Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog: October 2006

Georgia residents - Don't forget to set your clocks back this weekend as Daylight Saving Time ends.

The parts of the U.S., Canada and Mexico that observe Daylight Saving Time set the clock back one hour to standard time at 2 am on Sunday, October 29, 2006.

Did you know? A few states (and even parts of states) do not observe Daylight Saving Time at all, as well as some islands in the Caribbean Sea.

In most North American locations, this is the last time Daylight Saving Time will start in April and end in October. Starting 2007, Daylight Saving Time will start on the second Sunday in March and last to the first Sunday in November.

So, set your clocks back Saturday night before you go to bed, and have a Great Weekend!

The real estate market in Alpharetta, Cumming & Dawsonville is starting to see signs of slow down. Home inventories are on the rise, and buyer's can now be selective and have more leverage in their real estate transactions. This is why it's becoming essential for seller's to make their homes more desirable & appealing to buyer's. Listings that would have sold in 60 days or less a year ago are now sitting on the market longer.

So, if you decide to sell your home, it is essential to know how to prepare your home and leave a good impression with perspective buyers. Minor things such as removing clutter, maintaining a well kept yard and opening all the blinds & drapes can make a huge difference when buyers view your home. There are many other tips & helpful hints that can ensure your home stands out in a positive way.

For further information on how to better market your home, please contact The Vanderhoff Team today to request your free copy of our Home Seller Reports. These guides are full of important information and money saving tips to help you maximize your investment when selling your house, condo or investment property in Cumming, Alpharetta and Dawsonville. Email Mike, Melody & Cheryl at Info@VanderhoffTeam.com for your free reports today.

The Vanderhoff Team can be your Bridge To Success in our ever changing real estate market.

On Thursday, October 19, the Johns Creek City Council is holding their second candidates' forum at the Chattahoochee High School Auditorium, at 5230 Taylor Road, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Candidates for all six posts will be available for voters to learn about their positions and campaigns.

You are cordially invited to attend a City of Milton Candidate Meet and Greet this Wednesday, October 18th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. This event will be held at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, 11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004. For more information about the City of Milton in Northwest Fulton County, please visit www.cityofmilton-ga.org.

Beautiful home just listed in Oxford Lakes subdivison. A highly sought after swim/tennis community in West Alpharetta with great schools: Crabapple Crossing, Northwestern & Milton. Few homes become available in this great community, and the ones that do, don't last long. This stunning brick front traditional is situated on a professionally landscaped 1-acre lot with a 10 zone irrigation system. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths which includes a master suite on the main level. All this and more for only $439,900. This home is located at 860 Dockbridge Way in Alpharetta. Please click on the property address to view more details and photos. Contact Mike & Melody Vanderhoff today to schedule a showing. Or to view more of Mike & Melody's featured listings, please visit their Featured Listings page on their website at www.VanderhoffTeam.com.

Oak Forest in Dawsonville, GA, is a stunning new home, swim/tennis community developed by Jim Cowart Residential. Dawsonville is known for the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall with shopping galore, boating on Lake Lanier and is just a short drive from the North Georgia Mountains. Oak Forest offers sidewalks & streetlights throughout the community, a clubhouse with party room and catering kitchen, lighted tennis courts, a playground, and swimming pool with a children's spray feature.

The Jim Cowart companies have been developing outstanding neighborhoods throughout Atlanta for over 46 years. The owners, Jim Cowart and John Schiavone understand that a home may be the largest investment most people purchase and Jim Cowart Residential strives to create neighborhoods that will appreciate over time. Thoughtful land planning allows for outstanding amenity packages in neighborhoods like Oak Forest. Sidewalks grace the streets of each neighborhood, along with beautiful landscaping and natural areas, which encourage pedestrian-friendly activities.

Travel GA 400 North to one mile north of Highway 53. Turn right on Kilough Church Rd and Oak Forest will be on your left. Oak Forest offers Owner Suites up and down, Ranches and Terrace Level designs with basements and 2 & 3 car garages plus many upgraded features. Stop by today to this fantastic neighborhood nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.

Forsyth County’s outdoor watering restrictions have been slightly reduced effective today: Saturday, October 7, 2006. The current outdoor water schedule, according to the Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department is as follows:

Even-numbered addresses (addresses ending with the number 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or no number) may water on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with no watering allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Odd-numbered addresses (addresses ending with the number 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) may water on Tuesdays and Sundays, with no watering allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

No outdoor watering is permitted on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

For more detailed information on the outdoor watering restrictions, or to view the new tiered water rate structure, please visit the following link: Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department.

The Cumming Country Fair & Festival opens tonight, Thursday, October 5th. Grand opening night is sponsored by Northside Hospital Forsyth with $15.00 Unlimited Rides and FREE Admission. Tomorrow night, Friday October 6th will feature Buddy Jewell in concert at 8:00pm. The Fair runs for 11 days through Sunday October 15th. Click on the following link for information, daily specials & events: Cumming Country Fair & Festival.

A "Meet & Greet" for Johns Creek Candidates will be held tonight (Oct. 3, 2006) from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church (North Campus) located at 2850 Old Alabama Rd. in Alpharetta.

Georgia homebuilder Haven Properties exceeds EarthCraft and Energy Star standards. Forsyth County communities featuring homes built by Haven Properties include Seven Oaks at Southgate in Windermere and Polo Golf & Country Club. In Dawson County, look for Haven Properties in Chestatee Golf on Lake Lanier.

As the first Georgia builder to commit to building 100 percent of its homes to meet or exceed both EarthCraft and Energy Star standards, Haven has earned recognition in the industry. The builder was named the EarthCraft Builder of the Year in 2004 and Energy Star’s Builder Partner of the Year for 2005.

Haven homes are at least 30 percent more efficient than standard construction, meaning homeowners can save hundreds of dollars on energy bills each year. Some of the energy efficient features in a Haven built home include high efficient HVAC systems and water heaters; upgraded insulation packages; tight construction and ductwork; controlled ventilation; and high performance windows. All homes are inspected by a third party to ensure compliance with EarthCraft and Energy Star requirements.

Exemplary construction standards; sound, honest business practices;and a gratifying home buying experience for every homeowner are also the company’s hallmarks. Haven is now building in Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, Douglas, Forsyth and South Fulton counties with price ranges from the $300,000s to the $700,000s.

Contact Mike & Melody Vanderhoff today to help you in your search for a new home.