Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog: February 2009

After reviewing more than 70 applicants, Alpharetta stuck close to home to select its new director of Engineering/Public Works. Pete Sewczwicz got to remove the "interim" from in front of his title, taking on the role permanently.

Sewczwicz replaces the late John Moskaluk, Ph.D., who brought the department from one engineer - himself - to at least a half dozen certified engineers.

Public Works, trees and transportation are among the responsibilities of the department.

Labels: Alpharetta, Engineering, Sewczwicz

A federal district court has ordered former Alpharetta resident Anthony Ramunno Jr. to pay a $5.8 million civil pentaly for operating an illegal commodity pool Ponzi scheme, according to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

More than 90 public investors lost more than $21 million, the CFTC reported today.

The district court also issued a similar order against Renaissance Asset Management LLC (Renaissance), the company through which Ramunno operated his scheme. That order requires the company to repay investors $21.2 million of the funds they had lost, imposes a civil monetary penalty of $5.8 million, and bans the company from trading commodity futures.

Both orders were entered by U.S. District Court Judge Jack T. Camp in the Northern District of Georgia on Feb. 13. Judge Camp had previously entered an order of permanent injunction against Ramunno on Jan. 23, 2008, in which the court permanently banned Ramunno from trading commodity futures and banned him from registration with the CFTC.

In its Feb. 13 order against Ramunno, the court noted that it is not ordering Ramunno to pay restitution in his individual capacity because Ramunno already is subject to an order requiring him to pay $21.2 million in criminal restitution entered in a parallel criminal proceeding, U.S. v. Ramunno, N.D. GA, Docket No. 1:07 CR 061.

The court's orders stem from a CFTC complaint filed on Jan. 24, 2007, which alleged, in part, that Ramunno and Renaissance issued false statements to investors, including annual reports that reflected substantial profits and false representations that the reports had been audited by an accounting firm.

Commenting on the two orders, Stephen J. Obie, the Acting Director of Enforcement for the CFTC, stated, "Here, the civil and criminal processes are working the way they are supposed to. Anthony Ramunno now is serving a long prison sentence imposed by a criminal court and is subject to orders to repay customers and to pay a substantial civil penalty to the government."

The CFTC thanked the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia for its assistance.

The following CFTC staff members are responsible for this case: William Janulis, Michael Tallarico, Rosemary Hollinger, Richard Wagner, Scott Williamson and Cynthia Cannon.

Labels: Alpharetta, Ponzi

Labels: Calendar, Hall, March, milton, Milton City

Labels: Calendar, Milton High School, schedule

The Milton High School Debate Team was recently named the 2008-2009 GHSA AAAA/AAAAA State Debate Champions. Milton's affirmative team members are Meredith McKay and Austin Layton, with Ken Bailey and Farzon Lotfi as Milton's negative team. Along with this team accomplishment, Austin Layton was named the state's top affirmative speaker and Ken Bailey the top negative speaker. Pictured are Principal Ron Tesch, Layton, Bailey, Lotfi, McKay and Coach Jeremy Spiegel.

Labels: Debate Team, High School, Milton Georgia, Milton High School

The new outdoor weather sirens are in place and ready to alert citizens who are outdoors that severe weather is in the area.

In the event Forsyth County is placed under a tornado warning, the sirens will be activated. The purchase of the sirens (11 new and one replacement) was approved by the Board of Commissioners in 2007, after which the planning, installing and testing took place.

"We are very pleased to have these new sirens in service throughout the county for the safety and protection of the citizens," Fire Chief and Emergency Management Agency Director Danny Bowman. "They are intended to provide warning to those outside that they should seek shelter immediately."

The new sirens are located throughout the county at the following locations: Midway Park, Central Park, Shady Grove Campground, Charleston Park, Matt Elementary School, Sawnee Primary School, South Forsyth Middle School, Chestatee Elementary School, Fire Stations 10, 14 and 15, and the Forsyth County Public Safety Complex.

According to Bowman, the determination of the siren locations was based upon targeting the largest numbers of individuals who might be caught outdoors, at places such as ballfields and school yards, and unaware a tornado has been sighted in the area.

The sirens sounded for the first time, with the exception of testing, on Feb. 18 when stormy weather threatened Forsyth County.

"Upon the county being placed under a tornado warning, the sirens were activated," Bowman said. "The activation process occurred quickly and exactly as designed."

Monthly testing of the sirens will take place at noon on the first Wednesday of every month, weather permitting.The test tone produces the Westminster Chimes sound.

The warning tone produces a wailing sound. To hear both the test and warning tone sounds the sirens make, visit www.forsythco.com.

Labels: Forsyth, Forsyth County, Outdoor, Sirens, Weather

The core of Alpharetta is scheduled to have to a facelift, but before work begins, residents and business-owners will be allowed a peek at what the final result could be.

The latest update to the $67 million project will be unveiled Thursday at 7 p.m. at Alpharetta City Hall. Similar presentations and opportunities for public reaction are set periodically through the end of March.

Planners say the latest version of the City Center could include a public library in the 9-acre project around City Hall downtown. The plans call for a 5-plus acre park, a town green, 100,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space, a new 50,000-square-foot City Hall, and a 400-space parking garage.

About $25 million would from general obligation bonds with the remainder would come from private development and the county library system.

Before 1993, downtown had flooding problems, few sidewalks, and no lighting.

Since then, the city has invested in parking lots, a pocket park, a detention pond for the flooding, buried utility lines and added lighting, and sidewalks.

City officials want to partner with a private firm to revitalize downtown. The city has had a couple of partnerships that have collapsed, but on April 7, the city selected Solomon Holdings as its new associate.

Other dates for reviewing the new plans are:

Monday, March 9

Thursday, March 26

Monday, March 30

Labels: Alpharetta, alpharetta city hall, city center, sneak peak

Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood and his family are opening their brand new home to thousands of friends and strangers next month.

“It’s kind of interesting to walk in now and realize the place will be seen by tons of people every day,” Lockwood said.

Sitting gracefully atop a hill on Lockwood’s 30-acre property in Milton, the 10,000-square foot residence is the 2009 Showcase Home for the Roswell Woman’s Club. Dubbed The Homestead, the six-bedroom, 7.5-bath house is somewhat of a departure from previous Showcase homes.

“It is very different in that most houses we’ve had in that they have been very ornate,” said Linda DiPrimo, chair of the Woman’s Club Showcase Home committee. “One of the reasons we picked it is that it is architecturally different.”

Lockwood said he and his wife Dawn refer to the style of the house as “the Virginia farmhouse look. It was an ideal in our minds. It’s a lot bigger inside than it looks like from the outside.”

The house was designed by Bryan and Contreras, LLC and built by Steve Laboda of The Capstone Group.

For two weeks, more than 25 eminent designers will be decorating The Homestead for tours, which will be offered from March 1 through March 29. In addition to the living and sleeping areas, kitchen, keeping room and in-law suite, the rooms include a wine cellar, media room, craft room, game room, exercise room and seven-car garages.

The tours also include the century-old house that until now has been the Lockwoods’ home. Completely renovated for modern living yet retaining the charm of an earlier era, the structure is now called The Cottage.

Also on the tour is the barn and horses, pool and tennis courts. A tent will connect the garages where gifts will be available for purchase from the Chandlery, food from the Fickle Pickle café and special events, such as wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and fashion shows, will be held.

The tours will be given Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Shuttle service will be continuously available from John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods at Braeburn, 12330 Birmingham Highway. There will be no parking on the grounds.

Tour tickets are $20 from Woman’s Club members and outlets, $25 at the door. The club uses proceeds from the Showcase Home tours to fund scholarships and support local nonprofit agencies such as North Fulton Community Charities and Georgia Ensemble Theatre.

For more information, go to www.roswellwomansclub.org.

Labels: mayor joe lockwood, milton mayor, roswell womens club, showcase home, the homestead

Labels: milton, Milton Georgia, Sunday Brunch

CUMMING - What do you do when the bank says "no" to financing? Steve Bloom of SCORE will provide insight into this and other keys to success in a workshop Tuesday, March 4 in Cumming.

The discussion focuses on the necessary qualities and personal traits required for starting a business, the steps required to achieve success and take your company to the next level and insights into why banks say no, but how you can still obtain funds or reduce the amount of money needed by thinking outside of the box.

Learn the most effective way to obtain Small Business Administration (SBA) Guaranteed Loans, including a review of the bank decision and underwriting process. How loan and venture investor decisions are made -- what crucial questions you must answer, including the importance of credit reports. It also will include business plan preparation review and discussion of what yours must contain to facilitate positive funding decisions. Learn how to tap non-traditional funding sources including: Angel Investors, Seed Capital, Venture Capital, factoring, vendor and user financing, leasing, merchant banking.

Labels: Banks, Financing, Forsyth, Forsyth County, Forsyth County Chamber

Plans for the long-awaited City Center project has undergone changes in the years since it was first proposed, so City Council is asking for public input on four evenings, starting Thursday night.

The project in Historic Downtown Alpharetta was intended to start with retail buildings topped with offices and condos above first floor retail in a building surrounding a parking garage. But the loss of planned Tax Allocation District funds changed the economic viability of the project. The economy did the rest.

Now council proposes starting the project with a new City Hall as phase one instead. The project still includes a town green area.

Each of the four sessions will feature an open house beginning at 7 p.m. with a formal presentation at 7:30 p.m. After the March 30 session, a special meeting of City Council will immediately follow.

Public input
Four public sessions will be held by the city on the Alpharetta City Center project. Each will feature an open house, followed by a formal presentation.
7 p.m.: Open house
7:30 p.m.: Formal presentation
Thursday, Feb. 26
Monday, March 9
Thursday, March 26
Monday, March 30 (Special council meeting immediately follows)

Labels: Alpharetta, city center, historic downtown alpharetta, public input

Questions and Answers for Borrowers

What help is available for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?
Under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower their interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30 or 15 year, fixed rate loan. Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.

I owe more than my property is worth, do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Eligible loans will now include those where the new first mortgage (including any refinancing costs) will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.

How do I know if I am eligible?
Complete eligibility details will be announced on March 4th when the program starts. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an acceptable mortgage payment history. The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

I have both a first and a second mortgage. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage to remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the new payment terms on the first mortgage.

Will refinancing lower my payments?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage with affordable payments that are sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market rate should see an immediate reduction in their payments. Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate. These borrowers, however, could save a great deal over the life of the loan. When you submit a loan application, your lender will give you a "Good Faith Estimate" that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing may not be right for you.

What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide borrowers with a safe loan program with a fixed, affordable payment. All loans refinanced under the plan will have a 30 or 15 year term with a fixed interest rate. The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon notes.

Will refinancing reduce the amount that I owe on my loan?
No. The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers refinance into safer, more affordable fixed rate loans. Refinancing will not reduce the amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, by reducing the interest rate, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you repay over the life of the loan.

How do I know if my loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?
To determine if your loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is eligible to be refinanced, you should contact your mortgage lender after March 4, 2009.

When can I apply?
Mortgage lenders will begin accepting applications after the details of the program are announced on March 4, 2009.

What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender after March 4, when the refinance program becomes available. This includes:

information about the gross monthly income of all borrowers, including your most recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
your most recent income tax return
information about any second mortgage on the house
payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.
Borrowers Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure Are Asking:

What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?
The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.

Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for a modification?
No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income is not sufficient to continue to make their mortgage payments and they are at risk of imminent default. This may be due to several factors, such as a loss of income, a significant increase in expenses, or an interest rate that will reset to an unaffordable level.

How do I know if I qualify for a payment reduction under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
In general, you may qualify for a mortgage modification if (a) you occupy your house as your primary residence; (b) your monthly mortgage payment is greater than 31% of your monthly gross income; and (c) your loan is not large enough to exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Final eligibility will be determined by your mortgage lender based on your financial situation and detailed guidelines that will be available on March 4, 2009.

I do not live in the house that secures the mortgage I’d like to modify. Is this mortgage eligible for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
No. For example, if you own a house that you use as a vacation home or that you rent out to tenants, the mortgage on that house is not eligible. If you used to live in the home but you moved out, the mortgage is not eligible. Only the mortgage on your primary residence is eligible. The mortgage lender will check to see if the dwelling is your primary residence.

I have a mortgage on a duplex. I live in one unit and rent the other. Will I still be eligible?
Yes. Mortgages on 2, 3 and 4 unit properties are eligible as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.

I have two mortgages. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce the payments on both?
Only the first mortgage is eligible for a modification.

I owe more than my house is worth. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce what I owe?
The primary objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by modifying troubled loans to achieve a payment the borrower can afford. Lenders are likely to lower payments mainly by reducing loan interest rates. However, the program offers incentives for principal reductions and at your lender’s discretion modifications may include upfront reductions of loan principal.

I heard the government was providing a financial incentive to borrowers. Is that true?
Yes. To encourage borrowers who work hard to retain homeownership, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan provides incentive payments as a borrower makes timely payments on the modified loan. The incentive will accrue on a monthly basis and will be applied directly to reduce your mortgage debt. Borrowers who pay on time for five years can have up to $5,000 applied to reduce their debt by the end of that period.

How much will a modification cost me?
There is no cost to borrowers for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. If you wish to get assistance from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or are referred to a counselor as a condition of the modification, you will not be charged a fee. Borrowers should beware of any organization that attempts to charge a fee for housing counseling or modification of a delinquent loan, especially if they require a fee in advance.

Is my lender required to modify my loan?
No. Mortgage lenders participate in the program on a voluntary basis and loans are evaluated for modification on a case-by-case basis. But the government is offering substantial incentives and it is expected that most major lenders will participate.

I'm already working with my lender / housing counselor on a loan workout. Can I still be considered for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Ask your lender or counselor to be considered under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.

How do I apply for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
You may not need to do anything at this time. Most mortgage lenders will evaluate loans in their portfolio to identify borrowers who may meet the eligibility criteria. After March 4 they will send letters to potentially eligible homeowners, a process that may take several weeks. If you think you qualify for a modification and do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. Please be aware that servicers and counseling agencies are expected to receive an extraordinary number of calls about this program.

What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender on or after March 4, when the modification program becomes available. This includes

information about the monthly gross income of your household including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
your most recent income tax return
information about any second mortgage on the house
payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.


My loan is scheduled for foreclosure soon. What should I do?
Contact your mortgage servicer or credit counselor. Many mortgage lenders have expressed their intention to postpone foreclosure sales on all mortgages that may qualify for the modification in order to allow sufficient time to evaluate the borrower's eligibility. We support this effort.

Labels: homeowner affordability and stability plan, questions and answers, questions for borrowers

Cherokee County had about 1,900 properties foreclosed on in 2008, compared to an average of 400 to 500 in most years, John Adams, the county’s chief assessor said Wednesday.

About 800 of those were vacant lots, and the rest were improved properties, with houses or businesses, Adams said. He’s predicting that the foreclosures could have a bearing on this year’s property assessments. “A lot of them will [see a decline in value], but not all of them,” Adams said.

Buzz Ahrens, chairman of the county commission, said that while foreclosures have “snowballed,” it’s “hard to tell at this point the impact on 2009 assessments.

“We’ll know more in a month or so,” he said. The county’s tax digest was growing for several years by 12 percent to 15 percent annually, Adams said. Last year, it increased by 4.5 percent, he said.

Labels: 2008, Cherokee COunty, Foreclosures, quadruple

Federal officials announced Thursday an effort that could result in millions of dollars to combat homelessness in Georgia and around the nation.

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan told reporters that his department is awarding $1.6 billion to more than 6,000 homelessness prevention programs across the nation. The funds are in addition to $1.5 billion from the recently approval federal economic recovery plan that will provide rental and utility assistance, along with helping homeless people find permanent housing.

“We know the HUD grants we announce today will literally save lives,” he said in a conference call with reporters.

Homeless advocates throughout metro Atlanta say they’ve seen more people in recent months — particularly women and children — seeking help.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness released a study last month that found 21 of every 10,000 Georgians were homeless in 2007. In 2005, about 30 of every 10,000 Georgians were homeless, the study reported.

Researchers found there were 6,832 homeless people in the city of Atlanta and DeKalb and Fulton counties in 2005. There were 6,840 homeless people in those jurisdictions in 2007, according to the study.

Atlanta has often been ranked as one of the “meanest” cities to the homeless. Mayor Shirley Franklin created a task force that has resulted in coordinated efforts to reduce homelessness in the city.

Labels: hud, the national alliance to end homelessness

Students may be able to choose the high school they attend depending on the success of the Open Enrollment Pilot Program at a handful of Fulton County high schools over the next two years.

The Fulton County School Board approved the pilot program in five high schools, including Johns Creek and Alpharetta high schools, allowing students to transfer into those facilities beginning in the 2009-2010 school year. The pilot program will be in place for two years, and school board members hope the program will then expand to include all high schools in Fulton County, giving students and parents a variety of options.

"This has been something we've talked about in the past, but in all honesty, it's scared off every superintendent we've ever had [prior to Supt. Cindy Loe]," said Alpharetta Board member Katie Reeves. "I think it's a really great thing for families in Fulton County."

The issue came to a head during the contentious redistricting process for the new Johns Creek High School last year, with many families upset with the forced moves to other schools. Reeves said open enrollment will mitigate many of those concerns in future redistrictings.

"This is a bold step that really has our parents, families and students' best interest at heart," said Reeves. "I think it's great and it will be interesting to see how it turns out."

The three other schools in the pilot program include Creekside, Langston Hughes and Tri-Cities high schools in South Fulton. In addition, North Springs and Riverwood high schools in Sandy Springs are eligible for open enrollment, but since these are charter schools the selection process is outlined in each school's charter.

Centennial High School was originally on the list, but removed and replaced with Alpharetta High School when enrollment figures were questioned by Roswell board member Linda Schultz.

"I'm baffled how we can have portables at Centennial and still have them on the list [for availability]," she noted during the first reading of the proposal at January's school board meeting.

Centennial is projected to be significantly over enrollment during the next two years, while Alpharetta will be at or just above its state capacity.

High schools eligible to participate in the Open Enrollment Pilot Program must have capacity in their schools for the next two years. Originally, the staff proposed setting a minimum of two classrooms available – approximately 50 open seats – for the next two years, but removed that criterion at the request of the board.

Reeves said to leave it at 50 below capacity would effectively take every North Fulton high school off the eligibility list.

"If this is to be a true open enrollment choice for North Fulton, then we need to make the transfers more manageable for the pilot years," said Reeves. "If there's room, let them go. If you say there has to be 50 spaces then there aren't going to be any North Fulton schools open. Ever."

Martha Greenway, deputy superintendent for Fulton Schools, said steps must be taken to ensure schools are not forced to take students they cannot accommodate, and therefore "disenfranchising" students already in the attendance zone. The staff did not recommend adding any more schools to the list of pilot schools.

"In general [principals] are supportive of the concept and committed to make it work successfully," said Greenway. "[But] there was unanimous consent that schools that are overcrowded should not be eligible for receipt of transfer students, even if they have some students transferring out."

In particular, schools that were provided relief through redistricting should not be refilled to the point of their previous overcrowding, she added.

Only high schools will be considered at this point for open enrollment, noted school officials, since those buildings have the most flexibility in how space is used. The school system will use the state capacity as the figure to determine if schools have the necessary room to take transfer students.

Schools are now working on providing information to students on the open enrollment process and how to submit applications.

Labels: Alpharetta, Fulton County, high schools, Johns Creek, open enrollment

A resolution to put re-creation of Milton County on the ballot as a constitutional amendment cleared a Georgia House of Representatives committee today, according to a report by the Office of Committee Services.

House Resolution 21, introduced by Rep. Jan Jones, R-Milton, was passed by the state Planning & Community Affairs Committee.

HR21 proposes a constitutional amendment providing for the recreation of a pre-existing county.

The constitution states that Georgia may only be subdivided into 159 counties. This proposition would allow for only those counties that were previously merged the option to re-exist. This resolution would give citizens affected by the re-creation the option to vote whether or not the county should exist.

Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and then are placed on the General Calendar of the House.

Labels: georgia house of representatives, hr21, milton county

If Alpharetta City Council has its way, homeowners will get another $10,000 in homestead exemptions, raising the total allowed on city property tax assessments to $40,000.

Due to the current economic situation, council decided to phase the $10,000 in exemptions over two years, starting in 2010.

"We need to take this one step at a time," said Mayor Arthur Letchas.

The next step after council voted Monday, Feb.16, to bring it before the city voters is to ask local state Rep. Chuck Martin, R-Alpharetta, to introduce a bill in the state General Assembly allowing the city to put the homestead exemption on the ballot for the general election Nov. 3.

Each $5,000 in exemptions cuts about $250,000 in potential property tax revenue to the city — so about $500,000 by 2012, according to the plan. Property taxes levied by the county and school board will not be affected by this city action. It pertains to city taxes only.

Meanwhile, the City Council still opposes action in the Legislature trying to cap property tax assessments and eliminate franchise fees assessed by the cities and counties. Council passed a resolution stating their objections to a franchise fee. Alpharetta passed a similar resolution Jan. 20 opposing property asssessment caps.

Councilman David Belle Isle said the Legislature is prodding its nose in the affairs that are clearly those of the cities.

"This [new exemption] should be a message to all of those under the Gold Dome who believe Alpharetta will not enact tax relief. Here's the proof. This is how we run our government," he said. "Left to our own devices, we will do the right thing."

Councilman D.C. Aiken said this was the way that the mayor wanted the council to drive tax relief to its citizens.

Labels: 10K additional, Alpharetta, Homestead Exemption

Eight Fulton County high schools are “AP Honor Schools” according to a recent announcement made by the Georgia Department of Education. Advanced Placement, or AP, classes and exams are administered by the College Board and offer rigorous college-level learning options to students in high school.

The 2009 AP Honor Schools are named in three categories based on the results of 2007-08 AP classes and exams: (1) AP Challenge Schools (schools with fewer than 900 students that offer AP classes in core content areas); (2) AP Access and Support Schools (schools with higher percentages of minority students taking AP classes and scoring highly) and (3) AP Merit Schools.

The AP Merit Schools distinction recognizes those with at least 20 percent of students taking AP exams and with at least half of those exams receiving a score of three or higher. Eight of the 27 schools in this category are from the Fulton County School System. This is the second consecutive year that each have been named AP Merit Schools.

· Alpharetta High School

· Centennial High School

· Chattahoochee High School

· Milton High School

· North Springs Charter High School

· Northview High School

· Riverwood International Charter School

· Roswell High School

The College Board administers AP exams each spring, with scores ranging from one to five. Students who receive a three, four or five on AP exams are eligible receive college credit or may be exempt from some introductory college courses.

Labels: alpharetta high school, ap honor schools, centennial, Chattahoochee, Fulton County, georgia department of education, High School, Milton High School, north, Northview, riverwood, roswell high

The Roswell Clay Collective will host the Spring Mardi Gras Clay Festival, Saturday, March 7, from 12:30–5 p.m. at Roswell Art Center West Studio and Gallery, 1355 Woodstock Road, Roswell.

This one-day event will highlight indoor and outdoor fun with clay for all ages with on-going wheel throwing and kiln firing demonstrations, clay competitions, mask and bead painting, and a tent sale.

Chicken Gumbo or Chili with homemade cornbread will be offered with the purchase of a handmade pottery bowl designed by Art Center West students and instructors. Enjoy the soup and keep the bowl.

The works of figurative sculptor Magda Gluszek, and functional artist Lindsey Oesterritter, will be featured in Art Center West Gallery. Both artists will be present throughout the Mardi Gras festivities and will present a slide show with open discussion of their work.

Labels: march 7, roswell clay collective, roswell clay festival, spring mardi gras clay festival, Woodstock Road

The Milton Business Alliance (MBA), a group formed to promote and support business growth in Milton to help increase the tax base for the city, held it first meeting Jan. 22 at Montana's Bar and Grill on Ga. 9.

More than two dozen business owners showed up to discuss their ventures and network.

Lauren Holmes, membership chairwoman for the MBA, said the group will meet once a month at a different restaurant in the city of Milton.

"We gather for networking, business support and updates on Milton's plans for the future," she said. "At the end an open forum will be provided for all that are present to promote their respective businesses. We anticipate this will foster much needed support in our community."

Holmes said to become a member of the MBA you must be a resident of Milton or own or operate a business in the city. Dues are $35 a year.

Members will receive a logo/sticker to adhere to the front of their place of business. Future plans include delivering a welcome basket of samples, flyers, coupons, and more to new residents. There will be a Web site set up on accessmilton.com listing all the members and their businesses.

"We will be looking to the members for charities to support as a group as well," said Holmes.

The next meeting will be Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.

Labels: Alpharetta, city of milton, Georgia, mba, milton business alliance, networking

"When homeowners are ready to sell a piece of real estate, they generally turn to a realtor first to help them advertise and sell the property. When homebuyers are purchasing a home, though, few think about hiring a realtor or buyer's agent to help them through the process. A realtor, though, can help homebuyers in several ways:

1) Networking. Realtors often know about properties before they are widely advertised. This means that when you work with a buyer's agent, you may be able to start the buying process before many other buyers know about the property.

2) Real estate and neighborhood knowledge. Realtors know a great deal about neighborhoods in their area and about homes. A buyer's agent can help you steer clear of homes and areas of the city that would not match your needs or lifestyle. This can help you avoid a costly mistake.

3) Legal, financial, and paperwork help. Buying a home requires a lot of work - such as arranging the legal transfer of the property. An agent can take care of all the paperwork for you. A buyer's agent can also help you figure out which homes you can afford. All this can save you time and money.

4) Pre-screening. If you are house hunting on your own, you are responsible for sifting through the thousands of available properties in your area to look for the few homes that actually meet your needs and requirements. This can be very time-consuming and stressful. A realtor, on the other hand, has the resources and experience to do this part of the work for you. A buyer's agent will track down the properties that have your requirements, so that you can work on honing in on possibilities rather than feeling overwhelmed by choice.

5) A buffer between a homeowner and homebuyer. A buyer's agent is an impartial third party and this can be a big help. As a homebuyer you want the best price and the best value, while the homebuyer wants to get the best price for their home. A realtor can communicate with both parties so that everyone wins. If there are any disagreements, the realtor can work to resolve them.

6) Savings. An agent can help you negotiate for a better price. Since a realtor you hire is on your side, you can rest assured that the professional you have chosen will work with you to get you a fair price on the property you want.

7) It doesn't cost you - A Buyers agent is paid by the Seller, so why not take advantage of their experience and representation!

A good realtor can help make the home buying process simpler, more time-effective and even less expensive. Just as most people wouldn't sell a home without the professional help of a realtor, you may want to consider a real estate professional the next time you want to buy a property. "

Labels: Alpharetta, Cumming, First Time Home Buyers, Georgia, Roswell, should i use a realtor when buying a home, Woodstock

Alpharetta’s 19th Annual Arbor Day celebration will be held on Saturday, February 21 at Wills Park. This nationally celebrated holiday encourages tree planting and care through educational programs. The festivities will be held off of Old Milton Parkway in the pavilion behind Mansell House starting at 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.

As with last year, the ongoing drought has shifted the focus from planting trees to an event filled with educational activities for the entire family. Earth Friendly games, a Victorian scavenger hunt called Letterboxes and an interactive puppet show will be part of the scheduled children events. In addition, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will have badge earning opportunities including Brownie Try It points. Workshops will be held on tree planting, how to make a rain barrel and water conservation. Informative guided tours of the new Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park will also be available.

One ceremonial tree will be planted in Wills Park in keeping with Arbor Day tradition. The planting and recognition ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. During the ceremonies the winners of the annual Arbor Day Art Contest will be announced. The contest which drew 130 entrants this year is open to children from first through eighth grade who draw their interpretation of the importance of Arbor Day.

The event is a project of the Alpharetta Tree Commission and is being coordinated by commissioners Becky Beal, David Cox and David Flannery. Volunteer supporters include the Alpharetta Garden Club, Alpharetta, High School Key Club, Amana Academy, Milton High School Environment Club and St. Aiden’s EYC.

For more information, please contact Nancy Beckemeyer, City Arborist at 678-297-6000.

Labels: Alpharetta, alpharetta tree commission, arbor day, arbor day 2009, city of alpharetta, Wills Park

The Georgia Municipal Association invites all sixth graders to participate in a statewide essay contest addressing the topic, "If I Were Mayor, I Would..." The contest gives students a chance to creatively use grade-specific language arts skills and civics/social studies knowledge.

The deadline for GMA's "If I Were Mayor, I Would . . ." Essay Contest is Friday, March 6, 2009. The contest is open to any 6th grade student in Georgia.

The contest gives students a chance to creatively use grade-specific language arts skills and civics/social studies knowledge.

One winning essay will be selected from each of GMA's 12 districts. Winners will receive a $250 savings bond and other prizes. The winners, along with their parents and and a teacher, will be recognized at an awards luncheon during April, 2009.

Teachers submitting multiple essays can attach one entry form to the entire class's work; however, please be sure the student's name and school name are somewhere on the essay in case the essay gets separated from the entry form.

All students submitting essays will receive a "Certificate of Participation" as a thank-you for their interest and effort.

Essays should be mailed to GMA, 201 Pryor Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, ATTN: Essay Contest

Labels: essay contest, georgia municipal association, gma, if i were mayor i would, sixth graders

Johns Creek's first "Go Green–Be Green" 5k Fun/Run takes place Saturday, March 14 at 8 am.

The race through Technology Park/Johns Creek kicks off with registration at 6:45 am in the parking lot of Lifetime Fitness, 1480 Lakefield Drive in Johns Creek.

Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female and to all first-place age group finishers.

The entry fee is $20 (until March 7); $25 afterward and day of race.

Presented by the Johns Creek Recreation & Parks Department, "Go Green–Be Green" features organic refreshments, music and environmentally conscious benefits for race participants, including organic cotton t-shirts and race bags with eco-conscious products.

All proceeds benefit Johns Creek Beautification, a non-profit organization dedicated to the beautification of public spaces in Johns Creek.

Visit www.rungeorgia.com or Active.com for race information and registration.

Labels: 5k run, city of johns creek, city of johns creek recreation and parks division, go green be green, march 14

As the American Cancer Society celebrates its 25th anniversary of "Relay for Life," the City joins the effort by hosting its first edition of the fund-raiser April 17-18.
The event takes place from 7 pm to 7 am at Taylor Road Middle School, capping a four-month local fund-raising effort going on now to fight cancer and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

The community event involves teams of people camping out, sharing their stories of cancer battles and remembering those lost to the disease. They take turns walking, jogging, or running around a track or path as they celebrate, remember and hope.

Last year an estimated $420 million was raised through "Relay for Life" by nearly 5,000 communities around the world. Organizers of the local event hope to raise $75,000.

Labels: 25th Anniversary, american cancer society, april 17 - 18, city of johns creek, Georgia, relay for life, taylor road middle school

For those looking for a new way to network and more people to network with to keep their business or career afloat, Business 400 will be starting monthly meetings in April.

The organization is for anyone from Buckhead to Dahlonega who wants to network and have fun at the same time. Alpharetta residents Ron and Marie Dinsmore founded the organizations based on the principle that normal networking events are not very conducive to networking at all.

“Normally, people stand around in their little cliques and never get to know anyone or anything about anyone else’s business,” said Ms. Dinsmore.

At an October event last year, put on by the Dinsmore’s Cumming networking group, Network for Success, they tried out their own version of networking to get everyone actively involved. Attendees went around to 44 business’ tables, collecting stamps on a card from each business, and then turned them in for cash grand prizes. By the end of the night, Ms. Dinsmore said people were calling their friends to come to the event, and the final tally was 438 people.

“We used vertical banners so everyone could actually see all of the businesses. Then with the stamps and door prizes, people were motivated to visit the tables. And I’ve never seen such a crowd at the end of the night, with everyone crowded around, because cash draws everybody in.”

The organization has partnered with The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta, and will hold the networking meetings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. each Tuesday with door prizes, open bar, and 35 to 40 business tables at each event. Membership costs $250 and is open to anyone, said Ms. Dinsmore. The goal is to get 4,000 members.

Although north Fulton already has chambers of commerce-which host networking events of their own- Ms. Dinsmore said the organization is not meant to compete with the chambers and may offer chamber members networking opportunities with different people than they normally see at chamber events.

“Our philosophy is to promote the chambers — we give free membership to chamber staff, and chambers can have a table at our events. It’s a win-win for everybody,” she said.

Information: visit www.business400.com.

Labels: 400, Alpharetta, business400.com, network for success, networking organization, the metropolitan club

Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine is teaming up once again with the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) on Friday, Feb. 6 to host the 17th annual "Tom Glavine's Spring Training."

The event is being held at the Georgia Aquarium's Oceans Ballroom from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Since the events debut in 1992, "Tom Glavine's Spring Training" has raised more than $4.3 million to benefit the Georgia Transplant Foundation. GTF uses the funds to provide emergency financial assistance, mentoring, scholarships, and a host of other services to more than 6,500 Georgians affected by organ transplantation.

Guests will have the opportunity to step up to the plate and take on an all-star line up of celebrity athletes at a number of casino games for some friendly competition.

This year's live auction will include jaw dropping items such as Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers signed guitars, as well as a presidential piece featuring 18 presidential first pitch photos and autographs.

For more information about the Tom Glavine's Spring Training 2009 event, purchasing tickets or sponsorships, contact Amanda McBride at amcbride@gatransplant.org or at 678-514-1185.

Founded in Atlanta in 1992, GTF is a non-profit organization providing financial, educational, and emotional support to transplant candidates, recipients, living donors and their families throughout the state of Georgia.



Tom Glavine's Spring Training
When: Friday, Feb. 6, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Where: Georgia Aquarium's Oceans Ballroom For Tickets: Contact Amanda McBride at amcbride@gatransplant.org or at 678-514-1185 For more information: www.gatransplant.org or call 866-428-9411

Labels: georgia transplant foundation, gtf, tom glavine, tom glavines spring training, transplant event

City homeowners have until March 1 to file their applications for Homestead Exemption with Fulton County, but only those who have not applied previously or who qualify for new exemptions need to fill out the paperwork.

There are four categories of exemptions: Basic, Senior Basic, Additional Senior and Full Value. To qualify for any Homestead Exemption, homeowners must have owned and occupied their home as their primary residence as of January 1 of the application year.

Applications must be filed with the Fulton County Tax Assessor's Office, not the City.

Basic Homestead Exemption
$15,000 off assessed value of the residence.
No age or income requirements.
Automatically extended to all City homeowners who have previously qualified for the County's Standard Exemption.
For homeowners not previously qualified, application with the Fulton County Tax Assessors Office for the County's Basic Exemption also serves as application for the City's Basic Exemption.
Senior Basic Exemption
$15,000 off the assessed value of residence.
Age requirement - 65 years or older as of January 1 of the year in which application filed.
No income requirement.
Automatically extended to homeowners who have previously qualified for the County's Senior $10,000 Exemption.
Application with the Fulton County Tax Assessors Office in person by March 1 for all other seniors.
Proof of age must be presented.
Seniors who are not eligible for the County's Senior Exemptions, or who have not even applied for them because their income is too high, should take special note of this Exemption and the filing requirements.

Additional Senior Exemption
$10,000 off the assessed value of residence.
Age requirement - 65 years or older as of January 1 of the year in which application filed.
Income limited to the maximum amount allowed under Social Security for an individual and spouse.
Automatically extended to any homeowner who has qualified for the County's senior $10,000 Exemption.
For homeowners not previously qualified, application with the Fulton County Tax Assessors Office for the County's senior $10,000 Exemption also serves as application for the City's Additional Senior Exemption.
Proof of age and income must be presented.
Full Value Exemption
Age requirement - 70 years or older as of January 1 of year in which application filed.
Also available to disabled individuals.
Income limited to maximum amount allowed under Social Security for individual and spouse.
Automatically extended to any homeowner who has previously qualified for the County's Full Value Exemption.
For homeowners not previously qualified, application for the County's Full Value Exemption also serves as application for the City's Full Value Exemption.
Proof of age and income must be presented.
Senior homeowners are also eligible for an exemption that eliminates payment of the .25 mill of property tax to the State of Georgia. The Fulton County Tax Assessors Office can provide details.

For details regarding eligibility requirements and proper methods of applying for Homestead Exemptions, please contact Fulton County Tax Assessors Office at 404-224-0102 or visit the Tax Assessor's Web site. The District 3 Office is located in the Royal 400 Office Park, 3155 Royal Drive, Alpharetta.

Labels: Fulton County, Homestead Exemption, march 1

The city of Alpharetta is studying a way to eliminate property taxes in the future.

It would take an act of the General Assembly to make it happen, so its prospects are uncertain. But Alpharetta is doing its homework in advance on the so-called municipal option sales tax, or MOST for short.

The sales tax rate would remain the same, so residents would not see any of their taxes increase. But the way the sales tax revenue is allocated would change.

As envisioned, the city would be allowed to opt out of a countywide one-cent sales tax, and keep all the sales tax revenue generated within the city limits.

With North Point Mall and other commercial centers, officials believe a city-based sales tax would surpass what the property tax brings in, about $16.6 million. The city has $56.5 million general fund budget.

The reason Alpharetta wants out of the county sales tax, called a special local option sales tax or SPLOST, is because all sales tax revenue is put in a county pot and distributed by population. City Councilman Doug DeRito, an advocate of a MOST for Alpharetta, said the city is 60 percent commercial but has a small population. He said that means Alpharetta is losing money.

“We’re being penalized for creating a favorable commercial climate,” DeRito said.

However, the city faces an obstacle in the Legislature. A general bill allowing cities to enact their own sales taxes has already been filed, but it requires the cities to apply the proceeds to water and sewer projects. Alpharetta’s water and sewer service is provided by Fulton County.

Currently, only Atlanta has been allowed to enact a MOST, which is dedicated to repairing and upgrading its own water and sewer systems.

Labels: Alpharetta, city of alpharetta, eliminating, Property Taxes, SPLOST

When Andrew Bou’s employer said, “Move to Atlanta,” the Orlando-area resident did not want his home to sit on the market for two years. So he took a cue from singles looking for love and tried online matchmaking.

That is, he listed his house on OnlineHouseTrading.com. And before long he’d found a match: a Kennesaw resident willing to swap houses.

With home sales languishing, some owners are taking matters into their own hands, becoming do-it-yourself real estate agents through swapping.

House-swapping Web sites work like online dating sites: They make introductions and leave the rest to you.

“Our service stops as soon as they’ve sort of found each other,” explained Sergei Naumov, who founded Florida-based GoSwap.org two years ago.

Owners list their properties, specify where they want to move and wait for e-mail alerts about possible matches. If an agreement is reached, a typical buy-sell transaction usually follows. Lawyers are hired. Appraisals and inspections are done. Loans are made.

Bou, a hotel company employee, made two swaps within nine months. When the Kennesaw house was deemed too small, the father of three traded again for a bigger dwelling in east Cobb County.

Swapping “offers such a great out when there are no buyers out there,” he said.

The Web sites might charge nothing for a brief period or up to $300 if a customer wants greater exposure, including an ad in a magazine. Homeowners save thousands of dollars by not paying agent commissions.

More than 1,000 Atlanta-area properties were listed last week on OnlineHouseTrading.com, according to Brian Stroka, president of the 19-month-old company, also based in Florida.

GoSwap.org had 344 listings from Georgians looking to swap and out-of-state residents seeking Georgia property. The majority of the offers are for homes, but some people want land or businesses.

Stroka said Atlanta is an active swapping locale and surmised that’s because the metro area is transient. But neither he nor Naumov collects data on how many of their listings become swaps.

Dan Thomas, a retired Georgia Tech employee, met his wife through Match.com and agreed house swapping is similar to online dating.

The Thomas family lives in the huge BridgeMill subdivision in Canton. They listed their five-bedroom home two years ago with an agent, but “it was difficult to compete against new construction” and builder concessions. At the same time, home sales everywhere were dwindling.

Only “Looky Lous” — people who weren’t serious about buying — viewed their $359,000 house, Thomas said. Dissatisfied, he Googled, discovered house swapping and listed with GoSwap.org and OnlineHouseTrading.com. His total cost — $19.95.

“It’s kind of exciting,” Thomas said. “I’ve gotten more interest in my home than I had people coming through here during the selling months.”

The Thomases want to move to a smaller house in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia, depending on where their daughter, Jennifer Johnson, a basketball player at Woodstock High School, goes to college.

So far, he’s put off inquirers who want to move immediately. Thomas’ plan is to aggressively pursue a swap in several weeks when his wife, Leslie Thomas, an elementary school teacher in Roswell, is closer to retirement.

Realtors say they’re not worried house swapping will thin their ranks.

“It’s not like buying an airline ticket or appliance on the Internet,” said Scott Simpson, immediate past president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors.

“I do not think it will become commonplace.”

Jim Alexander, the board’s president, said a house is “still an emotional buy. You’ve got to walk in and feel and smell that house. You want your real estate agent involved. That’s a very complicated process.”

House-swapping Web sites want agents to get involved in order to make trading easier and boost the success stories.

Stephen Fyffe, who works in computer support, listed with a flat-fee multiple listing service and with craigslist but had no luck selling his Powder Springs home. So he tried swapping, with the help of a flat-fee agent, who charged $500 to provide forms and advice.

A California investor with a house in Alpharetta spotted Fyffe’s listing and the two made a trade.

They agreed their two properties would be worth the same — $240,000. The investor’s only expenses were legal fees. His bank treated the swap as a collateral exchange, so a new mortgage was not required. Fyffe said he paid several thousand dollars in closing costs.

“You have what they want and they have what you want,” he said. “I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was really easy.”

Bou advised that swappers be flexible about price and locations, and make sure the paperwork states the purchases are occurring at exactly the same time.

“The absolute key to a swap is ‘simultaneous,’” he said.

Labels: Georgia, Real Estate, trading homes