You can get to nearby shops, schools, eateries and entertainment — all without a car. And some studies show you’re happier as a result.
A number of Intown walkable communities certainly want to leave you smiling. These condominiums and townhomes are all about location — and the features each offers, of course.

Ansley Parkside Townhomes (ansleyparkside.com)

“Charlestonian elegance” is what you’re in for at Ansley Parkside Townhomes, according to Christa Huffstickler, ABR, broker associate, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Morris & Raper Real Estate Consultants.

Located on Monroe Drive near Piedmont Road, the community is within walking distance of Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Ansley Mall, boutiques, restaurants, grocery stores and shopping.

Five of the 41 brick and stone townhomes — that start in the $350,000s — are under contract. The classic brownstones include three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and two-car garages, with square footage ranging from 1,992 to 2,218. Other amenities include 10-foot smooth ceilings on the first and second floors, site-finished hardwood floors and gourmet kitchens with designer cabinets and granite countertops.

Master suites feature six-foot tubs with separate tile showers, tile floors and designer cabinets with granite countertops. Other draws: wrought iron railings, crown molding, direct vent fireplaces with gas logs and marble surround, along with sizable decks.

There’s also a saline swimming pool and entertainment pavilion. Phase Two development plans now are underway.

Twelve Centennial Park Condos (twelvecentennialpark.com)

More than 95 percent sold, Twelve Centennial Park Condos is within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, Georgia Dome and Philips Arena. Homeowners at the 39-floor residential tower also enjoy the convenience of walking to work at nearby corporate offices. One bedroom/one bath floor plans remain, from floors 30 to 39.

At Twelve Centennial Park Condos, you’ll find an outside pool with tiki bar, fitness center, 24-hour concierge service, clubroom, media room, business center and private conference room. Features include floor-to-ceiling windows, 10-foot ceilings, granite countertops and large balconies.

In the retail space under the building, dining options include Jimmy John’s, Mellow Mushroom and Gyro King.

The condominiums are located on the Marta Civic Center station train route that takes you directly to the airport, along with shopping spots such as Lenox Square Mall, the Fox Theatre, Georgia Dome and more. The developer will pay three percent towards closing costs, with some one-bedroom homes priced at $125,000.

White Provision Residences (whiteprovision.com)

With amenities such as controlled access covered parking, guest parking and direct access from parking deck to residence from certain floors, White Provision Residences is nearly 50 percent sold.

White Provision is part of the Westside Provisions District that offers dining, home interiors, fashions, galleries and specialty shopping and services.
A mixed-use community, Westside Provisions District (westsidepd.com) is home to some of Atlanta’s finer dining establishments, such as Abattoir, Bacchanalia, JCT. Kitchen & Bar, Figo, Ormsby’s, and more. The condominiums are walking distance to the Westside Urban Market with retail and restaurants.

“Today, Westside Provisions District is the place to go in Atlanta,” says Leslie Williamson, vice president, marketing, Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors. “You can walk out your door at White Provision Residences and enjoy fine dining, or food on the go, as well as shop for home interiors, local fashion, artwork, wines and much more.”

Private terraces, an on-site fitness facility, storage units, outdoor swimming pool and pool pavilion and fully furnished guest suites make up other amenities at White Provision.

Specials include: Tax abatement through 2022; FHA financing; ADA Beltline down payment assistance One-bedroom homes from the $190s, two bedrooms from the $240s

Glenwood Park (glenwoodpark.com)

An urban community two miles east of downtown Atlanta, between Grant Park and the East Atlanta Village, Glenwood Park is a mixed-use development that includes retail, restaurants, office space, parks and a community pool.

The homes are 100 percent EarthCraft construction. The 375 residential units include single-family homes, traditional and stacked townhouses, live/work units and condominiums.

“I personally live in Glenwood Park and am a real estate agent with a large focus on the community,” says Robert B. Blaha, broker sales associate, Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby’s International Realty. “I was the previous president of the Homeowners Association and absolutely love living here. It has a charming village feel and a wide variety of people who live here, and is walkable to so many things: restaurants, coffee shop, gym, salon, doctors’ offices, smoothie shop, Marta, Brewer Park, swimming pool; plus, we sit right on the Atlanta Beltline.”

Some of the active listings available include: A three bedroom, three-and-a-half bath townhome, at 500 Brasfield Square, priced at $475,000; five units (three- and four-bedroom townhomes) at 454 Hamilton Street, priced from $339,000 to $379,000 and three studios at $109,000.

Three new construction single-family homes within Glenwood Park include four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. The homes, starting at $459,900, each will feature a chef kitchen with a 36-inch gas range, large island for entertaining and a Butler’s pantry leading into a formal dining room. The living room offers a fireplace and coffered ceilings, while the master suites include a jetted tub and separate shower, double vanity, travertine flooring and granite countertops

Construction is slated to wrap this month on the homes that also include front patios and decks overlooking landscaped yards.

Young professionals, baby boomers and families looking to downsize – though not necessarily on the high-end amenities they’ve come to appreciate – have turned to condominium living, and at rapid rates in some cases.

According to the Atlanta Market Overview for First Quarter 2011, a market insights report by The Marketing Directors, 10 metro Atlanta communities are top sellers. They include Serrano, The Brookwood, Paramount, 1010 Midtown, The Atlantic, Luxe, Viewpoint, Stacks II, Madison Square and Horizon.
The Marketing Directors (themarketingdirectorsinc.com) provided exclusive sales and marketing for six of those: Serrano, The Brookwood, Paramount, The Atlantic, Luxe and Horizon.

The report shows that the top 10 accounted for more than 71 percent of total net sales in the quarter. Location and amenities are among the reasons the properties landed on the list. Here’s a closer look at some of these and other top sellers.

Serrano

If you’re looking for an example of a fast-selling property, Serrano fits the bill. In its first five months of sales, 77 of the 150 condos were sold. A five-story, 150-unit luxury condominium community in Sandy Springs, Serrano is convenient to Perimeter Mall and other shopping, as well as dining and entertainment venues.

Serrano offers one- , two- and three-bedroom units with 13 floor-plan designs. One-bedroom condominiums start in the $120s, with two bedrooms priced from the $130s and three bedrooms from the $160s.

The units include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, crown molding, hardwood flooring in living areas, glass-enclosed showers and more.
Other amenities at Serrano – owned by ST Residential – include a courtyard with swimming pool, outdoor grill, fireplace and clubroom with kitchen.
For those in the market, the seller is paying two percent in closing costs during the month of August. serrano-atlanta.com

The Brookwood

In the heart of the historic Brookwood neighborhood, The Brookwood is a 219-unit, mixed-use community. Two- and three-bedroom condominiums, starting in the $240s, range from 1,252 to 2,574 square feet and include features such as 10-foot ceilings (11 in certain residences); floor-to-ceiling windows providing natural light; wide-plank hardwood floors; natural wood cabinetry; Viking stainless steel appliances; and soaking tubs and separate showers.

“For those who don’t want the upkeep of a home, but want all of the designer finishes, this is the place,” says John Huckaby, senior vice president, ST Residential, which owns The Brookwood, Serrano, Luxe and The Atlantic. “The Brookwood is one of Atlanta’s only LEED-certified condominiums, so it appeals to eco-conscious buyers as well.”

Among the property’s amenities are a junior Olympic saline pool, fitness center with yoga room, catering kitchen, coffee lounge and dog walk area. For additional costs, personal training and in-home chef services are available.

Current specials include three percent in buyer incentives for contracts written by the end of August. thebrookwood.net

1010 Midtown

Roughly 45 percent of the 426 residences at 1010 Midtown, in the heart of midtown Atlanta, had sold by late July. Steps from Piedmont Park, the High Museum of Art and both the Fox Theatre and Alliance Theatre, “this is where Atlanta’s Midtown Mile defines itself with flagship retail, signature residences, luxury hotels and elegant office towers,” says Leslie Williamson, executive vice president, marketing for Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors. “According to SMARTNUMBERS, 1010 Midtown is the number-one selling condo in Atlanta based on sales-dollar volume for 2011.”

The 35-story, high-rise condominium at 1080 Peachtree St. features a rooftop deck with pool and cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness center and more.
Residence features include garden tubs, 10-foot ceilings, granite countertops and wood cabinets. 1010midtown.com.

Luxe

At 22 stories, Luxe boasts an exclusive Midtown location on the edge of Piedmont Park. It’s steps away from nearby shops, restaurants and business districts.

The 117-unit boutique condominium tower includes one-bedroom homes starting in the low $200s, two bedrooms from the low $300s and three bedrooms from the low $500s. Square footage ranges from 900 to 2,975 square feet with features to include a Bosch stainless steel appliance package, granite countertops, recessed lighting, hardwood flooring and private balconies.

There’s a resort-style swimming pool with sundeck on property, an outdoor grilling area, his and her steam rooms and 24-hour concierge service.
“Just a few homes remain at Luxe,” says Huckaby of ST Residential. “It is one of the most desirable addresses in Midtown. Residents choose Luxe for its boutique feel and spa-like amenities.”

Luxe is offering three percent toward upgrades (refrigerator, washer and dryer, iPod docking station with speaker system and closet) for contracts written by end of August. luxemidtown.com

The Ritz-Carlton Residence

Hear the name The Ritz-Carlton and you’re likely to form an immediate impression. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Atlanta, Buckhead aims to continue in the tradition of that brand recognition.

The property offers two levels of amenities, including a formal club level where you’ll find an area for entertaining guests, a full kitchen for food preparation, a formal boardroom that also can serve as a formal dining room and large movie theater.

The Ritz-Carlton provides staff such as full-time doormen, concierge, loss prevention, housekeeping, and porters.

“Staff members at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Atlanta, Buckhead have years of experience – not just hospitality experience, but Ritz-Carlton experience,” says Karen Rodriguez, associate broker for Dorsey Alston Realtors. “The skill, devotion and attention to detail of the staff create an environment that redefines luxury living in Atlanta.”

The one- , two- , and three-bedroom homes and seven penthouses have the following upgrades and others included with purchase price: MechoShade electronic shades, custom closets by Closets and More, Bosch washer and dryers and climate-controlled storage units.  Three bedrooms range from $1 million to $1.2 million for 2,700 square feet, with the three remaining penthouses ranging from $1.6 to $1.8 million. theresidencesatlanta.com

Gallery Residences

A library, an art gallery and pet sitting scheduling? They’re all part of the community at Gallery Residences, where only 26 of 203 homes remained in late July. Located on Peachtree Road, Gallery includes two bedrooms from the mid $300s and three bedrooms from the low $600s.

Features include open living areas with hardwood floors, 10- and 11-foot ceilings, oversized walk-in closets and limestone flooring in master bath areas.

A 24-hour concierge service includes dry cleaning delivery and scheduling of mobile car washes,  housekeeping services and golf tee times.

The art gallery adjoining the lobby features an extensive collection of original works. Rotating exhibits – of paintings and sculptures from four prominent Atlanta galleries – adorn the space. In the library curl up by the fire with a good read and take advantage of the catering kitchen nearby.

Financing is available to include FHA and Fannie Mae approval. gallerybuckhead.com

By Shandra Hill Smith

Today’s real estate market is shaping up to be a robust one when it comes to sales of condominiums, townhomes and lofts, according to housing professionals.

“We’ve seen a pick–up in traffic at all of our sites, with lots of contract activity,” says Vic Miller, senior vice president of sales/managing broker, The Marketing Directors, LLC (www.themarketingdirectorsinc.com) in Atlanta.  “We’re also seeing more buyers able to sell their existing homes and make their move into a new condo, townhome or loft.”

One of The Marketing Directors’ current projects includes a new gated townhome community, Brownstones at Edgewood (www.atlbrownstones.com). The three- and four-bedroom townhomes in the heart of Edgewood feature private two-car garages. As of last month, 18 live/work options were available starting at $199,900.

The townhomes feature expansive living areas with hardwood floors, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and appliance packages, fireplaces, contemporary light fixtures, spa baths with Jacuzzi tubs and tiled showers and spacious decks with a select number of rooftop terraces.

Just steps from Piedmont Park, Ansley Parkside (ansleyparkside.com) came under new ownership in April and by May had one townhome under contract, with 40 available. Located on Monroe Drive across from the Morningside/Ansley Park neighborhood, the community of three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath brownstones is convenient to dining and entertainment.

“Buyers are looking to simplify their lives and be centered in a more walkable lifestyle,” says Irene Hall, vice president, marketing for Evolv (evolvre.com), which represents Ansley Parkside. “Intown is still an attractive place for young professionals and those trying to downsize or simplify.”

Ansley Parkside offers two floorplans: the Monroe and the Piedmont. Both have three bedrooms, designer finishes throughout, hardwood floors, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and a two-car garage. An outdoor pool is slated to open in July. Special financing is available, with prices starting in the $370s.

Sales have been strong at both The Park at East Paces (parkeastpaces.com) and The Stacks at Fulton Cotton Mill, reports Leslie Williamson of Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors, which handles sales and marketing for the properties. Just last month, The Park at East Paces had five of 81 homes remaining, while The Stacks at Fulton Cotton Mill (stackslofts.com) was more than 50 percent sold (with 134 homes total in phase two sales).

Located on East Paces Circle at the intersection of Roxboro Road and East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead, The Park at East Paces offers one- , two- and three-bedroom floorplans, from the $170s to the $320s. Features at The Park at East Paces include elevators to each floor, custom open kitchens, granite countertops, tile or natural stone backsplashes, hardwood floors, garden tubs and separate showers, private balconies and a fitness center.

Floorplans at The Stacks at Fulton Cotton Mill – originally the Fulton Bag & Cotton Mill built in 1881– include one bedrooms, from the $130s, and two bedrooms from the $170s. Minutes from Freedom Park and shopping and dining, the New York-style loft homes, at 170 Boulevard in Atlanta, offer skyline and courtyard views and controlled access entry and parking.

Other features at the pet-friendly property include: loft-style ceilings with exposed wood timbers, European-style vanities and kitchens, quartz countertops in kitchens and baths, concrete floors and a stainless steel appliance package (gas stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher).

Almost as plentiful as the amenities are the number of options on the market today in condos, townhomes and lofts – with low interest rates proving just as appealing.

As Williamson points out, “while the past several years have been challenging for real estate, now is a smart time to buy” thanks to those low rates.

“Homeownership is still important to the consumer and is considered a lifestyle investment,” adds Williamson. “With condo, townhome, and loft communities that offer a value proposition (competitive price, lifestyle, location) sales are occurring.”

By Collin Kelley

With the real estate market on the rebound, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty has decided its time to open a new office.

According to company president David Boehmig, a new Midtown office will open this summer to serve homebuyers and sellers in Midtown, Ansley Park, Morningside and other Intown locations.

“We believe having a physical presence there is important to us and our clients,” Boehmig said. “Having a physical office will directly serve the needs of our clients.”

Atlanta Fine Homes already has offices in Alpharetta and in Buckhead’s Piazza on Paces complex, which it expanded in 2010 after a 29 percent increase in business at the height of the global recession.

Last year, the company saw an unprecedented 64 percent in total sales volume, further evidence that the multi-million dollar home sales were steady despite the economy.

Boehmig is optimistic about the future. “If we didn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, we would not be moving on this capital expansion.”

He added: “We are optimistic, not just from a company standpoint, but from industry standpoint as well. Sales are definitely improving.”

Boehmig said negations on the space were still underway at press time, but said the company would be looking for new agents to join its team soon.

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty was co-founded by CEO Jenny Pruitt and Boehmig in 2007 and offers home sellers unprecedented access to buyers around the world, through the Sotheby’s International Realty network of more than 500 offices in 41 countries with 10,000 agents

For more information, visit AtlantaFineHomes.com.

This years  featured homes are on Myrtle Street and in the 800 Peachtree and 805 Peachtree buildings.

Tickets can be purchased online at this link or during the tour itself. Drop by the corner of 10th and Piedmont at the Post Apartments to find the information, will-call and ticket sales table.

This year’s tour, as always, coincides with the Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park, so organizers are recommending visitors take MARTA to the 10th Street station.

By Shandra Hill Smith

With shifting views of homeownership reshaping the housing industry – as pointed out from one report to the next these days – mixed-use communities are gaining some attention from varying age groups and demographics.

Intown living presents a host of such developments, which allow residents the opportunity to live, work and play within reach. And, as countless Atlantans were reminded during January’s winter storm that shut down the city for days, for many, these walkable communities prove an ideal place to call home.

One Intown option is The Atlantic Residences (theatlanticresidences.com). More than 300 high-rise condominiums are available at this community at 270 17^th St., that offers one- , two- and three-bedroom penthouses priced from the $180s to $550s. The Atlantic is housed within Atlantic Station, which provides a variety of choices for dining, entertainment, such as a movie theater, and shopping – including a Publix supermarket.

The property includes a pool with Atlanta skyline view, a large clubroom with flat screen televisions and Internet kiosks, doorman, porter and 24-hour concierge services and available smartphone control of your home.

Homeownwers from all walks of life are moving in to The Atlantic, from “young professionals buying their first home to empty nesters wanting to downsize,” according to John Huckaby, regional managing director of ST Residential, which owns The Atlantic. “These buyers appreciate the ease of living afforded by a condo; they also appreciate the luxurious surroundings and the intown location of The Atlantic.”

The Atlantic also includes retail space, which is being marketed by Colliers International. The company reports that it is in talks with a high-end restaurant that would use 7,423 of the 10,382 square feet on the ground floor. Colliers says another 6,915 square feet on the fourth floor would work nicely as space for an art gallery.

Approximately 50 homes – with a price range of $199,900 to $799,900 – are available at White Provision (whiteprovision.com), which attracts a “wide variety of buyers, from young professionals, second-time homeowners and downsizers,” says Leslie Williamson. Williamson is executive vice president of marketing, Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors.

Situated at the corner of 14^th Street and Howell Mill Road, with convenient access to restaurants and boutiques, White Provision has one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. Amenities include: fully-furnished guest suites; dog runs; sixth-floor deck with pool and grilling area; fitness center; on-site management and maintenance; doorman services and 24-hour security.

What’s new? Anthropologie and Yoforia opened in January and Jonathan Adler Enterprises, a decorative home accessories store, is slated to open this spring.

As of February, only one home was available at 10 Terminus Place (terminus-atlanta.com), where the price range for high-rise upscale living reaches $1,495,000.

At the corner of Peachtree and Piedmont roads in the center of Buckhead, the property has world-class amenities to include a state-of-the-art fitness center with weights and cardio equipment and yoga stretching area, massage room, saltwater spa, clubroom with bar, outdoor dining areas, dog walking services and media/game room and concierge. Retail tenants include Emerald Coast Coffee & Grille, The Flying Biscuit Café, Brides by Demetrios, Atlantic Capital Bank and Yogurberry.

Appealing to both young adults and empty nesters is Village Place Brookhaven (vpbrookhaven.com), according to Dillon Baynes, who manages Village Place Brookhaven on behalf of Wrightwood Capital. Located in the Brookhaven area, at 1418 Dresden Dr. in Atlanta, the live-work community is nestled in a five-acre park-like setting. The price range for homes is $200,000 and up. The property features 41 luxury residences, with 15 available as late as mid-February. There also are 11 office condominiums, built above retail and restaurant space in two buildings. Within walking distance to the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA rail station, Village Place reports great success with its retail portion, with only one retail space remaining as of February.

Two commercial offices are slated to open this month: Eye Haven and State Farm Insurance. Some other tenants include Egg’s Nest, J. Christopher’s, Verde Taqueria, The Library Coffee Company, Yoforia, Pro Cleaners and Natural Body Spa and Shop.

A loft community – transformed from a cotton storage facility (from the early 1900s) – Studioplex (studioplexlofts.com) has lofts from the $120s. Twenty of a total of 130 units – for both residential and commercial use – are available. Studioplex is located in the Old Fourth Ward community, and is on the BeltLine, which will make for easy access to Piedmont Park and other areas by foot or bike.

Other amenities include a rooftop terrace with dramatic skyline views and workout room. New tenants include ABV Gallery, which opened in 2010.

“We are very proud of the mix of homeowners at Studioplex,” says Baynes, also managing partner of Studioplex. “We have been quite successful in attracting a unique mix of homeowners; Gen Yers, baby boomers, as well as retirees, have made the decision to purchase at Studioplex. We attribute that to the quality of our homes and our excellent Intown location.”

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty announced a new client service through RealValuator Real Estate Information. This service offers a thorough view of the real estate market previously unavailable from one source. The announcement makes Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty the first real estate brokerage firm in Georgia to employ the RealValuator Real Estate Information product suite. Real time information is updated daily and includes active listings, recent sales, homes in the foreclosure process, bank owned sales and government conveyances. www.atlantafinehomes.com

Anthem Homes Neighborhoods announced it has begun construction in The Park at Whitlock in Marietta, The Reserve at City Park, Wellstone at Middle Creek, Bakers Farm in the Chateau Elan area, Sherwood Park in Smyrna and The Preserve at Wylie Bridge in Woodstock. Anthem is currently offering its first homebuyers financing from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. www.anthemhomes.us

McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority chose HOK Atlanta to develop the fifth and final phase of the redevelopment of Fort McPherson in southwest Atlanta. This phase continues the vision first laid out by a HOK led team in 2007 and will also focus on the preparation of a plan for the research park. HOK Atlanta will lead a team comprised of Deloitte, Huntley Partners, Phase 3 Properties, Kimley Horn, Cousins Properties and the Integral Group with their work expected to last six months. Unresolved questions of how much land the Army will transfer through the EDC remains a factor in the firm’s planning efforts. Plans for the 2011 closing of Ft. McPherson were made in accordance with the Base Realignment and Closure Act of 2005.

Harry Norman, Realtors presents the Southern Living Idea House in Senoia in Coweta County. Senoia is known for providing the cinematic backdrop for over 24 film and television productions including Fried Green Tomatoes and Sweet Home Alabama. The home in Senoia will be the first Southern Living brownstone project. Well-known architects from Historical Concepts will be spearheading the house’s design. The house is now open for tours with ticket proceeds benefiting The American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball 2010. www.southernliving.com

Cousins Properties has formed a new joint venture with a fund managed by Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing that has successfully recapitalized Terminus 200. Terminus 200 is a 25-story, 564,000-square-foot tower of Class A office space, retail and restaurant space in Buckhead. Cousins also announced that it has signed a lease for the top five floors with international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP at Terminus 200. The move is scheduled for July 2011.

Vinings Main has started closings on 30 new homes under contract since its recent grand opening. Vinings Main offers one- and two-bedroom as well as two-bedroom with a den, large condominium homes ranging from 897 to 1,868 square feet that are situated in three mid-rise controlled access buildings with elevators and a controlled access parking garage.  One-bedroom homes are available for as low as the $140s and two-bedrooms as low as the $200s. The development is just off Paces Ferry Road in historic Vinings. www.viningsmain.com

By Carly Felton

In the past couple of years, real estate in Atlanta – and all over the country – has undergone a tremendous change. Sure, prices fell and properties became harder and harder to sell; however there are a number of other significant, though often overlooked trends in the market.

According to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NABH) online magazine, homes are getting smaller and greener and multi-generational homes are on the rise. According to local real estate professionals, home offices have skyrocketed in demand as well. Below, Atlanta INtown explores these powerful trends.

Shrinking Size

The U.S. Census shows that the average size of a new single-family home in the South is starting to shrink for the first time in 10 years. Additionally, nine out of 10 builders surveyed by the NABH last year said they’re building, or planning to build, smaller, lower-priced homes than in the past.

“People are recognizing that they can’t afford to overbuy anymore,” says Dennis Creech, co-founder and executive director of Southface. “They’re going from 400,000 square feet to a more modest 35,000 square feet.”

Principal and Vice President of Business Development at Your Own Sanctuary Heyward Young agrees. “McMansions are out!” he says. “The hottest segment of the market seems to be the starter or bungalow-style home.” Jeffrey Dufresne, executive director of Urban Land Institute Atlanta believes this is because the household size itself is shrinking, as more people live alone, delay marriage and/or childbirth and have fewer children. Plus, people want convenience and that often comes in the form of smaller, Intown homes closer to work.

Going Green

Smaller homes are usually more eco-friendly, as well – one of the many reasons green homes are on the rise. “How many people do you think want higher energy and water bills?” Creech asks, rhetorically speaking. “Everyone realizes the days of cheap water and land are over. People are looking for greater value.”

Though the cost of a green home is generally three to six percent higher than a conventional home, the extra money is quickly repaid in energy savings and reduced transportation costs (for those who move closer to work and work-live-play centers). “Would you rather spend the money on your mortgage – which will get a return on your investment – or give it to the utility company and never see it again?” Creech says.

The green building market was valued at $10 billion in 2005 and grew to $36 billion in 2009. It may grow to $96 by 2013, according to a study by McGraw-Hill Construction last year. “Almost all new homes have green elements,” Young says. “It’s what the consumer wants.”

One example of this trend is 898 North Highland, a single-family home that has been converted into four green condos with rooftop solar panels, radiant floor heat, VOC-free paint, bamboo flooring, double insulated energy-efficient windows and a parking lot made from recycled tires.

Anne Miller, associate broker with Prudential Georgia Realty, says that even when buyers don’t specifically seek out green homes, when they look at a home and find out it has eco-friendly features, they may choose that home over others that aren’t green.

Talking ‘Bout My Generation

According to a survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate, from 2009 to 2010, 37 percent of real estate sales professionals surveyed noted an increase in homebuyers looking for spaces to accommodate more than one generation of their family. Seventy percent of these real estate agents believe the economic conditions may cause an even greater demand for multi-generational homes this year.

Both Miller and Young say they see a lot of buyers looking for an in-law suite or a separate space for grown children to live. This can include elderly parents who can’t afford to retire on their own and are forced to move in with their children all the way down to college graduates who have been unable to secure a job. Areas like Glenwood Park have in-law/young adult suites on the property but separate from the main house, thus ensuring some privacy.

Working From Home

The NABH also suggests that many Baby Boomers are coming up with new ways of using their homes. Dufresne believes this is primarily true in regard to home offices. “As family sizes shrink, more home owners and buyers are converting extra bedrooms into offices, particularly since the ‘breadwinners’ may be in between full-time jobs and are working out of their homes on contract engagements,” he says.

Many employers have been downsizing and asking their employees to telecommute rather than come into a central office, and employees often receive tax breaks for working from home. Miller finds that when people work from home, they often want to keep their work environment separate from their home environment.

“Almost 100 percent of my buyers are looking for a home office or an extra bedroom to turn into a home office,” Young says.