Combined with the recent drop in real estate prices, there are some great deals on townhomes out there.  One such recent listing is in Chattahoochee Bluffs where townhomes were selling for $350,000 just a few years back.  A fully upgraded townhome just hit the market for $279,900 and features hardwood floors, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and much more.  The home can be viewed at http://www.AtlantaTownhomes.info

Find more photos like this on Atlanta Townhomes And Condos

One of the most attractive aspects of Chattahoochee Bluffs is the fact that the community is in the 30339 zip code just inside the perimeter with Atlanta address but Cobb County taxes vs. Fulton County.  Plus, there is no City taxes creating a very unique low tax area.  The community is surrounded by hiking trails and protected park lands making it an ideal intown residence.

The Vinings area (not Smyrna or Smyninings) is actually very small and high in demand as there are very few communities in this small enclave.  Home prices have rebounded recently and been steadily marching north since September.

If your goal is to stay inside the perimeter but want to avoid Fulton county taxes or the confines of a small condo, at under $300,000, Chattahoochee Bluffs is by far the best deal out there.



New Home Buyers can use their $8,000 tax credit towards their down payment!

Following Congress approval, President Obama has signed off on the bill approving an extension of the $8,000 new home buyer tax credit until April 30th 2010. Also, the new provisions in the extension are NOT retroactive. Here is a summary of the new and updated provisions and their impact on you if you have or are planning to buy a house:

- Qualification Time Period : First-time home buyers who bought after January 1, 2009 and before April 1 2010 (with closing to take place before July 1), would get the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. For the purposes of claiming the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner. This is an update from the original November 30th 2009 deadline.

- Income qualification limits: The home buyers’ credit would be available to individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of up to $125,000, or $250,000 for couples, up from $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples under the original rules. The higher income limits are only for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009. That is, the existing MAGI phase-outs of $75,000 to $95,000 or $150,000 to $170,000 for joint filers still apply to purchases on or before Nov. 6, 2009.

- *NEW* Current Homeowners looking for a replacement primary residence could also qualify for a $6,500 (up to $3,250 for a married individual filing separately). They must have lived in the same principal residence for any five-consecutive year period during the eight-year period that ended on the date the replacement home is purchased. This new provision also only applies to homes purchased after Nov. 6th 2009.

Claiming the new home buyer credit: Unless you have already claimed it, the credit can now only be claimed when filing next year’s tax return (in 2010). For qualifying purchases in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 return. A new version of Form 5405, First-Time Home buyer Credit, will be available on the IRS website in the next few weeks (I’ll provide a link to this when available). A taxpayer who purchases a home after Nov. 6 must use this new version of the form to claim the credit. Likewise, taxpayers claiming the credit on their 2009 returns, no matter when the house was purchased, must also use the new version of Form 5405. Taxpayers who claim the credit on their 2009 tax return will not be able to file electronically but instead will need to file a paper return. A taxpayer who purchased a home on or before Nov. 6 and chooses to claim the credit on an original or amended 2008 return may continue to use the current version of Form 5405.

If you and your spouse claim the credit on a joint return (both of you must meet the income and past ownership criteria to qualify), each spouse is treated as having been allowed half of the credit for purposes of repaying the credit. So the total amount claimable is still only $8000 (up to April 30th 2010).

- The new $8000 credit can be used towards the down payment of a house bought in the credit qualifying period. You need to work with your lender to take advantage of this provision.

- Tax Credit Exclusions: Homes that cost more than $800,000 aren’t eligible for the credit and you must be over 18 years old to claim the credit. Those who sell their new home or stop using it as their main residence within three years would have to repay the credit. You cannot claim the credit if acquired your home by gift or inheritance OR if you acquired your home from a related person

- If two or more unmarried individuals buy a main home, they can allocate the credit among the individual owners using any reasonable method. The total amount allocated cannot exceed the smaller of $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price. Note: A reasonable method is any method that does not allocate all or a part of the credit to a co-owner who is not eligible to claim that part of the credit (I would go with 50/50 as a reasonable method if one person is not eligible for the credit)

- The purchase date is how you decide which credit you are eligible for. Only homes purchased from Jan 1 2009 to April 1st 2010 are eligible for the fully refundable $8000 credit. If you constructed your main home, you are treated as having purchased it on the date you first occupied it.

- Foreign or Overseas Homes: You are considered a first time home buyer when buying an American residence, even if you owned principal residence outside of the United States within the previous three years. Non-resident alien’s cannot claim the credit.

Read More Here

Enjoy the best combination of urban living, convenience to major business centers & shopping with a serene wooded view. Your new 3-level townhome gives you space for family & entertaining, plus room to grow with plans ranging from a roomate plan to designs with 3 to 5 bedrooms. Open, spacious living areas, gourmet kitchen, optional sunroom & comfortable master suites, offer the perfect environment to escape at the end of the day!

When you are ready to go out, fast access to I 285 gets you to the airport, Buckhead or Perimeter Mall area in a short 15 minute drive. Right at your fingertips, enjoy the Silver Comet Trail, West Village, Cumberland Mall, Galleria & Cobb Energy Center providing top-notch shopping, shows and restaurants. Our award winning plans & incredible close-in location, combined with the easy living of a maintenance-free lifestyle make Laurel Creek the place you wish to be!

The community offers a large pool, clubhouse, private racquetball court, fitness center and poolside sun deck.  There is even a cardio room overlooking the pool.  Upgrade options include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and hardwood floors.  Overall, as an investment, rental or even a primary home, I have to give this community huge marks on the value side.  Any time you can purchase a condo this close the perimeter, you have to give it a hard look.

For more information on Victoria Heights Condos - call: 888-296-6719

Directions: 7600 Roswell Road just north of I-285

The Art Foundry Condos are very contemporary in style and feel and more like a community of condos as opposed to a regular condominium. There are multiple buildings that make up the Art Foundry Condominium complex with the pool and fitness centers located in the middle. To be honest, I actually prefer the units facing inward as opposed to outward because it will reduce traffic noise - or so I would hope. On the other hand, outward facing units offer less seclusion and more interaction if you enjoy watching people and traffic pass by. Each offers pros and cons.

During the original construction phase of the Art Foundry Condominiums, residents were offered 6 packages of upgraded color options for fixtures and cabinets. The Cabinet door selection below pretty much provides you with a basic overview in terms of color sections that residents had to choose from.

The Art Foundry Condominiums offer 1, 2 and 3 bedroom floor plans as well as 1, 2 and 3 bathroom options. What is probably one of the more desirable aspects of The Art Foundry Condominiums is this unique number of floor plans. Deciding between which floor plan appeals to you the most could involve many trips and several months.

As more and more Atlanta condominiums are built around the Atlantic Station area, the real question in regards to The Art Foundry is, what type of value is the property currently? That is hard to peg down but there is one certain aspect to remember, Atlantic Station is only so big and has little land to expand beyond its current perimeter. There will come a point when construction is complete and no further room will be available for the construction of new condominiums.

The long-term outlook for the Art Foundry complex seems pretty solid but purchase with the intent of owning your unit for a while.

The Art Foundry Condos - Amenities:

• Courtyard swimming pool
• Sculpture garden
• Reserved covered parking deck
• Storage facilities
• Easy access to the new 17th Street Bridge and public transportation
• 10,000 sq. ft. professionally managed Wellness Center and Spa available for membership
• The Grand Ellipse Park at the center of the Residences of Atlantic Station

The Art Foundry Condominiums: Facts

Home Amenities:

Ten floor plans with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom designs

• Ceramic tile in kitchen and baths
• Gourmet kitchens with solid surface countertops
• Mission style wood cabinets
• Cultured marble countertops with shaving height cabinets in baths
• Sisal style carpets
• Fireplaces on the top two floors
• Black appliances

Optional upgrades:

• Granite countertops
• Hardwood floors
• Stainless steel appliances

401 16th Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30361

General Information about the Flats at West Village
Home Builder: Ashton Woods - 770.642.6123 x181
Classic Building Exteriors
Stone Arched Parking Deck

Traditional Elevations Include Brick, Siding and Cedarshake

Architectural Glass, Panel and Louvered Shutters, Window
Pediments, Round Downspouts Stainless Steel Door Hardware

Commodity Nickel Hinges
Insulated Glass Windows w/Grids and Tilt Out Bottom Sashs
(per elevation)
Light Weight Concrete Balconies off Living Area with
Low Maintenance Deck Rails
Underground Parking (except Inman plan)
Interior Appointments
Elegant Six Panel Colonist Style Interior Doors
Security System Pre-Wire
3 1/4” Base Trim and 2 1/4 ” Casing
36” slate fireplace w/ ceramic gas logs and glass face
Ventilated Shelving in Closets and Pantry
Prewired for Telephone in Master Bedroom and Kitchen
Cable Prewiring in Master and Family Room
Approximate 9’ Smooth Ceilings(9’ Slope to 11’ Slope on Fourth Floor)
Prefinished Hardwood Floors in Foyer
Prefinished Hardwood Floors in Powder Room (plan specific)
Delta Fixtures and Elongated Toilets in All Baths
Ceiling Fan Pre-Wire in Family Room and Master Bedroom
12 x 12 tile in master and hall baths
Lifestyle Kitchens
Oak cabinets with 30” Uppers, Crown Molding
Laminate Countertop with 4” Backsplash
General Electric Appliances Including Gas Oven w/ Gas Cooktop,
Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal
Plumbed for Icemaker
Stainless Steel Sink with Chrome Delta Single Lever Faucet
and Vegetable Spray
Peninsula (per plan)
Vent Hood

Elegant Master Suite
5’ Garden Tub, Chrome Bath Fixtures (per plan)
Separate Shower (per plan)
Chrome Fixtures by Delta
Six Panel Door(s) to Master Bath
Oak Cabinets in Bathroom
Spacious Walk-in Closets with Ventilated Shelving

Energy Efficiency/Conservation
Elongated, Water-Saver Commodes
13 Seer High Efficiency Electric Heating and
Electric Cooling System
Programmable Thermostat
40-Gallon Electric, Energy Miser Water Heater
Energy Efficient Appliances
Tilt sash, insulated glass, grill windows

Designer and Customizing Opportunities
Cabinet and Countertop and Optional Appliance Selections
Color and Upgraded Flooring Selections

Customer Peace of Mind
Over 30 Years of Homebuilding Experience
2-10 Homebuyers Warranty
1-5-10 AWH Builder Warranty
Pre-construction Orientation; Pre-Drywall and Pre-Closing Walk- Through with Final Check-Off and Customer Satisfaction Survey
Ashton Woods Homes Uses an Independent Third Party Inspector
All Plans Reviewed by Quietly Making Noise, Acoustical Engineer

Neighborhood/ Building Features
Controlled access to building
Elevators with Keyed Access
Close proximity to I-285

Their Website

3491 Buckhead Loop • Atlanta, GA 30326

sales@onebuckheadloop.com • 404.395.4778

One Buckhead Loop is one of my favorite highrise condominium projects in Atlanta. It seems at least once a year I end up at some party in this loft piece of heaven and walk a way with a touch of envy. If you are looking for a status symbol condo, One Buckhead Loop is it. But the status symbol is not what attracts me to this complex.

A home is still a home and if you do not feel like you can completely relax and unwind, than your home will serve little purpose other than to store your stuff. For some odd reason, once those doors close behind in the lobby and you make your way up to one of the units, there is a strange calm about the place. You can literally feel Atlanta being shut out behind you. I can’t describe it any other way, but I have to rate One Buckhead Loop as one of the most calming condominiums on the market.

Features include about 8 floorplans, Roof-top swimming pool, media room, guest suites, fitness center, squash court, billiards/game room, library, business center, 24-hour concierge, auto detailing area, underground parking and of course a party/card room with bar and kitchen.

Feel Free to Post Your Comments

The Prado and some of the adjoining seedy apartments are about to be bulldozed and replaced with a Home Depot and new grocery store. The Cloisters were converted to high-end townhomes and one by one, the past is quickly being renovated. It has happened slowly so most people may not even have noticed, but if you pay attention, Roswell Road is gaining steam. With prices at The View @ Chastain starting at just under $200k, this may very well be your last chance to find something this affordable in Buckhead.

I also have to give a nod to the marketing staff at The View at Chastain. These guys are good – real good. Their advertising and marketing is very aggressive and they are one of the few real estate marketing crews out there who actually knows how to use online search marketing the right way. I am officially dubbing the marketing team at The View as the #1 real estate marketing team in Atlanta.

So, as a homebuyer – why should you care how good they are? You should care because the quicker they can move units and raise pricing, the greater your appreciation after moving. Condo values are extremely tied to prior sales and it tends to take more re-sales to drive up the price compared to single-family homes. Especially with the large condominium inventory we have here in Atlanta. I feel pretty confident that these guys are outselling and out marketing their competition.

The View at Chastain is also a luxury condominium complex or, a loft complex depending on your point of View. They offer 24-hour concierge, a gorgeous gym, heated swimming pool, sauna, media room, additional storage, roof top terrace, club room, underground parking and get this – they are pet friendly.

I can spend hours talking about their high ceilings and classic loft designs but anything I say about these homes will not come close to the truth. They are simply beautiful and you will fall in love. Hey, I am not paid to write this stuff. If I were honestly in the market for a new condo – this community would make my top 5 list.

Here is their contact information:

If you would like to know more about The View @ Chastain please e-mail at sales@the-view.net

Address:
3820 Roswell Rd. NE.
Atlanta, GA. 30342

Phone: 404-841-2427
Fax: 404-467-0743

Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm
Sun: 1pm - 6pm

A video review by CNN of the technology utilized in the Spire Condos.  The artwork is digital in the lobby which changes during the day.  Security cameras are everywhere in the building such as the clubhouse, garage and halls.  A touch call screen allows visitors to find who they are visiting and call the residents cell phone.  Garage access is by a special signal which is transmitted via the car antenna - no remotes to lose.  The clubhouse has a bar, pool table with plasma screen TV and computers.

This video is a very extensive video review of the Spire Condos - enjoy.

Parkwood Place Condos are located right off Powers Ferry Rd just outside the Perimeter.  This particular stretch of Atlanta has become a highly desirable area to live since access to Buckhead, I-75 and I-285 is immediate and everything from grocery stores, restaurants, banks and even the Chattahoochee River national park.

Parkwood Place Condos were originally an apartment complex built in the mid 90s and the recently converted to condos.  Unlike most conversions, the layouts are more modern and the overall quality of the complex is quite good.  Most older conversions feel like an apartment you had back in college.  Parkwood Place is much more modern in their designs and floor plans.

Floor plans consist of studios, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and very large 3 bedroom plans.  During the renovation process, the developer upgraded all of the units with tile, nice light fixtures, stainless steel appliances, new cabinets and even granite countertops.  What is nice about Parkwood Place is that what you see is what you get.  You do not have to worry about getting hit up with a bunch of upgrade charges.  Each unit is tricked out from the outset.  This will also help from a resale standpoint since you do not have to worry about other units lacking upgrades pulling down prices.

The clubhouse, pool and gym are very nice and the community is tucked away off the main road and very secluded.  In short, the complex has great curb appeal on top of all everything else.

In closing, you have great looking condos priced below market value, located on the perimeter and the majority of upgrades already included.  Out of all the condos I have seen in Atlanta, this ranks in my mind as the best deal for the money.  If you are looking for a value play, this community should be on your short list.

2860 PARKWAY CLOSE, LITHONIA, GA 30058
• Stonecrest Heights (2005)
• Two-Levels
• 1340 Sq. Ft.
• 2 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath
• Neutral Paint & Floor Colors
• Private Deck
• All Electric
• Public Water
• Phone/Cable/Internet Connections
• Alarm System (new owner must activate)
• Home Owner’s Association (includes ext. maint. & garbage)
• Stoneview Elementary; Lithonia Middle; Lithonia High
• Conveniently located to I-20, Shopping & Eating, Marta & Xpress Busline
• Available for Immediate Occupancy (Will also Rent)
• Rent - $975.00 mo.; Deposit - $975.00; App. Fee - $35.00 Per Adult
• Contact Traci Clements-Campbell @ 404.843.2500
Driving Directions: I-20 East to Evans Mill Rd/Lithonia Industrial Blvd Exit, At first red light, make a Left onto Lithonia Industrial Blvd, Cross over Covington Hwy, Make first right onto Parkway Rd, First Left onto Parkway Cove, First Right onto Parkway Close, 2860 in culdesac.

Dillard Crossing Townhomes

One Bedroom and One Bathroom

$224,900

Fabulous end-unit townhome with 1-car garage in Townhomes at Candler Park! Wonderful kitchen features granite counters and stainless appliances. Hardwood floors in kitchen, dining area and living room. Balcony just off living room. Garage with plenty of space for storage! Don’t miss the professionally organized closet!

Dekalb County Townhome for Sale

$170,000

Three Bedroom, Two and Half Bathrooms

Designer Touches Thru Out. Hdwd Floors Entire Main, Stain Cabs, All Kit Appls Stay, Inc W/D. Updated Lighting, Bath Features Paint Colors. Nicest Looking Home In Subd. Your Clients Will Say, ‘wow!’ Flat Screen Tv Is To Stay With Accepted Offer.

Contact: Devon Foy - 404-843-2500

Decatur Townhome for Sale

Two Bedroom, Two and a half Bathrooms

$249,900

This property is exclusively marketed by Keller Knapp Inc. For more information about this home or other intown homes, contact Chip Wallace at 678.429.9731 or chip@kellerknapp.com.

This spacious 2br/2.5ba end-unit townhome offers quality finishes and a superb intown location. Both bedrooms upstairs are private suites, each with a full bathroom and large closet. The finished bonus room downstairs with half bath is perfect for an office, media room, or even a guest bedroom. Built in 2005, this intimate community of 8 townhomes is located on a residential street just three blocks from the bustling Edgewood Retail District. Walk to restaurants, coffee shops, bookstore, dry cleaner, Target, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Kroger, and many boutique shops. Convenient to Downtown, Midtown, Decatur, Virginia Highland, and Little 5 Points.

Eastland Village Townhome for Sale

Decatur Ga Townhome

Unique new craftsman townhomes in East Atlanta! Wonderful gated community w/ putting green, pool & greenspace! Open floorplan features 2 bedrooms + 2 bonus rooms & 3.5 baths, open living & dining rooms, granite countersin kitchen & all baths, hardwoods through out main level, FP, luxurious bath w/party shower, additional loft & finished terrace levels, 1-car garage, multiple decks! LAST END UNIT BELOW $250K!!!

Buckhead Townhomes

Stonegate on Lenox is a small gated community located off Lenox road in Buckhead, Atlanta Georgia. Stonegate on Lenox townhomes features four sided light colored brick townhomes built in 2004. Floorplans range from three bedrooms two and half baths to four bedrooms three and half baths. Gourmet kitchen with state of the art stainless steel appliances, custom Cabinetry and granite countertops.

Stonegate on Lenox Townhomes are conveniently located to Lenox MARTA station, I85 and GA 400. These exquiste townhomes offer fine living in Buckhead at an affordable price. Buckhead is known as the Beverly Hills of the South, with some of the finest restaurants and shopping.

Stonegate on Lenox townhomes- Exterior Features

• Large private deck
• 2 car garage
• Private driveway
• Gated community
• 10 ft ceilings
• Elevator (optional)

Stonegate on Lenox townhomes- Interior Features

• 10 ft ceilings
• Coffered ceiling in living room
• Trey ceiling in Master Bedroom
• 8 ft doors
• Hardwoods on main level

Fantastic buy in this gated community off Lenox road.
End-unit Earthcraft townhome with stepless entry
Four sided brick
Ten foot
Eight-foot doors on both levels
Hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen
Heavy molding throughout
Fireplace in family room
Luxury master suite with trey ceiling
Two-car garage with custom cabinetry
Stonegate on Lenox Townhomes are conveniently located to Lenox MARTA station, Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square, Ritz Carlton, The Westin and the Intercontinental. Stonegate on Lenox townhomes are also within close proximity to fine restaurants such as Bluepointe, The Palm, Prime, Twist and more with easy access to I85 and GA 400. These exquisite townhomes offer fine living in Buckhead at an affordable price. Buckhead is known as the Beverly Hills of the South, with some of the finest restaurants and shopping.

Sian Sinclair
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty-Peachtree Rd.
(404) 564-5246