Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog: March 2009

Start Spring Break off right with a visit to Stone Mountain Park on Saturday April 4th. The Lasershow Spectacular can be seen nightly April 4-11 during Spring FUN Break. Stone Mountain Park’s nine-day kids festival, Spring FUN Break at Crossroads, will include an all new 4D Theater movie: Journey to the Center of the Earth and a lot more. Check it out starting this weekend! We'll see you there!

Labels: break, festival, lasershow, spring, Stone Mountain Park

Certain energy efficient home improvements made in 2009 are eligible for a tax credit. These improvements can add up to extra savings on your taxes and your energy bills. Take a look at some of the available credits:

• Windows and doors: 10 percent of the cost up to $200 or $500, respectively, on Energy Star labeled products
• Insulation: 10 percent of cost up to $500; must meet 2000 International Energy Conservation Code and amendments
• Roofing: 10 percent of cost up to $500 on Energy Star qualified roofs
• HVAC: Credit depends on type of system; system must meet certain minimum requirements
• Water Heaters: $300; must meet required energy factor

In most cases, installation costs are not included in the credit. Visit the Energy Star website at www.energystar.gov for additional credits and requirements. You will also find information on tax credits for home builders and deductions for commercial buildings.

Labels: doors, energy efficient, energy star, home improvement, HVAC, installation, insulation, roof, tax credit, water heater, windows

Despite all the rain we have had lately, it's not nearly enough to fill our lakes and reservoirs which were already extremely low due to the drought conditions we've been experiencing. Forsyth County residents still need to follow strict watering guidelines, however, a small reprieve has been given to us. The use of Drip Irrigation and Soaker Hoses is now allowed. Each household, business or other institution or property owner may use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water existing landscaping for one hour per day during their designated three days per week within the hours of midnight to 10 a.m.

Odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays within the hours of midnight to 10 a.m.

Even-numbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays within the hours of midnight to 10 a.m.

This exemption is for existing landscape plants ("plants" means trees, flowers, vines and shrubs) and does not include lawn grass or turf.

Drip irrigation means the use of an irrigation system manufactured and sold specifically for delivering water through small flexible pipes and emitters slowly and directly to the soil around the base of individual plants in a manner that minimizes evaporative losses, pooling, runoff and wetting plant foliage. This type of system may be a part of a larger automated irrigation system or may operate as a standalone system connected to a typical outdoor faucet.

Soaker hose means a hose that is connected to a typical outdoor faucet and that is manufactured and sold specifically for delivering water slowly and directly to the soil around the base of individual plants by allowing water to seep from it in a manner that minimizes evaporative losses, pooling, runoff and wetting of plant foliage.

To receive additional details regarding current outdoor water restrictions, visit www.forsythco.com or call the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department at 770.781.2160.

Labels: drip irrigation, drought, even, forsyth county, odd, soaker hose, water restriction

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

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.625% Purchase Only
15-yr Fixed = 4.375% Purchase Only
Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance Quotes

Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000*
15-yr Fixed = 5.75%
5/1 ARM = 5.125%
7/1 ARM =5.375%

FHA Loans:
30-yr Fixed = Range 4.875% - 5.50%

*Based on pricing as of Friday, 3/27/09 at 1:00PM.

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, interest rates, mortgage rates, refinance, vanderhoff real estate

On March 26th the Georgia Senate passed House Bill 261. Under this bill, home purchasers would receive income tax credits of up to $3,600. Lawmakers voted 42-4 passing the bill in the Georgia Senate. The measure now moves on to a conference committee. The committee will work out the differences between the Senate version and the House version to create a compromised bill. Once this version is completed, it will go to the House and Senate again for another vote.

The goal of HB 261 is to help revitalize Georgia’s residential real estate market. Lawmakers understand that we have to get the large amount of inventory in the area moving, and they hope this bill will stimulate home buyers who have been sitting on the fence.

The legislation would apply to new and previously occupied homes as well as residences that have been foreclosed. The credit could be used either for houses and condominiums and either on primary or second residences. In order to qualify, homeowners would have to apply for the credit within six months of the date the governor signs the bill.

This bill, if passed, could mean a total of $11,600 in tax credits for the purchase of a new home in Georgia if the home buyer qualifies for the federal tax credit as well. Even without the federal credit, a $3,600 tax credit could encourage many home buyers to act who previously had no incentive. We will keep you posted on this bill, and perhaps soon you can take advantage of this great home buying opportunity. With home prices and mortgage rates at their lowest in years, this bill could be the boost we need to get homes moving again.

Labels: 261, georgia, hb 261, house, house bill, mortgage rates, senate, tax credit

The Forsyth County Tax Assessors Office would like to remind residents about the approaching deadline to file for homestead exemptions for this tax year. While you may apply for exemptions year-round, you must apply by April 1st 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 (if you drive)
• 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 has been removed

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 certain exemptions for residents age 65 or older. Exemptions can include the regular $8,000 homestead, floating homestead, total school tax homestead exemption, state tax exemption and disabled veterans exemption. Contact the Tax Assessors Office at the number below for details on exemptions, or click here.

WHERE TO FILE:
Forsyth County Tax Assessors Office
110 E. Main Street, Suite 260, Cumming
770.781.2106

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

Labels: disabled veterans, floating homestead, forsyth county, homestead exemption, property tax, school tax, tax assessor

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has announced the dates of this years Walk To Cure Diabetes Events. The North Metro Atlanta Walk has been moved from Central Park in Cumming to Johns Creek Technology Park in Johns Creek and will be held on Sunday, October 4th, 2009. JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Please consider getting involved in this great annual fundraiser and event. For more information contact ldrewry@jdrf.org, or click here to register. Johns Creek Technology Park is located at 11350 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek, GA 30097. Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. and the Walk is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m.

See you there!

Labels: central park, cumming, jdrf, johns creek, juvenile diabetes, north metro, technology park, walk to cure diabetes

Moving to Forsyth County, Georgia? Click here and take advantage of this great source of information for your move into the area. This information is provided by the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.

Labels: cumming, forsyth county, georgia, moving, newcomer

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

The continuing Story of our trip to Mozambique last year...

Tuesday, 10-7-08

We woke about 6:30 this morning; Claire Cunningham had already left the guest house. Breakfast was ready at 7:30…another great meal. We discovered that there was going to be a conference held at the guest house today. All the pastors in the area, plus the district superintendents from more distant regions had brought their annual budgets for review and submission. This made it a good day for us to clear out of the guest house early.

Armindo picked us up early since Zef and the Bishop were going to be tied up in this conference all day. We made our first stop in town to acquire a sim card and some minutes for our unlocked phone. This allowed us to talk within the country at a reasonable rate versus the $2.59 a minute that AT&T charged.

After that we headed out to Chamanculo which is an area in the outskirts of Maputo. There we visited with Rev. Alfiado Zunguze and His wife Joanetta. The Reverend is pastor of the Methodist church in Chamanculo which has about 900 members. He has been the pastor there since 2003 and is currently offering a training course for pastors as well as a bible study at the church. The course for pastors is described as being a mini theology course with 18 students currently enrolled.

We presented a Proclaimer in the Xitshwa language to Rev. Alfiado. To our surprise we learned that he was one of the readers in the Xitshwa recording. He had read the narrator’s text in the recording of the book of Matthew. The original recording was done in a radio studio in Maputo. About 50% of the members at Chamanculo have Bibles and there is a good literacy rate in the congregation. Rev. Alfiado plans to use the Proclaimer in Sunday school and worship services.

Next we went to visit Machava which is also located in the Maputo province, and is one of the five proposed well drilling sites. The proposed well site is located about 3.5 miles off the main highway outside of Maputo. There are currently about 200 households being served by a hand dug well – 21 meters (69 feet) deep. The water from this well did not look like any water I would ever drink. It had a very cloudy and dirty appearance and is drawn up with a rope and a plastic bucket. We met Felix Chilovani, a local resident who lives near the current well and proposed drilling site. He is the one that approved and authorized the proposed site for drilling a new well. He told us that cases of cholera had been reported there during the rainy season. The Methodist church has already purchased the land for this new drilled well which will provide clean water to about 200 families. Additionally, a church will be built on the site to reach out to the many who will use this new well.

When we returned to the guest house that evening, we met a few of the budget conference attendees that were spending the night at the guest house. Over dinner we had a chance to talk to Zeferino Elias Massicame, Director of the Cambine Mission, Rev. Eduardo Filipe Ângelo, district superintendent of the Gaza district and Rev. Olga Lucas João Sincaugo, pastor at Sitila in the North Morrumbene district. Each one of these people expressed sincere thanks for our presence in their country and told us about the need for wells in the areas in which they minister. This further reveals the great need for these life-giving wells throughout the region, and confirms the call God has set within our hearts.

End of Day Tuesday, 10-7-08.

Currently, we are in the initial phase of planning our trip during the Fall of this year. We are researching possible grants for drilling wells and are making plans to visit several other churches in the North Metro Atlanta area to try to gain support for future wells in Mozambique. There are over 50 sites that have immediate need for clean water in Mozambique. We are also in the process of establishing a new cause on our Face book page that will allow for contributions to be made for new wells in Mozambique. We are hoping that through this means we will be able to garner support from a wide range of people from around the world.

Your continued prayer support is needed and appreciated.
Mike & Melody Vanderhoff

Labels: mission trip, mozambique, wells

President Barack Obama's new mortgage relief plan aims to help up to 9 million borrowers qualify for more affordable mortgages and stay in their homes. Obama's "Making Home Affordable" program is designed to work with lenders to modify the loan terms for up to 4 million homeowners and to refinance up to 5 million homeowners into more affordable fixed-rate loans.


Above information provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation. If you have questions about your existing or future mortage, please contact Covenant Mortgage. For assistance with selling or buying a home, contact our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate today.

Labels: covenant mortgage, making home affordable, mortgage, obama, president, program, refinance, vanderhoff real estate

The 31st Annual Spring Atlanta Home Show is coming to its new location at the Cobb Galleria Centre this weekend, March 20-22, 2009! Take advantage of one-stop shopping for everything for your home, inside and out. Talk face to face with over 300 participating companies offering you the latest home remodeling products and services. Whether you are selling a home that could use that competitive edge in today’s crowded market, buying a home that needs updating or remodeling, or just want to enjoy your home to the fullest, you will find what you are looking for at Atlanta’s largest and longest running consumer home show. For 31 years the Spring Atlanta Home Show has been improving home lifestyles and adding value to your largest single investment, your home.

For more information, please visit www.atlantahomeshow.com.

Labels: 2009, atlanta home show, march, remodeling, spring

The Georgia House passed a housing tax credit that would benefit Georgia homebuyers. Under the bill, home purchasers would receive income tax credits of up to $3,600 over three years. This would be split into increments of up to $1,200 for each of the three years. Lawmakers voted 162-4 passing the bill in the Georgia House. The measure now moves on to the Senate.

The goal is to help revitalize Georgia’s residential real estate market. Lawmakers understand that we have to get the large amount of inventory in the area moving, and they hope this bill will stimulate home buyers who have been sitting on the fence.

The legislation would apply to new and previously occupied homes as well as residences that have been foreclosed. The credit could be used either for houses and condominiums and either on primary or second residences. In order to qualify, homeowners would have to apply for the credit within six months of the date the governor signs the bill.

This bill, if passed, could mean a total of $11,600 in tax credits for the purchase of a new home in Georgia if the home buyer qualifies for the federal tax credit as well. Even without the federal credit, a $3,600 tax credit could encourage many home buyers to act who previously had no incentive. We will keep you posted on this bill, and perhaps soon you can take advantage of this great home buying opportunity. With home prices and mortgage rates at their lowest in years, this bill could be the boost we need to get homes moving again.

Labels: 2009, atlanta, buyer, georgia, georgia house, Home, march, market, real estate, tax credit

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

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.875%
15-yr Fixed = 4.50%

Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000*
15-yr Fixed = 5.75%
5/1 ARM = 4.75%
7/1 ARM =5.00%

FHA Loans:
30-yr Fixed = Range 5.00% - 5.50%

*Based on pricing as of Thursday, 3/13/09 at 1:00PM.

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, interest rates, mortgage rates, vanderhoff real estate

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) announced March 3, 2009, that restrictions on outdoor water use will remain in place across 55 north Georgia counties, including Forsyth. They also announced, however, an exemption for drip irrigation and soaker hoses to give citizens more water-efficient options to help maintain healthy landscapes during the drought. Each household, business or other institution or property owner may use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water existing landscaping for one hour per day three days per week within the hours of midnight to 10 a.m.

Odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays within the hours of midnight to 10 a.m.

Even-numbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays within the hours of midnight to 10 a.m.

This exemption is for existing landscape plants ("plants" means trees, flowers, vines and shrubs) and does not include lawn grass or turf.

Drip irrigation means the use of an irrigation system manufactured and sold specifically for delivering water through small flexible pipes and emitters slowly and directly to the soil around the base of individual plants in a manner that minimizes evaporative losses, pooling, runoff and wetting plant foliage. This type of system may be a part of a larger automated irrigation system or may operate as a standalone system connected to a typical outdoor faucet.

Soaker hose means a hose that is connected to a typical outdoor faucet and that is manufactured and sold specifically for delivering water slowly and directly to the soil around the base of individual plants by allowing water to seep from it in a manner that minimizes evaporative losses, pooling, runoff and wetting of plant foliage.

To receive additional details regarding current outdoor water restrictions, visit www.forsythco.com or call the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department at 770.781.2160.

Labels: 2009, drip irrigation, forsyth county, soaker hose, water restriction

Change your Clocks, Change the Batteries in your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: daylight-saving time is a convenient reminder to replace batteries in your home.

The Forsyth County Fire Department reminds citizens to take a few minutes to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as we begin daylight saving time.
The Forsyth County Fire Department recommends testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month and replacing the batteries every six months. The units themselves should be replaced every eight to ten years.

The Fire Department also reminds citizens of the following safety precautions:
· Install a smoke detector on every level of the home
· Ensure smoke detectors are clean and free of dust
· Dial 911 in case of any emergency

The Forsyth County Fire Department is eager to help those who may need smoke detectors in their residence. The department's Public Safety Education Division provides smoke detectors free of charge for senior citizens and needy residents; they will also install those detectors. To receive details on this program, call Public Safety Educator Bob Westbrook at Fire Department Headquarters at 770.781.2180.

Labels: carbon monoxide, daylight saving time, fire department, forsyth county, smoke detectors

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

Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.75%
15-yr Fixed = 4.50%

Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000*
15-yr Fixed = 5.875%
5/1 ARM = 4.625%
7/1 ARM = 4.75%

FHA Loans:
30-yr Fixed = Range 5.00% - 5.50%

*Based on pricing as of Friday, 3/06/09 at 1:00PM.

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 Roswell Women's Club kicks off their 2009 Home Tour with Mayor Lockwood's new home on Dorris Road. Referred to as "The Homestead", the home is nestled on 3o acres off of Dorris Road in Milton.

"We are honored to be able to donate our home for a great cause that will support charities in North Fulton", Mayor Joe Lockwood shared, "I feel very fortunate to have a beautiful piece of property in Milton to live on, so it is nice to be able to share this with our community".

The event will be running from March 8th to March 29th. Proceeds will go to benefiting North Fulton Charitable Organizations.

To find out more information and purchase tickets, please click here.

Labels: home tour, homestead, lockwood, mayor, Milton, roswell women's club

Coming up on March 21, 2009 Abba House will have its 2nd Annual 5K Sawnee Mountain Run. This is a time where serious runners looking to win or those looking to just have some fun can come out and run the beautiful trails of Sawnee Mountain in Cumming. There will also be a family run taking place after the 5k run. The 5k run will begin at 8 a.m. and the family run will begin immediately after. Entry fee is $20.00 per individual for the run or family run.

Abba House is a 12-month residential ministry for women with life controlling issues, such as drug addiction or depression. The women at Abba House bring their children with them to allow rehabilitation for the entire family. Visit their website at www.abbahouse.com for more information.

Labels: 5k, abba house, cumming, run, sawnee mountain

The Georgia Department of Transportation announces a new traffic signal at State Route 9 and Spot Road in Forsyth County. The signal is currently in test mode and should be operational Thursday, March 5, weather permitting.

Each intersection is reviewed to determine if the intersection meets the federal guidelines for the installation of a traffic signal. The intersection of State Route 9 and Spot Road met those requirements. The signal should be operational by mid-morning on Thursday, March 5.

DOT and the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office will monitor the area to ensure drivers are following the new traffic signal.

This intersection work is part of a construction project that will upgrade seven intersections in Forsyth County. Six of the intersections are along SR 9; AC Smith Road, Spot Road, SR 371, Hamby Road, Majors Road and Castleberry Road. One of the intersections is on SR 20 at SR 371. This project is currently on schedule for its December 31 completion date and has a construction cost of $8.2 million.

Labels: forsyth county, Georgia DOT, signal, spot road, Traffic

John Wieland is starting a great promotion this Friday, March 6th. They will be selling 101 homes at the best prices in company history. There will be unprecedented opportunities in every John Wieland neighborhood. Plus every home sold during the sale event will receive a Lifetime Structural Warranty. There are several John Wieland communities in the Metro Atlanta area including Weston in Johns Creek, South Forsyth, so call us today. We'd be happy to show you some great new homes, at great prices! And remember, the on-site agents in any new construction neighborhood represent the builder and their interests. So please, consider calling our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate to represent you in your next new home purchase.

Labels: john wieland, new homes, sale, vanderhoff real estate, weston

The Georgia Charter Foundation in partnership with Charter Schools USA plans to file a charter petition with the Forsyth County School District to open a Kindergarten-Eighth Grade (K-8) charter school for the 2010-2011 academic year. Charter schools offer a tuition-free alternative to traditional public schools. Charter schools are publicly funded but privately operated under a performance contract with the school district and are given flexibility from regulations in exchange for higher accountability.

In an effort to receive community input as well as obtain support for the proposed school, Charter Schools USA will hold two community input meetings at the Polo Golf and Country Club meeting room from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on March 5 and March 26. This is an opportunity for parents, educators, involved citizens, and the business community to join representatives from Georgia Charter Foundation and Charter Schools USA to learn about public schools of choice such as charter schools as well as provide input regarding community interests and assets integral to the educational experience.

The Polo Golf and Country Club is located at 6300 Polo Club Drive, Cumming, GA. The event, which is free and open to the public, will provide residents with an overview of charter schools and how parents can get involved in the planning stages of this proposed school.

If you would like additional information about this event, charter schools or Charter Schools USA, please visit www.georgiacharterfoundation.org.

Labels: charter schools usa, forsyth county, forsyth county schools, georgia charter foundation, polo golf and country club