HOME AFFORDABLE REFINANCE PROGRAM (HARP) will be launching the second phase of the program in March.
For those homeowners who aren't able to refinance because they owe more than their home is currently work, this is going to be a great opportunity for you to refinance with little to no cost and no appraisal.
The eligibility criteria is fairly straightforward, but this video does a fantastic job of explaining the program.
The video is over 30 minutes long, but if you just want a quick cheat sheet, please email me at Kerry@nestatlanta.com and I'll send you a 2-page overview of the program.
For more information about us or to start your Atlanta home search,
visit one of the top real estate websites in Metro Atlanta:
In & Around Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Copyright 2006 - 2011 by Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta team with Ian Marshall Realty - Intown Atlanta. All information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. If you need assistance with Intown Atlanta real estate, Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group are always available to assist you with your residential real estate needs!
I am Picnik's #1 fan and use its photo editing software daily. I crop, resize, enhance, add frames, text, bubbles, you name it, I've done it! Now that Google is taking our beloved Picnik away, what are we to do???
Brad Anderson was kind enough to pull together a fantastic list of other photo and picture editing software -- including a link to a free Photoshop edition that I'm quite excited about...
There is so much concern and “Buzz” about Google shutting down Picnik.com, I decided to provide you with some alternative tools for editing and customizing your graphics, photos, and images. While Picnik.com will be shutting down in April 2012, here are some other options you have available immediately.
FotoFlexer – Create some dazzling photo and image effects in your browser for FREE. Use Animations, resizing, coloring, contrast and more. Take a look at These 5 Demo’s for a quick tour of what FotoFlexer has to offer, you’ll love some of these cool features. Smart Scissor is a favorite feature.
LunaPic – This site will rock your world! Lunapic offers more choices and options for photo editing and custom effects than some of the paid software applications I’ve purchased and used in the past. Use vignettes, color bars, animated imaging, picture frames, retro color, collages, custom text, reflection animations, slide shows, and a ton more. One of the most feature rich FREE online editors available. You’re gonna love this site.
BeFunky - Be Funky lets you do some pretty amazing things with your photos and graphics. Most of the features and tools are focused on creating cool, fun, and funky effects and artwork. The site’s name says it. Some of the effects available would take hours to create in Photoshop or other high end and costly photo/image editors.
Definitely worthy of a visit and tour.
Photoshop.com – That’s right, you can use Photoshop online and for FREE. You’ll need to register, but I promise it will be worth it. The Photoshop tools are powerful and very easy to use. Be prepared to spend a little time here, you’ll be amazed at what they have to offer and allow you to do online for free. I’m not going to lie, this is one of my favorites and my personal replacement for Picnik.com closing down.
GIMP – GIMP is very similar to Adobe Photoshop except that GIMP is FREE. It does require you to download the software but one huge benefit to that is it will never be bought and shut down on you. It is a very powerful and feature intense program so unless you’re really experienced with editing and graphic design, or you have more time than it takes to close a short sale, you may want to stick with one of the others.
I personally like to use GIMP for graphic design more than image or photo editing.
Combine all these together and you’ll have more FREE editing tools and features than you’ll ever need or use and absolutely FREE. Take a few moments to review each site, bookmark them, then give each one a try to see which one(s) best meet your photo and image editing needs. Enjoy!
For more information about us or to start your Atlanta home search,
visit one of the top real estate websites in Metro Atlanta:
In & Around Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Copyright 2006 - 2011 by Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta team with Ian Marshall Realty - Intown Atlanta. All information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. If you need assistance with Intown Atlanta real estate, Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group are always available to assist you with your residential real estate needs!
On January 30th the Atlanta Public Schools will be holding the next Demographic Study Public Meetings regarding the APS redistricting for the Jackson and Grady High School clusters, which includes Springdale Park Elementary, Morningside Elementary, Mary Lin Elementary and Inman Middle School, Toomer and many others.
This is such an important issue for your children's education. Even if you don't have kids, the changes may have an impact your property values.
JANUARY 30 APS MEETING:
Jackson High School
801 Glenwood Avenue SE
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
For more information, please visit the following websites:
For more information about us or to start your Atlanta home search,
visit one of the top real estate websites in Metro Atlanta:
In & Around Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Copyright 2006 - 2011 by Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta team with Ian Marshall Realty - Intown Atlanta. All information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. If you need assistance with Intown Atlanta real estate, Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group are always available to assist you with your residential real estate needs!
Candler Park is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Atlanta -- and definitely one of my favorites! It is centrally located between Inman Park, Little Five Points, Emory and Druid Hills, offers easy access to the interstate (Freedom Parkway), has some fantastic neighborhood restaurants and pubs, offers lots of greenspace, more than a dozen annual festivals and events, stunning turn of the century homes, the list goes on and on (and on!).
Candler Park real estate is still in high demand. Home values have gone down since the real estate boom in 2005 to 2007, but they haven't been as impacted as some of the other neighborhoods just a few miles down Moreland Avenue.
2011 Real Estate Market Report for Candler Park Atlanta (30307)
Candler Park | Atlanta, GA | 30307 | Data extracted from the Atlanta FMLS on 01/13/2012
Single Family Homes Sold in Candler Park
We are thrilled to report that 2011 was a good year for home sales in Candler Park! The number of homes sold increased by over 20% from 2010 (44 versus 35) and the average home sales price also had a modest increase of 4.3% ($417, 158 in 2011 versus $399,300 in 2010).
As you'll see in the charts below, the average sales price appears to be on the way UP! If the home values climb again in 2012, hopefully we can say that the worst is over and 2010 was the "bottom of the market" in this Atlanta neighborhood.
Days on Market
(How long does it take to sell a home in Candler Park?)
Homes took almost 14% longer to sell in 2011 (vs 2010), but this is quite common when home values are fluctuating monthly and potential home sellers are uncertain about the true market value of their home.
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Ave. Days on Market
61
42
101
76
88
If you would like to better understand the current market value of your Candler Park home and/or get the latest real estate market statistics, please don't hesitate to call us at 404.432.1844.
We would be honored to assist you!
Just Listed Homes in Candler Park
To follow are a few of the latest 2012 listings available in this fabulous neighborhood!
For more information about us or to start your Atlanta home search,
visit one of the top real estate websites in Metro Atlanta:
In & Around Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Copyright 2006 - 2011 by Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta team with Ian Marshall Realty - Intown Atlanta. All information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. If you need assistance with Intown Atlanta real estate, Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group are always available to assist you with your residential real estate needs!
East Atlanta is definitely one of Intown Atlanta's most popular neighborhoods, with a charming village setting, great restaurants and pubs, an eclectic mix of residents and a long list of annual festivals and events.
2011 Real Estate Market Report for East Atlanta (30316)
East Atlanta | Atlanta, GA | 30316 | Data extracted from the Atlanta FMLS on 01/13/2012
Single Family Homes Sold in East Atlanta
The number of single family homes sold in 2011 was up slightly from 2010, but the average sales price did take a beating, dropping almost 17% from the previous year.
ast Based on our research and experience, it appears that the drop was due to a higher number of "under $100K" foreclosure sales, many located on the outskirts of East Atlanta, an increase in the # of short sales and a small decline in the overall home values in the area.
One interesting item to note is that the list price to sales price ratio remained strong at 95%. For example, a $200,000 home would sell (on average) for 95% of the listing price or $190,000.
Days on Market
(How long does is take to sell a home in East Atlanta?)
Homes took almost 12% longer to sell in 2011, most likely due to the fact that sellers were trying to adjust to the declining home values.
No matter what market we are in, it is always so important to price your home correctly the first time. If your home is priced according to the current market value, not only is it going to sell quickly, previous research tells us that is it going to sell for significantly MORE than if you had it on the market for 3, 4 or 6 months.
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Days on Market (Time to Sell)
75
76
79
75
85
Questions? If you would like to better understand the current market value of your East Atlanta home and/or get the latest real estate market statistics, please don't hesitate to call us at 404.721.3001. We would be happy to help!
For more information about us or to start your Atlanta home search,
visit one of the top real estate websites in Metro Atlanta:
In & Around Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Copyright 2006 - 2011 by Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta team with Ian Marshall Realty - Intown Atlanta. All information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. If you need assistance with Intown Atlanta real estate, Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group are always available to assist you with your residential real estate needs!
Just a short stroll to Emory University and the CDC, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom brick traditional is simply stunning inside and out.
The inviting entry greets you with rich hardwood flooring, extensive crown molding and trim work, and a magnificent wall of windows overlooking the wooded backyard.
An open floor plan along the back of the home features a living area with fireplace, custom built-ins, breakfast room, and gourmet kitchen with large island, pantry, Wolf appliances, vibrant granite countertops and custom cabinetry. A formal dining room is adjacent to the kitchen, making it ideal for entertaining friends and family.
Upstairs you will find four bedrooms, including a fabulous master retreat with separate den, as well as a spacious bath and walk-in closet. Three additional bedrooms, a bonus rec room, and laundry room are just down the hall.
On the lower level of the home, an incredible light-filled basement with soaring ceilings. It is already studded/plumbed and just awaiting your personal touch.
If you decide to make this your new home, you will be within minutes to Emory University, CDC and the interstate. Shopping, dining and festivals are also just a short drive away in Virginia Highland, Downtown Decatur, Morningside and Buckhead.
For more information about us or to start your Atlanta home search,
visit one of the top real estate websites in Metro Atlanta:
In & Around Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Copyright 2006 - 2011 by Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta team with Ian Marshall Realty - Intown Atlanta. All information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. If you need assistance with Intown Atlanta real estate, Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group are always available to assist you with your residential real estate needs!
Newsweek just announced that Atlanta is #1 for singles and the best city to find a date!
They based their ranking by the number of available singles and also on overall well-being, the cost of living and dating costs.
Here are the stats:
Believe it or not, 69% of all the men are single and 71% of the women are single!
Median salary for singles - $38,174
Average movie ticket - $10.52
Well-being score - 67.7
Other high ranking cities included Gainesville (Florida), Austin, Seattle, and Minneapolis. Read the full article.
If you are moving to Atlanta and are wondering "Where are all the single men and women living??", we wanted to share several popular neighborhoods for singles in Atlanta:
LOOKING FOR A HOUSE? We highly recommend the following neighborhoods:
If you would like more information about a particular Atlanta neighborhood, please call me anytime at 404.432.1844. I've lived in many of the "hotspots" -- from from Virginia Highlands to Midtown Atlanta and from Grant Park and Oakhurst Decatur. I LOVE the community spirit, festivals and events in the "Intown" Atlanta neighborhoods and would be more than happy to talk your ear off... or schedule some time to give you a tour of the different areas to see which one best fits your personality and lifestyle.
For more information about us or to start your Atlanta home search,
visit one of the top real estate websites in Metro Atlanta:
In & Around Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Copyright 2006 - 2011 by Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta team with Ian Marshall Realty - Intown Atlanta. All information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. If you need assistance with Intown Atlanta real estate, Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group are always available to assist you with your residential real estate needs!
Cavalia, the popular Cirque-like show with amazing horse stunts at Atlantic Station thru Jan 15 - See showtimes
If you have an event or fundraiser that you would like to add to our blog or eNewsletter, please call Kerry Lucasse, Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group, at 404.432.1844.
For more information about us or to start your Atlanta home search,
visit one of the top real estate websites in Metro Atlanta:
In & Around Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Copyright 2006 - 2011 by Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta team with Ian Marshall Realty - Intown Atlanta. All information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. If you need assistance with Intown Atlanta real estate, Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group are always available to assist you with your residential real estate needs!
In the next week, we will be listing this gorgeous, custom-built John Willis dream home that is just around the corner from Atlanta's Emory University, Children's Hospital and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
HIGHLIGHTS:
5 bedrooms / 4.5 bathrooms plus bonus rooms
Large studded/plumbed basement with soaring ceilings and lots of light
One of the best lots in the neighborhood
Open floor plan that is ideal for entertaining
Chef's kitchen with storage galore, a large island, butler's pantry and a separate eat-in area that overlooks the wooded backyard
High ceilings, custom molding throughout the home
Master suite with separate living area, trey ceilings, large master bath and custom walk-in closet
In-law suite / guest room on main level
Located in one of the best sections of Atlanta - convenient to the interstate, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
This home will be priced in the mid $800s and is sure to sell quickly. If you would like to schedule an appointment to tour the home when it is listed, please call Kerry Lucasse at 404.432.1844.
For more information about us or to start your Atlanta home search,
visit one of the top real estate websites in Metro Atlanta:
In & Around Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Copyright 2006 - 2011 by Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta team with Ian Marshall Realty - Intown Atlanta. All information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. If you need assistance with Intown Atlanta real estate, Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group are always available to assist you with your residential real estate needs!
LOTS of Buckhead sellers are getting a head start on the Spring selling season and have already listed their homes this week.
Buckhead Atlanta eal estate is always in high demand, no matter what type of market we are in, thanks to location, location, location!
The best Buckhead homes, townhomes and condominiums tend sell quickly. We don't want you to miss out on your dream home, so we want you to have access to the latest and greatest listings in this upscale Atlanta community.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE AREA? Buckhead is a community with many smaller neighborhoods, from Garden Hills to Peachtree Hills and even Brookhaven and Ashford Park. It can get a bit confusing, so if you need a professional to help you determine which Buckhead neighborhood(s) are the best fit for you, please call the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group anytime at 404.432.1844.
For more information about us or to start your Atlanta home search,
visit one of the top real estate websites in Metro Atlanta:
In & Around Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Copyright 2006 - 2011 by Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta team with Ian Marshall Realty - Intown Atlanta. All information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. If you need assistance with Intown Atlanta real estate, Kerry Lucasse and the Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group are always available to assist you with your residential real estate needs!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
On January 30th the Atlanta Public Schools will be holding the next Demographic Study Public Meetings regarding the APS redistricting for the Jackson and Grady High School clusters, which includes Springdale Park Elementary, 
East Atlanta is definitely one of Intown Atlanta's most popular neighborhoods, with a charming village setting, great restaurants and pubs, an eclectic mix of residents and a long list of annual festivals and events.
If you have questions about this property and/or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Kerry Lucasse at 404.432.1844
Newsweek just announced that Atlanta is #1 for singles and the best city to find a date!
Downtown Decatur (City of Decatur)
LOTS of Buckhead sellers are getting a head start on the Spring selling season and have already listed their homes this week.
;)
;)
;)
