Leslie Ransom, Buckhead Office, REALTOR ®

Recently while driving through Midtown Atlanta on Peachtree Street, I noticed a very large banner hanging from The High Museum announcing an upcoming exhibit of Salvador Dali’s late works. As a teenager I attended a wonderful exhibition of Dalí’s jewelry creations in the Birmingham Museum of Art, and was captivated by his eccentric and remarkable art. My husband’s birthday was coming soon and I had been deliberating about something fun and different to give him for his birthday, Dalí and Dinner with friends! Perfect!!

The High is to be the sole venue for the first exhibition to focus on Dalí’s art after 1940. The exhibition, featuring more than 100 works including 40 paintings and a related group of drawings, prints and other Dalí ephemera, explores the artist’s enduring fascination with science, optical effects and illusionism, and his surprising connections to artists of the 1960s and 1970s such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Willem de Kooning.  Many of Dali’s pieces during this time period were ruminations on his interest in Christianity, and several of the pieces depict events from varying periods in Biblical and Christian history including the crucifixion of Jesus, the assumption of Mary, and the spiritual visions of various saints. However, true to Dali’s eccentric nature and his surrealist roots, even his depictions of these once traditional subjects for the art world are filtered through his surrealist lens and provide a fresh look on the subject. Dali mixed his depictions of Christian themes with ideas and advancements in the realms of science and physics, subjects he was also increasingly fascinated by. As a result, many of the pieces he created during this time period he labeled as “nuclear mysticism” and they are truly as unique as this description suggests. These paintings are magnificent in their scope, beautiful in their compositions, and fantastic to be able to see in person, where one can truly be impressed with the sheer size of some of his canvases and, by extension, the size of his artistic vision.

Salvador Dalí’ (1904-1989) born in Figures, Spain, is one of the most famous and controversial artists of the 20^th century. He was prolific for more than 60 years, creating over 1,200 oil paintings, countless drawings, sculptures, jewelry, theatre and fashion designs, book illustrations and numerous writings.

This exhibit is a treat not to be missed. Take a friend and be sure to get the audio tour also. After seeing the Dalí’ exhibit we had a delicious dinner at Parish in Inman Park with our friends and lots of interesting discussion after seeing these very eccentric and thought provoking works!

My friend bought this replica of one of his jewelry pieces and I bought a book about Dalí.

Dalí: The Late Work is currently on display through January 9, 2011. Please visit high.org for ticket prices and additional information.

324 Camden Road

Standing on the sidewalk in front of this charming Brookwood Hills home you will think you are about to step foot into the perfect little cottage.  324 Camden Road is perfect, but it is certainly not little.  Spacious and diligently renovated you will be speechless when you discover all the wonders of the 1964 home.

Step through the red front door and you will immediately realize the home is much bigger than it appeared.  To your left is a formal dining room and to your right a front living room with built-in bookshelves and a fireplace.  The room has two floor-to-ceiling windows on each end.  You can enjoy the openness the windows create as the natural light falls into the room.

Family Room

A back room that was most likely originally paneled in dark wood has been painted white with charming contrasting trim.  The room has built-in shelving and a new custom built wet bar.  The addition of the bar will make having an impromptu party a breeze.  Everything you need is right here in one place.  The current owners also use this space as a place to relax and watch TV. 

Kitchen

It is also easy to tell the person that remodeled this house likes to cook and entertain.  The kitchen is not only highly functional, it is extremely appealing.  Dark stained cabinets, granite countertops, tumbled tile up the walls and a lead glass window will tantalize your senses.  Viking appliances, including a double range with double ovens, might make you think you are in a top chef’s kitchen.  A separate beverage refrigerator will help make ample room for all of your masterpieces in your Sub-Zero refrigerator. This room may make a chef out of even the most challenged cook!

The master suite will accommodate a king size bed, dressers/chest of drawers and a sitting area.  The walk-in closet is tucked neatly into a corner on the way to the bath.  Separate sinks are encased in antiqued cabinetry with multiple drawers and cabinets.  There is a separate shower with frameless glass doors and a whirlpool tub.

Backyard

The first floor provides easy access to a bluestone tile patio covered by a trellis.  A built-in gas grill and cooking station make outdoor entertaining just as easy as indoor entertaining.  Access to the remaining yard can be reached by a few stairs connected to the grilling and dining area.

It is truly remarkable what has been done with this property.  So much has been added without taking away from the beauty of the original structure. 

 Offered at $924,900

324 Camden Road
Atlanta, GA 30309

Five Bedrooms, Four Full and One Half Baths

Please click here for more photos of this home

Bill and Leslie Ransom, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

Leslie and Bill Ransom
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Direct: 678.640.3588
Office: 404.835.9600

Carson Matthews, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

While Atlanta’s housing market remains stuck in low gear, the trend toward certified green or “sustainable” homes has been growing.

More builders are adopting sustainable practices and more buyers are weighing the economic benefit of paying a little extra up front for a house featuring environmentally sound design, construction standards and materials.

“Even if the economy had not gone sour, people are looking at sustainable practices and materials, not just for housing, but for the entire neighborhood,” said Sibet Freides, president of Idea Associates Inc., a marketing and consulting firm with a real estate development focus. Idea Associates clients include Reynolds Signature Communities, The Settings Development Companies LLC and Urban Land Institute.

“You might have some builders who have been in the industry for a long time who are thinking this is a passing fad, but people have bought into the concept of sustainability,” Freides said. “Younger buyers have now come to expect it and I don’t think the industry, as a whole, thinks it’s a fad anymore.”

According to a report by Carson Matthews, a Realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, in the first quarter of 2010, green homes comprised 8.4 percent of the new homes on the market, which compares consistently with the 2009 total of 8.5 percent,

Matthews is a certified EcoBroker and the author of a blog, www.GreenToTheScene.com, which delivers news about green residential building in Atlanta.

In April, Matthews launched the Green MLS Toolkit, a resource that can be used by any Multiple Listing Service to track green activity.

In the first three months of 2010, Matthews reported that the median selling price of a certified green home was $494,000, which is 133.5 percent higher than a conventional new construction home; however, the report shows green homes are fetching more at closing.

“In the first quarter, green houses sold at 98 percent of list, whereas standard new construction homes sold at 92.5 percent,” Matthews said. “In the custom home market, that percentage is much higher.”

“Green building is here to stay,” said Les Stumpff, president of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) and regional manager for Texas-based Standard Renewable Energy, which provides energy audits for homeowners, businesses and government entities.

“There is a growing awareness of how much energy and water and, therefore, money can be saved by owning a home built to some level of green-building standards,” Stumpff said.

Other benefits, such as better indoor air quality and overall comfort, will increasingly propel demand for green homes.

“The housing recession has made it more difficult to adopt building standards that increase new home prices, but builders who were building green in good times will continue to build green as housing starts return,” Stumpff said.

Although they cost a little more, the formula for building green houses is not very complicated, said Matt Hoots, founder and CEO of The Hoots Group Inc., a full-service green contractor, and co-chair of the GAHBA Green Building Council.

Together with the GAHBA, Hoots helped develop the EarthCraft House residential green-building program in partnership with Southface Energy Institute, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable homes.

“You start with a good design,” Hoots said. “You can save 30 [percent] to 40 percent in operating costs right there.”

Every aspect of the design is critical, from sighting the house on the lot to putting windows in the best location to ease the load on the HVAC system and limit the cost of blinds.

“If you only build to the standard energy-efficiency code, you’re almost building an EarthCraft-certified house,” Hoots said. “Unfortunately, a lot of builders build around the code or to barely meet code.”

As materials, utility and appliance manufacturers jump on the sustainable bandwagon, the expense gap between building green and building traditional housing is diminishing — resulting in more reasonable pricing for higher- performing homes, experts say.

Currently, Freides’ clients are building two new showcase green homes, one in The Settings of West Point Lake near LaGrange, and one at Achasta, a golf community near Dahlonega. Both houses are being built by Johnna Barrett of SUSTAIN house, the residential division of Atlanta-based architecture and interior design firm Barrett Design Inc.

“We started with a budget and we’re learning that it doesn’t have to cost that much more to build green,” Freides said.

Among other products, the green houses incorporate a radiant barrier sheathing that reportedly reduces monthly air conditioning bills by 17 percent, green bedding products, and tile and wood components made from recycled materials.

“A lot of this stuff is common sense and people need to be educated about the products and building practices that are available,” Freides said.
Read more: Sustainable homes no longer seen as just a fad – Atlanta Business Chronicle

Andrea Cueny, REALTOR ®, North Atlanta Office 404.695.7040

Recently my husband and I decided to have a rare but special day just the two of us….. So we turned off our phones, gave the kids to their grandparents, and headed to the North Georgia Mountains for a mini escape.

We had been told by clients who recently purchased a home of this development called Montaluce. They raved to us about the spectacular views, winery, and restaurant. So we were excited to give it a try. 

Upon arrival, we were shocked to see the vineyards so lush and full of grapes…I had to ask myself if we were in GA or Napa? Of course, GA but the vineyard was really very beautiful. 

Inside the restaurant, the foyer and entrance were stunning.  The entrance to the tasting room complete with all of their wines on the back wall was held in this dark mahogany wine shelving. The ceiling throughout the tasting room had exposed ceiling beams and the dining room was totally open with a fireplace and glass windows overlooking the vineyard.  As real estate professionals, we appreciate all the architectural details such as the fireplace with these mosaic tiles.  The windows were floor to ceiling giving an open view of the vineyard from every table in the dining room – every detail in regards to the atmosphere is so well done.  We walked out to the balcony overlooking the vineyard and this was the most perfect view and ideal place for a glass of wine.

Lunch exceeded our expectations to say the least. The food is all organic and very fresh. Fresh to the point that when we ordered the sausage flat bread our server informed us that the pig just arrived and they had not prepared the sausage yet! Wow. Not your typical answer in an Atlanta Restaurant.  They have short ribs, duck, sandwiches, salads, a variety of choices each day and a very elaborate Sunday brunch. The menu changes regularly. 

I would highly recommend Montaluce if you are looking for a mini escape from Atlanta. It is located just outside of Dahlonega and is a wonderful place for you to visit for a gourmet lunch or dinner.

For more information about Montaluce please visit their website at www.montaluce.com or call 706.867.4060

Here are ten ideas on how to shoot quality video for marketing a home:

1. Plan ahead. Don’t just start shooting video and ad-libbing your narration. Think of the outdoor spaces and indoor rooms that need to be highlighted with video, and write out a few short sentences you’ll say for each. Whether you’re just narrating or personally appear in video, don’t talk off the top of your head. Likewise, plan where to place the camera and what you’ll to pan or zoom towards in the shot.

2. See the light. Open windows and turn on all overhead lighting. Look for shadows and eliminate them or change the shot. You don’t need to video the whole room – just the key feature areas that will are most likely to interest and excite the viewier.

3. Stay still. There is absolutely no reason to wildly pan back and forth, zoom in and out, and definitely no need to spin around like a ballerina.

4. Be there. Get in front of the camera and talk to the viewer. Look directly at the lens and smile. Move your arms and walk very slowly if you cross the room. You’re selling the home, so you have to be present in the video.

5. Do not edit. You’re a REALTOR, not Kubrick. Cut out the cutesy stuff and save your time. There’s no need for special effects, transitions, flying logos or fades. At most, add a text-over effect with the street address and your website or phone number.

6. Avoid certain shots. Do REALTORS actually know what happens in bathrooms? Then let’s stop videoing them, shall we? No toilet or vanity or moldy tub shots, please! If the bathroom is less than 20 x 20 feet, then it’s just a bathroom. No need to video it.

7. Tell a story. The purpose of a movie is to tell a story, not catalog countertops and floors. Determine what each home’s unique story, benefit or living experience value is (compared to the competition) and shoot your videos to highlight and tell that story.

8. Stop the music. First, you probably don’t own the rights to the music for commercial purposes. Second, your musical taste is yours. Third, if buyers wanted really good music videos, they’d go to YouTube on their own.

9. Keep it short. It’s a marketing commercial, not a documentary. People are distracted today, especially online. They won’t watch a …. what was I saying? Oh, right… they won’t watch your videos if they feel they forgot to make popcorn.

10. Show product engagement. It’s boring to see photos and videos of listings featuring people-less rooms. You’re selling a place where people will live, play, relax, exist; not a museum. So bring in the actors (or just use the family that lives there). Show some chopping in the kitchen, relaxing on the back deck, playing in the yard. Buyers need help envisioning how they might live there – so call in the extras and start the show.

Of course, many other tips come to mind: Use a tripod. Shoot in high definition. Upload to YouTube. Post the video to your Facebook page and embed it into your blog. 

But the key point is this: For Gen X and Gen Y, surfing the web is a multimedia experience. The Boomer-days computer experience of card-catalog flat information just won’t work for them (or anyone, Boomers included, really). Nobody expects real estate marketing videos to be a production-studio release. Just shoot it as naturally and straightforward as you’d do a showing with a buyer in person.

With so much inventory saturating most markets, video is the key technology to help your listings stand out against competing properties. Great video will help sell your listings, especially when compared to the foreclosures in the marketplace that are unceremoniously dumped online en-masse, with minimal data and barely photos . Good video will also help you get more listings – from other agents who are still printing postcards, as well as For-Sale-By-Owners who can’t put all of the pieces together on their own.

2035 Wenlok Trail

The home at 2035 Wenlok Trail is ready to be moved into.  It has a versatile open floor plan and additional living space in the finished basement.  The community of Stocktons Chase has a swim tennis club that will have you out meeting your new neighbors in no time!

Living Room

The main level has a connecting living and dining room that the current owners have expanded into a double living area.  The rooms are very open, wide and spacious. There is a raised stone hearth with wood mantle in the back half of the combined rooms.  The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops and black appliances.  The adjacent breakfast room has a vaulted ceiling and large bay window that looks onto a spectacular back deck. 

Study Nook

Stairs to the second floor rise out of the breakfast nook.  A surprising extra is a work area tucked neatly under the stairs with built-in desk and shelving.  What a wonderful use of space!  Keep your daily life running smoothly with everything right at your fingertips, but not set out in the middle of the room like many kitchen desks!

The four bedrooms are all on the second floor.  The master suite has a tray ceiling and a private bath.  Separate sinks provide plenty of room for your morning routines.  A single step leads to a whirlpool tub that is separate from the master shower.  The room has neutral tile and will work with any décor.

Backyard

As mentioned earlier, the outdoor deck is wonderful.  It is large and covers the majority of the back first level of the home.  It is also wide, allowing for seating and dining areas.  Step down off the deck onto stone pavers in a fenced backyard with well-established landscaping.

Lots of opportunities inside and out to turn this home into your own!

Offered at $290,000

2035 Wenlok Trail
Marietta, GA 30066

Four Bedrooms, Two Full and One Half Baths

Please click here for more photos of the home

Bonnie Johnston, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

Bonnie Johnston
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Direct: 404.784.2991
Office: 404.835.9600

Nancy House, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

Nancy House
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Direct: 770.310.3445
Office: 404.835.9600

Welome to 3633 Tuxedo Road

Built in 1990 by Bill Baker this stately brick home boasts an elegant designed and extraordinary craftsmanship. Nestled nicely on 1.32 acres in prestigious Tuxedo Park, you’ll find all that you could ever want inside and out.

Elegant Living Room

Lush lawns, majestic mature trees and shrubs greet you upon your arrival home. A double entry door and beautiful columns flanked by French doors welcome you in. The grand foyer features gleaming hardwood floors, flows nicely into a stunning living room offering a columned entry, fireplace with custom mantle and exquisite chandler lighting. A wall of French doors leading to the patio allow for ample natural light to fill this space, rendering a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere.

A spacious dining room with hardwoods, crown molding, custom door casings and fireplace with mantle proves perfect for any dinning occasion large or small.  The family room showcases a light and bright space with fireplace, tiled floors, rustic wooded beamed ceiling, built in shelves and cabinets great for your entertainment components and dual sets of French doors. Gathering here with family and friends will be a must.

Gourmet Kitchen

A renovated kitchen opens from the family room and is separated by a lovely breakfast bar. The kitchen hosts marble counter tops, stainless steel appliances, work station, cooktop island with stainless hood and walk-in pantry. The same tile that graces the great room flows seamlessly into the kitchen. This area is sure to be the entertaining hub of the home with its open and airy layout. The breakfast area will take your breath away with its three walls of windows overlooking the yard. Sit here and enjoy breakfast with the family or relax while drinking your morning coffee.

Romantic Master Suite

When the day is done, a master suite fit for a king or queen waits on the main level. Here style and elegance combine with neutral wall tones, crown molding and excellent lighting. Relish in direct outdoor access through French doors and a sumptuous spa like master bath with double vanity and soothing soaking tub.

This home also offers an indoor sport court, exercise room, media room, Ping-Pong room that opens to the pool and wine cellar all for your enjoyment. The main texture is an indoor sports court.

Gorgeous Backyard with In-Ground Pool

Out back a sparkling in ground pool and spa surrounded by cherry blossom trees and wooded backdrop sets a captivating scene. The covered patio overlooks the pool and provides plenty of entertaining space.

Don’t miss your opportunity to call this exquisite home yours. Call today to schedule your private viewing!

Offered at $4,450,000

3633 Tuxedo Road
Atlanta, GA 30305

Five Bedrooms, Eight Full Baths and Two Half Baths
Please click here for more photos of this incredible estate 

Betsy Akers, Buckhead Office, REALTOR®

Betsy Akers
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Direct: 404.372.8144
Office: 404.835.9600

Showcase 2010 is a unique opportunity for learning and networking with thousands of real estate professionals. It will feature various residential  vendors such as home warranty services, closing attorneys, builders and much more.  There will be exciting door prizes, informative seminars and demonstrations. 

Don’t miss out on this unique event!

Just a sampling of who will be there:

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson who knows the real estate industry as a former REALTOR® & Broker will be speaking. Senator Isakson began his business career in 1967 when he opened the first Cobb County office of a small, family owned real estate business, Northside Realty. When the mortgage & financial crisis hit in 2008, Johnny drew on his decades of real estate experience to offer solutions to reduce the inventory of foreclosed homes and to promote recovery of the nation’s housing market.

Georgia Natural Gas has arranged for celebrity chef Marvin Woods to cook up a storm for attendees!

Showcase 2010 is a unique opportunity for networking with thousands of Real Estate Professionals, learning and fun!

Click here to visit the Showcase 2010 website to find out more.

Wednesday August 25
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cobb Galleria Centre
Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity