Nestled in Springdale Heights and built in 1947, this beautifully renovated home reminds us of a simpler Decatur. This charmer is equipped with the updates you would expect from a brand new home, at a fraction of the price. Within easy walking distance of downtown Decatur, all your favorite hot spots are at your back door.  Originally three bedrooms, the home’s third bedroom has been transformed into an updated and conveniently located dining room off the kitchen. The home could easily be transformed into three bedrooms by taking in the dining room or “popping” the top with the expansive walk-up attic. The possibilities are endless! With all the benefits of being so close to the city of Decatur but none of the steep city taxes to complain about, being in an unincorporated DeKalb home has never felt so good.

Clean, clean, clean! This home has been well kept through the years both inside and out. The exterior of the home benefits from new exterior doors, brand new paint and mature landscaping. A stroll through the front door and you are quickly greeted by rich, real, history-filled hardwood floors and warm, neutral colors. Natural light pours into the spacious rooms, and the fireplace is the focal point in the main living room, providing cozy comfort on those cold days. Custom touches include recently painted walls, a well updated kitchen with travertine tile floor, new cabinets, quartz countertops, and two beautifully updated bathrooms. These features represent unique upgrades over the competition in this price range. The large master bedroom features an inviting master bath with a  freshly tiled floor and a walk-in closet. You will love having the laundry room right off the master bedroom as well.  The secondary bedroom provides plenty of space.  As mentioned earlier, the walk-up attic is currently an amazing storage space rivaling any of today’s basements, but it is the long-term possibilities that could prove promising for the creative renovator. Lastly, the fenced and level backyard is incredibly private, usable, and includes a great patio and deck perfect for your grilling and entertaining enjoyment. You can’t miss the amazing living space in the backyard for enjoying the beauty, serenity, and shade.

Your home is waiting.  Time is not on your side. This beautifully updated charmer will not last long, and once you see it, you will understand why.

FMLS # 4118307 and GAMLS# 02937462

Do You Think the Homebuyer Tax Credit Deadline has Passed?  by Carol Donnelly with Bank of America

Think Again!!

Let’s just think of the homebuyer credit from a different perspective.  The average of the 30 year fixed rate mortgage from 7/1/2000 through 7/1/2010 is 6.75%.  Today we are at 4.50%

How Much Does That Save a Buyer?

On a loan amount of $250,000, the principal & interest at the past 10 year average rate of 6.75% is $1622/month

The principal & interest at 4.50% is $1267/month.  That is a savings of $355/month.  Over the average stay of 5 years in a home, that creates an interest savings for the 5 year period of $21,287.  This certainly makes the expired homebuyer tax credit pale in comparison.

 How can I calculate the savings for a specific loan amount?

Regardless of the loan amount, the difference in interest rate will save you interest payments of 8.51% of your loan amount over a 5 year period OR it will save you interest payments of 1.7% of your loan amount per year.  As an example you can apply at any price point, a loan amount of $150,000 will save you $12,765 in interest payments over a 5 year period ($150,000 x 8.51%) or $2550 per year ($150,000 x 1.7%).

How Can FHA Loans Help Me 5 Years From Now?

Another talking point for potential buyers is regarding FHA loans.  FHA loans are ASSUMABLE and that can be a real win situation for homebuyers today.  A buyer who obtains an FHA loan today with a minimum down payment of 3.5%, who decides 5 years from now to sell may end up with a tremendous market advantage when they sell.  Let’s assume a home purchased today at $175,000 increases in value 2% per year for the next 5 years.  Value in 5 years is approximately $193,200  Assuming the borrower made the minimum down payment of 3.5% when they purchased and including the principal reduction they made over the 5 years, they probably have a payoff of approximately $153,400.  The loan balance of $153,400 would be assumable at the initial rate of 4.5% to the new buyer which would require the new buyer to make a down payment of 20%.  If current interest rates in 5 years are just average at 6.75%, that would make the home extremely attractive to have 4.5% financing available in a 6.75% market!

From The Peters Company with Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Road:

Are you an Atlanta home buyer that missed out on the first time home buyer tax credit?  Are you on the fence about purchasing a home?  Jump off that fence!  Interest rates are at all time lows.  Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to buy a home.  Give us a call today!

Oh my – what a deal!  This gorgeous new construction John Willis home located in Smyrna’s Spring Street Village was a steal of a deal selling for 75% of original list price.  Located next to Durham Park and a short walk to Smyrna Market Village, this home was a shoo-in favorite for our active buyers looking to enjoy all Smyrna has to offer.  Our clients especially liked that the home was built to Earthcraft standards and featured all the bells and whistles of gourmet kitchens and exquisite baths.  We are so happy for you guys and can’t wait to come visit when you get settled!  Congratulations, Scott and Heather!

If you are looking for a new construction Earthcraft home in Atlanta, don’t hestitate to give us a call!  It would be our pleasure to help you!

We had the great pleasure of working with one of our past client’s mothers as she relocated from Virginia to Atlanta to be closer to her sweet new grandchild!   We had a wonderful time finding her a home in Roswell close to Historic Roswell and the Roswell Square.  North Point is a fantastic swim/tennis community built in the early 70s.  The lots are a great size, and this one in particular, since it’s a corner lot!  With large trees and beautiful landscaping, the curb appeal is astounding.  This coupled with the updated interior made this home a real winner.  We’re thankful that Debbie won this war – as there were multiple offers on the property and it only lasted for 8 days on the market!  Congratulations, Debbie!  And a BIG THANKS to Berkley and Lee for trusting us enough to even take care of their mother! 

If you have any family or friends relocating to the Atlanta area, we’d love to help them just as we helped Debbie find this gorgeous Roswell home!

Gorgeous Decatur Heights Home :: SOLD with multiple offers! 

Old is new again. Originally built in 1930, this immaculate renovation reminds us of a much simpler Decatur. The custom paint and trim fit perfectly and help restore the home to original cottage charm. But don’t let this little trip down memory lane fool you!  This home, nestled in historic Decatur Heights, is equipped with everything and more that you’d expect from a brand new home, at a fraction of the price.  Within easy walking distance of downtown Decatur, all your favorite hot spots are at your back door.  Also, since you have easy access to Ponce de Leon, the main thoroughfares and public transportation are convenient.  The fenced corner lot provides great privacy and enhances the overall function and curb appeal of the home, and you are districted for the desirable Winnona Park Elementary School within the City Schools of Decatur cluster.

An open floorplan in a 70 year old house? Absolutely! You will love the natural light, flow and openness created in the main living room, dining room, and gourmet kitchen running the length of the home. The rich original hardwood floors and warm custom paint finishes tie everything together. The original fireplace has been brought back to life with modern day gas logs. The tiled kitchen features the granite countertops and counter space you have been looking for with a complimenting tile backsplash and extra outlets for convenience. In addition, the custom cabinets are painted to accent and give the kitchen an ultra updated appeal. The home includes three separate bedrooms along with two separate bathrooms. The updated motif is continued in the baths. No more perfect example than the crisp and clean master bathroom including tasteful tile and an oversized master shower complete with two shower heads. The guest bath includes modern designer light and bath fixtures and includes a classically unique antique slipper tub.

Your home is waiting. Time is not on your side. This beautifully updated charmer will not last long, and once you see it, you will understand why.

Click here to see our original blog post on this Decatur home…

Have you been searching for an affordable Decatur home that’s updated and move-in ready?  Look no further than this fantastic home in Decatur’s Ashwood Glen…

Quiet and convenience abound in this four bedroom open planned home. With all the benefits of being so close to the city of Decatur but none of the steep city taxes to complain about, this unincorporated DeKalb home is an exceptional value.

Clean, clean, clean! This home has been well kept through the years both inside and out. The exterior of the home benefits from brand new paint. A stroll through the front door is quickly greeted by a two story foyer, real hardwood floors, and an elegant staircase. Natural light pours into the spacious rooms for an open floor plan you have been looking for. The fireplace with gas logs and starter is the focal point in the two story main living room and is sure to provide cozy comfort on those cold days. Custom touches on the main level include recently painted walls and ceilings, a tile backsplash, granite countertops, and an eat-in breakfast bar in the well updated kitchen. These features represent unique upgrades over the competition. The expansive separate dining room, where everyone can sit and enjoy a big meal, is further improved by a vaulted ceiling and plantation shutters. The large master bedroom on the main level features an inviting master bath with separate tub and shower, freshly tiled floor and a walk-in closet. With three bedrooms upstairs, everyone has plenty of space.  The large fourth bedroom over the garage could also be used for a bonus/playroom/tv room, providing even more living space. The bedrooms share a full bath upstairs with new tiled floor. Lastly, the fenced and level backyard is incredibly usable and includes a great patio perfect for your grill. You are going to love your new home!

Whether you are an Atlanta first-time home buyer or relocating to the Atlanta area, please give us a call to see this great home!

A great place to call home.  Living on Smryna’s Woodcrest Drive is living at its best. It is a quiet, enjoyable street.  The neighbors are friendly, and the homeowners association is healthy and active.  The cul-de-sac prevents through traffic and creates a safe haven for everything under the sun.  You’ll have easy access to the highways, byways, and activities that make Smyrna such a well loved destination.  You will certainly enjoy being minutes from Smyrna Market Village, Vinings shopping, several city parks, and the 61-mile long Siver Comet Trail. 

Lovingly cared for. This home has been tastefully updated through the years as evidenced by the craftsman touches including wainscoting, built-in shelving in the den and basement, custom paint, and updated light and bath fixtures. The floor plan’s flow is perfect for entertaining and accommodates virtually any style of living.  The first floor is home to a beautiful two story foyer that graciously welcomes guests.  This classic and traditional plan includes a separate formal living room and separate dining room as well as a cozy informal den made more comfortable thanks to a brick fireplace.  The clean white kitchen features stainless steel appliances and a well loved breakfast area.  Off the kitchen you’ll see one of the largest laundry rooms you’ll find, a convenient mudroom for storing all of your ready to grab items or a quick spot to check your email, and an entrance into the main level two car garage.  The wall of windows across the back of the home invite the light and give you a beautiful view of the entertaining deck, mature trees, leaves of green, and the park like backyard backing up to greenspace and including a professionally installed wooden playset.

Everyone together.  The second story is home to all four bedrooms including the master suite.  The master bath is wired for a flat panel television and includes a separate tub and tiled shower creating luxury right at home.  The secondary bedrooms are large in size and comfortable.  The full basement is a sought after feature. With wonderful built in shelves for storage and display, another large living area for lounging and entertaining, a workshop area, and additional unfinished space for all that stuff, this third level of living is a real bonus. The usable square feet of this home give it a world of opportunity and possibilities for today and tomorrow.

Click on the images below for a link to the PDF flyer:

Have you ever wondered if it would be better to own than rent?  If you’re considering or toying with the idea of purchasing your first Atlanta condo, you’ve come to the right place.

Midtown’s McGill Place is a wonderfully convenient and desirable community with a gated entry and a park-like setting. How wonderful it is to see trees in the middle of Midtown Atlanta! With easy access on and off of I-75/85 and Peachtree Street, you can get anywhere in a hurry while having the fun and excitement of restaurants, shopping, and Atlanta’s best attractions at your backdoor in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. The Atlanta Civic Center, Philips Arena, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and Piedmont Park are minutes away. The active homeowners association ensures the neighborhood is quiet and well kept, and monthly HOA contributions include water, sewer, pest and termite control, exterior liability, fire insurance, and exterior maintenance.  The amenities include an inviting swimming pool. The low monthly association fee of $300 makes for an exceptional value compared to many other Metro Atlanta condominium communities.

 Top level living at its best!  You’ll appreciate no one living above you.  This end unit is located on the top floor and includes vaulted ceilings. Convenient parking spaces right at the unit make loading and unloading a breeze.  The fireplace pulls you in as the main living room’s focal point. This space easily accommodates two large sofas and complements an already open floorplan where the kitchen, dining room and living room meet.  Just off the main living room is one of the highlights of the home, a comfortable and spacious balcony with room for lounging as well as a table and chairs. The bedroom is large and made even better by a light filled bay window. A walk-in closet provides plenty of room for any wardrobe. This home has been well cared for through the years including the addition of a new hot water heater, and it represents a wonderful value for the space and location.

Please click on images below for full PDF flyer of condo.

If you are an Atlanta first time home buyer trying to decide if buying or renting makes more sense for you, give us a call or shoot us an email!  We’d love to show you this Midtown Atlanta condo.

Every year or so in real estate, I develop what I call a “house crush!”  If I could move, I would move to 3133 Peachtree Drive.  Since Andy won’t let us move, I must share this wonderful new listing in Atlanta’s Peachtree Park neighborhood with you. 

If you are looking for a place in the middle of Buckhead with all the restored charm, character, and timelessness you’ve been searching for, look no further.  In the midst of everything desirable in Buckhead, you arrive here. Through these mature tree-shaded streets and beautiful garden-filled yards lies Peachtree Park, one of Atlanta’s most loved neighborhoods. It’s here that your neighbors are your friends and your neighborhood is a pleasure. Welcome home to 3133 Peachtree Drive. Built in the 1940’s, this special home is a pleasing reflection of the past owners through the years who have lovingly maintained its four walls and immaculate grounds. 

Professional landscaping complements and completes the home’s charming curb appeal, and the tastefully decorated floorplan reflects lively traditional living. The main living level includes a separate sunroom, currently being utilized as an office, as well as a formal living room and separate dining room. You’ll find two bedrooms on the main living level, with one currently being enjoyed as an informal den, an updated full bathroom, updated kitchen with top of the line stainless appliances, and a conveniently cozy breakfast room. Two sets of french doors bring you to the park like backyard made perfect thanks to an oversized deck for lounging and entertaining and water features including a decktop fountain and a beautiful decorative koi pool and fountain in the yard. The gardens are filled with the splendor of over thirteen different blooming varietals, making every season something worth looking forward to.

Upstairs you’ll find a luxurious master suite complete with new carpet, a gas fireplace, built-ins, and an updated master bathroom with double vanities, a one-of-a-kind shower, and separate jetted tub. The secondary bedroom upstairs has new carpet and its own bathroom. The basement is an important feature for three reasons: space for you now, space for your car now, and space to store or finish. The basement’s central living area is a great gathering point and serves well as a media room or playroom. The fifth bedroom is an au-pair suite, which creates versatile space for you or your guests. Your vehicles will appreciate the three-car garage in the basement, which is a luxury only afforded by much higher priced homes in the area. Finally, beyond all the wonderful benefits of this full basement, you’ll find unfinished space ready to use as you please.

 Click on image below for full PDF flyer of home.

It’s always great to hear an agent’s perspective, but even better to hear from the seller.  Don’t miss this letter below from the seller.

Dear Home Buyer:

It seems like yesterday that we first walked through the front door at 3133 Peachtree Drive and fell in love with this charming house. We soon learned that we weren’t the first people to love this house dearly—as evidenced by the loving care that each owner has given it since it was built in the 1940s—and we truly hope we won’t be the last.

 We have loved so many things about this house—far too many to list—but here are a few things that we hope you will love, too.

•  We hope you’ll love the gracious front circle, which invites guests arriving by foot or by car with its stone and brick double-paths. We hope you’ll sit a while on the benches, as friendly neighbors pass by and wave or stop for a chat.
•  We hope you’ll cuddle up with a book (or a loved one!) in front of a gas fire in the Master Bedroom. We hope you’ll soak away your worries in the jetted tub, or stargaze through the skylight during a refreshing shower in the Master Bath Suite.
• We hope you’ll gather for a special meal—on a holiday or any day—in the warm Formal Dining Room with its custom wainscoting, fluted columns, archway, and original swinging butler’s door closing off the kitchen beyond.
• We hope you’ll entertain friends and family, opening the back of the house to the expansive deck via the multiple french doors—and keep flying pests at bay with the retractable screens. 
• We hope you’ll spend time gazing at (and smelling) the garden full of azaleas, hydrangeas, camellias, peonies, jasmine, laurel, roses, forsythia, viburnum, magnolia, lavender, trumpet flowers, and cherry blossoms. We hope the sounds of flowing water from the deck fountain and the koi pool and fountain will soothe you on days when your spirits needs a boost.  
• We hope you’ll play and welcome guests, in-laws, or even an au-pair or babysitter in the Sleep & Play Suite in the walkout basement. We hope you’ll find the basement’s ample raw storage space gives you the freedom to expand a bit, take up a hobby, start a collection—or to make the house your own by finishing the space off to your liking.  
• We hope you’ll drive home from work or errands during one of Atlanta’s heavy thunderstorms, (not to mention the erstwhile snow shower or ice storm) thrilled to see the lights of the house greeting you on your approach—and even more thrilled to have dry, attached garages in which to safely park your vehicles. 
• We hope you’ll love the many little “touches” that make this house unique: the vaulted beadboard ceiling in the Breakfast Room, the antique figural brass doorknocker, the embellished fireplace mantles, the whimsical front urn, the transom windows above the doors on the second floor, the multiple built-in storage opportunities throughout, and the french pocket doors in the Master Bath Suite, among others.
• We hope you’ll get to know your neighbors and take part in the myriad of activities—from Street Play and the Pocket Park for the kids, to Women’s Club for the ladies, to the neighborhood Nature Trail for the outdoor enthusiasts, to the proximity of the Fourth of July fireworks show (viewed from the comfort of the deck), to the Halloween Carnival, the Holiday Party, and the Independence Day Street Parade.
• We hope you’ll enjoy living in this “oasis in the city” and get out in Buckhead by day or night. Stroll to Buckhead Diner, pick up sandwiches via bicycle at Corner Café, or run out for a Waffle House breakfast in the morning or a Krystal fix at night. Ditch the car and walk to Lenox Square Mall across the neighborhood’s own foot bridge that passes over 400. By car, by bike, or on foot—you’re in the middle of it all.

Whoever you may be, whatever you’re looking for in a home, whatever you love, we hope one thing for you: that during your search, you will find a place that you love as much as we have loved this house. And, we hope THIS house will be that house.

Our best to you,

The Sellers of 3133 Peachtree Drive

Buckhead, a busy intown Atlanta community, is nestled between Midtown, Brookhaven, and Sandy Springs.  Through the years, Buckhead has served as home to some of the most expensive residential real estate in the city of Atlanta as well as headquarters for some of the city’s best businesses, hotels, restaurants, shopping, places of worship, and historical sites.  Peachtree Road represents the main thoroughfare for the Buckhead community and presents easy access on and off of Interstate 75/85 and GA400.  On the southside you’ll find Peachtree Battle, an homage to the Civil War’s Battle of Peachtree Creek that took place in the area.  Heading north on Peachtree, you will find some of the city’s great places of worship including the Cathedral of Christ the King, Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, the Cathedral of St. Philip, and Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.  Business travelers and tourists alike flock to Buckhead’s ritzy hotels including the W Hotel – Buckhead, the JW Marriott Buckhead Atlanta, the Ritz Carlton Buckhead, the St. Regis Atlanta, the Grand Hyatt Atlanta, and the Intercontinental Buckhead.  If shopping is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Southeast’s premier shopping destination including Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza.  Restaurants of note for the area include Hal’s on Old Ivy, Bone’s, Chops, Morton’s, Atlanta Fish Market, Buckhead Diner, Capital Grille, Blue Ridge Grill, The Palm, Bluepointe, Alfredo’s, and La Grotta.

Buckhead is well known for historic homes and classic southern living, Atlanta style, in the heart of the city.  Long considered some of the most desirable real estate in Atlanta, streets of significance in the Buckhead community include Peachtree Road, perhaps one of the most famous streets in the entire southeast; West Paces Ferry Road, home to the state of Georgia’s Governor’s Mansion and some of the South’s priciest real estate; Roswell Road, a straight line leading to another historic gem, Roswell, and providing easy access to one of Atlanta’s great parks, Chastain Park; Lenox Road, home base for premier shopping destinations; Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, providing an easy commute into the DeKalb County Perimeter area; Wieuca Road, a lovely winding stroll connecting Fulton County’s Sandy Springs.  

You will be interested in the established neighborhoods such as Peachtree Hills, Peachtree Heights Park, Westover, Haynes Manor, Garden Hills, Peachtree Park, Buckhead Forest, North Buckhead, Chastain, and Pine Hills to name a few.  New developments along Peachtree Road have furthered property values and the desirability of the area including the future Streets of Buckhead with heavy expectations and pegged to be the “Rodeo Drive of the South.”  Luxury Condominium buildings in the area such as Park Place on Peachtree, The Phoenix, The Gallery, and the new St. Regis Residences are as posh as they come as well as home to some of Atlanta’s most well known celebrities.

Desirability for the area, as well as real estate prices, are furthered by award winning schools including Morris Brandon Elementary, Warren T. Jackson Elementary, and Sarah Smith Elementary.

When searching for real estate online, it’s helpful to know the zip codes for the Buckhead community. 30305 encompasses Tuxedo Park, Peachtree Heights West, Garden Hills, Peachtree Hills, and Peachtree Park. 30324 includes Broadview-Morosgo and Cheshire Bridge Road. You’ll find Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Tower Place, and the Lenox Superblock in 30326. 30327 includes Peachtree Battle, Wildwood-Spring Lake, and Northwest Atlanta while 30342 makes up Chastain Park, North Buckhead, and heading into Sandy Springs. 30329 includes parts of Pine Hills leading over to DeKalb County.

Click Here for an Easy One Click Buckhead Foreclosure and Short Sale Search.

Foreclosures are affecting every market, even the incredibly desirable Buckhead community.  The above link is updated daily for all active listings in the Buckhead area so make sure you bookmark this page for easy access and reference. 

Andy and Lesley Peters with The Peters Company at Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Road are well versed in Atlanta Buckhead real estate.  We represent both buyers and sellers, and we are intimately familiar with the Buckhead short sale and foreclosure market. For more information about The Peters Company, visit our website at www.thepeterscompany.com. You’ll also find us on Kudzu.com under “The Peters Company” where we have received well over 50 5-star reviews and are ranked as one of Atlanta’s highest rated real estate teams. Give us a call today at 770-634-2782 or email us! We look forward to working with you and helping you take advantage of today’s market!