Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead before going to bed tonight!

Upcoming Kennesaw Events

Spring is just around the corner! I know we are all itching for warmer weather and less rain! Here are some great activities coming up:

KENNESAW TOUCH-A-TRUCK

Saturday, March 20

10 am to 2 pm

Kennesaw Train Depot

A unique exhibition of trucks and specialty vehicles from the Police Department and Public Works will be on display for kids to see and touch. And this year, look for KCMA Corporation's unique pink Kawasaki wheel loader whose rental will support the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Fund.
Kids of all ages will love exploring every vehicle, climbing onto the driver's seat, honking the horn and pretending to steer. Don't forget your camera! Admission is free.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DAY

Saturday, March 20th

9am-3pm

KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Drive, next to BrandsMart.

The City of Kennesaw Environmental Committee is hosting a free community Electronics Recycling Day. Everything collected will go to the crusher and be completely demolished, including computer hard drives, leaving no danger of anyone recovering data left in a recycled computer. Items that will be accepted include all kinds of computer equipment and cables, telephones, cameras, VCRs, typewriters, and fax machines.
Not accepted are TVs, major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, vacuum cleaners), tires, household trash, and non-electric equipment.

BARK IN THE PARK

Saturday, March 27th

11am

Swift Cantrell Park

On Saturday, March 27 at 11 a.m., a dedication ceremony will mark the opening of the Fisher King Iditarod Lead Dog Memorial Trail at Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw. Mayor Mark Mathews and other Kennesaw city officials will be in attendance along with Bill Borden, who in 2002, became the only Georgian to complete the 1,151 mile annual Iditarod sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. Fisher King was Mr. Borden's lead dog during the competition.

An event titled Bark in the Park will follow immediately after the dedication ceremony. The half mile Memorial Trail will feature a series of six National Park Service style signs, each one describing a quality that made Fisher King a pre-eminent sled dog. A seventh plaque at the trail start will contain a master legend for all the Swift Cantrell amenities.

Bark in the Park is a free interactive event; dog owners are encouraged to bring their dogs and participate. It will feature a dryland mushing demonstration, where mushers take their dogs out on a trail without snow, attached to a cart or bicycle. Also included are a dog parade open to all; a cutest dog contest; a dog/owner look-alike contest; a biggest/smallest dog contest; and frisbee catching and dog herding activities. Prizes will be awarded. Food vendors, a petting zoo, and horse rides will be on hand to round out the activities.


EASTER EGG HUNTING:

Saturday, March 27th

10am

Swift Cantrell Park

Welcome in spring with the city's Easter Egg Scramble. The event is free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The scramble will be divided into groups based on children's ages, so everyone will have the opportunity to scramble for treats. The scramble begins at 10:00 am SHARP, so don't be late. Bring a basket or container to collect treats, and don't forget your camera -- we're expecting a visit from the Easter Bunny and friends!

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m.

Saturday, March 27th

10am

Acworth Sports Complex

Freedom Church and the City of Acworth have partnered together for an Easter Egg Hunt that you will never forget! Using a helicopter and numerous volunteers, thousands of plastic eggs will be dropped onto the fields at the Acworth Sports Complex.

The hunt will be for children under the age of 12. The children will be broken up into four age groups. The 1 year olds – 2 year old division will begin at 10:10 a.m. The 3 – 5 year olds will begin their hunt at 10:20 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. the 6 – 8 year olds and the 9 – 11 year olds’ hunt will begin. Within each age group there will be prize eggs that can be redeemed for great prizes.

This year we will have a Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt on the Horizon Field. This hunt will begin at 9:45 a.m.

Ben Fowlkes, Children’s Pastor of Freedom Church, said ““Dropping thousands of eggs from a helicopter might sound like a crazy idea, but last year Acworth saw first hand how much fun eggs falling from the sky can be.”
Five fields will be covered in plastic eggs and children will have the chance to collect as many eggs as possible and redeem them for heaps of candy!

If you would like more information on this event, please contact Freedom Church at 770-529-6006, visit www.acwortheggdrop.com or www.acworth.org/aprd.

FHA Changes

Current FHA Changes:
1) On FHA Case numbers assigned on or after April 5, 2010, up-front mortgage insurance
premium (MIP) will increase to 2.25%. (previously 1.75%)

2) As of February 1, 2010, FHA has eased up on its 90-day "flipping rule" with regard
to re-sale of properties that are not bank-owned/foreclosures. The waiver exists if :
a) It is an arms-length transaction and
b) If the sales price of the property is 20% more than the Seller's acquisition cost,
the value is justified by supporting documentation and/or a second appraisal which
verifies that renovation, repair, and rehabilitation work substantiates the increase in value.

Changes on the way:
3) Reduce allowable seller concessions from 6% to 3% The current level exposes the FHA to excess risk by creating incentives to inflate appraised value. This change will bring FHA into conformity with industry standards on seller concessions. This change was posted in the Federal Register in February, and after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in the early summer.

4) Update the combination of FICO scores and down payments for new borrowers.
New borrowers will now be required to have a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for FHA's 3.5% down payment program. New borrowers with less than a 580 FICO score will be required to put down at least 10%.
This allows the FHA to better balance its risk and continue to provide access for those borrowers who have historically performed well.
This change was posted in the Federal Register in February and, after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in the early summer.

A Great Start to the New Year!

It's been a while since we've updated our blog, but the good news is that it's because the real estate market is keeping us so BUSY! "Boo" to anyone who says the market is dead because it is movin' & shakin' here in Metro Atlanta.
We are always looking for ways to help our past, present and future clients. If there is anything we can do please don't hesitate to call or email us.
Check out our current inventory below. If you know someone who would like to see one of these wonderful homes please pass along our information. Click on each photo for additional photos and information.

3384 Spindletop Drive, Kennesaw
$200,000
JUST REDUCED!

4561 Howell Farms Road, Acworth
$189,900

6410 Woodlore Trail, Acworth
$249,000

207 Thornwood Lane, Acworth

$189,000

3548 Myrtlewood Chase, Kennesaw

$234,900

211 Crabapple Lane, Powder Springs

$154,900

3352 Grove Park Terrace, Acworth

$155,000

New Listing!!

4561 Howell Farms Rd.

Acworth, GA 30101

This home is a great buy!! It is a well maintained home that is priced to sell. There is a master on the main with a sitting area, large kitchen with tile flooring and a cozy breakfast area. This house has a large two story family room with hardwood floors and a fenced in backyard. It is a great location close to I75!!!

$189,900

Halloween is around the corner!!

Dont be "SPOOKED"....

We will "TREAT" you right!!!

Experience the fall season by visiting the pumpkin patches, hay rides, and corn mazes in the mountains of North Georgia!!

Pumpkin Patches:

-Grandpa Jones Corn Maze and Pumpkins

6073 Broadtown Rd. off of GA Hwy 52 between Ellijay and Blue Ridge

-Pettit Creek Farm

362 Stringer Rd.

Canton GA 30115

-Kernal Kob Corn Maze

1153 Salem Church Rd.

Jasper GA 30143

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds have a a nutty flavor and are packed with protein and fiber. They are delicious toasted salted, but they're even better flavored with sweet and savory spices!!

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds:

1. Rinse pumpkin seeds under cold water and pick out the pulp and strings. (This is easiest just after you've removed the seeds from the pumpkin, before the pulp has dried.)

2. Place the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, stirring to coat. If you prefer, omit the oil and coat with non-stick cooking spray.

3. Place the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, stirring to coat. If you prefer, omit the oil and coat with non-stick cooking spray.

4. Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

Fall is Here

The time is ripe to buy!

Make sure your family and friends pick the right Realtor!

Fall is here!! Take advantage of the local Apple Orchards in North Georgia

where you pick your own apples. If you are looking for a fun outing for your family take a short ride and enjoy this outdoor adventure:

Apple Orchards

http://www.mercier-orchards.com/

Blue Ridge, GA on Hwy 52

http://www.hillcrestorchards.net/

9696 Hwy 52, Ellijay, GA

http://www.reeceorchards.com/

9131 Hwy 52, Ellijay, GA

http://www.redapplebarn.com/

3379 Tailscreek Rd. Ellijay, GA

Here the Skinny on Picking your Apples:

Apple-picking season is generally from the beginning of September through the first week in November.

Look for the most brightly colored apples with a firm, crisp skin.

To pick an apple, palm it in your hand and pull upwards. Twisting and yanking might disturb

neighborhing apples and cause them to fall and bruise.

Pick fruit fromt he outer, most sun-kissed sections of the tree. The shadier areas (closer to the trunk) ripen later.

Once you get your apples home here is a great recipe from Southern Living to try:

Praline-Apple Bread

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans, divided

2 teaspoons baking powder
1 (8-oz.) container sour cream

1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 c. granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled Granny Smith apples (about 3/4 lb)
1/2 cup firmly pked light brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake 1/2 cup pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 8 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring after 4 minutes.

2. Beat sour cream and next 3 ingredients at low speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until blended.

3. Stir together flour and next 3 ingredients. Add to sour cream mixture, beating just until blended. Stir in apples and 1/2 cup toasted pecans. Spoon batter into a greased and floured 9- x 5-inch loaf pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup chopped pecans; lightly press pecans into batter.

4. Bake at 350° for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, shielding with aluminum foil after 50 minutes to prevent excessive browning. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack.

5. Bring butter and brown sugar to a boil in a 1-qt. heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly; boil 1 minute. Remove from heat, and spoon over top of bread; let cool completely (about 1 hour).

Please be sure to call or email and let us know if you take a trip to the orchards or bake this yummy bread!