Archive for the ‘News’ Category

One of the most exciting things about building a new home is decorating the interior.  Once again, Peachtree Residential Properties is right there with you, helping you every step of the way in our luxury North Atlanta communities!  Our Professional Design Services provide you with all sorts of inspiring choices – from carpet and tile to counter tops, appliances and more.  And these selections come with professional assistance, too.   Every new homeowner receives personal consultations with Peachtree’s expert interior designers at the Peachtree Design Center by CherryThorne.  Here, you receive focused, individual assistance in selecting flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, appliances, paint colors, counter tops and countless other dream home features.   

Peachtree Design Center by CherryThorne offers trends for 2013

• Natural- earthy, tones of blues and greens, yellow is back, patterns
• Color is important, neutral canvas with bright bursts of color
• Canvas should be crisp, clean, simple- can be used for the longevity of things with your surroundings being able to be changed
• Everyone needs a little individuality, find something unique that you like that is special to you to work into your space
• Pattern is huge and so is wallpaper- it’s back- not in the same way as 1990, but in terms of modern patterns and textures
• Reclaimed and recycled materials, re-use and repurpose of things, limit the waste and try and re-invent your furnishings and decor when applicable
• Rich, tactile, textures
• Every space has a purpose, not just a bunch of empty rooms unused, everything is comfortable and makes sense for your family

Americans are on the move according to the U.S. Census Bureau and more than 36 million people relocated in 2012!  This is an increase from 2011’s record low move rate of 35.1 million.   Several  people stayed within the same county, but numerous people packed their bags and moved to a different state.  The information was provided by Penske Truck Rental.  They showed that warmer climates were the biggest impetus to move last year! 

Top 10 Moving Destinations in the U.S.

10. Sarasota, Florida
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota is home to Siesta Key Beach, which ranked one of the top three beaches in the U.S. for four years in a row. In addition to its fine white sand and calm blue waters, Sarasota is the perfect place to enjoy boat rides, eco-tours, world-class restaurants and more. With a median home sale price of $165,000, according to online real estate firm Trulia.com, housing is affordable for many middle-income families.

9. Charlotte, N.C.
Charlotte is a major U.S. financial center, with Bank of America and the East Coast operations of Wells Fargo both headquartered here. In 2011, the city was named the second largest financial center by assets, behind New York City. Nicknamed “The Queen City,” Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, more than 40 public golf courses and plenty of other big-city attractions. On average, homes sell for around $162,000.

8. Seattle
It’s certainly not warm and sunny, but Seattle offers residents a little bit of everything. Check out the city’s gorgeous mountain and water views from the famous Space Needle, or enjoy the generally mild temperatures and locally grown food at Pike Place Market. Homes sell for a median price of $362,500; if you have more to spend, check out the unique houseboats — a la “Sleepless in Seattle” — on Lake Union. They’re more expensive than a traditional home but offer a one-of-a-kind living experience.

7. Denver
Denver is the perfect blend of big city and mountain living. A short drive from the Rocky Mountains, the “mile high” city draws residents who want to work hard and play harder — outside. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to mountain biking and hiking in the summer, there’s always something to do. The weather is generally mild, with super-hot and below-freezing days peppered in for good measure. For all its perks, Denver’s home prices are reasonable — the median home sale price is $233,950.

6. Houston
Winters in Houston are mild, to say the least. Temperatures average in the mid-60’s December through February, and are well into the 70s by the time March rolls around. If you like mild winters, hot summers and Southern hospitality, Houston is the place for you. There are plenty of employment opportunities, and homes sell for a median price of $124,050. For that price, you’ll have plenty of cash left over to enjoy the countless restaurants and shops Houston has to offer.

5. Chicago
Residents of the Second City enjoy food from all over the world, thanks to Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, and entertainment that ranges from the world-famous Joffrey Ballet to local rock bands. Public transit moves residents easily from neighborhood to neighborhood, so a car is unnecessary, and the median home sale price is $190,000 — a steal for a home in a large city.

4. Orlando, Florida
It’s well-known as the home to Disney World, but Orlando isn’t just Mickey Mouse. It’s also one of the world’s largest golf destinations and home to more pro golfers than any other city in the world. But you don’t have to hit the links to enjoy the city. Locals relish fishing, boating and other outdoor activities in the year-round warm weather. Homes are inexpensive, with the median home sale price hovering around $116,000.

3. Phoenix
If you love warm, sunny weather, Phoenix is for you. The average temperature is 70 degrees in February, and rainfall is a rarity year-round. While summer days can peak well into the 100s, evenings are great for dining under the desert stars. Residents enjoy kayaking, hiking and biking in the spring and winter months, before the heat of summer gets too oppressive. The Phoenix real estate market is slowly rebounding from its post-housing bust lows, but the median home sale price is still a reasonable $131,000.

2. Dallas-Fort Worth
Reasonable housing prices, ample job opportunities and pleasant weather continue to draw new residents to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Enjoy the classic, Texas-style fun, like rodeos, along with fast-paced thrills at the Texas Motor Speedway and Six Flags Over Texas amusement park. Even with all the nightlife, shopping and entertainment that residents enjoy, home prices remain reasonable — the median home sale price is $61,000.

1. Atlanta
For the third year in a row, Atlanta was the country’s most popular place to move last year. A diverse city with many cultural attractions, residents enjoy the perks of big cities like New York and Chicago without the sub-freezing temperatures. Atlanta is home to the world’s largest aquarium, numerous critically acclaimed restaurants and a thriving cultural scene. For a city as in-demand as Atlanta, homes are affordable, with a median home sale price of $200,100.

Speaking of moving to Atlanta, Peachtree Residential builds luxury homes in North Atlanta locations.  Check out our new home communities and most importantly the inventory homes that are ready or under construction. We would love to show you our new homes meticulous craftsmanship, custom designs, and the thoughtful touches that add to your quality of life.  We listen to our customers. We continue to respond to the Georgia real estate market, building only in the most premier Atlanta new home communities for over 24 years.    Innovative designs, quality craftsmanship, and superior service have resulted in thousands of satisfied homeowners, making Peachtree Residential one of the most successful Certified Professional Home Builders constructing Atlanta new home communities.

Real estate is heavily impacted by the laws of supply & demand plus a few other factors like mortgage rates and the economy. The “for sale” inventory across most markets is low. Desirable properties that are good values are selling quickly and some even with  multiple offers. 

Peachtree Residential Properties was founded over 24 years ago on the commitment to building quality homes with meticulous craftsmanship, custom designs, and the thoughtful touches that add to the homeowners’ quality of life . Today, Peachtree is thriving and has inventory homes ready now and several underway in great North Atlanta locations.  New luxury townhomes will be under construction soon in downtown Alpharetta.  Single family new homes in Cumming, Johns Creek, Roswell, Peachtree Corners and Fayetteville are ready now and several are under construction. 

Here are the top 10 reasons for strong demand for homes in the Greater Metro Atlanta area per Prudential Georgia Realty:
10. Improving Georgia Economy: The Georgia economy will outperform the national economy in 2013. That has not been the case in the past 4 years. An improving economy drives consumer confidence and people buy more houses!

9. More Jobs In Georgia: After losing 325,000 jobs from 2009-2011, employment in Georgia is growing again. In 2013, analysts predict that Georgia will add 53,000 new jobs. More jobs mean more home purchases!

8. Companies Moving To Georgia: Major corporations are moving to our area to take advantage of great deals on commercial real estate, the low cost of living, our powerful transportation network (rail, shipping, trucking and airport) and economic development incentives. Big names like Porsche and Baxter have already announced thousands of new jobs and there are more to come. Relocating employees buy more homes!

7. New Residents Relocating To Georgia: New residents are moving to our area in larger numbers. In 2013, net in-migration will add 61,000 new residents to our area which is more than double recent years. The migration patterns from the Rustbelt to the Sunbelt are coming back and Georgia will benefit.

6. Baby Boomers Moving To Georgia: The Metro Atlanta area is home to one of the largest populations of young people of any major metro area. Atlanta ranks #2 in 25-39 age group and #5 in population under 20. There is a huge trend of boomers moving to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Baby boomers are already the 2nd largest group of home buyers in our market!

5. Increase In Household Formation: Household formation is back to levels not seen since the 1940s. More young people have been forced to rent. Some have joined their families in multi-generational living. Others have been through a short sale or foreclosure and are rebuilding their credit. Based upon the normal household formation trends, we should see household formation double in the next few years. First time buyers are the largest segment of home buyers in our area.

4. Exceptional Home Affordability: The Case-Shiller Index reports that home values increased 9. 87% in 2012 but are still down 29.86% from the peak of 2007. Home prices are still very affordable in our area but these conditions will not last forever.

3. Low Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates remain at the lowest levels ever recorded.

2. Investors: Investors have been very active in our market. There are some very large investment funds and many small investors working hard to find rentable single family homes in the right areas and right price ranges. Desirable properties in the $50,000 to $200,000 price ranges are getting dozens of offers as soon as they hit the market. Investors see the opportunity and are buying aggressively now!

1. Atlanta is a Great Place to Live, Work and Play! We live in a wonderful area with so many advantages.  More people realize that the Greater Metro Atlanta area is a great place to live, has a vibrant pro-business economy and lots of fun activities to enjoy.

Home Decor Trends for 2013
Courtesy of Keller Williams-North Georgia Group Realty News and Brandpoint

Top decor trends for 2013 from design experts, manufacturers and trend forecasters across the country. They’re fresh, fun and sure to bring good fortune to any home.

Color: Emerald Green for 2013
Industry leader Pantone’s annual fashion color report sets the tone for home decor as well as clothing, and the spring 2013 report is no exception. Its softer-hued palette of Dusk Blue, Lemon Zest, African Violet, Grayed Jade, Linen and Tender Shoots is emboldened by Monaco Blue, Poppy Red, Emerald and Nectarine—the lively, lush Emerald is Pantone’s color pick for 2013. Marc Thee, founder of the No. 1 residential interior design firm in the country, also sees a move toward pure color palettes such as cream and sea glass, khaki and white, or neutral with a pop of yellow.

Kitchens: Cooking Up Smart Ideas
Next year’s contemporary kitchen will include European frameless laminate cabinetry, multi-tasking appliances, hands-free faucets, and increased smartphone and tablet functionality, according to Jamie Gold, a certified independent kitchen and bath designer in San Diego, Calif. Value-oriented remodels will remain popular, she predicts, with homeowners incorporating existing flooring, fixtures, cabinets and/or appliances into their design plans to save money and retain favorite design elements.

LED Lighting: Let It Shine
Jeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler Lighting, says energy-efficient LED products will continue to dominate lighting, and will be prevalent in coves, tray ceilings, toekicks, and under and above cabinets. Chrome and polished nickel will appeal to the emerging “Y” generation and baby boomers modernizing their retirement homes. Tall, slender outdoor lanterns in contemporary, cottage and transitional styles will work well for those in smaller urban spaces.

Home Furnishings: Heavy Metal and Reclaimed Wood
Susan Goldstick of Susan Goldstick, Inc. predicts home furnishings will also shine in 2013. New metals such as rose gold and gun metal will be mixed, and pierced, hammered and oxidized textural metals will be especially popular. Vendors will add metal to their wood pieces, and faux animal print metallics will provide texture and reflective light in the textiles arena.

Home Interiors: Keep Comfortable
Even as the economy shows signs of improving, homeowners still find comfort in “cocooning” in the warmth and safety of their homes, says Graeme Smith, conceptual designer at Second Nature kitchens. Adding an on-trend color such as cranberry or velvety chocolate to a soothing palette of muted tones and delicate detailing creates timeless interiors, and incorporating vintage pieces fosters a sense of nostalgia, heritage and solidity.

Flooring: Porcelain Tile
Lori Kirk-Rolley, senior marketing director at Daltile, notes that one of the biggest style trends of the year will be porcelain tile that emulates the look of hardwood in high-traffic areas, offering the natural beauty of wood with the long-lasting durability and ease of maintenance of tile. Rectangular-sized tiles—particularly those in long, linear plank styles—will remain popular in floor and wall applications.

Home Accessories: Back to Nature
Consumers’ eco-friendly focus on using organic, sustainable materials will continue into 2013. Orange, Calif.-based Budget Blinds recommends woven wood shades made from bamboo, grasses, jute, reeds, rattan and other natural renewable resources for honest, simple beauty. Smith suggests using timber and wicker furniture, ribbed and woven finishes on accessories, and layered wool throws in the living area of the kitchen to bring a sense of the outdoor into the home.

Repositionable Wallpaper: A Great Decor Idea
Repositionable wallpaper is a decorating mainstay, says Todd Imholte, president of Murals Your Way, whose website, www.muralsyourway.com, is the top online destination for wall murals worldwide. The company’s 10 collections of peel-and-stick wallpaper are available in such themes as Vintage, Dots, Flower Prints and Mostly Modern, and can be removed and reused hundreds of times without losing their adhering qualities. Because the company offers color matching, customers can match their repositionable wallpaper to an existing paint color, updated decor or the new Pantone color palette.

Materials for the Outdoors: Eco-friendly
Exterior design and landscaping say just as much about a home as its interior architectural counterparts. Artist and designer Pablo Solomon touts stone, concrete and brick that blend into the environment, requires little upkeep, and is superior to weather susceptible wood decks, rust-prone metals and dulling plastics. He also sees increased use of eco-friendly native plants to save water and reduce pesticides.

Start your new year off in a new home!  Peachtree Residential has been building over 24 years in great North Atlanta locations!  Check out the new home locations in Fulton, Fayette, Gwinnett, and South Forsyth to find or build your Peachtree Residential dream home today.  New homes are ready now and several new luxury homes are under construction!  Move “Closer to Custom” with Peachtree Residential’s Design Center. Design your home to fit your life and your style with the help of Peachtree Design Experts.  PEACHTREE-TAILORED FOR YOUR PERSONAL STYLE!  One of the most exciting things about building and /or buying a new home is decorating the interior.  Once again, Peachtree is right there with you, helping you every step of the way.  Our Professional Design Services provide you with all sorts of inspiring choices – from carpet and tile to countertops, appliances and more.  And these selections come with professional assistance, too.  Every new homeowner receives personal consultations with Peachtree’s expert interior designers at the Peachtree Design Center by CherryThorne.  Here, you receive focused, individual assistance in selecting flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, appliances, paint colors, countertops and countless other dream home features.

A little about the Peachtree design team:
Malinda Cawthorne, Principal
Malinda Cawthorne, Interior Designer, graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Interior Design from Georgia Southern College.  Upon graduating, she did extensive work with Richard Fowler’s in Chattanooga, TN.  After 10 years, Malinda established her own firm, “Interiors by Malinda”.  This company, upon relocating to the Atlanta area in 1994, evolved into CherryThorne. 
Over the years, Malinda has created livable interiors for “real people”, as well as show house pieces in award winning model homes in the builder industry.  She has worked with clients on their primary residences and vacation homes as well as their places of business.  Her work includes physicians’ offices, banks, dining establishments, and foundations.  She has completed projects in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.  Malinda’s customers appreciate her ability to work within a budget and give a “designer look” while maintaining livability for everyday life.  “Simple Elegance” is the key.
 
Elizabeth Cherry, Principal
Elizabeth Cherry, Interior Designer, graduated from FIDER accredited Art Institute of Atlanta with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design.  Upon graduation, Elizabeth began her career with CherryThorne LLC.  Elizabeth enjoys creating modern, livable spaces, while continuing to be conscious of the overall comfort of your home.  Her goal in every project is to give each client their own separation from others by finding the most unique and interesting ideas for the project at hand.  She enjoys getting to know her clients, enabling her to incorporate their wishes and desires into the project.

Come visit the NEW Decorated Model Home at Tillman Hall located in wonderful Peachtree Corners, just around the corner from The Forum and is an exclusive gated community consisting of only 29 homesites in Gwinnett County. Meet Fran Barnes, the Peachtree Residential Sales Manager for Tillman Hall. Tillman Hall has recently completed inventory homes and pre-sale opportunities from the high $500’s! Over 70% has sold! Incredible private schools are close by including Wesleyan School & Perimeter School.

During the month of January, the recently completed homesite #22 in Tillman Hall, includes a Free Partial Finished Basement with contract by 1-20-13 for only $670,941! The St. Michael’s plan by Peachtree Residential features a much sought after owners suite on main level with 10 foot first floor ceilings, keeping room open to fabulous kitchen with wood stained cabinetry, granite, & butlers pantry, banquet size dining room for entertaining and study. Dramatic 2 story family room with beautiful window wall, fireplace and built-ins. Spacious owners suite with luxury bath & closet. Large secondary bedroom’s, extensive hardwoods on main, three car garage, sprinkler, huge daylight basement open to level rear yard is a dream! 10 year structural and Builder Warranty. Upgrades throughout the new gorgeous home.  Visit us soon before it’s too late!  141 to E. Jones Bridge Rd.  Left on Jones Bridge Circle at stop sign, then left on W. Jones Bridge Rd. at stop sign.  Community entrance is on left.  Community Model Address: 5258 Broadwood Ave NW, Peachtree Corners 30092

If the needles on your Christmas tree are starting to drop faster than you can keep up with, it may be time to recycle the Christmas tree sooner then later.   The “Bring One for the Chipper” Christmas tree recycling event is now underway through Saturday, Jan. 26, at several locations around Cumming sponsored by Keep Forsyth County Beautiful!  See the link for several donation places that are throughout Cumming.  The annual event has become a tradition for many residents of Cumming/ South Forsyth  who turn their tree into mulch at the end of the holiday season!  

To learn more about Peachtree Residential Properties new home communities visit our website or facebook page.  Peachtree has been building new homes in North Atlanta area communities for almost 25 years!

Glenn Martin from It's The Journey and Peachtree Residential

The holiday season is here and this year there is a great deal to be thankful for in the “home builder land”. The market is looking up again and new home starts are up and inventories are down in many areas. In fact according to Community Profiles, home prices are rising amid sharp declines in number of homes for sale, existing homes are selling at the highest rate since 2007, home inventories are at the lowest level in a decade and 1/3 of homes sold in October had been on the market for less than a month. That is all great news for the housing industry. 

Speaking of good news…Peachtree Residential was able to donate $4065 towards It’s The Journey Inc. for the 2 day walk here in Atlanta.  They helped to join the battle against breast cancer in October and recently presented the check to Glenn Martin, the board chair for “It’s The Journey”, and donated $4065.   The Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer helps take steps that battle against local breast cancer, such as providing education, screening, early detection, treatment, and support services throughout the state.  The money was raised from selling new homes in October and new “Like’s” on the Peachtree Residential facebook page in October as well. 

Peachtree Residential has been building new homes for 24 years in Atlanta and wanted to help a great cause in the local area.   In 1988, Peachtree Residential Properties was founded on the commitment to building quality homes with meticulous craftsmanship, custom designs, and the thoughtful touches that add to the homeowners’ quality of life.

Several new Peachtree Residential homes can close in time for the holidays! Great north Atlanta new home locations and great deals for year end closings! New homes include 12 great neighborhoods that include East Cobb, Roswell, Milton, Cumming, Hoschton, and Peachtree Corners locations. Be sure to stop by and visit or view the homes on our website! You could be in a new home for the holidays!

The holidays are near! The AJC homefinder  provided “5 tips for holiday decor” on Sunday November 11, 2012,  that may give your home curb appeal during the holidays.  Wreaths, lights and other holiday decor add a festive look to the front of homes. Local experts shared tips for decorating outdoors for the holidays. Light up the entryway with lanterns or hurricane globes with flameless LED and battery operated candles around walkways and steps to the front door.  It is inviting and draws you to the home.  Add a spotlight to bring attention to a wreath on a door.  Bring in burlap to create bows and wreaths as a natural textured element. Use live greenery on the front porch and then plant them after the holidays. Create a vignette on your front porch with poinsettias or other holiday decoration in a old cart or wheelbarrow. Customize a wreath with a theme to reflect your favorite seasonal items.  Happy decorating!