Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog

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.

Labels: Alpharetta, best realtor in town, cumming, dawsonville, Milton, time to buy a home

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

Labels: Alpharetta, cumming, current mortgage rates, homes for sale

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.

Labels: Alpharetta, best realtors in town, cumming, mortgage rates

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.

Labels: Alpharetta, city of milton, cumming, dahlonega, dawsonville, home prices at 2003 levels, homes for sale, johns creek, lake lanier

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.

Labels: Alpharetta, cumming, dahlonega, dawsonville, homes for sale, homes prices increasing, johns creek, Milton

Labels: cumming, forsyth county, information, newcomer

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

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.

Labels: 2010, 8000, Alpharetta, april, cumming, federal, lake lanier, real estate, tax credit, vanderhoff

Labels: boy scouts, christmas tree, cumming, forsyth county, georgia, recycle, troop 245

The City of Cumming and Forsyth County will usher in the holiday season today, Saturday, December 5, 2009, beginning at 3:30 p.m., when the Cumming Christmas Parade & Festival rolls along Market Place Boulevard complete with colorfully decorated floats, high school marching bands, dancing elves, smiling children dressed in their holiday best, festive music, dance troupes, local dignitaries and organizations and, at last, a visit from Santa Claus. “The Market Place thoroughfare will transform into a magical winter wonderland!,” says H. Ford Gravitt.

Presented by the City of Cumming and Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, the parade attracts residents and visitors alike as they line the streets in anticipation of traditional holiday enjoyment with family and friends. “The Cumming Christmas Parade and Festival is an excellent way to highlight our community to the many residents and visitors who come to kick off the holiday season by participating in a day of fun and, hopefully, shopping with our local businesses,” said James McCoy, President and CEO of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. Promoting the great assets we have in Cumming and Forsyth County and showcasing our tireless and welcoming citizens is a natural fit for the Chamber.

The parade will flow along Market Place Boulevard, culminating at Highway 20 at which time parade spectators and participants are invited to continue celebrating at the annual holiday tree lighting event, Northside Hospital Celebration of Lights benefiting the cancer care program at Northside Hospital- Forsyth. Refreshments, entertainment and the tree lighting ceremony will begin at 4:30p.m. At the commencement of the tree lighting ceremony, grab your friends and family and continue celebrating this wonderful day with dinner and shopping at your local vendors along Marketplace Boulevard and around Cumming. Don’t miss out on these events that promise to bring the Christmas spirit out in all of us.

Labels: 2009, christmas, cumming, december 5, georgia, marketplace blvd, northside forsyth, parade, tree lighting

Get into the holiday spirit with activities, entertainment and more! Plan to spend some time this weekend at one of two days of family-friendly holiday fun at the fifth annual Christmas in Central Park. The event takes place Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Forsyth County's Central Park Recreation Center in Cumming.

Attendees will enjoy a holiday shopping area featuring a variety of unique handcrafted items including pottery, stained glass, candles, jewelry, quilts and more. Photos with Santa, children's activities, live entertainment, hay rides and tasty holiday treats will also be available. Don't miss the special 'lighting of the tree' Saturday at 6:15 p.m.

Admission to Christmas in Central Park is free.

Central Park Recreation Center is located at 2300 Keith Bridge Road (Hwy. 306) in Cumming. To receive additional information, call 678.455.8540.

Labels: 2009, central park, christmas, cumming, forsyth county, november

Get into the holiday spirit with activities, entertainment and more! Mark your calendar now for two days of family-friendly holiday fun at the fifth annual Christmas in Central Park. The event takes place Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Forsyth County's Central Park Recreation Center.

Attendees will enjoy a holiday shopping area featuring a variety of unique handcrafted items including pottery, stained glass, candles, jewelry, quilts and more. Photos with Santa, children's activities, live entertainment, hay rides and tasty holiday treats will also be available. Don't miss the special 'lighting of the tree' Saturday at 6:15 p.m.

Admission to Christmas in Central Park is free.

Central Park Recreation Center is located at 2300 Keith Bridge Road (Hwy. 306) in Cumming. To receive additional information, call 678.455.8540.

Labels: 2009, central park, christmas, cumming, forsyth county, georgia, holiday, november, photos, santa, shopping, tree lighting

Forsyth County Sheriffs Office Motorcycle Units checked all road closures this morning, Thursday, September 24th, 2009. As of 0800hrs this date the following roads remain closed:

• Grand Avenue (in Grand Cascades Subdivision) has 1 (one) lane open.
• Shiloh Rd is shutdown at McFarland Pky, due to large sink hole in middle of roadway (possibly for several days per Roads and Bridges)
• Lively Rd (small dirt road that leads into City of Milton) is NOT passable due to flooding.

Stay tuned for updates as The Forsyth County Roads and Bridges Department opens roads.

Labels: 2009, cumming, flood, forsyth county, grand avenue, grand cascades, lively, mcfarland, road closures, shiloh

The seventh annual Play at the Park - Family Fun Festival scheduled for this Saturday, September 26th, has been cancelled because of weather-related issues. Due to other scheduled events at Central Park throughout the remainder of the year, the 2009 festival will not be rescheduled. Watch for information next year regarding the 2010 festival.

Labels: 2009, cumming, family, festival, forsyth county, play at the park

Just Reduced: 3615 Cedar Springs Ct, Cumming, Georgia 30040. Now only $139,900. Lease Purchase Option available on this home.

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: 30040, cedar springs, cumming, forsyth county, home for sale, hutchinson pointe, lease purchase, ranch, real estate, vanderhoff

You don’t want to miss the Forsyth Family Fest at the Cumming Fairgrounds happening today, September 13, 2009!

Combine Grammy Award-winning entertainment from Toby Mac, mind-blowing stunts from Chaos on Wheels, awesome praise and worship with Steve Fee, great food and non-stop fun for the whole family and you’ve got the Forsyth Family Fest at the Cumming Fairgrounds.

And best of all, the price of admission for this day-long festival is ABSOLUTELY FREE!

This family-friendly event features attractions and activities for all ages. Children will enjoy bouncing and sliding their way through an inflatable wonderland. They can transform themselves into their favorite superhero or cartoon celebrity at the face painting tent. Arts, crafts and games will provide an interactive experience like no other.

Will Graham (grandson of Billy Graham) will be the guest speaker at 10:30 a.m and later that evening.

Click here for more information.

Labels: admission, Chaos on Wheels, cumming, event, Fairgrounds, family fest, forsyth, free, Steve Fee, Toby Mac, Will Graham

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.

Dahlonega Gold Rush Festival
Sat., Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Dahlonega Public Square
Admission: Free
www.dahlonegajaycees.com
706-864-7247; 1-800-231-5543

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.

Labels: Alpharetta, christmas, cumming, dahlonega, dawson, dawsonville, event, fair, fall, festival, forsyth, GA400, hospitality highway, lumpkin, Milton, moonshine, north fulton, roswell

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

In today's rough economy I am always looking for a deal. Not just in the housing market, for I do love to hunt down great deals on homes on a daily basis. But I also enjoy finding the unexpected freebie in the market place during my daily activities. While keeping up with events in Cumming, I often refer to a great website called CummingHome.com. Just in the past week I have seen many great deals and coupons on their site for local businesses. Some examples are, "Buy One Get One Free" Breakfast at the Foster House in Downtown Cumming. Another spot for free food is Lenny's Subs. Just mention their ad on CummingHome.com and get a free drink and chips with your sub purchase. You can also find free admission to local activities such as the Lakewood Antiques Market which is open the 3rd weekend of each month. Check it out at www.CummingHome.com!

And, if you're like me and love to hunt down some great deals in the housing market, visit the property search page on our website. There is no obligation to sign up, just freely browse all available listings in the area. We also have a great page to freely search all available foreclosures in the area. We just ask that you consider choosing our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate to help with your next real estate sale or purchase.

Thanks and Happy Deal Hunting!

Labels: coupons, cumming, cumminghome.com, deals, foreclosure, forsyth county, foster house, free food, freebies, Lakewood Antiques Market, lenny's subs, property search, real estate, vanderhoff

Labels: 2009, 4th of july, Alpharetta, cumming, dahlonega, fireworks, lake lanier, lake lanier islands