Peach” recently featured Patti Ellis, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Intown Agent. Watch the video below for information on the state of the Atlanta real estate market.

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Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Opens in Leed Certified Building in Sanctuary Park

North Atlanta Office Managing Broker Bill Rawlings and company Co-founder and CEO Jenny Pruitt welcome Brandon Beach, President and CEO of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, to the new North Atlanta office located in Alpharetta’s Sanctuary Office Park. Credit: Jamey Guy

An elaborate cocktail reception celebrated the grand opening of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty’s new North Atlanta Office and served as a showcase of its location in one of the metro area’s premier LEED certified developments.

The event was held at the art-filled, decorated North Atlanta Office in Sanctuary Park in Alpharetta.

Bill Rawlings, the office’s managing broker and vice president, joined Jenny Pruitt, CEO, and David Boehmig, president of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, in greeting guests, including North Fulton Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Brandon Beach as well as prominent real estate agents, colleagues, North Fulton and Buckhead neighbors and friends.

Jenny Pruitt said the company’s “commitment to what we call ‘Extraordinary people, extraordinary properties and extraordinary service’ is illustrated by the caliber of our North Atlanta agents, numbered 45 experienced, full-time professional associates.  They understand the desirability of the North Atlanta lifestyle and properties combining sophistication and pastoral appeal.

“Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty intends to concentrate fully on building this new office and to providing the finest consumer experience in this area,” she said.

Andrea Cueny and her husband, Brian. Credit: Jamey Guy

Guests circulated throughout the office, admiring fine artwork from the Matre Gallery including the unveiling of a painting by renowned artist Steve Penley and works by Robert Joyner, William Goodman, James Garrett and Lu Steed as well as photographs by Robert Matre.

Catered by A Peach of A Party, the evening launched the entry of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty into one of Atlanta’s most vibrant real estate markets. Pruitt and Boehmig said associates with the North Atlanta office form a roster of agents whose real estate knowledge and experience is unsurpassed, including Andrea Cueny, Suzanne Close, Christine and Ken Gary, Rhonda Haran, Tracy Sardelli, Karen Salter and Laura Warren.

Visit our new office at:

1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 140
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Tel: 770.442.7300

Article originally appeared in Alpharetta Patch.

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Atlanta Most Popular Among Movers

For the second year in a row, Penske Truck Rental data showed that Americans are moving south and, remarkably, to the same top 10 cities, with almost the same relative frequency.

Atlanta, for the second year in a row, topped the list as the most popular Penske one-way rental destination in 2011.

In only the second year releasing its moving data, Penske, which has 2,382 rental truck locations spread fairly evenly throughout the U.S., shows that Atlanta, for the second year in a row, topped the list as the most popular one-way rental destination in 2011.

Phoenix, Orlando (Fla.), Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago round out the top five — the same top five as in last year’s report, though in a slightly different order.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported a record-low U.S. moving rate of 11.6 percent between 2010 and 2011, based on data that dates back to 1948.

Penske’s top 10 one-way truck rental destinations in 2011

1. Atlanta
2. Phoenix
3. Orlando, Fla.
4. Dallas/Fort Worth
5. Chicago
6. Houston
7. Denver
8. Seattle
9. Sarasota, Fla.
10. Charlotte, N.C.

Source: InmanNews

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