Everyone is watching their spending lately and that includes cities and local governments as well. In order to make ends meet, Forsyth County has raised it's millage rate on property owners. During the final public hearing on the proposed tax hike, the commission approved a net increase in the 2011 millage rate of .785 mills.
The increase will equal about $62.80 more in taxes on a $200,000 home or about $94.20 on a $300,000 home, according to county figures.
The board voted 3-2, with commissioners Jim Harrell (thought too high) and Brian Tam (thought too low) opposed, to increase the maintenance and operations millage rate by .9 mills. The increase is expected to generate about $7.5 million in 2011, which could cover mandates, restore some paid holidays to employees and open Fowler Park.
In summary, commission Patrick Bell says, "We must fund core services such as police protection, judicial services and increased costs to provide for public health, safety and welfare, At the same time, it is important we maintain a reasonably attractive quality of life to remain competitive in the economic development arena."
As a highly Republican county, a lot of people have issues with a tax hike but the county would be operating under a very large deficit if they didn't do something. Is that what we want?
Monday, August 2, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
How Much To Share?
I have been reading so many articles and hearing so much in the media about social networking lately that I am getting very anxious about making sure I am being "social" enough. To "get ahead" you MUST be on all the online social networks, etc and it is a little intimidating. However, in order to stay in step with society and meet all my clients needs, I am moving right along with the social network ride. So please join my real estate based Facebook page.
Here are a few other Facebook pages to check out in the Forsyth County and Alpharetta areas:
Forsyth County Schools
Smart Growth Forsyth
Forsyth County Businesses
The Avenues Forsyth
Alpharetta, GA
Johns Creek, GA
Johns Creek Business Association
Hampton Golf Village
While searching for pages on Facebook I also found a humorous page about Cumming. No spoilers - just search on Cumming GA and you will find it!
Here are a few other Facebook pages to check out in the Forsyth County and Alpharetta areas:
Forsyth County Schools
Smart Growth Forsyth
Forsyth County Businesses
The Avenues Forsyth
Alpharetta, GA
Johns Creek, GA
Johns Creek Business Association
Hampton Golf Village
While searching for pages on Facebook I also found a humorous page about Cumming. No spoilers - just search on Cumming GA and you will find it!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Do I need a buyer's agent for new home construction?
Did you know that they are still building new homes in Vickery? The latest phase is near the swim/tennis club. When this phase is complete, the community will have added 36 new single-family detached homes and 14 townhomes. All of the homes will be built to EarthCraft House™ standards. The homes will range in price from $200,000s - $600,000. Townhomes will be start at $235,000.
Vickery is a 236-acre master-planned community and was one of the first to ever be certified an EarthCraft community. The community has over 75 acres of parkland, two private lakes, a swimming pool, eight tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds.
If you are interested in this or any other new home subdivision, make sure you call me to serve as your buyer's agent. Some people think that since they are looking at new homes, that they don't need a buyer's agent. That is not the case. A buyer's agent protects your interest in the sale. The agent working at the subdivision works for the seller, not you. Believe me, during the closing process, once the home goes under contract, you will appreciate having someone working for you. It takes a lot of the pressure off you (when handling the small, ultra-important details) and it is nice to have someone you can vent to if need be! Our closing process is very streamlined and we follow a strict timeline to ensure all parties stay on track - including your lender and the closing attorney. It will not cost you a dime and you will gain so much so do yourself a favor and call me when you need a buyer's agent.
Vickery is a 236-acre master-planned community and was one of the first to ever be certified an EarthCraft community. The community has over 75 acres of parkland, two private lakes, a swimming pool, eight tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds.
If you are interested in this or any other new home subdivision, make sure you call me to serve as your buyer's agent. Some people think that since they are looking at new homes, that they don't need a buyer's agent. That is not the case. A buyer's agent protects your interest in the sale. The agent working at the subdivision works for the seller, not you. Believe me, during the closing process, once the home goes under contract, you will appreciate having someone working for you. It takes a lot of the pressure off you (when handling the small, ultra-important details) and it is nice to have someone you can vent to if need be! Our closing process is very streamlined and we follow a strict timeline to ensure all parties stay on track - including your lender and the closing attorney. It will not cost you a dime and you will gain so much so do yourself a favor and call me when you need a buyer's agent.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Looking for a Great Night Out With the Kids?
Top Five Family Friendly Restaurants in Cumming
Chepe's Mexican Grill: I've been to their location on Mathis Airport Rd. with almost 1/2 of a 9 year old football team so we had tons of kids plus adults. It was a long wait with that many people but the wait staff was great, tolerating a bunch of hungry, adrenalin pumped boys, while the rest of the patrons politely ignored us.
Pacific Spice: This restaurant also has a location next door to Chepe's on Mathis Airport Rd. Prices are mid-range and sometimes they have $1 sushi night. Click here for a kids coupon: http://www.pacificspiceonline.com/3.99KidsHibachi.pdf
Normans Landing: This restaurant has been here for as long as I can remember. Back before the growth surge in Cumming. The owners really care about the town, donating back to Forsyth citizens $933,000!
Sidney's Pizza Parlor: Located in Vickery Village, this restaurant tries very hard to be a corwd pleaser. On Saturday nights they host a Guitar Hero contest that brings out hysterical laughter and fun. They also offer a new $5.00 lunch menu or you can get a "take-n-bake" pizza that they make up for you and you cook it when you want it. I hear the BLT pizza is "delish"!
Cheeky's Taqueria: Not your typical Mexican restaurant. First of all, the booths are enormous - yippee! The fajitas are incredible with loads of menu choices, and lastly, they have several tables in the bar with built in taps, the PYOB (pour your own beer). They also have a draft wall to sample many more of their beers, and also at the draft tables are hand-held internet devices to play on the internet.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Metro Atlanta Schools Place High on Top List
As we all know Georgia is not really known for it's great schools. At least outside of the Metro Atlanta area that is. Inside the Metro Atlanta area, we have some EXCELLENT schools and Fulton and Forsyth top the list.
Newsweek put out an article last week showing a few schools in our area that are in the top 6% (1600 total schools on the list) of all schools nationwide for advanced placement. The schools are ranked according to the number of Advanced Placement, Intl. Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students at a school and divided by the number of graduating seniors.
South Forsyth HS - 199
Milton HS - 313
Alpharetta HS - 345
Roswell HS - 399
Northview HS - 410
While test taking does not make or break a school, and I am sure there are some other great schools out there that do not have the IB programs, etc. but what this list shows is these schools offer students a more challenging curriculum in order to prepare them for college.
The entire report is online at www.newsweek.com/feature/2010/americas-best-high-schools.html.
Newsweek put out an article last week showing a few schools in our area that are in the top 6% (1600 total schools on the list) of all schools nationwide for advanced placement. The schools are ranked according to the number of Advanced Placement, Intl. Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students at a school and divided by the number of graduating seniors.
South Forsyth HS - 199
Milton HS - 313
Alpharetta HS - 345
Roswell HS - 399
Northview HS - 410
While test taking does not make or break a school, and I am sure there are some other great schools out there that do not have the IB programs, etc. but what this list shows is these schools offer students a more challenging curriculum in order to prepare them for college.
The entire report is online at www.newsweek.com/feature/2010/americas-best-high-schools.html.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Traffic...
Forsyth County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, yes. And therefore, also one of the most congested. But not to worry, the county is working (slowly) on a solution. Hwy 141/Peachtree Parkway is being widened as I type. I am serious, I actually drove to one of the three Publix's within 3 miles of my house today and saw not just one worker but actually about 4 workers out on the road today. I think that is a project record! But seriously, the lines on one side are started to be painted and hopefully they will be opening up another section before school starts again in August.
Also today, I read that the construction from a 2-lane to 4-lane road of Hwy 20 in Cumming has taken the next step by receiving Environmental Assessment approval. This project will include a 44-foot grassed median from Samples Road in Forsyth County to Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Gwinnett County. They say it will take 2 1/2 to 3 years to complete (translation - 5 years minimum) and is not expected to begin for several years.
Other road projects include Union Hill Rd, McGinnis Ferry Rd, Old Atlanta Rd, and Kelly Mill. Check out the Forsyth County Transportation Website for more details.
Also today, I read that the construction from a 2-lane to 4-lane road of Hwy 20 in Cumming has taken the next step by receiving Environmental Assessment approval. This project will include a 44-foot grassed median from Samples Road in Forsyth County to Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Gwinnett County. They say it will take 2 1/2 to 3 years to complete (translation - 5 years minimum) and is not expected to begin for several years.
Other road projects include Union Hill Rd, McGinnis Ferry Rd, Old Atlanta Rd, and Kelly Mill. Check out the Forsyth County Transportation Website for more details.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Tax Credit - Old News?
If you've ever been involved in a short sale transaction, you are no stranger to the frustration and anxiety that such a proceeding can cause. It can take a very long time to the contract to be approved by the bank and often times, the deal falls through for what seems like "no reason". Well, these transactions are messing up the tax credit's time limit to close by June 30, 2010.
The NAR (National Assciation of Realtors) is asking Congress to be flexible with this deadline for those purchasing short sale and foreclosed properties. The NAR is not asking for more money to be available - just more time to get these deals closed. There are 2 schools of thought about this: No extension - the buyers should have had the foresight to know if their transaction would close by the deadline; and Extension - some transactions take a long time and it's only fair that they be granted the same tax credit as others even if they require time beyond the limit.
What do you think?
The NAR (National Assciation of Realtors) is asking Congress to be flexible with this deadline for those purchasing short sale and foreclosed properties. The NAR is not asking for more money to be available - just more time to get these deals closed. There are 2 schools of thought about this: No extension - the buyers should have had the foresight to know if their transaction would close by the deadline; and Extension - some transactions take a long time and it's only fair that they be granted the same tax credit as others even if they require time beyond the limit.
What do you think?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
