If you are like many people, you have probably received at least one GIFT CARD in the past year from a friend or relative. They are increasingly more popular and every retailer sells them.But let's say that you don't realy shop at the retalier on the card. Maybe you would like to get cash for it, or maybe something else. Well now there' a place for this:SWAP A GIFT! swapagift.comYou can get cash, Exchange it for Visa, donate to charity or sell it to someone else. Check it out..pretty neat concept!! 02/10/2008

Marietta City Schools in COBB County 2008: There is a change in 2008 for the Marietta City Schools (MCS). MCS now offers its Choice Academies program at all seven of its elementary schools.  Marietta City residents may now send their child to their zoned elementary school or to ANY of the outstanding elementary schools in our district.  Each elementary facility offers a specific learning program so parents can choose the school that best fits their child's skills and interests. This is an excellent option for parents who love a certain house or neighborhood, but prefer the program at a different Marietta elementary school.    Marietta City Schools continues to be a shining star in COBB County educational system: They been listed among Newsweek's "Top U.S. School Systems" for several ye... 01/28/2008

Upscale Kitchens: Finally, a spot for consumers, builders and designers to come together in an upscale relaxed environment to explore discuss ideas and solutions for their custom kitchens. (PanoramaPress) Woodstock, Georgia-Custom Kitchens and Appliances (CKA), located right on the Cobb and Cherokee county border in Georgia, announced it is teaming with Fisher Paykel to bring superior kitchen alternatives to North Georgia. Fisher Paykel(www.fisherpaykelatlanta.com), known as the benchmark for gourmets, is famous for manufacturing ranges that combine the cooking power and features of a professional range into a design feasible for home use. CKA has an upscale kitchen showroom and meeting place where consumers, builders and designers experience the ability to really get a good feel for ap... 01/28/2008

You've Got Questions.  Assist-2-Sell® Has Answers. It's been nearly 10 years since Assist-2-Sell, Home Buyers & Sellers Realty, Inc. opened in Kennesaw, Ga.  And they're here to stay!  They sold over 200 homes in 2006 alone, establishing themselves as local real estate experts.  The owners, Mary McCleskey and Michelle Gumeny took some time to answer some questions they are frequently asked.Q.        How much local real estate experience do you have?A.         We have more than  30 years combined experience as successful local REALTORS®.  And both Mary & Michelle were raised in the area, so they have strong roots in the community and vast local knowledge.            Q.        Why aren't your names on the signs?A.         We spend our marketing dollars promoting homes, not individual brok... 01/23/2008

In case you are new to the area and you are wondering why there are so many people making East Cobb wheir new home I have a short and partial answer for you; Excellent Schools!Daniell Middle, Murdock Elementary Named 2007 Georgia Schools of Excellence.Daniell Middle School and Murdock Elementary School have been named 2007 Georgia Schools of Excellence by the Georgia Department of Education. The two Cobb County schools are among only 23 schools statewide to receive the honor, and were selected based on overall excellence and gains in student achievement. The Georgia Schools of Excellence program began in 1984 and has become a badge of honor for schools across the state. Cobb schools have received 39 Georgia School of Excellence designations since the program's inception.Murdock Elementa... 01/23/2008

Oh how I wish I could wiggle my nose or blink my eyes and have a room complete.  For the time being, I'll have to rely on the traditional way... a design plan; furniture & accessories all brought in to help make a difference in how the home appears.This is the formal living room and served as a perfect place for the kids to play and do art projects.  Given that this room is located immediately to the left as you entered the door, it becomes an important room in the overall staging of the home.Now here's the "after" picture:NOTE:  I wanted to include the exact same angle.  However, there's a very large mirror over the couch (on the wall to the right) that has cast a horrible glare on the art.  I'm going to try and work/edit the picture and I'm successful, I'll repost.  Atlanta's Premier ... 01/22/2008

On February 9th, 2008 from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Lawrence Street Recreation Center, 510 Lawrence Street the Marietta Parks and Recreation invites local youth between the ages of 7 and 14 to participate in a free Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Skillls Challenge. Similar to the Punt, Pass and Kick challenge for youth sponsored buy the NFL his grassroots program provides boys and girls, competing separately, an opportunity to showcase their excellence in the core basketball skills of dribbling, passing and shooting and is intended to encourage youth participation in sports while promoting sportsmanship. My brother-in-law and husband of Broker Susan McClure is Ray McClure a WNBA referee urges youth to attend this  Skills challenge. Anyone between the ages of 7 and 14 may register the day of the event... 01/19/2008

If you are old enough to remember URBAN COWBOY, then you certainly remember how popular country music was and also the mechanical bulls in so many night clubs. John Travolta made many dance steps famous and his transition to doing the "two-step" was amazing. Even if you neever saw a real Mechanical Bull, the images from the movie will suffice.Many people tried to ride, and few could. Especially after a few "brew-skies", many would pay the bucks and walk into the ring. They would mount the bull and signal for the start. The operator would start the bull moving and gyrating slowly and then gradually speed it up. It wasn't long before most riders found themselves on the ground.This is how real estate is. It looks so easy. It looks so lucrative. It looks so much fun! But just like the mecha... 01/15/2008

There was an interesting story on Good Morning America today about GPS systems and the errors that they have. It went into detail about how GPS systems work and when the data is wrong, it can take you to the incorrect location. I think that it was a little dramatic, and overstated. There was one man who's GPS system took him down the wrong road and his car was hit by a TRAIN! Come on folks, you do have to use a little common sense when using these things. They are not fool proof and the programmers certainly can't keep up with all of the new roads being built around the country.My system is a Garmin and I love it. I think maybe in 3 years it has taken me to the wrong place, maybe 4 times. I notice that sometimes the home address may be several houses away from the location on the GPS, b... 01/15/2008

  Q.)  Kris,   I am curious about something. 1.  We are not planning to live in the Atlanta area until we retire.  We plan on moving back to S. GA in about 10-15 years and build a home there. Therefore, the house we buy up here is going to sold.  What kind of homes do you think will sell better.  A house with less appeal but extra sq ft or a traditional home with less sq ft?  2.  Do you have information on foreclosure or pre-forclosure homes?  After talking with Brett, I think we like the more traditional house.  We prefer the Shanty home instead of the Cobb Manor house.  I like the basement but he prefers the Shanty home.  Thanks.==========================================================A.) Hello J, East Cobb has been experiencing very healthy gains in the past 30 years and it will con... 01/14/2008

As I finished up staging my latest in-town Atlanta home, I took the time to experiment with my latest purchase; a Nikon D80.  There's definitely a great deal to learn and I'm committed to making the time to learn all the wonderful features the camera has to offer.Given the importance of the "after" photos (for the homeowner, agent and my own portfolio), it's going to be worth the investment in time and effort.  In the interim, I played around with the angle on the following shot and wanted to share it with you.Here's a picture taken at the front entrance:Here's a different angle.  As you can see, this picture better captures one of the features of the home; the ceiling.Are there things that can be improved upon with this photo?  Most certainly.  Will I take the time to learn?  You bet! ... 01/11/2008

Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Withdrawn SubjectProperty          #MLS#AddressSubdivisionBRFull BathsHalf BathsStoriesBasementYear BuiltOriginal List PriceList Price1 3492746 1126 Topaz Way Tiffany Park 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath/Stubbed, Exterior Entry, Interior Entry 1997 $1,599,000 $1,499,000 * Average541    1997$1,599,000$1,499,000Number of Properties: 1Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Sold-Closed SubjectProperty              #MLS#Closed DateAddressCityZipSubdivisionBRFull BathsHalf BathsStoriesBasementYear BuiltOriginal List PriceList PriceSold PriceDOM1 3197194 3/17/2006 5118 SAPPHIRE DRIVE MARIET 30068 TIFFANY PARK 7 5 1 2 Stories Bath, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full, Interior Entry 1999 $1,095,000 $1,095,000  $1,020,000 # 15 2 3137699 9/20/2005 5116... 01/10/2008

Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Active SubjectProperty          #MLS#AddressSubdivisionBRFull BathsHalf BathsStoriesBasementYear BuiltOriginal List PriceList Price1 3610611 1411 Waterford Green Dr Waterford Green 5 5 2 2 Stories Bath, Daylight, Finished, Full 1989 $825,000 $825,000  2 3489385 1391 WATERFORD GREEN DRIVE Waterford Green 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full 1991 $789,900 $775,000 * 3 3570074 1419 WATERFORD GREEN DR WATERFORD GREEN 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full, Interior Entry 1991 $699,900 $699,900  Average541    1990$771,600$766,633Number of Properties: 3Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Sold-Closed SubjectProperty              #MLS#Closed DateAddressCityZipSubdivisionBRFull BathsHalf BathsStoriesBas... 01/10/2008

Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Active SubjectProperty          #MLS#AddressSubdivisionBRFull BathsHalf BathsStoriesBasementYear BuiltOriginal List PriceList Price1 3580253 803 CHESWICH COURT BELMONT 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath, Daylight, Finished, Full 1997 $769,900 $769,900  2 3517669 3292 BELMONT GLEN DRIVE  BELMONT 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath/Stubbed, Daylight, Full 1994 $718,900 $699,900 * 3 3571650 3283 BELMONT GLEN DR SE Belmont 4 3 1 2 Stories Crawl Space 1993 $600,000 $600,000  4 3624169 3275 Belmont Glen Dr SE Belmont 6 4 1 2 Or + Stories Bath, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Interior Entry 1993 $600,000 $600,000  5 3579377 611 BELMONT CREST DR SE Belmont 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full, Interior Entry 1997 $559,000 $530,000 * Average541    1995$649,560... 01/10/2008

Being a Real Estate Agent in Today's Market Have you ever thought about going ito real estate?  Everyone seems to think it is an easy job, you can make lots of money, drive a glamerous car...it is a great job, don't get me wrong but the market can sometimes make a fun job not so fun. I work in one of the greatest cities...Atlanta!  I love it and that is somewhat surprising considering that when we moved here almost 4 years I go I did not want to move.  Cried like a baby just at the thought of it.  But this is a great place to be, lots to do, friendly, usually warm and you meet people from all over the world here.  I think the fact that I am a transplant helps me be a better agent; I remember the things I was concerned about and wanted to know and this helps me anticipates things my clei... 01/07/2008

Just wanted to get this great info out about a conference happening at my home church.  The Conference is called Single, Saved, and Satisfied Singles Conference and is at World Harvest Church Marietta  address is 601 Tower Rd. Marietta GA  on January 13, 2008 @ 6:00 pm   for more information call our home church World Harvest Church in Ballground 770-735-3947 or visit www.whcint.comThe church is located 2 blocks behind the Kennestone  Hospital.  You turn right at the road right before the hospital and follow it straight, you will see the church on your left.  Bishop Lance Johnson has also stated that if you're married you're still welcomed and that you will be blessed by it also.       01/06/2008

  Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Active SubjectProperty          #MLS#AddressSubdivisionBRFull BathsHalf BathsStoriesBasementYear BuiltOriginal List PriceList Price1 3618465 4802 Upper Branden Place Camden Place 5 5 0 2 Stories Bath, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Interior Entry 1988 $749,900 $749,900  2 3494828 4926 GASKIN WALK CAMDEN PLACE 6 4 1 2 Or + Stories Bath, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full, Interior Entry 1988 $699,999 $675,900 * 3 3457929 1350 GARRICK WAY CAMDEN PLACE 4 4 0 2 Stories Bath/Stubbed, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Full, Interior Entry 1993 $669,900 $649,900 * 4 3594387 1206 GARRICK WAY CAMDEN PLACE 5 3 1 2 Stories Bath/Stubbed, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Interior Entry 1993 $644,900 $644,900  Average541    1991$691,174$680,150Numb... 01/02/2008

  Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Active SubjectProperty          #MLS#AddressSubdivisionBRFull BathsHalf BathsStoriesBasementYear BuiltOriginal List PriceList Price1 3574607 5531 ASHEFORDE WAY ASHEFORDE 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath/Stubbed, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full 1994 $969,900 $969,900  2 3559548 1590 Asheforde Dr Asheforde 5 4 2 2 Stories Bath/Stubbed, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Interior Entry, Partial 1992 $759,000 $749,000 * 3 3567096 1566 ASHEFORDE DR ASHEFORDE 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath, Daylight, Finished, Full, Interior Entry 1989 $739,900 $699,000 * 4 3561494 1568 Asheforde Drive Asheforde 6 5 0 2 Stories Bath, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full 1992 $725,000 $695,000 * 5 3556845 1595 ASHEFORDE DRIVE ASHEFORDE 5 3 1 2 Stories Bath/Stubbed, Daylight, Exteri... 01/02/2008

  Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Active SubjectProperty          #MLS#AddressSubdivisionBRFull BathsHalf BathsStoriesBasementYear BuiltOriginal List PriceList Price1 3597480 2703 Eagle Ridge Rd NE CHIMNEY SPRINGS 4 2 2 2 Stories Bath, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full, Interior Entry 1979 $439,000 $439,000  2 3540724 2747 HEARTHSTONE CIRCLE CHIMNEY SPRINGS 5 2 1 2 Or + Stories Bath/Stubbed, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full, Interior Entry 1979 $399,000 $399,000  3 3597138 4425 Aspenwood Ct NE CHIMNEY SPRINGS 5 3 1 2 Stories Bath, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full, Interior Entry 1980 $397,000 $384,900 * 4 3603029 4585 Blue Spruce Lane Chimney Springs 4 3 0 1 Story Bath, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Full 1977 $394,900 $384,000 * 5 3538469 2654 C... 01/02/2008

   Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Active SubjectProperty          #MLS#AddressSubdivisionBRFull BathsHalf BathsStoriesBasementYear BuiltOriginal List PriceList Price1 3580253 803 CHESWICH COURT BELMONT 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath, Daylight, Finished, Full 1997 $769,900 $769,900  2 3517669 3292 BELMONT GLEN DRIVE  BELMONT 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath/Stubbed, Daylight, Full 1994 $718,900 $699,900 * 3 3571650 3283 BELMONT GLEN DR SE Belmont 4 3 1 2 Stories Crawl Space 1993 $600,000 $600,000  4 3589266 3051 Brightwood Ln SE Belmont 4 3 1 2 Stories Crawl Space 1993 $615,000 $600,000 * 5 3624169 3275 Belmont Glen Dr SE Belmont 6 4 1 2 Or + Stories Bath, Daylight, Exterior Entry, Finished, Interior Entry 1993 $600,000 $600,000  6 3579377 611 BELMONT CREST DR SE Belmont 5 4 1 2 Stories Bath, Ex... 01/02/2008