What a pleasant surprise to see December '08 out-perform November '08. In November we saw only 2,471 detached family units sold while in December we finished with 3,212 units. Not bad for a month usually devoted to Holiday shopping, parties and time with family and friends. Just as interesting, is an increase in average pricing: $204,800 in December while November average sold price was $196,833. Attached single housing faired about the same:  December closed with 476 units while November '08 closed with 367 units. And, pricing on attached single family homes also followed suit with the detached: December '08 the average sales price - although well below December '07 - was $168,436 ahead of November '08 coming in at $160,453. So let's take a look at December numbers: According to a Janu... 02/04/2009

Tip 1:  When the real estate market is strong and robust by way that the demand out weighs the supply, the home seller can wait for top dollar. However, when we are experiencing the exact opposite....the supply exceeds the current demand, the reverse is true. In this instance, it is imperative, as the home owner, to price your home competitively to match the current market conditions. And it is equally important, before marketing your home, to understand your market and to know some of the essential components to a successful sale. Tip 2:   Low mortgage rates make buying a home prime time. Currently rates are unbelievably low (4.5% Conventional; 5% FHA)!! With rates so low, it is likely more buyers may qualify for more house -  in turn making your home viable for a larger segment of the... 02/03/2009

Hillside Trace, located in South Forsyth is selling homes PRICED BELOW BUILDERS COST!.  This swim/tennis/club community is located off of Old Atlanta Road in Suwanee and offers a variety of homes to choose from  Priced from the $350's, these drastically REDUCED homes won't last long.  Contact Bruce Henderson at 770/476-1994 or blhenderson@bellsouth.net or visit our website at www.hillsidetrace.net. 01/30/2009

  RIVERMOORE PARK SOLDS 2008 Sold Homes:  16Highest Sold Price:  $717,000Lowest Sold Price:  $366,000List to Sale Ratio:  93%Average Days on Market:  58 Breakdown: Corp Owned:  2 Owner Transferred:  1 Foreclosures:  3 Lease/Purchase:  1 Resale:  10 RIVERMOORE PARK SOLDS 2007 Sold Homes:  23Highest Sold Price:  $675,000Lowest Sold Price:  $360,000List to Sale Ratio: 97%Average Days on Market:  71 Breakdown: Corp Owned:  0 Owner Transferred:  2 Foreclosures:  0 Lease/Purchase:  0 Resale:  21 As of January 25, 2009 Actives:  30Price Range:  $399,900-$979,000Pending Sales:  1List Price:$454,000      RELATED ARTICLES OF INTEREST   Come to my house:My Suwanee Home.com 01/27/2009

Like everywhere else, Suwanee has felt the impact of the down turn in the economy; and, as a result, the growth which has been experienced in Suwanee for the past 20 years, is also experiencing a temporary slow down:  Residential building permits totalled 71 in 2008 - just less than half the number as in 2007 (153).  Commercial development  buidling permits were 12 compared to 25 in 2007. High commercial and office vacancy rates. However, Suwanee seems to be able to weather the storm by staying financially fit.  The city's reserves are strong and in order to maintain financial stability, while still serving the community, the City of Suwanee will  tighten its belt. Accomplishments for 2008: January 24 - Suwanee Gateway Branding Initiative - Striving to revitalize this area coming off I-... 01/26/2009

Do you have a photographer inside you just screaming to be let out? Well now is your chance!Suwanee's City Public Arts Commission will be hosting a photo contest.  The initial winning photos will be proudly displayed during the grand opening of the new City Hall.  Snap Suwanee is an on-going contest where photos are accepted year-round.  However for the City Hall grand opening, photos must be submitted no later than February 16. The contest welcomes amateur and professional photographers  A limit of 5 submissions per person A separate entry is required for each submission Any one individual can win once per year Pictures must be taken within the city limits of Suwanee (preferably within the past 2 years) To submit your photos mail to:  Suwanee Crossroad building323 Buford HighwaySuwane... 01/23/2009

Anyone who visits the trails at Suwanee Creek Park on a regular basis will identify with the experience of enjoying a stroll or nice leisurely jog along the paths, admiring the wilderness and as you can gaze off to the left or the right  "something" catches your eye.  You're not sure what it is, but you know it is something. In fact, the first time I did this, I thought it odd but kept on running having no clue what I saw. "What was it you might ask?"       ART ON A LIMB! "Art on a Limb" was initially created to weave together an appreciation for the arts while at the same time to the wonderful, natural landscapes of the Suwanee city parks. It's just another example of how the City of Suwanee effectively creates a sense of community for all to enjoy.During the month of May, there will b... 01/23/2009

The Gwinnett Magazine just released their "Best of Gwinnett 2008" and I  have pulled out the categories that apply to Suwanee.... plus one other- Best Realtor®....Sheila Stevens with the Prudential Georgia, Suwanee office. Everything you see listed here is located within the Suwanee Town Center or names the Suwanee Town Center as one of the favorites.  Please also keep in mind most of the categories have more than one winner!     Best Realtor® - Our very own Sheila Stevens!  Best Business Address - Suwanee Town Center was named one of the favorites.  Best Power Lunch - Olde Towne Tavern was named one of the favorites!  Best Barbeque - Dillard's Barbeque (corner of Lawrenceville-Suwanee and Buford Highway)  Best Cup of Coffee -  PJ's Coffee of New Orleans  Best Happy Hour - Olde Towne Ta... 01/23/2009

Are you a first-time homebuyer? Don't be too quick to answer that question, because you might be very surprised to find out that you actually are a first-time homebuyer. The correct answer to this question could actually qualify you for up to $7,500 (interest-free loan) from Uncle Sam. Before I go any further, let me clearly disclose that I am not an expert tax or financial adviser so after reading this short post you may need to consult a professional tax adviser before proceeding. Now, are you really a first-time homebuyer? Well according the federal government and the Internal Revenue Service, you qualify as a first-time homebuyer if you meet the following definition: This means that first-time homebuyers and those who have not owned a home in the three years prior to a purchase can ... 01/23/2009

WHAT A SIGHT TO BEHOLD!  Magnificent!!!                              To say the new City Hall is majestic (at 23,600 square feet) would be an understatement. And, there is no doubt in anyone's mind the new City Hall would never have become a realty without the support of its citizens! With a population of just over 16,000 in 2007, cities twice our size don't have the support of their citizens to erect a monument of this magnitude to represent their town. The ground breaking for the new City Hall began in December, 2007. And, it won't be long before city staff members and officials begin their move into their new home. The expected move is for sometime in February.  Quoting Marty Allen, Suwanee's city manager, from an article in Gwinnett Herald, "With its location along Town Center Avenu... 01/23/2009

THE RIVER CLUB, SUWANEE, GA. 30024 The River Club located in Suwanee, Georgia is a gated, nature reserve commmunity strategically situated along the historic Chattahoochee River.  One of the main items the members / residents come here is for the unspoiled natural environment, and the respect for the land,  that Crescent Resources has achieved.  Upon entering the natural wooden gates a certain calm settles in.  The Lodge, River Club's Main Clubhouse was finished at the end of May, 2008.  It is very much like a mountain-resort in architecture.  Not only does the club offer 3 dining facilities inside, it has a tremendous amount of outdoor living space for members to enjoy.  The picturesque sunsets over the golf course can be seen from all dining areas.  The club offers everything from di... 01/22/2009

Construction began early this week on the new pedestrian crosswalk connecting Town Center Park and the Old Historic Suwanee area. This crossing over the busy Buford Highway just south of the Suwanee Dam Road intersection will be equipped with a new state-of-the-art pedestrian HAWK crossing signal (High-intensity Activated Crosswalk). Pedestrian HAWK Signal System This system allows for safe pedestrian crossing only when needed without restricting or interrupting normal traffic flow when pedestrians are not present. Solid black traffic signals are mounted horizontally over the street, but the high-intensity lights are not powered on unless activated by the pedestrian switch. Once activated the lights flash YELLOW then solid RED to stop traffic while the pedestrian crosses, then the ligh... 01/17/2009

SUWANEE REAL ESTATE MARKET 2008 vs. 2007 SUWANEE SOLDS 2008 Sold Homes: 823Highest Price: $5,500,000Lowest Price: $ 60,000List to Sale Ratio: 95% Days on Market: 102     SUWANEE SOLDS 2007 Sold Homes: 1121Highest Price: $3,020,000Lowest Price: $ 119,000List to Sale Ratio: 97.3%Days on Market: 82     2008 Breakdown Foreclosures: 111 Corporate Owned: 74 Owner Transfer: 53 New Construction: 210 Lease/Purchase: 25 Resale: 350 2007 Breakdown Foreclosures: 37 Corporate Owned: 44 Owner Transfer: 73 New Construction: 272 Lease Purchase: 21 Resale: 674 2008 vs 2007 Breakdown By Category CATEGORY Foreclosures: Corporate Owned: Owner Transfer: New Construction: Lease/Purchase: Resale: % CHANGE ↑200% ↑68%↓27% ↓23%↑19 ↓48% SUWANEE SOLDS 2008 vs 2007By COUNTY GwinnettForsythFulton 2008 54126715 2007... 01/16/2009

Who do you believe? We can listen to the main street media and take on the attitude the current economic nose bleed will last forever - or at least they make you feel that way. Or we can look at some other indicators which might cause us to stand up straight, throw our shoulders back and feel optimistic about what lies ahead!For instance, I had an article sent to me recently: "Decision Analyst U.S. Economic Index for December Holds Steady, Signaling Economic Recovery in 2009".  The index is a leading indicator on where our economy is headed. And according to the article it says, "The U.S. Economic Index has remained stable for the last nine months of 2008." Meaning what? According to this article, we will see our economy find its bottom mid-2009.Additionally, in late December, an articl... 01/14/2009

New on the Market 3 Bedroom and 2.5 Bath Listing in the popular Swim and Tennis Community of Suwanee Station.  Suwanee Station is located in the heart of Suwanee Georgia just south of the downtown city center.  The community is noted as a place to live, shop, work and play!   The neighborhood has two entrances and is conveniently located near I85 and Peachtree Industrial Blvd.  You will find the grand entrance to the neighborhood as you drive north on PIB just before you come to McGinnis Ferry Road on your right.    The second entrance to the neighborhood is also on the right as you travel East on McGinnis Ferry Road from PIB.  Ammenities include lighted tennis courts, fitness center equipped with an exercise and aerobic room, 10,000 square foot clubhouse, Jr Olympic size pool, and an ... 01/14/2009

My family and I recently visited a brand new park in Suwanee GA that is absolutely fantastic!  The newly opened Sims Lake Park is situated on Suwanee Dam Road just a few miles west off of Peachtree Industrial Blvd on 62 Acres of land at the intersection of Suwanee Dam Rd and Tench Rd.  We have a 17 month old daughter who loves being outdoors and playing with other kids on the jungle gyms and slides, and fortunately for us, Sims Lake Park has all of those things and more.  If you want to enjoy an afternoon picnic or entertain your kids for a birthday party there is a Covered Pavillion with lots of open tables.  Let your kids enjoy the open playground area that is fortunately for my child...fenced in.  They have two huge jungle gyms, one that is suitable for kids 1-3 years of age, and ano... 01/10/2009

As I ran my statistics for the month of November, I took at glimpse at the October Report....OUCH! The average sales price for single family detached homes in October was $218,956. The average sales price for the month of November....$196,833 - a drop of approximately 11.24%.  Single family attached didn't seem to experience quite the same decline month-to-month (October to November, 2008). The average sold price for the attached homes in October 2008 was $164,495 vs. $160,453 in the month of November. So let's take a look November 2008 vs. November 2007:   According to a recent article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Friday, January 2, 2009, homes sales in Atlanta was down 16.2 percent compared to the same time in 2007 (data was compiled from the Georgia Multiple Listing Service). M... 01/06/2009

There are victims of the foreclosure crisis and the financial troubles that DON'T have the ability to call their Congressman for a bailout.  They just have to cope.  They are the dogs and cats that are left behind.  They are the ones that are surrendered because their owners can't afford to take care of them anymore.  The shelters are getting flooded with animals... and some of them are drowning in the tide, and the red ink.  I ran across a story today about the ASPCA shelter in Suwanee.  They are unable to accept animals because they are out of space, and they are soon to be 100% out of space because they are out of money.  Unfortunately, they aren't alone.  Across the country, shelters are getting less in donations and grants, and are getting more animals.  Luckily, the ASPCA shelter ... 12/20/2008

  Baby it's cold outside! And, many would say the same for the 2008 Atlanta real estate market.  The 2008 real estate market will have its own place in history....and, our memories.  But now it is time to put 2008 up on a shelf and look forward, with optimism, to 2009.  If you are buyer or a seller and you are trying to read the crystal ball to determine when is the best time to buy or sell, here are some predictions from the CEO of Prudential GA Realty (this was also shared in my earlier post Atlanta Market, October, 2008 Recap). Dan Forsman, CEO/Prudential Georgia Realty looking forward predicts: New home builder starts will remain very low the remainder of 2008 into 2009 As a result of low new homes starts, the inventory of re-sale and bank owned properties will begin to be absorbed ... 12/19/2008

This an Suwanee Georgia real estate update for the Laurel Springs Country Club subdivision in Suwanee.  Laurel Springs Country Club is located in North Atlanta metro area in Suwanee off 141 North. This is an year end snap shot of what has take place this year, and currently.  In this report we will only look at single family detached homes.  As of today December 14, 2008 Currently in Laurel Springs Country Club there are:  Active - 32 Homes for Sale in Laurel Springs Country Club  Pending - 2 Properties Found Contingency - Due Diligence - 0 Properties Found Contingency - Other - 0 Properties Found YTD Sold - 36 Properties Found - Home Sales Laurel Springs Country Club 2008 12/14/2008