Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog: October 2007

Just a friendly reminder to my fellow Forsyth County residents to file for your Homestead Exemption. In all the hustle & bustle of moving, it's an easy thing to forget. You may now apply for exemptions year-round, however, you must apply by March 1, 2008 in order to receive the exemption for 2008. Any application received after this date will not be processed until the next tax year.

All of the following required documentation must be presented to apply:

* a drivers license or picture I.D.
* a copy of a recorded warranty deed
* a letter from the county where you lived prior to moving to Forsyth County stating that the homestead in that county has been removed.

I also recently discovered that you may file your homestead exemption at the Tax Commissioner's Office located at the corner of Tribble Gap and Sawnee Drive. This is quite convenient if you also need to register your vehicle in the same building. You may also go to the Tax Assessor's office located in downtown Cumming, at 110 East Main Street to file.

Filing for homestead exemption is one way to reduce the amount of property tax you pay on your residential property. In Forsyth County, if you own the property, reside on that property and are a legal resident of the county, all as of January 1 of the tax year, you may qualify for homestead exemption. (Legal resident means that you are registered to vote and/or register your vehicles in Forsyth County.) You cannot be claiming homestead in any other location.

You must make an application for each exemption you would like to receive. Only one owner needs to meet the requirements to qualify for the full exemption. These exemptions are automatically renewed each year unless there is a change in ownership or you no longer meet the eligibility requirements. You do not need to reapply for exemptions if you refinance your home, unless ownership changes. For all exemptions, the property must be in the name of the applicant. To legally change ownership into your name, a new deed must be recorded in Forsyth County records. The amount exempted is deducted from the 40% assessed value of the property in the applicable tax categories.

If a change of ownership occurs due to death or divorce, the new owner must file the change with the Tax Assessors Office and reapply for any exemption granted in the previous owner's name.

A number of exemptions exist including regular $8,000 homestead, floating homestead, total school tax homestead exemption, state tax exemption and disabled veterans exemption. Contact the Tax Assessors Office for a complete list of and details on exemptions.

Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

I encourage you to visit the Forsyth County Government's website under Tax Assessor's Office for further information.

Forsyth County is booming with retail. I remember the days when we were excited about the Super Wal-Mart and Home Depot in Central Forsyth County. And just recently the excitement over Best Buy and HomeGoods grand openings. South Forsyth County is no stranger to retail, either. Over 100 acres of land is being cleared off of GA 400 and Hwy 141 for The Avenue Forsyth which will feature an AMC Movie Theater, plus many shops including Ann Taylor Loft and Talbots all within an Open Air Retail environment. But, that is not where it ends for South Forsyth County.

This week at Tuesday's Forsyth County Commission work session, Taubman Centers Inc., which owns and/or manages 23 regional and super-regional shopping centers in 11 states, announced its plans for a major, mixed-use development in South Forsyth County on 163 acres on Union Hill and McGinnis Ferry roads. The plan follows the current zoning for the property.

The centerpiece of this development is an upscale shopping mall with up to 5 anchors. Anchor stores have not yet been announced, but previous history with Taubman suggests stores on the order of Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue could be coming to Forsyth County.

Taubman plans to bring a mix of luxury and fashion retailers to the site, along with office, hotel and residential development, and is asking specifically for a change in the current limit of 5 story structures to allow for 12 story office and residential buildings. Commissioners voted and approved a directive for Forsyth County Planning staff to consider an overlay zoning district specifically for this development. According to the developer, retail sales can be expected to be in the neighborhood of $540 per square foot, adding significant revenues to the Forsyth County tax base.

If you live in Alpharetta, Cumming, Lake Lanier, or another area in North Metro Atlanta, and are trying to sell your home, there are a few things you must do to make your home stand out in this competitive market. Buyer's have a huge inventory of homes to choose from, and you want yours to catch their eye. You have fixed it, priced it right, now onto Tip #3. Check out my past blog for details on Tips 1 and 2.

Tip #3: Uncluttered & Neutral! Unfortunately this can be a challenge to many, especially if you've lived in the home for several years. First you must remove your emotional attachment when approaching the staging of your home. Furniture, if possible, should be minimal in order to make spaces look larger. Clutter should be stored away and out of sight. Clean up and organize garages and basements so future homeowners can envision the use of the space. Unclutter your kitchen! Everyone worries about "not enough cabinet space" in a kitchen. Having your toaster, coffee pot, mixer and several other items on your countertops can make your kitchen look cramped. Eliminate photos, trophys, knick-knacks, or anything that personalizes your home. You want your prospective buyer's to imagine themselves in the home. Swing through a new community with model homes and see how they are staged. Make the home inviting, neat and spacious. A home for anyone.

Check back soon for More Tips on buying or selling in this market. Or, if you can't wait and would like to talk with us directly, please give Mike or Melody a call at 770-888-9269. Whether you are selling, buying or both, we can help you with your next real estate transaction. Let us be "Your Bridge To Success"!

Looking for fun this weekend in the Dahlonega area? You've struck Gold!

Gold Rush Days: Gold Rush Days are held the third weekend in October (the 20th and 21st for 2007), when thousands come to see spectacular fall colors and celebrate Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event, and it is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement!

Gold Rush Days has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Included in the two day event are a parade, children's activities, a fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, King and Queen Coronation, hog calling, buck dancing contest, gospel singing and other live entertainment, wrist wrestling, and last but not least – some delicious food!

Have a GREAT Weekend!

Saturday, October 20, 2007, Governor Sonny Purdue will visit Mary Alice Park on Lake Lanier in Cumming, Forsyth County to hold a press conference regarding the lawsuit over the draining of Lake Lanier. The State of Georgia has filed a court order in the Middle District of Florida Federal Court.

According to local website Cumminghome.com, Lt Governor Casey Cagle, issued this statement today: “I commend Governor Perdue for taking the necessary steps to protect our drinking water and we urge the court to consider the emergency nature of this situation and act swiftly. Georgians can be confident that we will not stand by while our lakes are drained of water. Protecting the citizens of our state far outweighs protecting mussels and sturgeon."

In other news, Mary Alice Park, where this press conference is to be held, is also being considered for a new $140 million Great Wolf Resort, complete with an upscale hotel with anywhere from 400 to 600 rooms, conference center and weather-immune Indoor Water Park. This resort could bring a lot of additional revenue to Forsyth County. According to Appen Newspapers, Georgia Tech recently completed a study determining a Great Wolf Lodge Resort could bring about $15 million to Forsyth County and about $9 million to the school system in the next 10 years. The decision to build could be impacted by the drought and current level of Lake Lanier.

Looking for fun this weekend in the Cumming, Forsyth County, Lake Lanier area? Check out these great events:

Family Waterfest at Lake Lanier: Saturday, October 20, 2007 at Charleston Park from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Fun & Educational exhibits, music from 97.1 The River, live characters, childrens games & crafts, food, demonstrations, canoe & kayak instructions, boat rides & displays.
Presented By Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Keep Forsyth County Beautiful. Call 770-205-4573 for more info or email kfcb@forsythco.com.

Grand Opening Celebration: Homegoods & TJ Maxx Grand Opening with Shannon Holly from Star 94. This can only mean one thing: FREE STUFF! Saturday, October 20, 2007 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Star 94 will be giving away lots of prizes and giftcards. 2195 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA.

Watch for our next stop: Dahlonega!

Looking for fun this weekend in the Roswell, North Fulton area? Check out these great events:

Taste Of Roswell: Historic Town Square on October 20, 2007 Noon – 5:30 P.m.
Sample the cuisine served by Roswell's outstanding restaurants! ADMISSION IS FREE OF CHARGE, Food Tickets are $.50 each and food is priced from $.50 to $3. The Taste of Roswell features Roswell restaurants only. Attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite food item, best decorated booth, friendliest booth, etc. While you enjoy great food, listen to the sounds of Cajun, Old-Time, Country and Bluegrass music performed by Georgia Mudcats, Gold Rush, and Hair of the Dog.

Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Annual Halloween Hikes: October 19, 20, 26 and 27 from 7:00 - 10:00 PM. This non-scary Halloween alternative will thrill and delight you. This family friendly event, in its 22nd year, gives kids and adults a chance to re-connect to nature and enjoy the unique excitement of the season. You’ll experience the mystery of guided night hikes as you walk through the lighted Nature Center trails and meet friendly forest creatures with a tale to tell. Join us for an evening full of fun activities! Tickets are $7 for all ages, children two and under are free. Tickets go on sale at 6:30 pm and end at 9 pm. For more information, call the Nature Center at 770-992-2055 ext 236

Watch for our next stop: Cumming & Lake Lanier!

If you live in Alpharetta, Cumming, Lake Lanier, or another area in North Metro Atlanta, and are trying to sell your home, there are a few things you must do to make your home stand out in this competitive market. Buyer's have a huge inventory of homes to choose from, and you want yours to catch their eye. Tip #1 was to "Fix It". Check out my past blog for details.

Tip #2: The Price Is Right! Choose a knowledgeable real estate agent that knows the local market and can properly assess what price you might realistically expect from the sale of your home. Don't let your own personal feelings get in your way in this area. What you think your home is worth can often be much higher than the current market will allow. One to two years ago in Forsyth County, you could sell your home after only living in it a short time for a considerable profit. That has changed. Home prices in this area have leveled off over the past year. Listen to your agent! They should let you know what comparable homes in your area and/or subdivision have sold for in the past 6 months. This is a great guideline when pricing your home.

Check back soon for Tip #3, on how to sell your home in this market. Or, if you can't wait and would like to talk with us directly, please give Mike or Melody a call at 770-888-9269. Whether you are selling, buying or both, we can help you with your next real estate transaction. Let us be "Your Bridge To Success"!

The Georgia Water Council has scheduled a series of public hearings around the state to receive public input on a revised draft Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan. All of the meetings will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Anyone may make a comment, present data or offer a viewpoint either orally or in writing. Lengthy statements must be submitted in writing for the official record and oral statements should be concise.

The Water Council is a coordinating committee created by the Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Planning Act. According to the Act, the Water Council’s purpose is to:

* Ensure coordination, cooperation and communication among state agencies and their water-related efforts in the development of a comprehensive statewide water management plan
* Provide input to the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources concerning development of the plan
* Review, modify if necessary, and approve the final draft of the proposed plan
* Recommend such proposed plan for consideration by the General Assembly

One of these public hearings to comment on the draft, is to be held in Gainesville on Tuesday, October 16th at Gainesville State College in the Continuing Education Auditorium at 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, GA 30566.

For additional meeting locations, to view the draft, or further information and details, please visit www.georgiawatercouncil.org.

If you live in Alpharetta, Cumming, Lake Lanier, or another area in North Metro Atlanta, and are trying to sell your home, there are a few things you must do to make your home stand out in this competitive market. Buyer's have a huge inventory of homes to choose from, and you want yours to catch their eye.

Tip #1: Fix It! If any repairs or basic maintenance is needed on your home, don't wait and think you can pass it onto the buyer. Unless your home is truly unique, chances are there are several similar options on the market. Would you pick the home needing repairs and maintenance right away? And don't wait until you've already listed the home to make your repairs. Do this prior to putting your home on the market. Once you've lost that first impression, it is tough to regain it. Agents remember negatives on homes, and often pass that onto other prospective buyers. So, unless your home is truly a "fixer upper", go ahead and make those repairs.

Check back soon for Tip #2, on how to sell your home in this market. Or, if you can't wait and would like to talk with us directly, please give Mike or Melody a call at 770-888-9269. Whether you are selling, buying or both, we can help you with your next real estate transaction. Let us be "Your Bridge To Success"!

Looking for a great way to spend a beautiful sunny Fall Day with the family. Here are some of my picks for a great day trip if you live in the Alpharetta, Cumming or Lake Lanier area.

Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze: Open Daily in October. Just West of GA 400 on Hwy 53 in Dawsonville. Young & old will enjoy finding their way through this year's celestial maze. Visit www.uncleshucks.com.
Kinsey Family Farm: Open Daily in October. Located on Jot em Down Rd between GA 400 and Hwy 306. Pick a pumpkin, enjoy a hayride, feed the fish, and enjoy the great Fall Day! Visit www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com.

B.J. Reece Apple House: Family Owned "Pick Your Own" Apple Orchard. Located on Highway 52 East in Ellijay. Pick your own apples, or browse the great selection of already picked apples, honey fresh from the farm, sorghum syrup, jams, jellies & a bakery. Visit www.reeceorchards.com.

Amicalola Falls: Enjoy a short hike, or a day hike at the beautiful Amicalola Falls State Park. Stop at the lodge for lunch, or bring a picnic. Always a great day at Amicalola Falls. Visit http://gastateparks.org

Riverstone Plantation home in Northern Forsyth County sold in just 60 days! The team at Vanderhoff Real Estate can also assist you with the sale of your home.

Today, it is a buyer's market, inventory is high, and homes are staying on the market longer. What does this mean when you list your home? It means you need to make sure your home is in tip top shape when buyer's walk through your door. With today's technology, most buyer's will have narrowed down their home search prior to going out with an agent to view homes. This means fewer physical showings, but those who do come through your door have already put your home in their top choices.

So, how do you get your home in top market quality? Contact the Vanderhoff Team today and let us help. You can also check back with our blog regularly as we reveal tips on what you need to do to get your home sold in today's market.

Citing the low levels of Lake Lanier, the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department has announced closures of boat ramps at county parks.

As of Tuesday, October 9, all boat ramps at Young Deer Creek Park will close, and two of the boat ramps at Charleston Park will close. One ramp at Charleston Park will remain open. Boat ramps located at Shady Grove Campground remain closed.

"Our priority is the safety of all those using Forsyth County parks," said Director of Parks and Recreation Jerry Kinsey. "We have been closely monitoring the boat ramps at our parks and decided that the lake levels have fallen to a point at which we needed to implement these closures."

Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department Water Restriction Update: Board Adopts Resolution and Clarifies Several Prohibitions:

At their October 4th meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners adopted a Resolution adopting the State of Georgia’s Drought Level Four water ban restrictions and added several additional prohibitions and clarifications to those already in place.

Those additional water usage prohibitions and clarifications are as follows:

Over seeding of Lawns - The over seeding of Fescue lawns or similar types is considered new landscape for filling in of bare spots. Over seeding of warm weather grasses such as Bermuda, Centipede, and Zoysia with annual grasses for aesthetic purposes is not considered new landscape and therefore is not entitled to the State granted exemptions.

Watering of annual grasses and plants - Watering of any new plant or flower that is not a perennial is not entitled to the 30 day exemption. The 30 day exemption is only for establishment of permanent type plants, shrubs and grasses, not plants for decoration and color that will die at the end of the season.

Watering in Pesticides and Herbicides - Watering in of pesticides and herbicides is allowed any time when performed by a professional contractor. Watering in pesticides is not a 30 day process and does not receive a 30 day exemption; it is only allowed by the professional on the day it was applied. Self application must follow time and day restrictions.

Forsyth County’s outdoor water use restrictions have been revised based on the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s declaration of a level four drought across the North Georgia area. For detailed information regarding outdoor water restrictions in the county, please visit the Forsyth County's Water Restriction Page.

In anticipation of Forsyth County’s 175th anniversary in December, Forsyth County is seeking historical photos of the county. To submit a photo or for more information, please contact Emily Sane at 678.455.8526 or eksane@forsythco.com.

Tonight, Friday, Oct. 5th, the LoCash Cowboys will be in concert at 7:00 p.m. at the Cumming Country Fair & Festival. The concert is FREE with paid admission.

Admission:
Adults $5.00
Students (7-18) $2.00
6 and Under Free!!!
Parking: $3.00
Handicap Parking Available

The Cumming Fair is open on Friday from 4PM - Midnight! See you there!

Fantastic Find! Great foreclosure just listed in the beautiful Governors Preserve Subdivision located in Canton, Cherokee County. Excellent Opportunity Sold in "As-Is" Condition. Beautiful home on 1.71 acres with a great view. Master suite on main level and separate guest room on main as well. Keeping room off the kitchen with fireplace. Rod iron staircase, hardwoods and granite countertops. Three additional bedrooms upstairs. Three car side entry garage with carriage style doors. This gorgeous home built in 2005 with 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths and a full daylight basement is offered at $559,900. Call The Vanderhoff Team today to schedule a showing. Bring all offers!

The Cumming Fair kicks off today, Thursday, October 4th, at the Cumming Fairground. Come out and join us for Opening Day which is Northside Hospital Forsyth Day! Expect FREE admission, compliments of Northside Hospital Forsyth, plus $18.00 Pay-One-Price Rides. The fair will be open on Thursday from 4pm - 10pm. Visit www.cummingfair.net for more information and daily specials. The Cumming Fair is scheduled to run through Sunday, October 14th. See you there!

Georgia’s third annual ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday begins Thursday, October 4th and runs through midnight Sunday, October 7th. During the ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday consumers can save both state and local sales taxes on ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and products that cost $1,500 or less. Qualified ENERGY STAR appliances and products include dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats, refrigerators, doors and windows. In addition to the ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday, consumers can save money with federal tax credits on doors, windows and other energy efficient products. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorizes tax credits on a variety of products designed to save energy, save money and protect the environment that are available through December 31, 2007. More information on the federal tax credits is available on the ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday page at www.gefa.org. Additional information regarding the ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday is also available on the Department of Revenue’s website at www.dor.ga.gov.