The Gebhardt Group: Atlanta Real Estate | RE/MAX Greater Atlanta | REALTORS

Johns Creek, Alpharetta, GA Flood Victims Now Eligible for Federal Aid

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:47:31 -0500

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.

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Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

The Gebhardt Group's 4th Annual "Trick or Treat for the Troops" | Johns Creek, Georgia | How You Can Help!

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:39:11 -0500

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, so that they can be involved, too!

Here's what we are collecting:

To read two stories of soldiers who received our care packages, click here:

From the Chief of MedOps - Afghanistan
From the 10th Mountain Division Band - Iraq

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

October 4 - 10 is Fire Prevention Week - Have You Checked Your Smoke Alarms?

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:02:39 -0500

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, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Johns Creek, Georgia, Celebrates National Fire Prevention Week by Educating Citizens, Opening Fire Stations

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:01:06 -0500

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, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

100% Chance of Snow in Johns Creek, GA, on October 3 | Movies in the Park Playing "Ice Age 3"

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:57:36 -0500

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 or visit the City of Johns Creek website by clicking here.

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Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

City of Johns Creek has New 911 Service

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:49:53 -0500

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 to visit the City of Johns Creek website, please click here.

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Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Congratulations to The Gebhardt Group's Pam Gebhardt - Featured in CRS magazine, "The Residential Specialist"

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:14:49 -0500

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, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

City of Alpharetta Road Closures - Monday, September 21 - RAIN & FLOODING!

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:45:17 -0500

Dear Friends and Clients,

We just received an Emergency Advisory email from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce with road closures for Alpharetta. Please drive with caution - lights and wipers on - do not attempt to drive through large pools of standing water - be more careful than you think you need to be!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Rain, Rain, Go Away! Rain Continues to Plague Georgia and the Southeast

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:53:02 -0500

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 mention countless homes and basements flooding. This morning's news reported water levels in Cobb County being 2 1/2 feet over flood stage.

Is there an end in sight? According to weather.com, we don't have sunny skies in the forecast until Monday, September 28. Let's hope that, as often is the case, the weather forecasters aren't completely accurate!

Rain, rain, go away!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

_____
Photo Credit: "inside rain" - Posted to flickr.com by pulihora on September 23, 2006

My Letter to My U.S. Congressional Representatives - Please Extend the Homebuyer Tax Credit!

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:13:25 -0500

Interested in taking action and urging your U.S. Congressional Representatives to extend the homebuyer tax credit?

Good! So am I!

I sent this letter to both my state senators and my state representative in Congress: Senator Saxby Chambliss, Senator Johnny Isakson and Representative Tom Price - if you would like to do the same, it's simple. Just copy and paste my letter (below) and send it to your representatives.

For a quick and easy way to find your representatives and how to contact them via e-mail, snail mail and/or telephone, click here.

Follow the simple instructions and then let the emails fly! And while you're at it, bookmark the site, so that you can contact your representatives for any issue that you are passionate about. Let your voice be heard!

* * * * * * *

Dear Representative,

As a Realtor and a constituent, I can assure you that the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit has definitely been a success. Homebuyer interest and housing sales increased almost as soon as the ink was dry on the tax credit legislation. Today's lower prices and interest rates appeal to consumers, but it's been the tax credit that has attracted people to open houses and to homeownership.

That progress could grind to a halt sooner than you think. Congress must act NOW to extend the credit through 2010. Otherwise, uncertainty will return and the market might again be frozen -- possibly as soon as October.

A homebuyer is eligible for the tax credit only if the home is "purchased" before December 1, 2009. That means that buyers have to find a house, complete a contract, satisfy any contingencies, secure financing and go to closing by November 30. Accomplishing those tasks by November 30 will become more difficult with every passing day. In today's market, it generally takes between 45 and 60 days to go from contract to closing.

The market has improved, but it has not yet fully corrected itself. The credit needs to be extended for an additional period of time and expanded in order to build upon the progress that's been made. Uncertainty about the future of the credit will dampen consumer demand. The best way to assure continued housing activity is to extend and expand the credit and to do that NOW.

We can't wait until late in the year to see what happens. Consumers will drop out soon if they can't predict what's in their future. Please act NOW to extend and expand the credit through 2010.

Sincerely,

Maura Neill

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

YOU Can Help Extend the Homebuyer Tax Credit! Write to your Congress Representatives Today!

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:12:38 -0500

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., offices.

Not sure what to write? Click here for the letter I sent - via the Georgia Association of REALTORS® - simply copy and paste it into your representatives' web forms and hit send - it's that easy!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Pet Adoptions This Saturday in Johns Creek / Alpharetta

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:44:31 -0500

Want to bring a furry friend home to be a part of your family? Visit Veterinary Medical Center in Johns Creek / Alpharetta this Saturday, September 12, 2009, from 10 AM to 4 PM and take part in their Pet Adoptions!

Veterinary Medical Center is located at 8750 Nesbit Ferry Road. It's my personal vet, where I bring my three cats and my Beagle, Charlie. I even adopted my sweet little tabby cat, Emma (pictured below), from them three years ago.

Also, if you just moved to the area and are looking for a new vet for your furry friends, you can stop by, meet the staff and check out the facilities. They have a caring staff and wonderful doctors. They also provide boarding and grooming services.

So if you live in the Alpharetta / Johns Creek area - or in the North Metro Atlanta, I encourage you to stop by the Veterinary Medical Center on Saturday, September 12, 2009 between 10 AM and 4 PM. There will be a variety of cats and kittens, dogs and puppies available for adoption. Refreshments will also be provided. You can call (770) 998-8450 for more information or to ask for specific information about available pets.

And don't forget to bring a friend!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Get Your FREE Chicken Sandwich at Chick-Fil-A on Labor Day!

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:27:38 -0500

Love Chick-Fil-A? Love their Original Chicken Sandwich? I know I do!

I just worked with a client from Texas who currently lives in Los Angeles, CA - there is only one Chick-Fil-A anywhere near her home in LA. She can't wait to move to Atlanta to be closer to Chick-Fil-A!

This Labor Day - Monday, September 7, 2009 - you can get a FREE Chick-Fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich, just by wearing your favorite sports team logo to a participating Chick-Fil-A.

I'll be here - at my favorite local Chick-Fil-A, located at 8475 Holcomb Bridge Road in Alpharetta, Georgia.

I'll be wearing my Florida State University Seminoles logo - we play our first game on Monday night! Whose logo will you be wearing to get your FREE Chick-Fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich?

For more information, you can visit the Chick-Fil-A website and click on the Labor Day Giveaway logo.

Will I see you at lunchtime at my Chick-Fil-A in Alpharetta? Look for me wearing FSU gear! Come on over and say hello!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Recession 101: What if nobody participated?

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:48:06 -0500

Thanks to Sheila Moran of RE/MAX Access in San Antonio, TX, for this great post - and for allowing me to re-blog it. I definitely choose not to participate in this recession - how about you?

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Via Sheila Moran, SanAntonioSheila.com RE/MAX Access, Broker, At your service! (RE/MAX Access (Garden Ridge, San Antonio, New Braunfels)):

Recession 101: What if nobody participated?

Driving along a cut away street on the North East side of San Antonio I curiously came across these billboards.

I couldn't believe my eyes and stopped the car and photographed each and every one. I'm sure I was a spectacle to the cars driving by. I hope the billboards were also a spectacle.

I was so pleased that someone was out there putting positive words out to the masses.

It was then that I read the story of how these billboards came to be. An anonymous donor wanted to remind Americans to collectively "take a deep breath". Have you ever heard of such a thing? Not me. Do I like it and appreciate it? You bet.

The entire campaign is geared to raising Americans spirits and lift them up according to the website: www.recession101.org or you can catch them on twitter: twitter.com/recession101

I tell you that morning there was nothing better than seeing these uplifting words "up in the sky".

To anonymous donor, I thank you. I'm sure many Americans would also give a "collective" sigh of relief too.

Either we participate or we don't.

Improving Instead of Moving? Where Do You Find Your Contractors?

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:41:56 -0500

On, HGTV's "Design Star" on Sunday night (August 9, 2009 episode), host Clive Pearse introduced the designers' challenge by saying, "In today's economy, people are not moving, they are improving." He went on to introduce the task of turning two California familes' garages into additional finished living space, therefore adding on to their existing homes and saving them from having to sell and move into larger homes.

Much of our real estate work right now has consisted of advising clients on home improvement projects that will add value and/or space to their existing homes, if they do not want to try to move in the current economy. Though it is a great time to buy a new home and move up (if one can afford to), many are waiting out the economic downturn, unwilling to take a big loss on the sale of their existing home, even to get a great deal on the purchase side.

Does this sound like you?

If you answered yes, I ask you, where do you find your contractors?

The best piece of advice we can give you, if you are using this time to improve your current home and wait out the economy, is to always seek out referrals to contractors and service providers from friends and family who have used their services - or of course, another great referral source is your REALTOR®. At The Gebhardt Group, we keep a detailed list of service providers who have excellent service records for us and for our clients. Each name on our list we have either used in our own personal homes or we have received from our clients who have recommended them highly.

Avoid the frustration of poorly done work or contractors who don't finish the job - get a referral from a trusted source - ask around your office, your friends, your neighbors, your REALTOR®. Your home is your biggest investment - don't allow just anyone to work on its improvements!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

___
Photo credit: "Hammer" - Posted to flickr.com by Darren Hester on November 22, 2007

"Your House is Not Your Piggy Bank" - In This Market, Buy For Your Lifestyle

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:54:10 -0500

In this market, buy for your lifestyle, not just for an "investment."

A "down market" or a "soft market" is a great time to buy a home...but not for the reason that some people think.

Ask yourself: what lifestyle do you want and how can buying a home help you to achieve it? Are you currently renting and eager to buy your first home? Are you expecting your family to grow in the near future? Have you been considering downsizing? It can be a scary time to buy, not only because of the way the media feeds our fears about the economy, but also because of the very real dangers that many face right now with potential job loss, company downsizing, depletion of investments like stocks and 401(k) accounts, etc. Thinking about your home as a way of meeting your lifestyle needs, rather than as a place to stash your cash, may help potential buyers to see the picture more clearly. Real estate is historically one of the best long-term investments one can make -- going back to the way of thinking of a generation or two ago, when homes were bought to serve the needs of shelter and safety, may help today's buyers to make more logical decisions about homebuying and help us emerge from our slumping housing market.

Great buys in the housing market exist for those who want to find them -- and being able to find them also means being realistic about what you can afford. While a down market is a great time to get deals, it doesn't mean to spend outside your means -- after all, that's how we got into this foreclosure mess we're in to begin with. Assess your finances, talk to a reputable lender (preferably one that comes recommended to you by a friend, family member or your REALTOR®) to get a realistic idea of what you can afford now.

It's a great time to find homes that are undervalued for many reasons: perhaps the home is a foreclosure or a short sale (pre-foreclosure); perhaps the neighborhood's values have been negatively affected foreclosures going on in and around it; perhaps the seller has already moved and is anxious to get the home sold. Whatever the reasons, the deals are out there to be had -- but think of this as a great time to buy a home to really live in, not a home to be your piggy bank. An investment -- yes? But a long-term one.

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

_____
Photo credit: "Piggy savings bank" - Posted to flickr.com by alancleaver_2000

Spotlight on Country Club of the South - Summer 2009 | Neighborhood Watch and Gated Community Stats | Alpharetta, GA

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:26:44 -0500

From our quarterly magazine, Spotlight on Country Club of the South - to request your copy, please email Maura@GebhardtGroup.com.

In each issue of our Spotlight on Country Club of the South, we compare our beautiful neighborhood to the other top gated communities in the area. Below are the stats from our Summer 2009 issue:

Our current issue (pictured above) is already out - keep an eye out for updated stats and articles. If you would like to receive a full copy via snail mail, please email Maura@GebhardtGroup.com and we'll send a copy out to you!

To see all of our properties for sale in Country Club of the South and in the Metro Atlanta area, please visit www.GebhardtGroup.com today!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Spotlight on Country Club of the South - Summer 2009 | Letter to My Neighbors | Alpharetta, GA

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:25:46 -0500

From our quarterly magazine, Spotlight on Country Club of the South - to request your copy, please email Maura@GebhardtGroup.com.

Dear Country Club of the South Neighbors,

Like many other upper end areas throughout the country, the home sales in Country Club of the South continue to be sluggish. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the national share of home sales above $750,000 has fallen from 4.4% in 2007 to around 2.3% in 2009. In addition, the months' supply of inventory in this price range has risen from 18.7 months to 41.1 months. While the current government economic stimulus has helped the lower end, first-time home buyer segment, the limited availability and higher interest rates have stalled the jumbo loan market. Unfortunately, most homes here in Country Club of the South would require jumbo financing. Jumbo financing is defined as any loan over $417,000, also known as a conforming loan. These "jumbo" loans now carry much higher interest rates, more stringent qualifications and larger down payments. Lawrence Yun, the Chief Economist of NAR, has stated that the bulk of the potential buyers in this price range remain sidelined and unwilling to buy a home and take out mortgages that carry interest rates higher than the conforming mortgages.

On a more positive note, Atlanta has been recognized as #6 by BisJournals as one of the top 10 cities poised for growth in the next ten years. In another study by HIS Global Insight, an international economics firm, has Atlanta listed as #2 of the top 5 cities predicted to recover first once the economy turns. We have already seen the seeds of this planted by the recent announcements of three major corporations selections of Atlanta as their new headquarters. We all just need to be patient,

If you would like further information about the current real estate market in our neighborhood or any other community in Atlanta, please feel free to contact me.

If you would like to view the real estate activity in our community or the surrounding neighborhoods, please log onto my website at: WWW.PAMGEBHARDT.COM. See all homes listed in Country Club of the South!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Pam Gebhardt, ABR, CRS, GRI, CLHMS, e-Pro, SRES
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0563
email: info@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Thanks to Allen Hainge for Mentioning Me on His Blog!

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:12:01 -0500

I was pleasantly surprised and incredibly honored when, in response to an email I sent him, Allen Hainge wrote a blog post about me on his CyberStars® Blog on Friday!

Back in June, I took the CRS 206 Technology class at the Atlanta Board of REALTORS®. I had heard great things about Allen from some friends of mine who are members of his CyberStars® group and was so excited to take the course. Allen really knows his stuff!

After implementing one particular tool Allen told us about in class - Issuu.com, a FREE website that allows you to create e-zines - I emailed Allen to thank him and show him the team brochure I created.

Next thing I know, I'm on Allen's blog!

Allen was generous enough to take my email and create a blog post about it - thereby giving me mention on his site (something I never thought would happen) and linking to my site and my brochure. That's the kind of generosity our industry needs more of! It goes to show you, when you help others, they will in turn help you; when you share with others, they will share with you.

I can't say enough great things about Allen as an instructor and now as a friend (and not just a Facebook friend)! I highly recommend Allen's CRS 206 class to anyone who hasn't taken it - or to anyone who hasn't taken it in a few years! There have been so many new tools in the past few years - it's worth taking again! Call you local Board and ask them to offer CRS 206 and ask for Allen Hainge to be your instructor!

And of course, if you want to see why you should take this course and why you should ask for Allen, simply subscribe to his e-newsletter. Some of the best business tech tips delivered right to your Inbox!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Atlanta's Smart, Successful Women: WOAMTEC is Here! Join Today!

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:36:38 -0500

Attention Atlanta Women: Are you a smart, successful woman? A business owner? An entrepreneur?

WOAMTEC may be the right group for you.

WOAMTEC is more than a networking group - it's a group designed to empower women, especially those who are successful businesswomen. The goal is to build a positive networking atmosphere where seasoned professional business women can come together to share ideas, offer support, and create solid business alliances.

Face to face networking can be the core of many successful businesses - as a REALTOR®, I know this to be true in my business and the businesses of many that I deal with.

Come on out and give WOAMTEC a try - as a member and an Ambassador for the Atlanta-Buckhead chapter, I can tell you it will help your business, grow your contacts, and best of all, it offers "a pure social, stress-free networking atmosphere, where women can simply be women. WOAMTEC also offers a networking opportunity where women can focus on keeping their priorities in order of faith, family, and career without feeling guilty about it!"

If you would like more information about joining our Atlanta-Buckhead chapter, I urge you to contact me today! Just email me at Maura@GebhardtGroup.com for more information or visit the WOAMTEC website to read more!

We meet every other Tuesday, from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the Buckhead Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Lunch is just $25, including tax and tip! Come as my guest and check us out!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

The Gebhardt Group is on Facebook - Become a Fan Today of North Atlanta Real Estate and Homes!

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:22:30 -0500

That's right - The Gebhardt Group is on Facebook, and we'd love for you to become a fan!

Just click the image below to visit our Facebook Fan Page - North Atlanta Real Estate and Homes and then click on

We'll be posting links to our blog, Atlanta real estate news and tips, and fun photos of the Atlanta area. If you're a past client, friend or member of The Gebhardt Group family - or would like to be! - please visit our page and become a fan. We'd love to have you!

Of course, if you have and questions about Atlanta real estate, we'd be happy to answer them for you. Please visit our website or email me at Maura@GebhardtGroup.com.

We look forward to seeing you on our Facebook page!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

Selling Your Home? It's "a Price War and a Beauty Contest"

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:43:11 -0500

I know I won't be the first person to write a blog about this market being "a Price War and a Beauty Contest" - and I don't think I'll be the last. I certainly don't take credit for coining the phrase!

I first heard it at a conference about two years ago, as the market started to shift. And since then, I've heard it almost ad nauseum - probably because it truly is an accurate description of today's real estate market.

So what does it mean to you, as a seller? It means that, if you are trying to sell your home or thinking about putting it on the market, there are more things to consider now than ever before.

It means your home needs to be priced right - meaning well within the comparable sales within the past six months. More and more often, appraisers are only looking within the past six months' comps in order to justify your homes purchase price. It doesn't matter where other listings in the neighborhood are priced - it only matters what homes have recently sold for. It also doesn't matter how much you have into your home - what you spent to finish the basement, how much you spent on landscaping, etc. All that matters is the recent comparable sales.

It also means your home has to have on its "prettiest dress"- meaning it must be the best-looking and well maintained in the area, not just in the neighborhood. Fresh paint, clean carpets and flooring, no clutter. A well-manicured lawn, a cobweb-free deck. Having an updated kitchen and master bathroom can make a difference. Buyers are looing at more and more houses these days than they used to - they know they have plenty to look at, with the surplus of inventory on the market, and they know they have time to look, with homes taking longer to sell. Buyers are pickier now, because they can be.

Finally, this can mean that if you don't absolutely have to sell, now may not be the best time to put your home on the market. Of course, if you do have to sell, do your best to make your home the best it can be. Sellers often ask us, "why would I want to put money into a home that I'm about to leave?" The answer, at least in today's market, is that's what you need to do to get it sold.

If you live in the Atlanta area and are thinking about selling your home, call The Gebhardt Group today! We can provide a Complimentary Market Analysis and tell you what your home will sell for in the current real estate market. We'll help you decide if now is the right time for you to sell!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

_____

Photo Credit: "T. R. Shipp, Miss Miami, ca. 1928" - Posted to flickr.com by bobster855 - March 7, 2009

"Independence Day..." by Colin Powell - A Salute to our Military on This 4th of July

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:46:30 -0500

What are you doing for this 4th of July holiday weekend?

Whether you are planning to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, cook out, go boating, take a vacation...or just sit back and relax and enjoy a few days off from work, won't you take a few moments to think about those whom we have to thank for our freedom? The brave men and women of our military, who may not get to enjoy days off this weekend - whose work goes on despite the holiday - especially those who are deployed to far-off, hostile lands, fighting for you and for me. Take a moment to hope for their safety, to hope that they may soon come home and see their loved ones.

And if you see someone in uniform this weekend - or any time - pause a second and thank him or her for all they do for our country. Just a simple "thank you" can speak volumes and will be remembered and appreciated.

The Gebhardt Group is already planning our "4th Annual Trick or Treat for the Troops" - our annual event collecting donations for care packages for our troops who are deployed during the winter holiday season. If you want more information about this year's event, or if you know of a member of our military who is or will be deployed, please contact us! You can email me at Maura@GebhardtGroup.com. We'd love to give you more information and to put your loved one's name on our list of care package recipients!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

_____

Photo Credit: "Windy Flag" - Posted on flickr.com by arbyreed - September 15, 2006

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates...OR Is That Really Bacon-Flavored Chocolate?

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:25:18 -0500

TRUTH: When I saw this bar of chocolate in the gourmet chocolate section at my local Fresh Market in Johns Creek, GA, I knew I had to take a picture of it. After all, no one would believe me if I told them I saw a bacon chocolate bar.

Then I realized I had to write a blog about it, too, because it was just too good to pass up. (My apologies if you find the correlation to real estate a bit of a stretch - just be entertained by the chocolate bar!)

Forrest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get." Real estate is like that, too.

You never know what your new clients will be like - will they be friendly or nasty, easy-going or picky, analytical or sentimental? The same goes for potential new listings.You show up for the listing appointment - will it be outdated wallpaper or freshly painted neutral colors, chipped laminate countertops or sparkling new granite, well-maintained or cluttered?

Have you ever sampled the chocolates in your Whitman's Sampler - taken a tiny nibble to make sure it's a flavor you like instead of one you don't? Do you ever wish you could do that with your clients - take a little nibble, take them for a test-drive, before committing to them? (After all, some of them do that with us, right?)

Life is like a box of chocolates - I'm just not sure I want to take a bite out of the bacon-flavored one. But perhaps that's part of the excitement of being a REALTOR® - you really never know what you're gonna get!

By the way, if you're interested in trying this bizarre chocolate bar, you can find it online on the Vosges Haut-Chocolat website (those of you in Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas can visit their boutiques). Mo's Bacon Bar is actually listed as #2 on their Top 10 Best Sellers list, which kind of makes me want to try it now! Other interesting flavors include:

deep milk chocolate with extra virgin first-press olive oil + dried kalamata olives
dark chocolate with ginger + wasabi + black sesame seeds
deep milk chocolate with sweet Indian curry + fresh coconut.

I bought the Red Fire Bar: Mexican ancho & chipotle chillies + Ceylon cinnamon + dark chocolate (great with red wine!).

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

In This Market, A Good House is Like A Fine Wine...

The Gebhardt Group - North Metro Atlanta Real Estate (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:54:19 -0500

Over a couple of glasses of wine last night, I had a revelation:
In this current market, a good house is like a fine wine.

Now, you might think that I wasn't thinking too clearly or that it was the wine talking, but hear me out: in today's tougher markets, across the country, the homes that are selling quickly and for top dollar (or as close to top dollar as we can get these days) are the exceptional ones. Gone are the days when homes fly off the market, regardless of their condition and upkeep. These days, as I'm sure you've heard over and over, "It's a Price War and a Beauty Contest."

But it's more than that.

Now, I'm no wine expert - heck, I can't even pronounce "sommelier" (well, maybe I wouldn't go that far), but I know what I like and what I don't - the same with houses.

I know that I like homes that are clean. Homes in which the colors are soothing and pleasing. Homes that have a variety of living spaces, from formal to informal, indoor and outdoor, homes with versatility. I like homes that are light and airy. Homes that are updated, homes that don't feel stuffy. Homes that smell good. Homes that feel comfortable. Some of the things that attract me to a home are things that I can't quite put my finger on - they have a certain "je ne sais quoi" about them - some buyers will say, "It just feels like home," even though they can't quite verbalize why. And sometimes with wine I know that I like what I'm drinking but I couldn't tell you exactly why.

Like a good house, wine has to smell appealing, appetizing. It has to be comfortable. It should be versatile. The color should be attractive, pleasing. It should be well-balanced.

That's when I realized it - it's the subtle things. And that is, from what I've heard from those who know much more than I do about vino, the same with wine. It's the subtleties. The hints of "color" and "texture" and "the nose". The things that I don't necessarily understand about wine, but I know they are there.

Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!

Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/

_____

Photo Credit: "A glass of wine" - Posted to flickr.com by gutter - December 13, 2008