SOLD: Jane Fonda’s Atlanta Loft
Posted by thunsicker in Famous People in Atlanta, Under Contract and Sold Homes on December 7, 2012
Jane Fonda’s Intown Atlanta Loft recently sold on October 31st for $1.1 million.
I had it listed back in 2010 for $4.5 million, which is what Jane had in the property from a purchase and build out perspective. She originally purchased the loft after her divorce with Ted Turner in 2000 and if you look at the interior photos and look at what Jane was going through at that point in her life it all ties together. At the time, I had purchased her book “My Life So Far”. I was enjoying Spring Break in 2010, when I got the call to interview for the listing. When I returned to Atlanta the following week, I met with her Business Manager and Financial Manager.
Photos by Nathan Martin: http://www.nrmcreativemarketing.com
Within several weeks I listed the property at $4.5M to see what appetite the market had for this 5,000 sq ft loft. The media picked up on the story quickly and we received a lot of publicity and quite good showings, but with time the location proved to be an issue for this type of luxury/high end property. We looked at auctioning the property through Sotheby’s and felt we could get her $1.5M pretty easily, but with that large of a loss it seemed prudent to rent it out for a couple years.
By Fall 2010 we offered it for rent since it became apparent that Jane would be taking a large loss either direction and rented it shortly thereafter.
Photos by Nathan Martin: http://www.nrmcreativemarketing.com
The following Fall in 2011 her business manager chose another strategy by listing with a local agent that lived intown to market the property. The price steadily decreased until it sold for the $1.1M. For the amount of square footage and the spectacular skyline views, the final price was quite a deal. It was probably about 2 years to the date from the when it was rented which worked out great for her I’m sure.
I was fortunate to have met Jane when she was intown for events and fundraisers and I’m glad she’s been able to close that chapter of her life. It’s fun to follow her blog and see everything she’s gotten involved in since that time. She certainly is back in Prime Time!
Jane’s loft loft has the most amazing view of Atlanta’s skyline.
Photos by Nathan Martin: http://www.nrmcreativemarketing.com
3.8% Tax: What’s True, What’s Not
Posted by thunsicker in Data and Statistics on December 6, 2012
I want to provide some true data here as it relates to sales tax and purchasing or selling a home.
I have received several emails where people thought there was a Federal Sales tax going into effect which is attached to the new Health Care Reform bill as a way to pay for Obamacare.
First off, there is NO such thing as a Federal Sales tax. Period. Ever. All federal monies are recieved via the IRS and our annual filing of forms.
Here are some articles that explain what is really happening. For 90% of sellers there will be no impact as you have a personal residence exclusion to capital gains (if by chance you have a gain!), but investors need to pay attention and read the following articles carefully.
From the National Association of REALTORS®
The 3.8% Tax and Health Care Reform
3.8% Tax: What’s True, What’s Not
From Politifact
Truth-O-Meter Pants on Fire
Most expensive homes sold in Atlanta 2012 to date
Posted by thunsicker in Buckhead, State of Real Estate Market, Under Contract and Sold Homes on October 11, 2012
As of today, October 9, 2012 ,there have been 5 homes in metro Atlanta and its surrounding counties that have sold over $5M, according to FMLS. I do this research periodically as I have a large listing and am always looking for ways to increase its exposure and make sure the right clientele are being exposed to it.
One common link with our large home sales in 2012 is the International Buyer. As you will see from the various homes I’m outlining this year, as well as last year, many are moving here from other countries. It appears to be a good place for them to place their cash, as when looking at tax records there appears to be no debt against these properties.
1. 435 King Road
Its fun and fascinating for me to meet these buyers that can write a check for $10 million dollars. The first home at this price point is under contract and set to close within the month. I LOVE this house – it is located at 435 King Road in Buckhead and was built in 2010. I have a slight connection to the property, as the owners of the prior home on this lot hired me to sell their home and help them purchase a new one. I sold their home to a builder who had this client that was ready to build on a prime lot. The home was completed in 2010 and I must admit – it is truly the most phenomenal home I have ever been in.
The interiors are PERFECT as well. Suzanne Kasler Interiors did the furnishings and my understanding is that the house was sold furnished. I do believe that Architectural Digest came in and photographed this home as well; originally it was pulled off the market quickly to accomodate their need to not have it on the market while published.
It was recently re-listed and sold very quickly, within a couple of weeks. Incredible for a $10 million dollar home! Mark Bhaggan with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International represented the seller and buyer in this transaction. 
I have heard that this is an international buyer. This home is 20,000 sq feet and has every detail you can imagine including his and hers gyms, an indoor lap pool, driving range, outdoor pool and pool house with a drop down TV screen to watch while you’re in the pool, indoor sports courts, theater and more. Not a single thing is missing.
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to view this fabulous home. Whenever I have clients that just can’t seem to find exactly what they are looking for I can always email them this property and tell them I can find them what they want but it will cost $10M 🙂
2. 3410 Ridgewood Road
3410 Ridgewood Road closed in January of this year at close to $6M after being on the market during the toughest times from around 2007. With an official year built of 2009, it was built by Steven West Custom Homes and went into foreclosure, upon which international buyer Ulf Henriksson and his wife purchased it. Ridgewood was the Christmas House years ago and has been the site of filming for several movies. I only know this as I drive past it every single day and there were moving vans and trucks for filming there quite a bit. As Atlanta’s tax advantages for filming here continue, more and more of our estate homes are featured in TV shows and movies.
3. 830 West Conway Drive
I called a friend of mine that lives a few houses down from this house to better understand its history. It’s actually very sad, as I remember it sitting vacant years ago as the original owners were killed in a plane crash around 2002 and when the home traded after the accident it was the most expensive home sold at the time – at $10 or $11 million. That family lived in it less than a year and sold it to a builder who had $10M in debt against the house. Since then it has sat vacant and ransacked for about 5 years. That homeowner let it go into foreclosure after some financial issues, it just came on the market in September, and then sold very quickly to what appears from tax records to be Justin and Jessica Jones. The piece of land is fabulous with 16 acres of pretty level land in the heart of Buckhead, with entrances on West Conway and Fairfield Drive. The neighbors are looking forward to it being brought back to the tasteful state it was in prior to 2006. The back of the house has been ripped off as the previous owner was going to add porches and sub-contractors have ransacked it for supplies from unpaid bills. It will be interesting to watch the progress as this home is restored.
4. 1215 Mount Paran Road
This home closed in June of this year – after being on the market in 2010, removed and then relisted in March of this year. Compared with the others in this category, the sale is a bit more surprising. This 2 acre property is located on Mt Paran, which is a busy street, and the sq ftg is just under 10,000 sq ft – compared with Ridgewood that sold for a bit more but was over 4 acres and 15,319 sq ft. This was a regular market sale versus Ridgewood and West Conway which were bank-owned sales. I think this shows the value buyers are placing on “new-ish” properties versus having to do a lot of work to them once they’ve purchased them. I recently heard a speaker mention that in the next year approximately 50% of the homes purchased will undergo renovation. This is primarily due to the lack of new construction and in many cases the seller’s loss of equity and lack of desire to put more money into it.
5. A Historic Estate
I can only hint at the fifth sale of 2012, but it is a historic Buckhead home built in 1926. I hope to bring more details of the sale as soon as it is appropriate. Of the 5 homes that have sold, this is the only home built before 2003, but it has been completely renovated to feel like a new home.
There are still 48 homes over $5M on the market and none outside of Buckhead have sold this year, according to FMLS. This is about a 10% turn rate which is a very weak market for the luxury homes. They should be turning at over 33% to have a stable healthy market at the higher end. Two of these homes were foreclosures and while we’re seeing less and less of that in our average luxury market, the trend seems to still be present at the very high end. But, in both instances, they were scooped up immediately because they were priced so well!
Fall Decor and More
Posted by thunsicker in Interior Design, Living, Vinings on October 4, 2012
Well we have finally completed our decorating both inside and out now that the weather has cooperated for a few days. Below are a few pictures with my sources listed in the captions. As you can see, we’ve even decorated the printer!
Every year I shop for fall decor at Home Depot, Pike’s, Target and Michaels. I actually bought all of our pumpkins at Home Depot as well as this flower pot.
The small metal pumpkin inserted in the cream pot is from Pike’s while our corn stalks were from Home Depot. Our scarecrows welcome you to the door!
This pumpkin on the front door is a favorite that I found at Pike’s. Come on in!
Every year is interesting based on the variety and colors of pumpkins. We bought a green one, pink, salmon, white, blue and of course orange. I’ll buy the large carving ones later, but at least this variety kept my little fellow busy for a while.
We have pumpkins galore throughout the inside of the house! They are all from Home Depot.
We even decorated the printer!
Last night he began constructing the “boo bags.” I’m not sure how many he has complete now, at least 20, so I know some evening this week or over this weekend we’ll be heading out into the neighborhood to make frightful deliveries by the mystery “booer”. If you live in Vinings, look out for the Mummy or swamp monster or whatever he decided he’ll be that evening. He told me I had to hide my car this year as that’s how people were guessing him. He has SO much fun!
The boo bags have been filled!
With a birthday in October we love to give “spooky” party favors. I found these pretzel fingers at Michael’s.
Fall Events throughout Atlanta
Posted by thunsicker in Living on October 2, 2012
Sunday, October 28 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bring young goblins dressed in their Halloween best and enjoy musical performances, pumpkin decorating, a ride-on-train, games, pony rides, tricks, treats and more! Photo credit: atlantabotanicalgarden.org
Well fall is officially here! We spent the weekend decorating and I thought I would share some great resources to help celebrate this changing season. Here are some links to celebrate fall including Pumpkin Patches, Apple Festivals and one of our favorites – the Pace Fall Fair on October 20th. Get out your calendars and plan some fun!
Pumpkin Patches throughout Metro Atlanta
Georgia’s Apple Festival in Ellijay
Buckhead home for sale convenient to Chastain Park
Posted by thunsicker in Buckhead, Featured Homes for Sale on September 27, 2012
The big reveal! This home has been completely remodeled and a professional home manager has arrived. Check out the new hardwood and tile flooring added on main, new carpet upstairs, completely new kitchen with beautiful cabinetry, granite and all new appliances. All new light fixtures, roof, everything freshly painted. Fabulous flat lot. Come take a look!
THIS HOME IS NO LONGER ON THE MARKET OR LISTED WITH TINA HUNSICKER
95 Spruell Springs Road – Atlanta, GA 30342
Three bedrooms, two full baths
Offered at $339,000
This home is convenient to Chastain Park and sits on a flat, level lot. With three bedrooms and two full baths, this completely remodeled home is move-in ready.
Everything in this home has been updated! The main level includes brand new hardwood floors and light, bright neutral paint colors.
The kitchen features tile floors, beautiful cabinetry, granite countertops, and all new appliances.
All of the bedrooms have updated carpet and paint colors as well.
The level backyard is professionally landscaped and features a patio for dining alfresco.
For more information on all homes for sale near Chastain Park, please contact:
Tina Hunsicker
Prudential Georgia – Buckhead Office
404.931.3944
tinahunsicker@hotmail.com
When Is The Best Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs?
Posted by thunsicker in Home Maintenance on September 19, 2012
Its the time of year to start thinking about planting trees and with the fall storms its probably time to check to make sure all your current trees are healthy. I’ve been using Gunnison Tree Service lately and have found them to be fair priced, nice and responsive. My contact is Andrew. I just went to their website and found some good advice on their blog.
We all know that the landscape of your home has the potential to add not only great curb appeal, but also add significant value to your property. That being said, you must know the best time of year to plant these valuable items in order for them to flourish. There are many considerations that need to take place before beginning or adding to your landscape. Trees and scrubs require four essentials in order to grow to their full potential, those four requirements are water, sunlight, nutrients such as fertilizer, and room to grow and establish a root base. Below we will discuss the best timing according to climate to provide the most favorable conditions for your investment to thrive.
Let’s be honest, summer is one of the two seasons that fall into the category of “the absolute worst time to plant trees and shrubs”. Why is that? The simple answer is because the potential for high temperatures can be extremely detrimental to young trees. When trees are establishing their root base it is essential that they receive an abundance of water to nourish the growing plant. On the flip side, winter is the other season that is not favorable for planting trees and shrubs. This is due to the opposite reason of the possible freezing or chilly temperatures. No matter what the season, the premature tree or shrub will always need water to survive. Don’t be fooled by snow – While it is frozen water, the tree will not receive any of that moisture until the snow begins to melt.
The ideal time to plant a tree or shrub is in the seasons of either Spring or Fall. In the Spring, the buds are about the flourish and in the Fall, the trees are going dormant. It is the ideal time in terms of climate or temperature and a favorable time in regards to the soil. The soil is more accepting to retaining moisture which will aid in stimulating a positive root growth structure and will also allow for easier ground breaking in order to dig the hole to transport the plant. As an added bonus, the weather is much more enjoyable to be outdoors working in the yard!
As a bonus, let us offer a few additional tips or tricks of the trade, if you will, to help aid in the success and survival of your investment. It is advised that you plant your tree or scrub as soon as you purchase the plant. The nursery has maintained its job to grow and sustain the plant in the best conditions available and it’s up to you to transport that tree or plant with the utmost care (even handling can be detrimental to the plants survival if abused) and plant during favorable conditions.. When you are digging the hole to plant the tree or shrub, of course – immediately after its purchased, right? – dig the hole two to three times the width of the base of the tree and the same depth as the ball or root of the plant. Last tip, mulch, mulch, mulch! We love mulch once the tree or shrub is planted. Mulch allows the ground surrounding the new tree or shrub to stabilize the soil temperature as well as retain moisture from watering or rain.
Need a professional’s help? Call Gunnison Tree Specialists, 404-264-2724.
STG Trattoria in Buckhead Opens for Sunday Brunch this Weekend
Posted by thunsicker in Buckhead, Restaurants on September 7, 2012
STG Trattoria brunch radiates with imaginative yet distinctively down-to-earth dishes, which can be enjoyed in the intimate, gently weathered industrial interior designed by ai3. Photo credit: STG Trattoria
STG Trattoria, which opened in April, announced early this week that the Buckhead restaurant will open for Sunday brunch on September 9, 2012. Beginning each week at 10:30 am, Chef Josh Hopkins will utilize the restaurant’s two wood-fired Acunto ovens, imported from Naples, to develop dishes defined by Italian essentials like cured meats and scratch-made cheeses accented by locally sourced produce.
The brunch menu with Italian influences artistically woven into each item will feature an Eggs Benedict Pizza with prosciutto, arugula, poached quail eggs and warm aioli as well as Shrimp & Calamari atop polenta with pancetta, cherry tomatoes and basil with a squid ink vinaigrette. STG’s renowned ovens will also be the destination for their artisan bread presented in the Italian Sandwich with layers of sopressata,capicola, prosciutto and olive giardiniera, and a Sautéed Zucchini Bread with candied pancetta and mascarpone.
Photo credit: STG Trattoria
Continuing with their established Amaro Bar, which introduced Atlanta to the light, food-friendly flavors present in the aperitif-based cocktail program directed by mixologist David Durnell, STG Trattoria will pour brunch cocktails like The Reviver with Beefeater gin, Cocchi Americano, Suze, lemon, celery and Herbsaint, STG Bloody Mary with cold-smoked Tito’s vodka, Amaro Zucca and house-made bloody mary mix, Mimoso with Amaro Nonino, Aperol, orange bitters, Prosecco and orange zest, and El Palido with El Espolón tequila, orange juice, chillies and mescal.
Named after owner Brian Lewis’ three sons – Sebastian, Tristan and Gabriel – STG Trattoria places emphasis on the heritage of Italian cuisine united with a distinct, progressive touch of seasonal, pure flavors in a communal space characteristic of Italy’s timeless trattorias. STG is opens for dinner at 5:30 pm Tuesday through Sunday and at 10:30 am for Sunday brunch. Situated in the heart of Buckhead and bordered by Flywheel and Drybar, the restaurant is located at 102 West Paces Ferry Road Northwest Atlanta, GA 30305. For further information, call 404.844.2879 or visit www.stgtrattoria.com.
I’m really looking forward to trying the brunch at STG. Who else plans on trying it this Sunday? I will post my review following my visit!
Vinings Homeowners: Offer Settlement Road Recommendations in person to Cobb County Planning Commission and Cobb County Board of Commissioners
Posted by thunsicker in Vinings on September 5, 2012
Vinings homeowners who wish to voice their opinion on this matter should contact the Cobb County Planning Commission and Cobb County Board of Commissioners and/or attend the Planning Commission meeting at 9:00 a.m. on September 6th and the Board of Commissioners meeting at 9:00 a.m. on September 18th. The location of both meetings is 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta, GA 30090.
Photo: John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, Inc.
On August 7, 2012 I presented the Vinings Village Homeowners Association notification of an upcoming re-zoning application by John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods, requesting rezoning of the ~23-acre site from R30 to R20 OSC including the creation of up to 45 lots/homes. This was followed by a survey released by VVHA on August 9th. Based on the responses received and the overwhelming response to the survey, the “Settlement Road Committee” concluded its review of the rezoning application and recommended that the VVHA oppose the rezoning request.
The VVHA Board of Trustees has voted to formally accept the Committee’s recommendation and further recommend to the Vinings community and Cobb County that the rezoning request be denied. The VVHA’s recommendation is that the site retains its existing R30 zoning designation. The VVHA’s position to oppose the rezoning request is consistent with the feedback received from the community including the survey and emails in response to the initial announcement.
As of the date of this announcement, the VVHA’s request for a continuance has not been granted by the Cobb County Planning Commission, therefore members of the VVHA Board of Trustees will be speaking in opposition to the rezoning request at both the Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, September 6th and the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, September 18th.
Vinings homeowners who wish to voice their opinion on this matter should contact the Cobb County Planning Commission and Cobb County Board of Commissioners (www.cobbcountyga.gov) and/or attend the Planning Commission meeting at 9:00 a.m. on September 6th and the Board of Commissioners meeting at 9:00 a.m. on September 18th. The location of both meetings is 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta, GA 30090.
The VVHA Board wishes to extend its greatest appreciation to Jim Polk who chaired the Committee and to the other members Ross Bickers, Steve Goodsell, Bill Voegeli, James Bikoff, Martha Glisson and Bob Barker all of whom gave generously of their time and expertise as well as the many Vinings Homeowners who gave of their time to respond. We are fortunate to have such involved neighbors in the Vinings Community.
If you can be present at these meetings, we really need to get out and show our support for the VVHA!
One Vinings Mountain condo for sale with amazing city views
Posted by thunsicker in Featured Homes for Sale, Vinings on September 4, 2012
This home is no longer on the market. If you would like to find out more about Vinings condos for sale, please contact me.
One Vinings Mountain ~ 2950 Mount Wilkinson Parkway ~ Atlanta, GA 30339
Two bedrooms, two full and one half baths.
Offered at $389,000
Back on the market, it will sell quickly again with this city view at this low price! Low Cobb County taxes, Essex floor plan. One Vinings Mountain has many amenities and I’d love to give you a tour of the gardens and outdoor veranda, the vanishing edge pool, wood shop and driving range, many conference rooms and the fitness center, and guest rooms available on site with maid sevice. Hurry to get this floorplan with this view at this price!
For information or to see condos for sale Vinings, please contact Tina Hunsicker at 404.931.3944.
This 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo at One Vinings Mountain is in immaculate condition with amazing city views.
This condo at One Vinings Mountain has spectacular city views!
One Vinings Mountain has many amenities including gardens and an outdoor veranda, the vanishing edge infiniti pool, wood shop and driving range, pet park, many conference rooms, the fitness center, and guest rooms available on site with maid sevice.
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