Archive for the ‘Real Estate’ Category

Living in Marrieta

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
posted by Frank Stevens

Living in Marrieta

Marrieta charm and appeal is what drives singles and families to this thriving community. As the largest suburb in the metro Atlanta area, Marietta is an energetic city that has the charm of a small town and big-city opportunities.

There are many reasons to move to Marietta. It’s transportation system helps make getting around and to other cities a breeze. It’s excellent education system is another big draw to the city for yourself and your family. It’s beautiful parks and quaint streets make Marietta an attractive community for residents and visitors alike.

Marietta’s moderate cost of living and pleasant climate throughout the year is another reason to live here.. The median home price is around $195,000 and there are a variety of homes to choose from single-family homes to beautiful custom homes to townhomes and condominiums. The city provides learning opportunities for everyone. For those college bound or lifelong learners, the area offers higher education at Southern Polytechnic State University, Chattahoochee Technical College and Life University.

There is plenty of entertainment and shopping available in Marrieta. The Glover Park sqaure is full of speciality shops and museums. The Marietta Museum of History tells the story of the development and people of Marietta and Cobb County. Its galleries showcase a variety of artifacts from the 19th and 20th century clothing and accessories to Civil War weapons. The Theatre in the Square is a former cotton warehouse that is now an intimate 225 seat facility that features Broadway caliber productions. It has been called “the most charming performing spaces in the Southeast” by Southern Living Magazine.

Tourism is a large supporting industry for Marrieta and is the second most popular visitor destination in Georgia. More than 4 million visitors a year experience the area’s attractions and stay in its hotels. For visitors, Marietta is a great getaway. Enjoy a stay at one of the many quaint bed and breakfast inns. Glover Park, the cities turn-of-the-century town sqaure, is filled with specialty shops and a variety of restaurants for your dining pleasure. If you enjoy tours, Marietta offers a few to help you learn more about it’s cities history. Take the Ghost of Marietta tour that takes you through the streets and guides you by antebellum mansions and civil war memorials. Another option would be to take the the Historic Marietta Trolley hour-long tour that narrates you through historic Marietta. If you’d rather be on your own, stop by the Marietta Welcome Center and pick up a walking tour brochure so that you can explore the streets at your leisure.

If you are thinking of making a move to the Atlanta area, Marietta is a city to consider. The cities history and charm coupled with it’s thriving economy, excellent schools and affordable living, make Marrieta an ideal community to make roots.

Ringing in the New Year in Tempe

Sunday, December 20, 2009
posted by Frank Stevens

Ringing in the New Year in Tempe

With a new year just a few weeks away, you might be making some new years resolutions of what you would like to accomplish next year. If finding a new home or relocating is on your list, then look no further than Tempe. Nothing beats the Sonoran desert sun and now is the perfect time to buy a home and call Tempe home.

To ring in the New Year, many Tempe residents like to head to big events to celebrate with the rest of their friends and family. Some events have become a tradition. Every year the city welcomes the New Year with the Fiesta Bowl Block Party, one of the biggest block parties in the country. The Fiesta Bowl Block Party has been named by USA Today as one of the top ten places in America to ring in the New Year. The event is great family fun and draws in more than 100,000 people who come to be entertained with rides, music, dancing and fireworks.

In nearby Scottsdale, the W Scottsdale’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball is the hit of the town. The celebration will feature “Phantom of the Opera” inspired décor. You are invited to don masquerade masks and are encouraged to dress in formal attire. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and all the amenities of the New Years Eve celebration.

Another event in Scottsdale is their New Years Eve Ultimate Block Party at Craftsman Court downtown. Every year the Block Party brings over 7,000 people to help ring in the New Year. The event plans to include some of the hottest bands performing including Reel Big Fish, Dirty Heads, Hairforce and Metal Elvis. A countdown will include a brilliant fireworks display.

Another unique way to ring in the New Year is at Dave & Busters Mystery Theater New Years Eve Bash at Tempe Marketplace. This is one New Years party you’ll not soon. In addition to the show, guests will enjoy appetizers, an Italian-style dinner and dessert. The DJ will be playing for those who wish to dance the night away.

If a nice dinner and festive atmosphere are more your speed and you don’t want to be locked into one enclosed space, the restaurants of the Downtown Tempe are your best bet. Many hotels and restaurants around town have special New Year’s Eve dinner packages.

If you are looking for a night full of laughter, The Tempe Improv will be presenting New Years with Charlie Murphy. In addition to the show, there will be a champagne toast, balloon drop, countdown to midnight and party favors for everyone.

The atmosphere in Tempe will be thick with anticipation and good wishes for a prosperous New Year. With so many choices, it will be difficult to select just one to attend this New Year’s Eve.

Finding Opportunities Right Next Door

Sunday, September 20, 2009
posted by admin

Finding Opportunities Right Next Door

In the course of running a business, you see opportunities that you couldn’t have foreseen without being in the business. For example, Wynne Residential Corporate Housing was founded in 1985 as a company that specialized in leasing furniture to apartment communities and corporate accounts in the Virginia area. Within just a few years of operating that business, however, Wynne saw an unmet need in an adjacent market niche. They saw that many companies had to deal with a number of different suppliers to make arrangements for temporary housing. The business was transformed into a one call specialist for corporate housing and has been growing and expanding across the country ever since.

Using the existing business and contacts as a base, Wynne Residential began providing not only the furnishings, but the complete package. Everything from the temporary apartment itself, the furniture, and even telephone and utility services is provided by Wynne Residential for their customers. This complete service reduces the administrative load on their clients by taking over the legwork.

From their start in a single furniture warehouse in Virginia, the expansion of services has allowed the company to add not only a second warehouse, but also regional sales offices in Hampton Roads, VA, Washington D.C., North Carolina, and Orlando, Florida. From these offices and the corporate headquarters in Richmond, VA, Wynne provides temporary corporate housing across the country.

Their services are used by companies with relocating employees or employees on long-term assignments away from home, as well as military clients. Wynne even offers fully furnished apartments for vacationing families who are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere than they can find a crowded resort hotels.

The expansion was driven by taking a look at their existing customer base and realizing that there was a latent need. Wynne Residential has really benefited from the Synergy of combining several different complementary businesses. They provide a real world example for all small businesses to stay alert for opportunities that are adjacent to your existing business. As Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War, “opportunities multiply as they are seized.” Wynne Residential Corporate Housing seized the opportunity and have grown dramatically as a result.

Of course, Wynne already had certain skills and principles that will serve well in most any business endeavor. As Wynne states “Our goal everyday is to exceed our customer’s expectations and deliver nothing less than superior customer service.” If you concentrate on serving your customer’s well, you’ll notice the things they need before anyone else does. That’s where the real opportunities lie.

The Health Care Capital of the World

Tuesday, July 7, 2009
posted by Frank Stevens

The Health Care Capital of the World

When challenged to name an American city that is not only the birthplace of the healthcare industry, but is today home to more than 300 healthcare companies including state of the art biotech and health information technology companies, few outside of the industry would suggest Nashville, Tennessee, but Nashville is all that and more.

In 1968, the modern health care industry was born when two separate start-ups, Hospital Corporation of America and Hospital Affiliates Inc. set out to apply modern business practices to hospital management. Some would say health care prices have been going up ever since. What’s undeniably true, however, is that those companies launched a revolution in the way health care was viewed.

Today, the health care industry and innovation is as alive in Nashville as it was then. According to the National Health Care Council (NHCC), Nashville health care companies have received over $2 billion in venture capital since 2000. Years and years of that kind of investment in Nashville health care companies has seen Nashville develop “the largest concentration of publicly traded health care services firms in any city in the country,” according to NHCC statements.

NHCC figures show that health care companies that are headquartered in Nashville earned an astounding $49 billion in 2008 alone. These same companies employ more than 310,000 people around the world.

In Nashville itself, the healthcare industry not only provides jobs in the heath care field, but also supports thousands indirectly acting as a client for the services of other companies such as architects, lawyers, and many more supporting industries. Even local stores and restaurants owe a good portion of their business to workers in the health care field.

In this time of rising unemployment, the Health Care Industry has been among the most resilient business sectors in the country. That leaves Nashville residents with an ace in the hole as far as the jobs market is concerned.

Nashville continues to be involved in all aspects of health care innovation. From its roots in health care management, Nashville has led similar revolutions in ambulatory surgical care and outpatient treatments centers, launching the first companies targeted at those sectors as well.

Nashville has single-handedly launched a period of advancement and innovation in the health care industry that rivals the intellectual progress of the Renaissance. Nashville is known as the “Athens of the South,” in part because of its rich heritage of institutions of higher learning.

Institutions like Vanderbilt University have helped drive much of the modern day medical entrepreneurship that is coming out of Nashville by making the fruits of its groundbreaking scientific and medical research available for a number of joint venture projects with both start-up and established companies.

While it may be news to the average layperson, health care industry insiders are well aware of Nashville’s reputation as the birthplace and continuing leader of modern health care.

Horseback Riding in the Temecula Area

Tuesday, June 16, 2009
posted by Frank Stevens

Horseback Riding in the Temecula Area

Temecula, California has much to offer the visitor. It’s location in Southern California allows for year round outdoor activities such as golf and hiking, and water activities like surfing and water-skiing. The weather in Temecula is balmy in the summer and warm in winter, a relaxing change from more northern climes.

One popular activity in Temecula is horseback riding. There are many opportunities for horseback riding in the area whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider. Writing programs offer both long and short rides and even overnight rides for groups and individuals. Here are some of the popular horseback riding outfits in the Temecula area.

Wine Country Trails by Horseback (winecountrytrailsbyhorseback.com) offers hour-long rides to groups up to six people. The scenic rides begin at a local winery and wind their way through the vine covered hills. The tour includes colorful commentary by the trail guides and personalized service for the small groups it serves. The tour accommodates children seven years and older who have some experience riding. All children must wear helmets during the tour.

Whispering Meadows Ranch (wmequine.com) offers a number of different rides to visitors. There are half hour, 1 hour, half day, and full day rides. For those who want to learn more about horses during their stay, Whispering Meadows offers horsemanship courses for both children and adults.

Many of the hotels in the Temecula area also offer a horse riding as one of the available activities offered to guests. Check with your hotel as you’re making reservations and book ahead of time as the spring and summer seasons fill quickly.

If you’re planning to go horseback riding while visiting Temecula, there are a few things to keep in mind. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing in layers so you can cool off during the middle of the day when he gets hot. Mornings and evenings tend to be fairly comfortable, but Temecula can become quite warm at midday. Also bring sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty as horse stirrups can transfer dirt and grease to shoes. Sunscreen is a must have doors in Temecula. A 15 SPF sunscreen is recommended at a minimum. Although the Temecula Valley area is not particularly buggy during the summer, you may wish to wear insect repellent, especially on rides near Lake Skinner.

If taking children on a horseback ride is in your plans, ensure that they wear a helmet even if the horseback riding outfit does not require it. Keep in mind that children may find longer rides uncomfortable so stick with rides and of 1 hour or less. Most trail rides allow you to bring food and drink. Several local restaurants will prepare you a trail lunch to take along. At a minimum, take at least 1 quart of water for each person on the ride.

Horseback riding is an excellent way to see the beautiful scenery in the Temecula Valley. The rolling hills and panoramic views make the valley and experience to remember.

Golfing in Southern California

Wednesday, June 3, 2009
posted by Frank Stevens

Golfing in Southern California

Southern California is famous for many things. Not the least of which is its superlative weather. Although it’s not quite true that it never rains in Southern California, they don’t call it sunny California for nothing. One of the best ways to get out and enjoy that weather on a regular basis is to take up golf.

Not only does golf get you outside, but it’s a good source of exercise even if you are not in the greatest shape. Walking the course and swinging the club can help you stay in shape or get into better shape depending upon your starting point. Of course, the more often you hit the links, the greater the benefits will be.

One of the easiest ways to make sure that you can spend enough time on the course is to buy a house that sits adjacent to the course. Then, whenever you have a little spare time, all you have to do is grab your golf bag and step out the back door to tee up.

If this is your kind of lifestyle, you should talk to Dave Myszko and Marty Samuel of Orange County Golf Course Homes. Dave and Marty are experienced real estate professionals who specialize in homes that border golf courses. They know the golf courses of Orange County and the available properties around them better than anyone.

They’ve placed many clients in golf course homes and they are happy to provide testimonials from those customers detailing the high level of customer service that they provide. Further evidence of their dedication to customer satisfaction is the fact that Orange County Golf Course Homes gets most of its business from referrals by previous customers. That wouldn’t happen if their clients, both on the buying and selling sides, weren’t happy with their work.

Orange County Golf Course Homes even holds annual customer appreciation golf tournaments for their past customers. Customers receive complimentary greens fees and refreshments. There are even cash prizes for those with a competitive spirit. When Dave and Marty sell you a house, they don’t disappear. They stay in touch through events like this. That means they know they will be held accountable if each and every customer isn’t completely satisfied with their home purchase.

Whether you are already an avid golfer or have just always wanted to take up the sport, there is no better way than buying a golf course home.