If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Time For Another Market Conditions Report

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions -- Wednesday!  Time for another market report. 

Last Wednesday, we reported on current activity in ACWORTH.  This week the spotlight shines on ALPHARETTA.

Alpharetta is a city in north Fulton County, Georgia, and a northern suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of the most affluent communities in the state. According to the 2010 Census, Alpharetta's population is 57,551. However, during the workday, the city swells to more than 120,000 residents, workers, and visitors, due to the more than 3,600 businesses that are located in the city. 

In 2009, Forbes ranked Alpharetta as the number 1 "reloville".

It might interest you to know that as I write this, there is a total of 52,587 total homes on the market and Actively listed today in the entire Atlanta metro area including homes in Alpharetta. 

Likewise, as I write this, there is a total of 848 single family homes ACTIVELY listed and on the market in Alpharetta.

Currently there are only 4 single family homes listed and available in Alpharetta UNDER $100,000

Currently, home prices in Alpharetta range from $79,900 for a 1940 vintage ranch style property with 4 bedrooms/3 full bathrooms requiring major renovations to $8.5 million for a classically elegant craftsman style home in Country Club of the South with 7 bedrooms/8 full and 4 half bathrooms.  This "dream home exudes perfections in every room and on every level.  An elevator, 3 kitchens, 3 laundry rooms, Pellet windows throughout, indoor basketball court, 800 bottle wine cellar, 7 fireplaces, stone outdoor pool, steam showers, saunas, 2-story library, masterfully-done theater, 4+ car garage, gentleman's floor and much more.

Today and as I write this there are 209 homes PENDING SALE in Alpharetta.

To date, and since January 1st, there have been 1,246 homes SOLD in Alpharetta.  The highest priced property to sell in Alpharetta during the year, offered 7 bedrooms with 9 full and 2 half bathrooms located in Country Club of the South.  This 13,000 square foot beauty with all the bells and whistles was originally listed at $3,995,000.  The final sales price was $3,400,000.  The property was purchased with 100% cash after 871 days on market (DOM).  The property closed on 10/1/2011.

Since September 1st to date, 239 homes have been sold in Alpharetta and since October 1st, 120 homes have sold in Alpharetta. 

Obviously, in spite of the doom and gloom you hear in the media, homes are selling in Alpharetta. 

What are you waiting for! This could be your "ideal" community and neighborhood.   Call me for a tour of an Alpharetta home or questions regarding the Alpharetta and Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the pre-approval/buying/selling/relocation process.  Perhaps you need to live in close proximity to a particular school system or zip code.  I'll be happy to give you the latest statistics for any area of interest. 

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area -- including Alpharetta and Roswell.   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!

Reducing Your Energy Bills This Winter

With beautiful blue sky's, temps hovering around 75 degrees, no humidity and the brilliant hues of red, yellow and orange foliage, it is hard to believe that holiday season is upon us with Thanksgiving only a little more than 2 weeks away.  Even in the Atlanta metro area we will experience "some" winter weather although mild compared to northern winters. 

That brings me to today's topic which is Energy.   If you're the chosen family member who pays the monthly bills, you probably all ready know the majority of your monthly energy expenses -- outside of gas for your car, is associated with heating or cooling your home.  Here are some tips from the experts to save money and reduce your utility bills, and help the environment at the same time.

1) When replacing older appliances, especially refrigerators, consider more energy-efficient, Energy Star appliances.

2) Wrap heating and cooling ducts with duct wrap, or use mastic sealant.

3)  Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower and the air - conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting.

(I must admit to you, I am pretty bad with this advice from the experts when it comes to cooling my home.  The heat in the south is just too much for me sometimes.  My air-conditioner runs most of the year and in the warmest months, admittedly it is set at about 60 degrees.  I try to make up for my transgressions in other ways of conservation whenever possible).

Anyway, they say, if you are able to conform to the above advice, that will help you out considerably at bill time because the energy used is 3% to 5% more for each degree above 68 (furnace) or below 78 (air conditioner).

4) Use compact fluorescent lamps or lower wattage bulbs.  This is another area I fall short in, because I love to read and I love bright light.  I am getting better though.

5)  Fix defective plumbing and dripping faucets.  A single dripping hot water faucet can waste quite a bit of water every month.  That not only increases water bills, but also increases the gas or electric bill for heating the water. 

Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions or if you would like a referral to a qualified HVAC contractor, plumber or other type of contractor.  I am always happy to help. 

Sara Hibbard is a licenced Realtor in the Atlanta metro area serving the areas of Acworth, Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, Roswell and Woodstock.   Call Sara if you are considering the possibility of selling your current home, purchasing a new home, or if you have any questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process.  Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!  Sara is easily reachable at 404-660-2481.

Keep Up With The Jones, But Don't Surpass Them When Remodeling

Dona Dezube of FrontDoor.com says, the secret to sucessful pre-sale home remodeling
is to keep up with the Jones', but never surpass them. Whether you want to make more money than you spend, or just recoup your remodeling expenses when you sell your home, know what's standard in your neighborhood.

Does everyone have laminate kitchen countertops? Splurge on granite and you'll be the envy of your friends, but you won't get your money back at resale. Is your home in a high-end neighborhood? Put in laminate countertops and your house will sell for less than full value, or worse yet, linger on the market for months.

Never be the last homeowner on the block to remodel. Homebuyers will pass up your property in favor of the one down the street where everything is already updated. Your home will sell slowly and for less money.

Before you pick up a hammer, visit real estate open houses and new home communities. Ask the builder to show you a spec home (that's an already built home without the model home's decorative features and upgrades).

"The three main things in real estate are location, location and location," says Nancy Jones, a Realtor with Hunt ERA Real Estate, Williamsville, NY. "Some homes will sell no matter what they look like depending on the location and, of course, the right price. The main things to keep in mind when remodeling are: neutral, clean, and classic. That will always recoup your money."

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara looks forward in working with you to find your ideal home and guiding you throughout the process when the time is right for you. Sara cab be reached any time at 404-660-2481. Or, e-mail Sara at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

Bugs!

As you may know, I am not originally from the south.

I grew up in northeastern Ohio and then went to college in Boston. After my college days, I lived and worked in the Boston market for 18 years.

Yes, I LOVED Boston! I loved the close proximity to Cape Cod and the islands as well as cultivating my love of sailing and scuba diving in the cold waters of New England. I never noticed Bugs in New England. The word "bug" wasn't even part of my vocabulary.

That changed almost immediately when I relocated to Atlanta in February 1994.

Moving to Georgia was somewhat of a "culture shock" for me. The main change was...well...bugs! Now, I'm not exactly "squeamish" about bugs. Truly, I'm not afraid of them nor do I run screaming like a little girl when I see a bug. But, I want you to know that northerners have never seen "bugs" -- like bugs in the south. Southern bugs, look like nothing you've ever laid eyes on. Most are harmless, some are actually cute, but often they defy description.

Up north, people aren't worried about bugs! But, up north, if you see an Orkin Pest Control truck in a neighbor's driveway, there is an immediate assumption by all folks who pass by, that your neighbor must keep a dirty house. After all why else would you have bugs?

Meanwhile, in the sunny south, the sight of a bug truck at your neighbors house is somewhat...well...typical. When I arrived in the south, I did not know or realize that people had relationships with the various Pest Control Companies -- BUG STOP, BUGS BE GONE, ORKIN and others. Everyone has a subscription to a Pest Control Company. These companies make frequent and regular visits to vaccinate homes, gardens and yards from the possibility of various indigenous and phantom pests -- bugs.

Here's a funny story. I wasn't in Atlanta more than 3 weeks, when one night I was amazed, shocked, horrified, embarrassed to find a "familiar" bug on my bedroom floor. I say "familiar" because I had seen pictures in encyclopedias of this particular bug -- but never before, had I actually seen one with my naked eye.

I didn't think anyone would believe me, so I put a garbage can over the bug for safe keeping overnight. When morning arrived,the scorpion on my bedroom floor was dead!

At the time, I was working at a company where there was no office privacy. By that I mean, all employees worked out of cubicles. This was also before most people had cell phones. Being a northerner, I was more embarrassed (than afraid) that my new house seemed to have a bug problem. Not knowing that the presence of bugs is perfectly acceptable in the south, I was anxious to call a pest control company for an immediate remedy to the situation.

My dilemma: I didn't want a new co-worker to over hear my conversation with a bug company. Each day I would wait till the coast was clear before dialing the telephone number for Orkin -- the major pest control company in Atlanta. Several times a day, I would dial 404-555-PEST, and simultaneously a co-worker would show up at the threshold of my cubicle. Immediately, I would hang up. I eventually had to wait for the weekend to make the dreaded call from home.

When Orkin finally arrived at my house to perform their magic, I mentioned how hard it had been to reach them. I told the "bug man" that I had hung up at least 57 times during the week as their receptionist would answer the phone and a cheerful co-worker would show up at my cubicle at the same time. I was totally ashamed and embarrassed! The bug guy said, "that was you!?"

Billy, the bug guy, told me that none of my co-workers would think less of me for being an Orkin client and it certainly wouldn't keep me from winning friends in the office place. As Billy, told me in his southern drawl, "Bugs don't bother me." "Don't let 'em bother you."

I share this story, to tell you that you need not fear southern bugs. If you are planning to relocate to the area, you will probably need a "bug guy" like Billy. Regular treatments typically occur every 6 to 8 weeks or quarterly and will keep you "bug-free". Additionally, the south is known for termites. The question isn't, "are they here?" The question is, when will they arrive?" If you are planning to sell your home or purchase a new one, you will need a termite letter prior to closing.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta metro area. If you need a referral to a termite or pest inspector, Sara Hibbard will be happy to make a recommendation. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or 770-399-8108 or e-mail at sara@SaraHibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Time For Another Market Conditions Report!

If it's Wednesday, it must be market conditions Wednesday and time for another market report. This week, we are back to the beginning of the Alphabet. The focus today is on the city of ACWORTH, GA.

Acworth is a city located predominantly in Cobb County, GA but also holds the distinction of overlapping into three other counties -- Cherokee, Paulding and Bartow Counties. As of the 2010 census, the city had a populations of 20,425. Acworth is located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains along the southeastern banks of Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona on the Etowah River.

The city of Acworth, couldn't be cuter with trendy shops, fine dining and a totally revitalized downtown area, the city of Acworth has had a welcomed face-lift during the last few years. Acworth is steeped in history too. In November 1864, during the American Civil War, the city was burned down by the army of General W.T. Sherman, sparing only a few homes. The city was called "Little Shanty" by the Union troops to contrast it with the next town south, "Big Shanty", since renamed Kennesaw. Today, the Kennesaw Battlefield National Park is a tourist attraction as well as a very popular hiking and biking area for residents and visitors.

In 2011, the filming of several scenes for the new Footloose remake took place in downtown Acworth. The Acworth Presbyterian Church was used as the primary church, and the house of Mayor, Tommy Allegood was used as Julianne Hough's character's home. You know. The same Julianne Hough of Dancing With The Star's fame.

Let's check out the current market conditions for the city of Acworth, Georgia

Today, as I write this there is a total of 56,487 actively listed homes on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area -- including homes for sale in Acworth.

Likewise, as I write this there is a total of 594 single family homes for sale in Acworth today. Of the total 594 homes for sale, there are 104 single family homes listed for sale UNDER $100,000.

Currently home prices range from $5,000 for a seasonal 1 bedroom cottage property needing lots of work at Glade Marina in Bartow County to a stunning executive style property at Island Mills in Acworth on Lake Allatoona. This property is listed at $1.950 million and offers 6 bedrooms/7 full and 1 half bathrooms. The property is located on a deep water lot just 4 miles from Route 75. No expense was spared in this craftsman style home featuring handcrafted exquisite moldings,stone and wood work as well as tile. The finish work is to-die-for! 3-story grand room with huge central fireplace. A gourmet chef's kitchen offers top of the line appliances, granite and tile. Indulge in a steam shower in the Master Bath. The terrace level offers a custom bar and theater.

Currently there are 188 single family homes Pending Sale or Pending Existing Lender Approval in Acworth. They range in price from $40,700 to $617,000.

Since January 1st, 2011 through today, there have been 979 single family homes SOLD in Acworth. They have ranged in price from $10,500 for a ranch style home at Red Top Mountain needing major repair work. This home was sold with the knowledge that the home exhibited significant amounts of mold. This home sold and closed on July 29 after 14 days for 100% cash.

Likewise, the highest priced home to sell in Acworth since January 1st was sold and closed on March 18th after 62 days on the market. This was an incomplete builder foreclosure needing an additional $325,000 of finish work with the buyer needed to take care of out of pocket. The home was originally listed for $3 million, and reduced to $1,250,000. The home closed for a final sales price of $1,078,000. Located in Governor's Towne Club the home was incomplete when purchased but offered a French inspired all stone home. State of the art appliances, center island, hidden pantry, fireside library. Rear stairs to in-law suite.

Homes are continuing to sell in Acworth! There have been 162 homes sold and closed in Acworth since September 1st.

What are you waiting for! This could be your "ideal" community and neighborhood. As you can clearly see, homes are selling in Acworth, GA. Call me for a tour of an Acworth home or questions regarding the Acworth and Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the pre-approval/buying/selling/relocation process.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the State of Georgia and works in the Atlanta metro area -- including Acworth. Sara recently sold a beautiful home in Acworth in the Cobb County area to a young couple who relocated to Georgia from Kentucky. 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!

WINK Has Opened In Downtown Woodstock!

WOW! It's hard to believe Halloween 2011 is a memory and Thanksgiving is quickly approaching with the holidays close behind! 2012 will be here before we know it!

As the year draws to a close, historic downtown Woodstock continues to grow, this time with the addition of WINK, a martini bar that has been in the works for more than a year has finally opened its doors to the public and the Woodstock downtown neighborhood over the weekend. Located between Copper Coin Coffee and Bridal Exchange Boutique, a brand new neon sign is ablaze tonight over the sidewalk.

To get ready for the holidays it is timely that WINK has now opened in Downtown Woodstock. According to Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch, WINK will surely be a new destination to introduce to your thirsty (and hungry) holiday visitors.

Developers Shannon Fannin and Steve Rabb recently told Noel Stogs of Woodstock Towne Lake Patch that WINK is an ultra modern concept bar specializing in martinis and nosh, built around the idea of sophistication that is at once inviting and energetic. Steve Rabb says they created the concept thinking about an older, more mature wine crowd in the evening, and a fun party crowd late at night.

Designed primarily by Shannon Fannin herself, the final layout is representative of things she's drawn from the LA nightclub scene and sexy bars in Atlanta with her own eclectic spin. Wink is quite a departure from previous business endeavors taken on by Fannin and Steve Rabb. Skilled in management and marketing respectively, neither has ever tried their hand at restaurant ownership or management until now. Rabb has spent most of his time as Vice President of the American Cancer Society in Atlanta while Fannin has been in retail for many years.

According to Fannin, the whole idea sprang up from a discussion they had one night while sitting over drinks and dinner at Pure in downtown Woodstock. They were just talking about what Woodstock needs. They discussed the possibility of a wine and desert bar. From there, they began brainstorming and ideas snowballed as they began building concepts.

In the last few years, with the addition of Hedgewood properties and the idea of living and working in downtown Woodstock, restaurants and trendy shops have been springing up everywhere. Meanwhile, Woodstock has even experienced a face lift of its own with local businesses sprucing up their buildings, the completion of a new city center area including revitalized sidewalks, the park area and the completion of long range plans for a vibrant and active downtown Woodstock area much like Roswell and Acworth have experienced.

With WINK now open, Fannin and Rabb hope to offer an elegant evening of gourmet food and wine, signature cocktails, extensive list of imported beverages and a minimalist approach to fine cuisine.

Things aren't all glitz and glamour for Wink's management staff. Community involvement is an important aspect to their business model and philosophy. On Sundays, Wink plans to collaborate with the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, charging admission which will help to fund Elm Street projects, and there is hope of featuring local artists for live music at least once a week. Additionally, a percentage of the proceeds from every Wink signature martini will be donated to the American Cancer Society and breast cancer research.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta metro area and works in Woodstock. The Metro Brokers office in Woodstock is located adjacent to the Woodstock Post Office at 265 Parkway 575 just 2.5 miles to downtown Woodstock. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind. Sara looks forward to answering your many real estate questions when the time is right for you to consider buying or selling real estate in Woodstock, Canton, Acworth, Kennesaw, Roswell, Alpharetta or the north Atlanta metro area. Sara is easily reachable at
404-660-2481.