Woodstock GA and Surrounding Areas Homes for Sale – Update by Red Hot Atlanta Homes

November 30, 2009

Another New Homeowner – 1st Time Home Buyer Receives $8000 Tax Credit

Filed under: Rambling Thoughts — Tags: , — Kathy and Ben @ 8:05 am

It’s been a long road…finding the right property and then working through the closing process nevertheless another first time home buyer has a new home.  We started looking at houses in August knowing we had plenty of time find the right home and close by the November 30 deadline for the $8000 First Time Buyer Tax Credit. 

Well here it is Thanksgiving week and we got it done.  We found a great townhouse in Ridenour at Highway 41 and Barrett  Parkway  There are wood floors and stainless steel kitchen appliances.  The Great Room opens onto a deck looking at the old growth forest.  This falls the colors have been okay however spring with the dogwood trees will be spectacular. 

This new homeowner qualifies for the $8000 Tax Credit as a first time home buyer and chose a 30 year fixed rate FHA loan at 5% interest.  Because the purchaser purchased a foreclosure property he also qualified for the Georgia Down Payment Assistance Program receiving $14,0000 towards his down payment. 

Remember the $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended!  If you are thinking about purchasing a home there are sellers wanting to sell and very reasonable interest rates. 

 

November 24, 2009

* Senior Citizens and School Taxes – Marietta and Cobb County Real Estate

Filed under: 55+/Active Adult, North Atlanta, Woodstock — Tags: , , , — Kathy and Ben @ 10:38 pm

Do you live in Cobb County and are over 62?  If so, you can apply for an school tax exemption on your property taxes.  The exemption will save you approximately 65% of the tax bill for unincorporated Cobb County.  To apply, fill out the form provided by the Cobb County Tax Assessor Office by March 1 for the exemption.  You need to apply only once not yearly. Save Money

What happens if you do not live in Cobb County?  This tax saving is different from county to county.  In neighboring Cherokee County, there is also an exemption at age 62.  The exemption if for up to $320,625.00 and then is a graduated portion.   Read more….

November 23, 2009

Bradshaw Park Neighborhood – Woodstock Real Estate

Filed under: Woodstock Neighborhood — Tags: , — Kathy and Ben @ 10:13 pm

Wanted to tell you about a great neighborhood with homes for sale in Woodstock- it’s Bradshaw Park, a swim/tennis community on a quiet street just off of East Cherokee Drive.  We’ve sold in the neighborhood and have also gotten to know several of the residents- it’s a true gem in Cherokee County!entrance to Bradshaw Park

The short drive on Ranchwood Trail leading into the neighborhood is scenic and leads you to a beautiful stacked stone entrance monument letting you know you’ve arrived at your destination.  There is a lovely swim, tennis and playground complex located in the back of the neighborhood.  In addition to regular enjoyment of the amenities, the residents have several social functions there throughout the year.

 

Bradshaw Park has 136 traditional two-story homes that Fall Foliage are a mixture of master bedroom up as well as a number ofmaster on main floorplans.  The streets are meandering on gently rolling terrain and there is a wide variety of floorplans and exteriors to give the neighborhood a warm and comfortable feel.  There are currently 7 homes for sale in the neighborhood with prices ranging from the mid-200s to mid-300s, some with basements.

The schools for the community are Johnston Elementary, Rusk Middle, and Sequoyah High.  Numerous shopping areas and restaurants are located within a 5 to 10 minute drive.  East Cherokee Drive also has easy access to I-575 and North Fulton, giving you short drives to work and play. 

November 18, 2009

White Columns Neighborhood – Milton Real Estate

Filed under: Milton Neighborhood — Tags: , , — Kathy and Ben @ 9:38 pm

White Columns is one of the premier neighborhoods of Milton, boasting a Tom Fazio designed cWhite Columns monumenthampionship golf course, recently expanded clubhouse, plus swim, tennis, dining and fitness facilities.  The neigborhood is comprised of 434 residences in four sections.  The majority of the homeowners live in the golf community on the northern edge of the course.  Another 30% live in the gated section of the neighborhood to the south- most of these homes back to the golf course.

Membership in the Country Club is optional for homeowners.  There are a variety of memberships available including those for non-residents, depending on your interests.  White Columns is very active year-round with events for adults and children, gourmet dinners, holiday celebrations, pool parties, educational-based events and even a traditional Sunday brunch.

 White Columns boasts relatively large lots of 1 acre of more.  The homes are mainly tradtitional with brick or cedar-shake shingle facades.  Home prices range from around half a million to well over a million- currently there are 27 homes for sale in this Milton neighborhood.

 White Columns is conveniently located just a few miles off the Windward exit of GA Hwy 400.  The area schools are excellent- Summit Hill Elementary, Nortwestern Middle and Milton High.  There is also plenty of shopping and dining options within a short drive.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and scenic neighborhood with lots of activities and a great social environment, White Columns is a neighborhood to consider.White Columns clubhouse

November 17, 2009

* Can’t Find Homes for Sale in Milton? Here’s why…

Filed under: Milton, Rambling Thoughts — Tags: , — Kathy and Ben @ 9:09 pm

OK, you’ve read and heard about Milton GA before and thought, “sounds like a great place- maybe I should live there”.  Then you tried to find homes for sale in Milton online with no luck.  Milton Logo

Here’s why- Milton was incorporated as a city in 2006 from previously unincorporated areas of North Fulton county on the west side of Hwy 400.  Because it’s a new city, there is no “official” Milton post office yet serving the city limits.  And in metro Atlanta, your address (and how your home is listed for sale online) is based on what post office delivers mail to your home.

Read more….

November 16, 2009

Tax Credit Expanded and Extended 2009/2010

Filed under: Rambling Thoughts — Tags: , , , , — Kathy and Ben @ 4:32 pm

With the signing of the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, existing homeowners may now qualify for a $6500 Tax Credit.  This new legislation is time sensitive and unfortunately does not apply to all existing homeowners.  Here are the important points to know:

  • Who qualifies – current homeowners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years with the last eight years qualify. 
  • Time Limits - as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until June 30, 201o to close. 
  • Income Limits – single buyers with income up to $125,000 and married couples with income up to $225,000 may receive the maximum tax credit.  The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for a single buyer and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. 
  • Price Limits – credit may only be awarded to homes purchased for $800,000 or less.
  • Repayment of Tax Credit – there is no repayment of the tax credit if the purchased property is occupied for three years or more.  However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount will be recouped on the sale.

Now you know the facts.  What does in mean…

  • You receive the $6500 Tax Credit by purchasing a home.  You are not required to sell your current home – just make the new home your principle residence for 3 years.
  • You can purchase a property for a higer value or lower value than your present residence. 
  • You must act now…April 30 is the deadline.
  • Upon closing the new home purchase you can file an amended tax return for an immediate $6500 Tax Credit.

Important to remember…

  • The present low prices and mortgage rates will not last forever!
  • Here is an opportunity to “move” to your dream home…something smaller, something larger, something one level, whatever is your dream.

Signing of the legislation also extended the First Time Buyer Tax Credit.  The credit continues to be up to $8000 with a few changes.

  • Time Limit – as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until June 30, 2010 to close.
  • Income Limits – single buyers with income up to $125,000 and married couples with income up to $225,000 receive the maximum tax credit.  The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 to $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 to $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly
  • Repayment of  Tax Credit – if the purchaser resides in the home for 3 years or more there in no repayment penalty.  If the purchaser sales the property before 3 years, the tax credit will be recouped at that time

November 15, 2009

New Price – North Valley – Milton Home For Sale

Filed under: Milton Neighborhood — Tags: , , — Kathy and Ben @ 10:19 pm
Links
Photo Gallery

North Valley – Milton Home For Sale

North Valley – Milton Home For Sale

North Valley – Milton Home For Sale

North Valley – Milton Home For Sale

North Valley – Milton Home For Sale

Milton Home For Sale

Milton Home For Sale
    
Description
Enjoy living at its best in this well-appointed estate home on a 4.3 acres in Milton. Custom designed by noted architect William T. Baker, the exterior facade is modeled after an 1808 Georgia farmhouse, with a brick center-section featuring air porches on both levels. The clapboard wings have mahogany siding to compliment the center section and are rot and insect resistant. The home has a new roof of cedar shake shingles. The private lot is gently rolling terrain with numerous hardwood trees and some pines. A gracious winding driveway leads to the landscaped grounds around the home, which has several parking areas for your guests. An extensive irrigation system helps to maintain the professional landscaping.

Find out more about this custom built home at www.NorthValleyGa.info…including photos and virtual tour. To see this property contact Kathy or Ben at 404-845-0216 today.

Features
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4.5
Year Built: 1989
Subdivision: North Valley
Lot Size: 4.3 acres
Garage Size: 4+ Car
School District: Fulton
Square Footage: 5000
Agent Name: Ben Staten & Kathy Kirby Seger
Broker: RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
MLS #: 3944176
Location
Powered by vFlyer.com vFlyer Id: 2888419

November 14, 2009

Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Options Available in GA

Filed under: Rambling Thoughts — Tags: , — Kathy and Ben @ 9:02 pm

Many prospective homebuyers looking to purchase a home in metro Atlanta believe that there are no longer any down payment asssistance programs available to them.  Or, they’ve been told that the guidelines are so restrictive as to make it impossible to qualify for the available funds.

Both asssumptions are wrong.  Thru the GA Department of Consumer Affairs, $14,000 is available to any homebuyer looking to purchase a bank foreclosure in GA.  The program is called GA Dream and while the guidelines may seem difficult to navigate, Georgia homebuyers have taken advantage of millions of dollars available thru this program since it’s inception earlier this year.GA Dream logo

Sensing a great opportunity for homebuyers with this program, we attended DCA training to become familiar with the ins and outs of the GA Dream program.  Since then, we’ve worked successfully with homebuyers throughout metro Atlanta to find their “dream” homes.  The guidelines are too complex to completely cover here, but there are income limits and education requirements, both reasonable, that the homebuyer(s) must meet in order to be eligible.  These are government backed loans, either FHA or VA.  If you meet these requirements and have saved $500 for your down payment   (yes, $500!), you will receive a $14,000 mortgage from DCA, which has zero interest and zero monthly payments.  That mortgage lien is released (written off) on a prorated basis over 5 years and 6 months from your closing.

Here’s a list of GA counties where you can purchase homes (townhomes and condos too!) that are eligible for GA Dream downpayment assistance.

While this is a great program for homebuyers, funding is limited and once the available funds are gone, the program is suspended unless and until new funding is approved.  So, look into the GA Dream Homeownership program if you are considering buying a home in GA soon!

November 13, 2009

*Rose Arbor Neighborhood – Ranch Condo – Homes for Sale in Kennesaw

Filed under: 55+/Active Adult, North Atlanta — Tags: , , — Kathy and Ben @ 7:21 pm

Rose Arbor is a small enclave neighborhood for active adults in Kennesaw near Highway 41 and Mars Hill Road.  There are 40 single level, brick residences in the community.  Homes in this ranch condo community have 3 bedrooms and a sunrooms.  Finishing touches are the same as you would see in much more expensive homes.  Ceilings are 10 foot with heavy moldings and 6 inch baseboards.  Kitchens have granite countertops and 42 inch cabinets.  There is a courtyard patio off the sunroom for relaxation and grilling.  If you are downsizing  there is plenty of storage with permanent stairs off the garage to the floored attic.

Continue reading here… 

 

November 12, 2009

Meadow Brook Neighborhood – Woodstock Real Estate

Filed under: Woodstock Neighborhood — Tags: , , — Kathy and Ben @ 9:54 pm

Meadow Brook is a beautiful Woodstock neighborhood in southeast Cherokee County located at the corner of East Meadow Brook entranceCherokee Drive and Waters Road.  The community consists of 105 custom homes, each with a unique façade, so that no two homes are alike.  The homes were built between 2002 and 2005, with most homes having basements and three car garages.

 Showing great wisdom, the homes at Meadow Brook were built around a lovely and heavily wooded nature trail that leads to a scenic pond.  The neighborhood also features a pool, tennis courts Meadow Brook walking trailsand a playground area.  There are currently 4 homes for sale in Meadow Brook.

Cherokee County takes pride in excellent schools- Meadow Brook is served by Arnold Mill Elementary, Rusk Middle and Sequoyah High.  This is a fast growing area of the county, with convenient shopping and restaurants nearby.  The location also provides commuters with easy access I-575 and GA Hwy 400.

Meadow Brook home
 We’re long-time fans of Meadow Brook and are happy to have sold in the neighborhood!

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