If you had a dream hometown, it might be a place like Decatur, Georgia!  Decatur has so much to offer as a small city just a eight miles from Atlanta - convenience, frequent social activities, great shopping and incredible restaurants.Homes in Decatur are in demand and sell very quickly.  Even rental properties here are at a premium.  Everyone who can possibly afford to wants to live in this lively small town for a variety of reasons.Near the top of the list of reasons to live here would be the top-notch Decatur School System, Fire Department and Police Department. Being able to walk to breakfast, or dinner without getting in your car, or shopping at the local Farmer's Market, or the upscale shops along Main Street all come to mind.Decatur has been named one of the best small cities in ... 07/30/2016

When I began selling homes in the Emory and Decatur neighborhoods back in the early 1980’s, it was a rather settled and somewhat stodgy environment.1930’s – 1940’sFamilies had moved to the area in the late 1930’s or 1940’s when much of the area was developed.  Smaller bungalow style homes were created in neighborhoods like Emory Grove, Great Lakes, and Glendale Estates.The original owners bought what they could afford in a new area where many of the streets were still unpaved.  In a few years, the area was full of young children, who played together and grew up together on the same streets.  Everyone knew their neighbors, their children and their pets. Garden Clubs were formed and play areas were established.It’s hard to image what North Decatur Road and Scott Boulevard might have been ... 07/19/2016

Some Pet owners are finding it difficult to lease a property in Atlanta and in the Emory area because many property owners are reluctant to accept pets. We Love Our DogsAccording to a recent survey by Apartments.com, more than 70% of renters own a pet. In fact, 65% of American households own a pet – 42% owned a cat and 54.4% owned a dog.Some two-thirds of pet owners have experienced difficulty in finding a rental property that allowed pets.If you are an investor with a rental property, one of the frequent questions you will hear is “do you take pets”? There are horror stories about dogs that destroyed the woodwork or chewed the carpet, but most pets are well-behaved or crated when their owner is away. If the investment property is in a townhome or condo community, you should consider yo... 07/09/2016

Managing your own Decatur investment property is often difficult, especially if you need time for a demanding full-time job, a busy family life, and want some precious down time.  Those annoying tenant requests always seem to come at critical times – just when you are leaving for vacation or an important business trip. You may have inherited a family home or become a new Decatur investor. Your Decatur home may need repairs or updates – someone will need to meet the workmen. When your property is ready, you will need to advertise for new tenants – someone will need to screen them carefully by requiring credit, background, criminal checks, employment and more. How will you market your home for tenants? Who will prepare the Lease? Who will hold the Security Deposit? How will the rent be co... 07/09/2016

This post was originally published on 7/3/2016 by Emory Decatur Property Management According to Georgia and Federal Law, if you own investment property near Emory University or in Decatur, certain responsibilities fall on your shoulders.As long as you are not involved in a federal government housing program which have additional requirements,  here are some concerns you should consider: You are required to inform your Decatur renters of the presence of lead based paint on your property.  Lead based paint was banned in 1978 so any newer home is unlikely to contain lead paint. Fair Housing laws also require that you  avoid  discrimination of any kind in leasing your property - - race. color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability. You should be aware that Military ... 07/08/2016

This Blog was first published by Emory Decatur Property Management on 7/4/2016 You may need a little assistance in managing your Emory area investment home or Decatur property – particularly if  you have moved away from the Atlanta area.Some investors and owners do successfully manage their own properties.  An experienced Decatur property manager, however, can save you many headaches, like those calls in the middle of the night to syfon water out of a flooded basement or an alarm going off that your tenant can’t locate.  Tenants have called me recently for both of these issues and they need to be handled quickly.Managing property for other people requires special skills: A very thick skin helps -a property manager acts as a Mediator between the Owner and the Tenant Organization is essen... 07/08/2016

Get on your feet and join the 2016 Pied Piper Parade as it makes its way through downtown Decatur on Monday, July 4, 2016. Gather friends and family, ride your bike, walk or skate in this community parade – it’s for anyone and everyone! Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to make floats and join the fun too. And don’t forget your red, white and blue! For those new to the area, the Pied Piper Parade has nothing to do with the Silicon Valley sitcom.Parade lineup is at 5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. Pedestrians should gather on the lawn and vehicles will line up in the parking lot. The parade begins promptly at 6 p.m., winds its way to the square for the presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner. The parade route is approximately ... 06/27/2016

 The Amplify Decatur Music Festival is a one-day outdoor music festival taking place on June 18, 2016 from noon – 11 p.m. on the Marta plaza on the downtown square in Decatur. Parking is limited. We encourage people to use transit. The Decatur MARTA stop is directly adjacent to the festival grounds. Attendees are also encouraged to use car services, such as Uber and Lyft.The Amplify Decatur Music Festival kicks off with a free component from noon-3pm. The primary (ticketed) portion of the festival will last from 5pm-11pm.From noon-3pm gates will be open to the public and guests can enjoy live music, food trucks, and local vendors. Performers include The Bitteroots, The Dammages, Kristen Englenz, and Magic Birds. This free portion of the festival will also include lawn games like giant J... 06/16/2016

Decatur Beach Party 2016 It’s back and better than ever! Celebrate summer at the downtown Decatur Beach Party 2016 on Friday, June 17, 2016 from 5 to 11 p.m.No beach? No problem! Decatur makes its own with 60 tons of sand – transforming Ponce de Leon Avenue into Sandcastle Central. Add a kid’s boardwalk, live music and dancing on the plaza, a food court with funnel cakes and fruity drinks, and voilà — you’re in a beach town, Decatur-style, without the sunburn and hours of driving.Tune into fantastic live jams – Tray Dahl & The Jugtime Ragband open for evening’s headliner, Electric Avenue. A DJ closes out the evening with a dance party.Tickets are $12 in advance at local Decatur retail shops or $15 at the gate. Children ages 4-12 years old are $7 in advance, and $10 at the gate. Free ent... 06/13/2016

As financing becomes more complex, many Decatur home buyers are mystified by the lending process.  Atlanta Decatur Homes advises Buyers to find a good, professiona llender who knows their stuff, someone who can anticipate any issues that may arise and walk you through them.  We can also recommend our favorite lenders, who are professional and experienced.Here are a few questions to ask your Lender: Lock-ins are important when rates are rising – ask how long the lock-in period runs and whether you can get a lower rate if rates drop during the period’ Ask whether you will be required to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (and ask them to explain PMI to you) Ask whether there are any pre-payment penalties for paying the loan off early Ask if they will be servicing the loan or if it will be sol... 05/24/2016

The City of Decatur is excited about their annual arts festival. The Decatur Arts Festival 2016 is a month-long celebration of the arts.Decatur Lantern Parade – Kick off the Decatur Arts Festival 2016 and celebrate the start of summer with the Decatur Arts Alliance and Decatur Education Foundation at the Decatur Lantern Parade. Gather at Color Wheel Studio at 508 E. Howard Ave. after 8 pm, then parade to the downtown square along with the Black Sheep Marching Ensemble. The Decatur Lantern Parade will be on Friday, May 13th at 9 pm in Downtown Decatur.Artwalk – Decatur’s largest one-night art experience returns with fire twirler and stilt walker! Stroll around town to see exhibits at various shops and galleries and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Beer will be on sale at East Court... 05/16/2016

While Emory commuters from outside the Atlanta Perimeter are gathering their children and rushing to their cars, homeowners in placid Medlock Park are still snoozing, or enjoying a second cup of coffee.As North Decatur Road, the main conduit to the Emory community (Emory Hospital, Emory University, Eggleston Children’s Hospital, the Center for Disease Control ) creeps with traffic, many Medlock Park residents walk, bike or catch an Emory Shuttle Bus to work in the area.Medlock Park residents are also fortunate to have nearby shopping centers with grocery stores, restaurants and shops, including a new Walmart, the DeKalb Farmers Market and soon to open Sprouts Market. There is also a Medlock Park with walking trails and playgrounds in the area.  It’s one of the most affordable and conven... 05/16/2016

Decatur is located less than 8 miles from Downtown Atlanta and approximately 2.5 miles from Emory University, Emory Hospital, Eggleston Children’s Hospital and the Center for Disease Control. Decatur is a small City with major civic participation, local Police and Fire Departments and a renown School System.Neighborhoods around Decatur contain renovated older bungalow-style homes, well-kept lawns, parks and sidewalks. It has a vibrant, friendly atmosphere and many residents live close enough to walk to shops, restaurants, and frequent downtown events. Annual events for Decatur are organized by the Decatur Business Association and other civic and educational organizations. It’s a rare week when some activity is not available for residents and visitors in the downtown area near the Square... 05/16/2016

During the past several years, rentals have almost surpassed home ownership in popularity, particularly in the Atlanta and Decaturneighborhoods near Emory University.While rental growth has leveled off nationwide, rents have continued to rise in close-in Atlanta areas, jumping 3% from December 2015 to January 2016 for a 1-bedroom unit. In addition, the housing market has been hampered by a severe lack of inventory, causing a flood of “would be buyers” to seek rental possibilities. Increased demand in desirable areas near Emory, downtown Decatur and Atlanta has also led to higher rents and fewer available properties to lease.A recent article by Phil Hudson in the Atlanta Business Chronicleindicated approximately 32% of renters in Atlanta are designated “millenials”, ages 18-34, who are y... 05/13/2016

 The 2016 Decatur Cinco de Mayo 5K & Beer Mile will make for a fun day in Decatur on May 14, 2016. The 2016 Decatur Cinco de Mayo 5k run/walk starts at 8:30AM at Matador Cantina in Oakhurst. The first annual event will sell out fast – Register today to claim your spot!  Hundreds of dollars in drawings from local merchants!  Registration includes Dri-FIT T-shirt for all racers, beer voucher to be redeemed at the end of the race and souvenir cup.BEER MILE! Starts at 1pm at Matador Cantina. The course consists of 4 laps, 1/4 mile each. Participants receive a beer at the beginning and at the end of each lap. Total of Cinco Beers! Capacity for the Beer Mile is limited to 50 runners, so register today before space runs out. Must be 21+ to participate.All proceeds from the 5k and Beer Mile wil... 05/12/2016

Get ready to enjoy some great music in downtown Decatur on the square as Concerts on the Square and Blue Sky Concerts kick off their May performances. Decatur offers two great options for you to put on your social calendar.2016 Decatur Concerts on the Square are scheduled for Saturday evenings at 7 pm in May and September and are held on the square in downtown Decatur.Upcoming dates for May and September 2016:May 7 • The Gold Standard Band | Motown, Soul, Carolina Beach Music May 14 • Villain Family | Americana, Folk, Bluegrass with Special Guests: Halem Albright Band | Cover Band May 21 • Flat Rock Swing | Americana, Country, Rock May 28 • Bogey & The Viceroy 5 | Motown, Soul, FunkSeptember 3, 10, 17 and 242016 Decatur Blue Sky Concerts are scheduled for Wednesdays at noon in May and S... 04/26/2016

Oakhurst Neighborhood Association presents the 13th season of Oakhurst Jazz Nights! Hundreds of jazz lovers will be headed to Oakhurst and picnicking at sunset again in April to enjoy some of the best jazz artists in the southeast. The Oakhurst Jazz Nights offer another great season of free outdoor jazz concerts this spring, beginning Thursday, April 7, 2016.Thursday, April 7th – Matt Wauchope Trio Thursday, April 14th – Bonaventure Quartet( with Amy Pike) Thursday, April 21st – Zodiac Quartet Thursday, April 28th – Darren EnglishAll concerts begin at 7 pm and end at 9 pm and are free and open to the public. The location is the lawn in front of The Solarium at 321 W. Hill Street, 30030 in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur.Cancellation will be posted by 5PM the date of concert due to ... 03/21/2016

Touch-a-Truck is returning to Decatur on Saturday, March 26, 2016 from 10 am – 1 pm at Callaway Parking Lot, 120 West Trinity Place in Decatur.Children of all ages are invited to touch, explore and see their favorite truck or equipment on wheels. Vehicles from the City of Decatur and DeKalb County will be on display.Bike Registration!  Ride your bike to the event and have it registered by the  City of Decatur Police. The serial number and description help Decatur Police identify the owners of bikes they retrieve that have been lost or stolen.Food Drive!  Please bring a canned or non-perishable food item in celebration of National Nutrition Month. Decatur Active Living and Decatur Firefighters will be collecting food to “Feed the Hungry.”School Bus Safety!  Two City of Decatur school bus... 03/16/2016

Decatur GA Homes for Sale by Price | Search HomesDecatur GA homes for sale by price.  Search Decatur GA Homes for sale in the MLS as listed by list price ranges. Decatur is a great place to live in North Atlanta, it is easily accessed by the GA 400, I-285, 85, MARTA, and is located in DeKalb County Georgia.  That means shorter commutes, intown living, fantastic DeKalb County schools, and plenty of nearby shopping, fine arts, concerts and restaurants! So find the home of your dreams in Decatur Georgia by searching by price range the price range that is most suited to your needs.  For more information about Decatur homes for sale, please contact us!SELLING A HOMENEED FREE CMABUYING A HOMEDecatur GA Homes for Sale by Price Decatur GA Homes for Sale $100K to 200K Decatur GA Homes for Sale $... 03/06/2016

The 2016 Oakhurst Wine Crawl will be held on March 5th, 2016 from 4 – 7pm. Participants can taste over 100 different wines while visiting the businesses in the Decatur neighborhod of Oakhurst. Over 30 businesses will be showcased this year serving wine.The wine crawl will begin at the Solarium at 231 W Hill Street, Decatur Ga 30030 and participants can stroll the Oakhurst village. The Fur Bus will be back again for transportation from Harmony Park to the College Avenue businesses, running every 15 minutes with the last pick up at 6:30pm.The event, sponsored by the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association, benefits neighborhood projects such as the Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival, the Decatur Education Foundation, the Decatur Preservation Alliance, the Oakhurst Garden, the Oakhurst Thanksgiving ... 02/27/2016