The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty are experts in luxury homes of the North Atlanta communities of Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell and Milton, Georgia.
It's not the same everywhere, so you need someone you can trust for up-to-date information. We are eager to serve you.
Determining home value in North Atlanta can be difficult when you are considering buying or selling these days. The real estate market has suffered over the years and is now just starting to recover in many cities across the country including the ones in North Atlanta.
In real estate, a home's value is not the same as a home's price. A home's value is an estimate of what that home is
actually worth. The sales price may be higher or lower, depending on who has
the best negotiating skills, who wants the deal most, and if there are any incentives thrown in to enhance the sale. A home's value is often referred to as the fair market value. Fair
market value is the estimated price a buyer and seller could agree.
Before you consider selling your home in North Atlanta, let's figure out how much it is worth. Complete the form below to determine home value in North Atlanta:
With Halloween right around the corner, you have a lot of options to get
into the spirit. Here’s a list of events happening in North Atlanta this week:
Monday-October 28 Park Lane Jewelry Giveaway & Fashion Show
Park Lane Jewelry is a family owned business which was started in 1955.
Ticket cost is $12.00 if you get put on the
invitation list before the event and $15.00 at the door. Light refreshments
and a cash bar will be available.
Scott will have on hand more than $6000 in
beautiful jewelry to give out to the audience in this intimate setting.
You won't go home empty handed. So come dressed up nice and be sure to
bring some extra pocket money to enter the raffles for more jewelry.
Because
this is a special event, Scott will be offering some fantastic
incentives to join our team. If you are looking for a part-time
opportunity that works with your schedule where you can make between
$50-$75 an hour, with money in the bank in your first week, you may want
to come to find out more. Or you can just come for a girls night out
where you may take home some FREE jewelry worth over $100 a pc.
Contact: Beth deSousa to register at 678-697-1200 or beth.desousa@myparklane.com.
Tuesday-October 29 Tea Room Luncheon & Hay Ride Just for Ladies
Scottsdale Farms will transition an area into a "tea room" for this
luncheon engagement. Full Afternoon Tea will include tomato basil soup,
finger sandwiches, frozen fruit salad & chicken salad on a bed of
crisp lettuce, a sweet bread and iced tea. After your luncheon, enjoy a
hay ride tour of Scottsdale Farms. Bring your camera to capture your
memories. Bring a friend to share your good times. Rumor has it this tea
room books quickly. Don't delay making your reservation.
Reservations Required
Tea Room limited to 20 people
Cost: $20 per person
Contact the store to make your reservation- 770-777-5875
Wednesday-October 30 Fall Festival at Concord Baptist Church
6905 Concord Road, Cumming, Ga.
Everything is FREE! Some of the excitement will include Christian music, give aways, obstacle course, trunk or treats, games, prizes, hotdogs, hayrides, popcorn and snow cones!
Thursday-October 31 HAPPY HALLOWEEN - BE SAFE!
Halloween at Image Salon Costume Contest
Drop by Image Salon and Spa any time between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM on
Thursday. October 31st, in costume for some good old fashioned fun and
treats! We will take your picture and vote at the end of the day and
the winner will receive a $50.00 Gift Certificate. You do not need to be
present when the winner is announced to win. Phone the salon - 770
781-4888 if you have any questions. Happy Halloween!
Uniquely Inspired 3480 Keith Bridge Rd. C2 Cumming, Ga 30041
Along with Publix, the following businesses will be offering Trick or Treating. Come
join Uniquely Inspired Paint Pottery & More Studio, Laredo Mexican
Restuarant, Johnny's Pizza, The UPS Store, Causey Orthodontics, State
Farm, Wellness for Life Chiropractic, Esquite Cleaners and Verizon
Wireless. Look for the orange flyer in the windows and show off your costume while enjoying a safe, but fun Halloween outing.
Macbeth
Instead of sitting at home passing out candy this Halloween, Forsyth
Central High School invites one and all to a "wicked" night of theater
with its production of Macbeth, which promises spooky
entertainment at its best. In keeping with the spirit of Halloween,
theater-goers are encouraged to “dress up” for the October 31st
performance, in which prizes will be awarded for the most creative
costumes, and then to sit back and experience what has been called
William Shakespeare’s darkest and greatest tragedy. Macbeth runs
Thursday October 24th and Thursday, October 31 at 7 p.m., and Friday
October 25th at 6:30 p.m. Advanced tickets are now on sale for $10/$5
for students and can be purchased online at http://www.forsythcentralstage.com/now-showing.htm
or at the door the night of each performance. Performances are at the
Central High School Performing Arts Center, 520 Tribble Gap Road,
Cumming, GA 30040. Friday-November 1 30 World Class Jewelry Artists in Atlanta for Two Days
The
most distinctive contemporary art jewelry show in the country returns to
Atlanta for its seventh year on November 1st and 2nd when thirty of the
nation’s premier artists converge to show and sell their high quality,
handmade jewelry at the ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY SHOW.
Hours are Friday, November 1st from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday,
November 2nd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Defoor Centre in Midtown
Atlanta. Admission $7.A portion of proceeds from the show will
benefit the Craft Emergency Relief Fund, a national service organization
that provides emergency relief assistance to craft artists who have
suffered natural disasters and other catastrophes that have impacted
their livelihoods. The Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show offers an
unparalleled opportunity to meet the artists, see inspiring works and
purchase one-of-a-kind jewelry to fit all budgets. More information at www.AtlantaContemporaryJewelryShow.com Bonus: Show your High Museum membership card for free admission, Friday morning only from 10 am to 12.
Saturday-November 2 Book Fair - Webb Bridge Middle School
Webb Bridge Middle School will host its annual Scholastic Book Fair
October 28 through November 1, 2013, at the school. Family Night will
be held Tuesday, October 29th in conjunction with 7th and 8th grade
orchestra concerts and will feature the book fair and a bake sale. Get
ahead with your holiday shopping and visit the book fair!
ANNUAL SIENAFEST CRAFT FAIR
More than 50 local crafters display homemade and unique items for sale–candles, soaps, jewelry, clothing, foods, holiday items, etc. Bake sale, used book sale and prize drawings. Breakfast and lunch will be on sale. Come enjoy a fun start to the Christmas shopping season. Saint Catherine of Siena, Herbert Hall, 1618 Ben King Road, Kennesaw, GA. For more information, contact Crystal at (770) 365-6241 / ckvliek@hotmail.com.
Awesome Things To Do For Halloween In North Atlanta 2013
When
you take out a home mortgage loan, you actually commit to the lender
to make decades of payments to repay the entire loan amount with the
interest rates and the insurance and taxes. The industry term which
is used to describe the payments is PITI or the principal, the
interest payments, the taxes and the insurance. According to the
thumb rule, the PITI shouldn't exceed 28% of your monthly income
but there are many who are struggling with their monthly mortgage
payments as they find it to be too high in accordance with what they
make in a month. Are there any ways in which you can lower the
monthly mortgage payments and ease off the burden of making sky-high
payments towards your mortgage loan? You may read on the concerns of
this article to check out the ways in which you can lower the
mortgage loan installments.
Add
a single extra payment every year:
Is it possible to make a single extra payment every year? The
experts suggest that this is perhaps the best way in which you can
save your dollars on your mortgage payments. When you save enough
money and live a life within your means to make some extra payments,
these will automatically be applied towards the principal amount and
not towards the interest rate. By this added payment, not only the
will the remaining outstanding principal balance drop, you won’t
even have to pay the interest rate every month on the principal for
the rest of the term of the loan.
Eliminate
your PMI: When you
don’t pay down exactly 20% of the term of the loan, you qualify for paying the PMIs or the Private
Mortgage Insurance payments. Did you know that you could easily
petition your lender to eliminate this insurance payments as soon as
the loan balance falls below 80% of the appraised value of the home?
This will only happen when the value of your home has gone up or you've taken some steps to repay your principal amount. Although
you may require a new appraisal, but it can certainly help you save
a portion of your dollars.
Get
a loan with a longer repayment term:
If you’re someone who is saddled with the hefty monthly payments
with a 15 year or 20 year term mortgage loan, why don’t you get
yourself a 30 year term mortgage loan to cut down the installments?
Yes, of course the interest rates may rise due to this, but the good
news is that you will still have the chance to choose making
additional payments whenever you have extra funds at your disposal.
The extra payments can help reduce the principal balance of the loan
without obligating you to make larger monthly payments.
Refinance
the mortgage loan:
Last but not the least, you can refinance your mortgage loan during a time when the mortgage interest rates are pretty lower than what
you are paying. It is possible to alter the terms and conditions of
your mortgage loan through a refinance. You can lower the interest
rate, extend the repayment term of the loan, alter the kind of loan
(change it from an ARM to a fixed rate mortgage) in order to lower
the monthly payments. Just make sure you calculate
the mortgage payments so as to save enough dollars.
Therefore,
when you feel that the hefty mortgage payments are like a burden on
your shoulders, you can take the above mentioned steps. You may even
take help of a professional who will help you locate the best loan in
the market and advise you about the steps that you might need to
take.
This article has been contributed by Sam Stokdale - Mortgagefit
Slashing Off Your Monthly Mortgage Installments - Smart Moves To Take
3720 Oakland Chase Alpharetta, GA 30004, For Sale is located in the Oakside at Hamby Subdivision. The home is available for $369,900 and offers four (4) bedrooms and three (3) baths. An added bonus is the master bedroom AND another bedroom are located on the main level. You and your family will be able to park all your cars with the three (3) car garage and enjoy the bonus room over the garage that could be turned into the 5th bedroom. Also while also enjoying the fenced in yard perfect for young children and pets. An unfinished basement awaits for your personal design. With some much to offer, you will find this is the home for you!
The community of Oakside at Hamby is a swim, tennis neighborhood complete with a playground for the kids. Children living at 3720 Oakland Chase Alpharetta, GA 30004 will attend these schools:
Be one of the first people to view this home! Contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty today - 678-665-2887. Click here to contact the team! We specialize in homes in the North Atlanta areas of North Fulton and Forsyth counties. Having lived and raised our own children in the area we can provide you with information on the best schools, communities, parks, and shopping. We look forward to hearing from you!
Should I sell my home now? Many homeowners are asking this question given the fact that inventory and mortgage rates remain low. Stage your home well and market it well, and your home will sell.
Price Your Home Right. Real estate agents know the
market and know what kind of prices homes are selling now. Pricing the home too high discourages offers. Real estate agents can provide a comparative market analysis which is KEY to pricing your home.
Market Your Home. Use all the marketing
options available such as internet advertising, blogs, craigslist, real estate sites, paper promotions, and open houses. A top-notch real estate agent can do this for you! Remember, the
more people who see your house, the better your chances are of selling
it. It's an internet world today and you need someone experienced in technology.
Rely On Your Agents Knowledge & Experience. A realtor knows
what’s selling in your area, and what prices are right. An experienced agent can tell whether
an offer is reasonable, and help you negotiate the transaction. As you look for an agent, be sure to ask for references, conduct interviews, go with someone with a proven track record who knows and sells in your area.
Fix Things That Are Broken Or Worn. The front door and entry way gives off the first impression. Repair loose hand rails, uneven steps, torn screen door and old hardware. Move on inside and review each room and what is needed to be repaired as well.
Let Go! Your home's space needs to be as neutral as possible. You want buyers to envision themselves living there so eliminate those colored walls and trim. Your house should be the house that most people would love to live in. Your agent can assist you with what needs to change. Do what he/she says and your house will sell.
De-clutter! Remove all your personal knick-knacks and family photos. You want the buyer to stay focused on the house and how they will place their personal belongings. Your personal items can become a distractionto the buyer.
Stay Positive. Low bids are not bad they are just an opportunity to negotiate. Most buyers will come back with a second or third offer. When they do you know they want the home and what they actually may be willing to pay.
Stay Smart. Some buyers may ask for your curtains, patio furniture or something else. Don't let the deal fail just because you can't part with an item. If you own something you can not part with, then remove it prior to putting the house on the market.
As you consider selling your home, you will want to know what your home is worth. You can find your homes value simply by completing the form below:
2465 Sheldon Place Cumming, Georgia, Open House - Sunday, October 20th 2:00-4:00pm
Offered at $179,900 - 3 bedroom - 2 1/2 baths - Full Basement - Wooded Views
Join us this weekend at 2465 Sheldon Place Cumming, Georgia, Open House. This home is located in a wonderful swim/tennis neighborhood - Ansley At Pilgrim Mill- conveniently
located close to GA 400. The community is just minutes to Lake Lanier
and the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as minutes to downtown Cumming.
With lighted tennis courts, a community cabana, pool, and more, you will
find something to entertain the whole family!
Ansley
at Pilgrim Mill is conveniently located off of GA 400, just minutes to
popular Atlanta area attractions such as Lake Lanier and the Blue Ridge
Mountains, and situated within the sought-after location of Cumming, GA.
This established community is just minutes to Downtown Cumming and
offers an amazing lifestyle with a quaint community feel. Boasting
impressive amenities, Ansley at Pilgrim Mill offers more than just a
home to you…it offers a carefree lifestyle! With lighted tennis courts,
community cabana and pool, tot lot and more…have it all at! - See more
at:
http://www.smithdouglascommunities.com/our-communities/forsyth-county/ansley-at-pilgrim-mill/#sthash.G6zwANqe.dpuf
Ansley
at Pilgrim Mill is conveniently located off of GA 400, just minutes to
popular Atlanta area attractions such as Lake Lanier and the Blue Ridge
Mountains, and situated within the sought-after location of Cumming, GA.
This established community is just minutes to Downtown Cumming and
offers an amazing lifestyle with a quaint community feel. Boasting
impressive amenities, Ansley at Pilgrim Mill offers more than just a
home to you…it offers a carefree lifestyle! With lighted tennis courts,
community cabana and pool, tot lot and more…have it all at! - See more
at:
http://www.smithdouglascommunities.com/our-communities/forsyth-county/ansley-at-pilgrim-mill/#sthash.G6zwANqe.dpuf
Ansley
at Pilgrim Mill is conveniently located off of GA 400, just minutes to
popular Atlanta area attractions such as Lake Lanier and the Blue Ridge
Mountains, and situated within the sought-after location of Cumming, GA.
This established community is just minutes to Downtown Cumming and
offers an amazing lifestyle with a quaint community feel. Boasting
impressive amenities, Ansley at Pilgrim Mill offers more than just a
home to you…it offers a carefree lifestyle! With lighted tennis courts,
community cabana and pool, tot lot and more…have it all at! - See more
at:
http://www.smithdouglascommunities.com/our-communities/forsyth-county/ansley-at-pilgrim-mill/#sthash.G6zwANqe.dpuf
Ansley
at Pilgrim Mill is conveniently located off of GA 400, just minutes to
popular Atlanta area attractions such as Lake Lanier and the Blue Ridge
Mountains, and situated within the sought-after location of Cumming, GA.
This established community is just minutes to Downtown Cumming and
offers an amazing lifestyle with a quaint community feel. Boasting
impressive amenities, Ansley at Pilgrim Mill offers more than just a
home to you…it offers a carefree lifestyle! With lighted tennis courts,
community cabana and pool, tot lot and more…have it all at! - See more
at:
http://www.smithdouglascommunities.com/our-communities/forsyth-county/ansley-at-pilgrim-mill/#sthash.G6zwANqe.dpufThe
open main floor plan is equipped with a large kitchen and ALL
appliances are included.
Stroll upstairs and you will find
three spacious bedrooms with large closets. Nothing beats a full laundry
room also located on the second floor. And an added bonus is the washer
and dryer are also included!!
The unfinished basement, stubbed
for a bath, awaits your personal design. For now you can entertain on the upper deck as you take in the wooded views.
Moving is challenging and not all moving companies are equal. There are many companies to choose from and there are some that will take advantage of their customers. Choose the right moving company will make moving smoother. Here are several recommendations to keep in mind.
1. Confirm The Mover Is Licensed And Insured
Make sure the moving company has insurance.
If anything is damaged during the move, the moving company's insurance should
cover the cost. Inquire how you should file a complaint if there are limits to the
coverage. Confirm the company also has an operating license for moves from one state to another. When a mover has all of these requirements, they are
more apt to meet with your needs and give you peace of mind.
2. Find References
Check with friends and family on any
experiences they had with their movers. If you
cannot find any references to movers from friends or relatives, check with the Better Business Bureau. Review the mover's record and any history of complaints.
3. Make Sure The Mover Has A Place Of Business
Some moving companies do not give out a business address
online, or are reluctant to give you an address. Visit the company's office location before making your decision. You can see what their company looks like, how professional they are and how they operate.
4. Necessary Documents
If you are moving to a
different state you need the following documents
Order For Service - An official document that authorizes the moving company to transport your household goods on your behalf.
Written Estimate - Get a written estimate from several movers.
Be careful of very low estimates. Some companies use the low price to get a
contract and then ask for more money later.
Table Of Measurements - inventory of all items being moved.
In addition, introduce yourself to the movers. The movers will be in your home and they will need to
know where everything is located. Instructions
should be clear, such as where items go, what stays, etc.
5. Mover's Policies On Gratitudes
Askthe sales
representative what the movers will expect. They typically accept
beverages and cold water. Lunch is always a good idea. And movers will appreciate a place where they can wash up
and use the bathroom. Let the movers know before the moving process begins. 6. Driver Is Typically In Charge
If you have any problems with the movers or the process, speak with the driver as he
is usually the one in charge. Expect professional courtesy. If you have any problems, report them to the company headquarters after the moving
process is over or if there is anything that needs to be addressed earlier.
Home at 1030 Brookstead Chase Duluth GA 30097 will be coming on the market soon. This home offers four (4) bedrooms and three and a half (3 1/2) baths. With an open floor plan you will be in awe of the hardwoods, screen in porch and the great family friendly neighborhood of Huntington in Duluth Georgia.
Huntington is one of several communities in the Shakerag Neighborhood. The community offers tennis courts, swimming pool, play ground and a walking path. Close by you will find shopping, restaurants and parks to entertain everyone.
Schools include Shakerag Elementary, River Trail Middle School and Northview High School. Private school - Woodward North - is just around the corner.
Great move n ready home complete with: four (4) bedrooms and two and a half (2 1/2) baths, open floor plan with 2
story foyer, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, breakfast area and bar,
updated kitchen, oversized laundry room, storage areas, new garage
doors, new paint outside, sprinkler system,
great location, a must see house!
An added bonus is a gorgeous screened in porch/sunroom with heat and A/C. Sunroom is not
included in square footage (2,559) of home at 5760 Kennemore Drive Alpharetta Georgia
Home is offered at $245,900 and is located in the Shephards Pond community of South Forsyth.
Schools include: Midway Elementary, Piney Grove Middle School and South Forsyth High School.
***To see more inside this home, CLICK HERE for a video tour of 5760 Kennemore Drive Alpharetta Georgia. ***
NEW listing in Shepherds Pond Subdivsion has just come available! This wonderful home would be perfect as a starter home, a small family home or a home for couples who may be empty nesters. With four (4) bedrooms and two and a half (2 ½) baths you will enjoy this home's open floorplan complete with a sunroom, vaulted ceilings, hardwoods, breakfast area and bar, and an oversized laundry room.
The home sits on a level
lot with irrigation system, stone paver curbing. You and your family will enjoy the great landscaping. Come see this home now - it's move in ready! Schools Include: Midway Elementary, Piney Grove Middle School, South Forsyth High School.
Shepards Pond Home For Sale - 5760 Kennemore Dr. Alpharetta Ga 30004 is in a great location. Just minutes from GA HWY 400 and shopping at The Collection-Forsyth.
Having a preparation and moving day checklist for your pets can care for
your pets in the best possible way during this stressful time. Here a some suggestions to assist you.
PREPARATION UP TO MOVING DAY
Pet Identification: Pet collars and identification tags need to be labeled with
current contact information. Include destination
location, telephone number, and cell phone number.
Pet Records: Keep on hand a current
copy of pet’s vaccinations, list of medications, health certificates, medical
history and current vets phone number.
Medications/Food: Have at least one
week’s worth of food and medication on hand. Order an extra prescription refill. Purchase an extra supply of food in case you can't find the food in
your new area.
Privacy For Pet: Keep your pet in a secluded, safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such
as the bathroom, on moving day. They will be nervous with all the activity.
Pet First Aid Kit: Include veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle
your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and
hydrogen peroxide (3 percent).
Car Safety: Travel with dogs in a crate; cats in a well-ventilated carrier. Secure the crate or carrier with a
seat belt and provide pet with familiar toys. Plan ahead by searching
for pet-friendly hotels.Keep on hand plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags, and keep your pet on regular diet and eating schedule.
Air Travel: Check
about any pet requirements or restrictions. Some airlines will allow pets
in the cabin, depending on the animal’s size. If so, purchase a special airline crate for under the seat in front of
you. If traveling is stressful for your pet, ask your vet about ways to reduce their stress.
Find New Vet: Ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale. Choosing a new veterinary should include asking for a
tour of the facility. Ask if there are any local health concerns such as
heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet
may require.
New Home Prep: Immediately upon arrival set out all the familiar things your pet will
need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Keep all windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised.
MOVING DAY
Keep Schedule: Feed and walk your pet at the same time that you normally would. Get To New Home Before Pet: Inspect your home for anything that could harm your pet.
Release Your Pet: Be sure all doors and windows are closed as your pet explores the new house.
Familiar Items: Put out the pets familiar toys, bowels and bedding.
Play: Give your pet some time with you to make them feel at home.
ID Tags: Update ID tags and microchips.
New Yard: Be sure it's dog and cat proof and that fence is secure.
Cats: Keep outdoor cats inside for a few nights to they get accustomed to new home.
If your home is on the market take a step back and look at your homes "curb appeal." Fall home sales need fall curb appeal because curb appeal provides potential buyers with a first impression of your house. Take a picture of the front of your house and then examine the picture. Your home and your "curb appeal" need to look
amazing right now, especially because many buyers are likely doing
initial drive-bys before they schedule a showing.
It
may be tempting to let the outside of your home slide as the weather gets cooler, but many buyers are out right now. Consider some simple tips to improve your home's curb appeal for potential buyers.
Power Wash your driveway, front porch, door and windows. You'll be amazed how this brightens up the whole house and gives it a "new" look impression.
Weed Planting Beds makes the house look neat and tidy and sets the tone for what is to follow inside.
Trim Shrubs And Trees will open up the view of the house and enhance the home's details and trim.
Plant Flowers In Containers and place on the front porch. This adds a burst of color to the home and invites guests up to the door.
Add New Mulch/Pinestraw to all the planting beds to show off your shrubs and trees.
Dress Front Door with a new coat of paint possibly in a color different front your shutters. This make your home unique and stand out. Add a fall wreath for an extra punch!
Replace Door Hardware with one of the newest styles and finishes for a modern look.
Upgrade The Driveway for an added bonus. Power wash and then repair the
cracks and stains (and kill the weeds). Then stain the
concrete or add flagstones/brick along the edges.
Remember, the first thing anyone sees when at your home is the front of
the house and your front yard. Making sure the curb appeal is
in top shape.
Are you considering selling your home this fall? Now is a great time to sell as inventory is low but the amount of buyers is still high!
Come to our Fall Festival Client Appreciation Day, Roswell, Georgia and celebrate the cooler weather, changing leaves and the autumn season. Fall doesn't merely mean Halloween
happenings; this time of year is also ripe for colorful festivals,
focused on everything from apples to pumpkins!
Join us this Sunday from 12noon to 4:00pm at Bulloch Hall at 180 Bulloch Avenue, in Roswell, Georgia. Our Fall Festival Client Appreciation Day will be filled with family fun.
FALL FESTIVAL CLIENT APPRECIATION DAY, ROSWELL GEORGIA
Bulloch Hall is located in historic downtown Roswell, Georgia. Roswell is a city in northern Fulton County, Georgia, United States. It
is an affluent northern suburb of the state capital of Atlanta. Roswell
is Georgia's eighth largest city with a population of 88,346 per the
2010 United States Census.
Come out this Sunday - October 13th for Fall Festival Client Appreciation Day, Roswell, Georgia. You and your family will enjoy games, pumpkins, food and more!
Fall Festival Client Appreciation Day, Roswell, Georgia
