Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog: July 2010

Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Update

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Friday, July 30, 2010

Tips for Selling Your Atlanta Home

Mix together a large supply of unsold homes, millions of foreclosures, new lending and appraisal guidelines, and a healthy dose of reality television, and it feels like you have a recipe for disaster when it comes to selling your home.

You’ve listed your home, and your real estate agent has mentioned the competition. You’ve priced it carefully to make sure it will appraise at the price you’re asking. But reality television? Really?

Yes. According to real estate expert Ilyce Glink and her recent post on the Equifax Personal Finance Blog, buyers have been watching a lot of television. They’ve gotten doses of homes that are easily transformed in an hour, and they’ve seen homebuyers tour (and identify problems with) more homes than they can count. Now it’s their turn to be the buyers, and they expect everything to look like it does on TV.

That’s why Glink’s first tip in her post, “Selling a House: 4 Tips to Get More Buyers through Your Door,” is to clean, stage and decorate your home so that it could be on television. She gives links to staging videos that will help you identify opportunities in your own home.

Another of Glink’s tips is to make sure your home has a strong presence online. She not only mentions real estate sites where your broker or agent should list your home, but she also provides direction for creating and posting blogs and videos that are specific to your home.

Unfortunately, there’s no one recipe that will work for selling every home. You have to mix a little of this and a lot of that before you come up with the right combination for your house and your location. Glink lists more recommendations on the Equifax Personal Finance Blog. What are the ingredients you think a home must have to sell? Join the conversation!

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: sell my house, selling my home, tips for selling my home

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 3:52 PM

Does the Insurance on Your Atlanta Home Cover Your Toys?

“It’s all fun and games ‘til someone puts an eye out.”

While kids may retaliate with, “and then it’s just fun,” generations of moms have used the phrase to warn rowdy offspring against rough play.

Generations of insurance agents probably feel the same about people with swimming pools, swing sets and trampolines in their back yards. After all, if someone gets seriously injured or problems occur, they’re among the first to receive a call.

The Equifax Personal Finance Blog offers information on insurance coverage for the outdoor amenities that increase both summer fun and liability. In her article, “Summer Toys: Insuring Your Pool, Trampoline, or Boat,” insurance expert Linda Rey encourages homeowners to think realistically about the possibilities of accidents occurring and to be prepared.

Rey lists three types of insurance coverage, which you’ll need to discuss further with your insurance agent: property damage, liability insurance and umbrella coverage. Property damage coverage is probably suited more to summer toys like boats and RVs. Rey says underground pools probably are not covered under a regular homeowner’s policy because “earth movement” is usually excluded. Above ground pools may be covered under “other structures.”

Liability insurance is there for times when a family member or guest is injured while using your outdoor toys. It will help you if medical bills or even legal bills occur. If you carry umbrella liability coverage, you’ll need to make sure your outdoor toys are included.

For families with trampolines, Rey has a special warning. Make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy covers a trampoline. Because of the risks, some do not, and they may even cancel or decline to renew your policy if you have one on your property. In this case, check with your carrier before you buy!

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: foreclosures for sale, homeowners insurance

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 3:51 PM

First-Time Home Buyers: Tips to Make Your House a Home

After getting the keys to their new homes, many first-time home buyers are excited about finally having the opportunity to personalize and furnish their new house. From coffee tables to lamps to lawnmowers, many previous renters leap into homeownership quickly realizing they need to do a lot of shopping to truly make their house a home.

“Whether you’ve been living in an apartment with roommates or at your parents’ house, many first-time home buyers do not think about all the items they need – and want – when moving into a house,” said Janice Jones, national vice president of merchandising for Centex. “With a little advance planning and budgeting, you won’t break the bank to make your new home a reflection of your personal style and showcase your pride of homeownership.”

A typical home buyer spends $7,400 on average on their home, with more than half of that spent in the first year after purchase, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

While many first-time home buyers may not have accounted for this level of spending, Jones offers advice on what types of items to purchase to not only properly maintain and live in the home, but also more importantly, items that help new homeowners feel like their house is a place to call home.

Furnishings
Many first-time home buyers no longer want their parents’ hand-me downs or their childhood bedroom set. From sofas to dining room sets to mattresses, many first-time home buyers take the opportunity to upgrade their furniture when moving into their new home. According to an NAHB study, furnishings take the biggest chunk of the budget, with home buyers spending about $5,300 on furnishings during the first year after buying a home. The biggest ticket item for all households is bedroom furnishings, including mattresses, followed by sofas.

Window coverings and linens
The median square footage of homes bought by first-time buyers is 1,500. So, you can only imagine the number of windows that need to be covered to ensure privacy and security in a home. According to Jones, many home buyers don’t account for this in their budget. Additionally, with the ability to now paint and decorate each room, new homeowners find that they want to purchase new bedroom and bathroom linens.

Garden tools
Since a first-time home buyer is likely to move into their home from an apartment, unless you plan on hiring a gardener, you’ll need to purchase a few basic gardening tools, including a lawnmower, garden hose, sprinkler and a shovel (for winter weather).

Flat screen TV
Let’s face it: many home buyers shop for their new home while taking into a consideration how a new, large, flat-screen television set will be situated in their new living space. So, it’s not a surprise that a hot item on the list is purchasing an entertainment system.

However, you’ll also need the basic appliances in your new home: a refrigerator, stove, and a washer/dryer. While many existing homes usually come with appliances, a home buyer needs to take inventory as to whether or not they will need to purchase these big ticket items before they purchase their new bedroom set.

Basic tool kit
Every home needs a well-stocked tool box. Many home improvement stores have sets you can purchase, but make sure it includes a hammer, screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, a tape measure and a staple gun.

“My biggest piece of advice for new home buyers is to be creative and tackle this room by room,” said Jones. “For example, after outfitting your home with the necessary items—like appliances and window coverings—move on to the kitchen and family room spaces. This area is the heart of your home where everyone gathers.

“Look for great values on the items you need that will be utilized most. Take your time and get the feel of how you want to use each space for both function and enjoyment. This strategy allows homeowners to stage their purchases and add new furnishings as the budget allows. Decorating your new home should be fun and a reflection of your personal style.”

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: First Time Home Buyers, Foreclosures, foreclosures for sale, Home Buyers

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 10:41 AM

D.R. Horton Starts Homes at Heron Bay

D.R. Horton Homes has two new homes under construction at Heron Bay Golf and Country Club in Henry county. The Miller and Campbell models are currently under construction in The Summit where prices range from the $180,000s to the $220,000s. The Summit offers several homesites with basements and others that back up to [...]
Read more…

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: dr horton, heron bay golf and county club

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 10:39 AM

Apple Updates Safari 5

Apple today released Safari 5.0.1 and introduced the Safari Extensions Gallery. Extensions allow users to quickly add powerful new features to Safari — from toolbars that display live web feeds to sophisticated programs that filter web content. Users can download and install extensions either from the Safari Extensions Gallery or directly from a developer’s site.

North Fulton and Forsyth County Calendars

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 10:12 AM

Forsyth County raises taxes

FORSYTH COUNTY – Fowler Park still has a chance of opening in 2011 after the Board of Commissioners adopted a millage rate hike to raise taxes enough to cover increases in mandates such as the $2.1 million increase in health care benefits required by federal legislation.

"We have to have something we can live with, but allow us to provide the basic services of the county, but no frills," said Commission Chairman Charles Laughinghouse. "People have said 'Don't raise my taxes, cut my services.'"

Before the commissioners even entered into this discussion, they held a public hearing on the millage rate, listening to a number of county residents. Most spoke against a millage rate increase, but some supported a hike to provide required services and to maintain Forsyth's quality of life.

He said the county hasn't cut services, but instead left the burden on the shoulders of the employees.

"I don't believe the employees can bear that much more," Laughinghouse said. "If citizens don't want a tax increase, let's decide what services they don't get."

Commissioner Patrick Bell said that sounds good today, but it will destroy the economic development opportunities for the county.

Laughinghouse made the motion to increase the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) millage rate by 0.9 mills.

The net effect to a tax bill on a home valued at $200,000 would be a increase of approximatley $62.80.

It was the third motion to raise the rate. Commissioner Jim Boff moved to raise the rate by 0.6 mills, but his motion was defeated. Commissioner Brian Tam moved to raise the millage rate the full amount advertised, 1.595 mills. That also failed. And another motion he made for a 1.15 mill increase after a short recess so staff could get numbers together also failed.

"Well, it looks like we are between .6 and 1.15," Tam said.

Bell said he couldn't see adopting a millage rate to operate a park without restoring some of the employees' benefits. He suggested a millage rate that either doesn't open Fowler Park and funds basic services, or one high enough to open Fowler Park and restores at least some benefits.

Before the decision, Dan Wolf asked the commissioners not to raise the millage rate.

"I would beg you not to increase the taxes," Wolf said.

Wolf told the commissioners they need to reduce spending just like businesses and households have to do. He said other residents made relevant comments comparing what goes on in Washington, D.C., to what was proposed in Forsyth County.

"And we don't want to copy that model in any way," Wolf said.

Rick Lee, a Cumming CPA, said he appreciated the effort the county commission made. But he challenged them to dig deep in the budget. He's said he had to advise clients to stop matching employees' 401(k) contributions otherwise they would have to layoff employees or even shut down their businesses.

Chris Pike of Evans Farm was another CPA who spoke at the public hearing. While the millage rate didn't change last year, his taxes went down. Pike said he was still paying less in taxes than he did several years ago. And he said the presentation comparing taxes paid on a $200,000 home last year and what they would be for 2010 wasn't a good comparison.

"I would challenge you that's not the same $200,000 home. Last year that $200,000 home is only $180,000 this year," Pike said. "A lot of properties have gone down, causing revenues to go down."

Pike asked commissioners to consider economic development.

"Stop paving roads, stop hiring deputies to match the growth, stop improving our parks and greenspace and see what happens," he said. "And if you don't believe me, just look at Clayton County."

After many layoffs in recent years, Pike suggested the commissioners should not take its employees for granted.

It would be easy to do nothing. He asked the commission to spend what is needed, and nothing more.

Labels: foreclosed homes for sale, foreclosure, Forsyth County, millage rate, Taxes

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:35 AM

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Federal Judge Blocks Portions of Arizona Illegal Immigration Law

A federal judge on Wednesday blocked some of the toughest provisions in the Arizona illegal immigration law, putting on hold the state's attempt to have local police enforce federal immigration policy.

Though the rest of the law is still set to go into effect Thursday, the partial injunction on SB 1070 means Arizona, for the time being, will not be able to require police officers to determine the immigration status of anyone they stop or arrest.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton also struck down the section of law that makes it a crime not to carry immigration registration papers and the provision that makes it a crime for an illegal immigrant to seek or perform work.

Click here to read the ruling.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, reacting to the ruling, vowed to take the case "all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary." In all, Bolton struck down four sections of the law, the ones that opponents called the most controversial. Bolton said she was putting those sections on hold until the courts resolve the issues.

The ruling said the Obama administration, which sought the injunction, is likely to "succeed on the merits" in showing the above provisions are preempted by federal law.

"The court by no means disregards Arizona's interests in controlling illegal immigration and addressing the concurrent problems with crime including the trafficking of humans, drugs, guns, and money," the ruling said. "Even though Arizona's interests may be consistent with those of the federal government, it is not in the public interest for Arizona to enforce preempted laws."

A number of provisions will still go into effect as the case is litigated. Arizona will be able to block state officials from so-called "sanctuary city" policies limiting enforcement of federal law; require that state officials work with federal officials on illegal immigration; allow civil suits over sanctuary cities; and make it a crime to pick up day laborers.

The ruling came just as police were making last-minute preparations to begin enforcement of the law and protesters were planning large demonstrations to speak out against the measure. At least one group planned to block access to federal offices, daring officers to ask them about their immigration status.

Justice Department spokeswoman Hannah August said the court "ruled correctly" with its decision Wednesday.

"While we understand the frustration of Arizonans with the broken immigration system, a patchwork of state and local policies would seriously disrupt federal immigration enforcement and would ultimately be counterproductive," August said.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., one of the most vocal advocates on immigration issues on Capitol Hill, applauded the decision.

"Arresting people based on their appearance and holding them until you can investigate their immigration status is patently un-American and unconstitutional," he said.

But supporters of the policy slammed the court's decision.

"This fight is far from over. In fact, it is just the beginning, and at the end of what is certain to be a long legal struggle, Arizona will prevail in its right to protect our citizens," Brewer said.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., called the ruling "misguided."

"The federal government has a right and a responsibility to enforce existing laws, but when they fail to meet that responsibility, we should not stand in the way of the states that take action to respond to the very real threat of border violence, drug cartels and human smuggling," he said in a written statement. "There's nowhere in the Constitution that says a state is limited to what it absolutely won't do and can be stopped for what it might do and to exercise a judgment against a state that has passed a law that is consistent with existing federal law is beyond absurd."

The volume of the protests will likely be turned down a few notches because of the ruling by Bolton, a Clinton appointee who suddenly became a crucial figure in the immigration debate when she was assigned the seven lawsuits filed against the Arizona law.

Lawyers for the state contend the law was a constitutionally sound attempt by Arizona -- the busiest illegal gateway into the country -- to assist federal immigration agents and lessen border woes such as the heavy costs for educating, jailing and providing health care for illegal immigrants.

Opponents argued the law will lead to racial profiling, conflict with federal immigration law and distract local police from fighting more serious crimes. The U.S. Justice Department, civil rights groups and a Phoenix police officer had asked the judge for an injunction to prevent the law from being enforced.

Localities inside Arizona were already preparing to interpret the law in different ways. The Tucson Unified School District's Governing Board approved by a 5-0 vote a policy Tuesday that maintains the district's stance of not enforcing immigration laws in the district's schools.

The hardest-line approach was expected in the Phoenix area, where Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio plans his 17th crime and immigration sweep. He planned to hold the sweep regardless of the ruling.

Arpaio, known for his tough stance against illegal immigration, plans to send out about 200 deputies and volunteers who will be looking for traffic violators, people wanted on criminal warrants and others. He has used that tactic before to arrest dozens of people, many of them illegal immigrants.

"We don't wait. We just do it," he said. "If there's a new law out, we're going to enforce it."

Elsewhere in the state, police officials were busy wrapping up training sessions this week. Many of the state's 15,000 police officers have been watching a DVD released this month that signs that might indicate a person is an illegal immigrant are speaking poor English, looking nervous or traveling in an overcrowded vehicle. It warned that race and ethnicity do not.

Some agencies added extra materials, including a test, a role-playing exercise or a question-and-answer session with prosecutors.

Click here to read the Arizona immigration law.

Labels: Arizona Immigration Law, Judge Blocks

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 4:32 PM

Monday, July 26, 2010

New Fulton County Schools and Classroom Additions

Labels: Alpharetta, city of milton, fulton county schools, Johns Creek, milton

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:55 AM

Sponsor/Vendor packets now available for Roundup Potential sponsors and vendors can get information online

The 2010 Milton Roundup sponsorship/vendor packet is now available online and includes everything potential sponsors and vendors need to help Milton throw its biggest birthday party yet for a few thousand of its closest friends.

To download the packet immediately, click here.

Otherwise, roll over the "About Milton" tab above and choose "Events in Milton." Choose the link that reads: "For information on or to become a vendor for this event, please click here" under the "Oct. 23 - 4th Annual Milton Roundup" heading. You may also view this page by clicking here.

The 2010 Milton Roundup will take place Oct. 23 on the grounds of Birmingham United Methodist Church. All residents of Milton, along with their family and friends, are invited to join in the day-long event where they can eat good local food, play games, listen to music, hop on one of our exciting rides or just spend the day outside enjoying Georgia's beautiful fall weather. Parking and admission are free.

Click here for more information, including sponsorhsip and vendor pricing.

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: city of milton, Milton Roundup

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:50 AM

A Reception Honoring Congressman Tom Price, M.D.

Adam Orkin & Ron Wallace
Cordially Invite You To
Please Save The Date

And Join The Host Committee

For A Reception Honoring
Congressman Tom Price, M.D.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub

12560 Crabapple Road

Milton, GA 30004

Host Committee Levels

$1,000 To Host Per Couple / Person Plus Guest

$500 To Sponsor Per Couple / Person Plus Guest
Host committee names will be printed on the invitation and the printing deadline is Friday July 23, 2010. Please contact Diana Kincaid for the form via phone or email on or before July 23 to have your name included.
$250 per couple / person plus guest to attend

Business Casual Attire
RSVP to Diana Kincaid, 770 435 5725 or diana@tomprice.com
Please make checks payable to:

Price for Congress

P.O. Box 425, Roswell, GA 30077
Contributions to Price For Congress are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Federal Law requires Price for Congress to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whos contributions exceed $200 per election cycle. Contributions from corporations and foreign nationals are prohibited.

For more information as well contribution form, please contact Heather Walker via phone at (678)297, 2700, Ext. 226 or via email at hwalker@orkinandassociates.com or visit our website at orkinandassociates.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: city of milton, Georgia, milton, olde blind dog, tom price, voting

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:42 AM

North Fulton Charities back to School Program

North Fulton Charities back to school program

The following items are needed:

Elementary School /Middle School /High School
(Kindergarten- 5th) (6th-8th) (9th -12th)
New Backpacks( no wheels)
Markers Notebook/Binder Notebook/Binder
Crayons ( 2 boxes) /Spiral Notebooks ( 4) /Spiral Notebooks (4)
Scissors #2 pencils /Calculator
Glue &glue sticks/ Black, Blue. Red pens /#2 pencils (1 pkg)
Zippered pencil pouch/crayon box Colored pencils/ markers Black, blue, red pens
Spiral ,single subject notebook (2)/ Highlighters /Index Cards (3x5)
Folders ( 4) /Notebook paper (2)/ Highlighters
Wide ruled paper (1pkg) /Notebook dividers /Notebook paper (2pkgs)
Colored pencils (1 pkg)/ Folders (4) /Notebook dividers
Index Cards (3x5 and 5x7) /Crayons (1 box)/ Protractoror compass
Pin Pearl erasers/ Index cards ( 3x5 and 5x7)/ Erasers
Composition book/ Erasers /Colored pencils
Highlighters/ Composition notebooks (2)/ Folders (4)
#2 pencils (1 pkg) /Calculator
3 ring binder/ Protractor or compass
12 inch ruler /Glue sticks (2)

School supplies will be distributed to families
Saturday, August 21, 2010.
Please drop off donations at NFCC by August 17, 2010!

Or contact Karen Rupp krupp@nfcchelp.org

Thanks for your help!
Contact Information
Steve Beecham
770-634-2531

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: Alpharetta, back to school, Bank Owned, Donations, driving, Foreclosed, Foreclosures, Georgia, milton, north fulton schools, school charities

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:39 AM

Texting law in effect

NORTH FULTON - Drivers beware - if you text while driving, the cops might just pull you over.

As of July 1, drivers in Georgia are not allowed to text while behind the wheel. Named after Caleb Sorohan, a teen who was killed while texting and driving, the new law mostly applies just to drivers under 18. Teens are no longer allowed to text or even be on the phone while driving. Texting is outright banned for all drivers.

The amount of accidents caused by texting or cell phone use have reached such worrying levels that it has become standard practice for an officer to request the cell phone records of someone involved in a serious accident. According to the National Safety Council, nearly one-third of crashes are caused by cell phone use while driving.

Alpharetta Public Safety Spokesman George Gordon said an officer has three ways to determine if someone has been texting: "through observation, if there's a serious accident where we have to pull the records and the admission of a driver."

If a vehicle is swerving on the road, the officer can pull it over for safety reasons. When speaking to the driver, the officer determines the reason for the swerving - it could be any number of reasons, from changing the CD to texting to driving drunk.

James McGee, spokesman for the Roswell Police Department, said his officers will not be given any particular training for the new law.

"The officers will use their observation skills and knowledge of driving habits learned from the first day of policing [to enforce the law]," said McGee. "The officers don't need probable cause to stop a vehicle, only reasonable suspicion." The suspicion includes weaving in and out of lanes or looking down instead of at the road.

Don't think that just because texting is now illegal you can instead use an instant messaging feature or surf the web on your phone - anything that involves typing more than a phone number is banned.

Anyone convicted of violating the new law can face 1 point on the license and a $150 fine.

--- Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff North Fulton County REALTORS Vanderhoff Real Estate (770) 331-1206 --- Milton, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale North Fulton County, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Forsyth, GA Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale ---

Labels: Alpharetta, Bank Owned, driving, Foreclosed, Foreclosures, Georgia, milton, text, texting

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:33 AM

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

I went to see Inception yesterday! I highly recommend seeing this movie!

# posted by Brian Vanderhoff @ 10:25 AM