Posts Tagged tina hunsicker
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.
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.
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.
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
2011 real estate trends in Buckhead’s zip code 30327
Posted by thunsicker in Buckhead, Data and Statistics, Preparing Your Home For Sale, State of Real Estate Market on January 25, 2012
In compiling statistics for Buckhead’s most elite zip code, 30327, it is harder to elaborate on each house sold since the volume is so much higher. I have a few comments here and then charts below with more information about real estate trends in Buckhead during 2011.
- First and foremost as I’ve mentioned before, inventory continues to decrease in Buckhead.
- Even though prices are still soft, but not declining further, it looks like we are headed into a much more stable market as inventory levels are under 12 months.
- The trend is decreasing for foreclosures and we’re seeing less and less of them.
- The other interesting thing to note is that where the average price point is for homes that are for sale is almost double where the average price point for what is selling; that tells us something too.
The product on the market is priced higher than where the buyers are.
With mortgage rates under 4%, around 3.75% right now, people can trade up in their homes if their current house will sell. The problem is that if they sell their current houses at where the market demands they are losing equity and don’t have the 20% to put down on the next house and most Jumbo mortgages are still requiring 20% down.
The exception to that scenario is for doctors. I’ve sold quite a few properties to doctors this year and they can still get 95% loans with certain conditions. So if you’re reading this and you are a doctor, it is the perfect time to buy!
For the Atlanta real estate market to turn into a sellers market we’d have to get inventory levels to about 6 months. However, at various price levels I’m receiving emails daily asking if I have anything coming on the market that isn’t on yet. These inquiries tell me that there’s pent up demand and good homes that are priced to the current market will sell pretty quickly.
I’m glad to pull specific neighborhoods, streets, price points, etc. for you to look at homes that are listed for sale in the Buckhead market (or anywhere in Atlanta!) if you’re interested.
I know most of us don’t like what our houses are worth today and if you’re still wondering, I can run a Case Shiller index for you, pull neighborhood comps etc. It’s usually not as bleak as Zillow suggests!
Homes sold in Vinings (30339) in 2011
Posted by thunsicker in Data and Statistics, State of Real Estate Market, Vinings on January 23, 2012
Below is a chart featuring homes that sold in Vinings (Atlanta, GA) in zip code 30339 for 2011.
In Vinings last year almost 30% of the sales were bank owned or estate sales.
This trend continued to push the average sales prices of homes in Vinings down.
| Vinings Address in Zip Code 30339 |
SOLD Price | Date | Type |
| 3173 Laramie Drive | $150,000 | 2/16/11 | Estate |
| 4275 Lansdowne Drive | $172,500 | 7/8/11 | Bank Owned |
| 4500 Rebel Valley View | $312,000 | 4/7/11 | Bank Owned |
| 3360 Ridge Point | $349,900 | 7/28/11 | Bank Owned |
| 3680 Tanglewood Drive | $380,000 | 3/18/11 | |
| 4251 Brookview | $460,000 | 3/24/11 | |
| 3217 Teton Drive | $471,500 | 9/9/11 | |
| 3324 Cochise | $495,000 | 5/6/11 | |
| 3026 Farmington | $502,000 | 4/13/11 | |
| 3333 Cochise | $528,000 | 11/17/11 | |
| 3356 Cochise | $550,000 | 3/15/11 | |
| 4129 Brookview | $575,000 | 8/15/11 | |
| 3237 Cochise | $575,000 | 5/9/11 | |
| 3642 Cochise | $600,000 | 12/16/11 | |
| 3221 Circle Oaks | $669,000 | Not Listed | |
| 4323 Orchard Valley | $675,000 | 11/28/11 | Estate |
| 3580 Grove Gate | $725,000 | 2/25/11 | |
| 2861 Bakers Farm | $800,000 | 6/17/11 | |
| 2887 Knob Hill Drive | $866,531 | 4/25/11 | Short Sale |
| 2889 Bakers Farm | $873,000 | 4/18/11 | |
| 4735 Polo Lane | $900,000 | 6/13/11 | Bank Owned |
| 3030 Loridan Way | $950,000 | 11/21/11 | Bank Owned |
| 3589 Grove Gate |
$950,000 | 2/10/11 | |
| 4739 Polo Lane | $1,260,000 | 1/27/11 | Bank Owned |
| 2787 Lansdowne Lane | $1,350,000 | 4/7/11 | Bank Owned |
| 3025 Bakers Meadow | $1,750,000 | 1/4/11 |
I do see activity picking up and while I expect the volume of transactions to increase, I do not foresee home sales prices increasing for 2012.
There is a demand for properties right now, so if you have the stomach for the new prices ranges it is possible there is a buyer out there! Click here to see the homes for sale in Vinings currently.
I’ll compile the Buckhead 30327 soon!
Registration begins for Atlanta summer camps
Posted by thunsicker in Atlanta Summer Camps, Living on January 11, 2012
I know I did a post on Atlanta area summer camps last summer, but I wanted to add new data as it comes along.
Westminster Summer Camp is taking applications for return campers starting January 13th. Remember you can start your child at camp here when they turn 4.
Lovett is posted to sign up already.
Haverty Hollow sign up begins in February. Click here to go to the information page for Haverty Hollow camp.
As I find out dates of other camps starting their registration I’ll post them as well. I couldn’t find any dates yet on Pace Camp yet.
I did find out information on a Surfer Camp in Charleston SC, but your child needs to be 8 to start there. Chase will be going there next year!
As always, any camp ideas please let me know and I’ll post for others.
Photo Credit: Camp Mac
UPDATE: Camp Mac in Alabama knows that there are as many different kinds of summer camps as there are different kinds of kids. They provide a great list of camps in the Southeast.
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