| Vanderhoff Real Estate's North Fulton Blog
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween: Don't Forget To Set Your Clocks Back!
 Don't Forget: Daylight Saving Time ends tonight. Set your clocks back one hour before going to bed. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep in the morning!
Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!
Labels: daylight saving time, halloween
Friday, October 30, 2009
Weekend Mortgage Rates
 Check out this weekend's mortgage rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation: Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under* 30-yr Fixed = 4.875% Purchase Only 15-yr Fixed = 4.375% Purchase Only
Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance Quotes
Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000* 5/1 ARM = 4.50% 7/1 ARM =4.875% FHA Loans: * 30-yr Fixed Range= 5.00% - 5.50% *Based on pricing as of Friday, October 30th, 09 at 12:00PM.
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, mortgage, rates, real estate, vanderhoff
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Senate Comittee in Favor of Extending the Home Tax Credit
Senate negotiators reached a tentative deal to extend a tax credit for first-time home buyers, however, it still faces votes in the House & Senate. If passed, the agreement would extend the existing credit for first-time home buyers, worth up to $8,000, while offering a new credit of up to $6,500 for some existing homeowners. The reduced credit would be available to all home buyers who have been in their current residence for a consecutive five-year period in the past eight years. The new provisions are aimed at broadening availability of the credit beyond first-time buyers and giving the weakened real-estate market a bigger boost while preventing real-estate investors from benefiting. The credit would be extended from its current expiration date of Dec. 1 to all contracts entered into by April 30, and closed before July 1. It is expected that income limits on people claiming the credit would be increased to $125,000 for singles and $250,000 for couples, from the current $75,000 and $150,000. The credit phases out for people making more than those amounts. While Senate lawmakers appear to have reached a deal on the substance of the tax credit, they are still at odds over how it would be brought to the Senate floor. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) hopes to add it to a bill currently on the Senate floor to extend federal unemployment insurance benefits. But agreement on that hasn't been finalized. While Senate Republicans are likely to support the measure, House Democrats have raised concerns that it carries a high cost to the government. The Internal Revenue Service is examining the program for alleged abuse. Labels: 8000, first time, home buyer, house, senate, tax credit, vote
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Halloween Weekend: Haunted Maze at Uncle Shucks
 Looking for a great way to spend your Halloween this year? Visit Dawsonville's growing agri-tourism venue, Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. More than 40,000 people are expected to crisscross through the cornstalks by the time it closes on November 22nd. But don't wait until November! The "Haunted" version of this Maze will only be open for 2 more nights: Friday, October 30th & Saturday, October 31st.
Uncle Shuck's Haunted Maze is a nighttime adventure through the corn patch, lit only by the clear blue glow of the moon. In the dark, sometimes your mind plays tricks on you...what was that sound? Did you see something move? Flashlights are Not allowed in the Haunted Maze during the haunt, so you might think of running!
Venture out if you dare, and try not to scream visiting Uncle Shuck's Haunted Maze.
There is a $3 extra cost for the Haunted Maze that goes to charity, so go have fun, and make a difference in our community!
All Kids 12 and under must be accompanied in maze with a parent. Flashlights will not be allowed in the haunted maze during the haunt. Closing time is at the discretion of the Manager! Haunted Maze starts at Dark, last ticket sold at 10 p.m. Visit www.uncleshucks.com for more information. Labels: 2009, corn maze, dawson county, dawsonville, haunted maze, hayride, november, october, pumpkin patch, uncle shucks
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home's Exterior
 Make your home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers
with these quick and easy tips:
1. Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details.
2. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle.
3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.
4. Install new doorknobs on your front door.
5. Repair any cracks in the driveway.
6. Edge the grass around walkways and trees.
7. Keep your garden tools and hoses out of sight.
8. Clear toys from the lawn.
9. Buy a new mailbox.
10. Upgrade your outside lighting.
11. Buy a new doormat for the outside of your front door.
12. Clean your windows, inside and outside.
13. Polish or replace your house numbers.
14. Place a seasonal wreath on your door. Labels: curb appeal, entry, exterior, for sale, Home, lawn
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Dahlonega Annual Chili Cook Off: October 31, 2009
 Don't miss Dahlonega's Annual Chili Cook Off Contest located in Hancock Park in Historic Dahlonega on Saturday, October 31st from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Chili tasting, cornbread, drink & dessert! Vote for your favorite entry...Rain or Shine. Tickets available in advance or at the gate. Admission is $10; children under 10 are free. Be a sponsor of this popular event, get your contestant application or sponsorship brochure from the Visitor's Center or visit www.Dahlonega.org. See you Saturday! Labels: chili, contest, cook off, dahlonega, hancock park, visitor center
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Weekend Mortgage Rates
 Check out this weekend's mortgage rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation: Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under* 30-yr Fixed = 4.875% Purchase Only 15-yr Fixed = 4.375% Purchase Only Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance Quotes
Jumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000* 5/1 ARM = 4.50% 7/1 ARM =4.875% FHA Loans: * 30-yr Fixed Range= 5.00% - 5.50% *Based on pricing as of Friday, October 23rd, 09 at 12:00PM.
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, real estate, vanderhoff
Thursday, October 22, 2009
42nd Annual Moonshine Festival in Dawsonville This Weekend
The 42nd Annual Moonshine Festival is set for this weekend, October 23-25, 2009. It features a Cruise In, a bike tour leading a parade through town, three stages with live entertainment, a chance to meet legendary race car drivers, a car show with vintage race cars and an appearance by Jim Mitchum, co-star of the movie, "Thunder Road," and son of screen legend Robert Mitchum. Rounding at the event will be kid's games and rides, crafts, food and more cars. Bring the family to this free admission festival headlined by Jim Mitchum as this year's Grand Marshall. The classic "Thunder Road" car tour will leave the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame at 9 a.m. on Friday and return that evening at 5:00pm. Enjoy the Cruise In at 5 p.m. on Friday, with live music by Feedback. Visit an old Moonshine still. Listen to stories from both "Trippers" and Revenuers. On Saturday, enjoy crafts, food and three stages with live entertainment on Dawsonville's downtown square. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. See a huge car show lining the streets, including vintage race cars and their drivers. The activities continue Sunday with music, dancers, kid's games and rides, exhibits, more crafts and food and lots more cars. On both days - all day - there will be showings of "Thunder Road." Stay after the 7p.m. show on Saturday for a Special Presentation by Jim Mitchum and other well-known revenue agents and moonshiners. Have fun at the festival and feel good, too. All proceeds of the Moonshine Festival go to Kare for Kids, Inc., a non-profit organization in Dawson County that provides for the children in the county. KARE uses the funds to provide needed items, including winter coats, shoes, clothing, medicine, eye glasses, items required for boot camp, educational resources, summer school fees and toys, among other things. For details about the Moonshine Festival and Dawson County attractions, and to learn about lodging options, visit www.dawson.org or call the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and CVB at 706-265-6278 or toll free at 1-877-302-9271. Labels: 2009, dawson county, dawsonville, moonshine festival, october, thunder road
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Extending the Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers
Some want to expand the tax credit for homebuyers. Supporters say it could stem price declines. Critics say it would just be a costly, temporary fix.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Congress is considering proposals to greatly expand a soon-to-expire $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers -- potentially applying it to all but the wealthiest homebuyers. Supporters say doing so would further boost home sales, stabilize housing prices and generate jobs. Opponents say extending and expanding the credit would be a waste of moneyand only temporarily stave off further price declines. The credit now can be claimed by anyone buying a home who has not owned one for three years and who closes the deal by Nov. 30. Beyond extending that deadline, some lawmakers want to make the credit available to all homebuyers who meet income eligibility requirements. And some want to increase the amount of the credit from $8,000 to $15,000. Currently the first-time home buyer credit is available in full to those buying their primary residence who make $75,000 or less ($150,000 for joint filers). A partial credit is available to those making between $75,000 and $95,000 ($150,000 to $170,000 for joint filers). Labels: 2009, 8000, deadline, first time home buyer, november, tax credit
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Weekend Mortgage Rates
 Check out this weekend's mortgage rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation: Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under* 30-yr Fixed = 4.875% Purchase Only 15-yr Fixed = 4.375% Purchase Only Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance QuotesJumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000* 5/1 ARM = 4.750% 7/1 ARM =5.125% FHA Loans: * 30-yr Fixed Range= 5.00% - 5.50% *Based on pricing as of Friday, October 16th, 09 at 12:00PM.
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, real estate, vanderhoff
Friday, October 16, 2009
Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega the Weekend
 Gold Rush Days are held the third weekend in October (the 17th and 18th for 2009), when thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event, and it is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement! It has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Included in the two day event are a parade, children's activities, a fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, King and Queen Coronation, hog calling, buck dancing contest, gospel singing and other live entertainment, wrist wrestling, and last but not least – some delicious food! Visit www.dahlonegajaycees.com for more information. Dahlonega, a great place to visit AND a great place to live! Click here to view Dahlonega homes for sale. Labels: 2009, dahlonega, festival, gold rush days, homes for sale, jaycees, october
Thursday, October 15, 2009
October 14, 2009: Lake Lanier Reaches Full Pool!
 Lake Lanier reached full pool yesterday morning! Hard to believe it was 18 feet lower in January, and a year ago we were in a Level 4 drought. There's actually water in that little finger of lake that I pass traveling North on Georgia 400 near Pilgrim Mill. I don't think I've seen water there in the last 5 to 6 years. Lake Lanier's full pool status is great news for lake property. Due to the economy and the drought with it's many dried up docks, lake home prices have dropped considerably in the past 2 years. With interest rates and prices still low, and the lake full, now is the time to pick up lakefront property. As activity increases on the lake throughout the next year due to improved recreation and business on and near the lake, prices of these homes will begin to rise again. We'd love to assist you in finding your next home or vacation home on Lake Lanier. Visit our website at www.VanderhoffRealEstate.com to check out the available lake homes for sale. Labels: dock, drought, for sale, full pool, lake home, lake lanier, market, real estate, vanderhoff
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Milton Peoples Forum Thursday October 15th
Come meet and hear the Milton City Council Candidates speak at the 2009 Milton Peoples Forum on Thursday, October 15,2009 from 7pm to 10pm at Shannondale Farm located at 2359 Birmingham Road, Milton GA 30004. Free Food and Beverages Available! District 1 Candidates
Karen Thurman & Bernard Wolff
District 3 Candidates
Bill Lusk & Al Trevillyan
District 5 Candidates
Tina D'Aversa & Joe Longoria
SPONSORED BY Accessmilton.com, Beverage Depot, Boy Scout Troop 1459,Etail Promotions, Hunter Christmas Tree Farm, Element Coffee Company, Katys Car Wash, The Milton Police Department, Music Matters, Pretzel Factory, Power Realty, Shannondale Farm, Your Milton Target, The UPS Store At Birmingham Village, and Birmingham Village Subway. Special Thanks To Milton Police Lt John Borsey and Lt Travis Parker For Providing Security. Labels: 2009, candidates, city of milton, Milton, october, peoples forum
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Cumming County Fair & Festival October 8-18, 2009
 Featuring old-fashioned fairground fun for the whole family, the Cumming County Fair and Festival offers a variety of attractions from Midway carnival rides, daily ground acts, a petting zoo, fairway foods, and a lineup of great concerts scheduled throughout eleven fun-filled days of entertainment for all ages! This annual October event in Cumming, GA, began Thursday, October 8th and will continue through Sunday October 18th. Visitors to the fair will also enjoy several educational and family-oriented Cumming Fairground attractions, like the living history exhibits featuring a 1900’s rural township with reproductions of a doctor’s office, art deco barber shop, dentist office, printing press, one-room schoolhouse, churches, general store, working post office and the Heritage and Indian Villages. Be sure to check out the “Daily Specials” offering great discounts on admissions and rides for children, students, seniors and even a discount for visitors that present a non-winning Georgia Lottery ticket on featured days throughout all 11 days of the event. Hours: Monday – Thursday 4pm – 10 pm Friday 4 pm – Midnight Saturday 10 am – Midnight Sunday 12:30 PM – 7PM Admission: Adults $7.00 Students (5-18) $3.00 4 and Under Free Parking $3.00 Daily Specials: Tuesday, October 13 Jason Michael Carroll in concert @ 8:00 PM STUDENT NIGHT! FREE Admission 18 and under. $15 Pay-One-Price Rides Wednesday, October 14 Downhere in concert @ 8:00 PM The Fish Family Fun Day! $18 Pay-One-Price Rides Thursday, October 15 The Charlie Daniels Band in concert @ 8:00 PM $18 Pay-One-Price Rides Friday, October 16 Ray Price in concert @ 8:30 PM Georgia Lottery Autographed Guitar Giveaway—7:15 p.m. Carl Black GMC Truck Giveaway—7:20 p.m. Saturday, October 17 Chainsaw Carving Auction - 7:00 PM FREE Admission and Rides 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 2 Ride for the Price of 1 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Georgia Lottery Day—11:00 a.m. – midnight gets $1:00 off adult admission with a non-winning lottery ticket. Sunday, October 18 Last day of the fair—don’t miss the fun! Location: Cumming Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road Cumming, GA For more information on the Cumming Fair, call 770-781-3491 or visit www.cummingfair.net. Labels: cumming country fair and festival, Fairgrounds, georgia
Monday, October 12, 2009
October 12th: Forsyth County Road Closures Due To Rain
ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO RAIN IN FORSYTH COUNTY GEORGIA: OCTOBER 12, 2009
The following roads are currently closed due to high water:
· Tidwell Road at the Creek
· Fowler Road, just south of Harrison Lane
· Shiloh Road near McFarland Parkway
Labels: 2009, forsyth county, fowler, high water, october, rain, road closures, shiloh, tidwell
Friday, October 09, 2009
Weekend Mortgage Rates
 Check out this weekend's mortgage rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation: Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under* 30-yr Fixed = 4.875% Purchase Only 15-yr Fixed = 4.375% Purchase Only Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance QuotesJumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000* 5/1 ARM = 4.750% 7/1 ARM =5.125% FHA Loans: * 30-yr Fixed Range= 5.00% - 5.50% *Based on pricing as of Friday, October 9th, 09 at 12:00PM.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, rates, real estate, vanderhoff
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Great Eats: Andy's Dawgs in Dahlonega
 On your next visit to the North Georgia Mountains, check out Andy's Dawgs, a great new place to eat in Dahlonega. They serve the traditional American hot dog, but Andy's specialty is the Chili Dawg made with Angus Beef and homemade chili. Andy uses a recipe that was handed down from his uncle Jack Holbrook, whoe restaurant was a favorite in Cumming in the '60's and 70's. Also on the menu: Slaw dogs, Angus burgers, Sweet Potato chip and Yoo-hoo's. Andy's Dawgs is located at 77A Memorial Drive, two blocks east of the square in Dahlonega. For more information call 706-482-0111 or visit www.andysdawgs.com. If you are looking for some really good food in a friendly atmosphere, drop by Andy’s Dawgs for a tasty meal! Labels: andys dawgs, chili dogs, dahlonega, georgia, hot dogs, north georgia mountains, places to eat, visit
Monday, October 05, 2009
Georgia LeafWatch 2009
 Whether heading to the mountains for hiking and biking or going south for canoeing and camping, “Leaf Watch 2009” offers advice on where to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/LeafWatch throughout October and early November, travelers can get updates on fall color, learn safe hiking tips, and make reservations for the many campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks. Typically, Georgia’s mountain parks peak at the end of October; however, color can be seen as early as September and throughout much of November. Some of the most popular parks for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Unicoi, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Moccasin Creek, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi and Vogel. Since these parks are often crowded on weekends, visitors may want to check out less known parks, which can be just as vibrant. Providence Canyon State Park, also called Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon, has hiking trails along the rim and into the sandy canyon. Hardwoods and tumbling creeks can be found on the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in near Columbus. Smithgall Woods near Helen boasts not only beautiful fall color but also some of the best trout fishing in the state. Park officials advise visitors to make overnight reservations for campsites, cottages, yurts or hotel-style lodges as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for mountain cottages to be reserved nearly a year in advance, and many campgrounds fill up on pretty weekends. To make a reservation, call 1-800-864-7275 or log onto www.GeorgiaStateParks.org. Labels: 2009, amicalola falls, camping, fall color, fall leaves, georgia, hiking, october, state park, unicoi
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Weekend Mortgage Rates
 Check out this weekend's mortgage rates provided by Covenant Mortgage Corporation: Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under* 30-yr Fixed = 4.875% Purchase Only 15-yr Fixed = 4.50% Purchase Only Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance QuotesJumbo Loans: Loan amounts over $417,000* 3/1 ARM = 4.20% 5/1 ARM = 5.05% 7/1 ARM =5.80% FHA Loans: * 30-yr Fixed Range= 5.00% - 5.25% *Based on pricing as of Friday, October 2nd, 09 at 12:00PM.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, real estate, vanderhoff
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Georgia Energy Sales Tax Holiday: October 1 - 4, 2009
Starting today, no state or local sales tax will be collected on selected products labeled WaterSense or Energy Star. This promotion helps homeowners reduce their water and energy consumption by using water-efficient and energy-efficient products. WaterSense appliances purchased for personal use under $1,500 are eligible. WaterSense toilets and sink faucets can save up to 20 percent on home water use. In addition to not paying sales tax, homeowners can also receive a $100 rebate for replacing a toilet installed before 1993. The rebate is part of the Toilet Rebate Program. Details regarding the Toilet Rebate Program can be found on the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department page at www.forsythco.com or the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District Web site at www.northgeorgiawater.org/toiletrebate. Eligible Energy Star products include air conditioners, ceiling fans, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, doors, fluorescent light bulbs, programmable thermostats, refrigerators and windows (including skylights). Visit www.epa.gov/watersense receive a complete list of WaterSense products. Visit www.conservewatergeorgia.net to receive additional information about the sales tax holiday. Labels: 2009, energy, energy star, georgia, october, sales tax holiday, toilet rebate, watersense
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