Debra Johnston presents

Custom-built English Manor estate at the end of a cul de sac on 2.7 acres in Winterthur Estates. Located just 10 minutes north of Buckhead, Winterthur Estates is a best-kept secret on the Chattahoochee River. Outside, enjoy dinner by the pool in the covered Viking kitchen situated next to the pool, or relax under one of two covered loggias with fireplaces after playing basketball or tennis. Entertain indoors in an open living environment with a massive kitchen featuring double marble islands, Wolf and Sub Zero, catering kitchen, huge walk-in pantry, and breakfast room. The family room with a 12-35 foot vaulted ceiling is open to the kitchen and an outdoor loggia with fireplace, one of the home’s seven fireplaces. The two-story wooden study off of the foyer is stunning with a spiral staircase that leads to a railed walkway that overlooks the study. The owner’s suite on the main is spectacular with a sitting room and fireplace, doors out to a covered loggia, dual dressing rooms, and a stunning marble and stone bath. An elevator accesses all floors including a private bedroom suite or office on the 3rd floor. There is also a separate au pair suite and an extended stay guest apartment with a full kitchen. The recently finished terrace level with 14-foot ceilings has a full bar, theater game room, wine cellar, gym and spa bath, and walls of windows across the back opening to a loggia and fireplace. There is also a four-car garage with a motor court. This is an incredible opportunity to have an almost new English Manor home.

Address: 5705 Winterthur Ln, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Price: $4,500,000

Photo credit: Gold Lens Photography

For more information, please contact Debra Johnston at 404-312-1959 or debra.johnston@cbrealty.com

Debra Johnston is the exclusive agent representing the Atlanta, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Debra Johnston Presents An Incredible Custom-Built English Manor In Sandy Springs appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Debra Johnston presents

Fully automated smart home on over 6.5 acres! A private, gated, and fully landscaped entrance opens to a winding aggregate driveway leading down to the residence with a motor court and a 6 car garage. The property goes well beyond the lake to the right and behind the lake. The topology will keep the privacy year-round. Transitional architecture and design by Greg Busch features iron windows and doors that are low e tempered glass with stunning views of the property. Located in the most desirable area of Sandy Springs/North Buckhead in 30327. Close to all of the best schools. An open floor plan features indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces that flow from one to the other and over 11' foot ceilings. Iron doors open from the living room, kitchen, and dining room out to the infinity pool and spa overlooking a spring-fed lake with a dock and trails. Inside, the catering kitchen with butler's pantry opens to the living and dining spaces. Outside, entertain in the pool house with fireplace, kitchen, and retractable doors surrounding the pool. The terrace level is an entertainer's dream with a wine room, bowling alley, kitchen and bar, indoor sports court, and home theater. Exercise in the gym and indoor lap pool and sauna. Walk into the owner's suite wing with a cozy sitting room and fireplace, vaulted ceiling, motorized blinds, and dual dressing rooms. The residence also has a separate au pair or guest suite, elevator, and whole house generator.

Address: 4725 Northside Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30327

Price: $9,800,000

For more information, please contact Debra Johnston at 404-312-1959 or debra.johnston@cbrealty.com

Debra Johnston is the exclusive agent representing the Atlanta, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Debra Johnston Presents A Luxurious Fully Automated Smart Home In Sandy Springs appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Debra Johnston presents

This 2.7 acre English Manor estate is situated at the end of a cul de sac in the coveted Winterthur Estates neighborhood of Atlanta. Located just 10 minutes north of Buckhead, Winterthur Estates is a best-kept secret on the Chattahoochee River. Outside, enjoy dinner by the pool in the covered Viking kitchen situated next to the pool, or relax under one of two covered loggias with fireplaces after playing basketball or tennis. Entertain indoors in an open living environment with a massive kitchen featuring double marble islands, Wolf and Sub Zero, catering kitchen, huge walk-in pantry, and breakfast room. The family room with a 12-35 foot vaulted ceiling is open to the kitchen and an outdoor loggia with fireplace, one of the home’s seven fireplaces. The two-story wooden study off of the foyer is stunning with a spiral staircase that leads to a railed walkway that overlooks the study. The owner’s suite on the main is spectacular with a sitting room and fireplace, doors out to a covered loggia, dual dressing rooms, and a stunning marble and stone bath. An elevator accesses all floors including a private bedroom suite or office on the 3rd floor. There is also a separate au pair suite and an extended stay guest apartment with a full kitchen. The recently finished terrace level with 14-foot ceilings has a full bar, theater game room, wine cellar, gym and spa bath, and walls of windows across the back opening to a loggia and fireplace. There is also a four-car garage with a motor court. This is an incredible opportunity to have an almost new English Manor home.

Address: 5705 Winterthur Lane, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Price: $4,500,000

Photo credit: Gold Lens Photography

For more information, please contact Debra Johnston at 404-312-1959 or debra.johnston@bhhsgeorgia.com

Debra Johnston is the exclusive agent representing the Atlanta, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Debra Johnston Presents A 2.7 Acre English Manor Estate In Atlanta appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Here, members of the exclusive Haute Residence Network of top real estate agents give us their advice to all those considering joining the industry.

Heidi Bintz, Vail Valley, CO: "Be prepared for a full-time job that can be seven days a week."

Anne Perry, Honolulu, HI: "Develop strong and current database, constant growth, strong market knowledge and leave your ego at the door."

Brian Pearl of the Pearl Antonacci Group, Boca Raton, FL: "Join a team where you receive leads, work and close them, and you'll establish yourself organically by being in the field learning the business."

Clara Hartree, West Vancouver, British Columbia: "It's a 24-hour a day commitment."

Dante DiSabato, Naples, FL: "You have to figure out what makes you different in the market vs. everyone else. Everyone should have an edge."

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA: "Be prepared to spend six months in business development and getting set up for business."

Elisa Linton, Humble/Kingwood (Houston metro area), TX: "This is hard work. You have to be disciplined, approachable, and determined to protect your clients' interests throughout each stage of the transaction. You are assisting them with a large financial decision."

Elliot Bogod of Broadway Realty, Upper West Side, New York City, NY: "Zoom and webinars is a new way of life. LinkedIn is offering ways to connect with like-minded real estate professionals as well as LinkedIn groups. We started our Broadway Realty group that increased to over 700 professionals in a couple of weeks."

Frank D. Isoldi, Westfield, NJ: "Be patient and honest. Your integrity is everything."

James Beasley, Las Vegas Strip, NV: "Start building your database (databank)."

Jeff Hyland, Bel-Air, CA: "Stay calm and work through it. You might not sell your first listing, but with time, due diligence and a bit of luck, the world could be your market."

Alex Min, Lake Tahoe, NV: "Make sure you are ready to jump in headfirst. In today's market, this is not a hobby job. You have to commit to working long and odd hours. If you aren't an expert on your market and inventory, you won't be able to service your clients properly."

Kathleen Floryan, Jacksonville, FL: "Your 'why' has to be very clear. Your choice of realty companies and the future education, support plus mentorship is critical to your success."

Kelly Ringer-Radetich, Redwood City, CA: "If this is your very first introduction into Real Estate, I would recommend assisting an agent. If I had it to do all over again from the start, that is what I would do. Giving up something to gain the knowledge and experience can be priceless."

Kim Martin-Fisher, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL: "You must be vigilant, patient, and genuine."

Krista Richman, Fort Lauderdale, FL: "Project events are an excellent way to learn about the project itself and meet new faces in the industry."

Kristine Farra, Chicago, IL: "Work hard. Build relationships, not leads. Take marketing and branding seriously."

Maggie Gold Seelig, Boston, MA: "Find the nicest and smarter person from whom to learn the business, as real estate is an apprenticeship profession."

Mark Salmon,  South Tahoe, CA: "Don't enter this business thinking this is easy money but at the same know that it takes a lot of time and money to become established in order to have a lasting career."

Toni Itkin, Sandy Springs, GA: "Join a brokerage that provides the best training and technology- not the one the gives the highest commission split! Know that this is a full-time business, not a part-time job or a hobby. Then, network, network, network!"

For more, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Thinking Of Becoming A Real Estate Agent? Be Prepared To Work Hard! appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

What should one do or not do when considering a career in real estate?

Alex Min, Lake Tahoe, NV: "Make sure you are ready to jump in head first. In today's market, this is not a hobby job. You have to commit to working long and odd hours. If you aren't an expert on your market and inventory, you won't be able to service your clients properly."

Anne Perry, Honolulu, HI: "Develop a strong and current data base; constant growth; strong market knowledge, and leave your ego at the door."

Brian Pearl of the Pearl Antonacci Group, Boca Raton, FL: "Join a team where you receive leads, work and close them, and you'll establish yourself organically by being in the field learning the business."

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA: "Be prepared to spend six months in business development and getting set up for business."

Elisa Linton, Humble/Kingwood (Houston metro area), TX: "I say this is hard work. You have to be disciplined, approachable, and determined to protect your clients' interests throughout each stage of the transaction. You are assisting them with a large financial decision."

Frank D. Isoldi, Westfield, NJ: "Be patient and honest. Your integrity is everything."

Heidi Bintz, Vail Valley, CO: "Be prepared for a full time job that can be seven days a week."

James Beasley, Las Vegas, NV: "Start building your data base (databank)."

Jeff Hyland, Bel-Air, CA: “Stay calm and work through it. You might not sell your first listing, but with time, due diligence and a bit of luck, the world could be your market.”

Kathleen Floryan, Jacksonville, FL: "Your 'why' has to be very clear. Your choice of realty companies and the future education, support, plus mentorship is critical to your success."

Kelly Ringer-Radetich, Redwood City, CA: "If this is your very first introduction into real estate, I would recommend assisting an agent. If I had it to do all over again from the start, that is what I would do. Giving up something to gain the knowledge and experience can be priceless."

Kim Martin-Fisher, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL: "You must be vigilant, patient, and genuine."

Kristine Farra, Chicago, IL: "Work hard. Build relationships, not leads. Take marketing and branding seriously."

Maggie Gold Seelig, Boston, MA: "Find the nicest and smarter person from whom to learn the business, as real estate is an apprenticeship profession."

Mark Salmon,  South Tahoe, CA: "Do not enter this business thinking it’s easy money -- it takes a lot of tremendous amount of time, devotion and capital to become established in order to have a lasting career."

Toni Itkin, Sandy Springs, GA: "Join a brokerage that provides the best training and technology, not the one that gives the highest commission split! Know that this is a full time business, not a part time job or a hobby. Then, network, network, network!!"

For more, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post How To Start A Career In Real Estate? The Experts Weigh In! appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Debra Johnston presents

This residence has all of the relaxing elements of a retreat and is situated on 2.4+ private acres and lives like a dream. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle environment complete with newly finished tennis courts, pool, spa, and pool house with kitchen and bath. A golfer's paradise with putting greens, 2 tees, sandtrap and more! Understated and exceptional quality, this elegant Elan smart home has large, open rooms that overlook the property. The new gourmet kitchen features honed marble countertops, custom cabinetry, Sub Zero and a La Cornue Grand Palais range. The oversized living room overlooks the entire property and has a stone fireplace, full bar and wine room. The screened patio overlooks the pool and is perfect for evenings outdoors. The private owner’s suite is on the main level with private deck overlooking the practice greens and property. Four additional bedroom suites upstairs with new custom cabinetry and closets. This completely private retreat is excellent for large events and has plenty of parking on the property. The terrace level guest apartment has a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath and opens to the pool. The residence has a generator, all new systems and security. An incredible opportunity situated in a highly desirable estate neighborhood at the end of a cul-de-sac and perfectly located, close to the best schools, restaurants and shopping in Atlanta.

Address: 75 Finch Forest Trail, Sandy Springs, GA 30327

Price: $3,500,000

For more information, please contact Debra Johnston at 404-312-1959 or debra.johnston@bhhsgeorgia.com

Debra Johnston is the exclusive agent representing the Atlanta, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

The post An Elegant Estate In Sandy Springs By Debra Johnston appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Light and airy, this 6 BR, 6 BA home is on a quiet cul-de-sac close to Chastain Park, major highways, shopping & eateries. Fantastic floor plan features Chef’s Kitchen open to the Keeping Room with fireplace and a Great Room with fireplace which lead out to large decks overlooking the heated saltwater pool and private backyard. All Bedrooms are spacious. The Daylight Terrace Level is perfect for entertaining with a guest suite and Kitchenette. Three car garage with Tesla charge station!

Address: 500 Park Gate Court, Sandy Springs, GA 30342

Price: $1,225,000

For more information, please contact Toni Itkin at 404-229-8242 or toni@toniitkin.com

Toni Itkin is the exclusive agent representing the Vinings/East Cobb/Sandy Springs, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photos courtesy of Toni Itkin 

The post Toni Itkin Presents A Fantastic Sandy Springs Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The great rooms, chef's kitchen and the family room have double sets of French Doors that open up to wonderful Decks for entertaining and overlook the inviting saline pool, spa and private backyard.

The spacious master suite is elegant and all secondary bedrooms are large with super walk-in closets. The terrace level has very tall ceilings, large rec/living room, big kitchenette, two bedrooms and two baths – a perfect Nanny, Teen or In-law suite – with screened porch.

The three-car garage has a Tesla Charging Station. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, this is an unbeatable value near great schools, shopping and highways.

Address: 500 Park Gate Court, Sandy Springs, GA 30342

Price: $1,395,000

Bedrooms: 6

Bathrooms: 5.5

View the listing here.

For more information contact Toni Itkin at 404-229-8242 or toni@toniitkin.com.

Toni Itkin is the exclusive agent representing the Vinings/East Cobb/Sandy Springs, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Images courtesy of Toni Itkin

The post Mesmerizing Gem Of A Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Haute Residence spoke to Toni Itkin, an Atlanta-based real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, about the city and its coveted neighborhoods and the real estate trends that have come to define them this past year.

With Haute Residence, you exclusively represent the high-end markets in Sandy Springs, East Cobb and Vinings. How have they compared this year to the larger Atlanta market in terms of real estate trends?

All three areas – Sandy Springs, East Cobb and Vinings – are thriving. These properties tend to be less in price than the Buckhead area and offer, in general, a better value in terms of schools, proximity to highways and much lower taxes, particularly East Cobb and Vinings, about half the taxes of what one would pay in Buckhead.

A landmark sale in East Cobb this summer was one of my listings originally priced at $5,000,000. If this property were located in Buckhead, the taxes would have been $100,000. But due to the lower tax structure, and quite frankly, a more organized county administration, my listing had only a $45,000 tax bill! I procured the buyer myself who was thrilled with the purchase and the lower taxes clinched the deal. All in all, these areas are still very sought-after and are on par to the larger Atlanta market.

How did prices compare this year to the last couple of years? In some cities like LA, experts are warning of a new real estate bubble. Is this a fear in Atlanta going into 2018?

Prices have inched upwards in the last couple of years. The general metro Atlanta area has always remained a very slow paced, yet consistent growth market compared to the rest of the country. There are no geographic boundaries or natural barriers in Atlanta, so the expansion possibilities are endless, thus creating a largely affordable housing market compared to other cities in the nation. The industry here does not expect any radical changes to this trend and no fear of a bubble is being discussed.

What have been some of the most sought-after types of homes this year?

Some of the most sought-after types of homes this year are definitely new construction. There has been a pent-up demand for this, but because of the fact that there is no vacant land to speak of in my areas, there have been a lot of tear-towns of older homes. Either builders are doing this for spec homes, or individuals are building custom homes on them. Everyone seems to want new, and if it is a resale, it needs to be updated with new kitchen and baths in order to compete.

What is the year-end inventory in the market for 2017 and what does it indicate for the overall health of the market?

Our year-end inventory is varied. In general, homes under $500,000 get snapped up quickly and there is very little inventory. Case Shiller reports that the Atlanta market has 17 months inventory for properties over $1 million and 35 months for those above $2 million. Thus, the lower the price point, the better the market and buyer pool. That being said, there have been more significant high-end sales in 2017 than ever before.

Some areas see an increase in sales during the holiday season. Is this case for these luxury real estate in Atlanta? 

In Atlanta, we are never quite sure what to expect during the holidays. It's a great time for out-of-towners who are visiting family to check out the market and quite often end up buying a house here. Also, Atlanta is now attracting the entertainment industry. The tax credits have clearly made an impact, so not only are films being produced here in record numbers, but actors and other talent industry associates are moving here because they see the value of what Atlanta and its' outlying areas have to offer. It’s a much more affordable option to California, great climate, friendly people, excellent schools – both public and private – easy airport access, beautiful landscaping, the positives are endless!

Has there been any major residential developments in the neighborhoods this year? Which ones are you particularly excited about?

Probably the major residential developments are in the more urban type areas. In the center of Sandy Springs, for instance, new construction has taken place to create unique live-work-play environments. Mercedes Benz relocated their headquarters here recently and has had a major impact on the growth of this area. It's been quite exciting and it's super close to our MARTA transit system, which provides easy access to Downtown and the airport. East Cobb is super close to the headquarters location, also, so we have had many executives purchase homes here, again, due to lower taxes and excellent schools.

With Atlanta being one of the cities that experts cite as a possible home to Amazon’s new headquarters, is this having any effect on the real estate market in the city?

The "Amazon" effect is not really tangible as of yet, although Atlanta is apparently one of the two top picks, according to those “in the know”. There is speculation on both sides of the topic as to if this is really a possibility. But, no matter what, we have so many other corporations and individuals moving here that we feel that the market will continue to stay stable and grow. However, should Amazon make Atlanta their new home, we will roll out the red carpet and they will be warmly welcomed!

Toni Itkin is the exclusive agent representing the Vinings/East Cobb/Sandy Springs, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Image courtesy of Toni Itkin

The post Toni Itkin: Atlanta Is Growing Steadily Into A Sought-After Destination appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.