The World of Coca-Cola

One of the world’s most widely recognized brands, Coca-Cola, is explored and commemorated at the World of Coca-Cola.

The World of Coca-Cola, which is located in Pemberton Place, across from other recognized spots and condominiums in Atlanta (including Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium), consists of a 20-acre, permanent exhibition featuring the history of the Coca-Cola Company.

The World of Coca-Cola, which opened its doors in May 2007, replaced a smaller museum just a few miles away. Some of the attractions at the World of Coca-Cola include:

• A thrilling, multi-sensory 4-D theater which features moving seats and is entitled “The Search for the Perfect Formula”
• The world’s largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia
• A fully operational and robust bottling line that manufactures commemorative bottles of Coca-Cola and is entitled “Bottle Works”
• A tasting experience of over 60 different Coca-Cola products from around the world that are not available in the United States, entitled “Tastes of the World”

Some of the products offered here include Japan's Vegita-Beta, which is an apricot drink fortified with beta-carotene, Mexico's multi-fruit flavored Chispa, Germay's cola and orange flavored Mezzo Mix, Paraguay's pineapple inspired Simba Pina and Mozambique's Krest ginger ale.

• The “Spectacular Fountain,” where guests are treated to their favorite soft drinks.
• A pop culture gallery which features works by Steve Penley, Haddon Sundblom and Howard Finster
• The “Lobby” of the World of Coca-Cola features large Coca-Cola bottles made from different materials around the world.
• The Coca-Cola “Loft” displays advertising artifacts dating as far back as 1905.
• The “Happiness Theater” plays a movie called “Inside the Happiness Factory: A Documentary,” which features Coca-Cola’s current advertising campaign.
• The “Hub” level features a variety of attractions, including small films about Coca-Cola and its influence on people around the world.
• The “Milestones of Refreshment” attraction showcases artifacts from Coca-Cola’s branding efforts throughout the years.
• The 5,600 square-foot Coca-Cola store offers thousands of Coca-Cola-themed products for sale, such as dinnerware, caps, t-shirts, jackets, glassware, vintage trays, lapel pins, Coca-Cola polar bear apparel and toys, collectibles and more.

The World of Coca-Cola, which features the largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia ever assembled (1,000 artifacts), attracts more than 1.2 million visitors every year. It is also constantly changing as new trends and advertising campaigns are introduced by Coca-Cola.

The focal point of the museum is perhaps the landmark Coca-Cola sign on the building. The sign measures an impressive 30 feet high and 26 feet wide and is suspended above the entrance to the pavilion.

Another visually interesting spot is the three-story atrium, which features flags from more than 200 nations and territories where Coca-Cola is available.

Easy Steps for Preparing Your Atlanta Home for a Great Showing

Your Atlanta home may be like all the other homes on the block, but there are things you can do to make it stand out from the crowd!

With an ever-increasing inventory of metro Atlanta homes on the market, sellers must become creative if they want to make their house shine. Thus, the question you must ask yourself is: What can I do to make sure my Atlanta house is memorable to buyers?

The following tips will guide you as you prepare to sell your Atlanta home and plan for its first showing:

Clean it! Although this may sound like a no-brainer, it is extremely important to clean, and I mean a good, thorough cleaning. That means wiping down walls, cleaning windows, scrubbing out the refrigerator and sweeping off the front porch. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home, and that certainly can't be done if there's a ring around your bathtub.

Clear out the clutter. Your kids' pile of toys in the corner of the living room does only one thing: it detracts from the room and makes buyers feel like they have entered a toy store instead of a living room. Don't forget the closets as you clear out the clutter, too. Your closets should be neat and organized and the contents should not attack buyers if they open the closet door. There is no quicker way to leave the buyer with the impression of a cluttered home with not enough storage than with messy closets, crammed with stuff.

Open all blinds and curtains and allow the natural light to come shining in. And, if weather permits, open the windows and let fresh air circulate throughout the home. It gives the impression of openness and space, and quickly eliminates the odor from last night's fish dinner.

While you're at it, turn on the lights in every room. A well lit space will give buyers a sense of comfort and hominess, and instantly create a feeling of spaciousness.

If you have a fireplace, light it. This is a great way to add instant ambience.

Add splashes of color with fresh flowers. It may be cold and raining outside, but a vase of fresh flowers in the entryway or dining room can give your home an instant facelift.

Take Rover or Fluffy with you, and hide evidence of the litter box and food dishes. It is important to understand that not everyone loves animals, and having your frisky dog jump on buyers as they enter the front door (or barking incessantly from behind a closed door) will not leave a positive first impression.

No dishes in the sink! And no shoes by the front door! These small details may seem rather insignificant, but in the end they can all add to a buyers' overall impression of your home.

Tips for Choosing an Atlanta Real Estate Agent

The real estate agent you choose for your Atlanta real estate agent transaction may make all the difference in the deal you get. The right agent will make sure you get the best price on your transaction and ensure the entire process goes as smoothly as possible. We have four tips for choosing the best Atlanta real estate agent for your needs.

Buying or Selling?

You may choose a different Atlanta real estate agent based on whether you are buying or selling your home. A buyer's agent represents the best interests of the buyer, in terms of getting the best price and terms. By the same token, the seller's agent may keep information about the home to himself, if it might negatively impact the sale of the home. Make sure you choose an agent that best represents your end of the sale.

Experience

While Atlanta real estate experience is important, it is even more essential for the real estate agent you choose to have experience in your particular community or neighborhood. The real estate industry tends to be inundated with newcomers that boast little experience in the actual market, so make sure the agent you choose has the necessary experience to get you the best deal possible.

Education and Credentials

Licensing is crucial when choosing an Atlanta real estate agent for your home purchase or sale. This professional will be responsible for ensuring that every piece of paper that goes into your closing is 100 percent accurate. He will also help you get the best deal and minimize your hassles along the way. Those who make Atlanta real estate a full-time profession – and have the professional credentials to prove it – will usually be your best bet in negotiating your own Atlanta real estate transaction.

Qualifications

The Atlanta real estate agent you choose should have passed at least 15, eight-hour courses and passed examinations in Georgia to prove that they are qualified to handle your real estate transaction. In addition, the agent should belong to a multiple listing service and hold certain real estate distinctions to illustrate her commitment and experience. Real estate agents should work a minimum of 30 hours each week to be considered full-time Atlanta real estate agents as well.

Choosing the right Atlanta real estate agent makes all the difference in the success of the sale or purchase of your home. By following these tips, you can make the most of your next Atlanta real estate transaction.

When is the Right Time to Purchase your First Piece of Atlanta Real Estate?

The price of homes for sale in Atlanta along with mortgage rates are at the lowest levels in years, could this be the right time to make a purchase?

Owning a home is undoubtedly one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. However, it may also be one of the best decisions ever made, both in terms of finances and security.

Aside from being financially prepared to purchase a home, you may consider other factors as well when deciding whether purchasing a home should be in your near future.

• Make a check payable to your future.  Instead of a writing a rent check to a landlord each month, you can instead invest your money in a strong, long-term home investment. Some individuals look to owning a home simply because they want their money to start working for them, instead of essentially throwing it away in rent.

• Evaluate the tax advantages.  Think in terms of tax deductions when considering the financial aspects of purchasing a home. Most homeowners itemize their home deductions on their tax returns and deduct such things as home mortgage insurance, property real estate taxes, state income taxes, personal property taxes and even moving expenses.

• Consider all the financial aspects.  Don’t just consider the cost of the home when considering your monthly budget and whether you will come out ahead by buying instead of renting. In other words, compare not only the principal and interest on the loan, but also such things as homeowner’s insurance, taxes, and in some cases, private mortgage insurance.

• Calculate all buying costs.  When considering your costs, don’t forget to also factor in closing costs, related fees like the title insurance fee, the survey, the loan origination fee, attorney fees, and even points on the loan.

• Make room for repair and maintenance.  Your monthly household budget, as a homeowner, will also include maintenance and repair on the home.  It may also include costs associated with updating or remodeling the home to best suit your needs and wants.

• Enjoy long-term equity.  Don’t forget the beauty of long-term equity when determining if owning a home is right for you.  Although the economy over the last few years has left many people in precarious situations regarding their homes, the truth is that owning a home is still one of the best financial decisions you can make. In addition, lenders have dramatically changed their lending requirements from the real estate boom and bust, which means your loan terms for a new home should be decidedly more conservative.

To speak with a professional Atlanta Realtor, contact Tina Fountain Realtors at 404-842-1555

Roswell - Home Sold

Tina Fountain Realtors continues to sell homes in the city of Roswell located just 20 minutes outside of Atlanta. Roswell has become a popular suburb over the years with the award winning schools and easy commute to downtown. In 2005, Roswell was named a contender for CNN's list of Top 100 Places to Live. With the growing demand for real estate located in Roswell, Tina Fountain Realtors is pleased to announce the recent closing of 125 Annie Cook Way which was formerly owned by a world famous athlete.

For more information on homes for sale in Roswell or any other homes for sale in the Atlanta area, please visit tinafountain.com/ for more information or call 404-842-1555 to speak with a representative.

Tips on Selling Your Home

Tina Fountain Realtors recently posted a blog on what to do when selling your home. The blog gives 5 steps that a seller and their agent should take when the property is on the market. The second tip listed suggests that you use a technologically advanced real estate company and agent to assist in the sell of your home. While "it’s estimated that over 80% of today’s home buyers begin their home search via the internet, while over 95% of all home buyers will use the internet to assist in helping find their next home" it is crucial that the agent and the agent's company have access to the best technology on the market to help get your home sold. Tina Fountain Realtors utilizes the internet with top notch technology to help buyers find their dream home and to assist sellers with the marketing of their property.

For more information on buying or selling Atlanta real estate, please visit tinafountain.com

Search Atlanta Homes For Sale on Your Cell Phone!

Tina Fountain Realtors recently launched a new feature to the already technologically advanced website tinafountain.com. Home buyers can now search for prospective homes and properties from the convenience of their web enabled cell phones like Blackberry, iPhone, Droid, and HTC. This feature does not require registration to use the search engine. Buyers can narrow down the search by exact address, zip code, city name, FMLS number, and even subdivision name. To search Atlanta homes for sale visit www.tinafountain.com/. If you are at your computer and would like to search for homes on our main site please visit https://www.tinafountain.com/