Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog

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: Alpharetta, chamber of commerce, guide, information, johns creek, Milton, Mountain Park, newcomer, north fulton, roswell, sandy springs

The City of Johns Creek and Keep Johns Creek Beautiful will hold a household hazardous waste collection day on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Home Depot, 5950 State Bridge Road. You can bring up to 10 gallons of hazardous waste including paints, solvents, aerosols, herbicides, pesticides, mercury, batteries and electronics. TVs, propane cylinders and fire extinguishers also can be disposed of for a small fee ranging from $10 to $25.

This free event is open to Johns Creek residents only and participants must pre-register. Registration forms are available on the City and KJCB Web sites as well as at Johns Creek City Hall, 12000 Findley Road, Suite 400.

For more information about the event, contact Kathy Reed at Keep North Fulton Beautiful, 770-551-7766 or KathyReed@KeepNorthFultonBeautiful.org or see the flyer.

Labels: disposal, hazardous, houshold, johns creek, keep johns creek beautiful, keep north fulton beautiful, north fulton

JOHNS CREEK, GA—The City of Johns Creek is currently in the process of establishing its 2009 millage rate. Because the city was not incorporated until Dec. 1, 2006, it cannot publish a five-year history of its tax digest, property tax revenues, and millage rate as is normally required. However, the city has published the information that is available for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Each year the Fulton County Board of Tax Assessors is required to review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property in the county. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the county indicated there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specific property, the Board of Tax Assessors is required by law to re-determine the value of such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment.

As a result of reassessment, the total amount of property tax collected by the city under the current millage rate is expected to decrease by 2 percent. This decrease does not include additional tax revenue generated by new construction and improvements to property.

Before the City of Johns Creek sets the final millage rate for 2009, three public hearings will be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions. All concerned citizens are invited to attend and participate in the public hearings, which will be held at Johns Creek City Hall Council Chambers, 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300, at the following dates and times:



Action to adopt the final millage rate for 2009 is scheduled to take place at the Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 14, which begins at 7 p.m.

Labels: fulton county, johns creek, millage rate, property tax, public hearings, tax assessor

Join us for the third annual ‘Days of Summer Festival,’ which kicked off on Friday, July 31st and continues through Sunday, August 9th. The festival takes place at 3121 Peachtree Parkway in Johns Creek, GA and features carnival rides, inflatables, games, clowns, face painting, a variety of family entertainment, concessions and a fantastic line-up of live entertainment each evening. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Weekend VIP passes are also available.

The proceeds of the event will be donated to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in Forsyth County, and to Serenity Arts Center, a performing arts center and school due to open in January 2009 in the oldest schoolhouse in Forsyth County. Built in the 1920s, the schoolhouse is located on Old Atlanta Road in South Forsyth County. Event organizers are seeking beneficiaries for the school and future community center and theatre.

Monday through Thursday, August 3-6, family entertainment is featured daily, along with musical entertainment by local bands and artists: Aug. 3: Ronnie Roule, Aug. 4: Johnny Awesome; Aug. 5: Andrew Black; Aug. 6: Just Cause and Kid Shaleen.

Guests will be treated to live music on Friday, August 7, as part of the ‘One World’ theme. An outdoor movie under the stars is the perfect ending to a Saturday, and guests are beckoned to come for ‘Good Food, Good Friends, and a Good Movie.”

Sunday, August 9, marks closing day of the Days of Summer Festival, whereby guests are invited to ‘Relax and Recoup’ with good friends and good fun.

Daily events include train rides, face painting, spin art, airbrush tattoos, musicians, magicians, acrobats and clowns.

Event dates and hours are as follows:
Saturday-Sunday, August 1-2 --12-10 p.m.
Monday-Friday, August 3-7 -- 4-10 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, August 8-9 -- 12-10 p.m.

For more information, please call (404) 862-1776, e-mail info@daysofsummer.org or visit www.daysofsummer.org.

Labels: 2009, august, CASA, days of summer, festival, forsyth county, johns creek, july, Serenity Arts Center

Labels: Alpharetta, chamber of commerce, guide, information, johns creek, Milton, newcomer, north fulton, roswell, sandy springs, Stone Mountain Park

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has announced the dates of this years Walk To Cure Diabetes Events. The North Metro Atlanta Walk has been moved from Central Park in Cumming to Johns Creek Technology Park in Johns Creek and will be held on Sunday, October 4th, 2009. JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Please consider getting involved in this great annual fundraiser and event. For more information contact ldrewry@jdrf.org, or click here to register. Johns Creek Technology Park is located at 11350 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek, GA 30097. Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. and the Walk is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m.

See you there!

Labels: central park, cumming, jdrf, johns creek, juvenile diabetes, north metro, technology park, walk to cure diabetes

This fantastic 5 bedroom, 4 bath traditional home with full daylight basement is located at 11225 Hambleton Way in highly sought after Johns Creek, Georgia. All new Hardiplank siding and carpet. Hardwoods in the kitchen, entry and hall. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, slate tile backsplash and antique stained cabinets. This home is immaculate, features neutral colors throughout, and is ready for you to move in! For more information and photos, click on the address above, or visit www.vanderhoffrealestate.com and select the Featured Listings link. Contact us to schedule a showing and assist you with your next real estate purchase.

Labels: basement, Huntington, johns creek, listing, vanderhoff real estate

Looking for a local dog park in Alpharetta, Johns Creek or Cumming area? Here are some great spots to take your playful pooch!

Alpharetta:
Waggy World Paw Park (public) is a beautiful 1.5 acre area behind the Alpharetta Community Center at Wills Park. Waggy World Paw Park opened to the public on Monday, September 25, 2006. Paw park amenities include off-leash areas for large pups and small pups, water fountains, and park benches. Located at 175 Roswell Street.

Wolf Brook is a unique private dog facility with training, recreation, dog daycare and an enclosed clubhouse with full kitchen and bathroom facilities. Location: 13665 New Providence Road.

Johns Creek:
Newtown Park has a fully fenced enclosure which includes separate areas for small and large dogs, viewing area, staging area, and water pump. Location: 3125 Old Alabama Road.

Cumming:
Windermere Dog Park is a public off leash Dog Park located at 3355 Windermere Parkway.

Labels: Alpharetta, cumming, dog park, johns creek, newtown park, waggy world paw park, windermere, wolf brook

The Fulton County Board of Education unanimously approved a redistricting plan for North Fulton high school students next year which allows rising sophomores to remain at their current school. Previously, only rising juniors and seniors were availed that option under school system policy.

As with all hardship exemptions, students who opt to remain at their current school will be expected to provide their own transportation.

The new attendance lines will go into effect in August 2009 to accommodate the opening of the new high school in Johns Creek. The changes impact Alpharetta, Chattahoochee and Northview high schools.

Allowing rising 10th graders to remain at their current school will not cause significant enrollment changes, according to statistics from school staff. Chattahoochee High and the new Johns Creek high school site are expected to see 75 and 72 fewer students, respectively, than projected, while Northview's population will jump by 98 students; and Alpharetta High's numbers will go up 49 students.

The move to allow three grades of students to remain at their current school should satisfy many parents who were upset with the new district lines. Because of the proximity of the three schools to one another, staff was challenged to fill the new high school, balance attendance at all four schools while keeping neighborhoods intact.

For drafts of the new districts, as well as a form to submit comments about the redistricting, please click here.

Labels: Alpharetta, chattahoochee, high schools, johns creek, north fulton, northview, redistricting

With a new name, new venue and a newly created city, Johns Creek will proudly present Arts on the Creek, a music and arts festival Labor Day Weekend -- Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Aug. 31 at Johns Creek United Methodist Church.

The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce Arts and Culture Committee will host another weekend of great art, music and family entertainment. Last year's arts festival was the city's first and this second annual event remains Georgia's ten largest city's only-arts festival. The event is free and open to the public.

This year's festival will kick-off with a new name, logo and venue. Arts on the Creek -- the newly coined title -- captures the excitement and energy that is Johns Creek. A new logo was created based on a painting Johns Creek resident and committee member Ann Marie Noyman. Johns Creek United Methodist Church, the new venue for this wonderful event, was selected for its visibility, expanse and beauty.

With a larger venue, Arts on the Creek will utilize 30,000 square feet for up to 150 commercial artists from Georgia and neighboring states as well as for sponsors, food vendors, children's entertainment and more.

This year the Johns Creek Children's Museum will provide a variety of children's activities, while Tropical Breeze Shaved Ice and other local and area vendors and sponsors will be on hand to provide food and beverages during the event. Lawn seating will accommodate more than 2,000.

Musicians and dancers will also entertain festival guests on the main stage throughout the two-day event. Last year's performers included Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, Atlanta Jazz Syndicate, Lindsay Appel, Jazzmatic, Red, Eve Hao Dance Studio, Fleetwood Dance Studio and DJ Mitch and Chinese Zheng.

Additionally, there will be a private reception and juried fine art show on Friday, Aug. 29. Jurors Dr. Pam Sachant, assistant professor of North Georgia College & State University and Mark Karelson, director of Mason Murer Fine Art will select the winners and present cash prizes first, second and third place winners along with a first-place prize for the top student work. The fine arts exhibition will remain on site for viewing throughout the event in the church's main foyer.

For more information regarding this event please email info@artsonthecreek.org.

Labels: arts on the creek, festival, johns creek, labor day weekend

With a new name, new venue and a newly created city, Johns Creek will proudly present Arts on the Creek, a music and arts festival Labor Day Weekend -- Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Aug. 31 at Johns Creek United Methodist Church.

The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce Arts and Culture Committee will host another weekend of great art, music and family entertainment. Last year's arts festival was the city's first and this second annual event remains Georgia's ten largest city's only-arts festival. The event is free and open to the public.

This year's festival will kick-off with a new name, logo and venue. Arts on the Creek -- the newly coined title -- captures the excitement and energy that is Johns Creek. A new logo was created based on a painting Johns Creek resident and committee member Ann Marie Noyman. Johns Creek United Methodist Church, the new venue for this wonderful event, was selected for its visibility, expanse and beauty.

With a larger venue, Arts on the Creek will utilize 30,000 square feet for up to 150 commercial artists from Georgia and neighboring states as well as for sponsors, food vendors, children's entertainment and more.

This year the Johns Creek Children's Museum will provide a variety of children's activities, while Tropical Breeze Shaved Ice and other local and area vendors and sponsors will be on hand to provide food and beverages during the event. Lawn seating will accommodate more than 2,000.

Musicians and dancers will also entertain festival guests on the main stage throughout the two-day event. Last year's performers included Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, Atlanta Jazz Syndicate, Lindsay Appel, Jazzmatic, Red, Eve Hao Dance Studio, Fleetwood Dance Studio and DJ Mitch and Chinese Zheng.

Additionally, there will be a private reception and juried fine art show on Friday, Aug. 29. Jurors Dr. Pam Sachant, assistant professor of North Georgia College & State University and Mark Karelson, director of Mason Murer Fine Art will select the winners and present cash prizes first, second and third place winners along with a first-place prize for the top student work. The fine arts exhibition will remain on site for viewing throughout the event in the church's main foyer.

For more information regarding this event please contact Cherie.Neal@gmail.com or info@artsonthecreek.org.

Labels: arts on the creek, johns creek, labor day weekend