Louise Scoggins' Blog: All Categories

Is it true? Could it be?? Experts are saying that the Cherokee County Real Estate market may have bottomed out and is starting to show signs of improvement. In the months of June and July, the number of homes sold increased over the number of homes sold in the same months last year. Additionally, the average sales price between the 2 years stayed essentially the same -- $185,000 in July of 2008 and $184,000 in July of 2009. That’s something to be excited about!

Inventory seems to be evening out as well…while there is still over a 10 month supply of homes in Cherokee County, the new home inventory has dropped dramatically as it becomes absorbed by new buyers. Industry expert Eugene James of the research company Metrostudy states, “(Cherokee County) no…

Overtaxed, underpaid, overworked…here we go again! The City of Canton is currently considering an increase in City property taxes – the first increase in 20 years! The proposed 2010 fiscal year budget calls for an increase slightly less than 1 mill – from 5.95 mills to 6.8 mills. The increase is proposed to try and offset a decline in city revenue and help keep the City of Canton above water with their finances.

What does this mean to you? Well, on a $200,000 home, your taxes would increase by approximately $65. Not too bad, you say, but don’t forget taxes will increase on top of that because of the demise of Homestead Exemption. Since we will not get the Homestead Exemption anymore, for the same price home your taxes will increase another $55 (based off…

Preliminary plans are underway for a new, expanded City Park in Woodstock, GA. The newly designed park would feature an amphitheatre, interactive pool and water fountain, and a large, grassy area for sports. The old Woodstock City Hall on Arnold Mill Road will be torn down to allow room for the park, which will double in size to approximately 2.5 acres.

The park will be built in 2 phases…first by tearing down city hall and grassing that area in; second phase being the construction of the amphitheatre and other features. The natural 30-foot slope of the property allows for easy construction of the amphitheatre. Woodstock officials are hoping to have phase 1 completed by the end of the year.

The new city park proposal sounds amazing! It will be a fantastic…

Adorable 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom East Cobb ranch now available for rent – only $900 / month! This cozy home features a large kitchen with eat-in dining area, as well as a spacious family room and open floorplan. The Master Suite features a private bathroom, and the secondary bedroom has a hall bathroom that can be shared for guests. There is even a doggie-door from the kitchen leading into the backyard. There is also a1-car carport with laundry room, and a flagstone patio off the carport. Large, wooded lot is super low maintenance and has a fully fenced backyard. Parking pad makes for an easy turn around or additional guest parking. Awesome schools! Kincaid Elementary, Simpson Middle, and Sprayberry High. Perfect for a young family or roommates. Rent of…

Awesome end unit now available in Views at Coleman Village in Roswell, GA! This tri-level townhome is ideal for a young couple or a roommate situation. Bright kitchen with gorgeous stained cabinets has an eat-in breakfast area and overlooks the large family room with corner fireplace. Powder room for guests on this level ensures bedroom privacy. Open floorplan is great for entertaining!

Upstairs, you will find two Master Suites. The first Master Suite features a walk-in closet, dual vanities and garden tub, as well as a vaulted ceiling. The second Master Suite is quite large, with a private bathroom and plenty of closet space.

On the walk-in level, there is a third bedroom that could be used as flex space for whatever you need. It’s currently used at a…

Earlier this week, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue voted for teachers and other state employees to take 3 unpaid furlough days before the end of the year in an attempt to cope with the state’s growing budget shortfall. The cries of “No Fair!” could be heard state wide as the news spread of teacher’s already small salaries being docked by another 3 days. I have been following this story through news articles and seeing the response of not only teachers but the community as well. Seemingly, the general consensus is that teacher’s salaries should be the last one’s touched. Teachers are overworked, underpaid enough already, and in charge of educating the future of our country. Can’t the cuts come from somewhere else? Why does the education department have to…

Gorgeous 5-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom East Cobb home for sale in prestigious Walton High School district! Upgrades abound in this flowing, family home. As you enter the home, travertine tile floors flank the foyer, and hardwood floors can be found throughout the rest of the main level. Formal Dining Room would accommodate a 12-person table – great for family gatherings! The spacious family room has coffered ceilings and custom built-in cabinets. Beautiful chef’s kitchen features granite counters, decorator tile backsplash, double ovens, stainless steel appliances, and long center island. There is also an eat-in breakfast area and huge pantry / storage area. The keeping room off the kitchen features a stacked stone fireplace with hidden TV mount above the…

River Green subdivision in Canton, GA is a gorgeous community nestled along the Etowah River. This Master-planned development features townhomes, cottages, ranch villas, single family homes, amenities galore, as well as an onsite elementary school and Discovery Point Learning Center. It’s a widely popular choice for buyers looking for homes in the Canton area. Like many other communities nationwide, River Green has seen its share of market woes during the economic turndown. Let’s take a look at what’s been going on in River Green in 2009:

Currently in River Green there are 39 active listings, ranging in price from $150,000 to $549,000. There are quite a few new homes for sale in this group, both John Wieland new homes and Jeremy Rutenberg new homes, as…