Movie Shoot Starts Tomorrow In Marietta and Powder Springs!

If traffic is REALLY AWFUL tomorrow morning around the Marietta Square area, you will be able to attribute your unfortunate commute and grid-lock to the fact that a movie is being produced in Marietta Square and Powder Springs.

According to the Marietta Patch, local roads will be closing today in preparation for Friday's shoot.

Day and night time shooting of "Neighborhood Watch," starring Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Rosemarie DeWitt, Jonah Hill, Will Forte and Richard Ayoade will take place in Marietta and Powder Springs on Friday.

Film crews arrived today in Marietta to give buildings in and adjacent to the Square an aged appearance, paint signs, cover awnings and replace window displays in stores, according to a Marietta City news release earlier this week.

Shots around the Square will be used to portray the fictional All-American city in the Twentieth Century Fox production directed by Akiva Schaffer. Friday evening, crews will turn off lights around the Square and on top of buildings to create a dark, scary, alien-friendly atmosphere. In the movie, Ben Stiller and three other members of his community form a neighborhood watch group, which is the last hope to save the neighborhood and world from being destroyed.

If you need to get to Marietta Square tomorrow, be aware that there will be partial and full closures of parking spaces beginning as early as 6AM Friday morning and full or intermittent lane closures beginning at 3PM.

According to Movie Insider, the movie is scheduled to be released to theaters late in July 2012.

How exciting that a movie is being filmed in Marietta Square. I'm pleased to disclose that a former home-buyer client of mine took the pictures here of the Powder Springs Echo Mill neighborhood which is one of three communities in Powder Springs being used for the filming of Neighborhood Watch. I'm Very Proud of CADY SCHULMAN!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! Call Sara anytime with your many real estate questions. She is easily reached at 404-660-2481.

Kitchens (The Heart Of The Home and The Sale)

Recently I was showing property in the Alpharetta area.

My client's professed to be huge entertainers. They are relocating to Georgia from Connecticut for their retirement. When I questioned them about what they like to do, among other things, I learned that they LOVE to entertain! They enjoy entertaining throughout holiday time as well as what ever occasion (family, business or social).

One of their "search criteria hot-buttons" was a top of the line kitchen -- since they spend so much time in this area of the home. They "want" and "need" a kitchen with all the bells and whistles. High ceilings with an adjacent Keeping Room and breakfast area.

During our tour of homes, I must admit, I became a little embarrassed at the caliber of kitchens we were seeing during our visits.

The various home owners and Sellers seemed to think it's OK to leave dirty dishes from last night in the kitchen sink or on the counter. Some home owners had obviously taken action to update their kitchens with the latest features and fixtures. However, in several cases, their obviously amateurish skills illustrated their lack of knowledge or capability for the job. This is a huge turnoff to prospective buyers. If you are planning to do a home maker-over make sure you have the capability for the job you are about to jump into.

I don't often do this, but a colleague -- Tisha Gay -- has just completed an article that is right on point and so I share it with you here. Enjoy.

The kitchen is arguably used more than any other room in the house, which makes it the most important room to stage in your home. Potential home buyers are looking for a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is functional.

Buyers want to view it without any unnecessary counter top appliances and clutter. By showcasing your kitchen in the best possible light, you can potentially sell your home faster and; increase the closing price. Even in a slow real estate market, making your kitchen attractive to a buyer could make the difference.

Clean up the kitchen
Studies have shown that one of the dirtiest places in the home is the kitchen. Before you list, pull out those rubber gloves and give everything a good scrub so that the kitchen sparkles. Replace unsightly floor tiles or sand/re-finish the hardwoods. And in a worst-case scenario, consider a complete floor makeover.

Pay special attention to the cabinetry; in older homes, it’s common to see cracks in the beaded caulking between the ceiling and the trim above the cupboards. For less than $10, you can buy a pre-mixed tube of crack filler and make it look like new. Also, to give the kitchen an inexpensive face lift, consider replacing the fixtures – an affordable way to give doors and drawers a second wind.

Clutter is a kitchen killer
Kitchens are the focal point of almost every home. A great rule of thumb for the staging of a kitchen is to leave no more than two appliances on your counter. After you’ve uncluttered the kitchen counter, brighten and soften the space by adding some fresh fruit, new dishtowels, a cookbook, and a plant or flowers.

Modernizing today will help you sell tomorrow
Modernizing your kitchen can help you sell your home for years to come. Renovating your kitchen now will let you enjoy new appliances while boosting the value of your home for the future. While you may want to take specific appliances with you, stainless steel can make almost any kitchen sing.

Another way to add value to your kitchen is to install concealed appliances – hiding the dishwasher and fridge, for example, can really spice up your kitchen for buyers. Also popular are microwaves with convection ovens (prices can vary between $200 to $900 for higher-end stainless built-ins) – another appliance quickly becoming a staple in most modern kitchens.

If you can’t replace appliances, be sure to have them repaired and cleaned. It’s also a good idea to clean your fridge and stove, as buyers will almost always open oven and fridge doors.

Consider replacing your counters, especially if there are stains or cracks. And white counters can leave buyers feeling bland about a kitchen (and ultimately about buying the house). If granite, marble, and corian are not in your budget, there are laminates that look very close to the real thing.

Lighting
Take the time to make sure all the existing light fixtures have working light bulbs. Make sure the blinds are open on all the windows and the under cabinet lighting is on. You may even want to add a small table lamp or two to accent a dark corner.

… And the kitchen sink
Another kitchen remodeling idea is to upgrade your “sinkware.” New faucets, soap dispensers and sinks (whether you are reglazing or replacing altogether) are affordable ways to give the kitchen an immediate facelift. Don’t forget, buyers love to turn on the kitchen faucet when touring a home. They want a spotless sink that looks clean (without a lot of scuff marks or any grime) enough to wash their dishes in.

The kitchen is the most important room and biggest selling feature in your house. Staging it properly can make every potential buyer say, “this could be my kitchen.”

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State Of Georgia. Sara is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or e-mail her at sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

4th Annual Cherokee County Georgia -- PIGNIC!

I'm a HUGE fan of good barbecue!

I love it when the drippings have created a nice crispy glaze over ribs, pulled pork or chicken.

Oh...man...I'm salivating just writing about the flavors! Add some really good baked beans, maybe some corn on the Cob or fried okra and well....I'm there!

Sometimes I get cravings for good barbeque. No matter how hard I try to curb my cravings, I just can't get them out of my mind! If you're like me and suffer from cravings for good barbeque, you'll want to be in close proximity to Cherokee County Georgia this weekend!

It's time for PIGNIC!

Plan to attend the 4th annual Cherokee Pignic. This event is sponsored by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and will be held once again at Heritage Park in Canton this weekend.

This event starts off Friday evening, October 14th at 4PM. Friday night the focus is on "FAMILY FUN NIGHT". Regular admission is just $5 and children wearing costumes who are 10 years old or younger get in free. Kids 3 years old and younger, of course are free even without a custom. Prizes will be awarded for kids wearing the spookiest or silliest Halloween costumes and presentations.

A movie will also be shown on Friday evening which starts at 7PM.

On Saturday, gates open at 10AM to see a variety of entertainment including blue grass and country music artists and a performance by a clogging group and much more. There will be tons of games for all ages and of course plenty of barbeque to satisfy your appetite. The entire weekend event is "family focused", but that doesn't mean the barbeque competition won't be fierce.

The barbeque competition is divided between the Backyard Burners, Cherokee Pignic's nickname for the recreational cooking team category, and the professional teams. Both categories are currently maxed out for the event with 24 amateur teams and 49 professional teams.

This event has proved to be an excellent event for families and a great place to satisfy your barbeque cravings during the last several years. If you're looking for something to do this weekend to take you away from the typical weekend chores around the house, put the Cherokee Pignic on your calendar and list of
things-to-do this weekend. You'll be glad you did!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and focuses her business in Cherokee County, Georgia. Please call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard is easily reachable at 770-399-8108 OR 404-660-2481. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Condition's Wednesday!

Today, we shine the spotlight on the City Of Woodstock, GA!

Woodstock has been dubbed the fastest growing city in Cherokee County. Woodstock is where modern amenities meet old Southern charm. The Historic Olde Towne salutes Woodstock's pioneers through vintage shops, constant restoration and old fashioned Southern hospitality. Residents enjoy weekly summer band concerts and a revitalized award winning downtown area. Families enjoy five beautiful city parks. During the summer season demolition derbies and sports car races are well attended at the Dixie Speedway as well as lighting the city Christmas tree in December. Beautiful new homes are plentiful in Woodstock and excellent schools insure that the area is highly sought after by newcomers. Several new builders entered the city in 2010 to complete unfinished projects. Yes, Woodstock continues to boom and bloom!

On a personal note, I have called Woodstock my home since building my home here in 1998! I love the central location Woodstock provides and the easy access to the major highways for commuting. I especially appreciate the fact, that in order to get to the Perimeter area like Dunwoody or perhaps Marietta's Windy Hill area, there are commuting options. Instead of utilizing the major highways, Woodstock offers the opportunity to get to your destination via pleasant back roads rather than using the highways.

To establish a frame of reference, today, as I write this, there is a total of 53,951homes on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area including inventory in Woodstock.

Current Woodstock inventory includes a total of 548 actively listed single family homes and 71 condo/town-homes available today in Woodstock.

Prices range from $39,000 for a ranch style "fixer-upper" 3 bedroom home needing major renovations and repair work to $6.9 million for a 10 bedroom/10 full and 3 half bathroom gated private estate in the North Arnold Mill area. The property sits on more than 10 acres and includes 4 kitchens, 8 fireplaces, fitness center, wine cellar, ballroom, au pair suite, elevator, recording studio, pool and much more. Meanwhile, prices for condo's and town-homes in Woodstock range from $32,500 to $327,100.

As I write this, there are 242 single family homes PENDING SALE in Woodstock with prices ranging from $25,000 to $619,000. There are also 21 condo / town-home properties PENDING SALE today with prices ranging from $50,000 to $229,000.

Since August 1st, 245 single family homes have been SOLD in WOODSTOCK. A total of 865 single family homes have SOLD in Woodstock since January 1st 2011. Likewise, since August 1st, 24 condo/town homes have SOLD in WOODSTOCK. Since January 1st, 96 condo /town homes have SOLD in WOODSTOCK!

As you can clearly see, homes are SELLING in WOODSTOCK!

What are you waiting for? Interest rates have hit record lows! This is an incredible buyer's market! Call me to discuss your unique situation and how I can help you purchase your "ideal" home!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area -- including WOODSTOCK. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting all your real estate needs when the time is right for you. Sara can be reached any time by calling 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481 or e-mail at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Fire Safety Tips

About a year ago, I was working late at night in my home office. The way my office is set up, my back faces the doorway when I am working at my desk and computer. This helps me concentrate and keeps me from noticing distractions.

On this particular evening I was focused on something -- I forget what -- when all of a sudden I was aware of a high-pitched humming sound coming from somewhere inside the house. Over several minutes the sound became louder and increased in pitch. I finished what I was working on. I got up from my desk to investigate this increasingly loud noise. As I entered the hallway, I quickly realized the whole house was filled with smoke!

This might be a good place to admit that my sense of smell is not exactly what it should be! But I was sure as I made my way through the fog, that there must be an odor and there must be FLAMES somewhere in the house!

Skipping 3 stairs at a time, I raced down the staircase. Running first through the dining room to the kitchen, I expected to find flames! No Flames! Next, I hurdled an ottoman on the way to my master-on-the-main bedroom, tripped over a pair of shoes to the master bathroom. No Flames! I checked the laundry room. The Garage. Closets. No Flames!

I was sweating and close to a state of panic, yet trying hard to keep my wits about me!

Think logically you fool!

I grabbed a phone as I headed outside to check for flames! As I dialed 9 1 1, I ran around the perimeter of the house checking for flames. I was nearly out of breath when the operator asked, "Whats Your Emergency?"

I don't mind admitting to you that I was scared! Really scared! My house was filled with smoke, yet I could not find any obvious reason. The fire department was on their way! I was embarrassed -- yet panicked! I could hear the fire engines coming from miles away!

Within a few minutes, my neighbors along with 3 fire engines, 4 police cruisers, 1 rescue vehicle and about 16 firemen all congregated in my front yard!

OH! And...I almost forgot... the firemen brought hatchets! You tend to become a little concerned when an army of firemen enter your house with hatchets!

After a complete investigation by the Woodstock Fire Department, I learned that my house had experienced a power surge which affected my downstairs 1999 vintage Zenith TV. The power surge had actually caused an electrical fire within the TV. Luckily the TV set had turned itself off when the television began to flame.

It's one of those things you never expect to happen -- a fire -- at my house!

I am pleased to say that the Woodstock Fire Department was wonderful! One fireman told me to "look on the bright side...now you can go shopping for a new TV -- you get to buy new technology!" "How great is that", he said! He even offered to go with me to pick out a new TV!

I still have not replaced the old TV in spite of the fact that it hasn't worked since the evening of the fire. I just closed the door to the armoire where the TV resides still inside. Out of sight. Out of mind.

Occasionally, when I am out showing property, I observe fire hazards in homes I am showing to clients!

Last winter, a homeowner asked me to preview their home as they wanted to me list it for sale. Granted this was in February and it was a cool day when I visited the home. I was very concerned when I entered their kitchen to find 2 unattended burners on their stove in the "On" position and flames shooting three inches above the burners. No pans were on the burners. These people were actually trying to avoid turning on their heat and using the gas heat from the stove to warm their home!

Really! Are you kidding me?

I just learned that this is Fire Prevention Week! I want to thank Cherokee County Firefighters and first responders especially the Woodstock Fire Department!

This is FIRE PREVENTION WEEK! The Cherokee County Fire and EMS offers the following tips for protecting your home and family from fire:

1) Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

2) Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.

3) Have a 3-foot "kid free zone" around open fires and space heaters.

4) Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

5) If you smoke, smoke outside. Use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table.

6) Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

7) Develop a family escape plan which you practice with all family members on a regular basis. Make sure every family member is aware of the escape route and knows what to do in case of a real fire.

8) Equip your home with smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

9) Clean up debree in attics, garages and basements on a regular basis and make sure that paper such as magazines and newspapers don't accumulate. Make sure that gasoline cans and receptacles are properly ventilated.

Be safe! Exercise common sense! Have a wonderful holiday season!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara Hibbard specializes in assisting home buyers and sellers in the Canton, Woodstock, Alpharetta, Roswell, Acworth, Kennesaw and north Atlanta metro area. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying/selling process. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or e-mail her at sara@SaraHibbard.com! Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!