Barry Laughon

Living in Midtown: What to Expect

admin@swg — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:31:40 +0000

Living in Midtown has both benefits and drawbacks. If you’re considering it, you must consider both. How well you adjust to it will depend on your own prior experiences, as well as your basic personality. If, for example, you value quiet and tranquility over convenience, Midtown probably isn’t your best choice.

Benefits of Living in Midtown

When you live in Midtown, you are within a short walking distance of just about anything you could possibly need, such as groceries, restaurants and all kinds of specialty shops. You are also never far from a subway stop, bus stop or corner where you can hail a taxi.

For these reasons, Midtown is one of the most convenient parts of the city to live. For people who work in this area, it can be especially nice to be able to walk home from work and avoid the hassle of a commute.

Drawbacks to Midtown Living

The other side of the coin is that it can be noisy and crowded in Midtown. Many people work in this area, so it is bustling from early in the morning till the early evening. When you step out of your door, you may encounter crowds (though if you live on a side street, you may have some peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle).

Another potential drawback to Midtown is that it’s largely work oriented. While there are delis, restaurants and grocery stores open at all hours, many things also close at night. Many Midtown streets and avenues get surprisingly deserted when it gets dark.

If you want to live in an area that has lots of entertainment, Downtown is generally more active at night than Midtown.

Midtown Contains Many Neighborhoods

Keep in mind also that the part of the city known as Midtown encompasses many neighborhoods, so there are important differences. If you are close to Union Square or Times Square, for example, you will see much more activity at all hours than if you were on a side street in the Grammercy Park area.

The particular street you are on, and whether you’re on a side street or avenue also makes quite a difference. Some areas will have delivery trucks unloading their merchandise very early in the morning. Other spots are relatively quiet until the morning rush hour rolls around.

If you are considering Midtown, you should check out several different neighborhoods and find out which ones appeal to you most.

Midtown Living: is it the Right Choice For You?

You have to consider the pros and cons of living in the Midtown area. If you are considering a move, you should familiarize yourself with the neighborhood before committing yourself. Walk around both in the daytime and at night to get a feel for it.

There can be many advantages to living in Midtown, especially if you work in that area. You are close to many necessities and transportation of all kinds. You just have to decide if you want to be in the middle of all that action or not.

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Living in Atlanta: Top 10 Things To Do

admin@swg — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:31:26 +0000

Atlanta is a booming city with plenty of things to do. Sometimes if you live in a big city, though, you don’t ever get around to enjoying most of the things your city has to offer. Play tourist for a few days and explore these popular destinations and activity around Atlanta!

The Center For Puppetry Arts

Puppets aren’t just for kids anymore. The center offers performances, workshops, and exhibits for visitors of all ages. The New Direction Series, featuring the Xperimental Puppetry Theater, even focuses on unique puppetry performances for mature audiences. You’ve never gone to a puppet show quite like this.
The Fox Theatre

Big-name concerts and theatrical performances that come to Atlanta will end up at the Fox Theatre. Keep an eye out each season for the shows you might want to see, and get your tickets early.
The DooGallery FarmArtket

On the first Saturday of every month, visit the DooGallery lot to view arts and crafts made by local artists. They welcome submissions from other Atlanta residents, so budding artists may want to consider showing off some of their own work here.
The Georgia Aquarium

This isn’t just any aquarium. It’s actually the largest aquarium in the world, with over 60 marine life exhibits. See animals ranging from the cute to the terrifying, from jellyfish to beluga whales. Make sure and visit the Ocean Voyager underground tunnel to view everything from an underwater vantage point.
Taste of Atlanta

This year, the festival falls on October 25-27. It’s a food-lover’s paradise, with over 80 of the city’s best restaurants offering some of their most popular dishes. Any “foodies” living in Atlanta will want to take advantage of this every year.
Turner Field

Sports fans living in the city have probably already taken advantage of this, but even those who don’t usually follow baseball will enjoy visiting the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame before the game.
The World of Coca-Cola

This is one of those attractions all the visitors go to, but most residents haven’t gotten to yet. It’s well worth it, even if just for the free sampling of the 63 different beverage products marketed by Coca-Cola.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta

If you have kids but haven’t taken them to LEGOLAND yet, you’re missing out on a great family experience. If your LEGO-loving son or daughter has a birthday coming up, the center does have special party rooms for just that purpose.
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History

This museum truly is as fun as it is educational. Besides just the many exhibits, it features a planetarium, an observatory, and an IMAX theater, so there are plenty of ways to explore the museum.
The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

You won’t want to miss out on the productions put on by this troupe. Enjoy the Bard’s work and some wonderful food in a quiet and intimate setting. It’s a great date night for lovers of theater and Shakespeare.

If you’ve never visited any of these locations, you’re missing out. The next time you have a free day and aren’t sure what to do, grab some friends and family and take a trip around the city.

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Buying a Home in Woodstock, GA

admin@swg — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:31:42 +0000

Woodstock, Georgia is one of the most popular and desirable exurban areas in the Northwest Metro Atlanta area, in part because of its many amenities, excellent access and outstanding selection of homes. However, the price of homes in the Woodstock area can be extremely attractive as well. Woodstock is outside of what would traditionally be considered “Metro Atlanta,” making it a welcoming place for families and offering the security of low crime and low unemployment. (trulia.com)

Location

Woodstock is conveniently located at the junction of a number of thoroughfares. These include Interstate Highway 575, a spur of Interstate 75, and Highway 92, another, older highway that travels east-west through much of Woodstock. These provide excellent access to Woodstock from all directions. In fact, I-575 is one of the main reasons that Woodstock has become such a popular Atlanta exurb.

Another main traffic artery in Woodstock is Towne Lake Parkway. Towne Lake Parkway begins in downtown Woodstock (to the east it is called Arnold Mill Road) and continues west to Bell’s Ferry Road, where it ends. Its most important feature is a residential planned community of the same name that started in the late 1980’s that originated the enormous development there. The Towne Lake area now, however, offers prospective homeowners multiple subdivisions with homes in a wide range of prices and with a broad range of amenities. Towne Lake’s commercial areas offer residents shopping, restaurants and medical facilities focused in multiple areas adjacent to the Parkway.

Shopping

Woodstock offers wonderful shopping for her homeowners. There is every manner of shopping available from a delightfully restored downtown area filled with trendy boutiques and restaurants to a soon-to-open new outlet mall located on Highway 575. Just a few miles south of Woodstock’s city limits, shopping opportunities of every sort can be found on the Barrett Parkway, home to the regional Towne Center Mall and its major retailers, as well as dozens of smaller stores and restaurants that surround it.

Schools and Family Activities

According to trulia.com Woodstock’s public schools get high marks with an average rating of 8.3 out of 10. Families are a huge part of life in Woodstock and activities for children and young people are numerous. From acting classes and plays at Elm Street Cultural Arts Center to many available sports activities to outdoor fun at the YMCA at nearby Lake Allatoona, Woodstock has activities of every sort for kids or for entire families. Less than fifteen minutes from Woodstock parents can choose from lots of family-fun venues including indoor racing in Alpharetta, a water park in Kennesaw, Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell and many more. Less than thirty minutes away, Cartersville offers the Tellus Science Museum, the Etowah Indian Mounds and the Booth Western Museum to entertain or inform every member of the family.

Real estate

A prospective buyer in the Woodstock area will find real estate choices to meet virtually any need or desire they might have. Although homes for sale in Woodstock can be found in the mid $300,000’s, the average sales price of a home in Woodstock is only $161,500. Subdivisions in Woodstock abound, with every imaginable amenity, from beautiful golf courses to more modestly-sized and priced homes in smaller subdivisions.

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10 Reasons to Live in Sandy Springs, GA

admin@swg — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:30:53 +0000

With its impressive history of community spirit, Sandy Springs, Georgia makes for a remarkable place to live. Nearly 95,000 citizens call this city home. Excellent livability ratings and outstanding city services are just a few of the reasons that more people are moving here.

A Thriving Economy

Approximately 37,000 businesses are based in Sandy Springs, providing the community with some 57,000 jobs. Major employers include IBM, Cisco Systems, AT&T Mobility and United Parcel Service. Sandy Springs is also welcoming to entrepreneurs hoping to establish new ventures.
Favorable Climate

Sandy Springs residents enjoy a humid subtropical climate that results in hot summers and mild winters. Four well defined seasons help people to maximize their enjoyment of the outdoors.
Community Festivals

Each April, the Artapalooza festival draws 100 artists to Sandy Springs for a fascinating exhibition. The Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge is a professional bike race that happens every May. In the middle of July, residents enjoy the Chattahoochee River Summer Splash that encourages everyone to try a float down the river followed by a food and music festival.
Public Parks

Even as Sandy Springs grows, community members remain dedicated to preserving parks and green spaces. A dozen parks provide sporting fields and courts, picnic areas and playgrounds. Other amenities include trails and tennis courts that enhance the area’s spectacular livability.
Local Government

Sandy Springs only became incorporated in 2005, and by 2006, the city had established its police and fire departments. The mayor and city council work closely with the citizenry to ensure capable and efficient deployment of city services. Their remarkable record for responsiveness shows their dedication to making Sandy Springs a great place to live.
Outstanding Schools

The Fulton County School System provides public school services to Sandy Springs’ youngest citizens. Facilities include seven elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Highly dedicated, well trained teachers and staff allow Fulton County schools to provide students with the best possible education.
Highway Access

Two major highways intersect Sandy Springs. Georgia 400 and I-285 ensure that residents always have speedy access to neighboring communities. These highways make it possible for those living in Sandy Springs to commute to nearby Atlanta with ease.
Mass Transit

Known as MARTA, the city’s mass transit provider keeps Sandy Springs on the move. Numerous bus lines and a heavy rail rapid transit system make commuting a snap.
Arts, Entertainment, Dining and Shopping

Part of Sandy Springs’ appeal comes from its many opportunities for fun and entertainment. From comedy clubs to live repertory theater, there’s always something cultural going on. Shopping ranges the gamut from recognizable big box stores to intimate, one-of-a-kind boutiques. Dining in Sandy Springs is similarly diverse. People looking for anything from traditional American to ethnic cuisine will have plenty to sample here.
State-of-the-Art Health Care

Good health is essential to an active lifestyle. Sandy Springs ensures the vitality of its residents through the presence of several renowned hospitals and medical facilities.

Sandy Springs offers residents the best in desirable neighborhoods, transportation options and employment. A spirit of community and thriving arts scene also contribute to the city’s high livability rating. With great neighborhoods around every corner, Sandy Springs is an outstanding place to live.

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Some of Atlanta’s Neighborhood Gems

admin@swg — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:08:36 +0000

Atlanta is a large city with many suburbs. It is a great place to live because of the many employment opportunities, the great weather and the great culture and entertainment in the city. Before moving into this wonderful city, it is important to know a little more about the area. As with any large city, crime occurs quite often, so it is important to find the right neighborhood for you and your family. Check out these great neighborhoods in Atlanta:

Inman Park

Inman Park is a nice neighborhood in East Atlanta. It is home to many professionals as well as trendy hipsters. This area is also known as “Little Five Points” to Atlanta natives. The Inman Park neighborhood has plenty of dining and shopping. It also is a neighborhood that is easy to get around in because of public transportation. This is a friendly neighborhood that would be a great place for the young professional, or even a couple trying to start a family.
Summerhill

Summerhill is considered a great neighborhood for the value right now. The Zoo, Olympic Park, and Turner Field are all within walking distance of this neighborhood. This area is due some renovations, but any new residents have learned that the time to buy is now because after renovations are completed, property values are going to skyrocket. There is only one downside to being so close to all the attractions, crime may be near. Unfortunately, tourist areas are often targets for criminal activity because of the number of people who visit.
Virginia Highland

This is a culture and arts area. It has great restaurants and shopping. If these things are up your alley, Virginia Highland is where you should move to in the Atlanta area. Professionals, students and other young professionals call this area home. The only downfall is the traffic due to people commuting to work.
Candler Park

This area has quite a bit of architectural beauty. It houses Victorian style homes built in the late 19th century. This area is great for the outdoor enthusiast because of the many bike and hiking trails. It is a clean, green area that many professionals call home in the city.
Midtown

Midtown is for the young and energetic professional. This area is like a little New York City because of its nice bars and nightclubs. This is the place to live if you are a single person or a couple without children because of the large amount of nightlife in the area.

Atlanta properties

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8 Reasons to Live in Buckhead

admin@swg — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:53:56 +0000

Moving is always a dreaded task, but moving to Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia will be like reaching that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Moving specifically to the community of Buckhead will be a life enriching experience. The following information will be an enlightening account of the most noteworthy attractions new residents will enjoy about their new home. There are at least 10 considerations for a person or family moving: neighborhood, safety, schools, employment, commute, restaurants, shopping, cultural, leisure and entertainment. Since the early 20th century, Buckhead has been the elite place to live in the northern section of Atlanta.

Homes with estimated value of $761,000, lavish estates, and condominiums dot the wooded hillside neighborhoods. Whether you’re seeking land to building a new home, or selecting a well-established home, the selections are plentiful for the newcomer. It is ranked #4 out of 10 as one of the safest places to live.
Forbes Magazine ranks Buckhead’s 30327 as one of the 9th wealthiest zip codes in the United States.
Buckhead public and private schools offer outstanding programs that are distinguished by the Georgia state education system.
In the late 1950’s the Lenox business and shopping complex was developed in the Buckhead area. This has become one of the most lucrative business and shopping areas in the country.
Fun parks, fine restaurants, and exclusive nightclubs are available for your entertainment pleasure.
The commute to downtown or midtown Atlanta to the convention center and collegiate or professional sporting venues is approximately 30 minutes away.
If there was any negative point to emphasize it would be the commute in Atlanta, but employment in the Buckhead area is available – making it convenient for traveling.
“The Robb Report” rated Buckhead as one of America’s top 10 affluent places to live.

Buckhead real estate listings

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Outdoor Weekend Projects

Barry Laughon — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:02:18 +0000

Spring is right around the corner with warmer weather. This is a great time to tackle some outdoor home improvement projects. Here are a few great weekend-friendly projects that are easy on the wallet and even easier on home value.

Pressure Washing
Pressure washing, or power washing is a great and efficient way to clean up the exterior of your home. Home Depot has power washers available to rent so you can deep clean your deck, shutters, driveway and siding. Be careful around gutters and flowerbeds, and make sure you remove your shutters before using the pressure washer.

Mulching
Old, dry mulch can really leave a yard looking worn and tired. Stop by your local gardening store to pick up a few fresh bags of mulch. Laying new mulch helps to define your flowerbeds, which gives definition to your home’s landscape. It also helps to keep your soil healthy so those perennials keep blooming.

Gutter Cleaning
It’s not a fun job, but cleaning out your gutters at least once a year is structurally important for your home. While you’re up there, make sure to check for signs of rust and loose gutter attachments. A clean and properly functioning gutter helps to wick moisture away from the house, which will not only save your house’s trim, but also can help prolong the life of your roof.

So take advantage of the beautiful Atlanta spring weather while maintaining your home’s value! If you’re in the Atlanta real estate market and want to know what improvements will help when the time comes to sell your home, call Barry Laughon at (770) 316- 6853.

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Why would I want to buy a home in Smyrna, Georgia?

Barry Laughon — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:16:36 +0000

People ask me all the time, “Why would I want to buy a home in Smyrna, Georgia?”

The answer is easy. Smyrna is a very wonderful city that was voted one of the best cities to live in by Money magazine a few years ago.

Smyrna continues to thrive and attract a number of new people to the area looking for quality Smyrna homes for sale to enjoy Southern living.

We advise people that now is the time to purchase Smyrna real estate. Don’t believe the press about declining home sales and a tough economy. In fact, there are a number of Smyrna homes for sale.

Sellers are eager to sell and often willing to negotiate on price.

To find out more about Smyrna homes for sale, contact me.

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4 Affordable Home Repairs

Barry Laughon — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 23:46:31 +0000

It’s all too easy to let home improvement projects pile up and needed repairs accumulate. One reason for this is the associated expense. Our homes should be a place of respite and security, and we have to maintain them and keep them sound for this to be possible. If you have a long list of home repairs, it can seem daunting and financially unfeasible, but there are affordable home improvements that can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home.

Paint. Adding a fresh layer of paint is one of the most inexpensive home improvements you can make. If you’re not a do-it-yourself homeowner, hire a professional painter one room at a time to lessen the financial burden. Also, paint rooms in colors that complement their uses … soothing blues and greens for bathrooms, yellows for bright, cheery kitchens and large living spaces.
Make a list of minor repairs. Squeaky doors, lose cabinet pulls, wobbly ceiling fans – these small items can build up and create an intimidateingly long list. Set dates to make small fixes around the house, and you’ll notice how even the smallest repairs seem bigger when completed.
Make your home a welcoming place to return. Curb appeal is underrated, and there’s nothing like the feeling than returning to an attractive home. Paint your doors, install exterior lighting, consult a landscaper and make efforts to keep your yard and driveway tidy.
Organize. It’s astounding how quickly clutter can gather, so take time to purge. Especially in areas where things collect – kids’ rooms, mud rooms, the office – it’s important to organize. Try using containers to separate and store.

We’re more likely to make home repairs if we’re financially prepared, so start saving now. Build improvement costs into your household budget and be proactive about checking items off your home improvement list.

Call Barry Laughon at 770-316-6853 for all your real estate needs!

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Foreclosures on the Decline – It’s a Sellers Market?

Barry Laughon — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:43:54 +0000

Did you know, since the real estate and financial crisis in 2008, over four million Americans have lost their homes due to foreclosure? Foreclosure has been a buzz word in the real estate market for years, but today, we’re hearing less and less about them. Why? Because foreclosures are not happening as frequently – in fact, compared to 2011, 2012 saw a substantial reduction in foreclosures, despite the fact that over 750,000 homes were lost. A 19.5 percent reduction between the two years was noted by CoreLogic’s recent study.

For the real estate market and the economy as a whole, this is excellent news and gives added reason to hope for the continued incline and re-stabilization of the housing market.

CoreLogic’s chief economist, Mark Fleming, had some very positive things to say about this recent decline in foreclosures. “The most encouraging foreclosure trend reported here is that the inventory of foreclosed properties is almost 20 percent smaller than a year ago…This big improvement indicates we are working toward resolving the backlog of the most distressed assets in the shadow inventory.”

So, what does this mean for potential buyers? Luckily, mortgage loan interest rates are holding at historic lows, and as distressed properties and shadow inventory reduces, new construction has room and reason to increase. It’s becoming a sellers market; however, the inventory of available properties remains relatively low, so you’ll have to be proactive and aggressive to find and buy the home you really want.

Low Supply and high demand will move prices up quickly. With the current rate of sale, there could be twelve buyers for ever listing Spring of 2013. Homes priced under $500K are now in a sellers market. Homes priced up to a million now only have nine months of inventory, these homes will be in a sellers market very fast.

CoreLogic’s president projects the downward trend in foreclosures to continue throughout 2013 and notes it “”is another positive signal that the gradual healing process in the housing market is gaining traction.”

Click on the chart for a better view!

Call Barry Laughon at 770-316-6853 for all your real estate needs!

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Barry Laughon

Living in Midtown: What to Expect

Benefits of Living in Midtown

Drawbacks to Midtown Living

Midtown Contains Many Neighborhoods

Midtown Living: is it the Right Choice For You?

Living in Atlanta: Top 10 Things To Do

The Center For Puppetry Arts

The Fox Theatre

The DooGallery FarmArtket

The Georgia Aquarium

Taste of Atlanta

Turner Field

The World of Coca-Cola

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

Buying a Home in Woodstock, GA

Location

Shopping

Schools and Family Activities

Real estate

10 Reasons to Live in Sandy Springs, GA

A Thriving Economy

Favorable Climate

Community Festivals

Public Parks

Local Government

Outstanding Schools

Highway Access

Mass Transit

Arts, Entertainment, Dining and Shopping

State-of-the-Art Health Care

Some of Atlanta’s Neighborhood Gems

Inman Park

Summerhill

Virginia Highland

Candler Park

Midtown

8 Reasons to Live in Buckhead

Outdoor Weekend Projects

Why would I want to buy a home in Smyrna, Georgia?

4 Affordable Home Repairs

Foreclosures on the Decline – It’s a Sellers Market?