Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog: July 2006

Creating a custom home search is easy in today's web-based world. Whether you are looking for your retirement home, downsizing, or just know EXACTLY what you want & don't want in a home, The Vanderhoff Team can help you find that perfect home. All you have to do is email us with your list of "likes" and/or "dislikes" in a home, and we will create a custom home search that will email you new listings that meet your criteria the day they hit the market. You will also be emailed homes in your criteria that undergo price reductions. Basically, you can watch the market on the homes you like from your very own computer. You are sent detailed fact sheets on each homes with photos. This will save you a lot of time & money since you will not have to constantly drive around looking at properties that don't meet your needs. You just save those properties that interest you, show us your list, and we will set up a day to take you to those properties. If you need more information on a property, just let us know, and we will assist you. Our goal is to make the home buying process easy and enjoyable. Call or email us today and we will set up a customized home search just for you. Or visit our website at www.VanderhoffTeam.com and see how our mission is to serve you.

KB Home & Martha Stewart Team Up in Atlanta to offer affordable & stylish new homes. Hampton Oaks community in Fairburn, GA features new homes created with Martha Stewart. The Grand Opening takes place on Saturday, July 29th. The floorplans range from 1,930 to 4,624 square feet and you have your choice of three exteriors, each inspired by Martha's very own homes. Hampton Oaks is a swim and tennis community that offers both recreation and natural beauty. Additional planned community features include walking trails and a clubhouse with space for recreation and meetings. Basement home sites are also available.

KB Home also has several communities located in the North Metro Atlanta area. Bridgetowne, Brookstone & Vickery Downs are all located in Cumming and range from the mid $100's to the high $200's.

If it's an affordable home you are looking for in a nice new community, chances are that KB Home has a community & home that is just right for you. Contact Mike & Melody Vanderhoff today to take a closer look into one of these North Metro Atlanta communities. Owning your own home can be easier than you think!

Your next Real Estate Transaction: Are you being represented? Many people go into buying a home without their own real estate agent. They are under the common misconception that the listing agent is working for them. After all, the listing agent takes care of the contract & all the arrangements. The bottom line is, if you have not signed a Buyer's Agency Agreement with your own agent, no one is looking out for your interests. Someone who is working for you that understands the market and the area in which you are buying. Someone who is familiar with the area's real estate laws. Someone who will help you decide if you are making a good decision on your largest investment. Mike & Melody Vanderhoff can help you with your next real estate transaction. Whether you are buying or selling, Mike & Melody can guide you through the process so that you can focus on your next home, and not the stress of the transaction. Do not go unrepresented. This is your largest investment, and you need every resource available to you. Buying & selling real estate can be an easy process if you have someone looking out for you. Contact Mike & Melody today to find out how they can lend a helping hand to you.

Home Loans in Alpharetta, Cumming, Dawsonville & Surrounding Areas: Finding the right loan officer to help you obtain your next home loan is essential to a smooth real estate transaction. Don't be lured by the special promotions offerred by many lenders until you've researched all of the facts. Too often you may end up at the closing table expecting low costs, only to find yourself paying a lot more, or worse, not having your loan package ready so that you can actually close on your home. Your loan officer should take you from the pre-qualification stage to closing with professionalism & integrity. They should also be familiar with the laws in the area where you are purchasing your home. Bottom line is that your loan officer can make or break the loan process, and ultimately the purchase of your next home. If it is professionalism & integrity that you would like to see in your next loan officer, look to Steve Thompson with Home America Mortgage for your next home loan. Please visit www.SteveThompsononline.com to learn more about Steve and how he can help you make your dream home a reality.

Georgia Sales Tax Holiday 2006 is August 3 - 6, 2006:

House Bill 1219 provides for a sales tax exemption from both state and local sales taxes for four (4) days, August 3 – 6, 2006, for covered items and specific energy efficient products.

During the sales tax holiday period, a sales tax exemption applies to purchases of tangible personal property in the following categories:

Articles of Clothing, Personal Computers, General School Supplies and Energy Efficient Products.

For more detailed information, please click on the following link: Georgia Department of Revenue

Current Water Restrictions in effect in Forsyth, Dawson & North Fulton Counties. Each county listed below is a link to updated pages on watering bans & restrictions. Please make sure to check those sites regularly, as the schedules can change. Heavy fines and loss of water can result from not following guidlines. Penalties are being enforced.

Forsyth County Watering restrictions: No outdoor watering is permitted on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Even-numbered addresses (address numbers ending with the number 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or no address number): Outdoor water use is allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Odd-numbered addresses (address numbers ending with the number 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9): Outdoor water use is allowed on Tuesdays and Sundays.

On appropriate days, outdoor watering may only occur between the hours of midnight and 4:00 a.m. and between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and midnight.

Dawson County Water Restrictions:

Seasons on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia is a Lakefront 55+ Active Adult Community by Levitt & Sons. Enjoy the privacy of a mountain retreat, the charm of Gainesville, and the conveniences of Atlanta. It will feature the following ammenities:

Lake Lanier and Water Activities

Breathtaking Views of the Appalachian Mountains

Dick Stockton Tennis Program with Clay Courts

Extensive Walking Trails and Preserved Greenspace

Full Fitness Center with Indoor Heated Pool

Outdoor Amphitheatre Overlooking the Lake

Boat Slips Dedicated for the Club and Available to Individuals

Theatre and Performing Arts Center

Arts and Crafts Center with 2 Kilns

Horticulture Center with Greenhouse and Gardens

Craftsman, Bungalow, and Traditional Southern Architecture

Over 100,000 Design Options and 14 Floor Plans

Contact Mike & Melody Vanderhoff today to find out more about this exciting new Lakefront community.

Just Listed: 3740 High Gables West, Cumming, GA 30041, Close To Lake Lanier. At only $274,900 this 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with full, daylight basement will not last long. High Gables is a highly sought after Swim/Tennis Community East of GA 400 in Cumming, Forsyth County, just minutes from Lake Lanier. Great schools, Great Community, Great Value. Visit our website at www.VanderhoffTeam.com to view photos & more information on this picture perfect home. Call Mike & Melody Vanderhoff today to schedule a showing, before this hot property is gone!

Event & Fireworks recap for the Georgia 400 corridor: Alpharetta, Cumming, Dawsonville, Lake Lanier & Dahlonega. On Monday, July 3rd: Dawsonville's Thunder in the Sky and Cumming's Fireworks at the Fairgrounds. On Tuesday, July 4th: Alpharetta's Fireworks & Celebration at Wills Park, City of Cumming's Steam Engine Parade, Lake Lanier Islands' Light Up The Lake all day long and Dahlonega's Family Independence Day Celebration all day.

Celebrate Our Independence & This Beautiful Nation Of Ours: God Bless America!