All Blog Entries by Adam Keen

Saturday, June 4, 2011 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 


Sunday, June 5, 2011 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m Scenic and historic Virginia Ave.

(between 
North Highland Ave. & Park Drive)

As you can tell from my previous blogs over the last month or so I've been delighted to highlight some of our great city's summer festivals. Each year I find that the festivals get larger and more entertaining, this year's (28th annual) Virginia Highlands Summerfest is no different. Not only has the festival grown in size with the amount of vendors and people over the years, but this year brings a couple better known musical acts as well. Most notably will be Collective Soul's Ed…

*Family Friendly

The 9th annual Kirkwood Spring Fling kicks off at 8am on Saturday, May 14th with a 5k Road Race. The main festival will last from 10am-11pm - the live music ending around 11pm. The festival includes music, arts and craft booths, food booths, a kids area, a tour of Kirkwood area homes and a 5k race. You can register for the 5k race on the day of the festival for $25. This is only the 2nd year the festival includes a 5k run so come out and make it an event to remember. You can find all the information you need here.

This year is exciting musically because the headlining act is Atlanta's own Drivin N' Cryin. Drivin N' Cryin have made a national name for themselves over the past 25 years and I think its exciting to have such a big name…

There is a way to defer the taxes on the "sale" of a property being used or held for investment purposes or trade. Its referred to as a Tax Deferred Exchange. You may also hear it called a "Deferred Like-Kind Exchange" or a "Section 1031 Exchange" or a variety of other terms; we're going to stick to tax deferred exchange or TDE. First, let me say that you must use, by law, what is called a "qualified intermediary" to complete a TDE. Its also highly recommended that you have an attorney that can explain the legal aspects of the exchange.

In simple terms…you can defer (postpone), and in some cases, eliminate the capital gains tax on an investment property you're selling. The catch? You have to be purchasing a "like-kind property" to "replace" the one…

*kid friendly
*environmentally friendly

Local Atlanta brewery Sweetwater is back again this year with their annual Sweetwater 420 Festival, taking place in Candler Park on April 15-17. The festival has traditionally taken place on just 1 or 2 days but this year they are expanding to a full 3 days of sun, beer, music, art, crafts and many more activities around environmental and greening initiatives. The festival is always in April to coincide with Earth Day and features a variety of booths and companies that exist to draw awareness to environmental and social issues. This year also includes the addition of an adult comedy tent hosted by the newly renovated and improved Relapse Theatre on 14th street.

The festival also includes the 7th annual Sweetwater…

 This Saturday, March 26th at 8pm, Decatur will host a family bonfire and marshmallow roast in honor of this year's Earth Hour. Earth Hour was started in 2007 and involved 100s of countries and 1000s of people across the entire world turning off their lights for one hour to raise awareness for climate change…and also as a way to show that its possible for global coordination on such important issues.

Its a great family event to help draw awareness for energy conservation and climate change. At 8:30 they'll be a countdown to turning out lights in the square and around Decatur for 1 hour to join in this year's global effort. And Roasted Marchmallows...…

I've recently read a ton of news articles and heard a number of folks on news shows talking about why it may not be a good idea for you to buy a home right now. I say FALSE, and so do many who understand not just the financial gain found in home ownership but the quality of life and pride that can be gained as well. A recent article written by Ron Lieber in the NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/28/your-money/mortgages/28money.html) mentions a few reasons why buying is still a great idea. I'll touch on his thoughts and then share a few of my own. Its worth noting that I bought my first home in March, 2010 at the age of 26.

Record Low prices combined with Record Low Interest Rates

Have you heard that is a buyers market? If you have a stable…

I recently purchased my first home. I thought I'd share my experience and, hopefully, offer a little perspective, advice and a couple key lessons I've learned as an "insider". The process was quick and easy for me. I found my 15 favorite homes online. We (my buyer's agent and I) took 2 days to look at them all. Out of that 15 I picked my favorite 5, saw them once more and then wrote a contract the next week. Why do I share this? Because I want you to know how convenient buying a home can be when you have the right agent, or in our case, the right team on your side. That brings me to a few key lessons I've learned along the way...

Insider Tip #1 - Chill Out...

Buying a home should be a fun and exciting process. Don't let anxiety and fear rule you…