How not to make a great impression on selling your home in Atlanta, GA!  I was just reading Jim Crawford's blog post on Please,No More Lame Excuses about showing appointment only homes, when I was inspired to write this blog post.  Recently, when I was out with buyers showing beautiful upscale homes in John's Creek, GA (a new city in the Alpharetta area), we visited a few homes and ended our showings with this home.  First, as we walked up I was checking out the exterior and realized that ALL windows blinds were closed.  (We had just come from a vacant - totally open and bright home, so I knew this was going to be tough to show!)  I've yet to have been asked for a dark cave environment, see my post: Does being a cave dweller effect selling a house? Second, as we approached the door, I r... 02/22/2010

The Forrest Lake Neighbohoord Of Homes is located in the new City of Johns Creek, mailing address Alpharetta 30022. Located just west of the Atlanta Athletic Club between State Bridge Road and Old Alabama Road. This 1 street, cul-de-sac community has 20 homes and was built between 1997 to 1998. The community is not a swim and tennis neighborhood although it does have a park and a neighborhood lake. H.O.A. dues, at time of post, are $500.00 a year. Homes For Sale In Forrest Lake The average price for a home in Forrest Lake is in the high $300's to the mid to high $400's. More Homes For Sale In Alpharetta More Homes For Sale Johns Creek Directions: HIGHWAY 141 (MEDLOCK BRIDGE ROAD) TO OLD ALABAMA ON THE LEFT, TURN FIRST RIGHT ON BUICE ROAD TO FIRST COMMUNITY OF FORREST LAKE OR TAKE OLD AL... 02/02/2010

In order to better meet buyer demand, construction has begun on six new homes in Brookhaven at Johns Creek. Located in the city of Johns Creek, the active adult community has been one of the most popular Jim Chapman Communties neighborhoods to date. The community features two and three-bedroom attached condominium plans and two to four-bedroom one level detached homes. All of the homes feature roomy, livable floorplans, all brick and stone construction with front porches, optional outdoor greatrooms with fireplaces and kitchens, vaulted ceilings and oversized master suites. The desirable North Fulton location puts residents just minutes away from all the hustle and bustle of the Johns Creek lifestyle, but the communities location off of quiet secondary roads keeps the neighborhood feeli... 01/26/2010

OXFORD MILL HOMES FOR SALE JOHN'S CREEK Oxford Mill is a planned and established swim tennis community in John's Creek Georgia. In Oxford Mill, there is a mixture of older homes with 2 car garages, and newer homes that have 3 car garages on slightly larger lots. Compared to other subdivisions, the homes are mostly brick, and well appointed on larger lots, public water and sewage, and updated recreation facilities! From the 141 north, Oxford Mill subdivision is on your left down Old Alabama, off Buice Road.  Oxford Mill has a very active Home Owners Association, and has recently refurbished the clubhouse, community gazebo, entrance gate and entry way.  Oxford Mill is a great swim tennis community with reasonable prices and quality stick built homes! 01/20/2010

DOUBLEGATE HOMES FOR SALE JOHN'S CREEK Doublegate homes for sale in John's Creek Georgia. Doublegate homes for sale, houses, in a swim tennis community. Homes for sale in Doublegate located in John's Creek, Georgia. Doublegate Homes For Sale John's Creek - Click Here John's Creek Homes for Sale and Real Estate Doublegate is a planned and established John Cowart swim tennis community in John's Creek Georgia with an active home owners association.  Doublegate is unique that it has larger mature lots, public water and sewage, and great swim tennis recreation facilities! Doublegate is easily accessible from 141 north, Pleasant Hill Road, or State Bridge Road!  It is a great location for commuting into the Atlanta area.   01/20/2010

Here are a few ways you can help with donations to Haiti: 1)  Hope for Haiti Program:  www.hopeforhaiti.com 2)  Text HAITI to 90999 on your cell phone to donate $10 to the Red Cross. Your donation is billed directly to your cell phone. 3)  Partners in Health Program: http://pih.org/what/PIHmodel.html At this current time, over 4 million dollars has been raised from option #2 Texting HAITI to 90999.   The Sherry & Maria TeamKeller Williams RealtySherry 678.283.1710Maria 678.548.5513www.sherryandmaria.comwww.sherryandmariateam.com Top Ten Team, North Fulton & Forsyth Counties  We're never too busy for your referrals!           01/15/2010

  The Neighborhood Of Homes In Doublegate is located in North Fulton County, City of Johns Creek 30022. Homes built in Doublegate between 1985 to 1994. A full amentities neighborhood with a playground, swimming pool and tennis. Home Owners Association dues, at time of post, are $495.00 a year optional for pool and tennis, or $80.00 a year optional. Homes For Sale In Doublegate Syles of homes range from many being European Stucco and Traditional brick. Most homes have between 4 to 7 bedrooms and between 3 to 5 and 1/2 bathrooms. The average price for a 5 bedroom / 4 and 1 half bathroom, at time of post, is $437,997. More Homes For Sale In Johns Creek Located just off State Bridge Road, there is also a second entrance off of Old Alabama and Buice Road. Some may consider this Alpharetta, b... 12/22/2009

I have been on several listing appointments the in the last week - almost everyone was purchased within the last two years and would sell their home if they can get out without bringing cash to closing.  In each case the market was lower than when they purchased the home.  There is good news - in the Alpharetta (North Fulton Areas 13 & 14 per the FMLS), there is about a 6 month supply of homes that are priced at $200K and below.  The 6 month mark is about where it is not a buyers market nor a sellers market - that is great news for people that live in Avensong, Mortans Chase & Wellington subdivisions.  Once the supply gets in balance I think these subdivisions pricing will firm throughout 2010. If you are considering selling your home, or if you are a buyer looking for a new home - cont... 12/14/2009

"Does the Government and Tim Geithner Really Get It?" I'm sure many of us ask ourselves this question on a pretty regular basis. Tim Geithner's name could easily be interchanged with many others, Greenspan, the presidents, the senators and congressman. What is really scary that in spite all their degrees and accolades they all seem to lack common sense. What we need is something to be fixed for real... so we all could enjoy peace of mind once more. Gee, wouldn't that be nice? It is sobering to think of the phrase, "Physician heal thyself," and then watch this video! Pretty scary?  You bet! Anyway, I just had to share this video I saw online. I really got a few laughs from it, but it also made me think. Let me know your thoughts on this. I would love to hear them.   If there is one thin... 11/09/2009

Staging Vacant Homes - Who are you really fooling?  It takes more than furniture, art pieces and a few carefully placed articles to sell a home.  There are other senses that can give away the facts of the home when no one is living there.  Our senses can easily alert us to the most obvious of circumstance.  Smells, odors, and a lack of them can tell a lot about the home we are showing.  Our eyes lead us to the most minute of details that may alert us the home is vacant or perhaps a divorce is taking place.  Many in our industry believe that Staging is the cure all to sell a home.  It may be, but you must pay attention to the details.  Weekly cleaning, opening windows, getting an exchange of air in the home, flushing toilets, cleaning windows, and placing bleach in sinks may greatly impr... 10/26/2009

According to a press release sent out by the City of Johns Creek, Georgia, Fulton County was officially added to the list of counties declared federal disaster areas, following the flooding and torrential rains two weeks ago in Georgia. This means both residents and business owners are eligible for aid. Those affected by flooding in Johns Creek are encouraged to notify the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency at 404-730-5600 and report any flood damage to the City of Johns Creek at 678-512-3200 or send an email to info@JohnsCreekGA.gov. There is detailed information on how to apply for aid and the types of aid available on the Johns Creek government website, which you can access by clicking here.  Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today! Maura Neill, ABR, C... 10/13/2009

It's that time of year - time for The Gebhardt Group's 4th Annual Trick or Treat for the Troops! Once again, we are collecting donations for our holiday care packages to be sent to brave men and women of our Armed Services who will be deployed during the holiday season.   How can you help? There are a number of ways! Donate items from our list - our donation drop-off day is Saturday, October 24 from 1:30-5:30 PM at our office, located at 10220 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA. Donate $$ toward postage fees, which are completely subsidized by The Gebhardt Group. Send us the names and addresses of your family members, friends and neighbors who are serving overseas, so that we can send them care packages for themselves and their units. Pass this email along to your friends and family,... 10/07/2009

October 4 - 10 is National Fire Prevention Week. It's a good time to check your smoke and fire alarms, and you might as well check your carbon monoxide detectors while you're at it! While we usually remind people to check their smoke alarms twice a year -- usually when we change our clocks, springing forward and falling back -- Fire Prevetion Week is a great time to check them, too. Make sure that you text your smoke alarms weekly and be sure you test and replace batteries at least twice a year. If you live in Johns Creek, Georgia, you can visit local firehouses to learn more fire safety tips and fire prevention methods all throughout this week - just click here for more information.  Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today! Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MAThe Gebhardt GroupRE... 10/05/2009

October 4 - 10 is National Fire Prevention Week and the City of Johns Creek, Georgia, is using it as an opportunity to educate its citizens about fire prevention and fire safety tips. All this week between 4 PM - 6 PM, the public is invited to stop in to its local Johns Creek fire station for a tour and children's fire safety materials, badges and hats. You can click on the press release below or just click here for more information. In addition, The Gebhardt Group reminds you to check your smoke and fire alarms, and you might as well check your carbon monoxide detectors while you're at it!    Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today! Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MAThe Gebhardt GroupRE/MAX Greater Atlanta10220 Medlock Bridge RoadJohns Creek, GA 30097 (770) 238-0595email: Maura... 10/05/2009

The final installment of this year's "Movies in the Park" in Johns Creek, Georgia, is Ice Age 3 - scheduled for Saturday, October 3 at Johns Creek's Newtown Park. And there's a 100% chance of snow that evening, at least according to the City of Johns Creek! In celebration of the last film of the year and the fact that the showing is Ice Age 3, the city will have a snow machine on hand! The event is FREE and starts at 6 PM with pre-show events, with the movie starting at 7:30 PM. Food vendors will be there selling snacks and beverages, but you can also feel free to bring picnic baskets - no alcohol is permitted. Here's a map to Newtown Park, which is located in Johns Creek, near the intersection of Old Alabama Road and Haynes Bridge Road: See the press release below for more information ... 10/03/2009

Dear Friends, Trust me on this!  These speakers will CHANGE your life, just like they have mine!They will also change the way your business can grow through technology & internet.Social networking is now changing any business whether you are selling cars, real estate,products, services or just yourself! Please mark your calendars today and bring a friend. Please remember - we need you to R.S.V.P. - we need an exact number because wehave the BEST SPEAKERS and Outback needs a head count so do it today and you can also prepay with PayPal or Credit Cardat                                      www.realestate.meetup.com/413 October 13, 2009 we will have Outback Steakhouse OPEN the RestaurantJUST for our MEETUP group. We have two incredible Speakers:Maritza Parra who was on Oprah Winfrey Show -... 09/28/2009

The City of Johns Creek is seeing its tax dollars go toward another worthy investment - its own 911 Emergency Communcations Center. Developed with the City of Sandy Springs and servicing both of the new cities in north Fulton County, Georgia, the promise is that the new 911 center will provide more efficient service that the current Fulton County system, under which both cities previously fell. I took the Johns Creek 101 class back in the spring and it was refreshing to hear the Mayor and the City Manager talk about the new 911 system with so much enthusiasm and pride. Only time will tell if it truly improves the efficiency and response time from when we were under the Fulton County system, but on paper, at least, it looks great now! Please see below for the official press release and t... 09/23/2009

It's not every day you get to see your mentor, teammate and boss in print! Congratulations to Pam Gebhardt - who is all three of those things to me - on being featured in the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) magazine, The Residential Specialist, in the September/October 2009 issue with a referral story.   I wanted to share it here because it's a great story - and if it doesn't convince you to begin working on (or finish) your CRS designation...I don't know what will! I became a CRS because Pam is one - I saw the amazing impact it can have on your business and just one month after receiving my designation, I got my first referral, too.      Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today! Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MAThe Gebhardt GroupRE/MAX Greater Atlanta10220 Medlock Bridge... 09/23/2009

This time last year, Georgians were praying for rain...literally! And now, we're hoping for some kind of respite from the torrential downpours! Last summer, our lakes were severely down, strict watering restriction were in place and being patrolled by police, the drought was in full effect. This morning on 11 Alive, the weatherman reported one to two inches of rain falling per hour. Schools are closed today because of flash flooding - two have been reported dead and one missing child is thought to have been swept away by the rushing water. Respondents on the 11 Alive website/blog are reporting being trapped in their neighborhoods and homes, with entrances and driveways flooded and surrounded by rushing water. There are videos of kids clinging to trees to avoid being swept away. Not to ... 09/21/2009

The Georgia Association of REALTORS® and the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® have been campaigning the past two weeks to help get the Homebuyer Tax Credit extended, as have many local REALTOR® organizations, following the National Association of REALTORS®' lead. YOU can help to get this important legislation extended - for the good of the economy - simply by writing to your representatives in Congress! And it's easier than you may think! Simply visit www.Congress.org and type in your zip code to be linked directly to your representatives. Then click on the representative's name and click on "Contact" to reach a link to the Web Form you need to send an email directly to that Representative's office: You'll also see their addresses and phone numbers for both their local and Washington, D.C., o... 09/21/2009