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Alpharetta and Cumming GA Real Estate | Mike & Melody Vanderhoff
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Monday, June 14, 2010

Forsyth County Outdoor Water Restrictions

There are some changes to our outdoor water usage here in Forsyth County, as a result of the Water Stewardship Act. The Georgia Water Stewardship Act went into effect statewide June 2, 2010, after being signed into law June 1 by Governor Sonny Perdue.

The law includes new provisions for landscape watering by irrigation systems. It allows for daily outdoor watering for purposes of planting, growing, managing or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants, but only between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m.

The following outdoor water uses are allowed daily at any time:

  • Commercial agriculture
  • Alternative sources of water (reuse water, rain water, condensate, etc.)
  • Irrigation of personal food gardens Irrigation of newly installed or reseeded turf for the first 30 days
  • Drip irrigation or soaker hoses
  • Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle or a handheld container
  • Water from a private well
  • Irrigation of plants for sale
  • Irrigation of athletic fields, golf courses or public recreation turf
  • Installation, maintenance or calibration of irrigation systems
  • Hydroseeding

Outdoor water use for any purpose other than watering of plants, such as power washing or washing cars, is still restricted to the current odd/even watering schedule. Odd-numbered addresses (those ending with the number 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) may use water for purposes other than landscape watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Even-numbered addresses (those ending with the number 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or no number) may use water for purposes other than landscape watering on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. No hourly restrictions limit these activities.

For more information visit the Forsyth County Government Website at www.forsythco.com.

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# posted by Mike & Melody Vanderhoff @ 5:14 PM

Saturday, May 08, 2010

Join Us! Taste of Alpharetta this Thurs. May 13th


Wills Park is the Home to the 20th Annual Taste of Alpharetta! - one of the city’s most anticipated events with over 60,000 attendees.

On May 13th from 5-10pm this year, over 50 restaurants and food suppliers offer every type of food imaginable! In addition to wonderful food and desserts, you will find live musical performances, radio stations, culinary competitions, and art exhibits.

Participating restaurants serve up an amazing array of appetizers, entrees and desserts from their menus for just $.50- $3 per sample. Tickets may be purchased on-site the evening of the Taste or pre-purchased at Alpharetta City Hall.

The kids can look forward to playing at Wacky World and on the dozens of fun inflatable activities, Guitar Hero, rock climbing, trains and more in the Fun Zone. The Reptile Wrangler will feature educational reptile shows all evening plus exhibits. Children can also enjoy wacky hair, face painting, balloon art, and a full farmyard with pony carousal. Metro Atlanta radio stations will add to the evening’s entertainment.

Park and walk options available at the Wills Park Equestrian Center (on Wills Road) and Alpharetta Community Center (on Roswell Street).

Park and ride shuttle options will be available at Alpharetta City Hall (on South Main Street), Publix Super Market (on Old Milton Parkway at Haynes Bridge), and Milton Center (the old Milton High School at Milton Avenue).

Parking and FREE Shuttle System: Arriving and leaving the event, shuttles will drop off and pick up by the Information Booth on Old Milton Pkwy approx. every 20 minutes from 5-10 pm.

For more information click here.

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# posted by Mike & Melody Vanderhoff @ 4:52 PM

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Forsyth County Homestead Exemption Deadline: April 1st

Those of you who purchased a house in Forsyth County during 2009 and were living there on January 1, 2010, are eligible for lower property taxes by filing for Homestead Exemption before April 1. Residents age 65 or older in 2009 are also eligible for other property tax savings.

You must file before April 1 to receive these benefits. When applying, present the following documentation: a driver's license (if you drive), a copy of a recorded warranty deed, and a letter from the county where you lived prior to moving to Forsyth County stating the homestead has been removed.

Where to file:
Forsyth County Tax Assessor's Office
Forsyth County Administration Building
110 E. Main Street, Suite 260, Cumming
770.781.2106
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For further information, click here.

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# posted by Mike & Melody Vanderhoff @ 11:49 AM

Friday, January 08, 2010

January 8, 2010 Snow Day Atlanta

The snow began to fall on us here in Forsyth County yesterday afternoon. By morning there was a thin, but nice blanket of snow across the landscape as I looked out my window. Sipping my coffee I did a little work from the home office as I watched the kids' not so successful attempt at a snowman. They had a little more success with the snow angels and snow ball fights. Forsyth County schools followed the early release schedule on Thursday and had a full snow day, along with Fulton County today. A great way to ease back into the school schedule after the holidays!

Hopefully the roads will be less treacherous tomorrow as I make my way out to take a few property photos. Thankfully the new year has begun with some increase in activity in the real estate market. Many are trying to take advantage of the tax credit before it expires in April, the low mortgage rates and the already low home prices and great deals currently available. It's a great time to buy! Give me a call if you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell.

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# posted by Mike & Melody Vanderhoff @ 5:46 PM

Monday, January 04, 2010

$8000 Federal Housing Tax Credit Still Available

The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 was extended through April 30, 2010. This tax credit of up to $8,000 is for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence. The tax credit applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.

For sales occurring after November 6, 2009, the Act establishes income limits of $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples filing joint returns. The income limits for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing joint returns.

Click here for questions and answers that will provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation.

If you qualify and would like to take advantage of the tax credit at a time when mortgage rates and home prices are low, contact us today. It's a fantastic time to buy a home in the Cumming, Alpharetta and Lake Lanier area. Visit our website at www.VanderhoffRealEstate.com and search all available listings in the area. We'd love to help you find your next home.

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# posted by Mike & Melody Vanderhoff @ 7:55 PM

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

$6,500 Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit

The following provides basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation.

* To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in
their previous home for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years.

* The tax credit does not have to be repaid.

* The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price up to a
maximum of $6,500.

* The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.

* Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with
incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

* The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on
or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales
contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies
provided it is completed by June 30, 2010.

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# posted by Mike & Melody Vanderhoff @ 11:17 PM

Monday, November 16, 2009

The Worker, Homeownership & Business Act of 2009

The link below will take you to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) website.
It has good information on the details of the revised tax credit bill just extended for eligible buyers entering into contracts thru April 2010 and closed by June 2010. Not only does it contain the 1st time homebuyer tax credit of up to $8000.00, but it also includes a tax credit of $6500.00 for repeat buyers owning their current home for at least 5 years.

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# posted by Mike & Melody Vanderhoff @ 1:07 AM

Monday, August 10, 2009

Today It's Back To School!

Forsyth County Schools, along with several other counties are welcoming back students after their Summer Break. Thanks to the generosity of many in our community, several kids were able to get a much needed backpack and school supplies just in time for school to begin.

On Saturday August 8, 2009 The Place of Forsyth County, Inc. distributed 235 backpacks filled with School supplies to the children of 105 families. The distribution was held from 9-11am for families in need that had signed up in advance for this annual event. The agency has an additional 14 backpacks that will be given out this week for a total of 249.

The distribution was coordinated by Ashley Deckard and provided 249 children with a new backpack and their basic school supplies for their grade. All of the supplies were donated from community supporters including items given to the United Way of Forsyth County.

The Place is sincerely appreciative of everyone who helped to make this event a success and to ensure that our children will be able to start the school year off on a positive note.

To all students: Have a great and successful 2009-2010 school year!

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# posted by Mike & Melody Vanderhoff @ 9:41 AM

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Lake Lanier to host 2010 Forrest Wood Cup

It was announced today that the Forrest Wood Cup - the largest fishing tournament in America - will come to Lake Lanier in 2010:

* Prize money: $2.5 million
* Sponsors: BP and Castrol
* Dates: Aug. 5-8, 2010
* Location: Laurel Park's new mega-ramp
* TV: Broadcast to 81 million Fox Sports Net subscribers

There will be large accompanying shows at the Georgia World Congress Center and Georgia Dome.

Sonny Perdue announced the news in Atlanta today:

“The Forrest Wood Cup is the largest fishing tournament in the country, and bringing this tournament to Georgia is exactly what I envisioned for the mega-ramps we are building as part of Go Fish. This tournament will provide nationally televised exposure for our fishing resources, generate excitement about fishing in Georgia and provide a positive economic impact on our local communities."

The tournament was on Lake Murray, South Carolina this year and its arrival in Lake Lanier is a large vote of confidence in our region.

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# posted by Mike & Melody Vanderhoff @ 8:10 PM


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Alpharetta and Cumming GA Real Estate | Mike & Melody Vanderhoff
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.
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