FUN "Things To Do" During March in Atlanta Metro Area

It's The Month Of "GREEN".  Spring is here in Atlanta.

It's hard to believe the month of March is upon us.  March is literally chocked full of great things to see and do in the Atlanta metro area with St Patricks Day festivals, spring festivals and much more.  If you live in the area or if you're visiting from out of town, here are a few suggestions on activities for you and your family. Happy Spring as you enjoy all that the Atlanta area has to offer.  

5th Annual "Prance Your Paws For a Cause" Dog Show and Expo, March 17th, Villa Rica Civic Center and Sports Complex, Villa Rica, GA.  Awards, door prizes, food children's activities to benefit art therapy programs.   www.pranceyourpaws.com.  770-830-5111

Shamrock City, March 17th-18th, Rock City, Lookout Mountain.  Festival featuring live Irish music, jig lessons, specialty beer, costumed characters and a green waterfall.  www.seerockcity.com.  706-820-2531.

Cherokee Chorale Spring Concert, March 18th, Canton First United Methodist Church, Canton, GA.  Members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorale accompany the Cherokee Chorale.  www.CherokeeChorale.org.  678-439-8625.

St. Patty's Day Wine Celebration, March 17th and 18th, Three Sisters Vineyards, Dahlonega.  Love Irish music, food and wine tastings.  www.ThreeSistersVineyards.com.  706-865-9463.

Atlanta Blooms, March 1-31, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta.  Enjoy this 2nd annual springtime floral celebration.  www.AtlantaBotanicalGarden.org.  404-876-5859.

Elizabeth Chapman and Brenda Smith Exhibit, March 3-31, Gallery 4463, Acworth, GA.  Featured paintings and fine jewelry with an artist's reception to follow.  www.Gallery4463.com.  404-921-4251.

American Craft Council Show, March 9-11, Cobb Galleria Centre, (Marietta) Atlanta.  Handmade one-of-a-kind clothing, furniture, home decor and jewelry.  www.CraftCouncil.org/Atlanta.  1-800-836-3470.

Great American Cover-Up Annual Quilt Show, March 10-18, Bulloch Hall, Roswell.  More than quilts on display throughout this historic home. www.BullochHall.org.  770-992-1731.

Hunger Walk/Run 2012, March 11, Turner Field, Atlanta.  5K walk to support Atlanta Food Bank's hunger relief efforts.  www.aflb.convio.net.  404-892-9822 ext. 1246

Georgia Daffodil Society Annual Show, March 17, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell. www.ChattNatureCenter.org.  770-992-2055.

Spring Atlanta Home Show, March 23-25, Cobb Galleria Center (Marietta) Atlanta.  See the largest home remodeling at Atlanta's largest home show.   www.AtlantaHomeShow.com.  770-798-1997.

Wildflower Walks, March 21,24,28,31 at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield, Kennesaw.  Enjoy a spring wildflower walk guided by writer and photographer Mary Meyer.  www.nps.gov/kemo.  770-427-4686.

Spring Chicken Run, March 24, Macland Presbyterian Church, Powder Springs.  5k, spirit walk and Tot Trot benefiting the Christian Aid Mission Partnership.  www.svcamp.org.  770-819-0662.

Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove, March 28-April 1, The Arena t Gwinnett Center, Duluth.  Your favorite Disney animated films come to life on the ice.  www.GwinnettCenter.com.  770-813-7600.

Line and Swing Dance Marathon, March 31, Best Friend Park Gym, Norcross.  Dance the night away at no matter your skill set.  770-822-5414.

Masterworks: " Gloria!"  March 1, Griffin Auditorium, Griffin.  Features "Gloria in D" by Vivaldi and "Messa di Gloria" by Puccini.  www.GriffinChoralArts.org.  770-468-3072

Callaway Gardens Annual Plant Fair & Sale, March 22-25, Callaway Gardens, Point Mountain.  Plants and unique garden items offered by 19 vendors from Georgia, surrounding states.  www.CallawayGardens.com.  800-225-5292.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and focuses on providing clients optimum service in purchasing or selling homes in the Atlanta metro area including Canton, Woodstock, Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Acworth and the north Atlanta metro area.   Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara at www.SaraHibbard.com.  Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! www.SaraHibbard.com.




    

Houseplants Have Health Benefits Too

When you are thinking about adding houseplants to your home, you are probably most focused on adding color and life to your home or office, but did you know there's an even better reason for homeowners to consider adding houseplants to their home decor?  According to a recent study, houseplants can actually help to keep your home (and office) healthy too.

Recent NASA findings under the Clean Air Study have discovered that adding houseplants to indoor environments can reduce pollutants in enclosed areas up to 87 percent in just 24 hours.  Pike Nurseries (a family run landscaper and design service), summarizes the details of the study and offers plant suggestions for home owners to get started.

According to the Clean Air Study, the three most common toxins that are found in homes and offices are benzine, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene (TCE).  These pollutants enter our homes through asbestos, chemical cleaning solutions, synthetic fibers, carpets and insulation.  Luckily houseplants offer a simple and beautiful way for homeowners to remove harmful airborne toxins naturally and without much effort.

Everyday houseplants like ferns, peace lilies and orchids have been found to decrease levels of harmful toxins in the immediate environment through the process of photosynthesis.  These plants and other common houseplants are able to absorb high concentrations of pollutants that once processed, are harmful to the plant itself.  In addition to cleaning the air, houseplants can also help raise humidity levels in the home and decrease stress levels.

Pike Nurseries recommends the following houseplants to help keep homes healthy:

• The Ficus:  This trendy tree-like houseplant is perfect for year-round greenery, and the braided trunk creates a unique, eye-catching stem.  This plant is great for those constantly on-the-go just place the tree near a sunny window and keep the soil moist.
• Orchid:  Countless varieties give gardeners numerous options, and their bright pops of color are sure to complement any room.  Orchids prefer to be pot-bound and placed in bright light, but not direct sunlight.
• Peace Lilly:  The perfect plant for the forgetful gardener, it can tolerate low light and infrequent watering.  Foliage color varies from light to dark green, while beautiful white blooms sprout at the top.
• Ferns:  The Boston fern is the most common and favorite indoor houseplant because of its long, arching fronds which can grow up to 48 inches wide.  They should be kept in bright locations but not in direct sunlight.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and works mainly with home buyers and sellers in the north Atlanta metro area.  Sara is also a frequent visitor to and patron of Pike Nurseries especially the Roswell, East Cobb and Woodstock locations.  Sara Hibbard looks forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling / relocation process.  Sara can be reached at any time at 404-660-2481, Sara@SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbard.com.   Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!  www.SaraHibbard.com

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

Submitted By: www.SaraHibbard.com

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday.  Time for Another Market Conditions Report!  This week the focus is on the city of Canton, GA.

Once famous for its "Canton Denim," known worldwide for the high-quality denim produced by Canton Cotton Mills which closed in 1979, Canton is now enjoying the greatest economic boom in its history. The City of Canton has a rich heritage. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city has a total area of 14.3 square miles.  The 2008 population estimate for Canton, Georgia was 22,724.

Many projects are underway in the city including new construction, renovation, and revitalization. Canton has received millions of dollars in grants for park and sidewalk improvements in the city. The city's public buses have established routes and carry thousands of passengers throughout the city from residential areas to downtown, shopping areas, the medical district, and job sites.  The Historic Canton Theatre on Main Street features plays and other special entertainment events throughout the year, injecting new life into the downtown business district. Streets in the downtown area were recently improved, by the removal of parking spaces, as part of the "Streetscapes" program, bringing brick pavers to sidewalks, lamp posts, lush landscaping and intersection upgrades.

Today, there are 44,599 homes on the market and actively listed in the entire Atlanta metro area including homes for sale in CANTON.  Likewise, today, as I write this, there is a total of 648 single family homes available and Actively listed on the market in CANTON.

Actively Listed Properties Available Today In CANTON
The 648 Canton homes thata are actively listed and on the market today range in price from $15,000 for a 1918 vintage buglow with 2 bedrooms/1 full bathroom off Marietta Parkway needing major repairs to $2.650 million for a bank owned 22 acre estate lakefront estate with gourmet kitchen, two story study, master suite w/private living area, morning kitchen, office w/balcony overlooking the lake. Game rm, media rm, wine cellar, indoor pool, spa and many more ameniteis too numerous to mention.  It's also worth noting that there are a total of 70 properties in CANTON priced at or under $100,000. 

Pending Sale In CANTON
As of today, there is a total of 218 properties PENDING SALE in Canton.

Homes Sold In CANTON
From January 1st through December 31st 2011, there were 1,166 single family homes sold in CANTON during 2011.  These homes ranged in price from $16,900 for a bank-owned 1920 vintage boarded up property on John T Pettit Street with 2 bedrooms/1 full bathroom to $1 million for a European traditional style home in BridgeMill with 6 bedrooms/6 full and 3 half bathrooms and an array of amenties and "bells & whistles" too numerous to mention here.   During the year there were 201 homes sold at or under $100,000.

From December 1st 2011 through today -- February 22, 2012, a total of 203 homes have sold in CANTON.  Prices have ranged from $17,000 to $775,000.

As you can clearly see, homes are selling in CANTON, GA.  If you would like a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) for your home, or if you would like to check the specific statistics of home sales in a specific zip code, school zone, county or city call Sara Hibbard at 404-660-2481 or e-mail her at Sara@SaraHibbard.com.  Visit Sara's website at:  www.SaraHibbard.com. 

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and focuses on providing clients optimum service in purchasing or selling homes in the Atlanta metro area including CANTON, GA too. Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com. Visit Sara at www.SaraHibbard.com.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!  www.SaraHibbard.com 

Thinking About Purchasing A HUD Home?

What's a HUD Home?

I get a lot of questions about HUD properties.  If you've been thinking about purchasing a HUD home, you probably have a few of the same questions that people ask me every day.  The questions I get most often include but are not limited to...

What's A HUD Home?    A HUD home is any residential property acquired by HUD as a result of a foreclosure action on a HUD-insured FHA-mortgage.  HUD becomes the property owner and offers it for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim. 
Do I need a real estate agent to place a bid for me? Yes, only licensed real estate agents can submit bids. In addition to being a HUD listing broker, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers can submit bids, on your behalf, on all HUD homes. I'm a Realtor with BHGRE Metro Brokers, I will of course, be happy to assist you throughout the HUD purchase process.  Simply contact me at 404-660-2481 or e-mail me at sara@SaraHibbard.com.

Will HUD make any repairs to the properties?  HUD properties are sold as-is with no warranty. After your bid has been accepted, you are strongly encouraged to have a professional inspection done on the property. If there are unexpected surprises relating to the condition of the property, you'll have an opportunity to cancel the contract.

Will HUD give money/credit for needed repairs to the property? No. However, you may wish to utilize an FHA 203K loan to finance repairs on the property. Depending upon the 203K program being utilized, funds may be escrowed for up to $35,000 for repairs to be done after closing. Very few lenders have the expertise necessary to process one of these loans, but Metro Home Mortgage has extensive experience in these programs.  Let me know if you are interested in speaking with a Lender, and I will have a qualified HUD lender contact you immediately.  

Is an earnest money deposit required? Yes. HUD requires earnest money in the amount of $500 for purchase prices under $49,999 and $1,000 for purchase prices $50,000 and higher. Certified funds are required.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta metro area.  In addition to regular re-sale properties Sara is involved with foreclosures, short sales and HUD properties too.  Call Sara with your many questions regarding HUD properties or the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the home buying / selling / relocation process.  Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting you throughout the process when the time is right for you.  Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!  Sara is easily reached at 404-660-2481, Sara@SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbard.com.

Always Check References

So one of your New Year's Resolutions was to remodel your kitchen...or perhaps add an outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles.  Now you're looking around for a qualified contractor to do the work.   But who is capable of completing your vision of the ideal outdoor kitchen -- or whatever job you're considering?  Who'll be efficient with their time, clean with their workmanship, and who is capable of starting the job and seeing it through to the finish for a reasonable expenditure?

Before you take steps to remodel with anyone, it's a good idea to check references.  Not all contractors are a like.  Read, be aware, and learn an important & crucial new fact everybody needs to know before choosing a contractor. 

I often say, "technology is a wonderful thing -- when it works".  But, recently I've learned that today's technology is steering and misleading some customers into selecting the wrong contractor's, fake company's, or unlicensed contractor's claiming a license without even actually possessing a true business license.

When looking for a contractor, plumber, electrician, appliance store, roofer, kitchen and bath contractors or radiator repair shop, business owners know you look for reviews on line.  The problem is.... How do you know they are REAL REVIEWS, and not just cleverly made up reviews by the owner's of the business themselves ????

Here's what you need to do, ( at least with contractor based business's). Forget looking at reviews on line. GET REFERENCES!  References are the best and only REAL accurate way of checking on a business.   Ask the business you intend to use for recent references.  You want names, addresses and phone numbers that you can call and talk to real people.   Any legitimate business will have many references that have at least the area of town, phone #'s and information available for you to check and verify.  Many companies will have lists of verifiable previous customers so that you can pick references and call real people to check a companies credentials.  Don't enter into any agreement with a company that solicited you by walking up to your doorway and asking for your business.  

Just a word to the wise!  Have fun with your next household project and don't forget to get references before you start.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta metro area.  Call Sara with your many questions at 404-660-2481 or e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com.  Sara Hibbard is glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!  http://www.SaraHibbard.com 

Market Statistics That Matter

Posted By: www.SaraHibbard.com

Market Statistics That Matter

The media is flooding us with all kinds of data regarding the housing market and much of it is either untrue, riddled with inaccuracy, poor research or numbers that simply don’t make sense.

Yes, it’s true we’re just coming out of perhaps the worst recession of all time, and yes, property values have dipped considerably in many areas.

Believe it or not, those of us in Georgia and the Atlanta metro area are rather lucky.  Although, we witnessed a huge building boom, our home values did not inflate like other areas of the country such as New England, NYC or the west coast.  You can still buy a home or property here and not break your banking account to find a good home that fits your price range, wallet and lifestyle needs.  Although we've experienced our fair share of suffering, we have not suffered like other areas of the country.

And, all market corrections are not necessarily bad either.  But that’s another subject for another day.

Regardless, many publications and the news media in general continue to refer to “average sales price” (ASP) or “median sale price” (MSP) in their reporting of the housing market.  They even use these terms interchangeably.  This is inappropriate for a market in flux. 

When a market is changing, those two indicators are not wise to use if you’re attempting to get a handle on current market conditions. 

My personal observation is just that --  a personal observation and not necessarily based on any specific data from the National Association of Realtors, or any other group.  Rather, my information is based on MLS data locally and from feedback I receive from other agents in my network around the country.  Local MLS data tells the true story.  My research indicates that with both, market decline and market recovery, these two indicators trail real time market conditions by 12 to 24 months depending on price diversity of the area being measured. 

The reason for this is that in areas where homes vary greatly in price, all price ranges are not impacted the same by current economic market conditions.  Prices can also clearly be improving in many markets where ASP or MSP show a decline because the numbers of the sales in specific ranges do not resemble the “bell curve” upon which most statistical data is based. 

If you want a more reliable “real time” measurement -- a local "fact" based measurement of market conditions in your neighborhood, call a Realtor who specializes in running market statistics.  For the most accurate measurement of how the market is fairing in your area you need to look at local data appropriate for your neighborhood, school district, zip code.   If you call me, I'll look back over the last 3 to 6 months.  I'll review specific data in your own school district, your own zip code, your own specific sub-division and neighborhood and with like properties within a 1 mile, 3 mile and 5 mile radius of your neighborhood.  When I share with you the absorption rate, the days on market (DOM), the %Sold Price/Original List Price as well as the number of homes SOLD, PENDING and ACTIVE and those EXPIRED and WITHDRAWN from the market, you’ll have a more complete picture of the REALITY of market conditions in your neighborhood and how it is fairing overall in the recovery.  Wouldn't you rather know the "facts" based on current statistics in Lassiter High School district for example (if that's where you live), or your specific zip code rather than what is being spoon fed by the media? 

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and works mainly in the north Atlanta metro area.  Sara looks forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling / relocation process.  Call Sara for a a FREE Market Conditions Report for your specific school district, zip code, sub-division.  Sara is available to answer your many questions and concerns anytime at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com.  Visit Sara’s website at www.SaraHibbard.com.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!    

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

Posted By: http://www.SaraHibbard.com

If It's Wednesday, It Must be Time For Another Market Conditions Report.  The week our focus is concentrated on the city of Braselton, GA.

The Town of Braselton has a rich heritage and the unique characteristic of being located not only in Jackson County but also spanning into three additional counties: Hall, Gwinnett, and Barrow. The  community is the home to the world class amenity, Chateau Elan Winery and Resort. The resort attracts more than a half a million visitors a year and the adjoining Chateau Elan Golf and Residential community has thrived as part of Braselton. Add to this the excellent business location on the I-85 business corridor and you have a premier live, work, and play community that boasts an excellent quality of life.

Braselton's growth has been rapid in the last two decades. The population increased from 418 in 1990 to 1206 in 2000 and most recently to 7511 in 2010.  The city continues to expand as development moves north from Atlanta up Interstate 85. The list of corporate businesses locating in Braselton continues to grow.  Braselton's industrial parks are home to Mayfield Dairy, Panoz Auto Development Company, PetCo, Tractor Supply, Dayton Superior, SafeLite, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Year One and Haverty Furniture's Southeast Distribution Center just to name a few.

Braselton’s success can be attributed to several key factors.  Obviously the great location along the I-85 corridor provides excellent transportation access. The Town has its own water and sewer infrastructure which is a great benefit to residents and businesses.  If you're looking for a community that focuses on small town values, ensuring positive smart future growth, Braselton might be the right place for you and your family to call "home".

So as we look at Braselton today, we look first at the "big picture".  Today, in the entire Atlanta metro area including the city of Braselton, there is a total of 45,193 single family homes ACTIVELY listed for sale.  Likewise, in Braselton, there is a total of 123 single family homes actively listed for sale today.

ACTIVE Listings In Braselton
Current listing prices range from $38,000 for a Investor Ready 3/2 single wide mobile home with a private drive and rear yard that is just over 2 acres of land to $3.959 million for a magnificent home in the Exclusive Legends of Chateau Elan. This home is on Signature Hole #5 of the Legends Course and situated on 3 acres with all you can ask for: multiple ponds, creek w/bridge, outdoor covered area w/ fireplace, pool, master on main & much, much more!  Unbelievable views from every room!!!

PENDING SALE in Braselton
Today, there is a total of 36 homes showing up as PENDING SALE in Braselton.  Those homes pending sale are priced from $49,900 for a cute and well maintained 3 bedroom/2 full bathroom ranch style home to $2 million for an old world European masterpiece nestled on private acreage and a wooded lot.  This home is loaded with every amenity, upgrade and convenience imaginable including but not limited to 2 gourmet kitchens, theater, spa, home office and much more in is scheduled to close on February 28th.

SOLD Single Family Home Properties in Braselton 1-1-2011 through today February 1, 2012
During the last year 178 homes have been SOLD in Braselton.  Sold properties ranged in price from $22,900 for a Fannie Mae Homepath property with 3 bedrooms/ 2 bathroom mobile home on almost 2.5 acres which closed on 1/14/2011 to the highest priced property which sold for $1.435 million in Chateau Elan on 7/26/2011.  This 6 full and 7 full and 2 half bathroom elegantly appointed home sold after 337 days on the market.  The home was located on the #8 Tee box on private Legends of Chateau Elan.  Some of the amenities included a gourmet kitchen, elevator, 8 Fireplaces, Master Suite offering His/hers private baths.  The finished lower level offers Mahogany Bar/Wine Cellar/Media Room, swimming pool, elegant outdoor kitchen, 4 car+ garage and much more.

A total of 36 homes have SOLD in Braselton from November 1st through today with prices ranging from $38,600 to $965,000.

As you can clearly see, homes are obviously selling in Braselton, GA.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and focuses on providing clients optimum service in purchasing or selling homes in the Atlanta metro area.  Sara Hibbard is easily reached at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com.  Visit Sara at www.SaraHibbard.com. 

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind! http://www.SaraHibbard.com