Feature Floor Plan – Shenandoah

The Shenandoah floor plan in Olde Atlanta Club is highly desirable to buyers because of the large square footage, 3-car garage, bedroom and bathroom on the main level and spacious kitchen. These features helped the home at 6550 Club Valley reach the $520,000 sales price even though it’s not on the golf course and the above-grade bathrooms had only minor updates.

The former owners did a wonderful job in almost-completely renovating the home with beautiful finishes and maintaining it as they lived in it. Furthermore, a full finished basement is set up as a complete in-law suite with a full kitchen.  The homeowners used the same high quality materials in the basement as they did first 2 floors, making that space truly attractive.

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Forsyth County SAT Scores vs Home Prices

When buyers search for top schools on-line, they discover that Forsyth County high schools have surpassed the state and national average SAT scores for 6 years running. While South Forsyth High School surpassed Lambert’s scores, home values beat their average sold price.

Market Update for Olde Atlanta Club

One of the great joys of my life has been raising a family in Olde Atlanta Club and watching South Forsyth mature and blossom over the past 19 years. As both your neighbor and Realtor, I’ve seen many changes in the neighborhood and community beyond. Through it all, OAC continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and call home.

As part of the continuing changes, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the past several years in the prices of our homes and properties. Just recently, for example, Olde Atlanta Club reached a new benchmark!  In the dead of winter, I sold the home at 6685 Bridlewood sold for $491,000, thus laying a great foundation stone for sales in 2015. Then, last month, the home I sold 6650 Club Valley sold for $520,000 – the highest FMLS sales price in Olde Atlanta Club since April 2008!

As I think back on the real estate activity in Olde Atlanta Club over the past 15 months, I’ve seen several key sales that affected the value of our homes. These strategic sales paved the way for higher values in our neighborhood.

In 2014, 6220 Zinfandel started our Spring real estate market off when I sold it for $489,900. This price topped all 2013 sales, leading the way for even higher prices in 2014. Later that summer, 6450 Sterling Drive sold for $515,000, establishing a solid path for 2 non-listed homes on Ansley Way which sold for $523,000 and $525,000.

Because of these previously documented FMLS sales, other homes in OAC will almost certainly attract higher appraisal values, thus potentially allowing them to sell in the $500,000 + range.

Because of the continuing increase in sale prices, OAC’s average price has currently risen to a whopping $437,000, after finishing at $427,000 in February (a $10,000 improvement in one month). The only downside (if you even call it that) is that our inventory level is currently very low with only 6 homes for sale! Agents and buyers are regularly calling me seeking new listings. As you would expect, the low inventory is having a positive effect on prices.

To see homes for sale in OAC, visit my website.

7170 Hartsfield Place Suwanee, GA 30024

Sophisticated simplicity and elegance on quiet cul-de-sac street with pretty backyard gardens in Olde Atlanta Club, a premiere golf, swim & tennis community in South Forsyth. Looking for a home that is not too big, not too small but just the right size? This is the perfect fit! Strong architectural structure, loads of decorating potential, with the master on main & vaulted family room open to the kitchen & sunroom with a two-story view of the upper loft. Renovated master & half baths, the rest of the home awaiting the new owner to add their own personal touch.

View home details here

For more homes for sale, visit my website.

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5529 Trace View Dr. Norcross, GA 30071 – $185,000

Fabulous Townhome in Norcross for sale!

More details here

Lovely end unit with large side yard & private backyard, minutes from historic Norcross and the Forum restaurants and shops

Numerous updates including new roof, AC, lighting, fresh paint, exterior doors, carpet, custom blinds, and more!

Open living spaces, spacious and well maintained with loads of natural lighting and exterior window views

Fabulous custom kitchen with cherry cabinets, cushion close & pull out trays, lazy Susan, and a stainless steel gas range with double oven

Three upper level bedrooms with master bathroom boasting double vanity

Newly painted extended deck with gorgeous views of the surrounding wooded beauty

Getting natural light and updating your secondary bathroom

Someone recently asked me how do I get more light into my bathroom?  The bathroom is not very spacious and has no windows.  Furthermore, this OAC neighbor asked for some tips on renovating a secondary bathroom on a small budget.

Updating a secondary bathroom is not about high-end expensive material that will break the bank but about smart choices for a great look and functional use of the space. Always keep in mind return on investment when updating a room in your home.

First, let’s address the natural light concern. A solar tube allows you to bring natural light to virtually any room in your home. The reflective tubing directs sunlight where traditional skylights aren’t an option at a fraction of the cost. The best part – the light output is incredible. The maintenance free design and shape of the dome requires no structural reframing, tunneling, dry walling or painting. Solar tubes come with interior decorative fixtures with options from practical to elegant. They can also be customized with specific light color and intensity.

In addition to a solar tube, consider a little bathroom update. Here are some tips I would like to share:

• Keep the original tub but make sure it looks sparkling clean
• Refinish the tub surface on tubs that can’t be cleaned to look newer
• Put a fresh coat of paint to make your walls look great
• Update your tub surround with new tile
• Choose a tile such as porcelain or ceramic that is easy to clean and maintain. Using a natural stone will require a lot more maintenance since it will have to be sealed every year or so. Do your research.
• Choose a good looking, neutral tile that is not high priced and have it laid in a brick pattern. Add a mosaic border ¾ of the way up to enhance the look. You will be amazing what a mosaic border will do for your bathroom.
• Pick the right grout color and make sure to seal it
• Lay the bathroom floor tile with an easy pattern like brick pattern or diagonal. It adds an extra touch to the look of your floor.
• If you have a large mirror over your vanity, frame it out if your bathroom is small. It will give the illusion of a larger space. A lot of time, the mirror has been glued to the wall. When removing it, the mirror will break and pull the top layer of sheetrock off the wall. It’s not really hard to fix the wall and repaint if your space is larger and a more luxurious mirror is your choice. Look at your budget and make a decision that suits your space.
• Update the lighting in the bathroom with something trendier and give your bathroom a fresh new look.

Should we replace the vanity? Well, it all depends what your budget allows. You can replace the vanity top with some kind of stone countertop and paint the vanity cabinet if that is all your budget allows. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do! Otherwise, there are a lot of beautiful vanities out there that will make your bathroom look great.

Add a new towel rack with new towels to match your paint and blend with your new tile. Nice accessories always add extra charm to a room, including bathrooms.

I hope these tips will be helpful. Please keep your questions coming. You may submit them to chrish.causey@gmail.com or melodyparker@kw.com or you are welcome to give me a call.

Melody Parker, Your OAC neighbor and Realtor

7370 Glenmaura Way Suwanee, GA 30024

Priced at $335,000

• Stately hardcoat stucco home with a new roof and a side-entry garage on a 3/4 acre     cul-de-sac lot, surrounded in hardwood trees and flowing landscaping
• Dramatic stacked stone front façade with stepless entry into the home, which features a large floor plan with over 3100 sq ft of living space
• Fresh interior paint and a magnificent trim package showcasing molding and             architectural features only seen in homes much higher in price
• Formal living and dining rooms welcome guests at the front of the home and are         perfectly situated for entertaining during the holidays or for special occasions
• New wide-plank hardwood flooring throughout the main level, accenting the vaulted fireside family room which has an abundance of natural lighting
• The kitchen boasts new stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets, Corian counters and loads of meal prep space and storage
• The grand angled staircase leads the way to the spacious bedrooms, the master with a double trey ceiling and spa bath, plus 3 additional bedrooms and a full bathroom to   complete the second level
• Situated adjacent to prestigious St Marlo, the terrific arbored patio enhances the fenced backyard with a manicured lawn perfect for a backyard brunch or social event
• Excellent location with easy access to major highways to commute, medical facilities, shops, parks and more

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Sell Your Home With Melody Parker!

Positioning your home for SALE:

When I list your home, we choose the right price and the right marketing/promotion method. The question is, “Whom are we trying to attract?” What message do we want to convey? What is the story of the house? Every home has a story; the pictures and description are imperative to paint the right picture and attract the right buyer.

I customize my marketing plan JUST FOR YOUR HOME so we attract the right buyer!

See my website for more information on selling your home with Melody!

5980 Waterford Place for sale – $425,000

Imagine sparkling water kissed by the sun greeting you each morning when you awake.  This stunning home is ideally situated on a quiet cul-de-sac , on the banks of the community lake, which is a prime lot location.    

The interior boasts a beautiful two-story foyer entry showcasing the angled staircase with wrought iron balusters. Step down into each of the formal rooms; the living room and study with built-in bookcases.

The fireside family room features a wall of built-in bookcases & cabinets and a beautiful view to the backyard from the wall of windows.

The kitchen has a breakfast nook with butler’s pantry for casual mealtime and is appointed with an abundance of granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

The inviting master suite has a trey ceiling, room for all your essentials and a generous master bath with his/her closets and double vanity.

Each of the additional bedrooms have interesting trim detailing with loads of slumber space.

The fabulous terrace level is finished with a huge living area and play room, with a walk-out to the lower level decking which stretches the entire length of the house.

Experience clear views of the lake in full glory from the backyard while enjoying the fabulous wooded splendor that surrounds the house.

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6330 Olde Atlanta Parkway – $423,500

Beautifully situated just off the 18th tee in Olde Atlanta Club, one of South Forsyth’s premier swim/tennis/golf communities with excellent amenities & active social calendar, award winning schools including top ranked Lambert HS & country club-style quality of life.  New carpet on Jan 26, kitchen newly updated wt granite, appliances, sink & knobs & master bath wt new tile. Screen porch & spacious deck perfect for enjoying terrific GA weather. Great sun room off the master wt heat & air offering more indoor space. Partial finished basement wt 3 additional rooms & full bath.

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