Anyone familiar with Atlanta understands the acronyms ITP and OTP. Inside the Perimeter (ITP) and Outside the Perimeter (OTP) refer to the areas inside and outside the loop that is created by I-285… the literal circle that surrounds metro Atlanta.
Historically, the areas were considered very different. ITP was categorized as urban city life, rich with business, entertainment, shopping, dining, culture and a wide variety of high-end residential real estate options for homebuyers.
OTP was once considered strictly suburban with large homes and lots in swim, tennis and golf course communities that attracted families.
Enter Avalon, Halycon, Vickery and Downtown Alpharetta to name the most recent to dot the North Atlanta OTP landscape. They are gorgeous high-end residential real estate options that are shining examples of live/work/play communities. They offer a balanced mix of townhomes, condos and single family homes surrounded by business, entertainment, shopping, dining, and culture.
These modern, mixed use developments are just one example of how OTP in Atlanta has evolved into what is being called the New Urbanism. The great news is that you don’t have to live in one of these to take full advantage of their offerings. Their businesses, entertainment, shopping and dining are available to everyone OTP. Essentially, OTP has evolved to offer everything to homebuyers that was previously sacrificed by a move to OTP.
In some cases, there are areas also now being referred to as exurban (an area known as a region beyond the suburbs, where not many homes are built). This movement is typically motivated by the desire for a larger home with more undeveloped surrounding space. Shopping, dining are available but not outside the front door, and that’s what is preferred.
We have worked with several clients making the exurban move. Expect this trend to continue as remote work remains popular.
I believe, first and foremost, that Atlanta is one of the greatest places to live in our country. Easy access to mountains, and beaches, and the busiest airport in the US offering direct flights EVERYWHERE (and cheaply, what with the competition) so close by.
I am often asked, “Where is the BEST place to live in Atlanta?” It’s hard to answer that question, as Atlanta is so diverse, and there truly are areas, and “things” for everyone! There is no BEST area – only what may currently be “best” for you, and your family. Additionally, as the family goals of Atlanta residents change, Atlanta is large enough, and diverse enough to “change” along with them.
I myself grew up inside the perimeter (ITP) in the Chastain Park area and, after a short stint post-college renting in Virginia Highlands, bought my first studio condo in a high rise building in the heart of Buckhead which was perfect as I could walk to shops and restaurants. After I got married, our first home was a 1970’s renovated ranch in Sandy Springs (built like a tank!).
As our family started to grow, we began to consider a move OTP (outside the perimeter). To be honest, I was unsure about our decision at the time. It felt like moving to a completely different city! But that was over 16 years ago and we haven’t looked back since.
North Atlanta, (specifically the Milton/Alpharetta area), has been such an amazing place for our family… ALL FOUR OF US love it for different reasons. Among those reasons, and benefits are the ease of access to all the shopping and restaurants that I enjoyed while living intown, the proximity to the North Georgia mountains for hiking and fishing, the prevailing friendly/welcoming community feel, the vast range of options for children/teens (including local sports, theater, art, equestrian and whatever else you can dream up for your kids), access to great public education (as well as private schools), and room to breathe luxuriously amidst such beautiful landscapes, and settings.
Suffice it to say that the northern ‘burbs have been the “BEST” for us at this stage of our lives but having “been there, done that” in many area of Atlanta throughout my lifetime here, I feel confident that I can help you find your own BEST in Atlanta. It would be an honor, and privilege to help uncover that with you.
We can help you determine your buying power, and point you towards the financial solutions that are most beneficial.
Financial reserves and capacity for borrowing are the two factors in determining your buying power. Your savings, current debt and credit scores create the forecast, and the we can help you determine the very best lending options for your particular situation.
The Bonnie Smith Group is deeply entrenched in the North Atlanta Real Estate market. If what you are looking for isn’t on the market, they make calls, and knock on doors to find off market options that may fit the bill. They leverage their networks to find off-market options and make things happen.
When searching for the perfect home for you, Bonnie Smith Group finds it critical to stay one step ahead of the market, especially in a low-inventory environment. This means being immersed in the market on a daily basis – being in touch with other agents, buyers and sellers as well as the general community. Once a property is identified, we recognize the need to move quickly and implement strategies to secure it for our clients. We know that you are very busy and therefore do a lot of the legwork for them, utilizing technology whenever necessary for virtual tours etc. We are known for our rapid response time and ability to move very quickly for our clients.
The ability to help you with the selection process by providing objective information about each property – even when the information could potentially be a deal breaker.
Sometimes it’s love at first sight with a home, but we understand you are not just buying a home. You are buying a community…the schools, safety, access to shopping, restaurants and recreation are all factors.
Not only that, but we understand the investment quotient and need to ensure that the home is a good investment and that the purchase price will deliver resale value. Looking out for your bottom line as opposed to making the sale is a point of differentiation buyers simply can’t overlook when choosing an agent.
Being well prepared by completing your homework is half of being a good negotiator. Some other key skills include active listening, problem solving, remaining unemotional, reducing misunderstandings and firmly advocating – while always maintaining the highest levels of integrity.
Negotiations and inspections can be complex with a multitude of factors to manage. There are several points of negotiation throughout a transaction besides price such as financing, contract terms, appraisals and inspection periods (inclusion or exclusion of repairs, appliances, and furnishings).
Due diligence during the property evaluation is important and we do not take our eyes off the ball.
This is the buyer’s opportunity to fully evaluate the property from top to bottom. Common inspections include termite, mold, radiation, faulty structure and continue as you have it. Bonnie Smith Group will recommend fully vetted professionals to complete these inspections.
Having a dedicated team of professionals in place to help execute and manage all the moving parts creates a seamless experience for our clients. We work tirelessly to give you all the attention and time you need and deserve.