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German Christmas Market – December 5, 2009

November 23, 2009
Atlanta International School Christmas Market - December 5th from 2 to 5 pm

Atlanta International School Christmas Market - December 5th from 2 to 5 pm

The winter season brings to mind warm evenings by a crackling fire, cold, crisp days and traditional celebrations for the holidays. Visiting this event  on December 5th from 2 to 7 pm is sure to put you in a joyous holiday mood. Whether you are there to buy handcrafted gifts or holiday decorations, savor a variety of European food and beverages, or enjoy the entertainment, you are sure to have a good time.

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Housing Tax Credit Extended with New Provision for Move Up Buyers

November 5, 2009

Housing Tax Credit Extended – people seeking to own a home for the first time in three years would receive an $8,000 tax credit if they sign a contract by April 30 and close on it by June 30. Current homeowners who are buying a new primary residence would be eligible for a $6,500 tax credit starting Dec. 1 if they owned their home for five consecutive years in the previous eight.

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The Wakefield

November 3, 2009
The Wakefield

The Wakefield, 2724 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305

The Wakefield is a luxury cooperative located on the Northwest corner of Peachtree Road and West Wesley Road.  It is generally regarded as Buckhead’s must exclusive residential highrise.  It is home to just 24 residents and is a cooperative.  The property offers world-class design and quality.  Amenities and building systems are consistent with properties several times its size.

The average size residence at The Wakefield is about 4,500 square feet. Residences range in size from about 1,000 square feet to about 6,700 square feet.  This measurement is an approximation of enclosed usable area. The building averages just 2 residences per floor for its 12 floors.

In the mid 1990s, Brookwood Group, as both designer and development manager for the George Heery, Sr. family, broke ground on the highest quality high-rise multi-family project built to date in Atlanta.  The building permit for The Wakefield was the first private sector high rise building permit issued within the City of Atlanta in over two years at the time it was issued and the building was sold out shortly after its completion.

It is readily evident today to those in the real estate development field that The Wakefield set in motion the raising of design and construction quality standards of mid to high rise multi-family housing projects. The Wakefield also sparked the acceptance in the Atlanta market of the idea that very high quality homes could be located in high rise structures with settings that allowed easier access to work, shopping, places of worship and community activities.

All Agreements to purchase at the Wakefield are contingent on board approval.

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The Georgia Cities Foundation

October 20, 2009
On December 7, 2006, the Foundation closed a $250,000 loan to the Rome Downtown Development Authority for the acquisition and renovation of the historic Cherokee Lodge building in downtown Rome. The Lodge, built in 1901, was originally designed for, and used as, a Masonic lodge.

On December 7, 2006, the Foundation closed a $250,000 loan to the Rome Downtown Development Authority for the acquisition and renovation of the historic Cherokee Lodge building in downtown Rome. The Lodge, built in 1901, was originally designed for, and used as, a Masonic lodge.

We are very fortunate to be involved with the Georgia Cities Foundation.  This Foundation has made extraordinary accomplishments to preserve historic buildings in walkable environments.  The foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and a non-profit subsidiary of the Georgia Municipal Association. The mission of the Foundation is to assist cities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a partner and facilitator in funding capital projects through a revolving loan fund.  More information can be found at www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org.

The foundation is focused on smaller capital constrained markets.  Major Foundation project impacts include:

  • 185 new downtown businesses,
  • 927 new jobs in Georgia downtowns,
  • $65 million in additional private investment,
  • 7 cultural facilities, and
  • 136 downtown housing units.

When was the last time you went to a historic Georgia city an hour or so outside of Atlanta? The Georgia Cities Foundation has provided loans totaling $11,690,020 for 65 projects in 36 Georgia cities. Many of these cities have great history and vibrant communities – such as Toccoa, Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, Canton, Rome, Valdosta, Macon, etc. A trip to see projects funded by the Georgia Cities Foundation makes a lovely weekend getaway.

Please contact us about sponsorship opportunities.

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Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) Presents “Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture”

October 13, 2009
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) Presents “Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture”

Oct 27, 2009 – Jan 16, 2010 | Atlanta, GA

Marcel Breuer

Enlarge image Marcel Breuer in the Wassily chair (B3), ca. 1926, (© Constance L. Breuer)

To kick off their 2009/2010 season, the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) partners with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System to present a dual location exhibit featuring the work of world- renowned German furniture designer and architect Marcel Breuer (1902-1981), arguably one of the most influential designers of the modernist period. Open to the public October 27 – January 16, 2010, the exhibt will be housed at both the MODA galleries and Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Central Branch, the last major public building Breuer designed.

Atlanta Fulton County Library - Designed by Breuer

Atlanta Central Public Library, 1977-80, (© Architectural Photography of Atlanta)

The Marcel Breuer retrospective conceived and organized by Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany is the very first exhibition that also appropriately presents all the different fields in which he was active – and treats them as equal aspects of his oeuvre. While the thematically structured show displays almost all Breuer’s major items of furniture design, his very wide-ranging architectural work is essentially presented in the form of 12 exemplary buildings. In its section entitled “Materials”, the exhibition documents Breuer’s design work chronologically. It takes its cue from the fact that in his furniture designs he used four different materials, one after the other: solid wood, tubular steel, aluminum and plywood.

Interior for the living room at Haus am Horn, Weimar, 1923, (© Bauhaus University Weimar)

Interior for the living room at Haus am Horn, Weimar, 1923, (© Bauhaus University Weimar)

 “I can think of no better place to celebrate the architectural work of Marcel Breuer than in one of his own buildings,” said Brenda Galina, executive director of MODA. “We are honored to share this special exhibit with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System and give Atlantans this unique opportunity to experience the work of this important and innovative designer.”

Robinson House, Williamstown, Massachusetts, 1947-8, (© David Sundberg)

Robinson House, Williamstown, Massachusetts, 1947-8, (© David Sundberg)

“Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture” will be on display to the public at both MODA (285 Peachtree Center Avenue, Marquis II Tower, Atlanta, GA 30303) and Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Central Branch (One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303). Tickets can be purchased at either location and are valid for entrance at both exhibits.

Slatted chair ti 1 a, 1924, (© Vitra Design Museum Archive)

Slatted chair ti 1 a, 1924, (© Vitra Design Museum Archive)

For more information, visit

www.museumofdesign.org

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Price Reduced: 5523 Lake Island Drive – For Sale or Lease

October 8, 2009
Front of 5523 Lake Island Drive 

Front of 5523 Lake Island Drive

Only the finest homes are built by Buckhead Homes. It is no surprise that the first impression of Sandy Springs home located in upon turning into the driveway is of excited anticipation of what would behold on the inside. There is a old English manor feel to the exterior with the slopes of the roof, multi-paned windows, and the iron work giving a nod to the “half-timbering” of the Tudor style.

Foyer and Stairway Foyer and Stairway 

The inside does not disappoint. It is impossible to pick one element to fixate on when all are so impressively perfect. Details are everywhere. Substantial and statement-making light fixtures were chosen throughout the home. Masonry and tile work show expert craftsmanship inside and out. Oil rubbed bronze hardware was chosen and coordinates with all the elements.

 

Kitchen and Breakfast Area Kitchen and Breakfast Area 

On the main level there are multiple living spaces, including a keeping room and a separate dining room with the ability to accommodate more than twelve guests. For practical purposes there is a mud room off of the 3 gar garage and a laundry room with built in cabinets, a sink and desk area. The master suite is also on the main floor and contains a bath with a double shower, separate whirlpool tub. Gorgeous tile work and dark cabinetry adds warmth and luxury to the master bath.

 

Family Room and Kitchen Family Room and Kitchen 

Outdoor living can be enjoyed year round at 5523 Lake Island Drive. There is an outdoor fireplace surrounded by a covered porch, along with a spacious stone patio and a European-style in-ground pool. Whatever the weather in Atlanta, you can relax outside on a quiet evening. There are simply hundreds of details that will delight and amaze you here.

 

 

Outdoor Fireplace Outdoor Fireplace 

Special financing available with this home: 90% owner financing or lease purchase possible.

Six bedrooms, six full baths and two half baths.

Heards Ferry Elementary, Ridgeview Middle, Riverwood High School

 

FMLS: 3936749

Now Offered at $2,345,000.

5523 Lake Island Dr NW
Sandy Springs, GA30327

Please click here for more information on this Sandy Springs home.

Heery Brothers, Founding Partners Heery Brothers, Founding Partners 

Heery Brothers
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
              404.974.4319         404.974.4319
              404.835.9600         404.835.9600

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Fear, Greed and Animal Spirits: When spontaneous optimism replaces fear

October 7, 2009

I was recently reminded of the economic idea of Animal Spirits, which is perhaps the holy grail of consumer confidence.  We look forward to your comments.

Fear and Greed are market drivers

Fear and Greed are market drivers

Anybody that has attended a handful of weddings knows 1 Corinthians 13:13.  It ends with these lovely words, “…And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”[1] It is interesting that the King James Version of the Bible replaces Charity with the word Love.  Charity is an economic idea, and we have an economic assertion to make.  Let’s make believe that Adam Smith, Milton Friedman, and John Maynard Keynes are the saints in a little economic sect.

If there were a modern economic bible written by John Maynard Keynes, we think much of the message would be about Fear, Greed and Animal Spirits.  Keynes defined Animal Spirits as follows:

“Even apart from the instability due to speculation, there is the instability due to the characteristic of human nature that a large proportion of our positive activities depend on spontaneous optimism rather than mathematical expectations, whether moral or hedonistic or economic. Most, probably, of our decisions to do something positive, the full consequences of which will be drawn out over many days to come, can only be taken as the result of animal spirits – a spontaneous urge to action rather than inaction, and not as the outcome of a weighted average of quantitative benefits multiplied by quantitative probabilities.”[2]

For a while real estate sellers and buyers have been dominated by fear.  Sellers fear losses, uncertainty, credit damage and even homelessness.  Buyers mostly fear missing the bottom.  Fear is a powerful emotion. It gums up the wheels of commerce, limits good will and creates other unfortunate neuroses.  It is so pervasive, whole markets have penalized measured risk and a flight to quality has prevailed.

Is Greed any better?  Of course when Michael Douglas’ character in the movie Wall Street says “greed is good,” he was wrong.  Greed is bad. It leads to various moral and economic imperfections.  Greed and fear is so strong that alas humanity fails to escape it shackles and economic markets perform.

Mr. Market is mean – often ambivalent to emotions and moral design.  Mr. Market cruelty is that he attempts to balance greed and fear to make markets perform.  Mr. Market has typically rewarded risk until recently. Markets stopped September 2008 and they are starting to work again.

Real estate is not a liquid investment.  It has appeals to risk takers across many economic status and cycles.  It is the type of investment that because of its capital intensity and subjective decisions requires considerable initiative.  It requires a strong set of beliefs and preferences.  It requires optimism and has an array of unique benefits.  In short, it requires Animal Spirits. 

Fear’s dominance in today real estate market is starting to abate.  It abates as Animal Spirits asserts itself with confidence about intrinsic property values.  Where are your animal spirits?


[1] THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®,

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society®

[2] John M Keynes, The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money, London: Macmillan, 1936, pp. 161-162.

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Significant Sales in Atlanta 2009

October 1, 2009

Our company, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, has posted the most significant sales in Atlanta for 2009.

Descante, the most expensive home ever sold in Atlanta

Descante, the most expensive home ever sold in Atlanta

Please click here to see single family sales over $3 million, including this home, Descante, that was the most expensive home ever sold in Atlanta.

Please click here to see the condos sales over $1 million.

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Featured home: Sandy Springs Renovation

October 1, 2009
Sandy Springs ~ 290 Burdette Road

Sandy Springs ~ 290 Burdette Road

Completely renovated Sandy Springs home on 1.15 acres. Everything has been updated in this remarkable home. The bathrooms and kitchen have new cabinetry and appliances. There are dark stained hardwoods throughout the downstairs of the home located at 290 Burdette Road which also has the master bedroom located on the main floor. The master bath has his and her sinks along with a separate shower and whirlpool garden tub. The 3 remaining bedrooms are on the second floor.

Upon entering the living room, you are greeted by a stone fireplace. Dark beams and oversized wood doors reverberate the deep stain of the hardwoods. The home features a large kitchen with extra large island containing a secondary smaller sink and extended eating area. There is considerable cabinet space and a gourmet gas stove making this room a delight for anyone who enjoys cooking. There is a separate dining room that can easily accommodate a table for eight to twelve people.

Additionally on the main level there is an in-home office with built in cabinetry and a marble surround fireplace. While both of these elements are a handsome addition to the space, what immediately catches your eye is the detailed wood paneling the covers the room from floor to ceiling on three walls of the office. The fourth wall has floor to ceiling windows that bring light into this impressive office. Imagine your work day beginning and ending here.

The home is centrally located with easy access to GA 400, Glenridge Drive, Powers Ferry Road and Mt. Vernon Highway. It has a large, fully finished basement with brick fireplace and an in ground pool with patio.

Sandy Springs
290 Burdette Road
Atlanta, GA30327

Heards Ferry Elementary, Ridgeview Middle and Riverwood High Schools.

Four bedrooms, three and a half baths.

Offered at $899,000.
Please click here for more information on 290 Burdette Road in Sandy Springs.

Heery Brothers
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
404.974.4319
404.835.9600
neal@heerybrothers.com

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Price Reduced: 3101 Howell Mill Road, Unit 301

September 29, 2009

Heery Brothers are delighted to present a unique penthouse listing at 3101 Howell Mill Road.  Unit 301 is a gracious residence with excellent views. It is central located in Buckhead with fast access I-75 and other major thoroughfares.  West Paces Condominiums is nestled into a lush natural environment with one-of-a-kind views.

 Now offfered for $695,000

West Paces Condominiums Amenities

Controlled access; extensive parkland with lush landscaping and lighting, courtyards, promenade and fountains; walled outdoor pool with spa and pool house; concierge service; fitness room; media room; assigned, secured ground level covered parking, assigned, fully enclosed storage rooms, ample guest parking.

 

Home Description

Completely renovated large 3 bedroom penthouse, approximately 3600 sq. ft., bright and open with high ceilings throughout, hardwood floors, custom millwork throughout, recessed lighting and custom light fixtures throughout; 30′ x 36′ great room with fireplace, opens to 2 large balconies; large foyer with diamond patterned marble tile floor and adjacent powder room; large dining room with arched, backlit, display alcoves and access to large balcony, butler’s pantry with granite counter, sink and ample storage; large gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, built in fridge, gas stove top, double ovens and large keeping room; large master bedroom with custom carpet and access to large balcony, marble tiled ensuite bathroom with granite countertops and twin stone sinks with custom fixtures, large whirlpool bath and marble tiled shower, his and hers custom walk in closets; two additional bedrooms with walk in custom closets.

 

Unit Features

  • Rooms: Great room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom, 2 additional bedrooms, 1 bedroom is configured as study with French doors, fireplace and custom bookshelves with built in computer station.
  • Appliances: Kitchen Aid built in fridge, gas cook top, double oven, dishwasher and microwave. Whirlpool front load washer and dryer.
  • Laundry: Separate laundry room with custom cabinets and broom closet adjacent to kitchen.
  • Fireplaces: 1 in great room, 1 in study.
  • Parking: Covered and secured parking for 3 cars.
  • Storage: Double fully enclosed storage unit with baker’s rack style shelving.

 

Construction

  • Year Built: 2000
  • Project Type: Built as condominium
  • Architecture: European
  • Exterior Walls: Stucco and brick
  • Heating System: Central electric
  • Cooling System: Central electric
  • Energy Savers: High efficiency systems
  • Unit Style: 1 level, stepless access
  • Unit Faces: East and west