Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog: January 2009

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

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 5.25%
15-yr Fixed = 5.00%

Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000*
30-yr Fixed = 6.625%
5/1 ARM = 5.50%
7/1 ARM =5.875%

FHA Loans: Loan Amounts $320,850 and under in Metro Atlanta*
30-yr Fixed = Range 5.50% - 6.00%

*based on pricing as of 1/30/09 at 12:00PM. Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice.

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, covenant mortgage, FHA, mortgage rates, vanderhoff real estate

The seventh annual Forsyth Senior Expo will be held Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Forsyth County Central Park Recreation Center. Senior citizens, along with their families and friends, wanting to learn about products and services of interest for now and for the future are invited to attend the event.

Expo exhibitions will include health care, housing, finance, safety and security, recreation and travel, end-of-life, non-profit institutions and local, state and national agencies. Free health screenings for blood pressure and vision will be available.

Admission is free. Door prizes and refreshments will be provided at the event. Central Park Recreation Center is located at 2300 Keith Bridge Rd. (Hwy. 306) in Cumming. To receive additional information regarding the Forsyth Senior Expo, contact Forsyth County Senior Services at 770.781.2178 or smcamarillo@forsythco.com.

Labels: forsyth county, senior expo

Did you know that tourism is Georgia's 2nd largest industry? On Tuesday, January 27th, Georgia’s tourism industry presented Governor Sonny Perdue with a check for $844.9 million, the amount of state tax revenue generated by tourism-related expenditures. January 27th marked "Tourism Day" an opportunity for the state’s second-largest industry to spotlight the role it plays in the Georgia’s economy.

In honor of Tuesday's "Tourism Day", I'd like to point out one of Georgia's great tourist spots right here in our own backyard: Lake Lanier. The lake may be low these days, but whether you live nearby and are looking for a convenient getaway, or you are visiting, make sure to check out Lake Lanier Islands. Their newly renovated resort is just the beginning of the fun and relaxation you can find. Golf, spa visits, horseback riding, boating, houseboats, beach & waterpark and more. Visit their website at www.lakelanierislands.com to check it out!

And if you visit Lake Lanier and discover you'd like to find out more about living on the lake, give us a call today, or feel free to browse through Lake Lanier homes on our website. It's a good time to find a great deal on the lake!

Labels: georgia, lake home, lake lanier, lake lanier islands, tourism

There was an article on cumminghome.com today stating that Governor Sonny Perdue has proposed the elimination of the Georgia Homestead Tax Relief Grant Program. Due to the $2.2 billion budget shortfall Georgia is facing, Governor Perdue recommends not reimbursing the local governments for the homestead tax break they passed onto homeowners in 2008. Bottom line: If this passes, local governments will have to send every homeowner a bill for the amount that their homestead exemption save them. On average this would be a $200 - $300 bill received during a time when many are already suffering from job loss and lessened incomes. Click here to read the article posted at www.cumminghome.com by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). I encourage you to write to your legislators and discourage them from acting on this proposal immediately.

Labels: georgia homestead tax relief grant, homestead exemption, property tax

Alpharetta citizens, employees, guests and the media are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new Alpharetta 911-Command and Control Center on Monday, January 26th at 6:00pm at the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety located at 2565 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

The new Alpharetta 911-Command and Control Center, better known as the “C-3.” The “C-3” incorporates advanced communications including video monitoring of traffic flow at major intersections and GPS tracking of police and fire vehicles. The “C-3” will monitor the physical location of all police, fire and ambulance vehicles within Alpharetta by utilizing AVL (automatic vehicle locator) technology. By using AVL technology, dispatchers will send the nearest public safety unit instead of relying on units in assigned zones. The response times will be lessened thus providing much quicker aid to citizens. Next to the “C-3” is the “EOC” Emergency Operations Center. This area will allow City officials and department heads to meet in one central location to plan, monitor and supervise emergency operations in the event of a major incident.

At this evening's ceremony, hot dogs and hamburgers with refreshments will be served hot off the grill!

Labels: alpharetta 911, C-3, command and control center

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

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 5.00%
15-yr Fixed = 4.875%

Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000*
30-yr Fixed = 6.50%
5/1 ARM = 5.75%
7/1 ARM =6.00%

FHA Loans: Loan Amounts $320,850 and under*
30-yr Fixed = Range 5.50% - 6.00%

*based on pricing as of 1/23/09 at 12:00PM. Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice.

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, covenant mortgage, FHA, mortgage rates, vanderhoff real estate

Join us for an afternoon of Gwinnett Gladiator Hockey for JDRF day at the Gwinnett arena on February 22, 2009 at 4:05pm. Tickets are $15.00, with a portion of the proceeds going back to JDRF. It is also Public Safety Day and there will be fire and police men there so your kids can come see their cool cars and trucks up-close! You can purchase tickets online on the JDRF Gladiator's event page.

See you there!

Labels: arena, gladiators, gwinnett, hockey, jdrf, public safety day

It's never too late to perform some winter maintenance on your home. We still have two more months until Spring is here. Below are some things that help save energy, save money and protect your home.

• Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate the walls and attic to reduce your home's power demands for heat. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.
• Know how to shut off the main water valve and how to shut off and drain outside faucets. Outside faucets are often controlled by a valve inside the home. Keep a wrench near the valves.
• Install heat tape on water pipes. Put the tape on all exterior water pipes and interior pipes located on outside walls or anywhere else that temperatures could go below freezing. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
• Protect pipes from freezing by:
– Wrapping pipes in insulation or layers of newspaper and then covering them with plastic to keep out moisture.
– Letting faucets drip a little.

And, don't forget to keep some firewood handy for a nice warm winter's day fire!

Labels: freeze, home maintenance, winter

Our mission to Mozambique, Africa was not the typical mission trip of taking a team, building something, conducting vacation bible school, loving the people, then heading for home. This was a mission team of three, which consisted of Melody, myself and a missionary from Atlanta, Eric Owen. Eric was in Mozambique with Melody last year and is fluent in Portuguese, the predominant language of Mozambique. Our mission was to lay the foundation and develop a long term growing relationship that enables us to spread the love of Christ in a country of desperate need. To partner with Bishop Nhanala of the United Methodist Church and work towards making a better life for her people by drilling critically needed water wells, doing various construction projects, working with the Cambine orphanage and clinic, and distributing Proclaimers which are devices that play a recording of the gospel in native dialects. God blessed us with enough raised funds to drill one water well this trip and we were able to visit the locations and document the next five areas of greatest need for future water wells.

Our trip to Mozambique accomplished a lot and was a great success. The trip began on Saturday morning as we headed to Atlanta to catch a Delta flight for Johannesburg, South Africa. Our flight left at 3:45 pm that afternoon and arrived in Johannesburg some 18+ hours later. We had time to grab a sandwich and wait about an hour before catching our next flight to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. We finally arrived in Maputo at 8:40 pm Sunday evening.

The Lord was walking by our side as we went through immigration and were waved right past customs without anyone looking at a single suite case. We still had not figured out how we where going to explain why we had three suite cases of used children’s clothing, six Proclaimers (that look like new portable radios), six soccer balls and jump ropes when we where just traveling as tourists.

We were greeted at the airport by Armindo Chauque, the mission team coordinator for the United Methodist Church, who does pretty well with his English. After all of the luggage was loaded we headed for the UMC guest house that became our home base while we were in the capital city of Maputo. When we arrived at the guest house we were greeted by the staff that ran the house and prepared all the meals. They were Luzia, Rosa, Maravilha, Albertina (Beti) and Salvado. They had prepared a wonderful meal for us which we immediately dug into. Why we did, I do not know since we had three meals on the plane and one in Johannesburg. I guess we are willing to lose a day, but not a meal. After our meal we settled in and turned in for a much needed good nights sleep.

Stay tuned more to follow...

Labels: africa, mission, mozambique, united methodist church, vanderhoff, wells

Lanier Sailing Academy is headquartered on beautiful Lake Lanier Georgia and will begin classes for the 2009 season in March. Whether you have no experience sailing, or would just like to brush up on your existing sailing skills, Lanier Sailing Academy has the class for you. Click here to check out their website and find out more details.

It's also a great time to buy a home on Lake Lanier. Prices have been greatly reduced and there are a variety of homes available to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for a second home, or are considering relocating to Lake Lanier, let us assist you. We are able to set up a customized search of homes for you through our website, or feel free to search properties on our website and create your own search. No need to register, we provide all available listings in the area so that you may see what is currently available. We just ask that you please consider giving us a call when you are ready to buy or sell your next home.

Happy Sailing!

Labels: classes, homes, lake lanier, lanier sailing academy, sailing, vanderhoff real estate

The Milton Police Department will host its second Citizens Police Academy, a six-week program that gives citizens an inside look at the department and law enforcement, beginning Feb. 11.

The program takes place Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Milton Police precinct at 750 Hickory Road. Topics include criminal investigations, criminal law, police K-9 units, traffic law, and 911 operations. Participants who are over age 18 can also go on a ride-along with an officer.

Class size is limited to 15 people, with preference given to Milton residents. Interested citizens are encouraged to register as soon as possible by completing an application and background form at City Hall during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Incorporated on Dec. 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678.242.2500.

Labels: academy, citizens police, city of milton, police

Labels: 15 year fixed, 30 year fixed, mortgage rates, vanderhoff real estate

The Forsyth County government will implement increased water and sewer rates to help offset projected revenue shortfalls. The increases were part of a Resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners January 8th, following a Public Hearing on the topic.

The residential water base rate will change from $12 for the first 3,000 gallons to $12 for the first 1,000 gallons. The senior citizen account water base rate will change from $9 for the first 3,000 gallons to $9 for the first 1,000 gallons (senior citizen water accounts are available for customers age 62 and up upon request to the Water and Sewer Department).

All residential water customers using 1,001 to 2,000 gallons monthly will pay an additional $3.40; those using 2,001 to 3,000 gallons monthly will pay an additional $6.80. The same tiered rates previously in effect remain in place for every additional 1,000 gallons used over 3,000 gallons.

A residential sewer base rate of $10 will also go into effect, as will a commercial sewer base rate of $20. In addition, accounts will continue to be charged a usage fee in accordance with existing rates.

Customers will begin seeing the new water and sewer rates on their bills sent beginning February 1st.

The rate increase is considered interim, while Forsyth County awaits the completion of a rate study that will lead to development of a long-term approach.

Additional changes included in the Resolution adopted January 8th are listed below:
Security Deposits for Residential Customers
A security deposit of $75 will be required from a property owner to activate water service. This is an increase from the previous deposit of $50. Consumers who do not own the property to which service is to be provided will pay a security deposit of $125, up from $100.
Initial Water Connection Fees
The initial water connection fees for both residential and commercial customers have increased to be more consistent with those in surrounding counties.

Reconnection Fees
The fee for reconnection of service will be $50 for each meter being reconnected. Meters reconnected between 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and at anytime during the weekend will be subject to an after-hours reconnect fee of $100.
Water Meter Tampering and Damage Fees
For water meters needing replacement due to tampering or damages, the account holder will be charged $150 plus materials and labor costs. If the wire seal on the meter is broken and the backflow is required to be replaced, an additional charge of $150 plus materials and labor costs will be charged to the account holder.

Meter Re-Read and Testing Fees
The county will make one special water meter reading at the request of a consumer at no charge. If additional requests are made and it is determined by the county that additional readings are not necessary, a fee of $20 will be charged to the consumer.

The county will test a water meter on-site at the request of the consumer once at no charge. If additional requests are made and it is determined by the county that further tests are not necessary, a charge of $20 for an on-site test or $100 for the removal of the meter and laboratory tests will be assessed and posted to the consumer’s account. If the meter is found to over-register beyond 2% of the correct volume, the charge will be credited to the consumer’s account.
Increase in Commercial Water Rates
The base rate for commercial water customers based on service meter size remains in place and will include the first 1,000 gallons used. The minimum charge of $3.54 for the first 3,000 gallons has changed to $3.72 for every 1,000 gallons used after the first thousand gallons. Customers will begin seeing these new rates on their bills sent beginning February 1st.
Reuse Water Rate Increase
The rate for reuse water has increased from $1.75 per 1,000 gallons to $2.25 per 1,000 gallons. Reuse water is wastewater that has been highly treated and disinfected and then used primarily for irrigation. Customers will begin seeing these new reuse water rates on their bills sent beginning February 1st.

Click Here to view the Resolution and additional rate information.

Labels: 2009, forsyth county, rate increase, water and sewer

Beginning January 1 through February 28, 2009, Callaway Gardens is inviting everyone to "Be Our Guest." Admission is complimentary for these two months providing guests with the opportunity to enjoy time with their friends and family reconnecting in nature.

Callaway Gardens opened in 1952 as a five-mile scenic drive in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Today it is a sprawling resort with a golf course, rental cottages, miles of walking trails and acres of lush gardens. And, don't forget to visit the Butterflies!!

For more information visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Labels: callaway gardens, february 2009, free admission, georgia, january 2009, pine mountain

The Georgia Private School Tax Credit law allows eligible private citizens and corporations to receive tax credits for donations to Georgia Student Scholarship Organizations (SSO’s). Specifically, the new law allows individuals, couples and corporations a 100 percent tax credit for donations to organizations (SSO’s) that grant scholarships to children who want to attend private schools. SSO’s receiving the donations will provide student scholarships to parents that will help cover the cost of a private school education for their children in the state of Georgia.

On May 14th, 2008 Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed the bill (a $50,000,000 Corporate and Individual Scholarship Tax Credit program) into law. Georgia has now joined five other states: Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island – in offering scholarship tax credit programs. Georgia’s program is now the second largest in the country.

For more information from the Georgia Department of Education, click on the links below.

Tax Credit Overview
SSO List (Updated 12/22/2008)

Labels: department of education, georgia private school, scholarship, sso, student scholarship organization, tax credit

This fantastic 5 bedroom, 4 bath traditional home with full daylight basement is located at 11225 Hambleton Way in highly sought after Johns Creek, Georgia. All new Hardiplank siding and carpet. Hardwoods in the kitchen, entry and hall. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, slate tile backsplash and antique stained cabinets. This home is immaculate, features neutral colors throughout, and is ready for you to move in! For more information and photos, click on the address above, or visit www.vanderhoffrealestate.com and select the Featured Listings link. Contact us to schedule a showing and assist you with your next real estate purchase.

Labels: basement, Huntington, johns creek, listing, vanderhoff real estate

Kick off the 47th Atlanta Boat Show at the Georgia World Congress Center with $5.00 admission for everyone on Wednesday, January 14th. Live music, celebrity appearances and fantastic door prizes will add to the festive atmosphere. Be the first to take advantage of the best deals of the year of hundreds of boats and marine accessories. Plus the first 1,500 atendees will receive a Free $10.00 Ted's Montana Grill Gift Certificate!

Jermaine Wiggins will also be appearing on opening day. Wiggins is a former University of Georgia football player and he also spent time in the NFL. Jermaine will be signing autographs at 1 p.m. in the SCORE Atlanta booth - number 206.

For additional information about the Atlanta Boat Show including ticket information, daily schedules and directions, please visit www.atlantaboatshow.com.

Labels: atlanta boat show, georgia world congress center, january 2009

Labels: 15 year fixed, 30 year fixed, mortgage rates, vanderhoff real estate

Looking for a local dog park in Alpharetta, Johns Creek or Cumming area? Here are some great spots to take your playful pooch!

Alpharetta:
Waggy World Paw Park (public) is a beautiful 1.5 acre area behind the Alpharetta Community Center at Wills Park. Waggy World Paw Park opened to the public on Monday, September 25, 2006. Paw park amenities include off-leash areas for large pups and small pups, water fountains, and park benches. Located at 175 Roswell Street.

Wolf Brook is a unique private dog facility with training, recreation, dog daycare and an enclosed clubhouse with full kitchen and bathroom facilities. Location: 13665 New Providence Road.

Johns Creek:
Newtown Park has a fully fenced enclosure which includes separate areas for small and large dogs, viewing area, staging area, and water pump. Location: 3125 Old Alabama Road.

Cumming:
Windermere Dog Park is a public off leash Dog Park located at 3355 Windermere Parkway.

Labels: Alpharetta, cumming, dog park, johns creek, newtown park, waggy world paw park, windermere, wolf brook

Forsyth County library officials began work on its new $6.8 million, 23,000-square-foot Hampton Park branch on Settingdown Road between Hampton Park Drive and Cross Roads Road. The library will be built with a combination of $2 million in state funding, county SPLOST money and impact fees collected from developers.

Hampton Park will join its sister libraries, the Cumming Library Branch on Dahlonega Highway and Sharon Forks Library Branch on Old Atlanta Road , and be open seven days a week.

Its collection will eventually be comprised of 96,000 items. In addition to fiction, nonfiction books and CDs, it will have a range of children and adult educational DVDs, music CDs, multimedia programs, recorded books and periodicals. It will offer 38 computer stations and will support wireless Internet connections. Children will find a full slate of story programs just for them including Lapsit, Storytime, Summer Reading Fun, and seasonal family programs. Plus, four child-friendly computer stations will provide educational games for the youngest library patrons.

The new library is scheduled to open in early 2010. Construction funds and a library site are available for a fourth branch on Post Road near Kelly Mill Road, with a projected opening in 2012.

Labels: forsyth county, hampton park, library, settingdown rd

A reverse mortgage is a loan against your home that you don't have to repay as long as you live in that home. It is only available to people who are age 62 or older. It was designed for people who want to stay in their homes, have built up equity in them, and need to supplement their incomes. You don't have to pay anything back until you sell your home, permanently move out of your home, or pass away. You can use the cash to make home repairs or improvements, perform routine maintenance, complete special remodeling projects, or almost anything else!

Labels: reverse mortgage

Great land investment opportunity in Dawsonville, Dawson County close to GA400. Available 7.1 Acres with 600' road frontage on GA Hwy 53 halfway between GA400 and the Dawsonville town square. The property is located at the corner of Valley Rd at Hwy 53. The land is currently zoned residential, however, the county future land use map shows this as commercial mixed use. Should be an easy change. For more information click here for the property profile page on our website. You can also contact Mike at 770-888-9269 or via email at info@vanderhoffrealestate.com.

Labels: commercial, dawson county, dawsonville, highway 53, land for sale, real estate, square

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

Conforming Rates
30-yr Fixed = 5.25%
15-yr Fixed = 4.75%

Jumbo Rates
30-yr Fixed = 6.625%
5/1 ARM = 5.875%
7/1 ARM =6.25%

FHA Rates
30-yr Fixed = Range 5.00%- 6.00%

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, covenant mortgage, FHA, mortgage rates, vanderhoff real estate

Labels: 2009, happy new year