Real Estate Report, December 2014

Appen Media Group

Real Estate Report December Special Section

2 northfulton.com

North Atlanta’s

Sponsored Section • real estate report

December 2014

Sponsored Section • AppenMediaGroup.com | December 2014

News and advertising for new homes, realtors, developers, commercial properties and more.

Up to $20,000 any way you want it at Henderson Landing in Milton Henderson Landing, is a charming and quaint gated community of 32 close-knit homes in the heart of North Fulton, that offers the lively lifestyle of a true “live, work, and play” location.

Situated off of Hwy. 9 in Milton, between Old Milton Parkway and Windward Parkway, Henderson Landing residents enjoy easy access to GA 400 and a close proximity to top schools, outdoor recreation such as the Big Creek Greenway, top-notch shopping at the new Avalon shopping district, North Point Mall, and Historic Downtown Alpharetta, casual and fine dining, seasonal community events, and much more.

This gated community features sidewalks, a back-

drop of cedars and hardwoods that surround the community, and a community gazebo, creating the perfect community oasis.

The spacious homes at Henderson Landing, build by top Atlanta Homebuilder SR Homes, feature 4 bedrooms and over 2400 square feet of living space, basements (per plan), and designer selections which make each home unique.

Henderson Lading has 6 homes remaining! Purchase one of the remaining homes by the end of the year and you will receive up to $20,000 ANY WAY YOU WANT IT! For more details visit SRHomes.com or contact the on-site agent Paula DiCioccio at 678-252-2518.

December 2014

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Harry Norman, Realtors’® Forsyth County/Lake Lanier is expanding CUMMING, Ga-- Harry Norman, REALTORS® Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office is excited to announce the approval of another expansion.

After just three year of opening their doors, they have been approved to expand for the second time. This time making the office a total of 6,000 square feet. This expansion will allow support to 25 additional agents. They are the fast growing Real Estate office in Georgia. In the past year alone, they have recruited over 20 agents.

Harry Norman, REALTORS Forsyth/Lake Lanier Office is equipped with A Beautifully Appointed Reception Area, Conference Room with Projection Equipment, Meeting & Training Facility with Projector and Laptop (Additional training classes scheduled at the Career Learning & Development Center), Direct Incoming Phone Lines with Private Numbers to Agents’ Desks and Personal Voicemail, Parking with Shopping Center Security, High-speed Internet Access (dedicated T1), Eleven Modern Intel Based PC’s up to 1.2 GHz, Each Computer Has Access to the Color Printer, Wireless Networking Available Throughout The Office, Personal Agent Website and Email Addresses, Search Access to Both FMLS & GAMLS Listings, Microsoft Office Suite on All Computers, Office Copies of FMLS Map Books, Plat Books & MLS Books, Top of the Line Photo-Quality Copiers (with email,

fax, and scanning capabilities), Fax Machine with Memory Capabilities, Handout Materials for Clients Include HOME Magazine, HNR Annual Report, Various Brochures, Home Warranty and Vendors, CMA Toolkit, Market Tracker, and Access to a Marketing Coordinator.

Along with all of those great benefits, agents will also receive all of these FREE benefits: Website, E-Mail, Voicemail, Training, Continuing Education Classes, Marketing Support, Advertising, Personalized Yard Signs, Business Cards, Announcements, Lock Boxes for ALL Listings, Access to a Contact Management System, Social Media Support, Desk Fees, VoicePad, Newspaper Announcements, and access for your listings to be on 500+ websites, as well as The Real Estate Guide.

PLUS... it won›t cost you a dime to join their team!

We are hiring new agents, experienced agents, and even people who are considering a career change into the Real Estate field and would like to become an agent.

Confidentially stop by our office and talk to our Broker, Robert Aiken or check out our website www.HarryNormanForsyth.com to see if we are a good fit for you.

The upcoming expansion of our office is truly an accomplishment for the Harry Norman, REALTORS® team.

• Everything you need as you look to buy or sell in the City of Milton • Search every listing in Milton • List your home with the Milton Specialist • Free seller valuations • Milton’s leading brokerage

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No matter what your real estate goals are, we’ve got exclusive tips and extensive industry knowledge you can immensely benefit from.

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MIKE STEVENS

Milton Home Specialist 770-905-7053 (cell) mike@northatlantateam.com www.movetomilton.com www.crookedcreekhomesales.com

What’s my Home Worth?

Want to know what your home is worth? Let our experts prepare a free home analysis for your Milton area home!

NORTH FULTON OFFICE | 678-461-8700 | North Point Parkway, Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | www.harrynorman.com

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Sponsored Section • real estate report

December 2014

Home energy saving tips to beat the cold and cut costs By: BILL RAWLINGS Vice President/Managing Broker Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's international Realty As temperatures continue to fall, you want a heat system in your home to keep you warm throughout winter.

But toasty temperatures inside can come at a price – unreasonably high utility bills.

These simple steps will reduce utility costs and protect your largest investment – your home.

1. Caulk and weather-strip

around exterior seams, cracks and openings.

Small gaps around doors and windows can lead to big gaps in your budget. rawlings 2. Add insulation. Unconditioned spaces (basements, attics, garages) or insufficiently insulated areas can affect the comfort of your home in both summer and winter. Additionally, wrapping

insulation around pipes and your water heater can help minimize heat loss as water runs from the water heater to your faucets.

3. Effectively utilize ceiling fans. Ceiling fans do more than just move air around.

They help your heating or cooling system work more effectively, keeping you more comfortable year-round.

In the winter, reverse the direction of your ceiling fan, which causes the hot air up near the ceiling to be redistributed to lower parts of the

room.

4. Stay warm in a cooler home.

Using an electric blanket or portable electric heater is more economical than heating the entire house at night.

5. Adjust drapes. Open shades, drapes and blinds so sunlight can help warm your home. At night, close them to retain heat.

6. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.

For every degree below 68, you will save 10 percent on heating costs.

7. Get an HVAC tune-up.

For under $100, a technician can inspect and service your heat pump or furnace to ensure that it maintains the highest level of efficiency in the coming months.

It also helps to keep you from making that service call on the coldest day of the year along with everyone else.

As always, my team and I are available to assist you in any way we can.

We are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional real estate experience.

Landscaping • Brick & Stone • Xeriscaping • Retaining Walls • Patio, Brick-Work • Landscape Lighting • Irrigation Service Alpharetta.

104 Grand Crescent 4BR/4.5BA FMLS: 5340886 Helen Fuller 404.216.1401 Sarah Wilkins 770.598.2388

Alpharetta.

760 Sturges Way 5BR/5Full 3half BA FMLS: 5363726 Sue Marshall 678.576.0372 Aly Marshall 404.229.3136

Alpharetta.

530 Daintree Drive 4BR/2BA FMLS: 5346416 Toni Hurst 770.330.3430

Alpharetta.

12540 Crabapple Tree Court 4BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5361834 Theresa Strait 404.483.1894

Alpharetta.

12528 Wexcroft Lane 3BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5361999 Karen Salter 770.309.7309 Charlcie Forehand 678.613.4422

RUCKER

landscaping Call: Tad Carter 678.648.2012 Many Local References Alpharetta.

3015 Haynes Cove 5BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5357615 Suzanne Close 770.335.1880

Alpharetta.

970 3rd Street 3BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5340875 Helen Fuller 404.216.1401 Sarah Wilkins 770.598.2388

Duluth.

3620 Moye Trail 5BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5349878 Pam Elledge 404.626.0614

Alpharetta.

884 3rd Street 3BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5340814 Helen Fuller 404.216.1401 Sarah Wilkins 770.598.2388

Alpharetta.

345 South Esplanade 4BR/4.5BA FMLS: 5341006 Helen Fuller 404.216.1401 Sarah Wilkins 770.598.2388

Big Canoe.

5096 S Sanderlin Mountain Drive 1+/- Acre FMLS: 5104551 Babs Price 404.697.2008

Johns Creek.

5520 Lexington Woods Lane 6BR/4BA FMLS: 5351912 Jessica Huffman 404.784.7774

Cumming.

1470 Vinery Avenue 3BR/3BA FMLS: 5359820 Janice Defelippi 770.490.0905

Suwanee.

4449 Lochsa Lane 5BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5340953 Kathy Rice 678.697.4984 Anne Stone 404.307.6416

Alpharetta.

'ULIĂ€HOG :D\ 6BR/5.5BA FMLS: 5335684 Tracy McCusker 770.653.0060

Cumming.

5050 Woodlong Lane 4BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5340362 Donna Murphy 770.312.5776 Ann Sander 678.234.9855

Big Sur, California.

Property ID: PZDSQ6 Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty

Alpharetta.

102 Grand Crescent 4BR/4.5BA FMLS: 5340996 Helen Fuller 404.216.1401 Sarah Wilkins 770.598.2388

Duluth.

3010 Cypress Pond Pass 9BR/10Full 2half BA FMLS: 5287309 Stephanie Lewis 404.398.5393 Betsy Akers 404.372.8144

Toronto, Canada.

Property ID: QZ64TG Canada Sotheby’s International Realty

AtlantaFineHomes.com Buckhead ~ 404.237.5000 Intown ~ 404.874.0300 North Atlanta ~ 770.442.7300 ‹ 00;,9 6RWKHE\¡V ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ $IÀOLDWHV ,QF $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG Egisto by Marne, used with permission. (TXDO +RXVLQJ 2SSRUWXQLW\ (DFK 2IÀFH ,V ,QGHSHQGHQWO\ 2ZQHG $QG 2SHUDWHG

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December 2014

real estate report • Sponsored Section

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Happy Holidays By: Pam Santoro, Harry Norman Realtors Did you know that houses sell even in December? There are always people that need to get into a home whether relocating or purchasing their first home before the New Year.

While we decorate our homes to celebrate holiday parties, think real estate. Maybe your room needs a new coat of paint or the rugs need cleaned.

Feel free to call me for trusted vendors.

If you list a house for sale during the holidays, make sure the walk ways are clear.

Sometimes it is easier to relocate furniture to accommodate holiday decor. Everyone loves to see a beautiful house with awesome decorations; but remember, we want to show off the features of your property not just the decorations.

Property values have gone up 7% in the Atlanta area. If you’d like to know the current value of your home, call me.

To learn more about purchasing a new home or how easy it is to sell your current home, please feel free to contact me at 678-656-6627 or pam.santoro@harrynorman.com.

ryland.com

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(Cumming) 470-297-8190 Homes From the $310’s

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(Alpharetta) 470-253-8825 Homes From the $330’s

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(Suwanee) 470-385-6616 Homes From the Mid $400’s

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(Cumming) 678-672-0862 Homes From the High $400’s

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(Cumming) 678-513-1481 Homes From the Low $300’s

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Visit ryland.com for more information.

In the Atlanta division, on accepted purchase agreements signed between November 1, 2014 and November 30, 2014 are eligible to receive $15,000 in Flex Cash; can be used towards MyStyle® Design Center Options and/or closing costs when using RMC Mortgage® and/or lot premiums, finished basement, etc. Incentive offer does not apply to contracts written prior to November 1, 2014. The following communities are excluded from the $15,000 incentive, Bethany Crossing, Bridleton, ManorView and Marketplace Commons. Individual promotions may vary by community. Certain included features may not be available on all plans. Value of package, and products, may vary by community and plan. Homes already under contract prior to this offer are not eligible. Plus for New to-be built homes, buyer eligible to receive up to $5,000 toward closing costs. Individual incentives may vary by community. Closing cost assistance available from Ryland Homes to those financing through RMC Mortgage® Corporation and closing with a closing attorney selected by Ryland. Amount of closing cost assistance may vary by product and community, and is subject to applicable contribution limitations. For all financing promotions, see a RMC Mortgage® Corporation Loan Officer for details. RMC Mortgage® Corporation is located at 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30022 and is a Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, license number 24225 and NMLS number 203897. Buyers also eligible to receive Waived 1% Origination Fee through RMC Mortgage®; average value of $4,000 which is based on a $400,000 loan amount. The waived origination fee through RMC Mortgage® Corporation is subject to cancellation or change without notice. Buyers must make a loan application by November 30, 2014 with RMC Mortgage® Corporation (NMLS# 203897) a Georgia Residential Mortgage Lender Licensee #24225. *Buyers must also close with RMC Mortgage® Corporation. Please contact your RMC Mortgage® Corporation Representative for exact quotes. Prices, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice. Ryland reserves the right to modify or cancel these offers at any time. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion or incentives. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. See a Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. © 2014 The Ryland Group, Inc.

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Sponsored Section • real estate report

December 2014

Alerting struggling homeowners to mortgage resources (NAPSI)—There’s good news for homeowners who are having a tough time making their mortgage payments. There is a free federal program that just may have the solution, even if you’re not behind on your mortgage.

The program—Making Home Affordable, or MHA— launched in 2009 and is a critical part of the administration’s strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stabilize the country’s housing market and improve the nation’s economy.

A Range Of Solutions MHA offers a range of solutions, including lower monthly mortgage payments for struggling homeowners, as well as options for unemployed or underemployed homeowners and those who owe more than

their homes are worth. To date, it has helped more than 1.5 million families nationwide.

Unfortunately, there is evidence that there is still a need for the program, which was recently extended through at least December 31, 2016.

Nearly one in 17 homeowners has fallen behind on his or her mortgage. There is speculation that many of these homeowners may be unaware that MHA has expanded its options.

Increasing Awareness In an effort to increase awareness of MHA’s free resources and assistance for struggling homeowners, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Ad Council have launched

a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) as part of their Foreclosure Prevention Assistance campaign.

Help Is Available Said Treasury’s Deputy Secretary Sarah Bloom Raskin, “This new PSA campaign is our latest effort to raise awareness of the free government resources available through Making Home Affordable to assist struggling homeowners in avoiding foreclosure.”

“Although the housing market and economy are making a steady recovery, many struggling homeowners would still benefit from the one-on-one counseling services a HUDapproved housing agency can provide them,” said Federal Housing Administration Commissioner Carol Galante. “We

hope this effort to educate homeowners will lead to many more families using these free services and getting the help they need to stay in their homes.”

Reaching Those In Need “While MHA has already helped so many across the country, our research shows that many families continue to rebalance their finances to meet their mortgage payments.

They know they need help but don’t know where to find it,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council.

“We hope the advertising will reach those in need, letting them know they don’t have to face this problem alone and inspiring them to reach out for help.”

With that in mind, Chicago-based advertising agency Schafer Condon Carter (SCC) created the new TV, print, radio, outdoor and digital PSAs pro bono, to strongly encourage homeowners not to give up hope and remind them that there are free resources available to help.

“This new campaign will broaden the reach of MHA and

extend the message of its benefits to more Americans who are struggling every day to meet the financial demands of their mortgages,” said David Selby, president and managing partner of SCC. “The advertising seeks to resonate with these homeowners by acknowledging the commitment they make to keep their homes while letting them know that there is additional help available.”

The PSAs, which are available in English and Spanish, direct homeowners to call 888995-HOPE (4673) to speak one on one with experts at HUDapproved housing counseling agencies about solutions based on each family’s individual circumstances.

The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, the campaign drives homeowners to MakingHomeAffordable.gov for program eligibility and information. Since the campaign was launched in 2010, media outlets have donated over $135 million in airtime and space.

To learn more, visit www. makinghomeaffordable.gov/ about-mha.

December 2014

real estate report • Sponsored Section

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Millennial mortgage myths debunked A new light on homeownership (NAPSI)—The American Dream may have looked like more of a nightmare to the millions of millennials who entered the workforce in recent years—but there could be good news.

This generation, born between 1981 and the early 2000s, has a desire to pursue passion over traditional expectations. Dreams of white picket fences have been replaced by a strong desire to invest in the future. This shift, however, means many millennials pay rent instead of a mortgage. “Millennials have been swayed to believe that homeownership means a financial burden and stress,� said mort-

gage lender Joel Gurman. “The reality is our current housing market, paired with the financial opportunities made possible by generationally low interest rates, have opened up homeownership to many people and have actually proven renting to be an expensive and unnecessary burden.�

Here are five mortgage myths and actualities for millennials: 1. Buying a home is more expensive than renting: Unlike rent money, a mortgage payment goes toward ownership.

Home prices have stabilized recently and rates remain near record lows, making payments

quite affordable while gaining valuable equity.

2. I need a larger payment: Millennials often assume their limited years’ worth of savings won’t equal a large enough down payment on a home. The reality is, with standard Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-insured loans, a down payment as low as 5 percent is enough, while FHA-insured loans only require 3.5 percent.

3. My credit score is too low: With the stresses of credit card debt and student loans, millennials often struggle to maintain a desirable credit score. Fortunately, several programs, including the FHA mortgage, offer favorable credit score minimums.

4. The process is complicated and confusing: With their busy lives, millennials often assume the process of buying a home is too burdensome. Mortgage lenders today are making it as seamless as possible through technology, accessibility and mobile apps such as MyQL by Quicken Loans, the nation’s second largest retail mortgage lender, which allows clients to upload supporting documents and check the status of their loan online, anytime.

5. Homeowners must take on a 30-year payment: Thirty years can seem overwhelming for the millennial with a lifestyle fueled by the ability to be free. In reality, many lenders

offer terms ranging from eight to 30 years, for as much flexibility as desired.

Of the positive outlook for millennials, Gurman adds, “The future of our housing economy looks bright for millennials looking to re-evaluate their current financial hopes and dreams.�

Real insights from realtors (NAPSI)—For many people, buying a home is a goal they aspire to achieve and often the most significant financial decision they'll make in their life.

If you're among them, consider this advice: Given the mass amounts of information, data and tools available, it's critical to work with a professional who can help you make sense of it all. During the home buying or selling process, it's wise to follow these tips: • Work with a local expert.

Realtors are the most trusted resources for up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate real estate information when it comes to navigating each step of the complex home buyers process.

More than four out of five recent home buyers and sellers used a real estate professional, according to the National Association of Realtors. • Learn about the area.

Looking to move to a new neighborhood?

Chances are you're unfamiliar with some characteristics of the area, such as traffic patterns on busy streets and the best schools within the district.

Realtors have a finger on the pulse of each market where they do business.

They're responsible for knowing the nuances to consider before buying a home and can leverage that expertise to help you. • Seek accurate information.

Many websites offer to help potential home owners find the perfect house.

Some people have even suggested the Internet will eventually make buying a home as easy as buying an airline ticket or a stock certificate.

However, consumers often complain that some of the information provided on these sites is either out of date or inaccurate, creating confusion and frustration.

A Realtor, on the other hand, can provide valuable counsel, discuss listings, show

Cumming.

7880 Brands Hatch Boulevard 5BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5356747 Jay Christopher 404.731.1125

you homes in person, negotiate on your behalf and help you stay focused on the emotional and financial issues that are most important.

That may be one reason 88 percent of buyers in 2013 used a real estate agent, up from 69 percent in 2001.

Cumming.

6111 Beechwood Trace 5BR/4BA FMLS: 5361730 Tracy Sardelli 678.978.5870 Janice Defelippi 770.490.0905

Alpharetta.

2775 Laurelwood Lane 3BR/2.5BA FMLS: 5365970 Jennifer Pino 305.310.6114

Alpharetta.

1400 Portmarnock Drive 4BR/3.5BA FMLS: 5339976 Karen Salter 770.309.7309 Charlcie Forehand 678.613.4422

Johns Creek.

10707 Polly Taylor Road 6BR/6Full 2half BA FMLS: 5240084 Rhonda Haran 404.556.5600

Lake Lanier.

6003 Overby Road 6BR/6Full 2half BA FMLS: 5323253 James Lyons 678.414.8791 Betty Pak 404.446.5679

Milton.

14500 Freemanville Road 6BR/7Full 2half BA FMLS: 5305268 Laura Warren 404.731.7330

Milton.

6450 Crystal Lane 4BR/3BA FMLS: 5349771 Jenny Doyle 404.840.7354

Milton.

13650 Bethany Road 26+/- Acres FMLS: 5282532 Rhonda Haran 404.556.5600 Lu Kulik 678.938.2946

Milton.

445 Gunston Hall Drive 5BR/4.5BA FMLS: 5362037 Charlcie Forehand 678.613.4422 Karen Salter 770.309.7309

U NDE R CO N T R ACT

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Cumming.

1585 Hidden Creek Point 4BR/2.5BA FMLS: 5366030 Sarah Wilkins 770.598.2388

Cumming.

105 Wolf Creek Court 5BR/4BA FMLS: 5366280 Jessica Huffman 404.784.7774

AtlantaFineHomes.com | 770.442.7300 ‹ 00;,9 6RWKHE\¡V ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ $IÀOLDWHV ,QF $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG Artwork by Jill Steenhuis XVHG ZLWK SHUPLVVLRQ (TXDO +RXVLQJ 2SSRUWXQLW\ (DFK 2IÀFH ,V ,QGHSHQGHQWO\ 2ZQHG $QG 2SHUDWHG

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December 2014