THE ATLANTA CASTLEAIRE MOBILE BLOG
Part of the CastleAire Mobile Website

CastleAire GOES MOBILE
www.castleaire.com
01 January 2008

Castleaire has gone mobile! You can now access information from the website via your web-enabled cell phone, Blackberry or PDA. Simply type in castleaire.com/mobile. Some of the pages have been abbreviated for faster loading on your cell system. Other pages such as the mortgage calculator page require JAVA and so will be available to mobile visitors whose phones offer this platform.

ENJOY! We look forward to helping you find your new home!

WISHING EVERYONE THE HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS!

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in the New Year
Fabulous Fun Atlanta!
4 January 2008

Mark your calendars! The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is presenting several extraordinary programs...

January 10th - 12th
BELIOZ: Symphonie Fantastique

January 24th - 26th
MOZART: Piano Concerto No. 15

January 29th
The MUSIC of RUSSIA: Romantic Tradition

January 31st
PROKOFIEV: Piano Concerto No. 2

Enjoy!  www.atlantasymphony.org


Home Care: Temperatures in the Hard Freeze Zone
02 January 2008

Atlanta's weather is so wonderful nearly all year long that we don't often think a lot about winterizing our homes - but temperatures have fallen into the hard freeze zone for at least the next few days.

It's important to remember to shut off the water to the outside, and you might even consider letting a faucet or two inside drip. When it comes to the risk of frozen pipes, a little prevention goes a long way!


Home Improvement: Personalize Your Space
Home Improvement!
02 January 2008

If you're planning to improve and update your home in 2008, here are a few to dream on!

* Incorporate Built-Ins
Some combination of open space and cabinetry will allow for personal displays and added storage.

* Update the Fireplace Surround
Stonework, marble or tile - and perhaps even a new mantle - an update that can improve the look and feel of the entire room. While you're at it, have a chimney sweep stop in to clean your flue and complete a safety check of the fireplace system.

* Expand Living Space to the Front Porch or Back Patio
A rocking chair, perhaps a tea service or grill area, an outdoor accent table adorned by seasonal blooms, a hanging plant, maybe even a bird feeder - all great ideas for ways in which to personalize your space, and make it more enjoyable for spring which will come sooner than any of us may realize!


Home Purchase in the New Year!
www.condoatlanta.com
02 January 2008

It's a great time to take advantage of extraordinarily low interest rates and a broad selection of homes from those currently available!

As you get ready, be sure to check out our checklist for things to do (and not do!) in preparation for your mortgage loan application.

mortgage lenders

You'll find helpful tips and great lender contacts - professional people ready to help - and lots of terrific tips for the easy steps you can take to move toward becoming a homeowner!


CHOA "Hope and Will Ball" Charity Event
Living as a Community!
1 January 2008

Get ready for a black tie event! Children's Healthcare of Atlanta will be holding its 5th annual "Hope and Will Ball" on February 2nd at the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 PM. Guests will also enjoy a silent auction,dinner, a guest speaker and dancing!

For more information: www.choa.org or call 404-785-7338

Agatha's Dinner Theatre
Fabulous Fun Atlanta!
1 January 2008

It's just so much fun! As you're planning for 2008, you might consider an evening at Agatha's - Atlanta's original comedy, murder mystery dinner theatre since 1988!

COMING SOON!

Pirates of the Chattahoochee 2:
The Sequel "Dead Man's Tooth"
January 17th - April 23rd

Enjoy!   www.agathas.com/shows.html


Home Improvement:  Build the Big Picture
Home Improvement!
1 January 2008

Home maintenance is a must, but home improvement is fun!

As you begin any project, be sure to assess the big picture first...

How does your project work within the totality of the room you're dreaming about, and how does that room fit with the bigger picture of how you hope to design and develop your space?

Getting a sense of the broader goal will help you also develop the finer planning details - from contractor planning and the ordering of work events to the part we all enjoy so much more - shopping for the materials, colors and look you're hoping to achieve!

Knowing where you're headed will also help you through the "in progress" portion of the journey (aka "construction phase") - keeping your eyes on the goal and celebration ahead!


The Aurora Theatre
Fabulous Fun Atlanta!
1 January 2008

Get ready for some fun and fabulous performances at the Aurora Theatre! The 2008 calendar is already online...

Dial M for Murder
by Frederick Knott
January 17th - February 10th

The Dinosaur Musical
music by Robert Reale
book and lyrics by Willie Reale
March 13th - April 6th

Noises Off
by Michael Frayn
May 1st - May 25th

Enjoy!  http://www.ensignstudios.com


The Gwinnett Philharmonic
Fabulous Fun Atlanta!
1 January 2008

Fill the New Year with music!

Peter and the Wolf
January 26th

Side by Side: Sensational Strings
February 26th

The Philharmonic Plays Pops with Mac Frampton
April 1st

Sizzling Swing: Big Band Style
May 13th

Enjoy!   http://www.gwinnettphilharmonic.org


Coming Events at the North Atlanta Trade Center
Fabulous Fun Atlanta!
1 January 2008

Atlanta is an exciting place to call home! Here are just a few of the coming expo activities and attractions scheduled for the North Atlanta Trade Center!

Georgia Home Expo
January 11th - 13th

Great Train Expo
January 19th - 20th

Georgia RV & Camper Show
February 15th - 17th

Great Southern Boat Show
March 28th - 30th

Exotic Bird Show
April 19th - 20th

Atlanta Military Show
April 25th - 26th

Enjoy!   http://www.northatlantatradecenter.com

Revolutionary Property Tax Proposal for Georgia!
13 November 2007

Glenn Richardson, Speaker of the House of Representatives for the Georgia Legislature, is proposing a revolutionary change in the way Georgia collects revenue -- a proposal that holds the promise of tax relief for property owners!

Richardson believes Georgia should shift the tax burden away from property owners and toward the service sector, proposing a retail and services sales tax of 4%.

Take a quick peek at your mortgage statement -- and imagine *not* having to make that monthly escrow deposit!

We encourage you each and all to learn more about this proposal, to track its progress, and to consider supporting it.
Watch for updates at the condoatlanta BLOG -- or contact Representative Richardson directly for more information:

Representative Glenn Richardson
Room 332 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

404-656-5020 phone
404-656-5644 fax


Veteran's Day: Support Our Service Men & Women
11 November 2007

We honor and celebrate the service men and women of our Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard this Veteran's Day and every day! Thank you for the sacrifices you make, each and all, for the security of this great nation and the protection of our freedoms.

Anyone hoping to send a message of thanks or care package to an active duty service person on duty far from home, should check out the link below for any number of ideas supported by groups organized to help!

www.americasupportsyou.mil


Home Energy: Compare Natural Gas Rates & Service
11 November 2007 (2)

As our temperatures come down, and we're all adjusting our thermostats to turn on the heat, it's an excellent time to review your gas service, compare rates and be sure you're with the most competitive natural gas provider...

www.aglc.com 

Home Energy: 100 Ways to Save Water
10 November 2007 (1)

Follow the link below to 100 outstanding ways to help conserve our water resources...

www.wateruseitwisely.com/100ways/se.shtml

Creative Storage: The Pantry
9 November 2007 (6)

On a rainy day this fall (and we are definitely hoping for quite a few of these!), check on your pantry. It's a great way to clear out the old, organize the current and plan for your future stash of grocery staples. It's also an opportunity to look closely at how you're using the space, and how the use of the space might be improved!


The Home Gourmet: Cooking School
5 November 2007 (1)

We can't tell you how often we hear from home buyers that they're really hoping for a home with a spectacular kitchen - a feature nearly universal on our homebuyers' wish lists! With that in mind, and for the fun of our Condo Blog readers, we've added "The Home Gourmet" as a new fun feature!

If you enjoy cooking for yourself, for your friends or colleagues, for the holidays, on the weekend - put a class or two on the list from one of Atlanta's cooking schools! You'll learn new skills and have fun in the process!

Here are just a couple locations you might consider:

Whole Foods' Salud
www.wholefoodsmarket.com

The Viking Cooking School
www.vikingcookingschool.com


Creative Storage: The Hidden Office
5 November 2007 (5)

The French doors leading to a closet space in your home might just open up to a hidden office! This is a terrific space-saving tip for any homeowner trying to achieve a functional work center while not having to maintain it as a decorator feature of the home - two ideas which may be mutually exclusive for most among us. <big smiles>

Consider building in a desk, drawers and shelving just right for your needs. Open the doors when you're at work in the home office, and close them tight when you're ready to entertain or just relax!


Stay Safe Tip: Two-Way Voice Alarm Systems
4 November 2007 (4)

If you're shopping for a new security system, or upgrading your existing system, consider a two-way voice option designed to active on emergency.

One company among several offering this service is Alarm Force: www.alarmforce.com

As with any investment in your home, and even more importantly your personal security, be sure to research, shop and compare options among vendors for cost and quality of service and technology in addition to other contract terms.

You might also look into one or more of the following as part of your search:

ADT:  www.adt.com 

Ackerman:  www.ackermansecurity.com

GE Home Security:  www.ProtectAmerica.com

Brinks: www.BrinksHomeSecurity.com
 

Patio Park for Your Furry Companion's Comfort
Parks, Pets & City Lifestyles
29 October 2007 (1)

Live in a Hi-Rise? Loft? Anything above the first floor? If so, you understand that when nature calls, for your puppy, at 3:00 AM, an alternative to the dog walk might come in very handy. This doggy patio park is a super cool idea for the comfort and convenience of pets and their guardians!
www.patiopark.com

...and if you're pooch is hoping for some taste treats too, you'll definitely want to check out the Taj!
www.tajmahound.com


Freedom Lofts: Industrial AND Green
29 October 2007

If you're a loft lover, Freedom may be the community
for you!  In addition to the outstanding location, these homes offer an authentic industrial loft feel AND green surroundings including mature landscape trees and plantable privacy screens in selected areas -- a great idea!

Freedom Lofts


Home Care: Fresh Paint!
29 October 2007 (2)

Whether you're just moving in, or you've been in your home for some time, a fresh coat of paint is an excellent idea! It's not only part of good home maintenance, it's got a fresh, friendly, feel-good result when the project is complete!


Creative Storage: Space Saving Wall Cabinets
28 October 2007 (4)

If you're stopping by your local home improvement store or favorite home furnishings stop, check out the newest ideas in wall cabinets. You'll discover that these are not only functional, they can also be exquisite decorator accents -- matching or complimenting your other furnishings, and providing an excellent place to stash a few personal goodies!


Atlanta Radio Theatre Company
Fabulous Fun Atlanta!
25 October 2007 (1)

Enjoy the fully dramatized, sound-scaped audio drama of one of the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company's performances! It's classic old-time radio with all the advantages of modern technology and dramatic techniques - and can be enjoyed at the Stage Door Players performance center!

Check 'em out!
www.artc.org
www.stagedoorplayers.net


Dichroic Glass Tiles: Gorgeous!
Fresh New Looks: Fun, Functional and Fashionable Ideas
24 October 2007 (2)

If you're planning to tile a wall area or backsplash, consider a gorgeous dichroic glass tile accent! Variations in color and design make these tiles versatile for placement as well as "look" -- whether you're hoping for something sophisticated, elegant, eclectic or playful.

www.dunisstudios.com/tileCollections/glass.htm


Accent Chairs: The Zebra
Fresh New Looks: Fun, Functional and Fashionable Ideas
23 October 2007 (1)

Part of the fun of owning your own home is decorating it! Consider an accent chair for your sitting area, adjacent to a desk or in that special nook... CONDOATLANTA spotted a super cool chair at the Expo Design Center while on a treasure hunt for creative new home ideas! This is a classically styled furnishing finished in fun and funky zebra fabric -- one of those pieces that's hard to pass up just because it's oh so cool.


Creative Storage: Space Saving Built-In Ironing
23 October 2007 (3)

It's great to have easy access to an iron and ironing board (although this isn't a first favorite activity for most of us!) -- but it's often difficult to find just the right place to store away the board.

Check out this idea: a built in ironing board. The design is something akin to a modest rectangular cabinet that sits very close to the wall as it doesn't require any substantial depth. Open the door and in it you'll find an ironing board suitable for most day-to-day uses. It's both convenient and accessible. Close it up and it's a super space saving idea!


Home Care: Remember Your HVAC System
23 October 2007 (1)

It's a great time of year to remember your HVAC system. <big smiles> We know...it's not what most people have in mind...but it is important!

Buy and stash a year's supply of filters, and use a Sharpie on the side of each to write the month. This is a great way to remember to change your filters, an important part of maintaining your system. The goal: to keep it functioning and as efficient as possible for as long as possible.


Creative Storage: California Closets
21 October 2007 (2)

If you haven't been to the California Closets showroom, this is a trip to make! The ideas for space saving and organization are simply fabulous!

You might also visit them online:
http://www.calclosets.com

If you go to the "spaces" tab across the top of the screen, it will take you to options for the kind of space you're hoping to organize and pictures in series to help imagine your personalized space!


Stay Safe Tip: File Your "Flight Plan"
20 October 2007 (3)

The skies are blue, the air is crisp. This is one of the most spectacular times of the year to travel, and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, many of you are making plans to see friends and family! Whatever your travel plans, be sure to add safety to your checklist...

*designate a "check in" contact at your destination - someone who knows you're coming, and will know when you've arrived safely. If you're headed to a resort or other vacation venue, give a call to your "check-in" to let them know you've arrived safely.

*file a "flight plan" with a family member and a good friend - include your itinerary with flight numbers or surface travel routes if you're driving, the address and phone number of your destination and any planned stops along the way, and the number you'll be using for contact en route (a cell number, for example, for you and as well for any traveling companion).


Conservation: Quick Tips to Save Water
19 October 2007

The rains will come again, but for at least a short while we all need to conserve as much water as possible to protect our metro area reserves. Here are a few quick tips to help make the most of the water we're using!

*run your dishwasher only when it's full...

*organize your laundry to make the most of each load, and change your washer's settings to load size for the appropriate amount of water use for each individual load...

*if you're remodeling, consider water saving features including front loading clothes washers and dryers, newer more efficient commodes, shower heads, and more...

*if you take a glass of water to your nightstand, but have some remaining in the morning, use it to water a plant in your home (the same idea can be used for any left over bottled water you might be carrying)...

*if you have a courtyard, fenced area with greenery, or a patio, deck or balcony with potted plants, put a bucket in the shower to collect the cooler water while the temperature heats up for your personal use. Use some of the water that would have gone down the drain to help keep your home and community green...

*when you brush your teeth, wet the brush with toothpaste, turn the water off while you brush, and then back on when you're ready to rinse. Use the same concept for showers...

If each of us takes steps in moderation to use our water resources most wisely, we'll all be much more comfortable while we wait for the rains to return!

Atlanta: Fabulous Theatre & Fine Art Venues
15 October 2007

Atlanta is a great city with a growing number of opportunities to enjoy fabulous theatre and fine art venues! Here's just a little of what Atlanta has to offer... ENJOY!

The High Museum of Art
www.high.org

The Fox Theatre
www.foxtheatre.org

The Woodruff Arts Center
www.woodruffcenter.org

The Alliance Theatre
www.alliancetheatre.com

The 14th Street Playhouse
www.14thstplayhouse.org

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
www.atlantasymphony.org


14th Street Bridge Improvement Project
15 October 2007

The Georgia Department of Transportation has released an updated project schedule to help residents, employees, and visitors with their drive-time planning during the replacement of the 14th Street Bridge.

*October 1st: Williams Street between 10th and 16th Street will be reduced to one lane until June 2009. Drivers will want to by-pass Williams Street at 10th Street by using West Peachtree Street.

*March 2008: Techwood Drive will be closed to traffic between 16th and 10th Streets. The roadway is expected to reopen by September 2009.

*Fall 2008: the 14th Street Bridge will be closed to traffic and will not reopen until the summer 2010. Motorists will be detoured during this period.

DOT crews will also begin resurfacing the Downtown Connector between University Avenue and 10th Street. During construction, expect lane closures from 7 PM to 6 AM with continuous closures on weekends from Friday night through Monday morning.

There will be some short term inconveniences, but in exhange Midtown will enjoy tremendous rewards from this very exciting project.

For more information, watch the Condo Blog and check in at: http://www.14thstreetbridge.com


Creative Storage: Make the Most of Your Space
14 October 2007 (1)

Storage is scarce, ask ANY homeowner. No matter the style of the floor plan or the size of the foot print, homeowners often find themselves challenged by the need for more places to put things!

Watch the CONDO BLOG for lots of creative space saving and space maximizing ideas over the coming weeks!

Here are a few ideas for starters...
1. Use your most effective spring cleaning techniques twice a year. Be sure the belongings you're storing are really the ones to which you want to dedicate space.

2. Check the inner doors of your cabinets for areas amenable to hanging wire racks (available at your local Home Depot or Lowes). These are especially helpful in places like the cabinet doors under sinks for soap and sponge supplies -- or behind the door leading to a pantry area for lighter boxed items. You just might be amazed by the amount of space opened up in other areas through the use of these extra places. You might also have a small wall area near your washer and dryer for a smaller version of one of these systems -- a great place to store your stain remover, fabric softener sheets, and more.

3. Consider your closets! Most closet areas can be comfortably fitted for organizational closet systems. We don't often actively think about this, but not all the clothing your store is hangar friendly. You'll have easier access to sweaters, sweats, pool attire or your favorite tennis skirt or shorts (the raquet too!), and even socks, stockings and shoes if your closet provides a variety of types of spaces -- vertical and horizontal, open and drawered.

4. If you're a homeowner who loves to change out the wardrobe for each season, check out the storage containers you can readily find at Target or Walmart. Many are flat and rectangular -- the right size and shape for your winter sweaters when they're not in use -- perfect for tucking these away in the off season under the bed!

5. Dream on your decor! A handsome armoire can be a fabulous way to tuck your extras behind closed doors while keeping them easily accessible. These decorator features make outstanding additional dressers, coat storage or even a place for your personal library of books or movies or music CDs. Some homeowners use them for mini in-home offices!

Stay Safe Tip: Light Up Your Entries & Patios
13 October 2007 (2)

The fall holidays are approaching, and the days are getting shorter. It's time to be sure you have fresh and bright bulbs in your exterior light fixtures, and to have these on so they'll light your path each and every evening or in the mornings before sunrise.

Atlanta: Beautiful City in the Trees
07 October 2007

It's time for the 8^th Annual Trees Atlanta sale at Piedmont Park! On Saturday, October 13th, more than one thousand plants including 200 species of trees, shrubs and tree-friendly vines will be available for purchase. Dedicated to protecting our urban environment and improving our landscape, volunteers working with Trees Atlanta's NeighborWoods program volunteer many thousands of hours each year in planting new trees, conserving existing trees and educating the public about trees. Check 'em out: www.treesatlanta.org
For everyone who loves this great city, this is an excellent opportunity to get involved!
*Volunteer to help this worthwhile organization!
*Get involved with your HOAs to coordinate neighborhood planting efforts in common areas including condominium courtyards and roof top decks!
*Learn more about how you can create city green-space on your decks and balconies!Atlanta and everyone who calls this wonderful metro area home will benefit now and for years to come from all our efforts!

Fall and Time to Enjoy the Hearth at Home
06 October 2007

It's hard to believe that fall is upon us while our weather is still so warm, but it won't be long before every homeowner with a fireplace will be ready to enjoy the hearth at home! Maintenance is important for the safety and enjoyment of fireplaces – whether you have a woodburning or gas system. We encourage everyone to have their systems checked before the start of use each year. Chimney Sweep services can provide fireplace cleaning, and may also be able to offer visual inspection for any area needing additional maintenance and repair. Your home inspector may also be able to offer evaluation services, and contractor suggestions for cleaning and repair.

Stay Safe Tip: Secure Your Keys
06 October 2007 (1)

We encourage all condoatlanta home buyers to secure their keys. At closing, and before move in, it's a great idea to have new high quality lock systems installed. Home sellers are typically great about providing all the keys they have available, but it's always possible that one or more key copies are floating about with friends, family, and contractors among others. With that in mind, a new set is a great idea! Once in place, be careful not to allow your keys to leave your possession.

Urban Atlanta Hi-Rise Homes
23 September 2007

Atlanta has come of age! More and more people are finding that long commutes, heavy traffic, and high gas prices are having a negative effect on their quality of life, and are looking for a way to maximize their leisure time without sacrificing comfort and elegance.

Enter the luxury hi-rise community. There are several new and existing buildings in the heart of downtown Atlanta that afford would-be city-dwellers the convenience of a 5-minute commute to their office (walking), posh surroundings and amenities, and breathtaking views. The Spire, Plaza Midtown, and Twelve Atlantic Station are but a few of the newest additions to urban living in our fabulous city.

These communities offer state-of-the-art fitness facilities, 24-hour concierge service, gated and secured parking, and superb 21st century technology. The homes have dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious bedrooms with very ample closet space, and gourmet kitchens to please even the most dedicated chefs.

Interest in this lifestyle has never been higher, and developers are continuing to create dreams that fulfill the needs of an ever-increasing population that wishes to call Atlanta home. If you are thinking about adding two or more hours per day of quality time to your life, and wish to find out more, then you are already at the right place to explore your future. Contact us by phone at 404-939-5820, or send us your wish list for your new home in Atlanta. We are ready to help!