Welcome!

I am an Atlanta native and made the decision in 2007 to leave my job as an architect/urban planner to get my real estate license. This was a difficult decision but has been great since my very first day in my new career and I am really enjoying it! It is so rewarding helping people find that perfect home, and it allows me to continue to satiate my love of good architecture and great neighborhoods!

I attended Georgia Tech (GO JACKETS!!!!) which is where I met my husband. For almost a decade we lived in one of Atlanta's fabulous in-town neighborhoods in a great 1920's Craftsman bungalow with our two dogs and two cats. Following the birth of our first child, we bought a foreclosure in the west Buckhead area and fully renovated it using an FHA 203k loan, which was a fun and sometimes daunting process. And just prior to the birth of our second child, we purchased and renovated a home in downtown Historic Roswell, completing our personal tour of some of Atlanta's best neighborhoods to live in!

I decided to create this blog in order to share useful information and resources about the real estate market and home buying process, as well as hopefully bring some humor and levity to what is often a complex and intimidating process. Enjoy!!!

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Homestead Exemption 2017

Happy New Year! If you purchased a new (primary residence) home last year, it is now time to file for Homestead Exemption if you have not done so already. According to Georgia law, if you purchased your home between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 you may be eligible to claim a Homestead Exemption, which will reduce your property taxes. The following is county­-by-­county contact information and deadlines for filing Homestead Exemption. Be sure to confirm eligibility and requirements with your county of residence.


CHEROKEE:                      2782 Marietta Hwy, Canton                 678­-493­-6120
      File Dates: By April 1, 2017
You must file in person. Bring a copy of driver’s license & warranty deed.
Office Hours: M-­F 8:00am-­5:00pm

CLAYTON: 121 S. McDonough St, Jonesboro
      File Dates: By April 1, 2017
New property returns should be made in person with recorded copy of Warranty Deed and Settlement Statement. Address changes should also be made during this period. A valid Georgia's Driver’s License with correct home address required. 
Office Hours: M-­F 8:00am-­5:00pm

COBB: 736 Whitlock Ave, Suite 100, Marietta                                770­-528­-8600
        4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta
        4700 Austell Road, Austell
File Dates: By April 1, 2017
File by mail or in person. Provide warranty deed, identification, your license tag number and
name of current mortgage company. Most new property owners will receive a form by mail or may be requested after January 1. 
Office Hours: M-­F 8:00am-­5:00pm

DEKALB: 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100, Decatur               404-­298­-4000
                1358 Dresden Drive, Atlanta
                2801 Candler Rd Suite 66, Decatur
File Dates: January 2 – April 1, 2017
Apply online or by mail ** Should receive information in the mail sometime in January, if not call. Return by certified mail with a copy of your warranty deed.
Office Hours vary by location so call or check website for details

FORSYTH: 110 East Main Street, Suite 260,                                 770-­781­-2106 
                        Forsyth Administration Bldg., Cumming, 30040
        File Dates: By APRIL 1, 2017
You must file in person. Bring a copy of driver’s license (address must match property address) & recorded warranty. Only those whose name(s) appear on deed can file. Download the Form
Office Hours: M-­F 8:30am-­5:00pm

FULTON: 141 Pryor Street, Suite 1047B, Atlanta                         404-­612­-6440
                        7741 Roswell Road NE, Suite 261, Sandy Springs 404-­612-­6440
                        3155 Royal Drive, Suite 175, Alpharetta                 404­-612­-6440
                        5600 Stonewall Tell Rd, Suite 224, College Park         404­-612­-6440
        File Dates: By APRIL 1, 2017
File online, mail or in person. Requires copy of your photo ID, car tag number, social security number for self and spouse. You may be able to file by mail ONLY if your
deed is already in the system.
Office Hours vary by location so call or check website for details

GWINNETT:       75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville (1st floor)                   770­-822­-8800
         File Dates: By April 1, 2017
Should receive information in mail by end of January or call after February 1st to request an application by mail; to file in person, bring your warranty deed. Or apply online.
Office Hours: M-­F 8:00am-­6:00pm

HALL:                 2875 Browns Bridge Rd, Gainesville                              770-­531-­6720
                        You may also Fax to… 770-­531-­3968
File Dates: Before April 1, 2017
Tax Assessor's Office mails to property owners for the current tax year. You must be living in
the property as of January 1 to qualify. Call if not received
Office Hours: M-­F 8:00am­-5:00pm

Please note that the above phone numbers, addresses and dates were verified as of October 2016. The locations and dates are subject to change without prior notification to our office. Please be sure to contact your county for thorough information and requirements.
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