Chick-Fil-A Bowl
As a University of Georgia fan (some might even say fanatic) this years Chick-Fil-A Bowl was one of the best games I have witnessed. Georgia scored first on a field goal, then Virginia Tech scored 21 unanswered points in the second quarter. Georgia was down 21-3 at halftime and having to come out in the second half against the #1 rated defense in the nation.
Georgia was up to the challenge, scoring 28 points in the second half and finishing with a 31-24 win. But who is the real winner in this game? Examine some of the facts:
- The Chick-Fil-A Bowl has sold out in each of it’s 10 years.
- This years attendance was 75,406.
- The Chick-Fil-A bowl is the largest non BCS Bowl game.
- With participating teams coming from the SEC and ACC, Atlanta makes an excellent central location.
From an economic standpoint the City of Atlanta and it’s local merchants are certainly big winners. However, local charities benefit in a large way from the game. Last year the Chick-Fil-A Bowl contributed $526,000.00 to local charities. This year an estimated $535,000.00 will contributed.
Congratulations Chick-Fil-A Bowl, Ya’ll Done Good!
Caswell Overlook Townhomes
Conveniently located close to I-75 and I-285 in Marietta, Caswell Overlook is just a short drive to Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, Midtown or Vinings. This Bowen Family Homes townhome community features a pool and cabana for those gatherings with family and friends along with fully sodded yards with lawn maintenance. Interiors feature maple cabinety in the kitchens as well as upgraded lighting and trim packages, cat-5 wiring, sprinkler systems and security systems. These 3 and 4 bedroom townhomes include 2 car garages and pricing starts in the $220s.
Brentwood Place Subdivision
Affordability and location discribe this Bowen Family Homes community in Union City. Two story models and single level living floorplans are featured. Brick accent fronts and low maintenance vinyl siding highlight the exteriors while 9 foot ceilings and open floorplans are found on the interiors. The community is conveniently located near shopping, dining and transportation. These affordable homes start at $139,900 and go into the $150’s.
Atlanta Real Estate Forecast
As 2006 comes to a close many of us begin looking toward 2007 and what the new year will hold. During much of 2006 the buzz words on the national news programs have focused on terms like “The Housing Bubble” or “Real Estate Bust”. Fortunately for those of us living here, the Atlanta market remains one of the nations most stable and affordable markets.
So what should we expect for 2007? Long term interest rates should remain stable at or near today’s levels, which is historically attractive and low. Homes should continue to appreciate moderately in the 3% to 5% range annually. Of course location, amenities and schools continue to be important factors in the value of homes. Recent legislation making mortgage insurance tax deductable for 2007 should not be considered as a factor due to the uncertainty of whether or not the deduction will be extended or made permenant.
For many Atlanta residents, the dream of homeownership will become a reality in 2007. Finally getting out of an apartment and into a home that they own is going to happen. Whether a “first time buyer” or “move up buyer” for that expanding family, 2007 should be a very rewarding year for many.
Atlanta Peach Drop
What would New Years Eve be without a celebration? New York City has one in Times Square and Atlanta has it’s celebration at Underground Atlanta. Being that Atlanta is located in the Peach State, it’s only fitting that the new year is welcomed in by the countdown from the Peach Drop. Festivaties start at noon on December 31 and will go until about 4:00 am on January first. This year’s celebration will have a bit of a country flair with the entertainment provided by Lonestar.
Come with family and friends to welcome in 2007. Admission to the Peach Drop is free.
It’s Christmas Eve
Today has been filled with the last minute details for the big day tommorrow. Helping my wife get the caseroles for the Christmas dinner put together, getting the tags on all the presents that finally got wrapped and of course visiting with friends and neighbors.
Tommorrow we will be entertaining and spending the day with family. Our son and daughter-in-law will be here for brunch and then opening gifts. Later in the afternoon my sister and brother-in-law will be joining us for Christmas dinner and the second round of gifts.
My wish to all that may read this is that you have a wonderful and Merry Christmas Day.
Township Commons
Quality and affordability are just two words that would be associated with this BarryBuiltHomes community. Located in Lawrenceville, Township Commons is a sidewalk community featuring 4 side brick homes with fully sodded yards and sprinkler systems. Whether you are looking for a two story home or single level living, Township Commons makes for an excellent choice. Interiors feature extensive hardwood flooring, custom cabinetry, solid surface countertops and tile backsplashes just to mention a few. Pricing starts in the low 200’s.
Brookhaven Subdivision
Whitehall Homes is proud to introduce Brookhaven. Situated in the highly acclaimed Brookwood High School district, Brookhaven is conviently located close to shopping, dining and transportation. This community of 53 larger than normal homesites features 4 and 5 bedroom plan Earthcraft homes. Exteriors of 3 sides brick with stone accents are to be standard on all homes. Interior appointments include 42 inch maple cabinetry, granite countertops, tile backsplash and stainless appliances in all kitchens. Floorplans vary with some designed for master-on-the-main while others would be more traditional with the master bedroom up. Lot reservations are now being taken for this executive community.
Ashmore Subdivision
Bowen Family Homes is proud to present Ashmore. Located in the prestigious Peachtree Ridge High School district of Duluth, Ashmore features stunning brick and stone exteriors with carriage garage doors. The exteriors are just the start of the many appointments for the homes in this community. Perhaps the best was saved for the interiors. Granite countertops, a tile backsplash, extensive moulding packages and hardwood flooring are standard features in these homes. Several of the floorplans offer a keeping room as well as the Master Bedroom on the main floor. The community features a neighborhood pool and cabana for you to relax at with family and friends. These elegant Manor Style Homes start from the low $400’s.
Crown Moulding A Love Hate Relationship
Have you ever walked into a room and noticed how classy the room looks because it has crown moulding. For that look to appear there had to be an experienced craftsman involved. My son and daughter-in-law, who are expecting in February wanted to dress up the babies room and crown moulding was one of the upgrades. Being the perfectionist that we are and of course wanting every thing just right for the babies room, we began our research. Joseph Fusco has an excellent article on how to cut crown moulding.
We read Joseph’s article and went wow! Let’s see, to install about $45.00 worth of crown moulding we are going to need to buy nails, caulk, paint and a $300.00 power compound mitre saw. The alternative was to attempt to use a coping saw and cut the contours on to one of the pieces of moulding. Neither of us felt comfortable about the coping saw. There has got to be another method for us to explore. Hark, let’s check out the Do It Yourself Network site. The magic answer appeared in the form of precut inside corner blocks. You just nail them into the corner and then cut the crown moulding straight at the ends and butt it up to the corner blocks. By utilizing the corner blocks you eliminate the difficult mitre cuts and turn this into a project that almost any homeowner can do. The corner blocks are available at most home improvement stores.
Now to the crown moulding purist this may not be the preffered method to install crown moulding, but for the homeowner looking to dress up a room it makes a viable alternative.
