Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog: December 2006

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

The Operation Christmas Child Collection Site in Cumming Georgia coordinated by our own Vanderhoff Team member, Cheryl Snow, collected over 4000 shoe box gifts during National Collection Week in November. Cheryl worked with Horizon Christian Academy to organize the more than 40 volunteers, including students, teachers & parents, and oversee the operation of the site. She admits that it was more of an undertaking than she had anticipated, but the blessings far outweighed the time and energy spent on the project. The fact that so many in our great community of Forsyth County would take their time to pack & wrap these gifts for a child they may never know is heart-warming.

Operation Christmas Child is a program created by non-profit organization Samaritan's Purse. Schools, churches, groups, families & individuals all over the world get together every year to pack a shoe box with gifts for needy children in over 93 countries. If you would like to know more about this great project, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.

This weekend, December 8 - 10, there are many things to do in the Cumming, Alpharetta & North Georgia Mountain areas. Here are just a few:

The Cumming Playhouse presents 'A Christmas Carol' based on the Charles Dickens classic. Now playing through December 16th. Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8:00pm & Sunday at 3:00pm. Visit www.playhousecumming.com to check availability & purchase tickets. Be sure to dine at Tam's Backstage for an exquisite meal before the show.

Annual Christmas in Cumming Arts and Crafts Show - Friday, Dec. 8, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the city of Cumming Fairgrounds (235 Castleberry Road in Cumming). There will also be free photos with Santa, a Christmas Light Show, hayrides, and caroling. Admission is $1 for adults and free for children 12 and under. For more information, call (770) 423-1330.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at The Kinsey Family Farm - Located in North Forsyth County. Come roast marshmallows, drink hot cider, and listen to holiday music with us at the barn. Once you have warmed your insides sufficiently you can take a wagon ride out to the fields to begin your quest for the perfect Christmas tree. Also available are North Carolina grown Fraser Firs, beautiful fresh wreaths and more. Visit www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com for more information.

Photos With Santa at North Point Mall - Visit Santa Claus at his North Point Mall Workshop in West Court, near Dillards & Parisian, to tell him your Christmas wishes and have your picture taken with him. Although Santa will be available during the majority of mall holiday hours, he will be taking breaks from 1:00pm - 1:45pm and from 5:15pm - 6:00pm. Visit www.northpointmall.com for your coupon.

Photos with Santa at The North Georgia Premium Outlets - One of the best looking Santas in North Georgia will be available for visits and photos in his Winter Wonderland located in the Food Pavilion Monday through Saturday from 10am - 9pm and Sundays 10am - 6pm. Visit www.premiumoutlets.com for more information.

Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands - Enjoy a driving tour through more than six miles of giant, illuminated characters that comprise millions of twinkling lights. Stop by the 2nd annual live nativity scene presented by Blackshear Place Baptist church. After the tour, the new Holiday Village is a must-see for everyone, complete with:

* The Santa Shop holiday gifts and a chance to visit with Santa Claus
* Pony and amusement rides
* Bonfire for roasting marshmallows
* Delicious holiday fare
* NEW 3,900 square foot Ice Skating Rink

Now through December 30th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly (weather permitting). Call 770-932-7200 for more information, or visit www.lakelanierislands.com/mnol/

If you are looking to buy a home in the North Metro Atlanta Area (Alpharetta, Cumming, Lake Lanier), now is a good time to start looking. There are a large number of homes currently on the market, both new construction & resales. Many home sellers are beginning to realize this, and reduce the price of their home to compete with other sellers. As homes sit on the market, prices will continue to drop, and buyer's will have a large selection of homes to choose from. Median prices of homes nationwide have seen a decline over the past year, with the largest decline seen in the South. If you are beginning to look for a home, don't settle for 2nd best, chances are you will find what you like, and for a price you can live with. But, if you have to sell a home, plan a little extra time on the market, and do a little extra work on your home, to make it stand above the rest.