Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog: June 2008

Congratulations to our own Brian Vanderhoff who has successfully completed his CERT training with Alpharetta.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community. CERT graduates can then choose to serve in the AFES Fire Corps program where they get to further their skills in direct assistance to the Fire Department...

But CERT is the starting point for all volunteer service in AFES!

The Alpharetta CERT program is open to volunteers 18 years or older with no criminal history. There is no residency requirement. Classes are taught at the Roswell Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center.

AFES Community Emergency Response Team Training includes:

· Hands on Training with Career Firefighters

· Home Fire Safety Tips

· Disaster Response Training

· First-Aid

· CPR

· Knowledge of the history of AFES

· Flexible class dates & times

AFES is currently accepting applications for future CERT training courses. CERT Application and Consent Forms are available by emailing your request to Lieutenant Gary Robinson at ltgaryrobinson@bellsouth.net.

CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective.

For more information please visit: www.alpharettacitizencorps.org.

Congratulations, Brian!

Labels: AFES, Alpharetta, alpharetta citizen corps, CERT, Community Emergency Response Team

The City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department is hosting the Alpharetta Family Challenge ’08 on Saturday, July 12th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. This FREE special event will take place at the Alpharetta Community Center Event Lawn located at 175 Roswell Street.

The Alpharetta Family Challenge ‘08 is designed for families to compete against other families for fun and socialization. Competitions and activities will include an obstacle course, a three-legged race, a potato sack race, and much more as well as prizes and concessions. Family members of all ages are welcome but children must be age 6 and up to compete in activities. All family members are welcome to come to support and cheer their family, even if they are not participating. A family “team” must consist of at least one adult (parent or head of household) and one child (age 6 to 17). Registration is going on now and will continue through July 7th.

For more information, please contact Jessica Kim at 678-297-6160 or jkim@alpharetta.ga.us.

Labels: Alpharetta, alpharetta community center, alpharetta family challenge

Day 6 Edition of Our Journey In Paraguay:

We awoke at our usual time this morning. McGyver and I showered and dressed then raised the rest of the team at 6 am. We then went for our morning coffee and quiet time. Breakfast was another culinary delight this morning. Not quite sure what it was, but it tasted great.

It was my turn to give the morning devotional. My topic was “Why mission trips: What’s my motivation & what results do I see from these trips”.

I opened the devotional with the question, “Why are you here?” I answered my own question with, “It doesn’t really matter what your motivation; God will use it for his purpose”. Over the years on our many mission trips to various countries, Melody and I have teamed with people from all walks of life. Some are stepping out in faith, pushing their limits to answer God’s call. Others have been inspired by someone else to gather the courage and go abroad to serve the Lord. Others have just wanted to see another part of the World.

The funny thing that happens to almost every person that goes on a mission trip, is that they have a life changing experience. Being in a foreign land, showing less fortunate people that you are there in the love of Jesus Christ, has a tremendous impact on the people we are visiting, as well as those of us who are team members. We ALL experience the love of Christ.

Many people have asked us if it would be more productive to just send the money and hire the work to be done by locals…our answer is always the same. Yes, we would get more physical work done, but that is the least important aspect of these trips. Building relationships with the people and showing them we care are the most significant things we accomplish. Another important aspect of these trips is the fantastic opportunity that it gives us to evangelize to those in our own country once we return home. People constantly ask about the trips and this gives us the golden opportunity to tell our story of sharing Jesus’ love. And, because they asked it becomes a much more effective way to communicate the Good News to them.

After breakfast and devotional, we gathered our things, hopped in the trucks and headed for the Agricenter and School. More brick laying and shoveling fill dirt was the call for the day. I had a short break from work today to help Melody at the school and play soccer with the kids, which may have been harder work then shoveling dirt. We broke for lunch at noon and took some well deserved rest along with another great meal.

After we finished our work for the day, we hiked down the road to the school and church for VBS. It was a great program about Jonah and the whale today and the team members are all starting to really get into the skits and becoming hams. The kids all did really well with their project for the day, so I joined in with Melody taking pictures of the kids with my camera. Once they know you are snapping shots, they all want their pictures taken and want to see it on the digital display. Needless to say I had kids all over me for the rest of the day.

One really interesting thing I noticed was how many of the children have light complexions and blue eyes. Considering they are all natives to the country, it was a surprise to me. I was told later that during one of the two wars that Paraguay had started, with the intent to gain more land (both of which they lost), many of the men were killed. The lost war left many widows in the country with large land holdings. Many European settlers came to Paraguay after the last war and married these women… resulting in blonde haired, blue eyed children. Another fact that I learned was that originally Paraguay was the largest country in South America and encompassed Argentina, Uruguay, parts of Chile and a large portion of Brazil.

Marla, one of the little girls that attends the school and church, had a bad burn on her foot which had become quite infected. We did not have a doctor with us, but we did have McGyver with us who received medical training while he was in the Marines. So he, Melody and Ed Baker took Marla and her mother to a pharmacy in the nearest village to get antibiotics to fight the infection. The pharmacy was a small room attached to the pharmacist’s home with a few small cabinets of drugs, a chair, a dirt floor and plenty of flies. It was a far cry from the secure and sterile environment required in this country. The Pharmacist looked at her foot and asked Ed if one of them was a doctor to which Ed apparently indicated that McGyver was…so he sold them the needed drugs to help little Marla. McGyver didn’t realize that he was now a doctor…so he gained a slightly different nickname: Dr. McGyver.

When we all finally arrived back at the camp, we cleaned up for dinner. We had the added pleasure of celebrating Christian and Angelica’s third wedding anniversary with a beautiful cake made by our wonderful cooks. It was a great day topped off by a wonderful celebration honoring the marriage of our own missionaries.

We prepared for our next day’s VBS and hit the sack. I think everyone was pretty well worn out, but definitely at peace.

Labels: journey, missions, paraguay

Check out this weekend's mortgage rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation:

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under
30 Year Fixed - 6.375%
15 Year Fixed - 5.875%
5/1 ARM - 5.75%
10/1 Arm - 6.00%

Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000
30 Year Fixed - 7.375%
5/1 ARM - 6.625%

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!

Labels: 15 year fixed, 30 year fixed, arm, covenant mortgage, mortgage rates

Any Forsyth County registered voter may take advantage of Advance Voting at any of the county’s satellite locations. Advance Voting for the July 15th General Primary is available at four different locations throughout Forsyth County July 7 – 11 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Advance Voting Satellite Locations:
Cumming Public Library, 585 Dahlonega Hwy.
Sharon Forks Public Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Rd.
Forsyth County Public Safety Complex, 3520 Settingdown Rd.
Midway Park, 5100 Post Rd.

To confirm your voter registration status and voting precinct, or to view your sample ballot online, visit the Voter Registration and Elections Department page on the Forsyth County Web site at www.forsythco.com and click “Am I Registered to Vote?”. Call 770.781.2118 to receive additional information.

Labels: advance voting, forsyth county, general primary, july 15, voting

Fantastic two story traditional home on a full, daylight basement in Timberline at Lake Lanier, a Swim/Tennis Community in North Forsyth County. Located at 7920 Timberline Overlook in Cumming, Georgia, this is a fantastic area at a great value. For only $249,900, this home features the following:

* 4 Bedrooms/3 Full Baths, Plus Additional Bonus Room
* Guest Room & Full Bath on Main Level
* Family Room Features Stone Fireplace w/Gas Starter
* Kitchen w/Hardwood Floors, Breakfast Bar, Pantry, Gas Range
* Kitchen Opens to Breakfast Area & Family Room
* Two Story Entry Foyer
* Separate Dining Room & Separate Living Room
* Full, Unfinished Daylight Basement w/Exterior Entry
* Basement Is Framed & Stubbed For Bath. Heating & Air Already Installed
* Master Suite with Trey Ceiling
* Master Bath w/Double Vanity, Garden Tub & Separate Shower
* Security System, Owned
* Beautifully Landscaped Spacious Yard Includes Small Garden
* Two Car Garage at Kitchen Level
* Rocking Chair Front Porch & Fenced Backyard

Timberline lies within the district for Chattahoochee Elementary, the all new Little Mill Middle that opened this past year, plus North Forsyth High School.

For further information and photos, please visit www.VanderhoffRealEstate.com and look under "Featured Listings". To schedule a showing, please contact Mike, Melody or Cheryl today. Let us be your bridge to success in your next real estate transaction.

Labels: basement, chattahoochee, cumming, home for sale, lake lanier, little mill, north forsyth, timberline

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will be considering the adoption of a millage rate that will require an increase property taxes.

The proposed county Maintenance and Operation rate remains at 3.834. The proposed Fire rate remains at 1.765. The proposed Bond rate is 1.196 mills, up from 0.446 mills in 2007. This represents a total millage increase of 0.75 mills.

The significant increase in the Bond property tax rate is due to the approval of the $100 million parks, recreation and green space bond measure approved by voters in February. The county intends to issue these bonds in September or October.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold three (3) public hearings to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions regarding the increase.

All concerned citizens are invited to attend the public hearings regarding this tax increase. The hearings will be held at the Forsyth County Administration Building located at 110 E. Main Street, Suite 220, in Cumming on Tuesday, July 8 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, July 17 at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Labels: bond, forsyth county, millage rate, property tax

Forsyth County School District students outscored students from every other Metro Atlanta school system on every area in every grade level of this year's CRCT. Additionally, as compared to the state as a whole, FCS was the number one ranking district in four areas and was one of the top five highest scoring districts in 22 out of 34 areas. The Georgia Department of Education recently released the 2007-08 Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) results for all Georgia systems and the state as a whole.

Scores for individual schools will be published once received by the system.

For more information about the CRCT, including state-wide system score comparisons, please visit the Georgia Department of Education website at www.gadoe.org.

Labels: crct, forsyth county, georgia, school, test

Vanderhoff Real Estate makes the search for short sales, foreclosures and bank owned properties in the Cumming, Alpharetta & Dawsonville areas even easier. Due to the high volume and increased demand for these properties, Vanderhoff Real Estate has created a new search page on our website that exclusively features properties that are bank owned, foreclosures or subject to short sale. This will make it easier for many of you to limit your search to properties that fall into these special circumstances. You can access this web page through our main website at www.VanderhoffRealEstate.com.

Please feel free to use our website to search all available listings in the area. Our website is specifically designed so that you may search available homes without signing onto our site. We know many of our buyers and sellers like to remain anonymous and do their research before contacting an agent, and we thank you for choosing our site. We just ask that once you are ready to move forward with your next real estate transaction, that you consider giving us the opportunity to be your bridge to success.

Labels: Alpharetta, bank owned, cumming, dawsonville, foreclosure, short sale

Day 5 Edition of Our Journey In Paraguay:

McGyver and I started the day at 5:45AM. It seemed that almost everyone slept a little later today. About one half hour before breakfast, four or five of us gathered in the dining hall for our morning coffee and some quiet time to work on our journal and reflect on the previous day and what lay ahead for today. Breakfast was served at 6:30AM and was great as usual.

After breakfast Jimmy Newmon shared his testimony with us, and it was a wonderful and moving story. We each continue to share more and more about our personal lives and are really coming together as a strong, closely knit Team.

The ride to the Agricenter was quiet as we all focused on our tasks for the day. Once at the site, we were introduced to a revolutionary new Paraguayan tool…The Wacker Packer… The Wacker Packer is a section of log (tree) about 12” in diameter and about 2’ long. It has two narrower tree limbs, one attached to each side extending straight up as handles. The purpose of the tool is to compress the fill dirt we have been, and will continue to, load into the base of the house we are building. After each layer of dirt is filled in, we simply lift up the Wacker Packer and drop it on the dirt to compress it. It sounds easy, but let me tell you, it wears you out.

Some of the better brick layers on the Team continued to lay brick, while others mixed the mortar. The rest of us went back to shoveling loads of fill dirt in an ox drawn cart down the road from the construction site, and then off-loading it into the foundation of the house. After each load was filled in, the Wacker Packers took over to compress the fill dirt.

We broke at noon for lunch and were treated to another wonderful meal. During lunch we learned that Christian was short $1500 to purchase all of the land he wanted for the school expansion. The Team discussed this and we decided that we would give Christian the additional $1500 he needed for the land purchase and that we would give Ed Baker the $900 he needed to get clear title for the Agricenter land. This money was only available because of the generous support of each and every one of you, and our Team members’ sponsors. After lunch we went back to work on the house until about 2:45PM.

We cleaned up as best we could and hiked down the road to the church for VBS. Today was the story of Creation. I had the role of playing GOD again today (not because of my character, but because of my white hair and age). I was also informed that this would be my role for the balance of the week so as not to confuse the kids. Our craft with the kids today was decorating picture frames for each of the childrens’ individual photos that Melody was taking and printing. They would be getting those later in the week. They decorated the frames by gluing small squares of colorful paper to the outer border of a 5” x 7” piece of cardboard.

When we got back to camp for the evening, we were given chicken and dumplings for dinner…not quite the same as we get here in the South, but it was good. After dinner we prepared for the next day’s VBS program, the story of Jonah. We each practiced our roles in the skit and made sure we knew how to put together the next day’s craft.

As the night wound down a few of us had a great game of Hearts, while Melody was busy printing pictures of the school children. I had a little time before bed to reflect on my devotional that I was to give in the morning. My topic was: “Why do I go on Mission Trips and what are the results that I can see from them”…a surprising answer.

Lights were out at 10 pm…stay tuned for our next day’s adventure.

Labels: journey, paraguay

Check out this weekend's mortgage rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation:

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under
30 Year Fixed - 6.375%
15 Year Fixed - 6.00%
5/1 ARM - 5.875%

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

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!

Labels: covenant mortgage, june 2008, loans, mortgage rates

The White House temporarily suspends a rule that imposes a 90-day waiting period before foreclosed homes can be sold to receive government loans.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration is temporarily suspending a 5-year-old rule intended to deter property flippers, as part of an effort to help speed the sale of foreclosed properties.

For one year, the Federal Housing Administration will no longer impose a 90-day waiting period before foreclosed properties can be sold to receive government-backed loans.
The policy was put in place in 2003 to deter property "flipping" schemes, in which buyers are overcharged for foreclosures or other distressed properties. But the surge in vacant properties resulting from borrowers who were unable to afford their mortgages has become a far more pressing concern.

"A glut of foreclosed and abandoned homes harms neighborhoods, frustrates homebuyers and delays a community's recovery," FHA commissioner Brian Montgomery said in a prepared statement.

The new policy "will allow homebuyers to purchase these homes in much greater numbers and ease the excess supply of unsold homes," Montgomery said.
Nationwide, 261,255 homes received at least one foreclosure-related filing in May, up 48% from the same month last year, and up 7% from April, foreclosure listing company RealtyTrac Inc. said Friday.

Labels: 90 day waiting period, bank owned, foreclosure, government loan

"Going Green" and choosing products that are more "Eco-friendly" does not exclude the housing industry. So, what do we look for when we decide to build or renovate a "green" home? One of the green classifications you might encounter with new – or renovated – construction is LEED®.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.

LEED is a third party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Architects, real estate professionals, facility managers, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, construction managers, lenders and government officials all use LEED to help transform the built environment to sustainability. State and local governments across the country are adopting LEED for public-owned and public-funded buildings; there are LEED initiatives in federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Energy, and State. LEED projects are in progress in 41 different countries, including Canada, Brazil, Mexico and India.

LEED Rating Systems are developed through an open, consensus-based process led by LEED committees. Each volunteer committee is composed of a diverse group of practitioners and experts representing a cross-section of the building and construction industry. The key elements of USGBC's consensus process include a balanced and transparent committee structure, technical advisory groups that ensure scientific consistency and rigor, opportunities for stakeholder comment and review, member ballot of new rating systems, and a fair and open appeals process.

So, when deciding to build or renovate your existing home or office, why not go green? For more information on LEED® and other Green Building initiatives, visit www.usgbc.org.

Labels: eco friendly, go green, housing industry, LEED

The City of Alpharetta was recently honored when First Lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chair of the Preserve America initiative, designated it as one of the nation’s newest Preserve America Communities.

Mayor Arthur Letchas received a letter June 10, 2008 and will receive a certificate of designation signed by Mrs. Bush announcing City of Alpharetta is now a Preserve America Community. “We are honored to receive this designation especially during Alpharetta’s sesquicentennial celebration year,” said Mayor Letchas. “The past preservation efforts of our community along with this opportunity will give a strong historic foundation for our current and future residents.”

Communities designated through the program receive national recognition for their efforts. Benefits include the right to use the Preserve America logo on signs and promotional materials; eligibility for Preserve America Grants; notification to state tourism offices; and listing in a Web-based directory that showcases City of Alpharetta preservation efforts and heritage tourism destinations. Preserve America Communities are also featured in National Register Travel Itineraries and in “Teaching With Historic Places” curricular materials created by the National Park Service.

The Preserve America initiative is an Administration effort to encourage and support community efforts to preserve and enjoy America’s priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the nation’s past; strengthened regional identities and local pride; increased local participation in preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage assets; and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

Congratulations Alpharetta!

Labels: Alpharetta, historic, preserve america community

Just Sold: 7810 Willoughby Ct in Jamestown Community located in the highly sought after Alpharetta - South Forsyth area. This luxurious townhome offers three beautifully finished levels. The upstairs level features two master suites, while the terrace level has one bedroom and full bath. The main level offers a wonderful living area which includes a formal dining room and sunroom. This stunning townhome sold for only $288,935, and is located in the prestigious Jamestown community just East of GA 400 on McGinnis Ferry Rd.

Jamestown is a new mixed use community with luxury townhomes and single family homes by the Providence Group. This gated swim and tennis community is just minutes from an abundance of shopping, dining, recreation, family activities and great schools. Jamestown offers fabulous perks, including an Alpharetta address with low South Forsyth County taxes and a new luxurious mall coming soon across the street from the community. In addition to the upscale shopping that will be offered at the new mall, homeowners at Jamestown will appreciate the natural surroundings of their community. Of the 100 acres Jamestown encompasses, 60 acres remain untouched as natural wetlands. Jamestown will be comprised of two neighborhoods - The Parc and The Overlook. The community will offer townhomes priced from the high $200,000s to the mid $300,000s and single family homes priced from the low $400,000s to the low $500,000s.

Our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate would love to help put you in your next dream home. Call or email us today. We can be the Bridge To Success in your next real estate transaction!

Labels: Alpharetta, jamestown, mcginnis ferry, south forsyth, the providence group

Here's some helpful tips to consider when buying a home, whether you are a first time home buyer, or a long time homeowner looking to move.

1. Be picky, but don’t be unrealistic. There is no perfect home.

2. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your downpayment and your closing costs.

4. Don’t wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage before you start looking. Once you sign a contract to buy a home, do not go out and make ANY major purchases. Lenders re-check your credit and finances just before closing to make sure your financial status has not changed.

5. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion.

6. Decide when you could move. Is your home ready to sell? Can you sell your home quickly and still walk away with some equity? When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area?

7. Think long-term. Are you looking for a starter house with the idea of moving up in a few years or do you hope to stay in this home longer? Are you looking for a secondary home? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as type of mortgage terms that suit you best. But, you should always consider features that will effect the resale of your home. Most people go into buying a home thinking they will be there for a long time. The average length of time in your home is 4 years.

8. Don’t let yourself be house poor. If you max yourself out to buy the biggest home you can afford, you’ll have no money left for maintenance or decoration or to save money for other financial goals. And, don't forget that you will also be adding taxes, insurance and possible Homeowner's Association Dues to your budget.

9. Don’t be naïve. Insist on a home inspection and if possible get a warranty from the seller to cover defects within one year.

10. Get help. Consider hiring a real estate agent as a buyer’s representative. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. And usually, buyer’s reps are paid out of the seller’s commission payment. As a home buyer. You want an agent who is going to explain the process as you go, and look out for your interests in what is most likely your biggest investment.

Contact Vanderhoff Real Estate today and we'll help you to make your dream of home ownership a reality!

To all the great dads and granddads, we wish you a Wonderful & Blessed Father's Day.

Happy Father's Day!


-Mike & Melody Vanderhoff
Vanderhoff Real Estate

Labels: father's day, june 15

Milton Police Department Issued a citizen alert regarding credit card fraud related to the recent theft of data from the Alpharetta Wild Wings Café. Anyone who has used their credit or debit cards at this establishment within the last three months are advised to review recent statements and to closely monitor new charges to their accounts.

“To date, at least six Milton residents have fallen victim to this theft, resulting in charges of between $30,000 and $40,000. Victims have also been uncovered in Gwinnett, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell and Forsyth County,” said Chris Lagerbloom, Director of Public Safety. “While it has not yet been determined how the data was compromised, we anticipate the fraudulent charges could continue for several weeks to come.”

Any activity thought to be fraudulent should be reported immediately to the Milton Police Department at 678.242.2570.

Labels: Alpharetta, credit card fraud, Milton, Wild Wings Cafe

Mortgage rates are up this week with inflation concerns circulating. Some market participants believe that the Federal Reserve will raise rates more aggressively over the year than previously thought, according to Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist.

So, if you were considering waiting for mortgage rates to drop lower before buying your next home, you may want to reconsider and make your move now.

Check out this weekend's mortgage rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation:

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under
30 Year Fixed - 6.375%
15 Year Fixed - 6.00%
5/1 ARM - 5.875%

Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000
30 Year Fixed - 7.25%
5/1 ARM - 6.625%

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 year commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the historic 1968 Fair Housing Act. On April 11, 1968 President Lyndon Johnson urged congress to approve the Fair Housing Act just one week following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a tribute to Dr. King's legacy and commitment to civil rights. One of the Act's central objectives was to prevent discrimination based on race in the sales or rental of housing. This historic Act has since empowered people from all races and ethnicities to pursue the dream of equal access to housing.

In 2002 President George W. Bush enhanced our nation's commitment to equal housing opportunities for all by designating June as National Homeownership Month, with the goal of increasing minority homeownership in America by 5.5 million by the end of the decade.

We, at Vanderhoff Real Estate, work hard to provide fair access to affordable housing and homeownership year-round. If you would like help with your next real estate transaction, give us a call, or email us today. We not only help you have a successful real estate purchase or sale, but we seek to educate our clients through the process. Even if you have bought or sold a home many times before, the market and laws change. Let us help you get the most out of your next real estate transaction.

Labels: fair housing act, june, national homeownership month

Portions of Alpharetta and a section of south-central Milton currently located within the 30004 ZIP code area will be changed to a new ZIP code — 30009. The new ZIP code officially takes effect on July 1, 2008, but residents can begin using 30009 immediately. The USPS will continue to deliver mail improperly labeled as 30004 until July 1, 2009, one year from the effective date of the change.

The U.S. Postal Service recently sent a notice to all Alpharetta and Milton residents affected by the change, indicating that the ZIP code for their mail delivery has been changed from 30004 to 30009. According to USPS spokesperson Michael Miles, the change in ZIP code does not affect the Post Office location that residents use, but is simply an internal change in the physical mail sorting location. Miles emphasizes that the change should be transparent to citizens, beyond the simple change of ZIP code on the last mail line.

Miles also emphasizes that citizens of Milton should continue to use “Milton” as their city of residence on their mailing address.

Residents with any questions are encouraged to contact the Old Milton Parkway Post Office location, which can be reached directly at 770.442.3893. For a map outlining the 30009 ZIP code area, and additional information visit www.cityofmiltonga.us/.

Labels: 30004, 30009, Alpharetta, change, Milton, usps, zip code

The City of Alpharetta will significantly reduce the millage rate it applies to property taxes in Fiscal Year 2009 to 5.750 mills, a reduction of 0.498 mills from the City’s 2008 rate.

In spite of the reduction, the City will be required to advertise a property tax increase. Georgia law requires the City to compute a “rollback millage rate” that would produce the same total revenue after reassessments as had been received from property taxes in the previous Fiscal Year. Due to projected reassessments, the City’s millage rate for Fiscal Year 2009 will increase property tax revenues by 7.06% over the rollback rate, so by law a tax increase must be advertised.

The projected tax digest for Fiscal Year 2009 reflects historically large reassessments of the value of commercial properties by the Fulton County Tax Assessor. It is anticipated that many of these reassessments will be challenged or litigated. The outcome of those challenges could significantly reduce the tax digest.

The City must adopt its annual millage rate by June 30; well before the resolution of any assessment challenges. To mitigate this issue, the City is not adopting the rollback millage rate. This action ensures that should material portions of the reassessments be reduced, the City can continue to provide the services its citizenry and businesses deserve while still providing for a millage rate reduction.

The City of Alpharetta will hold three public hearings to hear and consider citizen comments regarding the proposed FY 2009 millage rate. These hearings will be held at Alpharetta City Hall, located at 2 South Main Street, on the following dates and times:

Thursday, June 12 at 11:30 AM
Thursday, June 12 at 6:30 PM
Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 PM

Labels: Alpharetta, millage rate, property tax, reduction

Do you live in Forsyth County and recently received a "Change of Assessment Notice" from the Tax Assessors office? As a general rule, Forsyth County residents have seen this notice annually as the fair market value of our homes have seen an increase in the past several years. This recent notice is the change in value of your home for the period of Jan. 1, 2007 - Dec. 31, 2007. While Forsyth County still shows home values on the rise in 2007, many homeowners know that their property saw a decline or no increase in their property value in 2007. For instance, I purchased my home in September of 2007, and the Forsyth County Tax Assessors office appraised it at a Fair Market Value of $10,000 more than what we paid. Home sales dropped in our subdivision from September through December, so I know the value did not rise.

The great news is that Forsyth County encourages homeowners to check their property values and file an appeal to change the assessment on their home if it is shown that their fair market value differs from the county's appraisal. You should have received instructions on how to file an appeal within your Change of Assessment Notice. Time is of the essence, as you only have 45 days after the date of notice to file your appeal. For more information, contact the Tax Assessors office at 770-781-2106.

Labels: forsyth county, property tax, tax assessor

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In this sesquicentennial year in the city of Alpharetta's history, Alpharetta's oldest tradition is also celebrating a significant milestone, the 140th June Singing. It will be held this year in the Milton Center Theater (the former Milton High School in downtown Alpharetta, directly across from the log cabin)on Sunday, June 8, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

The All Day Sacred Harp Singing and Dinner on the Ground, otherwise known as the June Singing, began in Alpharetta in 1869. It has been held every year since then at Alpharetta's Courthouse, which evolved into Alpharetta's City Hall, in downtown Alpharetta. Over the fourteen decades of the June Singing, thousands of people have traveled many miles each year to gather in Alpharetta on the 2nd Sunday of every June to socialize, harmonize and "court." It is thought that this event originated as a celebration following the planting of crops each season.

Come out and join us on Sunday June 8th for this great event in Alpharetta history!

Labels: 140th June Singing, Alpharetta, June 8, Milton, Sacred Harp, sesquicentennial

Just Sold: 6235 Beaver Bend Way in The Estates at Big Creek located in South Forsyth's prestigious Vickery school district. This is Scenic Homes' Alexander plan with 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths and a full daylight basement. There master suite has tons of space with an additional sitting area . Plus, there is an office/guest suite on the main level with a full bath. Two story foyer with both front and rear staircase. Fabulous kitchen with granite countertops, double-sized island and stainless steel appliances. This is a great location just minutes from GA 400 and the brand new Avenues at Forsyth.

Our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate would love to help put you in your next dream home. Call or email us today. We can be the Bridge To Success in your next real estate transaction!

Labels: estates at big creek, scenic homes, sold, south forsyth, vickery