SUWANEE TALK!

Suwanee's 2009 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET

2008-08-13T21:44:18Z

Suwanee’s 2009 fiscal year budget went into effect July 1, 2008 with the approval from the City Council in June. The 2009 fiscal budget of $12,863,830 is an increase of 10.43 percent over the previous year's amended budget. The millage rate will remain at 5.77 – which has remained the same or has been reduced over the past six years.

Within Suwanee's 2009 fiscal budget is a public safety budget which will consist of hiring two additional police officers, the purchase of three police cars and one motorcycle. The city's budget also includes the implementation of a take-home car test program for police officers. The cost of this program is projected to cost $90,820 for the year. Many of the surrounding jurisdictions currently have take-home car programs for their police officers. This initiative will help the city of Suwanee remain competitive in attracting and retaining quality police officers.

Other Expenditures Include:

Technology enhancements which includes digital records storage ($95,000)
Update the city's website ($75,000) (www.Suwanee.com)
Update to the 2001 Old Town Master Plan ($75,000 - Old Town & Suwanee Gateway areas)
Directional signage ($88,800)
Improvements to the current water system ($150,000) - most of which services the Old Town area.
Staffing & equipment for Sims Park
Completion of Suwanee's first individual MS4 stormwater permit
Staff salary increases ($75,560)
Annual bond payments ($1.62 million) for the 2002 Open Space Intitiative and new City Hall

Projected revenue for the city is expected to top $1 million this year keeping the city fiscally healthy! The budget should maintain the current service levels providing the citizens of Suwanee the quality of life they have come to enjoy and expect.

Come to my house:
My Suwanee Home.com

Source: CrossRoads (Suwanee's Official Newsletter, August, 2008)

H. R. 3221 - FIRST TIME HOME BUYER'S TAX CREDIT

2008-08-13T14:17:49Z

Now is the time to buy for First-Time Buyers. Opportunity only knocks once; and, if you have been waiting, now is the time to act because time will run out!

For first time home buyers who thought owning a home was only a dream, the recently enacted legislation, H.R. 3221, also known as the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, will provide a tax credit of 10% of the home cost, but not to exceed $7,500 which could now make your dream a reality. H.R. 3221 also includes reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, FHA modernization, permanent increases in conforming and FHA loan limits

If you are a buyer who has been sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if the time is right...The answer is a resounding "YES!!!!!" You will definitely want to take advantage of this opportunity! And, keep in mind, time is of the essence: You must make your purchase on or after April 9, 2008 and no later than July 1, 2009 to be eligible.

The table below provides a recap of H.R. 3221 - Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008:

    FIRST TIME HOME BUYER'S TAX CREDIT
(Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008)
                        H. R. 3221 (Recap)

Feature	Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008
Amount of Credit	10% of cost of home, not to exceed $7500
Eligible Property	Single family - must be principle residence (includes condos, co-ops)
Refundable	Yes. Reduces income tax liability for one year of purchase. Claimed on tax return for that tax year.
Income Limit	Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000 respectively)
First-Time Home Buyers Only	Yes. Purchaser (and spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.
Recapture	Yes. 6.67% to be repaid each year for 15 years. If the home is sold before 15 years, the remainder of credited is recaptured on the sale.
Effective Date	Purchases on or after April 8, 2008
Termination	July 1, 2009
Down Payment Assistance Program	DOES ALLOW down payment assistance pgorams funded by other sources with the exception of sellers and those who have a financial interest in the sale. This assistance can come from family members, approved grants and a variety of other sources all of which are subject to lender approval and proper verification. Certain seller assistance programs that are allowable now will terminate October 1, 2008

Information is believed accurate, but not guaranteed. Please verify with your lender.

**H. R. 3221 - Frequently Asked Questions...Answered
**U. S. Senate Roll Call Votes 110th Congress, 2nd Session - VOTE SUMMARY (By Senator Name)
**U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 110th Congress, 2nd Session - VOTE SUMMARY (By State)

Come to my house:
My Suwanee Home.com

COME PLAY....SUWANEE CITY PARKS!

2008-08-07T10:32:35Z

Suwanee City Parks....Why so many people call Suwanee home!

Our quality of life is often defined, in part, by where we live. For each of us the definition of "quality" will take on many different meanings. For those of us who have found Suwanee, GA to be our home, "quality' is woven into the fiber of our city....starting with the Suwanee city parks. Through an open space initiative, the city of Suwanee has been preserving green spaces and creating several new city parks.

Town Center Park - Each of the Suwanee city parks has its own personality and purpose. Town Center Park is located at the intersection of Buford Hwy and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. The focal point of the city, this park anchors a mixed-use development and is recognized by the locals as Suwanee Town Center. The 10 acre park is center stage for most of the community's primary events. Enjoy the one mile of interlinking pathways and sidewalks, an array of trees and the 1000 capacity amphitheatre where free concerts take place throughout the summer. Year round you will witness the activity of bicyclists and joggers along with young and old alike out for a leisurely stroll; and, kids of all ages flying kites. During the summer months, the fountain is open from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm seven days a week to keep you cool during the long, humid Atlanta summers. The fountain has 43 jets and uses up to 1,400 gallons of recycled water per minute.

The Suwanee Creek Greenway - Suwanee Creek Greenway was originally designed as four beautiful miles meandering through the natural habitat along the Suwanee Creek. The trail was started in the early 1990's with a three mile extension added in the spring of 2004. The park consists of approximately 400 acres of park land encompassing residential and commercial areas as well. The trail includes hard-surface trails, boardwalks and natural trails that winds through woods and wetlands. Along the pathway you will enjoy the friendly wildlife habitat - a perfect setting to enjoy your daily jog, a relaxing walk, a heart-pumping bike ride or energizing roller blade work-out. The trail begins at 1170 Buford Highway but has several other starting points along its path:

Suwanee Sports Academy at 360 Burnette Road
Martin Farm Road, approximately one-half mile west of Satellite Blvd.
Town Center via Portland Drive at the wooden boardwalk
Suwanee Elementary - Weekends and after 4 pm during the week
George Pierce Park - Soccer fields and back softball fields

Suwanee Creek Park - An 85 acre park and the trailhead to Suwanee Creek Greenway. The main entrance is located at 1170 Buford Highway and is open from sunrise to sunset. The attraction to the park is the natural setting which has been primarily left intact. Since the Suwanee Creek Greenway winds through the park you will find constant activity taking place throughout. The park is equipped with two pavilions, picnic tables, grills, public restrooms and open meadow areas making it the perfect setting for picnics, reunions and lazy-day weekend relaxation.

Playtown Suwanee - Of all the Suwanee city parks, Playtown Suwanee takes on the greatest meaning. It is a child's paradise. Entering the park, you will be greeted by an artistically painted cow - leaving no doubt fun lies ahead. More than 1,200 volunteers worked approximately 10,000 hours over a five day period last summer so the children could have a park designed with them in mind. The park includes features such as a magical bus, castle, log cabin, boat, elephant, a rocket, climbing wall, bridges, slides and swing sets. You will find the park at 425 Main Street in historic Old Town and open sunrise to sunset.

Sims Lake Park - Of all the Suwanee city park's, Sims Lake Park is the newest park; and, is currently under construction with expected completion late 2008. It is a sprawling 62 acre park where you will enjoy walking trails, open play fields, a small pavilion and picnic areas. The main entrance to the park will be at Tench Road and Suwanee Dam. The park is regarded as "the jewel of the city's award-wining open space initiatives"

Main Street Park and Burnette-Rogers Pavilion - Located in the heart of historic Suwanee. It provides a basketball court, in-line skating elements, the City of Suwanee Red Caboose (decorated and in lights at Christmas); and, the Burnette-Rogers open air pavilion. An intimate, yet inviting place for picnics and small gatherings.

City Hall Park - Located at City Hall on Buford Highway across from Suwanee Town Center. The park hosts play equipment and a picnic area under a covered gazebo.

ATLANTA SHORT SALES... What You Need to Know

2008-07-28T16:05:58Z

Short sales are becoming an option for homeowners throughout the country who may be facing foreclosure. Atlanta short sales, for all intent and purposes, have become more common place in our real estate market; whereas a year ago most of us hadn't even heard the term "short sale". Currently our listing services do not track the number of homes listed and/or sold as short sales in the Atlanta market. But what I do know..we are beginning to see more and more of them. So if you face the potential of a short sale, there are some things you will want to know.

First, what is a short sale?

A short sale is when, due to the homeowner's financial hardships, the mortgage lender and/or bank have agreed to accept a reduced amount against the mortgage balance. Or, in some instances, the homeowner finds they must sell their home and as a result of the current down turn in the real estate market the home is worth less than when they bought. However, in most instances a short sale is an attempt to prevent the home from going into foreclosure.

Why a short sale vs. foreclosure? In some instances, a short sale may not have the same impact on your credit vs. a foreclosure other than showing the short sale as "foreclosure proceeding started." Similar to a foreclosure, a short sale will remain on your credit report for seven (7) years. What you want to keep an eye on is whether or not your mortgage lender reports the zero balance and settlement option on your credit report.

If you find yourself facing a possible short sale, begin with preparing a net sales sheet. This net sheet should reflect the expected sales price, all fees associated with the sale, payoff balances of all loans including late fees, prorated taxes as well as prorated home owners association fees (if any) and commissions. If you are using a real estate agent, he/she will be able to prepare this document for you. You will want to keep this readily available because it is likely your lender will want to see it to review.

Secondly, understand your tax liability...if any. The IRS does require the filing of a FM-1099 for the amount forgiven. The forgiven amount on your loan will be considered income and may be taxed. However, there are IRS guidelines which could make you exempt from taxation. Under the Mortgage Cancellation Tax Relief Act IF the property is your primary residence the tax would be eliminated. But be sure to talk to a tax accountant before you proceed to get the most current tax guidelines.

Deciding when is the best time to talk to your lender has varying opinions. Some experts do suggest you engage in converstaion with your mortgage company from the beginning. Others recommend waiting until you have a contract on your property. What is viable to your success is finding the decision maker within the loss mitigation department. And once you find this person, get a name! Be sure to provide them with a Letter of Authorization granting them permission to talk to whomever you plan to have assist you in the short sale. Make sure the letter includes your property address, loan number, name, date as well as the name, address and contact information of the person assisting you.

LENDER PACKAGE:

Proof of Income and Assets: W-2's or proof of unemployment, bank statements, tax returns. Other documentation may also be required.
Hardship Letter: You will want the letter to fully outline all the reasons surrounding your financial challenges and why you are no longer able to meet your morgage payment obligations.
Preliminary Net Sheet
Comparative Market Analysis: This can be provided to you by your real estate agent. The Comparative Market Analysis should show the activity within your area for the past six months and include ACTIVES, PENDING SALES and SOLDS.
Purchase and Sale Agreement & Listing Agreement: Keep in mind, even after you have come to an agreement with a Purchaser on your house, the final decision will lay with with the lender. In most instances, the lender will renegotiate some items in the agreement.

Finally, before you do anything...do your home work! Make sure you understand all the ramifications as well as possible alternatives. Be sure to employ the assistance of people you trust and who can help you through the process.

WALL STREET JOURNAL: Two Alternatives to Foreclosure
REALTOR.ORG: Loan Forgiveness After the Shortsale: Taxing What Isn't There

Come to my house:
My Suwanee Home.com

Sources: Wikipedia; About.com (How to Do Short Sales by Elizabeth Weintraub); Realtor.org (Sold Up Short How to Succed at Short Sales by Maryiwyn Evans)

ATLANTA, GA - June 2008 IN REVIEW

2008-07-25T13:07:31Z

Atlanta Market - June 2008 in Review

Closings for detached single family homes: 4,041 units
Closings for condos/town homes: 631 units
Detached single family homes AVERAGE sales price: $258,736
Condos/town homes AVERAGE sales price: $178,775

A month-to-month look at SOLDS for single family detached homes for the first six months of 2008.

ATLANTA GA - SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED CLOSINGS 2008
TOTAL UNITS: 21,677

Come to my house:
My Suwanee Home.com

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR ! GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

2008-07-19T07:10:22Z

THE BELL TOLLS FOR THEE!
And, ready or not it is that time of year once again!

Across Georgia, buses will be rolliing and school doors will be opening wide to welcome back students. For Gwinnett County, the first day of school is August 11. Listed below is the 2008-2009 Gwinnett County Public Schools Calendar:

August 11
September 1
October 13
November 4
November 12 & 13
November 26-28
December 17 & 18
December 19
December 22-Jan 1
January 2
January 5
January 19
February 11 & 12
March 13
April 6-10
May 18 & 19
May 20

First day of School
Labor Day (Schoolwide Holiday)
Teacher Planning/Professional Learning - Student Holiday
Election Day (School Holiday)
Early Release for Elementary & Middle Schools
Thanksgiving Break
Early Release for High School Exams
Early Release for High School Exams/End of 1st Semester
Winter Break
Teacher Planning/Professional Learning - Student Holiday
Begin Second Semester
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Systemwide Holiday)
Early Release for Elementary & Middle Schools
Teacher Planning/Professional Learning - Student Holiday
Spring Break
Early Release for High School Exams
Early Release for High School Exams/Last Day of School

Snow Make-Up Days: If school is cancelled due to inclement weather, the days
will be made up as follows:

First day missed - Make up day will be March 13
Second day missed - Make up day will be May 21

Snow make up days not used will be student holidays

Come to my house:
My Suwanee Home. com

Suwanee GA - Suwanee Town Center - TELL ME MORE!

2008-07-15T06:51:51Z

SUWANEE TOWN CENTER - THE HEART OF OUR CITY

Ask the citizens who live here and you will get as many different answers as the number of people you ask. But one thing we will all agree on... the creation of Suwanee Town Center has brought a new pride and excitement to the city and is the focal point of our community. Without question, the strategic planning to rejuvenate our city has claimed national attention! Suwanee IS a a live, work and play community.

Suwanee Town Center is the corner stone of our city. Situated on 10 wonderful acres at the corner of Buford Hwy. & Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, the mixed used development includes upscale residential loft homes atop the retail spaces, park with fountain and amphi-theatre, retail stores, restaurants and professional services. And, anyone who drives past the Suwanee Town Center realizes it is definitely a hub of activity seven days a week.

When you visit Suwanee Town Center enjoy:

Free concerts on the lawn throughout the summer
Local farmers market on Saturday's' during the summer months
Flying kites in the park
Playing in the fountain on a hot summer Atlanta day
Walking your dog or playing fetch with a frisbee
Enjoying a fresh cup of coffee while reading the morning paper
Biting into a tasty hamburger or yummy sandwich for lunch
Enjoying a nice dinner with friends at one of the many restaurants
Selecting the perfect piece of collectible art at the local gallery
Browsing fine home interiors
Pampering yourself at the muliple salons
Annual fall Suwanee Day Festival
Or....how about just an old fashioned ice cream cone?????

The possibilities are endless .....

SUWANEE, GA - Where families come first!

Come to my house
My Suwanee Home.com

SUWANEE GA, FIRST QUARTER 2008 RECAP

2008-07-14T13:39:35Z

A SNAP SHOT LOOK AT THE SUWANEE MARKET
First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007

FIRST QUARTER 2008

CURRENT ACTIVES:

TOTAL UNITS: 586
HIGH PRICE: $8,500,000
LOW PRICE: $ 129,900

BREAKDOWN:

Corporate : 19
Estate Owned: 5
Foreclosure: 20
Lease/Purchase: 21
Owner Transfer: 38
Other: 483

PENDINGS:

TOTAL UNITS: 55
HIGH PRICE: $1,500,000
LOW PRICE: $ 157,900

BREAKDOWN:

Corporate : 6
Estate Owned: 0
Foreclosure: 7
Lease/Purchase: 2
Owner Transfer: 3
Other: 37

SOLDS:

TOTAL UNITS: 79
HIGH PRICE: $2,493,032
LOW PRICE: $ 96,000

BREAKDOWN:

Corporate: 6
Estate Owned: 0
Foreclosure: 12
Lease/Purchase: 3
Owner Transfer: 6
Other: 52

FIRST QUARTER SOLDS RECAP:

Average Original Price: $345,533
Average Sales Price: $319,243
Average List to Sale Percentage: 92%
Average DOM: 116

FIRST QUARTER 2007

SOLDS:

TOTAL UNITS: 181
HIGH PRICE: $1,858,400
LOW PRICE: $ 119,000

BREAKDOWN:

Corporate Owned: 7
Estate Owned: 1
Foreclosure: 6
Lease/Purchase: 2
Owner Transfer: 10
Other: 155

RECAP:

Average Original Price: $345,068
Average Sales Price: $335,094
List to Sale Price Percent: 97%
Average DOM: 80

ANALYSIS:

Sold Units: '08 vs. '07 <44>
Average List Price: '08 vs. '07 - No Change
Average Sold Price: '08 vs. '07 <5>
List to Sale Price: '08 vs. '07

Come to my house:
My Suwanee Home.com

Information is for Suwanee/Gwinnett. Data from First Multiple Listing Service.
Information is believed accurate but is not guaranteed.

YOUR SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING! NOW WHAT?

2008-07-12T23:54:57Z

ELEMENTS TO SUCCESSFUL SELLING

LET ME ASK:

Are you wondering if, as a seller, there is anything you can do to increase your chances for a successful sale in today's market place?

KEYS to IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE

FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE

Pricing - Start with a realistic price based on today's market - Aggressive pricing from the beginning is one of the most important factors to the success of selling your home. Aggressive pricing requires that you cannot price "at" marrket but instead position your price so you are ahead of the curve. Keep in mind what you may have to give up on the selling side, you should make up on the buying side
Staging - This is more important than ever before. FIRST IMPRESSIONS are important. You want to optimize the physical appearance of your home. Engaging a professional stager is well worth the time and the money.
Pristine - Start with the carpeting and floors, walls and windows. A well-kept home gives the impression that everything has been kept up equally. Hire a professional cleaning service to give the house a detailed cleaning.
Curb appeal - The first impression of your home is when the prospective buyer drives up. Prune trees and shrubs away from the house. Keep the lawn mowed and edged. Plant flowers for color if the season permits. Make sure driveways, walk ways and porches have been recently pressure washed.
Fix Everything - Walk around the inside of your house and the outside of your home as if you were buying it for the first time. Anything which catches your attention...fix it!
Painting - A fresh coat of paint is worth its weight in gold! It gives a dramatic improvement to the home. When painting the inside....keep it NEUTRAL! And, don't forget the trim and ceilings. If the trim and ceilings have not been painted in several years be sure to include them.
Unclutter Your Surroundings - Inside and out. Start with the garage, any outbuidings, the basement, cupboards and closets. If you don't use it, get rid of it. If you use it ocassionally, consider renting a storage unit. Clear the clutter from the counter-tops. Less is more!

It sounds like a lot. But it will be well worth the effort and save you grief in the long run. And, if you live in an older home, give serious consideration to necessary updates to keep you competitive with the newer homes. It will play a critical role in your success.

You can be among many of the successful sellers this year but it takes planning and an aggressive approach.

Do you know a professional stager you would recommend? How about a cleaning service, contractor/handy man? Or how about a really good landscaper? Please share.

Come to my house:
My Suwanee Home.com

Suwanee GA - RIVERMOORE PARK 2nd Quarter Market Report

2008-07-10T17:08:34Z

RIVERMOORE PARK

SECOND QUARTER 2008 MARKET REVIEW vs. FIRST QUARTER 2008

Second Quarter 2008
SOLD: 6

Corporate Owned: 1
Foreclosure: 0
Owner Transfer: 1
Lease/Purchase: 0
No Special Circumstances: 4

HIGH SOLD: $717,000
LOW SOLD: $605,000
AVERAGE SOLD PRICE: $629,166

DOM AVERAGE: 32

LIST TO SALE PERCENTAGE: 96%
AVG SELLER FINANCE CONCESSIONS: $3,918

First Quarter 2008
SOLD: 2

Corporate Owned: 0
Foreclosure: 0
Owner Transfer: 0
Lease/Purchase: 1
No Special Circumstances: 1

HIGH SOLD: $483,000
LOW SOLD: $438,000
AVERAGE SOLD PRICE: $460,500

DOM AVERAGE: 44

LIST TO SALE PERCENTAGE: 96%
AVG SELLER FINANCE CONCESSIONS: $135

ANALYSIS

Number of homes sold second quarter for 2008 vs. the first quarter: ^4 units
Average SOLD price second quarter for 2008 vs. first quarter: ^37%
Average DOM: <12 days>
Average list to sale price percentage: No Change

There is currently 25 homes on the market in Rivermoore Park.
The average list price is approximately $592,000.
Predominant price range is between $500,000-$600,000
Highest List: $1,099,900
Lowest List: $369,900

What has increased is seller concessions:

Highest seller concessions in the second quarter: $10,000
Lowest seller concessions in the second quarter: $38
Average seller concessions in the second quarter: $3918 vs. $135 first quarter

As indicated in the table above, the increase of average sold price this quarter over first quarter is, in my observation, a result of the price point of homes marketed and sold. This report is not intended and does not give indication of the appreciation of home values in Rivermoore Park for the time period reviewed.

List to sale price percentage first quarter 2007 was 96%; and, this percentage is remaining steady. Days on market is also doing well: The actual days has actually declined - which is not the case for most of the market. Overall, Rivermoore Park seems to be holding up well in the market.

Come to my house:
My Suwanee Home.com

Information is believed accurate, but is not guaranteed. Data is courtesy of the First Multiple Listing Service.

SUWANEE GA - SECOND QUARTER MARKET RECAP 2008

2008-07-09T17:01:09Z

SUWANEE RECAP SECOND QUARTER 2008

A look over how Suwanee is performing in today's current real estate market. It appears the second quarter out performed the first quarter of 2008. Suwanee's list to sale price in the second quarter out performed the first quarter by 4% @ 96% which is quite good. Foreclosures continue to dominate our metro market as a whole and until these properties are absorbed I expect our market will be sluggish. However, buyers are buying. Interest rates are extremely favorable encouraging buyers to stay in the market. That being said, however, they are looking for deals. If you are a seller who wants to sell, you can get your home sold. Pricing is more important than ever and it is essential to have your home pristine.

SUWANEE SECOND QUARTER UPDATE FOR 2008

CURRENT ACTIVES
Total Units: 635
High Price: $7,950,000
Low Price: $ 80,000

Breakdown:
Corporate: 21
Estate Owned: 7
Foreclosure: 31
Lease Purchase: 27
Transfer: 46
Other: 503

CURRENT PENDINGS
Total Units: 92
High Price: $2,499,000
Low Price: $ 85,000

Breakdown:
Corporate: 14
Estate Owned: 0
Foreclosure: 9
Lease Purchase: 7
Transfer: 46
Other: 59

CLOSED/SOLDS

Total Units: 137
High Price: $2,080,816
Low Price: $ 119,000

Breakdown:
Corporate: 11
Estate Owned: 2
Foreclosure: 12
Lease Purchase: 6
Transfer: 8
Other: 98

SUWANEE FIRST QUARTER 2008 IN REVIEW

Active Units: 586
High Price: $8,500,000
Low Price: $ 129,000

Pending Units: 55
High Price: $1,500,000
Low Price: $ 157,900

Sold Units: 79
High Price: $2,493,032
Low Price: $ 96,000

Recap 2nd Quarter 2008 vs. 1st Quarter 2008

Aveage List Price: $445,069 vs. $345,533
Average Sales Prices: $355,301 vs. $319,243
List to Sale Price: 96% vs. 92%
DOM: 108 vs. 116

Come Visit:
My Suwanee Home

Information is courtesty of the First Multiple Listing Service. Information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed.

SUWANEE - CITY EVENTS 2008

2008-06-23T20:27:55Z

If you live in Suwanee, you know there is always something happening. The best part - the events are free!! Take time to browse the schedule; and, come out and have some fun.

UPCOMING EVENTS for SUWANEE

Movie on Main Street
June 28 @ 8 pm
Burnette-Rogers Pavilion
"Invasion of the Body Snatchers"

Suwanee Smooth Jazz 107.5 WJZZ Concert
July 11 @ 7 pm
Town Center Park

Star 94 Movies Under the Stars
July 12 @ 8 pm
Burnette-Rogers Pavilion

Movie on Main Street
July 26 @ 8 pm
Burnette-Rogers Pavilion
"Dr. Strangelove"

Suwanee Smooth Jazz 107.5 WJSS Concert
August 1 @ 7 pm
Town Center Park

Concert in the Park
August 16 @ 7 pm
Edwin McCain - 8:30 pm
Town Center Park
Edwin McCain - Platinum selling singer/songwriter -
Promoting his new R&B album: "Nobody's Fault But Mine"
Opening the show: Atlanta based performers: Gareth Asher and Sam Thacker

Movie on Main Street
August 23 @ 8 pm
Burnette-Rogers Pavilion
Double-Billing:
"Young Frankenstein"
"Oedipus Wrecks"

Suwanee Smooth Jazz 107.5 WJZZ Concert
September 5 @ 7 pm
Town Center Park

Suwanee Day 5K Classic
September 13 @ 8 pm
Town Center Park

Suwanee Day
September 20 10 am-10 pm
Town Center Park

Suwanee Smooth Jazz 107.5 WJZZ Concert
October 3 @ 7 pm
Town Center Park

Amigos for Christ Fiesta*
October 4 @ 10 am
Town Center Park
(For more information: 770-826-7112)

Taste of Suwanee*
October 18 @ noon
Town Center Park
(For more information: 678-482-5980

Trek or Treat
October 25 11 am-1pm
Suwanee Creek Park

Kares 4 Kids KW FamJam
October 26 1pm-5pm
Town Center Park

Skylar's Run*
November 1 @ 8 am
Town Center Park
(For more information: 678-234-4195)

Old Town Holiday Festival and Caboose Lighting
December 6 5 pm-7pm
Historic Old Town

*Privately organized. Open to the public

Come to my house
MySuwaneeHome.com

ATLANTA, GA Metro Atlanta May 2008 in Review...

2008-06-23T15:36:22Z

Each month as I recap the previous month, the news seems dismal. However, choosing to see the glass half full instead of half empty, what I try to remember is this market will not last forever and we will see improvement and bluer skies!!!

ATLANTA REAL ESTATE IN REVIEW
May, 2008

4,573 closings of ALL single family homes
3,881 closings for DETACHED single family homes
692 closings in May for condos and town homes
Average closing price for single family DETACHED in May: $250,547
Average closing price for condos and town homes in May is: $181,518

                                                                  Come to my house:
                                                                 MySuwaneeHome.com

BLUE SKIES FOR ATLANTA...

2008-06-15T21:26:29Z

Notable areas of the country like Florida, California and Nevada, to name a few, saw home appreciation double and triple between 2001 and 2006. However, in Atlanta, we experienced an increase of property values of approximately four to five percent on average.

Currently, as we look across the nation, we see the housing market struggling to sustain any type of momentum. And, in Atlanta, we have definitely seen a slowing of our market. However, the difference between the Atlanta market and some of the other areas of the country is we have not seen a substantial decline in property values.

Additionally, Atlanta continues to be a place where people want to move. Looking back, between 2000 and 2006, our area added approximately 856,266 people....the highest in the nation. And, the growth for our great city is expected to see an increase of an estimated 2 million people moving here over the next 12 years! As such, we will continue to benefit from the influx of people moving to our area; and, the projection is the demand for housing in our city will remain strong. With approximately 100,000 homes on the market today, it should not take us long to absorb the current inventory based on our continued growth as a city.

Finally, the low interest rates will allow buyers great deals on a market already favorable to buyers. We have all heard, "buy low, sell high!" This has never been more appropriate than it is today.

IF YOU ARE IN A POSTION TO BUY....GET MOVING!!!!

                                                                  Come to my house:
                                                                 MySuwaneeHome.com

OUCH!!! STRADDLING THE FENCE MIGHT HURT MORE THAN YOU THINK!

2008-06-11T22:02:07Z

The consensus is pretty much the same across the board...worst housing market since the mid-70's; and, longer lasting. Looking back over years past, current housing prices are at 2002 and 2003 levels nationally. If you have listened to the media you would want to bury your head in the sand and wait for "better" days.

For Atlanta, the writing was on the wall in 2007. As the year progressed, we all saw the housing market slow. And, foreclosures currently continue to dominate the Atlanta market. So where does this take us? Well, if you are a pessimist you would find this really bad news. However, if you are the eternal optimist...what's not to like????? The current Atlanta market should prompt any potential buyer (or seller) to make their move. The deals are out there if you are a buyer. And, as a seller you may see a slight decline in home pricing, but what you may loose selling, you should more than make up when you buy.

On average, home pricing in Atlanta has declined less than 1% over 2007 with home pricing expected to remain flat throughout 2008. Because of our continued strong population growth, Atlanta will absorb the current inventory of housing supply. And with the speculation 2009 may bring increased interest rates, if I was on the fence....I would get off and make my move!!!

                                                                  Come to my house:
                                                                 MySuwaneeHome.com

Source: Courtesy The Agent Advisor

IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?

2008-06-08T16:29:50Z

Is YOUR glass half full or half empty?

Finally, someone has decided to find a silver lining in the current U.S. real estate market! While the media continually spouts the glass half empty perpetuating a negative impact on our current real estate market, the reality is there are markets out there who are performing quite well...thank you very much!

Leon D'Ancona, President of IMS, Inc., is a leader in providing statistics on the real estate industry. Recently D'Ancona was quoted as saying, "The doom and gloom in media stories about residential real estate ignore positive, healthy activity in many cities across America."

It's time to look at some good news! With this objective in mind, D'Ancona has set up a website, Happy Real Estate News listing over 2300 markets in the United States where homes are selling well. If you are looking for some encouraging news, check out this website and get the facts.

                                                                  Come to my house:
                                                                 MySuwaneeHome.com

SUWANEE TALK!

Suwanee's 2009 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET

Other Expenditures Include:

H. R. 3221 - FIRST TIME HOME BUYER'S TAX CREDIT

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER'S TAX CREDIT(Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008) H. R. 3221 (Recap)

COME PLAY....SUWANEE CITY PARKS!

ATLANTA SHORT SALES... What You Need to Know

LENDER PACKAGE:

ATLANTA, GA - June 2008 IN REVIEW

Atlanta Market - June 2008 in Review

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR ! GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

THE BELL TOLLS FOR THEE! And, ready or not it is that time of year once again!

Suwanee GA - Suwanee Town Center - TELL ME MORE!

SUWANEE TOWN CENTER - THE HEART OF OUR CITY

SUWANEE, GA - Where families come first!

SUWANEE GA, FIRST QUARTER 2008 RECAP

A SNAP SHOT LOOK AT THE SUWANEE MARKET First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007

FIRST QUARTER 2008

FIRST QUARTER 2007

YOUR SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING! NOW WHAT?

LET ME ASK:

Suwanee GA - RIVERMOORE PARK 2nd Quarter Market Report

SUWANEE GA - SECOND QUARTER MARKET RECAP 2008

SUWANEE - CITY EVENTS 2008

ATLANTA, GA Metro Atlanta May 2008 in Review...

BLUE SKIES FOR ATLANTA...

OUCH!!! STRADDLING THE FENCE MIGHT HURT MORE THAN YOU THINK!

IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER'S TAX CREDIT
(Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008)
H. R. 3221 (Recap)

THE BELL TOLLS FOR THEE!
And, ready or not it is that time of year once again!

A SNAP SHOT LOOK AT THE SUWANEE MARKET
First Quarter 2008 vs. First Quarter 2007