Nestled in a nature lover's setting, this elegant estate home on 3.4 +/- acres, with 2 gated entrances, heated pool and tennis courts is just waiting for YOU! Enjoy the convenience of close proximity to GA 400, shopping, entertainment and eateries.
2280 Hopewell Plantation Drive has 3 levels of living complete with a fully furnished terrace level with gentleman's room, family area with 2nd kitchen and mahogany bar, media room, exercise room, full bath, play room and additional bedroom. The master suite has a separate sitting area with a dramatic Juliet balcony overlooking the grand room. The dramatic master bath, with its black marbled floor, separate vanities, his/her closets, also has its own steam shower.
An exclusive view of this amazing property can be seen when you click here.
2.4+/- acres on Hopewell Road
• 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - 
MLS® $555,000 - Steal of a Deal
13365 Hopewell Road, Alpharetta - This 1840's farmhouse sits on 2.4+/- acres minutes from GA 400, shopping and dining.
Take a walk in the past when you enter this charming cottage featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, country kitchen, dining room, family room, living room and enclosed sunroom. There is an original outhouse on the premises, now used for storage.
The property backs up to Hopewell Plantation in Alpharetta GA and has frontage on Hopewell Road,
Property information
Friends,
I am looking out the window into my backyard...another rainy day in Cumming, Georgia. Maybe all of the challenges we have faced in 2007 are being washed away and a brand new slate starts on Tuesday. NO ONE in Georgia complains about rain these days! 
The ending of one year and the beginning of another has always been a time of reflection for me: the good, the bad and the ugly. What stays and what changes. What new goals and challenges are ahead in the coming year? How can I be the very best I can be both personally and professionally?
Well, let me see. Ah yes. I want to continue to love and cherish my husband Ken. I want to continue to be a loving and supportive care-giver to my mom. I want my 4 hounds to stop being so loud all the time
. As a matter of fact, I want to come back in my next life as one of our dogs. lol
Professionally, I need to keep helping families, friends, singles, etc. to sell or buy real estate with "straight talk," professionalism, integrity and caring. I want to exceed expectations and be the mint on the pillow 
For all of you, best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year. 
Have fun and please be safe. I'd love to hear any thoughts you might have, so if you want to share, please do.
I received this slide show in an email from one of my colleagues and found it to be truly inspirational. In my opinion, it is the message it delivers that is lovely, no matter what your religion or beliefs are. My compliments to the author, who is at present, unknown to me.
This file takes a while to load, so please bear with it
Enjoy!
Laurie
Attachment(s): Christmasblessings.pps
Wow! Amazing, but true. Forsyth County will celebrate its 175th anniversary on Monday, December 3, 2007. The festivities start at 2 p.m. Monday at the County Administration Building, located at 101 E. Main St., Suite 220, Cumming, Georgia.
This event will feature a special presentation as well as a display of historical county photos. The public is invited and encouraged to attend in order to celebrate our county's 175th anniversary.
Happy Anniversary Forsyth County!
*Information obtained from Forsyth County News.
Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County - Announcing a price reduction on 1951 shady creek lane, a 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "cape cod". Now MLS® $158,500 - Rocking chair front porch, private and wooded lot, upgrades. Up to $1000K in closing costs with preferred lender, Vertical Mortgage. Priced for quick sale, "as is."
Property information
Charming 3/2.5 with upgrades
• 3 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story - MLS® $169,500 - Rocking chair front porch
Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County - CHARMING 3/2.5 ON PRIVATE, WOODED LOT. FRESHLY PAINTED EXTERIOR, UPGRADED MASTER BATH, CEILING FANS, BUILT-INS, OVERSIZED DECK WITH LATTICE, LEADED GLASS DOOR, SUNROOM. SELLER WILL PAY UP TO $1000 IN CLOSING COSTS PLUS PERKS WITH PREFERRED LENDER
Property information
Bethelview Downs, Cumming - Announcing a price reduction on 6365 Whirlaway Drive, a 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "traditional". Now MLS® $209,900 - First Time on Market.
Property information
Wow! 2 days later and we are under contract. In today's market, we are beating the law of averages. We are due to close in less than 90 days.
The 2007 GAR Purchase and Sale Agreement can be confusing unless you read, re-read and then ask a real estate professional for advice - especially in terms of the financing contingency. We need to be careful in the time period allowed to satisfy the contingency. If a short time period is involved, make sure that the contract contains a separate special stipulation making the Buyer's obligation to close contingent on the appraisal.
Case in point: Buyer has 7 days to meet the financing contingency as per the Purchase and Sale Agreement, Buyer is financially qualified for a mortgage for the sales price of the home. The day after the financing contingency has "been met," Buyer finds out that the property appraises about $30K under the sales price. Buyer notifies Seller (through their respective agents) of the discrepancy. Seller responds that the financing contingency period has come and gone. What does this mean to the Buyer with no special stipulation in place?
It means, the Buyer can either make up the difference between the appraisal price and sales price out of pocket; OR, forfeits his/her earnest money.by walking away.
This scenario becomes extremely relevant for those who are unrepresented Buyers. Please do yourselves a favor and work with a professional REALTOR(r)!
Great news for Sellers and Buyers! On January 31, 2007 the Feds decided to leave rates alone,
What does this mean for the real estate market? It means that you can still get great rates on new mortgages and refinances.
If you'd like more information on how much "house you can afford" or whether refinancing is for you, contact our preferred lender at HomeBanc, Neil Hediger.
So far, mortgage rates have held pretty steady in the metro Atlanta area and we sure hope they stay that way!
Tomorrow the Feds meet. This will determine whether or not there will be an increase in mortgage rates. Since consumer confidence has appeared to be mixed, we shall have to wait and see.
If you aret thinking of buying that new home or refinancing, the time is now! 
Today is the first official work day of the new year.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank family, friends, colleagues and clients for their wonderful support in 2006. May we all look forward to a healthy happy and prosperous 2007.
I'll have lots of time on my hands to be writing and researching as I am recovering from back surgery. All I can say about that right now is OUCH 
.
Stay tuned folks, more to follow.
Christmas in Cumming Arts and Crafts show at the Cumming Fairgrounds - December 8 & 9
Breakfast with Santa - Saturdays through December 16 (reservations required) at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth
The Nutcracker at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Theater - through December 17
Live Nativity - December 16 & 17 - 7-9pm in Duluth
Merry Sounds of Christmas at the Cumming Playhouse - December 18 & 19 at 8pm
Magical Night of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands in Buford - through December 30. This event is not to be missed. It features approximately 6 miles of holiday lights and holiday displays (about 1 million lights), as well as a Holiday Village. Tip: go during the week as weekends can be jammed with lines of cars spanning miles. This will be my 8th time and I can't wait!
The Pink Pig at Macy's Lenox Square - through January 1 - a unique attraction for the kids!
More events coming
**links provided courtesy of Access Atlanta.
Last night, families in and around the metro area joined together outside the Governor's mansion for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Governer Purdue said that the tree was the largest one to date weighing in at 2 tons. The onlookers were entertained by dancers, live music and a tour of the mansion decorated for Christmas.
At 6:40 p.m., the switch was thrown and the tree, strung with almost 40,000 lights, was lit.
The mansion is open to the public during the holidays. Tours are free.
News just in from today's AJC:
No joke Highway signs intended to extend 'hospitality' Drivers who creep their way up and down Ga. 400 may have been puzzled by the meaning of several tiny green signs. The panels, which read "A Hospitality Highway Community," can be found beneath every city limit sign in both directions between Roswell and Dawsonville.
The signs are actually part of a promotion to tout Northside events and attractions in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, Dawsonville and Dahlonega.
The signs are not the only part of the promotion. A brochure, which is designed like a map, takes visitors up Ga. 400 and also shows Ga. 9. It highlights such attractions as vineyards, wineries, and gold mines in Dahlonega and Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville. Many nature spots are included, such as Sawnee Mountain Preserve, Autrey Mill Preserve and Chattahoochee Nature Center. Also on the brochure is a listing of annual events through the year. The effort has produced a Web site, www.hospitalityhighway.com.