Sotheby’s agent, Angel Ramos, named a finalist for Best Dressed Real Man

Open this month’s edition of Esquire Magazine and you will find one classy Realtor being recognized for his style. As one of five finalists for the magazine’s “Best Dressed Real man of America,” Ramos is featured for his eclectic elegance.

Angel Ramos played Division 1 baseball in the minor leagues and knows firsthand the unique needs of today’s sports stars and entertainment professionals. Ramos works with the Bayne Group at Atlanta Fine Homes as the Head of Sports and Entertainment. In July, Ramos moved to Miami, Florida with his wife and young son to join One Sotheby’s International. Ramos’ key to success in working with sports stars and entertainers is his ability to manage demanding schedules and streamline the entire real estate process, whether it’s exclusively marketing his client’s property or matching them with the right luxury home, condominium or investment. Ramos strives to always keep his client’s best interest at heart.

Change in appraisals causing uproar

Sam Bayne, Realtor, Founding Partner

Submitted by Sam Bayne, Founding Partner, REALTOR®.

By Russell Grantham
 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Homeowners who have watched nervously as the economy has eroded the value of their homes may have another reason to fret: a change in the real estate appraisal system that critics say is driving values down and disrupting the housing market.

Appraiser Dan Fries takes outside measurements of a house for an FHA loan applicant. New rules block lenders from directly ordering appraisals, resulting in fee cuts for appraisers. Bita Honarvar, bhonarvar@ajc.com

Appraisers, mortgage brokers and others blame the new rules, which change how appraisers are assigned, for lost revenues, delayed and faulty appraisals, collapsed deals and other problems, even in some of Atlanta’s toniest neighborhoods.

Atlanta mortgage broker Steven Alexander of National Guaranty Mortgage Corp. said an out-of-town appraiser hired to evaluate a Buckhead mansion he handled recently came up with a value $500,000 below the $2.1 million he thought the house deserved.

He said the appraiser ignored the fact that the home was designed by a well-known architect, was located in a more desirable school district than comparison homes, and included luxurious features such as copper gutters, a patio fireplace and a basement entertainment center.

As a result, the owners, who were refinancing, ended up having to get a loan with a higher interest rate because the lower appraisal made the loan appear riskier, Alexander said.

For the entire story on the AJC, please click here to read about changes in home appraisals.

The Bayne Group’s Sports & Entertainment Division

Sam Bayne, Realtor, Founding Partner

The Bayne Group’s Sports & Entertainment Division was created due to Sam Bayne and Angel Ramos’ successful experience in catering to the luxury residential real estate needs of sports stars and celebrities. The division provides a specialized level of service for the increasingly demanding lifestyles of athletes and entertainers in Atlanta and throughout the United States through our Sotheby’s International Realty worldwide network of associates. The division specializes in pairing its elite clientele with the most distinctive estate properties and real estate investment opportunities.

Before selling over 200 million dollars in real estate since 2001, Sam Bayne worked in the sports marketing business for more than 14 years, working for companies such as IMG, The Los Angeles Lakers, The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, The Coca-Cola Company and Kodak. Sam has an extensive network of contacts in all ends of the sports business. From athletes and agents, to high-ranking corporate executives, Sam is connected with all the major sports leagues.

Angel Ramos

The division is lead by Angel Ramos. Having played collegiate baseball, as well as in the professional minor leagues, Angel remains in close contact with an extensive network of industry-leading attorneys and agents. He knows first hand the unique needs of today’s sports stars and entertainment professionals. The key to Angel’s success is his ability to manage demanding schedules and streamline the entire real estate process, whether it’s exclusively marketing his client’s property or matching them with the right luxury home, condominium or investment. Angel personally sees each transaction smoothly through to completion.

Carin Morris

Working closely with Angel Ramos is Carin Morris. Carin interned under Atlanta’s premier sports agency, Career Sports & Entertainment where she assisted Atlanta’s top sports agents in their day to day services for their clients. She remains in close contact with several key players in the entertainment industry allowing her to meet and exceed the expectations of the most discerning buyers.

Whether an athlete, a celebrity or a successful business person, you deserve the same level of professionalism and excellence when making your real estate investment decisions. Every transaction is based on a relationship built upon strict confidentiality, respect, honesty and integrity. Gain the edge in this demanding market place.  The Bayne Group currently represents over 20 million dollars in Luxury Real Estate.

Discover The Bayne Group’s exclusive property listings by going to www.BayneGroup.com.

Celebrating two years

From left, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty CEO and co-founder Jenny Pruitt and top agents Suzanne Close and Wes Vawter.

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty recently celebrated the second anniversary of its founding with an alfresco reception hosted by The Brookwood at the new Peachtree Road LEED-designed high-rise condo building in Buckhead.

The firm was founded Jenny Pruitt, CEO, and David Boehmig, president, in June 2007.  The company recently launched its Skyrise Group, which focuses on multi-family luxury high-rise properties, such as The Brookwood. Three model residences were toured during the evening.

Click here to see the entire story from the Northside Neighbor.

Photos by Jamey Guy.

From left, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty President David Boehmig, Senior Vice President Nancy See, Vice President of Marketing Janet Blanton and party host Robert Hughes of The Brookwood.

From left, Burma Weller with SkyRise Group, Senior Vice President Mike Bugg and Joy Bowen.

 

From left, co-host Raymond Kearns of Campbell and Brannon with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty agents Jackie Sanford and George Heery and host Mike Riley of The Brookwood.

From left, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty agents Kay Quigley, Suzanne Dils and Sam Bayne and Anne Schwall, senior vice president of the firm's Skyrise Group, and her husband Craig on The Brookwood's great lawn.

 

 

Featured Home: Four levels of perfection in Buckhead

This amazing five bedroom four and a half bath estate is fully renovated and situated on nearly an acre of wooded land in the Hanover West area of Buckhead.

The generous floor plan easily accommodates a large family with plenty of room for hobbies and entertaining including a finished basement with media room, a spacious bonus room, and abundant storage.

A cozy fireplace adds warmth to the formal Dining Room which also opens to the front porch through arched double doors.  A matching set of doors in the Living Room help to make an inviting and serene spot for conversation.

The Family Room is spacious, comfortable, and full of light, soaking in the tree-lined views of the back property.  The gourmet Kitchen showcases bright white cabinets and stainless steel appliances as well as a deep farmhouse sink.  A sunny breakfast room sits adjacent to the kitchen and is large enough to seat the whole family.  Located conveniently between the kitchen and two-car garage, a fantastic mud room features a built-in computer desk and keeps coats, shoes, and backpacks out of the kitchen.

On the upper level, the Master Bedroom offers an elegant retreat with arched windows and built-ins as well as a large custom closet.  The luxurious Master Bath includes His and Hers marble-topped vanity areas as well as a steam shower.  A deep soaker tub with marble surround is artfully placed just under the picture window overlooking the wooded back property.  Two additional bedrooms on this level have distinct features like a window bench and generous closets.

On the fourth floor, the attic has been finished out to an incredible bonus room with skylights and built-in bookshelves.  The finished basement is perfect for entertaining with double doors to the walk-out patio, a large stone fireplace, and beautifully built entertainment center.  A full bedroom and bath on this level give guests their own private space.

The surprisingly large lot in Hanover West is located at the opening of an adorable cul de sac with shaded benches, perfect for supervising child’s play.  From the layout of the floor plan down to the smallest details, style and quality shine throughout this unbeatable renovation.

 

 

Sam Bayne, Realtor, Founding Partner

Sam Bayne
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
404.375.8628

2391 Hanover West Lane
Atlanta, GA 30327
Offered at $1,375,000

Featured Home: Luxury Town Home in Quiet Pine Hills

1134 Park Overlook Drive

This four bedroom, three and a half bath luxury town home in quiet Pine Hills offers an oversized floor plan and quick access to Phipps Plaza, Lenox Mall, I-85, and GA400.  Deep molding, premium  fixtures, custom windows, and plantation shutters throughout are just some of the details that will  satisfy even the most discriminating buyer.

The Main Level includes a gorgeous Dining Room with adjacent half bath, a luxury Kitchen complete with granite countertops, a spacious pantry, premium glazed cabinetry, and a breakfast area with  balcony.  The Living Room is both spacious and cozy with a stone fireplace and built-ins with closed media cabinets.

Master Bathroom ~ 1134 Park Overlook Drive

The Upper Level houses two bedrooms with ample closet space and a shared bath as well as the incredible Master Suite.  The expansive Master Bedroom features a vaulted ceiling and plenty of  windows.  The fabulous Master Bath includes a stretched double  vanity, jetted tub, separate shower, and an enormous walk-in closet.

Extended entertainment space on the Terrace Level includes a large Living/Media room with double doors to an outdoor patio as well as an office or bedroom with a full bath. 

The exclusive gated community is situated right next to beautiful Shady Valley Park.  The premium shopping and dining districts of Buckhead and Brookhaven are just minutes away.

 

Sam Bayne, Realtor, Founding Partner

Sam Bayne
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
404.375.8628

1134 Park Overlook Drive
Atlanta, GA  30324
Offered at $599,000

For more information regarding this property, please click here.

Featured Home: Renovated Home in Atlanta’s Chastain Park

Chastain Park ~ 122 Tuxedo Terrace

A short walk from Chastain Park, this 6 bedroom, five and a half bath traditional is nestled into a wonderful cul-de-sac.  A warm Study and spacious Dining Room overlook the front drive and feature the same mahogany-stained hardwoods found throughout the main floor.

122 Tuxedo Terrace ~ Kitchen

The incredible Gourmet Kitchen is large enough to accommodate a crowd and will impress the most finicky chef.  A large center island topped with granite counters and a prep sink is as functional as it is beautiful.  A cozy breakfast area well-situated by a front window, a wet bar with ice-maker and wine cooler, and a convenient desk with closed cabinet storage all help to make the kitchen the heart of this home.

The Living Room features a fireplace and built-ins and opens to a spectacular sun-room with vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and polished stone floors. 

122 Tuxedo Terrace ~ Beautiful Landscaping

Double doors lead to the walk-out patio and beautifully landscaped backyard.  A brilliant composition of planting beds, hard-scape, and a rippling water feature are included in this magnificent garden and are sure to delight the senses all year round.

The Master Suite on the main floor features french doors to the back patio – perfect for that early cup of coffee in the fresh morning air.  The spa-like Master Bath boasts a luxurious garden tub with marble surround, double vanity, stand-up shower with glass door, and private water closet.

 The Upper Level houses four bedrooms with two shared baths and a laundry room.  The finished basement beckons a crowd with a large entertainment room, full bath, and guest bedroom.

Recently renovated and lovingly landscaped, this fabulous home offers an indulgent lifestyle inside and out.

Sam Bayne, Realtor, Founding Partner

Sam Bayne
Realtor® and Founding Partner
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
404.375.8628
SamBayne.com
122 Tuxedo Terrace, Atlanta, GA  30342
Offered at $1,149,000
Click here to see more information on this Chastain Park home.

Featured Home: New “Green” Home at the Back Gates of Westminster

New "Green" Home in Atlanta's Buckhead area near Westminster School

Inside and out, this estate offers a spectacular lifestyle at an address that is the pinnacle of luxury.

This incredible new construction on prestigious West Wesley is well situated just across the back gates of Westminister.  The spacious six bedroom floor plan offers brilliant conveniences and meticulous craftsmanship throughout.

The stunning interior is designed to drench with sunlight and showcase rare architectural details.  Unique arches and exposed beams pass overhead while richly stained quartered oak spans the floor below.

The truly opulent Gourmet Kitchen is centered around counter-to-ceiling windows which fill the room with warm sunlight.  A large center island topped with Calcutta Gold marble provides a luxurious workspace surrounded by top of the line appliances that are as impressive as they come.

The spacious Family Room is anchored by a cozy fireplace and effortlessly flows outside through three sets of French doors.  The luxuries of the indoors are carried out through the spectacular patio including a full brick fireplace and wiring for a plasma television.  A Mother’s Office with 100 year-old reclaimed brick flooring and a mudroom with built-in lockers and charging station are just a few of the amenities that ensure this home is like no other. 

Main Level Master Bathroom at 1480 West Wesley

Also situated on the main floor, the fabulous Master Suite with high vaulted ceiling is no exception to the architectural standards that reign throughout.  Soak in elegance in the luxurious Master Bath featuring WaterWorks tile and fixtures and a sculptural freestanding tub.

Kitchen at 1480 West Wesley

The upper floor hosts four bedrooms, each with their own bath and large closet as well as a huge bonus room.  Bright white built-ins run the length of the upper landing creating an instant library or photo gallery.

The full Terrace Level includes a guest room, billiards room, living area with huge theater screen, pool bath and changing room, as well as potential wine storage, and exercise room.

An exquisite, custom carved limestone entry boldly punctuates the impressive exterior.  Behind the grand stature and luxurious details, the home was built with a variety of “green” features.  A paved drive and landscaped motor court artfully conceal the 3400-gallon rainwater detention system.

Designed with the entertainer in mind, the two-car garage opens on both sides to create a breezeway into the back property and a sodded back lawn provides a wide-open party spot or a potential pool and carriage house (plans included).  An additional detached garage makes a discreet resting spot for the family’s prized roadster. 

Sam Bayne, Realtor, Founding Partner

 

Sam Bayne
Realtor® and Founding Partner
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
404.375.8628
SamBayne.com

For more information on this home, please click here.
1480 West Wesley Road
Atlanta, GA 30327
Offered at $2,750,000

Top Performers Honored at Dinner hosted by NEO and The Mansion on Peachtree

Set amidst the setting sun over the Atlanta skyline, the Top Performers of 2008 of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty were honored with a dinner at NEO and a cocktail reception in the finished model on the 42nd floor at The Mansion on Peachtree. 

 

In attendance were the more than 30 top agents from the company, including top 10 agents Wes Vawter, Wendy Zoller, Heery Brothers, Tina Hunsicker, Leslie and Bill Ransom, Margaret Cox, Frank Wynne, Peggy Hibbert, Tom Hicks, and Burma Weller. 

 

Key managers also attended the dinner including Jenny Pruitt, David Boehmig, Nancy See, Mike Bugg, and Janet Blanton. 

Tommy Robinson, Marci Robinson, Frank Wynne, Carmen Pope, Mason Eldridge

Letty Hicks, Jenny Pruitt, Wendy Taylor

Sam Bayne, Wendy Zoller, Burma Weller

 

Brett Friedmann, Wes Vawter, Tina Hunsicker

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Top Performers 2008

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty Top Performers 2008