Atlanta Condos For Sale

Featured Listing 1019 Mcgill Park Ave, Atlanta, GA 30312

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Featured Listing 1019 Mcgill Park Avenue Atlanta, GA 30312

 

Values can still be found in the Midtown Atlanta area! You just have to look as well as know their are other areas close to Peachtree Street! McGill Park is also referenced as being in Old Fourth Ward. 

Intown living can be yours with this fully renovated 1 bedroom, located in gated McGill Park. This ground-floor home means no stairs to climb and a lovely covered patio. 

The updated kitchen features stainless appliances, granite counters with subway tile backsplash and a breakfast bar. (If you’ve ever seen a non-renovated home here, you know this one shines!) The bathrooms are updated with penny tile floors, subway surround tiles and Kohler fixtures. 

Hardwood floors grace the living and dining rooms. AND there is a gas fireplace for those chilly Atlanta evenings like we’ve had this week! There is also a laundry closet, large enough for a side-by-side. 

The community features a club house (available for rental for your special event), a fitness center and pool. 

McGill Park is convenient to Krog Street Market, Ponce City Market, Downtown and Midtown. 

 

To schedule a private showing of this home, contact me! I’m always just a call or click away!

1019 Mcgill Park Avenue Atlanta GA 30312

 

 

1019 Mcgill Park Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30312 (MLS#5941186)

$174,700.00

Interested in this home? Do you want to schedule a showing?

Just CLICK HERE TO CALL ME! 

 

Listing provided by Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners

Learn MORE about Living In Midtown Atlanta HERE!

 

 

 

Your 2017 Fulton County Tax Bill

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Your 2017 Fulton County Tax BillBy now, your early Christmas present has arrived….Your 2017 Fulton County Tax Bill!

Along with the tax bill came some information about the 2017 tax rate. I’m not going to dive into all the numbers and millage rates….just some of the other information that was there. This can be useful to you if you are a new home owner, or perhaps looking to relocate to Atlanta. This will help you learn about the tax expense and benefit of owning a home (subject to any current tax plan under consideration by Congress)

2017 Tax Rate

Under Georgia Law, the Board of Tax Assessors determines the ‘Fair Market Value’ of your property, then ‘assesses’ it at 40% for tax purposes. Each year, Fulton County Government, the school boards, and each municipality set their respective budgets and millage rates. The following charts provide information concerning the financing of these services, including credits for sales tax. The Tax Bill was designed to serve the billing needs for both the Unincorporated area and Incorporated Cities within Fulton County. Your bill may also may include a rate for a Community Improvement District. 

You’ll find the aforementioned charts at the bottom of this post! 

Basic Homestead Exemption 

To qualify for basic Homestead Exemption you must own and occupy the property as your legal residence as of January 1 of the current tax year. So if you purchased in 2017, you will BE the owner as of January 1, 2018 and can file for the Exemption on your 2018 tax bill. You must file for this exemption by April 1, 2018 to receive it for the 2018 Tax Year. You can file your Homestead Exemption at any time, but, you must file by April 1.

Once you receive the Exemption, it is automatically renewed each year as long as you continuously occupy the home under the same ownership. 

Property Tax Returns

If you feel your property value is not reflective of fair market value, you should file a Property Tax Return requesting a change in the assessment between January 1 and April 1. If your Return is not accepted, you will receive your assessment notice, and then you have 45 days to file a formal appeal.  (See Below)

Payment of Taxes on Property Under Appeal (Don’t Pay, Don’t Stay….sort of)

When you signed your mortgage paperwork at closing (unless you paid cash) you heard me mention the phrase “If you don’t pay, you don’t stay” as it relates to your lender being able to foreclose on your home if you don’t make your payments. In this case, if you file an appeal, your taxes will still be paid by your lender out of your escrow account. If you are successful in your appeal, and your tax bill is reduced, you would see a credit (or refund) back to you from your lender when they review your escrow account. 

But, if you did pay cash, you still have to pay the tax bill you received to avoid interest, penalty, and/or foreclosure. 

Assessment Appeals

The Board of Tax Assessors is required to issue a notice of assessment for taxable tangible real and personal property. Once you receive this notice, you have 45 days to appeal said assessment. You can appeal based on taxability, value, uniformity, and/or the denial of an exemption.  When you make this appeal, it must be written and you must declare your chosen method of appeal…..

Three Methods of Appeal

Board of Equalization:  The appeal is filed by the property owners and reviewed by the Board of Assessors. The Board may change assessment and sena new notice. You may appeal THIS assessment in the amended notice within 30 days. The second appeal made by the property owner or any initial appeal which is not amended by the Board of Assessors is automatically forwarded to the Board of Equalization. A hearing is then scheduled and the Board renders its decision. A further appeal would be to Superior Court. 

Hearing Officer: The taxpayer may appeal to a Hearing Officer, who is a certified appraiser, when the issue of the appeal is the value of non-homestead real property, but only when the value is equal to or greater than $1M. Not satisfied here….Superior Court. 

Arbitration: An Arbitration appeal is filed with the Board of Assessors who must notify the taxpayer of the receipt of said appeal within 45 days. The taxpayer must submit a certified appraisal of the subject property. It may be accepted…or rejected. Rejected….the Board of Assessors must certify the appeal to the County Clerk of Superior Court for arbitration. Arbitration is authorized by the judge and a hearing is scheduled within 30 days. 

The arbitrator will issue a decision at the conclusion of the hearing, which is final and which may not be appealed further. 

(Now you know why you see arbitration in many real estate contracts (say a new home builder) as you can’t drag out an issue with multiple appeals or a law suit.)

If you have more questions about your tax bill, I am a real estate broker, not an accountant and I can’t speak for the Tax Assessor. I can help you get competitive market information to assist you in your appeal. But you can contact the Tax Assessors Office at (404) 613-6100 or online at FultonCountyTaxes.org

Employment Opportunities at Pinewood Atlanta Studios

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Living Near Pinewood Studios Atlanta

December, 2017 Update: If you are looking to work as a background extra on any movie, be it at Pinewood Studios Atlanta, or any of the other studios or productions, there are extra’s casting companies that handle these opportunities. 

Ones that we are aware of are:

CL Casting

Extras Casting

How to become a Movie Extra in Atlanta has additional information and resources as well!

We have had tremendous success with our Facebook Page, Living Near Pinewood Studios Atlanta! There, we have connected people that wanted to know more about the studio as it was announced, and in fact is now open and working on their first production, Marvel Comic’s Ant Man! But the power of the Internet has brought us lots of calls on the subject of….

Employment Opportunities at Pinewood Atlanta Studios

So we wanted to share this information with you as an additional resource if you are looking for employment in and around the studio. This is directly from Pinewood Atlanta Studios offices.

If you are a vendor offering industry-related services, send your information to info@pinewoodatlantastudios.com

If you are interested in working for one of our vendors, submit your resume via Futurestaffnow.com 

If you are interested in working in or operations office, send your resume to jobs@pinewoodatlantastudios.com.

If you are interested in production jobs on the set, contact Georgia’s Union of Professional Filmworkers at iatse479.org

Hopefully this information will be of help. Keep in mind, each specific production will hire people ranging from production assistants to hairdressers to makeup as needed, and not directly by the studio itself. Another GREAT source of information is the Georgia Production Partnership (GPP) This organization is primarily responsible for creating the original tax credit that is bringing the film industry to Georgia. They have monthly luncheons where you can learn about upcoming projects happening, as well as network with various people in all kinds of businesses related to, or serving the film industry in Georgia.

Another excellent resource is the Georgia Office of Film and TV. There is just all kinds of good stuff here!

filming in georgia
“Behind The Scenes On Set”

Featured Listing 949 Cardova Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

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Featured Listing 949 Cardova Drive, NE Atlanta, GA 30324

Lindridge/Martin Manor has always been a great neighborhood to be close to all that is Midtown Atlanta, yet have the space and comfort of a single family home, but not quite the price you might find in Virginia Highlands! 

This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features an open floor plan, perfect for entertaining! The renovated kitchen offers granite counters, stainless appliances and an island that overlooks both living and dining spaces. 

The living room features a fireplace with custom cabinets surrounding it. The open and spacious dining room has a bay window which affords lots of natural light. 

The Master suite features beautiful hardwood floors and a bath with shower. The hall bath and two additional bedrooms are spacious. 

If outdoor living is your desire in an Intown location, this home has it. From the screened in porch, to the additional deck and the large and deep back yard…you are sure to spend many a morning and evening enjoying this space. 

Lindridge/Martin Manor living offers you the opportunity to enjoy all that Midtown Atlanta has, only a few mintues away. Shopping is convenient at nearby Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza. And the newly opened Kroger on Lindbergh is a totally new shopping concept with a bar and dining space. Not to mention numerous options for “grab-n-go” dining options for those busy nights.  If your schedule calls for travel, you are a short Uber/Lyft ride from the Lindbergh MARTA transit station! …With all that is around you, you will love calling Lindridge/Martin Manor home!

To schedule a private showing of this home, contact me! I’m always just a call or click away!

949 Cardova Drive NE Atlanta GA 30324

 

949 Cardova Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 (MLS#5936820)

$495,000.00

Interested in this home? Do you want to schedule a showing?

Just CLICK HERE TO CALL ME! 

 

Listing provided by ReMax Metro Atlanta Cityside

Learn MORE about Living In Midtown Atlanta HERE!

 

 

 

MIDTOWN GARDEN DISTRICT MASTER PLAN ADOPTED

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Midtown Garden DistrictAs you may know from visiting this website, we primarily focus on the condo living options of Midtown Atlanta. Alas, but there IS another option in Midtown…and that is the Historic or Garden District! 

MIDTOWN GARDEN DISTRICT MASTER PLAN ADOPTED

Tucked in the trees, and away from the hustle of Peachtree Street is the Midtown Garden District. Here, tree-lined streets lead to historic homes built in the 1920’s to the 40’s. There are the occasional small apartment complexes and even some condo conversions tucked in…but it’s mostly these stately homes. 

The Midtown Neighbors’ Association has long been the residents voice for ALL of Midtown Atlanta. Not just Peachtree Street. And not just the Garden District. It has listened to, and addressed many concerns from the neighbors, who’s challenges can vary based on where they live. Peachtree Street residents have dealt with rowdy clubs, and the Garden District has dealt with safety (the need for more street lights) as well as preserving the unique character of the area. 

Enter the Midtown Garden District Master Plan. 

Historic Midtown Garden DistrictOn Monday, November 6, 2017, the Atlanta City Council adopted legislation to include the Midtown Garden District Master Plan into the Comprehensive Development Plan for the City of Atlanta. It sets forth the development vision, policies and an implementation plan for the City and its neighborhoods for the next 20 years.

The Midtown Garden District is bounded by 10th Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, Piedmont Avenue and Lakeview Avenue. The district is characterized by early twentieth-century historic homes, mid-century apartment buildings, a compact street grid, rolling topography and extensive mature tree canopy. In 1999, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Midtown Garden District continues (and will continue to) see increased development pressures, traffic impacts and aging infrastructure issues. By creating a master plan, it will help ensure that future neighborhood growth meets the vision of today’s neighbors. The process was about building consensus around what the neighborhood wants to see in the future. Neighborhood residents came together to collaborate in dozens of public workshops and focus group meetings and participated in a two-month online survey. The Strategic Planning Committee and Planners also held countless smaller more intimate conversations with residents to hear their concerns. 

You can read more about the Midtown Garden District Master Plan at the neighborhood website. 

Downsizing Your Home? Consider These 5 Questions

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If you’ve landed on this post, or our website, chances are good you are looking to move into a condo. And possibly considering Downsizing Your Home!  Awesome! Here are 5 Questions to think about! (And we’ll throw in a bonus one too!)

Downsizing can mean going from that huge 5 bedroom home to a smaller, 3 bedroom home as well. 

Downsizing Your Home? Consider These 5 Questions

  1. 5 Questions to Ask When Downsizing Your HomeDo You Want to Cut Expenses? Living in smaller space can reduce any number of expenses, from electricity and gas to a lower mortgage and insurance payments. But as you make this transition, you want to compare ALL your monthly expenses….such as maintenance costs of a home (be it from larger to smaller) and the monthly HOA fees in a condo. Also, as you move, don’t forget the costs associated with buying and selling, such as realtor marketing fees, closing costs on a new mortgage and moving costs. 
  2. Do You Want More Free Time? Moving into a condo can free up lots of hours to do other things like work out in your new gym, take up a hobby or more traveling. You won’t have the yard to mow, the fence to paint or leaves to rake up. Certainly, you’ll have these if you move to a smaller home, but it may have a smaller yard that requires less time. Some communities might even provide lawn maintenance, such as a 55+ community. 
  3. Does Your Home No Longer Meet Your Needs? Are all three kids off in college? Who needs a 4-5 bedroom house for just two people? Or, maybe you’ve reached the point of not wanting to climb stairs and would like an En-Suite on the main floor? Laundry on the main floor? Maybe it’s a long drive from Cumming to Midtown Atlanta to enjoy plays at the Alliance Theater or exhibits at the High Museum? 
  4. Still Need Room to Host? If you expect your grown family to return often for visits, you may still need an extra bedroom, but 5 of them? So a smaller house could be the right choice. But if those family visits are just at holidays, maybe you get the Midtown condo, and YOU make the trip to visit the family elsewhere! 
  5. Want Better Cash Flow? With the market shift in the past few years, you are probably back to the point you have positive equity in your home. That can be used as a large down payment on the next home or condo, thereby reducing your mortgage payments. This can free up money on a monthly basis for other things! Again, you want to compare all costs of where you live now, and what they might be in a different location. Property taxes on a condo in the city could be higher than what you pay on a house, say in Cherokee County. But what money will you save in commuting expenses if you work in the area, or better yet, retire and can walk to those plays and museums?
  6. BONUS — Do You Want a Lifestyle Change? This applies mostly to going to condo living. It’s very different from all that space in a house! (I’ve done both, and can relate/help you understand the difference!) Being able to leave your car parked and walk, both for leisure and possibly to work, is wonderful. You might not even need a second car. You will also have to give serious consideration to downsizing the “stuff” you have. There is not all these closets and storage nooks in a condo. And if you have a priceless family piece of furniture, be SURE to tell your real estate agent you simply can’t give it up, and there needs to be room for that 12-foot dining room table (yep, had that challenge) or maybe a large desk. 

Downsizing is not a decision you should make in haste. Spend some time talking about it. Looking at the numbers. Another good thing, spend a weekend in a hotel in Midtown Atlanta. While it certainly is NOT like living in a condo, you can get the feel of being able to walk around, shop, dine and learn about city noises that you don’t hear in that John’s Creek subdivision where you are now. 

More questions about Downsizing? Email me or give me a call at 770.713.1505. Let’s meet for coffee in Midtown and chat!

Thom Abbott

Associate Broker, REALTOR(R)
905 Juniper Street, NE Suite 110
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
770.713.1505 Direct
404.876.4901 Office

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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