This Saturday, May 2, 2009, the Sawnee Woman's Club will debut an exciting new event - the Inaugural 2009 Sawnee Woman’s Club Tour of Homes presented by Smith Jackson Properties, LLC - designed to encourage area residents to open their minds to endless possibilities for their homes while raising funds to help those in our community who are less fortunate. The Sawnee Woman’s Club Tour of Homes event will include two opportunities in which community residents can participate:
Community Tours – Daytime Only tickets $20/each 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Community tours of the three Idea homes along with live demos, specialty boutiques. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- Live cooking demonstrations by culinary arts teams from South Forsyth and West Forsyth High Schools. Noon and 2 p.m. -- Fashion shows at lead house on Tour of Homes, courtesy of E.K.Taylor boutique at Vickery Village.
VIP Patron party – Evening Tickets $75/each 6 – 11 p.m. -- Tour of Homes VIP Patron Party
Parking for the Tour of Homes will be available at The Shops at Kelly Mill, located at the intersection of Kelly Mill and Bethelview Roads. Shuttles will be used to transport guests throughout the day to the tour homes.
At the first shuttle stop on the Tour of Homes, guests will enjoy self-guided tours and experience the latest building and design techniques evident in each of the three homes; live demonstrations, including glazing techniques by experts with This Faux House Designs. Laura Sheeley Holt, ASID of Laura Sheeley Designs, Inc. and Jamie Kern, ASID of Design Theory Interiors, will demonstrate interior design techniques that show new and easy ways to decorate kitchens and other living spaces. At 12 p.m. (noon) and 2 p.m., Vickery Village specialty boutique, E.K. Taylor, will present two fashion shows at the lead home. Cake artisans from Creations Bakery, located at 101 Meadow Drive in Cumming, will demonstrate cake decorating skills at a 1 p.m. session.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tour guests will have the opportunity to join in some friendly competition, “Battle of South vs. West,” to support the Culinary Arts programs from third and fourth place state Culinary Arts champions, South Forsyth High School and West Forsyth High School, respectively. The friendly cooking competition between the county’s two high schools culinary arts programs will take place in the Tour homes from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Each school will allow guests to vote on their favorite culinary program cuisine in order to have even more bragging rights in the county.
Throughout the day, Tour of Homes guests also will have the opportunity to purchase concessions, unique items at Sawnee Woman’s Club boutique and enter raffles with a number of exciting prizes.
That evening, from 6 to 11 p.m., a Sawnee Woman’s Club VIP Patron Party will be held at the lead house on the Tour of Homes, the private residence of David and Angela Wahlbom. Guests will enjoy a progressive wine tasting in the homes beginning at 6 pm followed by a delectable Italian meal catered by Bello Italian restaurant.
The evening rounds out with live entertainment by popular classic cover band, The Frogz, a gentleman’s Texas Hold ‘Em tournament from 9 to 11 p.m. and Silent Auction with amazing items to bid on, including a week stay at a Tuscan villa in Manciano, Italy and vacation homes in St. Croix and Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
Tickets will be available for sale online at www.sawneewomansclub.org, or in person at the parking lot at The Shops at Kelly Mill on the day of the event.
Buying A New Construction Home: What You Need To Know
If you are like many home buyers in Forsyth County, Alpharetta and the surrounding areas, you may be considering purchasing a newly built home in a swim/tennis community. Before you make your decision, there are a few things you need to remember.
1. DO NOT SETTLE FOR THE LIST PRICE. New home sales have dropped drastically. Builders are sitting on homes that they need to sell. Negotiate!
2. USE A LENDER YOU TRUST. Builders will often offer to pay closing costs with a preferred lender. Many times I see a buyer fall for this, then end up paying a higher interest rate in the end. Bottom line on obtaining a mortgage: Use a lender you trust.
3. PAY FOR AN INSPECTION. Just because it's a new home, does not mean there are no construction errors along the way. A multiple stage inspection is ideal: Foundation, Framing & Final. Any major problems need to be presented to the builder & resolved. This will also give you an idea of how your builder will respond during the Warranty Period, after you've moved in. (By the way, make sure the builder offers a Warranty!).
4. ASK THE NEIGHBORS. Don't be shy....ask homeowner's in the neighborhood how the builder rates. This is one of the best ways to find out your builder's reputation.
5. COMMUNITY RESEARCH. Make sure you do your homework on that community. Read the covenants that govern that community and understand the HOA in place, if any.
6. BRING YOUR OWN REALTOR. The on-site agent at the community represents the builder. Bring your own Realtor to represent you. It's the wisest decision you will make.
Please consider our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate to help you succeed in your next Real Estate transaction!
Forbes Magazine Predicts Atlanta's Recovery To Begin
Forbes Magazine made some good predictions for Atlanta homebuilders and residents last week. While other cities, like Las Vegas and Phoenix are expected to see home prices decrease by up to 50%, Atlanta is predicted to see significant increases as early as 2009. (This reiterates that NOW is the time to buy Atlanta Real Estate. Discounts on current new home inventory are available now. They won't last forever!)
Although Forbes mentions the number of Atlanta foreclosures in early 2008, our continued steady job growth rate promises an end to our housing slump. In fact, next year home starts are expected to jump up by 32.5% for single family homes around the metro Atlanta area. Multi-family home prices are expected to rise by as much as 18.4% and job growth will remain around the steady 2% yearly increase that has kept Atlanta afloat and the envy of the nation. We are placed at number nine in the group of ten "lucky cities" that are predicted to experience long term recovery that will begin next year. Other cities where home prices are expected to rise include Oklahoma City, Minneapolis, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, Austin, Portland, San Antonio, Charlotte, and Albuquerque. So while times may seem tough now, if we can just hold out for a little while longer, things should be looking up for the economy and the Atlanta housing market once again.
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 = 5.875% 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, 4/24/09 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!
It's Earth Day, and the perfect time to start thinking about making your home more energy efficient, while ultimately saving money. 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.
To help ensure children are riding safely, the Forsyth County Fire Department will hold a free child safety seat inspection event Friday, April 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Target parking lot off Market Place Boulevard in Cumming.
The event will focus on the safety of all children who are transported using child safety seats and booster seats. During the inspections, parents will be educated on the proper installation and use of their child safety seats and will then install the child safety seats themselves to ensure their understanding of the procedure. During the event, adult supervision will be provided for children while parents are being educated about and installing their seats.
In the past, as many as 90% of the child safety seats inspected by the Fire Department's trained technicians have been found to be improperly installed.
For questions regarding the child safety seat inspection event, call Forsyth County Fire Department Headquarters at 770.781.2180 (extension 0).
Document Shredding Event in Alpharetta This Weekend
On Saturday April 25, 2009 from 8:00am -12:00 noon, rain or shine, bring any documents that need to be shredded to Alpharetta United Methodist Church. Old bank statements in the attic, tax returns in the basement, old files in the drawers and boxes of papers with just too much information on them to throw in the trash. With identity theft on the rise, what can you do? The AFUMC Mozambique Mission Team is reaching out to help. They will be bringing a shredding truck to the AFUMC Youth Center parking lot at 69 North Main Street, Alpharetta on Saturday April 25th from 8:00am till 12:00 noon. For only 75 cents a pound, you can watch all those documents shredded before your eyes. No need to worry about staples or paper clips, it takes care of that too. Plus, all shredding will be recycled into brown paper bags. Not only are you helping the environment, but all proceeds will go towards helping the Mozambique mission team, made up of neighbors in your community. See you there!
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under* 30-yr Fixed = 4.750% Purchase Only 15-yr Fixed = 4.5% 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 = 4.75% 7/1 ARM =5.0%
FHA Loans: 30-yr Fixed = Range 4.875% - 5.50%
*Based on pricing as of Friday, 4/17/09 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!
The seventh annual “Taste of Forsyth” will be held this Sunday, April 19th from 12 – 5pm at the Cumming Fairgrounds. All proceeds from the Taste of Forsyth will go to the building of the new Family Haven shelter that began construction in 2008.
The Taste of Forsyth is an outdoor food festival that includes local vendors, live entertainment and great fun for the whole family. Enjoy tasting the food of local restaurants, caterers, bakeries and ice cream shops while visiting the local art and craft vendors and exploring the business expo. There is something for everyone, you can even ride a pony or jump in a moonwalk at the kid’s corner.
The admission to the Cumming Fairgrounds is FREE with tickets being sold to purchase food items from each vendor. The tickets are priced at $0.50 ticket with nothing exceeding 6 tickets.
Forsyth County Family Haven, Inc. was incorporated in January 1989 to provide safe, temporary shelter, individual crisis support, and referral services for victims of violence. They are a nonprofit organization and a United Way of Forsyth County participating agency touching both Forsyth and North Fulton counties. Their services are offered free of charge to all victims of domestic violence. For more information visit www.family-haven.org.
If you have questions regarding the event, please contact Family Haven at 770-889-6384 ext. 116 or 678-787-2217.
The Alpharetta Arts Streetfest will take place from 10 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, 2009 on Milton Avenue in the Alpharetta Historic District. Admission and parking are free to the public.
Festival-lovers and arts enthusiasts can look forward to two days of strolling through outdoor galleries filled with fine paintings, mixed media, photography, pottery and jewelry as well as textile, glass, wood, metal and paper art. The 104 artists to be featured in the 5th Alpharetta Arts Streetfest were selected by a jury comprised of art professionals from the Alpharetta community. Selected artists will be traveling to Alpharetta from Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and Texas, as well as some of our local artists in Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas.
The children’s area is Going Green! Children can create free fun art projects using recycled materials in the interactive “Art in Action” area presented by the Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department. City of Alpharetta Environmental Coordinator will show how to make your own Chia Pet from old socks and other environmental crafts in celebration of Earth Day. The Science Academy Mobile Lab will bring artistic and scientific activities, including George Washington Carver’s mixing pigments on linen and Isaac Newton’s white light color wheel.
The Annual Alpharetta Farmers Market will grow its first root at the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest located under the oak tree on Old Roswell Street. Come purchase local produce, herbs, honey and more. The Farmers Market will take place every Saturday from April to October from 8am to 12:30pm. For more information, go to www.alpharettafarmersmarket.com.
To kick off the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest, the Alpha Arts Guild with host Art Beyond Borders 2009 which is an annual event that partners local artists with local businesses. The event will showcase local artwork and this year is located in Alpharetta Historic District from April 10 to April 25. Working in cooperation with the City of Alpharetta, Art Beyond Borders will bookend the annual Alpharetta Arts Streetfest. For more information go to www.alphaartsguild.com.
Arts Streetfest will also include live jazz, roots rock, acoustical and Celtic music. Festival cuisine will include barbecue from Smokejack: A Southern Grill, Italian favorites from Carmine’s Restaurant & Pizzeria and additional street fare such as flavored coffees, Italian ice, fresh lemonade, ice cream, roasted nuts and various chocolate delights.
Alpharetta Arts Streetfest will take place on Milton Avenue between Main Street (SR 9) and Roswell-Canton Street in the Historic Downtown area. Free parking is available for festival-goers at City Hall, Milton Center (the old Milton High School) and City of Alpharetta downtown parking lots. Downtown shops and restaurants will offer specials and extended business hours during the festival.
For more event information or to catch a visual preview of the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest artists, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us.
The 73rd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back at Piedmont Park this weekend, April 17th - 19th, 2009. An Atlanta staple for more than 70 years, there is something for everyone at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Virtually every kind of art imaginable is represented at the festival, with a nationally renowned-juried Fine Artist Market that includes sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography and much more.
In addition to the fine art for adults and art collectors, there is a Kids Village featuring huge inflatables, arts & crafts and face painting for all ages, as well as the ever-popular 24-foot rock-climbing wall. It's a full weekend of arts, music, family, and fun at the Southeast's favorite springtime tradition.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Shady Grove Campground in Forsyth County will open for the season this Saturday, April 18th and will remain open until November 8, 2009.
The campground features over 110 campsites including group campsites with picnic shelters, tent camping areas and campsites with water and 30 amp power hookups. The campground also includes a beach, swim area and playground.
Daily fees for use of the campground: 30 amp electric site with water $24 Tent camping site with no hookups $16 Group camping (south) $130 Group camping (north) $150 Dump station $15 Visitor fee $2
Shady Grove Campground is located at 7800 Shadburn Ferry Road in Cumming. The phone number for Shady Grove Campground is 770.205.6849. Check-in time is 8:30 a.m. and check-out time is 3 p.m. The park gates are locked from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Campsites may be reserved up to 30 days in advance with full payment made in person at the campground. Accepted forms of payment are cash, check, credit card or money order.
To receive additional information about Shady Grove Campground, call the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department at 770.781.2215.
Metro Atlanta Drought Over But Water Restrictions Remain
After three years, the drought is officially over in metro Atlanta, according to state climatologist David Stooksbury. Due to the heavy rainfalls across most of Georgia, drought levels in many parts of the state were reduced or eliminated by the end of March. The exceptions to this relaxation were the Lake Lanier and Lake Hartwell watersheds and southeastern Georgia, where rainfall in some locations was below normal for March.
Despite this recent announcement, outdoor watering restrictions will remain indefinitely since Lake Lanier is still recovering and is more than 9 feet below full. The lake is the water source for more than 3 million metro Atlantans. For the current watering restrictions in your area, click on the county link below.
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under* 30-yr Fixed = 4.750% 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 = 5.625% 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, 4/10/09 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!
Update On House Bill 261: Housing Income Tax Credit for Georgians
The 2009 Session of the Georgia General Assembly ended on Friday, April 3, 2009. House Bill 261, which authorizes an income tax credit for a limited period of time for the purchase of any single-family residence, passed both the house and the senate and has now been sent to the Governor for his consideration. As originally passed, House Bill 261 provided for a tax credit of up to $3,600. Unfortunately, due to budget concerns expressed by the Governor's office, the bill was amended to reduce the income tax credit to a maximum of $1,800 over three years.The hard work and support of many legislators, to include Senator Chip Pearson, Representative Larry O'Neal and Representative Ron Stephens were instrumental in securing passage of this important legislation.
Homebuyers need an incentive to BUY NOW. The recovery of the housing market in Georgia is critical for all Georgians. It is critical that we let the Governor know how important House Bill 261 is to the homebuilding industry and Georgia.
Use the link below to contact the Governor's office and ask him to sign House Bill 261!
Forsyth County Offers Toilet Rebate Program To Promote Water Conservation
The Forsyth County government has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD) for participation in the district-wide toilet rebate program.
The toilet rebate program is designed as an incentive for Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department customers to replace older, inefficient toilets. Residents are encouraged to do their part to reduce water usage by installing ultra low-flush toilets (ULFT) and high efficiency toilets (HET). The 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) ULFTs are rebated at $50 per toilet. The 1.28 gpf HETs are rebated at $100 per toilet.
To be eligible for the rebate program, customers must apply for the rebate with the MNGWPD and meet certain qualifications. Customers can download and print an application online at www.northgeorgiawater.org/toiletrebate or call 404.463.8645 to receive an application by mail. If a customer qualifies, the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department will credit the customer’s account with the rebate.
Qualifications to receive a toilet rebate:
Have an individual residential water account with the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department and be up to date on billing payments
Own or rent a single-family residential home built in 1993 or earlier
Purchase an approved toilet after September 28, 2007, to replace an older toilet using greater than 1.6 gpf
Agree to an installation verification visit to ensure your efficient toilets have been installed
Agree to complete a program participation survey
Customers can receive up to two (2) toilet rebates per household. Only Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department customers are eligible. Households on wells are not eligible for a rebate. Applicants meeting all requirements can expect notification via letter or email from the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District within 30 days. After notification, the rebate should appear on their bill within two (2) billing cycles. The rebate can only be used toward the purchase price of the toilet (tank and bowl) and does not pay for Georgia sales tax, additional installation parts or installation. Rebates are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
To receive additional information regarding the toilet rebate program qualifications and instructions, visit northgeorgiawater.org.
The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service have approved new prices for mailing services, including a 2-cent increase in the price of a First Class Mail stamp to 44 cents. Prices for mailing services are reviewed annually and adjusted each May. The new prices go into effect Monday, May 11th.
However, FOREVER STAMPS will save you money! You can continue to mail letters at today's lower prices if you purchase the Forever Stamps prior to May 11th. Forever Stamps were created to help people ease the transition during price changes. They do not have a denomination and will be honored whenever they are used with no need for additional postage for a 1-ounce letter mailing.
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under* 30-yr Fixed = 4.75% 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 = 4.75% 7/1 ARM =5.00%
FHA Loans: 30-yr Fixed = Range 4.875% - 5.50% *Based on pricing as of Friday, 4/03/09 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!
As Spring weather approaches there are areas of your home that need attention in the coming months. Make sure to take the time to check these items in and around your home and attend to any that need maintenance.
Clean and test smoke and CO detectors.
Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers.
Change or clean the furnace filter.
Operate the air-conditioning system
Adjust registers and confirm that registers and cold-air returns are clear of furniture or
draperies.
Make certain the air-conditioner compressor is level and clear of debris.
Turn the humidifier off.
Inspect grout around tile (floor or wall) and touch up.
Wash windows and screens, clean weep holes, and lubricate tracks.
Check caulking, inside and out, and touch up.
Check garage overhead door.
Start and adjust sprinkler system.
Test exterior faucets for broken pipes.
Clean gutters and confirm that downspouts or splash blocks drain away from the house.
Look for settling of backfill soils and fill in where needed.
Check exterior paint and refinish as needed.
It's easier to do regular maintenance on your home each year instead of waiting until it's too late, or time to sell. By waiting, you often spend much more on repairs that could have been prevented. And, if you find you need to sell your home, it will need to be in tip top shape to compete in today's market.
The seventh annual “Taste of Forsyth” will be held on Sunday, April 19th from 12 – 5pm at the Cumming Fairgrounds. All proceeds from the Taste of Forsyth will go to the building of the new Family Haven shelter that began construction in 2008.
The Taste of Forsyth is an outdoor food festival that includes local vendors, live entertainment and great fun for the whole family. Enjoy tasting the food of local restaurants, caterers, bakeries and ice cream shops while visiting the local art and craft vendors and exploring the business expo. There is something for everyone, you can even ride a pony or jump in a moonwalk at the kid’s corner.
The admission to the Cumming Fairgrounds is FREE with tickets being sold to purchase food items from each vendor. The tickets are priced at $0.50 ticket with nothing exceeding 6 tickets.
Forsyth County Family Haven, Inc. was incorporated in January 1989 to provide safe, temporary shelter, individual crisis support, and referral services for victims of violence. They are a nonprofit organization and a United Way of Forsyth County participating agency touching both Forsyth and North Fulton counties. Their services are offered free of charge to all victims of domestic violence. For more information visit www.family-haven.org.
If you have questions regarding the event, please contact Family Haven at 770-889-6384 ext. 116 or 678-787-2217.
About Mike & Melody Vanderhoff's Cumming, Alpharetta and Dawsonville, GA Real Estate Website: The www.vanderhoffrealestate.com web site provides Cumming, Alpharetta, Dawsonville, the Polo Fields, Ball Ground, Dahlonega, Gainesville, Lake Lanier, Riverstone Plantation, as well as Georgia's Forsyth, Dawson, East Cherokee, Lumpkin and North Fulton Counties
, Georgia real estate information and resources to guide homeowners, homebuyers and real estate investors through the process of selling and buying a house, condo or other realty property in the Cumming, Alpharetta and Dawsonville area. Mike & Melody Vanderhoff (somtimes spelled as Mellody, Melodie, Mellodie, Vanderhof, or Vander Hoff)
has services to help you get the best value for your Cumming, Alpharetta and Dawsonville home and this website offers home buyers and home sellers a superior comparative market analysis (CMA), a way to view real estate and MLS IDX listings including virtual tours, prepare your home for sale, and more. Investors looking for real estate investment properties to invest in need look no farther. Anyone selling a home, buying a home or seeking housing can learn more about our realty services, and will appreciate working with a Cumming, Alpharetta and Dawsonville REALTORs who know the area so well. Through trusted partners, we also provide real estate and financial services to consumers looking for houses for sale or selling their home in Cumming, Alpharetta and Dawsonville, GA, such as mortgages, credit history, new homes, foreclosures and other services. If you've already tried to go the for sale by owner (FSBO) route and find you are needing a partner who you can trust in the sale of your most precious asset, Mike & Melody Vanderhoff can take care of your special needs. It really doesn't matter if you spell it REALTOR, Realator or Realter, realty, realety or reality, real estate or realestate, Mike and Melody speak your language.
