Get in my Belly!

Delicious scents will soon be in the air throughout Chamblee as more and more restaurants are set to open this year! Chamblee’s restaurant scene is booming and we’re super exited about it, especially because food is involved! Nom, nom, nom!

Here are our favorite soon-to-be restaurants set to debut in Chamblee this year that are totally worth biting into:

Royal

Inspired by the ‘50’s and ‘60’s diner-era, the Royal will have a warm, cozy atmosphere with a fun retro vibe. Brought to life by Haven and Valenza founder, Michel Arnette, this “classic American restaurant,” is set to open at the old Brown Auto Service on Peachtree Road, which was previously a gas station.

It will seat 80 diners inside and 40 on a covered patio. It will also feature an indoor/outdoor bar with signature drinks, adult shakes and malts, wines and beers. Rustic wooden beams and industrial furnishings will characterize the interior.

Comfort foods like hot dogs and burgers, a chicken club sandwich, the Royal double stack bone-in pork chop with mac n’ cheese and of course, shakes and malts are just a few items that will be on the menu. Our mouths are watering already!

Check out more here: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/dining-news/diner-era-restaurant-royal-open-chamblee/

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Memphis based Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken has plans to open a third location at Broad Street and Peachtree Road in historic Chamblee! It’s two current Atlanta locations are in Peachtree Center downtown and Sandy Springs.

Gus’s will occupy an approximate 2,900 square foot space and we’re happy to see that they have preserved the Rust-N-Dust Antiques sign on the exterior!

P.S. It’s right next to Dutchman’s, a new furniture and gifts retailer, which opened last year. If you haven’t checked it out, you won’t regret doing so. It’s super cute!

Find out more here: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/12/exclusive-guss-fried-chicken-coming-to.html

BlueTop

Think outdoor seating, drinks and bocce ball! That’s what BlueTop is all about. It’s a new American restaurant set to open in early 2017 in the ivy-covered building, previously a service station, on Peachtree Road in historic Chamblee.

Visit the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/BlueTopGeorgia/?pnref=story

Visit the website here: http://www.bluetopchamblee.com/

Locomotion

Longtime brewer at Twain’s Brewpup in Decatur, Chase Medlin, is set to launch a new craft brewery, Locomotion Brewing Co., in Chamblee early this year.

At Locomotion, Chase plans to have a three-vessel, 30-barrel brewing system and the capacity to produce numerous styles on a production scale for packaging draft as well as canned beer.

A tasting room will take up 21,000 square feet in a Chamblee warehouse at 3588 Broad Street, close to the City Hall, where the city is working to make the area more attractive to new restaurants, shops and residential projects. Locomotion will also feature fun bar games and outdoor entertainment like corn hole.

Check it out here: http://atlantarestaurants.blog.ajc.com/2016/09/27/twains-brewer-opening-locomotion-brewing-in-chamblee/

Although the following two restaurants are already open, they’re fairly new and super delicious, which we feel makes them share worthy!

Hopstix

Located on Pierce Drive, in the booming development in Chamblee, Hopstix is a new Asian brewpup brought to the city by an award-wining homebrewer, Andy Tan.

Andy combines sushi bar with beer bar in a superb atmosphere with a menu featuring Asian-fusion starters and entrees, along with robata grill and raw bar items.

Hopstix is equipped with 3 bars – the beer bar, the robata grill bar and the raw bar – a 5-barrel brew house visible through a window between the kitchen and brewery and 20 taps – 10 taps for house beers and 10 for beers from local breweries including Cherry Street, Max Lager’s, Twain’s and Wrecking Bar.

Check out the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Hopstix/

Halal Guys

In a brightly colored red-and-yellow building on Chamblee Tucker Road and Buford Highway in Chamblee, Halal Guys sits awaiting you to try their tasty cuisine.

Just like it’s beginning as a street cart in New York City, this place gets lines out the door, wrapping around the building well into the parking lot.

Once you’ve tried their gyro or chicken platters over rice with that dreamy white sauce drizzled on top, you’ll understand why New Yorkers will sometimes wait hours in the city’s longest food cart line. Trust us, it’s 100% worth it!

Check out the website here: http://thehalalguys.com/

It’s exciting to see such growth and development in Chamblee and we look forward to these restaurants opening soon! Enjoy!

BIG congrats to Sarah and Dustin on their first home purchase! We’re over the moon excited for them! Last month, Sarah and Dustin closed on an awesome fixer upper in an unbeatable location in Dunwoody and they have incredible plans to bring their new home back to life.

We have to admit, their transaction had quite a few twists and turns, but their patience and positivity was a big reason we were able to help them snag a pretty phenomenal deal on their current home.

Kyle and I are extremely excited to watch them transform their fixer upper into their dream home. We know Dustin’s construction skills are going to come in handy with their massive renovation.

If you don’t know Sarah and Dustin, they are amazing! Both Sarah and Dustin are such positive people with personalities that instantly make you happy when you’re with them. We really enjoyed laughing our way through the process together.

Dustin owns and runs his own company, Backyard Custom Construction, which specializes in custom-built sheds, storage buildings, workshops, garages and cabins. His work is stunning and if you haven’t checked them out, we suggest you do so. Seriously, like right now. You won’t regret it! Just click the link below!

https://www.facebook.com/pg/BackyardCustomConstruction/about/?ref=page_internal

Backyard Custom Construction isn’t the biggest or the cheapest company out there, but they strive to give every customer the best experience and the most value for their money. We believe that communication and honesty speaks volumes.

We’re extremely excited to follow Sarah and Dustin through their renovation, which includes removing walls to create an entirely open concept on the main floor, creating a larger master bedroom with a spacious en-suite, finishing the basement with additional bedrooms, re-landscaping the backyard and more.

After only two short weeks, they already finished the entire demo! Check back soon, because we hope to have more for you! In the meantime, check out the first few pictures!

Purchased – Brookhaven

Congratulations to Ally and Chris on closing on their first home last month! We’re so happy for them!

Ally and Chris were renting, but knew that owning a home was a much wiser financial investment. Ideally, they wanted a completely turnkey home close to their current rental location, but they were willing to explore neighborhoods close by.

Although Ally and Chris were facing a competitive market with low inventory and searching in very sought after areas, they did not let the market discourage them. Ally and Chris stayed positive, kept an open mind and remained patient.

After several multiple offer situations, Ally and Chris found their dream home! Located in Drew Valley, a fantastic neighborhood in Brookhaven, their home sits on an enormous lot with a backyard that’s perfect for BBQ’s, corn hole and time with family and friends!

We’re so proud to see how far Ally and Chris have come through the process. It was such a joy to work with you! Thank you so much for the opportunity to help and guide you through your home purchase. We’re thrilled to welcome you to the neighborhood!

Photo Source: First Multiple Listing Service

Ally, Chris & Ally’s Dad, Dennis, at the closing!

When: Saturday, March 25^th, 2017 at 6:30pm

Where: The Boiler Room at Ponce City Market

Join us for a fun filled night while contributing to a great cause!

Grab a friend or come solo, but whatever you do, just join us at the inaugural Spring Fever, brought to you by CURE Childhood Cancer’s Young Professional Leadership Council. Enjoy great music and delicious food while supporting a remarkable organization.

Dance the night away to a local Atlanta band and later a DJ at Atlanta’s unique venue, The Boiler Room at Ponce City Market on Saturday, March 25^th at 6:30pm. Enjoy all you can eat and drink!

Fuel up on mouthwatering food provided by Bold American Catering, sip on featured signature cocktails and quench your thirst (you’ll need it after all that dancing) at the full open bar.

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to conquering childhood cancer by advancing to improve outcomes and providing support to patients and their families.

CURE holds a special place in our hearts. Kyle grew up with a friend who succumbed to cancer in June 2007. In his memory, Kyle has dedicated his time to helping the cause.

We believe it’s critically important to contribute to the doctors who care for children with cancer. Throughout the year, The MacDonald Team sponsors events supporting CURE and Kyle serves on the Young Professional leadership Council for the organization.

Purchase tickets here: http://curechildhoodcancer.org/event/spring-fever-2017/

Purchased – Woodstock

Congrats, Christine on the new home! You’re officially a homeowner and we’re very happy for you!

Christine has an incredible passion for rescuing dogs and she absolutely adores her 3 fur babies. It was extremely important that we keep them in mind during Christine’s house hunt.

We stared by looking at condos close to the Perimeter in Roswell and Sandy Springs, but with numerous communities having restrictions on pets, we quickly switched the search to include single-family detached homes.

We found the perfect home in Woodstock where Christine and her 3 pups have a fenced in backyard! Plus, it has a spacious open concept floor plan with high vaulted ceilings, 3 bedrooms and a large master bathroom with double vanities!

Christine, thank you so much for the opportunity to help you with your first home purchase. It was such a joy to share this experience with you. We hope you enjoy many happy years in your new home!

Sold – Woodstock  

Congrats, Katie & Daniel on selling your home! We’re very excited for you on your new adventure!

Sitting on nearly 6 acres with a private pond, Katie and Daniel’s home in Woodstock was absolutely breathtaking. It’s an incredibly unique property with a stunning spacious interior and an exquisite property.

Although their home wasn’t on the market, a buyer looking at a property nearby fell in love with their home. Suddenly, Katie and Daniel received a very intriguing offer and reached out to us to help with the contract details and navigate the process.

It was extremely unexpected, but they decided to take the leap and sell. We’re thoroughly impressed with how well they handled the stress from such a huge, sudden change.

Katie and Daniel, we truly appreciate you reaching out to enlist our help. It was such a joy to work with you! We’re so happy to have you closer to us in town and we cannot wait to see where your adventure takes you! Check out some photos showcasing their beautiful property below!

Photo source: First Multiple Listing Service

Buyer – Dunwoody

Congrats, Alex! What a gorgeous first home! We’re so excited for you, and we must say, it’s slightly better than a boat!

When Alex enlisted our help, he told us that he felt he was flushing money down the toilet paying rent each month. We could not agree more! Why pay your landlord’s mortgage when you can pay your own? Owning a home can be a very rewarding financial investment.

Alex was looking for a home close to town with a convenient commute to his work. He was also hoping to have a spacious home on a large lot. Right when Alex started to think that he wasn’t going to find a home that fit all his needs, we discovered a hidden gem that checks all the boxes in a fantastic neighborhood in Dunwoody.

Alex was able to scoop this one up for a fantastic deal! It’s fully renovated & it features a massive basement equipped with a mini kitchen and guest suite. Plus, it has an awesome private backyard with a fire pit.

Alex, thank you so much for the opportunity to help you with your home purchase! We had so much fun helping you! We can’t wait to see what you do with it!

Kitchen

Family Room

Alex’s basement set-up!

Spacious backyard with fire pit!

Photo source: First Multiple Listing Service

Buyer – Brookhaven 

Congrats, Andrew! You’re officially a homeowner! We’re so happy for you!

Andrew was renting in Brookhaven, but knew that owning a home was a much wiser investment. Ideally, he wanted to stay close to his current location, but was willing to explore some other neighborhoods close by.

He also kept an open mind when it came to other features such as square footage, bedrooms and bathrooms. He knew that he might have to compromise on something to get his ideal location. By keeping an open mind, Andrew was able to score an awesome home at a great price in his ideal location, Brookhaven!

Andrew, it was such fun to help you with your first home purchase. We love it & the location is fantastic! We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with you.

Photo source: First Multiple Listing Service

It’s that dreaded tax season again, but as a homeowner, there’s a bright side! You’re eligible for a break on your property taxes for simply owning your home. Seriously! If you bought a home in the past year or have never filed for your homestead tax exemption, it’s time to do so!

What is the homestead tax exemption anyways? A homestead exemption helps you save on your taxes for simply being a homeowner. It’s a reduction on your property taxes.

To qualify, you must reside in the home on January 1st for the year in which you are applying and the home must be your primary residence. Unfortunately, You cannot claim multiple homestead tax exemptions for multiple properties. Shucks!

To receive your exemption, you must apply before your county’s deadline. Once granted, the exemption is automatically renewed each year. Each county has different exemption programs. Be sure to read the information for your specific county. If your exemption status should change, you will need to re-apply.

Below are instructions on how to apply in each county. Don’t miss your opportunity to file and receive a break on your property taxes!

Cobb County

https://www.cobbtax.org/property/exemptions

Deadline to submit the application by mail is April 1st.

Cherokee County

http://www.cherokeega.com/Tax-Assessors-Office/homestead-exemptions/

Deadline to submit the application is April 1st. You must apply in person at the Tax Assessors Office.

DeKalb County

http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner

Use drop down menu at top left to get information and fill out application. Deadline to submit the application, either online or by mail, is April 1st. Dunwoody homes are included in DeKalb County.

Decatur

If you live in Decatur, you must apply for both Decatur and DeKalb County.

http://www.decaturga.com/city-government/city-departments/administrative-services/taxes-and-fees/homestead-exemption-information

Deadline to submit the application, either online or by mail, is April 1st. However, please note that although they can accept homestead exemptions until April 1st, they encourage eligible homeowners to apply for any new exemptions prior to March 15th to ensure your exemption appears on your 1st installment tax bill.

Applications received after April 1st will be processed for the following tax year.

Gwinnett County

http://gwinnetttaxcommissioner.publicaccessnow.com/PropertyTax/HomesteadExemption/AboutHomesteadExemptions.aspx

Deadline to submit the application, either online or by mail, is April 1st.

Fulton County

http://www.qpublic.net/ga/fulton/homestead_inst.html

Deadline to submit the application is April 1st. Sandy Springs homes are included in Fulton County.

Forsyth County

http://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Board-of-Assessors/Homestead-Exemption

Deadline to submit the application is April 1st.

You only have to file for homestead exemption during your first year as the new homeowner. Each county has slightly different homestead exemption programs. Be sure to read the information for your specific county. If your exemption status changes, you will need to re-apply. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

Thanks!

Kyle & Stephanie

Congrats Olivia and Rem on your new home! It’s an adorable fixer upper in an amazing location in historic Roswell, only a mile to Canton Street. Last fall, Kyle and I helped Olivia and Rem find a home to rent near downtown Alpharetta when they moved back to Atlanta from Jacksonville, and this fall, we were given the opportunity to help them purchase their first home. It’s been such a fun journey.

Although their home already has some mouthwatering character such as a white brick fireplace, a screened in sun room leading to a private backyard and a massive, and I mean massive yard for being so close to the Perimeter, it’s going to be even more stunning after they finish the renovations.

Olivia and Rem have big plans for their new home, including knocking down the wall between their kitchen and living room to create a large open concept that will be perfect for entertaining, refinishing their hardwoods and eventually even updating their bathrooms.

Only a few hours after becoming new homeowners, they were already starting the demo! It’s only been a few weeks since they closed on their new home, but they have already been able to make Olivia’s white brick dreams come true by paining the exterior a gorgeous color white!

Olivia also plans to convert the carport into her studio. Olivia is the incredibly talented designer and creator behind Olive + Grain, a handcrafted wood shop. She searches high and low, including crossing state borders, seeking out the most gorgeous reclaimed wood to create stunning artwork and decor. Check out her shop, like do it, like right now, you won’t regret it!

Olivia and Rem are incredible! Rem is a phenomenal attorney, who is very busy practicing in both Georgia and Florida and Olivia actually juggles a second full-time job in addition to running her own company.

Olivia and Rem are true examples that no matter how busy you are, if you really want something, you can make it happen. In this competitive market, it’s extremely important to find time to move quickly, and by doing so, they were able to find their perfect fixer upper.

Kyle and I are extremely excited to watch Olivia and Rem transform their fixer upper into their new home. It’s our goal to be able to feature their progress on our blog. Check back soon, because we hope to have more for you! In the meantime, check out the first few pictures below.

Olivia & Rem – Thank you so much for the opportunity to help you through your first home buying experience. It was such a joy to work with you and we’re so excited to watch you fix up your adorable home!

Thanks for reading,

Stephanie

Olive + Grain & Rem outside their new home! How cute are they??

Home sweet fixer upper home!

Olivia making her white brick dreams come true!

Olive & Rem’s adorable home! (Except, it’s white now! And rumor has it, they have a new garage door!)

See how big their yard is?? It’s massive for being so close to town!

Photo Sources: First Multiple Listing Service & olive.and.grain