Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog: April 2008

We will be posting a day by day description of our Alpharetta Team's journey to Paraguay.

Day 1: Departure Day

Our Team gathered at the church parking lot at 3 pm Friday. We had a few stragglers that showed up late but we finally got all 22 bags loaded on the bus, each at maximum weight plus one that was 20+ pounds overweight. We gathered for a send off prayer and were bid farewell by fellow church members and family of our team.

We pulled out of the parking lot at 3:35 Friday afternoon in heavy traffic headed for the airport. We arrived at 5:15. The international check in station was not too crowded and all went smooth. They even let us slide on the one overweight bag.

Security check took about 35 minutes and went without incident. We arrived at the gate at about 6:30 for our 8:30 flight. There was an On The Border restaurant in the gate area so the team sat down and had a final meal of really good Mexican Food.

We boarded our flight at 8:15 and were on our way. Our flight arrived in Sao Paulo, Brazil on schedule the next morning. When we got off the flight we were informed that the connecting airline had already closed out the flight and that we were going have to try and make the next flight 2 hours later…but it was overbooked so more than likely we would have to wait until the 10 pm flight that night.

Well, we were not to happy about that, so as nicely as possible we started working up the chain of command to get us on the flight. We did have confirmed tickets. The first level supervisor finally agreed to allow 6 out of the 11 on our team to get on that flight. So we choose the Team members to go and the remaining 5 of us continued talking to the supervisor. She told us we would just have to wait and see if we could get on the next overbooked flight and then she took off.

We felt like we were being ignored and were sure we would not make the flight. We knew our only hope was to go straight to the top. So the five of us gathered and said a short prayer asking Our Lord to please help us out and get the whole team on the flight. The Team arriving in Paraguay on different flights really presented a gigantic logistics problem for our hosts because we were staying 200 kilometers Northeast of Asuncion.

Just moments after our prayer the supervisor came running back to us and said hurry, follow me and we will get you on the flight. Our prayers were answered. God had plans for this Team.

More to follow in our Day 2 Update...

Mike & Melody Vanderhoff

Mike & Melody have returned from their mission trip to Paraguay. They were in flight overnight Saturday to return early Sunday morning. All went well with the exception of their car not starting when the shuttle dropped their team off in Alpharetta. Fortunately that was close enough to home to find a ride. They finally arrived home midday Sunday. After a quick visit with the grandkids, it was off to an early bedtime......38 hours of awake time had taken it's toll. But, Mike & Melody are now refreshed and ready to get back to business. Watch the blog for details of their latest great adventure!

Alpharetta, according to a report done by CNNMoney.com, is one of six cities nationwide where home prices are expected to feel the least impact of falling home values. There are still a large number of people moving into our great town of Alpharetta. This coupled with the slow down of new home construction will reduce the number of homes available to purchase, and cause a potential increase in home prices. Currently the median home price in Alpharetta is $359,950 according to CNNMoney.com.

If you are considering moving to Alpharetta and want to find out more about the area, contact our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate today. You can request a relocation package, or set up a home search through our website and receive daily email updates with new homes listed to match what you are looking for in your next home. You don't even have to register on our site to search for homes. Take a look, and give us a call or send us an email with any questions, or let us know once you're ready to go look at that perfect home. We look forward to hearing from you!

Check out the Weekend Mortgage Rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation:

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under
30 Year Fixed - 5.875%
15 Year Fixed - 5.50%
5/1 Arm - 5.625%

Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000
30 Year Fixed - 7.375%
7/1 ARM - 7.00%
5/1 ARM - 6.75%
3/1 ARM - 6.375%

If you would like help with your next real estate transaction, please contact our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate today. We can be your bridge to success!

Suwanee into Forsyth County through the Cumming Square through Ball Ground and the Pooles Mill area into Pickens County and ultimately making it's way into Dahlonega. This is Stage 5, the longest stage, of the Tour de Georgia 2008. For all of you cycling enthusiasts who would love to know more about this great event visit www.tourdegeorgia.com. The rolling festival of Stage 5 which features a Health & Wellness Expo will take place in Dahlonega from 1:00PM - 5:00PM on Friday.

For those of you who may not care to participate in the festivities, but need to know where the cyclists are traveling, visit the Map & Profile page on the tour de Georgia website and click on Stage 5. Following is a list of some key roads that may affect you.

McGinnis Ferry Rd
Old Atlanta Rd
Ronald Reagan Blvd
Castlberry Rd
Main St (through the Cumming Square)
Bethelview Rd
Heardsville Rd
Pooles Mill Rd
GA 369 / Matt Hwy (Ball Ground, Forsyth County area)
Yellow Creek Rd

According to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, roads on which the bicyclists are traveling will be shut down and manned by deputies/state troopers and/or barricaded while cyclists pass through. The cyclists should be passing through Forsyth County on the aforementioned roads between 10:00am & 12:00noon on Friday, April 25th.

So get out and cheer on the cyclists as they pass by. After they travel through Forsyth County it's a good climb to Dahlonega!

Pilgrim Lake Townhome Just Listed: 1611 Indian Way, Cumming, GA 30040. 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, charming, bright and open. New carpet throughout. Each bedroom has its own private bath. Blinds throughout and ready to move in. Great deck in back for entertaining or relaxing. One car garage, plus a basement that can be finished for additional room or storage.

If you would like to see this home, please contact Vanderhoff Real Estate today to schedule a showing.

Grayson's Gift, Inc. will hold its 5th Annual Golf Tournament & Silent Auction Fundraiser in one week on Monday, April 28th, 2008. Shotgun start will be at 1:00pm at Hampton Golf Club off GA 400 in Northern Forsyth County. Entry fee includes lunch, golf and dinner, and a chance to participate in the 1st Silent Auction. Special prizes will be awarded as well as a chance to win a 2008 car for a "Hole in One".

Proceeds are used to help Forsyth County individuals and their families with disabilities participate in community activities. Grayson's Gift programs include Super Kids Night at Chick-Fil-A, Family Day at Movies 400, Respite Program in conjunction with FOCUS, Adaptive Karate, Angels in the Alley Bowling, Adaptive Cheerleading and many more!

Come out and help support this great community fundraiser! For more information about how you can participate in or support the tournament contact Nancy Perry at 770-844-0047 or Christie Ingram at 770-887-8737. You can also visit the Grayson's Gift website at www.graysons-gift.org.

Check out the Weekend Mortgage Rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation:

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under
30 Year Fixed - 6.00%
15 Year Fixed - 5.625%
5/1 Arm - 5.50%

Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000
30 Year Fixed - 7.625%
7/1 ARM - 6.75%
5/1 ARM - 6.375%

If you would like help with your next real estate transaction, please contact our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate today. We can be your bridge to success!

This weekend's weather looks like it will be beautiful with highs in the upper 60's and low 70's. Come out and enjoy it with us at the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest. The Arts Streetfest is a yearly celebration of the arts in Historic Downtown Alpharetta. The downtown streets will be closed and filled with works of art from artists throughout the South. The festival will feature live jazz and acoustical music, cultural arts performances, theatre in the park and festival foods.

Young artists can explore at Arts in Action, a children’s interactive area. Festival visitors will also be able to visit the downtown Alpharetta shops and restaurants which will be open for the event. Parking will be available at Old Milton High School and City Hall. For more information contact 678-297-6382 or visit www.alpharetta.ga.us.

Please come and join us!

A quick note: Milton Avenue from Main Street west to the intersection of Roswell St.-Canton St. will be completely closed from 5 p.m. Friday until approx. 12 a.m. Sunday.

April 15th is tax day! Yes, income tax day, but a great day to remember to check whether or not you are receiving all property tax exemptions within your county of residence. Whether you live in Forsyth, Fulton, Dawson, Lumpkin or Cherokee, make sure you learn your County's Property Tax Exemptions.

It is also an important factor to consider when deciding where to purchase your next home. For instance, did you know that certain Senior Citizens receive huge exemptions on their property taxes in Forsyth County? Homeowners in Forsyth County who are 65 years of age on or before January 1 are entitled to a full exemption in the school general and school bond tax categories. In addition, Forsyth County offers two local exemptions to disabled taxpayers. For more information on these and other Forsyth County Property Tax exemptions, visit www.co.forsyth.ga.us. I've listed additionally helpful county and city links below.

Fulton County - www.fultonassessor.org.
Dawson County - www.dawsontaxassessors.org.
City of Alpharetta - www.alpharetta.ga.us
Cherokee County - www.cherokeega.com
Lumpkin County - www.qpublic.net/ga/lumpkin/


Plus, don't forget to keep the HUD statement you receive at the closing of your property. This is helpful when figuring your annual federal or state income tax return -- you can often deduct the property taxes, points and interest paid on a mortgage. Set up a consultation with a tax adviser to learn more about the restrictions on these types of deductions.

Lake Lanier is still down over 13 feet, so as the weather warms, boaters need to be extremely cautious while enjoying the lake. The Corps currently has nine boat ramps open. Here is a list of those ramps according to the Corps' website:

East Bank
Shoal Creek Day Use
Big Creek
Van Pugh North
Balus Creek
Little River
Little Hall
Vann's Tavern
Tidwell

In addition, Old Federal Park is undergoing renovations, but should be opening soon.

Try and plan lake ventures during daylight hours as so many obstructions have surfaced due to the low lake levels. Permanent lake hazard markers are high and dry. Temporary orange ball floats have been placed on hazards as they are discovered, but this system does not extend beyond the most heavily traveled areas. If you are out navigating the lake with your GPS mapping system & depth finder, and come across any unmarked hazards, please contact the Corps at 770-945-9531.

Lake Lanier is still a Great Place to have fun, just make sure to use caution and common sense while enjoying some fun in the sun. For up to date information about Lake Lanier, visit the US Army Corps of Engineers website.

Also, be sure to contact us about available Lake properties. It's now a buyer's market, and a great time to scoop up that lake property you've always dreamed of. Our Team at Vanderhoff Real Estate is available to lend a helping hand with your next real estate transaction.

Blue Valley Estates, located in Northwestern Alpharetta, is one of Chatham's latest premier developments. This unique community is equestrian friendly and includes a riding arena and 32-stall stable. Several trails wind through the community among streams, a lake and hardwood trees. Much of the natural beauty of the property has been left untouched, and the homes are built to enhance the environment, not overshadow it. Chatham brings classic Southern architecture into the development with Builders that include Herbert Properties, Ridgewood Homes, Steve Powell Homes, Hunter Custom Homes, Longview Properties, P&G Homes, Carriage Homes and Artisan. Blue Valley will feature 98 Estate homes in a section of Alpharetta that includes both Fulton & Cherokee Counties. Homes are priced from $1.6 million plus.

If we can help you find your next dream home, please contact our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate today.

Home buying can be a much easier process when you speak with a lender before searching for your next home. Mortgage Pre-approval gives you the opportunity to increase bargaining and negotiating power. You will be able to estimate your mortgage payment and set a realistic price range you can afford (sometimes it's more, sometimes it's less than you thought). Discover any qualification issues ahead of time. Many have had to postpone their home purchase for a few months in order to clear up some financial issues that boosted their rate. It also tends to result in a faster transaction closing. Our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate would like to help get you on the right track today with your next home purchase. We have worked with several loan officers and lenders, and can give you a qualified list to choose from. Let us be your "Bridge To Success" in your next real estate transaction.

Check out the Weekend Mortgage Rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation:

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under
30 Year Fixed - 5.625%
15 Year Fixed - 5.25%
5/1 Arm - 5.25%

Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000
30 Year Fixed - 7.50%
7/1 ARM - 6.50%
5/1 ARM - 6.125%
3/1 ARM - 5.75%

If you would like help with your next real estate transaction, please contact our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate today. We can be your bridge to success!

If you are looking to buy a home in Alpharetta, Cumming or along the 400 corridor, please contact Vanderhoff Real Estate today. Here's just a few reasons why it's a great time to buy a home in Georgia.

• It’s a buyer’s market – motivated sellers are offering a host of value-added incentives and often at rock bottom prices.
• Homeownership is the first step toward building wealth
• Interest rates are still historically low, currently hovering around 6.25% as compared to an average of 7.75 percent in 1997 and 10.25 percent in 1987
• Homeownership may qualify you for tax deductions
• Return on investment – Georgia is a hot commodity! Our state has topped several “great places to live” lists in recent months. Among them are Forbes magazine’s Top Ten Most Affordable Places to Live Well, and five Georgia counties secured half of the slots for Progressive Farmer’s Top 10 Places with the Best Air Quality.
• Location, location, location – homes are available in a variety of price ranges throughout Georgia
• Homebuyers have more housing choices

Our Team at Vanderhoff Real Estate can be your Bridge To Success in your next real estate transaction!

Mike & Melody are gearing up for a mission trip to Paraguay! The team they will be leading is going to the very small village of Quinta Linea in the Yrybucua (buzzards hole) district which is located in the interior of Paraguay.

They will be doing construction work on the Agrimissions building. This building is being designed to teach the local people new methods in farming and animal care. It will have classrooms for agricultural lectures, as well as rooms to house students or teams overnight. The roof and walls have already been completed, but it is still in need of floors, windows & doors. Each family in the area has their own small plot to farm and grows just enough food to feed their family. This new agricenter will enable them to utilize the modern farming advances they are taught in order to grow more abundant crops which will allow them excess produce and livestock to sell.

The team will also be leading vacation bible school at the Susannah Wesley School. They will take 185 sweatshirts for the children, 160 health kits, 150 book bags and 10 soccer balls to distribute.
Mike & Melody will be leading this great group of eleven from Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. They will be joined by their missionary partners in Paraguay, Christian & Angelica Dickson.

Look for updates on this great trip, along with some great photos by Melody!

Check out the Weekend Rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation:

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under
30 Year Fixed - 5.875%
15 Year Fixed - 5.375%
5/1 Arm - 5.50%


Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000
30 Year Fixed - 7.00% (interest only option)
5/1 ARM - 6.375%
3/1 ARM - 5.875%

For more information regarding rates and the various loan options now available, visit www.mycovenantmortgage.com.

"While prime, conforming rates still remain at historically low levels, long-term mortgage rates did drift slightly upwards this week on signs that the economy may have a little more strength than what financial markets forecasted," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. Freddie Mac is a stockholder-owned corporation established by Congress in 1970 to support homeownership and rental housing.

If you would like help with your next real estate transaction, please contact our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate today. We can be your bridge to success!

Celebrate everything spring at this year's Atlanta Dogwood Festival, April 4th through 6th. The festival is FREE to attend, and this year, due to the drought, it's got a new home - the Outdoor Forecourt of Lenox Square. It's a full weekend of arts, music, family, and fun at the Southeast's favorite springtime tradition. For more information, visit www.dogwood.org.