Marc's Blog

Charokee County parks & recreation

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:05:31 -0500

I spend most of my blog time covering the constant growth and development changes for Cherokee county. That growth ignited many years ago when someone got the idea of cutting down the 1000 acre woods in Woodstock and developing a few homes in what is now called Towne Lake. Since that time Cherokee County has become a thriving part of Metro Atlanta. Several large developers and builders have staked a claim in the county to ride the growth into the foreseeable future. The list of successful neighborhoods is rather long Towne Lake Hills, Bradshaw Farms, Woodmont, Bridgemill, Falls of Cherokee, Waterford, Deer Run, Eagle Watch, Rivergreen, Harmony on the Lakes, Lake Arrowhead, and many more.

What I wanted to discuss today is the awesome recreational areas that are convenient to the county. First I would need to mention Lake Allatoona. This lake touches 4 counties and provides for fantastic boating, camping, hiking, and fishing. There is one State Park " Red Top Mountain " and several Army Corp. of Engineers boat launches, campgrounds and day use areas all on the lake.

Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trails are located off of Sixes road and now have 5 bike trails totaling over 14 miles around the Allatoona area. People travel from all over the southeast to visit the trails.

Cherokee is also convenient to Helen, Blue Ridge, Elijay, Dahlonega, and many of the North Georgia mountain parks and recreational areas. Most can be reached in less than a 1½ hour drive from various locations in the county.

The county has 2 YMCA facilities, and a great parks and recreation department. Parks and ball fields can be found in all areas of the county.

Canton West Development Cherokee County Georgia

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:59:37 -0500

According to reports from The Cherokee Ledger-News, Canton city commissioners have voted to recommend approval of the Canton West Development. The development will consist of new homes and commercial property. Canton West will develop property in the Canton city limits and in unincorporated Cherokee county. A proposed 6-mile parkway from Marietta Hwy to Hwy 108, near Waleska, is called for in the plan. The plan also calls for 3500 homes in total and over 625,000 square feet of commercial space. 2,132 homes are planned for the Canton city limits. This would include a mixture of attached and detached housing over a 910-acre track of land. The county portion of the development consists of a 1,430-acre track of land. Many residents are opposed to this new development due to fears of the impact on the city and surrounding area. Despite the sagging economy and slower home sales, I think it is a positive sign for Cherokee county. Developers continue to be aggressive about investing all over Cherokee. Cherokee is poised for a steady growth of residents over the fore-casted future and developers keep planning to meet those needs. Great Sky, Laurel Canyon, Silver Creek, Little Bear, and Lake Arrowhead have all added to the area over the last few years. New home sales are down but continue to clip along at a nice pace.

New growth for Holly Springs in Cherokee county

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:46:54 -0500

Great news for Holly Springs and the Canton area. Holly Springs was awarded a grant for smart development by the Atlanta Regional Commission ARC. This grant will provide for a study to include the best approach for multi use trails and bicycle facilities in and around the downtown area. Holly Springs has experienced a re-birth over the last few years, as new businesses and new housing move into the area. Currently the downtown area roadway is under a major reconstruction that will ease congestion and simplify the main intersection. Once this work is complete, we should see further growth in retail shopping.

Holly Springs is located just north of Woodstock on Hwy 5 and has easy access to I-575. The downtown area is surrounded by a perfect mix of housing, new and resale, that stretch across many price points. There is also plenty of raw land in the area to allow for future growth. Home Depot has recently opened a new store at the corner of Hwy 5 and I-575 and business is booming. This sleepy little town will not stay a secret long as people watch the growth in the Woodstock downtown area they will be looking at Holly Springs to be the next big boom.

Cherokee county home sales

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:35:05 -0500

Cherokee county home sales have remained stronger than the Atlanta area average. Cherokee county continues to draw in new residents to all corners. Despite these strengths we must also face that home sales are down 30% Jan.- April for 2008. Expired and withdrawn listings are off the charts. The available inventory of homes for sale will take just under 15 months to sell at our current rate of closed transactions. The average days on the market has risen to 147 days and that does not account for previously expired listings that are re-listed. Prices are continuing to fall and I predict that we will see further declines. I write this not as a "doom and gloom" report, but as a reality check. This market has changed and it will continue to evolve over the next couple of years.

If you are planning to buy or sell a home, then selecting the right agent is more important than ever. There are thousands of agents and brokers to choose from and you may want to speak to several before making your decision. Don't let them sell you on who they are. Ask for the names and phone numbers of a few past clients. Find out what a past client thought of their work.

Canton Home For Sale

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:06:45 -0500

Here is your chance at a great value in a swim tennis community. This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home is on a corner lot close to the community amenities. Located just minutes from I 575 & Lake Allatoona, you will find this home is convenient to all of your needs.Open kitchen with breakfast bar, cozy fireplace in the living room, laundry room on the second story, side entry garage and so much more. $174,900

Cherokee County Home Sales

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:58:19 -0500

Cherokee county has exceeded the average for home sales in Georgia. If we look to the nation as a standard we will find that Cherokee county is one of the best places to live in the nation. New construction is still moving forward with well over one hundred new communities under development. With the addition of the new water reservoir in Canton and the plans for an updated airport, one can only predict a great future for residential and commercial development. Cherokee county tends to be ahead of the curve for planning of roadways and new development. School testing scores remain among the best and businesses are looking at this county as a new place to call home. Property taxes are among the lowest in metro Atlanta and we are seeing extreme growth in the retail sector. Major shopping centers are under development for Sixes Rd., Hwy 20 & I -575, and the Rope Mill area. These new centers will allow for many of the county residence to live and work in the same county, while also increasing the number of people looking for new housing in the area.

New Development In Cherokee County Georgia

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:50:32 -0500

Although homes sales are struggling in the Cherokee area, commercial development seems to be growing at a record pace. The Cherokee Ledger News reported that a new Outlet Mall development is planned for Sixes Road. Prime Retail, the developer for the outlet mall in Calhoun, is planning for a 120-store outlet mall with 450,000 sq-ft . The development will be located at the intersection of I-575 and Sixes Rd. Home Depot has recently opened a store at the same intersection. The planned opening will be in 2010.

This should be a nice boost for the local economy and the county tax base. Hundreds of jobs will be created allowing for more of Cherokee's residents to work in the county they live in. With gas over four dollars a gallon many residents are looking for work closer to home. A development like this will draw consumers from several near by counties helping to secure a lift in sales tax revenues. This location will also prove to be very convenient for many of the larger communities in Cherokee county such as Towne Lake. Bridgemill, Falls of Cherokee, Governors Preserve, Woodmont, Bardshaw Farms, Harmony On The Lakes, just to name a few. This should also be a boost to new and resale home sales, as new employees move to the area.

Georgia's Home Inspectors

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:11:58 -0500

Georgia's Gov., Sonny Purdue has vetoed House Bill 1217 ( Home Inspector Licensing Bill ). This came as a bit of a surprise to me, considering that just a few years ago they approved a law requiring that all builders be licensed. Real Estate Agents, Closing Attorneys and Mortgage Brokers all answer to the state in some form or fashion. Why should Home Inspectors get a pass?

I firmly believe that the government already controls far too many aspects of our lives and business but there are a few professions that need some oversight. I want to know that my doctor is not a quack, I want t know that my banker is not going to send himself and my money overseas, and I think that someone who markets themselves as an "expert on home inspections" should need to live up to a set of guidelines. There are a few groups such as ASHI & GAHI that do require their members to meet certain education and quality standards but the majority of home inspectors are not members.

The purpose of this message is to warn homebuyers of the risks involved in hiring an inspector. I recommend that anyone buying a new or resale home have an inspection performed. In most cases, buyers are about to purchase a property with a sizable down payment and a 30-year commitment. Do not take that lightly! Even the best home inspectors can only check out the surface of home materials and the function of the appliances and fixtures. Don't always take your agents recommendation unless they are willing to give a few references from past clients. Make sure your home inspector is with an insured company that has been in business for a few years. Do your own homework.

Is it possible to buy a home with no down payment.

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:17:36 -0500

We have all seen the media reports concerning the housing market. It seems that the sky is always falling. This weekend the local news reported on the number of homes in the Atlanta area that are now listed at or below $25,000. Many of these same homes were listed between $50,000 & $100,000 just a few years ago. These prices do not reflect average prices in the Atlanta area but they do give a great example of what is going on. If you are looking to buy a new home, there has never been a better time. Interest rates are low, prices are falling, selection is still at record levels, and sellers are becoming far more flexible.

One of the most overlooked options for buyers is called "The Nehemiah Program". While most creditors and lenders have tightened up on the guidelines for a loan, the FHA loans seem to be revitalizing and are becoming very attractive. The new loan limits here in the Atlanta area average over $340,000 and if you qualify you may be able to purchase the home with "DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE".

This is done through "The Nehemiah Program". HUD just concluded a 2-year battle over the legality of the program but in the end it has been decided that it is legal and will remain so. The program allows for the seller of a property to give the buyer the 3% needed for an FHA down payment. The seller may also contribute to closing costs and or repairs to the property. Please understand that every scenario is different and you should consult with a lender before moving forward, but this option does allow for many people to own a home that may not think that they can. I have added a link for you to get more information on this program.

NO DOWN PAYMENT

1630 Turtle Pond Drive

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:06:55 -0500

This beautiful 3 side brick home with Master on the main is located in the Hamilton Mill area.

4 bedroom
3.5 bath
2 story Foyer and Living room
Lots of hardwoods & tile
Open media area upstairs
Solid surface counters
Keeping room with fireplace off the kitchen
Great swim tennis community
Popular Hamilton Mill area
$299,900

4121 Crazy Bear Ridge

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:00:20 -0500

Weekend get-awaythat is very cozy and comfortable. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath cottage with loft area is nestled in the Big Canoe community. It is ready to begin your weekend adventures. Very open kitchen / family room with vaulted ceiling and rustic timbers and trim. Big Canoe is located in the North GA mountains between Jasper and Dawsonville. Community has a 27 hole golf course, restaurant, multiple lakes, beautiful mountain views, and all of the nature and wildlife you are looking for. $199,900

4940 Fieldstone View Circle.

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:54:22 -0500

Beautifully decorated home shows like a model. Bright open Foyer leads to a Formal Living rm, & Formal Dining rm. Large open Kitchen with Brkfst area and open to the Family room. Great floor plan for entertaining. The second level includes 4 large bdrms & a Children's Retreat area. The Master bedroom is oversized, with a sitting area and updated Master bath. Home includes many upgrades in flooring, tile & lighting. Large level lot in a fabulous Swim - Tennis community. $229,900

10292 Quadrant Court

Marc Holton (Remax Town & Country) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:50:41 -0500

Stop looking now! This 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath townhome shows like new! Conveniently located close to all of Alpharetta's fine dining & shopping. The main level is a very open floor plan finished off with all hardwood flooring. Granite counters and stainless appliances add the flair that you are looking for to the kitchen. All bathrooms are finished with tile flooring and shower walls. Over-sized master bedroom with large secondary bedrooms. Upgraded carpet and pad look new! Rare private fenced backyard and patio area with professional landscaping. You will not want to miss this one ! $249,900