Would Superstition Keep YOU From Living in a Home You Built?

Can you imagine building a 27-story, 1BILLION dollar home and then refusing to live in it?

That’s what has happened in Mumbai, India.  Just over a year ago, India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, built a home but decided that living in it would bring bad luck to his family.

While most of us have heard of the Chinese tradition of feng shui, few are aware that India has a similar practice call vastu shastra.

No one is quite sure exactly which fundamental principle of vastu shastra was not followed, but it is certain that the family holds a strong belief in its tenets.  Read the Full Story>>


Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Cumming GA real estate. 

This South Forsyth Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 

Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (678) 456-8066   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com  

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.  All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.


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Tiny Houses are all the Rage!

Can you imagine living in less than 100 square feet??  That is what is offered in one version of the tiny house by the Tumbleweed Tiny House Co.

Many homeowners are now bucking the trend of the “McMansion” and are choosing to reduce their “living foot print”.   Some have even taken it a step further by choosing to live in what is known as a “tiny house”.

With less space to heat and cool, lower maintenance costs and certainly less to clean and polish, many home owners are opting are opting to downsize to this adorable jewel-box of a house.

Due to the small size tiny houses are not built on foundations, but on a trailer base similar to a mobile home.  However, they do offer a kitchen, bathroom and in some cases even a fireplace.  And, of course, there’s no need to sell when you are ready to change locations… your house can go with you!

This trend has, in fact, become so popular that a HGTV used the build out and decoration of a “tiny house” as the final challenge for the designers competing in the last season of “HGTV Design Star”
I’m not sure that I’m ready for a “tiny house” just yet, but with maintenance and utility costs on the rise it may start to look appealing before too long!   Read the whole story and see more pictures here>>

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Cumming GA real estate. 

This South Forsyth Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 

Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (678) 456-8066   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com  

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.  All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.


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Preparing Your Home for Sale - Should You DIY?

In a time when Dave Ramsey economics reins supreme, we are all looking for ways to make every dollar stretch even further.

And, when your home is on the real estate market, the idea of completing any needed repairs or updates yourself may be tempting. 

While DIY may be a great way to save money, you have to know which projects are the suitable for homeowner completion and which DIY projects may end up costing you much more in the end!   

Read Full Story: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/contracting/when-it-pays-to-do-it-yourself

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Cumming GA real estate. 

This South Forsyth Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 

Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (678) 456-8066   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com  

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.  All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.

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Will REO Sales Finally Reach the Peak Soon?

Based on a report from HousingWire, which pulls its information from numerous analysts and recent reports, foreclosures may not peak until 2013.

In fact, according to analysts from Bank of America,  foreclosure sales are expected to reach 1.48 million properties in 2013.  However, due to the fact that liquidation volumes are much smaller than the glut seen in 2008, analysts do not expect to see the same level of downward pressure on home prices that we experienced then.

Source: “REO Sales May Not Peak Until 2013,” HousingWire (Oct. 17, 2011)



Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Forsyth County real estate.

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA – The Real Estate Connection.




Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.  All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.


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America’s Scariest Homes – Real Life Haunted Houses

Photo Courtesy of Frontdoor.com

Just in time for Halloween, Frontdoor.com gives us a look at a few of the nation’s creepiest homes, known for the spirits that haunt their hallways.  Click through to read the whole story and see more photos.









Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Forsyth County real estate. 

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 

Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (706) 632-0367   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com  

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.  All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.


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Some Buyers WANT a Haunted House

For most of us, the thought of living in a haunted house is a nighmare, but some buyers actually WANT to buy a haunted house!  Read the whole story>>










Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Cumming, GA real estate. 

 This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 

Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (706) 632-0367   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com  

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.  All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.




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Haunted Celebrity Homes

Just in time for Halloween, Frontdoor.com shares the spooky history of a few hollywood homes owned by popular celebrities.  Ghosts, goblins and things that go bump in the night.  Read the full story – see photos


Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Cumming, GA real estate. 

 This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 

Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (706) 632-0367   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com  

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.  All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.



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Michael Jackson's Home

I found this story by Frontdoor.com interesting because the house is ultra-conservative.. not at all what I expected from the home of the “King of Pop”.

Before his death in June 2009, Michael Jackson leased this lavish L.A. mansion for $100,000 a month. Take a tour of the King of Pop’s last residence. See the photos and read the full story provided by Frontdoor.com




Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Cumming, GA real estate. 

 This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 

Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (706) 632-0367   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com  

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.  All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.


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Forsyth County Mixed Use Project Delayed

For those following the ongoing saga, you may not be surprised to hear that the Forsyth County mixed Use Project has been delayed.

In 2008, Taubman Centers Inc. signed a deal with Forsyth County to build a regional mall, office space, hotels and residential units on a 164 acre plot that sits between Union Hill and McFarland roads. The original agreement called for a finish date of 2015.

However, due to current economic conditions and recent sale of a parcel of land for apartments which that developer plans to begin soon, Taubman sought changes to the agreement.

In a meeting held on October 7, 2011 Forsyth County commissioners voted 5-0 to make amendments to the development agreement with Taubman which will push back some of the contractual dates resulting in an opening date of the regional mall being delayed until 2020.

The amended agreement will also push back the county’s deadline to reimburse Taubman for right-of-way costs and allow the developer to purchase a portion of its reserved sewer capacity at a reduced rate.

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Cumming, GA real estate. 
 This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 

Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (706) 632-0367   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com  




Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.  All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.

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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is Coming to Cumming!

Venture Construction, a Norcross-based company, finalized its permits on September 23^rd, 2011 and had the current buildings demolished by September 30^th so it looks like rumor has become fact!

The restaurant is expected to open in early 2012 and will sit on a two-acre property located just off Ga. 400 at exit 14.  The property, which is part of Tri-County Plaza, was formerly the home of two now defunct restaurants, Pappy Red's BBQ and Mrs. Winners Chicken and Biscuits.

The property currently sits in Forsyth County, but it appears that the city of Cumming, GA is currently in the process of annexing the property, at the request of the property owner.

Though the county has yet to see any plans for the annexation, city property extends on both the north and south sides of the parcel, and the city provides water and sewer services for the property so it may well get what it is requesting.

Either way, Forsyth County residents will have a great new place to enjoy a family-friendly meal!

Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Cumming, GA real estate. 

This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 
Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (706) 632-0367   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com 


Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.  All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.


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Forsyth County / Cumming, GA Country Fair & Festival Starts Today (October 7, 2011)

One of the largest, and most loved social events in the city of Cumming and Forsyth County, starts today.

The family-friendly festivities, which begin this afternoon at 4:00 PM, will extend through the next 11 days at the Cumming Fairgrounds on Castleberry Road.

The Fair, which offers a variety of entertainment, rides, food and other attractions, is the largest and longest running event in Cumming. Last year the fair drew almost 125,000 people to the city and there is hope for an even higher attendance this year.

Musical entertainment will kick off with Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, October 7^th followed by Joe Nichols at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11^th and the Charlie Daniels’ Band at 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 13^th.

In accordance with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta being one of this years major sponsors, Fair coordinators promise even more activities for the children than usual. One of the featured acts sponsored by Children’s HCOA will be the Marvel Comics superhero show at 6 and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12^th, as well as free admission that night.

Another new attraction to the fair this year will be the American Bull Riders Tour competition which is to be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 15^th and 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 16^th.

The fair has been, and likely will be, a family favorite for most Forsyth County residents and visitors for years to come. 

Now, where that corn dog vendor??

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Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Cumming, GA real estate. 
This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 

Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (706) 632-0367   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com  

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice. 
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.

Four Forsyth County Elementary Schools Rank in Top 10

Once again, the excellence of the South Forsyth County schools system is on display.

Following on the heals of South Forsyth High School being named by NEWSWEEK as one of the Top 500 High Schools in the country, now Four Forsyth County Elementary Schools have Ranked in the Top 10 out of 1176 Georgia Elementary Schools Statewide.

Rank* (of 1176)	School	District	City	Total students (2010)	Student/ Teacher Ratio (2010)	CRCT, avg Math** (2011)	CRCT, avg English Language Arts** (2011)	CRCT Combined
1	Britt David Elementary Computer Magnet Academy	Muscogee County	Columbus	548	19.7	100	100	200
2	Sharon Elementary School	Forsyth County	Suwanee	1018	17.7	99.7	99.8	199.5
3	Peeples Elementary School	Fayette County	Fayetteville	693	16.2	99.2	100	199.2
4	Marietta Center For Advanced Academics	Marietta City	Marietta	259	16.7	98.9	100	198.9
5	Daves Creek Elementary School	Forsyth County	Cumming	933	16.6	99.5	99.3	198.8
6	Haw Creek Elementary	Forsyth County	Cumming	927	18	99	99.6	198.6
7	Big Creek Elementary School	Forsyth County	Cumming	604	16.1	99	99	198
7	Findley Oaks Elementary School	Fulton County	Atlanta	801	14.2	98.5	99.5	198
9	Birmingham Falls Elementary School	Fulton County	Milton	766	14.8	97.9	100	197.9
10	Crabapple Crossing Elementary School	Fulton County	Alpharetta	762	15.5	98.4	99.4	197.8

South Forsyth is well known for its excellent school system. In fact, it was recently named as one of the major factors responsible in keeping property values high in an otherwise declining real estate market (along with low taxes, local amenities, updated infrastructure, etc…).

Congratulations to Dave’s Creek Elementary School, Haw Creek Elementary School, Big Creek Elementary School and Sharon Elementary School for a JOB WELL DONE!





Please feel free to call (866-413-1781) or drop me an email if I can provide you with more information about this blog post or if I can assist you with buying or selling your Cumming, GA real estate. 
This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of ERA - The Real Estate Connection. 

Cell: (706) 455-0180  ~  Office (706) 632-0367   ~   Email:  gaylebarton@inbox.com  

Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice. 
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Gayle Barton and may not be used without the expressed written permission.


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