A New Beginning

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Five Questions With... David Payne

David Payne is the co-founder of Scoutmob, an Atlanta-based startup that combines 3 things that I love: Atlanta, local businesses and a good deal. While Mr. Payne should be out finding local deals (Scoutmob officially launches today), I've managed to sequester him at A Is For Atlanta HQ, to answer a question or two...

Q. What are some Atlanta’s most “curious finds”?
A. Unlike those in larger cities, Atlanta's curious finds are harder to stumble upon. But to me, that’s what makes them more rewarding when you do find them. Off the top of my head, I would say Baton Bob (if I were mayor of a city, there would be ten of him!), Le Flash (an amazing yearly even of art and light), Elliot Street Pub (fantastic guys + fantastic sandwiches in a very curious old building), Trader Vic's (especially with the Dames Aflame performing), Paris on Ponce (their Berlin-during-the-war-looking event space is amazing), the Decatur Farmer's Market (the foodie United Nations of Atlanta), the art of R.LAND (I laugh at Loss Cat just thinking about it), the Galaga machine in the back of the Plaza Theatre, everything at Youngblood Gallery, Thelma's on Auburn Avenue (it was surreal to watch Obama's Inauguration on the tiny television in their dining room), the Krog Tunnel, Sid Mashburn (best customer service in town). And last-but-not-least Octane Coffee on the Westside - the hub of curiousness and intown greatness in Atlanta (but that's just my humble opinion).

Our city's most curious find is more curious then your city's most curious find.

Q. Favorite neighborhood(s)?
A. There are so many great neighborhoods in Atlanta; it's difficult to just name a few. I'll go with the ones I hang out in the most. I have a loft in Castleberry, so that would definitely be one; it's the most interesting laboratory of neighborhoods in Atlanta -- so many cultural mixes, it's very exciting. Next would be Virginia Highland - certainly the most quintessential neighborhood in town. Finally, I've fallen more and more in love with Oakhurst (and Decatur) lately. A little further out, but the residents are fantastic, the food is great, and the general vibe is very welcoming.

Q. A night out in Atlanta with Thomas Paine and Major Payne- where are you going?
A. Since Paine was a combination of a trouble-maker, a contrarian, and never a very well-to-do gentleman, I'd focus on affordable places with lots of chances to rabble-rouse. The night would begin at Cafe Intermezzo to discuss a little political philosophy over some coffee. Then we'd stroll down the street to Holeman & Finch Public House (though I'd probably have to pay for dinner) and then finally over to Clermont, which would pretty much blow his mind. If you want to collect a cross-section of people in Atlanta for some good "exchange of ideas and opinions," there's no better place. Now those are some Rights of Man!

A candid shot of Paine, prior to chatting with the gals at The Clermont about about using a little common sense.

Q. Atlanta is a great city to be an entrepreneur because…
A. Contrary to what a lot of people think, Atlanta is a great place to be an entrepreneur... if you are the right type of entrepreneur. If you want to create the next Google or Twitter, move to Mountain View. Lots more talent and a lot more available funding there. But if you want to create a sustainable business (even an online one), Atlanta is perfect. We have tons of smart, skilled folks from the local universities. The startup community is very welcoming (checkout ATDC & Ignition Alley). General costs to get up and going are lower than larger cites. And - maybe most importantly - if you are doing cool stuff, lots of people in Atlanta want to help out until the business ramps up. This includes me -- if you're a local entrepreneur, hit me up for advice anytime (davempayne@gmail.com).

Q. It’s your last meal in Atlanta- where are you going, and what are you ordering?
A. For my last meal in Atlanta, I'd snuggle myself into a booth at Highland Tap. Their downstairs is so dark and cozy. I'd start with a Belvedere & Tonic. Then a spinach salad (hold the egg). And - for the main course - one of their burgers with some pepper gravy on the side for the fries. Maybe a Stella to wash the burger down. Then I'd roll myself over to Murphy's for some Bonzo Cake. Highland Tap has been my favorite spot in Atlanta for years.

BONUS QUESTION: What is ScoutMob, and why is it awesome?
A. If you’re into anything I mentioned above, there’s no way you wouldn’t be into Scoutmob. We’ve got amazing mobile deals (as in, deals you redeem on your phone) good for all sorts of awesome (local) businesses. It’s free to you -- and fresh every day in your email. And every email comes with an extra couple servings of the curious tidbits we come across around town. We like to think of it as incentive for Atlantans to get out, do more, and appreciate all the cool things happening in our community.

The Relevant Linkage

A recipe for Dave's beloved Bonzo Cake, here.

A loft in Dave's beloved Castleberry Hill, here.

A look at Dave's beloved Scoutmob, here.

Patience People. Patience.

Ok, so I've been a little behind in posting recently. Ok, a lot behind. But it's all for a good reason: I'm in the process of relaunching AisForAtlanta, version 2.0. That's right folks, the little blog that could is not only getting a facelift, but a whole new lease on life. So stick tight. Sporadic blogging, just for a few more days.

Single Men: Freebirds When It Comes To Real Estate?

Single men, it turns out, are single for a reason. Dudes just can’t commit!

Pretty interesting article in the New York Times this week about the phenomenon of single men that prefer renting to buying. According to the National Association of Realtors, single women outpaced single men at homebuying over the last 12 months by a 2 to 1 margin! Pretty staggering, although not all too surprising.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Ultimate Freebirds. Homeowners or Renters?

Read the article in its entirity, here.

The Long Suffering Real Estate Agent

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average home buyer visits 10-12 homes before making a decision. While this number vacillates depending on circumstances, it's a pretty realistic yardstick for home searches. Ultimately, the primary "circumstance" at play is the home buyer him/herself. No one wants to compromise, nor does anyone want to be less than 100% thorough... but some folks take picky to the extreme. The Wall Street Journal profiles one such home buyer, who personally inspected 298 homes over a two and a half year period before making a decision!

My first thought was... WOWSERS!

My second thought was that this could make a great feature film. Meg Ryan as the eccentric house hunter who at first falls in love with the "hobby" of house hunting, goes through several real estate agents and then meets workaholic real estate broker played by Liam Neeson. He helps her find a house and true romance, at the same time.

Meg Ryan, tuning out her agent as he tells her about another 4 bedroom house in Ansley Park that she just knows isn't the one for her...

My third thought was that finding a home isn't easy. For all the HGTV shows, websites and chatter, knowing when a space is right is more than just dollars and cents, square feet and stainless steel appliances. While this article documents an extreme example of the- shall we say- discerning house hunter, we all rely on our "gut" to a certain extent when it comes to finding a home. And that's, well, that's ok.

Final thought: If you needed to look at 298 homes before finding the right one, you need a new real estate agent. Next time, just give me a call.

Five Questions With...Joey Detenber

I'm not sure who to attribute the quote "new year, new you" to, but there's undoubtedly truth to the age old maxim. If you're looking to do a little self-renewal, check out Bliss Spa in the W Hotel Downtown for tension busting, new-you-loving spa treatments. It's the perfect way to usher in 2010, and to give yourself a gift that keeps on giving. Now, how about five questions for Joey Detenber, Manager at Bliss, to kick off the new year...

Q. When you’re not at Bliss, where do you go to get blissful?

A. The off-leash hiking trails with my Australian Cattle dog, Liza

Q. Favorite neighborhood(s)?

A. East Atlanta, I love the gritty charm

Detective Lennie Briscoe: The Ultimate Gritty Charmer.

Q. If you had an unlimited budget to create the perfect home spa, what would it look like?
A. It would be a spacious oasis of heated marble floors, lush linens, customized water features a steam shower with aromatherapy (like bliss!) and a traditional sauna with a cooling soaking tub… oh and right on the beach!

The view from your beach side massage table...

Q. An out-of-town client is looking for a relaxing pre-spa afternoon. Where are you sending them?

A. To our neighbor, the Georgia Aquarium to watch the peaceful grace of all of the amazing creatures from the sea.

Q. One last meal in Atlanta- where are you going, and what are you eating?
A. The Patty Melt at The EARL in East Atlanta Village.

Grilled Cheese + Hamburger + Fancy Toothpicks = Happiness

BONUS QUESTION: What is Bliss, and why is it awesome?

Bliss is a totally different approach to spa going in Atlanta! We offer out of the “spa-ordinary” products and services with a fun “don’t take life too seriously “ twist.

The Relevant Linkage

Live a few floors away from Bliss at the W Downtown. Click here, for more info.

Live just a few blocks away from the famed Patty Melt at The Earl. Click here, for more info.

Live with the fishes and go behind the scenes at the Georgia Aquarium. Click here, for more info.

Photo Credits: Spa View (Karma Trendz), Patty Melt (Blissful Glutton)

2010 Real Estate Forecast

Peter Tiller (for RealtyTrac, for the AJC) takes my last post a step further with his prognosis for real estate in 2010. Since we're not even one week in into 2010, it's probably a little too early to start passing judgement on his picks, but he definitely provides food for thought. For more on Loan Modification, the state of the adjusting Option ARMS, and the role of the judicial system, click here.