City Park Townhomes Reviews

Townhome buyer makes resale part of the plan
By C.W. CAMERON
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/30/08

"I wanted something to call home," says Alexis MacKenzie. "I've lived in apartments for the three years I've been in Atlanta, and I wanted an investment. I knew I wanted to be inside the Perimeter, and I love Buckhead, close to all the shopping and the restaurants and close to my work at Emory University Hospital. When I saw City Park Townhomes, I was sold on the location."

Definitely a townhome:
"I was certain I didn't want a condo, the market is so saturated. I was looking for resale value. I looked at single-family homes in the area, too, but being a young professional, I didn't want to have to worry about fixing things, so I decided to focus on a new townhome in a safe community near the places I spend my time. I wanted two bedrooms and a garage for the safety factor."

Getting there:
Take Peachtree Street north to 26th Street and turn left. The townhomes are near the end of the street on the left.

What she bought:
MacKenzie bought a two-bedroom, two - and- a-half bath, four-level townhome with a garage and balcony. "Our garbage is picked up right at our doorstep every week, so there are no trips to the Dumpster. The townhome came with a washer and dryer and stain-less-steel appliances. I upgraded to hardwood floors throughout. Everything came beautifully finished, from the crown moldings to the big-jetted tub and huge walk-in closet. I had every single friend give me their opinion of my top three choices. They all agreed this one was the best buy.

Safety:
"There's a key code entry so you don't have to take your keys when you leave, just press the number pad, I'm a runner and there are three parks within walking distance, and a dog park, which will be great when I get a dog soon."

Advice to other home buyers:
"Make sure you walk through with an inspector before you go to closing. You'll sleep better knowing you didn't make a mistake."

AT A GLANCE
City Park Townhomes
Address:
200 26th St., Atlanta
County:
Fulton
Information:
404-888-8889; www.cityparktownhomes.com
Price range:
$250,000s to $270,000s
Year built:
2007-2009
Standard features:
Garages; l-Pods with docking station; granite countertops and stainless appliances; hardwood floors
Amenities:
Tennis courts; paved walking path to Ardmore Park; walk to Peachtree St. with restaurants and shops.
Number of units:
143
Square footage:
1,200-1,300
Association fee:
$116-$126/month: covers water, all exterior building and landscaping maintenance, tennis, security cameras and insurance.
Broker:
Superb Properties, Inc.
Builder:
Betancourt Communities, LLC

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City Living with Suburb Appeal
By Mark Cornwell
For For Newcomer Magazine
Published: February/March 2008

The three most important words in real estate are location, location and location. It is a well-used axiom, but when it comes to Betancourt Communities' City Park Townhomes, location really is the best word to describe it. Situated at the cusp of Midtown and Buckhead, City Park Townhomes offers a blend of spacious townhome living, beautiful green space and the excitement of modern city life.

The open feel and refinement of the townhomes is an immediate attention grabber. Hardwood flooring and open living spaces with high ceilings help achieve this effect. The practical kitchen evinces warmth, with features such as standard granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, stylish wood cabinetry and tile backsplashes. And adding to each home's spacious feel is a third floor with a cathedral ceiling. Townhomes with one bedroom feature an open loft space on the third floor-perfect for an office or play room.

Two-bedroom townhomes are also available. Each of these townhomes, ranging from 1,175 to 1,275 square feet, has nine-foot ceilings on the main floor, a cathedral or vaulted ceiling on the top floor, walk-in closets and a garage designed for maximum storage. With so much space, many young adults seeking to start their families in the city will find City Park Townhomes more than ideal. Good schools are nearby- children can attend Rivers Elementary, Sutton Middle School and North Atlanta High School.

Modern refinement is taken to the next level by City Park Townhomes, so tech-savvy homeowners will love the space. An iPod and iPod docking station are given to new homeowners, allowing them to use their iPod anywhere within the dwelling. For homeowners, this is a generous touch, and it puts a new spin on sophisticated living.

Although City Park Townhomes is convenient to the urban draw of both Midtown and Buckhead, these townhomes are nestled in a lush green neighborhood that stands in stark contrast to its city surroundings. Taking a walk to nearby Peachtree Street for upscale shopping and dining is just as convenient as strolling to Ardmore Park, which sits quietly just outside the community. With these popular areas within walking distance and Atlanta's most exciting destinations only minutes away, City Park Townhomes really has the best of both worlds.

"There is nothing like us in this area at all," says broker and manager Alton Gore. "The price for our location is a major difference from other developments. To be at Midtown and Buckhead at this price? No one else is even close to that." The townhomes start in the $200s, and City Park offers low maintenance fees.

With Ardmore Park right outside the door and the city literally surrounding the community, City Park Townhomes is a green oasis in the middle of Atlanta's urban desert. Adults and children alike will love the low-key environment of the neighborhood and the high-energy atmosphere of the awaiting city.

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The Sound of LiVing. A Successful Story... LWS Flourishes with Builders
"I trust LWS to recommend equipment that appeals to my young market and to keep it simple, which really differentiates my project. People think the audio is cool and are choosing NuVo home audio system option even over hardwood floors!"
- Steve Ficarra, President of Betancourt Communities

Background
In a soft builder market, one Atlanta based integrator has found that they can offer an extra edge with a solution that will increase the builder's profit. Live Wired Systems (LWS), formed by Clay Lafon, Mike Scarvelis, and Neil Wilson in 2004 has made partnering with builders a top priority for their business – a strategy that has been fruitful for both parties. LWS is experiencing tremendous success in the MDU (Multiple Dwelling Unit) market in downtown Atlanta with their builders offering packaged electronics options in over a dozen developments-a practice that makes the sales process practically automatic.

5 Keys to Success:
What does it take to solidify a partnership so strong that it's self-driving 90% of your business? According to LWS there are five keys to having a successful partnership that yields profit for all.

1. Relationships are everything. First and foremost build friendships. Learn about the builder, how they operate, and how they operate their business. A mutual trust develops from the friendship, which Clay considers a priority. He has a good reputation within the industry and makes it a point to understand the builder's needs, but it is their young, aggressive personality and track record that captures the job. Clay explains what makes their services so appealing to the builder. "We get people excited about what they can enjoy everyday in the home. Most importantly we do good, honest work and have a low call back rate, which is huge for the builder." LWS recommends the best systems and components for the job and the builders trust them to be the experts in technology, so they don't have to. Their business model includes pre-wiring every unit during construction for 4 rooms of audio, surround sound, security, phone and cable. The cost is built into the selling price, so the builder can realize great profits without sacrificing for the pre-wire cost. Commitment to their partners and quality workmanship has created countless referrals for the team.

2. Keep it simple stupid. The old KISS Cliché still stands. LWS keeps it simple with fewer choices making the sale easier and reducing cost while doing so. They design two or three optimal packages, including a NuVo whole home audio system and a 5.1 surround sound package based on the community's lifestyle and the desired entertainment value of the clientele. This approach relieves the intimidation of "extras" and makes the decision easier for clients to understand and commit. What's more – the packages are affordable and can be rolled into the mortgage rather than another out of pocket expense for the homebuyer. As in the case with the Simplese system, the clients are blown away by the fidelity of audio they can obtain within their budget. Mike emphasizes their use of the Simplese "because the functionality it provides for the cost is unmatched. It's so affordable that we cannot imagine putting in a rotary volume control ever again." The classy, backlit keypads offer source selection, system power, volume, equalization, party mode, and IR control features that aren't available on other options in it's price range. The four source, four zone, 30 watt per zone audio and 5.1 theater are perfect for the condo units, or LWS can fully customize the home to the client's needs with the larger NuVo Essentia or Concerto systems, and additional luxuries such as plasma screens and home networks.

"The hardest obstacle for us to overcome is the builder's old school mentality to technology. We have to educate them to think beyond the brick and mortar and adapt to the desires of today's home lifestyle and the networked home that it demands."
- Neil Wilson, LWS Partner

3. Market as part of home. LWS creates co-branded, color sell sheets for each community's sales office, which detail the product, benefits, and pricing of the packages. Additionally, LWS takes advantage of generous programs such as NuVo's Showroom discount to showcase the available options in every model. The experience is everything when it comes to selling high-end electronics. The concern is selling the unit, but the options within deliver a perspective ambiance that integrates the electronics as part of the overall home purchase experience.

4. Set the Builder Apart. In today's market, builders compete over the same clients. Every builder is looking for ways to distinguish their self from competitors; however, they're traditionally faced with lists of upgrade options that present a far better margin than electronics. Steve Ficarra, President of Betancourt Communities, opts for the electronics, all things considered, because he "trust LWS to recommend equipment that appeals to my young market and to keep it simple, which really differentiates me. People think the audio is cool and are choosing the NuVo home audio system option even over hardwood floors!" LWS has worked with Steve to provide solutions to up the ante on his properties, which include providing a free iPod® Nano, custom engraved with the Betancourt logo, with the purchase of the NuVo whole home audio package.

5. Service. You can operate on any platform or strategy, but when it's all said and done, it comes back to service. Every job should be treated equally, regardless of size or expenditure. Every detail is important, right down to returning phone calls and keeping appointments. Service keeps customers returning and can make or break a referral. That's why LWS is known around Atlanta for their quality, experienced staff, and service.

Summary
Understanding the end consumer, the builder and their obstacles combined produce results for LWS with the builder, though it's not always easy as Neil points out. "The hardest obstacle for us to overcome is the builder's old school mentality to technology. We have to educate them to think beyond the brick and mortar and adapt to the desires of today's home lifestyle and the networked home that it demands." LWS has taken a proactive approach to gaining trust and rest any reservations the builder has to simplify the process. The combination returns incredible results. LWS is seeing over a 50% take rate on their options in the MDU's. An incredible return based on a simple, somewhat self-driving builder relationship model that compounds upon a comprehensive initial sales and marketing effort. Everyone wins – the homeowner is thrilled, differentiating and profit-adding features become part of the builders offering, and the integrator has a secure, ongoing business.