Summer Is Around the Corner

Are you sitting in the car rider line RIGHT NOW or waiting on the bus to drop your kiddos off while you scroll through Facebook?

Summer is almost here, check out the school calendars to start planning your adventures!

Chances are you and everyone else around you are doing just that! You are probably also counting the days until summer break! Well all Atlanta area schools will be out by the last day of May leaving you open to pack as much, or as little, into those days as your heart desires!

Are you planning some fun trips and wondering when you have to be back in town and ready for the new school year? Or just want to know what next year’s schedule is going to look like? Or have you decided that summertime is the PERFECT opportunity to move? If either of these thoughts are running through your mind right now you may be interested in area school calendars!

It looks like most of the counties will start back between August 7 and August 12 this year, follow the links below to see the schedules for the full 2013-2014.

Dekalb

Forsyth

Fulton

Gwinnett

Cherokee and Cobb have not posted a full 2013 – 2014 calendar as yet, but you can see the rest of year and when your summer will kick off!

If you have moving in mind. Click here to see area inventory and then give us a call! The Cueny Team is ready to help!

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Ernst & Young Announces IT Center in Alpharetta

On the heels of the General Motors announcing that they will open an IT Innovation Center in Roswell, creating 1,00o jobs over then next 3-5

Ernst & Young announces plans to open a global IT center in Alpharetta.

years Ernst & Young announced that it will also be opening a global IT center in Alpharetta within  5 years. The Ernst & Young facility will create approximately 400 new jobs. The new positions will be filled by a combination of new employees and relocating existing employees.

IT and software are the largest contributor to Georgia’s economy and workforce. In recent years North Fulton specifically has become known as a great place for IT and tech companies. Alpharetta is in the top 10 of cities considered for tech jobs and IT start-ups on multiple lists. In an interview with Trade & Industry Development, mayor David Belle Isle of Alpharetta was quoted as saying:

“We are excited to welcome EY to Alpharetta, the Technology City of the South,. This decision serves as a continuing reminder that more and more global companies look to Alpharetta as the No. 1 city to locate their technology efforts.”  

The next few years we are going to see big changes in the landscape and employment possibilities in North Fulton.  While not IT related, The Avalon development  has already broken ground  and we will see the positive impact of that project in the next 12 – 18 months. It will add jobs and housing to our communities. These two powerhouses are not only going to add jobs, but continue to make North Fulton known as a place for technology. This is an exciting time to live in our area!

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10 Best States for Retirement in 2012

Source: TopRetirements.com and Wall Street Journal Market Watch

When it comes to the best states for retirement the southern states dominate the new 2012 list from TopRetirements.com. Every one of the top 10 states was from the southern part of the U.S., from Tennessee at number 1 (the northernmost state to make the list) to Nevada, the westernmost state. This year we’ve tried to make our selection process more objective. This list of the 10 best states for retirement uses a numerical scale with up to 1 point awarded on each of 7 factors related to economic issues, climate, and health care costs.

As always, we want to caution that your best states to retire list might look completely different than this one. For example, this list might not work for you if:

- Your children or grandchildren live in another state
- Your income isn’t high enough to make taxes an important factor
- You won’t receive a pension
- Cold weather doesn’t bother you
- You have a strong preference for a geographic area like the mountains or city living
- You have enough money to retire anywhere you want.

Every state has resort areas, places near the coast or a lake, or college towns. But states on our list like Florida and Texas offer more choices on places to live than Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or Mississippi. This might particularly apply to someone from the northeast who is looking for a more familiar environment to live in.

The seven factors we rated each state on were: Income tax, Taxation of Social Security, Taxation of Pensions, Property Taxes, Cost of Living, Health Care Insurance, and Climate. In most cases a full point was awarded for each positive applicable factor (e.g.; no tax on pensions), although a few states earned partial points. Warmer states received 1 point for more favorable climate. None of our top 10 states tax social security. All but Florida and Nevada have a very low cost of living.

1. Tennessee

2. Texas

3. Louisiana

4. Mississippi

5. Alabama

6. Arkansas

7. Florida

8. Oklahoma 

Photo: Sandy Traub/Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

9. Georgia
Property taxes in Georgia are higher than other states on the top 10 list, but the state is phasing out state income tax on retirement income by 2016 and that (along with a low cost of living and warm weather) are reasons enough to make the Peach state the ninth best place to retire. Lawmakers, according to published reports, approved in 2010 a bill eliminating income taxes on retirement income up to $35,000 per year per person, or $70,000 per couple. With Social Security, couples can earn up to about $100,000 without paying state income taxes, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution report. The new law also does away with retirement income taxes on all income above that level. Seniors would still be taxed on most income they receive from working, the report noted. Pictured, Ebenezer Creek in Savannah.

10. Nevada

*This link to a TopRetirements.com customizable spreadsheet (best states retirement-2012) provides you with an excel doc that also allows you to customize the rankings or change the weightings, in the event you want to use different criteria.

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Property Tax Appeal Deadline Approaching

The last day to appeal your property taxes is coming soon!

Typical deadlines include:

Fulton County: 6/28/2012 16 days remaining

Cobb County: 7/2/2012 20 days remaining

DeKalb County: 7/13/2012 31 days remaining

Campbell & Brannon offers professional help and has had a 93.9% success rate with an average reduction of 20.2% of fair market value.

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Appealing Property Tax Assessments in Georgia

The saying goes, “Death and Taxes are the only two certainties of life.”  Both are inevitable, but with both there are things that can be done to ease the situation. Taxes are essential for operating our local governments, and often for nice amenities. But taxes are supposed to be based on “fair market value”.  If because the “fair market value” has decreased in your community, but the taxes are still based on old higher values, you need to ask for this adjustment.

Appealing your property taxes can be incredibly complex and time consuming, but your tax bill should more accurately reflect your property’s value in today’s market. Cobb County has begun mailing the Annual Notice of Assessments.

When To Appeal

Property owners must appeal their valuation by April 1 of each year or within 45 days of receiving a Notice of Assessment from the Tax Assessor. Senate Bill 346 became effective January 1, 2011 and granted the Georgian taxpayer many new options.

Who Can Appeal

Every property owner may appeal the value of their property so that the taxable value will more accurately reflect what the property is worth in today’s market. Every property owner may also appeal the taxable value on the basis that it is not uniform with other properties in the neighborhood, even if the value is consistent with the fair market value.

If you want professional help, I recommend Campbell & Brannon Property Tax Services, LLC. They will navigate the appeals process for you to achieve a reduced taxable value and resulting tax bill. It’s your right to appeal. Don’t pay more than your fair share.

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Homestead Exemption in Georgia

Each year I like to offer my clients a reminder that you may be entitled to the Georgia Homestead Exemption if you owned and occupied your home as your primary residence on January 1, 2012.  For more information, visit this link from the Georgia Department of Revenue.

The Homestead Exemption could amount to a substantial property tax savings and must be filed by April 1, 2012.  If you do not file, you may be subject to penalties and your tax bill could be higher than expected.

You can apply by mail or in person.  If the application is not mailed to you by the end of January, you can go online to get the application from your county tax commissioner.

Please contact your Tax Commissioner’s office for further information.  The most commonly used numbers in Metro Atlanta are:

Fulton County         (404) 224-0102

Cobb County           (770) 528-8600

DeKalb County        (404) 298-4000

Forsyth County       (770) 781-2106

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Interview with Jenny Pruitt, CEO/Founder, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

Jenny Pruitt, CEO/Founder Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty

I recently had the extraordinary opportunity to interview Jenny Pruitt, CEO and Founder of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty.  Jenny is an incredible leader and visionary.

AC: What is a benefit of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand to clients who are buying or selling a home under $1 million? Over $1 million?

JP: One of the greatest benefits of the Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty brand is the power of our multi-million dollar marketing at all price points.

Whether your home is $200,000 or $2,000,000, we recognize that your home is your mansion. We utilize our professional, superior marketing strategy and pieces to successfully market your home regardless of price. Each one of our listings receives the same extraordinary marketing and representation from Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty.

AC: Looking back at your time in residential real estate in Atlanta, what changes would you say have happened in the way buyers buy a home now compared to the past? Seller?

JP: I think now more than ever, buyers are looking for a good deal. They are waiting on the fence longer in an attempt to find rock bottom pricing. However, that is not always the best strategy. The Atlanta market is continuing to improve and interest rates will not stay as low as they are forever. Those buyers that are still on the fence might look back in a few months and realize this truly was the time to buy. It is always important to factor not only price into a home buying process but also the interest rate.

In regards to sellers, I think overall everyone is becoming more realistic. It is imperative to list your home for sale when it is absolutely ready. Gone are the days of “testing the market.” Sellers must have the home in its best condition and price the property right from the start. With so many homes on the market, buyers have plenty of options. As a seller, it is more important today to ensure your home stands out – and in a good way.

AC: What is something you enjoy about your role as CEO of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty? 

JP: I love to see other people succeed and know that I had a small part of their success.  One of the most exciting things about being a part of this great company is to see how marketing and global branding can become such a compelling story to the consumer. The visual impact and exposure for our listings is the best in the industry.

As the CEO Founder of this company it is so rewarding to grow a company with such extraordinary people!

AC: As someone who has purchased and sold many homes in your lifetime, what are a couple of important tips you may have for helping a family to feel at home in their new space?

JP: Moving into a new space is often both an exciting and stressful experience. I find that no matter where I am, as long as my husband, Bob, and my two precious Shih Tzus, Molly and Murphy, are with me, that I always feel at home.

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Georgia named in top five best states to do business

Chief Executive Magazine recently released their survey of more than 500 CEOs who considered a wide range of criteria, from taxation and regulation to workforce quality and living environment, in its annual ranking of the best states for business.

Georgia jumped two positions to number five in 2011.  Below are the key metrics for its placement in the coveted top five list:

Taxation and Regulations

• State Corporate Income Tax Rate: 6%
• Highest Personal Income Tax Rate: 6%

Workforce Quality

• % with High School diploma or more: 83.9
• % with Bachelor’s degree or more: 27.5
• % with Advanced degree or more: 9.7
• Patents per 100K: 19.38
• % of Employed Represented by Unions: 5

Quality of Life

• Hopsitals per 10K: 0.161
• Elementary/Secondary Schools per 1000 people: 0.271
• Violent Crimes per 100K: 448.73

Key Companies Headquartered in Georgia

• Coca-Cola Company
• United Parcel Service Inc.
• Home Depot Inc.
• AFLAC Incorporated
• Delta Airlines

Please click here for the entire article about the Best and Worst States for Business from Chief Executive Magazine.

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Ten Things to Do Outside in the Spring in Metro Atlanta 2011

Atlanta has a strong variety of things to do, especially to do in the outdoors in the spring time.  We are so fortunate to have lovely gardens, outdoor venues, parks and other recreation sources.  Whether you live in metro Atlanta or are considering relocating to Atlanta, this list will certainly peak your interest in our lovely city.

1. Atlanta Botanical Garden - Midtown Atlanta

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

An Atlanta favorite, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens continue to delight visitors with art exhibits, dazzling flora and fauna and a delightful way to be outside. The annual tradition of the Orchid Daze happens in the spring and is an amazing display of some the world’s most rare and beautiful species of orchids.
2. The Royal Wedding at Piedmont Park - Midtown Atlanta

Friday, April 29 2011 - The Royal Wedding at Piedmont Park will celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton under a grand tent overlooking the brand new Legacy Fountain in Piedmont Park. The affair will feature live coverage of the royal nuptials from our media sponsor, WXIA.

3. Outdoor Improved Trails -

Silver Comet Trail – Smyrna, GA to the Alabama state line

The Silver Comet Trail is located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. It’s free of charge, and travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. This quiet, non-motorized trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible.

The Big Creek Greenway - Alpharetta
The Greenway is a 6.1-mile-long, 12-foot-wide concrete path that meanders through the woods along Big Creek, offering a place to walk, jog, inline skate and bike. The path includes additional mountain bike trails.

4. Alpharetta Children’s Festival - Alpharetta

Bring your children to the 9th Annual Alpharetta Chlidren’s Festival sponsored by the City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department.  Activites include arts & crafts, food, educational activities, safety tips from the Alpharetta Fire and Police Departments, demonstrations, perfomances, face painting, and more.

The festival will be held Saturday, March 26th from 11am to 3:30pm.  Parking and admission are free; some activities require a nominal fee.

5. Atlanta Steeplechase – Kingston Downs

Mark your calendars for April 16, 2011 and buy a really nice (and really large) hat….check out Atlanta’s Steeplechase benefitting Camp Southern Ground and the University of Georgia Veterinary Medicine School.  An Atlanta tradition since 1966, Steeplechase is a fun day full of parties, a variety of races and contests.

6. Braves Baseball Game – Downtown Atlanta

Fun for the baseball enthusiast or for the first-time attendee, watching the Braves live in person at Turner Field is a must-do in Atlanta.  Opening day for the Atlanta Braves is Friday, April 8, 2011.

7. Take a Garden Tour – metro Atlanta

 

There are many home and garden tours in metro Atlanta every spring. Check out these if you get the chance:

Kennesaw Mountain Spring Wildflower Walk in Kennesaw – March 30, April 2, April 9

Buckhead in Bloom Garden Tour in Buckhead- April 15, 2011

Decorator’s Show House & Gardens in Buckhead – April 16 – May 8, 2011

Druid Hills Home & Garden Tour in Druid Hills (Atlanta) – April 29 – May 1

Peachtree Battle House and Garden Tour in Buckhead – May 4, 2011

Keep Smyrna Beautiful Garden Tour in Smyrna- May 14

Artful Garden Tour usually in Buckhead and Midtown -  sponsored by the High Museum of Art – usually the third weekend in May

American Hydrangea Society Garden Tour – June 11

8. Take a tour of Historic Oakland Cemetery – Downtown Atlanta

During the 19th Century, the “rural garden” cemetery movement emerged as an alternative to crowded graveyards. Oakland exemplifies this movement. In the Victorian spirit, the garden cemetery featured winding paths, large shade trees, flowers, and shrubs, and appealing vistas.Impressive art and architecture can be seen in many styles: Victorian, Greek Revival, Gothic, Neo-classical, Egyptian and Exotic Revival.

Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American mayor, and Ivan Allen, Jr. became the 26th and 27th mayors of the city to be buried at Oakland, joining six Georgia governors. Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With The Wind, is also buried here. So are golf great Robert T. (Bobby) Jones; Joel Hurt, one of the city’s leading developers and entrepreneurs; Atlanta historian Franklin Garrett, Bishop Wesley John Gaines, founder of Morris Brown College and many more noteworthy citizens are buried in Oakland Cemetery.

9. Canoe the Chattahoochee – Sandy Springs and other places

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) consists of a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River and 14 land units along its corridor. It begins at Lake Lanier’s Buford Dam, near Buford, Georgia, and continues downstream through four counties to Peachtree Creek near downtown Atlanta. CRNRA provides outdoor recreation for more than 3 million visitors a year.

There are many hiking trails, running paths and nature centers along the Chattahoochee.  A fun thing to do in metro Atlanta is to rent a kayak or canoe in Sandy Springs and row around a bit on the river.  In North Georgia, there are many outfitter companies that rent tubes and other rafts so you can “Shoot the Hooch”.

10. Fernbank Science Center Forest – Decatur

Visitors to Fernbank Forest can observe firsthand the beauty of forest land as early explorers and southern Native Americans would have done hundreds of years ago. Trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns are labeled so these plants can readily be identified. Animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, birds, turtles and snakes live undisturbed in their natural environment. A small pond teems with aquatic life.

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Atlanta Regional Commission Forecasts for Population and Job Growth

TWO COUNTIES WILL BE HOME TO MORE THAN ONE MILLION PEOPLE BY 2040

Of the three million more people expected in the region by 2040, nearly 800,000 of them will call either Fulton or Gwinnett home, accounting for 26 percent of the 20-county region’s forecast population growth, which actually represents a decline from a 32 percent share today.

Both counties will have more than one million people by 2040. Gwinnett is forecast to add almost 413,000 people, tops in the region. Next are Fulton (+373,000), Henry (+239,000) and Forsyth (+202,000). The City of Atlanta is forecast to add more than 250,000 people.

Five counties will more than double their populations between now and 2040, and another five counties will see their populations almost double. Henry County will see the largest percentage increase (124 percent) between now and 2040. Next are Paulding (119 percent), Forsyth (114 percent), Coweta (107 percent) and Newton (106 percent).

Finally, the growth that ARC forecasts for the next 30 years is remarkably similar to the growth the region experienced between 1980 and 2010. While the overall numbers are similar, the type of growth over the next 30 years will look different than the growth of the previous 30 years. Metro Atlanta, and the nation as a whole, is getting older and more diverse.

FULTON TO HAVE MORE THAN ONE MILLION JOBS BY 2040

Fulton County is forecast to add more than 360,000 jobs over the next 30 years, tops in the region. This growth will give Fulton more than one million jobs, or roughly 28 percent of all jobs in the region.

Gwinnett will add 220,000 jobs, ranking second in forecast job growth. Next are Cobb (+154,000) and DeKalb (+135,000). The City of Atlanta will add more than 200,000 jobs.

In percentage terms, Cherokee will lead the region with a 166 percent increase in jobs over the next 30 years. Next are Henry (+141 percent), Barrow (+133 percent) and Forsyth (+124 percent). Note that 10 counties are expected to at least double their job base between now and 2040.

Similar to the trend noted in population, the “Big Four” counties of Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb and DeKalb account for the vast majority of all jobs in the region today, almost 72 percent. By 2040, those four counties’ share of the region’s jobs will drop to 66 percent.

Please click here for the entire article on the growth for population and jobs in metro Atlanta.

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