Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog

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.

Labels: 2010, Alpharetta, atlanta, cumming, forsyth county, fulton county, january, snow

Join us for "Shopping Works Wonders" to benefit JDRF on Friday, December 11th from 9am-9pm at Bloomingdale's @ Lenox Square and Perimeter Mall. As a supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Bloomingdale's will donate 10% of your total amount purchased to the JDRF Georgia Chapter.

*In order to allocate 10% of your purchase to JDRF, simply present your receipt with this invite at the redemption desk.*

Also, make sure to attend the Children's Holiday Tea Party on Friday, December 11th from 3:30-4:30pm at Bloomingdale's @ Lenox Square (BKids, Level 3). Tea for you and tea for me, we hope you join us for a spot of tea (or hot chocolate). Kick off the holiday season by attending a special tea party with the limited-edition 2009 Bloomingdale's Holiday Bear. For every bear purchased, Bloomingdale's will donate $5 to JDRF. View holiday creations by Chef Lipscomb from The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Atlanta. Meet the chef and watch him showcase his talents by decorating Gingerbread houses. Also enjoy, Cookie Decorating· Face Painting· Professional Holiday Pictures and Light Snacks!

Labels: 2009, atlanta, benefit, bloomingdales, december, fundraiser, jdrf, juvenile diabetes research foundation, lenox square, perimeter mall

Enviro Expo USA - Atlanta’s only green consumer expo located in the City’s Zero Waste Zone, Downtown Atlanta - announced Atlanta Audi Dealers as its Title Sponsor. The Expo is being held on Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the World Congress Center.

Atlanta Audi Dealers’ sponsorship of Enviro Expo USA complements the Audi commitment to incorporate the most eco-friendly technologies into its future product plans. The latest and most exciting manifestation of this appeared at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show with the debut of the Audi e-tron concept car. The purely electric Audi e-tron showcases a range of leading-edge electric vehicle technologies to produce 313 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, and a truly startling 3319lb/ft of torque. The lithium-ion batteries in the Audi e-tron also are expected to provide a range of 154 miles between chargings.

Partnering again this year with the Georgia Recycling Coalition (GRC), Enviro Expo USA offers an exciting and educational forum that is a family-friendly event to educate and motivate individuals to be better stewards of the environment. The show offers the latest in eco-friendly products and services, covering everything from organics to alternative energy and transportation. The show is free to attend and is supported by the Title Sponsor - Atlanta Audi Dealers, along with Coca-Cola Recycling, Royal Bank of Canada, Best Buy, IKEA, and Lube of Atlanta.

In addition to the many eco-exhibitors, the Expo features new themed areas which include: a green wedding area, sponsored by the Perfect Wedding Guide; a kids’ zone, offering educational activities and showcasing the winners of a Captain Planet Foundation video contest to be held within the metro Atlanta area school system prior to the Expo. Prizes for the contest are provided by Best Buy. Also included are a fashion show by Bauder College, a chef’s corner highlighting local restaurants and caterers demonstrating cooking techniques and featuring samples of seasonal foods. This year’s show includes a dedicated and expanded MarketPlace, sponsored by Farmer D, for organic growers, artisans, and a sundry of other items for holiday “green” shopping. The Speaker Series, sponsored by SoutheastGreen.com, features educational and engaging panel discussions on: Water & Conservation, Home and Garden, Recycling/Composting, and the Green Town Hall Meeting. Also, Justin Cave, star of Ground Breakers on HGTV, hosts an individual presentation on Nov. 14, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.enviroexpousa.org.

Labels: 2009, atlanta, audi, electric, enviro expo usa, georgia, green, world congress center

Save A Smile Foundation invites you to experience this 22,000 square-foot French estate, envisioned, created and built by custom builder Steve West. It is the largest and most spectacular spec home ever built in Atlanta. An architectural marvel with its European flair and classic, yet livable elegance will showcase Atlanta's top designers. Truly a show house unlike any ever seen in Atlanta. From November 21 through December 20, 2009, this home will be available for parties, special events and personal, leisurely tours. Located off West Paces Ferry Road at 3410 Ridgewood Road, Atlanta 30327.

For more information, or to purchase tour tickets and season passes, or schedule your event for the Atlanta Holiday House and Decorators Show Home, visit www.atlantaholidayhouse.com.

Labels: 2009, atlanta, atlanta holiday house, georgia, save a smile foundation, steve west, west paces ferry

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

Labels: atlanta, housing market, new home, real estate, sales

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.

Labels: atlanta, forbes, foreclosure, housing market, recovery

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.

Labels: 2009, april, atlanta, dogwood festival, events, piedmont park

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

Pulte Homes announces their “Let’s Get a Move On” Event this weekend in the Atlanta area, February 20-22, 2009. America is on the move again, and if you strike while the deals are
hot, you can be too. Pulte Homes is greasing the wheels to help you get a move on with special limited-time savings and incentives. Offering superior quality, energy efficiency and unmatched warranties, Pulte Homes gives you every reason to move.

Pulte is advertising the following incentives subject to terms and conditions:

•3.999% (5.445% APR) First Year Interest Rate
•4.999% Interest Rate Years 2-30
•Up to $5,000 in Closing Costs
•Up to $30,000 Savings on Homes Available Now

Plus, first time home buyers are now eligible to receive up to an $8,000 Tax Credit.

Cumming area Pulte Homes Communities include Vickery Lake, Court at Fieldstone, Enclave at Fieldstone and Glen at Fieldstone. Communities are currently priced in the low $200,000 - $285,000 price range. If you'd like to visit one of these great new home communities and take advantage of these great deals, call us today. Pulte Homes Incentives are only being offered through Sunday!

Labels: atlanta, cumming, february, fieldstone, homes, pulte, sale, vickery

Thinking about buying a home? We thought you might be interested in this New York Times article. Click Here to read.

If you are thinking about buying your first home, contact us today at Vanderhoff Real Estate. We would love to help you with any questions, and to make sure you understand the process of buying a home in today's market. It is a great time to buy a home in the Atlanta area!

Labels: atlanta, buying a home, first time home buyer, real estate, vanderhoff real estate, when to buy

With winter just around the corner, Stone Mountain Park prepares to celebrate the holidays with more than 2 million lights and lots of snow. The Atlanta attraction, commemorating its 50th anniversary, unveils its popular holiday event, Stone Mountain Christmas Nov. 7 to Dec. 30 and opens Atlanta’s first snow park, Snow Mountain Dec. 31. Featuring three football fields of deep snow including a 400 foot tubing hill and a 30,000 square foot play area, Snow Mountain opens New Year’s Eve and continues weekends through March 1.

“For the past seven years, Stone Mountain Christmas has offered Atlantans a spectacle of lights, parades, entertainment, shopping and foods where families delight in the holiday spirit,” said Gerald Rakestraw, vice president and general manager of Stone Mountain Park. “With the addition of Snow Mountain, a first-of-its-kind snow park in Atlanta and the Southeast, Stone Mountain Park stays true to its mission of bringing families together in the great outdoors.”

Stone Mountain Christmas light display illuminates Crossroads® village at the base of Stone Mountain. Guests can board The Polar Express 4D Experience, where the scent of hot chocolate fills the Theatre. Enjoy the many sounds of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols during two musical reviews: A Hometown Holiday and Kickin’ Up Christmas. Each evening, parents and kids can gather to welcome Santa Claus during the nightly parade featuring five lighted floats and favorite holiday characters. End the night with Stone Mountain Christmas’s own Snow Angel. New for 2008, the Snow Angel flies high in the sky over Crossroads waving her magic wand creating snow and fireworks. Additional entertainment includes the holiday favorites, A Crossroads Christmas Carol and the Christmas Story performed during the five-mile train ride around the base of the mountain. An array of unique shopping is also available for guests looking to purchase the perfect gift.

Beginning New Year’s Eve, Atlantans will be able to play in guaranteed, real snow. Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park and allows the young and young at heart to connect with their inner child. Situated on what is commonly known as the “laser lawn,” the family snow park includes 11 tubing runs, special places to make the ultimate snow men and snow angels, a snowball making zone and a play area for younger kids. In addition, the snow park has various sites from which to view the activities including an observation area, a group of warming chalets and bonfires for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.

To create the attraction, Stone Mountain Park will use a closed loop system that borrows water from Stone Mountain Lake and will not tap into city water.

“Research indicated our guests enthusiastically welcomed Snow Mountain particularly if it’s created in an environmentally friendly way,” Rakestraw said. “Nearly 40 percent of Atlantans have never experienced snow as a family unit, and nearly 70 percent of Atlanta kids have never seen significant snow. This is a great way for families to take a winter vacation without driving far from home.”

The two winter attractions will round out the holiday season at Stone Mountain Park. Stone Mountain Christmas is open weekends Nov. 8-Dec. 14 and nightly Dec. 19-Dec. 30 and will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. The holiday attraction will also be open Thanksgiving week beginning Nov. 25. Tickets for Stone Mountain Christmas are $20 (plus tax) for adults and $17 (plus tax) for kids 3-11. For more information on Stone Mountain Christmas, visit stonemountainpark.com.

Snow Mountain tickets go on sale Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. but advanced ticket offers are available by registering at snowmountainpark.com. Tickets are $25 for adults and kids 3 through 11 and are for timed entry. The snow park is open to all ages. To tube, guests must be 42 inches or taller. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended. Snow Mountain opens New Year’s Eve and weekends through March 1. For information on the new attraction, visit snowmoutainpark.com.

Listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See…,” Stone Mountain Park is located just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. To get to the park, take I-285 to Exit 39B, Hwy 78 East. Stone Mountain Park is Exit 8 on Hwy. 78.
www.stonemountainpark.com .

Labels: atlanta, christmas, snow mountain, Stone Mountain Park