Spring Cleaning
Posted by thunsicker in Home Maintenance, Preparing Your Home For Sale on April 16, 2012
Since I help clients buy and sell homes for a living, I’m always approaching the maintenance of my home like I have a punch list. Spring is a natural time to get the cleaning done and this past week I started! So far, I’ve knocked these things off my list:
- carpets cleaned
- the exterior patios, driveway and sidewalks all pressure washed
- some painting done (more needs to happen)
- and touched up black paint on iron fencing
- and the list goes on
I was just reading a blog I like on Saturday morning (it was so beautiful in Atlanta on Saturday!!) and I came across this Spring Cleaning list from LilBlueBoo.com.
“The Mother of All Spring Cleaning List” has some ideas that I didn’t think of. Everytime I tried to think of one to add – such as vacuum refrigerator coils it was there. It is organized like this:
Start Big and At the Top
Example: Clean behind and under the washer, dryer and other large appliances.
The Bedrooms
Example: Launder all pillows, bedding and mattress pads.
Run Cut Lemons Through Disposal to sharpen the blades and freshen. Photo from AcuteDesigns.org
The Kitchen and Pantry
Example: Run cut lemons and ice through the garbage disposal.
The Bathrooms
Example: Clean or replace toothbrushes. Soaking these in hydrogen peroxide is quick and easy!
Finishing Up the Inside
Example: Switch direction of ceiling fans to counterclockwise.
Outside the House
Example: Check the dryer exhaust pipe.
Important Extras
Example: Update your family emergency kit.
I do have a little tip that I’ve just started doing with my ice maker. The intake is so hard to clean that I’ve bought filters to put on the exterior in front of the intake that I can easily replace without taking the grill etc off. Its so low to the ground no one can see it and with a pet in the house (even though he supposedly doesn’t shed), there still seems to be alot of hair and dust that get sucked in there and it seems like I have to have it repaired every year, so maybe this will help.
So after reading this blog I decided others may like this list as well. I’ve already done the closets with summer coming so early this year and have started the summer flowers, but there are alot more things to do.
Take a look and I always welcome other ideas and may add some myself as I continue on my spring cleaning.
Click here to open and print the Mother of all Spring Cleaning Checklist.
Book reviews: get your summer reading list ready!
Posted by thunsicker in Book Reviews on April 10, 2012
I so appreciate my cousin, Jennifer Clark Nodland from Bismarck, ND, for her many book reviews she has done over the years. She’s an avid reader and I appreciate her insight! She’s sharing a few book reviews here on Real Vinings | Buckhead so that my (busy) readers can get a quick idea of what to add (or avoid adding) to your reading list.
Bossypants by Tina Fey (2011)
Fun, quick, light read. Fey does a pretty good job making me think she’s just “one of us.” She’s just a few years younger than me and put a smile on my face when she revisited her youth and poked fun of what we thought was soooo cool in the 80s.
Term Limits by Vince Flynn (1997)
Mixed feeling about this political thriller. This author’s first work suffers from some clumsy writing, but I bet his newer works are cleaner. My real problem with the novel is the foundation of the plot (killing sitting members of Congress because you don’t like them) and the resolution (can’t disclose without a spoiler alert). Anyone else read Flynn’s stuff? Thoughts?
The Forgotten Waltz by Anne Enright (2011)
Could. Not. Finish. This. Book. Although this book got good reviews (and the author is a Booker recipient), I found it difficult to read. Hopping back and forth in time – and the main character seemed self-absorbed and cold. If “chick lit” is just code for stories of infidelity and dysfunction, count me out.
Vinings Historic Preservation Society Easter Egg Hunt 2012
Posted by thunsicker in Living, Vinings on April 4, 2012
Vinings Historic Preservation Society Easter Egg Hunt was held last Thursday and it was a beautiful day and fun was had by all.
The Vinings Historic Preservation Society was beautifully decorated for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
The party started with Atlanta’s famous story teller Betty Ann Wylie who captivated the children with her Easter stories. We got there early by mistake, so my son had a chance to chat with Aunt Betty Bunny before the event.
A special interlude with Betty Ann Wylie, Atlanta storyteller turned Easter Bunny and my son.
Everyone lining up to enter for story time with Betty Ann Wylie....AKA Aunt Betty Bunny!
Story telling time - very exciting and also a great lead in to the Easter Egg Hunt.
The hunt came next and after they were done they had treats of cookies and juice or water.
On the hunt for Easter Eggs!
Oh wow, I just looked back at the photos and the one with Chase and Aunt Betty Bunny is a skyline picture with the Overlook building in the back ground. I think this is one of the things that makes Vinings so special, we are a gem in the middle of a big city.
This event has become so popular that it’s only open to members and people actually joined so their child wouldn’t have to sit on the waiting list. It’s inexpensive to join and you’ll be on the mailing list for all events, childrens and adults alike. Click here to find out more about joining the Vinings Historic Preservation Society.
Wow! My son was featured in the Northside Neighbor’s coverage of the event! Click here to see some additional photos in the Northside Neighbor of the Vinings Historic Preservation Society’s Easter Egg Hunt.
Book Reviews: The Mapping of Love and Death and The Submission
Posted by thunsicker in Book Reviews on March 26, 2012
Book Review: “The Mapping of Love and Death” by Jacqueline Winspear (2010)
Book 7 in the Maisie Dobbs series. I was in a reading lull and this book was just what I needed to get back in the groove. The Maisie Dobbs books are like a favorite cotton shirt that I love to wear but need to quickly run the iron over first.
Maisie can be a bit aloof, but she’s got a good heart and 1932 London is a rich backdrop for this tale of murder and sleuthing.
Click here to see more about The Mapping of Love and Death on Amazon.com,
Book Review: “The Submission” by Amy Waldman (2011)
This is a fictional account of what might happen if a blind jury established to pick the design for the 9/11 memorial selects a design by a Muslim American.
Thought-provoking storyline that tells the stories of several characters. Brought to mind several elements of the conflict surrounding the NY mosque near ground zero. Wonder how far we’ve really come. . .
Click here to see The Submission on Amazon.com.
Radon levels in Georgia
Posted by thunsicker in Data and Statistics, Home Maintenance on March 20, 2012
I found these charts below about radon levels in Cobb and Fulton Counties and found them interesting. There are also websites that show the areas with the highest levels. Of course, mitigation systems remain a way to address this and I still have all my clients test for radon and remediate prior to purchase of a home.
I continue to get higher radon readings all throughout Atlanta in the fall than I do other times of the year.
Radon is a radioactive element that is part of the radioactive decay chain of naturally occurring uranium in soil. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon gas, but it can kill you. Unlike carbon monoxide and many other home pollutants, radon’s adverse health effect, lung cancer, is usually not produced immediately. Thus you may be exposed to radon for many years without ever suspecting its presence in your home.
Radon levels for Cobb County. The average indoor radon levels of Cobb County, as determined by radon test results from Air Chek, Inc, is 1.7 pCi/L
Fulton County Radon Levels. The average indoor radon levels of Fulton County, as determined by radon test results from Air Chek, Inc, is 2.3 pCi/L
Radon has been found in homes throughout the United States. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. How does radon enter your home? Houses act like giant chimneys. As the air in the house warms, it rises to leak out the attic openings and around the upper floor windows, creating a small suction at the lowest level of the house, pulling the radon out of the soil and into the house.
Fortunately, there are other extremely effective means of keeping radon out of your home. Some houses have tested as high as 2,000-3,000 pCi/, yet there hasn’t been a single house that could not mitigate to an acceptable level. Mitigation usually costs between $800-$2500.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, after tobacco smoking. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and kills more than 22,000 people each year, 600 of them in Georgia. Protect your family from this dangerous carcinogen. Test your home today. You can prevent and reduce entry of radon into your home!
Book Reviews: The Dovekeepers and The Cat’s Table
Posted by thunsicker in Book Reviews, Living on March 14, 2012
Even though it’s just barely officially spring, I’m already thinking about summer vacation and plans to relax somewhere while Chase is enjoying his time away from school.
To help me with my summer reading selections, I have enjoyed reading book reviews written by my cousin, Jennifer Clark Nodland from Bismarck, ND. Below are a couple of book reviews, and I’ll post more two or three at a time.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your next vacation (or spare 20 minutes, for that matter!).
Book Review: “The Dovekeepers” by Alice Hoffman (2011)
Enjoyable read! Storyline follows four women back in Judea at the time of the Roman invasions (70s). Great way to learn history.
The writing is a little heavy on “magic” and a tad flowery at times but overall very rich.
AfterI finished reading, I got online to find out how much was based on actual events – turns out, more than I thought!
Click here to see The Dovekeepers on Amazon.com.
Book Review: “The Cat’s Table” by Michael Ondaatje (2011)
Enjoyable read about a boy’s boat trip from Sri Lanka to England in the 1950s.
The story rather delicately unfolds as the boy tells his tale both from his childhood perspective as it was happening in the 1950s and as he remembers it today as an adult.
Pleasantly surprised by some of the unexpected turns in this tale.
Click here to see The Cat’s Table on Amazon.com.
Restaurant Review: Maggiano’s at Cumberland Mall
Posted by thunsicker in Living, Restaurants, Vinings on February 28, 2012
For Valentine’s Day my sweetheart wanted to go to Maggiano’s at Cumberland Mall. I usually enjoy going to this restaurant as it seems like a great value, it is kid friendly and is so close to our home in Vinings.
When we went to make reservations the only time available was 5:00 and we booked via opentable.com (always quick and easy). That’s OK as my date gets his bath around 7:00 and is usually in bed by 8:00pm. Also, they sent me a $10 coupon for my next visit which is nice.
The children’s menu is varied and is only $4.95 including their ice cream. We always end up taking the leftovers home for a second meal there is so much food.
As far as the quality I’ve seen a degradation since the last time we were there:
- I remember them using fresh grated parmesan at the table before and now you have to request it and its in a shaker – ugh, can’t eat that type.
- Also, they used to have the balsamic vinegar at the table for your bread and that had to be requested as well.
- Additionally I believe the quality of that has been reduced or my taste buds are becoming more discriminating.
I had the chicken piccata which was good with a side of angel hair pasta and Chase had the penne alfredo with the fake parmesan cheese.
It was packed and service was mediocre—perhaps a fluke because it was Valentine’s Day?? My recommendation is that Maggiano’s is good for “family friendly” meals, but not the type of Italian I’d be craving regularly.
11 Alive News Coverage – 1:48 minutes with Tina Hunsicker at 2828 Peachtree Penthouse
Posted by thunsicker in Buckhead, Incredible Exposure for My Clients, Interior Design on February 23, 2012
Click here to see the video of the Penthouse of 2828 Peachtree Road in Buckhead that was featured on 11Alive News recently.
http://www.11alive.com/news/article/229192/40/OPEN-HOUSE–Buckhead-high-rise-home-in-the-sky
ATLANTA (WXIA) – Thirty-one stories above the streets of Buckhead is a 5,300 square foot condo for sale, if you’ve got $1.75 million burning a hole in your pocket.
The elevator at 2828 Peachtree takes you to a private entrance for the 5,300 square foot condo.
“It’s very rare to have a condo where there’s no one else on your floor,” said Tina Hunsicker of Sotheby’s International Realty. “What I’m seeing now in the marketplace, people do want that open, bright, contemporary space.”
The kitchen is spacious, with two refrigerators and two Gaggenau ovens among the top-line appliances. But of all the top amenities in this high-rise condo, the view is the biggest feature.
Click here to see more photos and information about 2828 Peachtree Road in Buckhead, listed at $1,750,000 by Tina Hunsicker.
“This is unique in that it’s the only full 360 degree view with windows of this size in this building,” she said.
The view follows you to the living area of the home.
“Let’s go to the southern side of the building which is actually the entertaining space,” Hunsicker said.
There’s a second kitchen for that purpose and a billiard room. Along, with, once again, the view. You can workout while staring at the skyline.
“You can see the clouds moving, you can see the weather coming in, you can tell what traffic is,” she said.
If you don’t have a fear of heights, you’ll get an even better perspective from the balconies that connect to the three bedrooms. Located in the heart of Buckhead on Peachtree Road, the price on this contemporary condo has dropped from $2.5 million to $1.75 million.
This penthouse is no longer listed with Tina Hunsicker, but she can help you find the perfect Buckhead luxury condominium for sale. Click here to contact her.
Buckhead (30327) real estate market update: February 2012
Posted by thunsicker in Buckhead, Data and Statistics, State of Real Estate Market on February 16, 2012
The market trend is continuing that we see in the Vinings market into the Buckhead real estate market as well.
Decreasing inventory, average selling price is going up which is good considering the inventory is priced higher than what the buyers are looking for.
We remain steady at a year of inventory in Buckhead. If this trend continues we’ll be approaching a change in the dynamics of the market.
I had a conversation with an appraiser yesterday to figure out how we’re going to bridge the gap at what buyers perceive the value at and what the appraisers will appraise for. His comment is that the homeowners are going to need to take the risk to purchase over appraised value as the banks will not.
So the only way to reverse this trend is for cash buyers to put more cash into the transaction. We’ll see how this plays out over the next several months.
I’m a half full kind of person, so I hope this positive trend continues despite the national news!
Number of Homes For Sale vs. Sold (Nov. 2010 – Jan. 2012)
Buckhead/Atlanta – 30327
Average Price of For Sale and Sold (Nov. 2010 – Jan. 2012)
Buckhead/Atlanta – 30327
Months of Inventory Based on Closed Sales (Nov. 2010 – Jan. 2012)
Buckhead/Atlanta – 30327
Vinings (30339) real estate market update: February 2012
Posted by thunsicker in Data and Statistics, State of Real Estate Market, Vinings on February 16, 2012
Interesting data again about what we’re seeing in the Vinings real estate market – the area of Atlanta in zip code 30339.
Inventory is decreasing, but it appears the demand for homes in Vinings is towards the lower end and the inventory is towards the higher end.
Based on what is under contract currently we may see this trend change in the next month but at least we’re seeing a continued decrease in inventory.
Click here to see what homes are for sale in Vinings, 30339.
Number of Homes For Sale vs. Sold (Nov. 2010 – Jan. 2012)
Vinings, Georgia – Zip Code 30339
Average Price per SQFT (Nov. 2010 – Jan. 2012)
Vinings, Georgia – Zip Code 30339
Average Price of For Sale and Sold (Nov. 2010 – Jan. 2012)
Vinings, Georgia – Zip Code 30339
Months of Inventory Based on Closed Sales (Nov. 2010 – Jan. 2012)
Vinings, Georgia – Zip Code 30339
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