Thom Abbott

Five Reasons Why Film Is Here To Stay in Georgia

May 15, 2015 by Thom Abbott

I’ve worked with many individuals relocating to the Atlanta area because of our ever-growing film industry. And yes, you look around and new sound stages and/or studios are going up everywhere. And there is good reason to think this will be an industry that will be around for some time to come.

Five Reasons Why Film Is Here To Stay in Georgia

I just read this article this morning online in the Southern Political Report Magazine. I’m sharing the link with you for you to read the entire article.

But in summary:

Georgia has one of the best film incentive programs in the country by several measures.
Not only does Georgia have a strong incentive program, but it is well known in the film industry as being stable.
Studios and related businesses are being constructed, moving from other states or expanding.
Georgia is one of only two states (New Mexico is the other) that have developed a statewide centralized a crew training program in its higher education system.
Georgia has a number of indigenous features that make it attractive for film production.

We are delighted to help the many people moving here. With the diverse location of studios (Pinewood Atlanta in Fayette County, Eagle Rock and Atlanta Media Campus in Gwinnett, Mailing Avenue and Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta…and the list really does go on…..) many of our clients have found the central location of Midtown or Buckhead as the place to live. Having easy access to The Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and GA400 make it easy to get to and from any set or studio in the metro Atlanta area. Additionally, the access to MARTA in Midtown makes getting in and out of the city with access to Hartsfield Jackson International Airport easy for many of these people that can be on tight schedules.

Yep. The film industry is here in Georgia in a big way. And we are happy to help you find the place to call it home!

Five Reasons Why Film Is Here To Stay in Georgia

Midtown Garden Tour Sunday May 17, 2015

May 14, 2015 by Thom Abbott

As you stand on your balcony looking out over Midtown (especially if you are looking East) you see a delightful canopy of trees…something Atlanta strives very hard to preserve. But there is something else amongst those trees…

…beautiful homes, and even smaller condominium communities, sidewalks…and gardens. In fact, LOTS of gardens!

Midtown Garden Tour Sunday May 17, 2015

This Sunday, instead of the walk through Piedmont Park, you have an opportunity to view some 36 gardens featuring fountains, pools, and hidden terraces that are open for view. And best of all…it’s FREE!!!!

Take a stroll and see just how unique and special Historic Midtown Atlanta is. This is the area East of Juniper Street over to Monroe, and from 10th Street to Ponce De Leon Avenue. You will be amazed at what you are going to find!!!

Maps for the event and the gardens available to view will be posted on the Facebook Page, Midtown Garden Tour on Sunday morning. Maps can also be obtained at the “tour headquarters” located at 795 Myrtle Street.

Here’s hoping MyMidtownMojo will see you in the garden!

Why Don’t Atlanta Real Estate Agents Return My Calls?

May 12, 2015 by Thom Abbott

As a real estate broker, I speak to many different people each day. Of course, some of them are other agents, but many of them are buyers (or renters) calling about a particular listing they found on the Internet. I get numerous “leads” every day from my various channels that I use to reach out to people. Social media, this site, and a new, unique search site for Midtown Atlanta real estate.

Often times, I get a bogus phone number, which I learn when I call if a number was provided. I send an email, which is usually required from most of my sites…and it may bounce. I understand you may not want to have someone email or call you right away. You may be in the very early stages of your home search and you want to “sneak around” and look without being bothered. Trust me, I know the feeling. It’s exactly why I wander a car dealership lot on a Sunday when they are closed. I can see the ones I like, and then come back on Monday and take them for a test drive.

When I do speak with people, some will often ask me, “Why don’t Atlanta real estate agents return my calls?”

Well, how do you think WE feel when we try to reach out to you and you don’t call us back? Sure, we’d like to help you buy or sell or a house or condo. Afterall, that is what we do for a living. We just want to make some initial contact with you. You can then tell us, “I’m just in the looking stages now, I’ll get back to you when I’m ready.” Some agents may hound you, so you probably don’t even want to have this initial conversation. Again, I get that.

But now when an agent does NOT call you back, think how we feel when you don’t call US back! Kind of a two-way street here.

I’ll call you. Even if the number is wrong. I’ll email you.

Remember….we just want to help you! Like I said, you may be in those early stages of looking, but when we get a notice that you have interest in a property (or it might just be a question) we want to help!

But the next time you ask, Why Don’t Atlanta Real Estate Agents Return My Calls, maybe you should ask yourself if you called THEM back.

Atlanta Condos For Sale | Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta

May 11, 2015 by Thom Abbott

Soaring some 36 stories above Peachtree Street, meet Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta. Located on Peachtree Street, between 6th and 7th Streets, the building has been joined by Skyhouse South, an apartment building located on the Southeast corner (6th and Juniper Streets) and now under construction, Seventh Midtown which is at 7th and Peachtree Street.

The building has 378 homes, ranging from one and two bedroom homes, to unique floor plans that offer an additional den/office space. There have been a couple homes that have been combined as well.

Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta has figured out just what the Midtown Atlanta condominium buyer wants in both a home and a building! From the moment you enter the Viewpoint Midtown lobby with its striking white floors, red carpet and water feature to the rich woods used throughout the building, Viewpoint Midtown defines first class, urban living at affordable prices.

Potential home owners have a choice of granite and cabinetry, depending on the floor. Upgraded tumbled stone back splashes create beautiful kitchens. Floor plans range from 600 to over 1200 square feet in a variety of one and two bedroom options.

Perhaps Viewpoint Midtown’s most unique feature is the resident amenities, located on the 11th Floor. Split by the residential tower, one side is a resort-style lap pool, including a wet bar, grilling bar and plenty of seating. The other side of the 11th Floor amenity is a notable “zen garden in the sky.” There is an outdoor living room with its own fireplace and flat screen TV (a pretty cool place to hang out!) two additional grills and a tranquil reading area with a peaceful water feature.

The Viewpoint Midtown Club Room anchors the amenity area with a movie theatre, pool table, comfortable seating areas and a beautiful bar and catering kitchen area. Located on the 12th Floor, the Fitness Center is…well…awesome! The cardio area features individual TV’s on every piece of equipment, or enjoy a view all the way to Stone Mountain from the picture windows. There’s weights on the other side of the center, and a stretching area. The Club room has a sound system whereby you can plug in your OWN iPod in the docking station, or there are numerous high definition plasma TV’s.

Speaking of technology, Viewpoint Midtown is one of the most advanced towers in Atlanta. From high-speed Internet access, pre-wiring for surround sound and iPod docking stations, your technology needs are covered. Of course, the security and safety that Novare buildings are known for continues at Viewpoint Midtown.

Whether you are enjoying the view through your floor-to-ceiling windows, from your spacious balcony or from the pool or Zen Garden, Viewpoint Midtown is a Midtown landmark you’ll be proud to call home.

To learn more about purchase opportunities at Viewpoint Midtown Atlanta, click here to search for homes. Or contact us below and we’d be happy to tell you all about what homes are available in this Midtown Atlanta condominium building!

Atlanta Events Calendar – May 2015

May 9, 2015 by Thom Abbott

Let’s face it. When you live in a city (well actually a METRO area) like Atlanta, there is lots and lots….and lots of things to do. Sometimes, the events you want to attend will even overlap…shreek!

I know when I’m searching for things to do, I’m wondering WHAT is there to do or what is going on?

I found an awesome list of events from Eventbrite that certainly seems to have a variety of things going on!

Atlanta Events Calendar – May 2015

I hope you can find a thing or two to do this month!

10 Questions You Should Ask Your Mortgage Lender

May 9, 2015 by Thom Abbott

Finding the right home or condo is important. I mean this is going to be your home. Your sanctuary to get away from it all after a long day at the job. So it’s a big decision. But part of that decision is also your mortgage. Unless you are in a position to pay all cash for your home, you will need a mortgage.

10 Questions You Should Ask Your Mortgage Lender

And there is a lot that goes into a mortgage. But that is not my role in helping you find your home. Much like when you go to a doctor’s office, there are numerous people there that have a role in your visit. From the person that greets you, to the one that takes your vitals to the doctor him(her)self, everyone has a purpose.

My purpose is to help you find the right home, and get it at the right price. There’s other considerations too, but we’ll keep it simple for this topic. But when you need a mortgage, then you need a mortgage lender. And that person is a specialist in what THEY do! They know the in’s and out’s of getting you the best financing arrangements they can. But just as there are questions and parts to the home buying process I discuss and questions I answer for you, here are 10 questions you should ask your mortgage lender.

10-questions-to-ask-mortgage-lender

If you need help in getting your pre-approval ready to begin your home shopping with me, please check out our team of mortgage lenders. We have worked with these people for years, and know they will do it right for you!

Five Reasons Why Film Is Here To Stay in Georgia

Midtown Garden Tour Sunday May 17, 2015

10 Questions You Should Ask Your Mortgage Lender

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