Athens GA Real Estate, Relocation, Community News & Event Information 2008-07-23T21:33:54Z http://allaboutathensga.com/atom.aspx Quick Blog Athens Georgia Housing Market Statistics: end of second quarter 2007 versus end of second quarter 2008 tag:allaboutathensga.com,2008-07-22:9b06935e-6e8c-4ea5-93b7-fd6cf0237d84 Michelle DeRepentigny michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com 2008-07-22T03:04:22Z 2008-07-22T02:48:00Z  The Good News:  In some areas in and around Athens, Georgia average home prices are remaining mostly stable and appreciating!

2007 vs. 2008 Average Home Sales Prices in and around Athens Georgia provided by Michelle DeRepentigny - Success Realty - your Athens GA area real estate expert

The not so great news:  The average sales prices have dropped  in 9 out of 12 areas measured.  The hardest hit, Area 10, is North Madison County defined by the Athens MLS as north of Highway 98.  My prediction of  probable cause: gas prices going up and affecting the cost of commuting.

Approximate percentage of change in average sales prices of home by MLS Area:

Area 1   decreased 5%
Area 2    increased 9%
Area 3    increased 6%
Area 4   decreased 4%
Area 5   increased 6%
Area 6   decreased 9%
Area 7   decreased 1%
Area 8   decreased 3%
Area 9   decreased 11%
Area 10 decreased 39%
Area 11 decreased 2%
Area 13 decreased 4%

Well, lets be thankful that any homes are selling, unlike certain other parts of the country.  Below is a comparision of number of homes sold at the end of 2nd Quarter 2007 versus the end of 2nd Quarter 2008 by MLS Area.
2007 vs. 2008 Number of Homes Sold through 2nd Quarter in and around Athens Georgia - provided by Michelle DeRepentigny - your Athens Area real estate expert

Athens MLS Areas 2, 7, 9 and 10 actually had an increase in numbers of homes sold by the end of the second quarter of 2007 versus 2008.  In case you didn't notice that blows my theory for the reason the average sales price in Area 10 has decreased right out of the water!  I'm going to have to analyse that pattern and get back to you.  



Comparision of Number of Days on Market for Sold Homes in and around Athens Georgia 2007 vs. 2008 end of second quarter - provided by Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker - Success Realty- Athens,GA

The days on the market for sold homes at the end of the second quarter 2007 versus 2008 actually decreased in Areas 3, 6, 11, and 13.  Area 7 shows a huge increase spike, I'll try to dig into that more to figure out what is going on in SouthOconee County for you and report back soon.

Key to MLS Areas:

West Athens Clarke County (area 1)

North Athens Clarke Couty (area 2)

East Athens Clarke County (area 3)

East Athens Clarke County (area 4)

West Athens Clarke County (area 5)

Five Point Athens Clarke County (area 6)

South Oconee County (area 7)

Watkinsville, Oconee County (area 8)

West Oconee County (area 9)

North Madison County (area 10)

South Madison County (area 11)

Oglethorpe County (area 13)

Personal observation: our company's business has picked up in the last 30 days, I don't know if it will be enough to show gains for this year overall, but I'm anxiously awaiting the end of the third quarter, so I can report back to you.  

If you have views, observations, or questions about specific neighborhoods, I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!  

Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker -Success Reatly, Athens Georgia

*All information is compiled and extrapolated from Athens MLS statistics and is believed accurate, but not guaranteed.

]]> Seen Around Athens Georgia July 2008 tag:allaboutathensga.com,2008-07-12:99ee03ca-1c4f-43fa-b9ef-2658598c9b5d Michelle DeRepentigny michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com 2008-07-12T01:42:13Z 2008-07-12T01:17:00Z  Bo the Boston Terrier watching fireworks in Athens on his birhtday - July 4 2008 - official masscot of Success Realty - your athens ga real estate experts!July 4th is Bo the Boston Terrier's Birthday.  He turned 2 this year and just loves the fireworks - he thinks they are just for him!  Here he is in "HIS" truck watching the Athens, David DeRepentigny, husband of Michelle DeRepentignyGA 4th of July fireworks and meet my poor husband, David, who really wished I would forget my camera every now & then.

I had a lot of fun trying to get fireworks photos from the Fourth of July - I think I have finally figured out how to slow down the shutter speed

           Take a look at some of my favorites below or
                 view all my fireworks photos.

                                            Athens Fireworks - 4th of July 2008 - Michelle DeRepentingy               Athens Ga Fireworks - July 4 2008 - Michelle DeRepentingy 

The Colbert, Georgia 4th of July 2008 Parade in Madison county rocked!  Starting at 9am and running for almost an hour it was a great place to see neighbors, friends and a whole lot of politicians it is obviously an election year!  My husband David and I got a great, shady spot near the start of the route this year.  Enjoy the photos of classic cars, tractors, mud trucks, floats, horses, and more!


Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker of Success Realty - your Athens GA Real Estate Expert

]]> Athens Georgia Area 4th of July Celebrations - 2008 tag:allaboutathensga.com,2008-07-02:4572179b-ac4a-4a0e-8da6-cff6c98584ce Michelle DeRepentigny michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com 2008-07-12T01:35:15Z 2008-07-02T13:47:00Z  Horse with confederate soldier and lady in antebellum gown at Colbert Georgia 4th of July ParadeStart your 4th of July celebration at the Colbert, GA 4th of July parade, located about 20 minutes east of Athens off Highway 72. 

Get there early to find a great view, watch the parade with tons of classic cars, pretty ladies, politicians, horses and more, then visit the craft festival , eat some great food, and listen to some local musicians!  The parade in Colbert, GA starts at 9am.

Fireworks in Athens GA this 4th of July 2008
Fireworks will be plentiful in Athens, thanks to support from local businesses who stepped up with sponorships this year.  

Fireworks are scheduled for just after dark, about 9:30 pm at Bishop Park in Athens, GA.

                            Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker - Success Realty Athens GA - your local real estate expert! ]]> Athens GA 4th of July Celebration Information Athens GA Commercial Real Estate Market Report - 6-24-2008 tag:allaboutathensga.com,2008-06-24:47630344-a28b-4bbe-ac91-3b11f6ff9780 Michelle DeRepentigny michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com 2008-06-24T17:14:26Z 2008-06-24T17:09:00Z  Graphics representing real estate market - Success Realty of Athens helps you understand the truly local picture!Sometimes it difficult to get an accurate picture of the commercial real estate market in Athens, GA.  It takes combing through local newspaper listings, Loopnet.com, the Athens Multiple Listing Service and other sources to get an real overview of what is going on in the commercial real estate arena.  

Why?  because many of the mature brokers in the Athens area don't list everything available on the Local MLS, but I am seeing more activity there.  Today I got a heads up on Commercial Source, a newer offering from the National Association of REALTORS® , "created to serve as a comprehensive website for all things pertaining commercial real estate" so I thought I would take a look.  Currently there appears to only be 105 listings in Georgia, but I am sure that will increase with time and exposure, so I am begging fellow Athens real estate brokers to embrace this new tool!

Currently on Athens MLS there are:
  • 172 Commercial and Industrial Properties For Sale
  • 18 Commercial Properties For Lease
Year to Date 2008 there have been 19 commercial properties sold, per Athens MLS, ranging in price from $29,000 (vacant lot) to $711,100 (a brick home near Five Points that had been converted to office space).

During the same time period in 2007, there were 14 commercial properties sold, per Athens MLS, ranging in price from $45,000 to $695,000.

Photo representing Office Space for rent in Athens, GAThis is a little like comparing oranges to apples, but does give an overview of the market conditions in Athens.  My personal observation is that there is a healthy supply of office and retail available in many areas (bordering on an oversupply of office rentals in older buildings and less traveled corridors), but industrial and smaller warehouse space is in tight demand at this time.  

Use our IDX to search for Commercial Real Estate in the Athens, GA metro area (just make sure you have "commercial" in the first drop box) and feel free to give me at call at 706-207-2502 if you prefer to have someone sort through the variety of sources of commercial information available!  If you are looking for the residential real estate market report, don't worry -  will be here next week.

Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker - Success Realty Athens, GA - your local real estate expert]]> 7102 Highway 172, Comer, GA 30629 - Premium Brick home for sale! tag:allaboutathensga.com,2008-06-24:d2905d43-e863-4c10-a3f7-ed8576736c64 Michelle DeRepentigny michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com 2008-06-24T00:36:22Z 2008-06-24T00:28:00Z  7102 Highway 172, Comer, Ga 30629 - real estate for sale - front viewYou work hard all day, don't you deserve to come home to this Paradise on a Hill in Madison County, Georgia?
  • $374,900
  • 5 bedrooms
  • 4 baths
  • Inground pool
  • Huge Master Suite
  • Curving, asphalt drive
  • 3.5 Miles from new Madison County Middle School

 

Premium, custom constructed all brick home on 4.515+- Acres! This house is fabulous and the landscaping is spectacular!  The main level features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and very spacious living areas. Upper level features 1 bedroom, 1 bath and 3 bonus areas perfect for in-law or teen suite. The spacious kitchen has has granite countertops, custom maple cabinets and black appliances.

7102 Highway 172, Comer, GA 30629 - Madison County, GA real estate for sale - side view  7102 Highway 172, Comer, GA 30629 - Madison County Ga, Athens, GA area real estate for sale - pool view  7102 Highway 172, Comer, GA 30629 - Madison County GA home for sale, Athens Area real estae for sale

Outside you will find a huge fort playscape, tree house (set in the woods), in ground pool with salt water system (no chlorine - very low cost & maintenace), huge patio for entertaining and fun. The landscaping is significantly upgraded and absolutely gorgeous, featuring beds and islands throughout the 4.5+ acres, sides and rear have drip irrigation system.

  • Only 20 miles from Athens, Comerce, Elberton, or Royston, Georgia
  • Only 10 Miles from Danielsville, GA
  • Only 4.8 miles from dwontown Comer, GA  - Madison County, Georgia's center of cultural arts, coffee house, Farmer's Market & more!
                  View more photos, floorplan, & information at www.7102Highway172.com

We'd love to help you make the decision to move to Athens, Georgia Area!

                      Search for real estate and homes in the area via MLS IDX      Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker - Success Realty Athens Georgia

 Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker - Success Realty Athens GA - your Athens Ga real estate expert      

706-207-2502  cell                           706-543-1553 office

logo for Success Realty Athens GAFor more information about homes for sale and real estate in Athens, GA or to request a Relocation Package by mail for Athens, GA and the surrounding areas , please visit our website at Success Realty or email Michelle at Michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com

]]> 116 Richmond Court Athens, Georgia - home for sale! tag:allaboutathensga.com,2008-06-20:f0185236-fc80-4908-a5f3-3fb33bd3017b Michelle DeRepentigny michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com 2008-06-20T10:30:17Z 2008-06-20T10:07:00Z

Absolutely Move In ready condition featuring new carpet in all bedrooms, light fixtures, blinds, paint, garage door & more! The foyer, living room, kitchen, dining area, both baths, & hall areas all have laminate wood flooring in excellent condition. The living room is very spacious with vaulted ceiling and fire place with new tile surround.
 
116 Richmond Court, Athens, GA 30605 - home for sale - front viewOffered at $139,900

  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Baths
  • 2 Car Garage
  • Spacious Living Room
  • Fireplace
  • Vaulted Ceilings
  • Private Rear Yard
  • Double sized Patio
  • Excellent Condition



Kitchen features a pass through over sink - enlarging the area and opening to the living room. Patio size has been doubled and has plenty of room for outdoor entertaining, in the very private, wooded rear yard. This house is located on a small cul de sac street with only seven houses!

116 Richmond Court, Athens, gA 30605 - home for sale - master bedroom view  116 Richmond Court, Athens, Ga 30605 - home for sale -  116 Richmond Court, Athens, GA 30605 - home for sale - view from front door

East Athens, GA immaculate home for sale - convenient to everything!
View more information and photos at 116 Richmond Court, Athens, GA 30605!

We'd love to help you make the decision to move to Athens, Georgia!

If you would like to see what is available for sale in the Athens Georgia and surrounding area real estate market, please search our IDX via the multiple listing service, just click on the "search for homes" button below.

       Search for real estate and homes in the area via MLS IDX      Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker - Success Realty Athens Georgia

Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker - Success Realty Athens GA - your Athens Ga real estate expert      

706-207-2502  cell                           706-543-1553 office

logo for Success Realty Athens GAFor more information about homes for sale and real estate in Athens, GA or to request a Relocation Package by mail for Athens, GA and the surrounding areas , please visit our website at Success Realty or email Michelle at Michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com

]]> Athens, GA - Analyzing Neighborhoods, A Real Estate Market Trend Report tag:allaboutathensga.com,2008-06-04:7abe2c76-bcd9-48fb-a21d-1703bb716454 Michelle DeRepentigny michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com 2008-06-04T17:00:08Z 2008-06-04T16:46:00Z  Your Athens GA real estate & housing market questions answered by Michelle DeRepentigny, local real estate expert (Illustration - question mark house)If you are a regular visitor here, you may already know that I am a real estate broker  and a real estate appraiser (see the sidebar for more information).  I spend most of my time listing and selling real estate, but I get involved in the "complex appraisals"  that come into our appraisal office, also.

Most of the Athens, GA real estate market is still stable, although activity is still slower than typical in some areas.  Lately I'm seeing a disturbing trend in the Athens, GA market area - subdivisions that could go either way as far as appreciation or declining values are concerned.  These are subdivision  have historically been very stable, but are at the crisis or "tipping point" and activity over the next month or two may change their status.  

Let's take a look at Holiday Estates Subdivision in West Athens, Georgia - MLS Area 1, near the Georgia Square Mall, today.

There are 8 currently active listings or pending/under contract sales in the subject subdivision.  Of these, 3 are REO properties (Real Estate Owned - the typical abbreviation for a property that has been foreclosed upon and is now for sale by a bank or mortgage lender) that have been foreclosed upon which are currently listed from $79,900 to $94,500.  Because of the condition and the competition from REO marketers these houses are listed below "typical" market value so that the new owners can get them out of their inventory and take their loss off the books.  When these REO sales are sold, they may have a moderate affect on the marketing and sale of current listings in the subdivision.  

Although some of these REO properties are currently under contract, there has been only 1 recent REO sale (for $89,000 on 4/24/2008) and minimal sales in the prior 90 days.  So the challenge to an appraiser doing an appraisal in this subdivision is to "forecast" or predict how these sales will affect the market and decide if this is a new trend, a slight hiccup which will level out when these REO properties are absorbed, or if things are about to get nasty with more foreclosure activity in the area.  

In the past 12 months, there have been 10 sales in the subdivision, ranging from $89,000 to $149,750, per Athens MLS.  And now there are at least 2 other houses in the subdivision which were recently foreclosed upon which will be entering the market as REO properties soon.
Illustration - "The Missing Box on the Appraisl" copyright Michelle DeRepentigny 2008, real estate broker & appraiser in Athens, GA

Currently the choices for overall property values on an appraisal are:
  • Increasing
  • Stable
  • Decreasing
So, "The Missing Box" on the appraisal should be called "unstable" because there times in this market when no one really knows what will happen next!

Holiday Estates Subdivision in Athens, GA has historically been stable, but this subdivision is curently changing  and may be at the beginning of a moderate decline. Personally, I think the Athens GA area is only going to have a "slight correction" in the housing market overall, so it may be a great time for investors or first time buyers who want to put some sweat equity into a home to take a look at Holiday Estates, but my crystal ball is a little cloudy today and I really need a box marked "Unstable"!  

Michelle DeRepentigny, Real Estate Broker & Appraiser - Athens, Georgia

P.S. Is there is a subdivision or market area that you would especially like to see the trends explored?  If so, please drop me a note in the comments and I will be happy to include it it in this new series - next week I'll be analyzing some activity in the Five Points Area of Athens, GA! ]]> Seen in Athens, GA - so many people having fun the last few weeks! tag:allaboutathensga.com,2008-05-30:435e0d62-1968-43fa-975c-86ece2d1dc7e Michelle DeRepentigny michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com 2008-05-30T23:44:09Z 2008-05-30T23:29:00Z  I'm sorry!  Let's get that out of the way first.  Some of you have let me know recently that you miss our  "Seen Around Athens" posts that shows you about the cool things, sweet places, and awesome people in the Athens, GA area, so for this is is for all of you who emailed, mentioned it at the grocery store and pointed it our where ever else I've seen you lately,  I'll try to do better, I promise!  So without further delay, take a look at some of the things we've seen around the Athens, GA area lately:

The 1st Annual Faery Fest in Comer, GA (Madison County, GA)Every little faery wants to ride a Unicorn (horse dressed up as as unicorn) at Faery Fest, Comer, GA 2008 in conjuction with the Comer Famer Market and was one of the most fun days I have had in a long time! From harps to washboards, there was all kinds of music, great food  and even unicorns!  (click here to view 56 photo slide show from Faery Fest - Comer GA 2008)



Poster of Dogs needing homes at the 2008 Athens Bark B Que fundraiserAthens, GA 1st ever Bark B Que fundraiser for canine charities (click to view 17 photo slide show of Bark B Que 2008) had a huge turnout of dogs and their owners!



The 10th Annual Hull, Georgia Festival (Madison County, GA) was movedThe Calssic City Red Hatters were out in full force at the Hull Festival 2008! from Memorial Day weekend and brought lots of folks out to view the parade, visit the craft festival, listen to live entertainment, and of course eat great food!  (click to view 56 photo slide show of Hull, GA Festival 2008)



The Human Rights Festival in Athens GA was held May 3rd & 4th.the crowd at Athens Georgia Human Rights Festival 2008
(click to view 21 photo slide show from Athens Human Rights Festival 2008).  Much enjoyed by the crowds was the band Sursie, and one of the members is my son's girlfriend's best friend's Dad - did you get that?  Take a look at one of the videos of their performance below:




Will I see you next week?  If you know of a cool event coming up, let me know in the comments!
Michelle DeRepentigny, Real Estate Broker - Success Realty - Athens, GA - your local real estate & neighborhood expert!

P.S. If you would rather view any of these photo sets as thumbnails or filmstips just go to http://photos.allaboutathensga.com and choose the set by title on the left and preferred way of viewing at the top!  You can also see shots from Athens and different areas around Athens, GA is you are considering moving to the area and want to get a feel for the communities!


]]> Athens, GA Spring Fun for the weekend of 5/17/2008! tag:allaboutathensga.com,2008-05-16:366d5635-f05e-418b-8fd4-b5074947e60e Michelle DeRepentigny michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com 2008-05-30T23:29:18Z 2008-05-16T10:34:00Z There are way too many fun things in the Athens, Georgia  area to do this weekend!  It's time for our Friday FUN Thing to this weekend list:

Have fun at the 10th Annual Hull Georgia Festival on 5/17/2008On Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 9:30 am, check out the 10th Annual Hull, GA Festival with a parade, music, food and crafts, 40+- vendors expected this year - located just off Highway 72, East - turn right at the redlight in Hull (Old Elberton Road) and the festival will be on the left.  (End at 3pm)



The Athens Farmers Market, LLC grand opening at Bishop Park (off Sunset Avenue, Athens GA) at 8am on Saturday , May 17th and will be open every Saturday through November 15, 2008!  "The growers will be required to use sustainable farming methods to be affirmed by signing an affidavit and agreeing to allow a farm inspection" - how cool is that?  The last Saturday of every month will be a "Craft Day", but the rest of the season will be comprised of no more than 25% crafters to 75% farm products.  Here's a list of participants for the 1st day. (Ends at 1pm). 

Don't forget that the Farmers Market in Comer, Georgia is also open every Saturday now if you are going to be in Madison County!

The Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter will host a Fundraiser rabies clinic and dog wash from 1pm until 4 p.m. on Saturday 5/17/2008, at the shelter located at  1888 Colbert Danielsville Road; Colbert, GA 30628   (706) 795-2868.  Check out their "Flea Market" while you are there!


Pick your own perfect strawberries near Athens, GA at Washington Farms!Visit Washington Farms, the strawberry crop at the Oconee County, GA farm near Watkinsville is especially delicious this year.  Pick your own for a family experience or grab some and go!

The Athens Youth Symphony will present their spring concert on Sunday, May 18th, 2008 in Hugh Hodgson concert hall at the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center.

Enjoy Kings Circus carnival at the GA Square Mall in Athens GA this spring!Cotton candy, Funnel cakes, Popcorn and more....drive through the parking lot at the Georgia Square Mall on the Atlanta Highway in Athens, Georgia through Sunday May 18, 2008 and that is what you will smell!  Not a vegtable in sight, unless you count the onions & peppers on the sausage dogs!  Forget healthy eating for just one night and take the family out to experience the food and thrills rides since the King's Circus is in town!  Plenty of rides and games for children of all ages including a merry go round, ferris wheel, plenty of kiddie rides,  and some that will make you SCREAM!


You can always search for homes and real estate in Athens, GA during the day and enjoy the perfect tempature in the evening to go to the carnival!

If you know of something cool and fun to do coming up soon - please let me know in the comments!

Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker of Success Realty in Athens, GA - your Athens GA real estate expert! ]]> <br> <br> <br> <table bordercolor="#ff0000" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="3"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"><!--StartFragment --><font face="Arial"><!--StartFragment --><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">There are way too many fun things in the Athens, Georgia &nbsp;area to do this weekend! &nbsp;It's time for our Friday FUN Thing to this weekend list:</span><br> <br> <br></font> <p><font face="Arial"><font face="Arial"> ...</font></font></p></td></tr></tbody></table> Easy Economics for the Athens, Georgia area including latest housing sales statistics! tag:allaboutathensga.com,2008-05-02:7e02443f-dd4c-4f45-a125-5b479c6ab380 Michelle DeRepentigny michelle@SuccessRealtyGa.com 2008-05-02T22:05:42Z 2008-05-02T21:59:00Z  At its lowest since the early 1990's, Consumer Confidence fell from 65.9 to 62.3. Easy Economics and Housing Market Statistics brough to you by Success Realty in Athens Georgia - your Athens GA real estate experts (illustration of house built out of dollar bills) "The Consumer Confidence Survey is based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households."


At an annualized rate, the Gross Domestic Product increased 0.6%, just keeping us out of  the most recognized definition of a recession.


Personal income & disposable personal income both increased by 0.3%  according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, which tracts many economic factors nationwide and internationally.



On the real estate scene in Athens, GA in the past 30 days there were:
  •         768 new real estate listings placed on the market
  •         253 sold properties in the overall Athens, GA market area
  •         246 expired listings in the overall Athens, GA market area
Per Athens Multiple Listing Service.

Click here to view our Athens, GA real estate comparision of 2006 versus 2007 housing market statistics with graphs.  

Please visit next week for some specific subdivision and neighborhood market comparisions and reports.  If you have a specific Athens, GA area subdivision that you would like to see a detailed market report about, please leave me the name of the subdivision in the comments!

Michelle DeRepentigny, Broker of Success Realty in Athens GA - your Athens, GA real estate expert ]]>