As we all know, the media highlights the down side of the news.  So I would like to provide you with some positive economic news!   This information has been talked about but, again the media chooses to down-play this information.     The value of the dollar is increasing against the Euro.  Gas prices have been falling and may continue for another 15 cents or more.  The economy grew 1.9% during our second quarter 2008, even with a slight increase in inflation.  During July 2008, Barrons wrote very positively about the real estate market. Resale home sales are showing a tentative sign of increase with a near end to the plunge in prices.  Inventories fell in May to a 10.8 month supply, down from April's 11.2 month supply.  Even our Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson noted in July that the h... 08/13/2008

A Buyer client asked me the other day to explain why he would only be receiving a Special/Limited Warranty when he purchased a foreclosure home.  I thought there may be other Buyers out there with the same question.  A Special and/or Limited type of warranty means that the seller (bank) guarantees title from the time they took title.  In order to protect yourself after you get title to the property, make sure you purchase Owners Title Insurance at closing.  This will protect you from anything that could come up after your possession of title.  Make sure to talk with your Real Estate Attorney about the different types of title and obtaining Owners Title Insurance.  If you need a reference for a Real Estate Attorney, just let us know.  We're always here to help. The Sherry & Maria Team Sh... 08/11/2008

It's that time of year again.  The first day of school is just around the corner for metro Atlanta so what better time to take advantage of the upcoming Tax Free Weekend!  Items eligible for use are clothing, school supplies and specific computer-related items (intended for personal use).   Not sure what will be exempt?  Click here to check out this website for a list of items.  Georgia's Department of Revenue website also has some helpful information.  Click here to check out their FAQ page.  Tax free weekend begins on Thursday, July 31 and ends at midnight on August 3rd.     07/30/2008

Multiple offers on Foreclosures  Lots of Buyers are out there searching for foreclosure properties.  What is now becoming a common theme is getting into a situation with multiple offers on these foreclosures.   All buyers should be advised that if you are making an offer on a foreclosure property - be prepared for a multiple offer scenario.  When this occurs, the bank will call for "highest and best" offers to be presented.  In several instances, I've represented buyers making full price offers and the bank still does not accept their offer.  The Buyers walk away feeling like it was some sort of a game.  They feel that the home was barely worth what it was listed at (due to much needed repairs, cosmetic and miscellaneous).   Quick Tips for buying a foreclosure property: 1)  Make sure to... 07/29/2008

One of the many features of Johns Creek that makes it a desirable and unique city is the presence of so many local business - big and small. The Gebhardt Group is one such business. The Johns Creek Police Department has rolled out its first Community Service - SHIELD, a crime prevention/education program that "connects" area businesses with each other and the JCPD. And business owners are signing up quickly! According to the Johns Creek City website, the FREE program works very simply: a business owner/manager fills out an application, providing essential Emergency Contact Information to the JCPD, and then makes sure it's kept up-to-date. "If a crime or incident involving a SHIELD business occurs, the JCPD will have an efficient way of contacting them," said Sgt. Debbie Kalish, head of ... 07/13/2008

I had the pleasure of meeting Johns Creek's first mayor, Mike Bodker, when he gave his first "State of the City" address back in January 2008. The Gebhardt Group would like to congratulate Mayor Bodker on being elected the Chairman of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA) Chairman for the 2008-2009 year. Douglasville Mayor Mickey Thompson handed the chair to Mayor Bodker and remarked, "Mike's enthusiasm and commitment to not only his citizens but also to the residents of the entire metro area make him the perfect choice as the next MAMA chairman." To read the full press release, please click here.  Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today! Maura Gebhardt, ABR®The Gebhardt GroupRE/MAX Greater Atlanta10220 Medlock Bridge RoadJohns Creek, GA 30097   direct: (770) 751... 07/02/2008

Good news, Johns Creek! Millage Rate Remains the Same for Fiscal Year '08 On June 16, the Johns Creek City Council approved a property tax rate of $4.614 per $1,000 of assessed value, the same level that was in effect the previous year. According to the City of Johns Creek's website, "Overall, the City's property tax revenue is expected to increase by almost $1.8 million or 10.2% over 2007. Of that increase, about 4.7% was the result of increased valuations; the remainder is being generated by new construction and property improvements." Johns Creek taxes are included on the overall tax bill issued by Fulton County, which is expected to mail those bills in July. Do not expect to receive a separate tax bill from the City. Payment is due to the county by October 15. Where do your tax dol... 07/02/2008

There's lots to do this weekend in the City of Johns Creek! Even though we're expecting much-needed rain this weekend, there are still some activities that could keep you busy! Interested in the local history and development of our once-rural Johns Creek? Come out to the Ocee Library Branch for a screening of the documentary "Sidewalk Stories" on Saturday, June 28 from 3 - 6 PM. If the rain stays away - or at least heads out before evening on Saturday - head over to Ocee Park for a "Movies in the Park" night with the film, Spiderwick Chronicles. And of course, you can always pay a visit to one of our beautiful parks and join in a game of soccer or basketball, walk the trails, have a picnic, bring your dog to the dog park and much, much more! Have a great weekend this weekend in Johns C... 06/27/2008

Come out this Saturday, June 28 from 3 - 6 PM to the Ocee Library Branch to see "Sidewalk Stories", a new documentary featuring Johns Creek's own Autrey Mill. To read more about "Sidewalk Stories" you can visit the blog - please click here. According to the City of Johns Creek's website, "Produced by five community organizations and funded by the Fulton County Arts Council, this documentary features five stories that encourage civic engagement and celebrate the preservation of history and culture throughout Fulton County." If you are interested in the development and history of the once rural Johns Creek and its growth, come out and see this documentary tomorrow! For directions to Ocee Library Branch, please click here.View Larger Map  Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog... 06/27/2008

The Johns Creek Recreation and Parks' second "Movies in the Park" takes place on Saturday,  June 28 at Ocee Park in Johns Creek. The featured film is "The Spiderwick Chronicles," a 2008 fantasy film adaptation of Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi's bestselling series. There will be lots to do before the movie starts: Children's activities are available from 7 pm, food vendors will also be available on site. The movie begins at dusk. No alcohol please! Parking at Ocee is limited, so movie-goers are urged to car-pool or walk to the park. "Movies in the Park" is sponsored by Northside Hospital Forsyth, Atlanta Babies and Kids, and Southern Outdoor Cinema, along with Country Boy Trailers, WSB AM 750 and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. What a great way to get out and meet your neighbors! Bring friend... 06/27/2008

SPONSORS Johns Creek Art Center (Ocee Arts Center) KRC CommunicationsCreative AvalancheTropical BreezeJohns Creek Children's MuseumAnn Marie NoymanGeorgia Realty/PrudentialaboutU Magazine VENUE   JOHNS CREEK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH   11180 Medlock Bridge Road   OUTDOOR FACILITIES   Athletic field with concession building (open for use by food vendors) and rest rooms. Stage, lighting and movie screen. Seating for 2,000. 30,000 sq. ft. for sponsors, food vendors, children's games The unveiling of the event has started the public planning for this the 2nd year for the Johns Creek Art Fesstival.  This will be a GREAT opportunity to see local artists and have a great time enjoying time with the family with special events for the kids and adults. Put it on your calendar and more importantly ... 06/20/2008

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution published its 2008 Homes Sales Report, highlighting - by ZIP code - the changes in median price from 2006 to 2007 in its Northside section on Thursday, June 12, 2008. An interesting look at home sales using color-coded maps (not available online) that cover the major Metro Atlanta Counties - Cherokee, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, and Gwinnett, the in-depth report provides a thorough view of statistics gathered from sales deeds filed at county courthouses, including: BEST PERFORMING ZIP CODES: Largest growth in sales Largest growth in prices Most homes sold Highest prices WORST PERFORMING ZIP CODES: Largest declines in sales Largest declines in prices Lowest prices Though the news was not stellar, in light of the recent "soft" real estate market, it def... 06/17/2008

IT'S OFFICIAL! The City of Johns Creek has a new Police Department, as of shortly after midnight on April 27, 2008. Led by Police Chief Ed Densmore, "the 'Inaugural Squad' is made up of 56 law enforcement professionals, whose motto is to serve the community with Justice, Courage, Professionalism and Dedication." The new Johns Creek Police Department Headquarters are located at 11445 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 200, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Anyone who has been out on the roads in Johns Creek since April 27 has probably already seen one of the new patrol cars - they have definitely made their presence known! Though I haven't personally seen anyone pulled over, I have seen at least a half-dozen patrol cars out on the roads. Our... 05/12/2008

With all the rain we've had lately in the Atlanta area, surely our watering restrictions have been lifted, right?Wrong.North Fulton County's watering restrictions, which includes the City of Johns Creek, are even tougher than the state's, according to Department of Public Works Director Angela Parker. Despite the rainy days we've had in March and April, we're still technically experiencing low water levels, as we try to make up for last year's drought conditions.The new restrictions include the following guidelines:Residents are permitted to hand-water for 25-minutes per day, one day a week, on an odd-even schedule (the state allows for 3 days per week).Residents can take advantage of a one-time, 30-day exemption from restrictions for watering newly planted landscaping but must register... 04/30/2008

As promised, the City of Johns Creek is taking seriously the need for roadwork and road construction. In the midst of its huge plans for beautifying the city, Medlock Bridge Road is the current project for road resurfacing and construction.Tentatively scheduled to begin today, the construction will resurface approximately 5.5 miles of Medlock Bridge Road, stretching from just north to just south of the State Bridge Road intersection. The project also includes the project also includes the addition of a left turn lane in each direction at the State Bridge Road intersection -- a much-needed improvement!The $3.6 million project will take place between 8 pm and 5 am Sunday night through Friday morning and 8 pm and 8 am Friday night through Sunday morning -- and is expected to be completed b... 04/28/2008

Now is the time to Buy!Its'a great time for motivated buyers to make a move, and get into the house of their dreams right now.  There are very good deals for buyers to choose from.  The sky's the limit!  Especially when you have an experienced real estate team behind you - representing you as a buyer's agent... we can help you get so much more for your money!Historically, buying a home has always been a good long-term investment.  According to a Federal Reserve study, the net worth of the average homeowners in 46 times higher than the average renter's net worth. Are we saying that you shouldn't rent right now?  There are lots of things to take into consideration (credit being at the top of the list).  If you are financially able and in good credit standing, then yes - we believe you sho... 03/28/2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Contact: Maura GebhardtThe Gebhardt Group - RE/MAX Greater Atlanta(770) 751-5895 (phone)(678) 301-4350 (fax)Maura@GebhardtGroup.comwww.GebhardtGroup.comAtlanta REALTOR® Maura Gebhardt Chosen for Atlanta Board of REALTORS® Leadership Development Program, Class of 2008Johns Creek/Atlanta, GA, February 14, 2008 - Atlanta REALTOR® Maura Gebhardt of The Gebhardt Group-RE/MAX Greater Atlanta (Johns Creek office) was selected for the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® Leadership Development Program, Class of 2008. The Leadership Development Program is designed to train and develop select members who wish to take a more active role in the Atlanta Board of REALTORS®.The Leadership Development Program meets monthly and includes a trip to the Georgia State Capitol to meet with lobbyi... 03/19/2008

ATTENTION PARENTS AND HOMEOWNERS in Johns Creek, Georgia: Below is important information regarding the redistricting meetings set for new North Fulton High School in Johns Creek, Georgia. There will be three meetings, taking place at Autrey Mill Middle School, which the public is invited to attend and to participate in. As you know, redistricting can affect your home values and your children's education. I highly recommend that anyone in the North Fulton/Johns Creek area attend these meetings in order to have a say!  * * * * *  For Immediate ReleaseMarch 14, 2008 For More Information Contact: Susan Hale, Communications404-763-6830 or hales1@fultonschools.orgPlease note correction in first paragraph below.Redistricting Meetings Set for New North Fulton High School | Johns Creek, GeorgiaT... 03/18/2008

SUMMERFIELDS FLORALS, Johns Creek, GA In honor of Floral Design Day - February 28 - we would like to honor our favorite local florist, Summerfields Florals.We've been using Summerfields Florals for the past two years to send floral arrangements to our clients and for our Annual Client Appreciation Party. Their boutique salon features gorgeous ready-to-take home floral arrangements, and the staff is creative and professional.Their motto is "Where Quality and Good Taste Meet" -- and that couldn't be more true or more evident than in each and every one of their arrangements. Our clients are always impressed when the doorbell rings and it's Summerfields. Owner and head designer Lee Francisco adheres to this slogan in all aspects of her company -- Summerfields is a private, family-owned busi... 02/28/2008

Is now a good time to list your home?When is the perfect time to sell a home?  We get that question often from individuals and families who are at the beginning stages of thinking about selling their home.  Typically March - August are the months when most sellers put their home on the market.  Most sellers strategically use this time period to sell their home based on school times.  The desire is to sell a home after the school year ends - with most buyers trying to locate a home and purchase before the school year starts.With that said, there is always a lot of activity during the specific months of March - August.  The down side can be extra inventory.  Since we are in a buyer's market - there are already many homes to choose from.  The good news is that the listings that are markete... 02/25/2008