Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog

The 2008 housing report held a surprise for those looking for all gloom and doom. More than two dozen zip codes across 20 counties, with 10 or more home sales, experienced increases in sales prices. Even more surprising than that, there were a handful of zip codes that saw sales volume and price increases.

Metro-wide, fewer new and resale homes and condos sold, causing a 27 percent drop in sales volume in 2008 from 2007. Additionally the price of homes and condos sold in 2008 slid 13 percent from 2007, in the metro area. There were significant variations in many of the counties when sales volume and price were factored out by zip code.

The largest price drop was in Clayton County, 43 percent, twice the decline of the next lowest county, Rockdale, which saw a 20 percent decrease.

Fulton County had the fourth largest drop of 18 percent, just behind Douglas County, which declined 19 percent.

Labels: 2008, Atlanta, Georgia, home sales report

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

For homebuyers who are eligible for the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, purchasing a new home before filing 2008 taxes will result in the fastest payback. Homebuyers who have not owned their primary residence in the last three years may be qualified to receive the credit.

The First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit provides a tax credit of up to $7,500 for homes purchased between April 9, 2008 and June 30, 2009. Buyers who purchase their homes in 2009 may elect to treat the purchase as if it occurred on December 31, 2008, so they may receive their tax credits earlier.

Homeowners who meet annual income requirements (up to $90,000 for single and $170,000 for married can receive partial credits) will receive 10 percent of the price paid for their homes back as a tax credit, up to $7,500. After two years, recipients will begin to pay back the credit as a no interest loan over the course of 15 years. For example, homebuyers who receive a $7,500 tax credit with their 2008 filings will begin paying back the government $500 a year beginning in 2010. For most homebuyers, “paying back” will not require an extra payment to the government; rather it will mean a reduction in their annual tax refunds. For more information on the tax credit, visit www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

Labels: 2008, federalhousingtaxcredit.com, first time home buyer tax credit, new homebuyers, tax credit

The City of Roswell will be participating in the 2008 National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 5 from 6-9 p.m. at Super Target, 1135 Woodstock Road, Roswell. National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and will involve over 11,000 communities.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

“This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity,” explains National Project Coordinator Matt Peskin. “National Night Out displays the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer nation. On August 5th, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to join us in Giving Crime & Drugs A Going Away Party.”

The event is free and open to the public. For more details about the national event, visit www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/.

Labels: 2008, Georgia, georgia. woodstock, national night out at wills park, Roswell, super target

Atlanta Motor Speedway will be busier than ever in 2008 hosting several new large events in addition to an already full schedule. Highlighting the 2008 event schedule is the return of two Sprint Cup races in March and October, as well as several first-time events at AMS. Below is a schedule of the major events taking place this year. Updated calendar information can be found at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

February 16 – 17: Eastman Gun Show
The southeast's leader in collectible firearms shows moves their popular event to the Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Hundreds of dealers from all over the southeast will display various military, hunting and sporting firearms.

March 7: Georgia Power Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the American Commercial Lines 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race
The world's top drivers converge on the fastest NASCAR track on the circuit for a full weekend of speed and pageantry.
2007 Pole Winner: Ryan Newman, 193.124 mph
2007 Craftsman Truck Winner: Mike Skinner, 105.739 mph

March 8: Nicorette 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race
Three hundred miles of grueling, side by side stock car racing. Immediately following the NASCAR action, the stars of tomorrow will compete in Legends, Bandoleros and Thunder Roadsters on Atlanta Motor Speedway's famous "Thunder Ring" quarter-mile oval.
2007 Nicorette 300 Winner: Jeff Burton, 191.080 mph

March 9: Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race
Defending NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway to defend his Atlanta Motor Speedway season sweep of 2007. Johnson won the spring and fall races on his way to a second straight series title. He brings a two race win streak to the track known for its high speeds and close racing action.
2007 Winner: Jimmie Johnson, 152.915 mph

March 14 – 16: Great American Auction
Automobile dealers from all over Atlanta fill the massive infield of Atlanta Motor Speedway for a weekend of the best automotive deals available. New and used vehicles will be available for sale prices and by auction. Buyers will be allowed to drive their new purchase on the famous high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway.

March 29: Classic Auto Auction & Car Corral
Cars and trucks from all eras will be available to the highest bidder. Classics, customs, restorations and show room vehicles from all over the southeast will venture through the auction line. This event is the east coast version of the famous Barrett-Jackson Auto Auctions seen on ESPN and Speed TV.


April 18 – 20: Southeastern RV SuperShow and Outdoor Camping Extravaganza
The southeast's largest display of RV's including motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, van campers and toy haulers. Hundreds of units from almost every manufacturer will be available for shopping and comparing. Plus, hundreds of camping vendors, cooking seminars, camping seminars, camping club displays, live entertainment, race car rides and much more. For more information, please visit www.garvshows.com.

May 2 – 3: Mopar Southern Classic
The North Georgia Mopar Club annual car show invades the speedway infield for two days of Mopar muscle. Drag racing, huge swap meet, car show, dyno-competition and vendor display area. For more information, please visit www.northgeorgiamoparclub.com.

May 3: Major League of Monster Trucks
Sixteen of the nation's most prolific monster trucks will compete in high speed races in which these vehicular monsters destroy everything in their path. The race course will be one of the largest areas ever created in monster truck competition with the entire speedway ball field utilized for racing and car crushing action. Some of the monster trucks expected to compete include Bigfoot, Gunslinger, T-Maxx, War Wizard, Madusa, Samson, Avenger and others. Pre-event pit party, driver autographs and more will be offered to fans purchasing tickets. For more information, please visit www.majorleagueofmonstertrucks.com.

May 3 – 4: Eastman Gun Show
The southeast's leader in collectible firearms shows moves their popular event to the Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Hundreds of dealers from all over the southeast will display various military, hunting and sporting firearms.

May 30: Street Warriorz National Tour
The Atlanta Motor Speedway drag strip cranks up with the second annual Street Warriorz National Tour. The night includes live music, a huge car show, stereo contest, Street Warriorz bikini contest, plus hundreds of fast cars, cool paint jobs and much more. For more information, please visit www.streetwarriorz.com.

June 5 – August 7: (each Thursday Night): Thursday Thunder Racing Series
Tomorrow's NASCAR stars compete weekly in Legends, Bandoleros and Thunder Roadsters. Family oriented fun in a kid-friendly environment which includes autograph sessions, a rock climbing wall, clowns, face painters, carnival games and more. Nightly special events include church leaders competing in the Faster Pastor race, trivia games, a backwards race, mascot race, trailer race and more. Kids are admitted for just $1 while adults pay only $5.

June 6: Drag Racing & Car Show
Atlanta Motor Speedway opens up for drag racing and a car show. Grudge racing is encouraged on the drag strip where racers compete in heads up racing action. Any car or truck is eligible for competition. Must be 16 years of age to compete (with completed parental consent form) and must wear a helmet. Take the racing off of the streets and into a safe environment at the speedway.

June 13 – 15: 2nd Annual NAPA Southern National Goodguys Rod & Custom Show
The nation's number one producer of car shows brings thousands of hot rods, customs and classic autos and trucks to fill the entire Atlanta Motor Speedway infield. Vehicles produced prior to 1972 will enhance the experience creating an 'American Graffiti' atmosphere. Hundreds of vendors will be displaying in the NASCAR garages. There will also be a model car contest for the adults and a build and take home area for kids. Live entertainment and a full weekend of family fun can be found at the GoodGuys Rod and Custom Show. For more information, please visit www.good-guys.com.

June 20 – August 29: (each Friday Night) Castrol GTX Friday Night Drags and Show-N-Shine Car Show
Local competitors power up for weekly drag racing among several divisions. Everything from full blown dragsters to grandma's grocery-getter will compete in side by side, heads up drag racing along the speedway's pit road eighth-mile drag strip. The Show-N-Shine Car Show offers the not-so-adrenaline powered a chance to show off their rides in the comforts of the NASCAR garage. Race fan car show along pit road, race fan participation and special events make for a great evening at the speedway.

June 28 – 29: DukesFest '08 and a Hazzard County Fair
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the popular 80's television show, "The Dukes of Hazzard" at the annual reunion of the series stars. Join John Schneider (Bo Duke), Tom Wopat (Luke Duke), Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke) and others for autograph sessions, photo sessions and fun. New to the show this year is the Hazzard County Fair, which will include a carnival midway, petting zoo, county fair games, live entertainment, a demo derby, lawn mower races and the Hollywood Stunt Show finale on Sunday. This will be a full weekend of fun and excitement as DukesFest comes home to the area where it was originally filmed. For more information, please visit www.dukesfest.com.

July 3: Thursday Thunder Fireworks Display
One of the largest fireworks displays in the Atlanta area will coincide with Thursday Thunder championship racing.

July 4: Castrol GTX Friday Night Drags and Show-N-Shine Car Show July 4th Fireworks
One of the largest fireworks displays in the Atlanta area will coincide with the speedway's popular Friday night drag racing event.

July 26 – 27: Eastman Gun Show
The southeast's leader in collectible firearms shows moves their popular event to the Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Hundreds of dealers from all over the southeast will display various military, hunting and sporting firearms.

September 20 – 21: 19th Annual NOPI Nationals
The nation's largest compact car show celebrates its 19th birthday this year at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Nearly 7,000 show vehicles will be on display throughout the speedway infield with hundreds of vendor displays and fan interactives available. National championship competitions will be held in drifting, hydraulics, stereo, swimsuit and burn-out events. National recording acts will also perform live each day of the event. For more information, please visit www.nopinationals.com.

September 28: March of Dimes "Ride to the Speedway'
The annual ride includes a large display of vendors, live entertainment, food and beverage along with the opportunity to ride the high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway on your motorcycle. Tethered balloon rides, helicopter rides and a motorcycle show will also be available. All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes.

October 3 – 5: Super Chevy Weekend
The fastest cars in drag racing will be on hand for an awesome display of power on the pit road drag strip. Nitro funny cars, jet dragsters, alcohol burning rail cars along with some of the fastest cars in the southeast will be competing in three full days of racing at the speedway. The show also brings along some of the nation's leading vendors of high performance parts, hottest display cars and more. Fun for all ages. For more information, please visit www.superchevyshow.com.

October 11: Classic Auto Auction & Car Corral
Cars and trucks from all eras will be available to the highest bidder. Classics, customs, restorations and show room vehicles from all over the southeast will venture through the auction line. This event is the east coast version of the famous Barrett-Jackson Auto Auctions seen on ESPN and Speed TV.

October 24: NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying
The world's top drivers converge for the second time in 2008 on the fastest track on the NASCAR circuit for a full weekend of speed and pageantry.
2007 Pole Winner: Greg Biffle, 192.453 mph

October 25: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race
One hundred thirty-five laps of grueling, wheel to wheel, fender crunching truck racing. Plus, the stars of tomorrow will compete in Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters on Atlanta Motor Speedway's famous "Thunder Ring" quarter-mile oval.
2007 Winner: Kyle Busch, 127.381

October 26: Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race
Race Number seven in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship is a make-or-break event for the best drivers in the world. The 500 mile showdown in Atlanta is a turning point in the final run for the points title.
2007 Winner: Jimmie Johnson 135.26

November 15 – 16: Eastman Gun Show
The southeast's leader in collectible firearms shows moves their popular event to the Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Hundreds of dealers from all over the southeast will display various military, hunting and sporting firearms.

Labels: 2008, AMS, Atlamta, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Nascar, Roush Fenway Racing, Track Schedule