Berkshire Manor located in Alpharetta off of Haynes Bridge Rd, is centrally located to shopping, entertainment, restaurants, parks and GA400. The subdivision is serviced by the following schools: Northwood Elementary, Haynes Bridge Middle and Centennial High School.

For the period covering January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011:

Nine properties sold ranging in price from $75,000 to $147,345

Two properties are four bedrooms and the balance are three bedroom properties.

Eight of the properties have two full bathrooms, one has one full bathroom, three properties have ½ bathrooms.

Currently there are five properties on the market, ranging in price from $76,900to $153,900.  All properties have three bedrooms, one has three bathrooms, two have two bathrooms and two have one bathroom, four properties have ½ bathrooms.  There is one property currently under contract.

Sales prices were down for 2011 as compared to 2010.  However, across the nation and in the Atlanta area sale prices declined for 2011.

 Berkshire Manor is still a great deal due to its prime location. 

Tomorrow contributors may drop off their new or gently used suitcases and or book bags to any of the 25 Georgia Cancer Specialists locations between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M.  To see the list of participating offices you can visit the website: www.gacancer.com, or on Facebook.com/Totes2Tots, or call 1-877-716-2273.

In North Fulton there are two locations: GCS- Alpharetta 3330 Preston Road  Suite 110, GCS- John’s Creek 6335 Hospital  Parkway Suite 107. 

The Georgia Cancer Specialists health organization in conjunction with the Department of Human Services distributes the bags to those foster children who are being moved through the system.  Often times the children’s belongings are thrown into garbage bags when moving them.  It is hoped the bags will offer a little dignity to an already traumatic situation.  The bags will be distributed in the counties in which they are collected.   Please remember to support this drive.

Consider your lighting when planning to make “going green” changes in your home.  This can be a small and inexpensive project to work on, that will only take a few hours.  Changing your lighting is an easy project and the savings should show up in your next electric bill.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFL bulbs.  CFL bulbs use approximately one fifth to one third less power and have a longer rated life.  CFL are more costly initially, but save over five times its purchase price in electricity costs over the bulb’s lifetime.  LED bulbs are also another green alternative.  They produce less heat and are durable and energy efficient. 

Did you buy a home last year after April 1?   If so, it is extremely important you remember to mark your calendar book to file for a Homestead Exemption prior  to April 1.  This exemption will reduce the amount of property taxes you will have to pay.  The exemption deadline is April 1.  April 2 is too late and you will not receive the exemption until the following year.

Visit www.fultonassessor.org  for qualification information and to obtain the form.

The site also lists the addresses of the Fulton county assessor’s offices.

The 10^th annual Totes 2 Tots suitcase drive will be held Jan. 13, 2012.   

The drive was originally organized by an employee of healthcare provider Georgia Cancer Specialists and is the 10^th annual drive.  Those children  in the child welfare system and reside in foster homes , when they are moved to other foster homes, their belongings are typically put in garbage bags.   It is traumatizing enough for the children to be moved around through the system, but the hope is that by giving them a backpack or suitcase for their belongings will at the least offer the children a bit of dignity and compassion.

New and nearly new backpacks and luggage may be dropped off at the: Georgia Cancer Specialists Office 1100 Johnsons Ferry Road Atlanta, Ga. 30342, Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:30 and 5:00.  The bags will be disturbed in Fulton County through the state Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children’s Services.

For further information you may call 404-256-4777 or www.gacancer.com

Mike's blog contains a very valuable chart, which lists by loan type the waiting peroid for those x-homeowners, who for whatever reason lost their home and wish to return to being a homeowner.  It is a great reference tool. Mike is correct "when can I qualify for a mortgage again?" is a very common question these days.

During the holiday season, my family participated in a “Feeding the Homeless Program.”  There were two organizations serving that day, and we split up so that the family could participate with each group.  We had a talk with my grandson in order to prepare him for what he was going to see.  We were not sure what his reaction was going to be, but we knew he had to know there are others in the world less fortunate than he and he needed to be taught the lesson of helping the less fortunate.

We were given instructions from the group leaders as to how to serve the food.  My station was the water, juice and soda station.  I was to give one water and either one juice or soda.  I pretty much followed those instructions.  However, when children came through the line, if they had a bag, I reached over the counter and stuffed their bag full of juice boxes.  If they did not have a bag I got one and filled it for them.  It was an eye opening and heart wrenching experience.

My grandson had been told to reserve his comments and questions until we were in the car on the way home, and he did.  He had a lot to say.  From his conversation we realized he was shocked to see the homeless children.  It gave him a lot to think about.

It was a day of mixed emotions: happy to be able to participate in helping others, but sad to see their devastated situation.

The Atlanta Humane Society has a new chairman William Shaheen, who has served as chairman of the board of the society since 2000.   President Carl Leveridge announced his pending retirement earlier this year.  He will remain in office until January.

 The Atlanta Humane society has had two important announcements, the first being the change in leadership and the second, the society is opening a new shelter in Alpharetta.  The shelter will be located at 1565 Mansell Road.  The grand opening event will take place on December 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 The facility is 32,000 sq ft and sits on seven acres.  There are large walking and playing areas for dogs, and four free-roam rooms for cats.  The shelter will be able to house 104 to 176 cats at a time, and 64 to 138 dogs.  Other services offered at the facility are: adoptions, pet facilitated therapy, a pet merchandise shop, obedience training and pet loss grief counseling.

 Mr. Shaheen said “ Puppies get adopted every weekend, but it is harder to find homes for older dogs.  The shelter on Howell Mill adopts out between 5000 and 6000 pets a year, and he hopes the Mansell location can double that number and especially find new homes for the older pets", as reported in the Alpharetta Neighbor.

The holidays are coming and the house could use a fresh coat of paint, to give a bright and shiny appearance for all the holiday  festivities.

Here is a handy tip for how much paint you will need to purchase.  Measure the areas you are going to paint, and then convert to square feet.

Surface                                 Coverage (per gallon)

Exterior Rough                         90-110 sq ft

Exterior Smooth                       375-475 sq ft

Interior Rough                          120-190 sq ft

Interior Smooth                        420-490 sq ft

This is for the first coat.  If a second coat is required it is usually about 2/3 as much paint.   Make sure you confirm the amount you need with your paint vendor as the amount could vary depending on the type of paint, andthe painting technique you are going to use.

Homeownership

The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program makes it possible for those who desire to own a home and may need down payment assistance and affordable first mortgage financing.

To qualify for the affordable first mortgages:

·        Must be a first time home buyer (program available to all eligible first time home buyers in all Georgia counties)

·        Have not owned a home in the past three years

·        Purchase a home in a targeted area ( rules vary for targeted and non-targeted areas)

·        Have household incomes below the maximum incomes

·        Have liquid assets no more than $20,000 or 20% of the sales price (whichever is greater)

·        Meet mortgage loan requirements.

The loans are 30 year fixed.  See your local participating lender for further information on the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program.

If you qualify for the mortgage loan program you are also eligible for the down payment assistance program.  Down payment assistance is between $5000 and $7500 depending on which option you qualify for. The borrower must do the following:

·        Use the loan in conjunction with a Georgia Dream First Mortgage Loan

·        Complete a Home Buyer Education class, complete the class, and have a certificate of completion

·        Contribute a minimum of $1000  toward the purchase of the property

Go to the Georgia Dream website: www.GAdream.com  for the income requirements, list of participating lenders, FAQs, and additional information.