Sally English|Atlanta Georgia Real Estate

Let's see if I can answer your questions about getting pre-qualified for a mortgage loan:

You do not pay a fee to a mortgage lender (OK, lets just say reputable mortgage lenders do not charge a fee) for pre-qualification

There are several types of loan available such as FHA with as little as 3.5% down and conventional where most buyers put 10-20% down. Ask your lender about down payment options. Also, we can discuss these options after the pre-qualification process.

Briarcliff Commons Subdivision is located on Briarcliff Way which runs between Briarcliff Road and Henderson Mill Road near Northlake Mall. These homes are "newer" compared to other homes in the Northlake neighborhoods and are built on smaller cluster style building lots. The school districts are

Briarcliff Commons Homes for sale

Henderson Mill Elementary School

Henderson Middle School

Lakeside High School

Homes for Sale in Briarcliff Commons Subdivision:

2348 Briarcliff Commons Atlanta Ga 30345

$480,000

Greenwood Acres Subdivision is located almost across the street from Twin Lakes Swim and Tennis Club and is within walking distance of Briarlake Elementary School.

Homes presently for sale in the subdivision include

2159 Greensward Drive Atlanta GA 30345 $ 367,000

2930 Greenwillow Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345 $ 449,900

Nearby

2032 Holidan Road Decatur GA 30033

$ 264,900

Greenwood Acres Subdivision Homes for Sale

Greenwood Acres History (from Grenwood Acres Civic Association http://www.greenwoodacres.org)

The Greenwood Acres community was developed in the early sixties. By the mid-sixties, many of the current homes were built and families started moving in. Some of the early residents decided that our neighborhood needed a garden club. Thus, the Greenwood Acres Garden Club was formed, and quickly grew into one that contributed to the early foundation of the community. The stated purpose of the original garden club was to encourage interests in all phases of home gardening and to promote better horticultural practices, civic beauty, and the conservation of natural resources. The entrance markers were built in the early years. Permission was granted by members who lived on the property where we wanted to place the entrance markers. One of our markers is now on the property owned by the Bob Finney family. The other marker now is located on the property donated to us by the Jay Ghanta family. Both families have contributed greatly to the upkeep of the grounds surrounding the markers.

Over the course of a few years, the club sponsored several contests in the community such as: Neighborhood Beautification, Yard-of-the Month, Christmas Door Decorations, etc. Many of the original members of the community will also remember the Christmas season caroling we enjoyed with our families during the holidays for many years. Following the caroling, we would go to a home and enjoy refreshments. This program was very popular with neighborhood families. During the early years, our club participated in the DeKalb County Federation of Garden Clubs. Flower shows were held, and our club had several winning entries during the seventies. (Some of you will remember the late Ruth McAbee who was a very talented flower designer during this period.) She submitted many of the winners.

Our club celebrated several varied social occasions in those early days, such as Spring Flings, Christmas parties, summer picnics, etc. Many coffees and teas were enjoyed as new members joined the group. New friends were made and enhanced over the years as informational and interesting gardening programs were provided by local experts in many areas of interest to the members. Also, workshops were provided by some of our own talented gardeners in programs such as building-your-own hanging baskets, craft projects, etc. The social committee provided quite a few formal parties during the holiday season where families were invited to participate. In those days, our group was smaller and our homes would accommodate the memberships’ families At this time, Greenwood Acres consists of approximately 175 homes; therefore, much larger accommodations are necessary for parties, meetings, etc.

In 1983, the Greenwood Acres Garden Club officially changed the name of the group to Greenwood Acres Civic Association. At this time, we asked the men to join the group. We enlarged our scope of programs that were offered. Greater emphasis was placed on general neighborhood concerns such as Neighborhood Watch programs. Several members expressed interest in getting speed bumps put in the streets. The program was carefully considered, but was not voted upon by the membership. With our larger groups for parties, we expanded to block parties held outside to accommodate everyone. Several delightful affairs were enjoyed by the membership during this period. We were fortunate to have many faithful and loyal members such as Mr. Tom Pruitt who for many years maintained our lights at the entrance markers, and always put out the life-size wooden carolers at the holiday markers for the Christmas holiday season.

Thus, our status remained until September 13, 2006, when our group under the direction of Mr. Scott Ray, President, applied for incorporation. The new name became Greenwood Acres Civic Association, Inc. Mr. Ray contributed tremendously to this effort and donated much of his time and energy on our behalf to accomplish this part of our history.

History provided by Betty Pace

Spring Market in Emory-CDC Neighborhoods Kicking Off With Good Activity

The English Team has seen encouraging activity in the first few weeks of the spring real estate market in neighborhoods convenient to Emory University and The Center for Disease Control. Our neighborhoods in Northeast DeKalb County (metro Atlanta) have experienced more offers and accepted contracts than we expected. During the past month the English Team has written contracts on houses, accepted contracts on our listings and have seen increased activity from potential home buyers on our websites.

Why the increased activity? Not completely sure but there are some undeniable considerations.

1. Home prices are affordable. Most sellers have accepted the fact that the market has dropped in value and they have priced their homes to sell.

2. Home mortgage loans are amazingly affordable. When I send my buyer clients to my trusted financial advisers (Robbie Crozier and James Williamson at Fairfield Mortgage), they come back amazed by how affordable home ownership is right now. Most are finding they can buy a home with a lower monthly payment than their rent!

3. Many potential home buyers are tired of living in an apartment. They want a fenced back yard, flower garden, room for their stuff, neighbors they can share good times with and most of all, the pride of ownership.

4. The stock market has rewarded patient investors with a pretty good return. Many home buyers have experienced a return on their savings.

5. Job security is greater than it was a year ago.

If you are considering buying a home in Atlanta (or selling) call us at 770-939-3174. Also, you can visit our website for home buying tips and advice that WILL save you money. Send us an EMAIL.

DeKalb Schools Considering De-facto Year-round School Calendar

From remarks made by DeKalb Schools superintendent Cheryl Atkinson it appears DeKalb County Schools is on the move towards a more year round academic calendar:

"We want to implement a balanced calendar so that our students don't spend so much time away from the learning environment during the summer," Atkinson said. After her speech, a spokesman said that a change could come as soon as next fall, though no decision has been reached."

The pros are readily apparent:

1. At risk students no longer have a long summer break during which they lose many of their study skills and reading opportunities.

2. It makes the teachers job a little easier during the school year.

I see the following unintended consequences

1. Teachers lose opportunity for professional development (taking courses at Universities in particular)

2. High School age students lose an opportunity for summer jobs.

3. Families will have more difficulty scheduling summer vacations.

4. High School students will lose access to many summer enrichment programs.

The balancing act is measuring the development of at risk students versus the opportunities missed by middle class students. Unfortunately, I think this calendar will push more academically gifted students out of the school system which is in effect a loss for the at risk students. What do you think?