TAX ASSESSMENT - BEFORE YOU APPEAL....

At almost every closing these days, several minutes is dedicated to discussing the possible appeal of the current property tax assessment. While we homeowners have had to face declining values, home buyers are getting some amazing deals. Often, their first instinct is to run to the Gwinnett County Tax office to appeal their assessment.

I don't usually editorialize, but I would like to suggest that we slow down and give this a lot of consideration. We are fortunate to live in Gwinnett County, where we are able to count on the amenities of good schools (Gwinnett was the only metro Atlanta county to move forward in building needed new schools in 2009), beautiful public parks, public libraries, road improvements, and fire and police services. So far, Gwinnett has weathered the recession better than most. However, this may change because of budget deficits.

Yesterday, I got an e-mail notice from the Library Elf, telling me that a long awaited book was ready for pick up. Just an hour later, I received the following press release from Michelle Long with Gwinnett County Public Library:

"LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA (9 July 2009) - In an effort to balance the County budget, Commissioners will undoubtedly implement cuts that impact all aspects of Gwinnett County, including Gwinnett County Public Library. While the Library does receive a small amount of funding from the state, the majority of the funding is from the County.

"The Library has made a number of significant cuts over the last six months, and further cuts are anticipated in 2010. Unfortunately, due to the difficult financial times, the library administration has been forced to make some drastic decisions that impact library hours, services, and programs. A hiring freeze has already been implemented, and the library has now reached the tipping point where full services can no longer be provided with reduced staff."

The way the library has decided to handle this economic crisis is very reasonable, and the citizens of Gwinnett will easily adapt. However, this is a sign of things to come. Let's support Gwinnett County to enable our government to continue to provide services to its people.

NOSTALGIC FOR THE 1980'S

June was a nostalgic month. I don't know if it was revisiting Michael Jackson's old music videos (I'd forgotten how good he was in the 80's), or the 1980 issues of "Atlanta Magazine" my dad gave me, but I've found myself thinking a lot about how things have changed. Doesn't it seem like 1980 was just a few years ago, and do you remember the recession of the 1980's as a kinder, gentler recession?

One particular ad caught my eye and tugged at my heart a little. Remember Ellman's catalog showroom? I worked in the diamond and fine jewelry departments at the new Southlake store and the Cumberland store (adjacent to the corporate offices) from 1976 until 1985 when the company was bought by Service Merchandise. We all worked the annual tag sales at the Cheshire Bridge store, and all of us in diamond sales knew and covered for each other. Anyone who worked at Ellman's during those years will recognize this quote and remember who greeted everyone with, "Is that you?" (Actually, it sounded more like, "Izzat chew?"). There's a wonderful blog called Georgia Retail Memories that I recommend to Atlanta natives.

Other advertisements may be names you may recognize from 1980 Atlanta Magazine:

Davison's , C&S (Citizens and Southern Bank), Bailey, Banks & Biddle Jewelers (still with us!), Eastern Airlines, Rich's, WQXI AM/FM (remember "Quixie"?), Anthonys fine dining restaurant in Buckhead (still there- 200 years old!), WSB 750-AM (still going strong), Muse's menswear (filed Chapter 11 Bankrupcy in 1991 after 112 years in business).

There's an article about the B52's, and a scathing review of Richard Gere's new movie, "American Gigalo." There's also a full page ad for JVC's new video cassette recorder (I bought my first VCR that very year for almost $700!). You could buy VHS tapes at the Record Bar at Northlake or Southlake Malls.

And, in closing, here's my favorite ad from 1980: "Your $90,000 home at Horseshoe Bend comes with $4,000,000 worth of extras. And something else that's priceless. The river." Who would have guessed that almost thirty years later houses would, once again, sell for $90,000?

Lake Views and Fabulous Kitchen $143,900

2820 Mountberry Drive, Snellville, Georgia, 30039

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Finished Basement, Lake Access

This is a beautifully maintained and updated home with a large level back yard and lake access. The kitchen is all new, with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, and tile backsplash and floor. Lighting has been updated throughout, and it features extensive hardwood floors. Be sure to click on the link above for more information, or visit http://www.patsabin.com/2820 .

What A Difference a Month Makes

We enjoyed a rare March snow here in Gwinnett County, Georgia this year, and I took the photo above from my front porch. The second one was taken in the first week of April. No matter how bleak things look for us, personally or financially, I'm reminded of the speech that Peggy Slappey gave at last year's Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of REALTORS celebration last spring. Peggy noted that she has been a developer and real estate broker in Gwinnett County for many decades, and has been through several financial winters. The one thing she came to believe is that winter is always followed by spring.

3.5 Sides Brick, Granite Counter Tops, Full Basement

1120 Thistle Gate Path, Lawrenceville, GA 30045

4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Master Sitting Room, Full Basement

$359,900

Please check out this exceptional home in Spring Arbor subdivision off Webb Gin House Road. It features 3.5 sides brick construction, extensive hardwood floors, granite counter tops in kitchen and baths, an amazing large level back yard, and tons of light and space. The full daylight basement opens to an oversize patio for easy entertaining and family fun. Click on the title above to take a virtual tour, or go to http://www.patsabin.com/1120.html.

Quiet Cul-de-sac Street - Parkview High School

556 Beth Court, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia. 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Bedroom and bath on main level. Sunroom, Bonus Room, Family Room, Living Room, $199,900. This is a meticulously maintained and beautifully updated home in Hanarry Estates in Lilburn. The exterior is high quality and low maintenance vinyl siding, and architectural roof shingles. The home has been freshly painted inside and out and features all neutral wall colors and flooring.

The fully remodeled and expanded kitchen features warm wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, tile back splash, and new appliances. You'll never be able to fill all the cabinets, roll out shelves, and built in pantry space! Truly the heart of the home, this kitchen is large enough to accommodate a large table and center island with plenty of room to spare.

You'll find extra storage in garage built-ins, a bonus room over the garage, and large outbuilding with double doors and electricity.

Lush landscaping includes a variety of perennials, flowering trees, and low maintenance shrubbery. An in-ground irrigation system serves the front and back yard. The fenced back yard is a private paradise, with an expansive lawn, secret gardens, and ornamental streams, waterfalls, and ponds.

Hanarry Estates offers optional membership to Hanarry Swim and Racquet Club with lighted tennis courts, swimming pool, clubhouse and playground. This is an active Alta Tennis and Swim Team community, convenient to Mountain Park and Lilburn Park, schools, libraries, shopping and restaurants. It is an easy commute to Emory and CDC. Parkview High School is among the best schools in Georgia.

Be sure to take the Virtual Tour, linked from this page: http://www.patsabin.com/556.html

New Listing - 5 BR, 4 BA in Parkview HS Cluster

This is an immaculate home in a quiet neighborhood in the sought after Camp Creek Elementary School district (Parkview High School) in Lilburn. It features two bedrooms and two full baths on the main level, and three bedrooms and two baths upstairs.

The back yard is a peaceful paradise, large, level and fully fenced. The in ground swimming pool is ready to enjoy for the rest of the summer (plenty of time left to swim this year!).

Freshly painted inside and out, new carpeting, and renovated baths and kitchen make this an excellent value. All the work is done. Just move in! Listed for $199,900. No basement, but plenty of storage space! Click on the title above to take the virtual tour.