In an effort to continue to provide the highest quality real estate services to our clients, The Gebhardt Group has started a new division that focuses on women as homeowners and property owners. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, "Single women represent 20 percent of buyers, up 50 percent during the past eight years. That's an amazing statistic! The NAR® goes on to say that "single women, represent the future of real estate sales." Here are some other interesting statistics about women and homeownership, according to the NAR®: The single female segment of the homebuyer population accounted for 18% of all homebuyers in 2004. Single women purchased approximately one in five homes in 2003, while more than one in ten were purchased by single men. More women (15.5 millio... 04/11/2008

New residential projects are kicking off in The Old Fourth Ward, a transitioning Atlanta district.Southeast Capital Partners Inc., an Atlanta-based construction company, is demolishing three former Ivan Allen Workspace buildings to begin building Six60 at Old Fourth Ward.  Six60 will take up approximately 5 acres on Ralph McGill Boulevard, a little south of City Hall East.  Contained in this development will be a mix of 301 units, including townhomes, apartments, and lofts.  These will be luxury residences designed for the young in-town crowd looking for a convenient location primarily near downtown.  There is also a planned (Old Fourth Ward) Park that will be located nearby.Phase One units could be on the market as early as fall '09 with rents ranging from $900 to $1800. 04/08/2008

And in no particular order, here they are:After you staged the home, we received a contract.  And... I haven't even put the listing in MLS!  We don't have just one offer, we have three.  We have a bidding war and all are over the asking price.The buyer wants to purchase all the items in the home.I've been in real estate for 17 years and had never used a home stager before.  Now, I wouldn't take a listing without it being staged.I'm so thrilled with how the home looked and the success we've had that I've passed your name to all the agents within my office.Your viewed as an expert in your field and I'd like to interview you for an upcoming article.The feedback from those who have viewed the home has been stellar.The number one objective for every home stager is the same as the seller's an... 04/07/2008

Do you delegate your tasks in real estate to an assistant or service or are you a hands on person and do them yourself?  I guess I am use to doing so many different tasks that I just prefer to do them myself!  I am not good at delegating because I am very particular, and like the best results!  Here is the way I figure it... by the time it takes to explain to someone what I want or need, and get them the information... it is easier to do it myself!  Fliers, banners, ads, websites, CMAs, Logos, Banners, lables, postcards, marketing materials are easy to me.  The secret is to have a database contact manager, and for the mundane like fliers....create a template so that you are not reinventing the wheel each time you make a flier!  It isn't rocket science!  If you create a template that you... 04/07/2008

As you are probably aware, there are lots of things happening in Midtown including numerous new, residential buildings.  One of those buildings is 1010 Midtown - just north of Peachtree and 10th Street.  The developers have created a Blog to keep consumers updated on what's happening in Midtown.  You can even subscribe to their blog and you won't miss a beat!  Search for homes for sale in Midtown 04/07/2008

Seven days after I had staged the townhome I received a call from the sales manager for the development telling me that the model home had sold.  There was excitement in his voice and I could just tell that he had more news.  He quickly added "And, Kathy, we're under contract with 4 of the 5 units since you staged the home just 7 days ago."  There are only 5 completed with another 15 underway.And yes, it beats my wildest expectations.  I knew the home looked beautiful and offered prospective buyers with a warm and inviting home in which they could envision living in.  However, did I expect 4 to go under contract in 7 days?  No.  But I'm thrilled for them.  As with all of my projects, I place a great deal of time and effort into the design plan for the home.  This project was a little di... 04/07/2008

FORECLOSURES:  While being bargain basement priced, foreclosures are more often than not, frequently "fixer uppers".  I've found, and admittedly this is my opinion, that foreclosures tend to be in need of repairs and are better for those who have either the handiman skills, or the financial resources, to perform sometimes major upgrades and repairs.  Foreclosure homes are repossessed properties, and with that in mind the out-going owners tend to be more careless or destructive when leaving the property.  I have viewed hundreds of foreclosure homes in the Atlanta area and found the majority of them to suffer from: seriously outdated appliances, missing HVAC systems, drywall seriously damaged throughout, broken windows and doors, stolen appliances, missing lighting fixtures, etc.  I've ju... 04/07/2008

As long as I have been in Atlanta Real Estate, it's always been a buyer's market.  Sure there were some streets and some neighborhoods that had a certain essence that people clamored for, but overall, as a buyer you could always expect concessions of some sort. If you're a big fan of the media, you might want to click away right now, because I hate to break it to folks, but this is one of the best years ever for Real Estate. Let's get right into the facts (all from our MLS). (Left: Centennial Olympic Park Fountain, By Hamwithcam)   Let's first look at Atlanta Homes that Sold In January & February (Just Single Family Detached)Worst Year this Millennium? 2000  - With barely 2,000 homes sold in Jan 00, and almost 3,000 in Feb 00Best Year this Millennium? 2006 & 2007 ?!?!?  - Yep, those are... 04/07/2008

Even though it is a slow market and there are not many new homes being built at this time, there are some great deals to be had if you are looking for an Atlanta New Home. Atlanta New Homes are priced lower than ever before, and builders are offering deals and incentives that never would have crossed there mind 12-18 months ago. Most are wanting to just get rid of there exosting inventory to get them off of there books so that they can start with a clean slate when the market does return to form. If you are looking for new homes here in Atlanta call Dwayne West at 678-233-4159.   04/07/2008

We wanted to inform you of the endless possibilities in the Atlanta Commercial Real Estate market today. Welcome to your premier outlet to the world of Atlanta commercial and  Atlanta investment real estate.  This post has been specifically designed to help you gain more information by being able to search commercial listings in Atlanta to help you buy, sell, lease, exchange, develop, commercial real estate in Atlanta.           You're invited to use the content search and property search buttons to discover a wealth of Properties available. For immediate assistance with the resources and services call us now at 678-233-4159 or e-mail us. 04/07/2008

Atlanta Councilwoman Mary Norwood and the Neighborhood Housing Coalition put together "Atlanta's Secret Places" - a collection of Alanta's intown neighborhoods.  Their goal was to promote them during the Atlanta Home Show, but the tornado canceled the event.   Listed below are the neighborhoods (some of them are secret places....while others...the secret was let out of the bag years ago).  You can click on the neighborhood to view homes for sale.  Adair Park - Great craftsman style homes...located east of the West End and just south of Castleberry Hill.  Great deals here under $100K for an historic home that needs work.    Adamsville - This neighborhood is right outside of 2-85....this one is a hidden gem to me.  Check out this article in the AJC about Adamsville.  Capitol View - This n... 04/06/2008

People looking for Atlanta houses for sale call us asking which is a good Atlanta home locator or an Atlanta home finder. We advise them to search for homes on a real estate company's website, if they do not have have to register before they can search all Atlanta houses listed on the Multiple listing service (MLS). We offer such a service to our home buyers because we believe that home buyers should get as much inforation as they need in order to make a savvy decision about buying a home. Click HERE TO SEARCH ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN THE METRO ATLANTA AREA.A good Atlanta house locator service should be able to supply you with all the info you need about all Atlanta homes for sale. We actually go beyond this. We locate homes that have been discounted like discounted bank foreclosures, disc... 04/06/2008

Yes indeedy! One of the best kept secrets in Atlanta is the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. They have fabulous collections from many cultures of antiquity, including an Egyptian exhibit that will knock your socks off! It is low key, rarely crowded, self guided and donation driven. You may have to pay a nominal admission to see special exhibitions, but that's only to help defray expenses. And there are mummies, from different ages and eras. There are ornate coffins and sarcophagi and treasures of the pat. There are even mummies of animals. It's a treasure trove of the past and a fantastic adventure that's not to be missed. The museum received prestige and noteriety recently, as a part of the collection was found to be the mummy of Ramesses I. The excitement of having a king... 04/05/2008

The Atlanta Development Authority has studied nine emerging areas prime for redevelopment.  Most of these corridors are located west of 75/85 and are already seeing new development and growth.  For an example, Metropolitan Parkway changes names to Dogwood Drive as it runs into Hapeville, and we've seen a lot of residential redevelopment in Hapeville along with announcements of future growth.  The website also names 25 nodes or intersections for future growth.   04/04/2008

Calabash Vegan Cafe is by far the best restaurant I've been to. I've been going to this cafe for the past two months.  I have to confess:  "I'm hooked".Mind you I live in Canton, Ga (45 mintues and like 45 miles from downtown Atlanta!), but I find myself breaking speed limits at least once a week to grab a bite to eat.This is  "Island Inspired Vegan Cafe" is located at 233 Mitchell Street SW, Atlanta, Ga 30303.  It offers Free WiFI AND GREAT FOOD!!!!Menu Options include (but are not limited):Jerk, Stewed & Curry SoyaVeggie PattiesLive/Raw Dishes (YUMMY vegan sushi & tacos!!!!)Soups, Salads, WrapsTropical Juices, SmoothiesVegan Muffins & CakesOkay, I know what your saying VEGAN FOOD!  Let me say this: I am not a vegan.  I had eggs, a whole wheat biscuit and turkey sausage for breakfast j... 04/03/2008

 I took these photos of a great room in a vacant home I just staged with furniture and accessories.  The pictures were taken from the second floor cat walk.If you have a listing where the floor plan will allow you to take photos from above looking down, always take advantage of that for your flyers, brochures, and Internet marketing.  As you can see, this makes for a dramatic presentation.  Also, standing up on a ladder to take the photos will produce a similar effect.According to a 2007 report published on Realtor.org, 61% of home buyers choose to physically walk through a home for sale that they first viewed on line.  23% found an agent as a result of using the Internet and 74% drove by a home previously viewed on the internet.  With home buyers now viewing properties on the market vi... 04/02/2008

Yahoo released their rankings of the Best Places for Business and Careers today.  Atlanta came in #6 leaping from 25th place last year.  According to the Sperling's report, Atlanta's recent job growth increased by 2.3% and future job growth is predicted to increase by 4%.  Having a strong job market, income growth and huge crime reduction, Atlanta finds itself as one of the Best Places for Business and Careers.  Reasons like these make Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs (like Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton and Cumming) a sought after place to live, work and play.Alpharetta alone is home to companies like AT&T, ADP, Hewlett-Packard, Lucent Technologies, IBM, UPS Supply Chain Solutions and Equifax to name a few.  Positive reports like these will continue to bring in more busine... 04/02/2008

Southern Company reported on Monday that Georgia Power users in the Atlanta market cut electricity usage by 4% during Earth Hour on Saturday between 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  That's enough electricity to power 1,750 homes.  I had forgotten about Earth Hour as I was having dinner with friends Saturday night.  However, all of my lights were turned off at my home so I still participated.  For more tips on living GREEN, check out my Saint Patrick's Day post.  04/02/2008

PREVIEW PARTYThursday, April 3, 20086:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.$30.00 admissionFriday, April 4, 20089:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Saturday, April 5, 20089:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.HALF OFF DAYSunday, April 6, 20081:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.The Sandy Springs Society is sponsoring it's annual Tossed Out Treasures resale event this weekend.  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution did an excellent photo gallery of designers who pieced together decorative rooms for the sale.  It's like HGTV live.  The rooms look great and the prices are awesome! 04/02/2008

Most Atlanta home buyers do not understand home values.  Before a person buys a home in Atlanta they need to have a basic understanding of what is a OK value and what is an exceptional home value!  What is a good investment, and what home purchase is a guaranteed loser that will cost them dearly when they go to resell!  Atlanta home buyers all to often make a fatal mistake of assuming all homes in a given subdivision are the same price.  They are not!  For different reasons in a subdivision they just aren't!  In any developement, there are different builders, home features, styles of homes and architecture they all have a unique value!  The homes that are EIFS or vinyl siding are not worth the same as the four sided brick home with the 3 car side load garage with a finished terrace leve... 04/01/2008