Moving dirt on Abernathy
City, county and state officials break ground along Abernathy Road just west of Roswell Road on April 14, commencing the Georgia Department of Transportation’s long-awaited widening of Abernathy and Johnson Ferry roads. Pictured (from left) are Dist. 6 Councilwoman Karen Meinzen McEnerny, Mayor Eva Galambos, Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens, Dist. 5 Councilman Tibby DeJulio, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, Dist. 2 Councilwoman Dianne Fries and state Transportation Commissioner Gerald Ross. CW Matthews Contracting Co. was awarded the $18.5 million contract March 30. The 29-month construction project is slated to begin utility relocation within a month. Isakson, who has sought solutions for Abernathy Road since 1976, said the road expansion is “going to be a great crowning glory” and a “great testament to the way our government is supposed to work.”

Let us know how the changes will affect your drive?

Sandy Springs Reporter (2/20/09) Pictures

A little bit of some Sandy Springs Kiwanis news.  I was recently named the President Elect for the Lt. Governor’s Position for Georgia Kiwanis Division 14.  My elect term begins in August 2009 and I become the Lt. Governor in August 2010.  For more information about the Sandy Springs Kiwanis and pictures from this event, please visit our website. (www.kcss-ripples.org)

Our club meets on the first and third Thursday of each month from 11:45AM to 1:00PM at Aldo’s Italian Restaurant in Sandy Springs.

Scams are alive and well.

Just when you thought we were doing quite well losing money the old fashion way through the various money markets and hammered retirement accounts and beyond the Internet scams, the old found-money or Pigeon Drop scams pop up from time to time. There are a dozen variations but the fundamentals are the same:

The perp approaches victim with found money and asks for advice on what to do. Phone numbers are exchanges. The perp entices victim with “reward” or “split of the money” scenario if nobody claims it. Says there is a lot of money involved.

Perp has “associate” or “boss” who assists in advice. That person is usually male and begins to slowly intimidate the victim during phone conversations. “Don’t tell anyone or you’ll screw this up for us.”

The perp’s associate suggests putting up earnest money or money to cover future taxes, usually several thousand dollars. The hook: Victim become first greedy, then intimidated and does not reveal her (victim is usually a female) doubts so the victim begins to funnel money to the perps. Once they feel they’ve gotten all they’ll get, they’re gone. (You’re saying: Who would fall for that? Lots of folks—fast money opportunity—something for nothing?  

This scam has several variations.

1. Police “bait” scam. The initial part of the scam, the found money part, takes place but then the “police” contact the victim and wants assistance in catching the crooks. They ask the victim to put up bait money to trap them.
2. Phony stock deal. I’ve seen this one out here a couple of times. Two females in business attire make contact with a potential victim in the parking lot of a large retail store. They tell the victim they are going to set up a tent and then, for a limited time, offer that company’s stock for only ten-percent of the current stock price. If the victim takes the bait, they urge the victim to withdraw the funds and return. One associate takes the funds (cash) into the store to the “office” but they’re out the other door in no time and gone. The second associate excuses herself and is soon gone.
3. The poor guy from a third-world country who doesn’t know about banks in this country. A man approaches the intended victim and asks for a ride and then pulls out a wad of cash offering to pay for the ride. The victim says “Why do you have that much cash? You’ll get mugged. Why don’t you put it in the bank? The perp tells the victim that in his country the banks are run by crooks. (I know what you’re going to say.)  Right about this time another man, who is, in fact, the partner of the first perp, walks up from nowhere and tells the man he overheard his conversation and that he should indeed put the money in the bank. At this point he says to the poor immigrant “In this country, we use checks. I don’t happen to have one but this gentleman probably does.” The victim says “Oh yes” and holds up the check so that the perps can see the account number and the rest is history. The other variation of this one is they go to an ATM and the victim shows how that process works. They get his PIN number. The only drawback for the crooks on this one is they must later steal his ATM card—generally while they’re all in the same car.

Now, you must be saying to yourself, “Who would fall for this?” Well more people than you could imagine do fall for this and a number of other scams.   

It sounds far-fetched but people fall for this stuff. Potential victims, regular folks, shy away from the awkward task of being skeptical. That’s why seniors are the prime victims of cons involving phony “nest egg” quick investment return deals or home repair scams and a dozen other things.

Scam artists talk too much. They get the victim involved in listening and then, hopefully, confused.

A good quality for anyone to have is a polite sense of skepticism. Questioning someone who offers a “too good to be true” deal will usually crumble the phony sales pitch or “deal” they’ve set up for you. Although these con artists are good, they don’t have a plan B or C if you start asking questions.

Now go forth and do good. 

These stats are from the Sandy Springs Police Department.

For a nice history of the mall please click on the following link to the entry in The Retail History Blog.

Do you have any thoughts on the mall?

I am interviewed for the Fox 5 News piece.  Click here if you cannot see video.

Here is a video we shot of me and my son jumping in water:  Click here if you can’t see.

Also, there was some print media coverage we got as well.  See the links below.

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/13137/

This article has nive quote from Evan about the swim

http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/atlanta-holiday-guide/events/polar_bear_swim/10.html

A great picture of Evan trying to get warm after jump.

This was a great way to kick off the year and get ready to help you all with your real estate needs in 2009.

We can learn that if the first two pigs had a good realtor, they would not have built a house which could have been knocked down by the big bad wolf.  The third pig, more than likely taking the advice from an expert Realtor, built his home strong and sturdy.  Don’t be like the first two pigs and risk you and your family’s life! 

MORAL OF THE STORY:  The two pigs would not have lost their home if I was their Realtor.  In fact, I would have used my trademark FOCUS, DETERMINATION, and PRECISION which would have allowed me to PILOT THE PERFECT MOVE. If you saw my previous post “How A Good Realtor Can Help You Have Better Sex…”, you would know that the first two pigs would have a better sex life as well.

 To refresh your memories of this great story, please view this video clip of Christopher Walken telling the tale.  I think you will enjoy it.

If you can not view the video, please click here.

Have you ever felt as if you were the two little pigs after working with a Realtor? Please share your experiences.

Everyone has a story.  Here is mine……

FOCUS.  PRECISION.   DETERMINATION

Nolan Feintuch was piloting his Luscombe antique plane when he heard an unsettling noise, then felt a huge vibration.  He did not know it then, but a mechanical malfunction had just happened. Luckily, he was a devoted student and remembered everything to do in case of an emergency.  He needed to get down immediately.  With a lot of talent and courage, he successfully guided the antique plane back to the landing strip.  It was a chilling close call.  At that point, most people would have walked away from the plane, maybe flying altogether, but Nolan was even more determined to become a master pilot.  Within a week, this committed individual was up again, soaring through the blue sky. It was always a lifelong dream for Nolan to attain his pilot’s license, so as a student he was meticulous in his studies.  And it is a good thing, too.  Nolan’s attention to detail and stellar focus were his saving grace that fateful day in the air.  And although he could have bought an easy to navigate plane that practically flew itself, he felt drawn to the mystic of this challenging machine.  You see, it takes an enormous amount of skill and dedication to learn to fly a Luscombe, and Nolan like to put his abilities to the test.

Going the Extra Mile

It is the same determined spirit that guides Nolan towards success whether he is in the air or on solid ground.  Each year, he trains to run in a 26.2-mile marathon.  From Boston to Vegas, Nolan has competed in the most well known races.  His ultimate dream is to participate in the IronMan, a grueling triathlon in Hawaii.  “Being committed to the end result makes all the difference in when it comes to accomplishing what I set my mind to,” explains Nolan.

Giving it His All

Nolan not only soars to new heights as a pilot, he is also determined to perform at his personal best professionally and personally.  With a Masters of Social Anthropology, a MBA, and an upstanding tenure as a Public Health Advisor for the Centers For Disease Control, Nolan certainly has a strong foundation of accomplishment.  During his professional career with the CDC, he traveled all over the United States helping contain outbreaks of various maladies.  With his strong work ethic, he was promoted quickly and catapulted to the top of the organization.  On every level, Nolan’s commitment and drive has brought him great success.  

Going Above and Beyond

Fittingly, in his career as a top real estate professional, Nolan helps his clients soar to success.  He begins by learning their needs, then, using his signature drive, he creates a plan of action customized specifically to address their long-term goals. Nolan does not let anything pass him by.  He applies the same meticulous nature to examine every part of his client’s important objectives.  Above all, he ensures that nothing falls though the crack.  After immersing himself in the unique goals of his clients, Nolan works resolutely to give them the guidance they need to maximize their investment.  Whether clients are looking to sell their home for the highest return or find the right match for their budget, he combines over 10 years of industry expertise, his unwavering perserverance and local area knowledge to make the process smooth and worry-free.  

Piloting The Perfect Move

When you are serious about buying or selling a home in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, turn to real estate professional who uses his drive, commitment and determination to achieve the best results for you.  Nolan truly wants to see you reach new heights when it comes to yor real estate success.  Indeed, he has built a reputation for  Piloting the Perfect Move.  Call Nolan Feintuch today for a complimentary consultation.

Nolan Feintuch

    (678)362-5583    

nolan@pilotingtheperfectmove.com

Would You Rather…((with some unusual questions..))

Would you rather…
Be 4’1 or 7’9″?:
Live without music or live without T.V.?:
Eat a bar of soap or drink a bottle of dishwashing liquid?:
Be called a racist or a traitor to your country?:
Lose your legs or lose your arms?:
Have a beautiful house and ugly car or an ugly house and beautiful car?:
Be blind or deaf?:
Live in Antarctica or Death Valley?:
In a fire, save a sibling or a stranger?:
Be spanked or be put on a restriction (on your favorite thing to do)?:
Eat sushi or liver?:
Have 3 eyes or webbed feet?:
Meet the president of the U.S. or Billy Graham?:
Find true love or 1 million dollars?:
Always have to say everything on your mind or never speak again?:
Be gossipped about or never talked about at all?:
Have stars in your eyes or eyes in the back of your head?:
Have x-ray vision or bionic hearing?:
Be able to hear any conversation or take back anything you say?:
End hunger or hatred?:
Publish your diary or make a movie on your most embarrassing moment?:
Get caught singing in the mirror or spying on your crush?:
Be a dog named Killer or a cat named Fluffy?:
Be stranded on an island alone or with someone you hate?:
Get even or get over it?:
Always lose or never play?:
Be forced to tell your best friend a lie or tell your parents the truth?:
Know it all or have it all?:
Always get first dibs or the last laugh?:
Give bad advice or take bad advice?:
Have sand in your shorts or water in your ear?:
Forget your sunscreen or your sunglasses?:
Kiss a jellyfish or step on a crab?:
Own a ski lodge or a surf camp?:
Forget who you were or who everyone else was?:
Have one wish granted today or three wishes granted in 10 years?:
Give up your computer or your pet?:
Be the sand castle or the wave?:
Overthrow a dictatorship or lead one?:
Write the worst book in history or record the worst song in history?:
Get free chocolate for one year or free potatoes forever?:
Have half days everyday or no homework forever?:
Wear all pink or all purple to school?:
Take a math test or do a lab in science?:
Have a mansion in the middle of nowhere or an apartment with 10 friends?:
Be a deep sea diver or an astronaut?:
Bake cookies in cooking class or do art projects in art class?:
Run the mile or give a speech for English?:
Have a pie-eating contest or a wheelbarrow race?:
Have a big group of friends or one very close friend?:
Not be able to talk or hear for one day?:
Be nervous but excited or relaxed but bored?:
Wear a school uniform or last year’s Halloween costume?:
Spend the day surfing the internet or the ocean?:
Be an actress/actor in a big movie or the director?:
Have an ugly, loyal dog or a prize-winning, snobby cat?:
Be a professional baseball player or a champion horse breeder?:
Be saved by Superman or meet Winnie the Pooh?:
Go to an amusement park or to a family reunion?:
Have a kangaroo or koala as your pet?:
Be rich with an unhappy job or make less money with a job you like?:
Not be able to use your phone or your e-mail?:
Snowboard in the winter or swim in the summer?:
Pick your own nose or someone else’s?:
Be a tree or live in a tree?:
Write a mystery or a poem?:
Meet an alien visitor or travel to outer space?:
Be forgotten or hatefully remembered?:
Last but not least…
Would you rather be doing this quiz or doing something else? =P:

Fill out this survey yourself
Find a different survey
Brought to you by Bzoink

The purpose of this is to create a group that is for those who are interested in anything Sandy Springs.  You may post any topic that you think would interest anyone who lives or works in our city of Sandy Springs.  This is not a moderated group so anything goes. If we get enough people, maybe we can have a tweet meetup. 

I look forward to twittering with you…..

Share some of your pictures!

The movie resonates with me for many reasons.  Being a pilot, I admired Lindbergh’s skill and appreciate the task he undertook to fly across the Atlantic when he did.  His dead reakoning skills were fantastic.  He came within 6 miles of his intented European landfall during his flight.  That is not bad if you have no modern meteorological forecasts, gps, etc.  He just had a map, erratic compass, and the stars.  He did not even have  a sexton since that took up too much weight.  Just incredible. 

I was so taken by his spirit and fortitude when I studied the man, that I named my daughter, Lindy, after what he stood for and accomplished.  Sadly, his beliefs during WWII which included being a Nazi sympathizer tarnished the rest of his life.  I consider Lindbergh as two people – the younger who flew across the Atlantic and the older who was a Nazi sympathizer later in life.  The younger is an icon, while the older can be forgotten.

Below is a compilation video from the movie, Spirit of St. Louis.  The book, with the same title, being authored by Lindbergh, is wonderful and really gets into the nitty gritty of the flight and its preperation.  A great read for any level of aviation enthusiast.

If you can not view the video, please click here.

Click here for video.

Also, see why and how I PILOT THE PERFECT MOVE.  Call me if I can help you withyour real estate needs.

I figure I will give you a list of things that you can do to not sell your home. Here’s a cynical list to be followed only by those intent on not selling their house. These are situations that I have encountered during my real estate career.

10. Stage it like you are big Civil War fan and have rebel flags and Confederate memorabilia all over the place.

9. Refuse to have open houses.  I mean, hey, weekends are for watching sports games and sleeping.  Let the prospective home buyers find a time that’s not inconvenient for me.

8. Don’t let agent list home on FMLS and MLS.  Don’t tell anyone I am selling my house! 

7. Refuse to have your agent put a lockbox on the property.

6. Insist on keeping your four cats each with their own litter boxes in a small two bedroom condo.  (This one smelled real nice!)

5. Don’t want a for sale sign.  Don’t want passers-by to know home is for sale.

4. Hire your cousin who is not a full time agent who travels for work to sell your home. After all, it’s more important to hire somebody you have a connection with than a real local professional who will be available for you almost all the time.

3. Insist on the buyer to pay for your commission when you are the listing agent.

2. Paint the house in a bright blue color and have it clash with all the homes on the street.

1. Overprice the home because my home is much better than anything else in the subdivision.

Share This or add some other things….

Well, even in our little city of Sandy Springs, there was some Civil War Action. In July 9, 1864, U.S. General Garrard needed to cross the Chattahoochee River in the area of where Roswell Road crosses the river. The bridge, which had been destroyed by Confederate Wheeler’s Calvary, was around 300 feet west of the modern day crossing. Garrard’s men found a shallow area of the river and waded across into the area that is now known as Huntcliffe Subdivision.

For more information about the activity during this month of the war, you can click on the link to the Dunwoody Crier article about the topic.

Can you share your interest in the Civil War in the area?

The Sandy Springs Kiwanis Club  recently spent a little time with a fifth grade class from Woodland Charter Elementary.  We brought them some playground toys for their future use.  I have include the scanned thank you notes from these children.  Please click on the links to the files.  They are large and may take a few minutes to open so be patient.  Enjoy!

woodlandthankyounotes2

woodlandthankyounotes1

I have lived in Fulton County way before the city of Sandy Springs became a city, when it made its transition to a city, and currently.  I have followed the socio-econonomcs and politics of the county and city as well.  Below is a video made by a group call Inside USA.  I dk much about them except they have made a lot of videos posted on YouTube which are left-leaning.  After viewing the one on Sandy Springs and their video editing, I can see how their other videos are going to be like.  I encourage you to watch the one below (it is long!) since it will give you an idea of how certain folks think about Sandy Springs in relation to Fulton County.  This is a good example of class warfare propaganda that these anti-Sandy Springs folks spread.

A few thoughts about the video.

1.  The narrator describes Sandy Springs as a place where the average family makes $80k a year and then shows the gated mansions that are in the millions.  Being in real estate, how can a family earning $80k a year live in a $3.5 million dollar home?  The average home price in Sandy Springs is well below what the video showed.

2. The narrator did not explain the great disparity of public service between South Fulton and Sandy Springs in terms of police and fire coverage.  South Fulton had a great number of police and fireman per person than Sandy Springs. The number had not changed since 1985 even though the city population exploded.

3.  The narrator did not explain the amount of revenue Sandy Springs generated for the county and how little of the money stayed in the area to improve infrastructure and public sevice.

4. The narrator did not show all the new facilities and parks that have been built in South Fulton. Many of these facilities do not have the population to support such things. Many of these facilities were paid for by the residents of Sandy Springs.

5. The biggest error was equating the demise of Grady Hospital to the formation of Sandy Springs. The authors even interviewed Jane Fonda to talk about how bad Grady’s future looks.  I do believe that Grady is extremely important to the area and needs to be fixed.  The video doesnot address that the hospital was in dire straits before the city of Sandy Springs came into existance and that it is the state that is having problems funding the place.  Also, it does not examine the leadership of the hospital which is run by South Fulton cronies who have looted the budget, mismanaged it, and has given millions of dollars of contracts to friends and family members. Some of which are in jail!

These are just a few thoughts.  Post your opinion.

Atlanta can be a very scary place.  There is a lot of history around here and it is important to know a little about it.  Sometimes the history is not so pleasant and has led to a lot of unanswered questions and happenings.  Here is a list of some haunted places throughout the metro area.  Please call on me if you think your house is haunted.  I can help you find another one – FAST!

Donaldson House – cold spots and footsteps are reported here.

Dunwoody – Brook Run – in the back of the park is a gated off area, when inside go down the road and go in the building on the right. There is a huge abandoned building that was a home for the mentally challenged. There are various areas with temperature changes, an extremely strange aura to the place, and pictures will reveal orbs. Cold spots on first and second floor, footsteps heard, doors open and close, and banging sounds on the walls. The most haunted is the 3rd floor where many believe a little boy hunts it.

Fox building – The face of a Confederate private has been photographed in a window.

Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater – Years ago a rock singer was killed on stage by a gunshot that come from the stadium. His spirit stills walks thru the seating area. Some have said that you can feel his hand on your neck.

The Masquerade – After-hours people have spotted the ghost of a tall black man wandering around inside the club. Heavy music amplifiers are found turned upside down. Also unexplained footsteps, cold spots, and unearthly screams are heard around the backstairs. The nightclub is rumored to be frequented by true vampires. It is said that a vampire actually lives on the premises. The building was once a textile mill where several young girls died in accidents and others developed tuberculosis because of the dangerous working conditions. Shrieks, footsteps and other noises are frequently heard during non-business hours on the back stairs, where cold spots are often felt. The building has been the site of a number of freak accidents including fires and structural collapses.

Metropolitan Ave. – There’s a bridge right over Metropolitan Ave by University St. It’s said that a young lady in a white dress stands under the bridge looking for a ride home. When one picks the woman up and takes her home, she gets out the car and says Thanks for the ride. Then she vanishes in thin air. Most people that pick this young lady up usually goes to the door of the young women house to make sure she made it in or where she went to. But when the door opens, it is the woman’s mother and she tells the people that every year someone comes to the house to drop off her daughter. The girl is her daughter who had been killed in a horrible car accident 10 years ago under a bridge on Metropolitan St. formerly known as Stewart Avenue.

Oakland Cemetery – This cemetery is the resting place for 3,000 to 4,500 confederate soldiers that died during Sherman’s Invasion of Atlanta. In one section of the cemetery is a statue of a large wounded lion in honor of The Unknown Confederate Soldier. People hear a disembodied voice giving “The Roll Call of Dead”, somberly calling out the names of the long dead soldiers.

The Shakespeare Tavern – During a production of Henry IV Part I in 1993, the actor playing Falstaff suddenly came from the men’s dressing room, very shaken. He had seen a very young boy dressed in a velvet suit much like children wore in the 1800′s beside his dressing table. Others have seen passing images and odd lights over the years. Sometimes when the theater is pretty much deserted, voices will be heard, as if a group is meeting together. There is a room in the top level of the building that sensitive people will not enter, because it is clammy and the energy feels terrible in there. An old man has been spotted on a couple of occasions. A female energy once warned of a fire, and sometimes upsets things in the women’s dressing room. Occasionally a shadowy figure can be seen on the catwalk above the stage.

Six Flags – People have seen a little girl wondering around pretending like she is lost. If you follow her she will lead you so far into the woods you won’t be able to find your way back, then you will turn around and she will vanish!

Anthony’s Restaurant – Old mansion, now high-class restaurant. Dishware flying across the restaurant has been reported. Large orbs can be seen on film. People that “were never there” play tricks on the surrounding grounds. Voices heard when you’re alone. The feelings of cold sensations when you pass through doorways, and hand on your back are strong.

Alpharetta – Hopewell School – Apparently it was shut down in the 70′s after 7 elementary school children were killed by a poisoning. A strange presence is all throughout the old school, which has been abandoned ever since then.Alpharetta – the old Food Giant – A lady’s body was found by the Alpharetta police department in the woods behind the old food giant store, the lady seems to be angry about something because her spirit lurks the area! There has been several times and reports of screaming coming from the wooded 2 acre lot. The Alpharetta police look but never seem to find any evidence of fowl play in the woods, they stay puzzled wondering and waiting for the next…The events have happened at 12:00am on random nights. The Alpharetta police say she only strikes at midnight!  

Roswell – Brunswick Zone – It has been known that an elderly bowler passed away while bowling, since then trash can lids randomly drop to the ground and the feeling of a dark presence pushes you while you are bowling.

Roswell – Presbyterian Church Cemetery (1840) – Many of Roswell’s most outstanding citizens are buried here, including Archibald Smith and his wife Anne Margaret McGill Smith. – red orb across the cemetery grounds floating in between trees. Did not appear to be a light or plane. All present saw it. LOTS of ghostly forms and orbs captured on film and digital. One in particular was a white filmy mist bathing the side of a child’s grave. Sparkles appear in thousands when taking pictures almost like confetti.

Roswell – The Public House Restaurant – Supposedly back in the days of the civil war this place was the Generals outpost. The upstairs was some kind of nursing station where they took some of the wounded to get help. The story goes something like, there was a soldier and a nurse who fell in love and got married, then the soldier was tried for some crime and was hung in the town square right across the street. So, they say that the soldier and the woman haunt the place today.

Roswell – Roswell Cemetery – Founders Cemetery in historic Roswell, GA.(Sloan Street) Contains the graves of some of Roswell‘s Founding Families, including Roswell King, James Bulloch and John Dunwody. The many unmarked graves are graves of the family servants. Orbs and mists witnessed by all.

Roswell – Roswell Mill – The old Roswell Mill is very uneasy as far as hauntings go. During the day, even if it is sunny outside and in the middle of summer, when one drives up to the mill, the temperature drops and it gets dark the closer you come to the main building. At night one can hear screams and cries from the women workers who were sexually assaulted and killed by soldiers. A gray haze covers the area at night. 2:00am on random nights. The Alpharetta police say she only strikes at midnight!eps are reported here.

http://www.icmatv.com/news/creative_government_in_sandy_springs/

The video came from the ICMATV website, described as “your one stop resource on leadership, communities and local government.”

What are your thoughts?

Below is a humorous look at the real estate industry. Alec Baldwin gave this stunning performance in the movie, Glenngarry Glen Ross, when he was motivating some slumping real estate agents. “Coffee is for closers”, “ABC-always be closing”, “It takes brass balls to sell real estate”, and “first Place gets a Cadillac, second place gets a set of steak knives, and third place – you are all fired” are some of my all time favorite movie lines.

Enjoy and beware of the language!

Any Thoughts?

Every Saturday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm there will be a show that will be dedicated to the happenings of the Sandy Springs Fire Department.  You can listen to it live on the internet or tune into 1620 AM.

Hear what is sizzling in Sandy Springs!  Let me know what you think.

Trees have become a political sticking point for our politicians in Sandy Springs.  This has led to a tree ordinance which requires people to get a permit to cut down certain trees.  Those with level heads made sure that the ordinance is not as confining as the City of Atlanta’s although many tree huggers wanted to make it a lot tougher.  If they want to pay my property taxes they can make the decision as to how to maintain my trees. 

Before you cut, please click here to see when a tree removal needs to be permitted.  You really do not want the city of Sandy Springs to come out and lecture you because it will cost you some serious money.  Also, there are some neighbors who will drop the dime on you if you do something illegal.  Rest assured they are watching.

It would be nice if the city focused on regulating the tree service businesses that operate in Sandy Springs since that is the real problem.  Poor service from many of these unprofessional and un-insinsured companies is very evident.

Let me know what you think.

The plan is convert more aparment complexes to condos and single family residences (see story in AJC).

I think that this a great idea since it will make the city less transient.  It will also make the local schools stronger.  When an unamed apartment complex was converted, the local school initially lost over 5 busloads of children.  It is a great way to help with the school overcrowding.  On the other hand, where will all these folks go to live and where will Sandy Springs get its labor pool?  These are issues our elected officials will have to deal with over the next few years.

Your thoughts?

(This post should have been posted much, much earlier.  I saved it as a draft and forgot to publish it.  I think it is worth posting though.  Skip Carey was a great sports figure who touched a lot of lives. He also chose to live in our city of Sandy Springs!)

A short while back, Sandy Springs lost a legend in the Atlanta and national sports scene, Skip Carey – long time Braves TV and Radio.  I have great memories of him while I enjoyed the Braves over the years.  Below is an excerpt from a blogger about him (http://thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com/321368.html):

People talk a lot about dynasties in sports—of families, of teams, of cities—but it’s not often that one established off the playing field has such an impact. Now, the second voice in what has truly become a family sportscasting dynasty has been silenced. Skip Caray, son of legendary Chicago baseball announcer Harry Caray Sr. and the voice of the Atlanta Braves for over three decades, has died at 68 after struggling with a number of medical problems for at least the past year, including diabetes and congestive heart failure. He died peacefully, in his sleep at his home north of Atlanta proper in the recently-created suburb of Sandy Springs; our local paper has his obituary here.

He came south only a couple of years before the Braves themselves did, seeking a place where he could practice the family business and carve out his own career out of his famous father’s shadow. For the next 30 years, he proceeded to become a legend in his own right…and in the process, helped Ted Turner pioneer the national cablecasting of local major-league baseball teams’ games.

He had reduced his work to home games only for health reasons in the past year, but was still calling games literally right up to his death. He never had any trademarks like his dad’s “Holy Cow!”, but he did achieve a sound and style that was his own. And his own son Chip had joined him in the booth by then, ensuring the Carays’ legacy will continue. So long, sir, and thank you.

The site is home to a consortium of non-profit, community  organizations in Sandy Springs produced by Sandy Springs Revitalization.  This is a great site to have bookmarked so you can access all the great organizations websites that are part of the site.

Check it out!

Each year many folks dress their pets up and parade them throughout the festival.  This year there will be six categories for prizes:  Most Unusual, Most Colorful, Best Dressed Owner and Pet, Best Large, Best Small, and Best of Show.  Each pet entered will receive a great goody bag with a bunch of treats.  Once the animals are registered the parade will begin.  The pets and owners will be escorted throughout the festival along a parade route.  There will be clowns, balloons, music, and whole lot of fun.  This year we will have a special treat.  The upcoming Disney children’s cartoon movie, Bolt, staring the voices of John Travolta and Miley Cyrus, will be kicking off the Bolt Across America Tour at the Sandy Springs Kiwanis Pet Parade.  They will be serving as the Grand Marshall of the parade.

Did I say the parade was FREE!  Click here for the registration form.

Also, please stop by our Kiwanis booth at the Sandy Springs Festival and say hello.  We are having a great raffle to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.  We are going to have some great prizes.

For the best prices in  the Sandy Spring’s zip codes 30328, 30350, and 30358.

To search prices in any zip code, please click here.

If I can help  you with any real estate need, please let me help you with my signature Piloting the Perfect Move trademark.

On that note, there are many licensed pilots in the area. According to the FAA pilot database, the number of active licensed aviators in zip codes 30328, 30350, and 30358 is 174. There are probably many more folks who don’t have a current medical or who are student pilots.

Sandy Springs is named for a natural springs bubbling up through clear white sand. The springs were a Cherokee and Creek Indian campsite which became the property of the orphans of John Medows of Henry County in the 1821 Land Lottery. Wilson Spruill purchased the property in 1842. He and his neighbors built a log cabin church on the ridge above in 1848 and Methodist camp meetings were held here for over 100 years. The Springs also served as a resting point along a significant southeastern migration route. The Williams-Payne farmhouse (circa 1869) was moved to the Springs site in 1985.

The above picture is the actual spring.  You can visit at the William Payne House at Heritage Sandy Springs.

In fact, there is a Sandy Springs, South Carolina.  This little town (not an incorporated city) sits between Anderson and Clemson on U.S. Route 66.  It is in the northwest corner of South Carolina and has around 25,000 people. Unlike our own Georgia town, the SC sister is seeing a population decline.  A major historical feature that surrounds the city is that Sandy Springs, SC, was the home to the first African-American soldier to receive the Medal of Honor.  Freddie Stowers charged a German machine gun emplacement during World War I and was gunned down and killed while leading the way for his men.  Now that is a real hero and too bad he did not hail from Sandy Springs, Georgia. 

Let me know if you know of any other Sandy Springs in the U.S.

Shorty, the people will vote for Dunwoody to become a city – for better or worse.  It will be an interesting ride.  See the Citizens for Dunwoody website for more information about the proposes city.  The vote will take place on July 15, 2008.  If you can vote, this is your chance to make a difference.

I have been driving by this Sandy Spring’s landmark  almost every day and thought this would make an interesting post for my readers.  Between Glenridge Drive and Glenlake Parkway sits the most romantic home in Sandy Springs – Glenridge Hall. Originally sitting on 400 acreas with stables, horse trails, gardens, and a working farm, Glenridge Hall was built in 1929 by one of Atlanta’s foremost businessman and socialite.   His name was TK Glenn and he helped found what is now known as Sun Trust Bank.  He also helped in the formation of Georgia Power.  His offspring are some of the most influential people in the Atlanta area.

This home took over a year to build with over 60 people working on it full time.  It is often said to be the most romantic home in the Atlanta area.  The home is frequently used in movies – REMEMBER THE TITANS, DRIVING MISS DAISY, and a host of lesser known films as well as TV shows.

A

Abandonment – Everyone present for a contract signing but the buyer.

Absentee Owner – Any property holder with I.Q. under three digits

Accord – Small car driven by agents not yet able to afford Mercedes.

Acre – Necessary space for a family of six in Utah, a family of four in Eastern Suburbia, and 500,000 people in NYC.

Anchor Tenant – Tenant covered by Stabilization or Rent Control.

A.R.M. – First part of body that is twisted during real estate negotiations.

Asking Price – Amount set on property that brokers think is too high, sellers think is too low, and buyers think will be twice the final selling price.

At risk rules – Game rules in Advance Fee which govern whether or not to taste the seller’s porridge, sit in his rocking chair, or worse, sleep in his bed.

B

Backup Contract – Contract written in such a way that it raises everyone’s hackles.

Base line – “Your property is worthless.”

Bay – Sound emanating from those worn thin in real estate transactions.

Bay Window – Site at which baying occurs.

Block – Derogatory reference to buyer’s or seller’s head.

Blockbusting – Convincing stubborn party in real estate transaction to see your point of view.

Boring Test – Real estate licensing exam that probes deeply.

Borough – To dig a deep hole and crawl in when humiliated.

C

Cap – Small beret worn on head to keep brains from blowing out when interest rates rise.

Cellar – Owner of property who wishes to sell lower portion of his/her building.

Circuit Breaker – Purchaser who goes directly to seller, by-passing real estate sales agent.

Closing – Act of God.

Closing Statement – “Thank God”.

Concrete – Substance in which feet of buyers and sellers get stuck.

Cratering – Act of hurling oneself from skyscraper when depressed.

Cul-de-sac – Bag in which legal contracts are carried.

D

Deal – Distribute cards on rental properties.

Debtor’s Position – Prone.

Deed of Trust – Salesperson loaning the buyer a down payment.

Defective Title – Sir Dr. John Smith, Esq., III.

Developer – Muscle builder who converts raw land into housing.

Dummy – Same as absentee owner.

E

Easement – The right of one agency to trespass on another agency’s exclusive property.

Egress – Escape clause that permits buyer or seller to get out of deal.

Endorsement – Broker patting self on back.

Equitable Title – “I’m OK, You’re OK”.

Estate – 500,000 acre ranch tract in Texas, 3 acre tract in Westchester County, NY, and 1500 square feet residence in NYC.

Et ux. – Eat your wife.

Execute – To end the life of a troublesome person in a deal.

Extension – Time elapsed between a bank deposit and the clearance of funds.

Have you ever noticed when traveling on Georgia 400, or simply known as 400, that there are signs which proudly proclaim it as the Hospitality Highway?  I did some research and came across the Hospitality Highway website and liked what I found.  I love the tagline of “Magnolias…Moonshine… Merlot”. The website is a joint effort of many local tourism boards as way to highlight the rich and diverse areas that surround GA 400 as well as let people know that it is also a more scenic and interesting alternative to I-75 and I-85.

Since the gas prices are soaring, there is no better time to take advantage of some backyard site seeing in our own turf.  You can even start in Sandy Springs with the Big Forest Preserve and William Payne Historic House.  Or you can start in Dahlonega and work your way down to Sandy Springs.  Some stops in between on 400 include Dawsonville, Cumming, Alpharetta, and Roswell.  Each of these cities can offer you and your family a great time on a Saturday or Sunday.  The site offers a suggested itinerary to follow to maximize your visit.  Also, there is an arts trail and Mother Nature trail component to this site.  So check it out and visit http://www.hospitalityhighway.com.  Let me know what you think!

Over the last few months, I have seen a increase in the use of FHA Loans. I have probably been involved in more transactions with FHA loans in the past few months than I have been in the first 8 years of my career. In the Atlanta market in which I work, there has not been a big demand for them. Due to the changing mortgage market, FHA loans are becoming favorable. FHA Loans have several advantages over conventional loans, including lower down payments and more relaxed credit-qualifying guidelines. The federal government created FHA loan programs to encourage homeownership throughout the country. The FHA can help people to obtain a loan with little or no down payment. The FHA does not supply the loan; it simply insures the loan to limit the risk to the lender.

Benefits of a FHA mortgage:

• A 3% down payment, as opposed to a 5% down payment on traditional loans
• Low monthly mortgage insurance
• Low closing costs, which are regulated by HUD
• No credit score requirements
• Qualify for a loan two years after a bankruptcy
• Qualify for a loan three years after a foreclosure
• Seller can contribute up to 10% of the loan value in closing costs
• Borrowers can mortgage up to $769,000. In 1/09, the limit will be $362,000

The borrower is required to pay an insurance premium upfront, but this premium can be financed into the loan amount directly. The borrower must also pay a monthly premium, which is .5% of the total loan amount divided equally over 12 months. Unlike a conventional loan, the FHA requires a termite report and clearance, as well as a few other property condition standards, to qualify for a loan.

If you want more information, please feel free to call on me to help you PILOT THE PERFECT MOVE.

At Morgan Falls, exists one of the first dams to be built for electrical purposes in the state of Georgia. The dam opened in 1904 and was constructed to generate electricity for Atlanta’s street car system which was 12 miles away.

Today, the dam is not used for electricity, but serves as a mechanism to regulate the water flow down the Chattahoochee for the Atlanta water and sewage systems. It plays an integral part in the Atlanta community. The dam also serves as the focus of Bull Sluice lake which is know to river enthusiasts, fisherman, and boaters. The future park plan is to construct a walking path over it to the other side of the river.

Last river clean up I was able to walk over the dam with my daughter and found it fascinating. It gave a beautiful view of the river and mad me excited about the new park that is being proposed. This would be a major amenity which will boost the value of real estate in the area. Please see the link for a more comprehensive history of the dam.

Being the Sandy Springs History buff that I am, I got in my car and punched in 795 Sudbury Road into my GPS. It brought me to a location just a couple of miles from my home. The cemetery is located behind the house. You can use the driveway but be mindful that this is private property. There is right of way to the cemetery. You will see the signs. Do not disturb the site. If you know anything about this family buried there, please contact the number in the article.

Have fun and don’t be to scared!

 Enjoy this video of a spoof on the day in the life of a Realtor.  If you run across someone like this, run and call me ASAP. 

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Let me know what you think.

We can learn that if the first two pigs had a good realtor, they would not have built a house which could have been knocked down by the big bad wolf. The third pig, more than likely taking the advice from an expert Realtor, built his home strong and sturdy. Don’t be like the first two pigs and risk you and your family’s life!

MORAL OF THE STORY: The two pigs would not have lost their home if I was their Realtor. In fact, I would have used my trademark FOCUS, DETERMINATION, and PRECISION which would have allowed me to PILOT THE PERFECT MOVE. If you saw my previous post “How A Good Realtor Can Help You Have Better Sex…”, you would know that the first two pigs would have a better sex life as well.

To refresh your memories of this great story, please view this video clip of Christopher Walken telling the tale. I think you will enjoy it.

If you can not see the video click here.

Have you ever felt as if you were the two little pigs after working with a Realtor? Please share your experiences.

]]> http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/2008/05/06/more-green-space-for-sandy-springs/feed/ 0 Piloting The Perfect Move http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/2008/05/02/bad-home-debt-in-sandy-springs/ http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/2008/05/02/bad-home-debt-in-sandy-springs/#comments Fri, 02 May 2008 13:58:08 +0000 pilotingtheperfectmove http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/?p=177 ]]>

Forbes magazine recently published its list of cities with the worst homeowners debt and sadly, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta area made the top 20. According to the article, they used U.S. Census data to determine which of the country’s largest 150 housing markets had the highest percentage of outstanding home equity and second loans. Then they combined that data with housing price trends taken from the National Association of Realtors, to gauge which markets are experiencing steep price drops. Forbes estimates that homeowners in these areas might have the hardest time refinancing or staying afloat.

Here are the top 50 cities for worst homeowner debt:
1. Sacramento–Arden- Arcade–Roseville, CA
2. Denver-Aurora, CO
3. San Diego-Carlsbad- San Marcos, CA
4. Minneapolis-St. Paul- Bloomington, MN-WI
5. Washington-Arlington- Alexandria, DC-VA-MD- WV
6. Los Angeles-Long Beach- Santa Ana, CA
7. Boise City-Nampa, ID
8. Colordo Springs, CO
9. Las Vegas-Paradise, NV
10. Madison, WI
11. Reno-Sparks, NV
12. Boulder, CO
13. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
14. Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI
15. Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN
16. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
17. Portland-Vancouver- Beaverton, OR-WA
18. Columbus, OH
19. Richmond, VA
20. Atlanta-Sandy Springs- Marietta, GA
21. Boston-Cambridge- Quincy, MA-NH
22. Green Bay, WI
23. San Francisco-Oakland- Fremont, CA
24. Lexington-Fayette,KY
25. Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH
26. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
27. Salt Lake City, UT
28. Raleigh-Cary, NC
29. Worcester, MA
30. Louisville, KY-IN
31. Baltimore-Towson, MD
32. Pittsfield, MA
33. Indianapolis, IN
34. Charlotte-Gastonia- Concord, NC-SC
35. Bridgeport-Stamford- Norwalk, CT
36. Akron, OH
37. Dayton, OH
38. Virginia Beach-Norfolk- Newport News, VA-NC
39. Lansing-E.Lansing, MI
40. Providence-New Bedford- Fall River, RI-MA
41. Appleton, WI
42. Portland-South Portland- Biddeford, ME
43. Durham, NC
44. San Jose-Sunnyvale- Santa Clara, CA
45. Lincoln, NE
46. Allentown-Bethlehem- Easton, PA-NJ
47. Omaha, NE-IA
48. New Haven-Milford, CT
49. Milwaukee-Waukesha- West Allis, WI
50. Orlando, FL

This post might be a little out there. I saw on my blog stats that someone had searched Sandy Springs Box Turtle Sounds and came across my blog. It got me thinking. What does a turtle sound like? I really have never heard one. I did some research and found out that turtles do not have vocal cords so they do not have auditory sounds like other beings. Please follow this link to hear turtle sounds. If you learn one thing new a day, have it be today from this blog post.

The 2008 Volunteer For A Better Sandy Springs, sponsored by Leadership Sandy Springs, was a huge success. We had over 650 people turn out to give a few hours to help our community of Sandy Springs. Last, year we had 380 volunteers and ten sites thoughout the city. The weather was good and the rain held off until the evening.

The volunteers gave over 1900 hours back to their community. According to national statistics, a volunteer hour in Georgia is worth $18.77. On that measure, VBSS gave back over $35,000 in volunteer value. We painted, cleaned, entertained, pruned weeds, organized, etc, through out the city. Everyone who participated received a colorful t-shirt and a lunch sponsored by Arby’s. This was my second and final year as chairman of the event. I feel I left it in better shape than when I got it.

Here is the article from the Sandy Springs Neighbor before the event.

Nevertheless, you still have a chance to sign up for the 2008 Volunteer For A Better Sandy Springs day on April 26, 2008. There are over 14 sites to choose from to volunteer. Each volunteer will receive a colorful t-shirt and a llunch at Hammond Park. Volunteers work from 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM, and then come to Hammond Park for a celebration lunch. Please visit www.leadershipsandysprings.org, and click on the VBSS link. You can download a brochure to register. It looks like we will have ovr 500 volunteers out on the day. My goal was to give back 1500 hours to the community. It looks like we will accomplish the goal!

I hope to see you all out there.

Choosing a school for your children is a very important aspect for your family, especially if someone is looking for a new home. The decisions are difficult and are often based on antedoctal information from friends, relatives, and neighbors.

The Georgia Public Policy Foundation publishes a useful yearly report that ranks all the Georgia public schools in the state. They have a category for elementary, middle, and high schools. The study uses the following criteria to ranks the schools: the percentage of students who meet or exceed the math and reading portion of the CCRT test, the percentage of those who exceed the same criteria for the CCRT, the percentage of students who at the poverty level as defined by those who qualify for the free meal programs, and finally, how the school does with those students at the poverty level. This is a nice study that lets you compare schools within the county and between counties.

There are flaws with the study, but it gives the parents a snapshot at how the school is performing. Parents should use the results to supplement other ways to determine if the school is right for their children.  A visit and talk with the faculty is also very important.

What are your thoughts?

]]> http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/2008/04/11/home-values-are-increasing-in-sandy-springs/feed/ 0 Piloting The Perfect Move http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/2008/04/09/their-paving-roads-in-sandy-springs/ http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/2008/04/09/their-paving-roads-in-sandy-springs/#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:54:19 +0000 pilotingtheperfectmove http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/?p=168 ]]> Since Sandy Springs has become a city the government has been trying its best to justify its existence. One of the good things they have done other than not fix the storm drainage problem that floods my yard (I have called several times but to no avail) is to start paving the roads. I have taken notice since they have been working on the roads in front of my subdivision. The paving project is called the Capital Paving Project. Sixteen miles of roadway are set to be paved by spring 2008. The project will involve both day and night paving. I like it. It is better money spent than the money Mayor Eva Galambos throws away in legal fees fighting the adult book stores. Also, the roads will be better for me to run barefoot over (that is another post altogether!). Click here for more information about the project. Now maybe we can get the government to put more sidewalks in and forget about the adult stores!

If you are interested in volunteering at HSS for the 2008 Volunteer For A Better Sandy Springs, please click here for more information.

]]> http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/2008/04/08/is-there-history-in-sandy-springs/feed/ 0 Piloting The Perfect Move http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/2008/04/06/ed-dodd-mark-trail-and-sandy-springs/ http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/2008/04/06/ed-dodd-mark-trail-and-sandy-springs/#comments Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:12:53 +0000 pilotingtheperfectmove http://pilotingtheperfectmove.wordpress.com/?p=165 ]]> The famous cartoon strip, Mark Trail, was written by long time Sandy Spring’s native Ed Dodd. Ed Dodd was a big proponent of the natural environment. Dodd’s Lost Forest, the fictional home of Mark Trail, was patterned off the 130 acre tract of land on Marsh Creek in north Sandy Springs. He purchased the land from the Brandon family in the 1950s. Dodd built a beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright designed home overlooking the creek. The home site is located in the Brandon Mill area of Sandy Springs. This area is just west of Roswell Road off Dalrymple Road. The following site has some great information about Ed Dodd and Mark Trail.

Green is the new red, white, and blue. This is the new buzz phrase that is floating about. Are you concerned about the environment? Do you try to do little things that can help the environment? Are you worried about global warming, but do not want to throw yourself in front of a bulldozer or vote for the most liberal candidate running for office. You may be a Greeniac. A Greeniac is a person who is concerned about the environment but does not want to radically change their lifestyle. There is a great website for Greeniacs. Here you can learn about being Green without chaining yourself to a tree. Are you a Greeniac?

Since Sandy Springs became a city, there has been some debate as to whether the area has become more or less desirable. I personally think it has improved the area, although I find some of the city’s services lacking. Also, I think the Mayor and City Council are starting to make some decisions that are not in the best interest of th citizens. For instance, they want to buy the North Fulton County Service Center and convert it into a police station. If they do that, we will have to go downtown for various county services. Check out this article about if Sandy Springs is still hot.

Do you think the newness has rubbed off in Sandy Springs?

There are not a lot of new homes in Sandy Springs. Most homes have been built between 1980 and 1989 (31.14%). Only 3.65% of homes were built between 1999 and October 2005. Fewer than 10% percent of the homes were built before 1959. Only .75% of the homes were built before 1939, while .85% of the homes were constructed between 1940-1949.

 

Let me know what you find.

Here is my team that I drafted last night.

Catcher – Ivan Rodriguez (Detroit)

1B/PH – David Ortiz (Boston)

2B – Kelly Johnson (Atlanta)

SS – Jose Reyes (NY-Mets)

3B – Ryan Zimmerman (Washington)

OF – Jeff Franceour (ATL)

OF – Torii Hunter (LAA)

OF – Ken Griffey, Jr (Cin)

OF – Johnny Damon – (NYY)

EH – Gery Sheffield – (Detroit)

EH – Michael Young (Texas)

EH – Edgar Rentaria (Detroit)

SP – Justin Verlander (Detroit)

SP – Tim Hudson (Atlanta)

SP – Brett Myers (Phil)

SP – Ben Sheets (Mil)

RP – J.J. Putz (Seattle)

RP – Trevor Hoffman (SD)

What do you think?

Baseball Season begins this evening. With the opening day, there also comes fantasy baseball. This is an opportunity to be a baseball manager and make decisions about the best known baseball players.

With making these decisions, many hours a watching, reading, and thinking about baseball is mandatoryl This is what makes it fun.

If you want to see a live game and do not want to go to Turner Field, please take advantage of the little leagues that are going on in Sandy Springs. See http://sandyspringsbaseball.com for a schedule. Sometimes watching non-professionals can be as fun as watching the big boys.

Let me know what you like about the baseball season.

Volunteers will work from 8:45AM to 12:00PM, and then come to Hammond Park for a celebration luncheon provided by Arby’s. Each participant will receive a colorful
t-shirt for their efforts.

VBSS is an ongoing event sponsored by Leadership Sandy Springs. A grant from the Community Foundation of North Fulton and a partnership with Hands On Atlanta has
made this progam possible.

The link below will take you to a registration form. You can fill it out and fax it back to the number on the form. Please feel free to forward the brochure to those who you think might
be interested. Please contact me if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you on April 26, 2008, and helping make Sandy Springs a better place to live, work, and play.

Click here for brochure.

Please see the article for more information.

Enjoy and beware of the language!

If you can not see the above video click here.

Any Thoughts?

According to the FAA, Sandy Springs has 109 registered aircraft owners and 271 licensed pilots (not including student pilots). I think this would be a great start to argue that all these aircraft owners and pilots need an airport close to where they live. Politically, these owners and pilots would be a great demographic for any aspiring local politician. Maybe Mayor Galambos and our fine Sandy Springs City Council will put aside their work to find a plush nice City Hall home and start buying some acreage to put a nice airport with a 6000 ft runway that can handle many types of aircraft. A crosswind runway would be nice as well. I think we can make the surrounding areas green space as well. We can call it Sandy Springs City Airport (SSC).

Do you think we need an airport?

The Census Bureau reported that the percentage of vacant homes rose from 2.7% in Q3 to 2.8% in Q4. They also reported that the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta area had a vacancy rate of 4.7%. Not surprisingly, the largest growth was in the depopulating rust belt and the homebuilder meccas of the south and southwest. Some statistics from among 75 major metropolitan areas:

* Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater rate rose from 1.8% in 2005 to 5.1% in 2007.
* Miami-Ft Lauderdale rate rose from 2.3% in 2005 to 4.4% in 2007.
* Riverside-San Bernardino rate rose from 1.2% in 2005 to 3.8% in 2007.
* Sacramento rate rose from 1.2% in 2005 to 4.2% in 2007.
* Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale rate rose from 1% in 2005 to 3.7% in 2007.

Orlando had the highest vacancy rate among the metropolitan areas at 7.4%, followed by Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater (5.1%), Las Vegas-Paradise (4.9%), and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta (4.7%).

In Sandy Springs, an easy way to increase the value of your home is to get rid of the popcorn ceilings. This style is prevalent in Sandy Springs because of the older homes.. Popcorn ceilings are steadily being replaced by smooth ceilings. In most high end homes, ceilings are of the smooth variety. The technical name for popcorn ceilings is “acoustic mix”. Many people simply hate the look of the cottage-cheese-like texture and wonder why they were applied in the first place. As with most constr. uction trends you can follow the money trail for the answer; the widespread adoption of this finish practice by builders throughout America was simple economics. It was far less labor intensive and therefore cheaper to cover a partially finished drywall ceiling with a rough texture than to complete the drywall taping work to the stage needed for a smooth finish.

What started the removal trend? Some say it was the asbestos scare while others claim it was simply changing tastes of buyers. If your home does contain asbestos you must inform the potential buyers through disclosure or face possible legal action later down the road.

Prior to asbestos being outlawed in 1978, the natural but cancer causing fiber was added to the acoustic mix primarily as a binder to help hold the material together. Additionally the chrysotile asbestos used in popcorn ceilings is an outstanding fire proofing agent plus it increases the life of the pump used to apply the material by acting as a lubricant of sort.

But not all acoustic ceilings contain asbestos, and only lab testing can confirm its presence. You cannot smell it, taste it, or see it without a microscope and the training to know what you are looking for. Although acoustic was reformulated in 1978 existing stocks of the material were used well into the 1980’s.

By the late 90’s the use of this popcorn-looking texture fell out of favor with most builders because of public perception. It does, however, continue to this day with some builders, primarily those of lower end housing. Mobile homes are a great example of the cost saving building practice as most new units still contain machine applied asbestos-free acoustic.

The removal process is straight forward and fairly simple, although some practice is required to master it. Many that attempt to take on the job of popcorn removal without taking the time to learn the techniques needed for success will damage the drywall when scraping off the acoustic, resulting in even more work and expense than removing the material the right way the first time.

After removal of the acoustic ceiling, the drywall must be properly finished as this step was most likely skipped by the builder. This includes coating the nail or screw heads used to hold the drywall in place and application of the final coats of joint compound to the drywall joints, followed by a final sanding. The level of finishing needed depends upon what is desired of the final finish.

A sprayed on knock-down, or hand applied skip-trowel texture will not require the level of perfection that is needed for a smooth or texture-less finish.

If you are looking for a way to increase the value of your home, or you are just tired of looking at those spider web collecting, dust mite gathering, ugly popcorn ceilings, consider removing those eye sores and giving your home a fresh new look.

Call me if you have popcorn ceilings and I can refer you someone to remove it.

Share your thoughts about popcorn ceilings.

Why don’t you join in to make our planet a little better? For more information click here for the Earth Hour Website.

As many of you probably know that the turtle has become an icon of Sandy Springs. In previous posts, I have shared information about the Sandy Springs Turtle artwork scattered throughout the city.

Well, the type of turtle that you are seeing is the Box Turtle. These turtles are very common and can live up to 20 years. Unfortunately, we are not seeing them as much as in the past due to them being run over by cars and new development. They used to be very common in the Sandy Springs , especially in the original springs of Sandy Springs. You can get more info about the Box Turtle by clicking here.

Do you remember the Box Turtle as a kid?

One thing that Sandy Springs has done well other than not taking care of a drainage problem in my yard after many attempts at talking with the city is to develop new parks and greenspace. An exciting new plan they have in the works is the Abernathy Linear Park which will be between Roswell Road and Johnson Ferry Road on Abernathy Road. This park will have walking trails, ponds, a community center, and park benches. It looks like it will be a great government project which should help real estate values in the area.

Click here for a layout of the plan.

See the video to get more information about our Code of Ethics.

Click here if you cannot see the video.

The youtube.com video has been very popular and has given this lady some great publicity.

I wonder if she can do a Sandy Springs accent?

Click here is you can not see the video.

Many famous and noteworthy people have at one time called Sandy Springs their home. Dozens have liked it so much they have decided to be buried in our great city. The most famous recognized female voice to hundreds of millions of Americans eternally lies in our own Arlington Cemetery. Her name is Jane Barbe (d 2003).

Jane Barbe, unofficialy as “The Telephone Lady,” her voice was instantly recognizable to every telephone user who ever dialed a wrong number, called a number no longer in service or simply sought to find out the current time and temperature. Her voice was once heard an estimated 40 million times per day on telecom networks around the globe, with her distinctive and friendly voice gracing some 90% of intercept messages and 60% of automated time and temperature calling programs. “I’m sorry, the number you have dialed is no longer in service” and “Please press pound for more options” were just two of Barbe’s most commonly replayed messages. She appeared on television’s “Mike Douglas Show,” “I’ve Got a Secret” and “Real People” as “The Time Lady.” She even starred in a commercial for Shake ‘n Bake. She retired in 2003 after 40 years as the voice of ETC’s time-weather-temperature services (written by Joe Kelley).

For more info about famous people buried at Arlington Cemetery, click here.

Do you know anyone famous in Sandy Springs?

An interesting note is that overall in 2007, we saw an appreciation of home values close to 1%. This is incredible considering all the negative press about the market.

Please click here to download this report.

Sandy Springs has some great running routes. Over the years I have ran all over the city while training for the various marathons I have run. Many of you have seen me all over the city and sometimes far from home and probably think that I am a bit crazy. Distance running can do that to you. It has helped my real estate since I have gotten a great view of Sandy Springs from the running perspective. Since I am not moving very fast I often have been able to notice things you do not see while racing by in your car.

Click here for a great website that has some great running routes in Sandy Springs. Have a great run and maybe I will see you on the road.

 SPRUILL ART GALLERY PRESENTS
Hand to Hand: 100 Artists’ Comment on the Iraq War
Curated by Cecilia Kane

Spruill Art Gallery presents, “Hand to Hand: 100 Artists’ Comments on the Iraq War,” an exhibition curated by artist Cecilia Kane on view from March 7 – April 26, 2008. The exhibition opens with a public reception on Thursday, March 6, from 6 until 9 p.m. Working with over 100 artists, artist and curator Cecilia Kane translated news reports from the war in Iraq into stunning and sobering artworks using white cotton gloves as the connective theme – one glove for each of the 1,825 days of the war. Spruill Art Gallery is located at 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road at its intersection with Meadow Lane. For more information about Spruill Gallery and its programs, call 770-394-4019 or check its website, www.spruillarts.org.

Click here if  you can not see the video.

If you are up to taking a bike ride, it is a good opportunity to see the turtle sculptures scattered across the city.  These bike routes will take you past some of the artwork.  The routes end and start at Hammond Park. 

15-mile Cycling Route:

1. Exit northern side of Hammond Park and turn left onto Hammond Drive.
2. Left onto Mount Vernon Hwy.
3. Left onto Northside Drive.
4. Right onto Riverview Road.
5. Left onto Northside Drive.
6. Right onto Powers Ferry Road.
7. Left onto Heards Drive.
8. Right onto Heards Ferry Drive.
9. Left onto Riverside Drive.
10. Right onto River Valley Road.
11. Right onto Johnson Ferry Road.
12. Right onto Sandy Springs Circle.
13. Left onto Mount Vernon Hwy.
14. Right onto Glenridge Drive.
15. Left onto Hammond Drive.
16. Right into northern side of Hammond Park.

34-mile Cycling Route:

1. Exit northern side of Hammond Park and turn left onto Hammond Drive.

2. Left onto Mount Vernon Hwy.
3. Left onto Northside Drive.
4. Right onto Riverview Road.
5. Left onto Northside Drive.
6. Right onto Powers Ferry Road.
7. Left onto Heards Drive.
8. Right onto Heards Ferry Drive.
9. Left onto Riverside Drive.
10. Right onto River Valley Road.
11. Right onto Johnson Ferry Road.
12. Right onto Sandy Springs Circle.
13. Left onto Mount Vernon Hwy.
14. Left onto Glenridge Drive. 
15. Right onto Spalding Road.
16. Right onto Happy Hollow Road.
17. Left onto Dunwoody Club Drive.
18. Right onto Winters Chapel Road.
19. Right onto Peeler Road. 
20. Left onto N. Peachtree Road.
21. Right onto Peeler Road.
22. Right onto Chamblee-Dunwoody Road.
23. Left onto Dunwoody Road.
24. Left onto Spalding Road. 
25. Left onto Glenridge Drive.
26. Left onto Hammond Drive.
27. Right into northern side of Hammond Drive Park. 

Click here for more information about each of the Town Turtles of Sandy Springs.  Also, the map of where the Turtles are in Sandy Springs.

March 4, 2008— The City of Sandy Springs and its staff will be presenting information at their monthly City Open House on March 10 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Mt. Vernon High School (Glenn Campus) located at 510 Mt. Vernon Highway, NE. 

The public is encouraged to attend the open house, which will focus on numerous topics. The topics presented at each individual station range from the Police (COMPSTAT) station to the Recreation and Parks station. In all, there will be nearly 15 stations set up for the public to view and ask questions about. Inparticular, the three transportation related projects being presented are the Phase I portion of the Sandy Springs Circle and Hammond Drive Pedestrian Enhancements, the Roswell Road Streetscapes and theRiver Valley Road Sidewalks project. 

There will be no formal presentation, but there will be an opportunity for the public to comment on what the City has presented. The Sandy Springs Fire and Rescue will have one of their Fire Engines on display, as well as, their new Fire Safety House which was given to the City in early February. The Fire Safety House is a fully interactive experience that will be utilized to teach children about such things as fire safety, kitchen safety, bike safety, seatbelt safety and storm preparedness. 

For more information on other upcoming public meetings, please visit the Community Calendar on the City of Sandy Springs website at www.sandyspringsga.org.

Share your kitchen fire experiences.

 1. Denver, Colorado

2. San Antonio, Texas (tie)

2. Portland, Oregon (tie)

4, Seattle, Washington

5. Salt Lake City, Utah (tie)

 5. Boise, Idaho (tie)

6. Washington, DC

7. Cincinnati, Ohio (tie)

7. Columbus, Ohio (tie)

9. Baltimore, Maryland

10. Buffalo, NY (tie)

11. Sandy Springs, Ga (just joking!! – you and I wish..)

If your can not see video, please click here.

1. Marietta
Johnson Ferry Road NE & Roswell Road NE

2. Atlanta
Piedmont Road NE & Monroe Road NE

3. Sandy Springs
Abernathy Road NW & Roswell Road NE

4. Duluth
Medlock Bridge Road & State Bridge Road

5. Atlanta
Briarcliff Road NE & North Druid Hills Road NE

If you are interested in volunteering to help prepare the grounds for the sculpture displays, you can do so during Leadership Sandy Springs 2008 Volunteer For A Better Sandy Springs.  Download the brochure and register for the Sandy Springs Conservancy  project.  This is a great way to support the arts in Sandy Springs.

You can own your own land on the Moon’s Sea of Tranquility.  This area is the most widely explored area of the moon.  This awe inspiring area includes several mountain chains and boasts the historic landing spot of the Apollo 11 landing site. If you purchased an acre here you would be among 250 movie stars and celebrities, two former U.S. Presidents, and 15 main actors from the Star Trek Series.  Also, there is a lot of brainpower owning here: 30 past and present NASA members.  All for $29 per acre.

Visit Lunar Land Owner for more information. Remember Buyer Beware.  Invest in land only with the advice of a trained expert.  I confess I am not an expert on moon land.  Although, I am a market expert in buying and selling land in the Atlanta area.  Please call me if you want to invest in land on earth – in Atlanta.

 The ASPCA is offering a ‘Free Pet Safety Pack”.  In the pack is a window decal  that alerts rescue personnel that pets are inside your home. Also included is an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center magnet—a great way to keep the APCC’s toll-free emergency number and website address handy in case your pets get into something they shouldn’t!

Click here for more information.

Give your pets a chance!

It is designed and managed as a forest education center offering 1-1/2 miles of walking trails. The site ncludes hilly topography, two creeks, and a diverse middle growth forest including some large 100- and 200-year-old white oak trees. Visitors can pick up a self-guided trail tour brochure at the Preserve entrance.

But be forewarned – this is a place for reflection and quiet – so older children may appreciate it more than young ones.There is plenty of parking when you go.  The preserve is a volunteer site for the 2008 Volunteer For  A Better Sandy Springs on Saturday, April 26, 2008.  Volunteering at the Preserve is a great way to meet the dedicated staff as will learn more about this wonderful Sandy Springs resource.  Click here for more information about Volunteer For  A Better Sandy Springs.Click here for the John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve website. 

1500s-The Creek Nation inhabit the area south of the Chattahoochee while the Cherokees live north of the river. The Historic Sandy Springs exists in an area shared by both nations for hunting and fishing.

1821- The Treaty of Indian Spring is signed wherein Native Americans living in Georgia cede their land to the U.S. government. Ceded land, including the area surrounding the Historic Springs, is divided by land lottery of 202 ½ acres per parcel. Each parcel was $19.

1830s-The Wagon Stop House, still located near the intersection of Glenridge Drive and Johnson Ferry Road, serves as a traveler’s rest stop and circuit courthouse.

1842-The Austin-Johnson House is built. The oldest unaltered house in Sandy Springs, the home is still located on Johnson-Ferry Road near Abernathy Road.

1851- Wilson Spruill donates five acres for the founding of the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church. The first building, a one room log cabin, is soon replaced by “The Red Brick Church” where summer camp meetings were held each summer.

1853-Sandy Springs becomes part of the newly created Fulton County.

1860s-James Isom operates Isom Ferry, which crossed the Chattahoochee at the mouth of Sope Creek. John Heard took over operation in 1868 and renamed the ferry Heards Ferry which operated until 1890.

1861-1865-The Civil War-Historic markers throughout Sandy Springs recount wartime activities in the area, particularly during the Battle of Atlanta. Key sites mark the crossing of the Chattahoochee by Union troops near Sope Creek, and troop movement along present-day Mt. Vernon Highway.

1869-Walter Jerome Williams builds a home from timber cleared from his land at the present day location of Mt. Vernon Highway and Ga. 400. His home would later become known as the Williams-Payne House Museum.

1880-1920s-Ike Roberts operates a railroad from Chamblee to the Chattahoochee River near present-day Sandy Springs/Dunwoody.

1889-The Georgia General Assembly prohibits the sale of alcohol in a one and half mile radius around the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church.

1905-Hammond School is built at Johnson Ferry Road and Mt. Vernon Highway and continues operation until 1976.

1920s-Several wealthy Atlantans build second homes here. The T.K. Glen family builds Glenridge Hall which still serves as a private residence today. Late in the decade, the brush arbor of the Sandy Springs Methodist Church where camp meetings were held burned to the ground and was rebuilt.

1939-Major and Marie Payne purchase the home Jerome Williams built and remodel it into a charming country cottage.

1945-World War II ends and Sandy Springs experiences a rapid increase in residential development which continues today.

1946- Sandy Spring residents Ed Dodd and Tom Hill start the conservationist comic strip Mark Trail.

1958-Sandy Springs High School, the first high school between Rowell and Buckhead, opens.

1967 – The last covered bridge in the area over Sope Creek at Paper Mill Road is destroyed by fire.

1960s-Interstate 285 is completed.

 Timeline

• In 1950, the state legislature blocked Atlanta from annexing the area.
• In 1952, the Buckhead area north of Atlanta and south of Sandy Springs was annexed.
• In 1959, after a fire at Hammond Elementary School, Atlanta Mayor William Hartsfield urged residents to support annexation so that the area would have better firefighting protection.
• In 1966, annexation was defeated in a referendum, with two-thirds voting against.
• In 1975 and 1976, the Committee For Sandy Springs was created and efforts in the legislature began.
• In 1989, a new push was made, this time to join neighboring Chattahoochee Plantation in Cobb County. This move was blocked by Speaker of the House Tom Murphy.
• In July 2005, residents voted 94% for incorporation in a referendum.
• In November 2005, Sandy Springs residents elected the city’s first mayor and city council. Eva Galambos, who had initiated and led the charge for incorporation, was elected mayor by a wide margin. All city officials took office when the city was incorporated on December 1.
• In 2006, the city’s police force began service on July 1.
• In 2006, the city’s fire department was lauched on December 29.

Can you add to this timeline?

The 2008 Volunteer For A Better Sandy Springs Day is fast approaching.  The day
is going to be on April 26, 2008, Saturday, from 8:45AM to 1:30PM. We have 14 volunteer
projects spread throughout Sandy Springs and expect at least 500 people to give
back to the community. 

Volunteers will work from 8:45AM to 12:00PM, and then come to Hammond Park for a
celebration luncheon provided by Arby’s.  Each participant will receive a colorful
t-shirt for their efforts.

VBSS is an ongoing event sponsored by Leadership Sandy Springs.  A grant from the
Community Foundation of North Fulton and a partnership with Hands On Atlanta has
made this progam possible.

The link below will take you to a registration form.  You can fill it out and fax it back to the number
on the form. Please feel free to forward the brochure to those who you think might
be interested. Please contact me if you have any questions.  We look forward to
seeing you on April 26, 2008, and helping make Sandy Springs a better place to live,
work, and play.

Click here for brochure.

Travelling north of Elberton, Georgia, State Highway 77 skirts the Tugaloo River Valley, which gently slopes towards the river that defines the South Carolina border. This fertile valley was first farmed by the Cherokee in the 15th century. In fact, they considered this to be the center of the world. But eight miles north of Georgia’s granite capitol the road reaches a truly unusual site…America’s Stonehenge.

Almost twenty feet tall, and at least 3000 miles from the plains of Salisbury, the Georgia Guidestones consist of six granite slabs that weight more than 100 tons, according to the Elberton Granite Association. The quarried slabs are really quite a bit more than the English attraction, for inscribed on the stones are wisdom for all ages: “Avoid petty laws and useless officials,” and “prize truth – beauty – love seeking harmony with the infinite.”

The story of this combined Stonehenge and Rosetta Stone goes back two decades when an unidentified man walked into Elberton Granite Finishing Company and announced that he represented a “small group of Americans who seek the age of reason.” The stones were carved with the admonitions of the group in eight languages: English, Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Swahili, and Spanish.

The four main stones radiate like spokes on a wheel from the fifth stone, which stands in the center of the ring. A capstone lies on top of the five slabs, which are astronomically aligned.

Location: Grassy field north of Elberton on Hwy 77
Directions: From Elberton travel north on Highway 77 for 8.7 miles. The guidestones are visible on the right, a short distance from the main highway.

Click here if you do not see the above video.

As a bonus, the high school the Brady’s attended was West Dale High School.  The real name of the school was William Howard Taft High School. In real life, Marcia and Cindy Brady actually attended Taft High School.

Share your memories of the Brady House.  Next will be a post on the famous home of the Walshes of 90210!

In my quest to bring my valued readers some interesting facts about real estate beyond the typical listings sold, market conditions, etc., I think you will find this post interesting.  It is about a nudist realtor in Miami, Florida. If you want, I can refer you to her.  The article ran in the Miami Herald, in May of 2005.  Enjoy!

  Nudist Realtor’s hook: low clothing costs Jen Roberts, nudist Realtor, drove fast with her top down. You could see her hair — blond, tied up — and shoulders — glossy and tan. She was rubbing on sunblock with her free hand and taking the long route to Haulover Beach, where clothes are optional. She drove south along the train tracks for a while and crossed into East Hollywood. The houses were comfortable but not ostentatious. The yards were big and shaded, and some were fenced for privacy. If you were a nudist — and even if you weren’t — it would be a nice place to live, if you had a lot of money. ”You can’t even look at a place for less than $300,000,” she’d said earlier, back at her Hollywood office. “Prices are shooting up and I don’t know where it’s going to end. I hate to say it, but if you’re going to get in, you’d better do it now.” In this, of course, she sounded like all Realtors. But not when she talked about the hateful roughness of cloth on her skin, and how three of her first 15 sales were to nudists she met via the Internet. Last year, her first in the business, she sold a small home to a young family of nudists for slightly less than $400,000, a preconstruction condominium to a single nudist man for $369,000 and an older unit on the Intracoastal Waterway to a nudist couple from New Jersey for $250,000. Those people were ”in their early 40s, very cool, very nice,” she said. Nudists in general are a Realtor’s dream, demographically speaking. ”They tend to be a little older, probably a little more settled, at a stage in life where they’re looking to buy a home,” Roberts said. “And, of course, they like sunshine and the beach.” 

DESTINATION OF CHOICE 

They especially like Haulover, where the northern tip is designated as the only clothing-optional beach in Miami-Dade County. She claims the beach gets one million visitors a year, many of them undoubtedly nudists tired of throwing rent money down the drain. Her own nudism — she slipped into the lifestyle when she was 24 and is now 37 — has been helpful in this particular segment of the market, because there’s always something to talk about. So she visits the beach when she can and always takes business cards with her. Naked people do not, as a rule, have pockets to keep business cards, but they often have beach bags. Roberts stepped out onto the sand, but she was not nude this time. She wore a denim skirt and tank top and kept them on, though the afternoon was hot. The place was full of nudists — strolling nudists, chatting nudists, sunbathing nudists. It was strangely quiet. Even the nudists chatting did so in hushed tones, as if the absence of cover demanded manners to compensate. She approached one Larry Fleischman and gave him her card. Larry does a fair bit of modeling, he said — nude, obviously, though just now he wore a feathery hat and a sarong. He agreed that these are great days for nudist real estate; he himself just bought a place. ”Prices are going crazy around this beach,” he said. “Absolutely. What you need to do is do some advertising.” ”I’ve been meaning to,” Roberts said. 

SPREADING THE WORD 

She’s working on a logo to stick on Frisbees and beer cozies to give away at the beach. She was quiet about what it would look like, but did reveal some tag lines: The Naked Truth about South Florida Real Estate — wordy. The Realtor With Nothing Up Her Sleeve — an improvement certainly, but still annoying. 

The last one was South Florida, Naturally, which sounded just about right.”

 But first, let us do some quick introduction to Fen Shui.

 Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice believed to utilize the Laws of both Heaven, (astronomy), and Earth, (geography), to help one improve life by receiving positive Chi (loosely translated as positive energy). Feng Shui has become trendy in the world of real estate. Consultants are used to help homeowners use Feng Shui in their homes to create as much positive energy as possible.  Below are some of the basic concepts as they relate to real estate are: Avoid having a straight road leading directly to the home, with people coming and going it will dissipate the good influences. Avoid building at the junction of a T-street or at the end of a cul-de-sac because these locations are on the receiving end of the straight-flowing Sha (not good energy). A dead-end street traps the bad Sha. The front entrance should not face the upstairs stairway. The front door should not have a view of the back door. The through hallway is a no-no. Heavy beams in the recreational room are a burden and interfere with Chi. To have the right side low and the left side high are both unlucky. The hills to the left should be higher than those to the right. Houses or buildings on triangular plots of land are ill-omened as the strange shape attracts Sha. Water is very important and its positioning is vital to improving Chi and confounding Sha. 

In feng shui, wind chimes and bird feeders stimulate the flow of chi (energy) in a yard. In Duct Shui, attract birds by duct taping plastic decoys to a birdbath. In feng shui, placing a wind chime in the front area of a home or office will summon people to help you. Duct Shui teaches that if you really want help, get some duct tape stuck in your hair and then pull hard–the screams will draw plenty of attention.

In feng shui, a wind chime over the stove will cure binge eating. Duct Shui says enough with the wind chimes already!-you can cure binge eating by placing duct tape firmly across your mouth.

In Feng Shui, the positioning of your toilet back-to-back on a common wall with a bed is bad because the flushing sucks positive energy. To remedy this, put a mirror behind the headboard of the bed with the reflective side facing the wall. In Duct Shui, if your bed is on a common wall with your toilet, it means that you don’t have that far to walk to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. In fact, we suggest that if the common wall doesn’t have a door in it, you cut a hole for even easier access. Then frame the hole with duct tape and avoid the need for that costly finishing carpentry. And… If you don’t want the toilet sucking (which pretty much defeats its purpose), we suggest flushing a huge duct tape ball or two. This will certainly stop the effectiveness of the toilet’s drain.

Duct Shui was the brain child of two of the greatest tinkerers of all time: The Duct Tape Guys.

For more information on Duct Shui and the Duct Tape Guys click here.

  Do you have any thoughts on Feng Shui or Duct Shui?

Please enjoys this video about the Kiwanis.

 Click here is you cannot see the video.

 Are you going to be the one?

If you are unable to see the video, click here.

Let me know if you want me to guess the price of your dream home.

The picture below is the first Waffle House:

Currently, a Chinese restaurant sites at the site:

Has anyone been to this historical when it was a Waffle House?

So, if during the period of buying or selling, you have a poor agent who doesnot communicate and things are not going as planned, stress can arrise between a couple.  Studies have shown that people are unhappy when stressed out.  When people are unhappy their sex lives tend to suffer. Whichever spouse chooses the Realtor to use can feel the pressure from the other because he or she made a bad choice.  This also compounds the stress.  On the other hand, if you choose a good Realtor, he or she will communicate with you throughout the process and manage your expectations thoughout the buying or selling experience.  The couple will be pleased and excited and therefor enjoy each other’s company greatly.  This will lead to a better Sex life.  Below is a list of things to think about when choosing a good Realtor:

DON’T CHOOSE SOMEONE JUST BASED ON FRIENDSHIP OR FAMILY

Friendship and family alone isn’t enough to establish a professional’s credentials.  Use tough standards when selecting an agent, just as you would when hiring an attorney, doctor, or accountant.  A true friend or family member will understand and appreciate that this a business decision and will offer their credentials and expect to compete for the business.  If a problem arrises, do you want to risk damaging a friendship or family relationship?

DON”T CHOOSE AN AGENT BASED ON THE HIGHEST LIST PRICE

Some agents tell you what you want to hear.  This is known as”buying a listing” and is used by agents who are more interested in themselves than they are in you. It is great tactic for agents to build their listing inventory.  Pricing your home to high will only make similar homes in the area for sale look much better. 

ALL REALTORS ARE NOT THE SAME

The real estate profession is constantly changing and the best real estate professionals stay abreast of those changes by continuing their education. Some go beyond their minimum requirements with specialized courses and designations.

 AN AGENT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Knowledge of the local market isn’t only required by living in the immediate neighborhood. Sure, your agent should have intimate knowledge of recent sales,models, schools, businesses, and so on, but that is easily achieved through extensive research. Conveniance shouldn’t be the primary reason for choosing an agent.

 AN AGENT WHO SOLD MORE HOMES THAN ANYONE ELSE

That should only be the beginning.  What is more valuable – an agent who listed 32 homes and sold 25 – or an agent who listed 12 homes and sold all twelve?  So you need to ask some questions.  How many of their listings did not sell?  How many were reduced before they wer sold?  How long were they on the market for? etc.

 The best agent is the one who will do the most effective job of marketing the property, negotiating the most favorable terms and conditions, and communicating with their client to make the process as smooth as possible.  Finally, a good agent will be an expert creative problem solver.  

I strive to Pilot the Perfect Move for each client that works with me.

Top 10 Differences Between the SuperBowl and my Real Estate Business

10. It doesn’t cost $2M for a 30-second ad on my site.

9. I don’t need shoulder pads and a helmet to protect me from rough play in real estate.

8. I don’t have a 100 million people watching my every move.

7. There aren’t 10,000 web sites predicting the imminent demise of football.

6. I don’t get to call a timeout to figure out what to do next.

5. In football, there’s never any doubt about who’s on whose side.

4. Bad weather doesn’t bring the SuperBowl to a halt.

3. Prince doesn’t perform at my closings.

2. Not many of my competitors weigh 325 pounds.

…and the number 1 difference between the SuperBowl and my real estate business…

1. Real estate makes sense to me.

 Enjoy the video:

If you can not see the video, click here.

In real estate the buyer and seller often have many differents points of view when it comes to transactions.  There are some other points of view that come into play during a real estate transaction.  Here are the various points of view:

  The Seller’s Point of View

 The Buyers Point of View

 Lender’s Point of View

 Appraiser’s Point of View

  Tax Asessors Point of View

Any thoughts you would like to share?

The Ronald McDonald House, located at 5420 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, is a fantastic organization that the community can be proud.  The home is a place for families to stay while their children receive specialized medical care which can last many months.  For these folks, this special place is a godsend.  Just walking through the home reminds us that this place is a truly special home.  The house manager, Cari Olson, does a fantastic job with the facility.  The house relies primarily on donations from national and local businesses, and individuals. Many local volunteers serve the facility as well.

I would highly recommend my readers to visit the Ronald McDonald House website for more information (www.armh.com) and find a way to help.  Also, if you ware interested in getting involved with serving the community, the Kiwanis is a great place to start.  For more information about the Sandy Springs Kiwanis, please contact me or visit our website at www.kcss-ripples.org.  We meet the first and third Thursdays of each month at Aldo’s between 11:45AM to 1:00 PM.  Join us as my guest to start your journey into community service.

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