Enjoy the weekend strolling through an outdoor art gallery filled with diverse artistic mediums from new and well-known artists. Complementing the event will be a free children’s art in action area, live performing artists on the main stage, interactive ceramic arts and more. Admission and parking are free.

A Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Events for 2012! April 14-15, 2012

(www.awesomealpharetta.com)

After the Street Fest we invite you to stop by Waterbrooke, a John Thomas Homes community located at 4620 Woodbine Way, Alpharetta, GA  30004.  For more information please call 678-366-1002 or visit our website at www.johnthomashomes.net.

“According to the Professional Builder’s 2012 Market Outlook survey, more than 4 in 10 survey respondents said they anticipate higher revenue in 2012.”   Also, an interview with Home Builders Chief Economist David Crowe, “I’m looking at 2012 as sort of a ramping event to get a much more solid recovery in 2013.’ 

This is a positive prediction suggesting that new home sales will be headed toward a healthy sales pace in 2013.  Crowe’s forecast calls for builders to break ground on 706,000 homes this year, an increase of 16 percent.  He sees that rising 27 percent next year to 895,000. 

“Freddie Mac Chief Economist Frank Nothaft, who also issued a housing outlook at the NAHB conference, said he expects total home sales to grow between 2 percent to 5 percent this year, thanks in part to the still-low mortgage interest rates.” (by Alex Veiga, www.wsbtv.com; David Barista www.housingzone.com).

A large number of builders are feeling optimistic about their prospects for 2012, including John Thomas Homes, an Atlanta home builder of affordable new homes in Cumming, Acworth, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek communities of Georgia.   Historically low interest rates, new home building in Atlanta, in particular, starts have been trending higher over the past 12 to 18 months and builders with financial resources have been able to take advantage of depressed land values and price homes competitively against foreclosures and short sales. 

Many economists are expecting a brighter year for housing, citing positive economic data in recent months.  The nation’s gross domestic product expanded slightly last year.  The nation has been steadily adding more jobs.  And the national jobless rate has fallen from 9 percent as recently as September to 8.3 percent last month.  Taking all this into account, the new home industry looks to finally be on the upswing!! (www.wsbtv.com;  http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Homebuilders-Forecast-A-2012-ibd-4021910415.html)

What’s the buzz in new homes now? 

The sales in the resale market are picking up as the quality foreclosure homes in good areas are increasingly fewer and farther between.  There are significantly fewer builder’s in business so new homes are at a premium. Why would you want a new vs. resale home?

Well the first reason is location.  Builders in this market are building in “A locations.”  These “A locations” are the areas with the best schools, great amenities, easy access to major roads, and near quality employment.

The second reason, buyers are choosing new, is the finish level.  Builders, like John Thomas Homes - home builder in the Atlanta area, include hardwood floors, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances among other things.  When you buy new you likely get all the bells and whistles; items you would likely want to add to the resale or foreclosure, besides new carpet, paint, and other repairs which are usually needed.

There are other factors, but more and more, savvy home buyers are choosing new homes because of the newly increased residential energy standards required on new homes.  New homes have lower energy costs. This translates into lower bills every month. Gerry McCaughey, the CEO of Infineco, says these new government standards are the equivalent of a permanent tax cut on the new home buyer. 

What kind of savings are we talking about?

Energy Star is a group that builders pay to certify the new standards are met in their homes.  On their website, Energy Star claims that homes meeting the guidelines for energy efficiency, set by the EPA now, are at lease 15% more efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code and include additional features that make them 20-30% more efficient than the standard American home.

So, if in an average month, you spend $300 in combined gas and electric bills and you buy a similar sized new home, your utility savings is about $720 per year! Who couldn’t use an extra $60 a month? (This is based on the conservative 20% figure but could be more.) And you save this money every year.  This is just one of the reasons my buyers are buzzing with excitement about their new homes!!

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.nh_features

Looking for the old style home design for your dream home?  Well, look at this elegant southern classic.  Brick, on the exterior of a home, is always a classic feature in Atlanta, Georgia and the surrounding areas.  However, if you want the feeling and appearance of a historic gem but with the security and comfort that a brand new home gives – consider painted brick.

Painted brick is a clever and beautiful way to give your home “the monolithic appearance of stucco, or achieve a certain uniform look as an alternative to stucco” (thingsthatinspire.net).  While bringing a lot of character and interest, painted brick also lends itself to a rich subtlety.  Many of the historic homes in Atlanta have painted brick and have appeared in magazines such as House Beautiful, Beautiful Homes, and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.

This style makes a home approachable, truly grounded to its beautiful environment, and very welcoming.  In a sea of red and brown brick facades, enjoy the durability of brick but with the softened appearance that paint gives.

Looking for an affordable home in Atlanta, Cumming, or Alpharetta, Georgia, we can help you find your dream home.  If you would like more information on the various style of homes John Thomas Homes offers in each neighborhood, please contact us at www.johnthomashomes.net.

Let us know if you like this classical style of home?  Please post your comments to this article.

 If not, then now is the time!

 Forsyth County’s new Fowler Park officially opened in February 2011 and visitors have been enjoying the 85-acre park ever since!  In addition to the Fowler Park trail head that provides access to the 6.8 mile Big Creek Greenway, the park’s facilities feature:

4 baseball/softball fields
7 rectangular fields
12 tennis courts
1 full and 4 half outdoor basketball courts
1.5 mile walking trail
4 small pavilions
1 large pavilion
2 Playgrounds
Dog park
Five-acre passive area
Skate Park – Skate Park Rules

In addition to all of these amenities, a recreation center is also planned for the park, completion of which is expected in spring 2012!

 While you are in the area taking advantage of all this wonderful park has to offer, please visit one of the many John Thomas Homes communities selling new homes in Forsyth County, GA!  If a maintenance-free lifestyle is what you are looking for, then stop by Pinnacle Glen, an affordable townhome community in Cumming, GA just north of Fowler Park on Hwy 9 on the right.  If you prefer a new home in Alpharetta, GA, then come see us at Waterbrooke, a single family home community just south of Fowler Park on Hwy 9 on the right.  For more information on our current models and available plans in both communities, please feel free to contact us at 678-366-1002.

On September 15th at approximately 10:00 AM, President Obama’s U.S. Secretary of Education, Mr. Arne Duncan, announced the 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and Big Creek Elementary was named as one of seven schools from Georgia. 

Big Creek Elementary is also a two-time Georgia School of Excellence, and has received four Platinum Awards and one Gold Award from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.

“”The students, staff and community are absolutely thrilled, and humbled, to have received this level of national recognition,” stated Big Creek Elementary Principal Sherri Black.  This is the pinnacle of all honors that can be received by any school in our country and a true testament to the quality that we believe is present in not only our school, but in a great many public schools across this nation- even during these difficult economic times.  This is a phenomenal moment for our school and for our district.”   

The No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools award distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

“The staff, students and parents at Big Creek Elementary School are to be commended for their outstanding student performance,” said Forsyth County School Superintendent L.C. (Buster) Evans. “I am thrilled that once again a Forsyth County school has been recognized on a national level for excellence. These awards are just another example of some of the great things happening in our schools.”

The above information was sited from the Big Creek Elementary website and you can read more about this great achievement at:

http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=8626&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=41320&PageID=1

John Thoms Homes offers affordable new homes in Cumming, GA in our Cottages at Greystone community.  For more information on our current models and available plans, please feel free to contact us.

Research shows that when you have a cluttered bedroom or if you do not feel relaxed and comfortable in it you will not sleep peacefully. Lack of sleep is believed be a cause of illness and many other maladies.

Color trends in the bedroom are all about creating a personal space that expresses your innermost desires. For many of us, that means a retreat in which we can relax and rejuvenate. we’re seeing that trend reflected in color palettes for the bedroom and throughout the home,” These hues, especially shades of medium to dark browns, are perfect for the bedroom because they are nurturing and satisfying to our souls,” “Greens and browns are a classic combo that’s very popular right now,” says Seattle-based designer Nancy Satterberg. “It’s a great combo for the bedroom because of the feeling of warmth. You want to choose something fresh and light, not too deep or saturated.”

Window treatments are an important design feature of your bedroom. There are three basic types that can be used alone or in combination.

Curtains and drapes are a style of window treatment that most of us recognize but there are many variations to this old standby. If your bedroom design is simple, you might choose just plain sheers as these will go well with many themes including a romantic theme, a modern theme and anything in between.

Drapes are an elegant bedroom treatment. If you have a romantic, French or Victorian theme, heavy drapes in rich fabrics can transform your bedroom into one fit for a queen. Heavy drapes look best on tall windows and can lengthen the look of a shorter window by hanging the drapes from the ceiling.

Valances can be used to soften the top of a window. Typically they are made from fabric but you canbuild them from wood and decorate them with an aged or stenciled paint to go with your Tuscan, French or Country theme. Valances can be used in conjunction with sheers to give you a bit of privacy.

Wooden shutters and blinds are also a great way to add privacy to your bedroom and can be used alone or with curtains, drapes or valances. Plantation shutters cover the entire window and have louvers which can be opened and closed to let light in or provide privacy. These shutters go well with a plantation, country or coastal cottage theme. Café Shutters cover only the bottom half of the window and swing open to et light in. They also work well with a county or beach style theme.

Lighting is essential in any room. However if you have too much light, you may have a difficult time  relaxing at night. The other side is there is not enough light. The key is to find a medium between the two.

Natural light is the most important thing that you should be taking advantage of. Even if you have only one or two windows in the bedroom you need to find a way to magnify it during the day. Using sheer curtains offers privacy yet reflects light to brighten the room in the daylight hours. Try not to put anything in front of the windows if at all possible. Remember that the more light that comes in the less you spend in energy.

Lamps are necessary for a couple of reasons even if your bedroom has a ceiling fan light. It is always a good thing to have a small lamp on both nightstands. These are accent lights and don’t need to be large – but proportionate to the table.

A ceiling fan light is another way to bring in more light to your bedroom. You can find one that has four separate lights which can point to each area of the room to illuminate it. And for a bit more ambiance, try installing a dimmer switch.

Wall decorations are another important part in creating your bedroom masterpiece. With the right pictures and art pieces you can transform your room from dull and boring to beautiful and interesting. Anything that you purchase to put on the walls needs to go hand in hand with the theme and color scheme in the bedroom. If it is a country theme than choose pictures of cows or ranches and beautiful scenery. If it is a contemporary theme then try to choose simple art photos or family pictures. Mixing and matching the themes will only create chaos.

Find pictures, art pieces, clocks, mirrors, and other types of wall décor that will look best in your bedroom. You would never want to put something in your bedroom that would work better in your living room. One thing that works in most bedrooms are shelves. These can be small and stacked on top of each other on a smaller wall. On these shelves you can place family pictures and knick knacks. This will help to free up room on your nightstand and dresser.

Be as creative as you can and try to broaden your thinking and use stenciling or wallpaper trim. Choose a romantic or inspirational saying that you can stencil over your door or on the wall opposite of your bed. Each time you wake up you will see it. This is a great way to start your day!

Though popular trends in bedroom furniture come and go, the following are 5 timeless trends in modern bedroom furniture that are sure to make your bedroom not only more modern, but more enjoyable to live in.

 Trend #1: Simplicity is the Virtue

The most current modern furniture trends all point towards simplicity. Gone is the garrulous and ornate furniture piece. Today’s modern bedroom furniture sets feature clean, elegant lines that have a minimalist aesthetic and an understated look. Floating Japanese-style platform beds, which have a sleek, sophisticated look, are a perfect example. Match your platform bed with organic linens to remove toxins from your environment and create a more holistic feel.

Trend #2: Space is a Limited Resource, Use Effectively

Despite the trend toward smaller and smaller homes, the effective use of space is a hallmark of today’s trends in modern bedroom furniture sets. This means that the design of a bedroom should be thought out so as to create a peaceful and open environment, even within the limitations of low square footage. The use of decorative Shoji screen room-dividers adds both height and depth to a bedroom that may be limited in size. These dividers create privacy, but also work great in lofted spaces, effectively partitioning one large space into multiple smaller spaces with varying purposes.

Trend #3: The Way of Things is Natural

When it comes to creating the perfect modern bedroom, natural materials are the way to go. Jute and other coarse natural fibers work great for curtains and rugs. Soft natural materials such as cotton, silk, and rubber tree-derived latex make great linens and mattresses for platform beds. Bamboo makes great flooring, modern bedroom furniture sets, or even looks great standing upright in an earthen vase. Not only are natural materials sustainable, they help to create a Zen feel about the modern bedroom. Natural colors in earth tones and muted grays are a nice change of scene from hospital white and suburban beige.

Trend #4: Modern Bedrooms Should Evoke Emotions

Major components of modern bedroom furniture should evoke emotion, exude harmony, and should help us feel more relaxed and calm after a long day. Remember that the bedroom is meant to be a tranquil haven for physical and emotional restoration. So try not to bring in cable television, leftover work, or other distractions. Reserve your bedroom for what it was designed for….rest.

Feng Shui Tip: Get rid of clutter hiding behind doors in your home, when this is complete you will sense more energy flowing in your home, and you’ll also enjoy a great sense of accomplishment!

Share with us some of your tips and styles to spruce up your bedroom look. 

One of the most important reasons is that interest rates are predicted to rise soon.  Buying a new home now can save you tens of thousands of dollars on interest. As more and more people are starting to feel good about the economy, the number of available houses is getting less and less each day. People are pulling the trigger now on deals while interest rates are low because they know they will go up soon.  As the supply of homes goes down, competition for available homes goes up, which means you will be less likely to get a great deal or discount.  With the prices of new homes being so affordable, home prices are likely to go up soon.

You don’t want to be left waiting on the sidelines AFTER everyone else has gotten to pick from a better selection of homes, lower interest rates, and had less competition to deal with.

Windermere is located just north of Atlanta on GA 400 in beautiful Forsyth County, Georgia.  Feel free to come by and walk through these new affordable home designs and our other accommodating house plans.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (770) 884-0095 or windermere@johnthomashomes.net, and one of our sales agents will be happy to assist you.

Suwanee was voted one of America’s Best Cities to Live by Money magazine in 2007. Suwanee Station offers the prime location of McGinnis Ferry and Peachtree Industrial Roads and allows residents to walk to nearby shopping and dining. Residents will also enjoy country-club amenities to include a 10,000 square foot clubhouse with fitness, media, and activity rooms, Junior Olympic-size swimming pool, 8 lighted tennis courts, and an amplitheatre.

Building new affordable townhomes in Suwanee, GA from the low $140’s, John Thomas Homes has two- and three-story townhomes available, complete with gourmet kitchens designed for entertaining, spacious owner’s suites and baths, office/bedroom on the lower level (per plan), and junior suites (per plan). Included in many of these new homes are granite countertops, hardwood floors, tile backsplash and many more luxury features.

For more information on these new homes in Suwanee, please visit www.johnthomashomes.net or call 678-546-1155.”