Brookhaven: An Affluent Community With Historic Charm

Brookhaven is an affluent community just outside of Atlanta that maintains its historic charm while creating a balance of city and suburban lifestyle elements. Conveniently located approximately 12 miles from downtown Atlanta, Brookhaven appeals to both singles and families with its upscale shopping, fine dining, arts festivals and parks.

The Brookhaven area has been known for being the home to prominent Atlantans since the 1900s, when they began building summer cottages in the community. In 1910, a group of investors from the Mechanical and Manufacturers Club purchased the land on the north side of Peachtree Road as the site of a planned community surrounding a golf course called Brookhaven Estates. The Brookhaven Country Club was built in October 1910, and in 1911 a nine-hole golf course was built, becoming Atlanta’s second largest golf course. In 1913, Atlanta’s Capital City Club leased the Brookhaven Country Club and purchased it in 1915.

The golf course was expanded along with the housing developments surrounding it. The area was incorporated as the city of North Atlanta in 1924. By 1928, eight homes on the lots along Club Drive and Stovall were built and sold. Country Club Estates was developed in 1929, covering Winall Down Road, most of Vermont and Stovall, Calvert Lane and part of Narmore. The city of North Atlanta was later disincorporated due to the city’s leaders requesting a referendum on a new city charter.

The homes in Brookhaven include designs by a number of well-known Atlanta architects of this period, including Hal Hentz and Neel Reid. Major commercial and residential development took place from the 1950s to 1970s. In 1984, the Brookhaven MARTA Station opened, and in 1986, The Capital City Club and many of the homes in the neighborhood were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area surrounding the club is now officially known as “Historic Brookhaven.”

Since its disincorporation, the Brookhaven area has been part of the city of Decatur. The members of the community brought up incorporating Brookhaven in 2007 because they wanted to secure zoning, planning, land use, police, and fire protection instead of having Decatur officials make those decisions. In 2012, Brookhaven was incorporated with 55% of voters in support of the change. It was the 11th city created in Dekalb County, and remains the largest city in the county, stretching over 12 miles.

Today, the area is known for its unique shopping and restaurant options. Town Brookhaven is Brookhaven’s newest development, filled with a multitude of shops, services, and restaurants. The Northeast Plaza is another large retail center that focuses on discounts and Hispanic-oriented stores. And Buford Highway (also known as the International Corridor) offers a variety of international restaurants and shops.

Brookhaven is home to more than 50,000 residents, Oglethorpe University, Murphy Candler Park, the historic Peachtree Golf Club, and Emory Healthcare Practice Facility. There are 14 beautiful parks, 11 hotels, two lakes, and a variety of businesses located there. It’s a suburban gateway between Midtown and Downtown that attracts people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a looking to downsize or ready to lay down new roots, Brookhaven offers something for everyone.

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we are local real estate experts for Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and North Atlanta. We live, work, and play here, and our agents are hand-picked for their connections in the community. Our clients know about homes coming on the market before anyone else. And our highly effective marketing program allows us to shorten the number of days on the market. We’ve even put homes under contract sight unseen!

If you are thinking about selling your home, or are interested in moving into Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs or the surrounding areas, call us at 770-352-9658 send us an email at Info@KarenCannon.com. Check out our current listings here.

Seven Spectacular Events to Make Your Labor Day Weekend Special

School is back in session. Your routine has returned to normal. And you’re ready for an extended weekend of leisure. Look no further because we’ve got you covered. Here are seven fun-filled Atlanta events fit for families, friends, and couples!

For Families

Fall Festival At Atlanta Convention Center: Bring the whole family to party on Peachtree for Labor Day. This family-friendly festival starts at 12:00pm and ends at 7:00pm. Bring in the fall season with endless food, games, and activities for everyone. You can find more information on the event’s website.
Stone Mountain Labor Day Weekend: Celebrate Labor Day weekend at the beloved Stone Mountain Park August 31st-September 2nd. This scenic experience will feature the Lasershow Spectacular and an extended fireworks show every night! The fun won’t stop there. You’ll also have the chance to take on the SkyHike® (the nation’s largest adventure course), Geyser Towers®, Summit Skyride, Dinotorium, and much more! For more event details, click here.
Macalicious Vegan 2019 Labor Day Bash: Start your fall by feeling fit at this tasty vegan bash, Monday, September 2nd! You’ll find plenty of vegan and raw food vendors as well as non-food vendors at this free family outing. Dance the day away with the live DJ while indulging in free food and drink samples. Tempting? We think so! Grab more information here.

For Couples

Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival: What could be more romantic than a peaceful hot air balloon ride or watching the beautiful display soar into the distance? The magical weekend begins with the spectacular Friday Night Balloon Glow, where dozens of balloons will light up the night. You’ll also be able to enjoy delicious food and drink specials, resort amenities, and scenic views for those Instagram posts! Can you say perfect Summer send-off? Click here for more festival details!
VinoTOSA Wine Tasting: This national wine-tasting is the ultimate haven for wine lovers. Taking place August 20th from 8:30pm-11:00pm in Downtown Atlanta, VinoTOSA is the Country’s largest wine tasting of African American winemakers! Guests will get to sample a vast inventory of wines and the first 200 guests will receive a complimentary wine glass. This lovely night will also consist of contemporary artwork and music! Find tickets and details here!

For College/Young Adults

Dragon Con: Add a little variety to your Labor Day weekend with DragonCon! This festive event is the largest multi-media pop-culture convention for science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, and much more. So, grab your best Syfy costume and join the party! Click here for more event details!
Taste Of Soul Atlanta: Food & Music Festival: This free tasty festival is the country’s premier food fest for Soul Food and Music. The weekend will be full of irresistible food, sensational sounds, and unforgettable fun. This is definitely the place to be for foodies on Labor Day weekend. Click here for details and ticket information.

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we are local real estate experts for Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and North Atlanta. We live, work, and play here, and our agents are hand-picked for their connections in the community. Our clients know about homes coming on the market before anyone else. And our highly effective marketing program allows us to shorten the number of days on the market. We’ve even put homes under contract sight unseen!

If you are thinking about selling your home, or are interested in moving into Dunwoody, Sandy Springs or the surrounding areas, call us at 770-352-9658 send us an email at Info@KarenCannon.com. Check out our current listings here.

5 Extracurricular Activities That Will Improve Your Child’s Cognitive Function

Now that school is back in session, many parents wonder if the school’s curriculum is enough to promote their child’s cognitive development. Fortunately, opportunities for young minds to think, reason, and grow don’t stop when the last bell rings.

Here are five extracurricular activities that will help improve your child’s memory, information processing, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

STEM Clubs

Extracurricular activities that involve critical thinking are an excellent way to boost brain function. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) clubs have become increasingly popular over the last decade at all education levels and are available through many after-school programs. Unlike the typical classroom, these clubs encourage experiential learning. Children involved in STEM activities develop stronger problem-solving skills and are more likely to remain interested in science and mathematics courses through high school and college.

Athletics

Physical activity is a fantastic way to promote a healthy mind and body. Sports and other recreational activities improve cognitive functions through social, psychological, and fine/gross motor skill development. These activities also promote achievement and recognition, which directly affect a child’s self-esteem. Children who have confidence in their self-worth become better problem solvers and decision-makers. If your child isn’t a fan of team sports, there are plenty of individual sports like tennis, swimming, golf, and fencing in your area that are equally beneficial.

Art Classes

A child’s capacity for creativity plays an important role in how they process new information. Time should be made available for both structured and unstructured creative activities. Unstructured creativity also allows a child to more effectively process, reflect upon, and absorb traditional subject areas in their academic curriculum. Structured creative projects combine the freedom of imaginative thinking with the logic and reason required to complete a task or goal. Art classes, clubs, or camps are a wonderful way to engage both halves of the brain and promote cognitive development.

Scouting

Scouts BSA and The Girls Scouts are accessible in almost every community across the country with millions of scouts in thousands of troops across the nation. In addition to survival and citizenship education, scouting organizations teach self-reliance and decision-making skills. Many of their activities provide an outlet for children to apply these skills in real-world scenarios or incorporate aspects of the other activities listed above. Scouting at a young age is intended to be a family activity and a fantastic way to actively engage with your child.

Virtual Teams

In moderation, screen-time doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Schools are investing in the eGaming industry, which may even become part of the Olympics by 2024. Competitive games improve strategic thinking and making decisions under pressure while creative world-building games improve spatial perception, logistics, and cooperation to achieve a common goal. With the appropriate guidance and structure, virtual activities can be so much more than a way to pass the time.

Nearly all of these activities are already available in your area. Offering a healthy and fun outlet for children to learn and grow is essential for their mental development. Cognitive development is all about change. Extracurricular activities like these are the perfect way to start your child on a path for success in an ever-changing world.

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we are local real estate experts for Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and North Atlanta. We live, work, and play here, and our agents are handpicked for their connections in the community. Our clients know about homes coming on the market before anyone else. And our highly effective marketing program allows us to shorten the number of days on the market. We’ve even put homes under contract sight unseen!

If you are thinking about selling your home, or are interested in moving into Dunwoody, Sandy Springs or the surrounding areas, call us at (770) 352-9658 or send us an email at Info@KarenCannon.com. Check out our current listings here.

4 Questions to Ask Yourself about Downsizing

For years after moving out on your own, you spent your time earning, building, and collecting. Maybe over the years, you raised children that are leaving for college or are now adults, or your love for traveling made stuff and space seem less exciting. Have you become an empty-nester? How do you know when it is time to consider downsizing?

At Karen Cannon, Realtors, we see many people and couples wrestle with these thoughts when it comes to their home. We’d like to share our expertise on how you can identify when it is time for you to downsize. Here are four questions you can ask yourself to determine if it is time for your family to downsize.

1. Are you an empty nester?

This is the most obvious question, with the easiest answer because either yes – your children are grown and have moved out, (and hopefully… it will stay that way!) Or the answer is no – you have kids that need you to keep providing a roof over their head – or maybe they just love your home and neighborhood so much, they don’t want to leave. If you’ve spent years with a full house and the wonderful chaos of parenting when the kids move out you may find yourself feeling like your house is too big now. Empty bedrooms can contribute to that. Avoid giving yourself the space to collect more junk or harbor childhood items long forgotten by downsizing to a home that feels more full – even with less space, or the right space.

2. Are you finally retired?

For years, you have worked and saved, and that sweet day is finally upon you: retirement! While everyone’s picture of retirement looks a little different, many people decide to travel more once retired, or to have homes in multiple places. A great way to achieve this is to downgrade to a smaller home that won’t cost as much to maintain, giving you more money to see the world.

3. Are your home improvement and maintenance days over?

When you first move into a home, the idea of projects around the house can sound exciting! But after years of home improvement cutting the grass, and fixing the garage door, you may be ready for someone else to worry about those projects. Moving to another home could give you less to take care of, and offer you more time to do the things you love. Some homes even eliminate yards altogether! Might as well sell the lawnmower too while you’re at it.

4. Do you need a master on the main level?

As much as we try to fight it, age can take a toll on our bodies. Suddenly things like climbing a flight of stairs get harder to do – and can even put you at risk. A home offering one-level living can offer you the space and comfort you’ve been looking for.

If you answered yes to any of these and you’re considering downsizing, give us a call. We have helped so many people downsize and find a great place to fit their needs, and we have contacts to help you every step of the way including estate sales, donating/consigning items, removal of old items, and more.

We aren’t just here to buy and sell homes – we understand that leaving a house full of years of memories is difficult, and our team will walk beside you each step of the process and help you find a house that can truly feel like home in the season of life you’re in.

Call us at (770) 352-9658 or send us an email at Info@KarenCannon.com to get started, and check out our current listings here.

Tidying Up with Karen Cannon

If you are even remotely interested in interior design or optimizing your home’s storage, then the name “Marie Kondo” is probably familiar to you. While her method and her books have been around for quite some time, she became a household name after Netflix produced the series, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, where the queen of organization shares her methods with those who live in chaotic homes.

While we may not have Marie Kondo’s tidying clout, here at Karen Cannon, Realtors we have picked up a few tips about organizing your home when you are preparing to sell and show it off to buyers.

Here are three tips from our team for tidying up before selling:

Half-way Empty Your Closets

This tip may sound strange, but when you’re looking for a home, what is one thing you are subconsciously searching for? Storage! Storage is a huge draw for buyers, and one of the best ways you can prepare your home is removing half of the items from your closet and organizing the other half. This shows potential buyers that there is plenty of room for everything they need to store, plus more. Also, remember buyers may snoop around, so chose what you display – in and out of your closets – carefully.

De-personalize Your Home

Although this process may seem a bit premature, removing your personal items from your home allows those looking to envision their family and lifestyle fitting into your home. A great rule of thumb for this is for every three pictures/ personal keepsakes, keep one out and pack away two. This will allow you to get a head start on packing and will allow prospects to imagine calling your house their “home.”

The First Impression is the Only Impression

In order to sell to a buyer, you need to think like one. What is the first thing a buyer sees when they pull up to your property? It’s not the kitchen or the awesome living room – it’s the exterior of the house! Your curb appeal matters, so take the time to tidy up your porch, garden, and yard by pulling those ugly weeds, sweeping mulch off and pressure washing your sidewalk, trimming those shrubs, and fixing or replacing anything with peeled paint. The front door of your home is an extremely important space as the buyer will be analyzing this area while their agent is opening the lockbox/unlocking the front door. Knock down the cobwebs, clean the sidelight windows/porch lights, plant fresh flowers, and provide touch up the paint where needed as these few simple and easy chores will make all the difference when a potential buyer first sees your home.

Tidying up in these three areas are just one way you can fast track selling your home and finding your next one. If selling your home seems overwhelming, the team at Karen Cannon, Realtors is here to walk with you through each stage of the home selling and buying process.

Click here to contact us by phone, or fill out the form at the bottom of the page and someone from our team will contact you shortly!