Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog

Tips for Preventing and Avoiding Frozen Water Pipes

POWER OUTAGE: If the power goes out and you are no longer receiving a water supply, the potential for your pipes to freeze is even greater. The best thing to do is to shut off the main water supply valve (coming into your home), then to open all taps so that the remaining water in the pipes trickles out and leaves no pressure in the system.

NEW HOMES: If you have the luxury of participating and/or overseeing the building of your home, make sure the plumber does not run any plumbing supply lines in the outside walls of the home. Even if he indicates he will wrap them in insulation, do not accept this compromise. Even insulated pipes in outside walls can freeze.

EXISTING HOMES: Assuming that your home's heat system doesn't fail, it is the water pipes located in outside walls, or in floors over unheated spaces, such as garages, that are in danger. Bathrooms over a garage are a common source of trouble. If you have an attached garage, keep your garage door closed. Unheated garages can be twenty or more degrees warmer than the outside temperature, and even if you don't have water pipes over the garage, keeping it closed will keep the adjoining rooms of your home warmer, too. Get in the habit of checking that the door is closed before you retire for the evening! If you have an existing home and there are plumbing supply lines running on the outside walls that you have access to, then insulate these pipes with pipe insulation or pipe heaters, available at most hardware stores.

If you're vacationing during winter months, never turn your heating system off, or set the thermostat below 55 degrees. Regardless of how well walls are insulated, unless there is a source of heat for the pipes, they can freeze if the temperature of the room drops low enough. Typically, frozen water pipes occur in unused rooms whose heat source has been shut off, and from vacant homes and commercial buildings whose thermostats have been turned down or off. Arrange to have someone check on your home frequently if you are away from your home for a prolonged period during the winter.

If you have a pipe that freezes every year, try installing a louvered grille or some source of air flow between the the room that frequent freezing occurs in and a heated room. This will allow some heated air to get to the pipe and keep it warm. When insulating, look for small holes to the outside that let cold air access to the pipe. Some expanding foam will do a nice job of sealing out the breeze.

Labels: freeze, frozen, Home, maintenance, warning, water pipes

Labels: curb appeal, entry, exterior, for sale, Home, lawn

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

In today's real estate market there are a lot of good deals out there, but the process can be complicated. Between pre-foreclosures and short sales, sheriffs' sales and post-foreclosures it is difficult to know how, and oftentimes risky to purchase one of these properties.

A home goes into pre-foreclosure when a borrower has fallen behind on the payments, but the house has yet to be auctioned off. Many owners are open to doing a short sale in this type of situation. A short sale is when a buyer pays less for a house than the mortgage that is owed on it. Lenders must agree to a short sale, and will then forgive the rest of the debt.

In the next stage of foreclosure, homes in default are auctioned off on the county courthouse steps. These homes can be real bargains, but the process is incredibly risky. Bidders can't inspect the property, so there's no telling how much work it needs. There could also be liens against the home, due to unpaid taxes and so forth, which can also increase the cost of these homes. Additionally, buyers need to come with cash, ready to put 10%-20% down on the spot, and be able to fund the rest within a few days.

Post-foreclosures are when a lender has taken back a house and the property goes back on the market as what's called an REO (real estate owned) property. These are treated like ordinary sales and listed with a broker. Typically, bargains are not as sharp, but the process is a lot easier and neater. You have the right to make an offer with a right to inspect and walk away if anything too severe is discovered. The title will generally be clear and the property is delivered vacant.

If you are not a pro, but are looking to find a good deal in a great market, contact us today. Mike & Melody Vanderhoff have been in the real estate business for years. Let them share their experience with you, and help you navigate the complicated process of buying your next home at a great price.

Also check out our new "Foreclosure" link on our website which will show you all available foreclosures listed in the area. Call us today, and let us be your bridge to success in your next real estate transaction.

Labels: auction, buyer, foreclosure, Home, sheriffs sale, short sale

Like any machine, your gas furnace benefits from regular maintenance. Although you should have your furnace checked and maintained every year by a licensed contractor, you can make a few simple checks for maximum efficiency and savings.

For older type burner furnaces:

• When the furnace isn't running, look through an opening and check the pilot flame (the small flame that burns continuously). It should be blue in color and fairly sharp in shape. If it isn't or seems either too low or too high, have a heating contractor adjust it.
• When the furnace runs, look at the flames coming out of the burners. They should also be sharp blue. If the flames look yellow or lazy, have a heating contractor clean the burner or adjust the gas-air ratio.
• Look at the burners themselves and make sure there is no soot buildup.

For both older burner furnaces AND new condenser models:

• Inspect the exhaust stack pipes for loose connections or corrosion.
• Inspect the ductwork for leaks. Watch for signs of air movement or run your hand over duct joints. Seal with UL 181 tape and mastic.
• Listen to your furnace occasionally as it goes through a heating cycle. Make sure the cycle progresses in this order: thermostat calls for heat; burner ignites; fan starts; thermostat is satisfied; burner shuts off; fans stops. If the burner and fan cycle off and on frequently before the thermostat is satisfied, call a contractor.
• Make a solution of water and dishwashing soap and brush on all gas line fittings and connections. If you see bubbles, tighten the fitting and test again.
• Clean the room where the furnace is located. Nearby dirt and dust can be pulled into the burners and cause soot.
• Replace or clean the furnace filter when it becomes dirty. Your filter may be washable or disposable depending on type.
• Vacuum supply and return air vents.
  

Labels: furnace, gas, Home, maintenance

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...



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.

Labels: $1800, $8000, 2009, Alpharetta, cumming, first time home buyer, georgia, Home, lake lanier, market, real estate, stimulus, tax credit

Pace Homebuilders presents Greenhaven, Atlanta’s newest model for green building and sustainable design. Located in Chelsea Landing, the first eco-friendly neighborhood community in East Cobb County, Greenhaven will carry the US Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and showcase the latest in green building techniques, sustainable design, state-of-the-art-technology, and energy efficiency.

Tour Greenhaven this Thursday through Sunday. Here are just a few of the exciting features you will see:

* 20 Eco Conscious Interior Designers
* 34 Eco-Decorated spaces
* Recycled Glass Chandalier
* Atmospheric Water Generator
* Recycled Decking
* LED Lighting
* Bi-Polar Ionization Air Filters
* Light Harvesting Sun Tunnels
* River Reclaimed Pine Floors
* No VOC Paint
* Water Efficient Plumbing
* Pervious Paver Driveway
* Rainwater Harvesting
* FSC Mahogany Front Door

Admission is free! Visit www.greenhavenhome.com for the hours and directions of their 2009 show home.

Labels: 2009, admission, atlanta, chelsea landing, community, county, directions, east cobb, eco friendly, free, greenhaven, Home, homebuilder, hours, LEED, neighborhood, pace, Show, tour

Confused about whether or not you can apply the 2009 home buyer tax credit (up to $8000) to the down payment on your FHA loan? It seems many, including lenders, were unclear at first. The 2009 First Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit lets those buying their first primary residence to get a tax break up to $8000.

For FHA lenders and borrowers alike, May was a very confusing month, but the FHA seems to have sorted out the mess. The rules are clear now--bridge loans are permitted, but the FHA's required down payment must still come from the borrower's own funds. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's official site, FHA guidelines are designed to allow people interested in an FHA mortgage to cut their up front costs while requiring the borrower to have a personal investment in the property bought with an FHA home loan.

Click here to read more.

Labels: 8000, buyer, down payment, FHA, first time, Home, HUD, loan, tax credit

This charming ranch home is located in Hutchinson Pointe, a great swim/tennis community in Forsyth County. It's conveniently located with great shopping, restaurants, GA 400 and downtown Cumming all just a few minutes away. This home is perfect for first time homeowners or empty nesters. It's easy to maintain with vinyl siding and a brick front. The interior is open with a roomy floorplan. The large private patio and quiet cul-de-sac are great for relaxing, or visiting with friends.

For more information and photos click on the property address above, or visit www.VanderhoffRealEstate.com and select the Featured Listings. To schedule a showing contact Mike at 770-888-9269 or Mike@VanderhoffRealEstate.com.

Labels: cedar springs, community, cumming, for sale, forsyth county, Home, hutchinson pointe, listing, subdivision, swim, tennis

Gorgeous 4 side brick traditional home with double front porches on 5 Acres in Alpharetta, Cherokee County. This home is not in a subdivision and sits back off the road in a beautiful setting with spring fed pond and platform dock. It features an open kitchen and family room. The master bedroom is on the main level. Head upstairs with an open staircase featuring wrought iron spindles. Upstairs you will find a unique loft space with bookcases, 3 bedrooms and a computer room with stairs up to a very spacious bonus room. There is also a finished basement with fireplace, pool room, workroom and a 3rd garage.

This home is located at 1400 Gantt Rd in Alpharetta. For more information and to view photos, click on the property address, or visit our website at www.VanderhoffRealEstate.com and go to Featured Listings. To schedule a showing, contact Mike at 770-888-9269 or mike@vanderhoffrealestate.com.

Labels: 5 acres, Alpharetta, cherokee, for sale, gantt, Home

Homebuilders are growing more optimistic about the state of housing and say they see signs that the end of the housing market's three-year downward spiral may be near!

The increasingly upbeat mood was reflected in an index of builders' confidence released last week, which rose for the second month in a row in May. A separate report by the industry's trade group showed housing affordability improved in the first three months of this year amid falling home prices and low interest rates.

Labels: 2009, builder, Home, market, may, real estate

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

The cold weather has arrived at our doorstep. How often do you take the time to thank your fireplace for all the times it kept you warm during cold fall and winter nights? How about those nights when its flickering flames sparked an evening of romance, or when its unmistakable smell brought comfort and calm to your life? There’s a great way to thank your fireplace: take good care of it!

No matter how well you care for a fireplace, the flue inside your chimney suffers a gradual build-up of creosote (hard-layered residue from the wood-smoke), which can catch fire. Periodic chimney-cleaning is necessary in order to avoid such a catastrophe. This isn’t a do-it-yourself project; you need to hire a professional to clean your chimney.

Have your chimney cleaned once a year if you use it a lot. If you use your fireplace two or three times per week during colder months, have it inspected and cleaned each year. Another handy method is to inspect and clean after every 70 fires. Ask the chimney inspector about the condition of your flue liner and (if you have a masonry chimney) mortar.

So how can you reduce creosote build-up and keep your fireplace and chimney as clean as possible this season?

First of all, encourage good draft up your chimney, simply by keeping a window open a crack when you burn a fire. The air entering your room will get sucked up the chimney. Opening a window also ensures that your indoor air quality stays good while you burn the fire.

If you have glass fireplace doors, invest in a screen to block the fire instead of using glass. Doing so will also aid in ventilating the fire and encouraging airflow through the flue.

In addition to the aforementioned ventilation tips, you can reduce creosote build-up by using only dry hardwood logs, which burn more completely.

Clean the ash out of the fireplace. Wearing a dust mask, open a window in the room and then open the damper to let the draft suck any airborne ash out of the fireplace. Then, using fire gloves, remove the old coals. Carefully sweep the remaining dust into a dustpan. Remember to wait about three days after your most recent fire to do any of this; embers stay hot for a surprisingly long time!

Cap your chimney. Not only can an uncapped chimney collect gunk and debris, but it can also cause your damper to rust or even invite animals to make it their unlucky home.

Glass cleaners, brick cleaners and other appropriate cleaners are available for purchase to maintain the happy appearance of your fireplace. If you have dish soap handy, simply dilute it to make your own glass cleaner.

These simple steps can ensure that your enjoyment of the fireplace is not dampened by lingering doubts about safety.

For related “how-to” articles, go to www.howtodothings.com/home-and-garden.

Labels: chimney, clean, fireplace, Home, safety

• Keep moisture out of the basement: Make sure water flow is kept away from the home. Gutters & downspouts need to be in good working order and clear of any debris to keep rainwater away from the base of the home. Also, invest in a dehumidifier for the basement. Make sure it's the right size for the space you are trying to cover.
• Furnaces need to be maintained. Watch for leaks, and update the unit if necessary.
• Install a weatherproof door between the garage and the home to keep gasoline and other odors away.
• Gas ranges should have a hood fan that exhausts outdoor air. And, if you're like me and burn things in the kitchen, make sure to open some windows to "air out" the house on those special occasions.
• Fuel burning appliances should be inspected annually to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Safety Tip: Invest in Carbon Monoxide Detectors...They're worth it!
  
• Leave interior doors between rooms open for better air cirulation.
• Make your home a "smoke free" environment.
• Keep the clutter to a minimum. This prevents dust from accumulating.
• Replace carpet with hard floor (wood, laminate, tile, etc...) and use area rugs that can be washed easily.
• Exhaust fans in bathrooms are good to get rid of the fumes from those harsh chemicals we tend to use when cleaning bathrooms.
• Clean often, but try and use "green" cleaning products.
• Inspect and insulate duct work in your attic.

Labels: basement, bathrooms, garage, Home, indoor air quality, tips