I am holding an open house at 10746 AUSTEN BEND, Alpharetta Ga 30022 this Sunday 10/28/07 from 2:00 - 5:00.  Stop by to see a beautiful Townhome, with a two car rear entry Garage with an outstanding view of a Courtyard in the front.  This home has lots of high end finishes such as extensive trim packages, granite counter tops, beautiful hardwoods on the main, dual sided fireplace and built-ins - just to name a few.  Located in the Swim/Tennis Community of Abberley Township, near State Bridge Rd and Jones Bridge.  Stop by or call Lisa for directions at 678 595-5465.   10/26/2007

The Alpharetta City Council voted unanimously for a complete outdoor water ban.  Unlike previous restrictions, this new ban will apply to newly installed landscaping by professional landscapers.  Violaters can be charged fines ranging from $250 to $500.  This is the worst drought the area has experienced since 1986 and 2000.  Both Police and Firefighter departments have been authorized to enforce this ban with both noncriminal and criminal citations.  Traffic use to be the hot topic in metro Atlanta...now it appears there is another problem...a lack of water. 10/25/2007

Nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, Alpharetta is known for its many horse enthusiasts. Upscale horse farms abound and are sprinkled among some of the most sought after homes and neighborhoods in all of Atlanta.  Wills Park Equestrian Center hosts well-known horse shows and polo matches throughout the year attracting horse lovers from all across the country. Greek for "first town", Alpharetta, was originally the county seat of Milton County.  Cobbled together from parts of neighboring counties - Cherokee, Cobb, Forsyth, DeKalb, and Gwinnett, Milton County struggled during the Great Depression and was eventually absorbed into Fulton County to avoid bankruptcy.  Because the railroad didn't travel as far north as Alpharetta, the city saw slow growth through the years u... 10/23/2007

I've been in Atlanta real estate long enough to know that a corner lots are a negative.  Oh, they will sell, but not as quickly as other homes on a normal lot!  Why?  Because there is no privacy in the front of the corner lot, nor is there any in the rear yard.  Landscaping is not an option on a corner lot it is a necessity! It really needs to be landscaped for privacy or fenced so that nosey neighbors walking by are not just staring at you as you get out of your hot tub.  Cryptomeria, and soaring cypress trees will allow total privacy over the years if you can just hold out and wait long enough!In the Atlanta area, a corner lot could be assessed twice if the county or local municipality had an assessment to ..pave the streets.  Once for each adjacent street.  Builders and developers we... 10/20/2007

Alpharetta foreclosures, bank owned real estate, short sales, and investment properties? Are you looking to buy a foreclosures in Alpharetta? Sometimes, Alpharetta foreclosures are not a great a deal as you would think. Sometimes, there are incredible deals! Since Alpharetta foreclosures and bank owned properties are often sold AS IS with no seller's property disclosures...it is smart to do your homework before buying one.  Buyer beware!  There may be loads of hidden issues including title issues, mechanic liens, and repairs.  If you are a builder it may not present a big problem, but broken mechanics, leaky roofs, or missing copper wire could present some issues when you try to move into the home.  The other drawback to an "AS IS SALE"  is that you can inspect the home, but nothing wil... 10/04/2007

I was asked, "What Are The Top Places and Worst Places to Live in Georgia" the other day and I had to answer but spread out the cities. With so many people coming from Florida, New York, Texas and California I thought I'd give a few options.  It wouldn't be a good answer if I just picked cities from Gwinnett County, so here's the answer I gave from the perspective of a real estate agent selling homes in these areas.METRO ATLANTA - includes 13 counties Alpharetta - The high appreciation, parks, schools and shopping make this the most sought after location outside of the city.  The drawbacks are traffic to and from Atlanta and the high prices. Most commonly mentioned as being similar to upstate New York.  Alpharetta is becoming it's own destination, very similar to how the Fort Worth area... 10/03/2007

You are cordially invited by the Alpharetta and Johns Creek Kiwanis Clubs to join their membership and families for Kiwanis Family Night.  This benefit event for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation is sponsored by Chick-fil-A located at 5180 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta.This event is being held on Tuesday, September 25th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Chick-fil-A restaurant located at 5180 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta.  Our generous sponsor, Chick-fil-A is donating 10% of all their sales proceeds from the event to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.  Founded in 1982 by a group of DeKalb area firefighters, the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation's goal is to help burn survivors in their journey of recovery, as well as to prevent others from experiencing the traumatic event ... 09/18/2007

The community of Windward has long been considered one of the most convenient locations and a wonderful place to live in Alpharetta. The community of Windward itself surrounds the beautiful, 195 acre Lake Windward and residents are welcome to use the lake which is complete with a marina. Among the many other amenities enjoyed by residents of Windward homes are the nationally recognized, Golf Club of Georgia, numerous parks and ball fields, numerous tennis courts and an Olympic swimming pool equipped with an enormous slide. Comprised of nearly 100 individual neighborhoods, Windward, is one of the largest communities anywhere in Atlanta.A number of reasons make Windward such a great place to live. Among the most important for residents is the safety. Well known by the city of Alpharetta, ... 09/11/2007

Alpharetta is one of the strongest markets in Georgia.  There's something for everyone.  There are currently 1612 homes for sale in Alpharetta with an average price of $688K.  With Four bedrooms and four and one half baths, these homes are often larger than their Atlanta counterparts.There are 192 homes under contract in Alpharetta.  In addition, 150 homes were sold last month in 77 days.  Alpharetta is still strong and only giving up around 2%.  So, Sellers in Alpharetta are getting close to 98% of their asking price.  That asking price is on average around $486K. SEARCH ALL ALPHARETTA HOMESTRAVEL DEALS TO ALPHARETTA, GA  09/11/2007

The city of Alpharetta, a northern suburb of Atlanta, offers a unique balance between big city living and small town charm. Alpharetta offers residents the amenities, cultural activities, dining, shopping, convenience and job opportunities found in big cities while maintaining much of the small town charm that big cities usually lose with continued growth in size and population. Because of this, Alpharetta is one of the premier cities that make up Metro Atlanta. The city of Alpharetta also maintains a number of parks and recreation facilities and has been recognized as Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This is a distinction that indicates the commitment Alpharetta places on environmental concerns at the government level.Real estate in Alpharetta continues to be highly ... 09/06/2007

Despite slowing residential sales, Alpharetta townhome land is hitting the top of the market. Raw land prices have hit more than $750,000 per acre on Canton Street, the highest recorded residential raw land prices ever in Alpharetta.Late last year, developers brought plans to Alpharetta requesting rezoning of several different townhome projects. All the projects were requesting 10 units per acre and were approved with an array of conditions to make sure they were compatible with the area. After final approval was given and engineering was completed, at least three projects are now under development by three different companies. Units should be ready for sale by the first part of next year and are expected to range from $425,000 to $550,000, depending upon options and square footages.The... 08/28/2007

Old Magnolia Apartments, a 16-unit apartment complex on Maxwell Road between Ga. 9 and Hembree Road, recently sold for top dollar to a California investor. After a brief inspection period and entertainment of multiple offers, Selina Chao closed on the property at just more than $77,000 per unit, or more than $1.2 million.(SPECIAL/Herald) (click for larger version)The complex was built in the 1960s and renovations were completed in 2000 for conversion to condo units. Renovation work included the installation of new kitchen and bathroom sinks, new furnace and air conditioning compressors and new electrical upgrades throughout. Each unit has two bedrooms, one full bath and a small kitchen located off of a family room.However, the units didn't sell and the project was re-converted to apartm... 08/28/2007

All About AtlantaAtlanta is listed among the top 10 by Kiplinger Magazine as one of the "50 Smart Places to Live."  This report is based on cost of living, crime, homes, climate, environment, health care and education.  Atlanta has been attracting over 100,000 people every year.  With that said, homeowners in the metro Atlanta area have seen a solid housing market with property values continuing to increase.Atlanta is also ranked among "America's 50 Hottest Cities for Business Expansion and Relocation" according to Expansion Management Magazine.  Since Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996, we have experienced a 50% increase in international companies. Atlanta is ranked #13 with having the most Fortune 500 Headquarters including:The Home DepotUnited Parcel ServiceThe Coca-Cola Comp... 08/26/2007

Yes, you read the title correctly.  Interest Rates have actually gone down!  Today a 30 year fixed at 0 points is at 6.25%.  If you are thinking about buying a home - now could be a perfect time to lock in on this incredible rate.  Just last week, rates were averaging 6.62%.  Last year, rates were at 6.48%.  This is the best news we've had in a while regarding mortgage interest rates.  You will definitely be at an advantage right now if you decide to buy a home.  Not only will you get the best rates but you may also be able to get a Great deal on a home. To find out more on getting a great deal - contact the Sherry and Maria Team.  We are strong negotiators and will help you find the perfect home for you at the best price!Welcome HomeThe Sherry & Maria TeamSherry 678-283-1710Maria 678-5... 08/23/2007

Atlanta Area WeatherAre you curious to know what the weather is like in the Atlanta Metro Area?  When we are working with individuals and families relocating to the Atlanta Metro area, the topic of weather comes up.  People want to know if we have snow or how HOT does the weather get in the summer time.  Here are temperatures based on the Average High/Low statistics According to Season.Winter December:  53 | 34January:      55 | 35February:    55 | 36 SpringMarch:        66 | 45April:          72 | 50May:           80 | 60 SummerJune:          83 | 66July:           88 | 72 August:       86 | 70 FallSeptember: 83 | 66  October:     74 | 57November:  64 | 46 This is just a sample of information that we provide to individuals and families relocating into the Atlanta Metro area.  Are you i... 08/20/2007

Alpharetta's Milton Park brings a touch of urban living to the suburbs.  This mixed-use development boasts low maintenance living along with retail.  The Palisades at Milton Park are single family homes presently ranging in price from $525,000 - $679,900.  If you are looking for an easy lifestyle - The Palisades is the perfect place for you to call home.  Right now there are several homes with master on the main level to choose from.  Relax in your own private courtyard after a long day!  Enjoy local restaurants and shopping off North Point Parkway.Alpharetta's Palisades at Milton Park is one of Alpharetta's best kept secrets.  You can truly live, work, shop and play here!  Enjoy a relaxing walk around Milton Park's lake, make sure to check out the fountains and excersise on the walking... 08/13/2007

Helpful Tips for First Time Home Buyers If you are considering making your first home purchase, then you are at the right place!  Making your first home purchase can be overwhelming.  We will help answer any questions that you have and help make your home buying process a smooth transaction."When is the best time to buy?"  - the best time for you to purchase your first home is when you are financially able and qualified with a mortgage lender.  As far as time of year to buy - spring and summer are ideal times to buy before the new school year begins.  No worries if your home buying timeframe is during the fall or winter.  There will still be many homes to preview.  We will help you find the best home for you when the time is right."How much can I afford?"  - a mortgage lender will help ... 08/08/2007

If you are planning on making a move to the Alpharetta, Georgia area - contact us for a Relocation package on Alpharetta.  Even if you are simply curious about Alpharetta, just send us an email and we will be more than happy to educate you on the Alpharetta area.Are you curious as to what makes Alpharetta such a desirable location? Interested in finding out more information about the local schools in Alpharetta?Need to know what kind of shopping is in Alpharetta?  And - new shopping there is to come in Alpharett?Ready to search local Alpharetta Homes For Sale?Need to Sell an Alpharetta Home ASAP?Stop by our website to fill out a request online for relocation information on the Alpharetta area.  If you are looking for something specific, just let us know.  We will gather information spec... 08/07/2007

So the Media has only been hyping this up for months.  Yes, North Atlanta Metro is technically in a buyer's market but not as severe a buyer's market as some other states (no name calling).It's a Buyer's market, so now what?Sellers:  it's all about price and condition- that's it!  If you prepare your home ready to sell - according to the stipulations that these buyers are requiring, then you will be able to sell your home no matter what market.  Price - not always a nice subject to talk about.  If you are ready to make a move... we can show you how to competitively price your home for the SALE!  We will show you how our aggressive marketing stands out above the other Realtors in the area.  You must have aggressive marketing to help sell your home.Buyers:  it's all about timing!  Whether... 08/07/2007

Today in Alpharetta, I noticed the outside temperature in my car was 101 degrees!  That is hot in my books.  Usually I have a lot more buyers, and in this weather it would be almost impossible to keep cool going into vacant homes, in and out of air-conditioning, dealing with kids, hydration, and how to dress to stay cool!   This is real life in the trenches in real estate,  In the Atlanta area, the weather channel reported today, no let up for the foreseeable future!  How do you deal with the heat?  This would be a great place to share with other real estate agents!     08/07/2007