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
In an article that appeared last week in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, some news was reported that REALTORS, buyers and Seller's already knew. Sales are down. Yep. Thanks for the news flash, but we all knew that already!
But there was a ray of hope in the article that noted that Viewpoint Midtown was the Number One selling building in the first half of 2008! There is still sunshine in the real estate market!
If you've been thinking about buying, but sitting on the fence, now just might be the time to ride the wave! Prices are down, and we know they will come back up. If you've been considering an investment property, Viewpoint Midtown is a great opportunity. We've recently leased all the units we had!
Give us a call and let us help you with your Viewpoint Midtown Condominium purchase!
When I use to be in the corporate world (group/convention sales in hotels) I always had to wear a suit. I had about 10 of them back then! And ties!!! I even had a contest with a General Manager to see which of us could have the loudest, yet very elegant ties. (Of course with his salary, he won!)
I worked in an ocean-front resort where I had to wear a coat and tie. It was so much fun to be walking my clients around the grounds, pool, and even up on the boardwalk to look at the beach, all in a suit. (Oh, I did get casual....I took my coat off and slung it over my shoulder...whoo hoo!) Needless to say, by the time I got back inside, I was, shall we say, soaking wet!!!
I worked at a hotel here in Atlanta that even if you came in on a Saturday or Sunday, with no public contact (our offices were "behind the house") we still had to wear slacks and a dress shirt! I gotta tell you, I don't miss those days...in fact I now just have ONE, really nice suit!
Now, I own my own business. And I am so way more comfortable in jeans and a nice shirt with a classy pair of shoes that I could ever be in a coat and tie. (No, that's not me...I searched my library for a picture of me, but I'm always on the WRONG end of the camera!)
Mind you, if you have not priced "good" jeans, and I mean the label jeans, I've got some in my closet that are well over $100 a pair, and if I may so so, I look pretty darn good in them! I feel more at ease when talking with people, and feel like I can be myself.
Am I dressing for success? If Madison from Million Dollar Listing on Bravo can sell a $14M home wearing jeans and tennis shoes, is he dressing for success?
When I'm showing Midtown Atlanta, I can walk to most of the condominium buildings right from my office! But in 95+degree heat and humidity, I'd be soaking wet after the 1st building!
Don't get me wrong. I'll be attending the Midtown Alliance "Let's Talk Midtown" quarterly meeting next month, where Gov. Sonny Perdue will be addressing the group. You can sure bet that really nice suit, shirt and cool tie will be out in force!
And if I'm going on a listing presentation, sure, on come the slacks and a shirt. So, again, am I dressing for success? Once my potential clients know me, they usually EXPECT to see me in a sharp pair of jeans, shirt and a sport coat if weather permits!
So, an informal survey says, which agent do you think can find you the perfect new Midtown Atlanta condo or single family home you've been looking for?
The Agent on the Left
OR
The Agent on the Right?
(Hint: I was wearing jeans in the picture on the left also!)
I'll bet you money that either one of them will do a great job for you!
Back in May, I posted a blog about the upcoming closing of the Doraville GM Plant, which will happen next month! General Motors Corporation received hundreds of bids, but has narrowed down the field to just four developers it is considering to redevelop this incredible site of some 130 acres, adjacent to I-285 with the North Line of MARTA ending at it's doorstep!
This is a HUGE opportunity for Doraville to be on the Atlanta, and Georgia map like never before! Due to a previous city administration, much of the current new development jumped over Doraville, and landed in nearby Chamblee. Here, they have seen new townhomes, condos, lofts and shopping centers open, all within walking distance of the Chamblee MARTA station. In fact, one of the first urban WalMarts opened in Chamblee....a feat the city fought long and hard on....and won....almost all of the parking is underground, and the building is hidden by other stores from major streets.
GM has indicated the finalists for this project include Hines, developer of several office buildings in the Perimeter area, and most noteably, 1180 Peachtree, or the Symphony Building in Midtown Atlanta; Jacoby Development which took an enviornmental monster, the old Atlantic Steel Mill, and turned it into what is now Atlantic Station. The Doraville site will be limited from having the high-rise skyline of Atlantic Station, due to its close proximity to Dekalb-Peachtree Airport. Also considered a finalist, is Broad Street Partners, LLC which buys and develops residential and commerical properties. And The Sembler Company who has developed several projects in the Atlanta area, including their current under-construction project, Town Brookhaven.
You can imagine the GM plant making this kinda of change....
This is the rendition of Town Brookhaven as found on their website, and is currently under construction, just North of the Brookhaven MARTA station.
Are you catching all the development (finally) around transit stations! About time!
The site is being marketed by CB Richard Ellis, Inc. They put quite an impressive web site together to advertise this almost once in a life time opportunity at The Doraville Project.
One of the important points in this whole process is how quickly GM is moving to sell this property, a sign of their financial times. The closing was announced late in 2005, and they have indicated they will select the developer by September, and want to close by end of the year. With the financial markets what they are, you certainly will need a developer with money in the bank!
But another reason to not have this property languish, is compared to the Tarrytown, NY GM plant which closed in 1996, and this is what it still looks like 12 years later!!!
I've owned a home in Doraville for the past few years, and I see my neighborhood making a 180 degree turnaround in the coming years!
There is already a "land rush" on adjoining property. A piece of property on New Peachtree Road that was recently home to an old warehouse and junk yard, and been cleared. It can be had for a modest $4 Million!
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Midtown Atlanta Real Estate "Can You Feel the Vibe!"....means Midtown Atlanta Real Estate! We LIVE, WORK and KNOW Midtown Atlanta! A dynamic, ever-changing part of Atlanta! Welcome Home!
"Midtown Atlanta...Can You Feel the Vibe?"
Once an area filled with boarded up buildings, vagrants and empty streets, Midtown Atlanta is now the Premiere location for Atlanta Real Estate! 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 Atlanta 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!
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!!
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........Can You Feel The Vibe?
Want to see the FUTURE of Midtown Atlanta?
Just Click on the Picture Below for a Special Tour!
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....(She's currently on the injured reserve list) but I'll still give you that tour!
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 wants 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 Real Estate! While most of this area is condominiums, I do keep abreast of single-family home neighborhoods close to Midtown Atlanta, 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. As a result of this specialization, I created My Midtown Mojo as a site where you can learn all about Midtown Atlanta AND Midtown Atlanta Real Estate.
Midtown Atlanta 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.
As first-time home buyers, we were in need of a REALTOR with experience and patience. Thom from Thomas Ramon Realty proved to be what we needed and more. His experience with the neighborhood we chose, Midtown Atlanta, was the catalyst in closing on our home with confidence before April and taking advantage of the first time home buyer's tax credit.
His patience was tested when we experienced a hiccup in the middle of our shopping experience, which temporarily took us out of the market. He gave us no pressure to push forward and let us know he would be more than thrilled to continue when we were ready. It was his confidence in us that encouraged us to go back to him and in no time found the perfect Midtown Atlanta Condo at a great price.
Our gratitude will be expressed henceforth by strongly recommending Thom Abbott and Thomas Ramon Realty to anyone looking to make a secure investment in the Midtown Atlanta Real Estate market.
Elena and Garrett
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 and 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 purchase of two units to be combined into one. At each step of the process, we received consistent 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
To Whom It May Concern:
Thom and Ray were very proactive in helping me sell my condo in Midtown. I previously had my place on the market for a year and I never got a single offer.
The second time around, I hired Thom to list my place because he seemed very knowledgeable of the in-town market. He and Ray pulled out all the stops to get my place exposed to as many people as possible. They sent out promotional flyers, posted the listing on all the major websites, and held numerous open houses.
I was out of town during this time so they kept me informed of progress through email and phone calls. I was surprised, given the staggering slack in home sales, how many people they actually got to come through the doors.
After a few months we had a buyer. Thom negotiated the price and took care of all the contracts and paperwork, making the closing a hassle-free process. I was a first time home owner trying to unload a one bedroom condo in a troubled market; Thom and Ray were great partners to have on my side--I'd recommend these guys to anybody.
Kevin Manley Cornerstone Village Condominiums
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