Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog: August 2011

With the back-to-schoolers back on metro Atlanta roads, you may have noticed your morning commute setting new records over the past few weeks. But there have also been some other new records being set over the past few weeks – exceptionally low mortgage rates. There has literally never been a better time to look for real estate in Atlanta.

Last week, Freddie Mac reported that the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has fallen to 4.15%, its lowest level on record since 1971. Rates on this popular mortgage were 4.23% two weeks ago.

Average rates have been below 5% for almost all of the last year but the struggling economy remains just that – struggling. Experts say that the low rates are not likely to strengthen the housing market because it’s not mortgage rates (alone) that shape the market. Remember in 2006, the average rate was 6.5%, in 2000, it was over 8%. Overall, home prices and sales are in poor shape because qualifying for a mortgage these days is so difficult, unemployment rates are still over 9% and Americans are either not getting raises, are struggling to keep their debt down and/or are too nervous about the economy and even their job security to purchase a home.

Average rates on 15-year fixed mortgages are also at a record low, 3.36%. This is the third week in a row that that rates have reached record lows and analysts believe it’s the lowest ever reached for this mortgage option. Homeowners looking to refinance will often choose a 15-year fixed rate. And borrowers who qualify are taking advantage of low rates. Freddie Mac says refinancing made up 70% of the mortgage applications in the first half of 2011. Unfortunately, refinancing doesn’t provide as much benefit to the overall economy as home purchases do and the Federal Reserve expects growth to stay weak for several more years.

Average rates on five- and one-year adjustable-rate loans have also hit record lows over the past two weeks to 3.08% and 2.86%, respectively; surpassing the records they set just two weeks ago at 3.13% and 2.89%.

If you are in the market for a new home in Atlanta or real estate in Atlanta, make sure to visit Atlanta Real Estate Forum often for the latest news, incentives and deals.

Labels: Mortgage Rates

Brookhaven at Johns Creek is excited to host an open house on August 20 from noon to 2 p.m. As an active adult community from Jim Chapman Communities, Brookhaven at Johns Creek is right “on par”. For this reason, the open house will include a complimentary lunch, community tour and a chance to win great golf gear.

Atlanta new home buyers are able to choose from a variety of stepless, single-story homes and villas in two, three or four-bedroom plans with front porches, starting from the $280,000s. Amenities in this gated, maintenance free community include an outdoor garden center, lighted tennis courts, heated pool, fitness center and custom options for outdoor living spaces.

From its location at Johns Creek, homeowners have easy access to shops, restaurants and medical facilities, including Northside Forsyth and Emory Johns Creek.

Get in the game by purchasing in August, and receive a free putter or driver!

Brookhaven at Johns Creek is located between Peachtree Parkway (GA 141) and McGinnis Ferry Road on Technology Circle. To visit from Atlanta, take I-85 North to I-285 West and Exit 31B (GA 141-Cumming/Dahlonega). Bear left on GA 141 North to Johns Creek. Turn right on McGinnis Ferry Road. Then, turn right onto Technology Circle. The community is the second one on the left.

Labels: Brookhaven, Johns Creek

KM Homes has new incentives for home buyers at Parkside At The Polo Fields, the beautiful Forsyth County community minutes from The Polo Golf and Country Club. We are now offering $10,000 in savings on basements homesites and a $7,500 incentive on slabs.* $2,500 of the buyer incentive will go toward closing costs with approved financing through preferred lender, LoanSouth Mortgage. The remaining incentive is for buyers to use as they see fit. KM Homes understands that people have different needs, so they are allowing flexibility for the buyers to decide what to do with the rest of the incentive, whether it be to reduce the sales price of the home or for upgrades – a fence, blinds, design options, etc.

Parkside At The Polo Fields is a private, gated community featuring four-sides brick homes with lawn maintenance included. Covered patios are available with select floor plans. These single-family homes have up to five bedrooms, 3.5 baths and over 3,200 square feet.

Homes have gorgeous interiors with hardwood flooring in several areas and smooth, nine-foot ceilings on the first floor. Gourmet kitchens feature granite countertops, GE stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile backsplash and much more. The luxurious master baths include cultured marble tops, garden tubs, separate showers, raised vanities and ceramic tiling on the floors and walls.

Homeowners at Parkside At The Polo Fields enjoy easy access to GA-400, as well as a myriad of shopping and dining close by. Plus, The Polo Golf and Country Club provides fabulous recreation and is just minutes from the community.

The community features a Pavilion area and landscaped common areas for social gatherings. Lawn maintenance is included in the HOA fees. To top it all off, homeowners here enjoy low Forsyth County taxes.

Labels: KM Homes, Polo Fields

http://gizmodo.com/5827813/the-humble-bundle-3-is-the-deal-of-the-day

CUMMING, Ga. — Cumming Police said it had obtained warrants for the arrest of a 36-year-old Cumming resident who is accused of taking nearly $8,000 from a school's parent teacher organization (PTO).

Jamie Garfield, 36, of Cumming, was charged with theft of funds from the Cumming Elementary PTO.

Garfield formerly served for several years as the treasurer for the Cumming Elementary PTO, according to a Cumming police spokesman.

At the time the theft was reported in August 2010, she was no longer treasurer, said Sgt. Bryan Zimbardi.

Warrants were taken for the amount of $7,911.82.

"She's still under investigation for a much larger amount," Zimbardi said. "Right now, the warrant was taken for $7,911.82."

"There's still a fair portion of this that is under investigation," Zimbardi said.

The thefts were occurring for about 21 months prior to August 2010.

"A lot more information will be released when this case is closed," Zimbardi said.

The thefts were discovered when board members of the Cumming Elementary PTO learned one of their accounts was overdrawn.

The elementary school PTO members approached Cumming Police Department, which launched an investigation of suspected criminal activity. The PTO is an organization made up of volunteers.

PTO groups are not under school district oversight and often raise funds for additional learning resources and student equipment not covered by a school's budget.

The PTO has reinforced its monthly financial review with additional oversight and annually completes an external audit.

Cumming Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division finished its investigation recently and obtained warrants from Superior Court for Garfield's arrest.

At this time, Zimbardi said, Garfield's whereabouts are unknown. The Forsyth County Sheriff's warrant division is looking for her.

"Though the PTO is a separate organization that is not under the school district's financial controls or procedures," said Forsyth County School District Spokeswoman Jennifer Caracciolo. "We are always saddened when there are allegations of behavior by adults that negatively impact children in any way."

Labels: Cumming Elementary, Forsyth, Forsyth County, Forysth County, PTO

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 6:00 PM

Police & Fire Demonstrations Set
Tactical police, K-9 and Fire demonstrations will take place under the covered equestrian arena at Wills Park on Tuesday, Aug. 2, as the City of Alpharetta celebrates National Night Out.

The public is invited to come spend the evening outside with neighbors, police officers and firefighters and enjoy a free cookout from 6 to 9 p.m. Firefighters will demonstrate the Fire Safety House, which educates children about what to do in a house fire, while the SWAT team will display its special training and equipment.
National Night Out was introduced in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch in an attempt to encourage more participation in crime watch from residents. More than 11,310 communities from all 50 states participate in the event each year.
While the traditional “lights on” and front porch vigils remain a part of National Night Out, activities have expanded over the years to include festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs and meetings.
For more information about the event, call 678-297-6309. Please RSVP at 678-297- 6309, ext. 3. There will be a vegetarian option provided.
For more information about National Night Out, visit www.nationalnightout.org

Labels: Alpharetta, alpharetta police, Firefighters, K-9, K9, Tactical Police, Wills Park, wills park equestrian center