Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog: June 2008

Your home will sell. There’s no questions about that – in today’s market or tomorrow’s market, good or bad. However, if you put your home on the market without preparing it for sale, you may have a long wait for an offer. You also may not realize your home’s greatest return on investment.

You don’t have to turn your pockets inside out to get it ready to sell. Some outlay may be necessary for painting, for replacing worn out woodwork, carpeting, cabinet doors, or for repairing broken fixtures or appliances.

There are, however, many fix-ups that cost absolutely nothing – except a little time and elbow grease. These fix-ups will make all the difference in whether or not your home makes the most of itself.

Here are a few tips for getting your home ready to show itself off to your pocketbook’s best advantage:

OUTDOORS
1. Spruce up all around the home. Keep lawn and shrubbery trimmed and free of bicycles and other clutter. Keep the garden beds weeded and mulched.
2. Put a flowering pot on the front step and keep it watered and trimmed.
3. Fill potholes in your driveway and tidy up walkways.
4. Clean off your outdoor furniture; remove any rust (or toss out the rusted item).
5. Clear out the garage of everything but cars. If yours has become a two-car attic, throw out the excess.
6. Straighten gutters, the mailbox, the fence – and other things that sag.
7. Fix doorbells, tighten loose doorknobs, and oil squeaking hinges.
8. Repair broken windows and shutters.

INDOORS
9. Clean everything in and out of sight. Shampoo rugs and wax floors. Wash or brush walls. Wash windows and clean blinds and draperies.
10. Weed clutter out of closets and cupboards.
11. Create a space by storing some of the extra furniture you’ve found useful (bureaus, bookcases, storage chests, oversized chairs) but which make a crowded impression.
12. Place the remaining furniture so that traffic can flow easily from room to room.
13. Unless you’re a skilled artist, scale down your personal art work (portraits, landscapes), posters, signs, and family photos, especially in teenager’s rooms. Create a feeling of spaciousness.
14. Keep shade and draperies open, to admit as much light as possible, but screen out unappealing views.
15. Let your kitchen look warm and welcoming, not a hectic workplace. Keep your sink shining and free of dirty dishes at all times.
16. Organize cupboards.
17. Clean the refrigerator.
18. Keep countertops clear, but not empty (as if unused); adorn them with your most attractive canisters.
19. Completely degrease your oven. Let the kitchen smell fresh and fragrant (with cinnamon warming in the clean oven, if you have time).
20. Remove debris (dust, flies, moths, etc) from all light fixtures.
21. Keep bathrooms scrubbed, tidy and equipped with fresh soap and neatly hung towels (matching, is possible).
22. Get rid of all stains and install new washers on dripping faucets.
23. Feature (with lighting or furniture arrangement) your home’s best characteristics (a fireplace, a picture window, a balcony, ceiling beans, a kitchen eating area, etc.).
24. If you’ve repainted (preferably in safe neutral tones), add bold splashes of color with your brightest throw pillows, crockery, pictures.
25. Place plants in strategic spots in any room – the bigger the more glamorous, if space permits.
26. Light the whole home, especially dark corners and hallways.
27. Hang mirrors where they will reflect outdoor light – as well as make a room look larger.

Labels: Alpharetta, Atlanta, city of milton, Cumming, duluth, Forysth, Georgia, Roswell, stage to sell, staging your home, staging your home to sell, Woodstock

With a new name, new venue and a newly created city, Johns Creek will proudly present Arts on the Creek, a music and arts festival Labor Day Weekend – Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 at Johns Creek United Methodist Church.

The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce Arts & Culture Committee will host another weekend of great art, music and family entertainment. Last year's arts festival was the city's first and this second annual event remains Georgia's tenth largest city's only arts festival. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s festival will kick-off with a new name, logo and venue. Arts on the Creek – the newly coined title – captures the excitement and energy that is Johns Creek. The new logo was created by local watercolor artist and committee member Ann Marie Noyman and Ron Cioffi, chair of the Arts & Culture committee. Johns Creek United Methodist Church, the new venue for this wonderful event, was selected for its visibility, expanse and beauty.

"Our mission is to give Johns Creek an annual event that brings music, dance, fine arts and great shopping of art to our growing and vibrant city," Cioffi said. "As one of the most affluent and influential cities in the state, we deserve a top-quality arts festival to add to the quality of life for our residents. The festival also give businesses and restaurants a chance to sell their products and services to our growing community in a fun-filled environment."

With a larger venue, Arts on the Creek will utilize 30,000 sq. ft. for up to 150 artists selling their work from Georgia and neighboring states as well as for sponsors, food vendors, children’s entertainment and more. This year the Johns Creek Children’s Museum will provide a variety of children’s activities, while Tropical Breeze Shaved Ice and other local and area vendors and sponsors will be on hand to provide food and beverages during the event. Lawn seating will accommodate more than 2,000.

Space is still available for artists and vendors – from area businesses, restaurants, children games providers, etc. – interested in selling products and services. Sponsors are to support the festival. All artists, vendors and sponsors can register at http://www.artsonthecreek.org.

Musicians and dancers will also entertain festival guests on the main stage throughout the two-day event. Among the acts scheduled are Lindsay Appel, Rred, Atlanta Jazz Syndicate, Jazzmatic and Jordan Humphrey.

Last year's performers included Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, Eve Hao Dance Studio, Fleetwood Dance Studio and DJ Mitch and Chinese Zheng.

Jurors Dr. Pam Sachant, Assistant Professor of North Georgia College & State University and Mark Karelson, Director, Mason Murer Fine Art will select the winners and present cash prizes first, second and third place winners along with a first-place prize for the top student work. The fine arts exhibition will remain on site for viewing throughout the event in the church’s main foyer.

2008 Festival Hours and Location:

Saturday, August 30: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, August 31: Noon – 6 p.m.

Johns Creek Methodist Church

11180 Medlock Bridge Road

Johns Creek, GA 30097

Arts on the Creek has begun a tradition of serving and presenting the community with quality entertainment for the residents of Johns Creek and surrounding cities.

For more information regarding this event please contact cherie.Neal@gmail.com or info@artsonthecreek.org.

Sponsors include:

Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce
Music Matters
Johns Creek Arts Center (formerly Ocee Arts Center)
AboutU Magazine
KRC Communications
Creative Avalanche Productions
Tropical Breeze
Judy Wittenberg, Realtor, - Prudential Georgia Realty
Ann Marie Noyman
Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra
Johns Creek Children's Museum

Labels: arts on the creek festival, Johns Creek, labor day weekend

Monday, July 7,
6:00 P.M.
Milton City Hall
13000 Deerfield Parkway
Building 100, Suite 107
Milton, GA 30004

Labels: city of milton, coucil meeting, milton city hall

The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is coming to Roswell July 4-6.

This “traveling wall” was created to move from state to state so that all citizens could see the most-visited National Park Service site in Washington, D.C. The wall, made of faux granite, is dedicated to all Americans who served in Vietnam and honors all servicemen and women of the U.S. military forces.

You can view the wall beginning at 10:00 A.M. July 4 through July 6 at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell. The display will be open to the public 24 hours a day during that time.

For more information and the full tour schedule, call 770.993.4811

Labels: City of Roswell, dignity memorial vietnam wall, july 4-6, traveling wall

ROAD CLOSURE ALERT: Note that Deerfield Parkway will be closed to thru-traffic from Morris Road to Webb Road on July 4th from 9 am to Noon to allow for the City of Milton Citizens Parade. Verizon Wireless employees who work in Buildings 2 or 3 will be allowed entry with caution.

Deerfield Parkway will be closed as indicated in the large circled area above. Small circles indicate closures to thru-traffic.
•
South on Deerfield Pkwy. from S.R. 9: Detour left on Webb Rd. then right on Morris Rd. to Deerfield Pkwy.
•
North on Deerfield from Windward Pkwy: Turn right on Morris Rd. then left on Webb Rd. to Deerfield Pkwy.
•
East on Webb from SR9: Continue on Webb Rd., then right on Morris Rd. to Deerfield Pkwy.
•
West on Webb from Morris Rd.: Continue to S.R. 9, turn left on S.R. 9 to Windward Pkwy left on Windward Pkwy. to Deerfield Pkwy.
NOTE: Deerfield Pkwy. will be closed to thru traffic at Morris. However, Verizon Wireless employees stationed in Buildings 2 or 3 may continue through with caution, traveling north on Deerfield Pkwy only.
NOTE: Residents of the Deerfield Lake Townhomes must enter from the north end of Deerfield Parkway at Webb Road for left-in access only. Residents will be allowed to make a right-out turn only.

Labels: 4th of july parade, city of milton, Road Closure

Milton Hosts July 4th Parade!
Citizens invited to join in patriotic celebration

Come one, come all!

The City of Milton invites all residents to join in Milton’s first annual
Fourth of July Citizens Parade!

Never been in a parade before? Now’s your chance!
Decorate your bike or wagon
Bring your favorite pet
Make your own flags
Be creative and remember it’s all about the

Date: July 4
Time: 10:00 A.M. (9:30 A.M. to march)
Parade route begins at Deerfield Parkway and Webb
Marchers assemble at Milton City Hall

You don’t want to miss the Alpharetta Rodeo Wranglers or
Milton’s firefighters in the parade!

Free popsicles, American flags and face painting
for everyone!

It will surely be a day to remember!

Labels: 4th of july, city of milton, parade

Bulloch Hall, one of the three historic museum homes owned by the City of Roswell, is participating in a contest to win “Kit Kittridge, an American Girl Doll” on Saturday, June 28 at 4:30 p.m. Bulloch Hall is located at 180 Bulloch Avenue in Roswell.

During the Magnolia Storytelling Festival, children are invited to a “Children’s Hour” at Bulloch Hall from 2:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Lemonade and cookies will be served on the porch of the home.

Attendees are also invited to visit the “Oh You Beautiful Doll” exhibit in the home.

Entry forms for the contest are available in the Bulloch Hall Museum Shop. For additional information, contact Bulloch Hall at 770.992.1731.

Labels: american girl doll, bulloch hall, kit kittridge, Roswell

Friday July 4th 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday July 5th 10:00am - 5:00pm
1-20, exit 105, Follow the signs

Antique tractors, large artist market, cut your own sunflowers, old time fun for kids, hay and pony rides, local BBQ and favorite summertime foods, gardens, historic houses and more!

Free parking, $5 general admission
Kids under 12 free with parent
Veterans free both days

www.sunflowerfarmfestival.com

The Sunflower Farm Festival was Featured in Southern Living Magazine June 2006

Labels: festivals, Georgia, sunflower farm festival, weekend activities

City of Woodstock Fireworks & Parade

10:00am: Parade

11:00am–3:00pm: Festival in the Park

Dusk: Fireworks off Hwy 92 at Target shopping ctr

Labels: fireworks, freedomfest parade, Georgia, Woodstock

Show your patriotism by celebrating our Country’s Independence Day in Roswell with entertainment and a breathtaking fireworks display. This year’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza will take place at Roswell High School, located on King Road off of SR 92.

Activities begin at 4:30 p.m. with a carnival and inflatables and also include the following performances:

Clark King, Teen Roswell Rocks 2007 Winners at 4:30 p.m.
Wichita at 5:30 p.m.
Big Biscuit Band at 6:30 p.m.
Banks & Shane at 7:30 p.m.
Moby, a popular local radio personality, will emcee the event. At dark, a beautiful 40-minute fireworks display will be the highlight of the evening.

Bring your chairs, blankets and picnics for an old fashion family outing. Concessions will be available from Miller’s Ale House and Restaurant, not to mention cotton candy, snow cones and much more.

This year's sponsors include Regency Centers, Roswell Crossing Shopping Center, North Fulton Regional Hospital, Roswell Rotary, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and the Roswell Neighbor.

For more information, call 770.594.6406. Roswell High School is a drug, alcohol and tobacco free zone.

Labels: City of Roswell, fireworks, july 4th, roswell high school

The Forsyth County Commission has decided to take the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to court.

The focus of the lawsuit: the Corps' recent decision to lease Lake Lanier's Bethel Park to the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, rather than Forsyth County.

"We're going to seek a declaration that the Corps was without power to lease the property to the YMCA when the county was ready, willing and able to do the same thing and had made that intention known," County Attorney Ken Jarrard said.

The County Commission on Tuesday afternoon voted 4-0, with Chairman Charles Laughinghouse absent, to challenge the Corp's decision, announced June 5.

The YMCA and Forsyth County both want to take over Bethel Park from the Corps, which is leasing out many of its lake parks nationwide as a cost-saving measure.

The YMCA wants to turn the park into a residential camp, where 250 to 300 children would flock for eight weeks each summer. The group also hopes to offer students a two- to three-night outdoor experience throughout the school year.

The county wants to keep the park open to the public year-round and to add several amenities, including a camp for recreational vehicles.

YMCA officials contend that they were given the green-light to develop plans for the park several years ago because county officials had expressed no interest in taking on the park.

The current commissioners insist there is no record that the county was offered the park and declined it. They contend that the Corps has breached its own policy of giving the first right of refusal to the local government.

Forsyth County residents who live near the park have opposed the YMCA's plans and support the county's plans to go to court.

The lawsuit, which will have to be filed in federal court, could be ready "within a few days," Jarrard said.

Labels: army corps, Forsyth, park lease, ymca of metro atlanta

The City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department is hosting the Alpharetta Family Challenge ’08 on Saturday, July 12th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. This FREE special event will take place at the Alpharetta Community Center Event Lawn located at 175 Roswell Street.

Alpharetta Family Challenge ‘08 is designed for families to compete against other families for fun and socialization. Competitions and activities will include an obstacle course, a three-legged race, a potato sack race, and much more as well as prizes and concessions. Family members of all ages are welcome but children must be age 6 and up to compete in activities. All family members are welcome to come to support and cheer their family, even if they are not participating. A family “team” must consist of at least one adult (parent or head of household) and one child (age 6 to 17). Registration is going on now and will continue through July 7th.

For more information, please contact Jessica Kim at 678-297-6160 or jkim@alpharetta.ga.us.

Labels: alpharetta community center, city of alpharetta, event lawn, the alpharetta family challenge

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community. CERT graduates can then choose to serve in the AFES Fire Corps program where they get to further their skills in direct assistance to the Fire Department...

But CERT is the starting point for all volunteer service in AFES!

The Alpharetta CERT program is open to volunteers 18 years or older with no criminal history. There is no residency requirement. Classes are taught at the Roswell Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center.

AFES Community Emergency Response Team Training includes:

· Hands on Training with Career Firefighters

· Home Fire Safety Tips

· Disaster Response Training

· First-Aid

· CPR

· Knowledge of the history of AFES

· Flexible class dates & times

Contact us today to find out what you can do for your community in the event of a disaster. AFES is currently accepting applications for future CERT training courses. CERT Application and Consent Forms are available by emailing your request to Lieutenant Gary Robinson at ltgaryrobinson@bellsouth.net.

CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective.

For more information please visit: http://www.alpharettacitizencorps.org/

Labels: CERT, city of alpharetta, community emergency response team

The Fulton County School System reports a higher percentage of students meet or exceed standards on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) when compared to the state in all areas except fourth-grade science where the results are the same.

The recently released results are by school for all grades and subjects, showing the percentage of students in levels 2 and 3 with the change from 2007 and the percentage of students in level 3 with the change from last year as appropriate.

These results were calculated from a student-level data file, and the numbers have not been validated. The state’s official school-level results are expected no later than July 9.

Fulton County 2008 CRCT highlights
· Ninety-two percent of the students in grade one meet or exceed the standard on the reading section, with 47 percent exceeding the standard. Five schools had 100 percent of first graders meet or exceed the standard in reading. The first-grade students also scored exceptionally well in math, with 16 schools having more than 60 percent of first graders exceeding standards.
· Second-grade students continue to score well, with 94 percent meeting or exceeding standards in reading and 88 percent meeting or exceeding in both English/language arts and math.
· Forty-four percent of Fulton’s third-grade students scored in the exceeding category on the third-grade math CRCT as compared to 31 percent at the state level. Twenty-three of the 55 elementary schools had more than 50 percent of students exceeding standards in math.
. Fulton’s third graders continue to show growth in reading with 10 schools making more than 10 percent gains in the percent of students exceeding standards (Abbotts Hill, Alpharetta, Bethune, Heards Ferry, Hembree Springs, High Point, Esther Jackson, Seaborn Lee, Mount Olive and Spalding Drive).
· Five elementary schools showed more than 10 percent gains in the percent of fourth- grade students exceeding the standard in reading (Conley Hills, Mount Olive, Renaissance, River Eves and Summit Hill).
. Fourth-grade students also scored well in science, with 15 schools making more than a 15 percent gain in the percent of students exceeding the standard.
· Fulton’s fifth-grade students scored much higher than the state on the English/language arts test, with 41 percent of the students exceeding standards (29 percent at the state level).
. Fifty percent of the elementary schools had 80 percent or more of fifth-grade students meeting or exceeding the standard in math. Seven schools (Alpharetta, Dolvin, Findley Oaks, Mountain Park, Northwood, Shakerag and Wilson Creek) had 60 percent or more of students exceeding standards in fifth-grade math.
· Sixth-grade Fulton students continue to perform well especially in reading where all schools have at least 84 percent of students scoring in the meets or exceeds category.
· Students in seventh grade showed gains in all subject areas especially in English/ language arts where the percent of students exceeding standards increased by 10 percent. Nine schools had more than a 12 percent gain in the percent of students exceeding standards (Amana Academy, Fulton Science Academy, Hopewell, KIPP South Fulton Academy, Northwestern, River Trail, Sandtown, Sandy Springs and Webb Bridge).
· Five middle schools had 100 percent of eighth-grade students meeting or exceeding the standard in reading (Fulton Science Academy, Haynes Bridge, KIPP South Fulton Academy, River Trail and Webb Bridge).
. Overall, eighth-grade Fulton County students scored higher than the state on the math section of the CRCT, with 66 percent meeting or exceeding standards and 24 percent exceeding. Four schools showed exceptional achievement on this test as measured by the percent of students exceeding standards (Autrey Mill (47 percent), Northwestern (49 percent), River Trail (52 percent) and Webb Bridge (51 percent).

Labels: CRCT, fulton county school system, preliminary CRCT

The Lakewood 400 Antiques Market is This Weekend: JUNE 20,21,22!
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING OUR 5TH BIRTHDAY - CUSTOMERS CAN WIN SHOPPING SPREES THROUGH-OUT THE SHOW!
Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 10-5

Don't miss the Party! Dealers from all over have selected fabulous items for you! Take a break from the heat and enjoy the air conditioning!

European and American Furniture - Primitives- Stick Furniture - Bedroom, Dining Room, Kitchen, Living
Rooms - All Rooms! Inside and Out!
Art Apraiser and Restoration Expert on Site Depression Glass Decorative Hat Boxes
Upholstry, Fabric, Drapery specialist
Rugs - Old, New, Any size!
Lighting - Chandeliers, Art Deco to Antique to Custom Lamps!
Art - Folk Art - Imported Art and Frames- Original Art!
Custom Signs - Artist on Site!
Antique Tin - "Tin Man" on Site!
Antique Fishing Gear!
Framing - The Traveling Framer is Here!
Home Decor - Accessories - Florals - Ribbon of All Kinds! - Stained Glass - Nautical Decor Collectibles - Civil War Memorabilia, Coins, Glassware, Knives, Pocket Watches, Baseball and Racing Memorabilia, Dolls, Toys, Kitchen Items, Political Memorabilia Semi-Precious and Prescious Gemstone Beads and Pearls Jewelry - Vintage and New, Pearls, Beads, Beautiful Stones!
Jewelry Repair
Early American Antiques - Store Fixtures, Safes, Signage, Gas Pumps Antique Jade and African Folk Art Pottery Garden Iron Fiesta Ware Quilts and Quilting Fabric

The Plant Man is Here!

The Lakewood 400 Antiques Market, LLC
1321 Atlanta Highway
Cumming, GA 30040
770-889-3400 lakewood400@earthlink.net
www.lakewoodantiques.com

Labels: antiques, anttiques market, Cumming, lakewood 400

City of Alpharetta was recently honored when First Lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chair of the Preserve America initiative, designated it as one of the nation’s newest Preserve America Communities.

“Preserve America Communities demonstrate that they are committed to preserving America’s heritage while ensuring a future filled with opportunities for learning and enjoyment,” Mrs. Bush said. “This community designation program, combined with the Preserve America Grant Program, Preserve America Presidential Awards, and other federal support, provides strong incentives for continued preservation of our cultural and natural heritage resources. I commend you for your commitment to preserving an important part of our nation’s historic past for visitors, neighbors, and, most importantly, for children.”

Mayor Arthur Letchas received a letter June 10, 2008 and will receive a certificate of designation signed by Mrs. Bush announcing City of Alpharetta is now a Preserve America Community. “We are honored to receive this designation especially during Alpharetta’s sesquicentennial celebration year,” said Mayor Letchas. “The past preservation efforts of our community along with this opportunity will give a strong historic foundation for our current and future residents.”

Communities designated through the program receive national recognition for their efforts. Benefits include the right to use the Preserve America logo on signs and promotional materials; eligibility for Preserve America Grants; notification to state tourism offices; and listing in a Web-based directory that showcases City of Alpharetta preservation efforts and heritage tourism destinations. Preserve America Communities are also featured in National Register Travel Itineraries and in “Teaching With Historic Places” curricular materials created by the National Park Service.

In 2006, Preserve America Grants totaling nearly $5 million were awarded to 68 projects around the country. In 2007, $4.9 million was awarded to 72 projects. In 2008, $10 million is available. Grants of $20,000 to $150,000 are awarded on a competitive, matching fund basis to help communities develop sustainable management strategies and sound business practices for the continued preservation and use of their heritage assets. The grants support research, planning, marketing, interpretation, and training efforts.

The Preserve America initiative is an Administration effort to encourage and support community efforts to preserve and enjoy America’s priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the nation’s past; strengthened regional identities and local pride; increased local participation in preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage assets; and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

“Sustainable historic preservation is a wise investment in the future, not a cost for maintaining the past. Communities and the nation receive significant economic, educational, and cultural benefits, including heritage tourism, in return for their preservation efforts,” said John L. Nau, III, chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which administers Preserve America programs for the White House in cooperation with the Department of the Interior.

The White House is working with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Transportation, the General Services Administration, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities to implement Preserve America. For more information about the initiative and its programs, visit www.preserveamerica.gov.

Labels: city of alpharetta, first lady laura bush, preserve america community

In its most simple form, the process of buying a home is little more than a series of decisions--a sort of Real Estate "what, where, when and how." One of the first decisions (and usually one of the easiest) is the "what." Housing falls into several different categories, most notably: Single family homes, townhouses, or condominiums. Each brings its own set of advantages and disadvantages. One type may be much better suited to your budget and lifestyle than another. Depending on your location, you may find more choices of one particular type of home than others.

Single Family Homes
Your ownership includes the house and extends to the limits of the property lines.
By far the most common form of housing in North America is the single family detached home--ranging from 600 square foot bungalows to 6000 (or more) square foot sprawling mansions. The most important distinguishing factors that determine a single family dwelling are that it sits on its own piece of land (which is sold part and parcel with the home) and it is not attached to anyone else's residence. With single family homes, your home pretty much is your castle. Subject to neighborhood and subdivision regulations and ordinances, you can do with it as you wish. Want a different exterior color? Usually you can accomplish that (taking into account the fact that the neighbors may not be receptive to a purple house with ecru trim). Need more room and want to add on? Subject to the codes of your jurisdiction, you may be able to expand your living space.

You will probably have a yard of some sort--from "postage stamp" size up through multiple acres, and your ownership will include all of it. In effect, when you buy a single family home your purchase will be of a parcel of land (your lot) on which sits a structure (your house).

Townhouses
Your ownership includes the lot on which your house sits as well as the entire structure. Townhouses often can make an excellent "middle ground" between a detached single family home and a full fledged condominium because, to some degree, they offer attributes of both.

For purposes of definition, we will describe a townhouse as a home that is attached to one or more other houses, but which sits directly on a parcel of land that you also own (if you don't own the land, it is a condominium). For this discussion, townhouses can ranges from duplexes and triplexes all the way through huge townhouse communities consisting of hundreds of similar homes.

There is a good degree of variance in the way townhouse communities are structured. It may be a simple agreement (as is often the case of duplexes and triplexes) that each parcel of land and the home that sits on it is separately owned. In the case of larger townhouse communities, you will generally have an additional shared ownership in the common areas of the complex as well as any amenities such as swimming pools, park areas, etc. This ownership you will share jointly with all other townhouse owners in the complex.

In any townhouse purchase that involves an Homeowners' Association, it is vitally important to get as much information as you can, since the association can have a considerable impact on your ownership experience!

Condominiums
Your ownership is limited to a single unit and a shared interest in of all of the common areas.
The easiest way to understand the concept of condominium ownership is to see at as an apartment you own (in fact, many condominiums are apartments that have been converted over the years). Your ownership extends inward from your interior walls, floors and ceilings. In addition, you are a partner, with all of the other owners in the complex, of the exterior structure (the foundation, exterior walls and roof) as well as any common areas and amenities (for example, swimming pools, clubhouses, tennis courts, play areas, etc.)

One of the requirements of condominium ownership is the payment of a monthly condo fee, which covers general repairs and maintenance to the common areas of the complex as well as (hopefully) build up a cash reserve for future needs. In general, all exterior maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the condominium association, although you will be charged for them, either through your association dues or a special assessment (a one time charge assessed to all owners for, as an example, a new roof). The normal day-to-day maintenance of the grounds (some examples are cutting the grass, shoveling snow and maintaining the pool) are also the responsibility of the association. Interior maintenance and repairs (for example, replacing a dishwasher) are the responsibility of the individual owner.

In some areas, a condominium may be the only consideration that fits within your budget. The reason for this is simple. In general, the same square footage will cost less in a condo setting than it will in a single family home or townhouse, due mainly to land cost--you can build many more condos than you can single family homes on the same amount of land.

Labels: Alpharetta, condos, Cumming, Fulton County, milton, Roswell, single family, townhomes, types of homes, Woodstock

Buying a house covers a lot of ground--including legal, financial and emotional considerations. To not educate yourself and learn from the mistakes of others only sets you up to be at best disappointed and at worst finding yourself living in the wrong house. We have listed some of the most prevalent--and potentially dangerous and expensive--mistakes made by first time home buyers.

Running before walking. This is easy to do once the decision to buy a home has been made. It means rushing off looking at homes, surfing the web or calling on advertisements before doing some up-front preparation. Not spending time doing this preparation, though, can be a disaster. We get a number of emails from buyers who have contracted to purchase a home and want to know the easiest way of getting out of the purchase. Let it be known loud and clear: If you contract to purchase a home and "change your mind," the chances of getting released from the contract are almost non-existent. Still we hear "We found another home!" Sorry, too late. Maybe next time. "We are buying too much house!" Okay, maybe you will be able to rent out a room or two. " It's not what we want!" Maybe you can paint the house, or add on to it or replace the carpeting, but you will almost certainly will be living in it!

Over-buying the first time. Being "house poor" is a very uncomfortable existence. A large and beautiful home with little or no furniture tends to be empty and cold. A life where almost every dime of your earnings goes to the support of your house wears thin very quickly and is a frequent cause of family stress. Pushing yourself right up to--or beyond--your limits leaves you highly exposed when the inevitable changes to the national or your personal economy occur. Leave yourself some breathing room!

Finding out too late that you have no representation. This can be a real nasty surprise when you assume that the Agent with whom you are working represents you when they actually represent--and owe complete allegiance to--the seller. How does this happen? By not taking the time to investigate and familiarize yourself with the laws regarding Agency. Or, by rushing out to look at homes, whether in person or on the Internet, and contacting the Agent who has the house advertised (who will be the listing Agent and will absolutely represent the seller). Another pitfall occurs when you try to represent yourself in the purchase of a home, thinking that you will save money. This may be the case, but it is just as--or more--likely that you will run into a savvy seller who is looking to keep the commission savings in their pocket rather than give it to you. In addition, without representation and the use of a Comparative Market Analysis, how do you determine a realistic selling price for a property?

Not comparing mortgages. There are far too many variables--type of mortgage, term, lender and amount of points to mention a few--not to investigate all of your options. Don't simply accept the first plan presented to you, whether it is from a mortgage broker, an Agent or on the recommendation of a friend or relative. Spend time comparing to get the most advantageous plan for your requirements and financial situation.Not getting mortgage preapproval. In the past it may have been different, but in the year 2000, prequalification and preapprovals are a necessary part of the home buying process. Not only will it give you an exact price range for your purchase, preapproval will add a great deal of strength to your offer.

Waiting for the "perfect" home. Many first time buyers make the mistake that they will, if they look around long enough, find a home that has a full 100% of their needs and wants. With the thousands of variables available in housing, including location, style, size, amenities and condition, this is almost always an unrealistic goal. There are two potential problems with this strategy: First, these buyers pass by homes that meet 90% or more of their requirements only to eventually give up (often purchasing homes with less of their requirements because they are worn out!) and second, while they are waiting for the "perfect" home, housing market prices (and often mortgage rates) continue to rise, adding expense to their purchase. Instead, it makes sense to determine the most important of your needs and the most desired of your wants and selecting a home that meets the majority of them.

Shortcutting the inspection process. This can involve skipping a whole house inspection completely in order to save the relatively small amount of money involved or it may involve using a friend or relative with limited experience to conduct the inspection. In either case you run the risk of not exposing potentially expensive--or even hazardous--defects in the property. Protect yourself and invest the $200 to $500 for a professional inspection.

Labels: house buying mistakes

When they first begin looking for a home, many buyers ask "can't we do this on our own? Do we really need to use a Real Estate Agent?" The answer is yes, you can do it on your own. There is no law that prevents you, as an individual, from buying property without professional Real Estate assistance. You can search for homes, arrange showings, and even negotiate on your own (although, in some localities, the actual contract for purchase will need to be drawn up by an Attorney). The real question may be "do we want to do it on our own?"

There is a misconception among many first time home buyers that by using a Real Estate Agent, they will be subject to paying a commission. In virtually all situations, this is not the case. The commission for the sale of a home is paid for by the seller, not the buyer. If you went to your local appliance store and bought a new refrigerator, you wouldn't expect to pay a commission to the salesperson. The same applies when you buy a house--it is the seller of the item (in this case a house) that is responsible for paying to have it sold.

If you do decide to "go it on your own," your choices will obviously be very limited. The only homes that you can buy without any Agent assistance are those that are "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO)--generally a small percentage of the market. These are home owners who, for whatever reason, have decided not to use an Agent in the sale of their house. It may be because they think they can get more return by not paying a commission, or it may be because there was no Agent who would take their house listing at the price they demanded. Many Real Estate analysts have found that the selling prices of FSBO homes are equal to--or higher--than those listed by Agents. A problem arises when, as a "do-it-yourself" house buyer and without the benefit of a Comparative Market Analysis, you need to make a determination whether or not the house is worth the asking price. How do you decide? There is too much money potentially involved to make a "seat of the pants" decision. In this case, you will need to either secure an independent appraisal to determine a realistic price range for the property or develop your own determination of value.

The next mistake that many buyers make, when they find that their choices are so limited by only dealing with homes for sale by owners, is to jump into the "listed" market by checking advertisements and calling Listing Agents directly or visiting Open Houses. There is not a dime to be saved with this strategy (the seller is still going to pay a commission) and you run the risk of ending up with no representation, since the Listing Agent is duty bound to represent the seller.

Labels: Alpharetta, buying a home without a agent, Canton, Cumming, do we need a agent, First Time Home Buyers, Fulton County, Johns Creek, milton, Roswell, Woodstock

Depending on the type of financing you choose, there should be either 2 or 3 separate inspections on the home you want to purchase. The first should be your own basic inspection (see the bottom of this page for what to look for), the second should be a professional whole-house inspection by a reputable person. Should you select a government loan (FHA or VA), the third inspection should come at the time of the appraisal, which to some degree amounts to a "mini-inspection." Do not, however, rely on this appraisal as your only inspection of the property!

We cannot emphasize enough the value and necessity of an extensive home inspection. Many home purchasers, in the desire to save the $200 to $500 that a good inspection costs, have spent enormous sums of money repairing items that any good home inspector would have pointed out. Any offer to purchase you make should be contingent upon (subject to) a whole house inspection with a satisfactory report. Do not let anyone--not the agent, not your family or friends, and especially not the seller--dissuade you from having the property thoroughly inspected! Not only will you sleep much sounder after you have moved into the house, a professional inspection can give you an escape hatch from a contract on a defective house. If the contract is written contingent on an acceptable inspection, any defects in the home must be either repaired or monetarily compensated for. If you are not satisfied, you have the option to cancel the contract.

Inspections are designed to disclose defects in the property that could materially affect its safety, livability, or resale value. They are not designed to disclose cosmetic deficiencies (for example, an interior wall that needs paint touch up). You will need to determine on your own those type of items that will need attention: don't expect a whole house inspection to reveal them to you.

Don't wait until you have placed an offer on a house before you begin the search for a home inspector. There will be a time limit in the contract designating when the inspection must be completed (typically between 7 and 14 days). If you start trying to find an inspector at that point, and cannot find an acceptable one to schedule it in that time frame, you will only have two choices: go with an inspector that is not your first choice, or run the risk of running past the deadline for the inspection (which could void any chance having the seller take care of repairs). Neither is an acceptable alternative!

Labels: Alpharetta, Canton, City of Roswell, Cumming, home inspections, Johns Creek, Woodstock

The answer to this has a lot to do with your income and the amount of your debt load. As a rough rule of thumb, most home buyers purchase houses that cost between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 times their annual income. For example, a home buyer earning $40,000 per year would buy houses costing between $60,000 and $100,000. There is, however, a degree of variation due to the individual market prices of the area in which you are interested. In some areas, there may not be houses available within that range, so you may need to spend a bit more. In general, however, your monthly mortgage payment cannot exceed approximately 28%-29% of your gross monthly income. Your total debt payments (car payments, credit card payments, etc. plus the monthly mortgage amount) cannot exceed approximately 36%-40% of your gross monthly income. These ratios will depend on the type of mortgage for which you are applying.

Labels: Alpharetta, city of milton, City of Roswell, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Fulton County, how much house can i afford

Cobb County's home sales dropped more than 20.2 percent, while home prices in Cherokee County increased 2.1 percent

It's a buyer's market in Cobb.

Sales of new and used homes dropped more than 20.2 percent in Cobb County in 2007. Still, overall prices eked up 1.3 percent.

Sales of new homes in Cobb fell from 4,125 in 2006 to 3,090 last year, a 25.1 percent decline. Resales were down 18.5 percent in the same period, from 11,467 to 9,350.
Median prices of new homes in Cobb rose 4 percent, from $294,822 to $306,620, while resales fell 1.1 percent, from $188,000 to $186,000, according to data from SmartNumbers for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's 2008 Home Sales Report.

In adjacent Cherokee County, new home sales dropped 27.1 percent, from 3,214 to 2,344 last year, and resales declined from 3,434 to 2,777, a 19.1 percent drop, according to the report. Median prices for new homes in fast-growing Cherokee rose from $244,950 to $250,000, or 2.1 percent, while resale prices edged up from $182,000 to $187,000, or 2.7 percent.

Total sales were down 21.2 percent in Fulton County, 16.3 percent in Forsyth and 29.6 percent in Gwinnett, according to the SmartNumbers data.

Every ZIP code in Cobb County except for two showed a drop in the number of sales from 2006 to 2007.

And three fourths of the ZIP code areas had lower sales numbers than in 2003.

Smyrna-Vinings, ZIP code 30339, fared best with a 22 percent increase in number of house sales. The total median price in that ZIP rose 57 percent from 2006 to 2007. In resales, fewer than half of Cobb's ZIPs saw a decrease, with 30106 showing the biggest drop, 6 percent, from 2006 to 2007.

Labels: Cherokee COunty, Cobb County, Home Sales

Residents and businesses in Alpharetta used to using 30004 for their ZIP code need to learn a new number. Growth prompted the U.S. Postal Service to change more than 7,000 addresses to a new ZIP code, 30009.

Alpharetta's residents and businesses who have been notified of the change need to use 30009 starting July 1.

Michael Miles, spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service, said the agency is carving out the southern part of the 30004 ZIP code to create the 30009 ZIP code. It includes a small portion of Milton.

However, North Fulton and Alpharetta will not add a post office with the growth. Residents must still drive to 2400 Old Milton Parkway east of Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta to use the existing facility. Customers receiving package notices, needing to sign for a delivery or wanting to mail a package will continue to use this post office.

"From a customer standpoint, nothing will change in that respect," Miles said.

He said 286 Milton addresses will get the 30009 ZIP code, which includes residences and businesses primarily in the Bethany Road area. No South Forsyth "Alpharetta" addresses will change ZIP codes.
Exact boundaries are difficult to explain because, like most areas of metro Atlanta, municipal boundaries are tricky to decipher. And it is impossible for the Postal Service to match ZIP codes to municipal boundaries because the system is drawn up for the most efficient use, delivery and process of mail.

He said the Postal Service understands community identity and that residents like to document that identity as part of their address.

"We are not always able to accommodate that," Miles said. "We try to work with communities as best as we can."

Miles said a combination of 6,034 residential and 1,299 business addresses are changing.

"Primarily it's being driven by the growth in the area," he said. "That whole area is served by the post office at 2400 Old Milton Parkway."

Anyone who has been in that facility knows it is overstressed, he said. Trailers have been added because of the additional growth. More growth means more deliveries, which means more letter carriers. And more carriers increases the amount of room needed to prepare for delivery routes.

"It's just at the point now where it's more than we can handle at that facility," Miles said.

While customers won't get a new post office, they will get some relief when a mail sorting facility for letter carriers in the 30009 area is built. That will free up approximately 40 parking spaces and lessen congestion around the Old Milton Parkway facility.

The new letter-carrier-only facility is being built in the Ga. 400/McFarland Road area,

He said since the notices were sent out two weeks ago, some customers have called who are not certain if the ZIP code change affects them. If an address was to change its ZIP code, a notice should have been received.

Customers don't need to wait until July 1 to use the new ZIP code. And they don't have to throw out the old stationery or pre-printed address labels.

"Mail will be delivered with old and new ZIP codes for up to a year," Miles said.

After a year the Postal Service will still deliver mail, but using the old ZIP code could cause problems.

"We like to caution after the one year, then you do run the risk of possibly having the mail delayed. Of course, we always will deliver mail if we have a good address," he said.
Change of Address

More than 7,000 businesses and residences received notices recently notifying them their ZIP code will change beginning July 1. All of the changes are to addresses currently part of the 30004 ZIP code. The new ZIP code for this portion of the original area will be 30009. Those who did not receive a notice should keep their 30004 ZIP code.

To get your new ZIP+4 code, visit www.usps.com and choose "Find a ZIP code."

The U.S. Postal Service calculates the following number of addresses will change in the two North Fulton cities:

Alpharetta 7,047

Milton 286

Labels: 30004, 30009, Alpharetta, new zip code

While last year's home sales fell 22 percent metrowide, Vinings' prices jumped up 57 percent.Hybrid cars are one answer to soaring gas prices. So what about a hybrid neighborhood? Could it be immune to housing's woes? Maybe so.

Every metro county last year saw declining residential sales, the AJC's annual Home Sales Report shows. And in about half the ZIP codes, the median price also tumbled.
But in ZIP 30339 in Cobb County, much of which is unincorporated Vinings, sales last year sizzled, the report says. Prices jumped 57 percent, and the number of units sold increased 21.5 percent.

That's remarkable considering that last year sales metrowide fell 22 percent and resale prices began their steady decline, which is now at 6.5 percent. The real estate research company SmartNumbers collected the local data from deeds.
No other locale in the 20-county report had across-the-board positives like 30339, home to 17,000 people at the junction of I-75 and I-285.

But what made Vinings shine?

Sue East, who with her husband Jeffrey and three children moved from Forsyth County to Vinings in April 2007, offered an answer: Vinings is the perfect blend of urban and suburban."You feel like you're in a small town, but you're in the hustle and bustle of the city," she said.

Vinings residents dangle their toes in the city instead of fully submerging, said Jackie Benson, a Vinings resident who chairs the Georgia chapter of the Congress for New Urbanism, a Chicago-based group that advocates building walkable communities.
"It's kind of a safe urbanism," Benson said. "It's a perceived security for people who were used to suburbia."

Vinings is an amalgam of families, young singles and retirees. Vintage split-level and ranch homes share quiet subdivision streets with McMansions. Condominiums and townhomes line busy thoroughfares. Nature and the built environment perform a delicate balancing act. New construction pays homage to the old.

"It's not been overdeveloped," said Shane Coldren, an asset manager and president of the Vinings Homeowners Association. "The character of Vinings has remained largely single-family homes on large lots."

Then there's the convenience. Nearby are job centers along I-75, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport via I-285 and Buckhead across the Chattahoochee River. The private Lovett Academy, Westminster Schools and Pace Academy are all a short drive away, which is particularly important to Vinings' high-achieving, affluent households.

The estimated median household income for 30339 — $63,753 — is about 35 percent higher than Georgia's median income.Consciously or not, more home buyers are weighing travel time because of gas prices, which makes Vinings increasingly attractive, said Tom Walsh of Tunnell Spangler Walsh & Associates, a community-design and architectural firm.

"The future is sort of written on the wall," Walsh said. "Gas is going up, it's not going down."Vinings Jubilee, the town center of sorts, opened in 1986 with a faux historic look of wood and brick that harkens back to the community's 19th century origins as a burg for railroad employees. Its shops include Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. In the evening at Jubilee, friends gather on parking-lot patios at The Grape wine bar and Garrison's Broiler and Tap. Or they settle in across Paces Mill Road at Vinings Inn, a truly old building with a candle-lit bar upstairs and live acoustic music.

More than half of 30339's residents have never married, according to market research firm Claritas. Pre-school teacher and mother Connie Lide said Vinings is more relaxed than Buckhead, her former home. Bicyclists, a skateboarder and dog-walkers traversed a neighborhood road as Lide walked her "old, old" Boston terrier, Chippy.
"I just think everybody's friendlier," she said. Ron Sifen, past president of the Vinings Homeowners Association and a candidate for the Cobb County Commission, said organizations play a big part in Vinings life.

Vinings Civic Club, Vinings Rotary Club, Vinings Historical Society, Vinings Club, Vinings Friends and Vinings Women's Club are all active. The Easts moved to Vinings to be closer to institutions that matter to them — Trinity Presbyterian Church in northwest Atlanta and the Westminster Schools in Buckhead, which daughter Lauren attends.

They live in a six-bedroom, English country-style brick house whose construction Sue East oversaw. Their home is worth much more than $377,580, which SmartNumbers says was the median sales price last year in 30339. "I carried every piece of porcelain in my house in the back of my van," East said. "I hired and fired."

Paintings by a Montgomery artist of the three East children — Lauren, as well as Nicholas and Daniel — hang in a front room. They're wearing powder blue outfits; the backdrop is a formal flower garden. Residents tout Vinings' natural beauty. Ponds near the East home attract geese, bullfrogs and snapping turtles; their yard contains 27 rose bushes. Coyotes have been known to wander the community, snatching pets.

During a tour on roads that curved and undulated under a thick tree canopy, Debby Bolt, a real estate agent and 24-year resident of Vinings, told her passenger to watch for mountain laurel.On Polo Road, horses nibbled near $2 million homes and towering power lines. Industry and luxury live side by side in Vinings. "It doesn't matter here," Bolt said.

Signs alert residents to the presence of Colonial Pipeline, which transports gas underground from the Gulf of Mexico to New England.

CSX railroad is more obvious. Its trains cut through town 50 times a day, halting traffic on Paces Ferry Road.

That's an interruption Bolt doesn't mind. "The train's got a consistency to it. It just puts your whole day in perspective when you hear it," she said. "Do you want me to show you another lake before we head up the mountain?"

Vinings Mountain — officially Mount Wilkinson — rises about 1,000 feet. It's home to the glass office tower Overlook III and One Vinings Mountain, a 156-unit luxury condo building that opened in early 2007.

By year's end, One Vinings Mountain was 91 percent sold, said Alan Dean, senior managing director at Trammell Crow Residential. Homeowners wanting to downsize bought many of the units, he said.

That project alone was a big reason why new-home prices in the Vinings area soared 68 percent to $407,040 and new-home sales rose 22 percent. The average selling price of a One Vinings Mountain condo was approximately $600,000, Dean's figures show.

"High-priced units can sway the stats," UGA's Humphreys said.

The building's fitness amenities, its views of Atlanta's skyline and Kennesaw Mountain, and Cobb's school-tax exemption for residents 62 and older were big selling points.

Seniors Betty and Paul Smith took a different path, however. They upsized.
The Smiths moved to Vinings in 1973 when a three-quarter-acre lot could be had for less than $8,000. Now the cost is in the high six figures.Houses on their street were being demolished and replaced with residences twice as large. "We ended up looking like the guest house or cottage house on the street," Betty Smith said.

So they sold their split-level to a builder who razed it, and moved into an enormous new home around the corner. With acreage so valuable, tear-downs are occurring all over Vinings. The pace of development is "a huge, big deal in Vinings," Bolt said. The nearly-finished Vinings Main, which will have offices, retail and attached homes along Paces Ferry Road, is the kind of project that concerns some residents because of the traffic it will generate, she said. Yet, development hasn't reached the point where people are saying life has become too urban, let's move, Bolt said.

Labels: Home Sales, vingings

WILDERNESS CAMP MARINA
Number of slips/dry stack spaces: 200
Maximum boat length: 80 feet
Slip side utilities: Electricity, water, cable TV
Amenities: In-slip patios, dock boxes, trailer storage, holding tank pump-out station, Wilderness Grille Restaurant, boat ramp
Services: Boat sales
Telephone/Web site address: 770-974-2628; www.parkmarina.com

VICTORIA HARBOUR MARINA
Number of slips/dry stack spaces: 472/256
Maximum boat length: 90 feet in water, 26 feet dry stack
Slip side utilities: Water, electricity
Amenities: Holding tank pump-out station, pay at the pump fuel, restaurant, showers, ship store
Services: On-site mechanic
Telephone/Web site address: 770-926-7718; http://victoriaharbourmarina.com

PARK MARINA
Number of slips/dry stack spaces: 700/no dry stack
Maximum boat length: 130 feet
Slip side utilities: Electricity, water, cable TV, wireless Internet
Amenities: In-slip patios, dock boxes, trailer storage, fuel island, holding tank pump-out station
Services: Marine service department, boat sales and rental
Telephone/Web site address: 770-974-2628; www.parkmarina.com

LITTLE RIVER MARINA
Number of slips/dry stack spaces: 132 wet slips, 327 dry stack
Maximum boat length: 26 feet dry stack/30 feet wet slips
Slip side utilities: Electricity, water
Amenities: Restaurant, fuel dock, pontoon rentals, trailer storage
Services: Boat sales and service shop, detail service
Telephone/Web site address: 770-345-2900; www.littlerivermarina.com

HOLIDAY HARBOR MARINA
Number of slips/dry stack spaces: 201/100
Maximum boat length: 90 feet
Slip side utilities: Electricity, water
Amenities: Fuel dock, holding tank pump-out station, campground, restaurant, marina store
Services: On-site repair shop, boat sales and rental
Telephone/Web site address: 770-974-2575, www.lakeallatoona.netwww.lakeallatoona.net

HARBOR TOWN MARINA
Number of slips/dry stack spaces: 442 slips, no dry stack storage
Maximum boat length: 60 feet
Slip side utilities: Water, electric
Amenities: Ship store, gasoline, holding tank pump-out station, showers
Services: Full-time mechanic on property
Telephone/Web site address: 770-974-6422; http://harbortownmarina.net

GLADE MARINA
Number of slips/dry stack spaces: 281/166 dry storage
Maximum boat length: 70 feet
Slip side utilities: Water, electricity
Amenities: 24-hour security, bathhouse with showers, launching ramps
Services: Service center with boat sales
Telephone/Web site address: 770-975-7000; www.glademarina.com

ALLATOONA LANDING MARINA
Number of slips/dry stack spaces: 512/330 shore storage spaces
Maximum boat length: 80 feet
Slip side utilities: Water, electricity, cable TV
Amenities: Three bathhouses with showers, pool, recreation hall, beach area with bandstand, 120-site campground
Services: Full-service fuel station, snack bar, marine sales and repair center
Telephone/Web site address: 770-975-7000; www.allatooonalandingmarina.com

Labels: allatoona landing, holiday harbor marina, lake allatoona, little river marina, marinas, victoria harbour, wilderness camp marina

Backyard Retreat
2080 Kemp Road, Marietta, GA 30066

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths
Pool and Hot Tub
New Deck
Lake Lot
Hardwood Floors
Newly Updated Kitchen with Granite Countertops, New Siemens Stove & Dishwasher
New Carpets & New Basement Flooring
ADT Alarm System
New Grass & Shrubs
RV Parking
New Deck
Fence – 5 years old
$400 Year Optional Swim Tennis Membership Available
No HOA Dues!
Great Schools!
Keheley Elementary
McCleskey Middle School
Carlton J. Kell High School

$236,222

Also all Pool Furniture, 2 Refrigerators, Washer/Dryer, Washed Oak Bedroom Set, Basement Couches and Bar Negotiable in Sale of Home

Labels: Kemp ROad, marietta, new listing, pool and hot tub

Sat, 6/7 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sun, 6/8 12 Noon - 6:00 pm

Attendees can sample wine from various Georgia wineries. Entertainment includes bluegrass, rock and roll, folk and Americana music. The big tent holds culinary demonstrations, folk art — with a special appearance by artist John "Cornbread" Anderson — and local food specialties. Also wagon rides and a silent auction benefiting The SouthEastern Bluegrass Association.

Info: 706-865-9463
Cost: $20 ages 21 and older (includes souvenir wine glass); $10 ages 13-21; ages 12 and younger free

Labels: georgia wine country festival

Opponents of a planned high school in Milton are upset with the City Council because, they say, a resolution to the Fulton County School Board wasn't tough enough.

The City Council resolution on Monday called on the school board to consider the concerns of nearby residents who worry about the environmental impact of the school on nearby creeks and rivers. Residents have been especially vocal about the prospect of having a large septic tank to handle the school's waste and about the expected runoff from the school.

Some opponents made a presentation with an environmental engineer, and asked the City Council to intervene. The city has no authority over where schools are placed by the school board, which acts independently of municipalities.

The resolution fell short of condemning the selection of the 116-acre site. Instead, it asked the school board to consider working with the City of Milton to conduct additional tests, and to coordinate with regulatory agencies to ensure that the new high school is designed and built in a safe and environmentally sound way.

Lisa Cauley, chairwoman of a group called Protect Milton, felt the City Council wimped out.

"We feel the City Council should have insisted the school board find an alternative site, since our reports and studies conclude Chicken Creek cannot handle any additional bacterial load," Cauley said Friday.

"We are confused, disappointed, frustrated about their stance," she said. "We were expecting something teethier. For some reason, they watered it down."

Councilwoman Tina D'Aversa also had hoped for the resolution would be worded stronger, but she said the council concluded the city lacked the authority to make demands on a co-equal government. And she said there was some concern that a strident resolution might alienate the school board.

"There was concern that a stronger request would cause greater pushback from them," D'Aversa said. "We think that if they will review the environmental studies, they will reach the same conclusion on their own."

Labels: city of milton, fulton county school board, New High School, planned high school, protect milton

Applications from qualified firefighter professionals are now being accepted for consideration for firefighter positions with the new Johns Creek Fire Department, set to launch late summer 2008.

A job fair has been scheduled for Saturday, June 21, from 10 am to 3 pm in the Council Chambers of Johns Creek City Hall, 12000 Findley Road, 3rd floor. (Please note the revised date.)

For more information visit About the JCFD or contact Chanta'l Scott in Human Resources at 678-512-3275.

Labels: johns creek fire department

Milton Center Theater, 86 School Drive, Alpharetta, GA, 30004
Sunday, June 8, 2008 10:00 AM

The City of Alpharetta has the honor of inviting you to attend one of its oldest and most beloved traditions. This year is the City of Alpharetta’s 150th birthday, and it’s the Alpharetta June Singing’s
140th anniversary!

The All Day Sacred Harp Singing and Dinner on the Ground in Alpharetta, Georgia, otherwise known
as the "June Singing," started in 1869. It was held, and has been annually, at the Milton County Courthouse which eventually evolved into Alpharetta’s City Hall in downtown.

The singers sing four-part harmony a cappella from a "shaped note" known as The Sacred Harp. The Sacred Harp was one of the last "four shaped note" using the old English system, ( which dates back to Shakespeare’s England ), of fa sol la fa sol la mi fa to complete the octave, which is different from the more familiar Italian system of do re mi fa sol la ti do.

The singers literally "sing the notes" before they sing the poetry. Most of the poetry dates to the 18th century. The Sacred Harp book that will be used at this year’s June Singing contains compositions from who is generally considered the first American composer, William Billings of Boston.

For more information see www.fasola.org

Call 770-475-9995

Labels: alpharetta june singing, city of alpharetta, milton center theater, sacred harp singing

Alpharetta City Pool
Saturday, June 7, 2008 6:00 PM

Alpharetta Recreation & Parks Department invites you and your family to the Western Roundup Pool Party. This will be held on Saturday, June 7th from 6pm to 9pm at the Alpharetta City Pool (Wills Park). 2008 Pool Pass Holders are admitted free of charge. General admission for all others is $3 per person. The party will feature western-themed games, prizes, and activities. Meet the 2008 life guard staff. This is a great opportunity to purchase your 2008 Family or Individual Pool Pass! For more information, call 678-297-6100 or email aquatics@alpharetta.ga.us.

Labels: Alpharetta, alpharetta city pool, recreation and parks department, western roundup pool party

Whether a person is buying their first home or looking for a larger home, now may be the time to act. Not only do interest rates remain relatively low, in many markets you can get much more house for your money than you could just a few years ago.

But before you start looking for your new home, you will want to make sure your finances are in order so you can determine how much home you can afford. There are also benefits, such as saving money by qualifying for lower interest rates, if you make an effort to check your credit score and put yourself in a healthy financial position.

Here are some tips for putting yourself in a healthy financial position to help you get a mortgage in today’s market:

1. Check your credit – One of the first steps in the home financing process is to check your credit report. An individual’s credit score will have a significant impact on their mortgage loan approval and interest rate. Credit scores range from 500 to 850, but the majority of scores are in the 600’s and 700’s. The higher the score, the more options you will have when you are looking for mortgages (although there are other factors lenders will look at before they approve a loan). Carefully review your credit report and immediately contact the credit reporting bureaus to correct any misinformation as you will want your credit report to be accurate by the time you start applying for your mortgage.

2. Improve your credit score – Once you have had a chance to review your credit, you may want to look for ways to improve your score. Paying off old debts and paying your bills on time are two easy ways to start improving your credit score. The amount of debt you owe is also included in your credit report, and having a large amount of credit card debt will lower your score. In addition, the amount of existing debt you have plays a part in how much large a loan a lender is willing to give you. Mortgage lenders will look at the total amount of debt you have and compare it to your income. This is one way lenders make sure that you will still be able to afford to pay your bills when you add the additional debt from a mortgage loan.

3. Save, just a little bit more – Of course it’s important to save money for the down payment and closing costs. But there’s more to buying a home than figuring out if you can pay a monthly mortgage payment. Your costs may be similar to renting, but now you must be prepared to maintain a home, too. Weekly shopping trips to your local big box home store to purchase everything from decorating items to a lawn mower can add up quickly. That’s why many mortgage lenders recommend that first time home buyers have at least three to six months of additional savings.

4. Get Pre-approved – Before you start working with a real estate agents, consider contacting a mortgage lender to obtain a pre-approval credit decision. A loan officer will review your financial status, including your income, cash flow and credit score, to help you determine the maximum monthly housing payment for which you may be able to qualify, and, if qualified, “pre-approve” your mortgage before you’ve found a home. A credit pre-approval will also help you narrow your credit search to those homes within a predetermined price range and will let sellers know that you are a serious buyer. Obtaining a pre-approval letter may also offer more confidence and certainty to home sellers that you are a serous buyer.

Labels: Alpharetta, Atlanta, City of Roswell, credit score, Cumming, Georgia, get a mortgage, today's market

With the inventory of unsold homes at continued high levels, homeowners are going to great lengths to differentiate and distinguish their home. According to experts, there are a few simple tricks that can help create a more appealing space and a more attractive listing in today’s increasingly competitive market.

Listing: What’s in a word? When putting your home on the market, the right phrase in your listing can be the key to attracting potential buyers. According to the 2008 MSN article. “What’s ‘beautiful’ worth? About $12,500” researches have found that listings with the words “beautiful” or “gorgeous” sold homes 15 percent faster, while “landscaping” bumped sales 20 percent faster and “move in condition” expedited the sale by 12 percent. Contrary to popular belief, sellers should steer clear of words that highlight desperation such as “motivated” and “must sell”. The study found the inclusion of those words in the listing slowed sales by up to 30 percent.

Branding: If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Brand names create a point of differentiation and should be used as selling points for your home. There is no doubt that buyers will putt more weight in brands they trust. If choosing to make upgrades before listing your home, consider quality, recognizable products because they will ultimately provide the best return.

Staging: The ultimate showcase showdown. When getting your home tidied up for potential buyers, there are some specific tips that will help your home appeal to a wider range of buyers.

Cleaning: The number one rule of staging is to get rid of unwanted and unused items. Whether packed away until the sale or permanently donated, de-cluttering allows buyers to see more of the home. This also includes moving furniture out of rooms that may seem overcrowded.

Labels: Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Georgia, how to sell your home, Roswell, sell your home in a slumping market, Woodstock

The City of Roswell is proposing its millage rate for fiscal year 2008-2009 to remain at 5.657 mills.

Revenues in the proposed budget are projected to increase 11 percent or $11,572,700 for a total of $117,326,387. Expenditures are projected to increase 12 percent or $12,050,611 for a total budget of $116,472,303. The increase in revenue will primarily be spent on public safety and transportation.

The typical Roswell property tax bill on a $300,000 home would remain $678.84.

Roswell Mayor and Council will hold three public hearings at City Hall in Council Chambers on the proposed budget: June 2 at 7:30 p.m., June 9 at 6:30 p.m., and the final reading and vote on June 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Labels: City of Roswell, fiscal year 2008-2009, millage rate, Roswell City Council

The City of Alpharetta will significantly reduce the millage rate it applies to property taxes in Fiscal Year 2009 to 5.750 mills, a reduction of 0.498 mills from the City’s 2008 rate.

In spite of the reduction, the City will be required to advertise a property tax increase. Georgia law requires the City to compute a “rollback millage rate” that would produce the same total revenue after reassessments as had been received from property taxes in the previous Fiscal Year. Due to projected reassessments, the City’s millage rate for Fiscal Year 2009 will increase property tax revenues by 7.06% over the rollback rate, so by law a tax increase must be advertised.

The projected tax digest for Fiscal Year 2009 reflects historically large reassessments of the value of commercial properties by the Fulton County Tax Assessor. It is anticipated that many of these reassessments will be challenged or litigated. The outcome of those challenges could significantly reduce the tax digest.

The City must adopt its annual millage rate by June 30; well before the resolution of any assessment challenges. To mitigate this issue, the City is not adopting the rollback millage rate. This action ensures that should material portions of the reassessments be reduced, the City can continue to provide the services its citizenry and businesses deserve while still providing for a millage rate reduction.

The City of Alpharetta will hold three public hearings to hear and consider citizen comments regarding the proposed FY 2009 millage rate. These hearings will be held at Alpharetta City Hall, located at 2 South Main Street, on the following dates and times:

Thursday, June 12 at 11:30 AM
Thursday, June 12 at 6:30 PM
Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 PM

Labels: Alpharetta, millage rate, reduction

Looking for fun family events this summer? The City of Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department has developed a complete, quick-read guide to events and programs for Summer 2008 for you to print out and post on your fridge. These events require no registration and most are free for Roswell residents.

Events listed include Riverside Sounds concerts, gallery exhibits, the new Roswell Farmer’s Market and Alive After Five. There is absolutely something for everyone in this calendar!

To download your very own calendar, visit www.roswellgov.com.

Labels: City of Roswell, family calendar, roswell recreation

At its June 4 meeting, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by District 2 (At-Large) Commissioner Robb Pitts proposing the addition of a new Central Library to the Library Master Plan.

The same proposal was approved by the Library Board of Trustees on May 28.

The Library Facility Master Plan approved by the Board of Commissioners in March proposed renovating the Central Library, instead of new construction. Commissioner Pitts’ recommendation was based on the demonstrated effect of new central libraries in several major U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, Seattle, Jacksonville and Nashville.

Commissioner Pitts’ resolution points out that the community could benefit from a more accessible and welcoming facility that reflects Fulton County’s robust creativity and intellectual capital. The proposed facility would be architecturally significant to serve as an attraction for tourists and residents, and would have a strong focus on technology.

Commissioner Pitts said, “We have cleared the second major hurdle in bringing this project to the voters in November. While residents will have the final say on whether this project goes forward, as part of the Bond Referendum, I believe they value education and learning as much as I do, and will be excited to add a state-of-the-art learning facility to our Library system.”

Before the June 18 meeting, staff will work on finalizing cost figures for the proposed Bond Referendum, which will now include the Central Library project.

Labels: Alpharetta, Atlanta, city of milton, City of Roswell, fulton county board of commissioners, Georgia, new central library

The City of Alpharetta has received the 2008 Water Resources Project of Excellence award for Rock Mill Park. The award is given annually by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals and the Georgia Section of the American Water Resources Association to a project in Georgia that provides for water quality, habitat or flood control. Projects are judged on the use of innovative techniques, public involvement, educational components and benefits to the community.

Rock Mill Park, located off Kimball Bridge Road, is a showcase for storm water quality treatment. It includes a green roof pavilion, constructed wetlands, sand and biofiltration ponds, and connectivity to the popular Big Creek Greenway path system. Rock Mill Park has already hosted the City’s 2008 Arbor Day Celebration, a Water Conservation Workshop, and various scout fieldtrips.

Over 13 years ago, the City of Alpharetta began a discussion about the desire for an environmental education and outreach center. The idea was to provide a space for citizens to become educated about low impact development, storm water treatment, and native plantings. The plans increased over the years to include a greenroof pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater for educational use, and constructed wetlands.

With environmental education as the main objective, the City expects the park to be a popular outdoor public venue where visitors can connect with nature, learn about environmental issues, gather with friends, and enjoy the great outdoors.

About the Georgia Association of Water Professionals:

The Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) is a not-for-profit professional Association founded in 1932 and has grown into a membership of well over 5,000 operators, owners, contractors, manufacturers' representatives, engineers, elected officials, industry representatives and others concerned with Georgia's water resources. GAWP is dedicated to exceptional professional education, dissemination of sound technical principles and scientific information, increased public understanding, and promotion of valid public laws and programs.

Labels: Alpharetta, american water resources association, rock mill park

Due to the high demand of Foreclosure's and REO properties Vanderhoff Real Estate has created a new Forclosure only search page on our website, this will make it easier to search specifically for Foreclosure's. You can access this web page from our main website www.VanderhoffHomeFiner.com or directly at http://www.vanderhoffhomefinder.com/foreclosures.htm.

For any of your Real Estate needs please contact us 24/7.

Brian Vanderhoff
Associate Broker
Vanderhoff Real Estate
t. 770-331-1206
f. 770-783-6812
homes@400n.com

Labels: Foreclosures, Real Estate, REO, website