Come have breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 20 from 8 to 10 a.m! He will be at the Holiday Inn Select Decatur Conference Center in downtown Decatur, GA.  The address is 130 Clairemont Ave. Santa's reindeers are busy resting up for the big night so Santa will be arriving on a Decatur Fire truck.  Merry Christmas! --------------------------------------- If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, contact local expert Jen Bowman, Realtor with Success Realty serving the real estate needs of Decatur and Metro Atlanta, GA. 404-456-5024 View Intown Living Blog     12/19/2008

In today's challenging times, some of the wonderful organizations that provide food and toys to needy families are struggling.  It is more important than ever that we reach out and help one another -- if it is a $20 toy or an hour of your time, every little bit matters. Three easy ways to contribute to those who really need it: 1)   Buy a pre-packaged bag of food from your local grocery store (Publix and Kroger have donation gift bags in the front of the store that range in price from $6 to $20 2)  Stop by Wal-mart this weekend and buy a toy for a child in foster care.  Clark Howard, Consumer Reporter for 750 AM radio, leads an effort each year called "Clark's Christmas Kids".  His goal is to collect toys and clothes for children in foster care.  Get details and see which Walmart stores... 12/11/2008

What's the real estate market doing in Decatur? I pulled numbers from FMLS, one of the 2 listing services we have in Metro Atlanta. By the way, if you are selling your home, it really needs to be on both listing services GA MLS and FMLS. Make sure your agent is a member of both. In the 30030 zip code we have 167 single family homes on the market as Active listings.  They range in price from a foreclosure at $44,900 on Woodfern Drive to $1,649,000 a huge new construction home on Lamont Drive. There are 22 Pending Sales, which means they are under contract but not yet closed.  They range from $94,100 in Midway Woods to $785,000 in Oakhurst.  5 homes are in their Due Diligence Period, which means there is a contract on them, but the Buyers are still doing their inspections and getting thin... 12/04/2008

Atlanta Magazine just published their "2008 Best of Atlanta" issue and there are quite a few Decatur businesses highlighted this year:  Brick Store Pub ..... Best Selection of Beer  Cakes and Ale ......Best New Neighbors Chocolate Bar .......Best dessert menu (I couldn't agree more!) Decatur Book Festival - Best Nest Tradition for Book Lovers (Labor Day weekend) Heliotrope ........... Best One-Stop Gift Shop Hoopla ............... Best Independent Toy Store Java Monkey ....... Best Decatur coffee shop Jazmin Spa ........  Best Maintenance Facials (and a great gift for the holidays!) Las Brasas ......... Best Fried Chicken Alternative So Rare ..............Best Vintage Garden Furniture Thinking Man Tavern .... Best Neighborhood Bar in Decatur Wiggle ............... Best Kids Clothes Not ... 12/01/2008

Friday, December 5, 2008Saturday, December 6, 20085:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. The 26th annual Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes will feature eight, beautiful homes and four points of interest including the Clairemont Elementary Marketplace, The Village Vets, Renewal Construction and Lampe Farley Communications.  This year's theme, Living Green, focuses on homes renovated using green materials and techniques. There will be FREE shuttle bus going from home to home.   Proceeds from the tour benefit the Decatur Youth Fund and the Decatur Preservation Alliance.  Advanced tickets are $20.00 and can purchased from merchants around Decatur.  You can also buy tickets at the door for $25.00.  This year's tour is dedicated to the memory of Ruth Golley.  Ruth was a local volunteer and supporter ... 11/30/2008

The City of Decatur, GA is proposing an Annexation.  They would like to add parts of unicorporated Dekalb County to their tax base. The problem with that is they are not informing the residents in the proposed areas.  There is a public meeting on Monday December 1st, 2008 at City Hall in downtown Decatur at 7:30 p.m. The new City Hall is on McDonough Street across from Chick-Fil-A and next to Eddie's Attic.  Are you in the proposed Annexation area? See Annexation map. If you are in the proposed Areas 1 and 2 at the top of the Map near North Decatur Rd and Scott Blvd, make your voice heard on this Survey and at the December 1st meeting.  The State Representative for this area is Mary Margaret Oliver. She needs to know your thoughts on this. 11Alive news came to my subdivision tonight aft... 11/25/2008

Decatur GA - Holiday Events  -Decorate Decatur Community Grab your outdoor lights,  garland, luminaries and other holiday decor and get ready for the "Decorate Decatur" Contest! On Sunday, December 14th, judges will drive through Decatur and pick their 10 favorite homes, as well as one favorite business and one favorite neighborhood.  There will also be one "overall" winner that will receive the Commissioners Cup from the Decatur City Commission. If you are planning to join in on the fun, all you have to do is pull the decorations out, flip on the lights and call 404-371-9583 to give your address and alert the Decatur judges that you will be participating in the contest. To view the previous winners, visit the Decorate Decatur web page.  The Oakhurst Business District (aka the Oakhurst ... 11/23/2008

Decatur is BYOB, bring your own bag! Decatur boutiques offer a local, earth-friendly alternative to plastic and paper shopping bags. Decatur's reusable tote bags are made from recycled plastic bottles and will be available for sale at participating boutiques for $15. Customers receive 10 percent off their orders when they bring in their Decatur bag.  I got mine for free at Decatur First Bank for switching my paper statements to e-statements.  We were at Kaleidoscope the other night and the owner, Camille (who has an amazing skill for fitting you in great jeans) told us that she, along with Calia from Squash Blossom, Penny from Boogaloos and Lampe-Farley Communications all worked on the design and production of the bag. It was all done right here in Decatur, GA. These chocolate brown ba... 11/22/2008

For those of you who are thinking of moving to Decatur, GA or selling your Decatur home, I thought it might be helpful for you to have a snapshot of the number of active listings (homes for sale) versus the number of homes that are under contract in Decatur. To follow is the Atlanta MLS (First Multiple Listing Service) update for Decatur (Dekalb County) single family detached home listings for sale as of November 20, 2008: Active - 1143 Homes are currently available for sale  See all homes for sale in Decatur Under Contract -- A total 243 homes are under contract: Contingency - Due Diligence - 7 Properties Found  Contingency - Other - 4 Properties Found Pending - 232 Properties Found The Decatur real estate market has always been quite strong, thanks to the outstanding school system, th... 11/20/2008

Everyone wants a SCOOTER and we've got a great way for you to win one!!Winnona Park and Oakhurst Elementary schools are now selling $5 raffle tickets for your chance to win a Cool Prize - a Scooter from Decatur's own Twist 'n' Scoot!   Tickets are available at each school and can be purchased at local events around Decatur, GA.  And this is just the beginning.... more fantastic prizes are in store at the annual 'Spring into Summer' event scheduled April 2009 at the Solarium in Oakhurst.So don't miss this chance.... you could have a Scooter to ride next summer while supporting your local schools! Contact Tracy Holbrook at 404-200-5847 or tracy_fowler@hotmail.com. ----------------------------- If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, contact local expert Jen Bowman, Realtor with S... 11/19/2008

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Oakhurst - Decatur?  Here is a snapshot of the September Home Sales in Oakhurst..   - Homes are selling for 97.3% of the list price - The average number of days that a home is on the market (DOM) is 71 - The average sale price for a 3 bed / 2 bath home is $346,485 - None of the homes below were foreclosure sales  If you have any questions about the Oakhurst home sales or would like a complimentary home analysis for your Intown Atlanta home, call me anytime at 404.432.1844.  I work and live in the Oakhurst / Kirkwood area and would be honored to help you sell your home for the maximum profit... in the shortest amount of time! >>> View ALL the homes currently for sale in Oakhurst >>> Get additional information about the Oakhurst Neighborhood Asso... 11/19/2008

The Decatur High School band is having a special evening of music and fun this Friday night November 21 at the Solarium in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur, GA. It will be from 7 to 11 p.m. The Solarium is the white building located at 321 W. Hill Street, Decatur, GA.  It's right near the center of Oakhurst Village. Reserve tickets in advance from Vickie Wingard at vwingard@csdecatur.org or from any Decatur High School Band member. Tickets are $10 in advance or 2 for $15.  At the door tickets will be $15 each or 2 for $25. It will be an evening of coffee, beverages and desserts along with a Silent and Live auction. Proceeds Benefit the Decatur High School band. ------------------------- If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, contact local expert and Realtor, Jen Bowman wit... 11/19/2008

 Decatur Real Estate - Condominiums for Sale  When I say that this home is truly charming, it is no exaggeration.  With 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, this corner unit condo is in a historic building in the heart of Downtown Decatur. The condo (and the building) have been COMPLETELY REMODELED in the last few years.  An upscale kitchen opens to living room and features stainless appliances, custom cherry cabinetry, brushed nickel hardware and corian countertops.The bright and airy master suite is large enough to comfortably add a king-sized bed. Master bath includes cherry cabinetry, a stainless sink, large walk-in shower with subway tile and plenty of storage.  The second bedroom is also VERY spacious and includes a large closet with professional shelving.High ceilings, crown molding,... 11/17/2008

Decatur's Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes is coming up.  This year's tour features homes with the theme of "Living Green." Take the free Cliff shuttle from home to home, and to several points of interest. Proceeds from the tour benefit the Decatur Youth Fund and the Decatur Preservation Alliance.  It will be Friday December 5th and Saturday December 6th, 2008 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at: The Seventeen Steps 235 Ponce De Leon Pl. #L Decatur, GA 30030  Intown Ace Hardware 1404 Scott Blvd. Decatur, GA 30030 Bicycle South 2098 N Decatur Rd. Decatur, GA‎ 30030 The Seen Gallery 321 W Hill St., Decatur, GA‎ 30030 For more information call 678-553-6573. The homes on Tour are: 506 Clairemont Ave. 215 Huron St. 512 Dr... 11/17/2008

Heliotrope is one of the many great shops in downtown Decatur, GA.  We were in there Thursday night for Terrific Thursdays in Decatur.  We sipped on wine while we browsed throughout the store.  If you are looking for a unique gift, this is the place. There are baby gifts, items for your pets and your household. Retro things like Sock Monkeys are here. For the upcoming holidays you can get your "Elf on a Shelf". For housewarming gifts or a hostess gift, this place is great. You can't help smiling when you walk into this store. Heliotrope is having their 2nd Anniversary party on Saturday November 15th from 6 to 10 p.m. When you come into the shop there will be drawings from 10 to 50% off and a chance to win a $200 shopping spree! George Skaroulis, pianist and composer will be performing a... 11/15/2008

While you are out shoppping in downtown Decatur for Terrific Thursdays, stop in at Voila Cafe. (pronounced Wall-ah). The Decatur Preservation Alliance is having a wine tasting benefit on Thursday November 13, 2008 from 5 to 9 p.m. It's $25 per person and $15 is tax deductible. It benefits Decatur Preservation Alliance projects.  Stop in and sample an affordable selection of wines for the holidays. Complimentary appetizers are also offered. Voila Cafe is located at 410-B W. Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur, GA in between the Grange Pub and Watershed Restaurant. ----------------------------------------------- If you are thinking of Buying or Selling a home contact Jen Bowman, Realtor with Success Realty serving the real estate needs of Decatur and Atlanta at 404-456-5024. View Intown Living Blog. 11/12/2008

College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center is having a Volunteer Work Day on Saturday November 8th from 1 to 5 p.m.  Location: 917 South McDonough St .  Decatur, GA Feel free to join in to help clean up behind the College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center . This is from the Workday Coordinator, Elton Davis: "Our priority for the project will be cleaning up the stairs leading to McKoy Park .  Depending on time/number of volunteers we can perhaps expand to the path through the trees leading to the stairs or the batting cage/planned garden area." Please feel free to bring any tools (rakes, brooms, hoe, trimmer for small branches) and work gloves. Water and snacks will be provided. Plant waste bags would be greatly appreciated. Volunteers are asked to wear long sleeved shirts and... 11/07/2008

There are free concerts coming up at the Decatur Library Auditorium.  The library is located at 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA.  Sycamore Street is off of Church St near the Marta Station in downtown Decatur. Days of Moscow Culture in Atlanta Monday, November 10, 2008 7 p.m. The adult folk-pop-show singing trio, Ten-Poteten, will be accompanied by an accordionist as they share songs from Russian culture.  Get there early, there will be a meet and greet at 6:30 to speak with the singers and enjoy refreshments. Refreshments are sponsored by Friends of Decatur Library. John Scott Evans Thursday, November 20, 2008 - doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Music starts at 7 p.m. *Note the date has been changed* Atlanta native John Scott Evans is acknowledged by many as one of the finest fingerstyle gu... 11/06/2008

The City of Decatur, GA is proposing an Annexation to increase their tax base.  The City of Decatur is just over 4.2 square miles.  The City of Decatur wants to extend it to be just over 5 square miles to include parts of unicorporated Decatur.  This would add about 500 children to the City of Decatur's school system.  I have heard from City of Decatur residents that this will be a major burden for the schools.  I attended a meeting early in the year regarding this.  There were lots of angry neighbors letting it be known that nearly doubling the taxes for these homeowners would have a negative impact on them.  When the Mayor, Bill Floyd was asked the reason for the Annexation, he said the city needed the money.  Well, that didn't sit quite right with the people that he wanted to take it... 11/06/2008

  Fabu is one of my favorite stores in downtown Decatur, GA. I bought the cutest cargo shorts there this summer with the funky zippers and very cool stitching details. Anyway, Fabutique and Fabu Face Spa have come up with a wonderful way to recycle your designer denim jeans. Everyone has jeans that are a little too big, a little too small, too long or just a little too short. Now is your chance to get something for them. Bring your old premium denim (retail value $150 and more) and get a $25 credit for Fabu Face Spa and Fabutique. For premium denim think 7 for all Mankind, Paige Premium Denim, Chip and Pepper, Joe’s Jeans etc. That’s $25 per pair! (Credit is good for 1 year.) Bring your old Not your Daughter’s Jeans, IT! Jeans, Kut or See Thru Soul jeans that were purchased there and ge... 11/04/2008