There it is! Just snapped it this morning!!! Crystal clear blue sky above my house! And here we were all ready for rain, wind and more rain....two of which we really need here in Atlanta! And what do we get? Blue sky, calm winds and birds singing! Am I complaining? Well....no....but.....
In preparation for the pending storm, we had a HUGE Silver Leaf Maple tree in our front yard. (Same type as in the picture above) that had a huge piece all the way up the middle that was dead. We were concerned with the drought and weather that a strong storm might send the entire tree one direction or another! Two of the larger limbs were right over the house! So, we scrambled to get a tree company, at a reasonable price to get the work done before this pending storm......and.....NOTHING!
It was really a sad moment....and don't laugh. It was one of the features we loved about this house when we bought it some 17 years ago....
This picture, taken about a year ago, shows the tree on the right hand side. She was no small cookie! In fact, the diameter of the trunk is about 3 feet!
The main limb you see going up was the dead one..and the tree people said that all the weight would be to one side, making the tree very unstable. Plus, there were numerous places on the ground where the roots were rotting out as well.
So, something that took Mother Nature some 60 years to grow, was gone in the matter of 2 hours! That's it! cut, chopped, loaded and gone!
I actually got a sick feeling in my stomach when we saw what we were left with...
The base of the tree ended up being solid....but the way the limbs would of been left...it was just asking for trouble!
So, next week, I'm drilling holes and making a planter out of the stump! It it's so inclined, and wants to start growing from this again, I'll be happy to let it!
So, Hanna decided she was no match for the likes of Scarlett and Rhett (Gone With The Wind....just in case somebody does not know....) and has paid North Carolina a visit!
I's like to hang out in some REAL rain...so will somebody send us some! Thanks!
The Atlanta Regional Commission released it's August, 2008 Regional Snapshot last week. It shows that the Atlanta Region has not been immune to the effects of the housing market. (Oh wow, I bet any REALTOR could of told me THAT!) But seriously, in a region that has seen an explosion of growth, for the period of April 1, 2007 - April 1, 2008, the region saw an increase of 70,200 people. That is the lowest we have seen since 2003 and the report says its down 16 percent from the annual average this decade. If you can imagine, the Atlanta region has still averaged some 84,000 new residents per year since 2000! No wonder we've gained some traffic problems on our freeways!
But, the City Of Atlanta....we are still kickin.....with an increase of 13,100 people added in the last year! And that is the largest population gain that Atlanta has seen in some 40 years! It also the first time that Atlanta has posted a larger growth thatn surburban Gwinnett County. For those of you reading this that may not be familiar with the Atlanta Metro Region....let me quickly explain why these numbers are important.
When you mention you live in Atlanta, but you really live in Buford, Cumming, Canton, Peachtree City, Stockbridge or Lawrenceville, you live in a suburb of the Atlanta Metro area, NOT the City of Atlanta. Some of these outlying areas are 20+ miles from downtown Atlanta. The importance of the increase in numbers for the City Of Atlanta itself shows that the move from the burbs to the urban core is underway. People are starting to look at their quailty of life and say, hey, kids are gone to school, why am I driving all this way to and from work? That, coupled with the growth in housing options such as new condominiums in areas like Midtown or Downtown Atlanta, or infill housing in neighborhoods such as Brookhaven, Chamblee or the Briarcliff area, is giving people the options they did not have before. And, as new office towers pop up in Midtown and Downtown, it brings more people to the area for their jobs and then the desire to live closer to where they work.
Of course with these numbers, it's no surprize that Fulton County led the growth in the region. And while many counties slowed, DeKalb (of which part is in the city limits of Atlanta) and Cobb County posted record population increases.
It's an exciting time to be a part of Atlanta! I've lived here since 1994, and in Midtown Atlanta since 2006. We can't turn back time, but if I could, I'd love to be 25 and be a part of what's happening now. Of course, I want all the knowledge I have right now as well! But since I can't I'll just focus on the future and be a part of it!
Ok, we are inland from the coast of Georgia, but only 5 hours to Savannah/Charleston! So, if Hanna continues on her present track as predicted, we could see some interesting weather by weekend.
We need rain here in Georgia...but not this way! Then there is the diseased Silver Leaf Maple tree in my front yard that hangs over my house! So the tree company will be here tomorrow to remove it. I'm not taking an chances with that kind of possible wind!
Remember, if a storm is approaching, these are some of the precautions you should take:
BASIC SUPPLY KIT
Water - One Gallon per person, per day for drinking and sanitation
Food - At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food that is easy to store and prepare, such as protein bars, dried fruit and canned foods.
Battery-powered Radio AND Extra Batteries -- When the power goes out, it's kinda hard to watch the Weather Channel to know what the storm is doing.
Flashlight AND Extra Batteries -- Again, when the power goes out, it's hard to find the remote control for the TV to watch the Weather Channel.
First Aid Kit -- for any minor injuries or to help until help arrives.
Whistle -- A GREAT idea to signal for help if you are trapped and search and rescue is underway. Probably would be best on a chain around your neck.
Moist Towelettes or Hand Sanitizer -- to help clean up and keep germs at bay.
Wrench or Pliers -- to turn off utilities if there is danger around you.
Manual Can Opener -- for food in your kit if it's canned.
Plastic Sheeting and duct tape -- to shelter in place, cover broken windows or provide protection
Garbage Bags, Ziploc Bags and plastic ties -- Use Ziploc bags to keep batteries, matches, cell phones, wallets and any other items dry. Garbage bags for....ah....garbage....again it may be days before these types of services are restored.
Unique Family Needs -- Daily prescriptions, infant formula and diapers and important family documents.
Here is a perfect time to mention....Is your computer or laptop Backed up? What if you lose it in a flood or wind? I use Carbonite and it's awesome...every time I save anything to my laptop, a copy is created on the web for me! Also, while you may not have time now, consider scanning family photos onto your computer so you have a copy of them.
Escape Routes -- You should know your neighborhood, but even farther out than that....if you have to escape, you should have several routes mapped out should anyone be blocked or not available to you.
Since we work with many clients that live in high-rise condo buildings, remove anything and everything from your balcony, no matter how heavy you think it is! Anything off a balcony is an airborne missile to another person or building. Same goes for living in home. Patio furniture, garbage cans, etc should all be secured so they don't become flying objects.
We all hope we NEVER, EVER have to use these tips...but it's better to be safe, than sorry.
It's true. As we get older, time really does slip right through our fingers. I'm always on the run. Running to an appointment. Running to take pictures. Running to the dry cleaners. Time just flys by. Look. It's Labor Day Weekend. You know what that means. Summer's Over! But it's not to late to enjoy one last visit to the pool! Time to relax and catch your breath. Maybe spend some quality time with family or friends.
And what can be better than a pool! Ahhhhhh....Fun in the Sun! Who needs a beach? (Well, I do, or at least I wish my pool was alot closer to Pensacola than it is!)
When you are driving through Midtown Atlanta, taking in the sights of Peachtree Street, you can't help but notice our housing boom, called condominiums. Short ones. Fat Ones. Tall Ones....they do come in all shapes and sizes....but have you ever wondered what the pool looks like? Where do us city people spend our free time (what free time?) Well, here's your personal tour of some of the Condominums Of Midtown Pools! I've even thrown in a couple homes, just for good measure.
805 Peachtree gives you the feel of a resort with it's lounge chairs and cabanas!
Add some greenery, a Pina Coloda, and we are in business!
905 Juniper has even MORE of that resort feel...like you are in the South Pacific at some Zen Resort!
Hmmmm....this calls for a Mai Tai....extra pineapple and TWO umbrellas please!
Cotting Court....tucked between the two buildings of this sophisticated community (really, any unit I've been in reminds me of a Mini Buckhead mansion with the decor and furnishings)
James....could we have another Grey Goose Martini, dry, 2 olives please!
Mid City Lofts.....simply elegant in a contemporary, minimalist setting. The pool deck is not even wide enough to get a lounge chair by it...but in the background is one awesome club house, perfect to mix up the cocktails and stroll around.
Maybe a Mojito while you make the rounds and let everyone know you are here!
These were your mid-rise buildings in Midtown (6-8 stories). Now, let's kick it up a notch.....
Viewpoint Midtown is the newest kid on the block! And He know's how to set the tone! From the high end grills in the foreground, to the pool, and the wet bar on the other end...and chaise lounges and landscaping in between, this is sure to be THE pool to be seen at next Summer! (Since closings just started in June..it was quiet this summer)
With a wetbar, I say bring on the blender and bring on the Frozen Margaritas!!!! Some chips, salsa and grill up some fajitas! Now we're talking!
Up next, is Plaza Midtown. This is where The Thom And Ray Team call home! This pool will handle you and a few dozen of your closest friends....but...hey hey....resident guest limit is 4 people. (Last Summer this pool was THE Midtown Pool to be seen at!) The round building to the left is the club house and fitness center.
With room for a DJ and poolside dancing, and a stroll in the Plaza Gardens, I enjoy my Cosmo....easy there...no spilling on the pool deck while dancing!
The Metropolis - Was nicknamed the Towers of Glass when they were first constructed in 2001. Orginally it was to be 1 tower of condos, and 1 tower of apartments. The first tower sold out so fast, it bacame ALL condos. The landscaping of the pool was a big news story as they craned trees and huge boulders up to the 6th Floor Amenity Deck. As you can see, the 6th Floor Pool Deck is pretty cool.
Let's grab a Rum Runner, a chaise lounge and I'll tell you all about life in Midtown Atlanta!
Park Central was built in 1999, before the developers figured out where to put the a/c condenser. (They are ON THE BALCONY) here! Ugh! And there is a reason why it's good to buy on a high floor or in a high rise if you want a view. PC will soon have the Lowes Hotel on one side and a new 25-story apartment building on the other. But, hey, they have an indoor AND and outdoor pool, and offer up an inexpensive choice in Midtown.
Grab a Miller Lite and we'll take a look around, and the head over to Piedmont Park...just a block away!
Above The Four Seasons is just that. The condominiums above the Four Seasons Hotel. (Sorry for the pic quality....I've got to take my own?
Needless to say, quite posh and it's actually a spa!
In that case, I'll have a bottle of water please! (I mean really, we are at a Spa!)
1010 Midtown soon will be the New Kid on The Block! This condominium development is part of the huge 12th & Midtown project that includes condos, the new Lowes Hotel and an office building. As you can see for this drawing, ti will be another "garden and pool" in the sky, with a waterfall/feature and cabanas.
An Apple Martini, you iPod, your D&G sunglasses...you are IN!
1010 Midtown will start closings on the lower floors around October, and the higher floors will be next Spring.
And as promised....a few of the homes in Midtown also have an oasis tucked away in their backyard...
You can call any of these pools "yours" (with the exception of the home pools...neither home is currently on the market) Just give us a call!
One signal that our dog days of summer in Midtown Atlanta are numbered, is when you look at the calendar of activities and see all the fesitvals and such there are to go to! And they are not always just in your back yard, but are just a short drive away! I have to admit, I have not been to most of these, but have added a few on my calender for the upcoming visit of my In-laws! Hope you enjoy one or more of them as well!
"Road to Freedom: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1956-1968"
Now Through October 5
This is a great way to learn about a historical time in our country's past, espeically when you may have been to young (me) or not have lived in the South (me) to understand all of it.
From the Freedom Rides of 1961 to the Selma-Montgomery March in 1965, these professional photographers and others captured a time in our country when things were different.
Surely a one-of-a-kind gathering of photos not to be missed.
25th Annual Lasershow Spectacular
Stone Mountain is one of those backyard gems you forget you have! Listed in Frommer's 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of "35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die," Stone Mountain Park is located just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. Like I said, backyard we forget about. (In-law activity!)
The show is nightly during the Summer, but for September, you'll have to plan for a Saturday evening only...get there early for choice seating on the Great Lawn and it's FREE. (Well, it costs $8 to get into the park per car.) Be sure to check out the website for other great things to do at the Park!
Labor Day at The Post - Fort Oglethorpe
Labor Day at The Post outdoor festival, BBQ, Kid's Play Zone, arts and crafts, live entertainment and military displays. Parade at 11am until 5pm.
UGA Arts Festival - Georgia Museum of Art
September 4-7
East Campus of UGA, Athens
This event is a first for the University of Georgia. It will celebrate the opening of the new Lamar Dodd School of Art! Enjoy musical and theatrical performances, fine and decorative arts exhibits, the joy of dance, and hands-on activities for children and families.
Best of all...Its FREE! Visit the website to learn more about who, what and when at the home of the Georgia Bulldogs!
Fiesta Georgia - Duluth Town Park, Suwanee
Sunday, September 7 10am - 7pm
This will be Atlanta's largest Hispanic Heritage Month outdoor celebration, with over 15,000 people expected to attend the first of what will become Atlanta's annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Fiesta Georgia will be a day long celebration of Latino culture, music, and food. The event features continuous live performances by national and local artists, vendor booths offering free product samples, arts and crafts, and authentic Latino foods.
Atlanta Arts Festival - Piedmont Park
September 12-14
Go Figure! An Arts Festival IN Piedmont Park! The City of Atlanta banned all Class A sized Festivals (attendance of 50,000 or more) from the Park due to the drought conditions. This festival has managed to escape the "axe" since it is not nearly as large as its competitor, The Dogwood Festival. So if you are missing your day in the park, lounging, people watching and all, this is the only chance you get this year. But don't plan on a game of touch football or such...."organized sports play" is still banned in the park because of the drought conditions.
I've never attended this one, it's new (I think this is the 2nd or 3rd year) so can't say anything about the artists as compared to The Dogwood. You'll have to check it out on your own. But, if you don't bring a picnic, wonder on over to Marlow's Tavern at Plaza Midtown for some great food, beverages and all kinds of tv's to watch!
September 20-21
See....if by now you have not found the perfect art piece for that open space on your wall....we've got you covered with yet another festival with an artist's market, crafters, pet parade, entertainment..and even a 5K and 10K run! Then there's a Food Court to keep you going!
One thing that the web site lists that sounds pretty "green" is the Drive Green exhibit. Learn more about planet-friendly vehicles by visiting this collection of fuel-efficient cars from area dealers. 
Will driving a hybrid really pay off? Can I drive green with style?
Check out the cars and talk with dealer reps about the impact of greener cars on the environment and finding one that works for you. Drive Green participants include Sandy Springs Toyota, Global Imports BMW and MINI and Curry Honda.
Top off the month of September, if you have the energy left (and any money after all those art purchases and beers) at the ever popular....
25th Annual Atlanta Home Show Fall Edition
September 25-28
Cobb Galleria Center - Atlanta (Or Marietta)
You never know who will be there, revealing their tips and secrets! Plus, you always get to check out some great products, get new ideas for your next remodeling project, and come home with a bag full of literature that will take you a week to sift through!
From Kitchens to landscaping, and everything inbetween, you are sure to find information you can use!
I have not attended this show for a couple years. (I'm still sifting through my last bag of stuff....just kidding) but it really does give you exposure to lots of cool products for your home and garden.
When you finish here...head back to Midtown Atlanta...you'll be worn out, and ready for some refreshments at any of our fine watering holes, including Taco Mac, Zocalo and The Vortex!
Hope to see you out and about enjoying all there is to do this month while you are looking for your Atlanta Real Estate
"Real Estate For The Urban Lifestyle"....means we Live in Midtown, Work in Midtown and KNOW Midtown Atlanta! A dynamic, ever-changing part of Atlanta...and an exciting place to live, work and play!!
Once an area filled with boarded up buildings, vagrants and empty streets, Midtown Atlanta is now the Premiere location in Atlanta! The Midtown Alliance is guiding The Midtown BluePrint...and now Peachtree Street (also know as the Midtown Mile) is lined with luxury condominiums, office towers and retail shops. New construction continues, and in the next few years, Midtown will offer almost 1 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL SPACE....the size of Phipps Plaza in Buckhead! Cultural activities abound, from the Fox Theatre, High Museum, Alliance Theatre, and the Center for Puppetry Arts are just a few! New restaurants offer you dining options galore...and more open almost monthly! See the brick building on the left of the picture...that's OUR office....right in the Heart of the Mile!
Like to travel? The Midtown MARTA station is just across the street from Plaza Midtown...making those weekend getaways easy!
Midtown Atlanta...Manhattan of The South!!
The "A" on the Map is our office! Right in the Heart of Midtown Atlanta!
There is a very strong neighborhood association, Midtown Neighbors' Association, which works to improve the community through various community services, land use planning, review of liquor licenses for local businesses and safety. MNA also hosts two signature events each year, the Midtown Tour of Homes, and the Midtown Atlanta Shop And Dine Week! Both are ones you don't want to miss! And maybe, even become involved with!
Midtown Atlanta........Where YOU want to Be!
I've been a Resident of Atlanta for 16 years (the second longest place I've lived since growing up in Montana!) and to say it's changing...well! But, it's all exciting! Of course, we have growing pains, just like any big city does, but it's a great place.....Come on down....I'll give you a personal tour in my special real estate touring car....
In my time in real estate, I've learned "you cannot be everything to everyone." That being said, if I have a Buyer or Seller who want to buy a home, or list a home in an area of Atlanta I'm not familiar with, I won't do it. Call me crazy...think I am turning away business....NOT! I feel I will do a client/customer a BETTER service be referring them to an agent who knows the area they want to look in. On the flipside of that, I see agents work in my marketplace who have no idea what building is coming up next, or what's going on in the neighborhood.
I specialize in Midtown Atlanta! While most of this area is condominiums, I do keep abreast of single-family home neighborhoods close to Midtown, so that if my clients want to move from a condo to a home, I know of areas that would fit their needs. Again, I stay Inside The Perimeter (ITP) so I can focus on areas and know more about them.
Midtown is a dynamic, ever-changing neighborhood. Knowing my market, knowing my product, and knowing the area, are what I consider key factors that any home Buyer or Seller should be looking for when they select a REALTOR.
I bring my extensive Marketing and Sales background full circle from the hospitality industry to Real Estate. I previously held Sales positions with Hilton Hotels Corporation, Nikko Hotels North America, and most recently as President and CEO of Benott Hospitality Group, a consulting firm specializing in small hotels and motels. My marketing experience helps clients market and stage their homes for maximum exposure and maximum dollars!
While helping my clients market their homes, I also enjoy helping buyers find the "PERFECT" home. By listening and understanding what they are looking for, I use the latest technology to help them find their new home. My experience in Customer Focused Service training in the Hospitality industry for 20 plus years gives me a unique advantage when working with both Buyers and Sellers. I determine the needs of my Buyers, find the homes that have those features and benefits they are looking for, and then help them every step of the way, from contract to closing, and all the details in between. For Sellers, I identify the features and benefits of their home so we can market it more effectively.
Thom,
Kimberly and I wanted to thank you and Ray for all your help in our recent Atlanta real estate ventures.
We were impressed from day one with your excellent organization and professionalism. The booklet you prepared for us with the property photos and summaries was especially helpful when viewing multiple properties, more so since we were out of town and would not have the opportunity to visit frequently.
Kimberly and I were also very happy with your assistance beyond closing. It is obvious that your commitment did not end there, and we are grateful for the follow up you provided with our property even after we closed.
We would highly recommend you and Ray to any of our friends who would be interested in Atlanta real estate.
Thanks again,
Brad
--
Bradley G. Goldberg, M.D.
www.coffeewomenscenter.com
Thom and Ray:
Thank you both so much for all you did to help me with the purchase of my condo at Spire Midtown. I cannot adequately express how much I appreciate your patience, expertise and counsel throughout the entire process.
Everything you did, from educating me on the basics of home buying to referring me to a superb mortgage broker, worked toward making me feel more comfortable and more confident about the pending purchase. I never felt like I was "just another client", since you were guiding me every step of the way.
And the result? I am the proud owner of an amazing condo in the heart of Midtown Atlanta! I have an incredible place to call home and entertain guests. Thank you again, and rest assured that I will refer you to friends and associates. I look forward to working with you again in the future.
Winston W. Chapman
My husband, Don Jones, and I are extremely happy to say that we sold our townhouse at The Dakota in Midtown Atlanta in 92 days in one of the most depressed real estate and stock markets in more than six years! Not only did it sell amazingly fast, it sold for 94% of our Listing Price!
One of the major contributing factors to our recent sales success was The Thom And Ray Team. They have an amazing combination of skill sets: Professionalism, Sales, Marketing, Market Savvy and Negotiating. We strongly recommend using The Thom And Ray Team adn would welcome an opportunity to answer any questions you may have.
Thom and Ray also handled the purchase of our new home at Viewpoint Midtown which was complicated by our purchaseof two units to be combined into one. At each step of the process, we received consisitent and professional advice and ended up purchasing at a very favorable price.
Peggy Denby, Executive Director, Keep Atlanta Beautiful
Note: Peggy (in Pink) and Don (white shirt) cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening Party for Viewpoint!
When my fiancée and I decided to move to California, we began to shop around for agents to help sell our condo. We were referred to Thom Abbott by a friend of my fiancées family and decided to use him as our agent after a brief meeting. Thom is extremely knowledgeable about the Midtown Atlanta market and impressed us with his ideas about how to market our condo. Thom held open houses and also created a flyer that was displayed for potential buyers to take home with them. 
My fiancée and I were selling our condo in a tough market when many homes were being foreclosed upon; however we had a steady flow of showings on a weekly basis. Thom was able to get feedback for us from other agents about what potential buyers liked/disliked about our unit and we were able to sell our unit in a just few short months. Whenever we had a question or concern, Thom was always easily reachable or got back to back to us in a very timely manner. I would highly recommend Thom as an agent and will definitely refer him as an agent to friends and family.
Peter and Kira Morris
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