Jen's Intown Living Blog

There's so much going on this coming weekend for the 4th of July Festivities in and around Atlanta, GA.

Here are just a few of the highlights:

*In Decatur you can decorate your bicycle, skateboard, or wagon and join the Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur. Concert on the Square features the Callanwolde Concert Band. Parade begins at 6:00 pm, Concert 7:00 pm and Fireworks at dark.

*In Avondale Estates the Parade line up begins at 9:15 am at Avondale High School. The Parade begins at 10:00 am.  Parade begins up Claredon Ave. Food will be sold at Lake Avondale by the Avondale Baptist Church 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.  The Atlanta Blue Notes performs at Lake Avondale at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at Dusk at Lake Avondale.  

*At Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta from 4:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m.  there will be activities for the entire family, including a Kids Zone, live musical entertainment from The Regulars Band, Sons of Sailors and Party on the Moon, food concessions and the largest fireworks display in the Southeast.

*Fireworks and Live Music at Centennial Olympic Park, downtown Atlanta, GA. Kids activities begin at noon. Free musical entertainment begins at 5 p.m.  Fireworks at dark.

*Stone Mountain Park has fireworks and a laser light show. It is $10 per car to enter the park for special events like the 4th of July. (normal fee is $8)

Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th of July, especially to our brave troops!

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If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in or around Atlanta, GA contact local expert, Jen Bowman, Realtor and Broker Associate with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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 Move in Ready townhome in gated community!

2515 Walden Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30035

3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome built in 2003, 1456 square feet, $115,000

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Decatur, GA contact local expert and Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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Here are some basic tips to help make your move a smooth one.  

If you need moving boxes, check out free resources like Craigslist.com and FreeCycle, a yahoo group.

Number your moving boxes.  You don't need to write on the box everything that‘s in there, for security it's better that you don't.  Keep a list. I like using a notebook. Next to #1 write down the contents and the room it belongs in. When you get to your destination you'll know which boxes you'll need to open first. This also helps if you end up needing something you've already packed before you move. You'll know exactly where it is. 

If you're hiring a mover, make sure they are legitimate and insured. The Georgia Public Service Commission has a list of legal movers.

Go to www.USPS.com to change your address.

Make of list of the people or companies that you need to contact for your change of address. This is where the notebook comes in handy again. The easy way to do this is to start writing down where your mail comes from for about 30 days. Think magazines, credit cards, favorite charities, financial statements, insurance, banks, utilities, phones, etc. Once you've contacted them, most can be done online, check it off your list.  Do not rely on the post office to forward your important mail. Mistakes happen and you may not get it. 

Contact your insurer to get your home owners insurance and make sure you have it in effect the day of closing. If you are renting, get renter's insurance. Don't know who to call? See if your auto insurance does home owner's or Renter's, if not, ask for referrals from friends, family or your Real Estate agent. Remember, a higher deductible can lower your premium.

Pack an overnight bag for the first night you'll be in your new home, yes even for a move down the street. That way at the end of your exhausted day, you'll know where your toothbrush and pajamas are.  

If you have children, pack a "busy bag".  Again, even for a short move across town. Have games or coloring books in it to help keep them occupied. Favorite comfort items are a good idea here. 

Set up your utilities. Water, Electric, Gas, Phone, Internet. If you are choosing a Gas provider, check out the Georgia Public Service Commission's site to compare the different providers, look at price per therm and monthly customer service fee. http://www.psc.state.ga.us/gas/pricecard.asp

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in and around Atlanta, GA, contact Jen Bowman, Realtor and Broker Associate with Success Realty. www.JenBowman.com 404-456-5024
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It's that time of year for the Decatur Beach Party in Decatur, GA. It will be Friday June 19, 2009 from 5 p.m. to midnight. There will be 60 tons of sand on "Ponce de Leon Fun Pier" and dancing on the Marta Plaza. The festival layout has been changed this year and as always, it looks like it will be fun.  The Festival is on Ponce de Leon Ave between Church St and Clairemont Ave. in Decatur, Ga.

The Decatur Beach Party is held by the Decatur Business Association (DBA) and helps fund the free events in Decatur, including Concerts on the Square on Saturday evenings in May and September, Blue Sky Concerts at lunchtime on Wednesdays in May and September and 4^th of July Fireworks. 

Tickets are $6.50 in for adults in advance, $10 at the gate; children 12 and under, free (limit two children per paying adult). No coolers, glass or pets allowed. Ticket purchase information is available at http://decaturdba.com.

This is just another one of the great reasons why Decatur, Ga is a great place to live, work and play. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Decatur, GA, contact local expert Jen Bowman, Realtor and Broker Associate with Success Realty. www.JenBowman.com 404-456-5024
Follow me on Twitter.  View more of the Georgia Real Estate Voice.