Consumers Agree – It’s A Good Time to Buy Real Estate
RISMEDIA, March 25, 2011—According to the latest Spending and Saving Tracker from American Express, more than two in five (41 percent) of Americans said that it’s a buyer’s market for real estate. However, over 61 percent agree that a seller’s market is at least a year away.
Other findings: • Homeowner confidence on whether they would receive the asking price for their home is nearly evenly split—43 percent said they are confident they would; 47 percent are not very or not at all confident. • However, many homeowners—39 percent—are not willing to settle for less than the asking price, even considering the tough real estate market, in contrast to 23 percent who are willing and 38 percent who are not sure.
• To sell their home in the current market, 44 percent of homeowners note that they would be interested in including appliances, while 28 percent would consider offering to make requested repairs or allowing an allotment for repairs.
If your thinking of buying or selling, call Mike & Melody now.
CURRENT RATES FOR PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under* 30-yr Fixed = 4.75 % Purchase Only 15-yr Fixed = 4.25 % Purchase Only
NEW! Conforming 5/1 = 3.50 % amortized; 3.75% interest only Conforming 7/1 = 3.875% amortized (Consult your Covenant Mortgage Professional for Refinance Quotes)
Jumbo Loans:Loan amounts over $417,000* 5/1 ARM = 4.25% 7/1 ARM = 4.50% NEW! 30-year Fixed JUMBO = 5.50% FHA Loans: * 30-yr Fixed Range = 4.625% - 5.00% NEW! FHA 5/1 ARM = 3.50 % Qualify at Start Rate
Call Phil Now For More Details! *Based on pricing as of Friday, January 21st, 2010 at 12:00PM. Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions. This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z". It is intended solely for use by Real Estate professionals. Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee # 22745, Florida Licensee # CL0800186, North Carolina Licensee # B-147025, Covenant NMLS # 144774
For More Information Call or Email our Preferred Lender Phil Blankstein Mortgage Planner Cell 678-938-7111 phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com NMLS # 251790, GA License# 26422
Mortgage markets were highly volatile, yet relatively unchanged last week in back-and-forth trading on Wall Street. Global investors are grappling with the state of U.S. economy and unable to discern whether it's growing, or slowing.As an real-world illustration, the government's August Retail Sales report showed strong growth nationwide. However, in looking at a subset of that same data that accounted for rising gas prices, and excluded automotive-related sales, the results were far more tame. In other words, despite the winning headlines, there was no clear conclusion in August's Retail Sales.
As another example, consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level since August 2009, it was reported last week. Now, on most days, this statistic would lead mortgage rates lower, but the figures happened to be offset by improving employment report that suggests a looming jobs recovery.
Again, markets got confused and without clear direction, mortgage rates have been dancing. Last week, conforming rates carved out a range close to 0.375 percent, making it difficult for rate shoppers to zero-in on pricing. 30-year fixed rates worsened, 15-year fixed held steady, and ARMs improved overall.
This week, expect rates to be equally jumpy. There's a lot of housing data due for release and the Federal Open Market Committee is meeting. • Monday : Homebuilder Confidence Survey • Tuesday : Housing Starts, Building Permits, FOMC Meeting • Wednesday : FHFA Home Price Index • Thursday : Existing Home Sales • Friday : New Home Sales
That's one housing-related release per day, and a Federal Reserve meeting to boot. Today's low rates could be vanished by Friday. Therefore, if you haven't already, it may be time to call in and check on refinancing. Rates could certainly fall further, but they're looking more likely to rise.
The Price Is the Same, It Just Costs Less... The True Cost of Home Ownership...Price vs Cost Excerpt from the article by Steve Harney on April 26, 2010 in For Buyers
" ...it is not just the tax credit that makes this the best time in a long time to pull the trigger on the home of your dreams. Prices have reached levels not seen since before the housing bubble. The following graph shows that, according to the S&P Case Shiller Pricing Index, home values have fallen to August 2003 prices.
You Can Purchase A Home Today At The Same Price It Sold For Seven Years Ago
And it will actually COST you less! This blog has been making the distinction between the PRICE and the COST of housing for months now. Price is what you agree is the value of the home. Cost is what you pay every month in the form of a mortgage payment. The cost is a combination of the price and the mortgage interest rate you will pay over the life of the loan. Interest rates are at historic lows. Interest rates in August of 2003 were over a full percentage point higher than they are today. We can see in the table below that, even though you would pay the same price for a house today, your mortgage payments on a $200,000 loan would be $145.61 less each month. That is an annual savings of $1,747.32. Over the life of a thirty year mortgage you would save $52,419.60"
What does this mean to you? Move forward with your purchase before interest rates rise!
Just pick up the phone and dial 770-888-9269 to talk to Mike or Melody. They will find you the perfect home.
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.
There are several reports that have been issued over the past month indicating that we have past the bottom price levels in the housing market here in metro Atlanta and that we are on our way back up. Several factors can lead us to believe this. Pending Sales have increased dramatically over the last month. New listings coming on the market are down. When the pending sales close this means there will be less on the market kicking in the old supply and demand rules.
Don't wait until it's to late. Now is a great time to buy. Check out the homes available on our website. It does not require your registration and shows virtually all homes for sale in the metro area. If you have any questions or find one you want to see give Mike and Melody a call.
*Based on pricing as of Friday, April 23rd, 2010 at 12:00PM. Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions. This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z". It is intended solely for use by Real Estate professionals. Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee #22745, Florida Residential Mortgage Licensee#CL0800186, NorthCarolina Licensee #B-147025 Covenant NMLS# 144774
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.
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.
Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Welcome Center Open House
The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Welcome Center has moved!
Join us for an Open House to celebrate their new location at: Park Plaza 178 South Main Street Suite 200 Alpharetta, GA 30009
Stop by and explore the new Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Welcome Center space, meet and greet their staff and learn about the 100% complimentary services they offer!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Drop by between 2 - 6 p.m. Enjoy complimentary desserts and beverages. Enter for a chance to win giveaways. RSVP today at www.awesomealpharetta.com.
Crossroads at Crabapple Antique & Art Festival This Weekend
Join us this Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (rain or shine) for the Crossroads at Crabapple Antique and Art Festival. The festival will be located within the Historic Community of Crabapple. Only 5 miles north of downtown Roswell, GA and 3 miles west of downtown Alpharetta, GA. The festival’s center will be at 790 Mayfield Rd., Milton (or Alpharetta) GA 30009. Parking and Admission are free.
A tradition since 1969, this one day only outdoor festival features 50 American Country Antique Dealers from 6 states and 50 local juried artists. Thousands of antiques, accessories, and unique pieces of art in all mediums will sell quickly, so come early and stay all day for this old- fashion festival. Rounding out the show are roaming musicians, food available benefiting the Boy and Girl Scouts, children activities from 2-4 at the Goddard School, and a trolley to the parking areas. An event not to miss!
Alpharetta and Roswell will each offer their own "crop" of strawmen. Roswell is starting a new tradition for the Historic District, and Alpharetta schools are continuing theirs.
In Roswell, businesses in the Historic District, along with city schools, churches and synagogues, are asked to sign up by e-mailing Sally Johnson at sally@chandlerygifts.com. There is no fee to enter and top prize is $200, second $100 and third $50.
Roswell scarecrows must be up between Oct. 2 and 5 to be judged. Businesses display theirs in storefronts while schools, churches and synagogues will be assigned a lamp post in the Historic District.
Alpharetta invites teachers and students from local elementary schools to join the entire community in celebrating the spirit of fall by creating a scarecrow for the fourth annual Scarecrow Harvest. The city expects to have more than 50 scarecrows from elementary schools displayed on downtown Main Street beginning Oct. 1.
As in Roswell residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to join in by displaying their own scarecrows as well.
The Scarecrow Harvest, set for Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., is a thank you celebration for the children who made the scarecrows. The event will take place on Old Roswell Street at the Alpharetta Farmers Market in downtown.
The event is free, and families are invited to walk the scarecrow trail and enjoy live music with "High Cotton." There will be hayrides through downtown, face painting, fall crafts, inflatable jumping pods, all free.
Local growers will have fresh produce at the farmers market for sale. Families should bring cameras for a photograph at a fall harvest photo area next to The Cannery.
The City of Alpharetta and Alpharetta Lions Club are hosting the Old Milton Country Fair. Join us for a good, old-fashioned country fair! Come celebrate the heritage of North Georgia with live bluegrass, barbecue & country foods, old-time children's & carnival games, horse rides, eating contests…and more!
Spend the day in Alpharetta Historic District with weavers, spinners, quilters, blacksmiths, candlemakers and other folks demonstrating old-time crafts and trades. There’ll be farmers with produce...pies, pickles, jams and jellies…storytellers…dulcimer players...dancing…classic car collectors...and historical exhibits and re-enactments...and much more.
Thank you Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and other gracious sponsors for supporting the 2009 Old Milton Country Fair!
FREE Admission. FREE Parking: Alpharetta City Hall (Two S. Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009), Police Athletic League (Behind Alpharetta City Hall on Haynes Bridge Road), Milton Center/Old Milton High School (86 School Drive, note parking is limited), Alpharetta Community Center at Old Milton Pkwy (175 Roswell St), and Downtown Alpharetta Public Lot (on Old Roswell St). Bring your family and have fun with learing about local heritage! For a full line up of scheduled events, go to www.oldmiltoncountryfair.com. For additional questions call 678-297-6078.
Georgia's Hospitality Highway:10 Fall & Winter Events Close to Home
Somewhere just off scenic GA 400, a festival is getting underway. From North Fulton County to Lumpkin County, the Hospitality Highway leads you to one festival after another, from September through December: classic car shows, old-fashioned county fairs, tantalizing "Tastes of" and gatherings dedicated to moonshine and gold rush fun in the fall. Winter brings tree lightings, historic homes dressed to the holiday nines, visits with St. Nick and old-fashioned Christmas cheer and merrymaking.
There are a variety of fun family events close to home worthy of checking out:
Alpharetta's Old Milton Country Fair Sat., Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. On the grounds of old Milton High School, now Milton Center Admission: Free www.oldmiltoncountryfair.com 770-653-6821
Festival features: Interactive festival with heritage demonstrations, old-time children's and carnival games, square dancing, arts and crafts, watermelon and pickle eating contests; antique wagon/tractor/car show; farmers market; contests.
Alpharetta's FunFest & Classic Car Show Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. North Point Mall Admission: Free www.Alpharettafunfest.com 770-360-9042
Festival features: car show; Kids' Zone with petting zoo, arts and crafts area, rides and games; Cuisine Scene with many of the areas fine restaurants; entertainment throughout the day and evening. Cumming-Forsyth Grass in the Grove Bluegrass Festival Sat., Sept. 19, 11-4 p.m. Shady Grove Campground on Lake Lanier Admission: $10/per vehicle; RV and tent campsites available; boats welcome to anchor in any of the coves outside of the park. www.lakelanier.com/events/bluegrass-festival 770 781-2217
Festival features: Day long musical festival with both traditional and contemporary bluegrass bands. Bands include Honi Deaton & Dream, 4Ever Blue, among others. Cumming Country Fair and Festival Oct. 8-18: 4-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 4-Midnight Fri.; 10 a.m.-Midnight Sat.; and 12:30-7 p.m. Sun. Cumming Fairgrounds Admission: $7/adults; $3/ages 5-18; Free/ages 4 and under. Advanced tickets (available Sept. 1-30): $5/adults; $2/ages 5-18. Parking: $3. Handicap parking available. www.cummingfair.net 770-781-3491
Festival features: more than 40 rides from the James H. Drew Exposition; Heritage Village; Indian Village; daily attractions; concerts by Lorrie Morgan on Oct. 9; concert on Oct. 13 TBA; Downhere on Oct. 14; The Charlie Daniels Band on Oct. 15; and Ray Price on Oct. 16. Concerts are free with paid admission to the Fair.
The Taste of Roswell Sat. Oct. 17, 12-5:30pm Historic Town Square Admission: Free www.visitroswellga.com 1-800-776-7935
Festival features: Sample the culinary delights by Roswell restaurants amidst the ambiance of the Historic District and musical entertainment from the bandstand. Restaurant "tastes" range from $0.50 to $3.00.
Festival features: Recall the first gold rush in the U.S. with more than 300 art and craft exhibitors; parade; children's activities; fashion show; gold panning contest; wheelbarrow race; King and Queen Coronation; hog calling and buck dancing contests; gospel singing and other live entertainment; wrist wrestling; lots of delicious food.
Dawson County Moonshine Festival Sat., Oct. 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Oct. 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Dawsonville Town Square Admission: Free www.dawson.org 1-877-302-9271
Festival features: Celebrate NASCAR and the days of moonshine and souped up cars with crafts, food, music, exhibits and entertainment; parade; car show, including vintage racecars and their drivers; kid's games and rides; storytelling; visits to an old Moonshine still.
Christmas in Roswell Nov. 21- Dec. 31 Roswell Historic District Admission: Trilogy Pass to all 3 homes; $18.00 for adults; $15.00 for children ages 6-12; Children under age 6 free. Individual tickets; $8.00 for adults; $6.00 for children ages 6-12; Children under age 6 free. www.visitroswellga.com 1-800-776-7935
Festival features: Experience the magic and wonder of the holiday season at Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall and Smith Plantation Home, each dressed in seasonal splendor and open for tours. Shop in period storefronts for one-of-a-kind gifts or celebrate with friends and family at one of Roswell's unique restaurants. Dawsonville Lighting of the Tree Last week of November/First week of December City Hall Admission: Free www.dawson.org 1-877-302-9271
Festival features: Lighting of the Tree; pictures with Santa; seasonal festivities. Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas Begins Fri., Nov. 27 through December with the parade on Dec. 5 Dahlonega Public Square Admission: Free www.dahlonega.org 1-800-231-5543
Festival features: This event kicks off with the lighting of the Square on Nov. 27 and includes the lighting of the tree; visits with Santa; parade; extended shopping hours on the Square and merchant Open House; entertainment; refreshments; lighting of the luminaries; parade; sleigh bell tour.
For more information on these and other events along Hospitality Highway, visit www.hospitalityhighway.com.
Take Advantage of the $8000 Tax Credit Before It's Gone
To take advantage of the $8000 HomeBuyer Tax credit your loan must close by November 30th, 2009!
Congress legislation providing a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyer's general information refresher below...
Available for qualified First-time home buyers; defined as anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years
Claim up to $8,000 or 10% of the home's value (whichever is less)
Primary residence purchased & closed on or after January 1st, 2009 and before December 1st, 2009
Tax credit doesn't have to be repaid as long as the buyers remain in the home for at least 3 years.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit
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, especially since you may also qualify for the new $1800 home buyer tax credit passed in Georgia.
The Georgia Homebuyer tax credit makes for a powerful new home stimulus plan when combined with the Federal $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. For more information on the Georgia Tax Credit click here.
Call us today! It's a great time to buy in Georgia! Also, check out the foreclosure listings in the area through a special link on our website.
Join us for this family fun event, now in its 31st year! The Old Soldiers Day Race includes a 5K and 10K race for people of all ages. Pre-registration will end on Friday July 24th at 4pm. All race applications and fees must be in-hand by this time. Early-bird registration fee is $15 per person and includes an event t-shirt. Registration will resume on race day at 6am. Race-day registration fee is $20 - event t-shirts are not guaranteed to race-day registrants. Pre-registered participants may pick up their race packet, t-shirt and race number a few days before the event at the Alpharetta Community Center. Dates/times for packet pickup will be posted on the City's website. On-site registration will be held at Wills Park behind the Alpharetta City Pool.
Volunteers are always needed to help with this event! If you or your civic organization is interested in providing volunteer manpower for the Old Soldiers Day Race, please contact Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department staff at 678-297-6100 or accprograms@alpharetta.ga.us.
This Saturday, July 25th in Alpharetta: The 8th Annual Youth Fishing Derby
Children ages 4 to 12 are invited to test their fishing skills at the 8th Annual Youth Fishing Derby sponsored by the Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department. This event will be held on Saturday, July 25th beginning at 8am at the lake near Brookside Office Park on Old Milton Parkway. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must provide their own fishing equipment and bait. Space is extremely limited! Admission is free. For more information, call 678-297-6133 or email wprcprograms@alpharetta.ga.us.
We enjoyed a great evening of fireworks at the Cumming Fairgrounds last night. The weather was mild, breezy and a little cool....perfect for July!! If you missed the fantastic fireworks display in Cumming last night, don't worry. You can still catch most of the other shows tonight. Here's a few of my favorites!
Alpharetta: The Recreation & Parks Department will host this year's spectacular Fireworks show at Wills Park in Alpharetta. Childrens activities & entertainment will be on the Event Lawn from 5pm-8pm. Food vendors will be located throughout the park. Another "Awesome" Alpharetta event! Free Admission and Parking. For more information visit www.alpharetta.ga.us.
Lake Lanier: Lake Lanier Islands shoots off a fantastic fireworks show each year. You can either head over to the islands and join in the festivities, or grab a boat and find a spot on the lake to enjoy the show. Or check out various internet blogs to find a good place to park and see the show off the islands. Visit www.lakelanierislands.com for more information.
Dahlonega: For an all day schedule of events, head up to Dahlonega. The day will end with another spectacular fireworks display from the NGCSU campus. For the days schedule visit www.dahlonega.org.
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.
