The Van Thompson Team Blog

Beautiful Morningside Home

2010-01-27T11:34:00.002-05:00

The current real estate market has silver lining for buyers. Our clients just closed on a great 5 bedroom home in Morningside for under 500k. Morningside is one of the top intown neighborhoods. Great buy on a beautiful home.

Good News for Atlanta Real Estate Market

2009-12-29T16:42:00.002-05:00

This is from the AJC :

November provided good news in several forms for metro Atlanta's troubled housing market, including the first year-over-year increase in the price of existing single-family homes sold since at least 2008, according to the National Association of Realtors.The 2 percent increase for the region, from $126,300 in November 2008 to $129,300 last month, bucked the national trend, which saw a 4 percent drop in sales price.

$40,000 in Grant Money

2009-12-01T11:35:00.002-05:00

We just had a closing where we helped our client get$40,000 in Grant Money. WOW !!! Our client was able to purchase a beautiful loft in a great area because of the grant money available and this does not include the $8000 tax credit.

GREAT NEWS FOR ATLANTA REAL ESTATE

2009-10-27T16:09:00.002-04:00

The Atlanta Business Chronicle has reported this week that Atlanta Home Prices have risen 1 percent from July to August. That follows a 2.3 percent rise from June to July in Atlanta.

Things are looking up !!!

Beautiful Townhome in Inman Park - SOLD

2009-10-21T14:19:00.004-04:00

Our client just snagged a beautiful Townhome in the Heart of Inman Park. The Townhome has hardwood floors, cathedral ceiling, gorgeous kitchen, large loft area and one car garage.

There are still some GREAT deals out there !!!

Just Sold - Very Cool Loft

2009-10-06T11:58:00.003-04:00

We just SOLD this fabulous loft at Glen Iris. It is a really amazing space. The loft has very high ceilings with exposed ductwork, polished concrete floors, a chef's kitchen, and spa baths. The loft is a corner unit so the windows are amazing.

Castleberry Hill and Real Estate News

2009-10-02T12:43:00.001-04:00

Check out the latest market info and events.

Good News for Atlanta Condo Market

2009-08-13T13:49:00.004-04:00

This is from the Atlanta Business Chronicle

"Atlanta's intown condo market rebounded this year, as auctions, steep discounts and improved consumer confidence fueled sales, according to condominium research firm Haddow & Co.
In the first half of 2009, 572 condos were sold, versus just 66 in the previous six months, Haddow & Co. said.
The turnaround puts the intown market in good position to surpass the 645 sales it posted during all of last year."

This is great news. Things are looking up!!!

Good News!!

2009-08-13T13:49:00.001-04:00

Check out our latest video about the GOOD NEWS regarding the intown Atlanta condo market and appreciation in prices. Also, a great travel tip!

How to Get Your $8000 Tax Credit

2009-07-21T13:49:00.006-04:00

For all those of you who have done your part to provide a stimulus to the U.S. economy by buying your first home...let's take a look at ways for you to get the tax credit to which you are entitled.

There are a couple of ways depending upon when you would like to receive the tax credit. First if you would like to receive it in the near future then you can amend your 2008 return using a few easy steps that are detailed in the link below:
http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/2009_first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit_2008_return

And, of course, you can apply it to your 2009 Income taxes by taking the following steps:

http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/2009_first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit_2008_return

And for those of you who are sitting on the fence...it's time to jump into the game. The tax credit is only applicable to first time home buyers who purchase AND CLOSE by December 1st, 2009. Also, rules have changed so that you can use the tax credit as your actual downpayment. So give us a call so we can get the ball rolling!!!

Livingston's and The Fox Theatre

2009-07-17T13:19:00.001-04:00

Check out our latest video about happening at The Fox Theatre and Livingston's.

Foreclosure Market Tips

2009-06-17T15:33:00.002-04:00

Check out this video that gives you an insiders look at what is going on in the current foreclosure market in the in-town Atlanta area. Things are definitely heating up and the banks are changing how they price bank-owned property...check it out!

Melanie and Michelle's Take on Recent Great News

2009-06-04T10:01:00.001-04:00

Great news about the real estate market was just reported. Check out Michelle and Melanie's take on the great news.

THE MARKET IS HEATING UP!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-03T12:00:00.002-04:00

The National Association of Realtors just reported that the number of pending sales nationwide increased by 6.7%.

The number of homes Under Contract saw the biggest monthly gain in 7 1/2 years.

Those two indicators are obvious signs the recession is easing and the real estate market is HEATING UP!!! For those of you sitting on the side lines waiting for the market to hit bottom...its called basic economics...supply and demand. There were a lot of homes on the market and no one wanted to buy them, driving prices down. Well now that demand is on the rise, prices will be too!!

How Real Estate Deals Happen in Atlanta

2009-05-20T12:23:00.001-04:00

This video is a brief description on how real estate transactions work and who represents your interest in the deal.

Please let us know if you have questions or comments. Thanks for your attention!

Loft Building of the Week

2009-05-15T11:24:00.003-04:00

Tribute Lofts overlooking the skyline of Atlanta is the Loft pick of the week. The building sits on a prime spot with amazing views of Atlanta. The building offers well designed lofts with polished concrete floors, high exposed ceilings, sleek Italian cabinets, stainless appliances and large spa like bathrooms.

The amenities in the building include a skylounge with salt water pool, fire pit and a great gym with fanatastic views to take your mind off your workout.

If you are looking for a great price on a very hot loft look no further.

Down Payment Assistance Via $8000 Tax Credit

2009-05-13T10:01:00.002-04:00

More good news coming out of D.C. regarding putting a fire under the real estate market. The latest news is just what the doctor ordered for first time home buyers who are sitting on the sidelines because they don't have money available for the 3.5% down payment on an FHA loan.

The HUD secretary announced yesterday that first-time home buyers would have access to the tax credit funds when they close on their home so that the cash can be used as a down payment. This is possible by governmental agencies providing a short term bridge loan that would replace the tax credit, until the buyer receives their tax refunds.

This program was approved by the Legislature last month, but is temporarily delayed while they are working out an IRS rule issue.

All you folks who've been watching from the sidelines...now is the time to jump into the game (using Uncle Sam's money)!

Short Sale Reality

2009-05-12T12:29:00.001-04:00

Please take a listen to the explanation of what a short sale actually is, how they play out in the market place and what our experience has been. Any feedback or questions are welcome!

Zip Lining From The Tree Tops

2009-05-06T10:53:00.006-04:00

Who knew there was killer zip lining less that an hour from Atlanta? I didn't until about a week ago when I was checking out friend's Facebook posts and saw something about a zip line tour. When I googled zip lines + Georgia...Bannings Mill in Whitesberg Georgia. Less than 10 minutes later I was booked for the Flight Pattern Plus zip line tour for this past Saturday.

When we arrived, we met up with a cool group of folks we were going to be touring the treetops with. First thing, we climbed up about 4 stories to this platform where the guides instruct you on how not to fall to your death!!! I was the first to go in my group so I stepped onto this little plank where and I hurled yourself into the air. You actually get up to about 50 mph, soaring over trees, a river and other cool scenery. To get to the next zip line you have to climb/cross these tricky wire bridges that take you higher and deeper into the woods. Basically, your climbing through the forest like a monkey! The entire tour took about 2.5 hours and it was a ton of fun!!

Check out the website at http://www.historicbanningmills.com/canopy.html and call to make a reservation. The guide said during the week is the best time and hurry before school lets out.

Hot Atlanta Loft on Peachtree

2009-05-01T09:14:00.002-04:00

We showed a really cool loft that is located in a building in the heart of Midtown. The loft had high gloss white floors with exposed brick and large window that overlooks downtown. You could walk to some great restaurants and shops.

Great Loft with Amazing Views

2009-04-30T14:26:00.003-04:00

We just listed a fabulous loft with the most amazing skyline view of Atlanta. The loft building sits where all the photographers come to take photos of the city because it is on a great hill overlooking Atlanta.

The loft is very sleek with imported Italian cabinets, polished concrete floors, high ceilings, wall of glass and a very spacious spa-like bath.

Check it out on our website. You will not be disappointed.

Great Decatur Hang Out

2009-04-26T09:02:00.004-04:00

I just visited a great new restaurant in Decatur, Leon's Full Service. It is in an old gas station but has been transformed into a great looking space. There is a nice patio area but the inside has large windows so you feel like your outside. The menu is fun upscale bar food. Not sure I should really call it bar food because I have never gotten a shrimp gyro with field greens and homemade dressing in a bar.

Everything we ordered was tasty and the wine and beer list was great. I will definitely be returning to this great spot. It is an easy bike ride from neighboring Winnona Park and Oakhurst neighborhoods.

Come on, get yappy

2009-04-20T09:41:00.003-04:00

Terrific news for pet owners in Atlanta. Glamour Paws, a new boutique and grooming lounge for dogs and cats is opening in Virgina Highland. Owners and their best friends can expect fun snacks (like chicken-wrapped fruit and local Big Daddy Biscuits), motorized mice for Whiskers, mailable rawhide greeting cards, cute pet clothes, and, of course, a fun salon where Peaches can get squeaky clean. The shop even boasts its own ambassador, Princess, an upbeat shih tzu. Don’t miss Yappy Hour Fridays (wine for peeps, treats for pups) and self-service Sundays, when DIY baths are priced low. Grand opening party is Saturday, May 2, 7 p.m.

Glamour Paws is located at 776 North Highland Avenue, Virginia Highland. For more information, call 404-885-9285 or visit glamourpaws.net.

Hop to it

2009-04-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

West Midtown continues to see great growth in Atlanta. Hop City Craft Beer & Wine, which opened in April, carries 1,000 unique beer brands, including hard-to-find craft beer, and more than 600 varieties of wine. The store also offers home-brewing books, ingredients and equipment, as well as some pretty cool gifts for the beer and wine aficionados in your life. Hop City Craft Beer & Wine is located at 1000 Marietta St.

Experience Serpas at Studioplex

2009-03-24T11:05:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of checking out the newest restaurant addition in the Inman park/Krog St area...Serpas at Studioplex ( http://www.serpasrestaurant.com/ ). It was a nice change from the typical Friday night dining in Atlanta experience for a couples of reasons. First, we'd made a reservation for 7:30 and guess what...we were actually seated at 7:30!!! And second, the restaurant wasn't crazy crowded and the food came in just the right time.

The food...I thought the food was very good and not "break the bank" expensive. We had Tuna Tar-Tar as an appetizer, which was the best I've had in the city! (I consider myself an expert on tuna tar tar as I've had the dish at dozens of restaurants.) Next we had the Sea Scallops and the Pork Chop. Both dishes were "lick the plate clean" good.

What makes Serpas even more appealing...to us at least...is its just steps from The Van Thompson office. I have a feeling that Melanie and I will be familiar faces to the Serpas staff.