East Atlanta Renovation -- Backs up to Brownwood Park!

Here is one of my newest listings, an awesome renovated bungalow that is steps to East Atlanta Village! It has been completely renovated and has tons of character and great finishes throughout. The dual sided fireplace in the living room and dining room is definitely worth checking out. The house not only has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths in the main house, but it has a really cool carriage house in the back with another bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen, and a 1 car garage. It could be an office, studio, or even a rental - either way it adds a lot of space.

I put a few pics below, but if you want to see more you can check out the virtual tour.

Also, there is going to be an Open House here on Sunday from 2-4p, so if you're out and about or in the neighborhood, stop by and say hey!

Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemptions are available if you owned and occupied your primary residence by January 1st of this year and can result in substantial property tax savings. The filing deadlines vary by county with the earliest being March 1st. We have included the applicable county websites below where you can find instructions to apply.

Fulton County - deadline is April 1, 2010

DeKalb County - deadline is March 1, 2010

Cobb County - deadline is April 1, 2010

Gwinnett County - deadline is March 1, 2010


Tax Appeal Information

The Atlanta Journal & Constitution ran an excellent series of articles on property tax valuations in the various counties of the Atlanta metro area. The AJC's analysis shows that most residential properties in the Atlanta area have experienced declines in value with many areas posting double digit losses. However, the county tax commissioners have been unwilling or unable to adequately reassess the values of these properties, and as a result most of us are paying tax bills that are based on unrealistically high values.

Very few people are aware that if a property tax valuation remains the same as the previous year's bill the owner must file a "Property Tax Return" with their tax assessor's office after January 1, 2010 (deadlines vary) in order the have the right to appeal their 2010 property tax assessment. These forms can be obtained from each of the metro county tax assessor's offices, the links to these offices are above.

If you need help determining your property's fair market value, I would be more than happy to help. I can prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report that will aid in getting your tax bill adjusted. Give me a call and maybe we can save you a few dollars.

Grant Park Bungalow Renovation - Week 4

The rotten subfloor and supports in the back of the house were removed and replaced this week. Looks like one of the strongest construction crews I've ever seen!

Cold Weather in Atlanta! Don't Let your Pipes Freeze!

Here are a few tips from State Farm's website that could be extra helpful during our current cold weather.

Before the cold hits

Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember - the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

Heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.

Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.

Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.


When the mercury drops

A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.

Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.


Before you go away

Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F (12°C).

Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing or

Shut off and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it will be deactivated when you shut off the water.


If your pipes freeze

Don't take chances. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. (Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.)

Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because you could be electrocuted.


Give me a call if you are reading this too late and need a good plumber!

Justin Landis
Keller Williams Realty
404-803-0471
justin.landis@kw.com
www.JustinAtlantaHomes.com