Ramiro Garcia

Auge: I see that you caught onto what I was saying below in one of my responses... some listings are not put into both MLS used here in Georgia. If it's put into only one, many Atlanta agents don't take the time to search the other for their buyer clients. For example, if you go to http://www.DweLLintown.com and click on Search Properties, you can choose by street name after choosing Fulton County... You should 'find' you home there ;-)

Also, I one has to understand the terms customer and client with regards to the buyer / broker relationship in Georgia. I believe we as agents here on Truila have to walk a fine line with consultative Client advice vs. non-consultative Customer information.

If you truly believe not using an a competent REALTOR is all about saving a commission, well... guess what? the Listing Agent is going to get the full commission instead of cooperating with a buyer's agent and NOT truly represent YOU in the transaction. I don't practice Dual Agency. It's allowed in Georgia if disclosed to all parties, the Seller and Buyer... But have you heard the adage, you can't serve two masters? How can an agent represent the best interest of two parties in the same transaction?

Lee: Thanks for the props below... and on other posts I just re-read... very big of you to credit me as the "inside information man". I work very hard to make all our intown communities the best they can be and love what I do! ;-)

Auge: Let me know if you have any more questions and want the PDF old picture with the plat! Oh, and would you choose the BEST ANSWER here ;-) Yours Truly - Ramiro Garcia - Tue Nov 11 2008, 17:19

Auge - The property you are considering on Howell St may be listed as a 3BR 2BA house, but it's on .06 Acre lot approx. 37' x 77'. Tax records list it as a 3BR 3Full Bath house on approx 1000 sq.ft. - the square footage is rarely accurate. The taxes are only listed at $260 for the year which is abnormally low.... could be good for you, but don't be surprised to see that go up to true fair-market.

I'm looking at an old picture of the property with the old screened-in front porch with vinyl siding, classic! ;-)
Let me know if you want the pdf picture with the old photo and county plat diagram.

Oh, the lot nearby sold to a buyer whom will have the builder construct a 2BR 2 BA house for$250K.
Since it's not a foreclosure, they may take less than the list price, but if you're serious, I'd move on it, or at least get it under contract with a long due-diligence period to check out the structural and get quotes on the work. You know it's not getting the 'full' exposure it could be getting in the MLS systems. Let me know if you'd like to discuss this in more detail.

-Ramiro Garcia | http http://:www.DweLLintown.com - Mon Nov 3 2008, 09:40

Auge - The property you mention is at 152 Howell St is already Under Contract / Pending Sale. Actually, I believe that's a great area as it's so close to the Freedom Parkway trails. It's a lot closer to restaurants, shopts and pubs on Highland Ave in the Old Fourth Ward. The senior facility next door is well maintained and has it's own parking lot. What is g oing to change is the old APS school across the street - certainly it will be sold to a developer for condo/mixed-use conversion once the market picks up.

You seem to be rather well-educsated on this process Auge based on the other Trulia questions you are answering. If you'd done your analysis on the home you really want, go for it! Since you're looking at fixer-uppers, you may be doing a special loan or paying cash.... don't forget to see what the taxes are and factor those into the equation. Here's a link to the active and pending homes on Howell Street:
http://tinyurl.com/6je26e

The Old Fourth Ward is an awesome neighborhood with many very different aspects, the heart being in the MLK historic district. But then you have the 'poncey-highland O4W, the 'inman-park' O4W, the 'beltline' O4W and the beautiful browstones and buildings decorating Boulevard - oh, don't forget a few 'gated-communities' sprinkled around the O4W either.... plenty of variety here which makes having a knowledgeable REALTOR® representing your interests. Sounds like you'll not have a problem finding a TruliaPro here on TruliaVoices ;-)

-Ramiro Garcia | Your Intown Expert | http://www.DweLLintown.com - Mon Nov 3 2008, 05:56

Auge: There are some great deals out there in many intown neighborhoods. Edgewood has great proximity to many other neighborhoods, shopping and restaurants. Much redevelopment is happening on several streets that have had public housing demolished. It will have a variety of income levels once it's developed.

The "Martin Luther King, Jr. Landmark District" is regulated by the Atlanta Urban Design Commission (AUDC). The AUDC regulates design in various Atlanta neighborhoods. So, if you want to make changes to you home on the exterior, you'll have to take your architectural plans to the first for approval. This may way in on your decision making of your investment.

Actually, Cabbagetown has the most restrictive design controls in the city. I'd recommend Reynoldstown, parts of Grant Park and Edgewood and Kirkwood for fixer-upper opportunities.

I think you'll have more appreciation in areas that will have more redevelopment, nodal mixed-use commercial with restaurants, etc. Just my opinion. Hope this is helpful!

Let me know if you have any specific quesitons about neighborhoods, projects and trends.

See my recent TruliaBlog post on related developments (or lack of them ;-)
http://www.trulia.com/blog/ramiro_garcia/2008/11/georgia_sta…

-Ramiro Garcia | http://www.DweLLintown.com - Sun Nov 2 2008, 18:54

Wes, I seriously doubt anyone is going to provide their "life-line" or contact at the bank. The asset manager is the bread and butter for many REO agents.

Banks are not in the business of doing home renovations - they want to sell them "As-Is".

Most of the work any contractor would be doing is nailing plywood over windows, changing locks and mowing the lawn.... and then going back to drill the same plywood back in place, replace the door that's been kicked-in and mow the lawn again. It is really crazy out their in the REO world.

I would think you'd be able to market you renovator skills to people whom are doing work on their homes in preparation for when the market picks up. Just my thoughts. Hope you find them useful Wes.

Best to you!
-Ramiro Garcia - helping buyers and sellers in Atlanta - Tue Nov 4 2008, 05:23

Rick - There are many attorneys living in Grant Park and have a nice commute to Midtown and downtown.
Long term, you will get more bang for your buck! The Memorial Corridor will continue to improve as new restaurants are being added and the Gateway Linear park is starting to come together...

As mentioned, the Triumph Lofts are really cool and there are several nice high-end townhomes on Mercer St in Grant Park proper. See link below:
http://www.georgiamls.com/agentsite/search/propertyDetail.cf…

Here's the link for the Triumph Lofts:
http://www.georgiamls.com/agentsite/search/propertyDetail.cf…

Here's one for the Jane at Grant Park: (live/work units)
http://www.georgiamls.com/agentsite/search/propertyDetail.cf…

Kind Regards,
Ramiro Garcia | http://www.GrantParkExpert.com - Mon Oct 27 2008, 17:49

Rick - That's great that you are looking intown. Both areas have good things going for it. If you find yourself spending more time in the East Atlanta Village area, maybe you should look at the area you like to play in. You mention you like the Publix in Midtown. Well, guess what? Word has it a new Publix is opening up on Memorial in the Reynoldstown area close to Grant Park. The Triumph Lofts are really cool or there are work/live units available at The Jane at Grant Park on Memorial... new location of Six Feet Under restaurant. Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can be of any help. Thanks! - Sun Oct 26 2008, 19:46

Hi Samantha - I just reread your question and realized you are looking for a diverse Suburb with good schools.
I'd recommend you contact Curtis Williamson below (Also a TruliaPRO Agent ) since he specializes in the Peachtree City Area. Peachtree City is in Fayette County, but different from the nice city of Fayeteville.

They have great schools and I believe also have a satellite Campus of Woodward Academy. If you are looking for a nice golf riding community, this would be the one. I agree with Mr. Curtis Williamson, the area you a going to be working in has many nice homes, little downtown shopping areas and great access to Marta/Rail transportation. College Park has many phenomenal renovated Craftsman bungalows. See the link below for information on the homes located there:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/collegepark

Best to you on your house-hunting endeavors and please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Kind Regards,
Ramiro Garcia | http://www.GrantParkExpert.com - Mon Oct 27 2008, 17:17

Samantha: Historic College Park has many beautiful Craftsman Bungalows and quality infill construction. Woodward Academy is located in College Park. Interesting that others have mentioned areas South of College Park, but you may want to consider intown Atlanta with great schools. You'd be taking a reverse commute heading to College Park from intown Atlanta.

We've worked very hard with our public schools in Grant Park and have several charter schools and traditional public schools. We can find you a very nice house in Grant Park in the 400-500K range in Grant Park. http://www.NeighborhoodCharter.com

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. As you can see we've worked extensively here with education - my wife being the founding director of the Grant Park Cooperatvie Preschool and our kids attending our local Charter Schools.

-Ramiro Garcia
http://www.GrantParkExpert.com
http://www.DweLLintown.com - Sun Oct 26 2008, 20:11

For those Agents that take intown living, schools and quality of life serious, I just came across this detailed article about the Mandarin language program brought to our attention by Sean. The link is below and it's pretty cool to see Emory University, Atlanta Public Schools, Nanjing University in China and the Chinese government working together to bring this program and resource to our kids in Kirkwood. Apparently, this program will progress up with kids until 12th grade. So Toomer and Grady will added to this partnership!

From the GoDekalb.com web-site:
Written by Editor
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Emory University is partnering with Atlanta Public Schools and Nanjing University in China to establish the Confucius Institute in Atlanta, part of a fast-growing international network of cultural centers supported through grants from the government of the People's Republic of China to foster understanding of Chinese language and culture.
he Confucius Institute in Atlanta, which held its inauguration ceremony today, is not only the first Confucius Institute in the State of Georgia and the region, it is also the first and only one in the nation to be jointly administered by a private university and a public school system. "This is a special occasion for all of us who are committed to international education," said Emory President James Wagner. "Ultimately our aim is to enhance the understanding between the peoples of our different nations and cultures -- truly an exalted and noble goal."

Housed in Atlanta's Sammye E. Coan Middle School near the Emory campus, the Confucius Institute in Atlanta is "designed to be a gateway to Chinese language and culture for individuals, families, communities and schools in metro Atlanta and the surrounding area," says Rong Cai, associate professor of Chinese Studies and the inaugural director of the institute.

The Confucius Institute in Atlanta will help introduce K-12 instruction in Modern Standard Chinese throughout the state of Georgia and foster knowledge of Chinese language and culture in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area.

"In today's environment, where intellectual capital can be video conferenced, e-mailed, faxed or flown in, the school district's charge is to produce scholarly citizens of the world," says Atlanta Public Schools superintendent Beverly Hall. "The Atlanta Confucius Institute places us in a solid position to do so. The institute is a one-of-the-kind international project in the Southeast that will serve as a model for K-12 students, both within and outside Atlanta."

The institute also will:
• serve as a regional resource center for teacher-training and curriculum design;
• host a wide range of cultural and educational events open to the community;
• assist APS in developing Foreign Language Model Sites for K-12 Chinese instruction that can be replicated by schools statewide;
• offer classes in Chinese language and culture geared toward Atlanta's business community, teachers, parents and the public; and
• facilitate academic exchanges at all levels and in all disciplines between Emory and Nanjing University.

"Thanks to its special design, the Confucius Institute in Atlanta is poised to be a model not only for an unusual public-private partnership in education, but also for a new type of Confucius Institute that can be emulated by other schools," says Cai.

The Confucius Institute in Atlanta is funded with a renewable, three-year grant from the Chinese Language Council International (Hanban), which is affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China. It is the 41st such institute in the United States.

Emory's relationship with China dates to the 1850s. Students from China were among Emory's first international students, and Young John Allen, a member of the class of 1858, became one of the founders of modern Chinese journalism in Shanghai. Today Emory has a growing interdisciplinary program in Chinese studies, faculty who are engaged in numerous research initiatives, visiting faculty from China, and students who travel extensively throughout East Asia. President Wagner visited China in 2007 to launch a new joint project in medicine in Beijing and meet with Emory alumni there.

http://godekalb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&i… - Sat Oct 25 2008, 13:35

Sean, You selling any real estate? Now that I've turned you onto Trulia and your becoming a Blogging Maniac? ;-) Good to see your questions and posts! - Wed Apr 16 2008, 18:42