Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog

Senior Expo is February 19
Ninth annual event showcases products, services to help plan for the future
The ninth annual Forsyth Senior Expo is coming to the Forsyth County Central Park Recreation Center Saturday, February 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Forsyth County Senior Services invites senior citizens as well as their families and friends to attend the free event and learn about planning for the future.
This event provides a venue for information regarding a variety of topics including health care, housing, finance, safety and security, recreation, and travel.
Central Park Recreation Center is located at 2300 Keith Bridge Road (Hwy. 306) in Cumming.

For more information go to www.forsythco.com

Labels: forsyth county, senior center, senior expo, senior services

In a holiday-shortened week on Wall Street, mortgage markets improved on 3 of 4 days, but still posted its fourth consecutive losing week.
Unfortunately for rate shoppers and home buyers , last week's 3 days of gains were mild improvements; the one day of deterioration was among the Top 10 worst days for mortgage bonds this year.
Mortgage rates are at their highest levels since mid-July. The Refi Boom is unwinding quickly.
Last week underscores the importance of the global community to the future of the U.S. mortgage market. Two of the main reasons why mortgage rates increased were non-domestic.
1. Concerns for a full-blown North Korea/South Korea conflict
lessened quickly
2. The likelihood of a speedy, $85 billion bailout Ireland increased
The two events stemmed the typical safe-haven buying patterns that accompany geo-political and economic uncertainty, and drive down mortgage rates.
This week, mortgage rates may rise again.
First, Ireland's bailout package was signed Sunday morning and that relieves some pressure on the European Union. Second, this week's economic releases should show that the U.S. economy is still expanding, and that U.S. consumers are still spending - both are tied to higher rates.
A sampling of the week's releases include:
• Tuesday : Case-Shiller Index; Consumer Confidence surveys
• Thursday : Initial and Continuing Jobless Claims; Pending Home Sales
• Friday : Non-Farm Payrolls; Unemployment Rate
If you haven't locked a mortgage rate and are waiting for "the bottom", remember that the mortgage market waits for no one. Rates are much higher since the start of November and look ready to rise even higher. The longer you wait, the higher that rates could go!

Tomorrow we will look at housing prices...have they hit bottom?

Labels: forsyth county, homes for sale, mortgage rates

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.

Labels: 2010, forsyth county, Georgia Water Stewardship Act, outdoor watering, restrictions

State of Forsyth County 2010
At the annual State of the Community event held May 27, 2010, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Laughinghouse presented the 2010 State of the County address. Included in the chairman’s remarks were updates on a variety of county projects and highlights of recent achievements.
Click here for a link to the text of the remarks from Chairman Laughinghouse and to watch the 2010 State of the County video online.
The 2010 State of the County video can be seen on TV Forsyth, Comcast channel 23, Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Friday through Sunday at 10 p.m.; and daily at 11:30 a.m.

Labels: forsyth county

Just listed: 8450 Deliah Way, Gainesville, GA 30506. This fantastic find in North Forsyth County is only a few minutes from Lake Lanier! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths plus an additional office. All new flooring on the main level. Wainscoting, vaulted ceilings and an open & flowing floorplan with plenty of space. Mature landscaping with beautiful flowering gardens & a private, wooded backyard with a creek. Chestatee Ridge is a quiet, well established neighborhood with easy access to GA 400, Hwy 53 & Hwy 306, and is located in the Chestatee Elementary, Little Mill Middle & North Forsyth High school districts. This home is listed at only $145,000.

Click on the property address above to view more information and photos of this property. If you would like to see this property, or any other properties in the area, please contact us today. Our team at Vanderhoff Real Estate would like to help you find your next home at a great price.

Labels: chestatee, forsyth county, gainesville, home for sale, just listed, little mill, north forsyth

Fire Department
Ban on Outdoor Burning Goes Into Effect May 1
Ban lasts until October
A countywide, state-mandated ban on outdoor burning goes into effect May 1 in Forsyth County and lasts through September 30. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning including the burning of leaves, trash, yard debris and storm damage.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes the ban on outdoor burning to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations. During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air can reach unhealthy levels. Open burning has been identified as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone.
Limited exceptions to the ban include recreation/cooking fires, campfires in approved areas and open flame equipment/tar kettles/etc. No notification to the Forsyth County Fire Department or the Georgia Forestry Commission is required for these types of burns. To receive more details regarding outdoor burning regulations, visit www.forsythco.com or call the Forsyth County Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office at 678.455.8072.

If you are looking for a home in Forsyth county, Mike and Melody Vanderhoff are the right choice to help you find the perfect place.

Labels: best realtors in town, burning ban, forsyth county, homes for sale in cumming

A portion of north Forsyth County has officially been named an Opportunity Zone by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The area, which includes various parcels along Highway 369 from Highway 9 to Mashburn Drive, has been designated the 400 North Opportunity Zone in hopes of encouraging redevelopment and revitalization.

Over the last decade, Forsyth County has consistently been ranked among the fastest growing counties in the nation. Rapid population growth has provided opportunity in many areas of the community. However, private investment has primarily focused on more easily developed agricultural properties, rather than attempting to redevelop and revitalize previously developed properties.

"The area within the 400 North Opportunity Zone is not only the primary gateway from SR 400 to Lake Lanier, but also a prime location for nonresidential redevelopment in northern Forsyth County," District 4 Commissioner Patrick B. Bell said. "In spite of this, the area's location has not been enough to draw its fair share of private investment. The majority of the area has sat idle as other sections of Forsyth County have experienced significant increases in building permit applications, business license fees and assessed value."

In the spring of 2009, Forsyth County identified a need to redevelop and revitalize property within the 400 North Opportunity Zone. Discussions focused on a combination of local and state efforts that would hopefully act as a catalyst for redevelopment of the area. Steps included the adoption of an urban redevelopment plan; an effort to identify and modify existing development regulations that were counterproductive to the unique nature of the area; the establishment of tax incentives through the creation of an Opportunity Zone; and a targeted education program aimed at bringing properties into conformity with adopted ordinances.

In December 2009, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners submitted an application to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs requesting approval of the 400 North Opportunity Zone. The objectives of the 400 North Opportunity Zone include promoting private investment, the creation of jobs and increasing the tax base.

The Opportunity Zone status will encourage redevelopment and revitalization efforts by offering the state's maximum job tax credit of $3,500 per job. This incentive, which is available for new or existing businesses that create two or more jobs, can be taken against the business's income tax liability and state payroll withholding.

Opportunity Zones provide expanded state job tax credits for a 10-year period. Without an Opportunity Zone, Forsyth County is classified as a Tier 4 county and can offer a $1,250 state job tax credit. Tier 4 tax credits exclude retail and service establishments, require a minimum of 25 new jobs to claim a credit and are limited to 50% of income tax liability. Within the opportunity zone any lawful business is eligible for a $3,500 state job tax credit. Businesses are only required to create two new jobs (cannot be husband and wife) and the credit can apply to 100% income tax liability and payroll withholding. Based on the expanded Opportunity Zone benefits, a business that creates two new jobs and maintains the jobs for five years receives $35,000 in state tax credits. Large employers that create 58 or more jobs and maintain the jobs for five years qualify for over $1,000,000 in state tax credits.

Details on the designation, including a map, will soon be available on the Planning and Development Department page at www.forsythco.com.

Labels: business, forsyth county, georgia, hwy 369, investment, mashburn, opportunity zone, tax credit

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.

Labels: 2009, 2010, april 1, deadline, forsyth county, homestead exemption, property tax, tax assessor

The Forsyth County Fire Department reminds citizens to take a moment to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks as daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 14th.

“When you move your clocks ahead one hour, please take a moment to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. “This is also a great opportunity to dust the units and perform a simple test of each device.”

The Forsyth County Fire Department recommends testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month and replacing the batteries every six months. The units themselves should be replaced every eight to ten years.

The Fire Department also reminds citizens of the following safety precautions:

* Install a smoke detector on every level of the home
* Ensure smoke detectors are clean and free of dust
* Dial 911 in case of any emergency

The Forsyth County Fire Department is eager to help those who may need smoke detectors in their residence. The department’s Public Safety Education Division provides smoke detectors free of charge for senior citizens and needy residents; they will also install those detectors. To receive details on this program, call Public Safety Educator Bob Westbrook at Fire Department Headquarters at 770.781.2180.

Labels: batteries, carbon monoxide, daylight saving time, detectors, fire department, forsyth county, georgia, smoke

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

From Fire Chief Danny Bowman and the Forsyth County Fire Department:

"The Forsyth County Fire Department encourages everyone to take precautionary safety measures to help ensure safety this holiday season," Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. "Responsible use of items such as heating devices, decorations and candles can certainly play a role in preventing fires and injuries throughout the holidays."


Heating Devices

• Keep portable electric heaters at least three feet away from combustible materials such as drapes and upholstered furniture
• Never place heaters on tables or furniture
• Avoid using extension cords for heaters if possible
• Do not use unvented gas heaters in enclosed spaces due to the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning
• Follow manufacturer's recommendations regarding where and how to use any heating devices

Preventing Holiday Tree Fires
Selecting a tree for the holidays

• Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and poses a fire hazard.

Caring for your tree

• Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
• Disposing of your tree
• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. Consider disposing of your tree by taking it to a recycling center.

Holiday Lights

• Maintain your holiday lights
• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before using them. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Do not overload electrical outlets
• Never link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe to link additional ones. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into an outlet. Periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do not leave holiday lights on unattended

Holiday Decorations

• Use only nonflammable decorations
• All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• Never place wrapping paper in a fireplace
• Wrapping paper can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home capable of causing an explosion.
• Artificial holiday trees
• If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, be sure it is flame-retardant.

Candle Care

• Avoid using lit candles
• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked over easily. Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Never put lit candles on a tree
• Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame (candles, lighters or matches).

Toy Safety

• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.
• Before purchasing a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.
• To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, do not give young children (under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, consider toys that are battery-operated.
• Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons.
• Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to young children.
• Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could pose a strangulation hazard for babies.

Always have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries. Practice your home escape plan and dial 911 in an emergency.
These tips courtesy of the Forsyth County Fire Department and the United States Fire Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Labels: christmas, christmas tree, decorations, fire department, fire safety, forsyth county, heaters, holiday, lights

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

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful: Free wood chips are available to Forsyth County residents while supplies last near the Forsyth County Roads and Bridges facility on County Way in Cumming. A small mulch yard at the site is used to stockpile wood chips produced during normal county operations. The wood chips are available to Forsyth County residents at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. The quantity and availability are expected to vary.

"These wood chips are suitable for projects such as nature trails, landscape beds and large, soil exposed areas," Environmental Program Manager Tammy Wright said. "Although it is not double processed like grade "A" shredded mulch which can be purchased at nurseries and garden centers, it is still recommended for these types of uses."

County Way is located just off of GA 400. From GA 400 North, take the first left past the intersection of Hwy. 369 and follow the blue State Patrol Office signs. The mulch yard is on the right directly across the street from Georgia State Patrol Post 37. Patrons are responsible for loading and hauling their own wood chips. Please try and keep the area as clean as possible.

To receive additional information, call Keep Forsyth County Beautiful at 770.205.4573.

Labels: forsyth county, free wood chips, keep forsyth county beautiful

An additional portion of the Big Creek Greenway in Forsyth County was officially opened Friday, December 4 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new portion, known as Phase 1, covers approximately 3.9 miles from McFarland Parkway to the Fowler Park site at SR 9. A large portion of Phase 1 of the Big Creek Greenway was funded by state and federal funds. Phase 1 connects to the already opened Phases 2 and 3, which cover approximately 2.94 miles from SR 9 to Bethelview Road.

The Big Creek Greenway is a 12-foot wide concrete and boardwalk path meandering through the deciduous woods along the Big Creek. The trail offers an ideal setting for walking, jogging, biking and inline skating.

A temporary parking area adjacent to McFarland Parkway at Big Creek will be able to accommodate approximately 50 vehicles. The primary parking will be provided with the completion of Fowler Park (scheduled for 2011), which will have a connection to the Big Creek Greenway.

Design of the future Phases 4 and 5 of the trail is currently under way. When all phases are completed, the greenway will be approximately 15 miles in Forsyth County.

To receive additional information about the trail, visit www.forsythco.com.

Labels: big creek, forsyth county, georgia, greenway, phase 1

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

Share the gift of a meal with home-bound senior citizens in Forsyth County this holiday season through the Home-Delivered Meal Holiday Gift Certificate Program. Purchase a holiday gift certificate through Forsyth County Senior Services, and meals will be delivered to home-bound senior citizens through the Meals on Wheels program.

You can provide a meal for one day or meals for an entire week, month or year. The cost of one meal is $3.39, one week is $16.95, one month is $74.58 and one year is $894.96. All gifts are tax-deductible.

Checks should be payable to Forsyth County Senior Services, Holiday Gift Certificate Program and should be mailed or delivered to the following address:

Forsyth County Senior Services
595 Dahlonega Highway
Cumming, GA 30040

From Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, all meals will be delivered to senior citizens with a special certificate to wish happy holidays from the meal provider.

Although funding for meal programs has decreased with budget cuts, the need for meals has increased. The goal of Senior Services is to provide 2,500 meals this holiday season. To receive additional information, call 770.781.2178.

Labels: forsyth county, georgia, gift certificate, holiday, meals on wheels, senior services

The Forsyth County Fire Department reminds citizens to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks as daylight-saving time ended on Sunday, November 1.

In addition to replacing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every six months, the Forsyth County Fire Department also recommends testing the detectors at least once a month. The units themselves should be replaced every eight to ten years.

The Forsyth County Fire Department is eager to help those who may need smoke detectors in their residence. The department's Public Safety Education Division provides smoke detectors free of charge for senior citizens and residents in need; they will also install those detectors. To receive details about this program, call Public Safety Educator Bob Westbrook at Fire Department Headquarters at 770.781.2180.

Labels: batteries, carbon monoxide, daylight saving time, detectors, fire department, forsyth county, smoke detectors

Labels: 2009, forsyth county, fowler, high water, october, rain, road closures, shiloh, tidwell